“No way, you got it all wrong; that wasn’t my intention. I was just worried about the possible trouble
that’ll crop up.” After all, many people would try to suck up to Quentin, considering his identity. Elise
had only expressed that they were on somewhat close terms, and already, there was a whole queue of
people trying to get to him through her. And Quentin knew this better than anyone else. “You’re getting
even more crafty by the day, my girl!” Having said that, Quentin looked at Alexander, his eyes
narrowing slightly when he recalled Madeline’s words earlier.
He then quickly continued, “How has life been treating you recently, Ellie? If anything happens, come
straight to me! You’ll always have my full support.” “I know, Papa! Don’t worry about that! I’ve been
doing just fine.” “That’s all I need to hear!” After saying that, Quentin seemingly thought of something.
He then dug out a bunch of keys from his pocket and handed it over to her. “I’m very proud of you,
knowing that you got into Tissote University. These are the keys to the house that I bought for you near
campus. You can stay there. It’ll be more convenient for you that way.”
Elise stared at the keys. Her heart wouldn’t stop thumping furiously in her chest. Property prices in
Tissote were sky-high; just a single studio apartment would set one back millions already. “This is too
expensive a gift. I can’t accept this.” Much to her surprise, Quentin became unhappy when she said
that, and he shoved the keys right into her hands. “This is for my darling daughter, so it’s not expensive
to me at all! I’m going to be upset if you don’t accept it.”
“Okay, Papa! I’ll take it.” It was only then that Quentin’s expression lightened up. “That’s my girl, being
so considerate and polite even with her godfather! Say, when are you going to Tissote? It’ll be easier
for me to help you make the necessary arrangements.” “Early September, I guess!” “Okay, got it. Let
me send you two back. Or, do you want to go to the Griffith Residence instead?” “No, I already moved
out. I currently stay at a place at Bollinger Gardens that I bought myself,” Elise quickly said. Quentin’s
eyes narrowed slightly at that before he asked, “Ellie, did something upsetting happen to you recently?”
Elise shook her head. “I’m fine! I just thought that I was imposing too much on the Griffiths’ hospitality,
so I decided to move out myself.” Quentin clearly wasn’t buying any of that, but he didn’t call her out on
her lie either. He simply said, “No matter what happens, remember to tell me, okay? Don’t keep
everything to yourself.” “Don’t worry, Papa. I’m fine, really!” Quentin felt even more heartbroken when
he heard her say that, but he didn’t show any sign of it on his face. Elise was the first one to get out of
the car when he dropped Elise and Alexander off at their destination.
However, seeing how Alexander still remained seated in the car, she proceeded to call him. But then,
Alexander said, “Head in first. There’s something that I want to talk to Mr. Fassbender about.” Elise
asked, “Why are you guys acting so mysterious all of a sudden, Papa? Can’t I listen in too?” Quentin
chuckled. “How can a woman listen in on a conversation between two men? Hurry upstairs now! Get
some rest!” Elise pouted.
“Okay, Papa! I’m going now. See you later.” She then waved and proceeded to make her way into the
building. After the car door was closed again, the atmosphere between Alexander and Quentin
inexplicably changed. Neither of them spoke, but Alexander could sense a certain pressure weighing
down on him. It was the first time someone made him feel that way. Quentin quirked an eyebrow
slightly and said, “I’m not going to beat around the bush, Alex, so let me just cut right to the chase. I’ve
watched Ellie grow up with my own eyes. I know her personality and her feelings better than anyone.
Since you’ve chosen her, then I ask you to take good care of her. Do not let her suffer, ever. As for your
mother, there are certain things that I can’t possibly say. Still, I will have to remind you of this:
regardless of anything, Ellie has me watching her back…” Alexander understood Quentin’s intentions.
“Rest assured, Mr. Fassbender! Elise is my fiancée, so naturally, I’ll protect her from anything. Even my
mother cannot challenge my decision! I ask you to not worry about this.”
Having heard his reply, Quentin felt a lot more at ease. “All right, I’ll trust you for now because of what
you’ve said.” Having gotten out of the car, Alexander then watched the car drive off into the distance.
Elise appeared out of nowhere after the car left and gently tapped him on the shoulder. “What did Papa
say to you? You don’t exactly look good.” Alexander looked at Elise standing before him, and then he
reached out to hug her, saying to her in the softest and gentlest of tones, “Your godfather asked me to
take good care of you.” “Just that?” “That’s not all.” “What else did he say?”
“He also told me not to bully you, or he will make me regret it.” A huge smile spread across Elise’s face
upon hearing that before she ribbed him. “Haha, now you know, don’t you? I’ve got someone powerful
backing me.” “Mmhm, I know now, so I have to be even nicer to you.” Elise couldn’t restrain herself
anymore. She burst into laughter. “Isn’t that something you should be doing in the first place?” “That’s
right! Mr. Fassbender’s words just strengthened my resolve.” Alexander was serious when he said that.
However, deep down, he knew that nothing had changed even though Quentin’s words had had an
effect on him.
His original desires aligned perfectly with what Quentin said. This was a tacit understanding between
two men, all for someone that they both wanted to protect. “Let’s go home! It’s getting late already.”
Alexander took the initiative and led her inside. The two of them then went upstairs. They had just
arrived home when Elise got a phone call from Danny. “Hey Boss, your letter of admission is here.
When should I bring it over?”
“Tomorrow, then.” “Sure do, Boss! Once again, congratulations! By the way, lemme tell you another
piece of good news: my own admission letter is here too. When the time comes, we can go to Tissote
for university together, even if we won’t be attending the same uni…” Elise could hear the excitement in
his voice. “Congrats! You got what you wished for!” “Thanks, Boss! I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t
for you.”
Danny was absolutely sincere when he said that. Elise smiled. “It’s all thanks to your own hard work. I
just gave you a little push.” She might have said that, but Danny knew that if it wasn’t for Elise, he
might not even have gotten into university. After hanging up, Elise absentmindedly placed her phone on
the table. She walked over to the French window, taking in the night view of the city. Time sure flies. It’s
been nearly a year since I came to this city.
Many things have happened during this one year. And during this period, I’ve grown a lot… The next
day, Elise went to the studio. She had just taken one step into her office when Brendan came over to
her. “Elise!” Elise raised her head to look at him. “What is it? Did something happen?”
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