Entangled with My Cousin's Fiancé
Chapter 365: I Know You’ve Always Looked Down on Me

Chapter 365: Chapter 365: I Know You’ve Always Looked Down on Me

Elsie Adams’ eyes clearly flickered with struggle, but eventually settled into calmness.

She quickly replied to the message, [Mr. Coldson, Little Gabriel’s close friend is Lainey Baker. We all call her Ella. I don’t have a photo for now—why are you asking?]

Cooper Coldson held his phone tightly, his heart suddenly aching when he saw the reply.

He quickly realized why Little Gabriel had mentioned a "sister." Turns out, the little girl was also called Ella—but she wasn’t Ella Gibson.

Cooper firmly believed Yolanda Greenwood would never change Little Ella’s name, which meant he had just gotten worked up over nothing.

Thinking for a moment, he politely replied to Elsie Adams, [Thank you, Teacher Adams. Actually, it’s nothing. You can just treat it as an idle question. Apologies for the bother.]

When Elsie Adams saw the message, she breathed out quietly, relieved that Cooper Coldson hadn’t grown suspicious.

Her palms were already damp with sweat. Though she’d become an early childhood educator because of Little Gabriel, she understood her actions betrayed the integrity of her profession. But still... she liked Cooper Coldson far too much.

Knowing full well how slim her hopes were, knowing that Cooper’s heart was deeply devoted to his wife, she was still willing to risk everything on a desperate gamble.

Elsie Adams realized she’d only temporarily reassured Cooper Coldson. If she wanted to keep him from meeting Little Ella, she’d have to find a way to quickly remove her from the kindergarten. She needed to start hatching a plan.

Yolanda Greenwood brought Little Ella home, only to encounter Caleb Sullivan at the doorway.

"Hello, Uncle Sullivan," Little Ella greeted him obediently.

Caleb Sullivan’s lips tightened into a faint smile, but he didn’t respond to Little Ella. His attention was anxious and focused on Yolanda. "Lola is upset; she still won’t open the door for me."

"Did you call her?" Yolanda instinctively asked.

Caleb’s expression shifted briefly but quickly returned to normal. "I did. I called several times, but she ignored them."

Yolanda reluctantly smirked. "She can be a bit moody sometimes. Don’t worry, I’ll talk to her once I’m inside. You two can discuss things afterward, calmly."

With that, she turned to unlock the door, clearly not intending to let Caleb Sullivan enter alongside her.

"I know you look down on me," Caleb suddenly said.

Yolanda turned back, puzzled as she looked at him. "Caleb, you’re misunderstanding me. I don’t harbor disdain for anyone."

But Caleb seemed oblivious to her response and continued, "I know—like Lola’s ex—you come from a wealthy Gray City family. You’re from a privileged background, capable and accomplished, running your own company now. People like you... your life is an unattainable dream for ordinary folks like Lola and me."

Yolanda frowned slightly, clearly disagreeing with Caleb’s perspective.

Caleb went on, "That day at the restaurant was my first time taking Lola someplace so high-class. I just wanted to help her save face in front of you. Instead..."

He chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Instead, I made myself the laughingstock."

"Caleb, you’re overthinking it," Yolanda pressed on patiently. "That meal? Ella and I genuinely enjoyed it. We were thankful to both of you. Beyond that, there were no hidden intentions."

"Don’t lie to me; you can’t fool me," Caleb’s tone was firm. "Honestly, what I’m trying to say is, Lola and I—we’re the same type of person. Together, we’re equals. With me, she’s most comfortable. Only I could commit my whole life to her, be her safest harbor."

"Maybe." By now, Yolanda had lost all patience and didn’t feel like arguing further.

She smiled faintly at Caleb Sullivan. "Some things are better discussed between you and Lola. I’ll head inside now."

Without waiting for Caleb to respond, she carried Little Ella inside and shut the door behind her.

Just as Caleb was about to follow, the door closed harshly in his face—bringing a flash of resentment to his eyes. He grew all the more certain that Yolanda Greenwood looked down on him.

"Mom," once the door was shut, Little Ella whispered softly. "Is Uncle Sullivan upset?"

Yolanda placed her down gently, "Probably. Go play; I’m going to check on your godmother."

"Okay." Little Ella obediently replied, wandering off on her own.

Yolanda approached the bedroom door and knocked lightly. "Lola, it’s me."

Lola Gold quickly opened the door, looking like she had just woken up. "You’re back? I just had a nap."

"Caleb Sullivan’s outside. Did you know?" Yolanda asked bluntly.

"Oh, is he?" Lola Gold’s attitude made it clear she was aware. She stretched lazily, "I figured—let him wait a little as a lesson."

Yolanda’s expression shifted slightly. "Whatever issues the two of you have, I don’t want to get involved too much. But tell him clearly that I don’t look down on anyone. Everyone’s busy; he shouldn’t overthink things."

"..." Lola Gold stared at Yolanda’s departing back, immediately guessing the conversation Caleb must have had with her.

Angrily, she stormed outside, glaring coldly at Caleb. "What did you say to Yolanda?"

"I... I didn’t say much. Just some honest feelings people rarely admit. I know she looks down on me—since our very first meeting..." Caleb started rambling.

Lola burned with anger, "Caleb Sullivan, don’t flatter yourself! Look down on you? Who do you think you are? Everyone’s so busy, you think they spend their time sneering at people left and right?"

"Lola..." Caleb observed her escalating fury and quickly added, "I didn’t mean anything bad. I’m just scared—scared I’ll never gain your closest friend’s approval. Scared you’ll feel stuck between us."

"Caleb Sullivan," Lola scoffed in disbelief. "Right now, you’re the one making me feel truly caught in the middle."

Turning her back to him, she spoke curtly. "I don’t want to discuss this today. Go back and think carefully. Ask yourself—is it me, or Yolanda—did we do anything wrong?"

Caleb wanted to argue further, but the door slammed shut before he could say another word.

Lola returned to the bedroom, seeking out Yolanda to apologize. "Yolanda, I’m sorry. No matter what Caleb said to you, I apologize on his behalf."

"It’s fine. I’m not bothered." Yolanda shook her head resolutely. "Lola, remember this—your life together is about you and him. I’m an outsider from beginning to end. You shouldn’t let his actions toward me alter your feelings or decisions..."

She stood, gently patting Lola’s shoulder. "What matters most is whether the two of you are suited for each other—whether you can find happiness together."

Lola nodded lightly, "Yolanda, I understand. Thank you."

Honestly, as the wedding date approached, her inner conflict only grew more intense.

She and Caleb had met through a blind date—everything had progressed so methodically. A month ago, they shared their first kiss, and Caleb had seized the moment to propose. Lola had agreed.

But ultimately, they had only known each other for six months. Had she made the right decision at all?