Eleanor was momentarily caught off guard. Her assistant chimed in again, "Ms. Sutton, we''ll head out first!"


    With the bouquet cradled in her arms, Eleanor walked back to her office. Gwenda trailed in behind her, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Eleanor, let me guess these are from your secret admirer, aren''t they?"


    The words "secret admirer" made Eleanor''s mind go nk for a second. She stood up, inspecting the flowers. There was no card, nothing to give away the sender. She opened the apanying gift box and found a delicate silver bracelet inside.


    "Whoa, isn''t that a Tiffany bracelet?" Gwenda eximed.


    Eleanor looked at the bracelet, letting out a quiet sigh. She could already guess it was from Mansfield Ellington.


    It was far too extravagant a gift. She really couldn''t ept it.


    Gwenda watched her with open envy. She thought to herself, Most women, after a divorce, can only dream of marrying into another wealthy family, but with Eleanor''s looks and ability, it probably wouldn''t be hard for her at all.


    Eleanor snapped a quick photo of the bracelet and texted it to Mansfield Ellington.


    "Was this from you?"


    "Yes, it''s from me. Happy birthday."


    "How did you know today''s my birthday?"


    "Is it okay if I admit this, Miss Sutton, without you getting mad? I asked someone to look up a few things about you."


    Eleanor couldn''t decide whether tough or be annoyed at his reply.


    "Please don''t be upset. I didn''t mean anything by it. I just wanted to get to know you better."


    She replied, "I''m not upset. But the bracelet is a bit too much I can''t ept it. I''ll keep the flowers, though."


    Just as Eleanor was about to gather her things and leave, her phone rang. She nced at the screen: Mansfield Ellington was calling.


    She answered, "Hello?"


    His voice was a little anxious, low and earnest. "Miss Sutton, please ept the gift. It''s just a small token from me."


    "Mr. Ellington, I appreciate the thought, but—"


    “This is the first time I''ve ever given a gift to a woman. Miss Sutton, would you


    please not turn me down?" His tone was almost pleading.


    Eleanor paused, looking at the simple bracelet. She genuinely liked the style, but she knew it wasn''t cheap.


    "When''s your birthday?" she asked, taking the initiative.


    "February eighteenth."


    “Alright, I''ll remember. I''ll ept your gift." Eleanor smiled. She could always return the gesture on his birthday.


    Since it was the first time he had given a woman a gift, refusing it would probably sting.


    On the other end, Mansfield Ellington chuckled. "I''m taking a few days off before the holidays to go see my family. Maybe we can get together then."


    "Sure, take care," Eleanor replied.


    After the call, Eleanor carried the bouquet down to her car. She was about to pick up her daughter when Xavier called he offered to take her to the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    Eleanor agreed and headed straight to the hotel.


    When she pulled up to the lobby, the valet took her car, and the receptionists all stood to greet her. "Good evening, Ms. Sutton."


    She waved to acknowledge them, and the hotel manager personally escorted her upstairs to the sixth-floor private banquet hall. Eleanor inspected everything and was pleased with the arrangements.


    Next, she retreated to her private suite to rest. The stylist from the dress shop was already there, waiting to do her hair and makeup.


    A littleter, Joy arrived, glowing with a wless look of her own.


    At six o''clock, Xavier led two little girls into the banquet hall. They bounced in, full of energy. Xavier handed Eleanor a gift bag. "Ms. Sutton, happy birthday."


    "Thank you," Eleanor said, epting it. She didn''t even check what was inside. She thought to herself, Since I invited Xavier, from now on we''ll just be friends who exchange gifts on special asions.


    Not long after, Frazier Jeffries arrived, and he and Joy presented a gift together. Finally, Joel came in holding a bouquet and a present.


    Xavier''s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, and Joel looked surprised as well. But both men tucked away their emotions, greeting each other with practiced courtesy.


    Dinner was avish spread of seafood. The two girls finished quickly and started ying nearby, while the adults chatted about current events. The atmosphere was warm and lively.


    Just then, the hotel manager, Tom, came over and quietly told Eleanor, "Ms. Sutton, Gavin''s here."


    Eleanor was a little surprised. Even though she andn were divorced, Gavin Young had always treated her well.


    She stepped out of the banquet hall and saw Gavin holding a bouquet of champagne-colored roses and a gift box. "Ms. Sutton, I''m here on behalf of Mr. Goodwin to wish you a happy birthday."


    She didn''t owen anything, but she''d never had any ill will toward Gavin.


    "Gavin, could you please return these to him? I don''t need them," Eleanor said.


    Gavin held out the gift box. "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin said you''d definitely ept this one."


    Eleanor paused, then opened the box. Insidey an academic pin, the very one her father had once received as a mark of his achievements.


    It made sense. Ian had kept it long enough-her father''s keepsake belonged with


    her.


    "Tell your boss I''ll ept the gift, but not the flowers," Eleanor said.


    Gavin smiled. "Of course."


    "Come in and have a slice of cake before you go?" she offered.


    "No, no, I still need to report back to Mr. Goodwin," Gavin replied. Just then,


    Xavier stepped out. Gavin greeted him, "Mr. Vaughn, I didn''t know you were here."


    Xavier smiled. "Wasn here tonight?"


    Gavin shook his head. "Mr. Goodwin didn''te."


    Eleanor and Xavier went back inside. Gavin headed for the elevator and called


    "Hello?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, Ms. Sutton epted the gift, but not the flowers. Oh, and I saw Mr. Vaughn was there too."


    "I see."


    "What should I do with the flowers-?"


    "Throw them out,"n replied, his voice suddenly colder.