Chapter 438 Confirming Feelings
She had no idea who had set the fire. Was it aimed at Michael?
If the arsonist had done it intentionally, then Michael was undoubtedly the target.
They hadn't fully reconciled yet. The kids hadn't really felt his fatherly love. He hadn't had the chance to fulfill his promise to her, to treat her well.
Was he going to perish in this inferno?
No. That couldn't happen.
Elizabeth's mind buzzed with anxiety.
She had been running around for the past few days without proper rest. Her brain was in a fog.
All she could think about was whether he was still alive. Should she rush in to save him?
The police were already urging her to leave, "Ma'am, please step back. You're interfering with our work and the firefighters' efforts."
Elizabeth's feet felt rooted to the ground, unable to move.
The driver standing next to her reminded her, "Ms. Jones, should you call Mr. Thomas?"
Elizabeth snapped back to reality. Right, she hadn't called him yet!
With trembling hands, she took out her phone and dialed Michael's number, anxiously waiting for him to pick up.
The wait felt endless.
Finally, Michael's slightly hoarse voice came through the receiver, "Hello?"
Elizabeth's anxious heart finally settled. Her legs went weak, nearly causing her to collapse.
Michael continued, "Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth's voice wavered, "Michael, where are you?"
His side was noisy, "I'm at the hospital."
Elizabeth's heart, which had just settled, immediately leapt back into her throat.
Her voice tightened, trembling, "You're at the hospital? Are you hurt? Is it serious? Who's with you?"
She fired off a series of questions. Michael listened quietly until she finished, then replied, "It's nothing serious. My bodyguard is with me. I'm just here for a routine check-up. I'll be back soon."
Elizabeth immediately said, "Which hospital? Send me the address."
"Elizabeth, are you coming?"
"Send me the address. I'm on my way."
Michael didn't hesitate and sent her his location.
Before the driver could open the car door for her, Elizabeth opened it herself and quickly got into the back seat, "Tomorrow's Cure Hospital."
The driver swiftly drove away.
When the car arrived at Tomorrow's Cure Hospital, Elizabeth got out and headed straight for the emergency room.
Michael had already arranged for his bodyguard to wait for her at the entrance.
The doctor had cleaned Michael's wound. His arm had suffered a minor burn. A nurse was applying ointment.
Elizabeth rushed in, her face full of worry.
Seeing her, Michael immediately stood up, "Elizabeth. I'm here."
He saw all her concern.
Elizabeth looked at his bandaged arm, reaching out to touch it but hesitating, afraid to hurt him.
"Michael, are you hurt anywhere else?"
Michael raised his other arm and gently held her hand, "Elizabeth, it's not a big deal. My injury looks worse than it is."
Elizabeth was still shaken, "Did you have a full check-up? Did the doctor say anything else?"
Michael reassured her, "Elizabeth, it's just a minor burn on my arm. Everything else is fine. The doctor said the wound shouldn't get wet, and it'll heal within seven days. Really. Don't worry."
He gently pulled her into his arms. She leaned into him, finally feeling at ease.
At that moment, Elizabeth was certain of her feelings.
This man, no matter how many times he hurt her, she still loved him deeply and worried about him.
Realizing this, Elizabeth felt she was at a disadvantage in this emotional battle.
She gently pulled away from Michael's embrace, her emotions now calm.
"If you're okay, I'll head back."
She turned to leave.
Michael called out, "Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth stopped, her back to him, not turning around.
Michael's voice was hoarse, "Could you... stay with me for a while? Just a while."
Elizabeth closed her eyes briefly, then opened them, her gaze clear, "Alright."
She sat with him in the hallway outside the emergency room, not too close.
Her questions were casual, "Do you know who started the fire?"
"I've reported it to the police. They'll investigate and inform me of the results."
Elizabeth nodded, "Okay."
Michael thought she might say more, but she just sat there, not speaking another word.
He held his injured arm, slightly leaning towards her, his voice low and tentative, "Elizabeth, you... still care about me, right? If so, could you..."
Elizabeth stood up abruptly, "Michael, I need to go."
Michael opened his mouth but said nothing.
It was his own fault. She had given him many chances. He had hurt her too many times.
His eyes showed a hint of pain as he watched her walk away.
The bodyguard walked over, passing Elizabeth, then quickly ran to Michael's side.
"Mr. Thomas, did Elizabeth upset you again?"
Michael stood up, "Be respectful to my woman from now on."
The bodyguard was stunned. What was going on with the boss?
Michael walked ahead, "Did you find William? What did he say?"
The bodyguard hurried to keep up, "William is at the police station. He went there himself when he heard about the fire, demanding they find the arsonist. He said he didn't want to be falsely accused."
"What's the police's progress?"
"They've caught the arsonist. It was an old servant of the Thomas family. He was unhappy with the severance pay William gave him, thinking it was too little. Out of spite, he set fire to a rarely used house. He didn't realize it was one you had stayed in."
"Take me to the police station."
When Michael arrived at the police station, William rushed over.
"Michael! You have to help me! I didn't start that fire! I have no motive! That house is our family's foundation, I wouldn't burn it down!"
Michael sat in a chair, staring at him, "Or maybe you wanted to avenge your son and get rid of me?"
William was so desperate he nearly knelt, tears streaming down his face, "Michael, you know me! I wouldn't dare think that!"
"I've been a coward all my life, and Anthony isn't much better. I know he's made many mistakes and has been punished. I scold him often. But he's my only son. I still hope he'll take care of me in my old age! Michael, please let him go. If necessary, I'll kneel to you!"
Michael stood up, "I didn't say you started the fire. Since you've taken the money, save it and find a good place to retire. Keep that money for yourself, don't give it to Anthony."
With that, he walked away.
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