Chapter 46

The dinner concluded in an uneasy silence.

Eleanor didn’t return with Edward. Instead, she instructed the driver to take her back to her apartment.

The driver glanced at Edward for confirmation. When Edward remained silent, he signaled and took a different route.

Eleanor wasn’t in the mood to speak to Edward. She turned her head, gazing out the car window.

A moment later, her phone buzzed. She didn’t check it immediately.

However, Edward broke the silence. "That’s Benjamin, isn’t it?"

His words sounded casual, but the underlying tone carried a clear warning.

Eleanor finally unlocked her phone. Sure enough, the message was from Benjamin.

"It was a pleasure meeting you. I have two tickets to a concert tomorrow. I was wondering if you’d like to join me? Of course, I completely understand if you’re busy."

Benjamin’s invitation wasn’t abrupt, but his intentions were unmistakable.

Eleanor pursed her lips and replied, "Sure."

After sending the message, she turned her phone toward Edward. "Satisfied?"

Edward didn’t respond.

Eleanor didn’t want to look at him anymore. She said flatly, "Pull over here. I’ll walk the rest of the way."

The driver didn’t answer, nor did he dare to stop.

Eleanor glanced at Edward.

His brows were furrowed, but he finally said, "Pull over."

Only then did Eleanor turn away from him.

Before she could even push open the car door, Edward’s voice came from behind her. "Benjamin’s a good match. Though there are some issues with his leg, his overall prospects are promising. Do you understand?"

Eleanor chuckled. "If he’s so great, why don’t you have Isabella marry him instead?"

Her words left Edward speechless.

Without waiting for a reply, Eleanor closed the car door firmly and began walking away.

It was nearly 9:00 pm, but in this bustling city, the nightlife was just beginning. Neon lights flickered, and the streets buzzed with an endless stream of cars. Everything about it spoke to the city’s boundless energy.

Yet, Eleanor felt like a detached observer—someone who didn’t belong. She knew all too well that none of this belonged to her. In this vast city, there wasn’t a single place she could call home.

The next day, she arrived on time for Benjamin’s invitation. The concert he’d mentioned wasn’t by any famous orchestra. Probably because it was a workday, it wasn’t very crowded.

Benjamin had arrived early and was waiting for her at the entrance.

Eleanor approached him. "Sorry. I’m late."

"It’s fine. I just got here myself." Benjamin smiled at her.

Eleanor avoided his gaze. "Shall we go in?"

"Sure."

She wasn’t in the mood to talk, so Benjamin kept a respectful distance.

As they entered, Benjamin’s leg issue became more apparent. His uneven gait made Eleanor unconsciously adjust her pace to match his.

Just as they were about to take their seats, a surprised voice called out, "Eleanor?"

The familiar voice made Eleanor’s body stiffen for a moment. She spun around, only to see Victoria standing a few feet away.

Victoria was holding a concert ticket, her gaze first sweeping over Benjamin, then slowly turning to Eleanor.

Eleanor took a deep breath and gave her a small smile. "Hello, Victoria."

That evening, Nathaniel received a call from Victoria, asking him to come to Carter Manor for dinner. The meeting ran later than expected, and by the time he arrived at the house, Clara had already finished eating and retired upstairs.