Chapter 179 In the evening Elysia had whipped up an array of scrumptious dishes. She even packed a separate portion just for Elijah and texted Keaton to swing by the entrance of the complex to pick it up Keaton was genuinely touched. “I can’t thank you enough, Elysin. You’re a saint.” Elysia wasn’t too keen on Keaton calling her by her first name as if they were old churns. But she didn’t correct him, keen to keep the chit–chat to a minimum. Keaton extended a sleek, designer tote bag adorned with the iconic Hermès logo–unmistakably high–end. “This is just a little something from me to you, a token of appreciation for all the great food you’ve been making for Elijah.” Elysia didn’t take it. Instead, she said, “No need for that Just make sure Tarquin shows up for our meeting tomorrow, and we’re even, “You can count on that. Hell be there on time. We’ve got it all arranged,” Keaton assured her. Elysia felt a wave of relief and said, “Just take your gift back. I don’t need it. Oh, and do me another favor, would you? Tell Elijah’s dad to give me a call if it’s about the boy from now on. No more following me!” Keaton raised an eyebrow and asked, “He’s been following you?” Elysia didn’t elaborate. “Just get that food to Elijah before it gets cold, will ya? Bye! With that, Elysia wrapped her coat tighter and disappeared into the complex. Keaton, carrying the food, climbed into his limited edition Maybach parked curbside. Tarquin was already inside, smoking As soon as Keaton got in, he teased, “So, been playing the secret admirer, have we?” Tarquin’s brow furrowed. “What did she say?” “She reckons you’re trying to hit on her!” Tarquin’s expression turned icy cold The next second, he abruptly pushed the car door open as if he was about to storm out and set things straight with Elysia. Keaton quickly held him back, “Come on, man, can’t you take a joke? Sit down. She didn’t say that. But she did say you can call her about anything to do with Elijah. No more following her around, okay?” Seeing Tarquin retract his long legs and close the car door, Keaton couldn’t help but rib him, “Starting to tail her now, huh? Sounds like someone’s got it bad.” “Shut Back at Sunshine Community, Keaton and Tarquin made their way upstairs. Elijah was still perched by the window, with Heath keeping him company. Noticing Tarquin’s return, Heath stood up promptly to greet, “Yeah, you can head out,” Tarquin replied. Bradford, Mr. Huber Once Heath left, Keaton approached Elijah cheerily, “Hey there, little Elijah, I’m here to see you!” Elijah didn’t so much as glance his way, treating him like he was invisible. Keaton attempted to ruffle Elijah’s hair, but the boy sharply dodged and shot him a glare Keaton was taken aback but also heartbroken. Tarquin called out, “Got your favorite pastries here. Why don’t you come and have some? Only then did Elijah get up, went to wash his hands in the bathroom, and sat down at the dining table. Tarquin laid out the meal: besides the moming’s pastries and egg crepes, there were four side dishes, and a bowl of soup. It was a modest spread, each dish small but varied. Keaton couldn’t help but comment, “Looks good, but where’s yours?” Clearly, Elysia had only prepared Elijah’s portion and left Tarquin out of the equation, Tarquin shot Keaton a look that said ‘zip it” Under the watchful eyes of the two men, Elijah picked up a pastry and bit into it. After finishing it, he moved on to the side dishes. 09:58 Chapter Both men were silently pleased. Elijah seemed to particularly enjoy the dish, continually reaching for it. Keaton asked, “Do you like that, Elijah?” Elijah didn’t respond at first, but after a while, he finally nodded. Keaton’s eyes widened in surprise! It was a casual question, and he hadn’t expected any answer, but Elijah had actually responded. It was probably the first time in two years that Elijah nad acknowledged him. 2/2