Chapter 97

Lillian had been scrolling through comments when one in particular caught her attention. Someone boldly suggested that Enigma might actually be Butterfly.

Of course she saw it. As Eleanor's number-one fan,she never missed a single post, reply, or rumor tied to her best friend.

Still, the thought left her fuming.

Eleanor,hiding something this big from her?

Snatching her purse off the sofa, she marched out the door and waited until Eleanor arrived back at her apartment.

The second Eleanor appeared,Lillian crossed her arms,with her best "serious interrogator" look, and demanded, "Alright, tell me the truth, are you Butterfly?"

Eleanor froze, then let out a small sigh."Whether I am or not, I'm still your best friend."

That was all Lillian needed. Knowing Eleanor as well as she did, the lack of denial was practically an admission.

Her jaw dropped.

Eleanor was actually Butterfly-the legendary collector everyone talked about!

The shock lasted about two seconds before her inner drama queen burst forth. She grabbed Eleanor's arm,fake-crying like she was in a soap opera. "How could you keep something this huge from me? Do you even love me as a friend?"

She squeezed out a few tears for effect, then immediately demanded, "You have to make it up to me! I want a seaside vacation in Asnoyle, and you're coming with me. No excuses!"

Faced with Lillian's theatrics, Eleanor could only give in with a helpless nod.

Asnoyle, on Elepdon's eastern coast, was a hotspot for tourists.

But Lillian's dreamy plan for a quiet, two-person getaway was shattered the moment they arrived.

Wherever Eleanor went, whispers and squeals followed. "Wait, isn't that Enigma?"

"She's even prettier in real life!"

"Quick, let's ask for her autograph!"

Within mninutes, they were swarmed. Lillian instantly regretted everything.

This wasn't a beach trip. This was a full-blown fan event.

And the universe wasn't done messing with them.

Of all people, they bumped straight into Jonny and Lainey.

Lainey's face soured the second she saw Eleanor soaking up the spotlight.

With a smug little sway in her steps, she sauntered over and lowered her voice so only Eleanor and Lillian could hear. "Eleanor, don't get too comfortable. Once my parents return, my status will soar. And when that happens, I'll have countless ways to deal with you."

Eleanor didn't even bother glancing at her.

Ignoring Lainey was, in her opinion, the sharpest response.

Lillian, on the other hand, wasn't built for patience. Planting her hands firmly on her hips, she glared at Lainey and snapped, "Are you blind? Move it. You're in our way!"

But Lainey,now carrying herself like she was a Benton,clearly didn't think much of the Brooks family.

Folding her arms with a smug tilt of her chin, she smirked. "Enjoy your pride while it lasts. When the time comes, we'll see how tough you really act in front of me."

She threw one last disdainful look at Lillian before strutting off, with Jonny following close behind like a loyal little sidekick.

Lillian's temper flared. She stomped her foot and shouted after her, "Who does she think she is? So what if she really is a Benton? Big deal! We've got Nolan!"

Eleanor couldn't help but laugh at her friend's fiery outburst. She reached over and soothed, "Don't let her get under your skin. She's not worth it."

Then,looking slightly sheepish,Eleanor added,"By the way,if you still want to hang out, we'd better make the most of today."

Lillian narrowed her eyes, suspicious. "What's that supposed to mean?" Avoiding her gaze, Eleanor touched her nose and admitted, "Dyer messaged me. They just found a cluster of ancient tombs in Otrad, and he wants me there the day after tomorrow."

Her tone softened with guilt. "So, for a while, I probably won't have much time for you."

Lillian's anger instantly froze on her face, but it quickly crumbled.

Her eyes welled up, and she burst into loud sobs."Why is my life so pitiful?" she cried miserably.

On one hand, she felt secretly proud that her best friend was such an important figure. But on the other hand, whenever Eleanor's work called, she was gone without a trace.

How unlucky was she to have a best friend like that?Lillian's chest ached with grievances, and she couldn't help but feel wronged.