Juicy Gossip in Her Mind: Chapter 253 Shook Intensely – Finished

As Elaine rose to leave, Isabella was dumbfounded. While Zendaya did catch Elaine's eye, Elaine's concern for someone she'd only recently met seemed odd.

After a moment of watching Elaine's retreating back, Alexander said, "Perhaps Elaine suspects Zendaya is her half-sister, from the same mother."

Isabella looked at him, almost in terror. She hadn't shared this well-hidden information with him, and she was surprised he knew.

Alexander understood her expression. Feigning a desire to share juicy gossip, he beckoned her closer.

Isabella's eyes sparkled. Alexander was influential; discovering information wouldn't be difficult for him. Perhaps he already knew the gossip. Glad not to be alone in her knowledge, she leaned in and whispered, "Do you know something?"

Just as they were about to speak, Ines, Aiden, and Deborah arrived nearby, interrupting their conversation.

Eager to share the gossip, Isabella immediately pulled Alexander away. They found a quiet corner by the pool and whispered amidst the noise.

Alexander said, "There are rumors Elaine's current mother isn't her biological mother. It's said her real mother ran off with someone else. Given Zendaya's age, it seems plausible. I think Elaine suspects something, which explains her attention to Zendaya."

Isabella's face brightened. "If they are sisters, what do you think Elaine's attitude toward Zendaya would be?"

Alexander pondered, "Elaine fiercely protects those she cares about. And Zendaya lost her parents young." He continued, "The source of Elaine's resentment is gone; not everyone enjoys shifting their hatred. Elaine values righteousness, at the very least. However," he admitted, "to say I'm confident would be a stretch, given my limited understanding of people."

Distressed, Isabella used the system to check on Zendaya. She nearly swore aloud. Clifford, she thought, must be sick! Why was he cornering people again?

The pool rippled; a beach ball drifted by. Alexander deflected it, hearing Isabella's muttered curses. What did my buddy do again? he wondered.

Chapter 253 Shook Intensely – Finished

After taking her medicine and putting on her new uniform, Zendaya was about to return to work when she was cornered in a deserted hallway by Clifford.

Exasperated at seeing him, she initially planned to ignore him. As she passed, he surprised her, pressing her against the wall and gripping her hand. "Zendaya, you've become quite bold! How dare you ignore me!" She couldn't break free. "Mr. Clifford," she said exasperatedly, "the contract states that once the agreement is fulfilled, you shan't pester me anymore!"

That rule, originally imposed by Clifford to control Zendaya, now felt like something he should be following.

Clifford chuckled, pinching her chin contemptuously. "So impressive today, aren't you? Picking fights with me. How long do you think I'll tolerate this?"

Zendaya's mouth twitched. Why would someone as nice as Elaine be with him? she wondered.

Seeing Zendaya fall silent, Clifford thought she'd given up her act. He took a breath, then froze at her downcast eyes and demeanor. This was the obedient Zendaya he knew, the one always at his beck and call. He missed that.

Clifford gazed at her; his Adam's apple bobbed. It had been a long time; he assumed she missed him too, wondering how many tears she'd shed. If it weren't for Elaine, he thought, things would still be as they used to be. Suddenly, he was intensely shaken. Why did it have to be Elaine? Even though I still have feelings for her, she's infuriating. Why subject myself to this torment? I'd be happier with someone who loves me wholeheartedly. Perhaps I should have chosen Zendaya instead. Maybe she's become distinct from Elaine in my heart. "Zendaya," he blurted, "I'm in an emotional turmoil. Could you give me some time?"

Zendaya was taken aback. "Mr. Clifford," she said, feeling helpless, "you don't need time or turmoil. We have no connection. I've never had any feelings for you, I swear. Please step aside. I need to get back to work!"

Clifford wouldn't believe that easily.

"Zendaya," he said, leaning in, "I haven't kissed you yet, have I?" His eyes lowered, as if to prove something.

Terror filled Zendaya; she recoiled, wishing to disappear. Then she heard a voice: "What's this? Staging a forceful kiss? Clifford, you're becoming audacious."

Elaine's voice. Clifford recoiled guiltily from Zendaya.

Zendaya stumbled back, then defiantly flipped him off. Clifford, too nervous facing Elaine, didn't notice. Elaine, however, found it amusing and laughed, leaving Zendaya awkwardly unsure of her own feelings for her ex.

"Why are you here?" Clifford demanded, his voice bolder. "What I do is none of your business. You're not anyone to me anymore."

Isabella, using the system, was speechless. Even now, he hadn't forgotten his plan to use Zendaya to provoke Elaine. He claimed emotional turmoil, but he's just a playboy, she thought.

Alexander wasn't surprised. Clifford had been planning this for years. Even if in love with someone else, Elaine was always his first choice. Even if Elaine and Zendaya have feelings for him, it'll be a cliché of him being tormented by his love pursuit. Right now, he's the only one sticking to this storyline and adding scenes for himself, Isabella frowned.

Elaine lacked the patience to deal with Clifford. "Whatever," she said dismissively. "Please leave. I need to speak with Zendaya."