Chapter 35 Help Me One More Time

After leaving the hospital, Arthur drove Yvonne back to Sunshine Community.

Yvonne packed two suitcases with clean clothes and daily necessities, preparing to stay at Rhode Hills.

Elijah took three days off for her, so she would start going to work again after two days.

Just as Yvonne finished putting her luggage in the bedroom she had stayed in before, her phone rang.

It was Joseph, calling to say that the day after tomorrow was his sixth birthday, and he hoped Yvonne could celebrate with him.

Yvonne readily agreed and asked Joseph what birthday gift he wanted. Joseph replied that her presence would be the best gift he could receive.

While that was the case, Yvonne decided to choose an expensive learning device. She had originally planned to give him a toy, but his playroom was already overflowing with toys.

Considering that he would start first grade next year, Yvonne thought a learning device would be a good choice.

Elijah had already filled the fridge with various fresh meats, frozen foods, fruits, and vegetables, so even if she didn't go out for a week, she would have plenty to eat.

After tidying up the room, Yvonne felt a bit tired, so she lay on the bed and started browsing her phone.

She opened the chat with Elijah, casually took a photo of her bedroom, and sent it to him with a few words: [I've arrived in Rhode Hills].

Elijah didn't respond at all.

Yvonne was already accustomed to his behavior, so after taking a shower, she watched a drama for a while before going to sleep.

At five in the morning, Elijah's call woke her up.

Still feeling groggy, she answered with a sleepy "Hello."

"I just got off the plane." Elijah's voice sounded exhausted.

"Oh," she replied.

Normally quick-witted, she suddenly found herself at a loss for words. It was their first interaction after officially becoming involved with each other.

In the past, she would occasionally argue back at him, but now, due to her unique "professional ethics" sensitivity, she had to conceal all her emotions and become much gentler.

Elijah waited for her to say something for a while, but she remained silent.

"Lost for words?" he asked.

"I don't know what to say," she said, no longer feeling sleepy as she turned on the bedside lamp and sat up.

"It's been a whole day. Did you miss me?" Elijah suddenly asked.

Yvonne laughed and said, "I was busy setting up my phone, leaving the hospital, packing my luggage, and cleaning the room. I didn't have time to miss you."

"You're so straightforward," Elijah teased in a soft voice. "From now on, establish your identity and know what to do or not to do. Don't give me any more trouble."

"Are you talking about me?" Yvonne deliberately asked.

"Who else?" Elijah retorted.

Yvonne knew she couldn't argue with him and hurriedly replied, "Okay."

Elijah seemed to have arrived at the airport, with someone picking him up, but he didn't end the call.

The two fell into silence, and Yvonne took the initiative to break it. "Will there be any side effects from the needle they injected into me?" she asked.

"Of course there will be," Elijah said solemnly, lowering his voice. "Memory loss, lack of thinking, exaggerated delusions, and most noticeably, sporadic heat. That's why I had you move to Rhode Hills, so that whenever you need a man, I can be there to help you."

Upon hearing the last sentence, Yvonne realized she had been teased and hung up the call.

Elijah, with his aloof demeanor, was different when it came to flirting. He would speak the most vulgar words with the most serious tone. Even though Yvonne had a thicker skin than most people, she couldn't help but blush at times.

The woman was thick-skinned, but his words still stirred her heart and mind. Before she could regain her composure, Elijah sent her a WhatsApp message: [By the time I return, your period should be over, right?]

Even though they were thousands of miles apart, Yvonne blushed.

She clenched her phone with one hand and didn't reply.

Hannah mentioned yesterday that Elijah had carried her to the hospital, and his clothes were stained with her blood.

Elijah sent a few question marks on WhatsApp.

A playful smile appeared on her lips as she replied: [Have you been a celibate for too long?]

Elijah immediately stopped.

Since she didn't have to go to work, Yvonne had a simple breakfast and opened her computer to start her busy day.

The RD design competition deadline was next month, and she had already chosen a topic, so she planned to sketch out the outline this week.

With no one to disturb her, her work efficiency was high.

In the afternoon, Ryan called her and said that the Winston family had a gathering in the evening and needed her to show up.

She wanted to refuse, but thinking of Elijah being overseas, as long as she was cautious, there should be no problem.

They agreed on a meeting time and address.

At half past six in the evening, Ryan drove Yvonne to the Winston family.

Yvonne jokingly asked if Mrs. Winston was going to take her shopping again.

Ryan shook his head. "There's a dinner party at home tonight. Your sister Grace and her lame husband Edward are invited. I don't like Edward either, but he's currently a business partner of my dad's company, so we have to go through the motions."

"My relationship with Grace has always been strained." Yvonne didn't hide it from Ryan. "She will definitely badmouth me in front of your mom. If we can deceive her, let's do it. If we get exposed, just say I'm a con artist, and we'll use this opportunity to cut ties."

"That's a good idea." Ryan chuckled and touched his left earring while driving. "But my mom will definitely be heartbroken."

Every time Yvonne came to the Winston family with Ryan, he would prepare gifts in advance.

This time, Ryan bought an imported rhino horn cigar box for his father and a luxury shawl for his mother.

The first floor of the Winston family was brightly lit and filled with liveliness.

Yvonne and Ryan walked into the living room and saw Mrs. Winston chatting with Grace.

"Mom, Yvonne is here." Ryan glanced around but didn't see his dad or Edward.

Mrs. Winston greeted Yvonne with a smile. "My husband and Edward are old friends, so when you marry into the family, you'll be even closer."

Yvonne greeted Mrs. Winston first and then looked at Grace.

"I never expected my sister's relationship with Mr. Winston to progress so quickly." Grace smirked, clearly insinuating something.

Grace was dressed extravagantly, exuding wealth and luxury.

"Oh, I have so many surprises in store," Yvonne said affectionately as she playfully took Mrs. Winston's hand. "Auntie, I bought a shawl for you. Would you like to try it on?"

Ryan smiled and handed over a beautifully packaged box.

"I feel really blessed to have such a filial daughter like you," Mrs. Winston exclaimed joyfully. She unwrapped the shawl and draped it around herself, eagerly seeking Yvonne's approval.

Yvonne complimented her, and soon the two of them were engrossed in their conversation, leaving Grace feeling ignored.

Grace stared at them coldly and sneered, "You probably have no idea that my sister and Elijah have an extraordinary relationship, do you?"

"Grace, shut your mouth!" Ryan raised his voice sharply.

Mrs. Winston looked at Grace in confusion and asked, "What's wrong with Elijah?"

Ryan interjected, "Elijah went abroad yesterday, but he will be back soon."

Mrs. Winston looked at him with doubt in her eyes, neatly folded the shawl, and sat across from Grace.

"Ryan, Yvonne, could you both go to the kitchen and check on the food?" she suggested.

"I’ll ask the maid to go. Yvonne and I will keep you company," Ryan insisted, not wanting to leave.

Grace carefully observed Ryan's assertiveness.

Yvonne remained calm, prepared to be exposed at any moment.

Just then, Mr. Winston and Edward emerged from the study.

Edward skillfully maneuvered his wheelchair, his gaze fixed on Grace.

It was the first time Yvonne had seen Edward. He had an average appearance, but there was a sense of ruthlessness in his eyes.

Standing side by side with Grace, the age difference between them became immediately apparent.

Ryan, worried that Grace might mock Yvonne, remained close to her.

Everyone had their own thoughts as they ate dinner.

When Edward and Grace were leaving, the Winstons personally accompanied them to the door.

Yvonne noticed Grace pulling Mrs. Winston aside and whispering for a long time, which made her feel a sense of unease.

When Mrs. Winston returned to the living room, her expression was not pleasant.

"Yvonne just received a notice for overtime, so I’ll drive her home," Ryan said.

Ryan wanted to leave as soon as possible with Yvonne, but Mrs. Winston pushed him onto the couch when he reached for his coat.

"None of you can leave until things are clarified today!" Mrs. Winston's face turned grave, and her gaze at Yvonne held a hint of anger.

"What exactly is your relationship with Elijah?" she demanded.

Yvonne couldn't determine Ryan's thoughts and glanced at him nervously.

He reassured her, "Mom, anyone who believes Grace's words is a fool! She's just like her mother, always spreading rumors. I know Yvonne better than anyone else!"

Feeling guilty, Yvonne stayed silent.

She couldn't figure out why Ryan didn't reveal the truth and wondered if it was because they needed to maintain some level of cooperation. She could only choose to cooperate.

"Auntie, Grace and I have never gotten along since we were young. She has always disliked me," Yvonne explained.

"The Brooks Group went bankrupt, and Grace married Edward, who is old enough to be her father, for wealth and prosperity. How credible can her words be?" Ryan continued.

Mrs. Winston furrowed her brows and pondered for a moment. "Ryan, Yvonne, I was too hasty in believing Grace's one-sided words."

Yvonne and Ryan both breathed a sigh of relief.

Mrs. Winston added, "Ryan, you're not a kid anymore, and you have a good relationship. How about finalizing your marriage plans next month?"

Yvonne's face changed abruptly.

"Mom, my company has just started, and Yvonne just switched to a new company. We will focus on our careers for the next couple of years and won't consider marriage," Ryan said seriously.

Mrs. Winston looked at Yvonne. "Is that what you think too?"

Yvonne nodded.

"Ryan, listen carefully. If you don't finalize your marriage plans next month, your father won't invest a penny in your gaming company," Mrs. Winston said before getting up and heading upstairs.

Yvonne and Ryan exchanged glances.

"We have to come clean." Yvonne felt they couldn't continue this charade any longer.

"Not yet. My company has just developed a few new games, and it requires a substantial amount of startup capital," Ryan said, sitting on the sofa and twirling his earring. "My parents always think I'm too playful and unreliable, so they want to force me into marrying someone."

"I can pretend when I come to your house, but let's not discuss anything else," Yvonne stated firmly.

Ryan frowned and scratched his head. "Let me think if there's a win-win solution."

"You think about it, I'll leave now," Yvonne said, picking up her coat and handbag.

This time, she didn't dare to hitch a ride and instead took a bus.

After she found a seat, Ryan's call came in.

Yvonne asked, "Have you decided to come clean?"

“Coming clean is impossible," Ryan said, trying to please her. "Yvonne, you've been really kind to me, please help me one more time. The engagement is just a formality, inviting some relatives and friends for a meal. I promise, as soon as my father's money comes through, I'll confess immediately."

"I can't help," Yvonne firmly refused.

Ryan insisted, "I'll offer you $500,000. Please do me a favor, just this once. How about it?"

Upon hearing this, Yvonne's heart trembled.