Chapter 640

Chapter 640

Elisa had her doubts about handling the task at first, but when she caught Calista and Clea's expressions, she felt a surge of confidence.

With a hint of uncertainty, she asked her dad, "Hey, Dad, I'm a total newbie at this. Will I get a grace period for messing up?"

Nolan had been on edge, fearing Elisa would turn down the offer. So when she unexpectedly spoke up, he was surprised but replied with a smile, "Hey, everyone starts somewhere. No need to sweat it."

"Thanks, Dad," Elisa said, earning some brownie points with everyone around.

In their minds, they couldn't help but think, "She's one classy lady, oozing sophistication with every move."

After the chat, everyone dug into their meal.

Elisa sat calmly beside Calista.

But Calista's expression was far from pleased. After a while, she muttered, "Congrats."

"Thanks," Elisa replied casually.

The more composed Elisa seemed, the more agitated Calista became.

Throughout the meal, Calista seemed lost in thought.

Noticing Calista's discontent, Elisa took the lead, asking, "You feeling okay?"

"Not really, probably just had a rough night's sleep."

"Too busy booking the makeup artist to catch some z's?" Elisa cut to the chase.

Calista was caught off guard by her bluntness and was left speechless.

Still grinning, Elisa added, "That makeup artist last night? One of Novaria's finest. Did you two not hit it off?"

The surrounding diners slowed down, not wanting to miss a single word.

Calista's smile seemed forced as she replied, "You've got it wrong. I thought he was free, and it was all just talk, right?"

"You even know it was all talk between us?" Elisa cocked her head.

Calista fell silent.

Whispers started circulating among the others, their unspoken thoughts echoing loud and clear.

Quickly, Calista explained, "It was a big mix-up. I just wanted to welcome you home looking my best."

"You might want to find a new makeup artist; this one doesn't play up your strengths or hide your flaws," Elisa cut in, then added, "I know a better one. I'll hook you up sometime."

Elisa's words hinted that Calista had indeed swooped in on the makeup artist.

Calista tried to speak but suddenly felt a tightness in her chest, struggling to breathe.

She collapsed, convulsing, her face turning crimson.

Elisa moved to help, but was held back by strong hands.

Howard whispered, "Let the doc handle this."

Soon, the doctor arrived to attend to Calista.

Meanwhile, gossip spread like wildfire.

"Did she really fall ill right after talking to Elisa?"

"Did Elisa purposely push her buttons, knowing about Calista's condition?"

"Is Elisa that cold-hearted?"

Elisa chose to tune out the chatter.

Howard guided her away.

Elisa wore a grave expression, shocked by the sudden turn of events.

If Howard hadn't intervened, she wouldn't know how to explain.

The family reunion banquet ended abruptly due to the incident.

As guests departed, Elisa remained a hot topic of discussion.

Nolan overheard the comments and, concerned that Elisa might take them to heart, swiftly found her and reassured her, "Hey, don't sweat it. Calista's always had health issues, this ain't on you."

Elisa nodded. Even without Nolan's words, she wouldn't have let it bother her.

She helped see a few guests out and spotted Alfred trailing behind them. Her first instinct was to steer clear of him.

Howard picked up on this and dreaded a potential jealousy scene, especially with the Ramos and Wall families around, risking exposure of their relationship.

After a moment's hesitation, Alfred had already caught sight of Elisa and greeted her warmly.

She could only manage a nervous response.

As expected, Howard's expression darkened.

Alfred played it cool and struck up a conversation with Elisa, complimenting her, "You're looking stunning today."

"Thanks."

Before he could say more, a dignified woman approached, nodding at Elisa, "Ms. Garcia."

It was Alfred's mother, Veda.

Elisa composed herself and politely greeted, "Mrs. Davis."

"I never got the chance to thank you for saving Alfred with your friend. Today's my opportunity." Veda spoke warmly, radiating grace.

Though not as lively as before, she still exuded kindness.

Elisa quickly downplayed the favor.

But Veda insisted and pulled out a box from her bag, revealing a beautiful jade piece inside.

"This is a Davis Family heirloom, a token of our gratitude for you. Consider yourself Alfred's sister from now on. No matter what comes your way, we'll always have your back." Veda handed it to Elisa.

Elisa couldn't bring herself to accept such a valuable gift and waved her hands, "You're too kind. How can I take this? If it's a Davis Family heirloom, it should go to a girl Alfred fancies. I see him as an older brother already, so no need for formality."

Alfred's expression tensed, his gaze falling to the ground, revealing nothing.

On the other hand, Veda appeared relieved and said sincerely, "You're a good kid, having you around is a blessing for the Ramos family."

Though Elisa had a vague understanding, she sensed Veda's deeper motives.

Veda didn't want any romantic involvement between Alfred and Elisa, and for reasons unknown, Elisa chose not to probe further.

Veda then offered another wrapped gift, "Here's a small something for your return to the Ramos family. Please take it; it's nothing fancy."

Since Veda insisted, Elisa graciously accepted and thanked her.

Veda signaled for Alfred to leave.

As they exited the hotel, Veda hinted, "Seems like Ms. Garcia and Howard have an on-off thing going on."

Alfred's expression darkened, "So what?"

Veda's gaze sharpened, "So you should let it be."

Mother and son lapsed into silence.

After a moment, Alfred spoke softly, "This is my own deal, has nothing to do with Elisa or you."

Veda's demeanor shifted instantly, "Alfred, you're only hurting yourself this way. What if something happens to you? How will your mother cope?"

Initially, she had deemed Elisa beneath their status, even if Alfred brought her home, Zaid wouldn't have approved.

But times had changed, and Elisa was now the Ramos family heiress, a fact that pleased Zaid.

So she fretted, fearing Alfred was on a path to ruin.

Arguments were futile, and Alfred fell silent, refusing to say more.

Veda quietly wept, muffling any sound with her hand.