Chapter 455:
Javier stood frozen in disbelief. The player “Nameless” who had methodically dismantled his strategy and outplayed him at every turn was none other than his gentle, refined aunt Jolie. The revelation struck him like lightning.
“Javier?” Jolie’s warm voice cut through his thoughts as she beckoned with a welcoming hand. “Why are you lingering in the doorway? Come in and have some dessert.”
A wave of mortification washed over Javier. How could he possibly face professional gaming tournaments when he couldn’t even triumph over his aunt? “No, no thanks, Jolie. I’m—I’m not hungry,” he stammered, nearly tripping over his own feet as he pivoted and fled outside.
Jolie’s brow furrowed with concern. “What’s gotten into him? Why such haste?”
Elena’s eyes drifted toward the flowers, a knowing glimmer in her gaze. “Perhaps he’s simply not hungry,” she said gently.
As Elena savored her meal, Jolie settled beside her, a comfortable silence between them.
When Elena finished, Jolie hesitated slightly before finally speaking. “Elena, do you have enough pocket money? Let me transfer you ten million. You should go out and enjoy yourself with friends.”
Jolie’s fingers glided across her phone screen with practiced ease.
A moment later, Elena’s phone chimed with the notification of a ten-million deposit.
Elena blinked in surprise before understanding dawned on her. Her mother had misinterpreted her recent homebody tendencies as a sign of financial constraint.
A smile tugged at Elena’s lips as she explained softly, “Mom, I have plenty of money. There’s no need for more transfers. I’ve just been staying home to recharge, that’s all.”
Jolie’s shoulders visibly relaxed, detecting no deception in her daughter’s words. She had been worried Elena was struggling emotionally.
With maternal tenderness, Jolie stroked Elena’s head, her features softening into an affectionate smile. “I understand, my dear. Stay home as long as your heart desires. The money is yours regardless. Perhaps treat yourself to a spa day or a peaceful retreat somewhere. A young lady should know how to embrace life’s pleasures.”
Elena felt warmth from Jolie’s concern. “Thank you, Mom.”
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Jolie reached into her purse and extracted a collection of photographs. “Since you’re free, help me look at these. Which one do you think suits Jeffry? Jeffry is almost thirty. It’s time he found someone suitable to marry. These are all unmarried young women from Klathe.”
Jolie selected one photo with particular care, holding it up for Elena to see. “You’ve met this one, the young lady from the Morgan family. She’s pretty and well-educated.” The lady was Evelyn.
Jolie continued browsing through the photographs. Young women these days were all impressively accomplished, and she wondered if any could truly handle Jeffry’s distant nature.
Worry colored Jolie’s voice as she said, “Jeffry is a workaholic. He only focuses on his job. He’s twenty-nine and doesn’t have a single woman around him. At this rate, he’ll remain a bachelor for life.”
Elena was speechless. That was not true. Jeffry already had Lydia. Judging by Lydia’s adoring gaze, things between her and Jeffry were blossoming quickly. There was no need to worry about Jeffry.
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