"She also suggested we get a rabbit or a hamster," Xavier said, his eyes softening at the mention of his niece.
Maybe it was because they both had kids around the same age-sometimes, their concerns seemed to mirror each other.
"If you want something quiet, I think a cat is a good choice," Eleanor offered. She''d always wanted one herself, but now that Princess was at home, she barely had time for another pet, so she''d put the idea aside.
"Alright, I''ll take her to pick out a kitten one of these days, let her learn how to take care of a pet herself," Xavier nodded.
Just then, Ellington knocked and stepped into the room.
"Ms. Sutton, the folks from Goodwin & Co. have arrived. They need you to check over the agenda."
Eleanor frowned slightly. Wasn really here this early?
"Mr. Goodwin is in Suite One," Ellington added.
"I''ll head over now." Eleanor grabbed her bag and rose from her seat.
When she reached Suite One, the door was open and voices drifted out. Eleanor stepped inside.n was standing at the table, leaning over some documents. His gold-rimmed sses had slipped down his nose, and he pushed them up with a practiced, elegant motion.
The foundation manager was beside him, giving a progress report.
"Ms. Sutton has arrived," Gavin announced promptly.
He took off his sses and carefully folded them, slipping them into his breast pocket. Clearly, they were just for show-he wasn''t actually nearsighted.
Gavin couldn''t help being surprised. Mr. Goodwin''s eyesight was legendary, sharp as a hawk''s, yet today he''d shown up in sses. Still, they did give him a certain distinguished charm.
"Dr. Sutton."n''s voice was low and smooth. "Perfect timing."
She didn''t mind the formal address in public.
"This is thetest schedule-let me know if you see any issues."n handed her a printout.
Eleanor took it and quickly scanned the presentation times. Satisfied, she turned to leave. Behind her,n frowned.
He''d overheard Ellington mention Eleanor and Xavier in Suite Three earlier. Was she in such a hurry to get back to Xavier?
As Eleanor left the suite, she ran into York. She greeted him with a smile. "Mr. Windsor, you''re here."
York was one of the key guests. "I heard Goodwin & Co. is developing three consumer products?"
"That''s right. We''re already assembling the R&D team."
York nodded. "Brainputer research is still in its infancy. The investment will be huge, so it makes sense forn to branch into consumer products early. It''ll help ensure there''s enough funding, and it could really benefit healthcare for the public. It''s a win-win."
"Exactly," Eleanor agreed. "Mr. Windsor, why don''t you rx in Suite Three? We still have half an hour before the meeting starts."
"I''m waiting for a colleague-no need to fuss over me," York said easily.
Eleanor nodded and headed back to Suite Three. Xavier looked up as she entered, taking a sip from his teacup. "All done?"
"Yeah, just confirming the schedule." As Eleanor sat down, Xavier''s phone buzzed. He nced at the screen. "Henry''s here, too."
Eleanor''s expression cooled a little.
Xavier noticed and set his phone on the table without replying to Henry''s message.
Henry was close to Vanessa, and Eleanor didn''t like him much.
"Do you know much about cats? Any rmendations for a good breed?" Xavier shifted the conversation to lighter ground.
Eleanor considered. "I''m not sure what kind of cat Vivian would like, but British Shorthairs are lovely-they''re gentle and easygoing."
"Got it. I''ll take Vivian to the pet shop soon," Xavier said, making a mental note.
In the parking lot of the Vesper Joy Hotel, luxury cars were pulling in one after another. Henry sat waiting on the lobby sofa, a frown creasing his brow. Why hadn''t Xavier replied to his message? Hadn''t he said he''d be arriving early?
Just then, Henry''s phone rang. His face lit up. "Vanessa, are you here?"
"I''m in the car with Serena-we''ll be there in ten minutes."