Chapter 86: Elias took her side.
Elena couldn’t reply. For a few seconds, she stared at him with a gaping mouth. Out of all the reactions she had imagined, this wasn’t one of them.
He was not questioning her or demanding an explanation. He wasn’t rushing to comfort the other woman. But the first thing he wanted to know was whether she was alright.
He was concerned about her.
The realization touched her deeply.
She had longed for this kind of care from the people she loved, yet she had never received it from Noah. What she had gotten from him was distrust, accusations, and heartbreak.
Now, in the face of Elias’s tender care, something tightened painfully in her chest.
She couldn’t stop her tears from falling.
Seeing her cry, Elias grew even more worried. "What happened? Are you hurt?"
Elena’s throat constricted so tightly that she couldn’t utter a word. She could only shake her head.
His gaze swept over her again, as though making certain she wasn’t injured.
"Did she touch you?" he asked.
A strange warmth spread through Elena’s heart. The fear she had been carrying moments ago slowly dissolved.
He trusted her without hesitation.
Behind them, Vivian’s face twisted.
"Elias," she shouted. "I am the one who is hurt."
Trembling with rage, she struggled to her feet. "And instead of checking on me, you are asking her if she is alright. She pushed me. Take a look..."
She thrust out her arm. "Look."
A thin trail of blood ran down her forearm.
"I am hurt."
"No, I didn’t do anything to her." Elena finally found her voice. "I didn’t even know her. Why would I hurt her? She attacked me first. I only defended myself. She twisted her ankle and fell."
"You..." Vivian cried out furiously and took a step forward, but her injured ankle gave way beneath her. She stumbled and fell awkwardly.
Her palm landed on a shard of broken porcelain. The moment she saw blood staining her hand, her expression twisted.
"You hurt me again," she screamed.
"Stop it right now, Vivian," Elias thundered. "Haven’t you humiliated yourself enough? Look at yourself. What a mess you are!"
"It’s all because of her." Vivian pointed at Elena, every inch of her body burning in resentment, indignation, and embarrassment.
"She humiliated me on purpose. And you... Instead of standing up for me, you are supporting her. Elias, I am your childhood friend. How could you allow someone else to humiliate me?"
"Vivian..." Cedric stormed over, his face dark with anger. "What the hell are you saying?"
"Dad... She..."
"Shut up." Cedric’s roar made Vivian flinch.
The next moment, fresh tears filled her eyes. Her father had never spoken to her like this before, especially not in front of so many people.
The humiliation burned her inside out.
"You’ve embarrassed yourself and the Sterling family enough. Leave."
Vivian’s lower lip trembled. She was furious. Hatred toward Elena charred her heart. Yet she could do nothing at that moment. Stomping her foot, she stormed away.
’This isn’t over,’ she thought bitterly. ’I’ll never forget this humiliation. One day, I’ll make you pay for it tenfold.’
Cedric turned to Elias and Elena. He softened his tone considerably.
"Elias, I apologize on her behalf. You know how she is. I spoiled her too much."
He sighed heavily. "Forgive her this time. I’ll talk to her. I promise she won’t bother you or your wife again."
Elias gave a curt nod. "Considering the friendship between our families, I’m letting this matter go. But if she refuses to learn from this and targets my wife again, I won’t be so forgiving next time."
With that, he led Elena away.
Cedric remained standing there, his jaw tight and fists clenched as resentment and humiliation flashed across his face.
The guests left one by one.
The mansion, once filled with laughter and conversation, slowly fell silent as everyone retired for the night.
Elias’s worry still lingered. "Tell me honestly," he said, searching her face. "Are you okay?"
Elena couldn’t reply. Her thoughts were still tangled around Vivian.
Tonight had been really eventful. She had seen her mother for the first time in twenty years. She had discovered she had a half-sister. But it was not the end.
Her half-sister was obsessed with Elias. That woman was all set to break her marriage and snatch her husband from her. She had even attacked her.
So much had happened. How could she be alright?
"Elena..."
His voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
She looked at him, only to find him staring at her anxiously.
"You don’t look well," he said quietly. "Is this because of Vivian?"
Elena took her time to reply. "She said she is your childhood friend. She said she has liked you for years."
"It doesn’t matter what she thinks," Elias muttered, his irritation evident at the mention of Vivian. "She is obsessed, crazy. I was only polite to her because our families have known each other for years. That doesn’t mean I’ll tolerate her behavior."
His jaw set hard. "This time, I forgave her. But if she targets you again, I’ll not let it go."
Some of Elena’s uneasiness faded. She was certain that Elias would do what he had said.
He had already proven it by supporting her in front of everyone. He had not blamed her or doubted her.
"Trust me." Elias pulled her gently into his arms. "I have no feelings for her. She is Evelyn’s friend, and I’ve always viewed her as a younger sister."
Elena rested her head against his chest. "I trust you," she whispered.
Those words seemed to erase all the tension from his face. He lifted her chin gently.
"All I need is your trust," he murmured.
Then he kissed her.
The kiss was slow and tender at first, filled with reassurance rather than urgency.
Elena’s heart fluttered.
All the fear, confusion, and turmoil she had carried throughout the evening seemed to melt away beneath his warmth. She leaned in closer and kissed him back.
Her fingers curled into his shirt.
The kiss deepened. Their tongue collided. He tasted like mint.
Elena couldn’t stop thinking about the warmth of his embrace, the softness of his lips, and the comfort she found in his presence. Slipping her fingers into his hair, she drew him in closer. Her body pressed against his chest.
Elias’s arm slipped around her waist, drawing her nearer. He explored her mouth madly.
He lay her on the bed, his body hovering over her. He didn’t stop kissing her. Their lips locked with each other, sucking, drinking, and tasting one another.
His hand firmly gripped her waist, squeezing her flesh. When they finally parted, both were slightly breathless.
Elias rested his forehead against hers. His eyes were dark with affection. His fingers brushed gently along her cheek.
"Elena..."
She looked into his eyes and saw the desire there. A nervous flutter spread through her chest.
Her body shivered wherever his fingers touched. Every inch of her skin seemed to heat up.
When his hand traveled down her chest, she grabbed it.
"Stop..." she said breathlessly.
Elias watched her. Sensing her hesitation, he pulled back. Though disappointment flickered briefly across his face, it was quickly replaced by understanding.
"You must be tired," he said softly. "Get some rest. I won’t disturb you."
He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear before stepping away. Then he turned and quietly left the room.
Elena stared at the closed door for a long moment, her heart beating faster than before.