William sighed. "I've been busy, Grandma. I spent the night at my office suite."
Eleanor gave a sharp, disbelieving laugh. "That's not what the press thinks."
William met her sharp gaze. "What do they know? Everything's fine, Grandma. Marriage is a big change for the both of us, but we'll be fine. Don't worry yourself too much."
"How can I not worry?" Eleanor shot back, folding her hands and holding back tears. "I have to look out for my friend's granddaughter. Margaret entrusted me with her, and I entrusted her to you. Maybe I should just invite Brianna to live here with me instead. You can stay in your lonely penthouse with your work."
"Don't be dramatic, Grandma," William said with a faint smile. "Brianna will be fine. Infact, you should be more worried about me. I'm the one likely to get bullied in this marriage."
Eleanor tried not to smile but failed. "Oh, please. You deserve it."
William laughed quietly. "Goodbye, Grandma."
"Wait." Her tone softened. "Bring Brianna for dinner tomorrow." She paused then added "And another thing," she said, looking at William with a pointed look. "Why is my granddaughter in law not being recruited by Empire Elite Productions? Why is she still wasting her time at that small agency? What is it called again? Star Entertainment? They're too inferior for her."
William exhaled. "I can't tell her what to do, Grandma. The best I can do is look out for her from a distance."
Eleanor frowned. "Nonsense. You're her husband. You should guide her."
He shook his head slightly. "She wouldn't listen even if I tried. In the future, I might talk to her about moving to Empire Elite, but only if she wants to. I think she likes Star Entertainment because her friends are there."
Eleanor's eyes narrowed. "Friends?Which friends?Isn't one of her bestfriends a doctor or something like that?"
"A medical student."
William's voice sounded normal, but his teeth gritted a little.
Eleanor's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Same thing. He seems nice. And handsome."
William's expression didn't change, but there was a faint shift in his posture, barely noticeable. "I'm leaving now, Grandma," he said finally, standing. "See you tomorrow."
"Tell her to invite those two friends of hers for dinner," Eleanor added, amused. "It'll be nice to see Anna again and to finally meet Jake."
He adjusted his collar and nodded. "I'll let her know."
Eleanor gave him a long, knowing look. "Do that. And try not to end up in the papers before then."
He smirked faintly. "No promises."
As he turned to leave, Eleanor watched him with a quiet, knowing smile.
She knew him too well. Though he never talked about Bri, she knew how he felt about her. The arranged marriage was Eleanor's idea, because she wanted her grandson to be happy.