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.

bureaucratic one, held steadfast to the concept of matching

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

to Dr. Brice,

back, “Are

blind date with Elliot, Mr. Hernandez

Judging by Nance’s

ノ

Dr. Brice to be a decent person. It was clear that Nance had

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

It’s best when feelings naturally develop and both parties are willing. Nowadays, free love is encouraged. As parents, wouldn’t you want your children to be happy in their marriages,

teeth gleaming white against her brilliant orange-red lipstick,

said it was beyond description. Even the experienced Nance had to admit Adeline’s

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

not to be trifled with. If she were to contend with Adeline, she

a testament to your

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

use of the word ‘truths’ to describe Adeline’s words infuriated Nance. The Sanches family was adept at educating their children, leaving her at a

to support her so strongly. Upon reflection, she realized her earlier statement implied that only mutual feelings could constitute true

relief, “I am fortunate that my parents don’t meddle in my love life. But you,

Brice a knowing wink.

of criticism and consolation left Brice at a loss.

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

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

at Elliot, knowing he shouldn’t stay either. Smiling, he waved at Adeline,

back at Dr. Brice.

expression cool and aloof, as if trying to

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