Episode 114

Growing irritated, Elijah curtly replied, "I'm in a meeting. If you're upset, just bring her back."

Billie's sarcasm dripped through the phone. "Bring her back? She won't even listen to me! You won't come, will you? My words carry less weight than a servant's in our home."

Elijah, sensing her anger escalating, relented with a weary sigh. "Fine. I'll come now."

Twenty minutes later, Elijah strode into the venue, his face etched with irritation. The toll of back-to-back meetings, late nights, and the demands of a new project weighed heavily upon him. Yet, here he was, drawn into a melodrama he'd much rather avoid. His sharp eyes scanned the room until they found Elizabeth, standing by the dessert table, her laughter ringing as she chatted with a group of sharply dressed men.

The curve-hugging dress she wore made him bristle. It bordered on inappropriate, almost provocative—a stark contrast to the reserved elegance he associated with her. He couldn't help but suspect Camille's influence.

Determined to end this quickly, Elijah stepped forward, only to be stopped by a waiter. "Sir, may I see your invitation?" the waiter asked, politely but firmly.

Elijah's expression darkened. He gestured toward Elizabeth. "That's my wife. The invitation is with her."

The waiter, having seen Elizabeth arrive with Soren, studied Elijah carefully. His shirt cuffs were messily rolled, his suit lacked any distinguishing logos. While many attempted to crash such events, something about Elijah's refined demeanor gave the waiter pause. Unsure of his identity, the waiter hesitated to refuse him outright.

"I'll check with the lady," the waiter said cautiously before approaching Elizabeth. "Madam, a gentleman at the entrance claims to be with you. Could you please confirm?"

Elizabeth followed his gesture and spotted Elijah near the door. His usual polished composure was replaced by a hurried, slightly disheveled appearance. Her mind raced. His unexpected arrival could only mean Sandra's involvement.

Her stomach churned. Did Sandra call him to stir up trouble? She had just refused Sandra's supposed kindness, and now Elijah was here, likely to play the gallant protector. The timing was too convenient to be coincidental.

Swallowing her frustration, Elizabeth forced herself to walk toward the entrance. At a party like this, obtaining an invitation wouldn't have been a problem for Elijah. She had overheard Kailee mentioning extra invitations earlier—Elijah must have given one to Sandra. Was this Sandra's new strategy? To stir up chaos by involving Elijah?