Chapter 68 

“You didn’t give me a reason,” Elara said, following Harold into the restaurant. 

Once they were seated, Harold looked at her and replied, “I won’t harm you. I promise 

“Well, my dad won’t harm me either.” Elara retorted. “He’s actually supportive of me being with Lysander 

“Your dad doesn’t care about anything except pleasing the Hawthorne family. He wouldn’t bother about his own daughter’s happiness” Harold pointed out. 

“If I remember correctly, you were getting quite close with Mrs. Hawthorne last time,” Elara remarked, calling over a waiter for a cold drink 

Turning back to Harold, she continued. “I have reason to suspect that she sent you to stop me from being with Lysander. Is she dissatisfied with me and doesn’t want me marrying into the Hawthorne family?” 

“She hasn’t said anything like that,” he replied. 

“Then why can’t I be with Lysander?” Elara shot back, managing to leave Harold momentarily speechless. 

Harold gazed at her as she happily bit on her straw, enjoying her drink. She seemed carefree, completely unbothered. 

He didn’t know what to say, relieved that she was still young. She probably wouldn’t rush into marrying Lysander anytime 

Not wanting to upset her further, Harold refrained from trying to convince her otherwise. Standing up, Harold said, “Til be busy for a while. You can have dinner with Lysander on your own later.” 

“You’re not going to join us? Elara asked 

“I don’t think you need me there,” Harold replied, shooting her a look before moving off to handle his tasks. After a while, he returned to find Elara still sitting alone. Lysander hadn’t arrived yet. 

Harold walked over and stood next to her. “Where’s Lysander?” 

Elara hesitated, unsure of what to say. She had already messaged Lysander, but he hadn’t responded. She tried calling him, but he didn’t pick up. 

Feeling anxious, she said, “He’s not here yet, and now he’s not replying to messages. What if something happened?” 

“What could possibly happen to him?” Harold said. 

“He promised he would come,” she insisted 

“He just stood you up, that’s all,” Harold said, a hint of schadenfreude in his tone. 

“Uncle Harold,” Elara warned, sensing his amusement. 

Seeing her displeasure, he said, “Alright, I’ll ask around for you. After all, he was quite familiar with the Hawthorne family. He made a quick call to inquire about Lysander. 

When Harold hung up, he turned to Elara. “No need to worry. He’s at home.” 

Then why isn’t he answering his phone?” she questioned. 

“How would I know?” Harold shrugged. “Maybe he just doesn’t want to see you. What can you do about it?” 

1/4 

Chapter 68 

Nov 

As he spoke, he signaled the waiter to bring out the food. “You might as well let me keep you company for dinner.” 

63% 

Elara didn’t expect to be stood up by Lysander. She had always bought he treated her well and would never do something 

like this. 

But now, he really hadn’t shown up. Elara had finished her meal and still hadn’t received a call from him. 

As she stepped out of the restaurant, she happened to spot Ashe A luxury car was parked outside, and he was with a woman who appeared to be in her forties, about the same age as his mother, 

“Get in. I’ll take you out for a bit, the woman said. 

Asher frowned. “No, I want to go home.” 

“Your mother said you should come stay with me for a few days the woman replied, looking at Asher’s handsome face.. “What’s the matter? Are you afraid I’ll bully you?” 

As she reached out to grab him, he dodged her grasp. The woman laughed at his reaction. Your mother must have mentioned that I’m a good friend of hers. It’s only natural that I look after you,” 

Asher stared at this middle–aged woman, who was clearly in her forties. Although she was beautiful, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes betrayed her age. 

He couldn’t understand why his mother wanted him to stay with someone he barely knew while she had taken his sister with her. It was obvious Asher didn’t want to be there. 

“I have a girlfriend,” he declared. 

When Elara had been with him, Asher hadn’t wanted to be around anyone else, even if Elara was his age. Of course, he wouldn’t consider being with this woman. 

“Oh really?” the woman raised an eyebrow, “So I’m not as good as your girlfriend?” 

“You’re about my mother’s age, Asher replied sharply. 

“Very well,” the woman said, unfazed. She pulled out a business card and handed it to him. “Whenever you’re ready to reach out, feel free. I’m not one to force anyone.” 

With that, she climbed into her red Ferrari. 

Elara hadn’t expected to see such an entertaining scene while just out for a meal. 

“Wow, she thought, Asher really does have some luck with women, doesn’t he? He just showed up and already caught the eye of a rich woman.‘ 

Before Elara could leave, Asher turned around and spotted her. Their eyes met, and she couldn’t help but smirk slightly. 

Asher hadn’t expected her to witness such an embarrassing moment. The driver came over and opened the car door for Elara, and she got in. 

Asher found himself at a loss for words, feeling somewhat mocked. 

He stared at the business card in his hand, which felt uncomfortable in his grip. After longing for years to be back with his nother, Asher thought he would feel happy. 

But after just two–days, he already sensed a noticeable difference