Chapter 18

Eleanor spun around in disbelief, her eyes falling on Dominick downstairs. He barely glanced at her before bending to help Alexis from the car.

Rolling forward in her wheelchair, Alexis offered Eleanor a gentle smile. “Ellie, I just wanted to see your new house. I hope you’re not mad at me for bothering you.”

Eleanor smirked. “If I were mad at you, what would you say?”

Alexis’s smile faltered; she shot a helpless look at Dominick. He frowned, his tone sharp. “Eleanor, you’re still so mean.”

“You already knew that,” Eleanor sneered, concealing the pain that surged in her chest. “Don’t act like it’s a first.”

“Ellie, you’ve really got us wrong,” Alexis sighed deeply, her voice laced with false sincerity. “You might not get it now, but eventually, you’ll understand why we’re doing this.”

Eleanor laughed bitterly and said nothing. She was done playing along.

Alexis’s eyes darted around; spotting the drinks, an idea sparked. Eleanor hasn’t eaten in ages. If she drinks, maybe she’ll…

With that thought, Alexis said, “Eleanor, today’s your special day. I’d love to give you a toast.”

Eleanor recoiled, disgust etched on her face. “Sorry, I don’t drink.”

“Oh, Eleanor, you’re breaking my heart,” Alexis’s voice was dripping with feigned hurt.

Eleanor retorted, her voice ice-cold. “None of your damn business.”

Just as Alexis opened her mouth, Dominick’s low voice cut through the tension. “Eleanor, you can’t say no.”

“Dominick,” Eleanor’s face drained of color. Finally, she gritted out, “Don’t push me too far.”

“Push you too far?” Dominick’s expression was cold. “For you, nothing is too far?”

“That’s right, Ms. Reed,” Enc chimed in, clearly enjoying Eleanor’s discomfort. “You don’t have to drink, but you’ll face the consequences. You’d better hope you can handle them.”

Eleanor said nothing. Everyone watched, waiting for her to break, and Dominick pushed her further with every word. She had no choice but to accept Alexis’s drink.

“Fine. I’ll drink,” Eleanor muttered, her voice barely a whisper.

A satisfied smile spread across Alexis’s face, her tone dripping with false sweetness. “See? You’re just too stubborn. If you’d taken my drink earlier, everybody would be happy.”

Eleanor ignored her and poured herself a large glass of whiskey, then another for Alexis. Without hesitation, she downed hers. Alexis blinked in shock. Is she crazy? How could she drink a whole cup in one go! Is she trying to kill herself? But I don’t have a death wish, Alexis thought.

Alexis’s eyes shifted to Dominick, pleading. “Nick, I can’t drink that much.”

“Then have juice,” Dominick responded coldly. “Don’t make it hard on yourself.”

Alexis’s face brightened. “Alright then, I’ll toast Eleanor with juice.”

A bodyguard immediately replaced the contents of Alexis’s glass with juice.

The sound of the liquid splashing was like a slap to Eleanor’s face. She glared at Dominick, fury rising. “I’m drinking whiskey, and Alexis gets juice! Dominick, did you even hear yourself?”

Dominick didn’t respond. His gaze, cold and impenetrable, sent a chill through Eleanor, more cutting than any harsh words.

The juice was quickly poured. Alexis raised her glass with a bright smile. “Eleanor, I propose a toast to you.” She took a sip of juice.

Eleanor gritted her teeth, determined, and poured herself another glass of whiskey, gulping it down. Alexis followed suit, sipping her juice with feigned grace.

Eleanor had planned to stop, but seeing Alexis’s smug face, she knew the woman wouldn’t back down. Reluctantly, Eleanor downed one glass after another. Soon, the alcohol hit her; her hands trembled, struggling to hold the glass.

“Eleanor, are you okay?” Alexis feigned surprise, covering her lips. “You’re not going to pass out here, are you? Dominick, come over here and see if she can still handle her liquor.”

“I don’t need him to check,” Eleanor slurred, her drunkenness revealing her bitterness toward Dominick. “I can… keep drinking.”

“Oh, you can still drink? Alright then,” Alexis smiled and took another sip.

The alcohol flowed. Eleanor’s body became unsteady; she dropped the glass and collapsed, vomiting heavily.

She looked a mess. Alexis smiled smugly, sighing and turning to Dominick. “Nick, look at Eleanor. I asked her if she could keep drinking, and she said yes. She still likes to play hero like always.”

Dominick’s brow furrowed as he watched Eleanor. After a long moment, he looked away. “Alexis, this place is too filthy for you. Enc, take her back.”

“Sure, sir,” Eric replied with a sycophantic smile, pushing Alexis’s wheelchair. “Ms. Foster, we should go. Mr. Reed and your mother will be worried.”

“Okay, I’ll go now,” Alexis nodded, then added, looking directly at Dominick, “Nick, when will you come see me?”

Dominick didn’t answer; Alexis wasn’t worried—she knew he would visit. With that, she left.

Once Alexis and Eric were gone, most of the bodyguards followed. The groom, who should have stayed, was nowhere to be found. The room was silent, only Dominick and Eleanor remained.

After emptying her stomach, Eleanor collapsed on the cleaner part of the floor, either asleep or unconscious.

Dominick stepped forward and nudged her with his shoe, frowning. He scowled at her pale, gaunt face, her sunken eyes betraying a lack of decent food and sleep.

“Ugh,” Eleanor stirred, drunkenly lifting her head.

“Shut up,” Dominick growled, disdain in his gaze. “You don’t deserve to say my name.”

“Why don’t I deserve…?” Eleanor raised her face, eyes wide with pain. “You used to like me, didn’t you? If I’m not worthy of calling you that, then who is?”

Dominick paused, then let out a cold laugh. “Eleanor, do you really enjoy playing the fool?”