Chapter 195

Allen had no clue what Nancy had turned into over the years—whether she was as tough and unlikable as Elizabeth.

“You and Mrs. Russell have a grudge?” Joseph asked Elizabeth, curious.

“I don’t get along with her daughter. How could she be nice to me?” Not just Allen, but also Esme’s brother Henry. The Sell family seemed pretty hostile towards Elizabeth.

Joseph raised an eyebrow. “Really?” He leaned in, looking mysterious. “Elizabeth, I know a secret about the Russell family. Want to hear it?”

Elizabeth sipped her water, considering. She rubbed her ear, signaling she was all ears.

Joseph grinned, teasing. “No girl can resist a secret.”

“Weren’t you the one who wanted to tell it?” Elizabeth shrugged.

Joseph leaned closer. “Esme actually…”

His phone rang, cutting him off. Elizabeth glanced at his phone. It was his dad.

Joseph gave an apologetic smile. “I need to take this.”

Elizabeth nodded. What was he about to say? Something about Esme?, she wondered.

After the call, Joseph stood. “Got it.”

Elizabeth looked up. “What’s wrong?”

“My dad had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital.” He stayed calm. Joseph’s father’s situation likely happened often, which was why Joseph remained calm.

He frowned and apologized. “Sorry, Elizabeth. I can’t continue dinner.”

Elizabeth quickly shook her head. “I wasn’t that hungry anyway. I’ll go with you.”

“That’d be great.” He smiled, looking a bit relieved.

The restaurant was close to the hospital, and they arrived as the ambulance did. Elizabeth saw Bryan Stewart in the ambulance, clutching his heart, looking pale. Remembering hazy symptoms from the last banquet, Elizabeth quickly informed the emergency doctor.

“Alright, family members, please wait outside.” At the emergency room entrance, Elizabeth and the others were stopped.

Elizabeth turned and saw the butler apologizing to Joseph. “Mr. Joseph Stewart, I’m sorry, I didn’t take good care of Mr. Bryan Stewart.”

Though anxious, Joseph didn’t blame him. “You can go back now.”

The butler nodded and left. Elizabeth looked at Joseph and patted his arm. “It’ll be okay.”

“Alright.” Joseph’s eyes darkened, and he sat on the bench. He didn’t say a word. It was the first time Elizabeth had seen him like this.

Elizabeth sighed, came in front of Joseph, and gently touched his shoulder. Joseph looked up, helpless. “Elizabeth, I only have my father, no other family.”

Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat. She had never asked about Joseph’s family and had only seen Bryan around. She suddenly felt Joseph’s vulnerability.

“Your father will be fine, don’t worry. I’m here with you.” Elizabeth smiled gently, offering comfort.

Joseph sat on the bench, staring at her, their eyes meeting, his gaze full of unspoken words. Not far away, Alexander clenched the prescription in his hand, watching the intimate scene between Joseph and Elizabeth.