Chapter 391

Linda’s expression froze mid-motion, her breath catching as her gaze locked onto them. Her fist clenched involuntarily, trembling with unspoken emotion. In Robert's eyes, she caught a light she had never seen before—a brightness reserved solely for Eleanor. He must really like her, Linda thought bitterly. Only when Robert was with Eleanor did his stoic demeanor soften, his gaze carrying warmth and admiration. Linda had once believed she held a special place in Robert’s heart. After all, he had plucked her from her mundane life in rural Santa Barbara Village and brought her to Chicago. The lavish house, the fine dining, the gentle kindness he had shown her at first—it had made her believe she mattered. For a time, she felt proud to be the exception to Robert’s cold exterior. Other than Eleanor, she was the only woman allowed into his inner circle, the only one he trusted enough to let close. But now, standing here, the painful truth was as glaring as sunlight piercing through glass: Rob