Every single word out of Eleanor’s mouth resonated with Miriam.
Naturally, only Eleanor truly understood her. There was no way Eleanor could be the evil stepmother that Laura, the old hag, claimed she was!
Miriam sobbed even harder at the thought of her father turning out just as awful as Veronica.
Heath saw how upset Miriam looked and could not bring himself to scold her any further.” You’re too soft on her.”
Eleanor gave a faint smile before saying, “Alright, alright. It’s my fault. Still, I don’t feel comfortable leaving Mira like this. Why don’t I take her to stay with me for a while? I’m wrapping up my current shoot soon, so I won’t be as busy as I was before. With me around, at least she’ll feel safer.”
Miriam’s sobs softened once she heard Eleanor’s intentions. She realized that Eleanor hadn’t left her behind on purpose. She was just too busy
Miriam looked up at Eleanor through eyes that were watery and grateful. Eleanor met her gaze, smiled warmly at her, and gently wiped her tears.
“You crybaby. Don’t cry anymore. I’m taking you home, okay?”
Miriam broke into a big smile and was just about to nod when she remembered that Heath hadn’t agreed to it yet. She turned to him again, a pitiful look in her eyes.
In the end, Heath gave in with a sigh. “Thanks for everything, Eleanor.”
If only Veronica were half as understanding, their family would not have turned out the way it
did.
“It’s no trouble at all. Your daughter is my daughter, too. Plus, I’m really fond of Mira.” Eleanor smiled sweetly.
She felt that she had to get this clingy baggage out of the house. Otherwise, the child would
get in the way of her plans.
She believed that things would be different once she and Heath slept together and had a child
of their own.
Eleanor glanced down at the girl in her arms, her smile never quite reaching her
eyes.
After leaving the villa, Veronica finally saw the post from Jocelyn defending her online. She was stunned.
After all, she had turned down Jocelyn’s request to be her fashion consultant, despite Harry
bringing it up to her countless times.
Veronica had weighed the pros and cons carefully and did not want to turn goodwill into leverage. Moreover, she knew that Archie, the obnoxious bastard, would definitely give her grief if he learned that she was Jocelyn’s fashion consultant.
It would only complicate things further if that were to happen. She didn’t want that.
Veronica had asked Harry to pass along a message to Jocelyn, saying it was just a small favor and she shouldn’t feel indebted. She assumed that would be the end of it and never expected Jocelyn to speak up on her behalf,
Her heart softened. She called Harry, and by coincidence, Jocelyn happened to be with him. So, she thanked her personally over the phone.
“Ms. Dolton, I should be the one thanking you. If it weren’t for you that day, I don’t know what kind of situation I’d be in right now.
“Also, I saw Heberly’s post highlighting your design. If I initially sought you out as my fashion consultant because you saved me, now it’s because I genuinely love your style.
“Please reconsider it. I look forward to working with you.‘
Everything Jocelyn said sounded heartfelt and genuine. Veronica could tell that she meant it. So, she said, “Alright. I’ll think about it and get back to you soon.”
They didn’t chat for long, and the call ended quickly.
Meanwhile, the rumors online linking Veronica and Heath together were wiped clean overnight. As for Eleanor, one of the people involved, she even announced two new
endorsements–both on par with Heberly in terms of prestige.
Veronica could immediately tell that this was Heath’s way of compensating his first love for all the trouble she went through.
Chapter 71
