Eleanor paused, just a moment, but it wasn''t exactly surprising that he knew about this—after all, several researchers from Juliette Grayson''sb had recently joined thepany.


    "That''s right. I''ll be leaving in three months," she replied.


    "You deserve a break."


    "Yeah, I need some time off."


    "Alright then, I''ll wait for you to treat me to dinner when you''re free," Xavier texted back.


    Only then did Eleanor remember she owed him not just one, but two dinners by now. She really should find a time to make good on that promise.


    "Let''s do tomorrow! My schedule''s clear in the morning," she replied after double- checking her calendar.


    "Sounds good. I''ll see you then," Xavier answered, leaving her to her day.


    Ever since she''d decided to leave theb, a weight had lifted from Eleanor''s shoulders. She couldn''t remember thest time she''d truly rxed. The results from the new drug trial were promising a patient with early-stage leukemia was nowpletely symptom-free. As she read thetest report, Eleanor felt a swell of quiet satisfaction.


    That evening, Ellington invited her to an early meeting the next day. Not wanting to waste the opportunity, Eleanor decided to take Xavier out for lunch at the Vesper Joy Hotel-she could squeeze it in between her workmitments.


    The following morning, Eleanor requested a half-day off from Simone. She had a meeting at ten and, as usual for these asions, she dressed with understated formality: a pale blue blouse and a gray pencil skirt-simple, but sharp.


    Ellington and several of the hotel''s senior staff took turns briefing her. After a year on the job, Eleanor knew the business inside and out.


    During the meeting, she sat at the head of the table-her slender figure radiating quiet authority.


    “With the summer rush, our upancy rate jumped eighteen percentst quarter, and the average room price has held steady, even rising a little," one manager reported.


    Eleanor reviewed the numbers and gave a satisfied nod.


    "But the restaurant''s performance was less impressive. Profit margins only rose five percent, and our wine inventory turnover is much too slow. We need to rethink our purchasing strategy." She nced at Ellington. "Have a revised n on my desk by Monday."


    "Yes, Ms. Sutton,” Ellington replied immediately.


    A nce at the clock-she was surprised to see it was nearly eleven-thirty


    already. "If there are no further questions, that''s it for today."


    She gathered her files, handed them to Ellington, and picked up her phone as she stood. The others fell in behind her as they left the conference room—they''d all noticed how much moremanding Eleanor had betely.


    She texted Xavier: "Xavier, I''m waiting in the restaurant on the third floor. Come over whenever you arrive."


    "On my way—almost there," he replied.


    Eleanor chose a table by the window in the main dining room. Ten minutester, Xavier arrived, punctual as always, looking effortlessly refined in a dark blue shirt.


    As he sat down, he set a folder on the table. Eleanor couldn''t help but smile. "Busy day?"


    Xavier nced at the folder. "Let''s order first."


    She signaled for the waiter and handed Xavier the menu. "Order whatever you like."


    He looked up with a grin. "Careful, Ms. Sutton, I might take you at your word."


    Sheughed in spite of herself. "I can handle one meal."


    Xavier selected three dishes and passed the menu back to her. "Your turn-pick two more."