Chapter 163
Vanessa bit her lip, clutching her teacup a little too tightly. She couldn’t help feeling awkward—after all, she was Evelyn’s very first piano teacher. Yet now, Evelyn hadn’t even mentioned her.
Watching Evelyn tip up her round little chin, gazing at Eleanor with open adoration, Vanessa muttered inwardly, What a little ingrate.
After lunch, everyone wandered out to the wide green meadow beside the farmhouse. Wildflowers were in full bloom, and across the field, a magnificent waterfall tumbled down the rocks. It was the perfect spot for photos.
Eleanor took plenty of pictures of her daughter, snapping candids and a few fun selfies together.
“Daddy, come take a picture with me!” Evelyn tugged on lan’s arm, eager to pose with him.
lan scooped her up, facing Eleanor’s camera. But Eleanor, barely glancing at him, focused her lens solely on Evelyn. She’d already made her decision: after the divorce, she’d rather not have to delete his photos. Easier not to take any at all. Vanessa, phone in hand, waited until Eleanor walked off with Evelyn. Then she handed her phone to lan. “Would you take a couple of photos for me p>
lan obliged, and Vanessa turned on the charm, flashing a dazzling smile at the camera. She posed, every gesture radiating flirtation.
Catching this out of the corner of her eye, Eleanor thought: Vanessa wasn’t just taking pictures—she was putting on a show for lan.
Soon after, Henry snapped a few photos for Vanessa as well. Hannah and Vanessa posed for several shots together, laughing as they went.
But suddenly, Vanessa pressed a hand to her forehead, her face turning pale as she leaned heavily on Hannah’s shoulder.
“Miss Shannon? Miss Shannon p>
Both Henry and lan noticed right away and hurried to her side. In the end, lan caught her as she swayed, steadying her in his arms.
“lan, my head Vanessa’s words trailed off as she fainted against him.
Eleanor, holding Evelyn’s hand, hurried over. Ian was already lifting Vanessa in his arms, turning to her with a quick instruction, “You and Evelyn ride home with Xavier p>
Without waiting for a response, he strode briskly toward the parking lot, Vanessa cradled against his chest.
“What’s wrong with Mrs. Shannon?” Evelyn’s face was drawn with worry.
Eleanor crouched down, gently soothing her. “She’ll be okay, darling p>
But Evelyn wasn’t convinced. “Daddy, Daddy she called frantically, her little voice trembling. Ian, however, was too far away to hear.
Finally, Evelyn burst into tears, wailing, “I want Daddy! I want Daddy p>
Eleanor gathered her into her arms, pressing her daughter’s face to her shoulder and whispering softly, “Shh, it’s alright, sweetheart. Mommy’s here p>
Xavier and Vivian came over to comfort Evelyn as well.
It took a while, but eventually Eleanor managed to calm her down.
The mood was somber after that, so everyone agreed to head back to the city.
Henry shepherded his sister and niece into the car. Eleanor took Evelyn and Vivian to Xavier’s car. Before they left, the farmhouse staff handed out little gifts, and the two girls played happily in the back seat.
Eleanor turned to Xavier, embarrassed. “Mr. Vaughn, I’m so sorry for the trouble.” Xavier met her eyes in the rearview mirror, his gaze steady. “It’s no trouble at all.” Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Eleanor gave him a grateful smile.
Ever since that day at the pool when Xavier had rescued her, Eleanor had felt a quiet sense of friendship toward him. Afterward, he’d helped her several more times, and she was genuinely thankful.
When Eleanor got home, she bathed Evelyn and tucked her into bed. She had a feeling lan wouldn’t return that night.
Sure enough, he didn’t come home.
At half past ten, Eleanor’s phone chimed with a new message.
“Miss Sutton, are you free tomorrow? I’m back in the country.” It was from
Attorney Jeffries, her old friend from law school.
Eleanor replied, “I’m free. See you tomorrow p>
This marriage, she thought, is finally coming to an end.