Eliza returned to Powell Villa and started putting on a show of packing her things.
She opened the closet and tossed a few expensive evening dresses and pieces of jewelry into her suitcase without care. Then her eyes landed on a delicate photo frame–it held a picture of her and Victor together.
Eliza picked it up, her fingers gently brushing over Victor’s face in the photo, the corners of her lips curling into a smug smile.
She threw the last piece of clothing into the suitcase and snapped it shut with a loud click. The sound rang out like a declaration of her victory.
“Mommy, where are we going?” asked Oliver, who was standing at the door in his Spider–Man pajamas, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
“Oliver, we’re going home,” Eliza said, squatting down and softly running her fingers through his hair.
Just then, Leon walked by and saw them. “Ellie, where are you going? Don’t leave me behind.”
Eliza pretended to look heartbroken. “Leon, I’m not leaving you behind. I’m just taking Oliver home.”
“No. Ellie, don’t go,” Leon cried, wrapping his arms tightly around Eliza. His face turned red from sobbing.
“Leon, be good. I’ll still come visit you,” she replied gently.
“I don’t want that. Why are you leaving, Ellie? I want to play with Ollie,” Leon wailed even louder, his face streaked with tears and snot.
“Leon, even if Ollie and I move out, we can still play together,” Eliza said, trying to stay patient.
But Leon wouldn’t listen. He cried and screamed, refusing to let them leave. As he watched Eliza and Oliver walk away, Leon turned and ran to find Victor. “Dad, Ellie and Ollie are leaving.”
Victor was in the study working on some documents when he heard Leon’s cries. He instantly dropped everything and rushed out. “Ellie, what are you doing?”
Eliza turned around with a hurt expression. “Vic, I think it’s best if I move out with Oliver.”
“Why? Everything was fine. What happened?” Victor asked.
Eliza bit her lip, hesitating. Tears welled up in her eyes. “Vic, as long as I stay here, Mrs. Powell will never come back. I’ve already caused enough trouble for you,” she sobbed.
Victor pulled her into his arms, full of distress. He thought, ‘It has to be Serena. She’s behind this, making things difficult for Eliza on purpose.
‘Serena is always so jealous, never able to tolerate anyone else. And now she’s pushed Ellie to the point of moving out. I won’t let Serena get away with
this.‘
Victor said, “Ellie, don’t do this. Did Serena say something to you again? Just tell me.”
“It’s all that wretch’s fault,” Leon cried breathlessly. “Dad, please don’t let Ellie leave.”
Eliza leaned against Victor’s chest. “No, it wasn’t Mrs. Powell. It’s my fault.”
“Ellie, don’t go. I’ll go talk to Serena and make her apologize to you,” Victor remarked.
Eliza shook her head and gently pushed him away, turning to continue packing.
Victor grabbed her hand. “Ellie, listen to me. Stay. I’ll make things right.”
Eliza tried to pull her hand free. “Vic, don’t do this. I don’t want to come between you two. Leaving with Oliver is the best for everyone.”
1/2
20.32
35%
Chapter 17
Victor held her hand tightly. “Ellie, please stay.”
Eliza forcefully yanked her hand away and kept dragging her suitcase toward the door.
“We’re going. I’m taking you to see Serena,” Victor said, grabbing her wrist without giving her a chance to argue.
Eliza stumbled a few steps and almost fell. But inside, she was thrilled. She lowered her gaze, hiding the glint in her eyes, and gently bit her lower lip, making herself look even more pitiful.
Eliza thought, ‘Victor still cares about me. Serena, just wait and see.‘
Victor dragged Eliza along, storming into Serena’s hotel with fury. “Serena, get out here.”
