Eleanor asked Joslyn to pick up her daughter from school that afternoon-she nned to workte in theb and wouldn''t be home until nine.


    At five thirty, Joslyn''s number shed on Eleanor''s phone. Her heart skipped a beat. Had something happened?


    She quickly answered, "Hello, Joslyn?"


    "Ma''am, Mr. Goodwin picked Evelyn up from school. He was there at dismissal and asked me to let you know-he''s taking her to the Goodwin family''s for dinner tonight. He''ll bring her home by nine."


    "Alright, thank you," Eleanor replied.


    "Evelyn seemed really happy," Joslyn added gently. "I think she''s missed her dad and the family."


    "Okay." Eleanor kept her response short.


    She could guess that Simone had already told him about the breakthrough in theb-he must have gone to school on purpose to see their daughter.


    With Evelyn in good hands, Eleanor could set her worries aside and focus on her work.


    At nine, Eleanor powered down herb equipment and headed to the parking lot with Callie, who was practically buzzing with excitement.


    "Eleanor, it''s such an honor to work on your team," Callie said, beaming.


    Eleanor smiled. "Get some real rest tonight, okay? You look like you''ve pulled three all-nighters in a row."


    Callie felt a rush of warmth. "I will. Drive safe."


    When Eleanor got home, Evelyn still wasn''t back yet. Something urred to her, and she went upstairs, grabbed a bag, and ced a gift box inside before heading back down.


    "What''s that, ma''am?" Joslyn asked, curiosity getting the better of her.


    It was the luxury children''s jewelry set Vanessa had given Evelyn the other day— a gift worth a small fortune.


    At nine twenty, Princess, their little dog, sprang off the couch and trotted to the door, tail wagging in anticipation.


    Princess was like a living rm system-always the first to know when someone familiar was at the door.


    She yipped happily and followed Eleanor to the entryway.


    Eleanor opened the door, and Evelyn bounded inside, face lit up with joy. "Mom!"


    Eleanor ruffled her daughter''s hair. "Come on in."


    Evelyn nodded, then turned back. "Goodnight, Dad!" Her tone was matter-of-fact now, as if she finally understood her father belonged somewhere else.


    Under the porch light,n froze for a moment, then waved, voice soft. "Goodnight."


    Evelyn and Princess disappeared inside. Eleanor shut the gate, then turned ton —who was waiting, eyes narrowed, noticing the bag in her hand.


    She handed it to him. "This was the jewelry Vanessa gave Evelyn. Please return it for me and tell her something."


    Eleanor ced the bag on the hood of his car, her voice cool. "Tell her she''s not worthy of giving gifts to my daughter."


    “I heard from Professor Langley that you made a breakthrough in your research. Congrattions," he added.


    Eleanor didn''t reply, simply scanned herself through the gate and walked inside.


    Later that night, after tucking Evelyn into bed, Eleanor retreated to her study and worked on her report until well past midnight.


    In the morning, she helped Evelyn into her school uniform-a cute, ssic set that made her daughter look absolutely radiant.