Chapter 653

“Alright, then after dinner we’ll have cake!” Eleanor said with a gentle smile.

“Vivian, we need to save some room for cake,” Evelyn announced seriously to her friend.

The adults at the table couldn’t help but laugh at the little one’s earnestness.

Seeing how relaxed everyone was, Eleanor let out a quiet sigh of relief. She’d been worried the evening might turn awkward.

“Mom, I’m full,” Evelyn declared, setting down her fork.

“Me too,” Vivian chimed in.

The two little girls had barely finished half their meal before their thoughts drifted eagerly to dessert.

While laughter and warmth filled the upstairs dining room, downstairs felt cold and empty by comparison.

lan stood in front of the tall bay window, half a glass of whiskey in his hand. He tipped his head back and finished it in one swallow, his gaze unconsciously drifting upward toward the ceiling.

From the balcony above came the faint, bright laughter of a little girl. Instantly, lan’s stern expression softened.

He knew that laugh-it was Evelyn’s. In his mind, a scene played out: Eleanor slicing cake, two attentive men sitting nearby, and his daughter beaming with joy at her birthday dinner, surrounded by warmth and celebration.

And upstairs, that very scene was unfolding.

Eleanor sat on the sofa with the birthday cake in front of her, a single candle glowing for her twenty-eighth year.

“Lights off!” Evelyn called out, expertly darting over to flip the switch.

Eleanor sat in the gentle candlelight, her delicate features glowing in the soft flicker. She watched as her daughter climbed up beside her and began singing the birthday song, her heart overflowing with happiness.

The two men watching from the opposite sofa couldn’t help but smile as the joy in the room became infectious.

“Mom, make a wish!” Evelyn urged, still half singing, half giggling.

Eleanor pressed her hands together, closed her eyes, and made a wish with quiet

reverence.

A few seconds later, she invited the girls to help her blow out the candle. Then she stood and began slicing the cake. Across from her, the two men sat quietly, momentarily captivated by the graceful, tender way Eleanor moved as she divided the slices.

Once the cake was served, the two little girls dove in with gusto. Eleanor brought a piece over to Joslyn, who, glancing downstairs, couldn’t help but think: there’s no way Mrs. Sutton would ever share cake with lan.

Afterward, Xavier decided it was time to take Vivian home, not wanting to impose any longer.

“Take care, and thank you for the lovely gift,” Eleanor said, walking them to the door.

“Good night, Ms. Sutton!” Vivian waved, cheeks rosy from excitement. Xavier met Eleanor’s eyes with a warm, thoughtful look. “Thank you for having us. We had a wonderful evening p>

Once Xavier and Vivian had gone, Eleanor started to close the door, but her phone rang, making her pause. In that brief moment, Princess-the family cat- darted through the open doorway and disappeared around the corner in the hallway.

Eleanor didn’t notice the cat slip out. She simply shut the door behind her.

Inside, Mansfield was playing with Evelyn and her little robot toy. Eleanor settled onto the sofa across from them. “Did you eat enough?” she asked softly.

“The doctor says I shouldn’t overeat, but I couldn’t help myself tonight-l polished off two whole bowls,” Mansfield replied, smiling.

Eleanor laughed. “You really should listen to your doctor p>

Mansfield nodded, his voice low and sincere. “Alright, I’ll do as you say p>

Just then, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen. “Looks like I should get going. Next time, dinner’s on me-you and Evelyn are invited p>

“Focus on your recovery first,” Eleanor insisted.

“I’ll be in Ashford City for another month. Maybe we’ll get another chance,” Mansfield said, a hint of reluctance in his voice as he stood. Turning to Evelyn, he smiled, “Goodbye, Miss Evelyn p>

Evelyn ran over, grinning. “Goodbye, Mr. Ellington p>

Eleanor walked him to the door. “Drive safely, alright p>

Mansfield paused at the threshold and looked back at her. He could tell her

hospitality was offered as a friend, nothing more. Still, he smiled, lips pressed together. “I tucked my gift inside the bouquet. I hope you’ll like it p>