Chapter 21

“Gregory, you’re wrong. I had no intention of returning,” Eleanor remarked, her voice cold. “If Dominick hadn’t insisted, do you think I would have chosen to be here?”

“How dare you?” Gregory’s face contorted with rage.

Lost for words, he searched for a retort, but found none. A curse was all that escaped his lips: “Bitch.”

Eleanor scoffed. “That’s a label you’ve applied countless times. I’m tired of it. Can’t you manage a more original insult?”

Gregory, defenseless against her barbs, exploded. “How dare you! Look at your current state! You’ve sunk so low that even street beggars seem superior.”

Eleanor shot back, “That’s because none of the street beggars has a father like you.”

“Eleanor, you—” Gregory seethed. He snatched an ashtray and hurled it at her.

Eleanor instinctively dodged, but her weakened state made her too feeble to completely evade it. The ashtray struck her forehead, tearing the skin, and blood flowed.

Eleanor clutched her forehead, glaring at Gregory. Tyler stood, utterly shocked.

“Why are you staring at me?” Gregory, still furious, pointed at Eleanor and bellowed, “I should never have brought you into this world. You’re a wretched bitch.”

“Enough,” a deep, chilling voice interrupted. Dominick appeared at the door.

Eleanor turned to him, her expression blank. He was impeccably dressed in a pristine black suit, accentuating his physique and frosty demeanor.

Seeing Dominick, Gregory felt a pang of guilt and approached him with a sycophantic grin. “Mr. Vanderbilt, what a pleasure! Weren’t you with Alexis?”

Dominick ignored Gregory’s insincerity. “You shouldn’t have struck her.”

A sudden warmth surged through Eleanor’s heart. It seemed Dominick still cared.

That warmth shattered instantly. Dominick said, in a low voice, “Even if you felt the need to strike her, you shouldn't have done it yourself. Because she’s not worth the effort.”

Eleanor was stunned. “Dominick, what do you mean?”

“You’re not in a position to question me,” Dominick said disdainfully. “Besides, aren’t you aware of who you are? Anyone who strikes you only dirties their hands.”

Eleanor’s face drained of color. Her lips quivered, but no words came.

As Alexis wheeled her chair into the room, she saw Eleanor’s expression. A surge of self-satisfaction welled up within her. She swiftly approached Eleanor, inquiring hypocritically, “Eleanor, what happened? Why are you so distraught?”

Eleanor remained silent, casting a profound look at Dominick, her eyes brimming with despair and resentment.

Dominick turned away coldly. “Alexis, come here.”

“Sure,” Alexis smiled, gliding to Dominick’s side.

Dominick dipped his head and adjusted her scarf. “The morning chill is biting. You should have dressed more warmly.”

“Oh, Dominick,” Alexis’ cheeks flushed slightly. “There’s a crowd…Such affection is better suited for private moments, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Understood,” Dominick whispered, rising.

Eleanor watched them with a piercing gaze, a pang of sorrow stabbing at her heart. Each display of affection from Dominick towards Alexis was a stinging rebuke.

“Dad, Mom has been toiling in the kitchen,” Alexis smiled, turning to Gregory. “She’s prepared a feast to welcome Eleanor back. Hurry, or we’ll have to reheat everything.”

Gregory sighed. “Alexis, you and your mother are truly kind. I don’t think we need a feast for…for Eleanor. She’s hardly worthy of it!”

“Dad, it’s a small gesture,” Alexis smiled. “Come along. It’s not every day Eleanor returns home. Let’s not delay.”

“Alright,” Gregory conceded, heading to the dining room.

Once Gregory left, Alexis addressed Dominick. “Dominick, you should join us. Stay for dinner.”

“Okay,” Dominick nodded.

“Mr. Vanderbilt, I’ll accompany you,” Tyler promptly followed.

One by one, the others left, leaving only Alexis and Eleanor. Alexis saw no need to mask her feelings.

She looked at Eleanor with a mocking gaze. “Eleanor, look at you. Dressed in such a tattered and disgraceful manner—are you still the once-proud lady who commanded the entire city?”

Eleanor inquired coolly, “You deliberately lingered to mock me privately?”

“Not merely that,” Alexis replied, her words feigning benevolence. “Truth be told, Eleanor, I’m acting in your best interest. Once you left the Reed family, you’d never have the privilege of attending such gatherings again. I’m merely feeling sorry for you and offering you another opportunity. You should cherish it.”

Eleanor was unmoved. She had grown accustomed to Alexis’ petty schemes.

Seeing Eleanor’s unchanging expression, Alexis changed tactics, inching closer and whispering, “Eleanor, do you know the real reason why Dominick requested your return?”

Eleanor remained silent, stepping back.

“It was I who planted the idea in Dominick’s mind,” Alexis revealed with a smirk. “I urged for your homecoming.”

Eleanor’s brow furrowed. “Alexis, have you lost your mind?”

Alexis tensed, then scoffed. “Oh, Eleanor, your tongue remains as cutting as ever. I want to teach you a lesson in manners.”

“I may speak frankly,” Eleanor met her gaze, “but my sharpness is confined to words. Unlike you, Alexis, your malevolence runs deep, infecting every action you take.”

With a snort, Alexis retorted, “Your sharp tongue is all you have. Eleanor, look at this,” she dramatically yanked apart her lapels, revealing something beneath.