He strode over toward the sofa, and Vanessa was the first to greet him. n, all done talking?"


    Vanessa nced at Eleanor. "Eleanor, about that ne tonight I''ll let you have it, all right? Please don''t be upset."


    Eleanor paused, catching the sly smile in Vanessa''s eyes.


    "If it''s something I don''t care for, you''re wee to it." As she spoke, Eleanor''s gaze slid past Vanessa to the man at her side.


    A double-edged remark.


    Chapters first released on f?ndnovel</fnceba>


    Vanessa watched Eleanor too, struck by a strange feeling. It was as if the Eleanor from six months ago and the Eleanor now were two entirely different people.


    Back then, Eleanor''s thoughts and feelings were always written on her face. Now, she was like an opponent Vanessa couldn''t read.


    Just then, Joel and Jude Vaughn walked over. Jude smiled. "Mr. Goodwin, are you finished with your conversation?"


    Soon after, Jude and the others were invited in to meet Mrs. Juliette Grayson.


    "Hello, Virgil."


    n, the National Academy of Sciences is hosting its medical awards ceremony in June. We''d like to invite you as a guest presenter. Are you avable?"


    "It would be an honor. I''ll be there."


    "Great, we''ll talk more in person."


    After ending the call,n returned to Vanessa. "Mrs. Grayson agreed to support theb."


    Vanessa''s lips curled in a smile. "I knew you wouldn''t let anything go wrong for me."


    "The National Academy of Sciences called-they want me to present at their June ceremony."


    Vanessa smiled. "Can Ie with you? I wouldn''t want to miss my sister''s big moment."


    "Time to head back."


    "You go ahead. I''m waiting for my wife."n picked up a ss of red wine, took a sip, and strolled toward one of the older guests.


    Vanessa froze for a moment. She''d almost forgotten for all that Eleanor didn''t deserven''s love, she was still his wife.


    More than that, there was a child between them-a bond that would connect them for the rest of their lives.


    Upstairs in the VIP lounge.


    The meeting with Mrs. Juliette Grayson went smoothly. The three of them left the ballroom and headed into the hotel lobby.


    Eleanor mentioned she''d taken a cab over, so Joel offered to give her a ride.


    Just then, a ck Rolls-Royce pulled up from beneath the shadowy trees. The window rolled down, andn''s striking features appeared in the glow of the streetlight.


    Ever perceptive, Jude Vaughn nudged Eleanor. "Eleanor, Mr. Goodwin''s waiting for you. Go on-get in."


    Remembering that she''d be heading to Goodwin Manor withn to pick up their daughter, Eleanor opened the passenger door and slid inside.


    Eleanor kept her eyes on her phone.


    At Goodwin Manor, Gina reluctantly handed her granddaughter over, reminding them to bring her back for the weekend.


    In the car, Evelyn was already dozing in her mother''s arms. Eleanor stroked her daughter''s hair and kissed her gently.


    Once home, Joslyn gave Evelyn a bath while Eleanor showered as well-it was already half past ten, and Evelyn had school in the morning.


    He''d stationed someone at the party tonight and snapped a few photos ofn and Vanessa together-close, but nothing that could serve as proof of an affair.


    Eleanor let out a weary sigh. Today was April twenty-eighth.


    When Eleanor arrived at the office the next morning, Gwenda burst in with a grin. "Eleanor, here—these are tickets to Faye''s concert. Free, and VIP seats!"


    Eleanor nced at them. Sure enough, it was Vanessa''s solo performance.