Serena was starting to panic. "Evelyn, Evelyn, Auntie''s sorry. Please forgive me, and tell your mom I''m sorry too, okay? I really am."


    Evelyn clearly hadn''t expected her aunt to apologize so humbly. She blinked her big eyes in surprise, then finally nodded. Serena let out a sigh of relief, but inside, all her resentment shifted to Eleanor.


    She and Eleanor had never gotten along. That day, Eleanor had tricked her and left her floundering in the water-of course she would hold a grudge. So if her niece suddenly had such a big problem with her, who else could be behind it but Eleanor, whispering in the background?<fna455> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? Find_Novel(.</fna455>


    She wished her brother would just find himself a new wife already. If Vanessa were her sister-inw, she couldn''t even imagine how much happier her days would be.


    No one noticed Eleanor standing quietly by the upstairs railing. Her gaze was calm and deep, touched by how fiercely her daughter defended her. But she was also uneasy-Serena was clearly trying to use Evelyn to get closer to Xavier, and that worried her.


    How could she trust someone who didn''t genuinely care for her daughter to drive Evelyn to and from school?


    That night, Serena called Evelyn to her room, but Evelyn refused, choosing instead to crawl into bed next to Eleanor.


    The next morning, Serena was already waiting on the living room sofa, perfectly made up as always. She beamed at Evelyn. "Evelyn, let Auntie drive you to school today!"


    "No. I want Mom to take me," Evelyn replied, clinging to her mother''s hand.


    "Oh,e on, let Auntie drive you! I love you so much," Serena coaxed, her voice syrupy sweet.


    "Dad will take you today,"n interjected as he came down the stairs.


    Only then did Evelyn let go of Eleanor''s hand and taken''s. Serena quickly grabbed her purse and followed them out the door.


    Withn driving their daughter, Eleanor could finally rx.


    At nine o''clock, Eleanor met up with Jude Vaughn''s team to visit the research facility. The government had just allocated them a sprawling, state-of-the-art site at the edge of town.


    Jude was already discussing logistics. "We''re finalizing theyout andpiling the equipment list. Oh, and tonight I''m meeting with a medical equipment supplier -I''d like you all to join me if you can, for some extra input."


    He nced around, then singled her out. "Especially you, Eleanor. I want you there."


    Eleanor nodded. "Of course. I''ll make sure to be there."


    Theb''s equipment was crucial, and she didn''t want to miss a chance to weigh


    in. Faulty instruments could easily derail important experiments.


    On the drive back into the city, Eleanor got a text fromn: he''d pick Evelyn up after school.


    She replied, "Alright. I''ll be homete tonight."


    He didn''t respond, and Eleanor figured he couldn''t be bothered to ask for details.


    She headed straight to meet up with Jude and the others.


    That evening, in a private dining room at an upscale downtown restaurant, the supplier''s team arrived-five people in all.


    "Well, our guests of honor have arrived!" A slightly chubby middle-aged man stood up and introduced his colleagues. "This is Mr. Vaughn from theb."


    After the introductions, he added, "Sorry, our Mr. Yeaton is still on his way. He''ll be here any minute."


    "No problem," Jude said with a friendly smile.


    Five minutester, an elegantly dressed older gentleman walked in. Eleanor looked up-and froze. She was certain she''d seen him before. Brow furrowed, she searched her memory, and then her eyes widened in recognition.


    She''d seen this man''s face in those photos the private investigator had sent her. But who was he?