Chapter 18
Elizabeth had been gone for two weeks, a stark contrast to the two days Lawson had
mentioned.
During the first two days, no one took it seriously, but as time passed, even the Jones family staff couldn’t help but wonder if Franklin kicked Elizabeth out or if she chose to leave on her own. The gossip was rampant, and it didn’t escape Franklin’s notice.
Franklin had just recovered from the bite. As he walked out of the North Building’s. gate, a servant asked him, “Is Ms. Taylor not returning?”
Previously, the servants of the Jones family never asked such questions.
In the past, Elizabeth was the one asking if Franklin was coming back, her tone warm and intelligent, painting her as the caring wife left behind. The family would comment on her concern but never on their love.
Now, the roles seemed reversed, and the realization weighed on Franklin. He summoned Jerry, his tone sharp, “What did Lawson say about Elizabeth’s return?”
Jerry kept his head down, hesitant to speak. Fidgeting with his fingers nervously, he slowly spoke, “He… He didn’t say anything.”
“Go ask him,” Franklin ordered.
“Huh?” Jerry didn’t grasp
- it.
“Go ask him.” Franklin’s patience wore thin. “I need to see her when I return from the hospital today.” It was a straight–up order, leaving Jerry no room for rejection.
Jerry had to deal with Elizabeth’s stuff, so Franklin drove to the hospital himself.
The weather was great, the sun beaming down as he drove. Suddenly, his phone rang from the home line in the South Building. The servant sounded anxious, almost crying. “Mr. Jones, you gotta rush back. Ms. Yvonne Jones has had another attack.”
Franklin gripped the wheel tighter with his eyes locked straight ahead and said coldly, “Blood transfusion. Do I have to tell you that?
The servant’s cries worsened. “Ms. Taylor isn’t here, and no one is donating blood to her. Please come back. The doctors are doing everything they can, but it’s not enough.”
It involved Elizabeth again. Elizabeth’s absence had a tangible impact.
Franklin made a U–turn, speeding to the South Building to check on Yvonne.
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The Jones family was a lineage of medical professionals, but this generation was plagued with health issues. Franklin, young and burdened, had taken the helm of the family hospital, already a renowned physician with successful treatments under his
He vividly remembered his first encounter with Elizabeth, who was spirited with sparkle in her eyes. At that time, she leaned in, playfully whispering, “I saw you in a show once. Has anyone told you that you look better in person? You’re really an imposing talent.
Later, Elizabeth married him and also served as the blood donor for his sister. He thought he couldn’t be considered a brilliant doctor.
While on her way back to Yaville, Elizabeth received a call from Joanna. Exhausted from her long journey, she was disoriented, her voice barely a whisper, “Joanna.”
Upon hearing Elizabeth’s voice, Joanna could tell that she was not doing well. She leaned against the wall with her arms crossed and eyed Jerry while chewing gum. “Where are you? I haven’t heard from you in a few days now.”
“I’m on my way home,” Elizabeth replied.
Joanna paused.
Joanna knew that when Elizabeth said “home“, it wasn’t the Jones residence or the Taylor residence. It was her own home. Jerry didn’t know what the “home” referred to. She covered the phone receiver, glaring impatiently at Jerry. “She’s not in Yaville.”
“Then where did she go?” Jerry asked.
“She went back home,” Joanna replied.
Jerry raised an eyebrow. “Can I talk to Ms. Taylor myself?”
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