Chapter 34 The Witness
Eleanor followed Serena into
one’s around,” she said coolly garden and stopped by the edge of the pond. “No
“You can drop the act now.”
Serena’s face twisted into a sneer. In a heartbeat, the meek mask dropped, replaced by icy contempt. “Eleanor, I really underestimated you.”
Used to think you were clever,
Eleanor gave a mocking smile. “Done pretending? I | Serena. But marrying into the Langford family and digging your own grave the moment you got in? How do you plan to survive in that household?”
Serena snapped back, her voice like a whip. “As long as Chris loves me, that’s all that matters! I’m going to destroy you, make everyone look down on you. You think marrying Tyler after dumping Chris makes you look respectable?”
Eleanor shook her head, her tone laced with pity. “With brains like yours, you and Chris are a match made in heaven.”
“Shut up!” Serena spat, eyes blazing. “Because of you, the Langford family’s future heir -my child–is gone!”
Then, just as suddenly, she turned and leapt into the pond, thrashing about and screaming, “Help! Help!”
Eleanor didn’t even flinch. She sat down casually on a stone bench nearby, watching
her flail.
“Help! Somebody help me!” Serena splashed wildly, but no one came.
Eleanor chuckled. “Serena, you chose this spot because you thought no one would see. But didn’t you think–if there’s no one around, who’s supposed to save you?”
She stood up and slowly turned away. As she walked off, Serena panicked and swallowed several gulps of water.
Back at the house, Kara spotted Eleanor returning alone.
“Where is Serena?” Kara asked.
“Oh,” Eleanor said lightly, “she slipped and fell into the pond. I don’t know how to swim, so I came back to find help.”
Though she didn’t like Serena, Kara’s face paled at the mention of the baby. “You did this on purpose! You’re trying to hurt my grandchild!”
“I swear, I never laid a hand on her,” Eleanor replied calmly.
Kara’s eyes narrowed. “Who’d believe that? You have a history! You kidnapped someone when you were younger–clearly, you’ve always had a cruel streak!”
She was about to launch into more accusations, but Tyler’s cold, sharp glare made her
falter.
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Chapter 34 The Witness
“Kara,” Tyler’s voice rang out, laced with warning, “you saw the truth at the wedding. Serena brought this on herself–she has to live with the consequences.”
“Chris said that video was fake!” Kara snapped.
Tyler raised an eyebrow. “That video was meant for Eleanor. I was the one who dug it
up.”
Kara was stunned into silence. Disbelief spread across her face.
The realization struck her–Tyler might’ve done all this for Eleanor. Maybe… he liked her. If her son ended up with Eleanor, that would actually be a win. The thought made her even more furious.
“The pond isn’t that deep,” Tyler added, as if reminiscing. “If someone really wanted to die, they’d pick a better place.”
“Exactly,” Eleanor said with a shrug. “Probably just a hormonal outburst. Chris called my name while drunk–what’s that got to do with me? I feel cursed.”
“What did you just say?!” Kara exploded.
“Did I stutter?” Eleanor shot back. “It’s terrifying. What if he still has feelings for me and lashes out? I’m just a woman–I can’t fight a man. And you all know how important reputation is, right? I’m just scared.”
She leaned against Tyler, looking helpless. “Tyler, remember that case about the wife who helped her husband kidnap a girl? What if Serena and Chris try something like. that?”
Despite her trembling voice, her expression was unreadable. Tyler chuckled, pulling her close and gently patting her back. “Don’t worry,” he said. “If they even try, I’ll make sure they’re kicked out of the Langford family.”
‘Don’t get ahead of yourself, Tyler!” Kara yelled. “You’ve had your eye on her this whole. time! That’s why you married her, isn’t it? Maybe you even planned the whole breakup. with Chris.”
“You’re mistaken,” Tyler replied coolly. “Everyone knows how that breakup happened. I married Eleanor because I believe in her. I won’t let a good person be wronged. I won’t let someone who helped me be treated like dirt.”
“You-” Kara jabbed a finger toward Eleanor, too shocked to form a full sentence.
“I don’t like people pointing fingers at me,” Eleanor said sharply. “I’ll let it go this time. Next time, I won’t.”
Tyler turned to Kara with a faint smile. “You should go check on your daughter–in–law. Don’t let her performance go,to waste.”
Kara shot him a glare and stormed off toward the gar
In the pond, Serena was still flailing and crying.
garden.
“Are you planning to drown upright?” Kara snapped.
“I can’t swim!‘ Serena sobbed.
“Stand up!” Kara barked. “You heard me!”
Serena hesitated, but finally got to her feet. The water barely reached her waist. Her expression darkened.
“What are you doing, standing there like an idiot? Stop embarrassing yourself and get out!” barked Kara
Serena clenched her fists, her face pale. She stumbled onto the grass and nearly collapsed–only to hear Eleanor’s voice behind her. “Serena, don’t blame me. I had no idea the water was so shallow. I panicked and didn’t want to risk my life, so I went to find help,” said Eleanor. “Oh, and I’ve already called a doctor. A real expert–an old traditional practitioner. He’ll be here soon to check on you.”
Serena instantly sobered up, a flash of panic in her eyes. “I don’t want your doctor! You pushed me in! You’re trying to harm me!”
Kara hesitated, then muttered, Still… better safe than sorry. Eleanor, stay out of this. It‘ s our matter.”
“That’s not possible,” Eleanor said sweetly. “The doctor’s probably already here. He’s quite famous, you know. He can tell the baby’s gender just by feeling the pulse. Don’t you want to know if it’s a boy or a girl?”
Kara’s expression shifted–curious now.
Serena went pale, clutching her belly. Before she could say anything, Eleanor added with mock concern, “He’s also amazing at protecting pregnancies. Serena, falling into the water like that might’ve hurt the baby. You really should be checked.”
Just then, Eleanor’s phone rang. “Yes, I’ll come meet you now,” she replied to the phone.
“I’m not going!” Serena shouted.
“Why not?” Tyler cut in. “Got something to hide? If you refuse, people might start getting suspicious. There are plenty of witnesses–no one’s going to hurt you.”
“She pushed me! She wants to hurt my baby!” Serena screamed.
L
“But I saw you jump in yourself,” a timid voice piped up from the side.
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