Chapter 17
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The next morning, a light drizzle fell in Yaville. The rain dampened the flowers and grass in the Taylor family’s courtyard, scattering them all around.
Under the cover of dawn’s first light, Elizabeth tiptoed out of the Taylor residence.
No one knew or cared where she went.
The housekeeper, after realizing her runaway reported to Lawson, who with a nonchalant nod, climbed into his car and drove towards Shiny Estate. Meanwhile, Franklin, nursing a leg injury that wasn’t too severe but still limiting, was helped downstairs by Jerry to rest on the sofa, his face a canvas of fatigue.
Franklin was actually very fragile. Everyone in the Jones family, except Sharon, was pretty much a walking hospital case.
Lawson, upon seeing Franklin’s state, couldn’t help but comment with a mix of disbelief and amusement, “Bitten by a dog, huh? That’s got to be a new low for Frank.”
Jerry, bristling at the insinuation, was about to retort that it was to protect someone
when Franklin cut him off, “Jerry, you’re out of line.”
For Franklin, the most embarrassing part wasn’t getting bitten by a dog, but getting bitten by a dog in order to protect Elizabeth. Franklin’s heart clenched at the thought of her, his voice laced with bitterness. “What brings you here? Surely not to rub salt in the wound?”
Lawson adjusted his tie, clearing his throat. “Of course not. I’m here to apologize on behalf of that blockheaded girl.”
“Did she send you?” Franklin asked.
“Of course,” Lawson replied with a forced enthusiasm. “She was devastated when she heard about your injury. She’s promised to be on her best behavior from now on. She’s totally committed to you.”
Despite his skepticism, Franklin listened, intrigued by the mention of Elizabeth.
Lawson continued, spinning a tale, “Elizabeth knows you treat her well. She is living a better life with the Jones family.”
Viewing it like this, it almost appeared as though Elizabeth was just letting off steam and would change her mind in a few days.
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Franklin had his doubts. There was no emotion in his eyes. “Did she really say that?”
“Well, that’s the general gist,” Lawson said.
“Where is she?” Franklin asked.
Lawson, the master of half–truths, chuckled. “Just give her a day or two to calm down. Soon enough, she’ll come back on her own to patch things up with you.”
Two days had already passed since the talk of divorce, and Elizabeth’s absence was stretching on. Franklin, his gentle nature preventing him from lashing out, simply said to Lawson, “I hope you’re right.”
They walked along the small path in Shiny Estate. The rain–soaked leaves squished under their shoes.
Jerry, with an umbrella in his hand, politely guided Lawson out. He’d been avoiding direct eye contact with Lawson during the process.
Lawson was curious about what Jerry was interrupted from saying by Franklin during the previous chat.
As the fallen leaves rustled beneath their feet, Lawson casually asked, “Jerry, what were you about to say just now?”
‘He asked me about it after all, Jerry thought.
He quickened his pace, replying, “Uh, nothing, really.”
“You said Frank did it to protect someone?” Lawson kept asking him.
“You must’ve heard wrong.” Jerry avoided that question.
“No way.” Lawson moved in closer step by step.
Jerry, swallowing hard, gripped his umbrella tighter, “Frank was just trying to protect Ms. Taylor. It was an accident. Please let it go
Jerry knew that it was quite embarrassing to Franklin.
Lawson didn’t really care about that part. He stopped, turned, and met Jerry’s gaze. Tapping his temple with his index finger, he asked, “Has he been physically okay lately, especially his eyes and head? Was protecting Elizabeth an instinctive move?”
Jerry’s heart suddenly raced.
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Jerry’s heart pounded as he checked their solitude before sternly warning Lawson, “Never mention that in the Jones family. If Frank hears about it, we’re in serious
trouble.”
“What’s there to be afraid of?” Lawson seemed unconcerned. “It’s been three years.”
“That’s exactly why we must avoid any further complications,” Jerry said sternly.
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