Chapter 395

That night after escaping Julian's embrace, Eleanor lay wide awake until sunrise.

Her elbow throbbed where she'd scraped it during the escape. The angry red wound oozed faintly when she examined it under her bedroom light.

Tears pricked her eyes as she dabbed antiseptic on the raw flesh. She'd sneaked out without permission and couldn't risk anyone discovering her injury.

With trembling hands, she bandaged herself before curling around her stuffed bear. But sleep refused to come as memories assaulted her.

The cafeteria bathroom stall where Isabelle forced her to eat lunch alone.

The time Isabelle's friends shoved her headfirst into a reeking dumpster.

The dead rat she'd found nestled in her textbooks.

Her favorite novel's pages scattered like confetti across the school courtyard.

And worst of all - the music room piano. Just thinking about it made her whimper into her pillow.

Julian Montgomery. Isabelle's brother. Her tormentor's flesh and blood.

Tears soaked Eleanor's pillowcase as she muffled her sobs until morning light painted her walls.

Though autistic, Eleanor understood complex emotions better than most assumed.

She knew despite being Isabelle's brother, Julian had saved her life that rainy night.

That afternoon, Eleanor carefully followed an online tutorial to bake a blueberry cheesecake. Maybe Nathan could deliver it as thanks.

She hummed while refrigerating her creation, wiping flour-dusted hands on her apron. Turning toward her bedroom, she froze mid-step.

Cassandra lounged on her bed, legs crossed, examining her manicure with a predatory smile.

"Don't I deserve a greeting, little sister?" Cassandra flicked her golden hair. "Or has the dummy gone mute now too?"

"H-Hello, Cassandra." Eleanor's voice barely rose above a whisper.

Cassandra's smile widened. "I'm taking you clubbing tonight. My treat."

"N-No thank you. I'd just embarrass you." Eleanor stared at her slippers.

"Suit yourself." Cassandra stood slowly, eyes glinting. "I only wanted some sisterly bonding time."

Eleanor released a shaky breath as Cassandra sauntered out, hands clasped behind her back.

The moment the door clicked shut, Eleanor lunged for her bed. Frantic hands searched the blankets.

"Mr. Snuggles!" Her cherished bear from Evelyn was gone.

Cassandra never visited without leaving destruction in her wake.

Terror propelled Eleanor downstairs where Cassandra was sliding into a limousine.

"Give him back!" Eleanor screamed, pounding the car window.

Cassandra lowered the glass just enough to dangle the stuffed bear mockingly before tossing it onto the seat beside her.

"Drive," she commanded.

Eleanor chased the accelerating limo, tears blurring her vision. "Please! He's all I have!"

She collapsed on the driveway, sobbing like a mother watching her child being stolen. Even the stone-faced butler shifted uncomfortably.

"Get me a car!" Eleanor demanded with unprecedented force, tear-streaked face blazing with determination.

The butler hesitated. "But Ms. Eleanor, Mrs. Whitmore expressly forbids—"