Gavin watched as his boss stood motionless, eyes fixed on the fading silhouette of Mansfield Ellington''s SUV. He stepped forward and spoke quietly, "Mr. Goodwin, shouldn''t we be heading back too?"


    Gavin understoodn''s frustration all too well. After six years working at his side, he''d witnessed the change firsthand: he''d seen Eleanor, who once looked atn as if he was her entire world, and the Eleanor of today, whose eyes never lingered on him anymore.


    She used to be content just to stay byn''s side, quietly supporting him. Now, Eleanor''s brilliance was recognized throughout the researchmunity. Even Gavin couldn''t help but be amazed.


    What man could feel good watching the woman who used to rely on him sopletely climb so naturally into another man''s car?


    Meanwhile, Mansfield Ellington''s SUV rolled smoothly toward the city. Evelyn, snuggled against her mother''s warm embrace, watched the scenery slip by outside and soon drifted back to sleep.


    The trip had left Eleanor physically drained as well, but Mansfield Ellington''s driver was steady. Once they reached the city, he pulled up right in front of Eleanor''s home.


    Evelyn stirred, blinking sleepily, and spotted Princess waiting by the door. With a squeal of delight, she ran over and scooped up the little dog. "Princess!"


    The two little friends had missed each other dearly.


    Eleanor turned and invited Mansfield and his driver, "Would you like toe in for some tea?"


    The driver, quick on the uptake, shook his head. "I''ll pass, I''ve got things to take care of. Boss, I''ll head off now."


    With that, he hopped back into the car and drove away.


    Mansfield Ellington smiled, a glint in his eye. "Are you sure it''s not an inconvenience?"


    "You''ve helped me so much on this trip-I should be the one thanking you," Eleanor insisted. She called for Joslyn to make some tea.


    Joslyn''s eyes lit up when she saw their familiar, handsome guest. She hurried off to prepare the tea, secretly delighted.


    Princess, meanwhile, eyed Mansfield warily. Evelyn noticed and patted the dog''s head gently. "You''re not allowed to bite Mr. Ellington, understand?"


    Princess drooped her head with a intive little whine.


    Mansfield couldn''t help butugh at the sight. He crouched down, calling softly, "Come here, girl." He reached out his hand in invitation.


    Princess hesitated for a moment, then trotted over and epted his affectionate strokes.


    She rxed under his big, gentle hand, whimpering contentedly. Joslyn, carrying in the tea, paused in surprise the usually cautious Princess seemed to love every guest Eleanor brought home.


    Eleanor returned from the kitchen with a te of fresh fruit. "Have some," she offered Mansfield.


    "Thank you," he replied, and Princess, nowpletely won over, came over again for more attention. He chuckled, scratching her ears.


    Joslyn brought out some pastries and discreetly nced around the living room. This officer was not only strikingly handsome but also treated Mrs. Grant so well. If something did develop between them, Joslyn thought, it wouldn''t be a bad thing at all.


    After twenty minutes, Mansfield stood to leave. He could tell Eleanor was still exhausted and didn''t want to keep her from resting.


    "Are you free for lunch tomorrow?" he asked as he picked up his coat.


    Before Eleanor could answer, Evelyn bounced up, eyes shining. "I want to go out for lunch!"


    Mansfieldughed, "Perfect. I''ll pick you both up tomorrow at noon."


    Eleanor nodded, smiling. "It''s my treat this time. I can''t let you pay every time."


    Mansfield grinned, understanding she didn''t want to be indebted to him. "Alright, your treat tomorrow."


    After tidying up her suitcase, Eleanor retreated to her study. There, she found over fifty emails from Meridian Dynamics waiting for her. She had to review them all and prepare for the final handover.


    Her assignment at Meridian Dynamics was always meant tost only two months —a temporary coboration with Garrison. With the project nearingpletion, it was almost time to return to Ashford Medical University and resume her own research.


    Just then, her phone buzzed. Eleanor picked it up, and a heavy feeling settled in her chest.


    A message from Joel: "My mother passed away. I''lle back after the funeral." Eleanor''s breath caught; her mind went nk for a few seconds, and she felt her eyes sting with tears.


    She replied, "I''m so sorry for your loss. Take your time-don''t worry abouting back until you''ve handled everything."


    Joel texted back, "I''ll do everything ording to her wishes. The funeral will be kept simple."


    "Alright, take care of your family first. Let me know if there''s anything I can do," Eleanor wrote.


    After a good night''s rest, Eleanor felt much better. By noon, she and Evelyn met Mansfield Ellington at a nearby café for lunch.


    As they entered, they ran into one of Evelyn''s ssmates. The little girl''s parents greeted them, ncing at Eleanor and Mansfield and assuming, quite naturally, that they were Evelyn''s mom and dad.


    "Wow, Evelyn''s father is so handsome!" the mother said admiringly.


    Eleanor froze.


    Mansfield just smiled politely. Eleanor was about to correct the misunderstanding, but the woman''s phone rang. "Sorry, I need to take this. Let the kids y for a bit!"


    And just like that, Eleanor lost her chance to exin. She turned to Mansfield, apologetic. "Sorry about that—I didn''t mean for them to get the wrong idea." Mansfield''s lips curved upward in a yful smile. "Honestly, I don''t mind the mix-


    up."


    To him, it was nothing more than a harmless misunderstanding.


    But for Eleanor-


    After they sat down, Eleanor watched Evelyn and her friend ying together, their little heads bent close. She bit her lip and looked up at Mansfield. "Mansfield, can we talk?" she said softly. "About us."


    Mansfield''s expression sobered. He leaned in slightly. "Of course. I''m listening."


    Eleanor drew a slow breath. "Since meeting you, I''ve been so grateful for everything you''ve done for me and Evelyn. But..." She hesitated, searching for the right words. "You deserve someone better."


    "You''re an incredible woman," Mansfield said quietly, his eyes intent.


    "I''ve been through a failed marriage. My work keeps me busy, and I have a child. Especially for someone as outstanding as you..." She met his gaze, and though she didn''t finish the thought, the message was clear in her eyes.