A Second Chance At Forever novel (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1374

Chapter 1374 

Eleanor furrowed her brow, a clear sign of confusion, prompting Yates to tilt his head slightly with curiosity. 

“Do you know something?” he asked. 

To avoid arousing Yates’ suspicions, Eleanor shook her head gently. It was better to keep silent until she had concrete evidence. 

Her top priority was finding a way to reach Bernard. She had to share everything she knew, to prevent him from unknowingly remaining undercover in the enigmatic Area Opaca. 

“Can you get Bernard out?” she asked. 

Yates’ fingers, previously interlaced on the table, twitched slightly. “Eleanor, I assure you, I haven’t restricted Bernard’s freedom.” 

“If you haven’t restricted him, then why hasn’t he come home? Why hasn’t he even made a phone call?” Eleanor had been puzzled before. If Area Opaca didn’t limit their operatives’ freedom, why hadn’t Bernard contacted her in 23 days? 

Now, with her thoughts becoming clearer, she began to suspect that Yates was indeed restricting Bernard’s personal freedom; otherwise, Bernard would have reached out to her. 

But why would Yates restrict Bernard? Unless he knew about Bernard’s true identity – yet Yates’ probing didn’t seem to suggest that he knew. 

It was as if Yates could read Eleanor’s mind. He stared into her eyes, and said deliberately, “The rule I’ve set is that operatives from Area Opaca are free to come and go as they please, and they can contact the outside world at will. Area Opaca doesn’t interfere with that.” 

“As for why Bernard hasn’t returned home or contacted you, I honestly have no idea…” 

“Actually… I only found out about your marriage after you left when I saw the surveillance tapes.” 

Having said that, Yates looked even more puzzled than Eleanor, his gaze fixed on her face. 

“What has always seemed strange to me,” he pressed on, “is why Bernard, a man who seemingly possesses everything, keep coming back to Area Opaca to gamble with his life?” 

Eleanor’s expression shifted slightly. She wasn’t sure if Yates was probing her about Bernard’s identity or if, knowing Bernard’s identity, he was engaging in a mental game with her. 

After weighing her options silently, she spoke nonchalantly, “He’s always been a bit of a gambler, that’s all.” 

“And you would choose such a man?” Yates questioned, his voice laced with a mix of intrigue and control. Eleanor was unsure if Yates knew about Bernard’s identity and hesitated to make any rash moves. 

Yates was exploiting this uncertainty, manipulating Eleanor with his words. “I’ve seen the surveillance footage of Bernard pressuring you for a divorce. It wasn’t his idea – Sophie forced him to do it. But Bernard could have chosen a more gentle way to let you go. Instead, he opted for the cruelest method, coldly pushing you away. That alone shows that he doesn’t love you as he should. So, my dear, don’t hold onto any hope for him. It’s not worth it.” 

Eleanor felt a sting in her heart upon hearing Yates’ words because she had felt the same way before. But now, she thought it best to put those feelings aside until she could see Bernard in person. 

“All this talk, and you still won’t release Bernard. That tells me you’re hiding something,” she accused.