Chapter 37

Elizabeth spun around to see Alexander on the ground. He clutched his stomach, his face going ghostly pale. Her heart pounded as she rushed over and knelt beside him, worry etched on her face. “Alexander!”

As soon as she realized she had no ties to Alexander anymore, she pulled back her hand. Nolan was there; he wouldn’t let anything happen to Alexander. Elizabeth lowered her eyes, pushed down her worry, and got up to leave.

Nolan quickly called out, “Mrs. Tudor!”

Elizabeth replied calmly, “Nolan, he probably drank too much and his stomach’s acting up. Take him to the hospital and let Esme know.”

Nolan looked at Elizabeth, surprised she said that. In the past, whenever something happened to Alexander, Elizabeth was always the first to stay by his side.

Just as she was about to leave, Alexander’s cold fingertips hooked onto hers. “Elizabeth.”

She immediately looked at Alexander, his brows furrowed, face full of pain. In that instant, Elizabeth’s heart raced. She opened her mouth but said nothing.

Nolan quickly said, “Mrs. Tudor, please go with Mr. Tudor to the hospital.”

Alexander’s hand clutched her shirt, and Elizabeth, unable to think of anything else, nodded. She helped Nolan get Alexander into the car. She held Alexander’s shoulder, and he leaned against her, groggy and heavy-headed.

Nolan glanced back, but the car didn’t speed up.

“Did he go to a social event?” Elizabeth asked.

Nolan was floored. “Yeah! That business partner can really put it away, and they kept pushing Mr. Tudor to drink.”

Elizabeth immediately turned to Alexander, her fingers lightly brushing his cheek. This was the only time she dared to touch him openly. When he was sober, he wouldn’t let her. His eyes would show disgust, and it broke her heart every time.

“Next time he has a social event, make sure he eats first. If he runs into a heavy drinker, help him out,” Elizabeth said calmly.

Nolan glanced in the rearview mirror, seeing Elizabeth’s composed face as she gave instructions. “It’s summer now. Make sure he eats less cold food and takes care of his stomach.”

Elizabeth was so focused on her instructions, she didn’t notice Alexander’s trembling shoulders as he leaned against her.

“Mrs. Tudor, I’m not as thoughtful as you. This still needs you,” Nolan said with a bitter smile.

Elizabeth looked up and smiled. “I can’t handle this either. Just pass it on to Esme.”

“Mrs. Tudor…” Nolan called out helplessly.

Elizabeth smiled, her expression calm. “Drive faster. He’s in pain.”

Nolan turned his attention back to the road and floored the gas pedal. Elizabeth was always kind, both now and in the past. She was always gentle with them as Mr. Tudor’s employees and often brought them gifts. For the past three years, she never lost her cool with them. Alexander was the impatient one, while Elizabeth was the calm, gentle type. They balanced each other out.

Around Elizabeth, everyone felt equal. But Esme? Totally different story. Esme’s eyes screamed disdain, and her tone was always bossy. Take how he addressed Elizabeth, for instance. He always called her Mrs. Tudor.

Esme would snap, “They’re divorced! Why do you still call her that? Nolan, you have no sense. I’m docking your pay!”

Nolan sighed. “Would Alexander leaving Elizabeth really be a good thing?” he wondered.

The car pulled up to the ER. Elizabeth helped Alexander onto a hospital bed, ready to leave, but he clung to her fingers, refusing to let go. She frowned, trying to pry his fingers off, but his grip was iron.

Elizabeth sighed, giving in. “Doctor, how is he?” she asked the on-duty doc.

“He’s fine, just needs some meds and rest. Make sure he doesn’t mess up his stomach again,” the doctor said.