He was right. If someone had shown him an ambiguous video iming Vanessa was involved with another man, his first reaction would have been disbelief. Put in the same position, Xavier felt the same way about Eleanor.


    "Xavier, I... I''m sorry," Henry stammered. "I let my emotions get the best of me."


    Xavier shook his head. "Who sent you the video?"


    Henry''s lips tightened, and he remained silent.


    Xavier seemed to understand. "Just be more careful next time. Things aren''t always what they seem on the surface."


    A sense of helplessness washed over Henry. He watched as Xavier looked like he was about to leave. "Xavier, where are you going?"


    "To Kingston," Xavier replied, shrugging on his jacket and heading for the door.


    He had to go. Whether Eleanor needed him or not, whether someone else was already by her side, now that he knew, he had to be there.


    "Isn''t Laura with her? She''ll be fine," Henry called after him.


    "I have to see for myself. I won''t be able to rx until I know she''s okay."


    Henry could only nod in resignation. "Alright, then. Go. Be careful on the road." He paused, then added with sincere plea, "Xavier, what I said earlier... don''t tell Eleanor."


    Xavier nced back and gave a slight nod before disappearing through the door.


    Henry watched the elevator doors close, a mix of emotions churning inside him. Part of him hoped Xavier was right and that Eleanor was truly worthy of his devotion. Another part of him feared Xavier would only end up hurt.


    But in the end, as a friend, all Henry could do was wish him well. He knew all too well the pain of unrequited love.


    Kingston, 4:30 PM.


    The light above the operating room door finally went out.


    Everyone waiting outside instantly rose to their feet, their eyes fixed on the door. The head surgeon emerged first. Though his face was etched with fatigue, his eyes were bright. The surgery was a sess he announced. "We removed the tumorpletely. Her recovery will now depend on the post-op care and chemotherapy."


    A collective sigh of relief filled the hallway. Eleanor felt it too.


    Just then, a clear male voice called out, "Dr. Lyman, thank you for your hard work."


    Mansfield was greeting the surgeon.


    Dr. Lyman''s eyes lit up when he saw him. "Well, look who''s back." His


    ет


    gaze shifted to Eleanor, a knowing smile ying on his lips. "Don''t worry, everyone The surgery went very well. We''ll keep her in


    observation for another couple of hours before moving her to her


    room. You can all go get something


    to eat."


    Simone''s sister and niece were ovee with emotion, their eyes welling with


    tears as they thanked the doctor profusely.


    "Thank you, thank you, Dr. Lyman," Eleanor added gratefully.


    At that moment, unnoticed by anyone, the elevator doors at the end of the hall opened, and a tall figure stepped out.


    It wasn.


    As they were seeing the doctor off, Eleanor took a step back and identally trod on Simone''s niece''s foot. She quickly lifted her foot but lost her bnce and stumbled.


    Thinking she was about to faint again, Mansfield reacted instantly, his hand shooting out to steady her arm, pulling her into his embrace. His strong arm wrapped securely around her waist.


    resistance, as if it were the most normal thing in the world


    Since everyone''s attention was focused on the other end of the hall, no one


    noticed the two new arrivals until Gavin cleared his throat deliberately.


    Everyone turned.


    Faye gasped, and Laura''s eyes darted to Eleanor.