Chapter 198 Elysia’s heart settled a notch, feeling like she was securing a safety net for the future, Of course, she hoped that day would never come, that the triplets‘ secret would stay just that–a secret, Her phone chimed–a new message. Elysia checked the screen and gasped, “No way!” There was a deposit of ten thousand dollars! She looked up at Tarquin, who was also on his phone, having just made the transfer, “You…” “You saved Elijah. I couldn’t just do nothing–that would weigh on my conscience.” Tarquin had wanted to send more, but thinking back to how Elysia reacted to getting money from the Denton family, he coolly removed a couple of zeros. She loved money but was timid; too much would surely scare her off. And sure enough, the ten thousand had already blown her away! After all, she was just an ordinary gal, and ten thousand was more than she might make in a year. “I…” “Take it,” Tarquin said, as if afraid she’d refuse. “Elijah loves your cooking. Consider it a fee for your culinary services.” Elysia hesitated, then nodded. “Okay, I’ll hold onto it! If Elijah craves anything, just let me know. As long as I’m in Jindale City, I’ve got his meals covered!” She’d been skimping before, serving Elijah simple fare, heavy on the veggies. For a growing boy, that wasn’t cutting it nutritionally. With the ten thousand, she could whip up something way more appetizing. “And mine,” Tarquin added suddenly. “Huh?” Tarquin didn’t miss a beat, seizing the opportunity. “Make extra. Elijah likes it when I join him for meals.” The logic was sound–I’m not after your cooking; I just want to dine with my son. Elysia hadn’t expected this request and paused before agreeing cheerily, “Deal!” “And about that fifty million you owe me–it’s now just five million.” Elysia’s eyes widened in shock as she asked, “Excuse me?” “You heard me,” Tarquin repeated. “From today, you owe me five million dollars.” Elysia couldn’t believe it; he was slashing the debt by forty–five million? 1/2 09:52 Chapter 198 “So… so you’re saying I only have to pay you back five million now?” “Yes.” “Like, I’m only in debt for five million?” “Yes.” “You’re not kidding me, right? This isn’t some kind of joke, is it? Because I’m taking this seriously Tarquin looked at her with a mix of disdain and amusement. “If you don’t accept, forget I mentioned it.” “I accept it! I never said I didn’t!” Would she be crazy to refuse? Though five million dollars was still a daunting figure, it paled in comparison to fifty million. Before, with a fifty million debt, she didn’t see an end to it. An insurmountable debt, impossible to repay, it was a lifelong burden! But now it was down to five million–a light at the end of the tunnel. Now, taking care of Elijah for ten thousand a day, she could be debt–free in less than two years! Elysia rubbed her hands together excitedly, her cheeks flushed, her eyes rolling around with anticipation as her thick lashes fluttered wildly. Then, she let out a goofy laugh. Tarquin just stared at her… Elysia was buzzing with excitement, feeling both thrilled and relieved. “You know,” she said, “you’re not that bad. You might not seem like the good guy, but you’re not the worst, either. You have a conscience, though not a huge one, it’s there…” He doesn’t seem like a good guy? A conscience, though not a huge one? Tarquin’s expression darkened. If this was her way of giving a compliment, he wasn’t sure whether to say thanks or something else entirely. 0