Eleanor continued her apology, "I shouldn''t have questioned you like that. I know- hiding it from me wasn''t your decision. It was Garth''s order."


    "Thank you for pulling me back into the project despite the pressure, and thank you for investing in it. The Ellington family should also be grateful for everything you''ve done for them. If Mansfield can still make it—" Eleanor bit her lip, her throat so tight with emotion that she couldn''t seem to go on. Tears welled up in her eyes.


    He sighed softly. "Promise me, we will save Mansfield, but not at the expense of your health. Don''t forget, you''re still Evelyn''s mother."


    Eleanor reached up to wipe away her tears and nodded. This time, she didn''t resist his concern. "I''ll be careful."


    She promised him softly, "I''ll take care of myself."


    Eleanor pressed the button, and the elevator doors opened again. She stepped inside, butn didn''t follow. He hade up because he was worried about her emotional state and wanted to say a few words, but now Eleanor seemed to have a clear idea of the path ahead.


    Two seconds before the doors slowly closed, Eleanor, aware of his busy schedule, said naturally, "You should get back to work."


    "Alright."n gave a faint smile as the elevator doors shutpletely.


    A few minutes ago, his heart had been weighed down by a heavy sense of responsibility and helplessness. But now, having received Eleanor''s understanding and forgiveness, the tension he felt had eased considerably.


    How long had it been? Three years? Four? No matter how long he had waited, this moment made it all feel worth it.


    When Eleanor returned to theb, Ryan looked over with concern. She walked up to him and said softly, "I''m fine now. Sorry if I scared you earlier."


    Ryan had indeed been startled, which was why he had immediately called to report the situation. He had been worried Eleanor wouldn''t be able to handle the emotional strain But now, it seemed Mansfield''s girlfriend had channeled her grief into motivation.


    "Don''t worry! Mr. Ellington will hold on for our research. My professor is overseeing things in Kingston," Ryan saidfortingly. He had only learned that Eleanor was Mansfield''s girlfriend when he arrived.


    "Okay, good." Eleanor took a deep breath. It seemed Mansfield''s condition was stable. Now she had to speed up her research.


    Just as Eleanor changed into herb coat, ready to immerse herself in her work, her phone rang. It was an encrypted number. Her heart stirred, and she walked to the quiet break room to answer it.


    "Hello?"


    "Eleanor, this is Garth Ellington." A steady, slightly raspy older man''s voice came from the other end.


    It held the authority of someone long ustomed to being in charge.


    Eleanor''s breath caught. She immediately responded respectfully, "Mr. Vice President, hello."


    "Eleanor, first, must offer you a


    sincere apology," Garth''s voice was heavy. "Regarding Mansfield''s condition, I was the one who


    personally ordered the information blockade against you That decision, caused you unnecessary pain and misunderstanding, and that is my responsibility."


    Eleanor hadn''t expected Garth to call her personally to apologize. She quickly replied, "Mr. Vice President, you''re being too kind. I understand the situation now.


    You were only thinking of Mansfield''s well-being."


    "Thank you for your understanding."


    Garth''s voice was tinged with


    weariness and the heavy burden of a


    father. "Mansfield''s condition is not


    optimistic. We''ve used every


    medical means avable just to


    maintain his vital signs. As his


    fatter, want him to wake up more a


    than anyone. The decision to


    maintain secrecy was based on several considerations, and I truly hope you''ll understand and respect that."