The car fell silent, the muffled sounds of the city filtering in from outside. Eleanor leaned back against the seat and rested her eyes, her mind already nning the details of the uing handover to the military.


    In the dim light, Eleanor, resting in her seat, looked soft, her usual professional guard finally lowered. Her quiet demeanor was disarming, stirring a powerful urge in him to pull her into his arms.


    But while the impulse was overwhelming, his actions were restrained.


    He knew Eleanor wouldn''t allow it. She wouldn''t consent to it.


    Still, at least their rtionship was thawing. She had epted his partnership and was willing to coexist peacefully with him. For now, that was enough.


    ***


    The car pulled to a smooth stop in front of Goodwin Manor. Eleanor opened her eyes at just the right moment, the weariness in them having eased slightly.


    "We''re here,"n said to her.


    Eleanor followed him out of the car and into the manor. The sound of her daughter''s happy voice, mingled with Serena Goodwin''sughter, greeted them. As Eleanor walked in, she saw the two of them ying a board game.


    "Daddy, Mommy, you''re back!" Evelyn Goodwin said happily, looking at her parents as they walked in together.


    "Ellie," Serena said, standing up to greet her.


    Gina Quinn and Magdalen were sitting nearby, and the atmosphere was pleasant. "Magdalen, Gina, it''s time for me to take Evelyn home," Eleanor announced politely. Gina stood up. "Eleanor, if you''re tired, you can let Evelyn sleep here tonight." "I''m not tired, thank you," Eleanor replied with formal courtesy.


    Gina didn''t press the issue. She called her granddaughter over. "Evelyn, go home with Mommy, okay? Be good."


    "I will, Grandma."


    Evelyn turned and took Eleanor''s hand, then reached forn''s. "Daddy, walk me and Mommy home together."


    "Alright. Your mom didn''t drive, so I''ll take you both," Ian said with a faint smile. He turned to his mother and grandmother. "Mom, Grandma, we''re heading out."


    Watching them leave, Gina was struck by a wave of nostalgia and let out a soft sigh.


    A momentter, Serena couldn''t help but ask, "Grandma, Mom, do you think my brother can really win Ellie back?"


    Magdalen sighed but offered noment.


    Gina, however, considered it for a moment. "Thinking about everything that''s happened recently, I finally understand whyn gave Eleanor those eightpanies."


    Serena was still confused. "Why, Mom? Tell me."


    The family matriarch, however, seemed to grasp her


    daughter-inw''s meaning. She


    exined to her grandda


    novef


    "Your brother wasying the


    groundwork. On the surface giving


    Ellie those eightpanies was part of the divorce settlement. But in. reality, it was a way to tie the two of them inextricably together."


    Gina''s tone was knowing. "With the connection of those eightpanies, Eleanor needs to consult with your brother on operations, decisions, and even future development. That creates opportunities for them to meet and gives themmon ground to talk about."


    A sharp pang of guilt shed across Serena''s face. She remembered how those eightpanies had driven her to pull dirty tricks behind


    Eleanos back even fool Net


    leaking the story online to nder her. The thought made Serena want to p herself. How could she have been so stupid?


    So stupid she could barely stand to think about the person she used to be.


    Gina sighed. "I suspected as much back then. Those eightpanies weren''s way of giving Eleanor


    security and leverage. He knew she


    has too much pride to ept any


    divorce He


    help from him after the divoros


    didn''t want her to have to rely on anyone else. By giving her that property, he ensured she could live independently and raise her child."