Chapter 72

“I know, go ahead.”

“Alright… By the way, howe you’re here? Did youe with someone?”

This was the Jinpeach Restaurant, a ce with a steep bill that ordinary folks wouldn’t just stroll into.

Elysia told the truth, “I came with Blossom. She’s treating me to dinner.”

“Oh, that exins it. Well, enjoy your meal. I’lle find you once I’m done here. Give me your new

number, and let’s exchange contacts.”

Elysia nodded, and they swapped numbers, also adding each other on WhatsApp.

With that, Zane parted ways with Elysia.

Elysia steadied her mind and made another trip to the restroom. She needed to freshen up, not wanting

Blossom or the kids to notice anything off.

But fate–damn it–has its own ns!

Right as she reached the restroom door, she spotted Tarquin in the smoking area. He was the only one

there, standing at the railing, tall and straight, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a cigarette,

taking asional drags.

From her angle, she could only see his profile–sharp nose, long eyshes, and clear and distinct facial

contours.

To be fair, the guy was handsome!

Elliot and Evan did bear a striking resemnce to him.

Elysia didn’t want to see him, though. Just a glimpse stirred annoyance within her. She decided against

going to the restroom and turned to leave.

She couldn’t afford to offend him, but at least she could avoid him, right?

But then, a man’s voice came from behind, “I really dislike it when people y games in front of me.”

Elysia stopped in her tracks. Was he talking to her? She nced back at Tarquin who was still staring

straight ahead, his posture unchanged, not looking at her.

Was she imagining things?

Just as she was about to continue walking, she heard him again, “My patience is limited. If you’re trying

to y hard to get, save yourself the effort. Why don’t you juste clean about what you’re trying to

get from me?”

Now, Elysia was sure she wasn’t hearing things.

She looked around; they were alone in the hallway. He was speaking to her.

Elysia’s patience was wearing thin. She turned around and marched up to Tarquin, stopping a mere

three feet away.

She looked up at him and said, “My patience is just as limited. I’ve exined to you many times that I

had no intention of getting close to you. I never even thought about knowing you, let alone getting

something from you. Don’t tter yourself.”

Tarquin turned to look at her, his expression so cold it could have frozen the century. “People who y

mind games in front of me never end well!”

Elysia, though startled by his demeanor, stood her ground, tilting her chin up bravely. “I’m not ying

any games with you!”

She knew she couldn’t run; she had to stand up to him and make things clear, or else she’d be guilty of

all the usations he was hurling at her.

I

“You’re always suspicious of me, and I want to ask you–what’s your deal? They say a lecher sees

lechery everywhere; is it just your paranoia, or do you have some sort of ulterior motive concerning

me?”

Tarquin’s face darkened. “What about you could possibly interest me?”

“Fine, if I’m worthless in your eyes, then could you please stop with your baseless suspicions and leave

me be? Let’s keep our paths separate, and we’ll mind our own business. Can we agree on that?”

“When have you ever not been the one to look for me first?”

“When? Can you be more specific?”

Tarquin was silent…