Chapter 696:

Through her sobs, Thea lamented, “Grandma, I’ve been friends with Forrest for so many years. Because of Elyse, I’ve lost that friendship, and now there’s no hope for peace between the two families. I can’t do what you asked of me!”

Felicia, leaning heavily on her cane, slowly rose, approached Thea, and gently patted her head. “Don’t cry, dear. I know you’ve been wronged. Rest assured, I will stand up for you.”

Thea continued to sob. “But what about Pearce’s project? I could have helped him, but now… I can’t do anything for him anymore.”

Felicia’s eyes softened. She comforted Thea, “Sweetheart, Pearce may not realize your worth, but you still choose to assist him. He’s lucky to have a cousin like you.”

Thea’s face showed even more grievance. “Everyone knows how much I care for him, but he doesn’t. In his heart, there’s only Elyse!”

The mere mention of Elyse’s name deepened the disdain in Felicia’s eyes. “It’s all Elyse’s fault! Ever since she returned, nothing has been right. I will make sure she pays for this! She thinks she can do whatever she wants with Pearce’s backing? Dream on!”

Wiping away her tears, Thea said pitifully, “Grandma, I’m exhausted. I want to rest in my room.”

“Of course, dear,” Felicia said, urging Thea to go.

Back in her room, Thea went to her bathroom, stood before the mirror, and wiped away her makeup. A chuckle escaped her lips, unexpected but irrepressible.

“Well, Elyse, your presence isn’t entirely in vain,” she mused. “You can be my scapegoat!”

She could hardly wait to see how Felicia would punish Elyse.

The following morning found Elyse in the yard, struggling to stay awake as Gavin meticulously arranged sheet music for their practice session.

Cody, phone in hand, approached them. “I’ve got our flight tickets. We leave in two days.”

A grin played on Cody’s lips. “Taking you there early so you can acclimate.”

Elyse blinked in surprise, then nodded. “Alright, Mr. Tucker.”

Noticing Elyse’s distraction, Gavin raised an eyebrow. “Got everything squared away? Ready to go abroad without any loose ends?”

Elyse smiled. “Everything is basically done. I have no regrets.”

“That’s good to hear.” Gavin nodded.

They didn’t fly directly abroad because Elyse had personal matters to attend to. Though unaware of her reasons, they didn’t mind accompanying her.

One morning, after practicing the violin, Elyse sat daydreaming when the doorbell rang.

Gavin and Cody were out shopping; Elyse was alone.

She walked to the door and asked, “Who is it?”

Thea’s cold voice replied, “It’s me, Thea Benson. I need to talk to you.”

Why would Thea suddenly appear?

Elyse was puzzled but opened the door. . . .