Chapter 98
Chapter 98
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Eleanor hesitated for a moment, but with Tyler pulling her along, she had no choice but to step forward.
“You’re here,” Linda said. “I really am getting old–my body just isn’t what it used to be. Tyler, you don’t need to worry. I won’t miss my daughter’s wedding.
“And Eleanor, now that you have Tyler by your side, it’s time you started getting involved with the company.”
“Okay.” Eleanor nodded.
Linda said, “Your damned father always said he wouldn’t play favorites, that the company would be split between you and Serena. But you never seemed interested, while Serena was always eager.
“After what happened, Serena lost her right to inherit. Now that you’re getting married, the company will be your dowry. Take care of it–it’ll be your safety net.”
“Mom, what do you mean by safety net?” Eleanor asked.
“Men can be sweet one day and change the next. It’s better to rely on yourself than on a man,” said Linda.
Eleanor nodded, a little surprised that Linda didn’t bring up what happened back in college.
Tyler rested his hand on Eleanor’s shoulder. “Linda, do
you
not trust
me?”
“After you told me about that, I do believe you. But people change. Right now, you want what you can’t have. Once you have it, will you still cherish it?” Linda said.
Eleanor glanced at Tyler and asked quietly, “What did you tell Mom?”
“I just told her the truth,” Tyler said. “What happened back then is exactly how it was.”
So, Linda knew, but she didn’t mention a word about it and instead said all this. ‘What’s she really up to?‘ Eleanor thought. She couldn’t figure it out.
“Mom, you don’t have to worry. If anything, I’ll only care about her more. After all, Eleanor saved my life. If I ever betrayed the person who saved me, I’d lose all my luck,” said Tyler.
Linda chuckled. “I never thought you’d be the superstitious type.”
Tyler shook his head. “It’s not superstition. I just believe what goes around comes around. People are like magnets–if you stay in a certain field long enough, you’ll reap what you sow. Besides, the best investment in life is treating one’s partner well.”
Linda couldn’t help but laugh. “I really didn’t expect you to say something like that.”
Tyler grinned. “Maybe I am a little superstitious. Otherwise, how else would Eleanor have saved me, and now I get to marry her? I think everything happens for a reason.”
“I want to talk to Eleanor alone for a bit. Can you step out for a minute?” Linda said.
“Alright.” Eleanor stepped outside and saw only Tyler. “Where is he?”
Eleanor felt a sudden wave of nerves being alone with Linda.
Linda broke the silence. “Tyler explained everything to me. Chris and Tyler each had their own story, but I believe Tyler. You’ve always been a good kid–smart, stubborn, and honest. I know you’d never do anything to hurt Chris.”
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Chapter 98
Eleanor studied Linda. Ever since they’d made up, Linda had become so much more understanding–so different from before, when just being around her felt like a mistake.
Back then, Eleanor had fallen into depression, and it always seemed like Serena was the real daughter in Linda’s eyes.
Eleanor figured the main reason for Linda’s change toward Serena was that Serena’s birth mother was the woman Richard had always loved, and Serena and Richard’s relationship had always been a little too close for comfort.
“Mom, I’ve never done anything to hurt anyone, not even back then, Eleanor said softly. I never told anyone about what happened, but somehow Serena knew. If I decide to go after Serena for this, you won’t stop me, right?
Linda was quiet for a moment. “I can’t stand betrayal, but you need to keep your head. Don’t let anger push you into doing something you’ll regret for someone who isn’t worth it?
“I get it,” Eleanor replied. “I know where to draw the line.”
“Richard and I are bound to get divorced. If he finds out I gave you the company and Serena got nothing, he’ll come after you.”
Eleanor let out a cold laugh. “He even tried to set me on fire. What wouldn’t he do? He’s a fugitive now–if he shows up, he’s
done for.”
“He’s not someone to underestimate,” Linda warned. “When I was remodeling the house, I found his old journal. He wrote about how much he regretted everything, how he’d put up with so much just for money.
“He planned to wait until you got married, then make me ‘disappear by accident‘ so he and Serena could be together forever.”
Eleanor was stunned, thinking, ‘Is his obsession really that twisted?’
“He used to have a shred of conscience–I mean, one’d have to be completely heartless to go after their own kid. He never meant to kill you.
“But after everything that has happened, especially with Serena marrying into the Langford family, your existence became a threat to her. I heard Serena’s been taken in by the police. Your wedding’s coming up–be careful.”
Eleanor nodded, but when her gaze drifted to the window, her eyes suddenly widened–she caught a glimpse of a shadow pressed against the glass.
She rushed over, but the yard outside was empty. She laid her hand on the windowpane but held back from opening it. She was sure she hadn’t imagined it.
“What’s wrong?” Linda asked.
“Nothing,” Eleanor said quickly. “Mom, it’s been so long since we really talked. I’m glad you opened up to me today. I’ll stay with you tonight.”
Linda waved her hand. “No need. Your wedding’s coming up fast. Just spend more time together. Tyler treats you well, but I still worry. Just remember, don’t give everything away in a marriage.”
“I know, Mom. That’s why I want to stay. So he knows I have my family behind me,” Eleanor said. Linda chuckled. “You silly girl, you’re about to get married. At least ask him how he feels about it.”
“Alright.” Eleanor stepped outside and saw only Tyler. “Where is he?”
Tyler let out a cold snort. “Chris already left. Why, still got him on your mind?”
“It’s not like that. I was just asking,” Eleanor said. “Anyway, I’m staying over tonight. I want to spend son
e with Mom.”
Chapter 98
Tyler glanced toward the ward, his voice dropping. “Did she blame you?”
“She wouldn’t blame me for something that never even happened.” Eleanor hesitated, debating whether to mention the person she’d just seen at the window. “Tyler-”
Suddenly, Tyler’s phone rang. He answered, his expression turning serious. “Got it. I’ll be right there.
He put his phone away, looking apologetic. “If you want to stay, I can stay with you. But something’s come up at work, and I need to take care of it.”
Eleanor nodded. “Okay.”
Chris wandered down the hallway, looking a little out of it. ‘Did I go too far?‘ he thought.
Two young nurses walked past him. One said, “That was terrifying–another one just got brought in, stabbed eight times in the stomach. I heard this killer only goes after wealthy, middle–aged women.”
“Wait, didn’t we just admit someone like that? What if she’s next?” said the other nurse.
“Don’t say that. If that psycho really shows up here, that’d be so creepy.”
Chris stopped in his tracks, Linda immediately coming to mind. He thought, ‘Should I tell Tyler? He hesitated for a second, then hurried off.
****
Chris wandered around outside for ages, and somehow ended up in front of the company building. The light in the CEO’s office was still on. Chris hesitated, then walked into the building.
Through the glass wall, he saw Tyler sitting in his office. Just as Chris was about to leave, he heard the door open. It was Tyler. “What are you doing here so late?”
Chris didn’t answer. Instead, he asked, “Where’s Eleanor?”
“She’s at the hospital with her mom.”
Chris’s face changed instantly.
Noticing something was off, Tyler asked, “What’s wrong?”
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