A Second Chance at Forever ( Eleanor Shultz )

Chapter 5 

Sophie briefly introduced herself, and after exchanging pleasantries, she accompanied Bernard and Rosita to the CEO’s office. 

Jeannie craned her neck to catch a glimpse of the trio, her face displaying unmistakable envy. “On her very first day, Mr. Laurence is personally escorting her! She must be his favorite!” 

Amanda placed a comforting hand on Jeannie’s shoulder and explained, “You’re missing the point, dear. She has just returned and assumed the CEO position, which might raise doubts among VitaLife Global’s shareholders. Mr. Laurence escorting her is a way to demonstrate that she has the full support of the Laurence Group.” 

Jeannie rested her hands on her chin, still feeling envious, and mused, “And Mr. Laurence is clearing the path for his wife so swiftly as well. How romantic!” 

Amanda, full of envy herself, said, “If she wasn’t the chairman’s daughter, there’s no way the most powerful man in A City would be interested in her.” 

Jeannie shook her head, “But Ms. Ratliff is impressive in her own right. She’s well–educated, attractive, and so on. Speaking of looks…” 

Jeannie glanced at Eleanor, “I noticed that Eleanor looks a bit like the new CEO!” 

Amanda leaned in for a closer look, and agreed, “Yeah, you’re right. But I think Eleanor’s even prettier!” 

Eleanor, looking pale, muttered “Don’t talk nonsense,” and walked to the bathroom. 

Seeing Eleanor’s frail figure, Jeannie was worried, “What’s wrong with Eleanor?” 

Amanda let out a derisive snort. “Perhaps she’s envious that she resembles the CEO but doesn’t share the CEO’s destiny!” 

Jeannie fell silent, opting not to engage in conversation with Amanda, recognizing her two–faced nature. 

Eleanor made her way to the bathroom, swiftly taking some medication for her racing heart, swallowing it without water. 

After a brief moment to calm herself, she splashed her face with cold water and gazed at her reflection in the mirror. 

She appeared sickly and gaunt, with hollow cheeks and a pale complexion, while Sophie… 

Lost in her thoughts, Eleanor was interrupted as the bathroom door swung open, and Sophie entered, gracefully striding in her high heels. 

Sophie’s face boasted a flawless, rosy complexion, and she exuded an air of elegance and grace. 

She’s also highly educated–a combination of beauty and intelligence, something Eleanor could never measure up to. 

When Eleanor met Sophie’s gaze, she suddenly felt inferior, quickly lowered her head, grabbed a paper towel, and turned to leave. 

“Wait.” Sophie suddenly stopped her. 

Eleanor’s heart raced as if she had done something wrong, and she froze. 

She was the one being treated as a stand–in and a victim, yet in front of Sophie, she still felt so ashamed. 

Sophie walked over to her and said with a gentle smile, “You’re an assistant in the CEO’s office, right?” 

Eleanor, suppressing her panic, nodded, “Yes.” 

Sophie glanced at her watch and said, “There’s still half an hour before I have to hold the general shareholders‘ meeting. Could you make me a cup of coffee and bring it to the CEO’s office?” 

Eleanor hesitated since she knew Bernard was still in the office but eventually agreed to help as she was still working there. 

After showing her appreciation, Sophie left with her head held high and a confident stride. 

In contrast, the sickly Eleanor looked like a knock–off version of Sophie, feeling completely worthless. 

Eleanor stood there, dazed, before pulling herself together and heading to the coffee room. 

She made a cup of coffee for Sophie following the chairman’s preferences, hoping that Jeannie and the others would deliver it to the CEO’s office. 

However, they had already been called to prepare the conference room, so she had to deliver it herself. 

“Come in.” 

Sophie’s gentle voice came from inside. 

Eleanor knew it would be embarrassing to go inside, hesitating for a while before finally mustering the courage to open the door. 

Upon opening it, she immediately saw Sophie sitting on Bernard’s lap. 

Even though she had mentally prepared herself, her hands carrying the coffee still couldn’t help but tremble a bit. 

Afraid they would notice her reaction, she quickly looked down and said casually, “Ms. Ratliff, your coffee is ready.” 

Sophie, feeling a bit awkward, instructed Eleanor, “Just put it there.” 

Eleanor placed the coffee on the table and left the office without making eye contact with Bernard. 

Once outside, Eleanor’s legs grew weak, and she leaned against the wall to regain her strength. 

Their current position reminded her of how Bernard used to engage with her. 

Even though they weren’t actively involved, memories of their intimacy flooded her mind. 

He would likely do the same things he had done with her, with Sophie. 

No, hold on. What he did with her was actually a repetition of what he had done with Sophie before. 

She was merely a living, breathing substitute, after all…