---- Chapter 172 Elias didn't think twice when Jenna naturally reached for his hand. The simple gesture sent a strange flutter through his chest. "Okay," he said softly, letting her lead him upstairs. Once they heard the bedroom door close on the second floor , Chris frowned and turned to Mary. "They're still technically related. What exactly are you trying to pull here?" Mary lowered her voice and gave hima sharp look. "Barely. They're not even close family.

Even if something did happen, what would it matter?" Chris grew visibly anxious. "This is insane. Sure, the Mercer family has some influence overseas, but they've got zero footing here. Don't forget that we still need the Franks." Mary waved a hand dismissively . "I'm not doing anything . I'm just saying -another ally wouldn't hurt, right?" He gave her a wary look. "What do you mean by that?" "Exactly what you think I mean," she said with a smug smile, casting a glance upstairs.

"If Elias really does have feelings for Jenna, then great. It'll light a fire under James and get him to marry her sooner." She said it with a triumphant smile. Chris finally nodded in understanding. "I see what you're ---- getting at. But don't overplay your hand. If things blow up, we could lose everything, and Jenna might end up the one paying for it." Mary let out a soft laugh. "Relax. She's my daughter.

Do you think I don't know how to protect her?" Upstairs, the door clicked shut, and Jenna immediately let go of Elias's hand. She turned to him, eyes gleaming with anticipation. "So? What'd you bring me?" she asked. Elias smiled, but hesitated as he patted his pockets. "Wait... I thought I had it here-ah, it's in this one." He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out an unboxed necklace.

The silver chain shimmered under the warm yellow light, and hanging from it was a black opal that reflected a rainbow of colors. Jenna stared at the gem, her mouth falling open in shock before quickly covering it with her hand. "This... Is this really for me?" she asked, eyes wide as she looked at Elias in disbelief. Clearly pleased by her reaction, Elias nodded with a small smile, "Of course. You like it, don't you? Let me put it on for you," he offered.

She turned around and swept her hair over her shoulder, revealing the smooth curve of her neck. ---- As he looked at the graceful curve of her neck and the way her neckline dipped into a soft arc, Elias's hands suddenly paused. He had initially meant to give this necklace to Wendy. That was why he'd been carrying it with him all this time, waiting for the right moment to see her again and place it around her neck, just like this.

But now, here he was, holding it out in front of Jenna and telling her it was for her. "Elias? What's wrong?" Jenna turned her head slightly , her voice gentle. Snapping out of it, Elias shook his head. "Nothing." As his words fell, he gently slipped the necklace around her neck, careful not to tug on her hair. "Thank you, Elias. I've never received something so precious before, and it's even a necklace you put on me yourself. When I was younger, I used to watch how close you were to Wendy.

I was always so envious, wishing I had a big brother like that." She looked down at the black opal resting against her skin, eyes misting over. "But now, maybe I don't have to be jealous anymore, right? You'll treat me like I'm your sister, too, won't you?"