"Heh," Vanessaughed at her reflection, a self-mocking and absurd sound. But she had no regrets.


    Because she had gotten far more than she had ever dreamed of back then.


    Money, resources, famen had given her all of it. In these ten years, though she hadn''t won him over, she had gotten everything else she wanted.


    So now she would wait and watch. She would watch as Eleanor tookn''s daughter and married someone else. Not Xavier, probably, but that officer named Ellington.


    Thinking of Eleanor in a white wedding dress, marrying another man whilen could only watch-what would his expression be at that moment? Resentment or pain? Regret or numbness?


    She could hardly wait to see.


    "On that day, Eleanor, I will be sure to send my blessings. I''ll wish you and Officer Ellington a long and happy life together."


    "And I''ll wishn a long life, to die old and alone," Vanessa said, taking a deep breath, a twisted smile on her lips.


    At Eleanor''s home, Evelyn had tried several times to go downstairs and knock on the door. Even though Eleanor told her he wasn''t there, she couldn''t resist her daughter''s pleas and went with her to knock onn''s door.


    As expected, there was no answer.


    "Where did Daddy go?" Evelyn pouted. "Is he noting back to this home anymore?"


    "Probably not," Eleanor replied. That was what she hoped for.


    "But what do I do when I miss him?" Evelyn''s lip trembled. Being able to run downstairs to see her father every day had clearly made her dependent on him.


    Eleanor looked at her daughter''s sad little face, wondering how tofort her, when a deep male voice suddenly came from behind them. "Who said I wasn''ting back?"


    Eleanor spun around to seen walking over from the elevator.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn flew into his arms like a happy little bird. "Daddy, where were you? I missed you so much."


    His words seemed to be directed at Eleanor as well, who pointedly looked away, not wanting to hear them.


    "Daddy, where were you?"


    "Daddy was sick and didn''t want to infect you, so I stayed in the hospital for a few days. I''m all better now."


    "Mommy, can I y at Daddy''s house for a little while?" Evelyn asked Eleanor.


    "I''lle down and get you when dinner is ready," Eleanor said.


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded happily.


    Eleanor could be cold and curt withn, but she couldn''t ignore her daughter''s feelings, so she


    rays


    gave in at times like these.


    Eleanor turned and walked toward


    the elevator Jan watched her go for ter to his door, his


    a few seconds before carrying his


    >


    Eleanor''s phone suddenly rang. She nced at it and saw a few photos from


    Mansfield Ellington. "Which gem do you like?"


    Eleanor was surprised. Was heing back?


    "Are youing back?" Eleanor texted back.


    "Work here is wrapping up. I wanted to pick out a gift for you before I head back."


    "Don''t trouble yourself. We can talk when you''re back," Eleanor replied.


    "Then I''ll choose for you. How about the sapphire? I think it would suit you."


    Eleanor couldn''t help but smile. "Justing back safely is the best gift."


    "Can I take that to mean Miss Sutton likes me?"


    Eleanor chuckled. That wasn''t what she meant at all. After he had returned injuredst time, she genuinely just wanted him toe back safely this time and didnt want him to go to the trouble of picking out a gift.


    "Contact me when you''re back," Eleanor replied, ignoring his question.


    "Alright, I''ll ask you again when I get back," Mansfield texted back, adding, "In person."


    Eleanor was left speechless.