Seeing Eleanor's face drop in an instant, Anirudh's heart tightened.
She stood up from the tub and walked out, her soaked nightgown clinging to her body. The wet fabric hugged her full hips and smooth back, revealing the faint outline of her black lace panties beneath. Her long, shapely legs were fully exposed, but her numb, distant expression made Anirudh feel like a kid who'd just messed up big time.
"Eleanor…"
"I'm fine. I'll go shower in my room. You hurry up too…" Eleanor forced down the strange emotions swirling inside her and stepped out of the bathroom, still dripping wet.
Watching her graceful figure disappear, Anirudh's heart remained restless. He didn't dare say more and quickly began washing himself.
Back in her room, Eleanor turned on the shower.
"That little brat's really grown up, huh…" Thinking of Anirudh, a soft, enchanting smile curved her lips.
Guess I need to find him a girlfriend soon. What if he gets all pent up? The family line's at stake—I can't let that happen.
But who, though?
Rosalind? She and I are like sisters—if she dated Anirudh, it'd throw the whole family dynamic out of whack.
Estella? She's not even sixteen yet. Setting her up with him would be downright wrong.
Laila? She's around his age, but she's so aloof. With Anirudh's personality, I doubt they'd hit it off.
After racking her brain, Eleanor couldn't settle on anyone.
"Whatever. The girls are coming tonight anyway—let him pick. Worst case, school's starting soon. I'll just tag along to Chicago Business School. The Business Admin department's full of pretty girls—there's got to be one he likes…" With that, she pushed the thought aside and focused on showering.
Staring at her flawless body in the mirror, even she felt a little captivated. She sighed softly, "Once I find him a girlfriend, what about me? I'm almost twenty-seven and never even dated. Am I really going to stay single forever?"
Thinking back on the guys she'd met, none had ever sparked anything in her. A bitter smile crept onto her face. Am I too picky?
Her fingers brushed her smooth, jade-like breasts, and suddenly, she pictured Anirudh touching her there just moments ago.
If only he could be my boyfriend…
"What am I thinking? My dad and his grandpa are sworn brothers—there's no way we could be together." She shook her head, dismissing the absurd idea, and quickly finished her shower.
Fifteen minutes later, Eleanor emerged in a sky-blue floral blouse and white skinny jeans that perfectly outlined her long legs. Crystal high-heeled sandals clicked beneath her, and her slightly wavy hair was tied up, giving her an effortlessly elegant air.
As she stepped out of her room, she spotted Anirudh waiting by the door in a crisp white casual outfit.
Her eyes lit up.
"Wow, didn't realize my little guy was such a looker. C'mon, let's go flirt with some girls…" She grabbed his hand and pulled him downstairs, acting as if nothing had happened earlier. Anirudh, who'd spent the whole time mentally rehearsing an apology, was stunned. She's not mad?
Practically dragged along, he hopped into the flashy Lamborghini, and they sped off. Half an hour later, they arrived at an upscale restaurant called Feast for the Eyes. As they stepped out, two stunning women in qipaos greeted them.
"Boss, you're here?"
Boss? Eleanor owns this place?
"Yeah, are my guests here yet?" Eleanor nodded.
"Everyone's here except Aurora," the two hostesses replied in unison.
"Whatever, she's always late. Tell the kitchen to start serving," Eleanor said with a raised eyebrow. Then she tugged Anirudh inside, heading straight to the largest, most luxurious private room on the third floor. Another beautiful woman in a qipao stood by the door, bowing respectfully as she opened it for them.
Eleanor didn't hesitate, pulling Anirudh right in. His eyes widened—the large table was surrounded by women, every single one a knockout. Some were even on par with Eleanor. Is she seriously setting me up to flirt?
"Eleanor…" Just as the women turned their curious gazes toward Anirudh and Eleanor was about to introduce him, a sultry voice purred from behind. Anirudh's body tensed, and when he turned around, he froze solid…