Chapter 1
A deafening clap of thunder split the sky, instantly followed by a torrential downpour. The heavy rain pounded down like a waterfall. In this miserable weather, the heavy gates of the Avaris southern district prison creaked open.
“Make sure you turn over a new leaf and live a better life,” the prison guard said sternly, handing Eleanor Reed an umbrella. His expression flickered with pity and disgust, though it vanished quickly.
“Thanks,” Eleanor replied calmly, accepting the umbrella. She stepped through the gates, unfazed by the storm, her heart swelling with quiet joy. Three long years she’d spent in that dark, suffocating place, where freedom was a distant memory. From eighteen to twenty-one, she had fallen from grace, her once-bright life irreparably ruined.
Outside, a black car waited. A middle-aged man emerged, approaching Eleanor with a black umbrella. His face was unreadable as he said, “Ms. Reed, Mr. Vanderbilt sent me to pick you up and take you home.”
Eleanor blinked, then smiled sharply. Her gorgeous face belied the gloominess simmering in her eyes. “Home? I can still go back?”
“Mr. Vanderbilt said you were born and raised there. Three years is enough of a lesson. Once you apologize to Ms. Foster, everything will be forgiven.”
“Apologize?” Eleanor’s tone was oddly calm. “Fine, I apologize.”
Her compliance surprised the man. Everyone knew Eleanor, with Dominick’s adoration, had been too proud to apologize. Her sudden humility was astonishing. The man’s gaze softened; the prison seemed to have taught her a lesson.
Eleanor ignored his attitude, getting into the car and staring blankly out the window. Her reflection flickered in the glass. Thinking of the apology, a bitter, mocking light glimmered in her beautiful eyes. Apologize to that woman? No way. She owes me an apology!
Her mind drifted to Alexis, her light brown eyes darkening with intense hatred. She never imagined her life would be destroyed by such an insignificant woman. Even Dominick, her former admirer, had abandoned her, sending her to prison.
Eleanor had sworn, in prison, that if she survived, she would make Alexis pay tenfold for her humiliation and suffering.
“Ms. Reed, when we get home, you’ll apologize to Ms. Foster in front of everyone,” the man said flatly. “Ms. Foster is a kind-hearted girl. Mr. Vanderbilt hopes you’ve truly turned over a new leaf.”
The car wound through meticulously trimmed trees, finally pulling up to Reed Villa. The downpour had lessened to a drizzle. Eleanor stepped out, her gaze flat as she looked at the house where she’d lived for eighteen years. Her hands clenched, veins prominent on her skin.
“Ms. Reed, everyone’s waiting inside,” said Eric, the butler, his wrinkled face devoid of its former flattering attitude toward Eleanor. She saw his cold glance, fully aware of his duplicity. Without her adoration, he had no reason to appease her. He might even use her downfall to please his new masters.
Reflecting on everything, Eleanor felt foolish. How could I have ever thought those devils were family? If it weren’t for them, Alexis couldn’t have framed me!
Chapter 1
The living room was crowded; the storm hadn't dampened anyone's curiosity. News of Eleanor's release had spread, drawing nearly everyone connected to the Reed family. The room was nearly packed.
As Eleanor entered, dozens of eyes fixed on her—some curious, some disdainful, others gleeful. But one pair stood apart.
Sitting on the sofa, with the head of the Reed family beside him, was Dominick Vanderbilt. His short brown hair framed deep hunter-green eyes that gleamed with a predatory light, sending a chill down everyone’s spine. Dressed in a custom black shirt and pants, his chiseled collarbone visible, he exuded lazy danger. He looked like a king, making others feel small.
Eleanor’s gaze lingered on him, unshed tears welling, betraying the turmoil beneath her calm facade.
“Eleanor. I’m so glad you’re back,” Alexis’s voice broke the silence. Pushed to Dominick's side in her wheelchair, she smiled mildly. “I wanted to ask Dad to throw you a welcome-home party, but Dominick insisted you apologize to me.”
Alexis’s voice was sweet. She wore a faint, pitying smile. “We grew up together, Eleanor. Whether or not you apologize, I’ll forgive you. Honestly, Dominick’s overreacting, so don’t hold it against him.”
“No, sweetie,” Gregory Reed snapped, disgust clear in his voice as he glared at Eleanor. “You ungrateful brat, apologize to Alexis. You’ve embarrassed the Reed family enough.”
Eleanor’s gaze flickered to her father, the man who once spoiled her. Now, having taken everything, he couldn’t even pretend to care.
Eleanor took a deep breath, looked away from Dominick, and walked toward Alexis. But just as everyone expected her apology, Eleanor moved with blinding speed. Her hand slapped Alexis’s face, the sharp sound echoing through the room.
She stood tall, looking down at Alexis with a cold, mocking smile. “Apologize? You think I owe you one? In your next life…”