Chapter 10

Eleanor didn't return to Reed Villa until two days later. The moment she entered, a glass flew toward her face. She ducked; it shattered behind her. A near miss that would have left a nasty mark.

She straightened, casting a calm, almost amused look at Gregory. "Wow," she smirked. "Such a warm welcome. If I didn't know better, I'd think my mother cheated on you. Is that why you hate me so much?"

"You ungrateful—" Gregory roared, slamming his hand on the table. "You still dare show your face! If your mother knew half the shameful things you've done, she'd probably disown you!"

Eleanor snorted. "If my mother were alive, she'd back me, no matter what. Unlike you, she actually cared." Her smirk widened. "Though, I bet if she knew you married her so-called best friend 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."

Gregory clutched his stomach, looking about to explode.

Jennifer tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, Gregory," she said soothingly, "she's your daughter. There's no need to get so worked up."

Gregory bellowed, "She tried to steal her own sister's fiancé! If she doesn't get a lesson now, who knows what kind of scandal she'll bring next?"

"Let me make it clear," Eleanor cut in coolly. "Dominick has always been my man." She prided herself on being upfront. Had she not discovered Dominick hadn't slept with Alexis during her absence, she wouldn't have attempted her plan. If he had slept with Alexis, Eleanor wouldn't have gone near him; she didn't do leftovers.

She'd spent hours researching Dominick the previous night. Many women had tried to get close, but he kept his distance. No scandals, no gossip, almost nothing. As for Alexis, with her leg injury, even if she tried anything 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 would touch him.

"You shameless little slut!" Gregory spat, glaring with disgust. "You've done enough to embarrass this family. Do you really want to make it worse?"

Jennifer sighed delicately. "Ellie, my sweetheart," her voice sweet and composed, "you know Alexis is about to be engaged to Dominick. You can't keep being so impulsive."

"Drop the act," Eleanor shot back, her tone icy. Jennifer's fake concern was laughable; Eleanor had seen through it years ago. Even now, behind the mask, Jennifer pretended to be the considerate stepmother.

Jennifer sighed again, feigning disappointment. Gregory, predictably, puffed up and glared at Eleanor as if she were the source of all his misery.

But Eleanor couldn't care less. She'd hit rock bottom and knew nothing they said could hurt her. She rolled her eyes. "Look, if you've got something to say, spit it out. Otherwise, I'm going to my room."

"Wait," Jennifer said, her sweet demeanor cracking slightly. She realized her usual tactics wouldn't work, especially with Gregory's growing agitation. She changed the topic. "I've been looking into potential matches for you. Decent young men. Their families may not be as well-off, but they're willing to overlook your history."

Eleanor raised an eyebrow, guessing where this was headed.

Jennifer spoke with a sweet smile. "Your father and I have found a family we think is a good match for you. If you marry into their family, you won't suffer."

Eleanor let out a sharp laugh, her eyes narrowing. "Who said I wanted to get married? And who the hell are you? Gregory doesn't control my life, let alone an outsider like you."

Chapter 10 (Continued)

"Lief, I'm only thinking of what's best for you," Jennifer said, her voice dripping with false sincerity.

"Oh really?" Eleanor smirked, arms crossed. "Let me guess. The perfect match you picked out is a gambler? A pervert? Or maybe some addict with a sideline hobby of beating his wife?"

Jennifer's face shifted between embarrassment and indignation, but she denied 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, 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. Instead of arguing, she glanced at Gregory, silently urging him to take charge.

Gregory, already red with anger, slammed his hand on the table. "You'll marry who I tell you to, whether you like it or not! I've raised you all these years. It's about time you paid me back!"

Eleanor let out a decisive snort. "Excuse me? You never raised me. My mother did."

"Enough!" Gregory roared, his voice shaking with fury. Eleanor had hit a nerve. Everyone knew he'd built his success through his late wife's family, and Eleanor's words were like salt in an old wound. To be mocked by his own daughter was humiliating.

With a face contorted with rage, Gregory pointed at Eleanor. "You're getting married in two days. Until then, you're not leaving this house. Not one step!"

Bodyguards appeared, blocking the exits. Even Eric watched with a sinister smirk.

Eleanor's face turned livid, her jaw clenched. She glared at Gregory, let out a cold laugh, and stormed upstairs without another word. "Ungrateful brat!" Gregory yelled after her, still seething.

Jennifer smiled faintly, pleased. "Calm down, dear," she said soothingly, patting Gregory's back. She handed him water. "You'll make yourself sick if you keep getting this worked up!"

Her voice took on a maternal tone that felt oddly rehearsed. "Ellie just can't accept that Dominick doesn't care for her anymore. She's acting like a child. Once she's married, she'll grow up."

Gregory relaxed and smiled at Jennifer. "You're the only one who understands me, honey. If it weren't for you, that ungrateful girl would have driven me to my grave by now."

Jennifer chuckled. "She's still your daughter. Don't be so hard on her, okay!"

After coaxing Gregory, Jennifer went upstairs to Alexis's room. Alexis wheeled herself over, eyes bright with anticipation. "Mom, what did Dad say?"

Jennifer curled into a satisfied smile. "It's not hard to guess. If Eleanor had managed to pull off her little stunt with Dominick, things might have 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 of smugness and malice. "Good. That slut actually thought she could take Dominick from me. Once she's married off, we'll see how high and mighty she feels then."