Chapter 23

Elizabeth, seeing Alexander’s sour face, felt a mischievous spark. She sauntered over to Joseph, linking her arm with his. She gazed up at him, eyes full of playful affection, and teased, “Mr. Stewart, since Ms. Hussell thinks we’re a good match, should we give dating a shot?”

Joseph squinted, glancing at Alexander and Esme. Alexander’s scowl deepened. Joseph caught on to Elizabeth’s game and decided to roll with it. He wrapped his arm around Elizabeth’s waist, pulling her close. His deep, velvety voice murmured, “Ms. Percy, does this mean you’re giving me a chance to pursue you?”

Elizabeth nodded, her fingers toying with Joseph’s tie, both flirtatious and charming. Joseph leaned in close to Elizabeth’s ear, grinning. “It’d be my pleasure,” he whispered. He then looked up, locking eyes with Alexander. Alexander’s face was pale, his eyes like daggers, slowly shifting from Joseph’s hand to his face. Joseph’s smirk grew, a glint of victory in his eyes. To Alexander, this was a clear challenge.

Esme, sensing Alexander’s tension, clung to his arm and smiled, “I rarely see Mr. Stewart like this. Seems he really likes Elizabeth.” Esme had hoped to show off her bond with Alexander in front of Elizabeth, but things didn’t go as planned; the situation slipped out of her control.

Elizabeth stayed cool, her lazy gaze drifting over them. Joseph adjusted his glasses and smiled, “Guys tend to lose their cool around someone they like. And yeah, I do like Ms. Percy, no doubt.”

Alexander felt a sting at Joseph’s words. Seeing Elizabeth’s sweet smile directed at Joseph made Alexander’s breath catch. Those smiles used to be just for him. She agreed to the divorce so quickly and moved on even faster. Is she really over me, or is this all for show? Alexander wondered.

Esme figured it was time to leave and grinned, “We won’t bother you anymore. Alexander, let’s grab some food. I’m starving.”

Alexander glanced at Elizabeth and nodded at Esme, “Sure.” His face was a blank slate, and his tone was ice-cold. Once they were gone, Elizabeth let go of Joseph. She watched them walk away, her eyes darkening.

Chapter 23

To Elizabeth, Alexander’s indifference to her flirting with Joseph was nothing new. He was cool with his own fling with Esme but couldn’t stand her seeing other guys. She knew him too well; it wasn’t about caring for her, it was about his bruised ego as a husband.

“Young folks’ marriages are a real puzzle,” Joseph chimed in beside her.

Elizabeth snapped out of it and said, “Thanks, Mr. Stewart.”

“No worries. It’s my pleasure to help you, Ms. Percy.” He raised an eyebrow, looking at her, then leaned in. “But what I said earlier, I meant it.”

Elizabeth gave him a complicated look. “Maybe we should give dating a shot. What do you think?” Joseph’s smile was warm, like a spring breeze. He was so close that if he moved just a bit more, they’d be kissing.

For a second, Elizabeth thought she saw high school Alexander. Both of them were kind but had a sneaky side. “Are all guys like this?” she wondered. Her hand clenched by her side, a wave of sadness hitting her.

Noticing her silence, Joseph chuckled and tapped her head. “Just messing with you.”

Elizabeth laughed, “Mr. Stewart, stop teasing me.”

“Alright,” Joseph nodded, motioning for her to sit and keep eating.