But this time, Joel felt it was necessary to give Eleanor a reality check.


    His words sent a sudden jolt through her, shattering the carefulposure she had maintained. Her grip on her cup tightened, and her longshes lowered, hiding the emotion in her eyes.


    How could she not have sensed it?


    From his initial willingness to invest in herb without regard for cost, to the way he was now inserting himself into every detail of her life-so much of it went beyond a professional rtionship.


    Eleanor sighed, then looked at Joel, her gaze clear and calm. "Joel, I know what I have to do."


    Joel let out a soft sigh. "I shouldn''t be interfering. I''m just speaking as a friend."


    "I''m aware of his intentions, but knowing is one thing, and how I respond is another," Eleanor said, looking out the window. "I''m grateful for his support in my career, and I''m willing to be on peaceful terms with him for Evelyn''s sake. But remarriage—that''s not something I''m considering. In fact, it''s not part of my future ns at all."


    As a man, Joel''s approach to problems was direct. He couldn''t help but ask, "Are you going to find a chance to make that clear ton? To avoid leading him on and causing trouble for yourself."


    Eleanor nodded. "You''re right. I should find an opportunity to tell him inly, so he doesn''t waste any more time or energy on me. He''s only twenty-nine. He has a long life ahead of him."


    Joel nodded and said no more. He respected Eleanor''s decisions. As a friend, he''d made his point and wouldn''t press it further.


    He just didn''t want to see her trapped in a difficult situation. Since she had no intention of getting back together with him, it was best to establish clear emotional boundaries.


    After lunch, Joel drove her back to herplex.


    Eleanor was walking home when her phone buzzed with a message. She pulled it out and saw it was fromn.


    [Have you finished eating? Could you pick up some antacids for me on your way up?]


    Eleanor frowned. Was his stomach bothering him again? The pharmacy was right by the entrance; it would only take her a minute.


    She replied, [Okay.]


    Eleanor turned back to the


    pharmacy, picked up the brand of


    medicine he usually took, and paid.


    She took the elevator to the took


    twenty seventh floor and went to his apartment.


    A few seconds after she rang the doorbell, the door opened. Ian stood there in deep gray silk pajamas, his hair slightly damp as if he had just ex showered. Hecked his usual sharp demeanor, reced by a rxed, at home air.


    Eleanor frowned. "You''re not asleep yet?"


    He had looked exhausted that morning; she had assumed he would rest as soon as he got home.


    "I just took a shower and was about to get into bed,"n said, taking the medicine from her. His voice was tired and a little hoarse.


    "Have you eaten? You should take this after a meal," Eleanor reminded him. "If the pain is severe, you should probably see a doctor."


    "No, I can''t," Eleanor refused tly. "You should get some rest. I''m heading back."


    She was about to turn away whenn called her name. "Eleanor."


    Eleanor


    door was Dack to meet his s leaning against the et


    gaze.


    doorframe, the hallway light casting faint shadows on his face, making


    his expression hard to read


    "How was your chat with Joel at lunch?" he asked, clearly just looking for an excuse


    to keep her there.


    His question, however, reminded Eleanor of Joel''s advice. Perhaps this was the perfect opportunity to clear the air.


    She took a deep breath and met his eyes. "Ian, we need to talk."