Chapter 14
“Be good.” lan smiled helplessly, ruffling his daughter’s hair before heading upstairs.
At five-thirty, the housekeeper came to let Eleanor know that they’d be heading out for dinner in ten minutes.
The restaurant was an upscale bistro in the heart of the city. Christmas had just passed, and the streets still glowed with festive cheer. The family seemed in high spirits as they set out together.
When they arrived, Evelyn settled obediently in lan’s lap, her curious eyes darting around the room.
“Daddy, look! Mrs. Shannon-I see Mrs. Shannon!” Evelyn pointed eagerly across the dining room.
Following her daughter’s finger, Eleanor spotted a familiar figure by the window, purse in hand, about to leave. Who else could it be but Vanessa?
“Vanessa? What a surprise! You’re here too?” Gina called out, genuinely delighted.
Vanessa’s face lit up with equal astonishment. “Well, if this isn’t a coincidence! What brings you all here p>
“Are you heading out already?” Gina asked.
“My friend just called to cancel, so I was about to go,” Vanessa replied, waving cheerfully at Evelyn. “Bye, Evelyn! Next time, I’ll take you out for something sweet, how about that p>
“Mrs. Shannon, don’t go!” Evelyn reached out, her little voice edged with panic.
“Vanessa, we just got here. Why not join us?” Gina urged her warmly.
Eleanor watched the scene unfold in silence. No one else seemed to notice, but she could see it clearly-Vanessa had arrived early on purpose, and she was only making a show of leaving after the family walked in. The carefully applied makeup, the timing-none of it was accidental.
Was this lan’s doing? Inviting his mistress to “accidentally” bump into his family at dinner-he really went to great lengths.
“Oh, I couldn’t intrude on your family dinner!” Vanessa protested, smiling modestly.
Magdalen spoke up, her tone brisk. “We’re all here now, so stay. It’s only one more chair p>
“Yes, stay,” lan added, his voice calm.
Vanessa finally relented, flashing a grateful smile. “I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t had a chance to see you all. Let’s have dinner together, then p>
Eleanor watched as Vanessa slid right into the gathering, not missing a beat. She took the seat between Gina and the old lady. Ian had Evelyn on one side, then Eleanor, and next to her sat Magdalen’s housekeeper.
“It’s been ages since we went out to eat. I wonder if they’ve added anything new to the menu,” Gina mused.
Vanessa signaled for the waiter and asked, with practiced patience, about the latest seasonal specials. She and Magdalen quickly agreed on the dishes.
Evelyn, absorbed in her collection of little toys, played quietly at the table. Eleanor wrapped her hands around her cup, watching her daughter with a distant gaze. “So, Vanessa, what’s been keeping you busy lately?” Magdalen inquired. “I’m preparing for a concert tour back home, plus all the company business p>
Gina beamed. “Ever since I met Vanessa, she’s been nothing if not impressive. So young, running a company and putting on concerts! I saw some of your latest endorsements too-very impressive. Youth is all about having drive p>
As she spoke, Gina’s eyes flickered briefly to Eleanor, and her expression cooled, a trace of disdain beneath her polite smile.
How could a girl who hadn’t even bothered with college, who relied entirely on her son to keep her at home, ever compare with someone like Vanessa?