?<strong>Chapter 256:</strong>


    Elyse stepped back, clearly skeptical of Pearce’s words. Exiting the car, Pearce asked her, “Ms. Lloyd, are you free now? If so, I can verify my identity for you. I’m headed to the university office to deal with something.”


    Elyse gave him a peculiar look. “Why should I apany you? I don’t even know you.”


    Pearce’s grin widened. “Your music has deeply moved me. I’d like to befriend you.” His genuinepliment touched Elyse, fulfilling her desire for recognition in music, something Pearce was the first to offer. After some hesitation, Elyse reluctantly agreed, “I’ll trust you this time.”


    Pearce breathed a sigh of relief. “I won’t ask you to ride in my car to avoid scaring you. Let’s walk there.”


    Elyse nodded in agreement, hesitant to ept a ride, fearing potential danger. Pearce was considerate, engaging in conversation to ease Elyse’s unease. Elyse also noticed that Pearce seemed both physically and mentally well-off. His calm and steady demeanor reminded her of her husband.


    Pearce continued chatting, noticing Elyse’s distraction. He candidly said, “Ms. Lloyd, talking to you feels like speaking to family. I can’t help but keep talking.”


    Elyse was momentarily taken aback but didn’t fully grasp his meaning. “Have you yed the violin since childhood?” Pearce asked.


    Elyse pondered briefly. “Somewhat.”


    Pearce praised her talent. “Your parents must be music enthusiasts, right?”


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    Without hesitation, Elyse replied, “Nope. My parents have no knowledge of music whatsoever.” In fact, Lanny and Glenda had no interest in music, let alone ssical music.


    Pearce was surprised. “Really? Could I see a photo of your parents, please?”


    Startled by Pearce’s request, Elyse became wary once more. She wondered if he was being a pervert, probing into her family background so soon. Realizing she might have misjudged, Pearce rified, “I’m simply curious about what your parents look like since they’ve raised such a talented individual like yourself.”


    After a moment of hesitation, Elyse decided to trust him. Odd as he may seem, she doubted he would pose any threat to Lanny and Glenda. She showed Pearce a photo before promptly putting her phone away.


    Pearce studied her for a moment before speaking thoughtfully. “Forgive me if thises off as rude, but I’m curious. Why do you bear no resemnce to your parents?”


    Elyse was taken aback, as Jayden had once made a simr observation. In a resigned tone, she replied, “They are indeed my biological parents.”


    Pearce didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he walked over the fallen golden leaves, emotions flickering in his eyes. Suddenly, he said, “You don’t resemble your parents at all, but you remind me of a family member.”


    Confused, Elyse asked, “What did you say?”


    Pearce masked his emotions behind a smile. “I said that you resemble someone I know. That’s why you give me a sense of family.”


    Elyse breathed a sigh of relief once she grasped his meaning. Apanying Pearce to the university, she discovered that he was indeed a professor set to hold a seminar the following week. Once theypleted his tasks, Pearce turned to her. “See, I’ve been honest with you, haven’t I?”


    Elyse nodded in agreement. “Yes, you have.”


    ncing at his watch, Pearce suggested, “It’s lunchtime. I believe there was a misunderstanding earlier. Would you join me for lunch to make amends?”


    After a brief consideration, Elyse nodded. “Certainly. My treat.”


    Pearce shook his head. “No, I never allow a woman to pay for my meal.”


    They settled into a restaurant close to the university and ced their orders. Pearce’s gaze remained fixed on Elyse, unnoticed by her initially. After some time passed, she couldn’t ignore it any longer and asked, “Why are you staring at me like that?”


    The longer Pearce looked, the more he saw a resemnce to that person. With controlled enthusiasm, Pearce offered a gentle smile. “Oh, it’s nothing. You’re quite captivating, Ms. Lloyd. I find it hard to look away. Have I offended you?”


    Elyse didn’t mince words. “Yes, you have, Mr. Benson. I’m married, and my husband and I are deeply in love.”


    “Deeply in love? I heard rumors that you two don’t get along. That he chose his ex-girlfriend over you. Is that true?” His words drained the color from Elyse’s face.


    The upper-ss social circle was unforgivingly small. Just the night before, she had hosted a birthday party with many guests, none of whom were oblivious to her difort. She hadn’t anticipated the news spreading so quickly, leaving her utterly unprepared.


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