Chapter 199
Simone smiled warmly. “Alright, why don’t you all take your seats p>
lan turned back to Vanessa, and together they made their way to the third row. At that moment, the lights dimmed and the performance began.
The opera was enthralling-Simone was clearly enjoying herself, but Eleanor’s mind kept drifting. All she wanted was for the evening to end, so she could pick up her daughter and head home.
When the curtain finally fell, Eleanor dropped Simone off at her house, then drove straight to Goodwin Manor.
She had barely set foot inside when lan arrived as well.
“Dad, Mom-did you come home together?” Evelyn’s eyes sparkled with delight; it had been so long since she’d seen her parents walk through the door at the same time.
“Evelyn, it’s about time I took you home,” Eleanor said gently.
“Mom, can I stay with Grandma tonight? I haven’t slept in her room for ages.” Evelyn blinked up at her with pleading eyes.
Eleanor, who could be steely with anyone else, found her resolve crumbling in front of her daughter. After working so hard to win Evelyn’s trust back, she was terrified of losing her again.
“Please, Mom,” Evelyn whispered.
Eleanor hesitated. Tomorrow was Saturday. Finally, she nodded. “Alright, you can stay. I’ll come pick you up tomorrow afternoon, and we’ll go to Miss Thatcher’s
house for a visit, okay p>
Evelyn beamed. “Okay p>
Eleanor stood and headed upstairs to check on Magdalen, and to return the bank card she’d been carrying around in her purse.
Magdalen was recovering well. When Eleanor handed her the card, she looked genuinely surprised. “Ellie, this is for you. Why are you giving it back p>
“Thank you for your kindness, Grandma, but I don’t need the money right now. Please, keep it.” With that, Eleanor placed the card on the table and turned to leave.
“Oh, you stubborn child come back here, come back Magdalen called after her anxiously, but her legs weren’t what they used to be, and all she could do was watch as Eleanor walked away.
Eleanor hurried back downstairs. Gina intercepted her. “It’s late-let lan drive you home p>
Eleanor shook her head. “That’s okay, Mom. Please take care of Evelyn for me.” With that, she grabbed her bag and headed out the door.
lan was on his way out too. Eleanor pressed the ignition button in her car; the engine grumbled twice, then died. She tried three more times, but the car wouldn’t start.
Frustrated—especially since it had been working just fine earlier-she barely noticed when lan tapped on her window.
“Let me give you a ride,” he said.
Eleanor stepped out with her bag. “No need. I’ll call a cab p>
“It’s nearly eleven. It’s not safe for you to be out alone right now,” lan said, brows knitted in concern.
Eleanor knew he was right, but she hated the idea of accepting his help. “It’s none of your business,” she shot back, turning to leave.
lan’s arm shot out, firmly catching her wrist. “This is about your safety-please, don’t be stubborn p>
She tried to pull free, but his grip was unyielding. Annoyed, she snapped, “lan, spare me your fake concern. I don’t need it p>
lan’s voice dropped, heavy with old promises. “I swore to your father I’d look after you for the rest of my life p>
Eleanor scoffed, yanking her hand away. “I never should have married you,” she said with a cold laugh.
lan was stunned for a split second-just enough time for Eleanor to wrench herself free, grab her purse, and stride briskly toward the front gate.
She ordered a ride and slid into the back of the car. As her cab pulled away, a sleek black sedan followed closely behind.
Eleanor called Joy, hoping to crash at her place for the night. Joy was more than happy to have her.
While taking out the trash, Joy glanced toward the entrance and spotted Eleanor stepping out of her ride. She couldn’t help but notice the powerful black car idling nearby, its driver’s face obscured by shadows behind the wheel.