Chapter 43
Just then, the door creaked open. Ian stepped into the room and walked over to the bed. He reached out and gently touched Evelyn’s forehead, then placed his large hand on Eleanor’s brow as well. He was checking their temperatures.
Eleanor simply pretended to be asleep, curled up with her daughter. Ian quickly pulled his hand away and left.
Eleanor knew better than to see this as some sign of concern for her. He wasn’t worried about her health-he just wanted to make sure she wasn’t still sick, probably afraid she’d pass it on to their daughter.
Days at home with Evelyn passed quickly. Before she knew it, it was time for the Lantern Festival. Ian had decided to take their daughter to Goodwin Manor for dinner. Ever since that unpleasant argument with Serena, Eleanor had dreaded going there, but tonight, tradition left her no choice.
In the manor’s living room, Eleanor scrolled through her phone while Serena unleashed her temper on one of the maids. Apparently, the coffee Serena wanted was too weak. To Eleanor, it was obvious Serena’s real frustration wasn’t with the maid-it was aimed at her.
She shot a sympathetic glance at the maid, a woman in her forties who endured the scolding with an apologetic smile. Not wanting to be part of the scene, Eleanor excused herself and slipped into the conservatory, hoping dinner would be over soon so she could go home.
At the dinner table, Magdalen kept the atmosphere warm and peaceful, as if nothing could disturb the family harmony.
“Evelyn’s in kindergarten this year, isn’t she?” Magdalen asked.
“Yes, she’s in the second term,” Eleanor replied.
Gina chimed in suddenly, “I’ve heard there’s a great school nearby-excellent teachers and a wonderful program. Have you thought about transferring Evelyn there p>
Eleanor tensed. Was her mother-in-law trying to keep Evelyn close by? She glanced at lan, waiting for his reaction.
“Yes, that would be wonderful! I’d love for Evelyn to go to school here,” Serena added enthusiastically. “Ian, you should start the transfer process. Let Mom look after her p>
lan spoke up at last. “Let’s see what Evelyn wants p>
Realizing she couldn’t count on lan to take her side, Eleanor set down her fork and replied calmly, “Mom, Evelyn’s still little. She already has friends at her current school, and moving her to a new environment might be hard on her p>
Serena shot back with a sneer, “Honestly, you just want to keep Evelyn tied to your side, don’t you? That way you can stay home guilt-free and let my brother support you p>
The incident where Eleanor had nearly drowned still left a bitter taste in Serena’s mouth, and she clearly hadn’t forgiven or forgotten.
“Serena, that’s enough!” Magdalen interjected, defending Eleanor. “Evelyn’s grown up with her mom. She’s attached to her, and it’s better for her to stay with Ellie p>
Gina, who had been spending a lot of time with her granddaughter lately, clearly didn’t want to give up the idea. “Isn’t it true?” Serena muttered, rolling her eyes.
“That’s enough, Serena. Eat your dinner,” Gina said, shooting her daughter a warning look before turning to Evelyn with a gentle smile. “Evelyn, would you like to come live with Grandma? I could take care of you p>
Evelyn blinked, thoughtful. “What about Mommy? Would she live with us too p>
“Mommy can come visit you anytime she wants,” Gina replied with a smile.
Eleanor’s nerves tightened. If her daughter spent too much time with the Goodwin family, forging deeper bonds, it would make fighting for custody that much harder.
“No, I want Mommy to take me to school and pick me up. I don’t want to change schools,” Evelyn declared firmly.
Gina’s smile faded as she glanced fleetingly at Eleanor. For a moment, disappointment flickered across her face.
Eleanor felt a wave of relief. Her daughter’s clear answer was the best gift she could have asked for.
From now on, she was determined that, in Evelyn’s heart, no one would ever be able to take her place as Mom.