Chapter 481 Anger Him Away
Elizabeth's heart pounded with anxiety, but she kept eating, not letting it show.
Michael tilted his head and glanced at her. "Hey, Elizabeth, your phone just buzzed. Someone text you?"
Elizabeth glanced at the number without unlocking her screen. "It's an unknown number, probably just spam. No rush."
Michael had also caught a glimpse of the number—it was a long string of digits, likely from Aetheria.
He took a bite of his food, chewing slowly before swallowing. "You picked a great spot, Elizabeth. The food's awesome."
Elizabeth kept her head down. "Good, let's dig in then."
After finishing their meal, they strolled hand in hand down the foreign streets.
The locals moved at a leisurely pace, unhurried and relaxed. Elizabeth and Michael found themselves adopting the same slow rhythm, as if nothing from the outside world could disturb them.
Elizabeth glanced at the shops lining the street as they walked.
Suddenly, she saw a familiar figure dart into a pharmacy. She stopped in her tracks and stared at the store.
Michael, pulled to a halt by her, asked in confusion, "What's up, Elizabeth? Why'd you stop?"
Following her gaze, he chuckled. "Oh, right. I mentioned we should pick up some medicine here, just in case."
He took her hand and led her toward the pharmacy. "Come on, I'll help you choose."
Elizabeth had originally wanted him to browse the souvenir shop next door. She still hadn't had a chance to open Louis' message and was unsure of Eloise's situation. She feared Michael might react aggressively if he suddenly encountered Louis.
After all, Eloise had been taken by Louis.
Michael harbored a deep resentment toward him.
But being in a foreign country, Elizabeth didn't dare to act alone. She had read stories about young women disappearing while shopping abroad. She was scared. She considered having a bodyguard accompany her, but if a bodyguard could go in with her, why couldn't Michael?
With that thought, she followed him into the pharmacy.
Distracted, Elizabeth picked out a few common medications with the help of the store clerk. She glanced around but didn't see Louis.
Michael paid for their items, and they left the pharmacy. Elizabeth didn't see Louis again.
But she was certain it wasn't her imagination. Louis had definitely entered that pharmacy.
He probably saw Michael with her and decided not to show himself.
Elizabeth, heavy-hearted, followed Michael back to the hotel.
She changed her clothes and went into the bathroom to shower. Before that, she set her phone to silent mode.
Michael's phone rang. He immediately picked it up.
It was a video call from Pearl in Celestria.
"Daddy, why didn't Mommy answer her phone?"
Michael glanced toward the bathroom. The sound of running water indicated Elizabeth had started her shower.
"Your mommy's in the shower. She probably didn't hear it ring."
Michael found it odd. He hadn't heard Elizabeth's phone ring either.
Pearl quickly accepted the explanation. "Daddy, Nolan went to Valoria today. Dean took him."
"Okay. Do you miss Nolan?"
"Nolan just left."
"Well, if you miss him during the holidays, your mommy and I can take you to Valoria to visit. How's that sound?"
Pearl cheered. "Yes, yes! Daddy, you have to keep your promise!"
Michael always found it easy to smile when talking to Pearl. "It's a small thing, easily done. Of course, I'll keep my promise."
Pearl was curious. "Daddy, is Aetheria fun? Is it beautiful?"
Michael nodded. "It's really beautiful. People here take their time with everything—walking, eating, you name it. Your mommy and I are trying to get used to their pace."
Pearl giggled. "Doing everything slowly? Are they like sloths?"
Michael laughed too. "Not quite as slow as sloths, but people here seem very happy."
Pearl looked dreamy. "Daddy, you're making me want to visit too!"
Michael smiled. "Alright. When you have a long break, I'll bring you here."
"Daddy, I think I hear the ocean. Is there a beach nearby?"
Michael stood up, walked to the balcony, and leaned against the railing, holding his phone high.
"Pearl, can you see the ocean behind me?"
Pearl jumped up. "Wow, wow, wow! It's really the ocean! Daddy, are you and Mommy staying by the beach?"
Michael nodded. "Yep, we picked a room with an ocean view. After your mommy finishes her shower, we're going to take a walk on the beach. The night view should be beautiful. The water here is super clean, not polluted at all."
Pearl pouted. "Daddy, stop talking about it. I'm starting to regret not coming with you. Will I be bored at home?"
Carter's voice chimed in. "Pearl, sweetheart, with me around, you won't be bored."
Pearl still looked a bit down. "Mr. McGinnis, you can't be with me all the time."
Carter walked over and sat on the couch. "If you want, I can come over every day."
Michael's expression turned cold. "Carter! Watch your boundaries! Pearl is home alone; you can't just drop by whenever you want! She's still a child and doesn't understand. You're in your twenties; don't you understand?"
Carter stood up, looking dejected. "Pearl, see? I told you your daddy would oppose me visiting. Since I'm not welcome, I'll leave now. I'll come back when your mommy returns."
Pearl panicked and stood up. "Mr. McGinnis!"
Carter was already striding toward the door.
Pearl pouted angrily. "Daddy! Look what you did! You made Mr. McGinnis leave! If Mommy finds out, she'll definitely argue with you!"
Michael, having vented his frustration, felt a bit regretful. "Pearl, I couldn't help it. Carter may be close to you and your mommy, but he's still an adult man. I can't trust him alone with you. He left, and I'm not apologizing. Even if your mommy argues with me, I'll stand firm. You're my only daughter, and I must ensure your safety."
Pearl sighed. "Daddy, Mr. McGinnis is Mommy's good friend."
Michael's face was serious. "He's your mommy's good friend, but not mine or Dean's. Pearl, you're still a child. You need to be careful and protect yourself."
The bathroom door opened, and Elizabeth emerged in a bathrobe, drying her hair. "Michael, who are you talking to?"
Pearl's voice came through the phone. "Mommy! Daddy made Mr. McGinnis leave!"
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