A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1399

As Peterson closed the door behind him, his tall, broad-shouldered silhouette exuded a sense of determination that somehow felt comforting to Eleanor, "Peterson, thanks a lot."

Without turning back, he lifted his muscular arm in a casual wave, the gesture oozing a cool nonchalance.

Eleanor's lips curved into a restrained smile as she turned her gaze away from the door and looked at the heap of snacks on the table. She had no real appetite; yet he brought so much.

His thoughtfulness gently eased her heart, much like the gradual emergence of the sun piercing through a cloudy sky.

She paused for a few moments, making sure Peterson was well out of sight, before she left the control room and made her way to the surveillance room.

Inside, Yates was busy at the console, his fingers dancing over the keyboard. He glanced up as Peterson walked in. "What are you doing here instead of managing the central zone?"

Peterson clenched his fist, then approached Yates with a facade of indifference. "Grandpa, didn't you promise the Ratliff family their lives?"

At these words, Yates' fingers froze on the console. "Can't you see what I'm planning?"

Feeling the heat of Yates' scrutiny, Peterson's momentary tension was quickly concealed. "Of course, I see it, but aren't you afraid Eleanor will catch on to what you're doing?"

Yates' steely gaze shifted away from Peterson and back to the console. "I may have been a bit hasty, but she'll figure it out eventually. What does it matter? I have plenty of ways to allay her suspicions."

Yates was always a few moves ahead. Even Peterson couldn't fathom his grandfather's thoughts. But Yates was underestimating Eleanor. She was much quicker on the uptake than he assumed.

Peterson didn't let on that Eleanor already knew. He simply said to Yates, "You might have ways to settle her doubts, but some things can't be hidden forever. What will you do when she learns the truth?"

Yates eyed Peterson with suspicion. "Are you here to plead their case, or do you think forty lashes weren't enough?"

Unruffled, Peterson shook his head. "I'm just worried she’ll turn against you if she finds out everything."