Episode 97
Her smile widened as she stood beside Elizabeth, feigning playfulness. “So, Elijah, tell us—who wore it better, me or Ms. Elizabeth?”
Elijah paused momentarily, almost dismissing the inquiry, but then he clearly recalled how that man had gently caressed Elizabeth’s leg. Had she been dressed in that particular outfit the previous evening, that man’s hands would have been directly on her skin.
His irritation growing, he remarked with a touch of disdain, “You certainly wear it better than she ever could.”
Elizabeth had no desire to compete with Sandra in a beauty contest; she was more eager to escape the situation. She turned on her heel and made her way to the fitting room to change back into her own clothes.
Noticing Elizabeth’s indifferent response to his comment, Elijah realized he might have been too lenient. His voice hardened as he retorted, “What is this even supposed to cover? Is this a dress or a joke? Why can’t you choose something that properly covers you?”
As Elizabeth stopped, a sharp pain radiated from the old scars on her leg. Given Elijah’s recent scrutiny of her legs, she inferred that he was implying her scars were unsightly and should be concealed. Despite still being his lawful wife, his words suggested that she was bringing shame upon the Norris family. He could have at least shown some semblance of concern, even if just for appearances. Why must he display such open disgust in public?
Noticing Elizabeth’s subdued reaction, Camille assumed she felt threatened and quickly moved to her side. Positioning herself protectively in front of Elizabeth, she addressed Elijah with a confrontational tone. “Mr. James, can’t you tell the genuine from the superficial? Or do you actually have such a twisted preference for things that are ugly? Do you really believe her slender figure surpasses Elizabeth’s grace?”
Sandra intervened with a gentle rebuke, “Hold on, he was just teasing. Don’t take it so seriously. I have a heart condition, so Elijah tends to pamper me. I know I don’t have Ms. Elizabeth’s grandeur. Honestly, at her age, she could opt for something more refined.”
