Serena wished she could turn back time. If she could, she never would have done something so foolish.


    "Let the past be the past," the matriarch advised. "If you genuinely feel you''ve wronged Ellie, then show her more respect and help her from now on. It''s clear that Ellie isn''t the type to hold a grudge."


    "That''s right," Gina agreed, havinge to terms with it herself. "Serena and I both owe Eleanor a great debt. Ian is trying his best to make it up to her. The best we can do is support them and not cause any more trouble."


    "So, my brother and Ellie have a chance to get back together?" Serena asked, pping her hands in anticipation.


    The matriarch shot her a look. "Getting back together isn''t that simple. Your brother is hard to read, but at least he''s finally heading in the right direction. Ifn wants to win Eleanor back, it will take more than just schemes and material things. He''ll have to use his heart."


    "But with his personality, has he really learned how to love someone?" Serena was skeptical.


    If she were choosing a husband, she would never pick someone as secretive as her brother. Just trying to guess what he was thinking would be a constant headache.


    She''d been intimidated by how smart her brother was her whole life. He could tell with a single nce if she had copied her math homework.


    One day, she hoped to find a kind, easygoing husband, someone like Xavier Vaughn.


    But Serena knew she couldn''t get her hopes up. She wasn''t worthy of a man as outstanding as Xavier.


    ***


    When Eleanor got home with her daughter, Evelyn looked back at her father. "Daddy, are you going back to your apartment downstairs?"


    "Yes, I''ll be downstairs,"n confirmed with a gentle nod.


    "Mommy, don''t we have an empty room? Can Daddy sleep here?" Evelyn suddenly asked, looking up at Eleanor.


    Eleanor, who was busy changing her shoes, pretended not to hear.


    But Evelyn wouldn''t give up. She tugged on Eleanor''s sleeve, looking up at her with wide, pleading eyes. "Mommy, can he?"


    Eleanor avoided her daughter''s gaze, unsure how to respond. A direct refusal would hurt Evelyn''s feelings, but agreeing was out of the question.


    Just then, a soft cough broke the tension. "Evelyn, I live right downstairs, so you can see me anytime. Besides, workte most, nights and would end up disturbing you and your mom."


    Though a little disappointed, Evelyn nodded obediently. "Okay then."


    Gratitude::Flis exnation w


    reasonable and had sessfully cated their daughter.


    "Good night,"n said in a low voice, a hollow ache tightening in his chest.


    "Good night," Eleanor replied with a nod, closing the door.


    That was a good sign.


    For now, there were no other suitors in Eleanor''s life, which meant he could take on


    the role of caring for her and their daughter.


    The exact nature of that role didn''t matter. What mattered was that Eleanor and Evelyn needed him. Even if Eleanor''s need wasn''t emotional, being needed by her was enough.