Chapter 49

“They say Xavier’s niece goes to the same school as Evelyn p>

“So that means she’ll run into Xavier at school all the time?” Serena asked, jealousy threading through her voice.

“If you want to see Xavier, maybe you should pick Evelyn up after class,” Vanessa suggested with a sly grin.

“Great idea! I’ll just move in with my brother for a week and take over school runs. No way am I letting her steal the guy I’ve got my eye on,” Serena declared, her tone full of playful bravado.

“Taking advantage of others is her specialty. With a man as exceptional as Xavier, you really should keep an eye on her,” Vanessa replied knowingly.

After chatting a bit longer, Vanessa hung up feeling pleased with herself. Lately, lan hadn’t brought his daughter by to visit, and the bond Vanessa had spent over two years building with Evelyn was starting to fade.

Especially after that night when Evelyn insisted on bringing leftover cake home to share with Eleanor-Vanessa realized her subtle attempts to win Evelyn over these past years had failed.

Evelyn had found her way back to Eleanor’s embrace.

In the shop, Evelyn and Vivian picked out identical gifts—a beautiful doll worth well over a hundred dollars. As Eleanor hurried to pay, a large hand gently blocked her. “Let me p>

“No, Mr. Vaughn, I insist.” Eleanor’s tone was firm.

But Xavier had already handed over his payment code, and the clerk, ever perceptive, scanned it without hesitation.

Eleanor felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “Oh, I feel terrible making you pay p>

“As long as the girls are happy, that’s all that matters,” Xavier replied, flashing a gentle smile.

They each took their child home. On the drive, Evelyn sang cheerfully from the backseat. “Mom, am I singing well p>

“You sound wonderful! Want to guess what I bought you p>

“What is it? Tell me, Mom!” Evelyn’s eyes shone with curiosity.

“I got you a piano. It should be delivered in about three days p>

“Wow! I love you, Mom! You’re the best mom in the world!” Evelyn squealed, her arms wrapping tight around her plush rabbit.

Eleanor couldn’t help but laugh, her heart full.

Just then, Joslyn received a call from lan. He asked her to prepare a guest room and set an extra place at dinner.

Joslyn didn’t understand, but dutifully tidied up a room on the third floor. When Eleanor and Evelyn came home, Joslyn filled her in.

“Did he say who’s coming?” Eleanor asked.

“He didn’t, but I suppose it’s a family member,” Joslyn replied.

Eleanor wondered if it might be her mother-in-law moving in. Half an hour later, Serena breezed through the front door, suitcase in tow.

Eleanor froze in surprise. So it was her.

“Hey, sis-in-law! Hope you don’t mind me moving in for a week,” Serena announced before Eleanor could speak.

“Of course not. Your room’s ready on the third floor,” Eleanor replied politely.

“Auntie!” Evelyn rushed over, clutching Princess, her stuffed bunny.

“Evelyn, are you happy to have your aunt stay for a while p>

“Of course!” Evelyn nodded eagerly.

At seven, lan returned home. Serena linked her arm through his, beaming. “Big brother, I’m not bothering you by staying here, am I p>

“Not at all,” lan said, slipping off his suit jacket.

Serena immediately noticed the bite mark on the back of his hand. She grabbed his wrist, eyes widening. “What happened to your hand? Who bit you p>

lan glanced at her coolly. “It’s nothing p>

“Nothing? This is a serious bite! Who could be so heartless to bite you like that?” Serena demanded, indignant.

Eleanor, on her way downstairs, paused mid-step, glancing at the siblings below.

Serena looked up, caught Eleanor standing on the stairs, and instantly put two and two together. So it was her.

“Some people just don’t know how to be grateful-or when enough is enough,” Serena said, her words laced with meaning.