chapter154

Elysia steadied her breathing, her mind as sharp as a diamond. If it weren't for Oriana mentioning Tarquin’s name, she wouldn’t have wasted another breath on these petty games. While she didn't fear Oriana, the prospect of Tarquin’s shadow looming over her divorce proceedings was a genuine concern. She needed to resolve this—and quickly.

"By a stroke of pure luck, I saved Jessamine Huber’s son," Elysia began, her voice carrying a calm, nonchalant confidence. "In her eyes, I am a savior. That is why she stood by me at the mall and why she didn't hesitate to chastise Keaton on my behalf. If you don't believe me, feel free to verify it with anyone who was there."

Oriana’s brow furrowed, her interest clearly piqued. "And what does that have to do with me?"

"Everything," Elysia replied. "You know how much Keaton respects—and perhaps slightly fears—his sister. If I go to Jessamine and leverage the debt she feels she owes me, asking her to convince Keaton to give you one more chance, do you think she’d refuse a simple request from her son's rescuer?"

Oriana hesitated, a shadow of doubt crossing her face. "But... Keaton doesn't look back. He has a reputation for never revisiting the past once a relationship is over."

"Keaton’s habits don't matter if Jessamine is the one pulling the strings," Elysia countered smoothly. "With his sister in your corner, even if he’s reluctant, he will agree to at least see you. As for what happens after that? That’s up to your charm. Who knows? You might just find yourself securing the title of Mrs. Huber after all."

Mrs. Huber.

The words acted like a sedative on Oriana’s rage. Her eyes widened, her mind reeling with the sheer magnitude of the possibility. In Jindale City, to be Mrs. Huber meant being the second most esteemed woman in the social hierarchy, outranked only by whoever occupied the side of Tarquin Bradford. It was a dream she had considered permanently shattered.

Seeing that Oriana had taken the bait, Elysia continued to craft the delusion. "And even if things don't end in marriage, think of the benefits. A second chance means ending things on better terms. Keaton is known for his generosity when he parts ways with someone amicably; your reputation would be restored, and your social standing would skyrocket. You would be the only woman in his history to ever earn a second run—a feat none of his other exes can claim."

Oriana’s expression transformed from malice to breathless anticipation. Elysia had struck her exactly where it hurt most. The true source of Oriana’s hatred wasn't just losing Keaton—it was being the only ex-girlfriend he openly despised, the one who had become the laughingstock of their social circle. Since the split, she had lived in a state of self-imposed exile, too ashamed to face the whispers.

If she could salvage her name and walk away with a windfall, it would be the ultimate vindication.

After a long, pregnant pause, Oriana finally spoke, though her voice still carried a hint of suspicion. "How can I trust you? What’s to stop you from disappearing the moment you walk out of here?"

"I wouldn't dare," Elysia said, meeting her gaze with a serious expression. "I’m just an ordinary woman. If you could find me once, you can find me again. I’m not foolish enough to risk the wrath of someone with your connections. My only goal is to put this conflict behind us so I can live my life in peace."

Oriana remained silent, the wheels in her head turning as she weighed the promise of a glorious comeback against her desire for immediate revenge.