novelxo Chapter 196
“I noticed you were in wet clothes,” Nate said, his tone kind and unhurried.
“I didn’t want you to catch a cold, so I picked up something for you to change into.
Most shops are closed this late, so I hope hospital pajamas will do.”
His tailored dark blue suit accentuated his refined appearance, and his every move exuded a quiet confidence.
The simple gesture earned Nate admiring glances from the nurses and police officers.
They whispered quietly.
Nate’s lips curved in a subtle, self-assured smile.
He was clearly enjoying their reactions, but his attention remained fixed on Elizabeth.
The nurse spoke up, her voice warm.
“That’s very thoughtful of you.
There aren’t many options around here at this hour.”
Elizabeth forced a weak smile.
Refusing would seem ungrateful, so she murmured, “Thank you, Mr.
Crawford.”
Nate nodded graciously and turned to the nurse.
“Could you help her change?”
But before the nurse could take the bag, the air in the room shifted.
A tall figure strode in, his presence commanding and unyielding.
“Thank you, Mr.
Crawford, for your help today.
It’s late, and my wife isn’t feeling well.
We’ll repay your kindness another time.”
Elijah’s tone was cold and distant.
The words, though polite on the surface, carried an unmistakable dismissal.
Elizabeth’s breath caught as she looked up at him.
His sudden arrival startled her, but a strange sense of relief washed over her.
He still wore the light-colored jacket from earlier that night, his posture radiating authority.
His outfit had little to do with the authority his presence commanded.
Without needing embellishment or words, Elijah’s presence filled the room, leaving Nate in his shadow.
Nate’s confident smile wavered for a moment before he regained his composure.
“Of course,” he said smoothly, extending the bag toward Elijah.
“I’ll leave it to you, then.
Please take care of Ms.
Elizabeth.”
Elijah didn’t move to take the bag, his gaze hard and unyielding.
Standing taller than Nate, he looked down at him with a subtle but unmistakable disdain.
This made Nate very uncomfortable, but he maintained a calm demeanor.
The tension was interrupted by Oliver rushing in, carrying several bags.
He glanced around, quickly piecing together the scene.
“Mrs.
Norris’s clothes have arrived,” Oliver announced, walking over to Elijah.
“The options here are limited, but I’ve brought the best I could find.
I hope they’ll suffice,” Oliver explained to Elizabeth in an apologetic tone.
Oliver presented the clothes—lesser-known luxury brands but impeccably chosen.
His efficiency and attention to detail made Nate’s simple bag of hospital pajamas look pitiful in comparison.
The room grew quiet.
Nate’s earlier gesture, once thoughtful, now seemed like a feeble afterthought.
His words and actions no longer measured up.
The difference in their capabilities and attentiveness was immediately apparent.
Nate’s smile faltered.
He placed the bag on a chair, masking his discomfort with a casual air.
“I’ll check on you tomorrow, Elizabeth,” he said lightly.
Elizabeth, however, had made up her mind.
Her voice was firm and clear.
“No need, Mr.
Crawford.
I’ll be going home with my husband after the injection.”