Naomi lingered nearby, her gaze following Eleanor as she disappeared into the grand lobby. Unable to contain her curiosity, she leaned closer to Faye and whispered, "Faye, who was that who dropped Eleanor off just now?"


    Whoever he was, he drove a luxury car and looked like he''d stepped out of a magazine.


    "That''s Xavier," Faye replied offhandedly. "CEO of Vaughn Shipping."


    Naomi''s eyes widened in silent astonishment. She never imagined that even Eleanor''s casual dinnerpanions would be people of such wealth and status. She couldn''t help but press on, her tone turning conspiratorial, "Wait-don''t tell me Eleanor''s seeing him?"


    Faye let out a dryugh. "You''re giving Eleanor too much credit. Xavier''s practically Mr. Goodwin''s brother-they grew up together. You really think he''d be interested in his best friend''s ex-wife?"


    That made sense. A man like Xavier could have any woman he wanted-why would he go there?


    Goodwin Manor.


    Serena checked her reflection in the hallway mirror, ran a hand through her hair, and headed for the door. Gina called after her, "Where are you off to?"


    "To Vanessa''s," Serena replied, grabbing her keys. Vanessa had just gotten back from Kingston.


    "Why do you keep bothering her?" Gina asked with a frown.


    Serena rolled her eyes. "I''m not bothering her!n just texted and asked me to check on her, okay?"


    Gina blinked in surprise. She hadn''t expected her son to be so invested in Vanessa''s well-being.


    "Alright, Mom, I''m heading out," Serena said, already moving towards the garage.


    Gina watched her daughter back the car out of the driveway, a sigh escaping her lips. Wasn really this concerned about Vanessa, or was there something else going on?


    A sudden tightness gripped Gina''s chest. She pressed a hand to her heart, feeling that familiar wave of fatigue and difort wash over her.


    It was that time of year again.


    "Ma''am, are you alright?" One of the maids rushed over, steadying her.


    "Help me to my room. I just need to lie down for a bit," Gina murmured.


    Serena''s drive to Vanessa''s ce was quick. She stepped into the cozy living room and found Vanessa curled up on the sofa, wrapped in a nket, while her assistant tidied up nearby.


    "Vanessa, are you okay?" Serena asked, concern softening her voice as she hurried over.


    "It''s nothing," Vanessa replied, stifling a cough. "Serena, what did your brother say?"


    "Not much. He just asked if I coulde over and look after you," Serena said. Her brother might seem cold and distant, but deep down, he really did care about Vanessa.


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Vanessa''s face. "Is that so? He must be busy."


    "He is," Serena confirmed. "He''s barely had a moment to himselftely. But whenever he can''t be here, I''ll take his ce. Got it?"


    Vanessa''s lips curved into a gentle smile. "Thank you, Serena. You''re so thoughtful."


    "This is the least I can do—after all, you mean the world to my brother," Serena said with a grin, pouring her a ss of water. "Besides, I''ve got nothing better to do right now. Taking care of you is my top priority."


    Vanessa epted the water, her expression momentarily clouded by something Serena couldn''t quite ce. "Thank you. Sorry to trouble you."


    "You''re not trouble at all! And trust me, my brother definitely still cares about you," Serena insisted, settling in beside her. "He''s just been swamped. He barely evenes home these days."


    Vanessa''s hand paused mid-sip. She looked up. "He''s hardly at Goodwin Manor?"


    Serena blinked, suddenly realizing it had been three days since she''dst seen her brother at home.


    Vanessa''s eyes dimmed further. "I suppose he''s been staying at Cloudcrest Manor then."


    Serena caught the shift in her mood and immediately guessed the reason. Was Vanessa worriedn was rekindling things with Eleanor?


    She scooted closer, looping her arm through Vanessa''s and speaking with certainty. "Vanessa, don''t even let that cross your mind. My brother would never get back together with Eleanor. He''s probably just missing Evelyn."


    Vanessa lowered her gaze, tracing the rim of her ss with a fingertip. “Butn has been acting differentlytely."


    She hesitated, then looked up. "While he was in Kingston, he spent nearly all his time with Eleanor."


    "What? You mean he didn''t see you at all while he was there?" Serena asked, incredulous.


    "He only came with me to the hospital for a quick check-up, then he left," Vanessa answered, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Serena quickly tried to exin. "Vanessa, you''ve got it all wrong. My brother and Eleanor are tied together by work. Of course they''re going to cross paths."


    Ifn ever considered getting back with Eleanor, Serena would be the first to object-her dislike for Eleanor ran bone-deep. Just thinking about that time Eleanor embarrassed her in front of Evelyn made her blood boil, andn''s reaction afterwards only made her angrier. No way was she going to mention that to Vanessa, though.


    Seeing Vanessa''s downcast expression, Serena squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Listen, Vanessa. I''d stake my life on this-my brother only has eyes for you. As for Eleanor-" Serena snorted in disdain, "She''s just clinging to him because of work. Nothing more."


    Vanessa offered a faint smile. "You don''t have to worry about me. I know how your brother feels."


    "I''m d you see it that way," Serena replied, relieved. "Don''t let Eleanor''s little games get to you. There''s no reason to let her get under your skin."


    Truth was, Serena worried that Vanessa might start overthinking things. Withn always busy and an ex-wife still working at hisb, anyone would start to feel insecure.