Eleanor pressed a trembling hand to her lips, staring in disbelief at the letter of appointment in her hands. Her fingers shook slightly. Ashford Medical University was the country''s top medical school-this offer was worth its weight in gold.


    "This... this is all so sudden." She waspletely unprepared.


    "Not at all," Simone replied gently. "Your patented research is internationally recognized. The results of yourtest clinical trials exceeded everyone''s expectations. The university believes you fully deserve a doctoral degree, bypassing the usual requirements."


    Eleanor ran her fingers over the university crest embossed on the letter. Her father''s greatest wish had been to see her earn a doctorate, and now, this bted recognition brought a rush of emotions she could hardly contain.


    "Today, lunch is on me. I want all theb members to celebrate with you. See you at noon-now go on, you must be busy!" Simone gave her shoulder a congrattory squeeze.


    Eleanor''s eyes filled with tears. She threw her arms around Simone. "Thank you, Professor Langley."


    "No need to thank me. Truthfully, you should be thanking—” Simone paused, smiled, "both Dr. Lyman and myself. We rmended you together."


    Eleanor beamed through her tears. "Then next time I see Dr. Lyman, I''ll make sure to thank him properly."


    "With achievements like yours, you''d win over anyone," Simone said, looking at her with pride. "If your father were still with us, he''d be so proud."


    Suddenly, Eleanor''s tears spilled over. Simone, a little startled, quickly handed her a tissue. She regretted mentioning Eleanor''s father.


    But Eleanor''s tears were tears of joy. She wiped at her eyes,ughing through her emotion. "Professor Langley, I''m just... so happy!"


    "As you should be," Simone said, her own eyes growing misty.


    When Eleanor left Simone''s office, she nearly bumped into Faye, who was carrying a stack of files. They exchanged a nce.


    Faye immediately noticed Eleanor''s red eyes and was taken aback. Why was Eleanor crying? Had something happened?


    She slipped into Simone''s office, but Simone was on the phone. Faye wanted to ask, but didn''t want to interrupt.


    She wondered if Eleanor''s tears had to do with her leaving theb-after all, she and Simone were as close as mother and daughter. Was Eleanor just reluctant to say goodbye?


    At noon, the entireb was surprised to get the announcement of a celebratory lunch. No one quite knew the reason, but free food was always wee, and excitement soon spread.


    They gathered in the restaurant across from theb, where fiverge tables had been set up. The team filed in, finding seats. Just then, Joel hurried in. Faye''s heart skipped a beat-Joel had made it back too?


    What on earth was going on? Why would Professor Langley call everyone together for lunch? Had their leukemia project finally seeded?


    Would this mean Eleanor would be in the spotlight again? Faye''s mood soured a little. She nced to see where Joel would sit before choosing her own spot.


    Joel headed straight for Callie''s table, so Faye joined them, along with Gwenda. Soon after, Simone and Eleanor arrived and sat down at their table as well.


    Joel turned to Eleanor. "Congrattions, Eleanor."


    He already knew the reason for the lunch. He''de back from Meridian Dynamics just to congratte her in person.


    Eleanor gave him a grateful nod. "Thank you, Joel."


    Gwenda,pletely lost, leaned in and whispered, "Joel, what''s the big news for Eleanor?"


    Joel smiled mysteriously. "Wait for Professor Langley''s announcement."


    Faye frowned. What good news could Eleanor possibly have? Was this lunch actually a farewell party for her leaving theb?


    At that moment, Simone stood and pped her hands for attention. The restaurant fell silent.