Eleanor had no choice but to explain, "Mr. Vaughn, we're in the middle of a

divorce. Evelyn will be living with me from now on."

Xavier didn't look particularly surprised. "Serena mentioned it to me. I heard lan's still having the assets evaluated."

"That's right. We've already separated," Eleanor replied.

"What school is Evelyn attending?" Xavier suddenly asked.

Eleanor paused, a little caught off guard. "Are you thinking about transferring Vivian, Mr. Vaughn?"

"It depends. If Vivian keeps getting so upset, I might have to consider moving her to Evelyn's school," Xavier said matter-of-factly.

Eleanor was taken aback. It struck her again how much Xavier cared for his niece -almost more than some fathers cared for their own daughters.

She gave him the name of Evelyn's school. They didn't chat any further; the call ended soon after.

In the meantime, Eleanor spent the days before the new school term talking things through with her daughter, helping Evelyn prepare for the change. Evelyn seemed genuinely excited about her new school. Eleanor didn't mention that Vivian might be transferring as well; she figured Xavier was only considering it, and there was no need to say anything until it was certain.

The night before school started, around ten o'clock, Eleanor's phone buzzed with a new message. She glanced at the screen-it was from lan.

"I'll go with Evelyn tomorrow for her first day at the new school."

Eleanor didn't reply. She had no desire for him to come.

But at around seven the next morning, Joslyn came cheerfully up the stairs. "Ma'am, your husband's here."

Eleanor gently corrected her, "Joslyn, you can call me 'ma'am,' but he's not my husband anymore."

"Uh... Mr. Goodwin is here," Joslyn amended, looking a bit embarrassed.

Evelyn, spotting her father, ran over with delight. "Daddy! Daddy!"

lan knelt down, steadying Evelyn by her little shoulders as he took in her new uniform. Fondly, he tapped her nose. "Are you excited about starting at your new school?"

"I am!" Evelyn replied, tilting her round little chin up proudly.

Smiling, lan took her hand. "I'll go with you."

"Okay! Mommy, hurry up!" Evelyn called out, all enthusiasm.

With the big day ahead, Eleanor had taken special care with her appearance, choosing an elegant sleeveless blue dress that hugged her figure in all the right places.

"Mommy, you look so pretty today!" Evelyn exclaimed, sweet as ever.

lan's gaze lingered on Eleanor as he added, "I've got the car ready."

Eleanor picked up her bag, and accompanied by her daughter, headed out to lan's car.

The new school was a well-known private preschool, with excellent teachers and facilities. The first day focused on parent-child activities rather than formal registration.

Eleanor spent the morning with Evelyn, joining in a treasure hunt, tossing balls, and other fun games. Suddenly, Evelyn's eyes lit up-she spotted a familiar face.

"Vivian!" she called out in delight.

Eleanor looked up to see Xavier, holding Vivian's hand, making their way through the crowd. She was surprised—had Xavier really transferred Vivian here after all?

The two little girls squealed and hugged each other, then dashed off hand in hand to play. Ian gave Xavier a nod in greeting. "You made it."

"Traffic was a mess-I got here a bit late," Xavier replied.

"Did you find a place nearby?" lan asked.

"I'm looking at the one you recommended," Xavier said.

Eleanor frowned slightly. Ian had recommended a house to Xavier? Why was he looking at real estate in this area?

"Most of the homes around here are charming old townhouses from the '90s," lan explained. "They're in good shape, and with a little remodeling, they're really nice."

"I like them a lot," Xavier said with a smile. Then he asked, "Have you started renovating your place?"

"I've handed it over to a contractor. Should be finished in a couple of months," lan answered.

Eleanor fixed her gaze on lan. "You bought a house nearby?"

lan nodded. "Grandma wants to move out this way. She loves homes with a bit of history."