Henry caught the whole scene from his seat at the bar, where he''d already switched from red wine to a ss of whiskey.


    By then, Faye had joined Byron and was deep in conversation with a few of the Starnova Group engineers. One of the younger, single engineers seemed particrly interested in her.


    Eleanor checked the time and decided to head out. She waved at Xavier as she passed.


    "Are you driving tonight?" Xavier''s voice was low as he asked.


    "Yes, I am.” Eleanor nodded, then walked over to say goodbye to York.


    Xavier considered leaving with Eleanor, but just as he was about to follow, he spotted Henry drinking alone at the bar. With a sigh, Xavier realized he''d have to look after him tonight.


    Eleanor finished her goodbyes and slipped out toward the elevator. As soon as she stepped outside, the cool night breeze brushed against her. She was heading for the parking lot when footsteps sounded behind her.


    "Eleanor."


    She turned to seen standing on the steps, suit jacket draped over his arm. Eleanor frowned, staring at him.


    The look in her eyes maden stop in his tracks. He hesitated, then said quietly, "Nothing. Just... drive safe."


    Without another word, Eleanor turned and strode away, her posture decisive and unyielding.


    Ten minutester, Vanessa and Faye appeared in the lobby. Faye was asking, "So, what''s going on between you and Mr. Holt? He was definitely watching you just now-"


    Vanessa brushed a hand through her hair and smiled lightly. "We''re just friends." "He looked pretty drunk."


    "It''s fine. Xavier will take him home." Vanessa''s eyes clouded with thought-Henry had clearly lost control of his emotions tonight.


    Faye couldn''t help but add, n''s the one who''s actually best for you."


    Vanessa turned to her. "Well, then you''d better step up your game. Outshine Eleanor, and mayben will finally see how incredible you are."


    Faye bit her lip and nodded. She knew her position at Meridian Dynamics was all thanks to Vanessa, and she owed her everything. "I understand."


    Shortly after the two women left, Xavier appeared, supporting a very tipsy Henry as they made their way to the car.


    "My parents are pushing for marriage again. What am I supposed to do, Xavier?" Henry mumbled.


    "Listen to your dad for once. Go on the dates, get married, do what they want!" Xavier replied, exasperated.


    Henry rubbed his temples, wincing. "You know I can''t do that—"


    Xavier wanted to snap at him that he deserved it, but held back. He opened the car door and slid inside, ready to drive Henry home.


    Later that evening, when Eleanor arrived at Goodwin Manor to pick up her daughter, headlights swept across the driveway asn pulled in behind her.


    He got out and called over, "I''ll bring Evelyn out."


    Eleanor didn''t reply, but she also didn''t go inside, choosing instead to wait by the gate.


    A momentter,n led Evelyn over to her. The little girl bounced with excitement, "Daddy, are you and Mommying home together?"


    "Okay!" Evelyn scrambled into the back seat of Eleanor''s car.


    Eleanor drove her daughter home.


    On Saturday afternoon, Vivian called Eleanor and asked if Evelyn coulde over to y. Seeing how much her daughter wanted to spend time with Vivian, Eleanor instead invited Vivian to their house.


    Xavier was quick to agree and brought Vivian over a little whileter, along with a basket of fruit and some gifts.


    "Would you like some tea?" Eleanor offered as he came in.


    "I''d love that. It''s the perfect time for a break-if it''s not too much trouble," Xavier replied, his tone easy, a hint of rxation in his eyes.


    Eleanor poured him a cup and joined him at the table. The soft winter sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room.


    "I noticedst night that the CEO of Starnova Group seemed pretty interested in you,” Xavier said casually.


    Eleanor smiled. "He wants me to join hisb."


    "Are you considering it?" Xavier''s gaze sharpened, his interest unmistakable.


    She shook her head. "I chose Meridian Dynamics for a reason. I''m not leaving that easily."


    Xavier took a slow sip of tea. "I heardn''s investment in the Meridian Dynamics neurotech project has upset some of the Goodwin & Co. board. The follow-up funding might be affected."


    Eleanor frowned.


    Xavier offered a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry-he''ll handle it."


    She hadn''t realizedn''s decision would rile up the board, but that was his problem to solve. The project itself wouldn''t be affected this was a government- backed initiative. Even ifn couldn''t cover the full budget, there would be state support.


    "That''s his business, not mine," Eleanor said tly.


    Xavier paused, then nced upstairs as theughter of two little girls drifted down.


    "Sounds like those two are having a st."


    Eleanor smiled, a touch of warmth in her eyes. "They''re best friends already."


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen. "Excuse me, I need to take this."


    Xavier nodded, and Eleanor stepped outside-it was Simone, calling about the new medication.


    Rising to stretch his legs, Xavier wandered over to a wall crowded with photographs. Every picture was of Eleanor and her daughter, capturing moments from all stages of their lives. His eyes finallynded on a photo of Eleanor as a teenager, awkward and hopeful. His breath caught for a moment.


    If only, he thought, he''d met her when she was eighteen.


    Nearby, he noticed a set of recent ID photos-extras from a batch Eleanor must have taken for work. In the picture, her hair was pulled back, her features calm and lovely, a gentle smile on her lips.


    Xavier picked up one of the photos and studied it, then slipped it into his hand. Just then, Eleanor returned from her call, and Xavier, caught off-guard, stammered, "I''ve got to run. I''ll be back at six to pick up Vivian.”


    "She''s wee to stay for dinner," Eleanor offered.


    "Thank you, that''s very kind." Xavier''s eyes softened with a grateful smile.


    "It''s no trouble at all." Eleanor smiled back.


    As Xavier left, he slid into his car and opened his hand to look at the small photo.


    After a moment, he tucked it into a slot in his wallet, keeping it safe.