Chapter 693:

Elyse realized Victoria was sparing her. Otherwise, given Victoria’s fixation on Rickey, she might have threatened Elyse with the gun.

After expressing her gratitude, Elyse quickly stood and headed for the door.

As Elyse opened the door, Victoria called out. Elyse turned around anxiously. Was Victoria having second thoughts?

Unaware of Elyse’s anxiety, Victoria lifted her glass and complimented, “You play the violin beautifully, just like your father.”

Elyse let out a relieved sigh and smiled. “Thank you for the kind words. I hope you have a pleasant evening.”

Victoria didn’t respond and continued drinking.

Outside the room, Elyse leaned against the wall, lost in thought. She had survived what felt like a trial with Victoria.

“Dad, you really caused a lot of trouble when you were young. I’ve had to work incredibly hard to make amends.” After collecting herself, Elyse prepared to leave.

Pearce was waiting outside the Bentleys’ residence. Only Elyse had been allowed inside.

Worried that Pearce had been waiting too long, Elyse lifted her skirt and quickened her pace.

But as she entered the hall, four security guards surrounded her.

Confused, Elyse noticed Thea emerging from behind the guards.

Thea stood confidently before the guards, a smug smile on her face. “Elyse, you’ve made it quite difficult for me to track you down. You sneaked into the Bentleys’ place and stirred up trouble.”

Elyse was baffled. “Trouble? What are you talking about?”

Thea said, “If you weren’t causing trouble, then what were you doing there for the last half hour? I’ve been searching for you and couldn’t find you.”

Elyse chuckled lightly. “I had my reasons for visiting the Bentleys. Now that I’ve accomplished what I needed, I’m leaving.”

Thea looked at her suspiciously. “And what exactly brought you here?” She guessed Elyse probably went there to meet Forrest. She must have been trying to curry favor with Forrest.

Elyse smiled. “I don’t think I owe you an explanation.”

“Arrest her! She’s definitely been up to no good.” Convinced of Elyse’s mischief, Thea promptly ordered the guards to escort Elyse out.

Elyse frowned and protested, “What are you doing? Let me go! I can walk on my own.”

Thea’s tone was cold. “Elyse, just because you’re back doesn’t mean you can replace me. Don’t even think about claiming what isn’t yours. Your greed is repulsive.”

Elyse thought Thea was being overly paranoid. When had she ever expressed a desire to take Thea’s place?

Elyse struggled vigorously, but the guards held firm, and she was trapped.

At that moment, everyone at the banquet turned their eyes toward Elyse, and they began whispering, wondering who she was.

Just when Elyse felt her reputation might be irreparably damaged, Forrest appeared. He was dressed in a black suit with a red earring stud, exuding a blend of nobility and menace, far from appearing youthful.

Forrest eyed the distressed Elyse and commanded sternly, “Release her. Elyse is here at the invitation of the Bentley family. Don’t be disrespectful to her.”