Just then, Eleanor's phone rang. It was an unfamiliar local number.

Frowning, she stepped out onto the balcony to answer it. finḑnovel.net

"Hello? Who is this?" she asked politely.

"Eleanor, it's me. We need to talk," came Vanessa's provocative voice.

Eleanor was surprised she still had the audacity to call. Vanessa was clever, always using a new number since her old ones were blocked.

"I have nothing to talk to you about," Eleanor said coldly, unwilling to waste her

time.

Vanessa continued as if she hadn't heard. "Eleanor, do you really believe that lan and I have been completely innocent all this time? Remember the night of my concert? If you hadn't burst into my dressing room and interrupted us... do you have any idea what would have happened?"

Vanessa laughed triumphantly, jogging Eleanor's memory. "I'm sure you saw it for yourself. My hair was caught on lan's belt buckle—"

"I'm not interested in hearing about your disgusting affairs," Eleanor cut her off.

Vanessa's laughter only grew louder. "If you find it so disgusting, are you still planning on getting back together with lan?"

Eleanor frowned. So this was Vanessa's goal, calling from a new number just to say this. She wanted to know if Eleanor and lan were reconciling.

lan was still her daughter's father and would always be a part of her daughter's life. Even if he wasn't a good husband, Eleanor hoped he could be a good father. She wouldn't let Vanessa tarnish his image in her eyes, nor would she give her the satisfaction.

"Vanessa, are you done? Do you think these pathetic little games will get to me? I know what kind of man lan is. Stop acting like a pathetic clown."

The breathing on the other end of the line grew heavy, Vanessa's voice laced with anger. "Eleanor, what did you just say?"

"Whether or not lan and I get back together is our business. It has

nothing to do with you," Eleanor

retorted coolly. "As for the issues between you and lan he can handle them himself."

Without giving Vanessa another chance to speak, Eleanor hung up and blocked the new number.

If Vanessa hadn't brought it up, Eleanor might have let it go. But the fact that she did only confirmed that the whole incident had been orchestrated.

She had her daughter and a career she loved. Her life was peaceful and fulfilling. She didn't need to rely on anyone. As for lan, the bond of their daughter meant they could per

truly seventies. But from powoN. they would keep their distance and live their own lives.

Henry had been in a foul mood ever since Vanessa's confession the other night. After a long day at work, he was finally home.

Throughout the day, many past events had started to make more sense. It was as

if a fog had lifted, revealing a deeper truth.

Just then, his phone rang. It was Xavier.

"Hey, Xavier. Any luck with Vivian's custody case?" Henry asked immediately.

He and Xavier were close and often discussed their problems. Xavier had mentioned the issue a few days ago.

"We've hired a lawyer. We're heading over to negotiate next week."

"If you need any help, don't forget about me and-" Henry stopped short. He used to say "and lan without a second thought, but now, it felt like the once-unbreakable trio had lost a member.