Chapter 65 Cheap Tricks
Tyler tapped Eleanor playfully on the nose. “So, just so you know, you should brace yourself,”
Eleanor rolled her eyes. “I didn’t do anything, why should I explain myself? Don’t worry, unless I let them, no one can win an argument with me.”
“Yeah, I believe that.” Tyler chuckled. “Grandma Donovan used to tell me when she was alive that you could argue with a dog and in the end, the dog would run off with its tail tucked.”
“Hey, watch your mouth!” Eleanor playfully punched Tyler in the chest. “Say that again, and I’ll get serious.”
Tyler’s smile faded as he heard Eleanor’s words. He stared at her, his voice turning cold, “When your master taught you Kung Fu, it was for fitness, self–defense, not for causing trouble. Don’t let something like that happen again.”
“That’s the last thing I want to happen.” Eleanor retorted. “Wasn’t it a critical situation back then? If I hadn’t done that, rescue wouldn’t have arrived in time. Tyler, do you really think my father is that kind of person, or is it just Serena’s one- sided story?”
Tyler shook his head. “This matter hasn’t been fully investigated yet. The police are looking for your father, and I’m also searching for him. Don’t worry, things will be resolved.”
“Okay.” Eleanor nodded. “That’s why you need to be careful when choosing a man.”
“Oh, I get it, you’re complimenting me.” Tyler grinned. “I promise I won’t let you down.”
Eleanor rolled her eyes again, about to say something when a knock came at the door.
Wendy opened the door and entered.
“Mrs. Eleanor, please go to the kitchen quickly, they’re arguing.”
Eleanor was confused. “Who’s arguing? What does it have to do with me?”
“It’s Miss Farrell and Madam Langford. Madam Langford said that Miss Farrell is not as good as you in everything, so…”
Seeing Wendy hesitating, Eleanor pressed, “So what?”
“So, she hopes you will take the initiative to assume the responsibility of an elder and take care of Chris’s diet.”
This is never–ending, is it? Eleanor sneered inwardly. This mother and daughter–in–law duo are really something.
The kitchen was in chaos.
“I asked you to cook, but look at this, spicy chicken and chili rabbit, none of these are suitable for Chris!”
“Chris said he didn’t have an appetite and wanted something spicy. I didn’t dare disobey him. Kara, why don’t you find someone who knows Chris’s diet and can keep him in check? I think Mrs. Eleanor would be perfect. Besides, she still has feelings for Chris.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because Mrs. Eleanor specially wrote a script for Chris, just to show him how amazing she is and make him regret leaving her.”
Serena was about to continue her fabrication when Eleanor walked in. “Serena, have you forgotten what Tyler said before? It’s not a good habit to badmouth people behind their backs.”
“Eleanor, darling, It’s so timely!” Kara exclaimed, her face lighting up as she rushed over and clasped Eleanor’s hands. “Look at this mess! I asked Miss Farrell to watch over Chris, and see how well that’s going? Chris is my only son, the Langford family’s heir. Serena’s just intimidated by you, afraid to say anything, let alone ask for your advice. Eleanor, sweetie, would you be a dear and take care of Chris for us?”
“Kara,” Eleanor began, her voice steady, “did Tyler’s words last time not quite sink in?”
“Oh, they sank in, crystal clear,” Kara replied, a little too quickly. “But, honey, it’s just that some people just aren’t up to snuff, are they? Besides, you’ve been looking after Chris for seven years, what’s a little more? It’s not like it’s a huge ask. Just whip up some herbal cuisine for him, maybe a massage or some Chiropractic Care when he’s achy. Easy peasy. Serena, bless her heart, she’s just not cutting it as a daughter–in–law. Eleanor, you’d be a lifesaver, and of course, we’ll compensate you.”
Eleanor sighed, a sound of weary patience. “Kara, it really seems like Tyler’s words just went in one ear and out the other. My answer is no.”
Kara’s smile tightened, becoming strained as she squeezed Eleanor’s hands. “How can you be so heartless? If anything happens to Chris, you’d be wiping out the Langford lineage!”
“Wiping out the lineage?” Eleanor chuckled, a dry, humorless sound. “Kara, you’re not under some delusion, are you? Chris isn’t the only grandson in the Langford family. Lineage is hardly at risk.”
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Chapter 65 Cheap Tricks
“But, Eleanor, Serena piped up, her voice soft and insidious, “you and Chris were together for seven years, and… nothing ever happened in the baby department. Maybe… maybe you’re the reason?”
“Shut your mouth! Eleanor snapped, her voice laced with ice. “Adults are talking, little girls should be seen and not heard.” Serena’s lashes fluttered downwards, her teeth sinking into her lower lip.
“Chris isn’t even here, who are you putting on this pathetic act for?” Eleanor mocked, her gaze sharp. “Where were we? Oh, babies. Well, Chris never laid a finger on me, so if I were pregnant, now that would be a miracle.”
Kara’s hand flashed out, cracking across Serena’s cheek. “How dare you slander your Aunt Eleanor like that! If your Uncle Tyler heard you spouting such nonsense, worrying about heirs, he might just file for divorce!”
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that, Kara,” Eleanor said smoothly. “I had my fortune read once. They said I’m destined to be a grandmother.”
Kara forced a laugh. “Oh, please, Eleanor, it’s the 21st century, who believes in that stuff?”
“I do, of course. Believing in good things can’t hurt, can it? It’s certainly better than some people who spend their days plotting and scheming to hurt others.” Eleanor’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“You have a point, but any mother would do anything for her child. You wouldn’t want to see them suffer. That’s how I feel, Eleanor. I just can’t bear to see Chris like this. You looked after him for seven years already. What’s the big deal about helping out a bit longer?” Kara urged.
“Oh, really?” Eleanor scoffed. “Kara, just a few days ago, I overheard a little chat. The plan was to keep pestering me about taking care of Chris, figuring I’d eventually cave. Then, you two would ‘arrange‘ something–maybe drug us, make sure we slept together–so Tyler would have grounds to divorce me.”
Kara and Serena’s expressions soured instantly.
Eleanor pressed her palms together in mock prayer. “Honestly, if you’re going to scheme, couldn’t you come up with something less pathetic? Resorting to such cheap tricks… and dragging your own son–your husband–into it? You two really are something else.”
Exposed, Kara dropped the pretense. “Alright, since you already know, Eleanor! The truth is, I can’t accept you. You’ve turned me into the butt of jokes among my friends. My former daughter–in–law married my husband’s brother! Do you know how much grief I’ve gotten over that? Of course, I knew Serena was up to no good, but if her scheming helped me get rid of you, why wouldn’t I go along with it?”
“Ah, so I heard right. You two were scheming together after all. You certainly don’t give up easily,” Eleanor said, then turned towards the doorway. “Chris? Did you hear everything?”
Serena flinched, her eyes widening as she finally saw Chris standing unnoticed in the doorway.
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