"Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, throwing herself into his arms with delight.


    Evelyn hugged the new toy to her chest, then turned to Eleanor with shining eyes. "Mommy, I got two presents today! One from Mr. Kingsley, and now one from Daddy."


    She turned back ton, eager to share the news again. "Daddy, guess what? Mr. Kingsley got me a present too!"


    A shadow flickered acrossn''s face, barely noticeable. "Oh? Did he now?"


    Eleanor stood on the steps, the moonlight tracing the delicate lines of her figure and lending her an air of quiet elegance.


    "But I want Daddy to stay with me," Evelyn protested, suddenly dropping her new toy and clinging to his leg.


    "Evelyn, how about Mommy helps you unwrap your gifts?" Eleanor''s calm voice broke the moment.


    Evelyn''s eyes instantly lit up. She releasedn and spun around. "Bye, Daddy! Mommy''s going to help me open my presents!"


    Eleanor spent the rest of the evening with Evelyn, helping her unwrap the gifts and coaxing her to bed.


    The next morning, as she dropped Evelyn off at school, Eleanor ran into Xavier Vaughn. He hadn''t seen her in days; he knew how demanding her job was just scheduling a meal with her was nearly impossible.


    "How''s work these days? Still swamped?" he asked, offering a friendly smile.


    "Yeah, I''ve got several research projects on my te right now. It''s nonstop," Eleanor admitted.


    Xavier chuckled. "Well, if you ever find a free evening, let''s grab dinner."


    "I''ll let you know if I get a break," she replied, smiling.


    He watched as Eleanor''s car pulled away, then snapped back to reality when his phone rang. His father had been hospitalizedst week, and it looked like he''d have to take over the family business sooner than expected.


    These days, his life was a bncing act between family and work.


    Back at theb, Eleanor informed Simone she''d be stationed at Meridian Dynamics for two months. Simone was visibly surprised.


    “I thoughtn was always pushing you to hit deadlines on your current projects. Why the sudden transfer to Meridian Dynamics?" Simone asked, puzzled.


    "Meridian Dynamics has just partnered with the Department of Defense. They need me for support work," Eleanor exined.


    Simone nodded. "Alright, I''ll have Callie take over your experiments for now. The pace might slow down a bit, but we can''t just freeze everything."


    “Thanks. I''ll check the data whenever I have a spare moment," Eleanor promised.


    She packed a few personal items for her stay at Meridian Dynamics and settled into a spacious, sunlit office.


    As she stepped inside, she noticed a bouquet of red roses arranged neatly on her desk.


    She paused in surprise. Who could have sent these?


    Faye, arms full of files, passed by the office, then doubled back when she noticed


    Eleanor staring at the flowers. She strolled in with a sly grin.


    "Don''t get any wild ideas. It''s not from who you think," Faye teased.


    Eleanor arched a brow. "And who do you think I think it''s from?"


    "You weren''t hoping Mr. Goodwin sent them, were you?" Faye smirked.


    Eleanor frowned. Of all people, she hoped it wasn''tn.


    "Sorry to disappoint, but they''re from VP Chase. He sent one to me, too." Faye shed a red-lipped smile and breezed out.


    Since the flowers were from Byron, Eleanor felt free to enjoy them. She inhaled their fragrance and ced them on the coffee table, right where she could see them whenever she looked up.


    At ten, the meeting began.


    Byron opened with a special wee for Eleanor, and then they dialed in Garrison for a video conference.


    On Garrison''s end, three military researchers joined in as well. After quick introductions, the academic discussion got underway.


    Outside the conference room,n lingered by the door, listening quietly without interrupting.


    Just as he was about to leave, Garrison''s voice rose from the screen. "Sorry to interrupt, but I have a friend who''d like to say hello to Miss Sutton."


    A new face appeared on screen-handsome, sharp-jawed, and immediatelymanding attention.


    -Mansfield Ellington.


    The moment Mansfield Ellington''s face appeared, Eleanor stiffened in surprise.


    Faye''s heart skipped a beat. Even the two young assistants taking notes exchanged wide-eyed nces, silently marveling at the man on the screen.


    Mansfield, in his dress uniform, gleaming epaulets catching the light, looked every inch the high-ranking officer.


    "Eleanor, it''s been a long time," he greeted her with a warm smile.


    Every eye in the room turned to Eleanor.


    Faye''s gaze held a flicker of envy. This was no ordinary officer; those epaulets marked him as someone important.


    Eleanor quicklyposed herself. "Major General Ellington. It''s good to see you again."


    The title drew a collective gasp-so young, and already a Major General?


    "Garrison told me you''re working together on a critical project. I happened to be inspecting the site today," Mansfield said easily. "Wishing you all the best. I won''t keep you."


    He lingered for a moment, his gaze resting on Eleanor, before signing off.


    At that moment, the conference room door opened. Ian strode in, exuding quiet authority in his tailored suit.


    Byron cleared his throat, jumping up to greet him. "Mr. Goodwin, d you could join us."<pn pulled out a chair and sat down. "Just here to observe. Please, carry on."