Chapter 80
I didn’t waste any time. When I learned about the whole situation, I ordered my men to investigate. I needed answers, and I needed them
fast.
The results? They were as clear as day.”
Nicole had been lying to me all along, playing me for a fool. And I, damn it, had believed every word she said.}
I couldn’t believe how badly I’d been deceived.§
My fist slammed into the bed, frustration boiling over inside me.}
“Good. Very good, Nicole. How dare you play me like this?” I gritted my teeth, my voice low, like I was trying to hide the rage.> The anger hit me like a wave.§
I’d been so caught up in her lies that I didn’t see what was right in front of me.
How could I have been so blind?
…..
Elise POV
I had already returned to the Jefferson Estate in Horizon City for a month.
It had been a month since I left, and I had settled in. Three years ago, the Jefferson family had pulled out of the capital and moved everything to Horizon City.”
Istood
at the shoreline, releasing my mother’s ashes into the ocean–the place she cherished most.
When my grandparents found out what had happened to me, their hearts broke. They swore vengeance against the Andersons, but I shook my head, stopping them before they could make any plans.
“Louis refused to divorce me back then,” I said quietly. “He’s already been punished by the curse. Living like that is the greatest punishment for him.”
My grandparents, seeing the cold resolve in my eyes, never mentioned it again.§
in the month that followed, they tried everything to cheer me up. But the truth was, I had already stopped grieving.
When Louis caused my mother’s death because of Nicole, there was nothing left between us but hatred.
I despised myself for being so weak, clinging to his love, accepting his proposal, and falling for his lies.”
I threw myself into Jefferson Group, determined to learn everything I could about running the company.
Grandpa arranged for Steven Hoffman, the eldest son of the Hoffman family, to mentor me on the projects.”
The more time I spent with Steven, the farther Louis felt from my life.“]
The pain began to fade, and the haunting memories loosened their grip.”
…B
One day, after a meeting, I went to the underground parking garage. As I exited the elevator, a hand reached out in front of me, stopping
- me.
I never expected to see Louis again.}
“Elise, I finally found you,” he said, his voice full of desperation. “I’ve been trying to contact you for six months, but you’ve completely ignored me. I know I was wrong. It’s my fault for believing Nicole’s lies, for thinking she was the one who saved me ten years ago. I mistook you for a liar who took credit for her work. I did so many things to hurt you.“>
Still trying hard to explain, Louis continued talking, “It wasn’t me who killed your mother–it was Nicole. She was the one who had her medication cut off. I just wanted to scare you. I never meant to hurt your mother…”
I glanced at my watch, growing impatient with every word he spoke.
“Your words mean nothing to me,” I interrupted, keeping my voice steady despite the storm inside me. “My mother is dead because of you.”
Looking him straight in the eye, I reminded, “Louis, we’re already divorced. Go away. I don’t want to see you again.””
Louis, however, stubbornly blocked my path, refusing to back down.
“Elise, please, give me another chance. I’ll do anything to make up for the harm I’ve caused you.”
He then rolled up his right pant leg, exposing the prosthetic limb underneath.
“I believe in the Jefferson family curse,” he said, his voice thick with regret. “Look, this is my punishment for betraying you. I accept it. Let’s remarry. If I ever hurt you again, don’t forgive me. I’ll even go die.”
Louis pleaded, “Elise, please, I beg you.”
Gazing into his affectionate eyes, I felt nothing but disgust.
“Louis, if you had even a shred of trust or affection for me, you would’ve asked me yourself. Instead, you chose to believe Nicole’s lies and caused all this harm to me. The truth is, you’ve already changed your heart, but you refuse to admit it.“}]
With that, I pushed him away forcefully.”
Louis stumbled backward, losing his balance and falling to the ground. His prosthetic leg slipped off, clattering to the floor.
I stepped over the prosthetic and made my way to my car.”
1%
He shouted after me, his voice cracking with emotion. “Elise, don’t leave me here, please! Give me another chance…”
I didn’t look back as I climbed into the car.
Steven, who had been waiting in the driver’s seat, raised an eyebrow when he saw me.
“The always–punctual Elise Jefferson… late for once?” he remarked with a smirk.
Elise’s POVE
