"Xavier has someone he likes?" Gina frowned. But Mrs. Vaughn had told her that her son was currently single-no girlfriend in sight.


    "So, Xavier''s fallen for which socialite''s daughter?" Gina couldn''t help but ask, curiosity getting the better of her.


    A sh of hurt and anger passed through Serena''s eyes. "What socialite? It''s Eleanor. The person he likes is Eleanor."


    Even though Gina had seen Xavier and Eleanor leave togetherst time, hearing it straight from her daughter still left herpletely stunned. "What? Xavier likes Eleanor?"


    Serena buried her face in her hands and started to sob.


    Gina quickly tried tofort her. "Serena, don''t get upset just yet. Maybe it''s all just a misunderstanding."


    She found it hard to believe that Xavier would fall for Eleanor. After all, the two boys had grown up together, and Eleanor had once been her own son''s wife. How could Xavier possibly fall for his friend''s ex-wife?


    "I wish it was just a misunderstanding, Mom, but the truth is Xavier doesn''t just like Eleanor-he''s fallen in love with her."


    "But Eleanor-" Gina wanted to say that the Vaughn family would never approve of this.


    Serena, still sobbing, interrupted, "But Xavier doesn''t care about any of that. He''s willing to throw everything away for Eleanor."


    The more Serena spoke, the more miserable she became, her tears streaming down.


    Gina was at a loss for words, not knowing how tofort her daughter.


    It was true-Eleanor had be outstanding, someone you couldn''t help but notice. If Xavier liked her, it was understandable. But Gina didn''t want her daughter to fall apart like this. Even without Xavier, there were other choices out there.


    Suddenly, she remembered something her son had said the other day-Xavier wasn''t right for Serena.


    Did he already know Xavier had feelings for Eleanor?


    Gina let out a long sigh. Why did young people''s rtionships have to be soplicated?


    As she stood up to leave, Serena grabbed her hand, looking up at her pleadingly. "Mom, please help me."


    Gina looked at her daughter carefully. "You need to think this through. If Xavier really is in love with Eleanor, forcing yourself into the Vaughn family will only bring you pain."


    "Mom, I''m not afraid of hardship. I just want to marry Xavier. Please, talk to Mrs. Vaughn-convince her to let me marry him!" Serena was convinced-Xavier was the prize, and sweet or not, she wanted him for herself.


    Gina sighed again. "Alright, I''ll speak with Mrs. Vaughn."


    Friday arrived in the blink of an eye.


    Eleanor''s much-anticipated presentation was set for ten o''clock. Many prominent figures from the country''s medicalmunity had shown up, while international guests were fewer due to the time difference. Still, with journalists covering the event, it was only a matter of time before the whole world took notice.


    Joel had arrived early and was now chatting with Simone. Eleanor hadn''t dressed up for the asion-she nned to take the stage in her white coat, as always.


    She was in the middle of her final preparations backstage when Gwenda suddenly burst into the lounge. "Eleanor! Guess who''s here today?"


    Simoneughed. "Isn''t that obvious? Everyone I invited, of course."


    Gwenda grinned. "There are a few guests who aren''t from the medical field!"


    "Oh?" Simone''s eyes lit up. "Who?"


    "Seven members from the Goodwin & Co. board of directors are here. And " Gwenda hesitated, ncing at Eleanor, "Eleanor, promise you won''t get upset when I tell you."


    Eleanor arched an eyebrow, already suspecting who it might be.