Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at it and saw it was a call from Joel Kingsley.


    She answered it. "Hello, Joel."


    "Ellie, are you at yourputer? I have some data I''d like you to look at."


    "I''m still on my way home. Can it beter?"


    "Of course. No rush, just get me some feedback by noon tomorrow," Joel said.


    "Okay, I''ll try to get it to you tonight," Eleanor replied. Joel seemed busy on his end. "I''ll let you go then."


    After hanging up, Eleanor began checking her emails on her phone.


    Eleanor seemed to notice. In the confined space of the car, any shift in atmosphere was palpable.


    She turned off her phone and nced at the man beside her. Was it because of Joel''s call?


    Eleanor thought for a moment but didn''t know what to say.


    It was obvious he realized that his momentary sh of jealousy had been irrational. "I''ll help however I can," Eleanor nodded.


    "Can I still........" Ian began, his eyes shifting from the road ahead to nce at her, "call you Ellie?"


    Eleanor paused. So that was it.


    "It''s just a name," Eleanor said, taking a soft breath. "But I''m morefortable with you calling me Eleanor."


    Her voice was clear and firm, no longer possessing the girlish nature of nine years ago. Her words carried a weight that left no room for argument.


    He managed a smile, consoling himself. "Alright, whatever you say."


    ***


    In the underground parking garage of Cloudcrest Manor,n parked the car, unbuckled his seatbelt, and got out swiftly.


    Eleanor was just as quick to open her door and get out.


    He followed her into the elevator and pressed the buttons for the 27th and 28th floors.


    "It''ste. Don''t work anymore tonight. Get some rest," he advised in a low voice.


    Eleanor nodded. "I know."


    The elevator arrived at the 27th floor, butn didn''t get out. Eleanor looked at him, surprised. "This is your floor."


    "I''m bringing Princess down with me. It''s a bit lonely by myself,"n said, pressing the close-door button.


    Eleanor was speechless.


    When Eleanor opened her apartment


    door, Princess, having already


    sensed their arrival, was waiting


    Treet


    eagerly. The moment the door opened, the dog rushed out them.


    Eleanor stood in the doorway, watching them go. Ian''s gaze lingered on her for a few seconds. "Goodnight."


    "Goodnight," Eleanor replied.


    Down on the 27th floor,n turned on the TV to a sports game. Princessy at his feet, quietly keeping himpany.


    As he watched, he looked down at Princess. "Do you think she still likes me?"


    The dog looked up with its big, droopy eyes, not understanding what its master was saying.


    Princess whimpered softly, as if in agreement, or perhaps just enjoying the pets.


    Leaning back on the sofa,n''s gaze returned to the TV screen. Over the past three years, he hade to understand Eleanor''s personality all too well, she was no longer the impulsive girl from before; she was much more mature now.


    She wasn''t someone who woulde back just because of a moment of weakness or a grand gesture. She had armored herself against him, and he knew a single grand gesture wouldn''t be enough to crack the shell.


    He''d have to y the long game-but if there was one thingn excelled at, it was ousting his opposition.


    What he wanted was never just the right to call her by her nickname. He wanted all of her her heart and her future.