Serena tossed her phone aside and leaned back in her seat with a relieved sigh. “Finally done being angry. I actually feel better now.”
Vanessa smiled. “Your brother has always doted on you. He’ll never hold a grudge. But—” She hesitated, trailing off.
“But what?” Serena immediately sat up straighter.
Vanessa sighed softly. “But when it comes to Eleanor… Your brother really needs her expertise right now. Serena, just hold back for a bit, okay? Don’t go picking fights with her again.”
A shadow flickered in Serena’s eyes, but she quickly forced a smile. “I get it. For the sake of his career, I’ll tolerate her.” She turned to Vanessa, eyes gleaming with admiration. “Vanessa, you really are the most understanding person I know. No one gets my brother’s struggles the way you do.”
Vanessa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, after ten years together, I’d hope so.”
“My brother can be so clueless sometimes. When’s he finally going to propose to you?” Serena couldn’t hide her eagerness—she was already picturing Vanessa as family.
Vanessa’s gaze flickered. “No rush. Let’s wait until he’s finished with this busy stretch.”
Serena looked at her with genuine gratitude. Vanessa’s grace, patience, and thoughtfulness were exactly what Serena aspired to.
“Wait,” Serena said suddenly, “don’t you still have some cute photos of you and my brother on your phone?”
Vanessa froze, instantly realizing what Serena was after. “We haven’t taken any new ones in ages—any pictures I have are from way back.”
“That’s fine! Just pick one for me. I want to send it to Eleanor. She shouldn’t get off so easily,” Serena said, her grudge against Eleanor still simmering.

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