Episode 130

Elijah had deliberately avoided the hospital, dreading a confrontation with Elizabeth in front of Gracie. He sent Oliver as his representative.

Midway through Oliver's explanation, a group of doctors rushed toward them. Recognizing Oliver, they composed themselves and asked, "Mr. Brooks, are you here for Ms. Sandra's follow-up appointment?"

Elizabeth's eyes fell. So, Elijah's alleged late nights were spent with Sandra. Oliver was there not for her, but for Sandra's appointment. What she'd mistaken for a guiding light was a beacon for another.

Before Oliver could respond, Elizabeth returned the ice pack, rose, and said firmly, "Please thank your boss. I'll cover today's medical expenses promptly."

Oliver shook his head, correcting the doctors. "I'm not here for you. There's been a misunderstanding." Turning to Elizabeth, he began, "Mrs. Norris, I didn't come here for…"

Elizabeth offered a weak smile and interrupted, "Make sure my message gets through." She had no faith in Oliver's explanation. After years with Elijah, his defense of him was automatic.

She hurried away, her pace quickening as if escaping mocking stares.

Oliver watched her go, his helplessness palpable. The hospital, renowned in Orkset and deeply connected to Elijah, provided care to his inner circle and the Norris family. Its chief physician was even Elijah's personal doctor. Now, a misunderstanding strained Elijah and Elizabeth's relationship.

As Oliver considered following Elizabeth, his phone buzzed—Elijah. Hesitantly, he answered.

Elijah's deep voice echoed, "Has the matter been settled?"

Anxiety washed over Oliver, bringing cold sweat. He replied calmly, "Mrs. Norris sent her regards and thanks."

Elijah's expression tightened, impatience in his voice. "And? I want her back at the villa. I don't care about her plans, but her grandmother shouldn't suffer because of them."

"Mrs. Norris has left the hospital," Oliver said, bracing himself. "She promised to repay all medical costs."

The smile on Elijah's face vanished, replaced by disbelief, then irritation. He tossed his phone onto the sofa. Elizabeth's behavior was baffling. He'd gone out of his way to help, only to be met with indifference?

He frowned, pondering her aloofness. He'd always tried to empathize, to see things from her perspective. Despite her past hardships, wasn't it time to let bygones be bygones?

Understanding Elizabeth's love for Gracie, he'd embraced Gracie as family. Knowing Elizabeth's financial struggles, he'd instructed Oliver to monitor Gracie's situation carefully—a move that revealed Elizabeth's struggle to pay hospital bills.

Elijah was stunned. Even with Gracie's welfare at stake, Elizabeth's resolve remained unwavering.