Chapter 132

Eleanor's POV

My gaze kept drifting to the other end of the long dining table, where Lucas was being his usual perfect self. The way he leaned over to place a slice of prime rib on Rachel's plate made my stomach churn.

*Screw his gentlemanly manners.*

Rachel's smile was genuine as she thanked him. My grip tightened on my fork until my knuckles turned white.

"Eleanor." Mr. Thorne's voice cut through my thoughts like a knife. "I hear you've been doing quite well on Beneath a Starlit Sky?"

I nearly bit my tongue, quickly composing my features into what I hoped was a gracious smile. "Thank you for your interest, Mr. Thorne. I've just been lucky enough to act the film."

"Luck?" He chuckled, swirling the red wine in his glass. "From what I've seen, you've got real talent. Though I must admit, I never expected Grant's daughter to pursue a career in entertainment."

I dabbed at my lips with the crisp linen napkin, buying time to formulate a response. "Well," I offered a self-deprecating laugh, "when your grades aren't stellar, sometimes you have to find... alternative career paths."

"Now, now, don't sell yourself short." His eyes crinkled at the corners as he studied me. "You've built quite a name for yourself. But tell me, at your age, surely you're thinking about settling down?"

The question hit like ice water down my spine. From the corner of my eye, I caught Garrett shifting in his seat, suddenly very interested in our conversation.

"Someone like me," I kept my tone light as I lifted my wine glass, "should really focus on their career. The entertainment industry isn't exactly forgiving when it comes to dating."

"Career is important for young people," Mr. Thorne nodded sagely, then glanced meaningfully at his grandson. "But one shouldn't neglect matters of the heart. Take Garrett, for instance - successful in his own right, from a good family..."

"Oh no, please," I rushed to interject, nearly spilling my wine in my haste. "Garrett's practically like a brother to me. We grew up together, it would be..." I forced a laugh.

Garrett cleared his throat. "I wouldn't mind exploring the possibility," he said quietly, causing me to nearly choke on my sip of wine.

The crystal glasses clinked too loudly as I set mine down with trembling fingers. "You can't be serious," I managed, trying to keep my voice steady. "We've known each other since we were kids."

"Sometimes that's the best foundation," Mr. Thorne interjected helpfully, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

I smoothed my napkin across my lap, buying time to steady my nerves. "I appreciate the thought, but my contract has strict clauses about dating. My management would have a fit." The excuse sounded weak even to my own ears, but I pressed on. "Besides, I'm sure Garrett can find someone much more suitable."

Garrett pushed his glasses up and smiled. "That's not quite right."

My eyes widened in disbelief.

Rachel chimed in from beside us, "I really like Eleanor's personality too. Being around you always brings such joy. My brother actually talks about you quite often - he's watched every single movie and TV show you've been in."

I turned to Garrett, my voice trembling slightly. "You... you're not actually interested in me, are you?"

Garrett's smile remained gentle and warm.

He was sitting right next to me - probably not a coincidence in the seating arrangement.

Then, like an older brother would, he reached out and patted my head. "I said I like your personality, not that I'm interested in you. Though, since we're both single, if you're interested, we could give it a try..."

"Not interested," I cut him off immediately. "Actors in our industry aren't allowed to date casually. Besides, my brother and your sister are discussing marriage - let's not make things more complicated than they need to be."

"It wouldn't be complicated at all. It would bring our families even closer," Mr. Thorne said with a laugh.

"Grandfather, don't scare Eleanor." Garrett's protective tone was obvious as he came to my defense. "She's right - Lucas and Rachel's wedding should be our priority right now."

"Their marriage is already set in stone - we just need to pick an auspicious date." Mr. Thorne replied casually. "I'm just worried about you being alone at your age. You should seize opportunities when they present themselves."

"Yes, understood."

The silence that followed felt endless, broken only by the soft clink of silverware against fine china.

Finally, mercifully, someone changed the subject to the latest market fluctuations. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding, though my appetite was completely gone. The rest of dinner passed in a blur of forced smiles and mechanical responses, while my mind raced with barely contained emotions.