Chapter 6

The next morning, Eleanor woke up early, eager to explore her surroundings and begin her new life. As she stepped out into the terrace, she took in the beautiful view of the lush gardens and the city beyond. This was her new reality, and she intended to make the most of it. Downstairs, she found the family gathered for breakfast, Catherina was already seated, chatting animatedly with Theodore and Amelia. Charles was reading the newspaper, occasionally glancing at his watch. "Good morning" Eleanor greeted, taking a seat at the table. "Good morning, Eleanor. Did you sleep well?" Theodore asked, genuinely concerned. "Yes thank you" She replied, noticing the tension between Catherina and her parents. Amelia forced a smile. "We're glad to have you back, Eleanor. There's a lot to catch up on." Eleanor nodded, her gaze shifting to Catherina, who maintained her sweet innocent act. "I look forward to it" She said her tone polite but firm. After breakfast, the two elders of the Hampton family, called Theodore and asked him to take Eleanor to the ancestral house. Old Master Nathaniel Hampton had three sons. His eldest son, Henry Hampton, was engaged in politics while his second son, Oliver Hampton, was a merchant. Theodore was the youngest son with the most mediocre aptitude. He didn't achieve much and married an ordinary woman which made him the least favored son in the family. The ancestral home of the Hampton family was antique and magnificent. Along the way, Eleanor was led into the main hall before she could take in the surroundings. It was the same in her last life. The two elders were older now, but their eyes remained sharp. Eleanor lowered her eyes under their scrutiny pretending to be frightened. As expected, Old Madam Sabrina Hampton shook her head. After all, a child raised in a village couldn't compare to those brought up in the city. The elders asked a few mundane questions, which Eleanor answered calmly. Bored, they soon dismissed her without offering her a meal. Theodore didn't care much about the cold attitude. However, Amelia was so angry that she clenched her fists. She was increasingly dissatisfied with Eleanor who she felt was a burden. After leaving the ancestral home, Eleanor made an excuse to buy something and suggested that she could go home later. Amelia who was eager to part with her, readily agreed. Eleanor wondered alone on the street and arrived at the Joy Club, a favorite gathering place for Chicago's elite. The club's luxurious exterior and even the graceful security guards exuded opulence. "Wait, wait, wait, who are you? This isn't a place just anyone can enter." The security guard at the door said as Eleonor approached. Dressed in a simple casual suit, she looked young and unassuming. When the guard tried to stop her, Eleanor grabbed his arm and threw him effortlessly to the ground. Angry and ready to retaliate, the security guard was interrupted by the team leader's arrival. The guard pointed at Eleanor about to complain, but the leader's reaction was unexpected. Upon seeing Eleanor, he immediately recognized her and bowed respectfully. "I was wondering who caused such a commotion. It turns out to be you, Miss Er. Long time no see, you are still as heroic as ever. This guard is new and doesn't know the rules. Please forgive him." The security guard, stunned, quickly apologized when he realized he might lose his job. Eleanor, not wanting to dwell on the matter, waved it off casually. Relieved, the leader continued... "Miss Er is as generous as ever. Please come with me. Young Master Luciano has been waiting for you." After saying that, he led Eleanor into a lavish manor. In the hall, Luciano awaited them. The leader addressed him respectfully... "Young Master Luciano, Miss Er is here." Luciano nodded, and the leader left promptly. Once alone, Luciano's demeanor changed instantly. He jumped up from the sofa excitedly. "Boss, you're finally here!" Eleanor's lips curled into a smile. "You're quite well-informed. I only returned to the Hampton family yesterday, and you contacted me today. What's going on?" Luciano waved his hands dismissively. "It's nothing really. Since you are in Chicago, I just wanted to host you. Tell me, where would you want to go? I'll arrange anything you'd like to do in Chicago." "But, big shot, you are actually a child of the Hampton family. It is really the Hampton family's honor." Hearing Luciano's words, Eleanor thought of how the Hampton family had treated her with disdain. "Three lifetimes of luck? I think I'd rather avoid it." "There's no need to move around. I'm not interested in this place. Since you have nothing urgent, I'll take my leave. Remember, my identity must not be revealed." Indeed, Eleanor had no interest in Chicago's high society or the Hampton family. Her thoughts drifted to the figure in the sea of fire... Robert Williams!