Mansfield, seeingn, didn''t immediately release his hold on Eleanor. Only after ensuring she was steady on her feet did he naturally withdraw his arm.


    From a few feet away, the two men''s gazes met in a brief, silent sh.


    Mansfield was the first to give a slight nod. Ian reciprocated with a polite dip of his head before turning his attention to Eleanor.


    Eleanor stepped forward. "Where''s Evelyn?"


    "She''s staying at my mother''s for the night,"n replied, then asked, "How is Professor Langley? Was the surgery sessful?"


    Faye jumped in to answer. "The head surgeon just said the operation went very smoothly."


    "I''m d to hear the surgery was a sess," he said, his voiceced with relief. "You''ve all been through a lot."


    Simone''s sister, Sonya Langley, a modest businesswoman, was taken aback by the arrival of yet another imposing figure. She turned to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, who is this?"


    Eleanor paused for a moment before smiling. "He is Mr. Goodwin, an investor in Professor Langley''sb."


    "Mr. Goodwin, thank you so much foring to see my sister. We really appreciate it," Sonya said, offering the customary pleasantries.


    "It''s no trouble," Ian replied with a small smile.


    "None of you have eaten. You must be starving," Sonya said, extending an invitation. "Please, let me treat you all to a meal at the restaurant across the street." As a family member, she felt it was her duty to host them.


    "Ms. Langley, I''ll stay here. You all go ahead," Eleanor said, having no appetite.


    "I''ll stay with you," Mansfield added immediately.


    Gavin chimed in at the perfect moment. "Mr. Goodwin and I have already had lunch."


    Sonya then turned to Laura and Faye. "Laura, Faye, why don''t you two go get something to eat?"


    Laura was genuinely hungry and nodded. "Okay, Ms. Langley."


    Faye nced atn, saw that his attention was still fixed on Eleanor, and decided not to make things awkward. "Alright, let''s go."


    After Sonya led them away, the hallway fell silent, leaving only Eleanor, Mansfield,n, and the ever-present, ever-discreet Gavin.


    Gavin, ever the tactful assistant, said, "I''ll go downstairs and get some water." He turned and left.


    An ufortable silence descended. Eleanor looked at the two men. "We should all sit down and rest."


    Simone was still in the observation period, and Eleanor needed to wait calmly.


    Mansfield took the seat next to took Eleanor. Ian''s eyes darkened almost imperceptibly. He directed his question to Mansfield. "Major General Ellington, are you back in the or did youe specifically to apany... Dr. Sutton?


    Capital of official


    His words were framed as casual conversation, but Mansfield could read the probing intent behind them.


    Mansfield met his gaze with a candid smile. "A bit of both, I suppose. had a mission to handle back here, and then heard about Professor Langley Since Eleanor was here, I thought I''de by and see if I could help." He then added pointedly, "And you, Mr. Goodwin? I imagine you also took time out of your busy schedule to be here."


    The implication was clear: we''re both here for the same reason.


    professionally and personall ne


    Visit her. But you Major Generat Ellington, with all your military responsibilities, to show such concern for a friend''s mentor... it''s quite remarkable."


    The words were a subtle usation, implying Mansfield was overstepping the bounds of friendship.


    Mansfield chuckled lightly. "I''ve always considered Eleanor''s concerns to be my own. It''s only right that I do what I can to help."


    "There''s no need," Eleanor said coolly. "I''ll leave after Professor Langley is back in her room."


    Mansfield remained silent, a quiet pir of support by her side. He knew Eleanor disliked confrontations.