Her words sparked Elijah's irritation. He had been prepared to offer her more money if needed, but her tone changed his mind.

"What do you mean, 'we're squared away now'?" he retorted, annoyance lacing his voice. He'd helped genuinely, believing he was acting as a good husband should, but her lack of appreciation stung.

Elizabeth, perturbed by his tone but acknowledging her debt, restrained her frustration. "Since I've left the Norris family," she patiently explained, "it doesn't seem right to continue using your funds."

Elijah didn't see this as clarification; he saw it as provocation. With a touch of sarcasm, he pressed, "So, you wish to sever all ties? Do you think this insignificant sum resolves everything?"

"The six hundred thousand covered Grandma's medical bills," she replied. "As for everything else, I left twenty million at Bayview Villa when I left. That money was rightfully mine. I consider that more than compensation for any expenses incurred during my two years with the Norris family. Moreover, I didn't take any luxuries or status symbols from the home." Her voice held a note of triumph; she was confident and resolute. Leaving with her dignity and financial independence felt profoundly right. A woman needed her own resources.

Elijah rose, his expression unreadable as he stared out the window. Over the years, he'd dealt with many people seeking to benefit from him. Money had always solved his problems, but Elizabeth was an unforeseen anomaly. His offer had been imbued with concern and care, not simply transactional.

After a long silence, he spoke, his voice deep and resonant. "Elizabeth, do you lack all compassion? What does that twenty million signify? In our two years of marriage, has it really all boiled down to mere finances?"

Elizabeth scoffed. "Besides money, what else is there to divide?"

Had another person said this, she might have interpreted it as a sentimental confession, but from Elijah, it only sowed confusion.

Their home lacked the laughter of children or even pets. Emotionally, she'd given tirelessly, receiving nothing in return. She'd never sought compensation for her emotional labor; why did he ask now?

His silence on the phone stretched into eternity. "Mr. James," Elizabeth said, her voice laced with irony, "has it suddenly dawned on you that you're in love with me?" The words, intended to sting, unexpectedly carved a hollow ache within her.

Catching the sarcasm, Elijah responded coldly, "Fall in love with an ungrateful wretch like you? Impossible."

Meeting his predictable scorn, Elizabeth disconnected the call. A bitter smile twisted her lips as she mockingly saluted the silent phone. Tossing it onto the sofa, she decided on a trip to the supermarket; countless treats and essentials remained on her list. Dwelling on the end of her marriage to a man now estranged in her heart? Absolutely pointless.