Chapter 37 Because Youre Not Good Enough
Alexander left the staff lounge and ran into Serena again near the hospital entrance.
She explained that her doctor had noticed signs that her depression might be returning and had scheduled a psychological evaluation for that afternoon.
Seeing the lunch bag in Alexander's hand, Serena cautiously smiled.
"You haven't eaten yet, have you? Why don't we go to that restaurant near the university? I haven't been there in years. I miss it."
Alexander was clearly distracted. "Another day. I have things to do this afternoon."
He left.
Serena forced herself not to stop him.
Over the past few days, Alexander had noticeably become colder toward her.
Most likely, her return had created a crisis in his marriage.
Alexander was heir to the Horton Group. His marriage was public. For the sake of the family and the company, he couldn't casually divorce his wife while an affair scandal exploded around him.
Fortunately, Serena had prepared for that from the beginning.
The first time they reunited, she had used Alexander's guilt to make him promise that he would take responsibility for her and her son.
She had absolute faith in Alexander's sense of responsibility.
He might refuse a promise, but once he made one, he kept it.
And she had barely done anything yet.
His wife was already trying to divorce him.
Once Ethan started school in September and Serena settled permanently in Saintville, she would have countless reasons to ask Alexander for help.
Elsa wouldn't be able to endure it forever.
"Excuse me. Are you Miss Serena Whitmore?"
The polite question interrupted her thoughts.
Serena looked at the middle-aged man in front of her with caution. "Do we know each other?"
The man folded his hands neatly in front of him. "I'm Carson, butler to the Horton family. Madam Horton is waiting in the café across the street. She would like to meet you."
The moment Serena learned who he was, her expression changed.
"Thank you, Mr. Carson. Please lead the way."
Serena followed him across the road, unable to stop a flicker of excitement.
Six years ago, the Horton elders had looked down on her so much that they refused even to meet her.
She had tried more than once to see Eleanor and beg for support in her relationship with Alexander, only to be turned away by servants.
Alexander must have shown the family the fake paternity report.
For Eleanor to request a meeting now, perhaps the older woman wanted to meet her "grandson."
Maybe she even wanted to win Serena over.
Inside the café, Carson pointed out Eleanor's table.
Even in middle age, Eleanor carried the polished elegance of a woman born into wealth. Every piece of clothing and every movement looked expensive.
Serena quickly composed herself and approached with as much confidence as she could manage.
"Hello, Aunt Eleanor. I'm Serena Whitmore."
Eleanor continued stirring her coffee, watching the liquid turn in the cup.
"Sit."
Serena sat down.
A server handed her a menu, and Eleanor told her to order whatever she liked.
Serena looked over it several times.
She couldn't understand a single word.
When she continued hesitating, Eleanor smiled and lightly tapped her forehead.
"How forgetful of me. Miss Whitmore studied dance, didn't she? You probably don't read French."
Embarrassment stiffened Serena's face.
Still, she tried to remain graceful. "You're right. I grew up in an ordinary family. I never had the opportunity to learn French."
She returned the menu to the server. "A glass of juice, please. Thank you."
The server nodded. "Our juice is complimentary. Would you prefer fresh or chilled? And which flavor?"
Serena's hand tightened beneath the table.
"Never mind. Water is fine."
Eleanor had barely said anything, yet Serena already felt humiliated.
Apparently, Alexander's mother wasn't nearly as weak or harmless as Serena had heard.
When the water arrived, Serena finally asked, "Aunt Eleanor, why did you want to see me?"
Eleanor set down her spoon and looked directly at Serena for the first time.
"Even if that child is Alexander's, the Horton family will not acknowledge him."
Serena's heart dropped.
Her fingers tightened around the glass. "Aunt Eleanor, Alexander and I loved each other. Now we even have a child. Why can't you let us be together?"
Eleanor rested her elbows lightly on the table and folded her hands beneath her chin.
Her posture remained elegant.
Her voice remained gentle.
"Because you're not good enough."
Serena's face changed. "Why?"
Eleanor smiled faintly. "That question is rather like asking why a café in Saintville would offer a menu only in French instead of English or the local language."
Sweat gathered along Serena's back. "I really don't understand."
"This little French menu filters customers," Eleanor explained patiently. "The same way certain clubs require proof of assets before you're allowed through the door."
Serena finally understood.
The older woman was insulting her background without raising her voice.
She was saying that even if Serena forced her way into wealthy society, she would still expose herself as an outsider.
Serena stiffened. "Alexander is your son. Don't you want him to be happy?"
Eleanor leaned back.
"Miss Whitmore, a person can't demand everything. Six years ago, the moment you accepted sixty million from Old Mr. Horton and left the country, you gave up any qualification you might have had to become a Horton daughter-in-law."
Her gaze sharpened.
"Even if my son divorces someday, you and your child still won't enter this family."
Serena's eyes shifted. "I only did that because I wanted to protect Alexander's future. If Old Mr. Horton had truly stripped him of everything and handed the inheritance to an illegitimate son, would you have been happy watching Alexander start from nothing?"
Eleanor stood.
"Save that story for Alexander. I came today for one reason."
Serena hurried to stand as well. "What is it?"
"If my son and daughter-in-law remain married, the elders of the Horton family can choose to ignore you and your child."
Eleanor's expression cooled.
"But if Alexander and Elsa divorce because of you, I will be the first person to come after you."
She picked up her handbag and walked away.
Serena stood frozen for several seconds before chasing her outside.
"Aunt Eleanor, we're both women. Why make things so difficult for me? Alexander and I already have a child. If you hurt my son or me, Alexander won't stand by and do nothing!"
The driver opened the car door.
Eleanor looked back once.
"If that day ever comes, I'd be very interested to see what my own son is willing to do to his mother for you."