It was as if she absolutely needed to know whethern had given Vanessa a


    Christmas gift.


    "So, it''s Christmas-did Mr. Goodwin get you anything?" she asked, ncing at Vanessa.


    "Why? Did you get a present?"


    "No, just curious."


    "If I get one, I''ll send you a phototer," Vanessa replied.


    "Alright! I bet Mr. Goodwin''s got something nned for you."


    "Let''s grab lunch together sometime in the next couple days," Vanessa said.


    "Sure!"


    Half an hourter, Faye was scrolling through Vanessa''s social feed when she saw a new post: a gorgeous bouquet and a delicate, sparkling bracelet. The caption read simply, "Thank you, I love it."


    One look at the photo and message was all it took for Faye to know these were fromn. She''d known all along thatn wouldn''t forget Vanessa-not even if the gift came a littlete. Her mind was suddenly at ease. There was no wayn would send a Christmas present to Eleanor. If he was giving gifts, it would only be to the woman he cared about.


    As for Eleanor, at most, she andn were boss and employee. Nothing more.


    Goodwin & Co.


    The morning sun glinted off the building''s dark ss facade, casting dazzling patterns across the lobby.


    Gavin took a look: it was a limited-edition Disney princess castle building set. He nodded. "Of course, Mr. Goodwin. I''ll handle it."


    "Wait."n called him back.


    "Yes, Mr. Goodwin?"


    Gavin hesitated, then asked, "Mr. Goodwin, were you thinking of preparing something for Miss Sutton as well?"


    "She wouldn''t ept it."n''s eyes lowered, a shadow flickering across his face.


    Gavin understood instantly. Giving a gift that would be refused would only make things more awkward. Sometimes, not giving was the better choice.


    At noon, Gavin ced the carefully wrapped limited-edition box onn''s desk. On a day like this, the only gift that mattered was the one a father gave his daughter.


    Whenn returned after a meeting, he saw the elegantly wrapped present and couldn''t help but smile. He was sure his daughter would love it. At her age, with her quick mind, she was more than ready for this kind of toy.


    Maybe it was a father''s pride, but he never doubted Evelyn would inherit his intelligence and talent.


    Later, in theb at lunchtime, Eleanor and Joel finished discussing a work problem. Suddenly, Joel remembered something, opened a drawer, and handed Eleanor a small figurine. "Just picked this up on a whim-hope you like it."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Joel, I didn''t get you anything."


    Heughed. "Then just take me out for lunch another day. This little guy isn''t worth a whole meal anyway."


    Eleanor grinned, epting the gift. "Deal. Lunch it is."


    The atmosphere between them was easy, like old friends or siblings. Outside theb window, Faye walked by. Seeing Eleanor with a present in her hands, Faye paused, a surge of jealousy catching her off guard. Even Joel had thought to surprise Eleanor.


    Gwenda''s words echoed in her mind: Who did she have to exchange gifts with?


    People assumed she had everything-looks, money, the life of a trust fund kid. But the truth was, she spent her days in theb, and admirers were few and far between. Or rather, they existed, but none caught her interest. The ordinary ones never got close; her cool, distant air sent them running.


    Men like Joel, talented and charming, only had eyes for women even more exceptional-like Eleanor. There was nothing Faye could do to change that.


    After work, Eleanor was grabbing her bag when she noticed a bouquet and a gift box on the couch. She picked them up and headed out.


    When she arrived at Evelyn''s school, the nanny was just leaving with another child and greeted Eleanor warmly before heading off.


    Eleanor picked up her daughter, then stopped by a nearby shop to choose a Christmas gift for her. In the car, Evelyn eyed the flowers curiously.


    "Mommy, who gave you those flowers?"


    Eleanor met her daughter''s innocent gaze and answered truthfully, "Mr. Vaughn gave them to me."


    "Did Daddy get you flowers too?" Evelyn pressed.


    Eleanor''s hands tightened on the steering wheel. She quickly changed the subject. "Do you like the present Mommy got for you?"


    "I love it!" Evelyn beamed, instantly distracted.


    Eleanor drove into the underground garage, parked, and waited for Evelyn to climb out. She was holding the bouquet and the gift box, waiting by the car.


    Suddenly, the door of a nearby ck Mercedes opened, startling Eleanor. She turned and realized she''d parked besiden''s spot-and his car was here.


    Evelyn hopped out and spotted her father. Her face lit up. "Daddy! What are you doing here?"


    Evelyn noticed and piped up, "That''s from Mr. Vaughn. He gave Mommy those flowers."


    "Daddy, did you get Mommy a present too?" Evelyn asked, looking up at him expectantly.