Chapter 578 Trap
Elizabeth smiled warmly. "So, you want me to help you get off her blacklist?"
Matthew looked sheepish. "Yeah, I said some pretty harsh stuff to her before. I know she's always hated me. I realize now I was wrong. I want to apologize, but I can't get in touch with her."
Elizabeth nodded, still smiling. "Since you know you messed up, I'll help you out. I'll talk to Sherry. But whether she decides to forgive you is up to her."
Matthew's face lit up with gratitude. "Elizabeth, you're a lifesaver!"
Elizabeth just shook her head, still smiling.
Majestic City, The Murphy Castle, Cordelia's residence.
Michael stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, staring at the blooming roses in the garden.
Cordelia approached with a tray of coffee, hesitating before she spoke. "Michael, Dad asked about you today. He said you can come back to work whenever you're ready."
Michael's eyes darkened. This was clearly a trap set by Gerald. Going back would mean surrendering, while staying away would confirm his betrayal.
He stayed silent.
The air was thick with tension.
Cordelia changed the subject cautiously. "Michael, will you come with me to the party tonight?"
"Sure."
Hope flickered in Cordelia's eyes.
That evening, at the party, glasses clinked and laughter filled the air.
Juan pulled Michael aside. "I heard Gerald wants you back at the Murphy Group? He's testing you. I think you should lay low for now."
"I know." Michael took a sip of his drink, his gaze drifting to Cordelia, who was surrounded by socialites.
She gently caressed her still-flat belly, her face glowing with maternal radiance.
Juan followed his gaze and hesitated. "Cordelia's baby..."
"It's not mine," Michael said flatly. "But I'll make sure she has a safe delivery."
Alfonso chimed in. "Michael, you and Juan teaming up has really pissed Gerald off. You two deceived him together. He's definitely furious."
Kirk added, "Why not strike while the iron is hot and hit him hard again?"
He glanced at Cordelia in the crowd, suggesting, "Michael, if you can't do it yourself, maybe you can use someone else."
Michael frowned. "You mean Cordelia? No way. She's pregnant."
Alfonso shook his head, frowning. "You're being too soft. That's not like you."
Kirk said seriously, "If you need me, I'll step in."
He clinked glasses with Michael. "Think about it."
Juan seemed to have something to say but held back after glancing at Michael.
The four of them dispersed, mingling with the guests.
Aurora Bay, Whispering Pines Estates garden.
Elizabeth pushed a stroller, watching Francis reach out curiously for the falling leaves.
Rufus followed behind, suddenly speaking up. "Ms. Jones, about the bonus you promised..."
"It's already been transferred to your account," Elizabeth said with a smile. "What, you thought I'd stiff you?"
"No way!" Rufus scratched his head. "I just think you should be more relaxed now. With Stellar Enterprises taking over, you don't have to work so hard."
Elizabeth was about to respond when her phone rang. It was a video call from Sherry.
Elizabeth motioned for Rufus to take Francis to play.
"Elizabeth! My fitness coach said I've made huge progress!" The girl on the screen was excited. "Nolan said if I keep this up, I'll get an ad gig next month!"
"That's awesome," Elizabeth said, genuinely happy for her. "By the way, about Matthew..."
"I know! I already took him off the blacklist," Sherry said, making a face. "But if he bugs me, I can block him again anytime."
After hanging up, Elizabeth went to find Francis.
By the fountain, Francis was staring at a little girl riding a shiny balance bike around the fountain.
Elizabeth knelt down and asked gently, "Francis, do you want to play with that too?"
Francis nodded eagerly and toddled over.
The little girl saw him and stopped to share her toy.
Elizabeth followed closely, keeping an eye on him.
She thanked the girl. "Thank you."
"Your baby is so cute," the girl's mother said with a smile. "I haven't seen your husband in a while. Is he on a business trip?"
"Yes," Elizabeth answered softly. "He'll be back soon."
That night, after putting Francis to bed, Elizabeth's phone lit up in the dark, displaying "Michael."
She answered immediately.
Michael's voice was slightly tired. "Are you asleep?"
"Not yet. Haven't you rested?"
"No." He answered briefly, with the faint sound of running water in the background.
Elizabeth suddenly sat up. "Are you in the bathroom?"
"Yeah."
On impulse, Elizabeth started a video call.
To her surprise, Michael answered.
On the screen, he stood shirtless under the warm bathroom light, water droplets sliding down his collarbone.
Elizabeth's ears burned, and she quickly took the phone and hid in the closet.
"Francis learned to say 'Daddy' today," she said softly, trying to distract herself. "It's a shame you weren't here. He's already asleep now."
"I'll video call him tomorrow." Michael dried his hair with a towel. "How's the company doing?"
"Thanks to you, it's doing great," she said with a hint of sarcasm. "Did you call in the middle of the night just to ask that?"
There was a brief silence on the other end.
Finally, Michael spoke hesitantly. "Cordelia's IVF was successful."
Elizabeth's fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her nightgown. "Congratulations."
"What's there to congratulate? You know that child has nothing to do with me."
Michael's voice suddenly turned low. "Elizabeth, there's something else. Rowan is dead."
The air in the closet seemed to freeze.
Elizabeth thought of the innocent Glenn who had died tragically, her chest tightening.
She looked at her pale face in the mirror, her voice trembling. "Was it Gerald again?"
"Yes." Michael's Adam's apple bobbed. "That's why I insisted on sending you away. Majestic City is lawless. The Murphy family rules everything. Here, human life is worthless. Gerald killing someone is like crushing an ant."
"Michael!" Elizabeth shouted. "Come back right now! I don't care about revenge. I just want you safe! Come back! If you don't, I'll come to you!"
Before Michael could respond, Cordelia's gentle voice came through. "Michael, I warmed some milk for you. Can I bring it in?"
Elizabeth felt a lump in her throat and hung up immediately.
In the bathroom, Michael stared at the dark screen, the image of Rowan being kicked to the ground by Gerald at the Murphy family party flashing in his mind.
Rowan's defiant eyes overlapped with Elizabeth's stubborn gaze.
He thought to himself, he must not let Elizabeth be in danger again.
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