In the second photo, Vanessa was getting an IV drip, leaning gently againstn''s arm like a fragile bird. Ian had draped his suit jacket over her to keep her warm.
The third photo showedn holding an umbre, his arm wrapped around Vanessa, who was still wearing his jacket, as they walked together through a light drizzle.
"Miss Sutton, these photos clearly suggest your husband''s infidelity. Rest
assured, I''ll keep monitoring and send you updates the moment I have anything new."
"Thank you," Eleanor replied. She quickly saved the photos in a private folder on herputer, preparing for the divorce.
The weather had turned cold, and before she knew it, New Year''s Eve arrived.
Her mother-inw called at nine sharp, urging Eleanor to bring Evelyn over early.
The streets were alive with the festive spirit—twinkling lights, banners strung frommpposts, and crowds bustling along, faces glowing with holiday cheer.<fn07f7> This text is hosted at find?novel</fn07f7>
At Goodwin Manor, two oversized gold-embossed "Wee" signs were stuck to the grand front gates, while each side of the doorway was framed with bright red banners. The living room boasted fresh decorations that made the house feel unmistakably ready for the new year.
"Young madam, you''re here!" Alfy, the housekeeper, greeted her warmly.
Eleanor walked in with her purse, spotting her mother-inw beaming as she swept Evelyn into her arms. Eleanor greeted her with a polite, "Hi, Mom."
Gina barely nced at her, holding her granddaughter close. Her warmth toward Eleanor had faded over time; once, Eleanor had been eager to please, but now she seemed colder, more distant-hardly the daughter-inw Gina had hoped for. Eleanor sat down on the sofa, setting her bag aside. Ian joined her, and both of them pulled out their phones, scrolling in silence.
The atmosphere was chilly and awkward. Looking at them, you''d never guess they were a married couple. They seemed more like strangers forced to share a
room.
Magdalen,n''s grandmother, cradled a vase of freshly cut flowers and stole a nce at her grandson and granddaughter-inw. She let out a silent sigh. What on earth had happened between those two?
"Ellie,e help me arrange the flowers," Magdalen called, beckoning Eleanor
over.
Eleanor smiled and stood, setting her phone casually on the coffee table. The conservatory was filled with bouquets delivered that morning. Eleanor watched as Magdalen snipped stems and sorted blooms, carefully matching colors and textures. Eleanor mimicked her movements, intent on learning.
A few minutester, Eleanor''s phone buzzed, its vibration nearly silent. Ian noticed and, picking it up, walked toward the conservatory.
He paused at the doorway, just as Magdalen was chatting with Eleanor.
"Ellie, ifn is ever unkind to you or treats you badly, youe tell me. I''ll set him straight," the old woman said.
Eleanor smiled, "He hasn''t, Grandma."
"My grandson''s good at making money, but he''s hopeless when ites toforting people. He doesn''t know how to show he cares. You''ll just have to be patient with him."
"I know, Grandma," Eleanor replied, her voice gentle.
Magdalen wagged a finger at her. "And if you ever feel wronged, don''t keep it in. Let him know. If he dares mistreat you, I''ll be the one to stand up for you." Eleanor pretended to take the advice to heart. "Alright, Grandma. I understand." The calmer Eleanor acted, the more convinced Magdalen became that she was keeping her pain bottled up. She softened her tone. "Ellie, it''s always better to talk things out than hold it all inside. Bottled-up anger is bad for your health, especially for women."
As Eleanor trimmed a stem, her hand slipped and she snipped the skin right beside her nail. She winced, momentarily stunned, and only when she saw the blood welling up did she speak. "Grandma, I think I just cut myself."
"Let me see." Magdalen leaned in to inspect the wound, then looked up, about to call for a maid. But then she spotted her grandson standing in the doorway.
n, fetch the first aid kit-Ellie''s cut her hand!"