Chapter 16
Lawson received the call at 11:00 pm. Within fifteen minutes, Lawson arrived at the Jones family’s place.
Inside the North Building’s first floor, the air was heavy with tension. Yvonne, known for her biting remarks, sat beside the ever–gentle Elizabeth. The staff moved in hushed tones, their silence a testament to the room’s finease.
Lawson stepped into the room, his gaze falling on his sister and Yvonne. With a sigh, he put out his cigarette, his voice echoing in the quiet room. “What’s going on here? Where’s Frank?” He sounded flippant as usual
Yvonne, with a haughty air, didn’t even glance at Lawson. She said snappishly, “Why don’t you ask your dear sister what she’s done to Frank?”
Her words hit hard, causing Lawson’s jaw to clench. His eyes, dark and cold, bore into Elizabeth as he barked, “Elizabeth, explain yourself.”
Lawson’s roar was loud and fierce, even startling Yvonne.
But Elizabeth remained composed and aloof.
She brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her delicate features framed by vulnerability. The marks on her skin told a story of pain, claw marks that drew sympathy from those who saw them.
Her curled eyelashes trembled slightly, and she looked at Lawson with her eyes full of disappointment. “He got a bite.”
Lawson’s eyes narrowed as he asked, “You bit him?”
Yvonne snapped impatiently, “A dog bit him!”
“Ms. Jones, are you insulting us?” Lawson sounded displeased.
“I’m stating a fact,” Yvonne shot back.
The scene was both embarrassing and comical. Elizabeth didn’t want to recall it again. Lawson didn’t bother arguing with Yvonne. In front of every one of the Jones family, he dragged Elizabeth out.
He tossed her into his SUV, the high chassis making her stumble. Pain etched across her face as she hit the seat.
Lawson had never shown affection to Elizabeth.
|||
O
The car started with a roar.
Secure?” he asked, his tone gruff.
Elizabeth was rubbing her wrist and cheek to ease the pain, looking extremely aggrieved.
Noticing her silence, Lawson chuckled and reached for a cigarette. “You know Frank is scared of dogs, yet you let one bite him? I didn’t think you had it in you, Elizabeth.”
“You’re unbelievable,” Elizabeth said.
“You didn’t do that?” Lawson asked.
Elizabeth turned towards the car window, witicing with each word she spoke. “He was an eyesore to the dog, so it bit him. What’s it got to do with me?”
Lawson chuckled, the smoke from his cigarette clouding his smile, “When you were chasing after him for his power and looks, you didn’t seem to care about his dog issues.”
Elizabeth didn’t want to dwell on the past.
“I heard you’re planning to divorce him,” Lawson said casually.
“Yeah,” she replied.
“I’d advise against stirring up trouble. If you upset the Joneses, it’s over for you with Frank. He’s got no love for you. You know why he married you–it’s not pretty. Don’t expect him to tolerate your games,” Lawson warned her.
The smoke filled the car, but Elizabeth’s mind was clear. She shrugged off the pain, her impatience showing. “So, I’m giving him his freedom.”
The rearview mirror offered a limited view. With faint smoke diffusing in the car, Lawson could only catch a glimpse of half of Elizabeth’s face, the swelling on her cheek subsiding, leaving behind a haunting beauty. Yet, she smiled–a smile of release.
He snuffed out his cigarette and warned her through gritted teeth, “Do what you want. But if you end up alone after the divorce, don’t come running back to me, or I’ll have to face Frank’s wrath. What a headache!”
Hearing what Lawson said, Elizabeth casually flashed a bright smile. “Thanks a lot,
Lawson.”
2/3
