Chapter 87

Eleanor's POV

"If I were in a relationship," I said, keeping my voice light and professional, "I would be happy to share that news with everyone." The words felt hollow in my mouth, practiced lines that usually worked but now seemed to bounce off the wall of skepticism around me.

"Eleanor! What about the photos?"

"Who's the mystery man?"

"Are you secretly dating?"

Years of media training kicked in automatically. I kept my smile steady, even as my stomach twisted into knots. "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure which photos you're referring to," I said, maintaining eye contact with the nearest reporter while trying to scan for an escape route.

The questions grew more aggressive. Cameras flashed from every angle, creating a strobe effect that made it hard to focus.

Just when the press of bodies started to feel suffocating, I heard April's voice behind me. "Make way! Coming through!" Security guards materialized, creating a human corridor. Strong hands guided me through the chaos, and suddenly I was being bundled into the waiting car.

The door slammed shut, muffling the shouted questions outside. I let out a shaky breath as April slid in beside me, already furiously typing on her phone.

"Elle, look at this." She thrust her phone at me, her expression tense.

I took one look at the "scandal" photos and couldn't help but laugh - a slightly hysterical sound that surprised even me. It was Lucas. Even with his face completely blurred out in the photo, I recognized the scene instantly. The charity gala's distinctive circumstance, that exact moment when my brother had forced me to return.

"You know who this is?" April's eyes narrowed. "Elle, please tell me this isn't actually a secret boyfriend situation."

I pressed my lips together, trying to find the right words. "It's... complicated. But not in the way they think." I gestured at the tinted windows, where camera flashes were still visible. "I can't explain everything right now, but trust me - keeping this mysterious is better for everyone."

April studied me for a long moment. "Alright. But there's something else you should know." She hesitated. "Jace has been running interference with the media all evening. He's the reason this didn't break until after the ceremony."

I felt my breath catch slightly at that news. Jace had no obligation to help me, especially given how things ended between us. Yet here he was, still watching my back. How absurd!

"Tell the PR team to deal this," I said finally, watching the last flashes of cameras fade as we pulled away from the venue.

The car rolled to a stop outside the Harrington mansion. Through the tinted windows, I could see him waiting by the gate - Jace Gillard. My fingers tightened around my phone as I took a steadying breath.

I stepped out of the car, keeping my eyes fixed on the path ahead.

"Eleanor."

*Keep walking. Just keep walking.*

"Eleanor Yates."

His hand caught my arm, and I jerked away as if burned. "Don't touch me," I snapped, finally meeting his gaze. "You disgust me."

Jace's expression remained infuriatingly gentle. "The news story. Have you figured out how to handle it?"

"The agency's taking care of it," I replied coldly. "Don't worry, it won't affect your precious show's ratings."

"It's from Harrington's charity gala, isn't it? With Lucas." He paused, studying my face. "I could talk to him, see if he can help suppress the story."

A bitter laugh escaped my throat. "Could you just... stay away from me, Jace? I've been trying so hard to avoid you. If my brother hadn't insisted, I wouldn't be here at all. Wouldn't be in your show. When I have no choice but to deal with you, could you at least give me the courtesy of leaving me alone?"

My voice cracked on the last words, eight years of carefully contained pain threatening to spill over. The cool night air felt thick, suffocating.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly. Always so quietly, so gently. It made everything worse.

"You think I don't love you anymore?" The words burst out before I could stop them. "Is that what you tell yourself?"

"I don't deserve this from you."

"You're right, you don't." I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to hold the pieces together. "And I'm stupid enough to keep feeling this way. But don't worry, I'm used to it. Just stay away from me, and I can pretend I never loved you at all."

I turned away, forcing my steps to remain steady. "Good night, Uncle Jace."

In the distance, a flash of white light appeared under the tree. I quickly realized it was the paparazzi and hurried home.