Stepping out of the elevator, Eleanor immediately scolded Princess, “No more running off next time, you hear me?”
Princess only looked up at her with those big, innocent eyes, clearly confused about what she’d done wrong. Sighing, Eleanor had no choice but to take the dog home with her.
“Princess!” Evelyn squealed with delight, running over to throw her arms around Princess’s neck, her cheek squishing into the pup’s head.
“Mom, where did you find her?” Evelyn asked, eyes wide with curiosity.
“In the garden downstairs,” Eleanor replied.
“Naughty Princess! You’re not allowed to wander off like that anymore!” Evelyn said, pretending to scold her, though she was clearly just relieved.
Joslyn watched the reunion, unsurprised. She’d suspected Princess had been at Mr. Goodwin’s place all along.
That night, after putting her daughter to bed, Eleanor took a moment to look over the gifts she’d received from Xavier and Mansfield. It was her birthday, so friends sending presents was only natural. Xavier’s gift was simple enough that she could easily find a reason to return it if necessary.
But Mansfield’s gift was another matter entirely—it was far too extravagant to simply hand back. Eleanor felt a headache coming on. Navigating social niceties had never been her strong suit.
She finally mustered the courage to text him. “The gift you gave tonight is too much,” she wrote, knowing it might sting.
“You deserve it,” Mansfield replied, his message short but sincere.
“I rarely carry anything expensive with me, and I worry about safety. I’m going to return your gift, Mansfield. Your friendship means a lot to me, but there’s really no need for something so lavish,” Eleanor typed, carefully choosing her words before hitting send.
“Eleanor, don’t be like this. I just want to give you the best I can,” Mansfield replied promptly.
Mansfield couldn’t help but smile—had he really managed to traumatize Eleanor with his gifts?
“Don’t worry, it’s just a little music box for her room.”
Joslyn peeked inside and saw an elegant, artistic music box. She immediately pictured it on Eleanor’s desk in the study. “This would look perfect in her study!” she said honestly.
“Would you mind putting it there for me?” Mansfield asked with a gentle smile.
“Of course,” Joslyn replied, taking the bag. “I’m sure she’ll love it.”
Mansfield didn’t linger. Later, Joslyn snapped a photo of the music box in place and sent it to Eleanor.

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