Chapter 6 - Eleanor’s Version of LoveEleanor descended the staircase dressed for battle.
Pearls. Gray silk. Perfect hair.
She looked at Dr. Cole as if the physician were a stain on the carpet.
“You have been in this house less than three hours,” Eleanor said. “Do not pretend to understand my granddaughter.”
Dr. Cole did not move. “I understand sedation.”
The word landed like a slap.
Eleanor’s mouth tightened.
Alexander stepped forward. “Did you know?”
“Know what?”
“That Iris was being drugged.”
“Do not use vulgar language.”
“Answer me.”
Eleanor’s eyes flashed. “I protected her.”
Grace made a small sound.
Alexander turned. “Protected her from what?”
“From disappointment. From pain. From being pushed by ignorant girls who think love means forcing a disabled child to perform.”
Grace went pale.
Dr. Cole said, “Walking practice is not performance.”
Eleanor ignored her. “You were never here, Alexander. You buried yourself in hotels and boardrooms while I held this family together.”
That part struck because it was true.
Eleanor saw it and pressed harder.
“You left two motherless children in my care, then you dare return with accusations because a maid taught one of them party tricks?”
Alexander’s voice became dangerously quiet.
“Say one more word about Grace like that.”
Eleanor stared at him.
Then she laughed.
“My God. That is what this is. The grieving billionaire and the noble servant. How ordinary.”
Grace stepped back as if slapped.
Alexander did not.
“Who ordered the sedative?”
Eleanor looked away.
“Who deleted the footage?”
No answer.
“Who put your bracelet in Grace’s coat?”
Eleanor smiled then.
It was small and ugly.
“You have no proof.”
At that exact moment, Clara appeared at the top of the stairs in her nightdress, clutching the stuffed rabbit.
Everyone looked up.
The little girl pointed at Mrs. Hale, who stood half-hidden in the second-floor hallway.
“Rabbit saw,” Clara said.
Alexander froze.
Grace whispered, “Clara?”
Clara lifted the rabbit.
“Nana put shiny in Grace coat.”
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Mrs. Hale burst into tears.
Eleanor’s face turned to stone.
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