Chapter 61

Eleanor managed to dodge just in time. The vase crashed onto the floor, shattering into countless pieces. Sharp shards sliced into her calves, causing blood to seep through her stockings. Yet, in that chaotic moment, no one seemed to notice.

Edward pointed an accusatory finger at her, his voice trembling with rage. "You did this on purpose, didn't you? Making a scene in front of everyone, just to ruin yourself completely! You wanted all of Coppersville to know you're damaged goods, didn't you? How did I end up with such a disgraceful daughter? If I had known, I would've strangled you the moment you were born! I never should have brought you back into this family. All you've done is tarnish the Harrison name!"

The room fell silent, the weight of Edward's words hanging heavily in the air. His voice echoed through the high-ceilinged living room, each word cutting into Eleanor like a blade. Yet, she felt no pain. She didn't flinch or avert her gaze. Instead, she stood tall, her eyes locked onto Edward's, unyielding.

"You still dare to look at me like that? Fine! If I don't beat you to death today, my name isn't Edward Harrison!" he roared, unbuckling his belt with trembling hands. Just as he raised it, ready to strike, a voice cut through the tension from the doorway.

"Mr. Harrison!"

Edward froze mid-action, his arm suspended in the air. Isabella gasped dramatically, her hand flying to her chest. "Eleanor!" she cried, rushing forward and throwing her arms around her sister. "Eleanor, are you okay? Daddy, how could you...?" Tears streamed down Isabella's face, her expression one of heartbreak and concern. But Eleanor remained unmoved, her lips pressed into a thin line as she turned her gaze toward the door.

Nathaniel stood there, his expression unreadable. His eyes briefly met Eleanor's before shifting to Edward. "We need to talk," he said, his voice calm but firm.

Edward hadn't expected Nathaniel to show up at this moment. The rumors must have already spread. By morning, Eleanor's scandal would be the talk of the town. His expression darkened, but he couldn't refuse Nathaniel. After a tense pause, he took a deep breath and turned around. "This way," he muttered, leading Nathaniel upstairs.

Margaret had been standing quietly on the sidelines, her face pale and conflicted. Perhaps shaken by Edward's earlier outburst, she hesitated before approaching Eleanor. "Eleanor... Why must you do this? Your father already told you to stay away for now, to keep your distance from Benjamin. But you... Do you realize everything you said tonight has been recorded? The entire social circle is talking about it! What do you gain from this?"

Eleanor suddenly laughed, a bitter, hollow sound that caught Margaret off guard. "Well..." she began, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "After all... Benjamin has already decided to call off our relationship, hasn't he? If I'm not mistaken, the real reason Edward is furious is because of that. Am I right? With this scandal spreading, not only will Benjamin refuse to continue with me, but I'll also be deemed worthless in the marriage market. That's why he's so angry, isn't it?"

"You..." Margaret's eyes widened in shock and anger. She stammered for a moment before snapping, "How could you think of your father like that?!"

Eleanor chuckled softly, her gaze cold and unyielding. "Am I wrong?" she asked, her voice steady. The question hung in the air, unanswered, as the tension in the room thickened.