Chapter 4 Gold Digger
1031 Words
Eleanor cast a shy glance at William, silently wishing he would address the persistent questions swirling around them. With five or six years of togetherness behind them, she felt the weight of time pressing down. Another day without a ring, and she'd be stamped an old maid.
However, William seemed as if he hadn't heard the inquiries at all, leaving Eleanor with a trace of disappointment in her eyes.
Walking over to Byron, William offered his greetings, "Happy birthday, Grandpa!"
Quick to follow suit, Eleanor chimed in, "Grandpa, happy birthday! Here is my gift for you. Hope it adds some joy to your day!"
Byron received it with a cheerful laugh. "Wonderful. Thank you, Eleanor. I'm very happy. But what I really want is for you and William to get married soon and bless me with a great-grandchild!"
With that, Byron made Eleanor's status in the family abundantly clear.
Eleanor blushed. "Grandpa, please don't pressure us. We're still young!"
But Byron's discontent simmered. "You might be young, but I'm not getting any younger. Who knows how much longer I'll be around. If you don't start thinking about giving me a great-grandchild soon, I might just come back to haunt you from the other side!"
"Grandpa!" Eleanor protested sweetly. "You're going to stay with us for many, many years to come."
"Such a sweetheart!" Byron said, affectionately glancing at Eleanor.
Mila, Byron's daughter-in-law, and her daughter Ella exchanged knowing smiles, fully understanding the situation.
"Byron," Mila reminded. "Didn't you mention having some news for eveyone today?"
Byron’s memory was jogged. "Yes, I do have something to share with all of you. My dear friends and family, distinguished guests from all walks of life. Today, though it's my birthday, I'd like to take this moment to announce..."
Eleanor's nerves were on edge. After today, she could rightfully claim William, regardless of his prior indifference. How could he ignore his grandfather's wishes?
Just then, a sleek Lincoln limousine glided to a stop at the front gate. A ripple of surprise went through the crowd. "Isn't that Alexander York's car? From the York family in Lomcroen? Is Mr. York here?"
"The Dickens family really does have some impressive connections. The Yorks never show up to these events!"
Byron had already forgotten what he was about to say, his face breaking into a smile. After all, the York family's status in Lomcroen was equivalent to the Dickens family's in Yougvan City.
The Dickens family had indeed sent an invitation to them, but the response was a decline.
Yet here they were, perhaps to deliver a surprise?
The car door opened, revealing a polished black leather shoe followed by a man who radiated class and power. Adjusting his suit jacket, he commanded the attention of the crowd with his presence.
"That's Mr. York! He's even more striking in person!"
"Damn, he's handsome. That whole quiet intensity thing... I could marry that man."
"Oh my God, I think I'm going to pass out!"
The man acknowledged the onlookers with a nod before turning his attention back to the car. With one hand extended and the other shielding the interior, he gracefully assisted someone out.
A woman in a black dress stepped into view, momentarily silencing the whispers. Soon, the murmur of voices started up again.
"She's... Wow. She's gorgeous. Whose daughter is she?"
"What do you mean ‘whose daughter’? If she's with Mr. York, she's obviously his girlfriend! Maybe even his fiancée!"
"Ugh, I wish I could be the one marrying Mr. York!"
Elizabeth slipped her arm through Alexander's, and his usually stoic demeanor softened into an affectionate smile.
Everyone stood in stunned silence.
Elizabeth returned a smile, bashful and sweet.
To onlookers, they seemed to be a picture-perfect couple.
William observed from a distance, feeling the tension in the air.
Eleanor sneaked a glance at William. She had been hurt by his reaction, but thinking about that they were at Dickens Manor, where everyone supported her, she straightened her back a bit more.
Alexander approached William with Elizabeth and greeted him politely, "Mr. Dickens!"
The two men locked eyes, emanating a sense of power and confidence.
"Mr. York!"
They shook hands briefly, but William was looking at Elizabeth the whole time.
She stood next to Alexander, radiant with laughter. The black dress clung to her figure, accentuating every curve, drawing attention to her captivating allure.
William's stare was almost terrifying, and he wasn't even aware of it.
What exactly was Elizabeth's relationship with Alexander?
"Elizabeth, what brings you here? Do you feel entitled to be here?"
Ella had spotted Elizabeth the moment she arrived. She had come today to see her brother and Eleanor. What was Elizabeth playing at?
Alexander spoke up, clearly annoyed, "Is this how the Dickens family treats its guests? If so, maybe we should just leave."
"Ella, apologize!" William spoke deeply, his voice commanding.
Ella certainly hadn't forgotten the embarrassment Elizabeth had caused her at the mall. "Mr. York, I'm just looking out for you. This woman is a gold digger who plays men's feelings. She doesn't actually like you. She's after your money. The minute she finds someone richer, she'll dump you..."
"Shut up!" William snapped.
Ella looked at him, feeling hurt. "William, I'm just telling the truth. Remember what she did back then, she..."
William cut her off again, "I apologize for my sister's behavior, Mr. York. She doesn't always know when to hold her tongue."
Ella's jaw dropped in disbelief.
However, Alexander did not compromise at all. "I came here on my father's behalf to wish Mr. Byron Dickens a happy birthday. Since the Dickens family doesn't welcome us, the Yorks will never come here again from now on!"
"Mr. York, please wait!"
Byron himself hurried over.
He approached Ella and glared at her. "How can you speak to Mr. York like that? Apologize to him right now!"
Ella didn't think she had done anything wrong. She had just spoken the truth. Yet, under the weight of her grandfather's and William's glares, she mumbled, "Mr. York, I'm sorry. I was out of line."
Alexander smirked coldly. "You owe your apology not to me, but to the woman beside me!"
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