Elsa’s wonderings were a perfect example of trying too hard to cover something up, making her actions even more obvious. I watched with calm amusement, shrugging nonchalantly.

“Health is important. You should hurry and get it for her,” I said.

With my approval, Jeremiah immediately stood and left, clearly eager not to waste a second. Anyone unaware might have thought Elsa was suffering a heart attack instead of depression.

As Jeremiah left, Elsa turned to me and cautiously asked, “Jane, have you and Jeremiah really reconciled?”

I neither nodded nor shook my head, propping my chin up and asking in return, “Isn’t this exactly what you’ve always wanted? Didn’t you always claim to want to see Jeremiah and me together? Then why do you look so unhappy seeing us having a meal?”

Elsa quickly forced a laugh. “Of course not. Seeing you two reconcile—I’m even happier than if I were in a relationship myself.”

I smiled. “Really? That’s too bad. If I don’t divorce Jeremiah, some people won’t have the chance to marry him and enter the Cornell family. Well, that’s not something just anyone can accomplish.”

At my words, Elsa’s face turned pale, but she still managed a forced smile.

“Don’t worry. Jeremiah’s got me. Nothing’s going to happen.”

Just then, the desserts arrived. Many elegant little plates were placed before Elsa. She pretended to hesitate, then pushed the melting ice cream toward me. “Jane, try it. The ice cream here is delicious.”

I calmly stared at the ice cream but didn't touch it. “Oh, I forgot you’re allergic to peanuts.”

At my lack of response, she suddenly seemed to realize something and pulled the ice cream back, apologizing. “I’m really sorry, I forgot.” She sighed deeply. “Jeremiah… he didn’t even think about your peanut allergy and ordered all those things.”

I grabbed a napkin and wiped water stains from my plate before saying slowly, “It’s fine. I don’t like those things anyway.”

Despite Elsa’s hopeful gaze, I remained calm and unmoved. I knew her actions were simply an attempt to showcase her position in Jeremiah’s heart. As long as I didn't react as she anticipated, she would inevitably lose her composure.

As expected, a flicker of anger crossed her face when I didn't respond. Her eyes flickered, and then she actually began to cry.

“Jane, you must still hate me, don’t you? You still won’t forgive me.”

I remained expressionless. “At least you know that.”

The moment my words fell, Elsa’s tears flowed freely. Before, I would have comforted her immediately. But now, I just sat quietly and watched. The mask was off, and I couldn’t be bothered to watch her act anymore. I had my own reasons for calling Elsa here.

As I continued to stare coldly, Elsa sobbed alone. It wasn’t until a familiar figure appeared at the door that she suddenly stood.

“Jane, what will it take for you to forgive me? There’s nothing going on between me and Jeremiah. Since you don’t believe me, would it help if I knelt?”

Although I didn’t understand why kneeling equated to belief, I had no intention of stopping her. Just as Elsa’s knees were about to touch the floor, Jeremiah appeared. His strong hands pulled her up.

He glared at me angrily. “Are you trying to push Elsa to her breaking point? How could you make her kneel in public? Do you have no compassion?”