Chapter 116 Make Amends With My Family

Chapter 116 Make Amends With My Family
Jaxon’s POV:

From the way Father had been sitting there, staring into space and glancing my way every now and then, I knew he was regretting some of his life choices. I wished I had the luxury of time to sit there and reflect with him.
“I’m off.” I walked over to the chair Talon had knocked over and picked it up.
“Your mother is making a feast at home. Why don’t you join us?” He was obviously upset and had a lot to say, but he likely didn’t want to return home to face a fuming wife because he had failed to bring me back with him.
“I have more important stuff to do.” Like returning to my beautiful wife at home. As much as I wanted her moaning my name all day, I knew she had to resume school tomorrow and didn't need the stress, but just seeing her face was enough to make my day.
“More important stuff than having a meal with your parents?”
“Yes.” I picked up my phone and car keys before walking out of the office. I didn't care for a meal with them; and as much as Elizabeth lectured me about parents not being here forever and how important it was to make memories, I had made enough memories to last a lifetime.
I knew the only innocent ones in this feud were Elizabeth and Talon, but if Talon thought he was going to take over the company instead of me—his older brother—it just showed how messed up his mind was and how he had made me an outsider in my own fucking family.
“Jaxon!” Father followed me out as we walked down the corridor, and the few employees who were chatting instead of working quickly scrambled to their desks. “I don’t know what happened between you and your mother yesterday, or what messed-up things you said to her, but she is trying to fix things. You will help her fix this.” He pointed a finger at me angrily, and I snickered.
“Do you think there is anything in this world I could ever tell her that would be worse than a mother calling her son a murderer?”
“Move the fuck on, Jaxon! What do you want us to do? Kill ourselves before you finally forgive us?” He scolded, losing his mind the same way he just had with Talon.
“That’s the problem, sir. I don’t need anything from you and your wife. Just leave me alone and keep Elizabeth out of this.”
I turned to leave when his weak voice echoed loudly in my ear.
“Son, please.” His voice was low and filled with hurt, but I felt as if roots had grown around my chest, constricting it. I never feel bad when I read the news articles or hear rumors that I am heartless because it wasn't true; even though my parents hurt me and I should move on, I still feel bad when they are in pain. I still did everything my mother ever wanted because she would threaten to kill herself. Like right now, I knew my father was on his last straw and would be more than hurt if I didn't follow him home.
“I will drive there in my own car,” I let him know before walking to the elevator, wondering why I was saying yes to a meal with them. I dialed Elizabeth’s number, but it went straight to voicemail. Was she studying? Or maybe sleeping?
I tried one more time, thinking it was a network issue, but it still went to voicemail. I called Alice just as the elevator stopped and opened. Before me stood a group of workers who had been laughing, but when they saw me standing there, they all froze like they’d seen a ghost.
“Hello?” Alice’s voice came through. The elevator door closed, and the workers didn't dare get in.
“What is Elizabeth doing?”
“Beth went out immediately after breakfast.”
“Where to?”
“No idea. When I got outside, the car she got into was already driving away.”
I ended the call and checked the time; it was 2:00 p.m., a very long time after breakfast.
I walked over to my car and leaned against it, trying Elizabeth's number one more time, but to no avail. My brows furrowed as I considered calling Caleb to track her phone when Father came rushing toward me.
“I can't follow you back to the mansion,” I told him at once. I had to find Elizabeth; I couldn't stay calm if I didn't know where she was or who she was with. The last time I didn't know where she was, I had to dive into the ocean to save her.
“I am on the phone with a friend at the station. He said Talon came over minutes ago to report a case.”
My brows furrowed. Was he really going to try to sue me for that project?
“Let him try to sue me…”
“It’s not about the company. He has a team of police tracking Beth down because he said Beth called him out for help.”
My eyes widened at Father’s words. Elizabeth was in danger? I suddenly saw her being pulled out of the water, held by the lifeguards; she was unconscious and didn't reply when I called her name. I heard the onlookers calling me a murderer, but I didn't care, because at that moment, I realized that without my little bride, I would become exactly what the voices in my head called me.
A Murderer. Monster.
“Jaxon!” Father shook me, staring at me with worry. I stared back, unable to display any emotion. Did Cruella try to get to her one more time—and succeed?
If anything happened to Elizabeth, I would never forgive myself, because I should have eliminated Cruella the moment I knew she was a threat. “Beth needs you right now. The officers tracked her phone, and we will go there. We will find her.” He kept screaming, and I nodded.
They tracked her phone. I had to get to her on time. She needs me.
“Let’s go.” I hurried to the car, and Father got in as well. We drove out, my grip on the wheel tightening as I tried to control my nerves. I couldn't lose it now—not when she needed me.
My phone started to ring. I quickly picked it up, fearing it might be Elizabeth.
“Hello, Jax.” My jaws clenched at Cruella’s familiar voice.
“You are a dead woman,” I seethed. She smacked her lips dismissively.
“Now, what did I do? Beth asked to call you because she lost her phone… here she is.” She explained. After a moment, I heard Elizabeth’s voice.
“Hey, Jax.”
I felt every tense muscle in my body relax as I heard her soothing tone. “Where are you, baby? Did she hurt you? I’ll be there right now.”
There was a pause that made me uncomfortable again. “Elizabeth?”
“I am okay. My friend and I came over to the Mitchell mansion for a meal… I… I am trying to make amends with my family. Since I didn’t tell you before leaving, I thought it wise to call now so you won’t worry about me.”
I looked at Father, who had the same confused expression I did. “Baby, are you okay?” I questioned, taking the left turn to head toward the Mitchell mansion.