Chapter 88
Elisa was the heiress of the Stones, a powerful family, and she knew how to use that influence to her advantage. The Yorks and the Stones weren’t exactly on the best terms, and the security guards at York Corporation didn’t have the authority to make a scene with her. Their hesitancy to force Elisa to leave only intensified the growing tensions between the two families.
Before long, a few cars raced up to the entrance of York Corporation. Clive stepped out, his steps quick and determined as he walked toward his sister. The frustration was visible on his face—there was no doubt that Zachary had complained about Elisa’s public display of affection. Clive had been in the middle of a meeting when he’d received the call, and his emotions were a mix of annoyance and disbelief. He immediately left his team behind and brought a bodyguard to drag Elisa away from the scene.
“Zachary…” Elisa was about to continue her declaration when Clive grabbed the megaphone from her hands. She looked up into his stern face, and for a moment, she froze. “Clive,” she said meekly, cowering under his gaze. He tossed the megaphone aside before grabbing her wrist firmly and dragging her toward the car.
“Clive, I like Zachary. I really do. I’ve had a crush on him for years, and it’s taken me this long to confess. You have to let me do this. What if he falls in love with me too? Ouch, you’re grabbing me too hard!” Elisa protested, but Clive didn’t relent. He shoved her into the car without saying a word.
As Elisa tried to make a run for it from the other side of the vehicle, Clive’s voice grew colder. “Take one more step, and I’ll make sure you regret it.” Elisa hesitated, her resolve wavering, and eventually, she stayed put. Clive got in the car, shut the door, and ordered emotionlessly, “Drive.”
The driver stepped on the gas, and Elisa, still determined, snuggled up to her brother, clinging to his arm as she tried to appeal to his softer side. “Clive—” she began, but Clive’s voice cut her off. “Shut up,” he snapped.
Clive was at his wit’s end. “I’ve told you a hundred times that Zachary isn’t right for you. Why won’t you listen to me?” Elisa didn’t back down. “I tried to get over him, but the years haven’t helped. I can’t give up now. I love him. Is it wrong to show it? How will we know the outcome if I don’t try? If I don’t fight for it?”
Elisa was used to getting her way, and her family’s wealth and power only reinforced her confidence. She refused to let fear or doubt stop her. Whether or not she was compatible with Zachary didn’t matter to her. Elisa believed in giving everything for a chance at love, even if it meant accepting failure. It was better than never trying at all and living with regret.