The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, their cheers echoing throughout the venue.
Even those who had harbored doubts about Elizabeth couldn’t deny the undeniable magnetism of her performance, which they lauded with genuine admiration.
One of the crowd, swept up in the moment, exclaimed with a knowing smile, “Mr. James has truly outdone himself in his lavish display of love for Mrs. Norris.”
As they mulled over the evening, they unanimously attributed its success to Oliver’s thoughtful orchestration.
With his vast wealth and influential connections, particularly his bond with Albin, it was no feat for Oliver to arrange for esteemed coaches to refine Elizabeth’s performance.
Yet, Oliver responded with a humble shrug, his voice steady, “It has nothing to do with me.”
This modest claim met skeptical smiles; the crowd felt he was simply safeguarding Elizabeth’s honor.
The event not only quelled the whispers of marital discord but also reshaped the social narratives, crowning Elizabeth as the undeniable matriarch of the Norris family, far removed from her Cinderella beginnings.
As the celebration drew to a close and the crowd thinned, Kailee, her voice tinged with disappointment, approached Albin. “My dad couldn’t come tonight,” she murmured, touching his arm lightly. “Could you give me a ride home?” Her eyes conveyed a silent plea for companionship.
Albin edged away discreetly, sidestepping her outstretched hand, and responded, “I can’t. I’ve already had something to drink and shouldn’t be driving.”
Kailee had concocted a plan to make a fool out of Elizabeth, manipulating Albin as her unsuspecting tool. If not for the occasion being Melany’s birthday celebration, Albin could have openly confronted her.
Kailee attempted to continue, stammering, “I…”
But Albin had already turned, striding away without looking back.
Elizabeth lingered in conversation with the elderly couple, realizing only later that the courtyard had emptied of guests. She rose to her feet, bidding them farewell. “Melany, Shawn, it’s time for me to head back.”
Melany offered a gentle smile. “Oliver has had quite a bit to drink and isn’t feeling well. He’s resting upstairs. Could you please check on him?”
Elizabeth, unsuspecting of any underlying schemes, nodded and made her way upstairs.
The Norris Mansion had set aside a room for Elizabeth and Oliver on the second floor, the door left invitingly ajar.
“Oliver?” she called out tenderly, tapping on the door.
Receiving no answer, she nudged the door wider and stepped inside.
The room opened into a spacious foyer that hid the rest of the space from immediate view.
She moved forward and spotted Oliver hunched over, rummaging through a cabinet.
Startled by the unexpected sound, he straightened abruptly and inquired with a frown, “Why are you here?”
As he spoke, the finality of the door closing and locking reverberated ominously through the room.
With a helpless smirk, Oliver responded, “It seems Grandma has her own plans…”
“Hmm?” Elizabeth’s expression was one of confusion.
Before she could gather her thoughts, Melany’s voice drifted in from beyond the door. “Elijah has already departed, and Oliver really isn’t in any condition to drive after his drinks. You two should make yourselves comfortable here tonight and head home tomorrow. Rest up.”
Defiantly, Elizabeth rushed to the door, rattling the handle and pounding urgently. “Melany, are you out there? I just need to grab some water, that’s all!”
Her pleas were met with nothing but the hollow silence of the empty hallway.
