Chapter 21 Elizabeth Has Yet to Get in the Car
On the plane, Matthew glanced over at Timothy, who was absorbed in a thick medical textbook. "Why the sudden trip to Oceancrest City?" he asked.
Going was one thing. Dragging him along was another.
"To perform surgery for a patient," Timothy replied.
And to check in on Elizabeth.
Matthew frowned. "Right, Timothy… but what does that have to do with me?"
That was the real question.
Timothy accepted a cup of coffee from the flight attendant with a polite "Thanks," then turned back to Matthew. "You'll be useful."
Matthew perked up, thinking there might be something even Timothy couldn't handle—something that required his intervention. For a moment, he was almost excited.
He didn't expect Timothy's idea of "useful" to mean playing delivery boy.
Every day. Delivering meals and drinks to a certain woman named Elizabeth.
Matthew stared. "I'm worth billions. You expect me to run around in the wind and rain?"
Timothy didn't even look up. "If you don't go, do you expect me to?"
By noon that same day in Oceancrest City, Matthew had resigned himself to the role, pedaling across town with an insulated lunch box.
"Miss Penrose, you have a delivery from Mr. Robinson," he announced over the phone.
Elizabeth hesitated. She only knew one Robinson—Timothy.
Stepping out of the Azure Dream Union, she spotted a strikingly handsome delivery man.
"Miss Penrose."
"Yes, thank you."
"My pleasure."
Matthew's gaze swept over her quickly, taking in the sharp, sultry beauty of her features.
So this was Timothy's type?
Elizabeth cradled the lunch box, watching Matthew's back as he walked away. She pulled out her phone and called Timothy.
He picked up immediately, his voice brisk. "Every day at lunch and dinner, someone will bring you food. Eat properly."
Elizabeth's lips curved, the fatigue of the past days melting away. Her voice was husky. "Thank you, Mr. Robinson."
Timothy's chuckle was low and brief. "I have to hang up now."
He truly was busy in Oceancrest City. The upcoming surgery carried serious risks, and the medical team needed to review every step.
Elizabeth tucked her phone away and turned toward the Azure Dream Union, but a woman's voice called out.
"Ms. Penrose."
Elizabeth turned to see Sherry in a wheelchair, disguised beneath a hat and sunglasses. Her agent, Della, stood behind her.
"Ms. Penrose, could you take me to see Armando?" Sherry asked.
Elizabeth arched a brow, surprised. She led them to security for registration and escorted them into the factory.
"Ms. Penrose, I'm sorry about the banquet," Sherry said softly. "Armando and Mindy were just worried about me."
"You should be apologizing to me," Elizabeth replied lightly. "Go ahead. Say it again."
Sherry was speechless.
Elizabeth's smile was faint, her gaze cutting. "Why pretend? No one's watching here."
The words were sharp enough to sting.
Sherry lowered her eyes, her voice fragile. "I'm sorry."
Elizabeth's smile deepened. She had nearly forgotten—she still hadn't sent the Carlton Hotel footage to Armando.
Pulling out her phone, she sent the video, then typed out a message: [Mr. Johnson, Mindy owes me an apology. And as for your beloved Miss Scott—do tell her to keep her hands off me.]
In the Azure Dream Union's office, Armando rubbed his tired eyes when his phone buzzed. The first video showed Sherry falling at the Carlton Hotel banquet, followed by footage of Mindy shoving Elizabeth into a wall.
Armando: [Sorry.]
Elizabeth smirked: [I want to see Quinton.]
She wouldn't rest until she saw him with her own eyes.
Armando's faint remorse evaporated. Her demand soured his mood.
Armando: [Fine.]
The factory complex was vast.
Elizabeth brought Sherry to Armando's temporary office, then headed to the dining area with her lunch box.
Armando's gaze dropped to Sherry's injured foot, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "You're being reckless. You should be resting."
"I was worried about you. I just wanted to see you. I'll go back tomorrow."
Sherry stood from the wheelchair, hopping toward him on one foot.
"Stop. Don't do that," Armando said, rising quickly.
He was helpless against her.
She wrapped her arms around his waist, smiling up at him before pressing a kiss to his lips. "One day apart felt like forever."
That evening, Armando decided to treat everyone to dinner. They'd all worked hard.
Elizabeth texted Timothy to say he didn't need to bring her food that night.
Oceancrest City was famous for its Texan cuisine. They booked a restaurant and a large table.
When they arrived, a small incident occurred.
The previous factory director had been dismissed after the fire. His replacement, Tony Gibson, pulled out a chair beside Armando's right. "Mrs. Johnson, please."
Armando's left was occupied by Sherry in her wheelchair.
The title 'Mrs. Johnson' made Sherry stiffen.
Elizabeth smiled politely at Tony. "No, thank you. I'll sit by Mr. Davis."
Sitting beside Armando would kill her appetite.
"Alright," Tony said, awkwardly. He'd seen the gossip about Armando and Miss Scott. The situation seemed… complicated.
Armando's gaze flicked to Elizabeth before sliding away.
During the meal, Sherry served Armando his favorite dish. His cold expression softened. He picked out a piece of fish for her, carefully removing the bones.
The smart ones noticed.
Armando's true affection was for Sherry.
Elizabeth and Armando might be married, but it was all for show.
Tom, sensing potential awkwardness, placed a tortilla on Elizabeth's plate. "Try this."
Elizabeth smiled her thanks. She understood his kindness.
But she felt no discomfort. She knew her place in Armando's heart. Letting go meant whatever happened between him and Sherry no longer touched her.
The Texan food was good, but Elizabeth stopped at seventy percent full, setting down her chopsticks.
"Ms. Penrose, not to your taste?" Tom asked.
"I'm dieting," Elizabeth replied.
The memory of her jeans zipper slipping down was enough motivation to trim her waistline.
After dinner, the group dispersed.
Several factory executives escorted Armando to his car. Once again, they saw who mattered to him.
Armando personally lifted Sherry into the vehicle. The bodyguards folded her wheelchair, and the car pulled away.
Elizabeth was still outside, not yet in her own car.