Director Lamont, of course, knew exactly who Xavier was. With a jovial chuckle, he said, "Oh! My mistake. I didn''t realize Dr. Sutton doesn''t drink. I''ll have someone bring you some juice right away."


    Eleanor felt a surge of gratitude as Xavier shielded her from the wine. Across the table, Byron silently breathed a sigh of relief.


    If Xavier hadn''t stepped in, Byron knew the responsibility would have fallen on him to look out for Eleanor on Mr. Goodwin''s behalf.


    Just then, Byron''s phone buzzed. He nced at the screen, but when he saw who was calling, his expression sobered. He excused himself and moved to a quiet corner of the restaurant to answer.


    "Did the ribbon-cutting go smoothly?"n''s voice came through.


    Byron replied quickly, "Yes, Mr. Goodwin, everything went well. We''re having dinner now."


    "Eleanor''s there too?"


    "She is. And Mr. Vaughn''s with us as well," Byron added, unable to resist mentioning Xavier. He hesitated, then continued, "Mr. Vaughn just helped Eleanor out with a drink, actually."


    They chatted briefly about Starnova Group business beforen closed the call with a simple directive: "Keep an eye on Eleanor for me."


    The meaning behind those words was crystal clear to Byron. "Understood, Mr. Goodwin. You can count on me."


    Back at the table, Director Lamont-clearly a seasoned drinker-had a way of coaxing every man present into joining him for a toast. Even Byron couldn''t refuse, downing three sses in quick session. Xavier, too, had already polished off two. As the meal progressed, Lamont switched from beer to whiskey.


    For reasons he couldn''t quite exin, Xavier didn''t dodge the next round. Instead, he tossed back three shots of whiskey in a row, his movements so brisk and unhesitating that even Byron was impressed.


    Eleanor noticed the faint flush rising in Xavier''s cheeks. At this pace, he was bound to get drunk.


    She leaned over and whispered, "Xavier, that''s enough."


    He turned to her with a faint, easy smile. "Don''t worry. I can hold my liquor."


    Watching this unfold, Byron couldn''t help but think-Xavier''s doing this on purpose, isn''t he? Trying to get himself drunk so Eleanor will have to look after him? Not a bad strategy, he had to admit.


    By the end of dinner, Xavier had mixed beer and whiskey, and though he still appearedposed, he was definitely moving slower than usual as they stood to leave.


    Eleanor asked, "Did you drive here? Do you want me to call you a cab?" "Eleanor, could I trouble you to take me home?" Xavier rubbed his forehead, clearly feeling the effects of the alcohol and looking slightly ufortable. Byron was nearby, exchanging a knowing nce with Xavier-one Eleanor seemed oblivious to. As a man, Byron understood exactly what Xavier was up to.


    "Eleanor, the Starnova reps have a meeting at the office this afternoon. How about I have Laird drive Mr. Vaughn home, and I''ll ride with you back to thepany?" Byron offered smoothly.


    Eleanor nodded, turning to Xavier. "I''ll get VP Chase''s assistant to take you home so you can rest. I have a meeting after lunch."


    "No need," Xavier replied, massaging his temples, his voice a little rougher than usual. “I''ll stay here until I sober up. I''ll have my assistant pick me up.”


    As he spoke, Xavier shot Byron a brief nce, then headed for a nearby sofa and sat down heavily, closing his eyes to rest.


    Seeing how unwell he looked, Eleanor fetched a bottle of room-temperature spring water and walked over. "Drink some water. It''ll help.”


    Xavier had thought she''d left, so when he opened his eyes and saw her offering the water, he gave her a small, unguarded smile-a little softer, a little more genuine than usual, the alcohol loosening his reserve. "Thank you, Eleanor. I appreciate it. I''m actually happy tonight."


    "You really drank too much," Eleanor said.


    "It was worth it," Xavier replied with a slightugh. Then, more softly, he added, "If


    it means you''ll show you care, getting drunk is worth it."


    Eleanor blinked, only now realizing Xavier had done it on purpose. She frowned lightly. "Don''t do it again. Your health matters."


    With that, she stood up and walked over to Byron, who followed her out of the restaurant.


    In the parking lot, Eleanor turned to him. "VP Chase, I don''t remember any meetings with Starnova scheduled for today."


    Byron looked a little sheepish. "Eleanor, honestly, with Mr. Vaughn that drunk, it really wouldn''t be appropriate for you to take him home."


    Given her friendship with Xavier, it wouldn''t have been a problem for Eleanor to drive him, but she preferred to keep some distance between them.


    "I''m heading to theb. You go back to the office," she said.


    Byron nodded, watching as Eleanor got in her car and drove off. He couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief—at least Eleanor hadn''t realizedn had called him earlier, asking him to keep an eye on her.