Robin stared at him for a long time, yet he couldn’t bring himself to say a word. Given they were both
men, he knew very well it was not an empty promise but a genuine one when Alexander swore to protect
Elise’s smile.
In that very instant, Robin couldn’t feel any older. Or rather, he had been old for a very long time, so old
that he had grown so much more timid than a rat, fearing anything that came his way. All this time, he
had been praying for stability that he had shut out everything that was remote from his vision. Perhaps
Alexander was right. Temporary stability couldn’t be exchanged for eternal security. No one could tell
what the future might hold, so instead of living in fear, maybe it was time to live more carefreely and
enjoy every moment. Even though they were senile, they shouldn’t let Elise live as they did-
monotonously and aimlessly. Right now, the only person that was standing in Elise’s shoes was
Alexander, who was right before him.
The concern on Robin’s face gradually waned as he nodded, for he had found someone that could love
Elise more than they did. “Very well. Remember what you said today, Alexander. If you fail to protect her
even for one second, Laura and I are going to abhor you until our very last breath!”
“Don’t worry, Mr. Robin.” Alexander seemed more determined than ever. “I will spend forever keeping the
smile on her face!”
Robin subtly nodded, and suddenly recalled the incident with Matthew. He warned, “As for your brother,
it’s best that you handle him as soon as possible. There may be a day when he comes back to ruin you
and Elise’s life.”
“I’ve got a lead on him. I never spent a second slacking,” Alexander earnestly claimed.
As such, Robin, seeing there was nothing else to nitpick, nodded. “As long as you know what to do. Now,
I officially hand Elise over to you. Please cherish her.”
“Thank you, Mr. Robin! I won’t disappoint you!” Alexander was utterly moved as he revealed his delight.
“My disappointment means nothing. Elise, however…” Robin jokingly teased.
“Hehe…” Alexander chuckled in his baritone voice. “I won’t let her down either!”
Robin stopped teasing him. “Now, go back to her, or she’s gonna think I’m bullying you. This girl, she’s
not even married yet, but she has already forgotten about her family!”
Alexander went to help him walk. “Are you kidding, Mr. Robin? I’m now one of you too! Whether she
thinks of me or you, her heart will still be with the Sinclairs. There’s not a difference, is there?”
“Keep sweet talkin!” Despite saying that angrily, Robin was obviously on cloud nine.
Seeing them depart with gloomy faces and return smiling, Elise got curious. “Smiley faces, what’s the
good news?”
Robin wordlessly beamed as Alexander answered, “Mr. Robin said you’re forgetting about him.”
Oswe
“What!” Elise went up and held Robin’s arm, leaning her head against him. “I’ll always think about you,
Grandpa!”
“Hahaha! Really? Does that mean you will be my granddaughter forever and not get married to another
man?” Robin mischievously poked fun at her.
“No way!” Elise speedily raised her head. With a serious expression, she replied, “I still gotta get married!
But I’ll always think of you too!”
Robin lifted his hand and booped her nose. “What a sly, greedy girl!”
Unwilling to give in, Elise pinched her nose and pulled a clown face at him.
Since she was heading to Landred City the next day, she later gave Laura an acupuncture. And by the
time she was done, it was already midnight. With that, she walked out of the room and sneaked into
Alexander’s yard.
Catching her red-handed, Robin shook his head and sighed. “Heartless little girl…”
Being made fun of, Elise immediately let out a sneeze. “Achoo!”
Hearing that, Alexander came out of his room and took off his coat before covering her with it. “And we
have ourselves a doctor who has no concept of keeping herself warm during cold days.”
Elise childishly giggled. “Heh, doesn’t that doctor have you?”
“And what if she doesn’t?” Alexander rebuked.
“Then nobody would know she’s a doctor!” She boldly jested, only to call upon Alexander’s scowl, to
which she hastily gratified him. “Okay, okay. I’m just kidding. I’ll learn to take care of myself. Satisfied, Mr.
Griffith?”
“Whatever.” After he said that, his frown quickly turned into a smile. “Why are you here this late? Did Mr.
Robin actually get it right-someone’s dying to get married to me?”
“Hell no!” Elise pompously turned away. “I came for Captain Gleeman!”
“Jackson?” Alexander questioned, “What for?”
“It’s between me and him. Don’t be nosy!” Having said that, she went to open the door to Jackson’s room
and entered.
Meanwhile, Clement, who just took off his shirt and was getting ready to sleep, was startled at Elise’s
barging in. Ferociously, he tugged the bed sheet and wrapped his entire body as he curled up in the
corner. However, having protected his own bare skin, he exposed Jackson’s skin to Elise.
Although Jackson’s only exposed part was his torso, it was enough to fluster him as a woman’s touch
was rare to him. He kept on eyeing at Clement, desperately calling for his rescue, to which the latter
simply glanced at the woman before silently clutching his sheets tighter.
Jackson was frustrated yet had no way to express it, Damn it, Smith!
Suddenly, Alexander walked in and gently knocked Elise’s head.
“Ouch!” Elise pretended as if she was in agonizing pain. “Why’d you do that?”
“Know your boundaries!” Alexander viciously glanced at her. Entering the room, he passed to Clement a
coat, and covered Jackson with another one. “Okay. You may come in now.”
Rubbing the struck spot on her head, Elise walked to the bed.
Since Jackson had his back facing her, Elise craned her neck and looked him in the eye. “Let’s work
together, Captain Gleeman. What do you say? Claude, or Max, is kidnapped. I suspect he’s still in
Athesea, and I’m gonna need your help for a city-wide search, in exchange for your freedom. Contrary to
your belief, I did not kill Reuben, but I’d like for you to keep this between us for now. So, if you’re game,
blink your eyes; if you’re not, I’ll slit your throat.” As she uttered her last words, she brushed the side of
her finger against her neck.
Jackson peered at her in stupefaction. Wow, it almost sounds like I have a choice!
Nevertheless, quickly, Elise revealed a grin. “Just kidding. If you don’t, you’ll have to continue staying
here. There’s already too much on my plate, and an entire precinct of cops tailing me wouldn’t exactly
help. I’m sure you understand.” Having said that, she gazed at Jackson, awaiting his answer.
Jackson, on the other hand, took his time to contemplate. For starters, he would have to leave the
courtyard house to enable himself to make further decisions. With that in mind, he rapidly flickered his
eyes.
At once, Elise pulled out a silver needle and punctured him with it.
A few minutes later, Jackson regained control of his body. He rolled out of bed and even started shadow-
boxing
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