Eleanor spent two hours that afternoon in theb, patiently answering Callie''s thoughtful questions about someplex issues. Callie took the opportunity to learn as much as he could.


    He couldn''t help but think of what Faye had pulledst time he really wanted to warn Eleanor to be careful around her.


    "Eleanor, how are things between you and Faye?" Callie asked, trying to sound casual.


    "Not much of anything," Eleanor replied honestly.


    Since Faye was now at Meridian Dynamics and no longer involved with Eleanor''s projects, Callie decided to let it drop.


    Before the end of the workday, Simone called Eleanor into her office. She brought upn''s acquisition of Everprosper Biotech, mentioning that three of their patents would be necessary for Eleanor''s uing research.


    Eleanor nodded. Ian had said earlier that the patent rights would be transferred to theb next week-no need to worry.


    "Ian''s been pouring a fortune into your project," Simonemented. "He''s clearly sparing no expense. I heard negotiations with Everprosper are deadlocked-their asking price is way above market value."


    Eleanor almostughed. This project was meant to save Vanessa Shannon; of coursen would pay any price. Compared to the life of his "one and only," what did money matter to him?


    He was far better at making money than spending it, anyway.


    "So let''s just focus on the research and try not to let him down," Simone encouraged. "I''ll shield you from any pressure about the timeline-real science needs room to breathe."


    Eleanor nodded and, after leaving Simone''s office, realized it was time to pick up her daughter from school.


    When she arrived at the preschool, Eleanor spotted her daughter ying on the yground with Vivian. But it wasn''t a nanny or Xavier picking up Vivian today—it was a well-dressed, elegant woman. Judging by her age and resemnce, Eleanor guessed this was Xavier''s mother.


    As Eleanor approached, Vivian''s face lit up. "Ms. Sutton!"


    Henrietta, who''d been watching her granddaughter, looked up at the sound of Vivian''s greeting, her eyes appraising Eleanor.


    Eleanor wore a simple white blouse and jeans, her long hair loosely gathered. She exuded a graceful, intelligent air—so different from what Henrietta had expected.


    Serena''s stories had painted Eleanor as some maniptive seductress, but the young woman walking toward her seemed bright,posed, and quietly beautiful.


    Still, Henrietta reminded herself not to judge by appearances. Clever women always had ways of winning men over. And her son, as she knew, was hardly interested in shy types-if anything, he''d be drawn to someone more cerebral, like this.


    "Hello, you must be Vivian''s grandmother." Eleanor greeted her with a warm smile.


    Henrietta smiled politely and nodded. "You''re Eleanor, right? I''ve heard Vivian mention you quite often."


    Eleanor hesitated, catching the subtext. She exined gently, "Yes, my Evelyn and Vivian are good friends. Vivianes over to our ce to y sometimes."


    Henrietta''s expression softened a little. "That''s right. Vivian''s mother is away for now, so I appreciate you looking after her."


    "Oh, it''s nothing," Eleanor replied. "The girls just enjoy each other''spany."


    At that moment, Vivian tilted her head and asked, "Grandma, can I go to Ms. Sutton''s for dinner? Uncle hasn''t taken me there in ages."


    Henrietta''s smile faltered for a moment before she spoke gently. "Maybe next time, Vivian. Tonight, Grandma''s taking you and your uncle out for dinner."


    Eleanor chimed in, "Vivian, you can visit us another time, okay?"


    Vivian pouted, disappointed. "Alright..."


    "Bye, Vivian!" Evelyn waved, her little hand in Eleanor''s as they walked out of the school gate.


    Behind them, Henrietta watched Eleanor leave, her gaze thoughtful.


    On the way home, Eleanor and her daughter stopped by a flower shop, picking up


    a few packets of seeds. There was a patch of bare earth in their garden, just waiting for something new to grow.


    The golden light of sunset spilled over the little yard, bathing the greenery in a warm glow. Evelyn bounced beside Eleanor, while Princess, their cat, nappedzily in a corner. The scene was peaceful and full of quiet joy.


    Evelyn, wielding a tiny spade like a miniature gardener, helped Eleanor loosen the soil and scatter the seeds, chanting softly, "Grow up strong, little flowers..."


    Eleanor smiled, listening to her daughter''s sweet, childish voice. Moments like these made happiness feel almost tangible.


    After dinner, Eleanor read fairytales with Evelyn for a while before heading upstairs to work.


    She had just settled in when Joy''s voice message arrived: "Ian''swsuit was dropped. Looks like he''s going ahead with the Everprosper Biotech acquisition at the original price."