A glint of satisfaction flickered in Vanessa''s eyes as her n fell into ce. She sighed, her toneced with mock helplessness. "But what can you really do? Xavier''spletely bewitched by Eleanor right now. Do you honestly think he''d listen to you?"


    Henry''s gaze darkened. "Then we''ll just have to show Xavier the truth-let him see Eleanor for who she really is, ying both sides. Maybe that''ll finally open his eyes."


    Vanessa lifted her delicate face, giving him a sorrowful look. "Maybe I shouldn''t interfere, but seeing you and your brother at odds like this-it breaks my heart." Henry''s expression softened with gratitude. "You mean well. I appreciate it."


    She nodded emphatically. "Eleanor could have gone aftern directly if she wanted revenge. Instead, she''s using Xavier to get back at him. Xavier''s the real victim here."


    Henry''s fists clenched at his sides.


    Night had fallen, the garden bathed in the soft glow ofmps. Under the shadows,n regarded his friend, his voice unreadable.


    "So, you''re really going after her?"


    Xavier''s eyes didn''t waver. "I''ve never been more certain."


    "When did it start?"n looked up, meeting Xavier''s gaze head-on.


    Xavier let out a breath, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. "I don''t know. It just... happened."


    Even without the words,n knew exactly what Xavier meant. Somewhere along the way, Eleanor had drawn him in-subtly, irresistibly.


    The waiter returned promptly. Ian lit one, then held out the pack and lighter. “Want one?"


    Xavier shook his head. "I don''t smoke."


    Xavier''s jaw tightened, his face briefly shing with something only another man could understand. Six years of marriage-six years of intimacy and familiarity. The thought lingered in the air.


    Xavier''s brows drew together. "Eleanor isn''t anyone''s property. She''s her own person. I don''t care about the past—I only care about whether I can give her a better future."


    Xavier''s gaze softened, a quiet honesty in his answer. "There''s a lot I still don''t know. But I''ve got time to find out."


    Xavier gave a halfugh, resigned. "If you need an apology,n, I''ll say I''m sorry."


    Xavier perked up, curiosity in his eyes. "What condition?"


    "For five years after the divorce, she can''t remarry. So, you two can date, but marriage is off the table."


    "Ian, what are you trying to do? If you still love her, you shouldn''t hurt her like this. And if you don''t, why stand in the way of her happiness?"


    "It''s only five years. I can wait." Xavier''s voice was suddenly resolute.<pn narrowed his eyes, his words taking on a chill. "Xavier, are you really sure about this?"