The next morning, Evelyn was in low spirits. She didn''t want to go back; she wanted to keep ying. The three adults then took turns coaxing the little one.


    It wasn''t until they were on the ne that Evelyn finally agreed to go home to see her cat, Mann, and her mood finally improved.


    Three hourster, Eleanor was back home. Evelyn was dropped off at Goodwin Manor. The trip had been a mental reset for Eleanor, and she felt more rxed as she prepared to dive back into work.


    On Monday, Eleanor was again engrossed in her projects. Ian, while handling his own work, was also overseeing the renovationpanies. This time, it wasn''t just about their two townhouses but also anotherrge vi in the samemunity, which was for the Goodwins.


    On Wednesday morning, Eleanor received a message from Joel, asking to meet her in the cafeteria at noon to discuss work.


    Eleanor was waiting for Joel in the garden outside thepany cafe when a figure rounded the corner. It was Faye Yeaton.


    When she saw Eleanor, her steps faltered, and her eyes shot a look of pure resentment at her. Eleanor frowned slightly.


    Faye averted her gaze, straightened her back, and walked toward the cafeteria.


    A short whileter, Joel arrived, looking apologetic. "Sorry, I had to sign an urgent document. Have you been waiting long?"


    "No, let''s go in," Eleanor said.


    They got their food and found a quiet table. Joel asked, "How was your vacation?"


    "It was nice," Eleanor replied with a small smile.


    "Was it just you and Evelyn?" Joel asked curiously.


    Eleanor''s chewing paused for a moment. She answered truthfully, n and his sister came along too."


    Joel looked at her with some surprise. Under his gaze, Eleanor felt a little flustered and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.


    Joel smiled and looked away. "That''s great. Vacations are always more fun with more people."


    Eleanor pursed her lips. "You said you had something work-rted to discuss?"


    "I wanted to invite you to the press conference next Monday. Are you free?"


    Eleanor was taken aback. She had received the notification for the event but hadn''t responded yet. She nodded. "Okay, I''ll be there."


    Joel smiled. "I''m hoping you''lle because this product was developed based on your theoretical foundation. You should be there to see it."


    "Yes, I''ll definitely be there," Eleanor agreed with a smile. Witnessing her theory transformed into a practical product would be a great source of aplishment for her.


    "Then it''s settled," Joel said, pushing up his sses. "There''s a small celebration, party after the


    conference. You shoulde t


    that aswell. A lot of industry friends will be there it''s a goodworking, opportunity."


    "Okay, I''ll clear my schedule for that day," Eleanor said cheerfully.


    Joel then brought up a recent work issue, and Eleanor helped him analyze it.


    After they finished their work


    discussion, Joel seemed to


    remember something. "Faye has


    made several serious mistakes


    recently Thepany has desided


    tasterminate her contract next month."


    Eleanor finally understood the look Faye had given her earlier. Could she possibly think her dismissal had something to do with her?


    Although she and Faye had never gotten along, she had never thought of using her position to target anyone.


    Joel''s expression grew more serious. "Her work performance has been poortely, and she''smitted several vitions. But the decision to fire her came from upper management."


    Eleanor looked up at Joel, her eyes questioning. "Upper management?"


    "Yes. My guess is it was Mr. Goodwin''s decision. He doesn''t want Faye at Goodwin & Co. anymore."


    Eleanor was Simone Langley''s


    doctoral Student. Sincen hadn''t


    spared Faye on ount of her


    no


    connection to Simone, it was n


    wonder Faye''s gaze toward her was


    filled with such hostility.


    After lunch, Joel took a call and left first. Eleanor and Gwenda decided to grab a


    coffee before heading back to the office.


    Just then, an angry voice called out, "Eleanor, stop right there."


    Eleanor didn''t need to turn around to know it was Faye.


    Gwenda turned to face her first. "Faye, do you need something from Eleanor?"


    "Gwenda, stay out of this. It has nothing to do with you," Faye snapped, her face dark. It was clear her resentment toward Gwenda had also boiled over.