Eleanor understood what Simone was getting at. She hesitated, her brow furrowing despite herself.


    "Can I have some time to think about it?" she asked.


    "My suggestion is that you give the speech. Goodwin & Co. founding this foundation could make a real difference for leukemia patients in the future—it''s important work."


    "Alright, Professor Langley. I''ll let them know once I''ve made a decision," Eleanor replied.


    Meanwhile,n stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows in the executive office of Goodwin & Co. Tower. Behind him, Gavin was running through a list of updates. "Oh! Mr. Goodwin, all the invitation emails have been sent."


    "Has she replied?"n asked, not turning around.


    Gavin knew immediately who he meant.


    "Miss Sutton hasn''t responded yet," he answered honestly.


    At five-thirty, Eleanor found herself stuck in traffic. She texted her daughter''s homeroom teacher to let her know she''d be at least ten minuteste.


    "No worries, Mrs. Goodwin. Mr. Vaughn is with the children," the teacher replied, sending along a few photos.


    At a red light, Eleanor tapped the images open. There was her daughter, ying in the yground with Vivian; Xavier''s silhouette was visible in the background.


    A wave of gratitude washed over her. She typed back, "I''ll be there as soon as I can."


    By the time she hurried to the preschool, thest rays of the sun stretched across the yground. Laughter drifted toward her in the golden light. Xavier stood nearby, watching the girls with gentle eyes.


    He turned at the sound of footsteps.


    Seeing Eleanor walking toward him, a faint smile yed at his lips. "You made it."


    "Thank you for looking after Evelyn," Eleanor said gratefully.


    Xavier smiled, "Vivian needed a ymate too, so this worked out perfectly."


    Evelyn saw her mother and waved eagerly. "Mom, can we y a little longer?"


    Eleanor smiled back, "Of course. Go ahead and have some more fun."


    Xavier nced at Eleanor. "Did you hear? Goodwin Biologics'' foundation is about tounch."


    She nodded. "Yes, I heard."


    "Didn ask you to give a speech? I noticed the foundation''s focus is on leukemia."


    Eleanor''s expression stiffened a little. "They invited me, but I''m still considering it."


    "It''s a great tform," Xavier said, his voice low and sincere. "Your research deserves to be shared with more people. Don''t let personal feelings get in the way."


    "Ian''s intentions with the foundation are good."


    Eleanor could hear the genuine concern in Xavier''s words. She thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright-I''ll do it. I''ll give the speech."


    A small smile tugged at Xavier''s lips. He was d she''d taken his advice.


    Once the girls were worn out from ying, Xavier checked the time. "Remember that family-friendly restaurant I mentioned nearby? We could take the kids for dinner. Vivian''s been asking to go again."


    "Mom, can we go?" Evelyn piped up, tugging at Eleanor''s sleeve.


    Eleanor nced at the clock; it was just about dinnertime. She nodded. "Sure, let''s all go together."


    The two girls cheered and grabbed each other''s hands, skipping ahead.


    Seeing the kids so happy, the parents couldn''t help but smile too.


    The restaurant''s menu was full of kid-friendly favorites and healthy options. While the girls chatted and ate, Eleanor and Xavier caught up over dinner.


    After the meal, the kids raced to the empty Lego yroom next door, leaving the adults a few quiet moments.


    Xavier looked over, curiosity in his eyes. "I heard Major General Ellington hosted you at the Kingston conference-is that true?"


    Eleanor paused, surprised. "How did you know about that?"