Chapter 245
Alexander glanced at Esme. Blake frowned, clearly not happy she was there.
"What's going on?" Esme asked Alexander.
Alexander handed something to Elara, pulled Esme aside, and said, "Let's talk outside."
Esme nodded, glancing at Elizabeth, who was comforting Elara.
In the hospital's back garden, Alexander asked, "Did you see the news?"
Esme sat down, stunned for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, I know."
"There are a lot of negative comments. Don't let them get to you, okay?" Alexander frowned, trying to comfort her. He was worried the negativity might cause another incident.
Things were already chaotic enough.
"I get it, Alexander." Esme nodded. "Do you know who leaked the news?"
Alexander glanced at her, feeling irritated. Nolan was still investigating.
"Alexander, I..." Esme hesitated.
Alexander tugged at his collar and looked at her. "Got something to say?"
His voice was muffled, and Esme hesitated.
Alexander, already annoyed, grew more impatient. "If you have something to say, just say it!"
Esme pursed her lips, stood up, sat next to him, and held his arm.
Alexander stared at her, from her hand to her face.
Esme looked reluctant but spoke up. "Alexander, this news might have been leaked by Elizabeth."
Alexander paused. He had suspected Elizabeth but hearing it from Esme made him unhappy. "Don't say things without evidence."
Esme frowned. In the past, Alexander would believe her and confront Elizabeth. But now, he didn't fully trust her without proof.
Esme wasn't convinced. "Elizabeth doesn't like me and wants to get rid of me."
"Esme." Alexander lowered his voice to interrupt.
Esme looked up, eyes fixed on him. "She doesn't like me because I took you from her. She wants revenge! First, she brought up the saffron incident to make the Russell family face criticism, then she slandered me as a mistress. Isn't it obvious she wants to destroy me?"
Esme's eyes were red.
"Alexander, you know. All these years with you, I haven't asked for anything. I never urged you to get a divorce. But being called a mistress is too harsh." Esme lowered her head, tears falling.
Alexander felt a mix of emotions.
"I accept everyone's judgment. Maybe it is my fault. But Alexander," Esme choked up, "if this continues, I don't know how much longer I can hold on."
Alexander felt conflicted.
He gently patted Esme's shoulder.
Esme wrapped her arms around his waist, crying in his arms. "Alexander, I don't understand why Elizabeth wants to ruin me."
"Esme, I'll give you an explanation." Alexander lowered his eyes, trying to soothe her.
Esme looked up, tears in her eyes.
Not far away, Elizabeth's footsteps slowed.
She saw them embracing, frowned slightly, and walked over.
Though she had seen them embrace many times, her heart still felt a pang of pain.
Elizabeth pursed her lips, clenched her hand, and said calmly, "Grandma is fine now. Mom asked me to call you back."
Alexander looked up, meeting Elizabeth's indifferent gaze.
He immediately withdrew his hand from Esme's head and was about to stand up. But Esme held him tighter.
