Eleanor''s arm was starting to ache from all the swinging. As she massaged her forearm, Xavier leaned in, his voice gentle. "What''s wrong? Sore arm?"


    She nodded. “Let''s head back, shall we?"


    "Sure," Xavier agreed immediately. Clearly, he hadn''te for the golf.


    Eleanor crouched to gather her things, but Xavier beat her to it, lifting her bag with


    the easy confidence of a thoughtful boyfriend.


    The three of them had barely taken a few steps whenn suddenly called out behind them, "Let''s go too."


    "But we just got here!" Vanessa protested, pouting in disappointment.


    "Ian probably has something to do," Henry said, ncing atn. “Vanessa, I''ll stay and y a few rounds with you."


    Vanessa instantly changed her tune, feigning exhaustion. "Never mind, it''s too hot. Let''s go home."


    Noticingn''s expression, Henry gave his shoulder a friendly pat. "Ian, if you still have feelings for Eleanor-"


    "There''s no ''if,""n cut him off coldly, shouldering his golf bag and striding ahead. Henry had spoken quietly, so Vanessa, busy with her gear, hadn''t caught any of it. By the time Vanessa finished packing up,n was already ten meters ahead. Carrying Vanessa''s bag for her, Henry couldn''t help but remark, "You know, Eleanor and Xavier seem like a good match."


    Vanessa whipped her head around to re at him. "Henry, did you forget what I told youst time?"


    "I''ve spoken to Xavier in private, but he really seems into Eleanor—”


    "Can''t you see what she''s doing? She was clearly pretending not to know how to y, just so Xavier would teach her. She''s trying to seduce him."


    Henry hesitated. "You really think so?"


    "I was actually looking forward to a good game today, but thanks to her,n''s in a foul mood, and so am I." Vanessa bit her red lip, ming Eleanor for ruining her day.


    Henryughed. "So, what would it take to cheer you up?"


    "You know, I was nning to buy that vase for Magdalen''s birthday, but she swooped in and grabbed it first."


    "Seriously? That happened?"


    "She knew I wanted it for Magdalen, but she snatched it anyway. Do you still think she''s as sweet and innocent as she looks?" Vanessa''s eyes shed with resentment. "She managed to walk away from that divorce with so much ofn''s money-do you really think she''s that naive?"


    Henry nced in Eleanor''s direction, suddenly unsure what to think.


    Vanessa sighed. "You men are so easy to fool with that high-and-mighty act. You just eat it up."


    Henry, still half skeptical, couldn''t help hoping Eleanor wouldn''t mess with Xavier''s feelings.


    By the time Eleanor and Joy made it to the parking lot, they found Xavier already waiting for them. Just then, Joy''s phone rang. She nced at the screen and answered-it was Frazier Jeffries inviting her to the beach. "Hey, why don''t you ride with Mr. Vaughn?" she suggested.


    Eleanor grinned. "Go on, don''t let me keep you from your date with Attorney Jeffries!"


    At that moment,n walked past Eleanor with one hand in his pocket. Xavier gave him a nod. "Heading home?"


    "Yeah. I''ve got work to do,"n replied, then headed for his car.


    "Did you drive today, Eleanor?" Xavier asked.


    "She didn''t bring her car," Joy answered with a smile. "Since you two live close by,


    Mr. Vaughn, could you give her a ride?"