Reborn as the Villainess

Eleanor's face changed to a sweet and innocent expression. "You're right, Gloria. I'll go get it right away. I wouldn't want to. upset Mom," she said softly, though her mind was racing. Acting? Please, I'm an award-winning actress. Does Gloria think she can outshine me?"

The moment Glona heard Eleanor agree, a broad smile lit up her face. She didn't even catch the subtle change in Eleanor's expression. "Perfect. Tll be waiting for you in the main hall, she chimed, fluttering off with a graceful swish of her gown As she watched Gloria leave, Eleanor's lips curled slightly. Let the show begin.

But instead of heading toward where Gloria had pointed, Eleanor turned and went in the opposite direction

She knew this scene all too well. She'd read about it in the novel, it was during this party that the Lloyd family patriarch. Albert Lloyd, would collapse of a heart attack in the garden. His death would later set the stage for the downfall of the Vanderbilt family. The Lloyds were a prestigious household, and Albert had been a legendary general, a man whose very footsteps could shake the ground in Cendelch. Yet he was notoriously independent and disliked being fussed over, which is why he would be all alone in the garden during the event. Eleanor calculated the timing in her head. If the book was anything to go by, she was just in time. Sure enough, when she reached the garden, she spotted an elderly man with snow-white hair slumped in his wheelchair, clutching his chest, a faint groan escaping his lips. Without hesitation. Eleanor rushed forward. She gently patted his chest, her tone urgent but calm. "Sir, where's your medicine?"

Albert weakly raised a trembling hand and pointed to his pocket, his face already turning deathly pale. Eleanor quickly fished through his pocket and found a small bottle. She poured out two pills and placed them in his mouth, but Albert's consciousness was fading fast-he wasn't swallowing

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Narrowing her eyes, she glanced around and spotted a water faucet used for watering the garden flowers. Without a second thought, she plucked a large leaf from a nearby bush, turned on the tap, and used the leaf to collect some water. Gently, she poured it into Albert's mouth, hoping it would help him swallow the pills.

Thankfully, the water worked. Albert's face slowly regained some color as the medicine began to take effect. It was only then that Eleanor really took in his appearance. His stern, dignified features radiated authority even in his weakened state. He truly looked the part of a hardened general.

When Albert came back to his senses, he didn't thank her right away. Instead, his sharp eyes flicked toward the leaf in her hand and the nearby faucet. His brows knitted in disapproval, and he barked, "Hey, did you just give me faucet water?" Eleanor could barely believe it. The book had described Albert as a man with a peculiar temper, and now, standing before hirn, she could see that every word rang true. 'Seriously? Even on the brink of death, he's still nitpicking about the water? she thought. "Look," she said, standing tall, her voice calm yet commanding. If it means saving your life, I have given you rainwater from a puddle, let alone some tap water. Survival first, right?" Her words held a quiet strength, her eyes steady and resolute, gleaming with an inner light that seemed to cut through the darkness like a beacon,

Albert blinked, visibly taken aback. For a moment, he was transported back to his youth on the battlefield. His commanding officer had once looked at him with the same unyielding gaze and said, "Out here, boy, you eat whatever it takes to stay alive!

A shiver ran down his spine, not from the cold, but from something long buried deep within him-respect. After a long pause, Albert's voice came out in a shaky breath. "Young lady, what's your name?"

Kleanor, poised as ever, responded gracefully, "My name is Eleanor Vanderbilt."

13

At the sound of her name. Albert pondered for a moment and then seemed to light up as if a puzzle had just clicked into place. "Oh, so you're the daughter Zack and Diana lost all those years ago?" Eleanor's mind raced. Wait, how does he know me? I just returned to the Vanderbilt family, right? She wasn't sure how to respond.

Albert chuckled, looking her over with growing fondness. "I like you, kid, he muttered, his warm gaze never leaving her. "But what are you doing out here, dear! Shouldn't you be in the main hall?" Blinking innocently, Eleanor explained, "Gloria asked me to fetch Mom's redwood box, but... I got lost." Her expression of embarrassment was perfectly timed.

Albert, already quite taken with her, felt a surge of righteous indignation at the sight of her awkwardness. "The Vanderbilt family ought to know better. You just returned, and they have you running errands? Nonsense." He huffed, then added, "Don't worry, Ill go with you. I've been to Vanderbilt Manor enough times to know my way around."

Eleanor's mission was accomplished. A soft smile curved on her lips as she beamed at him, her eyes twinkling. Thank you.

sir.

On the way back, Albert held the redwood box while Eleanor pushed his wheelchair. They had fallen into an easy conversation, their connection growing as though they were old friends.

But as they neared the main hall, they heard the distant sound of commotion in there. Voices echoed, calling her name.

A cold gleam flickered in Eleanor's eyes, hidden beneath her bangs. So, the scums are finally making their move?" she thought

But outwardly, she remained oddly composed, her face a perfect mask of calm. She bent down slightly, whispering to Albert, "Sir, please wait here. It seems Mom and Gloria are calling for me. I'll go check"

Before Albert could respond, she lifted her skirts and hurried toward the entrance, the redwood box clutched tightly in her hands

Just as she had read in the novel, Gloria was standing anxiously by Diana's side. "Mom, don't worry. Eleanor will be here soon," she said sweetly.

Diana, elegant in a delicate lavender evening dress, with her hair meticulously styled, exuded an air of grace and refinement. The sight of her left Eleanor frozen in place, her eyes widening as she stared at the woman before her. With eyes burning at deep crimson, she couldn't shake the trembling that seized her body, each quiver echoing the turmoil within her.

Diana looked exactly like Eleanor's mother from her previous life-the one who had died of liver cancer, the one she had never gotten to say goodbye to

"Mom..." The word slipped from Eleanor's trembling lips, though she stood rooted to the spot, too afraid to move closer, too terrified that it was just a cruel illusion.

Diana's gaze softened as she looked at her tearful daughter. A strange ache tugged at her heart, as if some forgotten bond stirred. Eleanor was her own flesh and blood after all. Diana extended a gentle hand, her voice tender. "Ellie, you're here. Come to Mommy Eleanor bit her lip, holding back the wave of emotion that threatened to break free. She fought the urge to throw herself into Diana's arms and sob, but instead, she walked slowly forward, her heart thudding. 'It's her... It really is her.

But as Eleanor approached, Gloria's eyes narrowed, and she dug her bright red nails into her palms. "This isn't right. I warned Eleanor privately to stop calling Diana Mom. Why is she doing this now?"

Gloria had calculated everything perfectly. Eleanor's refusal to call Diana "Mom" was the wedge that had driven them apart.

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making Diana's feelings for Eleanor remain cold and distant. Hearing her call out that word now had clearly softened Diana's heart.

This could ruin everything. Gloria thought, pante rising in her chest, 'No way. I've come too far for this plan to fall apart

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Taking a deep breath, Gloria quickly put on her practiced innocent face, batting her eyelashes with faux concern. "Eleanor, thank goodness your're here. You've no idea how worried Mom and I were. It's all my fault. I should've kept a closer eye on you. Please don't wander off like that again. It's easy to get lost when you're new to Vanderbilt Manor."

Her words were carefully chosen, subtly reminding everyone prent that Eleanor was still an outsider in this family.

Then, with a sickly sweet smile, Gloria added, "By the way, Eleanor, did you bring the hairpin for Mom?"

Eleanor inhaled deeply, pushing down the swirling emotions inside her. The act wasn't over yet. If Gloria wanted a show, then a show she'd get