Chapter 1022
Chapter 1022:
While still a theory, Ellen saw an opportunity to test it.
Yelena’s brow furrowed with concern, as if she were about to voice her objection, when suddenly, Ellen felt a firm pressure on her shoulder.
Turning, she found herself standing directly in front of John’s imposing presence. Caught off guard, Ellen froze.
Flashing a mischievous grin, John teased, “What’s with that look? Do you finally realize how attractive I am p>
Ellen snapped out of her daze. She wriggled in John’s grip, her expression one of revulsion. “Your ego has reached new heights,” she spat out. “You really should get that checked by a professional p>
A wry smile twisted on John’s lips. “That’s harsh,” he retorted.
“Just stating facts. You’re intolerable!” Ellen shot back.
She stuck her tongue out at John before dashing off toward Yelena and Aitana.
This time, John’s reaction was less courteous. He snatched the back of Ellen’s collar, hoisting her up with ease, as if she were a small, wayward kitten.
Ellen thrashed around, her efforts futile.
“Let me go!” she yelled, craning her neck and snapping her teeth in an attempt to bite John’s arm. Despite her struggles, she couldn’t quite reach. John’s laughter boomed at the sight. “You’re quite the comedian p>
“Oh, shut up!” Ellen snapped.
On the sidelines, Maggie watched the unfolding chaos and shook her head, her expression a mix of amusement and dismay.
Ellen and John perpetually clashed, their discord as palpable as oil repelling water, leaving no room for tranquility.
Yet, Maggie had grown accustomed to their endless disputes.
In the quiet corner of the room, Austin sat immobilized in his wheelchair, his gaze fixed intently on Aitana. His eyes, shadowed and enigmatic, revealed nothing of his thoughts or emotions.
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As time drifted by, fleeting and elusive like sand slipping through one’s fingers, Aitana’s cries slowly faded into silence. Though the cries had stopped, a palpable tension remained in the air, with the group collectively holding their breath, fearing the worst for Aitana.
Gradually, Ellen’s protests subsided, and John, after a hesitant pause, released his grip on her collar.
When Ellen’s neck was revealed, marked with reddened handprints, a flicker of complex emotion crossed John’s face. His eyes clouded with unspoken thoughts.
Time continued its inexorable march, slipping away moment by moment.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Aitana’s door swung open. Yelena and Jarrod emerged, their expressions weary.
Jarrod’s face showed more exhaustion than Yelena’s, his features drawn and fatigued.
Ellen’s curiosity piqued, she eyed them both, wondering who had taken the lead in Aitana’s care. Her mind teemed with questions, but she chose silence over inquiry, holding her tongue.
“How’s Grandma doing?” Austin asked, concern evident in his voice.
Yelena remained silent, her gaze shifting to Jarrod.
Jarrod caught her unspoken message instantly. Having witnessed the entire session unfold, he was well-prepared to respond. “She’s doing quite well, no serious issues for now,” he assured smoothly.
Relief washed over the group as the tension that had gripped them began to ease.
“I can’t thank you enough, Yelena,” Ellen said, appearing beside her. Her eyes were locked on Yelena, an intricate dance of emotions flickering across her face.