Chapter 39
Andrew nodded, his expression serious as he said, “Eleanor, I’m sorry. I should’ve taught Gloria better, and I should ve looked out for you.”
Eleanor flashed a bright smile and replied, “It’s all good. I’m not bothered by it, and you don’t need to dwell on it.”
To Eleanor, Gloria’s little antics were harmless–just a bit of fun to spice up her otherwise dull life.
But Andrew didn’t see it that way. Watching Eleanor’s comforting smile felt like a stab to his heart, and it reminded him of how alone Eleanor was when she was lying cold in a morgue in her past life. The pain of that thought made him ache.
“Eleanor, I’ll protect you no matter what this time. Whatever you want or need. I’ll support you unconditionally. As long as you’re happy and safe, that’s all that matters, Andrew then said in a sincere tone.
“Wait, what?” Eleanor blinked, caught off guard by his heavy promise. She didn’t know why he was saying this all of a sudden
Considering how close the Vanderbilt family was to bankruptcy, she wouldn’t even know if she could survive, let alone want anything.
Eleanor took a deep sigh, not knowing how to reply properly.
The unexpected fall of Gloria threw everything into chaos. Teachers rushed to check on her, and the pep rally quickly fizzled out, leaving Eleanor at a loss for words.
Stephen sighed, his gaze landing on the fluffy top of Eleanor’s head. “Looks like there are no hugs today.”
His breath brushed against her ear, warm and impossible to ignore. She tilted her head back to look at him and asked, “You really want a hug?”
Stephen raised his eyebrows and said, “Yeah, I do.
Before he could process what he just said, a massive figure lunged at him, wrapping around his neck like a giant bear. “Stephen, I just found out you love me this much. If you want a hug, just say so. I’ll hug you every day. Do you want kisses
too? Come one…
Stephen wasn’t ready for it and ended up with Liam planting two smacking kisses right on him. His face darkened instantly There wasn’t a moment he wanted to strangle his brother more than now.
Eleanor couldn’t help laughing so hard that her stomach hurt, and she murmured in her mind, ‘See? Stephen, that’s what you get for messing around with me. You brought this on yourself.
With a scowl, Stephen yanked Liam by the back of his collar, hauled him off, and tossed him onto the ground like a rag doll. He looked like he wanted to throw in a couple of suplexes to Liam.
“Oscar,” Stephen called.
Hearing his name, Oscar immediately understood the assignment. He pulled out a clean wet wipe and shoved it into. Stephen’s hand.
Stephen meticulously wiped his fingers and then his face, especially the spots Liam had kissed, rubbing until his skin was practically red.
Next, he shed his expensive suit jacket and tossed it at Oscar. “Throw this away.”
Thinking for a moment, he added, “The orphanage we talked about, remember? I think we can move that up on the agenda”
Oscar glanced at Liam, who was still sitting on the ground looking all innocent, and replied, “Sure.”
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Chapter 39
Eleanor couldn’t help but smirk. These two brothers had a real love–hate relationship going on
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Just then, a familiar figure stepped in front of Eleanor–it was Janet, freshly off the stage. She looked more composed than before, though the dark circles under her eyes suggested she hadn’t slept well, and her face looked a bit haggard. Still, her eyes sparkled with a bright clarity, free of any clouds.
“Eleanor, thank you, Janet said with a smile.
Eleanor blinked in confusion and stared into Janet’s eyes. “Thank me? Why?”
Janet explained. Tve always lived a comfortable life, looked like I had it all together, but deep down. I never really thought about what my future would look like. I felt a helpless confusion about it.
“Now that my family’s gone bankrupt, it’s like everything suddenly clicked for me. Even the future that used to haunt me now feels clear. I’ve found what I want. And just to be clear, I’m not saying this to ask for your help, I genuinely want to… thank you
After saying all that, she let out a sigh of relief, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Raising her eyebrows, she waved and said, “Eleanor, see you later.”
Eleanor stood there in a trance, a smile creeping onto her lips. “See you.”
With the pep rally wrapping up, it was time for the students to head home with their families.
Eleanor looked up at Ross, her eyes filled with an unintentional dependency. “Ross, where are you staying right now?”
Her adoptive parents had been devastated after the original Eleanor was taken back by the Vanderbilts, so Ross had whisked i them away abroad, and their house had been sold long ago.
Ross flashed a gentle smile and replied while pinching her earlobe playfully. I’m staying at a friend’s place. Once I get through this busy patch, I’ll have all the time to stay with you.”
Eleanor nodded, a bit downcast. “Okay…”
To be honest, she really wished she could live with Ross.
Andrew squinted and watched Ross pinch Eleanor’s ear. At that moment, he felt an urge to break Ross’s fingers. No, more than that, he wanted to break everything on him.
Just then, Freddie rushed over and said in a nervous tone, “Mr. Vanderbilt, you should check on Gloria. She’s refusing treatment until she sees you. It’s really urgent…
Andrew turned his gaze away, but his vibe still screamed menace, causing Freddie to tremble a little.
“Oh man, Andrew’s expression is terrifying. Is he mad because we messed up and Gloria fell? But it wasn’t our fault. I’ve just checked that the stairs were fine–she just slipped. Mr. Vanderbilt wouldn’t take it out on us, would he?‘ Freddie thought with a shudder.
Andrew merely glanced at Freddie and then shifted his focus back to Eleanor. He softened his tone and said, “Ellie, wait here for a second. I’ll be right back.”
Eleanor said nothing but just nodded.
Seeing her obedient demeanor made Andrew smile. But after taking a few steps, he suddenly stopped, as if a thought struck
him.
Looking at Stephen and Ross, who were still standing there, Andrew turned to Vincent trailing behind and said, “Vincent, stay here and watch over Ellie. No slip–ups, understood?”
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Vincent nodded and replied, “Got i
