"It''s just a deep gash, nothing serious. A few days of rest and I''ll be fine," Joel said, then looked up atn. "Don''t worry, Mr. Goodwin, this won''t affect next week''s productunch."


    Hearing this, Eleanor turned to look atn. Was he actually expecting Joel to go through with theunch?


    As if reading her usatory expression,n blinked, looking somewhat innocent. He turned to Joel. "Your injury is quite serious. You really shouldn''t push yourself."


    Joel looked a bit embarrassed, realizing toote that hisment had made Eleanor misunderstand.


    He quickly tried to correct the situation. "Eleanor, don''t get the wrong idea. Mr. Goodwin isn''t forcing me. I''m the one who wants to go. Please don''t me him."


    Eleanor realized she had overreacted. Knowing Joel''s personality and how much the project meant to him, he would definitely insist on attending theunch as long as he was physically able. It wasn''t somethingn could force him to do.


    An amused glint appeared inn''s eyes. He looked at Eleanor. "Do you need me to persuade Dr. Kingsley otherwise?"


    Eleanor, flustered, quickly shook her head. "Let Joel decide for himself."


    Gwenda, watching from the side, was secretly surprised. Eleanor''s attitude toward Mr. Goodwin really had changed. It was also the first time she had seen such a gentle smile onn''s face—a smile that seemed reserved only for his family and Eleanor.


    Joelughed, his tone light. "Mr. Goodwin isn''t forcing me. I just can''t bear to miss thisunch. Don''t worry, I''m really fine."


    Eleanor tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Alright. But you have to promise me that if you feel any difort at all, you won''t push through it."


    "Okay, I promise," Joel said with a firm nod.


    "I''ll have a doctor on standby at the venue. If there are any emergencies, we can respond immediately,"n said in a low voice, his gaze shifting to Eleanor. "You don''t need to worry so much."


    Just then, two police officers arrived to take their statements.


    Eleanor and Joel gave their ounts one after the other. Even Gwenda was asked


    to give a statement, since she had also been present at the scene.


    At noon, the lunchn had arranged arrived right on time, just as exquisite and delicious as the day before.


    After the meal, Joel took a nap, and Eleanor started to feel drowsy as well.


    Not wanting to disturb Joel, Eleanor went to the lounge. It was quiet and empty. She leaned back on the sofa and closed her eyes.


    The hospital''s central air conditioning was on full st, and Eleanor soon felt a chill seep into her skin. She instinctively wrapped her arms around herself, but sleepiness was taking over. She tried to fight it but drifted off.


    A momentter, a weight settled over her. Ian had draped his suit jacket over her.


    Eleanor''s eyes fluttered open, and she instinctively moved to refuse. Ian leaned over her. "Don''t catch a cold. Keep it on."


    She was too tired to argue. She


    really needed the rest. As she


    breathed, the faint scent of cedar unique to farover h wafted


    Eleanor furrowed her brow slightly, but the warmth of the jacket felt like a protective barrier, and she finally sank into a peaceful sleep.


    For a while, the quiet afternoon lounge felt exceptionally peaceful.