Chapter 24

Chapter24

Eleanor's arm was linked with Nathaniel. They were both dressed in matching navy suits. At first glance, they appeared to be the ideal couple.

Eleanor felt as though she had been slapped by her own husband. Bitterness surged within her. Not even the cake could mask the bitter taste.

She didn't continue her conversation with Julian. Instead, she placed her cake on the table. Just as she turned to leave, Isabella spotted her.

"Eleanor!"

Her voice was loud and clear. It was impossible for Eleanor not to hear her. At the same time, Julian stepped in front of her, blocking her escape route.

Eleanor frowned at him.

Julian didn't look at her. He looked straight ahead and smiled, extending his hand. "Mr. Carter. I've heard a lot about you."

Nathaniel ignored Eleanor, who had turned her back to him, and shook Julian's hand. "Pleasure to meet you."

"Julian, long time no see!" Isabella greeted Julian excitedly. Her eyes were large and bright, shining almost as bright as the stars.

Julian just smiled at her politely.

Isabella didn't seem to mind his lackluster reaction. She turned her smile onto Eleanor. "Eleanor, why didn't you tell me you were coming here?

"I left late, so I thought I'd be the last one to arrive. I didn't expect to see Nathaniel at the door! Actually, why didn't you come with him?"

Isabella managed to explain why she had turned up with Nathaniel, but the main point was her last question.

Eleanor turned. "No particular reason," she replied simply, not inviting an answer.

Not even Isabella knew how to continue the conversation. But she brightened all the same and changed the subject. "Julian, you must have prepared all these cakes for Eleanor, didn't you? But I don't think she likes cake now. I've never seen Nathaniel get her any cake."

Isabella's acting was horrible. Eleanor could puke at the sight.

She had no intention of playing along with her act. "Sorry," she said. "I need to go to the bathroom." With that, she turned away.

Isabella was about to offer to accompany her, but Eleanor wasn't about to give her the chance. As soon as she finished speaking, she walked away.

Just then, someone grabbed her hand. Before she could react, the hand made its way around her shoulder.

"I'll go with you," Nathaniel said, calm yet firm.

Eleanor frowned.

However, Nathaniel's grip was tight. She had no way of freeing herself.

Before she was led away, Eleanor saw Julian scowling. In the end, she let herself be pulled away without a fight.",

"When they reached the deserted hallway, Eleanor spoke firmly, "We're alone now. You can release me, Mr. Carter."

Nathaniel remained silent, his grip unyielding. His silence spoke volumes, but Eleanor had reached her limit. She wasn't going to endure this any longer.

When Nathaniel showed no signs of letting go, Eleanor dug her nails into his hand, pulling with all her strength. For a moment, she thought she might actually break his fingers.

The tension between them was palpable, each second stretching into an eternity. Eleanor's heart pounded as she struggled against his iron hold, her determination unwavering. She wasn't the same woman who had once silently endured his control.

Nathaniel's expression remained stoic, but a flicker of something—perhaps surprise or frustration—crossed his features. He had underestimated her resolve, and now he was paying the price.

Eleanor's breath came in short, sharp gasps as she continued to fight against his grip. She wasn't going to back down, not this time. The past was behind her, and she was determined to forge a new path, one where she was in control of her own destiny.

The hallway seemed to close in around them, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Eleanor's mind raced, searching for a way out, a way to break free from the chains of her past and the man who still held so much power over her.

But even as she struggled, a part of her knew that this was just the beginning. The battle for her independence was far from over, and Nathaniel Carter was not a man who would easily let go.",