Chapter 582 Acquaintance
Elizabeth spent the whole night thinking about Michael. She tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
Before dawn, she got up and started packing her bags.
After breakfast, she took the backpack from Susan's hands. "Susan, I'll take Pearl to school today. You stay home with Francis."
Pearl jumped up with joy. "That's awesome! Mom, you haven't taken me to school in forever."
Elizabeth felt a pang of bitterness in her heart. She forced a smile and took Pearl's hand. "Let's go."
Susan watched them leave with a knowing look in her eyes.
On the way to school, Elizabeth told Pearl about her decision to leave.
"Sweetie, I need to tell you something. Your dad got hurt and he's in a hospital in Majestic City. I need to go see him," she said softly. "I promise I'll bring him back."
The excitement on Pearl's face vanished instantly, and her eyes reddened. "Mom, are you leaving again?"
"I'll be back soon," Elizabeth kissed Pearl's forehead. "You need to help take care of Francis for me, okay?"
Pearl nodded. "Okay. Mom, don't worry. I'll tell Nolan about it and take good care of Francis. You have to bring Dad back."
Elizabeth kissed her again. "I love you, sweetie."
Pearl kissed her back. "I love you too, Mom."
She looked up, her face serious. "Mom, is it because Dad got hurt and didn't have the strength, so Cordelia could take his phone, right?"
Elizabeth nodded. "That's right. Your dad would never abandon us. He'll always be your dad."
Pearl felt reassured.
After dropping Pearl off, Elizabeth returned home to find Susan holding Francis at the door, waiting for her.
"Susan, why aren't you inside?"
"Elizabeth, are you leaving again?"
Elizabeth spoke softly. "Let's talk inside."
In the living room, Susan put Francis down to play on his own.
"Elizabeth, is it Mr. Thomas again?"
Elizabeth looked at Francis playing with his toys, her eyes full of reluctance. "Yes. I need to go to Majestic City. This time, I have to bring him back."
Francis seemed to sense the sadness around him. He ran over and jumped into Elizabeth's arms, looking up at her. "Mommy, hug."
Elizabeth picked him up and planted a deep kiss on his forehead. "Francis, Mommy has to leave for a while, but I'll be back soon. Stay home with Susan, okay?"
Francis shook his head. "No. Mommy stay."
Elizabeth hugged him tightly. "Francis, you're too young to come with me. You need to see Daddy. Mommy will find Daddy and bring him back to play with you, okay?"
Francis was caught up in her words, tilting his little head, trying to understand.
Elizabeth carried him through the yard to the front gate.
The driver and bodyguard were already waiting in the car.
Susan followed, helping to load the suitcase into the trunk and taking Francis from Elizabeth's arms. "Come here, Francis, I'll hold you."
Tears welled up in Francis's eyes. "Goodbye, Mommy."
He seemed to understand that Elizabeth had something important to do and didn't fuss for her to hold him. He obediently let Susan carry him without any struggle.
The little boy, not wanting to face another separation from his mother, buried his head in Susan's neck, holding her tightly, not looking at the car taking his mother away.
Elizabeth fought back her tears, forcing herself not to look back at Francis through the window.
Her voice choked as she told the driver, "Drive. To the airport."
In Majestic City, Elizabeth and her bodyguard got off the plane and headed straight to the hotel to check in.
On the way, Rufus asked uncertainly, "Ms. Jones, are we really going to the hotel first?"
Elizabeth frowned. "Why do you ask?"
Rufus scratched his head. "Ms. Jones, usually you'd rush straight to the hospital."
Elizabeth looked down. "Was I always so impulsive? Never considering others' feelings?"
Rufus was taken aback. "Ms. Jones, are you feeling okay?"
Elizabeth sighed. "Let's go. We'll settle in first and then find out what's happening at the hospital. This trip won't be easy."
After dropping off their luggage at the hotel, Elizabeth headed straight to Juan's mansion.
Rufus was puzzled. "Ms. Jones, where are we going?"
"To see Juan. Cordelia is guarding the hospital, I can't get in. I need his help."
Juan was surprised to see Elizabeth. "Why don't you ever listen? I told you to wait and follow my plan."
Elizabeth said nothing, just looked at him.
Juan sighed, hands on his hips. "Fine, come in. I give up."
Elizabeth smiled. "People say Mr. Stewart is cold-hearted, but I don't think so. Mr. Stewart is always kind."
Juan waved her off. "Stop flattering me! I must owe you from a past life!"
He led Elizabeth to his study.
Elizabeth told Rufus to wait downstairs.
In the study, Juan dismissed everyone else. He sat on the couch, looking every bit the host. "Sit anywhere."
Elizabeth sat down. "Mr. Stewart, I'm not here for small talk."
Juan rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for that either!"
He handed her a bottle of water. "Here, drink this. I don't serve coffee or drinks in my study."
Elizabeth took it and opened it. "I'm not in the mood for coffee anyway."
Juan crossed his legs. "So, what do you want? To get into the ICU floor? Forget it! Even I can't get in!"
Elizabeth was persistent. "Is it really that bad? There are so many patients in the ICU, does Cordelia really keep all family members away?"
Juan smirked. "The entire ICU floor where Michael is has only him. Cordelia moved all the other patients downstairs, and any new ones are sent to other hospitals."
Elizabeth's eyes widened. "She has that much power? Does she think the hospital belongs to the Murphy family?"
Juan looked at her like she was an idiot. "It does belong to the Murphy family. Didn't you know?"
Elizabeth was stunned.
Juan scoffed. "Close your mouth! You could fit an egg in there."
Elizabeth shuddered at the thought. She had dared to have surgery in that hospital.
Luckily, Gerald hadn't intended to kill her. Otherwise, he could have made her disappear without a trace, and it would have seemed perfectly natural.
In hindsight, Gerald had been quite merciful, likely out of respect for Michael and Juan.
Juan cleared his throat. "I think there's someone who can help you."
Elizabeth looked up, surprised. "Who?"
Juan clapped his hands, and the bookcase behind the sofa slid open.
Elizabeth's eyes widened again, full of disbelief.
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