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.

knew that the Brice family, a high-ranking bureaucratic one, held steadfast to the concept of matching social status. Nance would

said with a smile, “Don’t listen to his nonsense.

Brice, “We’re friends,

back,

look in Dr. Brice’s eyes, Adeline sensed his desperation. She recalled that before her blind date with Elliot, Mr. Hernandez had mentioned Dr. Brice’s participation was to avoid Nance’s arranged blind date with

remembered, Yulia, was her name? Judging by Nance’s demeanor, she seemed pleased with Yulia.

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to be a decent person. It was clear that Nance had decided to confront her to hint at stepping

friends

Nance’s expression change, Adeline turned to Dr. Brice nonchalantly, “Love is a match made in heaven when mutual. Forced relationships are no good. It’s best when feelings naturally develop and both parties are willing. Nowadays, free

agree, Nance?” Adeline turned to face Nance, flashing a bright smile, her teeth gleaming white against her brilliant

shone like a bright light, it’s no wonder people said it was beyond description. Even the

a veiled hint at Nance’s interference in her son’s love life – no doubt referring to Nance’s insistence on arranging

Adeline began speaking, Nance knew this young woman was not to be trifled

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

entirely due to my parents’ efforts. My sister’s always been bright, and she has a deep understanding of

infuriated Nance. The Sanches family was adept at educating their children, leaving her at a loss for

expected Elliot to support her so strongly. Upon reflection, she realized her earlier statement 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

that my parents don’t meddle in my love life. But you, Mr. Brice, must

Brice a knowing wink.

method of criticism and consolation left

announced, “Yulia should be arriving soon.

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

shouldn’t stay either. Smiling, he waved at Adeline, “I must

back at Dr.

had remained seated, his expression cool and aloof, as if trying to discern’something from

up her pumpkin-colored trench coat, draped it over her shoulders and reached for her