Chapter 9
Just then, Connor and Chloe burst into the room.]
“Daddy! Mommy put the stuff in your coffee!“]
“Yeah! She said you wouldn’t make babies with her!“]
Eleanor seized the opening, feigning sudden understanding. “Oh! So that’s it! Fiona wanted me ruined and wanted you for herself? How vile!“]]
She dabbed at non–existent tears. “Seth, when you asked… it all came back. That club… almost violated… I was so terrified, I froze.”
So that was the explanation. []
Seth’s lingering suspicion faded.[]
But a profound sense of loss settled over him. Before marrying Fiona, he’d researched her. Discovered she was his junior, harbored a years–long crush.
Living together, he’d believed her pure, even felt guilt for trapping her into bearing another’s children.[]
Had he been so blind? Was she really this ruthless for love?]
Strangely, beyond the disappointment, a sharp ache pierced him.[]
He couldn’t deny it: even knowing her alleged crimes, he didn’t want to let her go.
If Eleanor’s misunderstanding ran too deep, clarity was crucial.]
“Eleanor,” he said, voice firm, “that night was a mistake. I’ll compensate you – generously. But I have a wife. We can only be friends.“]]
“No! It can’t be!” Eleanor cried, desperation rising. “You know the Snow empire is crumbling! They can’t interfere! You lead Sterling now! Who dares stop you from marrying who you want?“[]
Seeing Eleanor’s tears, Connor and Chloe chimed in.[]
“Yeah, Daddy! You’re the boss! Make Aunt Eleanor our new Mommy!“]
“Mommy’s dead! We need a new Mommy!“]
This time, their pleas fell flat.
Seth remained unmoved, a flicker of pain crossing his features. “She isn’t dead,” he muttered, almost to himself. []
Fiona’s entire vanishing act was just that – an act. She was fine. []
He turned back to Eleanor, his voice hardening. “Push this further, and we lose even the friendship.“]
“You’ve had a shock, Rest.”
Chapter 9
He took the reluctant twins‘ hands and left, closing the door firmly behind him.[]
Alone in the bedroom, Eleanor’s expression curdled into venomous darkness.]
Her fear was justified. Seth had fallen for the stand–in.]
The club? Just the drugs.]
In his passion, he’d whispered Fiona’s name!]]
Eleanor’s nails dug deep into her palms, a twisted smile forming.
So what if he loves her? Seth thought Fiona was behind the kidnapping. Little did he know she pulled the strings.
By now, Fiona was likely scattered ashes.]
[Job done?]]
Eleanor texted the kidnapper.]]
She set the phone aside. Time for phase two.
She found Connor and Chloe, holding out boxes of liqueur chocolates, her smile saccharine. []
“My good little helpers! Rewards! Shhh… our secret. Don’t tell Daddy.“[]
The twins cheered.]]
“Mommy never lets us have chocolate! Or any drink! Daddy listens to her. Aunt Eleanor’s the BEST!”
“Can we have lots?”
Eleanor masked her revulsion. “Of course.” []
Chocolate and alcohol poison for five–year–olds. []
So just eat more. Ruin their teeth. Ruin their minds. Just to be a total fool![]
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