Chapter 539

Elizabeth spotted the research institute just up ahead. She answered the call while unbuckling her seatbelt. “Yeah, I saw the invite last night. I’ll be there,” she said. “Okay,” Elizabeth hung up. It was Rose, checking if she’d seen the invite to the jewelry exhibition that morning.

Turning to Alexander, Elizabeth said, “The research institute is right here. No need to drop me off. I’ll walk from here.” She pushed open the car door, ready to get out, but Alexander grabbed her wrist.

Elizabeth turned back. His hand was warm, warmer than she’d ever felt from him before. She looked up at him. Too bad this warmth came too late.

Elizabeth pulled her hand away. “Mr. Tudor, don’t cross the line.” With that, she got out of the car.

Alexander quickly followed. “Elizabeth, I might have to be selfish one more time,” he said, guilt heavy in his voice.

Elizabeth didn’t stop. Her steps toward the research institute grew more determined, her back resolute.

Alexander watched her for a long time. Only when she was completely out of sight did he lean against the car. He grabbed a cigarette, took a couple of puffs, then choked and tossed it into the trash. Annoyance gnawed at him, like ants crawling inside, making him restless.

Inside the research institute, without Alexander’s burning gaze on her, Elizabeth finally slowed down a bit. She even glanced back. Confirming he wasn’t there, she barely had time to catch her breath when a man’s voice beside her said, “Did Alexander drop you off?”

She turned. It was Joe Caleb, a thirty-five-year-old with a great personality and a good sense of humor. Elizabeth had heard Celine mention him a few times and had interacted with him recently. He seemed nice. Plus, Joe had a connection with Sheldon.

Elizabeth shrugged. “Yeah.”

“So, are you getting back together with him?” Joe asked, half-joking.

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, scanned her fingerprint to clock in, and said, “I would never get back together with him.”

“If it’s someone as impressive as Alexander, it’s not like you can’t,” Joe said seriously.

Elizabeth just found it amusing. “What he can give me, I can give myself. So, to me, he’s not that special,” she said with a calm smile.

Joe laughed. “True, you lack nothing.” He shook his head, muttering, “Girls these days are too clear-headed about relationships.”

Elizabeth just smiled and said nothing. Joe nodded and went off to work.

Elizabeth watched him go, thinking about what he said. She had only become clear-headed after being wronged. Shaking her head, she quickly went to change into her work clothes.

At the hospital, Esme was hospitalized again due to emotional instability. Henry looked at the haggard Esme on the hospital bed, his expression complex, wanting to speak but stopping several times.

Esme stared blankly at the ceiling and asked softly, “Henry, isn’t he coming to see me?”

Henry frowned. “Who?”

Esme’s eyes remained vacant. Who else could it be? she thought.