Chapter 23

With Alexis's reassurance, Tyler felt emboldened and rose shakily. "Thank you, Ms. Foster."

"Think nothing of it," Alexis replied, smiling gracefully before entering the dining room. Tyler watched her retreating figure, a hint of distraction in his gaze. Dominick and the Gregorys were already seated in the adjacent dining room. Naturally, Dominick occupied the most prominent position, with the Gregorys sitting at a respectful distance on either side. The vacant seat was undoubtedly reserved for Alexis.

At the thought of Alexis, Eleanor recalled the marks on her chest, her face paling slightly. She clenched her teeth, intending to sit as far from Dominick as possible to compose herself. However, Dominick's deep voice cut through the air, "Remain standing. I did not give you permission to sit."

"Dominick, why?" Eleanor asked, confused.

"Stand up," Dominick commanded coldly, his patience waning. Eleanor involuntarily jolted to her feet. He then barked, "Serve the dishes to those present."

"Serve the dishes!" Eleanor finally understood. "You're treating me as a servant?"

"Eleanor, consider yourself fortunate," Dominick sneered, his deep green eyes glittering with a chilling intensity. "At least for now, you still possess the value of a servant." He implied that were it not for her usefulness, he would have treated her far more harshly.

Eleanor's face drained of color. "I won't do it," she declared loudly. It was clear Dominick intended to humiliate her. His brow furrowed, his patience wearing thin, and he turned to Gregory. "Teach her the meaning of obedience."

"Understood, Mr. Vanderbilt," Gregory responded menacingly, raising his hand to slap Eleanor.

Jennifer watched with malicious delight, her words dripping with condescension. "Oh, Ellie, look at you. Why be so stubborn with Mr. Vanderbilt? Just do as he asks. Why subject yourself to this physical torment?"

Ignoring Jennifer and Gregory, Eleanor glared at Dominick. "Dominick, why are you treating me this way? Is it because you've slept with Alexis?"

Dominick was momentarily speechless, his posture stiffening. He stared at Eleanor in disbelief, then burst into cold laughter. "Even if I did, so what?"

"Fine. I'll serve the dishes," Eleanor said, rising and standing by the heaters. Her heart froze as she gazed at Dominick, then laughed.

Eric, leading servants carrying dishes, approached. Seeing Eleanor, he looked astonished. He pointed and declared loudly, "You there, the servant! Why don't you come out and..."

Alexis quickly interjected, feigning kindness. "This is Ellie..."

Eric, feigning surprise, played along. "Miss Reed, why are you dressed like this? You look so plain, almost like a servant. I didn't recognize you!"

Eleanor's face was impassive. "You've already seen me once."

"Well..." Eric looked embarrassed.

"If it was excusable that you didn't recognize me the first time," Eleanor said coldly, "then not recognizing me a second time means you have a..."

Eric's face flushed with anger at being rebuked. He instinctively looked to Alexis for support. "Ms. Foster..."

Alexis tried to smooth things over, but Eleanor cut her off. "A poor memory should go home and retire. I will occupy the position of butler here."

Eric, gloomy from the reprimand, said nothing. Alexis wanted to speak, but Eleanor had seized the initiative. Helplessly, Alexis offered a tactful smile. "Eleanor, why are you so aggressive? It's not at all endearing."

"Endearing?" Eleanor snorted coldly, looking at Alexis with icy eyes. "What is endearing like your..."

Alexis was speechless. Gregory simmered with anger, but Dominick's presence prevented him from voicing his thoughts.

Eleanor gazed at Dominick with burning anger. "Mr. Vanderbilt, when do we dine? You may have the luxury of waiting, but I do not have that patience."

Dominick's eyes narrowed slightly as they locked in a brief, tense moment before she broke the stare. His gaze was overpowering; she had never shied away from confrontation except with him.

After watching her for a few moments, he turned to Eric. "Serve the dishes." His command, delivered with ease and authority, made him seem more the master of the house than any member of the Reed family.

"Yes, Mr. Vanderbilt," Eric responded with a fawning nod and bow, serving the dishes with obsequious diligence. The dishes were lavish and presented one by one.

Dominick then addressed Eleanor. "Go and serve Alexis."

"Why?" Eleanor's brow furrowed. "Is she incapable of serving herself?"

Dominick chuckled softly and coldly, his eyes glinting.

Gregory shot a stern glance at Eleanor. "Eleanor, Mr. Vanderbilt is honoring you by ordering you. What makes you think you have the right to negotiate with Mr. Vanderbilt?"

Eleanor was about to retort, but the memory of the marks on Alexis's chest caused her to fall silent, before finally serving Alexis as Dominick had ordered. Dominick was surprised by her sudden compliance. Alexis, too, was surprised, a faint blush touching her cheeks as she addressed Eleanor. "Eleanor, is this too much of an inconvenience for you?"

Inconvenience! thought Eleanor. Alexis is hoping for just that—my discomfort.

Eleanor let out a cold murmur, only for Alexis's ears. "Drop the act, Alexis, you make me sick."

"Sick?" Alexis responded with a soft laugh. "Eleanor, you're just envious that Dominick slept with me. But remember, from now..."

Their eyes locked in a brief standoff. Eleanor fell unusually silent, biding her time as she served Alexis. Alexis, taking this as her due, began to command Eleanor's service.

"Eleanor, I'd like to taste some of this..." "Eleanor, fetch that for me..." "Eleanor, I'd like to try... Oh, Eleanor, I'm so sorry. Is this too much trouble for you...?"