Chapter 17

Eleanor’s face paled. Even though she was prepared, those words still stung. But if Dominick wasn't here to mock her, what was he doing here?

A sudden smile touched her lips. "Mr. Vanderbilt," she said, "if you're here to display your affection, please leave. I don't want to see it."

Dominick's eyes hardened. "What did you just call me?" Hearing "Mr. Vanderbilt" from her felt so strange; he'd never heard her address him like that before.

"Mr. Vanderbilt," she replied calmly, her voice dripping with indifference. "Is something wrong with that? We're no longer connected, are we?"

Dominick stared, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he sneered, "Who gave you the right to lecture me, Eleanor? Look at yourself! Who do you think you are now?"

"I'm nobody," Eleanor said, her voice trembling with a bitter laugh. "I have no right, and that's precisely why I don't want to be an eyesore to you."

Dominick's frown deepened. "You have no say in this, Eleanor."

Just then, Alexis tugged at Dominick's sleeve, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "Hey, I just had an idea."

Dominick looked down at Alexis, his expression softening, almost too deliberately. "Oh? What's your idea?" His tone was a stark contrast to how he'd spoken to Eleanor.

Alexis smiled sweetly, her voice a delicate whisper. "Why don't you stay and officiate Eleanor's wedding?"

"Alexis, you—" Eleanor's face went ashen. She had overestimated Alexis's malice.

Dominick shot a sharp glance at Eleanor and nodded coolly. "That's not a bad idea."

Gregory and Jennifer immediately offered Dominick the best seat. He settled into the chair, his eyes coldly assessing Eleanor and the man beside her.

"Dominick," Eleanor could barely speak. Her voice cracked as she demanded, "You've already forced me to marry this man. Isn't that enough? Do you have to officiate the wedding just for your own amusement?"

Dominick's face remained impassive. "You need to know your place. You're not in a position to question me."

Eleanor's throat tightened, a metallic taste filling her mouth as nausea rose. She hadn't eaten or drunk anything in days, and her body was too weak. Her outburst had drained her remaining strength.

She stared blankly at Dominick for a long while before turning away silently. He was a powerful man, while she was a discharged convict, powerless and insignificant. There was no chance of fighting him, not then, not now. She had to give in, at least for now, perhaps forever.

For the remainder of the ceremony, Eleanor remained silent, going through the motions with the man she barely knew. Afterward, they headed to their new home.

Gregory immediately sent Eric to drive Eleanor to her new residence. Alexis quickly asked Dominick, "Nick, why don't we follow Eleanor and see her new place!"

Dominick gave her a cold look. "What's there to see? A woman like that will only disappoint you."

"Yes, Alexis, you'd better skip it," Gregory interjected, disapproving. He had much to gain by keeping Alexis on his side.

Alexis smiled gently and insisted, "Don't worry, Dad. I care about Eleanor." Actually, Alexis cared nothing for Eleanor's well-being. She wouldn't rest until she witnessed Eleanor's suffering firsthand.

Seeing Alexis's persistence, Gregory reluctantly turned to Dominick. "Mr. Vanderbilt, what do you say?"

"Fine," Dominick nodded, a slight frown creasing his brow.

"Really? That's great!" Alexis beamed. "Thank you, Nick."

Dominick responded with an emotionless "Mm" and led Alexis to his car. They drove off without another word.

Meanwhile, in the wedding car, Eleanor sat silently, staring out the window as the buildings outside grew more dilapidated. The car seemed to be heading deeper into the slums.

Frowning, Eleanor asked the groom, "Where's the house?"

"I-I don't know," the man stammered, his face crimson. It took him a long time to utter that pathetic sentence.

Eleanor sighed, disappointment washing over her. She turned to Eric. "Eric, the marriage was arranged, right? Surely the Reed family arranged the new house, too?"

"Yes," Eric replied with a cold chuckle. "Don't worry, Ms. Beril. Everything's been taken care of. Mr. Reed ensured you have the most 'appropriate' environment. And Mr. Vanderbilt personally picked your husband. You should be grateful."

Eleanor glared at him. "By 'appropriate,' you don't mean a slum, do you?"

Eric didn't answer directly but offered a sly grin before falling silent. The car continued, rolling into the heart of the slums.

Eric opened the car door for Eleanor with a mock flourish. "Ms. Reed, please alight."

Eleanor looked up at the rickety buildings, her expression darkening. She stepped out, her legs weak.

Eric, with his usual smirk, gestured for the bodyguards and maids to follow them inside. The "new home" was a cramped, cheap, 120-square-yard apartment. Eleanor felt suffocated the moment she entered. She had never lived in such a place.

Eric smirked. "This is your home now, Ms. Reed. You'd better get used to it, or you'll be the one suffering. Now, let's get the introductions started."

With a snap of his fingers, maids appeared, carrying trays of cheap, poorly made food and drink. The spread was clearly thrown together carelessly.

Eleanor frowned in disgust. Who could eat this! she thought. I'd rather starve!

Turning to leave, she said in a cold voice, "I'm going to my room."

Eric stopped her. "Ms. Reed, after starving for so long, are you sure you don't want any food?"

"I am quite sure," Eleanor replied firmly, leaving no room for argument.

Eric tried to press her again, but Dominick's voice, chilling and indifferent, came from downstairs. "If she doesn't want to eat, let her stay hungry."