Chapter 12

The mood in the room was lively, everyone in high spirits. Eleanor sat back, content to watch the commotion, hoping they’d all have their fun and call it a night before too long.

A waiter appeared, covering three bottles of wine with a dark cloth. On his tray sat three glasses, each already poured. The rules were simple: take a sip, guess the main flavor, and say it out loud.

lan was the first to be volunteered. He swirled a glass of red, tipped it to his lips, and took a slow sip. “Blackcurrant,” he said calmly.

“Correct. Next p>

In no time, the tray was in front of Vanessa. She picked up her glass with practiced elegance, swirled it, and bit her lip in thought. “Is it… oak barrel p>

With a grin, Henry pulled back the cloth from the bottle. “Miss Shannon, wrong this time, I’m afraid p>

Vanessa gave him a pleading look. “Then, Mr. Holt, please be gentle with my punishment p>

“You’ll just have to finish your glass.” Henry laughed.

Vanessa eyed the wine with mock distress, her brows knitting together as she coughed delicately behind her hand.

“I’ll drink it for her,” someone offered.

lan reached over, picked up Vanessa’s glass, and downed it in one easy motion.

Eleanor watched, her expression unreadable. Vanessa always knew just how to tug at lan’s heartstrings.

Under the soft glow of the chandelier, Vanessa’s porcelain skin flushed with a faint pink as she turned to lan. “Thank you p>

Next up was Joel. He took a thoughtful sip, then shrugged. “Just a guess- graphite? Not sure if I’m right p>

“Well, would you look at that,” Henry said, impressed. “Even your guess is on point p>

Then it was Eleanor’s turn. Henry had almost forgotten she was part of the game, and was caught off guard when a well-dressed socialite-one of Vanessa’s friends -smiled and said, “Your turn, Miss p>

“She doesn’t have to play,” Ian interjected.

The socialite laughed. “Oh, Mr. Goodwin, it’s much more fun if your wife joins in p>

Suddenly, all eyes were on Eleanor. She smiled, unfazed. “Alright, I’ll give it a shot. If I get it wrong, don’t laugh at me p>

She reached for her glass, slender fingers grasping the crystal stem. She swirled the wine, studied its color, brought it to her nose, and inhaled its bouquet. Her fair face remained serene, touched with a hint of mystery.

Vanessa’s lips curled with anticipation. Would lan step in for Eleanor if she guessed wrong, too?

Eleanor took a sip, considered, and spoke. “Just a guess, but I’d say this is blackcurrant. I hope I’m right p>

Henry pulled back the cloth from the bottle, surprise lighting his face. “Mrs. Goodwin, you really know your wine. Correct again p>

A flicker of disappointment crossed Vanessa’s eyes. She’d forgotten-of course lan’s family would have a cellar full of reds. This little game was no challenge for Eleanor.

“Mrs. Goodwin, you’re quite impressive,” Vanessa said, her smile bright but her tone sly. “With such a refined palate, I imagine you’re talented in the arts as well. There’s a piano over there would you care to play us a piece p>

The invitation was barbed; the mischief in Vanessa’s eyes was plain. She didn’t intend to let Eleanor off easy.

“Vanessa,” Ian said, a note of exasperation in his voice.

Vanessa bit her lip again, her smile haughty. “Never mind, pretend I didn’t ask p>

A hush fell over the group. Henry and Xavier exchanged glances, ready to jump in to smooth over the awkwardness.

Before they could speak, Eleanor’s soft laugh broke the silence. “Why not? I’d be happy to p>