A little whileter, the same waiter from earlier brought Eleanor a ss of lemonade. She nced at it but didn''t reach for the ss.


    Throughout the entire meal, Eleanor never touched the lemonade. Ian clearly noticed, but his expression betrayed nothing.


    After dinner, Eleanor and York walked ahead, chatting amiably. York, having enjoyed a couple of drinks, announced he was heading to his room for a nap.


    "Mr. Windsor, have a good rest!" Eleanor called after him, watching as he disappeared down the hall. As she turned to head to her own room,n''s voice stopped her. "Eleanor."


    She paused without turning, her tone cool as she looked back over her shoulder. "What is it?"


    Eleanor''s expression turned icy. "I don''t need your advice."


    She was perfectly aware of the need for propriety at these events; she had no intention of giving anyone a reason to gossip about her and Mansfield.


    "I''m only looking out for you, that''s all. Nothing more,"n replied, his eyes fixed on her.


    He had his reasons. As long as Eleanor worked in hisb, her actions reflected on hispany''s reputation, whether she liked it or not.


    "Thank you for your concern." Her words were polite but cold. She opened her door and slipped inside, closing it firmly behind her.


    Goodwin Manor.


    It was three in the afternoon when Serena returned home. As she stepped into the foyer, she was startled by the sound of her niece Evelyn''sughter echoing from the living room. Evelyn was back?


    Serena walked in and spotted Evelyn, a little whirlwind of energy, darting around the room like a butterfly.


    "Evelyn, your aunt''s home!" Serena called.


    "Aunt Serena!" Evelyn chirped, waving a little hand in greeting.


    Serena set her things down and swept the child up into her arms, holding her close. "Did you miss me?" she asked, gazing at her affectionately.


    Evelyn was a clever child. She nodded vigorously. "Of course I did!"


    "Come on, let''s go to my room. I have a present for you," Serena said, remembering the gift she''d bought and left tucked away for just such an asion.


    But before handing over the present, she had a few questions in mind.


    Taking Evelyn''s hand, Serena led her upstairs. Once inside her room, she pulled Evelyn close and noticed how much the girl had grown-taller and more mature than before.


    "Evelyn, tell me, did you have fun skiing this time?"


    "It was great!" Evelyn beamed.


    Serena pressed a little further, "And did your dad teach your mom how to ski?" She hadn''t been there herself and was dying to know whether Eleanor had been pestering her brother for lessons.


    Evelyn thought for a moment, nodding. "Mom fell a few times, so then Dad helped her."


    She was telling the truth.


    Serena felt a wave of irritation. Just as she''d suspected, Eleanor was trying to


    cozy up to her brother whenever she got the chance.


    "And what about Mr. Vaughn? Did he teach your mom?"


    "Mr. Vaughn was teaching Vivian. She didn''t know how to ski."


    "So after your dad came back, did you all go to Fairytale Meadows? How did your mom get along with Mr. Vaughn there?"


    Evelyn answered honestly, "They got along really well! Mr. Vaughn bought us all sorts of gifts."


    Serena couldn''t resist probing further. "Evelyn, would you like it if Mr. Vaughn became your uncle one day?"


    Evelyn blinked, a little confused. "Uncle? You mean...?"


    "It means he''d be my husband. You''d call him Uncle."


    "Oh! Are you going to marry Mr. Vaughn, Aunt Serena?" Evelyn asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.


    “One day, absolutely," Serena said with augh, tapping Evelyn''s nose yfully.