Evelyn nodded, only half-understanding.
Back home, Eleanor found a small, velvet jewelry box tucked inside her daughter’s backpack. She opened it and discovered a delicate diamond swan necklace—clearly expensive, far from your average trinket for a child.
“Mommy, do you like it?” Evelyn leaned in eagerly. “Miss Vanessa said it was made just for me. There’s only one in the whole world!”
Eleanor closed the box, crouched down to meet her daughter’s eyes, and spoke gently but firmly. “Evelyn, this necklace is much too valuable. I’ll keep it safe for you until you’re a little older, all right?”
Evelyn’s shoulders drooped with disappointment, but she nodded obediently. “Okay.”
Upstairs in the master bedroom, Eleanor’s phone buzzed with a message from Joy. She clicked the link Joy had sent.
“Eleanor, can you believe this? Vanessa’s actually up for International Women’s Day ambassador. How does someone like her, who broke up a marriage, even qualify?”
Eleanor tapped the link and stared at the screen. Vanessa’s perfectly made-up face beamed serenely from the campaign poster.
She scrolled through the details. It was a national initiative, recognizing women who made outstanding contributions across various fields—and Vanessa’s name was right there among the nominees.
Eleanor studied Vanessa’s smile, remembering all the underhanded things she’d done.
Without a second thought, Eleanor pulled up Vanessa’s number and dialed.
“Eleanor? I’m surprised to hear from you!” Vanessa’s voice was smooth, but she knew exactly who it was.
Eleanor’s answer was icy. “I’m pretty sure the committee doesn’t know the real you. I’d be happy to send them some evidence so they can get a clearer picture.”
Vanessa’s breath quickened. “Eleanor, don’t do anything stupid. What do you want?”
“It’s simple,” Eleanor replied coldly. “Stay away from my daughter. And by noon tomorrow, I want to see you withdraw your nomination—voluntarily. Otherwise, you know exactly what I’ll do.”
“You’re threatening me?” Vanessa snapped. “Ian won’t let you—”
“Let him try,” Eleanor cut her off, then hung up.
She had no problem letting the whole world know what Ian had been up to since their marriage.

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