"But I still want to chat with Mr. Ellington!" On screen, Evelyn''s adorable little face leaned in close. "This summer, I want to go to Mr. Ellington''s ce and catch


    fireflies."


    "How about Mommy takes you when she has time this summer, okay?" Eleanor had no choice but to coax her daughter.


    "Be a good girl, Evelyn. This summer, have your mom bring you to y at my estate, okay?" Mansfield added gently.


    "Okay," Evelyn was sessfully cated. "Mommy, you go have dinner with Mr. Ellington! Don''t forget to bring me a present tomorrow!"


    "I know, I won''t forget," Eleanor promised her daughter.


    After the call ended, Eleanor smiled with a mixture of helplessness and affection. "This little one''s demands are getting longer and longer."


    Mansfield''s smiling gaze rested on her face. "Evelyn is adorable. So frank and innocent. You''ve raised her very well."


    Eleanor sighed. "Sometimes I feel like I''m not doing enough for her. I spend so little time with her."


    "But you''ve shown her what a strong woman looks like," Mansfield consoled her. "A mother who excels in her career gives her child the most positive influence of all."


    His words warmed Eleanor''s heart. Although she still felt she owed her daughter more, his sentiment was a genuinefort.


    "I''m going back to see my grandmother next week. Could I take Evelyn to my grandmother''s house for a meal? I''d really like to see her too," Mansfield said, looking up at Eleanor with anticipation.


    Eleanor was slightly taken aback. Given Garth Ellington''s current status, even a simple dinner invitation carried more weight than it would for an ordinary family.


    "Don''t be nervous," Mansfield said, sensing her hesitation. "It''s just a home-cooked meal. My grandmother adores you and is always praising how independent and remarkable you are." He smiled again. "You don''t have to answer me right away. I still have a lot to take care of in Kingston, so my trip might be dyed anyway."


    "Alright, contact me when you get to Ashford City," Eleanor nodded, essentially agreeing.


    After dinner, Mansfield noted that it was still early. There was quaint, histone district nearby so her suggested they go for a walk to rx and aid their digestion.


    Eleanor readily agreed; she really did want to unwind.


    When they arrived at the scenic area, the night was aze with lights that illuminated their figures as they strolled side-by-side on the


    cobblestone path. The ancientel"


    architecture around them looked exceptionally enchanting.


    As Eleanor tilted her head back to admire a pavilion with elegantly curved eaves,


    she didn''t notice an uneven step in her path.


    "Ah!" She stumbled, her entire body lurching forward.


    In a sh, a strong arm swiftly wrapped around her waist, pulling her securely into an embrace.


    "Careful," Mansfield''s deep voice rumbled by her ear, his arm still protectively around her.


    Eleanor''s heart was still pounding from the scare. She gasped lightly, looking down at the uneven ground while feeling the warmth and


    from


    masculine presence radiating the solid chest behind her. Realizing she was in Mansfield''s arms, she instinctively tried to pull away.


    Mansfield loosened his grip slightly but still reminded her gently, "There are a lot of steps around here. Watch your feet."


    Eleanor was annoyed at her own carelessness, but she had beenpletely captivated by the beautiful scene of the eaves against the moonlit sky.


    Ever the gentleman, Mansfield withdrew his hand from her waist and took a half- step back. Together, they continued their walk down the quaint, historic alley. The lights stretched their shadows long, intertwining them on the ground. When Mansfield inadvertently noticed this, an almost imperceptible smile touched his lips.