Chapter 347

Alexander hesitated. Dude probably didn’t even catch how desperate he sounded just now. His face and voice screamed worry for Elizabeth.

“Quit dodging the question,” Alexander snapped, not even bothering to answer.

Elizabeth grinned. “You’re the one ducking the issue.”

“Elizabeth, don’t mess around with your life,” he said, dead serious, eyes flashing a warning.

Her grin faded, replaced by a calm look.

“Whether I live or die ain’t your business. If something happens to me, don’t bother showing up,” Elizabeth shot back, ice-cold.

Alexander’s brow furrowed. ‘What’s she getting at? Is my effort to save her pointless?’ he wondered.

Elizabeth gave him a quick glance, said nothing, and walked out. The second she stepped out, she bumped into Elara.

“Elizabeth,” Elara called.

“Mom, I’m not feeling great. Heading to my room,” Elizabeth said softly.

Elara wanted to say something, but Elizabeth brushed past her and left. Unable to stop her, Elara went back inside.

She looked at Alexander with a mix of emotions. “What were you two talking about? The vibe is so off.”

Alexander stared at the door, his gaze growing colder and more distant. He didn’t recognize Elizabeth anymore. Ever since she decided to divorce him, she moved on. But he was stuck, not just standing still but maybe even going backward. Alexander hung his head and sighed deeply. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling all sorts of things. Elizabeth’s words echoed in his mind: “Now, we’re even. Next time, stay out of my business. Whether I live or die ain’t your concern.”

He had to admit, he couldn’t handle this new Elizabeth. She was a stranger.

“What are you thinking about?” Elara came up to him and sighed. “Why are you staring at the door? Looking for Elizabeth or Esme?”

Chapter 347

Alexander snapped out of it and looked at Elara.

“Mom, you’re too hard on Esme,” he sighed.

“Mind your own business,” Elara snapped.

She thought angrily, “Too harsh? If I were really harsh, I’d have gone to the Russell family ages ago! Will the Russell family discipline Esme? If they won’t, I’ll help them!”

“Esme’s a Russell. If you treat her like this, the Russells…” Alexander trailed off.

Elara stood up. She bluntly asked, “Is the Tudor family scared of the Russells? Or are you, Alexander, scared of anyone in the Russell family?”

Alexander was powerful; if anything, the Russells should fear him. Elara was baffled why Alexander was always so careful with the Russells.

“Do they have something on you, or do you owe them?” Elara was utterly confused.

Alexander was taken aback. Of course, the Russells had nothing on him. But Esme had saved his life, so he owed her.

Elara continued, “I don’t entirely blame Esme for what happened between you two. Alexander, it’s mostly your fault! If you hadn’t given in, would Esme have had a chance?”

Elara’s nagging gave Alexander a headache. He leaned against the headboard, watching Elara sip water and keep talking about Esme.

Annoyed, Alexander said, “Mom, I’m done hiding it. I’ll tell you why I have to marry Esme. Because that year, I was…