A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 14

Eleanor froze.

When Cedric took off his suit jacket, he still had his white shirt on. But if she took off her dress, she'd be completely naked.

She looked around at the room of people, and it seemed like everyone was waiting for her to strip. No one was helping her out of this situation.

Even Josef was staring at her expectantly, wanting her to take off her clothes.

She felt like an animal in a zoo, being gawked at by a bunch of ridiculously rich kids.

If she complied, they might let her go. If she resisted, they wouldn't let her leave the room easily.

Once Eleanor realized this, she relaxed her clenched fists.

What's the big deal, dignity doesn't matter when you're dead anyway.

She went to unzip the back of her dress, but Cedric suddenly spoke up.

"I screwed up. It's my fault Ms. Shultz is in this situation. Let me take off my clothes instead."

Without hesitation, Cedric took off his white shirt, revealing his strong and muscular torso.

Norene's resentment towards Eleanor only deepened, seeing Cedric care so little for his own dignity to protect Eleanor.

She glared at Eleanor, who in turn avoided her gaze and gratefully said, "Thank you," to Cedric.

He just waved his hand dismissively.

Just as everyone thought the round was over, Bernard, who had been leaning on the couch looking indifferent, coldly chimed in, "You have to play by the rules."

His words implied he wasn't happy with Cedric taking off his clothes for Eleanor.

Cedric glanced at Bernard, feeling something strange about him tonight. He knew full well that Eleanor would be completely naked if she took off her dress. Why would Bernard, who never really cared about women, try to make Eleanor strip?

Although he found it strange, Cedric was determined to help Eleanor all the way: "I've taken off my clothes for her. Don't make her suffer the same punishment. Just find another way."

Seeing the opportunity, Josef offered a bottle of wine. "How about Eleanor pours Mr. Laurence a glass of wine instead?"

In reality, he wanted to see Eleanor undress too. But on second thought, she was his date, introduced as his woman in front of everyone. Her undressing would damage his reputation.

Cedric quickly agreed. "Yeah, let her pour you a glass of wine as punishment."

Her voice was gentle, making him instinctively wrap an arm around her waist and whisper reassuringly, "Sure, I got this."

He took the wine bottle from her and poured wine for Bernard. "Don't misunderstand, Mr. Laurence. She's not that kind of girl. She's definitely pure."

Bernard sneered, "Yeah?"

With that sneer, he seemed to completely deny Eleanor.

Josef appeared perplexed, casting a puzzled look at Bernard.

He found it strange that Bernard seemed to be deliberately singling out Eleanor.

Concerned that any misconceptions about Eleanor could jeopardize his chances of securing the project, Josef hastened to provide further clarification. "I've investigated thoroughly. She is completely innocent."

Bernard's hand halted in mid-air, gripping the wine glass.

Raising his gaze to meet Josef's, his voice turned icy as he asked, "And how exactly did you come to that conclusion?"

Unaware of Bernard's peculiar behavior, Josef confidently responded, "We have been intimate before."