Novel & Cerita Eleanor Bonneville

They stood together, savoring a moment away from the outside world. Meanwhile, in Michelle's office, activity buzzed around her. James was reviewing blueprints, and her assistant was managing her schedule. Renovations at the Hawthorne estate were moving to the next phase. Michelle had just completed a significant review when Eleanor entered unexpectedly. Eleanor walked in unannounced, wearing elegant clothes in ivory and beige. She exuded a new softness that caught Michelle's attention.

“Stop lurking and bring her in!” Eleanor Knight sits at a dining table overlooking Central Park. Tiny, maybe five two, silver hair perfect, sharp eyes missing nothing. “So,” she says. “This is the girl who broke the internet.” I have no idea what to say. Eleanor’s lips twitch. “Relax, dear. I don’t bite. Much.” She gestures to a chair. “Sit. Let’s talk about why my grandson is suddenly dating someone he’s never mentioned.” I sit. “I’m Zara Bennett, Mrs. Knight. Lovely to meet you.”

I walked over in ten-centimeter heels, my steps slow and deliberate, carrying myself with effortless confidence. Then I slid into the seat across from him. A faint hint of rose perfume drifted through the air. Cedric frowned instinctively and looked up. However, the moment he saw my face, he froze. [What the hell?! Why is the villainess here already?!] [Wasn't she supposed to log off at home? Why's the plot changing?!] [Oh my god–Eleanor Cole looks stunning. She's like a rich heiress straight out of a photo!]

"You helped him set up the wrong wedding? You sold me to him?" "I brokered a mutually beneficial arrangement," Eleanor corrected smoothly, walking over to an antique crystal decanter and pouring herself a glass of red wine. "Ten years ago, Julian tracked me to Monaco. He was ready to put a bullet in my head for the warehouse fire. But I am a survivor, Isabella. I offered him something much better than my life. I offered him the key to completely dismantling Anthony's empire from the inside out."

She wasn't about to let it slip away. Eleanor looked up and found Julian's eyes cold as glass. "You're staying tonight." Not a question. Not a discussion. Pure command. Her fist clenched at her side. "I have a job. I'm expected in tomorrow." "Then quit." She stared at him, stunned. He shrugged, that same maddening half-smile settling in. "You're not honestly telling me your job matters more than Cassandra's, are you?" Most of the family in that room had no idea Eleanor was also a designer at Fenwick & York. The trending headline had said as much, technically, but no one had read past the scandalous photos with Caleb.

She ordered a gin and tonic, the condensation on the glass cool against her fingers, and took a sip just as a familiar voice cut through the noise. “Sarah! Darling.” Eleanor materialized beside her, resplendent in a deep red gown that clung to her curves like a second skin. Her blonde hair was swept into an elegant twist, her lips painted the same shade as her dress. She air-kissed Sarah’s cheeks before stepping back, her sharp eyes flicking to Luca. “And who is this?” Eleanor’s smile was all teeth, her tone dripping with faux innocence. Sarah hesitated. She and Eleanor had always been open, but there was an edge to the other woman tonight, a glint in her eye that made Sarah’s pulse spike. “

He expected that she would act the fool. Like a slave before him. But she would never. She was Eleanor Badminton. She had Alpha blood running through her veins. It made her as close to royalty--even more than the useless Cassy who had suddenly shown up with Alpha blood.

"Eleanor, there you are!" A tall woman in a red gown swept toward us with a champagne glass in her hand. She had the kind of beauty that came from expensive maintenance and good genetics. Her smile was bright but her eyes were calculating. "Victoria," Eleanor said warmly. "How lovely to see you. This is Anastasia, Leon's fiancée." "Oh yes, I have heard all about you." Victoria extended a perfectly manicured hand. "The baker who captured Leon Hart's heart. What a romantic story."

Lady Eleanor Thorne the Elder was sipping tea from a Ming Dynasty porcelain cup, as if she had never been exiled just days ago. And beside her stood a young woman who presented a stark contrast to Liora. Her name was Isabella de Montfort not the Isabella who had been ruined in the Alps, but one whose image had been "cleansed" by Eleanor, wearing a white Chanel silk gown symbolizing aristocratic purity. "Ah, Mavric. My rebellious son has finally come home," Lady Eleanor placed her cup down with a soft clink that echoed through the hall. "And you brought... your hacker 'staff' with you."

Eleanor was a hard woman to please. The designers exchanged nervous glances. Sir Fabrizio stepped forward, unveiling a show stopping, beaded masterpiece. "Voilà! This will make you the belle of the day." He said smiling and she snapped at him. "No matter what I wear, I will always be the Belle." She sneered and he moved back awkwardly. Madame Patel chuckled nervously as she brought out another stunning lace beauty. "What about this one Miss?" Eleanor's eyes widened. "Travis, what do you think?" she asked, turning to him.