There was a heavy pause on the other end of the line beforen''s raspy voice broke through. "What did Serena say to Evelyn?"


    Eleanor didn''t bother to hide her irritation. "You have a mouth, don''t you? Why don''t you ask her yourself?" With that, she hung up.


    Only after ending the call did Eleanor finally let out a shaky breath.


    At that moment,n was still at the Goodwin & Co. offices. He''d been in meetings since morning, and fatigue was etched across his features. Yet all signs of exhaustion vanished as he picked up his phone and dialed Serena''s number.


    It rang, but she didn''t answer.


    When the first call went unanswered, he called again. Still, no luck.


    He shrugged on his suit jacket from the sofa, striding out of his office. Stopping by Gavin''s door, he rapped once. "Drive me home. Now."


    Gavin grabbed the car keys without a word and followed him out.


    Serena was, in fact, hiding at home. She''d just endured a lecture from their mother and had retreated to her room, desperate for some peace and quiet. But before she could collect herself, her brother''s number shed on her screen. Twice.


    She panicked and refused to answer. She already knew why he was calling— something about Xavier, no doubt. She hadn''t meant anything by her offhandments to Evelyn, but somehow, everything had blown up and left her wishing she could disappear.


    She was mortified beyond belief, especially knowing her words had gotten back to Xavier. The shame was almost suffocating.


    What must Xavier think of her now? Did he see her as desperate? Ridiculous?


    As dinnertime approached,n''s tall figure strode through the front doors of Goodwin Manor. Gina spotted her son''s stormy expression instantly and stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "Enough. I''ve already spoken to Serena about this. She''s embarrassed herself enough, so don''t go yelling at her."


    "What exactly did she say to Evelyn?"n''s eyes narrowed as he looked at his mother.


    Gina hesitated, then replied, "She just... told Evelyn she''d like Xavier to be her uncle one day."


    Gina looked puzzled. "And nothing. That''s all there is to it, isn''t it?"


    "Evelyn''s just a child," Gina sighed. "But saying something like that in front of Xavier and Eleanor... I was embarrassed myself. No matter how much Serena likes Xavier, she shouldn''t have put Evelyn up to that."


    He tossed his jacket onto the sofa and marched upstairs, stopping in front of


    Serena''s bedroom. He knocked sharply. "Serena. Open the door."


    Her muffled voice came from inside. "I know I messed up,n. Please... don''t yell at me."


    "Open the door," Ianmanded, his tone brooking no argument.


    Serena dared not disobey. She cracked the door open, peering out at her stern older brother. "I swear, it just slipped out. I didn''t mean anything by it—"


    He knew Eleanor too well-there had to be more to her anger than this.


    Serena hesitated, her eyes darting guiltily. Over the past few days, she''d chatted with her niece about all sorts of things.


    "N-nothing else. Really."


    But she couldn''t quite meet his gaze.


    “Think again.” Ian''s voice was tight with frustration. "What did you tell Evelyn?"


    He was determined to get to the bottom of Eleanor''s fury.


    "Who called you,n? Was it Xavier? Is he mad at me?" Serena''s cheeks flushed bright red. The shame was overwhelming.


    "It wasn''t Xavier." Ian''s tone was steely. "What exactly have you been telling Evelyn?"


    If it wasn''t Xavier, then it had to be Eleanor, Serena realized her stomach dropping as the truth dawned. What could Eleanor be so upset about? Then it hit her, and the color drained from her face.


    "I... I didn''t mean to. I just told Evelyn that Vanessa would be her new mom someday."


    Serena recoiled, her voice trembling. "It was just a joke! I-I didn''t mean it."


    But the look inn''s eyes made her realize just how much damage her words had done. Hot tears slid down her cheeks. "I''m sorry,n. I really am."


    "That''s not a joke you get to make. Evelyn''s only six."n''s voice was harsh with anger. Atst, he understood the full reason for Eleanor''s outrage.


    "I know. I know I was wrong," Serena stammered, "but it''s just-Vanessa''s going to-"


    "Enough."n cut her off sharply. "From now on, you''re not to go near Evelyn unless I say so. Understood?"


    Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked out.