Chapter 379 – Unwelcome Guests

Easton was seriously infuriating—always finding ways to get under her skin. If she weren’t already trying to stay calm, she would’ve thrown something at him and told him to get the hell out.

“Not about your job,” Easton said, standing a few steps away from her. “My aunt’s sick.”

It had been a while since she’d heard anything about Emma. The sudden mention of her being sick softened Ellis’s expression. She frowned.

“Ms. Emma’s sick? What kind of illness!”

No matter what had happened, Emma had raised her. Ellis couldn’t just cut ties completely.

“My mom didn’t say. She just asked me to go see her at the old house. I’m heading over today.” Easton looked at her. “Wanna come with me?”

Emma had always been in pretty good health, as far as Ellis remembered. Still, when people got older, anything could happen. One wrong move, and it could turn serious fast. Plus, Emma had a habit of throwing money into bad investments. Constant financial stress wasn’t good for anyone’s health.

“I’m not going with you.” She glanced toward the door, clearly telling him to leave.

“Alright.” Easton didn’t argue. He left without a fuss.

Ellis thought maybe her brain was fried. She actually felt a little thrown off by how…obedient he was. Still, if Emma was sick, she had to go check in.

Before heading over, she decided to call Emma first. Emma hadn’t heard from Ellis in a long time. When she picked up and realized who was calling, she sounded genuinely surprised.

“Ellis? You finally remembered your foster mom?”

Emma’s tone made Ellis feel a little awkward. It wasn’t like she’d forgotten Emma all this time.

She got straight to the point.

“Ms. Emma, I heard you’re sick?”

“Yeah.” Emma was curious how she’d found out.

“Nothing serious. Just old age, you know—little things here and there.”

Emma made it sound casual, but Ellis wasn’t convinced. She decided to visit in person and see for herself.

When she arrived at the old house, Easton was already there. Emma and Easton were sitting far apart in the living room, not saying much to each other. Clearly, Easton had just come to go through the motions. He didn’t seem to care how Emma was doing. Emma didn’t seem to care either. The moment she saw Ellis, her whole attention shifted.

“Ellis!”

Emma was used to Ellis keeping her distance, so she was more shocked that her nephew had shown up. She figured his sudden visit must have something to do with Ellis. But after experiencing Easton cutting off her finances as leverage, Emma had learned a painful truth—Easton could never be her son-in-law. Ellis wasn’t a match for him, and anyone caught in the middle would end up collateral damage.

10:01 PM

Chapter 379 – Unwelcome Guests

“Ms. Emma, you—”

Before she could finish, Emma motioned for her to sit down.

Emma seemed eager to talk, so Ellis sat. But just as she opened her mouth again, Emma cut her off and turned to Easton.

“Easton, I’m doing just fine. Thank you for coming. Now that Ellis is here, I won’t take up your time. You’re a busy man—go on.”

Emma had definitely changed since before. Easton wasn’t exactly surprised, but he felt a strange heaviness settle in his chest. Ellis didn’t want him around. Now even Aunt Emma was acting the same way. It felt like no matter where he went, he wasn’t welcome.

“Aunt Emma, I don’t have anything going on this weekend.” He acted like he hadn’t heard the hint and stayed put.

Seeing that didn’t work, Emma glanced at Ellis. At first glance, it looked like a plea for help. But Ellis knew better—Emma wasn’t scared. She just didn’t want to deal with Easton.

After everything Easton had done, there was bound to be some lingering fear. They’d nearly ended up on the street because of him.

“You’re just getting on everyone’s nerves. Leave already.” What Emma was too polite to say, Ellis said for her—loud and clear. She had nothing to lose now. No matter what she said or did, Easton never held it against her. Honestly, he had an insanely high tolerance for her. And why? Simple. He was trying to win her back.

Once she saw through all his surface-level kindness, she realized that’s why she could afford to be so bold—because he wouldn’t fight back.

As Emma watched Easton press his lips together and glance subtly around the room, she lightly patted Ellis’s hand, signaling her to tone it down.

The old house was where she lived—but it wasn’t hers. Easton still owned it. He could kick her out any time and take it back. Ellis got the hint right away, and an unexpected wave of frustration hit her.