Chapter 88: A Crumbling Empire

Eleanor remained seated in her study, the silence now as oppressive as the storm of fury that had just raged within her. Her chest rose and fell as she tried to regain control over her emotions. The power she had wielded with such ease for so many years now felt like sand slipping through her fingers. How had things come to this? She had always been in command, always one step ahead. But now, her granddaughter—her own blood—had lied to her, and her empire seemed to be crumbling from within. She reached for the bottle of wine on the side table, the only one left intact, and poured herself a glass. Her hand trembled as she brought it to her lips. The wine was rich and dark, like the thoughts swirling in her mind. She took a deep sip, hoping it would steady her, but the familiar taste did nothing to soothe the turmoil inside her. Vargas entered the room again, his footsteps silent on the thick carpet. He stood at attention, waiting for Eleanor to acknowledge his presence. She set the gl