Eleanor stared at the message on her phone, her face unreadable. She hadn''t nned to reply, but to keepn from showing up in person, she forced herself to type a quick response.


    "Evelyn''s asleep. No need toe over."


    "I''ll stop byter,"n replied almost immediately.


    Eleanor frowned, knowing there was no stopping him. Still, she needed a break herself. She sshed cold water on her face and settled onto the couch in her study, letting her eyes drift shut as fatigue crept in.


    By five in the evening, the golden light of dusk washed over the garden. Princess, their golden retriever, suddenly snapped to attention, ears perked toward the gate. She sniffed the air, tail wagging, and let out a series of excited whimpers.


    Joslyn, the housekeeper, heard themotion and poked her head out the door. "What is it, Princess?"


    The dog gave her a quick nce, then bounded toward the front gate. Joslyn''s eyes widened, a suspicion forming just as the doorbell chimed.


    She hurried to the gate and nced at the inte screen, surprise flickering across her face. Mr. Goodwin?


    She quickly unlocked the gate.


    "She''s still sleeping," Joslyn replied, stepping aside to let him in. "Mrs. Goodwin is resting in the study."


    "Yes, Mr. Ellington dropped them off earlier and left right after," Joslyn answered honestly.


    A trace of relief softenedn''s expression. He strode toward the living room, and Joslyn called after him, "Sir, would you like to sit down? I''ll check if Evelyn''s awake."


    Joslyn hesitated, unsure if Mrs. Goodwin would approve, but before she could object,n was already heading up the stairs.


    The study door stood open on the second floor. Ian paused in the doorway, squinting into the soft evening light. Eleanor was fast asleep, curled up on the couch, her head resting on her arm. Loose strands of hair framed her face, and, in sleep, the usual cool detachment softened into something almost childlike.


    He eased open the door. Evelyny sprawled on pale green sheets, her cheeks rosy with sleep. Ian padded over and watched her for a moment, his eyes gentle. He reached out to brush the sweat from her little forehead.


    Evelyn stirred, her brows knitting, and then her eyes fluttered open. She blinked, unsure, and rubbed her eyes, voice thick with sleep and disbelief. "Daddy?"


    For a moment, she thought she must be dreaming.


    Evelyn realized she wasn''t dreaming after all-her father was really here. Squealing, she wrapped her arms around his neck and nted a kiss on his cheek. "Daddy, you really came back! I thought you were going to trick me again!"


    The words maden''s heart clench. He kissed her forehead. "If Daddy promises you something, he''ll always keep his word."


    Evelyn snuggled against his chest, grinning. "You have to keep your promises.''


    Laughter and chatter drifted from the master bedroom, carrying down the hall to the study. The sound of a man''sughter jolted Eleanor awake. She sat up abruptly on the couch, the realization hitting hern was here.


    She hurried to the master bedroom. The moment she stepped inside, she sawn sitting on the bed with their daughter in hisp, carefully tying her hair back with a ribbon. The sight of them together, so at ease and intimate, made Eleanor''s expression darken. Since when had she given this man permission to enter her bedroom?


    "Okay!" Evelyn chirped, then turned to her mother. "Mommy, look! Daddy''s home!" With her daughter watching, Eleanor could do little but nod, schooling her face into calm before heading to the bathroom to wash up.


    Downstairs,n sat on the couch, finishing Evelyn''s ponytail while Princess loungedzily at his feet.


    Joslyn quietly made her way upstairs and, finding Eleanor near the master bedroom, asked, "Mrs. Goodwin, shall I start preparing dinner soon, or-?"


    Eleanor cut her off. "No rush. Make itter."


    She''d allown half an hour with their daughter, but she wasn''t about to extend a dinner invitation.


    "Understood," Joslyn replied, reading the message loud and clear.


    It seemed Mrs. Goodwin''s resentment toward her husband ran even deeper than Joslyn had guessed. The thought of a reconciliation seemed more distant than


    ever.


    When Eleanor finally came downstairs, Evelyn was already showing off her neatly tied hair and chattering excitedly ton, a new toy in hand.


    "Daddy, look! Mr. Ellington brought me this dinosaur toy—it''s remote-controlled!" She demonstrated, her eyes shining.


    "Evelyn, we''re not going to the beach after all," Eleanor said quickly. "Something else came up."