Eleanor’s brow creased in irritation. Couldn’t she get a moment’s peace without being disturbed?
With a quiet sigh, she decided to move elsewhere and turned to leave.
Just then, Ian’s voice called out behind her, “Are you and Xavier… are you two serious?”
Eleanor crossed her arms, her tone frosty. “What business is it of yours?”
“It’s not my business, but—” Ian’s eyes narrowed, as if he wanted to say more, but before he could finish, Henry came rushing over with Vanessa cradled in his arms.
“Ian, it’s Vanessa—something’s wrong,” Henry said, concern etched on his face.
Without a second thought, Ian strode over and asked, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick?”
Vanessa, looking pale and weak, reached a trembling hand toward him. “Ian, hold me—”
Henry hesitated for a moment, but finally handed Vanessa over. Ian lifted her easily into his arms and hurried toward the main entrance of the ballroom.
A little while later, Xavier found Eleanor. He explained that Vanessa had felt faint at the dinner table, and Henry had taken her outside to get some air.
Eleanor let him know that Ian and Henry had already left with Vanessa.
“Has she always had health problems?” Eleanor asked Xavier quietly.
“I’m not sure,” Xavier replied. “Whenever we’re all out together, Ian keeps a close eye on her, especially about drinking. He never lets her have a glass.”
Eleanor didn’t press further. Instead, she said, “I should go say goodbye to Mr. Brown and head out.”
“I’ll come with you,” Xavier offered.
After exchanging farewells with Mr. Brown, Eleanor and Xavier made their way down to the lobby. Xavier had checked in with Henry about Vanessa, and now he had a reply.
“Mom, I’m home!” A weak voice floated up from the living room downstairs—Serena Goodwin had just returned.
Eleanor tensed and glanced at Magdalen. “Grandma, I’ll visit you another time when it’s quieter.”
“Why are you leaving already?” Magdalen protested, reluctant to let her go.
Downstairs, the housekeeper had already told Serena that Eleanor was visiting. With a scowl, Serena stomped upstairs, and found Eleanor and Magdalen chatting in the sitting room. Her expression darkened.
“Ellie, stay a little longer. Who knows, Ian might be home soon,” Magdalen said absentmindedly.
Eleanor’s smile faded. “No, thank you, Grandma.”
Serena snorted. “You make it sound like my brother’s dying to see her.” As she spoke, her phone buzzed with a message. She glanced at the screen and broke into a smile. “Grandma, my brother’s not coming home tonight.”

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