Her words were unmistakable—she did not approve of Elizabeth’s place in the James family, and she suggested that divorce was not just a possibility but an eventuality.
The lady, sensing Billie’s disapproval, smiled knowingly. Feigning sincerity, she turned to Elizabeth and said, “My dear, since you’ve married into the James family despite your background, you should be sensible. Don’t let greed cloud your judgment.”
Her gaze intentionally lingered on Elizabeth’s pink diamond necklace as she spoke.
Elizabeth’s fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms.
Despite the sting of the subtle insult, she kept her composure. This was Melany’s birthday banquet; causing a scene here would only reflect poorly on her. She forced a smile and nodded as though she hadn’t noticed the implication.
Not far away, Elijah observed the exchange, his sharp eyes darkening.
Melany, noticing his reaction, leaned in and whispered, “Elizabeth has endured a lot since marrying into our family.”
Elijah’s jaw tightened, brushing off her concern with a cool tone. “I haven’t seen how quick-witted and articulate she can be.”
“You should.”
Melany pressed further, her voice tinged with reproach. “No matter how sharp she is, she can’t silence the unrelenting tide of gossip alone. She’s your wife. Only if you support and respect her will others follow suit.”
Elijah’s expression shifted slightly, a fleeting look of something unreadable crossing his face. Seizing the moment, Melany nudged him gently. “Go to her. Stop lingering here and being an eyesore. I have some old friends to greet.”
Elijah hesitated for only a moment before striding toward Elizabeth.
Approaching the small group of ladies, he nodded politely at them before turning his full attention to his wife.
When his eyes met Elizabeth’s, the usual coldness in his gaze softened, replaced by a tenderness that even Elizabeth didn’t expect. “Honey,” he said softly, “are you tired? Let me take you somewhere to rest.”
The lady who had just criticized Elizabeth froze, her expression revealing her shock.
Weren’t they on the brink of divorce?
Elijah seemed more affectionate than ever, even more so than when they were newlyweds.
Even Billie’s face darkened slightly. She had hoped Elizabeth would tire of this charade and walk away willingly. Yet now, Elijah’s behavior indicated he had no intention of letting her go.
Elizabeth, unsettled by his unexpected display, awkwardly replied, “I’m not tired. You don’t need to worry about me.”
To the onlookers, however, it seemed as though Elizabeth was being deliberately coy, enjoying her husband’s attention.
They had expected Elijah to be displeased, but instead, he astonished them further. Pulling over a nearby chair, he sat down beside her.
And to their amazement, he gently pulled Elizabeth onto his lap. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he murmured, “Then I’ll stay by your side.”
