Joel lifted his head, inner conflict flickering in his eyes.


    Eleanor blinked, growing even more curious as she studied his face.


    Joel''s tightly clenched fists rxed. With a heavy sigh, he said, "Ellie, maybe it''s better if I tell youter."


    But Eleanor''s curiosity was piqued. She tried to reassure him, her tone gentle. "Joel, is there anything you can''t tell me? Please, I want to know. I''m eager to get this research project started as soon as possible."


    Joel looked at her with a pained expression. "Even if the person we''re hoping to save with this research is Vanessa, you still want to be involved?"


    Eleanor didn''t want to save Vanessa, not if it were just about her. But this project meant hope for everyone suffering from disease, not only Vanessa.


    Besides, finding a cure for leukemia had always been her life''s goal.


    She needed to join this research team. Based on her current direction, there was


    a real chance to revolutionize leukemia treatment-maybe even turn it from a death sentence into a manageable, possibly curable condition.


    "Joel, I can''t let my personal feelings keep me from doing this work," Eleanor said earnestly. "I promise I won''t let anything get in the way. You have my word—I''ll stay professional and focused."


    She wondered if Joel was worried she''d let her emotions interfere, that she''d slow down the project.


    Joel paused, then let out a slow breath. "After lunch,e to my office."


    At half past one, Eleanor stepped inside Joel''s office. He followed her in and quietly closed the door behind them.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but feel puzzled by his secrecy.


    Joel opened the bottom drawer of his desk, pulled out a file, and handed it to her. "Take a look at this."


    Eleanor''s eyes widened in surprise as she epted the folder. Inside was a record of a bone marrow donation. Flipping to the first page, she froze when she saw the donor''s name.


    Her own mother.


    Eleanor''s eyes filled instantly with tears. She looked up at Joel, her voice trembling, "This... this is my mom''s."


    "That''s right. Your mother is the donor. Her bone marrow sample is what we''ll be working with."


    Tears spilled down Eleanor''s cheeks. She pressed a hand to her mouth, struggling to breathe. When had her mother donated? Why hadn''t she heard about it?


    "Do you know who gave me the donation contract?" Joel asked quietly.


    "My dad?" Eleanor''s mind raced surely it was her father.


    Joel shook his head. "No."<fnbc8f> Official source is fι?dnοvel</fnbc8f>


    Eleanor''s heart lurched. "Then who?"


    "It wasn," Joel said, his tone steady but somber.


    Eleanor''s mind went nk. Ian? How could he possibly have her mother''s donor file?


    "That''s why I haven''t started the research yet. I was afraid you wouldn''t be able to handle it," Joel admitted with a sigh.


    Anger shed in Eleanor''s eyes. "What right did he have to give away my mother''s bone marrow sample without my permission? This is my mother''s donation. No one should use it without my consent."


    Seeing how upset she was, Joel stepped closer and gently held her shoulders. "Eleanor, please calm down. There''s a transfer agreement in the contract-your father gave it ton."


    Eleanor went pale, lifting her head with disbelief, her voice shaking. "What did you say?"