CHAPTER 381: CHAPTER 381: THE VIPER DRAWS NEAR

"You didn’t take the child out, so I had to come."

Eleanor Hollis felt a bit embarrassed and scratched her head.

"Something came up recently, so I couldn’t go out."

Jane Shaw understood that since Hugo Quinn wasn’t around, she indeed needed to be careful all the time.

"Recently, I heard from Simon Quinn that the oldest brother of the Quinton family also went to Africa. The disease there is quite severe. I’m not sure which district Hugo is in, but if he’s in the outbreak area, he might be in danger."

Jane Shaw meant well by reminding her, but her words happened to hit Eleanor Hollis’s nerves.

When she asked Hugo about it, he only said he was safe but didn’t tell her which district he was in. Could it be that his location is indeed where the outbreak occurred?

"Actually, you could call him more. The matter with the plane can be investigated anytime; it’s better to come back during this period."

"What plane?"

Eleanor Hollis looked up, feeling a flash of unease.

Jane Shaw seemed to realize only then that Eleanor wasn’t aware of it, hurriedly covered her mouth. She learned it from Simon Quinn, who’s been communicating with the eldest Quinton brother lately.

"Jane, please tell me so I can be prepared mentally."

Eleanor Hollis lowered her eyes, wishing she could follow Hugo right now.

Jane Shaw released her hand before speaking slowly.

"Simon said the eldest brother of the Quinton family met Hugo in the outbreak area, and Hugo and the Crawford family are investigating the matter of the plane. They’ve even entered Mortistown, which was the initial outbreak site. I’ve heard that no one has come out alive from there."

Eleanor Hollis felt waves of shock inside her heart. Just hearing Jane Shaw talk about these things, she understood how terrible the situation over there was. Hugo dared to go in!

It turns out he wasn’t on a business trip but was investigating the plane matter.

Previously, Hugo went to investigate the plane and encountered a tsunami on an island, almost losing his life there.

"Eleanor, don’t worry too much. With the Crawford family involved, Hugo should be alright."

Jane Shaw tried to console her but regretted talking too much earlier; she guessed Eleanor Hollis might not sleep tonight.

Jane Shaw left with Chloe, and Eleanor Hollis immediately picked up her phone to call Xavier Crawford. Strangely, Xavier knew nothing about his brother’s plans, not even that Cole Crawford had gone to Africa.

Later that afternoon, Xavier came over, his face darkened.

He had never looked into that plane all these years; Cole had always been responsible for it. Now, Cole had gone to such a dangerous place without telling him, leaving him infuriated.

"I’m going to Africa, Eleanor. Please look after Grace for a few days. She’s unfamiliar with everything here, so I hope you can keep her company."

Eleanor Hollis wanted to go along as well, but she couldn’t leave Marcus alone at home.

"But it’s dangerous over there, Xavier, you heard that they’re about to lock down the area."

Xavier stood up already, his brows furrowed tightly.

"I must go help my brother. I’ll tell Grace soon so she can stay with you for a while."

Xavier wasn’t comfortable leaving Grace at home alone, and since Eleanor was also alone, it was perfect for them to accompany each other.

Eleanor nodded, surprised at Xavier’s urgency. After picking up Grace Wexler, he quickly departed.

Grace stood in the doorway, seeing him off with a look of reluctance.

Xavier reminded Eleanor again, hoping she would talk more with Grace Wexler.

"Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her."

Eleanor Hollis felt slightly helpless; this man had changed so much.

As soon as Xavier left, Grace’s lips curved up; she recently worried she wouldn’t have the chance to get close to Eleanor, and now such a golden opportunity presented itself.

Xavier was foolish to leave her so trustingly with Eleanor Hollis.

"Thank you for accommodating me during this period. Actually, I can live alone, but Xavier insisted I come."

Her face was full of helplessness, with a hint of girlish shyness in her words.

Eleanor found it amusing and led her into the living room.

"Xavier has changed a lot, and it’s all because of you, Miss Wexler. You truly are lucky."

Grace pursed her lips silently, her gaze taking in the surroundings subtly.

Everything remained as before, besides the addition of an aquarium; it was all familiar to her.

When she married Hugo, she wasn’t even allowed inside here, never even slept here. Hugo was always impatient with her, always hurriedly sending her away. If not for Marcus, Hugo probably would never want to see her.

Her lips curled up in mockery as she considered a hundred ways to eliminate Eleanor.

She was close to Eleanor now; poisoning her would be effortless. But letting Eleanor just die would be far too easy.

Grace’s eyes gleamed as she contemplated. Torturing her emotionally and robbing her of everything she cared about was more fitting.

Since Hugo went to Africa, she had already sent people to deal with him there. It was said the world’s most renowned hypnotist was involved, and once Hugo was hypnotized, he would soon forget Eleanor entirely.

The more she thought, the happier Grace felt inside.

"Mommy, look at this! Chloe brought it for me!"

Marcus came downstairs, his face full of excitement. Chloe had brought him a gift—a new edition game console with all puzzle games. He had already played for a while.

Marcus didn’t know there was someone downstairs. Upon seeing Grace, he froze and didn’t move forward.

Eleanor beckoned him over, smiling at Grace.

"Marcus, come here. This person is someone you can call Auntie; she’s my friend."

Before noticing her face, Marcus felt panic because the back looked just like his memory’s. That woman always tormented him privately, pinching his hands, legs, always looking viciously evil.

His steps stalled in place, and seeing Grace turn her head with a completely different face from that woman, he sighed in relief in his heart.

"Call her Auntie Wexler."

Eleanor caressed his head.

Grace’s eyes flashed sharply; she resented this child as well. Despite never living with Eleanor, Marcus instantly accepted Eleanor due to their blood connection. It was magical, and she felt jealous, crazily jealous.

If it weren’t for this child, Hugo wouldn’t have noticed Eleanor. Damn, she’ll never spare this child!

"Hello, Auntie Wexler."

Marcus spoke obediently, smiling, but upon seeing what’s in Grace’s eyes, his smile slowly faded.

Those eyes were terrifying, identical to that woman’s.

Grace didn’t bother pretending in front of the child, letting all the resentment, malice, and dissatisfaction in her eyes be seen clearly by Marcus.