"Seems fate really does keep throwing us together," Xavier said, his gaze lingering on Eleanor with an intensity that made her look down, trying to escape the heat in his eyes.


    Just then, Evelyn and Vivian skipped ahead, hand in hand. Eleanor smiled, using their distraction as an excuse. "Shall we see the rest of the exhibit together?"


    Xavier nodded. "I''d like that."


    So, the four of them continued on as a group.


    When they reached the fourth gallery, Xavier paused in front of a painting, quietly studying it. Around the corner, two women entered arm in arm.


    Serena''s mood had been sour all afternoon; she''d barely looked at the art. But now, seeing Xavier''s familiar silhouette, her heart leaped and her breath caught. She hadn''t expected to run into him here of all ces.


    Unable to contain her excitement, Serena was about to call out when Xavier suddenly moved forward, walking toward a woman and two children standing together.


    Serena''s steps faltered. The woman wasn''t a stranger.


    Vivian and Evelyn-Eleanor''s girls—and standing beside them was Eleanor herself.


    Serena''s smile froze, her nails digging into her palm.


    Vanessa followed Serena''s gaze and her eyes narrowed. "Well, what are the odds," she muttered under her breath.


    She should have known. Someone like Xavier, with his wealth and status, wouldn''te to a modest art show alone-not unless he was bringing someone special.


    Serena bit her lip, jealousy and bitterness swirling in her chest. She stayed back, not daring to greet him now. Instead, she pulled out her phone and snapped a few quick photos.


    In the frame, Evelyn was holding Eleanor''s hand, Vivian clung to Xavier, and the two little girls held hands between them—a picture-perfect family.


    Serena saved the images, then turned abruptly and looped her arm through Vanessa''s. "Let''s go."


    Vanessa let herself be tugged outside, ncing at Serena''s stormy face. She tried tofort her. "This is my fault, Serena. I shouldn''t have brought you here."


    "You meant well. I don''t me you." Serena shook her head, but her mind was already racing. She opened her phone and began selecting the photos to send.


    "Who are you sending those to?" Vanessa asked.


    "Who else? My brother. He needs to see for himself what kind of woman Eleanor really is. She''s not fit for him, not even close," Serena said coldly.


    Vanessa nced at the photos, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Looks like Evelyn really is about to start calling Xavier ''Dad.""


    Serena''s expression darkened. "If Eleanor actually marries him, I''ll make sure my brother gets custody of Evelyn. There''s no way I''ll let Evelyn be one of the Vaughns."


    Her heart twisted with longing and resentment. She couldn''t stand that Xavier had chosen Eleanor.


    Meanwhile, at Goodwin & Co.''s executive office,n was reviewing documents when his phone buzzed with a new message.


    He nced down and tapped it open. The photos Serena had sent filled the screen, making his brow crease instantly.


    Four figures, hand in hand, the very image of a happy, harmonious family.<pn''s grip on the phone tightened, his knuckles turning white. Without hesitation, he scrolled through his contacts until he found Eleanor''s number and pressed call.