Dr. Lyman took the stage for his speech while Eleanor quietly slipped off the tform, settling into the seat beside Joel. She sat so still, soposed, she seemed almost like a lily with all its radiance drawn inward. Ten minutester, the conference wrapped up without a hitch.


    Eleanor couldn''t leave right away. Simone had specifically asked her to stay for a bit and mingle with some colleagues in the field.


    She made her way over to Simone, who was chatting with a small group of distinguished doctors. Simone introduced her, and the men''s eyes lit up with genuine admiration.


    "Eleanor, I was two years behind your father in med school-we even yed ser on the same team," said one gray-haired department head with a warm grin.


    Eleanor''s eyes shone with respect. "It''s a pleasure, Mr. Ackerly."


    Mr. Ackerly chuckled. "I never thought Elliot''s daughter would be so impressive. He''d be so proud of you, wherever he is."


    Across the room,n was deep in conversation with several board members, their eyes bright with interest-Eleanor''s research had clearly piqued their hopes for new medical breakthroughs.


    After exchanging a few words with Dr. Lyman and Simone,n nced over at Eleanor. Seeing her engaged in conversation, he chose not to interrupt and quietly turned away.


    As Eleanor turned slightly, she caught a glimpse ofn and Henry walking side by side, with Vanessa and Serena following arm in arm a few paces behind.


    She looked away, and Joel leaned over. "It''s almost lunchtime. Want to join us?" "Sure," Eleanor replied with a nod.


    They invited a couple of their professors, but both already had ns-many old ssmates had made it to the conference today.


    Joel called over Callie and Gwenda, and as luck would have it, Faye was nearby. Gwenda asked, "Faye, want to join us for lunch?”


    Faye nced at Joel, who nodded his approval. With a slight smile, she agreed, "Okay, I''lle along."


    Gwenda looped her arm through Eleanor''s with easy affection. "Your talk was incredible, Eleanor."


    Eleanor answered modestly, "It was a team effort, truly."


    Faye exchanged a nce with Callie. Callie looked back at her, and Faye''s heart skippedst time, she''d tried to stir up trouble between Callie and Eleanor over credit for the research. Was Callie going to tell her now?


    As Eleanor, Gwenda, and Joel walked ahead, Faye tugged at Callie''s sleeve. "Callie."


    Callie paused, looking at her. Faye stalled for a moment, waiting until the others were out of earshot before whispering, "You haven''t told Eleanor about what happened at dinnerst time, have you?"


    Callie immediately understood what Faye was worried about. She offered a gentle warning. "Faye, just focus on the research. It''s better than trying to cut corners. I''m not going to say a word about that dinner, but please for everyone''s sake- don''t go down that road again."


    Faye blushed with relief. "Thank you, Callie. You''re honestly a good person."


    Callie, a little ufortable under the praise, nudged her gently. "Come on, let''s catch up."


    Faye smiled to herself as they hurried after the group. She was sure now-Callie wouldn''t betray her.


    Soon, the group settled into a private room at a nearby restaurant. After ordering, Joel raised his teacup. "Let''s toast-with tea, not wine-to theb''s sess."


    Everyone clinked cups, and Faye forced a smile to join in.


    As the food arrived, the conversation turned to future research directions. Joel offered plenty of insights and suggestions.


    Suddenly, Faye seemed to remember something. With feigned casualness, she said, "Eleanor, didn''t Mr. Goodwin hand you your mother''s donor samplesst time? Have you started working on them yet?"


    Joel''s face darkened. "Faye, that''s enough."


    Snapping out of her act, Faye quickly backpedaled. "Oh-sorry, forget I said anything."


    Eleanor''s expression cooled, but Gwenda quickly changed the subject. "This ce''s food is amazing. The fish stew is especially good."


    Joel smoothly followed her lead. "By the way, the international medical conference


    is in Kingston next month. Eleanor, will you be able to attend?"


    Eleanor looked up. "I''m not sure yet."


    "If you''re busy, I can represent theb," Joel said, then turned to Gwenda. "I''ll


    need an assistant-would you be avable, Gwenda?"


    Faye''s hand tightened around her cup. Shouldn''t he be asking her?


    "Me? Of course-I mean, can I really go?" Gwenda asked, barely containing her excitement.


    Joel nodded. "Absolutely."


    Gwenda practically beamed. "I''ll be there—an all-expenses-paid conference trip!"


    Faye shot Gwenda a look, biting back her frustration. Wasn''t this supposed to be her opportunity?


    Eleanor caught the flicker of resentment in Faye''s eyes.


    "Gwenda''s meticulous with records," Eleanor remarked. Then she offered Gwenda a warm smile. "It''s a great opportunity, Gwenda. Make the most of it."