?<strong>Chapter 681:</strong>


    About ten minutester, Brian concluded his video conference and returned to the ward. When he saw that Elyse was bright-eyed, he exhaled a sigh of relief, a warm smile spreading across his face. “Looks like you’re recovering well.”


    “All thanks to you, Uncle Brian,” Elyse replied, beaming at him.


    Then, she asked hesitantly, “But you’re the one who took me out of there against Grandma’s wishes. How will you exin it to her?”


    Brian gave her a reassuring nod. “I’ll handle her. Don’t worry about that; she won’t me you.”


    Feeling reassured, Elyse’s mood brightened again, and she announced, “I’m feeling better now. Can I go home? I don’t like being cooped up in the hospital.”


    Pearce, respecting her wishes, immediately agreed. “If you don’t want to stay here, I’ll take you home.”


    Seeing Pearce fuss over Elyse like a dutiful older brother, Brian was deeply touched. It was as though ever since Elyse entered their lives, his son had grown more mature.


    After being dropped off at home, Elyse bid farewell to Brian and Pearce. As soon as she opened the door and walked into the yard, Gavin emerged, a smile lighting up his face.


    “I heard the door and wondered if it was you,” Gavin said, bounding over to her. “I’m so d you’re back!”


    Gavin patted her shoulder, and Elyse was immediately taken aback by his cool touch. “Gavin, how long were you waiting in the courtyard? You’re freezing!”


    “I was worried about you,” Gavin’s eyes lingered on Elyse, his hesitation visible in the furrow of his brows. After several false starts, he finally let out a heavy sigh. “It’s okay, Elyse. Sometimes even blood rtives can’t love you the way you deserve.”


    A hush fell between them before Elyse broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. “Did Pearce tell you everything?”


    Gavin’s smile was tinged with bitterness. “He couldn’t hide it, even if he tried. Come inside. Mr. Tucker’s waiting for you.”


    Elyse nodded and quietly followed Gavin into the house.


    Cody was sitting on the sofa, his fingers deftly working on recing a broken violin string. The soft twang of the string echoed in the quiet room.


    Gavin and Elyse took their seats, their eyes fixed on Cody’s meticulous movements.


    Once the new string was in ce, Cody looked up, his voice deep. “We’ll be moving on from Cambape in a few days.”


    Elyse’s eyes widened in surprise. She turned to Gavin, brows raised, “Weren’t we supposed to stay for two weeks?”


    “What difference does it make if we stay for two weeks or a few days?” Cody chuckled, his tone gentle but firm. “A few days won’t change anything. Elyse, don’t waste your time on people who don’t love you. You need to focus on loving yourself, understand?”


    Cody’s words hung in the air, heavy with earnestness.


    Elyse remained silent for a moment, absorbing the weight of his advice. Finally, she nodded, her voice steady. “I understand, Mr. Tucker.”


    “Get some rest. You’ve had a long day.”


    Cody’s voice was like a warm nket of concern, wrapping around Elyse’s weary soul.


    Even if she didn’t have the tender embrace of her grandmother’s love, she was enveloped by her mentor’s unwavering care. Familial love wasn’t a necessity, she realized; the bond between a mentor and their student could be equally profound, filling the empty spaces in her heart.


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