After a hot shower, Eleanor climbed back into bed, her head feeling much clearer. Outside, the sky was beginning to lighten. It was already 5:30 a.m.

She closed her eyes, planning to get a little more rest before heading to the hospital to see Simone.

At 7:30, Eleanor opened her door and was startled to find someone standing directly across the hall. It wasn't lan, but Xavier.

He had clearly been waiting for some time. Eleanor stared at him, stunned. "Xavier? What are you doing here?"

"Waiting to have breakfast with you," Xavier said, his eyes scanning her face with

concern.

"You're staying here?" she asked, surprised.

"Yes, I checked in late last night. I didn't want to disturb you. Are you heading to see Professor Langley?"

Eleanor nodded.

"Let's get some breakfast first," Xavier invited.

Realizing she was starving, Eleanor agreed and went with him to the hotel's buffet restaurant.

They had just settled at a table by the window when lan and Gavin walked in.

lan's sharp eyes immediately found Eleanor, and his brow furrowed. He clearly hadn't expected to see Xavier.

Gavin was also taken aback. Why was Mr. Vaughn staying here? On a business trip, he would normally be at one of the city's seven-star hotels.

Could it be because of Eleanor? Gavin glanced at his boss. Ian looked away and picked up a plate.

Xavier had noticed lan as well. A moment later, lan walked over with his food and sat down next to him.

"lan," Xavier greeted him.

lan nodded, then turned to Eleanor. "Is your fever gone?"

Eleanor's fever had broken that morning. She looked away and answered coolly, "Yes."

Xavier immediately turned to her, concerned. "You had a fever last night?"

Gavin couldn't help but chime in. "Not only did Miss Sutton have a fever, she collapsed. Luckily, M. Goodwin was there to carry her to the hospital for treatment

Hearing this, Xavier looked at lan. "She collapsed?"

lan nodded. "In the elevator, right after she got back to the hotel."

A pang of guilt shot through Xavier If he hadn't scheduled that dinner with a client yesterday, he would have checked into the hotel earlier and might have been able to help.

Eleanor had already finished eating. "I have to go," she said to Xavier, rising from

her seat. She walked away, looking as if nothing had happened.

Both men watched her leave. After a moment of silence, Xavier turned to lan. "How bad was her fever?"

"103.3," lan replied.

The atmosphere grew heavy. Neither man spoke, picking at their food with little appetite.

"I'm going to stop by and see Professor Langley," lan said, standing up with his plate. "Enjoy your meal."

"Goodbye, Mr. Vaughn," Gavin said, rising to follow him.

Xavier's assistant, Cain, came over from another table. "Mr. Vaughn, are you still planning to go to the hospital?"

Xavier knew there was no point. He had no personal connection to Simone, and with lan and Eleanor there, his presence would only be an intrusion.

"Book me a flight back to Ashford City," Xavier said with a sigh.

His trip to Kingston had been on a whim, and the last thing he wanted was to cause Eleanor any trouble.

At the hospital, Simone was delighted to see Eleanor. She held her hand and chatted happily.

"Sonya told me two of your friends.

came to visit as well. must thank

them properly one day."

Eleanor managed a smile. "It's all right, Professor Langley. They've already left."