Brothers Want Me Back

Chapter 5

The second time Elaine met Kingsley, he was tied up, his body trembling from an episode. She stayed by his side, using acupuncture to ease his pain.

She could never forget the way he'd looked at her in the dim basement-sickly but restrained, holding himself back so he wouldn't hurt her. That moment had burned itself into her memory.

"Rose" Grace's excited voice snapped Elaine out of her thoughts.

She was already holding Elaine's hands, her face lit up with joy. "Oh in

my! You're Elaine Yeats-the actress who played Rose,

e, aren't you?

Elaine had indeed starred as the female lead, Rose, in a low-budget fantasy drama. I hadn't been a hit, barely making a splash after it aired

Kingsley stepped forward, his tone calm and polite. "My apologies, Miss Years. My grandmother is a fan of yours.

Elaine blinked, caught slightly off guard. "Mrs. Morgan! A fan!" She hadn't expected the elegant old lady to enjoy a niche web drama like that.

Elaine smiled graciously. Thank you for your support, Madam"

"No need to thank me! You were amazing as Rose. Your acting was so natural-1 just loved your Grace gushed, her enthusiasm unfiltered as she held Elaine's hand tightly.

The more she looked at Elaine, the me

more she liked her. "Elai

"Elaine, why don't you come over to our house as a guest? I've got time today!"

Before Elaine could respond, Grace reached out and smacked Kingsley on the backside. He was so stiff. Her sharp eyes narrowed as she muttered to herself. If you don't make a move, how are you two ever going to have a story?"

She'd already decided-Elaine was the perfect choice for her granddaughter-in-law. She thought if she didn't step in and help, her grandson would probably die alone.

Kingsley sniffened, has jaw tightening as a flicker of awkwardness crossed his face. He definitely hadn't expected to get smacked on the butt at his age Juana, the housekeeper, couldn't hold back her laughter, quietly snickering at the sight

Elaine, meanwhile, quickly caught on to Grace's not-so-subtle matchmaking If she wanted to save Kingsley in the future, she first needed to get close to him. And Grace? She was the perfect excuse. Elaine smiled sweetly. Thank you for inviting me. I'd love to come"

"Wonderfult Let's go right now!" Grace said enthusiastically.

Elaine glanced at the IV line in her arm and said apologetically. "Til need to get discharged first. Mrs. Morgan. I'm still hooked up to this drip"

Kingsley's sharp eyes caught the faint scars on her wrist. For a moment, his expression shifted-fleeting, unreadable

A girl who would agree so easily to go home with strangers? Of course, it raised his suspicions.

Elaine noticed his hesitation and turned to look directly at him. "Mr. Morgan, you don't mind me coming to your house, do you?" Her voice was soft and sweet, with just the right amount of vulnerability.

She added, her tone dropping to a near whisper, I'm sorry... I just don't want to go back with my family. I'm scared they'll take me away"

Her big watery eyes shimmered with tears, and the faint redness at the corners made her look even more pitiful. Her whole demeanor was soft and sweet, practically dripping with innocence,

Kingsley saw right through her act. He knew she was lying, but he didn't call her out. He'd already heard about the Years family's mess.

Earlier, while pushing Grace toward her doctor's appointment, he had passed Elaine's room and overheard snippets of her conversation with her family,

This girl wasn't someone who'd let herself be pushed around. If anything, she was sharp, calm, and calculating-someone who didn't lose easily,

So, in his mind, this "scared of my family" act was total bullshit. Now, he was curious about what exactly was Elaine Yeats trying to pull.

He said calmly, "I don't mind"

"Thank you." Elaine said, flashing a warm, slightly playful smile.

Her eyes curved up as she smiled, her expression soft yet teasing. It was sweet, flirty, and entirely natural-just enough to keep him guessing.

Despite knowing Elaine was faking it. Kingsley didn't find her act annoying. In fact, he found it oddly intriguing

Grace, on the other hand, was watching the scene with barely contained excitement.

Seeing Elaine and Kingsley exchange quiet words, she shor Juana a knowing look. Oh, there's something going on here, her expression practically

Her imagination quickly ran wild. With Kingsley already at a prime age for marriage. Grace was practically hearing wedding bells.

By the time Elaine and Kingsley finished speaking. Grace had mentally planned their wedding

g and was already picturing their future kids.

The two, of course, had no idea. While they were still navigating the awkwardness of a first meeting.

Grace's thoughts had already sprinted for ahead

An hour later. Elaine was sitting in Kingsley's car.

At the same time. Twitter was exploding. As a minor celebrity surrounded by constant drama, Elaine was no stranger to trending topics.

And her ongoing mess with superstar Bianca was like gasoline on the fire.

OMG, did you hear! Elaine actually ignored Finley today. FINLEY! Is this real life!]

[No way. Elaine ignoring Finley? She's been obsessed with him for years. Girl doesn't even have a shred

of self-respect when it comes to that man. Who wouldn't love him, though Finley's the full package-looks, money, and family connections. He's untouchable I

[Didn't she accuse Bianca of seducing him last week! Pathetic.]

[Exactly. Like Bianca even needs to seduce anyone. The woman's practically perfect-gorgeous

successful, and classy. Meanwhile, Elaine's just bitter she's the adopted daughter.]

[I still don't get why the Scott family picked Elaine for the engagement. She's so average]

Probably pity. She's the adopted one, after all. The Years family treats her so well, and yet she has the audacity to hate Bianca! Talk about biting the hand that feeds her]

mean. I kind of get it, though. If my fiance had someone like Bianca hanging around, I'd be insecure as hell too.]

[Still, accusing Bianca of stealing Finley! That's just embarrassing. Nobody believes her]

Elaine scrolled through the comments, her expression calm, almost bored. The irony of it all was laughable.

These people blindly worshiped Bianca and refused to even consider Elaine's side of the story.

But Elaine knew the truth. If Bianca and Finley were really so innocent, they would not be so tangled up in each other's lives.

Bianca's manipulative girl charm no longer fazed her. The woman was a master at playing the victim, and the world ate it up every time.

But Elaine could wait. She was patient. Let Bianca and Finley keep up their little charade. One day, when they finally ended up together, the fans who had sworn Bianca was innocent would realize just how wrong they were. The collective humiliation would be glorious.

For now, she'd sit back and enjoy the show.

[I'm not kidding Elaine ignored Finley and got into some mystery guy's cart] Someone attached a blurry photo to the comment.

Even though the picture wasn't clear, it was enough to stir up chaos. Elaine's stunning profile and graceful figure were impossible to miss.

As for the man beside her! His face wasn't visible, but the sharp lines of his suit and the commanding air in his posture were enough to set the

[Wait, who the hell is this guy? Boynton's been hiding him all this time!t]

The internet was losing its mind. Elaine, the woman who'd been mocked for years for fawning over Finley, had done a complete 180.

Not only had she ignored him, but she also left with a mysterious, undeniably powerful man.

Put a mimte. Why does Elaine look so different lately!

[Right? She's glowing. Her figure, her face, her whole vibe it's like she's leveled up or something Absolutely stunning.]

[Damn, her legs are unreal. I'm speechless I

[Look at the chemistry! Did Flaine just upgrade her target Respect. That's a boss move

For the first time, Elaine was outshining Bianca. She had done is with a single move: stepping into a

man's car. His very presence radiated wealth and power.

That moment allone turned her into the hottest trending topic of the day.