Chapter 680:

He had always seen his grandmother as a kind and gentle soul, but when it came to Elyse, Felicia transformed into someone he barely recognized. “She…” Brian hesitated, a growing suspicion gnawing at his heart, but he wasn’t ready to voice it.

After a moment’s pause, he shifted gears. “Just protect Elyse. She’s been through a lot.”

Pearce nodded earnestly. “Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t let them touch her again.”

“Hope so,” Brian said with a sigh, glancing at his watch before heading back to his car for an upcoming meeting.

About an hour later, Elyse stirred, her eyes fluttering open to see Pearce dozing off by her bedside. Her vision was blurry, and in her weakened state, the emotions she had long suppressed bubbled to the surface.

“Jayden…”

The second this name escaped her lips, Elyse jolted fully awake. Her heart raced as she bit down on her lower lip, refusing to acknowledge that she had just called out Jayden’s name.

Pearce, roused by her sudden movement, yawned and asked, “What did you say just now? I didn’t catch it.”

“Nothing.” Elyse quickly shook her head, trying to regain her composure. Then, she suddenly realized something. “Wait a second. Pearce, why are you here? Where’s Uncle Brian?”

“He’s taking a meeting in the car, but he’ll come back when he’s done.”

Pearce, now fully awake, straightened up, his expression turning serious. “Listen, Elyse, if any member of the Bensons ever invites you to anything and I’m not around, don’t go.”

Elyse lowered her gaze and clenched the edge of the covers tightly. “I wasn’t invited,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I was forced to come. I had no choice.”

Pearce nodded, concern etched on his face. “I know. This whole thing involves the Lipson family. I also know Claire—she’s all looks and no substance, always hanging out with Thea. It’s best if you steer clear of both of them.”

Outwardly, Elyse agreed, nodding along, but inside, she felt a spark of defiance. She wasn’t afraid of them. If anyone should be doing the avoiding, it was those two.

After a moment of silence, Elyse’s curiosity got the better of her. “Pearce, do you have a way to convince Grandma to listen to me play the violin?”

Pearce’s expression darkened immediately. “Why are you still fixated on playing the violin for her? Can’t you play for someone else, like me or my parents? My mom’s out of town, but my dad’s here. I’m sure he’d love to hear you play.”

Elyse shook her head, her determination unwavering. “I’ll definitely play for your parents if they’d like, but things are different with Grandma. She has to hear me play.”

“Honestly, Grandma has a deep-seated aversion to the violin because of your father,” Pearce confessed, running his fingers through his hair with a troubled look. “Just the sound of it makes her angry. I’m not sure I can help with that.”

“Please, Pearce.” Elyse reached out and gently clasped her cousin’s hand, her voice soft and earnest. “I want to do this before I go abroad for the competition. Pearce, please, help me.”

Pearce’s lips twitched into an uncontrollable smile. Despite his efforts to appear composed, amusement sparkled in his eyes as he caved to Elyse’s request. “What am I going to do about you?” he sighed helplessly. “Since you really want to, fine, I’ll help you.”

Elyse, seeing Pearce struggle to stifle his laughter, smiled warmly. She felt a rush of gratitude for having such a caring family.

. . .