Chapter 35 A Real Chaos
From the crowd, a little girl stepped forward and pointed at Serena. “I saw everything from behind the bushes,” she said. “She just jumped in all by herself.”
Serena’s face went white, but she quickly collected herself to shot back. “Where did this kid come from? Eleanor, is she yours? What kind of things are you teaching
children to say?”
Tyler, watching from the sidelines, cut in coolly. “She’s Wendy’s granddaughter. And kids like her? Too honest to make up stories.”
Eleanor flashed a grin and held up her phone. “Even without the
Kid, I’ve got it all on video,” she smirked. “You really should’ve known when to quit, Serena.”
Serena’s eyes widened in shock. A breeze picked up, making her shiver–her clothes were still soaked from the pond, and no one had even offered her a towel, let alone a change of clothes.
“I was fine… Why would I throw myself into the water?” she said, voice trembling. Eleanor, you’re only this bold because you’ve got Tyler behind you.”
Eleanor’s smile stayed razor–sharp. “And you’re still rude as ever–talking to your elders like you’ve never heard of basic manners,” she shrugged. “But talk is cheap. Why don’t we take a look at the footage? Hard to argue with the truth, right?”
Just then, someone gasped. “Wait–she’s bleeding!”
Serena looked down and saw a trickle of blood running down her leg. Her eyes lit up. She quickly crouched down, clutching her stomach in pretend agony. “My stomach… It hurts… Am I losing the baby?”
Kara rushed over and rounded on Eleanor. “I don’t care what grudge you’re holding- this was deliberate! If anything happens to that baby, I swear I won’t let it go!”
Eleanor raised an eyebrow, utterly unfazed. “Kara, aren’t you jumping the gun a little? Pretty sure it’s just her period. She was never pregnant to begin with.”
Kara’s brow furrowed. “I don’t have time for this. I’m taking her to the hospital.”
“I don’t want to go,” Serena murmured. “I just need to rest. As long as I don’t have to see certain people, I’ll be fine…”
Eleanor scoffed. She still remembered the full–body check–up she’d arranged for Serena back in Himvar–including confirmation that Serena hadn’t been assaulted.
The results? Just a few surface injuries… and a congenital uterine issue that made pregnancy nearly impossible: Eleanor was the only one who knew.
“I already called the doctor. He’s waiting in the living room,” Eleanor said. “If something‘ s wrong, we can treat it right away.”
Serena clenched her fists, then turned to Kara. “I need to speak with you. Alone. It’s
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important.”
Kara gave her a cold look but crouched down. “What is it?”
Serena leaned in and whispered something. Whatever it was, Kara’s face drained of color in an instant.
Serena looked calm now–composed, even. No longer flustered.
Kara hesitated for a moment, then her expression hardened. “Eleanor, I appreciate your concern,” she said. “But I think Serena’s better off being checked at the hospital.”
Eleanor narrowed her eyes. “If that’s what you want, I won’t stop you.”
Kara let out a breath of relief and turned to Serena. “Can you walk?”
Serena slowly got to her feet. “Yeah.”
Kara waved at the onlookers. “Alright, show’s over. Everyone can head home.”
But Eleanor didn’t move. She stared at the faint, smug smile creeping across Serena’s face–and a knot twisted in her gut. Something wasn’t right.
Back in her room, Eleanor still couldn’t shake the feeling.
“What’s bothering you?” Tyler asked.
“Something’s off,” Eleanor replied. “I had the top OB come in to examine Serena, but she refused. Then suddenly, she’s all for going to the hospital? She’s not pregnant, I’m
sure of it.”
Tyler rested a hand on her shoulder. “Even if this whole thing’s a charade, so what? As long as they don’t get caught, they’ll run with it.”
“I keep thinking about what she whispered to Kara. If Serena had told her the truth, Kara would’ve exploded. But instead, how they’re in this together,” Eleanor nodded slowly. “Kara’s too obsessed with reputation. She won’t let anyone know Serena’s lying -she’ll cover for her. You think I’m on the right track?”
Tyler thought for a beat. “Overthinking won’t help. I’ve already got people digging around. We’ll know soon enough.”
“Right,” Eleanor said. “It’s fine–I’m ready for whatever stunt they try to pull. If they want to blow this up, I’ll show them, how it backfires.”
Tyler gave a nod. “They’ve already stirred up two big scandals online. Damage control” s not going to be easy.”
“Truth doesn’t always matter,” Eleanor said. “Some media outlets just want drama. Even if she’s lying, they’ll run with it if it sells. But I’m prepared.”
“Oh?” Tyler tilted his head.
“I’ve been keeping a private account online–every detail’s on there. Everything Serena‘ s done, including her health records. If they want to play dirty, I’ll let the public decide. Doesn’t matter if Chris believes it. As long as the audience does, I win.”
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Chapter 35 A Real Chaos
Tyler let out a low hum. “If Chris does buy into it… he’ll regret it.”
Later, the person Eleanor had sent to the hospital returned with news: Serena had miscarried.” She was still at the hospital, crying her eyes out. Kara had sent someone to inform Chris–but he was still passed out drunk.
When Eleanor heard, she wasn’t surprised. “So that’s how they’re playing it.”
Tyler looked at her. “Need me to step in?”
“No. I’ve got this.” Eleanor shook her head.
Tyler studied her for a moment. “We’re married,” he said. “Just remember, you don’t have to handle everything alone.”
Eleanor gave him a soft smile. “I know. But this one? I’ve got it under control.”
Tyler exhaled. “Chris’ll come knocking when he wakes up.”
“Let him,” Eleanor said coolly. “I’m not afraid of him.”
Chris didn’t wake until nearly noon the next day. As soon as he opened his eyes, someone gave him the whole story.
He clenched his fists, stormed out, and roared, “Eleanor! Get out here–now!”
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Chapter 36 The Investigation
