Chapter 3
Eleanor’s blood boiled at the word “engaged.” Her brown eyes narrowed, her gaze locking onto Alexis, whose smile felt utterly false. Her tightly bound hands clenched into fists. If not for the two men restraining her, Eleanor would have lunged at Alexis and punched her.
“I don’t believe it,” Eleanor gritted out, her teeth clenched.
Alexis watched Eleanor’s furious face, clearly relishing her reaction. She ran a finger through her hair with a sigh, feigning composure. “Eleanor, I know you’ve always had feelings for Dominick, but… much has happened. You’ve hurt me, but I’ve always considered you family. You and Dominick grew up together. As a friend and family member, I truly hope you can offer your best wishes.”
“Shut up! Alexis, you’re so hypocritical. You disgust me!” Eleanor’s eyes blazed with disgust.
Alexis gave her a pitying look, shaking her head. Turning her wheelchair, she addressed Dominick’s men. “Once Eleanor has reflected sufficiently, release her. Don’t make it harder than necessary.”
“Certainly, Ms. Foster,” the men replied in unison.
Bruce and Brutus Willis, twin brothers and Dominick’s most trusted men, were tall and serious. Alexis’s words were not merely generous; they were a warning to keep a close watch on Eleanor.
Under their watchful gaze, Eleanor was forced to stand barefoot on the cold marble floor of the living room for a day. Only the next morning were servants dispatched to return her to her room.
Alexis had appropriated Eleanor’s room. Now, Eleanor was confined to a small, dark, cramped storage room, furnished only with a simple bed—even more depressing than the servants’ quarters. Pale from hunger, Eleanor lay on the narrow bed, her legs aching. Her stomach growled, but she merely stared at the ceiling, scoffing bitterly.
This was the home she’d lived in for eighteen years, yet after only three, there was no trace of her existence. Gregory had discarded everything she owned, as if she’d never been part of the Reed family. She’d grown accustomed to Gregory’s coldness, but the sting of this rejection was sharp. This was her home, yet she was treated worse than a stranger.
She recalled her trust in Alexis, her acceptance as family. The thought made her want to strike the naive girl she once was.
“How could I have been so blind to allow a devil into my life?” Eleanor thought, sneering.
Alexis’s mother, Jennifer, had been best friends with Eleanor’s mother. After Eleanor’s mother died when Eleanor was ten, Jennifer frequently visited Reed Villa, eventually forming a relationship with Gregory. Initially kind, Jennifer and Alexis had played their parts for years, only to reveal their true selves. With one swift move, they’d plunged Eleanor from happiness into despair.
“I’m so hungry,” Eleanor mumbled, tears welling in her eyes. Even after prison, the loneliness in this tiny room was crushing. Her ankles were swollen, and the slightest touch sent pain shooting up her legs. Exhausted and starving, she knew the Reed family was under Alexis’s control. There was no chance of food.
After a day without water, Eleanor felt her strength failing. She tried to get up, but the door burst open.
Eric stood in the doorway, sneering. “Mr. Reed says you weren’t part of the family three years ago. If you want to stay, you’ll have to work. The family doesn’t support freeloaders.”
“Ridiculous,” Eleanor laughed bitterly. “Who isn’t part of this family? This house belonged to my grandparents. Gregory is an adopted orphan who doesn't even know his real parents, and he claims ownership? What a joke!”
Eric frowned, his voice sharp. “Those are old stories. Mr. Reed owns this villa now. Nothing else matters.”
“Enough,” Eleanor cut him off. “Eric, you’ve lived here for decades. I never expected you to fawn over outsiders after my grandparents died. Even if I’m not part of the Reed family, you are!”
Eric’s face reddened. He raised his hand to slap her, but Eleanor, hardened by prison, grabbed his wrist. With a sharp jerk, she threw his hand away. “This is my home. No one is kicking me out. Tell Gregory that even if he stole everything my grandparents and mother left me, he will pay.”
She had nothing left to lose and feared no one. Gregory had shown no mercy; why should she show him any? Eric, silenced by the menacing glint in Eleanor’s eyes, was frozen. The spoiled princess was gone, replaced by a woman with fire in her eyes—a cornered rabbit ready to bite. Eric sensed this wasn’t about reconciliation; it was about revenge. He might be hurt, but she wouldn't go down without a fight.
His pride wouldn't let him back down completely. Still seething, he spat, “Fine. If you won’t work, don’t expect to eat anything from the Reed family. Let’s see how long you last.”
He stormed off, leaving Eleanor alone. Outside, the servants exchanged uneasy glances, unsure what to do.