Reborn as the Villainess

Chapter 68

Eleanor's confidence soared at this and she continued, "My fiance is incredible. His family's way richer than yours, he's got better education, and he's much better looking. He's the perfect gentleman-close million-dollar deals and whip up a gourmet meal without breaking a sweat. We're crazy about each other, like something out of a rom-com. So do us both a favor and back off."

Brock's eyes welled up with hurt. "I don't believe you. I know all the guys in our social circle, and there's no one like that. You're obviously lying to me."

Eleanor gritted her teeth. For the first time in her life, she understood the meaning of "talking to a brick wall".

She decided to lay it all out bluntly. "Oh, come on. You know Stephen Lloyd, the CEO of Lloyd Group? He's my fiancé. Why would I trade a tall, well-build hunk for a boy who looks like he still needs his mom to buy his clothes? Give me some credit." Brock froze, whispering in disbelief, "You mean the Lloyd family from Aloria? How is that possible?"

"Why wouldn't it be?" Eleanor scoffed. "Our grandfathers were war buddies. We've known each other since childhood. I can't live without him. A day apart feels like three years. I'm crazy about him - can't go a day without feeling like it's been forever. "We're all about the PDA - kisses and bear hugs. Miss one day, and I can't even focus on my work. So, you see, I have no intention of betraying my fiancé. Got it?"

She brushed past the now teary-eyed Brock, reaching for the door handle with a sigh. "I think we're done here. Do us both a favor and drop it, okay? It's becoming a real pain in the-

As the door swung open, Eleanor found herself staring directly into a pair of amused eyes. She froze on the spot.

Her mind raced. 'What is Stephen doing here? How long has he been standing there? Has he overheard everything I have just said?'

Her usually unflappable demeanor crumbled. Eleanor felt the hot sting of embarrassment, wishing she could disappear on the spot.

James, too, was caught off guard by his son's presence. "Brock?" he blurted out, surprise evident in his voice.

He'd known Brock was staying at the hotel, but hadn't pinpointed his exact room. Seeing Stephen lingering outside earlier, James had assumed he was seeing a friend. He'd kept his distance, hearing muffled voices but unable to make out words or speakers. Opening the door to find his own son there was the last thing he'd expected. James was understandably shocked. Brock was equally surprised to see so many people at the door, including his father. "Dad? What are you doing here?" The atmosphere instantly became tense, with James and Brock clearly bewildered by the situation.

Oscar, likely the only one privy to what was going on, shrank back, playing dumb to save his own skin.

After a long moment, Stephen broke the silence. His voice was crisp and magnetic, laced with amusement as he asked, "Are you finished talking?"

Eleanor caught the barely concealed laughter in his tone and gritted her teeth in anger. 'He has definitely overheard. Without a doubt. And he is mocking me now. How utterly humiliating.

Eleanor instantly regretted bringing him up. Now that he had something to hold over her, he wouldn't let it go easily.

Sure enough, Stephan continued, "Don't let me interrupt. Carry on with your chat. I'll drive you home when you're ready to

head out,"

Eleanor was at a loss for words. She couldn't possibly continue their discussion with him hovering nearby.

12:15 Mon, Nov

Chapter 68 14%

James, observing the scene-unfold, quickly deduced that Eleanor must have a significant connection to Stephen. Years of experience in the business world had fioned his perceptiveness.

James sized up the pair, noting the apparent age gap. Eleanor clearly looked like she was still hitting the books, while Stephen was an established businessman. A younger sister, maybe? Or some other relative? He vaguely remembered hearing about Stephen having a kid brother in high school, but no sister Must be a cousin or something, he figured.

The way Stephen hovered around her, James could tell Eleanor was someone who mattered. A lightbulb went off in his head

if Brock could cozy up to this girl, it could be a golden ticket for the Byron family.

James chuckled and stepped forward. "Come on, Mr. Lloyd, kids will be kids. We've got drivers on standby who can get your sister home safe and sound."

Stephen raised an eyebrow. "Sister? Who said she was my sister?

James froze, his face a picture of confusion. "Not your sister? Then, if you don't mind me asking, Mr. Lloyd, she is..."

Stephen glanced at Eleanor beside him, who seemed to be wishing the ground would swallow her whole. His mood lifted, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. His eyebrows raised slightly in excitement. This trip is turning out to be quite worthwhile,' he thought. Stephen's lips parted as he spoke. "She is my fi-an-cée." He dragged out the word "fiancée", making sure everyone present could hear it clearly.

He continued, "She's crazy about me. Without me, she can't live for another day. She loves me so intensely that she needs hugs and kisses every day. If she misses even one day, she can't focus on her work." Suddenly, his words were muffled.

Eleanor had reached her limit. Standing on her tiptoes, she stretched up and clamped her hand firmly over his mouth. "Shut up!" she hissed. "Not another word!"

Everything Stephen had just said was exactly what Eleanor had told Brock when rejecting him earlier, word for word. She was utterly mortified. At this point, it felt like she could just sink into the ground to escape the embarrassment. She desperately wanted to zip off to the moon or Mars just to cool down.

"What? This..." James cried out, his voice failing him. His legs turned to jelly, and he nearly collapsed to his knees.

'So, Brock has just tried to steal Mr. Lloyd's fiancée?' James felt his vision going dark, much like the bleak future now facing the Byron family.

If it had been just another business arrangement, that would've been one thing. But the sight of Eleanor playfully covering Stephen's mouth, and Stephen not only allowing it but grinning like a schoolboy, sent chills down James' spine.

'Isn't Mr. Lloyd a notorious germaphobe? He won't even shake hands, yet this girl can casually cover his mouth?' James realized the gravity of the situation. 'It's over. The Byron family is doomed.

Nearby, Brock felt the pressure for the first time as he sized up the tall, mature man who outclassed him in every way.

It was true. All his sweet talk and childish confessions couldn't hold a candle to Stephen's maturity and stability. But he wasn't ready to give up just yet. "Eleanor, can he really make you happy?" he pleaded. "I'm younger than him. I can give you anything. I..." As Brock made this last desperate attempt, a sharp, resounding slap interrupted him. The blow sent him staggering.

"You idiot!" A stern voice reprimanded. "What nonsense are you spouting? This is Mr. Lloyd's fiancée. Show some respect. You should call her Mrs. Lloyd."

12:15 Mon,