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"Maybe I just got darker from the sun," Lena said.
"You must have gone through a lot over there anyway," Lina said.
Lena smiled. A worry gnawed at her whenever she wasn't by Lina's side. She feared that Lina might face
mistreatment of some sort, akin to how Lina would fret if Lena got bullied in her absence.
Zuko and Chris exchanged glances, sharing an unspoken understanding. Those two treated them like they were
invisible.
Before they could engage in conversation, Zuko and Lina were swarmed and ushered away. Chris couldn't escape
socializing either.
Lena smiled and returned to her quiet corner.
Suddenly, someone handed her a glass of champagne.
Lena looked up and saw Elijah standing before her. He had slightly flushed cheeks and a tipsy smile.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAdjusting his tie, he nodded toward the balcony.
Lena followed him.
The balcony was vast and tranquil, a world apart from the bustling banquet hall. The evening breeze brought a
refreshing coolness, and the champagne carried a hint of sweetness.
Lena savored this rare moment of serenity. "Why aren't you inside, mingling with the guests?"
Elijah glanced at her, reluctant to answer. In truth, she understood even without his words. Prolonged pretense and
performance before many people could be exhausting.
But had he never contemplated a happily-ever-after with Kasey? By all accounts, Kasey was an excellent wife and
mother, perfectly matched with Elijah.
After a pause, Elijah said with a faint smile, "This time... thank you very much."
"You're welcome," Lena replied casually. "I had my personal agenda. I wanted those children to receive a better
education."
"My father-in-law is extremely grateful to you. He keeps calling you his lucky star. I'll arrange for you to meet him
when the opportunity arises."
"I'm pleased I could assist Mr. Patton. However, I also hope he follows through on his campaign promises and takes
responsibility for those children."
Elijah chuckled nonchalantly, taking a generous sip of his wine. "It's just a facade. Don't take it to heart! These
things are mutually beneficial."
"Much like your marriage to Ms. Patton?"
Elijah's demeanor abruptly changed as he locked eyes with her.
Lena grinned. "Even if it's a charade and mutually advantageous, both parties obtain what they need. People are
creatures of emotion. Over time, feelings tend to evolve. I believe that as Mr. Patton spends more time with those
children, he will genuinely care for them.
"And you..." Lena turned to him. "You and Ms. Patton are no different."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Hey!" Elijah was about to request she drop the topic, but he sensed someone observing them.
Apart from the affluent and influential, the most vital guests tonight were the children Lena had brought from the
mountainous region.
Elijah had insisted on including all the children for a complete spectacle.
At that moment, he noticed the gaze of a particular boy and nudged Lena's arm. "That boy... Why is he staring at
you?"
Lena turned to look.
Alexander didn't avert his gaze as if he had been waiting for this moment.
Lena's heart clenched, and she set down her champagne. She strolled from the banquet hall through the courtyard
toward Alexander.
The two silently looked at each other for a prolonged moment.
"You..." Eventually, Lena broke the silence. "What's your name? I'm sorry, but there are so many people here, and I
recall you don't often attend classes, so..."
"I'm Alexander Dickinson," the boy replied calmly. "You... truly don't remember me?"
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