Xavier was still searching for a topic when Eleanor''s phone buzzed. It was a message from Evelyn''s teacher: "Mrs. Goodwin, when you pick up Evelynter, could you stay for a moment? There''s something I''d like to discuss with you."


    A wave of anxiety swept over Eleanor. She quickly replied, "Is there something wrong, Miss Alice?"


    "It''s about the school''s selection for the televised piano recital. Evelyn is exceptionally talented, and we''d like to discuss nominating her to perform."


    Relief washed over Eleanor-she''d half-feared her daughter had gotten into trouble again.


    Noticing the flicker of tension and then relief on her face, Xavier asked gently, "Is everything alright?"


    "The teacher just messaged me," Eleanor said, a smile tugging at her lips. "It''s about Evelyn-she''s being considered to represent the school in a piano performance on TV."


    "That''s wonderful," Xavier said, genuine pride in his voice. "It''ll be a great experience for her, help her develop in so many ways."


    "I know. I''m really happy for her," Eleanor replied. It truly was a moment worth celebrating: her daughter doing so well at school, making her parents proud and at ease.


    As they spoke, the school gates opened and parents began filing in to collect their children. Eleanor took Evelyn''s hand and went to speak with Miss Alice.


    "Evelyn truly has remarkable musical talent-her sense of rhythm and expression are outstanding," Miss Alice said, handing over a folder. "Here are the details for the recital. We only have three spots, so please consider letting her participate.” Eleanor nced through the materials and saw the piece Evelyn would perform— it was quite challenging. She nodded. "Thank you, I''ll make sure she practices extra hard."


    "Mom, Miss Alice says I can be on TV!" Evelyn bounced on her toes, eyes shining with excitement. She was clearly looking forward to the opportunity.


    Eleanor looked at her six-year-old daughter, already seizing chances when they came. Pride swelled in her chest.


    "Yes, sweetheart," she replied, nodding with encouragement.


    Suddenly, Evelyn''s face lit up with another idea. "Mom, I have to tell Dad! I want him toe see me perform."


    Eleanor''s smile faltered for a split second.


    "Dad will definitely want to see me y. Come on, let''s go home and practice!" Evelyn tugged her toward the car.


    Back at home, Evelyn washed her hands, grabbed some fruit, and then settled at the piano to practice. Eleanor sat beside her, guiding her fingers and cheering her on. This would be Evelyn''s first time performing on TV. Whether she won or not, Eleanor knew that having the courage to step onto that stage was already an achievement.


    Watching her daughter''s small, focused face as she yed, Eleanor felt a bittersweet mix of pride and tenderness.


    When Evelyn finished the piece, she looked up, her eyes searching. "Did I do well, Mom?"


    "You did wonderfully." Eleanor stroked her daughter''s hair. "The more you practice, the better you''ll y in the recital."


    Evelyn nodded vigorously and started again, her determination shining.


    The next week passed in a flurry of music and preparation. The performance was just days away, and Eleanor busied herself finding the perfect dress for Evelyn to wear onstage. In the back of her mind, she was still waiting for word from Mansfield Ellington, hoping he would return safely.


    On Friday, Eleanor received a call from Simone. There was a meeting at Goodwin & Co.—Simone was presenting new clinical data on an experimental drug.


    Eleanor wanted to decline, but Simone urged her to attend. The board members would be there, as well as representatives from Ashford City''s major hospitals.


    In the end, Eleanor made her way to Goodwin & Co.


    In the conference room,n sat at the head of the table, crisp suit and stern expression in ce. When Eleanor entered, he didn''t look up, his long fingers sliding over a tablet, brow furrowed.


    Eleanor was seated next to Simone so they could confer easily if needed. She reviewed the meeting materials, her faceposed and unreadable.


    Simone began her presentation, offering a detailed thirty-minute analysis. She closed with, "Regarding the recent data fluctuations, further analysis is needed— especially with respect to individual patient differences, which could affect final oues."


    The board members looked grim. Clearly, the results were not as clear-cut as they''d hoped; most of them weren''t doctors and barely followed the numbers. All they really wanted was a miracle cure.


    "Dr. Langley, this isn''t quite what we were expecting," one of themined. "Is there no permanent cure?"


    "We''re already seeing results that are unprecedented globally, especially for leukemia," Simone replied, her tone grave.


    At that,n finally lifted his head, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on Eleanor. His voice was low and direct. "Miss Sutton, I''d like your opinion."


    Eleanor paused, then met his eyes, her tone measured. "These fluctuations are normal. The key is to optimize the dosage regimen."


    The rest of the room turned their attention to Eleanor as well-she wasn''t just a lead researcher; she was also a member of thepany''s board.


    She continued, "We''ll adjust the protocol and should have an updated report ready next week."


    The meeting wrapped up. Eleanor began gathering her files, eager to leave, butn''s voice stopped her. "Eleanor, stay. Everyone else is dismissed."


    That single sentence sped up the others'' exit, papers shuffled, doors closing behind them.


    Eleanor crossed her arms, staring at the man across the table. "If you''ve got something to say, make it quick."<pn leaned back, his voice low and unhurried. "Evelyn''s recital is this weekend, isn''t it?" He paused, then added, "I''d like to be there."