Patricia sat by the garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers. Elizabeth approached, her movements deliberate.
"Patricia, care to join me for a walk?" Elizabeth asked, her tone masking her true intentions.
Patricia nodded graciously. "I'd love to."
Charles hurried over, his eyes locked on Elizabeth. "I'll join you ladies."
Ryan intervened, his voice smooth. "Dad, I need a word about the business proposal."
Charles hesitated before nodding. "Very well."
As the men excused themselves, Elizabeth and Patricia strolled into the gardens. The sunlight cast long shadows.
"So, Patricia, tell me about your relationship with Charles," Elizabeth said, her pace quickening.
Patricia matched Elizabeth's stride, her voice even. "We're old friends, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth's gaze snapped to Patricia's face. "And that's all?"
Patricia's expression remained serene. "That's all."
The tension escalated as they walked.
Later, in the study...
Ryan began, "The merger will increase our market shares by 20%."
Charles nodded, engaged. "I like the projections."
Elizabeth's voice cut in, her tone sharp. "I'm not sure I agree."
Patricia leaned forward. "What are your concerns, Elizabeth?"
The tension escalated, accusations hanging in the air.
Elizabeth's eyes blazed with anger. "You think you can manipulate my husband?"
Patricia remained calm. "I'm here to provide expertise."
Elizabeth's laughter was scornful. "Expertise? You're a social climber."
Charles intervened, his voice firm. "Elizabeth, that's enough."
The room pulsed with tension.
Elizabeth's phone rang, breaking the silence.
"You will pay for this, home wrecker," Elizabeth spat, leaving.
Ryan returned to his room, where Amelia paced anxiously.
"What's going on with your parents?" Amelia asked.
"Don't worry, Charles has it under control," Ryan reassured.
Amelia's concern lingered. "I hope this gets resolved soon."
Ryan distracted her with a kiss. "I've missed you."
Amelia smiled. "I've missed you too."
Amelia snuggled into Ryan's embrace. "I'm worried about your parents."
Ryan kissed her forehead. "Don't be. Dad's handling it."
"But Elizabeth's anger is escalating," Amelia said.
Ryan's expression turned serious. "I know. But Dad's convinced Patricia's the key to resolving their issues."
Amelia's brow furrowed. "I don't understand. How can Patricia help?"
Ryan hesitated. "Dad thinks Patricia's presence will make Mom realize what she's losing."
Amelia's eyes widened. "That's risky. What if Elizabeth's jealousy consumes her?"
Ryan's face twisted in concern. "I know. But Dad's desperate. He feels like he's losing Mom."
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted them.
"Enter," Ryan called out.
Emma poked her head in. "Ryan, Dad needs you in the study."
Ryan nodded. "Be right there."
As Ryan left, Amelia turned to Emma. "How's Elizabeth?"
Emma's expression was grim. "She's furious. I've never seen her like this."
Amelia's concern deepened. "This is getting out of hand."
*In the Study*
Ryan entered to find Charles and Patricia reviewing documents.
"Ryan, we need to discuss the merger's legal implications," Charles said.
Patricia nodded. "We should ensure our interests are protected."
Ryan took a seat, his mind still on Amelia's concerns.
Just then, Elizabeth burst in, her eyes blazing.
"You're still conspiring with her?" Elizabeth spat.
Charles stood, his voice firm. "Elizabeth, stop. This is business."
Elizabeth's laughter was scornful. "Business? You're destroying our marriage."
The tension escalated, the room thick with unspoken accusations.
"You're destroying our marriage," Elizabeth repeated, her voice trembling.
"Elizabeth, please," Charles said, his hands raised.
"Please what?" Elizabeth's voice rose. "Please ignore the fact that you're obsessed with her?"
Charles' face reddened. "That's not true."
"Isn't it?" Elizabeth challenged. "You bring her into our home, into our business. You're replacing me."
Patricia stood, her expression calm. "Elizabeth, I—"
"Don't speak to me," Elizabeth warned, her finger raised.
Ryan intervened, his voice smooth. "Mom, calm down."
"Stay out of this, Ryan," Elizabeth snapped.
Charles stepped forward. "Elizabeth, stop. You're being unreasonable."
"Unreasonable?" Elizabeth's laughter was bitter. "You want me to be reasonable while you throw our marriage away?"
The tension escalated.
Patricia's voice remained calm. "Elizabeth, I understand—"
"No, you don't understand," Elizabeth cut in. "You have no idea what it's like to love someone, to give them everything."
Charles' expression softened. "Elizabeth, that's not fair."
"Fair?" Elizabeth's voice rose. "You want fairness? You've broken every promise, every vow."
Ryan stood, his voice firm. "That's enough, Mom."
Elizabeth's gaze locked onto Ryan. "You're defending him? Again?"
Ryan's expression remained calm. "I'm defending our family."
Elizabeth's eyes welled with tears. "You're all against me."
She left for her room sobbing
"I know she's up to no good with the way she looks at Charles, I have to find out what she's up to." Elizabeth muttered to herself pacing round her room.