A littleter,n sent a message:


    "I''m taking Evelyn out to dinner. Want to join us?"


    Eleanor replied without hesitation.


    "No, thanks."


    "Mom, Dad took me to the zoo today!" Evelyn chirped happily.


    That evening, Eleanor took Evelyn out for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Joslyn tagged along too, delighted to be part of their little group and clearly enjoying the change of pace.


    The next morning, Joslyn stayed at the hotel with Evelyn, andn left Gavin there as well, just in case anything was needed.


    Inside the National Grand Theater, the lights zed brilliantly.


    Eleanor arrived in an elegant gray suit-understated, sophisticated. She took her seat in the guest section reserved for leaders in medical research. In the front row,n sat tall andposed.


    Cameras swiveled their way. Among the few women present, Eleanor stood out- young and striking, with a presence thatbined the sharp brilliance of a diamond and the soft grace of a pearl.


    The press lingered on her andn with obvious interest.


    "And now, please wee the recipient of this year''s National Prize for Advances in Science and Technology-Dr. Sutton!"


    Thunderous apuse erupted as Eleanor rose gracefully. Climbing the steps to the stage, she was surprised to see the guest presenting the award: none other than Secretary Ellington himself.


    Her heart leaped with excitement and pride.


    "Miss Sutton, we meet again." Garth Ellington greeted her warmly as they shook hands.


    Eleanor noticed he looked a little older since she''dst seen him—probably the strain of Mansfield''s recent injury and return home, she guessed.


    "Good evening, Mr. Secretary." Eleanor''s concern was clear as she met his gaze.


    Garth handed her the trophy. "Mansfield''s back in the country. If you have time, you should visit him."


    "I was just nning to see him tomorrow," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    To the audience, it looked like a routine exchange between aureate and a distinguished presenter. Butn, watching from his seat, caught the way Secretary Ellington looked at Eleanor—a proud, affectionate gaze, like a mentor toward his brightest protégé.


    Returning to her seat, Eleanor was congratted by those around her. Ian nced back at her for a long moment, his eyes shadowed withplicated emotions.


    On camera, Eleanor-a young woman among a sea of men—shone all the brighter for her achievements. Andn, not yet thirty, was just as conspicuous among the older businessmen in attendance.


    Yet from start to finish, the two never exchanged a word. They might as well have been strangers.


    The ceremony was streamed live, and back at Goodwin Manor, the elderly Mrs. Goodwin watched, sighing.


    "If only they could make up..."


    Gina Quinn sat beside her, silent.


    Serena Goodwin, however, snorted. "My brother''s not exactly hurting for


    exceptional women, you know."


    Magdalen shot her a sharp look. "Your brother was never really good enough for


    Eleanor and now he''s got the nerve to fool around?"


    "Mom,n''s not that kind of guy," Gina said quietly, defending her son.


    Serena scoffed. "Dating Vanessa is hardly ''fooling around.'' And what about


    Eleanor? She''s been messing around with Xavier too, hasn''t she?" Her voice trembled with frustration.