Joy kept shooting suggestive nces at Eleanor, as if to say, See? Isn''t this just the picture of harmony?


    Eleanor pretended not to notice.


    With Joy around, the atmosphere warmed considerably. She peppered Mansfield Ellington with questions about his time in the military, drawing out lighthearted stories andughter. Meanwhile, Joslyn finished preparing the meal and soon the table was set.


    Everyone gathered for dinner. Eleanor served her daughter, her gentle care on full disy. Mansfield found himself captivated by this softer side of her—there was a new intensity in his eyes, barely contained.


    The first time he''d met Eleanor, her beauty had stunned him. The second time, her intelligence drew him in. The third, her aplishments left him in awe. The more he got to know her, the deeper he fell under her spell.


    After the meal, Mansfield knew it was time to excuse himself. Eleanor walked him to the door.


    "This was wonderful," he said in his deep, even voice. "Dinner at your home feels more meaningful than anything a restaurant could offer."


    Eleanor smiled. "It was just some simple home cooking."


    Mansfield''s gaze was earnest and unwavering. "Eleanor, life is long. I have a feeling we''ll see each other again."


    She hesitated for a moment, noticing how he was carefully reining in his own emotions. She nodded. "Drive safe."


    He opened the back door of his car, pulling out a gift. "Almost forgot-I brought something for your daughter."


    Eleanor paused. "You really didn''t have to. She already has so many gifts."


    He grinned. "She''s the only child I know in your family. It would be awkward to give it to anyone else."


    Seeing he wouldn''t take no for an answer, Eleanor finally epted the gift. "Thank you."


    "She''s a wonderful girl. I''m sure she''ll grow up to be just as remarkable as her mother." With that, Mansfield slid into his car, rolled down the window, and gave Eleanor onest lingering look. "Goodbye."


    Eleanor stood at the gate, watching his car disappear down the street. Behind her, Joy stepped outside, swinging the door open with a dramatic flourish. "Oh, look at you! Reluctant to see him go, are we?"


    Eleanor quickly tugged her back inside and closed the door. "I need your help."


    "Shoot."


    "What can I do to limitn''s visitation rights?" Eleanor asked, her voice steady. Joy arched an eyebrow. "Didn say something infuriating to set you off again?" Eleanor shook her head. "I just want to give Evelyn a more stable, peaceful environment to grow up in."


    "I''ll talk it over with my colleague and see if there''s anything we can do, but don''t get your hopes up too high. Ian''swyer is tough to beat."


    She dropped her voice and squeezed Eleanor''s arm. "Aren''t you worried that if you pushn too hard, he''ll try to fight for full custody of Evelyn?" Joy continued, "And what about Vanessa Shannon? Last time I saw her, she looked pregnant, but now there''s no news. Could she be... unable to have children?"


    Eleanor''s face drained of color.


    Ifn truly loved Vanessa, and Vanessa couldn''t have a child, then Evelyn would be his only heir.


    A wave of dread lodged itself in Eleanor''s throat, choking her.