Chapter 528
Frank knew Elissa’s personality well enough.
She was gentle, obedient, and incredibly cautious.
He couldn’t fathom when she had adopted such a reckless, live-in-the-moment attitude.
Last time, she had claimed that Matriarch Paige Murphy’s vendetta couldn’t be blamed on Rowan. And now, she was bluntly admitting to being in a relationship with him.
Hadn’t she considered that Rowan might never tolerate her seeking revenge against his own family?
Or had she considered it, and simply didn’t care?
Was her love for Rowan really that deep? So deep that even if they were destined to crash and burn, she wanted the whole world to know she was his?
When she was married to him…
She hadn’t once proudly introduced him or acknowledged him in front of others like this.
Frank couldn’t help but wonder if she had ever felt anything for him at all. Even a fraction of a spark.
Perhaps their marriage had been nothing more than a glittering fortress, serving only to shield her from the Murphy family’s vicious attacks.
The realization twisted Frank’s lips into a bitter, self-deprecating smile.
Meanwhile, Elissa focused entirely on checking Old Mrs. Atwater’s pulse and writing
a prescription, not sparing him a single glance the entire time.
Sensing her grandson’s suffocating despair, Old Mrs. Atwater spoke up softly. “Frank, go up to the gallery room and find the heirloom bracelet your great- grandmother left behind.”
“…Alright.”
Frank took the excuse to escape upstairs.
He knew he had no business staying in the living room.
His grandmother could see he was falling apart, and Elissa would notice eventually too. If she did… the chasm between them would only grow wider.
Elissa was entirely focused on the prescription. The old lady’s stomach issues were chronic, and if left untreated, they would completely ruin her health.
Elissa had wanted to treat her in the past, but back then, no one believed in her medical skills. Even if Old Mrs. Atwater had been willing, Carmela and Marcia would have continuously blocked her efforts with snide remarks.
As for Frank…
His mind had been completely occupied by Marcia. He wouldn’t have said a single word in Elissa’s defense.
Finishing the prescription, Elissa handed it over and gave soft, clear instructions. “Grandma, brew one batch three times a day, taking it after breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
She then explained the brewing process to the maid.
Once she was done, she checked the time. There was still no message from Rowan, and she had no
intention of waiting around. Just
as
she stood up to say her goodbyes, a loud, bustling commotion erupted from the courtyard.
A group of wealthy, elegantly dressed women around Carmela’s age strolled in,
filling the air with polished, superficial flattery.
Every single one of them was showering Carmela and the Atwater family with praise.
Given the Atwater family’s elite status in the business world, Carmela was naturally the undisputed queen bee of their socialite circle.
They had originally planned to attend a symphony together, but the venue had canceled last minute. Not wanting to ruin the afternoon, Carmela had invited them back to the manor for a floral arrangement session.
She had even hired a private team of chefs to prepare a lavish French cuisine dinner for her guests.
Carmela walked in, holding Hickey’s hand. Oblivious to Elissa’s presence,
she laughed, soaking up their
flattery.
“Oh, stop it. Keeping the
wealth in the inner circle is just good business. If you have any projects
that fit, just tell your husbands to talk to my son.”
Anyone listening would assume she was the reigning CEO of the Atwater Group.
Old Mrs. Atwater’s expression darkened for a split second, but wanting to spare her daughter-in-law public humiliation, she kept her mouth shut.
While Carmela was busy directing her friends to the sunroom, one of the socialites noticed the older woman and smiled. “Old Mrs. Atwater, how has your health been lately?”
“And who is this…”
The socialite turned her gaze to Elissa. Seeing how affectionately the old lady treated her, she offered a teasing smile. “Is this your future granddaughter-in-law?”
The wedding between Elissa and Frank years ago had been a rushed, private affair. Afterward, Carmela rarely brought Elissa to any high-society events. Because of that, none of her friends could remember what her ex-daughter-in-law looked like, let alone her name.