Chapter 31

As soon as Eleanor stepped into the cab, Margaret's call came through. "Get home immediately." The line went dead before Eleanor could respond.

She had no intention of arguing. Her plan was to return to the Harrison residence anyway. Clearly, Margaret was at her wit's end. The moment Eleanor crossed the threshold, Margaret delivered a stinging slap.

The force of the blow sent Eleanor's hair, previously tucked neatly behind her ear, flying. Her ears rang from the impact.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Margaret hissed, her hand raised for another strike.

But a deep voice interrupted her. "Enough."

Margaret's hand froze mid-air. She looked up to see Edward descending the stairs.

He was impeccably dressed in a crisp shirt and gray waistcoat, his hair streaked with silver. Yet, his posture was straight, and his face showed no signs of aging.

Eleanor watched as Edward gently pulled Margaret aside. "She's not a child anymore. What good will hitting her do?"

"Do you think I want to? Look at what she's done!" Margaret glared at Eleanor, her teeth clenched. "You were against me when I said Isabella should've married Nathaniel back then. Now, you're divorcing him? Are you trying to make our family a laughingstock?"

"Enough. Take a deep breath," Edward said, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Margaret's hysteria.

After calming Margaret, he turned to Eleanor. "Come with me to meet the Carters now. Once you apologize to them, we can forget this ever happened—"

"I'm not going with you," Eleanor said firmly.

Edward's eyes darkened. "What do you think you're doing, Eleanor?"

"This isn't a rash decision. The divorce is something I've been considering for a long time."

"Have you tried discussing this with us? Do you think your marriage only concerns the two of you? You should know your limits, Eleanor!"

Edward's tone grew stern, his commanding presence making it hard to argue.

Yet, Eleanor stood her ground, staring him down. "I've made up my mind. As for salvaging the family interests... Well, that's your problem to solve. If it comes to the worst-case scenario, remember that you still have another daughter."

Isabella happened to walk in at that moment. Eleanor's words made her heart race with excitement, but she feigned shock. "What are you saying, Eleanor?"

Eleanor gave her a faint smile. "Shouldn't you be thrilled that you can marry Nathaniel?"

Margaret interjected, "Never! Are you out of your mind, Eleanor? Nathaniel is her brother-in-law! You honestly want our family to be a joke, don't you?"

Her words made Isabella pale slightly. She muttered, "Mom..."

"Stay out of this!" Margaret snapped, then turned back to Eleanor. "So, did you do all this today to vent your frustration? Is it because you think we're biased toward Isabella?"

"In that case, you should reflect on yourself. Try thinking about why everyone adores her and not you."