Chapter 54

Originally, Emma had been confident, but seeing the amusement and disdain in Elysia's eyes, she felt worried.

"Elysia, what are you talking about? You're lying!" Bella shouted angrily, her gaze like that of a mortal enemy, intensely glaring. If Bella weren't Elysia's mother, Elysia would have thought Bella was her archenemy. Elysia doubted, "Is she really my biological mother? If not for the paternity test results, I'd never believe we were related."

Elysia couldn't understand Bella's overprotective behavior toward Emma, a protectiveness that extended to hurting her own daughter. "Are you my biological mother?" Elysia asked, the question catching everyone off guard.

Elysia added, "If you are, why can't I feel any maternal warmth from you?"

Bella was speechless, having neglected Elysia. Internally, she argued, It's because Elysia always causes trouble and bullies Emma. She was wrong, yet she rationalized her actions. The family had been harmonious until Elysia's reappearance after an eighteen-year absence. Bella thought, I'd finally adapted to life without her, and now she forces her way back into my world. She wasn't there when I needed her, but she returns the moment I let go. Because of her, the entire family is in turmoil. She runs my life and now has the audacity to accuse me! She's shameless.

Elysia waited, then sighed. "Why torture each other like this? If you don't like me, I'll go back to Silverstream. We'll be even then."

Scott was shocked. "This is your home. You're not going anywhere!"

Initially, Emma was secretly pleased at the mention of Silverstream, but Scott's words dashed her joy. Why didn't Dad let Elysia go? she thought.

Elysia remained silent, unsure what to say. Perhaps Scott felt some fatherly affection. Realizing his emotional outburst, he explained, "You are my biological daughter, Elysia. This will always be your home. I don't dislike you."

Elysia couldn't gauge Scott's sincerity, but felt a hint of warmth, choosing to deceive herself and allow a bit of comfort into her cold heart. Unlike Elysia, Emma's face paled. Scott said Elysia is his biological daughter—what about me? Doesn't he see me as his daughter? Isn't Rosewood my home anymore? she thought. Before Elysia's return, we were a happy family, Dad's love solely mine. But everything changed after she came back.

Bella, silent after Scott's words, had never voiced her opinion on bringing Elysia back—her opinion was unimportant to Scott. She wondered, Given Scott's cold nature, why does he suddenly care? Does he need an heir for his business? But he doesn't seem to care much now. What's going on?

Scott cleared his throat and looked at Elysia. "You say Emma is lying. How do you prove it?"

"The student council president handled it personally. Mia apologized, and many witnessed it," Elysia replied.

"The student council president?" Scott asked.

"Yes," Elysia said.

Chapter 51

Scott thought, The student council president of Milton School is influential. If she handled it, Elysia is likely not at fault. But what if Elysia is lying? He asked, "How can you prove it?"

Elysia, who'd felt a hint of warmth, frowned. He still doesn't believe me. Why do I need so much evidence to prove my innocence? Yet he believes Emma easily.

Emma felt mixed emotions. She sensed Scott siding with Elysia, unsure if Elysia could produce evidence. She hoped Elysia couldn't, so she could humiliate her. Whether Elysia proves it or not doesn't matter to me. My words were vague and, if not scrutinized, faultless.

Elysia considered how to prove it. She hadn't exchanged contact information with Elena but remembered Ben's contact information. She quickly retrieved the note, dialed the number, and said, "Let me make a call."

Ben almost rejected the unfamiliar call but answered. "Hello?"

"I need Elena's number," Elysia said.

"Who is this?" Ben asked, recognizing her voice. Overjoyed at recognizing Elysia, he asked, "Are you Elysia?"

"Yes," she replied.

"I never thought you'd call! Wait, I'll send Elena's number."

Elysia thanked him and hung up. She received Elena's number, dialed, and put the call on speaker. After a beep, Elena answered.

"This is Elysia," Elysia said.

Elena, puzzled, asked, "What's up?"

"I need you to testify about the incident with Mia," Elysia replied.