Elizabeth maintained a faint smile, her expression calm as she silently waited for Elijah to defend Sandra.
Instead, Elijah pressed his lips into a tight line and said, “I’ve fired the receptionist already.”
Sandra scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Oh, so you’re just passing the blame now.”
Ruby quickly pulled Sandra aside, giving her a warning glance. “Sandra, let it go. Don’t say too much.”
Despite Elijah’s attempt to shift accountability, it was clear to everyone that he was still protecting Sandra.
Elizabeth’s voice was calm, yet her words carried a sharp edge. “After all, if I, the temporary Mrs. James, were to leave, the stock price of the James Group would take a hit. Whether it’s your beloved’s medical bills or her investments in the entertainment industry, it’s a bottomless pit, isn’t it?”
Her gaze was steady, her tone devoid of emotion, but her pointed remark made Elijah flinch.
As she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her sleeve slipped back, revealing the glaring red marks on her wrist.
Elijah’s eyes lingered on the marks for a moment, his throat tightening as if the words he wanted to say wouldn’t come out.
The atmosphere grew tense, with an awkward silence hanging in the air. Finally, Oliver stepped forward, taking Elizabeth’s backpack and slinging it over his shoulder. “Mrs. James, let me carry this for you.”
He hadn’t expected that trying to earn credit for his boss would backfire. Life already was tough, but being Elijah’s assistant was harder.
Bayview Villa
Inside Bayview Villa, Willow was growing increasingly anxious.
Two hours ago, Oliver had called to inform her that Elijah and Elizabeth were coming to stay. He’d asked her to prepare for their arrival.
When Elizabeth had gone missing, Willow had secretly hoped she would disappear for good. She hadn’t expected things to backfire so spectacularly.
Now, not only was Elizabeth safe, but she was returning to the villa.
Willow was so anxious, she couldn’t sit still.
The doorbell rang, pulling Willow out of her spiraling thoughts. When she opened the door and saw Elizabeth’s stunning face, her heart sank.
Despite her dismay, Willow quickly composed herself, forcing a polite smile.
She respectfully welcomed Elizabeth inside and set out a new pair of slippers for her.
Trying to sound sincerely excited, she said, “I’ve been praying for your safe return, Mrs. James. It looks like my prayers were answered. Now that you’re back, everything will be fine.”
Elijah’s voice was flat but carried a weight of authority. “An extra two thousand a month in your salary.”
Willow’s eyes lit up instantly, her smile becoming genuine. “Thank you, Mr. James. Thank you, Mrs. James!”
A few insincere words had earned her a substantial raise. Willow felt like she’d hit the jackpot.
Elizabeth glanced around the villa. Everything looked the same as when she’d left.
She turned to Willow and said casually, “Go prepare a guest room.”
Elijah cut her off in a clipped tone. “I won’t be back for a while, so there’s no need.”
Elizabeth remained composed. “I’m not asking for a separate room. I need a study.”
She was laying the foundation for a larger plan. If they were going to play the part of a reconciled couple, they needed to be convincing. Pushing Sandra to the edge would force her to act rashly, revealing her hand.
Elijah’s expression softened. “Convert the guest room with the best lighting on the second floor into a study. Order a new set of furniture and have it delivered by tomorrow.”
He turned to Elizabeth, his voice unexpectedly calm. “Is there anything else you need?”
Elizabeth thought for a moment, then replied, “A desktop computer with a large monitor.”
Writing scripts on her laptop had been a strain on her neck and back.
If it weren’t for Sandra’s interference, they would have been divorced long ago. If she was being forced into this situation, she might as well make the most of it.
Elijah nodded toward Oliver, who immediately took note. “Yes, Mr. James. I’ll handle it right away.” He handed Elizabeth’s backpack to Willow.
Willow, holding Elizabeth’s backpack, was shocked. The sudden shift in their dynamic left her rattled.
Unable to stop herself, she blurted out incredulously, “You two are going to share a room?”
