A Second Chance at Forever novel (Eleanor and Bernard)

Chapter 908
Elbert, tailing behind, however, was left high and dry
He watched as the blinds were pulled down, a slight crease in his brow
He could get why Robin wouldn’t let Bernard’s bodyguard in, but why was he also kept outside?
Inside the room, Robin closed the door, hands in pockets, walked towards them, his gaze landing on Eleanor.
“Eleanor, come with me
Robin’s smile seemed harmless enough, but his eyes told a different story
His ill intentions had Eleanor on edge, but Berard, taking her hand, comforted her.
Though the undercover member from Siren Organization didn’t make it in, Bernard’s presence was reassuring enough.
Eleanor’s heart began to steady Hand in hand with Bernard, she followed Robin through a series of white doors, till they reached
the innermost hospital room.
As Robin pushed open the door, Eleanor’s gaze fell on the woman lying on the hospital bed – Wendy Pine.
She was past fifty, and the ravages of illness had erased her former beauty.
She looked frail, pale and thin, the apparent signs of severe illness, but the determination in her sunken eyes told a story of
survival.
“Vanya...”
Wendy was on oxygen. As soon as she saw Eleanor, her eyes widened
“Are Are you here to take me?”
Eleanor tilted her head Wendy seemed shocked and afraid of Vanya coming for her. Did she feel guilty about something?
“Mother”

Drawing near, Robin captured her hand, unraveling the truth with a gentle tone, “She isn’t Vanya. She’s Eleanor, Vanya’s
daughter.”
At the sound of her son’s voice, a ripple of recognition flickered across Wendy’s eyes, deftly veiling the tremors of shock that
sparked within, replaced by a vacant stare.
“So she’s her offspring. I thought she sought me out...
Wendy’s voice trailed off, as her hand extended, which Robin swiftly clasped.
With Robin’s aid, Wendy hoisted herself upright, prying open her fatigue–laden eyes to scan the duo standing sentinel at the
door.
First, she perused Eleanor, then her gaze traversed to Bernard, a furrow creasing her brow as she discerned the chill radiating
from him.
“Mr. Laurence, could you step out for a moment? I need to have a word with Eleanor...”
She didn’t even share a sentimental word about their reunion and wanted Bernard to leave right away. That was a bit too hasty
“He’s my husband. What can’t be said in front of him?”
Eleanor quickly jumped to her husband’s defense before Bernard could say a word
Wendy, rebuffed by the younger generation for the first time, looked slightly taken aback, but quickly regained her composure
“I didn’t expect you to marry into the Laurence family. If your mother knew, she’d be heartbroken. The Pine family and the
Laurence family are sworn enemies...”
So you’re planning to guilt–trip her using Vanya?
Even if her mother was a Pine, Eleanor wouldn’t let Bernard leave over a family feud.
Eleanor didn’t play along. “My mother is long gone. How do you know she would be heartbroken? Have you asked her? Or have
you seen her?”

Wendy didn’t expect Eleanor to be so sharp–tongued. She figured with Eleanor’s resemblance to her mother, her personality
would be just as mild and easy to manipulate
A few exchanges later, Wendy realized Eleanor wasn’t one to mess with, quickly adjusting her strategy and forced a smile onto
her aged face.
“The Laurence family has caused many deaths in the Pine family I’m not ready to let go of that grudge yet, please forgive my
earlier words if they offended you.”
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