Elizabeth found herself in the company of Jeffrey Lords, a man infamous for his string of baby mamas and reckless charm. His flirtations were almost a distraction—almost.
She didn't care about the promiscuity of others, not unless their meddling affected her directly. And right now, someone was doing just that.
Aeri.
The very irritating Madam Aeri, who was now leaning far too close to Phil, whispering something in his ear. It wasn't subtle. It wasn't respectful.
It was infuriating.
Elizabeth's lips curled into a thin smile as she crossed the room, her sharp eyes catching the young man seated at the piano. His fingers glided over the keys, but his mind was clearly elsewhere.
"Is Aeri your woman?" she asked in flawless Japanese.
The man's fingers froze mid-note, and he nearly jumped out of his skin. Turning to face her, he stammered, clearly caught off guard.
"I'm Elizabeth," she introduced herself, her smirk unwavering.
He shifted awkwardly in his seat as she gave him a slow once-over. "I can see why Aeri likes you. You're very handsome."
The compliment left him flustered, his cheeks tinged with pink.
Elizabeth leaned in slightly, her voice soft but deliberate. "Would you like to have Aeri all to yourself?"
His gaze flicked to Aeri, who was now whispering something else to Phil, her body language intentionally provocative. His jaw tightened, and he sighed heavily.
"Yes," he admitted, his voice laced with frustration. "But she's married to that man. I can't give her what she wants. If another man can make her happy, I should be okay with it, right? But I'm not." His fingers struck the keys harder, anger bleeding into his music.
Elizabeth's smirk deepened. "I can give you everything you desire," she said, her eyes locking onto Aeri. "As long as she stays out of what's mine."
She clicked her fingers, and a hush fell over the ballroom.
A projector screen descended from the ceiling, and the guests gasped as a video began to play.
The footage was damning—Aeri and the young man locked in a passionate kiss.
The room buzzed with shock, whispers spreading like wildfire.
The man at the piano stood, his face pale. "You're insane," he muttered, staring at her in disbelief before sprinting out of the room.
Aeri stormed over, her face flushed with humiliation and fury. "You bitch!" she hissed, raising her hand to slap Elizabeth.
But Elizabeth was faster. She caught Aeri's wrist mid-air, her grip like iron.
"Aeri-chan," she said coldly, leaning in close enough for only Aeri to hear. "Let's hope your husband is as blind as a bat. Otherwise, your life is over."
Tears welled up in Aeri's eyes, and she turned, running out of the ballroom without another word.
Phil was by Elizabeth's side in moments, his face unreadable as he grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward the exit.
"Elizabeth," he said tersely, his voice low. "We're leaving. Now."
----
"What the hell, Elizabeth?" Phil yelled, his voice echoing in the corridor.
"What the hell, Phil?" she shot back, crossing her arms defiantly. "The show was just getting good!"
His jaw tightened as he exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Why would you do something like that?" he demanded, his tone a mix of frustration and disbelief.
Elizabeth smirked, her confidence unwavering. "Because she was messing with what's mine."
Phil stepped closer, his gaze narrowing. "And anyone who messes with what's yours?"
Her smile grew sharper, her tone dangerously low. "Gets hell," she replied, her eyes gleaming with wicked amusement.
Phil's hands slid down from his temples, relaxing slightly as he studied her. "And what if it's me?" he asked, his voice quieter now, almost a challenge.
Elizabeth leaned in, her lips brushing close to his ear as she whispered, "You really think I wouldn't put a bullet in your skull, dear husband?"
Her soft laughter lingered in the air as she pulled back, her expression unreadable, leaving Phil momentarily speechless.