A hint of icy sarcasm curled Eleanor''s lips as she nced over her shoulder at the man behind her. "If I ever decide to get married again, you''ll be the first to know."


    With a soft chime, the elevator doors slid open onto the ground floor. Eleanor strode out without so much as a backward nce, leavingn''s once-suppressed cough echoing in the marble lobby.


    At noon, Eleanor pulled her car up in front of Vaughn Group. Today, Xavier was finally back at work.


    He looked much better than thest time she''d seen him. The cast was gone from his arm, though he still moved it a little stiffly.


    Eleanor stepped out and, before Xavier could react, opened his door for him. He looked surprised and slightly embarrassed. "I can still handle opening car doors, you know."


    She smiled, unbothered. "I promised I''d take care of you until you''re fully recovered. I keep my promises."


    As Xavier settled into the passenger seat, a faint trace of Eleanor''s perfume drifted in the air, making him smile without even realizing it.


    He''d already picked out a restaurant nearby. Ten minutester, Eleanor pulled into the parking lot, and when they walked into the restaurant, a waiter immediately approached with a warm greeting. "Mr. Vaughn, wee! Your table''s ready."


    Clearly, Xavier was a regr here; the staff recognized him instantly. Several waiters cast curious nces at Eleanor-they''d never seen Xavier bring such a young, beautiful woman with him before.


    "Ie here pretty often," Xavier exined as they sat down. "It''s close to the office, and the food''s just right."


    Eleanor nodded in agreement.


    "Weren''t you at Meridian Dynamics this morning?" Xavier asked, ncing at her over his ss of water.


    "I was at the Vesper Joy Hotel for an early meeting. Came straight from there," she replied.


    Xavier took a sip. "Hmm. Wasn there?"


    Eleanor looked up, meeting his gaze without hesitation. "He was."


    Xavier''s eyes darkened, his tone thoughtful. "Seems liken takes a special interest in all your business ventures."


    "He''s interested because he''s a shareholder too," Eleanor said, a flicker of irritation crossing her face.


    Xavier nodded. "Makes sense." He set his ss down, his expression softening as he looked at her. "Honestly, I wouldn''t have recovered this quickly if it weren''t for you. The doctor said I''m ahead of schedule."


    Eleanor smiled gently. "You got hurt because of me. Taking care of you was the least I could do. Besides, you''re my friend."


    "Just a friend?" Xavier''s voice was quiet, deeper than usual. "Eleanor, you know how I feel about you-"


    Maybe it was the mellow jazz in the background, or the way the midday sunlight filtered through the windows, but something about the moment made Xavier want to finally test the waters, to see if she felt the same.


    Eleanor''s gaze was calm, unwavering. "Xavier-"


    "I know what you''re worried about." He met her eyes evenly. "I''ll handlen. The gossip, the judgment, I''ll take it all. As long as you''re willing-I''ll protect you."


    If he and Eleanor got married, it would definitely raise eyebrows. Everyone knew about his long friendship withn, and the rumors would be relentless. Xavier knew she''d have to bear a lot.


    "I''m sorry," Eleanor said softly. "Right now, all my energy is focused on Evelyn and my work. I''m not thinking about rtionships."


    Disappointment flickered in Xavier''s eyes, but he quickly managed a smile. "That''s okay. I can wait."


    "Don''t." Eleanor''s voice was gentle but firm. "Don''t wait for me, Xavier. You deserve someone better. Don''t waste your time on me."