Chapter 13

Dominick’s expression shifted slightly, a cold smirk tugging at his lips. “She’s still clinging to fantasies? She must have a death wish.”

“Nick, don’t be so harsh,” Alexis said softly, her voice full of gentle pity. “Ellie… she’s pitiful, really.”

“Pitiful?” Dominick’s disgust deepened, his tone sharp. “She’s not pitiful—she’s reaping what she’s sown.”

Alexis lowered her head, nervously fiddling with her sleeve, her expression troubled. Jennifer and Gregory exchanged a glance, and Gregory quickly interjected, “Alexis, don’t trouble yourself. I know you have a kind heart, but risking Mr. Vanderbilt’s anger for someone like Eleanor…”

Alexis didn’t respond, her head bowed low, a picture of delicate misery. Dominick’s gaze swept over her, faint ripples of emotion flashing across his usually impenetrable expression. Even Alexis, who had spent years by his side, couldn’t decipher his thoughts. He was like a deity perched high above, cold and unapproachable.

An uneasy silence fell over the room. After what felt like an eternity, Dominick finally said, “Fine.”

“Really, Nick?” Alexis’s head shot up, her face lighting up with surprised joy.

With a faint smile, Dominick said, “Since you’re speaking for her, I’ll agree.” His tone was so indifferent that it was impossible to tell whether he was being sarcastic or simply apathetic. But Alexis took it as a victory. Flashing a sweet smile, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. “You are the best.”

Dominick stiffened slightly, his hand twitching as if he were about to push her away. But he stopped himself, instead turning his head toward Gregory. “Take me to see Eleanor.”

“Sure, sure, this way,” Gregory said eagerly, bowing his head and leading the way.

They arrived at the cramped, dingy room Eleanor called her own. The dim lighting and oppressive atmosphere caused Dominick’s brows to furrow slightly.

“Is something wrong, Mr. Vanderbilt?” Gregory asked nervously, noticing the subtle change in Dominick’s expression. “Is there something… inappropriate?”

“No,” Dominick interrupted, his voice cold and clipped. “Open the door.”

Gregory fumbled with a set of keys and unlocked the rusted padlock securing the door. The door creaked open, revealing Eleanor sitting in the corner, her knees pulled tightly to her chest. She looked up, and when she saw Dominick, her eyes widened. “Dominick,” she blurted out, her voice trembling with hope. “You came to see me?”

Then, her mind raced. Why is he here? Has he found out about Alexis and Jennifer’s plan? Is he here to stop it?

Dominick’s cold gaze cut through her thoughts. His next words crushed whatever fragile hope she’d been clinging to. He said icily, “Shut up. You have no right to say my name.”

Eleanor’s eyes dimmed instantly. She stared at him, stunned into silence. Then, she burst into laughter—a bitter, sharp laugh like shards of broken glass. The sound grated on Dominick, and he frowned. She just sat there quietly, her face unreadable. There was no point in explaining; any explanation would only confirm her suspicions. Even he knew they wouldn't lift a finger to help her, even though he knew what had happened to her. What she hadn’t expected, however, was his next statement, colder, harder, and more dismissive than anything she had ever imagined. With detached indifference, he said, “This Sunday afternoon, you’ll marry him.”

Disbelief flashed in her eyes. She stared at him, wide-eyed, yet he turned to leave. “Dominick!” she called out, unable to contain her emotions.

Dominick paused but didn’t turn around.

“You want me to get married?” Eleanor’s voice cracked as she stepped forward, her frustration spilling over. “Do you even understand what that means? Who do you think you are to decide my life for me? You don’t even know…”

“Enough!” Gregory panicked that Eleanor’s outburst might anger Dominick, so he rushed forward and slapped her. “Don’t speak to Mr. Vanderbilt like that!”

“Get away from me!” Eleanor shoved Gregory aside and stepped directly in front of Dominick, glaring up at him with barely restrained fury.

Dominick finally lowered his gaze and looked at her with the coldest, most unfeeling stare she had ever seen. It cut through her like ice, stealing her breath. Meeting his gaze, Eleanor understood everything.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips, and she said, “I see now. You just want to get rid of me, don’t you?”

“So what if I do!” Dominick’s voice was sharp, each word like a slap. “It’s my decision. You don’t get a say.”

“Your decision. Well, you can decide my life, right?” Eleanor repeated, her voice dropping to a whisper. Her head bowed, her words fading into silence as she stood there, utterly still, like a puppet with its strings cut.

Dominick’s gaze lingered on her. For a moment, his jaw tightened slightly, and his lips twitched as if he wanted to say something more. But he said nothing. Finally, Eleanor raised her head and took a deep breath. Her voice was eerily calm. “I get it now. This time, I’ll listen to you. I’ll marry that man.” Jennifer, Alexis, and Gregory all let out silent breaths of relief. Their faces lit up, barely concealing their joy. If Dominick hadn’t been standing there, they might have thrown a celebration on the spot. Great, that troublemaker finally learns to be smart, they thought.

Dominick didn’t share their enthusiasm. He simply stared at Eleanor, his expression unreadable, though his gaze burned into her like a brand.

“Aren’t you happy?” Eleanor asked, a mocking smile tugging at her lips. “Isn’t this exactly what you wanted?”

Dominick’s voice dipped, his frustration evident as he let out a cold laugh. “You’re sharp-tongued as ever. Very well, I’ll be waiting to see you go through with it.”

After speaking, he turned sharply and strode toward the door. Gregory followed him and asked, “Mr. Vanderbilt, are you leaving? How about staying for some coffee?”

“No need,” Dominick snapped, his tone biting.

Jennifer shot Alexis a look, and Alexis quickly wheeled herself after him. “Nick, let me see you out,” she said.

Dominick hesitated briefly, and his voice softened just a fraction. “Alright.”

Eleanor’s eyes immediately welled with tears. She let out a stifled sob before slamming the door with a loud bang. Dominick’s shoulders stiffened at the sound, but he didn’t look back. He walked straight outside with an unreadable expression.

At the entrance, Dominick nodded to Alexis and was about to get into his car when Alexis noted something and called out, “Nick, wait a moment.”

He turned around slightly. “Yeah?”

She smiled. “Your tie is a little messy.” Her gesture was obvious; she wanted to fix it for him. He gave a faint hum and straightened his tie himself. He then got into the car without a backward glance, leaving Alexis standing there.