A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1371

Eleanor's life had taken an unexpected turn, and as she stood under the glittering night sky, the feeling of isolation was overwhelming. Despite having just been recognized by the prestigious Sharp family, instead of elation, there was a void that even their warm welcome couldn't fill.

"Missing your husband?" The voice was smooth, with a hint of teasing, as Peterson sauntered over in his sleek black tuxedo, hands casually tucked in his pockets. He caught the flicker of sadness in her eyes, a reflection of the distant stars she gazed upon so intently.

"The stars are the same from anywhere, but some of us have clear skies while others are clouded," he mused, his gaze lifting to follow hers. Bernard, poor chap, was out of sight, locked away in some undisclosed location.

Eleanor knew it was Peterson without looking away from the celestial display. "Why does no one ask about Bernard's absence?" She asked. It puzzled her; the Sharps acted as if they were already aware of her divorce. But how could they have known?

Peterson's gaze lingered on Eleanor's radiant face. "You'll find the answer when you return the family tree to the study," he said, after a long pause, handing her the ancient book.

"Don't let on that I sent you," he added before turning away. Halfway across the lawn, he paused under the lamplight, casting her a backward glance. "Don't hold it against me," he said quietly. He hadn't known she was his cousin or that Bernard was her husband at the time. Life had chosen his path long ago, and he had been powerless to resist.

Feeling a mix of confusion and an inexplicable trust, Eleanor took the family tree to the study, avoiding the crowd through a side entrance. She hadn't been in Yates' study before. It felt foreign yet intimate. She spotted a gap on the bookshelf where the book belonged, but as she reached out to place it, a small box caught her attention.

The books were meticulously organized, each series enclosed behind glass doors, and the Sharp family tree was kept separate. Except for this box, seemingly placed without care.

Eleanor's heart raced; this was Peterson's clue to her. She slid the book in its rightful place and snatched up the box, opening it with haste. Inside, a glint of gold caught the light—a familiar golden leaf that stung her eyes with its brilliance.

She steadied her shaking hands and retrieved the leaf, turning it over to reveal a small set of numbers: Ace-dominate-1-1.

Dominance—the highest rank within the enigmatic organization known as Area Opaca.

Suddenly, everything clicked. Yates was the mastermind behind Area Opaca. No wonder no one inquired about Bernard's whereabouts; they had known all along. And Peterson's silence on his occupation made perfect sense now—he was entangled in a web of secrets too dangerous to reveal.