"Eleanor," Xavier''s voice was gentle as he looked at her, then at his mother''s tear- streaked face. He took off his jacket and sat down. Mrs. Vaughn asked anxiously, "Xavier, how did it go?"


    "Their position is firm. I''ve hired awyer, and we''re preparing to take legal action," Xavier said, rubbing his brow. Hispany had just weathered a crisis, and now his personal life was presenting him with another major challenge.


    Eleanor looked at Xavier sincerely. "If there''s anything I can do to help, please don''t hesitate to ask."


    She wasn''t sure what she could do, but she wanted him to know she would help in any way she could.


    Xavier gave her a grateful look. "Thank you." He didn''t want to worry her. "I''ve spoken with a topwyer who specializes in international custody disputes. He says we have a strong case, but it will take some time to go through the process." A glimmer of hope appeared in Mrs. Vaughn''s eyes. Her anxiety had made her emotional, but hearing this news from her son brought some relief.


    "Eleanor," Mrs. Vaughn said, turning to her. "Xavier hasn''t had a proper meal in ages. The children can stay here with me. Would you mind taking him out to the restaurant across the street for dinner?"


    Eleanor was surprised, but she knew Mrs. Vaughn was an experienced caregiver and trusted her with her daughter. She looked at Xavier. "Alright, my treat." Then she added, "Mrs. Vaughn, why don''t we all go together with the kids?"


    Mrs. Vaughn smiled. "No, no, the children are too noisy. You two go and have a nice, quiet meal."


    Her intentions were clear: she just wanted Eleanor to spend some time with her son and help him de-stress.


    Eleanor didn''t insist. "Okay, then. I''ll take Xavier out for a quick dinner."


    "Go on. And please make sure he eats," Mrs. Vaughn said, her mood brightening considerably.


    Xavier looked at his mother''s arrangement, feeling it was putting Eleanor in an awkward position. He stood up. "Mom, you''re putting Eleanor on the spot-"


    Eleanor smiled. "It''s no trouble at all. It''s my treat."


    A flicker of surprised delight lit up Xavier''s eyes. He had been longing for an opportunity like this.


    "Okay," he said, grabbing his suit jacket as they headed out the door together.


    There were several high-end


    restaurants across from Cloudcrest


    Manor, catering to the wealthy residents of the area They didn''t


    need to drive; it was just a short walk. After a brief discussion they chose one and headed over.


    As they entered the main dining hall, Eleanor nced toward the floor-to-ceiling


    windows and her eyes unexpectedly met a pair of shocked,plex ones.


    were seated at a table by the window, with several documents spread out before them. They appeared to be having a business dinner.


    As their eyes locked, Xavier sawn too, clearly surprised.


    "A table for two in the main hall, or would you prefer a private room? We have


    small booths avable," a waiter greeted them warmly.


    Eleanor pulled her gaze away fromn and smiled at the waiter. "A private room, please."


    "Of course, right this way." The waiter led them toward a corridor of private booths.


    Xavier was a bit taken aback. He had assumed Eleanor would choose a table in the main hall. He followed her down the corridor.


    Gavin, of course, had seen Eleanor and Xavier. When he looked back at his boss, the atmosphere around him had dropped several degrees., The knuckles of the hand holding his teacup were white. ''


    Gavin knew that look. It was jealousy.


    "Mr. Goodwin, would you like to join Miss Sutton and Mr. Vaughn for dinner?" Gavin asked helpfully. His report wasn''t urgent; it could wait until tomorrow.<pn''s jaw was tight. "Continue," he bit out.