Chapter 4 Tormenting Circle

MF GLAM MODELS

The sleek, luxurious interior of the modeling agency was alive with activity, filled with the soft hum of hair dryers, the shuffling of stiletto shoes against the marble floor, and the quiet murmur of excited conversations.

Models, glamorous in their designer clothes, sat in front of mirrors as their makeup artists worked their magic, transforming them into the epitome of perfection.

The air was thick with the scent of perfumes, hairsprays, and expensive makeup brands.

At one corner of the room, Eleanor sat in front of a mirror, her eyes glued to her phone. Her stunning features already half-covered with makeup.

Her flawless face was framed by soft waves of chestnut hair, and her pristine gown shimmered with understated elegance.

Her makeup artist was carefully applying the finishing touches to Eleanor's makeup.

Eleanor lifted her face to glance at the mirror and her brows furrowed.

"What the hell did you paint on my face you incompetent fool!" Her voice came and her makeup artist flinched in fear.

She had worked with many top models before, but Eleanor was notorious for her impossible standards and overbearing attitude.

"You dare insult me with this hideous mess on my expensive face?" Eleanor snarled, her eyes burning with rage.

"I'm sorry ma'am but I'm not done..." The words got stuck in the make-up artist mouth as Eleanor gave her a thunderous slap that turned her chubby cheeks red instantly.

The entire hall fell silent. The other models, who had previously been murmuring to each other, were now paralyzed with shock.

The makeup artist stepped back, eyes wide with disbelief.

Eleanor's face was twisted in fury, her breathing heavy with anger.

"You've already ruined it, happy uh? I'd make sure you lose your license as a make-up artist. Get out of my sight." Eleanor shoved her out of her way, sending the make-up artist stumbling back toward the make-up counter.

Eleanor smoothed the folds of her dress and turned to face the stunned models, her expression shifting from anger to icy composure. She gave them a cold, calculating smile, as if nothing had just happened.

"With what just happened now, this shoot isn't going to hold, I hate stress." She picked up her handbag, straightened her back and strode toward the door.

"Eleanor, a word," Victoria said, stepping into her path with an air of authority.

Eleanor raised an eyebrow, her face unreadable.

"What is it, Victoria?" she asked, her voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and disdain.

"You really need to change your approach, Eleanor. This is just unbecoming and mannerless. You might be the top model, but your temper and attitude are going to turn people against you. You can't keep doing this to others and expect everyone to just admire you."

Eleanor's lips curved into a knowing smile.

"You're right, Victoria, I should change. But only one thing needs to change, my popularity, my beauty, my money. Once you've gained more than me in all those areas, then maybe I'll listen to your advice."

Victoria's eyes flashed with a mixture of frustration and disbelief. She opened her mouth to respond, but Eleanor had already turned her back on her, walking away with a confident stride.

"What sought of arrogance is this?" Victoria muttered to herself as she watched Eleanor calculate her steps.

As Eleanor left the room, she passed by the make-up artist, who was now quietly dabbing at the redness on her cheek with a tissue. The young makeup artist avoided eye contact, her face still pained, but Eleanor paid her no mind.

★★★★

Claire sat silently at the back of the limousine, her eyes fixed outside the window and her hands tightly clasped around her purse as the vehicle sped through the streets.

Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of excitement and fear flooding her. She was finally going to see her mother, the woman who had sacrificed so much for her.

The car drove into the premises of the hospital and packed at the VIP garage. Claire's breath caught in her throat. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air as she hurried inside, barely glancing at the doctors and nurses.

She was directed to her mother's room and she hastened her footsteps. When she reached her mother's room, she froze at the doorway.

Her mother lay motionless on the bed, connected to tubes and machines, her face pale and innocent. Claire approached slowly, her eyes brimming with tears.

She drew a chair closer to her mother's bed and took her cold hand, pressing it to her cheek before kissing it repeatedly.

"Mom," Claire whispered, her voice cracking. "I'm so happy you're receiving the best treatment. I'm glad I took this decision. I promise I would get you the best care. I know you can hear me. Just hold on, please...for me"

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she leaned in, brushing her mother's hair from her face. The bond between them, though silent, was powerful.

She rested her head on the bed and placed her mother's left hand on her face.

★★★★

RR SUITE

Damian and Gideon his childhood friend or should we say only friend sat in their favorite restaurant, the air filled with the clinking of glasses and soft chatter around them.

As they dug into their meals, eating with relish. Eating out was already a welcomed routine by Damian. Apart from the fact Eleanor refuses to conceive, she also despise entering into the kitchen.

The maids did the cooking but Damian preferred eating out here in his favourite restaurant.

Gideon leaned forward, curiosity in his eyes.

"So, Damian," Gideon began, "I've been meaning to ask you what's your take on Eleanor's... aversion to giving birth? I mean, the whole surrogate thing. You know she doesn't want to ruin her figure, right?"

Damian paused, his fork halfway to his mouth, and looked at his friend. His expression was neutral, but there was a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.

"Eleanor is... complicated" He said slowly.

"She's always been obsessed with her appearance, and I get it. But, honestly, it doesn't matter to me. As long as we get the heir we need, I can live with her decisions" Damian said.

Gideon nodded, understanding but raising an eyebrow.

"Fair enough. But doesn't it bother you, a little?"

Damian sighed, setting his fork down. "It's not about what I want, it's about securing the future of the Blackwood name and that's getting myself an heir"

Gideon's mouth formed an "o" shape.

"Any update on finding your sister? I know it's been on your mind."

Damian's face darkened.

"Not at all. I'm starting to believe she disappeared cause there's no trace of her scent. Her name isn't even in the country's database, no trace, no records. It's like she disappeared off the face of the earth." Damian scoffed frustratedly.

Gideon's brows furrowed, sensing the frustration in his friend's voice. "That's... troubling."

Damian nodded grimly. "I'm not going to give up on her search no matter what." He said with an aura of confidence.

Gideon smiled as they clicked their glass together.

LATE KADEN'S RESIDENCE

Amelia sat quietly in the kitchen dinning , feeding her five years old brother, Alex, his small face contorted in dissatisfaction.

"Why do I always eat the same food, Amelia? I want something different," Alex whined, poking at his plate.

She smiled softly, brushing his hair from his forehead.

"Don't worry next time you'd eat something new and better" She whispered, trying to hide the worry in her eyes. She had to keep him calm, she couldn't bear to see him upset.

He continued eating sluggishly while Amelia admired him. The sound of heavy footsteps interrupted the moment.

Lisa walked into the kitchen, her posture confident, eyes glinting with mischief. She leaned against the doorframe, a smirk dancing on her lips.

"Do you want me to get you something?" Amelia asked politely.

Lisa clicked her tongue, resting her back against the refrigerator.

"You know, Amelia, if you give my mom any money, it's just a vicious cycle. You know why? She grinned folding her hands to her chest.

"Cause I'll steal it again, you'll pay it back, and then I'll steal again and you'd still end up paying" Lisa said, her tone mocking.

"Funny how it all works, isn't it?" Lisa inched her right eyebrow.

"I don't want your mom's trouble " Amelia said and turned to clean Alex's mouth with a serviette.

"Then watch me add to your frustrations in this house, you're welcome maid" Lisa rolled her tongue before leaving the kitchen.