Chapter 672:
Elyse chuckled. “I know you've been kind to me, Pearce. I'll remember it.”
After leaving the Bensons’ estate, Elyse felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her.
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She had a low opinion of the Benson family, except for Pearce, and she didn’t feel any sense of belonging with
the Benson household. Her willingness to visit the Bensons’ estate was born out of sheer curiosity, not a desire
to rekindle old ties or reclaim a place in their midst.
She was acutely aware of her lack of a true home. Relying on others for security had only ever led to heartbreak
and abandonment. She understood, with resolute clarity, that she was her own sanctuary.
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Seeking distraction, Elyse instructed the driver to take her to the mall.
As the car veered towards the bustling shopping center, her mind wandered to more mundane concerns. Once
inside the mall, Elyse began to shop.
She passed by a high-end clothing store. Reminded of her upcoming competitions, she entered, curiosity piqued
by the elegant displays.
As she perused the racks for suitable outfits, she sensed someone approaching from behind. Swiftly turning, she
found herself face-to-face with a stranger.
With a raised eyebrow and a hint of confusion, Elyse asked, “Do you know me?”
The woman looked her up and down, rolling her eyes with disdain. “It really is you, the girl who recently returned
to the Benson family.”
Elyse, puzzled by the recognition from this unfamiliar face, replied, “Who are you? | don’t think we've met
before.”
“Of course, you don’t know me,” the woman said with a sneer. “I’m Claire Lipson, a good friend of Thea.” Claire
crossed her arms and stared at Elyse with a mix of arrogance and suspicion. “What are your intentions for
reuniting with the Benson family?”
Elyse was baffled. “Intentions? What do you mean?”
Claire rolled her eyes, exasperated. “Stop acting clueless. Everyone knows you aim to fight for shares and
inheritance. You even want to take Thea’s place, don’t you?”
Elyse remained silent. She had heard rumors that Felicia planned to distribute her shares among the younger
generation, stirring up internal conflict in the otherwise harmonious Benson family. But what did that have to do
with her? She didn’t want anything from them.
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The idea of replacing Thea was even more absurd. She hadn't even planned to live with them.
Taking a deep breath, Elyse replied, “Who told you | wanted to replace Thea? That's a funny assumption. Tell
them | don’t care. I'm just here to pay a visit and will leave soon.”
Claire’s tone grew sharp and sarcastic. “What a huge lie. You claim you don’t want anything, but who would
believe that? You're playing the gwell, pretending to want nothing while actually aiming for everything.”
Elyse realized Claire was unyielding. No matter what she said, Claire wouldn't believe her, so there was no point
in arguing further.
Her expression darkened. “Move aside, or don’t blme for being rude.”
Noticing Elyse’s shift in demeanor, Claire quickly retorted, “I knew you were pretending. I'm warning you, Thea is
Felicia’s favorite granddaughter. Don’t think you can replace her.”
Elyse, growing impatient, said, “Tell Thea | won't take what rightfully belongs to her. You all should stop bothering
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