"Eleanor came by to use ourb today. Xavier cancelled two meetings for her, and even waited for her in the lobby for half an hour," Serena spat out, her frustration mounting with every word. "He even he even carried her bag and walked her all the way to the parking lot!"


    Serena''s eyes widened as she realized she''d let her secret slip, panic flickering across her face.


    "Am I not allowed to?" she muttered, annoyed at herself for admitting it.


    "Serena, you should quit your job."


    Serena bristled. "Why should I,n?"


    "Xavier isn''t right for you,"n said bluntly.


    A flush crept up Serena''s cheeks. She huffed, "But I like him. The whole reason I took a job at hispany was to get closer to him. Eleanor just got divorced from you, and she''s already trying to seduce him. She has absolutely no shame—"


    Serena''s voice rose, indignant. "I can''t believe you''re taking her side!"


    "I''m just stating the facts. Go hand in your resignation." With that, he ended the call.


    Serena stared at her phone, the dial tone ringing in her ears, feeling even more hurt and wronged than before.


    Six years ago, Eleanor shamelessly married her brother. Now she was back and trying to take Xavier, too. Serena simply couldn''t swallow the resentment burning inside her.


    Meanwhile, in the elevator, Xavier''s phone rang. He frowned slightly and answered, n."


    "A favor, Xavier."


    "What is it?"


    "I need you to process Serena''s resignation."


    Surprise flickered across Xavier''s face. "Are you sure you want to do this?"


    Xavier watched the elevator numbers climb, a look of realization dawning in his eyes. "Does Serena know?"


    "I just told her. Thanks for handling it."n hung up.


    Xavier stepped into his office, phone still in hand. He pressed a button on the inte. On the other end, Serena''s voice answered, "Hello?"


    "Serena,e to my office, please," Xavier said.


    Two minutester, Serena stood at his office door, eyes red and brimming with unshed tears, wringing her hands tightly at her chest.


    She knocked, then pushed the door open.


    Xavier watched her, his expression unreadable, but Serena couldn''t hold back anymore; the tears spilled over before she could stop them.


    Silently, Xavier pulled two tissues from the box and walked over, handing them to her. "Serena, if something''s wrong, we can talk it through."


    Serena took the tissues, dabbing at her tears as she choked out, "Didn ask you to fire me?"


    Xavier didn''t answer directly. "You''ve seemed exhaustedtely. I think you should take some time off and rest at home."


    "No, I don''t want to go. I don''t want to quit, Xavier, please, don''t let me go." Serena reached out, gripping his arm, desperation shining in her eyes.


    Gently, Xavier pulled his arm away. "Serena, you should listen to your brother." "Listen to my brother?" Serena''s voice rose, edged with hysteria. “I''ve done everything he''s ever asked, my whole life! But this time is different!"


    Xavier''s brows drew together, his gaze steady and cool.


    Tears streamed down Serena''s cheeks. She finally couldn''t hold it in any longer. She lifted her tear-filled eyes to Xavier. "Xavier, after all this time-haven''t you noticed I have feelings for you?"


    Xavier was silent for a moment, then spoke quietly but firmly. "Serena, I''ve always seen you as a little sister. Nothing more."


    The words hit Serena like a de, sharp and merciless.


    "It''s because of Eleanor, isn''t it?" Her voice trembled. "What''s so great about her anyway? She''s divorced, she "


    Xavier suddenly turned away, his face darkening as if she''d touched a nerve. But he kept hisposure. "Whatever is between you and me has nothing to do with Eleanor. Don''t drag her into this."