The Ex-Wife He Can’t Have novel Chapter 78

"Did you and Killian have a fight? You moved out of your own home, and you didn't even have the decency to inform us of such a massive decision? Do you have zero respect for me or your mother-in-law?" Eleanor continued her relentless interrogation.

Sienna cast a fleeting glance at the furious matriarch. A deep, vindictive satisfaction swelled in her chest.

Seeing Jillian squirm under this level of fire almost made the girl tolerable to look at.

As the berating paused, Mrs. Zeller swiftly presented a fresh cup of tea while the maids scrambled to silently sweep up the shattered porcelain.

"Where is Killian?" Eleanor demanded, her tone laced with absolute authority.

"He should be arriving shortly. Connor will be home soon as well," Sienna replied smoothly, her voice a picture of deference.

It was a subtle warning—once Connor walked through those doors, Eleanor needed to dial back the rage and save face for the boy's parents.

Eleanor let out a sharp, dismissive scoff.

Moments later, the front door swung open. Killian stepped into the foyer, immediately sensing the suffocating tension in the room. Every maid was holding their breath, their eyes glued to the floor.

Seated in the center of the sofa, radiating absolute fury, was Eleanor.

He instantly deduced what was happening. He handed his coat and briefcase to Mrs. Zeller, who rushed to take them, and methodically changed his shoes.

"What brings you to my home today?" Killian asked, his voice utterly devoid of emotion.

Eleanor's chest heaved with suppressed rage, refusing to answer.

"Your grandmother was in the mood to do some shopping, so Jillian and I accompanied her," Sienna offered with a stiff smile.

"Why wasn't I informed?" Killian pressed smoothly, sounding as casual as if discussing the weather.

"Your grandmother insisted against it. She said if you knew, you'd shut down the entire mall and make a ridiculous spectacle out of it. She wanted something low-key."

Sienna tried to keep the smile on her face, but seeing Eleanor's thunderous expression, she immediately sobered up.

"Of course."

Killian gave a curt nod and turned toward the stairs.

"Killian!" Eleanor finally snapped.

"When exactly did Jillian move out of this house?"

As Eleanor laid down the absolute law, Killian's lazy indifference vanished. A dark, dangerous storm brewed in his eyes, radiating an oppressive hostility.

"If that's all, I have work to do," Killian said icily.

Without another word, he headed upstairs.

The three women were left alone in the sprawling living room.

Eleanor's demeanor abruptly softened. She reached out, warmly grasping Jillian's hand.

"Don't take my harsh words to heart, dear. I'm only doing this for your own good. I know Killian has been parading around with that Sylvia Xavier. But don't you worry—as long as I am breathing, that woman will never set foot in this family. You are Connor's mother, and you are the only granddaughter-in-law I acknowledge."

Jillian lowered her eyes, a hollow, self-deprecating smile curving her lips.

So that was it.

Eleanor knew exactly what was going on with Sylvia. She violently opposed the affair but didn't have the leverage to wage open war against Killian, so she was using Jillian as a weapon to blockade the mistress.

In that regard, Eleanor was vastly different from Sienna. Sienna actively worshipped the ground Sylvia walked on.