Chapter 583
The smile faded from Eleanor’s face as she turned away, gazing off into the distance.
Xavier grinned and explained, “I was just complimenting Eleanor on how she handled the shareholders for you this time p>
lan’s eyes lingered on Eleanor’s delicate profile, his expression a little cold. “She did a remarkable job p>
A heavy silence settled between the three of them.
Just then, the school gates opened. Ian turned to Eleanor. “I’ll go get Evelyn.” He took a few steps, then glanced back at Xavier with a raised eyebrow. “You coming p>
Xavier nodded and fell in beside him. The two men headed into the school to pick up the child.
A few minutes later, lan emerged, holding Evelyn Goodwin by the hand.
“Mom!” Evelyn darted forward, wrapping her arms around Eleanor’s legs and looking up at her with bright eyes. “Mom, can we have dinner with Dad tonight p>
“Joslyn’s already made us dinner,” Eleanor said, gently ruffling her daughter’s hair. “But can Dad join us for dinner at our house?” Evelyn pleaded.
Eleanor smiled softly. “He’s busy, sweetheart. He just said he has to go back to work for a meeting p>
“Really?” Evelyn asked, looking up at her father.
lan met his daughter’s gaze, but felt Eleanor’s pointed look-clearly, she expected him to play along.
“That’s right, honey,” he said, picking up on Eleanor’s cue. “Dad has some urgent work tonight, but I’ll have dinner with you two another time p>
“Okay, then p>
“But hey, it’s still early. I can walk you home p>
“Let’s walk!” Evelyn chirped, handing her backpack to Eleanor. “Mom, I’ll walk with Dad. You can go ahead p>
Eleanor hesitated for a moment but didn’t want to spoil her daughter’s excitement. She picked up the backpack and headed toward the car. Vivian, waiting in the car, waved at Evelyn. “See you, Evelyn p>
“Bye, Vivian!” Evelyn waved back.
lan left his car by the school gate and took Evelyn’s hand, savoring the fifteen- minute stroll to Eleanor’s house.
When Eleanor arrived home, Joslyn was surprised to see she was alone. “Ma’am, where’s Evelyn p>
“She’s walking home with her dad,” Eleanor replied.
Joslyn looked startled, then asked, “I haven’t started the rice yet-should I p>
“No need,” Eleanor cut her off quickly. “He’s just dropping Evelyn off p>
Joslyn nodded, understanding. From her perspective, she always hoped Mrs. Goodwin and Mr. Goodwin would get back together. After all, Evelyn was still so young. She deserved a complete family.
Twenty minutes later, Joslyn noticed Princess barking at the door and knew lan and Evelyn had returned. She opened the door for them.
lan knelt to wipe the sweat from his daughter’s forehead, then kissed the top of her head. “Go on in, sweetheart. Dad’s got to get back to work p>
“Okay! Bye, Daddy!” Evelyn waved, then dashed into the yard.
lan watched her go, a smile on his lips. When Princess poked her nose out the door, he beckoned, “Come here, Princess p>
Princess bounded over, tail wagging. Ian scratched her head, a little ritual that had become second nature. It didn’t feel right to leave without giving Princess a pat.
After lan left, Joslyn closed the door and paused.
Had Mr. Goodwin’s temper mellowed? Or was she just imagining it?
That evening, Eleanor video-chatted with Joy Thatcher. Joy’s wedding was only three days away, and she was feeling pre-wedding jitters. Eleanor tried to reassure her.
“I’m so nervous!” Joy chewed her thumbnail on screen. “What if something goes wrong at the wedding? And my college friends are making me sing in front of everyone—and they want Frazier Jeffries to sing too. Honestly, they’re just setting me up p>
Eleanor couldn’t help but laugh.