Serena texted back, "Oh, really? I guess hispany must be out of trouble then."


    "It should be fine. Henry said your brother helped him out a lot. Serena, this is good news," Vanessa replied, her message carrying a clear implication.


    Serena understood what she meant, and a bitter feeling rose in her chest. Who would have known that the once free-spirited Miss Goodwin now wished for nothing more than good health?


    "I''m not sure about the details. Vanessa, I''m a little tired. Let''s talkter."


    "Okay, let''s catch up soon," Vanessa responded.


    Serena turned off her phone screen without replying.


    The spot where they had drawn blood was throbbing. They had taken six vials, and she felt lightheaded.


    "Miss Goodwin, let me help you to the rest area. We''ll bring you something to eat shortly," a nurse offered.


    "Thank you," Serena said. Just then, she saw Eleanor and Dr. Smith approaching. "Doctor. Ellie."


    "Miss Goodwin, El will be performing a full-body examination now. We need to document the changes in your skin," Dr. Smith exined.


    Serena''s face flushed a deep red. She had never been naked in front of anyone before.


    "It''s a routine check. Try not to feel anxious," Eleanor said calmly.


    Serena bit her lip and nodded. One of the nurses followed her and Eleanor into the examination room.


    "Miss Goodwin, do you need my help?" the nurse asked.


    Serena''s blush deepened, spreading to her ears. She clenched her fists, her eyes filled with shame and resistance.


    "You can leave. I''ll handle the examination," Eleanor told the nurse.


    The nurse nodded and left the room.


    Eleanor put on a pair of disposable gloves. Seeing Serena standing frozen she said in a neutral tone,


    his is just a standard check t


    record the condition of your skin. If you''re ufortable with me doing it, you can request another nurse." Cóntent


    "No, it''s fine. You can do it," Serena said quickly. Being examined by Eleanor felt morefortable than by a stranger. In her mind, Eleanor had been her sister-in-w; there was a sense of familiarity.


    Oveing her embarrassment, Serena finally stopped hesitating. As she undressed, Eleanor''s gaze was clinical and focused. She saw the same taint red spots on Serena''s back as her mother had, though less severe.  s?novels


    Serena squeezed her eyes shut, unable to look at Eleanor.


    Eleanor, however, waspletely absorbed in her work-documenting,


    photographing, and scanning with an instrument. She pressed gently on a few


    spots. "Any itching or pain here?"


    Serena shook her head, her voice tight. "No."


    "Okay, turn around."


    Serena turned, biting her lip in shame. But as she watched Eleanor''s professional expression, the intense focus as she examined every inch of her skin, she saw a new side of her. There was a gentle yet firm strength about Eleanor, the natural grace of a highly intelligent woman, an elegance born from intellect.


    the


    Serena was so captivated that she stared for a few seconds, only snapping out of


    it when Eleanor removed her gloves and said, "All done."


    As Serena reached for her clothes, she shivered from the cold, and her shirt fell to the floor. Eleanor picked it up and handed it to her. "Don''t catch a chill. Amon cold could worsen your condition."


    Serena quickly dressed while Eleanor wrote her report at a nearby desk. Once Serena was ready, Eleanor opened the door and left the examination room.


    Strangely, Eleanor''s professionalism and calm demeanor had put her at ease. That night, Eleanor workedte, not leaving theb until nine-thirty. When she reached the main lobby, Gavin was waiting for her. "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin asked me to drive you home."