But things were different now.


    Answering whether she liked it or not was meaningless.


    Besides, this symbol had once caused her immense pain.


    The pool water rippled, and the sunlight was a bit ring, but the man''s gaze remained locked on her, as if still waiting for an answer. His thickshes were dotted with water, resembling dense, feathered fans, making his eyes seem as deep as the


    ocean.


    "As long as you like it," Eleanor said, lowering her eyes, giving the same answer as before.


    He just smiled and replied in a low tone, "I like it."


    The words were quiet but clear, carrying an undeniable certainty.


    Eleanor kept her eyes down, idly sshing the water with her hand. Ian handed her the floatie, then turned and dove gracefully back into the water.


    Across the pool, Serena, who had been keeping her niece upied, couldn''t hear their conversation, but she could see that Eleanor''s expression was no longer cold when she was with her brother.


    After another twenty minutes of swimming, everyone got out. Serena took Evelyn''s hand and went up to change first.


    Clearly, Serena''s purpose ining along was well-defined: to be the babysitter.


    She made sure Evelyn didn''t disturb her parents, giving them as much time alone as possible.


    Eleanor climbed out of the pool. In the sunlight, her ck one-piece swimsuit entuated her slender, delicate curves. Water droplets on her skin refracted the light, making her look as fair as snow.


    Only after Eleanor had gone back inside did he get out, walk over to a lounge chair, and wrap a towel around his waist.


    After four in the afternoon,n took his daughter to collect seashells, while Eleanor rested at the hotel.


    When they returned, Serena announced, "Ellie, there''s a big beach bonfire party on the ind tonight. Let''s all go check it out."


    Eleanor nodded. "Okay."


    Dinner was a sumptuous seafood feast. Ian peeled several shrimp for Evelyn, two for Serena, and then ced three on Eleanor''s te.


    Eleanor said nothing, but she didn''t refuse them.


    As he saw her take the first shrimp,n caught the movement from the corner of his eye and couldn''t suppress a smile.


    At seven in the evening, the bonfire party was in full swing. Tourists from all over the ind were flocking


    to the area, drawn by the rumor that an A-list singer was performing.


    Gavin, Lanny, and their associate were also on duty. Their mission tonight was to protectn''s group of four.


    Evelyn skipped ahead, happily holding Serena''s and Eleanor''s hands, withn following at a leisurely pace behind them.


    "It''s so lively," Serenamented.


    The atmosphere was perfect for couples, with the strong beat of the music and the cheering crowd creating a palpable sense of excitement.


    They didn''t get too close, watching the massive bonfire from a distance. Gavin went to get some drinks.


    Here, there was no need for cups.


    With Lanny and the other bodyguard crowd,n


    blending into the crowdn and


    Gavin drank straight from their bottles.


    Eleanor and Serena held bottles of


    Serena


    juice. Eleanor nced back atn.


    vel


    He seemed extremely rxed, a smile in his eyes, free from the calction and gravity of the


    business world. His eyes seemed to


    reflect the scattered starlight.


    Under a sky full of stars, enjoying a beach party was indeed a perfect way to forget


    one''s troubles.