Chapter 3907
“Elora, are you on vacation right now?” Rosie inquired over the phone.
“Yes, I am,” Elora answered. “What’s going on? Don’t tell me you’re trying to convince me to attend another class reunion. I’m not interested, so there’s no need to waste your breath trying to persuade me.”
Elora’s tone made it evident that she had no intention of participating.
During her school years, Elora maintained a low profile. Few people knew she came from a wealthy family. However, everything changed when her grandfather passed away. Her parents struggled to manage the family’s responsibilities, leaving Elora to bear the burden before she even graduated. That was when her classmates learned she was the eldest daughter of the Ormond family.
As one of the eldest daughters in a family with few brothers, Elora and her sister, Tinsley, became prime targets. Before their younger brother was born, many relatives attempted to claim the Ormond family’s assets. Even worse, several men pursued Elora and Tinsley—not out of love, but to gain control of the family’s fortune.
This constant scheming made Elora deeply distrustful of men. She feared that anyone who approached her was only after her wealth.
As for older, accomplished men, they didn’t appeal to her. Although some second-generation heirs shared her background, their abilities often fell short of her expectations. A strong individual herself, Elora admired strength in others, and those men simply didn’t measure up.
Rosie chuckled. “Relax. I wouldn’t dream of pressuring you into something you dislike. Besides, the reunion has already passed.”
“So why are you calling?” Elora asked, confused.
“Well,” Rosie hesitated, “your, um, infatuated admirer asked me to find out something. He claims he saw a handsome guy following you recently. He’s dying to…
“Do you know if this guy is pursuing you and if you have any feelings for him?” he recently asked. He’s eager to find out.
Elora’s expression darkened. “Handsome guy? There’s no one like that around. The only men in my life are my bodyguards.” Though her bodyguards weren’t unattractive, they weren’t exactly model material either.
Rosie clarified, “It’s not your usual group. He described this guy as ridiculously good-looking, with a charisma and elegance that screams ‘old money.'”
Elora sighed, irritation creeping into her voice. “Rosie, are you my friend or his? You barely know him; we’ve been friends for years. Yet here you are, prying into my life for his sake. Who’s around me is none of his concern. I’ve never led him on or given him any hope. His feelings are his own problem, not mine.
“Let me be clear—no matter how long he waits, he’s wasting his time. I won’t wait for him just because he’s persistent. Since you’re acting as his messenger, do me a favor: tell him to move on. I don’t love him, and I never will.”
Hearing the frustration in Elora’s voice, Rosie quickly apologized. “Elora, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I wasn’t considering your perspective. I just thought… he’s been smitten with you for so long, and everyone says he’s devoted. I figured it was rare to see someone so steadfast, and since we’re all classmates, helping him wouldn’t hurt.
“But you’re right. It’s your life, and I should have respected that. I won’t meddle anymore. I just want you to be happy.” Rosie, who was happily married, genuinely wished the same for her friend.
“To make it up to you, how about dinner? My treat,” Rosie proposed enthusiastically. “Or, if you prefer, I can shamelessly invite myself over to your place for a meal. I’ve been eager to try something from that new chef of yours.”
Rosie chuckled to herself. She had heard plenty of praise for the Ormond family’s private chef, mostly from Tinsley. Apparently, the chef was not only talented in the kitchen but also quite attractive. Rosie couldn’t resist her curiosity.