Chapter 425

Chapter 425

Eli swallowed hard. Old memories crept in-cramped apartments, Selena coming home exhausted and irritable, probably crushed by the pressure of her job. Long nights filled with uncertainty about how they would get through the next day.

“You never asked for anything,” Selena went on. “Even though you had every right to p>

Eli shook her head faintly. “I don’t know why, but… I feel like what we have is already enough p>

Selena smiled thinly, her eyes cold. “Enough for whom p>

Eli fell silent.

“You know,” Selena continued, her tone sharpening, “Josh isn’t their biological grandchild p>

Eli turned quickly. “What do you mean, Mom p>

“He’s Mrs. Althea’s son,” Selena said. “Accepted out of sympathy. Because your father was close to him-since he was little. But blood? They don’t share that at all p>

Eli’s heart began to race. “But… they love him p>

“Of course,” Selena scoffed softly. “Because Chase married his mother. That automatically earned Josh affection from everyone in the Miller family. But you? You’re his biological child, Eli. You have far righter than he ever does p>

Eli looked back toward the table. Josh was smiling, while Riana gently patted the back of his hand.

“If you enter that family,” Selena whispered, “everything will return to where it belongs. You’re their true grandchild. Josh is not p>

Eli shook her head slowly. “I don’t want to take anything from anyone p>

“This isn’t taking, Eli,” Selena cut in. “Oh, come on. This is about rights. You deserve them. And you have to fight for them p>

That tone made Eli fall silent. Something trembled in her chest-not courage, but doubt beginning to crack.

“Go in,” Selena said softly, her words still carrying pressure. “Be sweet. Talk about your school. Your achievements. Make your grandmother proud p>

Eli took a deep breath. “And… about wanting to move in with them p>

Selena smiled, satisfied. “That’s the real purpose of this meeting, Eli. Just say you’re tired of living in your current apartment. That you miss your grandmother. Or anything at all. That it would be better if we were together. That’s only natural p>

“And if they refuse p>

Selena leaned closer, her voice dropping into something cold. “You wouldn’t want to disappoint me, would you p>

Eli shivered. “I’ll try p>

“Good,” Selena said quickly. “Remember-don’t feel guilt. You’re only taking back what was always meant to be yours.” She gave Eli’s shoulder a gentle push. “Go on. I’ll whit here p>

The moment Eli stepped inside the restaurant, a satisfied in spread across Selena’s face. She took a few steps back, slipped her phone from her pocket, and moved farther away from the entrance. It didn’t seem to bother her in the slightest if she spent the wait with a cup of coffee at the café across the street. She dialed a number she knew by heart.

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“She’s inside,” Selena said softly, her tone brimming with atisfaction.

The voice on the other end sounded eager. “Good p>

“She’s starting to believe,” Selena continued. “Before long we’ll have good news p>

A low chuckle came through the line. “I’m waiting for it p>

“Of course,” Selena replied smoothly. “There’s always good news for you. And what about you-can you already see your sworn enemy beginning to fall apart p>

“It looks like Eli has arrived, Grandma,” Josh said, having noticed the entrance without meaning to.

The dark-haired girl stepped inside and was greeted by a waiter. Her outfit was simple-a short-sleeved striped knit top paired with cream-colored knee-length pants, finished with casual sneakers. Still, there was something effortlessly elegant about her. Maybe it was her gentle-looking face.

Josh didn’t dwell on it.

“Please, this way. The reservation is under Mrs. Miller,” the waiter said, gesturing toward the table where Riana and Josh were having lunch.

Eli gave a small, polite bow and thanked him. She felt awkward approaching them, but there was no turning back

now.

“Good afternoon, Grandma,” Eli greeted warmly.

“You’re here,” Riana replied with a faint smile. “Please, have a seat p>

Eli smiled and sat beside Riana. “Thank you, Grandma p>

Riana studied her face-not searching for resemblance but trying to read something unseen. “You look better today. How’s your injury p>

“I’m fine,” Eli answered quickly. “The doctor gave me medication that works well. The mark is barely visible now.” She slightly lifted her hair to show the long scratch, still covered with a clear bandage.

“Thank goodness. I’m glad to hear that.” Riana felt a wave of relief. After all, it was because of Eli’s courage that she herself hadn’t been hurt at all. “Oh, let me introduce you this is Josh, my grandson p>

Eli looked at Josh for a moment, then gave a small smile and extended her hand. “Hi, Josh. I’m Eli p>

“Yeah.” Josh returned the handshake briefly. There was no need to introduce himself-his grandmother had already done that.

“I… I didn’t expect you to come to our meeting,” Eli said as she sat across from him, lightly tucking a strand of hair behind her cheek.

“Does that bother you?” Josh asked casually, biting into the edge of his pizza.

“No!” Eli shook her head quickly. “Not at all p>

“Good.” Josh went back to his lunch. He seemed indifferent to Eli’s presence, yet his ocean-blue eyes quietly followed her every move. “Oh, I almost forgot p>

He placed a small paper bag on the table. “This is for you. A little gift from Grandma p>

Eli froze. “I-I don’t need p>

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