Chapter 117
Eleanor froze for a moment, then composed herself and said firmly, “Faye, even if you have a problem with me, please watch your words. My relationship with Joel is strictly professional. There’s nothing inappropriate going on, as you’re
suggesting p>
With that, Eleanor turned to leave.
But Faye wasn’t about to let her off so easily. “Heard you had a daughter, Eleanor. Don’t you want to set a good example for her? And does your husband know you’re flirting with a coworker at work p>
Eleanor spun back around with a cool smile. “My private life isn’t your concern p>
Faye’s expression soured. “Eleanor, I’m only looking out for you. Don’t just brush this off. Even if you don’t care about your reputation, you should think about Joel’s p>
Eleanor’s smile didn’t falter. “There’s nothing going on between Joel and me. You’re imagining things p>
“Oh, am I?” Faye retorted. “Or are you just too afraid to admit it? If you keep clinging to Joel, I won’t hesitate to let your husband know exactly what you’ve been up to p>
Eleanor, in the middle of divorce proceedings and in no mood for drama, shot back coldly, “Faye, mind your own business and stay out of my family affairs p>
Faye arched a brow, triumphant. “Are you scared? If you are, then keep your distance from Joel. Otherwise, I really will tell him p>
Not wanting to waste another breath on the pointless argument, Eleanor turned and walked away.
Faye, meanwhile, took Eleanor’s silence as fear. She figured Eleanor’s marriage must be a mess, probably married to some jerk-which would explain why she’d look elsewhere for affection. Either way, Faye was determined to keep her away from Joel.
Friday arrived quickly. Serena sent Eleanor a message to let her know she’d be picking up her niece for the weekend at the Goodwin family estate.
Serena was already waiting by the school gates, glancing occasionally at her phone-and keeping an eye out for Xavier.
At 4:10 sharp, Xavier’s silver Bentley pulled into the parking lot. It had been nearly ten days since Serena last saw him at the recital, and her heart skipped a beat as he stepped out of the car-tall, composed, and exuding a calm confidence. Xavier was a year older than her brother, and somehow, that only made him seem more magnetic.
“Xavier, you’re here too,” Serena greeted him with a warm smile.
He nodded, returning her smile. “Yeah. Are you picking up Evelyn today p>
“I am,” she replied. “Had some free time, so I thought I’d take her out for a bit of fun p>
At 4:20, the school doors opened and parents began filing in to collect their children. When Evelyn spotted her aunt, she looked genuinely surprised. “Aunt Serena, what are you doing here p>
Serena grinned. “Thought I’d take you shopping today-maybe pick out a gift or two. How does that sound p>
Evelyn’s eyes lit up. “Can we bring Vivian with us p>
“Of course we can!” Serena promised. “I’ll buy gifts for both of you p>
Vivian looked hopefully at her uncle, her eyes wide and pleading. Serena caught the exchange and seized the moment. “Xavier, why don’t you come with us to the mall? I bet the girls would love it p>
Xavier, ever the doting uncle, couldn’t resist the look in his niece’s eyes. He chuckled and nodded. “Alright. But promise me you’ll only pick one thing each p>
Once outside, Evelyn insisted on riding with Vivian. Serena, eager for a chance to share the car with Xavier, quickly agreed. “I’ll ride with you girls, then p>
In the backseat of Xavier’s car, Serena sat between the two excited girls. Vivian, ever curious, noticed a leather cord tucked in the center console. She leaned forward and grabbed it.
“Uncle, what’s this?” Vivian asked, holding up the strap.
Xavier’s eyes narrowed slightly. He reached out, his tone more serious than usual. “Vivian, give that back to me p>
His sternness made Vivian pout, but she reluctantly placed the leather cord into his open palm.
Serena watched, puzzled, as Xavier closed his hand around the simple pale blue strap. It looked entirely ordinary-so why did he seem so tense about it?