Eleanor''s hands, resting on herp, tightened. Evelyn might not have fully understood Vanessa''s words, but she would have definitely sensed the malice.


    "From now on, please make her disappear. Don''t let her hurt my daughter again." Her voice wasced with unconcealed disgust.


    Eleanor turned her face away and said nothing more. Her daughter was the one line that could not be crossed. Anyone who hurt her was unforgivable.


    A brief silence fell over the car. Ian didn''t start the engine right away. He knew all of this was his doing; Eleanor''s pain was because of him.


    "I''m sorry. It''s my fault,"n''s voice was hoarse, thick with pain.


    Eleanor didn''t look back, seemingly unwilling to speak.


    "I''ve already arranged for her to leave the country in three days. She won''t be allowed back for five years,"n continued. "I promise you she won''te near Evelyn again. And I certainly won''t let her appear before you."


    Surprised, Eleanor turned back to him, her clear eyes tinged with weariness. She knew whatn was capable of. If he said it, he could most likely do it.


    At this point, there was no need to dwell on his past with Vanessa.


    The streetlights cast a glow into the car, illuminating the deep regret churning in his eyes.


    Eleanor stared at him, silent for a long time. His eyes shone for a second, like he was fighting something he refused to say out loud.


    When Eleanor saw it, she was slightly taken aback. "Just drive," she said softly. "Let''s get back to Evelyn."


    "Okay," he replied, restarting the car and driving smoothly toward the apartmentplex.


    After driving for a bit,n added, "I''vepletely terminated my contract with her. Theb will no longer be working with her."


    Eleanor turned to him in surprise. "Why?"


    ē


    "She''s contracted syphilis. Her blood is no longer suitable for the experiments,"n stated. Then he looked at Eleanor. "Evelyn''s future js with us the Goodwin family. There won''t be any problems."


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat, but considering Vanessa''s recent chaotic personal life, getting sick was only a matter of time.


    "You can handle things at theb," Eleanor said. Her tone wasn''t gloating, just calmly detached, as if it had nothing to do with her.


    The car pulled into the courtyard of Goodwin Manor. Eleanor got out and walked toward the main hall. Before she even stepped into the living


    room she heard her day Before


    giggles, and a wave of retief washed over her.


    Evelyn was learning to jump rope, with Serena teaching her.


    "Mommy!" Evelyn cried, running over to hug her legs.


    Eleanor''s heart ached as she knelt to hug her daughter, ruffling her hair Seeing her innocent, bright smile, she felt another wave of relief. It seemed her daughter was more resilient than she''d imagined.


    "Ellie, you''re here," Magdalen said, approaching them.


    Eleanor quickly stood up to greet her. "Grandma."


    "I hear you''ve picked a new elementary school for Evelyn, andn has already found a ce and started on the renovations."


    "Yes, it''s almost September. We''re hoping to move in before she starts school."