Chapter 145
“Don’t do anything rash!” Tobias tried to stop him, but it was too late,
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“Dad, let me make one thing clear,” Theodore typed furiously. “I’m a traditional man. If Elara has another man, then I’ll just have to be the ‘other guy.”
Tobias‘ hands trembled as he typed back, “Can someone who isn’t loved even be a homewrecker?”
Theodore went silent.
Tobias sighed, switching to full–on fatherly persuasion mode.
“Son, you might lack morals and you might even lack decency, but being a third wheel isn’t something you can just sign up for!”
Theodore sat there, utterly still. For ten years, he had lurked in the shadows, waiting, hoping–yet he hadn’t even managed to qualify as a side piece.
Did he still stand a chance now?
He slumped back onto the couch, staring at his phone, at Elara’s radiant smile–smiling at Leonard.
“Then I can only wish you both the best… No! No way! I won’t accept this! Who says I
t be part of this too. He clenched his teeth. “So what if Leonard has an IQ of 2003 I can give her 200 hours of attention!” 1 Sure, a superior mind was attractive. But a strong, healthy body could bring a different kind of satisfaction! With that realization, Theodore sat up straight, suddenly feeling much more optimistic.
He quickly replied to Merida.
“That pearl necklace is nothing compared to your mom’s beauty!”
“Merida, I’m going to change into something else.”
As Merida read Theodore’s messages, Elara’s voice rang out
Excited, Merida immediately turned to her smartwatch. “Mommy! Mr. Theodore says you’re so gorgeous that the pearls are dull in comparison!”
Elara’s face flushed instantly.
“Theodore?” she asked, confused. “How does he know-”
Merida proudly showed her the chat log.
Elara raised an eyebrow.
“I just wanted to record how beautiful you looked!” Merida explained earnestly. “I wanted to share it with. everyone because I have the most beautiful, amazing mom!
Merida’s innocent praise warmed her heart.
A gentle blush spread across her bare, makeup–free face.
Elara knelt down, cupping her chin in thought. “But sending my picture to Theodore feels a little unfair to me.‘
Merida tilted her head. “Huh?”
H
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Chapter 145
“I know you wanted to share, but I don’t want to he just and her woman on a man’s phone, looked at whenever he
Wants.‘
Merida nodded, taking in the lesson. “I get it! I’ll recall that message From now on, I won’t send any men pletures of you without asking first!”
Before Elara could respond, Merida had already hit unsend
Luckily, it hadn’t been two minutes yet.
Meanwhile, Theodore was casually sipping his coffee–when suddenly, the photo vanished from his chat.
He nearly choked. His eyes widened in disbelief.
Seconds later, Merida sent another message.
“Sorry, Mr. Theodore! I sent you Mommy’s picture without her permission. She doesn’t want someone else to have her picture without her consent.”
Theodore exhaled heavily, rubbing his temple.
Then, with the maturity of a man who had long accepted his fate, he sent a simple emoji–scratching his head, expressing understanding.
Of course. He wasn’t the chosen one. But that was okay. If Elara wouldn’t let him admire her, then he’d let her admire him!
On the other side, Elara locked the door behind her and started trying on another GOWIL
Her phone vibrated with a new message. She picked it up absentmindedly and immediately froze.
The screen was filled with photos that could only be described as provocative.
Theodore said, “This is a fair exchange.”
In the first picture, his dress shirt was unbuttoned just enough to reveal his collarbones.
The second picture was a slightly downward shot, capturing how his long legs stretched out, wrapped in dark slacks.
Another text came in before Elara could even respond. “Sorry for looking at your picture without permission. Why don’t you take a few looks at mine? Do you like this angle? If you don’t like this outfit, I can always take it off.”
He could no longer hide his feelings. Now, he was strutting like a peacock, shamelessly putting himself on display.
Elara covered the lower half of her face, her thumb moving uncontrollably, swiping up on her phone screen again and again.
