lan hadn't said a word yet when Henry chimed in, "Nice game out there."

Eleanor's arm was starting to ache from all the swinging. As she massaged her forearm, Xavier leaned in, his voice gentle. "What's wrong? Sore arm?"

She nodded. “Let's head back, shall we?"

"Sure," Xavier agreed immediately. Clearly, he hadn't come for the golf.

Eleanor crouched to gather her things, but Xavier beat her to it, lifting her bag with

the easy confidence of a thoughtful boyfriend.

The three of them had barely taken a few steps when lan suddenly called out behind them, "Let's go too."

"But we just got here!" Vanessa protested, pouting in disappointment.

"Ian probably has something to do," Henry said, glancing at lan. “Vanessa, I'll stay and play a few rounds with you."

Vanessa instantly changed her tune, feigning exhaustion. "Never mind, it's too hot. Let's go home."

lan's gaze drifted unconsciously toward Eleanor and her friends. Xavier had said something that made both Eleanor and Joy burst out laughing.

Noticing lan's expression, Henry gave his shoulder a friendly pat. "Ian, if you still have feelings for Eleanor-"

"There's no 'if,"" lan cut him off coldly, shouldering his golf bag and striding ahead. Henry had spoken quietly, so Vanessa, busy with her gear, hadn't caught any of it. By the time Vanessa finished packing up, lan was already ten meters ahead. Carrying Vanessa's bag for her, Henry couldn't help but remark, "You know, Eleanor and Xavier seem like a good match."

Vanessa whipped her head around to glare at him. "Henry, did you forget what I told you last time?"

"I've spoken to Xavier in private, but he really seems into Eleanor—”

"Can't you see what she's doing? She was clearly pretending not to know how to play, just so Xavier would teach her. She's trying to seduce him."

Henry hesitated. "You really think so?"

"I was actually looking forward to a good game today, but thanks to her, lan's in a foul mood, and so am I." Vanessa bit her red lip, blaming Eleanor for ruining her day.

Henry laughed. "So, what would it take to cheer you up?"

"You know, I was planning to buy that vase for Magdalen's birthday, but she swooped in and grabbed it first."

"Seriously? That happened?"

"She knew I wanted it for Magdalen, but she snatched it anyway. Do you still think she's as sweet and innocent as she looks?" Vanessa's eyes flashed with resentment. "She managed to walk away from that divorce with so much of lan's money-do you really think she's that naive?"

Henry glanced in Eleanor's direction, suddenly unsure what to think.

Vanessa sighed. "You men are so easy to fool with that high-and-mighty act. You just eat it up."

Henry, still half skeptical, couldn't help hoping Eleanor wouldn't mess with Xavier's feelings.

By the time Eleanor and Joy made it to the parking lot, they found Xavier already waiting for them. Just then, Joy's phone rang. She glanced at the screen and answered-it was Frazier Jeffries inviting her to the beach. "Hey, why don't you ride with Mr. Vaughn?" she suggested.

Eleanor grinned. "Go on, don't let me keep you from your date with Attorney Jeffries!"

At that moment, lan walked past Eleanor with one hand in his pocket. Xavier gave him a nod. "Heading home?"

"Yeah. I've got work to do," lan replied, then headed for his car.

"Did you drive today, Eleanor?" Xavier asked.

"She didn't bring her car," Joy answered with a smile. "Since you two live close by,

Mr. Vaughn, could you give her a ride?"