Gavin gripped his phone, fully aware of the uncharacteristic silence on the other end of the line. Mr. Goodwin, usually so decisive andmanding, didn''t utter a single instruction this time.


    "Mr. Goodwin, do you need me to—" Gavin ventured, treading carefully.


    "That won''t be necessary." Ian''s voice was as calm as ever. "Let Henry stay with her. Youe back."


    The call ended abruptly. Gavin stood there for a moment, processing the change. In the past, whenever Miss Shannon felt unwell, Mr. Goodwin would always be the first to check on her personally.


    But then again, Henry and Miss Shannon had been friends for years. Mr. Goodwin must know that.


    In the hospital room, Henry watched as Vanessa picked at her food, barely eating. She seemed to have no appetite at all.


    "Is it the food? Would you like me to have something else brought up?" Henry asked, concern in his voice.


    "No, it''s not that. I just don''t feel like eating." Vanessa set her fork down, deciding she was done.


    "You really need your strength right now. Try to eat a little more," Henry urged, frowning.


    Vanessa managed a small smile. "Thank you, Henry. Just having you here makes me feel better."


    Noticing the bowl of fruit on the table, Henry stood up. "Let me wash some fruit for you."


    "Henry, you don''t need to fuss over me." Vanessa reached out, gently tugging his sleeve.


    Henry froze, breath caught. With her bare face, she looked as delicate as a white blossom-impossible to refuse.


    "All right. If you want anythingter, just ask," he conceded, no longer pressing her.


    Vanessay back down, clearly exhausted. While she drifted off, Henry quietly tidied up the room and kept watch by her bedside. When her manager, Laverne, came by, Henry sent them away.


    Tonight, he would be the one to look after Vanessa.


    Three morningster, just after Eleanor had dropped her daughter off at school, her phone rang. It wasn. "Professor Williams justnded at the airport. He''ll be at Ashford General by ten."


    "Perfect. I''ll bring Professor Langley with me," Eleanor replied.


    "Need me there as well?"


    "No, that''s not necessary."


    "Alright. If I have time, I''ll stop by,"n said before hanging up.


    Eleanor got in touch with Simone; Laird was already on his way to pick her up, and they agreed to meet at the hospital at half past nine.


    As soon as Eleanor arrived at the hospital and parked, she spotted a sleek ck van by the entrance. Ian stood beside it, deep in conversation with an elderly gentleman whose silver hair and sharp eyes radiated intellect and authority. Eleanor recognized him instantly-Professor Williams, the world-renowned expert.


    As she approached,n noticed her and gave a subtle nod. "Dr. Sutton, this is Professor Williams," he introduced.


    Professor Williams extended his hand warmly. "Dr. Sutton, it''s a pleasure. Your work in leukemia research has inspired me greatly. I''ve read every one of your papers."


    Eleanor was genuinely surprised; she hadn''t expected such praise from a figure of his stature. She shook his hand politely. "You tter me, Professor. We''re honored to have you consulting with us."


    Just then, the hospital director arrived with a small entourage. Both Eleanor and Williams were treated as honored guests, with evenn standing quietly behind them. He didn''t seem the least bit put out; in fact, as he watched Eleanor walk ahead, deep in discussion with Williams, a smile tugged unconsciously at his lips. Eleanor took a moment to introduce Simone, exining her case. Professor Williams listened intently, nodding as they made their way to the conference room, where Simone greeted them.


    Professor Williams gave Simone a kind smile. "Professor Langley, you''re looking well today."


    After the introductions, everyone took their seats. Eleanor focused on Simone''s case, only then noticingn quietly settling into the chair beside her. The room was small, and the chairs were set close together.


    Steadying herself, Eleanor turned her attention back to Professor Williams, who was pointing to CT scans on the projector with aser pointer, sharing his insights.


    When he announced that the sess rate of the treatment would be over eighty- five percent, Eleanor felt herself finally exhale. She sat up straighter, and as she stretched her legs, her calf identally brushed againstn''s.


    She quickly pulled her legs back, catching, out of the corner of her eye,n watching her.