Chapter 7

The vibe in the room got super tense all of a sudden.

Elisa grabbed a tissue to wipe Elaine's tears, but Adeline smacked her hand away.

She patted Elaine's back to comfort her, then shot a glare at Elisa. "Every time you come back, you just upset Mom and Dad."

Elisa's face darkened, and she muttered, "Do you think I want to come back?"

It felt like there was never a place for her in this family.

Adeline had always been competing with Elisa for everything since they were kids.

Whenever they fought, Walter and Elaine always took Adeline's side, leaving Elisa wondering where she fit in this family.

After Elaine calmed down, no one felt like eating anymore.

After a few bites, Elisa picked up the heavy chessboard and was about to leave.

As she reached the door, Elaine called her back, coming out with a red scarf and wrapping it around Elisa.

Elisa was stunned, staring at Elaine in a daze.

Elaine sighed, her tone softening, "I saw this scarf while shopping yesterday and thought it would suit you, so I bought it. I was just anxious earlier. Don't take those words to heart. I just want this family to be better."

She did it again.

From childhood to adulthood, Elaine would always show a bit of care after Elisa had suffered a great grievance, making it impossible for her to completely sever ties with this family.

Elisa clutched the soft scarf, feeling a sudden touch of emotion.

She was actually hesitating whether to tell them about her cancer.

If they had known she was sick, would they have treated her better?

"Mom, actually I..." Elisa had just started to speak when Adeline interrupted, "Mom, I can't find my black dress. Can you help me find it? I need it for the company's celebration tomorrow."

Elaine's attention was immediately diverted by Adeline. She patted Elisa's hand. "Go home first. If there's anything, message me. I'll help Adeline find her dress."

Elaine approached Adeline, looking at her with a mix of indulgence and helplessness. "You always lose things. What will you do when you get married?"

Adeline hugged Elaine and acted affectionately. "I'm not getting married. I want to stay with you forever."

She playfully stuck out her tongue, but her eyes were fixed on Elisa, full of provocation.

At that moment, Elisa felt heartbroken, dismissing her idea immediately.

She was somewhat glad she hadn't mentioned her illness. Otherwise, her parents would have thought she was competing with Adeline for attention.

After all, she had often pretended to be sick to get their attention when she was younger, and she was always found out.

Adeline walked up to Elisa, looked her up and down, and mocked, "You've been married to Howard for so long, but you still haven't won his heart. What a failure."

Indeed, Elisa's whole life seemed to be a failure, but she wouldn't admit that in front of Adeline.

Holding the heavy chessboard in one hand, Elisa flicked her long hair with the other and smiled slightly, "At least I married Howard. As for you, he doesn't even look at you!"

Adeline's face changed, and she was about to lose her temper when the cab Elisa had hailed arrived. She got in the car and slammed the door, leaving.

After lugging the chessboard back, Elisa was so wiped out she could barely catch her breath.

Flora handed her a cup of water, teasing, "Did you bring back a rock or what?"

Running her fingers over the patterns on the chessboard, Flora couldn't help but ask, "Are you really gonna give it to him? I thought you didn't want to go back to the Brown Mansion with Howard. What if Mr. William Brown makes some soup for you again?"

Elisa sighed, clearly troubled. "I have to. My dad went through a lot to get this high-quality marble chess set. He'll definitely check if Grandpa William got it, or his business deals might take a hit."

Flora clicked her tongue. "Your dad's been riding the Brown Family's coattails for the past couple of years, but his company is still tanking. Maybe he's just not cut out for business."

Flora could go on and on about Elisa's family.

Elisa listened quietly, not arguing back. She hadn't told her family about the divorce because she was afraid Walter and Elaine would stir up trouble for the sake of benefits. They'd probably force her to demand half of the property.

With that money, the Garcia Family wouldn't have to grovel to the Browns anymore.

So, Elisa kept it a secret. She figured it wouldn't be too late to tell them after the divorce was finalized.

But the biggest problem now was the chessboard. Elisa decided to deliver it to William tomorrow afternoon to avoid running into Howard.

Tomorrow was a workday, so she figured Howard wouldn't be at the Brown Mansion.

They had argued so fiercely today that she couldn't pretend to be a loving couple anymore.

As planned, Elisa delivered the chessboard to the Brown Mansion the next afternoon.

William was exercising in the yard. When he saw Elisa, he was overjoyed and insisted she join him. "Keep up with me and open your arms a bit more!"

Elisa had exercised with William before, so she was pretty good at it now.

After an hour of exercise, Elisa was drenched in sweat and collapsed on the sofa.

William, still full of energy, picked up his teacup and sipped slowly. "You young folks need more exercise. Elisa, come over and exercise with me more often."

Elisa waved her hand and quickly refused, "No, thanks, Grandpa. Just bringing this chessboard over was exhausting enough."

William touched the chessboard and pieces, his sharp eyes narrowing. "This fine item must be from your dad, right?"

Nothing escaped his notice.

Elisa nodded. "Yes."

She didn't mention the project, but William understood.

He stroked his beard and said meaningfully, "The company is now managed by Howard. I can't interfere."

Elisa added tea to his cup and calmly said, "It's okay. As long as you accept the chessboard, I can report back."

William shook his head indulgently, "Fine. Since you brought the chessboard, play a few games with me before you leave."

Elisa thought this might be her last time playing chess with William, so she didn't refuse.

After a few games, it was already dark, and William invited Elisa to stay for dinner.

Elisa was helping to bring the dishes from the kitchen when she saw Howard, dressed in a suit, walking in from outside.

Their eyes met, and both of them were clearly stunned.