Evelyn''s innocent words were like a stone tossed into a still pond, sending ripples through everyone in the private dining room.


    The three people at the table all turned to look at Eleanor andn.


    Eleanor''s face instantly flushed. Her skin was naturally fair, and against the champagne-colored dress, the blush was even more striking.


    A quietugh slipped out ofn before he crouched down and ruffled his daughter''s hair. "Is that so?"


    "Yes! Mommy is so pretty, and Daddy is so handsome," Evelyn said, then asked curiously, “So, when are you two getting married again?"


    At that, everyone froze.


    "Evelyn,” Eleanor finally found her voice, trying to deflect her daughter''s curiosity. "Are you hungry? Let''s eat with Mommy."


    Serena nced at her older brother and gave him a subtle thumbs-up. A helpless yet doting smile touchedn''s face as he said to his daughter, "Mommy''s hungry. How about we eat with her first?"


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded.


    Magdalen turned to Eleanor. “Ellie, sit down and have some soup."


    Eleanor had just sat down with her daughter whenndled soup for her. Gina spoke gently, “Eleanor, this is one of the house specialties. Try some."


    "Thank you, Gina,” Eleanor replied.


    Magdalen smiled. “Ellie, you look lovely today. Andn, you look quite sharp."


    Just then, the waiters began bringing out the food. Eighteen exquisite dishes were ced on the table, their aromas filling the air.


    Eleanor lowered her head and took a sip of the soup. The rich, savory broth took the edge off her hunger at once.


    "Ellie,n mentioned you''ve decided to take Evelyn on a week-long trip. When are you nning on leaving?" Magdalen asked.


    Eleanor had indeed cleared her schedule for an ind getaway with her daughter. Seeing the eager anticipation in Evelyn''s big eyes, she replied, "After this week is over. We''ll leave next Tuesday."


    "Isn going too?" Magdalen asked, looking at her grandson.


    "I''ll make time to go with them,?n said.


    "Can Ie too?" Serena asked, raising her hand.


    "Serena, you shouldn''t—" Gina began to say to her daughter.


    But Evelyn piped up loudly, "I want Aunt Serena toe with us!"


    Eleanor''s main intention was to spend time with her daughter, but having more people along would be livefter She said to Serena, "If you have the time you''re wee to


    join us for the week."


    "I definitely have time," Serena said, a little sheepishly. "As long as you don''t mind me tagging along, Ellie."


    Eleanor nodded at her. “Of course. If you''re free, then let''s all go together."


    "I''ll handle the arrangements," Ian offered, taking charge of the travel ns.


    Suddenly, a thought struck Eleanor. She had been so busytely that she hadpletely forgotten to get a birthday gift for Magdalen.


    She bit her lip and pulled out her phone, intending to ask Ellington to pick something out and have it delivered immediately. She turned to Grandma, I just


    the patriar


    remembered something for work need to make a quick call.


    “Go ahead,” Magdalen said with a kind smile.


    Eleanor took her phone and stepped out into the hallway, heading toward a small public lounge area. Just as she was about to dial, a low amused male voice spoke from behind her. "Trying to have a gift delivered?"


    Eleanor turned in surprise. Ian had followed her.


    She didn''t try to hide it, sighing with some resignation. "I''ve been so swamped, Ipletely forgot to prepare a gift. I was just about to have one sent over."


    "Don''t bother. I already have a gift for you in my car. You can give it to Grandma when we leave,”n said in a warm, considerate tone.


    Eleanor was taken aback. He had already prepared one for her?


    “Okay. How much was it? I''ll pay you back,” Eleanor said, relieved she wouldn''t have to buy something else.