Chapter 464

A glint of satisfaction flickered in Vanessa’s eyes as her plan fell into place. She sighed, her tone laced with mock helplessness. “But what can you really do? Xavier’s completely bewitched by Eleanor right now. Do you honestly think he’d listen to you p>

Henry’s gaze darkened. “Then we’ll just have to show Xavier the truth-let him see Eleanor for who she really is, playing both sides. Maybe that’ll finally open his eyes p>

Vanessa lifted her delicate face, giving him a sorrowful look. “Maybe I shouldn’t interfere, but seeing you and your brother at odds like this-it breaks my heart.” Henry’s expression softened with gratitude. “You mean well. I appreciate it p>

She nodded emphatically. “Eleanor could have gone after lan directly if she wanted revenge. Instead, she’s using Xavier to get back at him. Xavier’s the real victim here p>

Henry’s fists clenched at his sides.

Night had fallen, the garden bathed in the soft glow of lamps. Under the shadows, lan regarded his friend, his voice unreadable.

“So, you’re really going after her p>

Xavier’s eyes didn’t waver. “I’ve never been more certain p>

“When did it start?” lan looked up, meeting Xavier’s gaze head-on.

Xavier let out a breath, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. “I don’t know. It just… happened p>

Even without the words, lan knew exactly what Xavier meant. Somewhere along the way, Eleanor had drawn him in-subtly, irresistibly.

lan caught the attention of a passing waiter. “Can I get a pack of cigarettes p>

The waiter returned promptly. Ian lit one, then held out the pack and lighter. “Want one p>

Xavier shook his head. “I don’t smoke p>

lan inhaled, letting the smoke curl from his lips. “She’s my ex-wife, you know. Doesn’t that bother you p>

Xavier’s jaw tightened, his face briefly flashing with something only another man could understand. Six years of marriage-six years of intimacy and familiarity. The thought lingered in the air.

Xavier’s brows drew together. “Eleanor isn’t anyone’s property. She’s her own person. I don’t care about the past—I only care about whether I can give her a better future p>

lan took another long drag, smoke veiling his eyes. “How well do you really know her p>

Xavier’s gaze softened, a quiet honesty in his answer. “There’s a lot I still don’t know. But I’ve got time to find out p>

lan looked up, a cryptic smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Xavier, I never figured you for a hopeless romantic until now p>

Xavier gave a half-laugh, resigned. “If you need an apology, lan, I’ll say I’m sorry p>

lan stared down at the glowing tip of his cigarette. “No apology needed. But our divorce agreement has a condition Eleanor has to follow p>

Xavier perked up, curiosity in his eyes. “What condition p>

“For five years after the divorce, she can’t remarry. So, you two can date, but marriage is off the table p>

lan’s voice was low, but there was no mistaking the seriousness in each word. “Five years?” Xavier shot to his feet, disbelief all over his face. “You actually put something like that in your divorce papers p>

lan flicked his ash, his tone impassive. “She signed it willingly p>

“Ian, what are you trying to do? If you still love her, you shouldn’t hurt her like this. And if you don’t, why stand in the way of her happiness p>

lan stubbed out his cigarette on the ground, his expression shadowed. “That’s my business p>

“It’s only five years. I can wait.” Xavier’s voice was suddenly resolute.

lan narrowed his eyes, his words taking on a chill. “Xavier, are you really sure about this p>