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 plan, for Eric was a formidable person, and anyone who crossed him would inevitably meet a dreadful end.
• In her previous life, she was naïve 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 accomplished, she could leave the Swan family and Hulbury, pursuing a life of her own.
• The car lapsed 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 relationship.” 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 playing 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 bright 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 Undella Mansion.
• As Eileen was stepping out of the vehicle, she suddenly recalled something and called out to Eric, “Eric, is Vera coming back soon?”
• Vera Blake held a special place 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, he later 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 find common ground.
• Eileen's envy grew as Vera maintained a close relationship 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 Undella 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 plan 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 Undella 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 his composed 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 getting late. Head back and get some rest.”
• Eileen smiled, waving. “Sure, Eric. Goodbye.”
• With the engine of the black Bentley starting, the car swiftly disappeared into the night.