Emily bit her lip hard. As expected, no matter what Eleanor did, in Mr. Carter's heart, she could do no wrong.
But that wouldn't do.
She had to make Mr. Carter completely hate Eleanor!
Before Emily could speak again, Eleanor calmly took over the conversation.
"Emily, didn't you take Cathy away yesterday? You said you would contact my mother-in-law, but did you?"
Emily was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered. "Sister, it was you who went to see Thomas yesterday and lost Cathy..." she said, her tone filled with manufactured concern.
Eleanor smiled coldly. "Oh? And how did you know I went to see someone yesterday? Were you following me?"
Emily stiffened. "Of course not!"
But as she met Eleanor's unwavering gaze, a sense of unease crept in. Wait… Eleanor used to believe everything I said. What's going on today?
It was true Catherine had gone missing yesterday, and it was related to her.
Did Eleanor figure something out?
Emily didn't dare push further.
Just then, Mr. Carter spoke again. "You two are grown women now. Be mindful of your words and actions. Don't let others make a joke of you."
Although he reprimanded both of them, his dissatisfaction was clearly directed at Emily.
After finishing his words, Mr. Carter turned to greet other guests.
Emily clenched her fists, her embarrassment rising. Her perfect image in front of Mr. Carter had been tainted—all because of Cathy's lies to protect Eleanor!
But today, that was going to end.
Suppressing her anger, Emily forced a sweet smile and took Eleanor's arm.
"Sister, I have something to tell you," she whispered, pulling Eleanor toward a quieter corner.
---
Olivia had once been a close friend of Eleanor's mother, but when her mother fell critically ill, Olivia had schemed her way into the Brooks family—using deceit to become pregnant with Emily and forcing her way into marriage.
Over the years, the mother and daughter had played their roles well, gradually eroding the Brooks family's power.
In Eleanor's past life, she had fallen into their traps, step by step.
Now, she wouldn't be so foolish.
"Sister, if you want a divorce, you must let Grandfather know that you are unhappy in the Harrison family," Emily whispered. "He loves you so much, he will definitely support you."
Eleanor's gaze flickered.
In her past life, she had been tricked into doing just that.
"We even picked out a gift for Grandfather. You should bring it to him."
Eleanor sneered internally. So, this is the moment they make their move.
She kept her expression innocent and nodded, glancing at a nearby servant holding an elegantly wrapped gift box.
"Oh, there it is. I'll give it to Grandfather later. Did you prepare this beautiful packaging?" she asked, feigning admiration.
Emily hesitated for a brief second before nodding. "Yes."
Eleanor's lips curled slightly. "Good. This is the gift I carefully selected for him, after all. I'm counting on it to win Grandfather's favor and support my divorce."
Emily subtly exhaled, relieved.
But just as she was about to speak, her gaze landed on something—faint kiss marks along Eleanor's collarbone.
Her entire expression shifted.
"...Ah! Is this from Thomas?"
Her voice rose with barely contained excitement.
Eleanor gave her an exasperated look and deliberately adjusted her dress, as if annoyed.
"It was Charles."
During her morning routine, Eleanor had intentionally left the marks visible. Now, she subtly pulled her neckline down just enough for Emily to notice.
Emily's face turned several shades. "...You and Charles haven't been intimate for a long time."
Eleanor sighed dramatically. "Yes, but he forced me last night."
Emily lowered her head, pretending to be embarrassed, but Eleanor didn't miss the anger and jealousy flashing across her eyes.
Emily's hands curled into fists. "This is too much! This is marital rape! I won't let you suffer this kind of injustice. But… this is good. I have a way to deal with him—"
Her voice dropped conspiratorially. "A two-pronged attack. We can force him to divorce you quickly!"
Eleanor widened her eyes, pretending to be eager. "Really? What's the plan?"
Emily leaned in. "Tonight, in front of everyone, we expose his true face."
Eleanor nodded vigorously. "That's a great idea!"
Emily's gaze flickered toward Olivia, who was standing nearby. Within seconds, Olivia approached, holding a silver tray.
"What are you two talking about so happily?" Olivia asked with a warm smile.
She lifted two delicate glasses filled with a light blue cocktail from the tray.
"Let's celebrate in advance. You should drink, too. It's like a truth serum, after all."
The liquid gleamed under the banquet hall lights, reflecting the mother-daughter duo's seemingly harmless smiles.
Eleanor's lips curled ever so slightly. So, this is where it all started.
In her past life, her downfall had begun the moment she drank this poisoned cocktail.
But this time, not only would she avoid the trap—she would turn it back on them.
She suddenly clutched her stomach, her face twisting in discomfort.
"Ah!"
Olivia immediately stepped forward in concern. "What's wrong, Eleanor? Are you feeling unwell?"
Eleanor grimaced. "I haven't eaten anything since morning… my stomach isn't feeling great. I shouldn't drink alcohol right now."
Emily and Olivia exchanged a quick glance.
"Nonsense," Olivia said gently. "This cocktail barely has any alcohol. A sip will actually help settle your stomach."
Emily nodded eagerly. "Yes, sister. It'll also give you some courage."
Eleanor tapped her slender fingers against the glass, pretending to hesitate.
Then, she smiled. "But I'm afraid my stomachache will get worse. Aunt Olivia, how about this—could you make me a bowl of chicken soup noodles? It's been so long since I've had your cooking."
Olivia's face stiffened.
Years ago, when she first married into the Brooks family, she had played the role of a doting stepmother, doing everything to win Eleanor's trust. But after securing her position as Mrs. Brooks, she had never lifted a finger again.
And now, Eleanor was making her serve her like a kitchen maid?
But they couldn't afford for her not to drink the wine.
Before Olivia could come up with an excuse, Eleanor abruptly slammed the cocktail glass onto the table.
"Hmph! I was mistreated in the Harrison family, and now Aunt Olivia won't even care for me?"
Panic flashed in Olivia's eyes.
"Alright, alright, I'll make it for you."
She quickly turned to leave, throwing Emily a brief look.
As Olivia disappeared into the kitchen, Eleanor watched her retreating figure, her gaze turning ice-cold.
It was time for them to taste their own medicine.