Chapter 4 I’ve Found It Out
After Kirsten left, Leonel slammed the cup on the table. “Damn it!” Jessica handed him a glass of water and consoled him. “Don’t be angry. Kirsten doesn’t take us seriously anymore. What’s the point of getting upset?” They had adopted Kirsten eight years ago. At the time, Leonel had been fervently searching for Elvia but couldn’t locate her despite his prolonged efforts. He chanced upon Kirsten by accident. She bore a resemblance to Elvia, and Leonel, missing Elvia terribly and feeling sorry for Kirsten, decided to take her in. Kirsten was obedient and adept at sweet-talking. She excelled at pleasing people. Diana yielded to Kirsten’s knack for manipulation. Two years after adopting Kirsten, Diana took the initiative to raise her alone. Within a few years, she transformed Kirsten into a celebrated prodigy in Banyan City, garnering much envy from others. However, since Kirsten had begun living with Diana, she looked down upon the couple. Although she didn’t openly show it, her words were always cutting. Leonel and Jessica were oblivious. With time, they began to comprehend what Kirsten truly meant. Consequently, they interacted less with Kirsten. “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have adopted her!” Leonel lamented. “You did it out of kindness,” Jessica looked at Elvia and remarked, “The issue is canceling the engagement. Diana seems resolute in getting Elvia married off. She won’t relent if we don’t comply.” “I must call off the engagement. At worst, we’ll return the house to Diana. I believe I can provide for my wife and daughter.” Jessica let out a sigh. Diana wouldn’t leave them with a place in Banyan City. Elvia lowered her head and glanced at the contents on her phone. It was information about Henry. As the current focus of the Bradshaw family, Henry’s dossier was quite extensive. Everything was included, except for his photograph. His phone number was also listed. “Mr. Gilmore, you needn’t trouble yourself. I can handle the cancellation of the engagement.” Elvia raised her head, a smile gracing her delicate and fair features. “You needn’t worry about being homeless. I’ll buy a house for you.” She intended to purchase a home to repay Leonel’s years of kindness. “Elvia…” Leonel wanted to say something, but Elvia stood up and dialed a number. “Is this Mr. Bradshaw? This is Kirsten Gilmore.” After the call connected, Elvia got straight to the point. On the other end, Henry’s fingers froze, and he arched an eyebrow. “What’s the matter?” “I want to call off the engagement.” Elvia’s voice was resolute. Henry was taken aback and, after a moment, he smiled. “Agreed!” Elvia was in a daze as she stared at the disconnected call. Did he just agree? A high-end club in Banyan City. Henry lounged on the couch, legs crossed, holding his phone with slender fingers, a smile playing on his lips as he reviewed the call log on the screen. “Is that really Ms. Gilmore?” Arthur, holding a goblet, asked in astonishment. “She said she was.” Henry’s deep, charming voice carried a hint of amusement. “Well!” Arthur clicked his tongue. “Ms. Gilmore is quite spirited. I have a newfound impression of her.” Despite his notorious reputation, Henry came from a wealthy family. Many women desired to marry him, but his grandfather had matched him with Elvia. He had assumed the Gilmore family wouldn’t agree to annul the engagement. After investigating them, he found that their family business had been dwindling and was now in need of funds. The marriage would bring an investment to the Gilmore family—this was Wilbert’s condition. Hence, Diana wouldn’t agree to the cancellation. He hadn’t expected that Elvia would be the one proposing it. She was truly deserving of her reputation as a talented woman in Banyan City. Her decisiveness was a trait many women lacked. Henry was in high spirits, his eyes narrowed as he swiftly typed on his phone. Arthur leaned in to peer, surprised. “Henry, why did you save the recording of that call just now?” Henry glanced up briefly, his fingers still moving. “How can I not let my grandfather know about this good news?” “He might have a heart attack if he finds out,” Arthur couldn’t fathom the consequences. “It won’t be that serious, but there’ll definitely be a stir.” Wilbert often used this tactic. He would go to any lengths to ensure Henry married Elvia, which posed a headache for Henry. Now that Elvia had taken the initiative to call off the engagement, Wilbert would likely quiet down. Arthur sipped his wine and turned his head to look at Henry with confusion. “Why don’t you want to marry Kirsten? She’s beautiful and excels academically. I’ve heard she’s achieved recognition in various fields, and with her grades, she’s sure to gain admission to a prestigious college. She’s the kind of wife many men desire but can’t have.” Henry set down his phone, picked up the goblet, and swirled it lightly. “Since she’s so outstanding, I’d rather not get in her way as a burden.” Arthur’s gaze fell on Henry’s long, strong legs before shifting away. Splendid Community. The phone rang as soon as Elvia entered her bedroom. Glancing at the caller ID, she froze momentarily, then walked over to the window and answered the call. “I’ve found out,” a deep male voice emanated from the phone. “Four families from Aelbarrow visited your residence on the day of your mother’s passing.” Elvia’s gaze dimmed. “Four families?” “Yes!” the man continued. “The Swanson family, the Mata family, the Morrow family, and the Bradshaw family.” Elvia was taken aback. “The Bradshaw family? Henry’s family?” “Yes,” the man confirmed. “Apart from the Bradshaw family, the other three families that visited your residence are of intermediate standing in Aelbarrow.” After a pause, the man added, “The three families went to your home in search of something. I haven’t discovered what it was, but it was Henry who was sent by his family to your house.” Elvia raised her cool gaze, her brows furrowed. “Henry? What did he want?” “He seemed to be searching for someone!” Elvia remained silent, leaning against the bed and tapping her fair, slender fingers on the windowsill. After a long while, she spoke slowly, “Keep investigating and find out what item they were seeking. Don’t concern yourself with the Bradshaw family. I’ll delve into them on my own.” “Yes.”
