Chapter 107

Elliot had initially wondered what excuse he might use if he needed to contact Phoebe. After hearing Darius’s suggestion, he smiled. “Of course, not a problem,” he added. “I just don’t know how skilled she really is with horoscopes. If she doesn’t get it quite right, don’t hold it against her.” His daughter had been adopted by a master horoscope reader and had learned the art from a young age, even choosing a related field of study. However, in his mind, a horoscope reader as young as her was unlikely to be very advanced.

Back when Phoebe first returned to the family, his sons got along with her quite well. Elliot heard that Ollie had asked Phoebe for suggestions for the layout of his office at the entertainment company. Even Cain had her choose a suitable time before starting filming on a project. Elliot hadn’t followed up on how well it had worked.

Darius laughed. “Now you’re just being modest.” He added, “Phoebe demonstrated some serious skills on a live variety show. She read a villager’s future and warned him that his son was in danger. Then, she went into the water to save him in time. She also noticed that a bracelet another person’s child wore was problematic. After they dealt with it, the child’s health improved. Judging by these, she’s definitely got real psychic skill.”

Darius asked, “Haven’t you asked for her help!” Elliot had been very busy and hadn’t had the chance to watch the show, so he truly didn’t know about this. He chuckled. “She did help two of my sons, but she hasn’t done any fortune-telling for us, so I don’t have a full understanding.”

Darius, who firmly believed in horoscopes, had started following Phoebe after hearing praise from another horoscope master about her incident on the show. “She has a ‘three no-reads’ rule, so she can’t read for you in certain ways,” Darius explained. This was new to Elliot. Three no-reads?

Darius nodded. “No readings for close relatives, no readings on politics, and no readings for herself. It’s said that horoscope readers can’t read their family members’ fortunes or see details about their futures. But that’s natural. If they could keep steering themselves and their families away from every setback, grabbing all the good luck, things would get out of hand,” he added. “However, she can still help by advising on good timing for important events and offering general advice on planning.”

Elliot nodded thoughtfully. “I see. I’ll ask her when she’s available.” He called Phoebe’s number several times. Either the line was busy or it went straight to voicemail. A suspicion began to form in his mind. Still, it felt unlikely. Elliot decided to send her a message through their chat app. The response came back with a prompt stating they were no longer contacts. She’d even blocked him in the messaging app. That confirmed his suspicions. His daughter hadn’t just blocked his number. This realization brought a faint scowl to his face.

Darius noticed and asked, “What’s wrong!” Elliot regained his composure and smiled. “Her phone’s off. She’s probably busy. Once I reach her, I’ll let you know when she’s available for a horoscope reading.” Darius didn’t think much of it. “Sure thing.”

After Darius left, Elliot called in an assistant and borrowed their phone. He called Phoebe again. Seeing an unfamiliar number, Phoebe picked up without hesitation, having no idea who it might be. “Hello?”

Elliot said, “Phoebe, it’s me!”

Phoebe immediately recognized her father’s voice, feeling a little taken aback. She didn’t know why he called her. She was sure it wasn’t about Leon. With Elliot’s temperament, it didn’t seem like he would call her just to berate her on behalf of Leon.

During her time with the Jenkins family, Elliot was always busy and often away, not taking much interest in household affairs. He didn’t show particular favoritism towards Sienna as others did. However, he wasn’t especially attentive to Phoebe either. After her return to the family, he’d handed her a credit card and hadn’t followed up since. Consequently, their father-daughter bond was distant. When Phoebe left, Elliot sided with Lydia and her brothers, assuming she was being difficult. He was displeased because all he wanted was a harmonious family, yet Phoebe disrupted their peace, hoping it would make her more sensible. He let her brothers take her down a peg. He hadn’t even bothered to verify if their accounts were true. Family closeness wasn’t extended to a daughter who’d returned only a year prior. It was natural that Elliot’s loyalty lay with his wife, sons, and adopted daughter.

The day Phoebe walked out of the Jenkins family, she had considered them strangers. She wasn’t interested in demanding fatherly love or any of that. She didn’t need it. So she answered, “Who is this?”

Elliot frowned. “It’s your father.”

Phoebe replied, “I don’t have a father. I cut ties with the entire Jenkins family a long time ago.” Elliot hadn’t expected her to say that. She actually wanted to sever ties. From her tone, he could tell she meant it. He sighed. “Phoebe, are you still resentful after all this time?”

Phoebe’s tone was dismissive. “We’re not family anymore, so there’s nothing to be resentful about. If you don’t have anything else, I’ll be hanging up.”

Elliot hurriedly said, “I did want to ask you something today. I have an… okay friend who would like your help reading his horoscope. When you have some time, let’s arrange a meeting.” He avoided mentioning any family matters, afraid she might actually hang up. He hoped using Darius’s request would give him a chance to ease things with her.

But Phoebe declined. “No, thanks. I don’t want anything to do with the Jenkins family or anyone connected to you. So, let your friend find another horoscope reader.” The Jenkins family couldn’t just call her whenever they pleased, expecting her to comply. When she said they were cut off, she meant it. She wouldn’t reconnect with Elliot just because he called her on the phone.

Elliot was stunned, clearly surprised by Phoebe’s resolute refusal. He said, “Why are you so stubborn? No family grudge lasts overnight. There must have been some misunderstanding. How about we set a time for everyone to sit down together and talk it out? If your brothers are at fault, I’ll set them straight.” Elliot knew the basic facts of her conflict with Leon. It was true that Leon had been overly aggressive, as he’d been the one to strike first. In this, Elliot hadn’t taken Leon’s side. Whatever had happened, Phoebe was still his biological daughter. He’d never intended for her to continue struggling on her own. But he hadn’t expected her to hold such a strong grudge. She wasn’t just saying she wanted to cut ties. She was making it clear with her actions. Phoebe scoffed. “Now that we’re no longer connected, and you say you’ll set them straight if they’re in the wrong. Mr. Jenkins, it’s too late. I don’t want anything more to do with you all, so a meeting is unnecessary. Don’t contact me again. Goodbye.”

And with that, she hung up without hesitation.