Chapter 184 Compensation That Can Be Offset by Companionship
Elizabeth turned to Michael. "Hey, Michael, I know I crashed last night, but I bet it was you who helped me out. Thanks a bunch."
Louis grabbed Elizabeth's arm. "Come on, Elizabeth. Let's head back. Nancy's been waiting up for you all night and she's probably worried sick."
Dean walked over too. "You were MIA yesterday. Your birthday party was missing the star of the show."
Elizabeth looked down. "I'm really sorry, guys. I didn't mean to make you all worry."
Pearl tugged at Elizabeth's hand. "Mom, let's go home. Grandma missed you too."
Elizabeth glanced back at Michael, hesitating.
Michael seemed to read her mind. "Elizabeth, hang on a sec. I need to talk to you."
The kids shot him dirty looks, but Michael didn't flinch.
He led Elizabeth to the guest room on the first floor.
Elizabeth looked around the familiar room. "Michael, did you sleep here last night?"
Michael looked at her. "Yep. You took over my big bed."
Elizabeth dropped her gaze again. "Sorry for the trouble, Michael."
Michael shrugged. "As long as you're okay. But there's something else. Did you notice the whole villa's got no power?"
Elizabeth's eyes widened. "Oh, right! Why aren't the lights on?"
Michael gave a wry smile. "It's not just the lights. The internet's down too, and the surveillance cameras are out."
Elizabeth's mind raced to a conclusion. She looked at Michael, eyes wide.
Michael nodded affirmatively. "Yep, your precious son did this."
Elizabeth said, emabrrassed. "Sorry, how can I make it up to you?"
Michael stepped closer. "Make it up? How about you spend a day with me?"
Elizabeth took a step back in surprise. "Michael!"
Michael chuckled and pulled a box from his pocket. "Relax, Elizabeth. I'm not messing with you. I called you over to give you this. I couldn't make it to your birthday party yesterday, but I wanted to wish you a happy birthday in person."
Elizabeth gave him a puzzled look. "Why couldn't you come?"
Michael sighed helplessly. "Ask your tech director about that."
Elizabeth looked down again.
Michael decided not to dwell on it and said, "Never mind. I'm just glad you're okay."
Dean called from outside the door, "Michael, you done? I need to take Elizabeth home."
Elizabeth put her hand on the doorknob, her back to Michael. "Thanks, Michael. Thanks for the birthday wishes and the gift."
She opened the door and walked out, saying to Dean and Louis, "Let's go home."
The living room was dimly lit.
Elizabeth said to Susan, "Susan, we're heading out."
Susan asked, "Elizabeth, are these your kids?"
She squatted down, reaching for the children's hands.
Nolan and Pearl both stepped back.
Susan's hands hung awkwardly in the air.
Elizabeth smiled at her. "Susan, I really need to get home. My mom's waiting for me, and she'll be worried sick if I don't get back soon."
Susan bit back her words, watching them leave with a hint of reluctance.
As Elizabeth walked to the gate, she felt a sudden urge to look back at the second-floor window of the villa.
The curtain twitched, and a shadow quickly disappeared.
At Whispering Pines Estates, Nancy stood at the entrance, anxiously scanning the road.
She spotted Louis's car approaching.
Louis parked and opened the back door for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth stepped out with Pearl and Nolan.
Nancy's eyes welled up with tears.
Elizabeth hugged and comforted her, "Mom, why are you crying? I'm back safe and sound, see?"
Nancy wiped her tears. "You need to take better care of yourself. From now on, eat well, sleep well, and rest. No more overworking, got it?"
Elizabeth nodded. "I promise, Mom. I won't exhaust myself again."
Louis, seeing Elizabeth was home safe, turned to Nancy. "Nancy, my job here is done. I'll head back to work now."
Nancy grabbed his arm and said to Elizabeth, "After you went missing, Louis helped me search everywhere. Michael wouldn't let him take you away, so he waited outside the villa all night. Now that you're back, you need to thank him properly."
Elizabeth smiled sincerely at Louis. "Thanks, Louis. Sorry for all the trouble."
Louis looked at her with regret. "Elizabeth, I should've taken better care of you. I'll be off now. Goodbye."
He drove away.
The three adults and two kids headed inside.
Nancy brought out the chicken soup she had been simmering. "You've been so exhausted lately. Drink some chicken soup to get your strength back."
Nancy lifted the lid, and the delicious aroma filled the room.
Elizabeth closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. "Smells amazing! Mom's cooking is always the best!"
Nancy smiled and served her a bowl, then handed one to Dean.
Pearl tugged on Nolan's sleeve. "Nolan, come with me."
Nolan followed Pearl to their room.
Pearl opened her backpack and pulled out a small box. "Nolan, when we were at Michael's house, I accidentally knocked this box off a shelf in the room on the second floor. I tried to put it back, but I couldn't reach. I was scared of messing up the shelf, so I brought it with me. I wanted to return it to Michael, but I was afraid he'd be mad. Can you check what's inside?"
Nolan opened the box. "Pearl, it's just a piece of paper. The box is covered in dust, so it doesn't seem important. He probably won't even notice it's gone. But remember, don't touch other people's stuff when you're at their house, okay?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
