Chapter 5

Philip retorted, "You can't put it that way, Elle. This is an accident, and none of us expected it. In a way, we're victims, too."

Sheila added, "The guests already saw what happened; everyone knows. Besides, you two have—ahem—consummated your marriages. There's no switching husbands back. We might as well minimize the issue. What else can we do?"

Eleanor looked unfazed. "How would I know if this is truly an accident? Even if it is, I don't mind that Maurice slept with Brenda. My stance remains unchanged—this marriage is mine, and no one is taking it from me!"

Her attitude made it clear: she wouldn't back down. Everyone knew her arrogance. Nothing could make her suffer in silence, especially not facing Brenda's family, her lifelong nemeses.

The atmosphere tensed. Sebastian, like everyone else, watched Eleanor. She stood tall, arrogant, regal.

He knew she was playing a part. She wouldn't agree to marry him, then claim Maurice as her husband; that would break their deal. Still, he disliked hearing her words. Eleanor and Maurice were childhood friends. He couldn't be certain she felt nothing for him. Why else would she marry him? Could her words hold some sincerity?

Eleanor was immersed in her performance, but a chill ran down her spine, snapping her back to reality. She glanced at Sebastian, noticing his frosty demeanor.

Confused, she wondered what was wrong. Was he jealous, seeing Brenda with Maurice? What a joke. He had nice eyes, but he was blind.

Eleanor instantly regretted agreeing to be his wife. She feared she'd resort to violence if he thought of Brenda during their intimacy. The thought angered her; she glared at him.

Brenda had been observing Eleanor and Sebastian. Eleanor's glare eased her. She concluded Eleanor hadn't been reborn. If she had, she never would have claimed Maurice.

Eleanor had detested Maurice after discovering his affair in her past life. She would never have considered him, regardless of his status.

That was Eleanor's nature. Arrogant, acting like a princess, the Sandberg heiress. She never tolerated disrespect.

Her behavior only confirmed, in Brenda's mind, that she hadn't been reborn. A small smile played on Brenda's lips. Even the gods had realized their past injustice; this was her second chance. This time, she would triumph over Eleanor! She would be Maurice's wife!

Suppressing her smile, tears welled up. "Eleanor is right. This marriage should be hers; I'm unworthy. I'll ask those who took photos to delete them, and we can pretend this never happened. Everything will return to normal."

Her forbearance only made Eleanor seem more willful. How could Maurice bear to see his lover suffer?

He stopped her. "I told you I'd take responsibility, Bren. You're my wife!"

He looked at Eleanor. "I won't deny our engagement, but I'm breaking it. State your terms. If a house isn't enough, what will it take?"

Eleanor had waited for this. "I doubt you can't afford my price. What about my uncle?"

Maurice said, "There's nothing we won't give. Tell us! If your uncle can't, my family will! We won't shortchange you!"

Philip agreed. An alliance with the Porters was worth it. He'd give Eleanor five houses if necessary.

"Go on!" he urged.

Eleanor stated her condition: "I want to be Sandberg Group's deputy CEO."

Why would she care about a man who'd slept with countless women? Power was paramount!

Maurice said, without hesitation, "Deal! It's yours!"

Philip snapped to attention. "No way!"

He couldn't allow Eleanor into senior management. "Elle, being deputy CEO isn't a game. You're not ready. How about two houses instead? One near the city center, at least 5,000 square feet. A car, too. That should be enough?"

Sheila's heart ached at the potential financial loss. "That's more than enough! Demanding more is pure greed!"

Eleanor snorted. The houses and car were worth, at most, 100 million dollars, but Sandberg Group was worth over 100 billion, excluding the benefits of the Porter alliance. Philip and Sheila were treating her like a beggar, yet called her greedy.

She smiled. "Let's call the police. How did the grooms end up in the wrong rooms? We can start by investigating the maids and attendants."

Sheila shrieked, "How can you call the police? This will explode!"

"Uh-huh. What does that matter to me?" Eleanor's smile widened. "I'm upset about my losses. I need to vent. If anyone asks, I'll say you plotted against me. I have nothing to lose. I don't mind the world knowing. How about you?"

Sheila panicked. "How can you say we plotted against you? Do you have proof?"

"No, but that's what I'll say. It's obvious I'm the loser. See if the world believes you or me?" Eleanor asked.

She was a master manipulator. Her arrogance was captivating.

Brenda and her family knew Eleanor would go to such extremes. Brenda knew what the future held; she could handle Eleanor.

She stepped forward. "If being deputy CEO appeases you, you can have it, Eleanor. We're family—peace and harmony matter most."

Her kindness improved Maurice's parents' impression. They'd been hesitant but were now satisfied.

Eleanor had won, so she disregarded Brenda's act. Besides, was the Porter residence truly desirable?

Eleanor narrowed her eyes, recalling her past life. "Alright. I'll announce Sebastian and I are a couple once I receive my appointment letter. It's late. Goodnight, everyone."

She left, taking the silent Sebastian with her.

Maurice watched her walk away, momentarily upset. He regained his composure, his expression turning disdainful, pulling Brenda closer. She was his type—gentle, sweet, and endearing.