He also hoped Eleanor could set aside her personal biases and let her medical expertise shine through, so more people woulde to recognize her


    achievements.


    A littleter,n texted Gavin, "Send me the final schedule for the foundation''sunch."


    Gavin quickly replied with the document.


    He also tweaked the seating chart, shifting Eleanor from a side seat in the second row to a more prominent spot in the center.


    A few minutester,n emailed Gavin, "Finalize the schedule ording to my changes."


    "Understood, Mr. Goodwin," Gavin replied.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor was working on a proposal when her phone chimed. She picked it up to see a message from Joy Thatcher.


    "Dr. Sutton! Any ns for Christmas?"


    Eleanor blinked, ncing at the date-Christmas was just a day or two away. She couldn''t help but smile; she''d been so busy, she''d lost track of time.


    "Just work! Might take my daughter out for dinner in the evening, pick up a few gifts," she replied.


    "I thought you''d be celebrating with some handsome guy!" Joy teased. She was already on maternity leave, thanks to Eleanor, who had not only approved her paid leave but also bumped up her base sry. Joy was genuinely touched and grateful.


    Eleanor chuckled. "I''m working, darling. It''s not the weekend-I don''t exactly have time for a date."


    "You''re such a workaholic! Okay, let''s grab dinner together when you''re free," Joy said.


    After a few more messages, Eleanor nced at her calendar. Ian''s foundationunch was set for January 10th-just two weeks away.


    The next morning, Eleanor dropped her daughter off at school. The streets were decked out for the holidays, with Christmas decorations everywhere and gift shops bustling. Driving through town, she found herself in surprisingly good spirits.


    When she arrived at the office, Gwenda greeted her with a smile, leading a young woman in a florist''s apron.


    "This is Dr. Sutton," Gwenda introduced.


    The florist, arms full of fresh blooms and holding a beautifully wrapped gift box,


    stepped forward. "Miss Sutton, these were ordered for you by one of our


    customers. Could you please sign for them?"


    Gwenda peered over, curiosity written all over her face, eager to see who the sender was.


    Eleanor stood, a bit surprised. "May I ask who sent them?"


    The shopgirl handed her a card. "Here, there''s a handwritten note and signature."


    Eleanor took the card and read, "Merry Christmas. -Vaughn."


    So, Xavier had sent them.


    "Miss Sutton, could you sign here? I''m in a bit of a rush-lots more holiday deliveries today," the florist said apologetically.


    No doubt she had a busy day ahead. Eleanor quickly signed for the delivery.


    The shopgirl thanked her and hurried out.


    Gwenda edged closer, peeking at the card. When she saw Xavier''s signature, she grinned. "Ah, so Mr. Vaughn sent them!"


    Eleanor nodded, feeling a little awkward-holiday gifts like this felt too personal to ept, but refusing them seemed unnecessarily harsh.


    Just then, Faye came in, arms full of files. She caught sight of the bouquet and


    gift box on Eleanor''s sofa, and her expression darkened for a split second-could they be from Mr. Goodwin?


    As soon as Gwenda left, Faye sidled over.


    "Gwenda, who sent those flowers to Eleanor?" she asked.


    Gwenda shot her a look. "Guess."


    Faye frowned. "One of her admirers, obviously."


    "Of course!"


    "Well, Eleanor''s got plenty of those," Faye muttered.


    Gwenda smirked, looking Faye up and down. "Come on, Faye, Eleanor attracts people with real talent. She''s a step ahead of us. Weren''t you the ss beauty back in college? Howe no one''s sent you flowerstely?"


    Faye''s cheeks flushed. "If I wanted flowers, I could get them anytime."


    Gwenda shrugged. "Sure, maybe, but I doubt it''d be someone like Mr. Vaughn."


    Faye''s expression soured. It was true-she''d always felt a bit superior to Gwenda, but now the tables had turned and it stung.


    "As if attracting men is some great achievement," Faye snapped.


    Gwenda shook her head. "You''re missing the point. Eleanor''s talent isn''t just about turning heads-she''s brilliant at what she does."


    Faye''s eyes narrowed. "Don''t go overboard, Gwenda. What''s Eleanor ever done for you that you''re always singing her praises? Does she even appreciate it?"


    Gwenda huffed. "I just like her, okay? And Mr. Vaughn''s gifts are genuine. I''m happy for her."


    Faye turned away, scoffing.


    Gwenda winked. "Maybe you should ask Mr. Goodwin what he''s giving your sister for Christmas."


    Faye red. "Why bring my sister into this?"


    Gwenda shrugged. "No reason. I just hope Mr. Goodwin didn''t forget your sister''s present while he''s busy picking one for Eleanor."


    "That''s ridiculous," Faye snapped. "Mr. Goodwin''s got more important things to do than fuss over Christmas gifts."


    Gwenda just shrugged and headed back to her office.


    But Faye felt a knot tighten in her chest. Wouldn really send Eleanor a gift? She walked back to her own office, grabbed her phone, and messaged Vanessa, suddenly caught up in Gwenda''s taunts.