Chapter 737
It was as if she absolutely needed to know whether lan had given Vanessa a
Christmas gift.
“So, it’s Christmas-did Mr. Goodwin get you anything?” she asked, glancing at Vanessa.
“Why? Did you get a present p>
“No, just curious p>
“If I get one, I’ll send you a photo later,” Vanessa replied.
“Alright! I bet Mr. Goodwin’s got something planned for you p>
“Let’s grab lunch together sometime in the next couple days,” Vanessa said.
“Sure p>
Half an hour later, Faye was scrolling through Vanessa’s social feed when she saw a new post: a gorgeous bouquet and a delicate, sparkling bracelet. The caption read simply, “Thank you, I love it p>
One look at the photo and message was all it took for Faye to know these were from lan. She’d known all along that lan wouldn’t forget Vanessa-not even if the gift came a little late. Her mind was suddenly at ease. There was no way lan would send a Christmas present to Eleanor. If he was giving gifts, it would only be to the woman he cared about.
As for Eleanor, at most, she and lan were boss and employee. Nothing more.
Goodwin & Co.
The morning sun glinted off the building’s dark glass facade, casting dazzling patterns across the lobby.
lan sat on the office sofa, scrolling on his iPad. He pointed to a listing on the screen and said to Gavin, “Get this gift ready. I want to give it to Evelyn p>
Gavin took a look: it was a limited-edition Disney princess castle building set. He nodded. “Of course, Mr. Goodwin. I’ll handle it p>
“Wait.” lan called him back.
“Yes, Mr. Goodwin p>
lan’s gaze drifted outside the window; sunlight sharpened the angles of his face as he considered for a few seconds. Finally, he said quietly, “Never mind. Just prepare that one gift p>
Gavin hesitated, then asked, “Mr. Goodwin, were you thinking of preparing something for Miss Sutton as well p>
“She wouldn’t accept it.” lan’s eyes lowered, a shadow flickering across his face.
Gavin understood instantly. Giving a gift that would be refused would only make things more awkward. Sometimes, not giving was the better choice.
At noon, Gavin placed the carefully wrapped limited-edition box on lan’s desk. On a day like this, the only gift that mattered was the one a father gave his daughter.
When lan returned after a meeting, he saw the elegantly wrapped present and couldn’t help but smile. He was sure his daughter would love it. At her age, with her quick mind, she was more than ready for this kind of toy.
Maybe it was a father’s pride, but he never doubted Evelyn would inherit his intelligence and talent.
Later, in the lab at lunchtime, Eleanor and Joel finished discussing a work problem. Suddenly, Joel remembered something, opened a drawer, and handed Eleanor a small figurine. “Just picked this up on a whim-hope you like it p>
Eleanor blinked in surprise. “Joel, I didn’t get you anything p>
He laughed. “Then just take me out for lunch another day. This little guy isn’t worth a whole meal anyway p>
Eleanor grinned, accepting the gift. “Deal. Lunch it is p>
The atmosphere between them was easy, like old friends or siblings. Outside the lab window, Faye walked by. Seeing Eleanor with a present in her hands, Faye paused, a surge of jealousy catching her off guard. Even Joel had thought to surprise Eleanor.
Gwenda’s words echoed in her mind: Who did she have to exchange gifts with?
People assumed she had everything-looks, money, the life of a trust fund kid. But the truth was, she spent her days in the lab, and admirers were few and far between. Or rather, they existed, but none caught her interest. The ordinary ones never got close; her cool, distant air sent them running.
Men like Joel, talented and charming, only had eyes for women even more exceptional-like Eleanor. There was nothing Faye could do to change that.
After work, Eleanor was grabbing her bag when she noticed a bouquet and a gift box on the couch. She picked them up and headed out.
When she arrived at Evelyn’s school, the nanny was just leaving with another child and greeted Eleanor warmly before heading off.
Eleanor picked up her daughter, then stopped by a nearby shop to choose a Christmas gift for her. In the car, Evelyn eyed the flowers curiously.
“Mommy, who gave you those flowers p>
Eleanor met her daughter’s innocent gaze and answered truthfully, “Mr. Vaughn gave them to me p>
“Did Daddy get you flowers too?” Evelyn pressed.
Eleanor’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. She quickly changed the subject. “Do you like the present Mommy got for you p>
“I love it!” Evelyn beamed, instantly distracted.
Eleanor drove into the underground garage, parked, and waited for Evelyn to climb out. She was holding the bouquet and the gift box, waiting by the car.
Suddenly, the door of a nearby black Mercedes opened, startling Eleanor. She turned and realized she’d parked beside lan’s spot-and his car was here.
Evelyn hopped out and spotted her father. Her face lit up. “Daddy! What are you doing here p>
lan bent down and scooped her into his arms. “I came to see you, sweetheart.” Then his eyes drifted to the bouquet and gift box in Eleanor’s hands.
Evelyn noticed and piped up, “That’s from Mr. Vaughn. He gave Mommy those flowers p>
lan’s expression darkened for a moment. “Did he p>
“Daddy, did you get Mommy a present too?” Evelyn asked, looking up at him expectantly.