Vanessa could tell that, between the lines, Henry was expressing a certain admiration for Eleanor. Her expression darkened. "Oh? So you''re a fan of hers too?"


    Henry was caught off guard and forced a quick, awkward smile. "I mean, I just admire her, that''s all."


    Vanessa turned away, clearly uninterested in continuing the conversation.


    Henry didn''t dare say another word. He drove her home and, when they reached her front gate, opened his mouth as if to say something more. But Vanessa was already through the gate of her townhouse before he could speak.


    With a quiet sigh, Henry turned around and headed back to his car.


    Eleanor slept until well past one in the afternoon. When she finally got up, Joslyn had prepared a nourishing tonic for her.


    "Ma''am, please drink this. It''s good for you."


    Eleanor was resting in the upstairs sitting room, still looking a little pale.


    "Ma''am, this tonic was sent over by the mister. The quality is outstanding. Why don''t you see how it tastes?"


    Eleanor paused just as she raised the cup to her lips. She looked up. "He sent it?”


    Joslyn nodded quickly. "Yes, it arrived this morning. I could tell right away it was top grade, so I made it for you right away."


    Eleanor put the cup down. "Joslyn, from now on, don''t ept anything he sends."


    Joslyn hesitated, a little flustered. "But ma''am, he really seems worried about you this time. He even mentioned you were working through the night—”


    Eleanor''s expression grew stern. Joslyn mped her mouth shut, not daring to say more.


    "All right, I understand. But at least don''t waste this batch," Joslyn said quietly. Eleanor nodded. "I know. Don''t worry."


    Joslyn nced back as she left, relieved to see Eleanor take a sip. It would be such a shame to waste something so expensive.


    Eleanor picked up her phone and sent a message to Xavier: "How is Mrs. Grayson?"


    "She left about an hour ago," came Xavier''s reply.


    Eleanor''s breath caught. Juliette had passed away?


    "I''m so sorry for your loss, Mr. Vaughn."


    "How are you feeling?" Xavier asked.


    "I got some rest. I''m much better now."


    "Good. Please take care of yourself. I need to make arrangements for my aunt''s funeral."


    "Of course. Don''t worry about me." Eleanor didn''t want to disturb him further; she knew how heavy his heart must be right now.


    Downstairs, Joslyn was answering a call in the living room. As Eleanor came


    down the stairs, she heard Joslyn say, "Yes, ma''am is awake. She''s had her tonic and is feeling much better."


    Eleanor frowned. Was thatn calling?


    "Joslyn," Eleanor called out.


    Joslyn jumped, startled, and lowered her voice. "Sir, ma''am is calling me."


    "She wants to speak to you," Joslyn said, handing the phone over with an apologetic smile.


    "I don''t want to talk to him," Eleanor refused tly.


    Joslyn whispered a few more words into the phone before hanging up.


    Eleanor knew Joslyn had worked forn for six years. She herself could ignore him, but Joslyn couldn''t.


    She understood.<pn''s sudden concern was nothing more than self-interest. Now that Eleanor''s research had made a breakthrough, he still needed her to finish the rest.