Chapter 130
“You know, is it really that hard for you to admit your sister-in-law is amazing? Ellie just won an award, and you still insist it was someone else.” Magdalen turned, scolding her with a glare.
Serena picked up her phone. “I’ll check for myself p>
She opened the search bar and typed, “Who developed the new miracle drug p>
The top result was an authoritative answer: [Eleanor p>
Serena stared at the screen in disbelief. There was even a video linked-Eleanor accepting the award onstage, with her eldest brother himself handing her the trophy. Watching the scene, Serena felt a heavy pressure in her chest.
She grabbed her phone and hurried upstairs to call Vanessa.
“Vanessa, wasn’t your sister the one who developed the new drug? How did it end up being my sister-in-law p>
Vanessa explained, “Eleanor was supposed to do the interview that day, but she had to leave for something urgent. My sister filled in for her, so people got confused. Serena, I’m sorry for the misunderstanding p>
Serena’s face turned sour. She remembered how, at dinner that night, she’d mocked Eleanor and then sang Faye’s praises. Eleanor had only replied, “Really? Are you sure she’s the one who made the drug p>
Serena had snapped back, “If not her, then who— you p>
Now, it felt like she’d been slapped across the face. Humiliation and anger surged in her.
What did Eleanor mean by that? Was she deliberately trying to embarrass her? Eleanor was the real developer but kept silent, just waiting to watch Serena make a fool of herself. Clearly, she wanted to see Serena humiliated when the truth came out.
Eleanor was downright malicious.
“Serena, aren’t you happy your sister-in-law won such a big award?” Vanessa’s voice came through the phone.
Serena let out a cold laugh. “Why should I be happy? It’s not like she’s sharing any prize money with me p>
“But I did hear something p>
Serena jumped on it. “What did you hear, Vanessa p>
“I heard from my sister that after Eleanor’s father passed away, he left her a lot of research notes and project plans p>
Serena’s eyes lit up with understanding. She scoffed. “So, the miracle drug wasn’t even her achievement. She just used her dad’s old work. That’s not genius—that’s stealing! She just piggybacked on her father’s research p>
“It’s hard to say for sure, so just keep this between us, okay? After all, she’s your sister-in-law p>
“I don’t acknowledge her as my sister-in-law. In my mind, you’re the only one who fits that title,” Serena replied.
At lan’s house.
lan was still holding his daughter as they finished watching news footage of Eleanor’s award ceremony.
Evelyn bounded upstairs, excited. “Mommy, I saw you on TV p>
Eleanor was tidying up the bedroom. She smiled. “Really? Did I look good on camera p>
“You looked beautiful, Mommy. You’re the prettiest!” Evelyn beamed with pride- her mom was not only gorgeous but brilliant.
Eleanor hadn’t watched the broadcast herself, but her phone was buzzing with congratulatory messages-from Joy, Joel, and Jude Vaughn, and from Gwenda, Horace, and Callie.
Downstairs, lan’s phone rang. It was his sister.
“Hello? Serena p>
“Why didn’t you tell us earlier that Eleanor was the one who developed the miracle drug?” Serena’s voice was bristling with resentment.
lan pinched the bridge of his nose. “I only found out today p>
“She kept it from you, too? What kind of marriage is that? Honestly, you two might
as well get divorced.” Serena’s anger crackled through the line.
“Serena, don’t say things like that.” lan’s expression darkened, his tone turning stern.
“I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking. Or, you could just swap her out for Vanessa. She’s much better,” Serena shot back.