Mr. Pretentious: Miss Valerius, He is Begging for a Title-Chapter 157: He Acts Abstinent in Public, Secretly a Simp for Her

Chapter 157: Chapter 157: He Acts Abstinent in Public, Secretly a Simp for Her
Mr. Ford was a decisive and formidable figure back in the day, with a sharpness akin to an eagle.
He understood Sebastian’s character too well, but today his behavior was unusual.
"Sebastian left Aethelgard for three years for the Ford Family. When choosing priorities, the family’s reputation and interests are paramount, he could not and should not hesitate. His decision to intervene in the investigation of the Valerius Family’s scandal is not wise."
At this point, Mr. Ford’s expression reflected his doubt.
"I see his attitude towards Eleanor Valerius is quite good. He hasn’t behaved like this before, has he?"
Actually, Mr. Ford did not want to speculate, so he did not directly question Sebastian.
"I also think the third son is acting strange today, because of a woman!"
After Byron Ford finished speaking, he rarely saw an expectant look in Mr. Ford’s eyes, making him feel trusted and important. He continued to analyze, "Father, don’t be fooled by the third son’s surface restraint and propriety. Deep down, he’s quite wild and lacking love.
A woman who fools around has ensnared him, making him so obsessed that he indulges night after night. He’s utterly changed now."
"Are you implying... the woman affecting Sebastian is also the one he’s the supposed male lover for in those bed scandal photos?"
Mr. Ford was stunned, taking a deep breath to ask, "Is he still entangled with that woman? I never thought Sebastian’s weakness would be a romantic ordeal! Byron, do you think there’s nothing wrong between Sebastian and Eleanor Valerius?"
"Of course, there’s no problem."
Byron Ford pledged confidently, pounding his chest, "I secretly investigated... ahem, cared for the third son, and I know that woman is playing with the third son’s affections, pretending to pull back. Even though he’s the Ford Family Head, he’s been secretly following her like a lapdog.
Don’t worry, this matter has nothing to do with Eleanor Valerius; the woman who drives the third son to distraction is still pulling his strings."
Byron Ford’s response was partly to smear Sebastian.
Another aspect was also to protect Eleanor Valerius, helping her investigate Sebastian’s spy identity.
Mr. Ford’s expression was indescribably complex.
"..."
A long silence ensued.
Although he dismissed the suspicion of a romantic entanglement between Sebastian and Eleanor Valerius, he was still worried about Sebastian falling into abnormal relationships.
"Byron, Sebastian cannot be allowed to be tormented by another woman. I’m more worried that an outsider might secretly get pregnant to threaten Sebastian and the Ford Family. Go find out, I want to meet this woman!"
"Whatever Father entrusts to me, I will manage successfully!"
Byron Ford could not foresee that he would soon mess things up.
...
Sebastian knew he had shown a flaw today.
Therefore, he did not react at all when Eleanor Valerius left the Ford Family.
In fact, he was deeply worried; the Valerius Family has torn down the facade, leaving Eleanor vulnerable to Regina Jennings.
[Nathan, follow Eleanor Valerius and protect her.]
Upon receiving the message, Nathan Kendrick, sporting a previously darkened face, silently trailed along as a small companion.
Sebastian purposefully stayed at the old mansion, outwardly handling business matters, but his heart was in turmoil.
As the successor and new head of the Ford Family, he gained power willingly assuming responsibility and stress.
Over the years, he had never experienced a moment that required weighing pros and cons in decision-making.
Because, to him, nothing was more important than the Ford Family.
He had no weakness, nor would he allow himself to have one.
Even if he was addicted to his secret meetings with Eleanor Valerius, he believed he could control his rationality.
Choosing to leave her last night was his first regret.
Unexpectedly, today marked the second time he lost control.
Did he underestimate Eleanor Valerius’ influence or overestimate his control?
Why would a woman as fragile as Eleanor sneak into his heart!
The clearer he became about ending and distancing himself, the deeper he fell each time.
...
Eleanor Valerius went to the police station to verify the cremation of her second sister.
Legally, Regina Jennings was their mother, an unavoidable truth.
However, when she arrived there, her second sister’s urn was in storage, still unclaimed.
Eleanor Valerius took Ivy Valerius’ ashes to seek out Jim Lynch.
"I believe my second sister wanted to leave with you at the end. Disrupting the oppressive hierarchy for revenge is challenging, but I won’t give up. Regina Jennings knows my intents, and she won’t spare you either. You and your family must leave Aethelgard now."
Eleanor Valerius handed 200,000 to Jim Lynch.
"No burden should weigh you down — I plotted against the Lancaster Family to get this — cherish living well, that’s what my second sister hoped for."
"Thank you, I’ll take Ivy back to where she belongs for burial. We won’t be separated again; take care as well."
Watching Jim Lynch leave, Eleanor Valerius suddenly felt displaced, without a home.
With her second sister gone, Chloe remained her greatest concern.
Suddenly, she worried Regina Jennings might harm Chloe in the hospital, impelling her back.
Unexpectedly, Nathan Kendrick approached on her heels.
"My brother asked me to escort you home."
"My sister..."
Eleanor Valerius’ voice trembled slightly; she refused to repeat past mistakes.
Understanding, Nathan Kendrick replied, "The hospital, right? Initially, my brother purchased it — Ford Family hands now protect what’s there; not even the Valerius Family can touch your sister."
"...Oh, thank you."
Sebastian Ford had indeed bought the hospital; his wealth seemed boundless.
Eleanor Valerius smiled; Sebastian remained her sole path.
"Hop in, let’s go home."
Currently, Nathan Kendrick showed Eleanor Valerius newfound kindness.
The image of her tearful cries the previous night shook him.
Inside the vehicle, Eleanor Valerius silently gazed out the window, neither dozing off nor speaking.
Upon returning to the villa, the sky had darkened.
Eleanor Valerius had not anticipated Sebastian Ford’s absence.
"Where’s Master Ford?"
"My brother mentioned he would be back later."
Eleanor Valerius nodded, then walked into the living room, taking a seat on the sofa, her eyes seemingly drawn to the front door aimlessly.
At that moment, a maid approached to ask, "Miss Valerius, should arrangements be made for dinner?"
"No need, I’m not hungry."
Eleanor Valerius couldn’t remember her last meal.
The anger and hatred constricting her chest still lingered unsettled.
Her trance-like state led Nathan Kendrick to back over the phone.
"Brother, quickly come see Eleanor Valerius; she’s not eating or drinking, waiting for you."
Immediately, this attack broke Sebastian Ford’s afternoon of self-awarded calm and logic.
He could picture Eleanor Valerius’ pain but not his own abandoned restraint, dropping important company documents to hurry back like an unnecessary show.
Very soon, Sebastian Ford arrived at the villa, hastily walking inside.
Eleanor Valerius’ eyes were unfocused, stuck staring at a spot.
Until Sebastian Ford came near; sensing him, she suddenly raised her gaze.
"You’re back."
Her complexion pale as paper, her fragile smile more vulnerable.
Despite feeling such sorrowful collapse inside, she refrained from crying before Sebastian Ford.
"Eleanor, are you hungry?"
Sebastian Ford bent down, carefully cupping her face in his hands, fingertips gently brushed as he quietly asked, "What would you like Master Ford to cook for you personally?"
"Anything is fine."
Truthfully, Eleanor Valerius had no appetite.
Next, Sebastian removed his blazer and stepped into the kitchen.
His presence inspired her, unintentionally fixing her gaze upon him as he moved.
Sebastian Ford cooked shrimp noodles and served it to her.
"Smells great."
The aroma sparked Eleanor Valerius’ hunger; she picked up chopsticks, devouring several mouthfuls.
But, halfway through chewing, nausea overcame her.
"Ugh..."
Eleanor Valerius dropped her chopsticks, anguish etched on her face, hurriedly covering her mouth and darting for the restroom.
"Eleanor?"
Sebastian Ford followed, witnessing her retching over the sink.