Chapter 83

I stepped back, pressing my hand to my chest, my face pale as I forced myself to stay calm. Those were the emotions of the 25-year-old Elise; I didn’t want that fragile version of me to affect who I am now.

I took a deep breath and met Frederick’s eyes. “It’s simple. There’s nothing I’m willing to do, but Mr. Ford Senior is getting on in years, and I don’t want anything to happen to him.” Though I was tired of the Ford Family, I wasn’t about to cause trouble at a time like this.

“You don’t have to do anything to Mr. Ford Senior. Just exaggerate his illness enough to distract those people. I’ll handle the rest.”

I nodded. “Alright, let’s do it that way.” My phone was still in Frederick’s hand. I looked at him. “You’ve already mocked Jonathan. Can I have my phone back now?” Only then did Frederick hand it over.

I glanced at him. “Don’t pull stunts like that again. Even though I’ve long wanted to blackmail Jonathan, I don’t want you meddling in my affairs.” Frederick’s eyes flickered, but he said nothing, turning to leave.

Soon, we reached the Zimmer residence. My goal was clear, and I headed straight to Mr. Ford Senior’s room. They knew who I was. Though they didn’t take me seriously, they didn’t stop me much either. Maybe, to them, I was still the old Elise who would never do anything against Mr. Ford Senior.

Edward sat on a redwood chair carved with intricate patterns, and a white porcelain tea cup rested on the tray beside him. He lifted the cup to take a sip, dressed in a neatly pressed suit. Even in summer, he was tightly covered. Only then did it hit me that he really was a frail old man, nearing the end of his days. His usual decisive vigor was probably just a facade.

I stepped before him and said, “I can never accept Alicia.”

He furrowed his brow. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

I crossed my arms and leaned against the carved lamp nearby. “I’m the legitimate Mrs. Ford. If Jonathan doesn’t divorce me, I’ll keep fighting him!”

Edward slammed his hand on the table and stood up. “Did you come here just to pick a fight?”

“Yes,” I said, locking eyes with him. “If you’ve got the guts, have Jonathan divorce me. If he doesn’t, Alicia will never set foot in the Ford residence for the rest of my life!”

“Elise, don’t go too far!” Edward roared, his whole body trembling.

I tensed up, wondering if I’d gone too far. What if I really angered him so much that it harmed his health? People outside had been listening and sensed something was wrong. Suddenly, they rushed in.

“Mr. Ford Senior!”

“Mr. Ford Senior, do you need help?”

Edward’s face was pale, his chest heaving violently. “Why are you coming in?! I’m fine! Do you think I’d let her upset me that badly?” He was furious but stubbornly putting on a brave front.

They were worried that if anything happened to him, it would be hard to explain to Jonathan. Some called doctors, and others notified the elders. The whole scene turned chaotic.

I glanced at the time, feeling a bit distracted. Edward’s expression suddenly shifted as he studied me carefully. “Are you hiding something from me?”

That sly old fox saw right through me. I let out a faint smile. “Your priority now is to take care of your health. Everything else can wait. Otherwise, it won’t do your lifespan any good.”