Eleanor nced over the document, signed her name, and handed it back. Ellington couldn''t help but ask, "Where''s Mr. Goodwin?"


    "I don''t know," Eleanor replied.


    "I''ll go find him for his signature, then." Ellington pushed open the door and stepped out.


    Eleanor, feeling a little restless herself, checked her watch-it was already half past eight. She decided she''d better leave early to pick up her daughter.


    She stood up and had barely opened the door when she heard Ellington''s voice in the hallway outside.


    "Have you seen Mr. Goodwin?"


    A staff member answered, "Mr. Goodwin is in Suite Four."


    Ellington started to thank her, but the staff quickly added, "Mr. Ellington, Miss Shannon is resting in Suite Four."


    Ellington paused, caught the implication, and replied, "I''ll find Mr. Goodwinter, then."


    Eleanor''s expression stiffened for a moment before she strode toward the staircase.


    As she made her way downstairs, Xavier wove through the guests to intercept her. “Eleanor, are you leaving already?"


    "Mr. Vaughn, I promised my daughter I''d pick her up early tonight, so I should head out."


    Xavier narrowed his eyes slightly. "I''ll walk you out."


    Aftern''s warning earlier, Eleanor had noticed a few guests ncing between her and Xavier, some even whispering behind their hands.


    She stepped back and smiled politely. "Mr. Vaughn, I actually need to stop by a friend''s ce first. Let''s catch up another time."


    Xavier looked surprised, sensing the distance she was putting between them.


    Eleanor turned to leave.


    "Eleanor!" Xavier called after her. He caught up and gently grasped her arm, steering her toward a quiet balcony.


    Eleanor was startled, but Xavier let go quickly and asked softly, "What''s going on? Why are you leaving so suddenly-"


    "It''s nothing." She smiled, brushing it off. "I just remembered I promised my daughter I''d get her a toy tonight."


    Xavier studied her face for a moment before asking quietly, "Didn say


    something to you? Or... is it because I asked for your help earlier?" His voice held


    a trace of apology. "If I put you in an awkward spot, I''m sorry."


    Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Eleanor finally sighed. "Xavier, I think... it''s better if we keep some distance from now on."


    Xavier''s expression froze. "Why?"


    Eleanor bit her lip, meeting his gaze. "I don''t want anyone to get the wrong idea about us. And I definitely don''t want you dragged into any gossip because of me." Eleanor truly valued Xavier as a friend and wanted to protect his reputation.


    "But I''ve never cared what people say," Xavier said firmly, taking a step closer.


    Eleanor''s look grew more earnest. "Xavier, you''re a good man. You deserve someone wonderful."


    Xavier grew anxious, clearly not expecting her to be so considerate on his behalf. "Eleanor, what matters to me isn''t what others think it''s you—”


    Before he could finish,n appeared on the balcony with an older gentleman. Ian nced at the two of them and offered a sheepish smile. "Sorry, are we interrupting?"