"I'll walk you out," Xavier said.

"That's not necessary. You should stay and look after your guests!"

But Xavier's gaze was resolute. "It's no trouble at all. Come on."

Eleanor stepped outside. Her car was parked in the VIP spot right at the entrance of the Vesper Joy Hotel.

A sharp night wind swept through; it was nearly December, and the chill was biting. Eleanor's fitted evening gown looked especially thin in the cold. Suddenly, she pressed a hand to her forehead and swayed unsteadily. Xavier caught her arm at once. "What's wrong? Are you feeling okay?"

She shook her head. "I think I just caught a chill. Feeling a little dizzy, that's all.”

Just then, Ellington came out as well. Xavier waved him over. "Ellington, can you arrange for a driver to take Eleanor home?"

"I'll drive Ms. Sutton myself," Ellington replied, unwilling to trust anyone else with the task.

"Alright. Drive carefully."

Eleanor was genuinely exhausted. Xavier opened the car door for her, and she slid inside. It wasn't until Ellington started the engine that she realized she still had Xavier's jacket draped over her shoulders.

"Wait, Ellington-let me return this " Eleanor began, reaching for the jacket.

"Ms. Sutton, Mr. Vaughn's already gone back inside. You can return it next time," Ellington assured her.

Eleanor could only relent. Ellington drove her home in silence, not disturbing her with conversation.

She really was worn out lately. Her daughter's recent bout with the flu had left her on edge, and the demands of work all week had left her running on empty. Now, just a gust of wind was enough to make her dizzy.

When they reached her house, Eleanor glanced down at the jacket and decided she'd ask Joslyn to have it dry-cleaned before returning it to Xavier.

After parking her car, Ellington called a ride and left.

Eleanor stepped into the living room to find her daughter curled on the sofa watching TV, with lan sitting beside her.

"Oh! Ma'am, whose jacket is that?" Joslyn exclaimed, noticing the men's jacket draped over Eleanor's arm.

She glanced down at it and handed it to Joslyn. "A friend's. Could you have it dry- cleaned tomorrow, please?"

lan's gaze narrowed when he saw the jacket. If his memory served, that was Xavier's.

"Of course, ma'am." Joslyn hung the jacket neatly on the coat rack by the entryway.

"Mom, are you hungry? Aunt Joslyn's making noodles for me and Dad!" Evelyn called out.

Eleanor shook her head. "No, sweetheart, I'm not hungry. You two go ahead and eat."

She headed upstairs, her elegant gown swaying with each step, the subtle curves of her waist accentuated even in her flats.

lan couldn't help but watch her as she went, his Adam's apple bobbing unconsciously.

In the kitchen, Joslyn finished preparing the noodles and called out, "Mr. Goodwin, bring Evelyn in for dinner, please.”

lan led his daughter to the table. He wasn't hungry himself, but Evelyn always ate better when the adults joined her.

Around nine, Evelyn finished her meal. Ian knew it was time for him to go.

He glanced up at the landing where Eleanor still hadn't reappeared. Then he turned to his daughter. "Daddy's heading out now. If you miss me, just ask Wiz to call, okay?"

"Mm-hmm! Got it. Bye, Daddy." Evelyn waved her little hand, not making a fuss. Seeing how mature she was becoming, lan felt a pang in his chest. He ruffled her hair gently and kissed the top of her head.

As he stood, lan turned to Joslyn. "That's my friend's jacket. Please tell your mistress I'll return it for her."

“Um, ma'am said to have it dry-cleaned first-❞ Joslyn hesitated.

"I'll have it cleaned and return it myself," lan said, taking the tailored navy jacket

from the rack before heading out the door.