At nine o''clock,n returned to Goodwin Manor. Lately, Magdalen''s health hadn''t been great, so he made a point toe home every night.


    Magdalen sat on the sofa, half-watching a si on TV. Just a couple of days ago, she''d caught a glimpse of Eleanor and her granddaughter on the news, and it stirred up a flicker of hope in her heart.


    "Grandma, it''s sote-why aren''t you in bed yet?" Serena called out, concern in her voice.


    "I''m waiting for your brother," Magdalen replied.


    "Are you feeling alright?" Serena asked, sitting down beside her.


    "It''s nothing like that," Magdalen said, waving her hand. "There''s just something I need to remind him about." As she spoke, her grandson walked through the living room doors.


    n,e here a minute," Magdalen called, beckoning him over.


    Serena watched their exchange with curiosity, wondering what her grandmother wanted to discuss with her brother.


    Oncen sat down, Magdalen asked, "Do you remember what day December first is?"


    Serena muttered from the side, "Grandma, December first is World AIDS Day."


    Magdalen shot her a look. "Hush, you." Then she turned back ton, "So, tell me —what are your ns for that day?"


    "Make sure the gifts and flowers are all taken care of," Magdalen insisted, her tone brooking no argument.


    The more Serena listened, the more confused she became. She tugged at Magdalen''s sleeve. "Grandma,e on, tell me! What are you even talking about withn? I don''t get it at all."


    Magdalen finally relented. "December first is Eleanor''s birthday. I want your brother to make a gesture."


    Serena''s expression darkened, a sh of resentment in her eyes. "Why should he? They''re divorced."


    "They were married once. Just because they''re divorced doesn''t mean he can''t do something for her."


    “Grandma, you''re not actually trying to get them back together, are you?" Serena, realizing Magdalen''s intentions, leapt to her feet in protest. "Please, don''t do this."


    "You know nothing," Magdalen scolded her, her tone sharp. "If it weren''t for your brother-do you think this marriage would''ve ended?"


    Serena bit her lip, grumbling under her breath, "My brother never even loved her."


    Magdalen snorted and turned ton, who was getting a ss of water in the corner. Her voice softened. "Ian, let me say one more thing. Eleanor''s stubborn- if you don''t reach out first, she''ll never look back."


    Serena, knowing her brother was nothing if not polite, piped up, "Even if you do send something, don''t make it too expensive."


    Magdalen rounded on her. "That''s enough out of you."


    Serena flushed, but didn''t dare argue with her grandmother. She muttered, "Grandma, sometimes I wonder if you can even tell who your real granddaughter is anymore-me or Eleanor?"


    With that, she stomped off in a huff.


    The crystal chandelier overhead sent fractured shadows acrossn''s thoughtful face. He didn''t say a word.


    "Silly boy!" Magdalen said, exasperated, patting his arm. "Women''s hearts aren''t made of stone-especially when you two have Evelyn. You have to go to her birthday, do you hear me? My health isn''t what it used to be, and all I want is to


    see "


    "Grandma, don''t say things like that. You''ll live to be a hundred,"n interrupted. "Then promise me you''ll go to her birthday," Magdalen insisted, suddenly clutching her chest and coughing theatrically. "Oh, my heart—"


    Up on the third floor, Serena dialed Vanessa''s number.


    "Hey, Serena," came Vanessa''s voice.


    "Vanessa, listen, I have to tell you something important. December first is


    Eleanor''s birthday. My grandma''s forcing my brother to send her flowers and gifts —and she might even make him go celebrate in person. She''s hoping they''ll get back together."


    "Really?" Vanessa''s tone was noticeably tense.


    "Vanessa, you have to keep my brother busy that day. Whatever you do, don''t let him go to Eleanor''s birthday."


    "I''ll do my best," Vanessa promised.


    "I can''t stand it. Grandma likes Eleanor more than she likes me."


    "Oh, don''t be silly. No one could everpare to you," Vanessa reassured her.


    Serena thought about it for a moment. She was right-Eleanor wasn''t part of the Goodwin family anymore.


    ***


    The next morning,n took his daughter to the amusement park. When the little girl cast pleading nces at her, Eleanor stood firm, determined to draw a clear line between herself and this man, even if it meant disappointing her daughter.


    Eleanor called Joy on video chat and told her she''d decided to rent a private room at her own hotel for her birthday.


    "I almost forgot-you''re a billionaire now!" Joyughed from the other end.


    That afternoon, Ellington sent over the work schedule for theing week. On Monday, Eleanor had her regr morning meeting at the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    Although the ownership and management of the eightpanies had changed hands, business continued as usual. After all, nearly every deal still involved Goodwin & Co. in some way.