Chapter 1389


    Eleanor gazed at Bernard, her eyes holding a mix of understanding and determination. She didn’t


    me him for the position he was in; instead, her grip on his fingers tightened.


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    “I could stop being his granddaughter, reject taking over his role, and choose to stand by your side.


    Would we still have to part ways then?”


    Her unwavering stance seemed to warm Bernard’s deste heart, making his next words feel all the


    more cruel and guilt-ridden.


    “Blood ties are hard to break, and your identity as the head of Area Opaca was sealed the moment


    Yates made the announcement. It’s toote to change anything now…


    Soon, both Area Opaca and the Siren Organization will know who you are. Do you think they’ll just let


    you go once they find out?”


    Eleanor’s already taut nerves clenched tighter at his words, as if something had ensnared her, leaving


    her no room for escape.


    With a sense of defeat, she let go of Bernard’s hand. Her eyes, once clear and bright, began to cloud


    over with confusion, mirroring the sensation of desperately trying to navigate through a thickening fog,


    only to surrender to the overwhelming uncertainty.


    Bernard’s fingers trailed from her soft, curly locks to her cheek, caressing her as if she were a rare


    treasure, tracing the lines of her face with tender care.


    “I’m afraid when the timees, if I see a member of the Siren Organization hurting you, I won’t be


    able to hold back. I’d strike them down without a


    second thought. But as the head of the Siren Organization, if I harm my own people, how can I lead


    them in our cause?


    Thinking about that moment, I realize it would be difficult for me, and you’d suffer too… So, isn’t it


    better if we part ways?”


    His words of resignation left Eleanor speechless, he left her no space to argue.


    “Bernard, you’ve given up on me twice before. This would be the third time. There’s a saying: ‘Three


    strikes and you’re out.’ After this, I won’t look back. Are you sure this is what you want?”


    The first time was out of necessity, the second was a product of coercion, and now, a reluctant


    surrender.


    Eleanor had grown weary from being abandoned time and again. If he had truly made up his mind to


    part ways, she would not protest.


    The phrase “three strikes and you’re out” felt like an agonizing revtion, as if invisible hands were


    wrenching her bleeding heart from her chest.


    Bernard stared at Eleanor, and for a moment, he wanted to throw caution to the wind, pull her into his


    embrace, and kiss her passionately. But Bernard was always more rational than impulsive in the face of


    danger. He would rather endure all the pain than act on his desires.


    He never answered Eleanor’s question, but she stubbornly waited for his reply, hóping Bernard would


    make a different choice.


    After a long silence, he finally nodded. At that moment, Eleanor’s heart began to constrict


    uncontrobly.


    Looking at the man before her, now so distant, she couldn’t shed a tear-it was as if her heart had


    suddenly ceased to feel, “Alright, let’s part ways.”


    Hearing her acquiescent voice, Bernard thought he could keep his emotions in check, but his eyes


    reddened despite his efforts.


    Eleanor was moved to see him like this. Despite her own heartache, she couldn’t bear to see him


    suffer. She reached out to caress his face, “Don’t be sad, I don’t me you.”


    She didn’t me him, but she wouldn’t turn back. Even as Bernard felt an overwhelming sadness for


    the inevitable oue he had caused, he…


    His gaze shifted to Eleanor’s now rounded belly. As long as she and the baby were safe, he could


    endure anything for them.


    Eleanor didn’t know what more to say. After stroking his face onest time, she withdrew her hand and


    bid farewell, “Take care of yourself when you go back.”


    “I will.”


    “Don’t skip meals, or your stomach will act up, and it’s a bad habit.”


    “Understood.”


    “And no smoking or drinking-it’s bad for your health.”


    “Alright.”


    Eleanor said so much, but Bernard was as sinct as ever, seemingly with nothing to admonish her


    with. Realizing this, she suddenly fell silent.


    After staring into Bernard’s reddened eyes for a long moment, Eleanor managed a small, helpless


    smile, and, steadying herself on the table, rose from her chair.