Around eleven o''clock, after two and a half long hours, the meeting finally drew to a close.


    The host invited all the guests and journalists to head to the buffet area, where lunch was being served.


    As Eleanor stood and reached for her purse, Xavier turned to her. "I made a lunch reservation-care to join me?"


    She looked at him, surprised. "When did you manage to book a table?"


    "I had my assistant do it. It''s just across the street," Xavier replied with a friendly smile. “Not that the hotel buffet isn''t good, but it''s packed today."


    Eleanor considered this for a moment. The crowd was indeed overwhelming. She nodded. "Alright."


    By the exit,n was seeing off Principal Maxwell and Mayor Ellington, who were getting ready to leave.


    n, don''t forget to give me a call next time you''re in Kingston. Lunch is on me," Principal Maxwell said, givingn''s shoulder a warm pat, a look of genuine approval in his eyes.


    "I will, absolutely. Safe travels, Principal Maxwell." Ian watched them go, and as he turned back, he caught sight of Xavier and Eleanor approaching together.


    Xavier was being the perfect gentleman, steering Eleanor gently away from the throng, both of themughing and chatting easily.


    "Mr. Goodwin, about the press-" Gavin approached, seeking direction.


    "Let them eat first,"n interrupted. "I''lle byter."


    With that, he adjusted the cuffs of his suit and started toward Xavier and Eleanor.


    Xavier noticed him first and called out, n, I''m taking Eleanor to lunch across the street. Let''s catch upter."


    Before Xavier could answer, Eleanor declined coolly. "That won''t be necessary." She turned to Xavier. "Let''s go."


    eat."


    Xavier smiled gently. "Another time,n. Eleanor''s hungry."


    A flicker of frustration passed throughn''s eyes, but he managed a gracious nod. "Of course. Enjoy your lunch."


    He watched Eleanor walk away, then slipped off his sses and tucked them neatly into the breast pocket of his suit.


    Without the sses,n''s entire demeanor shifted—his sharp gaze was suddenly piercing, giving off an air of quiet authority that seemed to fill the space around him. He loosened his tie, radiating amanding presence that made people instinctively step aside.


    Two staff members hurried past, barely daring to breathe in his presence.


    Gavin, watching from the side, thought to himself that this was the realn-the one with the intimidating aura. The sses just made him seem too approachable.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor and Xavier crossed the street to the restaurant. Over sses of sparkling water with lemon, they discussed the foundation''s ns for the next three years. Eleanor swirled her drink thoughtfully, scrolling through a freshly received email on her phone.


    "Goodwin & Co.''s children''s health initiative is truly meaningful," she said. "Especially for kids with leukemia in remote areas-early screening and treatment could make a huge difference."


    Xavier admired her professional focus. "Absolutely. Ian''s yed a major role in this project."


    Eleanor nced at him, her tone businesslike. "Once his foundation is running, estimates show they''ll be able to help thirty percent more children."


    Xavier nodded, and after a while their food arrived. The conversation shifted to lighter topics,ughter mixing with the clinking of cutlery and soft chatter from nearby tables.


    Halfway through the meal, something seemed to cross Xavier''s mind. He remembered seeing Eleanor delete a photo earlier. Curiosity got the better of him.


    "Eleanor, I noticed you deleted a picture earlier. Who sent it to you?"


    Eleanor paused mid-bite, then shook her head. "Just a pointless message. Nothing important."


    But Xavier caught a fleeting chill in her eyes. He frowned slightly. "Was it Serena?"