Chapter 222

“Grandma’s taste is definitely better than mine,” Eleanor said with a smile.

The old lady arranged the flowers just as she liked, then took Eleanor’s arm and said warmly, “You know, my parents used to live around here. When I was a little girl, I’d play in these streets. The lady of this house even gave me a present once just imagine, that was nearly a century ago p>

Seeing how sentimental the old woman became, Eleanor realized how happy she was to be living here.

Just then, Gina walked over from one of the rooms. When she spotted Eleanor, her tone softened a little. “You’re here p>

“Aunt Gina,” Eleanor greeted her politely.

Magdalen sighed inwardly. That distant form of address made it clear Eleanor still saw the Goodwin family as outsiders.

On the edge of the historic district, a white sports car was stuck in traffic. Serena grumbled, “I’ll never understand why my grandmother insists on moving to this crowded old part of town. Look at this traffic-so annoying p>

Vanessa, sitting in the passenger seat, tried to soothe her. “It’s fine. We’re not in a rush. Just take it slow p>

Serena scowled. “I heard Eleanor’s living around here too. That just makes it worse.” Her resentment toward Eleanor simmered just beneath the surface.

Between the messy business of the divorce, the fight over the inheritance, and Xavier’s obvious attention to Eleanor, Serena had plenty of reasons to dislike her. “I’m starting classes at Evelyn’s school tomorrow,” Vanessa said with a smile. Serena perked up. “Then you’d better take special care of my niece p>

“Of course. Honestly, that’s half the reason I wanted to come so I could spend more time with Evelyn,” Vanessa admitted.

“If my brother hadn’t voluntarily given up custody, there’s no way our family would’ve let Eleanor raise her. Evelyn would be better off growing up with you and my brother,” Serena said firmly.

Vanessa’s smile was gentle, but there was a flicker of calculation in her eyes. “If that ever happens, I’ll treat Evelyn as if she were my own daughter p>

“Trust me, that day will come. Once my brother’s divorce is finalized, whatever the two of you do will be perfectly aboveboard,” Serena assured her.

In Serena’s mind, there was no doubt her brother’s needs were being met by Vanessa. After all, a girl like Eleanor-so cold and detached-could never keep a man like him interested.

Traffic finally cleared, and Serena drove on.

They pulled up to the gate. Serena parked, scanned her face to open the security system, and led the way while Vanessa followed, carrying a gift bag.

Eleanor was in the garden, admiring the roses. When she turned and saw Serena and Vanessa walking in together, her expression immediately frosted over.

So Vanessa had been invited too?

Magdalen had just stepped out of the living room and caught sight of Serena leading Vanessa into the garden. Her face clouded. She certainly hadn’t extended an invitation to Vanessa, but she hadn’t thought to warn her granddaughter not to bring anyone home either.

But now that her guest was here, Magdalen couldn’t very well turn her away- even if she disliked this surprise. She’d just have to remind Serena later not to bring just anyone into the house.

Magdalen had lived seventy years and prided herself on her judgment of people. Vanessa might be impressive on paper, but she was not the right kind of woman to be a wife.

Serena and Vanessa spotted Eleanor at the same moment. They exchanged a quick look, and Serena smirked before calling out, “Grandma, look who I brought p>

Vanessa put on her best smile. “How have you been feeling lately, Mrs. Goodwin p>

“Thank you for your concern, Miss Shannon. I’m still in good health,” Magdalen replied. Then she turned to the maid behind her and said, “Bring the tea out to the garden. I’d like to sit with Ellie and have a chat p>

Vanessa’s smile faltered, the chill in Magdalen’s tone making it clear she was not exactly a welcome guest.