Chapter 5: Maserati

Elizabeth Black and Rupert Washington had never spent so much time together, day and night, in such close intimacy before. After a year of marriage, due to Rupert Washington's frequent overseas business trips, their meetings were few and far between. This had left Elizabeth Black feeling a bit overwhelmed these days.

On Saturday, the department was having a team-building event, and she nearly arrived late. When she opened her eyes, it was 8:40 AM! The team was supposed to gather at 9:00 AM and then head to the beach. Elizabeth Black quickly got out of bed, hurriedly washed up, and rushed out without any makeup. Along the way, she mentally cursed Rupert Washington a thousand times. Why did he always seem so energetic every morning, managing to work out and go to work, while she felt like a dead fish?

"Elizabeth! You finally made it, hurry up and get on!"

The bus was about to leave, and Stacey Charley, standing by the door, eagerly waiting for Elizabeth Black, quickly pulled her onto the bus. As soon as she sat down, a sullen voice came from behind.

"Elizabeth Black, next time be a little earlier. We could have left a few minutes sooner, all because we were waiting for you."

"But it's only 8:59 now..."

Stacey Charley couldn't help but retort, but Elizabeth Black quickly stopped her and shook her head. They were still interns, and if they wanted to stay at the hospital, it was best not to clash with the attending doctors. Just as Elizabeth Black was about to change the subject, Stacey Charley, as if discovering a new world, stared at her bag with wide eyes.

"Oh my God, Elizabeth, this bag must cost at least seventy or eighty thousand, right?"

Although Stacey Charley couldn't afford it, she loved following luxury brands and thought she had seen a concept image of this bag during a weekend shopping trip. It seemed to be a limited edition, though she wasn't entirely sure. Elizabeth Black inwardly groaned; in her rush, she had grabbed a random bag. It was one that Rupert Washington had bought for her a few days ago, and she hadn't realized how expensive it was...

While considering how to explain, Will Tennyson, sitting behind them, tapped Stacey Charley's head and reminded her, "Stacey Charley, keep your voice down."

Stacey Charley, puzzled, asked, "What's wrong?"

Will Tennyson lowered his voice, "Do you want everyone to know that Elizabeth Black has a knockoff bag?"

Elizabeth Black: "..."

Stacey Charley reconsidered. With Elizabeth Black's meager intern salary, she indeed couldn't afford such an expensive bag. She decided not to say anything more. After all, buying a fake bag wasn't something to be proud of. But after examining it closely, based on her years of experience with luxury goods, it didn't look like a fake at all!

She couldn't help but ask Elizabeth Black, "Is it real or fake?"

Elizabeth Black simply shook her head, "Fake."

Unexpectedly, Stacey Charley became even more excited, "Where did you buy it? Get me one too!"

The bag had such a good texture; it could easily pass as genuine!

...

Since Elizabeth Black boarded the bus, Will Tennyson's face had been grim. Once they reached the beach, everyone got off the bus. Will Tennyson tapped Elizabeth Black's shoulder, "Come with me for a moment."

Elizabeth Black had a bad feeling. She told Stacey Charley, "You guys go swimming. I didn't bring my swimsuit today."

Last night, Rupert Washington had been quite passionate, leaving marks on her body that made wearing a swimsuit impossible. So, when she left in the morning, Elizabeth Black had decided not to bring it. Stacey Charley nodded, gave Will Tennyson a few imaginary kicks, and left.

As soon as Stacey Charley left, Will Tennyson immediately took a stance. "Elizabeth Black, we're from the same school. I think I need to remind you of something."

Elizabeth Black nodded, thinking, *Say what you will, but I won't listen.*

"You've been doing well, but I think you've gone a bit off track recently," Will Tennyson said. "Buying a fake bag is such a vain thing to do. Next, you might jump into a Maserati you see on the street."

Elizabeth Black: "..."

*Jump into what?*

Will Tennyson continued, "I know my words are harsh, but I'm saying this for your own good. For people like us, we should focus on our studies and find a partner in the same field to live a stable life. That's the only way forward. I think you have potential, so I was planning to mentor you seriously. Don't disappoint me with these flashy things."

...

Elizabeth Black completely ignored him, instead focusing on a heart-shaped shell at her feet, thinking it would make a nice car decoration for Rupert Washington. Finally, Will Tennyson finished his lecture.

Elizabeth Black picked up the shell, and then heard Will Tennyson say, "Oh, by the way, my mom is coming over for a check-up this weekend. I have three surgeries scheduled, so can you pick her up with your little Pineapple car?"

Elizabeth Black looked up in surprise, "I pick up your mom?"

Will Tennyson didn't mean anything else by it. "She's coming by high-speed train. I'll send you the details later."

Elizabeth Black: "..."

It took her three seconds to suppress her irritation, and she gritted her teeth and nodded, "Sure, boss."

"Boss? Don't call me that in the future."

Will Tennyson said no, but his expression clearly showed he enjoyed it. Elizabeth Black didn't know what to say. At that moment, a director who loved playing matchmaker came over, calling them to grill oysters. He must have overheard some of their conversation and joked, "What are you two talking about? Already sharing a mother?"

Elizabeth Black: "???"

Will Tennyson pulled the director away, "No, no, Director, don't joke around. Xia is sensitive."

Though Will Tennyson denied any romantic involvement, for some reason, the director kept making jokes about them throughout the day. Even Stacey Charley asked Elizabeth Black, "What's going on? You're not really with...?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Elizabeth Black's face darkened.

Stacey Charley sighed in relief, "Thank goodness, you haven't been PUA'd by him."

Elizabeth Black suddenly missed Rupert Washington, especially after having a few drinks at a small bar before the end of the event. Her thoughts grew more active. Her cheeks flushed, she took out her phone and sent a message to Rupert Washington.

—Our team-building event is almost over. Can you come pick me up?

But her message went unanswered. By the time the bus was nearing the hospital, Rupert Washington still hadn't replied. Will Tennyson, sitting behind her, poked her shoulder, "Have you been drinking? I'll take you home."

There was a chorus of teasing around them. Elizabeth Black rarely confronted Will Tennyson directly, but her dislike was overwhelming.

"No need, someone is coming to pick me up."

She immediately called Rupert Washington. The phone rang for a long time before he answered.

"What's up, baby?"

Rupert Washington's voice was cheerful and confident.

"Why didn't you reply to my message?" Elizabeth Black asked.

"I was in a meeting and couldn't check my phone. What did you send me?"

"Can you come pick me up now?"

She couldn't stand the rumors about her and Will Tennyson. She wanted to ride in Rupert Washington's Maserati in front of everyone.

"No problem, I'll arrange it."

Rupert Washington always complied with her requests.

"Okay."

After hanging up, Elizabeth Black felt relieved. Now she just needed to wait for the bus to arrive, and her prince charming would appear, rescuing her from her predicament. Her eyes sparkled, and she looked ahead, showing a hint of impatience.

Stacey Charley asked, "Who's picking you up?"

Elizabeth Black: "My husband."

Stacey Charley: "Who?!"