Chapter 6 Keeping Her Secret

Arthur shot Elisa a knowing look and said, "No problem. I'll get someone to add that to the contract."

He thought to himself, 'Howard has no clue that Elisa is the author of "Restart." If he did, he wouldn't be asking me to get Victoria a role.'

This was going to be interesting. He couldn't wait to see Howard's reaction when he found out Elisa was the brains behind "Restart."

Elisa noticed Arthur's gossipy grin and wanted to explain that it wasn't about Howard, but she figured the more she explained, the messier it would get, so she just kept quiet.

To save Elisa another trip, Arthur had someone add the new clause to the contract right away. Once everything was sorted, they signed the contract on the spot.

Arthur walked Elisa to the elevator and asked, "Elisa, Howard doesn't know you're a screenwriter, does he?"

Elisa was caught off guard and nodded.

Over the past few years, their interactions had been minimal. Howard never showed any interest in her affairs, so she never brought it up.

Arthur grinned and said, "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me!"

He was looking forward to Howard discovering Elisa's identity on his own.

Seeing Arthur's scheming look, Elisa knew exactly what he was thinking.

She wanted to say there was no need to keep it a secret. Howard would find out eventually when she met Victoria, but seeing Arthur so entertained by it, she kept quiet.

On her way back, Elisa got a call from her mom, Elaine Carter.

As soon as she picked up, Elaine's excitement was clear, "Elisa, I made a big dinner. Come over with Howard."

Elisa stared out the car window and replied indifferently, "Forget it, he's got a social event tonight, no time."

For the past three years, she had used this excuse to brush it off.

The Garcias always had some ulterior motive when inviting her and Howard over, usually wanting investments or projects.

She didn't want her family to rely on the Brown Family for survival. Her image in Howard's mind was already bad enough.

She refuse this time, not because she cared about her image, but because they were about to divorce, and she didn't want to owe Howard anything.

Sure enough, Elaine's tone changed immediately, sounding annoyed, "Then come by yourself. There's something important to discuss."

Elisa frowned, about to refuse, but Elaine seemed to anticipate it and spoke first, "As a housewife doing nothing all day at the Brown Family, you should have time for dinner with us. No excuses. You must come tonight!"

After giving the final order, Elaine hung up.

Elisa sighed, unable to resist Elaine's demand.

After getting home, she wrote a bit, made porridge for Flora, and left a note for her to heat it up when she got back.

After all that, she slowly headed to the Garcia Family.

As soon as Elisa walked in, Adeline Garcia, who was all dressed up and sitting on the sofa, stood up expectantly, looking at the door.

Elisa had already entered, but no one else came in. The light in Adeline's eyes dimmed bit by bit.

Still not ready to give up, Adeline glanced at the door a few more times before glaring at Elisa. "You came alone?"

Elisa shrugged. "What do you think?"

Adeline was Elisa's older sister. The Garcias had always planned for her to marry Howard, but no one expected Howard to choose Elisa instead.

Howard was handsome, fit, and loaded. What woman wouldn't be into him?

Thinking her perfect fiancé had been snatched by Elisa, Adeline couldn't stand it.

Every time there was a chance Howard might show up, she'd sit and wait eagerly. If he didn't come, she'd glare at Elisa with resentment.

It happened every time Elisa came back, so she was used to it by now.

Adeline's hopes were dashed again, and she wasn't happy, showing no kindness to Elisa.

She snorted, "You never bring him over. Are you trying to keep him away from me? You can try, but you'll never keep him away forever."

Elisa stayed silent.

She didn't have much time left. If Adeline found out about the divorce, she'd probably be thrilled to have a shot.

But whether Adeline could beat Victoria was up to her own abilities.

After washing her hands, Elisa walked to the dining table and greeted Walter and Elaine, "Dad, Mom."

Seeing Elisa alone again, Elaine and Walter were used to it but couldn't hide their disappointment.

During dinner, Elaine and Walter habitually doted on Adeline, always smiling as they listened to her.

Adeline started complaining about work, and they listened patiently.

Elisa gripped her utensils, sensing the harmonious atmosphere, feeling neglected and excluded.

Despite being a Garcia, Walter and Elaine's patience and love had always been for Adeline, while she had always been ignored.

Sometimes she couldn't help but wonder if she was really their biological child. How could her parents treat her so differently?

While Elisa was lost in thought, Walter had someone bring out a custom marble chess set.

He said to Elisa, "Mr. William Brown loves chess. This is a custom marble chess set. Take it to him in the next few days."

Elisa glanced at it, frowning. "Dad, he doesn't need a chess set."

Walter insisted, "Is there any chess player who doesn't love a good chessboard? Take it to him."

Elisa didn't want to take it because Walter giving gifts meant he wanted something from the Brown Family.

Sure enough, after a few bites, Walter said, "The city development project has been stalled. Ask Howard if he can get it for us."

Elisa swallowed her food and said, "I don't understand business. You can ask him yourself."

Elaine, who had been silent, got angry, "Why are you so useless? You've been married for three years. Have you brought any benefits to us while you enjoy yourself? Just ask about it, but you're making excuses instead. If we knew you were useless, we wouldn't have agreed to your marriage. If Adeline had married Howard, the Garcia Family wouldn't be in this state."

Elaine's voice choked with emotion.

A few years ago, the Garcia Family was still doing well, but in recent years, Walter's failed projects had left them in a bad state.