Honey, You're a Billionaire? novel Chapter 585

Eleanor's carefully maintained composure was slipping fast, but she still managed a strained smile as she apologized.

"Mr. Xanth, I'm sorry. I don't understand how this happened. My age seems to have caught up with me, and my eyes aren't as sharp as they once were..."

Ever the gentleman, Elijah responded with grace and tact. "There's no need to blame yourself, Mrs. Finch Senior. Considering the Finch family's reputation and your discerning nature, it appears you were misled.

"Nevertheless, your thoughtfulness in choosing the Lindisfarne Gospels is greatly appreciated as I genuinely admire the work."

His carefully chosen words, particularly the phrase "misled", masterfully preserved the dignity of both the Finch family and Eleanor.

Eleanor felt a wave of relief and gratitude, yet the word "misled" echoed in her mind, even as she kept her composure.

After offering more apologies and exchanging a few more pleasantries with Elijah, she excused herself, pleading fatigue, and retired to her room.

Before leaving, she called out to Lizzie, "Lizz, help me upstairs, would you?"

Although Eleanor smiled as she addressed Lizzie, the latter couldn't help but sense an impending storm. Sure enough, as soon as they entered the room, Eleanor's smile vanished entirely.

Without warning, she raised her cane and struck Lizzie sharply.

"Ah!" Lizzie cried out in pain, startled by the unexpected blow. She looked up, meeting Eleanor's frigid gaze, and instinctively dropped to her knees.

"Mom, I'm sorry. It was my fault. I didn't handle things well earlier, I..."

Lizzie's voice cracked, and her tears threatened to spill. Her vulnerable demeanor might have elicited sympathy from others, but her "sincere" apology only served to fuel Eleanor's anger.

Instead of calming down, Eleanor's expression grew harsher still. "Spare me the act. Stop playing the victim. Your husband isn't here to shield you—"

"Lizz!"

Eleanor's words were cut short by the sound of the door opening.

It was none other than Cyrus, Lizzie's husband.

He had suspected Eleanor might take out her frustrations on Lizzie the moment she singled her out for assistance. Worried about Lizzie, he had followed discreetly. His fears, it seemed, were not unfounded.

Upon seeing the telltale bruise forming on Lizzie's arm, Cyrus' heart ached. Without hesitation, he rushed to her side and helped her to her feet, paying no heed to Eleanor's stony expression.

Cyrus immediately pleaded with Eleanor, "Mom, it's not Lizzie's fault. She didn't know Elijah knew calligraphy. She put in her best effort, and honestly, her writing wasn't bad."

He stood protectively in front of Lizzie, shielding her from Eleanor's wrath. The latter's brows furrowed deeply in response.

Suddenly, a mocking smile crept onto her face. "You think I hit her because her calligraphy wasn't good enough?"

"Wasn't that the reason?" Cyrus thought, remaining silent. However, his expression conveyed everything Eleanor needed to know.

Her eyes filled with disdain, and she let out a cold laugh. "Cyrus, you were once the head of the Finch family. I used to think that, while you weren't quite up to your father's level, you were at least competent.

"But now... it seems the only reason the family didn't collapse under your leadership is thanks to the blessings of our ancestors."

"Mom..." Cyrus muttered, his frustration palpable as Eleanor's words effectively belittled his capabilities.

"You're blinded by a woman this easily, so what are you if not incompetent?" Eleanor snapped, her anger rising again. She repeated, "Do you really think I hit her because her calligraphy wasn't good enough?"

Cyrus lowered his gaze, the fire of defiance in his eyes dimming.

Eleanor's piercing gaze shifted toward Lizzie, who remained partially concealed behind Cyrus. "And what about you? Do you think it's because of that?"