"Thene eat with us," Eleanor invited.


    Xavier nodded. Eleanor''s gaze briefly flickered towardn, but she said nothing more and walked with Mansfield and Xavier toward the lounge.


    Faye bit her lip. It was as if Eleanor was the center of their universe, her every move dictating their actions. She forced herself to sit down, the bitter taste of resentment filling her mouth.


    In the lounge, Eleanor opened the takeout containers. There were at least four, filled with noodles, rice porridge, and tworge steamed buns Laura had packed. It was simple cafeteria food, meant to fill their stomachs.


    Mansfield picked up a bun, broke it in half, and handed a piece to Eleanor. "Eat this. Professor Langley wouldn''t want to wake up and find you''ve copsed."


    "Your health is what''s important," Xavier added. "Please, eat."


    Eleanor took the bun and, under the watchful eyes of the two men, took a small bite.


    Mansfield efficiently opened the other containers, his movements crisp and precise, like the soldier he was.


    "Mr. Vaughn, have some," he said, gesturing to the food.


    Xavier nodded, took the other half of the bun, and began eating it with some of the side dishes. Neither man seemed to mind the simple meal, both seemingly aware that Eleanor would only eat if they ate with her.


    Eleanor, however, was lost in thought, her brow furrowed. Even with two powerful men nking her, her mind was elsewhere.


    "What are you thinking about?" Xavier asked gently.


    Eleanor looked up. "A recovery n for Professor Langley. Chemotherapy is hard on the body, especially at her age. I''m trying to think of better options."


    Xavier and Mansfield exchanged a look. This was a battle they couldn''t help her fight; she was the genius in the medical field.


    The lounge was small, with a simple table and a few chairs. Eleanor sat in the middle, with Mansfield and


    Meronei


    Xavier on either side. Even eating steamed buns and side dishes felt like a strangely peaceful moment.


    Eleanor nibbled absentmindedly at her bun, her mind already on Simone''s post- op treatment n.


    Mansfield pushed a bowl of warm millet porridge in front of her. "If you don''t want the bun, have some of this. It''ll be good for you."


    Almost simultaneously, Xavier moved a small dish of pickled vegetables closer to her. "This might help with your appetite."


    Eleanor paused, pulled from her thoughts. She looked from the porridge to the vegetables and then at the two men. "Thank you," she said to both of them.


    the half-eaten bun and


    She put down the


    began to eat the porridge with a


    spoon Mansfield and Xavier


    exchanged another nce before


    turning back to their own food, though their eyes frequently returned to her, as if to make sure she finished her meal.


    Eleanor must have been hungrier than she thought, because she ate half the bowl before feeling fulk" can''teat any more," she said looking


    You two should have the rest


    Mansfield had already finished his food with military efficiency. Xavier, ever the gentleman, had only eaten half a bun and also seemed to be done.


    "You should eat more. The noodles are good."


    "And this stir-fry is delicious."


    Both men tried to coax her, but Eleanor just shook her head with a weary smile. "I''m really full. Please, don''t worry about me."


    They were both intelligent men and immediately understood that she didn''t want to be fussed over.


    Mansfield withdrew his hand. "Alright. We won''t force you."


    Xavier, however, still seemed hungry. "May I have that other piece of the bun?" he asked Eleanor.