Chapter 947:
Elyse’s detailed account effectively solidified Fiona’s negative image in everyone’s minds, deepening the instructor’s disdain for her. After rehearsal, violin case in hand, Elyse deliberately avoided Fiona. She and Geraldine quietly exited the music hall, planning a leisurely shopping excursion. After informing Jayden of their itinerary, Elyse and Geraldine, arms linked, made their way to the mall.
Unexpectedly, as they ambled past an ice cream shop, Elyse’s eyes fell on Mabel, whom she hadn’t encountered in a long while. Mabel was with a man Elyse didn’t recognize; they shared an ice cream cone. Elyse blinked, startled, and looked again to be sure she wasn’t mistaken. These repeated glances caught Mabel’s eye.
Upon seeing Mabel, Elyse’s mind was immediately flooded with memories of betrayal and danger. She vividly recalled Lanny and Glenda’s deceitful acts and their malicious glares, hinting at deadly intentions. Holding her breath, Elyse stared intently at Mabel. Mabel remained serene and unreadable, seemingly unaffected by Elyse’s presence. Even before Elyse arrived in Manfek, Mabel had been well-informed about her, discreetly monitoring her movements, confident their paths would eventually cross.
However, one detail escaped her calculations: Mabel hadn’t anticipated Hyde’s encounter with Elyse. Worried Elyse might charm her boyfriend, Mabel subconsciously tightened her grip on Hyde’s arm. Hyde, familiar with Elyse through Kaelyn’s stories and photographs, remained composed, casually enjoying his ice cream as he observed the unfolding scene.
“What are you looking at? He’s not your man. Stop staring at him, or I’ll gouge out your eyes!” Mabel burst out angrily when she caught Elyse eyeing Hyde.
Unaware of Mabel’s identity, Geraldine perceived her as a madwoman. She cautiously pulled Elyse back, advising, “Let’s steer clear of her. She seems unstable and could be dangerous.”
Elyse redirected her gaze to Mabel and said slowly, “She’s my cousin.”
“Your cousin? You mean, related by blood?” Geraldine asked, taken aback. She scrutinized Mabel briefly before inquiring, “But if you are related, why is she so hostile toward you? Did something happen between you two?”
“It’s more than just a simple quarrel. It’s much deeper than that,” Elyse replied, her lips sealed tight, clearly unwilling to delve into details.
The resentment between them was profound, a bitter conflict with no foreseeable resolution. They were doomed to continue hurting each other with cruel words until one succumbed.