When Xavier heard what Felicity said, his face turned cold.

“After all these years abroad, you've still not learned the value of respect?"

"She disrespected me first! She didn't even look at me earlier.

Didn't you notice her arrogant expression?"

"I didn't see her acting arrogantly, but I did notice you being assertive. And weren't you just complaining about a stomachache?"

Felicity was just pretending to be sick. Hearing Xavier's question, she immediately felt nervous.

"Well... Just don't consider dating her, okay? If I even sense that you're seriously asking her out, I'll tell Mom about this questionable woman you're seeing.”

"Felicity!"

Xavier's face darkened.

“If you dare to say that again, I'll send you right back to Maelith!"

A mix of fear and anger overwhelmed Felicity, bringing tears to her eyes.

Damn it! He had never spoken up for his girlfriends like this!

To think he'd even threaten his own sister for the sake of a stranger!

Claudia was unaware that Felicity and Xavier had a fight after she'd exchanged greetings with Xavier.

She really wasn't interested in befriending either of them — one was aman, and the other just seemed plain irrational.

Claudia walked for a bit from the outpatient clinic and eventually located the building where Jace was admitted.

The elevator was bustling with people, so after a short wait, she decided to take the stairs up to the fifth floor.

When Claudia stepped out of the staircase, she spotted Elmo waiting outside the hospital room.

Caught off-guard, she quickly approached him, asking, “Elmo, why are you standing here?"

Elmo looked at her, momentarily speechless, his mouth opening and closing without uttering a word.

Seeing Elmo's reaction, Claudia sensed something was clearly wrong.

A quick peek into the ward told her that Jace was missing.

Concern evident on her face, Claudia asked, "Elmo, where's my dad?"

"He's gone downstairs for a stroll."