Chapter 705:

While Victoria and Pearce animatedly discussed Elyse, Felicia found herself unable to focus. Her thoughts were in disarray. She wasn’t sure if the shock had overwhelmed her or if her advancing age was slowing her down. Eventually, she realized she had been misled by Thea and had wronged her granddaughter.

Felicia was so upset she nearly tumbled from her chair. Forrest noticed her distress and considerately suggested, “Mrs. Benson, you seem unwell. Would you like to go home and rest?”

Turning to Felicia’s pale face, Pearce asked, “Grandma, are you all right? Should I take you to the hospital?”

Regaining some clarity, Felicia clutched Pearce’s hand and urgently asked, “Where’s Elyse? I need to see her. I have something important to tell her.”

Pearce responded with a hint of resignation, “As I mentioned, Elyse is overseas competing. She left yesterday.”

“When is she coming back?” Felicia asked, reluctant to accept this.

“Well…” Pearce hesitated, reluctant to admit Elyse had no immediate plans to return to Cambape. She might travel elsewhere after the competition. Elyse had said she didn’t have a home, so she was free to go anywhere.

Pearce stammered, “Maybe she’ll come back after the competition.”

Felicia sensed his hesitation and questioned him, “Are you keeping something from me?”

With a bitter smile, Pearce admitted, “Grandma, Elyse never really felt at home here. It’s hard to say when she’ll visit again.”

Felicia tensed. Her hand loosened as she whispered, “You’re right. She never saw the Bensons as her home. That was my fault.”

Witnessing Felicia’s sudden sadness, Pearce was unsure how to console her. He reassured her, “Don’t be so hard on yourself. Elyse has a big heart. She’ll come back to visit us eventually.”

Victoria, realizing the mood had shifted, rose and said, “Mr. Benson, I’ll have my team follow up on our agreement later. I look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”

Pearce nodded and escorted Victoria and Forrest to the elevator. He returned to find Felicia looking desolate. “Grandma, let’s not linger on this. Let’s get you home.”

Felicia remained silent before nodding. She picked up her cane and slowly made her way out of the reception area. Pearce trailed behind, noticing how her stooped posture seemed to age her further.

After dropping Felicia off, Pearce quickly drove back to his office.

Once home, Felicia instructed her maid, “Please fetch Thea for me.”

The maid acknowledged and left.

Thea, unaware of what had happened, thought Felicia missed her. Approaching Felicia, Thea greeted her with a cheerful smile and teased, “Grandma, did you miss me? Because I sure missed you.”

Felicia looked at the granddaughter she had adored for over two decades, struck by a sudden realization that she might not know Thea as well as she thought.

Felicia remained silent, lost in thought. Thea, feeling the tension, straightened up and asked cautiously, “Grandma, why are you so quiet?”

Felicia shifted her gaze away and instructed the maid, “Bring the ferule.”

The maid hesitated briefly but soon brought the ferule.