The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 228

Genevieve raised her hand, trying to take Elias’s arm.

Elias’s gaze hardened. He subtly moved away, his voice indifferent. "Gen. Mom."

Genevieve stared at her empty hand, her expression darkening as she pressed her lips together.

But she quickly composed herself and smiled. "Elias, Laurel said you haven’t been back for dinner in a long time. She was worried you were so busy with work that you weren't eating properly, so she planned to cook a big meal for you tonight."

Elias’s dark eyes paused. "Cook herself?"

In his memory, Laurel was the type of pampered woman who had never lifted a finger in her life, let alone set foot in a kitchen.

Why would she suddenly decide to cook?

As if sensing his confusion, Laurel chided, "It was Gen’s idea. She was worried about you and wanted to make you something to help you regain your strength. But she said you’re always so busy, she never gets a chance to see you."

"So, what else could I do? I had to call you back. Besides, it’s been a while since we had a meal together, just the two of us."

"So, you weren't feeling unwell at all?" Elias’s expression turned cold. He glanced at the butler, who looked down guiltily, then back at Laurel.

Bringing it up only seemed to anger Laurel more. She huffed, "And you have the nerve to ask me? If I didn't have the butler call and tell you that, would you have come back?"

Ever since Old Mr. Shawn’s hospital stay, Elias hadn't returned to the Shawn Mansion, and Laurel hadn't seen him either.

She had even heard about his official divorce from Victoria through Old Mr. Shawn.

After learning they were officially divorced, Old Mr. Shawn had stormed out of the hospital, booked a flight abroad the next day, and declared that another day in this country would be the death of him.

With Old Mr. Shawn gone, Laurel was enjoying her freedom.

Elias’s jaw tightened. After a few seconds of silence, he said coolly, "Since you’re fine, I have things to do at the office. I’m leaving."

Laurel’s eyes widened.

She hadn't expected him to turn around and leave. "Don't you dare!" she snapped.

Elias frowned. "Mom…"

A vein throbbed at Elias's temple.

"Laurel…" Genevieve started to say something else.

"I’ll stay for dinner," Elias announced.

Laurel immediately turned to him for confirmation. "You mean it? You’re not leaving?"

Elias raised a hand and pinched the bridge of his nose, his exhaustion evident. "Yes," he said wearily. "I'm going to the study to look over some documents. Call me when dinner is ready."

With that, he turned and went upstairs.

Laurel's lips curled into a smile. She looked at Genevieve, her tone dripping with triumph. "See? I told you this would work. Come on, let's go to the kitchen. You're going to make a wonderful meal tonight. We'll add some red wine, light a candle…"

"A man and a woman, all alone, a little tipsy… what problem can't be solved then, huh?"

A shy smile touched Genevieve's lips as she took Laurel's arm. "Laurel, thank you…" she cooed.