Chapter 141
Elodie’s Pov~
I nodded, said nothing more, and got into the car. But Harry didn’t move.
As I drove past him, I lowered the window, gave him a brief nod in acknowledgment, and then pressed down on the accelerator.
I watched him fade in the rearview mirror, still standing there, before he finally turned and got into his own car.
I returned to the Miller family house.
Grandma Miller and Uncle Jason were still awake, sitting in the living room with the lights dimmed. Xavier and Hugo had already gone upstairs to rest.
When they saw me walk in, they both turned to look at me, like they’d been waiting.
“You’re… Back?” Grandma Miller asked.
“Mm, Grandma p>
She extended her hand toward me, and I set my bag down on the side table before walking over to sit beside her.
Grandma Miller took my hand, her grip warm and firm. “Elodie,” she said quietly, “are you planning to let go of Dante p>
My attitude toward him tonight had been different. Colder. More distant than usual.
It was hard not to notice.
“Mm,” I replied. “We’re preparing for a divorce p>
Grandma Miller let out a soft laugh, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Good. Good, good. Divorce is fine p>
But then her expression shifted, her brow furrowing with concern. “Liora’s become very attached to him, though. He’s been good to her these past two years. He probably won’t give you custody p>
I didn’t want custody of Liora.
But I didn’t say that out loud. Instead, I kept my voice steady. “I understand. I’ll discuss it with him properly. It’s getting late, let’s all rest now p>
The others went upstairs, but I couldn’t relax just yet.
Because on the way back, Professor Nolan and Johnny had discussed a lot. When I got to my room, I found a message from Johnny with a task list attached and a note:
‘The teacher wants this done. Must be finished before 6 AM tomorrow p>
I set my bag down, took a long sip of water, and replied: ‘Got it p>
I didn’t remove my makeup. Didn’t take a shower. I just turned on my computer and started working.
It wasn’t until around 4 AM that I finally finished everything and sent the completed tasks over.
Johnny, who was clearly still buried in work himself, replied immediately: ‘Teacher wants us at his place before 9 AM p>
‘Alright,’ I typed back.
We didn’t chat any longer. After shutting down my computer, I dragged myself into the bathroom to remove my makeup and take a quick shower.
By the time I finished, it was already past 5 AM.
I set an alarm for 8, turned off the light, and collapsed into bed.
The next morning, when the alarm went off, I felt like I’d been hit by a truck. My body was heavy, my eyes burning, but I didn’t dare slack off. I forced myself up, stumbled into the bathroom, and got ready.
When I came downstairs, I knew I didn’t look great. Grandma Miller noticed immediately.
“Why didn’t you sleep a little longer?” she asked, concern flickering across her face.
“I have to go to the teacher’s place,” I said.
Grandma Miller knew how strict Professor Nolan was with his students.
She just sighed and said, “I don’t feel comfortable with you driving like this. Let the driver take you p>
“Alright p>
When we arrived at Professor Nolan’s villa, the three of us, Johnny, the professor, and I, went straight to the study to get to work.
We didn’t stop until lunchtime.
At that moment, my phone buzzed.
It was a message from Cara, asking if I wanted to go skiing with her in the afternoon.
I sent a voice message back. “I’ve got things to do today, so I can’t make it. You go ahead and have fun p>
Cara: ‘Okay p>
In the afternoon, when I stepped out of the study to refill my water, Cara sent another message.
This time, it was a string of photos.
I opened the first one and saw it was Dante. Sienna. Liora. Harry. And a little girl I recognized as Daisy.
All five of them, together.
My thumb hovered over the screen for a second before I swiped away from the rest of the photos. I didn’t need to see more.
Cara sent another message: I was having such a good time skiing with my friends, but then I ran into THEM. Total buzzkill!
I took a slow breath and sent a voice message back, keeping the tone light. “Don’t let them ruin your day. Just enjoy yourselves p>
Cara: We might not leave until evening. Want to join us?
Me: No, I’ve got some things to take care of.
Cara: Alright.
I put my phone away, picked up my water, and walked back into the study.
We worked all day.
By evening, Johnny stretched his arms over his head and groaned. “Teacher, how about we go out to eat? Our treat p>
Professor Nolan didn’t even look up from his screen. “I’m heading out soon p>
Johnny and I both blinked. “Huh p>
“I have dinner plans with Dante tonight p>
Johnny’s eyes flicked toward me.
I calmly sipped my water, my expression giving nothing away.
Professor Nolan grabbed his car keys and stood. “Remember to lock the door when you leave p>
Before stepping out, he added, “I shouldn’t be gone too long p>
Johnny and I both nodded. “Got it, Teacher p>
The door closed behind him, and the room fell silent.
___________
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Liora, Dante, Sienna, and the others had been skiing for half the day and were in high spirits.
As they exited the ski resort, Liora bounced alongside Dante, her cheeks flushed from the cold and exertion. “Dad, I want seafood for dinner p>
Dante glanced down at her, his expression softening just slightly. “Dad and Auntie Sienna have plans tonight, so we won’t be able to eat with you. The driver’s already waiting in the parking lot. When you get home, just tell the chef what you want p>
Liora’s face, which had been lit up with excitement, immediately fell. “What? Why can’t I come with you p>
Dante reached down and gently pinched her cheek, offering a small smile. “It’s something very important p>
“But p>
Liora pouted, her eyes already shifting toward Sienna. She let go of Dante’s hand and rushed over to hug Sienna’s waist, her voice turning whiny and sweet. “Auntie Sienna p>
When Sienna heard Dante describe their dinner as “very important,” warmth bloomed in her chest. She bent down, wrapping her arms around Liora and smiling warmly. “It’s something important for Auntie Sienna too, sweetheart. I’ve been waiting for this chance for a long time, and I don’t want anything to go wrong. Can you understand p>
Liora hesitated, her bottom lip still jutting out in a pout. But eventually, she nodded, though her tone was reluctant. “I understand… but you have to make it up to me next week and take me somewhere really good to eat p>
Sienna laughed softly, brushing a strand of Liora’s hair behind her ear. “I definitely will p>
She glanced up at Dante, her smile lingering, and he met her gaze with something unreadable but warm.
Harry, who had been standing off to the side, remained silent, his hands tucked into his coat pockets.
Daisy, however, came over and gently took Liora’s hand. “If we get the chance next week, maybe we can all eat together too p>
Liora had spent time with Daisy a few times now, and they’d become fast friends.
She nodded, her mood lifting slightly. “Okay p>
After watching Liora and Harry leave, Dante and Sienna got into the car and headed toward the restaurant.
The drive was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Sienna sat with her hands folded neatly in her lap, stealing glances at Dante every so often. He looked calm, focused, his profile sharp against the dim glow of the city lights outside.
She wanted to ask what exactly this dinner was about, but she didn’t want to seem overeager. So she stayed quiet, letting the anticipation build.
When they arrived at the restaurant, they were led to a private room that looked elegant, and understated, the kind of place reserved for important conversations.
A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door.
Professor Nolan stepped inside.
Sienna’s breath caught.