She hung up without hesitation and flipped her phone face-down on the table, wanting nothing more to do with it.


    "Why aren''t you answering?" Xavier asked, surprised.


    "There''s nothing left for me to say to him," Eleanor replied. Ifn was just calling


    toy me at her feet, he could save his breath.


    Xavier popped a forkful of blueberry cheesecake into his mouth, a sly smile tugging at his lips.


    Meanwhile, in a luxury suite at a high-end hotel across town,n stared at his phone, his eyes darkening as the call was abruptly cut off.


    He clenched the phone in his fist for several seconds before tossing it onto the sofa. Turning away, he walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    Outside, the city''s nightscape zed with lights, but none of that brilliance seemed to reach his brooding gaze.


    Whatever thoughts filled his mind were deeper and more imprable than the night itself.


    Back home, Eleanor and Xavier went together to pick up the kids.


    "Want to have dinner together tonight?" Xavier invited, taking Vivian''s hand and ncing at Eleanor.


    "I want to go out for a feast, Mom! Can we, please?" Evelyn chimed in, her eyes wide and hopeful.


    Eleanor couldn''t resist her daughter''s eager gaze. She nodded. "Alright, let''s go out together."


    At the restaurant, Eleanor took the opportunity to consult Xavier about a fewpany matters. Xavier answered every question patiently, sharing not just business strategies but also his perspective on navigating the corporate world.


    Eleanor listened intently, chin propped in her hands like an attentive student. Neither of them realized two paparazzi had slipped into the restaurant. They''d been hoping to catch a celebrity, but instead spotted the reclusive CEO of Vaughn Group dining with Mrs. Goodwin, the famed scientist and ex-wife of Goodwin & Co''s head. And what''s more-they had two children with them, about the same age.


    This was big news.


    A notoriously private business heir and a brilliant woman who owned eightpanies, dining together as if they were a family-it was too good to pass up. Naturally, the paparazzi snapped away, capturing every seemingly intimate moment: Eleanor listening to Xavier, the two of them sharing augh, the children happily ying together.


    Dinner ended on a cheerful note. Xavier, ever the gentleman, pulled out Eleanor''s chair for her. The two kids skipped ahead, hand in hand, theirughter echoing softly under the restaurant''s warm lights. For a moment, the four of them looked every bit the picture of a happy family.


    "Thank you for your advice tonight, Mr. Vaughn," Eleanor said sincerely as they left. "Your insights into business were invaluable."


    Xavier smiled. “Anytime. If you ever have questions, don''t hesitate to ask."


    Neither of them noticed the subtle sh of a camera from a shadowy corner of the


    room.


    That night,n called twice more. This time, Eleanor simply blocked his number. It wasn''t just a matter of whether or not she would answer-just seeing his name pop up was enough to ruin her mood. For her own peace of mind, she decided it was best not to see his calls at all.


    What Eleanor didn''t expect was to wake up the next morning to find herself at the center of a viral news story.


    "Vaughn Group Heir Seen Dining With Goodwin & Co''s Ex-CEO!" "Rumors Fly: Xavier and Eleanor Caught in Secret Rendezvous!" The headlines shot to the top of the trending list, apanied by photos from the restaurant-angles chosen to make them look especially close.


    Joy called immediately. "Ellie, should I be congratting you?" she teased.


    Eleanor was still half-asleep. "Congratte me for what?"


    "You and Xavier are all over the inte! People are saying you two are together!"


    "What?" Eleanor snapped awake and scrambled for her phone.


    As she scrolled through the photos online, her mind went nk.


    She took a deep breath. "Let me look into this."


    Joy continued, "I checked thements-everyone''s rooting for you and Xavier. You''re divorced, and with your aplishments, it''s only natural you''d find happiness again.”


    Eleanor browsed a fewments herself. Sure enough, the messages were overwhelmingly supportive. Even though her achievements as a scientist weren''t always in the limelight, people remembered her contributions. Now, seeing her potentially finding happiness, they flooded her with well-wishes.


    Just then, Xavier called. Eleanor slipped out to the balcony and answered quietly, "Hello, Mr. Vaughn."


    "Did you see the news? I''m sorry-I''ve dragged you into this," Xavier said, sounding genuinely apologetic.


    "Don''t worry about it. People just misunderstood what they saw," Eleanor reassured him. After all, the photos were taken at just the right angles to spark rumors.


    They spoke briefly, Xavier promising to handle things online so Eleanor wouldn''t be troubled further, before ending the call.


    At that moment, Joslyn knocked and entered, phone in hand. "Mrs. Goodwin, Mr. Goodwin is calling-"


    Eleanor eyed Joslyn''s phone, not eager to answer.


    "He called mest night too, but it waste and he didn''t want to disturb you," Joslyn exined.


    Eleanor reluctantly took the phone and stepped back onto the balcony, her voice cold. "If you have something to say, make it quick."


    "Xavier''s an old friend of mine. I warned you-stay away from him," Ian''s tone was t, but the warning clear.


    Eleanor wanted to bite back, but she didn''t want to drag Xavier into their fight. She took a steadying breath. "Who I spend time with is none of your business."


    A quiet scoff came from the other end.


    Eleanor pressed on, "If you have a problem, take it up with me. Leave Xavier out of it."


    There was silence. In the background, Eleanor thought she heard someone reporting ton in a hushed voice. Ian''s reply was cold: "Cancel it." He held the phone away and ordered, "Leave me alone. I don''t want to be disturbed."


    Eleanor frowned, having no interest in continuing the conversation. She hung up, handed the phone back to Joslyn, and said, "Don''t bring me his calls anymore. I''m done."


    Joslyn blinked in surprise, then nodded. “Understood."


    Just then, Evelyn poked her head out from under the covers. "Mom, who were you talking to?"


    Eleanor smiled. "Just work, sweetheart. Did I wake you?"