Henrietta smiled warmly. "Not at all! In fact, I just had the housekeeper pick up some groceries."


    Vivian and Evelyn climbed into Eleanor''s car together, heading toward the townhouse near Xavier''s ce.


    Meanwhile, Henrietta settled into the passenger seat and called her son.


    "Hey, Mom! What''s up?"


    "Come home for dinner tonight."


    "Mom, you know how swamped I am I''ve got a video meeting tonight!"


    "If you skip dinner tonight, you''ll regret it." Henrietta gave a little huff. Her son was always so busy he barely showed his face; she couldn''t help feeling a little annoyed.


    "And why exactly would I regret it?" Xavier asked, curiosity piqued.


    Henrietta deliberately drew out her words. "Because I''ve invited Evelyn over for dinner. Eleanor will be there, too."


    There was a sudden scraping sound from Xavier''s end, like a chair being pushed back. His voice came back, bright with surprise, "Mom, why didn''t you say so earlier? I''m heading home right now!"


    "What about your video call?"


    "Not important. Do you want me to pick anything up on the way?"


    "Pick up some fruit-Eleanor''s favorites," Henrietta said, her satisfaction obvious.


    Back in Eleanor''s car, the two kids chattered away in the back seat, energy bubbling over.


    Eleanor nced at her daughter''s beaming face and couldn''t help but smile. Work had been overwhelmingtely, and she realized she''d been neglecting time with her little girl.


    They arrived at the most exclusive neighborhood in the old part of town and parked. Eleanor took the kids'' hands and ushered them into the elevator.


    Henrietta was already waiting at the door.


    "Eleanor,e in! Make yourselffortable," she greeted them cheerfully, saying nothing about Xavier''s imminent arrival.


    At that moment, Xavier was weaving his way through traffic, heading home from the office. Henry''s name shed on his dashboard screen; he answered on speaker.


    "Hey, Xavier! I booked us a table for tonight. Come rx with us!"


    "Can''t make it tonight," Xavier replied.


    "Where are you off to?"


    "Home for dinner."


    "Come on, we could eat out! The food''s better than whatever you''ll get at home!"


    Xavier chuckled. "Eleanor and Evelyn areing over for dinner. Tell me that''s not worth rushing home for?"


    There was a stunned silence on the other end. "Alright, alright! Rain check."


    Xavier hung up, a smile tugging at his lips.


    Back at Eleanor''s ce, her phone buzzed on the couch. Evelyn, ying nearby, nced at the screen and saw Joslyn''s name. She picked up without hesitation. "Hi, Auntie!"


    "Evelyn, why aren''t you and your mom home yet?"


    "Auntie, don''t worry about dinner for us. We''re eating at Vivian''s house tonight.” "Alright, got it." Joslyn''s gentleughter came through the phone.


    On the balcony, Henrietta was setting out a tter of fruit and desserts, chatting with Eleanor about all things parenting.


    Around six o''clock, the front door swung open. Xavier stepped in, slightly out of breath, his suit jacket draped over his shoulder and his tie loosened. He''d clearly hurried home.


    He spotted Evelyn first, then saw Eleanor chatting with his mother out on the balcony. A flicker of delight lit his eyes.


    "Good evening, Mr. Vaughn," Evelyn greeted politely.


    "Hello, Evelyn." Xavier gave her a gentle smile and headed for the balcony.


    Eleanor stood when she saw him. "You''re back, Xavier."


    "Yeah, figured I''d finally make it home for dinner for a change," he replied, trying to sound casual.


    Henrietta watched, amused-her son hadn''t looked this nervous around anyone in years.


    "I''ll go check on dinner," Henrietta announced, leaving them alone.


    Eleanor and Xavier sat across from each other, the sunset painting the sky in brilliant colors. A cool breeze drifted in, carrying a sense of calm.


    Even without words, just sitting together and taking in the view felt like its own kind of romance.


    "Any ns for the weekend?" Xavier broke the silence, his gaze lingering on Eleanor''s elegant profile.


    Eleanor answered honestly. "Saturday, I''m attending a charity event hosted by the mayor''s wife."


    "Oh? Where''s it being held?"


    "At a country club, on the golf course," she said.


    Xavier grinned. "Since when are you friends with the mayor''s wife?"


    Eleanor didn''t hide the story about how she had once helped the mayor''s mother. Xavier listened, surprised he had no idea Eleanor had such a connection to the city''s first family.


    Meanwhile, back at Eleanor''s house, Princess, the golden retriever, was napping on the floor. Suddenly, her ears perked up. She let out a happy whine and bolted toward the yard, tail wagging. Joslyn paused. Was Eleanor home already? It wasn''t even seven yet!


    Joslyn headed to the door, but instead of Eleanor, the doorbell chimed.


    Not Eleanor after all.


    She checked the video inte and saw a handsome face on the screen. She hurried to answer the door. "Oh! Mr. Carter, what brings you here?"


    Joslyn hesitated. "I''m afraid Mrs. Summers and Evelyn aren''t home right now."


    "Where did they go?"


    Without thinking, Joslyn replied, "Mrs. Summers took Evelyn to Mr. Vaughn''s for dinner."


    Joslyn pped a hand to her mouth, realizing she''d said too much.


    "I think Evelyn just wanted to y with Vivian-" she tried to exin.


    "I see."n turned, yanked open his car door, and slid inside. His ck sedan shot


    out of the driveway like a bullet.


    Joslyn jumped, startled. Was he... angry?


    Surely not. Right?