Through the rearview mirror,n caught the look of astonishment on her face. A small smile yed on his lips, pleased with her reaction.


    "Xavier and I grew up together. I wouldn''t abandon him in his time of need," he said, casually discussing a situation that required top-tier diplomatic intervention as if it were nothing more than the weather.


    Eleanor was truly shocked. She never imaginedn would go to such lengths for Xavier. The cost and the political capital involved went far beyond a simple deration of friendship. But whatever his motives, the fact that he was willing to help was a good thing.


    Just then, the car pulled up to the entrance of Cloudcrest Manor. "Mommy, we''re home!" Evelyn''s voice chirped.


    Eleanor shook herself from her thoughts. "Alright, you two go on. I''m heading inside."


    After getting out of the car, she started walking toward theplex. The ck Maybach didn''t drive away immediately. From the driver''s seat,n''s eyes followed her graceful figure, his hand unconsciously stroking the steering wheel, a storm of emotions in his eyes. He was brought back to reality by a small voice.


    "Daddy! Aren''t we going?" Evelyn called out from the back seat.


    The Maybach finally pulled away and headed toward the nearby mall.


    As Eleanor walked home, her thoughts were in turmoil. Ifn hadn''t told her, she would have had no idea about the massive trouble Xavier was in. Even now, she didn''t know how much progress he had made. She pulled out her phone and checked the news. The top business story was about Vaughn Shipping.


    [Multiple Vaughn Shipping Cargo Ships Seized, Stock Poised for a Nosedive as Group Faces Potentially Crippling Lawsuits.]


    She read the article carefully, her heart sinking. Ian had severely understated the situation. This wasn''t just "trouble"—if mishandled, it could bankrupt the entire Vaughn Group.


    She found Xavier''s number in her contacts and, after a moment''s hesitation, sent him a message. "Xavier, just saw the news. How are things on your end?" She didn''t expect a?t immediate reply, knowing how busy he must be. A phone call felt too intrusive.


    "Don''t worry, I can handle it. It''ll just take some time. Don''t worry about me."


    His reply was deliberately vague, clearly trying to shield her from worry.


    "Take care of yourself over there. If you need anything at all, please let me know," she typed back.


    "I will. Thanks for your concern," he replied, followed by another message. "Once this is all sorted out, I''ll take you to dinner."


    Eleanor''s breath hitched. He was trying so hard to reassure her. "Okay. When you get back, it''s my treat."


    "Deal. I''ll be back as soon as I can."


    "You should get back to work. I won''t bother you."


    "Okay. You take care of yourself too."


    Walking under the green canopy of the trees in herplex, Eleanor''s heart felt heavy. The brutality of the business world and theplexities of intemational politics were beyond herprehension, but she could imagine the immense pressure Xavier was under. In that moment, she truly hopedn would help him.


    At two-thirty,n returned with Evelyn, their arms full of school supplies After Evelyn ran off to yn stood in the doorway, looking at Eleanor. His throat felt dry. "May Ie in for a ss of water?"