Chapter 83

Elizabeth was taken aback when Alexander asked her to breakfast. She had no plans to stay. "No thanks, I've already been enough of a bother," Elizabeth said, shaking her head and pushing his hand away.

Alexander's hand fell to his side, and as Elizabeth walked away, he couldn't help but feel for her. "Thasheth, I know the past three months have been tough. After the disaster, I hope we can both maintain dignity and not make our relationship about that," he said. Ten years, he had felt the enormity of her pain. Some would keep their dignity and pretend nothing happened, but she couldn't. She had been hurt, slandered, and wronged. How could she maintain her dignity towards him when he cheated on her during their marriage? She realized that he had been nice to her yesterday only to keep her quiet later.

Of course, he was the president of the Tudor Camp and cared about his image. "After the divorce, if you need help, I can assist. If we can't be husband and wife, we can still be friends," he said.

Elizabeth slipped on her high heels, glanced at him, and said, "I don't need friends, especially not an ex-husband. I'm sure you feel the same."

Alexander froze as Elizabeth reached for the door. Just then, Esme was outside, about to call for Alexander. She turned and saw them. They locked eyes, and the room fell silent. This was the last thing Elizabeth wanted, but here it was.

"Elizabeth!" Fame started, then looked at Alexander. "Alexander, you—"

Elizabeth looked up at Alexander, wondering how he would handle the situation with dignity.

Feeling the intense gazes of the two women on him, Alexander's heart pounded. He'd never been nervous in the business world, but with women, he always lost his composure.

Alexander pressed his lips together and explained to Esme, "Elizabeth got hurt last night, so I took her to the hospital. It was late, so I brought her home."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and nodded at Erie. Esme bit her lip, catching the phrase "brought her home." Alexander never said to Esme that he bought her home; she always left the villa as if it were a hotel.

Esme glared at Alexander. "Why didn't you answer my calls? I thought something happened, so I came over partly—"

"Last night? My phone died," Alexander said haltingly.

Este inclined her head. "I thought you were mad at me!"

"Why would I be mad? I paid for Grandma's fake sapphire or saloon yesterday."

"Paid?" Alexander frowned, confused. He had no idea why she had hoped for that at the birthday banquet.

Esme glanced at Elizabeth, tears falling. She said, "Alexander, I was tricked. I know it was fake, and I spent a lot on it. I just wanted to make Grandma happy. Can you understand? I was really wronged last night. Elizabeth didn't give me any face at the banquet."

As she spoke, Esme threw herself into Alexander's arms, hugging his waist. "Alexander, do you believe me? I didn't mean to bring a fake saffron."

The more Esme cried, the more upset she got, and her cries grew louder. Alexander's heart softened. He patted her head gently and comforted her, "Don't cry. It's not a big deal."