Chapter 32 Having Someone To Take Care Of
Eleanor didn’t expect Tyler to change the subject so abruptly. She pressed her lips. together, paused for a beat, then said, “Let’s just take things as they come.”
Tyler chuckled. “Relax, it’s just a question. No need to act like you’re heading into battle.”
“I don’t really have experience with this,” Eleanor admitted. “But I’m not one to run from it either.”
Tyler looked at her for a moment, then reached out to ruffle her hair. “You make it sound like I’ll settle for just anyone. So–what’s the game plan?”
“Huh?” Eleanor blinked in confusion.
“Your father and Serena…” Tyler mentioned. “Your mom’s going to find out eventually too. How are you planning to handle that?”
Eleanor gave a careless shrug. “They’re grown–ups. Not my circus, not my monkeys.”
“Fine.” Tyler nodded. “And about Chris–you’ve seen how they are. They’re not pulling any punches, so don’t feel like you have to play nice either. Do what you want. I’ve got your back.”
Eleanor smiled, eyes shining. “Tyler, you really are a catch. I’m not sure how to thank you… maybe I should just offer myself up.”
“Then I guess I’ll just have to keep being a great guy,” Tyler’s lips quirked into a grin before realizing something. “I’ve got a few things to handle–just one moment.“”
He stepped aside to make a quick call. After returning, he briefly mentioned the call, “I” ve arranged for someone to take over starting today.”
“Oh,” Eleanor was not surprised.
“So,” Tyler asked, “where to next? Our place, or the Langford mansion?”
The words “our place” made Eleanor’s heart skip a beat. She turned to look at him. Chris and the rest are going to the mansion, right?”
“Yeah,” Tyler replied. “They’ll be there for a while.”
“Then let’s go too, Eleanor said. “Might as well clear the air–old grudges, new ones, all of it. Don’t tell me you think I’m just picking a fight?”
Tyler shook his head. “Not at all. Even if you don’t go looking for trouble, it’ll find you. Might as well be the one to strike first. But-”
His brow furrowed slightly, something clearly bothering him.
“What is it?” Eleanor asked.
Tyler looked at her for a while before explaining, “If Chris realizes Serena’s not as
innocent as he thought she was, and starts regretting it… if he comes back looking for
Chapter 32 Having Someone To Take Care Of
you–what would you do?”
“You worried?” Eleanor asked. “I’m not in the habit of taking back exes. Besides, being married to you? Not a bad deal at all.”
Tyler smiled, but his expression grew more serious. “There’s something I need to tell you. Back on the mountain–when I almost died–that wasn’t just an accident.”
He knew someone had tried to take him out. He’d let his guard down, and that nearly cost him his life. If it hadn’t been for Eleanor, he might not have made it back.
“Do you know who it was? Have they been found?” Eleanor asked.
“Don’t worry about the details,” Tyler said. “I just want you to stay sharp.”
“Relax,” Eleanor said, patting her chest. “I picked up some self–defense when I was a kid in the rural. My sparring partner was a big white goose.”
Tyler burst out laughing, the crease between his brows finally easing. Eleanor was at little stunned–she’d never seen him laugh like that. It actually looked good on him. After dinner at the Langford mansion, they heard noise from outside–Chris and the others were back.
Serena walked in and immediately spotted Eleanor sitting on the couch. “What are you doing here?” she screamed.
Eleanor barely raised her eyes. “Where are your manners? Is that any way to greet your aunt–in–law?”
Serena clung to Chris, strutting in like she owned the place, throwing Eleanor a look. full of disdain. But Eleanor only found it amusing.
“How long has it been? You already forgot?” Eleanor asked lazily. “The Langford family‘ s my family too. Why wouldn’t I be here? Tyler and I talked–it’s better to stay here for a bit, keep Martha company.”
Chris, slightly drunk by Serena’s side, perked up at Eleanor’s voice. “Eleanor, my head’s pounding. And my stomach’s a mess. Wendy doesn’t know how to make that hangover remedy. Can you help?”
For a second, it felt like nothing had changed.
Eleanor glanced at Serena’s sour expression, then turned to Chris. She couldn’t tell if he was really drunk or just pretending–but either way, if he thought she was still going to wait on him, he was dreaming.
“Oh, dear nephew, you’ve had a few too many. Don’t you think it’s a bit inappropriate to ask me to serve you?” she mocked.
Right then, Chris suddenly gagged and threw up. The stench was instant and overwhelming. Serena recoiled in disgust, pulling away from him.
Noticing the drama, Kara, who’d just walked in, immediately slapped Serena across the face. “He’s your husband!” shouted Kara. “What kind of wife are you, turning up your
Chapter 32 Having Someone To Take Care of
nose at him like that?”
Serena’s eyes filled with tears, but she didn’t dare let them fall. Eleanor, on the other hand, watched with a smirk.
She knew Kara was shallow and petty–now that Serena had married into the family, she was in for it. This was going to be entertaining.
“You’re the best at taking care of Chris,” Kara turned to Eleanor. “Can’t you help out?”
“That was then,” Eleanor said coolly. “If a wife can’t take care of her own husband, how is she supposed to be considered decent? Kara, you should let Serena step up. And maybe go easy on her too. What if something happens to the baby? That’d be on you. We should probably have the family doctor check in.”
Serena’s face went pale. “No, that’s not necessary. I’m fine.”
“Come on, Serena,” Eleanor said with faux sincerity. “You’re part of the family now. I can’t just ignore you. Let’s bring someone over tomorrow.”
“Once Chris sobers up, I’ll talk to him,” Serena mumbled. “Hey, I’m worried that…”
“Hey‘?” Eleanor raised a brow. “Serena, are you still confused about your place?”
Serena bit her lip and reluctantly muttered, “I’m sorry, Eleanor.”
“Mmm, that’s better,” Eleanor said with a smile. “What’s on your mind?”
Serena hesitated. “I’m worried… I’m afraid you might do something to my baby. I’ll go to the hospital myself.”
Eleanor looked surprised. “Why would I hurt you? That’s a serious accusation. Anyway, don’t just stand there–go clean up your husband’s mess.”
Serena mumbled, “That’s what the servants are for.”
“They’ve got their own jobs. Why are you looking down on your own husband like that?” Eleanor replied before turning to Kara. “Kara, maybe you should set a better example.”
Kara snapped, clearly irritated, “Mind your own business.” She knew Eleanor was good. at handling people and taking care of others, which made her feel more unfair.
“Alright,”
“said Eleanor. “You all deal with this mess. I’m heading back.”
She returned to the bedroom, opened the door, and found Tyler at the desk, typing away on his laptop.
“All done causing trouble?” he said, glancing up at her.
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Chapter 33 The Drama Unfoldling
