Chapter 45

The grand Whitmore estate stood silent in the early morning, with its perfectly manicured lawns. 

Inside the sprawling mansion, Eleanor walked into the opulent dining room, her steps measured yet restless. 

She hadn't slept a wink the night before, her mind churning with the information she had uncovered about Charlotte.

Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore, were seated at the long dining table, enjoying their breakfast. As Eleanor approached, her mother, Margaret, looked up and smiled warmly.

"Good morning, darling," Margaret greeted, rising slightly to kiss Eleanor on the cheek.

"Good morning, Mom. Morning, Dad," Eleanor replied, returning her mother's gesture before pecking her father, Gregory, on the cheek.

"Good morning, Eleanor," Gregory said, his deep voice reverberating. "You're up early."

Eleanor nodded as she slid into a seat. "Couldn't sleep much."