Without waiting for a response, Jay turned and headed for the dining room. "It's getting late. I have surgery scheduled this morning, so I'll be having breakfast. You two can help yourselves," he said. Rebecca gently placed her arm around Elaine's shoulders, offering comfort. "Elaine, Jay isn't a bad person; he's just a little sharp with his words. Don't let it bother you." Leon added, "If he talks back again, I'll have a word with him myself." Elaine gave a soft smile. "It's fine." She wasn't concerned about what others said, as long as it didn't directly affect her. If her parents had spoken harshly, she might have felt differently. But they loved her too much to ever say something unkind. Elaine wasn't fazed by it.The three of them entered the dining room. Jay was sitting quietly, sipping his milk with an air of calm sophistication. But his gaze never left Elaine as she took her seat between Rebecca and Leon. That brat. Elaine, on the other hand, didn't even glance in his direction. A feeling of frustration stirred within Jay as he continued to sip his milk. In the meantime, Rebecca was serving Elaine some spaghetti, her voice gentle as she asked, "Elaine, what's your plan for today? If you're free, maybe we can go shopping. You could use a few more clothes. Let me take you out to buy some nice things." Elaine took the plate from her, her lips curving into a small smile. "Thanks, Mom, but one of my friends was injured and is in the hospital. I'm going to visit her. Maybe next time?" Rebecca raised an eyebrow, "Which hospital is she at?" Elaine sipped her congee before answering, "Saint James Hospital." Rebecca smiled and glanced at Jay, "Isn't that the hospital where you work, Jay? You should go together." "Sounds good!" Jay said, speaking up before Elaine could decline. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll look after Elaine." I'm going to show that brat how to behave in my presence. Leon seemed to sense Jay's intent and gave him a warning glance, "If you upset Elaine, I'll deal with you myself." Jay flashed a grin, though it was devoid of warmth, "Who would dare, Dad?" Of course, I won't cross that line in front of Mom and Dad. But when they aren't around? Well, that's another matter entirely.Hmph! Elaine gave Jay a casual look. Going together wasn't a big deal to her. She didn't argue. Just then, Alora appeared in the doorway, her eyes swollen from crying. "Good morning, Dad, Mom," she greeted hoarsely. Rebecca immediately noticed her red eyes and asked, "Alora, why are your eyes so swollen? Are you feeling alright?" Alora glanced at Rebecca, her voice soft, "I didn't sleep well last night. My eyes are a bit sore. Thanks for your concern, Mom." Rebecca dismissed it with a wave, "No need to thank me. We're family. Come here. Let Jay check on you." Jay put down his cup with a frown, "Mom, why do you always want me to check on every little thing? I have a full schedule of patients." Alora froze. Every little thing? Am I really that insignificant to him? Before, even if Jay ignored her when Elaine wasn't around, he didn't treat her like this—rude, mocking, and telling her she wasn't worthy of calling him "Jay." Now, he was treating her like she was some nobody. Alora's anger flared. This is all Elaine's fault! Why did she have to come back? Why did she have to take everything from me? At first, Alora only wanted to steal Terry away, but now ... She had changed her mind. Not only was she going to win Terry back ...She was going to push Elaine out of the Curran family once and for all! She hated this woman with everything she had. Rebecca, oblivious to the tension, said, "You silly, Alora isn't just anyone ... "