Chapter 5

After a few polite words, Theodore invited everyone to dinner. At the dining table, the topic of Eleanor's room arose, sparking a discussion. Theodore's intention was to let Eleanor choose from the empty rooms, but Catherina had other plans. "Father, let her stay in my room. After all, it's the best room in the house. She has suffered a lot. Now that she's back, she should live in the best room." Catherina said generously, her considerate expression making her look selfless and kind. But her words made Amelia and Charles frown. "There are so many empty rooms in the house, which one isn't good enough? Why do you need to move? Don't mess around with your delicate body." Amelia said, her tone full of pity and reproach. "But my sister suffered so much because of me... because of my mother. It's the least I can do to give her the best, I'm sorry for her. It's what I should do to give her all the good things." Catherina replied, her eyes almost tearing up. "What nonsense are you talking about? You'll always be the daughter of the Hampton family, and you don't have to give in to anyone." Amelia said, looking at Catherina with red eyes, her heart aching terribly. She shot Eleanor a hard look. Charles also glared at Eleanor with a warning look, as if he would devour her if she dared to agree. In her previous life, Catherina had pretended to give up the room. Back then, Eleanor had moved in carelessly, thinking that it was natural, which caused the family to think that she was bullying Catherina and being greedy. Catherina on the other hand, had basked in sympathy, with Amelia feeling so aggrieved for her that she convinced Theodore to buy her a new car. Eleanor could see Catherina's prideful look, as if to say, "See, you are the biological daughter. So what? I am the most favored person in this family." Eleanor smiled inwardly. "If that's the case, I won't let you get what you want." "Sister, what are you talking about? It's just a room. How can you say that I want to compete with you? I'm your sister, I won't compete with you. I can live in the first room on the third floor." Eleanor said, a hint of displeasure in her eyes, but she maintained her facade. Seeing that Eleanor didn't take the bait, Catherina was a little unhappy, but she still had to put on a show on the surface. "Of course, I don't mean to say that, but Dad, Mom, Charles, and I live on the second floor. Isn't it too lonely for Eleanor to live alone on the third floor?" Catherina added, her voice laced with false concern. The first room on the third floor was sunny, spacious, and had a super large terrace. Catherina wanted to keep it as her private playground, so hearing Eleanor's preference for that room made her naturally very unhappy. "Then let Eleanor live in the first room on the third floor. No need to fight over it. I'll ask the servants to clean it up." Theodore interjected, eager to prevent a fight between Eleanor and Catherina on the first day. Since Theodore had spoken, no matter how unhappy Catherina was, she couldn't say anything. Catherina suddenly felt that her "silly" father could be quite helpful. From an angle that no one could see, She made a mocking face at Eleanor. Seeing Eleanor's face momentarily freeze, Catherina ate the skillet chicken thighs with gusto. After dinner, Eleanor followed the servants to the first room on the third floor. She observed the grandeur of the house, which starkly contrasted with her previous life in Georgetown. The servants worked quickly to clean and prepare the room, while Eleanor stood by, her mind racing. As she settled into her new room, Eleanor thought about the complex dynamics in the Hampton family. She knew that gaining her rightful place wouldn't be easy with Catherina playing the innocent, beloved daughter. However, Eleanor was determined to assert herself this round.