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.

hadn’t expected a casual date to become so complex. Everyone knew that the Brice family, a high-ranking bureaucratic one, held steadfast to the concept

listen to his nonsense. Dr. Brice and I

Dr. Brice, “We’re friends, right?”

Brice shot back,

Elliot, Mr. Hernandez had

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

ノ

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

be friends now, but who knows what the future holds!”

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

flashing a bright smile, her teeth gleaming white against her brilliant orange-red lipstick, making her

it was beyond

son’s love life – no doubt referring to Nance’s insistence on

young woman was not to be trifled with. If she were to contend with Adeline, she would undoubtedly lose.

and persuasive, a testament

not be entirely due to my parents’ efforts. My sister’s always been bright, and she

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

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 why he agreed with her.

“I am fortunate that my parents don’t meddle in my love

a knowing wink.

of criticism and consolation

her wristwatch and announced, “Yulia should be arriving

are you still standing there, Mr. Brice? Go and accompany

knowing he shouldn’t stay either. Smiling, he waved at Adeline, “I must take my leave

back at Dr. Brice.

and aloof, as if trying

it over her shoulders and