Elizabeth listened intently, distilling the crucial details from the long-winded tale. Scarlett had crashed into Elijah’s car, sparking a heated argument that had escalated to them both being detained at the police station.
The woman’s voice cracked, her words soaked in distress. “Elizabeth, I’m begging you, don’t let your husband throw my daughter into jail!”
“Relax, it’s not severe enough to warrant any jail time. It sounds like a simple misunderstanding. I’m on my way,” Elizabeth assured her, ending the call.
The schoolyard was eerily silent, punctuated only by the loud conversation Elizabeth had just had, which Daxton, standing not too far away, had inadvertently caught most of.
He swung the passenger door open once more and urged, “Hop in. The station is far off, you won’t make it by foot.”
Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, knowing another refusal could suggest she had a problem with him. Finally, she nodded, pocketed her phone, and climbed into the car.
Upon reaching the police station, as Elizabeth and Daxton approached, Oliver was posted at the front, starting to greet her. “Mrs. Norris…”
But his words trailed off as his gaze shifted to Daxton, filling with wary suspicion.
Elizabeth noticed and quickly explained, “I bumped into an old friend at the school who offered me a lift here.”
Oliver’s unease remained palpable, his voice dripping with skepticism. “Mr. Garcia went to Esterhall High School?”
Elizabeth, barely containing her annoyance, finally let it erupt. “Oliver, are you questioning me? Daxton had his own intentions visiting the school. Must I narrate every tiny detail about what my acquaintances do to you?”
Oliver, quick to adapt, bowed his head in apology. “I apologize, Mrs. Norris. That was inappropriate of me.”
A frosty voice cut in. “He was just asking what I want to ask. As your husband, isn’t it my right to inquire about your friends?”
Elijah sauntered from the doorway, his hands nonchalantly tucked in his pockets. His eyes swept across Elizabeth’s annoyed expression and fixed on Daxton, who stood behind her.
Their gazes locked momentarily. Daxton held the stare slightly longer before turning back to Elizabeth, his voice gentle. “I should get going now. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Alright, thanks. Drive carefully,” Elizabeth responded, her tone laden with concern.
Elijah lingered at the edge of the gathering, feeling like an outsider.
His expression grew stormy. Stepping forward, he draped an arm around Elizabeth and remarked coldly, “Honey, your neighbor is still waiting for you.”
Though he spoke to Elizabeth, his eyes remained riveted on Daxton, his stare intense and territorial.
Daxton returned Elijah’s look with a sharp, meaningful gaze, then quickly turned and strode decisively toward his car, leaving his thoughts unreadable.
Elijah, his fingers lingering on Elizabeth’s shoulder, guided her forward with a dismissive chuckle. “Bumped into an old friend, huh? You…”
Elizabeth briskly shrugged off his touch and retreated, widening the gap between them. “We’re nearing the end of our marriage. Be mindful of your status—you’re almost my ex, not my husband anymore. Even if I were deceived, I am an adult, fully competent to own my decisions. Spare me your concerns, Mr. Norris.”
She had refrained from voicing these sentiments in Daxton’s presence earlier, partly to preserve Elijah’s self-respect and partly to prevent any misunderstandings with Daxton.
Daxton had been nothing but kind to her. She cherished their friendship and wished it to last indefinitely. Entertaining any deeper feelings was beyond what she felt she could endure.
Turning on her heel, she made her way inside.
Chapter 167 Frustratingly Aloof
Oliver watched as Elijah’s face clouded over, then cautiously suggested, “Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris tends to push back when pressured. A softer touch might allow you to communicate your concerns more effectively.”
Elijah shot Oliver a chilly, sideways glance. “I simply refuse to let her be exploited by those schemers.”
Oliver watched the Bentley pull away and murmured, “You might consider revealing the truth about the Garcia family to her.”
“We’ll see,” Elijah replied, his voice tinged with hesitation. “If I speak now, it’ll just look like I’m slandering her friend out of spite. Besides, Daxton came through for her not long ago. I can’t afford to turn her against her savior. If the press catches wind, it’ll ignite another scandal.”
After a brief pause, Elijah commanded, “Keep a close watch on Daxton. Ensure he understands his limits. Elizabeth is not someone he can simply toy with.”
Oliver was left momentarily dumbfounded. Why did Mr. Norris have to be so frustratingly aloof? It was evident that Mr. Norris had painstakingly calculated every move for Mrs. Norris, yet his words carried an undertone of harshness.
Oliver caught himself thinking that perhaps a divorce could not be the worst outcome if Mr. Norris had to woo his wife back, it could just remedy his relentless pride.
That idea made Oliver glance at Elijah with a pang of guilt. He had to keep his inner thoughts concealed; this was for Elijah’s own good. Sometimes, the harshest cures are the most necessary.
