Chapter 249
Elysia was taken aback for a second, and then her cheeks flushed a brilliant red, stammering, “Who, who’s ogling you p>
Tarquin responded with calm directness, “You p>
Elysia’s eyes widened further, her face growing even redder as she retorted fiercely, “Y-you… Stop talking nonsense! I did not! So, looking at you once is inappropriate? Get over yourself! So full of it! Such a… a narcissist p>
Elysia, refusing to admit anything, fired back with righteous indignation before quickly turning to busy herself with making a sauce, her heart pounding rapidly.
Tarquin, lips pursed, rolled his eyes at her but didn’t engage further, heading to Elijah’s room instead.
Dinner was still a bit away, and he took this opportunity to chat with Elijah.
They’d talk about Elysia, and also about the Bradford family’s annual commemoration of their ancestors.
Elijah was playing with White, sitting at a small round table with White on it, engaging in a staring contest. It was like watching an eagle, seeing who would blink first.
Tarquin’s expression softened a bit. Though he wasn’t fond of Elysia, he had to admit, Elijah had been in a much better state these days, thanks to her.
Tarquin took the seat Elysia had just vacated.
Elijah and White turned their gazes towards him.
White, fearless, didn’t shrink away like other animals might upon seeing him. The little one, head held high, flicked its thin, red tongue out, looking coolly at him.
Tarquin narrowed his eyes, taking a closer look at White.
At first glance, it was all black and somewhat adorable. But upon closer inspection, one could see the subtle patterns on its body. These patterns, unique and barely visible, floated across its skin like shimmering waves.
Looking at it felt like peering into an ancient, mystical pond, those patterns like the hidden forces beneath a calm surface.
Mysterious, dangerous, chilling to the bone.
No wonder it captivated Elijah, it was small and cute, yet had a cool demeanor, much like Elijah himself.
And it wasn’t just its appearance that was rare, it was clearly intelligent. Its eyes moved observantly, clearly taking in everything around it. Tarquin asked Elijah, “You like it p>
Elijah, not directly answering, implicitly agreed.
“Did Elysia give it to you p>
Elijah responded coolly, “It’s her son’s pet, not for giving p>
“Do you want it p>
Elijah paused before saying, “A gentleman doesn’t covet what others love p>
Though he desired it, he couldn’t simply take it by force.
Tarquin, touched, ruffled his hair. “Elysia was right, Elijah, you’re a good kid, very sensible when you’re well p>
“I’ll get someone to find you one just like it p>
Elijah remained silent, and Tarquin continued, “Are you fond of Elysia p>
Elijah looked at him, countering, “Do you like her p>
Tarquin openly replied, “She’s good to you, so naturally, I don’t dislike her. But not disliking doesn’t mean liking. My interactions with her are because of you, unrelated to whether I like her or not p>
Elijah, seeming to ponder Tarquin’s words, finally remarked, “She’s both silly and naive p>
Tarquin knew he was talking about Elysia. Though it sounded derogatory, it was laced with affection.
Elijah liked her.
“Her kids must be really lucky. She loves them dearly,” Elijah commented out of the blue.
Tarquin added, “She loves you too, always trying to make you happy p>
Elijah’s lips twitched, but he didn’t argue.
Tarquin then suggested, “If you’re okay with it, I’ll talk to her later, see if she can stay with you longer, alright p>
Elijah frowned, “What about when Mom comes back? Kick Elysia out again p>
“No, we’ll see what she wants by then. If she wishes to stay, that’s possible. Like Heath, she can stay with us, and I’ll pay her a salary p>