Chapter 707
Henry and Serena shared what would be their final meal together. Serena barely touched her food, a knot of frustration and sadness tightening in her chest, while Henry tried to offer some gentle words of comfort.
When Serena returned to Vanessa’s hospital room, she couldn’t hold it in any longer. She covered her face and broke down in quiet sobs. “Am I really that awful? He wouldn’t even stay for one last meal with me. What did I do wrong p>
Vanessa’s eyes flickered with concern. She reached over and patted Serena’s shoulder. “This isn’t your fault. Don’t blame yourself p>
Serena looked up, resentment shining in her tear-filled eyes. “You’re right—it’s not my fault. It’s Eleanor’s. She must have said all sorts of things about me to Xavier. That’s why he looks at me that way now p>
Vanessa’s expression shifted, a thoughtful glint in her eye. “Don’t cry, Serena. I never thought Xavier would treat you like this for Eleanor’s sake. He’s not usually that kind of person p>
“I know exactly what kind of man Xavier is,” Serena said, her anger rising. “Eleanor is the reason he’s turned so cold. She hates me and my brother. She’ll do anything to ruin my happiness.” The more she spoke, the more the injustice burned inside her.
This was Eleanor’s revenge.
After Vanessa fell ill, and Serena’s older brother flew back from overseas at a moment’s notice, Eleanor must have been furious. So whenever Serena was alone with Xavier, Eleanor found ways to poison his mind, making Serena look bad in his eyes.
“It’s all because of me,” Vanessa said quietly, pressing a hand to her chest as she coughed. “What happened between me and lan-Eleanor blames you for it p>
Serena snapped her head up, indignation flaring. “How could this be your fault? Eleanor’s just ungrateful. She acts like my brother still cares for her, dragging him along on business trips p>
Her anger mounting, Serena blurted out something she’d tried to keep secret. “Because of her, my brother slapped me the other night p>
“What?” Vanessa stared at her, shocked. “lan did that p>
Serena’s voice trembled with hurt. “Just because I posted something about Eleanor, he―” she broke off, frustration clear.
Vanessa’s face went pale. She leaned back against her pillows, her fingers twisting the sheet unconsciously.
Seeing her reaction, Serena quickly wiped her tears away. “Don’t be upset, Vanessa. My brother didn’t do it for Eleanor-he did it for Evelyn. He doesn’t want his daughter to get hurt. That’s why I deleted the post in the end p>
Some color returned to Vanessa’s cheeks. “You’re right. Evelyn is still so young. She needs her mother. I wouldn’t want her to get caught in the crossfire either p>
A gentle warmth welled up in Serena’s chest. She thought that once she and her brother got married, they’d bring Evelyn home to the Goodwin family, and Vanessa would make a wonderful, loving stepmother.
Just then, Serena’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen. “It’s my brother p>
“Go on, answer it,” Vanessa urged softly.
Serena picked up, her tone brightening. “Hey, lan p>
“I have to go to Kingston for work. I’ll be gone for three days,” lan said, his voice flat and distant.
Ever since that argument, Serena knew her brother was still upset, and it showed in his chilly tone.
“Another trip? Why are you always traveling?” she complained.
“It’s business p>
“Alright. Don’t worry I’ll take good care of Vanessa p>
He grunted his acknowledgment and hung up.
A moment later, Vanessa’s phone buzzed with a message from Faye: “Eleanor’s back in town, but word is she’s heading out again soon-off to Kingston for a conference.” There was a hint of jealousy in Faye’s words.
Eleanor was going to Kingston too? With lan?
Vanessa’s face paled again, her hand tightening around the blanket. She decided not to mention it to Serena-her temper was too fiery, and she didn’t want anything interfering with lan’s important trip. Meeting with the nation’s top officials in Kingston was too significant to risk drama.
But Vanessa had her own plans.
When Serena left, Vanessa quietly dialed Henry’s number.
“Hey, Vanessa,” he answered.
“Henry, I need a favor p>
“What is it p>
“Book me a flight to Kingston,” Vanessa said softly. “I need to get away for a bit. I want to see the snow p>
It had already snowed in Kingston, while Ashford City remained stubbornly dry.
“But you’re still recovering-” Henry protested, concern thick in his voice.
“I’ll be fine. Please, I just need this p>
He hesitated. “Alright. I’ll come with you. I can’t let you go alone p>