Chapter 872

Midway through the dinner, Eleanor decided to let Ellington handle the rest of the social obligations and head home early. After bidding the mayor farewell, he smiled at her and said, “Eleanor, please keep an eye on things with Mansfield’s work p>

Eleanor paused, not quite understanding his meaning, but with so many guests around, she simply smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

Just as she was about to leave the banquet hall, a voice called out from behind her. “Eleanor, are you leaving already p>

Xavier emerged from the crowd. Eleanor nodded. “Yes, I need to get back p>

“I’ve had a bit to drink tonight,” he said, his eyes pleading slightly. “Would you mind giving me a ride p>

Since they lived in the same residential complex, it was on her way.

“You’re not staying a little longer?” she asked.

“No, I should get home,” Xavier replied, ever the responsible father.

Eleanor nodded. “Alright, let’s go together p>

From a distance, Vanessa and Henry watched Eleanor and Xavier leave. “It seems your bond really has faded,” Vanessa remarked to Henry.

Henry tried to act indifferent, but a sour feeling settled in his stomach. In the past, Xavier would have never left without saying goodbye to him. Now, it seemed he only had eyes for Eleanor. Dejected, Henry took a sip of his red wine. Just then, another guest nearly stumbled into Vanessa, and Henry instinctively wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into his embrace.

Vanessa recovered and shot him a flirtatious smile.

He looked down at her tenderly, but as he glanced up, his eyes accidentally met Selma Quigley’s from across the room. Henry froze for a moment, and Selma quickly averted her gaze.

Noticing his attention was elsewhere, Vanessa followed his line of sight and saw Selma. The smile in her eyes vanished.

On the drive home, Eleanor and Xavier discussed elementary schools for the children. Eleanor mentioned she was considering an international school with an excellent faculty, located near Dr. Smith’s lab.

Xavier was puzzled. “Why that one? It’s pretty far from your house and the lab p>

“I’m considering it for a number of reasons,” Eleanor replied with a slight smile.

Seeing that she didn’t want to elaborate, he didn’t press further. “It’s a great school, definitely worth considering p>

Before they knew it, they had arrived home. As Eleanor steered her car

into the underground garage and pulled into her designated spot, she saw that the space next to hers was already occupied by a black March The headlights were

on

the window was down, and lan’s long fingers were holding a lit cigarette out of the car.

Eleanor frowned. What was he doing here?

Xavier looked at her, his voice low. “Did you two have plans to meet p>

She shook her head. “No p>

After Eleanor had parked, Xavier opened his door to get out. Ian, clearly not expecting to see him with Eleanor exited his car and stubbed out his cigarette. “Xavier, you’re back too,” he said, greeting him.

Xavier managed a smile. “I had a bit to drink tonight, so Eleanor gave me a lift p>

“We’ll catch up another time. I need to talk to Eleanor about something for work,” lan said, then turned to her. “I have a few work-related things to discuss. Is now a good time p>

Previously, Eleanor would have flatly refused him. But now that they were united in their goal to find a preventative cure for their daughter, her attitude had softened.

“Ian, Eleanor just came from a dinner. She’s probably tired—” Xavier started, trying to refuse on her behalf. After all, work could wait until morning.

His words were also a subtle hint that it was inappropriate for her ex-husband to be disturbing her at nine o’clock at night.