Like Eleanor, he had his own goals, his own direction, and a heavy responsibility to bear.


    Downstairs,n stood by his window, his phone ringing unanswered. It was his family, calling him for dinner. He looked up at the ceiling, a look of finality crossing his face as he closed his eyes and sighed, as if he were finally letting something go.


    Upstairs, Joslyn had prepared a festive dinner. The three of them ate together, then moved to the balcony with fruit and dessert to watch the fireworks disy over the river.


    "Mommy, I''m so happy," Evelyn murmured, snuggling into her mother''s arms. Joslyn draped a warm nket over them. Princess, their cat, hopped onto their feet and curled up contentedly.


    Two days after New Year''s, Eleanor decided to let Evelyn spend the day with the Goodwins.


    "Daddy, you''re squeezing my hand," Evelyn said, looking up at him.


    "Bye, Mommy!"


    After they left, Eleanor headed out as well. Dr. Smith and his team were at theb making preparations, and she needed to be there.


    Smith was thrilled to see her and gave her a full tour of the facility. Eleanor was stunned to learn thatn had established theb five years ago and had secured significant government support for it.


    "It''s only because of Mr. Goodwin''s unwavering support that we have a facility of this scale," Smith said. "This is truly a project for the benefit of all humanity."


    Eleanor knew that in addition to non-profit research, theb also coborated with international pharmaceuticalpanies, licensing patents and generating


    revenue.


    There was something she had been wanting to ask Dr. Smith, and today seemed like the right time.


    "Doctor, there''s a question I''d like to ask you, if you''re at liberty to discuss it."


    "Of course, Ms. Sutton. What is it?" Smith''s eyes sharpened behind his sses.


    "I need to know the identity of Gina''s stem cell donor," Eleanor said directly.


    The warm smile vanished from


    Smith''s face. He adjusted his sses, looking conflicted. "Ms. Sutton, regarding the donor''s information. He hesitated. afraid that involves patient privacy and a donor agreement. Unless Mr. Goodwin gives the okay, breally can''t get into the details."


    Eleanor hadn''t expected that answer, but it exined why she couldn''t find Gina''s treatment records in any database. It was apletely confidential case.


    "However," Smith added, "given your rtionship with Mr. Goodwin, you could certainly ask him yourself."


    Eleanor nodded. "I need to


    understand this. My daughter is at potential risk. Knowing the donor''s identity could help me better assess future possibilities and ever prepare for a potential match if it bes necessary."


    "I understand," Smith agreed. "But the confidentiality protocols at ourb are extremely strict. Of course, if you call Mr Goodwin and be gives his approval, I can share any information you need."


    He had deftly passed the decision back ton.


    The only reason Eleanor had approached Smith in the first ce was to avoid having to speak withn. It seemed she had no choice but to confront him directly.