Vanessa''s gaze hardened. "I don''t care about the awards. I just wantn to see that I''m better than Eleanor."


    Laverne, sensing the real knot in Vanessa''s heart, lowered her voice. "Mr. Goodwin probably doesn''t have time to go abroad with you this time, does he?" Vanessa replied breezily, "If I ever need him, he''ll show up."


    On that point, Laverne had to agree. Whenever Vanessa neededn, he always appeared he treated her as though she were ss, someone too precious to ever let break.


    Kingston.


    After the awards ceremony, there was a meeting scheduled for the afternoon.


    And when that was over, the organizers had arranged a formal dinner at the Grand Kingston Hotel. Almost no one would pass up such a high-profile event.


    Eleanor certainly wouldn''t. The evening promised not only a gathering of senior officials, but leaders and top professionals from every field.


    She had no choice but to ask Joslyn to watch her daughter for a few extra hours.


    Her little girl was well-behaved about it. After a quick video call with Eleanor, she settled in at the hotel withoutint.


    Inside the ballroom, a staff member led Eleanor to her table-and she stopped short. Her seat had been ced right besiden''s.


    "Dr. Sutton, you''re here! Please, sit here," a middle-aged man stood up and waved her over.


    Eleanor didn''t recognize him, butn rose and introduced them. “This is Director Walden, head of Technology."


    Eleanor maintained a polished smile. "Good evening, Director Walden."


    Director Walden greeted her warmly, then excused himself to wee another guest.


    Eleanor''s mind was already working on how to switch seats, butn''s low voice interrupted her thoughts. "Evelyn didn''t give you any trouble, did she?"


    She answered stiffly, "No."


    The heat was turned up high, and Eleanor felt a flush rising to her cheeks. She slipped off her tailored zer, revealing a crisp white blouse. The top two buttons were undone, showing the elegant line of her corbone.


    Director Walden returned with more guests, and after introducing everyone, turned to Eleanor andn. "You two are exceptional-so young, and already national award recipients. The future is yours."


    Eleanor smiled politely.


    "Mr. Goodwin''s achievements in innovation are an inspiration to us all," another official added. "The two of you truly represent the best of our country''s young talent."


    "Looks to me like we have a power duo right here!" someone else chimed in.


    She had little appetite for dinner. As the first guests began to leave, Eleanor seized the opportunity, excused herself with a few words of thanks, and quietly slipped away from the table.


    After she left,n was cornered by Director Walden and persuaded into another round. He''d already had two sses of whiskey, and as his gaze fell on Eleanor''s half-finished cup of tea, he said, "I''m sorry, but I''ll have to pass on another drink. Let me offer a toast with tea instead."


    With that,n picked up Eleanor''s abandoned cup and raised it in salute.


    Eleanor''s driver was waiting outside. She climbed into the car and headed back to the hotel.


    It was nearly nine by the time she returned. In the elevator, she pressed her fingers to her temples, feeling the weight of fatigue settle in. Tomorrow she''d have to visit Mansfield at the hospital; tonight, all she wanted was an early night.


    Half an hourter.


    Someone rang the doorbell. Eleanor was in the shower, so Evelyn was the one to answer, her voice bright with excitement. "It must be Daddy!"


    She darted over and flung the door open. Sure enough,n was standing outside.


    His tie was loose, his jacket draped over his arm, and a rare flush colored his handsome face.


    "Daddy, you''re finally back!" Evelyn threw her arms around his leg in delight.


    "I came to check on you,"n said, his eyes crinkling with a smile.


    "Well,e on in!" Evelyn grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. Ian looked a little surprised, but Joslyn had just finished slicing some fruit and greeted him, "Mr. Goodwin, would you like some fruit?"


    "Evelyn, I''m taking some clothes to theundry. Why don''t you let Daddy stay with you for a bit?" Joslyn said, heading out with Eleanor''s change of clothes.


    "Okay!"


    Eleanor had no idean was there. She finished her shower and slipped into a robe before stepping out.


    Her hair was still damp as she walked out from the master bathroom, the V-neck of her robe revealing the delicate line of her corbone and a sweep of ivory skin.


    "Evelyn, time to start getting ready for bed," Eleanor called, stepping into the living room-only to freeze at the sight of thest person she expected to see on the couch.


    He was sitting there, Evelyn sprawled beside him with her iPad. His gaze lifted, and when he saw Eleanor in her robe, his eyes darkened, dropping from her face to her exposed skin.


    He knew her habits after a shower, she never wore anything underneath her robe. Some things, it seemed, hadn''t changed.