"Don''t worry. I''ll have someone keep an eye on the driver, and I''ll notify you right away if anything happens," Xavier assured her gently. Then, as an extra


    precaution, he added, “You should have Ellington''s team arrange some security for you these days."


    "I will. I''ll ask Ellington to bring in some guards," Eleanor agreed, deciding she''d rather be safe than sorry.


    For six straight days, Eleanor arrived on time each morning to look after Xavier. By the seventh day, when Xavier was scheduled for discharge, Eleanor pushed open his hospital room door and foundn and Henry already there, deep in conversation.


    All three men fell silent as she entered. Ian''s gaze lingered on her, his eyes dimming slightly.


    "Good morning, Eleanor," Henry greeted her.


    "Morning," she replied, ncing at him.


    "We''re here to see Xavier off," Henry exined. Eleanor nodded, setting the breakfast she''d brought on the bedside table before moving naturally to Xavier''s side. "Let me help you pack up."


    Xavier offered her a small, grateful smile. "You''ve been amazing these past few days. Thank you."


    "It''s the least I can do," Eleanor replied, then began gathering Xavier''s personal items-his toiletries, a book or two, the change of clothes his assistant had brought in. To anyone watching, she looked every bit the attentive wife.


    Henry took note of this, ncing over atn. Outwardly,n seemed unfazed, but if you looked closely, his eyes were dark and unreadable.


    Xavier hadn''t expected Eleanor''s care to be so thoughtful and meticulous. In truth, he felt a little uneasy about it. The more she drew clear boundaries and acted out of duty, the more it became obvious she saw him as someone to whom she owed a favor, nothing more.


    His feelings grewplicated as he watched her move around the room. "Eleanor, let Cain handle this. You should rest."


    She was folding Xavier''s clothes neatly onto the couch, slipping them into his overnight bag with efficient hands. "It''s fine, I''ve got it," she replied briskly.


    Henry scratched his nose awkwardly. At this point, he couldn''t quite figure out what was really happening between Eleanor and Xavier. She took such good care of him, but it all seemed like she was just repaying a debt-there was no warmth or affection.


    Just then, Xavier''s assistant pushed open the door. "Mr. Vaughn, all the paperwork''s done. You''re free to leave whenever you''re ready."


    "Cain, grab my bag, will you?" Xavier asked.


    Cain noticed Eleanor had already packed everything. He stepped forward, saying, "Miss Sutton, let me take it from here. You should rest."


    Xavier stood, his cast still secured with a sling, but he could move without much trouble.


    "Mr. Vaughn, the car''s waiting outside," Cain announced.


    The five of them made their way out of the room and down the elevator to the hospital entrance. Cain opened the car door for Xavier. "Mr. Vaughn, after you."


    Xavier turned to Eleanor. "Thank you for everything. Make sure you get some rest."


    Eleanor nodded. "If you need anything, just call me."


    But the more polite she was, the more Xavier felt a pang of disappointment. He turned ton and Henry. "You two should head home as well."


    Henry stepped forward. "Take care, all right? And if you need anything, just call, you know that."


    Xavier got into the car, and Cain pulled away smoothly. Henry scratched the back of his head. "Guess I''ll get going too."


    After Henry left, Eleanor lingered for a moment. Ian''s voice drifted over. "I''m picking up Evelyn today. You should take it easy."


    With that,n headed across the lot toward his ck Maybach, the sunlight glinting coldly off its surface-almost as cold and distant as its owner.


    He didn''t drive away right away. He waited until Eleanor''s car pulled out, then followed at a discreet distance.


    Eleanor didn''t go home. She''d made ns to meet Joy for lunch. At a stoplight,n''s car pulled up beside hers, but she didn''t notice the sleek ck vehicle shadowing her. She was too busy chatting with Joy on the phone.


    Listening to Joy recount a hrious story from her married life, Eleanor couldn''t help but smile.


    "Seriously?"


    "I swear! He just stuffed the present somewhere, and then had to go digging through our building''s trash cans to find it. You have no idea how ridiculous he looked."


    Eleanor burst outughing, her eyes crinkling with genuine delight, her whole demeanor light and carefree.


    From the Maybach next to her,n narrowed his eyes. It had been a long time since he''d seen Eleanorugh like that-so freely, so unguardedly. He found himself wondering who had put that smile on her face.


    Was it Xavier? Or was it Mansfield?