After the meeting wrapped up, Professor Williams took Simone aside for a private consultation.


    Eleanor moved to the window for some fresh air, andn quietly followed.


    "I''ve arranged for a care team," Ian said. "Once Professor Langley''s surgery is over, you won''t have to worry about a thing."


    Eleanor didn''t bother responding. This was something he should discuss with Professor Langley directly—whether to ept it was up to her, not Eleanor.


    Just then, at the bend in the corridor, a nurse carrying a stack of files collided with a young doctor. Papers scattered everywhere, and the nurse hurried to kneel down and gather them.


    The young male doctor crouched to help, and as their hands brushed, both paused, suddenly shy, pulling back and ncing up in embarrassment—faces tinged pink.


    The scene made Eleanor catch her breath. Ian watched her profile and said softly, "Doesn''t this remind you of the first time we met?"


    Eleanor turned to the window, her voice cool. "I''ve forgotten."


    She shot him a look of annoyance, cutting him off. "What''s the point of bringing up things that don''t matter anymore?"


    Just then, his phone rang. He nced at the screen and declined the call without a word.


    Eleanor''s phone rang almost immediately after. She nced at the caller ID, her expression flickering with surprise for a few seconds. In that brief moment,n— taller by a head-easily caught sight of the name on her screen.


    -Mansfield Ellington.


    His brow furrowed as he watched Eleanor answer and step away.


    “Hello? Mansfield." Eleanor sounded genuinely surprised to hear from him.


    "I heard you''re bringing your mentor to Kingston for treatment. I was wondering if there''s anything I can do to help.”


    Eleanor hesitated. "How did you find out?"


    He chuckled. "I know my way around the Military Medical University." He didn''t borate, but it was clear he had his sources.


    "My mentor''s been diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic cancer. We''re nning surgery in Kingston," Eleanor exined.


    Mansfield''s tone grew serious. "Is the operation risky?"


    "The specialists at Montir put the odds at eighty-five percent sess."


    "When''s the surgery scheduled?"


    "As soon as possible-probably the week after next, once all the assessments are done."


    "If you need anything at Kingston, just ask," Mansfield said.


    "Really, you should focus on your work at the base. I can handle things here," Eleanor replied, grateful.


    "If you need help, call me right away. Don''t hesitate," he insisted in his deep, steady voice.


    "If I do, I won''t hold back," Eleanor promised with a smallugh.


    "Good. And while you''re looking after everyone else, remember to take care of yourself too."


    "I will. You too," she said, ncing up to see Professor Williams and the others emerging from the meeting room. "I have to go-let''s catch up another time." "All right, I''ll let you go."


    As Eleanor walked over, she caughtn watching her closely. He seemed to notice the lingering hint of happiness in her eyes left from her conversation with Mansfield, and his expression dimmed.


    Professor Williams had another engagement, so Gavin volunteered to drive him to the airport.


    Simone called aftern. "Ian, thank you so much for everything-spending your time and money to help me. I really appreciate it."


    Turning with a gentle smile, Simone added, n, Eleanor, you''ve both worked hard today. Why don''t we have dinner together? My treat, as a thank-you."


    Eleanor was about to politely decline, butn had already nodded. "Sounds good. I''ll book us a table."


    "Professor Langley, I should get back to theb," Eleanor still tried to refuse.


    But Simone wouldn''t hear of it. She gently took Eleanor''s hand. "Just one meal with your old teacher, all right?"


    Seeing the hopeful look in Simone''s eyes, Eleanor reconsidered-maybe a meal together would lift her spirits. She nodded in agreement.


    They didn''t look far for a ce—just a cozy restaurant near the hospital, where Laird and Gavin joined them.


    Sunlight poured into the private dining room as everyone took their seats. It seemed as if Laird and Gavin had deliberately left the spot beside Eleanor free- just forn.


    "Let''s order, shall we?" Simone said, handing the menu to Eleanor. "You two pick whatever you like."