---- Chapter 97 Wendy didn't respond , but Elias took the initiative to cheer her up. "I'll help you teach her a lesson." Even though she knew he was joking , she couldn't help but feel a slight sense of hope. In her not-so-happy childhood and youth, aside from James, Elias had been another ray of sunshine in her life.

He had brightened the dark moments and left her with some of her best memories, Because of him, Wendy realized that even as a slightly older cousin, she could still feel loved by an elder. She shook her head before he answered the call. "Maybe not," she said. Elias patted the back of her hand, mouthing the words, "Don't worry. I've got you." It was a phrase he often used to say to her. As she looked at him, Wendy felt that even if he didn't lecture Jenna, just having him there would be enough.

"Jenna," Elias began, his tone serious. "Did you upset Wendy again?" On the other end of the line, Jenna could hardly contain her jealousy and frustration at his immediate defense of Wendy. "Did Wendy tell you that? Are you two together now?" she ---- asked sweetly, her voice dripping with passive aggression. "In your eyes, it's always my fault if Wendy is unhappy. I guess I shouldn't have called and disturbed your time with her. "T'm just an outsider .

You love her, so it's only natural that you favor her." Her words were tinged with spoiled pouting, and Elias' expression softened instantly. "That's not what I meant." He glanced at Wendy before clearing his throat. "I'll explain when I get back." After a few more words, Elias ended the call. Wendy quietly drank her water without saying anything. Upon noticing her silence, Elias turned to her. "Jenna is a bit naive. Don't take it to heart if she said something that upset you.

You know she doesn't mean anything bad." She simply nodded and suddenly looked up at him. "Elias, are you done eating?" Sensing the detachment and calm in her eyes, Elias paused momentarily. He leaned forward slightly, asking, "Are you upset with me? Do you think I'm favoring Jenna?" Wendy gave a faint smile. "You misunderstood. That's not what I meant." Even though he had already realized it, he still asked. She felt foolish for thinking he would still be the same as the boy from.

---- her childhood after all these years. Wendy no longer had the energy to deal with anything related to the Sanders family. With that in mind, she signaled for the waiter. But when it was time to pay, Elias quickly grabbed the bill. said I'd treat you. How could I let you pay?" Wendy didn't protest when she saw him pay before her. She simply said, "Thank you, Elias." Once they stepped out of the restaurant, he felt the shift in her demeanor.

She was now as silent and distant as if she were a different person from an hour ago. "Wendy, I'm not a very perceptive person, and you've always known that. If I've done something to upset you, you can just tell me." He couldn't accept her silence or the cool, distant air she was giving off as he walked beside her. Wendy responded ina light tone, "It's nothing. I was just thinking about work." "Tmay be insensitive, but I know you.

You're clearly upset but don't want to tell me." Elias reached out and stopped her from walking. When they were teenagers , Wendy had always relied on him to make things easier for her. Years later, seeing his concerned expression , she no longer ---- felt the same trust she once had. She stopped walking and gazed up at him, trying to find the eager, genuine look he had when they were younger, but there was nothing there. After taking a deep breath, Wendy decided to give herself one more chance.