CHAPTER 84: CHAPTER 84: DOES SHE MISS ME?

Nathaniel Quinn froze upon hearing her words, feeling as if the woman in his arms was burning.

Grace Lynch found his reaction even more mocking, "You clutch other women while trying to win someone back, isn’t that laughable?"

The woman lying in Nathaniel’s arms suddenly grew anxious, realizing why Nathaniel had been so indulgent with her - she was merely a stand-in.

Yet, she didn’t care about him; what mattered was how much money she could extract from him.

Fearing Nathaniel might dump her, she quickly patted his chest.

"Nathaniel, don’t listen to that woman. If Eleanor Hollis knew how affectionate you were, she’d surely be very touched. Women are emotional. Just admit a small mistake and maybe buy her some gifts, and she’d come back."

Nathaniel looked down at her mercenary face, suddenly realizing she was nothing like Eleanor Hollis.

Eleanor seemed forever unperturbed, as if nothing mattered to her.

She cared little for bags and jewelry, always dressed simply, preferring a bare face.

He gently let her go, "You should head back now."

The girl was perceptive, sensing his mood wasn’t good. Knowing she’d already gotten a card, she began dressing silently.

Once she left, the room became instantly quiet.

Grace Lynch slowly adjusted her emotions, finally sitting beside Nathaniel, "Nathaniel, let’s stop the fuss and be together, okay?"

Nathaniel didn’t respond but stood up to leave.

Grace hurriedly grabbed his hand, "You just want Eleanor back, right? I can help you!"

Nathaniel’s body paused, turning to stare at her skeptically.

How could she help him?

Grace had said it in a moment of urgency, surprised Nathaniel stayed, quickly continuing.

"I’ve known her for years; I understand her well. She’s the kind of woman easily swayed by gentleness rather than force. If you risk your life to save her a few times, she might immediately come back."

Nathaniel remained silent, seemingly considering this idea’s feasibility.

"Nathaniel, trust me. I know Eleanor better than you."

Finally, Nathaniel stayed, slowly pinched her chin, "If you can make me reconcile with Eleanor, I’ll give you anything you want."

Grace felt a pang of jealousy but knew this was the only way to keep Nathaniel. She nodded, continuing to discuss strategies with him.

Meanwhile, Eleanor Hollis was unaware of all this; she’d given up on submitting resumes and spent her days at home doing puzzles with Marcus.

Periodically glancing at her phone, her face showed some anxiety.

Since Hugo Quinn had left Marcus behind that day, he hadn’t contacted or visited them.

She felt stifling frustration; was the child his responsibility or hers?

Even until night, Hugo still hadn’t returned.

Eleanor scrolled through her contacts on her phone, finding the last call record was surprisingly from over ten days ago.

"Mommy, eat."

Marcus was busy eating yogurt, handing her the snacks he held.

Eleanor’s eyes flickered; she rubbed his head, "Marcus, Daddy hasn’t been to see you for a long time. Don’t you miss him?"

Marcus shook his head, his face obedient, "I have Mommy, so no."

Eleanor felt a sharp pang for Hugo for the first time.

"Why don’t you call Daddy, invite him to see you, or come and join us for dinner?"

Marcus frowned; he had never initiated a call, slightly reluctant.

"He’s your dad; think about how he has cared for you. Wouldn’t you even make a phone call?"

While speaking, Eleanor had dialed the number and placed the phone in Marcus’s hand.

Marcus pursed his lips, putting the phone to his ear.

Hugo had also been feeling down these days; although he had said he’d let Eleanor simmer for a while, seeing that she really hadn’t called left him sad.

It seemed he didn’t matter in her heart.

He had often considered calling her but worried he’d be the only one anxious, while Eleanor remained calm.

Perhaps that would hurt more than worrying aimlessly.

The Grandeur Group was in chaos these days; the CEO usually was stern enough.

But recently, he seemed like a ticking bomb, ready to explode with the slightest comment.

The higher-ups had been hurt countless times, feeling chills at the mere mention of a meeting.

Now it was already 9 PM, and as the CEO hadn’t said he was leaving, none of them dared to go, forcing themselves to work overtime.

Hugo’s phone rang at this moment.

He glanced at the phone on his desk, felt a thrill but quickly composed himself, casually answering only at the end of the ringing.

Perhaps this way, the other side would know he wasn’t so desperate.

"Hello?"

His tone turned gentle immediately, wondering if someone had finally realized they should call him.

"Daddy."

Marcus’s hesitant, sweet voice came through the phone.

Hugo frowned, but considering Marcus never initiates calls, he figured Eleanor must have prompted it.

Ultimately, it was Eleanor who missed him.

He leaned back comfortably against the chair.

"Hmm, have you eaten?"

"Yes."

Marcus didn’t engage in conversation, dutifully responding.

"Is Mommy beside you?"

Hugo gently prodded, fingers tapping lightly on the table.

"Yes."

Marcus glanced at Eleanor, who was staring at him, and smiled obediently.

"Did Mommy ask you to call?"

Hugo continued, his gaze filled with anticipation.

"Yes."

Marcus replied quickly, leaving no room for interruption, catching Eleanor off guard, who felt her scalp tingle upon hearing the man’s chuckle.

"Does your Mommy miss me?"

He guessed the phone was on speaker, thinking Eleanor could probably hear him.

Marcus looked at Eleanor, ready to answer, saw her waving anxiously, seemingly wanting to say no.

"Mommy said she doesn’t."

Marcus obediently believed he conveyed Mommy’s intent.

Eleanor felt as if someone punched her heart, reluctantly holding her head.

Hugo’s low chuckle echoed again, his smile widening, "Watch some TV; I’ll be over soon."