Chapter 70

Eleanor's POV

As I pushed open the heavy wooden door, the scene before me was exactly what I'd expected - everyone already gathered around the elaborately set table, wine glasses gleaming.

"Started without me? I'm wounded!" I announced dramatically, pressing a hand to my chest. "The party can't possibly begin before the star arrives."

Drew's laugh rang out from his seat near Lucas. "You heard her - nobody dared touch their utensils before Eleanor the Great made her entrance."

I flashed him a playful smile, appreciating his quick wit. The room felt warm and intimate, perfect for Lucas's birthday celebration. Making my way around the table, I caught the subtle notes of expensive wine mingling with the restaurant's signature truffle dishes.

Moving to Lucas, I wrapped my arms around his neck from behind. "Happy birthday, you impossible man." I could feel him stiffen slightly at the contact. From my peripheral vision, I noticed Serena shift almost imperceptibly in her seat.

"And what's this?" Lucas asked dryly, eyeing the elaborate bouquet I'd brought. "Trying to turn my birthday into a garden show?"

I straightened up, affecting an injured expression. "I'll have you know each flower was personally selected and arranged by yours truly. One of a kind, just like my affection for you." I paused for dramatic effect. "Though clearly wasted on someone who wouldn't know a rare orchid from a dandelion."

"If you're hoping to guilt me into appreciation, you might want to try something more substantial than flowers," Lucas remarked, but I didn't miss how his gaze lingered on the arrangement after I mentioned hand-picking them.

Noting Serena's slightly tense posture, I pivoted smoothly. "Serena, darling, would you mind giving me your expert opinion?" I leaned closer to her. "Is my new perfume as divine as I think it is?"

Her eyes lit up with genuine interest as she caught the scent. "Royal Chamber's Premium Rose? It's gorgeous on you."

"I knew you'd recognize it!" I beamed, genuinely impressed. "Your taste is as impeccable as ever. I was particularly struck by how you handled that press conference last week - absolute masterclass in grace under pressure."

"Where's Quinn?" I asked Spencer, scanning the familiar faces around the table. "Shouldn't she be here?"

Before Spencer could respond, Drew jumped in with a laugh, "When have you ever seen Quinn at any of Spencer's gatherings?"

I felt irritation flare in my chest. "Then why did he marry her in the first place?" The words came out sharper than I'd intended, but I didn't care.

Drew just shrugged helplessly, clearly indicating he had no answer either.

Spencer's response was casual, almost dismissive, accompanied by a smile that made my blood boil. "Political marriage. You know how it works, right?"

"Men are pigs," I spat out, disgust evident in my voice.

Despite my close relationship with this group through my Lucas, there was no question where my loyalties lay when it came to Quinn and Spencer's marriage. I stood firmly in Quinn's corner, both feet planted. These guys might be my friends, but that didn't mean I had to approve of everything they did.

The shift in atmosphere was palpable as we discussed Quinn's situation. My earlier playfulness evaporated, replaced by genuine anger. The statement hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I caught Serena's thoughtful expression.

Looking around the table, I had to admit that if it weren't for knowing Serena would be here, I probably wouldn't have bothered spending my evening with this group of businessmen.

Drew's animated voice cut through the gentle clinking of wine glasses. "Now that's not fair!" he protested, straightening in his chair. "We're different. Take Lucas here - he's been completely devoted to raising his kids, not a single scandal all these years. And Jace? The man's so pure he doesn't even have a girlfriend. As for me..." He placed a hand dramatically over his heart. "I may be surrounded by beauty, but I remain untouched, like a diamond in the rough

."

Eleanor let out an elegant snort, rolling her eyes. "Please."

"Eleanor Yates, you're getting way too disrespectful of your big brothers!" Drew wagged his finger at her playfully.

"You can't even outdrink me," Eleanor shot back, a challenging glint in her eye.

"Oh, that's it!" Drew slammed his palm on the table, though his eyes sparkled with amusement. "If you don't end up begging for mercy tonight, I'll change my last name!"

"Sure, you can take mine. 'Drew Yates' has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

I couldn't help but smile at their banter. The warm lighting of the private room cast a gentle glow over the scene, making everything feel intimate and comfortable. Then Eleanor turned to me, her eyes bright.

"Serena, come on, join us!"

"She doesn't drink," Lucas's voice cut in before I could respond, firm and brooking no argument.

Eleanor's expression flickered. "Why not?"

"She just doesn't," Lucas repeated, his tone final.

I could sense Eleanor's mood shift slightly, a shadow passing over her previously playful demeanor. Wanting to ease the sudden tension, I quickly explained, "I actually injured my ear recently. Doctor's orders - no alcohol for now."

"Your ear?" Eleanor's expression immediately transformed to one of concern. "What happened?"

"It's nothing serious," I assured her with a smile. "Should be fine in a few days. I'm just sorry I can't join your drinking contest. And I never properly thanked you for your support back then."

The sparkle returned to Eleanor's eyes as she turned back to Drew. "Well then, it's just you and me. I won't rest until you're crying for mercy!"

I watched their interaction, noting Eleanor's transparent emotions and genuine nature. There was something touching about her straightforward approach to life and relationships. I wondered if it was this very innocence that made her trust Lucas so completely.

Jace smoothly intervened before the drinking contest could escalate too far, expertly redirecting the conversation. As the evening wore on, Eleanor suddenly turned to me, her eyes clear and sincere despite the wine she'd consumed.

"Serena, I really like you, you know that?"

The simple declaration caught me off guard, creating an unexpected warmth in my chest. There was something disarming about her honesty, so different from the calculated interactions I was used to in the business world.