Chapter 1489


    “Maybe I just got darker from the sun,” Lena said.


    “You must have gone through a lot over there anyway,” Lina said.


    Lena smiled. A worry gnawed at her whenever she wasn’t by Lina’s side. She feared that Lina might


    face mistreatment of some sort, akin to how Lina would fret if Lena got bullied in her absence.


    Zuko and Chris exchanged nces, sharing an unspoken understanding. Those two treated them like


    they were invisible.


    Before they could engage in conversation, Zuko and Lina were swarmed and ushered away. Chris


    couldn’t escape socializing either.


    Lena smiled and returned to her quiet corner.


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    Suddenly, someone handed her a ss of champagne.


    Lena looked up and saw Elijah standing before her. He had slightly flushed cheeks and a tipsy smile.


    Adjusting his tie, he nodded toward the balcony.


    Lena followed him.


    The balcony was vast and tranquil, a world apart from the bustling banquet hall. The evening breeze


    brought a refreshing coolness, and the champagne carried a hint of sweetness.


    Lena savored this rare moment of serenity. “Why aren’t you inside, mingling with the guests?”


    Elijah nced at her, reluctant to answer. In truth, she understood even without his words. Prolonged


    pretense and performance before many people could be exhausting.


    But had he never contemted a happily-ever-after with Kasey? By all ounts, Kasey was an


    excellent wife and mother, perfectly matched with Elijah.


    After a pause, Elijah said with a faint smile, “This time… thank you very much.”


    “You’re wee,” Lena replied casually. “I had my personal agenda. I wanted those children to receive


    a better education.”


    “My father-inw is extremely grateful to you. He keeps calling you his lucky star. I’ll arrange for you to


    meet him when the opportunity arises.”


    “I’m pleased I could assist Mr. Patton. However, I also hope he follows through on his campaign


    promises and takes responsibility for those children.”


    Elijah chuckled nonchntly, taking a generous sip of his wine. “It’s just a facade. Don’t take it to heart!


    These things are mutually beneficial.”


    “Much like your marriage to Ms. Patton?”


    Elijah’s demeanor abruptly changed as he locked eyes with her.


    Lena grinned. “Even if it’s a charade and mutually advantageous, both parties obtain what they need.


    People are creatures of emotion. Over time, feelings tend to evolve. I believe that as Mr. Patton spends


    more time with those children, he will genuinely care for them.


    “And you…” Lena turned to him. “You and Ms. Patton are no different.”


    “Hey!” Elijah was about to request she drop the topic, but he sensed someone observing them.


    Apart from the affluent and influential, the most vital guests tonight were the children Lena had brought


    from the mountainous region.


    Elijah had insisted on including all the children for aplete spectacle.


    At that moment, he noticed the gaze of a particr boy and nudged Lena’s arm. “That boy… Why is he


    staring at you?”


    Lena turned to look.


    Alexander didn’t avert his gaze as if he had been waiting for this moment.


    Lena’s heart clenched, and she set down her champagne. She strolled from the banquet hall through


    the courtyard toward Alexander.


    The two silently looked at each other for a prolonged moment.


    “You…” Eventually, Lena broke the silence. “What’s your name? I’m sorry, but there are so many


    people here, and I recall you don’t often attend sses, so…”


    “I’m Alexander Dickinson,” the boy replied calmly. “You… truly don’t remember me?”