Buying My Forever Wife novel Chapter 218

"We weren't together. I just took some time off to visit my hometown. I happened to bump into Leo at the gate."

Elena clearly didn't buy a word of it.

Her eyes locked onto the towering stack of shopping bags Leo was carrying. They were obviously high-end women's brands.

She walked over to inspect them.

They were stuffed with exclusive designer jewelry and limited-edition luxury bags—easily worth millions of dollars.

Elena narrowed her eyes at Leo. "Why did you bring back so many women's items? Who are these for?"

Caught in the crossfire, Leo offered a highly uncomfortable, strained smile.

"Oh, these. They're gifts from a business partner for the boss. He told me to bring them back. I honestly have no idea what he plans to do with them."

Elena bought the lie completely.

Noticing Ivy making her way toward the child, Elena ignored Leo and practically sprinted over.

"Come here, Stella. Let Mommy hold you."

Before Ivy could even sit down next to her, Elena swooped in, scooping the little girl up and placing her firmly on her lap.

Ivy watched the blatant display of territorial dominance, her frustration mounting.

Refusing to stoop to Elena's level, she simply looked at the child and asked softly, "Stella, does your head still hurt?"

Stella just blinked at her.

All the bright, unconditional affection she used to have for Ivy was entirely gone. It was like she had never needed her at all.

Instead, she leaned securely against Elena's chest, refusing to even answer the question.

Seeing her cold reaction felt like a knife to Ivy's chest. She turned to Elena. "Why did you bring her home? She obviously isn't fully recovered."

Elena shot back smoothly, "She's perfectly fine now. Resting at home is exactly what she needs."

Seeing the lingering suspicion in Ivy's eyes, Elena pressed her advantage.

"I know you probably think it's bizarre that she calls me 'Mommy'. But that's just how kids are. They naturally gravitate toward the people who make them feel safe. She doesn't like you anymore, probably because you're the reason she got hurt in the first place."

Ivy's gaze drifted back to the little girl. Her voice cracked with raw heartbreak. "Stella, are you really mad at me? Because I lost you and let you get hurt, you don't want me anymore?"

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