Chapter 450

Chapter 450

“When are you meeting your grandmother again?” Selena asked bluntly.

Eli had just set her schoolbag down when the question reached her ears again. She didn’t want to complain, but her mother always demanded definite answers. She paused, slowly zipping the bag closed before turning around. Selena stood in the doorway of her room, arms crossed, back straight-this wasn’t the posture of someone asking a question. It was the stance of someone waiting for an answer.

And clearly, Selena had no patience.

“I… don’t know yet,” Eli replied carefully. “Grandma’s been busy. As far as I know, her boutique is entering a new season p>

“Don’t you have any other excuse?” Selena clicked her tongue in irritation. “You’ve said that before. And I’m supposed to keep accepting the same answer p>

Eli swallowed. “I don’t want to bother her, Mom p>

Selena let out a short scoff. “Bother her? You’re her granddaughter. Since when does a grandchild count as a disturbance when calling her own grandmother p>

Eli fell silent. She knew that tone. Her mother was pushing her to meet Riana again-no more delays, no more reasons. Even though Eli had already tried, at least to check in, to ask how Riana was doing, to find out when she might have some free time.

“Listen,” Selena continued, stepping closer to where Eli sat at her desk. “Opportunities don’t come twice. You must look closer to her-more familiar. If not, they’ll see you as nothing more than a guest who shows up occasionally p>

“I’ve tried,” Eli protested softly. “I’ve messaged Grandma often. Sometimes I even try calling. I just don’t want to

force it p>

“That’s exactly the problem,” Selena shot back. “You’re too weak when it comes to showing your presence. You must show them what you want p>

Eli frowned. “What I want p>

“The desire to be accepted,” Selena said flatly. “That’s not something to be ashamed of, Eli. How many times do I have to say this to you p>

Silence crept in. Eli lowered her head even further. Her hands moved unconsciously, straightening sheet music that was already perfectly neat.

“After school,” Selena finally said, “you’ll go to the boutique and see your grandmother. Don’t wait for her to invite you p>

Eli lifted her head. “Mom p>

“No ‘but,”” Selena cut her off. “You want to be close to her, don’t you p>

Eli nodded faintly.

“Good. Do it, Eli. Don’t disappoint me p>

All Eli could do was let out a quiet, helpless breath, watching Selena leave her room with an irritated glance. She’d lost count of how many times her mother had pressured her like this.

“Does it… really have to be this way p>

+25 Bonus

“If you can’t meet Riana directly, tell Josh and ask for his help,” Selena said, her eyes sharp.

Eli could only nod obediently before getting out of the car. She took several deep breaths, steadying herself, gathering the courage to face Josh. Selena had ordered her to meet him in person. Eli didn’t have the strength to refuse an order that had brought her here.

Standing at the gate of SunRise Academy, waiting for Josh.

Armed with the information that Josh and his team were holding practice on the main field, Eli made her way inside. At first, she wasn’t allowed in, but the reason she gave was strong enough.

She wanted to see Josh-as family.

From a distance, Eli could see Josh and his team in the middle of practice. She had to admit it—Josh truly was an excellent basketball captain. Whatever instructions he gave, they always seemed to lead his team to victory.

That day’s practice ran longer than usual. The court was filled with the squeak of sneakers, the sharp bounce of the ball echoing back and forth, and bursts of cheers whenever the ball sank cleanly into the opposing hoop. Eli waited patiently until practice finally ended. Josh headed toward the bench, his jersey soaked with sweat, his face flushed, his hair tousled by the wind—but his smile was unmistakably satisfied.

Of course. His team had won by a landslide.

Eli hesitated to approach, not because Josh was still surrounded by his teammates, but because she wasn’t sure if this was the right place—or the right moment—to say why she had come.

But Selena’s words echoed in her mind, pushing her forward and forcing her to ignore the possibility of being turned away by Josh. A few students whispered as Eli stood nearby. Curious gazes began to gather.

Eli took a breath and stepped forward. “Josh p>

He turned, unable to hide his surprise. “You…? What are you doing here p>

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