Chapter 25 288 Vouchers I took a deep breath , searching for the right words . I wanted to rip Eleanor's mask off right then and there . But knowing how much my adoptive parents adored her , I decided to take it slow . " Mom , Dad , you saw those rumors about Eleanor , right ? The ones saying she has a patron ? The guy in the photo didn't look like Walter . " Helena frowned , disapproval written all over her face . "You're seriously falling for that ? Come on . You know better than to trust gossip accounts . " Alexander nodded . " I saw the news . The guy's face was blurred in the picture . You couldn't tell anything . We shouldn't judge Eleanor off that . " I looked at them , desperate to show them the truth . I could pull up the high photos I'd paid $ 1.5 million for , take them to my place , and show them who Eleanor really was . But I held back . Instead , I asked , " Has Walter ever brought her to meet you ? Hau the families net ? " Helena's face lit up again , with joy . " We're dying to meet her , but Walter says the paparazzi are relentless . He's working on it and promised to bring her by next week . " My heart jumped , but I kept my tone light . " Mom , when she comes , let me know . I'd love to meet my future sister - in - law . I've only ever seen her on screen . " Sure thing . Bring Damian too . We'll do a proper family dinner , " Helena chortled . 0.00 % 06:07 Chapter 25 nodded , dead serious . " Definitely . " Damian couldn't miss the drama . 288 iVouchers I couldn't make sense of it . Damian adored Eleanor . They had a child , and she was probably just a step away from becoming his wife . So why was Eleanor still seeing Walter ? The thought made me uneasy . I didn't want to tip her off , so I said , " Oh , and Mom , don't tell Walter I'll be there . Just say it's you and Dad . " Helena looked at me , puzzled . " Why ? " I gave a small smile . "Eleanor's a superstar . She's got to be careful . If she finds out her future sister - in - law's an entertainment journalist , she might get cold feet or even decide not to marry my brother . " Helena's face tightened , like she was really weighing it . " You're right . Better to keep it from Walter . We don't want Eleanor feeling awkward . " *** After lunch , Helena asked if I wanted to stay a few days since Damian was out of town . But that afternoon , I got a call from a media startup asking me to come in for an interview the next day . They needed a lot of people , and it felt like a good opportunity . All my clothes were at Eaststone Villa , and I wanted to show up prepared , so I headed back . 36.47 % 06:07 Chapter 25 It was already dark when I arrived . I'd assumed Damian would stay a few more days until the Labrador recovered . But they were already back . He , Eleanor , and Maureen were out in the courtyard , walking the Labrador like a picture - perfect family . 288 Vouchers As I stepped through the gate , Maureen let go of the leash , whether on purpose or not . The dog barked and charged straight at I me . I've been terrified of dogs since I was little . I screamed and stumbled backward , eyes wide with fear . Behind me was the pool . I took one wrong step and fell exploded around me . It was late autumn , and the freezing . www.was I could swim , but by the time I dragged myself out , I was soaked . My thin dress clung to me , and I stood humiliated in front of Damian and Eleanor . He frowned slightly but didn't say anything . Maureen clapped her hands , laughing . " Drowned rat! Drowned rat ! " Eleanor waited until the teasing had run its course , then gave a half- hearted scold . " Maureen , stop . " Maureen obeyed , but the smug look on her face didn't fade . 68.04 06:07 Chapter 25 298 Vouchers I stared at her , tempted to shove her into the pool , just so she would know how I felt . But she was just a child .