"Ian has incredible self-control," Henry said, putting down his ss with a snort. "He knew Vanessa was maniptive, yet he had to y along, give her


    resources, and even watch her parade around as his ''girlfriend.'' If it were me, I would have torn her to shreds long ago."


    A flicker of understanding crossed Xavier''s eyes. "Ian can endure more than we can. There''s no doubt about that. But... he did hurt Eleanor."


    Henry looked up sharply, a thought striking him. He mmed his fist on the table. "Speaking of hurting Eleanor, I''m guilty of that too."


    A wave of guilt washed over Henry. He must have been possessed to have blindly believed everything Vanessa said and even spoken harshly to Eleanor.


    Xavier looked at him. "Are you talking about Vivian''s birthday party?"


    "Yes, that night. I didn''t want to bother you all, but she said she had already bought a gift and would leave right after dropping it off, so I brought her," Henry paused,, "I''m such an idiot. I have a feeling Vanessa is the reasonn and Eleanor got divorced."


    Xavier''s heart sank, and he fell silent.


    "I don''t know Eleanor well, but I know she lovedn deeply. She''s not the type to give up on her family easily. And Xavier, have you noticed the wayn looks at Eleanor now? I don''t think he''s over her at all."


    Xavier remained silent, the shadows from the lights ying across his handsome face.


    Henry suddenly realized what he was saying and stopped short. He had almost forgotten that Xavier had feelings for Eleanor too.


    He took a sip of his drink. "Xavier... I didn''t mean to bring that up."


    Xavier slowly looked up, his expression calm. He shook his head. "It''s fine. Say whatever is on your mind."


    Henry ran a hand through his hair. "I''ve said all I need to say. I think I should find a chance to apologize to Eleanor-"


    Xavier looked up at him. "Don''t go to her now. She''s very busy. And stay out of things between her and fan, He owes her a debt, and he needs to be the one to repay it."


    Henry nodded. "You''re right. We can''t interfere. Ian has to make up for what he did to her himself."


    After a pause, Henry leaned in. "Xavier, do you think there''s any chance ofn and Eleanor getting back together?"


    Xavier''s hand, holding the ss, froze. stared into his drink for a few seconds, then narrowed his eyes. "Not necessarily." >


    "Why not?"


    "Eleanor is in love with someone else," Xavier said, draining his ss.


    "Don''t tell me Eleanor actually likes that Mansfield Ellington guy," Henry pressed.


    A bitter smile touched Xavier''s lips. He looked up at Henry. "Do you know who he is?"


    Henry rubbed his nose. "Is he that important? Do I have to know who he is?"


    Xavier pped him on the shoulder, his gaze direct. "He''s the Vice President''s son and Mayor Ellington''s nephew."


    Henry was stunned. "Doesn''t that mean evenn would feel insecure around him?"


    A flicker of insecurity crossed Xavier''s own eyes. "Hees from a world we can''tpare to."


    "No wonder l''ye never heard of him in business or political circles. He''s incredibly low-key," Henry said, amazed that Eleanor had a suitor of that caliber. It was no wonder she might fall for a man like that Which woman wouldn''t? Xavier is Mr. Ellington really interested in Eleanor?


    Does that meann really has no


    chance?"