Chapter 46 She Would Never Let Sherry Go
Sherry ended the call with Armando, but the echo of that familiar female voice lingered in her mind.
With Sloane cradled in her arms, she drove to the riding club.
Elizabeth spotted her the moment she stepped onto the field. The sight made her lips curl into a smile.
So, Sherry was rattled after all.
"Armando, is this your daughter?" Elizabeth's tone was soft, curious, her eyes sweeping over the sleeping child.
"Such a tiny little thing... adorable."
She reached out, but Sherry angled her body away, shielding Sloane. "She's asleep. Elizabeth, it's been a while," Sherry said with a sigh. "Quinton... what a shame."
Elizabeth's brows knit in mild confusion. "Quinton? What about him?"
"Sherry," Armando cut in, "let me hold her."
It was a quiet warning for Sherry to drop the subject.
Sherry nodded and handed Sloane over, smiling gently. She had noticed—Elizabeth didn't flinch at the mention of Quinton, no trace of grief at all.
The three of them—Sherry, Armando, and Sloane—stood together in a picture-perfect frame of domestic warmth.
Elizabeth's lips curved faintly, but inside she was laughing coldly.
A moment later, she put on a bright smile. "I should get back to riding. I'll leave you to it."
"Armando," Sherry called suddenly, "isn't that Mr. Robinson over there?"
Armando turned, spotting Timothy in the distance.
"Who's the woman with him? They look good together."
Sherry's tone was light, almost amused. She glanced at Elizabeth. "You and Mr. Robinson used to be close... don't you remember him?"
She could barely keep from laughing. Back when Timothy had stood guard over Elizabeth at Emerald Park, she had been jealous of her luck. Now, life had taken a different turn.
Elizabeth looked toward Timothy without hesitation. He was twisting the cap off a water bottle, handing it to Emma, who accepted it with a smile that lit her face.
Elizabeth's mouth lifted. "Were we close? I barely remember."
She swung herself onto a horse and took a few laps around the arena.
Sherry watched her ride away, a smirk tugging at her lips.
When Elizabeth returned, Armando and Sherry were gone. She handed the reins to a stable hand and left.
"Where have you been these past few days? You've been ditching me," Mabel complained, hugging a pillow when Elizabeth walked in.
"Waiting for my prey," Elizabeth said with a grin, holding up a bag of groceries. "Tonight, I'm cooking."
"What's on the menu?" Mabel slipped into her slippers and followed her into the kitchen.
"Grilled salmon, sausage rice, seafood stew." Elizabeth's smile softened. Quinton had loved bold flavors but rarely indulged because of his health. Even at barbecues, he kept the seasoning light.
"All my favorites," Mabel said, delighted.
She paused. "Elizabeth... what prey are you talking about?"
"Armando," Elizabeth replied, rinsing a fish under cold water.
Mabel hesitated. "Can't we pick another man? His first love just had his baby."
The sound of running water filled the silence.
Elizabeth thought of Sloane asleep in Sherry's arms. She set the fish on the cutting board, fingers trembling slightly as she reached for the knife.
She would never spare Sherry. Not ever.
Mabel bit her lip, seeing the resolve in Elizabeth's eyes. She backed off. "As long as you're happy."
"Go watch TV. I'll be done soon," Elizabeth said, searching for fresh ginger.
"Thanks, Elizabeth," Mabel called over her shoulder, settling on the couch.
When she was gone, Elizabeth let out a small, wry smile. Her performance was flawless—everyone thought she still loved Armando.
Dinner was rich and satisfying, leaving them both stuffed.
"Elizabeth, there's an auction the day after tomorrow. Will you come with me?"
"Sure. What are you bidding on?"
"The Blue Heart diamond."
Two days later, they arrived at the auction. Elizabeth had traded her usual daring attire for something understated—this wasn't the place for a provocative look.
Just as they stepped out of the car, a silver sedan pulled up ahead. Knox, the driver, opened the door.
Timothy emerged in a black shirt, a few buttons undone, his posture relaxed. From the other side, Emma stepped out in a fitted dress, walking straight to his side.
Mabel's eyes lit up, ready to greet him—until she saw Emma's hand looped casually through Timothy's arm. Her gaze flicked to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth arched a brow. "What are you staring at me for? Let's go."
"Right... let's go." Mabel decided not to call out to him.
Timothy turned his head, catching sight of them as they walked inside. "Mr. Robinson, shall we? Everyone's here for the Blue Heart."
"Let's go," he replied.
Elizabeth and Mabel took seats near the front.
Bodhi came forward to greet Timothy and Emma personally, ushering them in with quiet deference. "Mr. Robinson, if anything catches your eye, just say the word. We'll pull it from the floor."
Elizabeth caught the murmur of voices from the women behind her.
"When did Emma come back?"
"A few weeks ago."
"And the man with her?"
The whispers stopped as Bodhi led Timothy and Emma to seats directly in front of Elizabeth and Mabel.
Mabel's jaw tightened, her eyes rolling skyward.
The auction began, and the room fell silent.
Elizabeth glanced at her phone, uninterested—she wasn't here to bid, only to keep Mabel company.
When the Blue Heart diamond was unveiled, Mabel tugged her arm. "Elizabeth, look... isn't it stunning?"
Elizabeth lifted her gaze. The gem glittered under the lights, impossible to ignore.
"It's beautiful," she said softly. Any woman would be thrilled to receive such a gift.
From the row ahead, Emma's voice floated back. "Mr. Robinson, that's the one. I want it."
Timothy's reply was casual. "Alright."
Emma's smile deepened as she beckoned Bodhi over. They spoke briefly, and Bodhi nodded before stepping onto the stage.
"Apologies, everyone. The Blue Heart will not be going to auction."
A ripple of disappointment moved through the crowd—several had come for that piece.
Mabel was furious. She had heard Emma and Timothy's conversation. The auction house was handing the diamond to Emma purely out of respect for Timothy.
When the event ended, Mabel could no longer hold back. She grabbed Elizabeth's hand and strode forward. "Timothy! I wanted that diamond!"