Episode 34

Watching him intently, Elizabeth thought only of his brazen deceit—pretending devotion while clinging to his first love. The man she once cherished now inspired nothing but revulsion. With a scoff, she locked eyes with him.

“Mr. James, do you truly believe money solves everything?”

Elijah began to reply, but Elizabeth interrupted sharply. “You’re trying to buy me out, to give my role to Sandra. You’re flaunting your wealth to appease or intimidate me. That property is worth a fortune, isn't it? You’d sacrifice anything for Sandra. Is your love for her truly so profound?”

Their heated exchange drew the attention of nearby patients. Flustered, Elijah grumbled, “Elizabeth, what absurd nonsense are you spouting?”

Elizabeth’s smile widened, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Am I wrong? Why must everything bend to your will? Why do you assume I don't need this opportunity? Don't I deserve a chance at my own aspirations?”

Elijah’s expression hardened. “I’m doing this for your good. It’s been two years since you’ve had stable work. How do you expect to thrive in this industry?”

Elizabeth’s thoughts turned to Sandra. Was Sandra more capable? Then she realized—Sandra had Elijah’s unwavering support, something she’d never received.

Elizabeth resolved not to waste energy arguing. Altering others was futile; only self-transformation was possible. She couldn’t force his affection or make him treat her like Sandra, but she could detach from the emotional turmoil.

With a calm, pointed tone, she addressed him. “Today, I understand the extent of your devotion to your beloved, Mr. James,” she said, her smile tinged with bitterness. “Since you’re willing to go to such lengths for Sandra, why not make it official and make her Mrs. James? What’s stopping you from signing the divorce papers? Are you content keeping the woman you treasure confined to being ‘the other woman’?”

Elijah’s patience snapped. “I never said I wanted a divorce. You’re being utterly unreasonable,” he retorted, struggling to maintain composure. “Elizabeth! I’ve endured enough from you.”

Finding his self-righteousness laughable, Elizabeth replaced her smile with chilling blankness. “Let go,” she said flatly.

With a fierce glare, Elijah declared, “Take my offer and step down. If the property isn’t enough, name your price, I’ll…”

Elizabeth, weary of his obstinacy, reached her limit. Further dialogue seemed pointless. Without a word, she bit his hand.

“Ow!” Elijah yelped, releasing his grip. Elizabeth wrenched her hand free and dashed away.

“Did you just bite me? What are you, some kind of animal?” Elijah shouted, eyeing the angry mark on his wrist. After a pause, he decided not to chase her.

The phone rang. Elijah answered abruptly, demanding, “What now?”

Oliver hesitated, sensing Elijah’s foul mood. “Mr. James, it’s about Mrs. James…”

Before Oliver could continue, Elijah ended the call. He scanned the area—no Elizabeth. He pulled down his sleeve, then strode toward Sandra’s hospital room.

Back in the office, Oliver stared at the disconnected call, then at the report detailing Elizabeth’s injuries from a previous accident.