Chapter 1731
Elysia remained silent.
She couldn’t say whether Shane’s perspective was right or wrong.
Human nature was inherently selfish; everyone fiercely protected their own blood.
From Keaton’s standpoint, he was totally in the dark, meaning he hadn’t maliciously done anything wrong.
But from Shane’s perspective, Winona was bearing an agonizing burden, and Keaton was the undeniable root cause of her suffering.
“For the record, Keaton genuinely views you as a romantic rival,” Elysia offered lightly. “That’s why he was ready to kill you p>
Shane looked bewildered. “I thought he didn’t have feelings for Winona p>
Elysia shrugged casually. “He didn’t before. But he certainly does now p>
Shane was too stunned to speak.
Elysia smiled softly.
“Keaton isn’t actually a bad guy. His aggression toward you is purely because he’s falling for Winona. Once you finally get a chance to clear up the fact that you’re related, all of this will blow over p>
“You rarely get time to come back home. Go enjoy yourself, and don’t let tonight’s drama ruin your mood p>
Shane nodded in agreement. “I get it. Thanks again, Elysia p>
Elysia grinned. “Don’t mention it. Go back and keep Winona company p>
“Please don’t breathe a word of this fight to her,” Shane pleaded.
Elysia chuckled and nodded. “My lips are sealed p>
After parting ways, Elysia hopped into her car and drove back to Number One Mansion.
On the drive home, she couldn’t help but think that if Keaton was genuinely ready to abandon his playboy ways, he and Winona would make a wonderful couple.
Winona wouldn’t have to raise the baby alone, and the child would grow up in a complete home.
Plus, Richard and Janelle already adored Winona. They were absolutely desperate for a grandchild, so they would inevitably spoil the mother and baby rotten.
The real question was: had Keaton actually turned over a new leaf?
And could Winona ever learn to love him back?
Elysia let out a soft breath.
Matters of the heart were always impossible to predict.
Elysia had only been home for a short while when Tarquin, Elliot, Evan, and Elijah finally arrived.
Emmett and Baby came bounding in right behind them.
“Mommy!” The five little ones shouted in unison, stampeding toward her.
Elysia’s eyes lit up with delight. “How did all of you end up coming back together p>
Tarquin chuckled. “We were passing by their school, so we just picked them up on the way p>
Overjoyed, Elysia crouched down to wrap them all in hugs, showering each child with kisses.
After soaking up all their mother’s affection, the kids excitedly scampered upstairs to play.
Elysia turned to head into the kitchen, but before she could take a step, Tarquin pulled her flush against his chest.
“I-Mmph p>
His lips crashed down on hers,
completely cutting off her words He
kissed her until they were both
breathless, and it wasn’t until Elysia
lightly nipped his lower lip that he finally refented.
Tarquin slowly pulled back, his eyes dark with lingering desire.
Elysia’s cheeks burned fiercely, her breathing ragged. “Stop messing around. I have to make dinner p>
Tarquin’s hands remained firmly locked around her waist, keeping her pressed flush against him.
“Let Heath handle dinner. We’re going to the bedroom p>
The flush on Elysia’s cheeks deepened to a brilliant crimson.
“Absolutely not! I’m making the kids their favorite creamy mashed potatoes. They only like it when I make it p>
Tarquin sighed in mock defeat. “We’ve all been away for days, yet you clearly love the kids more than you love me p>
Elysia giggled. “You are such a jealous mess! Don’t worry, I made your favorite too.” Tarquin’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Oh? And what exactly is my favorite p>
“Of course I know. You love Spaghetti Bolognese, roasted broccoli, and a good steak p>
Tarquin’s lips quirked into a devastating smirk. “Wrong. My absolute favorite thing to eat is p>
He leaned in and whispered
something filthy against her ear,
causing a deep, mortified earne
SUMS
flood all the way to the ups onh ears.
She practically kicked him in the shin, violently shoving her way out of his embrace. “Behave yourself! I’m going to cook. Go rest for a bit, and I’ll call you when the food is ready p>
But Tarquin just followed her
bet
straight into the kitchen. Elysia shot him a deadly glare. “Are you asking for a beating p>
Tarquin chuckled warmly.
“I promise I’ll behave. I’m just here to be your sous-chef p>