"Gwenda, don''t take matters into your own hands from now on, understand?" Faye''s gaze cut sharply toward Gwenda, making it clear she med her for pushing her into that interview the other day.


    Gwenda faltered, looking apologetic. "I''m sorry, Faye, I... I really didn''t mean to."


    "Just go. I need to get back to work," Faye said coolly.


    Gwenda grumbled inwardly-funny, Faye hadn''t seemed so upset when she was basking in the limelight during the interview. Now she was acting like it was all Gwenda''s fault.


    At ten o''clock, everyone in theb received an invitation to a team lunch. Jude Vaughn was treating everyone to celebrate Eleanor, using the grant budget as an excuse. They nned to meet at a cozy bistro across from Ashford Medical University at noon.


    By eleven, Jude walked into Eleanor''s office, a grin on his face. "I have good news."


    Goodwin & Co. had awarded Eleanor an extra three million dor bonus.


    Eleanor stared, stunned for a few seconds, but quickly realized it made sense- after all, the breakthrough drug had earned thepany a fortune. A bonus like that was standard practice.


    This time, she wasn''t going to be modest. She''d earned it, and she wasn''t about to turn it down.


    "Ellie, I bet Mr. Goodwin is over the moon about your achievement," Jude teased.


    "Jude, do me a favor-please keep my identity private. I don''t want people talking."


    Jude nodded. "I get it. Your name''s everywhere right now. If people found out you''re Mrs. Goodwin as well, it would set tongues wagging. Oh, and the university is also giving you a bonus-one hundred thousand. Not much, but it''s something."


    Eleanor smiled. "Thank you."


    "See you at lunch," Jude said before heading out.


    Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen, then closed her office door before answering. "Hello? Joy?"


    "Dr. Sutton! Congrattions! You''re famous overnight. I''m practically bragging to everyone that I''m your friend," Joyughed.


    "Don''t tease me," Eleanor replied, chuckling.


    "Ian must be seeing you in a whole new light. Vanessa''s talented, sure, but she''s just an artist. You''re a scientist, Ellie-and you''re every bit as aplished."


    Of everything Eleanor had gained from this award, her daughter''s admiration meant the most. Making her proud was the real victory. Whethern saw her differently or not was irrelevant.


    "Joy, I''m filing for divorce," Eleanor said quietly.


    "For real?"


    "I''lle see you tomorrow. Can you help me draft the agreement?" Her tone left no room for doubt.


    She finally had a career she could be proud of—a newfound confidence that gave her the courage to leave her old life behind. As for the Goodwin family fortune, she wanted none of it.


    "Absolutely. I support you. Honestly,n doesn''t deserve you anymore," Joy said firmly.


    Just then, a message fromn popped up: I''ve booked a restaurant for dinner. Let''s have a family meal tonight.


    Eleanor was about to decline when another message arrived: Grandma wants to see you.


    She hesitated, then typed back: Okay.


    At noon, the entireb team gathered at the restaurant. With two big tables, everyone found a seat. Eleanor and Joel sat at the head table. Dr. Lyman, away on business, sent his congrattions from afar.


    "Where''s Faye?" someone asked, noticing the empty seat.


    Gwenda picked up her phone. "I''ll call her."


    She dialed, and on the other end, Faye''s voice was icy. "Can''t make it. You guys go ahead."


    Gwenda ryed the message to Jude, who understood why Faye had bowed out. No one pressed the matter-they simply started their meal.<fn8d2b> Readplete version only at f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn8d2b>


    Eleanor sipped her tea and made small talk as colleagues toasted her one after another. She could see admiration in their eyes. Despite being just a sophomore, her father''s legacy loomedrge in the medical world.


    After lunch, Eleanor and Joel strolled through campus, discussing the Marlowe Vige case. The vigers had filed suit against the chemical nt, and the trial was set to begin soon. Joel would be representing theb, providing the evidence to support the vigers'' ims of illegal dumping.


    "Joel, be careful," Eleanor reminded him once more.