Chapter 100
The next morning.
Eleanor and Joy made a beeline for the jewelry store. Dressed in a sharp
business suit, Eleanor approached the sales associate, who recognized her right
away.
Pretending to be lan’s assistant, Eleanor explained that she needed to photograph some receipts for reimbursement. The associate led her to the manager’s office and went inside to explain the situation.
A few minutes later, Eleanor was invited in. The associate produced the receipts for the six sets of jewelry Vanessa had purchased. Eleanor examined them closely; sure enough, lan’s signature was at the bottom.
She took out her phone and snapped clear photos of each receipt, then asked for photocopies to take with her.
Outside the jewelry store, Joy scrolled through the photos on Eleanor’s phone. “These will absolutely give you leverage in court p>
By lunchtime, Eleanor was back at the Goodwin estate. The old lady greeted her with curiosity. “Ellie, where did you go last night p>
“My friend ran into some trouble, so I went to help,” Eleanor replied smoothly, betraying nothing.
The old lady didn’t press further; she’d always been gentle with Eleanor.
That week, the school had sent out reminders urging students to return to class. lan was planning to bring his daughter home today, preparing for school to resume the next morning.
The following day, Eleanor held Evelyn’s hand as they rode to school in lan’s car.
As they reached the gates, Evelyn’s lower lip trembled. “I miss Vivian p>
“She’ll be back from overseas before you know it,” Eleanor reassured her, giving her daughter’s hand a squeeze.
Once Evelyn went inside, Eleanor walked over to lan’s window. “I’ll walk home- you go on to the office p>
lan nodded, pulling away toward downtown as Eleanor set off on foot toward the house.
Spring rain can be as unpredictable as a toddler’s moods.
One moment it was calm, the next, the sky let loose. Eleanor had barely walked a couple hundred yards when a sudden downpour caught her completely off guard.
She broke into a run, but within moments was utterly drenched.
Just then, through the sheets of rain, a silver Bentley slowed beside her, its turn signal blinking. It pulled up and stopped at her side.
Eleanor wiped the water from her eyes and peered inside. The driver was Xavier.
“Mr. Vaughn!” she exclaimed, surprised and relieved.
“Hop in,” Xavier called, gesturing to the passenger seat.
This was no time for politeness. Eleanor opened the door and slid in, breathless. “Thank you, Mr. Vaughn p>
“Don’t mention it.” He handed her a packet of tissues.
She dabbed at her dripping hair and face, then noticed the water soaking into the seat. “I’m so sorry I’m making a mess of your car p>
Xavier glanced over. Her white blouse had turned nearly transparent, the black bra underneath just visible. He looked away quickly. “It’s fine,” he said, pressing the gas and steering toward her house.
Neither of them noticed the black Rolls-Royce idling a short distance behind, its windshield wipers slashing at the rain. Ian sat behind the wheel, his striking features darkened with unreadable emotion.
When they reached the gate of the villa, Xavier got out, grabbing an umbrella from the backseat. He shielded Eleanor from the rain as she stepped out, handing her a second umbrella.
She noticed his shoulder was soaked where he’d angled the umbrella to protect her. Warmth bloomed in her chest. “Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. You should get going -your jacket’s all wet p>
He smiled, just a hint of amusement in his eyes. “It’s nothing p>
“You’re still recovering; you shouldn’t be out in the rain,” Eleanor said, concern flickering across her face. “You just got out of the hospital, didn’t you p>
Xavier paused, caught off guard by her thoughtfulness. “Thank you for caring p>
“I’ll return your umbrella next time,” she promised, ducking through the side gate. When she glanced back, Xavier’s car was already gone.
Inside, Joslyn rushed over, worry etched on her face at the sight of Eleanor, soaked to the bone. “Ma’am, please go take a hot shower right away p>