A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1401

Yates' expression froze as he stared into Eleanor's eyes, brimming with hatred. For a fleeting moment, he saw in Eleanor the reflection of a woman he once knew—Pauline Hardy. She had the same fiery spirit back then.

Perhaps it was for Pauline's sake that Yates managed to swallow his rage, choosing not to retaliate against the rebellious Eleanor. "Peterson Sharp," he said in a calmer tone than expected, "take Eleanor back to the control room for some rest."

Peterson had braced for his grandfather to explode in fury, maybe even to strike Eleanor in anger. He was taken aback when all Yates did was calmly instruct him to escort Eleanor away. Was it out of some sense of debt?

Unable to fathom Yates' thoughts, Peterson took Eleanor by the hand and led her away. Eleanor was ready to jump in and defend Peterson, but he subtly motioned for her to hold her ground. The priority was to find a way to leave Area Opaca, not to waste time bickering in this place.

Eleanor read the situation and unclenched her fists, following Peterson out. Yet, as their footsteps crossed the threshold, Yates' icy voice trailed them from behind, "Eleanor, before you came to Area Opaca, you promised me you'd always stay with the Sharp family. Remember?"

Eleanor stopped in her tracks and turned to face Yates, who sat at the control panel like a judge over life and death. "The promise I made was based on you not deceiving me. You broke that trust. How can you expect me to keep my word?"

Yates, anticipating her change of heart, simply nodded. "If the promise is void, then you'll replace Bernard Laurence and stay in Area Opaca forever."

A shadow crossed Eleanor's eyes, and Yates looked past her to Peterson, "You will stay in the isolation cell until I've dealt with Bernard. Then I'll set you free."

The mention of dealing with Bernard ignited a spark of fury in Eleanor, "Yates, your vendetta should be with the former members of the Siren Organization, not with Bernard, who knows nothing and wasn't even born yet!"

What she meant was that Yates had chosen the wrong target for his revenge, but Yates didn't see it that way, "They violated your grandmother, they all deserve to die, and I won't spare a single one."

Faced with a Yates consumed by hatred, Eleanor was incensed, "Then go after those who harmed Pauline! What has Bernard done? He's innocent!"

Yates didn't bother to argue further. He raised his hand, and the men in black by his side immediately stepped forward, seizing Peterson's arms, "Mr. Peterson, please come with us."