All Chapters of A Dance of Substitutes with Mr. Vanderbilt: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Snow on the curb melted under the day's hopeful warmth.There were still 20-odd minutes before Justine's appointment with the shrink. There was no hurry.Justine walked into a cafe with an elegant design and ordered an espresso to go. She then made herself comfortable in a corner.She skimmed through the papers inside Ash's folder. She had expected some compensation for saving him but hadn't anticipated this much. It far exceeded what she would have received from the earlier divorce settlement.Justine had inherited real estate, funds, a significant number of shares in Ash's company, cash, and a seven-figure monthly allowance.She was so well compensated that one could say she had achieved financial freedom.At least Ash's life had proven to be quite valuable."202, your coffee is ready!"Justine tidied up the folder and stood. As she turned, she bumped into someone.Books fell, scattering across the floor.Justine quickly crouched down to pick them up. When her eyes landed o

Justine looked at Leon and the book."How odd," she signed. "I bought this exact book as a gift for the man I loved. But now, it's a gift for me because I took the first step to overcome my past scars."She smiled and thanked him.Leon watched her until she reached the ground floor before finally turning away.The receptionist leaped to her feet."Wasn't that your favorite performer, Dr. Tuke?!" she whispered excitedly."Oh, so this is the one who made Dr. Tuke fly home from Hattenberg—before the conference even ended—just to see her perform?" her colleague chimed in.Indeed, Leon had attended a science conference in Hattenberg, one of the largest cities in Libernois, a country across the ocean from Novaris. It was supposed to last three days—until he flew back to Novaris early, just to catch her swan song.Leon grinned. "Keep this lore quiet when she's around, young women. She's just a patient here.""Yes, sir! Definitely, sir!" The young women nodded enthusiastically. "She's

"They say you should let old grudges die with the dead, Jean, but you asked for this. If it's the truth you want, I'll give it to you—because the last thing we want is for you to resent us when we've done nothing wrong!" Eleanor's voice trembled with pain."Did you know where your parents' accident happened?" She paused, her brow furrowed. "Rhys! Do you know how far that is from Minnishkee State? It's several states away! And yet, you, who was with your parents back then... You ended up there!"Justine had no idea where the accident had occurred. This was the first time she had been given a concrete location. Her ears rang with shock and confusion."Your grandfather ordered a thorough investigation before he passed, and it became obvious what had happened. The only reason you were there wasn't because some kind souls brought you to the orphanage. Aurora Roch took you away!"Then, when we found you, you… You…"Eleanor faltered, unable to bring herself to mention Ares. She quickly s

Justine was pleased with their reaction. Whatever heartache or shock these two had experienced, it could not possibly compare to the weight of pain Aurora had suffered.She nodded affably at them and started toward the entrance.Eleanor hurried after her. "Julia! Come back!"She slipped, but Felix caught her before she could fall and hurt herself.Justine heard the commotion but pressed on, not sparing them a single glance. She was about to leave the living room when…Ash stormed in from outside, his expression dark.Their eyes met. He was on the verge of erupting in rage when he noticed the tear stains and the redness in her eyes.His chest tightened.Justine kept walking as if she hadn't noticed him, brushing past him without a glance.Ash grabbed her shoulder, forcing her to face him. His grip was strong enough to crush bone, but she simply glared at him.God, he was in that stupid suit and tie again. She was getting so sick of it."You're the one who wanted a divorce, Ju

The Thierry family drama became headline news.Justine hadn't bothered to be discreet. Even those unfamiliar with sign language could tell she had been arguing with the two most important members of the Thierry family… and it had ended with Eleanor in the hospital.Carina let out a belly laugh and immediately informed Jenny.Jenny was just as thrilled.Felix and Eleanor were Justine's only shields and protectors. Sending one of them to the hospital over a health scare?! Justine might as well have shot herself in the foot."Thank you, God, for these endless blessings! Who knew my return to Novaris would spark all of this?!" Jenny chuckled with glee. "First the divorce, and now she gets into a fight with that old hag?! Man, if only my luck were better… If only she had died right then and there!"Eleanor had always hated Jenny. The feeling was mutual—Jenny had long wished for Eleanor's death.Now, both of her enemies were down."This is your best chance, Jenny! You have to make hi