eyebrows.


    Vanessa tugged gently atn''s sleeve and murmured, n, shall we go over and say hello?"


    He drew his gaze back, his features cold and lips pressed thin. "No need."


    Vanessa smiled faintly. "You''re probably right. After all, Miss Sutton seems rather close to Mr. Vaughn these days. If we just walk over, it''ll look like we''re forcing ourselves in."


    She deliberately emphasized the words "rather close."


    A shadow flickered inn''s eyes, a trace of icy displeasure, but he quicklyposed himself.


    Meanwhile, Mrs. Juliette Grayson was upied by a circle of distinguished guests, exchanging pleasantries. Xavier leaned toward Eleanor and spoke in a low voice, "Would you like to sit down for a bit?"


    Eleanor nodded, and the two of them moved to a quiet corner where a tufted sofa awaited.


    A waiter appeared at just the right moment, offering champagne. Xavier took two flutes and handed one to Eleanor.


    She epted, pausing a moment. She''d meant to say this all week-it was time.


    "Mr. Vaughn, I''ve been wanting to thank you in person for what you did for Horace."


    Xavier let out a softugh. "No need to mention it. I just did what anyone should have."


    "But-" Eleanor looked up, meeting his gaze. "You put theb''s interests on the line. I honestly feel bad about it."


    Seeing the guilt in her eyes, Xavier''s expression grew serious. "I didn''t do it just for you, Eleanor. It was about the long-term future of theb as well. Handling it this way—this was the best possible oue."


    His voice was calm, conviction ringing in every word. Eleanor fell silent.


    After a moment, she said quietly, "Still, thank you."


    Xavier''s eyes softened. "If you really want to thank me, promise me one thing."


    "What is it?"


    "The Vaughn Group''s anniversary g is next week. I''d like you toe as my guest." He leaned in slightly, anticipation lighting his features. "Will you?"


    Eleanor hesitated, caught off guard, but before she could reply, a voice sounded behind her-


    "Seems I''vee at a bad time."


    Turning, Eleanor sawn standing there-impably dressed in a tailored ck suit, eyes dark and unreadable as he stared at the two of them.


    At his side, Faye greeted Xavier with a cheerful, "Xavier, it''s been ages."


    Vanessa looked every bit the socialite tonight-her designer gown wless, makeup perfect, exuding effortless poise.


    n, you made it," Xavier said, rising to greet him, his tone as calm as ever. Eleanor nced up and metn''s gaze.


    His eyes, usually so clear, looked fathomless now, swirling with emotions she couldn''t quite ce.


    But one thing she knew for sure.


    He was angry.


    She understood exactly whyn hated seeing her get close to Xavier, hated her stepping into his social circles.


    Eleanor dropped her gaze and turned to Xavier. "Excuse me, I need to use thedies'' room."


    As soon as she left, the atmosphere between the two men turned tense. Just then, Henry Holt strolled over, all easy charm, throwing an arm around each of their shoulders. "Well, would you look at that the three of us together again."


    Henry''s arrival smoothed the tension, if only a little.


    Vanessa chimed in, "Henry, it''s been too long."


    "Miss Shannon, you''re looking even more stunning tonight," Henry said, giving her an appreciative once-over.


    Vanessa tossed her hair with a yful smile. "Do I ever have an off night?" Henry grinned. "Never. You''re a goddess every night, and don''t you forget it."


    Vanessaughed, the tension momentarily dispelled. "Don''t make meugh, Henry."


    Noticing his two silent friends, Henry quickly interjected, "Tonight, we only talk about wine-no business, no drama. Agreed? Now, let''s have a real drink."


    Xavier clinked sses with him. "Deal. We''ll catch up properly another time. Tonight, we drink."


    Vanessa''s resentment simmered beneath her wless exterior. Ever since Eleanor appeared, the whole dynamic of their group had shifted.


    She sipped her champagne, eyes darting betweenn and Xavier.


    Henry, ever the peacemaker, added, "This is Mrs. Grayson''s charity ball. Let''s make sure we do her proud. I expect you all to pick up a few treasures at the auctionter."


    Xavier smiled, raising his ss. "To a good cause."


    Vanessa leaned in and said softly, n, there''s an antique at the auction tonight I think your grandmother would love."


    He gave a nomittal "Mm," not offering more.


    Henry arched a brow, teasing, "Miss Shannon, if you see something you want, just say the word. I''ll bid for it."


    Vanessa gave him a mock re and a coy smile. "Don''t spoil me, Henry."


    Heughed heartily.


    Setting down her champagne, Vanessa turned and made her way toward the restrooms. In the corridor, she ran right into Eleanor.


    Vanessa stopped, her red lips curling, heels clicking to a halt as she looked Eleanor up and down with perfect poise. "Eleanor, do you really think Xavier''s interested in you?"


    Eleanor frowned.


    Vanessa gave a cold, disdainfulugh. "You''re nothing more than a distraction-a toy caught up in a contest between men. If you''re smart, you''ll stay away from Xavier. Otherwise... you won''t even realize you''ve been yed until it''s toote.”