Eleanor nodded. "I would like to consult him on a few things when I have the chance."


    Mansfield''s gaze deepened. "As it happens, Evelyn mentioned she wants to visit the base again. When you have some time off, you shoulde for another visit."


    Eleanor blinked. Thest time she went to his base was for a work assignment. She felt a little hesitant about going just for fun, especially since it was a restricted military area, typically off-limits to anyone who wasn''t family.


    "Evelyn says things on a whim. You don''t have to take it so seriously," Eleanor said.


    But Mansfield''s expression grew earnest. "To me, you and Evelyn are very special people."


    Eleanor looked into his eyes, and of course, she understood what he was thinking. She wasn''t some naive girl in her early twenties anymore.


    "Mansfield," Eleanor began, gently stirring her coffee, "I know how you feel, but you must realize the gap between us is just toorge."


    His gaze softened as he looked at her. "Are you referring to my father''s position?"


    "It''s more than that." Eleanor looked up, her expression frank. "Evelyn might develop a hereditary blood disorder that requires special care. And you... you''re the Vice President''s son. You have a limitless future ahead of you. I don''t want to be a burden."


    Mansfield anxiously reached out and took her hand, his palm warm and strong. "If Evelyn needs me, I will do everything in my power to care for her and get her treated. As for you, your own aplishments are in no way overshadowed by my title as the Vice President''s son."


    Eleanor froze, looking into Mansfield''s deep gaze, but the feelings of inadequacy and hesitation were still strong.


    "My father''s status will never be an obstacle between us. He admires you, and you would make him proud. Let me protect you and Evelyn."


    Eleanor looked at his sincere expression, and a ripple of emotion she hadn''t felt in a long time stirred within her. Mansfield''s honesty moved her, even though the pressures of reality remained.


    "Can you give me some time to think?" she asked him.


    "Of course. I would never pressure you," Mansfield said with a smile. "I''ll be waiting."


    From the first moment he saw her, Mansfield had been waiting. If Eleanor would just say yes, he was certain he could give her a happy future.


    "Tell me about Evelyn''s condition," Mansfield prompted gently.


    Since she had brought it up, Eleanor exined the Goodwin family''s hereditary blood disorder. Mansfield


    listened intently. When he hea that


    Eleano had already found a


    ΟΛΟ


    potential solution and was developing a treatment, he felt a genuine appreciation for her


    capabilities. Her brilliance was never


    in doubt.


    "Evelyn is lucky to have a mother like you. I''m sure she''ll be fine," Mansfield said in a low,forting voice.


    Eleanor truly wasn''t worried about that anymore. They chatted for a little while longer before her phone rang. It was Smith.


    "Hello, Doctor."


    "Ellie, when are youing back? York ising for a meeting this afternoon." "Mr. Windsor?" Eleanor asked, surprised.


    "Yes, he decided to drop by unexpectedly. It''s a good chance for us to discuss our proposal with him."


    Eleanor nced at her watch. "Alright, I''ll try to be back at theb in twenty minutes."


    "Sounds good."


    Mansfield saw it was nearly two o''clock. "I''ll drive you back to theb," he told Eleanor.


    "Okay. I have a meeting with a senior colleague," Eleanor said with a nod.


    They left the restaurant, and Mansfield had her back at theb in ten minutes. Since Eleanor had a meeting, Ke told her he had errands to run and that she should head on up.  s?novels


    As Eleanor walked into the lobby, she instinctively nced back outside. Mansfield was still standing there waving at her with a smile that seemed brighter than the sun