Chapter 673:

Seeing Elyse’s angry expression, Claire smiled mockingly. “Wow. Who taught you this trick of retreating to advance? Your parents? What’s your dad’s name again? Rickey? I heard he was a good-for-nothing fool. Did he put you up to this?”

Elyse’s face turned grim at Claire’s insult. She seized Claire by the collar, locked eyes with her, and gritted her teeth. “Who do you think you are to insult my dad? He’s the best in the world. Say anything bad about him again, and I’ll make you regret it.”

Elyse waved a warning fist before striding from the store without looking back.

Threatened for the first time, Claire’s heart pounded. Regaining her composure, she noticed the store employees secretly laughing.

She had intended to teach Elyse a lesson for Thea, but humiliated herself instead. Embarrassed, Claire quickly ran out, hoping to confront Elyse, but Elyse was gone.

Looking around, humiliated, Claire stomped her foot. “Damn it! I’m so pissed! Elyse, how dare you threaten me? I won’t let you get away with this.”

Returning home, Elyse found Cody playing the violin in the yard. Setting aside her frustration, she listened intently.

Gavin emerged, violin in hand, asking, “Weren’t you going to visit the Bensons? Why are you back so soon?”

Elyse pouted. “It wasn’t enjoyable, so I came back early. I’d rather practice the violin here.”

Cody paused, exchanging a glance with Gavin. The Bensons hadn’t been kind.

Cody pressed a violin into Elyse’s hands. “You came back early. The competition is coming up, so buckle down and practice. Don’t let anything distract you.”

Elyse nodded, diving into a serious practice session. The melody filled the evening air. Cody prepared dinner. Gavin, bathed in the setting sun, sat on a swing, silently keeping her company.

A jarring doorbell shattered the peace. Gavin rose. “Keep playing,” he instructed. “I’ll get it.”

Elyse continued practicing. Gavin opened the door to several imposing men in black. He frowned. “Who are you?”

“Does Elyse Lloyd live here?” the leader rumbled. “Mrs. Felicia Benson sent us. Miss Lloyd has some transgressions to answer for.”

Gavin’s frown deepened. He tried to slam the door, but the men forced their way inside.

Elyse heard the commotion, halting mid-song. Seeing the menacing figures, her heart hammered.

“Who are you?” Elyse demanded. “I don’t know you.”

“Apologies, Miss Lloyd,” the leader intoned, “but Mrs. Felicia Benson’s orders are absolute.”

Felicia’s name caused Elyse to falter. Hesitation flickered in her eyes, but she complied. . . .