Chapter 22

Across Alexis's chest, a mosaic of discolored marks—ranging from red to purple—stood out, unmistakably the marks of affectionate bites. Eleanor's complexion immediately paled. "Alexis, you…"

With a smug grin, Alexis adjusted her lapels. "You have no idea how energetic Dominick was with me last night. His vigor was almost overwhelming."

Eleanor's eyes flashed. "I don't believe it. I was in prison for years, and Dominick never touched Alexis. Now that I've been out for only a few days, is he already entangled with her? It's impossible!"

"It doesn't matter," Alexis dismissed with a light snort. "Eleanor, I suggest you accept reality. Dominick is mine. Any schemes you employ will only make you look ridiculous."

Eleanor's lips quivered, speechless. Growing more self-satisfied, Alexis slowly maneuvered her wheelchair toward the living room, leaving Eleanor in a daze. She remained there, lost in thought, for a long while.

Dominick sat imperiously in the living room, exuding arrogance and detachment. Gregory and Jennifer hovered obsequiously, showering him with compliments to engage him in conversation. Yet, Dominick remained frosty, offering only terse replies. Alexis wheeled into the room, her chair protesting with a squeak, bestowing a sweet smile upon Dominick. "Dominick, I'm back."

Tyler leaped to his feet and bowed deeply. "Mrs. Vanderbilt, a pleasure to see you."

The title sent a jolt through the Reed family. Alexis's joy was immediate and radiant. "Well, hello there. You must be Eleanor's husband, Tyler, correct?"

"Yes, ma'am," Tyler responded with deference bordering on reverence, perhaps exceeding the respect he'd show his own parents. "I've heard Mr. Vanderbilt holds you in high regard. I'm fortunate to make your acquaintance. You and Mr. Vanderbilt are a heavenly match."

"Shut up, Tyler!" Dominick's interjection was icy and abrupt.

Tyler was shocked, unsure of his transgression. "Mr. Vanderbilt?"

Dominick fixed Tyler with a frigid stare. "Did I grant you permission to speak?" His words were laden with displeasure and an implicit threat.

Tyler trembled and dropped to his knees with a resounding thud. Dominick turned away, coldly saying, "Contemplate your mistake." He had no intention of allowing Tyler to rise.

"Yes, Mr. Vanderbilt," Tyler mumbled, realizing his flattery had been misplaced. He had no choice but to kneel.

From Alexis's earlier words, she barely glanced at Tyler before looking away. When Eleanor entered the living room, she found Tyler kneeling, still reeling from Alexis's announcement. Alexis, however, couldn't contain her gloating. "Eleanor, Tyler said something out of turn and upset Dominick. That's why Dominick is making him kneel. Why don't you intercede?"

Eleanor frowned. "What does Tyler's punishment have to do with me?"

"Oh, Eleanor, how can you be so indifferent?" Alexis feigned shock, covering her mouth. "Tyler is your husband. Surely, it has something to do with you."

"Husband? Funny," Eleanor scoffed, turning away. From the outset, she had never accepted this so-called husband.

Seeing Eleanor's indifferent reaction, Alexis pressed on earnestly. "Eleanor, this is not how to treat Tyler. He's your husband, the man you're supposed to spend your life with. He's being punished by kneeling. How can you be so cavalier?"

Each of Alexis's words sank like an arrow into Tyler's heart. Eleanor's brow furrowed. "Alexis, have you no need of this… this charade?"

Alexis put her hand to her mouth, her eyes welling up. "Eleanor, I was merely trying to help you! How can you speak to me like that?"

"Enough," Dominick's deep voice cut through the tension.

Alexis turned, surprised. "Dominick, what's wrong?"

Dominick's brows knitted together, his expression stern as he declared coldly, "Time for dinner." With that, he rose and strode directly toward the dining room.

Eleanor shot Dominick a glance of surprise. She had expected a rebuke, but he seemed grimly interested in eating. Alexis was upset that Dominick did not berate Eleanor as expected. A shadow crossed her face.

"Alexis," Eleanor addressed her with a sneer. "It appears your machinations aren't always effective."

Alexis remained silent, but Gregory's anger flared. "You ungrateful wretch! How dare you speak to Alexis like that? We should never have allowed you back into this family! You're only here to wreak havoc!"

Eleanor scoffed. "Do you think I wanted to come back?"

Gregory, enraged, took a step forward, his hand raised to slap Eleanor. Eleanor met his gaze without fear. "Dominick is still here. Are you sure you want him to dine with someone with a flamed face? If you spoil Dominick's appetite, can you afford the consequences?"

Gregory paused, considering the implications. Reluctantly, he lowered his hand, muttering, "I should have drowned you at birth."

"I feel the same," Eleanor retorted before striding toward the dining room. Gregory fumed for a long while before Jennifer, soothing his chest, managed to calm him and coax him into the dining room.

Tyler remained kneeling, dejected. No one paid him any attention. He was like an invisible servant, stripped of all dignity.

Once everyone had left, Alexis wheeled over to Tyler, her tone soft and refined. "Tyler, you may rise now."

"Mrs. Vanderbilt—no, Ms. Foster," Tyler corrected himself hastily. "But Mr. Vanderbilt hasn't said I can rise."

"Dominick simply forgot," Alexis offered a friendly smile. "Besides, you're Eleanor's husband, part of our family. How can Dominick keep making things difficult for you?"

"But…" Tyler hesitated.

Alexis, determined to have Tyler inside causing trouble for Eleanor, wouldn't let him be deterred. Seeing his indecision, she said, "If Dominick questions it, tell him I told you to rise. After all, Dominick wouldn't want to make things difficult for me."