Chapter 220 Don't Beat Around the Bush

Chapter 220 Don't Beat Around the Bush

Ralph looked at the white hair at Eris's temples, fell silent for a moment, then took the insulated bag. "Thanks, Mom."

Eris's eyes immediately welled up with tears.

Over the years while Ralph was sick, she'd devoted almost all her energy to taking care of him, exhausted to the point where she could barely hold on physically or mentally, but she'd never given up. Now that the doctor said his recovery was going well and he could be discharged, she was happier than anyone.

After completing the discharge procedures, Eris held Ralph's hand as they walked out of the hospital entrance. The sunlight fell on them, warm.

"Ralph, let's go home."

Ralph nodded and followed Eris to the car.

Half an hour later, the car stopped at the entrance of the Saunders villa.

Ralph got out of the car and stood at the entrance, looking at the door he hadn't walked through in a long time.

"Ralph, what's wrong?" Eris asked worriedly.

"Nothing." Ralph forced a smile and stepped inside.

When the butler saw him, his eyes immediately turned red. "Sir, you're back."

Ralph sat down on the sofa and took out his phone to send Eleanor a message: [Eleanor, I've been discharged.]

Not long after sending the message, Eleanor replied: [Congratulations. Rest well, I'll come see you in a few days.]

Ralph looked at the words on the screen, his lips curving slightly.

A few days later, Ralph went to the Mitchell Mansion.

He stood at the entrance, took a deep breath, and pressed the doorbell.

Maya opened the door. When she saw Ralph, she froze for a moment.

Ralph called out "Mrs. Mitchell," then his emotions spiraled out of control and he could barely stand.

Maya was startled and quickly went to support him. "What are you doing?"

Ralph didn't step back. He kept his head lowered and said, "Thank you and your husband for taking in my brother back then. Without you, he probably wouldn't have made it."

Maya's eyes also reddened. "I've long thought of your brother as my own son. Even though I resented him when he left back then, now I understand—he did it to protect us."

Ralph lifted his head to look at her, his voice hoarse. "Mrs. Mitchell, thank you for understanding him."

Maya pulled him up firmly and led him inside by the hand. "Silly child, I just hope he's safe and sound."

Eleanor came down from upstairs. When she saw Ralph, her expression darkened slightly but quickly returned to calm. "You're here?"

Ralph nodded. "Eleanor."

Eleanor walked over and sat down next to him, pouring him a cup of tea. "What are your plans going forward?"

Ralph answered, "Get better, live well. While my brother isn't here, I need to take care of you all for him."

Hearing this, Eleanor felt her nose sting. She raised her hand and patted his shoulder. "You living a stable life is the best way to honor your brother."

Ralph's expression relaxed, his smile more easygoing and brighter than before.

When it was time to leave, Eleanor walked him to the door.

Ralph looked at her and said, "Eleanor, I'm going to live well."

Eleanor nodded. "Take good care of yourself."

Ralph turned and left, his steps much steadier than when he'd arrived.

Eleanor stood at the entrance, watching his car gradually disappear into the distance, her lips curving slightly upward. She said silently in her heart, "Finnian, do you see? Your brother is slowly getting better."

A week later, Terralena Studio received a major international order—to design red carpet gowns for an international film festival.

The news came directly from the organizers. The person on the phone said, "We've noticed Terralena Studio's recent work and really admire Ms. Mitchell's design philosophy. If it's convenient, we'd like your studio to handle this year's red carpet gown designs."

Lily was completely stunned when she took the call. After hanging up, she rushed straight into Eleanor's office. "Ms. Mitchell! Ms. Mitchell! We got a huge order!"

Eleanor was working on design sketches and was startled by her voice. "What huge order?"

"International film festival, red carpet gowns!" Lily excitedly rushed to her desk. "They specifically requested us!"

Eleanor opened the email and read through it from start to finish, took a deep breath, then said to the staff outside, "Everyone, we're going to be working overtime." No one complained—instead, everyone became even more motivated.

For the next two weeks, Eleanor led the team in non-stop work. Terrence came to pick her up every day, waiting downstairs no matter how late.

After they sent the designs, everyone waited three days. On the third day, the response came back with just one sentence: [This is exactly what we wanted.]

Eleanor stared for a few seconds after reading it, then stood up from her chair, practically jumping. "It passed!"

Lily was the first to rush in and hug her. "Ms. Mitchell! We did it!"

Jenna and Gavin also ran over, and several people hugged together, laughing and crying.

After the news got out, all those voices that had previously questioned Eleanor for plagiarism completely disappeared.

An anonymous account posted sarcastically online: [Isn't it just good luck?]

The comment was quickly pushed back: [Luck? Look at the design sketches first before talking. Do you think international film festival contracts are won by luck?]

Someone else commented: [Eleanor is just relying on Terrence, isn't she?]

The comment section exploded again.

[Can Terrence draw for her? Can he design for her? Is it that hard to admit someone else is talented?]

Eleanor didn't respond to these comments. She had neither the time nor the interest to explain.

That evening, Terrence came to the office with champagne to celebrate.

Eleanor took a sip of wine and leaned against his shoulder, her voice clearly tired but also filled with satisfaction she couldn't suppress.

She looked up at him, her gaze very gentle. "Thank you for always supporting me."

If he hadn't always stood by her side, she didn't know if she could have made it this far.

It was his unconditional support and love that gave her the courage to reach this point.

Terrence put his arm around her shoulder, his lips curving slightly. "My wife is going to be an internationally renowned designer, of course I have to support her."

Eleanor's face immediately flushed. "Who's your wife?"

Terrence's tone was matter-of-fact. "It's just a matter of time."

Lily chimed in from the side, "Ms. Mitchell, just say yes to him!"

Eleanor glared at her, but couldn't hide the smile at the corners of her mouth.

Halfmoon Mountain estate.

A black Vortex sedan drove through the estate gates and stopped in front of the main building.

Terrence got out of the car, walked around to the other side, opened the door, and helped Eleanor out.

"Scared?" he asked in a low voice.

Eleanor shook her head. "No."

She'd imagined this moment countless times in her mind.

She was going to ask that person face-to-face why he had killed her father.

The two walked into the estate side by side. Floyd followed with his people, securing the perimeter from the shadows.

The reception hall doors were wide open, with a man in his forties sitting inside.

It was Quinn, Gerald's older brother.

Quinn leaned back on the sofa, holding a cigar, slowly exhaling smoke.

"Mr. Thornton, I've heard so much about you." He smiled as he spoke, his tone polite but distant. "Last time my brother was foolish and offended you. I've already disciplined him. I didn't expect Mr. Thornton still wouldn't let the Rivera family go."

Terrence's voice was cold. "Quinn, stop beating around the bush. What did you want to talk about by asking me here today?"

Quinn put away his smile and turned his gaze to Eleanor. "Ms. Mitchell, you're even more beautiful in person than in photos. No wonder my brother took an interest in you."

Eleanor looked straight at him, her tone blunt. "Did you kill my father?"

Quinn raised an eyebrow. "That direct?"

"Answer me." A sharp flash of anger crossed Eleanor's eyes.