Even though both of them had signed the divorce papers, the process was far from over. Because of the dispute over property division, the final decree was still out of reach.
ording to Frazier''swyer, it would take at least another six months to sort everything out.
So, for now, Eleanor andn were simply living apart.
Half an hourter, Eleanor spottedn''s imposing SUV parked right outside her house.
That was supposed to be her spot. With no choice, she pulled into the hotel parking lot next door and walked the rest of the way home.
As soon as she opened the front door, she heard Evelyn''s delightedughter mixed with the excited barks of Princess.
Eleanor stepped into the living room. Ian was sitting on the sofa, while their daughter was on the floor, unwrapping a box of new toys.
"Ma''am, you''re back. Sir''s staying for dinner tonight I''ll run to the grocery store," Joslyn announced as she emerged from the kitchen.
Eleanor stopped her. "Don''t worry about it. Just make do with whatever we have."
There was no need to go out of her way for him.
Besides, she hadn''t invited him over. He''d simply shown up on his own.
And honestly, Eleanor wasn''t thrilled to have him here.
"Joslyn, I want chicken drumsticks tonight!" Evelyn ran over, eyes sparkling.
Joslyn chuckled, "Well, we''re out of chicken drumsticks, but I''ll go buy some for you, sweetheart."
With that perfectly timed excuse, Joslyn picked up her purse and slipped out.
Eleanor saw right through it-Joslyn was giving her andn a chance to be alone together.
"Mom, look at the new toy Dad bought me! I love it!" Evelyn beamed, showing off hertest treasure.
Eleanor smiled and nodded. "That''s great, honey. Why don''t you y for a bit? I''m going upstairs to freshen up."
She''d worn light makeup all day, which she never liked, and with nothing to say ton, she dly escaped upstairs.
After washing her face, Eleanor stepped out onto the second-floornding. Down below,n was crouched on the carpet, ying with Princess, who seemed especially attached to him tonight.
Eleanor started toward the stairs, butn stood up and turned to her. "I heard yourb''s working on a partnership with Meridian Dynamics. If you need anything, just ask."
Eleanor was caught off guard. How did he know about that?
"And did you find the new sample?"n pressed.
She''d already asked Joel-there were no matches, and the one-month deadline they''d set was only days away.
"Not yet," Eleanor replied coolly.
She knew what this was about. He hadn''te to see their daughter. He was here for the matter of her mother''s sample.
Eleanor''s tone was t. "I''ll keep my word. But I have to be the one to lead my mother''s research."
Years ago, her mother had donated her sample in hopes of helping others, and this research was the key to Eleanor''s academic breakthrough.
In a way, she could think of it as her mother saving humanity-Vanessa was just along for the ride.
That thought brought her a small measure offort.
"Of course,"n agreed without hesitation. After seeing what Eleanor was capable of, he trusted her with the work.
"I won''t stay for dinner. I''ve got some things to take care of." Ian moved past her and headed downstairs.
"Daddy, where are you going? Why aren''t you staying with me and Mommy tonight?" Evelyn asked, tugging at his coat as he reached the door, her face full of innocent concern.
Eleanor''s heart twisted. She still hadn''t found the courage to tell her daughter about the divorce.
"Daddy''s got work to do, honey. I''lle back in a few days and spend time with you both,"n said, tousling Evelyn''s hair and kissing her forehead.
"Okay," Evelyn replied, epting it. She knew her dad worked hard-after all, he needed to buy her presents.<fn039d> Chapters first released on find?novel</fn039d>
Oncen left, Joslyn returned, arms full of groceries. "Has Sir gone?"
Making sure Evelyn was upstairs and out of earshot, Eleanor turned to Joslyn and said quietly, "Joslyn,n and I are getting divorced. Pretty soon, it''ll just be me and Evelyn in this house."