Chapter 20

Alexander’s brow furrowed, his calm look saying it all: he thought she was a schemer. Elizabeth felt a mix of anger and bitterness rise up. With a faint, bitter smile, she said, “If you think so little of me, why don’t I just tell Grandma we’re divorced?”

“Go ahead, I dare you!” Alexander stepped forward.

Elizabeth laughed. “What do I have to be afraid of? Alexander, remember, Lily is your grandmother, not mine!”

She hadn’t told Lily about the divorce because Lily had been kind to her, and she worried about her health. It wasn’t because she couldn’t let go of this miserable marriage.

“As your ex-wife, I’m still willing to play along and keep your grandmother happy. You should be thanking me, not questioning me!”

Elizabeth shot him a look of disgust. Alexander felt a surge of anger. He stepped closer, his deep, mesmerizing eyes locked on hers. “So, I should thank you, huh?”

“Shouldn’t you?” Elizabeth shot back, glaring up at him. Alexander grabbed her wrist, his eyes dark and intense. “Elizabeth, listen up. We’re putting the divorce on hold until after Grandma’s birthday.”

“If you spill the beans before the party, you’ll regret it,” he warned, his voice firm.

Elizabeth yanked her arm free, mocking him. “Mr. Tudor, is this how you ask for a favor?”

Alexander studied her cold, unfeeling face, feeling a bitter irony. This was the real Elizabeth—sharp-tongued, arrogant, heartless. He narrowed his eyes. “What do you want?”

Elizabeth looked at him, sensing she could finally set some terms. She wanted to say, “Come see the sea with me,” but before she could finish, his phone rang.

“Alexander, I crashed my car. Please come quickly,” Esme’s tearful voice trembled through the phone.

Panic washed over Alexander’s face. “Esme, don’t worry. Stay put. I’m on my way.”

Elizabeth listened, her eyes stinging. “As long as you keep Grandma happy, I’ll give you whatever you want,” Alexander said, before driving off, leaving Elizabeth staring at his car, feeling nothing but self-pity.

When they first got married, all she wanted was for him to take her to the ocean. He always said no.

That night, Elizabeth came home to find the whole family waiting on the couch. She stood there, ready for whatever was coming.

Celine, hearing the news, knew Elizabeth hadn’t gotten the divorce. She stormed upstairs, fuming. Elizabeth felt wronged. “Grandma,” she said softly. She wanted the divorce too, but things got complicated.

“I knew it. She’s too soft-hearted!” Rose shook her head, dragging Declan upstairs. Elizabeth felt helpless. She looked around and saw only Grant was left. Feeling upset, she hugged Grant’s arm. “Grandpa.”

Grant didn’t ask why she hadn’t gotten the divorce. Instead, he said, “Have you heard? Lisbur’s been buzzing lately.”

“Why?” Elizabeth asked, confused.

“Everyone’s hunting for some rare ginseng to gift to Lily,” Grant explained.

Elizabeth was shocked. Even Grant knew about this ginseng? How many people were after it? “It’s just a plant. Have they all lost their minds?” Elizabeth couldn’t understand.

“You’re missing the point. This isn’t just about ginseng. It’s a shot at getting in good with the Tudor family!” Grant said, leaning in. “Wanna know a secret?”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow.

“The Russell family is dying to get their hands on that ginseng.”

Elizabeth looked puzzled. “Why would they care so much?”

“Because the Tudors and Russells aren’t exactly best buds. The Russells want to use the ginseng to patch things up. And they’re hoping to marry Esme off to Alexander! Duh!” Grant playfully tapped her forehead.

Elizabeth blinked, then it clicked. Alexander’s family didn’t want him marrying Esme. But if the Russells could impress Lily at her birthday bash and keep buttering her up, maybe Alexander’s family would come around. The big four families have their pecking order. The Russells are at the bottom. If they team up with the Tudors, their status would skyrocket!

Elizabeth frowned. All this scheming was giving her a headache.

“The Russells are throwing money around and calling in favors to get that ginseng. They’re desperate!” Grant chuckled.

“Let’s see who actually shows up with the ginseng at the party!” Grant’s eyes sparkled with mischief.

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and smirked, feeling a bit of excitement. The whole city was after this rare ginseng.

“Who’s gonna snag it?” Elizabeth wondered.

At the staircase, Declan suddenly called her. Elizabeth looked up and heard Declan shout, “You’re going on a date with the guy I set up for you tomorrow night!”