It was straight up blackmailing! Renard had no intention of playing around, he also didn't want to act in front of Eleanor, so he just spat it out.
But the one who was really shocked by this was Eleanor herself.
Firstly, she was trying hard to find out how Renard had learned about her plans. Secondly, she was taken aback by his change of attitude and now Renard is openly blackmailing her!
At this point, she had no choice but to hand over the money.
If her secret were exposed, Eleanor would lose everything—possibly even her life. Her siblings won't leave her be if they realise she is plotting something behind their back!
Renard knew this perfectly as well, which was why he was pushing her so shamelessly.
'She probably hasn't fully prepared to face her siblings yet. This threat only works because it's now or never.'
Elenor Grace.
