Chapter 5

Eleanor's POV

Fury and desolation intertwined in my chest, nearly tearing me apart.

I stared hard at Tobias's face, the one that had captivated me for five years, now feeling nothing but disgust.

Around us, the onlookers whispered, their eyes full of condescending pity and mockery.

Everyone was waiting for my backbone to break, waiting for me to grovel at Vivian Sullivan's feet like a dog.

"Eleanor, actually, if you just lower your head and say you're sorry, this will all be over. After all, we're family..."

Vivian peeked out from Tobias's embrace, her voice soft and sweet, yet laced with poison.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

My lungs felt filled with shattered glass. Every breath tasted of blood.

My father was still struggling in a hospital bed. I had no right to be stubborn.

I slowly bent my knees, about to bow my straight spine.

"Mr. Reed, quite the show of power. Forcing a woman to submit in your own venue to demonstrate authority. The Reed family's upbringing is truly eye-opening."

A low, lazy voice carrying absolute authority suddenly rang out from the ballroom entrance.

The entire hall fell instantly silent.

Everyone turned toward the sound. A group of people entered through the main doors.

The man at the front wore an impeccably tailored black suit, his tall frame commanding.

His features were sharp and defined, his eyes carrying the cold detachment of someone long accustomed to power.

He casually toyed with a ring on his finger. With each step, his presence seemed to compress the air around him.

The true helmsman of Cosmos Capital.

Sebastian Holt.

Why would he come to this level of party?

Everyone present gasped, and even Tobias's expression changed instantly. He unconsciously released Vivian, a trace of wariness crossing his features.

"Mr. Holt, what brings you here?"

Tobias suppressed his shock and approached.

Sebastian didn't spare him a glance.

He walked straight past Tobias and stopped directly in front of me.

Sebastian removed his suit jacket and naturally draped it over my trembling shoulders.

"Miss Hart, the offer Cosmos made was for you to become a partner, not to be treated like a performing monkey by a bunch of fools."

The man's voice wasn't loud, but it struck like thunder throughout the ballroom.

I froze, looking up at this nobleman who seemed as untouchable as a deity.

I knew Mark was helping me connect with Cosmos Capital, but I never imagined that Sebastian Holt, the true power behind Cosmos, would personally intervene to save me.

"Mr. Holt, what exactly do you mean by this?"

Tobias's expression turned ugly. He stared at the men's jacket draped over my shoulders.

"Exactly what I said."

Sebastian finally deigned to turn and give Tobias a glance, his tone dripping with contempt.

"Eleanor Hart is now my person at Cosmos. If Mr. Reed has any complaints, feel free to come find me. As for this mess on the floor..."

Sebastian glanced at the broken pieces, then turned to instruct his assistant Mike.

"Go pick out two decent bracelets and send them to Mr. Reed. Consider it a gift from Miss Hart, my compliments to Miss Sullivan."

The word "compliments" was used with maximum insult.

Vivian's face instantly went pale. She swayed unsteadily.

Tobias clenched his fists so tight his veins bulged, but facing the supremely powerful Sebastian Holt, he didn't even have the right to lose his temper.

"Let's go, Miss Hart. Don't let this disgusting place dirty your eyes."

Sebastian turned slightly, making an extremely gentlemanly gesture of invitation.

Without a moment's hesitation, I pulled the jacket tighter around me and walked out of the ballroom alongside Sebastian, not sparing Tobias a backward glance.

As soon as we exited the hotel, the cold wind hit me. My tightly wound nerves finally relaxed, my legs went weak, and I nearly collapsed.

Sebastian caught my wrist with quick reflexes, steadying me.

His palm was warm and dry, radiating reassuring strength.

"Thank you for helping me, Mr. Holt."

I steadied myself and subtly created distance.

Sebastian withdrew his hand, twisting the ring on his finger.

"No need for thanks. I told you, what I value is you... your capabilities. Eleanor Hart, Cosmos doesn't shelter the weak. The medical jet transferring your father to Switzerland takes off at eight tomorrow morning. Before then, clean up your messes. All of them."

I jerked my head up, my heart filled with disbelieving joy.

"You mean... the jet and the hospital are all arranged?"

"Cosmos's way of protecting our own has always been simple and direct."

Sebastian opened the car door, his voice low.

"Go. Make your break. Tomorrow, I expect to see a brand new Miss Hart."

Watching Sebastian's car disappear into the distance, I clenched my fists tightly.

Finally, I could completely escape that lunatic Tobias.