Chapter 21
After Percival’s PR campaign launched, he spent lavishly to enlist several influential social media accounts to rehabilitate his image. Over the next few days, they would employ various tactics to clarify Celeste’s professionalism and character while planning to pin the blame entirely on Eleanor. This scandal would likely only hold the public’s attention for a few days at most; eventually, they’d tire of it. Once a bigger news story surfaced, their sordid affair would drown in a sea of gossip, and Celeste could soon resume ber career. Their plan was to have Celeste recognized as one of the Top Ten models of the year, announce her decision to study abroad, and then discreetly have the child. Percival’s motives for wanting the child centered around the fact that Celeste was his first love someone who had quietly followed him for years. With her future finally looking bright, he was not about to lose this cash cow,
Eleanor’s agent, Seraphina, was incensed by Percival’s attempt at image repair and discreetly made her way to Eleanor’s apartment, as she had a key. But upon entering, she discovered that Eleanor was nowhere to be found.
Confused, she called Eleanor, “Eleanor, why aren’t you home?”
Eleanor, in the bathroom of her new home, was filling a tub for Victor. With a light laugh, she replied, “I didn’t get a chance to tell you–I moved.”
“Moved where? Is it safe? Does Percival know?” Seraphina pressed urgently.
Eleanor turned to Victor, who had entered the bathroom, ready to explain, but noticing he didn’t realize she was on the phone, she said, “These things can be handled by the maid
On the other end, Seraphina quickly sensed that Eleanor was with another man, her voice turning sharp. “Eleanor, who are you with? Are you so desperate to undermine Percival that you’re throwing caution to the wind? I told you, who would care to help you now that you’ve faded away? You…you’re infuriating! Have you found someone new to rely on?”
“Where are you? I’ll come pick you up. Things don’t have to go this way…”
“Where are you? I need to see you now, or I swear I make a scene.”
Eleanor rolled her eyes in frustration, glancing up at Victor and covering the phone in search of his opinion. “My agent seems to misunderstand why I moved. so… I think I should go out and explain.”
“Do you trust her?” Victor inquired, having privately looked into Seraphina’s professionalism. She was enthusiastic and dedicated, though sometimes a bit rigid in her thinking. Despite not yet reaching the status of a top agent, she genuinely cared about Eleanor.
“Yeal”
“Then let Locius bring her here.”
After considering Victor’s suggestion, Eleanor understood his intent and trusted the man’s judgment. She was no longer the Eleanor of yesteryear, now that she was awake no one could manever behind her back. Therefore, she instructed Seraphina to wait at her old apartment while sending someone to collect her.
Seraphina buffed at Eleanor’s choices, frustrated by what she saw as misplaced loyalties to a scoundrel like Percival.
With a smile, Eleanor ended the call and looked at Victor. The water is ready. Should we get started now?”
Victor raised an eyebrow, fastening his shirt to hide his enticing collarbone. “Guests are coming and as the man of the house. I definitely want to see you. Most importantly, I’d like to join you… in the bath.”
Eleanor felt her cheeks hent, yet she nodded shyly in agreement.
Seraphina seethed in anger over Eleanor’s choices, feeling it was a disgrace that Eleanor would pay such a heavy price for someone like Percival. She knew all too well how deceitful this world could be; many would only care about a night of pleasure and forget you by morning. How could she be willing to make such a foolish mistake? Distraught, Seraphina murmured to herself until Lucius arrived at the apartment, stating, “If you want to see Eleanor, please follow
