My Coldhearted Ex demands a Remarriage
Chapter 288

Elizabeth stepped into the corridor, her eyes landing on Scarlett and Scarletts mother, Lily, perched on a bench like a pair of forlorn statues.

Scarlett, once poised and polished, now resembled a shattered porcelain dollher hair a windswept mess and her once-crisp outfit caked in dust.

Lilys eyes brightened when she saw Elizabeth.

She rose quickly, her voice pleading.

Elizabeth, please talk to your husband.

Scarlett didnt intend to cause trouble! These roads are treacherous, and accidents happen constantly.

Elijah and Oliver walked in.

Oliver stepped forward, his tone precise.

Mrs.

Norris, this wasnt an accident.

She deliberately drove into our vehicle.

As a truck passed, she panicked and accelerated, smashing our side mirror and leaving a meter-long scratch.

The cars custom paint and interior cant be repaired locallyit will need to be sent abroad for restoration.

Scarletts vacant eyes suddenly focused.

She stood abruptly, interrupting Oliver with disbelief, Mrs.

Norris? Isnt she your wife? Didnt you share a bottle of water with her? Her words hung in the air, revealing her shock at discovering Elizabeths relationship with Elijah.

Scarlett gazed at Elijah, whose anger-darkened face remained devastatingly handsomealmost celestial in its beauty.

How could such a man be married to Elizabeth? Olivers face turned ghostly pale, and beads of sweat began to form on his forehead.

Miss, you cant go around saying things like that! he blurted, his words tripping over each other.

I never shared a bottle of water with Mrs.

Norris! Turning to Elijah, he hastened to clarify.

Sir, I did hand Mrs.

Norris a bottle earlier, but it was sealed! I offered her a Fillico first, but she wanted Evian instead, so I got one.

The bottle I drank from is still in the caruntouched! He spoke so quickly that it seemed he might pull out surveillance footage at any moment just to exonerate himself.

But Elijah didnt even blink.

He responded with a single, nonchalant Hmm.

Seeing Elijahs calm demeanor, Oliver breathed a sigh of relief.

His boss wasnt one to fall for wild accusations, especially not from an unhinged woman grasping at straws.

Lily, meanwhile, grabbed Scarletts arm and pulled her aside, her voice a sharp whisper.

What kind of nonsense are you spewing? Everyone saw Elizabeth return with her husband yesterday! Theyre clearly happy together.

Hoping to shift the focus, Lily turned back to Elizabeth, adopting a more pleading tone.

Elizabeth, you heard the young manit was just a moment of panic! The truck startled her.

Besides, isnt the car insured? Surely insurance can cover some of it? A few million… thats an amount we couldnt scrape together in a hundred years! If were forced to pay, itll ruin us! Oliver hesitated, glancing toward Elijah.

Well… But before he could finish, Elijahs cold voice sliced through the tension like a blade.

This isnt about the money.

Elijahs sharp eyes locked onto Elizabeth.

She did it because she has her eyes on your husband.

She wanted to stage some dramatic encounter, hoping it would lead somewhere.

If we let this go unpunished, whats stopping every other woman from trying the same trick? Do you think I have time to visit the police station every day to deal with nonsense like this? Scarletts face turned pale.

For someone used to being admired and doted on, having her ploy laid bare by the very man she fancied was a humiliation she could hardly bear.

Her lips quivered, and she lowered her head, wishing she could sink into the floor and disappear.

Lily froze, the realization dawning on her like a thunderclap.

Her mind flashed back to that morning when Scarlett had dressed up with unusual care.

She slapped Scarletts arm repeatedly, her voice trembling with both anger and despair.

How could you? Your father and I have always lived honest liveshow did we end up with a daughter who covets another womans husband? Look at you! Why would Elizabeths husband ever pick you over her? Scarlett, humiliated and cornered, finally snapped.

Tears streaming down her face, she screamed, Whats wrong with me? Are you even my real mom? Ive had more admirers than Elizabeth since we were kids! Why am I not as good as her? Why cant he like me? Lily, stunned by the outburst, took a step back before snapping, Its not about admirers! People didnt pursue Elizabeth because they were too intimidated by her! Shes a top student, a living legend in academics! Who would dare to approach her? Who could possibly be good enough for her? Scarlett slump

ed onto the bench, the weight of Lilys words crushing her fragile defenses.

The truth had been exposed, and it cut deeper than she ever imagined.

Lily, still shaken, tried to steady herself.

But Elizabeth broke the silence first.

Her voice was measured, and thoughtful.

Lets let the insurance handle it, she said, addressing Elijah.

It happened here in Esterhallno one outside this town will know, so theres no risk of copycats.

And you have the means to keep it quiet, dont you? Elizabeth then turned to Lily, her tone softening.

Take Scarlett home, Lily.

Its over now.

Lilys shoulders sagged in relief as she thanked Elizabeth profusely.

Grabbing Scarlett by the arm, she dragged her away.

Scarlett cast one last glance at Elijah, her heart twisting with bitterness.

She had dreamed of standing by his side, eclipsing Elizabeth.

Now, she was leaving in disgrace, the punchline of a cruel joke.

Elijah, however, didnt spare her a second glance.

His cold gaze remained fixed on Elizabeth.

Do you really care so little about me? he asked, his voice low and deliberate.