Chapter 48

Eleanor’s concern lasted only a few seconds before she let it go. She was already grateful for a second chance at life and the ability to change it. What more could she ask for? Besides, she was confident she could win against Bemba and Philip.

She continued scrolling through her tablet and casually answered Eliza’s curiosity. “I had a dream last night that we went to a night market and ran into a drunk who was making trouble.”

Tha’s even spalled. “Can you dream again tonight? See if we’ll manage to get the Zeiten contact?”

But no matter what, this deal had to go through. Otherwise, when they returned to Jorstone City, Brenda and Philip would definitely seize the opportunity to cause her trouble and even kick her out of the Sandberg family.

Soon, they received their dishes. Each one was so beautifully plated that Eliza became so overwhelmed she almost teared up. However, Eleanor didn’t pay much attention to the meal. She had little interest in eating, as her attention was fixed on her tablet. Her striking features and elegant demeanor drew the attention of other patrons.

The Widow had two levels. The private dining rooms on the second floor required reservations at least a week in advance.

Sebastian excused himself from the blind date his parents had set him up with, using a phone call as an excuse. As he walked along the corridor, he spotted Eleanor downstairs. She was eating a plate of grilled garlic butter prawns. The shells hadn’t been removed, so she frowned as she peeled them with her fingertips. Oil clung to her perfectly manicured nails, and she pouted in annoyance.

The prawns must be delicious. Otherwise, someone as refined as her wouldn’t voluntarily dirty her hands. He watched her expression, but it vanished just as quickly. His thoughts returned to the past when she used to visit Henrietta with Maurice. He would…

A tiny grin tugged at Sebastian’s lips as he always peeled the prawns for her. It was no surprise she was so affected that day in the countryside. Change had a way of making one reminisce.

“Seb, what are you looking at?”

Kelsey Lawson suddenly appeared behind him. She followed his gaze and instantly spotted Eleanor. It wasn’t hard; after all, Eleanor was stunningly attractive. She wore a simple white blazer and looked impeccably sophisticated. She lacked the rigid, business air sometimes associated with such clothes. Instead, she emanated an impenetrable grace, like a thorny rose that was dangerous to approach.

Kelsey bit her lip and whined jealously, “Seb, is she really that beautiful?”

Thorns or not, Eleanor was still captivating; she was born to attract men.

“Did you come out just to stare at her?” Kelsey pressed.

Sebastian finally withdrew his gaze. Without even glancing at her, he said flatly, “I came out so I wouldn’t have to see…”

She looked hurt, but he ignored her. Instead, he walked downstairs and out of the restaurant to light a cigarette.

Kelsey stomped her foot in frustration before turning toward the restroom.

As luck would have it, the instant she came out, she saw Eliza, who had been sitting with Eleanor earlier. In an instant, she found a target to unleash her irritation.

She immediately strode toward her. Eliza was taken aback when Kelsey slammed into her, making her stumble back and almost twist her ankle.

“Are you blind?” Kelsey barked.

Meanwhile, Eleanor had already settled the bill. Once Eliza returned from the restroom, they could head back to the hotel.

She had spent hours racking her brain over how to repay that billion-dollar loan, and her mind was completely blank. Since she had some free time now, she decided to call Sebastian.

The Willow was designed in the style of a Classical-era garden. There was a designated smoking area outside. Sebastian stood there, head slightly bowed, lighting a cigarette.

His phone buzzed in the pocket of his suit. He pulled it out and saw Eleanor’s name flashing on the screen. He let it ring until just before it stopped. Then, finally, as if resigning himself to fate, he answered reluctantly. “Hello?” A delicate, sweet voice purred through the receiver.