Endless Elegance 28

Posted by ADMINHMADMIN, ? Views, Released on October 20, 2025

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Chapter 28 Bitter Words, Warmer Hands

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Mike was on the verge of losing it, but finding the person behind that perfect drone move was more important. He forced down the fire building in his chest and turned to leave.

Then his gaze caught Jesse. For the briefest moment, the way that drone had moved reminded him of her style.

No. Impossible. He pushed the thought away. Jesse knows tech, sure, but not at that level. Whoever flows like that must have been someone else.

He was about to head off when Lyman’s voice rang out behind him.

“Mr. Mike Spencer, you’re looking for the operator, aren’t you?” A sly smile spread across Lyman’s incredibly attractive face, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. “Save your breath. You won’t find them.”

Mike’s jaw tightened, irritation flashing in his glare. He despised Lyman’s smug, unshakeable confidence.

Lyman didn’t flinch. Instead, he turned to Jesse and winked, his fox–like eyes shining with playful mischief. “Isn’t that right?”

Mike had the truth right in front of him, and he was just seconds away from missing it entirely.

Jesse dropped her gaze, a small smile tugging at her lips.

That smile cut into Mike, fueling his frustration.

He jabbed a finger toward Lyman, his voice laced with anger. “You talk like the pilot belongs to you. You don’t even have a team–stop pretending.”

Lyman let out a chuckle, his eyes softening the instant they landed on Jesse. “If my sister asks, I’ll build her one.”

Warmth filled Jesse’s chest. Unlike her past, no one in her family had stood by her like this. For over a decade, all their love and attention had been poured into Taylor.

Mike noticed that soft smile on her face and felt a pang in his chest. That smile? She’s never given us that look in ages. Why him?

His laugh was low and mocking. “Jesse, you’re pathetic. A few sweet words and you’re already beaming from ear to ear.”

Her smile faded away. A chill swept over her face, as if a sudden gust of wind had hit her. Her clear eyes frosted over in an instant.

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9:59 Mon, Oct 20

Chapter 28 Bitter Werde, Warmer Hands

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Lyman picked up on the change right away.

His gaze turned cold, his dark eyes piercing Mike like daggers. “If a few kind words are all it takes, then what’s your excuse for never trying? You’d rather cut her down than lift her up.”

The words hit like a blade driven straight into the chest.

Mike’s throat closed. His face went from pale to red. “I push her so she can get better! That’s what it means to care, even if it stings.”

Lyman let out a bitter laugh, laced with sarcasm. “You call that better? All I see is you clipping her wings.”

Jesse’s chest tightened. Hah. Same excuse, same cage. That’s how they crushed me before, chipping away at who I was until I became nothing but a hollow puppet.

A warm hand suddenly grasped hers.

Lyman’s voice was cold. “That’s cruel, Mr. Mike Spencer. I wouldn’t treat my sister that way.”

Mike’s expression darkened even more, and his voice grew louder. “Don’t even compare it—it’s nothing like raising your own sister! Everything I’ve done has been for her sake!”

To him, Jesse would never actually leave. He thought, So what if I scold her? She’s my real sister- family doesn’t break over that.

The lie cracked the moment it crossed his mind. She had already walked away.

Before he could recover, Lyman flashed a wicked grin. He wasn’t even looking at Mike anymore. His gaze slid right past him.

Mike stood stock–still, then whirled around. Taylor stood a few feet away, her hands covering her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Taylor!” Mike shouted, panic cracking his voice.

She didn’t say a word. She only turned away, her shoulders shaking as she fled.

Mike’s heart lurched. He abandoned everything and took off after her. “Taylor, wait! That’s not what I meant–let me explain!”

Lyman watched him retreat, clicking his tongue. His eyes gleamed with mockery. “Trading a diamond for a shard of glass.”

He paused, then smirked. “No, even glass has some use. Forget it.”

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9:59 Mon, Oct 20

Chapter 28 Bitter Words. Warmer Hands

+8 Pearls

She burst out laughing, her smile spreading wide and bright, like sunlight breaking through the clouds. The heaviness in her chest finally melted away.

Lyman gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Let’s go home.”

“Mm.” Jesse’s voice was gentle as he guided her away.

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Endless Elegance

Status: Ongoing

1) The Awakening

Jesse Spencer wakes to a sharp, icy voice—her brother Corey shouting. Her head spins, fever burning through her skull. Instinct takes over: the reflex of someone broken by years in prison. She drops to her knees and apologizes automatically. But the floor beneath her isn’t concrete. It’s soft—carpeted. Panic flares. She’s not in her cell. She’s back in her room, surrounded by familiar furniture she thought she’d never see again. She’s been reborn—twelve years into the past.

2) The Day That Ruined Her

Memories rush back in fragments. It’s that day—the day Taylor Holman accused her of ruining her contest project, locked her in the bathroom, and made her freeze through the night as punishment. Back then, Jesse refused to take the blame. That same night, Corey drenched her in ice water and turned off the heat, forcing her to “reflect.” Her fever had nearly killed her. While she suffered, Taylor basked in sympathy. Corey, blind with guilt, lashed out at Jesse just to see Taylor smile.

3) A Family Turned Against Her

Each brother had chosen Taylor over Jesse. Andrew, the doctor, brought medicine and comforted her gently, convinced she was in the wrong. Mike hovered over Taylor, offering warm water and towels. Kaleb, the youngest, even gave away Jesse’s hard-won spot in an international design competition—handing Taylor her future as if it meant nothing. Jesse had been branded a villain in her own home, a sinner forced to repay a debt she never owed.

4) The Debt That Wasn’t Hers

“Do you think Philip would forgive you? He died saving you!” Corey’s voice echoes again. The name pierces her chest. Philip Holman, Taylor’s brother, had died in a fire rescuing Jesse—or so everyone believed. The guilt consumed the Spencers, and they took Taylor in as family. Every day after that, they reminded Jesse: You owe her your brother. You owe her his life. Her brothers, her chances, her future—all handed to Taylor, the eternal victim.

5) The Truth Behind the Flames

But now, with her memories restored, Jesse finally knows the truth. Philip hadn’t died heroically—he had started the fire himself. He wanted to play savior, to make himself look noble in Taylor’s eyes, and Jesse was the collateral damage. Worse, Taylor had locked the door after them, intending to let the flames take them both. When the Spencers arrived, Taylor wept for the cameras, mourning her “only family,” while Jesse stumbled from the blaze branded a murderer.

6) The Accusation Reborn

Jesse’s fists tighten. Rage surges. But Corey mistakes it for defiance. “Still stubborn, huh? No apology, no school. You’ll stay grounded until you learn!” He glares, confident she’ll cave like before—especially with the design competition only three days away. Fevered and weak, Jesse still meets his eyes. “Fine,” she rasps. “I’ll apologize later. Now get out. I need to change.” Her tone chills him—cold, unfamiliar, unyielding. He leaves, thinking she’s finally obeying.

7) The Price of Survival

As soon as the door shuts, Jesse collapses. Pain sears through every bone. Her fever burns hotter; her limbs feel like lead. Somehow, she drags herself to the closet, pulling on dry clothes before sinking into bed. The warmth of the blanket breaks her. Three years in prison—three years of starvation, torture, and despair—flash through her mind. Her brothers had even paid guards to punish her for Taylor’s sake. Starved. Beaten. Forgotten. Cancer had finished what they started.

8) The Promise of Vengeance

Not this time. She won’t die quietly again. Curling into the blanket, Jesse whispers to herself, “I’ve got time. I’ll rest now. Then I’ll plan.” The warmth feels foreign, almost sinful after years of cold concrete. Her eyes close slowly. For the first time in forever, she lets herself sleep—safe, for the moment. This rebirth isn’t mercy. It’s a second chance to make them pay.

9) The Wake-Up Call

“Jesse!” The roar yanks her awake. Harsh light floods the room as someone rips away the blanket. Cold air slaps her burning skin. Rough hands drag her upright—it’s Mike, furious. “You told Corey you’d apologize, and you’re sleeping? Taylor’s been defending you, and this is how you repay her? Get up!” Jesse’s stomach churns; her body convulses. She doubles over, gagging—but there’s nothing in her stomach to give. Mike sneers. “Still pretending? Think playing sick will save you?”

10) The Beginning of Payback

Her voice comes out hoarse and broken. “Let go. I can stand myself.” He does, grudgingly. His frown deepens—she’s burning up—but he dismisses it. After all, Taylor’s the one “who’s really been through hell.” He orders coldly, “Quit wasting time. Taylor’s waiting.”
Jesse steadies herself, eyes icy despite the fever. Once, she begged for their understanding. Now, she only needs their ignorance. Let them believe she’s weak. Soon enough, they’ll learn what true strength looks like. Rebirth has given her purpose—and this time, she won’t bow to anyone.