Chapter 4 His Jealousy

"You can call me Mr. Thornton." Terrence Thornton's lips curved slightly as he spoke gently.

The name sounded familiar.

Suddenly, a flash of surprise crossed Eleanor's eyes. "Is it the Mr. Thornton I know?"

They had only exchanged a few words over the phone and weren't well acquainted.

"It's me." He nodded slightly.

Hearing his confirmation, Eleanor was surprised.

What a coincidence!

She never expected that the person who helped her after she collapsed on the street and sent her to the hospital would be her new employer!

Eleanor thanked him gratefully: "Mr. Thornton, thank you so much for saving me."

Terrence's eyes lowered slightly, his gaze holding her pretty face, his voice remaining gentle and warm: "It was nothing, Ms. Mitchell, no need to be so formal with me."

But to Eleanor, this was no small matter.

She had been married to Harold for years, yet when Eleanor was hospitalized, Harold and Jessica were accompanying Lavinia at an upscale restaurant having a fancy meal.

Every word in Jessica's post was like a knife stabbing Eleanor's heart.

Even though Eleanor had decided to give up on Harold and Jessica, her wounded heart still ached.

Seeing a flash of pain in Eleanor's eyes, Terrence's expression darkened. "Ms. Mitchell, what are you thinking about?"

"Nothing." Eleanor snapped back to reality and shook her head. "Anyway, thank you so much, Mr. Thornton. Once I officially start work, I'll definitely work hard to repay your kindness."

A hint of helplessness crossed Terrence's face. "Ms. Mitchell, don't overthink it. You should focus on taking care of yourself right now."

The nurse's warning still echoed in his ears—she was so young, yet had let her health deteriorate so badly.

"Okay." A bit of warmth flowed through Eleanor's heart.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

The atmosphere felt a bit awkward.

Eleanor spoke awkwardly: "If Mr. Thornton has things to do, please go ahead. I can manage on my own."

She didn't want to trouble him too much.

Terrence: "I have nothing on today, I can keep you company."

Eleanor wanted to insist, but he directly pulled over a chair and sat down by the hospital bed.

Seeing this, she had to close her mouth.

The entire afternoon, he stayed in the hospital room, taking care of her attentively. The moment she felt thirsty, he had already poured a glass of warm water and handed it to her.

Being cared for so thoughtfully all afternoon made Eleanor feel somewhat overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, her phone didn't receive a single message all afternoon.

Well, Harold and Jessica only had Lavinia in their hearts—how could they spare any time to care about Eleanor's whereabouts or safety?

Near evening, after completing the discharge procedures.

Outside the hospital.

Eleanor bit her lip and spoke, delivering her prepared words: "Thank you for taking care of me, Mr. Thornton."

"You're welcome. Let me drive you home." Terrence said, opening the passenger door.

Eleanor didn't refuse again and bent down to get in the car.

Seeing her obediently get in, a fleeting smile crossed Terrence's eyes, then he walked around the car and got into the driver's seat.

Eleanor felt slightly awkward.

This was the first time since her marriage that she had ridden in a strange man's car other than a taxi.

His car was a black Vortex Vehicles, a low-key color.

But Eleanor recognized it as the latest limited edition model, worth a fortune.

It showed just the tip of the iceberg of his wealth.

Glancing at Eleanor sitting properly beside him, Terrence turned his face and asked gently: "Do you need my help?"

"With... what?" Eleanor looked confused.

Terrence sighed softly and leaned over.

His handsome, chiseled face suddenly came close, looming large before her eyes, his unique scent washing over her like mountain mist.

Eleanor's eyes widened, her breath catching.

"You—" She was speechless.

"It'll be quick." Terrence reassured her in a low voice.

Only then did Eleanor realize he was just helping her fasten her seatbelt, and her heart, which had jumped to her throat, settled back down.

But they were too close, so close their breaths intertwined, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Click.

"Done." Terrence sat back.

Eleanor carefully breathed a sigh of relief.

"Address?"

Eleanor quickly gave her home address.

The car left the hospital, heading toward home.

They rode in silence.

However, Eleanor's mind couldn't settle. She turned to look out the window, not looking at Terrence anymore.

Half an hour later, they arrived at her door.

Eleanor unbuckled her seatbelt and thanked him gratefully once more: "Thank you for driving me home, Mr. Thornton!"

Hearing her distant thanks again and again, a helpless smile formed on Terrence's lips, an indescribable sense of loss rising in his heart.

She hadn't recognized him—she only knew him as her new employer.

"You're welcome!"

After a brief farewell, Eleanor stood in place, insisting on watching him drive away.

Soon, the Vortex Vehicles left.

At the same time, it passed by Harold's car.

Both Harold and Lavinia in the front seat saw this scene.

Harold's expression darkened instantly.

Terrence's profile flashed by in the Vortex Vehicles.

Although Harold and Lavinia didn't see Terrence's face clearly—just a side view—it was enough to tell he was quite handsome.

Lavinia deliberately asked: "Harold, do you know that man in the car?"

"No." Harold pressed his lips tightly together.

"How does Eleanor know him? And he was thoughtful enough to drive Eleanor home, they..." Lavinia paused mid-sentence, leaving it hanging.

At this point, Harold's expression had darkened to the extreme.

The car stopped abruptly at the door. Harold forcefully pulled open the car door, and as Eleanor turned to go inside, he angrily grabbed her wrist, gripping so hard it seemed he wanted to crush it.

Eleanor looked back at him, her brows furrowed. "Let go, you're hurting me."

Harold didn't let go; instead, he gripped tighter.

Eleanor tried to shake him off but couldn't, and her anger flared. "What's wrong with you?"

"Give me an explanation!" Harold said through gritted teeth.

Hearing this nonsensical demand, Eleanor's face turned cold. "Can you stop being crazy?"

"Who is he?" Harold demanded angrily.

Eleanor thought for a moment and understood he must be asking about Terrence.

"You saw?" Her tone was flat.

But shouldn't Harold be the one explaining?

He'd spent the whole day with Lavinia...

Seeing Eleanor's indifferent expression, showing no intention of explaining, Harold's anger surged. He demanded through clenched teeth: "Answer me, who is that man!"

"Why are you so angry?" A mocking smile curved Eleanor's lips.

He clearly didn't love her, yet he was putting on this jealous act.

Harold pulled her in front of him.

Eleanor nearly fell against him, barely steadying herself, then looked up into his cold eyes filled with anger.

"Who is he!" He seemed stubbornly determined to know the man's identity.

Eleanor replied calmly: "You don't need to know..."