Chapter 363

Eleanor watched with cool detachment, utterly unbothered.

Just then, Xavier and Henry stepped through the grand entrance together.

Serena’s heart thudded faster in her chest. This was the first time she’d seen Xavier since she’d returned home, and he was every bit as charming and handsome as she remembered—mature, poised, with that gentle, easy charisma that made him the perfect Prince Charming in her eyes. Xavier’s gaze swept the room before settling squarely on Eleanor. He offered a faint, reserved smile and walked toward her.

Serena stood at Eleanor’s side, witnessing the entire scene. Xavier didn’t spare her so much as a glance. To him, she was just another face in the crowd, as irrelevant as the rest of the guests.

Only as he neared Eleanor did Xavier seem to notice Serena at all. He offered a polite greeting. “Serena. I didn’t realize you were here p>

“Xavier.” Serena forced a smile, doing her best to hide the sting of being overlooked.

Xavier turned his attention back to Eleanor. “Eleanor, could I speak with you for a moment?” he asked.

Eleanor nodded, following Xavier to a quieter corner of the room.

He looked at her intently, his tone earnest. “Would you be willing to do me a favor tonight, Miss Sutton p>

Eleanor was caught off guard; it was the first time she’d ever seen Xavier ask anything of her. She straightened, responding with warmth, “Of course, Mr. Vaughn. What do you need p>

He hesitated only a moment before confiding, “To be honest, my family has set me up with someone tonight. She’ll be arriving soon, but I have no interest in her.

I was hoping you might pretend to be my date, just to discourage her p>

Eleanor blinked, surprised. She hadn’t expected him to need help fending off an unwanted suitor.

For a moment, she hesitated. She had no desire to tangle herself in Xavier’s romantic messes. But then she remembered all the times he’d helped her, and her resolve softened. “Won’t that cause a misunderstanding?” she asked quietly. Xavier’s gaze was gentle but firm. “I have no wish to hurt anyone. I just want to make my intentions clear, and I’m not great at handling these situations.” There was a quiet plea in his eyes.

After a thoughtful pause, Eleanor nodded. “All right. I’ll be your date-just for tonight. I can help with that p>

Relief and gratitude flickered across Xavier’s face. “Thank you, Eleanor p>

As Eleanor glanced back toward the entrance, Xavier’s gaze lingered on her profile, warm and intent.

Eleanor didn’t notice, but Serena-standing only a few steps away-took in everything. Her grip on her champagne glass tightened so hard she nearly cracked the stem.

At that moment, a young woman in a lavender gown entered the ballroom. She was strikingly beautiful, elegant, with the polished confidence of someone born into privilege.

She scanned the room, her eyes landing on Xavier. A delighted smile curved her lips as she made her way straight toward him.

“Xavier!” Her voice was sweet, barely concealing her excitement.

Xavier shifted subtly, moving closer to Eleanor. He spoke in a low voice, “That’s her-Shona p>

Eleanor caught on immediately, slipping her arm naturally through Xavier’s.

As Shona approached, her gaze flickered to where Eleanor held Xavier’s arm,

and her smile faltered ever so slightly. “And who is this p>

“Miss Shona, good evening.” Xavier nodded politely, his tone cool. “This is Eleanor my date p>