Elizabeth jolted upright from Elijah’s lap, and the next moment, she was startled by the icy weight of Billie’s disapproving stare.
Alright then. She had been too slow. Again. Billie’s gaze sliced through her, an unspoken judgment hanging in the air.
Elizabeth shrank back instinctively, dropping her eyes to the floor, willing herself to vanish.
Nearby, Billie’s friend, with a smug smile, broke the tension. “Billie, your daughter-in-law is so delicate, she can’t even stand for a moment,” the woman said, her tone dripping with feigned concern. “Unlike my youngest daughter, who’s been strong since childhood and handles all the chores at home.”
Elizabeth stiffened. Was this woman trying to sell her daughter?
Oddly, she felt a flicker of relief. At least the spotlight had shifted.
She stepped back, trying to blend into the wallpaper.
Billie’s lips curved slightly, her tone cordial but cool. “Are you talking about Zaria? She’s always been a joy. Why didn’t she join us today?”
The woman’s chest swelled with pride. “Oh, she’s in France right now, attending a culinary program. Quite prestigious, you know.”
“Impressive,” Billie replied, her voice warm with interest. “Do bring her by sometime. I’d love to taste her cooking. Elijah has always been fond of French cuisine.” The casual remark sent an unmistakable undercurrent through the room, as if Billie had drawn up a contract in midair.
Elijah, silent until now, adjusted his sleeve and rose smoothly to his feet. His tone was calm, cutting. “There’s no need to consider my preferences when choosing chefs or housekeepers for the James Mansion. After all, I’m rarely home.”
The room fell silent. What had begun as an attempt at matchmaking had swiftly turned into an impromptu job interview.
Billie’s eyes widened, and the woman beside her froze for a beat.
He turned toward the woman, his lips curving into a faint, almost mischievous smile. “Besides,” he continued, “my wife is precious. And with a full staff at home, there’s hardly much for her to do.”
It was clear now. Even the most oblivious could see it. Elijah was standing by Elizabeth.
With her family’s business tied to the James Group, she wasn’t about to risk offending him.
