Chapter 586
Chapter 586
“Then… I’ll excuse myself,” Eli said quietly.
She gave Riana and Nathan one brief look before bowing politely. Just before she stepped out of the study, she added in a small, steady voice, “And thank you… for telling me the truth p>
The door closed softly behind her.
She walked with her head lowered, struggling to keep her tears in check. Her steps grew quicker as she moved down the quiet corridor, until she disappeared around the corner that led to her room.
Riana remained standing in front of the door for several long seconds, her gaze fixed on the empty hallway. There was so much concern in her eyes. So much tenderness.
Eli truly was the real victim in all the drama Selena had orchestrated.
“She needs time,” Nathan said gently from behind her, resting a comforting hand on his wife’s shoulder.” Give her time. I’m sure she’ll be ready to talk again soon p>
Riana nodded.
Not long after, Nathan left for the office. There were legal matters that couldn’t be postponed. “There’s still a lot I need to handle. Chris is also assisting at Daven’s company p>
Riana didn’t stop him. Responsibilities had to be met. “Drive safely,” she reminded him softly.
By midday, the dining table was set again. The staff had prepared a light lunch as usual. This time, however, Althea hadn’t stepped into the kitchen. She had been focused on accompanying the children through their written exams that morning.
Grace arrived first and took her seat. “Where’s Eli?” she asked, glancing around.
Josh came downstairs moments later, frowning slightly. “I thought she’d already be here.” He slid into his chair. “I wanted to ask her about one of the physics questions. I think I messed up the formula p>
Althea, who was pouring water into their glasses, paused for a brief moment.
He was right. Eli was usually already at the table by now.
She turned to a staff member who had just entered the dining room. “Where is Eli p>
“Miss Eli declined to join lunch, Mrs. Althea p>
That answer made everyone at the table exchange puzzled looks.
“Why?” Grace asked immediately. “Then I’ll go call her p>
Althea had a feeling she knew why Eli had chosen to withdraw.
“There’s no need, Grace,” she said gently,
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“Mom, but why?” Grace’s brows knit together, her lips forming a small pout.
“I think Eli has quite a bit of schoolwork to catch up on,” Althea replied evenly. “I’ll ask the staff to bring her lunch upstairs p>
Grace considered that for a moment before nodding. “Okay p>
Not long after, Riana joined them for lunch. She took her seat at the end of the table, greeting her grandchildren as she always did.
But there was something different about her today.
Her expression remained soft, composed-but beneath it lay a quiet sorrow she didn’t voice.
Althea looked at her mother-in-law-and understood.
Riana had told her. She had told Eli everything.
And now Eli was somewhere in this house, trying to process a truth that must have shattered the very ground beneath her feet.
“Mom… did you speak to her?” Althea asked quietly, keeping her voice low so the others wouldn’t overhear.
Riana gave a small nod.
Althea didn’t press further. She knew that conversation must have been heavy-painful in ways that words could barely contain. She had no intention of letting the atmosphere at the dining table turn
somber.
“Eat first,” she said gently to Josh and Grace. “I’ll check on Eli afterward p>
Grace frowned. “Is she sick p>
“No,” Althea answered quickly. “She has quite a bit of schoolwork to finish. I’m sure she’ll want to play with you again later this afternoon, Grace p>
Josh studied his mother carefully. “Do you want me to go with you, Mom p>
Althea smiled at him-wide, affectionate. Josh was perceptive. He had sensed something had happened,
and that it involved Eli.
“It’s all right, sweetheart. For that question you weren’t sure about, can you ask your tutor later p>
Josh hesitated, then nodded obediently.
Once lunch was over, Althea did exactly what she had promised, She walked toward Eli’s room, accompanied by a maid carrying a tray of lunch.
The corridor opposite the dining room felt unusually quiet.
She stopped in front of Eli’s door and knocked softly. “Eli p>
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No answer.
She knocked again. Still silence.
“But she’s inside, right?” Althea asked.
“Yes, Mrs. Althea. Miss Eli hasn’t come out at all p>
Althea nodded and gently pushed the door open. It wasn’t locked.
The sight inside made her chest tighten.
A small suitcase lay open on the bed. The wardrobe doors were wide. Several neatly folded clothes had already been placed inside.
Eli stood with her back to the door, carefully sliding books into her bag.
“Eli?” Althea called softly as she stepped closer.
The girl froze the moment she realized someone had entered-especially when she saw who it was. She quickly turned away, pretending to busy herself with the books.
Althea understood immediately.
She had caught the glint of tears in Eli’s eyes. And when she came closer, she could see the faint tremble in the girl’s small shoulders.
“What are you doing?” Althea asked gently, moving to stand beside her. She brushed her fingers softly through Eli’s hair. “What are you looking for p>
Eli finally turned around.
Her eyes were red. The tip of her nose flushed pink.
“I’m… not looking for anything, Mrs. Althea,” she said, her voice thin. “I’m just packing my things p>
“Why?” Althea lowered herself to sit beside her. “Why are you doing that p>
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