Chapter 283
In the garden of Grant Manor, two figures stood apart, exchanging glaners.
Effie said, “Cigarettes have a lot of nicotine in them. The carbon monoxide and cyanide released when they burn can really harm your lungs and your ability to breathe”
“The chemicals like benzene, heavy metals, and others found in cigarettes can even increase the risk of cancer. She looked at the many cigarette butts scattered at Alex’s feel.
“Knowing all these bad effects, so many people still smoke.” Alex said and glanced briefly at Ellie before staring off into the distance. Ellie stond next In a flowerbed a little to his left.
Suddenly, five years worth of memories rushed into her mind–the sight of Alex’s Mom on her knees at the Layton wedding, begging him not to
Back then, Alex fully understood how devastating it would be for the Warren Eamily and the Warren Group if he chose violence. Yet he had still pulled the trigger
When he found out about her pregnancy, even knowing the storm that would follow, he had rushed out to see her. He dove heathest into disaster, despite knowing the risks.
“You should try to smoke less, if only for the sake of the people who care about you,” Ellie said, her tone steady and lacking emotion as she rested her hands on the flowerbed and tilted her head slightly upward.
Perhaps sensing Alex’s inner struggle or noticing him hakding back his usual bravado, Ellie realized she could speak to him calmly, even offer some comfort
“Are you ferling sorry for met Alex’s unexpected question caught Ellie off guard. She turned to face him, saying nothing in reply.
As she watched him pull out another cigarette from his pack, she reached into her pocket for the candy her daughter had given her before she left
home
“Here,” Ellie said, offering the candy to Alex. He just stared at her without taking it, so she stepped closer and placed it in his hand.
1 the past. Alex had always been surrounded by admirers, a person of importance no matter where he went even to the restroom, there would be
Yet now, after being away for so long, no one came looking for him. Reality can be cruel. The fact that the Wen family hadn’t completely fallen apart during Alex’s five–year absence felt like a small mercy from others.
“You might find peace just sitting in a hospital hallway, realizing that good health is more valuable than anything else,” Ellie concluded, taking his cigarette and putting it back in the pack.
Their eyes inet, and Alex looked surprised for a moment. Then lie forced a smile that seemed a bit bitter. “Can you believe it! No one’s ever talked to me like this in my life.”
Elbe felt a sudden rush of emotions swelling inside her, and she looked away.
“People just call me a scoundrel, a terrible debtor, treating me like in lower than even Orion’s toe. I used to laugh at what they said, but now I see that they were right. I was in the wrong?
Listening to Alex’s self-criticism and despair, Ellie felt a mix of sympathy and sadness. In the past, Alex had held onto a pride that seemed untouchable, never caring furcorrect people’s misunderstandings.
After some thought, she replied, “Maybe they care about you a lot, and their frustration comes from wanting you to reach your full potential?”
Looking at Alex again, she noticed far was smiling over more. Alex said, “I never guessed you had such a way with words”
As he unwrapped the grear things tou”
and popped it into his mouth, Ellie continued, “Your parents are amazing, and if you want to, you can really achieve.
“Do you really think I can do that?” Alex asked.
absolutely believe it. Ellie said firends
Alex fud an undenialde pride, strong will, impressive intelligence, and an extensive network. If he decided to take action, success would surely Follow Ellie Jurl always believed that.
Jind then, Barry walked over, holding back, and informed them that the party was about to wind slowen, Alex straightened up, adjusted his clothes, and got ready to leave
‘He met Ellie’s gaze, cleared his throat, and said, “Thank you, the cantly is really sweet.” For a lutef ument, their eyes licked, but thien Ellie quickly
Alex walked off, his strides large and purposeful. Ellie remained where she was, hoping her would gather his strength and take control of the Warre Camp, bringing the family back to its glory days
She longed for him to retu the spirited, playful, and happy guy. And with Cirion res overing and back with the family, Alex would not only have his parents but als a brother; she believed he would flourish more than ever.
and Liam to take lilim opstades to
Diana called from behind, which
After hearing that Aaron wouldn’t be leaving that night, Ellie said, “Okay, I’ll head back myself”
But Diana grabbed her arm, insisting, “Ellie, why not stay? They’re all at Mark’s place having fun. Let’s join them
“Diana, Have an early shift at the hospital tomorrow, WI
cy is free, you two should come over to my place for dinner, Ellie replied.
As she said her goodbyes, it was nearly eleven o’clock when she finally left Grant Manor.
Meanwhile, at Warren Manso, Alex parked the entrance and walked inside. The house was fir chaos, undergoing renovation with debris everywhere. With many wiring systems disconnected, the entire manor felt dark and welcoming
As he walked through, it felt like he was wandering through ruins.
It wasn’t until he reached the main building that he found even a hint of light In the living room, he saw his parents sitting at the sofa, a table covered in trnovation plans between them.
They were discussing how to renovate the most cost–effective way. Nancy said. “Honey, this renovation company quoted us way too highc we
Todd said, “Let’s save where we can, Alex will neril a lot
ed a lot of money in the future?
“Alex will eventually join the company, even if Mr. Wright didn’t invite us to the party, I think I should gra If it’s too embarrassing for you, you should stay home. I’ll deliver the gift and come back.”
Alex gripped the doorknob of the living rooms, stunned into silence.
From a distance, he watched as his parents ate plain food, discussing frugal plans while hiding their own frustrations, all to give him a smother
com a distance, he watched as his parents ate plain food, alist ussing frugal | |
When he saw his Mom start to cry while talking, Alex couldn’t take it anymore. With tears in his eyes, he quickly left.
“Give me a cigarette, Alex ordered, climbing into the car and accepting the pack from Barry. After funding, be pulled out a cigarette, lit it up, and began tu cha moke one after another.
Sining in the passenger seat with the door open, he felt the warm medsture gathering in his eyes and let the silence envelop him. Monents passed before he grabdied his phone and opened the chat with Linde Widow,
