Chapter 704:

Jeffry’s cherished companion had evidently left.

Malcolm hardly found this shocking. Jeffry had put so much effort into shielding her, always claiming indifference, yet now he sought refuge in alcohol, overwhelmed by her absence. What was to be gained from this? She had left. The real challenge was only beginning. Jeffry’s self-deception was bound to lead to regret.

The assistant arrived soon after and, seeing Jeffry’s condition, intended to escort him to Hillside Manor for care. However, Jeffry insisted on being taken to his apartment instead.

With no alternative, the assistant complied, settling Jeffry into bed before discreetly exiting.

The room was shrouded in darkness, with not a single light illuminating the space.

Jeffry collapsed onto Lydia’s pillow, where he thought he could still detect her scent, momentarily forgetting her departure.

The alcohol somewhat numbed his senses, easing but not erasing the ache in his stomach.

Jeffry grimaced, his voice raspy. “Lydia, it hurts…”

Lydia used to prepare a bitter soup to dispel the effects of alcohol whenever he returned home intoxicated. He always grumbled about its taste, yet never left any. Now, he found himself craving that very soup.

“Lydia… Lydia…” Jeffry repeated her name, his calls echoing off the silent walls, the sound unnervingly hollow.

It dawned on him then—Lydia really had left. She had vanished without any farewell.

Realizing he was still preoccupied with thoughts of her, Jeffry’s face grew even paler, his eyes clouded with a mix of indistinguishable emotions. He lay there, breathing heavily, his forehead creasing deeply. Longing for someone who had gone wasn’t sensible, yet he was engulfed by turbulent feelings. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t escape the pain—or confront the truth he was reluctant to acknowledge. He missed her deeply.

As soon as the retraction hit the headlines, all of Elyse’s meticulously crafted schemes began to unravel.

Cecil had vanished, and Keith, in a fit of rage, hurled his cup against the wall. The glass shattered, sending shivers down the spines of those nearby.

“Where on earth has Cecil gone? He ruined everything, and now he’s just disappeared!” Keith shouted.

Glass fragments skittered to a stop at Elyse’s feet, her expression darkening briefly. Those fickle news outlets had the nerve to reverse their narrative, suddenly publishing reports clearing Elena’s name! Despite the Harper family’s wealth, it was implausible they could control all of Klathe’s media. Surely, it had to be Wesley’s influence! Only the Spencer family wielded that kind of power.

A flash of envy crossed Elyse’s eyes. How did Elena, that tramp, always manage to catch such luck? Despite being raised in some backwater town and lacking manners, she had somehow won Wesley’s affection.

Elyse struggled to accept it. She considered herself polished and elegant, yet she was despised by all. In her mind, Elena had stolen everything from her! And since the Harper family now lavished attention and care on Elena despite everything, they had no right to criticize Elyse for her actions.

“Keith, this isn’t how I expected things to unfold. I even tried apologizing to Elena, but she won’t forgive me. Now she might cause you even more trouble. It’s all my fault…” Elyse’s acting skills kicked in as she bit her lip, feigning deep distress while trying to sound reasonable.

Her eyes welled up, painting her as a pitiful figure, which made Keith hesitate to reprimand her. With a cluck of his tongue, he said, “Let her try. She doesn’t scare me.”

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