Chapter 199

“Don’t you plan on settling down here in Jindale City?”

After today’s events, Tarquin had gained a profound respect for Elysia. He wanted her to stay in Jindale City long–term, to look after Elijah. Instead of wiping out the entire fifty million debt, he had left a five million balance, a little insurance on his part. He was concemed that someday she might decide to stop caring for Elijah, and he’d have no leverage over her.

The sudden shift in conversation made Elysia eye him suspiciously.

“No,” she stated flatly.

“Why not?”

“Don’t like this city.”

Is it because of that scandal six years ago?” Tarquin ventured, which immediately caused Elysia’s brows to furrow, her mood turning sour as she glared at him.

Thinking he’d hit a nerve by bringing up the past, Tarquin hurried to smooth things over. “Let bygones be bygones. If you want to make a life here in Jindale City, I can help you. You won’t have to worry about being exposed online again, or about…”

“I don’t want to stay in Jindale City! Mind your own business!” Elysia snapped, turning on her heel and storming off.

Tarquin stood there, perplexed. “What did I say to tick her off this time? She flips faster than a pancake!*

Had he made a mistake by offering his help?

Was she being ungrateful?

Tarquin was seriously bummed out.

That evening, Elysia was lost in thought.

Blossom, ever the nosy friend, prodded until Elysia revealed, “After I saved his son, he just handed me a hundred grand and knocked off forty–five million from my debt!”

Blossom’s eyes widened. “Really? Well, that shows he’s got some decency in him.”

“Yeah, I used to think he was good for nothing, but today’s actions proved otherwise. But him suddenly being so concerned about whether I’ll settle down here in Jindale City has me worried.”

Blossom analyzed the situation. “You saved his son today. He obviously doesn’t want you to leave Jindale City–he wants you by Elijah’s side.”

“I know, and that’s what’s freaking me out. I’m afraid he’ll try to stop me from leaving Jindale City. I don’t want him paying too much attention to me. The more he does, the higher the chance he’ll find out about the triplets.”

“Hmm… true that. So, what’s your plan? Gonna ditch Elijah and steer clear of this wild card?”

Elysia frowned. “I want to avoid him, but Elijah… I feel a bond with that kid. I can’t just abandon him.”

“So what now?”

Elysia sighed. “I don’t know.”

Maybe just take it one step at a time. Don’t overthink it. If he’s shown he has a conscience, that’s a good thing. If he ever does find out about the triplets, we’ll reason with him. The kids have a say too. If it ever came down to a custody battle, the court would listen to them, and they’d surely want to stay with you.”

“That makes sense.”

*So don’t worry. Finding out he’s not a complete villain is good news.”

ཡ :ཞན ངད ཤ ཇ ཚ ཥཾ ཟ ➢

Elysia nodded, somewhat reassured. It was better than dealing with a total monster.

But any relief she felt, along with the smidgen of improved regard she held for him, vanished the next day.

Because Lionel Bradford had died.

Lionel, the only son of Allegra, was found dead early that moming in Military Courtyard, an overdose the cause.

The incident, taking place in the high–security Military Courtyard, was immediately hushed up. Such a scandal, hinting at lawlessness within the military’s own ranks, would cause an uproar if it got out–

questioning the very integrity of the military establishment.