Episode 128

Elizabeth, visibly annoyed, dismissed them with a gesture. “I appreciate the concern, but Grandma and I have it covered. You needn't bother yourselves; please leave now!”

Oliver sneered, his voice menacing. “So devoted to your grandmother. Surely you wouldn’t want her to suffer because you can’t settle the hospital bills, right?”

Cindy stepped closer, adding weight to her words. “Exactly, Elizabeth. Don’t let pride get in the way. Nate’s ready to cover the fees. His uncle, a distinguished practitioner of traditional medicine, has offered to treat Gracie. This could be a lifeline. Don’t dismiss it.”

Elizabeth saw through their charade. They were prepared. Gracie’s illness, precluding surgery, left only conservative treatments viable. Doctors in Isonridge and Steu Skua had advised exploring traditional medicine, but Elizabeth’s previous attempts had yielded no promising results. This couple was maneuvering her into an alliance with the Crawfords. She knew Gracie would reject treatment if she learned it was contingent on marriage.

Elizabeth held firm. “Neither Grandma nor I needs assistance from the Crawford family.”

Oliver’s frustration was evident. “You’ve been married before. You’re not a naive girl. What harm is there in remarrying?”

Disbelief flickered across Elizabeth’s face. The words stung, not because they resembled her father's, but because they didn't. Years of pent-up sorrow and rage erupted. She hurled her phone at Oliver, bellowing, “Get out! You fucking bastard!”

Oliver clutched his eye, his face contorted in pain. He raised his hand to strike her. “You insolent child! How dare you hit me!”

Elizabeth, fueled by fury, was too slow to evade the slap that landed squarely on her cheek. She staggered, her vision blurring. As he raised his hand again, a tall figure intervened, stepping protectively in front of her.

Elizabeth looked up to see Elijah. Towering over Oliver, he exuded an authority honed by years at Elijah's side. In an icy tone, he warned, “Mr. Norris, I advise caution. Remember, Mrs. Norris is under the protection of the Norris family.”

Oliver, emboldened only by favorable odds, hesitated, lowering his hand. He growled, “No one dictates how I discipline my own child.”

Elijah ignored him and gently guided Elizabeth to a chair. “Mrs. Norris, are you alright?” His voice softened, his compassion evident. Under his concerned gaze, Elizabeth seemed all the more pitiable, a victim of cruel familial ties.

The bodyguards surrounded Cindy and Oliver. Sensing the escalating tension, Cindy quickly ushered Oliver away in a humiliating retreat.