Chapter 11

Jennifer and Alexis exchanged a knowing, sinister smile. Meanwhile, two burly bodyguards flanked Eleanor, dragging her into her room. The moment they entered, they shoved her roughly to the floor, barking, “Sit down!”

Eleanor landed hard, her tailbone slamming against the floor. She winced, drawing in a sharp breath. “Ow…”

Eric sauntered in and looked down at Eleanor with a smug, condescending glare. “Ms. Reed, let me give you some advice: Don’t even think about trying to leave. Fighting back will only make things worse.”

Rubbing her sore back, Eleanor let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, Eric, spare me the lecture. You know as well as I do that my so-called troubles weren’t self-inflicted. Someone made damn sure I’d end up here.”

Eric had worked for the Reed family long enough to know the truth. But he wasn't blind; he merely pretended to be, currying favor with Jennifer and Alexis.

Eric said, his tone unnervingly calm, “All of this is because you overreached. You wanted something you were never meant to have. You should know you aren’t worthy of Mr. Vanderbilt.”

“Oh!” Eleanor’s lips curled into a sharp smile. “And who exactly is worthy of him? Let me guess—your new masters? Jennifer and Alexis, especially Alexis, right?”

Eric’s face turned grim, but he remained silent.

Eleanor lifted her chin, her eyes cold and defiant. She might be cornered, but she’d be damned if she let people like him see her crumble. She wouldn't allow anyone to laugh at her.

After a tense pause, Eric finally spoke, his voice low and gravelly, “If you insist on being stubborn, don’t blame me for what happens next.”

The bodyguards answered in unison, “Yes,” then fled the room.

Eleanor’s eyes widened. “What are you doing?”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Eric replied with a sinister smirk, positioning himself by the door to prevent her escape.

Eleanor glared at him but remained silent, refusing to give him satisfaction.

Moments later, the bodyguards returned with planks of wood, nails, and a hammer.

“Seal the windows,” Eric commanded curtly.

The bodyguards set to work, hammering the wooden boards over the windows with a rhythmic thud. Then it hit Eleanor: they were desperate to keep her locked up.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she snapped, disbelief lacing her voice. “Do you think I’m some kind of prisoner here?”

Eric’s response was calm and cutting. “It’s best if you start accepting your place, Ms. Reed. It’ll save everyone a lot of trouble.”

“You’re crazy,” Eleanor shouted.

Before Eric could retort, the sound of wheels rolling down the hallway interrupted them, followed by Alexis’s sweet voice. “Eleanor, everyone thinks you’re crazy. You call others crazy. Do you think people will believe the majority or you?”

The bodyguards and Eric bowed slightly as Alexis wheeled herself into the room, greeting her in unison: “Ms. Foster.”

Alexis carried herself with such confidence, she seemed the rightful heir to the Reed family, more so than Eleanor ever had. And perhaps she was—Eleanor was now little more than an outsider in her own home.

Eleanor stared at Alexis and calmly asked, “What are you doing here? Come to gloat or show off?”

Alexis feigned shock, covering her chest as if wounded. “Eleanor, how could you think that of me! You make me sound so cruel!”

“Spare me,” Eleanor said, her voice dripping with disdain. “Even now, you’re still putting on this pathetic act! Honestly, Alexis, you’re boring me.”

Chapter 12

Alexis bit her lip, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, a picture of fragile innocence.

Seeing this, Eric stepped forward, eager to ingratiate himself. “Ms. Foster, there’s no need to waste your breath on her. She’s still so stubborn.”

“Eric, be nice,” Alexis said softly, her tone honey-sweet. “No matter what, I can’t just give up on her.”

Eric’s wrinkled face stretched into a fawning smile. “Ms. Foster, you’re too kind for your own good.”

Listening to their nauseating exchange, Eleanor almost gagged. She snapped, “Are you two done yet! If you’re finished, do me a favor and get out.” She’d rather be alone than endure their fake sympathy.

Alexis sighed and glanced at Eric. “I need a moment to speak with Eleanor privately. Once the windows are boarded up, you all can leave.” Though pretending to be kind and generous, she insisted the windows be sealed first.

Eric nodded, barking at the bodyguards, “Hurry up and finish the job!”

Eleanor said nothing, watching silently. She wanted to see what game Alexis was playing this time.

It didn’t take long for the bodyguards to finish boarding the windows, and soon the room was cleared, leaving only Alexis and Eleanor.

Alexis studied Eleanor with an air of superiority before suddenly slapping her across the face. The sound echoed in the quiet room, snapping Eleanor’s head to the side.

Slowly, she turned back to face Alexis, her voice icy. “You finally took off your mask, huh?”

Alexis chuckled and blew on her hand. A bright red handprint bloomed across Eleanor’s cheek, the sting radiating through her skin. But she didn’t flinch, her cold gaze locked on Alexis. Without a word, Eleanor raised her own hand and slapped Alexis back.

The force stunned Alexis. She clutched her cheek, her eyes wide with shock. “Y–you dare hit me??”

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t dare,” Eleanor said coolly. “You’ve pointed out that my life is a mess. What else do I have to lose? Let me remind you of something, Alexis. I’ve got nowhere to retreat, so why should I be afraid of you!”

“You…” Alexis glared, venom in her gaze.

Eleanor tilted her head, mockingly asking, “Why look at me like that? Are you waiting for another slap?”

Alexis visibly shuddered. She knew Eleanor wasn’t bluffing—if anything, she’d hit harder the second time.

“Crazy bitch!” Alexis hissed, fury twisting her face. “Eleanor, you’re totally insane!” With that, Alexis spun her wheelchair and stormed out of the room.

“Careful on your way out,” Eleanor called after her, her voice cold and biting. “You know what they say—walk down too many dark roads, and sooner or later, you’ll run into a ghost.”

The sound of the wheelchair paused briefly, then sped up as Alexis hurried down the hall. At the far end, in a quiet corner, Alexis stopped. Her hands trembled with rage as she slapped herself repeatedly until her cheek was swollen and red. Next, she yanked at her hair, roughing it to look as disheveled as possible.

When she was done, Alexis stared at her reflection in a nearby mirror, smiling with satisfaction. With a final glance, she turned and rolled into the living room where Gregory was staying.