Chapter 97

Wendy didn't respond, but Elias took the initiative to cheer her up. "I'll help you teach her a lesson." Even though she knew he was joking, she couldn't help but feel a slight sense of hope. In her not-so-happy childhood and youth, aside from James, Elias had been another ray of sunshine in her life. He had brightened the dark moments and left her with some of her best memories. Because of him, Wendy realized that even as a slightly older cousin, she could still feel loved by an elder. She shook her head before he answered the call. "Maybe not," she said. Elias patted the back of her hand, mouthing the words, "Don't worry. I've got you." It was a phrase he often used to say to her. As she looked at him, Wendy felt that even if he didn't lecture Jenna, just having him there would be enough. "Jenna," Elias began, his tone serious. "Did you upset Wendy again?" On the other end of the line, Jenna could hardly contain her jealousy and frustration at his immediate defense of Wendy.