Chapter 367 Feed Me Personally?
Francis checked his watch; he still had some time. "Alright, tell me, how do you want me to take responsibility? Marry her?" he asked.
Jessa's eyes widened in surprise, but she kept her head down, so no one noticed.
Wesley frowned. "No one said you have to marry her. You need to marry someone who can support your career in the future."
Jessa got the message loud and clear; she couldn't expect anything from the Peterson family.
Wesley only brought her back to keep her grandfather company in his final days, to ease the guilt of their years apart and the fact that she was almost harmed.
Rainey's kindness to Jessa must be based on her being well-behaved and sensible, but still regarded her as a non-blood relative. So she couldn't have any delusions of a relationship with Francis.
They were still only thinking about the Peterson family's interests.
No matter how Jessa felt, she was just a pawn.
But it didn't matter; even though Elissa was lucky to survive this time, her future wouldn't be much better.
At least Jessa grew up in the Peterson family, while Elissa had no status or position, and even knowing Hope wouldn't change anything.
Jerry wouldn't go against the Peterson family for Elissa.
Even though their families were old friends, the Peterson family wouldn't let Jerry interfere in their matters, affecting their interests.
"I don't get it," Francis said calmly. "What does it mean to take responsibility without marrying?"
Wesley tapped his cane on the ground, clearly annoyed by Francis's act of ignorance.
Wesley said, "If you really like that girl Elissa, you can keep her on the side."
The message was clear.
Francis chuckled. "Grandpa, you really do think of everything for me."
Wesley's anger didn't subside. "If you didn't mess around, I wouldn't have to worry so much."
Francis put one hand in his pocket, his voice turning cold. "Grandpa, I appreciate your concern, but I won't take your advice. And I suggest you stop giving me advice in the future."
"Francis!" Wesley pounded his cane on the ground, standing up in anger, only to collapse again.
Elysia yelled, "Wesley!"
Jacob also shouted, "Dad!"
The sound of ambulance sirens pierced the night as Wesley was rushed to the hospital and taken to the emergency room.
Wesley's special status made Elysia worried and unusually irritable.
Jacob was trying to calm things down, while Rainey was afraid Francis would use the opportunity to send Jessa abroad, so she had people surrounding the emergency room.
The task of keeping the news under wraps fell to Francis.
Francis couldn't ignore it; if the situation escalated and the Peterson family fell into danger, Elissa would be in an even more precarious situation.
Francis's family was always under scrutiny. As soon as the ambulance left the Peterson Mansion, calls kept coming in, and his phone was dead from all the activity.
When Elissa got home and saw no messages from Francis, she curled up on the couch, thought for a while, and sent a message.
Elissa: [Are you done yet?]
She put down her phone and decided to take a bath and do some skincare. Two hours later, she checked her phone again, but still no reply.
Elissa sighed, put her phone down, opened her laptop to get some work done, and eventually drifted off to sleep. When she woke up, she instinctively grabbed her phone, but there was still no reply from Francis.
She hesitated for a moment and then decided to call him, but his phone was off.
Just as she was about to put her phone down, a message from Hope popped up.
Hope: [Elissa, Francis's grandpa is in the hospital.]
Elissa jumped out of bed, quickly washed up, got dressed, and took a cab straight to the hospital.
After getting out of the cab, Elissa called Hope. Hope and Jerry were already at the hospital. After hanging up, Hope told Jerry and then went downstairs to find her.
Elissa walked quickly. "What's the situation?"
Hope said, "He's old and passed out from anger."
Elissa bit her lip. "Is it because of me and Francis?"
Hope shook her head. "Not entirely, don't overthink it. There's also the matter with Jessa. If you want to see Francis, I'll talk to Jerry. For now, you need to avoid the Peterson family; Wesley can't know."
Hope continued, "The news is being kept under wraps. Wesley's illness can't be publicized, so I can't take you upstairs for now, sorry."
Firstly, because of Wesley's status.
Secondly, although Hope was Elissa's friend, this was still the Peterson family's private matter, and she had no standing to make decisions for them.
Given the Peterson family's current attitude, it was better for Elissa to avoid them.
Elissa nodded. "Why are you apologizing? I understand. I knew their family was special before I started dating Francis."
Hope said, "You haven't eaten yet, right? Let's go eat."
They found a restaurant.
There weren't many people at this hour, so they sat in a private booth.
Hope explained the situation. "Jessa told the Peterson family about that night at the hotel. The Peterson family wants Francis to take responsibility but not marry her."
Elissa paused in wiping the table, then let out a light, cold laugh. "So Jessa's plan failed."
Hope nodded. "It's normal for the Peterson family to oppose your relationship with Francis. It mainly depends on what Francis wants."
Hope sent a message to Jerry and continued, "Francis has been busy all night keeping the news under wraps. His grandparents, although married for the family, have a good relationship. Because of worry, they've been emotional, with chest tightness and shortness of breath. He didn't have time to charge his phone and tell you, don't be mad."
Elissa asked, "Is this what you want to say, or did he ask you to tell me?"
Hope replied, "Of course, he asked me to tell you. Otherwise, I wouldn't speak for him. I'm firmly and always on your side."
Elissa nodded, "Good, that's all I need to hear."
They smiled at each other.
Francis still had to keep an eye on things, and in this situation, he couldn't go against his family.
During a bathroom break, Simon brought him a fully charged phone, and he quickly sent an apology message to Elissa.
Elissa walked out of the restaurant with Hope, and her phone buzzed twice.
She opened the message.
Francis: [Sorry, I can't call right now, so I'm sending you a message to apologize. I might not be able to see you for the next few days. Don't overthink it; it's not about you. Eat well and work well. If you want to know what's going on with me, just ask Hope.]
Elissa showed the message to Hope.
Hope said, "I never thought he was so talkative."
Hope had to return to the hospital, and Elissa took a cab.
Before getting in the cab, Elissa worriedly reminded her, "Call me immediately if anything happens."
"Don't worry, and don't overthink," Hope said.
"You know me, I always take things in stride," Elissa said.
Hope didn't mention it, but if Elissa really took things in stride, she wouldn't have gone to the rooftop back then.
"Message me when you get home," Hope said, showing her concern.
A week later, Wesley was discharged and went home.
Elissa also received news that Francis was coming to see her.
They had exchanged messages occasionally over the past few days, but most of the updates came from Hope.
Knowing Wesley was okay, Elissa was happy and impulsively went to the supermarket to buy some groceries, planning to cook.
Elissa had failed before, but she thought that after so many attempts, she should be able to make something edible. However, she still overestimated herself.
When Francis arrived at the door, he heard a piercing alarm.
Thinking it was a gas leak, he didn't knock but entered the house using the code Elissa had given him.
As soon as he stepped inside, he was met with thick smoke, making it hard for him to see.
"Elissa!" He ran towards the kitchen and bumped into Elissa coming out.
Elissa's usually well-made-up face was full of panic and embarrassment.
Francis immediately reached for the fire extinguisher, but Elissa helplessly stopped him, "The fire is already out."
She did have some basic self-rescue knowledge.
Francis sighed in relief, went into the kitchen to turn the exhaust fan on high, and then pulled her to the bathroom to wash her face. "What were you doing?"
Elissa wiped her face clean and answered without hesitation, "I was cooking."
Francis's lips twitched, "I thought you were blowing up the kitchen."
Elissa laughed awkwardly and coughed, "A small mistake, just a small mistake."
This was a small mistake? If it were a big mistake, would she blow up the whole building?
Francis was both angry and helpless, "Let's go out to eat."
"Okay." Elissa nodded in agreement, touching her nose, "It's just a pity about the groceries I bought. There's still a lot left. I'll cook for you again once I learn."
Francis looked at her for a long time, then rolled up his sleeves and headed to the kitchen.
Elissa followed behind, hesitating, "Are you going to cook? Do you know how?"
Francis looked at the mess in the kitchen and the plate of what looked like charcoal, asking, "What's this?"
Elissa blinked and honestly replied, "Beef."
Francis didn't comment. He pointed at her, "Apron."
Elissa took off the apron and handed it to him, but he raised his hands.
"Help me tie it," he said.
Elissa placed the apron around his slim waist, her hands reaching behind him to tie the knot.
He pulled her into a tight hug.
Elissa's hands roamed his back, "Missed me?"
Francis felt a rush of emotion.
His sharp Adam's apple bobbed, and he buried his face in her neck, taking a deep breath before letting her go.
He said shortly, "Wait outside."
Elissa still couldn't believe it, "You really know how to cook?"
He just smiled and said, "You'll see."
Elissa, half-doubting, went outside. She opened her phone, wondering why the tutorial seemed so simple, yet her result was so disastrous.
Francis first cleaned up the mess Elissa had made.
He looked at the groceries she bought and took out his phone to search for videos.
After standing still for a few seconds, Francis messaged Simon to bring some ready-made food.
He picked up the apron from the floor, put it on, and started preparing the ingredients, but found many seasonings were missing. He decided to make some simple dishes.
Simon's efficiency was impressive.
When Elissa opened the door and saw him, she was surprised, "Are you looking for Francis?"
Simon handed over the food, "Mr. Peterson asked me to bring this."
Elissa took it, confused, and before she could thank him, Simon had already disappeared.
Simon's impressive skills made her think that if he had been on the rooftop that night, she and Francis wouldn't have woken up to find someone else beside them.
Even if the surveillance footage could be deleted, Simon wouldn't miss anything.
Francis asked, "What are you daydreaming about?"
Francis received Simon's message and came out to see Elissa standing at the door in a daze, not even closing it.
Francis walked over, closed the door, and took the food from her hands.
Elissa snapped out of it and asked, "What's this?"
Francis opened it to show her, "Main dishes."
Forty minutes later, the food was on the table.
Elissa had already opened a bottle of wine to let it breathe.
As each dish was served, she said, "I can make this salad too."
"Then why didn't you?" Francis took off the apron and sat down beside her, asking.
Elissa said, "I didn't have time. I thought I'd start with the steak."
"You won't be eating steak today. If you want, I can have someone bring it." Francis said.
"No need, these dishes look good. I'll try them."
Francis raised his hand, indicating her to go ahead.
Elissa took a bite, her eyes lighting up, "You really can cook?"
"No," Francis also took a bite, nodding in satisfaction, "I followed a video. Maybe I'm just smart."
Elissa kicked him under the table, and Francis squeezed her thigh in return.
If it were another girl, she might have blushed, but not Elissa. She slid her foot up his leg.
Francis grabbed her ankle, his thumb gently rubbing her ankle bone, his eyes darkening with desire.
He pulled Elissa onto his lap, his voice already hoarse, "Are you full?"
Elissa glared at him, "I haven't even eaten yet, how could I be full? Or are you saying you want to feed me yourself?"
Francis applied a bit of force.
As he lifted Elissa, he knocked over a wine glass.
Red wine spread across the table, but neither of them cared.
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