Free Web NovelChapter 76: Chapter 76 Beyond Recognition
Elara’s POV
Quentin caught my subtle cue—he’d pushed too far. He stepped back with another respectful nod and exchanged a few more courteous words before making his exit, satisfaction written all over his face.
With our agreement locked in, he was personally going to ensure my starship received flawless maintenance.
After Quentin disappeared, I sank back into the plush sofa and reached for my treats again.
This little excursion had definitely paid off.
"Elara?!"
I glanced up from my truffle tart. "Someone calling me?" freēwēbnovel.com
"It really is you!" Vance’s voice cracked as he rushed over, exhaustion etched into every line of his face. "You backstabbed Jasper and me, and here you are just lounging around eating fancy desserts?!"
He froze several feet away when our eyes locked. The memory of our last encounter clearly hit him, and he clamped his mouth shut fast.
They were out today trying to lift Beatrix’s spirits. Since returning from that wasteland planet, she’d completely cut them off. No more marriage talk, no physical contact either.
That’s why Vance despised me so intensely. He’d gladly tear me apart if he could, but he knew damn well he couldn’t take me in a fight. Screaming at me was all he had left.
But now, standing right in front of me, he couldn’t even manage that.
Because I would actually hit back.
The realization made his already exhausted face contort further.
I just huffed and looked past him at the others who’d arrived: Thorne and Jasper. Beatrix was there too.
The whole gang’s assembled.
"Elara?!"
Beatrix clearly hadn’t expected to find me sprawled in the VIP section. The transformation must have been jarring.
The version of me sitting before her now practically radiated vitality. My thick curls cascaded freely over my shoulders, bouncing with energy. I wore a crisp white blouse with a pleated skirt and a cap, my long legs elegantly crossed. My sneakers, decorated with tiny rabbit patterns, sparkled under the ambient lighting.
I sat there with a casual confidence Beatrix had never witnessed before. Her gaze drifted to the elaborate pastry display in front of me, and her shock deepened.
This was Glimmeraven Port’s premier maintenance facility, located in the most exclusive district. The owner, Quentin, had a reputation for being incredibly selective.
He typically brushed off ordinary clients. Even Beatrix, despite her frequent visits here, had never been treated to luxuries like these.
I could see the question in her eyes: Was I really Elara? To her, I must have looked completely different, and felt different too.
While Vance seethed and Beatrix stared in disbelief, I calmly finished my truffle tart. I poured myself some juice, took a leisurely sip, and finally met their eyes.
"Well? What do you need?"
"You’re actually Elara?"
Beatrix’s skepticism was understandable. Even Giselle hadn’t recognized me earlier. This wasn’t just an improvement—I was essentially a completely different person.
A formidable spirit had completely reconstructed my physical form!
Beatrix moved closer, studying the girl on the sofa intently. No matter how hard she scrutinized me, she couldn’t reconcile this person with the old Elara.
"Yep, that’s me," I said, settling back with my arms folded, a lazy smile playing on my lips. My stare made Jasper shift uncomfortably.
Something triggered his memory, and he quietly approached Beatrix, tugging at her sleeve. "My lady," he murmured, "let’s browse the jewelry section up front. Today’s supposed to be about spoiling you. Don’t let someone like her spoil your mood."
Beatrix whipped her hand back without even looking and cracked Jasper across the face. "You’re defending her now?" she snapped, her tone dripping with arrogance. "Jasper, remember she’s still a worthless female with absolutely no spiritual energy! So what if she’s more attractive now? She’s still garbage nobody would want! I haven’t even made a move, and you’re already siding with her? Consider this—who’s going to provide your spiritual comfort if you abandon me?
"Don’t think I’m unaware of your trip to the Voidferal Feral Territory. I know exactly what you were doing there."
"I wasn’t!" Jasper stammered, shrinking away.
I watched the drama unfold, thoroughly entertained. Well, this is delightful entertainment with my afternoon snack.
Jasper accepted the slap without protest. Vance, who’d been shouting initially, had also gone quiet. Others might not understand what I was capable of, but those two certainly did.
Jasper hadn’t been trying to shield me earlier. He was concerned Beatrix might get injured. But Beatrix missed his warning completely and humiliated him instead.
The once sweet, considerate Beatrix was becoming increasingly unpredictable. frёeωebɳovel.com
Jasper’s cheek flared bright red. He dropped his head, mortified.
Beatrix still couldn’t process it. I had been assigned to five dying beasts and escaped to somewhere as dangerous as the Voidferal Feral Territory. How could I possibly be thriving?
In Beatrix’s mind, I should be decomposing in the ground, just like Giselle! I shouldn’t be here, commanding the attention that rightfully belonged to Beatrix, an S-class spiritual power female.
I spoke up, my voice casual, "Beatrix, what’s happening with you? You used to have such grace. Now you’re completely unhinged. Seems like these three aren’t looking after you properly."
