"You bet. Thatn sure moves fast," Henry remarked over the phone, then added in a probing tone, "But seriously, if they do get back together, it would be great for Evelyn-"


    "Yeah," Xavier replied, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside the window, aplex emotion flickering within them.


    He andn had grown up together. The change inn was obvious, and Xavier knew exactly what it meant.


    And Eleanor deserved to be treated well. Whether as a friend or as one of her admirers, Xavier wanted her to be happy. If that happiness was somethingn could provide, and if Eleanor was willing to ept it, then he could do nothing but offer his blessing.


    Still, a sense of mncholy lingered in his heart.


    "Alright, I get it. I''ll be there early for your wedding to help greet the guests."


    "Thanks," Henry said before hanging up.


    The car was quiet for a moment. Vivian looked up, sensing the shift in his mood. "Uncle, are you unhappy?"


    Xavier snapped back to reality, his usual gentle and calm expression returning. He ruffled her hair. "No, I''m not."


    Some beautiful things were meant to be admired from a distance. Some feelings were destined to end before they even began. Right now, his most important job was to take care of the little one beside him and to face the people he needed to face, as a friend.


    ***


    At Walden Wells''s vi.


    At eight in the evening, Vanessa was bored, flipping through movies in the living room. When she heard a car outside, she immediately straightened up, fixed her hair, and went to the door with a sweet smile.


    Walden Wells stepped out of the car. His slightly paunchy figure looked even more bloated in the dim light. He had the same salt-and-pepper hair asn, but onn, it exuded a captivating charm and noble bearing. On Walden, it only made him look older and more unattractive.


    An almost imperceptible sh of disgust crossed Vanessa''s eyes, but the sweet smile on her face never faltered. She hurried over to him, her voice delicate. "Walden, you''re back! You must be tired." ''


    Seeing the stunning Vanessa under the lights, Walden''s mood improved slightly. He handed her a


    An


    gold embossed envelope. Here invitation from the Holt family. Three days from now, you''reing with me."


    Vanessa''s smile froze. She took the invitation, her fingers clenching it tightly.


    Henry and Selma Quigley''s wedding. How could she possibly go?


    The mere thought made it hard for her to breathe.


    "Walden, are you that close with the Holt family?" Vanessa asked tentatively.


    "I was at the christening for the Holt family''s kid," Walden snorted, a hint of pride in


    his tone. "In business, you have to show face where it''s due."


    Walden noticed Vanessa lower her head, looking troubled. He assumed she was just nervous and patted her shoulder. "Don''t worry. With me there, no one will dare to give you a hard time just dress up picely and make me look good."


    Vanessa wanted to refuse a thousand, a million times over. Ian and Xavier would definitely be at Henry''s wedding, along with everyone else from their circle.


    And she would be there as thepanion of a man old enough to be her father, paraded around like a piece of arm candy. It would be beyond humiliating.


    She forced a submissive smile, her voice soft and sweet. "Walden, I''m worried I''ll be nervous. I''m afraid I won''t make a good impression... Can I possibly—"


    Walden wrapped an arm around her waist, his tone firm. "You have to go. A lot of important guests will be there. I''m taking you to see and be seen."


    Vanessa could only nod obediently. "Alright."


    A call came in for Walden. As Vanessa watched him walk into his study, the invitation in her hand felt like it was burning her skin. She tossed it onto the sofa.