Chapter 173

After all, I wasn’t some heartless savage. But I was also no longer the 25-year-old me who used to tiptoe around others. I used to be overly cautious, too afraid of hurting anyone else–but ended up getting hurt myself instead.

I stared at Velvet coldly. “I’ve suffered enough over the years. As long as I can get out of this situation, I’m willing to pay any price.”

Her gaze wavered, then her expression turned complicated.

“You…”

“What about me?”

“You’ve really changed,” she said hesitantly. “You’re… so different from the Elise I used to know.”

“Is that so?” I smiled. “Let’s hope it’s a change for the better.”

She opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something. But in the end, she remained silent.

I knew she was defiant and still resented me, but she had no choice. I’d made my stance clear, and if she had some sense in her, she would understand what I meant.

When I reached downstairs, Frederick was already waiting for me.

“What did you talk to her about?” he asked, approaching me as we headed out together.

I shook my head. “Just a few words.”

“When I saw Velvet coming down earlier, she looked defeated. You didn’t threaten her or anything, did you?” he teased.

I laughed. “What do you think I could’ve said to her?”

“I don’t know.” Frederick suddenly stopped in his tracks, shaking his head solemnly.

He stared at me. For a second, I thought he was going to confess.

I quickly lowered my head, breaking eye contact. “I still need to find a hotel for the night, so I won’t keep you.”

“Wait,” he said, grabbing my wrist.

“What is it?” I glanced back at him.

He seemed a bit conflicted. After a long pause, he feigned indifference as he said, “My parents would like to meet you.”

“What?”

It wasn’t my first time at the Guzman residence, but it was the first time I came in this capacity.

Chapter 173 (2/2)

It was already late. Even though summer nights fell slowly, a few stars had already appeared in the sky when it was just eight.

I got out of the car with Frederick, then we stepped into the main villa.

The dining table was already laden with dishes, and they were just waiting for us to start dinner.

While Mr. Guzman, Mrs. Guzman, and Aria were already settled at the table, the housekeepers and staff stood to the side.

I stared at the empty seats, feeling somewhat out of place.

Frederick tugged me gently and motioned for me to sit beside them.

Mr. Guzman inclined his head toward me. “You’re here.”

I responded with a smile.

A smile crossed Mrs. Guzman’s face as she looked at me and said, “We didn’t know what kind of food you like, so we just made a little of everything. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Of course not. Thank you so much for your hospitality,” I replied. “It’s very kind of you to receive me at this late hour. I truly apologize for the inconvenience.”

“Don’t mention it,” Mr. Guzman said smoothly. “We were the ones who invited you, so you’re not intruding at all. In fact, we should thank you for coming.”

Mrs. Guzman then placed two lavish-looking dishes in front of me. “Ms. Sawyer, if we’ve offended you in the past in any way, I hope you’ll be generous enough to forgive us.”

This was exactly how these old-money families operated. They demanded one’s forgiveness right away upon first meeting–but for what, they wouldn’t say.

I smiled and took a sip of water. I didn’t say anything.

Mr. Guzman and Mrs. Guzman exchanged glances.

“I imagine you’ve already guessed why we invited you here,” he said.

“Why’s that?” I looked at them, clearly intrigued.

In truth, I had no idea why they invited me.