In the conference room, Smith was giving an update on Gina''s condition. Due to her age and pre-existing health issues, her recovery required flexible adjustments, but all signs indicated that her condition was improving.


    "I''vepiled a list of data points. These marked here show a high degree ofpatibility with Mrs. Goodwin''s sequence," Eleanor said, opening herptop.n immediately stood up and moved closer, his shoulder almost touching hers as he leaned in to look at the screen.


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed slightly, and she leaned back in her chair. "I need more samples forparison," she continued.


    "I''ll contact her and get her to cooperate,"n replied in a low voice.


    Just then, Smith''s phone rang. He gestured to them that he needed to take the call and stepped out of the room.


    With just the two of them left,n turned his head to look at Eleanor''s profile, so close to him. His deep gaze moved from her eyebrows, down to her lips, and locked there.


    Eleanor, however, was focused on the screen, her mindpletely absorbed with data. Suddenly, her phone, which was on the table, lit up with a new message.


    As soon as Eleanor leaned in, the phone''s facial recognition unlocked, and the message appeared.


    "I''m done with my work here. See you in Ashford City tomorrow."


    The sender-Mansfield Ellington.


    Eleanor picked up her phone and replied simply, "Okay, see you then."


    After sending the brief reply, she put her phone down. Mansfield responded almost instantly. "Ourst meeting was too rushed. I forgot to give you the gift I prepared. I''ll bring it this time."


    Eleanor remembered him mentioning a sapphire. She replied, "Okay. Travel safely."


    Just then, Smith returned to the conference room after his call. He noticed the unusual quiet in the room and sawn feaning of the table next to Eleanor, a look of frustration on his face. He couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Goodwin, do you have somewhere you need to be?"


    "No,"n replied curtly. He pulled out the chair next to him and sat down, his long fingers tapping restlessly on the table. But his eyes were fixed on Eleanor. Finally, he couldn''t hold it in any longer. "Have you two... been in contact often?"


    He didn''t say it like an usation. He just sounded... careful, and a bit fragile.


    Eleanor looked up at him, her gaze clear. "Is there a problem?" she asked.


    "No—"n lowered his eyes, his fingers on the table unconsciously clenching into a fist.


    Smith immediately realized that while he was out on the phone, the two of them had discussed something personal, and Mr. Goodwin had clearly been provoked.


    "Do you need some private time?" Smith offered.


    Eleanor looked up. "Dr. Smith, let''s continue."


    Smith nced atn, who seemed to have no objection, so he resumed his presentation from where he had left off.


    Finally, Smith''s presentation ended. He stood up and left first. Eleanor was packing up herptop, about to leave, whenn suddenly reached out and shut the conference room door.


    Eleanor stopped in her tracks. She looked up at the man blocking her way, her eyes questioning.


    "What are you doing?"


    "You and Mansfield—"n''s voice was rough and hoarse. "Are you two officially seeing each other?"


    Eleanor met his gaze, looking into


    the bottomless depths of his dark eyes. For a moment, she could


    clearly see


    the swirling pain and"


    struggle within them-a mix of vulnerability and intensity.


    Eleanor looked at him calmly. "Get out."