Evelyn nodded, only half-understanding.


    Back home, Eleanor found a small, velvet jewelry box tucked inside her daughter''s backpack. She opened it and discovered a delicate diamond swan ne-clearly expensive, far from your average trinket for a child.


    "Mommy, do you like it?" Evelyn leaned in eagerly. "Miss Vanessa said it was made just for me. There''s only one in the whole world!"


    Eleanor closed the box, crouched down to meet her daughter''s eyes, and spoke gently but firmly. "Evelyn, this ne is much too valuable. I''ll keep it safe for you until you''re a little older, all right?"


    Evelyn''s shoulders drooped with disappointment, but she nodded obediently. "Okay."


    Upstairs in the master bedroom, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a message from Joy. She clicked the link Joy had sent.


    "Eleanor, can you believe this? Vanessa''s actually up for International Women''s Day ambassador. How does someone like her, who broke up a marriage, even qualify?"


    Eleanor tapped the link and stared at the screen. Vanessa''s perfectly made-up face beamed serenely from the campaign poster.


    She scrolled through the details. It was a national initiative, recognizing women who made outstanding contributions across various fields-and Vanessa''s name was right there among the nominees.


    Eleanor studied Vanessa''s smile, remembering all the underhanded things she''d done.


    Without a second thought, Eleanor pulled up Vanessa''s number and dialed. "Eleanor? I''m surprised to hear from you!" Vanessa''s voice was smooth, but she knew exactly who it was.


    Eleanor didn''t waste time. "Did you go to my daughter''s school today?"


    There was a brief pause, then Vanessaughed lightly. "Yes, I dropped by to hand out a few gifts to the kids. As their piano advisor, I wanted to mark the start of the new term."


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "Giving a custom ne worth a small fortune to a five-year-old—is that really necessary? What are you trying to pull?"


    "Eleanor, it was just a little something for Evelyn-" Vanessa replied smoothly. "She''sn''s daughter. A gift of that caliber is only fitting, don''t you think?"


    Eleanor''s tone sharpened. "The International Women''s Day ambassador is supposed to be someone with integrity and a sense of social responsibility. Tell me, Vanessa-how does someone who wrecks another woman''s marriage qualify for that honor?"


    Vanessa finally realized Eleanor wasn''t just upset-she was threatening.


    "What are you getting at?" Vanessa''s voice lost some of itsposure.


    Eleanor''s answer was icy. "I''m pretty sure themittee doesn''t know the real you. I''d be happy to send them some evidence so they can get a clearer picture.”


    Vanessa''s breath quickened. "Eleanor, don''t do anything stupid. What do you want?"


    "It''s simple," Eleanor replied coldly. "Stay away from my daughter. And by noon tomorrow, I want to see you withdraw your nomination-voluntarily. Otherwise, you know exactly what I''ll do."


    "You''re threatening me?" Vanessa snapped. "Ian won''t let you "


    "Let him try," Eleanor cut her off, then hung up.


    She had no problem letting the whole world know whatn had been up to since their marriage.