Chapter 84
Eleanor realized the conversation had shifted to her. She looked up and
answered, “Yes, I’ve heard of it p>
“That’s why you should really learn from her, sis-in-law.” Serena said this with a smug grin.
“Ahem.” Xavier cleared his throat gently.
“I think that’s enough, Serena. Eat your dinner,” lan chided her in a warm but firm tone.
Serena puffed her cheeks out like a sulking child and fell silent.
Eleanor’s attention shifted as Vanessa smiled at her. “So, you’re back at Ashford Medical University? That’s wonderful! The medical field needs more talented people like you.” Vanessa paused, then added casually, “Oh, and that Dr. Joel you were chatting with overseas-he works in the research lab at Ashford as well p>
Her expression was all innocence, but Eleanor knew Vanessa had brought up Joel on purpose, right in front of lan.
“We’ve run into each other on campus,” Eleanor replied evenly.
“Joel? The doctor who did that interview with Faye?” Serena chimed in. She’d noticed Joel, too-the whole internet had been buzzing about how handsome he’d looked on camera.
“That’s the one,” Vanessa nodded.
Serena shot Eleanor a sideways glance. Eleanor had only just started at Ashford, and she already knew such a good-looking doctor? Was she thinking about having a little fun outside her marriage?
Sensing the tension, Henry smoothly redirected the conversation back to work and started discussing a new project with lan. Xavier, meanwhile, watched Vivian eat, casting glances across the table.
Every time Xavier’s eyes drifted in their direction, Serena felt her cheeks flush, convinced he might be looking at her, too.
“Henry, could you pour me a drink? I haven’t been sleeping well lately,” Vanessa said, flashing a small smile.
“Of course!” Henry reached for the whiskey bottle and poured her a glass.
Vanessa picked up the glass, but before she could take a sip, lan’s long arm shot out and snatched it away. His deep voice brooked no argument. “No drinking p>
Vanessa stared at her confiscated glass, her lips trembling in a soft pout-a flicker of spoiled hurt flashing in her eyes. It was that look of a child who’s used to being doted on, suddenly scolded and on the verge of tears.
Lifting her chin, Vanessa picked up her teacup instead and took a sip, her gaze flicking sideways to Eleanor.
Eleanor pretended not to notice, concentrating on peeling a shrimp and placing it in her daughter’s bowl.
The others watched in silence. Henry and Xavier kept their thoughts to themselves, but Serena couldn’t hide her amusement as she glanced back and
forth between her oldest brother and Vanessa, then over at Eleanor.
Just then, Evelyn piped up, lips pursed in a little pout. “Mommy, I don’t want to eat anymore. I want to go play p>
Vivian, not to be outdone, joined in, “Uncle, I want to play too p>
Eleanor saw that Evelyn had eaten half her meal and nodded. “Okay, Mommy will take you to play p>
“I want to go too!” Vivian looked hopefully at her uncle.
“Vivian, how about I take you?” Serena offered with a bright smile.
Vivian shook her head-she wasn’t familiar with Serena yet. “No, I want Uncle to take me p>
Xavier got to his feet. “Alright. There’s a play area for kids just outside p>
Eleanor and Xavier led the two little girls out. The restaurant had set aside a corner as a children’s play zone just the right place to let them run around.
Vivian and Evelyn happily kicked off their shoes and ran inside, while Eleanor and Xavier stood nearby, keeping an eye on them.
“Mr. Vaughn, are you done eating? If you want, I can watch Vivian and you can get some more food,” Eleanor offered.
“I’ve had enough, thank you,” Xavier replied with a gentle smile.
The children’s laughter echoed from the play area, and for a while, the two adults simply stood in companionable silence, watching over them.
Back in the private dining room, lan ordered more dishes. Vanessa, still recovering from her recent illness, looked even more delicate under the soft lights.