From now on, she''d start by simply being Xavier''s neighbor. Even if it meant just being his honorary little sister for the time being, that would do.


    At ten o''clock that night, Serena returned to Goodwin Manor.


    In the study.


    "You want to live at Cloudcrest Manor?"n looked up from his paperwork, his sharp gazending on Serena.


    She bit her lower lip, her cheeks tinged with red. "I just want a change of scenery, that''s all. Don''t you have a ce there that''s sitting empty?"


    "Serena, promise me you''ll stay out of trouble. I just need some peace and quiet," she pleaded. "You know how Grandmother is-she''s always lecturing me, and I just can''t help but argue back. It''d be better for both of us if I had my own space for a while, wouldn''t it?"


    He had to admit, he''d just heard Grandmother scolding Serena downstairs, and the olddy had stormed off to her room, fuming.


    "Fine. You can stay there for a few days."n nodded, then looked up to warn her, "But don''t bother the neighbors."


    Serena blinked. Did he mean Xavier?


    "Don''t worry! I''m not a kid anymore. I won''t bother anyone." Relief and excitement bubbled up in her chest-her brother had finally agreed.


    She realized she''d forgotten to ask whyn had bought a house in Cloudcrest Manor in the first ce. Then again, with his wealth, snapping up a new property was hardly worth a second thought.


    Starting tomorrow, she''d see Xavier every day. The thought alone made her giddy. There was no point running away. It was time to face things head-on.


    The next morning.


    Eleanor had received Xavier''s message the night before: the kids had arranged to ride to school together in his car.


    Eleanor agreed. She walked her daughter down to the parking garage, where Xavier''s car was already waiting beside her own.


    "Thank you for this," Eleanor said.


    Xavier''s lips curled in an easy smile. "It''s no trouble at all. As long as the kids are happy."


    She watched Xavier''s car pull away, preparing to head back upstairs. Just then, a sleek ck Rolls-Royce glided into the garage, expertly backing into the spot right next to hers.


    "Did Evelyn go to school with Xavier?"n had seen Xavier''s car earlier and realized Eleanor hadn''t driven her daughter herself.


    She kept walking toward the elevator, replying curtly, "Yes."


    The air in the elevator felt heavy, tension thickening the silence until the doors slid open.n strode out.


    Eleanor returned to her apartment, gathering her things for the day. When she stepped into the hallway,n was standing outside her door, a deep blue velvet box in his hand.


    He met her gaze and held out the box. "A bted birthday gift," he said in a low, even voice.


    Eleanor stepped back, her eyes cold. "I told you-I don''t want anything from you." "It''s for Evelyn," he said quietly, his eyes darkening. "Aing-of-age gift."


    She looked away. "Then give it to her when she''s grown up." Without another word, Eleanor brushed past him to leave.


    Butn caught her wrist, his grip gentle yet unyielding. "Keep it for her, just for now."