?<strong>Chapter 1387:</strong>


    Just then, Felicia strolled in, her presence radiating warmth. The moment her eyesnded on Victor, her face brightened with delight.


    “Oh, Victor! d you made it!” she eximed, her tone brimming with affection.


    “Come in, sit down. Let me get you a drink.”


    Felicia pulled Victor toward the sofa and looked at Elyse with an eager smile.


    “Elyse, honey, why are you just standing there? Come join us!” she said cheerfully.


    Elyse, with a strained expression, remained frozen in ce.


    Noticing her difort, Pearce gently took her hand and led her to the sofa, positioning himself between her and Victor.


    As soon as Pearce settled in, he turned to Felicia with a hint of frustration.


    “Grandma, why did you invite him? This was meant to be a family dinner. Why is there an outsider here?”


    Victor yfully jabbed Pearce in the chest.


    “Hey, I’m always around. I’m practically family!” he eximed with a grin.


    Pearce shot him a look of annoyance before addressing Felicia again.


    “This ispletely unexpected. Did you consider whether Elyse would befortable with him here?”


    Felicia, caught up in the idea of a perfect family gathering and missing the tension in Pearce’s tone, dismissed his concerns with a wave of her hand.


    “What’s the big deal?” she countered.


    “Victor’s not an outsider. It’s better for Elyse to meet him sooner rather thanter, don’t you think?”


    “Grandma, you didn’t tell me he would be here.” Elyse finally spoke up, looking hurt.


    “Oh, you silly girl!” Felicia chided gently.


    “Victor’s a wonderful man. There’s no harm in getting to know him.”


    It was clear that Felicia’s intentions were well-meaning, making it impossible for Elyse to turn her down.


    Elyse nced at Victor, who wore a genial smile and exuded a friendly, well-mannered air. He seemedpletely at ease, his demeanor far more approachable than Jayden’s had ever been.


    Suddenly, she felt overwhelmed. She pressed a hand to her chest.


    “I need some air,” she murmured, standing abruptly and leaving the room before anyone could react.


    Ignorant of Elyse’s difort, Felicia turned to Victor with a grave expression.


    “My granddaughter has been through a lot. I’d appreciate it if you could spend some time with her,” she suggested earnestly.


    “Of course.” Victor nodded, his smile warm.


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