Chapter 261
At that moment, someone was standing behind them, quietly listening to Xavier’s confession. It was Vanessa.
She’d come over after Henry texted her, inviting her to join him for a drink. She hadn’t expected to overhear Xavier baring his heart to Eleanor.
When Xavier noticed her, he merely nodded politely, then turned and walked away.
Henry, looking glum, nursed his drink. Vanessa slid into the seat beside him and offered a gentle warning. “You shouldn’t drink so much p>
But all Henry wanted was to drown his worries in whiskey. He knew Xavier made sense, but as a friend, he couldn’t help wanting to keep the peace between the two men.
Still, deep down, Henry was certain that someday Xavier and lan would fall out over Eleanor.
He looked up at Vanessa, his eyes glazed with drink and uncertainty. Suddenly, he reached out and grasped her hand, his voice hoarse with pleading. “Vanessa, would you stay with me for a while p>
Vanessa froze, then gently pulled her hand away, her tone cool. “Henry, you’re drunk. Go get some rest p>
For a few seconds, Henry just stared at her, caught off guard by how stunning she looked, his red-rimmed eyes losing focus.
Vanessa looked at him, her expression softening for a moment. She sighed, then turned to the bartender and ordered a glass of juice. “Was Xavier serious about what he just said? He really plans to go after Eleanor p>
Henry returned to himself, letting out a bitter laugh. “You heard it too, huh p>
What Vanessa had feared most was happening. Xavier was every bit as impressive as lan—maybe more so. She really didn’t want Eleanor, after everything, to end up with such a remarkable man for her second marriage. Especially since Xavier and lan moved in the same circles. If Xavier started bringing Eleanor to social events, lan would inevitably see her more often.
Even if she wasn’t worried about lan rekindling old feelings, there was still the risk Eleanor would struggle to let go of the past.
“Henry, you have to do something! I don’t want you guys to lose your friendship over Eleanor,” Vanessa said, frustration seeping into her voice.
Henry let out a long sigh. “Xavier’s the kind of guy who never changes his mind once he’s set on something. Nothing in the world could stop him p>
At that moment, both their phones buzzed with a new message. The organizers had suddenly decided to host a networking dinner that evening.
Vanessa glanced at the time and stood up. “I need to go change. See you at the dinner p>
Meanwhile, Eleanor and Joel had just finished their walk along the beach when they saw the same notification.
“See you at the party,” Joel said with a smile.
Eleanor nodded, quietly relieved she’d packed a dress for the trip.
At seven o’clock, guests began drifting from the buffet area toward the grand reception hall.
Eleanor wore a pale blue gown, her hair cascading softly over her shoulders. She had a gentle, understated beauty that wasn’t immediately striking, but the longer people looked, the more captivating she became.
As she stepped into the ballroom, she immediately ran into a group of visiting scholars from Kingston. She greeted them warmly and soon found herself deep in conversation, laughing at their stories.
In the middle of a laugh, Eleanor felt someone watching her. She glanced over and saw Xavier standing not far away, raising his glass in her direction.
She smiled back, nodding in acknowledgment.
Just then, lan entered the room with Vanessa on his arm, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.
Vanessa’s red evening gown was simply stunning, her presence radiant and impossible to ignore, while lan exuded his usual calm, almost severe elegance.
Vanessa’s poised elegance made her the center of attention, quickly capturing the gaze of nearly every man in the room.
Eleanor looked away, returning to her conversation and doing her best to ignore the faint discomfort that stirred inside her.
It wasn’t jealousy-just a vague sense of annoyance.
A little later, Dr. Smith arrived with Faye, the two of them chatting animatedly, clearly at ease in each other’s company.
Faye’s eyes naturally sought out Eleanor, a sly smile tugging at her lips. After all, Eleanor wasn’t the only one who had the chance to connect with Dr. Smith.
Dr. Smith and Faye made their way toward lan, soon forming a lively little group.
Xavier lingered with his own team, but his eyes kept drifting to Eleanor. At last, unable to resist any longer, he left his group and started walking toward her.