apter 165 Lilliana Buckner
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“As far as I know, no. Ever since Zoey got together with Elijah, she’s kept her distance from all men to show her loyalty. Otherwise, do you think Jayden would have let her and Elijah get engaged?” Lily reminisced.
Eleanor frowned, deep in thought, and then something clicked.
“Mom, does Zoey have a circle of friends? I think she’s particularly close to one of the girls from that circle.”
“She does have her own social circle, full of rich young ladies,” Lily said, pulling Eleanor’s hand with a worried expression. “Eleanor, I know you feel wronged, but we really can’t compete with them.”
“Don’t worry, Mom, I won’t do anything rash. I just want to verify something. Can you quietly ask about that lady?”
Eleanor didn’t dare to tell Lily the whole truth–if Lily knew everything, her fiery temper would give everything away.
Lily nodded and didn’t ask further.
After a while, the nurse brought the medication, and Eleanor had Lily arrange for her discharge. She went straight back to her apartment to rest.
That evening, Lily called with some news.
“The young lady’s name is Lilliana Buckner. Her mother’s family is in the import–export business, and both her father and grandfather have been in politics. She’s a real diamond in the rough type of girl.”
“Zoey and she are very close, almost like sisters. When Jayden had an issue with one of his mines, Zoey stepped in and had the Buckner family help clear it up, which is why Jayden’s been a bit more lenient with her.”
“On the surface, Lilliana seems like a sweet and obedient girl, but privately, she’s a wild one. No one dares to say anything because of her family’s status.”
The name hit Eleanor like a bolt of lightning, and memories began to rush back to her, one after another, as if they were playing on fast–forward. Then, she found the scene she was looking for.
It was the hot, sticky rainy season when Ellie was hospitalized with a fever.
Eleanor couldn’t afford to waste time; she didn’t even bother waiting for the elevator–she ran up and down the stairs. The heavy rain was so noisy, it drowned out the sound of her footsteps.
She didn’t notice the two people arguing near the stairwell window.
She peeked around the corner and saw two familiar figures–Julian and Zoey.
“Zoey, if you want me to help you deal with Lilliana, what are you going to give me in return?” Julian’s voice oozed with entitlement.
“Julian, don’t push your luck. You wouldn’t have the position you have now if it weren’t for me. Stay in your place, and once I become Mrs. Davis, I’ll lift you up,” Zoey replied, her tone dripping with arrogance.
At this point, Zoey was already a well–known jewelry designer with her own studio and brand. She had given birth to Elijah’s eldest son and was riding high, looking like she was on top of the world. Her hair
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16:08 Tue, 25 Mar
Chapter 165 Lilliana Buckner
seemed to shine with success, and her eyes had a cold, domineering glint.
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Julian, standing by her side, was equally glowing in his new–found wealth. He wore an expensive suit and carried a chain bag worth 70,000 dollars, a far cry from the girl who used to work part–time with Eleanor in college, who had once spoken of striving for a better life. Now, she had taken a dark turn.
Julian, casually playing with his chain bag, said, “Eleanor and her daughter hardly ever leave the house. Even Jayden couldn’t do anything about it. If it weren’t for me and Lilliana helping you, where would the evidence of Eleanor framing you and your son come from? “Plus, Lilliana even helped you two get a matching sample. If she knew you’d been
“Shut up. Are you threatening me?” Zoing her all along…”
expression darkened instantly, her voice sharp and vicious.
“Miss Taylor, don’t blame me for speaking out. The Buckner family can collapse in an instant. If Lilliana comes to threaten you, I’m the only one who can help. I’m just getting what I deserve, and if something goes wrong, at least I’ll have something to leave my family,” Julian said, his voice laced with cold menace.
Zoey’s expression twisted as she snapped back, “You think I was the one who exposed the Buckner family? All their decades of evidence have been dug up. Do you really think I have the power to do that? “I would love for the Buckner family to thrive–it would be another source of support for me. Now that they’re falling apart, she says she’s going to Elijah to expose me? If I go down, you won’t get away either, so keep your mouth shut.”
“Then…” Julian’s finger circled the chain of his bag, and he stared at Zoey with a knowing look.
Annoyed, Zoey transferred money to Julian. “Henry’s condition after today’s check–up isn’t good. We can’t wait any longer. Get this done quickly.”
“I understand. I’ll make sure Lilliana won’t be able to threaten you again,” Julian replied with a smile, his eyes glinting as he checked his phone.
At that moment, Eleanor wished she hadn’t forgotten her phone in her rush. If she’d had it, she would’ve recorded everything.
She had kept the name Lilliana in her mind, planning to investigate further to see if she could clear herself of the accusations.
But Ellie’s illness had been so unpredictable. Just when she thought Ellie was getting better, Elijah took her back to the villa, saying he was worried about her hurting Zoey and Henry.
By the time Eleanor could think to investigate again, Ellie had passed away.
It was only later that she realized–Julian’s so–called “matching sample” had been referring to Ellie all along.
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