Episode 25

Eager to escape further painful exchanges, Elizabeth began to turn away. However, Elijah’s grip on her sleeve stopped her, pulling her back into the very moment she was desperate to flee. Elijah’s lips barely moved, a shadow of contemplation flickering across his face as he dwelled on the recent fire incident.
His pride remained unyielding, yet his voice, tinged with an uncharacteristic softness, broke the tense silence. “Elizabeth, I admit, your response may have been a bit overwhelming, yet I can empathize with the turmoil you’ve endured after the fire engulfed your apartment. If you decide to return, I am prepared to overlook all that has happened.”
Sandra’s advice evidently left a profound imprint on him.
Elizabeth brushed aside his softened tone, her attention narrowing in on one crucial detail of his statement—the fire.
He was aware of the catastrophe, and yet he had the audacity to wait for her to confess her wrongs and seek amends?
While she grappled with life and death, Elijah was with Sandra, who had just indulged in a bit too much alcohol. Did he truly deem Elizabeth grievances unfounded?
An epiphany struck Elizabeth with chilling clarity.
In Elijah’s world, Sandra’s whims held more weight than Elizabeth’s very existence. Even the most patient would reach a breaking point when constantly provoked. Both Elijah and Sandra had continually scorned her, dismissing her as insignificant.
Repulsed, Elizabeth jerked her hand free from his grasp as if shedding a layer of grime, her voice icy and sharp as she said, “Return home? Do you and Ms. Nash share some twisted pleasure, Mr. Norris?
Wasn’t it enough that I stepped aside for you? Must I now play a part in your charade? So, you’re running back to your first love and trying to create a tangled love triangle, Mr. Norris? While you may enjoy it, I find it utterly disgusting!”
Stunned by her scathing words, Elijah’s anger flared, but he found himself at a loss for words. “Elizabeth, you—”
Elizabeth was determined not to get entangled with him any longer. She turned sharply and stormed off, her voice cutting through the air. “Enough! You were never a decent husband, let alone a tolerable ex! Now that we’re done, stick with your new love and quit pestering me. What a nuisance!”
With a few strides away, Elizabeth paused, spun around, and fixed him with a searing glare. In a swift move, she snatched the soda can right out of his hands—it was rightfully hers, after all.
Earlier, Elijah had watched as Elizabeth purchased two cans of soda and had mistakenly assumed one was intended for him.
When she reclaimed it, irritation flickered across his face.
Since when had Elizabeth turned so petty, bickering over something as trivial as a soda can?
Upon reaching the elevator, Elizabeth bumped into Ruby.
“I was just digging up some info. Seems the role was nearly yours, but then Sandra stepped in, wanting it for herself. Her boyfriend Elijah threw his weight around, backing the production financially to secure her the lead role. The director, though, he really favored you; he resisted the pressure enough to set up a second audition for both of you.”
Elizabeth clenched her jaw, her silence heavy.
She realized she could have seen it coming!
Sandra and Elijah’s presence wasn’t a coincidence.
Elijah had come to pave the way for Sandra’s success.
Only a fool would think they could rival Sandra—it was plain as day.
But then, why would Elizabeth step back?
A fierce determination lit within her. She would contend for the role, even if it meant standing alone.
In the meeting room, the arrival of Elijah and Sandra together caught everyone off guard.
It was no secret Elijah would spare no expense for Sandra’s entry into the production, yet his personal escort to the audition was an uncommon gesture within their circles.