Chapter 75

When Elbert showed up, it was already 2 p.m. The servants at Rivera Manor saw him pushing his motorcycle and rushed over. "Elbert, why are you here so late? Is everything okay?" one of them asked.

Elbert shook his head with a sheepish smile. "Yes, everything's fine."

Rivera Manor was a sight to behold. The buildings were impressive.radiating an air of nobility. Everyone knew Elbert; he'd been around longer than anyone else, practically part of the furniture. No one really knew why Jennifer had sent Elbert and Shirley back to their hometown.but the sharp servants had their suspicions. Maybe it was some hush-hush issue.

Whatever the reason, it didn't seem to involve Elbert directly. This made everyone feel a bit more sympathy for him. They watched him, cheeks flushed, sweat soaking his jacket.

Noe Lester, the security captain, grabbed two bottles of water from the booth and handed them to Elbert. "Elbert, you're drenched. Did you walk here?" Noe asked, concern etched on his face.

Elbert chuckled, pointing to his bike. "Forgot to refuel, but it's no big deal!"Everyone got it then-Elbert had probably walked the whole way.

Noe, a recent military retiree with a knack for combat skills, had quickly risen to captain. He respected Elbert, knowing he'd also served in the military. Taking the motorcycle from Elbert, Noe said, "Come on in and grab some lunch. I'll refuel your bike so you can ride back later."

Elbert nodded, grinning. "Thanks. Noe. You're too kind." Noe scratched his head. "Elbert, if you don't mind, I have some leftover lunch. Want it?"

Elbert's eyes lit up. "Sure, I don't mind. even though I'm not hungry."Elbert wasn't great at lying, and everyone felt a pang of pity for hím. He didn't waste a bite, finishing Noe's lunch and even washing the lunchbox.

With his bike refueled, Elbert didn't seem in a hurry to leave. Someone asked, "Elbert, are you looking for someone inside? It's fine, you can go in.Madam won't mind."

Elbert shook his head. "Nope. not looking for anyone."

Noe, curious. asked, "Waiting for Mr. Rivera then?" His sharp eyes missed nothing.

Elbert grinned wider.

Noe looked puzzled. and Elbert started counting on his fingers. "There are three drivers here, besides me. One drives for Madam, and another one can drive for anyone, but his wife's sick, so he's not always around. When Mr. Rivera needs a driver. I'm the only one available. So, I gotta wait here in case he needs me."

Noe was taken aback by Elbert's words. He hadn't realized just how much Patrick meant to Elbert, whose simple heart always kept him in mind.

Noe hesitated, furrowing his brow, and whispered, "Elbert, Mr. Rivera left early this morning and hasn't come back yet."

Elbert's eyes widened, and he nodded like a child. "Okay, I'll head back then. I'll come again tomorrow."

Noe quickly grabbed his arm. "Elbert, your hometown is pretty far, and your bike's low on gas. You must've spent a lot of time getting here.How about this: if Mr. Rivera needs you, I'll call you in the morning so you don't make a wasted trip."

Elbert shook his head. "Noe. you don't get it. Mr. Rivera always has urgent stuff, but when he doesn't, he's here with Madam. I gotta be here.ready for his call. It's fine, I'm not tired." Determination shone in Elbert's eyes.

Noe sighed and pulled a piece of candy from his pocket, handing it to Elbert. "Here. Elbert, eat this. It'll help with the tiredness."

Elbert took the candy with a smile and tucked it into his pocket. "Shirley loves candy. I'll bring it back for her."

Elbert wouldn't listen to anyone's advice. Every morning, he stubbornly insisted on riding his motorbike to take Shirley, only to get scolded by her each time. After that. he would ride to the manor's gate to wait for Patrick,and then Noe would persuade him to go back. Over timne. Elbert became a familiar sight at the manor gate.

After a week, word of Elbert's daily vigil reached Jennifer. The manor buzzed with talk of his persistence-some admired his loyalty, others pitied his stubbornness. But Elbert stuck to his routine, waiting for a chance that might never come.

One warm afternoon, the sun bathed the Rivera Manor garden in a gentle glow. Jennifer sipped from an elegant coffee cup, sitting under a cool pavilion. savoring the tranquility. She squinted at the distant scenery,lost in thought.

"Does Elbert really come every day?" Jennifer asked softly, her voice clear in the peaceful air.

Efren Britton stood nearby, hands clasped, waiting respectfully. He didn't respond until Jennifer asked again, her tone tinged with doubt and emotion.

"Yes. Madam. Elbert rides that old motorcycle you gave him over a decade ago. The gas tank must've been replaced by now. His shoes are worn out;he must walk a lot every day." Efren, a decade younger than Elbert,had always respected him.

Jennifer frowned, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She set down her coffee cup with a sigh. "Hasn't anyone told Elbert not to come?"

Elbert was a good person, and she certainly knew that. She felt that she owed Elbert a life. Therefore, transferring the punishment meant for Shirley onto Elbert made Jennifer feel very guilty.