With a man like Xavier-handsome, sessful, and charming-he could have any woman he wanted. Why on earth was he circling around a divorcée like Eleanor?


    Tonight, Evelyn Goodwin was having dinner at Goodwin Manor, so Eleanor decided to unwind after work by inviting Joy Thatcher out for a meal. No one could work nonstop, after all.


    Luckily, Joy had been thinking the same thing, so their ns came together instantly.


    By five-thirty, Eleanor was already seated at the restaurant when Joy hurried in, swinging her purse and grinning mischievously. She pped her hands together. "Big news-want to hear it? I guarantee it''ll put you in a good mood!"


    Eleanor blinked, skeptical. "What''s the big news?"


    n''s getting sued. He''s about to go to court." Joy looked positively gleeful. "Who''s suing him?"


    "It all started when he tried to buy out a failing biotech firm. Word is, they''ve got a few valuable patents, andn thought he could just snap them up for pennies. Turns out, thepany didn''t appreciate his vulture routine they dragged him straight to business court."


    Eleanor frowned. "Which biotechpany?"


    "Everprosper Biotech, I think."


    The name rang a bell. Joy, clearly pleased with the turn of events, gave a satisfied sigh. "About time someone gaven a taste of his own medicine."


    Eleanor just treated it as idle gossip, nothing more.


    Joy made a face. "Honestly, guys liken-cold-blooded, greedy-someone needs to take them down a peg."


    "Let''s change the subject. He''s going to ruin my appetite. What are you in the mood for? Dinner''s on me," Eleanor said.


    Joy grinned. "Don''t mind if I do. I''ve been craving this ce''s steamed sea bass for ages."


    "Order whatever you want," Eleanor said, indulgent and amused. "Tonight, anything goes."


    They chatted about life as they browsed the menu. Then Joy''s eyes sparkled with mischief. "So, spill. Last time you went out to Mr. Ellington''s facility for consulting -how''d it go? Any progress?"


    Eleanorughed and shook her head. "What are you imagining? It was just work."


    "Oh, c''mon! Work and romance aren''t mutually exclusive. Give me something!" Joy waggled her brows in mock scandal.


    "It really was just work. Nothing else," Eleanor said frankly.


    Joy looked at her, disappointment in on her face. "You''re not nning to stay single forever, are you?"


    Eleanor shot back, "What about you?"


    Joy''s cheeks turned pink as she hesitated. "Me-uh-"


    Eleanor immediately picked up on her embarrassment and leaned in. "Out with it. What''s going on with you and Attorney Jeffries?"


    Joy covered her face with both hands. "Don''t even ask! We were at a partyst Friday—I had a few too many drinks and then, well..."


    Eleanor''s grin turned sly. "Don''t tell me it''s what I think it is?"


    Joy''s face was bright red now, but she nodded. "Exactly what you''re thinking."


    "And?"


    "And nothing! We''re just back to normal at work, pretending it never happened. Let''s call it a little... hormonal reset," Joy said breezily.


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Attorney Jeffries is quite the catch. Don''t let this slip by."


    A shy, sweet smile flickered across Joy''s face. "He never said anything before. I had no idea he liked me."


    "So, did he confess?" Eleanor pressed.


    Joy nodded silently. "That morning, he said all these sweet things. You know how I am-I can''t handle romantic talk. He just kept going, and I panicked and ran off."


    Eleanor burst outughing, picturing the typically polished Frazier Jeffries attempting to pour his heart out. It must have been quite a sight. She could only hope her dear friend wouldn''t let this chance at happiness slip away.