Chapter 9 - Delivering a stunning reality check to arrogant relatives who attempt to exploit a grieving widower for financial gain during a tense family dinner gathering today.
The grand oak front doors swung open before Eleanor could even raise her gloved hand to strike the brass knocker.
Arthur St. Croix stood framed in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest in a posture of unyielding defense.
"Eleanor. You were not invited, and you certainly are not welcome to barge into my home unannounced," Arthur stated coldly.
Eleanor pushed past him with an arrogant sweep of her mink coat, her sharp blue eyes scanning the pristine marble foyer.
"Don't lecture me about manners, Arthur, while my daughter's children are being raised by a cheap temporary nanny!" Eleanor hissed.
The Nanny stood quietly near the hallway archway, her beige linen shirt and green apron contrasting sharply with Eleanor's luxury.
Eleanor stopped dead in her tracks, turning her severe gaze upon the young woman with undisguised contempt and superiority.
"So this is the little help you're hiding behind while neglecting your corporate responsibilities to the Vanguard family," Eleanor mocked.
"She is not 'help,' Eleanor; she is the only person who actually cared enough to save my family from total destruction," Arthur snapped.
The triplets emerged from the hallway, hiding timidly behind their father's charcoal grey trousers while clutching their stuffed animals.
Eleanor softened slightly at the sight of her grandsons, stepping forward with her arms outstretched in an inviting gesture.
"Come to grandma, my sweet boys; get away from this chaotic house and come live where you belong in Manhattan," Eleanor cooed.
The three boys didn't move an inch toward her; instead, they buried their faces deeper into their father's trousers in rejection.
May you like
Eleanor's face flushed with acute embarrassment and profound shock as her manipulative charm completely failed against the boys.
---
Related Stories
