Chapter 85
Serena took a seat beside Vanessa, striking up a light conversation while Henry and lan discussed current events at the other end of the room.
But Serena’s thoughts didn’t linger long-her mind was already drifting toward Xavier. She wanted to be with him.
Out by the arcade, Eleanor, exhausted from the relentless pace of the past few days, suddenly felt her vision blur and a wave of dizziness wash over her.
Instinctively, she reached out and grabbed Xavier’s arm for support.
Xavier immediately noticed something was wrong. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern etched in his voice.
Eleanor released his arm, straightening up with effort. “It’s nothing, just a little dizzy spell,” she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
Serena, who had just arrived and witnessed the scene, bit her lip in disbelief— how could Eleanor so brazenly flirt with Xavier?
“Sis, let me watch Evelyn for you!” Serena chimed in, stepping forward.
“No need,” Eleanor said coolly.
Serena quickly pivoted to Xavier. “Xavier, I’ll take care of Vivian. Why don’t you go catch up with my brother and the others?” If she couldn’t get rid of Eleanor, then she’d just send Xavier away.
One way or another, she wasn’t about to let the two of them spend any more time alone together.
Xavier nodded. “Thanks, I appreciate it p>
He glanced at Eleanor, his eyes full of concern, before heading back to the private lounge. Serena caught that look, filing it away.
When Xavier entered the lounge, Serena crossed her arms and shot Eleanor a warning glare. “Eleanor, you’d better keep your distance from Xavier p>
Eleanor turned to face her.
Serena stared her down. “He’s the man I have my eye on. Don’t even think about it p>
Eleanor exhaled quietly, choosing not to engage.
Serena’s irritation only grew. In her mind, Eleanor was on the rebound-her brother would soon cast her aside, so she was already seeking out a wealthy backup plan.
And Xavier? He was the perfect candidate: mature, handsome, gentle, and patient. With their daughters playing together, Eleanor had the perfect excuse to get close.
Serena wandered off to the side, busying herself with her phone. She never had the patience to actually watch the kids.
Twenty minutes passed, and the group from the lounge finally emerged. Vanessa strolled over, a warm smile on her face.
“Evelyn!” she called out, her tone overly familiar.
“Mrs. Shannon!” Evelyn peeked out from behind Eleanor, beaming.
Eleanor’s expression darkened. Vanessa hadn’t shown any overt malice toward her daughter, and at this age, Evelyn couldn’t tell genuine affection from a pretense.
“Evelyn, time to go,” Eleanor said gently to her daughter.
Xavier came to fetch Vivian, crouching down patiently to help her with her shoes. Serena watched him, her heart swelling with the certainty that Xavier would make a wonderful father someday.
Eleanor knelt to help Evelyn with her shoes, too. Suddenly, Vanessa crouched down beside them, taking Evelyn’s little arms in her hands and turning the child to face her. “Evelyn, give me a kiss and I’ll give you a toy p>
“Really?” Evelyn’s eyes sparkled with delight.
Eleanor’s hands clenched into fists. She wanted nothing more than to slap Vanessa right then and there.
But she knew she couldn’t lose control in front of her daughter-it would only frighten Evelyn and destroy the fragile bond she’d fought so hard to build. Yet watching Vanessa charm her little girl felt like a knife twisting in her heart.
Just then, Vivian dashed over and grabbed Evelyn’s hand. “Come on, Evelyn, let’s go!” she said brightly.
Evelyn instantly forgot about Vanessa’s promised toy, and the two girls skipped off toward the elevators together.
Vanessa’s smile faltered. Eleanor looked up just in time to meet Xavier’s gaze as he turned away. A subtle warmth bloomed in her chest-Xavier must have sent Vivian over to rescue her daughter.