Chapter 112
As soon as Eleanor finished talking, Serena’s smile vanished. Chris looked super awkward and shot Eleanor a glare, only to lower his head at a cold glance his way.
“Eleanor, could you watch what you say? People might get the wrong idea.”
Eleanor just shrugged. “Your uncle doesn’t care, so why should you? Besides, if you want to go see him, I’m not about to stop you, that’d make me look petty. Here, take it.”
Chris caught the watch Eleanor tossed over, looking surprised. “This isn’t mine.”
“It is now. They were out of stock here, so I had it shipped in. It took two months with international shipping. It wouldn’t have been fight to give it to you in private, Your uncle doesn’t even like this kind of thing, especially since it wasn’t his to begin with.”
Chris recognized the watch. It was the one he’d wanted for h would remember,
birthday, but it hadn’t been available anywhere in the country. He never expected Eleanor
His expression grew complicated. Back when he was dating Eleanor, she’d always surprise him with gifts, and whenever they went out to eat, she’d pick up the check without batting an eye. Stuff like that always made him feel a little emasculated, but he couldn’t help enjoying the way Eleanor took care of him.
If Eleanor hadn’t stuck her nose in things back then, and Tyler would be long gone, his dad would’ve inherited the company, and maybe he wouldn’t be struggling so much now.
Serena’s eyes went wide, practically glued to the watch. She had spent so much time memorizing brands, desperate to break into high society. This watch was a Rolex. As always, everything Eleanor had was beyond her reach. Even though Linda was strict, she still gave her daughter decent monthly pocket money. Meanwhile, Serena’s allowance barely covered her shopping sprees.
“Oh, and if you feel weird about keeping it, just sell it,” Eleanor said with a sly grin. “But I’d go to a vintage shop–no point ending up with nothing.”
Chris gripped the watch tightly, a flicker of conflict in his eyes.
“I can’t take it.” He finally made up his mind and handed the watch back to Eleanor.
Serena frowned. ‘What is wrong with this guy?‘ Even if he didn’t want it, she still did. ‘It’s impressive with that on my wrist. Chris is such an idiot. Who turns down free luxury?‘
Eleanor waved him off. “It’s yours, Chris, it’s up to you what you do with it. After all, it used to be your favorite.”
Chris glanced at Serena, picking up on the double meaning in Eleanor’s words.
Serena quickly masked the longing in her eyes and said gently, “Chris, why are you looking at me like that? Go ahead and take it. I won’t get the wrong
idea.”
Eleanor laughed. “Actually, there’s another way, Serena. Why don’t you just buy Chris a new one and toss this one out? It’s my money anyway, so I don’t
care.”
Serena stared at Eleanor, feeling that bright smile was blindingly sarcastic. Tossing out something worth tens of thousands like it’s nothing? Was she mocking her for being poor? The truth was–yes–she really couldn’t afford it.
“Oh, and there’s one more option,” Eleanor added with a grin. “You two can just transfer me the money. I’ll give you the friends–and–family rate–20 thousand dollars, how about that?”
Serena’s smile cracked. “Eleanor, it’s not appropriate to ask for money for something you gave as a gift.”
“On the contrary,” Eleanor said, all warmth gone. “I’m only asking so you won’t feel burdened. A watch shouldn’t come between your relationship. Why not solve everything with a bit of money? Go on, pay up.”
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Chapter 112
chris’s face darkened. He knew exactly what Eleanor was doing. She humiliated him on purpose, reminding him of how well de Maltes
“I’ll transfer it Chris said through clenched teetit.
“That’s what I like to hear.” Eleanor whipped out a little sign with a QR code. “Credit cards or Alipay? Come on, hurry up before someone comes ove
Chris stared at the payment code. “Are you messing with me on purpose?”
“Are you paying or not?” Eleanor shot back. “Look, I’m giving you a good deal. You could flip it for 30 thousand dollars. You’re making money off this
“Are you short on money? Is my uncle not treating you well?” Chris retorted.
Eleanor tapped her fingers on the table. “Scan the code already. Otherwise, when your parents get here, you’ll still have to pay and get an earful on top of it. Don’t tell me you’re broke.”
Chris glanced at Tyler, but seeing how chill he looked, Chris realized Tyler was totally fine with this.
Without Tyler backing her up, Eleanor wouldn’t dare pull something like this.
“Chris.” Serena grabbed his arm. “We’re family. Don’t let money get in the way.”
“Even blood brothers have to keep things clear.” Eleanor pressed. “Are you transferring the money or not? If you can’t, I’ll go ask your parents.”
“You can’t,” Serena looked at Chris with big, hopeful eyes. “Chris, my birthday’s coming up soon.”
Chris froze. He’d promised her the latest Louis Vuitton bag, and the balance on his card was barely enough to cover it. If he paid Eleanor, there’d be nothing left.
“Your birthday?” Eleanor raised an eyebrow. “Oh, right. Back when you were single, my parents always got you something nice, either a bag or some jewelry. Looks like that tradition hasn’t changed even after marriage. But Chris can’t compete with my family. Back then, I used to rack my brain to help him save money without making it obvious, just so he could look good in front of people.”
Chris’s face darkened. “Eleanor, do you have to bring that up? I`didn’t rely on you to keep face!”
Eleanor shot back, “What’s so hard to admit? Without me, you really couldn’t show your face around your friends. Serena, want to hear the whole story? I didn’t dare tell you before because I didn’t want to mess up your relationship. But now that you two are married, I don’t mind spilling the beans.”
“Enough! I’ll transfer it!” Chris shouted.
The sound of Alipay’s “transaction successful” chime rang out–20 thousand transferred. Eleanor grinned. “Good boy. Do whatever you want with the watch. But listen to me, don’t be afraid of losing face. Selling it would be the smart move.”
Serena took the watch and said, “Well, since we paid for it, you don’t have to worry anymore. This watch is your gift. We’d never disrespect your kindness. People judge by appearances, you know. If you’re so well–off, how come I never see you with any decent bags or jewelry? Your dad used to buy me so many bags, I couldn’t even carry them all.”
“He takes you for a lover. It’s normal for him to buy you things.” Eleanor smiled calmly. “I don’t need luxury brands to feel good about myself. I was born a big lady. Unlike some people, who need brands just to feel like they matter.”
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