Chapter 10
Eleanor didn’t step back into Reed Villa until two days later
The moment she entered the door, a glass came hurtling straight for her face. She ducked just in time, and the glass shattered behind her. If the dodged later, that would’ve left a nasty mark on her face.
She straightened up and cast a calm, almost amused look at the forming Gregory, and said with a smirk, “Wow, such a warm welcome. If I didn’t know better, I’d think my mom cheated on you or something. Is that why you hate me so much?”
“You ungrateful brai” Gregory roared, slamming his hand on the table “You still have the nerve to show your face home! If your mother knew half the shameful things you’ve done, she’d probably disown you in a heartbear”
Eleanor snorted and retorted, “If my mom were alive, she’d back me no matter what I do. Unlike you, the actually cared about me:
Her smirk widened as she added, Though, I bet if she knew you married her so–called best friend right after she died and doted on her daughter while treating your own daughter like trash, she’d regret ever wasting her life on a snake like you”
“You–Gregory clutched his stomach, looking like he was about to explode.
Jennifer tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and said in a soft, soothing voice. “Oh. Gregory, she’s your daughter. There’s no need to get s worked up
Gregory bellowed. “She tried to steal her own sister’s hance. If she doesn’t get a lesson now, who knows what kind of scandal shell bring next?
“Let me make it clear, Eleanor cut in coolly. “Dominick has always heen my man
Eleanor prided herself on being upfront about her actions. If she hadn’t done her research and found our Dominick hadn’t slept with Alexis during her absence, she wouldn’t have bothered to conduct this plan.
If he’d already slept with Alexis, Eleanor wouldn’t have gone near him she didn’t do leftovers
She’d spent hours digging into Dominick’s recent history the previous night. Plenty of women had tried to get close to him, but the man had a reputation for keeping his distance. He had no scandals, no gossip, and almost nothing
As for Alexis, with her legs in that condition, even if she tried to do something with Dominick, he would refuse.
Three years ago, Eleanor had been the one in his bed, and as far as she was concerned, that made him hers. Until she decided to let him go, no other woman could lay a finger on him.
“You shameless little slut Gregory spat, glaring at her with open disgust. “You’ve done enough to embarrass this family. Do you really want to make s i worse!”
Jennifer sighed delicately, her voice sweet and composed as ever, “Ellie, my sweetheart, you know Alexis is about to get engaged in Dominick. You can’t keep being so impulsive.”
“Come on, drop the act, Eleanor shot back, her tone icy, Jennifer’s fake concern was almost laughable, and Eleanor had seen through it years ago. Even now they had torn off the mask, Jennifer pretended to be the considerate stepmother.
“Ellie Jennifer sighed again, her expression one of feigned disappointment. Gregory, predictably, puffed up in response and glared at Eleanor like she was the sole source of his misery.
But Eleanor couldn’t care less. She’d hit rock bottom already, and she knew nothing they said could hurt her. She rolled her eyes and snapped, “Look, if you’ve got something to say, spit it out. Otherwise, Fin going to my room,”
“Wait” Jennifer said, her sweet demeanor cracking just slightly. She clearly realized that her usual tactics weren’t going to work today, especially with Gregory growing more agitated by the second
She changed the topic and continued, “Tve been looking into a few potensial matches for you. All decent young men. Their families may not be as well–off, but they re willing to overlook your history”
Beanor ried her eyebrows, already guessing where this was headed.
They’re decent prople,
As expected, Jennifer spoke up with a sweet smile, “Your father and I have found a family we think is a good match for you. They and if you marry into their family, you won’t suffer”
Il do you think
Deanor let out a sharp laugh, her eyes narrowing as she stared Jennifer down. “Who said I wanted to get married? And who the hell you are? Gregory doesn’t get to control my life, let alone an outsider like you”
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Chapter 101
“Lihe. I’m only thinking of what’s best for you,” Jennifer said, her voice dripping with false sincerity.
“Oh really?” Eleanor smirked with her arms crossed. “Let me guess. The perfect match you picked out is a gambler? & pervert! Or maybe some addict with a line side hobby of beating his wife?”
Jennifer’s face shifted between embarrassment and indignation, but she kept denying the accusation. “Sweetie. I’m also your mother, right? Do you think I’d ever choose someone like that for you!”
“Cut the crap Eleanor snapped, her disgust plain on her face. “And stop calling yourself my mother. Say it again, and I swear I’ll make you regret it.”
Jennifer was stunned by Eleanor’s ferocity. But instead of arguing, she glanced over at Gregory, silently urging him to take charge
Gregory, already red with anger, slammed his hand on the table and ordered, “You’ll marry who I tell you so, whether you like it or not! I’ve raised you all these years. It’s about time you pay me back”
mon and grandparents
You just mooched off of them. Do you even hear
Eleanor let out a decisive snori. “Excuse me? You never raise me. Myn yourself
“Enough“” Gregory roared, his voice shaking with fury. Eleanor hit a nerve. Everyone knew Gregory had built his success through his late wife’s family, and Eleanor’s words were like salt in an old wound, and to be mocked by his own daughter was undoubtedly humiliating.
With a face marked with rage. Gregory pointed a finger at Eleanor and growled. “You’re getting married in two days. Until then, you’re not leaving this house. Not–one–step?
No sooner had he finished his words than a group of bodyguards appeared and blocked the exits. Even Eric stood nearby and watched her with a sinister smirk.
Eleanors Exce turned livid, and her jaw clenched. She glared at Gregory, let out a cold laugh, and stormed upstairs without another word. “Ungrateful brat!” Gregory yelled a
after her, still seething.
Jennifer, on the other hand, smiled faintly, pleased with how things had unfolded.
“Calm down, dear,” she said soothingly, pasting Gregory’s back like he was a child throwing a tantrum. She handed him a glass of water and added, “You’ll make yourself sick if you keep getting this worked up!
Jennifer’s voice turned into a maternal tone that felt odidly rehearsed. “Ellie just can’t accept that Dommick, doesn’t care for her anymore. She’s acting our like a child. Once she’s married, she’ll grow up”
Gregory finally seemed to relax, and he looked at Jennifer with a smile. “You’re the only one who understands me, honey. If it weren’t for you, ungrateful girl would’ve driven me to my grave by now.”
that
Jennifer said with a chuckle, “She’s sti
your daughter. Don’t be so hard on her, okay!”
Aber coaxing Gregory a bit more, Jennifer headed upstairs to Alexis’s room, where Alexis immediately wheeled herself over, her eyes bright with anticipation. “Mon, what did Dad say?”
Jennifer slips curled into a satisfied smile. That’s not hard to guess. If Eleanor had managed to pull off her little stunt with Dominick, things might’ve been different. Sadly, she didn’t. Since Dominick ignores her, your father isn’t about to treat her the way he used to,”
Alexis showed an expression full of umugness and malice, “Good. That slut actually thought she could take Dominick from me. Once she’s married off, it’s see how high and mighty she feels then”
LIND GUTT
