Chapter 179

Jace's POV

I stood outside the study, watching Eleanor's angry figure disappear down the hallway. My throat tightened as conflicting emotions washed over me. I had intended to start negotiations for Lucas; her presence changed things.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the study door again.

"You're here about Serena's case too?" Howard's voice was cold, edged with a hint of angry.

"Yes, sir." No point in denying it.

He leaned back in his leather chair. "Unlike Eleanor, who's young and acts on impulse, you should know better, Jace."

I carefully considered my approach, deciding on absolute sincerity. "I'd just like to share my perspective, sir. Whether you choose to consider it or not is entirely your decision. I won't press the matter further if you disagree."

Howard paused, then nodded. "Proceed."

"The situation with Serena is straightforward - we both know the Thornes are behind this." I kept my voice steady, watching for his reaction. When he didn't object, I continued, "However, I don't believe they've played this as cleverly as they think."

I stepped closer to his desk, maintaining a respectful distance. "Lucas's current acceptance of the Thorne engagement isn't about inability - it's about priorities. He's juggling both the family's interests and Serena's protection. But he hasn't been pushed to his limit... yet."

Pausing strategically, I studied Howard's expression. "If Serena ends up in prison because of the Thornes, do you really think Lucas will stand idle? I can guarantee with absolute certainty that he'll retaliate, regardless of the consequences. The fallout would be... devastating. For everyone's sake - the family's and Lucas's - we shouldn't interfere with this situation."

I noticed Howard's fingers tighten around his eyeglass. A tell. I pressed forward with my trump card: "That's just the first point, father."

"The second concerns you and Luc," I paused, carefully choosing my next words. "Dad, let's be honest here - do you really think Lucas will marry Rachel? We both know you only made that promise to the Thornes because you were backed into a corner. Lucas didn't push back against it because he respects you enough to understand why you did it. Don't you think it's time you showed him the same understanding? You're risking the trust and respect he has for you, Dad. Is that really worth it?"

Silence filled the study, heavy with unspoken words.

After a moment, I straightened my jacket. "I won't take up any more of your time, father."

"Jace." His voice stopped me at the door.

My heart tightened.

"Your talent was never the issue," Howard said quietly. "Keeping you out of Harrington International... it was because of the delicate situation. I couldn't explain your presence to the rest of the family-or even rationalize it to myself."

"I've never questioned your judgment, father." My response was genuine. "If you hadn't brought me into this family, I would've died on the streets. Besides, Lucas is more than qualified to lead Harrington International. Entrusting him with the company was the right decision."

Just then, the butler - James, burst in. "Sir, we've lost all contact with Mr. Lucas."

My chest tightened, but Howard's response was calm. "Let him be".

Leaving the study, I pulled out my phone, hovering over Eleanor's number. After a moment's hesitation, I put it away. Perhaps I vanished in her eyes was the kindest option.

Eleanor's POV

I stormed into Quinn's office, my blood practically boiling. Just thinking about Rachel's sanctimonious face made my anger surge all over again.

"I can't believe how awful she is!" I collapsed into the armchair, my bag sliding to the floor. "You should've seen her, Quinn. All that fake sunshine and rainbows act, while she's basically Satan in Louboutins. I always say nobody's perfect, but people who seem flawless? They're usually the worst kind of fake."

My head was pounding. Last night's reality show taping had dragged until 2 AM, and we'd started again at 7 this morning. I'd barely managed to scarf down a sad excuse for lunch in the car on my way to catch my flight back. It made my condition worse. But the rage coursing through my veins wouldn't let me rest.

Quinn's voice floated somewhere above my consciousness: "Eleanor, maybe you should get some rest..." But exhaustion was already pulling me under, the plush leather of the chair feeling impossibly comfortable.

I could barely make out Jace and Spencer's voices in the background as my eyelids grew heavier, until sleep finally pulled me under.

The next thing I knew, there was a loud THUD, followed by a sharp pain in my backside. I blinked, disoriented, only to find myself sprawled on the floor. Looking up, I discovered I had an audience: Quinn, Jace, and Spencer were all staring at me.

Perfect. Just perfect. Eleanor Yates, darling of the entertainment industry, face-planting in front of witnesses. Even better, they were all just standing there, watching me like I was some kind of performance art piece.

Finally, Quinn snapped out of it and rushed to help me. "Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?" Her hands were gentle as she helped me up.

"My butt hurts," I whined. Quinn started rubbing my lower back soothingly. It was the kind of casual intimacy that comes with years of friendship.

"Don't tell me you two are secret lovers," Spencer drawled, his smirk practically audible.

I shot him my best death glare. "What kind of soap operas have you been watching? You jerk."

"Come on, Eleanor. I grew up with your brother. We're practically family. Would it kill you to show me some respect?" He had the audacity to sound wounded.

"That's how I treat asshole," I fired back, not missing a beat.

I could tell I was getting under Spencer's skin - that familiar tension in his jaw said it all.

"Let's stay focused here," Jace said quietly, touching Spencer's arm.

"I'll let this go, but only because of Jace," Spencer said, fixing me with an icy stare.

I opened my mouth to snap back at him, but Quinn's warning grip on my arm stopped me cold.

"Look, we're done discussing Serena's case anyway," Spencer said, fidgeting with his tie. "I need food. Let's grab dinner."

They started making dinner plans, but one glance at Jace made my stomach turn. "You guys go ahead," I cut in. "Quinn and I will grab something on our own." Then, because I couldn't resist twisting the knife, I added, "I can't eat around people I don't like."

I dragged Quinn out of there before anyone could respond. They probably thought I meant Spencer - he was the obvious target, after all. But my words were aimed at Jace.