"What did he say?"


    "He promised to stabilize our stock price and even suggested that Yeaton


    Holdings'' market value could double," Rnd said, his voiceced with a fawning tone. "Vanessa,n truly cares for you."


    "In that case, Dad, just focus on running thepany and try not to get into any more trouble," Vanessa said coolly.


    Her words stung. It was clear his daughter was leveraging her rtionship withn to lecture her own father.


    "Don''t worry," Rnd replied curtly. She was his illegitimate daughter, after all; he couldn''t expect her to truly have his best interests at heart. But as long as she could keep her hold onn, he was willing to tolerate her little tantrums.


    In theb, Eleanor nced at the clock. It was time to pick up her daughter, but she was in the middle of a critical experiment. She picked up her phone and calledn.


    "Hello?" His voice came through, low and tinged with exhaustion.


    "I can''t get away. Can you pick up Evelyn?"


    "Of course,"n replied without hesitation. "You focus on your work. I''ll take care of her."


    Just as she was about to hang up, she heard him say, "Thank you for everything. Take care of—"


    She ended the call before he could finish.


    In the hospital hallway,n stared at the disconnected call for a moment before returning to the room. "I''m going to pick up Evelyn," he told his mother and sister. "I''ll be back to see youter tonight."


    Gina and Serena knew it meant Eleanor was workingte at theb again. A fresh wave of guilt washed over both of them.


    After he left, Gina sighed heavily. "Our family owes Eleanor so much."


    Serena bit her lip. "Mom, do you think... she''ll ever get back together with Brother?"


    Gina considered it for a moment, then shook her head. A woman as brilliant as Eleanor had endless options. Her son might not get another chance.


    In theb.


    Eleanor received a text fromn. He was taking their daughter to dinner and had arranged for a meal to be delivered to theb for Eleanor.


    She frowned and texted back, "Don''t bother. I''ve already eaten."


    "It''s already on its way," he replied.


    He had clearly anticipated that she hadn''t eaten and was determined to send it.


    Ten minutester, a delivery from a Michelin-starred restaurant arrived. Eleanor went to the main lobby to pick it up and brought it back to her office she was in fact starving. Setting aside her pride, she opened the containers and began to eat, taking a much-needed break from staring at data parameters on her screen.


    It was eight-thirty when Eleanor finally got home. Ian and Evelyn were already there. Seeing her mother, Evelyn ran over excitedly. "Mommy, you''re home! Daddy''s been ying with me!"


    "I see that," Eleanor said, stroking her daughter''s hair. Under the light, the fatigue on her face was evident.


    Eleanor gave him a cool nce. "It''ste."


    The implication was clear: it was time for him to leave.


    "Bye-bye, Daddy," Evelyn said, waving her little hand.


    Back at the hospital, Serena was


    diligently caring for her mother.


    When her brother arrived at


    nine thirty


    hereyes reddened


    "Brother," she whispered, "I think Mom''s getting worse. Her legs are covered in red spots."


    Serena covered her mouth, stifling a sob. She was terrified not only for her mother''s present but for her own future.