The pristine experimental data she once had ess to was locked away in the Drexford research department, kept under strict confidentiality. Now that she''d left theb, even if she wanted theplete data, it was out of reach-leaving meant she''d forfeited her qualifications to continue the project.


    Eleanor rubbed her temples, determined not to dwell on it.


    Only two days remained until October break. The approaching holiday filled her with anticipation. She''d promised her daughter: they''d spend the first day at the museum, then head to the coast for two days of seaside fun.


    That evening, Eleanor walked into the yard, hand-in-hand with her daughter. Their golden retriever, Princess, bounded over, tail wagging in delight.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. It was Simone, a colleague, calling to discuss a patient''s situation.


    As Evelyn yed nearby, she suddenly remembered the museum trip and wondered if her dad coulde along. She thought about asking to use her mother''s phone but saw Eleanor was still on the call in the yard. So, she turned to Joslyn, the housekeeper.


    Whenever Evelyn wanted to calln, Joslyn always handed over her phone without hesitation. Evelyn, now having memorized her father''s number, dialed it with practiced ease.


    "Hello!" he answered almost immediately.


    "Daddy, do you have time toe with Mom and me to the museum?" she asked eagerly.


    "When?"n''s voice was gentle.


    "On October first!" Evelyn replied, a little surprised-didn''t he know she''d be on break?


    There was a pause beforen said softly, "Didn''t your mom tell you? I''m away on a business trip abroad."


    "Oh! You''re on a trip? Okay then..." Evelyn''s voice fell. If he was overseas, he definitely couldn''t join them.


    After a moment,n''s voice came through, surprised, "Evelyn, would you like Daddy toe back and go with you?"


    "Of course I would! But you can''t make it back in time."


    "I promise I will,"n said, resolute.


    After hanging up, Evelyn got distracted with her toys and forgot to mention the call to Eleanor.


    October break arrived right on schedule. Eleanor woke at seven. With her daughter still asleep, she slipped onto the balcony for a yoga session. She''d first signed up for yoga to get back in shape after giving birth, but over time, she''d grown to love it for its own sake. Whenever she had a quiet moment, she''d practice.


    At eight, Evelyn woke up. Joslyn had breakfast ready, and they decided to head out by nine.


    Around eight-thirty, Princess, who''d been napping in the living room, suddenly perked up, nose twitching. She hurried outside to sniff around.


    A momentter, the doorbell rang.


    Startled, Princess backpedaled and hid behind Joslyn''s legs. Joslyn, curious about an early visitor, checked the video inte-and was surprised. It was that handsome gentleman who''d visited before!


    Opening the door, she saw a sleek ck Range Rover parked out front, and Mansfield Ellington standing at the doorstep in casual clothes.


    "Joslyn, is Eleanor home?" he asked politely.


    "She is! She and Evelyn are just finishing breakfast. We''re heading to the museum soon," Joslyn replied.


    In the dining room, Eleanor heard the voices and came to the door, momentarily stunned. "When did you get here?" she asked, surprised.


    "Sorry for dropping by unannounced," Mansfield said, scratching the back of his head, a little sheepish-almost boyish in his shyness.


    Eleanor smiled. "Have you had breakfast yet?"


    Before Mansfield could answer, a delighted little voice rang out, "Mr. Ellington! You''re here!"


    He reached behind him and produced a beautifully wrapped gift box. "For you, Evelyn."


    Evelyn epted the present with a beaming grin. Seeing her daughter so happy, Eleanor turned to Mansfield. "Join us for breakfast! We''ve just started."


    Mansfield nodded and stepped inside.


    "I heard you''re going to the museum today, and I happened to be free. I thought I''d join you—if that''s alright," he said, his gaze gentle as it settled on Eleanor.


    Eleanor thought about it—he was on holiday too, and it would be nice for him to rx. "Of course," she agreed.


    Evelyn, overhearing, chimed in happily, "Mom, I want to go to the museum with Mr. Ellington! He knows so many interesting things!"


    It was true-after theirst visit to the military base, Evelyn''s knowledge had noticeably expanded.


    "Alright," Mansfieldughed. "After breakfast, I''ll go with you both."


    Joslyn quickly set an extra ce at the table, and Eleanor invited Mansfield to sit down and join them.


    After breakfast, it was just past nine. Since Mansfield wasing along, Eleanor decided not to drive herself. She dressed in a crisp white T-shirt and jeans, slung a backpack over her shoulder, and carried Evelyn''s water bottle, ready for a day out with her daughter.


    Joslyn stood at the door, waving as they left. Just as Mansfield''s car pulled away, Princess darted out from behind Joslyn''s feet.


    "Princess,e back! Don''t run into the street-it''s dangerous!" Joslyn called after her.


    That''s when she noticed a ck sedan parked by the curb. The back door opened andn stepped out, his suit jacket draped over one arm, looking travel-worn but determined.


    Princess circled his feet excitedly, whining with joy. Ian bent down to ruffle her head-she was always the first to greet him when he came home.


    "Sir, what brings you here?" Joslyn asked, surprised.


    "I promised Evelyn I''d take her to the museum. Have they already left?"n asked.


    Joslyn hesitated for a moment, then answered honestly, "Mr. Ellington just came to take Eleanor and Evelyn to the museum. They left a minute ago."


    Sensing his mood, Princess shrank back toward the yard, peeking around the gate at her former master.


    Joslyn, noticingn''s disappointment, offered with a gentle smile, "Would you like toe inside for a cup of tea, sir?”


    "No, thank you." He turned, pulled open the car door, and drove away.