Once Discarded, Now Desired

Chapter 1 Here's The Divorce Agreement "Here's the divorce agreement. Go through it, and if everything looks fine, sign your name." Inside the CEO's office of the Todd Group, Jonny Todd slid a set of papers across the desk toward Eleanor Todd. Eleanor's eyes lingered on the papers, shadowed with emotions she kept hidden. "Do we truly have to end our marriage?" At her words, Jonny arched his brows, amusement flickering in his tone. "What else were you hoping for? Our marriage only existed to make my grandmother happy." While speaking, he reached for the hand of the woman at his side, his voice softening. "And now that Lainey has returned, I need to restore her place and give her the respect she deserves." Eleanor slowly raised her head, her gaze falling on the woman who had always lived in her husband's heart--Lainey Gilbert. Lainey was Jonny's childhood friend and ex-girlfriend. Three years earlier, the Todd family and the Gilbert family had planned an engagement for Jonny and Lainey. But before the engagement ceremony could happen, Jonny was in a car crash that left his legs broken, with doctors warning he might never walk again. Once the news reached the Gilberts, they abruptly canceled the arrangement and sent Lainey overseas. Yet even with their callous rejection, Jonny never erased Lainey from his heart. With her sudden return, he was impatient to dissolve his marriage with Eleanor and welcome Lainey as his wife. Lainey stood in a light white dress, dimples flashing as she smiled, looking every bit like a fragile bloom in full beauty. She carried a beauty that was hard to deny. It made perfect sense that Jonny had clung to her image all these years. When Eleanor said nothing, Lainey faced her with apparent sincerity. "Mrs. Todd, Jonny and I share real love. I hope you'll give us your blessing." Yet how could love be genuine when she had abandoned him the moment he was crippled, only to return once he recovered? A dry laugh slipped from Eleanor as her eyes shifted toward Jonny. "A divorce is fine. But after what I've done for your family all those three years, I won't leave empty-handed. I expect fair compensation." Because Sallie Todd had once helped her in the orphanage, Eleanor had agreed without hesitation when the old woman asked her to marry her grandson, Jonny. Since then, she had poured herself into the role of a loyal wife. She had even grown a faint affection for him while watching his efforts to stand on his own again. But despite her devotion, three years had done nothing to soften his heart. Letting go now was the only path left. Still, her part in pushing the Todd Group to its successful listing was no small matter. She would not allow her hard work to vanish without acknowledgment. Jonny laughed under his breath as he lit a ci**rette, his features sharpening in the haze of sm**ke. "Don't worry. Sign the papers, and you'll have $70 million along with a riverside villa." Although Eleanor meant little to him, he couldn't ignore the fact that she had stayed by his side while his legs were useless. That was enough to settle the debt between them. "I'll give you two days to think. If you want anything more..." he began. "There's no need." Eleanor lifted the pen with steady grace and signed her name. "By tomorrow morning, I'll move out and leave the place open for you and Miss Gilbert." Jonny felt a spark of satisfaction at her decisiveness. Even he could not deny that Eleanor had been the model wife. She was beautiful, compliant, and skilled at keeping the household in order. Yet to him, her nature was unbearably bland. She lived like a machine, going through tasks without spirit or surprise. Dull, unchanging, and without spark. She could never stir his de**re. What he longed for was a partner who understood him, someone who could stand at his side through every storm. In his mind, only Lainey fit that role. Jonny gathered up the contract and had it delivered to the court, ready to offer Eleanor a few courteous words, but Lainey leaned close and gave his sleeve a small tug. "Jonny, I was thinking... I really like that villa too," Lainey said. Chapter 2 Are You Out Of Your Mind "Hmm?" Jonny lifted his brows with mild surprise, studying Lainey curiously. Hardly ever did Lainey ask anything of him. She had always carried herself as though she were above the material concerns, distant and untouchable. Catching his reaction, Lainey raised her eyes with a faint, shy look. "Didn't you once tell me that the villa had the perfect surroundings and could serve as our future home after marriage?" Memories of their past sweetness softened him, and without much thought, Jonny nodded. "If that's what you want, then consider it yours." Eleanor observed their sickening harmony, her lips curling into a mocking smirk. "Jonny, only moments ago you promised me that house. Now you hand it over to her. Doesn't that strike you as shameless?" Her words caught him off guard. During their three years together, she had always been quiet and yielding, never daring to speak to him in such a tone. His forehead creased, his voice edged with irritation. "It's only one villa. I own plenty of properties. Pick whichever you want, and I'll transfer it to you." Lainey, sensing his displeasure, quickly added, "Mrs. Todd, if you'll let me take the villa, I'll add another $10 million to your compensation." Eleanor's gaze swept over her with contempt. "Miss Gilbert, are you joking? That villa alone is worth at least $60 million on the market. Do you really think $10 million can buy it from me?" The color drained from Lainey's face, and she turned toward Jonny with wounded eyes. "Jonny, that's not what I meant." Unmoved by her performance, Eleanor interjected sharply, "If you want that villa so badly, I won't refuse outright. But the price is this--Jonny must exchange it for ten percent of the Todd Group's shares." "What?!" Lainey's voice rose in disbelief. "Mrs. Todd, are you insane?" The Todd Group was publicly listed, and ten percent of its stock was worth over one hundred million. Eleanor's demand was outrageous, and everyone in the room knew it. Jonny's face turned grim at once. "Eleanor, don't test my patience." Unfazed, Eleanor met his glare. "Either give me the shares or the villa, Jonny. The decision is yours." The air thickened with sudden tension. Sensing the hostility mounting, Lainey tightened her hold on Jonny's arm and begged softly, "Jonny, forget it. I don't need that villa anymore. Wherever we live, as long as I'm beside you, I'll be content." Those words calmed Jonny, and the severity in his face eased somewhat. He turned back to Eleanor with a cold look. "The villa is yours then." Knowing she had secured her rightful claim, Eleanor lost interest in further argument and started to walk away. But Lainey's voice rang out behind her. "Mrs. Todd!" When Eleanor turned, she found Lainey smiling sweetly. "Thank you for looking after Jonny during these years. From now on, I'll make sure to learn how to be his wife properly," Lainey said. Though the tone sounded gentle, every syllable carried a challenge. Eleanor regarded her quietly, then burst out with sudden laughter. Striding back to the desk, she grabbed Jonny's untouched cup of coffee and flung it straight over both of them. "Ah!" Lainey screamed as the hot liquid splattered across her white dress, staining it badly and leaving her disheveled. Jonny's tailored suit was soaked as well, and fury twisted his face. "Eleanor! Are you out of your mind?" She set the empty cup back onto the table with deliberate calm, her smile sharp. "My mistake. I just caught sight of something repulsive and couldn't hold back." Without sparing them another glance, she walked out with steady steps, leaving the two of them in their disgrace. Chapter 3 Isn't That Eleanor Over There ! The moment Eleanor walked out of the Todd Group headquarters, her phone buzzed with a message from her closest friend, Lillian Brooks. "It's my birthday today. I know you probably can't come, but I just wanted to remind you. Honestly, I don't know what kind of spell that j**k Jonny has on you. You've cut yourself off from everyone for his sake." With little thought, Eleanor sent back a reply. "Give me the address." For a beat there was silence, and then her screen lit up with a text. "What the h**l? What's happening?" Eleanor's fingers moved with calm precision. "I've signed the divorce agreement." "Oh my God, you finally broke free of that lovesick title. Stay put. I'm coming to you right away!" ... A sleek maroon convertible sped on the highway. Behind the wheel, Lillian tipped her sunglasses down and gave Eleanor a playful whistle. "Eleanor, since you're finally out of that nightmare, we're celebrating at Velvet Club tonight. We're going to have fun." Eleanor leaned lazily against the seat, her voice quiet. "Alright." Lillian's curiosity got the better of her. "So what pushed you to finally cut ties? Let me guess--Lainey's back, isn't she?" A faint smile touched Eleanor's lips. "Congratulations. You guessed it." Lillian slid her sunglasses off and remarked with a smirk, "Back then, Lainey ran off the moment he ended up in a wheelchair, and now that she's returned, he's chasing after her like some lovesick f**l. Do you think Jonny damaged more than his legs in that car crash?" "Hard to say." "And you, wasting three whole years tied to that useless man," Lillian continued. "Good thing there weren't any kids, or the divorce would've been a nightmare." A quiet laugh escaped Eleanor. "There was never a chance of that. He and I never even shared a b*d." "What?!" Lillian almost lost hold of the steering wheel. "You're telling me you were married for three years and never sl**t together?!" Eleanor's beauty was undeniable. If that was true, then was Jonny incapable? "He was keeping himself pure for Lainey." Just mentioning the two of them made Eleanor's stomach twist. "Enough about him. Can you drop me off so I can change first?" "Of course!" By eight that evening, the Velvet Club was in full swing. It was Elepdon's largest entertainment venue, a gathering place for the city's wealthy and powerful, where extravagance ruled and a single bottle of w**e could cost hundreds of thousands. Lillian's eyes sparkled as she glanced at Eleanor. "Now this is the Eleanor I remember!" That night, Eleanor's figure was wrapped in a sleek red dress that traced every curve. With loose waves tumbling over her shoulders and crimson lips to match, she was a vision that drew every eye. Once Eleanor was seated, Lillian gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. "Stay here. I'll track down some top-shelf w**e." "Alright." Eleanor's allure was undeniable; even as she sat still beneath the lights, her presence drew the eyes of countless men in an instant. Out of nowhere, a man with blond hair swaggered up, flashing her a greasy smile. "Hey, beautiful. Sitting alone must be boring. How about sharing a drink with me?" Across the c**b, Jonny stepped inside accompanied by his younger sister, Emma Todd. From a nearby booth, Lainey lifted her hand in greeting, her smile poised. "Jonny, Emma, over here." Emma hurried over, her face glowing with excitement. "Lainey, I'm so happy you're back. I've missed you so much!" "I've missed you too." The reply was warm, but Lainey's eyes never strayed from Jonny. She was just about to draw him in with another gesture when Emma's voice rang out in surprise. "Jonny, isn't that Eleanor over there?!" Jonny's head turned toward the direction Emma pointed. Under the shifting lights, a striking figure rested on a barstool, her long legs revealed beneath the hem of her skirt, elegant and mesmerizing. Chapter 4 Leave Me Alone Had he not recognized that familiar face, Jonny never would have guessed the woman before him was the plain wife he had grown so tired of. Eleanor seemed caught in the unwanted attention of a man, her cold expression giving her feelings away. "Look at her, pretending to be a saint at home, and now she's acting wild the moment you split up. What a shameless s**t!" Emma, who had always despised her, sneered. In the past, she had said worse in front of Jonny without consequence. This time, though, heat surged through him like fire. "Enough! Watch your mouth!" he snapped at his sister. Emma's lips twisted in a pout at the unexpected rebuke. Lainey laid a gentle hand on Emma's back, her eyes sly as she fanned the flames. "Jonny, don't you find it suspicious? She's changed already... maybe she's already warming up to someone new?" Jonny's stare grew heavier, his silence darker than words. "Why so cold, gorgeous? Maybe a k**s will warm you up," the blond man teased, circling Eleanor like a predator who smelled bl**d. Eleanor's brow creased with disgust. "Leave me alone." "Oh, I like my women with fight in them. The feistier, the better. Come on, let me show you a good time." His hand lunged brazenly toward her ch**t. A cold laugh slipped from Eleanor's lips as she snatched up an expensive bottle of red w**e and smashed it hard against his head. The bottle shattered on impact, drenching the blond man's face in w**e. "Are you f**king kidding me!" he yelled, smearing the li**id off his skin. "You crazy bi**h! Do you have any idea who I am? I'm from the Murphy family. Tonight you'll be begging be**ath me, I swear!" The entire club froze, eyes snapping toward the chaos, eager to see how it would end. Up on the third floor, behind a wide glass window, Ryland Brooks leaned back with narrowed eyes, amusement flickering across his face. "Look at that--Brice Murphy really loves hearing himself talk, throwing around his family name like it means something." Within Elepdon's upper circles, Brice was a nobody compared to the man seated across from Ryland--Nolan Stewart, heir to the Stewart family and head of Stewart Group. "Nolan, you've been staring at that woman for a long time. Don't tell me she caught your interest?" Ryland continued. Lazily swirling the w**e in his glass, Nolan let his gaze linger on the woman draped in bright red. "Yeah, she's really... interesting." Ryland's brow arched in surprise. "That's unexpected. No woman has ever managed to draw your attention before." He recalled faintly that the woman might even be a friend of his sister's. Meanwhile, Brice, the blond man downstairs, had lost all composure, his rage threatening to ignite the room. Jonny's face darkened as he sat brooding, then he suddenly rose to his feet. Lainey's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, Jonny, are you actually going to step in for Eleanor?" "Have you lost your mind, Jonny? That woman brought this on herself by fl**ting with Brice. Why would you stick your neck out?" Emma said. "She was my wife for three years. I won't stand here and pretend I don't know her," Jonny retorted, seizing a convenient justification for his actions. "But--" Emma started, but she faltered as two imposing figures descended the staircase. All eyes immediately shifted toward them, and the noise in the club died in an instant when people realized it was Nolan and Ryland. Brice caught sight of them, and all arrogance drained from his face. He scrambled forward, practically bowing. "Mr. Stewart, Mr. Brooks, I had no idea you'd be here tonight!" His tone fawned as he continued, plastering on a fake smile, "Allow me to cover the bill this evening. Please, enjoy yourselves." Nolan dismissed him without so much as a glance, his gaze cutting past the crowd to settle firmly on Eleanor. Chapter 5 It's Ex-wife, Actually Ryland's smile carried softness, yet his gaze stayed as cold as ice. "Funny, Brice. You didn't look so meek when you were picking on my friend a moment ago, did you?" "Your... your friend?" Brice turned his head toward Eleanor with disbelief before dropping to his knees, pleading, "Mr. Brooks, I was out of line! I swear I had no idea she was close to you. I'd never dare touch her if I had known. It was fo**ish of me. Please, give me another chance, I swear I'll never repeat it." He kept lowering his head over and over, begging like a man desperate to save himself. At last, Ryland waved him off with clear contempt. "Fine. You're lucky I'm in a good mood today, so I'll let it go. Now get out of my sight." "Thank you, Mr. Brooks." Brice stumbled toward the door, nearly falling as he bolted from the club. Lillian came rushing in just as he disappeared, her face tight with worry. "Eleanor, are you hurt?" Eleanor shook her head and replied, "No, I'm alright." Relief swept over Lillian, and she turned toward her brother. "Ryland, thank heavens you showed up. We really owe you." Ryland chuckled softly as he patted her hair. "What matters to you matters to me. You don't need to thank me." Eleanor dipped her head politely. "Thank you, Mr. Brooks." "You don't have to be formal with me. You spilled plenty of w**e. Go wash it off before it dries." "Okay." Eleanor got up and headed for the restroom, though midway she crossed paths with Jonny, who had Lainey by his side. Lainey greeted her with a bright smile. "Miss Warren, what a lovely surprise." Eleanor acknowledged her with the faintest nod, making no effort to continue the exchange. The silence left Lainey stiff and uneasy. She turned to Jonny with a wounded expression. "Jonny, did I upset Miss Warren somehow?" A deep frown formed on Jonny's face. "She's trying to greet you, and you can't even respond properly?" Eleanor tilted her head, unimpressed. "Since when were we so close?" "Don't get upset with Miss Warren on my account," Lainey said quickly, clutching Jonny's hand with feigned gentleness. What nonsense. Eleanor decided it wasn't worth another word and turned to go, but Jonny's irritated voice cut through the noise. "If you're trying to draw me in, you don't need to humiliate yourself. My heart belongs to Lainey. No matter how much you try, it's pointless." That was all she needed to confirm he had completely lost touch with reality. Her eyes lifted to his, calm but sharp. "I didn't step foot in this place for your sake. I came to enjoy myself. And let me remind you--we're divorced. You don't get to lecture me anymore." The chill in her tone left Jonny restless. He couldn't grasp how the gentle, compliant woman he once married had turned into someone so unyielding. "Miss Warren, how can you speak like that? Jonny only means well," Lainey interjected quickly, trying to defend Jonny. Eleanor's gaze swept over them, full of disdain. "Please. You're just a cheating husband and a shameless homewr**ker. Do either of you really have the right to stand before me as if you're proud of it? Step aside. I have no time for nonsense." With heels striking the floor like sharp notes, Eleanor swept past them, her crimson dress flowing around her like a rose in full bloom. Jonny's fists clenched as he stared after her, his ch**t burning. How had he lived all this time without realizing she carried such fire on her tongue? Lainey reached for his hand and said softly, "Don't let her get under your skin, Jonny. Come back inside with me. Emma is waiting." His expression darkened, yet he gave no reply. While she had been overseas, he missed her every day. Yet now, with her right beside him, her presence felt strangely empty. Perhaps Eleanor's defiance had clouded his mind. Together they turned and walked away. Inside the private room, Ryland observed it all through the wide glass window. "I never imagined she was Jonny's wife. That makes things rather amusing." "It's ex-wife, actually," Nolan corrected firmly. Chapter 6 Any Progress With The Soul Surgeon Ryland raised his brows in shock. "Nolan, don't tell me you're actually serious about Eleanor?" No one could deny Eleanor's beauty, but Nolan was never short of women to choose from. Why waste his time on someone already divorced? Nolan avoided giving a straight answer and instead asked, "Do you remember the woman I mentioned--the one who gambled against me over the Usepsall project?" "How could I forget? Wait... you mean it was her?" "Exactly." Nolan set his glass down with a faint curl at the corner of his mouth. "She's clever and knows how to hide her true self." Ryland let out a low whistle, intrigued by the revelation. In all his years, Nolan had suffered defeat only once, and that defeat had come from Eleanor. Fate, it seemed, had a cruel sense of humor. "What about Fannie? Any progress with the Soul Surgeon?" The moment those words left his lips, Nolan's expression hardened. "Word is, the Soul Surgeon has an obsession with antiques. In two weeks, David Gill will host an exclusive exchange. If luck favors us, we might find her there." Ryland exhaled heavily. "Then that's our only option." ... Lillian didn't escort Eleanor back to her villa until it was past midnight. Morning light had barely touched the curtains when Eleanor's phone rang with a call from the Todd family's estate. Sallie, Jonny's grandmother, was shocked when she learned about the divorce. She wanted Eleanor to join the family for a meal. Throughout the three years Eleanor had been married, Sallie had shown her genuine affection. Even after the divorce, Eleanor couldn't bring herself to disappoint the old woman. By five o'clock, she stepped into the Todd family's residence right on time. Vickie Todd, Jonny's mother, looked her up and down with disdain. "So Emma was right after all. That whole image of you being a proper wife was nothing but an act. Underneath, you're just a se**ctress." "That's enough, Vickie! I invited her here to share a meal, not to listen to your insults!" Sallie snapped, her tone sharp with disapproval. She waved Eleanor closer. "Come here, dear." Eleanor settled beside Sallie, who greeted her with a smile full of warmth. "My dear, you've gotten thinner again in just a few days. Still, you look wonderful today. That lively style suits you. Young people should shine." "Thank you, Sallie." Eleanor studied her closely. "Are you still drinking the herbal concoction I prepared for you?" "Yes, I have, and it's worked wonders. I finally sleep without trouble." Vickie gave a derisive laugh. "As if a country girl could treat insomnia. She might have slipped sleeping pills in the concoction. Of course anyone would sleep after that." Sallie snapped, her voice sharp, "Enough! Don't belittle her like that. Eleanor gave three years of her life to this family. When your son was broken and helpless, she nursed him with devotion no one else could match. Women like her are rare treasures!" Vickie's face twisted, but she had no words left to throw back. Bitterness burned in her ch**t as she kept quiet. "Don't let her sharp words trouble you. To me, you will always be the true granddaughter-in-law of this family. None of those shameless women outside will ever take your place." "Grandma, that's unfair!" Jonny's voice rang out as he entered with Lainey clinging to his arm. "The only woman I've ever loved is Lainey." "And what of it?" Sallie's glare landed on Lainey like a blow. "When you were laid up in bed, she couldn't stomach the sight of you crippled and fled overseas without hesitation. What love is there in a woman who abandons so easily?" Lainey's lips trembled, and tears rimmed her eyes. "Sallie, you don't understand. My family forced me to leave back then." "Don't waste your excuses on me. You might fool Jonny, but you'll never fool me. I can see who you really are, crystal clear." Sallie's frail body shook from the effort of her outburst, and soon she was coughing violently. Eleanor immediately reached over and patted her back. "Sallie, don't push yourself too hard. Please stay calm, for your own sake." When her breathing finally steadied, Sallie clasped Eleanor's hand with affection. "My dear, rest assured. As long as I live, no one in this house will dare mistreat you." Gratitude welled in Eleanor's chest, yet she had no wish to keep hiding behind Sallie's protection. "Sallie, I was the one who asked for the divorce. I was done with a marriage that existed in name only. My feelings for Jonny are gone, and dragging it on any further would only be torture for us both." Chapter 7 I Abandoned Your Trust Jonny's expression clouded over the moment Eleanor's words sank in. "Eleanor, are you absolutely sure about this?" Sallie asked, her voice carrying a last trace of hope. "I am," Eleanor answered with quiet conviction. "In that case, I won't try to stop you," Sallie said softly. She knew what a bad marriage meant to a woman. "If this is your choice, dear, then you have my full support." "I appreciate that, Sallie." "You don't have to force yourself to stay for dinner tonight. With Jonny and Lainey here, the meal will taste bitter. I'll invite you back another day, just the two of us." Moved by Sallie's kindness, Eleanor nodded. "Alright, I'll come another time." Rising to her feet, she turned her back on Jonny without hesitation and left the Todd family's estate with her head held high. ... Determined to cut every last tie with Jonny, Eleanor made up her mind to settle matters completely. Later that day, she called Lillian and asked her to connect with a real estate agent. It didn't take long before Lillian showed up. After inspecting the property, she asked with surprise, "This place is in such a prime spot. Are you sure you really want to let it go?" "Keeping it feels like keeping bad luck. I'd rather sell it and move on," Eleanor responded. "You're right about that. I'll handle everything, so you don't have to worry." Eleanor placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of her. "I appreciate it, Lillian." "Don't mention it. It's what we do for friends," Lillian said as she sank into the sofa. "By the way, Mr. Gill is hosting an antique exhibition in two weeks. Want to come?" Eleanor hesitated, uncertain. "I'm not sure he'd even want to see me again." "You're overthinking." Lillian looped her arm around Eleanor's shoulders. "You're his only apprentice. Of course he wants to see you." David Gill wasn't only a respected name in the antique collection industry. He was also the chosen heir of Mystic Glen's medical skills. Every successor of Mystic Glen took just one student in their lifetime. David had chosen Eleanor. Eleanor never failed David's expectations, mastering the refined craft of special tool therapy with extraordinary precision. To keep her identity hidden, she treated every patient behind a mask. Whispers spread among the public, and with no real name to use, they began to call her the Soul Surgeon. Her talent could have earned her recognition across the medical world, yet she chose to bury it and live as Jonny's dutiful wife for three long years. The memory of David's defeated look before her marriage still haunted her, and guilt weighed heavily on her heart. Lillian reached out to steady her. "Stop blaming yourself. I'll be by your side when the time comes." "Okay." Two weeks slipped away. The highly anticipated antique exhibition opened with grandeur. Crowds filled the venue, including the wealthy elite who cared little for antiques but wanted to bask in the spectacle. Outside the lounge reserved for honored guests, Eleanor faltered briefly before lifting her hand to knock. "Come in." At the sound, the door creaked open. Seated by the window in his wheelchair, David faced away. In three years, his hair had grown strikingly silver. "It's far too noisy outside. I'll step out when the intermission starts." Believing it was an attendant, he spoke without looking back. Drawing in a steadying breath, Eleanor whispered, "Mr. Gill." The old man froze, then slowly turned. His eyes widened. "Eleanor?!" "Yes, it's me." Eleanor crossed the room toward him. "I owe you an apology. After all your years of teaching, I abandoned your trust." David gave a slow shake of his head. "No need to apologize. This is your life, and you deserve to make your own choices." "I'm here now. This time, I'll carry forward the medical legacy you entrusted to me--as the Soul Surgeon." "And will your husband stand behind such a decision?" Chapter 8 Say Sorry To Emma Right Now "I'm divorced, and I refuse to lose myself in another man's shadow," Eleanor said. "That's better." David's dislike of Jonny had always been clear, and he had never thought that marriage would last. Still, he knew people often needed hardship before they could truly grow. Now he was convinced this ordeal would forge Eleanor into someone unshakable. Once her conversation with David had reached its end, Eleanor didn't linger in the lounge. Making her way toward the exhibition hall, she suddenly crossed paths with Emma. The instant Emma spotted her, her face twisted with scorn. "So Lillian Brooks has made you bold. Are you really so desperate to win Jonny back that you'd chase him all the way here?" "Watch what you say." "Don't act innocent. I remember how you bowed to Jonny's every whim. You'll never fool me." Eleanor recognized Emma's st**idity and chose not to waste energy. "Step aside." "Absolutely not. I'm warning you, stay away from Jonny. The only woman fit to be my sister-in-law is Lainey!" Emma's shrill tone carried through the hall, quickly drawing a crowd. Desperate to humiliate her further, Emma raised her voice. "Three years of marriage, and you couldn't even give him a child. Just look at yourself--plain, broke, and worthless. Do you honestly think you can measure up to Lainey?" Eleanor's lips curved faintly as she replied, "If you're so worried about children, maybe have Jonny see a doctor. The problem lies with him, not me." Those words struck like a whip, and Emma lost all composure. "How dare you in**lt Jonny! I'll teach you a lesson right here!" Spoiled by the Todd family, Emma had never cared about when or where she threw her tantrums. As Emma lunged forward, Eleanor shifted lightly to the side, letting Emma stumble past and collide straight into the exhibition stand. A deafening crash followed as a priceless vase toppled with its glass case and shattered across the marble floor. For a heartbeat, the room froze. Security guards, guests, and staff all stared in stunned silence. Jonny appeared first, pushing through the crowd with urgency. "What's going on here?" "She shoved me!" Emma wasted no time, pointing at Eleanor. "She kept in**lting me, then pushed me straight into the display!" Jonny's glare snapped to Eleanor, his voice rising with anger. "It's bad enough you cause trouble everywhere else, but how dare you create a scene here? Say sorry to Emma right now." It dawned on Eleanor then just how fo**ish she had been to once admire him. "So you just believe every word she spits out? Use your head, Jonny." "Eleanor!" Jonny's face burned with humiliation. "What has happened to you? How could you become--" Suddenly, applause rippled through the hall, cutting Jonny's rant short. "Who would've thought an exhibition could turn into such a performance? Truly unexpected." ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &2&