"Now, let''s raise another toast to the man of the hour-our brilliant medical genius, Dr. Joel. Here''s to him joining us tonight!"


    Everyone stood again, their sses clinking in Joel''s honor. He adjusted his sses, his manner calm and striking as he lifted his ss in return.


    Since they were all young professionals, the conversation flowed easily,ughter and ideas bouncing around the table as they discussed ns for the newb.


    By half past nine, the evening wound down and people headed out in high spirits. Joel decided to catch a ride back to the hotel with Eleanor.


    The two chatted as they walked to the elevator. When the doors slid open with a soft chime, they foundn standing inside, one hand tucked casually in his pocket.


    A spotlight illuminated his angr features, casting sharp shadows across his face. His gaze was steady and unreadable as he looked at Eleanor and Joel in the doorway.


    "Mr. Goodwin. What a coincidence," Joel greeted him, his tone unhurried.


    "Miss Sutton, after you. Goodnight," Joel said with a small smile. Not wanting toplicate things for Eleanor, he didn''t step in with her.


    "Goodnight," Eleanor replied, giving a quick wave before stepping into the elevator.


    Inside, the couple stood in silence as the elevator descended to the ground floor. Neither spoke as they exited, one after the other.


    Since Eleanor had her car, there was no need to return home withn. She made her way to the parking lot, unlocked the car, slipped into the driver''s seat, and was the first to head out.


    Just as she reached the entrance to her neighborhood, a sudden warmth in her lower abdomen made her realize her period had started. She quickly pulled over at a nearby mall, went inside, and picked up what she needed.


    Back at home, Joslyn approached her as soon as she walked in. "Ma''am, you''re back. Would it be all right if I took the night off? My daughter is unwell."


    "Of course, Joslyn. Go take care of her," Eleanor said at once.


    Joslyn gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you, ma''am."


    Once Joslyn had gone, Eleanor trudged upstairs, exhausted, and took a hot shower. Afterward, she made herself a cup of honey tea before heading back up to her study to work on her research proposal.


    Time slipped by unnoticed. It was past midnight when Eleanor finally rubbed her temples, her eyes tired. Just then, she heard the front door open downstairs.


    With their daughter away and Joslyn gone for the night, only the two of them were left in the house.


    A faint unease crept over Eleanor. She decided she''d better head to bed soon.


    Her bedroom was on the second floor. As she descended from the third, she nearly collided withning up. Though she didn''t feel like talking, it seemed rude not to say anything. "You''re back."<fn5d8a> Find the newest release on Find~Novel</fn5d8a>


    room.


    She closed the door behind her, went straight to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth, then picked up a book to read before bed.


    Twenty minutester, just as she set the book aside and prepared to sleep, the door opened.


    "Is something wrong?" Eleanor sat up immediately, an involuntary note of caution in her gaze.


    "I don''t see the point in sleeping apart when Evelyn''s not home,"n said quietly.