Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei
Chapter 3907

"Elora, are you on vacation right now?" Rosie asked over the phone.

"Yes, I am," Elora replied. "What's going on? Don't tell me you're trying to drag me to another class reunion. I'm not interested, so there's no need to waste your breath convincing me."

Elora's tone made it clear she had no intention of attending.

Back in school, Elora had always kept a low profile. Few people knew she came from a wealthy family. But things changed when her grandfather passed away. Her parents struggled to manage the family's responsibilities, leaving Elora to shoulder the burden before she even graduated. That was when her classmates discovered she was the eldest daughter of the Ormond family.

Being one of the eldest daughters in a family with few brothers, Elora and her sister, Tinsley, became prime targets. Before their younger brother was born, many relatives tried to lay claim to the Ormond family's assets. Even worse, several men pursued Elora and Tinsley-not out of love, but to gain control of the family's fortune.

This constant scheming left Elora deeply distrustful of men. She worried anyone who approached her was only after her wealth.

As for older, accomplished men, they weren't her type. And while some secondgeneration heirs shared her background, their abilities often fell short

of her expectations. A strong person herself, Elora admired strength in others—and those men simply didn't measure up.

Rosie chuckled. "Relax. I wouldn't dare pressure you into something you hate. Besides, the reunion's already over."

"So why are you calling?" Elora asked, puzzled.

"Well," Rosie hesitated, "your, uh, infatuated admirer asked me to find out something. He swears he saw a handsome guy shadowing you recently. He's dying to know if this guy is pursuing you-and if you like him.”

Elora's expression darkened. "Handsome guy? There's no one like that. The only men around me are my bodyguards."

While her bodyguards weren't unattractive, they weren't exactly model material either.

Rosie clarified, "It's not your usual group. He described this guy as ridiculously good looking, with the kind of charisma and elegance that screams 'old money.""

Elora sighed, irritation creeping into her voice. "Rosie, are you my friend or his? You barely know him; we've been friends for years. Yet here you are, prying into my business for his sake. Who's around me is none of his concern. I've never led him on or given him hope. His feelings are his own problem, not mine.

"Let me be clear-no matter how long he waits, he's wasting his time. I won't fall for him just because he's persistent. Since you're acting as his messenger, do me a favor: tell him to move on. I don't love him, and I never will."

Hearing the frustration in Elora's voice, Rosie quickly apologized. “Elora, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I wasn't thinking from your perspective. I just thought... well, he's been smitten with you for so long, and everyone says he's so devoted. I figured it was rare to see someone so steadfast, and since we're all classmates, I thought helping him wouldn't hurt.

"But you're right. It's your life, and I should've respected that. I won't meddle anymore. I just want you to be happy."

Rosie, who was happily married, genuinely wished the same for her friend.

“To make it up to you, how about dinner? My treat,” Rosie offered eagerly. “Or, if you'd rather, I can shamelessly invite myself over to your place for a meal. I've been dying to try something from that new chef of yours."

Rosie chuckled to herself. She'd heard plenty of praise for the Ormond family's private chef-mostly from Tinsley. Apparently, the chef wasn't just talented in the kitchen but also quite the looker. Rosie couldn't resist her curiosity.