Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 261

Adeline had made it clear that Dr. Brice had done it on purpose.

Just as she was about to respond, a shadow fell over her. Looking up, she found herself face-to-face with Nance. The woman held a charcoal-grey purse in her hand, poised to speak.

Adeline quickly stood up, startling Nance, who teetered backwards, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Dr. Brice hadn’t expected his mother to approach so directly- thankfully, it wasn’t peak hours at the restaurant, and there were no other customers. It was due to the lack of morning crowd that he and Adeline hadn’t opted for a private dining room.

Dr. Brice stood up, ready to introduce Nance, but Adeline beat him to it, extending her hand to greet Nance, “Nance, it’s a pleasure. I’m Adeline. I didn’t realize you were sitting behind us, I thought I’d mistaken you for someone else. Dr. Brice and I were just discussing you- he mentioned your elegance and extensive knowledge.”

“Oh?” Nance shifted her gaze to her son.

Dr. Brice felt a moment of panic – he should have expected Adeline’s ire regarding the Elliot situation.

“Mother, what brings you here?” Dr. Brice asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Nance was a skilled conversationalist. She smiled at Dr. Brice, “I had arranged a shopping trip with a friend, but she isn’t here yet. I thought I’d rest for a while and as luck would have it, found you and Ms. Sanches here.”

“My lady, you know who I am? I’m honored!” Though saying this, Adeline’s expression seemed insincere.

Nance had expected Adeline to ask about her friend, but the young woman was unpredictable. Nance, however, maintained her smile, “Ms. Sanches, your beauty is unforgettable.”

“My lady.” Elliot stood up and extended his hands to her.

Nance had noticed Elliot earlier and wasn’t about to ignore the young heir of the Sanches Group. She greeted politely and remarked, “I didn’t realize,you knew my son…”

Before she could finish, Elliot chuckled and waved it off, “My lady, you misunderstand. Dr. Brice and I have just mét. If it weren’t for a mutual friend setting up Adeline and Dr. Brice, I may not have had the chance to meet him.”

Nance’s smile faded slightly at his words.

that the Brice family, a high-ranking bureaucratic one, held steadfast to the concept of matching social status. Nance would undoubtedly prefer a cultured lady, not

further complications, Adeline said with a smile, “Don’t listen to his

to Dr. Brice,

shot back, “Are

blind date with Elliot, Mr. Hernandez

Judging by Nance’s demeanor,

ノ

on their conversation, Adeline thought Dr. Brice to be a decent person. It was clear that Nance had decided to confront

Dr. Brice’s shoulder, laughing, “We may be friends now, but who knows what the

naturally develop and both parties are willing. Nowadays, free love is encouraged. As

flashing a bright smile, her teeth gleaming white against her brilliant orange-red lipstick, making her skin look more delicate.

it was beyond description. Even the experienced Nance had to admit

life – no doubt referring to Nance’s insistence on arranging

not to be trifled with. If she were to contend

Nance turned to Elliot, “Ms. Sanches is articulate and persuasive, a testament to your parents’ upbringing. She

clearly a dig at Adeline, but surprisingly, Elliot responded, “That might not be entirely due to my parents’ efforts. My sister’s always been bright, and she has

family was adept at educating their children, leaving her at a loss

implied that only mutual feelings could constitute true love, unilateral love was simply coercion. Her one-sided love for Elliot was essentially forcing him, explaining why he

fortunate that my parents don’t meddle in my love life. But you,

gave Brice a knowing wink.

to admit, Adeline’s method of criticism and consolation left Brice

glanced at her wristwatch and announced, “Yulia should be arriving soon.

still standing there, Mr. Brice? Go and accompany your mother!” Adeline gently nudged

huffed out, leaving Brice who looked at Elliot, knowing he shouldn’t stay either. Smiling, he waved at Adeline, “I must take my leave

at Dr.

and aloof, as if

picked up her pumpkin-colored trench coat, draped it over her shoulders and reached for her purse. But