Chapter 351
+25 BONUS
Harvey watched as Elara turned her head, her smiling eyes filled with indulgence toward Lesley. Harvey froze. It was the first time he had seen Elara with such an expression.
She had never smiled at Theodore like this–as if no matter what Lesley said, she would support “him” unconditionally.
It felt like a sharp dagger was repeatedly stabbing his heart Harvey’s breathing grew erratic.
Was this the destructive power of a childhood sweetheart?
He knew Lesley and Elara had grown up together, but he had never paid much attention to the man. As the heir of the Fisher family, why would he spare a second glance for someone from a remote village?
Even though Harvey had long been aware of the deep bond between Elara and Lesley, he had always looked down on Lesley. He never expected Elara to agree with Lesley’s theory of true love.
If Lesley was true love, and Theodore was her boyfriend… Then what was he? Was he just a joke in Elara’s seven- year marriage?
It felt like a thousand–pound hammer had slammed into Harvey. His chest felt like it had been hollowed out, letting in a cold, biting wind that cut through his organs like a knife.
“Elara!”
His eyes darkened, clouded with turmoil. His brows were perpetually furrowed, with deep lines etched between them.
“If he’s your true love, then what’s Theodore to you?”
“Are you secretly in love with Theodore?” Elara asked coldly. “Why are you so concerned about him?”
The man stared directly at her, and for a moment, she sensed a trace of sorrow in Harvey’s expression. Elara’s lashes fluttered, but her heart remained unmoved as she faced her ex–husband.
“How many times do I have to say it for you to remember? We’re not close. Back when we got divorced, you were terrified I’d come back.
“So, why do you keep showing up now, trying to make yourself relevant?”
Elara’s words made the man’s tone turn cold and sharp. “You’re overthinking it! You don’t actually think I came here on purpose to run into you, do you?”
Harvey’s lips curled into a mocking smile, and his dark eyes were filled with disdain. Yet, he couldn’t help but glance away out of guilt, unable to meet Elara’s gaze directly.
In truth, he had intentionally positioned himself here to cross paths with Elara. When he found out that Elara was taking Merida to the school administration building to meet with the arts department teacher, Harvey had tampered with the elevator.
He had been waiting on this floor, hoping to catch Elara by surprise. What he hadn’t expected was for Lesley to show up out of nowhere.
Lesley had followed Elara into the elevator. When the elevator shook, Lesley had taken the opportunity to pull Elara into his arms. So, Harvey had actually unwittingly payed the way for someone else!
According to Harvey’s plan, the elevator would malfunction and stop between floors. Panicked, Elara would rush out with Merida–only to find Harvey waiting there.
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 351
In that moment, he would have been Merida’s savior. Elara, in her panic, might have softened toward him and even asked for his help.
But because Lesley was also in the elevator and had protected Elara, Harvey’s appearance became completely unnecessary when the doors finally opened.
Harvey pursed his lips. He had truly miscalculated, but he could never let Elara find out about his meddling.
Harvey straightened his expression and declared sternly, ‘m a board member of Summit Academy. It’s perfectly normal for me to be here.
“If anything, I’m the one who should be suspicious of you showing up on the board members‘ floor with my daughter. Are you here to ambush me?”
Elara was speechless. After seven years with Harvey, she knew him well.
When he hadn’t done something, Harvey usually couldn’t be bothered to explain himself. But now, after just one comment from her, he had launched into a lengthy justification. Something was clearly off.
Elara turned to glance at the elevator. It had suddenly shaken earlier. An elevator like that would need to be inspected by professionals and confirmed safe before she’d dare ride it again.
They were now on the 6th floor, and the arts department was on the 9th. She said to Lesley and Merida, “Let’s take the stairs to the 9th floor.”
Harvey tried to stop her again. “What are you going to the 9th floor for?”
Elara acted as if he didn’t exist. She took Merida’s hand and walked past Harvey.
The man asked, “Are you ignoring me because you’re still holding a grudge?”
Elara rolled her eyes elegantly.
Seeing that Elara still wasn’t responding, Harvey dropped the act. His voice turned cold and unfeeling as he said, Without my approval, the arts department won’t add an extra performance slot for Merida.”
Only then did Elara stop in her tracks.
