Chapter 333

Eleanor remained completely oblivious to Jeff and Hilda's plans.

She had already reached her store.

Just as her hand touched the door, an unexpected figure appeared-Jonny.

Jonny spotted her instantly and hurried forward,invited with a familiar ease, "Eleanor, may I take you to lunch today?"

Eleanor didn't even glance his way. "Unless you intend to buy something, I'm afraid I cannot accommodate you."

She turned to step inside.

Jonny quickly intercepted her path. "Eleanor, I truly came to purchase something. My mother requires a dress for a major banquet, and I'm here to select one."

Eleanor froze, giving him a skeptical look.

The Todd family had collapsed financially.Where had he obtained the funds?

Was he pressing Sallie for money once more?

Her face twisted at the thought.

Jonny seemed to notice her suspicion and waved his hands frantically. "No, that's not the case. My mother sold a few pieces of her saved jewelry."

Since it involved Vickie's money, Eleanor figured there was no harm.

She stepped aside, signaling for him to follow.

The staff hadn't fully arrived yet, so Eleanor had to assist personally.

She picked up a dress from last season, speaking in a detached, monotone voice. "This design uses silk crepe, featuring a solid shade. It's youthful while maintaining elegance..."

Jonny's attention drifted far from the dress.

He said suddenly, "Eleanor, I read the news online.1warned you from the beginning that Nolan wasn't serious about you, yet you refused to listen. Honestly,if you were willing..."

Eleanor didn't register a single word. After finishing her description, she returned the dress to the rack.

Her cool gaze met his. "Jonny, what are your thoughts on this piece?"

Jonny was caught off guard, his face tensing awkwardly.

He gave a slight nod."It looks nice. Please wrap it up."

He was telling the truth. Vickie genuinely had to go to a significant banquet.

Word spread that someone who once admired her would attend. If they reunited, their struggles might finally end.

Vickie had hesitated to spend money, but he was desperate to escape poverty.

This attempt had to succeed.

While Jonny was deep in thought, the cashier finally arrived.

Eleanor was about to call her over when Jonny reached out, gazing at her with what he believed was heartfelt sincerity.

He said, "Eleanor, I promise, I won't repeat past mistakes. Please give me another chance." Nearby, the cashier froze, eyes widening in shock.

What on earth did he just say?

Had she just overheard a private scandal?

Eleanor noticed the hesitation from the corner of her eye and offered a slight nod.

The cashier quickly regained composure and approached to begin the transaction.

Numbers were swiftly entered into the calculator. "Sir,because this is last season's design, it comes with a 30%discount. The total, after the reduction, is $700,000."

Jonny blinked, certain he had misheard.

He knew Eleanor's creations were pricey.

After all, Lainey had once purchased a custom piece worth over ten million.

But this was a last season dress, and he hadn't expected such a staggering price.

His available funds totaled less than eight hundred thousand,insufficient for this purchase.

Forcing a strained smile, he said, "Eleanor, since we were married before,could you offer a larger discount?" The cashier maintained professionalism immediately."Sir, if this is beyond your budget, we have clearance items from last year, with discounted prices ranging from $200, 000 to $500, 000. Would you like to see those instead?"

Eleanor gave a satisfied glance, delighting the cashier and filling her with pride.

For Jonny, the gesture felt like public humiliation.

Clenching his teeth, he handed over his bank card."Charge it."

The cashier took it without hesitation. "Of course, sir.Just a moment,please."

As Jonny stepped out of the store carrying the dress,his chest tightened.

He had no other option, convinced that if Vickie restored her bond with that influential figure, he would never need to fret over money.