Elijah, brow furrowed and eyes sharp, stared at the silent phone on the table. His expression was a blend of betrayal and simmering frustration. The lively atmosphere of Kristopher's party had been abruptly interrupted by the arrival of unexpected divorce papers. Kristopher had just escorted Lise home, and the night had settled.

Oliver, in the passenger seat, turned to Kristopher with concern. "Mr. Norris, where shall I take you?"

Kristopher considered Bayview Villa, but the painful memory of Elizabeth twisted his face. His voice was cold. "Take me to the Norris Mansion."

Oliver nodded, understanding. The driver rerouted them to the grand gates.

The next morning, Oliver and the chauffeur were again at the mansion, ready to accompany Kristopher. He sat quietly in the backseat, lost in thought, as Oliver outlined the day's schedule, his voice a soothing counterpoint to the car's stillness. Halfway through, Oliver hesitated, his discomfort evident.

"Is there something you haven't told me, Mr. Norris?"

Reluctantly, he continued, "There's an urgent matter in Isonridge tomorrow requiring your signature on a contract."

Kristopher raised an eyebrow. "It's a short trip. Just pack a few things. What's the issue?"

Oliver sighed. "Your clothes have always been handled by Mrs. Norris. She arranges your travel preparations." While others had occasionally helped, they couldn't match Elizabeth's care and precision.

Kristopher's face darkened. Sensing his hesitation, Oliver asked carefully, "Should I ask Mrs. Norris to help with packing?"

Kristopher gazed out the window, his subtle nod a silent assent. It was his way of allowing Elizabeth an opportunity.

Oliver dialed Elizabeth's number. The phone rang, each buzz echoing until her icy voice answered, "Hello?" The coldness mirrored the growing distance between her and Kristopher.

Oliver, glancing at Kristopher's impassive face, said carefully, "Mrs. Norris… Mr. Norris has a business trip tomorrow. Would you mind preparing his luggage?"

Elizabeth, abruptly awakened, answered with disbelief and frustration. "Didn't he get the divorce papers yesterday?" Though their marriage had been one of convenience, she had embraced it fully. Now, Oliver's request felt demeaning. Once, her love had made these tasks meaningful. But with the divorce looming, she questioned her continued compliance.

Her annoyance flared. "You work for Norris Group, so you must understand what divorce means, right? Once it's finalized, your boss and I are strangers. Asking me for help is like asking a stranger. If it's such a burden, tell him to pay someone else. It's not like he's broke!"

Oliver began to respond, but she hung up, leaving him stunned. His attempts to reconnect were blocked.

"Mr. Norris…" Oliver turned, his voice uneasy. The car was filled with an uncomfortable silence, the harsh words hanging in the air.

Kristopher, his face shadowed, replied coldly, "I heard everything." His gaze was chilling.

Back at the hotel, Elizabeth, now fully awake, checked her bank account and immediately regretted transferring most of her savings to Kristopher.