Chapter 346

Elizabeth watched Elara flex her power again. When Elara disliked someone, she was ruthless; no second chances. This made Elizabeth realize it was becoming harder for Esme to break into the Tudor family. Over the years, Esme hadn’t won anyone over; in fact, they liked her less and less.

Esme, head down, mumbled, “Aunt Elara, what did I do to tick you off? Why are you always on my case?”

Before Elara could answer, Esme added, “I just fancy Alexander. What’s the big deal? He’s single, I’m single. Can’t I pursue him? Besides,” she looked up, ready to say more, but clammed up when she saw Elizabeth.

“Besides what?” Elara asked, waiting.

But Esme stayed quiet.

“Mom, don’t make it hard for Esme. Let her go,” Alexander said, cool as ever.

Esme looked at Alexander, hurt. “You want me to leave too?”

“It’s just not a good time for you to be here. Go home,” Alexander’s voice was calm but firm.

Esme felt a pang of sadness. “Is it because Elizabeth’s here that it’s inconvenient?”

Elizabeth watched the scene unfold, not wanting to get involved. Alexander wouldn’t kick Esme out just because of her. He probably just didn’t want a showdown between Esme and Elara.

“Esme,” Alexander’s tone was sharp.

Esme knew Alexander was sick and didn’t want to push him. Finally, she nodded reluctantly. “Fine, I’ll go. But I’ll be back tomorrow, Alexander.” She shot a look at Elara.

Elara stared back but said nothing.

As Esme was about to leave, Elara said, “I’ll walk you out.”

Esme felt a chill.

Alexander was silent for a moment. “Mom, don’t overdo it.”

Elara gave him a look and left with Esme. The room fell silent.

Elizabeth turned to leave, but Alexander’s voice stopped her. “What did you mean by ‘we’re even’?” He’d only caught the tail end of what Elizabeth said before she passed out.

Elizabeth paused, turning back to him. Alexander still looked rough, his voice raspy. He stared at Elizabeth, his eyes burning with questions. Elizabeth stood at the foot of the bed, calm as ever.

“Nothing,” she said coolly.

Alexander saw how distant she was, like a stranger. He couldn’t help but ask, “In such a dangerous situation, you’d rather die than let me save you. Why?”

“I wasn’t in danger,” Elizabeth’s tone was steady.

Alexander laughed, a bitter sound. Her confidence was almost maddening. He swallowed hard, brows furrowed. “Elizabeth, you were kidnapped! That guy was a nutjob. How could you be so certain you were safe? Speaking like that, isn’t it risky? Ever thought, if you had really fallen today, you…” He cut himself off.

The room was dead quiet, Alexander’s breathing heavy. Elizabeth looked at him, hearing the urgency in his voice. Their eyes locked, and it was clear Alexander had more to say but didn’t. Elizabeth waited, but he didn’t continue.

She smiled slightly and asked, “Alexander, are you worried about me?”