Joel looked at the man responsible for Eleanor''s copse, but still turned and left.


    Suddenly, Eleanor jolted awake, sitting straight up in bed and calling out


    anxiously, "Evelyn!"


    When she sawn standing at her bedside, a flicker of confusion shed through


    her eyes.


    "Evelyn''s at my mother''s ce. Just rest now," Ian said gently.


    A wave of relief washed over Eleanor. Raking her fingers through her hair, she let herself rx a little. She''d been stretched thin caring for her daughter, nerves wound tight, and it was no surprise exhaustion had finally caught up with her.


    Leaning back against the pillows, Eleanor closed her eyes; her head was still spinning.


    Just then, Joel returned, pushing open the door. Seeing her awake, he approached. "Are you feeling any other difort?"


    Eleanor shook her head. She knew her body well enough-what she needed was a good night''s sleep.


    "Would you rather go home," Joel asked, "or stay for observation?"


    "I want to go home," Eleanor replied.


    "That''s not necessary," Eleanor said coolly. "I can take care of her. Bring her home."


    "You need rest,"n insisted, frowning.


    She met his gaze, her voice frosty. "I can''t rest without my daughter by my side."


    Vanessa was pregnant now, and Gina''s attention would likely be on her. There was a good chance Evelyn would be spending more time at the Goodwin estate— and Eleanor had no intention of letting her daughter be too close to that household.


    "Fine. I''ll bring Evelyn back to you,"n said atst, then turned and left.


    Later, Joel drove Eleanor home. Not long after, Evelyn arrived, hand in hand with Joslyn. Ian was already gone.


    "Mommy, Daddy said he had something to do and couldn''te in," Evelyn announced.


    Eleanor scooped her daughter into her arms and kissed her. "That''s okay, sweetheart."


    Joslyn gave her a fond look. "Ma''am, I''ll make you some nourishing soup."


    "Thank you."


    "Mommy, Daddy said you''re not feeling well. What happened?" Evelyn''s big eyes were full of concern.


    "Mommy''s fine, just a little tired from not sleeping enough," Eleanor replied, tapping her gently on the nose.


    "Then I''ll go to bed early with you tonight," Evelyn said, all grown-up and earnest.


    Eleanor pressed another kiss to her daughter''s cheek, her heart full. The next morning, after dropping Evelyn off, Eleanor was just about to leave for theb when her phone rang. It was Simone, her mentor, all but ordering her to take two days off and threatening-only half-jokingly-to shut down herb if she didn''tply.


    With such adamant pressure, Eleanor finally allowed herself to rest.


    She arranged to meet Joy for lunch, determined to take a proper break.


    Joy had made a reservation at a new restaurant, reputed for its fresh, wild-caught seafood. Eleanor was happy to join her-the booking had been made a week in advance.


    The restaurant''s decor was striking, and the pair were shown to a private booth partitioned from the main hall, creating a cozy, tranquil space.


    After ordering, Joy excused herself to the restroom. Eleanor scrolled through her phone, only to be interrupted by a burst ofughter a woman''s cheerful voice.


    "It''s new! I''ll bring you here to try it sometime—yes, let''s set a date."


    "Right this way,dies," the server said, ushering two guests in.


    Eleanor looked up instinctively and saw Vanessa andn walking in.


    Vanessa led the way, all curves and confidence, her every move radiating allure.n followed, refined andposed, carrying a woman''s handbag in one hand- like a gant knight catering to his princess.