That day, he couldn''t resist reminding Eleanor to be mindful of boundaries. Butter, watching them always chatting in a corner, so familiar with each other, his mood soured for the rest of the evening, casting a pall over the entire Christmas holiday.


    Across the table, Gavin noticed his boss wasn''t eating much and figured that eating in a public cafeteria was probably beneath a man of his status.


    Meanwhile, in a corner not far away, Faye Yeaton was staring daggers at the scene. It was her first day back at work, and she never expected to see this.


    Eleanor sitting with Joel was irritating enough, but to have the unapproachablen sitting right beside her was even worse. Thinking of the wayn looked at her versus the way he looked at Eleanor, she was ovee with jealousy.


    Now, she was in a position where everyone looked down on her. The Yeatons were bankrupt, and her career was mediocre. In contrast, Eleanor was sessful, her ex- husband was relentlessly pursuing her, and she was surrounded by top experts in her field. Her future was destined to be even more brilliant.


    The stark difference between them made her want to grit her teeth to dust.


    After Eleanor finished eating, she nced at the time and said to Joel, "Joel, I''m heading back up."


    With that, Eleanor picked up her tray and nced atn. He met her gaze and smiled with narrowed eyes. "You go on ahead."


    After Eleanor left, Joel and the other two men also got up to return their trays. As they stepped out of the cafeteria,n suddenly called out to Joel. "Dr. Kingsley, did you know I once misunderstood the rtionship between you and Eleanor?"


    Joel stopped and turned around, a look of surprise on his face. "Mr. Goodwin, why do you say that?"


    Gavin, sensing the situation, tactfully stepped back a few paces to give them space.


    confiding in you marital


    about he


    struggles, and you two seemed to get along very well. You were already calling her Ellie back then."


    Hearing this, Joel was momentarily stunned, then a knowing yet helpless smile appeared on his face. He


    nodded frankly. "First, I want to.


    apologize for any misunderes


    I caused back then. The name Ellie started calling her that after, fearing MSutton use it She''s younger than me, and it became a habit after we got to know each other. It wasn''t my intention to overstep."


    He looked atn, his eyes clear and honest. "At the time, I was just trying tofort


    her as a friend, hoping she would pull herself together. That''s all it was."


    Joel then seemed to drift into his own memories. "In fact, most of our discussions were about medical topics. However, to avoid any issues at home, Ellie would delete our conversations Mr Goodingf you had recognized her talent and passion for medicine earlier, I''m sure you would have taken more time to encourage and understand her."


    Because during that period, his most vivid impression was thatn was always too busy-so busy that Eleanor would asionallyin to him about it.


    Joel''s words maden''s pupils tremble slightly. He btedly recalled the thick books that had started appearing in a corner of the study, which he had assumed were just a hobby for Eleanor to pass the time.


    Even now, those books were still in the vi, and he had never once taken a proper look at what they were about.


    After they were married, Eleanor had told him she wanted to be a good wife and loving mother, so he had overlooked what her true passions were.<pn felt a hand clench tightly around his heart. He remained silent for a moment before saying in a low voice, "Thank you for your honesty."