Chapter 141

Elena's POV

Three hours later, I was practically climbing the walls with anxiety. Dennis should have arrived hours ago, and I'd been calling Jason every half hour. When they finally arrived, I stormed out of Morgan's house, ready to tear Jason a new one.

"What the hell took so long?" I demanded as Jason stepped out of the car. "I was worried sick! I thought you'd lost him or something!"

Jason looked oddly uncomfortable. "Sorry, ran into some... traffic issues."

"Traffic issues for three hours?" I glared at him, then turned my attention to the lanky teenager stepping out of the passenger side. My anger instantly dissolved.

"Elena?" The boy asked hesitantly, his voice much deeper than I remembered from our phone calls.

My heart swelled at the sight of him. At seventeen, Dennis was tall and slender, with amber eyes just like mine.

"Dennis," I smiled, opening my arms. "Welcome."

He walked into my embrace somewhat awkwardly, but I could feel him relax as I hugged him. "Where should I put my stuff?" he asked, gesturing to his backpack and small suitcase.

"Give them to Jason," I said, glancing at Jason's wide-eyed expression. That was his punishment.

I led him toward Morgan's door. "Have you eaten? Are you hungry?"

"Starving," he admitted with a shy smile.

Soon we were enjoying lunch at the table. He was polite, quiet, and attentive.

"He seems like a good kid," she said softly.

I nodded, thinking of my uncle—who had left the pack for his mate, after which we rarely had contact. My father had always missed them and kept a place for him, hoping he would return someday. A few days ago, after I contacted my uncle, I sought his help, but he had his own responsibilities now. So he sent Dennis to help me instead. Dennis had his temperament, calm and thoughtful.

Later that night, I decided not to return to my apartment. I couldn't risk running into Richard again, not after what had happened between us. I told myself it was because Dennis needed help settling in, but the truth was, I was afraid—afraid of my own feelings, afraid of falling back into patterns I'd worked so hard to escape.

"You can stay here as long as you need," Morgan assured me, seeming to understand without my having to explain.

I nodded gratefully. "Just for a few days, until I figure things out."

During these days, William was helping me build connections while inviting me to meet Oliver in Elysium.

I knew who Oliver Grey was—a financial kingpin in Elysium with resources that could change everything for me. I needed to revitalize my family, and he was an essential ally.

"When do we leave?" I asked over the phone.

"Tomorrow morning," William replied. "I've already arranged everything."

I turned to Dennis, who had been quietly listening to our conversation. "Would you like to come with me? This could be meaningful."

His face lit up. "I'd love to!"

Jason and Morgan had their own matters to attend to, so they couldn't join us.

The next morning, we boarded the plane. As we settled in, William gestured to the window seat.

"Elena, would you like to sit here? I remember you sometimes get airsick."

I was touched that he remembered, and for a moment, I considered accepting. Then Dennis spoke up from behind me.

"Elena, can I sit next to you?" he asked, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "I'm a bit afraid of heights."

Without hesitation, I smiled at him. "Of course you can."

I caught the flash of disappointment on William's face before he smoothed it over with a polite smile. I pretended not to notice.

When we landed in Elysium, William directed us to a waiting car. "We'll be staying with a friend of mine—another businessman who knows many people in the business world. This will be convenient for us."

"Sounds good," I agreed, while Dennis trailed behind us, taking in the sights of the unfamiliar city with wide eyes.

After arriving at the location, I made sure Dennis was settled in the room next to mine. William's room was across the hall.

"Thank you, William," Dennis said with perfect manners. "Would you like me to help with your luggage?"

William's POV

I watched as Dennis immediately rushed down the stairs, offering to help with my suitcase. Something about his eagerness irritated me, though I couldn't quite place why. This cousin who had suddenly appeared in Elena's life was just too helpful.

"No need, I've got it," I said with a practiced smile, gripping the handle firmly.

Dennis nodded, not pushing the issue. His politeness made it even harder to find reasons to dislike him.

"Dennis," I said casually, "I'll be taking your sister to meet Mr. Grey tomorrow. You should stay here and rest—get adjusted to the new environment."

"Okay, William," he responded promptly. "Please take care of my sister then."

I smiled with satisfaction as I carried my suitcase upstairs. The plan was coming together perfectly. Oliver Grey was a legend in financial circles, and this meeting would be my chance to impress Elena, to show her my value. More importantly, it would give us precious time alone together. While I appreciated Dennis's politeness, his presence would definitely be a third wheel. Besides, bringing a teenager to meet Oliver wasn't ideal—the man was notoriously temperamental and hated distractions.

The next morning, I woke earlier than usual. After getting ready, I headed downstairs and immediately caught Elena's scent—warm with a hint of wild sweetness.

I found her in the kitchen helping the lady of the house prepare breakfast. She wore a simple white shirt and jeans, her hair casually tied back, yet she looked breathtaking. Watching her skillfully slice fruit while chatting with the hostess stirred something warm inside me.

"Elena, up so early?" I asked, stepping into the kitchen.

She turned with a natural smile. "Yes, we're meeting Mr. Grey today, so I thought I'd get an early start." She gestured to the food laid out on the table. "Would you like to try what I made?"

"I'll be right there after I finish getting ready," I replied, feeling a rush of anticipation for our breakfast together. But then her expression changed, her brow furrowing slightly.

"Where's Dennis? What time is it?" She glanced at the wall clock, concern evident in her voice.

Seeing my opportunity, I suggested, "He might still be adjusting to the new environment, needing more rest. Maybe we should just let him sleep in today?"

"Absolutely not," Elena shook her head firmly. "Mr. Grey is such an important figure. I definitely need to introduce Dennis to him. It could be valuable for his future."

Before I could respond, she was already heading toward the stairs to wake her cousin. I stood there, watching my plans crumble. What should have been quality time between Elena and me would now include an uninvited guest. Still, I maintained my smile, pretending this was all fine.

Within ten minutes, Elena returned with a sleepy-eyed Dennis. Surprisingly, despite his obvious drowsiness, the boy was already dressed impeccably, as if ready to depart at a moment's notice. Elena naturally adjusted his collar.

During breakfast, the three of us sat around the table. I had hoped to engage Elena in private conversation, but her attention remained almost entirely on Dennis—making sure he ate enough, asking if he'd slept well. Their intimate interaction sparked an uncomfortable jealousy in me.

Soon, we were ready to depart for the Grey Manor. Sitting in the driver's seat, I observed Elena and Dennis in the rearview mirror. The boy was visibly nervous.

"Don't worry," Elena reassured him softly. "It takes time to adjust to new environments. Since you chose to come with me, you should be a bit braver."

"Okay," Dennis responded, his voice deep.