Episode 73

Frustrated and gruff, he gave her a gentle slap on the buttock. “You asked for this! You’ve made yourself sick. Are you satisfied now?”

Flushing with embarrassment and burning with fury, Elizabeth slapped him sharply across the face. The impact, though light, stung deeply.

As his features contorted in anger, Elijah’s grip on her wrist tightened, his expression darkening ominously. His voice, a venomous hiss through clenched teeth, cut through the air: “Elizabeth!”

Recent events had seen Elizabeth slapping him at the slightest provocation, testing his temper. For years, Elijah had commanded respect and instilled fear in the corporate world. Yet here he was, reduced to a mere pawn in her hands.

Her wrist reddened under his pressure. “What now? Going to strike me? Is ignoring me not enough that you’ve resorted to physical threats?”

“Do you doubt I would?” Elijah snarled, releasing her wrist only to encircle her throat, tightening his grip. Gasping for air, Elizabeth glared at him with unwavering defiance. Her complexion was pale and lifeless, save for the redness clinging to her weary eyes. A tear escaped, tracing a path down her face.

Elijah was abruptly pulled back to reality, acutely aware of how far he had gone. How could he, a man renowned for his composure, be so unsettled by her words? He released her abruptly, slid across the car partition, and issued a brisk command to Oliver, his voice frosty. “Head to Bayview Villa.”

Oliver, his forehead slick with sweat, was perplexed but responded promptly, “Yes, sir.” He started the vehicle.

Elizabeth, gasping for air, sat up and leaned heavily against the car door, putting as much distance as possible between herself and Elijah. Her eyes darted around, filled with suspicion and caution.