Dinner at the Vaughn household was a lively, generous affair. The two kidspeted to see who could finish their tes first, theirughter and enthusiasm setting the parents'' minds at ease. At home, Joslyn always grew anxious whenever Evelyn picked at her food, often so worried that she''d barely eat herself -she wouldn''t rest until Evelyn was full.


    But here, Evelyn and Vivian chatted and ate with gusto, savoring every bite, leaving no room for concern.


    "Eleanor, please, help yourself. Make yourself at home," Henrietta said warmly.


    "Thank you, Mrs. Vaughn." Eleanor smiled and nodded. Lately, with work keeping her busy, she''d been eating less-hunger, she''d found, made her thoughts crisper.


    "Here, try this." Henrietta slid a serving dish closer to Eleanor. "Our cook makes it best. You really must taste it."


    Eleanor felt a bit ttered by the attention,ughing lightly. "Thank you, but I can reach it. Please, you enjoy some too."


    Xavier, watching his mother fuss, grinned. "Mom, this isn''t Eleanor''s first time having dinner with us."


    Henrietta chuckled, realizing she might be overdoing it. "No wonder Vivian likes you so much."


    A thought crossed Henrietta''s mind-how wonderful it would be if Eleanor joined the family for good. Then her granddaughter would have a truly remarkable and kind aunt.


    After dinner, Eleanor nced at her watch-it was already eight. She stood to leave.


    "Eleanor, it''s still early! Why not stay a while longer?" Henrietta urged.


    Xavier quickly interjected, "Mom, Eleanor''s work keeps her busy. Let her get some rest."


    Eleanor shot Xavier a grateful look. Henrietta nodded, not wanting to press further. She watched as Eleanor and Evelyn gathered their things, then turned to her son. "Xavier, walk them down to the parking lot, would you?”


    He nodded just as Vivian started begging to tag along. The two girls skipped ahead, giggling as they made their way to the elevator.


    Inside, the girls chattered non-stop while Xavier stood beside Eleanor, keeping a respectful distance.


    He turned slightly, his gaze catching her profile-she wore a simple blush-pink sweater that made her skin look even more luminous. Even with a hint of fatigue in her eyes, she still looked effortlessly elegant.


    "Work been toughtely?" Xavier asked, his tone gentle.


    Eleanor nodded. "Very. The clinical trial is at a critical stage."


    "Don''t forget to take care of yourself, no matter how busy you get," he said. He''d noticed she hadn''t eaten much tonight.


    She gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you."


    When the elevator doors opened, the girls darted ahead. Eleanor hurried after them, Xavier close behind.


    At the car, Eleanor buckled her daughter safely into her seat, waving goodbye to Vivian.


    "Drive safe," Xavier reminded her.


    "Thank your mother for dinner," Eleanor said softly before getting in.


    Xavier''s reply was warm, but restrained. "Anytime."


    After Eleanor''s car pulled away, Vivian noticed her uncle still standing there, lost


    in thought. She tugged at his hand, "Uncle, what are you looking at?"


    He snapped back to reality, smiling. "Come on, let''s go home."


    He cared deeply for Eleanor, but he had no intention of pressuring her. If she wanted to start over, he''d wait for her. If she chose to stay where she was, he''d quietly take his leave.


    It took Eleanor just fifteen minutes to drive home. As she and Evelyn stepped into the living room, Joslyn approached. Once Evelyn ran off to y, Joslyn spoke in a low voice, "Ma''am, Mr. Goodwin stopped by around seven."


    Eleanor paused. "Why?"


    "He didn''t say. I... identally mentioned you were having dinner at the Vaughns''." Joslyn watched Eleanor''s expression, worried she might be upset.


    Eleanor nced at her watch and said, "I''ll be in the study. Could you help Evelyn with her bath?"


    Joslyn was momentarily surprised by Eleanor''s calm; clearly, she wasn''t bothered. Maybe I was overthinking, Joslyn thought.


    The next few days passed in a blur ofboratory work and caring for her daughter. On Friday night, Eleanor got a text fromn.


    "I''d like to take Evelyn to my mom''s house for the day tomorrow."


    Eleanor had a charity g to attend the next evening, and Evelyn had been


    asking to see her grandmother. She agreed.


    Gina Quinn adored her granddaughter; Eleanor had always noticed that.


    Saturday morning at eight,n''s car pulled up out front.


    Eleanor opened the door to find Evelyn, her hair in yful pigtails, leaping inton''s arms.


    "Daddy!"


    "Lots!" Evelyn replied at the top of her lungs.


    Eleanor ignored him, crouching to Evelyn''s level. "Be good, sweetheart. Say hello to your great-grandma for me."


    "I will, Mom," Evelyn promised solemnly.


    Asn''s car drove away, Eleanor''s phone rang-Joy was calling. They''d arranged


    to meet at a boutique to find dresses for the g.


    Both women chose ssic, understated evening gowns: elegant and tasteful, never shy, and perfect for an event where blending in was just as important as standing out.