A little while later, the same waiter from earlier brought Eleanor a glass of lemonade. She glanced at it but didn’t reach for the glass.
Throughout the entire meal, Eleanor never touched the lemonade. Ian clearly noticed, but his expression betrayed nothing.
After dinner, Eleanor and York walked ahead, chatting amiably. York, having enjoyed a couple of drinks, announced he was heading to his room for a nap.
“Mr. Windsor, have a good rest!” Eleanor called after him, watching as he disappeared down the hall. As she turned to head to her own room, Ian’s voice stopped her. “Eleanor.”
She paused without turning, her tone cool as she looked back over her shoulder. “What is it?”
Ian’s figure was sharply defined in the corridor’s dim light. He frowned slightly. “At tonight’s reception, I’d suggest you keep your distance from Mansfield.”
Eleanor’s expression turned icy. “I don’t need your advice.”
She was perfectly aware of the need for propriety at these events; she had no intention of giving anyone a reason to gossip about her and Mansfield.
“I’m only looking out for you, that’s all. Nothing more,” Ian replied, his eyes fixed on her.
He had his reasons. As long as Eleanor worked in his lab, her actions reflected on his company’s reputation, whether she liked it or not.
“Thank you for your concern.” Her words were polite but cold. She opened her door and slipped inside, closing it firmly behind her.
Ian lingered for a moment before heading into his own room.
Goodwin Manor.
It was three in the afternoon when Serena returned home. As she stepped into the foyer, she was startled by the sound of her niece Evelyn’s laughter echoing from the living room. Evelyn was back?
Serena walked in and spotted Evelyn, a little whirlwind of energy, darting around the room like a butterfly.
“Evelyn, your aunt’s home!” Serena called.
“Aunt Serena!” Evelyn chirped, waving a little hand in greeting.
Serena set her things down and swept the child up into her arms, holding her close. “Did you miss me?” she asked, gazing at her affectionately.
“And what about Mr. Vaughn? Did he teach your mom?”
“Mr. Vaughn was teaching Vivian. She didn’t know how to ski.”
“So after your dad came back, did you all go to Fairytale Meadows? How did your mom get along with Mr. Vaughn there?”
Evelyn answered honestly, “They got along really well! Mr. Vaughn bought us all sorts of gifts.”
Serena couldn’t resist probing further. “Evelyn, would you like it if Mr. Vaughn became your uncle one day?”
Evelyn blinked, a little confused. “Uncle? You mean…?”
“It means he’d be my husband. You’d call him Uncle.”
“Oh! Are you going to marry Mr. Vaughn, Aunt Serena?” Evelyn asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
“One day, absolutely,” Serena said with a laugh, tapping Evelyn’s nose playfully.

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