?<strong>Chapter 673:</strong>


    Seeing Elyse’s angry expression, ire smiled mockingly. “Wow. Who taught you this trick of retreating to advance? Your parents? What’s your dad’s name again? Rickey? I heard he was a good-for-nothing fool. Did he put you up to this?”


    As soon as Elyse heard ire insult her father, her face turned grim. She seized ire by the cor and, locking eyes with her, gritted her teeth. “Who do you think you are to insult my dad? He’s the best in the world. Say anything bad about him again, and I’ll make you regret it.”


    Elyse waved her fist in warning before striding out of the store without a backward nce.


    For the first time, ire had been threatened like this, and her heart pounded in her chest. As she regained herposure, she noticed the store employees secretlyughing at her.


    She had intended to teach Elyse a lesson for her good friend Thea, but she ended up humiliating herself. Embarrassed, ire quickly ran out of the store, hoping to find Elyse and confront her, but Elyse was already out of sight.


    Looking around and feeling humiliated, ire stomped her foot angrily. “Damn it! I’m so pissed! Elyse, how dare you threaten me? I won’t let you get away with this.”


    When Elyse returned home, she saw Cody ying the violin in the yard. Setting aside her earlier frustration, she rushed over to him and listened intently to his performance.


    Gavin emerged from inside, holding a violin, and asked with curiosity, “Weren’t you going to visit the Bensons? Why are you back so soon?”


    Elyse pouted and replied, “It wasn’t enjoyable, so I came back early. I’d rather practice the violin here.”


    Cody paused his ying and exchanged a nce with Gavin. It was clear that the Benson family wasn’t nice to her.


    Cody pressed a violin into Elyse’s hands and said, “You came back quite early. Thepetition ising up, so buckle down and practice. Don’t let anything distract you.”


    Elyse nodded, soaking in his words, before diving into a serious practice session.


    The melody flowed from the instrument, filling the evening air. Meanwhile, Cody busied himself in the kitchen, whipping up dinner for Elyse and Gavin.


    Outside, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, Gavin perched on a swing in the yard, keeping Elysepany with his silent presence.


    Suddenly, the doorbell shattered the peaceful scene with a jarring ring. Gavin rose to his feet. “Keep ying,” he instructed, his voice firm. “I’ll get it.”


    Elyse, nodding, continued her practice.


    Gavin strode to the door, throwing it open to reveal a group of imposing men d in ck. A frown creased his brow. “Who are you?”


    “Does Elyse Lloyd live here?” rumbled the leader, his voice gravelly. “Mrs. Felicia Benson sent us. Apparently, Miss Lloyd has some transgressions to answer for.”


    Gavin’s frown deepened. He tried to m the door shut, but the men were quicker. They wedged themselves into the doorway, their bulky forms proving too much for Gavin’s lone resistance.


    Themotion reached Elyse’s ears. She halted mid-song, her gaze darting toward the doorway. Her heart hammered in her chest as she saw several menacing figures approaching, their movements purposeful.


    “Who are you?” Elyse demanded, her voiceced with apprehension. “I don’t know you.”


    “Apologies, Miss Lloyd,” the leader intoned, “but Mrs. Felicia Benson’s orders are absolute.”


    The mention of Felicia caused Elyse to falter. Hesitation flickered in her eyes, but ultimately, she decided toply.


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