Honey, You're a Billionaire?

With a knowing look, Elijah said, "Since you like it, just keep wearing it."

"As for the other matters..." he mused before turning his attention to the smiling Eleanor. "Mrs. Finch Senior, I am Elijah Xanth, Rosie's father. Thank you for showing her such generosity. I heard that Finch Group is focusing on expanding into overseas markets..." Eleanor's heart raced with anticipation, but she maintained her composure. "Indeed, Finch Group is exploring opportunities in overseas markets. We appreciate any support you can provide, Mr. Xanth."

The Xanth family's influence extended beyond the realm of business. Many issues could potentially be resolved with a single word from Elijah. The challenge lay in convincing him to speak up.

Eleanor knew securing a promise from Elijah wouldn't be easy, but laying the groundwork now was a start. Just as she was about to exchange pleasantries to build goodwill, Elijah continued, "If the Finch family has any needs that I can assist with, I'll certainly do my best to help."

"Huh? Did he really just say that?" Eleanor thought.

The sincerity in Elijah's tone was undeniable. She had anticipated investing considerable effort into winning his support, but he had just given his word without hesitation.

It was clear to Eleanor that Rose was the reason behind Elijah's swift agreement. When she first handed over the emerald necklace, she had felt a pang of reluctance, but seeing how quickly her decision had produced results, she felt that her gamble on Rose was a stroke of genius.

Excitement bubbled up within Eleanor, but she knew well that Elijah's offer of help likely extended to a one-time favor only. However, her ambitions stretched further. She wanted more than just one favor.

Greed welled up in her heart, but she reminded herself not to be hasty. As long as she kept a tight hold on Rose, things would go her way. If she could fully integrate Rose into the Finch family, it would open limitless possibilities.

The warmth in Eleanor's loving gaze intensified as she looked at Rose. In fact, it was a level of affection never before shown to any other Finch family descendant.

Meanwhile, Lizzie's heart grew colder, for she could see through Eleanor's intentions with crystal clarity. It was obvious to her that the older woman wanted to fully integrate Rose into the Finch family as her desired granddaughter-in-law.

A particular figure flashed in her mind, making her all the more agitated. She couldn't bear to watch Eleanor's facade any longer.

This birthday banquet was originally meant to celebrate her birthday, but all attention had shifted to Rose even before the party began. Even Lizzie's departure from the main hall went unnoticed.

As soon as she stepped outside, she froze at the sight of a figure. Swiftly assessing her surroundings, she noticed they were in a secluded spot, hidden from the security cameras.

She rapidly closed the distance between them, lowering her voice despite being alone. "What are you doing here?"

Lizzie maintained a distance, her cautious demeanor suggesting that the person in front of her shouldn't be seen.

Even though Carl Larson was well aware that their relationship had to remain hidden, Lizzie's guarded behavior still sent a dull ache through his chest.

"I'm responsible for the manor's security today."

Carl belonged to the Azure Clan, of whom Finley was the leader. Under him were various group leaders trusted by Finley, with Carl being one of them.

Ever since Jonathan took charge of the Finch family, Finley had devoted himself entirely to Jonathan's security. All other family matters requiring bodyguards were now handled by his trusted subordinates. Therefore, it was no surprise that Carl was overseeing the manor's security that day.

Despite Carl's assurance, Lizzie's brow furrowed with concern. "You're sure no one has caught onto anything suspicious?"

"I'm certain," Carl asserted.

Lizzie's wariness persisted as she cast a quick glance around, preparing to leave. But then, she reconsidered and instructed, "Follow me."

A fleeting look of joy crossed Carl's face.

With an unspoken understanding,

the pair moved in sync, keeping a cautious distance between them. Lizzie led the way while Carl trailed a few moments behind. They soon. found themselves at an abandoned warehouse behind the medical building on the Finch Manor.

As soon as the warehouse door closed, Carl could no longer contain himself. He pulled Lizzie into his arms, his hands eagerly exploring her body.

He had long harbored feelings for

Lizzie, and his affection had grown over the years, but he had never dared cross the line as she was Cyrus' wife. Every time Carl was assigned to a protection mission, he felt a surge of emotions just by

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catching a glimpse of her from afar.

He had assumed that his secret love would remain buried in his heart forever, but to his amazement, the goddess he admired from afar had noticed him.

Ten years ago, when Cyrus was away on a business trip in Aquastead, Lizzie attended a banquet alone and got drunk. Carl had been responsible for escorting her back to her residence.

That night, perhaps due to her intoxication, Lizzie mistook him for Cyrus. He knew he should have pushed her away, but his mind went blank at that moment. Even when his senses returned, he indulged in the fantasy that she had created. Using the intoxication as an excuse, they developed a connection. That night, they were unrestrained, swept up in a whirlwind of passion. She whimpered and cooed beneath him, and he relished the thrill of being with her.

When Lizzie faced him the following day, she was overwhelmed, sobbing, and in her clarity, she even slapped him.

Carl had prepared himself for the

consequences of their affair, expecting punishment from the

Azure Clan and certain netContent from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

elnet

However, to his astonishment, nothing changed. He remained with the clan, and on rare occasions

during missions, he would catch

glimpses of Lizzie.

Initially, she avoided eye contact, her gaze laden with remorse, but gradually, she began to offer him occasional smiles.

Carl found himself consumed by those fleeting moments, the memory of their passionate night replaying in his mind, leaving him yearning for more.

On Lizzie's birthday that year, Cyrus had passed out drunk, and Carl overheard her weeping in the art studio. With a boldness that surprised even himself, he stepped into the room.

It was then he learned that Cyrus still loved his late first wife. Lizzie wept as she asked Carl if she wasn't pretty, gentle, talented, or lovable enough.

At that moment, the mental boundary Carl had constructed shattered. He embraced her, their bodies entwined in another passionate night as he whispered in her ear, assuring her of her beauty, her gentle nature, her talents, and the depth of his love for her. Their encounter that night marked a turning point. From then on, Lizzie would sporadically send him messages, and they would covertly arrange to meet.

These secret rendezvous consisted of fleeting moments spent in a hidden apartment where they could lose themselves in each other's arms.

Even though their time together was brief, it was enough to satisfy Carl. He ached for her, knowing she was underappreciated by her husband, and silently vowed to fulfill her every desire.

Yet, Lizzie rarely expressed her wishes. So, when she said she wanted Jack to be released from custody, Carl worked tirelessly to make it happen.

After that, the two did not meet again. Carl's longing had become unbearable, so now he was desperately savoring her scent.

As his hand slid toward the hem of Lizzie's clothes, she caught his wrist. Her voice carried a coquettish tone.

"We're at the Finch Manor!"

Carl paused, his body stiffening. Only then did he realize the precarious nature of their location. This was no place to indulge in their desires as they did in their private apartment. But... "I've missed you so much." Carl's voice trembled with the effort to restrain himself, his desire barely contained.