Ian had Gavin Young bring the car around while he helped Magdalen down the stairs. They had just reached the lobby when Serena called Ian’s phone.
“Ian! Something’s wrong—Vanessa just fainted. You need to get here, now!”
“Where is she?” Ian’s tone was sharp with worry.
Serena quickly rattled off the name of a hotel and the private suite number.
Ian turned to Gavin. “Take Mom and Grandma home,” he said, already striding to the curb. He flagged down a cab and rattled off the address.
The driver floored it, weaving through traffic, cursing under his breath. “This is insane! I just ran three red lights—are you trying to get me killed?”
A wad of bills appeared in front of him, Ian’s voice low and icy. “Thanks for the trouble.”
Whatever more the driver wanted to say died in his throat. He snatched up the cash, grinning. “Sure thing, boss.”
Ian jumped out before the cab had even fully stopped, breaking into a run toward the hotel entrance.
The cabbie stared after him, half-amused, half-stunned. “Guess it really is an emergency,” he muttered, then happily started counting his windfall.
Ian burst into the suite.
The room was bright with party lights, laughter echoing off the walls. Vanessa, champagne flute in hand, was the center of attention, surrounded by friends.
She lowered her glass, her smile faltering in surprise. “Ian? What are you doing here?”
The friends nearby exchanged glances, all having witnessed Ian’s frantic entrance. It was obvious how deeply he cared for Vanessa.
Ian’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and looked at Serena. “Don’t let this happen again.”
With that, he stepped out to take the call.
Serena’s eyes welled up and she threw her arms around Vanessa, who, despite being a bit annoyed at the prank, couldn’t help but feel a secret thrill.
Ian still cared about her, just as much as ever.
“Vanessa, you’re so lucky,” one of her friends whispered. “Did you see how worried Mr. Goodwin was? You’re his whole world.”

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