Chapter 43
Elizabeth's POV
I looked away, my tone calm, "Then I should be congratulated, right?"
Over the years, Aiden had gotten used to how good I was to him, especially at work. He dumped all the troublesome tasks on me while ignoring the most important parts himself.
A position he never personally controlled could naturally be replaced easily.
After contacting all the connections I could use, all that was left was to wait.
Aiden was taught a lesson by Alexander's people, and after that, he didn't dare contact me again. He looked pretty miserable.
Instead, news came first from Smith Manor. It was Grandma who called personally, her voice already tearful when she spoke.
"Elizabeth, I'm sick. Can you come see me?"
Her voice did sound very weak, as if she'd suffered some major blow, making me a bit worried.
When my family had troubles back then, Grandma was indeed the person who treated me best, and she did protect me to some extent.
But my relationship with Aiden was completely over. Aiden had most likely already told Grandma the truth about the child. Logically speaking, I should cut ties completely with the Smith family.
"Grandma, I can help you get the best doctors in the world, but I can't come to your place anymore."
"You child..." Grandma's tone sounded even sadder. "I know that bastard Aiden has done many things to hurt you over the years. I want to make it up to you on his behalf. Don't be angry with him anymore, okay?"
"Grandma, I'm not angry," I said honestly. "I just don't want any more involvement with Aiden."
As for my anger, I would let the Smith family's company bear it. Even one more second with Aiden made me feel disgusted.
Grandma panicked and started coughing violently on the other end, "If you don't come, there's no point in my living. Elizabeth, can you really bear to see Grandma suffer like this?"
Her words stunned me. I couldn't quite figure out what her real purpose was.
The outcome between Aiden and me couldn't be changed. Why did she insist on making me return to Smith Manor? Did she think my going back could change anything?
"Grandma, I can come back to see you, but only to visit you."
I tried to make it clear, and the other end almost immediately agreed.
"Elizabeth, Grandma just wants to talk to you alone. This has nothing to do with that bastard Aiden. Don't worry, only Grandma will see you."
The urgency in her words made me instinctively want to avoid it, but hearing her weak voice, I softened.
After hanging up, Alexander looked at me coldly.
"Didn't you say you never wanted to have anything to do with the Smith family again?"
"This is different." I felt a bit guilty saying this, coughed lightly, and tried to change the subject. "Mr. Windsor, can you wait outside for me? In case something happens at Smith Manor..."
"What do you think?" Alexander cut me off directly, his words carrying unmistakable mockery.
I didn't know if it was my imagination, but Alexander seemed very unhappy about this.
I was at a loss for words.
Grandma had been good to me. I shouldn't assume the worst about her, but I had to leave myself a way out.
If Alexander helped, in case something really happened, he could help me deal with it, but looking at his current attitude.
"If I really encounter danger at Smith Manor and you don't help me, it might harm the child."
After all, my identity was already exposed. Aiden had most likely already told Grandma who the child's father was. Although this child was an accident, no one could guarantee they wouldn't harm him because of it.
"Elizabeth, are you threatening me again?"
Alexander's voice came, clearly angry. I nervously looked away.
Yes, it was a threat, and one I'd almost worn out. But for now, I couldn't think of any other way.
I stood up and spoke as if unconcerned, "I'm just guessing. Nothing will probably happen. Don't take it seriously."
With that, I started gathering my things to leave.
Alexander suddenly stood up and strode toward me, grabbing my arm to stop me, his chiseled face full of emotions I couldn't read.
"Elizabeth, you really do use everything to the extreme."
I smiled, pulled my hand free, my tone steady, "Mr. Windsor has eavesdropped on so many of my calls. You should pretty much understand what kind of person I am by now, right?"
I was the type who would fight desperately for even the slightest opportunity. Right now, just the matter of the child was enough for me to have Alexander completely under control. Of course, he was unhappy, but there was nothing he could do about it.
He was silent for a while, then sighed as if compromising and walked out of the room ahead of me before speaking, "Send me the address."
"Then thank you, Mr. Windsor!" I called out to his back. Only after he left did the smile slowly fade from my face.
These people were all the same, approaching me because I had something they wanted.
What Aiden valued was my background and my ability to save Bianca's life. Now that he'd gotten neither, he would only blame all his failures on me.
Grandma did care for me deeply, but I couldn't guarantee she didn't have other motives.
But since I'd decided to go, I'd face it calmly. I was confident that no matter what situation I encountered, as long as I stayed calm, I could handle it.
The next morning, I drove alone to Smith Manor, with Alexander's people following at a distance.
As soon as I arrived at the Smith Manor entrance, I saw Grandma standing there waiting for me, waving at me.
"Elizabeth, come here quickly."
Grandma was as kind as before, as if nothing had happened during this time.
However, my forward steps stopped as I frowned at the man behind her.
It was Aiden. He was actually here too!
Grandma noticed my reaction and quickly explained, "Elizabeth, Aiden knows he was wrong. He's here to apologize to you. Don't worry, with Grandma here, he absolutely won't dare bully you."
I remained frozen in place, my hands unconsciously clenching into fists.
The enemy who had dug up my parents' graves was right in front of me. Just one look made my heart feel like it would explode, let alone getting close to him.
Grandma didn't seem to think my emotions mattered much. She waved at Aiden, "Come over here! Apologize to Elizabeth!"
Aiden walked toward me reluctantly. I stretched out my hand at him as if startled, "Don't come near me!"
He seemed surprised by my attitude, frowning at me, "I'm already giving you face by coming to apologize. Elizabeth, don't push your luck."
Those deep eyes of his also erupted with thick hatred. Only then did I catch a glimpse of the scars hidden under his collar.
It seemed Alexander had someone teach him a harsh lesson. This man, who grew up pampered by the Smith family, couldn't stand physical pain, and even less could he bear this kind of humiliation.
Clearly, he hated me to the core.