Chapter 279: Bitter Truths

Chapter 279: Bitter Truths
Elena's POV

"How did you know I was staying here?" I opened the door and demanded, staring at Eleanor standing in Reginald's doorway.

She looked terrible—her maternity dress couldn't hide her exhaustion, her eyes puffy from crying, her perfect makeup doing little to conceal her distress.

"Elena, please," she sobbed, suddenly dropping to her knees. "I'm begging you to spare Elbert. He was just confused and manipulated by Ryan! He never meant to hurt you!"

I stepped back, maintaining distance between us. "You didn't answer my question. How did you find this place?"

Eleanor wiped her tears, her hands trembling. "I went to the hospital for my prenatal checkup today and happened to see Donovan walking this way. I... I followed him."

I mentally cursed. Donovan, that idiot.

"Since you followed him here," I said with a cold smile, "you must have seen how close we came to losing our lives. And you're asking for forgiveness? On what grounds?"

Eleanor's eyes widened. "But you're all fine, aren't you? Not even a scratch! Elbert was just fooled by those gangsters."

She clutched at her belly dramatically. "Would you really let my child be born without a father? Elena, please..."

"Of course I would," I replied coldly. "You're his wife—you know better than anyone whether Elbert was 'manipulated' or not. I won't forgive him, and I certainly won't help him."

At the door, she turned back, her voice breaking. "Elena, please reconsider..."

I closed the door without responding.

Back in the living room, I checked the USB drive Donovan had given me.

The contents were worse than I'd imagined—documents and videos revealed how Ryan and Elbert had systematically stolen from Huntington assets for years, secretly buying up shares with the obvious plan to eventually overthrow Frank's power. Most disturbing were records showing they'd arranged "accidents" for minority shareholders who stood in their way.

"All these years... they've been doing such horrible things," I whispered to myself, feeling sick. "No wonder Grandpa was so disappointed."

I needed to speak with Grandpa immediately, my heart pounding as I dialed his number.

"Grandpa, I need to talk to you in person. Can I come see you?"

His voice was warm. "Of course, you're always welcome."

Before leaving, I scribbled a note for Reginald. I wasn't sure when I'd be back, but I didn't want him to worry.

---

When I arrived at the Huntington estate, Grandpa looked older than I remembered. "How are you feeling, Grandpa?" I asked, embracing him.

He gave me a sad smile. "I failed to raise decent children. I'm sorry. Seeing what happened to you... I feel so guilty."

I hesitated, unsure how to broach the subject. "Grandpa, about Ryan and Elbert... how much do you know?"

Grandpa's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Did those fools do something else? Elena, what do you need to tell me?"

I handed him the USB drive. "This contains everything they've been doing over the years."

Grandpa's face turned ashen as he reviewed the evidence. When he finished, he let out a long, heavy sigh.

"Elena, you're a good child," he said softly. After a moment of silence, he added, "We should... let the law judge them."

Before I could respond, Eleanor burst in with a fruit knife, falling to her knees before Grandpa.

"Grandfather! You can't do this to Elbert!" she cried, pressing the knife to her throat. "I'm carrying your great-grandchild! If you don't give us a chance, I'll die right here!"

Grandpa remained unmoved. "If you want to die, do it elsewhere. Don't dirty the Huntington home. I've seen through women like you long ago."

"This is Huntington blood! Don't you care?" she pressed.

"I'm ready to disown my son and grandson. Why would I care about a great-grandchild?" Grandpa laughed bitterly. "They must face consequences. And you're no innocent."

Eleanor faltered as Grandpa softened slightly. "The child can stay—we'll raise them. I'll give you five million dollars. Or terminate the pregnancy and take the money as compensation." He looked directly at her. "You know what Elbert did was wrong, don't you?"

The knife clattered to the floor. "I... I just love him... I don't know what to do..."

I quietly recorded everything on my phone. Elbert should see this.

---

The next day, I went to the police station with the evidence. The officer accepted the files gratefully.

"Thank you for providing these critical documents, Ms. Huntington. We'll investigate thoroughly."

He hesitated before adding, "Elbert has been emotionally unstable, constantly asking to see his wife. Would you like to see him?"

I considered for a moment. "Yes, there are some things that need to be said."

In the interrogation room, Elbert sat hunched at the metal table, unshaven and haggard. When he saw me enter, he jumped to his feet, slamming his fists on the table.

"Elena! You dare show your face? Enjoying seeing me locked up?"

"Why wouldn't I?" I replied coldly. "I'm not the criminal here. You chose this path."

"It's all because of you!" he shouted. "If Grandfather hadn't favored you, I would never have joined Ryan!"

"Actually," I said calmly, "Grandfather never intended to give me Huntington Group. He planned to give me his personal assets, but the company was meant for you and the others. He encouraged my Phoenix Group because he knew I had no place at Huntington."

Elbert froze. "That's impossible!" But doubt crept into his eyes.

I took out my phone and played the video of Eleanor kneeling before Frank, begging for mercy.

I showed him the video of Eleanor begging Frank for mercy. "This is the woman you love, throwing away her dignity for you."

Elbert broke down. "Eleanor... I'm sorry..."

"You still have the chance to cry," I said, walking out. "Those you killed don't even have that opportunity anymore."

As the door closed behind me, I felt a strange emptiness. Despite everything, seeing him reduced to this was difficult.

The next day, the police called to say Elbert had confessed everything. The scandal exploded across media—murders, money laundering, criminal collusion—though public acknowledgment of the Huntington family's cooperation helped calm some outrage.

Early the following morning, I visited Donovan in the hospital. His condition had improved, though he still looked awful.

"Finally left Reginald's warm embrace?" he teased weakly.

"Is that how you thank someone who saved your life?" I shot back, grinning when he looked embarrassed.

My expression turned serious. "I'm returning to America. Things here are mostly resolved."

"I'll go with you," Donovan said. "I only stayed in England to monitor Ryan. With only Henry left loyal to the family, there's no reason to stay."

"What about Reginald?" he asked, slightly annoyed.

I massaged my temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Let's put it aside for now. Getting back to America is the priority."