Chapter 20 A Perfect Chance
I glanced at the ringing phone, unsure how to describe my feelings. The timing was quite accurate. Just as Oswald left, Eleanor called me. Oswald must have promptly reported the situation after he left. I calmly answered the phone. “Hello, Eleanor!” “What are you doing? Is Jocelyn okay?” Eleanor’s voice sounded cheerful, as if she was in a good mood. I thought, “Of course, Eleanor is in a good mood. I had a fight with Oswald, and she benefits from it.” “You’re so free today. You have time to call me so early in the morning.” My tone was filled with sarcasm. “I’m not a robot. I need to recharge and refresh myself!” Eleanor chuckled. “I’ll treat you to a big meal.” “I’m playing with Jocelyn at home!” I replied casually. “Ah? That’s great! Bring her out. I miss her. Last time, you were in a bad mood, so I didn’t dare to stay longer!” Eleanor teased me. I paused and contemplated. The opportunity was good. Since Eleanor took the initiative, if I didn’t make good use of this chance, I would disappoint her enthusiasm! “Alright! It doesn’t matter what we eat. I just want a quiet time. I’ll come to your place! I have never been to your place before. You’ve hidden it well. I can’t even find your hideout if I need to contact you for something!” I said casually, without any difference from our usual bantering. Eleanor seemed hesitant for a moment. I tightened my grip on the phone. It seemed like she was wavering. “Don’t tell me it’s inconvenient!” I deliberately provoked her. I knew her personality well. “Nonsense. What do you mean by inconvenience? Even if a man is hiding in my house, I will kick him out for you!” Eleanor quickly responded, “Okay, it’s settled then. Wait with Jocelyn at home, I’ll come to pick you up later!” After hanging up, I held my daughter, feeling heavy-hearted. How good would it be if nothing had happened? I would just consider it as a nightmare. At least, my daughter wouldn’t be harmed. Looking at her swollen lips, I asked softly, “Does it still hurt?” Jocelyn shook her head and comforted me like an adult. “It doesn’t hurt anymore. Daddy said he didn’t do it on purpose. He made a mistake!” I suddenly choked, wishing I could be as innocent as my daughter. Two hours later, Eleanor’s car arrived downstairs and she asked me to come down. I hid the two keys in the compartment of my bag. I just wanted to confirm if the keys were from her house. To my surprise, the apartment Eleanor lived in was one of the well-known high-end communities in River City, Golden Mansion. Of course, I knew this place. This area had the best school, Rising Talents School, which covered education from kindergarten to high school. The education in the school was said to be top-notch in the province. I mentioned this place to Oswald before and wanted to buy a house here so that Jocelyn could have the opportunity to attend Rising Talents School. “Eleanor, you live in Golden Mansion. This is a surprise. I’ve been eyeing this place for a long time!” I sincerely said and momentarily forgot my grudges against her. “You are eyeing Rising Talents School, right?” Eleanor responded quickly, “That’s a simple matter. When it’s time for Jocelyn to go to school, if you trust me, let her live with me! Then she can go to Rising Talents School!” I stood still, feeling a surge of emotions. Was Eleanor planning to compete with me for my daughter? Eleanor reached out and took Jocelyn. Then she suddenly noticed the wound on Jocelyn’s lips. “Hey, how did this happen? I remember you didn’t hurt your mouth last time?” Eleanor shouted in surprise, deliberately touching my nerves. I reached out and held my daughter before coldly saying, “It was an accident!” Eleanor sensed my distance and froze for a moment. Her apartment was on the 12th floor. When she opened the door, I looked at her keys. But Eleanor was quick enough to throw them into her bag. I didn’t get a clear look at all. After entering the house, Eleanor threw her bag on the cabinet by the door and then reached out to take Jocelyn. “Jocelyn, let me show you around.” The house was spacious, a bit extravagant for a person to live alone. The house was well-decorated and splendid. Flowers blossomed on the coffee table, quite fitting for a single woman’s bourgeois style. Compared to the 45-square-meter house I currently lived in, my place felt like a cold and miserable abode. It seemed that people would truly experience ups and downs in life. I never expected Eleanor to live such a luxurious life after ten years. However, I could only afford necessities and needed to fight against my unfaithful husband. Jocelyn screamed excitedly, calling out in a childlike tone. “Wow, Eleanor, your home is so beautiful!” Hearing Jocelyn’s joyful shout, I felt a pang of bitterness. I followed them inside and observed everything in the room, hoping to find some clues.