Chapter 5


    Chapter 5 Avoid Him


    Eileen swiftly lifted the hem of her dress and hurried back. After all, it might raise suspicions if Eric


    couldn’t locate her upon his return. Upon reaching the banquet hall, she observed Eric scanning the


    crowd for her. Straightening her dress and fixing her hair, she approached him with a meek smile. Eric


    frowned upon spotting her. “Where have you been?” Eileen tilted her head and replied innocently, “I


    went to the restroom.” There was a certain innocence in her eyes that made it difficult for anyone to get


    angry with her, but Eric’s brows furrowed even more when he noticed the rosy tinge on her cheeks.


    “Have you been drinking?” “Just a little.” Eileen was honest about it. She even gestured with her fingers


    to indicate the small amount she had drunk, wearing an alluring smile. He quickly looked away before


    saying, “Let’s go. I’ll send you back.” With that, Eric strode out of the banquet hall, and Eileen followed


    immediately. Once in the car, she couldn’t help but think about that woman. Although Eileen had no


    idea about Eric’s intentions in staying with the Swan family, she was certain that his goal involved


    seeking revenge. She had neither the intention nor the ability to intervene in his n, for Eric was a


    formidable person, and anyone who crossed him would inevitably meet a dreadful end. In her previous


    life, she was na?ve enough to believe she could persuade Eric to let go of their grudges and live


    peacefully with their father. Having been given a second chance at life, Eileen’s primary focus was on


    graduating from university. Once aplished, she could leave the Swan family and Hulbury, pursuing


    a life of her own. The carpsed into silence. Eventually, Eileen decided to break the tension. “Eric,


    there’s something I need to tell you.” Eric’s eyes flickered at her words, as he thought she might finally


    be reaching a breaking point. “It was my fault. I was being too stubborn in the past. Moving forward, I’ll


    keep in mind our sibling rtionship.” Eileen maintained a calm demeanor as she spoke. Her words


    and demeanor caught Eric off guard. He scrutinized her through the rearview mirror but failed to detect


    anything unusual. After a prolonged silence, he raised an eyebrow and sneered sarcastically. I was


    wondering why she hadn’t been pestering me throughout the day. Turns out, she’s just ying hard to


    get. With his hands firmly on the steering wheel, Eric spoke in a gentle tone. “It’s good that you’ve


    reflected on things. Let’s put the past behind us.” Seated in the back, Eileen responded with a brightThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    smile. Subsequently, silence enveloped the car again. Eileen looked out of the window, feeling relieved.


    As long as I keep my distance from Eric, I can avoid trouble. Once I leave Hulbury, I don’t have to care


    about the conflicts between Eric and Dad. They can sort out their grudges on their own. The car soon


    arrived at Unde Mansion. As Eileen was stepping out of the vehicle, she suddenly recalled


    something and called out to Eric, “Eric, is Veraing back soon?” Vera ke held a special ce in


    Eric’s heart as his childhood sweetheart. Having faced hardships together in the orphanage, their bond


    was forged through shared struggles, including sleeping on the streets and enduring hunger. When Eric


    was adopted into the Swan family, heter brought Vera into the fold during the second year. Will had


    no objections, given the family’s means to support an additional member. However, despite being close


    in age, Eileen and Vera couldn’t findmon ground. Eileen’s envy grew as Vera maintained a close


    rtionship with Eric. This jealousy led Eileen to frequently find fault with Vera. Eventually, Eric sent


    Vera abroad for her studies. In the present, Eric paused, turning to look at Eileen with a guarded


    expression. Just look at him. So worried about Vera. Eileen regarded him with a hint of disdain before


    adding, “I must admit, I do miss her after all this time. I’ve already instructed Sharon to clean her room.


    It will be ready for her when she returns.” There was a room in Unde Mansion specifically designated


    for Vera, left vacant since her departure for studies abroad. Eric’s expression darkened briefly, a


    fleeting glint crossing his eyes. “No need. I n to have Vera stay with me.” “Really?” A hint of


    embarrassment flitted across Eileen’s visage. “That’s a great idea… It will be more convenient for you


    to take care of Vera.” She knew that Eric had his own house, and he seldom returned to Unde


    Mansion to avoid her. “When she returns, I’ll bring her here to collect her belongings.” Eileen gazed at


    Eric’s stern expression, offering a silent nod without further words. Bringing up Vera was her way of


    conveying that she had moved on from her feelings and her past misbehaviors. However, it seemed


    her current efforts didn’t leave a strong impression on him, given hisposed reaction. Eric observed


    her quietly—head bowed and silent, a stark contrast to the once-arrogant Eileen. It must be difficult for


    her to put on an act for so long. Checking the time on his wrist, he remarked, “It’s gettingte. Head


    back and get some rest.” Eileen smiled, waving. “Sure, Eric. Goodbye.” With the engine of the ck


    Bentley starting, the car swiftly disappeared into the night.