She pushed open the bedroom door and found her daughter curled up inn''s arms, the two of them already settled for bed.


    "Evelyn, aren''t you going to sleep with Mommy tonight?" Eleanor asked gently.


    Evelyn shook her head, burrowing closer to her father. "Mom, let''s all sleep with Daddy tonight! You can sleep right here," she said, patting the space beside her.


    Eleanor smiled. "Mommy has to work for a little while longer. You two go ahead and sleep."


    The air between them grew colder, the stalemate deepening.


    Eleanor ignored it. She turned, quietly closed the door behind her, and returned to her own room-making sure to lock the door before settling in for the night.


    Early the next morning, Eleanor received a message from Joel: "Put on a bit of makeup today, you''ll be on camera."


    She went into her walk-in closet and chose a white silk blouse, pairing it with a flowing Ashford City skirt. She swept her long hair into a tidy chignon and applied a light touch of makeup before heading downstairs.


    "Wow, Mommy, you look so pretty today!" Evelyn gazed at her in awe.


    "Thank you for thepliment, sweetheart. Mommy''s going to school today too," Eleanor replied, smiling.


    "Really?" Evelyn''s eyes widened, and she spun around to announce to her father, "Daddy, Mommy''s going to school just like me!"


    But when he raised his eyes to Eleanor, there was a stormy darkness behind them.


    Eleanor took Evelyn to school herself. As she arrived at the gates, she ran into Joel. They exchanged a friendly greeting and walked in together.


    Joel gave her a sideways nce. "Are you nervous about going on the show?"<fna347> For original chapters go to find?novel</fna347>


    Eleanor grinned. "With someone as charming as you by my side, how could I be nervous?"


    Joelughed, the picture of easy confidence and warmth.


    Unbeknownst to them, a camera lens from a nearby ck SUV tracked their every move, shutter clicking several times.


    Ten minutester, the photosnded inn''s inbox.


    April in Ashford City was as changeable as a child''s mood. One minute, the sky was clear; the next, a steady spring rain draped the city in a gray haze, lending the morning a restless mncholy.


    Inside the executive office at Goodwin & Co.,n scrolled through the pictures on his phone. He closed his eyes, pressing his fingers to his temples, and when he looked again, his expression was eerily calm.


    He tapped the desk and pressed the inte. "Gavin,e in."


    "Yes, Mr. Goodwin?" Gavin appeared at once.


    "Find two diligent caregivers to look after Miss Shannon."


    "Understood."


    "And whatever she asks for, make sure she gets it. No exceptions." "Yes, sir."


    ...


    Meanwhile, Eleanor and Joel were preparing backstage for their interview. She held the script of questions in her hand, memorizing them, rehearsing her answers silently.


    "Miss Sutton, Dr. Kingsley, ten minutes until you go on," an assistant called from the doorway.


    Faye had been dragged over by Gwenda to watch the excitement. As she caught sight of Eleanor standing beside Joel,posed and graceful, Faye''s hands clenched into fists.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen-Evelyn''s teacher. Her heart leapt and she answered immediately. "Hello? Miss Alice?"


    "Mrs. Goodwin, I''m afraid there''s been an incident. Evelyn and another child got into a scuffle, and the other child hit the back of his head on the floor. The injury is quite serious, and Evelyn is very upset. The other child''s parents are on their way. Could you pleasee to the school as soon as possible?"