At first, Valery was a little worried that she''d be asked to steal some sensitive files, but soon realized Xavier''s only concerns were whether Eleanor had finished work or if she''d eaten that day. That''s when Valery understood: Mr. Vaughn had recruited her as a kind of informant-to better support his pursuit of Eleanor.


    When Eleanor stepped out into the break room, she found a gourmet lunch, carefully packed for her by Xavier from a five-star restaurant, waiting on the table.


    She felt genuinely awkward, embarrassed that he''d gone to so much trouble, especially braving the pouring rain just to bring her lunch.


    "Eat while it''s hot, don''t let yourself go hungry," Xavier said gently, setting the meal down. "I''m going to step out for a phone call."


    He left her in peace, not wanting to interrupt her meal. Eleanor''s heart warmed as she breathed in theforting aroma of the food, suddenly realizing just how hungry she''d been.


    Someone snapped a photo of Xavier delivering the lunch and shared it in the group chat. Faye stared at the candid shot, a sour feeling twisting in her chest. Why did it seem like there were always such impressive men orbiting Eleanor?


    Joel Kingsley, Xavier, and that military heir she''d seen at thepany''s annual g—they were all standouts in their fields, men who didn''t just excel professionally but were also strikingly handsome.


    Faye forwarded the photo to Vanessa. "Is Xavier about to start pursuing Eleanor?"


    Vanessa took one look at the photos and sent them off to Serena Goodwin, who was traveling abroad. "Serena, if you don''te back soon, Xavier really will get snatched away by Eleanor."


    After Serena was let go from herst job,n had suggested she take a vacation overseas to clear her head.


    Now, seeing the photos, Serena realized that no matter how far she traveled, she couldn''t shake her feelings for Xavier. That craving for something just out of reach still haunted her, making her ache inside.


    "Already on my way back, Vanessa. See you soon," she replied.


    Vanessa, in turn, sent the photos to Henry Holt. "Henry, are you really not nning to intervene?"


    Henry wrote back, "I''ll find a chance to sound outn''s attitude."


    "Perfect." Vanessa replied, a sly smile tugging at her lips.


    Back in theb, Eleanor had finished eating. Xavier asked, "Let me know if you need a hand with anything."


    Eleanor smiled, lips curving. "Not at the moment. I''ve already pinpointed the problem."


    "I heardn decided to invest more money in your project?" Xavier asked, sounding casual.


    Eleanor paused for the briefest moment. "Yes," she replied.


    "Is it just about the project for him?" There was a probing undertone in Xavier''s voice.


    Eleanor lifted her eyes, her answer firm. "Yes. It''s about the project."


    Xavier ced a USB drive on the table between them. "My team did some simr researchst year-maybe this data will help."


    Eleanor was caught off guard. She looked up. "Mr. Vaughn, this "


    "I''m authorized to share it with you, so there''s no need to worry," Xavier assured her. Just then, his phone buzzed. He nced at the screen. "I should get going." "I''ll walk you out."


    Eleanor stood to escort him to the elevator at the end of theb corridor.


    At that moment, the elevator doors slid open, and out steppedn, hand in hand with Evelyn.


    Evelyn caught sight of Eleanor and rushed over, beaming, "Mommy!"


    Eleanor was momentarily stunned before she scooped her daughter up into a hug.


    ,