Chapter 144 Rush Forward to Save Her

Chapter 144 Rush Forward to Save Her

Kenna didn't answer.

At that moment, Wendy's heart felt like it was being sliced over and over again with a dull knife.

Before, her parents had always invited designers to their home to custom-make dresses just for her.

Whatever style she wanted, whatever fabric—all she had to do was say the word, and the next day someone would come to take her measurements.

But now?

They hadn't even asked her. They'd just brought the designer straight to Eleanor to make her a custom gown!

The more Wendy thought about it, the more bitter she became. She suddenly jumped up from the bed, shoved Kenna aside, and rushed downstairs.

The living room was indeed bustling.

Vivian, Sovereign City's top gown designer, was circling around Eleanor, unable to contain her flattery. "Ms. Mitchell, your proportions are absolutely perfect. I've been in this business for twenty years, measured countless models and celebrities—but a frame as flawless as yours? It's a once-in-a-century find."

"And Ms. Mitchell, your presence is extraordinary. I'm confident that no matter what style gown you wear, it will be absolutely stunning. At the family introduction dinner, you'll definitely be the most dazzling person in the room!"

Eleanor stood in the center of the living room, arms slightly extended, letting the designer take measurements around her. Her face, however, showed nothing but reluctance.

Serenity stood to the side, watching her with unmistakable pride.

Wendy took in every detail of this warm scene.

Her fingers gripped the stair railing so tightly her nails nearly dug into the wood.

Just then, Serenity glanced up and spotted Wendy on the stairs.

She paused briefly, then smiled and waved her over. "Wendy, perfect timing! I was just about to send someone to get you. Come, let Vivian measure you too. Pick whichever gown you like—we'll have one made for you along with Eleanor's."

Serenity meant it sincerely.

In her heart, her adopted daughter was just as important. She'd never intended to treat them differently.

But Wendy didn't see it that way.

What did that mean?

When she hadn't noticed her, she'd acted like she didn't exist.

Now that she'd spotted her, she was tossing her a gown like some kind of charity?

What was this—did she think Wendy was some beggar?

So easy to appease!

Wendy forced the corners of her mouth into an extremely strained smile. "No need, Mom. Since it's Eleanor's big day, of course Eleanor looking beautiful is what matters most. I don't mind."

The words sounded gracious and considerate, but Serenity caught an off note in them.

She frowned, stepped forward, and took Wendy's hand, her voice full of concern. "What are you talking about? My daughters—all of them should look beautiful. Whether it's Eleanor or you, you're both the same to me."

She turned to the designer and instructed, "After you finish measuring Eleanor, take Wendy's measurements too. Make gowns for both of them. Whatever style, whatever price—as long as they like it."

Vivian quickly nodded with a smile. "Mrs. Mitchell, rest assured, I'll do my absolute best to make sure they're both satisfied."

Seeing this, Wendy knew that refusing any further would seem inappropriate. She forced out a smile and walked over to sit on the sofa.

But her gaze remained locked on Eleanor, eyes brimming with hatred.

Eleanor, meanwhile, looked utterly helpless.

She watched her busy mother and spoke softly. "Mom, really, this isn't necessary. I'm a designer myself—I can just whip something up."

But Serenity was firm. "Absolutely not! The clothes you design yourself are your talent, but the gown I'm preparing for you is my way of showing I care. You can't refuse."

Since she'd put it that way, Eleanor could only nod reluctantly in acceptance.

Soon, the designer finished measuring Eleanor.

Serenity pulled Eleanor over to sit on the sofa, then called Wendy forward to be measured.

Wendy stood, walked to the center of the living room, and coldly extended her arms.

The designer worked skillfully, the measuring tape flitting around her body as she occasionally asked for her preferences.

But Wendy's mind was elsewhere.

Her peripheral vision stayed fixed on Eleanor sitting on the sofa, watching the serene smile on her face as she turned to speak to Serenity. The jealousy in Wendy's heart grew wild like weeds.

Once the measurements were done, Wendy lowered her arms and turned to head back to the sofa.

Just then, she spotted the cup of scalding coffee sitting at the edge of the coffee table.

Wendy's eyes went cold.

She took one step forward, then deliberately stumbled, losing her balance and lunging toward the coffee table.

"Ah!"

With a cry, her hand slammed hard onto the table.

The coffee cup at the edge tipped over, and the scalding dark liquid flew out in an instant, splashing straight toward Eleanor.

Everyone in the living room froze at the sudden scene.

In that split second, an urgent shout came from the direction of the wheelchair.

"Eleanor, watch out!"

Noah, summoning strength from who knows where, suddenly stood up from his wheelchair and threw himself toward Eleanor.

His hand grabbed Eleanor's arm and yanked her backward with all his might.

Eleanor lost her balance from the pull, and the two of them crashed heavily to the floor together.

The cup of scalding coffee barely grazed the hem of Eleanor's dress before splashing entirely onto the expensive carpet, instantly spreading into a large dark stain.

The living room fell deathly silent.

Wendy sat crumpled on the floor, staring at the coffee that hadn't hit Eleanor. Inside, she was so frustrated she nearly screamed.

But on her face, she immediately switched to a look of panic and tears welling in her eyes.

She covered her face, tears streaming down as she sobbed out an apology. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Eleanor! It's all my fault—I tripped and almost hurt you… I really didn't mean to, Eleanor, please don't blame me…"

Serenity looked at Wendy's tearful face, her own expression darkening.

She opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end only sighed and turned to order the servants to clean up the spilled coffee.

At that moment, Eleanor finally snapped out of the shock.

She braced herself against the floor and sat up, Noah's anxious voice reaching her ears. "Eleanor, are you okay?"

Eleanor felt a bit dazed from the fall. She rubbed the back of her head and shook it. "I'm fine."

Actually, when that cup of coffee had come flying at her, she could have dodged it herself.

With her reflexes, avoiding an attack like that would have been no problem at all.

If someone hadn't yanked her, she wouldn't have ended up sprawled on the floor like this!

But wait…

Eleanor suddenly snapped to attention and looked down at Noah beside her.

He was currently propped up on one arm, sitting on the floor. His legs were no longer limp and lifeless as usual, but bent slightly in a normal posture.

Eleanor's heart suddenly began to race.

She grabbed Noah's shoulder, her voice trembling with excitement. "Noah, how did you just grab me?"