Chapter 20
Victor ran a hand through his hair in irritation. “My dad wants me to take Leon back to Powell Manor right now?
A flicker of calculation passed through Eliza’s eyes, but she quickly masked it. “In that case, aby don’t come with you? I could take the chances of hello to Mr. Albert Powell,”
“But-” Victor hesitated.
“I’ve been back for so long and still haven’t had a chance to visit him, I do feel a little guilty about that.” Eliza clung to Victor’s arm, putting on a look of thoughtfulness and grace.
Leon pleaded, “Dad, let Ellie and Ollie come too. Ellie’s pastries are really good–Grandpa’s gonna love them.”
Victor finally nodded. “Alright, let’s all go.”
Then the four of them hurried back to Powell Manor,
Victor called out, “Dad, we’re back.”
Albert looked up and noticed Eliza was here too. His frown deepened. “Why’d you bring her?”
Victor quickly explained, “Dad, Ellie’s been meaning to stop by and see you since she got back. She happened to be nearby, so I thought we’d drop in together.”
Albert snorted, “No need. Powell Manor’s not exactly a place to accommodate such an important guest.”
Eliza stepped forward and greeted him politely, “Mr. Albert Powell, it’s been a long time. I’ve wanted to come see you for a while now, and today I finally got the chance.”
Albert’s face remained stony, but he didn’t say anything else.
The housekeeper soon had the table set. Just as Eliza was about to sit beside Victor, Albert suddenly cut in, “Ms. Stone, that’s Victor’s wife’s seat. You should sit over here.”
Eliza froze, her face stiff with embarrassment as she stood awkwardly between the chairs.
Victor quickly got up and led her to a different seat. “Ellie, don’t mind him. My dad just-”
Eliza forced a smile and gently shook her head, trying to act like she didn’t take it to heart.
The tension at the table grew heavier. Albert asked, “Leon, what do you want to eat? I’ll get it for you.” Then he placed a piece of chicken pot pie on Leon’s plate.
“Thanks, Grandpa,” Leon said. He glanced at Eliza and added in his soft little voice, “Ellie, have some too.”
Eliza felt a rush of satisfaction, though her face remained calm. She replied gently, “Leon, you’re such a sweet boy.”
Albert looked at him meaningfully. “Leon, mind your manners. You shouldn’t call her Ellie. You should call her Ms. Stone.”
Leon bit down on his fork, glanced at Albert, then looked timidly at Eliza. In the end, he didn’t talk back.
Victor kept his head down, not daring to speak. The meal dragged on in silence, everyone lost in their own thoughts.
As the servants began clearing the table, Eliza spoke up thoughtfully, “Mr. Albert Powell, it’s getting late. We should head back now. Take care.”
She took Oliver’s hand. “Oliver, say goodbye to Mr. Albert Powell.”
20:33 Tue, 15 Jul
Chapter 20
Oliver sweetly said goodbye to Albert.
Victor couldn’t understand why Albert disliked Eliza so much. To Victor, Eliza was gentle, considerate, just like before maybe even better than before
“Dad, why do you hate Ellie so much?” Victor asked.
Albert didn’t hide the disappointment in his eyes. “Eliza didn’t get close to you or Leon because she cared for you. She just wants to use you.”
Victor looked confused. “Dad, what are you talking about? Ellie is-”
“Enough. She’s only good at playing cheap tricks. Only a fool like you would fall for it.”
“Dad, did Serena say something to you again? Don’t let her manipulate you. Ellie’s not like that.”
“I might be old but I’m not blind, Victor. I see right through Eliza’s pathetic little games.”
Hearing Albert say that only made Victor more convinced that Serena was the one stirring things up behind his back.
Albert noticed Victor staying silent and spoke with a heavy tone, “Victor, Eliza is calculating. Take my advice–stay away from her.”
