Chapter 161

The man froze at the sight of Eleanor, clearly taken aback. For a moment, he just stared before steadying himself."You must be-"

Bofore he couldfinish, Jeff appeared with Lainey at his side.

Jeff's eyes swept over Eleanor and Nolan with clear disdain, but he ignored themn and turned to Lainey."Lainey, this is your eldest brother, Fraser."

Lainey's expression softened instantly into a timid, pitiful look. "Fraser,"she whispered.

Her voice quivered as if weighed down by guilt."I'm so sorry, Fraser. This is all because of me. If it weren't for me, Mom never would've come back to the country. If she hadn't returned, maybe none of this would've happened."

Her voice trembled as she spoke, her head sinking lower and lower until her expression was hidden. Behind that soft demeanor, though, her thoughts were far darker.

She had believed the medicine would be enough to end Hilda's life.

But Hilda somehow had survived.

That meant she had to come up with a new plan,and one that would make sure Hilda never opened her eyes again.

Only then would she truly secure her place as a Benton.

Fraser Benton let out a faint frown and answered with a casual "hmm."

His eyes moved to Lainey, yet he felt no real connection with her.

Strangely, it was Eleanor who caught his attention right away.

Her face looked so much like Hilda's in her old photos that it stirred a surprising sense of closeness, almost like family.

Lainey immediately caught on to where his attention had drifted, and her heart skipped. A prickle of unease shot through her. Quickly, she piped up, "Fraser, no matter what she said, don't believe her. Mom fell sick right after meeting her yesterday!"

Jeff's tone was heavy with accusation as he added, "Miss Warren, isn't that why you came today? Just to check if my wife managed to survive?"

His words nearly branded Eleanor a murderer.

But Eleanor didn't flinch. Meeting his gaze, she spoke evenly. "Mr. Benton, I know you're worried about your wife, but I won't admit to something I didn't do. It's true, I met Mrs. Benton yesterday. But when the incident happened, I was in the restroom. I don't know what took place. If you doubt me, check the restaurant's security footage or report it to the police. Let them investigate."

At the mention of the police, Lainey's composure cracked for a spli second, and she quickly grabbed Jeff's sleeve. "Dad, don't waste time on her. Right now, Mom's health comes first. We can deal with this after she wakes up."

Jeff scoffed, his tone cold as he looked away. "My daughter knows what's important. Not like some people who only know how to make excuses."

Nolan, who had been silent until now, stepped forward.

He positioned himself in front of Eleanor, his eyes turning sharp, his voice low and cutting.. Benton, I'd advise you to mind your words when speaking to my girlfriend."

Jeff's jaw tightened. He wasn't the type to back down. "Respect is earned, not handed out."

The tension between them thickened, ready to spark into something bigger. But before it could, Eleanor tugged lightly at Nolan's sleeve. "Forget it. Let's go."

She couldn't let Nolan, with his reputation and standing, get dragged into this because of her.

Besides, with the Benton family standing guard, she couldn't even get near Hilda, let alone treat her. Just as the two were about to enter the elevator, Jeff's voice suddenly came from Hilda's hospital room.

"Baby, you're awake! How are you feeling?"

Eleanor froze for a heartbeat. Her steps faltered, yet she forced herself to step inside the elevator without looking back.