Mansfield met his gaze calmly and offered a small smile. "Eleanor and I have talked it out. We''ve decided to go back to being friends. Of course, I''d rather be able to consider her my sister."


    For a moment,n felt his heart almost stop. He took a deep breath, struggling to maintain hisposure. "Was this your choice, or Eleanor''s decision?"


    Mansfield picked up his teacup and took a sip, looking relieved. "Some things are just meant to be. This was my choice, and it was Eleanor''s decision as well. We both respect each other''s feelings."


    "Why are you telling me this?"n''s voice was a bit hoarse.


    Mansfield looked at him. "I don''t want there to be any misunderstandings between us. And don''t get me wrong-I would never try to interfere in Eleanor''s rtionships. What she needs is sincerity, not for anyone to y matchmaker or arrange her life."n was silent for a moment before cing his teacup firmly on the table, much like the way his heart had finally settled.


    "Thank you,"n said, a note of gratitude in his voice.


    "Give her time and space," Mansfield said meaningfully. "Let her figure things out for herself."


    Mansfield pped him on the shoulder. "Mr. Goodwin, go try some of my father''s tea. He has several rare collections that are quite good."


    As he stepped inside, his eyes immediately found Eleanor. She was talking quietly with Callie, her profile looking exceptionally delicate in the soft light.


    Eleanor sensed someone had entered and looked up, her gaze instantly meetingn''s.


    In that one nce, Eleanor knew. Mansfield must have told him about their decision.n didn''t walk over to her right away. Instead, he first went to Garth''s side to exchange a few pleasantries, appearing much more sober now.


    Time passed, and it was soon eight-thirty. The tea gathering was nearing its end when Garth received an important call. After hanging up, he apologized, "I''m sorry, everyone, but an urgent matter hase up that I need to handle. We''ll have to end it here for tonight. Please forgive me if the hospitality wascking."


    Everyone expressed their understanding. Garth clearly had something urgent to attend to. He called his son over. "Mansfield, please see our guests out for me." Then, he made a point to walk over to Eleanor andn. "I apologize for the poor hospitality tonight. Next time you''re in Ashford City, I hope we''ll have a chance to get together again."


    "You''re too kind, Mr. Ellington. We had a wonderful evening," Eleanor said with a smile.


    Mansfield thoughtfully saw them to their private cars outside. Ryan and Callie got into one, while Principal Maxwell and Dr. MacLeod shared another. Thest car was fon and Eleanor.


    After seeing the others off, Mansfield came over to Eleanor. Ian had already gotten into the car. Just before she stepped inside, Mansfield said in a low voice, "Eleanor, he''s had a bit too much to drink tonight Keep an eye on him on the way


    Eleanor nodded. "I will."


    Once in the car,n leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes to rest, but


    the furrow in his brow suggested he was feeling unwell.


    Eleanor, on the other hand, was just looking forward to a good night''s rest.


    The car drove through the Kingston night. Eleanor admired the neon-lit streetscape. The hotel was only about fifteen minutes away.


    Callie and Ryan weren''t staying there, and Principal Maxwell and Dr. MacLeod lived


    in Kingston, so only she andn were guests at the hotel.


    After getting out


    of the car, Eleanor


    was about to walk ahead when she


    noticed the man beside her was unsteady on his feet. As another guest came out of the entrance, he


    stepped aside


    avord them and his


    body swayed noticeably.


    Eleanor instinctively reached out and grabbed his arm. "Careful, don''t bump into anyone."


    The action made them both freeze. They had rarely had such close contact since the divorce, and tonight, Eleanor had initiated it.


    "Do you need me to help you?" Eleanor asked with a frown.


    Eleanor avoided his gaze, feeling that he wasn''t nearly as drunk as he was letting on. She was about to pull her hand away, butn gently held it in ce.


    "Just to the elevator," he said, his voice tinged with a plea. "I really am a bit dizzy."


    Seeing the definite flush on his cheeks, Eleanor relented and didn''t pull her hand away. She supported his arm, and they walked side by side to the elevator.


    Once inside, Eleanor almost immediately withdrew her hand. Ian leaned against the wall of the elevator car, but his eyes never left her.


    "I heard you were the one who suggested being friends with Major Ellington. Is that true?"


    Eleanor didn''t answer his question.