---- Chapter 96 "Elias, when did you get back?" Wendy asked. Elias was tall, slender, and only a few years older than Wendy. His youthful, handsome face made him look like a recent college graduate standing there. He smiled fondly as he approached her, ruffling her hair in a familiar, affectionate gesture. "I just got off the plane today. I heard you were at the hospital , so I came to see you. It's been a long time, Wendy.

You're looking more beautiful every time I see you." Elias' playful words helped lift Wendy's spirits, even momentarily. She grabbed his wrist, pretending to be annoyed. "You messed up my hair! I'm not a little girl anymore. I'm a doctor now. Ifa patient sees this, it won't look good." His bright smile deepened . "Looks like you've really grown up. You're not the little girl who used to follow me around, asking for help with homework.

Now you're all about showing off." Wendy released his wrist and couldn't help but smile. "It's not about showing off. It's about growing up with a sense of responsibility." She glanced at the time. "You haven't had lunch yet, right ? I'm off today. Let me take you to eat." ---- "Sure. Let's invite Aunt Mary and Uncle Chris, too. They know I'm back and want to treat me to a welcome meal." But Wendy paused. "If you're having lunch with them today, I'll take a rain check on the meal." "Why?

Did you have another argument with Aunt Mary?" Wendy lowered her eyes and started walking out without answering. Elias followed her, frowning. "Really? You just said you've grown up, but now you're having a cold war with your parents, just like when you were little." Her brows tightened even more. "You're still the same. You always think it's my fault without understanding the whole story.

Since they are elders, they are always right." The cheerful reunion mood quickly shifted to an awkward and tense silence. Elias pursed his lips, relaxed his frown, and gently asked, " You're right -how wrong could the parents who gave birth to you and raised you really be at fault? But today, I'm not taking their side. To make up for it, let me treat you to a meal." He gave Wendy an out, knowing she wouldn't hold it against him even if she was upset. She forced a faint smile.

"Alright, but you better not back out." Elias laughed, pulling her closer by the shoulder. "Of course!" They decided on the restaurant they used to visit together ---- during school days. As soon as they sat down, Elias reminisced, "I remember back then, even though Jenna was a little younger than us, she always liked following us around and mimicking how we spoke." His face brightened with the fondness of past memories. But Wendy couldn't bring herself to smile.

No one knew what Jenna had done, but Wendy knew all too well. Even though Jenna was her biological sister, she couldn't bring herself to like Jenna anymore. "What's wrong? Did you and Jenna argue?" Elias noticed her change in expression, his brows furrowing. "I remember you've always been generous and never fought with Jenna. If you two are fighting, it must be because she upset you.

If Aunt Mary and Uncle Chris spoil her too much, T'll lecture her for you." Just hearing this made Wendy feel a little lighter. She replied, "Tf you really lecture her, my parents will probably lecture you too." Upon seeing her smile, Elias finally relaxed. He had never liked seeing Wendy unhappy. It always felt like his heart would shatter with her expression. "So what? If it's something that makes you upset, I'll solve it ---- for you. Even if it's Jenna, I won't spare her," he declared.

With just a few words, he had Wendy smiling more brightly. It had been long since they last met, so she indulged ina glass of red wine. Even though they had just reunited, she felt like nothing had changed between them. They could talk without hesitation , just like when they were younger. Just as they were enjoying a pleasant conversation, a sudden, urgent phone ring cut through the air, interrupting Wendy and Elias' happy walk down memory lane. He glanced at the screen, pursed his lips, and said, "It's Jenna calling."