Eleanor lifted her teacup, took a sip of water, and said quietly, "Let''s not talk about this anymore."


    She knew Xavier was just trying to stand up for her, but Serena wasn''s sister, and their mothers were old friends. Eleanor didn''t want Xavier caught between her and Serena, nor did she want to stir up trouble between the two families.


    "Xavier, just let it go," she said calmly. "Honestly, it doesn''t bother me."


    Xavier could tell he''d guessed right-it was obvious Serena thought Eleanor was still chasing aftern, which exined the smug photos she''d sent as a warning. The thought made his jaw clench in frustration. Serena was so spoiled.


    He nced at Eleanor across the table. If she''d just let him define their rtionship, he would never have tolerated the Goodwin family treating her this way. But he also worried that meddling too much would only make things harder for her.


    After dinner, they parted ways. Eleanor had to get back to herb, and as Xavier was heading out, his phone buzzed. It was Henry.


    He nced at the screen and answered, "Henry?"


    "I''m at the café on the third floor. Want toe up and talk?" Henry''s voice came through the line.


    "You''re still here?" Xavier sounded surprised.


    "Juste up," Henry replied, then hung up.


    Xavier checked his watch-still early. He made his way to the elevators.


    The café was quiet, sunlight streaming through the windows. Henry sat alone at a corner table, and Xavier joined him. Henry pushed a ck coffee across the table.


    "I saw you and Eleanor having dinner earlier,” Henry said, a teasing glint in his eye. "How''s it going with you two?"


    Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Since when are you so nosy?"


    "I''m not nosy," Henry protested, shaking his head with a smile. "Just concerned. You''ve seen the wayn looks at Eleanortely."


    Xavier took a sip of coffee. "They''re divorced." Then he shot back, "What about you and Miss Shannon?"


    Henry looked caught off guard. He turned to stare out the window. "We''re just friends."


    "My mom said your aunt set you up with someone new. Did you meet her?" Xavier asked, his tone light.


    Henry drummed his fingers on his coffee cup and gave a wry smile. "My aunt insisted. I met herst week."


    "And?" Xavier pressed, genuinely curious.


    "That''s it. Nothing else to tell.” Henry shook his head, then fixed Xavier with a searching look. "But you are you really thinking about starting something with Eleanor?"


    Xavier''s expression turned serious. "That depends on what Eleanor wants." Henry frowned. "You''re awfully patient. What if she''s interested in someone else?"


    Xavier set down his cup. "Love isn''t a business deal. Eleanor just got out of a marriage-I don''t want to pressure her. If she finds someone better, I''ll wish her well." He gazed out the window. "Besides, I''m not convincedn truly wants her back."


    "Oh?" Henry arched an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"


    "If he really wanted to win her over,n wouldn''t be sitting on his hands. He wouldn''t just let me pursue her. He''s only interested in her talent."


    Henry''s eyes darkened. "So,n doesn''t want Eleanor to rush into another


    marriage. He''d rather see her dedicate herself to her research than get tied down again." He gave a thoughtful nod. "You''re not wrong. Ian''s always had a controlling streak."


    Xavier didn''t reply. He traced the rim of his cup absentmindedly, then murmured, "I don''t like the wayn tries to run Eleanor''s life."