Chapter 53
Gwenda’s worldview was taking a hit, but then again, in the circles of the ultra- wealthy, “worldview” was more of a suggestion than a rule. She snuck a glance at lan—tall, impeccably dressed, with striking features and an air of unshakable poise. He was, by any measure, the kind of man women would scramble to hold
on to.
Any woman who managed to get close to him would be a fool to let him go.
The launch event for the new research facility was a resounding success, and the press rushed to cover it. By that afternoon, news of it was already splashed across the front pages of the business and current affairs sections.
On her drive home, Eleanor received a text from Serena: she was already picking up Evelyn.
Eleanor quickly replied, “Make sure to bring Evelyn home early p>
“Yeah, got it,” Serena shot back, her response carrying a hint of annoyance.
So Eleanor waited for them at home.
Around five, Eleanor checked in again. Serena replied with a photo: “Evelyn’s still playing with her friend p>
As it turned out, Evelyn and Vivian had gone window shopping at the mall- undoubtedly with Xavier in tow, but Eleanor was pretty sure Vanessa wasn’t with them.
It wasn’t until six-thirty that Serena finally walked in the door, holding Evelyn by the hand. Evelyn looked absolutely delighted, clutching a new gift in her arms.
“Mom, look at my new present! Mr. Vaughn bought it for me p>
Eleanor’s heart skipped a beat. Why did Xavier insist on spoiling her again?
Serena, meanwhile, was in high spirits. Playing chauffeur for her niece meant she got to see Xavier almost every day. Today, they’d even strolled through the mall together-and his niece seemed to like her, too.
Maybe, just maybe, one of these days she’d get invited over to his place.
Serena was lost in her daydreams when the door behind her swung open and lan walked in, looking sharp in a tailored suit.
“Hey, you’re back! All dressed up-did you have something important today?” Serena asked, a little too eagerly.
“I had a meeting,” lan replied.
As he passed her, Serena caught a faint scent of perfume lingering in the air. Her eyes lit up—she knew exactly what that meant.
So big brother had been with Vanessa. Smiling, she hurried upstairs with her phone to text Vanessa about it.
The two women quickly caught up. Vanessa confirmed that she and lan had attended a conference at Ashford Medical University. Serena, in turn, gushed about her afternoon at the mall with Xavier.
After dinner, Evelyn begged lan to play ball with her in the yard, while Princess, their golden retriever, bounded around them in circles. Serena lounged on the sofa, chatting on her phone. Eleanor had disappeared upstairs to work on some reports.
“Joslyn, what’s my sister-in-law been up to today?” Serena called out suddenly. Joslyn, who was clearing the dining table, paused in surprise. “Mrs. Bennett went out this morning, came back in the afternoon p>
“In the afternoon? What time did she get home p>
“Nearly half past four, I think,” Joslyn answered, careful not to lie-especially with lan nearby.
“Well, isn’t that nice. She sure knows how to enjoy herself,” Serena said with a snort.
Evelyn, overhearing this as she tossed the ball, stopped and turned to Serena. “Auntie, why did you say that about my mom p>
Serena quickly covered her mouth. “Evelyn, you must’ve misheard. I wasn’t talking about your mom p>
“Hmph, I heard you,” Evelyn insisted, glaring at her aunt, ready to defend her mother.
“Evelyn, I’m sorry. That wasn’t right of me to say,” Serena apologized in a rush- after all, she still hoped Evelyn would help her win over Xavier.
Then Evelyn announced, “I don’t want Auntie to take me to school tomorrow. And I don’t want you picking me up, either p>
Serena was stung. Was Eleanor behind this? Otherwise, how could her niece suddenly be so dead set against her?
Evelyn, he needs an explanation.
“Evelyn, how about this tomorrow Auntie will take you shopping for a new present. Don’t be mad, okay?” Serena pleaded, trying to coax her.
lan, on the other hand, didn’t intervene. He liked seeing his daughter stand up for herself.