《No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor)》


 Chapter 1

    Ashford City.


    A night of torrential rain.


    Eleanor Sutton dialed her husbandn Goodwin''s number.


    The call went through, but he didn''t pick up.


    Curled against her chest, their daughter burned with fever-her temperature spiking to 104 degrees-and in her delirium, kept crying, "Daddy, Daddy, I want Daddy..."


    Eleanor hurried downstairs, clutching her feverish child, and called out to the nanny, "Joslyn, we need to go to the hospital."


    "Should we wait for Mr. Goodwin toe home?" Joslyn asked, worried.


    "No."


    Tonight was the birthday ofn''s old me. He wouldn''t being home.


    The rain outside was icy, but Eleanor''s heart felt colder. Her daughter''s cheeks were bright red and she whimpered in pain, yet her father was off celebrating with another woman.


    Eleanor sped through the storm toward the hospital, anxiety wing at her. With her foot nearly flooring the elerator, she had only a split second to react as a car careened wildly into herne. She hit the hazard lights and mmed on the brakes, but the oing vehicle kept charging straight at them.


    Eleanor jerked the steering wheel, the front of her car mming into the curb.


    In the back seat, Joslyn clutched the child tighter and let out a terrified cry.


    Eleanor stomped on the brakes just in time. The car hit the stone post with a dull thud, but it wasn''t a serious crash. Still, in that moment, Eleanor fell apart, tears streaming uncontrobly down her face.


    All the years of hurt and unspoken sorrow crashed over her at once.


    Seeing Eleanor''s shoulders shaking as she sobbed over the steering wheel, Joslyn''s heart ached. "Mrs. Sutton, we need to get to the hospital! Evelyn feels even hotter now."


    Eleanor snapped out of her daze, remembering her daughter''s fever. She pulled herself together, reversed the car, and drove on.


    At the hospital, Eleanor rushed in carrying her daughter. When the nurse tried to prick Evelyn''s finger for a blood test, the little girl fought, screaming and crying until her voice broke. Eleanor had to hold her down, her own heart breaking with every sob.


    It was a viral infection-and not just one. At least seven aggressive viruses were raging through Evelyn''s body. Her chest scan showed both lungs clouded over.


    "I''m afraid this is life-threatening." the doctor said gravely. "We have to flush her lungs right away."


    Joslyn''s hands began to tremble. "At her age...are you sure this is safe?"


    Eleanor took the scan from the doctor''s hand, studying it. The doctor looked at her, surprised. "You can read this?"


    Eleanor nodded, decision made. "Please schedule the procedure as soon as her fever drops."


    Joslyn leaned in, whispering, "Perhaps...perhaps we should mention this to Mr. Goodwin?"


    Eleanor stroked her daughter''s burning forehead and shook her head, voice steady. "That won''t be necessary."


    In that moment, she seemed to have finally made a choice she''d been avoiding. Three dayster.


    Eleanor sat at Evelyn''s bedside after the procedure, watching her daughter sleep ¡ªher face pale, lips colorless. Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a message: "Something you need?"


    Just two curt words,ced with cold arrogance.


    She set the phone down, not bothering to reply.


    In the kitchen, Joslyn''s phone rang. She picked up quickly. "Hello, Mr. Goodwin."


    "Is something going on at home?"n asked.


    Joslyn hesitated. "No... nothing serious, sir. Are you still in the country?"


    "I am."


    "Alright, everything''s fine here. No need to worry."


    After the call ended, Joslyn muttered to herself, puzzled. Why wouldn''t Mrs. Sutton let her tell Mr. Goodwin what had happened? He was here in the country, after all!


    Eleanor held Evelyn''s tiny hand, her own eyes red and raw from exhaustion, but she couldn''t sleep. Evelyn whimpered in her dreams, little hands reaching out. "Daddy... Miss Vanessa, I''m scared, I''m scared..."


    Eleanor squeezed her hand gently. "Mommy''s here."


    Evelyn startled awake, and upon seeing Eleanor, turned away in frustration. "I don''t want Mommy. I want Miss Vanessa."


    Eleanor blinked back tears, swallowing the lump in her throat as she gently stroked her daughter''s back until the child''s breathing eased into sleep once


    more.


    On the seventh day, Eleanor finally brought her daughter home from the hospital.


    Her body gave out. She asked Joslyn to watch Evelyn for a while so she could rest upstairs.


    When she woke an hourter and came downstairs, Joslyn looked uneasy. "Mrs. Sutton, you''re awake. Mr. Goodwin stopped by just now. He took Evelyn out for dinner."


    Eleanor''s throat tightened. She turned away, silent, and went back to her room.


    Downstairs, Joslyn sighed. With a husband like that, why did Mrs. Sutton have to bear everything alone?


    Eleanor picked up her phone and calledn.


    This time, someone answered.


    A woman''s cheerful voice came through. "Ian''s just taken Evelyn to the restroom. Can I help you with something?"


    Eleanor''s breath caught. She bit her lip and hung up.


    She closed her eyes. Years ago, despite her father''s objections, she''d given up her studies and married the man she loved. In the end, it had left her utterly defeated.


    She remembered her father pulling her aside on her wedding day to ask if she''d ever regret her decision.


    She''d smiled brightly and promised, "Don''t worry, Dad! I''ll never regret this."


    So she''d thrown herself into marriage, leaving her ambitions behind.


    Two years ago, Eleanor found her daughter hiding out inn''s room, secretly calling Vanessa Shannon-her husband''s old me. The two spoke to each other like mother and daughter.


    It was during that drive to the hospital that Eleanor finally understood.


    She regretted this marriage.


    It was time to let go. No amount of effort could sustain a union founded on unrequited love - such bonds were destined to unravel from their very inception.


    The rest of her life, she would spend learning to love herself.


    A new message chimed on her phone-a notification for a new email.


    Eleanor climbed to the third-floor study, opened herptop, and checked her inbox.


    The sender was the Department of Experimental Medicine at Ashford Medical University.


    Eleanor closed her eyes and whispered, "Dad, you were right. Thank you for giving me a way out."


    In her mind, she heard her father''s words from before he passed: "My daughter


    will never be a failure. Make me proud. Even if you''re married, never stop


    learning."


    Six years. Eleanor had persevered, keeping her promise, studying in secret while<fn88df> Fresh chapters posted on find[?]ovel</fn88df>


    no one else knew.

 Chapter 2

    At exactly eight, the door revealedn guiding their giggling daughter inside. Eleanor watched as their little girl, her hair in two yful pigtails, bounced into the foyer with a pink stuffed bunny clutched in her arms.


    Eleanor moved closer, wanting nothing more than to gather her up in a hug.


    But Evelyn''s small hands pushed her away. She pouted, ring up at her mother. "Hmph, I don''t want a hug from you, Mommy."


    Eleanor''s arms froze in midair, awkward and empty. At that moment,n knelt down beside their daughter, his tall frame folding gracefully as he spoke to her in a gentle, soothing voice. "Evelyn."


    Evelyn''s lips trembled, and she buried her face into her father''s embrace, her eyes growing red and watery.


    A sharp ache twisted in Eleanor''s chest. Her five-year-old had spent three years under Vanessa''s quiet influence¡ªit was Eleanor''s own fault, not Evelyn''s.


    Swallowing hard, Eleanor managed to speak. "Joslyn, could you give Evelyn her bath in a bit?"


    "Yes, ma''am," Joslyn replied with a nod.


    As soon as Eleanor stepped away, the living room filled with the sound of her daughter''s delightedughter andn''s deep, affectionate voice.


    The media had calledn a doting father on more than one asion, and Eleanor couldn''t have agreed more.


    Of all souls walking this earth, none held dominion overn''s affections like his daughter - this was the first andstw of his heart.


    Leaning against the doorframe, Eleanor drifted into memory.


    Eight years earlier,n had been in a terrible car ident, leftatose for a year in his father''s hospital. Eleanor, hopelessly in love with him, had taken a year off from college without a second thought and devoted herself to his care.<fn2> ?????? ???? Find~Novel</fn2>


    Whenn finally woke, he epted her confession. Despite his mother''s fierce objections, he married Eleanor anyway. Their daughter was born a yearter; it should have made their marriage perfect.


    But when Evelyn turned two,n''s relentless business trips began, and Evelyn started to shy away from her mother for reasons Eleanor couldn''t fathom.


    It took two years for her to realize that another woman had slipped into the role of mother in her daughter''s life.


    Vanessa¨Da celebrated concert pianist, the darling of the art world, andn''s long- cherished dream.


    Now, she was Mrs. Shannon in Evelyn''s eyes, the subject of all her adoration.


    Eleanor wandered downstairs to get a ss of water. Just as she rounded the corner, she overheardn on the phone.


    "Yeah, I know. I''ll remind her to brush her teeth."


    "And don''t forget to put ointment on your finger. Follow the doctor''s orders and don''t be stubborn."


    A bitter smile tugged at Eleanor''s lips. He was talking to Vanessa.


    Vanessa always remembered to remind Evelyn about brushing her teeth. It wasn''t hard to guess what that meant: Evelyn had probably had dinner with her tonight and indulged in plenty of sweets-Vanessa''s favorite way to win her over.


    "Don''t stay upte. Get some sleep. Goodnight." Ian finished the call and headed for the stairs.


    He turned, spotting Eleanor, and for a moment his handsome features stiffened. "You''ll put Evelyn to bed tonight. I have a conference call and might bete."


    He nced at the calendar, frowning slightly. "Today''s the eighth."


    "I''lle to your room when I''m done." With that,n disappeared down the hall. The eighth-the scheduled night.


    She remembered the night she''d broken down in tears, demanding that they at least be together four times a month. Ian had agreed, marking it on the calendar: the 1st, 8th, 16th, and 26th. If he was home, he had to honor the arrangement.


    "I''m exhausted. Let''s just skip tonight," Eleanor called after his retreating figure. Later, Joslyn carried a freshly bathed Evelyn into the bedroom. Eleanor sat on the bed, waiting with her daughter''s favorite picture book.


    "Evelyn,e here. Mommy will read you a story," she said with a hopeful smile. Evelyn turned to Joslyn instead. "Auntie, I want my little dinosaur."


    "I''ll go get it for you," Joslyn replied, stepping out.


    Eleanor waited patiently. Soon, Evelyn mbered onto the bed, hugging a plush dinosaur to her chest-a gift from Vanessa for her fourth birthday overseas. These days, Evelyn couldn''t sleep without it.


    Under the warm light, Evelyn smelled sweet and clean from her bath, her hair soft and damp. Eleanor couldn''t help but press a kiss to her daughter''s head.


    But Evelyn immediately pushed her away. "Don''t kiss me, Mommy."


    Eleanor''s heart clenched.


    "Evelyn..."


    "You''re never here for me. You don''t buy me treats. You don''t even like me. So I don''t want to like you either." Evelyn crossed her arms and pouted defiantly.


    The pain in Eleanor''s chest was almost physical. She reached out, wanting tofort her, but Evelyn only grew more upset, her face crumpling as she let out a wailing cry. "Daddy, I want Daddy! I want Daddy to tuck me in!"


    It didn''t take long forn''s tall figure to appear in the doorway. Evelyn scrambled


    off the bed and ran straight into his arms. He scooped her up, his voice gentle. "What''s wrong, sweetheart?"


    "I want to sleep with you, Daddy. I don''t want Mommy," Evelyn whimpered, snuggling close.


    Evelyn nodded eagerly.


    Eleanor shifted over, making space for them. Only then did Evelyn finally settle under the covers.ny down on the other side, stretching out his arm so Evelyn could curl up against him.


    His arm was long, and as he settled in, his fingers brushed Eleanor''s shoulder. She tensed, inching closer to the edge of the bed.


    Evelyn made a few contented, cat-like noises and burrowed into her father''s warmth, quickly drifting off.


    Eleanor closed her eyes, quietly waiting forn to leave.


    About twenty minutester, with Evelyn sound asleep,n gently withdrew his arm, tucked the nket around his daughter, and bent to kiss her head.


    Eleanor knew he usually kissed her too, but she rolled over, turning her back to him.


    Once she heard his footsteps fade down the hall, Eleanor finally turned, reaching out to pull her daughter close.


    Evelyn''s tiny hand found her mother''s face, searching forfort, that familiar, soft cheek pressing into Eleanor''s embrace-just as she had as a baby.


    Eleanor rested her forehead against her daughter''s, the little girl she''d carried for nine long months, the one she''d risked everything to bring into this world.


    If she could only take one thing from this marriage, it would be her daughter. Vanessa could have the title of Mrs. Goodwin if she wanted, but if she thought she could take Eleanor''s little girl-she was sorely mistaken.

 Chapter 3

    Early the next morning, Eleanor put on her makeup and waited by Evelyn''s bedside, cradling her daughter''s favorite little dress.


    When Evelyn finally opened her eyes and saw her mother''s gentle smile, she blinked sleepily, turned over, and curled up on her side like a kitten, her small face half-buried in the pillow.-


    "Evelyn, do you want to wear your pretty dress today?" Eleanor asked, her voice soft and warm.


    Evelyn rolled onto her back, her gaze falling on the pink princess dress. She nodded eagerly. "Yes, please!"


    Eleanor dressed her daughter with loving care, then carried her downstairs. Ian was already waiting in the living room, sitting on the sofa. Taking Evelyn to school before heading to the office had be his daily routine.<fnd9a3> Latest content published on ?ovelFind</fnd9a3>


    "Daddy, do I look pretty?" Evelyn twirled in front of him, her eyes sparkling with delight.


    He gathered Evelyn into his arms while Eleanor took the backpack from Joslyn, the housekeeper, and followed them out the door.


    The school was just outside their gatedmunity¡ªa prestigious, outrageously expensive private kindergarten in the heart of Ashford City.


    When they arrived, Evelyn hopped out of the car. Eleanor walked her to the entrance, adjusted her backpack, and knelt down to say, "I''lle pick you up early this afternoon. How about we bake a cake together when you get home?"


    Evelyn nodded enthusiastically, then waved goodbye and greeted the principal and her teachers before heading inside.


    Eleanor watched her daughter disappear through the doors, her heart brimming with tenderness. She turned to nce at the man waiting in the car. Sunlight and shadows danced across his face; he was as calm and enigmatic as ever. Yet, as always,n''s eyes held a chill, the distant coldness of a winter''s night, cool and imprable.


    "I''ll walk home," Eleanor said as she approached the driver''s window. "You go on to work."


    At her words,n pressed his lips together, his long, elegant fingers turning the steering wheel with practiced ease. The ck Rolls-Royce glided smoothly away, merging into the morning traffic.


    Eleanor watched his car disappear. Even after all these years of marriage,n remained a stranger to her.


    In the quiet chambers of her heart, she understood - what he mistook for affection was merely gratitude, a debt of kindness mistaken for love. Yet still she waited. Like a sailor''s wife staring at empty horizons, she clung to foolish hope. Six years of tides had risen and fallen, six years of waiting for a love that never came ashore.


    Now, Eleanor no longer med anyone but herself¡ªfor choosing the wrong person, for living with the consequences.


    She walked home in silence. Joslyn met her at the door. "Ma''am, what would you like for breakfast?"


    "Just boil me a couple of eggs and half an ear of corn," Eleanor replied quietly.


    Joslyn hesitated, surprised, then hurried to the kitchen. There was something different about Eleanor''s expression today-colder, somehow, more distant than usual. Andst night, there hadn''t been any of the usual arguments between her and Mr. Ashford, either.


    Normally, whenn stayed away for weeks at a time, Eleanor would be upset- especially now, after Evelyn''s hospitalization. But this time, she hadn''t said a word.


    Upstairs in her third-floor study, Eleanor sat lost in thought. Just a month ago, she''d stood onstage at the Montir Medical Forum as the top graduate of her ss, delivering a keynote speech that caught the attention of a hundred leading pharmaceuticalpanies. With a single nod, she could have joined any researchb, secured billions in funding,unched a brilliant career.


    But she had never spoken about that sess-not at home, not to anyone. In the eyes of her family and the world, she was just a gilded bird trapped in a golden cage a housewife with nothing to offer.


    And then there wasn. At eighteen, he''d already be a star consultant on Wall Street. By twenty-three, he''d taken over the family firm, earning a ruthless reputation in the world of investment banking. In just four years, he''d climbed to the top of the national wealth rankings.

 Chapter 4

    Just then, her good friend Joy Thatcher-a sharp attorney with a knack for gossip -sent her a message:


    "Ellie, I took a client out for lunch today. Guess what I saw?"-


    Three photos popped up right after.


    In the pictures,n sat in a private dining room, entertaining a few international clients. Seated beside him was Vanessa, looking utterly enchanting.


    Vanessa wore a fitted cocktail dress-sleek, elegant, and impossibly alluring. In the third photo, she wasughing and saying something, her smile mischievous and her eyes bright. Ian gazed down at her, transfixed, the two of them looking every bit the picture-perfect couple.


    "Ellie, don''t let this get to you, okay?" Joy added, trying tofort her.


    "I won''t," Eleanor replied, terse and to the point.


    Ton, she was the wife he kept in the shadows. But Vanessa-Vanessa was the one he paraded in public. An internationally renowned pianist, a darling of the fashion world, a muse for luxury brands-Vanessa''s beauty and status were everythingn could ever want on his arm.


    At three-thirty in the afternoon, Eleanor got in her car and headed to her daughter''s school, determined to be the first to pick her up.


    Around four, a red Ferrari pulled up and stopped right across from her. Eleanor''s grip tightened on the steering wheel. Vanessa. Of course she''d show up.


    Through the windshield, Eleanor saw Vanessa fixing her makeup in the driver''s seat. It was obvious-she''de early, waiting forn to pick up his daughter.


    A woman who could keepn hooked for years wasn''t just beautiful-she was cunning and knew exactly what she was doing.


    For two years, Eleanor had avoided confronting her. Even when things got heated, she kept her dignity, believingn would eventuallye back to his senses. But the truth was, the more she endured, the bolder they became.


    This time, Eleanor refused to y the coward.


    She pushed open her car door and stepped out first, shooting a cold, piercing look toward Vanessa''s car.


    Vanessa nced back, momentarily surprised-notn, but Eleanor? For a brief second, her confidence faltered. But when she caught Eleanor''s gaze, Vanessa just smiled, lips curling with practiced poise. She sauntered out of her Ferrari and walked toward Eleanor, every inch the seductress.


    Eleanor''s fists clenched as she regarded that infuriatingly perfect face.


    Vanessa smiled, smooth as silk. "Hello, Miss Sutton. I''m sure you already know who I am, but let me introduce myself properly. I''m Vanessan''s... close friend."


    "I don''t care who you are. Stay away from my daughter." Eleanor''s voice was cold, her re unflinching.<fnb50c> For original chapters go to findnovel</fnb50c>


    Vanessa met her eyes and gave a sudden, mockingugh. "Eleanor, do you think just because I love your husband, I''m automatically the viin here?"


    Eleanor had no intention of engaging with her.


    Vanessa gave a soft snort. "So, if I told you the man I loved was stolen away and made someone else''s husband, wouldn''t that make you the bad guy?"


    "You''re the first person I''ve met who can be so shameless and still act so justified," Eleanor shot back without hesitation.


    Vanessa''s fingers yed idly with the sapphire ne around her neck. Eleanor''s eyes flicked to the sparkling jewel-tant, unmistakable. It didn''t even need to be said: Ian had given it to her. After all, he''d spent thest two weeks glued to her side.


    Just then, Eleanor saw the school doors opening. Without another word, she strode toward the entrance to meet her daughter.


    Behind her, Vanessa watched Eleanor''s retreating figure, lips curling into a faint, dismissive smile. There was no mistaking the smugness in her eyes.

 Chapter 5

    Eleanor was the first parent to arrive at the ssroom to pick up her daughter. She had dressed with extra care today, and Evelyn walked out beaming, proud to show her off. Hoisting her backpack, Evelyn turned to her ssmates and announced with delight, "This is my mom!"


    Eleanor swept her daughter into a warm hug. "You did such a wonderful job today, Evelyn."


    Back at home, Evelyn hurried to check if Joslyn had set out the ingredients for cake and cookies like she''d asked.


    Practically bouncing with excitement, Evelyn trailed behind Eleanor, eager to watch every step as she started baking. Eleanor slid a tray of pre-made almond cookies into the oven; soon, their sweet, nutty aroma drifted through the living room, making mouths water. pping her hands in anticipation, Evelyn squealed, "I want a cookie!"


    "They''ll be ready soon," Eleanor promised, and with a mischievous smile, dabbed a streak of flour across her own cheek.


    Evelyn spotted it right away. Instead of saying anything, she scurried off to fetch a napkin. When she returned, she tugged at her mother''s sleeve. "Mom, you have flour on your face. Let me wipe it off for you."


    Eleanor widened her eyes in mock surprise. "Oh! Really?"


    She bent down, letting Evelyn carefully clean her face. Watching her daughter''s serious expression, Eleanor felt a sudden sting of tears. She knew her daughter had a truly kind heart.


    Once Evelyn was satisfied with her work, she looked up, beaming with pride. "Mom, did I do a good job?"<fn59d3> Follow current nov?ls on Find_Novel(.</fn59d3>


    "You were amazing," Eleanor said, hugging her tight.


    Eleanor used only the finest ingredients for the cake, and kept the sugar to a minimum-much healthier than anything store-bought.


    Before long, a dainty little cake was finished, just as the clock struck half past six. ncing out the window at the darkening sky, Evelyn pouted. "Why isn''t Dad home yet?"


    Eleanor had a suspicionn wouldn''t be back tonight. She had confronted Vanessa at school today, and she was fairly certainn was with her now.


    At that moment, the phone rang. Joslyn picked up. "Hello? ... Yes, of course. I''ll let Mrs. Sutton know." She hung up and turned to Eleanor. "Ma''am, Mr. Sutton says he won''t be home for dinner. He has a business dinner tonight."


    Eleanor just nodded. "Then let''s just make dinner for the three of us," she said with a gentle smile.


    From now on, she decided, no one would be allowed to spoil her and her daughter''s happiness.


    After dinner, Eleanor and Evelyn went outside to kick a ser ball around on thewn. At one point, Eleanor deliberately pretended to trip and fall, and Evelyn rushed to her side, her little face full of worry. Eleanor exaggerated a limp, and in her daughter''s wide eyes she saw nothing but concern and love.


    Eleanor''s heart melted.


    Later that night, after a warm bath, an exhausted Evelyn tucked herself into bed and fell asleep on her own before nine-thirty. Eleanor gently closed the door and let out a quiet sigh.


    With a little time to herself, she slipped into the study next door to draft a n for hertest research project. She was grateful she''d never given up on her work, even if, for years, she''d hidden it fromn out of fear he might disapprove. She''d kept so much from him, always trying to be the perfect wife.


    Bathed in the soft glow of the deskmp, Eleanor''s expression grew calm and resolute, a quiet confidence shining in her eyes. From this moment on, she wouldn''t hide who she was anymore. She was ready to reim herself.


    Her father, Elliot Sutton, had once been one of the country''s most renowned medical doctors. Before his death, he''d mentored a generation of brilliant minds. He''d always dreamed of founding aboratory to finish the groundbreaking medical research he''d left behind.


    Closing herptop, Eleanor rubbed her temples, ready to head back to her daughter''s room for the night.

 Chapter 6

    It was just past midnight.


    Eleanory awake, insomnia gnawing at her nerves, when she heard the front door open.n was home.


    In the past, whenevern came backte, Eleanor would always get up and check on him. If he''d been drinking, she''d quickly brew some strong ck tea to sober him up; if he was simply exhausted, she''d warm a ss of milk to help him sleep.


    Marriage had a way of teaching a woman all sorts of things-how to cook, how to doundry, how to read every flicker of someone else''s mood. In the end, she''d trained herself into a thankless housemaid, worn out but unnoticed.


    The door creaked open. His tall figure crossed the room and paused at the edge of their daughter''s bed. The faint scent of whiskey mingled with the floral perfume she recognized-Vanessa''s favorite.


    A wave of heat spread where his lips met her skin, but Eleanor only felt her body go rigid. The moment he left, she sat up, grabbed a wet wipe, and scrubbed the spot he''d kissed.


    She felt dirty, revolted by the touch of a man who''d just spent the night with another woman.


    Over the next three days, Eleanor managed to mend things between herself and her daughter. After all, she''d raised Evelyn from infancy; her daughter''s love hadn''t vanished, only been pushed aside. If Eleanor was patient enough, she knew she could rekindle that bond, remind Evelyn who had always been there.


    On Friday at noon, Eleanor spent the morning in her study, working through a proposal. Parched, she headed downstairs for a drink, only to catch sight ofning up.


    Descending from the third-floor study, she met his eyes on thending. Without a word, she brushed past him and continued to the kitchen to make herself some tea.


    "Still mad at me?"n''s voice was tinged with annoyance.


    Eleanor paused, turning to face him. "What would I be mad about?"


    "Forget it,"n muttered, clearly losing interest, and started up the stairs.


    Eleanor frowned, moving past him. Lately, there were so many things about their rtionship she found herself forgetting.


    A few minutester, she remembered. Two weeks before, in a fit of anger, she''d torn upn''s passport, trying to stop him from flying overseas to see Vanessa.


    That had led to a week-long cold war. It finally ended when,te at night, she''d crept into his bedroom after their daughter was asleep and initiated a clumsy attempt at reconciliation.


    That was what he''d meant.


    But Eleanor knew, no matter what she did, Ian would still take Evelyn abroad to spend Christmas with Vanessa.


    Lost in thought, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen and smiled as she answered. "Jude!"


    "Ellie, I finished reading your entire thesis," came Jude''s enthusiastic voice. "Honestly, it blew me away. I can''t wait to meet and talk about it in person."


    "Thank you for the praise," she replied warmly.


    "Are you free in the next couple of days? I''d love to catch up and chat."


    "Jude, can we set a timeter? I''ll check my schedule."


    "Sure, just let me know when works for you. We''ll talk then."


    Bncing her cup of tea, Eleanor climbed the stairs again, checking her watch-


    she didn''t want to bete picking up Evelyn from school.


    "My flight''s Monday morning. Yeah, I''m bringing Evelyn."<fn2235> Get full chapters from find?novel</fn2235>


    "Just tell me what you want for Christmas. Anything at all."


    Eleanor pressed herself against the wall, hidden in the entryway, listening ton''s footsteps fade as he retreated to his room.


    Hisst words floated down the hall, "I''ll get you whatever you want."

 Chapter 7

    A sharp pain stabbed through Eleanor''s chest. She told herself she no longer cared, but the anger was still there, simmering beneath the surface.


    This time, she would never let her daughter leave the country with them. She''d make sure Vanessa had no chance to get close to Evelyn, no chance to fill her head with ideas.


    That evening,n was home for dinner. While their daughter clung to his side, Eleanor kept her distance. After dinner, around eight-thirty, she slipped away for a shower. When she came out and couldn''t find Evelyn anywhere, she finally heard her daughter''s voiceing fromn''s room.


    Eleanor reached for the door, ready to step inside, but paused as she caught the sound of Evelyn''s delighted chatter.


    "Mrs. Shannon, have you already gone abroad?"


    "Yes, I just arrived today. I wish you could havee with me, Evelyn!"


    "We''ll see each other soon! Daddy said he''ll take me to visit you in a couple of days."


    "Then I''d better get your presents ready. I''ll buy a pretty Christmas dress and wait for you!"


    "I want lots of princess dresses, and a beautiful crown too!"


    "Of course, honey. I''ll have everything ready before you arrive. And I''ve already ordered your favorite vani cake from that pastry shop you love." Vanessa''s voice was warm and indulgent.<fn4346> Th?s chapter is updated by f?ndnovel</fn4346>


    Eleanor leaned against the door, waiting for her daughter and Vanessa to finish their conversation.


    "I''ll hang up now,"n''s voice broke in.


    "Alright, I''ll be waiting for you all!"


    "Bye, Evelyn. Love you!" Vanessa switched to the Drexfordnguage.


    "I love you too!" Evelyn replied, her childish voice wless in that foreign tongue.


    Listening to her daughter''s joyful exchange with Vanessa, Eleanor felt a sharp ache in her chest, making it hard to breathe. By the time she opened the door, she''d already forced a smile onto her face.


    "Evelyn."


    "Mommy! Daddy and I are going on a trip abroad. Do you want toe with us?" Evelyn looked up at her, her little face earnest and hopeful.


    In her child''s heart, Evelyn wanted everyone who loved her to be together. "Evelyn, could you go y in the toy room for a bit? Mommy needs to talk to Daddy," Eleanor said, gently ruffling her daughter''s hair.


    Evelyn nodded her small head. "Okay! I''ll go." She scampered out, and from the hallway Joslyn called, "Evelyn, I cut up some fruit for you. Come have a snack!"


    Eleanor closed the door and looked up atn, who was sitting on the sofa under the chandelier, loosening his tie. Three buttons of his shirt were undone, and there was still a faint smudge of strawberry jam where Evelyn had hugged him before dinner.


    "We need to talk," Eleanor began.


    "I don''t want you taking Evelyn out of the country this time. If you want to spend Christmas with your mother and grandmother, please go on your own. I''d like Evelyn to stay here with me," Eleanor said, her voice calm but firm.


    "My mother and grandmother haven''t seen Evelyn in months. It''s only ten days there and back,"n replied coolly.


    Eleanor''s chest tightened with each suppressed breath, the weight of unspoken frustration pressing against her sternum like a second heartbeat.


    "You''re wee toe with us,"n added, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    Eleanor''s hands clenched into fists. She red at him and demanded, "Fine, I''ll go. But can you promise to keep Vanessa away from my daughter?"


    "Vanessa means no harm to Evelyn. You don''t need to be so defensive," he said, frowning as he stood up.


    Eleanor''s body trembled.


    "Alright, I''ll go with Evelyn. I don''t care what you and Vanessa are to each other, but keep her away from my girl."


    Suppressing her anger, Eleanor returned to her room. Just then, her phone rang. She saw a foreign number on the screen and hesitated before answering. "Hello?"


    A pleasant male voice responded, "Ellie, have you thought it over? Are you ready to join the project?"


    Eleanor guessed instantly who it was. "I''m sorry, Joel. I have more important things to take care of right now."


    "I''ve looked into your marriage. Your husband''s been unfaithful. Your daughter isn''t even close to you. Honestly, you could walk away and dedicate yourself to science. With your talent, you''d go far."


    "Thank you for the offer, Joel. I really appreciate it, but I have my own ns."


    "You want to win your husband back?" He sighed gently.


    "No, I just want to take care of my daughter."


    "Well, I''m sure we''ll meet again."


    "We definitely will!" Eleanor replied, smiling-though inside, she whispered his name, Joel Kingsley. He''d once worked with her father, and over the years, he''d watched out for her like an older brother.


    Now, she was determined. Whatever it took, she would rebuild her rtionship with her daughter. There was no way she''d let Vanessa be Evelyn''s stepmother in any real sense. That night, Eleanor told Evelyn she''d being with her on the trip. Evelyn threw her arms around her neck, babbling excitedly about all the fun things they''d do abroad. And as Eleanor hugged her daughter, she remembered how she''d once bent over backward trying to salvage her marriage-how she''d neglected her daughter''s love in the process. That failed marriage had nearly turned her into a bitter, resentful woman.


    But not anymore.

 Chapter 8

    So she''d been neglecting her daughter too.


    "Sweetheart, Mommy loves you," Eleanor whispered.


    "I love you too, Mommy." Her daughter''s sleepy, syrupy voice brushed her ear, followed by a warm kiss from her tiny lips.


    "Mommy, you''ll always be my best mommy. I don''t want to leave you. Not ever." Evelyn cupped Eleanor''s face in her small hands, her eyes shining with devotion in the dim light.


    Eleanor hugged her daughter tighter, kissing the top of her soft head. "Mommy loves you too, darling. Always."


    Monday morning, the whole family headed to the airport.


    Eighteen hourster, they touched down in Drexford. Ian''s assistant, Gavin Young, was pushing a mountain of luggage; Eleanor clutched her handbag, while Evelyn-who''d slept through most of the flight-remained curled up in her father''s arms, bundled snugly in his coat.


    Outside the airport, they slipped into the warmth of a waiting SUV. Ian gently adjusted his daughter''s position, his deep eyes softening as he gazed down at her. With a graceful hand, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her brow.


    Three vehicles made their way through Drexford''s stormy night. Eleanor gazed out at the rain-streaked city, her heart growing heavier as she thought about seeing her mother-inw and her sister-inw, Serena Goodwin, in just a few minutes.


    Eight years ago, whenn was twenty, he''d been rushed to the hospital after a car ident-her father had been the chief surgeon on call. Eleanor, upon hearing the news, dropped out of college to care forn. At the time, her mother-inw was too grief-stricken to object.


    Eleanor took on everything: she nursed, she cleaned, she barely slept. For a year, she rarely leftn''s side. When he finally woke up, Eleanor couldn''t contain her feelings any longer-she confessed her love and told him she wanted to marry him.


    She hadn''t realized her confession had been overheard. Her mother-inw confronted her almost immediately, offering her a million dors to leaven and disappear from his life.


    Eleanor was heartsick. She packed her bags, ready to go back to school, butn showed up at her door. He said, simply, that he wanted her to be his wife.


    Even now, Eleanor could remember that day vividly-how thin he''d looked, how calm his expression had been, but how bright and determined his eyes were as he said, "Let''s get married."


    On her wedding day, her father''s assistant quietly told her that it was her father who had givenn the recordings of her year at his bedside. It wasn''t until after the wedding that Eleanor realized the truth: Ian hadn''t married her for love, but out of gratitude.


    Back then, she''d believed that if she just loved him enough, his heart would eventually turn to her. But neen-year-old Eleanor had been hopelessly na?ve. Nearly an hourter, their motorcade wound its way into one of Drexford''s wealthiest neighborhoods, stopping atst before a grand, brilliantly lit estate.


    A small group of staff stood at the door, ready to collect their luggage. Eleanor stepped out first, clutching her bag, and nced back just in time to seen descend from the car, holding their daughter close. At that moment, Evelyn finally woke up.


    She wrapped her arms around her father''s broad shoulders, hair tousled, her rosy cheeks flushed with sleep, yawning-utterly adorable.


    "Daddy, are we at Grandma''s house?" Evelyn asked.


    Just then, a regal figure appeared at the top of the staircase. Her delighted voice rang out, "My granddaughter is here-Grandma''s right here!"


    Gina Quinn''s eyes sparkled as she spotted Evelyn, but when her gazended on Eleanor, standing quietly in the foyer, the warmth faded. Eleanor greeted her politely. "Hello, Mom. It''s been a while."


    "Oh, Evelyn! You''ve grown so muche here and let Grandma give you a hug!" Gina scooped Evelyn up, beaming as she patted her granddaughter''s sturdy little arms. "Your daddy''s been taking good care of you. You''ve gotten even chubbier."


    "Yes, ma''am," the housekeeper replied.


    Eleanor''s heart sank. Thement was for her benefit-a reminder that she wasn''t truly wee, or else her room would have been ready already.


    "Grandma, I''m hungry. Can I have something to eat? Oh-where''s Aunt Serena?" Evelyn, alreadyfortable in her new surroundings, was anything but shy.


    "Of course, sweetheart. I''ll have the chef fix something special for you. Your aunt


    is skiing abroad with friends-she''ll be back for the holidays."


    Eleanor breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Serena, like her mother, had never liked her. The less she saw of her, the better.<fn5638> For more chapters visit find?novel</fn5638>


    Just then,n''s phone rang. Eleanor nced over and watched him check the screen before stepping outside to take the call.

 Chapter 9

    She''d followed him abroad-he''d surely need tofort Vanessa after this.


    Just then, a figure with a silver-white crown of hair approached from the garden room. It was Grandma Magdalen Goodwin.


    "Ellie, you''re here."


    "Grandma." Eleanor greeted Magdalen warmly; since her marriage, Magdalen had always treated her kindly.


    "Oh my! Evelyn''s grown so tall! I can barely hold her anymore!" Magdalen''s eyes sparkled with affection as she watched her great-granddaughter dart past.


    After an eighteen-hour flight, Eleanor felt exhausted. Her daughter was busy ying with her grandmother and great-grandmother, and she didn''t want to interrupt. She took a shower, then retreated to her room to rest.


    By eleven that night, Evelyn was still bursting with energy. Forcing herself awake, Eleanor joined her daughter in the upstairs sitting room. Before long,n came in, dressed in soft cotton pajamas. He sat down, and Evelyn immediately climbed into hisp. "Daddy, y with me! y with me, please!"


    "Alright, what do you want to y?"


    "Let''s build with blocks!"


    Half-asleep, she felt a tiny hand patting her. As her thoughts cleared, she heard her daughter whisper, "Daddy, can you carry Mommy back to bed?"


    "You could wake her up, you know."


    "Butst time, you carried Mrs. Shannon to her room! Why can''t you carry Mommy?" Evelyn pouted, a little jealous.


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. Son didn''t even shy away from being affectionate with Vanessa in front of their daughter? Unbelievable.


    She pretended to wake, opening her eyes and saying, "Evelyn, let''s go to bed together. Mommy will tuck you in tonight."


    She nced up atn, meeting his unfathomable gaze. Clearly, he knew she''d overheard their conversation.


    "I''m scared. I want both Mommy and Daddy to sleep with me," Evelyn said, lip trembling.


    "Daddy has to work tonight. You''ll sleep with Mommy,"n replied, getting up and heading for his study.


    As Evelyn''s pout deepened, Eleanor scooped her up. "Come on, sweetheart. Mommy will tell you a story."


    The next morning, Eleanor led her daughter downstairs.


    "Mrs. Goodwin, you''re up. Would you like breakfast now?" the housekeeper asked.<fn1e9a> Get full chapters from find{n}ovel</fn1e9a>


    Eleanor nodded, then as she guided her daughter to the dining room, she asked, "Has Mr. Goodwin gotten up yet?"


    "He left early this morning."


    Eleanor understood. Now that she was here, Vanessa couldn''t visit the Goodwin home. Ian would have to go out to see her.


    Maybe, right now, they were meeting for breakfast at some chic downtown caf¨¦- or perhaps they''d already stolen away to a hotel for a passionate morning together.


    At noon, Eleanor chatted with Magdalen. Her mother-inw, though never particrly fond of her, wouldn''t show it in front of her granddaughter.


    "Ellie, Evelyn''s five already. She looks so lonely. While you''re still young, why not have another child or two? The house would be livelier," Magdalen said, taking Eleanor''s hand, her meaning unmistakable.


    Eleanor didn''t mind Magdalen''s urging. From her perspective, it made sense-the Goodwin family prized having many children.


    With others to keep her daughterpany, Eleanor returned to her room to work. This time, she was determined to fulfill her father''sst wish: to build theboratory he''d dreamed of.


    At dinner,n finally came home.


    "There you go, Evelyn, open wide." Gina spooned food into Evelyn''s mouth, looking immensely pleased.


    With a child around, the atmosphere was never tense. Still, the olddy couldn''t help but notice the chilly distance between her grandson and granddaughter-in-w.


    She longed to see another great-grandchild born in her lifetime, and worry crept into her heart.


    After dinner, Magdalen deliberately sent Gina and Evelyn off, then calledn and Eleanor over.


    "Ellie, you young people should get out of the house for a bit. Don''t spend all your time cooped up with us old folks," she said without preamble.


    Eleanor smiled. "Grandma, I like staying at home with you."


    Magdalen''s expression grew serious as she turned ton. "You leave your wife home alone all day while you''re out and about? Is that any way to treat her?"


    "Tonight, we''ll take care of Evelyn. You take Ellie out for a change of scenery, and don''t rush home," Magdalen said, with a knowing look.


    If the couple felt awkward being intimate at home, then a night away at a hotel should do the trick.


    Eleanor caught on to her grandmother-inw''s intentions and quickly protested, "Grandma, it''s cold outside. I''d rather stay in with you."


    "There''s a car and heating-you won''t freeze. Go on, have fun!" Magdalen waved her off.


    Eleanor tried toe up with another excuse, butn spoke up, his tone t: "Let''s go."


    "Go on, go on!" Magdalen finally smiled.


    Not wanting to disappoint the olddy, Eleanor nodded.


    They drove out of the estate, and a heavy silence filled the car. Eleanor felt increasingly uneasy.


    Then the car phone rang. The name "Vanessa" shed across the dashboard screen, unmistakable.


    Eleanor nced at it, then turned her face toward the window.


    As the city streets appeared ahead, Eleanor said quietly, "You can drop me off anywhere convenient."


    "Come with me. There''s somewhere I need to go."n''s voice was cool, unreadable.

 Chapter 10

    Seeing thatn had no intention of stopping, Eleanor had no choice but to follow him, swallowing her impatience.


    The ck Rolls-Royce Phantom cut through the snowy dusk, gliding up the drive of a sprawling private estate.


    A doorman in a crisp tailcoat hurried over and opened the door with a practiced bow.


    She stepped out, followingn into the grand foyer. With quiet efficiency, the staff led them down a corridor lined with gilt-framed paintings and marble columns, until they reached a small,vishly decorated reception hall.


    Overhead, a three-tiered crystal chandelier spilled light like star dust, each prism refracting a cascade of glittering colors across the room.


    By the rose-gold drinks cab, three young men were already seated. A sommelier in a dove-gray vest was mixing cocktails for them with deft hands.<fne692> For more chapters visit FindN0vel</fne692>


    "Ian, there you are!" One of the men stood up, greeting him with easy warmth.


    "And this must be Mrs. Goodwin! I''ve heard so much about you-it''s a pleasure to finally meet you." His eyes sparkled as he turned to Eleanor.


    "Hello, Eleanor."


    "Wee, wee. I''m Henry Holt, an old friend ofn''s-and your host for tonight''s little gathering."


    Eleanor recognized the name-Henry was the second son of the Holt Group, a major real estate family back home.


    The other two men also seemed well-acquainted withn. They rose to introduce themselves, and though Eleanor didn''t recognize their names, their easy confidence suggested they, too, came from prominent families.


    n,e here for a second." Henry slung an arm aroundn''s shoulders and led him away for a private word, leaving Eleanor by the drinks cab.


    "Mrs. Goodwin, would you prefer wine or juice?" The sommelier smiled, attentive. "Juice, please," Eleanor replied.


    Just then, new arrivals entered the door swung open to admit two couples. The first pair, arm in arm, looked every bit the married set; behind them followed a man in an impably tailored gray suit and a striking woman beside him¡ª Vanessa.


    Draped in a ck evening gown that hugged every curve, Vanessa wore a regal purple shawl over her shoulders, set off by elegant jewelry. She was the very picture of refined mour, with an undercurrent of smoldering allure.


    As soon as Vanessa''s gazended on Eleanor, she froze, clearly caught off guard thatn had brought his wife. But in a heartbeat, her lips curled into a sly, unreadable smile.


    The young man apanying Vanessa recognized Eleanor and approached her with a polite grin. "Mrs. Goodwin, do you remember me?"


    Eleanor thought he looked vaguely familiar, but couldn''t ce him.


    "I''m Xavier Vaughn-I attended your wedding ton, remember?"


    She didn''t. That day, her attention had been fixed entirely onn; everyone else had faded into the background.


    She offered a gentle smile. "Mr. Vaughn, nice to see you."


    "Mrs. Goodwin-what a pleasure to meet again," Vanessa chimed in, her voice smooth as silk.


    Eleanor lifted her ss of juice and pretended not to hear. Vanessa''s smile tightened, and she shot a quick, slightly wounded nce towardn.


    She had assumedn would arrive solo tonight. Eleanor''s presence soured her mood.


    Barely ten minutes in, Eleanor was already longing to leave. Watching the easy camaraderie among these people, she could tell they were all part of the same exclusive circle.


    What wasn thinking, bringing her here? To make her feel out of ce? Or to unt his connection with Vanessa right in front of her?


    Suddenly, the staff ushered in another group of guests. Eleanor nced up-her heart gave a jolt as she saw a familiar face, equal parts astonishment and delight flooding her.


    Joel-Montir''s medical prodigy, and her old ssmate.


    Joel wore a simple ck suit, tall and refined, his silver-rimmed sses emphasizing his schrly air. He was deep in conversation with a middle-aged man, but as he sensed Eleanor''s gaze, he looked up.


    For a moment, he seemed stunned and then, a slow smile spread across his face. He murmured something to hispanion, adjusted his sses, and started toward her.


    Eleanor smiled back, feeling a rush of emotion.


    "Ellie."


    "Joel."


    She fought to keep her excitement in check. "Joel, I can''t believe you''re here."


    "Neither can I! I never expected to see you tonight." Joel looked her over with a fond smile-it had been months since they''dst met.


    At that moment, a pale hand slipped aroundn''s wrist-Vanessa, radiant and poised, stopped him in his tracks. "Why didn''t you answer my call earlier?"n smoothly disentangled himself. "I''ll exinter."


    Vanessa gave an understanding smile, but her eyes lingered on Joel, who was still deep in conversation with Eleanor. He was a new face-definitely not one of their usual crowd.


    Who was he? Why did he seem so familiar with Eleanor?


    Tonight''s guest list was stacked with high-fliers from every field. How could a woman who''d spent so many years as a homemaker back home possibly know someone like that?

 Chapter 11

    "Ian,e here, I''d like to introduce you to someone," Henry called out.


    Eleanor smiled politely. "Yes, we''ve met."<fnea9c> Find the newest release on Find?Novel</fnea9c>


    Henry chuckled. "Well then,n, this is Mr. Joel Kingsley-the star pupil of Professor Kelvin and a rising star in the world of medicine."


    Joel sized him up briefly, then shook his hand-both grips firm, but the exchange was over in a second.


    "Mrs. Goodwin, it was nice meeting you," Joel said with a warm smile before excusing himself.


    "Remember your ce," a man''s low voice murmured in her ear.


    There was a warning in his tone, something dark and possessive beneath the calm.


    A faint, mocking smile yed on Eleanor''s lips. He could parade his lover around the room for all to see, but if she so much as spoke with another man, he had the nerve to warn her?


    Talk about double standards.


    She gently pulled her arm free, andn let her go. Eleanor continued to the bar and ordered another juice. Nearby, Vanessa was chatting with a wealthy-looking woman in Drexford''snguage.


    "Who is she? I don''t think I''ve ever seen her before."


    Vanessa smiled pleasantly. "She''sn''s wife-from back home."


    The other woman''s eyebrows shot up. "Then Miss Shannon will need to be careful tonight, and keep her distance from Mr. Goodwin-otherwise, his wife might get upset."


    Vanessa''s lips curved in a sly smile. "She won''t mind. They''re in the middle of a divorce."


    The woman nced at Eleanor, appraising her. "She seems pretty sheltered. Honestly, she''s not much of a match for Mr. Goodwin."


    Standing so close, they assumed Eleanor couldn''t understand theirnguage. They had no idea she''d be fluent in fournguages over the past six years.


    So Vanessa was spreading news of their impending divorce right here among their circle-withn''s tacit approval?


    "I''m here with my husband and daughter for Christmas," Eleanor replied, switching smoothly into English.


    Joel grinned. "Looks like you haven''t forgotten what I taught you!"


    He leaned in, dropping his voice, and shot a quick nce toward Vanessa. "If you want to leave, I can get you out of here."


    Joel knew all about Vanessa beingn''s mistress. Eleanor gave him a faint, appreciative smile. "Thank you. If I need help, I''ll let you know."


    Across the room,n''s gaze turned cold as he watched them. The smile in his eyes vanished, reced by a glint of frost. The wine ss at his lips paused midair for a few seconds.


    "Let''s y a game, everyone!" Henry announced cheerfully. "I''m calling it ''Vintage Time Capsule''¡ªit''s a wine tasting game, really simple."


    Everyone in the room perked up, eager to join in. Vanessa stood beside Xavier, her smileced with anticipation as she shot Eleanor a knowing look, already savoring the drama about to unfold.

 Chapter 12

    The mood in the room was lively, everyone in high spirits. Eleanor sat back, content to watch themotion, hoping they''d all have their fun and call it a night before too long.


    A waiter appeared, covering three bottles of wine with a dark cloth. On his tray sat three sses, each already poured. The rules were simple: take a sip, guess the main vor, and say it out loud.


    "Correct. Next."


    In no time, the tray was in front of Vanessa. She picked up her ss with practiced elegance, swirled it, and bit her lip in thought. "Is it... oak barrel?"


    With a grin, Henry pulled back the cloth from the bottle. "Miss Shannon, wrong this time, I''m afraid."


    Vanessa gave him a pleading look. "Then, Mr. Holt, please be gentle with my punishment."


    "You''ll just have to finish your ss." Henryughed.


    Vanessa eyed the wine with mock distress, her brows knitting together as she coughed delicately behind her hand.


    "I''ll drink it for her," someone offered.


    Eleanor watched, her expression unreadable. Vanessa always knew just how to tug atn''s heartstrings.


    Under the soft glow of the chandelier, Vanessa''s porcin skin flushed with a faint pink as she turned ton. "Thank you."


    Next up was Joel. He took a thoughtful sip, then shrugged. "Just a guess- graphite? Not sure if I''m right."


    "Well, would you look at that," Henry said, impressed. "Even your guess is on point."


    Then it was Eleanor''s turn. Henry had almost forgotten she was part of the game, and was caught off guard when a well-dressed socialite-one of Vanessa''s friends -smiled and said, "Your turn, Miss."<fn55a7> The source of th?s content is find?novel</fn55a7>


    "She doesn''t have to y," Ian interjected.


    The socialiteughed. "Oh, Mr. Goodwin, it''s much more fun if your wife joins in!"


    Suddenly, all eyes were on Eleanor. She smiled, unfazed. "Alright, I''ll give it a shot. If I get it wrong, don''tugh at me."


    She reached for her ss, slender fingers grasping the crystal stem. She swirled the wine, studied its color, brought it to her nose, and inhaled its bouquet. Her fair face remained serene, touched with a hint of mystery.


    Vanessa''s lips curled with anticipation. Wouldn step in for Eleanor if she guessed wrong, too?


    Eleanor took a sip, considered, and spoke. "Just a guess, but I''d say this is ckcurrant. I hope I''m right."


    Henry pulled back the cloth from the bottle, surprise lighting his face. "Mrs. Goodwin, you really know your wine. Correct again."


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Vanessa''s eyes. She''d forgotten-of coursen''s family would have a cer full of reds. This little game was no challenge for Eleanor.


    "Mrs. Goodwin, you''re quite impressive," Vanessa said, her smile bright but her tone sly. "With such a refined pte, I imagine you''re talented in the arts as well. There''s a piano over there would you care to y us a piece?"


    The invitation was barbed; the mischief in Vanessa''s eyes was in. She didn''t intend to let Eleanor off easy.


    "Vanessa," Ian said, a note of exasperation in his voice.


    Vanessa bit her lip again, her smile haughty. "Never mind, pretend I didn''t ask."


    A hush fell over the group. Henry and Xavier exchanged nces, ready to jump in to smooth over the awkwardness.


    Before they could speak, Eleanor''s softugh broke the silence. "Why not? I''d be happy to."

 Chapter 13

    Vanessa froze in disbelief. She had expected to see a flustered, helpless Eleanor, but instead, Eleanor strode up to the grand piano with calm determination, not a trace of hesitation in her steps.


    A flicker of surprise crossed Vanessa''s mind. Eleanor could y the piano?


    But she hadn''t even finished college. Wasn''t she just an ordinary housewife, someone with nothing special about her?


    Eleanor sat quietly beneath the gentle spotlight, the very image of grace-like a lily blooming at midnight, pale and elegant.


    Then, as she let her fingers wander across the keys, coaxing out the first tentative notes, everyone in the room felt the same jolt of realization.


    They had all underestimated Mrs. Goodwin.


    Vanessa''s fingers tightened unconsciously around the carved armrest of her chair. The woman on stage, ying so effortlessly, felt like a thorn driven deep into her heart.


    How was this possible?


    For years, Eleanor had hated the piano. But, in time, she realized it wasn''t the instrument she despised, but rather the woman who used to y it. Why deny herself such beautiful music?


    Her life stretched out before her, and she needed music to fill the silence. So she learned¡ªand not just learned, but yed well. Perhaps she''d never reach Vanessa''s world-ss caliber, but she was more than good enough to earn praise.


    When thest note faded, Eleanor gave a small bow and returned to her seat. She didn''t nce at Vanessa, nor did she care to see her reaction. Instead, she picked up her ss of wine and took a sip. Just then, a voice murmured appreciatively beside her. "That was incredible."


    Eleanor looked up, meeting Joel''s gaze, which brimmed with genuine admiration. Her lips curled into a smile-she knew Joel''s praise was sincere.


    At that moment,n knocked back the rest of his drink and stood. "It''s gettingte. We should head home."


    "Ian''s got a five-year-old waiting at home!" Henry chimed in, jumping to his feet. "Let''s call it a night, shall we?"


    Eleanor caught this silent exchange as she gathered her things. Her gaze flicked to Vanessa, who wore an air of entitlement, basking inn''s attention as if it were no more than her due.


    Eleanor picked up her bag and turned to Joel. "Good night, Mr. Kingsley."


    "Good night. Let''s catch up again soon," Joel replied, adjusting his gold-rimmed sses with a warm smile.


    At the door, Eleanor slipped into the passenger seat ofn''s car. He hit the gas, tires crunching onto the road that wound down the hill.


    Her heart gave a faint, uneasy flutter. She nced over atn, instantly sensing his foul mood.


    Was it because she hadn''t let his lover outshine her tonight? Or was he upset that she''d stolen the spotlight entirely?


    Eleanor couldn''t be bothered to guess. All she wanted was to get home and rest. From now on, she''d avoid these gatherings inn''s social circle whenever she could.


    The next two days,n was nowhere to be seen during the day, while Eleanor devoted all her time to their daughter.


    At three o''clock one rainy afternoon,n finally returned home, shaking drizzle from his hair as he stepped inside. He shrugged off his damp overcoat and handed it to the housekeeper, then dropped to one knee, arms open to scoop up his daughter.


    Evelyn was busy with her toys, but gave a sweet, distracted, "Daddy, you''re home!"


    Eleanor looked over-and in the soft glow of themp, she couldn''t help but notice a faint lipstick stain onn''s shirt cor, right beneath his throat.


    It looked exactly like the kind of mark a woman might leave while cuddling close in his arms.<fn411c> Content originallyes from f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn411c>

 Chapter 14

    "Be good."n smiled helplessly, ruffling his daughter''s hair before heading upstairs.<fn107c> Get full chapters from find~novel</fn107c>


    At five-thirty, the housekeeper came to let Eleanor know that they''d be heading out for dinner in ten minutes.


    The restaurant was an upscale bistro in the heart of the city. Christmas had just passed, and the streets still glowed with festive cheer. The family seemed in high spirits as they set out together.


    When they arrived, Evelyn settled obediently inn''sp, her curious eyes darting around the room.


    "Daddy, look! Mrs. Shannon-I see Mrs. Shannon!" Evelyn pointed eagerly across the dining room.


    Following her daughter''s finger, Eleanor spotted a familiar figure by the window, purse in hand, about to leave. Who else could it be but Vanessa?


    "Vanessa? What a surprise! You''re here too?" Gina called out, genuinely delighted.


    Vanessa''s face lit up with equal astonishment. "Well, if this isn''t a coincidence! What brings you all here?"


    "Are you heading out already?" Gina asked.


    "My friend just called to cancel, so I was about to go," Vanessa replied, waving cheerfully at Evelyn. "Bye, Evelyn! Next time, I''ll take you out for something sweet, how about that?"


    "Mrs. Shannon, don''t go!" Evelyn reached out, her little voice edged with panic.


    "Vanessa, we just got here. Why not join us?" Gina urged her warmly.


    Eleanor watched the scene unfold in silence. No one else seemed to notice, but she could see it clearly-Vanessa had arrived early on purpose, and she was only making a show of leaving after the family walked in. The carefully applied makeup, the timing-none of it was idental.


    Was thisn''s doing? Inviting his mistress to "identally" bump into his family at dinner-he really went to great lengths.


    "Oh, I couldn''t intrude on your family dinner!" Vanessa protested, smiling modestly.


    Magdalen spoke up, her tone brisk. "We''re all here now, so stay. It''s only one more chair."


    "Yes, stay,"n added, his voice calm.


    Vanessa finally relented, shing a grateful smile. "I''ve been so busytely, I haven''t had a chance to see you all. Let''s have dinner together, then!"


    Eleanor watched as Vanessa slid right into the gathering, not missing a beat. She took the seat between Gina and the olddy. Ian had Evelyn on one side, then Eleanor, and next to her sat Magdalen''s housekeeper.


    "It''s been ages since we went out to eat. I wonder if they''ve added anything new to the menu," Gina mused.


    Vanessa signaled for the waiter and asked, with practiced patience, about thetest seasonal specials. She and Magdalen quickly agreed on the dishes.


    Evelyn, absorbed in her collection of little toys, yed quietly at the table. Eleanor wrapped her hands around her cup, watching her daughter with a distant gaze. "So, Vanessa, what''s been keeping you busytely?" Magdalen inquired. "I''m preparing for a concert tour back home, plus all thepany business."


    Gina beamed. "Ever since I met Vanessa, she''s been nothing if not impressive. So young, running apany and putting on concerts! I saw some of yourtest endorsements too-very impressive. Youth is all about having drive."


    As she spoke, Gina''s eyes flickered briefly to Eleanor, and her expression cooled, a trace of disdain beneath her polite smile.


    How could a girl who hadn''t even bothered with college, who relied entirely on her son to keep her at home, everpare with someone like Vanessa?

 Chapter 15

    Back then, she had opposed her son''s marriage. Her son was outstanding¡ªhe deserved a wife who matched him in every way, someone who could make him truly happy. Now, he was stuck spending his life with an ordinary woman whocked ambition and just wanted to coast along. She couldn''t help but feel her son deserved so much more.


    Suddenly, Vanessa seemed to remember something. She reached into her purse, pulled out a dainty gift box, and walked over to Evelyn. "Evelyn, I have a little present for you."


    Evelyn''s face lit up as she epted the box. "Ooh, what is it?"


    "Why don''t you open it and see for yourself?" Vanessa replied with a warm smile.


    She stood close, and the sweet scent of her perfumen''s favorite kind, the one he wore every day-floated across to Eleanor. ncing over, Eleanor saw Vanessa leaning in to hand Evelyn the gift, her arm brushingn''s shoulder as she bent down.


    Eleanor quietly turned away, pretending to focus on her cup of tea.


    Evelyn tore open the wrapping and gasped with delight. Inside was a beautiful crystal globe. "Wow! I love it!"


    Vanessa''s smile softened, full of fondness. "If you''re happy, Evelyn, that''s all I need."


    As Vanessa returned to her seat, Eleanor''s gaze identally met hers. Vanessa smiled, but there was a hint of challenge in her eyes, something subtle that no one else seemed to notice.


    The food arrived. Magdalen tasted each dish thoughtfully, discussing cooking techniques with Gina, who happily joined the conversation. Eleanor served Evelyn, making sure her te was bnced, whilen''s attention stayed mostly on their daughter.


    "I don''t want this. Daddy, you eat it," Evelyn said, pushing a piece of broli aside -the one Eleanor had ced on her te, hoping she''d eat something green.


    Evelyn, her mouth full of chicken, looked up at him, her chin shiny with grease. "Daddy, wipe," she mumbled.


    A pang shot through her chest.


    Vanessa noticed too; she lowered her gaze, a satisfied smile curling at the corners of her lips.


    Eleanor lost her appetite. She turned to her mother-inw. "I''m going to the restroom for a moment."


    Inside, she lingered for nearly ten minutes. As she headed back, she caught the faint sound of her mother-inw''s voice through the half-open door.


    "Vanessa, eat a bit more, dear. You''re far too thin. You need to take better care of yourself."


    "Thank you, you''re always so kind to me."<fn2052> Readplete version only at find?novel</fn2052>


    "It''s the least I can do. If you ever needn''s help with anything, don''t hesitate to ask. He''d be happy to help."


    n already takes such good care of me."


    Eleanor''s emotions tangled inside her. She pushed open the door, and the conversation abruptly stopped. All she wanted was for this dinner to be over.


    Around half past eight,n called for the check, but the waiter smiled and gestured to Vanessa. "It''s been taken care of-Miss Vanessa already paid." Magdalen and Gina both looked surprised. Gina couldn''t help but chide, "Vanessa, you really didn''t have to treat us tonight."


    Vanessa smiled, her lips pressed together modestly. "I''m always so busy that I hardly get to see you all. It''s only right that I treat you to dinner."


    Gina shook her head, half-admonishing, half-praising. "Such a thoughtful girl..."


    As everyone stood to leave, Vanessa was the first to help Magdalen from her seat. "Let me help you, Grandma. Take it slow."


    Magdalen nodded, and Gina''s approving nce lingered on Vanessa. Tonight, Vanessa seemed more like the ideal daughter-inw than Eleanor ever did.


    Watching her tall, handsome son and the poised, beautiful Vanessa, Gina couldn''t help but wish her son had chosen differently-that she had a daughter-inw like Vanessa instead. Maybe then, she wouldn''t have to put up with this constant disappointment.


    Compared to Vanessa''s warmth and attentiveness, Eleanor''s quiet presence all evening seemed stiff and forgettable.


    Vanessa escorted Magdalen to the car, only stepping aside once she was safely seated. She stood by the door, waiting as Gina climbed in. "Goodbye, Gina. Goodbye, Grandma. Hope to see you both again soon."

 Chapter 16

    "Alright, next time you have toe over for dinner," Gina said warmly, her smile genuine.


    Their town car pulled away from the restaurant first. Vanessa stood byn''s side, making faces to entertain Evelyn. "You look so pretty today, Evelyn! Oh, and I almost forgot¡ªI have a little treat in my purse. Would you like some?"


    "Yes!" The moment Evelyn heard the word "treat," she nodded eagerly, her eyes bright with anticipation.


    Vanessa rummaged through her bag and produced a small packet of hazelnut chocte, pressing it into Evelyn''s tiny hand. Evelyn''s eyes lit up with delight as she stared at the chocte.


    Eleanor''s expression darkened. Vanessa had a long history of sneaking sweets to her daughter, a habit that drove Eleanor up the wall.


    "Let''s go home," Eleanor said ton, her tone clipped.


    Evelyn was still nestled inn''s arms when Vanessa leaned in, grinning. "See you next time, Evelyn! Can I get a kiss goodbye?" She turned her cheek expectantly.


    Evelyn, happily clutching her chocte, was more than willing. Vanessa rose on tiptoe, her hand resting lightly onn''s shoulder as she held her face out for Evelyn''s kiss.


    But Eleanor stepped forward, scooping her daughter fromn''s arms in one swift motion. She slid open the car door and climbed inside with Evelyn.


    Vanessa, ever the flirt, tossedn a yful nce. "Drive safe,n."


    He nodded, then climbed in after Eleanor. As the car pulled away, Vanessa


    remained on the sidewalk, waving with a cheerful smile.


    Evelyn waved back, her little hand fluttering in the air. Eleanor held her daughter tight, every nerve in her body burning with anger.


    "Mommy, you''re squeezing me too hard. I can''t breathe," Evelyn whispered.


    Eleanor exhaled slowly, loosening her hold. She cracked the window, letting in a rush of cold air that helped restore herposure.


    "When are we going back home?" she askedn quietly from the backseat.


    "In three days," he replied.


    For the next two days,n stayed home, devoting his time to Evelyn and only asionally slipping into his study to attend to work.


    Three dayster, after saying their goodbyes ton''s grandmother and the others, they prepared to leave. The old woman gripped Eleanor''s hand with warmth. "Ellie, we''ll being home too before the year''s out."


    Eleanor smiled, genuinely happy at the prospect of the old woman joining them.


    After a grueling twenty-three hours of travel, Eleanor finally arrived home, utterly exhausted as she carried her sleeping daughter inside. Joslyn helped bathe Evelyn, while Eleanor took a quick shower herself. By ten-thirty, Evelyn was nestled quietly in her arms, already fast asleep.


    Eleanor drifted off as well, needing two full days at home just to recover before she finally sent Evelyn back to school.


    At nine o''clock that morning, as Eleanor organized files in her study, her phone rang.


    "Ellie, do you have a moment? I''d really like to talk," came the excited voice of Jude Vaughn, her father''s former student.


    "Jude, let''s pick a ce and meet," Eleanor replied, not wanting to dy any longer. It was time to finally set her ns for the new researchb in motion.


    Inside the coffee shop, Eleanor was surprised to see that Jude hadn''te alone. She stood up in delight, recognizing the distinguished man beside him. "Dr. Lyman, what a surprise! I didn''t expect to see you here."


    Jude grinned. "He couldn''t resist your experimental proposal was just toopelling."


    "Please, Dr. Lyman, have a seat," Eleanor said respectfully.


    "Eleanor, I''ve read your research proposal. It''s hard to believe, to be honest, but I understand things are still theoretical right now. I hope you and Jude can move into the experimental phase as soon as possible. If you make any progress, it could change the face of medicine-and benefit all of humanity."


    Eleanor nodded earnestly. "That''s exactly what I want to do. The problem is, I have no startup funds to build ab, and it''s hard to recruit the right people."


    "Don''t worry about that," Dr. Lyman reassured her, "The whole world is watching the medical field right now. I''m sure someone will support your project. Have confidence."


    He leaned forward, eyes sharp. "Eleanor, where did the idea for this experimental theorye from?"<fn18de> Official source is </fn18de>

 Chapter 17

    Eleanor replied modestly, "It''s really just the result of years of basic research, plus the notes my dad left behind. I also drew on reports from cutting-edge medicalbs around the world. That''s how I formed my perspective."


    "Excellent, excellent! There''s always more to learn, but Eleanor, your theory is truly impressive," Dr. Lyman said, his admiration clear.


    They talked for another two hours before Dr. Lyman had to leave for a meeting. As he gathered his things, he spoke with sincere encouragement: "Eleanor, thisb needs to happen. I''ll do everything I can to support you. You''re going to be just as brilliant as your father."


    After Dr. Lyman left, Eleanor and Jude Vaughn continued their discussion for another two hours. Finally, Eleanor nced at her watch-it was time to pick up her daughter.


    "Don''t worry about getting theb started," Jude assured her. "I''ll take care of everything."


    Once she''d picked up her daughter, Eleanor took her to a nearby shopping mall to pick out some early spring clothes.


    As they stepped out of the lobby hand-in-hand, Eleanor immediately spotted a striking figure in the crowd-Vanessa, nked by her assistant. Vanessa drew plenty of nces from the men around her, and Eleanor noticed the assistant carrying ordinary household bags. Her brows furrowed. Had Vanessa moved into the neighborhood?


    Probablyn''s doing, Eleanor thought, so it''d be easier for them to meet up in secret.


    She gripped her daughter''s hand and hurried away, not wanting Evelyn to spot Vanessa.


    "Look, Mommy! A puppy! Can I have one too?" Evelyn''s eyes sparkled as she watched a little girl walk by with a fluffy dog.


    Eleanor had always worried about her daughter being bitten, so she''d never allowed a pet in the house. Buttely, Evelyn had mentioned that Vanessa kept a dog, and had been begging to go see it.


    Eleanor ruffled her daughter''s hair. "Are you sure you want a puppy?"


    "I''m sure," Evelyn said, nodding emphatically.


    Eleanor smiled. "Alright, let''s go pick one out together."


    "Really? I can really get a puppy? But what if Daddy says no?" Evelyn''s cheeks flushed with excitement.


    "If Mommy says yes, that''s all that matters," Eleanor replied, lifting her eyebrows in a yful grin.


    "Yay! I''m getting a puppy!"


    Eleanor took her daughter to an upscale pet shop, where Evelyn instantly fell in love with a beagle puppy. The owner assured them this little one was gentle, calm, and loved being around people.


    After Eleanor paid, Evelyn cradled the puppy in her arms, her smile so big it nearly split her face. "Mommy, she''s so cute! I love her so much!"


    "Then let''s take her home, sweetheart." Eleanor couldn''t help butugh, swept up in her daughter''s delight.


    When they got home, Joslyn, their housekeeper, was caught off guard at the sight of Evelyn clutching a puppy. Mr. Goodwin was famously neat-would he really allow a dog in the house?


    Eleanor didn''t know ifn would be alright with it, but she was certain that when it came to their daughter, he never put up a fight.


    Evelyn named her new puppy "Princess."


    That evening, as the sun set in golden streaks, Eleanor sat with a cup of tea, watching her daughter and Princess tumble around the living room. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of peace and quiet contentment.


    If only she were divorced, it would be perfect.


    Later,n came home. Evelyn ran to him, cradling Princess. "Daddy, look! I have


    a puppy now. Her name is Princess. Do you like her?"


    "Yep! I picked it. Do you like it?"


    "I do,"n said with a rare smile.<fnca99> For more chapters visit F¦ÉndNovel</fnca99>


    "Don''t be scared, Princess. My daddy''s not a bad man-he''s going to love you too," Evelyn whispered, stroking the puppy''s head like a little grown-up.


    Eleanor descended the stairs asn slipped off his suit jacket. When she reached his side, he instinctively held the jacket out to her. For a moment, she froze, looking up at him. In the past, she would have taken it right away and told Joslyn to get it pressed immediately.


    After a brief pause,n withdrew his jacket, his eyes darkening as he tossed it carelessly onto the sofa before heading upstairs.


    Eleanor stood where she was, the chill of his indifference lingering in the air. She walked over to her daughter and quietly asked Joslyn to take care ofn''s jacket.


    At dinnertime,n came down wearingfortable clothes: a fine navy sweater and lounge pants, his dark hair falling over his forehead. He looked every bit the perfect husband-handsome, refined, and charming. If only he hadn''t cheated, she thought, he''d truly be the ideal man.

 Chapter 18

    "Mom, can you peel the shrimp for me?" Evelyn''s eyes sparkled with longing as she eyed the tter of zed jumbo shrimp.


    Eleanor smiled. "Of course, sweetheart. Let me do it for you."


    She peeled five shrimp and set them on Evelyn''s te before getting up to wash her hands. Across the table,n''s chewing slowed, his gaze following Eleanor as she disappeared into the kitchen.


    "Dad, I''ll share one with you!" Evelyn, ever thoughtful, picked up a peeled shrimp and dropped it into her father''s bowl.


    "No need, honey. You eat it,"n replied softly, cing the shrimp back on her te.


    When Eleanor returned, hands clean, she sat gracefully and continued eating, her attention never straying far from her daughter.


    Evelyn blinked her big eyes and asked, "Mom, do you not like Daddy anymore?"


    Eleanor smiled, a bit absent. "Of course I do."


    "Then why don''t you peel shrimp for him? You used to," Evelyn pressed, her almost five-year-old mind always saying exactly what she was thinking.


    Eleanor ruffled her daughter''s hair, still smiling. "My hands are tired from all that peeling."


    "Oh! Let me see." Evelyn reached for her mother''s hands.


    Eleanor held out her fingers-no cuts, no redness-yet Evelyn gently blew on them as if to soothe them. The gesture softened Eleanor''s eyes, and under the warm light, she looked radiant and lovely.


    "You''re such a sweet girl," Eleanor praised.


    Across from them,n set down his fork and left the table first.


    That night, after bathing her daughter, Eleanor moved Princess, Evelyn''s little puppy, into her bedroom. The two little ones yed for a bit before drifting off to sleep.


    Softmplight filled the room as Eleanor sat quietly, watching her daughter''s peaceful face. Just then,n walked in, fresh from a shower, draped in a ck robe with the cor open, exposing the sculpted muscles of his chest¡ªa sight that once might have made her heart skip, but not anymore.


    Eleanor nced at him, detached. She realized that, now, even if this man stood naked before her, she felt nothing.


    Obvious enough¡ªit was Vanessa''s initials.


    Asn pulled his hand away from Evelyn''s hair, his fingers, whether by ident or intention, brushed lightly across Eleanor''s cheek.


    She tensed. Then, without warning,n''s hand slipped beneath the covers. Before she could stop him, he imed his husbandly rights.


    He wasn''t gentle. His touch was rough, almost teasing, leaving Eleanor gasping in surprise. Then he withdrew, his voice low and husky: "Come to my room."


    His meaning was clear.


    He wanted her his wife-in his bed.<fnc0d2> Chapters first released on find¡¤novel</fnc0d2>


    How absurd. He could sneak around with another woman and still expect to fulfill his marital needs at home? Eleanor found the ideaughable.


    She ignoredn''s demand. To be safe, she locked the bedroom door from the inside after he left.


    The next morning, Eleanor led Evelyn downstairs, only to findn sitting at the table, his face clouded with irritation.


    Noticing her father''s mood, Evelyn skipped over and clung to his arm. "Daddy, what''s wrong?"


    "Nothing. Finish your breakfast. I''ll take you to school," he replied.


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded obediently.


    "Mom, can you bring Princess when you pick me up?" Evelyn hated leaving her puppy behind.


    "Of course, I''ll bring her to meet you," Eleanor promised.


    At nine, Eleanor drove out to meet her friend Joy.


    At thew office, after listening carefully, Joy sighed. "Are you sure you want a


    divorce? Women would kill for your life right now."


    "If someone else wants it, they can have it," Eleanor replied calmly.


    "You''d really give up being the wife of a billionaire? A title most women only dream of?"


    "I''d give up everything-except my daughter," Eleanor said, her expression serene.


    "Andn? You''re willing to let him go, too?" Joy''s tone turned teasing.


    "A man who can''t stay faithful? I wouldn''t take him back if he were handed to me on a silver tter."


    "Still, you should know this won''t be an easy case," Joy warned. "Unless you catch them in the act,n won''t give up custody so easily. You''ve been a stay-at- home mom for five years, no real ie, no power or influence. How are you nning to fight for Evelyn?"

 Chapter 19

    Her friend''s words left Eleanor deep in thought¡ªshe really didn''t have the upper hand to fight for custody right now.


    "I''ve always been the type to mend fences, not break them," Joy leaned in, whispering advice. "Men liken, with his status, are bound to have their flings. Don''t let it eat you up, darling. Maybe... have another baby with him? A son, perhaps?"


    Eleanor lifted her head and smiled. "I''ll be just fine without him. In fact, I''ll be better off."


    Just then, her phone rang. She stood up and walked out to take the call. "Hello? Jude?"<fn7ec3> Find the newest release on find?novel</fn7ec3>


    "Ellie, do you have a minute? There''s a meeting at the research building. Can youe by?"


    "Sure, I''ll be right there," Eleanor replied.


    The meeting was personally called by Dr. Lyman, a renowned physician whose word carried weight throughout the medical researchmunity. With his reputation, everyone was quick to respond.


    When Eleanor arrived, Jude Vaughn waved her over to sit beside him. Four familiar faces caught her eye-ssmates from Ashford Medical School. She''d dropped out halfway through her sophomore year, just after finding out she was pregnant. She''d had her daughter soon after, and to outsiders, it looked like she''d thrown herselfpletely into family life.


    Seeing her walk into the conference room, her former ssmates stared at her in surprise and suspicion.


    When the meeting ended, Eleanor hurried to pick up her daughter. As she left, her ssmate Gwenda called out, "Eleanor! Long time no see-it''s been, what, six years?"


    Eleanor smiled. "It''s been a while."


    "Eleanor, what brought you to this meeting?" another tall girl asked.


    "I was invited by Dr. Lyman," Eleanor answered.


    She remembered her well-Faye Yeaton, a striking, aplished woman from their year.


    ncing at her watch, Eleanor said, "Sorry, I''ve got to run. Something urgent came up."


    As she walked away, a male voice behind her, just loud enough to hear, sneered, "What makes her qualified to join this project?"


    "Exactly," another chimed in. "She didn''t even graduate. So what was the point of all our hard work?"


    Gwenda''s voice cut in, "Maybe you should check who her father is before you start running your mouths."


    That afternoon, Eleanor took Princess to pick up her daughter from school. As expected, her little girl was delighted. Back home, Princess and Evelyn raced across the grassy garden, theirughter and the dog''s excited barks weaving together in the warm air. Eleanor sat nearby with a book, a gentle smile curling on her lips.


    At six,n came home, suit jacket slung over his arm. The gray vest hugged his lean frame, and his tailored dress pants showed off legs that could rival any top male model.


    Eleanor was in the living room, watching cartoons with Evelyn. Whenn walked in, she nced up, then calmly returned her gaze to the TV, as if the childish animation was far more captivating than the man himself.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, running over andunching herself into his arms with toddler enthusiasm.


    "Super good! I finished my dinner first-my teacher even called me the ''Clean te Champion!" Evelyn dered with pride.


    "Okay!" Evelyn dashed back to the cartoons.


    Eleanor''s nose wrinkled¡ªshe caught a faint trace of perfume lingering in the air, and it irked her. Clearly, after she''d turnedn downst night, he hadn''t wasted any time finding Vanessa to satisfy his needs.


    At nine, Eleanor was in her study on the third floor, busy typing up a report. The door swung open. She thought it was her daughter, but when she looked up, it wasn who stepped inside.

 Chapter 20

    Eleanor quickly closed the report and pretended to be browsing the news.


    She froze for a moment, then looked up at him. "I''m not mad."


    "Then why are you acting like this?" His gaze was intense, almost predatory.


    "What exactly do you want from me?" she shot back.


    Eleanor had once told herself she''d confront Vanessa andn head-on, but for now, as long as she didn''t haveplete confidence she could win custody, divorce wasn''t an option.


    "I understand," she replied coolly, her voice emotionless.


    Butn suddenly leaned forward, closing the distance in a blink. He grabbed her


    wrist, his body looming over hers as if a storm was about to break.


    "Don''t brush me off." His voice came from deep in his chest, vibrating with authority and a simmering anger.


    Pain shot through her wrist. She frowned. "Let me go."


    His eyes were dark as ink. "Start acting like a wife should." With that, he released her and walked away.


    His anger still lingered in the air long after he left. Eleanor rubbed her aching wrist, her eyes shing with frustration.


    A man who didn''t even deserve to be called a husband-now demanding that she y the role of a dutiful wife?


    What a joke.


    In the days that followed, Eleanor settled into a routine: she dropped her daughter off at school in the morning, picked her up in the afternoon, and worked through the midday hours. The days blurred into a week. Since that night,n hadn''t tried to approach her again.


    Today, Eleanor was dyed by a fender-bender near the school gate; traffic was snarled for at least ten minutes. As soon as she managed to park, she hurried into the building.


    She reached her daughter''s ssroom just in time to see Evelyn, dressed in a pink tulle dress, standing by the door. Vanessa was bent over, fussing with the bow at Evelyn''s waist. "Your mom''ste again, isn''t she? But don''t worry, Mrs. Shannon brought you some hazelnut chocte... See?"


    A wave of anger surged through Eleanor. Vanessa''s words seemed gentle enough, but the intent was clear-she was trying to drive a wedge between mother and child.


    Eleanor swallowed her frustration and forced a smile as she stepped forward. "Evelyn, Mommy''s here."


    "Mommy, what took you so long?" Evelyn''s little brow furrowed, her disappointment in.


    "I''m sorry, sweetheart. Tomorrow I''ll be the very first to pick you up, okay?" Eleanor said, scooping her daughter into her arms.


    "Mrs. Shannon, I want my chocte!" Evelyn chirped, not about to forget the promise of sweets.


    For a girl not quite five, the allure of chocte was irresistible.


    Vanessa stepped forward, handing Evelyn the chocte. Eleanor gently coaxed, "Evelyn, why don''t you go y over there for a bit, okay?"


    Evelyn dropped her backpack and scampered off toward the yground.


    With her daughter gone, Eleanor''s expression turned cold. She looked Vanessa straight in the eye, her words sharp as ss. "I don''t care what you''re up to. If you ever try toe between me and my daughter again, I won''t let it slide."<fned03> Fresh chapters posted on find(?)ovel</fned03>


    Vanessa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile effortless and unruffled. "I''m just here to see Evelyn. Ian doesn''t seem to mind-why are you making such a scene?"


    Eleanor turned to leave, fists clenched at her sides. She shot Vanessa a hard look. "If I see you near my daughter again, I''ll call the police. First thing."

 Chapter 21

    That evening, as they sat at the dinner table,n informed Eleanor that he''d be away on a business trip for the next week. Eleanor didn''t bother to ask where he was headed. Evelyn, on the other hand, burst into tears at the news that she wouldn''t see her father for a whole week, refusing to eat untiln promised to bring her back a present.


    Over the next several days, Eleanor juggled her workload while spending as much time as she could with her daughter. The newb wasing together faster than she''d expected.


    Friday came in the blink of an eye. After dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor headed straight for Ashford Medical University; she had a meeting there that afternoon.


    The moment she stepped into the lobby of the research building, her gaze fell on a familiar figure standing near the entrance, deep in conversation with someone. Eleanor''s eyes widened in disbelief as she recognized the man.


    Joel.


    He wore a light camel trench coat, and as he spoke, his long, slender fingers idly adjusted his gold-rimmed sses. There was a gentle, refined smile on his lips. Sensing someone''s gaze, Joel turned and met Eleanor''s eyes across the lobby. Her vision blurred with emotion. Joel walked toward her, his expression warm. "Ellie. We meet again."


    Eleanor quicklyposed herself. "Joel."


    He gave her a thoughtful once-over, lips quirking in a soft grin. "I never realized before how much you resemble your father-especially those eyes."


    Eleanorughed. "What brings you here, Joel?"


    "I heard they''re building the world''srgest gic testing facility here," he replied. "I couldn''t resisting to see for myself. And I''m here to finalize my appointment."


    Eleanor''s excitement was impossible to hide as she stepped closer. "You''re joining the team?"


    Joel nodded, a smile breaking across his face as he adjusted his sses. "Yes. I''ve decided to be part of the project."


    "Wee. I''m so d we''ll be colleagues." She reached out, and they shook hands.


    Joel''s eyes sparkled. "I had the privilege of working with your father, then we became alumni. Now, colleagues. I''m genuinely happy about this."


    Down the hallway, two women stood clutching folders. One of them, Faye, stared at Joel, unable to look away.


    "Don''t tell me you''ve fallen for that handsome guy at first sight!" the woman beside her teased, nudging her lightly.


    A blush crept across Faye''s face. "Do you know who he is?"


    "Should I?"<fnd32d> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? FindN()vel</fnd32d>


    "That''s Joel¡ªJoel Kingsley. The genius from Montir Medical." Faye''s eyes shone with admiration.


    "Wait, he''s talking to Eleanor? How do they know each other?"


    Faye''s gaze cooled as it flicked toward Eleanor. She''d seen her at every meetingtely, and rumor had it Eleanor only got in because of her father''s influence.


    But Faye knew that in medicine, merit was everything. It was only a matter of time before Eleanor was out of her depth.


    At the meeting, Joel received a warm, almost ceremonial wee from the research team. No one had expected the young star of the medical world to willingly return and join their project-it was both shocking and exhrating.


    "Ellie, we''re throwing a wee party for Dr. Kingsley this Saturday night," Jude Vaughn said, grinning at Eleanor. "You''lle, won''t you?"


    Eleanor smiled. "Wouldn''t miss it for the world."


    "With Dr. Kingsley on board, we''ve got even more confidence than before."


    Joel finished chatting with a group of senior doctors and made his way over.


    Jude gave him a friendly wave. "Dr. Kingsley, I''ve got to run, but let''s catch up properly at the party tonight. Drinks are on me."

 Chapter 22

    "Alright!" Joel nodded.


    Then, with a look of genuine amazement, he turned to Eleanor. "How did you evene up with the idea of keeping CAR-T cells viable in the tumor microenvironment for over 90 days?"


    It was the very topic Eleanor had been researching for the past six years.


    "Actually, I got some data from my dad that inspired me to make this bold prediction," Eleanor replied. "Right now, it''s just a theoretical framework¡ª something that still needs to be validated in theb."


    Joel''s eyes shone with admiration. "Miss Sutton, I read through your analysis. So many of your ideas are cutting-edge and testable. Honestly, if you want to know why I moved back here, I''d say it was probably because of you."


    Eleanor froze for a second. Joel hurried to rify. "Don''t get me wrong-I mean your research. Your ideas are what drew me in."


    Eleanorughed. "Well, I''m d we get to work together."


    That evening, Eleanor crafted a little wind chime for her daughter. Glittering, colorful stars dangled from the frame, chiming sweetly as they gently swayed. Evelyn was absolutely delighted.


    Suddenly, the sound of a car came from outside. Evelyn jumped up in excitement. "Daddy''s home!"


    By the time Eleanor made it to the hallway,n was already there, sweeping Evelyn up into his arms. "Did you miss Daddy?"


    "I did! Daddy, where''s my present?"


    "Wow! I love it!" Evelyn''s eyes sparkled as she nodded eagerly.


    Eleanor shook her head lightly. "That''s not necessary."


    Eleanor took the opportunity to head upstairs¡ªthere was still a mountain of work waiting for her. Withn home to y with their daughter, she could finally focus for a while.


    During dinner,n spoke to Evelyn. "Grandma and Great-grandma are back in the country. Would you like to visit them tomorrow?"


    Eleanor was taken aback-for a moment, she realizedn''s business trip must have been to bring his mother and grandmother back.


    Evelyn''s eyes widened with excitement. "Really? Does that mean I can stay at Grandma''s house?"


    "It''s the weekend tomorrow. I''ll take you over,"n said, ruffling her hair affectionately.


    Eleanor thought of the uing holidays. Perhapsn wanted to bring his mother and grandmother back early so they could all spend the season together, and maybe settle down back home after New Year''s.


    Later that night, after Eleanor had tucked Evelyn into bed, she stepped out,


    nning to spend some time in the study. She heardn''s footstepsing from the master bedroom, his voice soft and coaxing as he answered a call. "Don''t worry, I''m on my way."


    "I''ll be there in a few minutes."


    Soon after, Eleanor heard the car starting outside.<fnb859> Get full chapters from find[?]ovel</fnb859>


    Vanessa''s ce was only a few minutes away from the house.


    The next morning at breakfast, Joslyn casually mentioned that Mr. Sutton hadn''te home until two in the morning. As soon as she said it, she nced up, trying to gauge Eleanor''s reaction.


    Eleanor just smiled at her. "Oh, really?"


    At that moment,n came downstairs, and Joslyn quickly scurried off to the kitchen.


    Eleanor brushed Evelyn''s hair into a cute, pretty style and helped her into a pink puffer coat. Their dog, Princess, bounced around excitedly at Evelyn''s side, as attached to her as ever.


    "Daddy, can I bring Princess with me?" Evelyn asked, her eyes wide and hopeful.n knelt down and zipped up her coat. "Grandma''s house is huge. What if Princess gets lost? Let''s have Mommy take care of her for a couple days, okay?"

 Chapter 23

    Although Evelyn wasn''t thrilled about it, she had no choice but to agree.n grabbed his keys and drove off. Eleanor stood by the window, watching his car disappear down the driveway.


    "Joslyn, I won''t be home for lunch or dinner today, so you don''t need to prepare anything for me," Eleanor called over her shoulder as she headed out.


    "Of course, ma''am," Joslyn replied.


    There was a wee party for Joel at theb tonight, so dinner would definitely be out. Eleanor nned to grab a quick lunch at the campus cafeteria before heading to theb for a meeting around noon.


    When she arrived at the research building at Ashford Medical University, Eleanor had barely stepped out of her car, clutching her bag, when she ran into Jude Vaughn. His face lit up as he hurried over.


    "Ellie, great news! Several majorpanies have sent us partnership proposals. These are big names-we''re on the map!"


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. "That''s incredible, Jude. Thanks for handling all this."


    "It''s nothing! Hey, is your husband interested in the pharmaceutical industry? Would he ever consider investing in biotech?"


    Eleanor paused for a heartbeat, her first instinct to keepn far away from theb. After a moment''s thought, she replied, "I doubt it. He''s much more interested in tech or oil investments."


    "Well, if you get a chance, maybe pitch our project to him. You never know-he might change his mind."


    "I''ll keep that in mind," Eleanor agreed politely, though she secretly hopedn would never catch wind of this project.<fn383b> For more chapters visit findnovel</fn383b>


    By five-thirty, the entire research team was heading out. Jude had booked a table at an upscale hotel restaurant for the evening.


    Eleanor was dyed, first by finishing up her proposal, then by a traffic ident that left cars at a standstill. It was nearly seven when she finally arrived at the hotel, her phone buzzing with yet another call from Jude.


    "I''m in the lobby now. I''ll be right up," she said, stepping quickly toward the elevators.


    As she entered the elevator foyer, Eleanor suddenly stopped dead in her tracks. Vanessa stood nearby in a slinky champagne evening gown, looking ready for a g, a tall, distinguished man at her side-her husband,n.


    The elevator doors slid open, and Vanessa andn stepped inside together, side by side.


    So,n had dropped their daughter off at his mother''s house just to spend the weekend alone with Vanessa?


    Eleanor didn''t have feelings forn anymore, but watching him so brazenly unt his affair right in front of her still left a bitter taste in her mouth.


    Inside the private dining room, the food was alreadyid out. Jude waved her over. "Ellie! There you are, we''ve been waiting for you. Come, sit next to Dr. Kingsley. You''ll want to toast with himter."


    Eleanor took the seat beside Joel, drawing a few envious nces. Faye was there too; she''d clearly been hoping to snag that spot, but Jude had gently steered her away it was obvious Joel''s side had been reserved for Eleanor.


    Seated together under the warm lights, Eleanor looked serene and striking, while Joel''s refined good looks made them seem perfectly matched.


    Faye cast a jealous nce at Eleanor, but reminded herself that, with her own expertise, she''d soon outshine Eleanor at work. There was no need to rush.


    Jude stood and raised his ss. "First off, the fact that ourb even exists is something to celebrate. Tonight, let''s raise a toast to our biggest contributor- Eleanor. Without her, none of this would have been possible."


    Faye rolled her eyes inwardly. Eleanor was still an undergrad-how could she possibly havee up with this proposal? It must have been something left behind by herte father.


    Eleanor rose with a calm smile and clinked sses with her colleagues. Though young, she carried herself with an easyposure-confident, modest, and quietly self-assured.

 Chapter 24

    "Now, let''s raise another toast to the man of the hour-our brilliant medical genius, Dr. Joel. Here''s to him joining us tonight!"


    Everyone stood again, their sses clinking in Joel''s honor. He adjusted his sses, his manner calm and striking as he lifted his ss in return.


    Since they were all young professionals, the conversation flowed easily,ughter and ideas bouncing around the table as they discussed ns for the newb.


    By half past nine, the evening wound down and people headed out in high spirits. Joel decided to catch a ride back to the hotel with Eleanor.


    The two chatted as they walked to the elevator. When the doors slid open with a soft chime, they foundn standing inside, one hand tucked casually in his pocket.


    A spotlight illuminated his angr features, casting sharp shadows across his face. His gaze was steady and unreadable as he looked at Eleanor and Joel in the doorway.


    "Mr. Goodwin. What a coincidence," Joel greeted him, his tone unhurried.


    "Miss Sutton, after you. Goodnight," Joel said with a small smile. Not wanting toplicate things for Eleanor, he didn''t step in with her.


    "Goodnight," Eleanor replied, giving a quick wave before stepping into the elevator.


    Inside, the couple stood in silence as the elevator descended to the ground floor. Neither spoke as they exited, one after the other.


    Since Eleanor had her car, there was no need to return home withn. She made her way to the parking lot, unlocked the car, slipped into the driver''s seat, and was the first to head out.


    Just as she reached the entrance to her neighborhood, a sudden warmth in her lower abdomen made her realize her period had started. She quickly pulled over at a nearby mall, went inside, and picked up what she needed.


    Back at home, Joslyn approached her as soon as she walked in. "Ma''am, you''re back. Would it be all right if I took the night off? My daughter is unwell."


    "Of course, Joslyn. Go take care of her," Eleanor said at once.


    Joslyn gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you, ma''am."


    Once Joslyn had gone, Eleanor trudged upstairs, exhausted, and took a hot shower. Afterward, she made herself a cup of honey tea before heading back up to her study to work on her research proposal.


    Time slipped by unnoticed. It was past midnight when Eleanor finally rubbed her temples, her eyes tired. Just then, she heard the front door open downstairs.


    With their daughter away and Joslyn gone for the night, only the two of them were left in the house.


    A faint unease crept over Eleanor. She decided she''d better head to bed soon.


    Her bedroom was on the second floor. As she descended from the third, she nearly collided withning up. Though she didn''t feel like talking, it seemed rude not to say anything. "You''re back."<fn5d8a> Find the newest release on Find~Novel</fn5d8a>


    room.


    She closed the door behind her, went straight to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth, then picked up a book to read before bed.


    Twenty minutester, just as she set the book aside and prepared to sleep, the door opened.


    "Is something wrong?" Eleanor sat up immediately, an involuntary note of caution in her gaze.


    "I don''t see the point in sleeping apart when Evelyn''s not home,"n said quietly.

 Chapter 25

    He couldn''t possibly want to sleep with her, could he? Was Vanessa not enough for him tonight?


    They''d already been to a hotel-what reason did he have toe back here and disgust her all over again?


    "I''m used to sleeping alone. There''s no need for us to share a room," Eleanor said, brow furrowed, her entire posture radiating resistance.


    As soon as the words left his mouth, he pressed his palm to the wall; the room was instantly swallowed by shadows.


    Eleanor''s breath hitched. "Ian, go back to your room. I don''t want¡ª"


    A strong hand reached out from the darkness, mping tightly around her wrist and yanking her forward. She struggled, but lost her bnce and tumbled against his chest. Even in the dim light, the hard lines of his face were sharp and unyielding.


    She tried to push herself up, butn''s arm shot out, pinning her securely in his embrace.


    "Let me go," Eleanor snapped, her cheeks now flushed with anger.


    "Have you been drinking?" His question was sudden and pointed.


    She''d only had half a ss of wine, and more than two hours had passed, yet somehow he still noticed.


    Eleanor turned her face away, refusing to answer.


    On instinct, Eleanor pped her hand over her mouth and darted to the side, neatly dodging his kiss.


    Apparently annoyed, he suddenly pushed her down, pinning her wrists above her head with a forceful, unyielding grip.


    Eleanor realized what might happen-the worst-case scenario. She simply shut her eyes and stopped struggling, ready to ept her fate. But then, abruptly,n froze. His interest seemed to vanish in an instant.


    In the darkness, his voice was cool and detached. "Don''t think I''ll ever beg you for this."


    Eleanor let out a silent sigh of relief. Begging? He''d never have to. She wouldn''t give in, not in this lifetime.


    Even if he did beg, she''d never say yes.


    The next morning, Eleanor was still eating breakfast when her phone rang. It was Jude Vaughn, sounding a little rushed.


    "Ellie, do you have a minute? We have an investor meeting on Wednesday-I need you to give a speech."


    "Of course. I''ll prepare my notes ahead of time," Eleanor replied.


    "Are you feeling any pressure?" Jude asked, concern in his voice.


    The analysis she''d written recently had stunned everyone, so it made sense for


    her to present this time. Still, he knew public speaking wasn''t her usual arena.


    "Not at all, don''t worry! I''ll be ready," Eleanor answered with confidence. "See you Wednesday."


    After breakfast, Eleanor headed upstairs to work. Since this would be a presentation to investors, she was determined to be prepared.


    Over the weekend, Eleanor yed with Princess in the living room when the front door opened. Ian walked in carrying their daughter. Evelyn clung to a brand-new toy, her cheeks still streaked with dried tears-a signn had just bought it for her. "Princess! I missed you!" Evelyn slid down from her father''s arms and dashed over to hug the dog, who wagged her tail in a joyful wee.


    But whenn entered the room, Princess immediately tucked her tail and scurried to hide behind Eleanor''s legs.


    Clearly, she was terrified of the man of the house.


    That night, Eleanory in bed listening to her daughter chatter about everything that had happened at her grandmother''s. Her heart warmed. Despite her mother- inw''s obvious dislike, the woman''s love for Evelyn was real.


    Three days passed in a blink. Every morning, Eleanor dropped Evelyn off and hurried back home to work on her speech. Wednesday arrived almost before she knew it.


    She''d sent her speech to Jude Vaughn for review the previous night, and he''d been thoroughly impressed. He had no idea when Eleanor had be so well- versed in her field, but her presentationbined theory and practice with severalpelling insights.


    After dropping Evelyn off at eight, Eleanor''s phone rang again.


    "Ellie, the meeting starts at ten. Try toe early so you can get settled," Jude said.


    "I''m on my way," she replied.


    Half an hourter, she arrived at the Ashford Medical Tower, conference room on the third floor.


    Joel and Jude were already there when she walked in, bag in hand. "Joel, Jude."


    "Ellie, I can''t wait to hear your speech. With your notes, I''m sure we''llnd the best investment opportunity," Jude said admiringly. Then, curiosity got the better of him. "Ellie, when did you be so knowledgeable in medicine? You''re even better than I am!"


    Eleanor smiled. "After I left school, I didn''t give up on my field. My dad left me a lot of textbooks, and I taught myself."


    "Impressive, impressive. A daughter of Dr. Sutton was bound to do great things," Jude praised.


    When he stepped away, Joel leaned in, intrigued. "Ellie, why don''t you ever mention your work at the Montirb?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "I never graduated from college, at least not back home. Without a formal degree, it''s hard to bring that up."<fnc743> Latest content published on Find~Novel</fnc743>


    Joel had also read her speech-it was nothing short of brilliant.


    Eleanor was about to ask whichpanies were attending today when Jude got swept away withst-minute tasks. She and Joel wandered through the downstairs courtyard, chatting about the newb, and watched as business professionals began streaming in through the main doors.


    She was just unscrewing a bottle of water when her gaze sharpened. A group of a dozen or so men in tailored suits rounded the corner from the parking lot. But what made Eleanor tense was the man at the center of the crowd.


    Her husband. Ian.


    Amidst the crowd, he was tall and striking, his presence cool andposed. Even making small talk, he managed to look utterly aloof.


    Without thinking, Eleanor ducked behind Joel.


    Joel squinted inn''s direction, watching as the group made their way toward the conference suite. Only then did he say, "You cane out now-he''s gone."


    Eleanor stared aftern, lost in thought.


    "What''s the matter? Your husband doesn''t know you''re involved in this project?" Joel asked, surprised.

 Chapter 26

    Eleanor shook her head.


    There were two reasons she''d worked so hard to set up this research project: to fulfill herte father''s wish, and to secure a real, respectable job-a foundation for the custody battle she knew was looming withn.


    That''s why, before the project was officially established, she didn''t wantn to know what she was up to.


    "Joel, I need a favor," Eleanor said, her eyes pleading as she looked at him.


    Joel had an inkling of what she wanted. He spoke first, "You want me to give the presentation for you, don''t you?"


    "With your reputation, you''re bound to be more convincing than I am," Eleanor nodded.


    Joel had already read her speech. With his remarkable memory, he''d memorized it word for word. Delivering it on stage would be no problem-but such a brilliant speech was abor of love for her.


    "How could anyone not cherish a woman as smart and beautiful as you?" Joel said softly, a flicker of sympathy in his eyes.


    Eleanor lowered her gaze. She could see Joel''s concern, but she couldn''t let herself respond.


    The conference room was filling up with influential business leaders, some of them CEOS and board chairs arriving in person.<fndfc0> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find[?]ovel</fndfc0>


    Jude Vaughn opened the event with a rousing introduction, then handed things over to Joel to spotlight the research direction.


    Joel took the stage in a ck turtleneck and a casual gray zer. His words were sharp and sinct, and his every gesture radiated the effortless charisma of a medical prodigy.


    Eleanor didn''t miss a moment. She sat quietly in the back row, blending in like a reserved university student. Yet the confidence and cutting-edge medical insights in Joel''s speech were all her handiwork.


    "Of course they went with Joel-he''s a legend," whispered one colleague up front. "They say he only stepped in at thest minute. With all these heavy hitters in the room, if Eleanor had gone up there, she probably would''ve scared the big bosses off."


    "Seriously. When I read in the email that Eleanor was supposed to present, I was embarrassed for the whole team. She didn''t even finish college¡ªhow can she represent the project? What a joke."


    "I''d rather see Faye up there. At least she''s got some credibility."


    The two colleagues kept chatting, oblivious to Eleanor sitting just behind them.


    Eleanor listened in silence. With her background, she knew she had little authority to be in thisb, let alone lead it. It was no surprise people mocked her behind her back.


    But she needed this team, and she needed a powerful investor to back the project.


    As she watched Joel''smanding performance on stage, utterly captivated, she suddenly felt a pair of eyes on her from the hallway.


    She turned and sawn outside the conference room, taking a call on his cell. His cool gaze lingered on her, unreadable and distant.


    Eleanor frowned. Their eyes met for a brief three seconds before she looked away.


    A few minutester, Eleanor quietly slipped out, heading up to the tenth-floor office to rest.


    Half an hourter, a text from Jude Vaughn popped up: "Ellie, where''d you go? We''ve got another meetinging up soon."


    "I''m in the office," Eleanor replied.


    Just then, Joel texted her too: "Ellie, stay put for now.n seems interested in talking about a partnership¡ªhe hasn''t left yet."

 Chapter 27

    Eleanor''s breath quickened. Ian wanted to invest in her research project? With his resources and reputation, he''d be the ideal backer-but every fiber of her being resisted the idea.


    Thest thing she wanted was to be entangled with him again.


    "Alright, Joel, call the office and let them know I won''t be in today." That was all Eleanor could manage before she left the conversation hanging.


    She silently prayed the investor wouldn''t turn out to ben. She didn''t care if the recement had less clout; her work was strong enough to attract more investors down the line.


    She grabbed her car keys and headed downstairs, determined to get out before anyone tried to stop her.


    It was half past four when Joel finally texted. "Ellie, just a heads upn''s very interested in investing. Dr. Lyman is thrilled at the prospect of bringing him on board."


    No matter how anxious she felt, the decision was out of her hands. All she could do was wait forn''s final verdict after he finished evaluating her project.


    Later, after picking up her daughter, Eleanor had barely stepped through the door when Joslyn, her housekeeper, called out, "Ma''am, Miss Goodwin is here."<fna281> Checktest chapters at find(?)ovel</fna281>


    Eleanor paused, bracing herself as she nced over the banister into the living room.n''s younger sister, Serena, had dropped by unannounced.


    She barely knew Serena, who was always off traveling the world and only showed up at family gatherings once a year, if that. Since marryingn, Eleanor could count on one hand the number of times they''d actually spoken.


    "Is my brother home?" Serena asked, setting her bag on the entry table.


    "He''s not back yet," Eleanor replied, making her way down the stairs.


    "Aunt Serena!" Evelyn squealed, dashing over and leaping into her aunt''s arms.


    "Have you missed me?" Serenaughed, hugging the little girl tight. "Don''t tell me you''ve forgotten all about your favorite aunt! How abouting out for dinner with me tonight?"


    "Yes! I want to eat out!" Evelyn nodded her head so hard her curls bounced.


    "Deal. We''ll go out together," Serena said, tapping her niece''s forehead gently.


    Eleanor smiled. "Serena, why not stay and eat with us? It''s been ages since you''ve visited."


    Serena shook her head. "Not tonight. I promised Evelyn a special dinner, and we''re going to pick out some new toys too." With that, she scooped Evelyn up. "We''ll be off, then."


    Eleanor tried not to show her concern, but she couldn''t exactly object. "Evelyn, be good and listen to your aunt, alright?"


    "I know, Mommy!" Evelyn chirped, bursting with excitement.


    Before Eleanor could say another word, Serena was already heading out the door with her giggling niece.


    Joslyn turned to her. "Ma''am, shall I check if Mr. Goodwin will be home for dinner?"


    "Please do," Eleanor replied.


    A minuteter, Joslyn returned. "He said he''s eating out tonight."


    Eleanor wasn''t surprised; she figured Serena would reach out to him. Just then, her phone rang. She picked up. "Hey, Joy!"


    "I just got a bonus, and I''m taking you out to celebrate!" Joy''s cheerful voice came through the line.


    Eleanor had been itching for an excuse to get out of the house. "Perfect. Where should we go? I can leave right now."


    "We''re going all out-only the fanciest dinner for you!" Joy replied with augh.


    A momentter, Joy texted her the address: a high-end restaurant perched on the top floor of the most luxurious mall in downtown Ashford City.


    Eleanor met her friend outside the entrance. As she crossed the street, she spotted Joy waving at her. But before she could make it over, a little girl''s bouncing silhouette caught her eye.


    She looked again, her heart skipping a beat. Wasn''t that Evelyn?

 Chapter 28

    Eleanor''s heart skipped a beat. She looked up to seen''s tall,posed figure following right behind her daughter.


    Relief barely had time to settle before two more people stepped out from the crowd-Serena, her sister-inw, arm-in-arm with the ever-elegant Vanessa. The two womenughed and chatted intimately as they trailed after the group.


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her chest.


    Just then, an arm slipped around her. Joy gave her a sympathetic look. "Ellie, let''s go eat somewhere else, all right?"


    Eleanor clenched her fists. The urge to file for divorce surged with startling force. If she could just get custody of her daughter, she''d never let anyone from the Goodwin family-least of all Vanessa-spend time with her child.


    "Come on, Ellie! There''s a nice ce right across the street," Joy urged,<fne2c9> The source of th?s content is ?ovelFind</fne2c9>


    determined to shield her from more hurt. She took Eleanor''s hand and led her to a cozy restaurant opposite.


    Inside, Joy watched her with concern. "Ellie, was that Vanessa onn''s arm just now? That''s his sister with her, right?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Yeah."


    "Honestly, Vanessa knows how to y her cards. She didn''t just stealn away¡ª she''s got the whole Goodwin family wrapped around her finger."


    Eleanor remembered the way her mother-inw had spoken to Vanessa at dinner the other night. It was clear: to the Goodwins, Vanessa was already practically family.


    "Ellie, you need to brace yourself. Men who cheat during marriage rarely show an ounce of mercy. If ites down to divorce,n''s going to fight you for everyst thing," Joy warned gently.


    No one knewn better than Eleanor did. With the way he''d been treating hertely, she knew that after a divorce, he''d turn cold and ruthless.


    Trying to change the subject, Eleanor mentioned she''d joined Dr. Lyman''s research team. Joy''s face lit up. "That''s amazing! It just proves how capable you are. But don''t rush into a divorce. Don''t backn into a corner-if he files first, you''ll lose the upper hand."


    Joy squeezed her hand, her voice low and serious. "Ellie, you have to quietly make yourself stronger. And you need hard evidence."


    She was right. Eleanor needed to start collecting proof ofn''s affair.


    Joy scrolled through her phone and handed Eleanor a number. "This is a private investigator I know-he''s good at what he does. Maybe he can help you."


    Eleanor saved the number. She had a feeling she''d need it soon.


    Around nine that evening, she heard her daughter''s cheerful voice from outside.n opened the door, and Evelyn burst in, clutching a new stuffed animal. "Yay! I''m the first one home. Daddy lost!"


    Eleanor forced herself to smile and went to greet her daughter. "Did you have fun tonight?"


    "It was great! I wish you''d been there, Mom. There was this really pretty cake-I wanted to bring some home for you, but it fell on the floor," Evelyn said, her face falling in disappointment.


    Eleanor wrapped her into a hug. "It''s the thought that counts. You made me so happy just by thinking of me. Next time, let''s bake a cake together, just us."


    At that moment, Princess, their golden retriever, came bounding over, tail wagging. Evelyn scooped up her stuffed animal. "Come on, Princess, let''s go y upstairs!"


    Eleanor watched her daughter disappear up the stairs. Before she could turn away,n''s voice came from behind. "Why did you go to Ashford Medical University today?"


    She answered coolly, "Just visiting."


    Without another word, she headed upstairs to join Evelyn. A few minutester,


    she heardn''s car pull out of the driveway.


    After half an hour of ying, Eleanor coaxed her daughter into the bath. As Evelyn headed to the bathroom, she was still mumbling, "If only that cake hadn''t fallen. It was so yummy..."

 Chapter 29

    "Why did it suddenly fall on the floor?" Eleanor asked, wiping her daughter''s little face.


    "I don''t know. It just slipped and fell," Evelyn replied, looking crestfallen.


    Eleanor''s hand paused mid-motion. Why had it fallen like that? Did someone deliberately knock it over after hearing Evelyn wanted to take the cake home?


    A cold glint shed in Eleanor''s eyes. It must have been Vanessa. She was always trying to winn''s favor through Evelyn, so of course she''d seize any chance to sabotage the bond between mother and daughter.


    But at least her precious girl''s love hade back to her.


    "It''s alright, sweetheart. Next time, we''ll bake an even prettier cake together," Eleanorforted her gently.


    "Okay! Mommy, why aren''t you working?" Evelyn suddenly asked.


    Eleanor was caught off guard. "Why do you ask, Evelyn?"


    "Because Aunt Vanessa said you never work, that you just stay home all day. She said you depend on Daddy to take care of you, and that you cling to him like a leech..." Evelyn puffed out her cheeks, clearly sensing the words were meant to insult her mother, even if she didn''t understand all of them.


    Eleanor smiled, trying to reassure her. "Mommy has a job now. Soon, I''ll earn lots of money and take care of you. How does that sound?"


    "Yeah! Go, Mommy!" Evelyn grinned, her worries forgotten.


    Eleanor ruffled her daughter''s hair. The Goodwin family''s opinions didn''t matter anymore. Sooner orter, she andn would divorce, and when that happened, the Goodwins would have nothing to do with her or Evelyn.


    After a shower, Eleanor came out to findn sitting on the edge of the bed. From her angle, she could see the softness in his features a gentleness he reserved only for their daughter. His dark brows shadowed his eyes,shes long and thick, the strange tenderness almost jarring.


    He looked up at the sound of her footsteps. Eleanor realized she''d forgotten to grab her pajamas, so she emerged in just a robe. Her long hair, freshly dried, framed her delicate face, making her features seem all the more striking. Her eyes, deep and clear, held a distant calm-as if every nce concealed a story.


    "Daddy, go sleep in your room! Mommy''s going to read me a bedtime story," Evelyn piped up, giving him a little shove.


    Eleanor slipped into the walk-in closet. Only after she heardn leave did shee out, slip into pajamas, and climb into bed beside Evelyn. Wrapping her arms around her daughter, she picked up a picture book and began to read.


    The next morning, after dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor hurried to the research center. There was a big nning meeting today, with plenty of key people attending: Dr. Lyman leading the discussion, the chief of Ashford General Hospital, six department heads, and their research team. The meeting was formal and intense.


    The agenda covered eight categories of rare diseases, along with thetest advances in leukemia diagnosis and treatment.


    After two hours, the meeting finally ended. Eleanor and Joel headed to lunch together. As they stepped out of the cafeteria, a clear voice called out, "Joel, do you have a moment this afternoon? I have a few questions I''d like to ask you privately."


    It was Faye.


    "Sure, I''m free after three," Joel replied.


    "Great, thank you!" Faye''s eyes sparkled with excitement.<fnc766> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? Find?Novel</fnc766>


    Eleanor checked her watch. "Joel, I''ll head back now."


    "Alright. Drive safe," Joel said, giving her a quick nod before heading off himself.


    Eleanor had just stepped off the curb when someone called her name. "Eleanor, can we talk?"

 Chapter 30

    Eleanor turned around-sure enough, it was Faye. She managed a polite smile. "Faye, is something wrong?"


    Faye''s gaze was direct, almost ufortably intense. "Eleanor, this research project is crucial for me, Gwenda, Callie, and Horace. It determines whether the four of us can graduate from our master''s program."


    Eleanor nodded. "I understand."


    "That means every member of the team is essential," Faye pressed on, her tone losing some of its courtesy. "To be blunt, everyone on this project has strong credentials. You haven''t even finished college. Are you sure you can keep up? I''m not trying to offend you, but you need to be realistic."


    "I understand your concern, but I promise, I won''t be a burden to the team," Eleanor replied evenly.


    "If you insist on staying with the team, then I hope you''ll keep your hands off the critical parts of the experiment," Faye said, her voice hardening. "You just don''t have the expertise. If something goes wrong, it''s not just your reputation on the line¡ªit''s all of us, and Dr. Lyman as well."


    Eleanor was momentarily taken aback.


    "Of course, you could just withdraw now," Faye added, turning away with a haughty air. "I heard you got married. Maybe you should focus on your family. This field isn''t for you."


    With that, Faye strode off, leaving Eleanor standing there, silent for a moment, before she turned and walked toward her car.


    Eleanor headed home first, nning to pick her daughter upter around four o''clock and take her shopping for some necessities.


    As she pulled out onto the street below her house, she found the road blocked-a construction crew was frantically repairing a burst water pipe. Forced to take a detour, she arrived at Evelyn''s school muchter than nned. It was already a quarter to five when she hurried inside. Evelyn''s teacher spotted her, surprise shing across her face. "Mrs. Goodwin, Evelyn''s already been picked up. Didn''t you know?"


    Eleanor''s heart skipped. "Who picked her up?"


    "It was Miss Shannon."


    Eleanor''s expression darkened. Ian actually let Vanessa pick up their daughter?


    She quickly pressed the teacher. "Miss Shannon isn''t family. In the future, please don''t let anyone other than me or my husband take my daughter. Thank you." Without waiting for a reply, she left.


    The teacher watched her go, puzzled. Wasn''t Miss Shannon Evelyn''s aunt? Why did she always see her together with Mr. Goodwin?


    Back in her car, Eleanor immediately calledn.


    He picked up right away. "Hello?"


    Eleanor''s voice was sharp. "Give me Vanessa''s address. I''m going to bring Evelyn home."


    "She''s not at Vanessa''s,"n replied, unfazed. "She went to my mother''s house."


    Eleanor took a deep breath to steady herself. "If Evelyn was going to your mother''s, I should have been the one to take her. Why did you let someone else pick her up?"<fnd4a3> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find~novel</fnd4a3>


    There was a pause on the other end beforen responded, "Serena picked her up."


    Eleanor felt her anger rise-so Serena picked her up, but Vanessa went along for the ride?


    "Understood," Eleanor said curtly, then hung up.


    When she got home, Joslyn greeted her. "Mr. Goodwin called. He''ll be having dinner at the Goodwin estate."


    "I''m not really hungry, Joslyn. Just make me a bowl of broth with noodles," Eleanor said quietly.


    "Of course, ma''am."


    There was little she could do if Evelyn was at the Goodwin family house, but the thought of Vanessa spending the evening there with her daughter gnawed at her.


    At eight o''clock, Eleanor dialedn''s number again.


    "Hello?"


    "When are you bringing Evelyn home? She has school tomorrow. I''d like to get her to bed early."


    "I already called the school and excused her. She''s not going tomorrow."


    Eleanor pressed her fingers to her aching temples. n, could you at least discuss these things with me instead of making decisions on your own?"


    "Winter break starts next week. I didn''t think it mattered,"n replied, his tone indifferent, then hung up.


    Eleanor exhaled, irritation blossoming into something darker. The urge to file for divorce felt stronger than ever.


    Suddenly resolved, she scrolled through her phone for the number Joy had given her-the private investigator. She dialed without hesitation.


    A man''s voice, gruff but businesslike, answered. "Hello, who''s this?"


    "Hi, I need your help tracking someone down," Eleanor said.


    Sensing a job, the man''s tone warmed. "Sure thing. Let''s meet and discuss the details."


    Eleanor wasn''t willing to wait any longer. She would do whatever it took to win custody of her daughter-she needed more evidence.


    The next morning, they met at a caf¨¦. Eleanor wore sunsses; the man sat across from her, disguised in a cap, mask, and sunsses, looking even more secretive than she did.


    After some conversation, he rxed and revealed his face¡ªa sharp-featured man in his forties. He exined he used to work as a tabloid photographer but had since be a private investigator.


    "We''ve talked a lot, miss, but you haven''t told me who exactly am I supposed to investigate?"


    "My husband," Eleanor answered.


    He grinned knowingly. "So, you want me to get photos of him cheating, right?"

 Chapter 31

    "Yes."


    "No problem¡ªthat''s right up my alley. I''ll have the photos for you within a week."


    Eleanor decided to try him out first, keeping things strictly business for now.


    "How much do you charge?"


    "I''ll need to see your husband''s information first. Otherwise, it''s hard to give you a quote."


    Eleanor unlocked her phone and pulled up a picture. "His name''sn. He''s the CEO of Goodwin Investments."


    "Wait, your husband isn Goodwin-the richest man in Ashford City?"


    Seeing the shock on his face, Eleanor slipped her phone back into her purse. "If you think this is too much for you, we can forget it."


    "No, no, I''ll take the job! As long as you can pay, I''m in." The private investigator''s eyes sparkled. This was a goldmine for him.


    He hadn''t even realizedn was married. Mrs. Goodwin certainly kept a low profile.


    Since he seemed confident, Eleanor continued to negotiate. They finally settled on three hundred thousand.


    It was steep, but for her daughter''s custody, Eleanor gritted her teeth and agreed. "You''ll need to cover some travel expenses upfront¡ªabout a hundred thousand." Eleanor nodded and immediately transferred the money.


    With her daughter gone and nothing urgent to do theb project wouldn''t start until after the holidays-Eleanor checked the time and dialed Joel''s number. "Hey!"


    "Joel, want to grab lunch together?" Eleanor asked.


    "Sure! My treat."


    "Let''s decide when we meet," Eleanor replied with augh.


    She met Joel at the same bistro Joy had taken her tost time.


    "Ellie, you''d better be preparedn''s investment is almost a given," Joel said, cradling his mug of coffee.


    Eleanor nodded. "I know."


    It wasn''t that she intended to keep it fromn; she just wanted to wait until she officially joined theb. After all, once the divorce was public, her career would be out in the open anyway.


    As Eleanor and Joel chatted and joked, someone entering with friends paused at the door, catching sight of them¡ªit was Henry. He looked surprised to see Joel and Eleanor together.


    "Henry, what are you staring at? Come on, let''s eat," his friend called, slinging an arm around his shoulders.


    Henry had meant to say hi to Joel, but seeing how animated he and Eleanor were, he decided to leave them be and followed his friends to their private room.


    Once inside, one of his friends pped him on the shoulder. "Henry, did you ask about that thing for me? I''m serious about working with Goodwin & Co."


    "Oh! I''ve been crazy busy and forgot. I''ll ask right now," Henry said apologetically, pulling out his phone and dialingn''s number.


    "Henry, what''s up?"


    "Ian, about your new development project-I''ve got a friend who runs a design firm and he''s really interested. Any chance you could meet him sometime?"


    "Let''s talk after the holidays. I don''t have time before then."


    "Sure, no rush. Oh, by the way, I just saw your wife-she was having lunch with Joel at the restaurant."


    "Is that so?"n answered, his tone unreadable.<fnbda3> Fresh chapters posted on f?ndnovel</fnbda3>


    "Did you two have a fight or something?"


    "No."


    Henry gave an awkwardugh. He wasn''t the meddling type anyway. "Alright, we''ll talkter. I''m eating with friends. Catch up soon."


    After he hung up, his friend nudged him. "Ian''s married? Wasn''t he dating that piano prodigy, Vanessa? I actually saw them together at the airport once, heading abroad."

 Chapter 32

    "You guys really don''t know?" Henry nced around at the group of friends, surprised. Ian had been married for six years-how was it possible that none of them knew?


    Everyone shook their heads. The man who''d spoken earlier looked almost envious. "Still, that Vanessa is a real knockout. I''ve seen plenty of beautiful women, but she''s in a whole different league."


    "She''s a prodigy on the piano, too-there''s an artistry about her you just don''t see in ordinary beauties. I remember passing one of her billboards, and I couldn''t tear my eyes away for ages!"


    Henry chuckled. "Let''s keep the rumors to a minimum, all right?n''s married. His daughter''s already five."


    "Well, he sure kept it under wraps. There''s never been any mention in the press. But, honestly, with his kind of money, it''s not unusual for a man to have a few close female friends on the side. You know what they say-variety is the spice of life!"


    Laughing, Henry waved his friend off before the gossip could go any further. "Enough aboutn. His wife''s a real beauty herself, so let''s move on. How about we top up the drinks?"


    By the windows in the main hall, Eleanor and Joel had already started eating. The two of them chatted about medical theory, and Joel seemed genuinely impressed by her insights.


    "Your father was an incredible man. I only worked with him for two years, but I admired him so much."


    Eleanor smiled. "He was, except for being a bit stubborn-and his temper could get the best of him."


    Joelughed. "You''re telling me! The year he taught at our college, a couple of student groups actually staged a protest against him!"


    Eleanorughed too, but there was a shimmer of tears in her eyes. Noticing, Joel''s heart sank. "I''m sorry, Ellie-I shouldn''t have brought up something painful."


    She brushed at her eyes. "It''s okay."


    Just then, her phone buzzed. It wasn calling. Eleanor stood up. "I''ll take this outside."<fnb975> Latest content published on f?ndnovel</fnb975>


    She stepped into the corridor before answering. "Hello?"


    "Mom!" The voice was notn''s, but her daughter''s.


    "Evelyn? Sweetheart, is that you?"


    "Mom, are youing to Grandma''s for dinner tonight? Great-grandma and I both miss you."


    "Of course! I''lle over for dinner tonight."


    "Great-grandma, Mom''sing for dinner!" Evelyn was clearly rying the news to someone nearby.


    "Okay! Try toe early, honey. I''ll be waiting," Eleanor replied, smiling.


    "I will, I promise," she added warmly. After hanging up, Evelyn dashed back into


    the living room and handed the phone to her father. "Dad, Mom says she''lle to Grandma''ster."


    "Alright,"n replied with a gentle smile.


    "Young Master, Mrs. Graham would like to see you for a moment," a housekeeper came over and said.


    "See that she leaves before three. Ellie''sing for dinner tonight¡ªit wouldn''t be appropriate for Vanessa to stay," his grandmother instructed.


    "Understood," Ian replied.


    Meanwhile, in Serena''s room, she had just confided a long-hidden secret to Vanessa.

 Chapter 33

    "He''s just so irresistible. Everything he does draws me in¡ªI can''t help but pay attention to him. I sneak onto his blog every day, hoping to catch a glimpse of his life, and I even time my gym visits just to bump into him. You have no idea how handsome he looks in a suit! I''mpletely smitten, but I''m too scared to tell him how I feel. What should I do?"


    Serena clutched her chest, looking every bit the lovestruck girl lost in a daydream.


    "Xavier really is charming, but you don''t have to worry, Serena. He''ll like you, I''m sure of it," Vanessa reassured her gently.


    "Do you really think so? You really think he could like me?" For all her usual confidence, Serena couldn''t help but feel insecure in front of the man she liked.


    Falling for her brother''s closest friend made her feel shy and exposed.


    Vanessa gave her an appraising look and smiled. "You''re gorgeous, Serena. What man wouldn''t notice you? Honestly, he''s probably already paying attention."


    Serena lit up under the praise and hooked her arm around Vanessa''s. "What about you? When are you going to tell my brother how you feel?"


    Vanessa''s smile turned bittersweet. She sighed, "Your brother and I... we''ll only ever be friends in this life."<fn4ded> Original content can be found at ?ovelFind</fn4ded>


    Serena grew anxious. "Don''t worry, my brother really likes you." Then, almost indignantly, she added, "It''s not like he asked her to take care of him back then, and afterward she even used hospital records to y the sympathy card. She totally took advantage of the situation! My brother was just too young and naive to see through her, and honestly, her background doesn''t evenpare to my brother''s."


    Vanessaughed softly. "There''s no point talking about it now. I''ve already epted things as they are."


    "Don''t you dare give up, Vanessa. If you really like my brother, then fight for him! Anyone with eyes can see you''re a hundred times better than Eleanor."


    Vanessa couldn''t help but giggle. "You really think so?"


    "Of course! My mom was against her marrying my brother from the start. And now, I don''t think my brother even cares for her anymore."


    A smile tugged at Vanessa''s lips. How could a stay-at-home housewife everpare to her?


    After dropping Joel off at the hotel, Eleanor nced at the clock-nearly three. She stopped at a nearby shop to buy her daughter''s favorite fruit, then picked up a gift box of health supplements from an upscale boutique.


    At half past three, Goodwin Manor.


    Upstairs, Serena and Vanessa were still deep in private conversation when a knock sounded at the door. "Come in!" Serena called out.


    "It''s still early,n! Why are you trying to rush Vanessa out?" Serena protested. "Your sister-inw ising over for dinner."


    "So what if she is? Why does that mean Vanessa has to leave?" Serena refused to back down.


    Vanessa smiled gently. "It''s alright, Serena. It would be awkward for me to stay; I don''t want your sister-inw to get the wrong idea."


    "You''re our guest. If she has a problem, she can take it up with me¡ªit was my idea to invite you," Serena insisted.


    Vanessa patted her hand. "Don''t make a fuss. I''ll head out now."


    Serena was reluctant to see Vanessa go. Ever since they''d shared that secret, it felt like they could talk for hours on end.


    Vanessa said goodbye to Magdalen downstairs before leaving.


    Eleanor sat in her car, lost in thought as she watched the traffic. Suddenly, a familiar vehicle drove past. She nced at the license te-it wasn''s. Through the window, she could see his unmistakable profile in the driver''s seat, and next to him, the delicate silhouette of a woman-Vanessa.


    In all the years she''d been married ton, the only women who''d ever sat in his front seat were herself and Vanessa.


    So this was whyn had called her back to the Goodwin house-to stay with their daughter while he slipped away to meet his lover.


    Eleanor''s own car continued toward Goodwin Manor. Five minutester, she pulled through the open gates and parked in the driveway.

 Chapter 34

    Eleanor walked into the living room, purse in hand. The moment she heard the car in the driveway, Evelyn came dashing out, her face lighting up. "Mommy! Mommy!" she called, bounding toward her like a little bird.


    Eleanor knelt down, arms open. She scooped her daughter up and nted two kisses on her cheeks,ughing as she did.


    Inside, Gina was standing with one of the housekeepers, giving quiet instructions. She nced over when Eleanor entered.


    "Mom!" Eleanor called out.


    Gina replied with a nonchnt, "You''re here."


    Magdalen had already gone to rest in her room upstairs. Eleanor settled onto the wide living room sofa with her daughter. One thing about Evelyn-she could entertain herself for hours,pletely lost in make-believe with her toys.


    "Come on, kids! Eat up!" Evelyn said, her voice high and bright as she moved three little figurines onto a toy bed and draped a tissue over them like a nket. "When you''re done, you get to go to sleep with Mommy. Daddy''sing to bed too."


    Then she picked up another figurine and knocked on the toy house door. "I''m the auntie. Can I sleep with you tonight?"


    "Of course you can! Come on in!" Evelyn replied for her toys, squeezing the new figurine into the crowded bed.


    Eleanor watched this scene unfold, her heart softening. She smiled and gently corrected, "Sweetheart, guests sleep in the guest room, remember? Auntie''s a guest."


    Evelyn paused, then solemnly moved the figurine to a separate little bed. "You''ll sleep here from now on. You can''t stay with us-you''re a guest."


    Eleanor ruffled her daughter''s hair. There were things Evelyn was still too young to understand, but Eleanor knew she''d learn in time.


    Just then, footsteps echoed down the stairs. Serena appeared, effortlessly fashionable as always. She barely nced at Eleanor before calling out toward the kitchen, "Mom, I''m heading out!"


    "But dinner''s almost ready. Where are you going?" Gina called after her.


    "I''ve got ns with friends." Serena shot a brief, unreadable look Eleanor''s way, then let herself out without another word.


    She didn''t need to say anything. Eleanor knew Serena had no intention of staying for dinner-not once she found out Eleanor would be there.


    She suspected the only reason she''d been invited at all was because the matriarch insisted. No one else in this house wanted her around.


    Eleanor''s expression tightened for a moment as she nced at her daughter. If she could, she''d take Evelyn and leave the Goodwin family behind without ever looking back.


    But it wasn''t time-not yet.


    That evening, the olddy was in high spirits, chatting with Eleanor about her experiences sinceing back home. Before long, it was nearly half past eight.


    "Ellie, why don''t you stay here tonight? There''s no need to drive back," the matriarch suggested.


    Eleanor smiled and shook her head. "Thank you, Grandma, but I''d better take Evelyn home. She gets restless and I don''t want her to disturb you or Mom."


    "Nonsense! This house is lively because of her-she''s our little sunshine," the olddy said fondly, insisting, "Stay the night, both of you."


    Eleanor hesitated. Ian wouldn''t being home to Goodwin Manor tonight. Perhaps it wouldn''t hurt to let Evelyn spend a night here.


    "All right, Grandma," she agreed softly.


    By nine-thirty, Evelyn had finished her bath and Gina carried her off to her room. Eleanor, not wanting to argue, allowed one of the maids to lead her upstairs. "Ma''am, this is your room for the night."


    Eleanor nodded politely. But when she stepped inside, she froze the closet held a row of men''s suits and coats. She realized she''d been shown inton''s master bedroom.


    She hurried to the door, but the maid was already gone.


    With a sigh and a furrowed brow, Eleanor conceded to fate. The spacious room was dominated by arge bed, and near the balcony there was a row of sofas. It was just for one night; she could manage.<fnbbda> Find the newest release on find{n}ovel</fnbbda>


    She didn''t bother with a shower. Instead, she turned up the air conditioning, wrapped herself in her coat, and curled up on the sofa, soon drifting into a restless sleep.


    In the early morning hours, the door creaked open. A man entered quietly, his gaze settling on the woman curled up on the sofa. He frowned, then shrugged off his jacket, revealing a vest that emphasized the long, lean lines of his frame.


    Eleanor, a light sleeper, stirred the momentn hung up his coat. She sat up, tense and wary, eyes fixed on the unexpected figure who had just entered the


    room.

 Chapter 35

    "Go sleep in the bed,"n said coolly.


    Eleanor nced at her phone-just past midnight. She made up her mind in an instant.


    She was going home.


    Grabbing her coat and draping it over her shoulders, she picked up her phone. "That''s alright. I''ll sleep at home tonight."


    He scooped up his phone from the bed, opened the door, and left without another word.


    Eleanor stood there for a moment, the chill in the room lingering as ifn had left some of it behind. She shut her eyes, trying not to let it get to her.


    He didn''te back that night. Where he ended up sleeping, Eleanor didn''t care.


    The next morning, Eleanor headed downstairs to the cheerful sound of her daughter''sughter echoing through the house.


    After breakfast, Eleanor was about to take Evelyn home, when Gina stopped her with a firm, "Let Evelyn stay here for a few days! We hardly get to see her, and her grandmother loves having a little life in the house."


    Eleanor could only nod and let it go. Ever since she married into the Goodwin family, she''d always been the one to back down.


    Unless it ever came to a fight over custody, Eleanor couldn''t afford to upset her mother-inw.


    She left Goodwin Manor and drove a slow loop through the city before heading back to her apartment.


    When she walked through the door, Joslyn greeted her with a smile. "Wee home, Mrs. Goodwin."


    Eleanor nodded, exhaustion from the restless night showing on her face. She slung her bag over her shoulder and said, "I''m going to rest for a bit. Please don''t disturb me."


    "Mrs. Goodwin, Mr. Goodwin is home," Joslyn added suddenly.


    Eleanor tensed. "When did he get back?"


    "I''m not sure. I woke up and saw his shoes and jacket by the door."


    Eleanor nodded again and headed upstairs, locking her bedroom door behind her. She didn''t want to be disturbed, not by Joslyn, not byn.


    Around ten,n came downstairs looking refreshed. Joslyn asked, "Will you be home for lunch, sir?"


    "No,"n replied curtly.


    "Mrs. Goodwin is home," Joslyn reminded him.


    "Of course."


    As she watched her employer leave, then nced up at the tightly closed door at the top of the stairs, Joslyn sighed inwardly. The house had always been quiet, but at least Mrs. Goodwin used to care about her husband, used to try. Now she seemed as cold as he was.


    After five years working for the Goodwins, Joslyn genuinely worried the family wasing undone.


    Eleanor slept straight through until three in the afternoon. Joslyn made her a bowl of noodles, and Eleanor sat at herputer, working. There was so much research to organize from theb, plus summaries of her father''s work.


    Winter break had begun. The holidays were around the corner, and the annual family dinner wasing up.


    daughter


    That afternoon, Eleanor got a call-her mother-inw herself, inviting her to Goodwin Manor for the family gathering. Eleanor misse agreed.


    She''d barely pulled out of the garage when her phone rang again. She answered, "Hello?"<fnc3a1> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? F?ndNovel</fnc3a1>


    "Miss Sutton? This is Minnie, Dr. Kingsley''s assistant. Dr. Kingsley was admitted to the hospitalst night with a high fever, and he''s still running a temperature. But my mom''s sick, too. Could youe and look after him for a bit?"


    Joel''s sick? Eleanor was taken aback.


    His family lived hundreds of miles away, and there was no way they could make it in time. "Which hospital?" she asked. "I''ll be right there."


    She drove straight to the hospital, found Joel''s room, and saw him sitting up in bed, book in hand, an IV drip attached to his wrist. When he looked up and saw her, surprise flickered across his face. "Ellie? What are you doing here?"


    "I heard you were sick. I came to check on you," she said simply.


    "It''s nothing, you didn''t need to bother." Joel gave her a rxed smile, but Eleanor reached over and pressed a hand to his forehead.


    He froze, letting her check his temperature, a moreplicated look flickering in his eyes.


    Eleanor nced at the IV medication slip. "Looks like a viral infection. Rest, finish the course, and you''ll be fine in a couple of days."


    Joel hesitated, then said, "It''s family dinner night, isn''t it? You should go be with your family."


    Eleanor realized she''d rushed out without telling the Goodwins where she was. She checked the time-7 p.m.-and quickly dialed her phone. She hesitated a moment, then calledn.


    "Hello?"


    "Could you let your grandmother know I won''t make it tonight?" Eleanor said calmly.


    "Okay." He hung up immediately.


    Six years of marriage, and Eleanor still couldn''t read him. Was he annoyed? Indifferent? She never knew. A man who could work as a financial consultant on Wall Street at eighteen had long since mastered his emotions; he never showed anger or joy, kept his tone measured and cool, never gave anyone a chance to figure him out.


    When she heard Joel hadn''t eaten, she ordered delivery on her phone-there was a ce nearby that made a particrly soothing soup, perfect for someone with a fever.


    Twenty minutester, the delivery driver called-hospital policy wouldn''t allow him to bring it to the ward. Eleanor went downstairs to get it.


    She called the driver again and found he''d left the food at the outpatient infusion center. She told him to wait, then hurried over.


    Carrying the soup back, Eleanor nced into the brightly lit infusion hall. Her steps faltered.


    It was quiet, nearly empty, but in one corner she saw a man and woman together. The woman, fast asleep with an IV in her arm, was covered by a man''s suit jacket. The man leaned back on the sofa, letting her rest against him, solid and protective.


    It wasn. And Vanessa.


    Eleanor never expected to run into them here.

 Chapter 36

    Eleanor thought her heart had long since gone numb, but seeing this scene felt like beingshed all over again. She wished she could go the rest of her life without everying eyes on him again.


    But fate wasn''t going to give her another shot at love. In front of her was only a failed marriage, and the storm of divorce looming on the horizon.


    She brought a bowl of soup to Joel''s bedside. Joel nced at the clock and said, "You should go home and be with your daughter. Times like these, your husband ought to have his family around him."


    "Alright, call me if you need anything," Eleanor replied. She did want to be with her daughter. As for her husband, well, he was already keeping someone elsepany.<fn9f8f> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n Find[?]ovel</fn9f8f>


    Instead of leaving through the outpatient wing, she circled around to her car. It was already eight thirty. She wanted to bring her daughter home for a few days.


    By the time she arrived at Goodwin Manor, the New Year''s Eve dinner was long over. Magdalen asked if she''d eaten, and Eleanor could only nod and say she had. When she asked Evelyn if she wanted toe home, the little girl nodded eagerly-she wanted to be with her mother and Princess, her puppy.


    Just then, Serena came downstairs and called out, "Eleanor, what''s been keeping you so busy these days?"


    "Not much," Eleanor answered with a small smile.


    "Must get pretty boring at home while Evelyn''s at school all day, huh?" Serena''s tone had a hint of condescension.


    Eleanor remembered Serena once calling her a clingy nuisance in front of her daughter. It was clear Serena had always looked down on her.


    "It''s not so bad. I usually catch up on my reading or study a little," Eleanor said, still smiling.


    Serena scoffed, "Oh? What kind of books do you read? Don''t tell me you''re into cheesy romance novels."


    Eleanor''s expression didn''t change. "No, I prefer medical books, actually."


    Serena didn''t buy it. A woman who''d supposedly given up everything for a man- could she really have any ambition left after marriage? Finding nothing more to say, Serena soon wandered back upstairs.


    Eleanor turned to her daughter. "Ready to go home, sweetheart? Princess has grown so much!"


    Evelyn nodded, and Eleanor took her hand to find her mother-inw. Gina looked displeased at the thought of her granddaughter leaving, but seeing how much Evelyn wanted to go, she relented. "Alright, but make sure you bring her back for New Year''s Day."


    Eleanor nodded and led her daughter outside. As they got in the car, Evelyn asked curiously, "Mommy, will Daddye home tonight?"


    "He''s busy with work, baby. He might not make it," Eleanor said gently.


    Evelyn''s face fell as she looked down at her shoes, disappointed.


    But once they were back home, with Princess wagging her tail, Evelyn''s spirits lifted. Eleanor turned to the housekeeper. "Joslyn, could you make us some dumplings?"


    "Ma''am, you haven''t had dinner yet?" Joslyn looked surprised-it was New Year''s Eve, after all.


    "No, I haven''t. Make extra, so Evelyn and I can eat together."


    Fifteen minutester, Eleanor and Evelyn sat together at the table, eating


    dumplings under the warm glow of the lights. Evelyn, always thoughtful, pushed her te toward her mother. "Mommy, I already had dinner. You eat more."


    Eleanor felt a rush of warmth and gratitude.


    That night, as she read storybooks to Evelyn, Eleanor deliberately chose ones with encouraging messages.


    Sometime after midnight, drifting half-asleep, she heard someone enter her room. She opened her eyes instantly. Against the light spilling in from the hallway, she recognizedn.


    Her daughter was asleep in her arms asn''srge hand reached over to gently ruffle Evelyn''s hair. Eleanor caught a faint whiff of women''s perfume lingering on his fingertips-the kind of scent you only pick up after an intimate encounter.


    Women usually dab perfume on their wrists, behind their ears, or along their necks.


    Which meantn''s hands had just been caressing Vanessa in those very ces. Not untiln withdrew his hand did Eleanor finally let out a quiet sigh.


    The next morning, several messages popped up on Eleanor''s phone.


    "Miss Sutton, I''m sending you a few photographs to have a look at."


    The detective sent three pictures. In the first, Vanessa sat looking fragile at the doctor''s office withn right beside her, personally asking the doctor about Vanessa''s condition.

 Chapter 37

    In the second photo, Vanessa was getting an IV drip, leaning gently againstn''s arm like a fragile bird. Ian had draped his suit jacket over her to keep her warm.


    The third photo showedn holding an umbre, his arm wrapped around Vanessa, who was still wearing his jacket, as they walked together through a light drizzle.


    "Miss Sutton, these photos clearly suggest your husband''s infidelity. Rest


    assured, I''ll keep monitoring and send you updates the moment I have anything new."


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied. She quickly saved the photos in a private folder on herputer, preparing for the divorce.


    The weather had turned cold, and before she knew it, New Year''s Eve arrived.


    Her mother-inw called at nine sharp, urging Eleanor to bring Evelyn over early.


    The streets were alive with the festive spirit¡ªtwinkling lights, banners strung frommpposts, and crowds bustling along, faces glowing with holiday cheer.<fn07f7> This text is hosted at find?novel</fn07f7>


    At Goodwin Manor, two oversized gold-embossed "Wee" signs were stuck to the grand front gates, while each side of the doorway was framed with bright red banners. The living room boasted fresh decorations that made the house feel unmistakably ready for the new year.


    "Young madam, you''re here!" Alfy, the housekeeper, greeted her warmly.


    Eleanor walked in with her purse, spotting her mother-inw beaming as she swept Evelyn into her arms. Eleanor greeted her with a polite, "Hi, Mom."


    Gina barely nced at her, holding her granddaughter close. Her warmth toward Eleanor had faded over time; once, Eleanor had been eager to please, but now she seemed colder, more distant-hardly the daughter-inw Gina had hoped for. Eleanor sat down on the sofa, setting her bag aside. Ian joined her, and both of them pulled out their phones, scrolling in silence.


    The atmosphere was chilly and awkward. Looking at them, you''d never guess they were a married couple. They seemed more like strangers forced to share a


    room.


    Magdalen,n''s grandmother, cradled a vase of freshly cut flowers and stole a nce at her grandson and granddaughter-inw. She let out a silent sigh. What on earth had happened between those two?


    "Ellie,e help me arrange the flowers," Magdalen called, beckoning Eleanor


    over.


    Eleanor smiled and stood, setting her phone casually on the coffee table. The conservatory was filled with bouquets delivered that morning. Eleanor watched as Magdalen snipped stems and sorted blooms, carefully matching colors and textures. Eleanor mimicked her movements, intent on learning.


    A few minutester, Eleanor''s phone buzzed, its vibration nearly silent. Ian noticed and, picking it up, walked toward the conservatory.


    He paused at the doorway, just as Magdalen was chatting with Eleanor.


    "Ellie, ifn is ever unkind to you or treats you badly, youe tell me. I''ll set him straight," the old woman said.


    Eleanor smiled, "He hasn''t, Grandma."


    "My grandson''s good at making money, but he''s hopeless when ites toforting people. He doesn''t know how to show he cares. You''ll just have to be patient with him."


    "I know, Grandma," Eleanor replied, her voice gentle.


    Magdalen wagged a finger at her. "And if you ever feel wronged, don''t keep it in. Let him know. If he dares mistreat you, I''ll be the one to stand up for you." Eleanor pretended to take the advice to heart. "Alright, Grandma. I understand." The calmer Eleanor acted, the more convinced Magdalen became that she was keeping her pain bottled up. She softened her tone. "Ellie, it''s always better to talk things out than hold it all inside. Bottled-up anger is bad for your health, especially for women."


    As Eleanor trimmed a stem, her hand slipped and she snipped the skin right beside her nail. She winced, momentarily stunned, and only when she saw the blood welling up did she speak. "Grandma, I think I just cut myself."


    "Let me see." Magdalen leaned in to inspect the wound, then looked up, about to call for a maid. But then she spotted her grandson standing in the doorway.


    n, fetch the first aid kit-Ellie''s cut her hand!"

 Chapter 38

    Eleanor pressed a tissue to her bleeding finger. Ian returned, carrying the kit, and knelt down beside her, holding a wad of gauze to stop the bleeding.


    When hisrge hand reached for her wrist, Eleanor instinctively pulled away and said quietly, "I can do it myself."


    "Letn help," the old woman interjected firmly from the side.


    Eleanor stood up. "Grandma, I''ll go wash the wound."


    "Letn go with you!" Magdalen insisted.


    "She''s not a child anymore,"n replied coolly, standing up and walking away.


    Magdalen, exasperated, nearly grabbed the bouquet beside her to whack him. "She might not be a child, but she''s your wife! Can''t you show a little concern for her, you stubborn boy?"


    The old woman, hard of hearing, didn''t catch it. "What did you say now?"


    "It''s nothing, Grandma. Just a small cut," Eleanor smiled, heading to the sink to rinse her finger. She disinfected the wound herself and pressed a bit of cotton over it to stop the bleeding.


    Eleanor tidied up the first aid kit and handed it to the housekeeper. Returning to the sofa, she noticedn had disappeared and finally rxed. She nced at her phone-one missed call from an unknown number. She ignored it.


    Just then, the sound of a car drifted in from the driveway. Through the floor-to- ceiling windows, Eleanor watched Serena stroll in, carrying several shopping bags and clearly in a good mood.


    Serena nced over at Eleanor sitting on the couch, but Eleanor greeted her first. "Serena."<fn7b03> This update is avable on f¦É?dn¦Ïvel</fn7b03>


    Serena walked straight upstairs as if she hadn''t heard a thing.


    At lunch, Evelyn spotted her mother''s bandaged finger and asked with worry, "Mommy, what happened to your finger? Did you get hurt?"


    "I just scraped it a little, sweetheart. It''s nothing."


    Evelyn leaned in for a closer look, gently cradling Eleanor''s hand. She pursed her


    lips and blew softly on the bandage. "Be careful next time, Mommy."


    Eleanor''s eyes stung with tears. She kissed her daughter''s cheek. "Mommy promises to be careful."


    Later that afternoon, Eleanor snagged a few cash bonuses in Jude Vaughn''s group chat and sent out a couple herself. The chat was lively, everyone swapping funny holiday stories and thetest news.


    Eleanor stayed quiet, just reading along.


    After the New Year''s dinner, it was only around seven when Gina handed Evelyn arge red envelope, followed by the old woman, then Serena andn. Little Evelyn struggled to carry all four fat envelopes over to Eleanor. "Mommy, these are for you! They''re so heavy!"


    Everyone in the room burst outughing.


    "I''ll save these for you, sweetheart. When you''re all grown up, I''ll give them back to you," Eleanor smiled, tucking what must have been at least twenty thousand dors into her purse.


    A little whileter, Magdalen called Eleanor into her room. She pulled out a bank card and handed it to her. "Ellie, this is from Grandma. Don''t turn it down-there''s half a million in here. Just use it as pocket money."


    Eleanor was startled and quickly tried to push the card back into Magdalen''s hands. "Grandma, that''s really not necessary. I have enough. I can''t take your money."


    "Silly girl. I known gives you a decent allowance, but this is from me. Take it. Grandma doesn''t need much money anyhow."


    How could Eleanor ept her grandmother-inw''s money? She''d be divorced in six months at most.

 Chapter 39

    But the olddy insisted on giving her the gift. If Eleanor refused again, she''d only upset her, so she epted it for now, deciding she''d return it after the divorce.


    After the New Year''s Eve dinner, Serena went out to meet friends. Gina settled in with Evelyn to watch a movie, andn sat nearby, scrolling through his phone. Eleanor came downstairs, her mind turning over ways she might take her daughter home.


    "Evelyn will sleep here tonight," Gina announced, holding her granddaughter close. "You two can head home."<fn769d> Get full chapters from findnovel</fn769d>


    Eleanor hesitated when she realized her mother-inw meant for Evelyn to spend the night. She looked atn. She hadn''t driven over, so if he wasn''t leaving, she''d have to catch a cab.


    "Evelyn, are you sure you don''t want toe home with Mom and Dad?"n asked their daughter.


    "I want to stay with Grandma tonight," Evelyn replied, her little head nodding.


    Eleanor noticedn picking up his car keys. She leaned down to Evelyn. "Be good, sweetheart. I''lle see you tomorrow."


    "Bye-bye, Mommy and Daddy!" Evelyn chirped, her mouth still full of fruit.


    Eleanor waved to her daughter and walked toward the foyer.


    The bitter night air made her wrap her arms tighter around herself as she hurried


    ton''s car and slid into the passenger seat.


    Eleanor paused. "I''m a little tired. Can we not?"


    "Does it always have to be this way?"n suddenly asked, turning to her.


    She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then abruptly pushed open the car door. "I''ll get a cab home."


    She shut the door and stepped into the biting wind, heading for the gate. Just two hundred yards ahead was the main road.


    Eleanor hugged herself, her slim figure almost a wisp against the gusts, dark hair whipping across her face. Still, there was no hesitation in her stride.


    Behind her,n''s Rolls-Royce roared off, disappearing around the corner.


    Eleanor gged down a taxi and went home.


    Back at the house, it was only her and Princess, her dog, but for once, she feltpletely at ease.


    New Year''s Day.


    Ashford City was alive with celebration. The streets were packed, everyndmark overflowing with people, both online and off buzzing with New Year''s cheer.


    At noon, Eleanor gracefully declined her mother-inw''s invitation to lunch. Instead, she cooked herself a simple bowl of pasta at home.


    At six in the evening, Serena called.


    "Hey, Eleanor! We''re all having dinner out tonighte join us!"


    "Sure, where?" Eleanor asked.


    "I''ll text you the address." Serena sent over the details.


    Eleanor saw it was a private room at a seven-star hotel downtown. She slipped into a chic jacket and jeans, anticipating heavy traffic and tricky parking, so she hailed a cab instead.


    By the time she reached the hotel, it was already seven. Eleanor crossed the grand lobby and took the elevator to the sixth floor.


    When the doors slid open, she checked her directions, then headed left down avish corridor. Behind an ornate set of double doors, she passed a beautifully decorated hallway lined with a shimmering pool.


    Just as Eleanor reached the private dining room, she spotted Serena outside, talking on the phone. The moment she saw Eleanor, she hung up and came over with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You made it!"


    Serena pushed open the door to the private room.


    Eleanor froze in ce.

 Chapter 40

    Eleanor froze, caught off guard.


    The private dining room was filled with seven or eight people, men and women alike. At the head of the table loungedn, looking effortlessly elegant in a tailored suit. Beside him sat Vanessa, stunning in a deep red cocktail dress. Under the soft lights, the two looked for all the world like the perfect couple.


    This wasn''t some cozy family dinner with the Goodwins-it was one ofn''s carefully curated social gatherings.


    Eleanor understood immediately, her eyes shing with usation. "Serena, care to exin what''s really going on?"


    Serena hesitated, guilty. She''d invited Eleanor on a whim, hoping to toy with her, but now, caught in Eleanor''s stern gaze, she couldn''t find a way out. Flustered, she tried to save face. "Come on, Eleanor. I was just being nice, inviting you out for a meal. No need to get so worked up."


    Vanessa seized the moment, rising gracefully from her seat and crossing the room with a polished smile. "Eleanor, since you''re here, why not join us? And look n''s here too!"


    Eleanor shot Vanessa a cold nce. She had no doubt Vanessa was in on Serena''s little prank tonight.


    Without a word, Eleanor turned to leave.


    Vanessa reached out and caught her arm. "Wait, Eleanor. Stay and keepnpany, will you? I actually have something I need to take care of."


    Eleanor turned, looking directly atn. He sat there, his expression unreadable.


    She had no intention of wasting another minute here. Shaking off Vanessa''s grip, Eleanor strode for the door.


    Vanessa''s eyes flicked over to the pool outside. With a sly smile, she hurried after Eleanor. "Eleanor, you''ve got it all wrong. There''s nothing going on betweenn and me. We''re just friends, honestly."<fn5eb4> Newest update provided by Find?Novel</fn5eb4>


    But before Eleanor could react, Vanessa grabbed her arm again. Eleanor''s eyes narrowed, but before she could pull away, Vanessa''s smile widened¡ªand with a sudden tug, dragged Eleanor straight toward the pool.


    With a ssh, both women plunged into the deep, chilly water.


    Serena, lingering by the door in frustration, spun around at the sound. She saw two figures thrashing in the pool, panic rising in her voice. "Oh my God! Vanessa!" she shrieked, running back inside the dining room. n! Vanessa fell in! Come quickly!"


    Without hesitation,n stripped off his jacket and dove into the pool with athletic precision. Everyone assumed he''d swim straight for his wife-Eleanor-but instead, he made for Vanessa.


    "Look! Over there-she''s going under!" someone shouted. Eleanor was slipping beneath the surface, only a trail of bubbles marking where she''d been.


    In that split second, another figure dove in, arms cutting urgently through the water toward Eleanor.


    Eleanor''s greatest regret had always been never learning to swim. Now, no matter how desperately she iled, her body only sank deeper. Water filled her lungs, panic wing at her chest as icy pressure squeezed every part of her.


    Just as her strength began to fail, a strong arm closed around her waist, hauling her upward. Breaking the surface, she gasped desperately for air, blinking away water just in time to see a handsome profile-Xavier.


    It wasn''tn who had saved her. It was Xavier.


    He kept a firm grip on her, steering her toward the edge of the pool. Through stinging eyes, Eleanor caught a glimpse ofn pushing Vanessa to safety, then turning to nce back at her before climbing out and kneeling to check on Vanessa''s condition.


    Two other men hauled Eleanor from the water. She copsed to her knees, coughing up what felt like half the pool, chest heaving. A gentle voice broke through her daze. "Are you alright?"


    Eleanor looked up to find Xavier watching her, concern in his eyes.


    "Thank you. I''m fine," she managed between breaths, her gratitude sincere.


    Across the crowd, Serena stared at the scene, jealousy burning in her gaze. She couldn''t believe that aftern had jumped in after Vanessa, Xavier had leapt in to save Eleanor.


    Two hotel staff hurried over. "Ma''am, sir, we''ll bring you fresh clothes right away. Pleasee with us."


    Another staff member turned ton. "Sir, please, you and your wife can follow us to get changed."


    Vanessa, hearing the word "wife," shed a triumphant smile. As she stood, she feigned a slip, promptingn to catch her in his arms.


    Her little gasp made Eleanor turn. Watching the couple clinging to each other, Eleanor felt her heart grow even colder.


    In that moment, beingn''s wife felt like nothing but a cruel joke.


    In the lounge, Eleanor changed quickly into dry clothes provided by the staff, then used the blow-dryer on her soaked hair. When she emerged, both Xavier andn were seated on the couch, waiting.


    Suddenly, Serena burst in, face flushed with anger. "Eleanor, why did you push Vanessa into the pool? How could you be so vicious?"


    Eleanor calmly brushed the damp hair from her forehead. "And which eye of yours saw me push her?"


    "You-" Serena sputtered, not expecting Eleanor to snap back.


    Just then, a gentle,posed voice broke in. "Serena, don''t me Eleanor. It


    was just an ident. If anyone''s at fault, it''s me. I''m the one who identally pulled Eleanor into the pool."

 Chapter 41

    Eleanor let out a coldugh as she turned away. "Vanessa, don''t act surprised. You know exactly what you did."


    "Eleanor, what''s that supposed to mean? Are you really going to me Vanessa for this?" Serena snapped, her voice shaking with anger.


    "That''s enough, Serena,"n said quietly, standing up and moving between them. Serena bit her lip, falling silent. Ian turned to Eleanor. "Are you alright?"


    Eleanor looked away. "I''m fine."


    "Vanessa''s the one who just got over a cold. If anyone should be worried, it''s her," Serena chimed in from the side.


    Vanessa gave a soft cough, covering her mouth. "I''m alright, really. I just swallowed some water the wrong way."


    "No need." Eleanor''s refusal was immediate. She spun on her heel, told the waiter to toss her soaked clothes, grabbed her purse, and walked up to Xavier. "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn."


    Just as she reached the door, Vanessa swayed a little, pressing a hand to her forehead. n, I''m feeling dizzy..."


    Eleanor nced back from the doorway. Ian was already by Vanessa''s side, steadying her gently with one arm around her shoulders.


    Xavier came over, givingn a friendly pat on the back. "I''ll head out too."


    "Already, Xavier? We haven''t even finished dinner," Serena protested, a hint of disappointment in her voice.


    "My rtives areing over tonight. Have to y host," Xavier replied, then slipped away.


    Serena hurried to Vanessa''s side. "Vanessa, do you want my brother to take you to the hospital?"


    Vanessa shook her head. "No, I just need to rest at home."


    "Then,n, you''d better take her back now!"


    Vanessa had once wondered: if she and Eleanor both fell into the water, who wouldn save first?


    Today, she had her answer.


    It would always be her.


    Eleanor stood outside the restaurant, shivering in the chilly night air, clutching her bag. The hotel had only given her a thin undershirt, a white sweater, and a pair of cks. The temperature was barely above freezing, and she huddled under the harsh re of a streemp, teeth chattering.


    Just then, a silver Bentley pulled up. The window rolled down and Xavier leaned out. "Mrs. Goodwin, let me give you a ride."


    She shook her head, forcing a smile. "That''s kind of you, Mr. Vaughn, but I''ll be fine."


    "It''s New Year''s Day-good luck hailing a cab tonight. Most drivers are off," Xavier pointed out.


    Eleanor paused, looked up and down the street, and realized he was right. Private cars everywhere, but not a single taxi or rideshare in sight.


    She nodded, conceding. "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. Sorry for the trouble."


    She gave him her address, and Xavier smiled. "I know it. Ian and I live in the same neighborhood."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise, but neither of them said another word. The car ride was quiet, the silence heavy between them.


    Xavier thoughtfully turned up the heat and yed some soft music. Eleanor didn''t say anything, but she felt a flicker of gratitude.


    He dropped her off at her building. She thanked him, standing by the curb until his car disappeared into the night.


    Back home, Eleanor took a long, hot shower. Soaking in the tub, she reyed the events in her mind¡ªVanessa dragging her into the water, revealing her true colors. On the surface, Vanessa was the perfectdy: a talented pianist, graceful, polite, and admired by everyone. But beneath that facade, she was cold and vicious.


    How could Eleanor ever leave her daughter in the same house as a woman like that? Let her be her daughter''s stepmother?


    No. Never.


    Eleanor called her mother-inw to say she wouldn''t being over that night. Around ten, as she was getting ready for bed, she heard the front door openn was home.


    She quietly closed her bedroom door, locking it. Tonight, she didn''t want to see him.<fn4b66> ?????? ???? Find¡ïNovel</fn4b66>


    He paused outside her room, hand on the doorknob, but when he found it locked, he left her in peace.


    Eleanor finally drifted off, but her sleep was gued by feverish nightmares. By morning, she woke with a pounding headache and a fever.


    Dizzy and weak, she managed to wash up and ordered some fever medicine through an app on her phone.


    Pressing her fingers to her aching temples, she tried to ease the pain. Her phone rang; she answered, voice hoarse. "Hello?"


    "Hi, your order''s here."


    "Give me a moment." She threw on a coat and went downstairs, out to the front gate, where the delivery driver handed her a yellow bag of medicine.


    She was just stepping back inside when she sawn at the door, adjusting his cufflinks, apparently about to leave. His eyesnded on the medicine bag in her hand.


    "Do you need to go to the hospital?" he asked.


    She replied coolly, "No. I can take care of myself."


    The message was clear-he could go.


    Just then,n''s phone rang. He answered, "Something came up at home. I won''t make it today."


    Eleanor frowned. If only he''d just leave.


    She went to get some water, sat at the table, and opened the medicine bag.


    "Don''t take those on an empty stomach. Let me make you something to eat,"n said quietly.


    But Eleanor ignored him, too tired to argue. She swallowed a few pills, grabbed some bread she''d bought for her daughter, and trudged upstairs.


    Behind her,n''s voice suddenly rang out, angry and sharp. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep this up?"


    She exhaled slowly, turning to re down at him from the stairs.


    "Why do you care? It''s not like you give a damn if I live or die, do you?" Her voice was icy.


    Eleanor pressed her hand to her aching head, fighting for control. "No need. Whoever you wanted to save first was your choice. It doesn''t matter to me."


    "Don''t you want to know why I saved her first?"n''s voice was low, almost pleading.

 Chapter 42

    Eleanor''s eyes turned icy as she suddenly stared atn. "I don''t want to hear your excuses, and I''m not interested in fighting with you. If you want to go out, just go. I''ve got a splitting headache, so please, leave me alone." With that, she turned and climbed the stairs.


    Downstairs,n froze for a moment. Then, without another word, he grabbed his coat, opened the front door, and left, mming it behind him. The house was suddenly silent. The world felt still.<fn6aa3> Readplete version only at find[?]ovel</fn6aa3>


    After a restless nap and a good sweat, Eleanor''s fever finally broke. She went downstairs and made herself a pot of soup. Just as she finished, the door opened.


    Joslyn hurried inside, looking flustered. "Ma''am, you''re sick!"


    Eleanor blinked in surprise-clearly,n had called Joslyn back from her vacation. She managed a faint smile. "Yes, just a cold."


    "What would you like to eat? I can whip something up right now."


    "Could you make a couple of light appetizers for me? I''ve got soup going, so I''ll eat as soon as it''s ready."


    "Of course, I''ll get started right away." Joslyn quickly tied on her apron and bustled into the kitchen.


    On the third day of the new year, Eleanor didn''t visit her mother-inw as usual. She wasn''t in any state to take care of her daughter, and she didn''t want Evelyn to worry.n, for his part, didn''te home again.


    It wasn''t until the fifth day that Eleanor finally started to feel like herself. Joslyn took care of her meals with gentle care.


    "Mr. Harris called earlier," Joslyn mentioned with a smile as she set down a tray. "He wanted to know how you were doing."


    "Mm." Eleanor acknowledged with a nomittal nod.


    "He''s just worried about you, you know." Joslyn tried to say more.


    Eleanor nced up. "Joslyn, I still have a headache. I''d like some quiet."


    Joslyn gave an understanding smile and slipped away to her chores.


    Eleanor knew she had to get better quickly. Theb''s new project was about tounch, and she couldn''t afford to let her health slow her down.


    That evening, Eleanor was sprawled on the sofa watching TV, Princess the dog curled up and fast asleep in herp. The door opened, and her daughter''s cheerful voice rang out.


    "Mom! Mom, I''m home!"


    Evelyn, her sweet little girl, bounced into the room. Princess leapt out of Eleanor''s arms and bounded over to greet her true owner.


    "Princess, you''ve gotten so big!" Evelyn squatted down, grinning as she examined her furry friend.


    Princess wagged her tail furiously, dancing around in wee. Ian crouched down beside them, reaching out to ruffle Princess''s head. The dog nuzzled into his hand, eager for affection, andn couldn''t help but scratch her behind the


    ears.


    "Mommy, Daddy said you were sick. Are you feeling better now?" Evelyn threw herself into Eleanor''s arms and looked up at her with wide, anxious eyes.


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. "I''m all better, sweetheart."


    "Mom, I don''t want to go anywhere else. I just want to stay home with you and Princess," Evelyn announced solemnly.


    Eleanor stroked her daughter''s hair. "Good. I love having you here with me."


    "Daddy, you can''t go out either. You have to stay home with Mommy," Evelyn insisted, trying to sound grown-up as she wagged her finger atn.


    At lunch, Joslyn served up a generous meal. Evelyn gnawed happily on a roast chicken drumstick, while Eleanor watched her daughter with a look full of love. Suddenly, someone ced a piece of braised scallop into Eleanor''s bowl.


    Her eyes narrowed. Without thinking, she picked it up and dropped it into Evelyn''s bowl instead. Across the table,n''s gaze lingered on her, unreadable.


    The truth was, Eleanor actually wanted to eat that scallop. After a moment, she relented and took one for herself. Through the entire meal,n hardly existed for her-he was little more than a ghost at the table, someone she never truly looked at.


    When your heart no longer holds space for someone, their presence matters as little as the air around you.


    That afternoon, Eleanor took Joslyn and Evelyn out to the nearby mall for a little shopping, followed by a stroll through the local park.


    By ten that night, Eleanor was reading a bedtime story. Evelyn drifted off to sleep mid-sentence. Eleanor turned off the light andy down beside her, finally letting herself rx.

 Chapter 43

    Just then, the door creaked open. Ian stepped into the room and walked over to the bed. He reached out and gently touched Evelyn''s forehead, then ced hisrge hand on Eleanor''s brow as well. He was checking their temperatures.


    Eleanor simply pretended to be asleep, curled up with her daughter. Ian quickly pulled his hand away and left.


    Eleanor knew better than to see this as some sign of concern for her. He wasn''t worried about her health-he just wanted to make sure she wasn''t still sick, probably afraid she''d pass it on to their daughter.


    Days at home with Evelyn passed quickly. Before she knew it, it was time for the Lantern Festival. Ian had decided to take their daughter to Goodwin Manor for dinner. Ever since that unpleasant argument with Serena, Eleanor had dreaded going there, but tonight, tradition left her no choice.


    In the manor''s living room, Eleanor scrolled through her phone while Serena unleashed her temper on one of the maids. Apparently, the coffee Serena wanted was too weak. To Eleanor, it was obvious Serena''s real frustration wasn''t with the maid-it was aimed at her.


    She shot a sympathetic nce at the maid, a woman in her forties who endured the scolding with an apologetic smile. Not wanting to be part of the scene, Eleanor excused herself and slipped into the conservatory, hoping dinner would be over soon so she could go home.


    At the dinner table, Magdalen kept the atmosphere warm and peaceful, as if nothing could disturb the family harmony.<fn72a0> Original content can be found at f?ndnovel</fn72a0>


    "Evelyn''s in kindergarten this year, isn''t she?" Magdalen asked.


    "Yes, she''s in the second term," Eleanor replied.


    Gina chimed in suddenly, "I''ve heard there''s a great school nearby-excellent teachers and a wonderful program. Have you thought about transferring Evelyn there?"


    Eleanor tensed. Was her mother-inw trying to keep Evelyn close by? She nced atn, waiting for his reaction.


    "Yes, that would be wonderful! I''d love for Evelyn to go to school here," Serena added enthusiastically. "Ian, you should start the transfer process. Let Mom look after her."


    Realizing she couldn''t count onn to take her side, Eleanor set down her fork and replied calmly, "Mom, Evelyn''s still little. She already has friends at her current school, and moving her to a new environment might be hard on her."


    Serena shot back with a sneer, "Honestly, you just want to keep Evelyn tied to your side, don''t you? That way you can stay home guilt-free and let my brother support you."


    The incident where Eleanor had nearly drowned still left a bitter taste in Serena''s mouth, and she clearly hadn''t forgiven or forgotten.


    "Serena, that''s enough!" Magdalen interjected, defending Eleanor. "Evelyn''s grown up with her mom. She''s attached to her, and it''s better for her to stay with Ellie."


    Gina, who had been spending a lot of time with her granddaughtertely, clearly didn''t want to give up the idea. "Isn''t it true?" Serena muttered, rolling her eyes.


    "That''s enough, Serena. Eat your dinner," Gina said, shooting her daughter a warning look before turning to Evelyn with a gentle smile. "Evelyn, would you like toe live with Grandma? I could take care of you."


    Evelyn blinked, thoughtful. "What about Mommy? Would she live with us too?"


    "Mommy cane visit you anytime she wants," Gina replied with a smile.


    Eleanor''s nerves tightened. If her daughter spent too much time with the Goodwin family, forging deeper bonds, it would make fighting for custody that much harder.


    "No, I want Mommy to take me to school and pick me up. I don''t want to change schools," Evelyn dered firmly.


    Gina''s smile faded as she nced fleetingly at Eleanor. For a moment, disappointment flickered across her face.


    Eleanor felt a wave of relief. Her daughter''s clear answer was the best gift she could have asked for.


    From now on, she was determined that, in Evelyn''s heart, no one would ever be able to take her ce as Mom.

 Chapter 44

    The new school year began when Eleanor''s daughter turned seventeen.


    That morning, Eleanor dressed her daughter in the crisp, formal school uniform, then took her hand and led her downstairs. Ian was already waiting in the living room, impably dressed in a tailored suit.


    Eleanor buckled her daughter into the backseat ofn''s car, and together they drove her to the front gates of the school. After dropping her off, Eleanor turned ton and said, "I''ll walk home from here."


    As soon as she got back, Eleanor grabbed her keys and drove off again. The preparations for the new researchb had started right after the holidays, and there was a nning meeting scheduled for ten o''clock this morning.


    She headed straight to the research building at Ashford Medical University. As she stepped out of the elevator, she ran into Joel. He still had that polished, quietly handsome look. They exchanged a few words about life and work, then made their way together toward the conference room.


    Inside, Eleanor and Joel greeted Dr. Lyman, then took their seats. Once Jude Vaughn saw everyone had arrived, he stood up to kick off the meeting.


    "First, I''m thrilled to announce that ourboratory has received strong approval from the government. We''ve been designated as a key support project, and our site''s already been approved. The government will allow us to set up our experimental center in the East District''s industrial park, with a full package of subsidies."


    Jude went on, sharing more good news about passing quality inspections and approvals. Partway through, he paused to sip his tea before continuing, "Earlier, we submitted our business proposal to severalpanies. Six have given us clear responses. Given the scale of this project, we''ve had to be thorough in vetting our investors. Aside from two pharmaceuticalpanies, we''ve also been in talks with the major venture capital firm Goodwin & Co."


    Eleanor''s grip tightened on her pen. Across the table, Jude caught her eye and smiled knowingly.


    She had asked Jude in confidence to keep her marriage ton a secret for now. Other than Joel and Jude, no one else in the room knew she wasn''s wife.


    With excitement, Jude announced, "After careful vetting, we''ve secured funding from threepanies: Goodwin & Co., which will take a 60% stake, and Hyperion Pharmaceuticals and Harmony Pharma, each with 20%. We expect the initial investment to be around 30 billion dors."


    "So, Mr. Vaughn, does this mean ourb is really happening?" someone asked.<fn32d6> Newest update provided by Find[?]ovel</fn32d6>


    "Absolutely! We even have a building ready to go," Jude replied. "As long as we move quickly and the fundse through, we''llunch the project in no time."


    Joel nced at Eleanor, concern flickering in his eyes, but she seemed lost in thought.


    Frustration welled up inside her. There was no escapingn after all-he had actually invested, and not just a little, but with a controlling 60% share.


    Her chest felt tight. She took a sip of water, trying to steady herself.


    The meeting was filled with one piece of good news after another, and the excitement in the room was palpable. After everyone else had left, Jude came over to thank her personally. "Ellie, we owe it all to you. Goodwin & Co. wouldn''t be investing if it weren''t for you. You''re the real hero here."


    Eleanor was taken aback. "I didn''t talk to him about the investment."


    "You didn''t?" Jude looked genuinely surprised.


    He''d assumed that Eleanor had been the one to bring Goodwin & Co. on board.


    "I haven''t even mentioned theb to him yet," Eleanor said, shaking her head.


    Jude just smiled, let it go, and turned back to his work. Eleanor and Joel left the conference room together, heading toward the cafeteria.


    "So," Joel asked, "how does it feel, knowing your husband is now our biggest investor?"

 Chapter 45

    "I leave the investing to someone else," Eleanor said with a helpless smile.


    "He''s got a good eye for it," Joel remarked.


    Eleanor wasn''t surprised. Thinking about hown had handled business over the years, it all made sense. Ever since he took over thepany, he''d been expanding his reach nonstop, practically dominating half the investment world. Goodwin & Co. had a presence in every stable, growing industry. Ruthless, decisive, and sharp as a tack,n was the textbook definition of a business prodigy.


    Not far behind them, Gwenda looped her arm through Faye''s, casting an envious look at Eleanor. "She''s amazing. Wherever Eleanor goes, Joel''s right there with her."


    Faye''s eyes shed with disdain. "Being his friend is one thing. Being his colleague? That''s another story."


    Gwenda caught her meaning, her voice tinged with worry. "You think Eleanor''s going to slow down our research?"


    "I doubt she could even pull off the simplest experiment. I''m curious to see how long she''llst."


    Just then, Faye''s phone rang. She picked up, her voice brisk. "Hello?"


    "Is yourb about to be established?"


    "We''ll have the opening ceremony in a few days. Goodwin & Co. holds sixty percent of the shares."


    A chuckle came from the other end. "He''s always had sharp instincts."


    After a brief chat, Faye hung up. Gwenda couldn''t help but tease, "Was that your world-famous pianist sister on the phone?"


    Faye replied coolly, "That''s her."


    "Your family must have been blessed by the gods! One''s a piano prodigy, the other''s a future star in medicine. Both so impressive."


    But Faye shrugged it off. She and her half-sister were nothing alike, with entirely different ambitions.


    "Does your sister know the CEO of Goodwin & Co.?"


    "Oh, she knows him all right. He might even end up my brother-inw." As Faye entered the dining hall, her eyesnded on Joel.


    Gwenda stared at her, surprise turning into a mix of admiration and thinly veiled ttery.


    At a nearby table, Eleanor had just sat down with her lunch when Joel took the seat across from her. They picked up their conversation right where they''d left off.


    Faye thought about joining them, but her pride wouldn''t let her stoop to asking Eleanor for a seat.


    She found herself watching them, wondering what on earth they could be talking about. Why was Joel, the medical genius, so captivated by Eleanor? Surely, he only cared about topics from his own field. Eleanor hadn''t even set foot in the world of medicine-what could she possibly have to say that would interest him? But right then, Eleanor was discussing immunology with Joel. "The technology isn''t there yet, but developing nanobots that mimic immune cells is where things are headed. The idea is they could deliver targeted medication and monitor inmmation in real time. It''s a promising direction."


    Joel gazed at her, hanging on every word. "Ellie, it seems you''re making quite a mark in theb."


    "Eat your lunch before it gets cold," Eleanorughed.


    Joel nced down, realizing he''d forgotten all about his food. He chuckled, "Talking with you makes me lose track of everything else."


    At four o''clock, Eleanor pulled into her daughter''s school parking lot. She was scrolling through emails in her car when a silver Bentley slid into the space next to hers.<fn1377> For more chapters visit FindN0vel</fn1377>


    She turned her head-and found herself locking eyes with the man in the driver''s seat.


    For a moment, she waspletely caught off guard.

 Chapter 46

    "Mr. Vaughn, does your child go to school here too?" Eleanor asked, curiosity brightening her eyes.


    "I''m just here to pick up my niece," Xavier replied with a warm smile.


    At 4:20, Xavier and Eleanor entered the pickup area one after the other. They spotted Evelyn and a little girl with mixed features, hand in hand,ughing as they yed.


    "Mommy!"


    "Uncle!" Both girls dashed over, giggling. Eleanor scooped her daughter into her arms, just in time to see the other girl leap into Xavier''s embrace.


    "So you two are ssmates as well!" Eleanorughed in surprise.


    "Vivian''s my best friend," Evelyn announced, beaming.


    Eleanor smiled, too. Xavier had once saved her life-a debt she knew she''d never forget.


    Just then, Evelyn suddenly called out behind her, excitement in her voice. "Daddy! Daddy!"


    Eleanor paused, turning to seen making his way through the crowd. Evelyn raced into his arms, andn picked her up before walking over to Xavier.


    Xavier shook his head.


    "If there''s anything I can do, just say the word."


    Xavier''s gratitude flickered in his eyes. "Thanks. We''ll talk soon."


    Eleanor overheard their exchange. Watching Xavier hold his niece, she couldn''t help but wonder. Had Xavier''s sister reallymitted a crime? Was that why her daughter was now in his care?


    "Mom! Let''s go home!" Evelyn''s voice pulled her back.


    Eleanor snapped out of her thoughts and noticedn watching her. She smiled at her daughter. "Alright, let''s go."


    With a sigh and a helpless smile,n carried her over and helped her into Eleanor''s car instead.


    Eleanor chatted with Evelyn all the way home, listening to stories about school and new friends. When they arrived, Joslyn had prepared a pot of soothing chicken soup. Evelyn happily finished a full bowl before running off to y.


    Eleanor settled on the living room couch with her iPad, keeping an eye on her daughter as she yed with Princess, their golden retriever. While the two chased each other around, Eleanor took the chance to sift through her bursting inbox- nearly a hundred unread emails, most of them about the uingb project she was helping organize.


    This newboratory was her responsibility as a core member, so every detailnded in her inbox.


    She opened thetest message from Jude Vaughn-theb''s official opening was scheduled for the day after tomorrow. The guest list included several key names,n''s among them. Eleanor''s own name appeared on the official experiment roster, signed as "Eleanor S." There was no hiding her involvement here. She could only hopen wouldn''t notice.


    Later,n strode in at dusk, suit jacket draped over his arm. Princess bounded to the door, tail wagging, ready to greet him.


    He nced down at the little ball of fur, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He''d never been fond of pets, but now,ing home to this cheerful wee, he had to admit it wasn''t so bad.


    "Daddy, you''re home!" Evelyn bounced over and threw her arms around his leg, barely reaching above his knee.


    N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on findnovel</fnd493>


    He crouched to scoop her up and kissed her on the cheek. "Let me wash up first, then I''lle y ball with you."


    "Okay!" Evelyn chirped, eyes shining.


    Twenty minutester, he came down in a ck sweater, his dark hair falling naturally over his brow, looking effortlessly rxed.


    "Daddy,e y!" Evelyn called, tugging him into a ser game in the spacious living room.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor methodically worked through her emails, undisturbed by theughter around her. Since that day, something in her had quietly shifted-a new resilience blending with her calm reserve, making her all the more inscrutable.

 Chapter 47

    Several times while kicking the ball around,n''s gaze drifted unconsciously toward the sofa.


    Upstairs, Eleanor finished answering emails and didn''te back down until dinnertime.


    Joslyn''s cooking was exceptional, and Evelyn adored her creative dishes-both girls'' cheeks were looking a little rounder these days.


    After dinner, Eleanor''s phone rang. It was Jude Vaughn, calling about a paper theb was about to publish. Jude had assigned the writing to Eleanor; the paper would be presented at an academic conference and was important for boosting theb''s reputation.


    "Jude, leave it to me! I promise I''ll have it done by Friday," Eleanor replied confidently.


    "I''ve already listed you as a sophomore at Ashford Medical University and put your name under Dr. Lyman''s group. That should put any future questions about your credentials to rest."


    Eleanorughed. "Thank you, Jude."


    "No need. I''ll wait for your paper. And don''t forget the team meeting is the day after tomorrow. Make sure youe early. Everyone from theb will be there."


    "I will," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    Later, she headed downstairs ton''s room to find her daughter, when she heard the phone ringing inside. Evelyn''s voice carried through the door, "Dad, it''s Mrs. Shannon calling."


    Eleanor paused at the threshold. Ian answered, his tone gentle. "What''s wrong?"


    "Still hurting?"


    "Do you want me to take you to the hospital to get something for it?"


    "I''ll be more careful next time."


    "It''s my fault."


    Eleanor didn''t want to listen to any more. Anyone who''d been married would understand the kind of conversation she was overhearing.<fn4fbd> Follow current nov?ls on Find_Novel(.</fn4fbd>


    ...


    At nine-thirty, Eleanor called her daughter upstairs for a bath. Afterward, she brought out a picture book and began teaching Evelyn how to read some simple words.


    "Mom, I yed piano at school today. The teacher praised me."


    "I can y piano too. Maybe we should get one for the house, what do you think?" Eleanor smiled at her daughter, already knowing Vanessa had been giving her secret lessons.


    "Really? You can y too?" Evelyn''s eyes widened in surprise.


    Eleanor chuckled. "Yes, I can. I could teach you."


    "That''s amazing! My mom is the best." Evelyn squealed, hugging Eleanor''s face and nting a kiss on her cheek. Holding her daughter close, Eleanor felt a rare moment of calm and contentment.


    Once Evelyn was asleep, Eleanor quietly slipped out of bed and went to work on her paper. She closed the door softly and headed up to the third-floor study.


    Her slender fingers danced over the keyboard, and with every line theplex medical arguments grew more lucid on the glowing screen. In those moments, Eleanor exuded the quiet confidence of someone deeply immersed in her field. Sometime after midnight, a knock sounded at the door. Eleanor assumed it was Joslyn, still awake.


    But it wasn, leaning against the doorway, his voice low. "It''ste."


    Eleanor silently closed her files, shut down theputer, and stood up to leave the study.


    Without looking back, Eleanor refused. "I''m tired."


    Suddenly,n stepped swiftly down the stairs. As Eleanor reached thest step, his hand closed around her wrist. He pulled her toward his bedroom.


    A surge of resistance shed in Eleanor''s eyes. She struggled, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let go of me."


    Ignoring her protests,n all but dragged her toward the master bedroom. In a sh of anger, Eleanor bit down hard on the back of his hand.

 Chapter 48

    She already hated him to her core, and when she bit down, it was with every ounce of fury and resentment she had. The taste of blood filled her mouth


    instantly.


    Under the harsh light,n stared at the row of bloody bite marks on his hand, his handsome face turning to stone. A cold, dangerous glint flickered in his eyes.


    Still catching her breath, Eleanor leaned against her door, mind racing. She knewn had Vanessa now, but that never stopped him froming after her at home. Maybe it was some twisted thrill for him, watching two women lose themselves over him. Or maybe he was just that sick.


    Right now, only one thought burned in Eleanor''s mind.


    Get the divorce, and fast.


    The next morning, Eleanor took her daughter''s hand as they made their way downstairs. Ian was at the front door, deep in a phone call. The moment his daughter ran to him,n''s eyes softened, and he offered her a smile. But as soon as he looked up and saw Eleanor, the warmth vanished, reced with chilling indifference.


    Eleanor''s gaze fell to his hand. The bite marks fromst night were still visible- two deep rows of wounds, stark against his skin.


    After breakfast, Eleanor went out as well. She nned to pick out a piano for her daughter, hoping to teach her at home in her free time.


    Inside the piano store, Eleanor''s eyesnded on a massive poster of Vanessa.


    "Oh! You must know her," the manager said eagerly, handing Eleanor an album. "She''s world-famous-a piano prodigy, performed solo at the Montir Opera House, toured all over Europe. Her album''s a bestseller, too..."<fna0da> Discover more novels at Find[?]ovel</fna0da>


    Eleanor''s lips curled into a faint, cynical smile as she gazed at the woman in the white gown, looking pure and untouchable on the poster. Who would guess that this so-called goddess was tearing apart someone else''s family, acting so brazenly in front of another woman''s husband?


    "I''m not interested," Eleanor replied coolly.


    She let her fingers dance lightly over a few piano keys, and the manager''s eyes widened in surprise. "Oh! You''re a pianist, too?"


    After picking out a piano, Eleanor left the store just as her phone chimed with a new message. She checked it: four photos from the private investigator she''d hired.


    In the photos,n sat at dinner with Vanessa and an older man, probably in his fifties.


    "The older man is the mistress''s father," the detective wrote. "Looks like they''re meeting the family."


    "Thank you. Please keep following them," Eleanor replied.


    Vanessa couldn''t wait to take her ce as Mrs. Goodwin, could she? Fine. As long asn was willing to give her custody of their daughter, Eleanor would be more than happy to step aside.


    At four in the afternoon, Eleanor went to pick up her daughter and ran into Xavier. He''d arrived first, sitting in his car, focused on his phone with the window rolled down.


    "Mr. Vaughn." Eleanor greeted him as she parked.


    Xavier nodded politely, checked his watch, and got out of the car.


    They weren''t exactly close; the air between them was tinged with awkwardness. Gathering herself, Eleanor said, "Thank you for helping me the other day."


    "It was nothing," Xavier replied calmly.


    Eleanor pressed her lips together, searching for something else to say, but nothing came.


    "Are things between you andn all right?" Xavier asked, his tone gentle. "We''re fine," Eleanor answered with a vague smile.


    Just then, the school gates opened, and parents began filing in. Eleanor hurried


    off.


    She picked up her daughter, while another little girl, Vivian, clung to Xavier''s hand.


    Suddenly, the two girls joined hands, giggling together.


    For a second, it was an odd, almostical tableau: Eleanor holding her daughter, Xavier with Vivian, the four of them looking for all the world like a family out on an afternoon errand.


    Eleanor felt a flush creep up her cheeks. She nced at Xavier, only to find him meeting her gaze. Quickly, she turned to her daughter. "Evelyn, we need to go to the mall. Say goodbye to Vivian, okay?"


    "Uncle, I want to go too! I want to go!" Vivian piped up, her voice rising.


    Eleanor shot Xavier an apologetic look.


    "Let''s all go together," Xavier said with a shrug and an easy smile.


    "Evelyn, do you want to ride in your uncle''s car?" he asked.


    "Yes!" Evelyn chirped.


    Eleanor hesitated, then tried again. "Evelyn, we''re all going to the mall. Why don''t you ride with Mom?"


    "But I want to be with Vivian," her daughter insisted stubbornly.


    At four or five, she was already as willful as they came-once she made up her mind, there was no changing it.


    "They can ride with me," Xavier offered.


    Eleanor could only nod. "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn."


    At the mall, Evelyn and Vivian dashed straight for their favorite toy store, with Eleanor and Xavier trailing behind.


    Eleanor silently hoped her daughter would pick a toy quickly so they could head home.


    "Sir, ma''am, there''s a sofa over here if you''d like to sit and rest," the shop assistant said, her tone warmly professional.


    Eleanor blinked, realizing the assistant had mistaken her and Xavier for a couple.


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied with a polite smile, just as the two girls came over, each lugging a giant stuffed animal.


    "Mom, I want this one!" Evelyn dered.


    "Uncle, I want this one!" Vivian echoed.


    Just then, a familiar face passed by the store''s entrance and stopped in shock.


    Vanessa stared in disbelief at the scene inside: Xavier and Eleanor together? She nced at the little girl holding Evelyn''s hand-she guessed that must be the daughter of Xavier''s sister, the one recently convicted of murder.


    Vanessa''s lips curled in a sly smile as she snapped a few photos and sent them off to Serena before walking away.


    Almost immediately, Serena called.


    "Eleanor''s with Xavier? What is she ying at?" Serena demanded, her voice seething.


    "Don''t overthink it, Serena. I''m sure it was just a coincidence," Vanessa soothed.


    "Coincidence? Please. She''s clearly trying to get close to Xavier," Serena fumed, recalling how Xavier had saved Eleanor at the pool the other day. Was Eleanor falling for him?


    "Serena, are you getting jealous?"


    "As if! You really think I''d lose Xavier to a used-up divorc¨¦e? I''m single, and she''s damaged goods. Even if Xavier''s taste is questionable, there''s no way he''d go for someone like her!"

 Chapter 49

    "They say Xavier''s niece goes to the same school as Evelyn."


    "So that means she''ll run into Xavier at school all the time?" Serena asked, jealousy threading through her voice.<fn8177> For more chapters visit find?novel</fn8177>


    "If you want to see Xavier, maybe you should pick Evelyn up after ss," Vanessa suggested with a sly grin.


    "Great idea! I''ll just move in with my brother for a week and take over school runs. No way am I letting her steal the guy I''ve got my eye on," Serena dered, her tone full of yful bravado.


    "Taking advantage of others is her specialty. With a man as exceptional as Xavier, you really should keep an eye on her," Vanessa replied knowingly.


    After chatting a bit longer, Vanessa hung up feeling pleased with herself. Lately,n hadn''t brought his daughter by to visit, and the bond Vanessa had spent over two years building with Evelyn was starting to fade.


    Especially after that night when Evelyn insisted on bringing leftover cake home to share with Eleanor-Vanessa realized her subtle attempts to win Evelyn over these past years had failed.


    Evelyn had found her way back to Eleanor''s embrace.


    In the shop, Evelyn and Vivian picked out identical gifts¡ªa beautiful doll worth well over a hundred dors. As Eleanor hurried to pay, arge hand gently blocked her. "Let me."


    "No, Mr. Vaughn, I insist." Eleanor''s tone was firm.


    But Xavier had already handed over his payment code, and the clerk, ever perceptive, scanned it without hesitation.


    Eleanor felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Oh, I feel terrible making you pay."


    "As long as the girls are happy, that''s all that matters," Xavier replied, shing a gentle smile.


    They each took their child home. On the drive, Evelyn sang cheerfully from the backseat. "Mom, am I singing well?"


    "You sound wonderful! Want to guess what I bought you?"


    "What is it? Tell me, Mom!" Evelyn''s eyes shone with curiosity.


    "I got you a piano. It should be delivered in about three days."


    "Wow! I love you, Mom! You''re the best mom in the world!" Evelyn squealed, her arms wrapping tight around her plush rabbit.


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh, her heart full.


    Just then, Joslyn received a call fromn. He asked her to prepare a guest room and set an extra ce at dinner.


    Joslyn didn''t understand, but dutifully tidied up a room on the third floor. When Eleanor and Evelyn came home, Joslyn filled her in.


    "Did he say who''sing?" Eleanor asked.


    "He didn''t, but I suppose it''s a family member," Joslyn replied.


    Eleanor wondered if it might be her mother-inw moving in. Half an hourter, Serena breezed through the front door, suitcase in tow.


    Eleanor froze in surprise. So it was her.


    "Hey, sis-inw! Hope you don''t mind me moving in for a week," Serena announced before Eleanor could speak.


    "Of course not. Your room''s ready on the third floor," Eleanor replied politely.


    "Auntie!" Evelyn rushed over, clutching Princess, her stuffed bunny.


    "Evelyn, are you happy to have your aunt stay for a while?"


    "Of course!" Evelyn nodded eagerly.


    At seven,n returned home. Serena linked her arm through his, beaming. "Big brother, I''m not bothering you by staying here, am I?"


    "Not at all,"n said, slipping off his suit jacket.


    Serena immediately noticed the bite mark on the back of his hand. She grabbed his wrist, eyes widening. "What happened to your hand? Who bit you?"


    "Nothing? This is a serious bite! Who could be so heartless to bite you like that?" Serena demanded, indignant.


    Eleanor, on her way downstairs, paused mid-step, ncing at the siblings below.


    Serena looked up, caught Eleanor standing on the stairs, and instantly put two and two together. So it was her.


    "Some people just don''t know how to be grateful-or when enough is enough," Serena said, her wordsced with meaning.

 Chapter 50

    Serena figured the bite mark on her brother''s hand meant Eleanor hadn''t gotten


    her way somehow, so sheshed out like a spoiled brat-biting him as if she were some ungrateful little wolf.


    Only her brother would put up with Eleanor''s antics. Any other man would have divorced her a dozen times over by now.


    "I think that''s enough, Serena," Ian cut in with a cool warning.


    Serena huffed, clearly annoyed. "I''m just saying what everyone''s thinking."


    At dinner, Serena turned to Evelyn with a bright smile. "Hey, Evelyn, how about Aunt Serena takes you to school tomorrow morning?"


    Kids her age loved anything new, and Evelyn''s eyes lit up as she nodded eagerly. "Okay!"


    "And I''ll pick you up after school, too. Sound good?"


    "Yes!" Evelyn''s grin was wide and genuine.


    Eleanor''s fork paused halfway to her mouth. She couldn''t exactly object to Serena moving in, but now she wanted to take charge of Evelyn''s school run? That was pushing boundaries. Eleanor couldn''t help but wonder if Vanessa, who lived nearby and was close with Serena, was behind this-maybe hoping Evelyn would spend more time at her house.


    Serena suddenly looked at Eleanor. "You don''t mind, do you?"


    Eleanor met her gaze evenly. "The school run can be a lot. It''s tiring."


    "I don''t mind," Serena replied breezily.


    It wasn''t easy to outright refuse, so Eleanor just nodded. "Alright."


    The next morning, Eleanor took Evelyn downstairs, hand-in-hand. Serena was sprawled on the sofa, yawning and bleary-eyed, looking like she hadn''t slept at all. "Evelyn, let''s go! Aunt Serena''s taking you to school."


    "Serena, you look exhausted. Maybe it''s best to skip today?" Eleanor was hesitant to trust her daughter to someone so obviously sleep-deprived.


    "I''m fine, really! I slept well-promise." Serena perked up at the thought of running into Xavier; suddenly, her fatigue was the least of her concerns.


    Eleanor watched Serena scoop up Evelyn and head out, unease gnawing at her. Grabbing her own keys, she followed in her car, keeping a discreet distance. She waited by the curb, watching as Serena handed Evelyn off safely to her teacher at the school gate.


    Just then, Xavier arrived, holding his young niece''s hand. Serena''s heart skipped a beat, and she managed a bashful, "Good morning, Xavier."


    He smiled politely. "Good morning."


    He dropped off his niece and left, but Serena lingered by her car, lost in a daydream. Eleanor, watching from a distance, couldn''t help but notice the way Serena gazed after Xavier. A suspicion flickered through her mind-did Serena have a thing for Xavier? Was this sudden interest in the school run just an excuse to bump into him?


    Shaking her head, Eleanor started the car and drove toward Ashford Medical University.


    At nine, Serena met Vanessa at a cozy caf¨¦. Vanessa smirked at Serena, who was still a little dazed and dreamy. "So, did you run into Xavier this morning?" "Yeah, at the school gate," Serena admitted, unable to hide her delight.


    "Pretty soon, you''ll see him every morning and afternoon. Evelyn and his niece are friends, you know-they''ll probably have plenty of ydates."


    Serena''s eyes sparkled with anticipation, but then she remembered something and scowled. "Did you see the bite mark on my brother''s hand? Eleanor is unbelievable. My brother''s done everything for her for six years, and this is how she treats him."


    Vanessa raised her eyebrows. "Why did she bite him?"


    "My brother didn''t say, but I''m sure it''s because he wouldn''t give her something she wanted. She just lost it and bit him-like a crazy person," Serena huffed.


    Vanessa''s lips curled into a knowing smile. "Eleanor really doesn''t know how to appreciate what she has."


    "She''s always been greedy, never satisfied. One day, my brother''s going to get fed up and leave her for good."


    Vanessa shrugged. "He loves Evelyn so much, though. Maybe he''ll stay, just to keep the family together for his daughter''s sake."<fna828> Official source is f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fna828>


    "Don''t worry. His patience with Eleanor is running out," Serena said confidently.

 Chapter 51

    "Oh? Why do you say that?"


    "I stayed at their cest night. From what I saw, there''s no real affection left between them. My brother is cold and distant toward her, and she just throws tantrums and gives him the cold shoulder. A marriage like that is bound to fall apart sooner orter."


    Vanessa''s lips curled into a subtle smile. "Is that so?"


    "Vanessa, you''ve got this! From now on, you''re the only one I''ll acknowledge as my sister-inw."


    Vanessa lifted her coffee cup and said, "Why don''t you bring Evelyn over to my ce this afternoon? I bought her some treats."


    "Sure. I''ll pick her up and bring her over after school," Serena agreed with a nod.


    ...


    At the research building, Eleanor sat in her office, writing her paper, when Joel knocked on the door. "Are youing to theunch meeting tomorrow?"


    "I''ll be there, but I''d rather not be in the spotlight," Eleanor replied with a faint smile.


    Joel adjusted his sses. "I''d hate for you to miss it."


    That afternoon, Eleanor got a text from Serena: she was picking up Evelyn. With her paper unfinished, Eleanor decided to stayte and get more work done.


    By the time Eleanor hurried home, it was nearly eight. As she opened the door, Joslyn asked, "Ma''am, is Evelyn not back yet?"


    Eleanor froze. "Evelyn isn''t home?"


    "No, ma''am," Joslyn answered.


    Eleanor immediately pulled out her phone and dialed Serena.


    "Hello?"


    "Where''s Evelyn?" Eleanor demanded.


    "She''s with me. We''ll be home a littlete."


    "Serena, bring Evelyn home now." Eleanor''s tone hardened.


    "What''s the big deal? I''m just letting her y at my friend''s house."


    Just as Eleanor feared-Serena had taken her daughter to Vanessa''s. After all the effort she''d put into rebuilding her rtionship with Evelyn, she couldn''t let Vanessae between them.


    "Send me the address. I''lle pick up Evelyn myself," Eleanor said, forcing herself to remain calm.


    "We''re on our way back," Serena replied curtly and hung up.


    Eleanor sat on the sofa waiting, ignoring the dinner Joslyn had made. It was half past eight when Serena finally came through the door, holding Evelyn''s hand. Eleanor rushed over, only to notice a smear of chocte around Evelyn''s mouth. She felt her temper re. Lately, she''d spotted a cavity on Evelyn''s left mr during their nightly brushing.


    "Evelyn, let''s have dinner," Eleanor said, deciding she''d just have to make sure Evelyn brushed extra thoroughly tonight.


    "My brother''s not home yet?" Serena asked with a frown. She clearly didn''t want to spend time alone with Eleanor.


    "Mr. Walker isn''t back," Joslyn replied with a pleasant smile.


    Serena picked up her phone and calledn.


    He answered quickly, "Hello?"


    "Are you noting home for dinner,n?"


    "I''ve got a business dinner, and then I need to head back to the office for ate conference call."


    "Don''t worry about us. I''ll help Eleanor take care of Evelyn," Serena said.


    "Alright. Let your sister-inw know I''ll be staying at the office tonight."


    "Got it." Serena hung up, then shot Eleanor a smug look. "Ian''s staying at the office tonight."


    "Fine," Eleanor replied with a nod.


    Serena sprawled out on the sofa, phone in hand, and sent a text to Vanessa right


    in front of Eleanor: "My brother isn''ting home tonight-he''ll be at the office. This is your chance!"


    Vanessa replied instantly: "Perfect!"


    Serena felt a rush of satisfaction, certain that Eleanor would have a sleepless, lonely night.


    Little did she know, Eleanor couldn''t have cared less. In fact, withn gone, she''d probably sleep even better.


    The next morning, Serena-yawning but fully made up-took Evelyn out early.


    Eleanor followed behind in her car, waiting until she saw her daughter safely through the school gates before leaving.


    Today was theb''s founding ceremony, and everyone was expected to attend.


    By ten, therge conference hall on the third floor was bustling as staff prepared for the meeting.


    Dressed in a crisp new whiteb coat, Eleanor walked out into the corridor. The familiar feel of theb brought a faint smile to her face. Just then, Joel, also in a white coat, approached her. He pulled a small medal from his pocket and held it out. "Dr. Lyman asked me to give this to you. It belonged to your father."


    Eleanor''s eyes reddened. "It''s theurel pin he wore when he won that award overseas."


    Joel gently fastened it to her cor.


    Across the room, Faye approached with a stack of documents, catching sight of the scene. Jealousy shed in her eyes.


    Why did Eleanor always seem to have Joel''s attention and care?


    Eleanor looked down at the pin, sunlight from the window glinting off the gold, scattering delicate rays across her face.


    Joel was momentarily transfixed. Even after bing a mother, Eleanor still had that graceful, youthful charm. She didn''t show a hint of skin, but just looking at her face made his heart pound.


    But a warning voice in his mind reminded him not to cross the line.


    Faye watched, her fists clenched in frustration. How could a married woman like Eleanor capture Joel''s interest?


    She was convinced she outshone Eleanor in every way-looks, intelligence, family background-yet Joel had kept their rtionship strictly professional. Eleanor checked her watch. "We should head down."<fnc676> The source of th?s content is FindN0vel</fnc676>


    As she descended the stairs, guests were streaming into the auditorium: government officials, hospital administrators, investors, members of the media. The hall, which could seat over a hundred, was already filling up.


    From the ss balcony on the second floor, Eleanor spotted several empty seats


    in the front rown hadn''t arrived yet.


    Just then, a group of guests entered through the main doors. She saw Jude Vaughn heading over to greet them.


    Eleanor''s gaze fell on the figure walking besiden. Her breath caught-Vanessa was here too?

 Chapter 52

    It was indeed Vanessa-she wore a tailored navy suit and a pair of silver-rimmed sses, her look the perfect blend of poise and mature allure. Standing atn''s side, she was the picture of elegance, only adding to his presence.


    Son hadn''t spent the night at the office after all. He''d stayed at Vanessa''s ce.


    He''d clearly been bringing Vanessa to events for a while now, openly introducing her to every social circle imaginable.


    "Why is she here too?" Joel''s voice sounded at Eleanor''s side. "Are you really going to keep this marriage going?"


    Eleanor had nothing to hide from Joel. She nced at the couple, her voice firm. "I''m getting a divorce."


    Joel hesitated, then looked at her. "If you need anything, just say the word."


    She managed a grateful smile. "Not for now."


    Downstairs, the opening ceremony was about to begin. Joel said, "I''ll head down. You don''t have toe if you don''t feel like it."


    Eleanor nodded. Her gaze lingered on Vanessa andn, who were standing close, deep in conversation. Whatever Vanessa said maden smile.


    Vanessa picked up a bottle of water from the table and tried to twist the cap, then handed it ton. He took it without missing a beat, opened it for her, and Vanessa took an elegant, satisfied sip.


    It was an unmistakable disy of affection-right out in the open.


    With so many reporters present tonight,n seemed to have no intention of hiding Vanessa''s status. He was clearly making it public.


    Jude Vaughn, the host for the evening, stepped onto the stage to deliver the opening remarks. Dr. Lyman gave a speech, and Joel was the third to speak, presenting theb''s early-stage projects. The crowd responded with thunderous apuse.


    Just then, Eleanor spotted a familiar face in the audience her heart skipped. It was her father''s old friend. She couldn''t believe Mr. Archer was here.


    A surge of emotion washed over her. She decided she''d go down to speak with him. Quietly, Eleanor slipped downstairs and entered through the back.


    The seats in the back were filled with medical students eager to catch a glimpse of the event. Eleanor, dressed in her whiteb coat, blended right in with them, the air of a university student still clinging to her.


    "Dr. Kingsley is so handsome!"


    "I think the president of Goodwin & Co. is even more attractive! He has that mysterious, reserved vibe."


    "Forget it. Didn''t you see the stunning woman by his side? Only someone that beautiful could match him."


    Eleanor listened, her eyes drifting through the crowd towardn. Vanessa had metn before she had-probably abroad. No doubt, some of Vanessa''s sess was due ton paving the way for her. With so many politicians and officials present tonight, it was clear he''d brought Vanessa to help her make connections.


    Lost in thought, Eleanor barely noticed when the apuse swelled again, signaling the ceremony was drawing to a close.


    She got up and slipped out, timing it so she could catch Mr. Archer before he left. As the event ended and guests began to stand and drift into the corridors, Eleanor spotted Andy Archer. Without hesitation, she pushed her way through the crowd toward him.


    "Mr. Archer! Mr. Archer!" she called.


    Andy turned, surprised and delighted. "Ellie? You''re here too?"


    Eleanor nodded, excitement sparkling in her eyes. "Yes."


    "After your father passed, I never got a chance toe see you."<fn0e23> This update is avable on find?novel</fn0e23>


    "I should have visited you instead," she replied.


    At that moment, Dr. Lyman walked over. "Andy, did you know Ellie is part of our research team?"


    "Really? You joined the team, Ellie? That''s wonderful! Your father always said you had a gift for medicine. It''s time you carried on his work, made his legacy shine."


    "I''m sorry I didn''t get to tell you sooner, Mr. Archer," Eleanor apologized.


    "No need. Your ambition would have made your father proud," Andy said warmly. Just then, out of the corner of her eye, Eleanor saw a group approachingn and Vanessa at the center of the crowd. "Mr. Archer, I''lle visit you another time. I have to run," she said quickly.


    "Go, go!" he encouraged.


    Eleanor turned and slipped away.


    At that exact moment,n caught sight of her. He''d glimpsed a familiar profile in


    the crowd, but wasn''t sure if his eyes were ying tricks on him.


    He watched as the slim figure in a white coat vanished from view. No, he must have imagined it¡ªEleanor wouldn''t show up here, and certainly not dressed like one of the students.


    "Ian, what''s up?" Vanessa asked, curious at his distraction.


    "Nothing. Time to go," he replied.


    Just then, someone bumped into Vanessa, sending her stumbling right inton''s arms. He caught her instinctively, steadying her.


    A few steps away, Faye watched the scene unfold. Gwenda, standing beside her, sighed, "Your sister and your future brother-inw look perfect together."


    Faye''s expression was unreadable. "Ian''s still married."


    "What? Then your sister-"


    But Faye didn''t waver. She kept her eyes on Vanessa and said with conviction, "They''ll get married sooner orter."

 Chapter 53

    Gwenda''s worldview was taking a hit, but then again, in the circles of the ultra- wealthy, "worldview" was more of a suggestion than a rule. She snuck a nce atn¡ªtall, impably dressed, with striking features and an air of unshakable poise. He was, by any measure, the kind of man women would scramble to hold


    on to.


    Any woman who managed to get close to him would be a fool to let him go.


    Theunch event for the new research facility was a resounding sess, and the press rushed to cover it. By that afternoon, news of it was already sshed across the front pages of the business and current affairs sections.


    On her drive home, Eleanor received a text from Serena: she was already picking up Evelyn.


    Eleanor quickly replied, "Make sure to bring Evelyn home early."


    "Yeah, got it," Serena shot back, her response carrying a hint of annoyance.


    So Eleanor waited for them at home.


    Around five, Eleanor checked in again. Serena replied with a photo: "Evelyn''s still ying with her friend."


    As it turned out, Evelyn and Vivian had gone window shopping at the mall- undoubtedly with Xavier in tow, but Eleanor was pretty sure Vanessa wasn''t with them.


    It wasn''t until six-thirty that Serena finally walked in the door, holding Evelyn by the hand. Evelyn looked absolutely delighted, clutching a new gift in her arms.


    "Mom, look at my new present! Mr. Vaughn bought it for me!"


    Eleanor''s heart skipped a beat. Why did Xavier insist on spoiling her again?


    Serena, meanwhile, was in high spirits. ying chauffeur for her niece meant she got to see Xavier almost every day. Today, they''d even strolled through the mall together-and his niece seemed to like her, too.


    Maybe, just maybe, one of these days she''d get invited over to his ce.


    Serena was lost in her daydreams when the door behind her swung open andn walked in, looking sharp in a tailored suit.


    "Hey, you''re back! All dressed up-did you have something important today?" Serena asked, a little too eagerly.<fncb85> Original content can be found at FindN()vel</fncb85>


    "I had a meeting,"n replied.


    As he passed her, Serena caught a faint scent of perfume lingering in the air. Her eyes lit up¡ªshe knew exactly what that meant.


    So big brother had been with Vanessa. Smiling, she hurried upstairs with her phone to text Vanessa about it.


    The two women quickly caught up. Vanessa confirmed that she andn had attended a conference at Ashford Medical University. Serena, in turn, gushed about her afternoon at the mall with Xavier.


    After dinner, Evelyn beggedn to y ball with her in the yard, while Princess, their golden retriever, bounded around them in circles. Serena lounged on the sofa, chatting on her phone. Eleanor had disappeared upstairs to work on some reports.


    "Joslyn, what''s my sister-inw been up to today?" Serena called out suddenly. Joslyn, who was clearing the dining table, paused in surprise. "Mrs. Bet went out this morning, came back in the afternoon."


    "In the afternoon? What time did she get home?"


    "Nearly half past four, I think," Joslyn answered, careful not to lie-especially withn nearby.


    "Well, isn''t that nice. She sure knows how to enjoy herself," Serena said with a snort.


    Evelyn, overhearing this as she tossed the ball, stopped and turned to Serena. "Auntie, why did you say that about my mom?"


    Serena quickly covered her mouth. "Evelyn, you must''ve misheard. I wasn''t talking about your mom."


    "Hmph, I heard you," Evelyn insisted, ring at her aunt, ready to defend her mother.


    "Evelyn, I''m sorry. That wasn''t right of me to say," Serena apologized in a rush- after all, she still hoped Evelyn would help her win over Xavier.


    Then Evelyn announced, "I don''t want Auntie to take me to school tomorrow. And I don''t want you picking me up, either."


    Serena was stung. Was Eleanor behind this? Otherwise, how could her niece suddenly be so dead set against her?


    Evelyn, he needs an exnation.


    "Evelyn, how about this tomorrow Auntie will take you shopping for a new present. Don''t be mad, okay?" Serena pleaded, trying to coax her.<pn, on the other hand, didn''t intervene. He liked seeing his daughter stand up for herself.

 Chapter 54

    Serena was starting to panic. "Evelyn, Evelyn, Auntie''s sorry. Please forgive me, and tell your mom I''m sorry too, okay? I really am."


    Evelyn clearly hadn''t expected her aunt to apologize so humbly. She blinked her big eyes in surprise, then finally nodded. Serena let out a sigh of relief, but inside, all her resentment shifted to Eleanor.


    She and Eleanor had never gotten along. That day, Eleanor had tricked her and left her floundering in the water-of course she would hold a grudge. So if her niece suddenly had such a big problem with her, who else could be behind it but Eleanor, whispering in the background?<fna455> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? Find_Novel(.</fna455>


    She wished her brother would just find himself a new wife already. If Vanessa were her sister-inw, she couldn''t even imagine how much happier her days would be.


    No one noticed Eleanor standing quietly by the upstairs railing. Her gaze was calm and deep, touched by how fiercely her daughter defended her. But she was also uneasy-Serena was clearly trying to use Evelyn to get closer to Xavier, and that worried her.


    How could she trust someone who didn''t genuinely care for her daughter to drive Evelyn to and from school?


    That night, Serena called Evelyn to her room, but Evelyn refused, choosing instead to crawl into bed next to Eleanor.


    The next morning, Serena was already waiting on the living room sofa, perfectly made up as always. She beamed at Evelyn. "Evelyn, let Auntie drive you to school today!"


    "No. I want Mom to take me," Evelyn replied, clinging to her mother''s hand.


    "Oh,e on, let Auntie drive you! I love you so much," Serena coaxed, her voice syrupy sweet.


    "Dad will take you today,"n interjected as he came down the stairs.


    Only then did Evelyn let go of Eleanor''s hand and taken''s. Serena quickly grabbed her purse and followed them out the door.


    Withn driving their daughter, Eleanor could finally rx.


    At nine o''clock, Eleanor met up with Jude Vaughn''s team to visit the research facility. The government had just allocated them a sprawling, state-of-the-art site at the edge of town.


    Jude was already discussing logistics. "We''re finalizing theyout andpiling the equipment list. Oh, and tonight I''m meeting with a medical equipment supplier -I''d like you all to join me if you can, for some extra input."


    He nced around, then singled her out. "Especially you, Eleanor. I want you there."


    Eleanor nodded. "Of course. I''ll make sure to be there."


    Theb''s equipment was crucial, and she didn''t want to miss a chance to weigh


    in. Faulty instruments could easily derail important experiments.


    On the drive back into the city, Eleanor got a text fromn: he''d pick Evelyn up after school.


    She replied, "Alright. I''ll be homete tonight."


    He didn''t respond, and Eleanor figured he couldn''t be bothered to ask for details.


    She headed straight to meet up with Jude and the others.


    That evening, in a private dining room at an upscale downtown restaurant, the supplier''s team arrived-five people in all.


    "Well, our guests of honor have arrived!" A slightly chubby middle-aged man stood up and introduced his colleagues. "This is Mr. Vaughn from theb."


    After the introductions, he added, "Sorry, our Mr. Yeaton is still on his way. He''ll be here any minute."


    "No problem," Jude said with a friendly smile.


    Five minutester, an elegantly dressed older gentleman walked in. Eleanor looked up-and froze. She was certain she''d seen him before. Brow furrowed, she searched her memory, and then her eyes widened in recognition.


    She''d seen this man''s face in those photos the private investigator had sent her. But who was he?

 Chapter 55

    So, he was Vanessa''s father.


    Suddenly, everything that had puzzled Eleanor made perfect sense.


    "Sorry I''mte, let me introduce myself. I''m Rnd Yeaton, project manager at Suncrest Ltd. There was a terrible traffic jam, so I''ll take the first drink as my penalty," Rnd said, raising his ss with a sheepish smile.


    "Mr. Yeaton, no need for that, please, have a seat and eat something first. You don''t want to upset your stomach," said Jude Vaughn, quickly standing to stop him.


    Eleanor''s thoughts spun. Vanessa''sst name was Yeaton? Did that mean she wasn''t the daughter of Rnd''s wife? With Rnd''s wealth, keeping a mistress and an illegitimate daughter abroad was hardly unusual.


    Rnd clearly didn''t recognize Eleanor; when he stood up for the toast, his gaze skimmed right past her. She kept a low profile, doing her best to stay unnoticed.


    While the group ate and chatted, Eleanor quietly pulled out her phone and searched for recent news about Suncrest Ltd. Thetest headline leapt out at her -Suncrest Ltd. had been sued by three hospitals, who imed thepany''s medical equipment had serious defects.


    Eleanor nced at Rnd. He had the polished manners and easy smile of a gentleman, but when Jude Vaughn raised a critical point, Eleanor caught a fleeting glint in Rnd''s eyes-cold, calcting, the look of a man who would do anything for profit.


    "Mr. Vaughn, I assure you, we''re already in talks with several international equipment suppliers. The products we provide your hospital will be top quality, and if there are any problems, we''ll take full responsibility," Rnd promised smoothly.


    After dinner, Eleanor offered Gwenda a ride home.


    As soon as they got in the car, Gwenda''s curiosity got the better of her. "So, Eleanor, what does your husband do?"


    "He''s in business," Eleanor replied.


    "What kind of business? Don''t tell me he runs a bigpany?" Gwenda eyed Eleanor''s understated clothes, but the designer bag and watch spoke volumes.


    "Just ordinary business," Eleanor said, keeping her tone casual.


    Gwenda blinked in surprise. A man who could convince Eleanor to take a break from college in her sophomore year-was he really just running a small business?


    "Do you have kids?"


    "I have a daughter."


    Gwenda sighed, "I''m so jealous! You''ve already ticked the ''motherhood'' box at such a young age. Now you can focus on your career without worrying."


    Eleanor smiled faintly. When they reached Gwenda''s building, she pulled up to the entrance. Gwenda thanked her and hopped out.


    Eleanor headed straight home. By the time she arrived, it was already nine o''clock.


    "Wee home, ma''am," Joslyn, the housekeeper, greeted her at the door. "Mommy, Mommy!" Evelyn''s voice floated down from the stairs.<fnc095> Updates are released by find¡¤novel</fnc095>


    Changing out of her shoes, Eleanor went to greet her daughter. She''d noticed Serena''s car in the parking lot earlier, so she knew Serena hadn''t moved out yet.


    She told Evelyn to go y for a bit and retreated to her room for a shower. Afterward, she opened herptop and dug deeper into Rnd''s business dealings. It turned out Rnd owned more than one medical equipmentpany -he actually held stakes in four other businesses closely tied to the medical field. If a hospital needed equipment, Rnd could supply it all.


    Eleanorpiled the information and sent it to Joy, asking her to look into Suncrest''s legal history over the past few years.


    Joy replied with an OK emoji.


    Eleanor went looking for her daughter, but heard Evelyn''s voiceing fromn''s room. She pushed open the master bedroom door.


    Evelyn was sitting on the floor with her iPad, ying a word game, whilen watched her with a rare, gentle patience.


    "Evelyn, honey, go y outside for a bit. Mommy and Daddy need to talk,"n said softly.


    Evelyn obediently gathered her iPad and skipped out. Eleanor saw the serious look onn''s face and waited as he got up, walked over, and closed the door behind her.


    Eleanor narrowed her eyes, uncertain what wasing.


    "What have you been up totely?"n demanded.


    She met his gaze. "Do I need to file a report with you every time I leave the house?"


    "Why do you keep going to Ashford Medical University?"


    Her heart skipped a beat. He knew?


    Eleanor looked down. Six photos-all of her and Joel, together in different ces,


    at different times, wearing different clothes.


    She looked up at him. "You had me followed?"


    Eleanor let out a quiet sigh. "I reenrolled in my sophomore sses. I''ll be on campus pretty often from now on."


    Theb hadn''t been officially set up yet, so Eleanor couldn''t reveal her real ns. The university cover story would have to do for now.


    "Understood," she said, gripping the photos and turning to leave.


    "Leave the photos,"n ordered.


    She nced down at them onest time-the photographer had done a good job, capturing moments that made her and Joel look genuinely happy.


    Without a word, she shoved the photos back inton''s hand, opened the door, and walked out.<pn stared after her, his eyes icy. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he tossed the photos into the trash.

 Chapter 56

    The next afternoon, Eleanor met Joy at a bustling coffee shop. Joy handed her a stack of documents. "These are the files I dug up on Suncrest Ltd. Thepany''s been in the middle of a hugewsuit-three hospitals joined forces to sue them. Their reputation in the industry is pretty much in shambles right now."


    Eleanor took the folders and started flipping through them.


    "You still haven''t told me why you wanted me to look into Rnd," Joy said, raising an eyebrow.


    "He''s Vanessa''s father," Eleanor replied.


    "What? Vanessa has a father that rich?"


    "Well, to be precise, Vanessa''s his illegitimate daughter." Eleanor nced up and added, "Rnd''spany is ourb''s biggest supplier for equipment. I want to get a clear picture of what''s going on with his business."


    "They probably have the resources, but judging by all thesewsuits, Rnd''s definitely no saint. Cheating hospitals out of money? That''s just heartless."


    Joy gave a mockingugh. "Vanessa must have some serious pull. Ian''s investing three hundred million-probably just to throw her dad a lifeline!"


    Eleanor could see that besides helping Vanessa''s father''spany,n had his eye on a government-backed research project. He was currying favor with the state, while also supporting his lover''s family. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.


    After parting ways with Joy, Eleanor got a call from Jude Vaughn, who was checking in on her progress with the paper.


    "Jude, I''ll have it on your desk by Monday at thetest."


    "Perfect! Thanks, Eleanor. And hey, do me a favor-thank Mr. Goodwin for me, will you?"


    "Why?"


    "Ourb''s finance department just received the initial investment through hispany''s ount. A hundred million."


    "Will do." Eleanor let out a smallugh. "Jude, could you keep quiet in front of my husband about me joining theb? Just for now?"


    "You want to surprise him with your big achievementster, huh?" Jude teased.


    "That''s right. I want to catch him off guard."


    "Alright, I''ll keep your secret. Whenever you''re ready to make a ssh, I promise Mr. Goodwin will be blown away!"


    When the call ended, Eleanor checked the time. Just then, Serena''s name shed on her phone.


    "Hey, Serena," Eleanor answered.


    "It''s Friday. I''m picking Evelyn up and taking her to Mom''s for the weekend. Your husband''s already given the okay, so I just wanted to let you know."


    "Does Evelyn want to go?" Eleanor frowned.


    "She''s excited! I''m bringing Princess along too," Serena replied.


    "Alright. I''ll visit Grandma tomorrow," Eleanor said.


    After hanging up, Eleanor rubbed her temples. Even if she won custody of her daughter after the divorce, she''d never be able to prevent Evelyn from seeing the Goodwin family.


    She needed to focus on her thesis, so she grabbed a coffee to go and headed home. She told Joslyn not to disturb her and locked herself away in the third-floor study.


    By eleven that night, Eleanor finally came downstairs to take a break. Joslyn appeared on the second-floornding.


    "Ma''am, Mr. Goodwin still isn''t back. Do you want to call him?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, it''s fine. You go get some rest."


    Joslyn headed down to the staff quarters, and Eleanor took a long shower before crawling into bed with a book, hoping it would help her fall asleep. Just as she was starting to unwind, she heard the front door open downstairs. Her nerves tensed.<fn3888> For more chapters visit findnovel</fn3888>


    With Evelyn away for the night, Eleanor felt strangely exposed, as if her little protector was gone. Ifn barged into her room again, as he had before, dragging her back to his, what could she possibly do?

 Chapter 57

    Eleanor stood up briskly and locked the door behind her.


    Thankfully,n didn''te knocking on her door that night, and she finally let out a sigh of relief.


    The next morning, the piano was delivered right on schedule. Eleanor had it ced in the conservatory, adjusted the sound, and then sat down to y a piece. When she finished, Joslyn smiled and said, "Ma''am, I may not know much about music, but you y beautifully."


    Eleanor smiled back, ncing over her shoulder just asn came down the stairs. Joslyn brought breakfast to the table. "Ma''am, sir, breakfast is ready."


    Eleanor got up and headed to the dining room. Out of the blue,n asked, "Are you free at noon?"


    She didn''t answer right away, but her eyes met his, quietly questioning.


    Eleanor lowered her eyes and went on eating. She''d long since made up her mind to avoid his social engagements whenever possible¡ªif she could decline, she would; if she couldn''t, she''d find a way to slip away. She had no intention of getting involved with his circle of friends.


    Aftern left, Eleanor turned her attention back to her dissertation, gathering materials and hammering away at herptop. Around midday, she received a text from Trent, the private investigator. He''d sent over a few photos.


    Eleanor set her phone aside and, atst, typed the final sentence of her dissertation. She exhaled deeply in relief.


    After a final check, she sent the document to Jude Vaughn, along with a message: "Jude, does my name have to be published with this paper?"


    "Ellie, this is going to an international journal. It has to be your real name. Is there a problem?"


    She smiled faintly at the screen. "No problem."


    "Alright, I''ll go over it first, then have Dr. Lyman review it. If everything looks good, we''ll get it published."


    Eleanor replied, "Sounds good."


    Later that evening, around nine, Joslyn took a call and came upstairs. "Ma''am, I need to head home for something tonight. I''ll be back first thing in the morning."


    Eleanor nodded. "Of course. Be careful on your way."


    She heard Joslyn''s car pull out of the drive. Alone in the house, Eleanor took a long, hot shower, then changed intofortable pajamas and curled up with a book on the bedroom sofa. Whenever she could steal a moment, she''d lose herself in her books-she loved anything on medicine, always hungry for knowledge.


    By eleven, she was in bed with her book hugged to her chest, drifting off to sleep. Half-asleep, she thought she heard a car pull up outside. Ian, maybe? But she was too tired to care.


    Suddenly, her bedroom door swung open. Eleanor jolted upright, heart racing. In the doorway, silhouetted by the hall light, stood a tall, broad-shouldered figure.


    Her mind snapped to the fact that Joslyn was gone, her daughter wasn''t home, and she''d forgotten to lock her door. Ian stood there like a dangerous wolf at the threshold, and panic shot through her.<fna0b9> Official source is find?novel</fna0b9>


    She caught the faint scent of whiskey in the air.


    "Still awake? Waiting for me?" His low voice carried a teasing edge.


    "I was just about to sleep. Go back to your room," Eleanor said, clutching the nket to her chest. She couldn''t help but suspect Joslyn''s sudden departure had been orchestrated by him.


    "I''m staying in your room tonight." Ian stepped in as if it was the most natural thing in the world, tossing his suit jacket onto the sofa and unbuttoning his shirt.


    "Ian, go back to your own room."


    He spoke in a deep, measured voice. "It''s the twenty-sixth."


    Once a month, four nights-nights she had once begged him for, through tears.


    He hadn''t forgotten, and he meant to keep his word.

 Chapter 58

    Eleanor choked up for a second, her throat tight. Ian was already undoing the buttons of his shirt, baring his torso to the dim light.


    Even in the shadows, the sculpted lines of his muscles were impossible to miss- broad shoulders, a narrow waist, the kind of physique that seemed almost unreal.


    A rising urge to escape bubbled up inside her. Her mind was already racing through a dozen ns for how she could get away.


    But withn standing right by the door, any attempt to run would only end with him dragging her straight back to the bed.


    Right now, all she felt toward this man was hatred-love was long gone.


    "I''m not feeling well tonight. Go back to your own room," she said coldly, her voice t.


    In the half-light,n suddenly stepped forward. Eleanor''s heart leapt; she could smell his cologne drifting closer. She shoved him hard. "Ian, get off me! Let me go!"


    But her strength was no match for his. In a sh, he had her wrists pinned above her head. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she sobbed, "You bastard, get away from me... Don''t touch me. Don''t touch me."


    She truly, deeply hated him.


    Eleanor curled in on herself, trembling and sobbing like a frightened animal cornered by a predator.


    In the darkness, the calm inn''s eyes twisted into something stormy and unsettled¡ªa surge of emotion he tamped down before it could break free. Atst, he straightened, gathering himself like a wounded beast hiding its ws, and walked out.


    A few momentster, she heard the sound of his fist mming into the hallway wall outside her door, the noise painfully loud even through the wood.


    Eleanor sat up, wiped her tears away, and gradually her expression settled into calm.


    She''d dodged disaster one more time.


    But she couldn''t keep living like this, tense and fearful every day. She needed to get out¡ªshe needed a divorce, and soon.


    ***


    Over the weekend, Eleanor stayed with the Goodwin family to be with her daughter. Ian was nowhere to be seen. When Gina called him that evening, he said he was out meeting with clients.


    It wasn''t untilte Sunday night that Eleanor, watching TV with her daughter, sawn finallye home, suit jacket slung over his arm.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, having missed him over the past two days.


    "I did!"


    "I missed you too, sweetheart," he said, kissing her on the forehead.


    "Mom, Daddy''s home," Evelyn called, turning to Eleanor.


    "I know," Eleanor replied, forcing a smile.


    That night, Evelyn keptn busy in his room for ages. Eleanory in bed waiting until nearly eleven, but he still hadn''t brought their daughter back. She finally threw off the covers and got up-Evelyn had school in the morning, she couldn''t be up thiste.


    She walked quietly ton''s room and gently turned the handle. Inside, only a single wallmp was on, casting a soft glow. Eleanor walked to the bed and found both father and daughter fast asleep.


    ***


    The next morning, after dropping Evelyn at school, Eleanor headed straight for Ashford Medical University.


    Jude Vaughn was handing out name badges to the team. He brought one over to her. "Here you go, Ellie. This one''s yours."


    "Thanks, Jude," she said, taking it.


    Her badge read: Eleanor, Senior Laboratory Technician. She''d been assigned to Joel''s team.


    Joel''s group consisted of Eleanor, Faye, and Tanner, each with an assistant.


    In the restroom, Eleanor had just stepped into a stall when she heard footsteps


    and voices outside. Faye''s voice rang out, "Have someone clean theb tomorrow. I want it spotless."


    "Of course! It''s such an honor to learn from you, Faye." Another, more sycophantic voice chimed in. Then, "Oh, and Faye, you''d better be careful when you''re working in there!"


    "Careful of what?" Faye asked.


    "Careful of Eleanor. I''m just worried she''ll try to steal your credit, or worse-your research. She didn''t even graduate from college, and now she''s a senior technician? I actually have a real degree!"


    Faye''s tone was dismissive. "If you have real ability, no one can take that away from you. Besides, I warned her not to join theb. She didn''t listen. If she embarrasses herself, that''s her problem."


    "You''re right, Faye. Someone as brilliant as you-she could neverpete."


    Inside the stall, Eleanor let a faint, ironic smile tug at her lips. She didn''t step out until their voices had faded down the hall.


    Back in theb, Joel called her and Faye in for a meeting. A doctor from the infectious disease center briefed them on a recent outbreak-a new spherical virus, RT303, was spreading rapidly in Ashford City. Patients with pre-existing conditions were suddenly crashing into severe illness, and eight deaths had already been reported.


    Eleanor flipped through theb''s analysis. She''d already begun ns for research targeting this kind of virus. It was a nasty strain, originally from abroad, and while some drugs on the market could suppress it, their effectiveness was limited.


    "I''ve seen cases like this before," Faye said confidently. "I''m sure I can find the right drug in record time."


    "That''s fantastic," the doctor replied. "We''re desperate for something effective¡ª every hospital in the city is waiting for treatment options."


    Eleanor spoke up. "I have a proposal as well. I think it could work."


    Faye''s lips curled into a mocking smile. "Eleanor, you should be careful what you say. Wishful thinking doesn''t cure diseases."


    Joel cut in. "Faye, what we need now are as many ideas as possible. You and Eleanor can each pursue your own approaches-when you have results, we''ll discuss them together."


    As the meeting ended, Joel walked alongside Eleanor. "Ellie, do you really think you can develop something new?"<fndbc8> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on Find?Novel</fndbc8>

 Chapter 59

    "I''m confident," Eleanor replied, her eyes lighting up with certainty.


    "Good. If you need any help, just let me know."


    As they rounded the corner, Tanner trailed after Faye, trying to keep up with her brisk pace. "Faye, don''t be upset. There''s no way Eleanor could outdo you-l really believe your approach is the best."


    Tanner had been pursuing Faye since college, but her pride had always kept him at arm''s length. Joining theb this time was just another attempt to get closer to her, to win her over.


    Faye stopped and shed him a quick smile. "Alright, then help me out. This time, I want to show her what real skill looks like."


    Inside theb, Eleanor pulled on her mask and carefully retrieved samples from the chilled storage, immediately immersing herself in the research. Her assistant, Darcy, stood by, helping wherever needed.


    Eleanor moved deftly between instruments, recording each batch of data with practiced ease. Darcy, who had been quietly worrying about his future since joining Eleanor''s team, couldn''t help but be impressed. Watching her work, seeing the uracy with which she observed and logged the virus samples, he felt a flicker of hope.


    By carefully managing her time, Eleanor finished testing all the samples before four o''clock. She turned to Darcy. "Darcy, can you contact the supplier for me? I need ten pounds of sweetgrass with roots attached delivered by ten tomorrow morning."


    "Understood. I''ll call right away."


    Eleanor checked the clock, shrugged off herb coat, and hung it on the rack. "I''m heading out for the day. You can finish up and leave before five."


    By four-thirty, Eleanor hurried-slightly out of breath-to her daughter''s school. She spotted Xavier sitting with her daughter, Evelyn, and his niece, Vivian. Relief washed over her as she approached. "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn, for keeping Evelynpany."


    "I noticed Serena''s been picking her up thest few days."


    Eleanor smiled. "Yes, but it''s my turn today."


    The two girls yed together until five, when it was finally time to leave. Before parting, Eleanor asked Xavier for his phone number, and he handed it over without hesitation.


    Back home, Evelyn bounced into the house, grinning from ear to ear. "Mom, can I invite Vivian over to y this Sunday?"


    Eleanor considered for a moment, then nodded. "Of course you can."<fn95d6> This content belongs to Find?Novel</fn95d6>


    "So it''s settled! I''ll invite Vivian this weekend."


    "But first, we need to check if Mr. Vaughn is okay with it," Eleanor reminded her with augh.


    "He''ll definitely say yes!" Evelyn dered, brimming with confidence.


    Eleanor thought it was a good idea; her daughter''s weekends were getting a bit monotonous, and having a friend over would do her good.


    During dinner,n messaged to say he''d be away on business for a week. Eleanor replied simply, "Got it."


    She had no interest inn''spany affairs or his travel ns. Whether he was really on a business trip or off somewhere with Vanessa, Eleanor didn''t care.


    At eleven that night, Detective Trent sent her a message: "Mrs. Goodwin, your husband just left for the airport. He''s traveling abroad with his lover."


    Four photos followed. Ian was wheeling his suitcase, while Vanessa''s assistant pushed a matching one beside him-clearly prepared for an overseas trip. In thest picture, Vanessa looked up atn,ughing at something he said, and he smiled back, clearly in good spirits.


    The next morning, after dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor headed straight to theb. In the hallway, she caught sight of Faye, who was moving briskly with her own assistant¡ªclearly focused on her experiment.

 Chapter 60

    "I''m warning you for your own good, Eleanor. This is a ce for saving lives, not for unting your family name. I respect your father, I truly do-but you''re not him." Faye''s crimson lips curled into a mocking smile.


    Eleanor just gave a small, polite smile. "Thanks for the reminder."


    "We''ll see about that, won''t we? Let''s find out whoes up with the new drug first-me, or you." With that, Faye tossed her head and strutted away.


    Eleanor headed straight to theb, eager to lose herself in her work. She picked up the newly delivered wild herb roots and began extracting their juice with practiced hands.


    Two years ago, Eleanor had cultivated a set of research samples in theb. Ultimately, she managed to iste a vonoidpound from the roots-one that could destroy this type of spherical virus quickly and effectively, with almost no side effects on the human body. It was, so far, the fastest-acting and most promising treatment avable.


    Now, with this virus popping up in the country-albeit still in limited outbreaks¨D Eleanor knew how quickly these strains could mutate. If they didn''t act fast to contain it, a full-blown epidemic could be just around the corner.


    She was determined to stop it before it spread.<fn54a5> The rightful source is Find[?]ovel</fn54a5>


    Three days slipped by in a blur. Eleanor bnced picking up her daughter right on time each afternoon with tireless hours in theb. On the fourth morning, she watched through the microscope as a droplet of her purified extractnded on a writhing cluster of virus cells. Within seconds, the entire colony copsed-dead. Eleanor exhaled slowly, relief flickering in her eyes. She turned to her assistant. "Darcy, could you ask Dr. Kingsley toe here?"


    Joel arrived promptly. After reviewing Eleanor''s results, he looked up at her, astonished and delighted. "Ellie, you''re a medical genius."


    Eleanor let out a softugh. "Joel, my research is finished. The rest is up to you." "Great. We''ll contact the pharmaceuticalpany right away and get this into production. The sooner we reach clinical trials, the better."


    That afternoon, in the conference room, Joel formally presented Eleanor''s breakthrough. The moment the results were announced, Faye''s face went ashen. She mmed her hand on the table. "Impossible. There''s no way a drug could work that fast! My best attempt only managed to kill fifty percent of the viral cells."


    Tanner crossed his arms and leveled his gaze at Eleanor. "Eleanor, be honest. Where did you steal this data from? If this drug goes to market, we can''t risk getting sued for someone else''s work."


    Eleanor''s eyes were calm and unwavering. "This is my own research. I haven''t stolen anything from anyone."


    Faye pressed on, refusing to give up. "That herb you used ispletely ordinary. How on earth did you even think to try it?"


    "Read more," Eleanor replied coolly. "You''d be surprised what you find."


    Joel''s expression turned serious as he addressed the room. "Faye, envy won''t get you anywhere. Eleanor''s experiments and procedures are sound, and her results are absolutely reliable. Your research is valuable, too, but that doesn''t mean you can discredit Eleanor''s work."


    Faye fell silent, though her clenched fists betrayed her frustration. Why was Eleanor always so lucky? Finding an herb that could kill a new virus was like finding a needle in a haystack-nigh impossible.


    When the meeting ended, Faye stormed back to her ownb and immediately


    tried to replicate Eleanor''s process. But when she peered into the microscope and saw the result for herself, she slumped back into her chair, stunned.


    How could this be? How could Eleanor be this good?

 Chapter 61

    Eleanor hurried through the school corridors, but no matter how quickly she moved, she still arrived ten minuteste. When she finally reached the entrance, she caught sight of Xavier''s tall,posed figure standing beside two little girls.


    She approached, slightly out of breath and apologetic. "I''m so sorry, Mr. Vaughn. I''mte again."


    Xavier looked at her, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Busy week, Mrs. Goodwin?" Eleanor nodded. "Yes, I''ve been teaching sses at Ashford Medical University." He looked genuinely surprised. "Vivian wants to spend part of the day at your ce tomorrow. Would that be alright?"


    "Of course!" Eleanor replied quickly. "I''ll be home all day. You can drop her off early, I''ll make sure she''s well looked after."


    Xavier''s lips curved into a gentle smile. "Thank you, I appreciate it."<fn61c8> Discover more novels at F?nd-Novel</fn61c8>


    "It''s no trouble," Eleanor said with a warm grin.


    Around eleven o''clock the next day, Xavier brought Vivian over. As soon as he''d said goodbye, Vivian and Evelyn dashed upstairs to the yroom, with Eleanor following close behind to keep an eye on them.


    The two girls, so close in age, became fast friends-giggling and ying together as if they''d known each other all their lives. Time slipped by, and before they knew it, it was already four in the afternoon. When Xavier returned to pick up Vivian, neither girl wanted to part.


    "I don''t want Vivian to go!" Evelyn clung to her friend''s hand, her voice trembling.


    Vivian and Evelyn hugged each other tightly. Xavier gently lifted Vivian into his arms, while Eleanor scooped up her own daughter. In the midst of all themotion, Xavier''s hand brushed against Eleanor''s.


    As Eleanor soothed Evelyn in a quiet, gentle voice, a stray lock of hair slipped from her forehead, falling softly across her cheek. From where Xavier stood, he could see the graceful curve of her brow, the delicate slope of her nose, her vivid red lips, and her porcin skin.


    Her dark hair spilled loosely around her shoulders, framing her face with a natural, effortless beauty that held a quiet, ssic elegance.


    In the end, it took Xavier''s promise to buy them new toys the next day to finally coax the girls apart. Evelyn, teary-eyed, watched Vivian leave, then buried herself in Eleanor''s arms forfort.


    That weekend, Magdalen called, inviting Eleanor and Evelyn over for lunch. Serena was off traveling with friends, so the house was unusually quiet.


    On Monday, Eleanor received an email from Joel: the nationwide outbreak was worsening, and the new medication Eleanor had been developing was being fast- tracked for clinical trials. If all went well, it would be ready for production within two weeks.


    Later that evening,n sent Eleanor a message he needed to dy his return by a few more days.


    Throughout the week, whenever Eleanor couldn''t make it to school in time, Xavier would help by watching Evelyn at the yground. She was deeply grateful for his support.


    With the pressure mounting in herb, Eleanor''s schedule had be unpredictable. Having Xavier''s help meant she no longer had to worry quite so much.


    On Wednesday, during a meeting chaired by Dr. Lyman himself, Eleanor received high praise and formal recognition: in just two weeks since theb''s founding, she had developed a new medication that was already on the verge of approval for the market.


    "We''ll be publishing this research in a leading international journal," Dr. Lyman dered. "This new medication could save countless lives."


    Faye tried to keep her expression neutral, but jealousy smoldered in her eyes. In this round of drug trials, Eleanor hadpletely outshone her.


    The next few days were a blur of meetings, and Eleanor''s breakthrough sent ripples throughout the medicalmunity. Her name quickly became known among her peers, and when people learned she was Elliot''s daughter, their respect for her only deepened.

 Chapter 62

    On a transantic flight from Montir back home.


    First ss.


    She recognized him instantly-his reputation preceded him-and made sure every detail of her service was perfect.


    The flight attendant couldn''t help but steal a nce at the woman beside him: the renowned concert pianist, Vanessa. At the moment, Vanessa was fast asleep, an eye mask on and a nket pulled up to her shoulders.


    When he finished, a glimmer of admiration flickered in his deep-set eyes. The article was brilliant-enough to reinforce his convictions about where to invest next.


    He nced at the author''s name, and his eyes narrowed slightly.


    Eleanor S.


    Despite sharing the same name as his wife, he couldn''t imagine she''d be the one behind such a groundbreaking medical article.


    ...


    At the airport, Trent had been lurking for nearly ten days, waiting forn and Vanessa''s return. Finally, his patience paid off. He found a good vantage point and discreetly began snapping photos with his phone.<fn22dd> Discover more novels at find{n}ovel</fn22dd>


    Suddenly, a hurried male passenger nearly collided with Vanessa. Anticipating the move,n reached out, pulling Vanessa protectively into his arms.


    Vanessa looked up at him and smiled sweetly, exuding the content glow of someone just back from a pleasant journey.


    Then, as if remembering something,n paused, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a surgical mask. He carefully slipped it over Vanessa''s face himself. Vanessa''s eyes sparkled with happiness above the mask.


    To anyone watching, the scene radiated the effortless intimacy of a couple in love: a handsome, attentive man shielding his girlfriend from the world, making sure she was protected-even though he didn''t wear a mask himself, her safety came first.


    Few gestures could be more caring.


    Trent captured every moment, sending the batch of photos directly to Eleanor.


    She scrolled through them, herposure unshaken. The moren doted on Vanessa, the more eager he''d be to cut ties when it came time for divorce- ultimately, that could only work in her favor.


    With hospitals around the country overflowing, Eleanor''s new medication had been fast-tracked and hit the market sooner than expected. Reports from two hospitals where the drug was being trialed were promising: six severely ill patients had already been transferred from intensive care to regr wards, and the clinical results were remarkable.


    "Ellie, get ready. There''s a news crewing next week-they''ll probably want to interview you," Joel called out to her.


    Eleanor looked up at Joel, her eyes clear and luminous. She smiled. "Okay, I''ll be ready."


    "Not nning to keep it secret from him anymore?" Joel teased, reading her thoughts.


    "It''s time I ended this marriage," Eleanor replied calmly.


    She''d already won back her daughter''s affection. Now, it was time to prepare for divorce.

 Chapter 63

    Evening settled over the city.


    Eleanor was curled up on the couch with her daughter, watching television, when the front door swung open around seven. Ian strode in, the weight of the day still clinging to his shoulders.


    "Daddy! Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, racing across the living room and nearly tackling his leg in a tight embrace.


    "Hey, sweetheart."n crouched down, pulling his daughter into his arms as if he hadn''t seen her in ages. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, lingering for a moment.


    "Daddy, why were you gone so long? I missed you so much," Evelyn pouted, her little lips pushed out in mockint.


    "I had some important things to take care of,"n replied, ruffling her hair and stealing another kiss.


    "Daddy, you''ve been away forever. You should hug Mommy too!" Evelyn announced, eyes bright with the certainty of her idea.


    She was sure her mother missed her father just as much as she did. If Daddy hugged Mommy, she thought, Mommy would definitely be happy.


    Eleanor, catching her daughter''s suggestion, sprang up from the sofa. "Evelyn, let me get you some fruit," she offered, her voice just a touch too brisk.


    Eleanor busied herself in the kitchen, slicing fruit and listening as Evelyn pepperedn with questions about gifts and souvenirs. When she brought the fruit out, Evelyn was still clinging to her father, insisting he must have brought her something from his trip. Eleanor slipped quietly upstairs, unnoticed.


    Lately, her attention had been consumed by news from around the world about the RT303 virus. The research from herb had just been published in a leading international journal¡ªa small victory, but she felt little satisfaction.


    At ten, Eleanor knocked gently onn''s door. Evelyn was still wide awake, ying with her father. "Evelyn, time for bed," Eleanor called softly.


    "Mommy, can''t we sleep with Daddy tonight?" Evelyn pleaded.


    "Daddy just got home from his trip, honey. He''s probably exhausted. Let''s let him rest, okay?" Eleanor reasoned.


    Evelyn was more understanding these days. After a moment''s pause, she nodded. "Okay, Mommy."


    Eleanor took her daughter''s hand and led her away, leavingn alone in the room. As the door clicked shut, a trace of frustration flickered inn''s eyes, his entire demeanor radiating a cold intensity.


    On her way back to her bedroom, Eleanor''s gaze fell on the dent in the wall next to her door-a fist-shaped impression, stark and unyielding. It was a silent reminder of how dangerous this marriage could be, and just how ruthlessn was when pushed.


    Friday arrived in the blink of an eye. At three in the afternoon, Eleanor received a message fromn: his mother would be picking Evelyn up from school and taking her to Goodwin Manor for dinner.


    It had been almost two weeks since Evelynst visited her grandmother. Eleanor figured it was good for the old woman to have some time with her granddaughter.


    She messaged Evelyn''s teacher to let her know about the change in pickup ns. At four, her phone buzzed with a call from Jude Vaughn. "I''ve got somewhere to take you tonight," he said, amusementcing his voice.


    Eleanor asked where they were going. Jude only chuckled mysteriously, refusing to give anything away.


    With Evelyn spending the evening at her grandmother''s, Eleanor suddenly found herself with a free night.


    At five-thirty, she slid into Jude''s car. "Ellie, let''s grab dinner first," he suggested. "We''ll head over around seven-thirty."<fne2ba> This content belongs to Find[?]ovel</fne2ba>


    They ate at a chic bistro in a bustling shopping center, talking shop asughter and lively conversation filled the air around them. Time slipped away, and before Eleanor realized it, they were pulling into the parking lot of a hotel just as the sky deepened into dusk.


    Jude stepped out and gave her a once-over, a mischievous glint in his eye. Eleanor grinned. "Come on, Jude, just tell me who am I about to meet?"


    "You''ll see soon enough," he teased, refusing to drop the act.


    She shook her head, amused but trusting him. Jude wouldn''t lead her astray, so she followed him through the hotel''s grand lobby.


    They rode the elevator to the sixth floor, stopping in front of the doors to a grand ballroom. Jude handed over an invitation at the entrance.


    Eleanor''s jaw dropped in surprise¡ªhe''d brought her to a formal event?

 Chapter 64

    Just then, Jude Vaughn''s phone rang. He nced at the screen and, his expression turning serious, said, "Ellie, go on inside. I need to take this call."


    With that, Jude stepped out of the ballroom, leaving Eleanor at the entrance. She couldn''t help but smile wryly, taking in the scene before her. The guests tonight were all dressed to the nines-tailored suits, elegant dresses¡ªeach one exuding an air of status and privilege. Clearly, this was no ordinary gathering.


    A young waiter approached with a polite smile. "Miss, can I get you something to drink?"


    Eleanor picked up a ss of juice from the tray, returning his smile. "Thank you."


    She took a sip and let her eyes wander across the crowd. Suddenly, her chest tightened. There, in the center of the room, she spottedn.


    He was deep in conversation with an older gentleman, listening intently, then responding with a graceful smile and a slight tilt of his head.


    In that moment, everything clicked. So this was why Jude had been so secretive all evening¡ªhe''d brought her here to seen.


    Just then, a striking woman glided through the crowd, instantly drawing the attention of every man in the room. It was Vanessa. With effortless poise, she joinedn, a ss of red wine in hand, and began chatting amiably with the older man, herughter soft and melodic.


    Eleanor''s breath caught. A sudden urge to leave surged inside her.


    Beside her, two male guests were openly staring at Vanessa,pletely entranced. One of them let out a low whistle. "Now that''s what I call a rare beauty elegant, mysterious, a real wild rose. She''s something else."


    "Forget it," the other one replied. "None of us stand a chance tonight. Didn''t you see? She''s withn. We''re just here to admire from afar."


    "Still, you have to admit,n''s got an insane eye for investments-and for women, too."


    "Would a woman like that ever settle for a guy without his kind of money?" the first man scoffed.


    As they spoke, their eyes drifted around andnded on Eleanor. For a split second, they looked stunned.


    Huh. There was a beautiful woman standing right next to them, quiet but striking in her own right. Under the lights, she looked like a magnolia in full bloom-subtle, graceful, with an air of quiet mystery.


    One of the men swaggered over, trying his luck. "Hey, miss, are you here alone?"


    Eleanor gave a faint smile. "No, I''m not."


    "Come on, let me add you on Instagram," he pressed, clearly intrigued.


    "Sorry, that''s not really convenient," Eleanor replied, turning him down.<fn1699> ?????? ???? f¦É?dn¦Ïvel</fn1699>


    He immediately frowned, a little put out. "Wow, ying it cold, huh? You can''t even make a new friend?"


    Eleanor took a few steps away, but he followed, undeterred. "Hey, you don''t have to be like that!"


    She turned to leave, but at that moment, a nervous waiter hurried by with a tray of sses. They collided, and the sses tumbled to the floor with a sharp crash.


    "I''m so sorry, miss!" The waiter, clearly new and flustered, apologized hastily, panic written all over his face.


    Eleanor quickly reassured him. "It''s alright, it was my fault."


    Her voice drew the attention of the nearby guests. Ian and Vanessa both nced over. Ian''s eyes narrowed as he watched Eleanor speaking quietly to the waiter. Vanessa looked startled.


    Eleanor? What on earth was she doing here?

 Chapter 65

    Tonight marked the anniversary celebration of her father''spany-a glittering affair, and Eleanor hadn''t even made it onto the guest list.


    As a waiter crouched to collect the shards of a broken ss, Eleanor leaned down with genuine concern. "Careful you don''t want to cut yourself."


    The young man''s anxious face softened, touched by her kindness. At that moment, other staff hurried over to help. Eleanor straightened up, only to seen making his way through the crowd toward her.


    Behind him, Vanessa lingered, swirling a ss of red wine. Her expression was frosty, tinged with a hint of smug amusement, as if she was waiting for a show.


    What, did Eleanor actually follown to this party? Honestly, the lengths she''d go to just to get his attention were almost impressive.


    The moment Eleanor spottedn approaching, she set her ss of juice down on a passing tray and turned to leave. She hadn''t made it three steps beforen caught her by the wrist.


    "What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone even but unmistakably cool.


    She tried to pull her hand free, her voice quiet but steady. "Let me go."<fn2667> This content belongs to find?novel</fn2667>


    "If you needed something, you could''ve just called." His words carried an unspoken usation¡ªshe shouldn''t havee here.


    Eleanor turned to face him, meeting his gaze head-on. "I''m here with friends. I won''t bother you. Go enjoy yourself."


    "If you need to talk, let''s do it at home. Gavin''s downstairs-I''ll have her take you back,"n replied, clearly trying to usher her out.


    Thest thing he needed was his wife and mistress crossing paths at a society event. If Eleanor decided to make a scene, it would do serious damage to his reputation among these people.


    Eleanor was just about to make her exit when Vanessa''s gentle voice drifted over. "n, since Miss Sutton is here, why not let her enjoy the party?"


    Vanessa had deliberately avoided calling her Mrs. Goodwin, making sure no one realized Eleanor was actuallyn''s wife.


    Eleanor couldn''t be bothered with Vanessa''s little games. She scanned the crowd, looking for a familiar face-Jude Vaughn.


    Before she could find him, the middle-aged man who''d been trying to chat her up earlier sidled over, holding out a business card. "Miss, how about exchanging numbers? Maybe we could grab a coffee sometime."


    Annoyed but not wanting to cause a scene, Eleanor took the card and mustered a polite smile. "Sure, I''ll be in touch."


    Finally, Eleanor spotted Jude Vaughn deep in conversation with another guest. She walked over, calling softly, "Jude."


    He turned, relief lighting up his face. "Ellie! I was just looking for you."


    He leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Ellie, do you think you could introduce me to your husband?"


    Eleanor blinked, half exasperated, half amused. "Jude, you dragged me here just to say hello to him?"


    Jude was a bit of an academic and hopeless at these kinds of social events. He''d heardn would be here tonight and figured that with Mrs. Goodwin herself making the introductions, it would be much easier to get acquainted with thepany''s biggest investor.


    He offered an apologetic smile. "I know, I know¡ªbut your husband is intimidating.


    With you vouching for me, I''ll have a much better chance, don''t you think?"


    Eleanor made a mental note to ask more questions before agreeing to


    apany Jude to any future parties.


    "Ellie, I''m begging you. I''m hopeless at this sort of thing," Jude pleaded, his eyes


    earnest. "Would you mind helping me out, just this once?"

 Chapter 66

    Lately, Jude Vaughn had been run ragged trying to set up the new researchb- she was visibly thinner from the stress. She nodded and said, "Alright, I''ll take you over."


    After speaking, Eleanor turned back towardn, then led Jude toward him.


    "Jude, whose party is this, anyway?" Eleanor asked, curiositycing her words.


    "It''s Suncrest Ltd.''s tenth anniversary celebration," Jude replied.


    Eleanor clenched her fist in silent exasperation. Jude, why didn''t you tell me sooner?


    Eleanor stopped in front ofn and, her expression unreadable, gave a brief introduction. "Jude, if you have something to say, just talk to him directly."<fnfb4b> This text is hosted at find¡¤novel</fnfb4b>


    Jude blinked in surprise, then quicklyposed herself and offered her hand with


    a warm smile. "Mr. Goodwin, it''s a pleasure to meet you."


    "On behalf of the entire research team, thank you for your generous support. Without your investment, ourb wouldn''t havee together on schedule," Jude said earnestly.


    "You''re too kind,"n replied, still smiling.


    "Allow me to toast you." Jude reached for a ss of red wine from a passing server''s tray and handed another ss to Eleanor. "Ellie,e on, let''s raise a ss together."


    Eleanor epted the wine, raising her ss in a half-hearted toast without so much as ncing at the elegant, maic man standing before her.


    "Mr. Goodwin, we''d love to have you visit theb sometime. If you have any suggestions, please don''t hesitate to share them. We''re eager to listen," Jude continued, her enthusiasm infectious.


    "I''ll be sure to stop by when I get the chance,"n replied, a subtle smile ying on his lips.


    "Ellie, enjoy your evening with Mr. Goodwin. I need to catch up with Mr. Yeaton about some equipment matters." Jude gave Eleanor a meaningful look before slipping away.


    Not far off, a pair of watchful eyes lingered on their group. Vanessa sipped her wine, brooding. Among other men, she always maintained an air of aloof, untouchable elegance-like something out of reach, like the moon''s cool glow. But when her gaze fell onn, that icy reserve melted into something softer, almost tender.


    She overheard two men chatting beside her.


    "With Miss Shannon and Mr. Goodwin on such good terms, Suncrest Ltd. is basically back from the dead. They''ll have no shortage of projects now."


    "I heard Goodwin & Co. poured three billion into thatb, and Suncrest Ltd. is handling all the medical equipment."


    "The Yeatons just hit the jackpot. Thatb is a major government-backed project. With Goodwin & Co. backing them, they''re set for life."


    Vanessa smiled, the corners of her mouth curling up as she listened.


    Back with Eleanor, as soon as Jude disappeared into the crowd, she was ready to leave. She turned on her heel to go, butn''s voice stopped her. "I''ll have Gavin drive you home."


    In other words, he wasn''t nning on leaving with her.


    "That''s not necessary. I can manage on my own," Eleanor replied, not bothering to hide her indifference.<pn looked as if he was about to say something else, but Vanessa stepped forward just then. "Ian, Mr. Brown''s heading out. Do you want to see him off?"

 Chapter 67

    Not wanting to disturb Jude Vaughn, who was still busy, Eleanor quietly made her way to the elevator lobby. Behind her,n and Vanessa were escorting Mr. Brown as well.


    Eleanor stepped aside to let them pass. Mr. Brown smiled atn and said, n, theb project is a top priority for us. I trust you''ll handle it well."


    "You can count on me, sir. There''s nothing to worry about on that front,"n replied modestly.


    Vanessa noticed Eleanor standing nearby and the corners of her mouth lifted in a slight, knowing smile.


    When the elevator doors opened,n ushered Mr. Brown inside. Eleanor decided to wait for the next one, butn held the doors open and looked up at her, his tone cool and t. "Come on in."


    Eleanor stepped inside. Soon, the elevator arrived on the first floor. Vanessa hurried forward to support Mr. Brown as he exited. Mr. Brown''s assistant came over and said, "Mr. Brown, the car is waiting over here."


    "I just twisted my ankle, but it''s nothing," Vanessa said, biting her red lip. Then, as if noticing Eleanor for the first time, she called out, "Miss Sutton, it''s still early. Why don''t youe back up and have a drink with us?"


    Eleanor shot her a frosty look and answered an iing call, her voice cold and businesslike. "Hello? Hi, are you here?"


    "Great, I''ming out now."


    She gripped her phone and started to walk away, but arge hand closed around her arm. Ian''s voice followed. "Text me when you get home."


    Eleanor turned her head, catching his eye-a moment ago, he''d been fussing over Vanessa''s ankle, now suddenly pretending to care about her safety.


    The hypocrisy made Eleanor want to gag.


    "Let me go," she said icily.


    She yanked her arm free with force. Just then, her ride pulled up, the window rolling down to reveal a middle-aged driver. "Did you call for a ride?"


    "Yes, that''s me," Eleanor replied immediately.


    She pulled open the back door, slid into the seat, and urged, "Let''s go, please."


    By eight-thirty, Eleanor was home. Ian didn''te back that night.


    ***


    The next morning, Eleanor got a call from Magdalen, inviting her for lunch at Goodwin Manor.


    She stopped on the way to pick up some fruit and arrived in time for lunch. Ian returned from outside, and Serena showed up as well.


    At the table, Serena was recounting stories of friends abroad being hit hard by thetest viral outbreak.


    "I heard they''ve already developed a special treatment here," Gina chimed in, mentioning that a friend of hers had taken it with great results.


    "Is that true,n?" Serena asked, turning to her brother.


    Serena looked at him with open admiration. "Whoever came up with that must be a genius."


    "Doesn''t matter who," Gina replied. "As long as it works. We should still ke precautions when we travel."


    Eleanor focused on her meal, quietly adding vegetables to her daughter''s te.


    "I know," Serena replied, then turned to her niece. "Evelyn, want your aunt to drive you to school again?"


    Evelyn shook her head. "I want Mommy to take me."


    "Oh,e on! If I take you, I''ll buy you something yummy," Serena coaxed.


    Evelyn blinked, considering it.


    Eleanor''s expression grew serious. "Evelyn has a cavity in her back tooth. She needs to avoid sweets for a while."


    Serena bristled, feeling the jab. "Come on, I only took her to school a few times! How is that my fault? It''s not like "


    "Serena," Magdalen interrupted, "your sister-inw just means you shouldn''t use treats to bribe Evelyn. It''s not good for her upbringing."


    Eleanor nced atn. "I hope everyone will help take care of Evelyn''s teeth. She''s still young and doesn''t know what''s best for her."


    Serena rolled her eyes. "Whatever."


    Gina shot Eleanor a disapproving look, convinced she was picking on them.


    "I know, Daddy," Evelyn replied, a bit downcast.


    That evening, Eleanor''s mother-inw refused to let her take Evelyn home, saying she wanted the couple to have some time alone together. "You two go on home. I''ll have someone bring Evelyn back on Sunday afternoon," Magdalen insisted.


    Eleanor had no choice but to give in. At least she''d driven herself this time and didn''t have to askn for a ride.


    She slung her bag over her shoulder and got in her car. Ian was waiting by her window. She rolled it down and said, "I''m staying at a friend''s ce tonight."


    With that, she started the engine and drove off, dialing Joy''s number as she went.


    Joy lived alone and was always happy forpany. She''d worked hard to buy her own three-bedroom apartment in a nice part of town, living the dream of a sophisticated city professional.


    Eleanor lounged on Joy''s sofa,zily stroking her cat. "You ever think about getting a boyfriend?" she asked, looking up.


    "Don''t even joke," Joy replied, bringing over two sses of juice. "I''ve seen as many divorce cases as I''ve had hot dinners. Marriage? No, thank you."


    Eleanor thought of her own failed marriage and realized she was in no ce to argue.<fnb922> The source of th?s content is F?ndNovel</fnb922>


    "I betn and Vanessa are getting impatient," Joy said. "Mayben''s just waiting for you to ask for a divorce. That way, he won''t have to feel guilty, and he won''t have to split as much of his money with you."


    Eleanor thought for a moment. "I just want my daughter. I don''t care about his money."


    "Why not? Wouldn''t it be better to get your share?" Joy was practical as ever, always seeing things in terms of profit.


    Eleanor shook her head. "I only want my daughter."


    She had her own ways of making money. But her daughter''s future-she''d never leave that to anyone else.


    Looking at Joy, Eleanor said quietly, "I think I''m ready to file for divorce."

 Chapter 68

    "Yeah, I agree-filing for divorce in court is better. If the judge rules in your favor, you won''t have to wait out that one-month cooling-off period." Joy nodded in


    agreement.


    Eleanor rubbed her temples. "It''s just that gathering evidence is tough. Ian''s always so careful, and I haven''t checked his phone in ages."


    "You have to look!" Joy insisted. "I guarantee there''s some flirty message history with Vanessa on there. Maybe even some big money transfers. All of that would be solid proof he''s cheating."


    Eleanor bit her lip. "We''ve barely spoken for three months now. It''s been a total stalemate."


    "So, you two don''t even look each other in the eye these days, huh?" Joy pressed.


    Eleanor nodded. "Yeah."


    Joy sighed. "Ellie, you have to figure something out. You need those messages between him and Vanessa-nothing else is going to be as convincing."


    But to get her hands onn''s phone, she''d have to thaw the ice between them first. If he suggested they sleep together, would she really have to go along with it?


    "I''ll try," Eleanor muttered, massaging her forehead.


    That night, after a long heart-to-heart, the two women called it a night. The next morning, after a quiet breakfast, Eleanor headed home. Joslyn greeted her at the door. "Wee back, Mrs. ke."


    "Thanks."<fn156d> ?????? ???? Find_Novel(.</fn156d>


    "Mr. ke is home today," Joslyn added as she helped Eleanor with her coat.


    Eleanor just nodded. At that moment, a bark echoed from upstairs. Princess, their golden retriever, bounded down the stairs, tail wagging so hard her whole body wiggled.


    Eleanor crouched down to rub the dog''s head. She used to be firmly against getting a dog for their daughter, but now she had to admit: there was nothing like the unconditional wee of a little dog every day, no matter how your mood was. Princess had be her daily dose offort.


    Eleanor grabbed her purse and headed upstairs to her room. Joy''s words echoed in her mind, making her anxious all over again. She pulled up a divorce forum online and reread the legal advice: text messages and bank transfers could serve as strong evidence in court. If the judge found proof of cheating, he could grant an immediate divorce.


    She thought about thest three years-surelyn and Vanessa had exchanged plenty of suggestive texts, maybe even transferred money back and forth. On special dates,n probably liked to send symbolic amounts-like $520 or $1314, numbers that spelled out "I love you" and "forever" in Chinese, but in the US, it''d just be seen as odd or maybe reced with something sentimental or significant. Withn''s wealth, maybe the amounts were even more extravagant.


    At noon, Joslyn cooked a spread-four dishes and a pot of soup. She called up the stairs for Eleanor toe down for lunch. As Eleanor stepped out of her room, Joslyn said, "Could you please let Mr. ke know lunch is ready?"


    Joslyn hurried downstairs, leaving Eleanor to head ton''s study.


    She paused outside the door. Inside,n was stretched out on the sofa, reading a book, while Princess was curled up beside him, snoozing contentedly. One ofn''s hands absentmindedly scratched the dog''s ears, and Princess just squinted with bliss.


    Eleanor felt a flicker of annoyance. She''d bought the dog-why did he get to enjoy her so much?


    Fine. When the divorce went through, Princess would being with her. "Lunch is ready," she called softly.


    Princess leapt off the sofa and trotted after Eleanor, tail wagging. Eleanor was the first to sit at the dining table.


    "Where were youst night?"n asked, breaking the silence.


    "I stayed at Joy''s ce," Eleanor replied.


    "Yourwyer friend?"n''s gaze sharpened as he studied her face.

 Chapter 69

    Eleanor nodded.


    "What did you two talk about?"n surprised her by actually showing some interest.


    She replied mildly, "Nothing much."


    Meanwhile, Eleanor''s mind wandered back through old memories. How had she managed to get hold ofn''s phone in the past? Sometimes she''d simply snatch it from him, other times she''d coax him yfully, or use the excuse of ordering takeout. Once, she''d even sent their daughter to "borrow" it for her.


    But now, after nearly four months of cold silence between them, she couldn''t think of a single way to get his phone without raising suspicion.


    Unless things warmed up between them.


    But that would mean she''d have to make the first movepromise, seek peace, maybe even give in to his demands as a husband.


    "How about we pick up Evelyn and go out for dinner tonight?" Eleanor finally decided to enlist their daughter for help.


    "Evelyn''s noting home tonight," Ian said.


    Eleanor blinked. "But she has school tomorrow!"


    "My mother will bring her in the morning."


    Eleanor wanted to protest, butn looked up and said, "Let''s go out for dinner tonight, just the two of us."


    She could tell he was trying to smooth things over too, which left her feeling unexpectedly conflicted.


    She''d often wondered whyn refused to divorce. She figured there were two reasons: first, she was like an old habitforting but unremarkable, and he wanted to keep the family together for Evelyn''s sake. Second, Vanessa, his girlfriend, was smart and amodating, content to stay on the sidelines and never make a fuss. Son got to keep his picture-perfect family at home and his colorful love life outside.


    "Alright," Eleanor agreed.


    She was willing to y along-for now-to get what she needed.


    That afternoon, she worked on some paperwork in her upstairs study. Ian stayed home as well, not venturing out.


    At half past five,n knocked on her door. "We should get going."


    She answered, "Okay."


    "Put on a dress," he added.


    Eleanor hadn''t worn a dress in a long time, but since he''d asked, she went into the walk-in closet. It was April, spring in full bloom-the perfect season for something light and flowy.


    She chose a yellow floral dress with a cinched waist and a fluttery skirt. She let her hair down and put on a touch of makeup before heading downstairs with her purse.<fn5d7a> Get full chapters from Find¡ïNovel</fn5d7a>


    He gripped it tightly, leading her to the car. At the curb, she slipped her hand free and climbed into the passenger seat.


    They drove toward the city center, the skyline glowing in the golden dusk.


    Eleanor propped her chin on her hand, lost in thought. Ian handed her the menu; she nced over it and named a few dishes.


    He ordered a few more and then leaned back, arms folded, studying her in the warm light-his gaze more assessing than affectionate.


    Eleanor turned her attention to the city lights outside, trying her best to ignore him.


    Just then,n''s phone rang. He nced at the screen. "I need to take this."


    "Who is it?" Eleanor asked suddenly.

 Chapter 70

    "It''s work,"n said, getting up from the table.


    Work? He had to avoid her even when it was just about work? The only calls he ever dropped everything for were from Vanessa. Only her calls could make him so anxious, so desperate.


    Suddenly, Eleanor felt utterly ridiculous. Was she really going to humble herself this much, just to get evidence from his phone?


    A thought struck her: why bother making peace? Maybe a big, messy argument would be better.


    She grabbed her purse and looked at him coldly. "I''ve lost my appetite."<fn4488> Latest content published on </fn4488>


    Without waiting for a reply, Eleanor strode out and didn''t look back.


    Downstairs, she gged a cab. As she sank into the back seat, her phone rang-n''s name on the screen.


    She ignored the call. She didn''t go home, either. Instead, she headed straight to Joy''s ce and crashed there for the night.


    "What? Vanessa ruined your talk about divorce again?" Joy eximed when she heard the story.


    "I only pretended to want to make up so I could get his phone. Who knew Vanessa woulde down with a fever-probably picked up that nasty virus that''s been going around."


    n must be worried sick."


    "He spent ages soothing her over the phone, more patient than he ever is with my own daughter," Eleanor said. It wasn''t even an exaggeration at the very least, he used the same gentle tone.


    "What an absolute jerk. Useless bastard," Joy huffed, indignant on her behalf.


    Eleanor sipped her tea. Joy shook her head and added, "You worked your ass off to develop that miracle drug, and now you''re expected to save the woman who wrecked your marriage? It''s infuriating."


    The next morning, Eleanor texted her daughter''s teacher, Evelyn, to ask if her child had made it to school. The reply came quickly: She''s already been dropped off.


    Relieved, Eleanor headed to theb for the morning meeting. Joel shared some good news-her new medication had performed exceptionally well in clinical trials and was now included in a global drug development project. Eleanor''s contribution was only growing more significant.


    At the meeting, Faye kept her head down, silent and withdrawn, but the rest of the team''s attitude toward Eleanor had clearly improved. They''d thought she''d slow theb down, but she''d hardly joined before delivering a game-changing win.


    "The interview team will be here Wednesday. Be ready, Eleanor," Joel said with a smile.


    She nodded.


    After the meeting, Joel pulled her aside to discuss some new data from the Disease Control Center. He also brought up a recent regional outbreak-several samples had been sent in, and theb was asked to run some tests.


    "I''ve got some time. I can handle the sample analysis," Eleanor offered.


    "Great. Let''s do it together," Joel agreed.


    Faye watched them from across the room, jealousy and longing shing in her eyes as she saw Joel, masked and gloved, step into Eleanor''sb. Through the window, she spotted them working side by side at theb bench.


    After lunch, Eleanor and Joel decided to visit the hospital and assess the patients in person.


    With so many viruses circtingtely, they donned masks and white coats before heading into the hospital. Eleanor made her way to the inpatient wing, where the most severe case was isted in a private room. As she and Joel approached, Eleanor nced at the digital disy outside the door-and froze.


    Vanessa''s name was on the screen.


    She stopped in her tracks.


    Joel noticed her hesitation and followed her gaze. His brow furrowed. "She''s here too?"


    Just then,n stepped out of the room. Instinctively, Eleanor leaned closer to Joel, who slipped his arm around her shoulders.


    "Could you fetch Dr. Rhys? The patient''s fever is back up to 103.3," Ian said, his deep voice carrying.


    "Of course, Mr. Goodwin. We''ll call the chief physician right away," the nurse replied, hurrying off.<pn turned and even through the mask, he recognized Joel. "Dr. Kingsley."

 Chapter 71

    "Mr. Goodwin, is someone you know unwell?"


    "Yeah."n replied, casting a quick nce at the slender figure in the white coat cradled in Joel''s arms, then striding purposefully into the patient''s room.


    Joel led Eleanor toward thest room in the hall, his arm gently around her shoulders, worry etched across his face as he nced at her.


    Eleanor looked calm on the surface, but she couldn''t help noticing how closelyn hovered around Vanessa, refusing to leave her side even for a moment.


    "Are you alright?" Joel asked, concern in his voice.


    "I''m fine," Eleanor replied, shaking her head.


    After getting the details on the patient''s condition, Eleanor and Joel stepped out of


    the room together, talking quietly as they headed back to theb. There, they poured over the patient''s samples, searching for whatever was causing the sudden illness.


    At 4:20 that afternoon, Eleanor hurried through the school gates and spotted her daughter, Evelyn, ying with Vivian on thewn. Xavier stood nearby, keeping a watchful, patient eye on them.


    "Mr. Vaughn, I''m so sorry to trouble you again," Eleanor apologized as she approached.


    "It''s no trouble at all," Xavier replied with an easy smile.


    "Mom!" Evelyn squealed, racing over to her. Eleanor scooped her up, catching a glimpse of Vivian''s longing gaze.


    Eleanor''s heart ached for the girl. She didn''t know exactly what had happened to Vivian''s mother, only that Vivian was now living with her uncle. She must miss her mother terribly.


    "Vivian, would you like toe over for dinner tonight?" Eleanor invited her gently.


    Vivian''s eyes lit up. "Really? I''d love to!"


    Xavier looked mildly surprised, but smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Mrs. Goodwin. That''s very kind."


    "It''s no trouble at all. You can pick her up around eight-thirty," Eleanor said.


    Eleanor took her daughter and Vivian home. Later, she sat on the porch sofa while the girls and Princess-their golden retriever-chased each other across thewn. She picked up her phone and snapped a picture to capture the moment.


    The two girls had quickly be inseparable, and Vivian seemed to love being around Eleanor, who noticed the way Vivian looked at her as if basking in a mother''s warmth.


    At eight-thirty sharp, Xavier arrived to pick up Vivian, bringing a small gift for Evelyn. Both girls were delighted as they said their goodbyes.


    That night, after tucking Evelyn into bed, Eleanor headed upstairs to catch up on paperwork and research. There was something unusual about the case Joel had received this time.


    Around eleven, her phone buzzed. It was a message fromn: "I''m noting home tonight. Make sure Evelyn goes to bed early."


    Eleanor didn''t reply.


    She was preparing for a storm.


    The next morning, after dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor returned to theb.


    Joel was already there, working on a new set of cultures.


    Joel nced over his shoulder, catching Eleanor gazing at him absently. He grinned, "What''s on your mind?"


    Eleanor walked over, smiling. "Nothing. Any new findings?"


    "Still running tests," Joel said, rubbing his chin. "It''s tricky, but we''ll get to the bottom of it. Oh, and I need to stop by the hospitalter to collect a fresh blood sample from the patient."


    "Can''t the hospital send it over?"


    "I really should see the patient myself. But if it''s inconvenient for you¡ª" Joel


    hesitated, knowingn was still there with Vanessa.


    Eleanor shook her head. "It''s fine. I''lle with you."


    This time, she didn''t run inton, but Vanessa''s name was still on the patient monitor, indicating she hadn''t been discharged yet.


    After they''d finished checking on the patient, Joel paused at the door. "I''m going to step inside for a minute."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise as Joel pushed open Vanessa''s door. Inside,n sat on the sofa, while Vanessay on the bed, looking pale with her long hair syed across the pillow. On the side table, a fresh bouquet of roses stood next to an assortment of fruit baskets and get-well gifts.


    "Dr. Kingsley?"n looked up, clearly surprised to see him.<fnbc73> Content originallyes from fin?novel</fnbc73>

 Chapter 72

    "What''s the matter with Miss Shannon?" Joel asked with concern, picking up Vanessa''s chart for a quick nce.


    Vanessa managed a weak smile. "Just caught a nasty virus, that''s all."


    "Don''t worry. This time, we''ve got the right medication. You''re going to be just fine," Joel reassured her.


    "Dr. Kingsley, I heard the new drug was developed by Dr. Lyman''s team. Don''t tell me you''re the genius behind it!" Vanessa teased, recalling what Henry had once told her about Joel''s medical brilliance.


    Joel chuckled. "Not me. Someone else deserves the credit." He shot a quick nce atn.


    Discover more novels at FindN0vel</fn7eb7>


    "Miss Shannon, just focus on getting better. I''ll be on my way now," Joel said gently. He nodded atn before stepping out.


    Eleanor was waiting for him by the elevator. Joel caught sight of her and let out a long sigh.


    "What''s wrong?" Eleanor asked with a light smile.


    "Ian''s heart really isn''t with you anymore," Joel answered. "He looks beat- probably hasn''t slept for two nights."


    Eleanor just shrugged. "I stopped caring about that a long time ago."


    "He doesn''t realize you''re the one who developed the new drug?" Joel pressed.


    Eleanor shook her head. "No need to tell him."


    "He''ll figure it out after tomorrow''s interview airs," Joel remarked.


    Back in theb, Joel called a meeting and updated everyone on the situation. He assigned a few more samples to various teams, hoping they could help identify the cause as quickly as possible.


    "This outbreak seems confined to one area-Marlowe Vige, near Soutke Reservoir," Joel exined. "Patients are experiencing severe vomiting, blurred vision, redness in the eyes, elevated hemoglobin, fevers, and trouble walking." Faye''s fists clenched as she listened. This time, she was determined to outpace Eleanor-she couldn''t let Eleanor outshine her again.


    Eleanor listened quietly. Sunlight nted through the blinds, casting a soft glow over her. Her dark hair was pulled up neatly, with a few stray strands framing her face, highlighting her fair skin and giving her an almost ethereal presence.


    Joel adjusted his sses, his gaze distant for a moment.


    Faye caught the scene and felt a pang of jealousy. Eleanor had to be twenty-six by now, but she still looked radiant-rosy lips, wless skin, almost heartbreakingly beautiful.


    Back at her own workstation, Eleanor buried herself in research. Around three- thirty, her phone buzzed with a message from Xavier.


    "Would it be alright if Evelyn came over to my ce tonight?" he asked.


    Eleanor hesitated; her daughter had begged her several times before, but she''d always said no. This time, she smiled and typed back, "That''s very kind of you. Thank you."


    "No trouble at all. I''ll pick her up after ss and you can swing by around eight to get her."


    "Perfect," Eleanor replied.


    With Evelyn taken care of, Eleanor could focus on her work. At five-thirty,n sent her a message: "When will you be home? I''m back."


    She guessed Xavier had already texted him too. She replied, "Still at the university. I''ll head back soon."


    Once she''d straightened up theb, Eleanor began preparing herself on the drive home-tonight, she''d finally confrontn and find a way to get him to hand over his phone, even if it meant picking a fight.


    When she got home, Joslyn greeted her at the door. "Wee back, ma''am."


    Eleanor nced at the shoes by the entryway, grabbed her bag, and took the stairs two at a time. She pushed openn''s door-inside, the room was dim and quiet. He was asleep.


    The noise woke him. Ian opened his eyes, sat up, and looked at her. "What is it?"

 Chapter 73

    Eleanor let out a cold, bitterugh. "What''s wrong? Shouldn''t I be asking you that? Where have you been these past few days?"


    "If you''re done with this marriage,n, we can always get a divorce," Eleanor shot back, feigning anger.<fn1179> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on </fn1179>


    "Yes. Divorce," Eleanor snapped, clenching her jaw.


    Her tone was defiant, but beneath ity uncertainty-a test, really, to see how he''d react to the word.


    "Eleanor."n''s voice was low and steady as he reached over and flicked on the bedsidemp. The sudden light illuminated his face, making every line and tired shadow starkly visible.


    His bloodshot eyes locked onto hers, emotion swirling beneath the surface- impossible to read.


    Yet to Eleanor, he seemed strangely calm. There was none of the guilt or panic she expected from a man caught in an affair.


    Of course. He wasn''t even trying to hide it anymore.


    "So, you finally want to talk about her?" There was a challenge inn''s eyes now, as if daring her to keep going.


    Eleanor scoffed. "You''re just hoping I''ll step aside, aren''t you?"


    "If you want to know anything, just ask. I''ll tell you,"n replied, his voice chillinglyposed.


    "Fine. Give me your phone," Eleanor demanded, her tone leaving no room for argument. She didn''t want to hear sordid details about how they met or fell in love. All she wanted was evidence.


    Eleanor squared her shoulders, summoning the authority of a wife scorned. "What''s the matter? Afraid of what I''ll find? Got some dirty little secrets in there?"


    He made a show of nonchnce, and Eleanor hesitated for a split second before snatching up the ck phone. She red at him. "Password?"


    "It''s the same," he muttered, flopping back onto the pillow and closing his eyes, exhaustion etched into every feature.


    Eleanor guessed it was their daughter''s birthday. Her hands shook a little as she woke the screen, then shotn a look. "I''ll give it back in a minute."


    Clutching his phone like it was a treasure trove of evidence, she hurried to her own room, locking the door behind her. She entered their daughter''s birthday, and sure enough, the phone unlocked.


    There were no suspicious apps¡ªjust a handful of the usual ones. Eleanor opened his messaging app and searched for chats with Vanessa.


    There were messages from thest few days, but they were painfully ordinary: Vanessa asking about the weather or what he''d eaten, andn responding curtly, nothing flirtatious or intimate.


    That can''t be it, Eleanor thought, scrolling further. Vanessa had sent a few messages about her day: "My hand still hurts today, I can''t y the piano. So frustrating!"


    "Then take a break,"n replied.


    "I''m craving chocte from Fairhaven. Haven''t had it in ages!" Vanessa wrote. "We''ll go together sometime,"n answered.


    Eleanor refused to believe that was all. She kept scrolling, her finger flying across the screen, digging deeper and deeper-back a year, even-and still, nothing damning. Finally, she closed her eyes in frustration. Ian was too smart to leave any evidence lying around.


    Sure enough, when she checked the money transfer records, there was nothing- not a single transaction for two years. The only payments were from Vanessa ton, and the amounts were trivial.


    Eleanor opened his Skype app and searched for more chats with Vanessa. Same story. Only scattered, meaningless messages¡ªno evidence, no transfers, nothing that proved what she suspected.

 Chapter 74

    Eleanor clenched her jaw, feeling foolish. She realized she''d been na?ven was a man of action. If Vanessa wanted to see him, all she had to do was call, and he''d drop everything to be by her side. Why would they need to exchange sentimental messages online?


    Anything romantic he wanted to say, he could say to Vanessa in person. All these years,n had been flying across continents, practically living on nes, and it had all been for her.


    After all that pointless searching, Eleanor stared out the window at the quiet dusk, her knuckles white as she grippedn''s phone, a wave of resentment rising in her


    chest.


    She pushed open the door and slipped back into the master bedroom. Setting the phone on the nightstand, she turned to leave-only to feel a strong hand mp around her wrist and yank her down beside the bed.


    Caught off guard, Eleanor tumbled inton''s arms. She looked up in rm; in the dim light, his bloodshot eyes flickered open, every bit of pent-up desire in on his face.


    His hand was hot through the fabric of her sleeve, the sensation sharp and unwee as a pinprick. She wrenched herself free and snapped, "Don''t touch me."


    Eleanor almostughed at the memory of how easy she used to be. Back then, she''d forgive him for anything¡ªa gift, a sweet word, a gentle pat on the head- and she''d wee him home, beaming like a princess.


    Shoving him away, she stood in front of the bed and shot him a sidelong nce. n, I''m not that easy anymore."


    With that, she turned on her heel and left the room.


    Closing the door behind her, Eleanor called Joy for advice.


    On the other end, Joy sounded stumped and let out a sigh. "We were too na?ve. You really thinkn would leave evidence on his phone? Men like him never just have one phone. For all we know, he''s got a separate one just for Vanessa."


    Eleanor found herself agreeing at once.<fn3c18> Get full chapters from find[?]ovel</fn3c18>


    "Honestly, guys with money and power always keep a spare phone. Bet he uses another one to stay in touch with her," Joy went on.


    No wondern had let her check his phone so easily-he knew she wouldn''t find anything incriminating.


    Eleanor''s mind spun with doubts.


    "All we can do is hope the detective gets a good photo-maybe even catch them


    in the act. If you could walk in on them together, that would be the real evidence," Joy said.


    They chatted a bit longer before hanging up. ncing at the clock-eight thirty already-Eleanor realized it was time to pick up her daughter.


    She grabbed her purse and headed out, only to run right inton in the hallway, just outside the master bedroom.


    "I''ll get Evelyn,"n said, his voice t and tired.


    Eleanor turned away, unwilling to argue.


    At nine o''clock,n came home carrying their daughter in his arms. Evelyn burst through the door, calling, "Mommy, I''m home!"


    Eleanor came downstairs, her face lighting up with a soft, tender smile. "Wee home, sweetheart."


    "Look, Mommy! Mr. Vaughn gave me a present!" Evelyn held up a pretty little doll.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but smile-Xavier spoiled that child rotten.


    She ruffled Evelyn''s hair. "Come on, let''s get you cleaned up."


    "Okay, Mommy!" Evelyn squealed, happily slipping her hand into her mother''s as they went upstairs.


    Eleanor ignored the figure standing downstairs. Ifn''s phone held no proof, there was no reason to pretend things were fine between them.


    She gave Evelyn a warm bath, then scooped her into her arms and nted a kiss on her cheek. With her waist-length hair tumbling down her back, Evelyn looked just like one of Eleanor''s cherished porcin dolls¡ªso cute and beautiful.


    After her bath, Evelyn disappeared into her dad''s room to y. By ten o''clock, she still hadn''te back, so Eleanor got up and went to the master bedroom to look for her.

 Chapter 75

    She pushed open the bedroom door and found her daughter curled up inn''s arms, the two of them already settled for bed.


    "Evelyn, aren''t you going to sleep with Mommy tonight?" Eleanor asked gently.


    Evelyn shook her head, burrowing closer to her father. "Mom, let''s all sleep with Daddy tonight! You can sleep right here," she said, patting the space beside her.


    Eleanor smiled. "Mommy has to work for a little while longer. You two go ahead and sleep."


    The air between them grew colder, the stalemate deepening.


    Eleanor ignored it. She turned, quietly closed the door behind her, and returned to her own room-making sure to lock the door before settling in for the night.


    Early the next morning, Eleanor received a message from Joel: "Put on a bit of makeup today, you''ll be on camera."


    She went into her walk-in closet and chose a white silk blouse, pairing it with a flowing Ashford City skirt. She swept her long hair into a tidy chignon and applied a light touch of makeup before heading downstairs.


    "Wow, Mommy, you look so pretty today!" Evelyn gazed at her in awe.


    "Thank you for thepliment, sweetheart. Mommy''s going to school today too," Eleanor replied, smiling.


    "Really?" Evelyn''s eyes widened, and she spun around to announce to her father, "Daddy, Mommy''s going to school just like me!"


    But when he raised his eyes to Eleanor, there was a stormy darkness behind them.


    Eleanor took Evelyn to school herself. As she arrived at the gates, she ran into Joel. They exchanged a friendly greeting and walked in together.


    Joel gave her a sideways nce. "Are you nervous about going on the show?"<fna347> For original chapters go to find?novel</fna347>


    Eleanor grinned. "With someone as charming as you by my side, how could I be nervous?"


    Joelughed, the picture of easy confidence and warmth.


    Unbeknownst to them, a camera lens from a nearby ck SUV tracked their every move, shutter clicking several times.


    Ten minutester, the photosnded inn''s inbox.


    April in Ashford City was as changeable as a child''s mood. One minute, the sky was clear; the next, a steady spring rain draped the city in a gray haze, lending the morning a restless mncholy.


    Inside the executive office at Goodwin & Co.,n scrolled through the pictures on his phone. He closed his eyes, pressing his fingers to his temples, and when he looked again, his expression was eerily calm.


    He tapped the desk and pressed the inte. "Gavin,e in."


    "Yes, Mr. Goodwin?" Gavin appeared at once.


    "Find two diligent caregivers to look after Miss Shannon."


    "Understood."


    "And whatever she asks for, make sure she gets it. No exceptions." "Yes, sir."


    ...


    Meanwhile, Eleanor and Joel were preparing backstage for their interview. She held the script of questions in her hand, memorizing them, rehearsing her answers silently.


    "Miss Sutton, Dr. Kingsley, ten minutes until you go on," an assistant called from the doorway.


    Faye had been dragged over by Gwenda to watch the excitement. As she caught sight of Eleanor standing beside Joel,posed and graceful, Faye''s hands clenched into fists.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen-Evelyn''s teacher. Her heart leapt and she answered immediately. "Hello? Miss Alice?"


    "Mrs. Goodwin, I''m afraid there''s been an incident. Evelyn and another child got into a scuffle, and the other child hit the back of his head on the floor. The injury is quite serious, and Evelyn is very upset. The other child''s parents are on their way. Could you pleasee to the school as soon as possible?"

 Chapter 76

    Eleanor''s mind buzzed as she blurted out, "Yes, Professor, I''ll be right there!"


    Without hesitation, she shoved her manuscript into Joel''s arms, urgency sharpening her voice. "Joel, something''s happened with my daughter-I need to get to the school immediately. I''ll have to leave the interview to you."


    Joel was momentarily stunned, but he understood. He nodded, reassuring her, "Go. I''ll handle everything here."


    Eleanor grabbed her bag and practically sprinted out of the science building.


    Just then, the assistant reappeared, reminding, "Three minutes left... Wait, where did thatdy go? Did she run to the restroom?"


    "She had to leave for an emergency," Joel replied.


    The assistant''s face paled with anxiety. "But we set up two camera angles for the interview-it''s meant to be a two-person segment."


    Gwenda quickly nudged Faye toward Joel. "Joel, why not have Faye fill in for Eleanor? We''re all from the sameb anyway."


    The assistant looked Faye over-impable poise, striking features¡ªand immediately brightened. "Yes, of course! Anyone from yourb can join the interview."


    A flush crept up Faye''s cheeks. She didn''t want to seem like she was taking advantage of Eleanor''s absence, yet she couldn''t help feeling a thrill at the thought of appearing on camera with Joel.


    Joel, wasting no time, handed her the sheet of questions Eleanor had left behind. "Faye, you''re up."


    "Uh, Joel, are you sure?" Faye''s voice trembled with nerves.


    "Absolutely. Take a moment to look over the questions and think about how you want to respond."


    Faye nodded, gripping the paper. "Alright. I''ll do my best to work with you."


    She shot Gwenda a grateful nce, and Gwenda returned a thumbs-up of encouragement.


    Gwenda, after all, was looking for an opportunity to get close to Faye-she knew thatn was going to be her future brother-inw, and Faye was the most well- connected person in theb. She needed to stay on her good side.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor was racing across town, her mind focused on one thing: getting to her daughter as quickly as possible. Her heart ached at the thought of Evelyn, likely frightened and crying. It didn''t matter what her daughter had done¡ª she was her mother, and she would shoulder whatever came, as long as Evelyn wasn''t scared.


    At that very moment,n at Goodwin & Co. also received a call from the school. He dropped everything and sped off in the same direction.


    When Eleanor reached the school, she saw a teacherforting a tearful, shaken Evelyn on the yground.


    "Mommy!" Evelyn spotted her and ran over, throwing her arms around Eleanor''s legs and bursting into sobs.


    "Sweetheart, tell me what happened."


    "Goldie tried to take Vivian''s toy. I wouldn''t let him, and then he fell down. I didn''t mean to, I swear!" Evelyn wailed, her words tangled in tears.


    Eleanor pieced the story together. Vivian, a new transfer student, had been bullied by some of the older kids. Evelyn, who was Vivian''s closest friend, had tried to protect her. In the tussle over the toy, Goldie must have slipped and banged his head.


    Miss Alice came over to exin, confirming Eleanor''s suspicions.


    "Mrs. Goodwin, I''m so sorry. We should have intervened sooner before things got out of hand."


    "Where is the injured child now?" Eleanor asked.


    "His parents took him to the nearby hospital to get his head checked. They''ll be back soon, I expect."


    At that moment, another figure entered the yard. Eleanor turned and was surprised to see Xavier. The teacher had called him too?


    "Mr. Vaughn."


    Xavier nodded and spoke to the teacher. "Could you bring Vivian out for a moment, please?"


    "Of course!" The teacher headed into the ssroom.


    Xavier turned to Eleanor. "Vivian insisted on bringing a toy to school this morning. gave in, and now this happened."


    Eleanor offered aforting smile. "Children can be stubborn, Mr. Vaughn. Please don''t me yourself."


    "That Goldie is so mean! He bullies everyone. If Vivian doesn''t give him what he wants, he just grabs it, and then he won''t give it back," Evelyn interjected angrily. Then, looking up at her mother with worried eyes, she asked, "Mom, are you mad at me?"


    Eleanor smiled gently. "No, sweetheart, I''m not angry. You did the right thing. Just remember, next time something like this happens, you can always ask a teacher for help."<fnb868> Original content can be found at Find~Novel</fnb868>

 Chapter 77

    "Yeah!" Evelyn nodded, but just then, she spotted a tall figure striding toward them. Her eyes welled up with tears again. "Daddy!"


    She shook her head. "No, I''m okay."


    The principal arrived with several teachers, inviting them to wait in the lounge while things were sorted out. Vivian came in too, holding Xavier''s hand and talking softly with him.


    The three teachers nearby looked on nervously.


    Everyone knew the students at this private preschool came from powerful, influential families-none of them were people you''d want to cross.


    At that moment, the principal-a woman in her early forties-hurried in, anxiety written all over her face. She quickly greetedn and Xavier.


    "I''m so sorry this happened at our school. We take full responsibility and will handle everything properly."


    Soon after, a video recording of the incident was shown. On the screen, Vivian and Evelyn were seen ying in the hallway when a chubby little boy suddenly ran up and snatched Vivian''s stuffed animal.


    Vivian tried to get it back, but the boy just grinned, holding the toy out of reach. Evelyn sprang forward, grabbing the other end, and the two of them tugged back and forth for several seconds. Suddenly, Evelyn lost her grip, and the boy tumbled backward, hitting the back of his head on the floor.


    Xavier''s expression darkened as he realized his niece had been bullied like this at school.


    Eleanor, meanwhile, couldn''t help but feel a bit proud of her daughter for standing up for her friend-even against someone much bigger than herself.


    Just then, a shrill, high-pitched voice rang out from the hallway. "Where are the parents of that child? I''m telling you now, if this isn''t handled properly, I''ll go straight to the press. Don''t think you can sweep this under the rug! My husband owns a filmpany-he has connections with several media outlets."


    "Yes, of course, we''ll make sure this is dealt with appropriately," the vice principal replied with a nervous smile, ushering a woman inside. Behind her, a nanny carried the chubby boy, his head swathed in bandages.


    The woman''s eyes widened when she saw the two sets of parents in the lounge. Then she red furiously at Evelyn.


    Evelyn immediately shrank into her father''s arms, looking scared. Ian patted her gently, his voice soft and reassuring. "It''s alright. Don''t be afraid."


    Then he turned a cold, sharp gaze on the woman and addressed the principal. "Principal ke, how do you intend to handle this?"<fnff73> Chapters first released on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fnff73>


    The woman cut in before the principal could answer. "Handle it? There''s only one way¡ªan apology andpensation! My son''s hurt his head. If there are anysting effects, you''ll be responsible for the rest of his life."


    Principal ke inwardly groaned-she could tell this mother was used to getting her way.


    "Mrs. Lambert, do you know when Mr. Lambert will arrive?" the vice principal asked politely.


    "He''s on his way. Should be here any minute," Mrs. Lambert replied, folding her arms. "Well? Are you all mute? Not even an apology?"


    Xavier''s face darkened. "Your son should apologize to my daughter first."


    "You" Mrs. Lambert faltered. She knew perfectly well her son had snatched the mixed-race girl''s toy.


    Eleanor, her patience fraying, spoke up. "We''re willing to listen to mediation."


    Mrs. Lambert scoffed, "Mediation? I don''t ept that! There''s only one solution: you apologize and pay for damages, or there''s nothing to talk about."


    She had barely finished when a short, stocky man strode in and immediately snapped at her, "Be quiet."


    Mrs. Lambert stared at him in disbelief. "Why are you yelling at me? Yell at them!"


    "Go sit down," Mr. Lambert retorted, then turned ton and Xavier with a sheepish smile. "I''m so sorry, Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Vaughn. My son was out of line, and it''s our fault for not teaching him better. We sincerely apologize."


    Mrs. Lambert could only gape at her husband,pletely stunned.

 Chapter 78

    The principal and teachers nearby all breathed a sigh of relief-atst, the boy''s father seemed to have some sense and tact.


    "How have I been teaching you all this time? I told you to discipline your son! Instead, you spend every day ying cards, and look at the trouble this ungrateful child has caused! Hurry up and apologize to Mr. Vaughn and Mr. Goodwin."


    It was only then that the boy''s mother seemed to snap out of her daze. ncing at the two imposing men before her, she muttered a reluctant, "I''m sorry."


    The boy''s father jumped, frantically waving his hands. "No, no! My wife was out of line-she spoke without thinking. We wouldn''t dare demand anypensation from Mr. Goodwin. Please, I beg both Mr. Goodwin and Mr. Vaughn to forgive my son this once. I''lle in person to apologize properly another day."


    The father understood the message instantly and gave a nervous, ingratiating smile. "Of course, of course."


    Principal ke, a veteran in education, picked up on the subtext immediately- this boy was about to be expelled.


    The father rounded on his wife and son, barking, "What are you waiting for? Get home, both of you! Embarrassing me like this."


    "Hold on," Xavier said, his tone firm.


    The father spun back around, a servile grin stered on his face. "Yes, Mr. Vaughn? Is there anything else?"


    "Have your son apologize to my niece," Xavier replied.


    The father wasted no time; he grabbed his son by the arm and dragged him in front of Vivian. He fixed his son with a stern look. "Well? Apologize to your ssmate. Now."


    The chubby boy, usually a terror at home, shrank back under his father''s re and stammered to Vivian, "I''m sorry."


    "Hmph!" Vivian turned her face away, refusing to look at him.


    "And apologize to this ssmate too," the father ordered, pushing his son toward Evelyn.


    "I''m sorry," the boy mumbled, barely meeting Evelyn''s eyes.


    Everyone watching understood this was what real power and wealth looked like. In the end, right and wrong often bowed to those at the top.


    "Daddy, I don''t want to see Goldie ever again," Evelyn pouted.


    With that, the boy''s father hurried his wife and son out. The moment they stepped into the hall, his wife grumbled, "Why''d you back down like that? Since when are we afraid of trouble?"


    "Shut up!" he snapped. "Do you have any idea who those men are? One''s the richest man in Ashford City, the other owns half the shipping industry! I work my tail off just to get on their good side, and you-you manage to offend them both in one go! Are you trying to get me killed? Or do you think money just falls from the sky?"


    His wife''s face went sheet-white. "Oh God, what was I thinking? I ought to have my mouth sewn shut!" She gave herself a couple of theatrical ps on the cheek, then hurried after her husband.<fn3f89> Original content can be found at Find?Novel</fn3f89>


    Eleanor took her daughter home, but since it was still early, she invited Vivian over as well, with Xavier''s approval.


    Eleanor brought the two girls back to her house, while the men went their separate ways to handle their own affairs.


    Before long, the girls had forgotten all about the day''s drama. They chased Princess, their golden retriever, around the living room, squealing with joy. Eleanor flicked on the TV and immediately caught a glimpse of a news broadcast.


    She paused, eyes drawn to the screen-Joel and Faye appeared before the camera, speaking confidently about their breakthrough in fighting the virus.

 Chapter 79

    Eleanor hadn''t expected that, after she left, it would be Faye who stepped in to take her ce during the interview.


    After watching the entire segment, she headed outside to the backyard, joining the kids for a game of catch.


    That evening, Eleanor invited Vivian to stay for dinner. At half past eight, Xavier arrived to pick up his daughter, gift bag in hand. The two little ones parted happily after exchanging hugs.


    Later, Eleanor gave her daughter a bath and told her a bedtime story. Before it was even ten o''clock, Evelyn was already fast asleep, and Eleanor, exhausted, closed her eyes and drifted off as well.


    At the hospital, Vanessa was on the phone with Faye, her voice warm and congrattory. "Faye, I just watched your interview! So, the new miracle drug is actually from yourb? That''s incredible."


    On the other end, Faye replied modestly, "It''s not my achievement¡ªit''s all thanks to Dr. Kingsley."


    "I was just about to say," Vanessa continued, "Dr. Kingsley seems like a really great guy. You should seize the opportunity."


    Faye didn''t deny her feelings. "He really is an exceptional person."


    Vanessa''s thoughts wandered to Eleanor-she remembered how well Joel and Eleanor had hit it off abroad. She teased, "You know what they say when a woman pursues a man, it''s as easy as lifting a veil. You''ve got the looks and the talent. I''m sure you''ll win him over."


    She figured, with a man that outstanding, better for her own sister to win his heart than let Eleanor get the chance.<fn6ae5> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? Find_Novel(.</fn6ae5>


    "Oh, and I heardn still isn''t divorced. Don''t get yourself tangled up. Don''t bring trouble to our family."


    "Don''t worry. I won''t." Vanessa''s confidence rang through herughter.


    After hanging up, Vanessa dialedn''s number.


    "Hello?"n answered.


    n, you''ve been working hard these days. Try to get some rest."


    "Alright."


    "Don''t worry about me. I''m doing much better now."


    "Good."


    Vanessa''s voice softened into a gentle smile. "Did you see the news? Turns out the new miracle drug was developed in my sister''sb."


    "I saw it."


    Vanessa let out a sigh of relief. "Remember, I was the one who told you about thatb project in the first ce? I was worried I''d rmended the wrong thing."


    "I''m driving right now. We''ll talkter."


    "Drive safe," she said tenderly beforen ended the call.


    Vanessa''s mind drifted back to the day her father had entrusted her to deliver theb''s proposal ton''spany. She''d thoughtn would pass on the project, but to her surprise, not only was he interested-he''d invested three billion dors on the spot. As for her father, who''d been bogged down withwsuits, he quickly became theb''s top equipment supplier.


    The next morning, Eleanor took her daughter to school. The teacher hurried over as soon as they arrived, updating her about Goldie¡ªthe boy had withdrawn from school.


    Eleanor smiled. "Thank you for keeping an eye on Evelyn.''


    "Don''t worry, Mrs. Goodwin. We''ll make sure nothing like that happens again." The teacher had learned firsthand not to underestimate the Goodwin family''s influence.


    Afterward, Eleanor drove to the research building. As soon as she stepped into the lobby, she headed for the restroom. While she was in one of the stalls, she overheard two women chatting as they entered.


    "Faye looked amazing on camerast night. She could be a movie star with that face-so pretty and poised. She really made ourb proud."


    "She and Dr. Kingsley look great together, don''t they? Like a perfect couple. Do you think something''s going on between them?"


    "I heard it was Eleanor who actually developed the new drug. So why was Faye the one in the interview?"

 Chapter 80

    "I bet it''s because she doesn''t have the credentials. Who''s going to believe someone who never even finished college could develop a breakthrough medicine? If people see her interview, they might not even trust the drug!"


    "You''re right. Faye definitely presents a better image for ourb."


    The two women chatted as they left the room.


    A few minutester, Eleanor stepped out. She entered the elevator and pressed the button for theb floor. She tried not to let her colleagues'' gossip bother her, but it still left a bitter taste.


    Turning into the corridor, she spotted Gwenda walking arm-in-arm with Faye. Faye''s eyes narrowed at the sight of her, but Eleanor simply nodded in greeting.


    "Hi, Eleanor," Gwenda called out with a friendly smile.


    As they passed, Faye suddenly stopped and turned, calling after her. "Eleanor, I need to exin. I never meant to take your spot forst night''s interview."


    Eleanor turned, meeting her gaze.


    She said nothing, but Faye could feel the weight of her resentment, and it made her squirm.


    "Eleanor, the interviewst night was scheduled for two people," Gwenda interjected, trying to smooth things over. "Faye had to step in at thest minute. Don''t me her."


    "I''m not ming her," Eleanor replied coolly.


    But Faye bristled. "You say you''re fine with it, but that''s not what you really think, is it?"


    "Faye, I''m sure Eleanor isn''t ming you," Gwenda soothed. "Don''t overthink it."


    Eleanor offered a faint smile and turned away.


    Faye''s expression soured even further; she couldn''t shake the feeling that Eleanor''s smile was mocking her.


    "What''s so special about her anyway?" Faye grumbled, biting her lip. "She just got lucky."


    Gwendaughed. "Honestly, you looked amazing on camerast night.


    Everyone''s saying you looked even better than a movie star! And you and Dr. Kingsley made quite the pair."


    A faint blush crept across Faye''s cheeks. "Who said that?"


    "Everyone''s talking about it-wondering if you and Dr. Kingsley are secretly dating."


    Faye smirked. "That''s pure rumor."


    "You never know," Gwenda teased. "Sometimes rumors have a way ofing true."


    Faye shot her a yful re, but inside, she secretly enjoyed the thought.


    If only it were true, she mused.<fn1da4> Official source is Find¡ïNovel</fn1da4>


    Eleanor slipped into herb coat and entered the cold storage room, retrieving several boxes of newly arrived samples for testing. She focused on the data, methodically recording results. Last night''s news reyed in her mind-more and more people in that vige were presenting symptoms. It was clearly an outbreak in a localized area. But what had caused it?


    At lunch, Eleanor had just sat down when Joel joined her with his tray, fresh from a meeting.


    After asking about her daughter, he mentionedst night''s interview, regret in his voice. "That should''ve been your moment. It''s a shame you missed it."


    Eleanor smiled faintly. "It doesn''t matter who did it, as long as theb is represented."


    Joel, however, couldn''t help but feel disappointed. He''d hoped it would be Eleanor sitting beside him on camera.


    That afternoon, the two of them visited a nearby hospital again. Eleanor noticed that Vanessa had already been discharged.


    "The coroner''s examining a newly deceased patient tomorrow," Joel told her. "Do you want toe?"


    Eleanor considered it-an autopsy might yield new answers. She nodded. "I''ll go." "Not scared?" Joel asked, grinning.


    "Not with you there," Eleanor replied with a small smile.


    Joel chuckled. "Alright. If you get nervous, just let me know."


    He nced toward the cafeteria entrance, then leaned in. "Your husband''s here."


    Eleanor stiffened, following his gaze. Ian strode through the noisy cafeteria in a sharp ck suit, his striking looks andmanding presence impossible to ignore.


    She had no desire to see him, especially in front of her colleagues. Grabbing her tray, she murmured to Joel, "I''m leaving."


    Joel blinked in surprise as Eleanor, barely having touched her lunch, got up and walked away.<pn watched her retreat, his brows furrowing in annoyance. But it was clear he hadn''te for Eleanor-he headed straight for Joel''s table and sat down across from him.

 Chapter 81

    "Mr. Goodwin, you wanted to see me?" Joel greeted him with a warm smile.


    "Mr. Kingsley, I have a few questions I''d like to consult you about."


    Joel nodded, just finishing his lunch. "Let''s talk in my office."


    Not far away, Gwenda and Faye had also noticedn. Gwenda let out a low whistle. "Your sister''s got some luck, Faye!n is just ridiculously handsome. That build, that face, that aura-he''s one in a million."


    Faye, however, found her eyes drawn to Joel. Sure,n was striking, but there was something about him¡ªa kind of cool detachment that made it hard to get close. She preferred Joel''s easy warmth, the way his presence felt like a breath of spring air.


    "Honestly, they''re both out of this world," Gwenda said, unable to hide her admiration.


    In Joel''s office, he listened attentively asnid out the medical issue he wanted


    to discuss. Whenn finished, Joel asked curiously, "So, is it a rtive of yours who''s been diagnosed with this condition?"


    "A friend,"n replied smoothly.


    "At the moment, there''s no definitive cure," Joel exined. "But with regr healthy stem cell transnts to maintain blood production, the patient can live a normal life."


    "Thank you. I need your research team to prioritize this,"n said, his tone firm. "I want us to find a breakthrough as soon as possible."


    Joel nodded. "Of course. I''ll set up a dedicated team for it."<fncfce> The source of th?s content is find?novel</fncfce>


    Joel couldn''t help but be taken aback for a moment, then smiled. "We''ll put our full effort into this research. I hope your friend makes a swift recovery."


    The two men shook hands, their grip brief but firm, andn''s tall figure strode off toward the elevators.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor was hard at work in theb when Joel, now in a sterile gown, came in. Watching her at her station, he spoke up, n just came by to discuss a new research project."


    "What''s it about?" Eleanor asked, ncing up.


    "Myelodysstic syndrome," Joel replied.


    Eleanor froze for a heartbeat. Ifn hade himself, it had to be for someone


    very important to him¡ªa close rtive, perhaps?


    Suddenly, Vanessa came to Eleanor''s mind. She always seemed so frail.


    If it was an early-stage diagnosis, there was hope; but without prompt treatment, it could easily progress to chronic leukemia.


    "Ian''s putting another fifty million into this, and he''ll fund the rest of the research as well," Joel continued.


    Eleanor''s hands stilled, her suspicion all but confirmed. It had to be Vanessa.


    "He''s trying to save Vanessa," Eleanor said quietly.


    Joel understood, and cast her a look full of sympathy.


    Her own husband was pouring a fortune into saving his lover''s life-and doing the research right here in herb.


    "I''m handing this project over to Horace. You shouldn''t be involved," Joel said gently.


    How ironic. She didn''t even know Vanessa''s exact diagnosis, but the research direction was the same as her own. She had to be involved inn''s independent project.


    "No¡ªI''m joining," Eleanor said, her voice steady.


    Joel looked at her, worried. "Are you sure?"


    "I am." Eleanor needed the research funding, and she was determined to break through her academic barriers.


    Friday evening, Eleanor got a call from Magdalen, inviting her and her daughter over for dinner. She couldn''t refuse the olddy, so she brought her daughter along.


    As they entered the grand foyer,n was already there, and Serena as well. "Evelyn, did you miss your aunt?" Serena came over, taking Evelyn''s hand. Evelyn nodded, and Serena whisked her up onto herp, making her giggle. Eleanor took a seat beside the olddy and, noticing how well she looked, said, "Grandma, remember to wear a mask when you go out these days."


    "What''s there to worry about? Didn''t they develop a special new medicine for this?" Serena cut in before the olddy could answer.


    Just then, Gina came in with a bowl of fresh fruit. Serena quickly turned to her. "Mom, do you know who developed that new medicine everyone''s talking about?"

 Chapter 82

    Gina leaned in, curiosity lighting up her eyes. "You know about this?"


    "Of course I do!" Serena replied enthusiastically. "A medical expert named Faye."


    Eleanor paused, ncing up at Serena. Sensing the attention, Serena lowered her voice, putting on a conspiratorial air. "Mom, why don''t you try guessing who this Faye really is?"


    Gina chuckled. "Oh, I''d never guess. Just tell me already!"


    Serena''s face brimmed with pride. "She''s Vanessa''s half-sister¡ªa brilliant young medical prodigy."


    Eleanor''s heart skipped a beat. Faye was Vanessa''s half-sister?


    Gina gasped. "Really? Both sisters are that talented?"


    "This new drug is the first of its kind in the world¡ªa real breakthrough! And theb that developed it? Our big brother''s investment!" Serena gushed, her admiration obvious.


    Gina shot her son a look of approval, then her gazended on Eleanor, who sat quietly at the table. For a moment, something like mild disdain shed across Gina''s expression.


    There were so many aplished young women out there. Why had her son settled for a wife who brought nothing to the table? If only he were getting married now, he could do so much better than someone as ordinary as Eleanor.


    "Ellie, what have you been up to these days?" Magdalen asked, turning the conversation.


    "I''m studying at Ashford Medical University," Eleanor answered.


    "What? You''re still in school at Ashford?" Serena''s eyes narrowed.


    "Yes. I n to finish my degree," Eleanor said with a nod.


    "So, you''ll be twenty-eight by the time you graduate! And what''s the point of half- baked medical training, anyway? That Faye I was talking about-she developed a breakthrough drug by twenty-five!"


    Eleanor smiled faintly. "Are you sure she was the one who developed it?"


    Serena scoffed. "She was on national news, being interviewed! If it wasn''t her, was it you?"


    Eleanor just smiled, saying nothing.


    "That''s enough," Magdalen interjected. "It''s a good thing your sister-inw is able to go back to school."


    By then, dinner was ready. Everyone moved to the dining room. After eating, Eleanor wanted to take her daughter home, but the little girl was persuaded by Gina to stay the night at Goodwin Manor.<fnb0ac> Discover more novels at find¡¤novel</fnb0ac>


    Eleanor couldn''t force her daughter to leave. By half past eight, she left on her


    own.


    In her car, Eleanor called Joy. "Are you free tonight? Mind if I crash at your ce?"


    Joy was delighted. "Of course! I''m officially single now-my ce is all yours."


    Eleanor had just pulled up in front of Joy''s apartment building when her phone rang. The screen showedn''s name.


    "Hello?" she answered, her voice cool.


    "Where are you?"n asked.


    "I''m staying at a friend''s ce tonight." Without waiting for a reply, Eleanor hung up.


    Upstairs, she barely had time to sit down before Joy pounced with questions. "Wait, wasn''t that drug your invention? Why is Faye the one being interviewed on TV? Now everyone in the country thinks she did all the work!"


    Eleanor sighed and exined the situation with her daughter''s school. Joy shook her head, indignant. "You missed your chance at national fame, and now Vanessa''s sister gets all the credit. What a steal."


    "Faye is Vanessa''s half-sister," Eleanor said quietly.


    Joy''s jaw dropped. "Wait, so this massive win goes to Vanessa''s own sister? Ugh, that''s insufferable."


    Eleanor gave a wry smile. "Yeah, I only found out tonight that they''re rted."


    Joy pulled a bottle of whiskey from the kitchen. "Come on, we have to drink tonight, or I''ll never get over this."


    Seeing Joy''s determined mood, Eleanor didn''t protest. "Alright, we''ll have a couple of drinks¡ªthen straight to bed."


    "It''s Saturday tomorrow, we can sleep in aste as we want."


    Eleanor took a sip from her ss, and the two settled in, chatting and drinking together.


    "To be honest," Joy said, swirling her drink, "when I metn in person at the hotel, I''ve seen all kinds of men, but he''s the most maic of them all." She made a face. "Shame he''s such a jerk."


    Eleanor, meanwhile, was lost in thought.


    No matter whether it was theboratory investment or the special research projects, everything pointed to one thing: Ian was doing everything he could to save Vanessa''s life.


    Suddenly, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a new message. She picked it up and saw it was from Joel.


    Attached was a report about Vanessa''s stem cell treatment at the hospital.


    "I looked into it for you. Vanessa started a stem cell regimen at the hospital a few


    days ago. The personn wants to save is definitely her."


    Eleanor took another sip of her drink and replied, "Thank you."


    At dawn, Eleanor was roused by the sound of her phone ringing. She nced at


    the screen-Joel again¡ªand answered, "Hello?"


    "Sorry if I woke you. I''m heading out to Marlowe Vige this morning for a field visit. Would you like toe along?"


    Eleanor woke up a bit more and sat up. "Sure! I''ll join you."


    "I''lle pick you up," Joel said.


    Eleanor sent him her location and went to tell Joy.


    Joy had just ordered breakfast. They ate together, chatting over coffee and toast.


    "There''s an unexined illness in Marlowe Vige near Soutke Reservoir?" Joy asked, surprised.


    "Yeah, it''s a localized outbreak. We suspect the water or maybe the fish have been contaminated."


    "Oh! I heard there''s a chemical nt over there. Do you think they''re dumping toxic waste into the water?" Joy said, frowning.

 Chapter 83

    "I can''t rule out that possibility, but we need to find the actual cause before jumping to conclusions."


    "Be careful when you go. Anyone running a chemical nt probably has some serious connections." Joy''s tone was a warning.


    Eleanor nodded.


    At nine-thirty, Joel pulled up in an SUV. In the back seat sat Callie and Gwenda, leaving the front passenger seat open for Eleanor.


    As Eleanor joined them, Gwenda nced at the name of her apartmentplex. It was upscale, sure-but nothing beyond what most well-off families could afford.


    Two hourster, after canvassing the area near Marlowe Vige, they reached the perimeter of the chemical nt. Following Joel''s instructions, Gwenda and Callie slipped over to the wastewater outlet and discreetly collected a few sample tubes.


    Back in the city, Joel dropped her off at Joy''s building. Eleanor retrieved her car and headed to Goodwin Manor; tonight, she was bringing her daughter home. "Didn''t Dade with you?" Evelyn looked up at her, round face full of curiosity. "No, he''s busy. After dinner, I''ll take you home."


    At four,n returned. He called out to his mother, Gina, "Mom, I''m taking Evelyn and Eleanor out for dinner."


    "Why not eat at home?"


    "I''m meeting up with some friends," he replied.<fnfb8e> Readplete version only at F¦Énd£Îovel</fnfb8e>


    Hearing this, Eleanor stood and said, "Evelyn and I will stay here."


    "Really? I want to go! I want to go!" Evelyn grabbed his hand, bouncing with excitement.


    Eleanor pressed her lips together, hesitating.


    Just then, Serena''s voice floated down from upstairs. "Mom, I won''t be eating at home either. I''m going out withn and Evelyn."


    They left around five-thirty. Eleanor would have preferred to drive separately, butn said, "Let''s head back togetherter."


    Which meant that after dinner, they''d return to Goodwin Manor.


    So Eleanor opened the back door, taking a seat with her daughter. Serena imed the front passenger seat.


    On the way, Serena tapped out a message to Vanessa: "Vanessa,e join us for dinner tonight!"


    "What kind of dinner?"


    "Oh, just with my brother and some of his friends. Xavier will be there too." "Is Eleanoring?"


    "She''ll be there, but you can stille! What''s there to be afraid of?" Serena narrowed her eyes¡ªtonight, all she wanted was to hang out with Vanessa. "I''ll see how things go."


    "I really want you toe. Promise me you''lle!" Serena hit send, secretly wishing Eleanor would back out.


    ...


    Downtown. A high-end French restaurant with crisp white linens and quiet ambiance.


    They arrived first. A few minutester, Xavier walked in with Vivian, followed by Henry. From their conversation, Eleanor quickly gathered that this was the whole dinner party for the evening.


    Vivian and Evelyn sat together, happily ying with their toys. Eleanor took a seat beside her daughter, while Serena, ever savvy, took the spot next to Vivian-and right beside Xavier.


    After the orders were ced, the three men started discussing current events, and soon the conversation shifted to the new miracle drug Eleanor had helped develop.


    n, you really called it this time. Theb you invested in just produced a breakthrough drug, and yourpany''s value must have doubled in the past six months, right?" Henry said, his admiration clear.


    "And the one who developed that drug¡ªisn''t she Vanessa''s sister?" Serena interjected.


    "She must be brilliant," Henry said.


    Changing the topic, Henry turned to Serena. "How was that ski resort you visited? I''m thinking of taking some friends there next week."


    Serena lit up, eager to recount her ski trip. With Xavier listening in, she hoped he''d be impressed by her skills.


    As the conversation flowed, the server entered with a guest in tow. "Miss, right this way."


    The door opened and Vanessa walked in, fashionably dressed. When she saw who was inside, her smile faltered, and she hesitated awkwardly at the entrance.


    "Vanessa, you made it! Come on in!" Serena immediately stood to greet her.


    Vanessa pressed her lips together, and Serena stepped in to ease the awkwardness. "I invited Vanessa. Let''s all have dinner together."


    Vanessa nced atn, then at Eleanor, and smiled at Serena. "Maybe I''ll let you


    enjoy your dinner. We can catch up another time."


    The implication was clear-she hadn''t expected Eleanor to be there.


    Serena chimed in to help, n, I was the one who invited Vanessa."


    "Mrs. Shannon, you''re here too!" Evelyn piped up, delighted.


    Vanessa''s face softened into a gentle smile. "Evelyn, it''s been so long. Did you miss me?"


    Evelyn nodded, beaming. After two years of Vanessa''s devoted attention, seeing her always brought joy.


    Vanessa had been waiting for that invitation. She smiled and took the seat next to Henry.


    "Vanessa, we were just talking about your sister''s amazing achievement. She solved a global medical crisis all by herself-unbelievable," Serena said.


    Vanessa gave a modest smile. "She''s always been the clever one-and she''s passionate about medicine. Her sess isn''t a surprise."


    "Maybe she''ll win a Nobel Prize someday!"


    Henryughed. "She should at least get a nomination."


    At that moment, Serena nced over at Eleanor and said, "Eleanor, aren''t you taking sses at Ashford Medical University? You must have heard of Faye, right?"

 Chapter 84

    Eleanor realized the conversation had shifted to her. She looked up and


    answered, "Yes, I''ve heard of it."


    "That''s why you should really learn from her, sis-inw." Serena said this with a smug grin.


    "Ahem." Xavier cleared his throat gently.


    "I think that''s enough, Serena. Eat your dinner,"n chided her in a warm but firm tone.


    Serena puffed her cheeks out like a sulking child and fell silent.<fn6635> This update is avable on FindN0vel</fn6635>


    Eleanor''s attention shifted as Vanessa smiled at her. "So, you''re back at Ashford Medical University? That''s wonderful! The medical field needs more talented people like you." Vanessa paused, then added casually, "Oh, and that Dr. Joel you were chatting with overseas-he works in the researchb at Ashford as well."


    Her expression was all innocence, but Eleanor knew Vanessa had brought up Joel on purpose, right in front ofn.


    "We''ve run into each other on campus," Eleanor replied evenly.


    "Joel? The doctor who did that interview with Faye?" Serena chimed in. She''d noticed Joel, too-the whole inte had been buzzing about how handsome he''d looked on camera.


    "That''s the one," Vanessa nodded.


    Serena shot Eleanor a sideways nce. Eleanor had only just started at Ashford, and she already knew such a good-looking doctor? Was she thinking about having a little fun outside her marriage?


    Sensing the tension, Henry smoothly redirected the conversation back to work and started discussing a new project withn. Xavier, meanwhile, watched Vivian eat, casting nces across the table.


    Every time Xavier''s eyes drifted in their direction, Serena felt her cheeks flush, convinced he might be looking at her, too.


    "Henry, could you pour me a drink? I haven''t been sleeping welltely," Vanessa said, shing a small smile.


    "Of course!" Henry reached for the whiskey bottle and poured her a ss.


    Vanessa picked up the ss, but before she could take a sip,n''s long arm shot out and snatched it away. His deep voice brooked no argument. "No drinking."


    Vanessa stared at her confiscated ss, her lips trembling in a soft pout-a flicker of spoiled hurt shing in her eyes. It was that look of a child who''s used to being doted on, suddenly scolded and on the verge of tears.


    Lifting her chin, Vanessa picked up her teacup instead and took a sip, her gaze flicking sideways to Eleanor.


    Eleanor pretended not to notice, concentrating on peeling a shrimp and cing it in her daughter''s bowl.


    The others watched in silence. Henry and Xavier kept their thoughts to themselves, but Serena couldn''t hide her amusement as she nced back and


    forth between her oldest brother and Vanessa, then over at Eleanor.


    Just then, Evelyn piped up, lips pursed in a little pout. "Mommy, I don''t want to eat anymore. I want to go y."


    Vivian, not to be outdone, joined in, "Uncle, I want to y too!"


    Eleanor saw that Evelyn had eaten half her meal and nodded. "Okay, Mommy will take you to y."


    "I want to go too!" Vivian looked hopefully at her uncle.


    "Vivian, how about I take you?" Serena offered with a bright smile.


    Vivian shook her head-she wasn''t familiar with Serena yet. "No, I want Uncle to take me."


    Xavier got to his feet. "Alright. There''s a y area for kids just outside."


    Eleanor and Xavier led the two little girls out. The restaurant had set aside a corner as a children''s y zone just the right ce to let them run around.


    Vivian and Evelyn happily kicked off their shoes and ran inside, while Eleanor and Xavier stood nearby, keeping an eye on them.


    "Mr. Vaughn, are you done eating? If you want, I can watch Vivian and you can get some more food," Eleanor offered.


    "I''ve had enough, thank you," Xavier replied with a gentle smile.


    The children''sughter echoed from the y area, and for a while, the two adults simply stood inpanionable silence, watching over them.


    Back in the private dining room,n ordered more dishes. Vanessa, still recovering from her recent illness, looked even more delicate under the soft lights.

 Chapter 85

    Serena took a seat beside Vanessa, striking up a light conversation while Henry andn discussed current events at the other end of the room.


    But Serena''s thoughts didn''t linger long-her mind was already drifting toward Xavier. She wanted to be with him.


    Out by the arcade, Eleanor, exhausted from the relentless pace of the past few days, suddenly felt her vision blur and a wave of dizziness wash over her.


    Instinctively, she reached out and grabbed Xavier''s arm for support.<fn67d7> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find[?]ovel</fn67d7>


    Xavier immediately noticed something was wrong. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched in his voice.


    Eleanor released his arm, straightening up with effort. "It''s nothing, just a little dizzy spell," she replied, trying to sound nonchnt.


    Serena, who had just arrived and witnessed the scene, bit her lip in disbelief¡ª how could Eleanor so brazenly flirt with Xavier?


    "Sis, let me watch Evelyn for you!" Serena chimed in, stepping forward.


    "No need," Eleanor said coolly.


    Serena quickly pivoted to Xavier. "Xavier, I''ll take care of Vivian. Why don''t you go catch up with my brother and the others?" If she couldn''t get rid of Eleanor, then she''d just send Xavier away.


    One way or another, she wasn''t about to let the two of them spend any more time alone together.


    Xavier nodded. "Thanks, I appreciate it."


    He nced at Eleanor, his eyes full of concern, before heading back to the private lounge. Serena caught that look, filing it away.


    When Xavier entered the lounge, Serena crossed her arms and shot Eleanor a warning re. "Eleanor, you''d better keep your distance from Xavier."


    Eleanor turned to face her.


    Serena stared her down. "He''s the man I have my eye on. Don''t even think about it."


    Eleanor exhaled quietly, choosing not to engage.


    Serena''s irritation only grew. In her mind, Eleanor was on the rebound-her brother would soon cast her aside, so she was already seeking out a wealthy backup n.


    And Xavier? He was the perfect candidate: mature, handsome, gentle, and patient. With their daughters ying together, Eleanor had the perfect excuse to get close.


    Serena wandered off to the side, busying herself with her phone. She never had the patience to actually watch the kids.


    Twenty minutes passed, and the group from the lounge finally emerged. Vanessa strolled over, a warm smile on her face.


    "Evelyn!" she called out, her tone overly familiar.


    "Mrs. Shannon!" Evelyn peeked out from behind Eleanor, beaming.


    Eleanor''s expression darkened. Vanessa hadn''t shown any overt malice toward her daughter, and at this age, Evelyn couldn''t tell genuine affection from a pretense.


    "Evelyn, time to go," Eleanor said gently to her daughter.


    Xavier came to fetch Vivian, crouching down patiently to help her with her shoes. Serena watched him, her heart swelling with the certainty that Xavier would make a wonderful father someday.


    Eleanor knelt to help Evelyn with her shoes, too. Suddenly, Vanessa crouched down beside them, taking Evelyn''s little arms in her hands and turning the child to face her. "Evelyn, give me a kiss and I''ll give you a toy!"


    "Really?" Evelyn''s eyes sparkled with delight.


    Eleanor''s hands clenched into fists. She wanted nothing more than to p Vanessa right then and there.


    But she knew she couldn''t lose control in front of her daughter-it would only frighten Evelyn and destroy the fragile bond she''d fought so hard to build. Yet watching Vanessa charm her little girl felt like a knife twisting in her heart.


    Just then, Vivian dashed over and grabbed Evelyn''s hand. "Come on, Evelyn, let''s go!" she said brightly.


    Evelyn instantly forgot about Vanessa''s promised toy, and the two girls skipped off toward the elevators together.


    Vanessa''s smile faltered. Eleanor looked up just in time to meet Xavier''s gaze as he turned away. A subtle warmth bloomed in her chest-Xavier must have sent Vivian over to rescue her daughter.

 Chapter 86

    He''d helped her out-subtly, but unmistakably.


    Eleanor shot Vanessa a frosty nce, then strode toward her daughter.


    Vanessa''s smile lingered as she nced at Xavier, the hint of surprise flickering in


    her eyes.


    Could it be...?


    Amused, Vanessa''s lips curled into a sly grin. Her gaze swept over ton, but his expression was calm as ever, as if Xavier''s little act of kindness toward Eleanor hadpletely escaped his notice.


    As the elevator doors slid open into the lobby, Serena turned to Vanessa. "Did you drive today?" she asked.


    Before Vanessa could reply, Henry, ever the gentleman, offered, "Let me give you a ride."


    Vanessa''s smile turned genuine. "Thank you, Mr. Holt."<fnf07b> Updates are released by Find[?]ovel</fnf07b>


    "Let''s go, then," Henry said as he led her outside.


    Serena watched as Xavier made his way toward the exit too. She gave him a cheerful smile. "Drive safe, Xavier."


    Eleanor, holding her daughter close, followedn toward his car.


    "Hey, I''m not heading home tonight," Serena called out to her brother. "I''m meeting some friends."


    "Be careful,"n reminded her.


    "I will!" Serena waved and disappeared into the night.


    Eleanor looked up atn. "Let''s just head home. Evelyn''s exhausted."


    Since he didn''t need to drop his sister off at Goodwin Manor,n made no


    objection. On the drive back, he called his mother to let her know, then focused on the road.


    Eleanor, cradling her daughter, drifted off to sleep. It was probably the end of her cycle-she always got drowsy at this time.


    By the timen parked in the driveway, both mother and daughter were sound asleep in the back seat.


    The car''s soft interior light cast a warm glow over their faces their resemnce striking in the gentle blur of sleep. Ian''s eyes softened as he reached in and carefully gathered Evelyn into his arms.


    Eleanor stirred at the movement. Blinking awake, she sawn lifting their daughter and quickly grabbed her purse, smoothing her hair as she climbed out after them.


    Joslyn quietly opened the front door. "We''ve already eaten," Eleanor told her softly. "Go ahead and tidy up, then get some rest."


    Butn headed straight into his own room instead. Eleanor sighed in frustration and followed, kneeling to help slip off Evelyn''s shoes. Bath time was clearly out of the question tonight.


    Eleanor retreated to her own room for a shower and some peace. By the time she''d dried her hair and nced at the clock, it was already half past ten.


    With her daughter sleeping inn''s room tonight, there was no point in arguing.


    She was half-asleep herself when the door creaked open. Evelyn, now wide awake and fussing for her mom, was carried in byn. He slid under the covers with them, and Evelyn immediately snuggled into Eleanor''s arms.


    "Goodnight, Daddy. Go sleep in your own bed," Evelyn mumbled sleepily.


    Evelyn didn''t fuss anymore. She yawned, and within minutes was fast asleep again.


    The next morning-


    Vivian called, inviting Evelyn to spend the day at her uncle''s ce. The moment Evelyn heard, she was bouncing with excitement, begging to go. Eleanor checked with Xavier to make sure it was convenient, and he said it was no trouble at all.


    Eleanor brought her daughter over, along with Princess, their little dog. Xavier greeted them at the door in casual clothes.


    "Thank you so much, Mr. Vaughn."


    "I''ll see you at three this afternoon?" Xavier suggested.


    "That works perfectly." Eleanor''s eyes softened with gratitude-not just for watching Evelyn today, but for sending Vivian to her rescue the night before.


    Since thatst interview, Faye felt like she was living under a spotlight, surrounded by curious stares and whispers. It was as if she''d be a celebrity overnight.

 Chapter 87

    She walked along the path to Ashford Medical University, and it was almost a daily ritual to be surrounded by younger med students-some of them even asked for her autograph. It embarrassed Faye, but she couldn''t deny that the attention, the admiration, all felt rather intoxicating.


    Yet every time someone asked how she''d discovered the antiviral breakthrough, she only smiled, never offering much of an answer.


    That morning, her mother called, inviting her home for lunch.


    Noon, Yeaton Manor.


    As Faye pulled up to the house, a bright red Ferrari glided into the driveway beside her. Under the midday sun, two girls stepped out at the same time, their features strikingly simr.


    "Faye!" Vanessa called, smiling warmly.


    Faye, ever the proud one, gave a cool reply. "Didn''t expect to see you here."


    Vanessa was a year younger than Faye. Years ago, Vanessa''s mother had tried to marry Rnd, swollen with pregnancy, but the Yeaton elders refused her-her background was too humble for their taste.


    Rnd had sent Vanessa''s mother off to Montir to give birth, then promptly married Faye''s mother, who came from a family with political clout.


    But fate is never so simple. After having Faye, her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, lost her uterus, and could never have more children.


    To keep her husband from marrying again, Mrs. Yeaton weed Vanessa and her mother into the family, maintaining an uneasy truce.


    Any mistresses Rnd tried to keep outside the marriage¡ªMrs. Yeaton quietly put an end to those affairs, making it clear she would tolerate no more illegitimate children.


    Rnd wasn''t exactly thrilled, but both daughters were grown now, each more aplished than the other. He eventually gave up on hoping for a son.


    His eldest had just helped him win favor with the powerfuln, and now his youngest was making headlines in medical research. Both girls had beauty, brains, and ambition in spades.


    "Faye, you''ve done something incredible," Rnd beamed, "What do you want as a reward?"


    Faye''s throat tightened. Ever since that interview, everyone assumed she''d developed the miracle drug. She''d tried to exin, but the truth always seemed to get stuck in her mouth-especially here, in front of her family.


    "Dad, actually, I¡ª" Faye started, wanting to confess.


    But Mrs. Yeaton swept in with a proud smile. "Faye, you have no idea how happy you''ve made your father. He''s been bragging to everyone about your achievement. You''ve really brought honor to this family!"


    Faye swallowed hard. The words she''d meant to say faded before they reached her lips.


    Rnd was practically glowing. "Mr. Brown himself came to thank me, said the drug my daughter created saved his father''s life! He insisted on treating me to dinner. Faye, how about I buy you a car to match your sister''s?"


    "Dad, really, I¡ª" Faye wanted to blurt out the truth, to stop this from spiraling further out of control.


    "Dad, evennplimented Faye in front of me!" Vanessa chimed in with a smile.<fn3f23> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find?novel</fn3f23>


    Faye froze. Ian praised her? He was theb''s biggest investor. If she confessed now, wouldn''t she be humiliating herself right in front of him?


    Vanessa''s voice was gentle. "Dad, I think you should do it. Faye deserves every bit of this reward."


    Faye set her bag down. "There''s no need for a new car. Excuse me I need to use the restroom."


    Inside the bathroom, she buried her face in her hands, taking deep, shuddering breaths. It felt as if some invisible force was propelling her forward, making it impossible to exin herself.


    She was a thief now-a thief who had stolen Eleanor''s discovery, and with it, the glow and glory that should have been hers.

 Chapter 88

    Faye would never stoop to stealing from Eleanor, but she knew that if she told the truth, her parents would inevitably be disappointed in her.


    But...


    Growing up, Faye had always been looked down on by the family simply for not being a son. Her father had barely paid her any attention. It had taken years for her to finally prove herself, and she couldn''t bear to let him down now.


    "Eleanor, it''s not that I wanted to take what''s yours-it''s just that you gave it to me," Faye whispered, convincing herself before stepping out the door.


    At the dinner table, Rnd showered Faye withpliments again and again. Vanessa, wanting to maintain a good rtionship with her younger sister, chimed in with her own praise. Mrs. Yeaton was practically beaming with pride; even though she''d never had a son, she wanted everyone to see that her daughter''s aplishments were every bit as impressive.<fncb09> Checktest chapters at findnovel</fncb09>


    "Vanessa, let''s invite Mr. Goodwin out to dinner sometime," Rnd said. "I owe him my thanks."


    "Of course, Dad," Vanessa replied with a nod.


    Rnd wasn''t sure how his eldest daughter had gotten to known, but he knew she''d managed to win over this business mogul-and who knew, maybe someday he''d ben''s father-inw.


    That afternoon, Eleanor didn''t pick up her daughter from school; Xavier had texted her to say thatn would handle it.


    At four o''clock, the sound of Evelyn''sughter and Princess''s barking echoed from the front hall.


    Eleanor came down from the third floor just as Princess bounded over, tail wagging wildly. Evelyn was grinning from ear to ear.


    Eleanor knelt down to look at her daughter, andn came over. "Evelyn, time to wash your hands."


    "I want Daddy to help me!" Evelyn eximed, grabbing his big hand in hers.


    After dinner, Eleanor settled in with her daughter to read picture books. When they got to a story about not epting gifts from strangers, Eleanor watched Evelyn''s expression closely.


    "So if Mr. Vaughn gives me a present, can I keep it?" Evelyn asked.


    "Normally, you shouldn''t," Eleanor replied, "but since Mommy will buy a gift to give back to Vivian, that''s just good manners-returning the favor."


    "What about the present Mrs. Shannon gave me?" Evelyn tilted her head, curious. "Evelyn, it''s not good to ept too many gifts from others," Eleanor said gently. "Is it because she doesn''t have children?" Evelyn asked, her little face scrunched in thought.


    Eleanor smiled. "That''s right. She doesn''t have kids of her own, so if you take her gift, Mommy can''t return the gesture."


    Evelyn seemed to understand. "Oh! Then I won''t take any more toys from her." Eleanor kissed her daughter''s forehead. "You''re such a thoughtful girl."


    They read together until nine o''clock; knowing Evelyn had school the next day, Eleanor helped her brush her teeth and tucked her into bed.


    Once under the covers, Evelyn squirmed for a moment, then drifted off to sleep. Eleanor followed soon after.


    The next morning, Eleanor walked her daughter downstairs. Ian was already waiting for them.


    "Daddy, are you taking me to school today?" Evelyn asked.


    "I am! Let''s go,"n answered.


    "Bye, Mommy!" Evelyn waved.


    Eleanor could only smile and watch them go.


    At nine o''clock, Joel messaged her he''d made a breakthrough in his research and wanted Eleanor toe to theb.


    She parked outside the research building and stepped into the elevator, joining a group of medical students noisily heading up to a third-floor meeting.


    "Did you hear? Faye''s giving a lecture today!"


    "No way."


    "I''m serious! She''s so aplished, she could probably skip straight to her PhD." "She''s a shoo-in for the Nobel Prize, if you ask me."


    "Do you think she and Dr. Kingsley are together? They must be dating, right?"


    "That''s the rumor! Dr. Kingsley''s crazy about her. Imagine the genius kids they''d have."


    "They should just lock them up together and let them have a whole bunch!" someone joked, andughter filled the elevator.


    By the tenth floor, Eleanor finally had some peace and quiet. She smiled wryly-


    so Faye really was just taking credit for her work, as if it was only natural.


    The elevator dinged open. Eleanor made her way to her office, where her


    assistant Darcy greeted her excitedly. "Eleanor, you''re here!"


    Even though everyone outside credited Faye with the miracle drug, Darcy knew


    the truth¡ªthat it was Eleanor who''d made it all possible.


    "Get theb ready. I''ll be there in a minute," Eleanor said.


    "Will do!" Darcy hurried out.


    Eleanor sat down to print out some data. Just then, someone knocked on the door. She looked up-it was Gwenda.


    "Do you need something?" Eleanor asked.


    Gwenda closed the door behind her, hesitating a moment before stepping


    forward. "Eleanor, do you have any thoughts about the rumors that Faye''s the one who developed the cure?"


    Eleanor narrowed her eyes. Was Gwenda genuinely curious, or fishing for someone else?


    "Honestly, it''s not like Faye meant to take credit," Gwenda went on quickly. "After that interview, everyone just assumed it was her, and she didn''t know how to exin. She tried, but how could she convince anyone with just her word? Don''t you think so?" She watched Eleanor closely, searching her face for any reaction.


    Eleanor just gave her a faint smile, refusing to answer.


    "In the end, the achievement belongs to ourb," Gwenda continued, pressing on. "We all know it''s your work. What people say outside doesn''t really matter, right?"


    Eleanor stood up. "I need to get to theb. Haven''t you seen the memo about the Marlowe Vige project?"


    Realizing she''d get nothing more, Gwenda forced a smile. "Right. I should get back to work too."

 Chapter 89

    Faye''s Office


    Gwenda recounted her earlier attempt to speak with Eleanor. Faye''s expression darkened. "Gwenda, was that really necessary?"


    "I just wanted to help you out by sounding her out a little! See what she''d do," Gwenda replied, sounding a bit wounded.


    Faye didn''t appreciate the gesture. "Don''t do this again. You''re better off focusing


    on your research. That matters more than anything."


    Gwenda had only meant to curry favor, but Eleanor had turned out to be impossible to read. She hadn''t been able to dig up a thing.


    Faye clenched her fist. Who knew what Eleanor might be saying about her behind her back?


    At noon, Eleanor and Joel visited a few patients. By two o''clock, the two of them arrived at the medical examiner''s office.


    The moment they stepped into the autopsy room, a chill swept over Eleanor and she shivered. Joel shot her a look of concern. "It''s freezing in here. Are you sure you''re okay?"


    "I''m fine," Eleanor said with a nod.


    They observed the entire autopsy together, but by the end Eleanor felt queasy. She rushed out, barely making it to the hallway before she was sick. When she finished, Joel came over, having just washed his hands, and patted her shoulder apologetically. "I shouldn''t have brought you here."


    Eleanor wiped her mouth, feeling dizzy as she steadied herself against the wall. "It''s alright. At least we learned something."


    "Let''s get you back," Joel said gently.


    By the time they returned to theb, Eleanor''s head was pounding and she felt feverish. With a sinking feeling, she swabbed herself for a rapid test and handed the sample to Darcy. A few minutester, her phone buzzed with a message: "Eleanor, you''ve tested positive."


    Goodwin & Co. Headquarters


    In the conference room, the investment team was deep in discussion.


    "Yes, Mr. Goodwin. Now that you''ve signed off, I''ll have finance wire the funds this afternoon," the manager replied.


    A colleague pushed up his sses and, emboldened, asked, "Mr. Goodwin, thewsuit with Suncrest Ltd. hasn''t been resolved. Are we really moving forward with this investment now? Wouldn''t it be wise to wait?"


    Thewsuit hanging over Suncrest made the timing questionable, and the employee''s nerves showed.


    The manager shot him a re. "Ableson, when Mr. Goodwin has made a


    decision, your job is to follow through. No more questions."


    "Take care, Mr. Goodwin!" the manager called after him, all smiles. The rest of the team scrambled to their feet.


    As soon asn was gone, the manager turned to the new hire. "Ableson, remember this-when it''s anything to do with Suncrest Ltd., just sign, no questions."


    Ableson blinked, still confused.


    "Don''t you know? The CEO''s eldest daughter is Mr. Goodwin''s special friend."


    Another coworker caught the implication instantly. "So Suncrest is Mr. Goodwin''s future inws''pany! No wonder he''s so insistent."


    Back in his office,n''s phone rang. He nced at the screen and picked up. "Hello?"


    "I''ve tested positive. I need to iste for three days. Would you mind taking care of Evelyn?" Eleanor''s voice was calm but tired.


    Eleanor checked into the hospital for treatment. She''d barely finished her IV when Joel arrived, masked and concerned. "How are you feeling? Any pain?"


    "Headache, fever, no strength at all," Eleanor said quietly.


    "Get some rest. Don''t worry about theb, just focus on getting better." Joel took the chair at her bedside.


    "I''m contagious. You should go."


    "I''ve got antibodies. I''ll be fine," Joel replied, reaching over to check her temperature.


    The medication was working, and Eleanor felt a bit better. Around five,n''s number shed on her phone. She guessed it would be her daughter and answered, "Hello?"


    "Mommy, are you sick?" Sure enough, it was Evelyn.


    "Yes, sweetheart. I caught a virus and need to stay at the hospital for a few days.


    You be good for Daddy at home, alright?"


    "Okay! I will," Evelyn promised.


    "Call me anytime you miss me," Eleanor said, managing a smile.


    Thenn''s voice came on the line. "Did you take your medicine? Are you feeling any better?"


    Eleanor''s smile faded. "A bit better."


    "I''lle "


    She cut him off before he could finish. "No, don''te. Just take care of our daughter."


    "Alright. Call me if you need anything," he said, and hung up.


    If he came, it would only make things harder.


    That night, Eleanor developed a high fever. Joel stayed by her side, caring for her until well past midnight. When she woke, groggy and weak, she managed a grateful smile. "Thank you."


    "After this, the fever should break," Joel said softly, concern etched in his eyes.<fn76d3> ?????? ???? F¦ÉndNovel</fn76d3>


    The next morning, Eleanor''s throat was raw and her voice nearly gone, though she was otherwise improving.


    At ten, her phone buzzed several times. She checked her messages, her heart sinking. Detective Trent had sent photos:n, out riding with Evelyn, Vanessa at his side in a bright yellow dress, the three of them looking for all the world like a perfect family.

 Chapter 90

    In the second photo, her daughter was sitting atop a little chestnut pony, grinning so widely her eyes nearly disappeared, shing a peace sign at Vanessa''s


    camera.


    Those pictures sent a stab of pain through Eleanor''s heart so sharp she could barely breathe. She''d only been away from home for a single day, andn had already taken their daughter to see Vanessa.


    Eleanor drew a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but her head-which had already been aching-now throbbed so fiercely with anger she thought it might split open.


    Just then, she heard footsteps outside her hospital room. Assuming it was the nurse, she looked up¡ªonly to see Xavier standing in the doorway.


    "Mr. Vaughn? What are you doing here?" she blurted, surprise evident in her voice.


    Xavier looked equally startled. "One of my rtives is staying here. I happened to walk past your room and saw your name, so I thought I''d stop in to check on you."


    Eleanor managed a bitter smile, her voice hoarse. "Caught a bug, I''m afraid. Got infected somehow."


    Even as she spoke, the pounding in her head seemed to ripple down to her stomach. Before she could brace herself, a wave of nausea hit; she pped a hand over her mouth and doubled over, gagging.


    Xavier hurried to her side, grabbing the wastebasket and cing it by her bed in case she needed it.


    Eleanor couldn''t fight the nausea any longer and retched miserably, clutching at the sheets. When she finally managed to lift her head, a damp tissue appeared in front of her.


    "Thank you," she rasped, her voice barely more than a whisper before coughing violently again. Arge, steady hand began gently patting her back, helping her through the fit.


    Suddenly, a thought struck Eleanor and she grew anxious. "Mr. Vaughn, you should leave! There''s a virus going around-I wouldn''t want you to catch it."


    Xavier shook his head. "Don''t worry about me. I''ll be fine."


    When her coughing finally subsided, Eleanory back against the pillows, utterly drained. Xavier poured her a ss of warm water and handed it to her. "Here, have some water. It''ll help."


    She drank gratefully, then sank into the ice-blue sheets, exhausted. Sunlight filtered through the window, casting delicate patterns across her pale face and the dark hair spilling over the pillow, making her look all the more fragile.


    Xavier gazed at her, concern flickering in his eyes.


    Eleanor looked at him, worried. "Mr. Vaughn, you really should go. I''m still not fully recovered, even after the medication."


    Not wanting to cause her more trouble, Xavier stood up. "If you need anything, call the nurse. Don''t try to tough it out alone."


    "Thank you for caring," Eleanor said, managing a faint smile.


    After Xavier left, Eleanor closed her eyes, but her mind was in turmoil. The urge to


    get a divorce surged up inside her, fiercer than ever.


    She was done waiting. She wanted a divorce. She was going to fight for her daughter, no longer willing to let Vanessa anywhere near her.


    Ten o''clock that night.


    Eleanor drifted in and out of a feverish sleep. She felt a presence by her bedside and, heavy-lidded, croaked, "Joel, I want some water."


    Someone poured her a ss, settling down beside her. Eleanor forced her eyes open-only to see it wasn''t Joel.


    It wasn.


    He wore a surgical mask, dark eyes fixed on her intently.


    Eleanor''s eyes widened and she forced herself upright. "I don''t need you to take care of me."


    "Oh? So you''d rather have Joel here instead?"n''s lips curled in a mocking half- smile.


    Eleanor hesitated, rubbing her aching temples. "Just go. I don''t want to see you." "This isn''t the time for tantrums. Focus on getting better,"n replied, his tone calm.


    Eleanor refused the ss of water he offered, so he set it back on the table, his gazeplicated as he looked at her.


    Her throat burned as if scraped by razors. Shey back down, shutting her eyes, and tried to sleep.


    She drifted off again, vaguely aware of a hand brushing across her face. She was too tired to push it away, only managing to frown in annoyance.


    Somewhere close by, she thought she heard a helpless sigh.


    Morning.


    Eleanor was awakened by the sound of a nurse rolling in a cart. She opened her eyes and saw thatn was gone. Sitting up, she let the nurse give her an injection.


    After ten, Joel came by to check on her, and Eleanor felt much better.


    "Didnest night?" Joel asked.


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "How did you know?"


    "I heard from the nurse that someone visited you. I guessed it was him," Joel said.


    By the afternoon, Eleanor was recovering steadily, and Joel stayed with her until evening before leaving.


    On the third day, Eleanor''s fever and cough had vanished. Other than some lingering weakness in her limbs, she was testing negative for the virus.


    She''d assumed she''d recover in three days, but she''d underestimated how stubborn this thing was. Even though she''d improved, she still had to iste herself for another three days before she could be discharged.


    She missed her daughter terribly. After two days of waiting, Eleanor finally dialedn''s number.<fn4ea2> Read full story at find?novel</fn4ea2>


    But the voice that answered wasn''tn''s-it was Vanessa''s. "Hello?"


    "Putn on the phone," Eleanor said, her tone frosty.


    It didn''t surprise her that they were together-out of sight,n and Vanessa were already living like a married couple.


    "He''s in the shower right now. How about I have him call you when he''s done?" Vanessa replied sweetly.


    Son wasn''t with their daughter? Was he out on a date with Vanessa?


    Eleanor didn''t bother replying. She ended the call.


    That evening,n never called her back. Maybe Vanessa hadn''t mentioned it, or mayben simply didn''t care.


    A weekter, Eleanor was discharged.


    She decided to wait two more days before seeing her daughter, wanting to rest at home first.

 Chapter 91

    When Joslyn saw here home, she greeted her with concern. "Ma''am, are you feeling any better?"


    "Much better, Joslyn. Could you make me some in pasta and bring it upstairs?"


    "Of course."


    Eleanor took a long shower, dried her hair, and changed into a set of soft cotton pajamas. She sat at the upstairs dining nook, quietly eating her pasta.


    At nine o''clock that evening,n came home. Joslyn stepped forward to announce, "Sir, Madam''s back."


    The source of th?s content is FindN()vel</fna007>


    "Around five this afternoon. She just finished dinner, and I believe she''s already asleep."


    The room was dim, and Eleanor was fast asleep.


    He approached the bed, gently pressing hisrge hand to her forehead-no sign of a fever.


    He lifted the covers and slipped into bed. Eleanor was sleeping so soundly, she didn''t even notice someone joining her. Ian carefully cradled her head onto his arm, his tall frame curling protectively around her, fitting himself to her sleeping posture.


    At three in the morning, Eleanor was woken by thirst. Suddenly, she realized her head was resting on someone''s arm. She turned, and in the darkness, her forehead bumped into a man''s hard jaw. The faint scent of cedar drifted in the air.


    Eleanor instantly realizedn was in her bed. Startled, she sat bolt upright and quickly turned on the bedsidemp. Sure enough,ny beside her.


    At that moment, he woke as well.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked, his voice hoarse, his handsome face clouded with sleep.


    A flicker of disgust shed in Eleanor''s eyes as she got out of bed, unwilling to look at him.


    A momentter, Eleanor opened her bedroom door and shut it firmly behind her. Only then did she return to bed and manage to fall asleep again.


    The next morning, Eleanor came downstairs for breakfast. Ian was already there. His expression, usually calm, now seemed distant and frosty when he looked at her.


    Eleanor asked Joslyn to bring her breakfast to the upstairs sitting room-she had no desire to facen.


    After a while, she heard the sound ofn''s car disappearing through the front gate. As she was eating, her phone rang¡ªa number she didn''t recognize. She answered, "Hello?"


    "Ms. Sutton, is Evelyn at home?"


    Eleanor froze. "Vivian? She''s not here¡ªshe''s at her grandmother''s."


    "Oh! I just wanted to say goodbye. I''m leaving the country to stay with my grandparents."


    "You''re leaving the country?"


    "Yeah. My uncle''s sick and can''t look after me anymore, so I need to stay with my grandparents for a while."


    Eleanor''s heart skipped a beat. What? Xavier is sick? Could he have caught the virus in her hospital room that day?


    A wave of guilt washed over her. It was her fault-she must have gotten him infected.


    After hanging up with Vivian, Eleanor bit her lip, hesitated, and finally called Xavier.


    "Hello!" Xavier''s voice was raspy.


    Eleanor could tell immediately-he''d caught the virus too. "Mr. Vaughn, are you alright?"


    "No need to worry. I''m fine, just a minor cold," Xavier replied.


    "It must have been me¡ªI must have passed it to you that day. I''m so sorry," Eleanor apologized.


    "I''ve been in contact with plenty of peopletely-it''s not your fault. Don''t me yourself," he reassured her.


    "I heard Vivian''s going abroad?"


    "Her grandparents missed her, so she''ll be staying with them for a while," Xavier said.


    Eleanor felt awkward. She and Xavier weren''t even friends-showing too much concern just made things ufortable.


    "Take care of yourself. Goodbye," she said quickly.


    "Goodbye," Xavier replied, his voice low.


    After she hung up, Eleanor called her mother-inw, Gina.


    "Weren''t you infected with the virus? Are you all better now?" Gina asked.


    "I''mpletely fine. I''ve been isted for a few days, there''s no problem," Eleanor replied.


    Still, Gina sounded worried. "Why not iste for another week? Evelyn''s so little. If she gets infected, it''ll be a real headache. Don''t take any chances."


    Eleanor wanted to insist on bringing her daughter home, but she couldn''t help worrying about Evelyn''s weak immune system. If she was still carrying the virus, even a few extra days of istion would be safer.


    "Alright. Then I''ll trouble you to take care of her a bit longer."


    "She''s my granddaughter-don''t mention it," Gina replied, then hung up.


    Eleanor felt a hollow ache in her chest. She went up to the third-floor study, deciding to work on some project proposals.


    She had just started writing when Joel called.


    "Hello, Joel," she answered.


    "Ellie, great news!" Joel sounded excited. "I just got a call from the National Academy of Sciences-you''ve been selected for the Medical Science and Technology Award. The ceremony is next month!"

 Chapter 92

    Eleanor was thrilled to have won the award. After chatting with Joel a bit more about the situation in Marlowe Vige, she hung up the phone.


    ***


    Lab.


    Gwenda had always had a talent for collecting gossip, and it just so happened that she''d caught wind of the uing June award ceremony held by the National Academy of Sciences.


    "Faye, have you heard? The National Academy is announcing their awards soon." Faye barely looked up. "What''s it got to do with us?"


    Gwenda leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Aren''t you even worried that Eleanor might be on the winners'' list?"


    Faye''s hand, poised with her pen, paused mid-sentence. She nced up at Gwenda. "Is she?"


    Gwenda grinned. "I''d bet on it. She''s the one who developed that miracle drug, after all the results speak for themselves."


    Faye, a little agitated, swept her long hair back from her face. "For all we know, maybe she just inherited the form from her father."


    "And get this," Gwenda went on, her eyes glinting, "I heard Joel even took her down to visit the autopsy room. He must really have his eye on Eleanor."


    Faye''s jealousy flickered in her eyes, and Gwenda caught it, quickly offering constion. "Hey, don''t worry about it. I''m sure you''ll catch Joel''s attention too."


    Clenching her fist under the table, Faye felt her determination harden-she had to prove herself in the Marlowe Vige case. She couldn''t let Eleanor steal the spotlight again.


    ***


    At four o''clock, Eleanor got a call from Joy. One of her childhood friends had gone


    to the same art school as Vanessa, and she''d set up a dinner to chat.


    Eleanor had a free evening and agreed to join them.


    By six, a tall, striking brte with unmistakable artistic ir strolled in. Joy introduced them: "This is my friend Eleanor, and this is Thalia."


    After a few minutes reminiscing about grade school days, Joy steered the conversation to her real purpose.


    "Thalia, you graduated from the Montir Institute of Arts, right? Do you know Vanessa?"


    Thalia''s face lit up with obvious admiration. "Who doesn''t know Vanessa these days?"


    Joy pressed on. "Are you two close? I have a client who''d like to meet her." She let the bait dangle, adding, "He''s from old money-filthy rich. Winning over someone like Vanessa wouldn''t be a problem for him."


    Thalia let out a littleugh, shaking her head in disbelief. "You haven''t heard? Vanessa''s current suitor isn-the richest man in our city!"


    Joy shot Eleanor a quick nce, then asked, "Where''d you hear that? Is it true?"


    Thalia leaned in. "When Vanessa was eighteen,n was already head over heels for her. Everything she has today-her sess, her status-it''s all thanks ton''s money and connections."<fn4084> Get full chapters from ?ovelFind</fn4084>


    Joy hadn''t expected such an early scoop aboutn and Vanessa''s history. She exchanged a look with Eleanor and pressed further, "Are you serious? I thought Vanessa came from a wealthy family herself."


    Thalia shook her head. "She''s an illegitimate child. When I first met her, she was just an ordinary girl. Then, all of a sudden, she shows up at school in designer clothes, and a Bugatti picks her up after ss. Any time there was a chance for a schrship or a promotion, it went straight to her. Later, we found out one of the top heirs in the country donated a fortune-ten million dors-to our school just for her. That heir wasn."


    Joy let out a low whistle, ncing sideways at Eleanor.


    "She''s really got it made. I heard she''s headlining a concert tour this spring, owns several designpanies, and just bought a mansion in the most exclusive neighborhood. Word is she''s worth millions already. Some people really are born lucky, huh?"

 Chapter 93

    Joy, worried about upsetting Eleanor, quickly changed the subject. But Eleanor remained calm; these days, nothing seemed to faze her anymore.


    After dinner, Joy drove Eleanor home. On the way, she tried to reassure her. "Ellie, don''t let any of this get to you, okay?"


    "I won''t." Eleanor offered a faint smile.


    Joy nced over at her, a little puzzled. "Ellie, you''ve changed, you know that? It''s like nothing bothers you now, like nothing matters anymore. Just four months ago, you called me sobbing-"


    Of course Eleanor remembered. That night, she''d cried her heart out over the phone, telling Joy how much she loved him, how she couldn''t let go.


    "People change," Eleanor said softly, exhaling a quiet sigh.


    Joy''s heart ached for her friend. After hearing what Thalia had told her, she was more convinced than ever thatn and Eleanor were doomed from the start.


    Vanessa had beenn''s first love. Marrying Eleanor had always just been his way of repaying a debt.


    The next morning, Eleanor checked her email. Joel had forwarded several articles about the Marlowe Vige incident.


    The hospital and government agencies were putting pressure on theb, urging them to form a task force and get to the bottom of things as soon as possible.


    Eleanor stepped into Joel''s office to discuss the new cases. Faye''s assistant approached, saying, "Dr. Kingsley, Ms. Yeaton''s team has a lead. She''d like you toe over."


    As she spoke, the assistant nced pointedly at Eleanor, making it clear she wasn''t invited.


    Eleanor got the message. "Joel, I''ll head back to theb," she said.


    She returned to her workspace, picked up a tray of fresh samples, and settled in at the microscope. Immersed in her work, she spent the morning analyzing slides. By around eleven, she''d isted methylmercurymonly known as mercury- from multiple samples.


    Running more tests, Eleanor eventually arrived at a conclusion: the wastewater had contaminated the entire reservoir. The fish there were living in mercuryden water, and since the people of Marlowe Vige had been eating those fish for years, it was no surprise the same symptoms were cropping up across themunity.


    At lunch, Eleanor sat with Joel in the cafeteria and shared her findings.


    "With someone like you on my team, I almost feel unworthy to be in charge," Joel joked.


    "Joel, I think we should wait until we''ve gathered the full chain of evidence before making this public," Eleanor said.


    "Absolutely. No need to tip anyone off. Once we have everything, we''ll present it in court-and make sure the vigers get thepensation and reforms they deserve," Joel agreed.


    At two, the team gathered in the conference room, working and discussing research ns as they went.<fn09b2> Chapters first released on find?novel</fn09b2>


    Suddenly, Faye''s assistant, Sylvia, poked her head in. "Faye, someone''s here to see you!"


    Out in the hallway, a tall figure approached the unmistakable silhouette of Vanessa. Eleanor looked up, and their eyes met.


    Vanessa paused in surprise. What was Eleanor doing in theb team?


    Faye stood and turned to Joel. "Joel, I''ll be right back."


    He nodded, but just then his phone rang. He picked up. "Hello? Mr. Goodwin."


    "Dr. Kingsley, do you have a moment? I''d like to talk," camen''s low voice. "I''m right outside your office."


    "I''ll be there in a second." Joel hung up and nced at Eleanor. "I need to head back to my office."


    Eleanor nodded, although she hadn''t expectedn-and Vanessa-to show up. What were they doing here?

 Chapter 94

    In the hallway, Vanessa nced at Faye with curiosity. "How did Eleanor end up on your research team?"


    "You know her?" Faye replied coolly.


    "I do." Vanessa didn''t borate.


    Faye''s tone remained even. "Her father, Elliot, is a well-known figure in the medical field and a close friend of our senior fellow, Dr. Lyman. Dr. Lyman made an exception for her, out of respect for her father."<fn96db> Official source is Find_Novel(.</fn96db>


    Vanessa nodded, understanding the situation clearly.


    Eleanor''s return to Ashford Medical University was nothing more than her attempt to shed the image of a useless housewife. Of course she''d do whatever it took to join a prestigiousb, desperate to prove her worth.


    But the research world wasn''t somewhere you could just muscle your way into. Faye turned the question back on her. "And what brings you here?"


    Vanessa was about to reply when Eleanor emerged from the conference room, clutching aptop. Vanessa''s lips curved into a small smile. "Honestly, I didn''t intend toe. Butn insisted I apany him."


    She said it loud enough for Eleanor to hear.


    As Faye caught sight of Eleanor approaching, she tensed and quickly tugged Vanessa away. "Let''s talk in my office."


    "Sure." Vanessa shot Eleanor a triumphant look before following Faye down the hall.


    Meanwhile, in Joel''s office,n had only just finished a brief conversation. He handed Joel a folder. "This is a document my father-inw gave me years ago. His signature is at the bottom. I need your team to begin this research as soon as possible."


    Joel''s eyes widened the moment he saw the file. The donor listed for the project was Sara Whitmore-Eleanor''s mother. The document was dated fourteen years ago, the year Sara passed away, and included her official donor registration number.


    "Mr. Goodwin, you want to use your mother-inw''s bone marrow for the experiment?" Joel asked, astonished.


    "Well... shouldn''t you get your wife Eleanor''s consent before moving forward?" Joel pressed.


    "My father-inw signed off on this himself,"n replied, his voice turning cold. "His word is final. No further consent is needed."


    Joel already knew about the frequent meetings between Eleanor and himselftely, and he''d always felt sympathy for her. But clearly,n wasn''t interested in anyone else''s opinion-least of all Joel''s.


    Joel''s shock lingered as he looked atn.


    "Is there anything else?"n narrowed his eyes.


    Joel let out a quiet sigh. "No... no further questions for now."


    "Good. Then let''s assemble the research team." Rising to his feet,n radiated an unmistakable air of authority. "I expect results. Don''t disappoint me."


    Joel got up as well. "Have a good day, Mr. Goodwin."


    Vanessa, now standing with Faye at the door to Joel''s office, answered. "Ian, let me introduce you. This is my sister, Faye."


    Faye looked at the man before her tall, sharp-featured, and strikingly handsome. Yet, standing in his presence, she couldn''t help but feel a wave of pressure and


    unease.


    "Mr. Goodwin. It''s a pleasure," Faye said with a polite smile.


    Faye''s eyes flickered in surprise, but she managed a smile. "Thank you."


    Vanessa cast a quick nce at Eleanor down the hallway. For now, she kept quiet about Eleanor''s ce on the team-she didn''t wantn paying any extra attention to her.


    Back in Joel''s office, he sat staring at the file, rubbing his brow in confusion.


    Why would Mrs. Sutton entrust herte wife''s bone marrow ton, her own son-in-w, as a research sample? And why would she have signed off on it herself all those years ago?

 Chapter 95

    Does Eleanor know? If the bone marrow sample ends up saving Vanessa, can Eleanor ept that?


    consideration.


    Now Joel found himself hesitating, wondering whether he ought to tell Eleanor the truth. Withn pouring money into theb and all the proper paperwork in order, even if Eleanor wanted to stop things, it was still all perfectly legal.


    Rubbing his temples, Joel felt a headacheing on, torn by indecision.


    Just then, his assistant Minnie poked her head in. "Joel, it''s time to leave for Marlowe Vige."


    "Bring Eleanor with us," Joel said.


    "Of course!"


    Eleanor had already agreed to visit Marlowe Vige, and now she was ready, bag


    in hand, following Minnie to the elevator. Joel joined them, pausing to give


    Eleanor a look full of concern.


    "Ride with me," he said gently.


    "Sure!" Eleanor replied with a nod.


    In the parking lot, a sleek ck Rolls-Royce stood out among the other cars. Inside,n was still on the phone, while Vanessa chatted with a friend on her own. ncing up, Vanessa noticed someone approaching. When she saw Joel and Eleanor walking together toward another car, she couldn''t help but smile slyly and turned ton. "Ian, looks like your wife and Mr. Kingsley are heading out together."n finished his call just as Vanessa spoke. He looked through the window and saw Eleanor and Joel getting into a car, clearly about to leave.


    As Eleanor buckled her seatbelt, she caught a glimpse of the Rolls-Royce parked diagonally across from themn''s car. She could just make out the silhouettes ofn and Vanessa in the back seat. Joel noticed as well.


    "Want to go over and say hi?" Joel asked.


    Eleanor shook her head, her voice cool. "No. Let''s just go."


    Joel stepped on the gas, and the car surged toward the exit.


    A momentter,n''s Rolls-Royce pulled out too. Watching Joel''s car take a turn away from downtown,n frowned and pulled out his phone to text Eleanor.


    Where are you two going?


    Eleanor saw the message but ignored it.


    Joel nced at her. "Have you talked ton about a divorce?"


    "Not yet." Eleanor shook her head. She still hadn''t gathered enough evidence.


    Latest content published on FindN()vel</fn999e>


    "How old were you when your mother passed away?" Joel asked quietly. "Twelve," Eleanor replied.


    "And how much do you know about your father''s life?" he pressed.


    A sting of emotion prickled Eleanor''s eyes. "Why are you asking me this all of a sudden?"


    Joel swallowed hard. "No reason. Just checking in on you."


    "My dad died so suddenly. I never even got to say goodbye," Eleanor said softly, regret in her voice.


    Joel didn''t say anything more. Sometimes, silence was its own kind of protection.


    Later, Joel''s team bought a few fish from Marlowe Vige to take back to theb. Eleanor buried herself in her work, deciding to spend the night in theb''s dormitory.


    11 p.m.


    Eleanor was hunched over a microscope, studying live samples, when her phone buzzed on the table beside her. She nced at the screenn.


    She picked up, her voice t. "Hello?"


    "So, are you nning to stay out all night now?"n''s voice was cold on the other end.

 Chapter 96

    "I''m working. Don''t bother me unless it''s urgent." Eleanor''s tone was icier than before as she hung up.


    She really was swamped-two hours spent cultivating live samples, and now she had to monitor every bit of data withser focus.


    Tossing her phone aside, Eleanor dove back into her research. She didn''t stop until deep into the night, when Joel finally came to call it quits. Only then did she finish the round of tests and hand the data over to him.


    "Just as we expected," she said.


    "Methylmercury is a small molecule. It travels through the bloodstream into the brain, eating away at neural cells. Over time, it breaches the blood-brain barrier, which is what causes the symptoms we''re seeing."


    Joel hadn''t expected her to crack another problem in such a short time. He noticed the exhaustion in her bloodshot eyes and said quietly, "You need to get some rest."


    Eleanor nodded. "You should get some sleep too."


    Stepping out of theb into the cool night air, her phone buzzed again. This time,n''s name shed on the screen.


    She picked up. "Hello?"


    "When are youing home?"n''s voice was unreadable.


    "I''m staying in the student dorm tonight." Eleanor answered and hung up.


    He didn''t call again. Eleanor showered and went straight to bed.


    ***


    The next day, Eleanor got a call from Magdalen, inviting her home for dinner. The warmth in her heart was instant; her mother-inw had been keeping her away for everyone''s safety, and Eleanor missed her daughter desperately.


    "Of course, Grandma. I''ll be there for dinner," she promised.


    After work, Eleanor left theb at five, stopped by a market for some fruit and a little present for her daughter, and arrived at Goodwin Manor right on time at six- thirty.


    "Mama! Mama!" Evelyn''s excited voice rang out as she came running from the living room. Eleanor''s eyes stung with tears as she scooped her daughter into her arms. "Did you miss me?"


    "I did!"


    "Mom, you were sick! Daddy wouldn''t let mee see you. Are you okay now?" Evelyn''s little face was twisted with worry.


    Eleanor brushed a hand over her daughter''s hair. "I''m fine now, sweetheart. All better."


    She pulled out the gift she''d brought, and Evelyn gave her a happy kiss on the cheek. "You''re the best, Mom!"


    Suddenly, Evelyn''s eyes sparkled with a new thought. She pressed close and whispered, "Mom, Mrs. Shannon''s concert ising up! Can we go cheer her on together?"


    Eleanor hesitated, but she couldn''t disappoint her daughter. Smiling, she said, "Mom''s starving-let''s go inside and eat, okay?"


    Just then, Evelyn pointed outside. "Daddy''s home too!"


    Eleanor turned, still holding Evelyn''s hand, and saw a ck Rolls-Royce pull up beside her car. Ian stepped out, looking sharp in a dark shirt and tailored trousers, his presence somehow both aloof andmanding.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn ran to him, andn''s frosty expression melted as he leaned down to take her hand. He nced at Eleanor and said, "Come on, let''s go in."


    Eleanor followed him inside, where Magdalen waved her over from the sofa. "Ellie,e sit with me and chat for a while."


    Eleanor sat beside her mother-inw and told her the whole story of how she''d fallen ill. Magdalen, who kept up with the news every day, said, "I heard the outbreak''s under control back home now. Thank goodness for that new drug."


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, with the new medicine, we can get the illness under control within three days. It keeps patients from getting seriously ill."


    Magdalen looked her over, frowning. "You''ve lost so much weight. Hasn''tn been taking care of you?"


    "Grandma, the virus was so contagious-I had to iste for treatment," Eleanor exined.


    Magdalen pressed on. "Well, did he at least get you a gift to make up for it?" "That''s not really necessary, Grandma," Eleanor said, shaking her head. "Nonsense. After dinner,n''s taking you out to pick something nice for yourself. Anything you want, no matter the cost-it''s on him." Magdalen dered.<fnfe2c> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find?novel</fnfe2c>


    She eyed the two of them, more convinced than ever that something was off. She''d never seen a couple so cold with each other.

 Chapter 97

    "Grandma, it''s really not necessary, I¡ª"


    n, did you hear me?" Magdalen''s tone left no room for argument as she addressed him.


    "I heard you,"n replied, staying by Evelyn''s side.


    Satisfied, Magdalen turned to Eleanor. "If he won''t buy it for you, then I will."


    Eleanor hesitated, realizing she couldn''t refuse any longer.


    After dinner, Evelyn, always attentive, gripped her father''s hand and said, "Daddy, you have to buy Mommy a big, sparkly gem, okay? Collette''s mom has a huge diamond ring, and it''s so pretty!"


    Eleanor followedn out the door. She just wanted to pick something simple and head back to appease the olddy-otherwise, if Magdalen decided to buy the gift herself, it would be extravagant.


    Eleanor entered the shop alone. A young saleswoman greeted her with a bright smile. "Excuse me, are you Mr. Goodwin''s assistant?"


    Eleanor paused, smiled faintly, and didn''t bother to correct her.


    The saleswoman continued enthusiastically, "Miss, would you please let Mr. Goodwin know that the six sets of jewelry he ordered for Miss Shannon have already shipped by air express? They''ll arrive in time for her concert."


    Six sets of jewelry.


    Eleanor gave a cool, inwardugh. Ian certainly was thoughtful-every detail for Vanessa''s concert was already taken care of.


    "Of course. I''ll let him know," Eleanor replied, her tone even.


    The saleswoman sighed. "Miss Shannon really has an eye for unique pieces. These are all one-of-a-kind, usually kept at our main office. I''m sorry for any inconvenience."


    "How much did the six sets cost, roughly?" Eleanor asked, curiosity piqued. "Altogether, about twenty-eight million dors," the saleswoman answered readily. Eleanor thought to herself: He spent fifty billion on research to save Vanessa''s life -what''s another twenty-eight million on jewelry?


    She turned and left the store, clutching her purse. Ian had just finished his call and came over. "Did you find something you like?"


    "Forget it. I don''t want anything from you," Eleanor replied, cold and distant.


    The source of th?s content is find?novel</fn66fa>


    Eleanor pulled away. "Don''t bother. I''ll handle her myself."


    "I don''t like jewelry," Eleanor said quietly.


    "Then what do you like?"


    She looked at him with a mocking smile. "After all these years of marriage, you still don''t know?"


    Across the street, Eleanor spotted an old woman sitting by the curb, her small table piled with cheap trinkets. She watched each passerby with hopeful eyes, but no one spared her a nce.


    Eleanor walked over and crouched in front of the table, sifting through the items.


    "Miss, buy one, please! They''re very cheap-just three dors each," the woman said hopefully.


    Eleanor pulled out a hundred-dor bill. "I''ll take fifty."


    "Fifty? Really?" The woman''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "I''m a teacher¡ªI''ll give them to my students," Eleanor replied, pretending.


    Eleanor didn''t quite reach fifty; she picked out barely twenty before standing up. "I''m done. Here, please take the money."


    "Thank you, miss, thank you!" The old woman''s hands shook as she epted the bill, quickly folding it and tucking it close to her chest.


    Eleanor hefted the bag of cheap bracelets and turned ton. "Let''s go home."<pn didn''t move. The neon lights by the roadside flickered in his eyes-bright one moment, dim the next-his thoughts impossible to read.

 Chapter 98

    Eleanor''s patience snapped. "If you''re not going back, I''ll just grab a cab myself."


    Without another word, she stepped to the curb and gged down a taxi. Ian caught up quickly, his voice low but firm. "Come on. Let''s go."


    Only then did Eleanor follow him to the car. As they settled in, she picked out a bracelet she liked and slipped it onto her slender, pale wrist. Even though the bracelet had only cost a few bucks, it looked delicate and lovely on her.


    "Back already? Let me see what you picked out!" Grandma called from her armchair, eager to check what her grandson had brought home.


    Eleanor held out her wrist with a gentle smile. "Look, Grandma, I got a bracelet. It''s just my style."


    "Oh, Ellie, with your fair skin and pretty face, everything looks good on you," Grandma praised. Her eyesight wasn''t what it used to be-she took one look at the bracelet and assumed it must be a high-end piece worth thousands.


    "Why don''t you both stay the night?" Grandma suggested warmly.


    Eleanor''s heart skipped. "That''s all right, Grandma, we''ll just go home and sleep in our own beds."


    "This is your home too, sweetheart!" Grandma insisted, her tone brooking no argument. "Go on upstairs and get some rest, both of you."


    "Grandma..." Eleanor tried again, but the olddy was having none of it.


    "Hush now, listen to your grandmother. Both of you, up to bed!"


    Eleanor knew if she kept pushing, Grandma''s temper would re. She pressed her lips into a small smile. "You should get some rest too, Grandma."


    "Off to your room, both of you!" Magdalen added slyly from her corner. She wanted to see the two of them head upstairs together-she''d heard from her great-granddaughter that the couple had been sleeping in separate rooms for ages, and she was convinced that was why things felt so distant between them. Tonight, she was determined they''d finally share a room.


    Grandma, a woman of experience, knew that sometimes all a marriage needed was a little simple closeness-even a hug or a kiss at night could work wonders.


    Eleanor picked up her bag and started up, mind already racing for a way out. If it came to it, she''d wait until everyone was asleep, then slip out and catch a ride to Joy''s ce. But first, she''d need to make sure Grandma was fast asleep.


    Insiden''s room, Eleanor checked the time-it was ten o''clock. By now, her daughter would be asleep with her mother-inw.


    Eleanor sat down on the sofa, making no move to shower or get ready for bed.


    Eleanor scrolled through her phone, catching up on the news. Thanks to the antiviral medication she''d developed, the global spherical virus outbreak was finally under control and fading from the headlines. Beneath the articles, she found a video of an interview with Joel and Faye-the one she''d missed. She clicked y, and the screen filled withments:


    "Faye is amazing! My idol."


    "Joel is so handsome-my dream guy."


    "Faye, thank you for your research! You saved my family-I love you!"


    "This is the kind of hero we should admire. Star Researcher Award-Faye is the best!"


    Because Eleanor had missed the interview, Faye had ended up in the spotlight, and the public assumed she was the mastermind behind the breakthrough.


    Twenty minutester, the bathroom door slid open with a soft hiss, andn emerged, wrapped in a robe.<fn6d6b> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? f?ndnovel</fn6d6b>

 Chapter 99

    Under the warm glow of the bedroom lights, the open cor of his robe revealed the sharp line of his corbone and the curve of his chest. Years of discipline had left their mark-he''d never once cked off when it came to working out.


    "Go take a shower," he said, his tone cool and even.<fn09fd> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? FindN0vel</fn09fd>


    Eleanor didn''t even look up from her phone. "You go ahead and sleep. I''ll be heading out in a bit."


    He frowned. "Where are you going thiste?"


    "To a friend''s ce," she replied, just as a message from Joy popped up on her screen.


    Without another word, Eleanor grabbed her purse, slipped out of the room, and hurried through the night air toward Joy''s car parked outside Goodwin Manor.


    As soon as Eleanor slid into the passenger seat, Joy nced over, curiosity written all over her face. n''s not home tonight?"


    "He is," Eleanor answered.


    Joy raised a brow. "And he''s okay with you staying at my ce?"


    Eleanor shot her a look. "You think I''d still be sharing a bed with him?"


    Joy smirked. "Fair point. No matter how many showers a dirty man takes, he''s still dirty."


    Back at Joy''s apartment, the two of them chatted for a while. Joy soon brought up the news she''d heard about Vanessa''s uing concert. "So, what will you do if your daughter wants to go?"


    "I''ll take her with me," Eleanor said tly. There was no way she''d let her daughter attend; she didn''t want the girl idolizing Vanessa any more than she already did.


    n must have pulled a lot of strings for Vanessa to get that venue," Joy mused. "Henderson Arena is a stadium, Ellie-a big league ce. Without serious connections, you don''t even get a shot at booking it."


    The conversation drifted to Eleanor''s day. She casually mentioned what happened at the jewelry store.


    Joy, in the middle of applying moisturizer, stopped dead. "Wait, six sets? How much did that cost?"


    "Close to thirty million," Eleanor replied.


    "Thirty million?" Joy almost pped herself in disbelief. "Is she trying to make everyone jealous? Thirty million dors in jewelry? Ellie, how do you feel about that? Are you jealous?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "Not really."


    Joy let out a low whistle. "Ian''s loaded, that''s for sure." Then she paused, turning to look at Eleanor. "Honestly, I don''t think your divorce will go smoothly. With all that money tied up in assets, even if you walk away with nothing, he''ll need months to sort out his finances and hide what he can."


    That only made Eleanor''s frustration burn hotter. As if it wasn''t bad enough, he''d also invested in her researchb-and now that her team''s breakthrough drug was about to hit the market, hispany''s stock had been soaring for days.


    "With men like him, even if you catch them in the act, there''s no guarantee you''ll win in court," Joy said.


    Eleanor dabbed moisturizer onto her face, undeterred. "I''ll fight anyway, even if I lose."


    Joy snorted. "That Faye woman is more famous than most celebrities. I heard some pharmapanies want her to domercials. The paycheck is huge, too."


    "Really?" Eleanor hadn''t heard about that.


    Joy rolled her eyes, "I just want to see if she has the nerve to ept. It''d be a p in the face if she did."


    Eleanor changed the subject, her expression brightening. "There''s an award ceremony at the National Academy of Sciences in June. I won a research prize."


    Joy''s eyes widened in delight. "Seriously? So on the day you get your award, you''ll totally show up Faye?"


    "I''m taking my daughter with me," Eleanor said, her voice resolute.


    "That''s right. Let her see how amazing her mom is."


    Later that night, Eleanor scrolled through case files from divorce attorneys, her mind racing. Suddenly, she sat bolt upright, pushed open the bedroom door, and went looking for Joy.


    After Eleanor exined the mess at the jewelry store, Joy pped her thigh. "Why didn''t we think of this earlier? The receipt must haven''s signature on it!"


    "First thing tomorrow morning, I''ll go back. The sales clerk should remember me," Eleanor said, determination in her eyes.

 Chapter 100

    The next morning.


    Eleanor and Joy made a beeline for the jewelry store. Dressed in a sharp


    business suit, Eleanor approached the sales associate, who recognized her right


    away.


    Pretending to ben''s assistant, Eleanor exined that she needed to photograph some receipts for reimbursement. The associate led her to the manager''s office and went inside to exin the situation.


    A few minutester, Eleanor was invited in. The associate produced the receipts for the six sets of jewelry Vanessa had purchased. Eleanor examined them closely; sure enough,n''s signature was at the bottom.


    She took out her phone and snapped clear photos of each receipt, then asked for photocopies to take with her.


    Outside the jewelry store, Joy scrolled through the photos on Eleanor''s phone. "These will absolutely give you leverage in court."


    By lunchtime, Eleanor was back at the Goodwin estate. The olddy greeted her with curiosity. "Ellie, where did you gost night?"


    "My friend ran into some trouble, so I went to help," Eleanor replied smoothly, betraying nothing.


    The olddy didn''t press further; she''d always been gentle with Eleanor.


    That week, the school had sent out reminders urging students to return to ss.n was nning to bring his daughter home today, preparing for school to resume the next morning.


    The following day, Eleanor held Evelyn''s hand as they rode to school inn''s car.


    As they reached the gates, Evelyn''s lower lip trembled. "I miss Vivian."


    "She''ll be back from overseas before you know it," Eleanor reassured her, giving her daughter''s hand a squeeze.


    Once Evelyn went inside, Eleanor walked over ton''s window. "I''ll walk home- you go on to the office."


    Spring rain can be as unpredictable as a toddler''s moods.


    One moment it was calm, the next, the sky let loose. Eleanor had barely walked a couple hundred yards when a sudden downpour caught herpletely off guard.


    She broke into a run, but within moments was utterly drenched.


    Just then, through the sheets of rain, a silver Bentley slowed beside her, its turn signal blinking. It pulled up and stopped at her side.


    Eleanor wiped the water from her eyes and peered inside. The driver was Xavier.


    "Mr. Vaughn!" she eximed, surprised and relieved.


    "Hop in," Xavier called, gesturing to the passenger seat.


    This was no time for politeness. Eleanor opened the door and slid in, breathless. "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn."


    "Don''t mention it." He handed her a packet of tissues.


    She dabbed at her dripping hair and face, then noticed the water soaking into the seat. "I''m so sorry I''m making a mess of your car."


    Xavier nced over. Her white blouse had turned nearly transparent, the ck bra underneath just visible. He looked away quickly. "It''s fine," he said, pressing the gas and steering toward her house.


    Neither of them noticed the ck Rolls-Royce idling a short distance behind, its windshield wipers shing at the rain. Ian sat behind the wheel, his striking features darkened with unreadable emotion.


    When they reached the gate of the vi, Xavier got out, grabbing an umbre from the backseat. He shielded Eleanor from the rain as she stepped out, handing her a second umbre.


    She noticed his shoulder was soaked where he''d angled the umbre to protect her. Warmth bloomed in her chest. "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. You should get going -your jacket''s all wet."


    He smiled, just a hint of amusement in his eyes. "It''s nothing."


    "You''re still recovering; you shouldn''t be out in the rain," Eleanor said, concern flickering across her face. "You just got out of the hospital, didn''t you?"


    Xavier paused, caught off guard by her thoughtfulness. "Thank you for caring."


    "I''ll return your umbre next time," she promised, ducking through the side gate. When she nced back, Xavier''s car was already gone.


    Inside, Joslyn rushed over, worry etched on her face at the sight of Eleanor, soaked to the bone. "Ma''am, please go take a hot shower right away!"<fnc1c0> Find the newest release on F¦Énd£Îovel</fnc1c0>

 Chapter 101

    Eleanor nodded. "Make sure to dry this umbre properly-I need to return it."


    "Alright."


    After a warm shower, Eleanor felt more at ease. It was alreadyte April; a little rain wasn''t likely to give her a cold.


    She stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a bathrobe, just as a message from Joel popped up on her phone, reminding her to rest at home today.


    That small gesture warmed her heart.


    At three o''clock,n sent a message saying he''d pick up their daughter.


    He parked in the basement and carried Evelyn up from the elevator in his arms.


    Their golden retriever, Princess, wagged her tail excitedly as she greeted the father and daughter duo. Evelyn giggled, crouching down to y with Princess, whilen headed upstairs. As he reached thending on the second floor, he nearly collided with Eleanor in the hallway.


    Eleanor instinctively pressed herself back against the wall, preferring that to even the slightest brush with him.


    Eleanor went downstairs to spend time with her daughter. Soon, Evelyn''sughter drifted through the house, bright and infectious.


    Joslyn had prepared a delicious dinner, the aroma filling the house. Outside, thunder rumbled and rainshed the windows, but under the warm glow of the chandelier, the home felt safe and cozy.


    As dinner approached, Eleanor was just stepping into the foyer when she overheardn on the phone.


    "There''s a ckout?"


    "Alright, I''lle over."


    She didn''t need to guess-Vanessa was calling him. In weather like this, Vanessa would want nothing more than to curl up in his arms and wait out the storm.


    Eleanor was scared of thunder and lightning too. Once upon a time, she liked to cling ton when the storms hit, holding him close even if he was reluctant.


    Now, she still feared the storms, but for her daughter''s sake, she could face anything.


    That night, Eleanor snuggled under the covers with Evelyn, telling bedtime stories until her daughter drifted off to sleep. But Eleanor herselfy awake, restless. The thunder outside was relentless, shaking the windows and making it impossible to rest.


    The next morning, the world looked brand new, washed clean by the storm. Eleanor drove her daughter to school, the sunshine bright and golden, lifting her spirits.<fn222d> Fresh chapters posted on find(?)ovel</fn222d>


    "Bye, Mom!" Evelyn shouted happily, running off to join her ssmates.


    Eleanor watched her disappear inside, then turned toward the car-just as her phone rang.


    An unknown number.


    "Hello? Who is this?" Eleanor answered.


    A sharp male voice cut in. "You''re Eleanor."


    "I am. Who''s calling?" Eleanor''s voice grew cool.


    "My advice-stay out of Marlowe Vige''s business. Meddle, and you might not make it out alive."


    "Who are you?" A chill ran down Eleanor''s spine.


    The man on the other end gave a low, menacingugh. "Doesn''t matter. Just heed my warning."


    He hung up. For a moment, Eleanor stood there, collecting herself. Clearly, someone at the chemical nt had caught wind of theb''s investigation.


    But she wasn''t worried-she already had aplete chain of evidence. All she had to do was submit it to the authorities, and the chemical nt''s illegal toxic waste dumping would finally be investigated and stopped.


    A threat wouldn''t scare her off. The safety of tens of thousands of people in Marlowe Vige was at stake. She had to press on.


    Besides, water pollution wasn''t just Marlowe Vige''s problem-it was a threat to the whole country.


    When Eleanor arrived at theb, she told Joel about the threatening call. He looked at her with concern and said, "Be careful when you''re out and about."


    "I will."


    At noon, Dr. Lyman chaired a meeting to present a detailed report on the Marlowe Vige investigation.


    "Eleanor was the first to detect methylmercury in the patients'' brain tissue," Joel exined, "and she found the samepound in fish from the reservoir and in water samples from the nt''s waste pipes. She''s put together an airtight chain of evidence."


    Under the table, Faye clenched her hands tightly in herp, frustrated that Eleanor had once again stolen the spotlight.

 Chapter 102

    Dr. Lyman looked at Eleanor with clear approval. "Ellie, you''ve never let me down."


    Eleanor offered a modest smile. "I suppose I just got a bit lucky."


    "Oh,e on, I''m sure Joel pitched in plenty, too!" Faye chimed in with a note of mockery.


    In her eyes, Eleanor only had the advantage of a good father, who''d left her a wealth of research projects. That hardly counted as real skill.


    "Isn''t luck just another form of talent?" Jude Vaughnughed. "Don''t sell yourself short, Ellie."


    Dr. Lyman, growing serious again, outlined their next steps before concluding the meeting.


    Later that afternoon, after making several calls, Jude Vaughn received word that Ashford City''s most influential charity was hosting a g the next evening. He decided this was the perfect chance to raise awareness-he''d use the event to advocate for action on the city''s water crisis, urging both the government and nonprofit groups to take decisive steps.


    "Bring Eleanor along," Dr. Lyman instructed. "She can exin the critical points- it''ll help get the message across."


    Jude agreed and immediately called Eleanor.


    She''d just picked her daughter up and walked in the door when her phone rang. Jude exined the n, and Eleanor agreed without hesitation. "Sounds good. I''ll be there on time."


    "I''ll ask Joel to join us too."


    After hanging up, Eleanor took her daughter outside for a game of catch. Their golden retriever, Princess, raced around in the yard, and the quiet warmth of a spring evening settled over them.


    At six-thirty, a sleek ck Rolls-Royce pulled up the drive.


    "It was great! I yed ball with Mom. Will you y with us too?" Without waiting for an answer, Evelyn tugged his hand, leading him toward Eleanor.


    Eleanor kicked the ball over and called out, "Evelyn, I''m going inside for a ss of water. Why don''t you y with Dad for a bit?"


    Evelyn didn''t hesitate. "Okay! Daddy, let''s y!"


    ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find?novel</fn4e2f>


    Eleanor left the game to them. When Evelyn finished ying and came inside, Eleanor helped her wash up before dinner.


    At dinner, Evelyn piped up, "Mom, I really miss Vivian. Can you ask Mr. Vaughn when she''ll be back from overseas?"


    Eleanor paused mid-bite, then smiled. "Of course, sweetheart."


    Before she could say more,n''s voice cut in, cool and unreadable from across the table. "Evelyn, Mr. Vaughn is a close friend of Daddy''s. I''ll ask him for you."


    Evelyn beamed. "Thank you, Daddy!"


    Eleanor frowned slightly. She could hear the warning inn''s words¡ªwas it just her imagination?


    She decided not to dwell on it. Her rtionship with Xavier (Jude Vaughn) was entirely above board; she had nothing to hide. Still, from now on, she''d make a point of keeping her distance, not wanting to cause trouble for anyone.


    That night, Eleanor exined to her daughter that she''d be attending a water conservation event the next day. Evelyn was all for it, eager to see her mother protecting the environment.


    "That''s great, Mom! I''ll spend the day at Grandma''s, and you can pick me up after."


    Eleanor kissed her daughter goodnight and, before tucking her in, shared some stories about endangered wildlife. Evelyn listened intently, her eyes shining with admiration. She''d always known her mother was special, but tonight she realized just how remarkable she truly was.

 Chapter 103

    Early morning.


    Eleanor led Evelyn down the stairs, her hand gently holding her daughter''s. Ian greeted Evelyn with a warm smile, but when his gaze shifted to Eleanor, the warmth faded, reced by a polite distance.


    Aftern dropped Evelyn off at school, Eleanor''s phone rang. It was Jude Vaughn. Today, several representatives from various organizations, as well as high-level government officials, wereing to discuss the Marlowe Vige case. As the lead researcher, Eleanor was required to attend and present her findings.


    In theb''s break room, Gwenda eyed Faye with a mix of envy and resignation. "I heard there are a bunch of bigwigs from the associations and the government here today. Looks like Eleanor''s going to steal the spotlight again."


    Horace, just walking in, caught the tail end of the conversation and scoffed, clearly annoyed. "Her father''s Elliot Sutton. No wonder all the best opportunitiesnd in herp. When do the rest of us ever get a chance?"


    Faye''s smile was strained as she gripped her coffee cup tighter. "We''ll have to seize whatever opportunitiese our way. We can''t let her snatch up all the resources."


    Gwenda slumped in her seat, frustration bubbling over. "We worked just as hard on the Marlowe Vige project, but we''re still hitting dead ends."


    "With Joel by Eleanor''s side, getting ess to anything worthwhile is basically impossible for us," Horace muttered.


    A sh of jealousy crossed Faye''s eyes, but Horace slid into the seat next to her, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Faye, I may have a promising lead. Want to hear it?"


    Gwenda perked up immediately, scooting over. "What is it, Horace? Spill!"


    "You both know Juliette Grayson, right? Herte husband was the former richest man in the country-passed away from cancer. Juliette sold theirpany and dedicated everything to cancer research. If we can get in her good graces, we''ll have a much better shot at the big projects."


    Gwenda''s eyes lit up. "Of course! She invested her entire family fortune into medical research and phnthropy. Even though her charity''s private, the government pays close attention to what she does."


    "Exactly. Dr. Lyman is on good terms with her, and if we can get involved in her research projects, we''ll neverck for resources again."


    Faye, thinking of all the grants and opportunities funneled Eleanor''s way thanks to Joel, nodded in agreement. "I''m in."


    "Herpany''s hosting a charity g tonight. Faye, could you get us tickets?"


    Faye''s lips curled into a confident smile. "Absolutely. My sister''s their official charity ambassador this year."<fn6840> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? f?ndnovel</fn6840>


    "Wow!" Gwenda gasped in admiration. "Your sister''s the ambassador for Grayson Charities? That''s incredible!"


    "Then it''s settled. Tonight, we''ll get to meet Mrs. Juliette Grayson in person."


    In the conference room, Eleanor and Joel, introduced by Jude Vaughn, met with representatives from various associations. Eleanor gave a detailed rundown of the Marlowe Vige situation. The leaders took the matter seriously and agreed to prioritize finding a solution.


    During a break, one of Jude Vaughn''s old college friends-now a senior figure in one of the associations-offered Jude a cigarette and leaned in, lowering his voice. "Jude, do me a favor-introduce me to Miss Sutton, will you? Off the record."


    Jude raised an eyebrow. "What, got your eye on her?"


    His friend grinned sheepishly. "I''ve never met a woman in medicine who''s so- captivating. I just want to say hi."


    Jude pped him on the back, shaking his head. "Forget it. She''s married."


    "What? Married? Seriously?"


    "And her kid''s five already."


    "No way. She barely looks twenty. Who''s her husband?" his friend pressed, still not giving up.


    Jude gave him a sympathetic smile. "Trust me, don''t get any ideas. Her husband''s a heavyweight in investment banking. Out of your league."

 Chapter 104

    Eleanor was sorting through a stack of paperwork, her white silk blouse immacte, dark hair swept back into a neat chignon. Her skin, pale as ivory, seemed to catch the golden afternoon light streaming through the conference room windows, making her stand out all the more.


    The door opened and Joel stepped in. He paused for a split second, eyes momentarily unfocused, before pushing his sses up the bridge of his nose as Eleanor looked up. "All done?" he asked.


    "Yep, everything''s sorted." Eleanor rose to her feet.


    "Do you want to grab lunch in the cafeteria or eat out?"


    "The cafeteria''s fine," she replied with a smile.


    Joel had half a mind to invite her somewhere nicer, but Eleanor was practical, not one for unnecessary indulgence.


    Later that afternoon, Jude Vaughn handed each of them an invitation to a charity g. He grinned at Eleanor. "Ellie, you should go home and slip into something stunning for tonight!"


    "I''m not there to enjoy myself-we''re working," Eleanor replied, smiling.


    Jude just shook his head in defeat, and Joelughed. "Honestly, Ellie looks great just the way she is."


    "Alright then, see you both at six in the main hall," Jude said as he headed out.


    At four-thirty sharp, Eleanor arrived to pick up her daughter, only to spotn''s car already parked across the lot.


    A momentter, she watchedn emerge, holding Evelyn''s hand. Eleanor walked over to meet them. "Evelyn!"


    "Mommy!" Evelyn ran to her, beaming. "Daddy''s taking me to Grandma''s house. Can youe with us?"


    Eleanor knelt down and asked, "Do you want to ride in Mommy''s car?"


    "Let''s go with Daddy!" Evelyn tugged her hand. She wanted to sit in the back with her mom and have Dad drive them.


    Eleanor was happy to go along; she wanted to visit Goodwin Manor with her daughter anyway. Leaving her own car at the school, she climbed inton''s.


    The drive was quietn only spoke a few words to Evelyn,pletely ignoring Eleanor. She didn''t mind in the slightest.


    When they reached Goodwin Manor,n took a call and hurried off. Eleanor exined the situation to her mother-inw. Gina was clearly displeased-why was Eleanor attending a charity g? With her current status, she really shouldn''t be drawing so much attention.


    "Don''t stay out toote. Evelyn needs you," Gina reminded her pointedly, clearly assuming Eleanor was just going out for fun.


    "I''lle straight back as soon as I''m done," Eleanor assured her.


    She called for a cab and headed to the event hall.


    Jude Vaughn and Joel were already waiting when she arrived.


    "Sorry I''mte," Eleanor apologized.


    "No worries," Joel said kindly.


    Jude smiled. "Mrs. Grayson might be busy tonight, but she promised to make time for us. Until then, let''s unwind a bit-rumor has it there are quite a few celebritiesing tonight!"


    Eleanor and Joel exchanged a small smile and followed him into the elevator.


    Stepping into the grand ballroom, Eleanor realized with a jolt that her outfit-white blouse and ck cks-looked almost identical to the servers'' uniforms for the evening.


    "I''m going to find a friend-enjoy yourselves," Jude said, answering a call as he wandered off.


    Eleanor turned to Joel. "I''m getting a little hungry. What do you say we hit the buffet first?"


    "Sounds good to me," Joel agreed.


    Around seven, they circled back to the main hall from the buffet area. Joel''s


    phone buzzed; he nced at the screen. "My professor''s calling-I''ll take it on the balcony."


    "Alright," Eleanor nodded.


    Since having her daughter, Eleanor had devoted herself entirely to motherhood, leaving her with little social life. In these elite circles, Mrs. Goodwin was virtually invisible.


    Suddenly, a smallmotion stirred near the ballroom entrance. Eleanor looked over to seen arriving, escorting Vanessa, who moved gracefully at his side.<fnef6e> Checktest chapters at Find?Novel</fnef6e>

 Chapter 105

    Her expression faltered for a moment.


    Tonight, Vanessa wore a stunning violet evening gown, clearly custom-made and worth a small fortune. With her statuesque figure and captivating presence, she lit up the room the moment she walked in-so much so that it was nearly impossible to look away.


    The man by her side was just as striking, his polished elegance making every other man in the room seem dull byparison.


    Their arrival instantly drew the attention of everyone in the ballroom.


    Vanessa basked in the admiring gazes from all around, exuding effortless confidence. Every now and then, though, she''d lean in towardn, whispering something with a coy smile, a trace of girlish shyness softening her poise.


    People began to gather around them, eager to exchange pleasantries. Within minutes, Vanessa andn were surrounded by the cr¨¨me de cr¨¨me of tonight''s distinguished guests.


    In the crowd, Gwenda clung excitedly to Faye''s arm. "Faye, your sister is absolutely stunning tonight. She''s a total goddess!"


    Faye had to admit, when it came to presence and poise, Vanessa outshone her by a mile.


    "And Mr. Goodwin looks so handsome tonight too," Gwenda sighed with envy. "They''re perfect together!"


    At that moment, Horace strolled over and said, "I just ran into Jude-he told me Joel and Eleanor are here tonight too."


    Faye''s eyes lit up. "Joel''s here?"


    "Yeah! They''re here to see Mrs. Grayson as well."


    Faye had dressed to impress tonight, and she couldn''t deny she wanted to catch Joel''s attention.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor made her way toward the bar for a ss of water. As she passed a rather rotund society matron chatting animatedly with her friends, the woman gave Eleanor a dismissive nce and said, "Excuse me, could you take this ss away?"


    Eleanor paused, caught off guard. The woman thrust her empty ss at her, assuming she was a waitress and expecting her to take it without question. With a careless flick of her hand, she let go.


    Crash!


    The ss hit the floor and shattered with a deafening tter.


    The matron and her friends jumped, startled, and turned to re at Eleanor. The woman''s face twisted in outrage. "What''s wrong with you? Are you deaf? I told you to take my ss!"


    Her voice rose above the hum of conversation, drawing attention-evenn and Vanessa looked over to see themotion, along with everyone else nearby.


    Vanessa''s eyes widened in surprise when she recognized the young woman being scolded by the matron.


    Was that... Eleanor?


    In the crowd, Gwenda and Faye also nced over, quickly realizing who it was. Their shock was tinged with a hint of schadenfreude-here was Eleanor, of all people, being mistaken for the hired help. What rotten luck! And to make matters worse, she''d worn the same uniform as the servers.


    How humiliating.


    Eleanor stared at the irate woman berating her without a second thought. She felt utterly speechless and could only try to exin, "Ma''am, I''m sorry, but I''m not a waitress."


    "Oh, really? You''re dressed just like one," the matron snapped, ring at her. "You''re just trying to get out of doing your job, aren''t you?"


    There was a certain smug superiority in her tone-how dare a server talk back to her?


    Outrageous.


    Vanessa nced atn''s face. Though his expression was unreadable, she could sense the anger simmering in his eyes. She couldn''t tell if he was embarrassed by his wife''s behavior in public, or if he was furious at Eleanor for her meekness and inability to stand up for herself.<fnfd45> Find the newest release on find?novel</fnfd45>


    Just asn started to step toward Eleanor, Vanessa caught sight of someone else. She quickly slipped her arm through his and said sweetly, n, let Mr. Kingsley handle this."

 Chapter 106

    Sure enough, Joel reached Eleanor beforen could, quickly stepping in to<fn0a9c> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on Find_Novel(.</fn0a9c>


    exin to the wealthy woman, "Ma''am, my friend is a guest this evening, not a member of the staff. You''ve made a mistake."


    The woman shot him a look. "And who are you?"


    "I''m her friend," Joel replied evenly.


    Just then, the hotel manager hurried over. After a quick nce at Eleanor, he realized she wasn''t one of his employees. Putting on a polite smile, he apologized to the guest on her behalf.


    Seeing the manager himself had intervened, the woman tossed out a half-hearted apology before sweeping off with her friends.


    With themotion dying down, Eleanor saw no point in making a scene. Joel gently guided her toward the balcony to help her cool off.


    Back among the guests,n''sposure never wavered; he remained calm and poised, just as he always appeared.


    Vanessa noticed the shadow inn''s eyes, the way he stared into the distance with an unreadable expression. She couldn''t tell what he was thinking, but one thing was clear-Eleanor had been thoroughly embarrassed tonight.


    On the balcony, however, Eleanor seemed unfazed, her expression serene, as if the humiliating episode hadn''t touched her at all.


    Joel handed her a ss of juice. "Here, have a sip and try to rx. I really don''t think that woman meant anything personal."


    Eleanor offered a fleeting smile. "I know."


    She med herself for wearing the wrong thing tonight.


    Joel was about to say something more when Faye''s voice floated over from behind them. "Joel, you''re here too!"


    Joel turned in surprise. "You guys made it as well?"


    Horace answered, "We checked with Dr. Lyman beforeing-Mrs. Grayson wanted to discuss a partnership."


    Gwenda shot Eleanor a look of concern. "Eleanor, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine," Eleanor replied with a gentle smile.


    But Faye, inside, was anything but calm. She had seen how Joel had leapt to Eleanor''s defense, and it didn''t sit well with her.


    Eleanor held her ss, her gaze drifting across the glittering ballroom, the crystal chandeliers reflecting in her eyes. The guests blurred together, but eventually her attention settled onn.


    He stood beside Vanessa, the perfect gentleman-attentive, courteous, the picture of a chivalrous escort.


    ncing at her watch, Eleanor silently wished Jude Vaughn would hurry up and arrange their meeting with Mrs. Grayson.


    Celebrities dotted the crowd, but Eleanor wasn''t one to be starstruck. Gwenda, on the other hand, appeared thrilled, excitedly naming every famous face she spotted.


    "I''m going to the restroom," Eleanor said quietly.


    "I''lle with you." Gwenda, who''d been sipping drinks all evening, jumped at the chance.


    Together, they weaved through the crowd toward the restrooms.


    Meanwhile, Faye''s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She turned to Horace.


    "Horace, could you go find Jude for me?"


    Horace could tell Faye was trying to send him away. Still, he liked her, and was


    willing to oblige. Shooting a jealous nce at Joel, he turned and left.


    Faye swirled her wine, her smileced with flirtation. "Joel, isn''t the night beautiful?"


    Joel looked up, smiled politely. "Yes, it is."


    Faye''s gaze lingered a moment too long. "You know, I think you look especially handsome tonight."


    Joel hesitated, adjusted his sses, and gave a nomittal smile.


    "Joel, what about me?" Faye pressed. "How do I look tonight? Beautiful?" She craved Joel''s approval, whether for her appearance or her intellect.


    Joel''s attention drifted over the crowd,nding onn. He was surprised. "Is that Mr. Goodwin? When did he get here?"


    Faye followed his gaze. "He arrived about ten minutes ago. Why?"


    Joel let out a slow breath. He''d been so worried about Eleanor earlier that he


    hadn''t even noticedn''s arrival. He just hoped this wouldn''t cause Eleanor more trouble.


    When Eleanor and Gwenda returned from the restroom, Gwenda chattered on about how excited she was to be at the party. Eleanor knew Gwenda''s friendliness was only surface-deep, so she simply yed along.


    Back in the ballroom, Eleanor decided she needed a break from the crowd. She slipped away to the buffet area, hoping for a little peace and quiet.

 Chapter 107

    She had just chosen a seat and settled in when, across from her, two stunning


    women in designer evening gowns took their ces. Eleanor instantly recognized them-both were well-known actresses.


    "Wasn''t Coco from Serenity Media the spokesperson for the Grayson Foundation? Howe it''s the pianist Vanessa now?"


    "Goodwin & Co. and the Grayson Foundation have always worked closely together. Changing spokespeople is as easy as making a phone call for them."


    "I''m so jealous!"


    "There''s no point in being jealous. From what I know, Vanessa''s been withn for years. He''s turned down every fling and rumor-he''s been loyal to her from the very beginning."


    "Really?"


    "I heard Shipley''spany booked the stadium first, but when his concert was postponed until August, they let Vanessa use the venue for her solo recital."


    "Even Shipley''s concerts can''tpete with her?"


    Eleanor paused at that. Shipley had been a superstar for a decade-practically a living legend.<fn4160> ?????? ???? find~novel</fn4160>


    Their assistants came over to invite the actresses to the banquet hall, and Eleanor followed suit.


    In the crowd, a stately woman in a couture gown was surrounded by guests, their eyes filled with admiration and respect. She was, unmistakably, the evening''s host Mrs. Juliette Grayson.


    With over ten years in phnthropy, Juliette had be a leading figure in charitable circles, and tonight, the city''s political and business elites had all turned out for her event.


    At that moment, the emcee stepped onto the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, we''ll now begin an hour-long charity auction. Please wee our host, Mrs. Grayson, to say a few words."


    Juliette took the stage, her presencemanding attention. With sincere eyes and a clear, resonant voice, she thanked the guests and exined the details of the auction before officially kicking off the evening''s bidding.


    Waiters had already arranged chairs for the guests to sit wherever they pleased. Eleanor and her group chose seats near the back, whilen and Vanessa were escorted to the front row.


    Jude Vaughn leaned over and whispered, "Ellie, do you want to go sit with Mr. Goodwin?"


    "No need," Eleanor replied quietly.


    Jude said nothing more. Everyone''s attention shifted to the auction as it began. The first item up for bid was an ancient vase-over a thousand years old and donated by Juliette herself.


    The starting bid was a million. With so many well-prepared guests present, the price shot up after just a few rounds before being imed by the highest bidder.


    Next came several valuable pieces of art, all snatched up amid enthusiastic bidding. The sixth item was soon disyed on the screen-a dazzling white diamond ne that sent a ripple of awe through the women in the room.


    "It''s gorgeous!" Gwenda eximed, eyes shining.


    Faye''s expression softened with admiration, and even Eleanor found her heart flutter at the sight.


    "This diamond ne is from Yarnton," the auctioneer announced. "It belonged to a queen in Yarnton''s history, set with 168 diamonds, totaling seventy-eight carats. The starting bid is four million."


    "Six million!" a wealthy matron called out, raising her paddle without hesitation. "Eight million!" another woman countered, unwilling to back down.


    "Ten million." A clear, elegant voice rang out. It was Vanessa, calmly raising her paddle.


    A spirited contest broke out among the socialites, but the price quickly soared past thirty million, with Vanessa making the final bid.


    Gasps and murmurs filled the hall, and several women nced at the man seated beside Vanessa. Realizing who he was, they quietly dropped out of the bidding- after all, it wasn''t wise topete with the wealthiest man in the country over a ne for his partner.


    In the end, the ne was Vanessa''s.


    Gwenda squeezed Faye''s arm in excitement. "Your sister is something else! Dropping thirty million on a ne-talk about making a statement!"


    Faye''s family was wealthy in their own right. She smiled serenely. "As long as she''s happy, there''ll always be someone eager to pick up the tab."


    The words reached Eleanor''s ears and, despite herself, left a faint sting.

 Chapter 108

    Within minutes, the dozen or so charity auction lots had all been sold, and Vanessa walked away with the evening''s most expensive prize.


    The formal dinner began.


    Soft music drifted through the air, mingling with the delicate notes of fine wine. Guests were still animatedly discussing the auctioned items from earlier.


    Eleanor leaned toward Jude Vaughn. "Jude, it''s almost nine. When do you think we''ll finally meet Mrs. Grayson?"


    "Should be soon," Jude replied.


    Just then, the lighting shifted, casting the room in a glow suited for a ball. The music changed to a gentle waltz, and couples began to make their way onto the dance floor.


    Summoning his courage, Horace invited Faye to dance. She declined, iming she didn''t know how, leaving Horace a little embarrassed. Faye''s gaze, however, lingered longingly on Joel, clearly hoping he would ask her instead.


    At that moment, Jude Vaughn''s phone lit up. He nced at the message and turned to Joel and Eleanor. "You two,e with me."


    Eleanor and Joel followed Jude toward the grand staircase, heading for the second floor of the hall.


    From the floor below, Faye watched Eleanor with envy. Joel''s attention had been fixed on Eleanor all evening.<fn6643> ?????? ???? findnovel</fn6643>


    Upstairs, outside a luxurious lounge, Vanessa was straighteningn''s tie. Two staff members stood discreetly nearby.


    Hearing footsteps,n turned. His eyes met Eleanor''s, who now stood beside Joel, the two of them bathed in the soft light-an effortlessly striking pair.


    "Of course," Vanessa replied with a smile.


    Vanessa greeted the approaching group with practiced poise. "Mr. Kingsley, we meet again."


    Jude Vaughn was momentarily confused. Wasn''t Mr. Goodwin Eleanor''s husband? Watching Vanessa care forn''s tie a moment ago seemed oddly intimate. Then, ncing at Eleanor, he noticed she didn''t appear the least bit upset if anything, she looked entirely unbothered.


    "Miss Sutton, you may have to wait a few minutes," Vanessa said, smiling. "Ian''s meeting with Mrs. Grayson alone first."


    Suddenly, Jude recognized her. "You''re Faye''s sister, aren''t you?"


    Vanessa nodded, lips curving. "Yes, I am."


    Spotting a sofa nearby, Joel turned to Eleanor with a gentle smile. "Let''s sit over there."


    Vanessa watched them, the corner of her mouth lifting. Clearly, the two had grown much closer since theirst encounter abroad.


    Jude, feeling a bit awkward in the presence of such beauty, nervously scratched his head. "Hi, I''m Jude Vaughn. I''m in charge of theb property. Your father is actually our biggest equipment supplier."


    Vanessa gave a small, knowing smile. "I''m aware."


    With that, she stepped closer to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, could we have a private word?"


    Jude took the hint and said to Joel, "Want to grab another drink?"


    Joel nced at Eleanor, then the two men walked off, leaving the women alone.


    A mischievous glint sparkled in Vanessa''s eyes. "You''re not bothered about that ne from earlier, are you?" Her tone made it clear-she knewn had bought it for her.


    Eleanor ignored her, pulling out her phone to check her messages.


    Vanessa, hoping for a reaction, pressed on, but Eleanor seemed utterly indifferent.


    Just then, Vanessa''s phone rang. "Hello?... Everyone''s arrived? Great, I''lle by the shop tomorrow to try it on." Hanging up, she threw Eleanor a sidelong nce. "Doing anything for Labor Day weekend, Miss Sutton? I''ve saved the best seat for you."


    Eleanor remained silent.


    Vanessa''s smile deepened. "Ian and Evelyn will both be there. Are you sure you don''t want to join us?"


    Eleanor finally looked up, her tone icy. "My daughter won''t be going."


    "Butn promised to bring Evelyn. He didn''t tell you?" Vanessa''s eyes shone with satisfaction.


    Eleanor''s fists clenched. Just then, the lounge door opened, andn stepped out,posed and elegant as ever.

 Chapter 109

    He strode over toward the sofa, and Vanessa was the first to greet him. n, all done talking?"


    Vanessa nced at Eleanor. "Eleanor, about that ne tonight I''ll let you have it, all right? Please don''t be upset."


    Eleanor paused, catching the sly smile in Vanessa''s eyes.


    "If it''s something I don''t care for, you''re wee to it." As she spoke, Eleanor''s gaze slid past Vanessa to the man at her side.


    A double-edged remark.


    Chapters first released on f?ndnovel</fnceba>


    Vanessa watched Eleanor too, struck by a strange feeling. It was as if the Eleanor from six months ago and the Eleanor now were two entirely different people.


    Back then, Eleanor''s thoughts and feelings were always written on her face. Now, she was like an opponent Vanessa couldn''t read.


    Just then, Joel and Jude Vaughn walked over. Jude smiled. "Mr. Goodwin, are you finished with your conversation?"


    Soon after, Jude and the others were invited in to meet Mrs. Juliette Grayson.


    "Hello, Virgil."


    n, the National Academy of Sciences is hosting its medical awards ceremony in June. We''d like to invite you as a guest presenter. Are you avable?"


    "It would be an honor. I''ll be there."


    "Great, we''ll talk more in person."


    After ending the call,n returned to Vanessa. "Mrs. Grayson agreed to support theb."


    Vanessa''s lips curled in a smile. "I knew you wouldn''t let anything go wrong for me."


    "The National Academy of Sciences called-they want me to present at their June ceremony."


    Vanessa smiled. "Can Ie with you? I wouldn''t want to miss my sister''s big moment."


    "Time to head back."


    "You go ahead. I''m waiting for my wife."n picked up a ss of red wine, took a sip, and strolled toward one of the older guests.


    Vanessa froze for a moment. She''d almost forgotten for all that Eleanor didn''t deserven''s love, she was still his wife.


    More than that, there was a child between them-a bond that would connect them for the rest of their lives.


    Upstairs in the VIP lounge.


    The meeting with Mrs. Juliette Grayson went smoothly. The three of them left the ballroom and headed into the hotel lobby.


    Eleanor mentioned she''d taken a cab over, so Joel offered to give her a ride.


    Just then, a ck Rolls-Royce pulled up from beneath the shadowy trees. The window rolled down, andn''s striking features appeared in the glow of the streetlight.


    Ever perceptive, Jude Vaughn nudged Eleanor. "Eleanor, Mr. Goodwin''s waiting for you. Go on-get in."


    Remembering that she''d be heading to Goodwin Manor withn to pick up their daughter, Eleanor opened the passenger door and slid inside.


    Eleanor kept her eyes on her phone.


    At Goodwin Manor, Gina reluctantly handed her granddaughter over, reminding them to bring her back for the weekend.


    In the car, Evelyn was already dozing in her mother''s arms. Eleanor stroked her daughter''s hair and kissed her gently.


    Once home, Joslyn gave Evelyn a bath while Eleanor showered as well-it was already half past ten, and Evelyn had school in the morning.


    He''d stationed someone at the party tonight and snapped a few photos ofn and Vanessa together-close, but nothing that could serve as proof of an affair.


    Eleanor let out a weary sigh. Today was April twenty-eighth.


    When Eleanor arrived at the office the next morning, Gwenda burst in with a grin. "Eleanor, here¡ªthese are tickets to Faye''s concert. Free, and VIP seats!"


    Eleanor nced at them. Sure enough, it was Vanessa''s solo performance.

 Chapter 110

    "I''m not going," Eleanor said coolly.


    "Why not? You don''t have to work over the holiday."


    Eleanor didn''t bother to exin. She stood and headed for theb, Gwenda calling after her, "Those tickets are worth three hundred dors, you know!"


    A littleter, Gwenda went over to Faye to vent. "What''s with Eleanor? You''re giving her concert tickets out of kindness, and she just turns you down."


    Faye snorted. "I figured she''d refuse."


    "You don''t think she''s still mad about you snagging that interview, do you?"


    "She might act like she''s not upset, but that doesn''t mean she''s really let it go," Faye said with certainty. "Eleanor''s the type to hold a grudge forever."


    "Well, if she''s not going, we''ll just go without her. You''ve given out all twenty tickets-everyone''s excited!"


    "Did Joel take his ticket?" Faye asked.


    "I left it with his assistant, Minnie. He wasn''t in his office."


    Faye allowed herself a small hope. If Joel decided to go, maybe they''d end up spending a wonderful evening together.


    At lunch, Joel and Eleanor sat together in the cafeteria. When the topic of Vanessa''s concert came up, Joel said he wasn''t interested either.


    That afternoon, after two back-to-back meetings, Joel received a call: a representative from Marlowe Vige was suing the chemical nt-they needed evidence from his team.


    Joel guessed the court would want them to testify. He told Eleanor to sit this one out; he''d handle it himself.


    "Be careful, then," Eleanor warned him. That threatening phone callst time was proof the chemical nt was taking measures to protect themselves.


    Back in theb, Eleanor chatted with Joy over video.


    "Today''s May first-Vanessa''s big solo concert," Joy announced.<fn86d6> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find¡¤novel</fn86d6>


    Holding up her iPad, Joy scrolled through short videos. It didn''t take long for Vanessa''s ads to pop up: on the stadium''s giant LED screens, her face was everywhere.


    "Looks like she''s got quite the fanbase," Joy said, a hint of bitterness in her voice.


    Vanessa''s team knew exactly how to market her-everybel attached to her screamed international star power. Attending her concert had be a status symbol.


    No wonder tickets sold out.


    Eleanor''s phone lit up with a message from Detective Trent.


    "I''ve blended in with Vanessa''s backstage crew. I promise I''ll get you something explosive."


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied.


    "Expect good news from me."


    The next two days were a blur of work. On the evening of April thirtieth, Eleanor arrived at the Goodwin house.


    When Gina heard Eleanor nned to take her daughter home, she protested.


    "We''re taking Evelyn to a piano concert tomorrow. Just let her stay here!"


    "Mom, it''ll be crowded, and Evelyn''s too young. Please, don''t take her," Eleanor said, taking Evelyn''s hand.


    Gina''s expression soured. "Do you realize how rare it is to expose Evelyn to the arts like this? All my friends are dying to take their children!"


    "You go enjoy the concert, Mom. You don''t need to look after Evelyn," Eleanor replied, her tone firmer than ever. For once, the usual caution and deference were gone from her eyes, reced by something sharp and resolute.


    Gina was taken aback. Before she could react, Eleanor had already left with Evelyn.


    "Tch! What on earth is she thinking?" Gina grumbled, her chest tight with frustration. She never trusted Eleanor to raise her granddaughter properly, always worrying Eleanor would hinder the girl''s future.


    How could a woman who did nothing but sit at home all day possibly raise an outstanding daughter?


    Feeling even more unsettled, Gina sank back onto the sofa and dialed her son.


    "Hello?"


    "Ian, Eleanor just took Evelyn home. Tomorrow''s Vanessa''s concert-make sure you bring Evelyn over for me."

 Chapter 111

    "Alright, I''ll bring her over,"n replied.


    "This is driving me crazy! Eleanor''s getting more and more stubborn. You two have been married for six years, and she still acts like a spoiled childpletely immature!" Gina couldn''t help but vent her frustration to her son.


    "Mom, I''ll talk to her,"n tried to reassure her.


    "I told you back then I didn''t want you two to get married. Now, look what''s happened. Not only is she unreasonable, but she doesn''t even know how to show respect," Gina grumbled, unable to keep her annoyance to herself today.


    Just then, a cough behind her made Gina jump. She turned around to see her mother-inw standing there. Quickly, she said into the phone, n, I need to go." Magdalen had caught the end of the conversation. "Honestly, how old are you, Gina? Still letting Eleanor get under your skin."


    "You didn''t see how stubborn she was just now! If she were my daughter, I''d have given her a piece of my mind. The only reason I held back is because she''s my daughter-inw," Gina shot back,ining to her mother-inw.


    Magdalen gave her a pointed look. "Haven''t you noticed things have been chilly betweenn and Ellietely? Just stay out of their marriage."


    Of course Gina had noticed, but it only made her worry more about her son.


    n gives her a generous allowance every month-three hundred thousand, at the very least. What more does she want? Why does she have to sulk at him all the time?"


    Magdalen, on the other hand, figured her grandson had probably been too busytely and had neglected Eleanor, which must have left the young woman feeling hurt. She made a mental note to encourage them to spend more time together.


    "Mommy, look at my drawing! This is you, and daddy, and me-and Princess," Evelyn announced, proudly holding up her picture.


    Eleanor nuzzled her daughter''s cheek and praised her, "It''s wonderful,


    sweetheart. You did such a good job. Tomorrow''s the weekend-where should we go for fun?"


    Evelyn threw her arms around Eleanor''s neck, beaming. "I want to go to the amusement park!"


    "Deal. Mommy will take you," Eleanor promised, hooking her pinky with her daughter''s. "Let''s make a pinky promise."


    "Okay! Pinky promise!" Evelyn bounced up and down, giggling as she linked her little finger with her mother''s.


    At nine-thirty, the sound of the front door opening echoed downstairs, followed by Princess''s excited barking-Daddy was home.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn ran to greet him.


    "I drew a picture! And Mommy promised to take me to the amusement park tomorrow. We even made a pinky promise," Evelyn said, her voice bubbling with excitement.


    Since their wedding, Eleanor had never once needed to ask for money. Each year,n deposited the entire household budget onto a card for her-always more than enough.


    In the past, whenever Eleanor got the card, she would leap into his arms, shower him with kisses-whether he liked it or not-andugh, "Thank you, honey!"


    Sometimesn would let her cover his face in kisses, sometimes he''d yfully push her away, telling her not to make a scene.


    That wasn-never too warm, never too cold, always measuring affection in numbers.


    Still, as a husband, he''d done everything expected of him.


    And with Eleanor''s cheerful nature, she''d always managed to keep their marriage running smoothly.


    But now, something had changed.


    Eleanor had changed. These days, he couldn''t tell what she was thinking or what she wanted anymore.


    Eleanor nced at the card he held out. She shook her head. "That''s not necessary."


    With that, Eleanor stood up and moved to leave the living room.


    "It''s been six months. Are you still upset?"<fne72f> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on f?ndnovel</fne72f>

 Chapter 112

    Eleanor turned, arms folded, a mocking half-smile curling on her lips as she looked at the man behind her. Without a word, she headed upstairs.


    ...


    Later, after Eleanor had tucked their daughter into bed,n-fresh from his shower-came to say goodnight. Evelyn''s sweet, sleepy babble made himugh softly more than once.


    "My precious little girl."n hugged his daughter, nting a gentle kiss on her cheek before leaving the room.


    But then, he paused. Leaning over, he pressed a kiss to Eleanor''s forehead.


    She froze for a moment, her entire body tense. Determined not to react in front of their daughter, she waited until he left, then hastily rubbed her sleeve across the spot he''d kissed.


    In the early hours of the morning,ny in bed, propped on one arm, scrolling through his phone. He found an old video-eight years old, now.


    In the video, a teenage girl sat beside his hospital bed, holding his hand and singing softly.


    "Do you like it? It''s a song I just learned. Consider it your new luby, okay?" Her voice was clear and full of youthful warmth.


    "Now I''ll read you a new fairy tale! If you think I sound silly, just wake up and tell me. Otherwise, I''ll keep reading to you until you can''t stand it anymore."


    In the quiet ICU, the girl leaned over the rails, animatedly reading her story.


    Eleanor''s distant manner these past months-he saw it for what it was: the silent treatment. But he knew, no one could possibly love him more than she did.


    ...


    The next morning, Eleanor took Evelyn out for breakfast, with Joslyn tagging along since it was her day off. Afterwards, they all went to the amusement park.


    Eleanor was endlessly patient, apanying Evelyn on ride after ride until the little girl was beside herself with joy.


    After the carousel, Eleanor led them to a nearby caf¨¦. By the time they''d finished their meal, it was already past two in the afternoon.


    At half past three, noticing Evelyn growing drowsy, Eleanor gathered Joslyn and headed home.


    Sure enough, Evelyn fell asleep in the car.


    The roads were jammed with holiday traffic, and it was nearly five by the time they reached home. Eleanor carried her sleeping daughter upstairs, settled her in bed, then went to shower off the day''s sweat.


    She finished her shower, towel-dried her hair, and came out of the bathroom- only to discover the bed was empty. Evelyn was gone.


    Eleanor stepped out and called downstairs, "Evelyn?"


    No answer.


    She hurried down and asked Joslyn, "Joslyn, where''s Evelyn?"


    "Miss Goodwin just came by. She took Evelyn with her," Joslyn replied.


    A surge of fury shot through Eleanor. Serena hadn''t even bothered to let her know


    ¡ªshe''d just whisked her daughter away to Vanessa''s concert?


    Eleanor strode back to her room, grabbed her phone, and dialedn.


    The call rang and rang. No answer.


    Fuming, she snatched up her purse and phone and marched for the door.


    "Ma''am, are you heading out?" Joslyn called in surprise.


    Eleanor responded quickly and hurried toward her car.<fne5a7> Official source is Find[?]ovel</fne5a7>


    She was barely out of the driveway when her car''s Bluetooth rang. It was Joy.


    She picked up.


    "Ellie, do you want to bring Evelyn over for a ydate?"


    "My daughter''s been taken by Serena to Vanessa''s concert."


    "What? I thought you said you didn''t want her to go?"


    "She waited until I was in the shower and just took her. I tried callingn, but he''s not answering. I have no choice-I''m heading to the stadium to find my daughter myself."

 Chapter 113

    "I''lle with you. My client gave me tickets, so I''ll take you in," Joy said.


    Eleanor and Joy had agreed to meet at the entrance of the arena at six. Once they found each other, the two of them headed inside. The stands were already packed, a sea of faces stretching in every direction. Trying to pick out a single person in that crowd was like looking for a needle in a haystack.


    "Do you thinkn might have taken your daughter backstage?" Joy asked.


    Eleanor instantly thought of Trent sneaking backstage as well. She pulled out her phone and dialed Trent''s number.


    "Hello! Mrs. Goodwin."


    "Trent, I''m here at the arena. Can you get me backstage?" Eleanor asked urgently.


    "Sure,e to Entrance Three. I''ll meet you there," Trent replied.


    Eleanor made her way to the third hallway entrance. After a short wait, Trent appeared, a staff badge hanging around his neck.


    "This way, Mrs. Goodwin," Trent said.


    Joy followed them in. At the entrance, Trent checked their IDs and then led them through.


    Lowering his voice, Trent exined, "Mr. Goodwin just arrived, too. When you called, he was going into Vanessa''s private dressing room."


    "Take me there," Eleanor said at once, her heart pounding. Her daughter could be inside.


    Backstage was a flurry of activity, with staff hurrying in every direction, heads down, focused on their jobs.


    No one paid any attention to Eleanor, Joy, and Trent as he guided them down a quiet hallway. He gestured ahead. "Third door on the left-that''s Vanessa''s dressing room."


    A surge of hope rushed through Eleanor. Ignoring everything else, she strode straight to the third door.


    She was sure her daughter would be inside.


    Without even knocking, Eleanor grabbed the handle, pushed the door open, and burst in.


    On a plush sofa, a man and a woman jerked apart in shock.<fnbb4c> Follow current nov?ls on f¦É?dn¦Ïvel</fnbb4c>


    Any adult would know exactly what had nearly happened.


    Vanessa froze at the sight of Eleanor, then stood up, wincing and rubbing her scalp where her hair had been pulled.


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "Sorry, did I interrupt something?"


    Vanessa managed a sweet, unruffled smile. "Miss Sutton, I think you''ve misunderstood. My hair identally got caught onn''s belt buckle, that''s all. I was just untangling it-not what you think."


    But exnations like that usually sounded more like cover-ups.


    Even if Vanessa was telling the truth, Eleanor wouldn''t have believed her.


    "Where''s Evelyn?" Eleanor demanded, eyes locked on the elegantly dressed man on the sofa.


    "She''s with my mother,"n replied, meeting her gaze.


    Just then, Vanessa''s manager poked her head in, calling, "Vanessa, we need you to get ready!"


    Vanessa turned ton with a smile. "You two have a nice chat. I''ll go get ready."


    As she passed Eleanor, Vanessa''s lips curled in a subtle, triumphant smirk, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.


    Eleanor really did have a knack for timing-she''d walked in at the exact moment Vanessa''s hair was caught onn''s belt.


    Even ifn tried to exin, there was no way to make it sound innocent.


    Of course, Eleanor would never believe a word of it.

 Chapter 114

    Vanessa had barely left when a woman''s anxious voice called from the hallway, "Excuse me, is Miss Shannon here?"


    Eleanor turned to see a young woman standing in the doorway, arms full of roses.


    Sensing the tension in the room, the girl quickly offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry to interrupt."


    She hugged the bouquet closer and slipped away as quietly as she''de.


    Eleanor didn''t have to guess who those flowers were from.


    "Tell your sister to bring Evelyn backstage. I''m taking her home," Eleanor replied, eyes fixed on him.


    "Let her stay till the concert''s over,"n insisted.


    "If you won''t call, I''ll find her myself." Eleanor knew better than to rely on him. Ian couldn''t wait for his daughter to witness Vanessa''s grand performance-he wanted her to idolize Vanessa, to pave the way for the day Vanessa became her stepmother.


    Not bothering to wait forn''s answer, Eleanor spun on her heel and strode out. Joy was waiting in the corridor and stepped forward. "Is your daughter inside?"


    "No," Eleanor said curtly. But as she spoke, a thought struck her there was someone else who might help.<fn6338> Get full chapters from F?nd-Novel</fn6338>


    Xavier.


    He might be here tonight.


    Meanwhile, backstage, Vanessa had just spotted the girl with the flowers and couldn''t help the hopeful spark in her eyes. Were these fromn?


    "Miss Shannon, a guest ordered this bouquet for you through our shop," the attendant said, smiling.


    Vanessa''s assistant took the roses, and Vanessa reached for the card tucked inside. Her smile froze for a moment.


    The sender wasn''tn.


    It was Henry.


    "Put them somewhere safe," Vanessa said, her tone distracted. She couldn''t afford to lose focus now-her big performance was moments away.


    Back in the hallway, Eleanor and Joy made their way out from backstage. Eleanor nced down at her phone and quickly typed out a message to Xavier.


    "Mr. Vaughn, have you seen my daughter Evelyn?" she asked directly.


    "She''s right here with me," Xavier replied almost instantly.


    Relief washed over Eleanor. She''d found her daughter.


    "Could you tell me where you are? I''d like toe get her," she wrote again.


    Xavier sent his location, and Eleanor finally let herself breathe.


    Just then, Joy''s greeting broke through her thoughts. "Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor turned. Ian stood under the corridor lights, his features thrown into sharp relief, his mood unreadable.


    "I''ll take you to Evelyn," he said in his low voice.


    "That won''t be necessary," Eleanor replied coldly, taking Joy''s arm and walking away.


    Eleanor crossed into the arena''s main hall, following the directions Xavier had given. Finally, she spotted her daughter cradled in her mother-inw''sp, waving a pair of glowsticks.


    Beside Serena sat Xavier and Henry, along with a couple Eleanor recognized from before-it seemedn''s friends and family had all taken this section.


    Gina, surprised, looked up at Eleanor''s arrival.


    Eleanor made her way over, only to stumble when her foot caught on something. She lurched forward but a strong hand caught her arm, steadying her.


    It was Xavier.


    In the dim light, concern flickered in his eyes.


    Eleanor managed a grateful smile before turning to her daughter. "Evelyn."


    "Mommy!" Evelyn beamed and stretched her arms toward her. Eleanor scooped her up from Gina''sp and asked gently, "Do you want to go outside for a bit?"


    The noise inside had long since worn out Evelyn''s patience. "I don''t want to stay here anymore, Mommy, let''s go! I want to buy a toy outside."

 Chapter 115

    Eleanor turned to her mother. "Mom, it''s so stuffy in here. I''m going to take Evelyn outside for a bit."


    "The concert''s about to start," Gina reminded her, her tone pointed.


    Eleanor pretended not to hear. Serena, growing annoyed, said, "Eleanor, it''s starting. Where are you taking Evelyn?"


    "Just outside to y," Eleanor replied, scooping her daughter into her arms and heading out with Joy.


    Gina pressed a hand to her chest, frustration tightening in her ribs. She''d hoped her granddaughter would stay and soak up a little culture.


    Xavier picked up his phone and said to Serena, "I''m stepping out to take a call." Serena froze. Why did Xavier leave just as Eleanor did?


    No, she told herself, shaking the thought away. Xavier was just taking a call- there was no way he was following Eleanor.


    Outside, the za bustled with vendors selling trinkets and little toys. Joy bought Evelyn two small toys, and the little girl''s delight was infectious.


    "Evelyn, do you want toe over to my ce and y?" Joy asked, a twinkle in her eyes.


    "Yes, please!" Evelyn''s face lit up. She took to Joy immediately, charmed by her generosity.


    Eleanor smiled, her eyes crinkling with amusement. As she looked up, she spotted a familiar figure walking toward them-Xavier.


    Remembering how he''d helped her earlier, Eleanor turned to Joy. "Could you watch Evelyn for a moment? I need to say hello to a friend."


    Joy nodded, watching Eleanor cross the za toward the tall man. He was too far away to make out his features, but there was no mistaking the air of old money and confidence about him.


    When Xavier saw Eleanor approach, he offered a gentle smile. "Didn''t hurt yourself earlier, did you?"


    "I''m fine. Thank you, Mr. Vaughn, for your help tonight," she replied, gratitude in her eyes.


    "It was nothing," Xavier said with a shrug. "Are you heading back inside?"


    "I''m taking my daughter to spend time at my friend''s ce," Eleanor exined. "Vivian''sing back next week," Xavier mentioned.


    Eleanor''s face brightened. "Really? That''s wonderful! Evelyn''s been missing her."


    A cool breeze swept across the za from all directions, tousling Eleanor''s hair just as her hair tie slipped loose. Her long hair tumbled down her back in a cascade, catching the wind and framing her face in soft, wild waves.


    Under the golden glow of the streetlights, Eleanor looked almost ethereal¡ª mysterious and radiant, like a magnolia in moonlight.


    Xavier was momentarily transfixed.


    "Mommy!" Evelyn called from across the square.


    Eleanor waved to Xavier. "Goodnight, Mr. Vaughn."


    She bent down to search for her hair tie but couldn''t find it, so she hurried back to her daughter.


    As Xavier turned to leave, he felt something under his shoe. ncing down, he saw a pale blue hair tie at his feet. Eleanor''s.


    He stooped to pick it up, turning it over in the light before slipping it into his pocket as he walked toward the parking lot.


    At Joy''s house, Eleanor felt herself rx for the first time all day. Evelyn yed happily with her new toys while the two friends chatted over fresh herbal tea. The evening drifted by in easyfort.


    Later, when it was time to go, Evelyn didn''t want to leave, so Eleanor decided they''d spend the night at Joy''s.


    At ten o''clock, Eleanor''s phone chimed with a message.


    It was fromn.


    "When are youing home?"


    "I''m staying at my friend''s with Evelyn tonight," Eleanor texted back.


    "Do you want me to pick you up?"


    "No need. Evelyn wants to stay over, and you know she always gets her way," Eleanor replied, using her daughter as the perfect excuse.


    "Alright,"n replied simply.<fn6877> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? fin?novel</fn6877>

 Chapter 116

    The next afternoon, Joy finally dropped Eleanor and her daughter back home. Evelyn, still bubbling from the day''s adventures, bounced through the front door, calling, "Daddy, I''m home!"


    Eleanor assumedn was out, but then she heard footsteps on the stairs. Ian appeared,ing down from the second floor.


    "Daddy, I met another lovelydy today! She was so nice to me. I really like her. Can I stay at her ce again next time?" Evelyn eximed, beaming with excitement.


    Hearing her daughter''s words, Eleanor understood at once: in Evelyn''s innocent world, anyone who showed her kindness was a good person. She was still too young to tell friend from foe, too na?ve to recognize whether those who approached her meant good or ill. It was up to Eleanor to shield her from Vanessa, that venomous ghost from the past.


    The spring holiday slipped by in a blink. On the third day, Eleanor took Evelyn to the Goodwin family''s home for lunch, but they didn''t stay long-by the afternoon, she was already ushering her daughter out.


    Gina''s disapproval of Eleanor grew more obvious by the day. Aside from matters concerning Evelyn, the two women barely spoke anymore.


    May 8th.<fnabe2> For more chapters visit find?novel</fnabe2>


    Evelyn heard that Vivian was back in the country, and suddenly, she was more enthusiastic than ever about going to school.


    That morning, Eleanor dropped her off at the school gates. Evelyn waved and darted inside, while Eleanor turned away with a smile¡ªjust in time to see Xavier''s car pull up. He climbed out, carrying a sleepy Vivian in his arms.


    "Miss Eleanor!" Vivian called out cheerfully.


    "Vivian, it''s so good to see you again!" Eleanor replied, genuinely happy.


    "Uncle, I can go in by myself," Vivian said, slipping her backpack on and running off toward the entrance.


    Xavier watched his niece disappear inside, then turned to Eleanor. "Heading to the university?"


    She smiled. "Yes, I''ve got ss this morning."


    When Eleanor got into her own car, Xavier remembered something. He reached into his pocket and fished out a hair tie, but just then, a gust of wind caught it and swept it from his hand.


    He immediately scanned the ground, searching as if he''d lost something far more precious than an ordinary hair tie. Finally, he spotted it and picked it up, holding it tightly before making his way back to his car. This time, instead of stuffing it back into his pocket, he ced it carefully in the center console.


    Meanwhile, across town in theb, Dr. Lyman arrived early for a meeting to discuss theb''s next research direction. Joel was juggling multiple roles, and Eleanor had been pulled onto a new project funded byn.


    Faye and her group watched with envy. As always, Eleanor was at the center of every major project, while they were handed whatever was left work that barely registered on the investment radar.


    But with Dr. Lyman''s authority looming over them, no one dared say a word. Any resentment had to be swallowed for now.


    After the meeting, Eleanor and Joel sat in the lounge, deep in conversation. Eleanor brought up a research idea-one that happened to be Joel''s favorite topic. The two quickly lost themselves in the discussion.


    Faye and Gwenda wandered over for a break. Seeing how absorbed Eleanor and Joel were, Gwenda smirked. "Do you think Eleanor''s husband would be jealous if he knew she spent every day glued to Joel''s side?"


    Faye''s eyes flickered. She suddenly remembered that Eleanor was married.


    "Do you even know what her husband does?" Faye asked.


    "No idea. I just know she has a daughter," Gwenda replied.


    Faye''s lips curled into a mocking smile. Eleanor was a mother, yet she was out


    here flirting with Joel under the guise of work. Shameless.


    "She once said her husband was in business. Joel and I have been to her apartmentplex-it''s nothing special. Pretty average, definitely not wealthy," Gwenda added.


    On the sofa by the window, Eleanor stretchednguidly. Joel''s gaze was so intense it was almost as if he wanted to kiss her right then and there.


    Faye clenched her fist in jealousy. She had to put a stop to this before it went any further. If Eleanor wanted to ruin her own reputation, that was her business, but Joel was a medical prodigy-his name couldn''t be tainted by her antics.


    When Eleanor left the lounge, files tucked under her arm, she headed for theb. Suddenly, Faye blocked her path, arms folded.


    "Eleanor, can we talk?"


    Eleanor paused, a little surprised. "If you''ve got something to say, just say it."


    "Fine, I''ll be blunt. I want you to keep your distance from Joel. This is our workce, not your personal yground. Don''t think you can use your job as an excuse to get cozy with him. You''d better watch yourself," Faye said, her tone sharp and brimming with hostility.

 Chapter 117

    Eleanor froze for a moment, thenposed herself and said firmly, "Faye, even if you have a problem with me, please watch your words. My rtionship with Joel is strictly professional. There''s nothing inappropriate going on, as you''re


    suggesting."


    With that, Eleanor turned to leave.


    But Faye wasn''t about to let her off so easily. "Heard you had a daughter, Eleanor. Don''t you want to set a good example for her? And does your husband know you''re flirting with a coworker at work?"


    Eleanor spun back around with a cool smile. "My private life isn''t your concern."


    Faye''s expression soured. "Eleanor, I''m only looking out for you. Don''t just brush this off. Even if you don''t care about your reputation, you should think about Joel''s."


    Eleanor''s smile didn''t falter. "There''s nothing going on between Joel and me. You''re imagining things."


    "Oh, am I?" Faye retorted. "Or are you just too afraid to admit it? If you keep clinging to Joel, I won''t hesitate to let your husband know exactly what you''ve been up to."


    Eleanor, in the middle of divorce proceedings and in no mood for drama, shot back coldly, "Faye, mind your own business and stay out of my family affairs."


    Faye arched a brow, triumphant. "Are you scared? If you are, then keep your distance from Joel. Otherwise, I really will tell him."


    Not wanting to waste another breath on the pointless argument, Eleanor turned and walked away.


    Faye, meanwhile, took Eleanor''s silence as fear. She figured Eleanor''s marriage must be a mess, probably married to some jerk-which would exin why she''d look elsewhere for affection. Either way, Faye was determined to keep her away from Joel.


    ***


    Friday arrived quickly. Serena sent Eleanor a message to let her know she''d be picking up her niece for the weekend at the Goodwin family estate.


    Serena was already waiting by the school gates, ncing asionally at her phone-and keeping an eye out for Xavier.


    At 4:10 sharp, Xavier''s silver Bentley pulled into the parking lot. It had been nearly ten days since Serenast saw him at the recital, and her heart skipped a beat as he stepped out of the car-tall,posed, and exuding a calm confidence. Xavier was a year older than her brother, and somehow, that only made him seem more maic.


    "Xavier, you''re here too," Serena greeted him with a warm smile.


    He nodded, returning her smile. "Yeah. Are you picking up Evelyn today?"


    "I am," she replied. "Had some free time, so I thought I''d take her out for a bit of fun."


    At 4:20, the school doors opened and parents began filing in to collect their children. When Evelyn spotted her aunt, she looked genuinely surprised. "Aunt Serena, what are you doing here?"<fn7366> Updates are released by find~novel</fn7366>


    Serena grinned. "Thought I''d take you shopping today-maybe pick out a gift or two. How does that sound?"


    Evelyn''s eyes lit up. "Can we bring Vivian with us?"


    "Of course we can!" Serena promised. "I''ll buy gifts for both of you."


    Vivian looked hopefully at her uncle, her eyes wide and pleading. Serena caught the exchange and seized the moment. "Xavier, why don''t youe with us to the mall? I bet the girls would love it."


    Xavier, ever the doting uncle, couldn''t resist the look in his niece''s eyes. He chuckled and nodded. "Alright. But promise me you''ll only pick one thing each."


    Once outside, Evelyn insisted on riding with Vivian. Serena, eager for a chance to share the car with Xavier, quickly agreed. "I''ll ride with you girls, then!"


    In the backseat of Xavier''s car, Serena sat between the two excited girls. Vivian, ever curious, noticed a leather cord tucked in the center console. She leaned forward and grabbed it.


    "Uncle, what''s this?" Vivian asked, holding up the strap.


    Xavier''s eyes narrowed slightly. He reached out, his tone more serious than usual. "Vivian, give that back to me."


    His sternness made Vivian pout, but she reluctantly ced the leather cord into his open palm.


    Serena watched, puzzled, as Xavier closed his hand around the simple pale blue strap. It looked entirely ordinary-so why did he seem so tense about it?

 Chapter 118

    Soon, the two little girls were ying together again, but Serena couldn''t shake her unease. Why had there been a woman''s leather cord in Xavier''s car?


    Could he be seeing someone?


    The thought made Serena catch her breath, and she stole a nce at Xavier''s handsome profile, her heart restless and uneasy.


    Who was the woman who had caught his attention?


    Inside the toy store at the mall, the two girls were picking out toys when Xavier''s phone rang. He excused himself to take the call outside, leaving Serena with the perfect opportunity.


    She quickly pulled Vivian close and asked with a smile, "Vivian, can you tell me¡ª has your uncle seen any womentely?"


    Vivian blinked her big eyes and shook her head. "Nope!"


    "Has any womane over to your uncle''s ce to visit?"


    "No."


    Serena let out a silent sigh of relief. So, Xavier and the owner of that leather cord weren''t officially together yet.


    She still had a chance.


    Around five o''clock, Serena brought Evelyn back to Goodwin Manor. Eleanor arrived soon after to join them for dinner.


    But Gina refused to let her take Evelyn home, and Evelyn herself wanted to stay with her grandmother. She was more than happy to remain at Goodwin Manor.


    Eleanor understood. She couldn''t deny her daughter the right to family, nor would she ever try.


    Even if she eventually gained custody, she wouldn''t interfere with Evelyn''s rtionship with the Goodwin family.


    The only person she needed to guard against was Vanessa-the poisonous outsider.


    Upstairs, Serena and Vanessa were discussing the mysterious leather cord in Xavier''s car.


    "Maybe his assistant just left it there by ident?" Vanessa suggested.


    "But Xavier''s expression at the time... it seemed like the cord meant something to him," Serena replied, worry evident on her face.


    "You know, Serena, you really should confess your feelings to him soon. Xavier''s not exactly getting any younger-it''s time he started thinking about settling down."


    Serena wanted to tell him, but she was afraid of being rejected.


    Even after talking with Vanessa for a while, her heart felt no lighter. The thought of that leather cord weighed on her chest like a stone.


    Who was the woman it belonged to?


    Downstairs, Eleanor and Magdalen were chatting about wellness and healthy living. It was nearly nine-thirty by the time Eleanor finally headed home.


    When she walked in, Princess greeted her at the door, tail wagging happily. Eleanor settled onto the couch, and Princess hopped into herp, curling up contentedly.


    Stroking Princess''s little head, Eleanor felt her worries start to melt away.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. It was fromn: "I''ll be on a business trip for a week."


    Eleanor set her phone aside, amused. She was more than happy to have the house to herself.


    Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Eleanor had finished all her experimental projects, but Joel still hadn''t announced the start of the next phase. By all rights, the independent researchn had funded should have been underway.


    That afternoon, Eleanor met Joel for lunch at a restaurant near the university. Halfway through, she brought it up herself. "Joel, when does the next round of research start?"


    Joel paused, setting down his fork with deliberate care. "Ellie, are you sure you want to be involved this time?"


    Eleanor looked at him. "Do you think I''m not suitable for the project?"


    Joel sighed. "Of course not."


    "Then why the dy?" Eleanor pressed. "Is something wrong?"


    Joel knew he couldn''t keep her in the dark forever.


    "Ellie, did your husband ever mention that he privately sent me a contract for a donor sample?"<fn1a07> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on f?ndnovel</fn1a07>


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, he didn''t. Whose sample contract was it?"

 Chapter 119

    Joel lifted his head, inner conflict flickering in his eyes.


    Eleanor blinked, growing even more curious as she studied his face.


    Joel''s tightly clenched fists rxed. With a heavy sigh, he said, "Ellie, maybe it''s better if I tell youter."


    But Eleanor''s curiosity was piqued. She tried to reassure him, her tone gentle. "Joel, is there anything you can''t tell me? Please, I want to know. I''m eager to get this research project started as soon as possible."


    Joel looked at her with a pained expression. "Even if the person we''re hoping to save with this research is Vanessa, you still want to be involved?"


    Eleanor didn''t want to save Vanessa, not if it were just about her. But this project meant hope for everyone suffering from disease, not only Vanessa.


    Besides, finding a cure for leukemia had always been her life''s goal.


    She needed to join this research team. Based on her current direction, there was


    a real chance to revolutionize leukemia treatment-maybe even turn it from a death sentence into a manageable, possibly curable condition.


    "Joel, I can''t let my personal feelings keep me from doing this work," Eleanor said earnestly. "I promise I won''t let anything get in the way. You have my word¡ªI''ll stay professional and focused."


    She wondered if Joel was worried she''d let her emotions interfere, that she''d slow down the project.


    Joel paused, then let out a slow breath. "After lunch,e to my office."


    At half past one, Eleanor stepped inside Joel''s office. He followed her in and quietly closed the door behind them.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but feel puzzled by his secrecy.


    Joel opened the bottom drawer of his desk, pulled out a file, and handed it to her. "Take a look at this."


    Eleanor''s eyes widened in surprise as she epted the folder. Inside was a record of a bone marrow donation. Flipping to the first page, she froze when she saw the donor''s name.


    Her own mother.


    Eleanor''s eyes filled instantly with tears. She looked up at Joel, her voice trembling, "This... this is my mom''s."


    "That''s right. Your mother is the donor. Her bone marrow sample is what we''ll be working with."


    Tears spilled down Eleanor''s cheeks. She pressed a hand to her mouth, struggling to breathe. When had her mother donated? Why hadn''t she heard about it?


    "Do you know who gave me the donation contract?" Joel asked quietly.


    "My dad?" Eleanor''s mind raced surely it was her father.


    Joel shook his head. "No."<fnbc8f> Official source is f¦É?dn¦Ïvel</fnbc8f>


    Eleanor''s heart lurched. "Then who?"


    "It wasn," Joel said, his tone steady but somber.


    Eleanor''s mind went nk. Ian? How could he possibly have her mother''s donor file?


    "That''s why I haven''t started the research yet. I was afraid you wouldn''t be able to handle it," Joel admitted with a sigh.


    Anger shed in Eleanor''s eyes. "What right did he have to give away my mother''s bone marrow sample without my permission? This is my mother''s donation. No one should use it without my consent."


    Seeing how upset she was, Joel stepped closer and gently held her shoulders. "Eleanor, please calm down. There''s a transfer agreement in the contract-your father gave it ton."


    Eleanor went pale, lifting her head with disbelief, her voice shaking. "What did you say?"

 Chapter 120

    Joel picked up the contract and flipped to the pagebeled "Transfer Agreement." His voice was steady. "Your father authorizedn to hold this donor sample. The donation is legal."


    Tears stung Eleanor''s eyes as she stared at the document. Her father''s signature was there, clear as day.


    Why? What didn do back then to convince her father to hand over her mother''s donor sample? What kind of leverage did he hold? How had he threatened her father?


    Eleanor squeezed her eyes shut, a tear slipping down her cheek. She


    remembered how her father had spoken withn numerous times over her marriage. Could it be... Was this one of the conditions for him agreeing to the wedding?


    She set the contract down, her fists clenched tight. "I''m going to find him. I want the truth. Ian had no right to use my mother''s bone marrow sample without my consent. I won''t allow it."


    "Ellie..." Joel watched as Eleanor stormed out, the door mming hard behind her. His chest tightened with worry.


    He''d known this would devastate her. And it had.


    Eleanor grabbed her purse and headed straight for the parking lot. She started her car, pressed the gas pedal to the floor, and sped downtown toward the city''s most iconic skyscraper.


    The headquarters of Goodwin Investments.


    As soon as she arrived, she strode through the lobby, making a beeline for the elevators. A sharp-eyed receptionist intercepted her.


    "Excuse me, miss, may I ask who you''re here to see?"


    "I''m here for your boss,n." Eleanor''s jaw was tight, her voice tense.


    "Do you have an appointment?"


    "I''m his wife. I don''t need an appointment."


    "You''re Mrs. Goodwin?" The receptionist eyed her skeptically. Eleanor was elegant and striking, but the idea that she was Mrs. Goodwin seemed far-fetched -especially after that recent incident with the so-called ''dream girl'' who had harassed Mr. Goodwin. Since then, the front desk had been strictly warned: Never let anyone up without clearance.


    "I''m sorry, miss, but without an appointment, I can''t let you see Mr. Goodwin," the receptionist said firmly.


    Eleanor remembered she had Gavin''s number. She walked over to the lounge area and dialed.


    "Hello, Mrs. Goodwin," Gavin answered promptly.


    "Mr. Young, I''m in the lobby. Could youe down and get me?" Eleanor''s tone remained polite.


    "Of course, I''ll be right there." Gavin hung up.


    Eleanor sat down, her mind reeling over whatn had done with her mother''s sample. What stung the most was that the person he wanted to save was Vanessa, yet he was using her mother''s bone marrow for research.


    She''d put up with a lot fromn, but this¡ªthis was too much.


    Meanwhile, the receptionist called security, instructing them to keep a close watch


    on Eleanor. After thest fiasco, they couldn''t risk another incident.


    Three minutester, Gavin hurried out of the elevator.


    When Eleanor saw him, she got up and walked over. "Mr. Young, is your boss in?"


    "Mr. Goodwin''s in a meeting."


    "Where? Take me to him. This can''t wait," Eleanor insisted.


    "Mrs. Goodwin, perhaps you''d prefer to wait in his office? The meeting''s almost done," Gavin offered.


    "No. I need to see him now." Anger shed in her eyes-she wasn''t waiting another second.


    Just then, the receptionist approached Gavin. "Mr. Young, thisdy says she wants to see Mr. Goodwin, but she didn''t have an appointment..."


    "She''s Mrs. Goodwin. She doesn''t need an appointment," Gavin replied curtly.


    The receptionist''s jaw dropped in shock. By the time she regained herposure, Eleanor and Gavin were already gone.


    Oh my God. She really is Mrs. Goodwin?<fnf30a> Th?s chapter is updated by f?ndnovel</fnf30a>


    She rushed back to the desk to tell her coworkers. The whole front office was buzzing. So the legendary Mrs. Goodwin was her?


    "I always thought Miss Shannon was Mrs. Goodwin," someone whispered. "She''s in here way more often."


    On the elevator, Eleanor''s fists were clenched so tightly her knuckles were white. Even though her expression was calm, Gavin could feel the fury radiating off her.


    He led her to the hallway outside the conference room. "Mrs. Goodwin, Mr. Goodwin is in there. Would you like to wait-?"

 Chapter 121

    Gavin hadn''t even finished his sentence when Eleanor pushed open the conference room doors.


    The crash echoed through the room.


    Everyone inside turned in shock, startled by the sudden intrusion-especiallyn, seated at the head of the table, who stared at Eleanor in disbelief.


    "Out. I need a word with you." Eleanor''s furious gaze locked onton.


    The department heads exchanged bewildered nces, silently wondering who this young woman was-and where she found the nerve to speak ton like that.


    "Who are you? Can''t you see we''re in a meeting?" The finance manager was the first to speak up, his tone sharp.


    "That''s right! Where''s your sense of decorum? We''re in the middle of something here." Another man in his early forties chimed in, frowning.


    Eleanor shot them a cold look. "I''m his wife. I have something to discuss with him."


    Her words sent a ripple of surprise through the room. The finance manager''s face shifted instantly; forcing a nervous smile, he nodded atn. "Mr. Goodwin, we''ll excuse ourselves." Then he turned to Eleanor, giving her an apologetic smile. "Mrs. Goodwin, pardon us."


    The other manager followed suit, his smile awkward. "Sorry, Mrs. Goodwin."


    One by one, the executives took the hint and filed out, each of them noting the stormy look on Mrs. Goodwin''s face and realizing this was clearly a private matter between husband and wife.


    "Couldn''t this wait until we''re home?"n arched an eyebrow, only mildly perturbed.


    Eleanor mmed her palm on the table, voice trembling with anger. n, why do you have the rights to my mother''s donor sample? What did you do to get it from my father? You''d better have a good exnation."


    "Joel told you, didn''t he?"n''s tone was icy, annoyance flickering across his face.


    Fury pounded in Eleanor''s veins. She clenched her jaw. "If Joel hadn''t told me, were you ever nning to?n, you''ve gone too far. That was my mother''s donation you had no right to decide what to do with it."


    Eleanor blocked his way, her emotions spinning out of control. "You''re not going anywhere until you tell me the truth."


    He nced at his watch, unbothered. "I have an important video call in a few minutes."


    She''d always known he could be ruthless, but she hadn''t realized just how cold he could be.


    Eleanor stood her ground, voice raw. "Ian, give me back the rights to my mother''s sample. I should be the one to decide whether it''s used for research."


    "I know this is hard for you to ept, but I have to use your mother''s bone marrow sample for my research."n''s voice was calm, as if he were talking about


    a stranger''s donation, not his own mother-inw''s.


    Tears welled in Eleanor''s eyes. Her knuckles whitened as she dug her nails into the polished tabletop. She gritted her teeth. "Don''t make me hate you,n."<fn64b9> For original chapters go to find~novel</fn64b9>


    He sighed. "Your father signed it over to me. The decision is mine now."


    Eleanor''s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Her lips trembled but she held them tightly together, refusing to break.


    Just then, Gavin opened the door again. "Mr. Goodwin, your video call with Mr. Harrison is starting."


    She pped his hand away, her voice shaking with rage. "Get out."


    Gavin flinched. In his eyes, Eleanor had always been the quiet, gentle type. He couldn''t remember ever seeing her like this.


    The tissues fluttered to the floor asn stood frozen for a moment, then finally strode out, his handsome features set in a mask of icy detachment.


    In the hallway, he pulled out his phone and dialed Joel''s number. "Hello, Mr. Goodwin."


    "Dr. Kingsley, in the future, I''d appreciate it if you kept our business between us. I don''t need my wife getting the wrong idea." His tone was sharp, leaving no room for argument.

 Chapter 122

    "Mr. Goodwin, your wife Eleanor has joined my research team. She has a right to be informed," Joel''s voice came through, calm and measured.


    "Mr. Goodwin, your wife is far from unqualified. I hope you''ll¡ª"


    "Oh? So Mr. Kingsley knows my wife better than I do?"n let out a cold, mockingugh.


    "Mr. Goodwin, if you''d take a little time to understand your wife, you might see her in a different light."


    "I don''t need you to tell me how to care for my wife. I want you to deny her ess to this project,"n replied icily.


    "I''m afraid that''s not my decision to make. Dr. Lyman was the one who invited her to join the team," Joel answered from the other end.


    "Mr. Goodwin, your wife Eleanor is an exceptional individual. She¡ª"


    "Mr. Kingsley, focus on your work. Don''t get too involved with other men''s wives. It could ruin your reputation." Ian threw out his warning and ended the call.


    Eleanor sat in the conference room for a long moment, trying to steady herself.


    As she stepped out, Gavin approached.


    "Mrs. Goodwin, would you like to wait for Mr. Goodwin to finish his meeting?" Gavin asked carefully.


    "That won''t be necessary," Eleanor replied, gathering her bag and heading toward the elevators.


    There was no point in humiliating herself by pleading withn. Better to check theb tomorrow, see if there were other suitable donors. Maybe then Joel could reason withn-he''d listen to him before he''d ever listen to her.


    Eleanor went straight home, her thoughts swirling. She never expected her mother to be the donor. Why hadn''t her father ever mentioned it?


    And what exactly hadn done to convince her father to hand over the rights to use her mother''s cells?


    Only now did Eleanor realize how disastrous her impulsive marriage ton had been.


    Later, after picking her daughter up from school, she found Gavin at the house. He''de to packn''s bags-he was leaving on a business trip for a week.


    Eleanor forced herself to stay calm. Wasn really going to such lengths to avoid her?


    The next morning, after dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor headed straight to theb. Joel immediately noticed how pale she was, her eyes rimmed red with exhaustion. His voice was gentle. "Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine, Joel. But do we really have to use my mother''s bone marrow for the research?" Eleanor asked.


    "We can run a test-see if your mother''s stem cells are a match for Vanessa''s. If they''re notpatible, you''ll have a valid reason to persuaden to consider another donor," Joel suggested.


    Eleanor nodded. It was the only way to convincen to back down.


    "Last night,n called me. He said "


    "What did he say?" Eleanor pressed, frowning.<fn0518> The rightful source is f¦É?dn¦Ïvel</fn0518>


    Joel sighed. "He seems to think youck research experience. But I believe, one


    day, he''ll realize what you''re truly capable of."


    A bitter smile flickered across Eleanor''s lips. "Son wants me out of theb, doesn''t he?"

 Chapter 123

    Joel offered a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry, I''ll find a chance to talk to him for you. I won''t let him judge you unfairly."


    Eleanor shook her head. "Joel, there''s no need. What he thinks of me doesn''t matter."<fncf9c> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? Find1Novel</fncf9c>


    "Next week is the day you''ll be epting your award at the National Academy of Sciences. I''ll go with you," Joel said.


    "Alright. I was nning on bringing my daughter along, so I''d appreciate it if you could help me keep an eye on her," Eleanor replied.


    "Of course, I''d be happy to watch her," Joel said warmly.


    Three dayster, the results from Joel''s experiment came in. He found Eleanor,


    report in hand, concern etched into his features. "The results are out."


    Eleanor was quick to ask, "What''s the verdict? Is there a match?"


    Joel nodded. "It''s aplete match."


    Eleanor''s face lost a shade of color. She couldn''t help but wonder ifn had already tested forpatibility without telling her.


    "I''ll keep searching for suitable donor samples," Joel said, unwilling to give up. "If we find another match, you can still talk to Mr. Goodwin about it."


    "Thank you, Joel," Eleanor said gratefully.


    Two days before their departure, Eleanor arranged for her daughter''s absence from school. When Evelyn heard she''d be going on a trip to Kingston with her mother, she was over the moon.


    Eleanor had already packed their suitcases. Their flight was at three in the afternoon-she was almost ready to leave.


    Downstairs, Princess, their golden retriever, barked with excitement. Momentster, Eleanor heard her daughter''s delighted voice. "Daddy! Daddy, you''re home!"


    Eleanor froze in the middle of packing, the calm she''d felt moments earlier vanishing in a sh of anger. Ian was finally back.


    But she had a ne to catch, and thest thing she wanted was to argue about her mother''s sample now.


    She pulled her suitcase downstairs, catching Evelyn''s eager voice: "Daddy, I''m going on a trip with Mommy! Do you want toe with us?"


    Eleanor sawn''s gaze shift to her as she reached the bottom of the stairs. She hefted her suitcase and called to her daughter, "Evelyn, it''s almost time to go."


    "There was no need," Eleanor replied coolly. She took Evelyn''s hand. "Come on, sweetheart, we need to get going."


    Eleanor shook off his grip. "Let go. I''ll take good care of her-you don''t need to worry."


    Evelyn, bouncing with excitement, dashed toward the car. Eleanor popped the trunk, loaded their luggage, and helped her daughter into the car seat, fastening her belt. "All set? We''re off to the airport!"


    "Yes, Mommy! I''ll be good," Evelyn promised, grinning from ear to ear.


    He leaned down to Eleanor''s window. "Text me when you arrive." Eleanor didn''t reply. She started the engine and drove out of the driveway.


    A short whileter,n asked Gavin to check Eleanor''s flight information. It only took a moment before Gavin reported, "Her flight''s to Kingston International."


    "Mr. Goodwin, the National Academy of Sciences awards ceremony is in three days. You should start getting ready to leave," Gavin reminded him.<pn nced at the stack of paperwork on his desk. He still had important business to finish-he''d have to leave early the day after tomorrow.

 Chapter 124

    Airport.


    Eleanor held her daughter''s hand as they met up with Joel. The moment Joelid eyes on the little girl, he was instantly charmed. Evelyn seemed to like him too¡ª after all, even kids can be swayed by a handsome face.


    Before they boarded their flight, Joel bought Evelyn a small toy, winning her overpletely.


    Seeing how well they got along, Eleanor finally rxed. With Joel there, she''d have some help looking after her daughter on the ne.


    Two hourster, their flight touched down without a hitch.


    Once they collected their bags, Joel hailed a cab and whisked them off to a five- star hotel near the National Academy of Sciences.


    With two days to spare before the award ceremony, Eleanor decided to take her daughter on a proper tour of Kingston''s histordmarks. Joel, now in full-on "dad mode," tagged along. The three of them strolling the city looked, for all the world, like a happy little family.


    One afternoon, they wandered along the old city walls. Eleanor led the way, holding Evelyn''s hand, while Joel trailed behind with their bags. Suddenly, a woman''s voice called out, "Sir, your daughter dropped something!"


    Joel turned and saw that Evelyn''s little toy had fallen from her backpack. He offered a grateful smile. "Thank you."


    "She''s a beautiful girl," the vendor said warmly.


    Joel paused, then smiled back. "Thank you."


    The next evening, Eleanor''s phone rang. It wasn-he''de to Kingston, too, and wanted to see his daughter.


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. She hadn''t expected him to track her down, but refusing to see him wasn''t an option. Ifn got upset, there was no telling what he might do ¡ªand she wanted Evelyn at her side when she received her award tomorrow.


    That night, Eleanor arranged to meetn at a restaurant. He arrived right on time. Evelyn''s face lit up. "Daddy! Daddy!"


    "I did."


    "Then how abouting back to the hotel with Daddy tonight?" he coaxed gently. Eleanor''s stomach tightened. Was he trying to take her daughter away from her? "No, I want to stay with Mommy. Daddy, why can''t you stay with us?" Evelyn tilted her head, eyes wide, chin lifted in innocent defiance.


    Around nine o''clock that night, Eleanor and Evelyn arrived at the hotel entrance just as Evelyn spotted someone by the flowerbeds. Her eyes lit up as she called out, "Mrs. Shannon!"


    Vanessa, elegant in a flowing evening dress, was finishing a phone call. She hung up and walked over, greeting Evelyn with easy familiarity. "Evelyn, we meet again! Did you miss me?"


    "I did," Evelyn replied shyly.


    Vanessa turned her gaze to Eleanor. "Good evening, Miss Sutton."


    Eleanor ignored her, instead turning to her daughter. "Evelyn, let''s head back to our room."


    But Vanessa was relentless. "Evelyn, I brought you a present this time! Would you like toe to my room and see itter?"


    She knew all too well-if she dangled a gift, Evelyn woulde running, and if Evelyn came,n was sure to follow.


    Evelyn''s eyes lit up. "Really? What kind of present?"<fn768b> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? Find1Novel</fn768b>


    Eleanor''s hand tightened into a fist as she shot Vanessa a cold re. Vanessa, feigning innocence, nced at Eleanor before turning ton. "Ian, I''ll head up first. See you soon, Evelyn."


    She didn''t rush¡ªshe knew Evelyn wouldn''t be able to resist.


    Around ten, Eleanor came ton''s suite to collect her daughter, only to find Evelyn hugging a brand-new doll-Vanessa''s gift.


    That''s whenn first heard about Joel-from his daughter''s innocent chatter.


    So this was why his wife had left in such a hurry-she was traveling with Joel and their daughter.


    While Evelyn yed on the balcony, Eleanor waited quietly in the living room.


    Behind her, a voice, edged with displeasure, broke the silence. "Don''t you think you owe me an exnation about this trip with Joel?"

 Chapter 125

    Eleanor paused, her posture stiffening. She didn''t owe him any exnations, but she wouldn''t let Joel''s reputation be tarnished, either.


    "We''re just here for work," she replied coolly, making no mention of the award ceremony tomorrow. There was no reason to exin herself to him.


    "You''re a mother. Remember your responsibilities-don''t set a bad example for your daughter." Ian''s voice was calm, but his words cut sharply.


    Eleanor almost retorted, And you? Are you setting a good example as a father? But she thought better of it. Even exchanging words with him felt like a waste of breath.


    "Evelyn, let''s go. It''s gettingte," Eleanor said, turning to her daughter.


    "Okay, Mom." Evelyn hugged her stuffed animal and hurried over.


    "Good night, Dad!" Evelyn waved as she followed Eleanor out. They''d barely reached the doorway when they ran into someone-a woman in a striking dress.


    Vanessa looked freshly showered, her figure entuated by a low-cut, body- hugging gown. She shed a sultry smile. "Heading out already, Ms. Sutton?" Eleanor didn''t bother responding, but Evelyn looked up, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Mrs. Shannon, howe you''re visiting my dad sote?"


    "I just need to have a quick chat with your dad," Vanessa said, her smile never wavering.


    Eleanor felt a wave of disgust. Vanessa was shameless-flirting with Evelyn''s father while wearing a mask of false sweetness, preying on a child''s innocence.


    As Eleanor led her daughter into the elevator, she heard the doorbell ring somewhere down the hall.


    The next morning, Eleanor dressed Evelyn in a lovely dress-today was the day she''d receive her award. Eleanor herself wore subtle makeup, looking polished but understated.


    "Mom, you look so pretty-prettier than a movie star!" Evelyn eximed.


    "Thank you, sweetheart. You look beautiful too." Eleanor ruffled her daughter''s hair just as her phone buzzed with a new message.


    "I''m waiting for you in the lobby," Joel had texted.


    Eleanor replied with a quick "okay," then checked the time. They had enough to grab breakfast nearby before heading into the awards hall.<fndc06> Read full story at find{n}ovel</fndc06>


    At nine o''clock sharp, Eleanor entered the grand hall with Joel and Evelyn in tow. Evelyn immediately fell quiet, her wide eyes taking in the bustling room.


    "Mom, is this where you''re getting your award today?"


    "That''s right. Want me to bring home a trophy for you?"


    "A big, big trophy?" Evelyn asked, her face lighting up.


    "Yes, a big one." Eleanor smiled at her.


    "Then I''ll be extra good. I won''t make a sound or cause any trouble," Evelyn promised solemnly.


    "When I go up on stage, Mr. Kingsley will look after you, okay?"


    "Okay!"


    More guests arrived by the minute-school teams, research groups from all over


    the country, the hall filling with a gentle hum of voices and anticipation.


    Evelyn sat between Joel and Eleanor, quietly watching the guests file in.


    "Mom, I need to pee," Evelyn whispered suddenly.


    Eleanor scooped her up and headed toward the restrooms.


    Meanwhile, a couple entered through the main doors. After exchanging a few polite words and handshakes with a greeter, they were led to the reserved seats in the front row. It wasn and Vanessa.


    On stage, assistants were busy withst-minute preparations. Vanessa nced around, growing impatient. Where was Faye? She''d nned to surprise her bying to the ceremony without warning, but now she wondered if something had dyed her friend. With twenty minutes to go before the program started, Vanessa hoped Faye would arrive soon.

 Chapter 126

    At that moment, a senior figure approached and shookn''s hand, striking up a conversation.


    "Mr. Goodwin, thank you so much for your generous financial support this time. On behalf of our entire team, I want to express our gratitude."


    "And especially regarding your decision to award a personal bonus of three million dors to the researcher who developed the spherical virus treatment-we wholeheartedly support it. That''s truly an achievement worthy of recognition."


    Vanessa, standing nearby, blinked in surprise. Three million dors in personal achievement bonus-for her sister? She''d had no idean was nning to reward her family like that.


    Once the official had moved on, Vanessa leaned in and asked quietly, "You''re giving my sister a personal bonus?"


    Vanessa''s lips curved into a smile. "True enough."


    Three million might not be a fortune atn''s level, but the gesture alone meant a lot to her family.


    Meanwhile, out in the garden, Eleanor lingered with her daughter rather than returning to her seat. She wanted Evelyn to rx before the formalities resumed; she''d bring her in after the meeting started, hoping to keep her from getting


    nervous.


    For ten minutes, Evelyn skipped and danced across thewn. When Eleanor heard cheers and apuse drifting from the conference hall, she scooped her daughter up. "Evelyn, it''s time to go inside. Promise me you''ll sit quietly for a little while, and I''ll bring home the trophy for you."


    "Okay!" Evelyn grinned, her eyes bright with excitement.


    Their re-entry to the venue drew a few surprised nces from the surrounding guests. Some people clearly hadn''t expected someone to bring a child into such a formal event, but no one voiced any objection.<fn415a> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? ?ovelFind</fn415a>


    After the keynote speech wrapped up, two more representatives took turns offering their congrattions. Finally, they reached the awards segment.


    "And now, our first award: the Individual Research Achievement Prize," the host announced, his voice ringing with enthusiasm.


    One by one, the prizewinners'' names were called. Each recipient walked up and received a gleaming trophy from the dignitaries onstage.


    Then, images began to sh across the screen-a montage of patients recovering, doctors tending to the critically ill. The host''s voice grew impassioned as he recounted the story behind the viral outbreak and the breakthrough drug. Suddenly, he changed tack: "We owe a special debt of gratitude to one woman. She overcame every obstacle, fearlessly tackled each new challenge, and in record time, developed the life-saving treatment. Please wee the lead researcher behind the breakthrough, Ms. Eleanor."


    Triumphant music swelled. Eleanor rose to her feet, shared a smile with Joel, and gently patted Evelyn''s head. "Mommy''s going up to get her award now."


    Though still a child, Evelyn was swept up by the excitement in the room. She tugged at Joel''s sleeve and whispered, "Mr. Kingsley, isn''t my mom amazing?"


    "She really is," Joel replied, his smile warm and genuine.


    As Eleanor made her way toward the stage, the host''s voice rang out again: "Presenting the award to Ms. Eleanor will be Mr. Ian Goodwin, CEO of Goodwin & Co. Please wee him to the stage."


    Eleanor froze, stunned. Her eyes darted to the man in the front row-she hadn''t expectedn to be the one handing out her award.


    Vanessa, sitting besiden, was equally taken aback. What was going on? Wasn''t this award supposed to go to her sister Faye? Had the organizers made a mistake and announced the wrong name?


    A waiter in formal attire approached, holding out a tray with a dazzling golden trophy.


    Eleanor''s emotions roiled beneath her calm exterior, but she stepped forward to ept her prize. She locked eyes with the tall man approaching her, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them.

 Chapter 127

    "Daddy, it''s Daddy!" Evelyn whispered excitedly. Joel smiled and gently shushed her. "Let your dad give the award to your mom first, okay?"


    Evelyn nodded obediently, her big eyes sparkling as she watched her parents on stage.


    Eleanor concealed every trace of emotion with practiced ease, andn did the


    same.


    With a hint of admiration on his handsome face,n extended his hand to Eleanor. "Congrattions."


    Eleanor returned a faint smile and reached out. Hisrge hand sped hers for a few seconds before letting go.


    An usher approached, andn took the trophy from the tray, handing it to Eleanor. She epted it with naturalposure.


    Thenn stood beside Eleanor, both of them facing the cameras, smiling as the photographers captured this moment of triumph.


    "Thank you, Mr. Goodwin, for presenting the award to Miss Sutton. Next, let''s invite Miss Sutton to deliver her eptance speech."


    Sitting down,n unscrewed his water bottle and took a sip, his sharp gaze fixed on Eleanor''s face onstage, a mixture of curiosity and surprise flickering in his eyes.


    Vanessa, seated beside him, looked equally unsettled. She stared at Eleanor, and her beautiful features twisted ever so slightly.


    How could Eleanor be the one who developed the breakthrough medication?


    She didn''t even finish college, and she''d spent thest six years as a housewife. How could she possibly have invented a drug that saved the world from a pandemic?


    Vanessa nced sideways atn, catching the intensity in his eyes as he watched Eleanor. A surge of anxiety shot through her. She leaned over and whispered, n, I need to step outside for a minute."


    After Eleanor finished her speech and left the stage,n returned to his seat. He wasn''t surprised to spot Joel and his precious daughter waiting for Eleanor.


    But as he watched Joel chatting with Evelyn, a subtle chill flickered inn''s eyes. Meanwhile, Vanessa slipped her phone from her purse and left the room, only dialing Faye''s number once she reached the garden outside.


    "Hello?" Faye answered.


    "Faye, was it really you who first developed the medication?" Vanessa demanded. "What''s going on?"


    "I''m at the National Academy of Sciences awards ceremony. Eleanor just received the individual prize for the medication." There was a pause on the other end before Faye admitted, "Yeah, it was Eleanor''s work."


    Vanessa stared in stunned silence for a few seconds. "Why didn''t you say so before?"


    Faye let out a bitterugh. "I figured you''d all be disappointed if it wasn''t me."


    Vanessa hesitated, then snapped, "Do you have any idea who presented Eleanor her award today?n. I''ve brought you up to him so many times-you can''t imagine how awkward this is for me right now."


    "I never imed I invented the medication," Faye replied, her voice strained. "I only did the interview in Eleanor''s ce. You all just assumed."


    Vanessa took a steadying breath and asked seriously, "Is Eleanor really that talented?"


    "I honestly don''t know how talented she is, but her father is the real genius. I suspect she used a form he left behind," Faye said.


    Eleanor''s award had shocked Vanessa, but Faye''s exnation brought a wave of relief.


    She''d forgotten that Eleanor''s father was a renowned scientist. So Eleanor was simply riding on his coattails, unting a legacy that wasn''t truly hers. After all, how capable could someone who never even finished college really be?<fn89dd> Official source is F¦ÉndNovel</fn89dd>

 Chapter 128

    "Vanessa, could you please exin things to Mr. Goodwin on my behalf?" Faye pleaded.


    "Don''t worry," Vanessa replied reassuringly. "I know how talented you are. There''s no way you''re any less capable than Eleanor."


    After hanging up, Vanessa let out a quiet sigh. Eleanor''s father had already passed away; even if he''d left her a few research ns, how much longer could she really bask in the spotlight?


    Feeling much calmer, Vanessa returned to her seat and nced over atn.


    He looked utterly unbothered, as if Eleanor''s awards ceremony meant nothing to him.


    Eleanor was his wife-if anyone knew her true abilities, it wasn. With his sharp mind, he must have already figured out that today''s achievement wasn''t really hers at all. She''d stolen it.


    Vanessa smiled to herself at the thought.


    Nearby, Evelyn was gently running her small hand over her mother''s gleaming trophy, her wide eyes full of wonder. She slipped her arms around Eleanor''s hand, rubbing her cheek against her mother''s sleeve. "Mom, you''re amazing."


    Warmth flooded Eleanor''s heart. She could see the admiration shining in her daughter''s gaze.


    An hourter, the award ceremony wrapped up. A young female staff member approached Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, there''s a TV interviewing up. Would you pleasee with me?"


    Eleanor turned to Joel. "Could you watch Evelyn for a bit?"


    "Of course," Joel replied with a smile.


    Carrying her trophy, Eleanor followed the staff member outside. On the gardenwn, the day''s other winners were gathered, chatting amongst themselves. As Eleanor joined them, she felt a wave of admiring nces and words of praise.


    Her aplishment had benefited all of humanity; it was only natural she earned such respect and recognition.<fn5a1c> Content originallyes from find?novel</fn5a1c>


    After a group photo, it was time for individual interviews.


    Back inside the conference hall,n made his way over to Evelyn and the others. "Evelyn."


    "Dad, you''re the one who gave Mom her award!" Evelyn eximed, running up to him, her face alight with excitement.


    Vanessa greeted her warmly. "Hello, Evelyn."


    "Mrs. Shannon, did you see my mom win just now? She was incredible!" Evelyn announced loudly.


    Vanessa''s smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered. "Yes, your mom is very impressive. I heard your granddad was quite aplished, too."


    She shot a meaningful look atn as she spoke, subtly nting the seed of doubt about Eleanor''s achievement.


    "Thank you for looking after my daughter, Mr. Kingsley,"n said to Joel.


    "No trouble at all," Joel replied with a gentle smile.


    Lifting Evelyn into his arms,n headed toward the doors. Evelyn, sharp-eyed as ever, spotted Eleanor being interviewed on camera. "Dad, is Mom going to be on TV?"


    "Will we be able to see Mom on our TV at home?"


    "We should,"n nodded. "You''ll see her tonight."


    Vanessa watched as Eleanor answered interview questions with perfect poise, the very picture of confidence in front of the cameras. A trace of disdain flickered in Vanessa''s eyes-how shameless, she thought, for someone who owed everything to her father.


    Joel''s gaze lingered on Eleanor as well, his expression momentarily distant.


    Noticing,n ruffled his daughter''s hair, eyes narrowing as he nced at Joel before following his gaze back toward Eleanor.


    No one knew what the reporter was asking, but Eleanor dipped her head andughed, her fingers pressed to her nose-a charming, self-assured smile lighting up her face.


    When the interview ended, Eleanor immediately looked around for her daughter. She spottedn and Evelyn near the flowerbeds and hurried over.


    Evelyn saw her mother and happily wriggled free from her father''s arms, running straight for Eleanor. "Mom!"


    Juggling the heavy trophy, Eleanor managed to catch her in one arm. "We can go home now."


    "Mom, can we go home with Dad?" Evelyn asked eagerly.


    Eleanor caught his meaning immediately-if she needed to stay, he''d take Evelyn and Vanessa back to Ashford City himself.

 Chapter 129

    Eleanor answered immediately, "No need. I''ve already booked a flight for this afternoon to take my daughter home."


    "Then let''s go together!"n chimed in.


    Thest thing Eleanor wanted was to share a ne ride with him. She was about to refuse, but Evelyn tugged at her hand, pleading, "Mommy, let''s go home with Daddy!"


    Eleanor couldn''t say no to her daughter. She nodded, "Alright."


    Just then, Joel walked over. "Eleanor, I''m meeting a friend tonight, so I''ll head back to Ashford City tomorrow."


    Eleanor understood-Joel was giving her andn some space. She nodded again, "Okay."


    At noon, they had lunch together in the hotel restaurant. Ian booked seats on the three o''clock flight home.<fn24dd> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find?novel</fn24dd>


    Eleanor half-expected to run into Vanessa but, thankfully, this timen was traveling alone; at least she didn''t have to stomach Vanessa''s presence.


    The flight took just two hours, and when theynded in Ashford City, Gavin was already waiting for them outside the airport in his car. The evening light was fading across the sky as Eleanor cradled her sleeping daughter all the way home.


    When they arrived, both mother and daughter woke up. Evelyn was wide awake and full of energy, while Eleanor still felt groggy from her nap. She headed upstairs for a quick shower.


    Evelyn yed for a bit before turning ton. "Daddy, I want to call Grandma."


    "Grandma! Grandma, you have to watch TV tonight, okay? Mommy''s going to be on TV-she''s bringing home a huge trophy!"


    Gina was taken aback. "Your mom''s going to be on TV?"


    "Yep! You have to watch, Grandma!" Evelyn hung up, satisfied.


    At Goodwin Manor, Gina didn''t think much of her granddaughter''s words. But Magdalen, who always watched the evening news, was already sitting on the sofa, sipping her herbal tea as she flipped to the Ashford City news channel.


    The news hour began.


    Magdalen took a slow sip, watching the day''s headlines sh by. Suddenly, she spotted Eleanor on the screen. Startled, she eximed, "Was that Ellie?"


    Gina came over, "Mom, you must be seeing things. Why would Eleanor be on the news?"


    Right then, the anchor began the top story: the National Academy of Sciences award ceremony. She read out the list of this year''s winners, and when Eleanor''s name came up, Magdalen said firmly, "I heard her name. Ellie''s on the winners'' list."


    Gina sat down beside her mother-inw. The footage showed Eleanor epting her award,n handing it to her, and even a clip from Eleanor''s interview. The anchor''s voice was clear as she introduced Eleanor''s achievements.


    "Eleanor''s the researcher behind the new medicine? That can''t be," Gina muttered, stunned.


    But Magdalen beamed. "It''s Ellie-how wonderful! She''s amazing."


    "I thought it was Vanessa''s sister?" Gina was confused, but as she watched Eleanor standing on the podium, pride bubbled up inside her.


    After all, her son wasn''t divorcing Eleanor, and Eleanor was still a part of the Goodwin family. The more outstanding Eleanor was, the better it made her son look. It was, in the end, a good thing.


    Just then, Serena came in from outside. "Grandma, Mom, I''m home!"


    "Serena,e here! We have great news-your sister-inw was on the news. She even won an award!" Magdalen waved her over to join in the excitement. Serena looked surprised as she joined them. The news had already moved on to other stories, so Gina asked, "Serena, who did you say developed the new drug?" "It''s Vanessa''s sister, Faye," Serena replied.


    Gina was puzzled. "Then why was your sister-inw Eleanor on stage at the National Academy of Sciences epting the award? The news said she''s the lead researcher behind the new medicine."


    "No way. You know what kind of education my sister-inw has," Serena shot back, clearly skeptical.

 Chapter 130

    "You know, is it really that hard for you to admit your sister-inw is amazing? Ellie just won an award, and you still insist it was someone else." Magdalen turned, scolding her with a re.


    Serena picked up her phone. "I''ll check for myself."


    She opened the search bar and typed, "Who developed the new miracle drug?"


    The top result was an authoritative answer: [Eleanor].


    Serena stared at the screen in disbelief. There was even a video linked-Eleanor epting the award onstage, with her eldest brother himself handing her the trophy. Watching the scene, Serena felt a heavy pressure in her chest.


    She grabbed her phone and hurried upstairs to call Vanessa.


    "Vanessa, wasn''t your sister the one who developed the new drug? How did it end up being my sister-inw?"


    Vanessa exined, "Eleanor was supposed to do the interview that day, but she had to leave for something urgent. My sister filled in for her, so people got confused. Serena, I''m sorry for the misunderstanding."


    Serena''s face turned sour. She remembered how, at dinner that night, she''d mocked Eleanor and then sang Faye''s praises. Eleanor had only replied, "Really? Are you sure she''s the one who made the drug?"


    Serena had snapped back, "If not her, then who¡ª you?"


    Now, it felt like she''d been pped across the face. Humiliation and anger surged in her.


    What did Eleanor mean by that? Was she deliberately trying to embarrass her? Eleanor was the real developer but kept silent, just waiting to watch Serena make a fool of herself. Clearly, she wanted to see Serena humiliated when the truth came out.


    Eleanor was downright malicious.


    "Serena, aren''t you happy your sister-inw won such a big award?" Vanessa''s voice came through the phone.


    Serena let out a coldugh. "Why should I be happy? It''s not like she''s sharing any prize money with me."


    "But I did hear something..."<fncb19> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? f?ndnovel</fncb19>


    Serena jumped on it. "What did you hear, Vanessa?"


    "I heard from my sister that after Eleanor''s father passed away, he left her a lot of research notes and project ns."


    Serena''s eyes lit up with understanding. She scoffed. "So, the miracle drug wasn''t even her achievement. She just used her dad''s old work. That''s not genius¡ªthat''s stealing! She just piggybacked on her father''s research!"


    "It''s hard to say for sure, so just keep this between us, okay? After all, she''s your sister-inw."


    "I don''t acknowledge her as my sister-inw. In my mind, you''re the only one who fits that title," Serena replied.


    ***


    Atn''s house.


    Evelyn bounded upstairs, excited. "Mommy, I saw you on TV!"


    Eleanor was tidying up the bedroom. She smiled. "Really? Did I look good on camera?"


    "You looked beautiful, Mommy. You''re the prettiest!" Evelyn beamed with pride- her mom was not only gorgeous but brilliant.


    Eleanor hadn''t watched the broadcast herself, but her phone was buzzing with congrattory messages-from Joy, Joel, and Jude Vaughn, and from Gwenda, Horace, and Callie.


    Downstairs,n''s phone rang. It was his sister.


    "Hello? Serena."


    "Why didn''t you tell us earlier that Eleanor was the one who developed the miracle drug?" Serena''s voice was bristling with resentment.


    "She kept it from you, too? What kind of marriage is that? Honestly, you two might


    as well get divorced." Serena''s anger crackled through the line.


    "Serena, don''t say things like that."n''s expression darkened, his tone turning stern.


    "I''m just saying what everyone''s thinking. Or, you could just swap her out for Vanessa. She''s much better," Serena shot back.

 Chapter 131

    "Don''t ever say things like that again."n''s voice was cold, rebuking her without a hint of warmth.


    On the other end, Serena, still fuming, hung up first. Momentster, Gina''s call came through.


    "Hey, Mom."n stood up and stepped out of the foyer, crossing into the front yard before answering.


    "Ian, is it true? Is Eleanor really the scientist behind the new miracle drug?" Gina sounded skeptical, needing to hear it straight from him.


    "It''s true."n''s answer was firm-he''d already confirmed it himself.


    "Alright, then let''s throw her a party tomorrow! Just the family, to celebrate."


    "I got it."


    A mile away, in Xavier''s vi, the nanny was bathing Vivian while Xavier, just finished with a video conference in his study, heard his phone ring. Seeing Henry''s name sh on the screen, he picked up. "Hey."


    "Xavier, did you see the news?n''s wife, Eleanor, she''s the one who invented that breakthrough drug! He even presented her with the award in person!" Henry''s voice was still tinged with disbelief.


    Xavier blinked, surprised. "Seriously? When did that happen?"


    "The National Academy of Sciences gave out the award today-it''s all over the evening news.n''s one lucky guy, huh? Having such a brilliant wife, and he kept it under wraps all this time."


    The two chatted a bit longer before hanging up. Xavier, curiosity piqued, pulled up his phone and typed in Eleanor''s name. Every recent headline was about her and the new drug.


    He tapped the top video-a news segment. There onstage stood Eleanor, epting her award, withn himself handing it over.


    A reporter''s detailed ount of the ceremony scrolled below. Xavier''s gaze lingered on one of Eleanor''s interview photos.


    Her fair, delicate features radiated calm confidence. There was a spark in her eyes a quiet, unmistakable brilliance.


    "Uncle, I want some toast," Vivian''s voice called from the hallway.


    Only then did Xavier realize he''d been staring at Eleanor''s picture, momentarily lost in thought.


    Overnight, Eleanor''s name was suddenly everywhere.


    The next morning, she dropped her daughter off at school. As she turned to leave, she spotted Xavier holding Vivian''s hand, heading her way. She greeted him with a smile. "Good morning, Mr. Vaughn."


    "Uncle, I''ll go in by myself!" Vivian shook off Xavier''s hand and dashed eagerly through the school gates.


    Xavier watched her go, then turned to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, I had no idea you were the scientist behind the new drug."


    Eleanor smiled modestly. "It''s just what we in the medical field are supposed to do. Nothing special."


    Xavier noticed she still wore the same leather tie in her hair as before, and hesitated for a split second.


    "Take care." Eleanor climbed into her car and headed straight for Ashford Medical University.


    As soon as she stepped into the research building''s lobby, she was surrounded- students crowding in with praise and questions. Eleanor did her best to answer, but the group showed no sign of dispersing.


    From behind, Faye entered with her bag. Seeing Eleanor at the center of attention, a sh of envy crossed her eyes.


    It took effort, but Eleanor finally made it back to herb floor. Gwenda intercepted her at the door. "Eleanor,e on, tell me how much prize money did you get this time?"


    Eleanor just smiled, keeping quiet.


    "Oh, don''t be so mysterious! Spill it!"


    "I really don''t know yet," Eleanor admitted honestly. The prize money hadn''te through.


    Gwenda, disappointed, headed off-straight into Faye''s office.


    "Faye, are you alright? You look like you''ve been up all night..." Gwenda eyed her with concern.<fna2b6> The source of th?s content is find?novel</fna2b6>


    Faye really hadn''t slept. The night before, she''d confessed everything to her parents. Her mother forced a smile; her father''s disappointment was crushing, like a mountain pressing down on her.


    This time, she hadn''t be the child they could be proud of.

 Chapter 132

    "Gwenda, don''t take matters into your own hands from now on, understand?" Faye''s gaze cut sharply toward Gwenda, making it clear she med her for pushing her into that interview the other day.


    Gwenda faltered, looking apologetic. "I''m sorry, Faye, I... I really didn''t mean to."


    "Just go. I need to get back to work," Faye said coolly.


    Gwenda grumbled inwardly-funny, Faye hadn''t seemed so upset when she was basking in the limelight during the interview. Now she was acting like it was all Gwenda''s fault.


    At ten o''clock, everyone in theb received an invitation to a team lunch. Jude Vaughn was treating everyone to celebrate Eleanor, using the grant budget as an excuse. They nned to meet at a cozy bistro across from Ashford Medical University at noon.


    By eleven, Jude walked into Eleanor''s office, a grin on his face. "I have good news."


    Goodwin & Co. had awarded Eleanor an extra three million dor bonus.


    Eleanor stared, stunned for a few seconds, but quickly realized it made sense- after all, the breakthrough drug had earned thepany a fortune. A bonus like that was standard practice.


    This time, she wasn''t going to be modest. She''d earned it, and she wasn''t about to turn it down.


    "Ellie, I bet Mr. Goodwin is over the moon about your achievement," Jude teased.


    "Jude, do me a favor-please keep my identity private. I don''t want people talking."


    Jude nodded. "I get it. Your name''s everywhere right now. If people found out you''re Mrs. Goodwin as well, it would set tongues wagging. Oh, and the university is also giving you a bonus-one hundred thousand. Not much, but it''s something."


    Eleanor smiled. "Thank you."


    "See you at lunch," Jude said before heading out.


    Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen, then closed her office door before answering. "Hello? Joy?"


    "Dr. Sutton! Congrattions! You''re famous overnight. I''m practically bragging to everyone that I''m your friend," Joyughed.


    "Don''t tease me," Eleanor replied, chuckling.


    "Ian must be seeing you in a whole new light. Vanessa''s talented, sure, but she''s just an artist. You''re a scientist, Ellie-and you''re every bit as aplished."


    Of everything Eleanor had gained from this award, her daughter''s admiration meant the most. Making her proud was the real victory. Whethern saw her differently or not was irrelevant.


    "Joy, I''m filing for divorce," Eleanor said quietly.


    "For real?"


    "I''lle see you tomorrow. Can you help me draft the agreement?" Her tone left no room for doubt.


    She finally had a career she could be proud of¡ªa newfound confidence that gave her the courage to leave her old life behind. As for the Goodwin family fortune, she wanted none of it.


    "Absolutely. I support you. Honestly,n doesn''t deserve you anymore," Joy said firmly.


    Just then, a message fromn popped up: I''ve booked a restaurant for dinner. Let''s have a family meal tonight.


    Eleanor was about to decline when another message arrived: Grandma wants to see you.


    She hesitated, then typed back: Okay.


    At noon, the entireb team gathered at the restaurant. With two big tables, everyone found a seat. Eleanor and Joel sat at the head table. Dr. Lyman, away on business, sent his congrattions from afar.


    "Where''s Faye?" someone asked, noticing the empty seat.


    Gwenda picked up her phone. "I''ll call her."


    She dialed, and on the other end, Faye''s voice was icy. "Can''t make it. You guys go ahead."


    Gwenda ryed the message to Jude, who understood why Faye had bowed out. No one pressed the matter-they simply started their meal.<fn8d2b> Readplete version only at f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn8d2b>


    Eleanor sipped her tea and made small talk as colleagues toasted her one after another. She could see admiration in their eyes. Despite being just a sophomore, her father''s legacy loomedrge in the medical world.


    After lunch, Eleanor and Joel strolled through campus, discussing the Marlowe Vige case. The vigers had filed suit against the chemical nt, and the trial was set to begin soon. Joel would be representing theb, providing the evidence to support the vigers'' ims of illegal dumping.


    "Joel, be careful," Eleanor reminded him once more.

 Chapter 133

    "I will." Joel nodded, then brought up the topic of the samples again. Eleanor immediately tensed. "I haven''t talked ton about this yet. Even though Mom''s intention in donating her samples was to advance medical research, if those samples end up being used to save Vanessa... she couldn''t ept that."


    "I''ll find a chance to speak to him," Eleanor replied quietly. "I''ll try to persuade him to let it go."


    Joel remembered the look onn''s face that day. He doubtedn would give up so easily; after all, Eleanor''s mother''s gic sample was a perfect match for Vanessa¨Da rare find, perhaps even globally unique.


    That evening, Eleanor had dinner ns with the Goodwin family. She left the research building early, around three, heading home to get ready. Ian was picking up their daughter, so Eleanor asked him for the restaurant''s address and decided to drive herself.


    By six o''clock, Eleanor pulled into the restaurant''s parking lot. She grabbed her purse and stepped out of the car. Tomorrow, she would draft the divorce agreement.


    It hurt to know this decision would wound her daughter, but she couldn''t drag things out any longer. Clinging to a hollow marriage was only wasting her life.


    A server led her to the private dining roomn had reserved. He knocked gently, then opened the door for her.


    "Ma''am, pleasee in."<fn3dce> Fresh chapters posted on findnovel</fn3dce>


    Eleanor stepped inside. Her daughter''s voice rang out, bright and happy, "Mom, you''re here!"


    Eleanor smiled warmly at her and greeted Magdalen, "Grandma."


    Gina''s eyes swept over Eleanor with cool scrutiny; she simply couldn''t believe Eleanor had the ability to develop a breakthrough drug.


    Magdalen, however, beamed at Eleanor with pride. "Ellie, you''re incredible-so young, and already creating life-saving medicine. Just like your father."


    At the mention of Eleanor''s father, Gina''s face hardened, a flicker of resentment passing through her eyes.


    Eleanor didn''t notice. She turned to Magdalen, smiling. "Grandma, how''s your knee? Still hurting?"


    "Ever since I started those warmpresses you suggested, it''s been so much better-no pain at all," the old woman replied cheerfully.


    Gina couldn''t hold back any longer. "Last time we talked about the new treatment at home, why didn''t you say a word? You let Serena think someone else was responsible, and the whole thing turned into a big misunderstanding."


    She remembered her daughter snapping at Eleanor that night, and even today, when she''d invited her to dinner, Serena was clearly reluctant. A family dinner had be so fraught.


    Eleanor hesitated, but before she could answer, Magdalen spoke up protectively. "How can you me Ellie for that? The interview was supposed to be about her, but someone else stole the spotlight. Ellie''s the one who''s been wronged!"


    Gina fell silent at her mother-inw''s rebuke, though her dissatisfaction with Eleanor lingered.


    Eleanor nced around forn. Magdalen exined, n stepped out to take a call. Serena should be on her way."


    "Not that Serena will necessarily show up," Gina muttered.


    Magdalen frowned. "This dinner''s to celebrate Ellie. Of course Serena should be here-call her again."


    Gina sighed, picked up her phone, and dialed her daughter. Serena answered, "Hi, Mom."


    "Where are you? Grandma wants you here for dinner."


    "I''m with Vanessa. Can I bring her along?" Serena asked.


    Gina hesitated. Now wasn''t really the time to invite outsiders. "Just you, Serena. Please."


    "If Vanessa can''te, then I''m noting either," Serena insisted.


    "You-" But before Gina could finish, the line went dead.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. It was Joy. She nced at her daughter and said, "Sweetheart, I need to take this call."


    "Okay, Mom."


    Eleanor stepped outside, looking for a quiet spot. She noticed a small, secluded terrace near the fountain and headed that way-only to hearn''s voice as she approached.


    "Thank you so much. I sincerely hope you''ll join us, Dr. Langley."


    Eleanor frowned. Dr. Langley? Her eyes widened in realization. Could it be Simone Langley-her mother''s old rival?

 Chapter 134

    Eleanor stepped out into the hotel lobby before answering Joy''s call. "Hey, Joy."


    "I''ve drafted the contract for you," Joy said briskly. "Check your inbox when you get a chance and let me know if anything needs tweaking."


    "Will do. Thanks for handling it."


    "Don''t mention it! Helping you escape the misery of marriage is the least I can do as your friend."<fnf91f> Original content can be found at find¡¤novel</fnf91f>


    Eleanor couldn''t help but smile. Just then, another call came through. She nced at the screen-Joel. "Joy, I''ve got another calling in. See you tomorrow."


    "Go handle it!" Joy hung up.


    Eleanor answered Joel''s call. "Hey, Joel."


    "The files you need are in the bottom drawer of my office," Joel replied, concern in his voice. "Why are you still at work?"


    "I''m nning to go over the evidence chain again tonight. Court''s tomorrow-I want to be ready."


    Eleanor softened. "Just don''t stay toote, okay? Try to get some rest."


    "Will do. Thanks, Eleanor," Joel said gratefully.


    She ended the call, turning around with her phone still in hand-and nearly collided with someone standing behind her.


    Before she could even see who it was, she blurted out, "Sorry-!"


    When her eyes met his, her expression immediately cooled.


    "Worried about Joel, are you?"n''s tone was just as chilly.


    Eleanor realized he must have overheard her conversation with Joel. "Just being


    a considerate coworker. Is that a problem?" she shot back.


    "You''re a married woman. You''d do well to avoid giving people the wrong idea,"n replied, his voice low with a hint of warning.


    Eleanor didn''t even have the energy to argue. In her mind,n had forfeited the right to warn her about anything.


    At that moment, the doors swung open and Serena entered, arm linked with Vanessa''s. "Hey,n!"


    Eleanor nced over and caught sight of Vanessa. Her expression darkened instantly. Was Serena really bringing Vanessa to dinner?


    "Serena, tonight''s your sister-inw''s celebration dinner. I told you, I shouldn''t be here," Vanessa said, slipping her arm out of Serena''s grasp. "Go on inside. Don''t keep your grandmother and mom waiting on an empty stomach."


    Serena quickly took Vanessa''s arm again. "Vanessa, you''re already here and you haven''t had dinner either. It''s not like you''re a stranger¡ªmy sister-inw won''t mind, right?" She looked over at Eleanor. "Right, Eleanor? You''re not that petty."


    Eleanor shot Serena a look and strode off without a word.


    Watching Eleanor''s retreating figure, Serena turned ton. "Don''t tell me you''re going to kick Vanessa out too!"


    "Serena, don''t put your brother in a tough spot," Vanessa said softly. She''d never intended to crash Eleanor''s dinner, but Serena insisted, and she didn''t want to lose her as a friend-so here she was.


    "Forget it, let''s just go," Serena huffed.


    "Serena,e with me,"n said, stopping her.


    Serena hesitated, ncing back at her brother''s stern face. Her bravado faded- after all, she was still the little sister who needed her big brother''s help with her allowance.


    "What about Vanessa?" Serena asked.


    "Don''t worry about me," Vanessa reassured her, patting her arm gently. "Go on. Don''t keep your grandmother and mom waiting."


    Serena puffed out her cheeks in protest, but finally turned and trudged off toward the private dining room.


    Vanessa took a step closer ton. "Don''t me Serena. She''s just having a rough day."


    Eleanor, meanwhile, hadn''t returned to the private room, but slipped into the restroom. As she passed a decorative screen, she caught sight ofn and Vanessa alone in the lobby.

 Chapter 135

    "I asked the waiter to set up a private room for you. You should get something to eat,"n said.


    "That''s not necessary, I¡ª"


    "You''re prone to low blood sugar. You need to eat your meals on time."n turned to a nearby waiter. "Please show thisdy to a private dining room. Put everything on my tab."


    "Of course, Mr. Goodwin." The waiter smiled warmly, guiding Vanessa down


    another hallway.


    Eleanor returned to the main dining room, where Serena shot her a look of barely concealed annoyance and refused to meet her eyes.


    The table was soon covered with an array of delicious dishes. Magdalen looked atn. n, serve Ellie some soup first. She should have something warm to start."


    "You take care of Evelyn-letn do it," Magdalen insisted.


    But Eleanor didn''t let him help. Shedled some soup herself and offered it to her daughter.


    "Let''s eat, everyone! The chef tried out some new recipes tonight¡ªlet''s see if they''re any good," Gina announced with a smile.


    Serena had nned to bring Vanessa tonight just to make Eleanor ufortable, but her older brother had blocked her at every turn. Serena knew she''d never go out of her way to be nice to Eleanor again¡ªnot after Eleanor kept the truth about the medication a secret and left her feeling humiliated.


    Dinner ended, and the family gathered outside the restaurant. Ian carried his daughter, Eleanor walked with Magdalen, and Serena nced up at Eleanor''s back. Suddenly, something caught her eye.


    Eleanor''s hair tie.


    That pale blue leather tie.


    Without warning, Serena strode forward and yanked the tie from Eleanor''s low ponytail. Eleanor''s long hair tumbled down her back as she turned, startled, to face Serena.


    Serena was staring at the hair tie in her hand, her expression growing stiff and uneasy.


    "Serena, what are you doing?" Gina demanded, confused by her daughter''s behavior. Why on earth would she pull off Eleanor''s hair tie out of the blue?


    Serena looked up at Eleanor, who stood there with her hair cascading over her shoulders, clearly bewildered.


    Clutching the hair tie, Serena''s eyes darkened with anger. She had suspected the leather tie in Xavier''s car might belong to any woman-except Eleanor. Now, seeing that Eleanor''s tie was identical to the one in Xavier''s car, she couldn''t help but wonder: Was it a coincidence? Or had Eleanor betrayed her brother, letting her heart stray?<fnf9d1> Latest content published on fin?novel</fnf9d1>


    Serena studied Eleanor-and with her hair loose, she was strikingly attractive. "Here. Take it back." Serena turned away sharply, thrusting the hair tie at her. Eleanor took it, then said ton, "I drove here. I''ll take our daughter home." "I want to ride with Mom!" Evelyn piped up.


    "Mom, wait here a minute-letn bring the car around," Gina called to her mother-inw.


    Just then, Serena''s voice rang out cheerfully, "Vanessa, you''re still here!" Eleanor nced back. Vanessa was smiling as she walked toward Magdalen. Hugging her daughter, Eleanor headed to her car and left.


    She had barely been home ten minutes whenn arrived. She guessed he hadn''t given Magdalen or his mother a ride home-he must have driven Vanessa instead. Otherwise, he couldn''t have gotten back so quickly.


    Joslyn was bathing Evelyn. Eleanor was about to head to the bathroom when the door swung open. Ian stepped inside, bringing with him the faint scent of women''s perfume.


    It wasn''t hard to imagine what he and Vanessa might have done in the car.


    "I want you to withdraw from Joel''s research team,"n said tly.

 Chapter 136

    Eleanor fixed her gaze on him. "Why?"


    "I''m doing this for your own good," Ian replied, his tone cool and measured.


    In that instant, Eleanor understood-he wanted her off the project, out of reach of her mother''s donor samples. That way, he could avoid any emotional outbursts from her that might slow down his research.


    She drew a deep breath, her voice trembling with usation. "Is it Vanessa you''re trying to save?"


    He didn''t have to say it. Eleanor already knew. A sharp pain stabbed through her chest.


    A coldugh escaped her lips. "There''s no way I''ll agree to you using my mother''s bone marrow for your experiments."


    "I''ll give you a month,"n said, his voice devoid of inflection. "If you can find a matching bone marrow sample in that time, I''ll return your mother''s to you. If you can''t, stay out of this research." With that, he turned and walked away.


    Eleanor wavered on her feet, finally steadying herself against the wall. A searing ache radiated from her heart, threatening to overwhelm her.


    That night, she cradled her daughter as they slept. The little girl''s warm bodyy nestled peacefully in her arms, and Eleanor closed her eyes.


    Howughable.


    ...


    The next morning, after dropping her daughter off, Eleanor headed to Joy''s office. Joy handed her the drafted divorce papers. "Are you sure about this? You''re really walking away with nothing? I saw the newsn''s assets have more than doubled this year!"


    Eleanor nced over the contract. "Money''s just money. It doesn''t matter."


    "If you want anything changed, let me know¡ªI''ll print a new copy."


    Eleanor finished reading and shook her head; there was nothing more to add. Joy grinned. "I''ll put you in touch with the best attorney I know-my mentor. He''s a shark in divorce court."<fn44a0> Get full chapters from F?nd-Novel</fn44a0>


    "Perfect." Eleanor needed someone formidable on her side.


    Joy sent over the contact info. Eleanor reached out, and soon after, he replied¡ª happy to take her case. He was out of town but would be back in three days to meet.


    At noon, Eleanor made her way to theb. As she approached the building, she spotted Faye deep in conversation with a middle-aged woman-Simone.


    When Faye caught sight of Eleanor, her expression frosted over. She turned to Simone. "Professor, let''s talk in my office."


    Simone heard footsteps behind her and nced over, adjusting her sses. She recognized Eleanor but didn''t bother to greet her.


    Eleanor had met Simone before; even though Simone and her father had never be a couple, they''d coborated on several projects. In a way, Simone was an old acquaintance.


    Eleanor offered a polite nod. "Professor Langley. It''s been a while."


    Simone''s personal life might be messy, but in the medical researchmunity, her reputation was formidable. Just a step below the likes of Dr. Lyman, she''d led teams to win several prestigious awards in recent years.


    Simone shot Eleanor a critical, assessing look before turning back to Faye. "Let''s talk in your office."


    "Of course, Professor." Faye''s lips curled in a satisfied smile. She hadn''t expected her mentor to suddenly join the project, much less to rece Joel and suggest Faye join the research team. And now, Eleanor was about to be pushed out.


    Eleanor returned to her office, only for Joel to show up momentster. He filled her in on the new development: Simone would be leading the team from now on.

 Chapter 137

    "He gave me a month to find a matching bone marrow sample, Joel. Can you help me?" Eleanor''s voice was tinged with urgency as she turned to Joel, hoping to leverage his overseas connections.


    Joel nodded without hesitation. "Of course. I''ll reach out to everyone I know."


    Later that afternoon, they gathered for a meeting. Dr. Lyman chaired it himself, introducing Simone as the new lead for the project.


    "I want to rebuild the team from scratch," Simone announced coolly, her gaze sweeping over the group.<fn8eec> Original content can be found at find{n}ovel</fn8eec>


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat.


    "For now, I''ll confirm Joel, Faye, and Horace," Simone continued. "The rest of you will need to go through an evaluation before I make any decisions."


    Faye''s lips curled in a faint, satisfied smile. She shot Eleanor a sidelong nce- Eleanor had been cut, just as she''d expected.


    "This project is fully funded by Goodwin & Co.," Simone exined. "I intend to be very selective. Only those with at least an undergraduate degree are eligible to participate in the assessment." As she spoke, Simone''s eyes lingered pointedly on Eleanor.


    It was clear to everyone in the room-Eleanor was the least qualified, still only in her sophomore year. For Simone, she didn''t even meet the basic requirements to be considered.


    When the meeting ended, Eleanor sought out Dr. Lyman and pleaded for a chance to join the research.


    Dr. Lyman looked apologetic. "Eleanor, my hands are tied. Ian brought Simone in, and this project is independent of the university''s own research. I have no authority here."


    He sighed, shaking his head. "Ellie, if you want in, you''re better off talking to your husband. Ian would probably make an exception for you."


    Eleanor gave a bitter, silentugh. Wasn''t kicking her out exactly whatn wanted?


    "But, Eleanor, Simone isn''t targeting you personally," Dr. Lyman added gently. "She''s just very strict academically. Work hard-finish your degree in the next two years. There will be other projects."


    Eleanor looked up, resolve hardening her expression. "Dr. Lyman, I want to


    graduate early. I want to finish my degree ahead of schedule."


    Dr. Lyman blinked in surprise, adjusting his sses. "Eleanor, don''t push yourself too hard. I know you''re ambitious, but..."


    "I can do it," Eleanor said, her eyes unwavering.


    "With your track record, I suppose I can make an exception this once. But you need to understand-it''s extremely difficult to graduate early."


    No matter how hard it was, Eleanor had to try. She needed to prove herself.


    "If you''re serious about the advanced exams, have Jude Vaughn register you. Since you''re requesting it, I''ll allow it this time," Dr. Lyman relented.


    When Eleanor approached Jude Vaughn with her request, his eyes nearly popped out. "Eleanor, are you sure? The graduation exam requires full credits, and you''ll need a ny or above in every single ss."


    Eleanor nodded. "I''m sure."


    "Don''t overdo it. You''re still so young-don''t burn yourself out. Even if Dr. Langley didn''t let you in this time, there will be more chances down the road."


    "Thank you, Jude. I have to do this." Eleanor''s voice was firm as she turned to leave.


    Behind her, Jude shook his head in disbelief. He knew how talented Eleanor was, but could she really pull this off?


    If she finished her degree early, maybe just maybe-Simone would finally consider her for the project. Eleanor had always preferred relying on herself over seeking favors.

 Chapter 138

    As Eleanor rounded the corner of the hallway, she caught the unmistakable lilt of Gwenda''s voice, tinged with envy. "Faye, I can''t tell you how jealous I am. Who would''ve thought Dr. Langley would choose you as herst prot¨¦g¨¦? Your future''s basically set."


    "My mentor has high hopes for me," Faye replied, a hint of pride in her tone. "With her guidance, I''m bound to progress faster."


    "Now that Dr. Langley''s overseeing things, Eleanor doesn''t have a chance to pull any strings. She got cut from the program just like that."


    "That''s what happens when someone can''t keep up-there''s no room for mediocrity in science," Faye added, her wordsced with mockery.


    Only after their footsteps faded did Eleanor step away from the wall. She returned to her office and began tidying up her things, trying to regain herposure when Joel stopped by for a chat. He''d already reached out to his contacts to help her search for a matching sample in the global gene database and promised to let her know the moment anything turned up.


    "Thank you, Joel," Eleanor said quietly.


    "No need for that," Joel smiled, offering her a reassuring look. "And don''t lose heart. We all see how capable you are."


    Eleanor managed a wan smile. "I know. I''ll keep working at it."


    Meanwhile, Jude Vaughn was handling Eleanor''s exam paperwork. Soon after, he forwarded her a preliminary assessment.


    "Ellie, before you can register for the exam, you''ll need toplete this


    evaluation. If you ace it, I can petition the school to let you take the fast-track exam."


    "Alright, Jude. I''ll have it back to you by tomorrow morning at thetest," Eleanor replied.


    "No rush," Jude said. "Take your time and answer carefully."<fn05c1> Latest content published on Find¡ïNovel</fn05c1>


    Down the hall, Gwenda arrived at Jude''s office to drop off some files and noticed him printing out an application. "What''s that, Jude?" she asked, peering over.


    "It''s for Eleanor-her application to sit the fast-track exam," he replied.


    Gwenda''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, Eleanor wants to skip a year? She''s only a sophomore!"


    Jude chuckled. "Dr. Lyman suggested she try the written exam first. If she passes, she can begin a hospital internship and work toward her clinical assessment."


    Gwenda stifled augh, as if she''d just heard the punchline of a joke. Eleanor? Attempting to skip a year? Had she lost her mind?


    The woman had barely finished her second-year courses, spent six years as a housewife, and now she wanted to leap ahead?


    What a joke.


    "Jude, you should make sure she gets a psychological evaluation as well," Gwenda advised with a smirk. "This isn''t a game¡ªwhat if she falls apart when she fails?"


    Jude nodded thoughtfully. "That''s actually a good idea."


    No sooner had she left than Gwenda hurried over to Faye, eager to share thetest gossip. When she finished recounting Eleanor''s n, Faye looked equally stunned. "What on earth is Eleanor thinking?"


    "I guess after Dr. Langley kicked her out, she couldn''t handle it and now wants to prove herself," Gwenda said.


    Faye scoffed. "Does she really think she''s some prodigy? If this is all it takes to throw her, she''s not cut out for medicine."


    "Let her try, Faye! We''ve both been through that exam-we know exactly how brutal it is. Let''s just sit back and watch the show," Gwenda replied. She didn''t have any real grudge against Eleanor, but since she wanted to stay in Faye''s good graces, she''d chosen her side.


    Faye was convinced Eleanor was headed for disaster-and she couldn''t wait to watch it happen.

 Chapter 139

    Joel had just gotten off the phone with Jude Vaughn, who''d asked him to talk some sense into Eleanor. Jude was worried Eleanor was pushing herself too hard, considering skipping a grade and taking her medical board exams early. The pressure could easily get to her, maybe even mess with her head.


    As soon as the call ended, Joel made his way straight to Eleanor''s office. When she saw him walk in, she could already guess why he was there.


    "Here to talk me out of it?" Eleanor looked up, meeting his eyes.


    "Ellie, are you really nning to take those exams early?" Joel came right out with


    it.


    She nodded. "I am."


    "Are you sure this is a decision you made with a clear head?"


    Eleanor gave a small smile. "I''m perfectly rational, Joel. Calm, too."


    Strangely, Joel found that he didn''t want to talk her out of it at all. In fact, he was curious¡ªhe wanted to see just how brilliant Eleanor truly was, this prodigy everyone talked about.


    "Go for it. I believe in you," Joel said, giving her an encouraging smile.


    "I thought you''d be here to stop me," Eleanor teased with augh.


    "I''ll support whatever you decide," Joel replied, his eyes softening with a fondness he rarely showed.


    Meanwhile, Faye was delivering some files to Simone, but she couldn''t resist dropping ament about Eleanor''s ns to take the exams ahead of schedule. Simone raised her eyebrows, surprised, but quickly regained her usual coolposure. "I can''t deny her father was an exceptional man," Simone said, her tone detached. "But Eleanor is just a second-year med student who hasn''t even graduated yet. The fact that she developed a breakthrough drug this time¡ªwell, luck probably yed a big part."


    "Professor, do you also think Eleanor only managed this because her father left her some secret form?" Faye pressed.


    Simone''s answer was nomittal. "Her father''s research covered a lot of ground. He was involved in just about everything."


    Inside, Faye was smirking. The professor''s words were all the confirmation she needed-Eleanor''s sess must be due to taking advantage of her father''s unfinished work, not her own talent.


    To Faye, Eleanor was no genius. She was a fraud.


    After Faye left, Simone murmured quietly to herself, "Elliot, your daughter really does take after you. I''m curious to see what kind of woman she''s be."


    By three-thirty, Joel and Eleanor were headed to the parking lot together. Joel''s car wouldn''t start, so Eleanor offered him a ride.


    Not far away, Faye and Gwenda were also in the lot. They watched as Joel got into Eleanor''s car, and Faye''s eyes shed with a mix of envy and resentment.


    "Faye, do you think those two are going on a date?" Gwenda whispered.


    "Don''t be ridiculous. Joel would never get between a married couple," Faye snapped.


    "Right, right, Joel''s not that kind of guy. Must be Eleanor making a move on him," Gwenda quickly amended.


    Faye felt a wave of irritation. Even if Joel was the most disciplined man in the world, she doubted he could resist Eleanor if she kept throwing herself at him like this. It might be time to take matters into her own hands.


    Eleanor drove Joel downtown, where he hopped out to catch a cab and meet a friend. She headed off to pick up her daughter from preschool.


    As Eleanor waited outside the school, a parent approached her, a look of recognition dawning on her face. "You''re Eleanor, aren''t you? You''re the one who developed that new medication, right?"


    Eleanor smiled warmly. "Yes, that''s me."


    "Oh my goodness, I thought I''d seen you somewhere before. Turns out our kids go to the same school!"


    Soon, a few more parents gathered around, introducing themselves and greeting Eleanor with admiration and respect shining in their eyes.


    From the back of the crowd, a pair of eyes watched her closely-it wasn, who had just arrived to pick up his own daughter.<fnb25e> Official source is find?novel</fnb25e>

 Chapter 140

    Clearly, his lover now meant more to him than his own child.


    A few minutester, Xavier arrived, slightly out of breath and apologetic. "Sorry, traffic was terrible."


    Eleanor smiled warmly. "It''s fine. The girls are having a great time together."


    "Ian didn''t show up?" Xavier asked.


    "He had something to take care of, so he left," Eleanor answered.


    Xavier nced at her, a flicker of concern passing through his eyes.


    At five thirty, Eleanor picked up her daughter to head home. As they walked hand in hand, her daughter looked up and asked, "Where did Daddy go?"


    Eleanor squeezed her little hand gently. "Evelyn, can I ask you something?"


    Seeing her mother''s serious expression, Evelyn nodded, suddenly solemn. "Of course, Mommy."


    Eleanor hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "If one day, Daddy and I don''t live together anymore, would you want to stay with Daddy, or with me?"


    She spoke softly, but her heart ached for her daughter''s answer.


    Evelyn paused, then immediately replied without the slightest hesitation, "I want to live with you, Mommy." Her big eyes blinked curiously. "But why won''t Daddy live with us anymore?"


    A sharp pain shot through Eleanor''s chest. She knew her daughter would only ever have two choices in this.


    "Because Daddy and Mommy both have things we need to do. Sometimes, that means we can''t all live together," Eleanor said gently.


    Evelyn seemed to half-understand. She threw her arms around her mother''s neck and dered, "I want you, Mommy. I love you most. I never want to be apart from you."


    Eleanor hugged her daughter close, finally able to smile with relief.


    A few minutester, her phone rang. It was Joy, sounding anxious. She exined that just a short while ago, Vanessa had been cornered in the restroom by a group of obsessive male fans, and the crowd outside nearly caused a stampede in the chaos.


    Eleanor realized this was probably whyn had left his daughter behind without a word.


    Clearly, Vanessa had be more important to him than his own child.


    ...


    Around six o''clock, Faye was still workingte in theb when she saw the news and decided to call Vanessa to check on her.


    Vanessa downyed the incident. "Just a scare, nothing more." Then she changed the subject. "Faye, I heard Dr. Simone Langley''s taken overn''s project. Is Eleanor still on theb roster?"


    "Why are you so interested in her?" Faye asked, surprised.


    Vanessaughed lightly on the other end. "I''m just curious."


    Faye didn''t mind answering. "She''s out. My mentor is extremely strict about the team, and Eleanor doesn''t meet her standards."


    "But didn''t she develop that breakthrough medicine? Didn''t Dr. Langley see any potential in her?"


    "She just borrowed her father''s form. She doesn''t really have much talent herself. Still, she''s nning to take the elerated graduation exam this year, which surprised me."


    "Eleanor''s taking the fast-track exam?" Vanessa was taken aback.


    Faye''s lips curled into a self-assured smirk. "She wants to finish her undergraduate degree early."


    "Do you think she''ll make it?" Vanessa pressed.


    Faye let out a short, dismissiveugh. "Confidence is good, but too much of it just


    bes arrogance. She''s only setting herself up for embarrassment."


    For a medical student, skipping grades was notoriously difficult¡ªalmost impossible.


    "So, are you joining the exam too?" Vanessa asked, genuinely interested.


    Faye''s voice brimmed with pride. "Of course. It''s my advisor''s team. I wouldn''t miss it."


    "I''ll be rooting for you to win the next award," Vanessa said.


    A glint of determination shed in Faye''s eyes. "I will. You can count on it."


    ...


    After hanging up, Vanessa spottedn across the hall, just finishing a call of his


    own.


    She held out her wrist, still bruised from the earlier chaos. "Luckily, it''s just a bruise."


    Vanessa smiled and handed him a medical report. "The test results came in today. Take a look."


    ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find~novel</fnb7ad>

 Chapter 141

    Vanessa rested her chin on her hand and nodded sweetly. "Okay."


    She nced over atn. "I overheard my sister say that Eleanor''s nning to take her qualifying exams early. She wants to finish her degree ahead of schedule- did you know?"


    "I also heard Dr. Langley''s reorganizing his research team this time, and Eleanor''s not on the list.n, don''t you think you should have her included? She is your wife, after all."


    Vanessa paused, taken aback. "Won''t that upset her?"


    "She''s already pretty unhappy with me. They''re using her mother''s sample for the study this time."


    Vanessa''s lips curled into a knowing smile. "I can see why she''d have strong feelings about that, especially since "


    "What are you two talking about?" Henry strolled over. Ian greeted him, and Henry turned to Vanessa, concern etched on his face. "Are you alright? I saw the news earlier. That was pretty scary."


    "I''m fine. I never expected a fan to get that crazy-just ended up with a bruised arm, that''s all." Vanessa lifted her arm a little to show the swelling.


    Henry frowned sympathetically. "Next time, you really should bring security with you."<fn4bda> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find?novel</fn4bda>


    A momentter, Xavier joined the group.


    "So, did Vivian give you a hard time tonight?" Henry teased him.


    Xavier let out a resignedugh. "Promised her I''d buy her a gift."


    Vanessa grinned. "Honestly, Xavier, you should think about getting a girlfriend. It''d make looking after Vivian a lot easier."


    Henry pped Xavier on the shoulder. "I heard you''ve decided to invest in your aunt''s charity project. What''s going on with you guys? Quietly breaking into the medical field without telling anyone?"


    Xavier smiled, unbothered. "It''s where the future''s headed."


    Was Xavier really just investing for business reasons? Or was it because of Eleanor?


    Vanessa couldn''t help but find her own suspicion ridiculous. Would Xavier really pour hundreds of millions into the medical field just for Eleanor?


    Henry feigned indignation. "So what about me? How about introducing me to a project so I can get in on the action too?"


    Vanessaughed. "Mr. Holt, as if you''re ever short on investment opportunities."


    Henry chuckled, scratching his head. "I''m just envious ofn, that''s all! With Eleanor''s breakthrough treatment, he''ll be raking in money in his sleep."


    Vanessa smiled. "Speaking of Eleanor, I really admire her! I was just tellingn about her early graduation ns."


    Henry''s eyes widened. "Eleanor''s graduating early? What year is she in now?"


    "She''s a sophomore. My sister said she''s applying to take the senior exams so she can finish her degree early," Vanessa replied.


    "Is that even possible in med school?" Henry asked, incredulous.


    Vanessa grinned. "Her dad is a close friend of Dr. Lyman. I''m sure they can make an exception for her."


    Henry gave a knowing smile. Whether Eleanor took the exam or not, with an academic heavyweight for a father, her diploma was practically guaranteed. The exam was just a formality.


    Xavier remained silent, as if the topic didn''t interest him. But Vanessa noticed the way he carefully avoided any mention of Eleanor, which only made his indifference seem more suspicious.


    She could only hope her suspicions were wrong.


    Just then, their dinner arrived and Henry smoothly changed the subject, steering


    the conversation to thetest happenings in their social circle.


    At eight-thirty,n drove Vanessa home.


    ***


    After tucking her daughter into bed, Eleanor made her way to the third-floor study to review her notes. On her desk sat a stack of borrowed textbooks-Jude


    Vaughn had lent her the junior and senior year medical texts.


    Around ten o''clock,n returned. He checked in on their daughter first, then headed upstairs. He opened the door to Eleanor''s study and paused for a moment, watching her bent over her desk, lost in concentration. He frowned slightly.


    "I heard you''re nning to take your qualifying exams early," he said.

 Chapter 142

    Eleanor nced at him coolly. "So what if I am?"


    "Don''t push yourself too hard. Your health matters," he said.


    Eleanor didn''t bother to reply.


    shadow she couldn''t escape.


    He failed to notice just how much weight she''d lost.


    Leaning against the doorway, arms crossed,n spoke in his usual detached tone. "You don''t have to work yourself to death like this. Whatever you want, I can give


    it to you."


    Without even looking up, Eleanor replied, "Everything you have to offer is meaningless to me. What I want is something you''ll never be able to give.


    Was this supposed to be concern?


    No-it was just his way of controlling things, as always.


    Eleanor ignored him and kept flipping through her book.


    "


    When Vanessa got home, the housekeeper was waiting with a soothing ointment for her bruise. As Vanessa sat on the edge of her bed, her phone chimed. It was a message from Serena: "Vanessa, are you still up? There''s something I want to talk about."


    "Yeah, I''m still awake!" Vanessa texted back.


    Momentster, Serena started a video call. Vanessa dismissed the housekeeper and answered, "Hey, Serena."


    "Vanessa, I figured out whose leather cord that was in Xavier''s car."


    "Oh? Whose was it?" Vanessa asked, curiosity piqued.


    "It was Eleanor''s," Serena hissed, her voice tight with anger.


    Vanessa blinked in surprise. "Eleanor? Are you sure?"


    "I''m positive. The night we threw that little party for her, she wore a leather cord in her hair-exactly like the one in Xavier''s car," Serena insisted.


    Vanessa remembered how Xavier had quietly helped Eleanor before. She tried to calm Serena down. "Serena, even if it was Eleanor''s, that doesn''t prove anything. Maybe Evelyn identally left it in Xavier''s car?"


    "No way. Evelyn only uses those kiddie hair ties. And that night, Xavier was obviously anxious about the leather cord," Serena replied, her voice firm.


    Vanessa kept her tone gentle. "Serena, even if it was Eleanor''s cord, Xavier wouldn''t care. I think you''re overthinking this."


    "You really think I''m mistaken?" Serena asked, sounding uncertain.


    "Absolutely. Maybe Eleanor was in Xavier''s car with Evelyn one day and left it behind by ident. Xavier wasn''t nervous about the cord itself-he just didn''t want you to misunderstand."


    "Really?" Serena sounded a little less tense.


    Vanessa smiled reassuringly. "Trust me, I know Xavier. He''s got integrity¡ªhe''d never steal a friend''s wife."


    Serena finally rxed, letting out a long breath. "I was starting to worry Xavier actually liked Eleanor. Guess I was just imagining things." She paused, then grumbled, "Do you think Eleanor left that cord in his car on purpose? What''s she trying to pull?"<fn379f> Find the newest release on find{n}ovel</fn379f>


    Vanessa''s lips curled into a knowing smile. "She wants to prove she''s still got it. She''s trying to win back your brother''s attention."


    Serena was caught off-guard. "What do you mean?"


    Vanessa exined, "She went after Xavier because he''s charming, and he''s alson''s friend. She thinks if she flirts with Xavier, your brother will get jealous."


    Serenaughed. "My brother''s never been interested in her. She''s wasting her time."


    Vanessa smirked. "And get this-she''s cramming for her graduation exam." "But she''s only a sophomore, isn''t she?"


    "Your brother dropped her from his project, so now she wants to graduate early and prove herself," Vanessa said.


    Serena burst outughing. "She actually thinks she can pull it off? I can''t wait to see her grades-this is going to be hrious."

 Chapter 143

    Vanessa just smiled, saying nothing.


    "Does my brother know?" Serena asked.


    "He does."


    "Unbelievable. She really thinks she''s some kind of genius, always stirring up trouble for him," Serena muttered, her tone sharp with annoyance.<fn547e> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find?novel</fn547e>


    The next morning.


    Eleanor finished her assessment test at home and submitted it to Jude Vaughn before ten. Jude would send it to the medical school faculty for review; only then would they decide if she could sit for graduation exams.


    She sent a message to Joy''s mentor. "Attorney Shannon, have you returned to the country yet?"


    "Sorry, I''ll need another two days."


    "All right. Please let me know when you''re back. I''d like to meet with you," Eleanor replied.


    "Of course, Miss Sutton."


    Letting out a soft breath, Eleanor picked up her book and continued reading.


    Just then, Joel texted: "We won the Marlowe Vige case. The chemical nt''s been ordered to suspend operations and clean up. The vigers got theirpensation you''re the hero of the hour."


    Eleanor smiled, lips pressed together. "Great job, Joel. Thank you for your hard work."


    "We''ll talk more soon."


    "All right. Drive safe," she replied.


    A momentter, Jude Vaughn called. She needed to be at Ashford Medical University by two to fill out some paperwork before her exam. She had to be there


    in person.


    Eleanor drove toward Ashford Medical, arriving in the parking lot half an hourter. She made her way to the registrar''s office toplete the forms. Jude joined her, and they chatted for a while.


    By the time Eleanor nced at her watch, it was already three-time to head home.


    On the way back, Eleanor drove carefully in herne, mind on the road, when suddenly a ck SUV swerved aggressively toward her car. Heart pounding, she jerked the wheel to avoid it. The SUV didn''t let up, cutting her off three more times. It only sped off when a police car appeared behind them.


    Shaken but trying to steady herself, Eleanor drove home. Once safely inside, she texted Xavier and asked if he could pick up her daughter.


    He agreed, and Eleanor also let the teacher know.


    On the way home, her mind kept reying the incident. At first, she couldn''t fathom why someone would target her, but slowly, realization dawned.


    It had to be a warning¡ªa retaliation from the chemical nt. If the police hadn''t shown up at just the right moment, things could have gotten much worse.


    After all, the nt''s forced shutdown had hit them hard, and she was the one who''d made it happen.


    Within minutes, Eleanor called Joel to warn him to be careful driving from now on. Joel was furious when he heard what happened. "Those bastards! If they''ve got a problem, they shoulde after me, not you."


    Eleanor tried to reassure him. "I''m all right. Nothing happened, thankfully."


    "Does your husband know about this? About what they did to you?" Joel pressed. Eleanor''s expression cooled. "I don''t want to tell him. This is my business."


    They spoke a little longer, then hung up. By then, Joslyn had arrived at the door with Evelyn.


    Xavier noticed Eleanor hadn''te out to greet them, and a flicker of disappointment crossed his face.


    "Goodbye, Mr. Vaughn!" Evelyn waved happily.


    "Goodbye," Xavier replied with a smile, then drove away.


    Eleanor sat on the couch as her daughter ran into her arms. She hugged Evelyn tightly and kissed the top of her head.


    Meanwhile, Joel was leaning back on his office sofa, eyes closed, trying to clear


    his mind. Atst, he picked up his phone and dialedn''s number.


    "Hello?" camen''s familiar, cool voice.


    "Mr. Goodwin, sorry to bother you," Joel said politely.


    "It''s fine, Dr. Kingsley. What can I do for you?"

 Chapter 144

    "I got a call from Eleanor today. On her way home, a ck SUV cut her off several times. It was extremely dangerous..."


    Joel straightened. "My concern for Eleanor is strictly professional, Mr. Goodwin. Please don''t misunderstand."


    "As long as you''re clear about that, Dr. Kingsley."


    Joel pressed on. "Mr. Goodwin, this wasn''t a random incident. Someone deliberately targeted Eleanor, trying to intimidate or retaliate against her. Please do what you can to protect her."


    Joel continued, exining how Eleanor had recently exposed a chemical nt''s illegal dumping. Her evidence had forced the nt to shut down for investigation.


    "Two weeks ago, thepany called Eleanor to threaten her. This time, they''ve escted, openly trying to retaliate against your wife. I''m sure you can find a way to keep your family safe, Mr. Goodwin."


    "Is that all?"n''s voice was t.


    Joel hesitated. "That''s all."


    "Mr. Goodwin, your wife''s safety¡ª"


    "My wife''s business is none of yours." With that,n ended the call.


    Joel let out a long sigh. Wasn truly this indifferent to Eleanor? Did her safety mean nothing to him?


    By eight-thirty, Eleanor was in the living room, ying with their daughter and the family''s golden retriever, Princess, whenn came home.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn ran over, with Princess wagging her tail at his feet.


    "Okay! Come on, Princess! Let''s go so we don''t interrupt Mom and Dad." Evelyn called Princess away, the dog bounding upstairs after her.


    Asn approached, Eleanor stood as if to leave, but he caught her wrist. "We need to talk."


    "There''s nothing to talk about." Eleanor pulled her arm free.


    Eleanor didn''t know how he''d found out, but she could hear the expectation in his voice, as if he wanted her to ask for his help. She turned away, her voice icy. "No."


    "I''ll handle it,"n replied simply.


    Eleanor said nothing more. The truth was, today had shaken her. She couldn''t afford for anything to happen to her-not when her daughter still needed her, not when she had to shield Evelyn from Vanessa''s toxic influence.


    Even ifn offered to step in, she felt no gratitude.


    That night, after she''d tucked Evelyn into bed, Eleanor retreated to the third-floor study to read.


    Later, after his shower,n checked Evelyn''s room and, finding only his sleeping daughter, headed upstairs.


    He opened the study door to find Eleanor hunched over her book, determined as ever. "Don''t stay up sote," he said, brow furrowed. "I''ve asked Dr. Langley to let you join her research team."


    "No need," Eleanor replied coolly.


    If it was something she could achieve on her own, why rely on him?


    Find the newest release on Find1Novel</fnbcad>


    The next morning,n dropped Evelyn off at school while Eleanor stayed home, studying for her exams.


    Three uneventful days passed. On Wednesday, Eleanor received a call from Jude Vaughn, asking her toe to Ashford Medical University.


    Eleanor headed out right away, keeping a cautious eye on her rearview mirror. She drove slowly, watching for suspicious vehicles. Atst, she pulled safely into the university parking lot.


    Just then, a ck SUV pulled up beside her. Eleanor''s nerves went taut.

 Chapter 145

    This time, two tall men in sharp suits stepped down from the SUV and greeted her politely. "Good afternoon, Miss Sutton. We''re your new security detail, sent by Mr. Goodwin. From now on, we''ll be responsible for your safety wherever you go."


    Eleanor paused, caught off guard. Ian had sent people to protect her?


    She remembered hown had brought up the incident at the chemical nt. Only Joel had known she''d been targeted there, so she''d guessed Joel must have told him.


    Eleanor nodded slightly, though her mind raced. Wasn really just protecting her, or was he keeping tabs on her?


    He couldn''t possibly suspect there was something going on between her and Joel... could he?


    Pushing the thought aside, Eleanor went about her business. She stopped in front of Jude Vaughn''s office. When Jude saw her, his expression was one of utter disbelief, as if he''d just spotted a rare animal.


    "Jude, what''s with that look?"


    "You aced it. How on earth did you pull that off?" Jude crossed his arms, still staring at her in surprise.


    "You mean the assessment?" Eleanor grinned.


    "You never fail to surprise me. I had no idea Miss Sutton was training you to be such a prodigy behind the scenes. Come on! Let''s go see Dr. Lyman." Jude chuckled, shaking his head in amazement.


    Eleanor finally let out a breath she hadn''t realized she''d been holding. Passing the test meant she was now eligible to take the fast-track exams.


    Dr. Lyman was just as impressed when they sat down in his office. He had personally reviewed her assessment.


    "Elliot''s done a remarkable job raising you, Eleanor. I''m genuinely delighted for him. We''re making an exception and allowing you to take the advancement exam. Are you ready?"


    "I n to apply to graduate school right after I finish my undergrad," Eleanor replied.


    Jude burst outughing. "You really don''t hold back, do you? If your results are as good as I think, you should just skip the application and go straight through!"


    Dr. Lyman smiled warmly. "You have my support."


    "In the afternoon, there''s a discussion panel. Why don''t you two go in my ce?" Dr. Lyman was already up in years; he dodged these meetings whenever he could, delegating to willing substitutes.


    "Of course!" Jude replied cheerfully.


    Eleanor happened to be free, so she had no objection to apanying Jude.


    The panel was being held at a seven-star hotel. Coincidentally, there was also an international business summit taking ce at the same venue.


    As soon as Eleanor and Jude entered the grand lobby, Jude''s phone rang. He nced at the screen, then turned to her. "Ellie, wait for me here. I''ll be right back."


    Eleanor nodded and waited near the reception desk.


    Suddenly, amotion at the entrance drew her attention. A group of familiar faces strode into the lobby.


    At the front wasn, perfectlyposed, walking beside Vanessa, who wore an elegant whitece gown. The two of them-one in ck, one in white-looked striking together.


    Behind them were Xavier and Henry, two names that carried weight across the entire Ashford business scene. Any one of the three could shake the city''s corporate world with a single word.


    And there was Vanessa, poised and graceful in their midst, like a treasured white fox among a pack of wolves.


    Paparazzi hovered nearby, their cameras snapping away. After all, these weren''t just people of influence-they were stunningly photogenic as well.<fn1786> This text is hosted at Find1Novel</fn1786>


    Xavier''s sharp eyes caught sight of Eleanor. She stood there in a simple white blouse and jeans-unassuming, but impossible to overlook.


    Vanessa smiled and waved at one of the cameras, but as her gaze drifted to Eleanor, her smile froze mid-gesture.


    How did I not known had invited Eleanor too?

 Chapter 146

    "Ian, your wife is over there-why not invite her to join us upstairs?" Vanessa called out kindly.


    Eleanor''s tone was cool. "Does it matter to you where I am?"


    Just then, Jude Vaughn came up, greeting him with a cheerful, "Mr. Goodwin! I didn''t expect to see you here."


    "It''s been a while, Mr. Vaughn," Ian replied with a nod.


    "What a coincidence. Eleanor and I are here representing Dr. Lyman for a panel discussion," said Jude Vaughn.


    Vanessa, standing nearby, raised her brows in surprise. Eleanor was qualified to represent the legendary Dr. Lyman? Everyone knew that Dr. Lyman''s prot¨¦g¨¦s were all renowned figures in the medical field.


    "Of course¡ªan invitation from you is always a pleasure," Jude replied, ncing at his watch. "Eleanor, we should get going."


    Eleanor nodded and, as she lifted her gaze, her eyes briefly met Xavier''s. She gave him a subtle nod before following Jude out.


    Vanessa didn''t miss the exchange. Her heart sank a little; there was definitely something different between Eleanor and Xavier now.


    If Henry,n''s close friend, was here as well, why hadn''t Eleanor greeted him? Clearly, she and Xavier were more than mere acquaintances.


    Vanessa''s mood dulled. Eleanor had once been just a housewife, kept tucked away at home byn. But now, she was making a name for herself in the outside world.


    Vanessa nced atn, only to find his expression calm and indifferent, as if nothing about Eleanor''s transformation could ruffle him. Then again, withn''s status, he was always surrounded by the top talent in every field. Eleanor hardly seemed remarkable byparison.


    The panel itself was dry and tedious. After representatives from various institutions finished their speeches, Jude took a phone call and returned to Eleanor''s side. "Ellie, let''s head upstairs for a while," he suggested.


    "But Jude, things aren''t finished here yet," Eleanor whispered.


    "Mrs. Grayson wants to see you. She''s waiting upstairs."


    Eleanor paused in surprise. Juliette wanted to see her?


    Juliette Grayson wasn''t someone to offend lightly. Without further hesitation, Eleanor slipped out with Jude.


    The elevator doors opened to a scene entirely different from the somber conference below. Upstairs, the atmosphere radiated luxury and exclusivity-the world of high society in full disy.


    No sooner had Eleanor stepped out than she nearly bumped into Xavier. He smiled warmly. "Looking for someone, Mrs. Goodwin?"


    "Who''s this?" Jude asked, curiosity piqued.<fn49ee> Follow current nov?ls on find(?)ovel</fn49ee>


    Eleanor introduced him. "This is Mr. Xavier Vaughn, president of Vaughn Shipping Group."


    Jude''s respect was immediate. "Mr. Vaughn! It''s an honor to meet you."


    "And this is Dr. Jude Vaughn, ourb director," Eleanor added.


    Xavier offered his hand. "Dr. Vaughn, a pleasure."


    "The honor''s mine," Jude replied, a bit taken aback by the introduction.


    "Are you looking for someone?" Xavier asked.


    "We''re looking for Mrs. Juliette Grayson," Jude exined.


    A subtle smile yed on Xavier''s lips. "I know where she is. Please, follow me."


    Eleanor hesitated, feeling for a moment as if Xavier had been waiting there just for them. She dismissed the thought-Xavier surely had better things to do.


    As they walked, Eleanor took in the view of the grand ballroom. She spottedn across the room, standing with Vanessa, who gracefully chatted with a foreign couple while deftly handling their social niceties.


    Xavier caught the direction of Eleanor''s gaze. There was a fleeting tenderness in his eyes before she looked away and followed him into a private reception suite.


    The door swung open, and Jude and Eleanor stepped forward to greet Mrs. Grayson.


    Xavier stayed outside while Mrs. Grayson got straight to the point-she wanted Eleanor to join her research team, and she''d already spoken to Dr. Lyman about


    it.

 Chapter 147

    Eleanor froze for a moment, and even Jude Vaughn looked a little surprised. Still, since the twobs were coborative partners, it was a good sign for Eleanor to be weed by either.


    "Thank you, Mrs. Grayson, for thinking so highly of me," Eleanor replied politely. "I''m only a sophomore right now, and I don''t think I''m ready to join your research team just yet. I hope you''ll understand."


    Mrs. Grayson smiled warmly. "You''re Elliot''s daughter-your ability speaks for itself. I see a great deal of potential in you, Miss Sutton. I hope you''ll think it over. There''s no rush to decide right away."


    "I will, Mrs. Grayson. Thank you. I''ll give it careful thought," Eleanor said with a smile.


    "Come, join me for a drink! Our team leader is here tonight, and I''d like to introduce you," Mrs. Grayson said, gesturing for Eleanor to follow.<fne190> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find[?]ovel</fne190>


    Eleanor nodded and apanied Mrs. Juliette Grayson out to the reception hall. As they stepped outside, they almost immediately ran inton and Vanessa. Vanessa greeted them enthusiastically. "Mrs. Grayson! We were justing over to say hello."


    "Ian, I don''t suppose I need to introduce your wife to you, do I?" Mrs. Grayson teased with a good-naturedugh.


    Vanessa, on the other hand, couldn''t hide her irritation. Clearly, Eleanor had sought out Juliette on purpose. At an event like this, being seen with Juliette Grayson was a definite boost to one''s standing.


    "You two enjoy your drinks. I just need to borrow your wife for a moment-there''s someone I''d like her to meet. I''ll bring her right back," Mrs. Grayson said, taking Eleanor''s hand warmly and steering her toward another part of the hall.


    Vanessa''s smile faltered. Had Eleanor really caught Juliette''s special attention?


    She nced over at Xavier, who was chatting with someone across the room, but he seemed entirely unaware of what was happening.


    Just then, a waiter passed by with a tray.n, usually seen with a ss of red wine, reached for a whiskey instead and took a slow sip.


    Meanwhile, under Juliette''s introduction, Eleanor met the team leader-a distinguished man in his early fifties, well-respected in the medical field. He greeted Eleanor with genuine admiration shining in his eyes.


    "Miss Sutton, we''d be delighted to have you on our team."


    "Thank you. It''s an honor to meet you," Eleanor replied sincerely.


    After a while, Mrs. Juliette Grayson, beginning to look a bit tired, turned to


    Eleanor. "There''s one more person I''d like you to meet."


    Before Eleanor could respond, she found herself being led across the room-only


    to realize, with surprise, that the person waiting for them was Xavier.


    "My nephew, Xavier," Mrs. Grayson said with a smile.


    Eleanor was momentarily stunned. Xavier was Mrs. Grayson''s nephew? That would make her his aunt.


    "Aunt Juliette, Eleanor and I have known each other for quite some time," Xavier said with an easy grin.


    Julietteughed, shaking her head. "Of course! How forgetful of me. You andn grew up together-I should have remembered."


    Nearby, someone watched them quietly, their emotions impossible to read.


    Juliette turned back to Eleanor, her tone turning earnest as she encouraged her again to consider joining the research team, assuring her she would be well taken care of.


    Eleanor, however, didn''t give a definite answer. For her, research had never been about money, and deep down, Joel''s team would always be her first choice.


    After Mrs. Juliette Grayson moved on, Eleanor excused herself to the restroom. When she stepped back into the corridor, she foundn waiting there, leaning against the wall as if he''d been anticipating her.


    Eleanor tried to walk past without acknowledging him, but before she could, his hand closed firmly around her arm. "We need to talk," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

 Chapter 148

    Eleanor turned to look at him. "What do you want to talk about?"


    He pulled her inside, and she resisted, emotions running high.


    "Ian, let go of me," Eleanor said through gritted teeth.


    "So, just because Dr. Langley kicked you off the research team, you''re already eager to find someone else to work with?"n''s voice was low,ced with scorn.


    Eleanor lifted her head, meeting his inscrutable gaze. The confrontation calmed her, sharpening her resolve. "I have my own ns. You don''t need to worry about me."


    "I told you, I''ll ask Dr. Langley to reconsider,"n said, his brow furrowed.


    "I don''t need your connections. I can stand on my own," Eleanor replied. She reached for the door handle, intent on leaving.


    She turned back to face him. The man who''d just been charming and polite in public now looked like a predator in the dark, untouchable and ferocious.


    Eleanor didn''t answer. She pulled the door open and walked out without looking back.


    She found Jude Vaughn, exchanged a few words, and then left the building. Whenn finally emerged from the lounge, he ran straight into Vanessa. "Ian, where did you go? Mr. Will is looking for you."


    "Mr. Goodwin, could I ask a favor? I have a friend in the medical field-he''s quite interested in meeting a certain researcher from your country."


    "Anyone Mr. Will introduces must be remarkable," Vanessa chimed in with a pleasant smile.<fnf4c3> The rightful source is find[?]ovel</fnf4c3>


    "My friend won the Nobel Prize over a decade ago. He''s done outstanding work in medicine," Mr. Will boasted with obvious pride.


    Mr. Will pulled out a newspaper clipping. "He''s hoping to connect with the author of this article."


    "My friend will being here for a research exchange next month," Mr. Will exined. "He''d like to get in touch with the author in advance."


    "Ian has an extensivework in the medicalmunity. I''m sure he can help you find this author," Vanessa said, her tone reassuring.


    Mr. Will nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Mr. Goodwin. I appreciate your help."


    Not long after,n excused himself to deal with another matter. Henry came over to keep Vanessapany. She felt a pang of disappointment but soon rxed, enjoying Henry''s considerate attention.


    Later,n sat in his car, staring at the newspaper clipping Mr. Will had handed him. His eyes locked onto the name printed below the article.


    Eleanor S.


    He lingered on the name for several seconds, then reached for a pack of cigarettes from the console. Lighting one, he let the smoke curl around him, his face flickering in the shifting light.


    He took a picture of the article with his phone and sent it to Jude Vaughn, along with a short message: "Mr. Vaughn, could you help me look into the identity of the author of this article?"


    At that moment, Jude Vaughn was driving back to theb. When the alert sounded, he nced at his phone and saw the message was fromn-he didn''t dare ignore it.


    Pulling over to the side of the road, Jude zoomed in on the image. The instant he recognized the paper, he burst outughing. Wasn''t this the very article Eleanor had published in the international journal justst month?


    Instead of replying by text, Jude dialedn''s number.


    The phone''s ringtone joltedn out of his thoughts, dragging him back to reality.

 Chapter 149

    He picked up the phone. "Hello?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, the paper you just sent me did you not realize it was your wife Eleanor''s work?" Jude Vaughn''s voice came through, light and teasing.


    "Are you certain it''s hers?"n pressed, wanting to be sure he wasn''t mistaken.


    "Absolutely certain. Your wife is truly remarkable-she scored a perfect mark on her assessment," Jude continued.


    Discover more novels at find?novel</fn0b86>


    "It''s part of the evaluation for Eleanor''s elerated graduation. You didn''t know?" Now Jude sounded surprised.


    Don''t most married couples share these things?


    "Is that right..." Ian''s eyes clouded with thought.


    "Mr. Goodwin, if you''d like to know more about the paper, feel free to reach out to me anytime."


    "Thank you. I''ll let you go, then." Ian ended the call, his gaze deepening.


    It seemed he knew far less about his own wife than he''d thought. He hadn''t even realized her name was now recognized around the world.


    When Eleanor came home, hand in hand with her daughter, she spotted the car in their parking spacen was back.


    "Daddy''s home!" Evelyn squealed and ran straight for the living room.


    "Daddy, Daddy!" she called out in her sweet, childish voice.


    Eleanor was still at the door when a ball of fur bounded to her feet, tail wagging, licking at her shoes. She crouched down and gave Princess a good scratch behind the ears. From inside, Evelyn''s delighted voice floated out: "Daddy, really? Are we going out for dinner tonight?"


    Eleanor paused. She wasn''t a fan of eating out with her daughter; restaurant food was always too heavily seasoned for her taste. Butn had already suggested it, and if she objected now, she''d only spoil Evelyn''s excitement. She held her tongue.


    "Go y with Princess, sweetheart. I need to talk to your mom for a bit,"n said, ruffling Evelyn''s hair.


    "Okay!" Evelyn happily led Princess out to the garden.


    Eleanor hung up Evelyn''s backpack asn slid his hand into a pocket and stepped behind her. "Let''s talk."


    She turned to find him looking at her, a trace more warmth in his smile than usual.


    "Go ahead. I''m listening," Eleanor said calmly.


    She nced at it and replied, unfazed, "And if it is?"


    A smile yed atn''s lips. "Impressive. It''s a deeply insightful paper."


    He had, after all, once been struck by her brilliance.


    Eleanor shot him a sideways nce. He was smiling, his lips tinged with color. The man had strong brows and soulful eyes-eyes that could seem affectionate even when he looked at the family dog. Yet when he turned that gaze on people, it could be cold as ice.


    His praise meant nothing to her anymore. She had long since stopped caring what he thought.


    "One of my clients has a friend in medical research who wants to meet you,"n said, changing the subject.


    Eleanor paused and turned to ask, "What''s their name?"


    Eleanor was always happy to meet new people in her field, so she simply said, "Go ahead and give them my contact info."


    She cut him off coldly. "If there''s something I want, I''ll earn it myself. I don''t need your help."

 Chapter 150

    After finishing her words, Eleanor stepped outside to join her daughter.


    Dinner that evening was at a bistro near their home. The family of three sat by a window overlooking the street, enjoying the soft glow of the setting sun. Halfway through the meal, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen: an unfamiliar international number. Her first thought was that it must be a scam call.


    She ignored it.


    A minuteter, a notification popped up on Skype-a request to add her as a contact. This, she epted.


    Almost immediately, a message appeared, brimming with enthusiasm. "Hi, Miss Sutton! Let me introduce myself¡ªI''m Noah, from the Drexford Hawkins Research Team. I work in medical research. May I have the pleasure of getting to know you?"


    Eleanor recognized the name. Noah had a solid reputation in the field, and she''d always admired his work.


    "Hello, Noah, I''m Eleanor. It''s a pleasure to meet you," she replied.


    They exchanged a few lively messages, and as they chatted,n''s gaze drifted over. He saw Eleanor smiling, a soft, unconscious curve at her lips, clearly delighted by the conversation.


    "Mom, who are you talking to?" Evelyn piped up.


    "A new friend I just met," Eleanor said, still smiling.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang again¡ªanother international number. She couldn''t help but chuckle; clearly, the previous call had been Noah trying to reach her.


    She picked up her phone and turned ton. "I''m just going to take this call," she said.


    Eleanor stepped out into the corridor, answering the call. On the other end, Noah introduced himself again, his voice warm and engaging. They hit it off immediately, and what was meant to be a quick call stretched to more than ten minutes.


    By the end of the conversation, Noah was so enthusiastic that he decided to fly in a week early to attend the academic exchange at Ashford University. Eleanor, representing the university, dly weed him.


    Returning to her seat, Eleanor couldn''t hide the contentment lighting up her face.


    Evelyn noticed too. "Mommy, what are you so happy about?" she asked with innocent curiosity.


    Eleanor smiled. "I''m just happy I''ve made a new friend."


    After dinner, on the drive home, Eleanor''s phone kept buzzing with messages from Noah. He''d sent over several of his published research papers, asking for her thoughts.


    Back at home, Evelyn yed nearby while Eleanor curled up with her iPad, diving into a deep academic discussion with Noah. Their exchange was effortless, as if they were old colleagues, sharing ideas and insights without reservation.


    "Mom, I need to use the bathroom," Evelyn called out.


    Setting the iPad aside, Eleanor took her daughter''s hand and led her down the hall.


    Meanwhile,n came downstairs and noticed the ongoing chat left open on the sofa. Curiosity got the better of him, and he picked up the iPad, scrolling through the conversation. He was surprised to see just how wide-ranging their discussion wasplex medical theories, nuanced debates. Noah''s admiration for Eleanor was obvious, his praise effusive.


    Just then, Evelyn''sughter echoed from the hallway. Ian set the iPad down and walked over to make some tea.


    A few minutester, Eleanor returned to the sofa, iPad in hand, and resumed her lively conversation with Noah. Her former colleague''s wit and humor had herughing out loud more than once.


    Eleanor nced at the cup out of the corner of her eye but didn''t reach for it. Her attention remained on the conversation, her spirits lifted in a way she hadn''t felt in a long time.<fn6c98> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn6c98>

 Chapter 151

    It was nine-thirty. Eleanor was soothing her daughter to sleep when, all of a sudden, Evelyn burst out of her bedroom. Momentster, she returned, pullingn along by the hand. "Daddy, I want you to sleep with me and Mommy tonight."


    Eleanor tensed instantly. Ian, unfazed,y down naturally on the other side of the bed. Evelyn curled up in his arms, then reached out toward Eleanor. "Mommy, give me your hand."<fn086c> The rightful source is FindN()vel</fn086c>


    With a resigned sigh, Eleanor offered her hand. Evelyn took it and ced it firmly inton''s palm. Hugging them both, she dered, "I want Mommy and Daddy to stay with me forever."


    She nuzzled her small face against their arms, content and drowsy.


    Eleanor tried to pull her hand back, butn''s grip suddenly tightened. He held on so firmly that she couldn''t free herself.


    Irritation simmered inside her. What on earth is he doing now?


    With Evelyn right there, Eleanor couldn''t exactly pick a fight. She had no choice but to grit her teeth and endure it.


    "Mommy, you haven''t kissed Daddy in a really long time," Evelyn piped up out of nowhere.


    She remembered how, not so long ago, her mother would sometimes snuggle up to her father and squeeze Evelyn aside to tease her. Lately, though, she''d noticed Daddy hadn''t hugged Mommy in ages, and Mommy hadn''t hugged Daddy, either.


    Eleanor pretended not to hear.


    "Mommy, are you asleep?" Evelyn crawled up and pressed her face against Eleanor''s chest.


    Seizing the opportunity, Eleanor finally slipped her hand free and mumbled sleepily, "Mmm."


    "Daddy, you should give Mommy a kiss!" Evelyn turned to her father, pleading.


    Evelyn puffed out her cheeks in protest but finally nodded.


    Eleanor just hoped her daughter would fall asleep soon. The truth was, she couldn''t sleep at all.


    By ten-twenty, Evelyn had finally drifted off, using Eleanor''s arm as a pillow. Eleanor gently slid her arm free and tiptoed out of the room.


    She had barely closed the door when she nearly jumped out of her skinn was standing right behind her in the hallway, dressed in pajamas, looking like a wolf lying in wait.


    Eleanor almost cursed out loud.


    "Dr. Langley agreed to let you join her research team." Ian''s voice was low and calm.


    The message was clear: Eleanor didn''t need to study so desperately. Even if she failed her cement exams, he could pull strings and get her into theb anyway.


    Eleanor almostughed. First, he''d thrown her out, and now he was using his connections to drag her back-like he expected her to be grateful for it. What a shameless man.


    "Come to my room,"n said, and before she could react, his long arm wrapped around her waist. He leaned in, his sharp features closing the distance, about to kiss her.


    A wave of revulsion surged through Eleanor. Without thinking, she pped him hard across the face.


    Smack!


    The quiet hallway froze. Both of them-striker and struck-stood in stunned silence.


    Eleanor, her palm stinging, red at him with fury. "Let go of me."


    cold, his gaze icy. "When did you learn to hit people?"


    Eleanor stepped back, putting distance between them.


    "We need to talk,"n said quietly, clearly intent on having some serious marital conversation.


    "There''s nothing left for us to say." Without another word, Eleanor turned and hurried upstairs.


    She closed the door to her study and let out a shaky breath. Her hand was still throbbing. She hadn''t nned to hit him, but he''d pushed her past her breaking point.


    She would never let him touch her again.


    Once she finished her cement exams, she was going to file for divorce-no matter what.

 Chapter 152

    10 a.m.


    Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a call from Joel. He''d finished a round of research and wanted her toe by and discuss the results.


    She grabbed her keys and headed for theb, her car followed closely by the security detail.


    As Eleanor stepped into the mainb hall, the people who recognized her greeted her warmly.


    After being away for a week, Eleanor had no idea that rumors about her had started circting through the research building and all across Ashford Medical University.


    Just as she turned down the hallway, she nearly collided with Faye and Gwenda, who were on their way to a meeting.


    Gwenda blinked in surprise. "Eleanor! What are you doing here? Are youing to the meeting too?"


    Before Eleanor could respond, Faye interjected, "She wasn''t invited by the professor."


    "I''m here to see Joel," Eleanor said simply.


    Gwenda exchanged a knowing nce with Faye. "Well, we''d better hurry then, before Professor Langley gets impatient."


    With a smug little smile, Gwenda turned to Eleanor. "We''re off to the meeting, see you!"


    In just a few words, Gwenda had made it clear that she''d already joined Simone''s research group. Even if she was just an assistant, the new position was enough to make her giddy.


    Eleanor walked to Joel''s office and knocked before stepping inside. Joel looked up and smiled. "Come in¡ªI''ve got something to show you."


    She followed him into hisb, where he''d made progress on a case involving a cancer patient.


    "Ellie, your ideas about using future Al and virtual cell technology to simte tumor behavior are promising. I''d like to propose we dig deeper into this for precision drug design."


    Eleanor''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Joel, that''s incredible."


    "You inspired me," Joel admitted. "But my own skills aren''t quite there I can''t achieve the level of urate simtion you described. Ellie, I''d like to formally ask you to join the project. After all, you first proposed the theory, and I know you can take it further."


    With Simone now leading the team, Eleanor would need her approval to join.


    "I''ll need to speak with Dr. Langley," Eleanor said. "I want to discuss this with her one-on-one."


    Joel hesitated. "I''ve heard some stories about her history with your father. Do you think that''ll be a problem?"


    "My parents have both passed away," Eleanor replied quietly. "I don''t think she''d let old history get in the way." If Simone were the sentimental type, she wouldn''t have achieved what she had.


    Joel''s assistant ducked out to check and confirmed that Simone had returned to her office.


    Eleanor made her way to the office and reached for the door, but before she could knock, Faye stepped out, nearly running into her.


    "What are you doing here?" Faye demanded, clearly annoyed.


    Eleanor must be here to beg her advisor for a spot on the team, Faye thought.


    "I''d like a word with Professor Langley," Eleanor said.


    "My advisor''s busy-" Faye started to block her, but was cut off by Simone''s voice from inside.


    "Faye, let her in."


    Faye faltered, then brushed past Eleanor without another word.


    Eleanor entered, closing the door behind her. "Dr. Langley, do you have a moment?"<fn5e27> Official source is f?ndnovel</fn5e27>


    Simone, sses perched on her nose and her silver-streaked hair swept back in


    a tidy bun, sipped her tea and gestured to the chair opposite. "Sit down."


    Eleanor took the seat, her expression earnest. "Dr. Langley, I''d like to join your research team."


    "You know my standards," Simone replied, her tone sharp. "Even if you''re Elliot''s daughter, I won''t make exceptions."


    Eleanor nodded. "I understand. I n to take the elerated exam. If I can graduate early, would you consider giving me a chance?"


    "You''re confident you can pull that off?" Simone''s eyes narrowed. "Your father and


    I both finished every course by the book before we graduated. It wasn''t easy, I can tell you that."

 Chapter 153

    "Then how about we make a bet?" Eleanor said with a calm smile.


    "A bet? On what?" Simone raised an eyebrow.


    "If I pass my elerated graduation exam and finish early, you''ll let me join your research team. But if I fail, I''ll walk away from medicine for good."


    Simone stared at her, wide-eyed-she could hardly believe this girl dared to make such a bold im.


    Elliot''s daughter really was reckless,pletely unaware of her own limits.


    "Alright, I ept. If you graduate early, I''ll let you join my team," Simone replied, her interest piqued. She was certain Eleanor would never pull it off.


    This was her chance to put Eleanor in her ce.


    Just because she was Elliot''s daughter didn''t mean she was special.


    Simone would make sure she understood the consequences of arrogance, and let her taste what failure really felt like.


    In a way, she was doing Elliot a favor by teaching his daughter a lesson.


    "Young people should be careful not to let pride get the better of them. There''s a fine line between confidence and arrogance-don''t bring shame to your father." Eleanor smiled faintly. "Thank you for the advice, Dr. Langley. I''ll keep that in mind."


    As soon as she stepped out of Simone''s office, Eleanor clenched her fist. There was no room for failure this time-she had to pass the exam, no matter what.


    She had barely left when Simone''s phone rang. She nced at the screen and answered, "Hello, Mr. Goodwin."<fn0366> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn0366>


    "Dr. Langley, sorry to bother you. I have a favor to ask,"n''s voice came through.


    "Go ahead."


    "Eleanor''s my wife. I wanted to ask if you''d consider letting her join your research team."


    Simone let out a smallugh. "Your wife was just in my office, actually."


    "Did she say anything to you?"n asked.


    "She challenged me to a bet," Simone replied, then exined, "She''s trying to graduate early. She said if she seeds, I have to let her join the team; if she fails, she''ll quit medicine entirely."


    "She really said that?"n chuckled.


    "I already agreed. Don''t worry, Mr. Goodwin. Sometimes, young people need to stumble a bit to learn humility. It''s not a bad thing, really."


    "If she does fail, please don''t hold it against her,"n said politely.


    Simone''s tone softened. "Don''t worry. Even if she doesn''t make it, I''ll let her join for your sake."


    Besides, Simone thought, even if Eleanor failed, she hadn-the richest man in the country-as her safety.


    An academic father, a billionaire husband... was that what made Eleanor so confident?


    Simone was determined to cut her down to size, to teach her a lesson about overreaching.


    "Thank you, Dr. Langley," Ian replied courteously.


    "My pleasure."


    After hanging up, Simone fell silent, her mind wandering back to the days when Elliot was young and brimming with ambition. Eleanor really was her father''s daughter-fearless to the core. But could she really live up to his genius?


    Just then, Faye entered the office with a stack of files. Noticing that Eleanor had already left, she looked curious. "Dr. Langley, what did Eleanor want?"


    "She made a bet with me," Simone replied, always open to conversation with Faye.


    Faye''s eyes lit up with curiosity. "What kind of bet?"


    "If she passes her early graduation exam, I have to let her join the research team."


    "And if she fails?" Faye pressed.


    "She said she''d leave medicine for good," Simone replied, pushing her sses up her nose.


    A flicker of satisfaction crossed Faye''s face. Finally, she thought, that troublesome Eleanor might be out of their lives for good.

 Chapter 154

    Faye returned to her office. She needed to make sure Eleanor''s risky bet got out, but she had no intention of spreading the word herself. Someone else would do it for her.


    She picked up the phone and dialed the extension. "Gwenda, could youe to my office for a moment?" True to form, Gwenda knocked on the door a few minutester. Faye was still on a call, so she waved Gwenda in and said, "Just give me a second."


    While finishing her conversation, Faye spoke loud enough for Gwenda to overhear, "Eleanor made a bet with my mentor-if she passes the elerated graduation exam, he''ll let her join the team. If she fails, she said she''ll quit medicine altogether."


    Gwenda perked up, her curiosity instantly piqued by the bombshell. Where on earth did Eleanor get the confidence she could actually pull this off?


    When Faye finally hung up, she handed a folder to Gwenda. "Could you file these documents for me?"


    But Gwenda was already buzzing. "Wait-Faye, were you serious just now? Eleanor actually made a bet with Dr. Langley?"


    Faye pretended to caution her, "Let''s keep this between us, okay? Don''t go telling everyone."


    Gwenda promised, but Faye knew her too well. With Gwenda''s loose lips, the story would be all over the ce by lunchtime. Eleanor''s gamble was about to be the group''s hottest gossip.


    Sure enough, Gwenda turned into a one-woman newswire. By the end of the day, everyone in theb was talking about Eleanor''s bet, andughter echoed through the halls. People couldn''t wait to watch her crash and burn, certain she''d soon be forced out of the medical field.


    That evening, as Eleanor arrived home with her daughter, her phone rang. It was Jude Vaughn.


    "Eleanor, is it true?" Jude asked. "Did you really bet with Simone?"


    Eleanor froze for a second. How did everyone find out about something that was supposed to be just between her and Simone?


    Simone was always focused on research, not the type to gossip. Clearly, someone had deliberately leaked the news, hoping to see her fail and enjoy the spectacle. Faye, most likely-with Gwenda as her megaphone.


    "If someone like you left medicine, it would be a real loss for the country," Jude said.


    Eleanor chuckled. "Don''t worry about me, Jude. I''m ready for whateveres."


    ***


    On Friday, Gina calledn to ask if he could take Evelyn to Goodwin Manor for the weekend. Ian checked with his daughter, then sent Eleanor a message.


    Eleanor was about to head out to pick up Evelyn whenn''s text arrived. She replied simply, "Alright."


    A few minutester,n sent another message: "I have a dinner meeting tonight. I won''t be home for dinner."<fn51fc> For original chapters go to Find?Novel</fn51fc>


    Eleanor rolled her eyes. Did he really think she cared where he ate? With Evelyn at Goodwin Manor, she doubted Ian would waste any time before running to Vanessa. All week, he''d been the doting father, home every night; the weekend, though, was clearly reserved for his lover.


    Eleanor decided to call Joy and meet up for dinner in the city, hoping to clear her mind.


    Joy suggested a new rooftop restaurant that had just opened downtown- supposedly incredibly romantic and, though pricey, worth the splurge.


    Eleanor dressed for the asion: a little ck dress with spaghetti straps, a champagne-colored cardigan, her long dark hair flowing smoothly over her shoulders, and a touch of natural makeup.


    She drove out and met Joy at the entrance.


    When Joy saw her, she grinned. "Wow. Some things never change-you still look like the prettiest girl in school."


    Eleanorughed. "That was ages ago. High school is ancient history."


    Joy shook her head. "Honestly, doesn have his eyes on backwards? You''re every bit as beautiful as Vanessa-except, well, you don''t try so hard."


    Eleanor''s smile faltered for a moment. She thought about how she yed the perfect wife and mother in front of her daughter, and how-once upon a time- she''d done the same forn...

 Chapter 155

    But he never really saw her. Even if she offered him her heart on a silver tter, it would go unnoticed.


    "Come on, let''s head up! Dinner''s on me tonight," Eleanor said cheerfully.


    "In that case, I won''t hold back."


    The two of them stepped into the elevator. As they did, it began to rise from the underground parking garage, and the doors slid open.


    Immediately, the couple inside took a step apart.


    Of all people, it wasn and Vanessa.


    Vanessa reached up to cover her lips-still flushed red. Maybe it was just the lighting, but Eleanor couldn''t help but notice thatn''s lips looked a little too red as well.


    It was almost as if they''d been making out just moments before.


    Joy grabbed Eleanor''s arm. "Mr. Goodwin, why don''t you go on ahead? We''re waiting for someone else," she said quickly.


    Joy huffed. "Seriously, can''t those two just get a room? Do they have to put on a show for everyone? Let''s find another restaurant."


    Eleanor folded her arms. "Fine by me."


    They picked a different ce nearby, and Eleanor''s appetite was unaffected. The two friends chatted andughed over dinner.<fn0ce9> Fresh chapters posted on find~novel</fn0ce9>


    When the conversation turned to Eleanor''s bet with Simone, Joy looked at her in admiration. "You''ve got guts, I''ll give you that. But my money''s on you. You''ll shut up everyone who''s ever underestimated you."


    Joy didn''t know exactly how good Eleanor was, but she was determined to stand by her best friend.


    At 9:30, Eleanor went home to study. Not long after,n came back as well.


    Joslyn greeted him at the door. "Good evening, sir. Mrs. Goodwin is upstairs reading." She carried a te of sliced fruit up the stairs.


    She knocked on Eleanor''s door. "Ma''am, your husband''s home." She set down the fruit.


    "Mm, I know," Eleanor replied, eyes still fixed on her book.


    She absentmindedly popped a cherry into her mouth, her gaze intent on the dense medical text. Ian''s shadow appeared in the doorway.


    The door was open. Eleanor nced at him, then turned back to her reading.


    His gaze darkened. He stared for a few seconds, then finally said, "Don''t stay up toote."


    With that, he left.


    Eleanor didn''t stay upte either. By eleven, she was downstairs to shower and get ready for bed.


    Around eleven-thirty, she was lying in bed, scrolling through her phone, when she heard footsteps outside her door. The doorknob-locked from the inside-twisted softly.


    After a moment, everything went quiet again.


    Eleanor rxed, finally able to drift off to sleep.


    Next week was her big exam¡ªa special opportunity the university had granted her to skip a year. Partly thanks to Dr. Lyman''s rmendation, and partly because of her own recent achievements.


    She was the developer of a groundbreaking new drug, the architect of the Marlowe Vige evidence chain, and her recent solo article had just been named one of the world''s top 1% most-cited scientific papers.


    Add to that her six published domestic research papers and her role as the founder of a global gicsb¡ªand Eleanor''s aplishments spoke for themselves.


    She was also preparing for her uing exam with an innovative new research project. The paper was already finished, and in two weeks, she would officially announce her results.

 Chapter 156

    Eleanor spent her weekends at home whilen headed out to Goodwin Manor to visit their daughter; she decided to stay behind.


    Monday morning, Eleanor dropped her daughter off and went straight to the exam hall at Ashford Medical University. Her major was internal medicine, but this round of exams covered eight core subjects. Over the next three days, she sat through them all.


    When thest exam ended, Joel joined her for lunch in the cafeteria. He''d expected her to be a bundle of nerves, maybe even too anxious to eat, but to his surprise, Eleanor looked calm andposed, eating heartily.


    "Three days of back-to-back exams and you''re not even tired?" Joel joked, raising an eyebrow.


    Eleanor rubbed her neck. "Not really tired-just a bit of a sore neck and my hand''s starting to cramp," she admitted. Then she turned to him, "I''ll need to borrow theb for a few days. There''s an innovative research project I have to finish."


    "Oh? Is that part of the exams too?"


    "It''s for my thesis research. I''d like to wrap it up as soon as possible," she said with a small smile.


    Joel stared at her for a moment, then grinned. "Well, I can''t wait to see what youe up with this time."


    Eleanor shook her head. If it weren''t for her desire to join Simone''s team soon, she wouldn''t bother showing off her academic achievements. But at this point, she couldn''t afford to hide her light anymore. She needed to stand out.


    That week, Evelyn''s summer break started. Eleanor promised herself that once her research was done, she''d devote her time to her daughter.


    Attorney Jeffries, who''d arranged to meet her, had to dy his return to the country due to an unexpected issue. Eleanor didn''t mind waiting.


    In theboratory restroom, Eleanor had just stepped into a stall when she heard footsteps-twob assistants hade in.


    "I heard Eleanor finished her exams, but no grades have been posted yet. Think the university''s embarrassed to announce her results?" one whispered.


    "Yeah, and she''s taken over anotherb now. Who knows what she''s working on in there," the other replied.


    "Well, that''s what happens when your father''s a big shot. Who at Ashford Medical would dare cross her?"


    "Everyone knows she stole her dad''s research for that miracle drug. She''s got some nerve going after awards, doesn''t she?"


    "Of course. It''s all in the family-they''re not about to sue her."


    In her stall, Eleanor clenched her fists. Who was spreading these lies about her?


    "If I had a father like hers, I could be famous in medicine too-just sit back and collect the glory."


    "Let''s just hope she never ends up on the operating table, or takes a shift in the clinic. She''s all show, no substance."


    The assistants left. Eleanor washed her hands and stepped out, only to run into Faye and Gwenda.


    Gwenda greeted her with forced cheer. "Eleanor, have your resultse out? How did you do?"


    Eleanor''s voice was cool. "No idea."


    Gwenda blinked in surprise. "Didn''t go well? That''s okay, skipping a year is tough. Just take it in stride."<fn3874> Original content can be found at f?ndnovel</fn3874>


    Faye smirked. "As expected. Not sure there''s anything to be consoled about."


    Eleanor brushed past them without another word.


    Behind her, Gwenda muttered, "What''s she so proud of?"


    Faye snorted. "Who cares? She''s about to leave medicine anyway. Soon we won''t have to see her at all."


    "What if she doesn''t quit?" Gwenda wondered. Would Eleanor really walk away from everything she''d achieved?


    "If she stays, she''ll just be aughingstock wherever she goes," Faye sneered.


    "But her father''s a renowned schr..."


    "Which makes it even worse. Her father''s a respected academic, and she''s just a fraud-she''ll drag his reputation down with her."


    Gwenda thought about how Eleanor had just treated her. Honestly, she hoped Eleanor would quit. After all, she''d spread quite a few rumors herself and didn''t want any trouble.


    A week passed, and Eleanor''s results still hadn''t been released-not even she knew how she''d done.


    But there was one person who already had the answer: Dr. Lyman. He was invested in Eleanor''s performance and had called ahead to get her results early.

 Chapter 157

    When he held Eleanor''s report card in his hands, he saw it-eight core courses, an average score of ny-eight.


    Dr. Lyman adjusted his sses, scanning the numbers again and again, hardly able to believe it. He immediately picked up the phone. "Bring Eleanor''s exam papers to my office. I want to review them myself."<fn18ab> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn18ab>


    That afternoon, a stack of Eleanor''s testsnded on Dr. Lyman''s desk. He sipped his tea, picked up the first exam, and began to read. Each answer was in Eleanor''s own handwriting, and every response came so close to perfection that it left him speechless.


    "This girl... Elliot, how did you raise a daughter like this?" Dr. Lyman eximed, shaking his head in amazement. Then he dialed his assistant. "Could you please ask Simone toe here?"


    "Right away!"


    About fifteen minutester, Simone pushed open the office door. "Lyman, you wanted to see me?"


    "Come here. You won''t believe your eyes."


    "What am I looking at?" Simone asked, curiosity piqued.


    "Eleanor''stest exam results," Dr. Lyman replied, unable to hide the excitement in his voice.


    Simone''s eyebrows shot up. "The scores are out?"


    "Come and see for yourself. This girl is exactly the person you need," Dr. Lyman said earnestly.


    Skeptical but intrigued, Simone pulled a test paper from the pile and took a seat. As she read, her eyes widened, mouth falling open as her heartbeat quickened.


    "This is... Eleanor''s paper? No way. How could she write something this wless?"


    "You think she cheated?" Dr. Lyman replied, taking another sip of tea. "Simone, even if you or I sat that exam today, we might not do as well as her. Who could she possibly copy from?"


    Simone quickly dismissed the idea. The test covered topics from recent research, some only emerging in thest couple of years. Eleanor''s father had passed away five years ago¡ªthere was no way he could''ve given her any hints.


    "How did she do overall?"


    "Eight subjects, average of ny-eight. She even beat her father''s average back in the day."


    "Elliot only managed a ny-six," Simone murmured, almost to herself.


    "She''s a prodigy-one of the brightest minds in medicine I''ve ever seen," Dr. Lyman said, awe in his voice. "Don''t let her talent go to waste, Simone." Simone gave a wry smile. "She won. I lost."


    Dr. Lyman had heard about her little wager with Eleanor. Heughed. "Isn''t that a good thing?"


    Three dayster, Eleanor''s results were posted on Ashford Medical University''s website, the announcement celebrating her extraordinary achievement in bold, congrattory tones.


    Not only that¡ªher test papers were showcased as the best in the university''s history.


    Eleanor was tidying up in theb when her assistant, Darcy, charged in, breathless with excitement. "Eleanor, your results are up! You averaged ny- eight-this is incredible!"


    Eleanor, already notified in advance by Dr. Lyman, just smiled calmly.


    "So you already knew, huh?" Darcy scratched his head, grinning sheepishly.


    Meanwhile, Gwenda, Faye, Horace, and Callie were deep in discussion in the conference room when the news broke. Gwenda immediately pulled up the university website, and when she saw the scores, her vision blurred with shock.


    "No way... How could Eleanor average a ny-eight? She couldn''t have copied, could she?"


    Faye snatched Gwenda''s tablet, eyes glued to the results. For a moment, her mind went nk-Eleanor hadn''t just passed; she''de close to a perfect score in every subject.


    "Impossible. Only a genius could pull this off. Her father''s average was just ny- six, wasn''t it? She actually outperformed him," Horace said in disbelief.


    "The test papers are public. See for yourself," Gwenda replied, scrolling through her phone.


    Faye''s face turned pale as she stared at Eleanor''s transcript, unable to utter a single word.

 Chapter 158

    "Faye, are you alright?" Gwenda asked, concern softening her voice.


    As upset as Gwenda felt, she knew Faye must be taking this even harder. Of all people, Faye was thest person who wanted to see Eleanor pass that exam.


    "It''s just a test," Horace offered, trying to soundforting. "It doesn''t mean much on its own. What really counts is practical work. This result just proves Eleanor put in the effort and came prepared, that''s all."


    "Exactly! Who cares about grades, anyway? We all managed to graduate, didn''t we?" Gwenda chimed in, though she''d barely scraped by herself.<fn2f40> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? Find~Novel</fn2f40>


    Faye set down her iPad, stood up in silence, and walked out of the conference


    room.


    "Gwenda, go after her," Horace urged, giving her a meaningful look. "She''s probably taking this harder than she lets on."


    Gwenda hurried after Faye, who was already striding down the hall toward Eleanor''s office. Lately, Eleanor had been working on her research, so she was likely there.


    Just as Faye reached the office door, she heard Joel''s voice from inside.


    "Ellie, Dr. Langley just called. You''re officially part of our team now."


    Faye''s face went even paler. She clenched her fists-Eleanor had really made it


    in, and all on her own merits.


    "Lunch is on me," Joel continued. "Let''s celebrate."


    "Great! Let''s invite Jude too!"


    Gwenda gently tugged Faye''s arm and whispered, "Come on, let''s go."


    Faye had wanted to storm in and use Eleanor of cheating, but she knew better. With such a strict exam process, there was no way Eleanor could have cheated.


    But to admit Eleanor was genuinely talented? Faye would never concede that, not even in her heart.


    How could it be that everything she''d struggled so hard for, Eleanor had achieved so easily?


    Meanwhile, in her office, Dr. Langley was distracted, unable to shake her thoughts. She''d always assumed Eleanor was arrogant and na?ve, but her results spoke for themselves-Eleanor really was that capable.


    It seemed she''d underestimated her after all.


    "Elliot, you truly raised an extraordinary daughter," Simone murmured with a sigh.


    A thought struck her, and she picked up her phone, scrolling ton''s number and dialing.


    "Hello? Dr. Langley?" camen''s voice.


    "Mr. Goodwin, I have good news. Your wife''s results are in-she graduated early with an incredible 98 average, and I''ve invited her to join my team," Simone reported honestly.


    "Dr. Langley, was that her usual performance?"n asked.


    Simone let out a small, impressedugh. "It''s an exceptionally rare achievement." "Please look after her,"n said.


    "Don''t worry. With talent like hers, I''ll make sure she''s put to good use. I don''t let personal feelings interfere with my work," Simone replied. It was true-she wasn''t the type to let old emotions cloud her judgment. Even though she''d once nursed a quiet crush on Elliot for four years and remained single after he''d gently turned her down, none of that mattered now.


    "Thank you,"n said simply.


    At Goodwin & Co.,n logged onto Ashford Medical University''s website. Eleanor''s results were posted right on the main page-her name and score impossible to miss.


    He narrowed his eyes, studying the transcript in silence.


    His phone rang. ncing at the caller ID, he answered, "Hello?"


    Whatever the caller said,n''s expression turned steely. His tone was cool but forceful. "Tell him this: anyone who uses my wife uses me. He''d be wise to remember that."


    After lunch, as Eleanor and Joel were making their way back to theb, Simone''s assistant approached Eleanor.


    "Dr. Langley would like to see you," she said.


    Eleanor followed her to Simone''s office. Simone was reading through a familiar document-Eleanor recognized it as the paper she''d first submitted to Dr. Lyman. The look of astonishment still lingered in Simone''s eyes as she looked up.


    "Did you write this yourself, or is this your father''s work?" she asked Eleanor quietly.

 Chapter 159

    Eleanor nced over the paper and offered a gentle smile. "What do you think, Professor Langley?"


    If Eleanor had failed to skip a year and graduate early, Simone might have believed this was Elliot''s unfinished work. But with Eleanor''s brilliant results, it was clear she''d earned her sess.


    Simone studied the young woman before her-poised and striking. After Elliot''s wife had passed away years ago, Eleanor was always by her father''s side. Simone remembered catching glimpses of the girl in Elliot''sb, working on her homework, sometimes falling asleep right at the desk from exhaustion.


    There was a time Simone had considered bing Eleanor''s stepmother, but Elliot had turned her down. She''d felt resentment, even bitterness, but in the end, she made peace with her past and threw herself into her research.


    Now, Eleanor stood before her-tall, confident, vibrant, and impressively aplished.


    "Your performance in this exam was outstanding," Simone said. "Dr. Lyman and I have discussed it, and we''d like to offer you direct admission to our graduate program. What do you think?"


    Eleanor was caught off guard. She''d hoped for this, but hadn''t expected Simone to rmend her so readily. She smiled, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Professor Langley. I do want to pursue graduate studies."


    "Excellent. Joel has already spoken to you about joining our team, hasn''t he?"


    "Yes, he has. And I''m grateful for the opportunity, Professor Langley."


    Simone adjusted her sses. "You don''t need to thank me. You earned this yourself."


    "This evening, theb is going out for dinner together. You should join us," Simone added.<fnd129> Content originallyes from find¡¤novel</fnd129>


    "I''d love to, Professor Langley." Eleanor smiled with quietposure.


    That evening, they gathered at a restaurant downtown. Simone hosted, and there were eight of them in total-Eleanor as the new addition, along with her assistant.


    Faye kept her emotions in check, acting as if nothing was amiss. When Simone raised her ss to toast Eleanor''s achievement, Faye joined in with a polite smile. But when Simone mentioned Eleanor''s direct admission to the graduate program, everyone except Joel fell silent, their smiles faltering.


    After all, Faye and the other three were current grad students; Eleanor''s fast track into the program only served to highlight their own mediocrity.


    At half past eight, Simone excused herself. The dinner wound down, and as everyone was leaving, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a new message. She nced at the screen-it was fromn.


    "I''m outside the restaurant. Come down."


    Eleanor paused, surprised. Why was he here to pick her up? She''d mentioned she''d be out for dinner around five, but hadn''t told him the restaurant''s name.


    Then she remembered: Ian and Simone were in contact. That exined it.


    By now, the group had stepped outside. Eleanor turned to the others. "I''ll head off first."


    Faye and Gwenda watched as Eleanor, clutching her bag, made her way toward a gleaming luxury car parked beneath a streemp.


    "Wait... is that a Rolls?" Callie blurted out, wide-eyed.


    Faye and Gwenda looked more closely. Sure enough, Eleanor was getting into a sleek ck Rolls-Royce.


    "The guy driving-that''s her husband, right?" Gwenda whispered.


    Faye nced at Joel and noticed he, too, was watching Eleanor. She narrowed her eyes, trying to get a better look at Eleanor''s husband. From this distance, she could only make out a tall, well-built figure in the driver''s seat-his features hidden by the darkness.


    "Joel, want a ride home?" Faye offered, trying to sound casual.


    Joel shook his head. "I''m meeting some friends tonight. See you tomorrow."


    With that, he strode away, leaving Faye blinking back disappointment, eyes stinging. Horace stepped up and asked, "Faye, mind giving me a lift? I came by cab."


    Faye grabbed Gwenda''s arm instead. "I''ll give Gwenda a ride. You guys can share a taxi."


    Once inside Faye''s car, Gwenda couldn''t help but mutter, "Eleanor really keeps a low profile. Her husband must be loaded-who drives a Rolls-Royce these days?"

 Chapter 160

    "People in business just drive shy cars for show. Nothing special about it," Faye said with a shrug.


    Gwenda, who came from a modest background, nced at Faye with open envy. "Faye, your family must be even richer than Eleanor''s." She paused, something else dawning on her, and added, "And your sister¡ªshe''s going to be married to the wealthiest man in the country someday!"


    Faye''s mood soured even further. So what if Eleanor had a husband now? That never stopped her from getting Joel''s attention.


    The car was quiet, so quiet that Eleanor leaned back, closed her eyes, and let herself drift. Ian''s driving was steady, almost soothing, and it didn''t take long for her exhaustion to win out-she fell asleep.


    Days of cramming for exams, coupled with two sses of wine earlier, had left her utterly drained.


    At a red light,n eased down on the brakes early, careful not to jolt the car or wake the sleeping woman beside him.


    A streemp cast pale light through the windshield, highlighting his tall, broad figure and the unreadable expression carved across his face.


    He nced at Eleanor, peacefully asleep, then stared out toward the distance, lost in thought. Finally, he turned the steering wheel, guiding the car away from the familiar route home and onto the coastal highway.


    Nearly an hourter-<fne80a> Content originallyes from find{n}ovel</fne80a>


    Eleanor woke in a haze, thinking she''d arrived home. She pushed her messy hair from her forehead, but when she looked up, she froze.


    This wasn''t her house. It was avish seven-star hotel by the sea.


    Turning to the man in the driver''s seat, she demanded, "Why did you bring me here?"


    "Evelyn''s at Goodwin Manor tonight. We''ll stay here,"n replied, meeting her gaze. Even though he tried to hide it, his intentions were written all over his face.


    Eleanor stared-he wants a night alone with her?


    How absurd.


    She remembered this hotel. Ian kept a presidential suite here year-round. Back when things were simpler, the three of them would spend weekends here as a family.


    Her expression hardened. She opened the car door and stepped out.


    "A cab. I''m going home," she said tly.


    "It''ste,"n reminded her.


    Just then, Eleanor spotted a taxi dropping off a passenger. She hurried forward, hoping to g it down. At that moment, a car sped toward her, headlights slicing through the night.


    She froze, panic nking her mind-until a strong arm yanked her out of harm''s way.


    Her back collided withn''s solid chest. She could feel his heart pounding, his hand tightening protectively around her waist, as if afraid she''d bolt again.


    The driver, a middle-aged man, rolled down the window, face pale with remorse. "I''m so sorry! Are you alright?"


    "Let go of me," Eleanor snapped, struggling to pryn''s hand off.


    "Stop it. I''ll take you home,"n said, opening the passenger door for her.


    She hesitated a moment, then slid into the seat.


    in the car was thick, his annoyance radiating in waves.


    Eleanor was in no better mood. She bit her lip, arms crossed tightly, staring out the window.


    The ck sedan reversed, then sped back down the winding coastal road.


    After a while,n turned on the radio, letting soft music fill the silence.


    Neither spoke the rest of the way. By the time they pulled up at the house, it was already half past eleven.


    Eleanor stepped out and headed into the foyer. Spotting the door to the housekeeper''s room opening, she called, "Joslyn, you can head to bed now!"

 Chapter 161

    Joslyn nced at the man of the house as he stepped in behind her, then quietly closed the door, careful not to make a sound.


    It seemed the tension between Mr. and Mrs. Carter was brewing once again.


    After her shower, Eleanor reyed the near-miss with the speeding car in her head¡ªa brush with disaster that left her shaken. She made a silent vow: no more impulsive decisions like that.


    Still,n''s behavior tonight had truly infuriated her.


    In the early hours of the morning, Xavier drove to Metropolitan General Hospital. Juliette had been admitted again, sidelined by her chronic illness.


    When Xavier entered her private room, Juliette had just finished a bowl of nourishing soup the housekeeper had fed her. She looked pale and exhausted, the years and the burdens of managing her affairs alone weighing visibly on her.


    Watching her nephew approach, Juliette''s heart ached. She once had a son too, but his reckless love of extreme sports had imed his life in the ocean; not even his body was ever found.


    They spoke for a few minutes, catching up. Juliette sighed, "I was hoping Eleanor would join my research team, but she never showed up."


    Xavier''s eyes flickered. "She probably has her own ns."


    "I heard she just graduated early, aced every exam-she''s a rare medical genius." The more Juliette spoke, the more regret tinged her words. Losing such talent to another institution felt like a missed opportunity.


    Xavier''s lips curled into a faint smile. "She really is exceptional."


    Juliette turned her attention back to him. "And what about Miss Chase, the woman


    I introduced you tost time? Any thoughts about settling down?"


    Xavier''s expression froze for a moment. "Aunt Juliette, I''m not thinking about marriage right now."


    She tutted, shaking her head. "You''re not getting any younger, you know. How are you not worried? My future business depends on you!"


    Xavier chuckled softly. "I just haven''t met the right person."


    Juliette''s eyes narrowed in amusement. "Or is there someone you already like?" she teased.


    He smiled, a guarded look in his eyes, and said nothing.


    She nodded knowingly and encouraged him, "Keep at it! With your qualities, you could win over anyone you wanted."


    A trace of helpless amusement flickered in Xavier''s eyes.


    ...


    A weekter, Eleanor wrapped up hertest project in theb-a new tumor marker detection kit, boasting a 48% improvement in sensitivity over the previous version.


    Dr. Lyman, her supervisor, was thrilled with the breakthrough. It was a significant step forward for clinical research, and he nned to file the patent under Eleanor''s name, giving her the recognition she deserved.


    News of her achievement quickly spread, and Eleanor''s name started popping up in medical journals and headlines. Thebel of "prodigy" was officially hers.


    With summer break underway, Evelyn was home more often, so Eleanor decided to take a week off to spend quality time with her daughter.


    At dinner the night before,n had mentioned a trip to a countryside farm just outside the city¡ªa chance for Evelyn to get some fresh air. Eleanor hadn''t taken her daughter on an outing like this in ages, so she readily agreed.


    It was a two-hour drive from home. When they arrived at the farm and stepped out


    of the car, Eleanor immediately noticed a familiar Bentley parked nearby.


    It looked like Xavier''s.


    Inside the farm, hand in hand with Evelyn, Eleanor spotted Xavier in the garden, helping Vivian feed the small animals.


    "Vivian!" Evelyn called out, delighted.<fn044c> Readplete version only at find?novel</fn044c>


    Eleanor paused in surprise. Ian hadn''t told her he''d invited friends along.


    She greeted Xavier politely, then grabbed a box of lettuce for Evelyn to feed the rabbits. The farm had been reserved for their group today, and soon after, Henry arrived with his younger sister and her daughter. As Eleanor nced up, she caught sight of a striking, elegant woman following close behind Henry.


    Vanessa hade as well.

 Chapter 162

    Vanessa and Henry''s younger sister strolled through the manor gates together, chatting andughing like old friends.


    A flicker of annoyance crossed Eleanor''s eyes, but she kept her thoughts to herself. She knew Vanessa was the darling ofn''s social circle.


    Both Henry and Xavier treated her well; whenever there was an important event, Vanessa was always on the guest list.


    "Mrs. Shannon, you''re here too!" Evelyn looked up at Vanessa in surprise.


    Vanessa bent down with a warm smile. "I am! Are you happy to see me, Evelyn?"


    Evelyn''s face lit up. "Very happy." Then, just as quickly, she turned her attention back to feeding the little bunny in her hands.


    Vanessa straightened, her appearance meticulously styled. She wore a flowing bohemian dress, her long hair braided and draped loosely over her shoulder- effortlessly chic, with a yful, rxed charm.


    "Miss Sutton, we meet again," Vanessa called out, shing Eleanor a friendly smile.


    Eleanor ignored her, eyes fixed elsewhere. Vanessa bit her lip, a rare touch of frustration showing. Eleanor had been the center of attentiontely-word was, she''d even managed to graduate early. Vanessa had heard it all from Faye, and though she couldn''t hide her envy, Faye insisted it was nothing to fret over.


    After all, these were just remnants of Eleanor''s father''s influence before his passing. Soon, theirboratory wouldunch a new round of research.


    Faye had said it was cutting-edge medicine, with whispers of Al involvement¡ª fields Eleanor''s father had never even touched. When that began, it would be clear to everyone whether Eleanor had real talent or was just a paper figure propped up by legacy.


    Vanessa nced toward the group of men deep in conversation, then made her way to the gentleman pouring himself tea.


    "Miss Sutton, hello! I''m Hannah Holt. It''s so nice to meet you," Hannah greeted her with genuine warmth.


    "Nice to meet you too," Eleanor replied politely, offering a gentle smile.


    Hannah studied Eleanor with open admiration. By now, Eleanor''s reputation had grown far and wide.


    "How old is your daughter?" Hannah asked.


    "She''ll turn five next week," Eleanor answered, her smile softening.


    "Mine is a year older. You''ve done such a wonderful job-my daughter''s always been a bit on the skinny side."


    With the topic of children, conversation flowed easily. Vivian and Evelyn quickly weed Hannah''s daughter into their games, and soon, the three girls were happily ying together.


    Vivian settled beside Henry andn, cradling a ss of juice and listening contentedly as the men talked.


    Meanwhile, Xavier andn''s gaze drifted now and then toward the garden.


    For children, there''s nothing better than time spent with animals. The garden was


    alive with little bunnies andmbs-adorable, gentlepanions.


    Watching her daughter run wild with joy, Eleanor felt her own heart lighten.


    Before long, it was time for lunch.


    The table was set for a hearty country feast. Eleanor paid special attention to Evelyn, making sure her te was filled. Vanessa sat beside Hannah, the two engaged in lively conversation. From their talk, Eleanor gathered that Vanessa also tutored Hannah''s daughter in piano.


    "This time, Mae is sure to pass her piano exam. I have every confidence in her," Vanessa said, encouragingly.


    "It''s all thanks to you," Hannah replied. "Mae never really enjoyed ying before, but ever since you started teaching her, she''s improved so much."


    Henry chimed in with a grin, "Vanessa''s a world-ss pianist. With her as Mae''s teacher, there''s nothing to worry about!"<fnd320> This update is avable on find?novel</fnd320>


    Vanessa just smiled modestly. "It''s my pleasure."


    Suddenly, Hannah turned to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, does your daughter y piano too?"


    Eleanor smiled lightly. "She does. I teach her myself."


    Hannah''s eyes widened in surprise. "I didn''t know you yed! That''s impressive."


    Evelyn piped up proudly, "My mom''s piano ying is the prettiest!"


    Eleanor ruffled her daughter''s hair, her smile bright with affection.

 Chapter 163

    Vanessa bit her lip, clutching her teacup a little too tightly. She couldn''t help feeling awkward¡ªafter all, she was Evelyn''s very first piano teacher. Yet now, Evelyn hadn''t even mentioned her.


    Watching Evelyn tip up her round little chin, gazing at Eleanor with open adoration, Vanessa muttered inwardly, What a little ingrate.


    After lunch, everyone wandered out to the wide green meadow beside the farmhouse. Wildflowers were in full bloom, and across the field, a magnificent waterfall tumbled down the rocks. It was the perfect spot for photos.


    Eleanor took plenty of pictures of her daughter, snapping candids and a few fun selfies together.


    "Daddy,e take a picture with me!" Evelyn tugged onn''s arm, eager to pose with him.<fn8d40> Follow current nov?ls on f?ndnovel</fn8d40>


    Catching this out of the corner of her eye, Eleanor thought: Vanessa wasn''t just taking pictures¡ªshe was putting on a show forn.


    Soon after, Henry snapped a few photos for Vanessa as well. Hannah and Vanessa posed for several shots together,ughing as they went.


    But suddenly, Vanessa pressed a hand to her forehead, her face turning pale as she leaned heavily on Hannah''s shoulder.


    "Miss Shannon? Miss Shannon..."


    Both Henry andn noticed right away and hurried to her side. In the end,n caught her as she swayed, steadying her in his arms.


    n, my head..." Vanessa''s words trailed off as she fainted against him.


    Eleanor, holding Evelyn''s hand, hurried over. Ian was already lifting Vanessa in his arms, turning to her with a quick instruction, "You and Evelyn ride home with Xavier."


    Without waiting for a response, he strode briskly toward the parking lot, Vanessa cradled against his chest.


    "What''s wrong with Mrs. Shannon?" Evelyn''s face was drawn with worry.


    Eleanor crouched down, gently soothing her. "She''ll be okay, darling."


    But Evelyn wasn''t convinced. "Daddy, Daddy..." she called frantically, her little voice trembling. Ian, however, was too far away to hear.


    Finally, Evelyn burst into tears, wailing, "I want Daddy! I want Daddy..."


    Eleanor gathered her into her arms, pressing her daughter''s face to her shoulder and whispering softly, "Shh, it''s alright, sweetheart. Mommy''s here."


    Xavier and Vivian came over tofort Evelyn as well.


    It took a while, but eventually Eleanor managed to calm her down.


    The mood was somber after that, so everyone agreed to head back to the city.


    Henry shepherded his sister and niece into the car. Eleanor took Evelyn and Vivian to Xavier''s car. Before they left, the farmhouse staff handed out little gifts, and the two girls yed happily in the back seat.


    Eleanor turned to Xavier, embarrassed. "Mr. Vaughn, I''m so sorry for the trouble." Xavier met her eyes in the rearview mirror, his gaze steady. "It''s no trouble at all." Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Eleanor gave him a grateful smile.


    Ever since that day at the pool when Xavier had rescued her, Eleanor had felt a quiet sense of friendship toward him. Afterward, he''d helped her several more times, and she was genuinely thankful.


    When Eleanor got home, she bathed Evelyn and tucked her into bed. She had a feelingn wouldn''t return that night.


    Sure enough, he didn''te home.


    At half past ten, Eleanor''s phone chimed with a new message.


    "Miss Sutton, are you free tomorrow? I''m back in the country." It was from


    Attorney Jeffries, her old friend fromw school.


    Eleanor replied, "I''m free. See you tomorrow."


    This marriage, she thought, is finallying to an end.

 Chapter 164

    The next morning, Eleanor dropped Evelyn off at her inws'' house. Gina had been missing her granddaughter and greeted them at the door.


    "Mom, I''ll have to trouble you to look after Evelyn for a few days," Eleanor said.


    Although Gina''s opinion of Eleanor had improved a little, she still wasn''t fond of her temperament.


    "I''m flying out of the country on Friday," Gina replied briskly. "Come by Thursday night to pick her up."


    Eleanor hesitated. "Is Grandma traveling with you too?"


    "No, she''ll stay here. Serena will take care of her, but if you have time, you shoulde by and keep herpany."


    "Of course," Eleanor agreed with a nod.


    Ten o''clock,te morning.


    Eleanor was meeting with Joy at a quiet caf¨¦ to discuss the divorce. As they spoke, the entrance bell chimed, and a sharply dressed man strode inside. He looked to be twenty-eight or twenty-nine, tall-well over six feet-wearing a tailored suit that radiated confidence andpetence.


    "My mentor, Frazier Jeffries," Joy said, standing to introduce him.


    "And my friend, Eleanor," she added.


    Eleanor and Frazier exchanged a firm handshake before taking their seats.


    Without wasting time, Frazier switched to business mode. He calmly analyzed Eleanor''s situation: even if she filed for divorce and was willing to leave with nothing, the progress would still depend onn''s cooperation and how quickly he responded.


    "Filing now is definitely in your favor for securing custody," he exined. "Your daughter''s under five-courts nearly always lean toward granting mothers custody with such young children."


    Eleanor nodded. "Attorney Jeffries, I''m counting on you to help me win this case," she said earnestly.


    "You''re Joy''s friend, so I''ll do my best," Frazier replied, shing a dazzling smile.


    He went on, "I''ve also heard of you, Miss Sutton-the first to develop the breakthrough medication, and the key witness in the Marlowe Vige case. The medical field''s young prodigy-I''m truly impressed."


    Eleanor gave a modest smile. "You tter me."


    Joy nudged Frazier with a sly grin. "Is there anything you''d like topliment her on besides her career?"


    Frazier chuckled. "Well, of course-Miss Sutton''s beauty is just as unforgettable."


    Eleanor shot Joy a look, but Joy only grinned wider and excused herself, saying she had to run and leaving them to talk in more depth.


    "Miss Sutton, unless you have anything else to add to the divorce agreement, I can personally deliver it to your husband this afternoon and have him refer hiswyer to me," Frazier offered.


    Eleanor had been waiting for this day. She nodded. "Thank you for your hard work, Attorney Jeffries."


    He gave her a measured look. "You realize you''ll be walking away with nothing. I''l fight for you, of course. If Mr. Goodwin''s willing to offerpensation, I''ll make sure you get a fair deal."


    Eleanor thought to herself that ifn was willing to let her have custody and offer her something extra, she''d ept it.


    "Money isn''t my priority," Eleanor said. "What matters most is custody of my daughter. Please, Attorney Jeffries, do everything you can."


    Frazier paused. He''d seen plenty of high-profile divorces where the mother would trade custody for a bigger settlement.<fn2edd> Follow current nov?ls on </fn2edd>


    "If the court doesn''t grant the divorce in the first hearing, be prepared for a year of separation," he advised. "After that, a second hearing almost always results in a finalized divorce."


    Eleanor nodded. She was more than ready for a long battle.


    Goodwin & Co.


    As the workday neared its end,n''s assistant Larry appeared at the door. "Mr. Goodwin, Attorney Jeffries is here for your five o''clock meeting."


    He''d heard of Frazier his reputation in legal circles was impressive. Ian assumed he was here to interview for a position; after all, his legal department was always on the lookout for top talent.


    Frazier entered, every inch the consummate professional. He nced at the tall, striking man seated on the sofan''s presence was unmistakable.


    "Mr. Goodwin," Frazier greeted politely, "good afternoon."

 Chapter 165

    "Please, have a seat, Mr. Jeffries."n gestured toward the chair and nced at his watch. "Let''s keep this brief. I have another appointment in ten minutes."


    Frazier hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Mr. Goodwin, there''s been a misunderstanding. I''m not here to apply for a position at your firm."


    Joining Goodwin & Co.''s legal department was every attorney''s dream, but Frazier had always valued his independence¡ªand he had no intention of bing someone else''s pawn.


    Frazier opened his briefcase and ced a divorce agreement on the table. "I''m here as your wife Eleanor''s representative, to discuss the terms of your divorce."


    "You''re telling me my wife wants a divorce?" He looked up, his gaze sharp and unyielding.<fn5cd0> Discover more novels at find{n}ovel</fn5cd0>


    "She personally asked me to draw up the agreement," Frazier replied, sliding the contract across the table. "Miss Sutton has already signed. You''re wee to look it over."


    "I''ll discuss this with my wife before making any decisions,"n said coldly, clearly signaling the meeting was over.


    "Of course. I''ll wait to hear from your attorney." Frazier calmly picked up the contract and left the office.


    He''d expected as much. With someone liken Goodwin-a billionaire of his stature-this wouldn''t be a simple divorce. It would take time and effort to resolve.


    A few minutester, he''d regained hisposure. Ian grabbed his phone and car keys, ready to head home.


    On the drive, his mother called, asking if he''d be joining them for dinner at Goodwin Manor. Evelyn was there.


    He declined.


    Eleanor had given Joslyn-their housekeeper-a three-day break.


    A storm was brewing in this house, and everyone seemed to sense it.


    At six o''clock,n stepped through the front door, his silhouette tall andposed. Early July''s heat clung to his white dress shirt and dark cks, his presence as crisp and severe as ever.


    He entered with that familiar, stern look, eyesnding on the woman waiting for him on the sofa. Without a word, he crossed the room to her.


    Eleanor set aside her tablet, meeting his gaze head-on. She could tell he''d spoken to Frazier.


    "So, you only want custody of our daughter? That''s your one condition for the divorce?"n sat across from her.


    Eleanor lifted her chin. Gone was the caution and uncertainty of the past years; in their ce, a steely resolve.


    "Yes. I want full custody, and nothing else. Please sign the papers as soon as possible," she replied, her voice steady.


    "Why would you make this decision without even talking to me?"n''s eyes narrowed.


    "I didn''t think it was necessary," Eleanor said quietly.


    "We need to talk." Rubbing his brow,n looked exhausted, the red in his eyes betraying a sleepless night.


    Eleanor noticed. She knew he''d spentst night at Vanessa''s bedside again.


    "There''s nothing left to discuss." Her tone was unwavering. "I''m getting this divorce."<pn was taken aback. He looked at Eleanor, his own tone just as resolute. "I don''t agree to a divorce."

 Chapter 166

    Eleanor had already anticipated thatn wouldn''t agree to a divorce so easily, but she was prepared for it. She picked up her purse and said coolly, "Then I guess I''ll see you in court."


    With that, she turned to leave.<fn1212> Fresh chapters posted on find?novel</fn1212>


    She pulled her hand free and stepped back, her tone icy. "No. I''m divorcing you, no matter what."


    Without waiting for a response, he grabbed his car keys and strode out.


    Eleanor frowned. What was he up to this time? Just trying to stall the divorce?


    A littleter, Eleanor left as well. She drove to a quiet, old neighborhood of townhouses¡ªa property her parents had left her. The house''s exterior was weathered by time and rain, but she made sure to have a cleaning servicee by regrly, so inside it was always tidy.


    Pushing open the gate and switching on the living room light, Eleanor took a long breath. After the divorce, this would be the new home for her and her daughter.


    She called Frazier, her attorney, who analyzedn''s response and advised her to be patient and give him a little time. After all, Ian would need to get his finances in order before they could discuss the division of assets.


    Thursday afternoon arrived, and Eleanor went to pick up her daughter right on time. When she stepped into the living room, she noticed threerge suitcases neatly packed-Gina was getting ready to leave the country.


    "Evelyn, let''s go home with Mom now. Grandma wille back soon to visit you," Gina said, ruffling her granddaughter''s hair and hugging her tightly, her eyes glistening with tears.


    Evelyn hugged her back, reluctant to let go. "Grandma, you have toe back and y with me soon, okay?"


    "I promise, sweetie, I''ll be back as soon as I can." Gina wiped her eyes, then turned to Eleanor. "Ian''s traveling with me this time, so I''ll have to trouble you to look after Evelyn for a while."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. Ian was going abroad too?


    "Evelyn, go y in the yard for a bit. Mom needs to talk to Grandma," Eleanor said gently.


    Evelyn darted out, eager to explore the garden. Eleanor turned to Gina. "There''s something I need to tell you."


    Gina hesitated. It had been a long time since Eleanor had spoken to her so directly.


    "Go ahead."


    "Ian and I are filing for divorce," Eleanor said inly. She could tell her mother-in-w had long wished for a different daughter-inw; this news would likelye as a relief.


    "What? You two are divorcing?" Gina stared at her in shock.


    "Yes. Mywyer has already been in touch with him," Eleanor replied.


    Gina''s expression wasplicated as she looked at her. "You really want this? But back then-"


    Eleanor gave a small, calm smile. "I was too young back then. I didn''t really understand what I was doing. I''m sorry for all the trouble I''ve caused you."


    Gina studied Eleanor''s serene expression, even more surprised. She never expected Eleanor to be the one to initiate the divorce.


    "Well, your marriage is between you andn. I can''t really interfere. You''re both still young. If you''re not right for each other, maybe divorce is for the best," Gina said quietly. She didn''t try to stop her, nor did she encourage them to stay together.


    Eleanor nodded, then went outside to find her daughter.


    She took Evelyn to the townhouse her parents had left her. To Evelyn, everything was new and exciting; she loved it at first sight. Over the next few days, Eleanor made the house cozy and weing, filling it with toys for her daughter, who quickly fell in love with their new home.


    At nine-thirty that evening, Eleanor received a series of photos on her phone.


    She opened them-it was Trent who''d sent them. More airport snapshots. In the background behindn, Gina was linking arms with Vanessa. The two women were chatting andughing together, looking more like mother and daughter-or perhaps the picture-perfect inws.

 Chapter 167

    Eleanor felt her heart sink. Son was nning to travel abroad with both of them?


    In the photo, Vanessa was all smiles, radiating the carefree joy of someone about


    to go on vacation. There was no trace of the weakness from the day she''d fainted.


    Clearly,n had been taking good care of her these past few days.


    If that was the case, he really ought to sign the divorce papers as soon as possible and marry Vanessa, so they could finally be a proper family.


    But ifn was leaving the country, he wouldn''t be back for at least a week or two, maybe longer. The divorce would have to wait.


    Just then,n''s message popped up on her phone:


    "I''ll be out of the country for a while. We''ll discuss the divorce when I''m back."


    Eleanor let out a cold, silentugh.


    "Fine. Just handle it as soon as you''re back," she replied.<fn44fa> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on Find[?]ovel</fn44fa>


    The next day, Joslyn moved in with her daughter and their golden retriever, Princess. Eleanor and Evelyn spent a happy week together in their cozy little apartment. Joel dropped by to visit, bringing several thoughtful gifts for Evelyn.


    When he heard about her ns for divorce, Joel''s eyes grew more serious. "Any idea when the paperwork will go through?"


    "No clue," Eleanor said, wrapping her hands around her mug. "Ian''s out of the country. We have to wait for him toe back."


    "If there''s anything I can do, just say the word," Joel offered, then added with a smile, "I''m pretty good with kids, you know."


    Eleanor smiled, a touch of mischief in her eyes. "Alright! Don''t be surprised if I take you up on that offer when I need help with Evelyn."


    "Anytime," Joel replied, adjusting his sses, his eyes sparkling with warmth.


    Atn''s vi, a white Ferrari pulled up in the driveway. Serena stepped out, carrying a couple of gift bags, and walked up to the front door. She knocked, but no one answered.


    "What''s going on? Did Eleanor take Evelyn out?" she muttered, pulling out her phone and dialing Eleanor''s number.


    "Hello?"


    "Sis, why aren''t you home?" Serena asked.


    "I moved out. Did you need something?"


    "You moved out? You and my brother are living apart?" Serena''s mind raced, trying to piece things together.


    "That''s right. Ian and I are getting a divorce. We''re living separately now," Eleanor said, matter-of-fact.


    "What? You''re getting divorced?" Serena was stunned. She''d been hoping for this day, but it still caught her off guard.


    "Was there something you needed?" Eleanor''s voice brought her back to the present.


    "Oh, it''s nothing. I just bought a couple of gifts for Evelyn."


    "You can give them to her another time."


    "Alright, next time then!" Serena could barely contain her excitement as she hung


    up. She let out a gleeful littleugh and immediately dialed Vanessa.


    "Hey, Serena," Vanessa answered.


    "Vanessa, I bet you''ve already heard the news!"


    "Heard what?"


    "My brother and Eleanor are finally getting a divorce! Didn''t he tell you?"


    "Who told you that?" Vanessa sounded just as shocked.


    "Eleanor herself. They''re already living apart," Serena reported enthusiastically. "Once the divorce is final, you''ll be my new sister-inw."


    "Well, that won''t happen until it''s official."


    "My brother doesn''t love her, and she''s willing to let go. He''s been waiting for this! Just wait and see-give it a month, and they''ll be done."


    "Have you seen Xaviertely?" Vanessa asked, changing the subject.


    "Not really. I haven''t had much chance-he''s always so busy." Serena sighed.


    "Mrs. Juliette Grayson''s charity foundation just named Xavier as a major shareholder. Do you want to work there? It''d give you more opportunities to see him."


    "Alright, I''ll apply," Serena agreed without hesitation. For love, she was willing to swallow her pride and take the job.

 Chapter 168

    Two weeks slipped by in the blink of an eye.


    A flight from Drexford touched down without incident.


    Outside the terminal, a line of ck town cars waited. Gina climbed into the backseat of her car and closed her eyes, trying to rest. Vanessa watched asn got into the lead vehicle, then followed her agent into another sedan.


    All three wore the same look of exhaustion, the kind only a long journey can bring.


    After dropping his mother off at her house,n headed home. The living room felt cavernous and empty as he sank onto the couch, made a few brief calls, then rubbed his temples and trudged upstairs to rest.


    He had just finished showering when his phone rang. He reached for it, answering with a curt, "Hello?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, I''ve sent the divorce papers to your email."


    "Alright,"n replied, voice t.<fn2be1> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? f¦É?dn¦Ïvel</fn2be1>


    Still in his robe, he made his way to the study, opened hisptop, and clicked open thewyer''s email. He squinted as he read through the contract, then ced a call in response.


    "No issues. I''ll print it out tomorrow."


    "Mr. Goodwin, I can handle this for you if you''d-" thewyer began, butn cut him off coldly.


    "This is my decision."


    "... Understood."


    He checked the time, then sent Eleanor a text: Meet me at my office tomorrow to discuss the divorce.


    Eleanor had just gotten her daughter to sleep whenn''s message arrived. The tension in her chest eased a little. She replied simply, Okay.


    She quickly texted Frazier, asking him to apany her ton''s office the next day.


    Sleep was hard toe by that night. Eleanor''s mind raced-she hadn''t expectedn to agree to the divorce so readily. Was Vanessa pressuring him behind the scenes? Whatever the reason, it was good news for her.


    The next morning, Joy came over to watch Evelyn. Eleanor and Frazier headed straight downtown to Goodwin & Co. for the negotiations.


    As soon as they stepped into the gleaming marble lobby, Gavin greeted them. "Mrs. Goodwin, wee."


    Eleanor smiled and followed him inton''s private elevator, which whisked them up to the executive floor.


    Frazier apanied her inton''s office, where a distinguished-looking man sat waiting on the sofa. Frazier gave a polite nod. "Attorney Lambert."


    "Attorney Shannon," Hugh Lambert replied, then turned his attention to Eleanor and rose respectfully. "Mrs. Goodwin."


    Eleanor paused, slightly surprised by the deference in his tone, but she nodded politely in return.


    At that moment, footsteps sounded behind her. Ian entered, sharply dressed in a suit and tie. His gaze fell on Eleanor; she met his eyes, noticing how bloodshot and hollow they looked-exhausted, haunted.


    Eleanor couldn''t help a cold, inward smile. This wasn''t about the divorce. Vanessa must have given him hellst night.


    "Mr. Goodwin, you''re here. Shall we get started?" Hugh said, all business.


    contract.


    Eleanor straightened her back and steeled herself. In a matter of minutes, the man before her would be her ex-husband.


    "Mrs. Goodwin, this is Mr. Goodwin''s proposed divorce agreement. Please review it. If there are no objections, you may sign today." Hugh handed them a thick file.


    Eleanor exchanged a nce with Frazier, who took the contract first. "Let''s look through it together, Mrs. Goodwin."


    She nodded, scooting closer as Frazier opened the document. Eleanor''s brow furrowed at the sheer length-it was at least ten pages-but right there in the first use, it stated inly: Custody of their daughter Evelyn would go to Eleanor, and Evelyn would live with her.

 Chapter 169

    The next sectionid out the child support arrangements, and Eleanor''s eyes widened when she saw the figure: three million dors a month, to be paid byn.


    She felt both relief and disbelief, exhaling sharply before drawing in a startled breath.


    Wait, what was written on the next page?


    Eleanor watched as Frazier flipped through the following terms, his expression shifting to one of astonishment as he looked across the table atn.


    Eleanor frowned, too. She had insisted on leaving the marriage with nothing, so why was this man granting her so much of his wealth?


    There were at least twenty pages, dense withpany names, shares, and percentages-so convoluted that Eleanor couldn''t make sense of it.


    Frazier suppressed his own gasp. A quick mental calction told him thatn''s divorce settlement couldunch Eleanor straight into the top ten, or maybe even top three, of Ashford City''s richest women.


    "Mr. Goodwin, if you have no changes to this settlement, we''ll need some time to process it," Frazier said coolly.


    His gaze never left Eleanor, as if he had been watching her face the entire time. She met his stare, baffled by his intentions.


    But he was soposed-so utterly unfazed by the divorce, as if he bore not a trace of resentment toward her.


    A faint unease crept over Eleanor. She had never seenn lose his temper, or even disy genuine anger. All his intelligence and ruthlessness were cloaked in


    a veneer of sophistication and charm, to the point where even she had never glimpsed his true methods.


    What exactly was he nning?


    "Miss Sutton, let''s go," Frazier said gently.


    Eleanor nodded, stood up without another nce atn, and left with Frazier.


    No sooner had they gone than Hugh turned ton. "Mr. Goodwin, if you''d like, I can help you minimize-"


    "I know what I''m doing. That won''t be necessary,"n interrupted coldly, dismissing him as well.


    Across the street, Eleanor and Frazier settled into a booth at a quiet caf¨¦. Frazier perused the divorce agreement, then admitted, "Miss Sutton, it looks like Mr. Goodwin is giving you half his fortune."<fn15a0> ?????? ???? f?ndnovel</fn15a0>


    Eleanor''s hand froze on her coffee cup. "Why would he do that?"


    Frazier gave a small, wry smile. "Maybe Mr. Goodwin still has strong feelings for you?"


    Eleanor snorted. "Do you really think that''s possible? This is just his way of keeping me tied up."


    Frazier''s smile faded, reced by a calm professionalism. "Honestly, dividing assets of this scale could take six months at best, a year or longer if things drag out."


    Eleanor''s gaze darkened. Just as she had suspected.


    "Attorney Jeffries, please talk to hiswyer for me. I want this divorce finalized as quickly as possible-he can keep the settlement simple," Eleanor said.


    "Of course. I''ll let Mr. Goodwin''s attorney know your wishes. But you do have the right to marital assets under thew," Frazier reminded her gently.


    Eleanor rubbed her forehead, her voice weary. "Just do what I asked-negotiate for a quick settlement."


    Frazier nodded. "Alright. I''ll follow your instructions."

 Chapter 170

    Faye hadn''t seen Joel in Simone''sb for several days, and Eleanor hadn''t shown up for nearly two weeks either.


    Their absence had put Faye in a restless mood. This afternoon, there was a meeting scheduled, and both Joel and Eleanor were on the agenda. Surely they''d have to show up for that, right?


    At half past two, Faye nced at the time on her phone. Just then, she heard footsteps in the hallway. The door swung open, and sure enough-Joel and Eleanor entered together.


    It almost looked as if they''de straight from the same ce. A flicker of jealousy crossed Faye''s eyes. Were they living together now?


    Simone strode in, clutching a stack of papers. "Good, everyone''s here. Let''s get started."


    The meeting focused on gene editing, regenerative medicine, and the role of artificial intelligence in both. Simone praised Joel for his Al-driven drug discovery and cellr simtion proposal.


    "Professor Langley, I can''t take full credit for that," Joel corrected her. "Eleanor was actually the one who came up with the idea first."


    Faye scoffed inwardly. Joel was practically tripping over himself to hand all the credit to Eleanor these days. Was he trying to cement her reputation as a medical prodigy, or was he just afraid she''d be exposed as a fraud?<fn20b3> Discover more novels at find¡¤novel</fn20b3>


    "Is that so? Eleanor, why don''t you walk us through your vision? Where do you see this going?" Simone turned to her, a spark of genuine curiosity in her eyes.


    Eleanor spoke modestly. "Joel and I developed this n together." Then sheunched into a detailed exnation-how artificial intelligence could elerate drug screening and shorten development timelines, how virtual cell technology could model tumor behavior and make targeted drug design more feasible.


    Faye watched, taken aback by Eleanor''s confidence andmand of the subject. How much had Joel taught her behind the scenes? How was Eleanor able to articte such an ambitious roadmap for the future of research?


    Simone listened intently, nodding her approval throughout. At the end, she said, "Eleanor''s proposal is truly visionary and perfectly aligned with the future of medicine. We need to move ahead with this research as soon as possible."


    "We''ll need to partner with the best Al firm avable," Eleanor suggested. "The leadingpany right now is D&E Technologies," Horace chimed in. "They''re at the forefront globally."


    Callie added, "D&E is a subsidiary of Goodwin & Co. If we need support, Mr. Goodwin can probably make the introduction."


    Simone nced at Eleanor with a smile. "All the better, then."


    Eleanor frowned. Why did it have to be one ofn''spanies? For the past six years, she''d been focused on raising her daughter. She had no idea what venturesn was involved in, and he never brought work home to discuss it. The realization left her frustrated.


    "Professor Langley, I''d be happy to serve as our main contact with D&E," Faye volunteered eagerly.


    Simone considered for a moment. "Let''s do this: Eleanor, Joel, and Faye-you''ll form the liaison team with D&E Technologies. Gwenda will assist as needed."


    Faye bristled at the arrangement, but she knew she had the upper hand when it came to negotiating with Goodwin & Co. After all, her sister was datingn. She''d make sure this was her chance to shine in front of Professor Langley.


    When the meeting ended, Eleanor and Joel left together. As Eleanor settled into Joel''s car for the ride back downtown, she noticed Faye and Gwenda''s car pulling out of the parking lot right behind them.

 Chapter 171

    "Faye, are you seriously nning to follow them?" Gwenda asked, eyes wide with surprise.


    Faye bit her lip. "I want to see for myself if they''re really living together."


    Gwenda, always up for a bit of drama, was quick to agree. "Honestly, Faye, Eleanor''s private life is a mess, but she shouldn''t drag Joel into it! Someone needs to do something. Let''s go together."


    Faye was apetent driver, and she tailed Joel''s car all the way to the front of Eleanor''s parents'' townhouse. The street was old and narrow, lined with historical homes. Joel parked in front, and he and Eleanor got out, heading first to a nearby fruit shop, then stopping to pick up two coffees. After that, the two of them disappeared inside the townhouse.


    "Oh my gosh! They really are living together!" Gwenda gasped, pping a hand over her mouth. "Buying fruit together, grabbing coffee-they''re definitely shacking up!"


    A surge of jealousy burned in Faye''s eyes. Eleanor was shameless-married, yet openly ying house with a coworker?


    "These old townhouses are perfect¡ªprivate, discreet, so convenient. They sure know how to pick a spot," Gwenda muttered, sneaking a nce at Faye''s face. She thought privately, Of all the men Eleanor could have gone after, why did it have to be Faye''s crush?


    "Gwenda, you should probably head out. I''m staying-I want to catch them in the act," Faye announced, determined.


    "You''re really going to stay here?" Gwenda asked, startled.


    Faye''s knuckles turned white on the steering wheel. "I need proof that Eleanor''s cheating. I want to watch her reputation go up in mes."


    The image of Eleanor and Joelughing together outside the caf¨¦ had stung Faye more than she cared to admit. How could Eleanor be so brazen? She had a whole family, yet she still went after Joel?


    "I''ve got nothing better to do. I''ll keep youpany," Gwenda said, happy to be part of the spectacle.


    Inside the townhouse, Joslyn had prepared a hearty dinner. Joel was sitting with Evelyn, helping her with her drawing, when Eleanor came in with a bowl of fresh fruit. "Evelyn, pestering Mr. Kingsley with your art again?"


    "Look! Mr. Kingsley drew this horse for me! Does it look like a real one?" Evelyn beamed, holding up her sketch.


    "It does," Eleanor praised.


    After dinner, they all moved upstairs to the second-floor terrace. The townhouse was charmingly designed, and the terrace offered a picturesque view of the street below, with its twinkling lights and gentle bustle. The balcony, lined with flowering nts, was the ideal spot for coffee and conversation.


    Eleanor and Joel took seats on the terrace, the perfect vantage point to watch Evelynughing and ying with Princess in the garden below. It was peaceful, rxing. They could keep an eye on the child and still enjoy a quiet chat.


    Across the street, Faye and Gwenda watched from their car. Seeing Joel and Eleanor so at ease together, theirughter floating out into the night, Faye could barely contain her rage. Joel gazed at Eleanor with such warmth-it was almost too much to bear.


    "Unbelievable," Gwenda muttered. "Does Eleanor have no shame at all?"


    Just then, a petal from the balcony nts drifted down andnded in Joel''s hair. Eleanorughed. "You''ve got something in your hair."<fnf830> This content belongs to find?novel</fnf830>


    Joel reached up, pretending not to find it. "Where? You''ll have to help me."


    Smiling, Eleanor leaned over and gently plucked the petal from his hair. But from the vantage point of Faye and Gwenda, it looked like Eleanor was running her fingers through Joel''s hair, the gesture far too intimate for mere colleagues.


    "Oh my God, just look at that! If that''s not cheating, I don''t know what is," Gwenda whispered.


    Faye was already snapping photos with her phone, her lips curling into a cold smile. "Let''s see what everyone thinks of their golden girl now."

 Chapter 172

    After chatting for more than twenty minutes, the two women finally left the


    balcony. By the time the clock struck eleven, Gwenda was stifling yawns, her eyes heavy with exhaustion.


    "Faye, let''s call it a night. It''s already eleven," Gwenda said, stretching. "For all we know, they''ve both gone to bed by now."


    But Faye couldn''t shake the image in her mind: Eleanor and Joel together, sharing affectionate whispers and softughter. Jealousy gnawed at her, so fierce she thought she might shatter her own teeth.


    Atst, she started her car and drove away.


    Ten minutester, Eleanor walked Joel to the gate. "I''m sorry," she said, apologetic. "I don''t know what''s gotten into Evelyn tonight. She wouldn''t let you leave until now."


    Joel just smiled, lips quirking with genuine fondness. "Don''t worry about it. Evelyn''s adorable-I like spending time with her."


    "She''s gotten even more rambunctious since she stopped school," Eleanor sighed, shaking her head.


    "Go back inside and keep herpany. I''lle by again soon," Joel said, waving as he headed down the path.


    As Joel disappeared into the night, Eleanor turned to go back inside. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a ck sedan parked across the street, lurking beneath the yellow glow of the streetmp like a silent predator. The hazard lights were off, but Eleanor didn''t need to see the license te to know whose car it was.n.


    She could make out the faint silhouette of someone watching from inside. She shot the car a cold, dismissive nce before shutting the gate firmly behind her.


    Ten minutester,n''s car finally pulled away.


    In the early hours before dawn, a new message appeared in theboratory group chat: the keynote presentation that Simone was supposed to give tomorrow would now be delivered by Eleanor instead.


    Simone had messaged Eleanor privately first, confirming she was avable to cover for her. Only after Eleanor agreed did Simone announce it to the rest of the group.


    Faye had just returned to her apartment when she saw the news. Instantly, her mood plummeted.


    She was Simone''s most promising prot¨¦g¨¦ how could this opportunity have gone to someone else?<fnc710> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on Find¡ïNovel</fnc710>


    A message from Gwenda popped up: "Faye, shouldn''t you be the one giving Professor Langley''s presentation? How did Eleanor end up with it?"


    Faye scrolled through her chats to double-check. Simone hadn''t messaged her privately. Her expression soured.


    Then it clicked. Simone''s first choice must have been Joel, and Joel must have passed the opportunity to Eleanor.


    Frustrated, Faye sank onto the couch, pulling out her phone to review the videos she''d secretly recorded earlier that evening. On the balcony, under the hazy light, Eleanor''s hand gently smoothed Joel''s hair as he closed his eyes in contentment. Their gestures were unmistakably intimate.


    Faye bit her lip, jealousy burning in her chest. Outwardly, Eleanor had crafted the image of a brilliant, untouchable star in medicine. But Faye knew the truth-she was nothing but a shameless, immoral woman, hiding her true nature behind a perfect fa?ade. Faye was determined to expose her, to show the world what kind of person Eleanor really was.


    One day, she promised herself, everyone who admired Eleanor would see just how she seduced her colleagues.


    The next morning, just before eleven, Eleanor gave Joslyn instructions to watch her daughter and let her know she''d be home by five. Evelyn, perhaps sensing the importance of the day, seemed unusually well-behaved, content to stay home with Princess, her fluffy white dog.


    Eleanor arrived at Ashford Medical University, where a high-profile conference on cellr medicine was drawing doctors and researchers from across the country. Simone had lost her voice overnight and was now resting in the hospital. The talk had been on the schedule for weeks; there was no way to cancel. In the end, Simone had chosen Eleanor to take her ce-Eleanor''s reputation was strong enough to carry the event.


    After a brief meeting with the university leadership to go over the details, Eleanor settled into a quiet lounge beside the auditorium, gathering her notes and her thoughts, preparing for the spotlight.

 Chapter 173

    Simone''s notes were already in Eleanor''s hands by the previous night. As for cellr research, Eleanor had more than enough experience from her years in theb-she could speak off the cuff and still hold her own with ease.


    Still, she''d prepared this time, careful to keep the presentation moving at her own rhythm.


    Just then, Faye and Gwenda appeared at the doorway. They paused, taking in Eleanor''s crisp white blouse and tailored pencil skirt, her long hair swept back in a simple knot, her makeup light, and her delicate features radiating understated elegance. She looked every inch the calm and poised academic.


    Faye blinked, taken aback. Shouldn''t Eleanor be sweating bullets right now? It was her first time on stage, and with so many distinguished schrs in attendance-where did she get thisposure?


    "Eleanor, you must be nervous, right?" Gwenda stepped forward, feigning


    concern.


    Eleanor looked up and offered a small smile. "I''m all right."


    "I bet you''re just putting on a brave face," Faye pressed, determined to puncture that calm exterior.


    Before Eleanor could reply, a staff member bustled in. "Eleanor, a group of international researchers just arrived. The university would like you to give your talk entirely in French. Is that going to be a problem?"


    The room seemed to freeze. Suddenly, the stakes had been raised.


    In French? The whole talk?


    Faye''s lips curled into a smirk. Now let''s see how Eleanor gets out of this one.


    "Eleanor, maybe Joel should take over instead," Gwenda suggested. "He''d have no trouble with this."


    Faye jumped in, "Exactly, let Joel do it! We don''t want to embarrass the university in front of our guests."


    Eleanor turned to the staff member. "That won''t be a problem."


    Everyone stared at her, stunned. Did she really just say she was fine with it?


    Faye''s expression darkened. "Eleanor, don''t be reckless. Do you even realize what you''re getting into? This isn''t the time to show off."


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone chimed. It was a message from Noah.


    "Miss Sutton, our team just arrived. Will we get to meet you today?"


    Eleanor''s lips curved in a quiet smile as she typed back, "You''ll see me very soon."


    "I''m looking forward to it!" Noah replied.


    Eleanor straightened, then turned to the staff member once more for confirmation. "I can give the entire presentation in French."<fn48d1> This update is avable on F¦ÉndNovel</fn48d1>


    The staff member still seemed skeptical, but since Simone had named Eleanor as the speaker, she had no grounds to object.


    As soon as the staff member left, Faye rushed forward. "Eleanor, this isn''t the time to y hero."


    Eleanor looked her squarely in the eye. "Faye, just because you can''t do it doesn''t mean I can''t."


    That stung-Faye had to admit, she really couldn''t.


    "Let''s just go, Faye," Gwenda tugged her away.


    They''d barely stepped into the hallway when a group approached from the other end. Leading the way wasn, with a man beside him whose presence and bearing matched his own.


    It was Xavier, representing the Grayson Foundation.


    "Oh my gosh, Mr. Goodwin is here too!" Gwenda whispered, eyes shining with excitement.


    Faye watched asn and his entourage drew closer, a wicked smile flickering across her face. Now Eleanor would have to embarrass herself in front of their biggest investor.


    "We''ll see how she cleans up this mess," Faye sneered.


    "A whole lecture in French? I wouldn''t even dream of it. She''s so overconfident it''s almost funny."


    "If she''s determined to fail, there''s nothing anyone can do to stop her," Faye replied, convinced Eleanor was headed straight for disaster.

 Chapter 174

    With only three minutes left before the lecture began, Eleanor emerged from the restroom and spottedn just outside the auditorium, finishing a phone call. Their eyes met for a moment. Ian ended his call, looking as though he wanted toe over and say something to her.


    Instead, Eleanor turned on her heel and slipped into the lounge. Ian hesitated for a second, then headed into the auditorium.


    "Ellie, it''s about time to go in," Joel reminded her from nearby.


    Eleanor nodded, taking a moment to smooth her clothes. She''d just freshened her lipstick in the restroom, the vivid red making her lips look full and soft. With her striking features and youthful beauty, she resembled an actress about to step onto a red carpet more than a scientist preparing to give a lecture.


    "Ready?" Eleanor asked Joel with a bright smile.


    "You''ll be great. Good luck up there," Joel replied, grinning.


    "Don''t worry, I promise I won''t let Professor Langley down," she said cheerfully, picking up a pair of silver-rimmed sses she''d set aside earlier. The lenses were clear-no prescription, just for effect.


    Eleanor liked wearing sses when she spoke in public; they helped her focus on the academic side of things.


    Inside the auditorium, over a hundred people had gathered. The first three rows were reserved for distinguished guests; the back rows filled with representatives from top universities across the country. Scanning the room, Eleanor quickly spottedn¡ªand, to her surprise, Xavier was there too.


    She and Joel walked in together. Most people assumed Joel was the evening''s speaker¡ªevenn seemed to think so.


    That is, until Eleanor stepped confidently onto the stage, while Joel took his ce to the side, ready to assist as a staff member.


    Eleanor tested the microphone, offering the audience a warm,posed smile. A calm,manding energy radiated from her.<fn4455> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n Find?Novel</fn4455>


    Xavier, too, was clearly taken aback. The program had listed Dr. Simone Langley as tonight''s speaker, yet here was Eleanor standing at the podium. He was delighted to see her but amazed by her courage.


    He nced sideways atn as if to ask, Is Eleanor giving the lecture tonight?


    From the stage, Eleanor noticed two empty seats besiden, but she had no time to wonder who was missing. Her gaze swept the room and quickly found a pair of bright, encouraging eyes-her friend Noah, who''d been chatting with her for weeks.


    She smiled in his direction, then began her opening remarks. Her wless, lilting French carried across the hall with a unique charm.


    First, she offered a gentle apology for Simone''s absence and exined the reasons behind it.


    In the audience, Gwenda and Faye sat together, both struggling to believe how fluent Eleanor''s French was without even the slightest ent.


    "How is that possible? I thought she''s been home with the kids all this time. How can her conversation skills be this good?" Gwenda whispered in disbelief.


    Faye''s eyes shed with jealousy. "It''s just everyday conversation. That doesn''t mean much."


    True¡ªthe real challenge would be theplex medical presentation that was about to follow.


    Eleanor adjusted her sses, steadying herself as a deep sense of confidence andposure settled over her.


    Just then, the main doors opened, and Henry and Vanessa walked in.

 Chapter 175

    Eleanor nced over just as Vanessa swept into the room, her figure wrapped in a chic, form-fitting suit that oozed confidence and just a hint of allure. Her long hair cascaded down her back as she took the lead, with Henry following close behind.


    Vanessa lifted her gaze to the stage, and for a split second-when she realized it was Eleanor standing in the spotlight-it was hard to tell if her surprise came from seeing her old acquaintance or from nearly stumbling on the steps.


    She lost her bnce as she slid into her seat, tumbling straight inton''s arms.


    Henry quickly took the seat beside them. Withn''s help, Vanessa settled herself, flicked a strand of hair behind her ear, and shedn a radiant, yful smile before turning her attention to Eleanor on stage.


    There was a glimmer of triumph in her eyes-one only Eleanor could decipher.


    Vanessa had just arrived and had no idea why Eleanor was up there. She assumed Eleanor had joined the project team and was handling the introduction for the event.


    But then, clear and confident, Eleanor began speaking in French, her slender hand tracing an elegant gesture in the air.


    "Next, I''d like to invite you all to witness a magic that isn''t magic at all."


    As she spoke, the smart band on her wrist responded, and the entire hall was suddenly bathed in a deep, oceanic blue.


    Tens of thousands of luminous particles swirled behind her, coalescing into a rotating model of a cell.


    While the audience was still marveling at the breathtaking disy, Eleanor''s calm, captivating voice carried through the hall, narrating, "This is the navigation program we''ve designed for T-cells..."


    On the massive holographic screen, the cell membrane parted to reveal a tiny nanobot gliding through the cytosm. Its golden probe slid with perfect precision into the damaged mitochondrial DNA.


    Her voice guided the audience through each transformation-poised, maic, and utterly enthralling, the very essence of scientific charisma.


    The entire five-minute holographic presentation passed in a sh. When the lights came back on, Eleanor stood motionless at center stage, bathed in white light- intelligent,posed, and radiantly graceful.


    Knowledge and poise seemed to flow from her, a natural elegance that was both refined and mesmerizing.<fnd1c0> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find[?]ovel</fnd1c0>


    The apuse that erupted was thunderous.


    Vanessa''s earlier smugness had vanished. She stared in disbelief was that truly Eleanor, the same Eleanor delivering that dazzling French presentation?


    It was, without question.


    Faye''s expression had darkened; Eleanor''s talent never failed to get under her skin. Next to her, Gwenda sat stunned into silence, unable to fathom the depths of Eleanor''s abilities.


    What else was Eleanor capable of that no one knew?


    Bothn and Xavier looked thoughtful, their gazes fixed on Eleanor. Whether they were enchanted or simply engrossed in her presentation was impossible to tell.


    Henry, too, was taken aback. Ever since the first time, at his vi abroad, when he''d heard Eleanor y the piano, he''d suspected she was no ordinary housewife ¡ªthere was always something mysterious and fascinating about her.


    Vanessa shifted in her seat, suddenly restless. She lifted her ss, using the motion as an excuse to sneak a nce atn, only to find his eyes still on Eleanor ¡ªbut his expression remained unreadable, showing none of the awe she''d expected.


    Instead, it was Xavier whose gaze shimmered with a spark he couldn''t quite hide.


    Vanessa''s lips curled. Ian must have known about Eleanor''s talents all along. If he did, then why was he so determined to divorce her?


    Clearly, Eleanor had ws the rest of them couldn''t see-wsn, after six years of marriage, must have known all too well, hidden behind her dazzling facade.

 Chapter 176

    Eleanor picked up a neon marker, signaling the official start of her presentation. She turned, gracefully alternating between highlighting key points on the screen and maintaining polite eye contact with her audience.


    Theplex scientific theories seemed to roll off her tongue as effortlessly as casual conversation. Her clear, melodious voice carried a quiet authority-soft but impossible to ignore.


    In the audience, a dozen members of the visiting international delegation listened with focused attention. Some had even opened theirptops to take notes as she spoke.


    Many in the room, especially the students seated toward the back, struggled to keep up with Eleanor''s exnations. Fortunately, although she presented in French, English trantions appeared on the screen behind her.


    Faye''s fingernails dug into her thigh as she listened. She knew, deep down, that even understanding Eleanor''s speech was a challenge for her-let alone delivering one so smoothly herself.


    Halfway through the presentation, an attendant quietly brought a cup of tea to the lectern. Eleanor paused to take a few sips. As she set the cup down, a dark lock of hair slipped forward, entuating the elegant curve of her cheek. Even behind her sses, her eyes shone with intelligence and rity.


    When Eleanor turned back to the screen, her silhouette was outlined by her crisp blouse and tailored pencil skirt. Her slender, porcin legs-graceful as sculpture -caught more than a few admiring nces.


    Still, her ensemble struck a perfect bnce between sophistication and professionalism, lending her an undeniable air of poise.


    Across the aisle, Leo took a long drink of water, his Adam''s apple bobbing as he swallowed.


    Joel, seated in the front row''s corner, tugged at his cor, his attention clearly diverted from the presentation itself.


    Vanessa had wanted to leave ages ago, but for appearances'' sake, she stayed put. She didn''t understand a word of Eleanor''s academic content, but she could tell Eleanor knew exactly how to seize the spotlight.


    Anyone following the material, though, would realize Eleanor''s lecture was nothing short of outstanding.


    As her talk drew to a close, Eleanor resembled a seasoned professor delivering a groundbreaking lesson to the entire medicalmunity. With her final remarks, she bowed gracefully to the audience, then stepped aside to join the event staff. Someone else took the microphone to officially announce the session''s end.


    Across the hall, a reception area awaited, where guests could mingle andwork.<fn6122> ?????? ???? F?ndNovel</fn6122>


    Stepping down from the stage, Eleanor was immediately approached by Joel, who exchanged a few words with her. Out of the corner of her eye, she sawn approaching.


    She would have preferred to avoid him, but as today''s principal investor, she had no choice but to greet him.


    "Mr. Goodwin," Joel said politely.


    Eleanor didn''t need his approval. She replied coolly, "Thank you."


    "We''ll be in touchter,"n said abruptly, then turned to leave.


    Just then, an enthusiastic male voice rang out, "Hi, Miss Sutton! We finally meet!"


    He saw Eleanor swept up in a joyful embrace by Noah, who could barely contain his excitement.


    Rather than pulling away, Eleanor returned the hug, her arm slipping around Noah''s waist in a gesture of genuine warmth.


    Xavier''s gaze also zeroed in on Noah, ring daggers at him for a full seven seconds.


    Vanessa arched an eyebrow, watching the handsome, tall foreigner embrace Eleanor with such familiarity. There was no denying he was charming¡ªand, at that moment, the center of everyone''s attention.

 Chapter 177

    Joel was eager to separate the two, because the man taking advantage of Eleanor was none other than his senior, Noah.


    Noah only gave Eleanor a polite hug, and Eleanor responded with a warm but clearly defined friendliness.


    Noah looked her up and down, his eyes lingering a bit too long. "I always imagined you''d be a beautiful woman, but honestly, you''re even lovelier than I expected."


    Eleanor met his gaze, unfazed. "Wee. I''m d you could join us for this academic exchange."


    "The pleasure''s all ours," Noah replied.


    Eleanor nced up at Xavier. She hadn''t had a chance to greet him earlier on stage, and now that he still hadn''t left, she shed him a bright, genuine smile. Xavier returned it, nodding in acknowledgment.


    Vanessa caught the brief exchange between the two. Her suspicions were only confirmed.<fnf238> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on FindN0vel</fnf238>


    She curled her lips into a sly smile. Someone here was definitely going to be jealous.


    A few university officials stopped by to offer their congrattions to Eleanor. As they chatted, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at Simone, then answered, "Hello, Professor Langley."


    Simone had watched Eleanor''s entire speech via livestream. Now, she was brimming with pride.


    "Looks like Elliot did a wonderful job with you-your speech was even more brilliant than mine," Simone praised, her tone full of warmth and approval.


    Meanwhile, Faye tugged Gwenda along to catch up withn and Vanessa.


    "Mr. Goodwin, could I steal you for two minutes? I have a work matter I''d like your advice on," Faye said politely.


    Vanessa smiled, "Go ahead, say what''s on your mind."


    Standing so close ton for the first time, Gwenda blushed furiously, her heart racing as she took in his striking features.


    "Mr. Goodwin, ourb is hoping to coborate with D&E Co. on a technical project. I''m the liaison for our team-would you be willing to introduce us?" Faye asked, professional and courteous.


    "Of course,"n replied warmly. "You can reach out to me anytime."


    "Thank you so much." Faye could hardly contain her excitement. With Vanessa''s connection,n was being so amodating.


    Gwenda looked at Faye with envy. What a future brother-inw-he really couldn''t say no to her at all.


    "Alright, we''ll set up a time for a proper meeting withn soon. For now, we''ll get going," Vanessa said to Faye.


    "Of course! I won''t keep you," Faye replied, nodding as she watched them leave.


    Behind them, Gwenda gushed, "I was standing less than two feet away fromn just now-oh my god! He smells amazing."


    "What kind of scent?" Faye asked, ncing back.


    "The scent of sess, obviously," Gwenda replied with a grin.


    But Faye''s good mood had vanished. She checked her phone and saw the group chat flooded with congrattions for Eleanor, everyone treating her like a superstar.


    "I''m heading back to theb," Faye said abruptly, and walked off.


    Gwenda wandered back to the auditorium, debating whether to offer her own congrattions to Eleanor. Whatever else she might think, Eleanor''s speech had certainly impressed her. If she wanted to stay on the good side of the newly- crowned Star Researcher Award winner, it wouldn''t hurt to be friendly.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor and Noah''s group were chatting in the lounge across the hall, with Joel blending in as well. Their conversationsted over an hour.


    At four-thirty, they all agreed to meet again the next day. Noah would be visiting


    for a ten-day academic exchange, so there was plenty of time to catch up.


    Eleanor headed for the parking lot, checking her watch-time to get home to her daughter.


    Just then, her phone rang. She answered, "Hi, Joslyn."


    "Ma''am, your husband stopped by and he''s here with Evelyn!" Joslyn''s cheerful voice came through.


    Eleanor frowned. Why hadn''t he bothered to let her know before showing up at her ce?

 Chapter 178

    Even though both of them had signed the divorce papers, the process was far from over. Because of the dispute over property division, the final decree was still out of reach.


    ording to Frazier''swyer, it would take at least another six months to sort everything out.


    So, for now, Eleanor andn were simply living apart.


    Half an hourter, Eleanor spottedn''s imposing SUV parked right outside her house.


    That was supposed to be her spot. With no choice, she pulled into the hotel parking lot next door and walked the rest of the way home.


    As soon as she opened the front door, she heard Evelyn''s delightedughter mixed with the excited barks of Princess.


    Eleanor stepped into the living room. Ian was sitting on the sofa, while their daughter was on the floor, unwrapping a box of new toys.


    "Ma''am, you''re back. Sir''s staying for dinner tonight I''ll run to the grocery store," Joslyn announced as she emerged from the kitchen.


    Eleanor stopped her. "Don''t worry about it. Just make do with whatever we have."


    There was no need to go out of her way for him.


    Besides, she hadn''t invited him over. He''d simply shown up on his own.


    And honestly, Eleanor wasn''t thrilled to have him here.


    "Joslyn, I want chicken drumsticks tonight!" Evelyn ran over, eyes sparkling.


    Joslyn chuckled, "Well, we''re out of chicken drumsticks, but I''ll go buy some for you, sweetheart."


    With that perfectly timed excuse, Joslyn picked up her purse and slipped out.


    Eleanor saw right through it-Joslyn was giving her andn a chance to be alone together.


    "Mom, look at the new toy Dad bought me! I love it!" Evelyn beamed, showing off hertest treasure.


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. "That''s great, honey. Why don''t you y for a bit? I''m going upstairs to freshen up."


    She''d worn light makeup all day, which she never liked, and with nothing to say ton, she dly escaped upstairs.


    After washing her face, Eleanor stepped out onto the second-floornding. Down below,n was crouched on the carpet, ying with Princess, who seemed especially attached to him tonight.


    Eleanor started toward the stairs, butn stood up and turned to her. "I heard yourb''s working on a partnership with Meridian Dynamics. If you need anything, just ask."


    Eleanor was caught off guard. How did he know about that?


    "And did you find the new sample?"n pressed.


    She''d already asked Joel-there were no matches, and the one-month deadline they''d set was only days away.


    "Not yet," Eleanor replied coolly.


    She knew what this was about. He hadn''te to see their daughter. He was here for the matter of her mother''s sample.


    Eleanor''s tone was t. "I''ll keep my word. But I have to be the one to lead my mother''s research."


    Years ago, her mother had donated her sample in hopes of helping others, and this research was the key to Eleanor''s academic breakthrough.


    In a way, she could think of it as her mother saving humanity-Vanessa was just along for the ride.


    That thought brought her a small measure offort.


    "Of course,"n agreed without hesitation. After seeing what Eleanor was capable of, he trusted her with the work.


    "I won''t stay for dinner. I''ve got some things to take care of." Ian moved past her and headed downstairs.


    "Daddy, where are you going? Why aren''t you staying with me and Mommy tonight?" Evelyn asked, tugging at his coat as he reached the door, her face full of innocent concern.


    Eleanor''s heart twisted. She still hadn''t found the courage to tell her daughter about the divorce.


    "Daddy''s got work to do, honey. I''lle back in a few days and spend time with you both,"n said, tousling Evelyn''s hair and kissing her forehead.


    "Okay," Evelyn replied, epting it. She knew her dad worked hard-after all, he needed to buy her presents.<fn039d> Chapters first released on find?novel</fn039d>


    Oncen left, Joslyn returned, arms full of groceries. "Has Sir gone?"


    Making sure Evelyn was upstairs and out of earshot, Eleanor turned to Joslyn and said quietly, "Joslyn,n and I are getting divorced. Pretty soon, it''ll just be me and Evelyn in this house."

 Chapter 179

    Joslyn let out a sigh. "Ma''am, Mr. Carter really is a wonderful father."


    There was no denying it-ever since their daughter was born,n had truly been a devoted dad.


    "Joslyn, could you please go start dinner?" Eleanor said, then headed upstairs to be with her daughter.


    Lately, Eleanor had set aside her worries to spend more time with Evelyn. With her mother''s love surrounding her and Joel stopping by often to keep herpany, Evelyn was genuinely happy.


    That morning, at eight o''clock, Eleanor decided to make a trip back ton''s house to move the piano-she wanted to help Evelyn practice at home.


    She sentn a message, asking if he was around and if it was convenient for her toe by to move the piano.


    So Eleanor arrived at the house with the moving crew. As she stepped out, she noticed a red Ferrari parked in the driveway. The license te made it clear-it was Vanessa''s car.


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed.


    The divorce wasn''t even finalized, and he couldn''t wait to move Vanessa in?


    Hearing themotion outside,n came downstairs from the second floor, dressed in casual lounge clothes, looking rxed and unhurried.


    "We''ll leave as soon as the piano''s moved," Eleanor said to him, not meeting his eyes.


    Eleanor turned away with a look of distaste. "No, thank you."


    Just then, one of the older movers clutched his lower back and groaned, "Oh, slow down-my back''s acting up again."


    Eleanor had worried about the man''s age when they first arrived, and her concern deepened. Someone nearby moved to help.


    Before anyone else could react,n set down the mug and strode over. "Let me handle this, sir. You take a break."<fn0456> For original chapters go to Find[?]ovel</fn0456>


    The older man was taken aback by such kindness. "Thank you, sir, truly."


    Eleanor watched asn helped lift the piano outside. The older man wiped sweat from his brow, murmuring, "He''s a good man, that one."


    "Evelyn won''t being back," Eleanor replied evenly. "I''ve already found her a new school."


    Eleanor remembered how she''d refused Gina''s offer to help with Evelyn before. Now,n was using the same logic to stop her from switching Evelyn''s school. But this time, Eleanor stood firm.


    "There''s a private kindergarten near my ce. I''ve already spoken to the teachers -Evelyn will be transferring there."


    "Ma''am, the piano''s loaded up. Would you like toe with us?" one of the movers asked.


    Eleanor hade in their truck, so she nodded. "Yes, I''ll go with you."


    Grateful forn''s earlier help with his father, the driver nodded quickly. "Of course, sir."


    As Eleanor climbed into the truck, she didn''t see Vanessae downstairs, but her car still sat in the driveway-a silent reminder she was inside.


    It wasn''t even nine yet. For all Eleanor knew, Vanessa was still inn''s bed, not even up for the day.


    Eleanor brought the piano home and patiently spent her days with Evelyn. A gentle smile had be a constant on her face, filling her daughter''s life with poetry and peace.


    Three dayster, Eleanor''s phone rang. It was Magdalen.


    "Ellie, is it true? Are you really divorcingn?" The older woman''s voice trembled, choked with emotion.

 Chapter 180

    Eleanor''s eyes glistened as she listened to her grandmother''s choked sobs. She apologized softly, "Grandma, I''m sorry. It''s true, we''re in the middle of a divorce."


    "Ellie, if you''re being mistreated, just tell me. I''ll set him straight for you. Don''t go through with the divorce, sweetheart," Magdalen pleaded.


    "Grandma, please don''t try to talk me out of it. We''vee this far already. Please take care of yourself. I promise I''ll visit you often," Eleanorforted her.


    "Don''t worry about a thing! Even if you two get divorced, I won''t letn treat you unfairly," Magdalen insisted.


    "Grandma, really, you don''t need to worry about us younger folks," Eleanor gently replied.


    Meanwhile, Frazier was still going over the division of assets. Even though both she andn had signed the divorce agreement, who knew how long the whole property settlement would drag on.


    After hanging up, Eleanor thought of the bank card her grandmother had given herst time. She''d have to find a chance to return it.


    That weekend, Joy invited Eleanor out for dinner, and Eleanor brought her daughter along.


    They arrived at the restaurant and had just finished ordering by the window when two more people walked in.


    It was Vanessa and Faye.


    The sisters didn''t share the same mother, but their features were strikingly simr. Their arrival instantly drew the attention of the men nearby.


    "Mrs. Shannon," Evelyn was the first to spot Vanessa.


    Vanessa still held a grudge against Evelyn, but in public, she kept up her warm persona.


    "Evelyn, it''s been so long! You''ve gotten even prettier," Vanessa greeted her with a smile.


    Faye shot Eleanor a quick nce, then looked down and started scrolling through her phone.


    Eleanor met Vanessa''s gaze, her eyes full of irritation. Vanessa turned to Faye and said, "Faye, let''s sit over there."


    Joy made a face. "Why do we have to run into them everywhere?"


    But with Evelyn there, Joy quickly changed the subject to something more cheerful.<fn19d9> Content originallyes from Find1Novel</fn19d9>


    While Eleanor was peeling shrimp for her daughter, her hands got oily, so she excused herself to go wash up.


    As soon as she entered the restroom, she heard someone retching in one of the stalls. The sound was unmistakably Vanessa''s.


    Sure enough, Vanessa soon emerged, clutching her chest and looking pale. When she saw Eleanor, she forced herself to keep it together as she washed her hands.


    "Have you finished the divorce proceedings yet?" Vanessa asked, turning her head.


    Eleanor didn''t reply. Her suspicions were confirmed¡ªVanessa was pregnant and clearly eager to marryn.


    A few minutester, Eleanor returned to the table, and soon after, Vanessa and Faye left as well. Vanessa barely touched her food, looking queasy and unable to eat, before paying the bill and leaving with her sister.


    Eleanor watched her daughter, who was eating intently, and thought to herself: Now thatn is about to have a second child, she''d need to limit her daughter''s time with him, keep their bond from getting too close.


    After the meal, they headed to Joy''s ce to hang out.


    Evelyn got busy unboxing Joy''s new toys, while Joy and Eleanor sat chatting on the couch. Eleanor brought up Vanessa''s bout of morning sickness.


    "No wondern agreed to sign the papers without a fight. The other woman must be in a hurry to take her ce," Joy scoffed.


    "Not hard to figure out," Eleanor said, brushing her hair behind her ear.


    "If she gives birth to a boy, the Goodwin family will probably spoil her rotten," Joy said through gritted teeth.


    Eleanor''s daughter had already been adored by the Goodwins, but if Vanessa had a son, he''d likely be even more favored.


    After the divorce,n and Vanessa would be strangers to her. Whatever kind of life they led from now on was no concern of hers.


    Summer wasing to an end. A week before school started, Eleanor got a call from Xavier.


    "Mrs. Goodwin, I noticed your daughter''s name isn''t on the school roster. Did you transfer her to another school?"


    Eleanor paused, then answered honestly, "Yes, I transferred her."


    "Evelyn was Vivian''s only real friend at school. Now that she knows your daughter isn''ting back, she''s throwing a fit and refusing to go to school at all," Xavier said wearily on the other end.

 Chapter 181

    Eleanor had no choice but to exin, "Mr. Vaughn, we''re in the middle of a


    divorce. Evelyn will be living with me from now on."<fn86d9> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find~novel</fn86d9>


    Xavier didn''t look particrly surprised. "Serena mentioned it to me. I heardn''s still having the assets evaluated."


    "That''s right. We''ve already separated," Eleanor replied.


    "What school is Evelyn attending?" Xavier suddenly asked.


    Eleanor paused, a little caught off guard. "Are you thinking about transferring Vivian, Mr. Vaughn?"


    "It depends. If Vivian keeps getting so upset, I might have to consider moving her to Evelyn''s school," Xavier said matter-of-factly.


    Eleanor was taken aback. It struck her again how much Xavier cared for his niece -almost more than some fathers cared for their own daughters.


    She gave him the name of Evelyn''s school. They didn''t chat any further; the call ended soon after.


    In the meantime, Eleanor spent the days before the new school term talking things through with her daughter, helping Evelyn prepare for the change. Evelyn seemed genuinely excited about her new school. Eleanor didn''t mention that Vivian might be transferring as well; she figured Xavier was only considering it, and there was no need to say anything until it was certain.


    The night before school started, around ten o''clock, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a new message. She nced at the screen-it was fromn.


    "I''ll go with Evelyn tomorrow for her first day at the new school."


    Eleanor didn''t reply. She had no desire for him toe.


    But at around seven the next morning, Joslyn came cheerfully up the stairs. "Ma''am, your husband''s here."


    Eleanor gently corrected her, "Joslyn, you can call me ''ma''am,'' but he''s not my husband anymore."


    "Uh... Mr. Goodwin is here," Joslyn amended, looking a bit embarrassed.


    Evelyn, spotting her father, ran over with delight. "Daddy! Daddy!"


    "I am!" Evelyn replied, tilting her round little chin up proudly.


    Smiling,n took her hand. "I''ll go with you."


    "Okay! Mommy, hurry up!" Evelyn called out, all enthusiasm.


    With the big day ahead, Eleanor had taken special care with her appearance, choosing an elegant sleeveless blue dress that hugged her figure in all the right ces.


    "Mommy, you look so pretty today!" Evelyn eximed, sweet as ever.


    Eleanor picked up her bag, and apanied by her daughter, headed out ton''s car.


    The new school was a well-known private preschool, with excellent teachers and facilities. The first day focused on parent-child activities rather than formal registration.


    Eleanor spent the morning with Evelyn, joining in a treasure hunt, tossing balls, and other fun games. Suddenly, Evelyn''s eyes lit up-she spotted a familiar face.


    "Vivian!" she called out in delight.


    Eleanor looked up to see Xavier, holding Vivian''s hand, making their way through the crowd. She was surprised¡ªhad Xavier really transferred Vivian here after all?


    The two little girls squealed and hugged each other, then dashed off hand in hand to y. Ian gave Xavier a nod in greeting. "You made it."


    "Traffic was a mess-I got here a bitte," Xavier replied.


    "Did you find a ce nearby?"n asked.


    "I''m looking at the one you rmended," Xavier said.


    Eleanor frowned slightly. Ian had rmended a house to Xavier? Why was he looking at real estate in this area?


    "Most of the homes around here are charming old townhouses from the ''90s,"n exined. "They''re in good shape, and with a little remodeling, they''re really nice."


    "I like them a lot," Xavier said with a smile. Then he asked, "Have you started renovating your ce?"


    "I''ve handed it over to a contractor. Should be finished in a couple of months,"n answered.


    Eleanor fixed her gaze onn. "You bought a house nearby?"<pn nodded. "Grandma wants to move out this way. She loves homes with a bit of history."

 Chapter 182

    Eleanor fixed her gaze on him, trying to see through whatever scheme this man was plotting.


    Eleanor didn''t see the point. Whatever he was up to, she wasn''t about to let it bother her.


    When the registration event ended, the two little girls insisted on having lunch together. So the three adults took them to a nearby restaurant-a ce that oozed old-school charm, with a cozy patio out front. After eating, the girls ran off to y on the sunlit terrace while the adults lingered inside.


    Eleanor became absorbed in an email, her focus so deep she didn''t notice the world around her.


    "Mom!" Evelyn''s voice snapped her back to reality.


    Eleanor looked up. Ian said, "We''re all set. Let''s head out."


    Eleanor took her daughter''s hand, said goodbye to Vivian, and everyone went to their cars.


    Eleanor''s home was only a five-minute drive from the school. After dropping them off,n rolled down the window and called out, "Tomorrow, I''ve arranged a dinner with theb team and the higher-ups from Meridian Dynamics."


    Eleanor didn''t reply, but she knew there was no way around this. If she wanted to coborate with the country''s top Al researchers, she''d have to go through him.


    Meridian Dynamics'' Al technology was considered among the best in the world. The next morning, Eleanor dropped her daughter at school and headed straight for theb.


    Simone, her boss, had allowed her to work from home during the summer to care for Evelyn. But now that school was back in session, Eleanor knew she couldn''t ck off.


    At ten o''clock, Joel drove the group from theb to their appointment. Eleanor and Gwenda sat in the backseat, Faye rode up front.


    "I heard the executives at Meridian Dynamics are actually their lead engineers," Faye said. "Last month, they published several groundbreaking papers that made waves globally."


    Gwenda looked excited. "That means we might actually meet some of these legends in person."


    Joel''s car pulled up in front of an architecturally striking building-Meridian Tower. Joel and Faye led the way. Over the past month, Faye had served as the main point of contact and had even met some of the Meridian team privately.


    Eleanor, on the other hand, hadn''t interacted with anyone from Meridian yet; after all, she''d been busy looking after her daughter. She hardly looked like someone who specialized in Al.


    Thanks ton''s connections, Meridian Dynamics was eager to work with theirb. As soon as the group arrived, they were ushered straight into a conference room, where the Meridian team addressed their previous questions one by one.


    While Meridian Dynamics was best known for cutting-edge technology, their main research actually leaned more toward medical applications. This coboration was their chance to partner with Simone''sb for the long haul.


    Joel, who had a solid grasp of Al, kept the conversation flowing easily. Faye had crammed for this meeting and joined in confidently, while Gwenda listened with clear admiration. Eleanor, meanwhile, remained quiet.


    Faye nced at Eleanor several times, inwardly pleased. Maybe now Eleanor would be out of her depth-she probably didn''t even understand what they were talking about. If so, this was Faye''s chance to shine.


    But Byron Chase, Meridian''s vice president, didn''t overlook Eleanor. He''d heard of her reputation; everyone in medical research had. Having Eleanor involved in this meeting was a big deal for them.


    After all, Eleanor had be a star in the field-a true prodigy.


    "Dr. Sutton," Byron said with a warm smile, "if you have any suggestions, we''d be eager to hear them."


    Faye shot Eleanor a sidelong nce. What could she possibly contribute?


    Eleanor paused, then smiled politely. "At the moment, I don''t have any suggestions."


    Faye smirked. If you don''t know what to say, just admit it¡ªno need to act mysterious. Better to say nothing than embarrass yourself, right?


    But then Eleanor added, "However, I did hear you mention DNA origami technology earlier. I actually have a somewhat different perspective on that."


    At once, all eyes turned to Eleanor. Byron looked genuinely excited. "Dr. Sutton, please, go on."


    Eleanor had personally worked on several of theb''s key projects; of course she understood the underlying principles. Still, she hesitated to dive too deep-if she brought up confidential techniques not yet published in the medical field, it might intimidate the Meridian team or even breach protocol. She needed to probe gently, just in case.


    Faye''s expression faltered. Eleanor was famous in medical circles, true, but that was all thanks to her brilliant father, wasn''t it? How could she possibly have a say in Al?


    Just then, Byron''s phone rang. He checked the caller ID and answered. "Mr. Goodwin, you''ve arrived? Oh! Wonderful, we''ll be right over."


    Byron nced at his watch and addressed the group. "It''s lunchtime, everyone. Let''s move across the street and continue our discussion over a meal."


    He looked directly at Eleanor. "Dr. Sutton, I''m looking forward to hearing more of your insights."<fn1068> Discover more novels at Find?Novel</fn1068>


    Faye was left on the sidelines, forcing a smile while inwardly seething.


    Eleanor nodded with a polite smile. Joel and Byron fell into conversation as they led the group out, with Eleanor walking just behind. At the rear, Faye and Gwenda linked arms.


    "We''re really having lunch with Mr. Goodwin? Oh my god, I can''t believe it!" Gwenda pressed a hand to her chest, visibly excited.


    Faye''s lips curled in a half-smile. Just wait until we''re in the restaurant, she thought. Withn there, let''s see if Eleanor can keep up-or if she''ll finally make a fool of herself.


    The restaurant was just across the street. As they waited at the crosswalk, Joel and Byron wrapped up their conversation. When Eleanor caught up, Joel instinctively moved to stand at her side, cing himself between her and the flow of traffic-as if he''d shield her in a heartbeat if anything went wrong.


    Faye noticed this small gesture, jealousy twisting in her gut. Did Joel really care about Eleanor that much?


    Maybe even Joel himself wasn''t aware of how deeply he wanted to protect her. And Eleanor, for her part, seemed not to notice at all.

 Chapter 183

    They arrived at the restaurant to findn already seated at the head of the table, nked by two middle-aged men.


    As Eleanor met his gaze for a brief moment, she deliberately chose the seat farthest from him. Faye and Gwenda followed, settling in on either side of her.


    Byron stood to make the introductions. "This is Mr. Goodwin, the owner of ourpany. And here are Mr. Lambert and Mr. Spencer, both key executives." After introducing Eleanor and herpanions, everyone finally took their seats.


    It was only then that Byron remembered the conversation from earlier. He was genuinely curious to hear Eleanor''s perspective. "Miss Sutton, we were just discussing DNA origami technology. I''d love to hear your insights on the subject."


    Now, every eye in the room was on Eleanor. There was a mix of skepticism and intrigue in their stares. Byron, Meridian Al Tech''s top expert, was actually seeking advice from a young woman barely out of college?


    Eleanor was no celebrity. Her name appeared on academic papers, but her fresh, strikingly pretty face made it easy to mistake her for a student-certainly not someone with a PhD.


    What could Eleanor possibly have to say?


    She pressed her lips together, organizing her thoughts before responding.


    Faye, watching Eleanor''s carefulposure, thought to herself that this was Eleanor''s chance to trip over her own ambition. She''d tried to show off-now she''d have to deliver. If she fumbled, everyone would see her for the shallow impostor Faye believed her to be.


    Eleanor finally looked up at Byron and began, first outlining the future prospects of integrated DNA storage andputation, then analyzing potential breakthroughs and the technical challenges that might be ovee. Her voice was clear and even, her exnation flowing naturally, as if she were recounting a story she knew by heart.


    "Miss Sutton, do you really believe all of that is possible?" someone challenged, skepticism clear in his voice. After all, what she described was barely theoretical; no one had even found a starting point, let alone solved it.


    "I have absolute faith in the limitless power of technology," Eleanor answered calmly. "I believe it will happen."


    Byron was visibly moved. Meridian Al Tech had long since shifted its focus toward biotechnology, and he himself dreamed of merging it with the medicine of tomorrow. DNA origami was his vision for the future of information technology.


    "Miss Sutton, I think I''ve found a kindred spirit!" Byron eximed, practically glowing. "We must talk more in private sometime."


    Faye, for her part, barely understood a word of the technical jargon Eleanor had used. It was allpletely foreign to her.


    Joel, however, seemed unsurprised by Eleanor''s depth. He sipped his tea, a faint smile ying at his lips.


    Suddenly, Faye stood up. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."


    "I''lle with you," Gwenda said quickly. She felt an ufortable tightness in her chest¡ªthe familiar sense that, with Eleanor present, she and Faye were invisible, just background noise.<fnd499> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on findnovel</fnd499>


    In the restroom, Faye clenched her fists and closed her eyes, struggling to suppress her frustration. Her chest rose and fell with sharp, uneven breaths.


    "Don''t let it get to you, Faye," Gwenda said with a weary sigh. "This isn''t the first time Eleanor''s stolen the spotlight. You get used to it."


    Faye bit her lip, resentment simmering beneath the surface. How could she ept that someone her own age was simply better?


    When they returned to the dining room, everyone was raising their sses ton -thepany''s big boss. No one wanted to miss the chance to make a toast.

 Chapter 184

    Gwenda and Faye both raised their sses to toastn, but when it was Eleanor''s turn, she sat calmly, making no move to join in.


    It was obvious she had no intention of toasting him at all.


    An awkward silence settled over the table. Just then,n picked up his own ss and lifted it in Eleanor''s direction. "A toast to Miss Sutton," he said with a smile.


    "I''m sorry, but I don''t drink," Eleanor declined without hesitation.


    At that moment, his phone rang. He nced at the screen and answered. "She fell and had to be taken to the hospital? Which one?"


    Eleanor''s eyes flicked toward him. Ian stood up abruptly, concern etched on his face. "My grandmother''s in the hospital. I have to go."


    Everyone at the table stood asn gathered his things. As he passed behind Eleanor, the back of his hand brushed her shoulder-almost as if by ident. Eleanor picked up her purse and rose as well. "I need to leave too. Something''se up."


    She stepped out into the hallway and spottedn waiting just outside. His voice was low and urgent. "Come on. Gran will want to see you."


    Eleanor''s concern for Magdalen was genuine. At her age, a fall was no small matter.


    They left together, exchanging a quick nce as Faye and Gwenda shared a look of their own.<fn147f> Chapters first released on Find?Novel</fn147f>


    In the parking lot, Eleanor opened the passenger door and climbed inton''s car. The two of them drove off toward the hospital.


    Inside the hospital, Eleanor andn entered Magdalen''s room together. Gina and Serena were already there, and both looked surprised to see the pair arrive side by side.


    Weren''t they in the middle of a divorce?


    "Gran, are you all right? Where did you get hurt?" Eleanor asked, hurrying to her bedside.


    "It''s just a swollen leg, nothing serious," Magdalen replied, her tone reassuring.


    "I''ll hire a couple more helpers at home to look after you,"n said.


    Though Magdalen had taken a tumble, seeing her grandson and his wife show up together clearly brightened her mood.


    "Howe you two came together?" she asked with a smile.


    "We happened to be having dinner,"n answered smoothly.


    Serena shot Eleanor a re. They''re supposed to be getting divorced-why is she still hanging around her brother? Has she changed her mind? Is she trying to win him back?


    Gina had asked her son about the divorce not long ago, but all he''d said was that the paperwork was underway. He hadn''t mentioned a word about dividing assets.


    "All right, everyone out. I want a few words alone with Ellie," Magdalen said.


    Once the room had cleared, Magdalen took Eleanor''s hand warmly. "Sweetheart, even if you andn go through with the divorce, you''ll always be family to me. I''ll always think of you as my own granddaughter."


    Eleanor''s eyes grew misty. "Gran, promise me you''ll take care of yourself. You''re going to live to a ripe old age."


    After chatting for a while, Eleanor stood to leave. Magdalen turned ton. "Walk Ellie out, would you?"


    "That''s all right, Gran," Eleanor replied.


    "I''ll do it," Serena interjected quickly, linking arms with Eleanor as they walked down the corridor. After a few steps, Serena let go and lowered her voice. "Eleanor, you and my brother are getting divorced-why are you still clinging to him? Have you changed your mind?"


    Eleanor''s tone was icy. "Divorcing your brother is the best decision I''ve ever made."


    Serena was momentarily thrown. Was Eleanor really that determined?


    If Eleanor wasn''t chasing after her brother, then could it be the other way around? That didn''t seem possible.


    Eleanor turned and walked away, leaving Serena with questions still on her lips. How much of the estate had Eleanor demanded in the settlement? Then again, Serena thought, she already knew the answer. Eleanor had fought for custody of her daughter-clearly, just to get a bigger share.

 Chapter 185

    Eleanor let Joel know she was taking a cab home. Not long after, she received a friend request on her phone-it was Byron, VP of Meridian Dynamics. He messaged her, expressing his hope that they couldmunicate directly about research directions from now on.


    Eleanor responded politely, exchanging a few brief messages with him.


    Around four in the afternoon, she found herself wandering to her daughter''s school, pausing beneath a canopy of cherry trees while scrolling through her phone. Across the street, a silver Bentley glided into the parking lot and came to a stop. Xavier, sitting in the driver''s seat, reached for the door handle but froze when he spotted Eleanor.


    He didn''t get out. Instead, he sat back, watching her through the window. There was a quiet elegance in the way he observed her, more like an artist admiring a muse than a voyeur-his gaze clear, intent, and unclouded by any ulterior motive.


    A sudden breeze sent Eleanor''s long hair flying across her face. She gathered it with a graceful sweep of her hand, her lively, fresh features momentarily touched by a yful innocence.


    Unlike themanding presence she''d shown on the stage at herst lecture, in these quiet moments, there was a kind of untouched beauty about her-gentle, unguarded, and yet somehow impossible to fully understand. It was the sort of allure that made people want to get closer.


    Just then, a petal drifted down andnded on Eleanor''s hand. She blinked in surprise, finally realizing she''d been standing under the blossoming trees all along. A smile curved her lips.


    Watching from the car, Xavier found himself smiling too, the expression unbidden and catching him off guard. The next thing he knew, an irresistible urge had him pushing open the door and crossing the street toward her.


    Eleanor didn''t notice him at first. When she sensed someone approaching, she quickly stepped aside, thinking she was blocking the path. A low chuckle sounded behind her. "Did I startle you?"


    She turned, only to see Xavier. She gave a softugh. "Not at all."


    Just then, a well-dressed mother approached with a friendly smile. "You''re


    Evelyn''s mom, right?" Without waiting for a response, her gaze shifted to Xavier, her eyes lighting up. "And you must be Vivian''s uncle!"


    "That''s right," Xavier replied with a polite nod.


    Eleanor smiled and nodded too.


    "Nice to meet you both. I''m Coco Brown''s mother." Even as she introduced herself, her eyes lingered on Xavier with barely concealed admiration.


    Eleanor instantly picked up on the woman''s interest, though Xavier''s expression remained unchanged. At that moment, the school doors opened and parents began filing in to collect their children.


    Eleanor and Xavier walked in together, Mrs. Brown practically glued to Xavier''s side. As they entered the hallway, another parent identally bumped into Mrs. Brown. She seized the opportunity to hook her arm through Xavier''s. "Oh my goodness, some people just don''t look where they''re going!" She shed Xavier an apologetic smile. "I hope I didn''t bump into you!"


    Xavier nced down at her hand still clutching his arm, his brow furrowing. "Would you mind letting go?"


    "Oh! Sorry, I didn''t mean¡ª" Mrs. Brown withdrew her hand, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.<fn47c5> This update is avable on ?ovelFind</fn47c5>


    Xavier looked up, but by then Eleanor had already disappeared into the ssroom.


    A few momentster, Eleanor emerged, holding hands with two little girls. Xavier walked over with a warm smile, while Mrs. Brown watched with barely concealed envy.


    Suddenly, a strong gust of wind swept through, and the sky darkened as rain threatened.


    Eleanor and her daughter had barely walked a hundred yards when Xavier''s car pulled up beside them. He rolled down the window. "Hop in-it''s about to pour."


    "Thank you," Eleanor said gratefully, ushering the girls into the back seat.


    The two girls hugged each other with delight. Evelyn piped up, "Vivian, have you been to my new house? Do you want toe over and y?"


    "I''d love to!" Vivian turned to Xavier, pleading, "Uncle, can I go to Ms. Sutton''s house?"


    Xavier caught Eleanor''s eye in the rearview mirror. She smiled, clearly happy with the idea. "Vivian''s wee at our ce. You can pick her up after dinner."


    "Sounds great." Xavier replied, his smile genuine.

 Chapter 186

    As soon as they arrived home, a heavy rain began to pour. Xavier opened his umbre and stepped out of the car, shielding them from the downpour. But with only one umbre for two children and two adults, it was obvious they couldn''t all stay dry.


    Xavier held the umbre over the kids, stretching his arm to cover Eleanor''s head as best he could. By the time they made it through the front gate and into the foyer, Eleanor nced back and realized Xavier waspletely soaked.


    The two children dashed off into the living room to y. Eleanor, moved by Xavier''s kindness, looked at him and said, "Mr. Vaughn, you''re drenched."


    "It''s alright. I''ll head home and take a hot shower," Xavier replied with a warm smile, then turned and disappeared into the rain.


    Eleanor watched him go, a wave of gratitude stirring inside her. She wasn''t made of stone; of course she noticed the care and attention Xavier showed her.


    But...


    She sighed softly and turned away.


    Meanwhile, Xavier got into his car, driving off into the curtain of rain. He didn''t notice that, a short distance behind him, a ck Rolls-Royce glimmered through the storm.


    When you love someone, even if you never admit it¡ªno matter how you mask it with words or hide it behind your eyes-sometimes, in one unguarded moment, that feeling slips through.


    A few minutester,n''s car pulled away.


    Back inside, Eleanor sat on the sofa with her iPad, skimming through emails. Jude Vaughn had just sent over thetest blueprints for the experimental facility, inviting the research team to visit in the next few days to check the new equipment.


    Once the new research project kicked off, they''d be moving to the newb base. Eleanor was already looking forward to it.


    By eight-thirty, Xavier came back over. The storm had passed; the air was calm and fresh. He brought along a new toy, which made Evelyn light up with happiness. "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn!" she beamed.<fn2320> Content originallyes from F?ndNovel</fn2320>


    Xavier ruffled her hair, then turned to Eleanor. "Thanks for helping out tonight."


    "It''s nothing at all. The kids have more fun when they''re together," Eleanor replied with a gentle smile.


    Xavier gave a small cough¡ªshe wasn''t sure if it was from the chill earlier or just the fickle weather.


    "I''ll get you a ss of warm water," Eleanor offered.


    He didn''t refuse. When she handed him the cup, their fingers brushed for a moment she didn''t seem to notice, but Xavier felt a warmth stir in his chest. After finishing the water, he gathered Vivian and headed home.


    Later that evening, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a new message fromn: "I took the day off for Evelyn tomorrow. I want to take her to visit her grandmother."


    She replied with a single word: "Alright."


    Scrolling through the parents'' group chat, Eleanor''s eyesnded on a message from Coco''s mom. She''d just updated her profile, adding the word "single" after her name.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but chuckle, thinking of how enthusiastically Coco''s mom had been chatting with Xavier today. Was she interested in him?


    Just then, a private message popped up from Coco''s mom. Eleanor opened it. "Mrs. Goodwin, sorry to bother you, but can I ask you something?" "What is it?" Eleanor replied.


    "I was just wondering are you a single parent? I never see Evelyn''s dad pick her up from school," Coco''s mom asked.


    Eleanor immediately understood¡ªCoco''s mom was sizing up thepetition, trying to find out if she''d have topete with Eleanor for Xavier''s attention.


    Wanting to avoid any unnecessary drama, Eleanor responded, "No, my daughter''s father is just very busy with work. He rarely has time to pick her up." "Oh, I see! And are you and Vivian''s uncle close?"

 Chapter 187

    "She and my husband are friends," Eleanor replied.


    "Alright, I won''t keep you then!" Coco''s mother''s intentions were as transparent as


    ever.


    Eleanor''s answer clearly put her at ease.


    It was obvious-Coco''s mother had set her sights on Xavier as a potential match. Otherwise, why would she have gone out of her way to mention that he was single? Her entire demeanor practically radiated enthusiasm and a knack for taking initiative.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but find it amusing. She wondered if Coco''s mother was even Xavier''s type.


    The next morning, Eleanor didn''t take her daughter to school. Around eight o''clock, the doorbell rang.


    Joslyn opened the door.


    "Good morning, sir! You''re here," Joslyn greetedn cheerfully.


    "Has Evelyn gotten up yet?"n asked.


    "She''s up and just waiting for you to pick her up," Joslyn replied, invitingn inside. Just then, Eleanor wasing down the stairs, so Joslyn quickly corrected herself, "Mr. Goodwin, have a seat. I''ll get you some tea."


    Eleanor had made it clear: in this house, they were to addressn formally, with hisst name.


    "Evelyn, hurry up!" Eleanor called up the stairs.


    "Coming, Mom!" Evelyn''s voice floated down from above.


    Eleanor wore a crisp white shirt and jeans. At five and a half feet tall, with her long hair pulled back in a simple ponytail, she radiated an effortless, natural beauty. The kind that was far more captivating than anything contrived.


    "Dad!" Evelyn bounced down the stairs andnded right atn''s side.


    He knelt to fix her hair and straighten her cor, then couldn''t resist kissing her cheek.


    When she was born, Evelyn had looked just like him, but now she was the spitting image of Eleanor.


    "Bye, Mom!"


    Eleanor grabbed the little bag she''d packed for her daughter. "Don''t forget your bag."


    "I want Daddy to hold it," Evelyn said in her sweet, stubborn way.


    Eleanor handedn the bag by its strap, but as she did, hisrge hand closed over both the strap and hers.<fnf51c> Checktest chapters at F?ndNovel</fnf51c>


    She pulled away quickly, a flicker of disdain shing in her eyes.


    Eleanor grabbed her own things and headed out to theb.


    Today, Simone was being discharged from the hospital. She wasing in for a meeting to hear progress reports, and Faye had already prepared a summaryst night, just in case.


    But as soon as Simone sat down, she called on someone unexpected.


    "Eleanor, why don''t you update us on thetest developments?"


    Faye''s face fell. Eleanor had spent most of the summer working from home, while she''d been running back and forth to Meridian Dynamics, handling all themunication. Surely, she should be the one giving the report.


    "Professor, I can present the update," Faye offered immediately.


    "Last night, Meridian Dynamics'' VP, Chase, told me he''d already sent the new research directions to Eleanor. Let''s have her give us a summary first," Simone said.


    Faye''s face went beet red. Had Eleanor gone behind her back to get the report from Byron? Was she just tantly trying to take credit for Faye''s two months of hard work?


    Eleanor had, in fact, received Byron''s report the night before and read through it. She nodded. "Alright, I''ll summarize the uing research directions."


    Eleanor''s summary was thorough, even touching on a few key points that Faye had missed entirely.


    Beneath the table, Faye''s right hand curled into a tight fist as she dug her fingernails into her left palm, masking the simmering anger she felt inside.

 Chapter 188

    "Right, that sums it up nicely," Simone said, nodding. "This afternoon, when you have a break, everyone should go check out the newb. We''ll be moving our offices over there next month."


    As soon as the meeting ended, Faye wasted no time knocking on Simone''s office door.


    "Professor, there''s something I need to report to you."


    Simone looked up from her desk. "What''s going on?"


    "It''s about Eleanor. Her behavior ispletely inappropriate-she''s been having an affair, cheating on her husband." Faye''s voice trembled with indignation.


    Simone paused, her expression sharpening. "Faye, that''s a serious usation. You can''t just say things like that."


    "I have proof," Faye insisted, her eyes zing. "And the person she''s involved with is none other than Joel. Someone like her has no ce in ourb-she doesn''t even deserve to call herself a scientist." With that, Faye took out her phone and yed the secretly recorded video for Simone. "See for yourself, Professor. Is this eptable?"


    Simone watched the footage in silence, then sat back, thoughtful. "Have you told anyone else about this?"


    Faye bit her lip. "If you won''t do anything about it, I''ll have no choice but to report Eleanor to the Dean''s office and have her expelled."


    Simone''s tone turned firm, protective. "Faye, I think you''re mistaken. Eleanor and Joel are just colleagues. There''s nothing more to it."<fn557c> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? Find[?]ovel</fn557c>


    Disappointment twisted in Faye''s chest. She hadn''t expected Simone to take Eleanor''s side so openly, to shield her so tantly.


    Simone added a few words of advice, urging Faye to focus on her research. Faye nodded on the surface, but inside she seethed with frustration. Reporting to Simone and the Dean had led nowhere. The only way left was to go straight to Eleanor''s husband-he''d know how to deal with her.


    But she needed to find him first.


    Eleanor had a daughter, so her child must be enrolled at a local school. If Faye could spot the school''s name in their group chat, she''d be able to track down Eleanor and her husband.


    It wasn''t all that difficult. Gwenda was more than willing to lend a hand.


    Eleanor didn''t guard herself much around Gwenda, so it only took a flimsy excuse to get a look at Eleanor''s pinned messages. As expected, when Gwenda asked Eleanor to forward her a document, Eleanor grabbed her phone and opened her messages. Right at the top was the name of her daughter''s school: "Nova Prime ss."


    Gwenda memorized it and passed the info straight to Faye. "I checked it out. It''s a preschool just down the street from Eleanor''s house. If you wait around there, you''re bound to run into her husband."


    A cold, satisfied smile flickered across Faye''s face. Let Eleanor deal with her own husband''s wrath. The thought even crept in¡ªmaybe, just maybe, he''d turn out to be the violent type, and give Eleanor exactly what she deserved.


    At two in the afternoon, everyone set out to visit the new research facility. Jude Vaughn had been busy there all week, overseeing the instation of the new equipment.


    "Feel free to check out your newbs and offices," Jude announced. "Everyone gets their own private workspace."


    Eleanor and Joel rode the elevator up to the fourth floor, their new offices side by side. Eleanor went straight to theb, her eyes sweeping over the gleaming new equipment. She moved from bench to bench, inspecting everything with care. Then, she paused in front of one machine. There was something odd about itsbel-creased and peeling. Eleanor picked at the edge and lifted the topyer, revealing a half-torn old sticker beneath.


    Kneeling for a closer look, she caught sight of the faded return date underneath. This wasn''t new at all. It was a refurbished or second-hand machine, passed off as brand new.


    Fury rose hot and sharp in Eleanor''s chest. So this was the equipment Vanessa''s father had supplied to theirb?

 Chapter 189

    Eleanor didn''t say anything right away. Instead, she moved through theb, carefully inspecting the rest of the equipment. It didn''t take her long to spot several machines that had clearly been refurbished the subtle scuffs and mismatched parts gave them away. Even with newbels pped on, you could see the telltale signs if you looked closely enough.


    When she stepped out into the hallway, she found Joel cornered by Faye, who was animatedly talking his ear off. Joel nced over as soon as he saw Eleanor and quickly excused himself. "Faye, let''s talk another time."


    "What, Joel? Is there something wrong with my suggestion?" Faye protested, clearly taken aback. She turned, following his gaze¡ªand of course, she spotted Eleanor.


    It never failed: whenever Eleanor was around, Joel''s attention immediately


    shifted, and whatever patience he had for Faye evaporated.


    Eleanor didn''t bother with pleasantries. "Joel, have you seen Jude?"


    "He''s in the big office down the hall. Is something up?"


    "Yeah, I need to talk to him," Eleanor replied with a nod.


    Just then, Faye''s phone rang. She nced at the screen and lowered her voice as she answered. "Hi, Dad."


    "Faye, I heard you all went over to check theb equipment today. Everything''s alright, isn''t it?" Rnd''s voice came through the phone.<fn58ab> Find the newest release on fin?novel</fn58ab>


    Faye had just done a quick inspection of her ownb. Sheughed lightly, "Of course, everything''s fine!"


    "I got you all the newest models-no way there''s a problem," Rnd said, brimming with confidence.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor made her way to the main office. She found Jude Vaughn seated at his desk, signing off on a stack of paperwork. Eleanor waited until he finished before approaching. "Jude, can we talk in private for a moment?"


    Jude looked surprised but followed Eleanor and Joel into a small conference room next door. Eleanor shut the door behind them, her expression growing more serious. "Jude, did you have all this equipment professionally inspected?"


    Jude frowned, sensing something was wrong. "Ellie, did you find an issue?"


    Eleanor nodded. "More than one, actually. Several of the machines are refurbished and pieced together from older models-most likely dmissioned frombs overseas, then overhauled and shipped here. Thebels have been reced, but you can still spot the signs if you know what to look for."


    Jude stood there in stunned silence, struggling to process what he was hearing. Was Rnd really trying to pull this off on a government-funded project? He almost couldn''t believe it.


    But then, remembering Rnd''s past dealings, Jude realized Eleanor was probably right. He mmed his fist into the wall, voice tight with anger. "We spent months preparing for thisb-endless meetings, endless paperwork. And Rnd thinks he can get away with this? He''s ying with fire. This is a government- backed initiative. How could he be so reckless?"


    "Jude, you need to keep calm," Eleanor said quietly, trying to steady him. "What matters now is how we solve the problem."


    But Jude was still shaking with fury. "Show me, Ellie. I want to see exactly how much secondhand junk he''s slipped in here."


    Eleanor led Jude and Joel back into herb, pointing out the machines she''d already inspected. She stopped by a microscope. "See this one? Thebel says it''s thetest model, but it''s not. I checked the specs-they don''t match up at all."


    "This is outrageous," Jude muttered, jaw clenched. He''d poured half a year of work into getting this facility off the ground, and now, with everything so close tounch, it was all at risk because of this mess.


    Joel''s expression grew grim as well. "If there are this many refurbished units in just oneb, then it''s likely the entire facility ispromised. The uracy of our data¡ªand every experiment we run-depends on this equipment. If something goes wrong, the consequences could be catastrophic."


    Eleanor nodded in agreement. "There''s no room for error in scientific research."

 Chapter 190

    After Jude Vaughn''s initial outburst, he quickly collected himself, his expression turning defeated. "This was my oversight," he admitted. "I should have caught the issue sooner. Honestly, Ellie, if it weren''t for you, I''d be the one to me if things went wrong down the line."


    "This isn''t your fault," Eleanor offered gently.


    "I still should have supervised more closely," Jude sighed, rubbing his forehead. Suddenly, something urred to him, and his face grew even more serious. "Rnd''spany was personally rmended by Mr. Goodwin. I''m afraid this might end up involving him as well."


    "Jude, if there''s a problem, bring it up with him directly. If he doesn''t take responsibility, we''ll escte it. Either way, this has to be resolved," Eleanor replied, her voice steady.


    She was certain thatn wouldn''t go out of his way to shield Rnd. Even if Rnd was confronted, he''d probably just find a few scapegoats among his staff to take the fall.


    "We have only ten days left before the officialunch. I need to contact Rnd immediately and have him rece the faulty equipment," Jude said, then turned to Eleanor. "Ellie, can you double-check everything? Take photos of any issues you find."


    "Of course," Eleanor nodded.


    She and Joel spent the next several hours inspecting other machines, snapping pictures of a dozen or so units that looked problematic. They finally wrapped up and left around four in the afternoon.


    No sooner had Eleanor stepped through her front door than her phone rang- Jude again. "Ellie, do you have a moment? I''d like you toe over, if you can."


    "Where are you, Jude?"


    "I''ve arranged to meet with Mr. Yeaton tonight. Since you were the first to spot the problem, I want you there for the discussion. We''ll be in the conference room at Yeaton Holdings."


    "I''ll be there." Eleanor didn''t hesitate. She wasn''t about to back down when it came to theb''s equipment.


    When she arrived in the lobby of Yeaton Medical Systems, someone was already waiting for her.


    "Excuse me, are you Miss Sutton?"


    "I am."


    "Right this way, please."


    She was led to a conference room. Around the long oval table,rge enough for more than a dozen people, Jude Vaughn and Rnd sat among six or seven others. As soon as Eleanor entered, she was warmly greeted.


    "Miss Sutton, please, have a seat!" Rnd stood up and weed her personally, all smiles, hisposure wless-clearly, he''de prepared for this confrontation.


    "Now that everyone''s here..." Rnd began with a pleasant smile.


    "There''s still one more person toe. Let''s wait for Mr. Yeaton," Jude interjected.


    Eleanor had barely sat down when footsteps echoed from the hallway. Jude looked relieved and rose from his seat to greet the neer in person.


    She turned and blinked in surprise. It wasn.


    Rnd clearly hadn''t expectedn to show up either. He shot to his feet and hurried over. "Mr. Goodwin! What an honor-thank you foring, sir."<fnd151> This text is hosted at Find~Novel</fnd151>


    "Mr. Goodwin, please, take the head seat." Rnd gestured grandly, while his assistant quickly pulled out the chair at the head of the table forn.


    With that, he crossed the room and took the empty seat beside Eleanor.


    Everyone else stood up, faces bright with courteous smiles-everyone except Eleanor, who remained seated, her face cool and unreadable.

 Chapter 191

    At this moment, though, everyone''s attention was onn-no one noticed what Eleanor was doing.


    Despite his youth,n''s wealth spoke for itself, andbined with thatmanding presence of his, authority seemed to radiate from him without effort.


    Jude Vaughn, whose usual calm hid a simmering anger today, managed to steady himself and addressed Rnd. "Mr. Yeaton, regarding the issue I mentioned this afternoon-do you have any suggestions or thoughts on how we should


    proceed?"


    Rnd sighed, frustration flickering across his face. "I''m truly sorry for the situation we''ve found ourselves in. I constantly remind my team how crucial it is to ensure rigorous product inspections, yet mistakes slipped through in the rush. I can only apologize for the trouble this has caused yourb."


    Eleanor gave a silent, cynicalugh. Rnd put on a convincing show, but incidents like this wouldn''t happen without his approval. Did he really expect anyone to believe his staff would act so recklessly on their own?


    He turned to Eleanor then, wearing a look of gratitude. "It''s thanks to Miss Sutton''s sharp eye that we caught the problem in time and could sit down together to find a solution."


    Eleanor held up her tablet. "I''ve documented several faulty instruments we''ve discovered so far. I think everyone should have a look."


    She handed a USB drive to her assistant. "Could you y this for us?"<fn90fd> Fresh chapters posted on F?ndNovel</fn90fd>


    The assistant hesitated, but after catching a subtle signal from Rnd, she took the drive and plugged it into theptop.


    Eleanor took theputer, opened the files, and pulled up the issues she''d found earlier that afternoon.


    She went through each problem methodically,ying out her findings one by one. By the time she finished detailing the faults in over a dozen machines, Rnd''s face had flushed red with embarrassment. His staff looked even worse, beads of cold sweat gathering as Eleanor''s sharp words left no room for excuses.


    She didn''t just point out the ws¡ªsheid out the serious consequences that would follow if nothing was done.


    When she finished, Eleanor looked across the table atn. Their eyes met suddenly; his gaze flickered, and his expression grew stern as he swept his eyes toward Rnd''s team. "You all heard Miss Sutton. I don''t need to spell out how serious this is."


    Rnd was quick to chime in, nodding eagerly. "Absolutely. Miss Sutton''s insights are invaluable for helping us improve. We wee her guidance and will take her rmendations seriously."


    Eleanor unplugged the USB, handed theptop back to the assistant, and addressed the room. "I''ve pointed out the problems. Fixing them is down to you."


    All eyes turned to her. Though Eleanor was a brilliant researcher, she was still young; most of the people in the room were senior executives at Yeaton Holdings. Her bluntness could easily be read as disrespect.


    But Eleanor''s face showed no sign of wanting to please anyone. There was a cool, clear independence in her expression-one that didn''t tter or fawn.


    "Eleanor is our most outstanding medical researcher," Jude Vaughn said, his tone grave. "I urge you to take her concerns seriously and correct these issues. Thisb is a major project, funded by Mr. Goodwin and strongly supported by the city. The public is watching. The future of medical research is at stake. We cannot afford a single mistake."


    Eleanor took a sip from her water bottle and set it aside, ncing at the stack of equipment reports in front of her. She idly flipped through the pages.


    Rnd immediatelyunched into a long-winded, polished speech about hismitment to improvement.


    Then, quietly, he reached out and picked up a bottle of water, twisting off the cap and taking a drink as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    Rnd''s assistant, who had been watching him closely, suddenly realized the bottlen held was the very same one Eleanor had just used. For a brief moment, she was utterly stunned.

 Chapter 192

    Oh my god! Did Mr. Goodwin really just drink from the same water bottle as Eleanor?


    When Eleanor nced up, she caught sight ofn setting down the now-empty bottle. She turned and realized with disbelief-it was the one she''d just been drinking from, and he''d finished it without a second thought.


    Assuming she must be thirsty,n reached for a fresh bottle from the table, twisted the cap open for her, and offered it with a quiet, attentive air.


    Eleanor wrinkled her nose and looked away, refusing to take it.


    This little scene didn''t go unnoticed-Eleanor''s young assistant, sitting nearby, stared wide-eyed. What on earth was going on between Mr. Goodwin and Miss Sutton?


    After all,n was the kind of man who made the entire conference room tense with a single look, and yet here was Eleanor, daring to give him the cold shoulder.


    Of course, Rnd and his team were too busy discussing solutions with Jude Vaughn to notice anything out of the ordinary.


    The meeting dragged on until half past seven, only wrapping up once they''d finally hammered out a workable n.


    "Everyone must be starving by now! I''ve already made dinner reservations-let''s all go out and eat together," Rnd suggested with a genial smile.


    Jude Vaughn turned to Eleanor. "Care to join us?"


    She shook her head. "No thanks. I''m heading home." These business dinners were never her scene.


    Jude turned ton. "How about you, Mr. Goodwin?"


    "I''ll pass as well," Ian replied.<fn0821> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find?novel</fn0821>


    Rnd hurried over, eager to show his appreciation. "Mr. Goodwin, would you please join us? I feel terrible that we''ve had to trouble you over all this."


    Eleanor made her way out to the front of the building and unlocked her car parked by the curb. As she slid into the driver''s seat, she sawn approaching.


    "Mind giving me a ride?" he asked.


    She shot him a look. "Call a cab. I''m not heading your way."


    He smiled, easy and unbothered. "Not a great time to get a ride-and I need to pick up Evelyn."


    Eleanor''s hand paused on the door handle. With a resigned sigh, she said, "Fine. Get in."


    As soon as Eleanor merged into the evening traffic, she checked her mirrors and flicked on the turn signal. Just as she was about to elerate, a motorcycle came roaring out of nowhere and forced her to m on the brakes. Her heart pounded as she sat frozen for a few seconds, shaken.


    Without a word,n got out of the passenger seat, walked around to her side, and opened her door. His voice was calm but left no room for argument. "Out. I''ll drive."


    Still rattled, Eleanor didn''t protest. She slipped into the back seat whilen adjusted the driver''s seat and steered them smoothly back into traffic.


    "Have you been getting enough rest?"n asked, ncing at her in the rearview mirror.


    She ignored him, staring out the window.


    "Theb situation-I''ll take care of it," he continued in that even, matter-of-fact tone.


    But Eleanor remained unmoved. Everything he did was for Vanessa''s sake. Of course he was anxious about theb; he had every reason to be.


    With no response from the back,n fell silent. They pulled up to a red light. Eleanor rolled down her window, catching the sound ofughter outside-four college-aged girls were waiting to cross.


    "Damn, he''s gorgeous!" one of them blurted out.


    All four girls unabashedly stared atn, breaking into excited whispers.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but admit, even if he did nothing, justn''s looks alone could leave people breathless.


    Suddenly, the girls noticed the silhouette of a woman in the dim back seat¡ªa face they couldn''t quite make out, but somehow the mysterious presence only added to her allure.


    In that instant, Eleanor found herself the target of their envy.


    And in the rearview mirror, a pair of eyes lingered on her, their expression unreadable and impossible to decipher.

 Chapter 193

    "I already asked Serena to bring Evelyn here. Let''s get something to eat first,"n replied, stepping out of the car.


    Eleanor felt a stab of frustration, but since her sister-inw had brought her daughter to the restaurant, she couldn''t just leave. Sighing, she followedn inside.


    Truth be told, hunger was gnawing at her too-her stomach had started to ache.


    They picked a table by the window. Ian sat down, scanning the menu before asking Eleanor what she''d like. She barely looked up from her phone and murmured, "Whatever''s fine."


    The hospital wasn''t far; about ten minutester, Serena arrived, holding Evelyn''s hand. Vanessa walked in alongside them.


    Eleanor''s expression faltered. She''d thought someone from the Goodwin family was looking after her daughter-she hadn''t expected Vanessa. Now that Vanessa was pregnant, she no longer needed to curry favor with her, and she''d secured her own ce in the Goodwin household.


    Adults didn''t need to shout or curse to bully a child. Sometimes, all it took was a look to bruise a little heart.


    Eleanor''s appetite vanished.<fn4721> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find?novel</fn4721>


    "Mommy!" Evelyn ran over, cheerful as ever.


    Eleanor took her daughter''s hand and turned ton. "You all go ahead and eat. We''re leaving."


    Vanessa called out with a smile, "Miss Sutton, are you in such a hurry?"


    Serena looped her arm through Vanessa''s. "Vanessa, you haven''t had dinner yet, have you? Why not eat with my brother?"


    Vanessa gave a modestugh. "Oh, I couldn''t possibly impose."


    "We''re all family here. There''s no need to stand on ceremony," Serena replied, her words pointedly directed at Eleanor.


    "Evelyn, give Daddy a hug before you go,"n said, scooping her up. He ruffled her hair, his eyes filled with reluctant affection.


    "Daddy, why don''t youe home with us?" Evelyn asked innocently.


    "Evelyn, your daddy''s very busy. Let''s get going," Eleanor cut in quickly.


    "Okay," Evelyn pouted, disappointed.


    Eleanor buckled her daughter into the car seat. As she closed the door,n''s low voice came from behind, "You haven''t told Evelyn about the divorce, have you?"


    Caught off guard, Eleanor turned to him. "I will. I''ll talk to her."


    "I think you should wait. I''m worried she won''t be able to handle it,"n suggested quietly.


    Eleanor wasn''t sure what he meant by that. As she slid into the driver''s seat,n''s voice came again, gentle but firm, "Drive safe."


    With Evelyn in the car, Eleanor always drove cautiously.


    Once they''d pulled away,n headed back inside. Serena met him at the door. n, Vanessa''s so hungry her stomach hurts. You should eat with her-she can''t afford to skip meals right now."


    Just then, Vanessa''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen. "Excuse me, I need to take this."


    The delicate, fragile act Vanessa had put on in front ofn vanished as soon as she stepped outside. Wrapping her arms around herself, she walked a little further from the restaurant before answering. "Hello, Dad?"

 Chapter 194

    "Vanessa, something''se up on my end. Could you do me a favor and put in a good word for me with Mr. Goodwin?"


    Vanessa''s face paled. "Dad, what happened?"


    "It''s just a minor issue with the equipment at thatb he invested in. Nothing serious," Rnd said, clearly unwilling to go into details.


    But Vanessa pressed on, her tone anxious. "Dad, please tell me what exactly happened?"


    Rnd sounded frustrated on the other end. "Theb''s people spotted a problem with the equipment we supplied. Now they''re using us of mixing in used parts." "How did they find out?" Vanessa asked, her worry deepening.<fn08e8> Content originallyes from find[?]ovel</fn08e8>


    "There''s this woman-Eleanor-she''s been nitpicking the equipment, making trouble for ourpany. Some know-it-all who actually doesn''t know a thing, but she''snded me in a real mess." Rnd''s anger was palpable.


    Vanessa''s expression darkened. What? Eleanor was deliberately targeting her father over the equipment?


    "Dad, you need to cooperate fully with theb and keep things from escting. I''ll find a chance to speak ton and smooth things over for you."


    "Alright," Rnd replied, relieved. He knew his eldest daughter''s influence was still valuable.


    As soon as the call ended, Vanessa clenched her fists. Eleanor really was a troublemaker-stealing her sister''s spotlight at work and now giving her father grief over the equipment.


    Vanessa narrowed her eyes and bit her lip. Eleanor had gone too far this time.


    ...


    Eleanor returned home with her daughter. Joslyn had made her a bowl of pasta, worried that she hadn''t eaten anything even though it was already nine o''clock.


    After dinner, Eleanor retreated to her room to catch up on emails. She also spent some time online discussing the situation with Jude Vaughn. Jude promised to keep a close eye on whatever Rnd was up to.


    Soon, an email arrived an invitation from Meridian Dynamics to attend an uing meeting.


    The next morning, Eleanor walked her daughter to school. Just as they reached the gate, she unexpectedly spotted Xavier. Coco''s mother stood nearby and called out, "Mr. Vaughn, I know it''s a bit much to ask, but would you mind giving me a lift?"


    Eleanor hadn''t expected Mrs. Brown to try hitching a ride with Xavier.


    Xavier caught Eleanor''s eye and shot her a silent, pleading look.


    She understood immediately. Xavier had helped her out more than once; it was her turn to return the favor.


    After seeing her daughter off, Eleanor walked back over. Xavier was quick to speak. "Miss Sutton, I left a file at your cest time. Would it be alright if I stopped by to pick it up?"


    Eleanor was momentarily thrown but recovered quickly. "Of course, that''s no problem."


    "Great! Let''s go, then," Xavier said, already heading toward her car. Eleanor turned to Mrs. Brown with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, we''ll get going." Mrs. Brown watched them leave, disappointed. She''d purposely left her car at home that morning, hoping for a ride with Xavier-only to have her n foiled. Climbing into Xavier''s car, Eleanor couldn''t help but tease, "Mr. Vaughn, it seems Mrs. Brown has quite the crush on you."


    Xavier nced at her in the rearview mirror. "Miss Sutton, do you think unrequited love ever actually leads anywhere?"


    Eleanor froze. She knew Xavier''s feelings for her, but she refused to dance around the subject. Smiling, she met his eyes in the mirror. "If both people aren''t headed in the same direction, I doubt it ever works out."


    A shadow flickered across Xavier''s gaze. At that moment, Eleanor suddenly cried out, "Watch out!"


    Xavier mmed on the brakes, narrowly avoiding a rear-end collision.


    "You okay?" he asked quickly, pulling over to the side of the road, worry etched on his face as he looked at Eleanor.

 Chapter 195

    Eleanor''s face had gone pale with fright. She caught her breath and managed to say, "I''m alright."


    "I''m sorry. I wasn''t paying attention to the road," Xavier apologized.


    Eleanor knew she shared some of the me, so she offered a reassuring smile. "It''s not your fault. Just try not to get distracted while driving."


    Xavier pressed down on the gas and continued the drive to her house.


    When they reached Eleanor''s front door, she paused before stepping out, ncing back to remind him, "Mr. Vaughn, please drive carefully."


    Xavier lowered the window, watching her walk away. To himself, he murmured, "Miss Sutton, we have all the time in the world."


    The early morning sun spilled across Eleanor, gilding her like the first bloom of a rose at dawn. Her skin glowed with a pearly luster, her beauty dazzling-almost breathtaking.


    Eleanor herself was the only one unaware of just how striking she was.


    But for those who noticed, they had long since fallen under her spell.


    Catching sight of the time, Eleanor realized she needed to hurry-she had a meeting at Meridian Dynamics, and she hated beingte.


    She rushed to the conference room, only to collide with someone at the door. Even though she tried to stop, momentum pitched her straight into his arms.


    A strong arm circled her waist, and Eleanor, startled, looked up.n was gazing down at her. "Where''s the fire?"


    She quickly pushed him away and took a step back, frowning on instinct. "Don''t touch me."


    So, he was here for the meeting as well.


    Eleanor entered the conference room and immediately noticed Joel, Faye, and Gwenda already seated.


    Xavier was there too, along with his team.


    Since Xavier had taken over Juliette''s foundation and her research group, it made sense that he''d bring his people to Meridian Dynamics, the global leader in medical Al research.


    Just then, a breathless voice sounded behind her, "I''m notte, am I?"


    The voice was familiar. Eleanor turned to see Serena standing behind her, clutching a notebook. Serena, still catching her breath, looked surprised to find Eleanor there surprised, and perhaps a little annoyed.


    Why was it that wherever Xavier was, Eleanor seemed to be nearby?


    To Serena, it looked as if, ever since Eleanor''s divorce from her brother, she''d been eager to make Xavier her next prospect-chasing after him every chance she got.


    Xavier, in the middle of a conversation, nced over and caught Eleanor''s eye. A flicker of amusement crossed his face.


    Whenn sat down beside him, Xavier quickly masked any expression. To Eleanor''s dismay, she realized her assigned seat was right betweenn and Xavier. She could only sigh inwardly.


    But the seating was fixed, and she had to sit wherever her name card was ced.


    At least being in the front row meant she was valued.


    Sitting between two power yers was something to envy.


    Faye was certainly envious, Gwenda''s eyes sparkled with curiosity, and Serena, sitting in the very back with herptop, was clearly disgruntled. Why did Eleanor get to sit between her brother and Xavier?


    Whoever made the seating chart, Serena thought, must have had their reasons.


    Byron, the VP of Meridian Dynamics, stepped up to the podium to begin his presentation. Though this was called a meeting, in reality it was the public unveiling of a breakthrough achievement in Al technology.


    Everyone listened intently. Eleanor''s gaze was full of admiration-Meridian Dynamics truly attracted the best minds, and their rapid progress was proof.


    Eleanor reached for a bottle of water in front of her. She tried to twist the cap open, but it felt like it had been welded shut.


    With a quiet sigh, she set the bottle back down, unaware that both men beside her had caught her struggling with the cap.<fn3587> Content originallyes from find?novel</fn3587>

 Chapter 196

    Xavier''s gaze flickered for a moment, but it wasn who picked up Eleanor''s bottle of water. After unscrewing the cap, he tightened it again before setting it back, just as casually as before.


    Eleanor nced over, her expression calm and detached-she showed no sign of gratitude, and didn''t touch the water.


    On stage, Byron finished his impassioned speech and paused, emotion coloring his voice. "Tonight, I owe a debt of thanks to someone in this room. She inspired me-one simple conversation with her triggered a flood of ideas, and that''s what led to today''s breakthrough." His eyesnded on Eleanor. He gestured toward her. "The person I want to thank is Miss Sutton. Our chatst time set my mind in motion. You''re the reason for all of this, Miss Sutton. Thank you."<fn27a3> Read full story at Find_Novel(.</fn27a3>


    Eleanor acknowledged him with a serene nod and a faint,posed smile.


    Apuse swept through the room. Once it faded, Byron spoke again, his tone respectful. "Next, I''d like to invite Mr. Goodwin to say a few words."


    Asn made his way to the stage, Eleanor quietly slipped from her seat and headed to the restroom.


    Serena walked in just as Eleanor was washing her hands. Touching up her lipstick, Serena nced over and remarked, "You really know how to steal the spotlight, don''t you?"


    Eleanor, mindful that Serena was her father''s sister, replied coolly, "Just doing my job."


    Serena shot her a warning look in the mirror. "Let me give you some advice: it''s best if you don''t set your sights on Xavier."


    Eleanor chose to ignore the remark.


    Serena paused, lipstick poised in mid-air. She assumed Eleanor''s silence meant guilt and pressed on, "No matter how desperate Xavier is, he''d never go for a divorced woman."


    Eleanor finished washing her hands and met Serena''s eyes in the mirror. "So in your mind, a divorced woman is worthless?"


    "Isn''t she?" Serena sneered. "It''s like a dress-once someone else has worn it, it''s dirty."


    Eleanorughed, unable to help herself. "By your logic, knowledge loses value when someone else learns it? Water''s no longer clean once fish swim through it? When did a person''s worth start depending on whether they''ve been ''used'' before?"


    "You" Serena''s face went pale with rage.


    Eleanor continued, "A dress can be cleaned, but prejudice and narrow- mindedness don''t wash out so easily. Using that kind of metaphor to belittle someone just reveals how limited your own thinking is."


    "Eleanor, you¡ª" Serena was practically shaking with indignation.


    "Miss Goodwin," Eleanor said evenly, "things of real value don''t be worthless just because others have touched them. Books grow more meaningful the more hands they pass through. But your attitude, in my eyes, is cheaper than any secondhand dress."


    With that, Eleanor turned and walked out.


    Serena was left standing there, as if she''d just been pped. Herplexion shifted from red to white and back again-Eleanor had cut her down with just a few words.


    "Damn it." Serena stamped her foot in frustration.


    Back in the conference room, Eleanor returned to her seat just asn finished speaking and stepped down from the stage. The meeting was officially over.


    Byron greeted Eleanor warmly,unching into conversation. Joel joined them a momentter. Xavier and his team approached, and Eleanor smiled in greeting as they came over.


    Xavier handed her a bottle of water.


    Eleanor blinked in surprise but epted it politely. Only then did Xavier head out. At the door, Serena caught up with the group-she''d pulled every string she could and had finallynded herself a spot as Xavier''s personal assistant.

 Chapter 197

    The next morning, Eleanor drove her daughter to school, unaware that a ck SUV was tailing her from a discreet distance. Inside, someone was snapping


    photos.


    Those photosnded in Faye''s inbox not long after.


    Faye studied the shots-Eleanor, alone, walking her daughter to school. Of course, she thought with a smirk. Miserable marriage, husband nowhere to be


    seen.


    "Keep following her," Faye instructed curtly. "I want a photo of her husband. Don''t mess this up."


    That afternoon, at three o''clock, Eleanor messaged Joslyn: Could you pick up Evelyn today? I''ll be in a meeting till five.


    Joslyn checked the message and got ready to leave for the school. But before she could step out, her phone rang. It wasn.


    "Mrs. Goodwin will be in meetings until five," he said smoothly. "I''ll pick up Evelyn."


    "Yes, sir," Joslyn replied automatically, slipping back into old habits, still thinking of him as the man of the house.


    Outside the school gates, the tail was still posted in his car, eyes glued to the entrance as children poured out. He''d memorized Eleanor''s daughter''s face by now. As parents arrived, he watched every adult-child pair withser focus.


    Finally, he spotted Evelyn skipping out, her hand tucked safely in a man''s. The man looked distinguished, sharply dressed. The tail grabbed his phone and filmed as the two walked to a gleaming Rolls-Royce. As they drove off, he muttered under his breath, "Damn, real money. Rolls-Royce and everything."


    He sent a snapshot to Faye: "Got your man. Bnce, please."


    Faye was practically trembling with anticipation. She transferred the payment without a second thought, even though the photo only showed the man''s profile, not his full face.


    Then a video arrived.


    Faye clicked it open, her breath catching as she watched the man''s facee into view. Her heart stopped. No. Impossible. Eleanor''s husband wasn? This had to be a mistake.


    She closed the video and scrolled back to the morning''s photos: Eleanor dropping off her daughter. She squinted at the little girl''s face. Same child.


    Faye pressed her hand over her mouth, her mind racing. After a moment, she ended a call with a friend and immediately dialed Vanessa.


    "Hello?" Vanessa answered.


    "Why didn''t you tell me Eleanor''s husband isn?" Faye blurted out, voice sharp with disbelief.<fn4506> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? Find_Novel(.</fn4506>


    Vanessa sounded genuinely surprised. "You didn''t know?"


    The words hit Faye like a brick. She''d always assumed Eleanor''s husband was just some wealthy nobody. Never in a million years did she expect it to ben.


    No wonder Eleanor had dropped out of school to marry and have a child. Of course she''d want to lock down a man like that.


    "Does Eleanor know about you andn?" Faye pressed.


    Vanessa gave a softugh. "What does it matter? They''re getting divorced."


    Faye froze. "Are you serious?"


    "Absolutely. The papers are already being processed."


    Faye bit her lip, gears turning. No wonder Eleanor had been making eyes at Joeltely. She was just the poor wife, unloved and discarded.


    Looks like she''s already lining up her next catch before the ink is even dry on her divorce.


    And Joel-well, he was clearly her second choice.


    Soon after, Gwenda rushed over, eager for thetest gossip about Eleanor''s husband. Faye brushed her off. If Gwenda found out, the entireb-and probably all of Ashford Medical University-would know Eleanor was married ton. That would only boost Eleanor''s reputation, which was thest thing Faye wanted.


    Besides, once the divorce was finalized, Eleanor would be just another ex-wife¡ª no longer the queen of the social scene.


    At lunch, Faye ran into Jude Vaughn and, unable to resist, asked again to confirm. Jude just chuckled. "That''s right. Eleanor is Mrs. Goodwin. But she''s not looking to make that public."


    Faye sneered inwardly. It wasn''t humility holding Eleanor back from bragging-it was thatn had stopped loving her long ago.

 Chapter 198

    What was there for a divorced woman to brag about, even if she still wore the title of "Mrs. Richest Man in Town"?


    At the midday meeting, the topic of moving into the newb was postponed- Simone had no idea that Faye''s father owned thepany supplying their equipment.


    "Thank goodness Eleanor caught the problem in time," Simone said, nodding in Eleanor''s direction. "Thanks to her, the equipment supplier reced everything with thetest models."


    Faye''s gaze flickered to Eleanor. She''d just gotten off the phone with her mother: her father hadn''te home for two nights because of this mess. But Faye could only stay silent-she couldn''t get involved.


    After the meeting, as Eleanor gathered her things, Faye approached, clutching a stack of files. "Eleanor, you''ve done a great job hiding your identity as Mrs. Goodwin. But I heard from my sister that you andn are getting divorced?"


    Eleanor knew what Faye was really getting at and simply said, "Yes."


    Faye let out a coldugh. "So, Joel''s just your backup n, huh?"


    "Joel and I are colleagues. Friends, nothing more," Eleanor replied, standing up. Faye snorted. "Who are you trying to fool?"


    Still, she couldn''t help but feel smug-after all, Mr. Goodwin was soon to be her brother-inw, which would make her a Goodwin herself by association.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. It was a message fromn.


    "Grandma''s out of the hospital. I''m taking Evelyn to dinner at Goodwin Manor. Is that all right?"


    Eleanor did mind, but since he''d moved out of Magdalen House, she couldn''t really object.


    "Have her home by ten," she replied.


    "Will do."


    As Eleanor was heading out, Simone called after her. "Eleanor, could I see you for a moment?"


    Eleanor followed her into the office, where Simone held out two tickets. "There''s a show at the opera house tonight. Would you join me?"


    Eleanor happened to be free. She smiled. "I''d love to. It''s an honor."


    At five-thirty, they drove downtown to the opera. On the way, Simone nced over with a teasing grin. "So, when are you andn thinking about a second child?"


    Eleanor paused, then shook her head with a wry smile. "Actually, we''re getting divorced. There won''t be a second child."<fn6df4> Content originallyes from find[?]ovel</fn6df4>


    "What? Divorced?" Simone looked stunned. Thest time she''d spoken ton, she''d picked up on nothing but care in his voice.


    "Yeah. We''re working through the paperwork. I''ll have custody of Evelyn," Eleanor said, matter-of-fact.


    Simone''s eyes softened. "That''ll be a lot-raising a child alone and working."


    But Eleanor just felt young and free. She had her daughter, her work, and her independence. How could that be hard?


    Inside the opera house, Simone and Eleanor found their seats and were chatting quietly when Eleanor nced toward the entrance. Two people had just walked in.


    Vanessa was dressed to the nines in a champagne-colored evening gown, her hair in soft waves, radiating confidence and elegance. Ian, tall and poised in his suit, looked every bit the perfect match beside her they were impossible to miss.


    Vanessa followed, her gaze locking on Eleanor as she offered a sly, crimson- lipped smile.


    "Good evening, Professor Langley,"n greeted Simone.


    Simone stood up with a bright smile. "What a coincidence! Actually, why don''t I give you my seat? You can sit with Eleanor."


    Before Eleanor could say a word,n smiled politely. "That''s all right. I''m here with a friend."

 Chapter 199

    Simone smiled warmly. "Alright, why don''t you all take your seats?"


    The opera was enthralling-Simone was clearly enjoying herself, but Eleanor''s mind kept drifting. All she wanted was for the evening to end, so she could pick up her daughter and head home.


    When the curtain finally fell, Eleanor dropped Simone off at her house, then drove straight to Goodwin Manor.


    She had barely set foot inside whenn arrived as well.


    "Dad, Mom-did youe home together?" Evelyn''s eyes sparkled with delight; it had been so long since she''d seen her parents walk through the door at the same time.


    "Evelyn, it''s about time I took you home," Eleanor said gently.


    "Mom, can I stay with Grandma tonight? I haven''t slept in her room for ages." Evelyn blinked up at her with pleading eyes.


    Eleanor, who could be steely with anyone else, found her resolve crumbling in front of her daughter. After working so hard to win Evelyn''s trust back, she was terrified of losing her again.


    "Please, Mom," Evelyn whispered.


    Eleanor hesitated. Tomorrow was Saturday. Finally, she nodded. "Alright, you can stay. I''lle pick you up tomorrow afternoon, and we''ll go to Miss Thatcher''s


    house for a visit, okay?"


    Evelyn beamed. "Okay!"


    Eleanor stood and headed upstairs to check on Magdalen, and to return the bank card she''d been carrying around in her purse.


    Magdalen was recovering well. When Eleanor handed her the card, she looked genuinely surprised. "Ellie, this is for you. Why are you giving it back?"


    "Thank you for your kindness, Grandma, but I don''t need the money right now. Please, keep it." With that, Eleanor ced the card on the table and turned to leave.


    "Oh, you stubborn childe back here,e back..." Magdalen called after her anxiously, but her legs weren''t what they used to be, and all she could do was watch as Eleanor walked away.


    Eleanor hurried back downstairs. Gina intercepted her. "It''ste-letn drive you home."<fn1f04> Readplete version only at F¦Énd£Îovel</fn1f04>


    Eleanor shook her head. "That''s okay, Mom. Please take care of Evelyn for me." With that, she grabbed her bag and headed out the door.


    Frustrated¡ªespecially since it had been working just fine earlier-she barely noticed whenn tapped on her window.


    "Let me give you a ride," he said.


    Eleanor stepped out with her bag. "No need. I''ll call a cab."


    "It''s nearly eleven. It''s not safe for you to be out alone right now,"n said, brows knitted in concern.


    Eleanor knew he was right, but she hated the idea of epting his help. "It''s none of your business," she shot back, turning to leave.


    She tried to pull free, but his grip was unyielding. Annoyed, she snapped, n, spare me your fake concern. I don''t need it."


    Eleanor scoffed, yanking her hand away. "I never should have married you," she said with a coldugh.


    She ordered a ride and slid into the back of the car. As her cab pulled away, a sleek ck sedan followed closely behind.


    Eleanor called Joy, hoping to crash at her ce for the night. Joy was more than happy to have her.


    While taking out the trash, Joy nced toward the entrance and spotted Eleanor stepping out of her ride. She couldn''t help but notice the powerful ck car idling nearby, its driver''s face obscured by shadows behind the wheel.

 Chapter 200

    Joy tugged on Eleanor''s sleeve, her voice low and curious. "Is thatn''s car?"


    Eleanor nced over her shoulder at the vehicle tailing them and recognized it immediately. She shook her head and said, "Ignore him."


    Joy took a few steps, then turned back with a teasing grin. "Looks like he''s ying your knight in shining armor!"<fn6863> Updates are released by find?novel</fn6863>


    She couldn''t help herself-her curiosity always got the better of her. "So, how''s the whole divorce thinging along?" Lately, Joy had been so swamped with cases she barely had time to breathe.


    Eleanor sighed. "Your mentor said he''s still talking to the tax office, and he''s reached out to appraisers and ountants. He keeps saying the process isplicated."


    Joy gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Well, ifn''s getting all the paperwork in order, it probably means he''s really willing to split everything fifty- fifty. That''s surprisingly generous of him."


    Eleanor''s lips twisted into a wry smile. "To me, it just feels like he''s stalling."


    "No need to stress about it," Joy replied, trying to sound upbeat. "You two are already living apart. Let my mentor handle it¡ªhe''ll make sure you get the best deal possible." Then she added, "And anyway, isn''t Vanessa pregnant now? The Goodwin family''s probably dying to wee her in as soon as possible."


    Eleanor nodded. "Yeah, I''m sure they''re in a hurry."


    Joy smirked. "Son might actually speed up the divorce, too. Otherwise, by the time it goes through, Vanessa''s belly will be impossible to hide."


    Early the next morning.


    Eleanor and Joy went shopping at a nearby mall. They wandered into the Herm¨¨s boutique, where Joy was on a mission.


    "This bag is finally in stock," Joy whispered, her eyes shining. She''d been obsessing over it for weeks.


    A sales associate approached, her tone professional but cool. "I''m sorry, miss, but this bag has already been reserved."


    "What? Reserved?" Joy''s face fell. "You''re just trying to make me buy more stuff, aren''t you?"


    "Our boutique has clear policies about purchase quotas," the saleswoman responded, her posture stiffening.


    Eleanor could tell how much Joy wanted the bag. She smiled and said, "It''s fine- we''ll take whatever is required to get it."


    The saleswoman shook her head, almost apologetic. "I really am sorry, but this bag has already been spoken for."


    Before Eleanor could reply, a woman''s voice rang out behind them. "Let them have it."


    Eleanor turned to see Vanessa standing there, her assistant in tow. Vanessa smiled, lips curved in a way that made it clear she relished the moment. "After all, Miss Sutton just gave me her husband. What''s a handbag between friends?"


    Joy bristled, not bothering to hide her contempt. "Have you no shame? Is stealing someone''s husband supposed to be something to brag about?"


    Vanessa''s smile didn''t waver. "Steal? I never take what isn''t mine. And I don''t need to."


    The sales associate, sensing the tension but eager to serve, turned to Vanessa with a bright smile. "Miss Shannon, shall I hold the bag for you, or...?"


    Joy snorted, grabbing Eleanor''s arm. "Even if she gives it up, we don''t want it. I''d rather go without than carry the same bag as her talk about bad luck."


    Vanessa''s expression cooled. "You might want to watch your tone, miss."


    Joy shot back, "Don''t get ahead of yourself, Vanessa. You''re not Mrs. Goodwin yet. As long as Eleanor''s still married, you''re just the woman in the shadows."


    Vanessa''sposure faltered, her smile now a thin, tight line. "Eleanor, you really should just get the divorce over with. You''re still young-why not move on?"


    Joy squeezed Eleanor''s arm in support. "Trust me, Eleanor''s not short on options. Guys line up halfway to Fairhaven for her."


    A few months ago, Vanessa would haveughed that off. But with Eleanor''s new status, she found it impossible.


    Joy started to lead Eleanor away, but Vanessa suddenly grabbed Eleanor''s arm, her voice low and urgent. "You know how muchn loves me. The sooner you let go, the better for all of us."


    Eleanor jerked her arm free, her eyes cold. "My life is none of your business."

 Chapter 201

    Eleanor Sutton and Joy Thatcher were lounging in a cozy caf¨¦ nearby when Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen and said to Joy, "It''s your old college buddy."


    "Hurry, answer it! Maybe there''s news about the divorce," Joy urged, her eyes lighting up.


    Eleanor picked up the call. "Hello, Attorney Jeffries."<fn6e9f> This text is hosted at </fn6e9f>


    "Miss Sutton, do you have a moment to meet?"


    "I do. Is there some progress on the divorce?" Eleanor couldn''t help asking.


    "Yes. If you''re avable, could youe by my office?"


    "Of course. I''m with Joy, we''ll head over right now."


    The two women made their way to the parking lot, and Joy drove them straight to Frazier Jeffries''w office.


    Once inside, Frazier nced at Joy. "Joy, would you mind waiting outside for a bit?"


    Joy shed an OK sign and slipped into the break room next door.


    Eleanor settled onto the office sofa, and Frazier looked at her seriously. "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin is willing to pursue a standard divorce, nowsuits involved."


    Eleanor tensed at the mention ofn Goodwin. His sudden change of attitude put her on edge.


    Frazier slid a document across the table. "Mr. Goodwin has agreed to the divorce terms."


    Eleanor stared at the newly drafted settlement contract fromn. Frazier continued, "I''ve reviewed the agreement. There aren''t any issues. You''ll have full custody of your daughter. What''s more, Mr. Goodwin is transferring ownership of eight investmentpanies-currently valued at over ten billion dors-to you as part of the marital assets. In other words, once the divorce is finalized, you''ll have both custody and majority control over these businesses."


    Eleanor looked up in shock. What wasn ying at? Why would he hand over so much in the settlement-what was his angle?


    "Attorney Jeffries, if I ept these eightpanies, does that mean I''ll still be tied to him in some way?"


    "At present, all of Goodwin & Co.''s businesses are interconnected. There will be some ovep, but ultimately, it''s your decision. If you want to avoid contact with your ex-husband, you absolutely can."


    "Are there any hidden financial risks?" Eleanor pressed.


    "I''ve consulted financial experts. These eightpanies are the most stable investments under Goodwin & Co., with no current legal disputes. If you''re still concerned, I can draft a supplemental agreement. As long as Mr. Goodwin signs off, it''ll protect you from possible futureplications."


    Eleanor mulled it over. Ifn was willing to give her all this, why refuse? At the very least, it would secure her daughter''s future.


    "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin has three conditions for the divorce that require your agreement," Frazier said.


    Eleanor clenched her jaw. She knew it wouldn''t be that simple.


    "What are his conditions?" she asked.


    "First, Mr. Goodwin wants visitation rights-eight times a month with your daughter. Second, you must remain unmarried for five years after the divorce-no new marriage, you must stay single. Third, you cannot sell any of the eightpanies to an outside party; if you ever decide to sell, Mr. Goodwin gets the right of first refusal."


    Eleanor''s hands curled into fists. Even after divorce, he wanted to control her future rtionships-and even what she could do with thepanies?


    "Miss Sutton, these are Mr. Goodwin''s non-negotiable terms. If you can''t agree, the divorce could drag on for another six months to a year. My advice: this is an opportunity you may want to seize."

 Chapter 202

    "Is that even a reasonable request?" Eleanor tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.


    "As long as you ept it, Miss Sutton, it''s reasonable. Of course, you''re free to refuse," Frazier replied.<fn1820> For original chapters go to find?novel</fn1820>


    Eleanor couldn''t fathom whyn would make such a ridiculous demand.


    "What''s going through his mind?" she asked, turning to Frazier, hoping for an


    answer.


    Frazier smiled faintly, adjusting his sses. "If you''d like, Miss Sutton, I can give you my take on Mr. Goodwin''s motives."


    Eleanor nodded, signaling him to go on.


    "My guess is, Mr. Goodwin''s trying to leave the door open for a possible reconciliation."


    Reconciliation?


    That was never going to happen-not in this lifetime.


    Frazier handed her a pen. "If everything looks good on your end, please sign here. I''ll coordinate with Mr. Goodwin''swyer and we''ll finalize a date for the divorce as soon as possible."


    Eleanor signed, then thanked him sincerely. "Thank you for handling this."


    That evening, Joy threw Eleanor an early "divorce countdown" celebration, booking a table at their favorite bistro.


    The two friendsughed and ate until they werepletely satisfied, then headed home together.


    The next morning, Eleanor got a call from Meridian Dynamics-there was a meeting scheduled for the afternoon.


    This time, the meeting would be held at Goodwin & Co. headquarters.


    2:00 p.m.


    Eleanor and Joel Kingsley followed Meridian Dynamics'' team into the grand lobby of Goodwin & Co.


    Surrounded by a crowd of men in sharp suits, Eleanor stood out in her pearl-white blouse and tailored cks. At five-foot-five, with strikingly refined features and her hair swept into a simple updo, she exuded an understated elegance.


    She moved through the crowd with quiet confidence. The poise she''d gained from years in academia shone through in every gesture, her intellect and grace impossible to miss. As Byron Chase, VP of Meridian Dynamics, leaned in to chat with her, it was clear her confidence was rooted deep within.


    When Eleanor walked into the conference room side by side with Byron, Serena Goodwin and Vanessa Shannon, seated in the front row, both looked up, as if they''d been expecting her.


    Vanessa had already broken into the upper echelons of the art world, but she couldn''t help feeling a pang of envy at the effortless charm Eleanor carried as a scientist-a kind of allure Vanessa couldn''t quite match.


    Without anyone noticing, the woman who''d once been expected to y the part of housewife inn''s home had, in less than a year, transformed into someone dazzling.


    Eleanor spotted Serena and Vanessa. Just then, an assistant led her to a seat in the second row. Byron, who was supposed to sit up front, moved to the second row as well, seizing the chance to keep talking with Eleanor.


    "Isn''t that Meridian Dynamics'' VP? Is he trying to cozy up to Eleanor?" Serena grumbled, annoyed.


    "I doubt he knows your brother and Eleanor are getting divorced," Vanessa replied. After all, Eleanor was still officially Mrs. Goodwin.


    Serena scoffed. "Then he''s cozying up to the wrong woman. He should be working on you the future Mrs. Goodwin."


    Vanessa just pressed her lips together, offering no exnation.


    A littleter,n strode in, sharp in a tailored suit, nked by three senior


    executives. He nced briefly in Eleanor''s direction before his sister waved him over. He gave Vanessa a lingering look.


    Vanessa greeted him with a flirtatious smile.


    Eleanor caught the exchange as she looked up. By now, it was no surprise-


    wherevern went, Vanessa was right there at his side.


    Was there any asion left where he didn''t bring her along?

 Chapter 203

    The conference began, and representatives from each branch took turns presenting their results. Ian sat front and center in the first row, listening intently.


    Soon, it was Byron''s turn. His achievements drew gasps of admiration from the entire room-the seamless integration of Al and medicine was the future everyone had their eyes on.


    After a round of enthusiastic apuse, Byron returned to his seat and leaned toward Eleanor. "Credit where it''s due, Miss Sutton. We couldn''t have reached these heights without your contributions."


    Eleanor offered a modest smile. "It was a team effort."


    Midway through the meeting, Eleanor excused herself to the restroom. As she stepped back out into the hallway, she ran inton.


    "Are you free next Monday?" he asked.


    Eleanor was about to brush him off.


    But he continued, "To finalize the divorce."


    She answered immediately, "Yes."


    It was the first time she''d ever responded to him so quickly, as if afraid he might change his mind the moment he finished speaking.


    "What time?" she added.


    "Ten o''clock. Don''t bete," Ian said before heading into the men''s room.


    Around the corner, Vanessa and Serena exchanged a look. Neither had expected to overhear such juicy news.


    Atst,n and Eleanor were finally filing for divorce-meaning their marriage would soon be over for good.


    Eleanor took a different hallway, avoiding Serena and Vanessa, andn didn''t say another word.


    "Look at my brother, acting all cold and aloof, yet still worried she''ll show upte!" Serena said, clearly in high spirits.


    Vanessa let out a sigh of relief. Once the paperwork was done,n would be officially single again.


    When the meeting ended, Byron noticed it was lunchtime and booked a nearby restaurant, inviting his team and Eleanor''s group to join him.


    While Eleanor stepped out of their private dining room to make a phone call, she spottedn through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the main dining area. He was having lunch with Serena and Vanessa.<fn1dba> Checktest chapters at f?ndnovel</fn1dba>


    Eleanor turned away, heading in the opposite direction to continue her call.


    Noticing her brother''s distraction, Serena nced back. ¡°Ian, what are you looking at?"


    "Nothing," he replied, lifting his cup of tea.


    "Hey, I heard you and Eleanor are filing the divorce papers soon. Is that true?" "It''s true,"n answered.


    "So, how much are you giving her in the settlement?" Serena pressed, eyes bright with curiosity.


    Vanessa perked up, waiting for his response. Ian took a sip of tea and stood. "I''m full. I''ll head back to the office."


    "Hey, you didn''t answer my question!" Serena called after him in frustration.


    Vanessa tried to soothe her. "Let it go, Serena. We''ll find out soon enough."


    Serena could only sit back down. "At the speed this divorce is happening, I bet it''s just some fixed assets. No way he''d splitpany shares with her."


    Vanessa agreed. With everythingn owned, a typical divorce would drag on for a year or more, but this was all happening in just over a couple of months.


    That could only mean he was giving her assets that didn''t requireplicated legal processes-probably a house, maybe a car or two.


    But the real treasure at Goodwin & Co. was its portfolio of steadily appreciating stocks and funds.


    After lunch, Eleanor returned to theb. Simone Langley''s research team had made a breakthrough, and another meeting was quickly underway.


    "The structural theory Eleanor proposedst time-our group''s research has confirmed it. Her theory has taken us to a new level," Simone said, her praise and excitement clear as she looked over at Eleanor.


    Faye Yeaton grinned. "Professor, I hope my work didn''t disappoint you this time!" "Of course not."


    "But I did notice there''s still a gap between theory and practice. I found three issues that weren''t mentioned in Eleanor''s proposal. It just goes to show: theory can only take us so far; it''s only through practice that we discover the truth." With that, Faye outlined the three challenges she''d identified.

 Chapter 204

    Everyone present could tell that Faye was just nitpicking Eleanor''s theory, trying to find fault where there was none.


    But no one bothered to argue with her. Simone simply smiled, keeping her thoughts to herself.


    Back in her office, Eleanor found Gwenda approaching with a bowl of fresh fruit. "Eleanor, I picked these up this morning. Would you like some?"


    Eleanor reached for a cluster of grapes. "Thank you."


    "Don''t mention it! We''re all colleagues, right?" Gwendaughed a little too brightly. She''d been foolish enough to cross Eleanor before she''d even figured out who she was.


    Now, she could only swallow her pride and try to get back into Eleanor''s good graces.


    After all, Eleanor''s husband wasn''t just the city''s wealthiest man-he was the biggest investor in the entireb. If Eleanor wanted, she could probably end up running the whole team.


    Eleanor spent a wonderful weekend with her daughter.


    Monday arrived in a blink.


    The city hall lobby bustled with people.


    Eleanor arrived at nine-thirty, patiently waiting until, at nine-fifty,n appeared in the crowd.


    He nced at her, surprised she was early, then checked his watch to make sure he wasn''tte.


    "Have you been waiting long?"n asked as he approached.


    "I just got here," Eleanor replied coolly.


    Just then, their number was called. Eleanor caught his eye. "Let''s go it''s our turn."


    The clerk asked a few routine questions before starting the paperwork. There was still the mandatory one-month waiting period before the divorce would be official.


    As Eleanor stepped outside,n''s assistant, Gavin Young, greeted her. "Miss Sutton."


    He''d once called her Mrs. Goodwin, but now, he''d adjusted his tone without missing a beat.


    Eleanor gave him a polite smile and walked to her car.


    Once inside, she dialed Joy''s number to share the good news.


    Atst, Eleanor felt a wave of relief wash over her.


    It was as if she was being reborn-finally on the verge of regaining her freedom.


    That afternoon, Eleanor invited Joy and Frazier out for lunch-her treat.


    Over the meal, she made a decision: she wanted both of them to join herpany as legal advisors, to handle any futurewsuits.


    Joy epted without hesitation, and Frazier was honored toe aboard.


    After all, with Eleanor about to take charge of eightpanies, she''d need trustworthy, reliable partners at her side.


    She made it clear that she''d make sure they''d be more than fairlypensated.


    On Wednesday morning, after dropping her daughter off at school and just as she was about to head to theb,n called.


    "Do you have time? I need you toe by my office to sign the share transfer contracts. I''m flying out of the country this afternoon."


    Eleanor had thought it through-sincen insisted on giving her these shares, she might as well ept.


    At ten sharp, Eleanor walked into the lobby of Goodwin & Co. The receptionists, already aware of who she was, greeted her warmly. "Mrs. Goodwin, wee. I''ll take you upstairs."


    Hearing "Mrs. Goodwin" made Eleanor''s expression stiffen for a moment, but she didn''t bother to exin.


    She stepped into the elevator, heading straight to the executive floor.


    The receptionist led Eleanor ton''s office before leaving her there.


    Eleanor knocked on the door. Gavin opened it with a smile. "Miss Sutton, you''re here. Mr. Goodwin is waiting for you inside."


    Eleanor entered and sawn sitting on the couch, clearly expecting her. Spread out before him were eight separate folders¡ªundoubtedly the share transfer contracts for each of thepanies.<fn4e4b> For original chapters go to Find_Novel(.</fn4e4b>


    "You''re here. If everything looks good, just sign,"n said in his low, even voice.

 Chapter 205

    Eleanor picked up the first stack of shareholder agreements and began reading, poring over every use and the organizational chart at the end.


    "Rx. The contract''s airtight," Ian said with a slight lift of his brow.


    She reached for a pen and started signing. There were eight documents in total, and halfway through her hand started to ache.


    Gavin, seated nearby, watched as Eleanor paused to massage her wrist. He couldn''t help but marvel-did Miss Sutton have any idea that, with just a few strokes of her pen, she was about to transform into a billionaire overnight?


    Finally, Eleanor finished signing thest agreement. Ian spoke up, "Don''t leave just yet. I''m about to call a shareholders'' meeting, and you''ll be attending as thepany''s secondrgest shareholder."


    Eleanor''s eyes widened. "Excuse me?"


    Eleanor had the distinct sense she''d just been maneuvered into something, but couldn''t quite pinpoint what.


    At ten o''clock sharp, the Goodwin & Co. shareholders'' meeting began.<fna19c> Checktest chapters at findnovel</fna19c>


    Eleanor took her seat among a cluster of middle-aged executives, looking distinctly out of ce. Young, striking, and poised, she drew more than a few curious nces.


    But before long, the room''s attitude shifted. Once it was announced that she now held shares in eight of Goodwin & Co.''spanies-making her the second-rgest shareholder, outranked only byn-no one dared underestimate her.


    When Gavin finished the announcement, the shareholders were left in stunned silence. Eleanor might be young, but she now wielded a fortune of nearly a billion dors.


    So this was the elusive Mrs. Goodwin. Clearly, there was much more to her than anyone had guessed.


    Throughout the meeting, Eleanor sat with her brow furrowed. The discussion sailed past her-corporate jargon and numbers, most of which sounded like a foreignnguage. Every so often, she''d feeln''s inscrutable gaze on her.


    Once the meeting adjourned,n asked her to step into a separate lounge.


    "If you''d like, I can rmend the best managers to run thepanies for you,"n said. "You''ll be free to focus on your work in theb."


    Managingpanies wasn''t her forte, but she saw no need to ask for his help. "No, thank you," Eleanor replied tly.


    "There''s still a lot you don''t know about running a business="


    She cut him off, her tone cool. "If I need advice, there are plenty of other people I can ask."


    Eleanor didn''t want Xavier dragged into this mess. She shot her ex-husband a sidelong look. "My business is no longer your concern."


    "Xavier and I grew up together,"n replied, voice low, the implication clear- she''d do well to keep her distance from the men in his circle.


    Eleanor had no intention of continuing the conversation. She grabbed her bag and left.


    Meanwhile, outside the Goodwin & Co. building, a man in his early fifties was sitting in his car, phone pressed to his ear. He was Gina Quinn''s cousin and one of thepany''s shareholders.


    "Did you hear whatn did?" he said. "He just transferred eightpanies to his ex-wife. That''s close to a billion dors in assets!"


    "What?" Gina''s voice crackled with disbelief on the other end. "How much?"


    "Ian gave her his eight most secure investment firms. You really should have stopped him!"


    Gina was in her living room when she heard it, and the news nearly made her vision go ck. She never imagined her son would give Eleanor so much in the divorce.


    "Alright, I''m heading to the office right now. I need to see this for myself," Gina said furiously. She called for the driver to pick her up, then quickly dialed her daughter''s number.

 Chapter 206

    "Mom, what''s wrong?"


    "Come with me to your brother''s office." Gina''s voice was tight with anger.


    "Mom, what happened? I''m still at work!" Serena pressed.


    "Stop asking-juste, and you''ll see for yourself."


    Eight billion dors. What on earth had Eleanor done to putn under her spell? Gina had expected her son might give Eleanor some assets in the divorce, and she wouldn''t have objected. But Eleanor had walked away with eight entirepanies nearly eight billion dors'' worth of their family fortune.


    That was something Gina simply couldn''t ept.


    Serena had no choice but to request time off and head to her brother''s firm.


    Half an hourter, inside the lobby of Goodwin & Co. headquarters, Serena arrived first. She anxiously watched as her mother stormed through the revolving doors.


    "Mom, what''s going on? Please, just tell me!" Serena pleaded as Gina approached.


    It wasn''t until they''d stepped into the elevator that Gina finally exined what had happened. By the time Serena finished listening, she was so stunned she nearly cked out, her anger boiling over.


    "What? Eleanor took eight billion dors from my brother? How dare she even ask for that much?" Serena''s hands clenched into fists. In her mind, Eleanor must have pulled some kind of trick to get what she wanted.


    Upstairs, inn''s office, his assistant rushed in. "Mr. Goodwin, your mother and sister are here."


    Even before the words were out, Gina strode in, fixing her eyes on her son behind his desk. She was furious, but beneath the anger was a deep disappointment.


    "Ian, tell me¡ªdid you really give Eleanor eightpanies? Eight billion dors'' worth?" Gina demanded, pointing at her son.


    "Are you out of your mind? Why would you give an outsider eight billion? It''s not like we''re drowning in cash!" Serena jumped in, her voice rising in frustration.


    "Evelyn is still just a child. She should inherit your fortune one day. But you''re giving it to Eleanor? What if she marries someone else? That money will just end up in someone else''s hands!" Gina was nearly shaking with rage. She couldn''t believe how foolish her son was being.


    "Eight billion,n. Not eight million. What did Eleanor do to get her hands on all that? Did she use Evelyn to threaten you or something?" Serena''s imagination was running wild.


    Looking at the storm of emotion on his mother''s and sister''s faces,n spoke quietly but firmly. "This was my decision. There''s nothing more to discuss."


    "Then give me a reason," Gina pressed. "Why would you do this?" She had always considered her son wise, shrewd, and forward-thinking-how could he make such an irrational choice?


    "She''s right,n. Tell us what on earth did Eleanor do to deserve eight billion in a divorce settlement?" Serena bit out, her anger only growing. The more she thought about it, the more it felt like Eleanor had struck gold at the Goodwin family''s expense.


    Eight billion dors-enough to live in luxury for eight lifetimes.


    Butn had no intention of exining himself. "Mom, I have my reasons. Please, just let it go."


    Gina stared at her son, momentarily speechless. As shrewd as she was, she could only guess at what was really going through his mind.


    After a long moment, she steadied herself, sighed, and took Serena''s hand. "Come on, Serena. Let''s go."


    "But Mom-"


    "As long as your brother doesn''t regret it, that''s all that matters." Gina shotn onest withering look, having lost the will to argue any further.

 Chapter 207

    Inside the elevator, Serena clung to her mother''s arm. "Mom, do you know something you''re not telling me?"


    Gina gave her a sidelong look. "Serena, don''t bring this up in front of Eleanor again. What''s done is done-we have to ept it." As they stepped into the lobby, Gina opened the car door and slid into the back seat.


    Serena watched her mother''s car pull away, a cold smile curling on her lips. "Eleanor, did you really think the Goodwin family would be that easy to push around?"


    She checked the time. If she wanted to find out where Eleanor was, there was someone who could help-Faye, who worked closely with Eleanor and had recently added Serena on social media.


    Serena shot Faye a message. The response came quickly:


    "Eleanor''s in a meeting at Meridian Dynamics. You can find her there."


    Conference room, Meridian Dynamics.


    Eleanor sat at the head of the table, deep in discussion. A knock sounded at the door, and before anyone could answer, Serena strode in, her voice ringing out like amand: "Eleanor. I need a word. Now."


    Eleanor lifted her gaze, seeing the hostility written all over Serena''s face. She turned to Byron. "Mr. Chase, excuse me for a moment."


    As soon as Eleanor stepped into the hallway, Joel-her assistant-rose and followed.


    Serena stood waiting, eyes shing with anger. "Eleanor, what the hell did you do to my brother? What kind of spell did you put on him? Why would he hand over eightpanies to you?"


    Eleanor had guessed this wasing. "If you have anyints about the divorce settlement, you''re wee to speak to mywyer. I''ll have them handle it." Her tone was icy.


    From the day she''d married into the Goodwin family, Serena had never once treated her with respect. This kind of confrontation wasn''t exactly a surprise.


    Serena scoffed. "Awyer? Please. The Goodwins havewyers on retainer, and if we want to make trouble for you, we will. You don''t even have your divorce decree yet, and you think you can challenge us?¡±


    "If that''s all you have to say, then please stop wasting my time." Eleanor turned to leave.


    Serena reached out, aiming to grab her arm, but Joel stepped smoothly between them, voice firm but polite. "Miss Goodwin, I''m going to have to ask you to leave."


    Serena sneered, chin lifted in haughty disdain. "Joel, is it? I know who you are. But this is Goodwin family business, and frankly, it''s none of your concern. Step aside."


    Hearing that, Eleanor turned, fixing Serena with a steady look. She gently touched Joel''s arm. "Joel, don''t stoop to her level."


    Serena let out an icyugh. "Eleanor, from the day you married my brother, he never loved you. The only woman he ever cared about was Vanessa. Only someone like Vanessa is good enough for him."


    "I''ve already stepped aside for her. What more do you want?" Eleanor''s voice was t, unwavering.


    Serena faltered, then pressed on with a mocking edge. "Don''t you think it''s pathetic? You spent years loving my brother, and yet he never made room for you in his heart."


    Eleanor didn''t flinch. "You''re right. It is pathetic-six years wasted on someone who never truly mattered. But at least I''ve got the rest of my life ahead of me. I can finally live for myself."


    Down the hall, near the reception desk,n approached. The heated voices echoing from around the corner made him pause mid-step-just in time to hear Eleanor''s words.


    Serena''s voice dripped with scorn. "If my brother meant nothing to you, then why did you shamelessly throw yourself at him all those years ago? The Goodwin family didn''t pay you to be his nursemaid. You enjoyed six years offort at his side, and now you y the victim? What a hypocrite you are, Eleanor."

 Chapter 208

    Eleanor seemed unfazed by Serena''s words. With wry smile, she murmured, "If I could live my life over again, I''d never make such a stupid mistake."


    Serena let out a derisive huff, ready to retort, but then her eyes caught a tall figure striding toward them at the end of the hallway. Instantly, her face lit up. n!"


    At the sound of his name, Eleanor stiffened ever so slightly, but she didn''t turn around.


    "I just wanted to ask her what right she has to take over your eightpanies!" Serena shot back, her tone bristling with indignation.


    Serena blinked, clearly not expecting that response from her brother. "But¡ª"


    "Go home."n''s tone was curt and left no room for argument.


    Serena bit her lip, shooting Eleanor a re full of resentment before reluctantly turning to leave.


    Silence settled over the hallway.


    Eleanor finally turned to facen, her expression icy. "Mr. Goodwin, I''d appreciate


    it if you could keep your family from interfering in my life again.¡±


    The formality in her voice maden''s eyes darken.


    He looked at the woman in front of him. Her eyes no longer held any of their old warmth or affection-only the indifferent distance you''d show a stranger.


    After a moment,n said quietly, "Don''t let anything Serena said get to you."


    Eleanor gave a bitter little smile. "She''s right, though. I really did waste six years of my life on you."


    "Is that really what you want to say?"n''s voice had an edge of frost.


    "It''s the truth. If you don''t like hearing it, Mr. Goodwin, you''re wee not to listen." Eleanor''s eyes met his, cold and unwavering.


    At that, Joel-who had been standing quietly nearby-stepped in. "Mr. Goodwin,


    we have a meeting to attend. If there''s nothing urgent, we''ll be going."


    With that, Joel and Eleanor headed toward the conference room together.


    Back in the conference room, Byron looked at Eleanor with concern. "Miss Sutton, are you alright?"


    Eleanor shook her head lightly. "Sorry for the dy, everyone. Let''s continue." After the meeting wrapped up, Byron hurried back to his office to meet withn.


    They discussed the progress of the current research projects. After a thoughtful pause, Byron spoke up. ¡°Mr. Goodwin, we''re nning to purchase several international pharmaceutical patents. We''ll need a substantial amount of funding. Right now, the budget''s a bit tight."


    A wave of relief washed over Byron. With the biotech project still in its early


    stages, funding had been a constant headache-money just kept pouring in with little to show for it so far.


    Thankfully, Goodwin & Co. wasrge enough to absorb the costs, and thepany remained enthusiastic about investing in the project.


    Byron figured that, aside fromn''s ambition to make a mark in medical science,


    having his wife as the lead researcher had to be a major factor.


    No sooner had he seenn out than Byron''s assistant hurried in, clutching an iPad.


    "Mr. Chase, have you seen the news online?"


    Byron looked up, surprised. "What news?"


    "Mr. Goodwin and Miss Sutton are getting divorced. Apparently, the paperwork''s already been filed."


    Byron stared in shock. "What? They''re getting divorced?"


    But hadn''t Mr. Goodwin just approved a huge funding request for their research? Was everything he''d done really unrted to Miss Sutton after all?

 Chapter 209

    Driving home, Eleanor''s phone rang. It was Joy.


    "Somehow, the news broke-now every outlet online is sharing your divorce, and there''s a ton of spection flying around!"


    Eleanor gave a calm littleugh. "It was bound toe out sooner orter."


    "At least the media hasn''t mentioned anything about the asset split. I guess they haven''t gotten hold of the details yet."


    Joy tried to reassure her. "Don''t worry, give it three days and the buzz will die down. It won''t have any real impact on your life.¡±


    Eleanor agreed. She never expected it would.


    Later, when she pulled up to the school to pick up her daughter, she noticed Xavier''s car already parked out front. As Eleanor got out, he stepped from his vehicle as well.


    "Mr. Vaughn," she greeted him with a polite nod.


    He narrowed his eyes. "So, the inte says you two are already handling the paperwork?"


    Eleanor nodded. ¡°That''s right, everything''s been filed. Once the mandatory waiting period is over, it''ll be official."


    Xavier blinked. "If you need any help, you know you can ask me."


    She hesitated, then realized she actually could use some advice. "Mr. Vaughn, do you happen to know any reliable executive managers? I''ve got a fewpanies I need to take over, but I''ll need someone experienced to help manage them."


    He frowned slightly. "Whichpanies?"


    Eleanor pulled out her phone and showed him the profiles of eight different businesses. After studying them, Xavier''s expression grew serious. "I do know just the person for the job."


    "That would be wonderful, thank you. I really have no clue about corporate management-I''ll need trustworthy hands."


    Xavier looked at her, curiosity piqued. "Ian split all eightpanies to you?"


    She nodded. "Yes."


    He considered this for a moment. "Are you free anytime soon? I''d like to introduce you to a manager I trust."


    "I''m free Friday," Eleanor replied quickly.


    After picking up her daughter, Vivian begged toe over for dinner, and Eleanor happily agreed.


    "I love Ms. Sutton''s sweet and sour ribs the most!" Vivian said, eyes sparkling.


    "I love them too!" Evelyn Goodwin chimed in, grinning.


    Eleanor smiled. "All right, sweet and sour ribs it is for dinner tonight."


    Xavier watched the lively scene, a faint smile at the corners of his mouth.


    ...


    Meanwhile, at a caf¨¦ across town, Serena met with Vanessa. When Vanessa learned that Eleanor had received eightpanies in the divorce, she couldn''t help but feel a pang of jealousy.


    Even ifn wanted to offerpensation, wasn''t this a little over the top? Eightpanies worth a fortune-Vanessa could hardly believe it.


    "This is ridiculous! I went to confront her today, but my brother stopped me," Serena fumed, practically shaking with anger.


    "Serena, don''t get involved. Let your brother handle it," Vanessa cautioned, not wanting her to meddle. Ifn made such a decision, he must have had his


    reasons.


    She just couldn''t figure out what those reasons were.


    ¡°I known''s a business genius, and making that kind of money is nothing for him.


    But I just can''t swallow this," Serena muttered through clenched teeth.


    "At least they''re divorced," Vanessa said, taking a careful sip of her coffee.


    Serena smirked. "If my brother''s willing to divorce her, it only means one thing¡ª


    he never really loved Eleanor. For him, this is just freedom."


    They chatted a bit longer, until Serena took a call and excused herself. She had someone to meet.


    She''d promisedn and Vanessa she wouldn''t make trouble for Eleanor, but that didn''t mean she''d just let her off the hook.


    If Eleanor was going to be that greedy, then Serena was determined to make her pay.

 Chapter 210

    That evening, Eleanor asked Joslyn to make her daughter and Vivian''s favorite dishes-sticky-sweet zed ribs and fluffy steamed egg with shrimp. As she bustled around getting dinner ready for the kids, her phone rang. Seeing it was Joy, she picked up immediately. "Hello?"


    "Ellie, it''s bad. Someone just posted online that you walked away from the divorce with a huge chunk of Goodwin & Co''s assets. The story''s blowing up, and public opinion is turning ugly."


    Eleanor''s heart clenched. "How is this happening?"


    "I think someone''s targeting you. The whole inte''s calling you greedy and maniptive."


    Eleanor''s mind jumped straight to Serena. This had her fingerprints all over it.


    She hurried upstairs, opened her iPad, and started scanning the news.


    "Goodwin & Co. Divorce Scandal: Medical Prodigy or Gold Digger?"


    "Shocking! Goodwin & Co. CEO''s Ex-Wife Walks Off With Eight Companies and Millions A New Breed of Corporate Predator?"


    Multiple stories sat at the top of the trending charts. Clicking in, Eleanor found a flood of gossip ounts and frence journalists, all capitalizing on the scandal for clicks and shares.


    "Chief Researcher at Meridian Dynamics? She married her way into Goodwin & Co. power. Rumor has it she dropped out of college to tie the knot. How did she pull it off?"


    Thement sections were a toxic mess:


    "Yeah, right, she''s a researcher? Bet herst award was giarized, too!"


    "Poor Mr. Goodwin. What a snake in the grass."


    "She took that much in the divorce? Give me a break. She never deserved it."


    Eleanor''s fingers trembled as she scrolled. She forced herself to take a deep breath and stay calm.


    It was obvious someone was deliberately twisting the narrative, muddying the facts and painting her as a greedy opportunist.


    While she and Joy were still on video, Eleanor asked, "Joy, can you trace where these stories started?"


    "I''m already on it, but the source is fuzzy. The posts just exploded across several outlets at once. Don''t rush to respond yet, okay?"


    At eight-thirty, Xavier arrived right on time to pick up Vivian. He''d seen the online storm, too, and looked at Eleanor with genuine concern. "Ms. Sutton, if you need any help, just say the word."


    "Thank you, Xavier. I''ll let you know," she said, grateful.


    ...


    In the penthouse suite of a luxury hotel, Serena sipped her red wine, watching the chaos she''d unleashed online with smug satisfaction.


    Eleanor''s misery made her day.


    Her phone rang. Serena nced at the screen, a flicker of nerves crossing her face, and answered. "Hello?"


    "Serena, did you leak those stories about Eleanor?" her brother''s voice demanded.


    "Do I really have that kind of time? I''m out having drinks with friends," Serena deflected, refusing to admit anything.


    He ended the call.


    Frustrated, Serena puffed out her cheeks. Right then, Vanessa called. "Serena, have you seen what''s happening to Eleanor online?"


    "I''m watching it now. It''s glorious."


    "You didn''t have anything to do with it, did you?"


    "And if I did? What''s she going to do, sue me?" Serena replied, utterly unfazed.


    "Well, honestly, she had iting,¡± Vanessa remarked.


    "Of course she did! She''s always been greedy. Frankly, an online mob is letting her off easy," Serena scoffed.


    ...


    All night long, the smear campaign kept gaining momentum, directing every ounce of outrage toward Eleanor and making her the target of an entire city''s scorn.

 Chapter 211

    The next morning.


    When Joslyn came back from grocery shopping, she told Eleanor there were several cars parked outside, blocking the whole street.


    Eleanor guessed it was a swarm of reporters, tipped off and now camping out to catch her. She decided to keep her daughter home for the day. Around ten, Simone called apparently, the school had received a flood ofints and asked Eleanor toe in.


    Eleanor asked Joslyn to look after her daughter while she headed to the research building.


    She had barely stepped into the parking lot when a group of sharp-eyed reporters rushed at her, cameras shing.


    "Dr. Sutton, do you have anyment on the allegations circting online?"


    "Was your divorce from Mr. Goodwin premeditated?"


    "There are rumors questioning the integrity of your research-what do you have to say to that?"


    "Can you provide evidence to support your previous study, which some are now doubting?"


    The shes were blinding; Eleanor shielded her face, unable to move forward.


    Just then, a ck sedan screeched to a halt at her side. The back door swung open and a long, elegant hand reached out. "Get in!"


    Eleanor looked up, meetingn''s cool, steely gaze.


    Without hesitation, she dove into the car. A reporter gasped, "That''sn in the car..."


    Gavin hit the gas, leaving the reporters behind.


    Silence fell inside the car.


    Eleanor smoothed her hair and turned away, murmuring, "Thank you."


    Eleanor said nothing, already turning over possibilities in her mind about who might be behind it.


    After a moment,n spoke again. "I''ll issue a statement."


    She looked up. "What kind of statement?"


    "I''ll rify that it was my decision to initiate the division of assets. You had nothing to do with it."


    Eleanor was taken aback. If he did that, it would certainly help her.


    But she refused his help. "It''s not necessary. I''ll handle it myself." Then she turned


    to the front. "Gavin, please pull over and let me out."


    "Where are you headed? I''ll take you," Ian offered.


    Eleanor ignored him. "Gavin, please stop the car."


    Gavin pulled over. As Eleanor opened the door to leave,n''s voice was low and steady. "Eleanor, don''t be stubborn. If you need help, just say so."


    She shot him a look. "I''m not as fragile as you think."


    With that, she stepped out, pulled a face mask from her bag, and gged down a cab.


    Once inside, she immediately messaged Joy and Frazier, starting a private group chat.


    Frazier was the first to respond, ever calm and collected. "This whole thing is escting fast. Someone is definitely fanning the mes. Right now, the priority is to stabilize the situation and protect your reputation."


    Joy chimed in. "I''ve got people looking into the source of the leaks, but it''ll be tough to pinpoint anything right away."


    Eleanor replied with a coldugh, "If she''s so determined to ruin my name, all the more reason not to let her win."


    Joy suggested, "Should we start by sending a legal warning?"


    Frazier cautioned, "Let''s not act rashly. Awyer''s letter might just be a temporary fix, or worse, backfire and stir things up more."


    "Don''t rush to respond publicly yet," Eleanor decided. "Let me meet someone first."


    By then, she''d arrived at the research building. Both Simone and Dr. Lyman were waiting, watching her with a mix of concern and helplessness. They knew her worth-but, bound by their own positions, there was little they could say on her behalf.

 Chapter 212

    "Dr. Lyman, Professor Langley, I''ll handle this-I promise the school won''t be dragged through the mud," Eleanor assured them.


    "All right, but until this is resolved, I want you to put your current projects on hold," Simone replied crisply. "Faye will step in for you for now."


    Eleanor nodded. Realistically, Faye was the only one who could cover her position at a moment''s notice.


    After Eleanor left, Simone pulled Faye aside for a private conversation about the situation. Faye maintained a calm front, but inside, she was practically ecstatic.


    Word had already spread through the entireb about Eleanor''s messy divorce, and everyone seemed to relish gossiping about how she''d supposedly taken half ofn''s eightpanies in the settlement.


    They called her greedy-unbelievably so.


    Online, people in their academic circles quietly fanned the mes. The world of research was a battlefield with no gunshots, after all. If Eleanor fell, her projects would be up for grabs.


    Eleanor left the research building and dialed Xavier''s number.


    "Hello, Miss Sutton." Xavier''s voice was warm and gentle.


    "Mr. Vaughn, do you have time to meet? I need your help finding a professional manager."


    "I''ve already found someone for you. We can set up a meeting anytime."


    "How about right now?" Eleanor asked.


    "Of course. Let''s meet at the caf¨¦ downstairs from my office."


    "Perfect. I''ll be there soon."


    Eleanor hailed a cab and headed straight to Xavier''spany.


    When she arrived, Xavier was already waiting with a middle-aged man. Xavier stood and introduced them, "This is Ellington-a trusted friend and one of my best people. He''s extremely capable and discreet."


    Eleanor hesitated for a moment, surprised that Xavier was offering her someone so valuable.


    "Miss Sutton, it''s a pleasure to meet you," Ellington said, rising and extending his hand with practiced politeness.


    Eleanor shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Ellington."


    Once the three of them were seated, Ellington got straight to business. "Mr. Vaughn has given me a brief overview of your situation, Miss Sutton. I''ve already done a preliminary analysis of the eightpanies under your name and have a few suggestions."


    He pulled out his tablet and brought up a detailed proposal. "First, three of thesepanies are in the hospitality sector. You could streamline operations by consolidating resources and managing them as a unified chain..."


    Eleanor listened intently, nodding as he spoke. Ellington''s professionalism and efficiency put her at ease¡ªand impressed her.


    She exined the problems she was currently facing. As it turned out, Ellington had handled simr issues before. "Don''t worry, Miss Sutton. Once I officiallye on board, I''ll organize all the financial reports, update the records for changes in ownership, and oversee the documentation for your asset division agreement with Mr. Goodwin. We can also coordinate with major financial media outlets to prepare a formal disclosure, ensuring everything is presented in an official, authoritative manner."


    He then offered advice on handling the fallout in her academic career. ¡°Of course, Miss Sutton, given your unique situation, a simple statement won''t be enough in the court of public opinion. You''ll need something more impactful to turn things around."


    Eleanor''s eyes shed in understanding. "I know what you mean."


    After their meeting, Eleanor headed home. Joslyn had been taking great care of her daughter. Just as she walked in, her phone rang.


    It was her former mother-inw, Gina.


    "Aunt Gina," Eleanor greeted, her title carefully changed.


    There was a brief pause on the other end before Gina spoke. "Eleanor, I''d like to


    take Evelyn for a few days. You should focus on sorting things out."


    "That won''t be necessary, Aunt Gina. I can handle things on my own," Eleanor replied, her tone cool and distant.

 Chapter 213

    "Eleanor, even if you andn are divorced, I''m still Evelyn''s grandmother. Do you really think I''d ever hurt her?"


    Eleanor paused, caught off guard. "That''s not what I meant. I''ll take good care of Evelyn, you don''t need to worry."


    "Fine! Then I''ll pick her up for the weekend¡ªshe can stay with me a couple of days." With that, Gina ended the call.


    Eleanor climbed the stairs and opened herptop. She logged into her overseas academic profile and pulled up her research portfolio: three patents, and awards from Drexford. She set to work, carefully drafting a long-form statement, its headline direct and unflinching:


    "My Family, My Career, and the Truth About My Divorce."


    Her tone was calm and factual as she detailed her independent research journey.


    At the end, she attached scanned copies of all the crucial evidence-including her six-year-old offer letter from Drexford Lab, and the signed asset division agreement from both parties.


    She finished with a single, unwavering line: I believe the truth never lies, and cannot be distorted.


    After publishing the article on her ount, several major news outlets-who''d been keeping an eye on her page-immediately picked up the story. They shared the post, calling for an end to the rumors.


    Within thirty minutes, her post had racked up over a million views. The tide of public opinion began to shift.


    "Oh my god! I know The Ronald Medical Institute-that''s one of the world''s top research teams. Eleanor actually worked there?"


    "I looked through those patents. It really seems like she did all that work herself!" "So someone was deliberately trying to smear her reputation?"


    At the same time, Frazier got in touch with financial media outlets, sharing details from his conversation withn''s divorce attorney. He confirmed thatn and Eleanor''s split was amicable-no scheming, no trickery, no hidden motives.


    With both stories breaking at once, Joy called. "Ellie, you killed it. The whole narrative''s changing in your favor."


    Meanwhile,n had been following the news online. Watching Eleanor single- handedly turn things around, a flicker of admiration shone in his eyes.


    "Mr. Goodwin, just got word-Mr. Vaughn introduced Miss Sutton to one of hispany''s former executive managers."


    A sharp, cold glint passed throughn''s gaze. "Is that so?"


    "And he''s already signed on with Miss Sutton''s firm."


    "Understood," Ian said calmly.


    With someone capable now at Eleanor''s side, there was no need for him to get involved. Even if he wanted to help, she wouldn''t ept it.


    At the hotel, Serena stared at her phone, stunned by how quickly public opinion had swung. She hadn''t expected Eleanor to produce such authoritative proof and patents. Now, there were more people praising Eleanor online than criticizing her.


    "Damn it." Serena bit her lip, unwilling to let things go.


    Just then, a new message popped up. Serena''s shoulders tensed when she saw who it was-it was her older brother.


    "Stop causing trouble for Eleanor."


    Serena puffed out her cheeks, annoyed. Eleanor must have suspected her and tattled to her brother behind her back.


    "What are you talking about, big brother? I honestly have better things to do." She refused to admit a thing.


    "Just stay out of it," came his reply, firm but not angry.


    Since his tone wasn''t particrly harsh, Serena rxed. After all, Eleanor was an outsider now-why would her brother keep defending her?


    10 a.m.


    Outside Goodwin & Co.,n stepped out with Gavin by his side. Dressed in a sharp ck suit, his expression was steely and unreadable.


    A cluster of reporters, who''d been waiting for hours, surged forward the moment they saw him.

 Chapter 214

    "Mr. Goodwin, how do you feel about your ex-wife Eleanor being attacked online recently?"


    "Would you care to respond?"


    "I will be issuing an official statement soon regarding the false usations against my ex-wife, Ms. Eleanor, circting online," he said, his voice low and


    unwavering, every wordnding with the weight of a gavel.


    "Could youment now?" one gutsy female reporter pressed.


    The implication was unmistakable.


    In just a few sentences, every journalist in the room could sense how fiercely he intended to defend her.


    Even if their marriage was over.


    Some reporters even misinterpreted his words as a warning-almost as if he''d said, "No oneys a hand on someone under my protection."


    Vanessa sat on her sofa, scrolling through thetest news about Eleanor. The certificates Eleanor had posted stunned her-six years of marriage, and she''d managed all this?


    And she''d aplished it all abroad. Vanessa had assumed Eleanor was content ying the housewife, but clearly, the woman had her own ambitions.


    Faye''s call came through. Vanessa picked up. "Hey, Faye."


    ¡°So,n and Eleanor are divorced. Does this mean you finally have your shot at joining the Goodwin family?" Faye teased.


    Vanessa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Even if I don''t marry in, I can promise you there won''t be another woman byn''s side."


    "You didn''t have anything to do with Eleanor''s online scandal, did you?" Faye''s tone sharpened.


    "Of course not. I wouldn''t stoop so low." Vanessa gave a short, contemptuousugh.


    "My mom says your mom''s back in town. The four of us should get together this weekend."


    Annoyance flickered in Vanessa''s eyes. Her father had been out more oftentely, busy with work-and less and less reliable. Faye''s mother had invited hers back to try and keep her father in line.


    "Yeah, see you tonight," Vanessa replied. Then, after a pause, she asked, "I saw those documents Eleanor posted online. Are they real?"


    Faye had seen them too. She hesitated, but finally said, "They''re real."


    "Looks like yourpetition''s tougher than you thought," Vanessa said, a hint of challenge in her voice.


    "So what?" Faye shot back, pride bristling. "There''s always more to learn. Just because she''s ahead now doesn''t mean she always will be." With that, she hung up.


    Momentster, Vanessa sawn''s official response about Eleanor''s situation.


    On camera, he stood in a sharp navy suit, his expression severe, exuding an aura that warned people to keep their distance.


    No matter how intrusive the journalists'' questions became, nothing could detract from his refined, striking appearance.


    Vanessa watched the interview through clenched teeth, exhaling sharply when it ended. She should have talked Serena out of it.


    If she had, maybe this mess wouldn''t have happened.


    Now, Eleanor had the chance to disy her ster medical credentials, whilen stood before the cameras, publicly acknowledging his duty to protect her.


    Especially that line-she will always be the mother of his child. That one stung, right in Vanessa''s chest.


    Of course. Even ifn and Eleanor were divorced, their child would forever bind them together.

 Chapter 215

    The story of Eleanor took a dramatic turn online. People were finally able to glimpse the strength andpetence behind her gentle demeanor-and witness the way her ex-husbandn stood protectively by her side.


    Clearly, the division of assets among those eightpanies had been the result of mutual agreement between the couple.


    Within less than three days, Eleanor''s name had beenpletely cleared.


    After a week out of the spotlight, Eleanor finally reappeared in the boardroom of herrgest holding, the Vespera Grand.


    She was nked by Ellington and Frazier, both of whom followed her lead as she took her seat at the head of the table, the position of CEO.


    Ellington smiled, "Ms. Sutton, today''s agenda includes signing contracts for a new coffee shop and two international restaurants joining our portfolio. At noon, we''ll have a tasting session for the new menu items and wines."


    The Vespera Grand''s general manager, a foreign executive from Fairhaven, had run the hotel for a decade, managing it with both dedication and skill. Under his leadership, the hotel''s performance had been steady and impressive year after year.


    He stepped forward to greet Eleanor warmly, shaking her hand before briefing her on his recent evaluations of the caf¨¦ and restaurants. Eleanor listened intently, then signed her name on the final page of each contract.


    Lunchtime brought the tasting session, held in the hotel''s top-floor tearoom. Dozens of staff and managers attended, treating Eleanor, their new boss, with deference and awaiting her every instruction.


    By two in the afternoon, Eleanor had delegated the rest of the day''s business to Ellington and made her way back to the research building.


    Inside, Faye was already gathering people for a meeting. When she saw Eleanor walk in, her expression shifted.


    Eleanor was back.


    Gwenda stood up immediately. "Eleanor,e sit here. Would you like some water?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, thank you. Let''s get started."


    Gwenda''s eagerness didn''t escape Faye, who shot her a look of disdain. Faye turned to Eleanor, voice edged with skepticism. "Eleanor, now that you''re managing eightpanies, are you sure you can keep up with the research side of things?"


    Eleanor smiled. "Corporate management isn''t really my forte. I still prefer focusing on the science."


    "Someone with your talent shouldn''t let it go to waste," Gwenda chimed in.


    "Let me see the data from Meridian Dynamics," Eleanor said, unwilling to waste time on small talk.


    Gwenda quickly handed her a folder. "This just came in."


    Eleanor reviewed the data carefully, her brow furrowing as she finished. "There''s something off here. Did you double-check these numbers?"


    Herment made Faye bristle. "Eleanor, what do you take us for? Your personal staff?"


    Eleanor looked at Faye. "Professor Langley assigned you to this, didn''t he? If there''s a problem with the data, why shouldn''t I ask?"


    Faye was momentarily at a loss. "There''s no problem as far as I can see."


    "The simted cell values are far too inconsistent. Something''s definitely wrong," Eleanor insisted.


    Faye scoffed. "And you can tell that just by looking?"


    "I''m going over to Meridian Dynamics. You all can continue the meeting without me," Eleanor said, gathering the files and heading out.


    Faye''s expression soured. Gwenda tried to soothe her in a whisper. "Faye, don''t


    be upset. This was always supposed to be her responsibility."


    Faye bit her lip, unwilling to let it go. "Why is it always her?"


    Eleanor arrived outside Byron''s office at Meridian Dynamics, just as someone was about to walk out.


    Their eyes met.


    It wasn.


    Byron was seeing him out, and when he noticed Eleanor, he cleared his throat. "Ms. Sutton, you''re here. I was just about to walk Mr. Goodwin downstairs."


    "No need, Byron. You two go ahead and talk,¡±n said, then turned to Eleanor, his expression softening. "Ms. Sutton, could we have a word?"

 Chapter 216

    Eleanor''s expression hardened. "I don''t have time."


    ¡°I''ll, uh, use the restroom. You two go ahead and talk!¡± Byron, ever the tactful one, quickly excused himself and slipped away.


    Eleanor gave a nomittal shrug. "So what if he is?"


    "He''s talented. Someone you can trust," Ian offered, weighing his words.


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. Was this really what he wanted to discuss?


    "My mom and grandma want to see Evelyn this weekend. I''ll pick her up Friday afternoon,"n added.


    Gina had mentioned on the phonest time that they wanted to have Evelyn over for the weekend, so Eleanor nodded. "That''s fine."


    Eleanor waited by Byron''s office door. It was ten minutes before he returned. Spotting her alone, he smiled. ¡°Mr. Goodwin already left?"


    "VP Chase, I think there''s an issue with one of the data sets from thest round of experiments. I wanted to double-check on your end."


    "Absolutely. Let''s go inside and take a look." Byron immediately shifted into work mode.


    He genuinely admired Eleanor''s relentless pursuit of excellence in research. Over the past few days, he''d interacted with Faye as well. She was talented, no doubt, but there was a clear gap between her and Eleanor-Fayecked that deep- seated respect and curiosity for science that set Eleanor apart.


    By four in the afternoon, Eleanor had reanalyzed the data and sent the corrected results to Simone. After reviewing them, Simone immediately called Faye in.


    "Faye, research is about curiosity and discovery. How did you miss such a ring discrepancy in the parameters?"


    Faye twisted her hands behind her back, guilt flickering in her eyes. "I''m sorry, Professor. It was my mistake."


    "If Eleanor hadn''t caught it, we would have headed down the wrong path entirely. Do you understand how serious that is?"


    "I understand."


    "I know working alongside Eleanor puts pressure on you, but you need to turn that pressure into motivation. If you want to surpass her, show me what you can do. I truly hope you''ll achieve something remarkable," Simone said, her tone gentle but firm.


    Faye bit her lip, resentment simmering beneath her polite nod. Now even her professor was holding Eleanor up as the standard.


    "Yes, Professor. I understand. I''ll do better," Faye replied, her voice steady.


    As she left the office, Faye clenched her fists. Simone hadn''t said it outright, but Faye could sense her disappointment. And it was all Eleanor''s fault.


    Friday arrived in a sh. Eleanor was still at home whenn texted, "I''m here to pick up Evelyn."


    She replied with a brief "Okay." Ten minutester, she assumed he''d already left with their daughter-until the doorbell rang and she foundn on the porch, Evelyn in his arms.


    Eleanor opened the door. Evelyn beamed. "Mom, where''s the toy I gotst time? I want to take it to Grandma''s!"


    As Evelyn dashed into the living room to search for her toy, Eleanor andn stood together by the gate.


    Princess, their golden retriever, bounded over, tail wagging furiously, nuzzling affectionately againstn''s leg.


    Atst, Evelyn emerged with a toy dinosaur clutched in her arms. "Daddy, let''s


    go!"


    "Bye, Mommy!" Evelyn called out, waving.


    Eleanor smiled and waved back. "I''ll be waiting for you toe home."


    Evelyn paused at the gate, her big eyes shining. "Mom, why don''t youe with


    me to Grandma''s? It''ll be fun!"


    Eleanor blinked in surprise.

 Chapter 217

    Eleanor met his gaze for a few seconds. After six years of marriage,n could still read her expression without effort.


    "Mom''s been busy with worktely,¡±n said gently to their daughter. ¡°Let''s let her get some rest, okay?"


    "Alright," Evelyn agreed, though even at her young age, she''d noticed her parents didn''t spend much time together with her anymore.


    That night, while Eleanor was working on her thesis, a notification arrived from Evelyn''s school.


    She picked it up absentmindedly and nced at it. The school had announced they''d invited an international pianist to teach for the semester.


    Momentster, another update popped up a special announcement. Eleanor opened it, and her face fell.


    Vanessa had been hired as the school''s consultant?


    Within minutes, the parents'' group chat was in an uproar. Everyone was buzzing with excitement, expressing gratitude that the school could recruit a pianist of Vanessa''s caliber as an arts advisor.


    But Eleanor doubted whether Vanessa was really there just to advise on music.


    She feared Vanessa''s real aim was to get closer to Evelyn, to win her over, maybe to prepare her for the day when she''d be her stepmother.


    But wasn''t Vanessa pregnant?


    Eleanor bit her lip. She suspectedn must have agreed to this behind her back.


    The news put Eleanor in a sour mood for the entire weekend. By Sunday evening at five,n brought Evelyn home.


    Taking Evelyn''s hand, Eleanor turned toward the living room. Ian was just about to leave when Evelyn''s face crumpled and she burst into tears.


    Eleanor jumped in rm, crouching down in front of her daughter. "What''s wrong, honey?"


    "I want Daddy," Evelyn wailed, shaking her head. "I don''t want Daddy to go. I want Daddy to stay with me." She broke free from Eleanor''s grasp, ran to the front door, and threw her arms aroundn''s leg, sobbing her heart out.


    Eleanor froze.


    Evelyn was only five years old. Of course she longed for both her parents'' presence. It was only natural.


    Eleanor''s heart softened immediately; she couldn''t bear to see her daughter hurting.


    She looked up atn and, forcing herself to sound indifferent, said, "If you''re not busy tonight, why don''t you stay for dinner?"


    At that, Evelyn''s tears vanished, reced by a beaming smile. She huggedn tightly. "Yay! Daddy''s going to stay with me!"


    The words hitn right in the heart.


    He knew he hadn''t spent enough time with his daughtertely.


    Eleanor steeled herself. Tonight would be an exception-he could stay for dinner, but this wouldn''t be a habit.


    When Joslyn, their housekeeper, heard Mr. Carter was staying, she immediately began preparing supper.


    Whilen yed with Evelyn downstairs, Eleanor slipped upstairs to avoid him.


    At dinner, Evelyn ate enthusiastically, swinging her little legs under the table, clearly overjoyed.


    Sharing a meal like this, just the three of them, wrapped Evelyn in a simple, innocent happiness.


    He didn''t protest, just paused to pat Princess, the family''s golden retriever, before heading out.


    Early Monday morning, Eleanor sought out Evelyn''s teacher to ask about Vanessa''s role. The teacher exined that Miss Shannon would teach piano every Thursday at two in the afternoon.


    "Mrs. Goodwin, do you know Miss Shannon?" the teacher asked curiously.


    "No, I don''t," Eleanor replied with a calm smile.


    "All the parents in the group are thrilled she''s joining as an advisor! It''ll be such wonderful inspiration for the children''s artistic development."


    Eleanor made up her mind: every Thursday while Vanessa was teaching, she''d arrange for Evelyn to stay home.


    She would not give Vanessa a single chance to get close to her daughter or to drive a wedge between them.

 Chapter 218

    Noon.


    Two pairs of mothers and daughters sat together in an upscale restaurant.


    Vanessa''s mother, lona Shannon, was in her early fifties, still graceful and striking. Once a minor actress, she''d left the country pregnant, scraping by for eighteen hard years. Then, on Vanessa''s eighteenth birthday, everything changed overnight.


    From washing dishes in diners, lona became the mother of an internationally acimed pianist. Suddenly, she found herself the subject of admiration and envy, ushered into a world of privilege.


    Eight years had passed since then, and lona had perfected the polished mannerisms of a society matron-every gesture radiated the confidence of someone used to luxury.


    Mrs. Yeaton was fuming. ¡°That homewrecker finally quieted down these past couple of days, but honestly, she''s been driving me up the wall."


    "Don''t worry, sis. I''ll handle Rnd. You just make sure to show that woman exactly who''s in charge," Iona replied, her own frustration simmering.


    Vanessa and Faye stayed silent, ufortable as their mothers rehashed their fathers''test indiscretions.


    Before long, the conversation shifted, as it always did, to the daughters'' love lives. Mrs. Yeaton brightened. "Vanessa, I heard Mr. Goodwin is officially divorced now. Looks like we''ll be celebrating your wedding soon!"


    lona shot her daughter a look of thinly veiled irritation. "If only she''d shown a little more backbone, she''d have been Mrs. Goodwin eight years ago."


    "Vanessa''s still young, only twenty-six," Mrs. Yeaton offered. "This is the perfect age to settle down."


    Vanessa smiled politely. "I''m not in any rush."


    "Well, I am! You''ve been with him for eight years. It''s time to make things official,¡± lona said, shooting her a sidelong nce. She''d dreamed of being the Goodwin family''s inw for years. With a son-inw liken, what more could she possibly want?


    Faye looked at Vanessa with a trace of envy. At leastn was willing to divorce for her. The man she secretly loved was still hopelessly devoted to Eleanor.


    Mrs. Yeaton was also eager for Vanessa to marry into the Goodwin family-her husband''s business would flourish, and her daughter would open doors to countless new opportunities.


    Meanwhile, in the research building, Eleanor ran into Jude Vaughn hurrying down the hall. He looked even thinner than before, and Eleanor couldn''t help but ask, "Jude, how have you beentely?"


    Jude let out a weary sigh. "Don''t even get me started. I called in specialists to inspect the equipment, and it turns out a third of it is faulty. I''ve filed a report and I''m pushing to switch suppliers and open a new round of bids."


    "Has the paperwork gone through yet?" Eleanor asked.


    "Still winding its way through the red tape, but I think it''ll get approved. I already briefed Mr. Goodwin, and he agreed to the change," Jude replied. Then he paused, suddenly remembering something. "Wait-Ellie, what''s going on between you and Mr. Goodwin?"


    "We''re divorced," Eleanor said simply.


    Jude looked genuinely surprised. He''d worked withn recently and found him to be both decent and attractive¡ªhe couldn''t imagine why Eleanor would leave him.


    "Well... you''re still young. You''ll have no trouble finding someone else," Jude said, managing a smile.


    After they parted ways, Eleanor and Joel headed into theb, where they dove into simting analyses between real and Al-modeled cells.


    Eleanor and Joel worked seamlessly together, often anticipating each other''s thoughts. They were a perfectly matched team.


    "This weekend there''s a conference in Kingston," Joel told her as they prepped the next round of experiments. "It''s all about integrating biology, Al, and physics¡ª multi-disciplinary approaches. Any chance you can make it?"

 Chapter 219

    Eleanor had been keeping a close eye on the uing conference¡ªa


    roundtable hosted by several leading research institutes in the country. She nodded thoughtfully. "Alright. Let me make arrangements for my daughter, and we''ll attend together."


    Goodwin & Co.


    Rnd Yeaton was in a panic. News had just arrived that they were switching suppliers and ending their partnership with him, and he was desperate to speak to Ian Goodwin and salvage the deal. If he could just get a meeting, he was sure he could turn things around.


    Gavin,n''s assistant, appeared from the elevator lobby, spotting Rnd anxiously waiting in the lounge. With professional courtesy, Gavin approached. "Mr. Yeaton, I''m afraid Mr. Goodwin isn''t avable to see you right now. Pleasee back another day."


    Rnd''s heart sank. Wasn really going to let him sink without a lifeline?


    "I won''t take up much of Mr. Goodwin''s time-just ten minutes, that''s all I need." Rnd pleaded, certain that if he could just get in front ofn, he could convince him to help.


    Gavin maintained his polite smile but his tone was firm. "I''m sorry, Mr. Yeaton. Mr. Goodwin is busy. I have to ask you to leave."


    With nothing left to do, Rnd left the lobby of Goodwin & Co., sat in his car, and lit a cigarette with trembling hands before dialing his eldest daughter, Vanessa.


    "Hello, Dad?" Vanessa picked up instantly.


    "Vanessa, I need your help. I''m in trouble over here, and Mr. Goodwin won''t see me."


    "What? You went to seen?"


    "What''s wrong with that? Am I not allowed to talk to him?" Rnd snapped. As far as he was concerned,n was his future son-inw.


    "Dad, that''s not what I meant. Next time you want to see him, could you at least let me know first?" Vanessa tried to keep her voice calm.


    "Fine. Call him now. I have to see him today. No exceptions." Rnd pressed, hoping to leverage his daughter''s rtionship.


    ¡°Dad, just calm down. I''ll call him and see if he has time."


    "Alright. But this is serious-he''s the only one who can help me."


    "Is this about the equipment supply issues?" Vanessa ventured.


    Rnd couldn''t hold back his frustration. "Yes! Jude Vaughn wants to cut off our partnership and put the contract back out to bid. I''ve sunk a fortune into this project¡ªif it falls through, mypany''s finished."


    "Okay, Dad, just take a breath. I''ll talk ton and see what can be done," Vanessa reassured him.


    But instead of calling, Vanessa grabbed her bag and drove straight to Goodwin & Co.


    As a frequent visitor, Vanessa was well-known at the front desk; she didn''t need


    an appointment and was waved straight upstairs to the executive floor.


    Gavin was busy with paperwork when he looked up to see Vanessa striding purposefully toward him. He stood to greet her. "Ms. Shannon, what brings you here today?"


    "Isn in his office?"


    "He is, but..."


    Vanessa cut him off with a determined nce. "Assistant Young, I need to speak with him urgently. Could you let him know I''m here?"


    Gavin understood exactly where Vanessa stood inn''s priorities. He knocked onn''s office door, stepped inside, and reemerged less than a minuteter. ¡°Mr. Goodwin will see you now, Ms. Shannon."


    Vanessa smiled, squared her shoulders, and entered the office.


    "Ian, about my dad''s situation-could you..." Vanessa didn''t bother with pleasantries; she got straight to the point.


    "I''ll assign him to another project. Go home and tell him to withdraw from theb contract. Don''t give Jude Vaughn any more trouble."n''s tone was cool but not unkind.


    Vanessa knew her father was in the wrong this time, andn''s willingness to offer another opportunity was more than generous.


    "Thank you,n." She gazed at his tall, elegant silhouette, her eyes filled with adoration.


    Setting her bag aside, she took a deep breath and walked slowly toward him.

 Chapter 220

    Just then, Gavin knocked on the door and stepped inside. "Mr. Goodwin, it''s time for the meeting."


    Vanessa stiffened slightly asn strode out of the office.


    Gavin turned to her. "Miss Shannon, would you like to wait for Mr. Goodwin in the lounge?"


    "That''s all right, I need to head home," Vanessa replied, picking up her bag and leaving.


    Yeaton Manor.


    After listening to Vanessa, Rnd was still fuming. "It''s all that Eleanor''s fault. If she hadn''t meddled, would I be in this mess?"


    Vanessa felt a surge of resentment at the mention of Eleanor. She was sure Eleanor was deliberately targeting their family.


    "Dad, let''s just do asn says this time."


    When Rnd heardn had another project lined up for him, his expression softened. He turned to his eldest daughter. "I heardn''s divorced. Did he do it for you?"


    "Dad, maybe you don''t know yet-his wife is the same Eleanor who''s been making trouble for yourpany."


    "What? Eleanor wasn''s wife?" Rnd was taken aback.


    "Not wife. Ex-wife," Vanessa corrected him.


    Rnd couldn''t help butugh. ¡°Son divorced Eleanor just to marry you?"


    Thinking thatn was still willing to help him, Rnd decided it must be because of his daughter.


    Vanessa didn''t confirm or deny it, but Rnd took it as a given. He got up, saying, "I''m going to have a word with that Jude Vaughn."


    Tuesday afternoon, Eleanor and Joel ran into Jude Vaughn in the cafeteria. Jude looked far less troubled than he had in recent days.


    No sooner had they sat down than Jude broke into a relieved grin. "Rnd''s finally out of the picture. The government''sunching a new round of bidding."


    "Rnd actually let go of the project?" Joel asked.


    Jude''s expression soured. "He only gave it up becausen offered him something else. He''s just off to make dirty money somewhere else. People like him should be cklisted, honestly."


    "Ian really does look out for him," Joel remarked.


    Jude huffed, ¡°Only because of his daughter¡ª¡± He caught himself, ncing at Eleanor, and swallowed the rest of his words.


    "Is it because of Vanessa?" Eleanor asked quietly.


    Jude saw she''d already guessed and nodded, resigned. "Rnd''s really got it easy, always finding a lifeline, no matter how badly he''s messed things up. Mr. Goodwin is helping the wrong man this time."


    "At least there''ll be a new bidding process." Eleanor tried to sound optimistic. "Competition''s the best way to guarantee quality."


    "True enough. Even some reputable international firms have called me about it."


    As the conversation wrapped up, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen, hesitated for a moment, then answered. "Hello? Grandma Magdalen Goodwin."


    "Ellie, are you free tonight?" Magdalen''s familiar, gentle voice came through. "Grandma, is something the matter?"


    "I''ve just moved to your neighborhood, and I''m hosting a little housewarming dinner tonight. I''d love for you and Evelyn toe." Magdalenughed warmly.


    Eleanor thought of all the times Magdalen had cared for her-she couldn''t bring herself to refuse.


    "All right, I''ll bring Evelyn with me," she agreed.


    "Wonderful. See you tonight."


    After hanging up, Eleanor checked the date. Neen days had already passed; just eleven more, and the divorce would finally be official.

 Chapter 221

    That afternoon, Eleanor arrived to pick up her daughter and happened to run into Xavier. Lately, Vivian had been dropped off and picked up by her nanny, so it seemed Xavier had been away on a business trip.


    "Ms. Sutton." Xavier stepped forward with a friendly greeting.


    "Mr. Vaughn, have you been busytely?" Eleanor asked, her smile warm.


    "I was overseas for a week on business. How have you been?" There was a note of genuine concern in Xavier''s gaze.


    During the days when Eleanor was the subject of a viral scandal online, he''d been unable to help her because of their social positions. But seeing how swiftly and cleanly she handled the situation had only increased his respect for her-and made him appreciate the remarkable depth of her scientific background.


    He could hardly imagine what she''d endured to make it in the research world all these years. She was still so young; at a nce, her fresh face could''ve belonged to a recent college graduate. And if he looked at her just a moment longer, a blush would creep across her cheeks, making her seem as innocent as someone untested by the world.


    Lost in these thoughts, Xavier realized he''d been watching her for several seconds. Sure enough, Eleanor felt his gaze, her cheeks warming with embarrassment. Just then, the school doors opened.


    Eleanor gave a littleugh. "Time to collect the kids."


    Xavier smiled. "Let''s go in together."


    After picking up their children from the teacher, the two adults followed their daughters, who walked hand in hand. The four of them together could almost have passed for a family.


    Across the courtyard, Coco Brown''s mother watched the scene unfold, her eyes filled with a mix of jealousy and longing as she looked at Eleanor. She''d heard the gossip circting about Eleanortely-who would''ve guessed she was married to the wealthiest man in town?


    Now that Coco''s mother was divorced as well, it looked like she might be hoping to attract Xavier''s attention, too. Butpared to Eleanor, she couldn''t match her youth or beauty, and certainly not her intellect or aplishments. ncing at Xavier, so striking and self-assured, she could only sigh in resignation.


    Just then, a deep, maic voice called out, "Evelyn."


    Evelyn''s face lit up as she looked over. "Daddy!" she cried, running to throw her arms aroundn''s leg, hugging him tightly.


    Eleanor''s brow creased slightly, but Xavier stepped forward to greet him. "Ian." "Back from your trip?"n nodded as they shook hands.


    "We should get together with Henry Holt sometime," Xavier suggested.


    Eleanor replied, "Text me the address. Take Evelyn ahead-I''ll meet you there."


    arms.


    After checking the address, Eleanor looked west, toward the edge of the school grounds, where an old historic mansion stood. She hadn''t realizedn had the connections to buy such a ce and it was less than five hundred meters from their daughter''s school.


    Eleanor stopped at a nearby shop, picked out a thoughtful gift, and walked over.


    At the entrance, she saw festive decorations hanging by the door, andn''s car parked out front beside another with a chauffeur.


    She pressed the doorbell. A housekeeper answered with a friendly smile. "Mrs. Foster, wee! Please,e in."


    Eleanor paused, then smiled politely. "Just call me Miss Sutton, please."


    The housekeeper corrected herself at once. "Of course, Miss Sutton. Please,e in."


    Eleanor took in the newly renovated manor, every corner steeped in history. The house was over a hundred years old, with a past full of notable residents. Now, with life bustling within its walls once again, there was a striking harmony between the old and the new.


    The garden was awash with autumn colors-roses in full bloom, and a bougainvillea climbing the stone wall, its blossoms vivid and exuberant.


    "Mommy, you''re here!" Evelyn came running out with her favorite plush toy, beaming.


    Eleanor ruffled her hair affectionately as they stepped inside. In the foyer, she saw Magdalen arranging a group of antique vases with the help of a maid.


    "Ellie, you''re here! Come give me your opinion-where do you think these would look best?" Magdalen called to her warmly.


    Eleanor joined her, eyeing the stunning vases-each one worth a fortune, the kind of pieces that would easily fetch seven figures at auction.

 Chapter 222

    "Grandma''s taste is definitely better than mine," Eleanor said with a smile.


    The olddy arranged the flowers just as she liked, then took Eleanor''s arm and said warmly, "You know, my parents used to live around here. When I was a little girl, I''d y in these streets. Thedy of this house even gave me a present once just imagine, that was nearly a century ago."


    Seeing how sentimental the old woman became, Eleanor realized how happy she was to be living here.


    Just then, Gina walked over from one of the rooms. When she spotted Eleanor, her tone softened a little. "You''re here."


    "Aunt Gina," Eleanor greeted her politely.


    Magdalen sighed inwardly. That distant form of address made it clear Eleanor still saw the Goodwin family as outsiders.


    On the edge of the historic district, a white sports car was stuck in traffic. Serena grumbled, "I''ll never understand why my grandmother insists on moving to this crowded old part of town. Look at this traffic-so annoying."


    Vanessa, sitting in the passenger seat, tried to soothe her. "It''s fine. We''re not in a rush. Just take it slow."


    Serena scowled. "I heard Eleanor''s living around here too. That just makes it worse." Her resentment toward Eleanor simmered just beneath the surface.


    Between the messy business of the divorce, the fight over the inheritance, and Xavier''s obvious attention to Eleanor, Serena had plenty of reasons to dislike her. "I''m starting sses at Evelyn''s school tomorrow," Vanessa said with a smile. Serena perked up. "Then you''d better take special care of my niece!"


    "Of course. Honestly, that''s half the reason I wanted toe so I could spend more time with Evelyn," Vanessa admitted.


    "If my brother hadn''t voluntarily given up custody, there''s no way our family would''ve let Eleanor raise her. Evelyn would be better off growing up with you and my brother," Serena said firmly.


    Vanessa''s smile was gentle, but there was a flicker of calction in her eyes. "If that ever happens, I''ll treat Evelyn as if she were my own daughter."


    "Trust me, that day wille. Once my brother''s divorce is finalized, whatever the two of you do will be perfectly aboveboard," Serena assured her.


    In Serena''s mind, there was no doubt her brother''s needs were being met by Vanessa. After all, a girl like Eleanor-so cold and detached-could never keep a man like him interested.


    Traffic finally cleared, and Serena drove on.


    They pulled up to the gate. Serena parked, scanned her face to open the security system, and led the way while Vanessa followed, carrying a gift bag.


    Eleanor was in the garden, admiring the roses. When she turned and saw Serena and Vanessa walking in together, her expression immediately frosted over.


    So Vanessa had been invited too?


    Magdalen had just stepped out of the living room and caught sight of Serena leading Vanessa into the garden. Her face clouded. She certainly hadn''t extended an invitation to Vanessa, but she hadn''t thought to warn her granddaughter not to bring anyone home either.


    But now that her guest was here, Magdalen couldn''t very well turn her away- even if she disliked this surprise. She''d just have to remind Serenater not to bring just anyone into the house.


    Magdalen had lived seventy years and prided herself on her judgment of people. Vanessa might be impressive on paper, but she was not the right kind of woman to be a wife.


    Serena and Vanessa spotted Eleanor at the same moment. They exchanged a quick look, and Serena smirked before calling out, "Grandma, look who I brought!"


    Vanessa put on her best smile. "How have you been feelingtely, Mrs. Goodwin?"


    "Thank you for your concern, Miss Shannon. I''m still in good health," Magdalen replied. Then she turned to the maid behind her and said, "Bring the tea out to the garden. I''d like to sit with Ellie and have a chat."


    Vanessa''s smile faltered, the chill in Magdalen''s tone making it clear she was not exactly a wee guest.

 Chapter 223

    "Grandma, we want tea too," Serena piped up.


    "Why don''t you take Miss Shannon to your room to y?" Magdalen replied, not wanting her granddaughter underfoot while she spoke with Eleanor. She also hoped Vanessa wouldn''t make things harder for Eleanor.


    After all, Vanessa had yed a part in her grandson''s impending divorce from Eleanor. It frustrated Magdalen to no end-her grandson was blind to the value of a devoted wife like Eleanor, and instead let himself get swept up by someone like Vanessa, whose motives were anything but pure.


    As Magdalen approached, Eleanor bit her lip, gathering herself. "Grandma, I actually have some things to take care of. I was just thinking-maybe I should-"


    "You''re not the one who should be leaving," Magdalen''s voice rang out, sharp and sudden.


    Eleanor startled at the unexpected outburst.


    Vanessa, who had just stepped into the foyer with Serena, heard it too. A flush crept up her cheeks.


    "Grandma, that''s not what I meant, I just¨D" Eleanor tried to exin, thrown by the older woman''s intensity.


    "This is my house," Magdalen cut in firmly. "I invited you here for dinner myself. You''re not going anywhere."


    Vanessa, meanwhile, handed her gift basket to the housekeeper. She turned to Serena. ¡°Serena, I should be going-I have something I need to take care of."


    "Vanessa, you don''t have to leave. I''ll talk to Grandma and exin," Serena whispered, annoyed. Why did Grandma have to make things so awkward? This was all Eleanor''s fault.


    Vanessa squeezed Serena''s arm and murmured, "Serena, today is your grandmother''s housewarming. Let''s not upset her, okay?"


    "But... you''re my guest..."


    Vanessa let go and forced a smile as she walked over to Magdalen. "Grandma, I''m so sorry, but I have to leave early today. I''lle visit you again soon."


    Then, turning to Eleanor, she added quietly, "I''m sorry, Eleanor. I didn''t realize you''d be here. I didn''t mean to intrude or make things ufortable."


    Eleanor''s eyes narrowed. It was clear from Vanessa''s words that she saw herself asn''s new partner, staking her im in front of everyone.


    Just then, Gina hurried out from the living room, Serena trailing behind her.


    Gina had already gotten the gist of what was happening. She nced at Eleanor, then spoke to Magdalen in a gentle voice, "Mom, since Vanessa''s already here, and it''s our very first meal in the new house, why not have her stay for dinner?¡±


    "Exactly, Grandma! Turning away a guest on a special day isn''t a good omen," Serena chimed in.


    "Aunt Gina, Serena, that''s really not necessary..." Eleanor protested.


    "Mom, Vanessa looked out for us when she was living abroad. She visits whenever she''s in town, too. Don''t you agree?" Gina continued to reason with her mother-inw.


    She then looked at Eleanor with a reassuring smile. ¡°Eleanor, please don''t take it personally. We''re just trying to have a nice dinner together."


    Eleanor nced at Vanessa, who lingered awkwardly, clearly hoping for an invitation to stay.


    "But Mom, she''s not family anymore!" Serena muttered, pouting.


    Magdalen shot her a look. "Ellie isn''t an outsider. She''s the mother of your niece, and that alone makes her practically family."


    Vanessa tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Aunt Gina, I''m sorry for imposing. I''lle back another time."


    Suddenly, Serena called out toward the east wing, n!"


    Vanessa spun around at once. Ian was walking out, hand in hand with Evelyn. A lump rose in Vanessa''s throat; she''d been hoping for a reason to stay.


    Evelyn spotted the little group in the garden and tugged her father''s hand. "Daddy, Miss Vanessa is here too!"


    "We''re just keeping Grandmapany," Serena replied quickly. Then, linking arms with Vanessa, she said, ¡°Come on, Vanessa, let me show you my room."

 Chapter 224

    "Hey... Serena." Vanessa stumbled as Serena tugged her along.


    Magdalen sighed, then turned to Gina. "We''ll need a couple more dishes for dinner tonight."


    "Of course. I''ll go tell the kitchen right away." Gina finally rxed-Vanessa was staying after all.


    Everyone knew the real reason for the sudden change in Magdalen''s attitude:n''s casual remark earlier. He''d acted as though Vanessa''s presence was perfectly normal, which made Magdalen wonder if he''d invited her himself. If she insisted on sending Vanessa away now, she''d look petty and ungracious as the family matriarch.


    Eleanor drew her daughter close, tucking a stray curl behind Evelyn''s ear. In her little hands, Evelyn held two freshly picked daisies. "Mommy, smell these aren''t they lovely?"


    Eleanor bent down, inhaled the sweet scent, and smiled. "They smell wonderful."


    "They''re for you!" Evelyn announced, proudly offering the flowers before darting back into the garden on another treasure hunt,n following close behind, keeping a watchful eye.


    Magdalen caught Eleanor''s attention and lowered her voice. "Ellie, be honest with me. Did you andn get divorced because of Vanessa?"


    Eleanor was caught off guard. Even if Vanessa had been the reason, she had no desire to drag it out now. She shook her head. "No. Ian and I separated because we just weren''t right for each other."


    "Was it becausen was too busy? Did he neglect you?" Magdalen pressed.


    Eleanor shook her head again. "No, it''s just a matter of personality. We''re not a good match."


    Magdalen didn''t push further. She could tell Eleanor wasn''t going to say anything more, and she was left with nothing but regret at losing such a wonderful granddaughter-inw.


    Upstairs in Serena''s room, Vanessa sat slumped on the sofa, her brow furrowed with worry.


    "Oh, Vanessa, don''t take it to heart. My grandmother''s just old-fashioned-stuck in her ways," Serena consoled her.


    Vanessa mustered a faint smile and chided gently, "Don''t talk about your grandmother that way."


    "But it''s true! Besides, now that Eleanor and my brother are divorced, Gran''s going to be anxious for him to remarry. When that happens, she''ll be tripping over herself to have you in the family!"


    Vanessa''s eyes flickered, then sheughed softly.


    By six thirty, dinner was ready. The housekeeper came to invite Magdalen and Eleanor to the dining room.


    Soon after, Serena arrived, arm in arm with Vanessa. A momentter,n entered, carrying his daughter, her hands freshly washed. He ced Evelyn''s booster seat beside Eleanor and took the seat next to his daughter.


    Eleanor noticed how the house was filled with children''s toys and furniture¡ª clearly, everything here had been arranged for Evelyn''sfort.


    ¡°Ellie, here, have some of this soup. It''s made with wild mushrooms and chicken -so fragrant, so nourishing." Magdalen nodded to a maid, whodled a steaming bowl for Eleanor.


    "Gran, I want some too!" Serena piped up, a hint of jealousy in her voice. She was the granddaughter by blood, yet Eleanor always seemed to get special treatment it stung a little.


    "Of course, serve everyone a bowl," Magdalen said, making sure no one was left out.


    Eleanor spooned soup for her daughter, who was far more interested in her toy than her meal, fiddling with it even as she took reluctant sips.


    Vanessa sipped her soup with practiced grace, but suddenly pressed a hand to her mouth. She stood abruptly, apologizing, "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."


    Rising quickly, she stifled another gag, her face pale.


    Gina and her mother-inw exchanged a knowing nce across the table. A


    smile flickered in Gina''s eyes-looked like the second grandson was finally on the way.

 Chapter 225

    A subtle shift crossed Magdalen''s face; she hadn''t expected Vanessa to be


    pregnant already.


    Eleanor, having witnessed Vanessa''s morning sickness before, wasn''t surprised. She simply continued feeding her daughter some nourishing soup.


    n, go check on Vanessa," Gina prompted her son.


    He stood up and left the table.


    This time, Serena didn''t rush after him to take care of Vanessa. She wasn''t particrly sensitive to these things and just assumed Vanessa really wasn''t feeling well-better to let her brother handle it.


    She snuck a nce at Eleanor, curious if she''d spot any jealousy or bitterness on her face. But Eleanor''s expression remained unreadable.


    Of course, anyone could keep a neutral face. But could you really fake the pain inside? Watching the man you once loved show concern for someone else what woman could be unaffected by that?


    In the bathroom, Vanessa washed her hands, smoothed back her hair, and allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. As she opened the door to leave, she startedn was waiting right outside.


    n?"


    "Are you alright?" he asked.


    "I''m fine, just choked a bit," Vanessa replied, pressing a hand to her stomach.


    They returned to the dining room together. Gina pointed to a tangy sd. "Vanessa, try this-it''s great for the appetite."


    Ginaughed, then had the housekeeper rearrange the dishes, setting the lighter fare closer to Vanessa.


    Vanessa took a bite, and as she looked up, her eyes met Eleanor''s across the table. She offered a gentle smile one that, to everyone else, seemed perfectly polite, but to Eleanor, carried an unmistakable hint of triumph.


    To the rest of the family, it was just Vanessa''s usual smile. Only Eleanor could read the message beneath it: the confidence of a winner.


    When dinner finally ended, Eleanor gathered her daughter to head home for a bath. Magdalen turned ton. "Why don''t you see Ellie and Evelyn out?"


    "No need, Grandma. I''ll walk home with Evelyn, maybe take her by the store." At this, Evelyn bounced up, delighted. "Mom, can we go to the store?"


    And just like that, Eleanor managed to distract her daughter and slip away. Serena stayed inside as well, asking her older brother to walk Vanessa out instead.


    Back in the living room, Gina''s good mood was obvious. She nced at her mother-inw and sighed. "Thank goodness we had Vanessa stay for dinner. Otherwise... well, maybe I''m overthinking it."


    Magdalen muttered, "No engagement, no wedding yet, andn''s got her pregnant. It just isn''t proper."


    "These days, it''s normal for young people to have the baby first and the wedding after," Gina replied. "All I want now is a healthy grandson."


    The mention of a grandson struck a chord with Magdalen. She still held onto some old-fashioned hopes, not that she was obsessed with having a boy, but it would mean a Goodwin son to inherit the family business one day.


    Gina''s spirits soared the more she thought about it. She''d always wished for her son to marry Vanessa; now, withn divorced from Eleanor, that dream was finally within reach.


    And with Vanessa expecting, her wish for a big, healthy grandson might soone true.


    Sometimes, life really did deliver everything you hoped for at once.


    Thursday arrived. Eleanor had already told the teacher she''d pick up Evelyn at twelve-thirty.


    Later that afternoon, Vanessa went to the school at two to greet Evelyn, only to find out she''d already been signed out. Vanessa paused, realizing Eleanor must have deliberately arranged for her daughter to avoid her.


    On Friday, Eleanor textedn, asking him to take Evelyn for the weekend-she was heading to Kingston for a business conference.

 Chapter 226

    That evening, Eleanor dropped her daughter off at her ex-mother-inw''s house. Evelyn, delighted, was all too happy to spend the weekend at her grandma''s.


    Back home, Eleanor quickly packed her bags and headed to the airport to meet up with Joel.


    In the early hours of the morning, Eleanor and Joel waited at the nearly empty terminal, discussing details about the uing conference.


    Suddenly, a group of people appeared from the direction of security. Eleanor nced up, spotting Byron leading his team, withn surrounded by colleagues as they strode toward them.


    "Ms. Sutton, Dr. Kingsley," Byron called out as he approached.


    Eleanor and Joel stood up together. Joel gaven a polite nod. "Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor chose to ignoren entirely.


    Waiting for the same flight in the middle of the night felt oddly intimate and awkward.


    Abruptly,n leaned around Byron, directing a question at Eleanor. "It gets pretty cold in Kingston this time of year. Did you bring enough warm clothes?"


    Eleanor replied coolly, "Thanks, but I''ll manage."


    Nheless, she pulled out her phone to check the weather in Kingston. One nce and she silently cursed her luck-she''d only packed for early autumn, but apparently Kingston was already flirting with winter temperatures.


    Boarding began.


    Eleanor and Joel had booked economy seats-first ss was already sold out.


    Byron tapped Eleanor''s shoulder. "Ms. Sutton, I''ve got a first ss seat. Why don''t you take mine?"


    "That''s kind of you, but I''m fine, thank you," Eleanor said with a smile.


    He was clearly offering Byron''s spot.


    Eleanor replied evenly, "No need."


    With that, she and Joel continued on to the rear of the ne.


    Once airborne, Eleanor slipped on her eye mask, settling in for a brief nap.


    Joel, beside her, thumbed through the book he''d brought. His striking looks and quiet intelligence drew more than a passing nce from the flight attendants as they moved down the aisle.


    Two hourster, as they exited the ne, a wave of icy wind greeted Eleanor at the jet bridge.


    She immediately felt the temperature drop-at least ten degrees colder than she''d expected.


    Shivering, she shrugged her shoulders and turned to Joel with a rueful smile. "Did you bring enoughyers? I totally forgot to check the forecast."


    Joelughed and, without a word, slipped off his gray id jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Here. Wear this."


    Eleanor nced at his thin shirt. "But what about you?"


    "I can handle the cold," he replied.


    The two of them walked out, chatting andughing, only to findn waiting just outside, his jacket draped over his arm. It was obvious he''d intended to offer it to Eleanor, but when he saw her already wearing Joel''s coat, his expression shifted ever so slightly.


    Byron''s team, standing off to the side, exchanged awkward nces. So Eleanor already had someone looking after her. Didn''t that make Mr. Goodwin''s gesture a bit redundant?


    Eleanor caught Byron''s eye and waved. "VP Chase, we''ll get going ahead."


    "Ms. Sutton, we have a car waiting-why not ride with us?" Byron offered quickly.


    "That''s alright. We''ll just grab a cab." She and Joel headed off toward baggage im.


    Since there was a five-star hotel right next to the conference center, Eleanor and Joel wheeled their luggage over to check in-and ran inton and his group once again.

 Chapter 227

    Byron strode up with a grin. "You''re staying here too? If I''d known, we could''vee over together."


    Eleanor and Joel exchanged a quick smile before heading to the front desk to check in. It waste, and everyone was exhausted, eager to get to their rooms and rest.


    The next morning, at half past seven, Eleanor and Joel had arranged to meet at the hotel''s breakfast room. She was still wearing Joel''s grey id jacket over a white T-shirt and jeans. At first nce, she looked so young-like she''d just graduated from college.


    "Mr. Goodwin, care to go over and chat with Miss Sutton?" Byron asked quietly.


    Eleanor and Joel chose a table together, whilen and the others sat at arge round table nearby. Ian sipped his coffee, his eyes drifting to Eleanor''s profile, a trace of distraction in his expression.


    The way Eleanor looked today stirred up memories from eight years ago-she hadn''t changed much at all.


    As she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, Eleanor could feel someone''s gaze on her, intense enough to make her uneasy. She didn''t even need to turn around to know who it was.


    She almostughed. This man had been cold and distant before and after their marriage¡ªso now that they were divorced, she''d suddenly be attractive to him?


    After breakfast, everyone headed to a nearby research institute for a conference. Each seat had a namete, and tonight''s attendees were among the top minds in their fields-no wonder everyone took it so seriously.


    Eleanor and Joel sat together, with Byron andn in the front rows.


    The meeting began.


    Academic conferences weren''t known for shy openings-just a steady stream of brainstorming and discussion. While speakers presented on stage, people in the audience quietly exchanged ideas, which was both epted and encouraged.


    Eleanor and Joel kept up a low conversation, their heads so close together they nearly touched.


    Whenn nced back, he caught sight of them, something dark and unreadable flickering in his eyes.


    By noon, the morning session wrapped up, and everyone headed to the cafeteria.


    The topics had been fascinating, and the attendees buzzed with excitement. Scanning the room, it was clear Eleanor stood out-not only was she one of the few women in the field, but also the youngest member by far.


    Before long, several people approached her and Joel to talk shop. Eleanor spoke with confidence and ease, especially when the conversation turned to her own area of expertise.


    Across another round table,n''s gaze drifted over once again. Surrounded by colleagues, Eleanor was the picture of poise-natural, graceful, never overdone, yet strikingly beautiful.


    It was a beauty that came from intelligence, rity, and inner strength¡ªthe kind of beauty that didn''t fade under scrutiny.


    Byron nced between Eleanor andn, puzzled. How could Mr. Goodwin let go of such an exceptional woman?


    After the afternoon session, everyone returned to the hotel for a break. Since dinner wasn''t provided, Eleanor and Joel decided to head downtown to find something to eat.


    Eleanor was also eager to explore the city a bit, and Joel was happy to keep herpany.


    They didn''t return until around nine. The car pulled up to the hotel entrance, and Joel got out first, gantly carrying several shopping bags. As Eleanor followed, closing the car door behind her, she noticed someone standing by the hotel entrance.


    He stood beneath the warm glow of the spotlight, a cigarette between his fingers, the shadows entuating the sharp lines of his face, his expression weighed down by whatever was on his mind. He watched them, his gaze unreadable.


    Joel didn''t greet him this time. Instead, he turned to Eleanor with a gentle nudge. "Let''s go inside¡ªit''s windy out here."

 Chapter 228

    Eleanor hadn''t realized just how fierce the wind was outside until now. She and Joel hurried into the lobby, heading straight for the elevators.


    She couldn''t quite wrap her head around it-why wouldn stand out there smoking in this freezing wind?


    Not that she had the time or energy to puzzle over that man''s thoughts anymore.


    Whatever he did was none of her business now.


    Back in her room, Eleanor took a hot shower, then reviewed her notes from the day''s meeting. Suddenly, her doorbell rang.


    She figured it was probably Joel needing something and didn''t think much of it as she reached out to open the door.


    But standing there was her ex-husband,n.


    Her expression iced over. She kept the door open just a crack and asked tly, "What is it?"


    "I have Evelyn on the line for you."n held up his phone and put it on speaker. Evelyn''s sweet, childish voice piped up, ¡°Mommy? Mommy, is that you?"


    At the sound of her daughter''s gentle voice, Eleanor''s heart softened. She took the phone fromn and answered, "It''s Mommy. Why aren''t you asleep yet?"


    "I''m not tired. I miss you and Daddy."


    Eleanor walked back into her room, phone pressed to her ear. She hadn''t taken more than a few steps when she heard the door close behind her. She turned;n hade in as well.


    Annoyed, Eleanor spoke to her daughter, "Evelyn, it''ste. You should get some sleep now. I''ll bring you a present when I get back."


    "Yay! That means I''ll get two gifts-one from you and one from Daddy! I''m so happy!" Evelyn giggled,pletely unaware of why her parents'' gifts always arrived separately.


    "Good girl. Get some rest, okay? Mommy will be home after the meetings."


    "Okay, Mommy! I love you both!" Evelyn chirped, and hung up.


    Eleanor handedn''s phone back to him. "Here."


    He took it, eyes lingering on her. Only then did Eleanor realize she was wearing just her pajamas¡ªno bra, as was her habit at home. In the past, she''d never given it a second thought, walking around like this in front of him. Now, she crossed her arms over her chest, ring at him in warning.


    "What are you staring at?"


    After he left, Eleanor finally let out a sigh of relief.


    The next day''s meetings wrapped up at three in the afternoon. After a group photo, everyone went their separate ways.


    Eleanor and Joel bumped into Byron''s assistant in the hotel lobby. "Miss Sutton, Dr. Kingsley-there''s a car waiting to take you both to the airport."


    "That''s not necessary, we''ll just grab a cab," Eleanor replied.


    "Mr. Chase insisted," the assistant said, looking ufortable.


    Eleanor and Joel exchanged a nce; she gave a resigned nod. "Alright, we''ll just go upstairs and grab our bags."


    When they came down, Byron and his team were waiting in the lobby, butn was nowhere in sight.


    Byron exined, "Mr. Goodwin has other business here. He''ll be staying another three days."


    Eleanor felt a rush of relief. On the drive to the airport, she let herself rx and scrolled through short videos on her phone. Suddenly, a fan ount for Vanessa popped up.


    The video was freshly uploaded¡ªVanessa, waving her boarding pass at a group of fans.


    "What''s our goddess up to today?"


    "She''s headed to Kingston. Word is, she''s been invited to the g this year."


    "Wow! Even from behind she looks stunning and sexy. Totally love her-she''s killing it!"


    Eleanor recalledn would be staying in Kingston for three more days. So, he was waiting for Vanessa. No doubt he''d be keeping herpany and talking business at the g.

 Chapter 229

    After scrolling through a few more videos, Eleanor put her phone away. She hadn''t had time to pick out a gift earlier, so she''d have to stop by a shop near the


    airport.


    She got home around eight-thirty that evening, then drove out again to the Goodwin family''s house to pick up her daughter. Gina came out holding Evelyn''s hand.


    "Mom, howe it''s just you? Where''s Dad?" Evelyn asked, surprised.


    "Your dad won''t be back for a few more days. Come on, let''s go! Your present''s in the car."


    At the mention of a gift, Evelyn''s eyes lit up. She waved goodbye to Gina. "Bye, Grandma!"


    "Goodbye, sweetheart. Come visit again soon," Gina called after her granddaughter, waving with a look of reluctant affection.


    Monday morning, after dropping off her daughter, Eleanor headed straight to theb. In the lobby, she ran into Faye and Gwenda. Faye''s eyes shed with resentment when she saw Eleanor-her father''s project had just been axed, her mother was so anxious she''d been hospitalized for migraines, and all of it, in her mind, traced back to Eleanor.


    "Eleanor, I bet you learned a lot at the conference," Gwenda greeted her with a friendly smile.


    "I did! I''ll share the materials with everyone in the group chat soon," Eleanor replied.


    At the 10 a.m. meeting, Simone began assigning tasks. Faye was stuck with the basics in the mainb, Gwenda was sent to collect case data from various hospitals, while Eleanor and Joel would be working with Meridian Dynamics on a new research project.


    Gwenda had epted her fate; with her academic background, she was lucky to havended a spot on the team at all.


    Faye, though bitter, had no choice but to go handle the experiments. She couldn''t help but feel a pang of envy watching Joel and Eleanor-they held the most crucial roles and didn''t have to slog through tedious,plicated data in theb every day.


    "Oh, by the way, Eleanor-Juliette Grayson''s research team invited you to an academic exchange this afternoon. Make sure you set aside time. Details are in your email," Simone added.


    "Sure, I''ll check it out," Eleanor nodded.


    She nced at her inbox: the exchange was scheduled for two-thirty. She''d have to head over early.


    At eleven, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. It was a message from Xavier.


    "Lunch together before the two o''clock meeting? Miss Sutton, would you do me the honor?"


    Eleanor couldn''t refuse. If anything, she owed him a meal-he''d once saved her life and had helped her in countless ways. She was truly grateful.


    "Of course. I''ll book a restaurant," she replied right away.


    "Great, see you soon."


    She found a nearby ce and sent Xavier the address.


    Xavier arrived first. When Eleanor walked in, she apologized as she took her seat. "Sorry, traffic was awful."


    "No worries, we''ve got plenty of time," Xavier replied with a warm, easy smile.


    They started looking over the menu. Xavier was considerate, letting Eleanor order whatever she liked.


    Once they''d ordered, they started chatting about the recent conference in Kingston. Xavier mentioned that two of his team members had attended, but he''d been too busy to go himself.


    Just as they were getting into the conversation, the restaurant doors opened and two women walked in-Serena and a younger girl. Serena''s gazended on Xavier, then flicked to Eleanor, her expression instantly souring.


    In Serena''s mind, Eleanor was nothing but a shameless woman trying to steal Xavier''s attention.


    "Serena, our table''s over here," her friend said, linking arms and steering her away.


    Eleanor nced up, catching their eyes. She felt a little ufortable, but reminded herself she had every right to have lunch with Xavier.


    Xavier, meanwhile, lifted his teacup, catching Serena''s eye and giving her a polite nod.


    Serena forced a smile back at Xavier, lips curved but eyes cold with jealousy. She wanted nothing more than to sabotage Eleanor''s lunch with Xavier, but she held herself together¡ªshe couldn''t afford to ruin her image in front of him.

 Chapter 230

    Serena and her friend ced their orders, but at the next table, Eleanor was


    already halfway through her meal. Facing Xavier, she could see the way he kept ncing at Eleanor with a warm, appreciative smile. Beneath the table, Serena''s nails dug so hard into her palm she almost broke the skin.


    Jealousy, longing, resentment¡ªall of it surged through her at once.


    "Serena, are you alright?" her friend asked, noticing how distracted she seemed.


    "I just don''t have much of an appetite today," Serena replied.


    Truth be told, she wasn''t about to introduce a man like Xavier to her girlfriends. In their social circle, stealing someone''s date was practically sport among the upper crust.


    By the time Eleanor and Xavier finished eating, Xavier reached for the check, but the waiter approached with a smile. "Mr. Vaughn, your bill has already been settled by this youngdy."


    Xavier blinked in surprise, then looked at Eleanor, a wry smile on his lips. "I thought I was treating you today."


    "This one''s on me. Next time, it''s your turn," Eleanor grinned. And honestly, she could afford it these days.


    Something dark flickered in Xavier''s eyes, but he smiled. "Alright. Next time."


    After the two of them left the restaurant together, Serena found she could hardly force down another bite. She needed to get back to the office, and fast-she had to know why Eleanor was meeting with Xavier today.


    She hurried back to the research building owned by Juliette''s foundation and soon learned the truth: Eleanor was attending an academic symposium.


    "Serena, the refreshments are ready. Can you help set up?" someone called.


    Serena bristled. Did she really have to wait on Eleanor too?


    But she was just an assistant here. If she wanted to keep her job, she had to do as she was told.


    She carried a tray of tea into the conference room. Xavier sat at the head of the table, with Eleanor at his side, surrounded by seven or eight leading scientists from theb.


    Eleanor pretended not to notice Serena at all. After Serena set down the tea, she and another assistant stayed to help with the meeting.


    As the discussion began, Serena was curious to see what Eleanor could possibly contribute. But within minutes, she realized she waspletely out of her depth- the conversation was all molecr biology techniques and genomic sequencing.


    She nced at Xavier. He rested his head on one hand, his eyes fixed on Eleanor as though he couldn''t tear them away.


    When it was Eleanor''s turn to speak, everyone in the room fell silent, hanging on her every word. Serena was stunned-Eleanor really could talk circles around them on medical science.


    Serena recalled thest time she''d mocked Eleanor for being a bookworm, assuming she spent her evenings reading romance novels. Clearly, that wasn''t the case.


    It felt like a p in the face-without a word being said.


    By three-thirty, the meeting was over.


    Serena watched as Xavier personally escorted Eleanor downstairs. The jealousy burned so hot inside her, she couldn''t bring herself to speak.


    Sometimes, she just felt exhausted. She''d tried everything-every trick, every bit of charm-to catch Xavier''s attention.


    But he always kept his distance. At work, he treated her strictly as a subordinate; after hours, just as a friend. Even those times when she''d managed to share a ride with him, nothing ever happened.


    Now, Serena was more certain than ever-the keepsake Xavier treasured was Eleanor''s.


    Xavier was in love with Eleanor.


    But when did it start?


    Had it been that day when Eleanor fell into the pool and Xavier dove in after her without a second thought? He''d held her in the water, his arm around her waist- close enough for something to spark.


    Was it then?


    If so, Serena wished more than anything that she''d been the one to fall into that pool.

 Chapter 231

    After Xavier walked Eleanor downstairs, he asked if she was heading home to pick up her daughter. He wondered if she could do him a favor and pick up Vivian too-he was still tied up and wouldn''t make it in time.


    "Of course, that''s no problem. Juste by around eight-thirty," Eleanor replied, genuinely happy to help.


    Her own daughter would have a friend over, and even dinner would feel more cheerful.


    At exactly eight-thirty that evening, Xavier arrived with a small gift in hand. The two girls immediately huddled together, giggling as they unwrapped the present. Meanwhile, Eleanor invited Xavier outside to the backyard for a cup of tea.


    Princess, their golden retriever, had gotten used to Xavier by now. At first, she''d been a little shy around him, but these days she''d weave around his feet, nudging his hand with her nose and wagging her tail, eager for attention.


    Twenty minutester, Xavier coaxed Vivian home, not wanting to intrude on Eleanor''s evening or disrupt her daughter''s bedtime.


    But Evelyn, still thinking about the toys her dad might bring next time, snatched Eleanor''s phone, expertly unlocking it with the secret code, and dialed her father''s number.


    Eleanor was carrying a stack of freshlyundered clothes into the bedroom when she overheard her daughter chatting away on her phone.


    She paused in the doorway, surprised. On speaker, a woman''sughter rang out. "Evelyn, just tell me what toy you want and I''ll help your dad pick it out," Vanessa''s voice promised.


    Eleanor''s heart did a somersault. Her daughter had calledn, but it was Vanessa who had picked up?


    "I want a dinosaur toy," Evelyn dered.


    "Alright,¡± Vanessa replied, her tone giving away a hint of impatience. "I''ll go with your dad tomorrow to get it. But it''ste now, you really should get some sleep!"


    Eleanor, an adult, could hear the annoyance in Vanessa''s voice. Clearly, Evelyn''s call had interrupted some quality time between Vanessa andn.


    It was nine-thirty. The two of them were probably at a hotel together.


    "Okay, Miss Vanessa, goodnight! Don''t forget to tell Daddy about my dinosaur!" Evelyn chirped.


    "I won''t forget. He''s right here with me."


    "Okay!" Evelyn said, and with a tap of her tiny finger, she hung up.


    Eleanor leaned against the doorframe, waiting for her daughter to run off and y before retrieving her phone. She quickly changed the unlock code.


    She didn''t want Evelyn callingn behind her back anymore. Thest thing she needed was for that man to get the wrong idea that she still expected something from him.


    On Thursday morning, Eleanor asked Joslyn, their housekeeper, to bring Evelyn home for lunch and keep her home in the afternoon-anything to avoid Vanessa''s ss at school.


    While Eleanor was in a meeting at theb, her phone buzzed. It was a message fromn.


    "Is Evelyn not feeling well? Why did she stay home today?" he asked.


    Eleanor let out a short, coldugh. Did he really not know the reason? "No," she replied.


    "Can you tell me why?"n pressed.


    Eleanor clenched her jaw. Was he actually ming her for not letting Evelyn spend more time with Vanessa at school?


    "Evelyn lives with me now. I don''t owe you an exnation for every little thing," she shot back, her patience worn thin.


    It was several minutes beforen responded. "I''lle by this evening to drop off a gift for her."


    Eleanor didn''t bother to reply.


    By the time she got home that evening, she could already hear voices inside-her daughter''s excited chatter andn''s unmistakable, warmugh.


    She felt a flicker of annoyance. He hadn''t even called beforeing by. How long had he been there?


    "Ma''am, you''re home. Sir is here," Joslyn said as she came to greet Eleanor at the door.


    Eleanor nced at her, and Joslyn quickly covered her mouth, correcting herself with a sheepish smile. "Mr. Goodwin is here."


    After five years of callingn "sir," the habit was hard for Joslyn to break, even


    now.


    "Mom, you''re back! Look what Dad gave me a giant dinosaur!" Evelyn ran over, proudly showing off her new toy.

 Chapter 232

    Seeing her daughter clutch the dinosaur toy, Eleanor realized Vanessa must have been withn that night-not only together, but likely sharing the same phone call, maybe even the same bed.


    "Ma''am, Mr. Vaughn said he''ll be having dinner here. I''ll start cooking," Joslyn announced cheerfully.


    "If there''s nothing to cook, don''t bother," Eleanor said abruptly. She had no intention of lettingn stay for dinner.


    "There''s... there''s plenty! I bought groceries for two days," Joslyn replied quickly.


    Eleanor could tell Joslyn had grown fond ofn and wanted to keep himfortable, but this was her house. She was the one in charge here.


    "Mommy, I want Daddy to stay for dinner. I don''t want him to go," Evelyn chimed


    in, tugging at Eleanor''s sleeve with a pleading look.


    With her daughter looking at her that way, Eleanor could only nod in reluctant agreement.


    "I''m going upstairs to wash my face. I''ll be down in a minute," she said.


    As she passed,n looked over at her, but Eleanor ignored him and headed up the stairs.


    Dinner was ready by the time she came back down. They gathered around the table, and suddenly Evelyn pouted, her little voice piping up, "Daddy, why are you always with Miss Vanessa? You never spend time with Mommy. Mommy''s your wife, not her!"


    Eleanor froze mid-bite, startled by her daughter''s words. How did Evelyn even know how to say things like that?


    n looked taken aback too, but then he smiled gently. "Alright. From now on, Daddy will spend more time with you and Mommy."


    "Promise! You''re not allowed to leave me and Mommy ever again!" Evelyn said, beaming.


    "I promise,¡±n said, soothing her.


    Eleanor watched this man weaving promises for their daughter, and a resolve started building inside her. She would need to talk to him soon¡ªmake it clear that she and Evelyn didn''t need him tangled up in their lives. She''d rather be honest with her daughter than letn spinforting lies.


    Just then, Evelyn noticed the family dog, Princess, gnawing on something beneath the table. Evelyn''s eyes went wide and she pointed indignantly. "Mommy, Princess is chewing my toy! That''s the one Mr. Vaughn gave me!"


    Eleanor saw Princess at it again, destroying toys. She stood up and went over, trying to pry the toy from the stubborn dog''s mouth.


    Princess, like a willful toddler, refused to let go.


    "Princess, drop it," Eleanor said sternly.


    Princess ignored her.


    "Princess, if you don''t listen, you''re going to get in trouble. Let go, now," Eleanor scolded, treating the dog as if she were scolding a child.


    Across the table, Evelyn chimed in with her own serious tone, "Princess, if you don''t give me my toy back, I''m not ying with you anymore! Hmph!"


    Watching mother and daughter team up to discipline the dog,n couldn''t help but smile. He got up and walked over to Princess. As soon as he knelt down, the dog seemed to sense his authority. Princess instantly dropped the toy and lowered her head, looking up atn with guilty, pleading eyes.


    Eleanor huffed in annoyance. Princess was clearly ying favorites-probably because she''d always been too soft with her.


    She handed the slobbery toy back to Evelyn, who hugged it protectively and shot Princess a re. "Princess, I''m not your friend anymore!"


    Evelyn inspected the toy and found a tiny tear. She pouted. "It''s a little bit broken."


    "I''ll take you outter, and we''ll get you a new one," Ian promised.


    Evelyn''s face lit up. "Really? Yay!"


    Eleanor frowned, recognizingn''s ploy. This was just another excuse to spend more time with their daughter.

 Chapter 233

    "Mom, will youe with us too?" Evelyn looked up hopefully, wanting both her mom and dad by her side.


    "I can''t, sweetheart. I have to get some work done," Eleanor replied gently.


    Evelyn didn''t argue. Once breakfast was over,n took her by the hand and headed out.


    It wasn''t until around nine o''clock thatn finally returned, carrying Evelyn in his arms. She was clutching the present Xavier had bought for her.


    "Daddy, can''t you stay with us tonight?" Evelyn''s eyes turned red as she asked, her voice trembling.


    "Okay," Evelyn sniffled, nodding her little head.


    "Why don''t you go y with your new toy?" Eleanor suggested. Then, ncing atn, she added, "Come outside. I need a word."


    "She has to find out eventually," Eleanor replied, her voice steely.


    "If and when it''s necessary, I''ll be the one to tell her." With that, Eleanor turned and walked back inside.


    The weekend arrived.


    Eleanor took Joslyn and Evelyn to meet Joy at the Vespera Grand, where they moved into the penthouse suite on the top floor-a sprawling, 7,000-square-foot apartment that Eleanor had decided would be her private residence from now on. It wouldn''t be open to guests.


    The ce was so luxurious that Joy couldn''t help but start calling Eleanor "Miss Moneybags."


    There was a y area set up for Evelyn, and Joslyn watched over her while Eleanor and Joy enjoyed a spa session with two therapists Eleanor had called in. The suite also had a sauna and a private gym.


    After a blissful weekend, Monday arrived.


    Eleanor dropped Evelyn off at school before heading to the Vespera Grand''s conference room for the weekly morning meeting. She listened to Ellington''s project update, with Frazier, Joy, and eight senior managers in attendance.


    Though Eleanor wasn''t exactly an expert in finance, she was learning the ropes of running apany, picking up new skills every day.


    After wrapping up the meeting at noon, she treated everyone to lunch, then


    hurried across town to Meridian Dynamics for another meeting.


    As soon as she stepped into the boardroom, she sawn already there.


    Meridian Dynamics was one of hispanies, and as the majority owner, it was only natural he''d want to sit in on the meeting.


    "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin will be joining us today to hear our progress. I''d like you to present the update," Byron said.


    "You can handle it," Eleanor replied, making no effort to hide her reluctance.


    "I really need to step out for something urgent. Please, Miss Sutton, I''m counting on you," Byron insisted, looking genuinely desperate.


    Eleanor had no choice but to agree. When it came to work, she never backed down-even if it meant speaking in front ofn.


    She knew she had to get used to this, to face the fact that as long as he was Evelyn''s father, their paths would always be entwined.


    Inside the dimly lit boardroom,n sat at the head of the table. Eleanor turned on the projector and began her presentation, her clear voice carrying across the quiet room.


    The glow from the screen caught the edges of her silhouette, giving her an almost ethereal presence.


    After an hour, Eleanor wrapped up the presentation, gathering her notes. "That concludes my report. I''ll take my leave now."

 Chapter 234

    "I have a few more questions."n''s voice stopped her in her tracks.


    Eleanor turned, fixing him with a calm look. "Is there something else, Mr. Goodwin?"


    "I''m not satisfied with your team''s current progress."n arched a brow, his impatience undisguised.


    Eleanor blinked in disbelief. Was he actually criticizing their pace?


    "Mr. Goodwin, scientific research takes precision. We can''t afford mistakes."


    With that, he stood, collected his papers, and strode out, leaving everyone in the conference room silent and a little stunned.


    To them, the progress so far was already impressive. But clearly, it wasn''t enough for Mr. Goodwin.


    Eleanor steadied herself for a moment before finally leaving Meridian Dynamics.


    That night, she texted him: "City Hall, tomorrow at ten."


    The thirty-day waiting period was over. It was time to finalize the divorce.


    His reply came quickly. "Fine."


    Clearly, he''d been waiting for this too. He hadn''t wasted a single day.


    The next morning, Eleanor kissed her daughter goodbye outside the school gates, watching her skip inside before she got into her car and headed for City Hall.


    Today, she would walk away with those divorce papers. No turning back.


    At ten o''clock sharp,n arrived. They handed over their documents, and less than ten minutester, two crisp divorce certificates sat on the desk between them.


    Eleanor picked hers up, double-checking the details. Across the desk,n did the same, flipping through the pages-making sure it was real.


    She was ready to leave when his voice stopped her, lingering in the air. "Eleanor, is this really the oue you wanted?"


    Her steps faltered, but she didn''t answer. She didn''t need to. Inside, the answer was clear.


    Yes. This was exactly what she wanted-what she needed.


    From now on, their lives would be separate. No more ties.


    Just then her phone buzzed. It was Joy. Eleanor smiled as she answered.


    "Well, richdy? Did you get the papers?"


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh, relief bubbling up. "I did. Come celebrate with me at lunch?"


    "Absolutely!"


    She hung up, turned, and caught sight ofn standing just a few steps away. He''d clearly overheard her invitation to celebrate.


    Without another word, Eleanor hurried down the steps and headed for her car.


    Over lunch, Joy snatched up the divorce certificate, scanning it with a grin. "Official and everything. You andn-totally done. No strings attached."


    Eleanor slipped the certificate back into her purse, feeling lighter than she had in months.


    "I bet Vanessa can hardly wait," Joy said, rolling her eyes. "She must be thrilled now. Lettingn go so easily¡ªshe doesn''t deserve to get off that cheap.¡±


    Eleanor grinned. "What, should I have kept him till the holidays?"


    Joy burst outughing. "No need. You''ve got money, looks, time, and your


    daughter. Honestly, your life''s looking pretty fantastic."


    As they chatted, Joy couldn''t help but ask, "So, Ellie, someone as amazing as you -there must be a few admirers out there?"


    Eleanor blinked, caught off guard. "What?"


    "How many?" Joy pressed.


    "None!" Eleanor protested. Even if there were, she wasn''t interested-not now.


    Joy just smiled, letting it go. She knew that soon enough, Eleanor would have plenty of admirers, and maybe thenn would realize what he''d lost.


    Not that it would matter. Even if he came crawling back, Eleanor would never take him back. Not a chance.

 Chapter 235

    That evening, Eleanor tucked the divorce certificate into her locked drawer. Her daughter loved rummaging through things at home, and she couldn''t risk losing it.


    Later, she cuddled her sweet little girl, the child''s warmth afort that wrapped around her worries. That night, Eleanor slept deeply, her dreams gentle and bright.


    The next morning, a particrlyplicated case required Eleanor and Gwenda to make a personal visit.


    Downtown General Hospital.


    As they stepped out of a patient''s room into the main lobby, Gwenda''s eyes suddenly lit up. Even with a mask on, the woman ahead of them stood out-her posture, her elegance, unmistakable. She was stunning, the kind of beauty who turned heads without trying.


    Gwenda gasped, covering her mouth in surprise. "Eleanor, isn''t that Vanessa?"


    Eleanor, distracted by her own thoughts, nced where Gwenda was pointing. In an instant, she recognized Vanessa as well.


    They watched as Vanessa headed down the hall-straight toward the maternity wing. Gwenda''s heart skipped a beat. Was Vanessa there for a prenatal checkup?


    Gwenda''s curiosity was insatiable, always eager for a good story. Now, she was nearly bursting with it.


    "Eleanor, wait for me here by the entrance, okay? I need to use the restroom," she said, but before Eleanor could answer, Gwenda all but sprinted after Vanessa.


    Five minutester, a slightly breathless Gwenda found Eleanor in the parking lot. She nced at her friend with a mixture of sympathy and excitement. "Eleanor, guess which department Vanessa went into?"


    Eleanor didn''t need to guess.


    "The maternity ward," Gwenda confirmed, watching Eleanor''s face for a reaction.


    It was a twist almost too dramatic to believe-Vanessa, Faye''s older sister, was the very woman who''de between Eleanor and her ex-husband. Fate had a twisted sense of humor.


    With someone as dazzling as Vanessa, what man wouldn''t be tempted? Evenn, steady and rational as he''d always seemed, had let go of his marriage for her. Clearly, Vanessa had a way of making men lose their heads.


    "Am I being nosy?" Gwenda said with a self-deprecatingugh.


    "Let''s just head back," Eleanor replied quietly.


    Back at theb, Dr. Lyman called an impromptu meeting. Apparently, pressure wasing down fromn''s side-he wanted the research team to pick up the pace and show tangible progress before year''s end.


    Simone, the team lead, felt the strain too, though she hid it well behind her usual confidence.


    "Ellie, do you have time to work extra hours this week?" Simone asked.


    Eleanor thought for a moment, then nodded. "I can do three evenings a week."


    "Good. Everyone, let''s give it our best. Mr. Goodwin is eager to see results, and we don''t want to let him down."


    Eleanor didn''t know whyn suddenly demanded faster progress, but as the project''s main investor, he had every right to push them as he saw fit.


    Whether this was aimed at someone in particr, Eleanor couldn''t say. But one thing was clear: her work hours were about to increase, and overtime would be her new normal.


    She let out a silent sigh. Juggling her daughter and her job would require all her strength. Still, she wasn''t about to give up her career-especially not this one. This research was her father''s legacy, the dream he''d left behind. She was determined to see it through, no matter whatn decided.


    That evening, Eleanor had dinner with her daughter and Joy. When Joy returned from the restroom, she leaned in close, speaking in a conspiratorial whisper.


    "Guess who I just saw?"


    Eleanor raised an eyebrow. "Who?"


    "Ian. He''s here, in private dining room eight. I caught a glimpse it looked like he


    was having dinner with Vanessa and her mother." Joy kept her voice low.


    Eleanor gave a cold littleugh to herself. Fresh off the divorce and already meeting Vanessa''s family-he certainly didn''t waste any time.

 Chapter 236

    "Let''s make sure we don''t run into them on the way out¡ªit''d just ruin your mood," Joy said.


    Eleanor, however, didn''t feel disgusted. She just didn''t want her daughter to see them.


    At that moment, Evelyn put down her toy and piped up, "Mommy, I need to go potty."


    Eleanor lifted her from the high chair and took her to the restroom.


    As soon as Eleanor carried her daughter into a stall, she heard footsteps approaching from outside.


    Then a phone rang. A middle-aged woman answered, her voice echoing in the tiled room.


    "Hello?"


    "He absolutely dotes on our daughter!"


    "Just now! Vanessa said she wasn''t feeling well, and he got so worried. He treats our girl like she''s made of ss."


    In the stall, Eleanor''s expression shifted. So, the woman chatting away on the phone was Vanessa''s mother.


    "They''re divorced,pletely done. He''s just waiting to marry Vanessa now!"


    "I''m not in the mood to ask about your project today. Let Vanessa handle that, alright? Don''t worry." The woman let out a delightedugh. "He''s about to be your son-inw-what business deal could he possibly say no to?"


    "Mommy, I''m finished," Evelyn whispered, blinking up at her mother, wondering why she hadn''t opened the door yet.


    Eleanor finally opened the stall. At the sink stood a well-dressed, affluent-looking woman washing her hands. In the mirror, Eleanor caught sight of her dazzling jewelry¡ªa ne strung with vibrant emeralds that must have cost a fortune. On her wrist, a thick amethyst bracelet glittered. Clearly,n was sparing no expense to take care of Vanessa and her mother.


    The woman nced at Eleanor''s reflection, but didn''t seem to recognize her. Maybe she''d seen Eleanor''s photo before, but face-to-face, she didn''t make the connection. Besides, her mind was probably too preupied with her daughter''s imminent entry into high society to notice anyone else.


    Eleanor washed Evelyn''s hands, then returned to their private dining room. Joy was already settling the bill.


    "Let''s go how about a little window shopping at the mall?"


    Eleanor scooped up Evelyn again. Just as they stepped into the hallway, that same middle-aged woman emerged from the next private room. Eleanor instinctively pressed her daughter''s head to her chest, shielding her from the sight ofn inside.


    Even so, a pang of bitterness tightened in Eleanor''s chest. Her daughter had always been showered with love by the entire Goodwin family.


    Soon, she''d have a little sister, and a brother too, plus a father who was bing more and more distant...


    That was something Eleanor could never make up for.


    After strolling through the mall, they headed home. Evelyn fell asleep in Eleanor''s arms on the way, and Eleanor hugged her close. Right now, she needed to be strong-strong enough to give her daughter the sense of security she deserved.


    That evening, as Eleanor worked in the garden, reviewing thetestb results, her phone lit up with a message.


    It was fromn.


    "I know work''s getting busy for you. I can help take care of Evelyn if you need."


    Eleanor frowned at the message. Wasn pushing her to work harder just so he could have more time with their daughter?


    No. More likely, he just wanted Evelyn and Vanessa to bond.


    A faint, wry smile tugged at Eleanor''s lips. Even if it meant workingte with her daughter at her side, she''d never hand Evelyn over to him.


    Apart from his eight scheduled visitations each month, she wasn''t letting him take their daughter anywhere.


    She replied simply, "No need. I can take care of her."


    "Thank you for your hard work."


    Those words, Eleanor thought, couldn''t have sounded more insincere.

 Chapter 237

    The next afternoon, when Eleanor and Joel arrived at Meridian Dynamics for their meeting, they immediately sensed a shift in the atmosphere. Where people used to find brief moments to catch their breath between tasks, now everyone was hunched over their desks, working with intense focus.


    Inside Byron''s office, the tension was just as heavy. He slid a folder across the desk toward Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin has asked us to prioritize this line of research. He wants you to lead the team."


    Eleanor flipped through the file, her brows knitting together. "This is a risky direction. It''ll require extensive experiments and validation."


    "Mr. Goodwin said resources aren''t an issue." Byron gave her a meaningful look. "He seems to have a lot of faith in your abilities."


    Eleanor closed the folder. ¡°Alright. I''ll do my best."


    Back in herb, Eleanor took a closer look at the documents. The project was focused on chronic lymphocytic leukemia right now, bone marrow transnts were the only real cure. Their coborative experiment was aimed in exactly that direction.


    If she took the lead, Eleanor knew her workload would skyrocket.


    Meanwhile, Byron''s office phone rang. He picked up. "Hello? Who is this?"


    "Did she agree?"n''s voice came through.


    Byron sat up, startled. "Mr. Goodwin, it''s you! Yes, Miss Sutton agreed."


    "Good. Make sure you support her researchpletely."


    "We''ll give Miss Sutton''s team top priority," Byron promised.


    Back in theb, Eleanor discussed the new assignment with Simone, who was enthusiastic about having Eleanor lead the project. Joel, who had been working closely with her, would continue managing their previous studies. Simone assigned Callie from the experimental group to assist Eleanor.


    That afternoon, as Eleanor worked on her proposal in her office, Joel knocked and came in, cing a folder on her desk. "Ellie, this is your mother''s donor sample. I''m entrusting it to you now."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. She picked up the folder, flipping to the consent form signed by her mother¡ªa document her parents had always kept safe, a symbol of something deeply important.


    She understood her mother''s motivation for donating; it was about saving as many lives as possible. Now, that wish was in Eleanor''s hands to fulfill.


    "You''ll do great. I believe in you," Joel said, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before he left.


    Later, Eleanor and Callie sat down for a meeting in one of the smaller offices. Callie was quiet by nature, but her recent work had been impressive. She''d once resented Eleanor, assuming she''d gotten her position through family connections. But after everything that had happened, her old prejudices had faded; now, there was only a quiet respect.


    "Eleanor, I''m honored to work with you. If you need anything, just let me know-I''lII give it my all."


    Just then, Faye walked in, arms full of paperwork.


    "Professor Langley asked me to bring you this data." Faye dropped the hefty stack onto Eleanor''s desk, her eyes shing with irritation.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eleanor said evenly, ncing at the overwhelming pile.


    Faye shot her a sidelong look, scoffing inwardly. Eleanor used to enjoy special treatment thanks to her family connections, but now that her supporters were gone, Faye doubted she''d keep her head held high for long.


    The truth was, this new research project was like staring at the edge of modern medicine¡ªa challenge so daunting, it felt impossible to even grasp where to begin. It would devour Eleanor''s time and energy, and, in the end, might not yield any real results at all.

 Chapter 238

    Maybe this wasn''s way of punishing her.


    After all, he was about to marry her sister, and by dumping a time-consuming, energy-draining job on her, he could make sure his ex-wife had no chance to disrupt their new life together.


    And best of all, it had driven a wedge between her and Joel. Now Joel couldn''t swoop in and help her keep up the genius act.


    It wouldn''t be long before everyone saw through her so-called brilliance.


    By four o''clock in the afternoon, Eleanor was racing to the preschool. She was ten minuteste, but when she arrived, she saw Xavier waiting with Vivian, both keeping Evelynpany.


    Eleanor hurried over to her daughter and knelt down, apologizing, "Evelyn, I''m so sorry. Mommy''ste."


    "It''s okay, Mommy. I know you''re busy with work. I''ll always wait for you," Evelyn said, her little face earnest as she looked up.


    Eleanor''s eyes stung with tears. When had her little girl be so understanding?


    She turned to Xavier. "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. I really appreciate it."


    "No trouble at all," Xavier replied. "We should all look out for each other."


    They each gathered up their children and headed to their cars. Xavier buckled Vivian into her seat and, before starting the engine, nced in the rearview mirror


    at the white Porsche behind him, momentarily lost in thought.


    "Uncle, what are you waiting for? What are you looking at?" Vivian piped up, leaning close to his ear.


    Snapping back to reality, Xavier smiled. "Oh, nothing."


    Vivian cocked her head, grinning mischievously. "Are you spying on Ms. Sutton?"


    Xavier was caught off guard. "You little rascal, what do you know about that?" She giggled. "Do you have a crush on Ms. Sutton?"


    Xavier paused, startled. Was he that obvious? Even his five-year-old niece could tell?


    He justughed and changed the subject. "How about we go get something yummy to eat?"


    Meanwhile, Eleanor drove Evelyn home. Joslyn had dinner ready for them. Eleanor barely touched half her bowl before pushing it away. Joslyn noticed and asked gently, "Is the food not to your liking, ma''am?"


    Eleanor shook her head with a faint smile. "No, it''s not that. I just haven''t had much appetitetely."


    Whenever stress pressed down on her, her stomach was the first to suffer-and sometimes, a little hunger spurred her creativity.


    That night, on the balcony upstairs, the cool evening breeze tugged at her cardigan as she bent over herptop, sifting through experimental data. Princess, her golden retriever,y curled at her feet, asionally nudging her ankle with a wet nose.


    The next morning, as Eleanor helped Evelyn get dressed, her daughter sat on the couch, legs swinging. "Mommy, why doesn''t Daddy take me to school anymore?"


    Eleanor''s hands stilled, the shirt half-buttoned.


    Since the separation, this was the first time Evelyn had asked aboutn.


    She knelt down, meeting her daughter''s eyes. "Daddy''s been really busy with worktely, sweetheart. He''lle see you when he has time."


    "But the other kids'' dads pick them up every day. Why doesn''t mine?" Evelyn''s lip trembled, eyes shining with unshed tears. "Does Daddy not like me anymore?"


    Eleanor''s heart clenched tight in her chest.


    She stroked Evelyn''s hair. "Daddy loves you very much. He just has a lot to take care of right now. See? He''s given you so many presents."


    "But I want Daddy, not presents." Evelyn''s voice broke, and she suddenly burst into tears.


    Eleanor swept her daughter into her arms as emotions welled up inside her.


    "I want Daddy, I want Daddy!" Evelyn sobbed, tears and snot running down her cheeks as she clung to Eleanor, her cries echoing through the house.

 Chapter 239

    Eleanor gently wiped her daughter''s tear-stained cheeks, murmuring soft words to soothe her.


    Themotion upstairs drew Joslyn, who found Evelyn in tears, wailing for her father. The sight pulled at Joslyn''s heart.


    She''d once believed that Mr. Goodwin doted on his daughter so much that, even if his love for Eleanor had faded, he would at least hold the marriage together for the sake of giving Evelyn an intact family.


    Clearly, she''d been wrong.


    "Evelyn, how about Aunt Joslyn takes you to school today?" Joslyn offered, her voice warm and coaxing.


    "No! I want Daddy!" Evelyn pouted, arms crossed tight against her chest, her lower lip trembling.


    Eleanor bit her lip, her resolve wavering. After a moment, she made a decision and knelt down to meet Evelyn''s eyes. "How about this: I''ll ask Daddy to pick you up from school today, all right?"


    Evelyn''s eyes widened hopefully. "Will Daddye home and have dinner with


    me too?"


    Eleanor hesitated, the longing in her daughter''s gaze making it impossible to say no. She nodded.


    A smile broke through Evelyn''s tears, and she nodded back fiercely. "Okay!"


    After dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor sat alone in the car for a long time before finally pulling out her phone.


    She hesitated, then dialed.


    "Hello."n''s deep voice came through, the background quiet-he was probably at home.


    "Do you have time this afternoon? Can you pick up Evelyn from school?" Eleanor asked, keeping her tone businesslike.


    ¡°I''ll pick her up,¡± he replied without hesitation.


    Hearing his answer, Eleanor ended the call, took a steadying breath, and started the car.


    She held firm to the boundaries of their post-divorce lives, never letting the conversation stray beyond what was necessary.


    At theb, Eleanor set her mother''s old donation records on the desk. The pages were yellowed at the edges, but her mother''s signature at the bottom remained bold and clear.


    Her fingertips trembled as she touched the paper, as if, through it, she could reach across years and feel the presence of the strong, gentle woman she remembered.


    "This sample..." Callie, noticing the shift in Eleanor''s demeanor, hesitated.


    "It''s a bone marrow sample my mother donated. Twenty years ago," Eleanor said quietly, carefully tucking the papers away in a folder.


    Callie''s eyes filled with respect. "Your parents were remarkable people."


    Eleanor nodded. "Let''s get started, shall we?"


    They both turned to their work. Eleanor opened the data report that Faye had delivered earlier.


    She''d barely read a few pages before her brows knit in concern. Key experimental parameters were off, cell culture times were a mess-it wasn''t original data at all, more like a doctored version.


    "Something wrong with the materials?" Callie asked, picking up on her difort.


    Eleanor closed the file with a sigh. "I''m heading to the mainb."


    In the hallway, a group of assistants whispered among themselves. When Eleanor approached, the gossip stopped cold and curious eyes followed her.


    She ignored them, walking straight ahead. After days of being the talk of the building since the divorce, she''d grown used to the stares.


    In the mainb, Faye was chatting andughing with two assistants. As soon as Eleanor entered, Faye''s smile vanished.


    "These numbers aren''t right," Eleanor said without preamble, cing the file on


    the workstation. "I need the original data¡ªnow."


    Faye folded her arms. "That is the original data."


    "Petri dish eighteen had contamination issuesst time. Why does the report say it was sessful? And this electrophoresis chart doesn''t match the sample numbers at all."


    The room fell silent.


    Faye''s face went pale, her fingers twisting nervously in herb coat. One of the assistants tried to interject, "It''s not Faye''s fault. Maybe... there was a mistake when writing things down."


    "In research, there''s no room for ''mistakes," Eleanor said, her voice calm but firm. "Especially in work that could affect people''s lives. We can''t afford to be careless."


    Faye''s head snapped up, her tone defensive. "What are you getting at, Eleanor? Are you questioning mypetency?"

 Chapter 240

    "I just need the raw data." Eleanor met Faye''s gaze, her voice steady and unyielding. "Now."


    The air seemed to thicken, tension settling between them.


    With a clenched jaw, Faye spun around, yanked a report from a folder, and pped it down on the table. "Take it."


    Eleanor checked the documents carefully before tucking them away. "Thank you."


    As she turned to leave, Faye''s assistant muttered under her breath, "Acting all professional-like she isn''t just riding her father''s and ex-husband''s coattails..."


    Eleanor paused mid-step and nced coldly at the assistant. The woman froze, caught off guard by the sharpness in Eleanor''s eyes.


    But Eleanor had no time to waste on petty arguments.


    The moment she was gone, Faye turned her frustration on her two assistants. "Next time, pay attention when you''re transcribing. How do you even manage to mess up a copy? You''d better not drag me down with you."


    The two assistants flushed with embarrassment-they knew this mistake was on them.


    "Sorry, Faye."


    Faye was furious at their carelessness, but what bothered her even more was Eleanor''s attitude-like she was somehow above the rest of them.


    Back in her office, Eleanor dove into work. The information from her father sparked a new idea-maybe, just maybe, she could break the traditional barriers


    of transntation by approaching it from a gene editing angle.


    She became so absorbed in designing her experiments that she forgot about lunch entirely. In the end, it was Joel who, hearing she was still at her desk, brought up a takeout container of simple pasta for her.


    Sincen was picking up their daughter, Eleanor decided to stayte. She''d nned to be home for dinner with Evelyn, but the work just kept piling up. With a sigh, she textedn.


    "Take Evelyn out for dinner tonight I''ll be workingte, probably until nine."


    "Alright."


    "And don''t let her have too many sweets," she added.


    "I''ll keep an eye on her."


    Eleanor had barely set her phone down when another message popped up. Expectingn to have more to say, she nced at the screen and saw just three words:


    "Don''t overwork yourself."


    Eleanor ced her phone face-down on the desk, unwilling to reply. She didn''t care for his concern-never had, never would.


    Around nine, Eleanor finally made it home, only to find that Evelyn hadn''t returned yet. She showered and waited, listening for the sound of her daughter''sughter.


    At nine-twenty, she heard it-Evelyn''s voice ringing up the stairwell. Pulling on a robe, Eleanor hurried downstairs to find her daughter carrying a takeout bag from a five-star restaurant.


    "Mom, this is for you!" Evelyn beamed, holding out the bag.


    Eleanor smiled, taking it from her. "Did you have a good time tonight?"


    "It was great! Aunt Serena and Miss Vanessa came, too!"


    Eleanor''s smile faltered. Vanessa?n had brought their daughter to dinner with Vanessa?


    "Come on, Evelyn, let''s get you in the bath," Joslyn, the nanny, called,ing over to take Evelyn upstairs.


    Evelyn, already looking sleepy, obediently followed.


    Once her daughter was out of sight, Eleanor stood alone in the living room, her mood heavy and unsettled.


    She bit her lip, grabbed her phone, and stepped outside, pacing the quiet street as she dialedn''s number.


    He picked up on the first ring. "Hey."


    "Ian, did you really take Evelyn to see Vanessa tonight?" Eleanor demanded, her anger barely contained.


    "It was just a coincidence at the restaurant."


    "Is that so?" Eleanor let out a cold, humorlessugh.


    "Serena brought her. Evelyn had a great time tonight,¡±n replied, his voice even.


    Eleanor''s tone turned scathing. "Ian, do you really think it''s appropriate to


    introduce a five-year-old to her father''s new girlfriend?"


    "Eleanor."n''s voice grew serious.


    "She''s young,n, not stupid." Eleanor bit out the words, then ended the call without waiting for a reply.

 Chapter 241

    Eleanor had sworn never to meddle inn''s future rtionships-as long as he kept his disys of affection away from their daughter.


    Lately, she''de to realize that her little girl wasn''t so little anymore. Evelyn was no longer a toddler; she had be sensitive, picking up on things more easily


    now.


    Eleanor clenched her fists, bracing herself for the inevitable. Better to rip the bandage off quickly than let things drag on. She resolved to find the right moment soon and tell Evelyn the truth about the divorce.


    The next morning at nine, a bright red Ferrari pulled up outside the preschool. Vanessa had rearranged her schedule, moving her Thursday ss to Wednesday morning so she could be there.


    "Mrs. Shannon! It''s you!" Evelyn ran over, her face lighting up. "Are you here to teach us piano today?"


    "That''s right! Come here, give me a hug." Vanessa opened her arms.


    With her elegant outfit, wless makeup, and natural beauty, Vanessa was every child''s favorite. The other kids looked on enviously as Vanessa scooped Evelyn up in a warm embrace.


    Evelyn''s wide eyes sparkled, barely able to contain her delight.


    During piano ss, Vanessa had Evelyn sit beside her at the piano,vishing her with the kind of special attention only a beloved teacher could give. Five-year-old Evelyn''s eyes shone with admiration and affection, her hero-worship for Vanessa reignited.


    If you wanted to win a child''s heart, there was no better role than that of a teacher.


    Vanessa''s lips curled into a satisfied smile. As she was leaving, she ruffled Evelyn''s hair and leaned down. "Evelyn, don''t tell your mom I came to see you today, okay? She might not be too happy about it."


    "Why not?"


    "Because your mom doesn''t really like me."


    "But you''re so pretty and so nice! Why wouldn''t my mom like you?"


    Vanessa gave a cryptic smile. "Well... you''re still young. You''ll understand when you''re older."


    "Okay!"


    "Come on, pinky promise and seal it!" Vanessa said, invoking the little ritual they''d shared before.


    Evelyn stuck out her pinkie, linking it with Vanessa''s and stamping her thumb on top. Only then did Vanessa leave, satisfied.


    Meanwhile, in theb, Eleanor was in a white coat, busy with her experiments. Callie assisted her, while outside the window, two figures approached¡ªtheb was being inspected by Simone andn.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She stepped out to answer, ncing through the ss at the man outside. Her expression cooled.


    But the call was from her daughter''s teacher. Eleanor quickly pushed open theb door. "Hello, Miss Alice? Is something wrong with Evelyn?"


    "Mrs. Goodwin, there was a little incident. Evelyn had an argument with a ssmate, and afterward she heard something that upset her. She''s been crying ever since and keeps asking for you. I thought I should let you know."


    Eleanor''s heart tightened. "What did she hear?¡±


    "She found out about your divorce."


    Eleanor felt a dull roar in her head. Her daughter had learned about the divorce- from another child?


    "Which ssmate told her?" she pressed.


    "It was Coco. The two of them were talking, and Coco identally let it slip. After that, Evelyn couldn''t stop crying. It''s been almost half an hour and nothing we say can calm her down."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. ¡°Thank you, I''lle to the school right away.¡±


    She hung up and turned to findn standing behind her.


    "What happened to Evelyn?" he asked, concern in his eyes.


    "She found out about the divorce at school. She''s been crying." Eleanor''s face


    was nk as she answered. Without waiting for a response, she slipped back into theb to give Callie instructions before heading to her office.

 Chapter 242

    Eleanor had just grabbed her bag whenn caught up to her. "I''ll go with you," he said.


    "That''s not necessary," she replied, her tone firm.


    Still, when Eleanor pulled out of the driveway and headed for the school,n''s car followed close behind.


    Worry for her daughter consumed her, leaving no room to care aboutn''s persistence. She sped all the way to the school, barely stopping before she jumped out and hurried inside.


    Once inside, Eleanor spotted Evelyn immediately. Her little girl was huddled on the floor, trembling uncontrobly, her hair a tangled mess, cheeks flushed, and tears streaming down her blotchy face. Her eyes-usually so bright-were dull and vacant.


    "Evelyn," Eleanor whispered, her own eyes filling with tears. She dropped to her knees and gently gathered her daughter into her arms. "I''m here, sweetheart. It''s okay. Don''t cry."


    "Mommy," Evelyn hupped, her voice raw, "what Coco said isn''t true, is it? You and Daddy aren''t getting divorced, right? I''m not an unwanted kid... I have both of you... I have Mommy and Daddy...." She broke down, sobbing so hard her words dissolved into whimpers.


    Each sound from her daughter was like a knife to Eleanor''s heart. She''d made the wrong choice years ago, and now Evelyn was suffering the consequences with her.


    "Evelyn, no matter what happens, you have to know-Mommy and Daddy will always love you,¡± Eleanor murmured, trying to soothe her.


    She had barely finished speaking when a deep voice sounded behind her. "Evelyn, Daddy''s here."


    Evelyn''s head snapped up. Relief and joy lit her tear-stained face as she wriggled free from Eleanor''s arms and threw herself atn. "Daddy! I missed you so much..."


    The teachers, sensing the family needed space, quietly stepped out of the room and closed the door behind them.


    Evelyn''s cheeks were still streaked with tears. Sniffling, she looked up atn. "Daddy, is it true? Are you really divorcing Mommy?"


    Eleanor''s whole body tensed. She looked from Evelyn ton, holding her breath.n gently wiped Evelyn''s tears away, his expression serious. "Yes, your mom and I are getting divorced. But even if we live apart, we both love you very much. That will never change."


    Eleanor felt a sharp stab of pain, sharper than she''d expected. Clearly,n could be even more resolute than she was.


    But keeping the truth from Evelyn was no longer an option.


    "No... I don''t want you to get divorced! Please don''t get divorced!" Evelyn wailed, breaking downpletely. She sobbed so hard she could barely breathe.


    Eleanor pulled her back into her arms, stroking her back. "Shh, sweetheart... It''s okay. Mommy''s here..."


    Half an hourter, still nestled against her mother, Evelyn''s sobs finally faded as exhaustion overtook her, and she fell asleep.


    Eleanor, arms full of her sleeping daughter, didn''t protest. She slid inton''s car. They had only been on the road for two minutes when the car''s Bluetooth chimed.


    Vanessa''s name lit up on the dashboard.


    Without hesitation,n pressed decline.


    Eleanor turned her face away, looking out the window in silence.


    Vanessa didn''t call again. Soon,n pulled up in front of Eleanor''s house.


    Eleanor carried Evelyn inside and hurried upstairs. After tucking her daughter into bed, she straightened up-only to be hit by a sudden wave of dizziness, whether from nerves or sheer exhaustion she couldn''t say.


    She swayed, but before she could fall, a strong, steady arm caught her around the waist.


    "I want to be here when Evelyn wakes up,"n said quietly.


    At that moment, his phone chimed with a text. He nced at the screen, and his expression darkened. Turning to Eleanor, he said, "Something''se up. Take care of Evelyn for me."


    Without waiting for a reply,n strode out the door.

 Chapter 243

    As soon as she entered the living room, Joslyn stepped forward. "Sir, are you heading out?"


    "I am. Joslyn, please look after Mrs. Goodwin and Evelyn while I''m gone." With that,n strode toward the front gate.


    Joslyn froze for a second-had he just called Eleanor "Mrs. Goodwin"? Weren''t they divorced? And there was something almost tender in the way he''d said it.


    Upstairs, Eleanor retreated to her study, exhaustion washing over her as she closed her eyes. These days, the only person left in the world who could truly move her was her daughter.


    Her parents were gone, and there were no close rtives left¡ªjust her and Evelyn against the world. Her daughter was everything.


    The bond between mother and child was unbreakable; whatever pain Evelyn felt, Eleanor felt twice over.


    At five o''clock, after waking from another nap, Evelyn burst into tears again, sobbing for her father. With no other way to console her, Eleanor bundled her up and took her to the nearby mall, hoping new toys might distract her.


    For the next two days, Eleanor didn''t set foot in theb. She stayed home, never leaving Evelyn''s side. Ian didn''te by, either. Eleanor knew that the only person who could keepn so upied-even away from his own daughter-was Vanessa.


    But after two days of Eleanor''s constant care, Evelyn began to recover. Surrounded by her mother''s love, she started to find happiness again. When Evelyn''s mood finally stabilized, Eleanor gently broached the subject of the separation.


    "Will Daddy still love me?" Evelyn''s big eyes brimmed with tears as she asked.


    "Of course he will, sweetheart. You''re his daughter-he''ll love you all his life," Eleanor replied softly.


    Evelyn pouted, nodding with reluctant eptance. She was trying toe to terms with her parents'' divorce, but her young heart was still wounded.


    Eleanor hugged her close, silently vowing to be stronger for her daughter''s sake-to prove that a mother''s love could keep her safe and cherished, no matter what.


    Over the weekend, Joel stopped by with fruit and gifts for Evelyn. He was endlessly patient, a natural with children, and Evelyn adored him.


    From the kitchen, Joslyn watched the cozy scene unfold in the living room. She couldn''t help but think how wonderful Mr. Kingsley was-handsome, courteous, and so good with Evelyn. If only he could be the man of the house.


    Of course, there was also Mr. Vaughn charming, sessful, and clearly devoted to Mrs. Goodwin.


    The weekend flew by.


    On Monday, Evelyn was finally ready to return to school. Eleanor dropped her off, handing her over to Miss Alice at the gate.


    As Eleanor turned to leave, Coco''s mother hurried over with a nervous smile. "I''m so sorry, Mrs. Goodwin. It was careless of me to gossip and cause you trouble. I''ve already talked to Coco about it, and I promise it won''t happen again!¡±


    Though frustrated, Eleanor didn''t want to make a scene in front of the other parents. She replied coolly, "Mrs. Brown, it''s probably best not to talk about other people''s family matters in the future."


    After hearing the teacher exin what had happened, Mrs. Brown had been horrified-she''d only made a passingment to her daughter, never imagining Coco would repeat it to Evelyn.


    "Of course, of course," Mrs. Brown said, nodding apologetically.


    Eleanor climbed into her car and drove straight to theb. She''d been working from home these past few days, staying in touch with Callie over video, so the project hadn''t fallen behind.


    Pulling on herb coat, she headed for the research wing. As she turned the corner, she ran into Faye.


    A sh of triumph glittered in Faye''s eyes as she smiled. "Eleanor, did you seest night''s email?"


    Eleanor had seen it. Simone had suddenly reassigned Faye to work alongside Joel, filling Eleanor''s previous role on the Meridian Dynamics partnership.


    "Don''t think you''re the only one with talent-or connections," Faye said, her eyes narrowing in satisfaction. "From now on, I have them too. My partnership with Joel? That was Mr. Goodwin''s idea."

 Chapter 244

    Eleanor''s ex-husband had be Faye''s brother-inw-and now, her protector.


    It was definitely something Faye couldn''t help but unt.


    After so many years of being overshadowed by Eleanor, Faye finally had her moment to breathe easy.


    "Is that so? Congrattions," Eleanor replied, her tone calm and even.


    Faye''s smile faltered, her triumph hanging awkwardly in the air. She''d been hoping for some sign of Eleanor breaking-rage, jealousy, anything.


    But Eleanor''s face remainedposed. Her striking eyes were tranquil, utterly undisturbed.


    Impossible. How could Eleanor not even flinch?


    Just yesterday morning, Faye had been stunned when Vanessa called with the news:n himself had reached out to Simone, asking her to involve Faye in Joel''s major project with Meridian Dynamics.


    The very person Eleanor had once relied on was now opening doors for Faye at work. How could Eleanor really be so unaffected?


    "Eleanor, we''re colleagues-you know you can cry if you''re upset! Bottling it up is bad for your health," Faye said breezily before sauntering away.


    In theb, Eleanor slipped into work mode. Over thest couple of days, she''d pored over her father''s old notebooks, and new ideas had begun to take shape. Now, she was putting her father''s theories to the test, determined to see if he''d been right.


    From morning until noon and then well into the afternoon, she worked without pause. It wasn''t until four o''clock that she finally let out a quiet gasp at the microscope.


    "I found it! Atst!"


    Callie, who''d been working on a report nearby, immediately hurried over. "Eleanor, what did you find?"


    "This gene locus!" Eleanor''s finger trembled as she pointed at the glowing marker on the screen, her voice quivering with excitement. "This could be the key to oveing the rejection response!"


    Callie''s eyes lit up. He looked at Eleanor with genuine admiration. "Eleanor, that''s incredible. I''ll go get Professor Langley right away."


    He dashed off to find Simone, who rushed from her office the moment she heard.


    After reviewing Eleanor''s experiment, Simone could hardly contain her excitement. Eleanor''s breakthrough might just be the missing piece they''d been searching for¡ªa discovery that could dramatically elerate their research.


    "Ellie, you really are Elliot''s daughter. He''d be so proud of you," Simone said, beaming as she squeezed Eleanor''s shoulder.


    Eleanor nced at the clock. Only a few minutes left before she had to pick up her daughter. "Professor Langley, I need to finish the preliminary report first."


    She''d just opened herptop when her vision suddenly went ck. The next thing she knew, she was sliding from the chair, unconscious.


    "Eleanor!" Callie caught her before she hit the floor.


    Simone was startled, grabbing her phone in a panic and dialing Joel''s number. "Joel,e to Eleanor''sb right away-she''s passed out!"


    Joel raced down the hall, scooping Eleanor up and rushing her to the nearest hospital.


    Simone''s mind raced as she quickly foundn''s number and called him.


    "Hello, Professor Langley?"


    "Ian, Eleanor just copsed in theb. We''re taking her to the hospital now."


    "Which hospital?"n''s voice was tense.


    "Ashford General."


    "Do you know why she fainted?"n pressed.


    "Just ten minutes ago, she made a major breakthrough a set of key gene loci. It was such a short time, but the progress was enormous. She must have pushed herself too hard."


    There was a brief, heavy silence on the line. Thenn simply said, "Thank you," and hung up.


    At the hospital,n arrived to find Eleanor still asleep. All she needed now was good, uninterrupted rest.


    Joel stood in the hallway, watching asn approached with hurried steps. He raised an arm to blockn''s path. "Mr. Goodwin, Eleanor needs to rest."


    "I just want to see her,"n replied, ignoring Joel''s attempt to stop him and reaching for the door.


    Joel''s eyes darkened as he stepped forward again, firmly barring the way. ¡°Mr. Goodwin, right now, thest person Eleanor wants to see is you."

 Chapter 245

    Joel looked at the man responsible for Eleanor''s copse, but still turned and left.


    Suddenly, Eleanor jolted awake, sitting straight up in bed and calling out


    anxiously, "Evelyn!"


    When she sawn standing at her bedside, a flicker of confusion shed through


    her eyes.


    "Evelyn''s at my mother''s ce. Just rest now," Ian said gently.


    A wave of relief washed over Eleanor. Raking her fingers through her hair, she let herself rx a little. She''d been stretched thin caring for her daughter, nerves wound tight, and it was no surprise exhaustion had finally caught up with her.


    Leaning back against the pillows, Eleanor closed her eyes; her head was still spinning.


    Just then, Joel returned, pushing open the door. Seeing her awake, he approached. "Are you feeling any other difort?"


    Eleanor shook her head. She knew her body well enough-what she needed was a good night''s sleep.


    "Would you rather go home," Joel asked, "or stay for observation?"


    "I want to go home," Eleanor replied.


    "That''s not necessary," Eleanor said coolly. "I can take care of her. Bring her home."


    "You need rest,"n insisted, frowning.


    She met his gaze, her voice frosty. "I can''t rest without my daughter by my side."


    Vanessa was pregnant now, and Gina''s attention would likely be on her. There was a good chance Evelyn would be spending more time at the Goodwin estate¡ª and Eleanor had no intention of letting her daughter be too close to that household.


    "Fine. I''ll bring Evelyn back to you,"n said atst, then turned and left.


    Later, Joel drove Eleanor home. Not long after, Evelyn arrived, hand in hand with Joslyn. Ian was already gone.


    "Mommy, Daddy said he had something to do and couldn''te in," Evelyn announced.


    Eleanor scooped her daughter into her arms and kissed her. "That''s okay, sweetheart."


    Joslyn gave her a fond look. "Ma''am, I''ll make you some nourishing soup."


    "Thank you."


    "Mommy, Daddy said you''re not feeling well. What happened?" Evelyn''s big eyes were full of concern.


    "Mommy''s fine, just a little tired from not sleeping enough," Eleanor replied, tapping her gently on the nose.


    "Then I''ll go to bed early with you tonight," Evelyn said, all grown-up and earnest.


    Eleanor pressed another kiss to her daughter''s cheek, her heart full. The next morning, after dropping Evelyn off, Eleanor was just about to leave for theb when her phone rang. It was Simone, her mentor, all but ordering her to take two days off and threatening-only half-jokingly-to shut down herb if she didn''tply.


    With such adamant pressure, Eleanor finally allowed herself to rest.


    She arranged to meet Joy for lunch, determined to take a proper break.


    Joy had made a reservation at a new restaurant, reputed for its fresh, wild-caught seafood. Eleanor was happy to join her-the booking had been made a week in advance.


    The restaurant''s decor was striking, and the pair were shown to a private booth partitioned from the main hall, creating a cozy, tranquil space.


    After ordering, Joy excused herself to the restroom. Eleanor scrolled through her phone, only to be interrupted by a burst ofughter a woman''s cheerful voice.


    "It''s new! I''ll bring you here to try it sometime¡ªyes, let''s set a date."


    "Right this way,dies," the server said, ushering two guests in.


    Eleanor looked up instinctively and saw Vanessa andn walking in.


    Vanessa led the way, all curves and confidence, her every move radiating allure.n followed, refined andposed, carrying a woman''s handbag in one hand- like a gant knight catering to his princess.

 Chapter 246

    The lighting was dim where Eleanor sat, so no one noticed her. Ian and Vanessa were ushered into another private booth nearby.


    Even though Eleanor was divorced now, the memories of the past six years withn were still painfully vivid.


    From the moment she''d fallen for him at first sight, through six years of marriage, Eleanor had always been the one to love first, to love more. Ian, on the other hand, seemed content to simply receive her affection.


    All those years, his feelings toward Eleanor were neither weing nor rejecting just passively nomittal.


    But now, watching with her own eyes asn doted on Vanessa, Eleanor finally realized: this man was capable of warmth, passion, and tender attentiveness. He could open up, just not to her.


    With Vanessa,n''s guarded heart seemed effortless to enter. For six years, Eleanor had tried and failed to find the key.


    She''d even consulted a therapist in private. The answer had been blunt:


    "Your husband may have emotional barriers. It''s possible no one will ever get close to him."


    Back then, Eleanor had been hopeful. But reality soon crushed that optimism. Weren''t lovers supposed to be like gardeners, nurturing each other with care? Now,n treated Vanessa like something precious, holding her close and cherishing her until she bloomed-radiant and beautiful.


    One was a business prodigy, the other a piano virtuoso. Even their titles sounded like they belonged together.


    Just then, Joy emerged from the restroom. Ian spotted her, raised an eyebrow, and stood up, heading straight for Eleanor''s table.


    Joy barely had time to slide into her seat beforen arrived. She flinched-she''d just spent the walk over muttering curses about him under her breath.


    As expected,n noticed Eleanor immediately.


    "Are you feeling any better?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of concern.


    Hearing that, Eleanor couldn''t help but let out augh.


    "Don''t trouble yourself," she replied coolly, lifting her head to meet his gaze.


    Vanessa appeared at his side, feigning surprise.


    "Oh, Eleanor! You''re here too?"


    Joy rolled her eyes. They''d hoped to find a quiet ce to eat, away from people they''d rather avoid, but fate had other ns-now, the two people they least wanted to see had shown up together.


    Not missing the chilly reception, Vanessa slipped her hand throughn''s arm and smiled sweetly.


    n, let''s get back to our table. We shouldn''t bother them," she said, a note of smugness in her voice.


    Joy mouthed an insult-Eleanor could read the words "shameless" on her lips. Eleanor couldn''t help butugh. Resting her chin in her hand, she said, "It''s fine. Let''s just eat."


    Whatevern was saying to Vanessa, it made herugh again and again¡ªa bright, melodic sound that carried easily through the quiet dining room. Even the men at other tables looked over, drawn in spite of themselves.


    Joy stared at the table heaped with seafood and lost her appetite, grumbling under her breath.


    Eleanor forced herself to ignore Vanessa''sughter, but she couldn''t eat much either. Twenty minutester, the two women left the restaurant.


    The moment they got in the car, Joy couldn''t contain herself any longer.


    "What''s she so pleased about? Stealing someone''s leftovers-everyone knows men only behave when they''re kept on a short leash. Ifn''s cheated once, he''ll do it again. Give it time, and she''ll see other women lining up for their turn. Let''s see if she''s still smiling then!"


    Eleanor managed a faint smile. She knew better than anyonen was strict and disciplined, almost to a fault. He never let the animal side of him show; whether he''d ever stray again was impossible to predict.


    But one thing was certain: ifn stopped loving someone, he''d turn cold and ruthless, cutting them out of his life without a second thought.

 Chapter 247

    That afternoon, they headed downtown to do some shopping. As soon as Joy parked the car, she noticed a crowd gathered on the sidewalk. Instantly curious, she and Eleanor rushed over-only to find an elderly woman copsed on the ground.


    Eleanor froze for a second, then strode forward without hesitation.


    "Miss, I wouldn''t get involved if I were you,¡± a middle-aged woman called out, a note of warning in her voice. "You never know these days-what if she''s faking it, just waiting to me someone?"


    Eleanor ignored her and knelt beside the woman, quickly checking her pulse and breathing. Her expression shifted, and she immediately began chestpressions and rescue breaths. She shouted back, "Joy! Call an ambnce,


    now!"


    Joy fumbled for her phone, dialed 911, gave their location as clearly as she could, and hurried over to help.


    Most of the onlookers just stood by, watching with detached curiosity. A few looked anxious, but none dared step forward, afraid of being med if something went wrong.


    Luckily, the hospital was nearby. In less than ten minutes, the wail of sirens cut through the air, and paramedics rushed over. As they loaded the woman onto a stretcher, one of the EMTs turned to Eleanor. "Would one of you like to ride with her?"


    Without a word, Eleanor climbed into the ambnce.


    "I''ll drive over and meet you at the hospital," Joy said, already heading for the car.


    Inside the ambnce, the paramedics worked furiously, performing CPR and administering a shock with the defibritor. By the time they arrived at the ER, a hint of color had returned to the woman''s cheeks-she was clinging to life.


    After the doctors whisked her into the trauma room, Eleanor stepped aside to call the police, asking them to help locate the elderly woman''s family.


    She then paid a $7,000 deposit-whatever was needed to make sure the doctors did everything they could.


    Soon after, Joy arrived, and not long after that, the police managed to contact the woman''s rtives, who were on their way.


    Eleanor and Joy waited quietly in the corridor. Half an hourter, a flurry of hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway. They both stood up as an elegant, well- dressed woman swept in, trailed by a chauffeur and a personal assistant.


    Just then, the doors to the trauma room swung open. The woman rushed forward. "Doctor, how is my mother-inw?"


    ¡°She made it here just in time,¡± the doctor replied, wiping sweat from his brow. "She''s out of danger now."


    "Thank you thank you so much!"


    "Don''t thank us," the doctor said, gesturing towards Eleanor and Joy. "You should be thanking these twodies. They performed CPR on her before we arrived and got her to the hospital quickly. Without them, things could have turned out very differently."


    The woman turned to Eleanor and Joy, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, both of you. You saved her life."


    "It was nothing, really," Eleanor and Joy replied in unison.


    A nurse stepped forward and added, "Thisdy also paid the deposit for her treatment."


    The woman''s expression softened even further. "You''re true lifesavers. I''ll never forget your kindness, and I''ll make sure you''re repaid for everything you''ve done."


    At that moment, the assistant spoke up, "Allow me to introduce this is Mrs. Ellington, the mayor''s wife."


    Eleanor and Joy stared at each other, stunned. They had just rescued the mayor''s mother.


    Mrs. Ellington extended her hand warmly. "My husband will hear about your kindness, and I promise, we''ll find a way to thank you properly. Please¡ªmay I have your names and numbers? I insist on inviting you both to dinner."


    Eleanor shook her head with a smile. "It was really nothing-just what anyone should do."


    Joy echoed her, declining the offer.


    But Mrs. Ellington was insistent. "If you don''t give them to me, I''ll just have my husband track you down," she said with a wink.


    Laughing, Eleanor and Joy relented, scribbling down their contact information. Mrs. Ellington personally escorted them out of the hospital.


    Back in the car, Joy was still in shock. "Ellie, did you realize you just saved the mayor''s mother?"


    Eleanor grinned. "Hey, you yed your part too."


    "Come on, you did all the work. All I did was make a phone call," Joy protested, but she couldn''t hide her smile.

 Chapter 248

    After two days of rest at home, Eleanor was feeling much better-her spirits lifted, her energy restored-so, on the third day, she returned to theb.


    Once she finished her research report, Simone suggested they strengthen their experiments, hoping to crack the medical conundrum sooner and save more lives.


    A weekter, both Eleanor and Joy received an invitation to dinner from the mayor''s wife. They knew better than to bete, and arrived right on time.


    To their surprise, the mayor himself attended, bringing his entire family along to thank them. Eleanor and Joy were caught a little off guard by the warmth of the wee.


    At the table, the mayor singled them out for special praise. Midway through the conversation, he turned to Eleanor. "Eleanor? That name sounds familiar. Have we met before?"


    Joy jumped in, "Eleanor works in medical research. Do you remember that outbreak of the spherical virusst time? She''s the one who developed the cure."


    At that, the mayor and his wife exchanged nces of realization. Now they knew exactly who Eleanor was.


    A hint of admiration colored the mayor''s expression. "So you''re Miss Sutton! Remarkable-so young and already making such a difference."


    Old Mrs. Ellington, too, looked at Eleanor with gratitude. "Truly, you have a heart of gold, my dear."


    After the meal, Mrs. Ellington warmly invited them to a grand charity g she was hosting.


    Eleanor and Joy, unable to refuse such a thoughtful gesture, epted the invitation.


    Climbing into the car afterwards, Joy let out a dramatic sigh of relief. "Life really is looking up. Can you believe I''m actually going to a charity g thrown by the mayor''s wife? And you know Mrs. Ellington''s son is the Secretary of State, right? That family''s practically American aristocracy."


    Eleanor genuinely had no idea. "Really?"


    "That means this g is a big deal. Everyone there will be either rich, powerful, or both. It''s a rare chance to see how the other half lives," Joy said, grinning, "Of course, I bet you''ve attended plenty of these society events before."


    Eleanorughed, a little helpless. "You mean in all the years I was married ton?"


    "Well, haven''t you?"


    "Not once. He never brought me into his world." Eleanor''s smile was tinged with self-mockery.


    Joy gave her a sympathetic look. "Don''t worry. I believe you''ll reach the top on your own, without him."


    Meanwhile, Vanessa''s agent, Laverne, called to go over a few details and remind her of the Friday night g.


    Vanessa was taking it seriously-for good reason. The mayor''s wife herself was hosting, and she''d been invited to perform a piano solo for a who''s who of the city''s elite. It was a huge honor and an important opportunity to make her mark in political and business circles.


    The only downside was that this was very much adies'' affair, with few men invited. Vanessa wishedn could be there with her.


    Coming from humble beginnings, Vanessa always felt a nagging insecurity behind her confident fa?ade. She longed to change her background, and the only way to do that was to shine brightly enough in front of others.


    Even if she''d relied onn''s support to get where she was, now she wanted to prove she could stand on her own.


    She''d earned this invitation for her talent and reputation alone, and she was determined to show the world what she was capable of.


    That Friday, after picking up her daughter, Eleanor left her in Joslyn''s care at home, promising to be back early.


    To prepare for the g, Joy had already booked an appointment at an upscale boutique. The two of them went to try on evening gowns, arriving at the grand banquet hall just after six o''clock.


    The venue: a stately, elegant ballroom-fit for a state dinner.

 Chapter 249

    At half past six, Eleanor and Joy handed over their invitations and stepped into the grand foyer.


    They''d barely entered the elevator when, just as the doors started to close, a hotel attendant poked her head in. "Excuse me, someone else needs toe in."


    She turned, smiling warmly at the person waiting outside. "Miss, please."


    Eleanor and Joy were chatting, but when they nced up, Vanessa swept in, elegant as ever in a white evening gown.


    Caught off guard, Vanessa''s surprise was clear-she hadn''t expected to see Eleanor and Joy at an event this formal, this prestigious. What on earth were they doing here?


    Joy shot Eleanor a look that mirrored Vanessa''s confusion. Was Vanessa invited too?


    "What a coincidence!" Vanessa broke the silence first, fixing Eleanor and Joy with a practiced smile. "Are you here for the dinner as well?"


    Joy grinned, her tone teasing. "With a dress like that, Miss Shannon, I''d say you must be performing for us tonight!"


    Vanessa''s expression instantly cooled. There was a sting in Joy''s words, a subtle dig at her background in the performing arts.


    Without a word, Vanessa turned her back on them, radiating icy indifference.


    When the elevator reached the third floor, she stepped out first, her heels echoing across the marble. Joy and Eleanor followed.


    The corridor outside was already buzzing with elegant women in designer gowns, their jewels shing as they mingled and chatted. As Vanessa approached, admiring nces and nods greeted her; she slipped seamlessly into their circle, epted as one of their own. From the far side of the room, Eleanor and Joy seemed invisible, standing awkwardly in a quiet corner, clearly out of ce among the city''s elite.


    Joy watched as Vanessa navigated the group of society wives with practiced ease, her confidence unshakable. "Well, she certainly knows how to y the game," Joy murmured, lips curling in a wry smile.


    Eleanor followed her gaze. Vanessa''s poise was impable, but to Eleanor''s eye, it all seemed rehearsed¡ªevery smile measured, every gesture deliberate.


    Vanessa, meanwhile, wore a mask of humility, but her eyes flicked to Eleanor and Joy, alone in the shadows. Satisfaction flickered across her face-she thought, that''s exactly where they belong.


    Eleanor looked away. "Let''s say hello to Mrs. Ellington, then find an excuse to slip out. This really isn''t our scene."


    Joy nodded, regret creeping into her voice. The whole affair felt stifling, far too solemn. She could barely breathe.


    "Agreed. I was thinking the same."


    As the room filled with more and more guests, Joy amused herself by guessing identities. She spotted several female CEOs from the city''s wealthiest families. Leaning toward Eleanor, she whispered, "Honestly, with your worth, you could buy out half these women."


    Eleanor now owned eightpanies, with assets close to eight billion dors- enough to rank among the top three on the list of female entrepreneurs. Yet she kept a low profile, never unting her sess. No one here suspected she was the woman at the center ofst month''s headline-making divorce that had rocked the business world.


    "Let''s just stay under the radar," Eleanor replied quietly. Her outfit tonight was understated: a knee-length blue cocktail dress, her hair curled softly at the salon, makeup subtle and refined. She looked like the picture of quiet sophistication.


    Joy had to admit, Eleanor was right. None of the women here were simple.


    At that moment, Mrs. Ellington arrived, escorted by the hotel manager. She wore a deep burgundy gown thatmanded instant attention the room fell silent as she entered.


    Everyone knew the Ellingtons weren''t just known for their son, the mayor. Their eldest was Secretary of State in Kingston¡ªa family to be reckoned with.

 Chapter 250

    Tonight, Mrs. Ellington was unquestionably the star of the show.


    The moment Vanessa spotted Mrs. Ellington entering the ballroom, she straightened up andposed her expression, ready to make her move. At events like this, whoever managed to strike up a conversation with Mrs. Ellington first would instantly elevate their own standing in the social circle.


    With her most dazzling smile in ce, Vanessa took a confident step forward-


    But Mrs. Ellington''s gaze swept across the room andnded squarely on Eleanor and Joy.


    Her face lit up with genuine warmth as she made her way straight toward them.


    Vanessa''s smile faltered, frozen in disbelief as she watched Mrs. Ellington head directly for Eleanor and Joy-who were the only two standing over there.


    That meant Mrs. Ellington was going over to greet them.


    How could that be?


    Around the room, other guests nced subtly in Eleanor and Joy''s direction, sensing that something was amiss. Vanessa felt a pang of resentment-given who Eleanor and Joy were, they hardly deserved this kind of attention.


    Mrs. Ellington stopped before the two women, her handshake firm and friendly. "Miss Sutton, Ms. Thatcher, I''m so d you both made it tonight. Wee!"


    "Good evening, Mrs. Ellington," Eleanor replied, her voice poised and even. "Thank you for your invitation."


    "I have a little gift for both of you tonight, so don''t even think about sneaking out early!" Mrs. Ellington teased with a wink.


    Eleanor and Joy exchanged a quick nce-so much for their n to make an early exit.


    "Of course not," Joy replied with an easyugh.


    "What are you two doing standing here on your own? Come, let me introduce you to some of tonight''s guests." With that, Mrs. Ellington took their hands and guided them toward a cluster of women seated near Vanessa on a plush sofa.


    Vanessa blinked, recognizing at once that these were some of the most influential women in the city-the wives of key political figures, notoriously difficult to approach.


    Mrs. Ellington began to make introductions. "This is Mrs. Cooper from the Treasury Department, and here''s Mrs. Duskborne, the Minister''s wife..."


    Each time Mrs. Ellington introduced someone, Eleanor and Joy nodded politely, their mannersposed and confident-perfectly at ease in the social arena.


    "And who are these twodies?" Mrs. Cooper asked, curiosity piqued.


    "I''d like you all to meet two extraordinary women-the Ellington family owes them a great debt. They saved my mother-inw''s life. This is Eleanor, and this is Joy." Mrs. Ellington turned to Eleanor, her voice full of pride. "You may not know her personally, but I''m sure you''ve heard of her achievements. She''s the researcher who developed the breakthrough antiviral medication everyone''s been talking about, and she''s also a leading scientist at Ashford Medical University-a rising star in the world of medicine."


    At these words, even the most aloof society wives looked genuinely impressed. Several rose to shake Eleanor''s hand.


    "So you''re the scientist behind the new treatment! And so young and aplished..."


    "It''s such a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Sutton. You''re even more impressive in person."


    "And this is Joy," Mrs. Ellington continued, "one of the top attorneys in the city. If you ever need legal advice, she''s the one to call."


    Joy blushed at the attention, epting theirpliments with modesty.


    As Vanessa listened to Mrs. Ellington''s introductions, her smile fadedpletely.


    She watched as Eleanor navigated the room with grace, fielding questions and greetings with effortlessposure. Suddenly, Vanessa was struck by a harsh realization: in this world of real power and wealth, her own reputation as a ''piano prodigy'' paled inparison.


    And the woman she''d always looked down on-Eleanor-had be the center of attention, not just for her intellect, but for her undeniable influence.

 Chapter 251

    Mrs. Ellington''s voice was pitched just right¡ªnot too loud, not too soft-ensuring everyone nearby heard her words with perfect rity. Vanessa Shannon''s fingers tightened around the stem of her champagne flute, her manicured nails digging so sharply into her palm she nearly drew blood.


    "The developer of the miracle drug? So it was her all along! That''s incredible," one of the guests eximed in surprise.


    "Yes, my son was seriously ill, and it was only thanks to that treatment that he recovered," another added, voice full of genuine gratitude.


    In an instant, several societydies, sses in hand, began drifting toward Eleanor Sutton, drawn to her like moths to a me.


    Vanessa''s gaze followed them, unable to look away from the woman now basking in the limelight, surrounded by admirers.


    Eleanor, the once-invisible housewife who had always lingered quietly besiden Goodwin, was now the center of attention. She conversed with thedies with effortless poise, a gentle, measured smile on her lips-neither fawning nor aloof.


    "Miss Shannon?" A voice cut through Vanessa''s thoughts. "The emcee needs to confirm your setlist for the performance."


    Startled, Vanessa snapped back to reality, suddenly aware she''d been standing there lost in thought for far too long. She forced a polite smile for the messenger. "Thank you, I''ll be right there."


    Low murmurings from the other guests drifted to her ears as she walked away.


    "I heard that medicine saved thousands of lives..."


    "To achieve so much at such a young age-no wonder Mrs. Ellington holds her in such high regard..."


    "And she''s beautiful, too!"


    Each whispered remarknded like a pinprick to Vanessa''s pride, making her quicken her pace as she left the crowd behind.


    In front of the backstage dressing mirror, Vanessa drew a deep breath, taking in her meticulously applied makeup. She''d chosen a stunning white gown adorned with real diamonds-a seven-figure designer piece flown in from Europe- specifically to make an impression tonight.


    Every sparkling gem on the dress was genuine, a testament to how carefully she''d prepared. She''d wanted to ensure no one could look down on her.


    But then Eleanor had appeared-


    "Miss Shannon, your setlist is Chopin''s Nocturne and Debussy''s ir de Lune, correct?" the emcee asked, program in hand.


    Vanessa nodded, though a tightness pressed against her chest.


    "Miss Shannon, you''re on in five minutes," came the gentle reminder.


    Forcing a smile, Vanessa returned to the ballroom, determined to collect herself. There was no reason to feel inferior-she had plenty to be proud of. Her des from internationalpetitions had always been her source of confidence. How could she possibly lose to Eleanor?


    The emcee''s voice rang out from the hall, "Now, please wee the renowned pianist, Miss Vanessa Shannon, for a special performance!"


    A round of apuse from thedies greeted her as Vanessaposed herself, lifted her chin, and strode gracefully onto the stage. The spotlight found her immediately. As always, her eyes searched the audience for the one person who truly mattered-Mrs. Ellington.


    But her smile faltered.


    There, on a velvet loveseat, Mrs. Ellington was holding Eleanor''s hand, leaning in close as they chatted intimately, not even ncing toward the stage.


    Several other society women clustered around them, as if the piano recital was nothing more than background music.


    Vanessa''s fingers hovered above the keys, her mind suddenly nk. For a


    moment, she nearly forgot the opening note. Forcing herself to begin, she yed, but the smooth, flowing melody she was known for sounded strangely lifeless tonight.


    Her hands moved mechanically over the keys, her eyes drifting again and again to Eleanor. That woman, once so insignificant in Vanessa''s eyes, now basked in adoration, while Vanessa-the celebrated piano prodigy, beloved at countless events-felt like a mere afterthought.


    A harsh, wrong note rang out. Vanessa jolted, realizing her palm was slick with nervous sweat.


    She recovered quickly, but herposure was gone. The piece that usually brought her thunderous ovations now felt t and hollow.


    As the final note faded, polite apuse rose from the crowd. Vanessa stood and curtsied, her gaze searching for Mrs. Ellington-who offered only a perfunctory p before turning right back to Eleanor, her attention already elsewhere.

 Chapter 252

    As Vanessa stepped down from the stage, her legs felt a little unsteady. She''d expected someone-anyone-to offer a few words of praise. Instead, it was as if she''d vanished from the room; everyone''s attention was drawn to a lively cluster of guests at the far end of the ballroom.


    To Eleanor''s side of the room.


    "Miss Shannon, that was beautiful. Would you like some champagne?" a young waiter asked as he passed by.


    Vanessa took a ss and made her way alone to the lounge area. From her seat, she watched the others gather around Eleanor, wishing the drink in her hand were something stronger-something that might douse the burning jealousy inside her.


    At first, she couldn''t quite put her finger on what was making her so ufortable.


    It wasn''t until she nced down at her own hands that she understood.


    A pair of hands that could y piano, versus a pair that could save lives. Her own hands seemed pale and weak byparison.


    Outwardly, Vanessa kept herposure, but beneath the surface, jealousy and resentment churned-mixed with a hint of envy she would never admit.


    She picked up her phone and textedn: "Ian, I''m not feeling well. Can youe pick me up?"


    "What''s wrong?" he replied.


    "I had a couple drinks at the banquet. Feeling a bit dizzy."


    "When does it end?"


    "Around nine o''clock."


    "Alright."


    Seeing his final reply, Vanessa allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. Eleanor might have bested her at work, but when it came to matters of the heart, Vanessa was certain she''d always have the upper hand.


    Raising her gaze, she caught sight of a man entering the hall in military dress uniform. Even the close-cropped hair did nothing to hide his striking good looks.


    Vanessa felt her heart skip, curiosity piqued-who was he?


    Just then, her phone rang. It was her mother calling. Sighing, she got up and slipped out to the balcony to take the call.


    Back inside, Mrs. Ellington spotted the man approaching and rose to greet him with a smile. "What brings you here tonight?"


    "I was having dinner upstairs," he replied amiably. "When I heard you were hosting a party, I thought I''de down and say hello."


    "Well, if it isn''t Mr. Ellington!" called the wife of the Treasury Secretary. "Back from the base for a visit?"


    He nodded, smiling. "Yes, just here to see my grandmother."


    At this, Mrs. Ellington''s face lit up with realization. She beckoned to her nephew, "Come here, Mansfield, let me introduce you these two youngdies are the ones who saved your grandmother''s life the other day."


    Mansfield Ellington''s gaze found Eleanor and Joy Thatcher. The moment his eyesnded on Eleanor, he froze for a beat-three full seconds before shifting his attention to Joy. With a grateful smile, he said, "Thank you both for what you did for my grandmother. I, Mansfield Ellington, will never forget it."


    Even as he spoke, his eyes kept drifting back to Eleanor. It was obvious to everyone in the circle where his interesty.


    He liked Eleanor.


    "No need to thank us," Eleanor replied with a gentle smile.


    "Would it be alright if I got your contact information? I''d love to invite you both to dinner sometime," Mansfield said, a faint blush coloring his handsome, rugged face.


    Just then, his phone buzzed. He nced at the screen, visibly impatient for Eleanor''s answer.


    Eleanor, caught off guard by the request, hesitated.


    Mrs. Ellington noticed and gave Mansfield a yful nudge on the shoulder. "Go take care of your business. I''ll get their numbers for youter."


    "Alright, Auntie. I... I''m still with the officers upstairs, so I should get back. Thank you again." He cast onest look at Eleanor before hurrying out.


    Joy nudged Eleanor''s arm, shooting her a mischievous look.


    Eleanor''s cheeks flushed with warmth.


    Meanwhile, Vanessa stepped back inside from the balcony, just in time to see the handsome officer leaving. It was only logical, she thought-this was a state banquet, after all. He must be military.


    A few minutester, her phone chimed with another message fromn: "I''m here. Text me when you''re on your way down."


    Vanessa nced over at Eleanor, a faint, triumphant smile ying on her lips as she replied, "Will do."

 Chapter 253

    Meanwhile, Eleanor nced at her watch as well. Clearly, it was time for her to head home-she had a child waiting for her, and she never stayed outte.


    When Mrs. Ellington overheard that Eleanor had a child, she froze for a moment, then turned to her. "Miss Sutton... are you married?"


    She''d only ever paid attention to Eleanor''s achievements in medicine and had never considered her family situation.


    "Mrs. Ellington, Eleanor''s divorced," Joy interjected quickly, worried her best friend might miss out on a good match.


    Mrs. Ellington was surprised yet again. How could anyone let someone as remarkable as Eleanor slip away?


    "Well, then," she said after a pause, "I''ll send your contact information to my nephew. Next time he''s in town, he can take you out for dinner." She gave Eleanor a meaningful look, as though she already had ns in mind.


    Truth be told, Mrs. Ellington admired Eleanor''s talent¡ªand her nephew was certainly worthy of someone like her.


    After Eleanor and Joy said their goodbyes, Vanessa came over with her bag to say farewell as well. Mrs. Ellington thanked her politely before turning to greet someone else.


    Vanessa, meanwhile, was textingn as she followed after Eleanor and Joy.n, I twisted my ankle. Could you pull the car up to the front entrance for me? Sure, came his prompt reply.


    Eleanor and Joy had just stepped into the elevator when Vanessa slipped in behind them, and the conversation between the two friends trailed off.


    "Ellie, I have to say, your reputation precedes you," Joy announced, her tone deliberate and just loud enough for Vanessa to hear. "I''m proud to call you my friend."


    Vanessa smirked dismissively. Did Joy really intend to y second fiddle to Eleanor forever? Even sisters struggled with envy-how could a mere friend ept it so easily? She remembered how Joy once mocked her as nothing more than an actress. Turning, Vanessa shot her a frosty remark: "If you''re nning to stay by Eleanor''s side, Ms. Thatcher, you''d better get used to living in her shadow."


    Just then, the elevator doors slid open. Vanessa arched an eyebrow and strode out ahead.


    Joy red at her retreating back and muttered, "Trying toe between us? Not a chance."


    As Eleanor and Joy reached the center of the lobby, they spotted a sleek ck Maybach waiting at the entrance, its paintwork shimmering under the lights. The driver''s window rolled down, and a man''s long, elegant fingers rested casually on the steering wheel. The interior lights cast his striking profile in sharp relief-he looked effortlessly handsome, almost maic.


    A presence like that could easily sweep any woman off her feet.


    Vanessa slipped into the passenger seat, ncing back at Eleanor with a satisfied smile before closing the door.


    Joy clenched her jaw in frustration. "So that''s why she came down with us just to getn to y chauffeur. She really knows how to get under my skin."


    Eleanor just gave a faint smile. "Let''s not let it bother us."


    But Joy''s mood shifted, and she suddenly turned to Eleanor, eyes bright. "Hey, don''t forget someone fell for you at first sight tonight! You''ll have no trouble finding someone better thann."


    Eleanor shook her head, still smiling. "You''re reading too much into it."


    "Oh, please," Joy teased. "Everyone saw it-Mr. Ellington was totally interested in you."


    Eleanorughed. "Maybe I just remind him of someone else."


    "Yeah, his future wife!" Joy shot back, grinning mischievously.


    Eleanor felt her cheeks flush. "Alright, let''s go."


    Joy, ever the analyst, added, "If you end up calling Mrs. Ellington ''Aunt,'' then her brother must be the Secretary of State, right? Ellie, you should give this a chance. Imagine if you married Mr. Ellingtonn would be kicking himself for years!"


    Before Eleanor could reply, her phone chimed. She nced at the screen. A new message hade in.

 Chapter 254

    "Hello, Miss Sutton. This is Mansfield Ellington. Would you mind adding me on WhatsApp?"


    Eleanor opened the app and, just as she expected, someone had sent her a request. She epted it.


    Sliding into the passenger seat of Joy''s car, Eleanor''s phone chimed again. She nced at the screen.


    "Miss Sutton, apologies for the intrusion. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I''m Mansfield Ellington, twenty-seven, serving as a Major General in the Ninth Military District. I''m single, no bad habits. It''s an honor to meet you."


    Eleanor stared at the message, momentarily stunned. Joy leaned over to sneak a peek, then burst outughing. "See? And he says he doesn''t like you."


    Eleanor felt her cheeks flush and had no idea how to respond.


    She simply dropped her phone back into her purse. Joy looked at her in disbelief. "You''re not going to reply?"


    "I don''t know what to say," Eleanor muttered, shoving her phone deeper into her bag.


    Joy shook her head as she steered the car through traffic. "He''s the Secretary of State''s son, you know! Already a Major General at his age-don''t tell me you''re not even a little interested?"


    "I''ve got no time for that right now." Eleanor rubbed her temples. "Theb''s project is at a critical stage, and Evelyn needs me, too..."


    Her phone buzzed again from the depths of her purse.


    Mansfield had sent a second message: "I apologize for reaching out so abruptly, Miss Sutton. Please forgive my forwardness."


    Clearly, he realized his previous message might havee on too strong and was trying to make amends.


    This time, Eleanor thought it would be rude not to reply at all.


    She typed back, "It''s fine."


    Just three words, but they carried Eleanor''s unmistakable politeness and distance.


    "Hope we can meet again sometime," Mansfield replied almost instantly.


    "Sure," Eleanor answered.


    Joy pulled up in front of Eleanor''s house, but in her distraction nearly rear-ended


    a sleek ck Mercedes parked at the curb.


    "Holy crap!" Joy mmed on the brakes.


    Eleanor looked up, startled, and realizedn''s car was blocking her driveway. Wasn''t he supposed to be taking Vanessa home?


    "Is thatn''s car?" Joy nced over.


    Eleanor nodded. "Yeah, it''s his." She opened the door and got out, calling over her shoulder, "Drive safe, okay?"


    "I will! See you!" Joy swung the car around and took off.


    Eleanor stepped into the living room to findn crouched beside the toy chest, helping their daughter hunt for something. He looked up, and in the warm glow of themp, Eleanor¡ªwith her makeup still wless and little ck dress perfectly in ce-looked every bit like she''d juste back from a date.


    "Mommy, you look so pretty!" Evelyn beamed up at her.


    Eleanor smiled back. "Did you eat your dinner?"


    "Yep! Half a bowl of rice, a chicken drumstick, and a bottle of milk."


    "That''s my girl." Eleanor ruffled her daughter''s hair, but as she leaned in, she caught a faint, unmistakable trace of women''s perfume onn.


    Vanessa''s favorite scent.


    So, they''d clearly gotten close on the drive back. That perfume only lingered like this after some real intimacy.


    "Evelyn, sweetie,e here¡ªI''ve got a treat for you." Joslyn called from the backyard, deliberately giving the adults some space.


    As Evelyn skipped outside, Eleanor''s gaze cooled. "What are you doing in my house?"


    "Evelyn wanted to see me,"n replied quietly.


    Eleanor sighed inwardly. Their daughter must have begged Joslyn to call him. Her voice was t. "Next time, just talk to her on the phone, okay? There''s no need to keeping by."


    He''d already exceeded the eight monthly visits allowed by the custody agreement.<pn''s eyes lingered on her. In the soft light, her curls cascaded over her shoulders, skin glowing pale and smooth-so striking that, for a moment, he waspletely lost in her.

 Chapter 255

    At that moment, Eleanor''s phone rang. ncing at the screen, she saw Joel Kingsley''s name sh across. She picked up. "Hey, Joel."


    "Ellie, I''ve sent the files you asked for to your email."


    "Great, thank you so much."


    She turned to the man behind her. "You should go. And please, don''t interfere in my life again."


    Without another word, he turned and left.


    Eleanor waited, listening to him finish speaking with their daughter and then close the gate behind him. Only then did she finally exhale, relief softening her shoulders.


    The next morning, after dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor headed straight to theb. Hertest experiment, the one she''d just broken ground on, still needed repeated verification. The work was tedious and demanding, but for Eleanor, every ounce of effort was worthwhile.


    Around noon, Faye Yeaton ran into Callie. In the past, Faye had always been too proud to approach him first, but today she made an exception.


    "Callie, do you have a minute to talk?"


    Callie adjusted his sses, trying¡ªand failing¡ªto hide his admiration for someone like Faye.


    Faye wasted no time: she pressed Callie for details about Eleanor''s breakthrough. When she heard what he had to say, shock flickered in her eyes. Eleanor had only taken over the project a few days ago-how could she already have made progress?


    Faye stood there, momentarily stunned.


    Callie''s eyes shone with genuine admiration behind his sses. "Faye, Eleanor''s


    a genius. Today''s test data showed a nearly forty percent increase in editing efficiency!"


    Under the table, Faye''s hands curled into tight fists.


    If Eleanor truly seeded, her aplishments would be even more dazzling. Next year''s top research awards¡ªmaybe even international honors¡ªwould be hers for the taking.


    Faye leaned in, voice low and coaxing. "Callie, why settle for second ce? With your talent, you could do all this and more. Just think-if these results were yours, imagine what your future would look like."


    Callie''s eyes widened, taken aback. He understood exactly what Faye was implying he just hadn''t expected her to be so blunt about it.


    "Faye, I believe in giving credit where it''s due. I could never take someone else''s work and pass it off as my own." With that, Callie hurried away.


    Faye bit back a curse, muttering under her breath, "Idiot."


    She forced herself to calm down, drawing a slow, steadying breath.


    Then, a thought struck her. She rushed back to her office, fired up herputer, and pulled up every paper Eleanor''s father had ever published. Line by line, she began a painstaking review.


    She needed to know: was Eleanor''s recent sess built on her father''s legacy? If it was, then Eleanor was in for quite the fall.


    The next three days, Eleanor worked deep into the night, scarcely leaving theb. On Friday morning, Simone Langley called a meeting, with Dr. Lyman in attendance as well.


    Meanwhile, Faye had finally uncovered a few threads in Eleanor''s father''s old papers. She decided to bring it up at the meeting.


    After all, if Eleanor''s breakthrough wasn''t truly her own-if it was merely her father''s legacy-then her reputation would take a serious hit. She''d be seen as someone riding on her father''s coattails, never truly standing on her own.


    The meeting began.


    Simone asked each team to present a summary of their week''s progress.


    Once Eleanor finished her report, Faye raised her hand. "Eleanor, I have a question. Could you rify something for me? Your father once published a paper on gene editing efficiency. Isn''t that basically the same direction as your current research?"


    Everyone in the room immediately understood what Faye was getting at.


    Joel frowned. "Faye, maybe you should focus on your own experiments."


    "Joel, I know you usually have Eleanor''s back, but this time I have to question the true originality of her work."


    Faye wasn''t backing down-not now, not ever.

 Chapter 256

    Horace jumped in, ¡°Faye''s right. Research should be open and honest. What''s the point of keeping everything under wraps?"


    Eleanor met their gazes, calm and unflinching. "I haven''t been hiding anything."


    "Then tell us," Faye pressed, her tone sharp, "are your current ideas and innovations really your own, or are you just echoing your father''s opinions?"


    She went on, her words dripping with mockery, "Your father, Professor Elliot Sutton, was a visionary in gene editing. Clearly, genius runs in the family."


    Eleanor''s fingers curled slightly against her notes. Faye was really pulling out all the stops to corner her.


    Simone, unable to stand it any longer, spoke up, "Faye, now''s not the time for this."


    "Professor Langley, I''m not targeting Eleanor," Faye replied, shing a bright, insincere smile. ¡°We all just want to understand her research direction, maybe learn a thing or two from her!"


    Horace chimed in, voice heavy with sarcasm, "Exactly! We''re all curious about what makes Eleanor so sessful. Share your secrets after all, not everyone has a renowned academic for a father."


    Eleanor''s voice was steady. "Science has always been about standing on the shoulders of giants. My father''s work inspired me a great deal, and I''ve never denied that."


    She fixed her gaze on Faye. "Now that you''re working with me at Meridian Dynamics, isn''t it fair to say you''re building your future on my shoulders, too?"


    Faye''s cheeks flushed crimson. "You"


    Joel interjected, nodding. "The Al-based cellr simtion theory was Eleanor''s own idea. Her abilities are beyond question."


    Under the table, Faye''s fists clenched tight. She''d hoped to embarrass Eleanor, but instead, the joke was on her.


    Dr. Lyman''s expression darkened. "Let''s keep our focus on research, not personal vendettas," he said, his gaze lingering on Faye.


    She bit her lip, face burning, and fell silent.


    Still, everyone in the room had gotten the message: Eleanor''s work was deeply tied to her father''s legacy. Just the impression Faye wanted to nt.


    After the meeting, Joel made a beeline to Eleanor''s office.


    "Don''t let Faye get to you," he said. "Your work speaks for itself."


    Eleanor gave a faint smile. "I''m not bothered. Actually, I''ve been revisiting some of


    my dad''s old researchtely. It''s helped me find a new direction."


    Joel looked at her with open admiration, something warm flickering in his eyes. "Ellie, I''ll always be here. You have my support."


    "Thank you, Joel." She smiled at him, genuinely grateful.


    Later that evening, on her way to pick up her daughter, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a message. She nced at it at a red light-Mansfield Ellington.


    Miss Sutton, sorry to ask so bluntly, but... are you divorced?


    For a moment, Eleanor was taken aback. Was Mansfield really interested in her?


    She''d sensed something that day, the way he looked at her-a kind of gentle affection.


    Yes, I''m recently divorced, Eleanor replied honestly.


    Sorry, I shouldn''t have been so direct.


    It''s fine.


    I''ve been wanting to get to know you better these past few days.


    Why? she asked, stealing a quick moment at the next stoplight.


    Isn''t it normal to want to understand someone you like? came his reply.


    Eleanor''s breath caught. She quickly typed back, Sorry, I''m driving.


    A voice message popped up.


    She tapped to listen. Mansfield''s deep voice, tinged with an awkward shyness, filtered through: "Sorry, Miss Sutton. Please drive safely, I won''t distract you anymore. Just... focus on the road, okay?"


    He actually sounded a bit flustered.


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh, warmth blooming in her chest.


    For a man with the gravitas of a major general, that boyish awkwardness was unexpectedly endearing.

 Chapter 257

    That night, Eleanor finished writing a research paper and submitted it to a leading international medical journal. Her findings immediately sparked lively debate


    within the medicalmunity.


    Before long, several major news outlets abroad were quoting her paper, and her name was suddenly everywhere.


    Meanwhile, preparations for the uing Ashford City International Medical Summit were in full swing. The summit, sponsored by Ashford City, would be held that weekend at a coastal resort hotel two hundred kilometers from downtown-a much-anticipated event that no one in the field wanted to miss.


    One name on the attendee list drew particr attention: a Nobel Prize-winning physician from overseas, scheduled not only to attend but also to present histest research. The summit was shaping up to be andmark gathering for the world''s top medical minds.


    Eleanor, naturally, was both excited and eager.


    On Friday, Eleanor received a call from Magdalen, her great-grandmother. The elderly woman missed her great-granddaughter and hoped Eleanor would bring the little girl to spend the weekend with her.


    Eleanor readily agreed. With the summit taking ce so far from the city, and the trip promising to be both exhausting and time-consuming, it made sense to leave her daughter with family.


    After dropping her daughter off at the Goodwin family estate, Eleanor went inside to chat for a few minutes. Magdalen took her hand, her expression tinged with regret. "I heard Vanessa is expectingn''s child," she sighed. "I''ll admit, I''m sorry to see you go, but at this point, my grandson isn''t right for you anymore. I only hope you''ll live well and find your own happiness."


    Eleanor smiled gently. "Grandma, I''lle visit whenever I can."


    "That''s all I could ask for," Magdalen replied, squeezing her hand.


    Their conversation was brief, and after saying goodbye, Eleanor met up with Joel. They nned to check in early at the summit hotel that evening, along with a few schrs from Kingston, hoping to take advantage of the opportunity to exchange ideas before the main event.


    At six-thirty, Eleanor and Joel arrived at the seaside viplex. The entire resort was decorated to reflect the summit''s theme, giving the ce a solemn yet grand atmosphere.


    After checking in, they agreed to wait for their friends in the hotel''s main lobby. Just then, the entrance doors opened and more guests arrived-Vanessa and Faye among them.


    Faye and Vanessa were hardly surprised to see Eleanor. For a conference like this, her attendance was a given.


    "Joel, are you two waiting for someone?" Faye asked brightly.


    Joel nodded. "A few friends from Kingston."


    "Is it for an academic discussion? Mind if I join?" Faye asked, a hopeful glint in her eyes.


    Joel nced at Eleanor for her opinion. Before Eleanor could answer, Faye added, a bit defensively, "If it''s inconvenient, that''s fine¡ªI don''t want to intrude."


    "Of course, you can join," Joel said, nodding. Faye was now part of his research team, and their discussions would ovep with projects relevant to Eleanor as well.


    Faye''s eyes lit up. "Great! I''ll check in and be right back."


    A few minutester, Xavier Vaughn and Henry Holt arrived together. Spotting Eleanor in the lobby, Xavier walked over with a warm greeting. ¡°Miss Sutton, when did you get here?"


    "Not long ago," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    There was a flicker of anticipation in Xavier''s gaze, but he simply nodded and went off with Henry to check in.


    By the time everyone gathered in Conference Room Three, the group wasplete. Faye came prepared with her notebook, eager to contribute. The academic exchangested an hour, during which Faye managed to voice her opinions and even won the approval of a few seasoned schrs, giving her a surge of confidence.


    Working with Joel had taught her a great dealtely. She thought to herself, in another year or two, she might just surpass Eleanor.


    After the meeting, everyone drifted off to their rooms. As Eleanor made her way down the hallway, she noticed someone on the phone-it was Xavier.


    He finished his call and grinned at her. "What a coincidence-we''re next-door neighbors."


    Eleanor paused, thenughed. "That is quite the coincidence."


    A mysterious glint shed in Xavier''s eyes. In truth, their rooms being next to each other was no ident, but rather a detail he''d arranged himself.

 Chapter 258

    He was the one who''d asked the front desk to put his room right next to Eleanor''s. "Have you eaten yet?" Xavier asked.


    Eleanor shook her head. "I just need to drop off my things. I''ll grab something in the dining room after."


    "Mind if I join you?" Xavier offered. He hadn''t eaten either.


    Dinner service was open-buffet style-until nine, so there was plenty of time.


    "Sure!" Eleanor replied easily. She didn''t mind at all. After putting herptop away in her room, she stepped out and joined Xavier, the two of them heading toward the elevators together.


    The elevator slid down from the fifth floor to the third and chimed as the doors opened. Standing inside were a man and a woman.


    Eleanor''s expression turned cold. Xavier caught the shift in her demeanor out of the corner of his eye. He turned ton. "Why don''t you two go ahead? We''ll wait for someone."


    Vanessa offered a gentle smile. "Xavier, Eleanor-what a coincidence."


    The elevator doors slid closed, cutting off their line of sight.


    Xavier leaned in and spoke quietly. "Want to take the stairs instead? The restaurant''s just one floor down."


    "Alright," Eleanor agreed, turning toward the stairwell.


    The stairwell lighting was soft. Xavier trailed behind her, hesitating a moment before speaking up. "Eleanor, you andn..."


    "We''re done. For good," Eleanor said calmly. "We''re just strangers now."


    Xavier nodded, sensing there was nothing more to ask.


    When they reached the restaurant, they ran inton and Vanessa again- apparently, they''de to eat too.


    Eleanor quickly grabbed a few dishes and imed a seat by the window. Xavier followed with his own te, taking the seat across from her. Henry soon joined them, grinning. "Mind if I join in?"


    Eleanor smiled. "Of course not."


    A momentter, Vanessa andn wandered over as well. Eleanor''s smile faded- she wasn''t thrilled to have them at the table.


    But there was nothing she could do; besides Eleanor, the others all belonged to the same circle.


    The five of them sat around a round table. Eleanor''s appetite faded with every minute.


    "The view here is stunning," Xavier said, trying to break the tension.


    Henry chimed in, "Yeah, it''s the perfect ce to unwind."


    After about fifteen minutes, Eleanor finished eating and excused herself.


    Back in her room, she stepped out onto the balcony to catch the ocean breeze. Her phone buzzed unexpectedly. A message popped up: "Can we talk alone?"


    Eleanor stared at the screen, her fingers tightening slightly. After a moment''s hesitation, she replied, "There''s nothing left for us to talk about."


    "Are you and Xavier together now?"n wrote back.


    n, we''re divorced," Eleanor reminded him bluntly.


    Her private life was none of his business.


    Tossing her phone onto the bed, Eleanor decided to ignore any more ofn''s messages. She stepped outside for a breath of fresh air.


    A faint sound drifted over from the neighboring balcony. Eleanor nced sideways ¡ªXavier was leaning against the railing, a ss of red wine in hand.


    "Can''t sleep?" Xavier called over with a smile.


    She returned the smile. "Just wanted some air."


    Xavier swirled his wine. "Want a ss?"


    Eleanor declined politely. "Thanks, but I don''t drink."


    A few minutester, there was a knock at her door. Eleanor paused, then opened


    it out of courtesy.


    "Mr. Vaughn? Is something up?" She blinked at him.


    "Would you mind if I came in for a minute? There''s something I want to talk about," Xavier asked, his eyes earnest.


    Eleanor hesitated, then stepped aside to let him in. "Alright."

 Chapter 259

    She trusted Xavier''s characterpletely.


    Xavier stepped into the room, pausing as Eleanor quietly closed the door behind them. He turned to look at her, his gaze lingering on her face as he spoke softly. "Eleanor, there''s something I''ve always wanted to¡ª"


    "Mr. Vaughn." Eleanor cut him off, her tone polite but firm. "I don''t want to talk about personal feelings right now."


    Xavier managed a rueful smile. "I understand. That was presumptuous of me."


    A cool breeze drifted through the window, carrying a hint of night''s chill.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a new message. She nced at the screen-it was from Joel: "Tomorrow at 10 a.m., Dr. Smith has specifically requested a one- on-one with you. Top floor conference room."


    Eleanor stared at the message in surprise for a few seconds before replying, "Understood. I''ll be there on time."


    Xavier noticed the subtle shift in her expression. "Something up?"


    "Someone wants to meet me tomorrow," Eleanor replied with a small smile.


    Xavier grinned, genuine admiration lighting his features. "Looks like your research has caught the attention of the international medicalmunity. That''s fantastic news."


    He reached into his pocket, producing a hair tie and holding it out on his palm. "By the way, this is yours."


    Eleanor blinked, immediately recognizing the familiar essory. "Is this really mine?"


    ¡°Yeah. You dropped it at Miss Shannon''s concert the other night. I picked it up,¡± Xavier said, his gaze lingering on Eleanor, emotions clear in his eyes.


    Eleanor''s breath caught for a moment. She reached out and took the hair tie back, her voice soft. "Thank you."


    A fleeting shadow crossed Xavier''s face, but he quickly covered it with a smile. He was moving too fast, he realized. She''d only just finalized her divorce-this wasn''t the right time to confess his feelings.


    "No need to thank me. I just hope you don''t treat me as a stranger, Miss Sutton. At the very least, we''re friends now."


    Eleanor looked up and smiled, her answer gentle. "Yes, we''re friends."


    "I''ll let you get some rest. Goodnight," Xavier said quietly, turning to open the door and leave.


    Eleanor let out a quiet sigh of relief, then went about her nightly routine before finally settling into bed.


    The next morning, Eleanor arrived at the small conference room on the top floor right at ten o''clock.


    She knocked lightly and stepped inside, only to find the room empty.


    Puzzled, she stood there for a moment-until footsteps sounded behind her.


    Turning around, she was surprised to see not Dr. Smith, but her ex-husband,n. "What are you doing here?" Eleanor frowned.


    "What is that supposed to mean?" Eleanor''s voice was icy.


    "We need to talk."n took a step closer.


    Last night, she''d refused to discuss anything with him over text, and now he''d orchestrated this? Joel''s message had definitelye from Dr. Smith himself. Couldn know Dr. Smith personally?


    Eleanor bit her lip, still clutching the carefully prepared research materials to her chest. Annoyed, she shot back, "I told you, there''s nothing left for us to discuss. Don''t waste my time."


    Did she really consider meeting him a waste of time?


    "Dr. Smith''sb is funded by mypany. He''s doing some research for me, and he asked me to introduce you. He''ll be up shortly to discuss your work,"n said, turning to leave.


    Eleanor stood frozen in shock for a few seconds. Dr. Smith''sb was one ofn''s investments? Then again, medical research was a booming field these days.


    A few momentster, Dr. Smith entered with his assistant. Eleanor immediately shifted gears, greeting him and shaking his hand.


    They sat and talked for a good fifteen minutes. Dr. Smith praised her research for its groundbreaking value, then shared some of his own findings, pointing out a few promising directions for her work.


    As she listened to his candid insights, surprise flickered through Eleanor. But she quickly realized this wasn''s doing. He''d wanted Dr. Smith to help her.

 Chapter 260

    Chatting with Dr. Smith had left Eleanor feeling inspired; it wasn''t until nearly half past twelve that she finally made her way to the cafeteria.


    When Eleanor and Dr. Smith sat down together for lunch, Faye and Vanessa were already there. Faye watched Eleanor chatting easily with Dr. Smith, a flicker of envy in her eyes.


    How did Eleanor manage to make such a connection? Today, half the attendees were hoping for a chance to discuss research with Dr. Smith-Faye herself had dreamed of such an opportunity.


    Vanessa noticed Faye''s distracted air and leaned in reassuringly. "Don''t worry. Tonight, I''ll askn to introduce you to Dr. Smith."


    Faye''s eyes widened with delight. "Really?"


    Vanessa arched an eyebrow and smiled. "Of course. I know Dr. Smith quite well, actually hisb is one ofn''s investments."


    Faye''s jaw dropped in disbelief. Just how many medical researchbs around the world hadn funded? How wealthy was he, really?


    If she could have a brother-inw with that kind of influence, wouldn''t ess to top-tier medical resources be a breeze?


    Eleanor divorcingn¡ªwhat a tremendous loss.


    That afternoon, the summit resumed. Dr. Smith''s lecture earned a standing ovation, leaving the audience abuzz with new ideas.


    Afterward, the mayor himself stopped by to offer his congrattions. As Eleanor and Joel stepped out of the conference hall, they caught sight ofn chatting amiably with the mayor.


    Noticing Eleanor, the mayor greeted her warmly. "Miss Sutton!"


    Eleanor, a little flustered by the attention, approached him. "Mr. Mayor."


    "When you have time, let''s arrange a dinner. Just something casual,¡± the mayor said with a friendly smile.


    Eleanor felt her cheeks warm. Did the mayor also know about Mansfield Ellington''s interest in her? Surely someone as busy as him wouldn''t pay attention to such gossip.


    "Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Don''t let me keep you," Eleanor replied politely.


    Once Eleanor and Joel left,n apanied the mayor into a private meeting room to discuss business.


    Meanwhile, at the hotel bar, Henry and Xavier were deep in conversation. At one point, Henry''s tone turned more serious.


    "Xavier, I''m not sure if I should say this, but..."


    Xavier paused, swirling his wine ss, and looked up he seemed to know what wasing.


    Henry couldn''t hold back. "Eleanor isn''s ex-wife. No matter how much you like her, shouldn''t you considern''s feelings?"


    Sure, Eleanor andn were divorced now, but pursuing your friend''s ex-wife- especially a close friend¡ªwasn''t exactly the mark of a loyal friend.


    Xavier''s voice was calm and steady. "If they were still married, I''d never even think about it. But their marriage is over."


    "Yeah, they''re divorced, but-"


    "Eleanor isn''tn''s property. She has every right to seek happiness again. And I have every right to pursue her," Xavier interrupted firmly.


    Henry''s face flushed. "Fine, you can choose her, but the three of us have been friends since childhood. Isn''t this crossing a line?"


    "I value our friendship deeply," Xavier said quietly.


    "Then why risk it all for Eleanor?" Henry pressed, his own loyalty to their bond surfacing.


    Xavier''s eyes were gentle but resolute. "Eleanor is worth risking everything-even our friendship."


    With that, he set down his ss, pped Henry on the shoulder, and strode away.

 Chapter 261

    At that moment, someone was standing behind them, quietly listening to Xavier''s confession. It was Vanessa.


    She''de over after Henry texted her, inviting her to join him for a drink. She hadn''t expected to overhear Xavier baring his heart to Eleanor.


    When Xavier noticed her, he merely nodded politely, then turned and walked away.


    Henry, looking glum, nursed his drink. Vanessa slid into the seat beside him and offered a gentle warning. "You shouldn''t drink so much."


    But all Henry wanted was to drown his worries in whiskey. He knew Xavier made sense, but as a friend, he couldn''t help wanting to keep the peace between the two men.


    Still, deep down, Henry was certain that someday Xavier andn would fall out over Eleanor.


    He looked up at Vanessa, his eyes zed with drink and uncertainty. Suddenly, he reached out and grasped her hand, his voice hoarse with pleading. "Vanessa, would you stay with me for a while?"


    Vanessa froze, then gently pulled her hand away, her tone cool. "Henry, you''re drunk. Go get some rest."


    For a few seconds, Henry just stared at her, caught off guard by how stunning she looked, his red-rimmed eyes losing focus.


    Vanessa looked at him, her expression softening for a moment. She sighed, then turned to the bartender and ordered a ss of juice. "Was Xavier serious about what he just said? He really ns to go after Eleanor?"


    Henry returned to himself, letting out a bitterugh. "You heard it too, huh?"


    What Vanessa had feared most was happening. Xavier was every bit as impressive asn¡ªmaybe more so. She really didn''t want Eleanor, after everything, to end up with such a remarkable man for her second marriage. Especially since Xavier andn moved in the same circles. If Xavier started bringing Eleanor to social events,n would inevitably see her more often.


    Even if she wasn''t worried aboutn rekindling old feelings, there was still the risk Eleanor would struggle to let go of the past.


    "Henry, you have to do something! I don''t want you guys to lose your friendship over Eleanor," Vanessa said, frustration seeping into her voice.


    Henry let out a long sigh. "Xavier''s the kind of guy who never changes his mind once he''s set on something. Nothing in the world could stop him."


    At that moment, both their phones buzzed with a new message. The organizers had suddenly decided to host aworking dinner that evening.


    Vanessa nced at the time and stood up. "I need to go change. See you at the dinner."


    Meanwhile, Eleanor and Joel had just finished their walk along the beach when they saw the same notification.


    "See you at the party," Joel said with a smile.


    Eleanor nodded, quietly relieved she''d packed a dress for the trip.


    At seven o''clock, guests began drifting from the buffet area toward the grand reception hall.


    Eleanor wore a pale blue gown, her hair cascading softly over her shoulders. She had a gentle, understated beauty that wasn''t immediately striking, but the longer people looked, the more captivating she became.


    As she stepped into the ballroom, she immediately ran into a group of visiting schrs from Kingston. She greeted them warmly and soon found herself deep in conversation,ughing at their stories.


    In the middle of augh, Eleanor felt someone watching her. She nced over and saw Xavier standing not far away, raising his ss in her direction.


    She smiled back, nodding in acknowledgment.


    Just then,n entered the room with Vanessa on his arm, instantly drawing everyone''s attention.


    Vanessa''s red evening gown was simply stunning, her presence radiant and impossible to ignore, whilen exuded his usual calm, almost severe elegance.


    Vanessa''s poised elegance made her the center of attention, quickly capturing the gaze of nearly every man in the room.


    Eleanor looked away, returning to her conversation and doing her best to ignore the faint difort that stirred inside her.


    It wasn''t jealousy-just a vague sense of annoyance.


    A littleter, Dr. Smith arrived with Faye, the two of them chatting animatedly, clearly at ease in each other''spany.


    Faye''s eyes naturally sought out Eleanor, a sly smile tugging at her lips. After all, Eleanor wasn''t the only one who had the chance to connect with Dr. Smith.


    Dr. Smith and Faye made their way towardn, soon forming a lively little group.


    Xavier lingered with his own team, but his eyes kept drifting to Eleanor. Atst, unable to resist any longer, he left his group and started walking toward her.

 Chapter 262

    Xavier nced at Eleanor and asked, "Want to step out on the balcony and catch the moon?"


    Eleanor nodded, her face lighting up. "Sure, that sounds nice."


    She was more than ready to escape the crowd and find a quiet spot to herself.


    The two made their way toward the balcony, chatting softly as they went.


    Across the room,n watched their retreating figures, his grip tightening around his ss.


    Vanessa noticed his distraction and leaned in, her voice gentle. "Ian, something on your mind?"


    He pulled his gaze away, keeping his tone neutral. ¡°It''s nothing.¡±


    But Vanessa followed his line of sight, her eyes narrowing just slightly when she caught sight of Eleanor and Xavier talking side by side. A flicker of something unreadable crossed her face.


    Was Eleanor really that eager to cozy up to Xavier, hoping to hitch herself to his sess?


    Out on the balcony, Xavier looked up at the night sky. "The moon is beautiful tonight."


    Eleanor tilted her head back to look as well. Xavier took the opportunity to study her profile, his throat tightening.


    To him, Eleanor''s beauty had already eclipsed the glow of the moon.


    When they returned from the balcony, Faye approached Xavier. "Mr. Vaughn, may I have a quick word with Eleanor?"


    Xavier nodded and turned to Eleanor. "I''ll be over there if you need me."


    Eleanor and Faye had never had much to say to each other. Eleanor turned to leave, but Faye called after her. "Eleanor, I had a chat with Dr. Smith earlier. Turns out a lot of your ideas ovep with his research. You wouldn''t happen to be¡ª"


    "using me of giarism again?" Eleanor spun around, her tone icy, a mocking smile on her lips.


    Faye''s expression soured, but then she smiled with a hint of malice. "Do you really think Dr. Smith pays attention to you on your own merits? If it weren''t for Mr. Goodwin, you''d never even get a seat at his table."


    Eleanor froze. She remembered how, just that morning, she''d askedn to


    introduce her to Dr. Smith. What version of the story had Faye heard?


    Before Eleanor could answer, Joel''s voice cut through the tension. "That''s enough, Faye."


    Faye flushed, startled to see Joel standing there.


    He''d clearly overheard Faye''s taunt. His gaze settled on her, stern. "Eleanor''s paper was published in a top international journal. She''s earned recognition in medical circles both here and abroad. Those are real achievements."


    Faye''s resentment shed in her eyes before she turned and stalked away.


    Eleanor turned to Joel, gratitude softening her features. "Thank you, Joel."


    He looked at her, a warm smile tugging at his lips. "You''ve always been the best in my eyes."


    Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air between them seemed to hum with something unspoken.


    Unbeknownst to them,n watched from the shadows at the edge of the ballroom, his expression unreadable.


    Tonight, he''d been treated to a front-row seat as two men vied for his ex-wife''s attention.


    As Eleanor and Joel continued their conversation, Eleanor suddenly felt a gaze burning into her. She turned instinctively, locking eyes withn. He stood in the dim light, his tall figure blending into the darkness beyond the balcony, but his eyes were impossibly bright.


    Eleanor looked away and murmured to Joel, "I think I''ll head back to my room." "I''ll walk with you."


    They''d barely taken a few steps when Dr. James from Xavier''sb approached, beaming. "Miss Sutton, just the person I hoped to find!"


    Eleanor blinked in surprise but stopped politely.


    Dr. James smiled. "I read your article in Nature Medicine the ideas are truly innovative."


    "Thank you, that means a lot," Eleanor replied modestly.


    "Really, your research is exceptional." Dr. James''s tone was sincere. "Ourb is very interested in your work. Would you consider coborating on a joint project?"


    Eleanor opened her mouth to answer, but a cold voice interrupted from behind. "Her research is indeed valuable, but she doesn''t have time for otherbs'' projects."<pn had appeared out of nowhere, impably dressed and utterly unyielding.

 Chapter 263

    Eleanor frowned, and for a moment, Dr. James looked a little embarrassed. "Ah, I see-that''s how it is."


    The air hung heavy with awkwardness.


    Not far away, Xavier watched them over the rim of his wine ss, his gaze unreadable and intent.


    Eleanor nced up atn in disbelief. Dr. James was a respected senior in the medical field;n''s bluntness bordered on rudeness.


    She quickly stepped in with a smile. "Dr. James, perhaps we can arrange an academic discussion sometime."


    Dr. James gratefully seized the olive branch. "That sounds good," he replied with a nod.


    Eleanor was about to turn away whenn''s low voice stopped her. "Could I have a word with you? In private?"


    She paused, her tone cool. "If you have something to say, you can say it here."


    Joel leaned in, offering her an out. "I''ll wait for you by the elevator."


    Eleanor nodded and headed toward the balcony. Ian followed close behind. Outside, the night was quieter, the hush making it easier to talk.


    "So?" Eleanor crossed her arms, a hint of caution in her posture. "What is it you want to discuss?"


    Eleanor met his deep, searching eyes, her tone even. "I don''t see how that concerns you."


    He slid one hand into his pocket, the moonlight casting sharp angles across his face as he stepped closer. "I just don''t want to lose a good friend because of you."


    Eleanor was momentarily taken aback. Was this a warning¡ªhis way of protecting his circle?


    With a flick of her hair, Eleanor turned and strode away without another word.


    He watched her go, a wry smile tugging at his lips.


    Just as she reached the ballroom doors, she nearly collided with Vanessa, who had just finished a phone call.


    "Miss Sutton, you really know how to work a room," Vanessa said, lips curling into a sly smile. "Three men chasing after you in a single evening. Impressive."


    Eleanor couldn''t be bothered to argue; she tried to step around her, but Vanessa grabbed her arm.


    "Don''t be naive, Eleanor. Do you really think Xavier would ever look at you that way? If I were you, I''d stay far away from this crowd, before you make a fool of yourself."


    Eleanor shook off her grip. "My life isn''t up formentary-especially not from you."


    Vanessa watched her disappear down the hall, biting her lip. She knew Eleanor wouldn''t give up on someone like Xavier so easily.


    The next morning, everyone packed up to head back to the city. Eleanor and Joel shared a ride home.


    When she got back to her ce, Eleanor dialed Gina Quinn. She wanted her daughter toe home.


    Gina invited her over for dinner, but Eleanor politely declined.


    "I''lle by at eight to pick her up," she said.


    Around eight that evening, Eleanor pulled up outside Goodwin Manor just as a shy sports car rolled out of the driveway and stopped beside her.


    Serena Goodwin stepped out, her eyes full of resentment. Vanessa had been keeping her updated on Eleanor and Xavier these past couple of days.


    "Eleanor, wait. I have something to ask you," Serena called out angrily.


    Eleanor turned, arms folded, her voice cool. "What is it, Miss Goodwin?"


    Serena took a step forward, her voice sharp. "You''ve been trying to seduce Xavier, haven''t you?"

 Chapter 264

    Eleanor frowned.


    "Don''t bother denying it¡ªI already know everything," Serena scoffed, her voice icy.


    Eleanor''s tone remained calm. "My private life is none of your business."


    Serena crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. ¡°He and my brother have been best friends since grade school. You know I like Xavier, don''t you? So tell me, what are you trying to do? Are you just trying to spite my brother? Or is it me? Is this your way of getting back at us?" Her words dripped with suspicion and malice.


    Eleanor felt nothing but boredom. Serena''s hostility was overwhelming and frankly, tiresome.


    "If you like Xavier so much, then go after him," Eleanor replied simply.


    Serena clenched her jaw. As if she hadn''t tried-she''d done everything short of dering her feelings to Xavier in front of a crowd.


    "So, what are you bragging because Xavier likes you?" Serena''s voice trembled with anger.


    "I''m not," Eleanor said, brow furrowing.


    "I know exactly what kind of person you are," Serena shot back, her words like daggers. "You schemed to get close to my brother, and now you''re ying games to win Xavier, too. The world doesn''t just hand out happy endings to people like you. You won''t get away with this."


    Eleanor just shook her head and started walking toward the front gate.


    Behind her, Serena stomped her foot in frustration and hurried after her. "Eleanor! You''d better not try to steal Xavier from me, do you hear? He''s mine!"


    Eleanor turned, her gaze cold. "Miss Goodwin, not everyone is here to indulge your whims."


    That was thest straw. Serena charged forward and grabbed Eleanor''s wrist. "Who do you think you are? You have no right to lecture me!"


    Eleanor paused, momentarily surprised by Serena''s outburst. Clearly, the girl had spent her whole life convinced the world revolved around her. With a swift motion, Eleanor pulled her hand free. "Don''t pick a fight with me."


    Serena was left standing there, stunned. She still couldn''t understand why her brother had split the family''spanies with Eleanor, letting an outsider snatch up so much of the Goodwin fortune.


    Now, with Xavier in the picture, her resentment toward Eleanor had only deepened.


    Why should Eleanor get everything so easily, when Serena had fought so hard for even a sliver of happiness?


    Eleanor walked to the gate, and behind her, Serena got into her car and sped off.


    A housekeeper opened the gate for Eleanor. As she stepped inside, she heard the sound of piano music drifting through the air. Eleanor frowned-the ying was far too skilled to be her daughter''s.


    Who was at the piano?


    A sinking feeling crept into her chest. Was Vanessa here?


    Following the melody, Eleanor walked through the garden and stopped outside the tall windows, peering in.


    Inside, she sawn, dressed infortable clothes, sitting at the piano with their daughter.


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. She''d had no idean could y the piano. Clearly, Vanessa must have taught him in private. The thought of the two of them sharing romantic duets made her chest tighten.


    A housekeeper went inside to announce her, and soonn led Evelyn out to the garden.


    "Mommy!" Evelyn called out, bright-eyed with joy.


    Eleanor shook her head. "No need. I''m just here to take Evelyn home."


    She knelt down, gently straightening her daughter''s cor. "Come on, Evelyn. Let''s go."


    Evelyn nodded, but nced back atn, hesitation flickering across her face. "But Daddy said he was going to teach me a new song tonight..."


    "I''ll drive you home,"n offered, breaking the awkward silence.


    Eleanor was about to refuse, but Evelyn pped her hands in delight. "Yes! I want Daddy to drive us home!"


    Seeing the hope on her daughter''s face, Eleanor just couldn''t bring herself to say


    no.

 Chapter 265

    Eleanor kept her eyes on the road, hands steady at the wheel. In the back seat,


    "Then who taught you?"


    "I taught myself,"n said simply.


    Eleanor''s grip on the steering wheel tightened. He''d taught himself piano for Vanessa?


    All these years, from the day they married until now, she''d always believedn wasn''t the romantic type. But now she realized the truth: he simply wasn''t romantic for someone he didn''t love.


    She pulled up in front of the house, parked, and got out to lift her daughter from the car seat. Unlocking the front gate, she set the little girl down, who dashed off into the yard, giggling.


    Eleanor blocked the gate, turning ton as he stepped out. "You should go home," she said, her tone firm.


    The Goodwin family''s estate was only a fifteen-minute walk away-close enough for a stroll.


    Eleanor frowned, butn had already turned, heading off toward the glow of the streetlights.


    She watched his retreating figure with a twist of frustration. She''d thought divorce would set her free from him, but it was clear now-there was no escaping the ties that bound them. Their daughter, thepany, her work-everything seemed to circle back to this man.


    Eleanor exhaled slowly. She needed to keep her emotions in check, to build a firewall between herself andn. From now on, she wouldn''t let him affect her, not even a little.


    That night, Eleanor logged into a video call with Ellington. When the subject of tomorrow''s joint meeting came up, Ellington urged her to attend. Her eightpanies had justpleted a resource integration, and as the acting CEO, she needed to make an appearance at such a formal asion.


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright, I''ll be there."


    The next morning at nine, Eleanor arrived at the office dressed in a charcoal-gray business suit. She and Ellington had already gone over the main discussion points the night before, so she felt calm and collected, ready for whatever the day would bring.


    Ellington escorted her into the conference room. The long table was already packed with people.


    At the head satn, leafing through a stack of documents. He wore a tailored ck suit, his tie knotted perfectly up to his cor, exuding an aura of poised authority.


    Eleanor''s entrance drew a brief hush over the room.


    A few of the longtime Goodwin & Co. employees exchanged nces. The former Mrs. Goodwin, suddenly taking a seat at the table, made more than one person bristle. This was supposed to be a man''s arena-a young woman, who''d secured her assets through divorce, was easy for people to look down on.


    Gina''s cousin Jacques was among them. Ian had handed Eleanor control of eight integratedpanies without so much as a heads-up, throwing a wrench into Jacques''s carefullyid ns.


    "Let''s begin,¡±n said, not even bothering to look up, his tone cool.


    Eachpany presented their reports, and Ellington spoke on behalf of Eleanor''s team.


    Throughout,n barely nced Eleanor''s way, remaining the picture of an impartial decision-maker.


    When Ellington began presenting third-quarter market forecasts, Jacques abruptly raised his hand, cutting him off.


    "These numbers look way off to me," Jacques dered. "ording to Goodwin & Co.''s market research,parable hotel brands aren''t going to see more than a twelve percent growth this fall. You''re projecting eighteen percent. Don''t you think that''s a little overconfident?"


    Ellington kept hisposure. "Our projections are based on our growth curve from the past three years."


    Jacques smirked. "That might have held when people were splurging after the lockdowns, but the market''s stabilized now."


    He turned pointedly to Eleanor. "Ms. Sutton, you''re still very young. If your team can''t even get the basic data right, I doubt we''ll be able to keep working together."

 Chapter 266

    The conference room fell silent in an instant.


    Eleanor could feel every pair of eyes fixed on her, their gazes sharp and heavy- includingn''s, those fathomless eyes that always seemed to see straight through people.


    ncing over at him, she caught only the cool detachment of a man conducting business, nothing more.


    Ellington had anticipated this scenariost night, so Eleanor handled it with practiced ease. She turned to Jacques. "We''ll go back and recheck the data. After all, our partnership is founded onplementary strengths."


    A glint shed in Jacques''s eyes. He scoffed, "You''re young, Miss Sutton, but you certainly don''tck confidence."


    The meeting ended under a cloud of tension, the air thick with unspoken challenge. Jacques had deliberately targeted Eleanor, stoking doubts among the others about her ability to manage herpany.


    As Eleanor gathered her files, Gavin sidled up to her. "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin asked to see you in his office after the meeting."


    She paused, fingers stilling on the papers. "Did he say what for?"


    Gavin looked uneasy. "He didn''t mention specifics. Just said it was important for you toe."


    Ellington, arms full of folders, offered quietly, "Ms. Sutton, I''ll wait for you in the lobby."


    Eleanor nodded. As she stepped into the elevator, her phone buzzed with a message from Ellington: *Ms. Sutton, I have a feeling there''s an issue with our internal data. I''ll get to the bottom of it.*


    When Eleanor entered, he was standing by the window with his back to the door, posture straight and unyielding.


    "Close the door," he said, turning to face her.


    She did, but didn''t move any closer. "If you have something to say, make it quick."


    He gestured to the sofa. "No rush. Let''s sit and talk."


    Eleanor crossed the room and sat down. Ian joined her, getting straight to the point. "There''s a problem with your internal data.¡±


    He continued, "A significant error in market analysis will throw off projections for several uing projects. It''s not a small matter."


    Eleanor bit her lip. "We''ll conduct a thorough review and correct it."


    Eleanor thought back to Jacques''s aggressive stance in the meeting. No wonder, she realized he was probably just looking out for his own.


    Seeing that he had nothing further to add, Eleanor rose. "If that''s all, I''ll take my leave."


    Down in the lobby, Ellington was on a call. The moment he spotted her, he jogged over. ¡°Ms. Sutton, we found the issue. One of our original data sets was wed. We''ll amend the final report before it''s released."


    "Mr. Ellington, I''m putting you in charge of this. I trust you''ll handle it and deliver a satisfactory oue." Eleanor''s look conveyed her confidence.


    Ellington, after reviewing everything, felt a pang of guilt. Letting Eleanor be singled out in the meeting was his oversight.


    "Thank you for your trust, Ms. Sutton. I''ll resolve this as quickly as possible." Then, unable to hide his curiosity, he asked, "Did Mr. Goodwin say what he wanted to discuss?"


    "He caught the data issue too. Asked us to self-audit,¡± Eleanor replied.


    Ellington couldn''t help but admire, "Mr. Goodwin doesn''t miss a thing. To spot a w from a single report that''s impressive."


    Just then, a striking figure swept through the lobby. Vanessa strode in, handbag swinging, radiating the confidence of a lioness surveying her domain.


    When she saw Eleanor, her expression faltered for a split second.


    Ever since Eleanor had gotten close to Xavier, trying to break into their exclusive circle, Vanessa had been on guard, suspecting Eleanor was nning aeback. Now, it seemed, her suspicions might not have been unfounded.

 Chapter 267

    Every so often, Eleanor found reasons to linger nearn under the guise of work, her intentions all too obvious.


    "Ms. Shannon, let me show you upstairs," the receptionist greeted Vanessa with a bright smile.


    Vanessa smiled back, slinging her bag over her shoulder as she strode towardn''s private elevator.


    That afternoon, Eleanor attended a meeting at Meridian Dynamics. Just as she exited the restroom, she sawn chatting with Byron Chase outside the conference room.


    Running into him twice in one day-it grated on her nerves.


    Eleanor brushed past the two men and entered the meeting room. Faye nced up from her seat, her hand tightening around the papers in herp. It surprised her that Meridian Dynamics still listed Eleanor as a core technical staff member.


    Momentster,n arrived. Faye''s eyes lit up with anticipation¡ªshe was eager to see how Eleanor, the ex-wife, would handle herself.


    Byron began presenting two major recent breakthroughs, and Eleanor listened attentively. Their research still relied heavily on her original theories.


    When the meeting ended, Byron couldn''t help but praise Eleanor''s remarkable work. Ian stood up and walked over to her, extending his hand.


    "Ms. Sutton, thank you for everything you''ve contributed to Meridian Dynamics." Eleanor looked down at his outstretched hand-long, elegant fingers, perfectly bnced between strength and grace.


    She used to love those hands. Now, she could hardly stand the sight of them. Because those same hands had touched the one woman she despised most. She turned away, refusing his handshake.


    Around them, people exchanged startled nces, whispering and specting that Eleanor andn''s divorce must have been far from amicable.


    Faye shot Eleanor a sideways look. What was she acting so high and mighty for? Once Meridian Dynamics'' research paid off, it would be her own sister reaping the rewards.


    Stepping outside, Eleanor realized a sudden downpour had begun. Her car was parked in the open lot, and there was no way to reach it without getting drenched.


    As she turned to head back to the front desk to borrow an umbre, someone stepped beside her and opened one overhead-it wasn.


    "I''ll walk you to your car," he said.


    "That''s not necessary. I was just going to borrow an umbre," Eleanor replied, trying to sidestep him.


    "This is the only umbre at the front desk,¡±n said matter-of-factly.


    She hesitated, but something about his tone made her believe him.


    Just then, Faye appeared behind them, also without an umbre. She looked atn and asked, "Mr. Goodwin, mind sharing your umbre with me?"


    Not wanting to deal with either of them, Eleanor grabbed her bag and made a dash for her car through the rain.


    By the time she got the door open and climbed inside, soaked to the bone, she nced back to seen holding the umbre for Faye.


    Eleanor started the engine and drove off toward theb.


    Later, both she and Faye arrived at the underground parking garage. Faye noticed Eleanor''s damp hair as she hugged a folder to her chest, a satisfied smile ying on her lips.


    They stepped into the elevator together. Eleanor sneezed, prompting Faye to edge away, as if afraid she''d catch a cold.


    When they reached their floor, Faye hesitated, then turned to Eleanor. "Eleanor, could you do me a favor and keep your distance from Mr. Goodwin from now on?"


    Eleanor blinked, caught off guard, and looked up at her.


    "He''s going to be my future brother-inw, after all. I think I''m justified in warning you on my sister''s behalf." With that, Faye grinned smugly and walked off.


    Eleanor had nothing to say. Vanessa had been lifted up byn since she was eighteen; even when Rnd Yeaton''spany was on the brink of copse,n had stepped in and saved it. Now Faye had been promoted to the inner circle as well.


    It was clearn was doing everything he could for the Yeaton family.


    That evening, Eleanor sat with her daughter at the piano. She listened in surprise


    as Evelyn yed, her skills noticeably improved. "Evelyn, that was wonderful! You''ve gotten so much better."


    "Mom, aren''t I amazing?" Evelyn beamed.


    "Have you been practicing at school?" Eleanor asked, smiling.


    Evelyn nodded enthusiastically. "Uh-huh. It was Miss Vanessa-wait, no, I practiced by myself."


    Eleanor''s smile faded as she looked at her daughter with gentle seriousness. "Evelyn, tell me the truth. I promise I won''t be upset."


    Evelyn sniffled suddenly, her voice small. "Mom, please don''t be mad. Miss Vanessa taught me at school. I just wanted to y well so you''d like me more.¡±

 Chapter 268

    A sharp, stabbing pain shot through Eleanor''s heart, quickly followed by a surge of anger. Vanessa wasn''t teaching on Thursdays anymore? She''d switched her


    schedule to get closer to Evelyn?


    What was she really up to?


    Eleanor forced a smile as she pulled her daughter into her arms. "It''s alright, sweetheart. I''m not upset with you. You did really well. Just-next time, promise you''ll tell me, okay?"


    Evelyn blinked her wide eyes, the panic from moments ago already gone. Wrapping her arms around Eleanor''s waist, she mumbled, "I''m sorry, Mom. I just wanted to practice more, so you''d be proud of me."


    Eleanor knew her daughter''s heart belonged to her. All of this was Vanessa, orchestrating ways to get closer to Evelyn.


    She hugged her daughter tighter, her smile gentle. "Evelyn, you''re my precious girl. I''ll always love you."


    But beneath that embrace, Eleanor''s hands trembled with rage.


    After Evelyn drifted off to sleep, Eleanor softly closed the bedroom door and sent a message to the ss teacher.


    "Miss Alice, could you confirm if there''s been a change in Vanessa''s piano lesson schedule?"


    "Miss Shannon''s ss was originally on Thursday afternoons, but these past two weeks she switched to Wednesdays because of some personal matters!"


    Eleanor''s nails dug into her palm. So that was it.


    "Miss Sutton, these past couple weeks Miss Shannon has been paying extra attention to your Evelyn! She keeps saying how talented and artistic your daughter is."


    Eleanor gripped her phone tightly, biting her lip.


    She''d toldn to keep Vanessa away from Evelyn, but he clearly hadn''t bothered to intervene.


    There was no point talking to him again. Eleanor resolved to speak to Vanessa herself, face to face.


    The next morning, after dropping Evelyn off, Eleanor got Vanessa''s number from Miss Alice.


    She dialed.


    "Miss Sutton? Is something wrong?" Vanessa''s voice was cool, unsurprised-she must have recognized the number.


    "We need to talk," Eleanor said, voice cold.


    "Let''s meet at the caf¨¦ next to Goodwin & Co.," Vanessa replied, choosing the spot.


    "Fine." Eleanor didn''t argue.


    At ten o''clock sharp, Eleanor arrived at the caf¨¦ beside Goodwin & Co. Vanessa was already seated, shing a bright, expectant smile as Eleanor walked in.


    "Please, have a seat, Miss Sutton. I''m all ears."


    Eleanor remained standing, her tone icy. "Vanessa, I don''t care if you marryn. But I want you to stay away from my daughter."


    "Oh, standing must be tiring. Why not sit down?" Vanessa replied leisurely, stirring her coffee. The massive diamond ring on her finger caught the light, dazzling and deliberate.


    "If you try to worm your way into Evelyn''s life again, I''ll call the police."


    Vanessa looked theatrically stunned. "Why would you think that of me? I have only the best intentions. Evelyn loves learning piano with me! Besides..." She smiled slyly. "Ian agrees it''s good for me to spend time with her. After all, some things take time for a child to ept, don''t you think?"


    Eleanor felt her blood run cold. "What are you trying to say?"


    "I''m just helping Evelyn get used to the idea of having a new mom. Because, well,


    I n to make suren gets custody of her in the future..."


    "You wouldn''t dare." Fury zed through Eleanor. She grabbed the water ss from the table and flung its contents straight into Vanessa''s face.


    A collective gasp rippled through the nearby patrons. At that moment, a man''s voice broke through themotion. "Eleanor."


    Vanessa, dripping wet, stood up and clung ton''s arm. "Ian, don''t be angry. Miss Sutton didn''t mean it..."


    Eleanor looked at the pair, loathing flickering in her eyes. She couldn''t even muster the will to argue. Swinging her bag over her shoulder, she turned and walked away.


    She''d barely taken a few steps when Vanessa let out a small, sharp cry. Eleanor nced back.


    Vanessa was clutching her face her eyes must have been stung.


    It dawned on Eleanor: the water in that ss had been warm.


    Not hot enough to burn, but certainly enough to sting.


    Pausing outside the caf¨¦ window, she caught a glimpse ofn bending protectively over Vanessa, dabbing at her face with a napkin.

 Chapter 269

    Eleanor had just settled into the car whenn''s call came through. She declined it without a second thought.


    If he was calling to plead Vanessa''s case, he was wasting his time. Eleanor refused to give him the satisfaction.


    She drove straight to the school and asked Miss Alice to speak with her privately.


    Inside the campus caf¨¦, Miss Alice listened, eyes widening in shock as Eleanor finished. "Wait-Miss Shannon is your husband''s...?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes. She got close to my daughter for a reason. For Evelyn''s safety, I need your help. If Vanessa everes to the school, please let me know immediately."


    Miss Alice, herself a mother, looked at Eleanor with deep sympathy. She never would have imagined that Vanessa-the renowned pianist had forced her way into the family like this.


    "Of course, Mrs. Sutton. You have my word¡ªI''ll contact you right away," Miss Alice promised, firmly on Eleanor''s side.


    Relief washed over Eleanor. With Miss Alice on alert, she''d know the moment Vanessa set foot on campus and could whisk Evelyn away before anything happened.


    She''d considered changing schools, but Vanessa had connections everywhere. That wasn''t a real solution.


    That afternoon, Eleanor met Joy for a walk to clear her head. When she heard Joy had thrown a ss of water in Vanessa''s face, Eleanor couldn''t help but grin. "Good for you. She had iting."


    "I could stomach her stealing my husband, but I''ll never let her take my daughter."


    "Can''t she have kids of her own? Why is she eggingn on to fight for custody of Evelyn? Does she want to y the saintly stepmother for show?" Joy huffed.


    Eleanor suspected Vanessa was putting on a performance for the Goodwin family, desperately trying to look like the perfect stepmom.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen, her expression shifting in surprise.


    "Miss Sutton, I have business back in Ashford City. Would you be avable for dinner this weekend?" The message was from Mansfield Ellington.


    "Who''s distracting you now? Some handsome guy texting?" Joy teased.


    Eleanor shed her the screen. Joy''s jaw dropped. "Mr. Ellington is making his move, huh?"


    "Don''t be ridiculous," Eleanor said, but her tone was serious.


    After a failed marriage, thest thing she wanted was to get tangled up in another rtionship¡ªno matter how wonderful the man seemed.


    "Come on! You''re really going to turn down a catch like him?" Joy looked at her as if she were crazy.


    Eleanor sighed. "He''s too good for me. I''m not in his league."


    Joy looked her up and down. "Not in his league? So you''re divorced-so what? Maybe he doesn''t even care."


    Before Eleanor could reply, another message from Mansfield popped up: "Miss Sutton, I only have one day. Could you give me a chance?"


    Eleanor hesitated. He only had a single day for business, and he wanted to spend


    it having dinner with her? Wouldn''t she be taking up his precious time?


    "Mr. Ellington, if you''re busy, let''s do dinner another time," she typed back.


    His reply came quickly: "Taking you to dinner is the most important thing on my list. Everything else can wait."


    Eleanor''s fingers froze over the screen.


    Joy peeked at the message and clutched her chest, dramatically swooning. "Oh my God!" She grabbed Eleanor''s shoulders, grinning. "Say yes! You can''t let a guy like this slip away!"


    Eleanor just took a sip of her coffee, sighing. "I''ve got too much on my te right now. I''m really not¡ª"


    "Don''t be silly!n cheated because he''s an idiot, not because you''re not good enough. Get that through your head!" With that, Joy snatched Eleanor''s phone and typed a reply before Eleanor could stop her.


    "Joy, give that back!" Eleanor lunged, but Joy had already sent the message: "Sounds perfect. See you Saturday night."


    Eleanor tried to wrestle the phone away, but it was toote. Momentster, Mansfield replied: "Perfect. I''ll book the restaurant-see you there."

 Chapter 270

    Eleanor bit her lip and shot a re at her best friend. "Look what you''ve gotten me into."


    Joy just grinned. "Don''t worry. I''ll watch Evelyn that day. You go meet Mr. Ellington


    and letn-the-jerk see just how in-demand you really are."


    Eleanor rolled her eyes, but she knew Joy meant well, so she let it slide.


    On Saturday, Eleanor spent the whole day at the yground with her daughter. Evelyn was so thrilled that,e bedtime, she fell asleep without even demanding a bedtime story.


    That weekend, Eleanor invited Joy over for lunch. Joy, ever the doting friend, brought along a few new toys to keep Evelyn entertained¡ªher not-so-subtle way of making sure Eleanor could go on her date without worry.


    At four o''clock, Mansfield Ellington texted her the restaurant address, adding, "Would you like me to pick you up?"


    "No, thank you," Eleanor replied.


    By five thirty, she''d freshened up, pulled on a simple outfit, and headed out to a discreet garden restaurant tucked away in the city center.


    At the entrance, a server guided her through a walkway lined with bamboo. The gentle notes of a string quartet drifted through the air, growing clearer as she approached.


    In an elegant garden pavilion, Mansfield Ellington was finishing up a phone call. He stood tall and straight, a natural confidence in his posture¡ªsomething about him had that unmistakable air of a man who''d spent time in the military.


    The moment he saw Eleanor, he ended the call and smiled.


    "Miss Sutton, you''re here." Mansfield''s eyes lingered on her, and he couldn''t help but think she looked even better in person than in the photos he''d seen online after their brief encounter that night.


    Tonight, Eleanor wore a simple knit sweater, a delicate string of pearls cinched at her waist, giving her an air of gentle elegance.


    "This ce is lovely," she said, ncing around. The half-drawn bamboo blinds revealed a lily pond outside, moonlight shimmering across the water. The atmosphere was tranquil, almost poetic.


    "I figured you''d appreciate somewhere quiet," Mansfield said, pulling out her chair for her with effortless grace.


    When Eleanor looked up to thank him, she noticed a faint blush coloring the tips of his ears.


    Was he nervous?


    The realization sent an odd flutter through her chest.


    A waiter brought over the menus. Mansfield smiled, "Is there anything you don''t eat, Miss Sutton?"


    "No, nothing," Eleanor replied automatically.


    Once they''d ordered, Mansfield''s gaze drifted to her again. When Eleanor finally nced up, he quickly looked away, taking a sip of his tea to cover his embarrassment.


    She felt a little awkward too, searching for something to talk about. Their eyes met, and suddenly both of them wereughing, the tension melting away.


    Eleanor found herself recounting the story of the night she''d helped his grandmother. Mansfield insisted that next time, he''d treat both her and Joy to dinner as a thank you.


    "Let me tell you something fun," Mansfield said with a grin.


    Eleanor nodded, listening as he regaled her with tales of single-handedly apprehending four criminals, and the mishaps from his training days.


    "So, you really ran into a snake as thick as your arm?" Eleanor asked, skeptical but amused.


    Mansfield chuckled. "If you''re not squeamish, I''ll send you a phototer."


    She smiled, shaking her head. "I''m not squeamish."


    "Alright, I''ll send it to you," he replied, his gaze lingering on her smile for a moment longer than necessary.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen. "Excuse me, I need to take this."


    She stepped into the softly lit hallway, the warm golden glow wrapping around her. As she answered, someone from a nearby private room stepped out to take a call as well. Eleanor looked up, and so did he.


    Their eyes met.


    Eleanor''s expression went cold in an instant.


    Eleanor''s call was from Simone, reminding her about the report she needed to prepare for tomorrow''s meeting. As she finished up,n came walking back, phone still in hand.


    "What a coincidence," he said, breaking the silence.


    Eleanor didn''t reply. She gripped her phone and turned back toward the garden pavilion. Ian''s intense gaze followed her, and after a moment''s hesitation, he started down the hallway, heading straight for Eleanor''s private dining room.

 Chapter 271

    But-


    Standing just outside the privatekeside dining room,n paused behind the beaded curtain. Through a gap, he could see Eleanorughing and chatting with a man he didn''t recognize.


    The man looked young, every movement radiating that unmistakable military bearing.


    He was leaning in, listening intently to whatever Eleanor was saying, admiration shining inly in his eyes.


    And there it was on Eleanor''s face, a lightness, a smilen hadn''t seen in a long time.


    "Eleanor."


    Theughter died instantly.


    Eleanor looked up. When she sawn stride in uninvited, her expression turned cold. "Is there something you need?"


    Mansfield Ellington''s gaze lingered between the two of them. He''d spent most of his life on the base, andn was so low-profile that even he hadn''t met him before. He turned to Eleanor for rification. "And this is...?"


    "My ex-husband," Eleanor answered, crisp and direct.


    Mansfield stood and offered his hand. "Mansfield Ellington."


    "Ian."n crossed the room and shook his hand with a brief, firm grip.


    A barely perceptible frown creasedn''s brow. Ellington?


    He recalled the way Mayor Ellington had treated Eleanor so warmlyst time, and now here was another Ellington, exuding that unmistakable air of a serviceman.


    "Friends," Mansfield replied without hesitation, his demeanor steady andposed.


    He may not have metn in person before, butn''s reputation in business circles was well-known. Andtely, with all the news surrounding Eleanor''s divorce,n''s name hade up more than once.


    "I''ll leave you to your dinner."n nodded slightly, ncing at Eleanor. "Is Evelyn at home?"


    "That''s none of your concern." Eleanor''s reply was frosty.


    The room fell quiet for a moment. Mansfield Ellington didn''t press her about the divorce; instead, he stood and poured her a cup of tea.


    Eleanor quickly brought both hands to receive the cup, her fingertips identally brushing his. Both of them froze for a split second.


    She withdrew her hand in a fluster, only to notice the tips of Mansfield''s ears turning red.


    He smiled and sat down. "Miss Sutton, see if your tea''s gone cold."


    Eleanor managed a small smile. "It''s fine. Sometimes cold tea''s just what I need to clear my head."


    Half an hourter.


    Eleanor and Mansfield finished their meal and stepped outside the restaurant. Out of the corner of her eye, Eleanor noticed someone standing nearby.


    She turned and sawn alone under the portico, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers.


    "Careful with the steps," Mansfield murmured, his hand hovering politely at the small of Eleanor''s back.


    "I had a few drinks tonight," Ian said coolly. "Would you mind giving me a ride?" Eleanor hadn''t expectedn to ask for a favor. She turned her face away, her voice chilly. "You can call a cab."


    She''d driven herself, but she had no intention of letting him tag along.


    Mansfield spun his car keys around his finger. "Which way are you headed, Mr. Goodwin? I can drop you off."


    Eleanor didn''t want to take him, but she was even less willing to trouble Mansfield. She shotn an exasperated look. "Wait here."

 Chapter 272

    Mansfield Ellington had been about to shield Eleanor from her ex-husband''s obvious attempt to hitch a ride, but to his surprise, she agreed to given a lift herself, simply to avoid troubling him.


    "Southern Command," Mansfield answered curtly.


    "And Mayor Ellington is...?"


    "My uncle," Mansfield replied easily, not minding the disclosure.


    Eleanor pulled the car up in front of the restaurant. Ian reached for the front passenger door, but Eleanor shot him a look. "Back seat."


    He paused for a second, surprised, but didn''t argue. He opened the rear door and climbed in.


    At that moment, Mansfield leaned in toward Eleanor, his tone gentle. "Take Maplecrest Avenue. There''s less traffic that way."


    A warmth flickered in Eleanor''s chest. For all his tough exterior, Mansfield had an eye for detail. She nodded. "Thank you."


    "Drive safe. Text me when you get home," he reminded her.


    "I will. You should head back," she replied.


    As Eleanor''s car eased away into the evening, she nced in the rearview mirror ¡ªMansfield was still standing there, watching them leave. He only disappeared from sight when she turned the corner.


    "He''s awfully attentive, isn''t he?"n''s voice broke the silence, rough and tinged with the haze of alcohol.


    Eleanor gripped the steering wheel tighter. "Not your concern."


    Quiet filled the car.


    Eleanor rolled all the windows down. She didn''t care for the lingering smell of whiskey drifting from the back seat.


    "Could you pull over at that store?"n suddenly spoke up, eyes cracking open. "I need to grab some water."


    Eleanor spotted a convenience store just ahead and hit the brakes. "You''ve got two minutes."


    She looked at the bottle, remembered the taste, but didn''t take it.


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "What''s it to you?"


    Eleanor drove him all the way to the Goodwin family''s front door. She didn''t bother hiding her impatience. "Get out."


    With that, he closed the door.


    Eleanor recalled how, justst Friday, their daughter had asked if her dad coulde along to the event. Apparently, even if Evelyn hadn''t asked,n wouldn''t have been able to make it.


    "For any of Evelyn''s activities in the future, you don''t need to show up," Eleanor called out, her words carried by the evening breeze as she drove away.<pn stood motionless for a moment, watching as her car disappeared down the street.

 Chapter 273

    When Eleanor got home, Joy immediately sidled up, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. ¡°So? How far did things go?"


    Eleanor shook her head with a smile. "He said next time, he''ll invite you to dinner too."


    Joy shrugged. "Oh, leave me out of it! You''re the one who saved his grandmother.


    I just made a quick phone call-hardly worth calling it a favor."


    "If it hadn''t been for your call, the ambnce wouldn''t have arrived in time," Eleanor said.


    Joy nudged her yfully. "Just wait-once you marry him, I''ll have a friend who''s both loaded and a politician''s wife."


    Eleanor rolled her eyes and pretended to smack her. "So that''s your n, huh?¡±


    Joy ducked away,ughing. "Of course! Why else do you think I''m working so hard? Now hurry up and get Mr. Ellington to fall for you."


    The two of them teased andughed for a while, the house filled with bright, easy cheer. Eleanor never mentioned running inton that evening; honestly, there wasn''t much to say.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw a new message from Mansfield Ellington: "Home yet?"


    She realized she''d forgotten to text him back.


    "I''m home, thanks for checking in."


    "Good. Get some rest-see you next time."


    She replied, "You too. Good night."


    Later, after Joy had left, Eleanor sat in the living room, ying with her daughter. She tried bringing up the uing parent-child field day at school.


    "Mommy, will Daddy be there?" Evelyn asked, her eyes wide with hope.


    Eleanor smiled gently and ruffled her hair. "Daddy has to travel abroad that day, sweetheart. But I''ll be there with you, okay?"


    Evelyn''s face fell, her eyes filling with tears. "But... but I already told Vivian and Linda that both my mommy and daddy woulde..."


    Eleanor gathered her close, hugging her tight and kissing her forehead. "I know, honey. But I''ll do all the games with you, I promise."


    "But I want Daddy toe too..." Evelyn''s voice was muffled against Eleanor''s shoulder.


    Eleanor''s heart twisted, but she knew she had to help her daughter learn to live without her father. Life was long, and she couldn''t let Evelyn keep hoping forn.


    Monday morning, after dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor turned and ran into Xavier, who was walking Vivian in.


    "Willn make it to the field day on Wednesday?" he asked.


    Eleanor shook her head. "He''s not avable."


    "If you need a hand, just let me know," Xavier said with a warm smile. He''d be there with Vivian anyway.


    Eleanor''s eyes flickered. "Thanks, Mr. Vaughn. I might take you up on that." "Anytime," Xavier replied.


    "I''ll head to theb, then," Eleanor said, waving as she got into her car.


    In theb, Eleanor ran into Gwenda, who was carrying a stack of files into her office. Gwenda poked her head in, curiosity written all over her face. "Eleanor, I heard Faye applied for the master''s-to-PhD program with Professor Langley. I thought you were a shoo-in for that spot!"


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Really?"


    Gwenda nodded, cing the files on Eleanor''s desk. "Yesterday, Faye was in Professor Langley''s office for almost an hour, left looking over the moon, and then I heard she submitted her application."


    Gwenda watched Eleanor closely. "You''ve published more-and better-papers than anyone else in theb. Professor Langley is always praising you. I just assumed the spot was yours."


    Eleanor thought of hown had been helping the Yeatonstely. If Faye wanted the position, all Vanessa had to do was ask.


    Later, as Eleanor walked into the conference room, Faye nced up at her, a smug smile ying on her lips.


    Clearly, the spot was decided.


    Long-term, Eleanor''s research really needed that joint program, but for now, there was nothing she could do but wait.


    After the meeting, Simone called to her. "Eleanor, can I see you in my office for a minute?"

 Chapter 274

    Eleanor immediately understood what this was about-the spot she''d been hoping for. As Simone sat down, she offered an apologetic smile. "Eleanor, I''d originally wanted to give that spot to you."


    "I understand, Professor," Eleanor replied. "I''ll wait for the next opportunity."


    Simone hesitated, carefully choosing her words. "I always insist that academic merit is the only standard." She looked at Eleanor meaningfully. "You could always given a call. Maybe¨D"


    "Professor Langley, as much as I want this, I don''t want to rely on anyone''s connections." With that, Eleanor turned and walked away.


    Behind her, Simone let out a soft sigh and said nothing more.


    Her mind drifted back to three days ago, whenn himself had called to personally rmend Faye. Simone had brought up Eleanor''s name, butn had insisted she choose Faye.


    ***


    By Wednesday, the week had flown by. Xavier was waiting at the school gate in a tailored zer, looking rxed and effortlessly handsome. The moment Eleanor arrived, her phone buzzed. She nced at the screenn.


    She declined the call without hesitation.


    Almost immediately, it rang again. Stilln.


    Eleanor looked up at Xavier. "Mr. Vaughn, would you excuse me? I need to take this."


    She stepped away, putting some distance between them before answering. "Hello?" Her voice was cool, even colder than she intended.


    "It''s me."n''s voice came through, low and clear. "About Evelyn''s field day¡ªI''ve rearranged my schedule. I can make it."


    Eleanor gripped her phone tighter. "That won''t be necessary. I''ve already asked someone to help."


    There was a pause on the other end. "Joel? Or Mansfield Ellington?"


    "Who I asked is none of your business. Just don''te," Eleanor said, her tone icy.


    Eleanor didn''t bother to respond. She simply hung up.


    Sunlight spilled across the elementary school yground, colorful pennants fluttering in the gentle breeze.


    Eleanor crouched down to straighten Evelyn''s tracksuit cor. Soon, they''d be joining a parent-and-child ball game.


    For this round, Xavier volunteered to help. He scooped Evelyn up, and together they outshone all the other dads.


    When the game ended, Evelyn and Vivian both took first ce in their group, standing proudly atop the podium together.


    The next activity was a craft session. Eleanor sat with the girls, helping them make delicate hair clips.


    Xavier took a break, sipping water from a bottle, a warm, genuine smile ying at the corners of his mouth as he watched them.


    Not far away, Mrs. Brown-Coco''s mother-watched the scene unfold. Her gaze toward Eleanor was tinged with envy.


    So it was true. Eleanor and Xavier really were seeing each other.


    Miss Alice snapped plenty of photos to share in the parents'' group chat-shots of Evelyn and Xavier ying together, Eleanor helping Vivian with her craft.


    Meanwhile, in a car heading from the Goodwin & Co. offices to the airport,n scrolled through the group chat, his eyes narrowing at the flood of family photos.


    He hadn''t expected Eleanor to let Xavier fill his shoes. Staring at his daughter''s beaming face in the pictures,n''s hand clenched tightly into a fist.


    Noticing the tension, Gavin Young¡ªhis assistant-ventured, "Mr. Goodwin, are you all right?"


    Just then,n''s phone rang. Vanessa.


    n! Mom and I are at the airport. When will you be here?"


    "I''m on my way,"n replied curtly.


    "Great! We''ll wait for you in the lounge!"


    The field day wrapped up by noon. Xavier invited Eleanor and Evelyn out for lunch.


    Sitting in the car, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a message from Joy-several photos attached.


    Vanessa and Gina were pictured withn at a caf¨¦ in the airport.


    "Snapped these by chance," Joy wrote. "Looks like they''re heading out of the country."


    Eleanor let out a bitter, silentugh. Ian didn''t have time for his daughter''s field day, but somehow he found the time to take Vanessa and his mother on a trip abroad.

 Chapter 275

    With the athletic meet behind her, Eleanor was once again immersed in her research. Foundational experiments demanded both patience and stamina¨D qualities she was now drawing on daily.


    Fortunately, Callie proved to be a capable assistant, handling several of the animal trials for her. Thanks to his help, Eleanor made a few promising discoveries.


    After a particrly exhausting round of experiments, Eleanor copsed into the chair in her office, rubbing her temples. Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from Joy, forwarding her a link.


    "This is infuriating."


    Eleanor clicked it open. It was an announcement-Vanessa had just been named the global ambassador for an international jewelry brand.


    "A global ambassador? How on earth did she pull that off?"


    Before Eleanor could respond, another message from Joy popped up-this time a vlog.


    Eleanor tapped to y. On-screen, Vanessa appeared in a sleek ck designer gown, a sparkling diamond ne worth millions draped elegantly around her neck. She smiled serenely into the camera and said, "I''m deeply honored to have the brand''s trust and to be their global ambassador. I hope every woman knows she deserves love¡ªjust as someone once told me: you deserve the very best."


    Her fingers grazed the jewels at her throat, and she looked into the camera with a gaze that seemed to pierce right through the screen, as if speaking to someone specific.


    Eleanor''s hand hovered, motionless, over her phone.


    There was no question who Vanessa meant by ''someone.''n.


    Another flurry of messages from Joy exploded onto her screen.


    "Seriously, this whole video is just her unting in your face."


    Eleanor calmly closed the video and typed back, "Let her have her moment. It''s got nothing to do with me."


    Still, she knew better. Vanessa wouldn''t havended such high-profile deals withoutn pulling strings behind the scenes.


    And Vanessa''s ambitions clearly went far beyond being an international piano star.


    As Eleanor set her phone down, theb door swung open. Callie poked his head in. ¡°Eleanor, Professor Langley''s looking for you."


    Eleanor nodded, rose from her chair, and headed toward Simone Langley''s office. As she rounded the corner into another hallway, she nearly collided with Faye, who was carrying a stack of files and a cup of coffee.


    Faye shed her a sly smile. ¡°Busy day?"


    Eleanor had no interest in small talk and tried to sidestep her, but Faye


    deliberately blocked her path, lowering her voice.


    "Oh, by the way, did you hear my sister justnded a global endorsement? Pretty impressive, don''t you think?"


    Eleanor stopped and fixed her with an icy stare. "What''s your point?"


    Faye shrugged. "Just that Mr. Goodwin cares a lot about my sister. Maybe you


    should take the hint and stop chasing after him."


    With that, she swept past Eleanor without waiting for a reaction.


    Eleanor pushed open Simone''s office door. Simone adjusted her sses and gestured for her to sit.


    "d you made it. Have a seat."


    Simone looked at her intently. "Eleanor, there''s pressure from above to move your project along. Would you consider putting in some overtime?"


    From above? Wasn on her case again?


    "Of course," Eleanor replied. "I''ll do my best to put in extra hours."


    "I know you''re already giving it your all, but the higher-ups still aren''t satisfied with the timeline. We''re all feeling the heat."


    Eleanor nodded. "Understood, Professor Langley. I''ll step it up."


    "If you run into any issues, let me know. If you need more hands, I can arrange that."


    "Thank you, but I''m okay for now." With that, Eleanor excused herself and headed out.


    She nced at her watch. Only an hour left before she needed to pick up her daughter. A thought struck her, and she quickly sent Xavier a message.


    "Mr. Vaughn, could you pick up Evelyn for me today? I''ll be there to get her around eight."


    Xavier replied instantly. "Of course. I''ll pick her up.¡±


    Then he added, "Busy day at theb?"


    "Yes," she typed back. ¡°There''s an experiment that needs results tonight. I''ll have to workte."


    "Take care of yourself and don''t overdo it," he replied.


    Relieved, Eleanor returned to theb. Callie was busy with thetest batch of mouse trials while Eleanor double-checked the data.


    Before she realized it, seven o''clock had rolled around. Her work was nearly finished for the day. She let Callie know she was heading out and gathered her things to leave.

 Chapter 276

    When Eleanor arrived at Xavier''s ce, she rang the doorbell.


    Xavier opened the door himself. Seeing her standing there with a bag in hand and exhaustion etched on her face, a flicker of concern passed through his eyes.


    "Have you eaten?" he asked.


    She''d had a quick bite in the cafeteria earlier that afternoon. With a faint smile, she replied, "I''m not hungry."


    "I saved you some dinner. Come in," Xavier insisted, stepping aside.


    Eleanor paused, touched by his thoughtfulness. "Thank you. I hope it''s not too much trouble."


    Just then, Evelyn came running over, wrapping her arms around Eleanor''s legs. "Mom, can I y with Vivian a little longer? Let''s go hometer, please!"


    Eleanor knew her daughter well-once Evelyn started having fun, it was hard to stop her. Smiling fondly, she ruffled her hair. "Alright, you can y a bit more."


    The two little girls disappeared into the yroom, theirughter echoing down the hall. Xavier led Eleanor into the living room, then disappeared into the kitchen.


    Eleanor was caught off guard. The housekeeper must have already left for the day, so was Xavier really going to cook for her himself? She felt a bit embarrassed by the attention.


    "Mr. Vaughn, really, you don''t need to trouble yourself. I can just have Joslyn make me some pasta when I get home," Eleanor called out toward the kitchen.


    Xavier, now sporting an apron, looked up and smiled. "If you want pasta, let me make it for you."


    Eleanor blinked, finding herself unable to refuse.


    Fifteen minutester, he set a steaming bowl of soup noodles on the table, fragrant and inviting. Eleanor''s mouth watered at the sight.


    Xavier handed her a fork. "Try it."


    "Thank you," she said, epting the fork.


    She twirled the noodles, blew gently to cool them, and took a bite. Her eyes lit up with surprise and delight as she looked up. "This is delicious."


    Xavier, who had been anxiously watching her reaction, finally rxed and smiled. "Take your time. I''ll go check on the kids."


    A few minutester, he was back in the living room, sleeves rolled up to his


    elbows, scrolling through emails on his iPad.


    "Is your research going well?" he asked, breaking the quiet.


    Eleanor paused, noodles halfway to her mouth. "It''s going well, yes."


    He looked over at her, his gaze gentle. "If you ever need help, just say the word. My team has some experience in your field."


    A warm feeling settled in Eleanor''s chest. Xavier always seemed to know exactly what to say, never too much, never too little.


    "Thank you. If I need anything, I''ll be sure to ask you and your team," she replied with a grateful smile.


    Xavier hesitated, picking up his phone. After a moment''s thought, he posted a photo of the bowl of noodles to his private social feed, captioned: *Cooking for someone important is a little happiness.*


    He rarely posted anything personal online, never mind about his private life. This was the first time, and, as he''d half expected, a few sharp-eyed reporters immediately picked up on it.


    Quietly, they reposted his message, along with a headline: *Vaughn Group CEO Sparks Rumors of Secret Romance.*


    At nine o''clock, Eleanor took her daughter home. While Joslyn was in the shower, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a new message.


    It was fromn. First, he sent a screenshot. Then a question followed:


    *Is this "someone important" you?*


    Eleanor''s breath caught; she hadn''t even known Xavier had posted anything.


    *None of your business,* she replied curtly.


    *You''re right,* camen''s final, cryptic reply.


    Eleanor tossed the phone aside and went to shower. Later, out of idle curiosity,


    she checked Xavier''s social feed. The post was gone.


    A new message from Xavier popped up:


    *Sorry, I posted on a whim. I didn''t expect the media to pick it up and cause a stir. Hope it didn''t trouble you.*


    She hesitated, then replied: *It''s fine.*


    *I''ve already asked PR to handle it.*


    Eleanor pressed her lips together. She could more or less guess what Xavier had meant by that post.

 Chapter 277

    Xavier''s post disappeared quickly, but everyone in his circle had already seen it.


    That included Vanessa and Serena.


    Serena, especially. She stared at the post, her mind going nk for several seconds. Who had Xavier cooked pasta for? And who made him feel so happy?


    He''d posted it at eight-thirty that night. Did that mean this person was staying over at his ce? Were they about to spend a wonderful night together?


    The thoughts tumbled through Serena''s head until she could barely breathe, when suddenly her phone rang. It was Vanessa.


    She took a shaky breath and answered, her voice t. "Hey, Vanessa."


    "You saw Xavier''s post too, right?" Vanessa asked.


    "Yeah. I follow him."


    "So, do you know who he made pasta for?" Vanessa pressed.


    "No idea," Serena replied, unable to guess. There were always so many women orbiting around someone as exceptional as Xavier.


    "It''s Eleanor," Vanessa said.


    Serena''s eyes widened. "Her? How could it be her?" But even as she spoke, she muttered to herself in denial, "No, it can''t be. Maybe it''s some other woman...''


    "Henry asked Xavier privately. The pasta was for Eleanor," Vanessa said, shattering her hope.


    Tears stung Serena''s eyes. She couldn''t believe Xavier would cook for Eleanor himself.


    "How... how could it be Eleanor?" she whispered, her nails digging hard into her


    arm.


    "Serena, are you okay?"


    Serena bit her lip, her voice trembling with quiet sobs. "Vanessa, I don''t understand... Why would Xavier fall for someone like her?"


    "Men can be blinded by appearances sometimes,¡± Vanessa replied with a self- deprecatingugh. "Remember your brother? He was so taken with her, he ended up marrying her. Eleanor seems ordinary at first nce, but she clearly knows how to get to men."


    "What gives her the right?" Serena suddenly cried, her voice rising.


    "Calm down, Serena," Vanessa soothed.


    "I just... I need to be alone," Serena said, and hung up. She curled into the corner


    of her couch, hugging her knees tightly to her chest, as if that might hold back the pain ripping through her heart.


    Xavier falling in love with Eleanor-it hurt more than anything Serena had ever experienced.


    Xavier was the first man Serena had truly loved as an adult, her first real love. So what Eleanor had taken wasn''t just a man Serena liked¡ªit was her first love.


    And that made all the difference.


    ***


    The next morning, Eleanor opened her front door, only for Princess to dart out past her in a burst of excitement, making her jump. "Princess! Princess,e back!" she called, hurrying after the dog.


    But when Eleanor reached the yard, she stopped short at the scene before her.


    She had no idea whenn had arrived, but now his car was parked in front of her house, and he was crouched down, giving Princess a good scratch behind the


    ears.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn ran over, her backpack bouncing.


    Eleanor felt utterly powerless. She couldn''t stop her dog, and she certainly


    couldn''t stop her daughter from running into his arms.


    With a stony face, she watched asn scooped Evelyn up for a kiss. "I''ll drive you to school today."


    "Okay!" Evelyn grinned, then turned to wave at Eleanor. "Bye, Mom!"


    Eleanor forced a smile and waved back. Once her daughter climbed into the car, Princess leaped in too, leaving Eleanor fuming, her chest tight with frustration.


    She watched the car drive off toward the preschool, let out a slow breath, then grabbed her bag and headed for her own car.


    By the time she arrived at theb, Callie had already set up everything. Eleanor was grateful for such a reliable teammate. They split the work efficiently, but around noon, while Eleanor was conducting her cell experiment, she realized theb''s equipment wasn''t up to the task.

 Chapter 278

    Eleanor found herself thinking of Xavier.


    She sent him a message, asking about the status of a particr microscope. Xavier responded almost immediately, sending over the model and specifications. "You''re wee toe use it any time," he added.


    She really did need ess to that more advanced microscope. Eleanor replied, "Great, I''ll bring my samples over at two."


    "See you then," Xavier answered.


    At lunch, Eleanor ran into Joel in the campus cafeteria. He''d been stationed at Meridian Dynamicstely, so their paths had crossed much less often.


    Joel slid naturally into the seat across from her, and the conversation drifted to their research. Eleanor brought up a few questions, and Joel offered insights without hesitation.


    With Joel, everything felt easy and pressure-free. Their academic discussions were seamless, almost intuitive-he''d nudge her thinking in the right direction, and she''d immediately grasp his point.


    The feeling was mutual. Eleanor''s perspectives always sparked new ideas for Joel. Their rtionship was a rare blend of mentorship and friendship.


    Yet, whenever Joel looked at Eleanor, there was something unspoken in his eyes ¡ªa subtle affection he kept carefully hidden. He wasn''t someone who wore his heart on his sleeve. He cherished what they had; if he risked changing it, he feared he might lose everything.


    Just then, Joel''s phone rang. He nced at the screen and picked up. "Hey! I''ll be there for the one-thirty meeting, right on time."


    After hanging up, he checked his watch and smiled. "Endless meetings these days. I''d better get going."


    Eleanor grinned at him. "Don''t work yourself too hard-get some rest."


    "You too," Joel replied, squinting in a warm smile.


    Joel hurried out toward the parking lot. In truth, returning to Ashford Medical University wasn''t urgent work. He''d just made the trip back for a simple lunch and chat with Eleanor. But that was something she would never know.


    At one-thirty, Eleanor set off by car for Juliette Grayson''sb, now managed by Xavier.


    The Juliette Research Institute sat on the edge of the city, its cluster of modern buildings gleaming under the midday sun like polished steel.


    When Eleanor arrived, she spotted a tall, striking figure waiting in the lobby.


    She paused in surprise. "Mr. Vaughn, what are you doing here?"


    Xavier smiled. "Waiting for you." He noticed the small insted container she carried.


    Without hesitation, he reached out and took it from her. Eleanor offered him a grateful smile. "Thanks."


    "No problem." Xavier''s gaze lingered on her.


    If he could, he''d want Eleanor toe to him with any trouble she faced, now or in the future.


    "Miss Sutton, your dedication to research truly impresses me," Xavier said.


    Eleanor tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, grinning. "Maybe I''m just a stubborn person."


    Xavier chuckled, his tone warm. "Stubborn? I''d call it admirable craftsmanship." She couldn''t help butugh, too. As their eyes met, the elevator doors slid open to reveal someone inside, arms full of files.


    It was Serena.


    She''d heard Xavier was in the lobby and hade by, curious to see whom he was waiting for. She hadn''t expected to find him with Eleanor.


    Serena''s gaze flicked to the insted box in Xavier''s hand, then to Eleanor. Suddenly, it all clicked: the person Xavier had cleared his schedule for the one he''d waited half an hour to see-was Eleanor.


    ¡°Serena, Miss Sutton is here to borrow ourb," Xavier exined.


    Forcing a smile, Serena replied, "Xavier, I''ll take her to theb."


    "No need, you go ahead," Xavier said gently.


    Serena stepped out, and as the elevator doors closed behind her, she stood frozen in ce.


    If yesterday''s social media post was the beginning of Xavier''s confession, then seeing him now, closely involved with Eleanor, meant he truly intended to move forward with her.

 Chapter 279

    Xavier brought in his topb team to work alongside Eleanor. The experiment dragged on for two hours, but finally, they achieved the result she''d been hoping


    for.


    By the end, Eleanor''s eyes stung unbearably. She rubbed them several times, and when she emerged, her eyes were so red she looked as if she''d been crying.


    Xavier was waiting outside theb. Seeing her red-rimmed eyes, he couldn''t hide his concern. "Your eyes hurt from staring at the screen too long?"


    "I''m fine. I just need to rest a bit," Eleanor replied.


    "Come to my office and have a cup of tea before you leave."


    "Oh, that''s not necessary, I-¡±


    "It''ll only take a few minutes." Xavier insisted. With her looking so worn out and knowing she still had to drive back to Ashford Medical University, he didn''t feelfortable letting her go just yet.


    Eleanor nodded, resigned. ¡°Thank you, then.¡±


    She followed Xavier into his office, feeling a little awkward. While he made tea, she wandered over to his bookshelf, scanning the spines. To her surprise, she spotted an old book she''d been searching for ages.


    She turned to him. "Would you mind if I borrowed a book?"


    Xavier smiled. "Take the whole shelf if you want."


    Eleanor felt her cheeks warm. She pulled out the book. "This one is enough."


    He nodded. "Of course, it''s yours for as long as you need. Now,e have some tea."


    She sat on the sofa, cupping the warm mug in her hands. The tea was fragrant and soothing, easing her tension.


    "Last night... it must have bothered you, didn''t it?" Xavier watched her closely.


    Eleanor was sensitive enough to realize he''d brought this up on purpose.


    "It didn''t bother me." She quickly took another sip, hoping to hide her emotions. Xavier noticed and couldn''t help thinking how endearing she was.


    Afterst night''s conversation, Xavier had decided he wasn''t going to hide his feelings anymore.


    "Eleanor, I''m not the type to beat around the bush. I admire you-not just as a scientist, but as a person." His voice was gentle but steady. "I know you andn haven''t been divorced long, and maybe now isn''t the best time for me to say this."


    Her hand trembled slightly around the mug. She hadn''t expected Xavier to be so straightforward.


    "Mr. Vaughn, I..." Eleanor looked up, caughtpletely off guard.


    She wasn''t prepared for his confession at all.


    "Miss Sutton, I''m not asking for an answer," Xavier interrupted gently. "Let''s just be friends for now."


    Eleanor let out a quiet sigh of relief and nodded. ¡°Thank you for understanding."


    Xavier poured her another two cups of tea. When she finished, Eleanor started thinking of how to excuse herself and leave.


    Picking up on her thoughts, Xavier stood and joked, "All right, the scientist has to get back to work. I won''t keep you any longer."


    Eleanor smiled gratefully and stood as well. ¡°Thank you so much for letting me use yourb."


    "Anytime. If you ever need anything in the future, just ask," Xavier replied with a weing gesture.


    He walked her all the way to the parking lot, which made Eleanor feel even more embarrassed.


    She''d borrowed hisb, taken up his time and resources, and now he was personally seeing her off-Eleanor felt deeply uneasy about it.


    Upstairs, behind the second-floor windows, Serena clutched her phone tightly. Watching Xavier walk Eleanor to her car, so attentive and caring, made her chest ache as if something was tearing inside.


    Xavier had postponed two important meetings just to take care of Eleanor?


    Had she really be this important to him?


    Serena bit her lip, her eyes filling with tears. She hurried down the hallway to an empty conference room and dialed her brother,n.


    "Hello?"


    Serena drew a shaky breath. "Ian, can''t you just make Eleanor leave the medical field? I can''t stand seeing her anymore."


    "What happened?"


    "Just keep her out of yourb. Stop giving her any resources. She doesn''t deserve them," Serena''s voice cracked as she began to sob, "I hate her. I can''t stand her..."


    "Calm down,¡±n said in a low, steady voice. "Just tell me what happened."

 Chapter 280

    "Eleanor came by to use ourb today. Xavier cancelled two meetings for her, and even waited for her in the lobby for half an hour," Serena spat out, her frustration mounting with every word. "He even he even carried her bag and walked her all the way to the parking lot!"


    Serena''s eyes widened as she realized she''d let her secret slip, panic flickering across her face.


    "Am I not allowed to?" she muttered, annoyed at herself for admitting it.


    "Serena, you should quit your job."


    Serena bristled. "Why should I,n?"


    "Xavier isn''t right for you,"n said bluntly.


    A flush crept up Serena''s cheeks. She huffed, "But I like him. The whole reason I took a job at hispany was to get closer to him. Eleanor just got divorced from you, and she''s already trying to seduce him. She has absolutely no shame¡ª"


    Serena''s voice rose, indignant. "I can''t believe you''re taking her side!"


    "I''m just stating the facts. Go hand in your resignation." With that, he ended the call.


    Serena stared at her phone, the dial tone ringing in her ears, feeling even more hurt and wronged than before.


    Six years ago, Eleanor shamelessly married her brother. Now she was back and trying to take Xavier, too. Serena simply couldn''t swallow the resentment burning inside her.


    Meanwhile, in the elevator, Xavier''s phone rang. He frowned slightly and answered, n."


    "A favor, Xavier."


    "What is it?"


    "I need you to process Serena''s resignation."


    Surprise flickered across Xavier''s face. "Are you sure you want to do this?"


    Xavier watched the elevator numbers climb, a look of realization dawning in his eyes. "Does Serena know?"


    "I just told her. Thanks for handling it."n hung up.


    Xavier stepped into his office, phone still in hand. He pressed a button on the inte. On the other end, Serena''s voice answered, "Hello?"


    "Serena,e to my office, please," Xavier said.


    Two minutester, Serena stood at his office door, eyes red and brimming with unshed tears, wringing her hands tightly at her chest.


    She knocked, then pushed the door open.


    Xavier watched her, his expression unreadable, but Serena couldn''t hold back anymore; the tears spilled over before she could stop them.


    Silently, Xavier pulled two tissues from the box and walked over, handing them to her. "Serena, if something''s wrong, we can talk it through."


    Serena took the tissues, dabbing at her tears as she choked out, "Didn ask you to fire me?"


    Xavier didn''t answer directly. "You''ve seemed exhaustedtely. I think you should take some time off and rest at home."


    "No, I don''t want to go. I don''t want to quit, Xavier, please, don''t let me go." Serena reached out, gripping his arm, desperation shining in her eyes.


    Gently, Xavier pulled his arm away. "Serena, you should listen to your brother." "Listen to my brother?" Serena''s voice rose, edged with hysteria. ¡°I''ve done everything he''s ever asked, my whole life! But this time is different!"


    Xavier''s brows drew together, his gaze steady and cool.


    Tears streamed down Serena''s cheeks. She finally couldn''t hold it in any longer. She lifted her tear-filled eyes to Xavier. "Xavier, after all this time-haven''t you noticed I have feelings for you?"


    Xavier was silent for a moment, then spoke quietly but firmly. "Serena, I''ve always seen you as a little sister. Nothing more."


    The words hit Serena like a de, sharp and merciless.


    "It''s because of Eleanor, isn''t it?" Her voice trembled. "What''s so great about her anyway? She''s divorced, she "


    Xavier suddenly turned away, his face darkening as if she''d touched a nerve. But he kept hisposure. "Whatever is between you and me has nothing to do with Eleanor. Don''t drag her into this."

 Chapter 281

    Serena Goodwin shrank back, intimidated by Xavier''s presence, but resentment burned in her eyes as she blurted out, "Eleanor Sutton just divorced my brother and now she''s throwing herself at you. A woman like her-flighty and untrustworthy-doesn''t deserve your affection."


    Xavier Vaughn''s gaze stayed steady as he looked at Serena. "Between Eleanor and me, it''s simple. I''m the pursuer, and she''s the one being pursued."


    Serena stared at him in disbelief, taking a shaky step back as tears blurred her vision. Without another word, she spun around and rushed out of the office.


    In the hallway, a few colleagues nced up in surprise as Serena stumbled past them, but no one dared to stop her or ask questions.


    She burst into the restroom and caught sight of herself in the mirror-her carefully styled hair was a mess, and her mascara had run from crying, making her look like a tragic clown.


    Ten minutester, a termination letter was printed by HR. Serena was fired.


    Clutching a box of her belongings, she walked out of the research building. A cold wind whipped around her, but she barely felt it. Her heart had already frozen over.


    And all of it, she told herself, was because of Eleanor.


    Suddenly, her phone rang.


    She nced at the caller ID. Vanessa Shannon.


    "Hello..." Serena answered, her voice hoarse.


    ¡°Serena? What happened?" Vanessa immediately picked up on the distress in her voice.


    "Vanessa..." Serena''s tears spilled over again. "I got fired... Xavier fired me..." "How could you get fired?"


    Serena recounted what had just happened, her words tumbling out. Vanessa tried to soothe her. "Don''t cry. Xavier''s only infatuated with Eleanor for the moment. You''ll get another chance."


    "You don''t know how much Xavier sticks up for her. And my brother-he always protects her too," Serena choked out.


    "Serena, your brother''s not protecting her. He''s using her talent to make money for himself. Eleanor really is gifted when ites to medicine," Vanessa replied calmly.


    Serena, still recovering from her outburst, blinked. "Really?"


    "Think about it-Xavier''s made his intentions pretty clear with Eleanor. If your brother truly cared, he would''ve reacted by now."


    Serena thought back. Xavier''stest post had been public, everyone saw it¡ª including her brother. He had to know Xavier was pursuing Eleanor, yet he stayed silent. If he cared at all, he wouldn''t be so indifferent.


    Just like he said himself: he and Eleanor were divorced, their ties severed. He didn''t care who she dated. Clearly, he wanted nothing more to do with his ex- wife''s life.


    Serena dabbed at her tears with a tissue. "But what about Xavier? Do you think he''ll really go after Eleanor?"


    "Don''t worry. Xavier''s parents will never approve. The Vaughn family would never ept a divorced woman into their home," Vanessa reassured her.


    Serena''s eyes brightened. "You''re right, Vanessa. Even my mom never liked her. The Vaughns will look down on her for sure."


    "Cheer up. Let''s go to the Friday night g together-blow off some steam!" Vanessa suggested.


    Serena took a deep breath. "Alright."


    "Keep your head up. Xavier''s bound to notice you sooner orter.¡±


    Hope flickered in Serena''s heart. Now that she''d confessed her feelings to Xavier,


    maybe he really would start paying attention to her.


    If only she could be just as exceptional.


    But when she thought of Eleanor, a heaviness settled in her chest. She could neverpete with Eleanor on her turf.


    What Xavier admired was Eleanor''s talent in medicine-just that. If Eleanor ever slipped up, surely his interest would fade.


    ***


    When Eleanor got off work, she received a call from Ellington, reminding her


    about Mr. Brown''s dinner party on Friday.


    Eleanor frowned. "Do I really have to go?"


    "Ms. Sutton, I strongly advise you to make an appearance. Mr. Brown oversees


    the regtory board-he''s not someone you want to offend."

 Chapter 282

    Eleanor had no choice but to agree. "Alright, I''ll be there on Friday."


    "Don''t worry," came the reassuring voice on the other end, "Mr. Vaughn and I will be there too. We''ll help you handle the crowd."


    Eleanor paused for a moment. ¡°Okay."


    She spent the entire day in herb. Before she knew it, Friday had arrived. That evening, Eleanor exined to her daughter that she''d be attending a business dinner. Evelyn Goodwin was growing up quickly, bing more understanding and considerate with each passing day.


    "Okay! Go ahead, Mom. I''ll be good at home," Evelyn replied, nodding with a maturity that caught Eleanor off guard.


    For a moment, Eleanor hesitated, feeling an ache in her heart. Was it the divorce that had made her daughter grow up so quickly? Should a child really have to learn to be this considerate so soon?


    As a mother, she knew she should be proud of Evelyn''s growing maturity. Yet, deep down, she understood the truth: children only grow up too soon when they''re missing something-usually love.


    Crouching down, Eleanor hugged her daughter tightly. She gave Joslyn a quick word, then headed out the door.


    Tonight was a formal asion; Eleanor couldn''t just wear anything. She had an appointment at a boutique specializing in custom evening gowns.


    Thanks to her reputation-her high-profile divorce had put her name in the public eye, as well as her impressive academic achievements-Eleanor was greeted personally when she arrived.


    "Ms. Sutton, wee. Right this way, please." The store manager came out to escort her.


    Upstairs in the private lounge, a selection of elegant gowns sparkled under the lights, handpicked just for her.


    "Ms. Sutton, do any of these catch your eye?"


    Eleanor''s slender fingers drifted over the fabrics before she finally chose a white floor-length gown-graceful, ssic, and understated.


    At first, the manager had hoped Eleanor might pick something more dramatic. With her looks and figure, she could have pulled off any of the bold, Western-style evening dresses. But when Eleanor stepped out in that simple white gown, the manager realized she''d been wrong-the understated style brought out an effortless beauty and quiet allure, perfectly outlining Eleanor''s graceful silhouette.


    With her hair swept up in a pearl hairpin and her makeup wlessly done, Eleanor looked both elegant and rxed.


    By the time she left the boutique, it was already six o''clock. A message popped up on her phone from Ellington: *Ms. Sutton, would you like me to pick you up?*


    *No need,* she replied. *I''ll drive myself.*


    Arriving at the hotel, Eleanor handed her keys to the valet, who took care of her


    car.


    Under the lobby lights, Ellington watched her approach. For a few seconds, he seemed almost startled, then smiled and greeted her. "Ms. Sutton."


    "Let''s go," she said, nodding at him.


    Ellington was in his forties now, but tonight, he fell into step behind her with the quiet loyalty of a devoted lieutenant-her silent ally for the evening.


    As they waited for the elevator, Eleanor heard footsteps behind them. She instinctively nced back and felt her breath catch.


    Bathed in soft light, they looked every bit the perfect couple-Vanessa radiant and poised,n exuding quiet strength at her side.


    In these settings, Vanessa never let herself be overshadowed. She was beautiful, her confidence unshakable, and the man beside hermanded every room he entered.


    Vanessa saw Eleanor too, unsurprised but clearly unsettled. She still couldn''t quite understand whyn had given Eleanor so much in the divorce settlement- enough to make her a billionaire overnight.


    "Ms. Sutton, what a coincidence," Vanessa called out, taking the initiative to greet her.


    Eleanor remained cool and aloof, ignoring her. Just then, the elevator arrived. Eleanor and Ellington stepped in first. Vanessa suddenly tightened her grip onn''s arm. "Let''s wait for the next one,n."


    As the elevator doors slid shut, it was clear-he had no desire to share an elevator with Eleanor either.

 Chapter 283

    A few minutes after Eleanor and Ellington stepped into the ballroom, a striking group appeared at the entrance, drawing every gaze as they made their way down the red carpet.


    At the front were Vanessa and Serena, both impably dressed, followed closely by three tall men:n, Xavier, and Henry Holt.


    These three were nothing less than the embodiment of Ashford City''s financial elite.


    All eyes in the room turned their way, with whispers rippling through the crowd. Several of the young women present watched the trio with undisguised admiration, eager for any opportunity to catch their attention.


    Eleanor held her champagne flute, observing the scene with a calm, detached air. Ellington leaned in and murmured, "Ms. Sutton, would you like to step out onto the terrace for some air?"


    "No need," Eleanor replied, taking a sip of champagne, her expressionposed


    as ever.


    Xavier''s gaze found her instantly. A flicker of admiration passed through his eyes as the chandeliers bathed her in a soft glow, setting her apart from the crowd- elegant and striking.


    The ballroom sparkled with light andughter. sses clinked, and the powerful mingled with easy confidence.


    Mr. Brown himself strode over to greetn and hispanions. Within moments, a cluster of guests had gathered around them, eager to exchange greetings and make their acquaintance.


    Eleanor watched as Vanessa stood gracefully atn''s side, every inch the picture of poise, while Serena positioned herself next to Xavier, asionally tilting her head up to chat with him.


    "Ms. Sutton, shall we go say hello to Mr. Brown?" Ellington whispered, gently nudging her.


    Eleanor understood Ellington''s intentions. Approaching now would ce her in the orbit ofn and his influential friends, and ensure Mr. Brown remembered her among the crowd.


    But Eleanor had no interest in basking inn''s reflected glory. She shook her head. "I''ll go over in a bit."


    Ellington, though disappointed to miss such a moment, knew well enough not to press her.


    "Miss Sutton, all by yourself?" a middle-aged man appeared at her elbow, holding a ss of wine and offering a polite smile.


    Eleanor turned to face him. "And you are?"


    "I''m Garry, head of NovaCepharm. It''s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sutton."


    Recognizing a fellow professional, Eleanor offered a polite smile. "Nice to meet you."


    As much as Garry admired Eleanor''s beauty, it was her reputation as a medical researcher that truly impressed him. His tone carried genuine respect.


    Soon, more guests from the pharmaceutical world gathered around her.


    "Miss Sutton, your breakthrough with the new spherical drug has made waves internationally¡ªourpany is among the licensed manufacturers," Garry said, his voice filled with enthusiasm.


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied with modest formality, keeping the tone friendly but not overly familiar.


    Another industry representative stepped forward. "Miss Sutton, it''s an honor! I''m Micah from SceMed Technologies. I''ve heard your Al-based cell simtion technology has seen major progress-truly remarkable."


    Eleanor smiled. "Thank you. We''re still in the experimental phase at the moment."


    Her professionalism and poise drew approving nces from the surrounding executives.


    Before long, she found herself at the center of a lively circle of conversation. Several business leaders introduced themselves, exchanging cards and hoping for future coboration.


    -All of this, of course, did not escape the notice of others across the room.


    Standing beside Mr. Brown,n''s gaze was drawn-almost involuntarily to Eleanor.


    Surrounded by leading figures from the medical industry, Eleanormanded genuine admiration and respect for her aplishments.


    Vanessa noticedn''s eyes lingering in Eleanor''s direction. Her smile remained sweet on the surface, though a wave of difort washed over her. ¡°Ian, I''m going to say hello to some friends," she said lightly.


    Meanwhile, Xavier, with his ss in hand, began making his way straight toward Eleanor.

 Chapter 284

    "Miss Sutton, do you have a moment?" His deep, maic voice sounded behind her.


    Eleanor turned to see Xavier and gave him a polite nod. "Mr. Vaughn."


    Xavier had recently taken over Juliette Grayson''s research institute and was a recognized authority in the medical field. He also carried an unspoken air of authority that made others instinctively step aside, leaving the two of them with some privacy.


    He gave Eleanor a quick once-over, a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth. "Seems like you''re quite the star tonight."


    "It''s just a bit of professionalworking," Eleanor replied with a mild smile.


    Ignoring the curious nces around them, Xavierunched into a discussion about theirst experiment.


    Not far away, Serena was watching the exchange with zing eyes, her perfectly painted lips pressed together so tightly she nearly broke the skin.


    Vanessa, having finished her greetings, walked over to Serena. Noticing her jealousy, she gave Serena''s arm a reassuring pat. Suddenly, a sly smile flickered in Serena''s eyes.


    She might not be able to stop Eleanor from catching Xavier''s attention, but there were still ways to get under Eleanor''s skin.


    For instance-


    Serena slipped her arm through Vanessa''s. "Come on, Vanessa, let''s go say hello to her."


    With Vanessa in tow, Serena made her way over ton and promptly hooked her other arm through his.


    "Come on, big brother, let''s go greet some old friends."


    Eleanor nced up and saw Serena approaching, one arm linked withn, the other with Vanessa. The three looked as harmonious as a picture-perfect family under the crystal chandeliers: Vanessa, poised and radiant; Serena, sweet and charming; andn-always refined and coolly dignified.


    As they walked over, Eleanor''s expression hardened.


    Serena froze for a moment, her face clouded with embarrassment, but she couldn''t help thinking Eleanor must have felt the sting.


    Just then, Henry strolled over and pped Xavier on the shoulder. "Need you a minute."


    Xavier shot Eleanor a quick look. "Excuse me for a moment."


    As soon as Xavier stepped away, Serena sauntered over, her tone dripping with mockery. "Well, Eleanor, you''re certainly enjoying the spotlight tonight!"


    Eleanor didn''t bother to respond.


    Serena''s smile stiffened before she sneered, "You wouldn''t even be here if it weren''t for my brother. But go ahead, unt the money you got from your divorce. Let''s see how long you can keep ying the star.¡±


    Vanessa, still holding onto Serena''s arm, chimed in with syrupy sweetness, ¡°Don''t mind her, Miss Sutton. Serena''s young-her words can be a bit blunt."


    The way she said "our Serena" made their family connection all too obvious-if not intentionally so.


    Eleanor''s lips curled into a cold smirk. "Six years as her sister-inw, and I must admit, her manners are certainly... unique."


    "Eleanor, you¡ª" Serena''s face flushed red, ready to retort, but Vanessa cut in with a refined yet sharp tone. "Using a pretty face and a bit of talent to keep men interested isn''t much of an aplishment."


    Eleanor let out a softugh. "If charming men is a skill, then Miss Shannon, you''re practically an expert."


    Vanessa''s expression faltered but she quickly recovered herposure. ¡°You''re not so young yourself, Eleanor. Do you really think the Vaughns would ever ept a divorced woman?"


    Eleanor''s voice was icy. "I don''t need a marriage certificate to prove my worth." The wordsnded like daggers-both Serena and Vanessa flinched. Tonight, Eleanor had shown everyone just what she was capable of. She didn''t need to rely on anyone else. She could shine brighter than anyone all on her own.

 Chapter 285

    As Eleanor turned around, she foundn standing just behind her-she had no idea when he''d arrived. His deep-set eyes shimmered withplicated emotions. n!" Serena called out like someone spotting a lifeboat in a storm.


    Vanessa instantly put on a gentle smile. "Ian."


    Butn''s gazended squarely on Eleanor. "Mr. Brown would like to see you."


    Eleanor''s voice was cool and distant. "Thank you for letting me know."


    She made to walk away.


    The effect of his words was immediate both Vanessa and Serena''s expressions shifted.


    "That''s not necessary," Eleanor replied, just as coldly. She stepped around him and headed toward Mr. Brown.


    Eleanor approached Mr. Brown with a polite smile. "Good evening, Mr. Brown."


    Mr. Brown''s eyes were kind. "Miss Sutton, I went to school with your father once upon a time. That makes me something like family, wouldn''t you say?"


    Eleanorughed. "Then I''ll call you Mr. Brown, if you don''t mind."


    Mr. Brown chuckled warmly and struck up a conversation with her, only breaking off when his assistant came over to quietly deliver a message. With some regret, Mr. Brown said, "Ellie, let''s chat again soon. I''m truly interested in your research focus, and I think highly of your work."


    "Of course, Mr. Brown. I''ll let you get back to it." Eleanor smiled again.


    Right on cue, Ellington appeared at her side, introducing her to several business partners from the hospitality industry. After exchanging pleasantries and business cards, Eleanor finally exhaled, feeling the ache in her feet from hours in high heels.


    "Mr. Ellington, I think I''ll rest for a bit," she said, making her way toward a sofa. The shoes were pinching, and she bent down to loosen the strap.


    As she leaned over, the pearl hairpin in her hair suddenly slipped free. Instantly, her long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall.


    She froze for a moment. Under the soft lights, her loose hair framed her delicate features, making her look as striking as a painting, her eyes deep and luminous.


    Not far away, bothn and Xavier caught the scene.


    Just then, Mr. Brown''s assistant approached. "Miss Sutton, Mr. Brown would like a word."


    Eleanor excused herself. After she left, someone else walked over to the sofa-n. He bent down and picked up the pearl hairpin Eleanor had dropped.


    Later, with her hair swept to one side, Eleanor looked elegant andposed. After Mr. Brown finished introducing her to a guest, Eleanor realized her hairpin was missing. She turned to the guest, apologizing softly, "Excuse me just a moment."


    She hurried back to the sofa, only to findn sitting there. She ignored him and immediately began searching for the hairpin.


    Eleanor paused, startled. She quickly took the hairpin from him, her tone stiff. "Thank you."


    n looked up at her. "You should take better care of your things."


    Eleanor''s face went rigid.


    With one hand in his pocket,n added coolly, "The same goes for yourself."


    He checked his watch, as if ready to leave.


    He crossed the room to Henry, entrusting Vanessa and Serena to his care, then headed for the lobby doors.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed-Joslyn was calling. She found a quiet spot to


    answer.


    "Mommy, when are youing home? I miss you."


    "I''ll be home soon, sweetheart," Eleanor replied softly.


    She said a quick goodbye to Ellington and left.


    When she got home, she found her daughter quietly drawing in the yroom. Eleanor''s heart swelled with both pride and tenderness. She joined her daughter, spending half an hour ying and drawing together.


    Her phone buzzed again. It was a message from Simone Langley:


    "Ellie, Dr. Lyman will be visiting the Military Medical University next week for an academic exchange. He''d like you toe along. Please get ready."

 Chapter 286

    Eleanor''s eyes lit up at the invitation-an academic exchange at the Military Medical University?


    She quickly replied, "Yes."


    "It''ll be for about three days. Do you have someone to watch your daughter?" the message continued.


    Eleanor hesitated, ncing over at her little girl. Of course, the person she trusted most wasn, her daughter''s father.


    Just as she was considering her options, her phone chimed with a new message. It was fromn.


    "I heard about the exchange at the Military Medical University next Monday. I''ll drop Evelyn off with my mom while you''re gone," he wrote.


    She wasn''t surprisedn knew he always seemed to be one step ahead. This trip was important, and though she''d rather not rely on him, she wasn''t about to pass up the opportunity.


    "Alright," she replied simply.


    After spending a lovely weekend with her daughter, Eleanor watched asn came by Sunday night to pick Evelyn up.


    That same night, she packed her bag and headed for the airport. The Military Medical University was in Kingston, and Dr. Lyman had arranged to meet her at the terminal.


    Once she''d checked her luggage, Eleanor made her way to the VIP lounge to look for Dr. Lyman. She stopped short when she spotted a tall, striking figure seated on the sofa, reading a magazine.


    Eleanor froze for a second. Was he going to Kingston too?


    She chose a seat as far from him as possible, butn looked up and greeted her, "You''re here."


    She turned her face away, pretending not to notice. Momentster, Dr. Lyman entered, phone in hand. Eleanor stood up quickly. "Mr. Brown," she greeted.


    Lyman Brown smiled and waved her off. "Rx, the flight''s dyed by half an hour. Take a seat!"


    She nodded and sat back down while Dr. Lyman joinedn, the two men chatting quietly. Eleanor pulled a book from her backpack and tried to focus.


    When it was finally time to board, Eleanor discovered-much to her surprise that her ticket, arranged by Dr. Lyman''s assistant, had her seated right next ton in first ss.


    She settled into her seat, determined to keep her eyes fixed on the window. Thirty thousand feet in the air, the first-ss cabin felt even smaller. The subtle scent of cedar onn''s skin drifted to her, making her restless.


    "Sir, can I get you anything to drink?" The flight attendant''s voice was almost too sweet, floating down the aisle.


    Out of the corner of her eye, Eleanor saw the tall stewardess leaning overn, her posture perfectly entuating her curves.


    "Just water, thank you." Ian didn''t even look up, his fingers gliding over his tablet as he read a medical journal.


    "Of course, one moment," the attendant replied, her tone soft as velvet.


    When she returned with his water, the stewardess lingered, shing a bright smile. ¡°Mr. Goodwin, are you traveling to Kingston for business?"


    Eleanor had been hoping for some sleep, but the stewardess''s overzealous attention ton made that impossible. She gave a small, pointed cough.


    The attendant turned with a slightly forced smile. "Ma''am, can I get you anything?" "No, thank you. I''d like to rest," Eleanor answered.


    The attendant nodded and, before leaving, shot onest flirty nce atn. "If you need anything at all, Mr. Goodwin, just let me know~"


    After she left,n couldn''t hide the faint smirk tugging at his lips.


    Eleanor managed to doze off, and woke as the ne began its descent into Kingston International Airport.


    She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to adjust to the pressure in her ears, when she suddenly felt a hand on her forehead.


    She opened her eyes and turned, ring atn.


    "Are you feeling alright?" he asked quietly.


    "I don''t need your help," she snapped, turning back to the window.


    Afternding, Eleanor waited on the jet bridge for Dr. Lyman. She watched as the same stewardess approachedn, slipping him a small note. "Mr. Goodwin, here''s my number. If you need anything while you''re in Kingston..."


    "No, thank you,"n cut her off, stone-cold.


    So, he really was devoted to Vanessa-even here, he shut down any hint of flirting.

 Chapter 287

    At the airport arrivals gate, a sharply dressed middle-aged man stepped forward. "Dr. Lyman, Mr. Goodwin, I''m here to pick you up.¡±


    "Thank you foring," Ian replied, shaking his hand.


    They climbed into the car and headed straight for the guest residence of the Military Medical University.


    The next morning, Eleanor''s door was tapped. A young female assistant entered with a bright smile. "Dr. Sutton, here are today''s conference materials and the schedule."


    Eleanor smiled back. "Thank you."


    She hurried to the conference hall, but, unfamiliar with the building, arrived to find the room already full. Bowing her head slightly, she scanned the rows, searching for her seat.


    A female assistant approached. "Excuse me, may I have your name?"


    "Eleanor."


    "Oh! Your seat''s in the front row."


    Eleanor''s heart skipped a beat. The front row? Wasn''t that usually reserved for senior faculty and distinguished guests?


    The assistant led her to the very first row. To her surprise, she found her name card betweenn''s and Dr. Lyman''s.


    Settling in, Eleanor opened the conference booklet. Under "Distinguished Guests," she spotted her own name, listed even before several renowned professors.


    In the rigid hierarchy of academia, this was a silent but profound recognition of her achievements.


    Soon after,n and Dr. Lyman entered the hall. Eleanor kept her head down, reviewing her notes asn took the seat beside her.


    A sprightly elderly man made his entrance then-the President of Military Medical University, Principal Maxwell, a legend in the field of neuroscience.


    He delivered a brilliant keynote, highlighting the university''s academic aplishments over recent years, and sharing their vision for future research.


    Eleanor listened intently, feeling a silent gaze fall on her from the next seat.


    When the speech ended, Dr. Lyman turned to her. "Come with me. I''ll introduce you to Principal Maxwell."


    Eleanor quickly nodded, then remembered she''d left her folder behind. She spun around, grabbed her materials, and hurried after Dr. Lyman.


    Principal Maxwell was standing on a sunlit balcony off the main hallway.


    "So you must be Eleanor." He extended a kindly hand. "I''ve heard so much about you! I had all my students read your paper on Al neural simtion robots¡ª several times."


    Flustered and honored, Eleanor grasped his hand with both of hers. "Thank you, Principal Maxwell. That''s far too generous-we''re still just working at the theoretical stage..."


    "Don''t be modest." Maxwell smiled and turned to a group of professors nearby. "Look at this-so aplished at such a young age, and still so humble! No wonder Lyman''s always singing her praises."


    Dr. Lyman grinned. "See, Maxwell? I wasn''t exaggerating. Ellie''s research finally cracked a problem that''s stumped us for years. She''s every bit her father''s daughter."


    The professors chimed in with their agreement, and in moments, Eleanor found herself at the center of attention.


    Across the room,n stood sipping from a water bottle, a subtle smile ying at the corner of his mouth.


    At lunch, the group gathered at a nearby restaurant. In the private dining room, conversation quickly turned to academic matters.


    "Miss Sutton, I heard your team made a recent breakthrough in Al robotics?" asked Professor Moore, head of neurosurgery.


    Everyone paused mid-meal and turned to listen.


    Eleanor set down her fork and knife, then exined the technical principles in detail.


    Gradually, not just those at her table but schrs at neighboring tables fell silent, captivated by her exnation.


    Her coboration with Meridian Dynamics had led to several major breakthroughs, and as she shared the details, the entire room seemed taken aback.

 Chapter 288

    "Brilliant!" Professor Moore pped the table in delight. "That''s exactly the right approach."


    Principal Maxwell chuckled, cutting in. "Well, Moore, convinced now? I''ve been saying all along this young woman is something special."


    "Special doesn''t even begin to cover it," a female professor chimed in.


    Eleanor''s eyes widened with admiration as she looked at her-a renowned authority in neural repair, Professor Wyndham.


    "Miss Sutton''s theoretical framework is cutting-edge. It could solve countless problems in the future," Professor Wyndham said warmly. "Eleanor, I''d love to invite you to spend a few days at ourb. What do you say?"


    The invitationnded like a bombshell, sparking a low buzz of excitement around the dinner table.


    Professor Wyndham''sb was the dream destination for young schrs-her personal invitations were exceedingly rare.


    Eleanor was momentarily at a loss for words. Instinctively, she nced at Dr. Lyman, who smiled reassuringly. "Of course. I''ll help arrange your schedule."


    Across the table,n was deep in conversation with a visiting expert, but nced over at themotion.


    "I''m truly honored," Eleanor managed, steadying her nerves. Surrounded by so many esteemed colleagues, she still felt a bit anxious. "Professor Wyndham, my current project is at a critical stage..."


    "No rush, no rush," Professor Wyndham said with a gentle smile. "We''ll stay in touch. Come whenever you''re free."


    "Thank you, Professor Wyndham." Eleanor nodded, returning the smile.


    That afternoon, the academic discussions resumed. Eleanor took part, while assistants snapped photos throughout.


    After dinner, back in her guest room, Eleanor rubbed her sore neck; even her cheeks ached from smiling so much.


    Still, the day''s exchange had inspired her deeply.


    She showered, then sat down to review the conference materials she''d gathered.


    Suddenly, she froze. This wasn''t her binder.


    She always scribbled notes in the margins, but this folder was nk. Flipping through, she suddenly spotted her own name, circled several times. Next to it, someone had been writing her name over and over.


    The handwriting was bold, assertive¡ªunmistakablyn''s.


    Eleanor clenched her jaw. Why hadn been circling her name during the meeting? And writing it again and again on the page? Was he practicing his penmanship?


    Annoyed at having lost her own annotated notes, she sighed. The materials she hadn''t picked up earlier had no doubt been collected by an assistant. It was too embarrassing to go ask for them now. Thankfully, her memory was good-her notes were mostly in her head.


    Exhausted, she flopped onto the bed and fell asleep almost instantly.


    When she opened her eyes, it was morning.


    Today was the exhibition visit. After breakfast, a bus waited outside. Eleanor boarded, and a young male student hurried to im the seat beside her.


    By the timen boarded, all the seats around Eleanor were taken by eager male students, so he took a spot further up front.


    Even if they didn''t dare talk to Eleanor, just sitting near her made the ride feel magical. Not only was Eleanor brilliant, but she was strikingly beautiful-brains and beauty in perfect harmony.


    At the exhibition center, the group followed a guide through the disys, Eleanor snapping photos on her phone. As she tried to step back for a better shot, she suddenly felt her footnd on something or rather, someone.


    Startled, she looked down. An arm wrapped firmly around her waist, steadying her.


    Eleanor turned. She''d stepped onn.


    Her apologetic look quickly turned to annoyance as she pried his arm from her waist. "Don''t touch me."<pn narrowed his eyes at her. Once, they''d been husband and wife. Now, they were worse than strangers.

 Chapter 289

    Soft lights bathed each exhibit in the museum, casting gentle shadows that lent the artifacts an air of quiet grandeur. Eleanor made a point to keep her distance fromn, who stood talking with Principal Maxwell. From what she''d gathered,n was negotiating some sort of coboration with the Military Medical University, which exined why Principal Maxwell was personally showing him around.


    She spent the entire morning wandering through the museum, losing herself among the disys. The afternoon was devoted to Professor Wyndham''s lecture ¡ªa seminar that proved both stimting and rewarding.


    Tomorrow afternoon, she''d be flying back to Ashford City at three. Eleanor made a mental note to find a gift for her daughter before leaving Kingston.


    She hailed a cab, slipped into the back seat, and asked the driver to take her downtown.


    As the city rolled past her window, Eleanor was admiring the scenery when her phone buzzed. The sender made her pause: Mansfield Ellington.


    "Are you at Military Medical University?"


    Surprised, Eleanor replied, "How did you know?"


    "I saw you on the news."


    She realized suddenly-the conference these past two days must have made the headlines, though she hadn''t paid attention.


    "When are you leaving?" Mansfield asked.


    "Three o''clock flight tomorrow," she replied.


    "So, if I hurry over now, I''ll still be able to have lunch with you before you go?" came his next message.


    Eleanor blinked, startled. "You''reing all the way here?"


    "I''ll fly into Kingston base-it''s less than an hour away from where you are."


    Eleanor''s heart skipped. Was he really rearranging his schedule for her? The thought left her feeling ufortably guilty.


    "Mr. Ellington, maybe we can catch up next time in Ashford City," she suggested. "No," he replied. "Tomorrow. Military Medical University."


    There was no room for negotiation. Eleanor gave up trying to dissuade him¡ªhe was clearly already on his way.


    She spent some time wandering the shops in Kingston, eventually picking out a music box she knew her daughter would adore. She had it shipped home, and by the time she stepped outside again, it was already nine o''clock. Another taxi took her back to Military Medical University.


    Lost in thought, she was jolted by the driver''s voice: "We''re here, miss."


    She paid the fare, stepped out into the chilly night, and pulled her coat tighter around her. Looking up at the university gates, she spotted a familiar figure standing beneath themplight near the security booth.


    He was on the phone, tall andposed beneath the streetlight''s glow.


    Eleanor''s gaze cooled. Ian noticed her, ended his call, and strode over. "Do you have time tomorrow morning?"


    She didn''t hesitate. "No."


    "It''s just an open seminar in the morning. You could skip it,"n replied, his tone low.


    She shot him a look. "I already have ns."


    "With whom?"n pressed, eyes narrowing.


    "That''s none of your business," Eleanor snapped, walking away just as a shuttle bus pulled up. She got in;n remained on the curb.


    Back in her room, another message popped up from Mansfield Ellington: "I''ll pick you up at Military Medical University at eleven tomorrow. Any cravings?"


    Since he was making the effort to see her, turning him down would just be rude. "Anything''s fine. I''ll let you choose," Eleanor replied.


    "Alright. Get some rest, then."


    After her shower, Eleanor scrolled through the news and was surprised to see herself on the national broadcast. There were several shots from the conference -she,n, and Dr. Lyman caught together on camera, even shown in a few close-ups.


    The next morning, Eleanor attended the seminar as nned. Dr. Lyman found her before it ended. He exined he''d be staying in Kingston for a few more days and that she should head back to Ashford City on her own.


    n already booked your ticket," Dr. Lyman added.


    Eleanor would have preferred not to ept the arrangement, but since the ticket was set, she let it go.


    At exactly eleven, her phone buzzed with a message from Mansfield Ellington: "I''m at Military Medical University. Text me when you''re ready toe out."


    "Okay, give me ten minutes," Eleanor replied.


    The seminar ended on a high note, with everyone gathering for a group photo. Eleanor grabbed her bag and stepped outside, spotting a military-green SUV parked in the lot.


    Mansfield Ellington stood beside it, dressed in a deep blue zer, open at the cor and tieless. He had the posture and presence that only years of military life could instill¡ªa certain unrestrained confidence, impossible to miss.

 Chapter 290

    When Eleanor approached, he straightened up and shed a bright, easy smile. "Miss Sutton, we meet again."


    She returned his greeting with a warm nod. "Yes, we do."


    Mansfield Ellington opened the car door for her, hand hovering protectively above her head in a practiced, gentlemanly gesture. "I reserved a private room at The Kingston Grand. The food there is as authentic as it gets."


    Just as Eleanor was about to step in, she felt a prickling sensation-someone was watching her.


    She nced back instinctively and caught a pair of eyes fixed on her from a third- floor window of the administration building not far away.


    "What''s wrong?" Mansfield followed her gaze.


    "It''s nothing." Eleanor turned away and settled into the passenger seat.


    They drove out of the Military Medical University campus. Mansfield guided the wheel with one hand, reaching into the back seat with the other to bring out a neatly wrapped paper bag. "I thought you might be hungry, so I got you a little something-The Kingston Grand''s famous tiramisu."


    Eleanor''s heart warmed as she took the treat. "Thank you."


    It wasn''t just the gift; it was the thoughtfulness behind it that touched her.


    She opened the box, took a bite, and her eyes lit up. "This is delicious."


    Mansfield nced sideways, studying her. "You look a bit thinner thanst time. Have you been working too hard?"


    She smiled, a little sheepish. "It''s not so bad. The project''s at a critical stage, and sometimes I just forget to eat."


    "That won''t do. You have to take care of yourself, Miss Sutton-especially someone as brilliant as you. The world can''t afford to lose a mind like yours."


    His earnestness made herugh. "You''re exaggerating a bit."


    He grinned. "All the more reason for me to take you out for meals more often- fatten you up so you don''t waste away."


    The scenery outside was lovely, and Eleanor found her spirits lifting.


    When they arrived at the restaurant, Mansfield led her into a private dining room. Only then did Eleanor realize this was the kind of ce used for state dinners- hardly somewhere ordinary people could book.


    Mansfield ordered five courses and a soup, as if he really meant to put some weight back on her.


    She kept nibbling at the tiramisu; it was so good, she couldn''t seem to stop. Mansfield watched her with a smile, clearly pleased.


    After a while, Eleanor excused herself to the restroom. On her way back, she bumped into a group entering the lobby-a striking sight of crisp suits and military uniforms.


    Eleanor froze in her tracks.


    He was leaning in, listening to a middle-aged man in uniform. As if sensing her gaze,n looked up and met her eyes.


    They held each other''s stare for a few seconds before Eleanor quickly turned and walked away.


    Back at the table, she was still distracted. Mansfield picked up on it immediately. "Is something wrong?"


    "I just ran into my ex-husband in the lobby. He''s here with a group from the military for dinner," Eleanor admitted.


    Mansfield narrowed his eyes, thinking for a moment. "Is Meridian Dynamics hispany?"


    She blinked in surprise. "Yes."


    "The military signed a strategic partnership with Meridian Dynamicsst year. He''s


    probably here for business talks," Mansfield exined.


    Eleanor pushed thoughts ofn aside and focused on the new dishes being served. "These look really good."


    "Go ahead, try them-Kingston''s finest."


    After they finished their meal, Mansfield drove her back to the university so she


    could catch her flight, then waited to take her to the airport.


    He''d spent half the day as her chauffeur.


    Eleanor felt a little guilty and insisted on buying him coffee at the airport.


    "I''m already looking forward to seeing you again," Mansfield said, his eyes lingering on her as she disappeared through security.


    Eleanor turned and waved with a bright smile, and Mansfield''s heart skipped a beat.


    He''d never believed in love at first sight, but now he couldn''t deny it. He''d met a woman he wanted to know for a lifetime.

 Chapter 291

    Eleanor had wondered if she might run inton at the airport, but to her relief, he wasn''t on her flight.


    Back in Ashford City, the first thing she did was pick up her daughter and bring her home. Gina Quinn used to invite Eleanor over for dinner with the Goodwin family, but over time, she''d realized that no matter how many times she asked, Eleanor was never going to say yes.


    "Evelyn, say goodbye to your grandma."


    "Bye, Grandma!" Evelyn called out. After three days away, she was clearly missing her mom.


    That evening, Joslyn cooked a hearty dinner. The gifts Eleanor had brought home were already waiting, and Evelyn twirled around the living room, hugging them in delight.


    "Thank you, Mommy! I love you the most," Evelyn beamed, puckering her lips for a kiss.


    Eleanor knelt down, offering her cheek, and Evelyn nted a kiss right on it. For a moment, Eleanor worried her daughter might ask aboutn, but as bedtime came and went without any mention of him, she finally allowed herself to rx.


    Eleanor''s birthday wasing up next week, December first. She decided to keep it simple this year and invite a few friends out to celebrate.


    The next morning, after dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor went straight to theb to share the results of her recent conference trip. Even Joel Kingsley and Faye Yeaton were called back in to hear her report.


    Faye''s eyes flickered with envy-she wished she''d been the one chosen for this opportunity. But by the time she''d heard about it, Eleanor and Dr. Lyman were already gone.


    When the meeting ended, Joel found Eleanor in her office. Smiling, he asked, "So, what are your ns for your birthday next week?"


    Eleanor paused in surprise, thenughed. "How did you know about that, Joel?"


    "Wasn''t hard to find out," he replied with a grin. A quick look at her file was all it took.


    "I''m just going to do something small. You should join us for dinner if you''ve got the time," Eleanor said.


    "I''d love to," Joel replied, eyes crinkling in a smile.


    Later, Eleanor texted Joy Thatcher to invite her as well. Joy wrote back, "I''ll bring my mentor along too!"


    "Perfect! The more the merrier," Eleanor replied.


    That evening at home, Joslyn asked at the dinner table, "Ma''am, are you nning


    to have your birthday celebration here? I can start preparing."


    Evelyn''s head popped up, eyes wide with excitement. "Mommy, when''s your birthday?"


    "Next Wednesday," Eleanor said, ruffling her daughter''s hair.


    "Hooray! I get to celebrate with you!" Evelyn cheered.


    Joslyn remembered how, in the past, Eleanor''s birthdays were always spent at home-if Mr. Sutton was there, he''d join in; if he was away on business, it''d just be Eleanor and Evelyn. But now that Eleanor was working and had made new friends, maybe this year''s celebration would be a little livelier.


    Around eight o''clock, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a message from Xavier.


    "Is this a good time? Vivian wants to video call with Evelyn."


    Eleanor replied, "Of course! I''ll call you."


    She found Evelyn and handed her the phone. "Vivian wants to talk to you."


    The moment the call connected, Evelyn couldn''t wait to share her news. "Vivian, my mom''s having a birthday soon!"


    Eleanor flushed a little, just as Vivian piped up, "Can I help celebrate Ms. Sutton''s birthday too?"


    Eleanor smiled warmly at the camera. "Of course you can, sweetheart."


    Then Xavier''s deep voice came through, "Mind if Ie with Vivian?"


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. Xavier was there too?


    "Mr. Vaughn, you have toe eat my mom''s birthday cake with us!" Evelyn dered.


    Eleanor chuckled and said, "If you''re free, Mr. Vaughn, you''re more than wee to join us."

 Chapter 292

    "I''ve got time," Xavier said, sounding certain.


    "Alright." Eleanor nodded, then turned to her daughter. "Why don''t you chat with Vivian for a bit? Mommy has some work to do."


    "Okay! Don''t worry, Mom!" Evelyn grinned and hurried off to show Vivian her music box.


    Eleanor retreated to her study, quickly immersing herself in her research paper.


    The days that followed were a blur of experiments, data, and deadlines. Even on the weekend, Eleanor found herself heading to theb, this time with Evelyn tagging along for the first time. The little girl''s eyes widened as she stepped into the bright, bustling workspace, watching her mother slip on a crisp whiteb coat. In that moment, Evelyn thought her mom looked so powerful, almost untouchable. "Mom, you''re a real scientist!" Evelyn stared at Eleanor, awe shining in her eyes. Eleanor had achieved more than most could dream of, but she''d never talked much about her work in front of her daughter.


    Joel was off that day, so Eleanor had asked him to keep Evelynpany while she worked.


    Faye was also in theb, catching up on some projects. When she spotted Joel holding the hand of a little girl, she paused, surprised. "Joel, whose child is this?"


    "She''s Eleanor''s daughter," Joel replied.


    Faye''s gaze flicked from Joel to Evelyn, her expression a mix of curiosity and surprise. Evelyn''s features were a perfect blend of Eleanor andn-everyone always said daughters favored their fathers, and Evelyn was proof: striking eyes, delicate features, a hint of future beauty even at her age.


    Evelyn didn''t much care for the way Faye was looking at her. She tugged at Joel''s hand, whispering, "Mr. Kingsley, can we go outside?"


    Joel smiled indulgently. "Of course. Let''s see if we can find a spot on thewn."


    Faye shot Evelyn a frustrated look, her mood souring. Was Eleanor really bossing Joel around, asking him to babysit? Did Eleanor think Joel was already her future husband?


    That evening, Eleanor invited Joel to join them for dinner. Afterward, he drove mother and daughter home. As they pulled up to the house, a sleek ck Mercedes was parked authoritatively across the driveway, blocking the gate. "That''s Dad''s car!" Evelyn eximed, immediately recognizing it.


    Eleanor turned to Joel. "Thank you for today, Joel."


    "No problem at all," he said, genuinely pleased.


    The car door swung open, andn stepped out-tall and impably put together


    in a charcoal cashmere coat and a ck turtleneck, exuding an air of refined confidence.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn ran to him, arms outstretched.


    Joel nodded politely. "Mr. Goodwin. It''s been a while."


    He turned to Eleanor. "I''ll get going, then."


    Once Joel left, Evelyn wrapped her arms aroundn''s neck. "Daddy, Mr. Kingsley


    is really nice! He yed with me all afternoon."


    ¡°Is that so?¡±n tapped her gently on the forehead. "Tomorrow, I''ll y with you myself."


    "Really?" Evelyn''s eyes sparkled, but then she paused, as if remembering something. "Daddy, can you spend Mom''s birthday with us?"


    Eleanor inwardly cringed, half-expecting her daughter''s question-she''d been especially outspokentely.


    "Evelyn, it''s time for a bath," Eleanor interjected.


    "Aww, okay," Evelyn pouted, but let herself be handed over.


    Eleanor scooped her daughter up and ushered her inside, then turned back to


    "Do you have any ns for your birthday?"n asked suddenly.


    Eleanor brushed her hair away from her face, voice cool. "Even if I did, you wouldn''t be invited."

 Chapter 293

    At nine o''clock,n returned to Goodwin Manor. Lately, Magdalen''s health hadn''t been great, so he made a point toe home every night.


    Magdalen sat on the sofa, half-watching a si on TV. Just a couple of days ago, she''d caught a glimpse of Eleanor and her granddaughter on the news, and it stirred up a flicker of hope in her heart.


    "Grandma, it''s sote-why aren''t you in bed yet?" Serena called out, concern in her voice.


    "I''m waiting for your brother," Magdalen replied.


    "Are you feeling alright?" Serena asked, sitting down beside her.


    "It''s nothing like that," Magdalen said, waving her hand. "There''s just something I need to remind him about." As she spoke, her grandson walked through the living room doors.


    n,e here a minute," Magdalen called, beckoning him over.


    Serena watched their exchange with curiosity, wondering what her grandmother wanted to discuss with her brother.


    Oncen sat down, Magdalen asked, "Do you remember what day December first is?"


    Serena muttered from the side, "Grandma, December first is World AIDS Day."


    Magdalen shot her a look. "Hush, you." Then she turned back ton, "So, tell me ¡ªwhat are your ns for that day?"


    "Make sure the gifts and flowers are all taken care of," Magdalen insisted, her tone brooking no argument.


    The more Serena listened, the more confused she became. She tugged at Magdalen''s sleeve. "Grandma,e on, tell me! What are you even talking about withn? I don''t get it at all."


    Magdalen finally relented. "December first is Eleanor''s birthday. I want your brother to make a gesture."


    Serena''s expression darkened, a sh of resentment in her eyes. "Why should he? They''re divorced."


    "They were married once. Just because they''re divorced doesn''t mean he can''t do something for her."


    ¡°Grandma, you''re not actually trying to get them back together, are you?" Serena, realizing Magdalen''s intentions, leapt to her feet in protest. "Please, don''t do this."


    "You know nothing," Magdalen scolded her, her tone sharp. "If it weren''t for your brother-do you think this marriage would''ve ended?"


    Serena bit her lip, grumbling under her breath, "My brother never even loved her."


    Magdalen snorted and turned ton, who was getting a ss of water in the corner. Her voice softened. "Ian, let me say one more thing. Eleanor''s stubborn- if you don''t reach out first, she''ll never look back."


    Serena, knowing her brother was nothing if not polite, piped up, "Even if you do send something, don''t make it too expensive."


    Magdalen rounded on her. "That''s enough out of you."


    Serena flushed, but didn''t dare argue with her grandmother. She muttered, "Grandma, sometimes I wonder if you can even tell who your real granddaughter is anymore-me or Eleanor?"


    With that, she stomped off in a huff.


    The crystal chandelier overhead sent fractured shadows acrossn''s thoughtful face. He didn''t say a word.


    "Silly boy!" Magdalen said, exasperated, patting his arm. "Women''s hearts aren''t made of stone-especially when you two have Evelyn. You have to go to her birthday, do you hear me? My health isn''t what it used to be, and all I want is to


    see "


    "Grandma, don''t say things like that. You''ll live to be a hundred,"n interrupted. "Then promise me you''ll go to her birthday," Magdalen insisted, suddenly clutching her chest and coughing theatrically. "Oh, my heart¡ª"


    Up on the third floor, Serena dialed Vanessa''s number.


    "Hey, Serena," came Vanessa''s voice.


    "Vanessa, listen, I have to tell you something important. December first is


    Eleanor''s birthday. My grandma''s forcing my brother to send her flowers and gifts ¡ªand she might even make him go celebrate in person. She''s hoping they''ll get back together."


    "Really?" Vanessa''s tone was noticeably tense.


    "Vanessa, you have to keep my brother busy that day. Whatever you do, don''t let him go to Eleanor''s birthday."


    "I''ll do my best," Vanessa promised.


    "I can''t stand it. Grandma likes Eleanor more than she likes me."


    "Oh, don''t be silly. No one could everpare to you," Vanessa reassured her.


    Serena thought about it for a moment. She was right-Eleanor wasn''t part of the Goodwin family anymore.


    ***


    The next morning,n took his daughter to the amusement park. When the little girl cast pleading nces at her, Eleanor stood firm, determined to draw a clear line between herself and this man, even if it meant disappointing her daughter.


    Eleanor called Joy on video chat and told her she''d decided to rent a private room at her own hotel for her birthday.


    "I almost forgot-you''re a billionaire now!" Joyughed from the other end.


    That afternoon, Ellington sent over the work schedule for theing week. On Monday, Eleanor had her regr morning meeting at the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    Although the ownership and management of the eightpanies had changed hands, business continued as usual. After all, nearly every deal still involved Goodwin & Co. in some way.

 Chapter 294

    As long as Goodwin & Co. didn''t pull the plug on their partnership, the revenues of those eightpanies would keep rising steadily.


    That evening,n carried his sleeping daughter into the living room. Eleanor came over to take her, but five-year-old Evelyn was already almost four feet tall and pushing sixty pounds-Eleanor staggered under the weight.


    ¡°I''ll do it,¡±n said softly, and, seeing her struggle, took their daughter back into his arms.


    With her arms suddenly empty, Eleanor frowned and stepped aside, watching asn carried Evelyn upstairs. She followed behind them.


    In the bedroom,nid his daughter on the bed with a gentleness that seemed impossible from a man somanding in the business world. He knelt down and carefully slipped off her little shoes, then bent to kiss her forehead before he left. When he walked toward the door, Eleanor quickly turned her face away.


    Downstairs, Joslyn''s voice floated from the kitchen. "Sir, won''t you stay for dinner?"


    "No, thank you."n''s refusal was brisk.


    Monday.


    Eleanor arrived promptly at the Vesper Joy Hotel. She''d already spoken with Ellington about the uing birthday. The hotel manager came over himself to discuss decoration themes.


    "Keep it simple, nothing too borate. Let''s use champagne as the main color," Eleanor instructed.


    She stepped into the conference room and stopped shortn was sitting beside the head of the table.


    Ellington walked over, lowering his voice. "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin dropped in unexpectedly. I didn''t have a chance to brief you."


    "Good morning, Ms. Sutton." Ian rose to greet her, calm and collected.


    That strictly businesslike attitude helped Eleanor steady herself. Her eightpanies had extensive dealings with his firm, and in each,n held some stakes.


    "There''s no need for you to attend routine meetings like this," Eleanor said coolly.


    The hotel manager jumped in, "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin is here to discuss next quarter''s partnership, and his visit just happened to coincide with our weekly meeting, so¡ª"


    Eleanor took her seat at the head of the table and gestured for everyone to sit. "Let''s start, shall we?"


    The agenda began, and each department head gave their report.


    Eleanor listened intently, jotting down notes from time to time.


    When the marketing director began presenting the budget for next quarter,n suddenly interjected. "I rmend allocating more resources to new media, especially short-form video tforms the results will be much stronger."


    "We''re already implementing Mr. Goodwin''s suggestion," the director said, ncing nervously betweenn and Eleanor. "Market data shows it''s the right direction."


    He couldn''t help but wonder about the dynamic between these ex-spouses- whether they were still on the same page or not.


    Eleanor saw right through him. "Ellington can handle this."


    Ellington nodded. "Of course. I''ll send you the report and data analysis once it''s ready."


    The meeting ended.


    As Eleanor and Ellington walked out, discussing next steps,n called after her. "Eleanor, a word?"


    Eleanor stopped and turned to Ellington. "You go ahead."


    Ellington nodded politely ton. "Mr. Goodwin, I''ll leave you two to it."


    Eleanor''s expression turned icy. "Say what you need to say."


    "About your birthday¡ª"


    "It''s a private affair. No outsiders invited." Eleanor put extra emphasis on the word ''outsider.''


    She neededn to know: to her, he was less than a stranger.


    "Anything else, Mr. Goodwin?" Her voice was cold.


    "I''m not exactly an outsider. At the very least, we''re still business partners,"n replied, his tone low.


    Eleanor frowned. The business ties between her eightpanies and Goodwin & Co. were deeply intertwined-there was no way to sever thempletely.


    She didn''t deny it. "From now on, business is business, and personal matters are personal. Please keep that straight."


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She paused, surprised to see Xavier''s name.


    Turning away, she answered. "Hello, Mr. Vaughn."


    "Miss Sutton, am I interrupting?" Xavier asked.


    "Not at all. Go ahead."


    As she spoke,n''s tall frame brushed past her. Without looking back, he tossed her a curt reply "I will."


    Eleanor blinked, realizing he was responding to her request to keep work and personal life separate.


    From now on, whenever they met, he''d draw that line.


    On the other end of the call, Xavier continued. "Miss Sutton, do you havepany?"


    "No one important. Please, go on."


    Eleanor''s words maden, who had already walked a few steps away, turn around and look at her, his expression clouded.


    She met his eyes for a second, then walked off with her phone.


    Xavier''s voice was warm. "My aunt asked if you''d like to join us for lunch."


    Mrs. Juliette Grayson''s invitation wasn''t something Eleanor could refuse. She smiled. "I''d be delighted."


    "Great, see you at noon."

 Chapter 295

    At noon, Eleanor arrived right on time at the restaurant Xavier had chosen. Juliette hadn''t been feeling welltely and rarely made public appearances. Yet today, despite her frail health, she''d insisted on meeting Eleanor in person. Eleanor, knowing this, wouldn''t dream of being disrespectful.


    "Miss Sutton, I truly value your expertise in medical research," Juliette began, her tone gentle but earnest. "Even though you''re currently working in Dr. Lyman''sb, our research interests are closely aligned."


    Eleanor nodded, matching Juliette''s seriousness. "Absolutely, Mrs. Grayson. Science knows no borders, and since ourbs are both in the same field, we should support and learn from each other."


    "If there''s anything you need from me, don''t hesitate to ask," Eleanor added.


    A faint smile appeared on Juliette''s lips. She reached into her bag, pulling out a folder and handing it to Eleanor. "This is thetest data from ourb''s cancer drug project. I''d appreciate it if you could take a look and offer your insights."


    Eleanor paused, a little taken aback by the trust Juliette was cing in her. She epted the folder, flipping to the first page. Her eyes darted quickly over the dense molecr diagrams and experimental results. When she looked up at Juliette, there was a hint of surprise in her gaze. "Is this a new targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancer?"


    Xavier picked up the thread, his voice carrying a somber note. "My aunt is a breast cancer survivor. She''s poured her heart into this project, and they''ve just finished the animal trials."


    Juliette coughed quietly, her face pale. "Miss Sutton, I know you''re already busy with your own research, but if you could spare some time to review our findings and share your thoughts, I''d be grateful."


    Eleanor could feel the weight of the folder in her hands, and even more, the hope in Juliette''s eyes. She nodded solemnly. "Of course, Mrs. Grayson. I''ll go over the data carefully and get back to you as soon as I can."


    Lunch ended on that note.


    Xavier offered to drive Eleanor back to herb.


    In the car, he nced in the rearview mirror at Eleanor. "My aunt thinks the world


    of you. She always says that if you joined our team, the project would move ahead much faster."


    Eleanor smiled. ¡°Dr. Lyman has been a great mentor to me, so I don''t n to switchbs for now. But I''d be happy to keep coborating."


    Xavier nodded, not pressing the issue. He respected Eleanor''s decisions.


    Back at herb, Eleanor was just starting to work through the pile of new data when Simone''s assistant knocked at the door. "Eleanor, Professor Langley wants to see you."


    Eleanor set down the folder and left the office. Momentster, Faye entered-she was dropping off a file from Meridian Dynamics for Eleanor.


    Faye had just finished stacking the documents and was about to leave when she noticed a folder from Juliette''sb sitting on Eleanor''s desk. She frowned, picked


    it up, and without hesitation, broke the seal to take a look.


    After skimming the contents, Faye gave a cold, derisiveugh. "So, Eleanor''s nning to jump ship to Juliette''sb, is she?"


    Honestly, Faye wouldn''t mind if she did.


    But if Eleanor did move, she''d only gain even more recognition and influence, which would make her even harder topete with. It was better to keep her tied up here, buried in a research project that had little chance of breakthrough. That way, Eleanor''s time and energy would be drained, and Faye could focus on winning credit with Meridian Dynamics.


    When Eleanor returned, she quietly tucked Juliette''s folder into a drawer before heading out to theb.


    Time flew by, and before she knew it, it was Wednesday. That morning, Eleanor dropped her daughter off at school. The little girl was already giddy with anticipation.


    "Mom, how manyyers will tonight''s cake have? Can I help you cut the cake?" "How manyyers do you want?" Eleanor asked,ughing.


    "Six! I want a sixyer cake!"


    "Sixyers, huh?" Eleanor grinned and nodded. "Alright, I''ll order a sixyer cake tonight. But you have to promise not to eat too much, okay?"


    "I know, Mom!" Her daughter was growing more sensible every day.


    Eleanor was in high spirits herself. The hotel had set up the private function room


    for her party the night before and sent her photos-it looked so warm and inviting. Tonight was going to be a wonderful evening.


    "Sweetheart, you''re the star tonight, so don''t dress too casually."


    Eleanor chuckled. "Don''t worry, I''ve already called the dress shop. The styling team will be there to help me get ready¡ªand maybe give you a little m, too.¡±


    "Please, the guests tonight are all your admirers," her friend Joy teased over the phone.


    Eleanor''s cheeks flushed. "Don''t be ridiculous, they''re just friends and colleagues."


    Joyughed, her tone yfully suggestive. "Should I send an invitation to Major General Ellington, too? I do love watching a little friendlypetition."


    "Joy!" Eleanor sputtered, halfughing, half-exasperated, wishing she could reach through the phone and swat her.


    At 4:30 that afternoon, Eleanor got a call from the dress shop-her team had


    already arrived at the Vesper Joy Hotel and were waiting for her.


    As she was packing up to leave work, she heard Gwenda''s voice from the reception area. "Can I help you?"


    "Is Miss Eleanor Sutton here?" someone asked.


    Eleanor stepped out of her office, surprised to see two out-of-breath young


    women holding a bouquet and a gift bag.


    "I''m Eleanor," she said.


    "Miss Sutton, we''ve finally found you!" They looked exhausted-apparently, they''d


    been wandering the research building for ages.


    "Don''t you remember me, Miss Sutton? I''m Mrs. Ellington''s assistant.¡±


    Eleanor looked at the slightly plump girl, recognition dawning. "Of course, I remember."


    But why was Mrs. Ellington''s assistant bringing her flowers and a gift?


    "These are for you, Miss Sutton. And this gift as well."


    Eleanor epted the bouquet and present, curiosity getting the better of her. "Did Mrs. Ellington send these?"


    The assistant smiled. "Someone asked our Mrs. Ellington to pass them along to you."

 Chapter 296

    Eleanor was momentarily caught off guard. Her assistant chimed in again, "Ms. Sutton, we''ll head out first!"


    With the bouquet cradled in her arms, Eleanor walked back to her office. Gwenda trailed in behind her, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Eleanor, let me guess these are from your secret admirer, aren''t they?"


    The words "secret admirer" made Eleanor''s mind go nk for a second. She stood up, inspecting the flowers. There was no card, nothing to give away the sender. She opened the apanying gift box and found a delicate silver bracelet inside.


    "Whoa, isn''t that a Tiffany bracelet?" Gwenda eximed.


    Eleanor looked at the bracelet, letting out a quiet sigh. She could already guess it was from Mansfield Ellington.


    It was far too extravagant a gift. She really couldn''t ept it.


    Gwenda watched her with open envy. She thought to herself, Most women, after a divorce, can only dream of marrying into another wealthy family, but with Eleanor''s looks and ability, it probably wouldn''t be hard for her at all.


    Eleanor snapped a quick photo of the bracelet and texted it to Mansfield Ellington.


    "Was this from you?"


    "Yes, it''s from me. Happy birthday."


    "How did you know today''s my birthday?"


    "Is it okay if I admit this, Miss Sutton, without you getting mad? I asked someone to look up a few things about you."


    Eleanor couldn''t decide whether tough or be annoyed at his reply.


    "Please don''t be upset. I didn''t mean anything by it. I just wanted to get to know you better."


    She replied, "I''m not upset. But the bracelet is a bit too much I can''t ept it. I''ll keep the flowers, though."


    Just as Eleanor was about to gather her things and leave, her phone rang. She nced at the screen: Mansfield Ellington was calling.


    She answered, "Hello?"


    His voice was a little anxious, low and earnest. "Miss Sutton, please ept the gift. It''s just a small token from me."


    "Mr. Ellington, I appreciate the thought, but¡ª"


    ¡°This is the first time I''ve ever given a gift to a woman. Miss Sutton, would you


    please not turn me down?" His tone was almost pleading.


    Eleanor paused, looking at the simple bracelet. She genuinely liked the style, but she knew it wasn''t cheap.


    "When''s your birthday?" she asked, taking the initiative.


    "February eighteenth."


    ¡°Alright, I''ll remember. I''ll ept your gift." Eleanor smiled. She could always return the gesture on his birthday.


    Since it was the first time he had given a woman a gift, refusing it would probably sting.


    On the other end, Mansfield Ellington chuckled. "I''m taking a few days off before the holidays to go see my family. Maybe we can get together then."


    "Sure, take care," Eleanor replied.


    After the call, Eleanor carried the bouquet down to her car. She was about to pick up her daughter when Xavier called he offered to take her to the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    Eleanor agreed and headed straight to the hotel.


    When she pulled up to the lobby, the valet took her car, and the receptionists all stood to greet her. "Good evening, Ms. Sutton."


    She waved to acknowledge them, and the hotel manager personally escorted her upstairs to the sixth-floor private banquet hall. Eleanor inspected everything and was pleased with the arrangements.


    Next, she retreated to her private suite to rest. The stylist from the dress shop was already there, waiting to do her hair and makeup.


    A littleter, Joy arrived, glowing with a wless look of her own.


    At six o''clock, Xavier led two little girls into the banquet hall. They bounced in, full of energy. Xavier handed Eleanor a gift bag. "Ms. Sutton, happy birthday."


    "Thank you," Eleanor said, epting it. She didn''t even check what was inside. She thought to herself, Since I invited Xavier, from now on we''ll just be friends who exchange gifts on special asions.


    Not long after, Frazier Jeffries arrived, and he and Joy presented a gift together. Finally, Joel came in holding a bouquet and a present.


    Xavier''s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, and Joel looked surprised as well. But both men tucked away their emotions, greeting each other with practiced courtesy.


    Dinner was avish spread of seafood. The two girls finished quickly and started ying nearby, while the adults chatted about current events. The atmosphere was warm and lively.


    Just then, the hotel manager, Tom, came over and quietly told Eleanor, "Ms. Sutton, Gavin''s here."


    Eleanor was a little surprised. Even though she andn were divorced, Gavin Young had always treated her well.


    She stepped out of the banquet hall and saw Gavin holding a bouquet of champagne-colored roses and a gift box. "Ms. Sutton, I''m here on behalf of Mr. Goodwin to wish you a happy birthday."


    She didn''t owen anything, but she''d never had any ill will toward Gavin.


    "Gavin, could you please return these to him? I don''t need them," Eleanor said.


    Gavin held out the gift box. "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin said you''d definitely ept this one."


    Eleanor paused, then opened the box. Insidey an academic pin, the very one her father had once received as a mark of his achievements.


    It made sense. Ian had kept it long enough-her father''s keepsake belonged with


    her.


    "Tell your boss I''ll ept the gift, but not the flowers," Eleanor said.


    Gavin smiled. "Of course."


    "Come in and have a slice of cake before you go?" she offered.


    "No, no, I still need to report back to Mr. Goodwin," Gavin replied. Just then,


    Xavier stepped out. Gavin greeted him, "Mr. Vaughn, I didn''t know you were here."


    Xavier smiled. "Wasn here tonight?"


    Gavin shook his head. "Mr. Goodwin didn''te."


    Eleanor and Xavier went back inside. Gavin headed for the elevator and called


    "Hello?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, Ms. Sutton epted the gift, but not the flowers. Oh, and I saw Mr. Vaughn was there too."


    "I see."


    "What should I do with the flowers-?"


    "Throw them out,"n replied, his voice suddenly colder.

 Chapter 297

    Eleanor returned and tuckedn''s gift into her purse. The two little ones were already moring for cake¡ªa stunning six-tiered masterpiece that Joy had ordered just for the asion.


    When it came time to bring out the candles, Eleanor felt her cheeks flush. Joy, grinning mischievously, had picked out a giant "18" candle for her. When Eleanor shot her a look, Joy threw an arm around her shoulders and dered, "Here''s to Miss Sutton-forever eighteen!"


    Xavier and Joel both chuckled, while across the table, Frazier watched Joy''s antics with a soft affection in his eyes.


    After the candles were lit, the lights in the banquet hall dimmed. Eleanor closed her eyes and made a wish. For her, nothing mattered more than her daughter''s health and happiness.


    Xavier''s gaze lingered on Eleanor''s elegant profile, his admiration impossible to hide in the gentle glow.


    Joel''s expression was full of warmth and hope; he had seen Eleanor at her lowest, trapped in a broken marriage, and now, he was witnessing her transformation¡ªher courage to reim her life. He wished her nothing but smooth sailing, even if he couldn''t always be by her side.


    Eleanor opened her eyes and turned to the two children, who were practically bouncing in their seats. "Alright, you can blow them out now."


    The kids blew with all their might, and as the lights came up, the room filled withughter and apuse.


    Eleanor looked around at the scene her friends, her daughter, the gentle hum of happiness filling the air. Her heart swelled with warmth.


    In her arms, Evelyn looped her small arms around her neck and whispered, "Happy birthday, Mommy."


    Eleanor smiled and ran her hand through her daughter''s soft hair, then pinched her chubby cheeks. "Thank you, sweetheart."


    "Mommy, let''s cut the cake!" Evelyn''s eyes shone with excitement.


    "Alright, let''s do it." Eleanor guided her daughter''s hand as they cut into the cake together.


    Soon, the two little ones had frosting smeared across their faces, looking like a pair of mischievous kittens, which sent the adults into fits ofughter.


    Seizing the moment, Joy leaned over and whispered in Eleanor''s ear, "I swear, Xavier''s eyes are glued to you tonight. Aren''t you going to do something about it?"


    Eleanor''s ears turned pink. She nudged Joy yfully. "Stop it."


    She''d long noticed Frazier''s feelings for Joy, too. Now, she decided to tease her oblivious friend back. "Ms. Thatcher, you''re so invested in my love life, but what about your own?"


    Joy froze, following Eleanor''s gaze toward Frazier. A faint blush bloomed on her cheeks as she shot Eleanor a warning look. "Don''t start."


    Eleanor''s smile grew a little more serious. "You know I''m right."


    ncing at his watch, Joel rose and lifted his ss toward her. "Happy birthday, Eleanor."


    She nodded gratefully, clinking her ss against his. "Thank you, Joel."


    "I''ve got a video meeting in a bit, so I''ll slip out now."


    Eleanor walked him to the door. "Drive safe."


    Tonight, everyone was sticking to champagne, so no one had to worry about the drive home.


    Xavier and Frazier stood out on the balcony, deep in conversation.


    Time slipped by in the golden haze of goodpany, and before long, it was nine o''clock and the party was winding down.


    Joy loaded Eleanor''s gifts into the car, while Evelyn, clutching a bouquet, was lifted in with a beaming smile.


    Xavier crossed over and said to Eleanor, "Drive safe. Text me when you get home."


    "I will," she replied with a warm smile.


    On the ride home, Evelyn, though still basking in the fun of the evening, suddenly grew quiet.


    "Mommy, why wasn''t Daddy here tonight?" she asked.


    Eleanor''s fingers tightened on the steering wheel. She hadn''t expected her daughter to bring upn.


    For a moment, silence filled the car. Then, forcing a small smile, Eleanor said, "Your dad... probably just had to workte."


    Evelyn looked down, fidgeting with her bouquet. "But Daddy used to always spend your birthday with us."


    A pang went through Eleanor''s chest.


    She could shutn''s influence out of her own life, but Evelyn couldn''t. And how could she exin to her little girl that their family had changed, that things could never be the same?


    Taking a deep breath, Eleanor tried to keep her tone light. "If you miss Daddy, just give him a call, okay? I''m sure he''d love to see you."


    Evelyn nodded, then murmured, "I just wish Daddy could be with you too, Mommy."


    Eleanor paused. Did Evelyn think that withoutn she was unhappy? The truth was just the opposite-leaving him was what had finally allowed her to find herself again, to feel real happiness.


    She reached over and squeezed Evelyn''s hand gently. "I''m happy, sweetheart. I have you with me."


    Evelyn looked up, hope flickering in her eyes. "Really?"


    "Of course," Eleanor assured her with a smile.


    The car glided through the quiet night, streetlights casting pools of gold across the windshield.


    Soon Evelyn was absorbed in her toys again, and Eleanor caught her reflection in the rearview mirror, a soft smile lifting her lips.


    Her daughter and her work were all she needed. Everything else... didn''t matter anymore.


    When they got home, Joslyn had prepared a small bowl offorting soup for Eleanor and had set aside a slice of cake for herself. Eleanor always treated Joslyn like family, and Joslyn, in turn, took care of them with all her heart. While Joslyn gave Evelyn her bath, Eleanor stepped out onto the balcony to rest. Her phone buzzed-it was a message from Joy, who had sent a screenshot.


    "What is Vanessa ying at? Of all nights to post this?" Joy fumed. Vanessa had posted a picture of herself shing a seven-figure ne, with a casual caption: [Thank you for your special attention.]


    Eleanor stared at the post, her finger gliding slowly across the screen. The timing was just a little too convenient.


    Joy sent another voice note, clearly annoyed. "What is she trying to prove? Is she just trying to get under your skin?"


    Eleanorughed softly and replied, "Let her post whatever she wants. It''s not worth our attention."


    She had barely set her phone down when another message popped up.


    This time, it was from Xavier: "Did you get home safe?"

 Chapter 298

    "We''re here. Thanks for checking in," Eleanor replied.


    Xavier messaged back almost instantly. "Get some rest."


    She was about to put her phone down when another notification shed across the screen-it wasn.


    "All finished?" he asked.


    Eleanor didn''t bother replying. Instead, she got up and rummaged through her bag, pulling out her father''s old brooch. For a moment, she let herself remember hown had ended up with it in the first ce.


    During the divorce, Eleanor hadpletely forgotten about that brooch. Otherwise, she would have insisted he return it right then and there.


    Now, he''d sent it back as a birthday present-as if to draw a clear line between them, once and for all.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone began to ring. She nced at the screen-it wasn calling.


    She bit her lip before answering, her tone chilly. "What is it?"


    "Is Evelyn around? I just wanted to talk to her for a bit,"n''s voice came through.


    Eleanor''s grip tightened on the phone as she instinctively nced toward the bathroom. From inside, she could hear her daughter''s happy shrieks as Joslyn bathed her, the sound of sshing water echoing through the apartment.


    "She''s in the bath right now," Eleanor replied evenly. "If you need to tell her something, I can pass it along."


    There was a pause on the other end. Whenn finally spoke, his voice was low. "Happy birthday."


    Eleanor''s fingers curled a little tighter around the phone. She lowered her gaze, her voice turning even colder. "I got your gift. Thank you for returning it. If there''s nothing else, I''m hanging up."


    She ended the call, ced the brooch among her most cherished keepsakes, and headed off to take a shower.


    The next morning, after dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor made her way to theb. Ever since their recent breakthrough, she and her team had been working nonstop, running experiments to validate their findings.


    She slipped into herb coat, sweeping her hair into a neat bun. Instantly, her focus sharpened.


    To help speed up their progress, Simone had assigned two youngb assistants to support her.


    When Eleanor arrived, the team was already at their stations, calibrating equipment.


    "Eleanor,st night''s data is in," Z, her assistant, hurried over with a report in hand.


    Eleanor took the report, flipping through the pages with practiced speed. As she scanned the numbers, a faint, involuntary smile touched her lips. The results far exceeded their initial expectations. This new synthesis method had achieved a real, tangible breakthrough.


    "Let''s prep for the fourth set of trials," Eleanor said, setting the report aside. "This time, let''s adjust the catalyst ratio and see if we can push for a more stable threshold."


    Theb snapped into action.


    Eleanor took her ce at the central workstation, fine-tuning a piece of precision equipment herself.


    Outside the ss wall, Simone was standing with someonen. He''de to Ashford Medical University for a meeting and had stopped by theb.


    It wasn''t the first timen had watched her at work. But today, something about Eleanor''s presence was different-every gesture radiated a quiet authority. She''d be a leader in her field.


    "Eleanor, could you look at this molecr structure?" A young researcher hesitantly pointed at his monitor.


    Eleanor leaned in, a stray lock of hair falling across her face.


    Suddenly, theb erupted in cheers.


    "Ny-six point eight percent! Eleanor, we did it!" Z waved the data sheet in excitement.


    Eleanor gazed at the wless molecr structure on the screen, about to let out a breath of relief, when she noticedn and Simone watching from outside.


    She patted one of her teammates on the shoulder. "I''ll be right back."


    Simone, seeing the buzz inside theb, greeted her at the door. "Good news again?"


    Eleanor nodded. "After recalibrating, the results are even better than we hoped." "Ellie, you never cease to amaze me! Another breakthrough," Simone beamed.n''s gaze lingered on Eleanor, intense and unreadable. "Congrattions."


    Eleanor acted as if she hadn''t heard him.


    Simone cleared her throat. "Ellie,n''s here for a conference. Maybe you two should have a chat?"


    "There''s nothing for us to talk about, Professor Langley," Eleanor said crisply, turning to head back inside.


    Simone gaven an awkward nce. ¡°Ian, you and Ellie¡ª"


    "She doesn''t like me,¡±n said matter-of-factly.


    Simone had heard a little about their lives before the marriage.


    "But I heard that when you were in aa, Eleanor stayed by your bedside for a year. She loved you very much."


    "She took care of me for a whole year,"n replied softly.


    Simone sighed, sensing there was little more to say. She remembered thatn


    had given Faye his spot for the doctoral program, and realized any advice would be pointless.


    "Professor Langley,"n said suddenly. "I need a favor."


    "Of course. What is it?"


    "Could you sound Eleanor out? After this trial, see if she''d be willing to move abroad."


    Simone looked surprised. "You want her to leave the country?"


    Understanding dawned on Simone. She nodded slowly. ¡°Alright, I''ll find a chance to ask her."


    Just then,n''s phone rang. He answered quickly. "Hello?"


    "Hey, it''s me¡ªsomething''s happened. Vanessa copsed at home and they''re rushing her to the hospital."


    He turned to Simone. "Professor Langley, please do what you can to get


    Eleanor''s research to clinical trials as soon as possible."


    "That won''t be easy for her."


    "Then she''ll just have to find a way."n''s words were clipped as he strode away.

 Chapter 299

    Simone watched asn hurried away, his figure disappearing down the hall. She turned, ncing into theb where Eleanor was still immersed in her work, and let out a silent sigh.


    Inside theb, Eleanor was guiding her team through some parameter


    adjustments. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Simone standing in the doorway, gesturing for her toe over.


    Eleanor handed off her tasks to an assistant and stepped outside.


    "Ellie, there''s something I need to discuss with you."


    Eleanor followed Simone to the end of the hallway, where they found a quiet corner by the staff lounge.


    "Just now, whenn left, he seemed in a real hurry. He told me he hopes your research can move into clinical trials as soon as possible."


    Eleanor paused, surprised. "Professor Langley? Why is he in such a rush?"


    "I''m not sure either. Do you think there''s any chance of that happening?"


    Eleanor considered for a moment, then shook her head. "We still need more time -at least another three months."


    Simone nodded. "Alright, I understand."


    Eleanor nodded too, about to head back, when Simone stopped her with another question. "Eleanor, after this research wraps up, have you ever thought about going abroad for further studies?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, I haven''t. My child''s still young. I''m not nning to leave the country."


    Simone regarded her seriously. "As your mentor, I want you to know that if the opportunity everes, I''ll support you, whatever you decide."


    Eleanor answered with a calm, quiet confidence. "I can make breakthroughs here, just the same."


    Simone smiled and nodded. "You have a real gift for medicine. That''s rare."


    Just then, Callie approached from down the hall. "Eleanor, you said you''de with me to the hospital to collect some data. I''m heading over now."


    Eleanor nodded. "Let''s go."


    Ashford General Hospital.


    Eleanor and Callie got out of the car and headed straight for the inpatient wing.


    As soon as they stepped into the main lobby, Eleanor spotted a familiar figure by the elevators-Serena.


    Serena turned and their eyes met. She looked annoyed.


    "Eleanor, what are you doing at the hospital? Don''t tell me you''re here to stir things up for Vanessa while she''s admitted."


    Eleanor frowned. Vanessa was in the hospital?


    "I''m here for work," Eleanor replied coolly.


    Serena gave a skeptical huff.


    When it came time to press the elevator buttons, Eleanor chose the same floor as Serena. Serena shot her another warning. "You''d better really be here for work."


    Serena''s phone rang. She picked up. "Hey,n, I''m here."


    Eleanor''s frown deepened. Son had left theb in a rush to see Vanessa.


    The elevator dinged at the fifteenth floor.


    The VIP ward was noticeably quiet.


    Down the hall, Eleanor sawn speaking with a doctor. When he noticed Eleanor walking with Serena, he was visibly taken aback.


    Serena hurried to his side. "Ian, how''s Vanessa?"


    "She''s in room nine," he replied.


    Then he turned to Eleanor, a hint of tension in his voice. "What are you doing here?"


    Eleanor met his gaze-rarely did he seem this unsettled. "I''m here for work."


    Callie stepped in with a timely exnation. "Mr. Goodwin, we''re here to collect clinical data."


    Serena clung ton''s arm. "Come on, let''s go see Vanessa."


    Eleanor turned to Callie. "Let''s head to room twelve."


    Inside room twelve, Eleanor and Callie began their examinations. Their patient was a woman in herte thirties, about to take part in their new drug trial for advanced leukemia.


    "Dr. Sutton, when will the new medication be ready? I don''t want to die¡ªI want to keep living. My child still needs me..." The patient''s voice was faint but desperate.


    Eleanor carefully recorded the data, doing her best to reassure her. "Your vitals are stable, which is a good sign. At most, it''ll be another three months before our medication is ready."


    Eleanor and Callie stepped out into the hallway, discussing the case, whenn appeared, his expressionplicated. "Can I speak to you for a minute?"


    Callie picked up on the tension. "I''ll grab some paperwork from the nurses'' station."


    Once Callie was gone, Eleanor turned ton, her tone cold. "What is it?"


    Eleanor closed the file. "I''ll update everyone on Friday. If there''s nothing else, I need to get back to work."


    Now it all made sense. Ian had asked Simone to pressure her because Vanessa was waiting on her research.


    As Eleanor turned to leave,n''s voice followed, deep and urgent. "If you run into any difficulties, let me know. I''ll make sure you get whatever you need."


    No surprise-when it came to Vanessa, he was always quick to act.


    Eleanor didn''t reply, just walked over to Callie.


    Later, Eleanor sat at a doctor''s desk, reviewing case notes, when two nurses came in, arms full of files. They stood beside her, whispering.


    "Thatn¡ªhe''s even more handsome in person than he is in those business magazines," whispered one nurse, nudging her colleague.


    "I heard he got divorced recently. You think it was for Miss Shannon?"


    "It''s like one of those romance novelse to life. Miss Shannon''s so lucky."


    "Tell me about it," the other nurse chimed in, leaning closer. "And I heard from pharmacy that Vanessa''s getting all the best imported meds-though apparently there''s some she can''t take."


    The head nurse walked in and cleared her throat. The two nurses fell silent and hurried away.


    Eleanor looked up. If Vanessa couldn''t take certain medications, that could only mean one thing-she really was pregnant.


    When Eleanor stepped out, Callie was waiting, data in hand. Together, they headed back to theb.


    The next morning, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a message from Joy: "Did you see Vanessa''s in the hospital?"


    Eleanor clicked the link. Photos of Vanessa''s hospital stay had already surfaced online. There wasn, right by her bedside, looking every bit the devotedpanion. Vanessay on the hospital bed,n sitting close, his expression gentle.

 Chapter 300

    Eleanor studied the photos on her phone. The images were crisp-far too clear to be some tabloid''s grainy sneak shot. Besides, Vanessa was staying in the VIP wing of the hospital; no journalist could have gotten in without someone''s permission. Clearly, someone wanted these leaked.


    The intent was obvious.


    It had to be Vanessa''s team, seizing the chance to announce her rtionship withn to the world.


    A voice message from Joy popped up, her tone indignant. "How couldn do this? You two have barely been divorced, and now he can''t wait to go public with Vanessa?"


    "We ended things a long time ago," Eleanor replied, her voice calm. "His life isn''t my concern."


    "That may be true, but I still think you deserved better," Joy grumbled.


    Eleanor kept typing her report, unbothered. "He''s not part of my life anymore. There''s no sense in talking about what I deserve."


    The conversation shifted as Joy filled her in on thetestwsuits her firm had handled.


    With Frazier and Joy running her legal department, Eleanor had no worries. Ellington had mentioned a few corporatewsuits recently, but they were allpany vs.pany-nothing that required Eleanor''s direct involvement.


    Later, Simone asked Eleanor to prep a report on theirtest research results-it would be presented to the public Friday morning.


    On her way to pick up her daughter, Eleanor found herself stuck in traffic. Left with no choice, she texted Xavier for help.


    His reply was almost instant: "No problem. I''ll pick up Evelyn and bring her to my ce. Come have dinner with us tonight!"


    Eleanor hesitated. She already felt bad enough for inconveniencing him, and now she''d be crashing his dinner table too.


    "How about we go out to eat instead? My treat."


    "Miss Sutton, don''t be so formal. Come to my house," Xavier insisted.


    Unable to argue further, Eleanor turned her car toward his ce.


    When she arrived, she noticed something odd: other than the two kids, the house was empty.


    "Don''t you have a housekeeper?" she asked.


    Vivian piped up from the living room, "We do! But Uncle Xavier gave Lenora the night off."


    Eleanor nced at Xavier, who offered a crooked smile. "I''m the chef tonight. Miss Sutton, will you be my sous-chef?"


    Sheughed. "I''d be happy to."


    In the kitchen, Xavier expertly tied on an apron and began prepping the ingredients with practiced ease. Eleanor rinsed the vegetables, and the two of them worked together in afortable silence, their teamwork surprisingly effortless.


    She hadn''t expected Xavier to be so skilled in the kitchen. He exined that he''d picked up cooking while studying abroad-he''d never gotten used to campus food, so he learned to cook for himself.


    Dinner was ready before long. Vivian took a bite of steak and dered, "Uncle, this is better than anything at a fancy restaurant!"


    Eleanor smiled. "Evelyn and I are lucky tonight."


    Xavier looked up at her. "If you like it, feel free toe by more often."


    Eleanor gave a small, polite smile, but when she caught the look in his eyes, she quickly busied herself clearing the tes.


    The meal was even more enjoyable than she''d expected. The kids chattered away, filling the house withughter and making everything feel easy.


    Eleanor insisted on doing the dishes. While she worked, Xavier brewed a cup of tea. When she finished and came back to the living room, he handed her the mug. "They get along well, don''t they?"


    She epted the tea with a grateful smile. ¡°Evelyn really likes Vivian. And thank you for having us tonight."


    Xavier''s eyes crinkled with a smile. "The pleasure was mine."


    Back home, Eleanor tucked Evelyn into bed and returned to her study to work on


    her speech. As she typed, her phone buzzed with a message.


    "Did you have dinner at Xavier''s tonight with Evelyn?"


    It was fromn.


    Eleanor frowned. How did he know? She guessed her daughter must have used Joslyn''s phone to call him earlier.


    "Do I have to report my every move to you now?" she replied, her tone edged with


    sarcasm.


    "I was just asking, that''s all¡ª"


    "I''m busy. Don''t bother me." She put her phone away and went back to work.


    "Okay,"n answered, and left it at that.


    That night, as she hugged her daughter close, Eleanor asked Evelyn about it. Sure enough, the little one confessed-she''d borrowed Joslyn''s phone to call her dad.


    Eleanor couldn''t bring herself to scold her; missing her father was only natural. Friday morning arrived. Eleanor was busy preparing for her presentation.


    Dr. Lyman Brown had arrived, and Eleanor was chatting with Joel when she spotted Xavier entering with his research team. She blinked in surprise-Xavier hadn''t mentioned he''d be attending.


    "Mr. Vaughn, I didn''t expect to see you here."


    "We requested special permission to attend your talk," Xavier said with a smile. "Gwenda, would you please show Mr. Vaughn and his team inside?" Eleanor said. Gwenda, nearly bouncing with excitement, led them in.


    Not far away, Faye was chatting with Simone but kept stealing nces at Eleanor and Joel. Simone caught the look and asked quietly, "Do you have a thing for Joel?"


    Faye''s cheeks flushed. "Yes. I like him."


    Simone sighed. "Just don''t let your feelings get in the way of your work."


    Faye nodded, jealousy flickering in her eyes as she looked at Eleanor. How had Eleanor''s new research already made such progress?


    The room steadily filled as doctors and hospital leaders arrived to hear Eleanor''s presentation.


    When the time came, Eleanor stepped onto the stage. Behind her, the screen disyed thetest data from her team''s research. Her voice rang out, clear and confident: "Thanks to my team''s tireless efforts, our new drug has made a breakthrough in animal trials. We expect to begin Phase I clinical trials within three months."


    Thunderous apuse followed.


    As Eleanor took a moment to collect her notes, her eyes wandered to thest row.


    She froze-sitting there, immacte in his suit and watching her intently, wasn. She had no idea when he''d arrived.

 Chapter 301

    An hourter, Eleanor Sutton''s lecture drew to a close.


    The audience erupted into enthusiastic apuse once more.


    She offered a gracious bow, thanking everyone for their support.


    Afterward, a number of figures from the medicalmunity crowded forward, eager to speak with Eleanor and exchange ideas.


    Xavier Vaughn lingered at the edge of the crowd, waiting patiently for his turn. Only after the throng thinned out did he approach her, a warm smile on his face. "Your lecture was a huge sess. Congrattions."


    "Thank you. It''s only possible because of everyone''s support," Eleanor replied with a gentle smile. Her gaze swept over the conference hall and noticed thatn Goodwin had already slipped out.


    "Are you free for lunch? I''d like to treat you to a meal to celebrate," Xavier asked in his soft, inviting tone.


    Eleanor was just about to answer when her phone buzzed in her hand.


    She nced down. A message fromn: "I''m waiting in your office. There''s something important we need to discuss."


    She frowned, her reply clipped and cool: "If this is about the research, I''ll submit the official report on Monday."


    But he was persistent: "I''ll wait for you."


    Xavier noticed the shift in her expression. "Is everything alright?"


    "It''s nothing. I might have to stop by Meridian Dynamics at noon, so lunch will have to wait," Eleanor said, remembering she''d also received an email from Byron Chase, asking her toe by.


    "No problem. We''ll catch up next time," Xavier said, concern flickering in his eyes as he noticed the dark circles beneath hers. "You should get some rest-don''t work too hard."


    "Thank you." His thoughtful words warmed her, a quiet kindness that lingered even after he left.


    As soon as Xavier was gone, Eleanor headed straight for her office.


    She opened the door to findn standing by the window. He turned at the sound, his gaze sharp and unreadable.


    "Let''s hear it." Eleanor set her files on the desk, her tone distant.


    Eleanor blinked in surprise.


    Raleigh was a legend in the pharmaceutical world. Gaining his backing meant her project could move forward with the highest level of resources and support.


    She could refuse help fromn in other aspects of her life, but when it came to academic support, she couldn''t turn it down.


    "Don''t overthink it. I''m not doing this for you,"n''s voice was low, almost icy. The truth hit her he was doing this for Vanessa Shannon.


    Vanessa desperately needed the new drug Eleanor was developing. Everythingn invested into her research-no matter how much was just another way to save Vanessa.


    He''d poured half a billion dors into this research and pulled every string for her, but only because it might save someone else.


    Eleanor took the card and set it on the desk. "Thank you. I''ll be in touch with him.¡±


    Eleanor updated Simone Langley about the new development. Simone agreed- getting in touch with Raleigh was the right move, and his academic support could prove invaluable.


    Back in her office, Eleanor called Raleigh. A warm, steady voice answered, "Miss Sutton, I''ve heard so much about you. Mr. Goodwin has told me all about your work, and I''m very much looking forward to speaking with you in person."


    "Thank you, Mr. Raleigh. The pleasure is mine¡ªI''d be honored to receive your guidance," Eleanor replied with her usual professionalism.


    They agreed to set a meeting once Raleigh confirmed his avability.


    Just as she hung up, a message from Joel Kingsley appeared on her phone.


    "Where are you? I''ve reserved a table for lunch. Come join us."


    She checked the time, grabbed her bag, and replied, "On my way."


    When Eleanor arrived at the restaurant, Joel and his team were already there, joined by two new members. As soon as she walked in, they greeted her with admiration. "Miss Sutton, it''s an honor to meet you."


    Faye Yeaton, clutching her teacup with a less-than-pleased expression, sat quietly. As the originator of the project''s core theory, Eleanor''s influence at Meridian Dynamics was undeniable.


    "Miss Sutton, I heard your research has made another breakthrough. That''s amazing."


    "I read yourtest paper in the International Journal-it was astonishing," another teammate chimed in.


    Faye''s grip on her cup tightened. Whenever Eleanor was around, she faded into the background.


    Joel, meanwhile, kept his gaze on Eleanor, exchanging updates about his current research. Frustrated, Faye finally spoke up, "Joel, this is highly confidential work. Should we really be discussing it with people outside the team?"


    Joel looked momentarily taken aback. "Eleanor isn''t an outsider."


    "Who''s to say?" Faye muttered, then caught herself and cleared her throat. "I''m just saying, that''s all."


    Sensing the tension, Eleanor cut in, "Joel, let''s save the research talk for when we meet with Mr. Chase."


    "Good idea. Let''s eat," Joel agreed.


    Faye narrowed her eyes, recalling the files she''d seen in Eleanor''s office from Juliette Grayson''sb. Juliette''s team was working on simr research, and if Meridian Dynamics ever suffered a data breach, Eleanor would be the prime suspect.


    Faye''s lips curled into a dismissive smile.


    The Meridian Dynamics tower gleamed in the sunlight, a striking symbol of cutting-edge technology.


    Byron greeted Eleanor and escorted her into theb, where she observed a simtion run by their Al robotics team. Byron''s brow was furrowed. "Miss Sutton, we''re stuck at this stage. We''ve brainstormed countless solutions, but none have achieved the efficiency you described in your theory. We can''t seem to pinpoint the problem."


    Faye quickly interjected, "Mr. Chase, we''re still working on it. Just give us a bit more time."


    Byron nodded. "I know you all are talented, but since Miss Sutton developed the core theory, I''d like to hear her thoughts as well."

 Chapter 302

    Faye felt her cheeks flush as she nced at Eleanor. ¡°Eleanor, have you ever considered that your theory might be wed?"


    Her words cut straight to the point.


    Joel''s expression darkened. "Faye-"


    Faye arched an eyebrow. "If her theory is wrong from the start, then all the work we''ve done has been for nothing. I just think if we''re heading in the wrong direction, it''s better to cut our losses now."


    Byron''s face took on a grave look. He was the one who''d originally proposed this project, and he had unwavering faith in Eleanor''s theory. Now, though, things had ground to a halt at a critical juncture-and with the militarying on board next year, any misstep could be disastrous.


    At that moment, Eleanor could feel every pair of eyes in the room fixed on her. She furrowed her brow, stepped up to the holo-disy, and began inspecting the torrent of data.


    Meanwhile, Faye thought to herself, So what if this project tanks? Meridian Dynamics has more than enough in reserves; the next project will offer even more chances for me to shine.


    She''d never been happy working on this team-Eleanor''s shadow always seemed to loom over her, ready to eclipse her at any moment.


    "Can I have a few minutes alone?" Eleanor asked Byron quietly.


    Joel spoke up in his low voice. "I''ll stay with you."


    Byron gave a nod and called out to the others, "Everyone, take a break outside."


    Faye eyed Eleanor''s slender figure, narrowing her gaze. Eleanor won''te up with anything useful-she''s just wasting everyone''s time.


    With that, Faye turned and left.


    Byron had barely made it back to his office when his assistant appeared. "Mr. Chase, Mr. Goodwin has arrived. He''s waiting in Conference Room One."


    Byron''s heart skipped a beat. He stood and made his way to the conference


    room.


    Inside,n stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, tall andposed. At the sound of the door opening, he turned slowly, his deep gaze settling on Byron.


    "Mr. Goodwin, I wasn''t expecting you in person," Byron said, surprised.


    "I heard the project''s hit a bottleneck,"n replied, his voice cool and level, betraying nothing.


    It was rare forn to involve himself in project details.


    Beads of sweat formed on Byron''s brow. He sighed. "Yes, sir. Right now, we can''t seem to break through the efficiency ceiling in the Al simtions. We''re working on a solution."


    "Is Eleanor here as well?¡±n asked suddenly.


    Byron paused, then nodded. "Yes. Dr. Sutton is in theb reviewing data."


    Byron hurried to fetch the files, feeling a knot of confusion. Mr. Goodwin had always cared about results, not details-so why the sudden scrutiny?


    Ten minutester,n made his way toward theb. Faye was loitering at the door, and when she saw him, a thrill shot through her.


    Now Eleanor''s really in trouble, she thought. Forn himself to get involved-after all, this investment was worth at least a billion. If Eleanor''s project burned through all that money for nothing,n would never trust her again.


    "Mr. Goodwin," Faye greeted him sweetly.


    Byron caught up. "Mr. Goodwin, would you like to see inside?"


    Inside, Eleanor''s slender fingers danced over the touchscreen, pulling up key parameters.


    Just then, the door opened, and she turned to seen and Byron enter one after the other.


    Eleanor''s gaze chilled. Ian hade himself-was he here to hold her ountable?


    "Dr. Sutton, don''t worry-Mr. Goodwin''s just here to observe," Byron exined hastily.


    "Thank you for your hard work,"n said.


    Eleanor looked back at the screen, folding her arms as she sank into thought.


    Her earlier train of thought had beenpletely derailed by this man''s arrival. She turned coldly and asked, "Could you please leave?"


    a lead researcher, butn Goodwin was the CEO.


    "Of course."n actually agreed, but as he turned to leave, he paused and said to her, "This project means a great deal to Meridian Dynamics. Please, don''t give up on it."


    With that,n stepped out. Byron followed after.


    Joel came over and patted Eleanor on the shoulder. "We''ll figure this out, Eleanor. We still have time."


    She shook her head, frustrated. The breakthrough she''d almost reached had vanished whenn interrupted her.


    "I''m fine. I just need a moment," she said, pulling up two more streams of data.


    "Joel, look here¡ªand here," Eleanor pointed to two nodes on the schematic. "Everyone''s been ignoring the dy variable from quantum tunneling in the transmission."


    Joel''s eyes lit up. "No wonder the simtion always misses the mark by five percent! That''s the gap right there."


    A wave of relief washed over him, and he nearly threw his arms around Eleanor in excitement. "You''re amazing, Eleanor. You''re my hero."


    Joel rushed out of theb and called to the assistant outside, "Get Mr. Chase over here!"


    Byron was about to suggest thatn take a break when his assistant hurried over. "Mr. Chase, Dr. Kingsley needs you in theb right away-they think they''ve found something."


    Byron''s face broke into a grin. "Really?" He turned ton, "Mr. Goodwin, would you like to join us?"


    Byron hesitated for a second¡ªwas it because Eleanor had just givenn the cold shoulder?


    He nodded and hurried toward theb. Faye saw him approach and her expression shifted. Had Eleanor really found something?

 Chapter 303

    When Byron''s excitedughter rang out from inside theb, Faye''s expression shifted.


    Impossible. Their team had been stuck at this bottleneck for nearly two weeks. They''d tried every possible approach, but none delivered the result they needed. How could Eleanor waltz in and-within minutes-solve it?


    Faye bit her lip as she stepped into theb, her eyes fixed on the once-frozen monitor. She couldn''t believe it.


    The problem was really solved.


    "Miss Sutton, you did it again! Thank you so much." Byron looked at Eleanor with unabashed admiration.


    "No need to thank me," Eleanor replied, her smile calm and unassuming.


    Behind her, Faye couldn''t help a silent, bitterugh. Did they really expect Eleanor to solve every challenge that came their way? This project had been one hurdle after another, and there was still a long road ahead. Faye refused to believe Eleanor could carry them through to the very end.


    Still, it wasn''t a total loss for her. This experiment was directly tied to her doctoral research, and if it seeded, her CV would shine that much brighter.


    Besides, she was Simone''s PhD student. Eleanor didn''t even have a formal position here.


    Soon after, Eleanor excused herself. Byron returned to his office and dialedn''s number.


    He exined everything in detail.


    "So the issue''s resolved?"n asked, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel as he drove.


    "Yes, Mr. Goodwin. All thanks to Miss Sutton. She spotted the core problem right away," Byron said, his voice brimming with excitement.


    A faint smile yed atn''s lips. "She really is exceptional."


    -Eleanor''s research had always been valuable.


    On her way back to theb, Eleanor received a message from Raleigh''s assistant, confirming their meeting for next Wednesday.


    She quickly replied.


    *


    On the top floor of Meridian Dynamics, Faye stood gripping a paper cup of coffee


    so tightly it was nearly crushed, coffee threatening to spill over the rim.


    "There you are, Faye," Horace called as he found her.


    She stared out at the city skyline, the corners of her mouth lifting just a bit. "Looking for me?"


    "Rough day with Eleanor again?" Horace ventured. "Don''t worry. I think you''re just as talented."


    Faye let out a sharp, self-deprecatingugh. "How could I possiblypare?"


    "Come on, don''t be so hard on yourself. She just got lucky, that''s all." Horace ced aforting hand on her shoulder, his concern obvious.


    Faye''s eyes flickered as she turned to face him. "Did you know Eleanor''s been working closely with the Juliette Lab?"


    "How do you know that?"


    "I saw a file from Juliette Lab in her office the other day. Juliette''s given her confidential data. I''m just wondering-how is Eleanor nning to repay them? I heard Juliette''s team has started their own research into Al-driven cell technology. Do you think Eleanor might-" Faye trailed off, searching Horace''s face for a reaction.


    Horace''s expression grew grave. "If Eleanor really is sharing information with Juliette Lab, that''s serious industrial espionage."


    Faye took a sip of coffee, calction glinting in her eyes. "I just worry about our project. There''s so much invested in this. If our core technology aks..."


    Horace met her gaze. Even if she hadn''t said it outright, he understood exactly what was on her mind.


    He lowered his voice. "Do you want me to do something?"


    Suddenly, Faye slipped her arm around his neck. "Don''t do anything reckless, Horace. I don''t want you caught up in this. I may resent Eleanor, but I¡ª"


    Horace was mesmerized by how close she suddenly was, close enough that he could catch the subtle scent of her perfume.


    If he went a little further for her, would she finally notice him?


    For just a nce from Faye, Horace felt it would be worth it.


    Faye stepped back and sighed. "Eleanor isn''t even an employee here, yet she


    has unrestricted ess to our core data. I''m genuinely worried Juliette Lab could swoop in and take everything. You know how strong they are...¡±


    Horace nodded thoughtfully. "You''re right, we need to stay alert. But we can''t act without solid proof."


    "And where are we supposed to find that proof?" Faye shot him a frustrated nce, her sigh heavy with disappointment.


    "It''lle to light sooner orter."


    A barely perceptible smile curved Faye''s lips. "Maybe it will."


    *


    Wednesday arrived. Eleanor waited in the lobby of Raleigh''s firm until an assistant came to escort her.


    "Miss Sutton, Mr. Ellington is ready to see you now. Please follow me."


    Eleanor nodded and stepped into the conference room-only to freeze for a split second when she saw who was already seated beside Raleigh.


    She hadn''t expected to see him here. Her face tensed for a moment before Raleigh stood up and she managed to greet him.


    "Mr. Ellington, it''s a pleasure."


    "Miss Sutton, wee. Please, have a seat." Raleigh gestured politely.


    Eleanor sat down, butn immediately rose. "Ellington, I''ll leave you to your meeting."


    "Mr. Goodwin, why not join us?" Raleigh asked, getting to his feet.


    "Sorry, I''ve got anothermitment,¡±n said, checking his watch. He nced at Eleanor. "I''m off to pick up my daughter. Good luck with work."


    Eleanor replied, a bit awkwardly, "Alright, see you."


    Raleigh watched the interaction closely. He knew about their history, so he was extra courteous with Eleanor.


    "Valery, please see Mr. Goodwin out," Raleigh said to his assistant.


    Oncen had left, Raleigh turned to Eleanor with a folder. "Miss Sutton, here''s


    some material I''ve prepared for you. Please take a look."


    Eleanor took the folder and focused on the documents inside. They detailed International Pharma Group''stest breakthroughs in cell regeneration, along with the resources they could offer her.

 Chapter 304

    "These are very generous terms, Ellington." Eleanor nced up after skimming through the documents. "But I need some rification-will there be any strings attached to this support?"


    Raleigh gave a slight, reassuring smile and took a sip from his cup. "No need to worry, Miss Sutton. Mr. Goodwin and I have just reached a few partnership agreements. I''m offering these resources to you, free of charge."


    A pang of anxiety tightened Eleanor''s chest; her fingers unconsciously clutched the edge of the folder. But then she rememberedn himself had said these arrangements had nothing to do with her-she shouldn''t overthink it.


    So Eleanor focused on the specifics, spending almost two hours in deep discussion with Raleigh. As she prepared to leave, Raleigh personally escorted her to the elevator.


    "Miss Sutton, I look forward to seeing your research. Let''s work together for the advancement of medicine."


    Eleanor thanked him sincerely for his generosity.


    When she got home, the house was unusually quiet. She hurried into the living room and called out to Joslyn, "Joslyn, is Evelyn not back yet?"


    "I thought she was with you!" Joslyn''s voice immediately tightened with concern.


    Eleanor offered a soothing smile. "Her father was picking her up today. Maybe he decided to take her out for a little fun."


    Joslyn finally rxed. Eleanor took out her phone and sentn a message.


    "Where''s Evelyn?"


    "I took her shopping at the mall."


    "Bring her home soon."


    "Will do."


    At half past eight, the doorbell rang. Ian had brought Evelyn Goodwin home. Eleanor stood in the doorway to the living room as Joslyn opened the door.


    Joslyn caught the exchange and, almost out of habit, asked, "Sir, would you like toe in for a bit?"


    With that, he turned and walked away.


    Joslyn was taken aback. She''d always sensed that Mrs. Goodwin was distant with her husband, but now she could feel the gap fromn''s side as well-he wouldn''t even set foot in his wife''s house anymore.


    With Raleigh''s support, Eleanor''s experiments progressed more rapidly, saving her a great deal of time and hassle.


    Simone soon received an invitation from Juliette''sb-they were announcing a major breakthrough that afternoon at three o''clock.


    Eleanor, Faye, and Joel were all summoned to attend the presentation.


    Faye and Joel rushed back from Meridian Dynamics together. In the cafeteria, Faye seemed to be in particrly high spirits.


    "Mrs. Grayson really does have an impressive team! Word is, they''re about to announce something huge in the field of Al cell research." Faye gave Eleanor a sidelong nce, her lips curling into a faint, knowing smile.


    At three o''clock sharp, the announcement began. Taking the stage was Juliette Lab''s director of biotechnology. He introduced their area of research, then pressed a button to start the projector, andunched into the details of their breakthrough in Al cell technology.


    As


    walked through the demonstration, Eleanor''s fac went suddenly pale-the technique he was describing was almost identical to the core simtion algorithm developed at Meridian Dynamics!


    "This can''t be..." she murmured.


    Joel looked at her in shock. "Eleanor, this "


    Faye, hiding a private smirk, feigned surprise. "How could this happen? Isn''t that our research-?"


    Eleanor''s mind nked for a moment.


    Joel''s expression darkened; the new technique mirrored their own work far too closely.


    A flicker of schadenfreude shed in Faye''s eyes-she was clearly hoping Eleanor would take the fall for this. After all, Eleanor was the one who''d always kept close contact with people at Juliette''sb.


    Eleanor kept her gaze fixed on the stage, lost in thought, until Joel nudged her. "Professor Langley wants to see us outside."


    In the hallway, Simone''s face was grave. "Can any of you exin what''s happened?"


    "I swear I''ve never disclosed any research details to anyone," Faye dered immediately, her tone unwavering.


    Just then, Joel''s phone rang. He nced at the screen. "It''s VP Chase. I''ll take this."


    As Joel stepped away to answer, Faye turned to Eleanor. "Eleanor, do you know what''s going on?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "I have no idea."


    Faye''s eyes narrowed. "My sister said you and Xavier have gotten pretty closetely and Xavier just happens to be the head of Juliette''sb. Could it be?¡±


    Eleanor cut her off coldly. "If you''re using me, you''d better have evidence. Don''t throw around baseless spection."


    Simone interjected, "I trust Eleanor''s integrity."


    Faye bit her lip, her hostility clear. "Fine, Eleanor-then would you care to exin the experimental data from Mrs. Juliette Grayson that was sitting on your desk?"


    Eleanor stared at her, momentarily stunned. "You were looking through my things?"


    "It wasn''t intentional. I was dropping off some documents for you, and you weren''t there. I noticed a folder from Juliette''sb on your desk and nced at it out of curiosity," Faye replied, feigning innocence.


    Simone looked at Eleanor, a little taken aback.


    Joel returned just then. "VP Chase knows what''s happened. Meridian Dynamics is


    in an uproar-they think someone leaked our core research."


    A heavy weight settled in Eleanor''s chest.


    Simone''s phone buzzed. She nced at it. "It''sn. You all figure out how to proceed¡ªI''ll take this on the balcony."


    Simone stepped outside to answer the call.


    Eleanor met Faye''s gaze, but Faye immediately looked away.


    Eleanor narrowed her eyes. She was starting to see the picture.


    Simone hurried back. "Ian wants everyone at Meridian Dynamics for a meeting. We need to go now."


    Half an hourter.


    The entire group arrived at the Meridian Dynamics conference room. Byron''s team was already there, and at the head of the table,n sat with a face as cold and inscrutable as stone.

 Chapter 305

    The atmosphere in the conference room was so tense, it felt like you could choke on it.


    "Can anyone exin this?"n''s voice was cold as steel. "Why is our core algorithm being unveiled at someone else''s press conference?¡±


    No one quite knew what to expect fromn''s temper; Eleanor herself had never seen him truly angry.


    The silence stretched for a heavy ten seconds.


    Faye was the first to speak, her tone carefully measured, threaded with uncertainty. "Mr. Goodwin, this is... highly unusual. Our team spent three months developing that system, and now-"


    She trailed off, words caught in her throat.


    Joel jumped in, voice low and tense. "Faye, don''t make usations unless you have proof."


    "Proof?" Faye replied, her meaning unmistakable. "Even if there was any, it''s probably been wiped clean by now. But I do know someone on our team has been awfully chummy with Juliette''sbtely."


    She didn''t have to name names. Everyone''s eyes turned, knowingly, toward Eleanor.


    A low murmur swept the room. Eleanor could hear the whispers just behind her.


    "No way, Miss Sutton''s one of our own."


    "She''s the one who came up with our main theory."


    "Still, at thest conference, she was awfully friendly with that Juliette group."


    "And she''s friends with their lead, Xavier."


    Eleanor listened, her expression unreadable, as the murmurs circled around her.


    Joel was quick to defend her. "You can suspect anyone but Eleanor. She''d never betray thisb."


    An engineer spoke up, voice tight. "Then how do you exin that their demo today matched our configuration settings, down to thest detail?"


    She took a steady breath. "I need to review the actual data Juliette''sb released today. A presentation alone isn''t enough to prove they used our algorithm."


    ¡°Still making excuses?" Faye''s voice rose, sharp and using. ¡°We all know how close you are with Xavier, and you¡ª"


    "That''s enough.¡± Ian''s interruption was sudden, his authority absolute. "I''ll handle this investigation myself. Until the facts are clear, the project is suspended. Everyone is to sign a non-disclosure agreement. No one breathes a word of this outside these walls."


    His gaze lingered on Eleanor. "Eleanor, stay. The rest of you are dismissed." Simone and Joel exchanged worried nces with Eleanor as they filed out. Faye couldn''t quite hide the hint of a smirk at the corner of her mouth.


    When the door closed behind thest person,n walked to the window, his back to Eleanor. "Anything you want to say?"


    "I didn''t leak anything." Eleanor''s answer was cool, but firm.


    Ordinarily, Eleanor would have refused to answer such a question. But with confidential data on the line, her reputation at stake, she metn''s gaze. "We''re just friends. Nothing more."


    They held each her''s eyes for a moment. Thenn picked up his suit jacket and headed for the door. He paused before leaving. "Eleanor, I hope you''re telling me the truth."


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat. So, he didn''t trust her after all.


    When she stepped out, only Simone was waiting for her. Simone put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don''t worry, Eleanor. They''ll get to the bottom of this."


    "Where''s Joel?" Eleanor asked.


    "He and VP Chase went over to Juliette''sb for talks."


    Eleanor narrowed her eyes, exhaling a shaky breath. "Professor Langley, I need


    to get into theb and review our data."


    Simone nodded, ready to go with her.


    But as they reached theb floor, two security guards blocked their way.


    "Sorry, Miss Sutton. Your ess has been temporarily suspended. You can''t enter theb area right now."


    Eleanor blinked, caught off guard. "Who gave that order?"


    "Mr. Goodwin''s direct instructions."


    "Let''s go back to the office and wait for Joel''s update," Simone suggested.


    Eleanor bit her lip and nodded.


    Back in her office, Eleanor''s thoughts were a jumble. Her phone buzzed, snapping her out of her daze-it was a message from Xavier.


    "Eleanor, are you okay?"


    "Don''t worry. I''m going over myb''s data. If I find anything, I''ll let you know right away."


    She typed back a simple, "Thanks."


    That afternoon, Eleanor went to pick up her daughter, only to find the nanny already there for Vivian. Xavier must still be dealing with the fallout.


    Later, Juliette herself called Eleanor, making it clear her team was determined to investigate the theft thoroughly.


    It was obvious both Xavier and Juliette knew the incident was somehow linked to Eleanor.


    Joel called soon after, his voice tense but relieved. "We''ve confirmed it-someone stole Meridian Dynamics''b data and passed it to Juliette''s team. Juliette''s engineers had no idea it was our proprietary research. They thought it was one of their own staff''s breakthrough projects and made it public." "They''ve halted the project on their end too, pending a full investigation."


    Eleanor gripped her phone tightly. "Did Juliette''sb say who leaked the data?"


    "They''re still digging," Joel replied, lowering his voice. "The data was sent via an encrypted email. They''re tracing the sender''s IP address now."


    She heard Joel have a hushed conversation with someone on his end.


    "Eleanor? Are you still there?" His voice had gone hoarse.


    "I''m here," she said, steadying herself.


    After a pause, Joel sounded hesitant. "The data was sent from your email ount."


    Eleanor''s eyes widened in shock. "That''s impossible. I never-¡±


    "Don''t panic," Joel cut in quickly. "IT is still investigating. It could have been someone hacking your ount."

 Chapter 306

    Eleanor forced herself to stay calm. "Joel, can you find out the exact date?"


    "Last Friday, three p.m."


    That time-Eleanor had been in theb.


    "Joel, I''ll call Callie first."


    After hanging up, Eleanor dialed Callie, hoping he might know who''d essed herputer.


    When they finished talking, Callie mentioned that Horace hade by to see him that Friday afternoon. But as for whether Horace had touched Eleanor''sputer, Callie couldn''t recall.


    "Eleanor, do you really suspect Horace? That doesn''t sound like him. Why would he try to frame you?" Callie sounded baffled.


    Eleanor felt the same. She and Horace barely spoke outside work, but there was no animosity between them. Horace was on Joel''s team now, with a promising future-why would he risk ruining it all for this?


    Just then, Byron called. Eleanor answered, "Hello, Mr. Chase."


    "Miss Sutton, we''ve spoken with Mr. Vaughn''s team. They''ll be making the investigation results public today, along with an official apology to ourb." Eleanor asked, "Mr. Chase, have they identified who leaked the data?"


    Eleanor already had a suspicion.


    "We''re still looking into it. But we should know within the next couple of days. Please be patient, Miss Sutton," Byron reassured her.


    "Thank you for your hard work."


    After she hung up, Eleanor sat in thought. If it really was Horace, why would he take such a risk?


    She knew this whole thing had been orchestrated to target her-someone wanted to frame her for colluding with Juliette Labs.


    If it was Horace, she couldn''t help but think of the person he was closest to: Faye.


    If Faye had been the one behind Horace, then this made a lot more sense. She''d gone to college with Faye for two years. There was never any real feud- maybe just mutual dislike at most. But after Eleanor''s breakthrough with the sphericalpound, Faye had seen her as a rival. Fayepeted with her at every turn, always trying to outdo her. It didn''t help that Faye had a thing for Joel, and Joel, being Eleanor''s supervisor, had always looked out for her. That drove Faye even crazier.


    Eleanor was lost in thought when her phone rang. Joel was calling.


    "Hey, Joel."


    "We have the results."


    "Who was it?"


    "It was Horace. He just confessed. Admitted everything."


    "Are you sure he acted alone?" Eleanor pressed.


    "Horace confessed to all of it."


    "How is Mr. Chase handling it?"


    "They were going to press charges, but considering Horace''s contributions, they''ve decided not to pursue legal action. The school and theb are expelling him, though."


    They chatted a little longer, and before she knew it, it was nine thirty.


    Just as she was about to go to bed, a message fromn popped up: Sorry I was too harsh with you today.


    Eleanor stared at it, unmoved.


    She didn''t n to reply.


    Has Evelyn gone to bed?


    She ignored him again.


    Alright, I''ll leave you be. Goodnight.


    After that,n didn''t message again.


    The next morning, Eleanor saw the official announcement from Juliette Labs on how they were handling the data breach.


    Xavier had shut down the entire project and fired every engineer and researcher involved.


    He''d moved even faster and more decisively than anyone had expected.


    There was also a video statement from Xavier himself.


    Gone was his usual calm,posed demeanor. In the video, he was stern as he exined the oue. To make amends, Juliette Labs would open three years'' worth of Al cellr research data to Meridian Dynamics for cross-verification.


    Eleanor stared at the screen, stunned for several seconds.


    Xavier''s response was so drastic, it was almost self-destructive¡ªhe was sacrificing theb''s reputation just to prove their innocence.


    For the first time, Eleanor felt a pang of sympathy. All this, for a false usation aimed at her, and Xavier was paying such a heavy price?


    Canceling the whole project, firing so many people...


    She was still in a daze when her phone rang. It was Xavier.


    She answered, "Hello, Mr. Vaughn."


    "Did you see how we handled things?"


    Eleanor sighed. "Mr. Vaughn, you really didn''t have to¡ª¡±


    "Research must stay above reproach. Besides..." Xavier paused, his voice rough.


    "I couldn''t let you shoulder this alone."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn."


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the president''s office at Goodwin & Co.,n watched Xavier''s


    announcement and fell intoplicated thoughts.


    He''d never expected Xavier to go this far for Eleanor.


    To sacrifice so much, just for her-


    Horace left with his belongings, heading for the car. Faye walked him out. Horace looked exhausted, drained after a single night. Faye''s eyes filled with tears. "Horace "


    Horace''s expression softened, and he managed a smile. "Don''t cry. There are plenty of careers out there¡ªwho says I can''t start over? Go on, get back inside." Faye blinked away her tears and rushed over to hug him. "Horace!"


    "Silly girl. Finish your research, make a name for yourself. Prove them wrong."


    Faye nodded, eyes still wet. After Horace got into the car, she watched it drive away, unwilling to turn back.


    But when the car disappeared, she wiped her face and let out a heavy sigh of relief.


    She clenched her fists. She never imagined Eleanor woulde out of this unscathed.


    Xavier-the most sought-after man around-had shut down an entire research group for her.


    Eleanor, a divorc¨¦e, protected by a man like Xavier? What made her so special?


    At leastn had made his stance clear; he hadn''t defended Eleanor just because she was his ex-wife.


    He''d even barred her from theb during the investigation-if anything, it showed he''d suspected her.


    And that, more than anything, proved to Faye thatn''s heart was no longer with Eleanor.

 Chapter 307

    It had already been a week since the theft of experimental data from Meridian Dynamics.


    Eleanor had run into Faye a few times in theb since then, and each time, Faye''s evasive gaze betrayed her guilty conscience.


    Horace ended up paying the price for her his academic career was over.


    Really, things shouldn''t have wrapped up so simply, but since Horace and Juliette''sbs had no conflicting interests and actually coborated quite often- the incident was chalked up as an idental leak of proprietary technology. After a formal notice from the university, Horace was expelled.


    As for Meridian Dynamics, they chose to reserve their right to pursue further action.


    Eleanor had been feeling weighed down all week. After everything Xavier had done for her, she desperately wanted to find a chance to thank him.


    But Xavier was away on business.


    He wouldn''t be back until New Year''s.


    Theb soon slipped back into its usual rhythm, and before she knew it, New Year''s had arrived.


    Three days ago, Juliette sent an invitation; her charity was hosting a g on New Year''s Day, and Eleanor was invited to attend.


    Last night,n insisted that she bring their daughter over to the Goodwin family''s for lunch today. With his court-ordered eight visitations a month, Eleanor had no


    choice but to agree.


    Early the next morning¡ª


    Princess, their golden retriever, barked once and started wagging her tail furiously at the front gate, a happy rumble in her throat.


    "Daddy''s here!" Evelyn squealed, grinning ear to ear.


    When the doorbell rang, Joslyn went to answer it. Outside stoodn, draped in a sleek ck overcoat, his Maybach parked in its usual dominant fashion right in front of Eleanor''s gate.


    "I''m here to pick up Evelyn," he said to Eleanor.


    "Daddy, you look so handsome today!" Evelyn piped up, tilting her head to beam at him.


    After watching her daughter leave, Eleanor headed back inside to change. With the recent stress, she was more than ready to use the holiday as a breather.


    She''d arranged to meet Joy Thatcher at a caf¨¦ in the mall.


    Year-end always brought a barrage of legal cases for Joy, so she''d been just as swamped, and the two of them hadn''t caught up in over a month.


    They chatted about recent events. When Joy heard about the Horace incident, she was indignant. "He got off way too easy."


    Eleanor took a frustrated sip of her coffee. "Meridian Dynamics is still considering pressing charges."


    Joy arched an eyebrow. "Xavier went out on a limb for you this time he must really care about you." She grinned. "I''d love to seen''s face if he knew what Xavier did."


    Eleanor cradled her forehead. "That''s exactly why I feel so guilty toward Xavier."


    "Don''t be so hard on yourself. Xavier did what was right-he protected theb''s reputation. Otherwise, Juliette Grayson''s foundation would''ve taken a much bigger hit."


    Eleanor nodded. If Mrs. Grayson''s foundation suffered, the losses would have been catastrophic.


    "Horace is such a jerk. Why is he alwaysing after you?" Joy asked.


    "Because of Faye. There''s no proof, but I know she''s the one behind it," Eleanor said, her voice steely.


    Joy scoffed. "Those sisters are a piece of work. And their father''s a shark-there''s not a decent person in that family."


    At three in the afternoon, Juliette''s assistant called to ask Eleanor toe by a boutique to try on her evening gown for the g.


    After saying goodbye to Joy, Eleanor drove to the shop. Mrs. Juliette Grayson was already there and had picked out a dress for her¡ªa soft, pale blue gown with an air of understated grace.


    They dined together before heading to the g, and by the time they arrived at the hotel, it was just past seven. In the lobby, Eleanor spotted a familiar figure¡ª Xavier.


    He was on the phone, but when he saw them approach, he wrapped up his call and joined them. "Aunt Juliette, you''re here," he said.


    Juliette nced at her nephew, then at Eleanor. "Come on, walk up with me." Eleanor greeted him. "Mr. Vaughn, was your business trip sessful?" Xavier smiled. "Very."


    The three of them rode the elevator to the sixth floor, and as they neared the ballroom doors, Mrs. Grayson paused. Then, she reached out, taking Xavier''s hand with her left and Eleanor''s with her right.


    Eleanor blinked in surprise, and Xavier nced at her with a faint, amused smile.


    The doors opened slowly. Under the glittering chandeliers, the room sparkled with elegant guests and clinking sses.


    As hostess, Mrs. Grayson instantly drew every eye in the room. She acknowledged the crowd with regal poise, and with Xavier and Eleanor nking her, the trio made a striking entrance.


    Among the guests, Vanessa-spokeswoman for Juliette''s charity-stood byn''s side. When she saw the three of them arrive together, her expression soured.


    When had Eleanor be so important to Mrs. Grayson?


    And the way Mrs. Grayson held Eleanor in one hand and Xavier in the other-it looked for all the world like she was escorting a couple.


    Vanessa shot a nce atn, only to see his gaze fixed on Juliette''s group, his handsome features set in a brooding scowl, his eyes dark and stormy.


    Vanessa''s eyes widened. Ian looked like he was about to explode.


    But then it hit her-he wasn''t angry because he still cared about Eleanor.


    He was angry because Eleanor, his ex-wife, was making him look bad. Barely a month after their divorce, and she already had someone new. Ton, it must have felt like a p in the face.

 Chapter 308

    eyebrows.


    Vanessa tugged gently atn''s sleeve and murmured, n, shall we go over and say hello?"


    He drew his gaze back, his features cold and lips pressed thin. "No need."


    Vanessa smiled faintly. "You''re probably right. After all, Miss Sutton seems rather close to Mr. Vaughn these days. If we just walk over, it''ll look like we''re forcing ourselves in."


    She deliberately emphasized the words "rather close."


    A shadow flickered inn''s eyes, a trace of icy displeasure, but he quicklyposed himself.


    Meanwhile, Mrs. Juliette Grayson was upied by a circle of distinguished guests, exchanging pleasantries. Xavier leaned toward Eleanor and spoke in a low voice, "Would you like to sit down for a bit?"


    Eleanor nodded, and the two of them moved to a quiet corner where a tufted sofa awaited.


    A waiter appeared at just the right moment, offering champagne. Xavier took two flutes and handed one to Eleanor.


    She epted, pausing a moment. She''d meant to say this all week-it was time.


    "Mr. Vaughn, I''ve been wanting to thank you in person for what you did for Horace."


    Xavier let out a softugh. "No need to mention it. I just did what anyone should have."


    "But-" Eleanor looked up, meeting his gaze. "You put theb''s interests on the line. I honestly feel bad about it."


    Seeing the guilt in her eyes, Xavier''s expression grew serious. "I didn''t do it just for you, Eleanor. It was about the long-term future of theb as well. Handling it this way¡ªthis was the best possible oue."


    His voice was calm, conviction ringing in every word. Eleanor fell silent.


    After a moment, she said quietly, "Still, thank you."


    Xavier''s eyes softened. "If you really want to thank me, promise me one thing."


    "What is it?"


    "The Vaughn Group''s anniversary g is next week. I''d like you toe as my guest." He leaned in slightly, anticipation lighting his features. "Will you?"


    Eleanor hesitated, caught off guard, but before she could reply, a voice sounded behind her-


    "Seems I''vee at a bad time."


    Turning, Eleanor sawn standing there-impably dressed in a tailored ck suit, eyes dark and unreadable as he stared at the two of them.


    At his side, Faye greeted Xavier with a cheerful, "Xavier, it''s been ages."


    Vanessa looked every bit the socialite tonight-her designer gown wless, makeup perfect, exuding effortless poise.


    n, you made it," Xavier said, rising to greet him, his tone as calm as ever. Eleanor nced up and metn''s gaze.


    His eyes, usually so clear, looked fathomless now, swirling with emotions she couldn''t quite ce.


    But one thing she knew for sure.


    He was angry.


    She understood exactly whyn hated seeing her get close to Xavier, hated her stepping into his social circles.


    Eleanor dropped her gaze and turned to Xavier. "Excuse me, I need to use thedies'' room."


    As soon as she left, the atmosphere between the two men turned tense. Just then, Henry Holt strolled over, all easy charm, throwing an arm around each of their shoulders. "Well, would you look at that the three of us together again."


    Henry''s arrival smoothed the tension, if only a little.


    Vanessa chimed in, "Henry, it''s been too long."


    "Miss Shannon, you''re looking even more stunning tonight," Henry said, giving her an appreciative once-over.


    Vanessa tossed her hair with a yful smile. "Do I ever have an off night?" Henry grinned. "Never. You''re a goddess every night, and don''t you forget it."


    Vanessaughed, the tension momentarily dispelled. "Don''t make meugh, Henry."


    Noticing his two silent friends, Henry quickly interjected, "Tonight, we only talk about wine-no business, no drama. Agreed? Now, let''s have a real drink."


    Xavier clinked sses with him. "Deal. We''ll catch up properly another time. Tonight, we drink."


    Vanessa''s resentment simmered beneath her wless exterior. Ever since Eleanor appeared, the whole dynamic of their group had shifted.


    She sipped her champagne, eyes darting betweenn and Xavier.


    Henry, ever the peacemaker, added, "This is Mrs. Grayson''s charity ball. Let''s make sure we do her proud. I expect you all to pick up a few treasures at the auctionter."


    Xavier smiled, raising his ss. "To a good cause."


    Vanessa leaned in and said softly, n, there''s an antique at the auction tonight I think your grandmother would love."


    He gave a nomittal "Mm," not offering more.


    Henry arched a brow, teasing, "Miss Shannon, if you see something you want, just say the word. I''ll bid for it."


    Vanessa gave him a mock re and a coy smile. "Don''t spoil me, Henry."


    Heughed heartily.


    Setting down her champagne, Vanessa turned and made her way toward the restrooms. In the corridor, she ran right into Eleanor.


    Vanessa stopped, her red lips curling, heels clicking to a halt as she looked Eleanor up and down with perfect poise. "Eleanor, do you really think Xavier''s interested in you?"


    Eleanor frowned.


    Vanessa gave a cold, disdainfulugh. "You''re nothing more than a distraction-a toy caught up in a contest between men. If you''re smart, you''ll stay away from Xavier. Otherwise... you won''t even realize you''ve been yed until it''s toote.¡±

 Chapter 309

    Eleanor lifted her gaze, not bothering to hide her disdain. "Your attempts to stir up trouble don''t work on me."


    Vanessa let out a derisiveugh. "Eleanor, why are you pretending to be so above it all? Do you honestly think you''re something special?"


    Eleanor didn''t even dignify her with a response.


    Vanessa''s smile faltered as she pressed on. "Don''t tell me you still think you cane betweenn and me!"


    She curled her lips in a sneer. "Whatever you imagine, you''re just the ex-wife. Ian and I-what we have now is beyond your reach."


    Eleanor refused to take the bait. She simply brushed past Vanessa, making for the exit.


    But Vanessa shot out an arm, blocking her way. Her tone sharpened. "Listen, Eleanor, people like you aren''t wee in our circle. If you''re smart, you''ll keep your distance."


    Eleanor drew in a steadying breath, her reply icy. "Vanessa, if you keep causing scenes, I won''t hesitate to show everyone who you really are."


    Vanessa''s face darkened. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "Exactly what it sounds like." Eleanor''s voice was calm, almost bored.


    Vanessa bit her lip, chin tilted defiantly. "Whatever you''ve got nned, Eleanor, bring it on. I''m not afraid of you."


    With that, she whirled around and marched off, her head held high.


    Eleanor returned to the ballroom. Juliette was chatting with a lively group nearby and beckoned her over, eager to introduce Eleanor to a circle of wealthy socialites. Among these women, Eleanor''s reputation was practically legendary.


    "Miss Sutton, I heard your expertise in medicine is about to surpass your father''s! That''s truly impressive."


    Eleanor offered a modest smile. "You tter me. My father''s achievements in the field are far beyond what I''ve aplished."


    One of the women patted her shoulder affectionately. "It''s good to be humble at your age, but you should take pride in your talents too."


    Another chimed in, ¡°My husband was just talking the other day about yourtest paper-said even the international experts were raving about it!¡±


    The conversation swelled with warm agreement, the atmosphere buzzing with easy camaraderie.


    Before long, the host announced the start of the evening''s dance.


    Soft music drifted through the air as guests began to pair off and make their way to the dance floor.


    Eleanor considered slipping away to a quiet corner to rest, but just then, a deep voice spoke softly behind her.


    "Miss Sutton, would you do me the honor of this dance?"


    She turned and found herself looking into a pair of striking, dark eyes.


    Xavier had crossed the room to reach her first.


    Caught off guard, Eleanor offered an apologetic smile. "Mr. Vaughn, I''m afraid I''m not much of a dancer."


    A few steps away, Vanessa was clinging ton''s arm, her voice syrupy. "Ian, let''s go dance, shall we?"


    Eleanor hesitated, but as Xavier extended his hand, she set hers lightly in his. "The pleasure is mine."


    Xavier guided her onto the dance floor with impable grace.


    He didn''t turn Vanessa down; instead, he led her into the swirling crowd.


    The lights were dim, casting a romantic glow over the ballroom. Gentle music floated around them, and Eleanor found herself rxing into the rhythm of the dance, moving in perfect step with Xavier.


    Across the floor,n found his gaze drawn to them. Eleanor tilted her head, listening to whatever Xavier was saying, a faint smile curving her lips.


    He''d never imagined he would see Eleanor dancing with another man.


    As the lights shifted, their glow yed across Eleanor''s delicate profile. For a moment, Xavier seemed so captivated, he nearly missed a step.


    Soon, Vanessa andn''s dance came to an end. Henry approached to ask Vanessa for the next dance, whilen slipped away to the balcony to take a call.


    Vanessa danced with Henry, her attention clearly elsewhere. Sensing her distraction, Henry leaned in. "Hey, are you alright?"


    Vanessa forced a smile. "I''m fine."


    "It''s because of Eleanor, isn''t it?" Henry read her easily.


    "Do you dislike her?" Vanessa shot back.


    Henry blinked, surprised, thenughed and shook his head. ¡°Not at all."


    Vanessa red. "You know I can''t stand her, and that''s your answer?"


    Abruptly, she released his hand and stalked away, leaving Henry standing awkwardly in the middle of the dance floor.


    He scratched his nose and wandered off the floor, grabbing a drink to nurse his wounded pride.


    After the dancing wound down, the auction began. Tonight''s charity event featured plenty of rare treasures, drawing all the city''s elite.


    Eleanor wasn''t in a hurry to leave; her daughter would be spending the night at Goodwin Manor. She settled in, content to watch the spectacle unfold.


    The auctioneer took the stage, introducing each item with practiced enthusiasm.


    From her seat near the back, Eleanor noticed Xavier slip quietly into the chair beside her.


    "See anything you like, Miss Sutton?" he asked with a smile.


    She returned it. "Not really¡ªI''m just here for the fun of it."


    He grinned. "Then I''ll keep youpany."


    Midway through the auction, a rare blue diamond ne was brought out, drawing gasps from the socialites in the room.


    Vanessa was the first to raise her paddle to bid.


    A few other wealthy women followed suit, but after a few rounds, Vanessa seemed to lose interest. Just as one of the women thought she had it in the bag,n raised his paddle.


    At the sight of who was bidding, the woman backed down graciously. "I''ll leave this one to Mr. Goodwin."


    The auctioneer dered with a flourish, "Congrattions to Miss Shannon-the ne is yours!"


    All eyes turned to Vanessa. Althoughn had ced the final bid, it was clear to everyone in the room who the true recipient was. Their rtionship needed no further exnation.

 Chapter 310

    Next,n bid on an antique vase. Eleanor guessed it was a gift for his grandmother, since Magdalen had a passion for collecting them.


    After the auction wound down, the dinner party drew to a close. Eleanor said her goodbyes to Mrs. Juliette Grayson and made her way to the lobby.


    She''d had a few drinks that evening and didn''t feel like driving, so, since Joy''s ce was nearby, she called a cab and spent the night at her friend''s house.


    Later, Eleanor was in the middle of a face mask session with Joy when her phone buzzed. She nced at the screen and froze for a moment.


    "Who is it?" Joy leaned over, curious.


    ¡°It''s from Mansfield Ellington.¡± Eleanor held up her phone. The message read: "Happy New Year''s, Miss Sutton."


    "Oooh, Mr. Ellington!" Joy teased.


    Eleanor quickly typed back, "Happy New Year''s."


    Joy grinned, waggling her eyebrows. "So, how far have you two gotten?"


    Eleanor shook her head with a sigh, just about to respond when her phone buzzed again¡ªthis time, it was a call fromn.


    Both women fell silent.


    Joy''s eyes widened. "Your ex-husband? What''s he calling for thiste?"


    Eleanor shrugged, but she answered anyway-her daughter was staying with him, after all. "What is it?"


    "That''s really none of your business," Eleanor replied coolly.


    "Evelyn''s running a fever,¡±n said simply.


    Eleanor''s expression changed in an instant. "How high? When did it start?"


    "One hundred and two. Noticed it about half an hour ago. The family doctor''s here already."


    A wave of anxiety hit Eleanor. "I''ll be right there."


    She hung up. Joy was already grabbing her keys. "I''ll drive you."


    Twenty minutester, Joy pulled up in front of Goodwin Manor.


    A housekeeper came out to open the door. Eleanor hurried inside, and as she rounded the staircase, she nearly collided with Vanessa, who was just leaving the guest rooms.


    Vanessa was wrapped in a silk robe, her hair still damp from a shower. She didn''t seem at all surprised to see Eleanor. Smoothing her hair back, Vanessa turned to the housekeeper. "Could you bring a cup of warm milk to my room, please? Thank you."


    "Of course, Miss Shannon. Right away."


    Eleanor hurried upstairs to Gina Quinn''s room. Ian was sitting by the bed, gently wiping Evelyn''s forehead with a damp cloth.


    Gina hovered nearby, worry etched on her face. When she saw Eleanor, she exined, "She was perfectly fine this afternoon. The fever came out of nowhere."


    Eleanor went straight to her daughter. Evelyn''s cheeks were flushed, and she reached out with tiny arms. "Mommy, hold me..."


    Eleanor scooped her up, feeling the heat radiating from her skin. She turned ton. "We need to take her to the hospital."


    Together, they rushed Evelyn to the ER. After registering and running a few tests, Eleanor nced at the blood work and quickly recognized it as a viral infection.


    The memory ofst year shed through her mind-Evelyn had suddenly spiked a high fever, caught a host of nasty viruses, both lungs turned opaque on the scans, and she''d needed a lungvage to pull through.


    Since then, Eleanor had been extra vignt whenever Evelyn got sick.


    Pediatrics, inpatient unit.


    Evelyn was admitted for observation.


    Eleanor sat by her daughter''s bedside, tense and exhausted. Ian crouched nearby, coaxing Evelyn to drink some water.


    "Mommy, Daddy...can you both stay with me tonight?" Evelyn asked, her voice small.


    The next morning, Joslyn arrived by cab to help. Ian was pacing the hallway on his cell phone, clearly busy with something. Joslyn watched him disappear down the corridor and sighed.


    She remembered the ordeal a year ago when Evelyn''s illness was so severe that Eleanor lost all faith in her husband. Now they were divorced, and Eleanor couldn''t rely on him anymore.


    Joslyn stayed with Eleanor and Evelyn as patiently as she could, but she worried; Eleanor looked utterly drained.


    "Ma''am, let me watch Evelyn. You should get some rest."


    "I''m fine." Eleanor tried to sound reassuring, though it was clear she hadn''t slept all night.


    "Maybe you should call Mr. Goodwin back in to help with Evelyn?" Joslyn suggested. ¡°He is her father, after all. You''d rest easier."


    "That won''t be necessary." Eleanor hugged her daughter close. She would manage.


    An hourter,n and Gina returned to the hospital room. As Eleanor stood up, she saw Vanessa''s silhouette at the door.


    Her face immediately frosted over.


    Vanessa walked straight ton''s side. "Ian, I brought some fruit for Evelyn..."


    "Out." Eleanor''s voice was quiet, but carried an unmistakable authority.


    Gina frowned. "Eleanor, Vanessa just wants to see how Evelyn''s doing."


    Vanessa bit her lip and said softly, "I''m sorry, ma''am. I only heard that Evelyn was in the hospital and got worried..."


    Eleanor cut her off, icy and unyielding. "My daughter doesn''t need concern from a stranger. Please leave."


    Vanessa nodded obediently. "Alright. I won''t intrude."


    But as she turned to leave, Eleanor noticed her eyes were rimmed with tears.


    After Vanessa left, Gina sighed. "Eleanor, Vanessa is¡ª"


    "Who she is doesn''t matter to me," Eleanor replied coldly.


    Gina looked at Eleanor''s determined face and said nothing more.

 Chapter 311

    Gina stayed for about an hour before heading out.


    By afternoon, Evelyn''s fever had stabilized, her spirits returning to normal. She''d be discharged first thing tomorrow morning.


    "I''ll stay with Evelyn tonight. You should go home and get some rest,¡±n said, noting the pallor on Eleanor''s face.


    "That''s not necessary. I can stay with her," Eleanor replied, rejecting his concern outright.


    "You don''t look well-"n frowned, worry creasing his brow.


    Eleanor shot him a cold, distant nce. "I don''t need your concern."


    He didn''t even have the right to care about her anymore.


    That night, Eleanor stayed by her daughter''s side, falling asleep next to her. In the morning, after they woke, Joslyn mentioned thatn had left around dawn.


    Discharge went smoothly. Joy drove over to pick them up and take them home.


    After two days of rest, Evelyn was back to her energetic self, skipping off to school as if nothing had happened.


    During those days, Eleanor was constantly receiving updatedb data from Callie. She analyzed results while discussing the experiments with him, her mind always half in theb.


    Today, Eleanor returned to theb, diving back into her work.


    She spent the entire morning immersed in experiments, rubbing her aching temples before pushing aside her second cup of cold coffee.


    Beneath the microscope, she watched as a set of gene-edited T cells devoured leukemia cells with astonishing efficiency. The experimental data far exceeded their expectations.


    "Eleanor, these results are incredible!" Callie burst in, clutching a freshly printed analysis, eyes shining behind her sses. "And there''s no sign of a cytokine storm!"


    Eleanor took the report, her fingers brushing over the key data points.


    This kind of breakthrough wasn''t achieved overnight. Three years ago, she''d begun tinkering with this particr gene sequence, and now, finally, the results were here.


    "Eleanor, our research is going to rewrite the leukemia treatment guidelines!" Callie''s excitement was unmistakable.


    Eleanor thought of her father''s motto: "A doctor''s heart is kind, their skill and sincerity paramount."


    Now, atst, she was on the verge of changing countless lives.


    That afternoon, both Simone and Dr. Lyman Brown attended the meeting. After hearing Eleanor''s presentation, they were ted. "Eleanor, it''s time to begin animal trials!"


    Eleanor nodded in agreement.


    Later, Simone calledn to brief him on the results.


    "I''ll set up a dedicated protection fund to safeguard her research,"n responded, his voice low and steady.


    "Good," Simone replied, then added, "You asked me to check if Eleanor would consider continuing her studies abroad. I asked her. She said no."


    "Why not?"


    "She said her child is still too young."


    "Thank you, Dr. Langley. That''s all I needed."


    After hanging up, Simone frowned, unsure whatn was nning or why he couldn''t just say it outright.


    Did he want to give Eleanor more opportunities? Or was there something else?


    Simone sighed. At least Eleanor had proven herself, developing one breakthrough after another. If she ever wanted to pursue a PhD, she''d have no trouble now.


    For a week straight, Eleanor''s world revolved around her daughter and theb. Outside, the city was alive with the spirit of the holidays: streets decked with lights, the festive season in full swing.


    Evelyn''s winter break had started. Sometimes Eleanor brought her to theb. One afternoon, Simone passed by Eleanor''s office and saw the little girl perched on the sofa, happily ying with toys. For a moment, Simone felt a pang of nostalgia.


    It reminded her of Elliot Sutton years ago-raising his daughter alone, bringing her to theb every day.


    How had Eleanor ended up on the same path as her father? Simone''s heart ached as she watched Eleanor bent over her desk, working tirelessly.


    Her eyes grew misty.


    But Eleanor herself didn''t dwell on these things. When her daughter was around, she felt more at ease at work.


    Sometimes Evelyn would ask about theb equipment, and Eleanor would patiently teach her the names and simple medical facts.


    Just as her father had done when she was a child-patient, attentive, introducing


    her to the wonders of medicine, and opening the door to a world of science.


    She''d seen firsthand the allure of discovery.


    Her father, standing on the awards podium, had always been her hero-someone she admired and aspired to be.


    Then at eighteen, she''d metn. At neen, she cared for him. At twenty, she married him and became the girl who revolved her whole world around him.


    A single nce fromn could make her giddy for a whole day, shutting out her passion for learning, turning all her energy to deciphering the affection in his every look.


    Even when her father had earnestly warned her, "Ellie, don''t let anyone clip your wings,"


    She hadn''t listened.


    Now, returning to her own calling, Eleanor felt the world had opened up for her.


    Simone updatedn on the research progress, then couldn''t help but add, "Ellie''s brought Evelyn with her to theb."


    "I''m away on business, Dr. Langley,"n replied with a politeugh.


    Simone hesitated. Ian hadn''t shown any displeasure, but she realized she might have overstepped.


    He clearly didn''t want anyone ying matchmaker between him and Eleanor. Simone had heard the rumors, too.


    Simone remembered meeting her once-stunning, poised, with a presence that left nothing to be desired. Eleanor held her own, of course, but it was clear the kind of womann preferred.


    Men liken-sessful, driven-never spent much time coaxing women. They needed someone who could provide emotional support.


    ¡°I''ll keep an extra eye on Evelyn, then," Simone said.


    Three dayster, Simone approached Eleanor with a proposal. "There''s a medical conference in Ashford City tomorrow night. Theb would like you to attend as our representative for the new technology and give a speech."


    Eleanor was caught off guard. "Joel would be a great choice, too."


    "He''s traveling to see family and won''t be back until after the holidays."


    Eleanor didn''t protest. "Alright. I''ll get ready."


    "Do you have someone to watch Evelyn? If not, she''s wee at my ce," Simone offered gently. Evelyn had once called her "Grandma," and Simone had taken her to heart ever since.

 Chapter 312

    Eleanor felt a gentle warmth bloom in her chest. "Alright, Professor Langley."


    The next morning, Eleanor''s phone rang early. It was a call to confirm her attendance at the conference. Momentster, Gina stopped by, volunteering to take care of Evelyn for the day.


    "I know you''ve got the annual conference. Leave her with me-you can rest assured she''ll be fine," Gina said kindly.


    Eleanor thought to herself,n was out of town on business, and Vanessa was sure to be with him.


    "Thank you, Aunt Gina. I appreciate it," Eleanor replied with a grateful smile.


    Evelyn climbed happily into the Goodwin family''s car, chattering excitedly with the driver. With her daughter in good hands, Eleanor returned to double-check her speech. She would be representing the entire Ashford Medical Universityb this time-there was no room for error.


    Meanwhile, in a nearby caf¨¦ just off the Ashford campus, Faye clutched her coffee mug, looking thoroughly disgruntled.


    Gwenda tried tofort her. "Faye, don''t be upset. Eleanor was chosen by Dr. Lyman himself to represent the team."


    "Why is it always her?" Faye grumbled, unable to hide her frustration. "My research resultstely haven''t been insignificant. Why couldn''t it have been me?"


    Gwenda knew better than to argue. Deep down, she had to admit-Eleanor''s achievements really did outshine everyone else''s.


    "At least we still get to attend the conference tonight, right?" Gwenda offered, hoping to cheer her up.


    Just then, Faye''s phone buzzed with a call from Vanessa. She answered quickly, "Hello?"


    "You''re going to the medical conference tonight, right?"


    "I am."


    "Good. I''ll see you there."


    "You''reing too?"


    "Yeah,n''s taking me."


    After the call, Gwenda leaned in with a grin. "So, when are your sister and Mr. Goodwin finally getting married?¡±


    "Should be soon," Faye replied, sounding half-exasperated, half-proud.


    Gwenda looked at her with envy. Oncen became her brother-inw, the bestb resources would surely fall right into Faye''sp. And as for Eleanor-


    Even ifn still felt some lingering affection for his ex, Vanessa would never sit by and let Eleanor grow stronger, would she? There was no way Vanessa would be generous enough to let her husband''s former wife have first pick of the Goodwin Institute''s best resources.


    By five in the evening, traffic around the International Convention Center was at a standstill. Eleanor found herself crawling forward in a long procession of cars.


    Her phone chimed with a new message.


    She nced at it:


    "I''m back."


    It was from Mansfield Ellington.


    A softugh escaped her lips as she typed a reply.


    "How long is your leave?"


    "Two weeks. Where are you?"


    "I''m at the conference center tonight for a presentation."


    "I''lle by now. Will I make it in time?"


    "Traffic''s terrible out here."


    "No problem. There''s a helipad on the roof."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Are you actuallying?"


    "Yes."


    His reply was as direct and efficient as you''d expect from a career officer-short,


    to the point, with an air of unwavering resolve.


    For a moment, Eleanor just stared at her screen, unsure how to respond.


    Atst, the traffic inched forward, the jam easing as the road split and she was able to slip into the underground parking at the convention center.


    The International Convention Center was aze with light. At the registration desk, Eleanor collected her guest badge. No sooner had she turned around than a stir rippled through the crowd behind her.


    Eleanor thought about going over to greet them, but the crowd was thick tonight, and she decided not to intrude.


    Atst, the guests began filing into the main hall. Eleanor noticed name cards marking the first three rows and was wondering where to sit when a keen-eyed young woman spotted her.


    "Miss Sutton, it really is you!" The student, who was working the event on behalf of Ashford Medical University, practically beamed.


    "Yes, it''s me," Eleanor said with a smile.


    "Your seat is here, second row, sixth from the left," the young woman pointed out.


    Eleanor nodded her thanks and made her way over. As she sat, she nced up just asn entered with Principal Maxwell. Ian''s deep gaze met hers for a moment.


    Eleanor lowered her eyes, avoiding his.


    But thenn, following Principal Maxwell, walked right up to the seat directly in front of her. Eleanor frowned in annoyance of all the ces to sit, they had to be in line with each other.


    Principal Maxwell spotted her atst. Eleanor stood quickly, not wanting to be rude. "Principal Maxwell."


    "Miss Sutton, we meet again!n has told me about your research-impressive work!"


    Eleanor offered a modest smile. "You tter me, Principal Maxwell."


    After a brief exchange,n turned to her. "How''s Evelyn beentely?"


    Eleanor ignored him, pretending she hadn''t heard.


    There were still about ten minutes to go before the conference began when Mansfield Ellington strode in, dressed in full military dress uniform. The epaulettes


    on his shoulders gleamed beneath the lights, drawing every eye in the room.


    It was rare to see someone in uniform at an event like this-let alone someone so strikingly handsome andposed.


    Every woman in the hall seemed to sit up a little straighter.


    Vanessa, seated in the sixth row, caught sight of him and froze. Wasn''t that the


    same man she''d seen at Mrs. Ellington''s dinner party? Who was he?


    He looked away, his face impassive.


    The room was crowded, but Mansfield''s eyes found Eleanor instantly. Unconcerned by the attention, he smiled and walked right toward her.


    Eleanor stepped out into the aisle to greet him, and the two of them stood off to the side, chatting quietly.


    Vanessa stared, her breath catching. How did Eleanor know a man like that?


    But just as quickly, Vanessa''s lips curled in a cold, mocking smile. So much for Eleanor''s icy reserve-put a remarkable man in front of her, and her true colors showed. Just like when she''d gone aftern all those years ago, stopping at nothing to get what she wanted.


    "Mr. Ellington, why don''t you find yourself a seat?" Eleanor suggested politely. Mansfield regarded her with a half-smile. "Alright.¡±


    "If you need to leave early, you¡ª¡±


    He cut her off, still smiling. "I''ll wait for you to finish."

 Chapter 313

    Eleanor paused, just for a heartbeat, then nodded with a gentle smile. "Alright."


    The meeting officially began. The chairperson announced the agenda while Eleanor focused on flipping through her speech notes.


    Soon, it was her turn to take the stage.


    She drew a quiet breath. With so many public speaking engagements under her belt, she walked up to the podium with unhurried confidence.


    The spotlight found her in that moment.


    She lifted her chin and smiled, embodying every bit of grace, poise, and beauty.


    In the audience, Mansfield Ellington''s heart seemed to skip a few beats. Watching her on stage, he raised his phone to capture this moment of her radiance.


    Eleanor''s voice rang out, clear and strong. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, today I''m here to share thetest research on gene-edited T-cells in the treatment of leukemia.....¡±


    She exined the experimental data with crisp logic, outlined the technical breakthroughs, and painted a vivid picture of future applications. Murmurs of amazement and rounds of apuse broke out from the crowd.


    When her talk ended, Eleanor bowed politely to thank the audience.


    Thunderous apuse erupted again. Principal Maxwell leaned towardn and said warmly, n, Eleanor is a rare talent-yourb really struck gold this time!"


    Returning to her seat, Eleanor unscrewed her water bottle and took a sip. Momentster, her phone screen lit up with a silent message¡ªit was from Mansfield Ellington.


    "Your expertise is impressive. Truly remarkable."


    Eleanor didn''t reply. Instead, she nced back in his direction. He was already looking at her, wearing that easy, expectant smile.


    She gave him a quick smile in return, then turned her attention back to the stage as the next speaker took over. The evening wasn''t just about presentations; there was also an awards ceremony scheduled.


    The main screen in the conference hall began showing profiles of the attending schrs.


    Next to Eleanor''s official photo, the caption read, "Breakthroughs in Targeted Leukemia Therapy." Below, her affiliation: Goodwin & Co. Biomedical Research Center.


    "And now, we move on to several important awards."


    After a few medical professionals epted their prizes, the host''s booming voice filled the hall once more. "The next award is for the year''s most groundbreaking medical research. The recipient is-Eleanor."


    Eleanor froze for a second, genuinely surprised. She hadn''t expected a personal award tonight.


    Still, she rose withposure and made her way to the stage. After shaking hands with the host, she heard, "Presenting this award to Miss Sutton will be Mr.n, President of Goodwin & Co. Please wee him."


    Eleanor''s smile faltered for a split second. Out of the corner of her eye, she sawn standing and walking toward the stage.


    She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a small nervous gesture. Ian took the crystal trophy from the usher and extended his hand. "Congrattions."


    Eleanor had no choice but to reach out and shake his hand for a few perfunctory seconds.


    After posing for a brief photo together, they each left the stage.


    In the fourth row, Vanessa had been idly scrolling through her phone for a while, growing increasingly bored-especially every time Eleanor was in the spotlight, which grated on her nerves.


    Two rows back, Faye looked toward Eleanor with barely concealed jealousy. She''d been working in theb for ages and hadn''t brought home so much as a que¡ªwhile Eleanor had already snagged two major awards.


    Both Faye and Gwenda had noticed the officer who''d greeted Eleanor earlier. Gwenda had been eyeing him all evening. He sat in one of the front rows, posture immacte, with a chiseled profile that made her heart flutter.


    He was, hands down, the most handsome officer she''d ever seen.


    Unable to resist, she leaned closer to Faye. "Faye, do you know who he is?"


    Faye nced at Mansfield Ellington''s uniformed figure and shook her head. "No idea."


    "He seems pretty close with Eleanor." Gwenda''s curiosity only deepened. "Come on, ask your sister! Maybe she knows."


    Faye was intrigued too. She picked up her phone and sent a message to Vanessa: "Do you know the guy in uniform? He seems familiar with Eleanor."


    Vanessa ncedzily at her screen, but her eyes paused. She turned to look at Mansfield Ellington.


    Even seated, he cut an imposing figure-upright, with an air of quiet authority.


    She narrowed her eyes and replied, "I saw him at the mayor''s g. He''s probably from a military family."


    A momentter, Vanessa added, "Are you interested in him?"


    Faye read the reply and handed her phone to Gwenda.


    Gwenda''s heart skipped faster as she read the words "military family."


    She couldn''t help but steal another nce at Mansfield Ellington, her cheeks flushing pink. ¡°He''s just so handsome-wonder if he has a girlfriend."


    Faye smirked inwardly. Even if he didn''t, she thought, you wouldn''t stand a chance.


    But she kept her thoughts to herself, lowering her voice. "Didn''t you notice he was watching Eleanor the whole time?"


    Gwenda instantly deted, withdrawing her gaze with a sigh. "Why does Eleanor get all the luck?"


    Atst, at nine-thirty, the host gave the closing remarks, and the event drew to a perfect close.


    Eleanor remained seated for a while, not in a hurry to leave, when Mansfield Ellington¡ªimmacte in his uniform-made his way over and took the seat beside her.


    Vanessa, meanwhile, hade down from the back and waited by the door for<pn.

 Chapter 314

    "Tomorrow, my grandmother would like to invite Miss Sutton to dinner. Would you happen to be free?" Mansfield Ellington''s voice was polite, but there was a note of hopefulness in his invitation.


    Eleanor paused for a moment.


    "She''s been wanting to thank you in person," Mansfield went on, worried she might refuse. ¡°But after that day, she had to stay in the hospital for a couple of weeks and hasn''t fully recovered. When I spoke to her this morning, she mentioned it again."


    Since it was a personal invitation from Mansfield''s grandmother Mildred, Eleanor couldn''t very well turn her down-not that she wanted to. She also had a good rtionship with the mayor''s wife, after all.


    She smiled and nodded. "Of course. I''d be d to.¡±


    As soon as she agreed, Eleanor realized she needed to use the restroom. She handed her trophy to Mansfield. "Would you mind holding this for me? I need to step out for a moment."


    Mansfield epted it, beaming. "Go ahead, I''ll wait for you."


    Eleanor stood and made her way toward the restroom. Just then,n rose from his seat, shaking hands with Principal Maxwell as they said their goodbyes.


    Mansfield, who had been watching Eleanor''s retreating figure, only then noticed the two men. He quickly stood and greeted them. "Mr. Maxwell."


    "Mr. Goodwin," Mansfield replied with equal politeness.


    Maxwell grinned, "Back home for a few days, are you?"


    "I managed to take all my vacation days at once. I''ll be here for two weeks," Mansfield replied with a smile.


    Maxwell chuckled. "Good. You ought to spend time with your family."


    Maxwell gave Mansfield a friendly wave. "We''ll be off, then."


    "Safe travels, Mr. Maxwell. You should visit us sometime," Mansfield called after him.


    Maxwellughed, shaking his head with affection. "Such a polite young man- always has been, ever since he was a boy. And now he''s been promoted to brigadier general, the youngest one in their entire district."


    He shot Mansfield a look full of approval.


    She let Mansfield keep hold of her trophy. "Did you fly in by helicopter?" she asked.


    "I did," he replied.


    "I''ll give you a ride, then," Eleanor offered. "It''s not easy to get a cab out here."


    "I''d be honored," Mansfield said, his eyes lighting up.


    Out by the towering Roman columns, Eleanor spottedn and Vanessa. Vanessa was dressed in a flimsy cocktail dress, clearly not prepared for the icy air-she stood shivering in the near-freezing wind.


    Vanessa smiled sweetly, and asn led the way to their car, she nced back at Eleanor, her eyes shining with a smug satisfaction.


    She wanted Eleanor to see. She wanted to unt her victory.


    Mansfield took notice, his gaze softening with concern as he looked at Eleanor.


    "My car''s parked a bit of a walk from here," Eleanor said quietly.


    ¡°I don''t mind a stroll," Mansfield replied with a gentle smile.


    As they entered the fountain-lit za, Eleanor spottedn again-Gavin Young


    was waiting for him with the familiar ck Maybach.


    He circled the car, opened the door on the far side, and climbed in. The Maybach slid away, swallowed by the darkness.


    Eleanor scanned the parking lot, trying to remember where she''d left her own car. Her face was numb from the biting cold.


    Mansfield, misreading her expression, assumed she was heartbroken at the sight of her ex-husband leaving with another woman. He tried to offer sce. "Miss Sutton, sometimes the view ahead is far better than what''s behind."


    Eleanor blinked, startled, and looked at him. "Sorry?"


    "Weren''t you feeling down because of your ex?" Mansfield asked quietly.


    Sheughed, running a hand through her hair. ¡°No, nothing like that. I''m just not familiar with this area. I rushed over earlier and now I can''t remember where I parked."


    Mansfield stared at her, then burst outughing. The sound was warm and bright in the cold night. "Don''t worry, I''ll help you find it."


    "Do you remember which direction you came from? Anyndmarks?" he asked.


    Eleanor thought for a moment, then pointed to a billboard. "I''m pretty sure I parked facing that sign!"


    "Alright, let''s head over there."


    The night air was growing colder. Eleanor instinctively pulled her coat tighter around herself. Mansfield noticed and, without a word, shifted his position so his broad frame shielded her from the wind.


    The parking lot was dimly lit. Squinting, Eleanor tried to make out her car. Suddenly, she caught her foot on something and nearly stumbled. Mansfield reacted instantly, grabbing her wrist to steady her. "Careful," he murmured.


    His hand was warm, his fingertips calloused but reassuring. Once she regained her bnce, he released her immediately-though it was clear he wished he could hold on a bit longer.


    "Thank you," Eleanor said, cheeks flushing with embarrassment.


    Mansfield gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Anytime."

 Chapter 315

    Eleanor searched for her car keys in the dimly lit parking lot beneath the overpass. A white Porsche Cayenne shed its hazard lights in greeting.


    Mansfield Ellington circled around to the passenger side, ducked into the seat, and tried to find afortable position for his long legs. He fiddled with the seat adjustment one more time.


    As soon as he climbed in, a faint, clean fragrance met him, and for a moment, his heart fluttered unexpectedly.


    "What''s your address?" Eleanor started the engine, and warm air began to drift from the vents.


    "Moonlight Boulevard, Whisperwind Commons," Mansfield replied, fastening his seatbelt.


    Eleanor paused in surprise. "That''s close to where I live. You''re staying there?" "Just drop me off there. I''m headed to a teammate''s ce," Mansfield said easily. She nodded and pulled out of the lot.


    City lights sparkled against the night sky. Eleanor''s slender fingers curled around the steering wheel, her posture neat and focused. To Mansfield, there was something endearing about the way she drove-so cute, so elegant.


    He risked a sidelong nce at her just as Eleanor checked the rearview mirror in his direction. His heart skipped, then thudded twice, and he found himself smiling despite himself.


    Eleanor kept her eyes on the road, but her voice was gentle. "How''s your grandmother doing?"


    "Much better. She keeps saying she wants to thank you in person." Mansfield''s gaze softened. "Her heart isn''t strong. If you hadn''t stepped in that day, things could''ve turned out badly."


    "No need to thank me. I just did what anyone should do," Eleanor replied, watching the traffic lights ahead, her fingers drumming quietly on the wheel.


    Mansfield chuckled. "Miss Sutton, you really are a kind soul."


    Eleanor''s smile was wry. "Being too kind isn''t always a blessing."


    Mansfield straightened, suddenly serious. "Has someone been giving you trouble?"


    She blinked, then shook her head. "No, not at all. Honestly, I''ve only met good peopletely."


    Even if she had been hurt before, Eleanor thought, it was because she''d been too na?ve, too trusting. She''d learned her lesson-next time, she''d keep her distance.


    "If anyone ever bothers you, let me know. I''ll stand up for you," Mansfield said, his voice low and steady.


    She nced over, grinning. "Thank you."


    Mansfield fell silent after that, not wanting to distract her. Still, every so often, he snuck a look at Eleanor''s profile.


    She''d done her makeup lightly tonight, her brows and eyes perfectly shaped, nose straight and elegant. He noticed her fair, graceful hands, nails trimmed neat and clean. He found himself staring, almost dazed.


    "Is it a right turn up ahead?" Eleanor''s voice cut through his reverie.


    He snapped back to the present, ears turning warm. "Oh! Yes, turn right."


    She flicked on the blinker, her slim wrist guiding the wheel as the car glided smoothly into the next street.


    Mansfield realized how intently she focused when she drove-brows slightly furrowed, lips pressed together, as serious as a schoolkid during an exam.


    "You''re a pretty good driver," he couldn''t help butpliment.


    Eleanor smiled. "I don''t usually drive at night. My eyesight''s a bit weak."


    That exined the concentration, Mansfield thought, grinning to himself.


    They turned onto Moonlight Boulevard, towering maples lining each side. Eleanor slowed, scanning for the entrance to Whisperwind Commons.


    "Just pull over by the sculpture up ahead," Mansfield directed.


    She parked where he indicated. Mansfield climbed out, then leaned back in.


    "Drive safe. Take it slow."


    "I''m less than a mile from home," Eleanor replied with augh.


    His smile widened. "Good. See you tomorrow."


    Eleanor''s car pulled away, and Mansfield watched her taillights disappear before letting out a quiet breath.


    His teammate didn''t live here at all. He''d given this address just to spend a few more minutes with her-and to make sure she got home safely.


    He gged down a cab and headed home.


    Eleanor carried her trophy inside. Joslyn, her housekeeper, beamed. ¡°Ma''am, you won another award!"


    Eleanor grinned, set the trophy on the cab, and headed upstairs.


    With her daughter away for the night, the house felt unusually quiet. After a shower, she curled up in bed with a book. Just then, her phone chimed with a video call.


    She checked the screen-it wasn. Eleanor guessed who really wanted to talk. Sure enough, when she answered, a chubby-cheeked little face filled the screen.


    "Mommy!" Evelyn called out sweetly.


    "Evelyn, why are you still up?"


    "Guess where I am!" Evelyn flipped the camera around.


    Eleanor already knew. Ian must''ve brought her back to the house where they''d once lived together.


    "Where''s Daddy?" Eleanor asked, a hint of worry in her voice. Surely he wouldn''t leave their daughter alone in a room.


    "Do you miss Daddy? Come on, I''ll show you-he''s working." Evelyn giggled and spun the camera, bouncing down the hall to the study.


    The screen wobbled, then steadied, revealing a bright, spacious office. Ian appeared in the frame, seated on the sofa,pletely absorbed in his paperwork.


    "Daddy works so hard," Evelyn whispered, turning the camera back to herself. Eleanor started to say something.


    "Evelyn? What are you up to?"n''s warm, deep voice came from off-screen. "Didn''t I tell you it''s bedtime?"

 Chapter 316

    "I don''t want to go to bed yet! I want to wait and sleep with Daddy," Evelyn pouted, then burst into a giggle as she threw herself into his arms. The camera spun for a moment before settling onn''s expression-helpless, but utterly indulgent.


    It was clear: Evelyn was tucked securely in his embrace.


    He froze for a split second, then his features smoothed out as if nothing had happened.


    He shifted his position, and as he moved, his shirt tightened, outlining the strong lines of his chest.


    "It''ste, sweetheart. If you don''t go to bed now, you''ll never grow tall!"n teased, gently pinching his daughter''s cheek, his voice impossibly soft.


    He turned his attention back to the phone. "You''re still up too?" he asked.


    Eleanor''s voice came through the video, cool and clipped. "I was just about to go to bed."


    Just then,n''s phone rang. Evelyn piped up loudly, "Daddy, you have a call! It''s Miss Vanessa-"


    The video call cut off abruptly.


    Eleanor wasn''t sure if her daughter had identally hung up, or ifn had ended the call himself.


    Her breath caught. Wasn inviting Vanessa to spend the night at his ce?


    The thought sent a hot surge of anger through her chest. If he didn''t have time to be there for his daughter, then he had no right to take her away.


    Fuming, Eleanor dialedn''s number. The screen showed he was already on another call.


    Jaw clenched, she got up, changed quickly, and headed out the door. She was going to get her daughter back.


    ¡°Ma''am, where are you going at this hour?" Joslyn, already in her pajamas, looked at Eleanor in startled confusion as she rushed for the door.


    "I''m going to bring Evelyn home," Eleanor said, grabbing her car keys from the entryway and storming outside.


    The night air struck her face, sharp with winter''s chill.


    She yanked open the car door and slid into the driver''s seat, her fingers trembling with anger-she hadn''t been this furious in years.


    With a roar, her white Cayenne shot out of the garage like an arrow. Eleanor gripped the steering wheel, her daughter''s innocent voice echoing in her mind "Miss Vanessa¡±¡ªand a heavy ache pressed against her chest.


    "Damn it!" she muttered, mming her fist against the wheel, barely holding it together.


    She rolled down her window, letting the cold wind whip through the car, desperate to clear the ugly images spinning in her head. Vanessa, spending the night at the Goodwin house? While Evelyn was there? How couldn?


    Even if he had his needs¡ªcouldn''t he restrain himself for just one night?


    Eleanor pressed harder on the gas, the speedometer climbing quickly past fifty miles an hour.


    The car''s Bluetooth chimed.


    She jabbed the answer button.


    His voice filled the car, clear and steady. "Did you just try to call me?"


    "I''ming to take Evelyn home," Eleanor replied, her voice icy.


    There was a beat of silence. "Now? It''s almost eleven."


    She ended the call without another word.


    She didn''t care if he wanted to move on, but she would never let him parade a new rtionship in front of their daughter.


    Evelyn was young and didn''t understand now, but one day she would-and those memories could scar her forever.


    The city streets blurred past, cold and deserted as Eleanor sped toward the house.


    When she reachedn''s vi, she mmed the car door and strode up to the ornate front door she knew so well.


    She''d lived here for six years. Now, standing before it, her heart twisted with bitterness.


    She reached to ring the bell, but the face recognition system lit up and a gentle, automated voice greeted her: "Wee home." There was a click, and the door unlocked.


    She hesitated for a moment. Ian hadn''t removed her from the entry system.


    Inside, she foundn waiting for her on the living room sofa.


    She clenched her jaw. "Where''s Evelyn?"


    "She''s already asleep," he said, rising to his feet.


    She brushed past him. "I''m taking her home."


    alone at this hour."


    Eleanor pulled her arm free. "I''m taking her, regardless."


    He frowned. "Why do you have to take her now?"


    She stared at him, then let out a humorlessugh. "You seriously don''t know why? Move."


    He scowled. "Vanessa isn''t here."


    Eleanor''s eyes shed with anger. n, you can do whatever you want with her,


    but don''t unt it in front of my daughter. If you do, I swear you''ll never see Evelyn again."


    With that, Eleanor headed upstairs.


    She gently woke her daughter, who blinked up in surprise. "Mommy? What are you doing here?"


    "I came to bring you home," Eleanor said softly.


    "Why?"


    "I can''t sleep without you in my arms," Eleanor replied, ruffling her daughter''s hair.


    Evelyn hugged her neck. "Then I''ll go home with you, Mommy!"


    "Good girl." Eleanor kissed her, helped her into her coat, and carried her downstairs. In the hallway,n watched them, his expression unreadable. "Let me drive you two home," he offered, voice low.


    "No, thanks," Eleanor said tly.


    "Bye, Daddy!" Evelyn waved her little hand.


    into her car seat. His gaze lingered on Eleanor. "Drive safe."


    Eleanor pressed the gas pedal, desperate to put as much distance between herself andn as she could.

 Chapter 317

    That night, Eleanor finally drifted into a peaceful sleep, her daughter curled up in her arms.


    Early the next morning, messages from both Xavier and Mansfield Ellington arrived. Xavier congratted her on winning the award at the medical conference the previous night. He was away on business, and Vivian had already been taken back to her grandmother''s house overseas. Xavier promised to treat her to dinner when he returned home.


    Mansfield Ellington, on the other hand, was already on his way to pick her up.


    That morning, Eleanor asked Ellington to deliver a few boxes of fine health supplements as gifts.


    Joy had originally nned to invite her out for lunch, but after hearing Eleanor was heading to the Ellington family''s luncheon, she volunteered to watch Evelyn instead.


    "Go on! You could even stay for dinner at their ce," Joy teased with a grin.


    Eleanor smiled helplessly. "One meal is more than enough."


    "Who knows? Maybe they''ll insist you stay for dinner, too."


    Eleanorughed, her voice bright. "How about I drag you along? After all, you helped save Mrs. Ellington that day."


    Joy waved her hands in protest. "Oh no, you know I can''t stand mingling with those upper-crust families. It''s way too stiff for me. Besides, I''m pretty sure this meal is about more than just thanking you for saving her. The Ellingtons probably have something else in mind."


    Eleanor''s smile faded a little, her expression turning thoughtful. After a failed marriage, she''d learned to keep her heart guarded, armored against disappointment.


    But the invitation was from Mildred herself-she couldn''t possibly refuse.


    She settled on a cream turtleneck sweater paired with a charcoal wool skirt; it was elegant and stylish, the perfect bnce.


    "Mommy, you look so pretty!" Evelyn called from the sofa, swinging her little feet back and forth.


    Eleanor kissed her daughter''s cheek. "Be good for Auntie Joy, sweetheart. I''ll be back after lunch."


    "Okay, bye, Mommy!" Evelyn replied, her voice sweet and sensible.


    Eleanor''s phone chimed¡ªa message from Mansfield: I''m outside your door. No rush, take your time.


    Eleanor nced at Joy. "Thanks again for helping me out today."


    "Go! Don''t keep them waiting," Joy said, shing an OK sign.


    Eleanor picked up the gift boxes and headed out to the courtyard.


    As soon as she opened her front gate, she spotted Mansfield leaning casually against a ck Land Rover parked along the street. Today, he was out of uniform, wearing a navy sweater under a gray trench coat. He looked tall and crisp, like a sentinel. The moment he caught sight of Eleanor, he straightened up, a warm smile lighting his eyes.


    "You look wonderful today," Mansfield said as he took the gift bags from her and opened the car door.


    Eleanor slid into the passenger seat. Once he was behind the wheel, she said, "Thank you. Honestly, I could''ve driven myself."


    Mansfield''s lips curved with amusement. "My grandmother insisted I pick you up personally."


    "Will your aunt be there too?" Eleanor asked.


    He shook his head. "It''s just me and my grandmother. My uncle and aunt are tied up with year-end business, and my father''s so busy he''s hardly ever around."


    Eleanor noticed he didn''t mention his mother. She hesitated, wanting to ask but not wanting to intrude.


    "My mother passed away when I was eighteen," Mansfield said quietly, as if sensing her question. "Dad never remarried, so it''s just the two of us." Eleanor nodded gently.


    Mansfield nced at her, a flicker of empathy in his eyes. He already knew, from his own inquiries, that both her parents were gone, too.


    Just then, the car''s Bluetooth rang. Mansfield hit the answer button. "Hello, Gran?"


    "It''s still early," Mildred said on the other end. "Bring Miss Sutton by the house before lunch, won''t you?"


    "Of course, Gran."


    Eleanor felt a sudden burst of nerves and nced at Mansfield, silently asking if this would be an inconvenience.


    He hung up and smiled at her. "Don''t worry. My grandmother''s been hoping you''d visit. I''m guessing she''s prepared a feast to wee you."


    They pulled into a quiet, upscale neighborhood. Mansfield led Eleanor through the gate of a charming house with a small front garden. Waiting at the doorway was an elderlydy with silver hair-Eleanor immediately recognized her as the woman she''d helped rescue.


    The moment Mildred saw her, she bustled down the steps and took Eleanor''s hand warmly. "So you''re my lifesaver, Miss Sutton! Even prettier than your photo!"


    "You''re too kind. Please, call me Eleanor." She offered the gift bags. "Just a little something as a token of my gratitude."


    Mildred looked momentarily surprised. "You shouldn''t have! Mansfield told me how busy you''ve been at work-I''m so d you could make time today."


    Mansfield sat nearby in a single armchair, watching his grandmother''s enthusiastic wee with a quiet smile and a hint of pride.


    Mildred proved to be a lively conversationalist, soon recounting the story of her fall.


    "If it weren''t for you and your friend, I don''t know what would have happened that day..."


    "Gran, Auntie always says you''ll outlive us all," Mansfield interjected affectionately, shooting his grandmother a fond look.


    Mildred turned to Eleanor, her tone conspiratorial. "You know, Mansfield''s always been the responsible type since he was a boy. He''s finally making a name for himself, but his superiors stillin to his dad now and then-say he''s a bit too headstrong for his own good."


    "Gran!" Mansfield blushed and shot Eleanor an embarrassed nce, only to find her covering her mouth, trying not tough.


    "What he needs is someone who can keep him in line. Someone he actually listens to,¡± Mildred finished, her gaze lingering meaningfully on Eleanor, as if passing the baton.


    Eleanor''s smile faltered, caught off guard by the implication.

 Chapter 318

    "Grandma, it''s almost time. Let''s head to the restaurant," Mansfield Ellington said, ncing at his watch.


    Mildred nodded. "All right! No sense in letting ourselves get hungry. Come on, let''s go."


    Mansfield had made a reservation at an upscale restaurant. Mildred didn''t get out much these days, but she''d raised two aplished sons and had seen her fair share of sophisticated asions.


    The restaurant was perched atop a downtown skyscraper, its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a sweeping view of the city below.


    Mansfield chose a table by the window, and they settled in.


    Eleanor was listening as Mildred recounted stories of how times had changed. Suddenly, Eleanor felt a sharp gaze fixed on her. She looked up instinctively- across a few tables, her eyes metn''s, his dark gaze unreadable.


    Their eyes locked for a brief moment, but Eleanor didn''t let her face show any change-Mildred was engaged in cheerful conversation with her, and she didn''t want to spoil the mood.


    Eleanor turned her attention back to the table.


    Mansfield, always observant, noticed the flicker in her demeanor. He followed her line of sight and caughtn''s eyes across the room.


    The two men exchanged a brief, polite nod¡ªa silent acknowledgment between people of status.


    When the drinks and food arrived, Mansfield discretely shifted in his seat, positioning himself between Eleanor andn''s line of sight.


    Eleanor didn''t notice his subtle gesture, butn certainly did.


    Soon, the main courses arrived. Eleanor and Mildred chatted, while Mansfield mostly listened, attentive and quiet. He kept an eye on his grandmother''s te, making sure she had everything she liked. For Eleanor, he was more reserved- he watched to see what she enjoyed and gently slid those dishes closer to her.


    Halfway through the meal, Eleanor excused herself to thedies'' room. As she stepped out, she foundn leaning casually against the hallway wall.


    "So, you''re at the ''meet the family'' stage already?"n''s tone was cool, almost indifferent.


    Eleanor didn''t bother with a reply. She tried to walk past him.


    The words hit Eleanor where she was most vulnerable. Her daughter was her weakness; she felt her breath catch.


    "Why don''t you worry about yourself?" she shot back, hoping to keep walking. Butn''s arm moved out, blocking her path.


    She nearly bumped into him, instinctively taking a step back. Finally, she looked him in the eye.


    "What do you want from me?"


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "At least they know how to treat me with respect. That''s more than I can say for someone who harasses his ex-wife in public."


    The hallway light spilled over him, throwing shadow into his deep-set eyes.


    "Eleanor," he said, straightening his cufflinks, his voice measured and slow, "I''m only trying to look out for you. That''s all."


    With that, he turned and walked away.


    Eleanor let out a shaky breath. Her good mood had taken a hit, thanks to him. When she returned to the table, Mansfield leaned over and asked quietly, "Are you all right?"


    He''d seenn head down the hallway earlier.


    "I''m fine," Eleanor replied with a lifted brow and a smile. From the corner of her eye, she sawn back at his business dinner, raising his ss and chatting with clients, as if the tense encounter had never happened.


    "Try this," Mansfield said, sliding a delicate slice of tiramisu in front of her. "This ce is famous for it. I remember you loved itst time we were in Kingston."


    Eleanor felt a gentle warmth in her chest. Six years of marriage ton, and he''d never once remembered her favorite dessert. Mansfield, on the other hand, had caught on after just one meal together.


    "Thank you," she said softly, taking a bite. The cake was light and sweet, melting on her tongue.


    When she nced up, she caught Mansfield watching her lips, his gaze lingering a moment too long, a faint blush creeping up his ears.


    Mildred suddenly jumped in. "Mansfield was always like this as a boy-he had a crush on the girl in the next ss but never dared say a word. Every day="


    "Grandma!" Mansfield nearly knocked over his water ss. "That was elementary school! Do you have to remember everything?"


    He shot Eleanor a nervous look, worried she''d find his childhood stories embarrassing.


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh. "I was the same way at that age. We were all innocent back then."


    Across the room,n set down his wine ss, his gaze drifting toward their table. A littleter, Mansfield excused himself to use the restroom.


    "Eleanor, dear," Mildred said, suddenly taking Eleanor''s hand in her own wrinkled but surprisingly strong grip. "My grandson is a wonderful young man. The way he looks at you¡ªit''s just like his grandfather looked at me all those years ago.¡± Eleanor was caught off guard-she hadn''t realized Mildred had noticed. But she- "Grandma, if I''m being honest, I''ve only been divorced for half a year. I have a daughter to care for. I''m not really thinking about anything else right now." Eleanor spoke from the heart.


    Mildred smiled gently. "My younger daughter-inw told me all about it. There''s no rush, sweetheart. Take your time. You''re a wonderful woman. If someone else couldn''t see that, I know Mansfield does."

 Chapter 319

    Eleanor''s gaze drifted almost instinctively toward the man at the table across from her. Ian was deep in conversation with his guest, but as if sensing her eyes on him, he nced in her direction. Eleanor quickly looked away.


    After lunch, Mr. Mansfield Ellington offered to drive Mrs. Whitmore home, and Mildred used the opportunity to nudge Eleanor and Mansfield together.


    "Mansfield, why don''t you take Eleanor out for coffee? Or maybe a walk? I need my afternoon nap," Mildred announced with a sly smile.


    "Of course, Grandma. Enjoy your rest!" Mansfield replied.


    Mildred turned to Eleanor with a warm invitation. "Next time, bring your daughter over to visit. I''d love to meet her."


    "I''d like that. Thank you, Mildred," Eleanor answered politely.


    Once outside with Mansfield, Eleanor hesitated. "Are you busy? If you have work, I¡ª"


    "I''m not busy," he cut in, reassuringly.


    Just as the words left his mouth, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen -Callie. "Excuse me, I need to take this," she said.


    Mansfield nodded, stepping aside while she answered. Eleanor listened for a few moments, her expression growing grave. Mansfield watched her with concern.


    When she hung up, Eleanor turned to him. "I have to get to theb. Something''se up. Rain check?"


    "I''ll drive you," Mansfield offered at once.


    "Are you sure? I don''t want to trouble you."


    "It''s no trouble. Honestly, I''ve got nothing else on my te," he said with an easy smile.


    Eleanor didn''t argue. During the drive, she buried herself in her phone, scrolling through articles and reports, barely saying a word.


    When they reached theb, she gave him a grateful smile. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ellington. I appreciate the lift-let''s catch up another time."


    "Definitely. Just let me know when you''re free," Mansfield replied, not wanting to intrude on her work.


    After all, Eleanor''s research could change the future of medicine.


    Eleanor strode quickly through the ss doors of theb, startling Callie, who was hunched over the workstation.


    "Is the data really off?" Without hesitation, Eleanor went straight to theputer, fingers already opening thetest report.


    Callie pushed his sses up, beads of sweat dotting his brow. "All three sample groups show abnormal immune responses, and even the control group''s giving us cross-reactions that shouldn''t be there. If these results hold up, the direction we''ve taken for the past three months might be¡ª"


    "Retest the samples. Check all the equipment calibration logs. I''ll contact an independentb for parallel verification," Eleanor said coolly, her tone steady. Failure was part of the process.


    "Should we call Professor Langley and Dr. Lyman?"


    Eleanor slipped on herb coat as she replied, "Not yet. We''ll inform them when we have the final results."


    At the workstation, she focused intently, blocking out everything else.


    With only ten days left before the holidays, Eleanor had poured three days and nights into this project-only going home in the evenings to be with her daughter.


    On the fourth morning, the harsh reality wasid out on her desk-the data was urate. The drug itself had a fatal w, and fixing it would require significantly more funding.


    Callie sighed, pushing up his sses again. ¡°Eleanor, if we have to start over, we''ll need more resources. Do you think Mr. Goodwin will keep backing us?"


    He hated to admit it, but the setback stung. He''d believed in this project.


    Eleanor gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. "Don''t get discouraged. This isn''t our fault. Science is all about trial and error, learning and correcting. We can''t give up -not when there are patients out there waiting for a miracle."


    Callie managed a nod, inspired by her calm resolve. He couldn''t help but wonder -had Eleanor really spent all those years just as a stay-at-home mom?

 Chapter 320

    "Let Professor Langley know there''s a meeting this afternoon. And have her bringn in as well."


    Callie hurried out. Left alone, Eleanor leaned against theb bench, her expression grave and clouded with worry. She couldn''t stop thinking about the woman in the hospital waiting for the new drug-a mother clinging to hope, her eyes silently pleading for a chance to live. The weight of that gaze lingered heavy on Eleanor''s heart.


    At three o''clock, the conference room felt thick with tension.


    Professor Langley and Dr. Lyman had arrived early and were quietly discussing experimental data. Eleanor sat at the head of the table, fingers tapping nervously against the polished wood, eyes asionally darting toward the door.


    The meeting couldn''t begin until everyone was there.


    "Mr. Goodwin is here," Callie announced as she pushed open the door.


    Eleanor''s fingers stilled. She looked up.


    "Let''s begin," he said, his voice low,manding.


    Callie gestured quickly. "Mr. Goodwin, please, have a seat."


    "Give me thetest results,¡±n said, his tone even, but everyone in the room could feel the pressure behind his words.


    Simone nced at Eleanor and gave a subtle nod, cueing her to speak.


    Eleanor straightened, forcing herself to meetn''s gaze. "The results show the drug is triggering an uncontroble immune rejection. If we continue as nned, the risks are enormous."


    The silence in the room was suffocating. Callie and the other researchers instinctively held their breath.


    "So, what do you suggest?"n finally asked, eyes fixed on Eleanor.


    "Start over." Eleanor lifted her chin to meet his stare. "We need to redesign the molecr structure and optimize the targeting mechanism. But that means¡ª"


    "¡ªit means at least double the investment, and a minimum six-month dy," Eleanor finished bluntly. "That''s just my estimate. It could take even more time or money. Mr. Goodwin, you need to be prepared for that."


    Eleanor pressed her lips together, but her tone was all business. "If you force this forward, and something goes wrong in clinical trials, the consequences will be far worse-unless you want to pull my team off the project and hand it to someone


    else."


    Seconds ticked by in frozen silence.


    Dr. Lyman and Simone exchanged uneasy nces. Even they didn''t dare interrupt.


    Eleanor faltered for a moment-he wanted to save Vanessa.


    "You want to say it but I don''t want to hear it," she replied coldly. "If this works, it''s


    not just one life we''ll save. It could be millions."


    You could have heard a pin drop.


    Only Eleanor would dare talk to the chief investor like that.


    "Of course, you can always pull out, cancel my project. I won''t stop you." Eleanor lifted her chin, pride and resolve in her voice.


    "I''m not pulling out,"n said. "But I want your word-you''ll have a new n as soon as possible."


    Everyone in the room exhaled in relief. Simone turned to Eleanor, hopeful. "Eleanor, do you have something new in mind?"

 Chapter 321

    "I''m thinking about it," Eleanor Sutton replied.


    He stared at her for a few seconds, then turned away and addressed Professor Langley and Dr. Lyman. "I''ll arrange the follow-up funding, but I want weekly progress reports from now on."


    "Understood, that''s fine," Simone Langley nodded.


    As the door clicked shut, Callie let out a long breath. "Honestly, with the way Mr. Goodwin looked at us just now, I almost thought he was pulling the plug..."


    Eleanor lowered her gaze, lost in her own thoughts.


    She understood perfectly well: Ian hadn''t withdrawn his investment because Vanessa Shannon''s illness depended on this project. As for whether he actually trusted her, Eleanor couldn''t tell.


    "Eleanor," Simone said, "personal differences aside, don''t letn down this time."


    Eleanor nodded, but couldn''t help defending herself. "There''s nothing personal between us."


    Dr. Lyman spoke up, "If you need any support, just let me know."


    "Thank you, Dr. Lyman."


    Not long after, news of Eleanor''s failed experiment reached Faye Yeaton. She finally let herself rx-Eleanor''s setback meant her abilities were in question


    now.


    "But Mr. Goodwin didn''t pull her project," someonemented in the group chat. "He actually increased the funding."


    "Is it because she''s his ex-wife? Maybe he''s just supporting her research out of loyalty?"


    "I heard Eleanor asked for double the investment..."


    "Anyone else would have had their project shut down by now..."


    "But she is the ex-wife, after all..."


    Faye sneered. Others might not know how miserable Eleanor really was, but she did. Ifn truly saw Eleanor as just his ex-wife, he would have pushed her out of a core project at Meridian Dynamics long ago-instead, he''d put her in charge of one of the toughest experimental teams.


    That way, Eleanor wouldn''t have a chance to disrupt their peace.


    That evening, on the eve of the new year, Eleanor returned home from theb to find Joslyn had already prepared a hearty dinner. Evelyn Goodwin was on her best behavior, and Eleanor scooped her daughter up in a hug.


    At half past eight, Eleanor''s phone rang. Gina Quinn was calling to ask about picking up Evelyn for lunch at the Goodwin family''s house the following day.


    Eleanor agreed; her daughter had been talking about visiting the family for days. The next morning,n arrived to pick up Evelyn. It was raining, the temperature dropping steadily. He lifted their daughter into his car, then turned to Eleanor. "Would you like toe over for lunch?"


    "No, thanks," Eleanor replied coolly.


    "Grandma''s been asking about you."


    "I''ll visit her when I have time," Eleanor answered, her tone polite but distant-she didn''t need him to invite her.


    By midday, Eleanor was back in theb.


    That was when her phone rang. She nced at the caller ID-Xavier Vaughn. Surprised, she answered, "Hello?"


    "Have you had lunch?"


    Eleanor checked the clock. It was already half past one. She let out a wryugh, "Not yet."


    "I figured. I had something packed up for you-I''m bringing it upstairs now."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. Xavier was bringing her lunch?


    As she stepped out of the office, she caught Valery-ab tech who''d transferred from Juliette Grayson''s team-grinning knowingly. Just a week ago, Xavier had personally added Valery to their group, all to get a sense of how Eleanor was managing theb.

 Chapter 322

    At first, Valery was a little worried that she''d be asked to steal some sensitive files, but soon realized Xavier''s only concerns were whether Eleanor had finished work or if she''d eaten that day. That''s when Valery understood: Mr. Vaughn had recruited her as a kind of informant-to better support his pursuit of Eleanor.


    When Eleanor stepped out into the break room, she found a gourmet lunch, carefully packed for her by Xavier from a five-star restaurant, waiting on the table.


    She felt genuinely awkward, embarrassed that he''d gone to so much trouble, especially braving the pouring rain just to bring her lunch.


    "Eat while it''s hot, don''t let yourself go hungry," Xavier said gently, setting the meal down. "I''m going to step out for a phone call."


    He left her in peace, not wanting to interrupt her meal. Eleanor''s heart warmed as she breathed in theforting aroma of the food, suddenly realizing just how hungry she''d been.


    Someone snapped a photo of Xavier delivering the lunch and shared it in the group chat. Faye stared at the candid shot, a sour feeling twisting in her chest. Why did it seem like there were always such impressive men orbiting Eleanor?


    Joel Kingsley, Xavier, and that military heir she''d seen at thepany''s annual g¡ªthey were all standouts in their fields, men who didn''t just excel professionally but were also strikingly handsome.


    Faye forwarded the photo to Vanessa. "Is Xavier about to start pursuing Eleanor?"


    Vanessa took one look at the photos and sent them off to Serena Goodwin, who was traveling abroad. "Serena, if you don''te back soon, Xavier really will get snatched away by Eleanor."


    After Serena was let go from herst job,n had suggested she take a vacation overseas to clear her head.


    Now, seeing the photos, Serena realized that no matter how far she traveled, she couldn''t shake her feelings for Xavier. That craving for something just out of reach still haunted her, making her ache inside.


    "Already on my way back, Vanessa. See you soon," she replied.


    Vanessa, in turn, sent the photos to Henry Holt. "Henry, are you really not nning to intervene?"


    Henry wrote back, "I''ll find a chance to sound outn''s attitude."


    "Perfect." Vanessa replied, a sly smile tugging at her lips.


    Back in theb, Eleanor had finished eating. Xavier asked, "Let me know if you need a hand with anything."


    Eleanor smiled, lips curving. "Not at the moment. I''ve already pinpointed the problem."


    "I heardn decided to invest more money in your project?" Xavier asked, sounding casual.


    Eleanor paused for the briefest moment. "Yes," she replied.


    "Is it just about the project for him?" There was a probing undertone in Xavier''s voice.


    Eleanor lifted her eyes, her answer firm. "Yes. It''s about the project."


    Xavier ced a USB drive on the table between them. "My team did some simr researchst year-maybe this data will help."


    Eleanor was caught off guard. She looked up. "Mr. Vaughn, this "


    "I''m authorized to share it with you, so there''s no need to worry," Xavier assured her. Just then, his phone buzzed. He nced at the screen. "I should get going." "I''ll walk you out."


    Eleanor stood to escort him to the elevator at the end of theb corridor.


    At that moment, the elevator doors slid open, and out steppedn, hand in hand with Evelyn.


    Evelyn caught sight of Eleanor and rushed over, beaming, "Mommy!"


    Eleanor was momentarily stunned before she scooped her daughter up into a hug.


    ,

 Chapter 323

    Xavier offered a small smile. "I just arrived this morning. Figured I''d invite you both to dinner tonight."


    "Any progress with your sister''s case?"n asked.


    Xavier''s face grew more somber. "Still working on it."


    Eleanor hadn''t asked about Xavier''s sister before, but seeing the look on his face, she realized things must be serious.


    "If you need anything, just say the word." Ian reached out and patted Xavier''s shoulder.


    Xavier nodded. "I''ll head out now."


    He turned to Eleanor. "If you need any follow-up research, just let me know."


    Eleanor nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn, for your help."


    Evelyn, her round face full of curiosity, looked up at the three adults talking. As Xavier made to leave, she gave a polite little wave. "Goodbye, Mr. Vaughn!"


    Xavier grinned at her. "Goodbye."


    The elevator doors slid shut.


    Eleanor suddenly feltn''s eyes on her.


    "What kind of data needs outside help?" His voice was unreadable, but his gaze had grown noticeably colder.


    She drew her daughter closer and replied coolly, "Some research materials from Mr. Vaughn''sb."


    Eleanor knelt down beside her daughter. "So, what brings you here?"


    Evelyn hugged her mother''s neck and snuggled closer. "I missed you, so Daddy ht me."


    Eleanor straightened Evelyn''s cor. "Are you hungry? Mommy has some snacks for you."


    "Yes! I''m starving," Evelyn replied, her eyes lighting up. She''d been stuffed at her grandmother''s house, but she still wanted something tasty.


    Eleanor led her to the break room. Xavier had brought far too many treats this time; after sharing a few boxes with theb team, she''d saved two boxes of pastries¡ªjust enough for her daughter.


    Just then, Valery walked in for a drink of water. "Eleanor, those pastries Mr. Vaughn brought are amazing."


    Eleanor smiled. "Are they?"


    Valery opened her mouth to say more, but as soon as she sawn standing by the door, one hand in his pocket, she shrank back and made a quick exit.


    ¡°These are delicious! Did you buy them, Mommy?" Evelyn asked, happily munching on a pastry.


    "No, someone gave them to us."


    "Who gave them to us?" Evelyn pressed.


    Eleanor smiled. "Mr. Vaughn did."


    "I''ve read your updated experiment proposal."


    She looked over, waiting for him to continue.


    "Come to my office at ten tomorrow morning,"n said, his tone all business


    again. "We can discuss the terms for additional funding then."


    "Understood," Eleanor replied.


    She took a napkin and gently wiped the crumbs from Evelyn''s mouth.


    Half an hourter, Evelyn leftn didn''t want her distracting Eleanor from work.


    That night, back at home, Joslyn was there. With only three days left until New Year''s, Joslyn couldn''t help but feel concerned seeing Eleanor still workingte. There was something she needed to mention.


    "Ma''am, about tomorrow-"


    But before she could finish, Eleanor interrupted, "Joslyn, you can start your holiday tomorrow. Come back on the sixth."


    "Thank you for understanding, ma''am. So, where will you and Evelyn spend New Year''s?"


    "Don''t worry. I''ll be celebrating with her and some friends," Eleanor assured her.


    Joslyn still felt uneasy. Most families celebrated the holidays in a lively, warm atmosphere, but this house was always so quiet.


    That night, Evelyn stayed over at the Goodwin home again. Eleanor thought to herself that her daughter really did love the festive chaos.


    She had been spending all her time at thebtely. The house didn''t even have a single festive decoration-not a wreath, not a string of lights. After tomorrow''s funding meeting, she decided she''d take the afternoon to pick up some supplies. It felt unnecessary, but she still wanted to create a holiday atmosphere for her daughter.


    The next morning.


    Eleanor arrived punctually at Goodwin & Co.


    She pushed open the executive office door. Ian was standing before the floor-to- ceiling windows, waiting.


    Originally, Simone was supposed to attend, but something hade up, so Eleanor was the only one there for the funding discussion.


    "Have a seat,"n said, gesturing to the sofa area.


    As soon as Eleanor sat down, the secretary brought her a cup of hot tea. The


    familiar scent drifted up immediately-green tea, the same kind she used to drink


    at home before the divorce. She recognized it in a heartbeat.


    She looked up atn, but he was already flipping through files, his expression unchanged.


    "There''s no problem with the additional funding, but I have one condition." Ian met her eyes, his gaze sharp. "You''ll need to give me weekly updates on the progress -personally."


    Eleanor frowned. "I can write you a report."


    "You know I don''t understand the medical jargon. Your reports are too detailed-I can''t follow them,"n said.


    Annoyance flickered in Eleanor''s eyes, but after a moment, she relented. "Fine."


    Eleanor hadn''t expected that. Her reply was cool: "That''s none of your concern." "Evelyn said "


    "That''s not what we''re here to discuss." She closed the file, her tone distant.


    across the table. "The Goodwin family is hosting a New Year''s Eve dinner. Grandma would like you and Evelyn toe."

 Chapter 324

    Eleanor nced over, her voice calm. "I''m not going."


    "Do it for Evelyn, at least."


    She fell silent for a moment. She could refuse to go, but this was their first year after the divorce, and suddenly cutting ties with the Goodwin family would be too much for her daughter. The emotional strain would be too severe.


    For Evelyn''s sake, Eleanor finally relented. "I''ll bring her, but we won''t stay long."


    Eleanor saw that the final investment amount in the paperwork had reached three billion. She closed the file, signed her name, and put it aside.


    Once she left the Goodwin & Co. building, Eleanor headed straight for a nearby shopping mall to pick up supplies for the new year.


    She was pushing a shopping cart, considering which window decorations to buy, when a small, familiar voice called from behind her.


    "Mom!"


    Startled, Eleanor turned and saw Gina pushing a cart too-her daughter sittingfortably inside, surrounded by groceries.


    "Evelyn." Eleanor had nned to finish shopping before picking up her daughter, but apparently, there was no need to make a special trip to Goodwin Manor after all.


    Just then, a stylishly dressed woman stepped out from behind a disy-Serena. Of course, she was here too.


    The moment Serena spotted Eleanor, a wave of dislike shed openly in her eyes. Even though she''d been traveling abroad to clear her head, Vanessa made sure Serena got regr updates on everything Eleanor and Xavier did.


    It seemed Eleanor really was nning to make a move on Xavier.


    "Mom, I''m going to check out the other aisle," Serena muttered, not wanting to see Eleanor. She turned on her heel and walked away.


    "Mom, what did you buy?" Evelyn asked, peering into the cart.


    "I got some window decorations and party supplies. Why don''t youe home with meter and help me get the house ready?" Eleanor said with a gentle smile.


    Gina hesitated for a moment, then spoke up. "Eleanor, we''re nning to have a New Year''s dinner-just a small family gathering. You should bring Evelyn and join us. It''ll be more festive that way."


    She couldn''t bear the thought of her granddaughter spending New Year''s Eve with just her mother forpany.


    "All right, I''ll bring her," Eleanor agreed.


    Gina''s face brightened. "Wonderful! Come early the day after tomorrow."


    Eleanor took her daughter home, and the two of them spent the entire afternoon decorating the ce. As she watched Evelyn-so small and determined-stand on tiptoe to hang an ornament, Eleanor felt a sudden pang in her chest.


    "Mom, does it look pretty?" Evelyn turned and beamed at her.


    ¡°It''s beautiful.¡± Eleanor managed to say, but as she turned away, tears slipped down her cheeks before she could stop them.


    "Mom, I''m going to decorate over there too! From now on, I''ll always help you around the house. I''m your little helper!" Evelyn chirped.


    Eleanor pressed her lips together, tears streaming down in silence. She covered her mouth and retreated to the living room topose herself.


    She''d always hoped her daughter would grow up to be thoughtful and mature, but seeing Evelyn forced to understand too much, too soon, filled her with guilt.


    By the time Eleanor returned, Evelyn had already hung plenty of littlenterns on the branches by the window.


    And in that moment, Eleanor felt a glimmer of happiness.


    New Year''s Day arrived.


    Eleanor received greetings from many friends-Mansfield Ellington, Joel, even Xavier sent messages. All of them wished her well, knowing that on a day like this, no one needed her more than her daughter.


    She dressed Evelyn in a charming red dress with a little bow, and put on a light touch of makeup herself.


    Evelyn twirled in front of the mirror. "Mom, do I look pretty?"


    "You''re the prettiest girl in the world, sweetheart." Eleanor knelt to fix the red ribbon in her daughter''s hair.


    Her phone vibrated¡ªan iing message fromn. "I''m waiting outside." It was raining lightly.


    Eleanor took an umbre and led her daughter out. Ian was outside, holding his own umbre. She opened the car door so Evelyn could climb in. As she closed her own umbre,n stepped forward, shielding her with his so she wouldn''t get wet.


    She slipped into the car, andn moved to the driver''s seat, heading for the Vesper Joy Hotel downtown.


    Tonight''s gathering was a big one-rtives from all branches of the Goodwin family would be there. Magdalen''s seventieth birthday wasing up, and her two younger brothers would be attending with their children and grandchildren. It was a rare moment when the whole n came together.


    When they arrived at the hotel,n got out first, opened an umbre, and came around to the back seat to help Eleanor and Evelyn out.


    Evelyn tried to heft her own umbre, butn quickly scooped her up. "Let Daddy carry you inside."


    Eleanor followed behind, watchingn carefully shield their daughter from the rain. She turned her face away.


    Inside the lobby, the manager and concierge greeted them with eager smiles.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Mrs. Goodwin-" the hotel manager started, his tone enthusiastic. Eleanor stopped and gave him a look. Realizing his mistake, the manager quickly corrected himself. "Ms. Sutton, I''m so sorry."


    At the front desk, someone covered their mouth, clearly embarrassed.


    The ballroom was already aze with lights, filled with the Goodwin family and their rtives.


    As soon as they entered, Magdalen spotted them and waved, beaming. "Evelyn! Come give your great-grandma a hug!"


    Evelyn dashed over, and Eleanor followed, greeting Magdalen politely.


    Around them, other rtives watched her with a mixture of curiosity and spection.


    "Ellie," Magdalen said warmly, holding Eleanor''s hand. "I''m so d you''re here. I was hoping you''de tonight!"


    "Grandma, how''s your health been?"


    Magdalen chatted with Eleanor about her health. Across the room,n was surrounded by his uncles and cousins, deep in conversation. Dressed in a deep blue suit, he looked taller and more striking than ever under the ballroom lights.


    Serena sat with a group of young women, shooting Eleanor a disdainful re before picking up her phone.


    "Vanessa, where are you?"


    "Serena, I-"


    "You need to get here. If you don''t, Eleanor will have the perfect chance to cozy


    up to my brother and try to get back together with him." Serena''s eyes stayed fixed on Eleanor, full of suspicion.

 Chapter 325

    "Serena, I''ll stay here. You go enjoy New Year''s with Grandma and Aunt."


    "But..."


    "Rx. I won''t give Eleanor a chance to cling to your brother. Trust me if I make a single call, he''ll leave in under three minutes." With that, Vanessa hung up.


    Serena stared at her phone, bemused. What kind of trick did Vanessa have up her sleeve to keep her brother away from Eleanor?


    Three minutes? Fine. She''d watch and see.


    As Serena looked up, she noticed several of the older women in the family had already started greeting Eleanor. Serena smirked inwardly. Did Eleanor still fancy herself the futuredy of the Goodwin family?


    The rtives all treated Eleanor with polite civility, measuring their words and showing her the respect due to someone Magdalen openly favored and Gina greeted so warmly.


    After all, if Eleanor and her ex-husband ever remarried, wouldn''t she be right back in line for that coveted position? It made sense to keep things courteous and formal with her just in case.


    Besides, Eleanor had walked away from the divorce with a sizable share of the estate, not to mention her own sterling reputation in the scientificmunity. Who knew when they might need her help one day?


    These people were seasoned veterans of the social battlefield; they knew exactly how to weigh someone''s worth.


    Meanwhile,n was chatting amiably with his uncles when his phone buzzed. He nced at the screen, excused himself, and made for the terrace.


    He hadn''t even reached the door before a flicker of anxiety crossed his eyes, his jaw tensing as he answered the call.


    "I''ll be right there."


    He hung up, turned, and walked briskly toward his mother. "Mom, something urgent hase up. I need to step out."


    "But dinner''s about to be served-can''t you wait until after?"


    "It really can''t."n barely paused, his gaze drifting to where Eleanor was seated beside Grandma. Clutching his phone, he strode quickly for the exit.


    "Daddy, Daddy..." Evelyn spotted him and dashed after him.


    Hearing his daughter''s voice,n stopped, crouched down, and gently held her shoulders. "Sweetheart, can you stay here with Grandma and Great-Grandma for a bit?"


    Eleanor, seeing her daughter run out, hurried after her to the doors of the banquet hall, just in time to see Evelyn stamping her feet in tears. "I don''t want Daddy to go! I want Daddy to stay with me! Please-!"


    Eleanor swept her daughter into her arms. "Evelyn, honey, Mommy''s here."


    Without another word, he turned and walked away.


    Eleanor watched his retreating figure, a chill settling over her heart. She knew exactly who he was going to see.


    Vanessa. It was always Vanessa.


    It wasn''t the first time he''d left their daughter behind for her.


    "Daddy, I want Daddy..." Evelyn''s cries wouldn''t subside. She hupped and sobbed in Eleanor''s arms.


    Eleanor''s heart ached. She held her daughter close on the sofa, soothing her until, finally, she allowed Evelyn a piece of chocte to calm her down.


    Gina came over, scooped Evelyn up, and continued tofort her.


    Just then, Serena, champagne flute in hand, slid gracefully onto the seat beside Eleanor. She swirled her drink, lips curling into a mocking smile. "Eleanor, you don''t actually think my brother still cares about you, do you?"


    Eleanor smoothed her dress, her face calm, as if she hadn''t heard a thing.

 Chapter 326

    Serena scoffed, undeterred. "My brother and Vanessa have been in love since eight years ago. If you hadn''t barged in back then-"


    Eleanor cut her off coldly. "I''m not interested in your brother''s love life."


    Serena faltered, biting her lip. "Do you know who just called my brother? Do you know why he rushed out so suddenly?"


    Eleanor, bored, stood up. Serena followed suit, refusing to let it go. "There''s only one woman who can make my brother drop everything with just a phone call-you know who I''m talking about!"


    Eleanor checked her watch, then headed toward Gina. "I''m going to take my daughter to rest," she said. Gina tried to persuade her to stay, especially since Eleanor hadn''t touched her holiday dinner, but Eleanor insisted.


    Cradling her daughter, Eleanor left for the penthouse suite she''d reserved atop the Vesper Joy Hotel. Tonight, it would just be the two of them.


    She had the hotel staff prepare avish dinner spread. From here, they could watch fireworks bursting in every direction beyond the windows. It was a quieter celebration, but not without its own charm.


    "Wow, Mommy! Over there-look, more fireworks!"


    Eleanor pressed her cheek to her daughter''s and smiled. "They''re beautiful, aren''t they?"


    By ten o''clock, she''d tucked Evelyn into bed. Wearingfortable pajamas, Eleanor sank into the sofa with a medical journal.


    Her phone chimed.


    "Is Evelyn asleep?" It was a message fromn.


    Eleanor nced at the screen, then turned her phone face-down on the table without answering.


    Outside, a riot of fireworks lit up the night sky, the colors ying over her calm, distant features.


    Another message. Eleanor sighed and picked up the phone to check.


    "I have a gift for her."


    She replied, "Evelyn doesn''t need your gifts. Leave us alone."


    The phone stayed silent after that, and Eleanor finally felt a rare sense of peace.


    ...


    From New Year''s Day onward, Eleanor took her daughter out every day-to amusement parks, to bustling malls, to visit Joy Thatcher''s home.


    Evelyn was delighted, swept up in days so full and bright that she barely had time to think about her father. At bedtime, she still asked for him sometimes, but Eleanor always found a way to gently distract her.


    She wanted Evelyn to slowly get used to life without a father. It was harsh, perhaps, but far kinder than the painn would bring into their livester. It was a choice that had to be made.


    On the sixth day of the new year, Joslyn returned. Eleanor handed her a generous red envelope to celebrate the start of work. Joslyn peeked inside, eyes widening in shock-Eleanor had given her a thousand dors as a wee-back bonus.


    "Ma''am, this is too much..." Joslyn''s eyes filled with tears. Her sry was already generous, and Eleanor''s kindness overwhelmed her.


    Eleanor smiled. "Joslyn, Evelyn and I consider you family. Please, take it. I''ll need your help with Evelyn in the future."


    Joslyn silently vowed to do everything she could for Eleanor and Evelyn, determined not to let down their trust and affection.


    After the Lantern Festival, life returned to normal, and Evelyn''s school started up again¡ªa relief for parents everywhere.


    On the first day back, Eleanor walked her daughter to school, holding her tiny hand. At the gate, Evelyn turned with her backpack and waved. ¡°Bye, Mommy!"

 Chapter 327

    With her twin ponytails bouncing, the girl darted through the school gates. Eleanor stood up with a small smile, but just then, her phone rang. She picked it up. "Hey, Callie."


    "I''m on my way to theb."


    "Eleanor, Mr. Goodwin''s office just called. He wants you at Goodwin & Co. at ten for a research briefing. Don''te to theb yet."


    Eleanor paused, suddenly rememberingn''s ridiculous rule about weekly reports.


    "Alright, I''ll head over there. Thanks for handling things at theb," she replied calmly.


    Ever sincen had abandoned his daughterst time to see Vanessa, he''d sent a few texts, asking to see the girl. Eleanor had turned him down every time, without a trace of mercy.


    If she could help it, she''d make sure he never showed up in their daughter''s life again. If he wanted kids so badly, he could go have them with Vanessa.


    No sooner had Eleanor slipped into her car than her phone buzzed again¡ªthis time, a message from Mansfield Ellington. "Are you free for lunch? I''d love to take you out."


    She had no way of knowing how long this meeting would run, so lunch was out of the question.


    She replied, "I''m sorry, Mr. Ellington, I have ns at noon."


    "No worries. Let''s reschedule when you''re avable."


    "Of course," Eleanor answered.


    When she arrived at Goodwin & Co., she was a bit early-it was only nine-so she sat in the lobby to wait.


    A receptionist soon appeared with a ss of water. "Miss Sutton, would you like some water?"


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eleanor said, genuinely appreciative.


    "You''re here to see Mr. Goodwin, right?" the woman asked.


    "Yes, we have some work to discuss." Eleanor nodded.


    Sensing she shouldn''t pry, the receptionist slipped away. But soon, a little huddle formed behind the desk as eight receptionists started whispering among themselves, unable to resist their curiosity.


    "Mr. Goodwin''s ex-wife is stunning-honestly, she could give that Miss Shannon a run for her money..."


    "Miss Sutton''s a researcher. Of course, she doesn''t dress up every day. But if she did, she''d be gorgeous."


    "She''s so understated! I heard she got shares in eightpanies after the divorce, but look at her-there isn''t a single brand logo on her. That purse she''s carrying is from, what, three or four years ago?"


    Oblivious, Eleanor scrolled through research reports on her phone,pletely absorbed.


    At 9:45, the elevator doors slid open andn''s assistant hurried over.


    "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin is waiting for you in the conference room."


    Eleanor blinked; clearly, the receptionists had already called up to let them know she''d arrived, promptingn to send his assistant.


    She nodded and followed the assistant into the elevator.


    The woman hesitated, then spoke up. "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin... isn''t in the best mood today. Just so you know¡ª"


    Eleanor nced at her, prompting an awkward exnation. ¡°He kind of snapped at the project team this morning."


    Eleanor''s lips curled into a faint, ironic smile. Ian''s mood was none of her


    concern.


    But she nodded gratefully, handed over the files, and asked the assistant to print two copies for the meeting.


    The elevator stopped at the executive floor. Therge conference room''s door stood ajar. The assistant gestured for Eleanor to enter but didn''t dare go in herself.


    Eleanor pushed open the door.<pn stood with his back to her, tall and imposing at the window, sunlight casting his figure in sharp relief, an unmistakable air of tension emanating from him.

 Chapter 328

    He turned at the sound of footsteps, his dark eyes betraying no emotion.


    "Take a seat," he said.


    Eleanor pulled out the chair in front of her and sat down. "The assistant will bring the documents in a moment."


    ¡°No rush.¡±n nodded and pressed the inte. "Bring us two coffees, please."


    His gaze rested on Eleanor''s face for a few seconds before he suddenly asked, "How''s Evelyn doingtely?"


    "She''s fine," Eleanor replied coolly.


    "I''d like to see her." Ian''s request was firm. Lately, Eleanor had turned down every attempt he made to visit, and his longing to see his daughter had only grown.


    Eleanor lifted her head, her eyes icy as they locked on his. "Do you think you can just walk in and out of Evelyn''s life whenever you please?"


    "A father who abandoned his daughter on New Year''s Eve to meet his mistress?" Eleanor''s lips curled in a mocking smile. "Evelyn doesn''t need that kind of father."


    Right then, a knock sounded at the door. The secretary entered, bncing a stack of printed reports in one hand and two cups of coffee in the other. She seemed to sense the tension in the air, and after setting the coffee down, she hurried out without a word.


    "Don''t bother." Eleanor flipped open the report. "Let''s focus on work. The third- phase trial data looks promising."


    The crisp scent of cedar he always wore drifted toward her, making Eleanor instinctively frown.


    "What do these two sets of data represent?¡±n asked, tapping the page with his long finger.


    Eleanor leaned back, putting some space between them. "The left column is the experimental group''s cell activity; the right is the control group."


    "And the side effect data?"n straightened, looking down at her from above. Eleanor turned to the next page. "With structural adjustments, the toxicity of the third-generationpound has dropped by thirty-seven percent."


    "It''s still ongoing. Results won''t be in until next week," Eleanor answered, her tone t.


    Ian nted both hands on the desk, his gaze dark and intense. "I want you fullymitted to this project. I need something more concrete from you."


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "Scientific research isn''t an assembly line. There are no guarantees. If you want certainty, try investing in real estate instead of a medicalb."


    Finishing, Eleanor nced at the date on the file, her expression shifting in surprise.


    February 18th. Mansfield Ellington''s birthday.


    She''d turned down his invitation that morning.


    Annoyed, Eleanor tapped her forehead.


    "Forget something important?"n pulled out a chair and sat down, clearly recognizing the gesture.


    She always did that when she suddenly remembered something she''d forgotten.


    "It''s nothing. I have to go." Eleanor said briskly, gathering her papers and walking out.

 Chapter 329

    Eleanor slid into the driver''s seat and pulled out her phone to send a message to Mansfield Ellington.


    "Mr. Ellington, today''s your birthday, isn''t it?"


    His reply came almost instantly.


    "Miss Sutton, you actually remembered?"


    She could practically hear the surprise-and unmistakable delight-in his words.


    He''d only mentioned it once, in passing, during a call at the base not long ago. He''d still managed to have flowers and a gift sent to her that day, even with his busy schedule. Eleanor felt it was only right to return the kindness.


    "I remember. Any special ns for today?"


    "Miss Sutton, are you free for lunch or dinner?"


    "I have to take care of my daughter this evening," Eleanor answered honestly.


    "Alright, then let''s keep it simple-lunch it is!"


    She nced at the clock-eleven o''clock. Quickly, Eleanor dialed Joy''s number.


    "Hello?"


    "If I need to buy a gift for a man, what would be appropriate?" Eleanor asked without preamble.


    "Let me guess: Xavier? Or is this for Mansfield Ellington or maybe Joel?" Joy rattled off the names of the three men in Eleanor''s life.


    "It''s for Mansfield Ellington. It''s his birthday today. He gave me a giftst time, so I want to return the favor," Eleanor exined.


    "Well, you can''t go wrong with a wallet, a leather belt, or a tie," Joy suggested.


    Eleanor sighed. "Is there anything else? I want something a little different."


    "How about a pen? It''s practical, and you can get a nice one without it feeling too personal," Joy offered.


    Eleanor immediately agreed-it was thoughtful yet suitably formal.


    "Great. Which brand?"


    "Montnc, obviously!"


    Eleanor quickly searched for the nearest boutique, set the GPS, and headed downtown. Once she arrived at the store, she barely paused to let the clerk introduce anything, just picked out an elegant fountain pen worth nearly five thousand dors. She exchanged WhatsApp info with the staff for after-sales service, then had it wrapped with extra care before hurrying out.


    "I''ve reserved a table at Marigold Bistro," Mansfield messaged her, sending the address.


    It was already noon-she didn''t want to keep him waiting.


    Eleanor replied as she got back in her car, "Perfect. I''ll be there around twelve twenty."


    "Drive safe. I''ll be here," came his gentle reply. Just a few words, but somehow, they made her smile.


    She tucked away her phone, started the engine, and headed to Marigold Bistro. When she arrived, Mansfield was already waiting by the window. He wore a light grey suit that set off his crisp, military bearing; he looked asposed and self- assured as ever.


    As soon as he saw her, he stood and smiled. "You made it."


    "I''m sorry to keep you waiting." Eleanor smiled back, drawing a beautifully wrapped box from her bag. "Happy birthday, Mr. Ellington."


    He blinked in surprise as he took the gift. "You went out of your way to get me something?"


    "Yes, it''s just a small gesture," she said, sitting down. "I was in a bit of a rush buying it, so I''ll send you the shop assistant''s WhatsApp in case you need anything."


    Mansfieldughed, a warm, genuine sound. "Mind if I open it now?"


    "Not at all," Eleanor replied, secretly hoping he''d like it.


    He unwrapped the box, and when he saw the pen, his smile grew. "I love it. Thank you."


    He looked up at her, his tone sincere. "Honestly, you being here is the best gift I could ask for."

 Chapter 330

    Eleanor was about to hand him her phone, but Mansfield Ellington shook his


    head. "No need. I can''t bear to use this fountain pen. It''s perfect for my collection."


    Eleanor paused, a little surprised. "But a pen is meant to be used. Isn''t it a shame to just keep it locked away?"


    She''d been hoping this pen might bring him a bit of good luck.


    Mansfield''s long fingers traced the polished barrel, a smile glinting in his eyes. "Alright, you win. If you want me to use it, then I''ll make sure to put it to good use."


    His gentle gaze met hers, and Eleanor quickly looked down, sipping her lemonade to change the subject. "The view from this ce is incredible."


    Mansfield nodded with a smile. "Absolutely. You can see the whole city from up here."


    He started talking about his uing leave-he was heading back to base that evening and probably wouldn''t be back for another six months.


    Eleanor smiled with a hint of teasing. "Sounds like you''ve got your hands full, too." "Miss Sutton, if you ever have the chance, you''re wee to visit our base."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Really? I could actually visit?"


    "Of course. Our base coborates with Meridian Dynamics, and you''re their lead researcher, aren''t you? That makes your team one of our official partners."


    Eleanor nodded thoughtfully. If the opportunity came up, she''d love to see it for herself.


    Lunch was delicious, but every now and then, Mansfield''s reluctance to leave flickered across his face. Still, duty called he had to return to his post.


    When the meal was over, they strolled together to the parking lot. Mansfield walked her to her car, hesitating as if he wanted to say something more.


    "Mr. Ellington, I guess this is goodbye for now." Eleanor stopped by her car, turning to face him.


    His eyes lingered on her face, Adam''s apple bobbing. "Miss Sutton..."


    She blinked. "Yes?"


    He hesitated, then asked quietly, "Would it be alright if I called you Ellie from now on?"


    Eleanor was taken aback, looking up to meet his deep gaze.


    "Mr. Ellington, you''d better stick with Eleanor! We''re not that far apart in age, after all," she replied with a smile.


    He chuckled. "Fair enough. But then, you should call me Mansfield instead of Mr. Ellington."


    She gave him a formal goodbye. "Deal. Safe travels-take care of yourself."


    A flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "You too. Take care of yourself and your little one."


    He was stationed so far away, there was only so much he could do for her.


    "Thank you." Eleanor nodded. Mansfield reached out, opening her car door for her. She slid inside.


    He waved as she drove off, standing there until her car disappeared from view.


    A hundred yards down the road, Eleanor nced back and saw Mansfield still standing in the same spot. She let out a quiet sigh.


    If only things had been different back then-


    As she waited at a red light, her phone rang. It was Joy, asking if she had time to meet up.


    Eleanor checked the clock. There wasn''t enough time to return to theb, so she turned the car toward Joy''s ce.


    At the caf¨¦, Joy was chatting about her holiday adventures when she suddenly remembered something. "Hey, did you catch the Spring Festival g this year?" Eleanor shook her head. "No, I''ve been buried in work at theb."


    "Vanessa performed," Joy said.


    Eleanor paused, her spoon still in her coffee. "Oh?¡±


    "She really stole the spotlight. Her fans practically made her go viral." Joy nced


    at Eleanor. "Seems like it''s not just her team pulling strings behind the scenes¡ª"

 Chapter 331

    Joy didn''t finish her sentence. She was still simmering with indignation on Eleanor''s behalf, but it seemed like Eleanor had grown immune ton by now.


    "So, what have you been busy withtely?" Joy asked, trying to change the subject.


    Eleanor told her about the failed experiment and how she was now starting over from scratch.


    "Ian really doesn''t mind spending money, does he? But what does he even want from all this?" Joy pressed, looking at Eleanor.


    "He pays you to bury yourself in theb, working day and night on his projects, while he''s out there ying the perfect couple with Vanessa." As soon as the words left her lips, Joy pped a hand over her mouth. "Ugh! I swear, couples who unt their love neverst."


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh, but after herughter faded, her expression grew serious. "I love my work," she said quietly. "I believe it matters. It''s meaningful."


    Then she described the patients at the hospital waiting desperately for the new treatment to work. Joy''s face shifted to one of solemn respect, and she looked at Eleanor with fresh admiration. "You''re right! I almost forgot¨Dthese hands of yours, they''re meant to save lives. What you do is something to be proud of."


    The two of them chatted until nearly half past four before Eleanor finally left to pick up her daughter. This semester, the school had added new sses, so pick- up time had shifted to five-thirty.


    On the way home, Evelyn rummaged in her backpack and pulled out a piece of candy, ready to tear it open.


    "Who gave you that?" Eleanor asked gently.


    Evelyn waved the little candy in her hand. "Mommy, Miss Vanessa gave it to me."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. "She came to your school?"


    "Yeah, she gave presents and candy to everyone in our ss," Evelyn said, then leaned in close, lowering her voice to a proud whisper. "But Mommy, Miss Vanessa gave me an extra present! It''s in my backpack. No one else got one, just me."


    Evelyn''s cheeks lit up with a beaming smile.


    Eleanor''s face darkened. Vanessa was trying to win over her daughter''s affection like this?


    How maniptive¡ªand shameless. Evelyn was only five. How could Vanessa stoop so low?


    Eleanor''s grip tightened on the steering wheel, but she quickly forced a calm expression and asked softly, "Do you like Miss Vanessa, sweetheart?"


    Evelyn nodded, her eyes bright with innocence. "Uh-huh! She said next time she''ll take me to the amusement park."


    The light turned red, and Eleanor stopped the car, turning to look at her daughter seriously. "Evelyn, if anyone gives you presents, you need to ask Mommy first before you take them, okay?"


    "But Miss Vanessa isn''t just anyone!" Evelyn tilted her head, confused. "She said she''s Daddy''s good friend. She said she''s really important to Daddy."


    The words pierced Eleanor''s heart like a knife.


    She drew a slow breath, struggling to keep herposure. "She really said that?¡±


    Evelyn tore open her candy and nodded.


    Eleanor''s nails dug sharply into her palm.


    Was thisn''s idea to use Vanessa to get close to Evelyn?


    "Mommy, are you upset?" Evelyn asked, picking up on her mother''s mood in an instant.


    "No, Mommy''s just thinking about something." Eleanor forced a smile. ¡°Evelyn, if Miss Vanessa ever wants to see you alone, you have to tell me first, alright?"

 Chapter 332

    Evelyn nodded, only half-understanding.


    Back home, Eleanor found a small, velvet jewelry box tucked inside her daughter''s backpack. She opened it and discovered a delicate diamond swan ne-clearly expensive, far from your average trinket for a child.


    "Mommy, do you like it?" Evelyn leaned in eagerly. "Miss Vanessa said it was made just for me. There''s only one in the whole world!"


    Eleanor closed the box, crouched down to meet her daughter''s eyes, and spoke gently but firmly. "Evelyn, this ne is much too valuable. I''ll keep it safe for you until you''re a little older, all right?"


    Evelyn''s shoulders drooped with disappointment, but she nodded obediently. "Okay."


    Upstairs in the master bedroom, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a message from Joy. She clicked the link Joy had sent.


    "Eleanor, can you believe this? Vanessa''s actually up for International Women''s Day ambassador. How does someone like her, who broke up a marriage, even qualify?"


    Eleanor tapped the link and stared at the screen. Vanessa''s perfectly made-up face beamed serenely from the campaign poster.


    She scrolled through the details. It was a national initiative, recognizing women who made outstanding contributions across various fields-and Vanessa''s name was right there among the nominees.


    Eleanor studied Vanessa''s smile, remembering all the underhanded things she''d done.


    Without a second thought, Eleanor pulled up Vanessa''s number and dialed. "Eleanor? I''m surprised to hear from you!" Vanessa''s voice was smooth, but she knew exactly who it was.


    Eleanor didn''t waste time. "Did you go to my daughter''s school today?"


    There was a brief pause, then Vanessaughed lightly. "Yes, I dropped by to hand out a few gifts to the kids. As their piano advisor, I wanted to mark the start of the new term."


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "Giving a custom ne worth a small fortune to a five-year-old¡ªis that really necessary? What are you trying to pull?"


    "Eleanor, it was just a little something for Evelyn-" Vanessa replied smoothly. "She''sn''s daughter. A gift of that caliber is only fitting, don''t you think?"


    Eleanor''s tone sharpened. "The International Women''s Day ambassador is supposed to be someone with integrity and a sense of social responsibility. Tell me, Vanessa-how does someone who wrecks another woman''s marriage qualify for that honor?"


    Vanessa finally realized Eleanor wasn''t just upset-she was threatening.


    "What are you getting at?" Vanessa''s voice lost some of itsposure.


    Eleanor''s answer was icy. "I''m pretty sure themittee doesn''t know the real you. I''d be happy to send them some evidence so they can get a clearer picture.¡±


    Vanessa''s breath quickened. "Eleanor, don''t do anything stupid. What do you want?"


    "It''s simple," Eleanor replied coldly. "Stay away from my daughter. And by noon tomorrow, I want to see you withdraw your nomination-voluntarily. Otherwise, you know exactly what I''ll do."


    "You''re threatening me?" Vanessa snapped. "Ian won''t let you "


    "Let him try," Eleanor cut her off, then hung up.


    She had no problem letting the whole world know whatn had been up to since their marriage.

 Chapter 333

    In the early hours before dawn, Vanessa''s agency issued a statement: due to


    health reasons, she would be unable toplete the filming for the International Women''s Day campaign and would be withdrawing from this year''s promotional activities.


    Eleanor was still awake when the announcement went live. She opened the agency''s statement, unsurprised by the news.


    Vanessa would never dare risk her reputation by challenging her directly¡ª especially after everything that hade out about her andn. The truth was out there, and Vanessa held no moral high ground.


    Evenn hadn''t bothered to call her about it.


    Her daughter was off-limits. Untouchable. Anyone who crossed that line would regret it.


    The next morning, as Eleanor dropped her daughter off at school, she pulled the teacher aside for a quiet word, asking her to keep Evelyn away from Vanessa.


    The teacher apologized at once. "I''m so sorry, the new semester just started and things have been a bit chaotic. I didn''t realize."


    Eleanor couldn''t me her.


    She checked Vanessa''s statement again-now even the women''s council had posted a message expressing their regret, confirming that Vanessa was officially out of the campaign.


    On her way to theb, Joy called, somehow already in the loop.


    "Serves her right! Of all the times to fall ill, it just happens to be during the shoot?" "She''s not sick," Eleanor replied, candid as ever. "I threatened her."


    Joy listened, then bristled with anger herself. "Unbelievable. Manipting a five- year-old like that? When Evelyn grows up and understands what really happened, imagine how much that''ll hurt her."


    "If Vanessa tries toe near Evelyn again, I won''t be nearly as nice," Eleanor said tly.


    "Damn right. That woman''s overdue for a lesson."


    Eleanor arrived at theb and threw herself into work, noting up for air until noon. She was massaging the tension from her neck when her assistant Andie hurried over.


    "Eleanor, someone''s looking for you."


    She paused, wary. "Who is it?"


    "No idea. Some woman in her fifties, and she looks furious."


    Eleanor frowned. She couldn''t remember crossing anyone like that. As she walked down the corridor toward her office, she heard a shrill voice shouting, "Where is Eleanor? Tell her toe out! I''ve got something to say to her!" Eleanor''s frown deepened. She stepped into view and said calmly, "I''m Eleanor." The woman spun around. Eleanor narrowed her eyes¡ªthere was a resemnce to Vanessa. She realized at once who she was dealing with.


    Vanessa''s mother.


    "So you''re Eleanor?" Farrah Shannon''s re was full of usation. "You bullied my daughter? Got her kicked out of her ambassador role?"


    Eleanor''s tone was measured. "Mrs. Shannon, if you have something to say, let''s discuss it in my office."


    "Oh, feeling guilty now?" Farrah sneered, raising her voice. "Why not say it here? Let everyone see what a venomous woman you really are!"


    Eleanor''s gaze turned icy. "You know exactly what your daughter did. If you insist on making a scene here, the only one embarrassed will be Vanessa.¡±


    "My daughter is innocent! You''re just jealous of her, always targeting her!" Farrah screeched. "She had a great campaign, and you ruined it! And you still act like this? Are you even human?"


    Eleanor had no intention of arguing further. She turned to leave, but Farrah seized her arm. "Don''t you dare walk away! I want an exnation!"


    Eleanor shook her off with a cold stare. "This isn''t the ce for your tantrums. If you keep this up, I''ll call security."


    "You wouldn''t dare!" Farrah scoffed. "Do you know who''s backing my daughter?n! Just try andy a finger on me! I heard he even invested in this wholeb. He''s my future son-inw!"


    The crowd that had gathered to watch now realized who the furious woman was.


    So this was Mr. Goodwin''s future mother-inw. No wonder she was bold enough to pick a fight with Eleanor.


    At the mention ofn''s name, Eleanor''s expression grew even colder. She gave a shortugh. "Perfect. Then havene deal with me himself."


    Seeing that Eleanor wouldn''t budge, Farrah lunged, hand raised for a p.


    At that moment, a figure stepped in, blocking her. "Stop."


    It was Joel, just back for a meeting. He''d heard themotion as soon as he stepped off the elevator.


    He moved to shield Eleanor, and Faye hurried over as well, steadying Farrah. "Mrs. Shannon, what are you doing here?"


    "Faye, it''s her-Eleanor''s the one who ruined Vanessa''s campaign! This is outrageous!" Farrah was shaking with anger.


    Joel''s voice was stern. "This is aboratory, not a ce for you to throw usations."


    "And who are you? Oh, I see-you must be her lover!" Farrah spat, her words dripping with contempt.


    Faye''s face went pale. She hooked her arm through Farrah''s and tried to lead her away. "Mrs. Shannon, let''s talk outside."


    Farrah let herself be led a few steps, but she wasn''t finished. She turned back and pointed at Eleanor. "You listen to me, Eleanor! Don''t think for a second we''re afraid of you. My son-inw isn. You just wait!"


    Joel looked around at the gawking onlookers. "Show''s over. Get back to work."


    The crowd scattered, leaving only Joel and Eleanor in the now-quiet corridor. He turned to her, voice gentle. "Are you alright?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "I''m fine."


    But her body trembled slightly, a mix of anger and frustration.


    After taking a moment to collect herself, Eleanor realized she needed to warnn -he''d better keep the Shannon family in check and stop them from causing trouble for her and her daughter.


    She picked up her phone and dialedn''s number. The call went unanswered, but a curt message soon appeared: "In a meeting. What is it?"

 Chapter 334

    He wouldn''t answer her calls and had the nerve to use a meeting as an excuse?


    Eleanor stared at the cold, impersonal message on her phone, her fingertips trembling ever so slightly.


    Taking a deep breath, she calledn''s assistant, Gavin.


    "Hello? Miss Sutton?" Gavin Young sounded genuinely surprised to hear from her.


    "Gavin, please telln to call me back."


    "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin is in an important meeting right now," Gavin


    apologized. "He probably won''t be able to get back to you for at least two hours."


    "Is he in the country?" Eleanor pressed.


    ¡°No, he''s on a business trip in Drexford. He''ll likely be gone for a week before he returns," Gavin exined.


    "Alright. That''s all I needed," Eleanor said before hanging up.


    Son wasn''t even in the country.


    About ten minutester, Faye knocked and came in. She clearly had no desire to talk to Eleanor, but forced herself anyway.


    "Eleanor, what happened today was just Mrs. Shannon being impulsive. I''m here to apologize on my sister''s behalf."


    Eleanor''s voice was icy. "And what gives you the right to apologize for her?"


    Faye''s expression darkened. "You''ve already ruined her charity campaign and forced her to issue a public withdrawal. What else do you want from her?"


    Eleanor had no intention of replying.


    Thinking of how Joel had defended Eleanor earlier, Faye''s irritation only grew. "Eleanor, my sister''s on a flight to Drexford right now. You''ve forced her to leave the country. Isn''t it enough already?"


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. Vanessa went to Drexford? To the very ce wheren was on business? Was she nning to see him in person, hoping for somefort orpensation?


    Eleanor tossed her paperwork onto the desk and said coolly, "Can you leave now?"


    Faye froze, surprised at Eleanor''s bluntness, but she didn''t bother arguing and left the room without another word.


    A little whileter, Simone called Eleanor into her office to discuss the incident personally.


    But Eleanor kept it brief-this was her own private affair, and she didn''t want to drag it into her work life.


    That afternoon, when Eleanor went to pick up her daughter, she spotted a familiar face-Xavier. He''d just gotten back from abroad, and Vivian was also there, dropping her child off for ss.


    "Ms. Sutton!" Vivian greeted her warmly.


    Eleanor returned her smile with a gentle one of her own.


    "Mom, can I invite Vivian over to our house? We haven''t seen each other in ages," Evelyn pleaded, tugging at Eleanor''s hand.


    Eleanor saw the hopeful look in Vivian''s big eyes and nodded. "Alright, let''s have Vivian over, then!"


    She looked up at Xavier as she spoke.


    Xavier grinned and nodded. "No objections here. Whatever keeps the kids happy."


    Once they arrived at Eleanor''s house, the kids raced into the backyard to y. Xavier lingered at the doorway, calling out, "Miss Sutton, how have you beentely?"


    Eleanor paused, then smiled faintly. ¡°I''m doing alright.¡±


    Xavier hesitated for a moment, then said, "If you need anything, or if there''s ever something I can help with, just let me know."


    Eleanor nodded. "Thank you."


    After she went inside, Xavier pulled out his phone and called Henry.


    "Hey! You saw Eleanor? How''s she holding up?¡±


    "Henry, this isn''t something we should get involved in. You shouldn''t either-it''s a personal feud between her and Vanessa," Xavier advised.


    "I know, but she cried all night over that charity campaign. She fought hard for it," Henry sighed.


    Xavier furrowed his brow. "She must''ve really crossed Eleanor somehow."


    Henry gave a wry chuckle on the other end. "So, you''re always going to take Eleanor''s side now?"


    "Honestly, Henry? I really care about her."


    "When did that happen?"


    Xavierughed softly. "I can''t even say for sure. It just snuck up on me I just want to protect her."


    "No wonder you jumped in after her that time when she and Vanessa fell into the river."


    "Maybe that''s why," Xavier admitted.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor was sitting on the sofa, watching her daughter and Vivian y when her phone rang.


    She nced at the screen-it wasn.


    Eleanor stepped out into the garden to answer, saying nothing at first. On the other end,n''s voice came through. "Did you need something?"


    Eleanor nced back at the two children ying in the living room. Her tone was cold. n, keep the Shannons away from me and from Evelyn. I don''t want to see them anywhere near us."


    "Alright,¡±n replied, his voice sounding tired. "Eleanor, let''s talk when I get back." "There''s nothing left to talk about," she retorted icily.


    "There are some things¡ª"n started.


    But Eleanor hung up before he could finish.


    Just then, Joy called.


    "Hey, Ellie! Have you seen the trending topics? Did you just leak something else about Vanessa?"


    Eleanor put her phone on speaker and opened Twitter. Sure enough, the top trends were now #VanessaFake Endorsements and #VanessaCharityScandal. She clicked through and saw that several reputable news outlets were all reporting major exposes.


    Eleanor saw right through it¡ªwas Vanessa trying to y the victim now?


    "I never said she faked her charity work," Eleanor answered truthfully.


    "Then why are all these articles popping up at once? Did someone else leak it, trying to take her down while they can?"


    "Is it possible she leaked it herself?" Eleanor suggested.


    Joy caught on immediately. "No way! She''d go that far-smear herself just to frame you?"


    "It''s very possible," Eleanor said. The bigger the scandal, the more me would fall on her, and the more she''d look like the wronged party.


    Besides, withn cleaning up the mess behind the scenes, Vanessa had nothing to lose. She could act fearless.

 Chapter 335

    The situation with Vanessa continued to escte, grabbing the top spot on the trending newsfeeds. Not even the high-profile divorce of a major celebrity could knock her scandal out of the headlines.


    Vanessa''s move was ruthless-faking a charity project was the kind of transgression that struck a nerve with the public, guaranteeing an uproar the moment it hit the news.


    The scandal centered on a children''s education program Vanessa had joined the year before. Someone exposed severe financial discrepancies: of the half a million dors supposedly donated, less than fifty thousand had actually reached the charity.


    "This is absolutely staged by Vanessa''s own team," Joy fumed over the phone. "They leaked this dirt themselves. Why? To dump the me on you? To maken hate you even more?"


    Eleanor couldn''t agree more.


    Vanessa was ying the victim card so dramatically, it was obvious she wanted to swayn''s opinion and spin her own reputation at the same time.


    At eight-thirty, Xavier arrived to pick up Vivian. Seeing the worried look on Eleanor''s face, he couldn''t help but ask, "Is something on your mind?"


    Eleanor gave a small shake of her head. "Thanks, I''m fine."


    He studied this gentle, slender woman, sensing the quiet resilience beneath her delicate exterior. It made his heart ache for her.


    "If


    f you need anything, just say the word," Xavier offered in his deep, steady voice.


    Eleanor nodded, watching as he took Vivian''s hand and walked away.


    The next day at noon, Vanessa''s team released an official-looking set of donation records online, tagging several well-known oversight organizations to supervise


    the process.


    Within hours, those organizations published their own reports, confirming that Vanessa''s donations were legitimate and warning against spreading false rumors.


    Suddenly, the public opinion turned on a dime. Vanessa went from being dragged through the mud to being praised as the true face of charity work-worthy of the "Charity Ambassador" title after all.


    She had taken Eleanor''s threat and used it to reinforce her own public persona.


    Even if Eleanor had forced her to relinquish her ambassador role this year, Vanessa would find her way back into the spotlight next year¡ªor the year after, if it came to that.


    "She''s got some nerve. She even managed to turn this into a PR win," Joy grumbled, frustrated.


    That afternoon, Eleanor carved out some time to attend a weekly meeting at the Vesper Joy Hotel. Ellington was running thepany smoothly; all Eleanor needed to do was review and sign off on key decisions.


    Ellington had been Xavier''s rmendation, and Eleanor trusted himpletely.


    Mid-meeting, her phone buzzed. Joy had sent over a screenshot.


    In the image, Vanessa had posted a photo of herself, gently holding a ne. Her eyes were red at the corners, but her smile was soft and sweet. The caption read: "Thank you to all my friends and fans for your concern. I''m okay. Someone once told me, even when life is hard, stay strong."


    Fans were quick to ask who that "someone" was. Vanessa replied beneath the post, "As for who it is, I won''t say!"


    "Our queen has someone to care for her-now we can rest easy."


    "Exactly. She deserves to be treated like a princess."


    "She really does look upset. Look, her eyes are all red from crying."


    Joy fired off a message, furious: "Ugh, do you think that ''someone'' isn?"


    Eleanor read the message calmly and replied, "Joy, let''s talkter. I''m in a meeting."


    "Okay, finish your meeting first," Joy texted back.


    After the meeting, Eleanor checked the time. Only three-thirty. She decided to rx in the caf¨¦ downstairs.


    Ellington approached her. "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Vaughn is here."


    Eleanor was startled. She looked up to see Xavier approaching in a dark suit. Standing up in surprise, she greeted him, "Mr. Vaughn, what brings you here?"


    "I heard you had a meeting here, so I thought I''d stop by. Hope you don''t mind?"


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. "Please, have a seat."


    Xavier ordered a coffee, his eyes lingering on Eleanor''s tired expression. Concerned, he asked, "Is everything going well at work?"


    "Mr. Ellington is doing a great job. Noints," Eleanor replied, grateful for the excellent referral.


    Xavier smiled. "d to hear I didn''t rmend the wrong person."


    Eleanor stood up. "I''ll go ask someone to bring over some snacks. Make yourselffortable."


    While she stepped away, Xavier gazed out the window, lost in thought. Suddenly,


    a phone rang on the table. He nced over-it was Eleanor''s phone.


    He reached out and checked the caller ID. Ian.


    A subtle flicker crossed Xavier''s eyes. On impulse, he answered the call.


    "Hello,n," Xavier said evenly.


    There was a pause on the other end. After a few seconds,n''s voice came, wary. "Xavier? Where''s Eleanor?"


    For a moment, neither spoke.


    "She went to get some snacks and left her phone here," Xavier replied, calm but


    with a hint of deliberateposure. "Is there something you''d like me to tell her?"


    "No need,"n replied coolly. "I''ll call her backter."


    "All right."


    There was a slight hitch inn''s breath. "Goodbye."


    He hung up first.


    Just then, Eleanor returned, carrying a te of snacks. She paused, seeing


    Xavier holding her phone.


    ¡°Did I get a call?" Eleanor asked, curious.


    Xavier handed her the phone. ¡°Ian called. It rang for a while, and I thought it might be urgent, so I answered."


    Eleanor was momentarily surprised. "Did he say anything?"


    ¡°No, just that he''d call backter," Xavier replied, then added, "Is something going on between you two?"


    "Nothing important," Eleanor said evenly, sliding the te toward him. "Try these. They''re a specialty from our restaurant."


    Xavier watched her, noticing the effort she put into appearing unaffected. A brief sh of concern crossed his face.


    He picked up a fork, feigning nonchnce as he asked, "Hasn been calling you oftentely?"


    Eleanor''s fingers paused for an instant. "Just some work-rted things."


    Xavier nodded, understanding.


    At that moment, Eleanor''s phone rang again. She nced at the screen-it wasn, calling once more.

 Chapter 336

    She hung up without hesitation and flipped her phone face-down on the table, wanting nothing more to do with it.


    "Why aren''t you answering?" Xavier asked, surprised.


    "There''s nothing left for me to say to him," Eleanor replied. Ifn was just calling


    toy me at her feet, he could save his breath.


    Xavier popped a forkful of blueberry cheesecake into his mouth, a sly smile tugging at his lips.


    Meanwhile, in a luxury suite at a high-end hotel across town,n stared at his phone, his eyes darkening as the call was abruptly cut off.


    He clenched the phone in his fist for several seconds before tossing it onto the sofa. Turning away, he walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    Outside, the city''s nightscape zed with lights, but none of that brilliance seemed to reach his brooding gaze.


    Whatever thoughts filled his mind were deeper and more imprable than the night itself.


    Back home, Eleanor and Xavier went together to pick up the kids.


    "Want to have dinner together tonight?" Xavier invited, taking Vivian''s hand and ncing at Eleanor.


    "I want to go out for a feast, Mom! Can we, please?" Evelyn chimed in, her eyes wide and hopeful.


    Eleanor couldn''t resist her daughter''s eager gaze. She nodded. "Alright, let''s go out together."


    At the restaurant, Eleanor took the opportunity to consult Xavier about a fewpany matters. Xavier answered every question patiently, sharing not just business strategies but also his perspective on navigating the corporate world.


    Eleanor listened intently, chin propped in her hands like an attentive student. Neither of them realized two paparazzi had slipped into the restaurant. They''d been hoping to catch a celebrity, but instead spotted the reclusive CEO of Vaughn Group dining with Mrs. Goodwin, the famed scientist and ex-wife of Goodwin & Co''s head. And what''s more-they had two children with them, about the same age.


    This was big news.


    A notoriously private business heir and a brilliant woman who owned eightpanies, dining together as if they were a family-it was too good to pass up. Naturally, the paparazzi snapped away, capturing every seemingly intimate moment: Eleanor listening to Xavier, the two of them sharing augh, the children happily ying together.


    Dinner ended on a cheerful note. Xavier, ever the gentleman, pulled out Eleanor''s chair for her. The two kids skipped ahead, hand in hand, theirughter echoing softly under the restaurant''s warm lights. For a moment, the four of them looked every bit the picture of a happy family.


    "Thank you for your advice tonight, Mr. Vaughn," Eleanor said sincerely as they left. "Your insights into business were invaluable."


    Xavier smiled. ¡°Anytime. If you ever have questions, don''t hesitate to ask."


    Neither of them noticed the subtle sh of a camera from a shadowy corner of the


    room.


    That night,n called twice more. This time, Eleanor simply blocked his number. It wasn''t just a matter of whether or not she would answer-just seeing his name pop up was enough to ruin her mood. For her own peace of mind, she decided it was best not to see his calls at all.


    What Eleanor didn''t expect was to wake up the next morning to find herself at the center of a viral news story.


    "Vaughn Group Heir Seen Dining With Goodwin & Co''s Ex-CEO!" "Rumors Fly: Xavier and Eleanor Caught in Secret Rendezvous!" The headlines shot to the top of the trending list, apanied by photos from the restaurant-angles chosen to make them look especially close.


    Joy called immediately. "Ellie, should I be congratting you?" she teased.


    Eleanor was still half-asleep. "Congratte me for what?"


    "You and Xavier are all over the inte! People are saying you two are together!"


    "What?" Eleanor snapped awake and scrambled for her phone.


    As she scrolled through the photos online, her mind went nk.


    She took a deep breath. "Let me look into this."


    Joy continued, "I checked thements-everyone''s rooting for you and Xavier. You''re divorced, and with your aplishments, it''s only natural you''d find happiness again.¡±


    Eleanor browsed a fewments herself. Sure enough, the messages were overwhelmingly supportive. Even though her achievements as a scientist weren''t always in the limelight, people remembered her contributions. Now, seeing her potentially finding happiness, they flooded her with well-wishes.


    Just then, Xavier called. Eleanor slipped out to the balcony and answered quietly, "Hello, Mr. Vaughn."


    "Did you see the news? I''m sorry-I''ve dragged you into this," Xavier said, sounding genuinely apologetic.


    "Don''t worry about it. People just misunderstood what they saw," Eleanor reassured him. After all, the photos were taken at just the right angles to spark rumors.


    They spoke briefly, Xavier promising to handle things online so Eleanor wouldn''t be troubled further, before ending the call.


    At that moment, Joslyn knocked and entered, phone in hand. "Mrs. Goodwin, Mr. Goodwin is calling-"


    Eleanor eyed Joslyn''s phone, not eager to answer.


    "He called mest night too, but it waste and he didn''t want to disturb you," Joslyn exined.


    Eleanor reluctantly took the phone and stepped back onto the balcony, her voice cold. "If you have something to say, make it quick."


    "Xavier''s an old friend of mine. I warned you-stay away from him," Ian''s tone was t, but the warning clear.


    Eleanor wanted to bite back, but she didn''t want to drag Xavier into their fight. She took a steadying breath. "Who I spend time with is none of your business."


    A quiet scoff came from the other end.


    Eleanor pressed on, "If you have a problem, take it up with me. Leave Xavier out of it."


    There was silence. In the background, Eleanor thought she heard someone reporting ton in a hushed voice. Ian''s reply was cold: "Cancel it." He held the phone away and ordered, "Leave me alone. I don''t want to be disturbed."


    Eleanor frowned, having no interest in continuing the conversation. She hung up, handed the phone back to Joslyn, and said, "Don''t bring me his calls anymore. I''m done."


    Joslyn blinked in surprise, then nodded. ¡°Understood."


    Just then, Evelyn poked her head out from under the covers. "Mom, who were you talking to?"


    Eleanor smiled. "Just work, sweetheart. Did I wake you?"

 Chapter 337

    Evelyn stretched out her arms. "Mommy, sleep with me."


    Eleanor remembered that Xavier was going to handle some things online, so she didn''t have to worry about it. She crawled back into bed, pulling her soft little girl into her arms, and drifted off again.


    It was the weekend, and Eleanor wanted to let herself rx for once.


    They slept in until nearly nine. Downstairs, Joslyn had already prepared a delicious breakfast. Evelyn was absorbed in her new coloring book while Eleanor sipped her coffee and considered hiring a French tutor to help her daughter improve hernguage skills.


    She decided to leave the arrangements to Ellington. He would have HR put out a job posting and handle the interviews through thepany''s usual process.


    Eleanor was ying with Princess, their golden retriever, when her phone rang from the sofa. She reached over and nced at the screen, surprised to see that Mansfield Ellington was calling.


    Wasn''t he supposed to be on base right now?


    She stepped out into the garden and answered, "Hello, Mr. Ellington!"


    On the other end, Mansfield chuckled. "Still keeping it formal with me, Eleanor?"


    Eleanorughed softly. "Sorry, force of habit. Old habits die hard, you know."


    He seemed to smile at that, his voice low and warm. "I saw you trending online."


    Eleanor froze for a second. So he''d seen it too.


    "Would you mind exining what''s going on between you and Xavier?"


    Mansfield asked, then quickly added, "I don''t mean anything by it. If you''ve found someone you like, I-I wish you all the best."


    "Xavier and I are just friends," Eleanor replied.


    It was the truth.


    "Really?" Mansfield pressed.


    "He''s helped me a lot, even saved my life once. We''re good friends, nothing more," she said.


    Mansfield gave a quietugh. ¡°Understood. Just like me, then-another friend in your circle."


    It was only now that Mansfield realized just how many aplished men surrounded Eleanor. The thought made him feel a twinge of pressure.


    Eleanor heard the subtle probing in his tone and paused, then smiled. "That''s right. You''re all my friends."


    "I''ll call you again sometime. I have to head out on a mission," Mansfield said, clearly reluctant to hang up but duty-bound.


    "All right, take care," Eleanor said, not wanting to keep him.


    No sooner had Mansfield''s call ended than her WhatsApp chimed twice- messages from Serena.


    "Eleanor, you''re really rushing to make things official with Xavier, aren''t you?"


    "The Vaughn family elders haven''t even approved. Even if you go public, it doesn''t mean anything."


    Eleanor nced at Serena''s messages, furrowing her brow but not bothering to respond to such pointless provocation. She simply turned off her phone.


    That afternoon, she took Evelyn and Joy out for afternoon tea at the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    While Evelyn yed on the couch, Joy leaned closer, unable to contain her curiosity. "So, you and Xavier are the talk of the town. How didn react?"


    Eleanor stirred her coffee and said, "I blocked him. He called Joslyn, and when I finally picked up, he warned me to stay away from Xavier."


    Joy bristled. "Seriously? He''s been with Vanessa for years, and now that you''re divorced, he still thinks he can control you?"


    Eleanor took a quiet sip. ¡°His issue isn''t with me seeing other men just Xavier. Maybe if it were anyone else, he wouldn''t care. But Xavier''s been his best friend since they were kids."


    "Oh! So that''s what''s got him bothered," Joy said, suddenly understanding. Eleanor nodded. "I guess. He doesn''t like me getting close to people in his circle." Joy rolled her eyes. "That''s some next-level possessiveness. You''re divorced, he''s moved on, and yet he''s still policing who you see? Besides, it''s Xavier chasing after you."


    Eleanor let out a small sigh, meeting Joy''s gaze.


    "I know you''re focused on your career and your daughter right now," Joy said gently. "But you''re amazing, Eleanor. It''s natural that men are attracted to you, want to help you, even if you can''t give them what they want in return. They''re happy just to be close."


    That was exactly the problem for Eleanor-she hated owing anyone favors. The weekend passed pleasantly, and soon a new workweek began.


    Before she knew it, Friday had rolled around again.


    Today was the big meeting called by Dr. Lyman. Nearly everyone from theb was present.


    Joel came in and sat beside Eleanor as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She greeted him with a smile.


    During the subsequent discussion, Faye made a point of showcasing her contributions. Since Eleanor had solved thatst major hurdle for Meridian Dynamics, the joint research had progressed smoothly, and several breakthroughs had been made.


    Dr. Lyman nodded approvingly. "Excellent work. It''s good to see our coboration with Meridian Dynamics bearing fruit."


    "Eleanor, how''s your ownbing along since you started over?" Faye suddenly turned toward her.


    Every eye in the room shifted to Eleanor, all curious about her new research direction.


    She smiled. "At the moment, I''m still developing the theoretical framework. I''ll share more once I have something concrete."


    Faye''s lips curled in satisfaction. As she expected, Eleanor''s ''genius'' reputation was finally on shaky ground. No one''s lucksted forever.


    After the meeting, Joel caught up with Eleanor, speaking quietly. "Are you really still in the theoretical phase? If you need any help, just let me know."


    Eleanor gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Joel. I''m just getting the new experiments underway, so it''s too early to say anything definite."

 Chapter 338

    Joel adjusted his sses and smiled. ¡°I believe in you, Eleanor. You''ll go on to achieve great things again."


    Eleanor was just about to leave when Joel called out to her in a low voice, "Eleanor, Xavier''s a good man. If you''re ready for a new start, I wish you the best."


    She paused, turning back to reply, but Joel had already gone, his figure disappearing a little too quickly.


    With a quiet sigh, Eleanor made her way to the restroom.


    She had barely closed the stall door when she heard voices outside Faye, Gwenda, and a few others.


    "Did you see those rumors about Eleanor and the CEO of Vaughn Group? She''s moving on awfully fast-looks like she''s about to start a whole new chapter," one of them whispered.


    "No kidding," Faye''s assistant chimed in, her tone dripping with envy. "She barely finalized her divorce and now she''s cozying up to the Vaughn Group''s golden boy. Gotta hand it to her-she ys her cards well."


    "But wasn''t Eleanor a housewife before? Where''d she pick up all these skills?"


    "She really is talented," Gwenda interjected. "I''ve seen her run experiments- she''s way more experienced than any of us."


    Faye scoffed. "If it weren''t for her father, would she really-"


    "Would I really what?" The stall door swung open. Eleanor stepped out, utterlyposed.


    Faye''s face froze-she hadn''t expected Eleanor to be listening just a few feet away.


    Eleanor moved to the sinks, washing her hands with deliberate calm. Through the mirror, she met each of their gazes, finally settling on Faye. "You want to know what I''m capable of? I solved the algorithm problem you''ve been stuck on in ten minutes. My paper was solicited by Nature. I hold several patents in my field. Is that enough for you?"


    Faye''s face went pale, then flushed. She wanted to protest-Eleanor''s father hadn''t even lived to see thetest developments in Al, so it wasn''t like he could have coached her but she just couldn''t bring herself to say it out loud.


    Turning off the tap, Eleanor tossed the paper towel aside. "If you have time to gossip about my personal life, you''d be better off working on your own research."


    She shot Gwenda a nce. Gwenda''s heart skipped-thankful, at least, that she hadn''t joined in the mudslinging.


    As Eleanor left, Faye''s expression soured. Clearly, she thought, Eleanor must be leaning on Xavier now-how else could she be so bold?


    Back in theb, Eleanor immersed herself in her work, pouring every ounce of focus into her experiments.


    At lunchtime, Callie had just walked into the cafeteria when his phone rang. He answered, "Hello? Who''s this?"


    "Is Eleanor with you?" came a deep, rich male voice.


    Callie blinked, then quickly recognized him. "Mr. Goodwin? Is that you?"


    Callie looked up and spotted Eleanor settling into a seat, her lunch tray in hand. "She''s in the cafeteria right now."


    "Thank you."n hung up.


    Eleanor was scrolling through her phone, barely having touched her food, when a sudden stir swept through the cafeteria.


    "Oh my god, is that..."


    n? What''s he doing here?"


    A few young women whispered excitedly.


    Eleanor nced up. There he wasn, unmistakable in a tailored ck suit, hismanding presence drawing stares from across the room.


    His gaze swept the cafeteria and finallynded on her.


    Eleanor instinctively tightened her grip on her phone. After theirst argument, she''d blocked his number, deleted him from every messaging app-wiped out every possible way for him to reach her.


    And yet, here he was at her workce.


    She hadn''t wanted lunch to begin with-now, seeing him, her appetite vanishedpletely.


    She picked up her tray and stood. Ian''s brow furrowed, and he followed her out of the cafeteria.


    Once they reached a quiet hallway, Eleanor turned to face him. "If you''re here, I hope it''s for work."


    "I''ll only discuss business with you. Anything else is off limits." Eleanor folded her arms, her posture rigid with resolve.


    "I wasn''t myself that day,"n said quietly. "I''m sorry."


    "If that''s all you came to say, I''m busy," Eleanor replied, already turning to go.


    "Unblock me. And WhatsApp, too." His voice was low, insistent.


    She hesitated, then faced him.


    to reach you for work."


    Eleanor looked away. "Fine."


    He reached into his jacket and handed her a sh drive. "This is thetest


    research from Dr. Smith''sb. I thought you could use it."


    She epted it without hesitation-she did need more medical data for her own research.


    Looking up, Eleanor met his gaze. "Next time, just have your assistant send over the files."


    "There''s nothing new to report," she said coolly. "If there is, I''ll let you know."


    He took a step closer-his presence overpowering, the faint scent of cedar and something darker hanging between them.


    "Eleanor, focus on your work,¡±n said, his voice low and edged with frustration. Then he turned and walked away.

 Chapter 339

    Eleanor frowned, then turned and headed back to theb to review the files on her USB drive.


    Spring had arrived in full bloom. On the weekend, with everythinging back to life, Eleanor picked up supplies for a pic, nning to unwind at the park.


    She decided on Thursday to take her daughter for a pic at Whispering Pines Meadow. She hadn''t expected Evelyn to excitedly share the news with Vivian. Eleanor hadn''t even left the house when her phone rang-Xavier.


    "Hello, Mr. Vaughn?"


    "Miss Sutton, I heard you''re nning a pic. Mind if we join you?" Xavier''s voice was warm. "I''ve got some ingredients ready-thought I could bring them along." Eleanor was briefly caught off guard, then smiled. "Of course, that''d be great!"


    "Vivian''s been cooped up for ages," Xavier added. "I thought the girls would have more fun together-don''t you agree?"


    Eleanor couldn''t argue with that. Kids around the same age could keep each other entertained for hours and be much happier for it.


    ¡°I''ll have a couple of friends with me too, Mr. Vaughn. Hope that''s alright?" she said quickly.


    "Absolutely. The more, the merrier."


    "Perfect! See you at the Whispering Pines Meadow parking lot," Eleanor replied.


    "See you then!"


    Eleanor immediately called Joy.


    "Why are you dragging me along?" Joy teased. "Wouldn''t your little family pic be more romantic without me tagging along as the third wheel?"


    Eleanor pressed her fingers to her temples, exasperated. "Don''t be ridiculous. It''s just friends getting together for a pic. If you don''te, it''ll just be me and Xavier with the two kids-I don''t want any more misunderstandings."


    "Alright, alright. If it''ll keep you out of trouble, I''lle," Joyughed.


    The weekend brought sunshine and a gentle spring breeze to Whispering Pines Meadow.


    Eleanor had barely parked when she saw Xavier already waiting by his SUV at the agreed spot.


    He was dressed casually in a light shirt, looking much softer and more rxed than usual.


    "Mom, look! There''s Vivian and Mr. Vaughn!" Evelyn pointed out the car across from them, her voice bubbling with excitement.


    Vivian, wearing a pink dress and fluttering like a butterfly, raced over. "Evelyn! I brought my brand new bubble machine-look, you can have one too!"


    The two girls instantly paired off, theirughter ringing out like silver bells through the parking lot.


    "Bringing them together was definitely the right call," Xavier said with a smile as he walked over and took the pic basket from Eleanor. He''d driven arge SUV and was pulling a pic cart loaded with food.


    Not long after, Joy arrived.


    They found a wide, open stretch of grass and spread out their pic nket. Xavier set up chairs and a folding table while Eleanor began arranging the food, with Xavier lending a hand.


    Joy went off with the girls to fly a kite.


    With everythingid out, Eleanor took a breather and watched her daughter


    running andughing across the grass, a gentle smile curving her lips.


    Suddenly, Evelyn pointed into the distance and shouted, "Mom! Dad''s here! Daddy''s here!"


    Eleanor''s smile froze. Following Evelyn''s finger, she spottedn striding across thewn toward them.


    Joy, heading back, looked surprised. "You invited him too?"


    Eleanor bit her lip in frustration. "I didn''t."


    She realized it must have been Joslyn-she knew where they''d be today. That''s hown found out.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn ran straight inton''s arms.


    He scooped her up, kissed her cheek, then looked at Eleanor. "Joslyn said you were all here. I thought I''de spend some time with Evelyn."


    Eleanor pressed her lips together. He was here now, and the girls had already seen him there was no sending him away.


    Xavier set down the te he was holding and walked over calmly. "Ian, join us." Suddenly, the atmosphere between the three adults grew subtly tense.


    Eleanor and Joy sat down to rest, Vivian tagging along, while Xavier went to help them with the kite.


    Joy nced at Eleanor''s troubled expression and gave a low whistle. "You don''t thinkn''s still-"


    Eleanor cut her off, her tone cold. "No chance."


    Joy nodded. "Even if he wanted a second chance, he doesn''t deserve it-not after what he put you through." She''d witnessed firsthand how muchn had hurt Eleanor.


    He''d treated the other woman like royalty and left his wife to suffer he had no right to ask for forgiveness now.


    Eleanor picked up her water bottle and took a sip, deliberately avoiding looking inn''s direction.


    Out on the grass,n was patiently teaching the girls how to fly their kite.


    Joy was about to continue when she noticed Xavier walking back over and immediately dropped the subject.


    Xavier sat down beside Eleanor, cracking open a bottle of sparkling water. "Want to take a stroll on the grass?"


    Eleanor smiled and shook her head. "I''d rather sit here and enjoy the view."


    "Oh,e on," Joy teased, nudging Eleanor up. "You two go stretch your legs- I''ll keep an eye on things here."


    Eleanor realized her legs were indeed a bit numb. She nced at Xavier. "Alright, let''s go."


    Across thewn,n''s gaze flickered toward them-watchful, unreadable.


    Just then, Evelyn and Vivian raced over. Evelyn had spotted the paddle boats on theke and wanted to try them.


    "Mom,e with me! Let''s go!"


    Eleanor crouched down to her daughter''s level. "Sweetie, those boats aren''t safe for kids your age."


    "Daddy... Daddy!" Evelyn turned, immediately trying to win over her father.


    "Listen to your mom,"n replied firmly.


    Evelyn pouted, but Vivian quickly distracted her with the bubble machine again, and the girls ran off to y.


    Xavier seemed to sense thatn wanted to speak with Eleanor alone. "I''ll go check on the kids," he said, walking away.


    Once Xavier was out of earshot,n spoke up. "You still haven''t taken me off your block list?"


    "I forgot," Eleanor replied with a raised eyebrow. Honestly, the moment he mentioned itst time, she''d put it right out of her mind.


    The girls yed to their hearts'' content before finally sitting down to eat. Ian and Xavier each looked after a child, while Eleanor and Joy went for a walk.


    Standing by a sea of wildflowers, Joy watched the two men tending to the kids and shook her head in surprise. "I''ll give them this-both of them really know how to take care of children."

 Chapter 340

    Eleanor had nothing to say to that this was exactly why she could never bring herself to sever her daughter''s ties withn.


    "Hey! It''s been almost five months since Vanessast visited, hasn''t it?" Joy remarked.


    Eleanor did a quick mental calction-Joy was right. Vanessa hadn''t been aroundtely, so it was impossible to tell if she was showing yet.


    Watching her daughter, Eleanor felt a sharp sting in her chest. If Vanessa really was having a baby, wouldn still manage to be the father he''d always been?


    After the pic, Evelyn insisted on riding back withn and kept chattering about having dinner at Goodwin Manor that evening. Clearly, Gina had toldn to bring his daughter home for the night.


    It had already been three weekends since Evelynst visited there, so Eleanor agreed.


    All four of them drove back into town separately, while Eleanor headed for theb. With her daughter away, it was the perfect chance to catch up on some work.


    By the time Eleanor returned to theb, night had already fallen.


    On weekends, theb was eerily quiet, the only sound the low hum of machines. She powered up herputer, plugged in the USB driven had given her, and began poring over thetest research from Dr. Smith''sb.


    Suddenly, a set of anomalous data caught her eye. It was closely rted to the bottleneck she''d been facing in her own experiments, but the results showed something entirely different.


    She immediately pulled up her own data, her fingers flying over the keyboard. The two sets of results appeared side by side on the screen, and she squinted,paring them carefully.


    A bold idea suddenly shed through her mind. She leapt up, strode to theb bench, and began mixing new reagents.


    She muttered to herself, deeply focused.


    Then, atst, the reaction she''d been waiting for appeared in the test tube.


    Her heart racing, Eleanor rushed back to theputer to record her findings.


    On the screen, the data curve showed a wless upward trend. Her theory was finally validated.


    Every nerve in her brain buzzed with excitement. This discovery wouldn''t just solve her current problem-it might mean a breakthrough for the entire field of cell sequencing.


    She stayed in theb all night, and by the time she finished documenting her results, dawn was already breaking outside.


    As she stood up, a wave of dizziness hit her¡ªher head felt heavy, her legs light, and she nearly fainted.


    She copsed onto a nearby chair to rest, but before she knew it, she''d fallen fast asleep.


    Simone, who liked toe in early on weekends, noticed theb lights were still on when she arrived. Curious, she walked over-and was stunned to find Eleanor asleep at her workbench. Had she been working through the entire night?


    Simone sighed. Eleanor''s dedication was admirable, but this was going too far. After all, her life mattered too.


    When Eleanor finally woke up, it was already half past eight. On her way to her office she saw Simone, who was also working overtime. She knocked and poked her head in.


    "Professor Langley, you''re here early too."


    "Eleanor, did you pull an all-nighter?" Simone asked.


    Eleanor gave a tired smile. "Yeah. I get my best ideas at night."


    "You! No more all-nighters, you hear me?" Simone scolded gently. "Go home and get some rest!"


    Eleanor grinned. "Actually, Professor Langley, I have good news about my experiment."


    Excited, she pulled up her results from the night before. Simone adjusted her sses, pored over the data, and then beamed. "Eleanor, this is incredible!" Eleanor was thrilled-but what she needed most at that moment was sleep. Around nine, Simone took the initiative to calln.


    "Hello, Professor Langley," camen''s usual calm voice.


    n, great news-Eleanor worked through the night and finally had a breakthrough. She''s cracked the code for the thirteenth gene sequence."


    "Really?"n sounded genuinely excited. "Are you sure?"


    "I''ve reviewed her data myself¡ªit''s real. This means our early leukemia diagnosis


    will be more urate, and we may finally have the key to a cure."


    "Dr. Langley, did you say she stayed up all night?"n seemed to only now realize.


    "Yes, she''s been pushing herself too hard. When I got in this morning, she was still asleep at the bench," Simone said, then added, "Maybe you could talk to her. The research matters, but so does her health."


    "She never listens to me. Maybe she''ll listen to you."


    "Ian, when you refused to let me recruit Eleanor, was it because you had other ns for her?" Simone couldn''t help but probe, "If you do, perhaps "


    "Professor Langley, I think you should focus on your research,"n cut her off, coldly.


    Simone just chuckled. "Sorry, I was being nosy."


    They chatted a bit longer before hanging up. Simone sighed-she''d hopedn had paved a better path for Eleanor, but from his tone, that clearly wasn''t the


    case.


    Eleanor had just made it home when her phone rang. Xavier''s voice was heavy. "Miss Sutton, my aunt doesn''t have much time. She wants to see you before she goes."


    Eleanor''s mind went nk for a moment-Juliette was dying?


    "Mr. Vaughn, okay-what hospital? I''lle right now," she replied quickly.


    Ashford General Hospital. When Eleanor arrived at the ward, Xavier was talking quietly with some rtives. When he saw her, he stepped away and walked up to her, but before Eleanor could even speak, a wave of dizziness washed over her.


    She steadied herself with a hand to her forehead. Xavier caught her in his arms. "Eleanor, are you alright?"


    Just then, footsteps echoed from around the corridor''s corner. Three people appeared, catching sight of Xavier holding Eleanor.


    At the front wasn, with Vanessa and Henry beside him.


    Vanessa''s face went cold-she couldn''t believe Eleanor and Xavier were already getting so close, and right in public.


    Henry, too, had no idea things between Eleanor and Xavier had progressed so far.


    Vanessa nced atn, but he showed no emotion, just his trademark furrowed brow and intent gaze.

 Chapter 341

    With Xavier''s arm steadying her waist, Eleanor barely managed to stand upright.


    She rubbed her temples, fighting off a wave of dizziness.


    When she finally looked up, her eyes metn''s intense, searching gaze.


    For a moment, the hallway seemed to freeze.


    Vanessa broke the silence first, her voice tinged with feigned surprise. "Eleanor, what''s going on here?"


    Her eyes flicked pointedly to Xavier''s hand still resting at Eleanor''s waist.


    Eleanor subtly stepped out of Xavier''s embrace, her tone calm. "It''s nothing-just a little low blood sugar."


    Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Xavier quickly added, "Miss Sutton just rushed over. She might have overexerted herself."


    Vanessa''s eyes widened in surprise-wasn actually showing concern for Eleanor?


    "I''m fine," Eleanor replied, avoiding his gaze. She turned to Xavier instead. "How is Mrs. Grayson?"


    A shadow crossed Xavier''s face, and he sighed. "The doctor said... it''ll probably be today."


    Eleanor nodded, forcing herself to pull it together. "Let''s go in and see her."


    Just as they were about to enter the room, Vanessa stepped forward. "Ian, aren''t we here to see Mrs. Grayson too? Let''s go in together!"


    Vanessa''s expression stiffened, and she seemed about to protest when Henry interjected, "Vanessa, let''s let Eleanor go in first."


    Inside the hospital room, Juliette was already half-unconscious. At the faint sound of footsteps, she opened her eyes just a little, and when she saw Eleanor, there was a brief light in her cloudy gaze.


    "Eleanor...¡± she whispered, her voice barely a breath.


    Eleanor hurried to her side, taking her frail hand. "I''m here, Mrs. Grayson."


    "Eleanor, there''s something I need to give you." Juliette gathered what little strength she had.


    Eleanor''s eyes filled with tears as she took in how much Juliette had wasted away in just a month. "Mrs. Grayson, I''m listening."


    "I''ve decided... to shut down myb. All the funds left will go to support your research. Xavier will handle the details after..." Juliette faltered, her voice trailing away.


    Eleanor stared at her in shock. "Mrs. Grayson, I can''t¡ª¡±


    "This is for you alone, Eleanor. The funding is yours to use however you need.¡± Juliette squeezed her hand, patting it gently. ¡°Please ept it.¡±


    Eleanor bit her lip, tears spilling over. Someone with no blood ties to her was leaving her such a generous legacy at the end of her life-Eleanor was overwhelmed.


    Seeing Eleanor in tears, Xavier''s chest tightened. He pulled a tissue from the box and handed it to her.


    Juliette said a few more words, her voice growing fainter. After a moment, she seemed to catch the sound of voices outside the door and asked, "Is someone else here?"


    "Ian and Henry just arrived."


    "How thoughtful of them. Please, let theme in," Juliette said softly.


    A few momentster,n, Vanessa, and Henry entered the room. Juliette managed a faint smile, her voice barely audible. "Thank you foring to say goodbye..."


    As she finished, her eyes lost focus, and a sudden, violent cough shook her frail body.

 Chapter 342

    "Aunt Ruth!" Xavier frantically pressed the call button.


    The medical team rushed in and began emergency treatment.


    They were ushered out of the room. As soon as Eleanor stepped into the hallway, her legs nearly gave out, forcing her to brace herself against the wall.


    Suddenly, an arm wrapped firmly around her waist.


    "You need to rest."n''s voice came from behind her.


    Frustrated and anxious, Eleanor shook off his arm. "Don''t touch me. I''m fine."


    Eleanor frowned. Clearly, Professor Langley must have told him. But she didn''t need his concern. Her voice was cold: "My life isn''t your business."


    Vanessa suddenly stepped forward, her tone sweet. "Ms. Sutton, are you feeling unwell? Should I call a doctor for you?"


    The feigned concern made Eleanor want tough. She tried to walk away, but dizziness forced her to pause.


    Vanessa rushed to support her, but Eleanor recoiled from her touch and pushed her away.


    She didn''t use much force, yet Vanessa staggered dramatically,nding right inn''s arms. He caught her by the waist, steadying her.


    Henry watched the scene unfold, then spoke up, n, let me take Eleanor home."


    Vanessa bit her lip and turned to Eleanor. "Eleanor, I know you don''t like me. You don''t want my help."


    Eleanor nearly scoffed aloud. If Vanessa already knew that, why keep up this charade? Who was she trying to impress? Even now, she still had the nerve to y the victim-truly infuriating.


    "Ms. Sutton, you really shouldn''t drive in your condition. Let me take you home," Henry offered gently.


    Eleanor realized she did need someone to get her home safely. She managed a grateful smile. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Holt."


    "I''ll take her,"n cut in suddenly.


    n!" Vanessa protested, her voice sharp.


    Butn was already stepping forward. Without warning, he swept Eleanor up in his arms and strode toward the elevator.


    n-!" Eleanor hissed, furious.


    His arms were strong and unyielding, like steel. She struggled to break free. "Put me down!"


    n-!" Vanessa''s voice echoed behind them, thick with resentment.


    Henry reached out to stop her. "Letn handle it."


    Vanessa shot Henry a venomous re, her jealousy unmistakable as she hurried after them.


    Eleanor kept trying to wriggle free, butn''s voice was low andmanding. "Don''t move."


    n!" Eleanor''s voice trembled with anger. "I don''t need you¡ª"


    He cut her off, coolly. "Unless you want to pass out in the hospital hallway."


    The elevator doors slid shut, mercifully shutting out Vanessa''s furious expression.


    Inside the close confines, Eleanor closed her eyes, her face pale and fragile beneath the harsh lights.


    The familiar scent of cedar clung ton, and it only made her more agitated. "Put me down," she said coldly.


    She''d lost weight-he could feel it.


    He couldn''t help but remember a few years ago, when Eleanor used to beg him to carry her like this, when she would slip her arms around his neck and bury her face in his shoulder, giggling and yful.

 Chapter 343

    Looking back, it all feels like a lifetime ago.


    The elevator doors slid open on the ground floor, andn strode purposefully toward the parking lot.


    Eleanor had stopped resisting by now; her body was stiff and unyielding, as if she''d turned to wood.


    When it came time to get in the car,n did give her the chance to manage on her own. Eleanor tried to climb in by herself, shaking off his hand, but a sudden wave of dizziness hit her. She had to grip the car door for support.


    With her eyes closed, Eleanor leaned against the window, trying to ease the spinning in her head. She''d had dizzy spells before, but never this bad.


    The drive was silent. Several times, Eleanor rolled down the window for fresh air.


    By the time they reached the gate, the worst had passed. She stepped out without a word of thanks and headed straight into the house.


    Joslyn appeared at the door, surprised to seen following behind.


    As Eleanor headed upstairs, she caughtn''s voice downstairs, instructing Joslyn on how to look after her. Finally back in her own room, Eleanor sank onto her bed and closed her eyes, feeling safe for the first time all night.


    Joslyn listened carefully ton''s instructions, nodding several times. "Don''t worry, sir. I''ll take good care of her. If there''s any problem, I''ll call you right away."


    Elsewhere, Henry was giving Vanessa a ride home. Vanessa had barely spoken a word, and Henry nced over, trying to read her mood.


    "I think I heardn say Eleanor worked through the night yesterday," Henry ventured.


    Vanessa finally turned to look at him. "Is that true?"


    He nodded. "It is."


    At this, the tension in Vanessa''s face eased a little. If that was the reasonn seemed concerned for Eleanor, it was understandable; he needed her sharp mind and dedication in theb, and until his research bore fruit, he couldn''t afford to let anything happen to her.


    So,n carrying Eleanor away tonight was nothing more than that-pragmatic concern, nothing else.


    "You andn-" Henry began.


    "We''re fine, thank you," Vanessa cut him off.


    He nodded, giving her a sidelong nce. "You look thinnertely. I thought something might be bothering you."


    Vanessa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Eleanor ruined my chances of being named ambassador for the charity project. I''m not exactly in high spirits."


    "And now that Eleanor and Xavier seem to be getting closer, maybe someday you two-"


    Vanessa let out a frustrated sigh. "You think I''m afraid of her?"


    "Xavier andn seem more distanttely too," Henry observed. "That old trio of theirs isn''t what it used to be."


    ¡°That''s Eleanor''s doing as well,¡± Vanessa muttered, biting her lip before ncing over at Henry. "Henry, do you think the Vaughn family would actually ept Eleanor?"


    Henry paused, caught off guard by the question. He thought for a moment before replying, ¡°Hard to say.¡±


    "You mean they''d really wee a divorc¨¦e?" Vanessa sounded incredulous. She''d never had much contact with the Vaughns, but as one of Ashford City''s most prominent families, surely they wouldn''t want their son to marry a woman with a failed marriage behind her.


    Henry shook his head. "Eleanor''s made a name for herself. Even if she never remarries, the inheritancen''s set aside for her is more than enough to keep herfortable for life. The real question isn''t whether the Vaughns would ept her. It''s whether Eleanor would even want to marry into that family."

 Chapter 344

    Vanessa could tell that, between the lines, Henry was expressing a certain admiration for Eleanor. Her expression darkened. "Oh? So you''re a fan of hers too?"


    Henry was caught off guard and forced a quick, awkward smile. "I mean, I just admire her, that''s all."


    Vanessa turned away, clearly uninterested in continuing the conversation.


    Henry didn''t dare say another word. He drove her home and, when they reached her front gate, opened his mouth as if to say something more. But Vanessa was already through the gate of her townhouse before he could speak.


    With a quiet sigh, Henry turned around and headed back to his car.


    Eleanor slept until well past one in the afternoon. When she finally got up, Joslyn had prepared a nourishing tonic for her.


    "Ma''am, please drink this. It''s good for you."


    Eleanor was resting in the upstairs sitting room, still looking a little pale.


    "Ma''am, this tonic was sent over by the mister. The quality is outstanding. Why don''t you see how it tastes?"


    Eleanor paused just as she raised the cup to her lips. She looked up. "He sent it?¡±


    Joslyn nodded quickly. "Yes, it arrived this morning. I could tell right away it was top grade, so I made it for you right away."


    Eleanor put the cup down. "Joslyn, from now on, don''t ept anything he sends."


    Joslyn hesitated, a little flustered. "But ma''am, he really seems worried about you this time. He even mentioned you were working through the night¡ª¡±


    Eleanor''s expression grew stern. Joslyn mped her mouth shut, not daring to say more.


    "All right, I understand. But at least don''t waste this batch," Joslyn said quietly. Eleanor nodded. "I know. Don''t worry."


    Joslyn nced back as she left, relieved to see Eleanor take a sip. It would be such a shame to waste something so expensive.


    Eleanor picked up her phone and sent a message to Xavier: "How is Mrs. Grayson?"


    "She left about an hour ago," came Xavier''s reply.


    Eleanor''s breath caught. Juliette had passed away?


    "I''m so sorry for your loss, Mr. Vaughn."


    "How are you feeling?" Xavier asked.


    "I got some rest. I''m much better now."


    "Good. Please take care of yourself. I need to make arrangements for my aunt''s funeral."


    "Of course. Don''t worry about me." Eleanor didn''t want to disturb him further; she knew how heavy his heart must be right now.


    Downstairs, Joslyn was answering a call in the living room. As Eleanor came


    down the stairs, she heard Joslyn say, "Yes, ma''am is awake. She''s had her tonic and is feeling much better."


    Eleanor frowned. Was thatn calling?


    "Joslyn," Eleanor called out.


    Joslyn jumped, startled, and lowered her voice. "Sir, ma''am is calling me."


    "She wants to speak to you," Joslyn said, handing the phone over with an apologetic smile.


    "I don''t want to talk to him," Eleanor refused tly.


    Joslyn whispered a few more words into the phone before hanging up.


    Eleanor knew Joslyn had worked forn for six years. She herself could ignore him, but Joslyn couldn''t.


    She understood.<pn''s sudden concern was nothing more than self-interest. Now that Eleanor''s research had made a breakthrough, he still needed her to finish the rest.

 Chapter 345

    Eleanor returned to her study, switched on herputer, and began reviewing thetestb results. Though her body still felt weak, immersing herself in work


    allowed her to forget her troubles, at least for a little while.


    Before long, her phone buzzed with a message from Joy, asking about Juliette. She''d seen the obituary online.


    Eleanor replied, confirming the news. Juliette was gone.


    "What a shame. She was such a renowned phnthropist," Joy wrote.


    Eleanor sighed. Who could disagree?


    A littleter, Xavier messaged her. Juliette''s funeral would be held in three days.


    On Sunday afternoon, Gina dropped Evelyn back at home. As Eleanor greeted her daughter, she noticed that Gina lingered, hesitant to leave. Eleanor paused, ncing at her. "Is there something else, Gina?"


    Gina hesitated. "Eleanor, Mrs. Grayson''s mother has been asking about you these past few days. Would you...?" Her voice trailed off, pride keeping her from making a direct request.


    Eleanor understood. She nodded. "Of course. I''ll make time to visit her soon."


    Only then did Gina seem relieved, nodding as she got back into her car.


    Three dayster, Juliette''s funeral took ce in a cemetery just outside the city.


    Dressed in a ck suit, Eleanor went alone.


    From a distance, she saw Xavier greeting guests at the entrance to the chapel. Juliette, with no children of her own, had treated her nephew as her heir. Now, Xavier was honoring her memory with a dignified and grand farewell.


    He stood among the mourners in a ck suit, his face drawn and tired, but still managing a polite smile.


    "Mr. Vaughn," Eleanor said quietly as she approached.


    Xavier turned, fatigue giving way to a flicker of pleasant surprise. "Miss Sutton, I''m d you came."


    "My condolences," Eleanor offered softly.


    Xavier nodded. "Thank you for being here. About theb funding, I''ll find a good time to discuss it with you."


    Eleanor waved it off. "Let''s talk after Mrs. Grayson''s affairs are settled. There''s no rush."


    He nodded again, about to say more, when his gaze shifted past her shoulder. Eleanor turned and sawn, Vanessa, and Henry walking toward them together.n wore a ck suit with a white boutonniere. Vanessa was in an elegant ck dress, her makeup perfectly done.


    "Are you feeling better?"n asked, stepping closer.


    Eleanor ignored his concern and turned to Xavier instead. "I''m going to pay my respects."


    Inside the chapel, Eleanor bowed deeply before Juliette''s portrait. In the photo, Juliette''s gentle smile was just as kind as Eleanor remembered.


    Rest in peace, Mrs. Grayson, she thought. I promise to make good use of the funding you left behind. I won''t let you down.


    Footsteps sounded behind her. Expecting another mourner, Eleanor stepped aside, but the person stopped next to her. It wasn.


    He looked solemn as he took three candles handed to him and lit them, offering his own silent tribute. Vanessa soon joined him, and the two of them stood together in front of the portrait, looking every bit the perfect couple.


    Outside, Eleanor found Xavier finishing a conversation with an older rtive. He came over as soon as he spotted her. "If you''re not in a hurry, why don''t you stay for the luncheon?"


    Eleanor checked her watch. "I need to get back to theb."


    "Then let''s have dinner together another time," Xavier said.


    She nodded. "Sure. Next time, then. I''ll be going."


    From then on, Eleanor''s days blurred into a routine of shuttling between home and theb. She led her research team as they pushed forward with the next round of experiments.


    Faye had been stopping by more often, updating her on Meridian Dynamics'' progress. Compared to Eleanor''s team, their pace had slowed considerably.


    One afternoon, Faye and Gwenda were chatting in the break room. When the conversation turned to Eleanor''stest breakthroughs, Faye''s expression darkened.


    "Who knows if she''s just headed down another dead end? Wasting money, wasting time," Faye scoffed.


    Gwenda nodded, remembering how Eleanor''s previous string of promising results had ended in failure, causing many to doubt her abilities.


    "But if she actually pulls it off this time, it''ll be incredible. Maybe she could even-"


    Before Gwenda could finish, Faye cut her off. "Are you about to say she''ll win the Nobel Prize?"


    Gwenda grinned. "It''s not impossible!"


    Fayeughed derisively. "You''re giving her too much credit. Even her father never got close to that. What makes you think she could?"


    Gwenda puffed out her cheeks. "Still, if someone from ourb won the Nobel, that''d be something to be proud of."


    "If anyone''s getting that prize, it''ll be Joel, not her," Faye said with absolute certainty.


    "But Eleanor''s project really does have Nobel potential!" Gwenda protested.


    Faye shot her an annoyed look. "What''s gotten into you? Why are you always singing her praises? Has she ever done you any favors? Don''t forget who brought you into this team."


    Gwenda immediately forced a smile and kept quiet.


    A weekter, Eleanor''s team was in the thick of things.


    Eleanor had just stepped out of theb when her assistant hurried over. "Ellie, the data from the third round of trials is in. You should take a look-the results are even better than we hoped."


    Despite her exhaustion, Eleanor''s spirits lifted. She hurried over to theputer.


    The data curves perfectly matched her theoretical predictions. This meant her new drug had reached a critical breakthrough.


    It was time to prepare for the next phase of trials.


    Soon, word reached Simone, who quickly arranged for a panel of experts to


    review Eleanor''s results the following week.


    In the days leading up to it, Eleanor pushed her team to work around the clock.


    Even meals were eaten hastily at theb benches.


    A weekter, Simone came by to check in.


    "The review''s tomorrow. Are you ready?" she asked.


    "I''ll finish my presentation tonight," Eleanor replied.


    Simone looked at her-Eleanor had barely touched the ground these days, and she was noticeably thinner. With a gentle pat on her shoulder, Simone offered a reassuring smile. "You''re doing great. After the review, I''m giving you three days off. You''ve earned it."

 Chapter 346

    "Thank you, Professor Langley."


    "Eleanor, if your research seeds, it''ll put our country on the map in the medical world." Simone''s tone brimmed with emotion. "Your father would be so proud of you if he could see you now."


    Later that evening, after checking her daughter''s homework, Eleanor headed upstairs to work. A new tutor had starteding by to help Evelyntely, and it seemed to have sparked a new sense of diligence in her daughter.


    Early the next morning, Eleanor exined to Evelyn that she had an important meeting to attend. Evelyn clenched her little fists in encouragement. "Good luck, Mom!"


    Her daughter was Eleanor''s anchor. She kissed Evelyn''s forehead. "I promise, I''ll do my very best."


    The expert review panel convened soon after.


    More than fifty people had received the invitation and arrived for the meeting. After meticulous preparation, Eleanor took the stage and presented her findings. The moment she revealed hertest experimental data, the room erupted in apuse.


    Simone and Dr. Lyman exchanged a look and smiled-this was truly a proud moment for theirb.


    Eleanor''s presentation was nothing short of brilliant.


    Farther back in the audience, Joel and Faye sat side by side. Joel''s eyes sparkled with approval, while Faye''s expression froze. Just weeks ago, she had confidently told Gwenda that there was no way Eleanor would make a breakthrough so soon. Reality had proved her very wrong.


    Once again, Eleanor had taken the medicalmunity by storm.


    As the meeting ended, a crowd of renowned professionals gathered around her.


    "Ms. Sutton, your research could revolutionize current treatments," an esteemed expert dered excitedly. "On behalf of the Medical Society, I''d like to formally invite you to deliver the keynote at this year''s annual summit."


    "It would be my honor," Eleanor replied, shaking his hand.


    Professor Langley beamed and patted her shoulder. "Eleanor, you did it! This achievement will put you on the international stage."


    Eleanor smiled warmly. "I couldn''t have done it without your support, Professor Langley. You made it possible for me to focus wholeheartedly on my work."


    Simone chimed in, "Let''s not forget someone else we ought to thank."


    Eleanor paused, surprised. "Who?"


    Simone grinned. n, of course, for his generous funding."


    Eleanor''s smile faltered for a moment. Ian was a businessman¡ªeverything he did was calcted for profit.


    She didn''t feel grateful to him at all.


    Joel made his way over a littleter to offer his congrattions, and Eleanor was genuinely happy that he''d made time to hear her speak.


    Just then, Joel''s phone rang. He excused himself to take the call out in the garden.


    "Eleanor, did you find your inspiration in one of your father''s old notebooks again?" Faye''s voice cut through the crowd.


    Eleanor turned to nce at her, but had no intention of engaging.


    When Eleanor made to leave, Faye let out a coldugh. "Don''t act so high and mighty. If it weren''t for Mr. Goodwin''s investment, do you really think you''d be here today?"


    Eleanor''s hands balled into fists, ready to respond, when a low, steady voice interrupted.


    "Eleanor''s achievements are the result of her own talent and hard work."


    Faye''s face flushed. She turned to see Xavier standing behind her, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers.


    Faye forced a polite greeting. "Mr. Vaughn."


    Xavier, knowing Faye was Vanessa''s younger sister, gave her a brief nod before presenting the bouquet to Eleanor. "Congrattions. I listened to your entire talk ¡ªit was outstanding."


    Faye hesitated awkwardly, then turned and walked away. Not far off, she snapped a photo and sent it to Vanessa.


    "Xavier just gave Eleanor flowers. Do you think they''re actually seeing each other?"


    Vanessa didn''t reply, so Faye headed toward the parking lot.


    Eleanor epted the bouquet and chatted with Xavier about the research.


    He smiled, "Do you have a minute? There''s a document I need you to sign- regarding the research grant my aunt left you."


    Eleanor hesitated, uncertainty in her voice. "I... Can I really ept it?"


    "My aunt was a good woman. Investing in your research was thest great decision she made. Let her wishe true, please." Xavier''s gaze was sincere. "And I hope I can do my part to support your dream as well."


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat.


    "Xavier!" she blurted out his name.


    Xavier''s heart skipped a beat. "You finally called me by my name. That''s a good start. From now on, let''s just use our first names, okay? Eleanor."


    She bit her lip, still struggling with the idea of inheriting Juliette''s research grant. She was afraid she''d fail to live up to those expectations.


    Xavier noticed her hesitation. He spoke gently, "Eleanor, don''t feel burdened. My aunt always admired your work. This funding is yours alone-it''s not tied to any institution."


    Eleanor couldn''t help but ask, "How much is it?"


    "Five million."


    "What? That''s... that''s a lot." Eleanor looked up, her eyes wide with shock.


    "My aunt always said your research was worth every penny. She believed you could change the lives of countless patients." Xavier''s voice was full of admiration. "Maybe you don''t need it now, but life is long. If you ever do, it''s yours to use." Eleanor looked at him, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you. And thank you to your aunt for believing in me."


    Just then, Xavier''s gaze shifted, and he paused.


    Eleanor followed his eyes and spottedn, who had somehow arrived unnoticed. Dressed in a sharp suit, he was chatting with Simone and Dr. Lyman.


    His gaze swept calmly over to where Eleanor stood, then he turned back to Simone and Dr. Lyman. "Dr. Lyman, Professor Langley, I''m counting on you to keep theb moving forward."


    "Ian, Eleanor''s already working at breakneck speed. She''s lost weight over this- don''t you think¡ª" Simone hadn''t expectedn to push so hard for progress again.


    "I want the new drug in clinical trials within three months,"n said, nodding politely in parting.


    "Aren''t you going to congratte Eleanor?" Simone called after him with a smile.


    "No, I have another engagement,"n replied coolly, not sparing Eleanor another nce as he strode away.


    Simone and Dr. Lyman exchanged nces. For someone so young,n certainly didn''t waste time getting things done.

 Chapter 347

    Simone walked back to theb with Eleanor, but she keptn''s pressure about the timeline to herself. Instead, she spoke to Eleanor in a gentle, encouraging tone, urging her to push forward while still bncing work and rest.


    Eleanor was a sensitive person. Just yesterday, Simone had promised her a three-day break, but now she was suddenly urging her to speed up the experiments. Clearly, someone above was putting pressure on Simone.


    That someone wasn.


    He''de by in person today, just to oversee their progress.


    Knowingn''s history, Eleanor didn''t take it personally. The man was a workaholic


    to his core-he quantified everything, from his job to his personal life to rtionships. He was like a machine, always operating by the numbers and never straying from the n.


    He''d invested his money, so there had to be results.


    Eleanor agreed to pick up the pace. Simoneid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don''t stress too much. Good research takes patience there''s no rushing it."


    "I know, Professor Langley." Eleanor nodded.


    Three dayster, one morning, Eleanor got a call from Xavier. He wanted to meet for lunch.


    Eleanor had decided to ept Juliette''s final grant donation; she''d use it for something meaningful.


    She agreed to meet, and Xavier texted her the address of the restaurant.


    Eleanor left theb a bit early, tidied up in her office, and headed out. As she stepped into the elevator, she ran into Gwenda, who was clutching a stack of files.


    "Heading out?" Gwenda asked.


    "Yeah, meeting a friend," Eleanor replied.


    Gwenda looked at her with genuine envy. "Eleanor, congrattions. And I want to apologize again for the way I treated you before. I''m truly sorry."


    Eleanor shook her head. "It''s all water under the bridge."


    Gwenda felt a pang of shame. She was finally realizing that her hostility toward Eleanor had mostlye from Faye''s maniption.


    Like that time she''d posted Eleanor''s photo on the university bulletin board-only now did it dawn on her that she''d just been a pawn in Faye''s game. Thankfully, Eleanor hadn''t held it against her.


    If Eleanor had wanted to, she could''ve gotten her expelled. Back then, Eleanor had been married ton and had powerful connections; one word from anyone could''ve had Gwenda kicked out of theb.


    As Eleanor stepped out of the elevator, Gwenda watched her go, a subtle admiration in her eyes that she herself didn''t notice.


    Eleanor made her way to the parking lot and followed the GPS to the upscale French bistro Xavier had chosen.


    It wasn''t until she parked and stepped inside that she realized how romantic the ce was. A server led her to a semi-private booth by the window, where Xavier stood up to greet her.


    "You''re here."


    Eleanor smiled and took a seat.


    "This ce is pretty private," Xavier said, always attentive. "Less chance of journalists snapping a story out of context."


    Eleanor smiled gratefully. "That''s really considerate of you."


    After they ordered, Xavier took out a file and handed it to her. "If you sign here, I''ll


    set up an independent research fund in your name. It''ll give you more flexibility for future projects."


    Eleanor had an idea. She wanted to create a schrship to support promising young scientists and bring new talent into the field.


    Xavier''s eyes lit up, clearly impressed. "That''s a brilliant idea. I''m all for it."


    They chatted for a while, and when Eleanor nced up, she caught sight of a familiar face entering the restaurant¡ªVanessa, apanied by a middle-aged woman. They were deep in conversation as they walked in.


    Vanessa, ever observant, scanned the restaurant and quickly spotted Eleanor and Xavier at the window table.


    She was quietly surprised-Eleanor and Xavier''s rtionship seemed to be moving fast. Last time, she''d seen them at the hospital, close and intimate. Now they were meeting alone in a romantic restaurant. How long before she received a wedding invitation from the two of them?


    Vanessa shed a smile and walked over. "Xavier, Eleanor-what a coincidence." Xavier nodded politely. "Vanessa, good to see you."


    "I''m here with my agent. I''ll let you two enjoy your lunch," Vanessa said, then returned to her table with her manager.


    Pulling out her phone, Vanessa snapped a discreet photo of Xavier and Eleanor and sent it to Henry.


    "Henry, guess who I just ran into?" Vanessa hadn''t forgotten what Henry had saidst time.


    He''d always thought highly of Eleanor, convinced she had no interest in marrying into wealth again. Well, now Vanessa was going to show him¡ªEleanor only looked virtuous on the surface, but in private, she was clearly doing everything she could to win Xavier over.


    "Seems I misjudged them. Maybe they really are together," Henry replied, his opinion changed.

 Chapter 348

    Vanessa''s lips curled into a mocking smile as she casually forwarded the photo ton. ¡°Ian, I just ran into Eleanor and Xavier on a date," she messaged, as if she''d stumbled across them by chance.


    But Vanessa didn''t need him to. All she cared about was making sure he knew his ex-wife and his old friend were out together.


    He pretended not to care, but she knew he had to feel it. Watching your ex-wife get close to your best friend-anyone would be unsettled.


    After a while, Eleanor excused herself to the restroom. A few minutester, Vanessa followed. She sauntered in, pretending to touch up her makeup, and nced at Eleanor through the mirror.


    "Some people," Vanessa began, powdering her face, "only got ahead thanks to a man, but still act like they''re so independent. Who are they trying to fool?"


    Eleanor was tapping out a message on her phone, but she met Vanessa''s gaze in the mirror. Vanessa grinned, her red lips twisted in challenge. "Congrattions, Eleanor. I heard your research just made a major breakthrough."


    Eleanor couldn''t be bothered to answer.


    "But," Vanessa''s tone shifted, "I am curious. How did you pull it off so quickly? Maybe you''ve secured some... new support?"


    She folded her arms, cold amusement in her eyes. "Impressive, really. Barely six months after your divorce, and you''ve alreadynded Xavier."


    Eleanor dried her hands, ready to leave. Vanessa''s eyes gleamed with malice as she pressed on, "Well, it''s only fair. Ian poured so much money into yourb- there ought to be some results, don''t you think?"


    Eleanor let her drone on, but before she reached the door, Vanessa let out augh. ¡°You really know how to take it, Eleanor. Not that it''s a surprise you''ve put up with worse, haven''t you?"


    "Are you done barking?" Eleanor shot back, her voice icy. "Or should I calln toe collect his pet?"


    Vanessa''s face darkened. "Eleanor, doesn''t it seem pathetic to work in ab funded by your ex-husband? If I were you, I''d have walked away ages ago.¡±


    "Ian never saw you as anything more than a moneymaker. That miracle drug you developed made him a fortune, and the patent is in his name. How much will you make him this time?" Vanessa smirked, eyes narrowing.


    Eleanor''s response was cool and measured. "I stay in theb because it''s my career, notn''s. And for your information, the patent is in my name-he''s just the investor." She paused, letting the words sink in. "Next time, do your homework. Otherwise, you''ll just look foolish."


    Vanessa''s expression froze.


    "Eleanor, you-"


    Eleanor walked out, not sparing her another nce.


    Neither Vanessa''s jabs norn''s cold indifference could touch her anymore.


    Left alone, Vanessa leaned back against the counter, biting her lip in frustration. She''d hoped to drive Eleanor out ofn''sb with these taunts, but clearly, Eleanor wasn''t biting.


    And now, with Eleanor''s research breaking new ground again and again...


    Vanessa''s lips tightened as she grabbed her purse and swept out of the restroom.


    Back in the restaurant, Eleanor had already finished her meal. She turned to Xavier, "Let''s get going."


    When Vanessa returned to her seat and saw them leaving, she checked her phone. Still nothing fromn.


    Not that it mattered. Even if he saw her message, he''d pretend not to care.


    Xavier''s family was powerful, sure, butpared ton''s empire, they came up short. And with Xavier''s father still running the show, he didn''t have real control of the Vaughn family yet.


    There was a ruthless intensity aboutn, the kind thates from wing your way up after being knocked down over and over-something Vanessa found dangerously irresistible. He was a man with ambition.


    Xavier fit the mold of the privileged heir: aplished, yes, but until he truly took the reins, he''d never show his full potential.


    Back at theb, Eleanor received a terse email fromn.


    "Regarding the progress of theb-meet me in my office at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Bring yourtest research data."


    She stared at the screen, her fingers unconsciously tightening.


    Thatmanding tone-she knew it all too well.


    But that was justn, the businessman.


    The next morning, after dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor arrived punctually at Goodwin & Co. headquarters. The elevator took her straight to the executive floor, where the secretary greeted her, "Mr. Goodwin isn''t in yet. Please wait here, Miss Sutton."


    Eleanor''s expression soured. He''d ordered her toe in this early, only to keep her waiting was this deliberate?

 Chapter 349

    Eleanor was waiting in the lounge when she heard a woman''s voice ring out at the door.


    "Where''s my brother?" Serena.


    "Mr. Goodwin hasn''t arrived yet," the assistant replied. Then, more tentatively, she asked, "Miss Goodwin, would you like me to call his executive assistant to check?"


    "No need. Let''s not interrupt my brother and my future sister-inw''s quality time," Serena replied, her tone teasing.


    The remark stirred up old memories for Eleanor.


    "Would you like to wait for Mr. Goodwin, Miss Goodwin?" the assistant asked politely.


    "It''s fine. I''lle backter," Serena said, turning on her heel and leaving.


    The assistant held her tongue about Eleanor''s presence, wisely deciding not to mention it. If Serena knew Eleanor was here, she''d probably havee in just to spar with her.


    So Eleanor waited. And waited. Forty minutes ticked by.


    Her fingers tightened impatiently as she tapped them on the table. She nced at her watch-9:50. Still no sign ofn.


    "Would you like a fresh cup of tea, Miss Sutton?" the assistant asked, almost tiptoeing with nerves.


    The coffee delivered earlier had gone cold.


    "No, thank you." Eleanor''s voice was calm, but she stood up as she spoke. "Tell your boss I don''t have time to wait around all morning."


    The assistant rushed to interject. "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin should be here any minute now. Would you mind waiting just a little longer?"


    "My time is valuable too." Eleanor''s tone was cool, matter-of-fact.


    No sooner had she finished than the door swung open.


    "Apologies. Something came up unexpectedly." He shot Eleanor a quick nce, heading straight for the desk. "Let''s begin."


    Eleanor didn''t bother to hide her displeasure. She inhaled deeply, but the familiar scent of a woman''s perfume in the air hit her like a blow to the head-Vanessa''s favorite fragrance.


    So, he''d spent the night with Vanessa? That''s why he was exhausted andte? Gavin and the assistant quietly left them alone.


    Eleanor picked up the report and returned to her seat, directly across from him.n flipped open the file, his long fingers skimming through the pages with practiced speed. His brow furrowed deeper with every turn.


    "This is the third phase data?" He looked up, a question in his eyes. "It''s notplete."


    Eleanor frowned. He''d always imed this data was over his head. Why did he suddenly understand it now? More to the point, he''d pinpointed exactly where it wascking.


    "The timeline was tight. The experiments aren''t fullyplete," she said evenly.


    "Some data needs to be verified more than once," Eleanor replied, meeting his gaze head-on. "This is scientific research, not a race against the clock. I won''t sacrifice quality for speed."


    He held her stare, unflinching. As Eleanor lifted a hand to scratch her neck-a souvenir fromst night''s run-in with a particrly vicious mosquito-the light caught a red mark just under her jaw.n''s eyes flicked from her face to her neck, and for a split second, that faint mosquito bite looked a lot like a love bite.


    Eleanor''s eyes snapped to his. "You''d rece me on my own research?"


    He leaned back in his chair, unfazed. "From what I hear, you and Xavier have been rather preupied with your romancetely. If your priorities have shifted, I won''t stand in your way."


    She red at him, the air between them turning brittle.


    A knock at the door. The assistant slipped in with two fresh coffees, set them down, and, sensing the tension, quickly retreated, closing the door without a sound.


    Suddenly,n stood and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window.


    "I heard Xavier''s team gave you a research grant," he said abruptly.


    Eleanor paused for a beat, then replied coolly, "That''s not relevant to our work here."


    "I also heard it was leftover funding from Juliette''sb after it closed,"n said, turning to look at her, eyes narrowed.


    Eleanor''s hand tightened around her pen. So he knew everything.


    Fifty million might sound like a lot, but in medical research, it was barely a drop in the bucket. Her current project alone had nearly burned through eight hundred million of his funding. From the very beginning, Eleanor''s goal in founding thisb was to push the frontiers of medicine. Her team, her equipment, her life''s work¡ª everything was here. She wasn''t about to walk away.


    Besides, she needed his investment. Personal grievances aside,n ran the country''srgest private medical research institute-the only ce with enough resources to make her research possible.


    Outside the ss, the city sparkled under the morning sun.


    Inside, the silence was thick enough to cut.


    "If you don''t trust me, we can end this partnership now." Eleanor rose, her eyes hard as steel. "But don''t you dare question my professional integrity."


    She gathered up her report, her voice steady and clear. "If you want someone else to take over, go ahead. But let me make one thing clear: no one else in the world can take this project to the next level-no one understands it better than I do."


    Her words rang through the room, fierce and unyielding.


    Eleanor realizedn was threatening the wrong person. With this project, she wasn''t the one begging to stay. If anything, he was the one who couldn''t afford to let her go.

 Chapter 350

    Eleanor pressed on. "If you have eyes, you''d see that every bit of my time and energy goes into theb."


    There was a sharpness to Eleanor now, impossible to ignore.


    "Business investments are all about returns, but research doesn''t work that way. If all you care about is efficiency and profit, maybe you should invest in health supplements instead-those can hit the market in three months." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.


    Eleanor met his gaze head-on. "So, are you still nning to pull out of the project?"


    She lifted her chin a fraction. "But let me warn you: if this project gets shut down, the eight billion you put in upfront will probably evaporate-gone, just like that."


    She shot back, "Aren''t you the one threatening me?"


    She''s changed.


    This was no longer the Eleanor who used to swallow her feelings and step back. Now, she was a scientist who could stand toe-to-toe with him, unflinching.


    And to his own surprise, he found himself-


    Eleanor heard the apology, but it rang hollow. She let it slide.


    Eleanor tensed, brows knitting together, as he braced one hand on the edge of her desk-somehow managing to make the space feel even smaller, as if he were closing her in.


    "The project continues," he said, withdrawing his hand, voice cool and all


    business again. "But the three-month deadline stays."


    It was clear: in this round, Eleanor hade out ahead.


    She picked up the report, grabbed her bag, and prepared to leave.


    ¡°I''ll pick Evelyn up this afternoon. I want to take her out for dinner,"n called after her.


    Eleanor''s face fell; she turned back, her voice sharp. "I''ll allow you to have dinner with her-just the two of you. But if you''re nning to introduce her to any random people, I won''t allow it."


    Eleanor mmed the door behind her, fuming. That little smile-what did it mean? Did he think she still cared? That she was jealous? If that''s what was going on in his head, he really was deluding himself.


    She had to admit, thoughn still had a way of stirring up her emotions far too easily. The wounds he''d left ran deep.


    Sincen was taking care of their daughter, Eleanor found herself workingte, throwing herself into her projects almost without realizing it.


    By the time she pulled off her safety goggles and checked the clock, it was already nine in the evening. Shocked, she hurried to pack up and head home.


    It was nearly ten when Eleanor finally opened the front door. Laughter greeted her


    -the bright sound of her daughter, andn''s familiar voice.


    Princess, the family''s golden retriever, rushed out to greet her, tail wagging furiously.


    "Mom!" Evelyn dashed over and hugged her tight, clearly in high spirits.


    ¡°Ma''am, have you eaten? Would you like me to cook something for you?" Joslyn,


    the housekeeper, called from the kitchen, concern in her voice.


    Eleanor realized she was starving. "Could you make me a bowl of soup?"


    "Of course. Evelyn, would you like some too?"


    "Yes! I want to eat with Mom!" Evelyn dered loudly.


    "Evelyn, Daddy has to go now. We''ll y again next time, okay?"


    Evelyn pouted. "No! I don''t want Daddy to leave." She wrapped her little arms around his leg¡ªshe was barely tall enough to reach his knee.


    Eleanor''s brows drew together. This was exactly why she worried aboutn spending too much time with their daughter-Evelyn only grew more attached to him.


    Kneeling down, Eleanor gently took her daughter''s hand. "Sweetheart, Daddy has work to do. Let''s let him go for now, all right?"


    But Evelyn stubbornly shook her head. "No! I want Daddy to stay with me!"


    "Really?" Instantly, Evelyn''s tears vanished. She stuck out her pinky, beaming. "You have to promise! Pinky swear!"


    Watching the two of them, Eleanor felt a tightness in her chest.


    She turned away and headed for the kitchen. "Joslyn, is the soup ready yet?" "Almost, ma''am. Why don''t you sit down and rx?"


    When Eleanor returned,n was carrying Evelyn out toward the garden, his voice low as he soothed her. Two minutester, Evelyn came skipping back into the living room, her face bright with smiles.


    Eleanor headed upstairs for a quick shower-she didn''t want the lingering scent of antiseptic from theb to cling to her daughter.


    Sharing a simple dinner with Evelyn that night felt especially precious.


    On Wednesday, Ellington forwarded her apany email. "Miss Sutton, here''s an invitation from Mr. Brown-he''s hosting a business dinner. If you have time, you should attend."


    Eleanor hesitated but ultimately decided to go. Mr. Brown''s influence in the business world was nothing to scoff at.


    Just then, a message from Xavier popped up: "Are you going to the dinner on Sunday?"


    Eleanor replied, "I''ll be there."


    "Great, see you then."


    She rubbed her temples. Truth was, she wasn''t looking forward to the event-one reason being the unpleasantpany she''d have to endure.


    Time in theb always seemed to fly. By noon on Wednesday, Ellington stopped


    by her office to remind her, and shortly after,n messaged her as well.


    "My mother will pick up Evelyn this afternoon and take her home for dinner." Clearly, he knew about the event.


    Eleanor sent back a quick reply, then took the afternoon off to visit a boutique downtown.


    She chose a simple, elegant emerald gown-nothing shy, but striking in its own right.


    "Miss Sutton, you look absolutely stunning in that dress," the manager said, and


    she meant it. There was something about Eleanor-a quiet confidence, a poise that radiated from within.

 Chapter 351

    Eleanor Sutton had been waiting in the lounge of the boutique for most of the evening. It was close to six when she finally made her way to the nearby ballroom.


    After handing her keys to the valet, Eleanor strode toward the lobby, her emerald- green gown hugging her figure with effortless grace. She hadn''t bothered with an borate hairstyle tonight; her long, silky hair cascaded down her back, entuating her gentle beauty.


    Each step in her heels sent the hem of her dress swaying, a rhythmic, elegant motion that drew every eye in the room.


    As soon as she entered the lobby, someone waiting on a nearby sofa rose to greet her. "Eleanor."


    She paused, clutching her evening bag, surprised to see Xavier Vaughn standing there.


    "Xavier? What are you doing here?" she asked, eyebrows raised.


    "Waiting for you," he replied, making no effort to hide his intentions.


    He simply wanted to walk in with her. Amused, Eleanor smiled. ¡°Alright, let''s go up together then."


    Xavier''s gaze lingered on her, a flicker of admiration passing over his face.


    Tonight, Eleanor looked nothing like the scientist people knew her as she could have passed for a movie star.


    Xavier held the elevator doors open for her, his appreciation clear in his eyes. "You look different tonight."


    She smiled lightly. "Thank you. I just changed into a dress, that''s all."


    But Xavier thought she was beautiful in anything.


    The ballroom doors opened and a flood of golden light spilled out. Eleanor squared her shoulders and took a steadying breath-these social events were never her strength.


    Even so, she walked in with quiet confidence, Xavier by her side. Instantly, heads turned. The emerald gown made her fair skin glow, and her long hair swung softly as she moved, radiating an air of intelligence and poise.


    "Is thatn Goodwin''s ex-wife?" someone whispered nearby. "She''s even prettier than the rumors said..."


    "I heard herb just made some major breakthroughs¡ª"


    "Incredible! She looks so young, yet she''s aplished so much. Isn''t that the heir to the Vaughn Group next to her?"


    Eleanor tried to ignore the curious stares. She epted a ss of champagne from a passing waiter as Xavier introduced her to the guests approaching to say hello.


    "I''ve heard so much about you, Miss Sutton! I read your paper in Nature truly groundbreaking work." A middle-aged doctorunched into conversation, clearly eager to talk shop.


    Eleanor responded with calm confidence, her eyes lighting up as the conversation turned to her field.


    Just then, a stir rippled through the crowd near the entrance.


    Eleanor nced over, barely lingering before turning away.


    Momentster, a representative from a major foundation approached, and Xavier mentioned Eleanor''s interest in establishing a research fund.


    "That''s wonderful news, Miss Sutton," the man replied enthusiastically.


    Eleanor nodded politely. "Yes, the funding will primarily support programs for young scientists."


    Her answer caught the attention of those nearby-at a business-heavy affair like tonight''s, it was rare and refreshing to hear someone speak so earnestly about academic dreams.

 Chapter 352

    Not far away,n was chatting amiably with Mr. Brown, his gaze falling naturally in Eleanor''s direction.


    Even as heughed and conversed, he took in everything happening on Eleanor''s side of the room.


    Tonight, Eleanor stood among the crowd, radiant and confident¡ªa luminous presence impossible to ignore.


    Around her, men couldn''t help but steal nces, some subtle, some more obvious.


    Just then, Mr. Brown signaled for everyone''s attention and officially announced the start of the dinner.


    The guests began to find their assigned seats, and to Eleanor''s surprise, her name card was ced right next to Xavier''s. Directly across from them satn and Vanessa, their names side by side in bold print.


    Once everyone was seated, servers began rolling in cartsden with dishes, weaving between the tables.


    borate floral arrangements and elegant decor along the center of the table offered just enough separation so she didn''t have to meet the eyes of the people across from her for the entire meal.


    Beneath the soft glow of the spotlights, Eleanor''s delicate features seemed even more striking. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence and good humor, and an easy smile yed at her lips.


    As she dipped her spoon into a creamy dessert, she was interrupted by Vanessa''s voice, deliberately a little too loud: "Ian, you have to try this pat¨¦-it''s wonderful!"


    ncing up by reflex, Eleanor metn''s gaze. His eyes, steady and intense, were fixed on her, even as his hands moved with practiced grace, slicing into his entr¨¦e. He looked at her through the leafy bouquet at the center of the table, his attention unmistakable.


    Just then, Vanessa leaned over, scooping a generous portion of pat¨¦ onton''s te.


    "Eleanor," Xavier said at her side, his timing perfect as he offered her a delicately arranged appetizer. "I think this is just your taste."


    "Thank you." Eleanor epted it with a smile, making a point to ignore the eyes that lingered on her from across the table.


    At that moment, Mr. Brown rose to deliver his wee toast. "We''re honored tonight to have so many leaders and innovators in their fields gathered here. Thank you all foring."


    The room erupted in apuse. Laughter and conversation filled the air as guests enjoyed the exquisite meal, and soon people began rising from their seats to offer toasts around the room.


    There seemed to be no end to the well-wishers stopping byn''s side to clink sses. At one point, a guest-apparently unaware ofn and Vanessa''s rtionship¡ªasked with a hint of curiosity, "Is this the future Mrs. Goodwin?"


    Vanessa smiled coyly, resting her chin on one hand as she looked atn, clearly waiting for him to answer.


    Vanessa fluttered hershes and gave a bashful smile, and in that instant, everyone at the table seemed to understand the situation perfectly.


    Eleanor, too, caught the entire exchange. And tonight, she noticed something else: Vanessa''s figure was as slim as ever. She wasn''t pregnant.


    Or perhaps she had been, once, but not anymore.


    A momentter, as Vanessa lifted her ss of red wine,n reached out effortlessly and took it from her, recing it with a ss of juice.


    Vanessa pouted theatrically and bit her lip, but obediently picked up the juice, sipping through the straw.


    When Eleanor looked up, she found Vanessa watching her, eyes shing with smugness and challenge.


    Soon after, Eleanor excused herself and went to the restroom.


    When she emerged, instead of heading back to the dining room, she wandered into the quieter ballroom to get some air. The hush was a wee contrast to the bustle of the main event.


    She epted a ss of champagne from a passing server and slipped out onto the terrace, letting the cool night breeze clear her head.


    Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. Startled, she turned.<pn stepped onto the terrace, backlit by the glow of the ballroom. The darkness sharpened his features, making him seem even more enigmatic and striking.

 Chapter 353

    Eleanor''s brow creased in irritation. Couldn''t she get a moment''s peace without being disturbed?


    With a quiet sigh, she decided to move elsewhere and turned to leave.


    Just then,n''s voice called out behind her, "Are you and Xavier... are you two serious?"


    Eleanor crossed her arms, her tone frosty. "What business is it of yours?"


    "It''s not my business, but¡ª¡±n''s eyes narrowed, as if he wanted to say more, but before he could finish, Henry came rushing over with Vanessa cradled in his arms.


    ¡°Ian, it''s Vanessa¡ªsomething''s wrong,¡± Henry said, concern etched on his face.


    Without a second thought,n strode over and asked, ¡°What''s wrong? Are you feeling sick?"


    Vanessa, looking pale and weak, reached a trembling hand toward him. "Ian, hold me="


    Henry hesitated for a moment, but finally handed Vanessa over. Ian lifted her easily into his arms and hurried toward the main entrance of the ballroom.


    A little whileter, Xavier found Eleanor. He exined that Vanessa had felt faint at the dinner table, and Henry had taken her outside to get some air.


    Eleanor let him know thatn and Henry had already left with Vanessa.


    "Has she always had health problems?" Eleanor asked Xavier quietly.


    "I''m not sure," Xavier replied. "Whenever we''re all out together,n keeps a close eye on her, especially about drinking. He never lets her have a ss."


    Eleanor didn''t press further. Instead, she said, "I should go say goodbye to Mr. Brown and head out."


    "I''lle with you," Xavier offered.


    After exchanging farewells with Mr. Brown, Eleanor and Xavier made their way down to the lobby. Xavier had checked in with Henry about Vanessa, and now he had a reply.


    n took her to the hospital," Henry had texted.


    Xavier thought of telling Eleanor, but decided it wasn''t necessary, so he kept it to himself.


    He saw her to her car before asking someone to bring his own around.


    Eleanor drove to the Goodwin family''s estate and rang the doorbell at the gate.


    "Miss Sutton, wee. Pleasee in,¡± the housekeeper greeted her, having switched to a more formal address this time.


    She no longer called Eleanor "Mrs. Goodwin," which made sense-Miss Shannon had been visiting frequentlytely, and everyone seemed to know the role of future daughter-inw was about to change hands.


    Eleanor''s arrival lifted Magdalen''s spirits. She pulled Eleanor over for some warm conversation, then gave her a once-over with a worried eye. "You look thinner. Are you so busy with work you forget to eat?"


    Eleanor managed a smile. "I try to eat on time. I just haven''t had much of an appetitetely."


    "It''s this heat," Magdalen sighed. "Makes it hard for anyone to feel hungry."


    "Mom, I''m home!" A weak voice floated up from the living room downstairs- Serena Goodwin had just returned.


    Eleanor tensed and nced at Magdalen. "Grandma, I''ll visit you another time when it''s quieter."


    "Why are you leaving already?" Magdalen protested, reluctant to let her go.


    Downstairs, the housekeeper had already told Serena that Eleanor was visiting. With a scowl, Serena stomped upstairs, and found Eleanor and Magdalen chatting in the sitting room. Her expression darkened.


    "Ellie, stay a little longer. Who knows,n might be home soon," Magdalen said absentmindedly.


    Eleanor''s smile faded. "No, thank you, Grandma."


    Serena snorted. "You make it sound like my brother''s dying to see her." As she spoke, her phone buzzed with a message. She nced at the screen and broke into a smile. ¡°Grandma, my brother''s noting home tonight."

 Chapter 354

    "He''s away on business again?"


    "No, actually-Vanessa''s feeling a bit under the weather, so he''s at her ce taking care of her," Serena said pointedly.


    In reality, Vanessa''s message said she was in the hospital andn was looking after her. But by saying "at her ce," Serena was purposefully making things sound ambiguous. After all, a man and a woman alone together at night¡ª everyone knew what that could lead to.


    Magdalen''s expression darkened. "Is Vanessa ill every other day? Why does she always have to troublen to look after her?"


    "Grandma, why do you care so much? It''s not like my brother minds," Serena replied with a mischievous grin.


    Magdalen nced at Eleanor, watching her gather her purse and stand up. She sighed quietly. No matter how much she wished to y matchmaker, it was clear these young people''s hearts were no longer aligned.


    "Mom, can I sleep over at Grandma''s tonight?" Evelyn Goodwin wrapped her arms around Eleanor, pleading.


    Eleanor hesitated. "Evelyn, you have school in the morning."


    "Grandma said she''ll take me," Evelyn insisted, eyes wide and hopeful.


    Eleanor''s resolve softened. Her daughter loved the bustle of family, while their own home was admittedly a bit too quiet.


    "All right, you can stay for one night. I''ll head home now."


    As Eleanor stepped out through the garden gate, she realized Serena was trailing behind her, arms crossed.


    "I heard you and Xavier have been getting pretty cozy. So, did you manage to get into his bed yet?" Serena sneered.


    Eleanor shot her a cold nce, refusing to dignify the remark with a response, and turned to leave.


    But Serena wouldn''t let it drop. She hurried ahead to block Eleanor''s path, voice sharp with sarcasm. "Be honest, Eleanor-are you chasing after Xavier to make my brother jealous?"


    Eleanor let out a short, derisiveugh. "Why would I bother?"


    Serena scoffed. "Obviously, you can''t stand that my brother dumped you. You''re just trying to get his attention, to prove you''ve still got it."


    Eleanor almostughed at the absurd logic. She snorted in disdain.


    Serena''s face stiffened, her embarrassment quickly turning to anger. "Don''t think you''re so special just because you''ve got a little sess now! My brother dumped you once, and he''d do it again without a second thought!"


    Eleanor had no interest in dragging out this pointless argument. She stepped around Serena and headed for her car.


    Serena, unwilling to let her have thest word, called after her, "Let me tell you¡ª Vanessa is the only woman my brother truly cares about! No matter what tricks you y, he won''t even look at you."


    Eleanor spun around, her tone sharp with mockery. "Serena, let me make one thing clear: your brother means nothing to me now. There are plenty of men out there far better than him."


    "You mean Xavier?" Serena''s face went pale, then flushed red. So Eleanor really did have her sights set on Xavier.


    Eleanor ignored her, slid into the driver''s seat, and forced herself to swallow the irritation burning in her chest.


    -Utterly ridiculous.


    The Goodwins always acted like they were a cut above everyone else.


    Eleanor''s thoughts drifted back to the days when she marriedn, back when she was barely worth a nce. No wonder Serena looked down on her-she once looked down on herself too.

 Chapter 355

    Eleanor stepped through her front door and shook off the mood that Serena had left her in. After a hot shower, she settled at her desk and opened herptop to check her emails. She kept two separate inboxes: one forb work, the other forpany matters. Every week, Ellington sent her aprehensive summary of everything going on at thepany.


    When Eleanor first inherited the business, she hadn''t had a clue how the corporate world worked. But Ellington''s reports were always painstakingly detailed, breaking down the basics so she could gradually learn how to read thoseplicated spreadsheets. Over time, she''d be fluent in thenguage of profit and loss.


    By the time she finished reviewing everything, it was already half past eleven. With her daughter away for the night, Eleanor needed something to help her drift off. She put on a recorded lecture by a renowned university professor-one of those sleep ylists she''d bought online-and let his measured voice lull her toward sleep.


    The next morning, Eleanor arrived at theb just as Simone Langley came looking for her. "The Royal College of Medical Sciences wants you to give a talk this Saturday afternoon," Simone announced.


    "They originally invited Dr. Lyman, but he''s traveling abroad for a conference. The college considered canceling, but then the dean personally called to ask if you were avable."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise.


    Simone grinned. "See? The dean himself reached out for you!"


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. "Alright, I''ll start preparing."


    "Excellent. I know you''re more than ready to take the lead. I''ll send Gwenda along to assist you."


    Eleanor nodded again. Getting invited to speak was a real honor.


    On Friday, Eleanor spent her afternoon at the Vesper Joy Hotel for a meeting. During the break, Ellington mentioned they''d need to hold a board meeting the following Monday to discuss the next quarter.


    Eleanor agreed. She''d been running thepany for six months now, and this would be her first time chairing a board meeting.


    Saturday afternoon, Gina Quinn knocked on Eleanor''s door. She''d heard about Eleanor''s uing lecture in Luminova City and offered to look after Evelyn for the weekend.


    Eleanor guessed Simone must have calledn and mentioned her lecture ns. But with Gina already at the door and Evelyn lighting up at the sight of her grandmother, there was no point in protesting.


    "Mom, go do your work! I''ll be good at Grandma''s," Evelyn assured her.


    Eleanor smiled and brushed a hand through her daughter''s hair. "I''ll pick you up as soon as I''m back."


    Early the next morning, Eleanor and Gwenda caught a flight to Luminova City.


    By Saturday afternoon, the lecture hall at the Royal College of Medical Sciences was packed to capacity. Eleanor wore a simple beige suit, her long hair swept back in a neat ponytail, the very picture of poised professionalism.


    She stood at the podium, adjusting her slides, while a low buzz of conversation rippled through the audience.


    "Is that Eleanor? She''s even more stunning than in the photos..."


    ¡°That''sn''s ex-wife? I had no idea she was so aplished."


    Eleanor adjusted the microphone and scanned the room, her calm smile immediatelymanding everyone''s attention.


    "Good afternoon, professors and students," she began, her voice warm and clear. The crowd quieted instantly. "Today, I''d like to share with you some new breakthroughs in neurosticity and their implications for the treatment of disease."


    She clicked to the first slide a dense diagram of neural pathways¡ªbut her exnation was crisp and essible, even to those outside her field.


    Her pace was steady but persuasive, each point backed by data from her own research. Soon, even the most distracted students were paying attention, some scribbling notes at top speed, others snapping photos of her slides on their phones.


    Nearly two hourster, Eleanor finally wrapped up. She offered an apologetic smile for running over time-she''d nned for ny minutes, but her passion for the subject had made her lose track.

 Chapter 356

    Eleanor had barely finished her apology when the auditorium erupted in apuse.


    "Miss Sutton, that was incredible!"


    "Miss Sutton, we could listen to you for another two hours!"


    The two guys in the front row made herugh, and their enthusiasm drew another round of delighted gasps from the audience.


    After the speech, a crowd of students gathered around, eager to ask questions. Eleanor answered each one patiently, her calmposure never wavering.


    Standing off to the side, Gwenda watched the small crowd clustered around Eleanor and couldn''t help but whisper to herself, "I really underestimated her before."


    Eleanor was gathering her notes when a suddenmotion stirred by the door. Gwenda nudged her lightly. "Eleanor, look who just walked in."


    Eleanor nced up, and to her surprise, spotted a familiar figure by the entrance.


    What was he doing here?


    For a moment, Eleanor froze, but she quickly lowered her eyes and resumed packing up, as if she hadn''t seen him at all.


    The students noticedn too. A few brave ones approached him.


    "Good afternoon, Mr. Goodwin."


    No one was bold enough to strike up a real conversation.


    "Eleanor, I''ll finish up here. Why don''t you go see if Mr. Goodwin needs something?" Gwenda suggested.


    Eleanor replied coolly, "No need. There''s nothing for us to talk about."


    But just then,n walked over. He stopped beneath a spotlight, his features sharply defined, his suit crisp and dignified, exuding the same reserved,manding presence as always.


    Gwenda''s heart skipped a beat. There was something aboutn-an almost intimidating kind of good looks that made it hard to meet his gaze.


    Eleanor looked up, resigned. "Is there something you need?"


    Eleanor didn''t reply, but Gwenda, ever curious, piped up, "Mr. Goodwin, did youe here just to hear Eleanor speak?"


    Gwenda nodded, ncing at Eleanor. "I''ll be right back-I need to use the restroom."


    As she left, most of the students drifted out too. Soon, therge auditorium felt empty, leaving Eleanor andn alone.


    Eleanor gathered her files, ready to leave.


    "I''ve arranged a dinner tonight with Principal Weber and the team from Meridian Dynamics. You should join us,"n said suddenly.


    Eleanor paused, turning to look at him.


    He seemed to anticipate her unspoken question. "Joel Kingsley and Byron will be there too. We''re finalizing a strategic partnership with the Royal College."


    Eleanor considered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I''ll be there on time."n looked as if he''d expected her answer. He inclined his head slightly. "Six o''clock. Verdantia Pce. Bring your ssmates if you like." "Understood." Hugging her files to her chest, Eleanor left the auditorium.


    A few momentster, Gwenda caught up with her. When she heard about the dinner with Meridian Dynamics, she was thrilled. "Eleanor, thanks to you, I get to tag along to such a high-profile academic dinner!"


    Half an hourter, Eleanor and Gwenda arrived by taxi at the entrance of Verdantia Pce. As they stepped out, someone waiting by the door called her name.


    "Eleanor."


    She looked up, surprised. "Joel?"

 Chapter 357

    "Joel, were you waiting here just for us?" Gwenda asked.


    Joel smiled and nodded. "Yes."


    He led Eleanor and Gwenda upstairs to a private dining room. By now, everyone from Meridian Dynamics had arrived, but only a department head from the Royal College of Medical Sciences was present to greet them.


    Noticing thatn hadn''t shown up yet, Eleanor took her seat. Just then, someone returning from the restroom caught sight of her and instantly looked displeased.


    Faye Yeaton hadn''t expected that while she was gone, two more people had joined the table-one of whom she couldn''t stand.


    "Faye," Gwenda called out, greeting her.


    Faye sat down beside Gwenda, ncing at her in confusion. "What brings you two here?"


    Gwenda leaned over and quietly exined that Eleanor was filling in for Dr. Lyman at the evening''s lecture.


    Faye''s expression darkened. She''d been stationed at the Meridian Dynamics officetely and hadn''t kept up with the goings-on in theb. She hadn''t expected Eleanor to have the credentials to step in for Dr. Lyman-just being asked put Eleanor on a higher rung.


    Faye pressed for details, and Gwenda quietly filled her in. When Faye heard thatn himself had invited Eleanor to the dinner after the lecture, a bitterness crept in.


    Suddenly, the door to the private room swung open.


    He scanned the room, his gaze briefly lingering on Eleanor before moving on.


    Principal Weber beamed at her. "Miss Sutton, your lecture today was absolutely brilliant! Our faculty and students learned so much."


    "Thank you, Principal Weber. That''s very kind of you," Eleanor responded modestly.


    Byron then stood up and introduced his team, including Faye and the others.


    In moments like this, everyone''s status was on full disy.


    Faye watched asn personally introduced Eleanor, while she herself went unmentioned. The sting of it made her heart sink.


    It didn''t help that Principal Weber and the others shook hands and offered effusive praise only for Eleanor.


    The servers began bringing out dinner, and the conversation gradually warmed.n and Principal Weber discussed potential coborations, asionally turning to Byron and Joel for their expertise.


    Each time, Faye''s face grew a shade darker.


    "When ites to the theoretical side of Al cell research, Eleanor is our resident expert,¡±n said, tapping his fingers lightly on the table and ncing around before fixing his gaze on Eleanor. "Eleanor, would you borate for us?"


    Eleanor had been quietly eating, but at his prompt, she set down her silverware and lifted her head. Meeting the attentive eyes of Principal Weber and the others, she spoke with calm confidence about the relevant theories.


    Principal Weber''s eyes lit up. "Miss Sutton, you''re truly an authority."


    "That''s not all,¡±n added, suddenly turning to a middle-aged man with gold- rimmed sses. "Professor ke, I recall you once mentioned an article in *Nature* about this very field-it was Eleanor''s work."


    Professor ke looked at Eleanor in surprise. "You wrote that paper on Al nano- robots? I''ve been wanting to meet the author!"

 Chapter 358

    Eleanor paused for a moment, caught off guard thatn remembered such a small detail.


    She nodded politely to Professor ke. "Back then, I only published part of the theory for academic discussion."


    Professor ke hurried to respond, "Miss Sutton, we must have a proper conversation soon! My team and I are following your work closely-we''re working on simr research."


    Eleanor smiled. "I''d be honored."


    Then,n smoothly steered the conversation back to the topic of joint tactical cooperation, and Byron picked up the thread about the Meridian Dynamics project.


    But Eleanor''s poised and articte manner had already made its mark¡ªeveryone present now took notice of her, and she left a deep impression.


    Faye''s fingers tightened around her wine ss.


    Gwenda, on the other hand, was so anxious she barely dared to reach for her fork. The lobster sitting in front of her went untouched.


    The pressure from this room full of academic giants was suffocating.


    She couldn''t help but admire Eleanor for handling herself with such calm confidence in front of these people. Having a father who''s a respected schr really does make a difference!


    Only Joel, quietly observant, noticed that whilen seemed to sit idly at one side, in truth, he was carefully introducing Eleanor to all the right people.


    Joel couldn''t guessn''s motives, but at least he could see they were good.


    Eleanor excused herself and headed to the restroom. A momentter, Faye followed.


    Inside, Eleanor let out a quiet breath, herposure slipping just a little. She was lost in thought when Faye''s voice suddenly sounded behind her. "Feeling pretty pleased with yourself, aren''t you? Getting Mr. Goodwin to clear the way for you, making introductions."


    Eleanor turned, her gaze steady. "I have no idea what you''re talking about."


    "Don''t y innocent," Faye sneered. "You really think you can make it in academia just by riding Mr. Goodwin''s coattails?"


    Eleanor''s eyes turned cold. "I don''t need his help."


    "Oh, really?" Faye washed her hands, voice dripping with sarcasm. "You used your father''s reputation before, and now it''s your ex-husband and Xavier''s connections. Let''s be honest, you wouldn''t be here if it weren''t for all those men. I could neverpete with you at that game."


    She scoffed, then added, "You and Mr. Goodwin are divorced and still tangled up like this. Honestly-"


    Before Faye could spit out another insult, Eleanor cut her off coldly, grabbing a paper towel to dry her hands. "You''re wrong."


    "My father earned his own reputation. As forn..."


    She tossed the paper towel into the trash and met Faye''s gaze head-on. "You think I need a man to get ahead? That paper in Nature-I wrote it after three months of four-hour nights, day after day. The breakthroughs in theb? I led my team through every setback and every long night. We earned them."


    Faye shrank back half a step, her face going pale beneath Eleanor''s intensity.


    "But you," Eleanor''s eyes swept over her with contempt, "you''re so obsessed with


    my private life, maybe you should ask yourself why you can''t even publish a decent paper of your own."


    "You!" Faye was trembling with rage.


    Eleanor''s words hit her exactly where it hurt.


    Faye red at her, voice venomous. "Don''t think this means you''ve won!"


    Eleanor gave a soft, dismissiveugh. "There''s never been apetition between


    us. Because..." She brushed past Faye, her voice icy as she nced back, "you''re not even qualified to be my rival."


    "What did you say?" Faye shrieked, her voice cracking with anger.


    But Eleanor was already gone.

 Chapter 359

    When Eleanor returned to the private dining room, she immediately sensed a shift in the atmosphere everyone now regarded her with newfound respect. It turned out that while she''d stepped out, Professor ke had spent the entire time extolling the value of her research to the others.


    A littleter, Faye reappeared, her expressionposed once more, as if nothing had happened.


    Dinner ran from six until half past eight, finally drawing to a close. Ian''s group had driven to the restaurant; it would take them nearly six hours to get back to Ashford City.


    They had brought three cars: one registered to Byron, another ton, and the third to Joel.


    Now, as they figured out who would ride with whom for the return trip,n nced at Eleanor. She turned to Joel and said, "Joel, I''ll ride with you."


    "I will, too," Faye chimed in quickly. She raised her voice just enough to be heard by everyone. "Well, since that''s decided, I''ll leave you three to it. I''ll ride with Mr. Goodwin."


    Byron''s car was already full, carrying his three engineers. On the way here, Faye had ridden with Joel, but now she was determined to keep her distance from Eleanor and just as deliberately, to remind Eleanor of how close she was withn.


    Once everyone had settled in, the caravan headed straight for the highway.


    Eleanor took the passenger seat in Joel''s car and struck up a conversation with him. After all, long drives were exhausting, and she didn''t want him to get drowsy behind the wheel.


    Joel turned out to be a steady, reliable driver. Even though Eleanor was tired herself, she made a conscious effort to keep him engaged and awake with conversation.


    Joel, for his part, seemed energized-especially with Eleanor sitting beside him. Drowsiness was thest thing on his mind.


    By the time Joel pulled into Ashford City, it was already two in the morning. He dropped Gwenda off first, then drove Eleanor home.


    "Drive safe, Joel. Get some rest when you get home," Eleanor reminded him gently as she got out.


    After saying goodbye, Eleanor headed upstairs, took a long shower, and finally allowed herself to copse into bed.


    She slept in until ten the next morning, waking up feeling significantly refreshed. She called her daughter, only to find the girl was having so much fun she didn''t want toe home yet. Gina promised to take her to school on Monday.


    That afternoon, Eleanor had a meeting scheduled with Ellington to prepare for the next day''s board meeting.


    They arranged to meet at a caf¨¦. When Eleanor arrived, Ellington was already there, waiting. He handed her a list of the board members for tomorrow''s meeting.


    She scanned the names, pausing briefly when she saw thergest shareholder besides herself. She bit her lower lip, lost in thought.


    "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin won''t be able to attend tomorrow," Ellington informed her quietly.


    "That''s actually a relief," Eleanor replied with a small, wry smile.


    Ellington looked momentarily surprised, then chuckled.


    Monday morning.


    Eleanor arrived at the Vesper Joy Hotel''s executive conference hall, where Ellington stepped forward to greet her. "Ms. Sutton, wee."


    She nodded in acknowledgment. At one of the tables, five men sat waiting¡ª middle-aged, worldly types who had flown in from all over the globe. Years ago, they had each made small investments in Eleanor''s eightpanies. Their shares weren''trge, but each was enough for a seat at the board.


    The reason none of them had withdrawn after Eleanor took over was simple: their trust wasn''t in Eleanor herself, but in the man behind hern.


    As long asn remained involved, thepanies under Eleanor''s name would continue to grow steadily.


    Since investing in Goodwin & Co., these men had grown used to a hands-off approach, content to let their money work for them. Eleanor''s exact role was secondary; what really mattered wasn''s stance.


    After all,n''s reputation and abilities were legendary in business circles, and these seasoned veterans knew it better than anyone.


    Ellington quickly made the introductions. Eleanor greeted each board member in turn, shaking hands politely. By ten o''clock, everyone had arrived.


    Right on schedule,n''s assistant, Gavin Young, appeared at the entrance.


    "What''s this? Mr. Goodwin isn''ting?" one of the shareholders asked, clearly surprised.


    "Mr. Goodwin has a priormitment and won''t be able to attend. I''ll be representing him today," Gavin replied smoothly, courteous but firm.


    The shareholders exchanged nces but didn''t press the issue.


    "Ms. Sutton, after you," one of them said, gesturing for Eleanor to take the lead.


    As she entered the conference room, Ellington naturally pulled out the chair at the head of the table for her.


    Once seated, Eleanor smiled and said calmly, "Let''s begin."


    She nodded to Ellington, signaling for him to start the report.


    Ellingtonunched into a detailed update on thepany''s progress, citing several key growth figures that had the shareholders nodding in approval.


    Halfway through, just as Ellington finished presenting the third quarter''s financials, Walden-the shareholder on her right-tapped his fingers on the table.


    "Ms. Sutton, if I may be frank," Walden said, adjusting his gold-rimmed sses. "All this growth rides on the foundation Mr. Goodwinid. I''d like to hear your own vision for thepany''s future. What do you bring to the table?¡±


    The room fell silent.


    Eleanor noticed the subtle nces exchanged among the board. Clearly, this challenge had been coordinated in advance.


    She closed her folder, calm and collected. "That''s a fair question, President Walden. In fact, I''ve already begun spearheading a smart hotel initiative. We''ve just reached a preliminary cooperation agreement with the Montir, a seven-star hotel."

 Chapter 360

    "That all sounds wonderful," President Larkin suddenly interjected from the left,


    his tone edged with skepticism. "But as far as I''m aware, this project is going to require a tremendous amount of capital. Ms. Sutton, how exactly do you n to solve the funding issue? Now that we''ve severed ties with Goodwin & Co., I assume we can''t count on Mr. Goodwin anymore, can we?"


    The barbed question made Ellington''s brow furrow.


    Gavin, meanwhile, kept his head down, scribbling notes, offering no support.


    Eleanor tapped her fingers lightly on the table, but before she could speak, Ellington replied withposure, "Perhaps you''re not aware, President Larkin, butst month my bank granted us a two-billion-dor credit line." He distributed a set of documents. "Here''s the assessment report."


    Just then, Gavin finally spoke up. "Mr. Goodwin asked me to ry that he stands fully behind each and every decision Ms. Sutton makes."


    It was as if he''d pressed a switch-the mood among the board members shifted instantly.


    Walden let out a strained chuckle. "Ms. Sutton, that was just a misunderstanding earlier. We only wanted what''s best for thepany. Please don''t take it personally."


    "Yes, yes, absolutely. We''re all hoping to see thepany continue to flourish!"


    "I understand." Eleanor nodded with a calm smile. "But I''d appreciate it if everyone could remember that I-Eleanor-am the one sitting at the head of this table now. Next time we convene, I''d like to hear suggestions about the business, not-" she paused deliberately, "irrelevant topics."


    "Of course, Ms. Sutton, we just have one suggestion. In the future, with major decisions, it''d be wise to consult with Mr. Goodwin. After all, he''s a major shareholder and has a lot more experience-"


    "Yes, exactly. You''re still young in the business world, and there are some things "another senior board member chimed in.


    Eleanor could feel all their eyes on her, their gazesced with doubt.


    Gavin cleared his throat. "Mr. Goodwin''s position is clear:pany decisions are to be made by Ms. Sutton."


    Ellington picked up the thread. "As for our strategic direction, we''re already preparing a detailed report. All board members should receive it in their inboxes by Monday."


    The board members managed awkward smiles. "Very well."


    Ellington''s tone grew resolute. "Regarding the smart hotel project, the funding issue has been resolved-not through Goodwin & Co., but through private venture capital we secured ourselves. I''d ask the board not to underestimate Ms. Sutton''s capability. Over the past six months, our profits have shown steady growth."


    The atmosphere in the conference room suddenly grew tense.


    Gavin smiled lightly. "If anyone here doubts Ms. Sutton''s abilities, you are free to withdraw your investment right now. Mr. Goodwin will buy your shares at market price."


    The board members'' expressions changed at once; none of them had expectedn to back such a move.


    An uneasy silence settled over the room.


    After a moment, Gavin cleared his throat again, his smile returning. "Of course, as


    I said, Mr. Goodwin respects any decision Ms. Sutton makes."


    A few directors wiped nervous sweat from their brows and forced out strainedughs. "Ms. Sutton, you misunderstand us-we''re absolutely behind you."


    "Yes, yes! With thepany doing so well, why would we ever want to pull out?" The others hurried to agree.


    Eleanor''s expression froze for a moment, but her voice was steady. "If there are no further objections, let''s continue."


    Ellington immediately picked up with his report.


    This time, not a soul dared to interrupt.


    When the meeting adjourned, the other directors each stopped by to exchange pleasantries with Eleanor before leaving. Gavin packed up his files and nodded to her. "Ms. Sutton, I''ll head out now."


    Eleanor gave him a nod. "Thank you, Gavin."


    Soon, only Eleanor and Ellington remained in the conference room. Eleanor''s


    face was tense, her brows knitted in thought.


    Ellington handed her a cup of tea. "Ms. Sutton, what''s on your mind?"


    "These directors behaved today only becausen put them in their ce," Eleanor said, frustration seeping into her voice.


    "That''s true-they''re banking on Mr. Goodwin''s support behind the scenes. But there''s no need to let it bother you. Business is always about interests, after all. What Mr. Goodwin''s doing is making sure your eightpanies keep growing steadily."


    Eleanor thought it over and realized he was right. After all, she nned to leave thepany to her daughter one day. Ian had given her those eightpanies to secure their daughter''s future.


    He really did love their little girl.


    With that thought, Eleanor felt her frustration ease. Ifn simply wanted to use her to set up a legacy for their daughter, she could ept that. After all, her ambitionsy not in amassing a billion-dor fortune, but in making a name for herself in the scientific world.


    Just then, Ellington''s email popped up on hisptop. After reading it, he looked up at Eleanor. "Ms. Sutton, Goodwin & Co.''s annual shareholders'' meeting is scheduled for this Friday. You''re on the invitation list."

 Chapter 361

    Eleanor frowned. "Do I really have to go?"


    Ellington seemed to have expected her reluctance, but he still tried to persuade her. "Ms. Sutton, you saw for yourself how those shareholders treated you earlier. Attending the Goodwin & Co. shareholders'' meeting is more than just a formality ¡ªit''s a statement. If you show up in person, you''ll carry much more weight with them in the future."


    She tapped her fingers lightly on the table, silent for a moment, then looked up at Ellington. "Is it absolutely necessary?"


    He nodded. "At the very least, you need to show them you''re not just passively followingn''s arrangements. You''re in control. You''re making your own moves."


    Eleanor bit her lip, considering. "Alright. I''ll go."


    It made sense-she had to secure the future of these eightpanies,y a solid financial foundation, so that when her daughter grew up and took over, she wouldn''t be at the mercy of the Goodwin family.


    "Ellington, over the next ten years, I want you to draw up a n-see if there''s a way to get mypanies out from undern''s control." Eleanor''s gaze was steady as she looked at him.


    He hesitated, then nodded. "Of course. I''ll keep an eye out for better investment opportunities and discuss them with you as theye up."


    Eleanor nodded in return.


    She had her reasons-someday, Vanessa andn''s child would inherit hispany, and she wanted her daughter to have a future free from the shadow of the Goodwin family. She had to n ahead.


    Friday morning arrived sooner than expected. At the Goodwin & Co. headquarters, Eleanor strode into the conference hall in a tailored ck suit and heels, instantly drawing every eye in the room.


    Shareholders whispered among themselves; many were seeing Eleanor for the first time. She was the youngest among them, and one of the few women seated at the table.


    Gavin hurried over. "Ms. Sutton, your seat is up front."


    She nodded slightly and moved to the front row, where a seat had been reserved for her.


    Once the meeting began,n delivered aposed report on thepany''s annual performance, then opened the floor for questions.


    A middle-aged shareholder rose, shooting Eleanor a pointed look. "Mr. Goodwin, word is you''ve been backing Ms. Sutton''s smart hotel initiative. Is that going to affect Goodwin & Co.''s core business?"


    The room fell silent.


    The shareholders exchanged uneasy nces. Clearly, they weren''t satisfied. Ian had been making bold moves all year-pulling five percent of overseas investments to focus on the medical sector, and now it seemed he was nning to funnel even more resources into biotech.


    An older shareholder stood up, his voice skeptical. "Mr. Goodwin, is it wise to diversify so aggressively? Especially when you''re shifting so much towards biotech, which I hear is a high-risk industry."


    He paused, then added, "Biotech is indeed high-risk, high-reward, but we have some of the best scientists working on new treatments, and we''ve already made significant breakthroughs."


    Eleanor lowered her eyes, fingers tightening around her pen. As expected,n was using her as a trophy-another sess story to parade before the board.


    Suddenly,n''s deep, maic voice called out, "Ms. Sutton, do you have anyments you''d like to share?"


    Eleanor looked up, caught off guard that he had singled her out. Her reply was cool and measured. "No, I don''t."


    The shareholders'' faces were a mix of curiosity and calction.


    Eleanor could feel their eyes on her, wondering whatn was getting at.


    Apuse signaled the end of the meeting.


    Afterwards, several shareholders gathered aroundn, eager to chat. Eleanor grabbed her bag, ready to leave, but Gavin stepped in her path. "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin invites you to rx in his office for a bit. He''d like to speak with you privately."


    "Tell him I don''t have time," Eleanor replied briskly.


    "Ah, well, this evening thepany''s hosting a dinner. Mr. Goodwin hopes you''ll


    do him the honor of attending," Gavin said, still smiling.


    Eleanor didn''t hesitate. "I''m afraid I can''t."


    Gavin nodded politely. "Of course. I''ll let Mr. Goodwin know. Have a good day, Ms. Sutton."


    He escorted her out of the conference room with perfect manners. Later, whenn heard Gavin''s report, he raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"


    With that, he picked up a champagne flute, took a sip, and turned back to his conversation with the other shareholders.


    As Eleanor stepped outside the Goodwin & Co. building, her phone buzzed.


    A message from Ellington: "Ms. Sutton, I just got word that several international investors will be at tonight''s dinner-including Johansson, CEO of Montir Omnistar Dynamics, the potential partner for our smart hotel project."


    Eleanor stopped in her tracks, her brow furrowing.


    Omnistar Dynamics was a pivotal partner for her hotel initiative. If she could use this dinner to move negotiations forward, it could be a game-changer for the entire project.

 Chapter 362

    She bit her lip. "Alright, I''ll be there."


    That afternoon, when Eleanor arrived to pick up her daughter, she ran into Gina at the entrance. Gina walked over and said warmly, n''spany is hosting a dinner tonight. Why don''t you let me take care of Evelyn for the evening?"


    Before Eleanor could reply, the teacher appeared at the door, holding Evelyn by the hand. The little girl spotted Gina and lit up instantly, calling out, "Grandma!"


    Gina smiled and swept Evelyn into a hug. "Hello, sweetheart."


    Seeing this, Eleanor relented. "Alright, Aunt Gina. I''lle by around nine to pick her up."


    Gina nodded. ¡°Go on, take care of your business. I''ll look after Evelyn."


    "Mommy, go do your work! Bye-bye!" Evelyn waved at her, grinning.


    Eleanor smiled back, waving as she watched her daughter climb into Gina''s car. She let out a small sigh. Between theb and the office, she''d barely found any time for Evelyntely.


    "Eleanor." A gentle male voice sounded behind her.


    She turned to see Xavier waiting there.


    "Mr. Vaughn," Eleanor greeted him politely.


    "Will you be at the Goodwin & Co. dinner tonight?" Xavier asked.


    She nodded. "I''ll stop by. There are a few people I need to see."


    "Great. I''ll see you there." Xavier gave her a satisfied smile and led his own daughter, Vivian, away.


    Eleanor had only nned on exchanging a few words with Omnistar Dynamics'' CEO before making her exit. She had no intention of staying long. Still, wanting to look presentable for her brief appearance, she stopped by a boutique for a dress.


    By six o''clock, a gentle spring rain was falling steadily. The day after tomorrow would be Easter.


    Eleanor changed into a deep burgundy velvet gown, her hair softly curled and cascading over her shoulders, skin pale as porcin. Ellington was already waiting for her in the grand lobby.


    "Ms. Sutton, you''re here! The dinner''s about to start. Let''s head up."


    Eleanor nodded and followed Ellington into the ballroom.


    The room was dazzling, filled with the city''s elite-industry leaders, politicians, and socialites mingling beneath glittering chandeliers. Even in such a crowd, Eleanor''s entrance drew more than a few stares.


    Barely two minutes after she arrived, three more elegantly dressed women entered together: Serena, Vanessa, and Faye, each stunning in their own way.


    Their simultaneous arrival turned heads. All three were dressed to impress, every detail perfectly in ce.


    Faye was delighted to have scored an invitation to this event. She hoped to use the opportunity to expand her professional circle for her research career. After the harsh words Eleanor had delivered that day, Faye had silently vowed to surpass her one day.


    She''de to realize that burying herself in theb wasn''t the only path to sessworking with academic and business leaders mattered just as much. Sometimes a chance remark could lead to a big break. Eleanor had once relied on her father''s connections, then onn''s, now on Xavier''s. There always seemed to be an influential man paving the way for her.


    As Faye''s thoughts circled back to Eleanor, she spotted her across the room, standing among a group of distinguished men, ss of champagne in hand, deep


    in conversation. A sh of envy flickered in Faye''s eyes.


    She wanted to walk the same path of sess as Eleanor. She was just as


    attractive, just as talented-why should she be one step behind?


    Eleanor nced up and caught sight of Vanessa in a custom-made champagne- colored gown, her jewelry sparkling under the lights. Vanessa stood gracefully byn''s side, surrounded by prominent businessmen and their wives.


    With a gentle, practiced smile, Vanessa exchanged pleasantries, her gaze sliding over Eleanor for a split second before her smile deepened-almost as if she were asserting her role as hostess in front of everyone.


    It wasmon knowledge among those who moved inn''s circles that Vanessa was tonight''s undisputed leadingdy.


    The guests around her fawned, their ttering words and admiring expressions leaving no doubt.


    Nearby, two women murmured their approval to Eleanor. "Look at Miss Shannon -she''s the picture of the perfect partner. She and Mr. Goodwin are a striking couple."


    "A match made in heaven, aren''t they? A sessful entrepreneur and an internationally renowned pianist-such a good fit!"


    "I heard their families have had an understanding for years. Maybe we''ll hear good news soon?"


    At that moment, Ellington approached Eleanor and spoke quietly, "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Johansson''s car is stuck in traffic. He might be another half hour."


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright. I''ll wait for him."


    Just then, a mocking female voice sounded at her side. "What''s this? Here on your own? Xavier didn''te with you tonight?"


    Eleanor turned to find Serena in a shimmering silver gown, makeup wless, a ss of champagne held delicately between her fingers. There was a faint, sardonic smile on her lips as she looked Eleanor up and down.


    Eleanor gave her a cool nce but didn''t bother to reply, just took a slow sip of champagne and let her gaze drift back to the center of the ballroom.


    Serena smirked and leaned in, her voice low in Eleanor''s ear. "Take a good look- see who the real hostess is tonight."


    In the center of the ballroom, several society women were greeting Vanessa. Whatever they said made Vanessa blush prettily; she lowered her head with a gentle smile, offering toasts to the guests-every inch the graciousdy of the house.

 Chapter 363

    Eleanor watched with cool detachment, utterly unbothered.


    Just then, Xavier and Henry stepped through the grand entrance together.


    Serena''s heart thudded faster in her chest. This was the first time she''d seen Xavier since she''d returned home, and he was every bit as charming and handsome as she remembered¡ªmature, poised, with that gentle, easy charisma that made him the perfect Prince Charming in her eyes. Xavier''s gaze swept the room before settling squarely on Eleanor. He offered a faint, reserved smile and walked toward her.


    Serena stood at Eleanor''s side, witnessing the entire scene. Xavier didn''t spare her so much as a nce. To him, she was just another face in the crowd, as irrelevant as the rest of the guests.


    Only as he neared Eleanor did Xavier seem to notice Serena at all. He offered a polite greeting. "Serena. I didn''t realize you were here."


    "Xavier." Serena forced a smile, doing her best to hide the sting of being overlooked.


    Xavier turned his attention back to Eleanor. "Eleanor, could I speak with you for a moment?" he asked.


    Eleanor nodded, following Xavier to a quieter corner of the room.


    He looked at her intently, his tone earnest. "Would you be willing to do me a favor tonight, Miss Sutton?"


    Eleanor was caught off guard; it was the first time she''d ever seen Xavier ask anything of her. She straightened, responding with warmth, "Of course, Mr. Vaughn. What do you need?"


    He hesitated only a moment before confiding, "To be honest, my family has set me up with someone tonight. She''ll be arriving soon, but I have no interest in her.


    I was hoping you might pretend to be my date, just to discourage her."


    Eleanor blinked, surprised. She hadn''t expected him to need help fending off an unwanted suitor.


    For a moment, she hesitated. She had no desire to tangle herself in Xavier''s romantic messes. But then she remembered all the times he''d helped her, and her resolve softened. "Won''t that cause a misunderstanding?" she asked quietly. Xavier''s gaze was gentle but firm. "I have no wish to hurt anyone. I just want to make my intentions clear, and I''m not great at handling these situations." There was a quiet plea in his eyes.


    After a thoughtful pause, Eleanor nodded. "All right. I''ll be your date-just for tonight. I can help with that."


    Relief and gratitude flickered across Xavier''s face. "Thank you, Eleanor."


    As Eleanor nced back toward the entrance, Xavier''s gaze lingered on her profile, warm and intent.


    Eleanor didn''t notice, but Serena-standing only a few steps away-took in everything. Her grip on her champagne ss tightened so hard she nearly cracked the stem.


    At that moment, a young woman in avender gown entered the ballroom. She was strikingly beautiful, elegant, with the polished confidence of someone born into privilege.


    She scanned the room, her eyesnding on Xavier. A delighted smile curved her lips as she made her way straight toward him.


    "Xavier!" Her voice was sweet, barely concealing her excitement.


    Xavier shifted subtly, moving closer to Eleanor. He spoke in a low voice, "That''s her-Shona."


    Eleanor caught on immediately, slipping her arm naturally through Xavier''s.


    As Shona approached, her gaze flickered to where Eleanor held Xavier''s arm,


    and her smile faltered ever so slightly. "And who is this...?"


    "Miss Shona, good evening." Xavier nodded politely, his tone cool. "This is Eleanor my date."

 Chapter 364

    Shona kept her smile perfectly in ce. "Miss Sutton, it''s a pleasure. I''ve heard so much about you."


    Eleanor returned a polite smile. "You''re too kind, Miss Shona."


    The air grew faintly tense, the atmosphere edged with something unsaid.


    Shona, of course, knew exactly who Eleanor was. Eleanor wasn''t surprised; after all, she and Xavier hadnded in the gossip columns more than once due to a series of misunderstandings. Since Shona had a well-known interest in Xavier, it made sense she''d be keeping tabs on Eleanor.


    Unwilling to give up so easily, Shona turned to Xavier. "Xavier, I wanted to have a word with you-if you have a moment?"


    Xavier nced at Eleanor before replying. "Sorry, but I promised to spend this evening with my date. Let''s find another time to talk."


    For the first time, Shona''sposure wavered. She forced a nod. "Alright... I won''t keep you, then." With that, she turned away, her figure retreating, shoulders drawn in defeat.


    Eleanor, still holding Xavier''s arm, was well aware that their exchange hadn''t gone unnoticed. Across the ballroom,n stood among the guests, his gaze lingering on them, brows furrowed in quiet contemtion.


    Eleanor gently released Xavier''s arm and sighed. "Mr. Vaughn, about Miss Shona


    Xavier cut her off, his eyes intent. "It may sound harsh, but it''s better to be upfront. Dragging things out only wastes everyone''s time. I don''t have feelings for her, and it wouldn''t be fair to either of us." As he spoke, his gaze deepened, lingering on Eleanor as if to say he only wanted to waste time on someone he truly cared for. Eleanor quickly looked away, lowering her eyes to avoid his.


    Just then, the entrance doors opened again. Ellington personally ushered Mr. Johansson inside. Catching sight of them, Eleanor excused herself, "If you''ll excuse me."


    Wine ss in hand, she made her way across the room.n detached himself from the crowd as well. Ellington introduced Eleanor with perfect timing. "Mr. Johansson, this is Ms. Sutton, CEO of Vesper Joy Hotel."


    Eleanor extended her hand with practiced poise. "Mr. Johansson, I''ve heard so much about you."


    "Ms. Sutton, it''s a pleasure to finally meet you." Mr. Johansson shook her hand warmly.


    Ellington then gestured to the man behind Eleanor. "And this is Mr. Goodwin, President of Goodwin & Co."


    A spark of excitement lit Johansson''s eyes. He shookn''s hand enthusiastically. "Mr. Goodwin, I''ve long admired your work. It''s an honor to meet you in person."


    Eleanor had sensed someone at her back earlier of course, it wasn. She quicklyposed herself and smiled. "Mr. Johansson, if you''re interested, we could discuss the hotel''s smart automation project in more detail."


    "Absolutely-"


    "Why don''t we continue this in the VIP lounge?"n suggested smoothly. "I have a few partnership ideas of my own; we could discuss them all together."


    Johansson nodded. "That sounds perfect. I came tonight to talk business, after all."


    "I can handle the business discussion with Mr. Johansson. You take care of


    whatever you need to," Eleanor replied, givingn a pointed look.


    He smiled coolly. "I think Mr. Johansson would appreciate hearing from everyone involved."


    Ellington took the lead, arranging for them to settle into the VIP lounge.


    Inside, Eleanor and Ellington began discussing the project with Johansson. Five minutester,n entered with a file in hand.


    "Sorry-something came up unexpectedly." He handed the folder to Johansson. "This is ourtest proposal for the smart home system. Feel free to take a look, Mr. Johansson."

 Chapter 365

    Johansson took the file, flipped through a few pages, and his eyes lit up with genuine admiration. "This system is incredible! If we could integrate it with Ms. Sutton''s smart hotel tform, I believe this could be a revolutionary step for the entire hospitality industry."


    "I couldn''t agree more,"n chimed in, his gaze flickering almost imperceptibly toward Eleanor. "Here''s to a sessful partnership between our twopanies on this project."


    Ellington had already poured the wine. Johansson was the first to raise his ss, and Eleanor followed suit. Ian clinked sses with each of them, and the three drank together.


    "With Goodwin & Co.''s Al technology at the core, this project is destined to set a new standard for the industry," Johansson said enthusiastically.


    A jolt of realization shot through Eleanor. She exchanged a quick nce with Ellington.


    So the advanced Al tech provided to Johansson was actually developed byn?


    Ian simply smiled and turned to Ellington. "Mr. Ellington, would you mind taking Mr. Johansson downstairs for a few drinks?"


    "Of course, Mr. Johansson, this way, please," Ellington replied promptly.


    Johansson stood up and followed Ellington out. As Eleanor made to leave as well,n called out to her.


    "Eleanor, could we talk for a moment?"


    She turned to look at him.


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed.


    "Everyone here tonight is from our social circle. We''ve only been divorced for six months. If you and Xavier get too cozy, people will start specting about what really happened between us-"


    She cut him off with a coldugh. "Are you worried about Xavier''s reputation, or just your own pride?"


    Her face stiffened. As much as she hated to admit it,n''s warning wasn''t entirely without merit.


    Eleanor never cared much about her own reputation, but she wouldn''t let Xavier be the target of others'' suspicion.


    "And if I don''t?" Eleanor met his eyes, defiant. "Who I choose to spend time with is none of your business."


    He locked eyes with her stubborn stare, the tension between them thickening. After a long pause,n''s voice was cool. "Fine. If it means nothing to you, do as you wish."


    He walked toward the door, not bothering to look back. "For what it''s worth, the Vaughn family isn''t likely to ept a woman who''s just divorced and already surrounded by rumors with Xavier."


    A sharp pang stabbed at Eleanor''s chest.


    She took a deep breath, forcing down the surge of emotion as she replied icily, "That''s none of your concern."


    "I''m not belittling you. I just want you to see things clearly."


    Without another word,n opened the door and left.


    Eleanor had no desire to rejoin the gathering. She sat down, taking a moment to collect herself. A little whileter, Ellington returned, holding a file. Seeing Eleanor alone, he smiled and approached her. "Ms. Sutton, could you sign this for me? I''ll take it to finalize the letter of intent with Omnistar Dynamics tomorrow."

 Chapter 366

    Eleanor nced over the document, signed her name, and handed it back. Ellington couldn''t help but ask, "Where''s Mr. Goodwin?"


    "I don''t know," Eleanor replied.


    "I''ll go find him for his signature, then." Ellington pushed open the door and stepped out.


    Eleanor, feeling a little restless herself, checked her watch-it was already half past eight. She decided she''d better leave early to pick up her daughter.


    She stood up and had barely opened the door when she heard Ellington''s voice in the hallway outside.


    "Have you seen Mr. Goodwin?"


    A staff member answered, "Mr. Goodwin is in Suite Four."


    Ellington started to thank her, but the staff quickly added, "Mr. Ellington, Miss Shannon is resting in Suite Four."


    Ellington paused, caught the implication, and replied, "I''ll find Mr. Goodwinter, then."


    Eleanor''s expression stiffened for a moment before she strode toward the staircase.


    As she made her way downstairs, Xavier wove through the guests to intercept her. ¡°Eleanor, are you leaving already?"


    "Mr. Vaughn, I promised my daughter I''d pick her up early tonight, so I should head out."


    Xavier narrowed his eyes slightly. "I''ll walk you out."


    Aftern''s warning earlier, Eleanor had noticed a few guests ncing between her and Xavier, some even whispering behind their hands.


    She stepped back and smiled politely. "Mr. Vaughn, I actually need to stop by a friend''s ce first. Let''s catch up another time."


    Xavier looked surprised, sensing the distance she was putting between them.


    Eleanor turned to leave.


    "Eleanor!" Xavier called after her. He caught up and gently grasped her arm, steering her toward a quiet balcony.


    Eleanor was startled, but Xavier let go quickly and asked softly, "What''s going on? Why are you leaving so suddenly-"


    "It''s nothing." She smiled, brushing it off. "I just remembered I promised my daughter I''d get her a toy tonight."


    Xavier studied her face for a moment before asking quietly, "Didn say


    something to you? Or... is it because I asked for your help earlier?" His voice held


    a trace of apology. "If I put you in an awkward spot, I''m sorry."


    Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Eleanor finally sighed. "Xavier, I think... it''s better if we keep some distance from now on."


    Xavier''s expression froze. "Why?"


    Eleanor bit her lip, meeting his gaze. "I don''t want anyone to get the wrong idea about us. And I definitely don''t want you dragged into any gossip because of me." Eleanor truly valued Xavier as a friend and wanted to protect his reputation.


    "But I''ve never cared what people say," Xavier said firmly, taking a step closer.


    Eleanor''s look grew more earnest. "Xavier, you''re a good man. You deserve someone wonderful."


    Xavier grew anxious, clearly not expecting her to be so considerate on his behalf. "Eleanor, what matters to me isn''t what others think it''s you¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish,n appeared on the balcony with an older gentleman. Ian nced at the two of them and offered a sheepish smile. "Sorry, are we interrupting?"

 Chapter 367

    Xavier cut off whatever he was about to say, nodding politely to the older man. "Mr. MacLeod."


    Mr. MacLeod''s face broke into a genial grin. "So this is where all you young folks are hiding out!"


    With one hand in his pocket,n let his gaze flicker over Eleanor''s pale face before turning to address Mr. MacLeod. "Mr. MacLeod, let''s discuss the Southside development proposal another day. I''ve got some personal matters to handle first."


    "Of course, of course. I''ll leave you young people to it," Mr. MacLeod replied, taking the hint and making himself scarce.


    Eleanor turned to Xavier. "I''m going to head out."


    She had barely stepped off the balcony when Xavier, almost on instinct, started after her. Butn blocked his path, reaching out an arm. "Xavier, if you really care about her, don''t embarrass her tonight. We only just finalized our divorce."


    Xavier spun around, his eyes sharp with usation. "What did you just say to her?"


    With a frustrated sigh, Xavier drained the rest of his wine. "Looks like we have a lot to discuss."


    Xavier tightened his grip on the ss. "Ian, I''d appreciate it if you stayed out of things between Eleanor and me."


    Xavier''s tone grew firmer. "You and Eleanor are over. She deserves her own shot at happiness."


    With that, he strode off the balcony, leaving Xavier alone.


    Downstairs, Eleanor was waiting for her car when Faye, clutching her purse,


    approached from behind. She, too, was waiting for her ride.


    Faye shot Eleanor a sidelong nce. "You spoke too soonst time. Don''t be so sure I''ll lose to you."


    Her voice was tight, every word bitten off.


    Eleanor frowned but didn''t answer.


    Faye''s lips twisted in a mocking smile. "We''ll see about that."


    Just then, Faye''s cab pulled up. She opened the door, then paused to add, her voice dripping with scorn, "I hope from now on, you''llpete with real skill-not just by relying on men."


    With that, Faye climbed into her cab and was gone.


    Eleanor had never needed anyone else''s approval. As long as she stayed true to herself, that was enough. Letting other people get under her skin would only waste her time and energy-she knew better than that.


    Later, Eleanor drove to Goodwin Manor to pick up her daughter. By the time they arrived home, it was ten o''clock. After helping her daughter bathe and get ready for bed, Eleanor didn''t finish her own evening routine until nearly eleven-thirty. Exhausted, she fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.


    The next day was Saturday, and Eleanor decided to take Evelyn out for some fun. But Evelyn had other ns on her mind.


    "Mom, did you forget? Dad promised to take me to the amusement park this weekend. We even pinky-swore on it!" Evelyn reminded her.


    Eleanor felt a headacheing on. She''d been seeingn far too oftentely, and


    thest thing she wanted was to run into him again.


    "It''s the same if I take you, sweetheart. Let Mom go with you instead," Eleanor coaxed, kneeling down to her daughter''s level.


    "No! Dad promised. He can''t break his word," Evelyn insisted stubbornly.


    Eleanor rubbed her forehead, wondering where her daughter got that streak of stubbornness. She hated the idea of disappointing Evelyn or making her distrustful of promises in the future.


    "Fine. Call him yourself," Eleanor said.


    "Mom, can I use your phone?"


    Eleanor handed over her phone and stepped out onto the balcony for some air.


    A few minutester, Evelyn returned the phone, beaming. "Mom, Dad said he''ll be here in ten minutes! Are youing with us?"


    Eleanor managed a smile. "I can''t today, honey. I have something I need to do. But you have a great time with Dad, okay?"


    Evelyn''s shoulders slumped, but she nodded. She was old enough to sense things weren''t great between her parents.


    Ten minutester, Princess, their golden retriever, bounded up the stairs, tail wagging madly. Evelyn squealed, "Dad''s here!"


    Eleanor took her daughter by the hand and walked her out to the front gate. Princess darted ahead, circlingn with happy barks.


    Dressed casually for once,n looked more rxed than usual, though he was still strikingly handsome.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn flung herself into his arms.


    "Want toe with us?"n offered.


    Eleanor avoided his gaze. "I have things to take care of."


    "Alright, let''s go then,"n said to Evelyn.


    Eleanor watched asn''s car pulled away, then grabbed her own bag and headed out to theb.


    She''d been distracted by personal matterstely, and her work at theb had stalled. Even on weekends, she had to catch up.


    Eleanor worked straight through the day. As dusk settled, her phone buzzed-it was a message fromn: "Evelyn''s worn out and fell asleep in the car. I''ll bring her back to your ce. When will you be home?"


    She nced at the clock. Nearly six.


    "I''m heading home now," she texted back.


    When Eleanor arrived, Joslyn met her at the door. "Mrs. Goodwin, Mr. Goodwin''s here. Should I-?"


    "There''s no need to prepare anything for him," Eleanor interrupted.


    Joslyn nodded, understanding. She always checked with Eleanor first; after all, if the couple was considering reconciling, she wouldn''t want to interfere.


    Eleanor nced around the foyer. Ian was nowhere in sight. A cold feeling settled in her chest-was he upstairs, in her bedroom?


    She hurried up the stairs and pushed open the door to her room. Sure enough,n was sitting on the sofa, leafing through one of her books.


    "You can leave now," Eleanor said bluntly, not bothering to hide her displeasure.<pn stood, his eyes lingering on the tired lines of her face. He frowned slightly. "Why don''t you rest with Evelyn for a while?"

 Chapter 368

    After he finished speaking, he pushed open the door and left.


    Eleanor saw that her daughter was sound asleep, so she slipped into the


    bathroom to wash her face. She told Joslyn they could put off making dinner for a


    while and curled up next to her daughter, dozing for a bit.


    When she woke up, Eleanor found a message from Simone on her phone.


    It turned out Ashford City was hosting an event to honor the Ten Most Outstanding Women of the Year, and Eleanor had been nominated-and selected.


    A few minutester, Simone called to congratte her.


    "The university asked me to pick a few candidates, so of course I put your name forward. I never imagined you''d actually win!" Simone sounded delighted.


    "Thank you, Professor Langley, for rmending me." Eleanor''s own joy was unmistakable.


    "So, this Friday, you''ll need to go ept your award! After all, it''s a city-wide event."


    "Of course." A smile crept across Eleanor''s face.


    Simone forwarded her the official invitation: [Ashford City Annual Ten Outstanding Women Awards Ceremony].


    "Mom, what are you smiling about?" Evelyn asked, rubbing her eyes as she woke.


    Eleanor scooped her daughter up and kissed her on the cheek. "Mommy just won an award-one of the ''Top Ten Women'' in the city. This Saturday, I''ll go ept it."


    "Wow! My mommy is amazing!" Evelyn pped her little hands. "Will Daddy be there too?"


    Eleanor''s smile faltered for a split second, but she replied gently, "This is a work award, honey. Daddy won''t be there."


    Evelyn nodded, satisfied with the answer and asked no more.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a new message from Xavier: "Congrattions- I just saw you on the news."


    Eleanor felt a warm glow in her heart. "Thank you," she replied.


    She spent Sunday with Evelyn, shuttling between home and theb as usual. Soon enough, good news arrived from Jude Vaughn as well: the newb would bepleted by Saturday, with a ribbon-cutting scheduled for Monday, and Eleanor was invited to attend.


    After Rnd Yeaton withdrew from the project, the procurement for experimental equipment had been reassigned, and now everything was delivered perfectly.


    Eleanor found herself surrounded by meetings and piles of experimental data every day at the research building. Yet, working in her element never felt exhausting¡ªeach near-breakthrough was a fresh surge of excitement.


    Even asn pushed the team hard, Eleanor and her colleagues raced against the clock, knowing their work could bring hope to countless patients.


    That, more than anything, was what truly mattered to her.


    Friday arrived before she knew it. The awards ceremony would take ce at City Hall at three in the afternoon.


    After parking, Eleanor saw a cluster of photographers and reporters gathered outside. A red carpet unfurled across the steps, nked by fresh bouquets. She walked into the grand hall, where an observant staff member recognized her at once. "Miss Sutton, right? The award recipients'' seats are this way."


    As Eleanor entered the hall, she suddenly froze.


    Near the stage, a group of reporters were conducting interviews. The woman currently being interviewed was none other than Vanessa.


    Vanessa, dressed in a graceful white gown with wless makeup, spoke with poise and charm, her voice sweet as she recounted her journey to sess.


    Catching sight of Eleanor approaching, Vanessa''s red lips curled into a sly smile, and her voice lifted as she addressed the reporters, "I must thank my family for their support and encouragement. But, most of all, there''s someone special I need to thank¡ªmy partner, who has always stood by my side with unwavering love and support."


    "Oh? Could you share your partner''s name with us, Miss Shannon?" one reporter asked with keen interest.


    Vanessa beamed. "We''ll make it public once we''re engaged."


    "Well, in that case, we wish you happiness and even greater sess in your career, Miss Shannon."


    "Thank you." Vanessa waved at the camera with practiced grace.


    Once the interview ended, Vanessa adjusted her gown and turned to Eleanor, a knowing smile ying on her lips. "Miss Sutton. What a coincidence."


    Eleanor had no interest in engaging her.


    Vanessa''s tone took on a hint of smugness. "Ian''s mentioned you a lottely- says you''re working awfully hard in theb. That must be exhausting."


    Just then, the side doors of the hall opened and Mayor Ellington entered, apanied byn. The two men chatted as they walked in.


    Vanessa shedn a flirtatious smile. Eleanor kept her gaze on the program in her hands, though she could feeln''s eyes drifting her way.


    Suddenly, the mayor caught sight of Eleanor and called out warmly, "Eleanor, you made it!"


    Eleanor stood quickly, greeting him with a respectful smile. "Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor."


    He looked at her with genuine approval, like a kindly uncle. Vanessa followed suit, offering a polite hello of her own. "Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor."


    The mayor nodded at Vanessa, but his attention soon returned to Eleanor. "Have you been keeping busy? You look even thinner than thest time I saw you."


    Eleanor smiled, a little shy. "Yes, work in theb has been hectictely."


    Vanessa''s smile faltered for a moment. How was Eleanor this familiar with the mayor? And the warmth in his eyes¡ªhe looked at her like family.


    "Remember to take care of yourself and don''t overwork," the mayor said kindly. Eleanor, a bit flustered by his concern, smiled back. "Thank you, sir. I''ll be sure to rest."


    Vanessa nced at Eleanor, her expression tinged with mockery. "No wonder you got this award, Miss Sutton. It all makes sense now-"


    The implication was clear: Vanessa was suggesting Eleanor had only won thanks to her rtionship with the mayor.

 Chapter 369

    Eleanor caught the implication behind Vanessa''s words, but she had no intention of arguing with her.


    Vanessa waited, fully expecting Eleanor to react, maybe snap back after being provoked. But after several minutes, she realized Eleanor seemed utterly unfazed, as if she hadn''t even heard her.


    Bored, Vanessa bit her crimson lip. Just then, a staff member approached and announced, "The awards ceremony is about to begin. Would all honored guests please take your seats."


    Vanessa turned to give Eleanor a sharp look. She couldn''t understand why Eleanor always seemed to win people''s attention and approval so effortlessly¡ª even the mayor himself had shown her special favor just moments ago.


    The ceremonymenced. The host introduced each award recipient, listing their achievements one by one.


    When Eleanor''s name was announced, a short film yed on therge screen, highlighting her team''s breakthroughs in medical research. The audience erupted in apuse.


    "Ms. Sutton''s pioneering work in biomedical science has given hope to countless patients. She is not only an outstanding scientist, but also a role model for women of our era. Please wee Eleanor Sutton to the stage," the host said with genuine respect.


    Eleanor rose to her feet and walked up to the stage with calm poise. The mayor himself presented her with the award.


    He shook her hand, his gaze warm with admiration. "Congrattions, Eleanor," he said, handing her the trophy personally.


    Eleanor epted it, offering him a grateful nod.


    As she nced over the audience, her eyes metn''s in the front row. He sat among the distinguished guests, watching her with an expression she couldn''t quite read.


    She quickly looked away and leaned toward the microphone. "Thank you to themittee for this recognition. I''m honored to receive this award. My team and I will continue working hard and living up to your expectations."


    Her brief speech was direct and powerful, drawing another round of apuse.


    Next came Vanessa''s turn. The screen showed clips of her on stage and photos of her charitable work.


    A senior official soon stepped up to present Vanessa''s award. Vanessa''s voice was sweet as she delivered her thank-you speech, and at the end, she shedn a dazzling smile, as if to show everyone that he was the one who''d sent her the flowers.


    As the remaining awards were given out, the mayor returned to the stage for closing remarks. Half an hourter, the ceremony ended.


    People mingled and chatted as they left the hall. Just as Eleanor reached the entrance, Xavier appeared, waiting with a bouquet of fresh flowers. She paused in surprise.


    "Congrattions," Xavier said, stepping forward.


    Eleanor was taken aback, but since Xavier had offered her flowers, it would have been rude not to ept.


    "Thank you," she replied sincerely.


    At that moment, a young woman carrying an extravagant bouquet of red roses searched the crowd. When she spotted Vanessa, she hurried over and handed her the flowers. Vanessa epted them, then cast a shy nce atn beside her, as if signaling to everyone that he was the one who''d sent them.


    Eleanor looked away. Xavier chuckled softly and, across the crowd, nodded in greeting towardn.


    Eleanor was about to leave herself when the mayor''s assistant stopped her.


    "Miss Sutton, could you wait a moment? The mayor would like to see you."


    She blinked in surprise and turned to Xavier. "I''ll be right back," she said, handing him the flowers to hold.


    "I''ll wait for you," Xavier replied.


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright."


    She followed the assistant toward one of the nearby buildings, wondering what could be so important.


    Soon, she was led into an office, where Mayor Ellington greeted her with a warm smile. "Eleanor, thank you foring. Don''t be nervous-there''s someone here who''d like to meet you."


    Eleanor''s curiosity spiked. Someone else?


    "May I ask who?" she said, trying to sound casual.


    "Come with me," Mayor Ellington said, leading her to a conference room nearby.


    When he opened the door, Eleanor saw an elderly gentleman sitting inside. Her eyes widened in shock.


    It was the Secretary of State-Garth Ellington, the mayor''s father.


    A wave of nerves hit her. She had never imagined someone so influential would want to meet her.


    She steadied her breathing, though she could feel her cheeks grow warm. With a respectful nod, she greeted him. "Good afternoon, Mr. Ellington."


    Secretary Ellington set aside his teacup and regarded her kindly. "Please, Miss Sutton, have a seat. No need for formality."


    Mayor Ellington smiled. "Brother, this is Eleanor Sutton-the researcher I told you about, making such strides in biomedical science."


    Eleanor sat carefully, folding her hands in herp.


    "I''ve heard about your work from Mansfield," Garth Ellington''s voice was steady and authoritative. "The country is cing great value on medical innovation right now. Your project has real promise."


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ellington, for your support,¡± Eleanor replied modestly. ¡°My team and I will keep working hard."


    Garth nodded approvingly. "To achieve so much at your age is impressive." Then he chuckled. "My son hasn''t stopped pestering me-he insisted Ie and meet you myself."


    Eleanor''s heart skipped a beat. Mansfield Ellington had asked his father toe see her?


    She felt her face flush even deeper.

 Chapter 370

    Mayor Ellington let out a heartyugh beside them.


    Garth''s smile carried a hint of meaning. "Miss Sutton, my son has always been notoriously hard to impress. It''s rare to see him take such an interest in anyone."


    He raised his cup, took a sip of tea, and then asked, "I heard you''re divorced- and raising a daughter on your own?"


    Eleanor nodded. "That''s right. My daughter just turned five."


    "That can''t be easy," Garth said with genuine sympathy. "For a single mother to achieve so much in medical research-it''s truly remarkable."


    Mayor Ellington jumped in at just the right moment. "Garth, Eleanor''s project is one of the city''s major medical innovation initiatives. Last time, that breakthrough antiviral for the spherical virus? She developed it."


    "I''ve heard about that. Impressive." Garth''s gaze softened, and the corners of his mouth lifted. "I met your father a few times. I didn''t expect his daughter to be every bit as talented."


    Eleanor''s palms were damp with nerves. Internally, she gave a bitter smile. Mr. Ellington, you really blindsided me with this arrangement.


    Please don''t do this again, she thought. The pressure was almost unbearable.


    "All right, Miss Sutton. I hope the next time I see you, it''ll be at a national awards ceremony." Garth''s tone was warm.


    Eleanor nodded quickly. "I''ll do my best."


    "Eleanor, don''t feel pressured. Think of us as your elders-just a friendly chat. Go


    on, get back to work!" Mayor Ellington said, his voice gentle.


    Eleanor nodded to both men, then hurried out of the conference room. She exhaled a long-held breath as the elevator doors slid shut.


    By the time she stepped out of the building into the fresh air, she was still reeling. She never would''ve imagined she''d be personally received and encouraged by the Secretary of State.


    "All done?" Xavier''s voice came from behind her.


    She turned, remembering he''d been waiting, and took the bouquet from his hands.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting."


    "No worries." Xavier''s curiosity got the better of him. "What did the Mayor want?¡±


    Eleanor hesitated for a moment. "He introduced me to someone important. We talked shop for a bit."


    Noticing her reluctance to borate, Xavier let it go. "Did you drive? If not, let me take you home."


    "Thanks, but I brought my own car today." She declined politely, her gratitude clear in her eyes. "And thank you for the flowers."


    Xavier gave her a small, warm smile. "You''re wee." He paused, as if he wanted to say more, but in the end, he just added softly, "I''ll get going then. Call me if you need anything."


    Eleanor nodded, watching as he left.


    Once in her car, she pulled out her phone and opened her messages to Mansfield Ellington. "Mr. Ellington, are you free? I''d like to talk."


    His reply was instant: "I''m here."


    She blinked in surprise. Wasn''t he supposed to be busy?


    "I met your father and uncle today," she messaged back.


    "What? My dad went to see you? He didn''t give you a hard time, did he? Are you


    okay?" Mansfield''s response came fast, tinged with anxiety.


    She was midway through typing a reply when his call came through.


    She answered, "Hello?"


    "Eleanor, what did my dad say? Did he¨D?"


    Eleanor chuckled. "Nothing much. Your father''s very friendly and easygoing. It was just a bit nerve-wracking to meet such a big shot out of the blue."


    Mansfield let out a long sigh of relief. "Good, good. I was just worried the old man might... Sorry, I had no idea he''d show up in person. He didn''t say anything weird, did he?"


    Eleanor grinned. "No, nothing odd. We just talked about research projects."


    He rxed audibly. "That''s a relief. I was worried-" He hesitated, faltered, and then said, "Next time I''m back, I owe you dinner. I only meant to ask my dad to check in on you if he had the chance-I didn''t think he''d do it so suddenly."


    "That''s really not necessary!"


    "No, I insist. This is totally my fault. I shouldn''t have asked him to go see you out of the blue." Mansfield sounded determined.


    Eleanorughed. "Fine, we''ll talk about it when you''re back."


    "May Day. I''ll try to be back for the holiday," he promised, his tone low.


    "Deal. I''d better drive home now."


    "You''re still at City Hall?"


    Eleanor recounted the awards ceremony. Mansfieldughed. "You absolutely deserved that recognition. Next time, your name will be on the national awards, too."


    "From your lips to God''s ears." Eleanor''sugh was light and genuine.


    After a few more words, they hung up. Eleanor started the car and headed straight home-she needed to pick up her daughter.


    As she pulled into the daycare parking lot, she saw a ck Maybach ahead of her, license te A-88888.


    The headlights were still on. He was obviously waiting inside.


    Eleanor felt a stab of annoyance. Why was he here to pick up their daughter?


    As if sensing her arrival, the Maybach''s engine went silent andn stepped out, walking over to her car.


    He stopped by the driver''s side and said, "My grandmother wants to invite you to dinner tonight."

 Chapter 371

    Eleanor Sutton''s refusal was written all over her face. "I have ns tonight."


    "I know, but Grandma hasn''t been feeling welltely. She keeps saying she wants to see you."


    The mention of Magdalen softened Eleanor''s heart, despite herself.


    From the first time Eleanor met Magdalen, she''d felt the warmth of her kindness. Her own grandparents had passed away when she was very young, so Magdalen had filled that void-offering the gentle affection and support she''d missed all her life.


    Magdalen truly cared about her.


    But thinking of everything that had happened recently, Eleanor steeled herself again. ¡°I''ll visit her another day when I have time."


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. ncing at the screen, she was surprised to see it was Magdalen herself calling.


    Eleanor had no choice but to answer. "Hello, Grandma Magdalen Goodwin."


    "Ellie, I heard you were named one of the city''s Top Ten Outstanding Women! That''s wonderful news. Let''s celebrate together tonight over dinner, just the family."


    "Grandma, I¡±


    "Don''t worry! It''ll be just us. No one else," Magdalen said pointedly.


    Realizing Magdalen just wanted to congratte her in person, Eleanor couldn''t


    bring herself to refuse. "Alright, Grandma. I''ll pick up Evelyn first."


    "Good. Come withn when you''re ready," Magdalen replied, then hung up.


    Just then, the bell rang at the preschool.


    Eleanor watched asn walked over, holding their daughter''s hand. He scooped Evelyn up and asked, "Which car do you want to ride in?"


    "I want to go with Mommy," Evelyn chirped.


    Eleanor felt a twinge of annoyance. Couldn''t he just drive himself?


    As if reading her thoughts,n said, "It''ll be easier if we go together."


    He named a nearby upscale hotel, then helped Evelyn into Eleanor''s car.


    On the drive over, Evelyn chattered away in the back seat about her day at preschool, withn listening and responding patiently.


    When they arrived, Eleanor parked and watched her daughter bouncing excitedly ahead. Her mood lightened a little.


    They entered a private dining room, elegantly decorated. As soon as Magdalen saw them, her face lit up with a grandmotherly smile. "Evelyn''s here! Come give your great-grandma a hug."


    Evelyn ran over sweetly and called out, "Great-grandma!¡± Magdalen gathered her into a hug, but her gaze settled on Eleanor. "Ellie, it''s been a while."


    Meeting Magdalen''s warm eyes, Eleanor felt a rush of affection. "Grandma, how have you been?"


    ¡°Oh, just the usual old aches and pains. Nothing serious.¡± Magdalen squeezed her hand. ¡°Having you here lifts my spirits more than any medicine could."


    Gina Quinn called Evelyn over to her side, already having prepared a little te of food so she wouldn''t go hungry.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor listened attentively as Magdalen talked about her health, offering thoughtful advice and gentle suggestions.


    "Is Aunt Julia noting?" Evelyn suddenly realized someone was missing. In her mind, they were all one big family.


    "Aunt Julia had somethinge up, so she couldn''t make it. But tonight, we''re all here to keep youpany," Magdalen reassured her.

 Chapter 372

    "Okay!" Evelyn didn''t press any further.


    Eleanor, on the other hand, knew exactly why Serena Goodwin hadn''te- Serena simply didn''t want to see her. Which suited Eleanor just fine; she had no desire to face Serena either.


    No need for them to suffer through each other''spany.


    At dinner, Grandmother Magdalen kept piling food onto Eleanor''s te, her wordsced with genuine affection and concern.


    Evelyn, perched in her booster seat, basked in the double love of her grandmother and father, her little face practically glowing with happiness.


    "Come on, Ellie, eat a bit more. You''re looking thinner every time I see you," Magdalen urged warmly.


    "Thank you, Grandma. You should eat too," Eleanor replied quickly.


    "Ian," Magdalen turned to her grandson, "I''m warning you don''t let Ellie overwork herself. Make sure she gets enough time off."


    But Magdalen''s tone grew more pointed. "Honestly,n, you have such a wonderful wife, but instead you waste your time with those...unsuitable women."n''s smile faltered. He nced at Eleanor, his expression impossible to read.


    To Eleanor, that look felt like an usation¡ªwas he wondering if she''d said something to Magdalen to make her call Vanessa Shannon "unsuitable"?


    Eleanor checked the time on her phone. ¡°Grandma, it''s gettingte. I should take Evelyn home."


    Magdalen patted her hand. "Don''t rush off yet-I have something for you." She reached into a nearby bag and produced an elegant wooden box. "I picked out a special bracelet just for you."


    Eleanor opened the lid to find a stunning amethyst bracelet, the kind that would cost a small fortune in any boutique.


    She immediately tried to refuse. "Grandma, I really can''t ept this-"


    "Take it, it''s not anything that extravagant. Look at you, not even a single ring on your hands," Magdalen insisted.


    Eleanor gingerly set the bracelet back on the table, worried she might drop it if she argued further.


    "My job doesn''t allow me to wear jewelry, Grandma. I''m in theb every day, and it just gets in the way."


    She closed the box, pushed it gently back toward Magdalen, and stood up. "But it really means a lot to me that you thought of me, Grandma. I just can''t ept it. We''ll be heading out now."


    She took her daughter''s hand. ¡°Evelyn, say goodbye to your great-grandma."


    Evelyn waved her little hand enthusiastically. "Goodbye, Great-Grandma! Bye, Grandma! Bye, Daddy!"


    After her daughter''s sweet farewells, Eleanor quickly led her out of the private dining room.


    Magdalen let out a heavy sigh-after all that careful nning, the gift still hadn''t found its way to Eleanor.


    She shot a look atn. "This is your fault. You''ve driven away the best daughter- inw I could ever hope for."


    Gina chimed in, "Mom, must we keep talking about this?"


    Magdalen eyed the unopened gift box and turned ton. "You''d better find a way


    to get this bracelet to Eleanor, do you hear me?"


    "You-" Magdalen sputtered, too frustrated to speak.


    Gina added, "Mom, next time just get her something less expensive. Maybe then she''ll ept it."


    "Less expensive? I can''t give her something cheap." Magdalen snorted. "If anything, I wish I could give her something even nicer. This is already modest."


    She shook her head, finally relenting. "Never mind, I''ll just keep it. When Evelyn''s older, I''ll give it to her instead."

 Chapter 373

    n! Something''s wrong-Vanessa just fainted. You need to get here, now!"


    "Where is she?"n''s tone was sharp with worry.


    Serena quickly rattled off the name of a hotel and the private suite number.


    The driver floored it, weaving through traffic, cursing under his breath. "This is insane! I just ran three red lights¡ªare you trying to get me killed?"


    A wad of bills appeared in front of him,n''s voice low and icy. "Thanks for the trouble."


    Whatever more the driver wanted to say died in his throat. He snatched up the cash, grinning. "Sure thing, boss."


    The cabbie stared after him, half-amused, half-stunned. "Guess it really is an emergency," he muttered, then happily started counting his windfall.


    The room was bright with party lights,ughter echoing off the walls. Vanessa, champagne flute in hand, was the center of attention, surrounded by friends.


    She lowered her ss, her smile faltering in surprise. n? What are you doing here?"


    Just then, Serena wriggled her way through the crowd, looking exceedingly pleased with herself. "See, Vanessa? I knew if I toldn you''d fainted, he''d show up right away."


    Vanessa''s eyes widened. She hadined before thatn was always too busy for her, but she never imagined Serena would pull a stunt like this.


    "Serena! How could you lie about something like that to your brother?" Vanessa demanded, genuinely shocked.


    Serena nced from Vanessa''s face to her brother''s dark expression, realizing maybe her little prank had gone too far. She bit her lip, looking every bit the remorseful child. "I just wantedn toe spend some time with you, Vanessa. I''m sorry."


    "Serena, please don''t ever do something like this again, all right? You scaredn half to death,¡± Vanessa said gently, then turned ton with an apologetic smile. "I''m sorry you had to worry."


    "I''m really sorry,n! I didn''t mean to honestly, I just thought-" Serena''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had only wanted to lighten the mood, never expecting her brother to panic like this.


    Vanessa put an arm around Serena''s shoulders, mollified by her obvious regret. She turned ton, pleading, "Don''t be too hard on her,n. She just didn''t realize how much you care about me."


    The friends nearby exchanged nces, all having witnessedn''s frantic entrance. It was obvious how deeply he cared for Vanessa.


    With that, he stepped out to take the call.


    Serena''s eyes welled up and she threw her arms around Vanessa, who, despite being a bit annoyed at the prank, couldn''t help but feel a secret thrill.


    "Vanessa, you''re so lucky," one of her friends whispered. "Did you see how worried Mr. Goodwin was? You''re his whole world."

 Chapter 374

    "Exactly! I even saw sweat on his forehead¡ªhe must have sprinted all the way here."


    "Well, we''ll be waiting for your wedding invitation!"


    "Serena, go outside and apologize to your brother. He''ll forgive you," Vanessa said gently, giving her an encouraging smile.


    Feeling a pang of guilt, Serena finally pushed open the door and slipped out of the lounge.


    She spotted her older brother in the hallway, phone pressed to his ear, and her heart started to race. The way he''d looked at her earlier-like he was ready to chew her out-still lingered in her mind.


    But didn''t all this just prove how muchn cared about Vanessa? Sure, she''d been scolded a little, but she''d also managed to show everyone just how much her brother loved Vanessa. In the end, wasn''t it worth it?


    "You''re leaving already,n? Aren''t youing in for a drink?" Serena reached out and tugged at his sleeve.


    "I''ve got things to do." He gently pulled his arm free and stepped aside.


    Just then, a cab driver hurried up the hallway, clutching a gift bag. "Excuse me, where did that gentleman in the suit go?"


    He turned to Serena, looking a little flustered. "Miss, did you see a tall, handsome guy in a ck suit? Looked like he came from old money."


    Serena nced at the driver, then at the gift bag in his hand. Something about it seemed familiar-she was pretty sure she''d seen that box at home before.


    "You mean my brother?" she asked.


    "Your brother?"


    Serena quickly pulled out her phone and scrolled to a photo ofn. "Is this him?"


    Serena blinked in surprise. "My brother took your cab? And brought a gift?"


    The driver nodded. Honestly, with the tipn had given him, he felt duty-bound to return the lost package.


    "I''ll take it."


    He handed Serena the bag, then hesitated. "Mind if I snap a photo? Just so I know I delivered it to the right person."


    "Go ahead," Serena replied, a bit impatient.


    After taking the picture, the driver left. Serena, now curious, wondered what gift her brother had picked out for Vanessa. She couldn''t resist she opened the box.


    Her eyes widened. "Wow,n really went all out with this one!"


    When she walked back in with only the box in hand, Vanessa''s smile faltered. She stepped forward, concern in her voice. "Where''s your brother?"


    "He had something urgente up, but don''t worry, Vanessa-he left you a present." Serena handed her the gift bag. "Here, take a look¡ªsee if you like it!¡±


    Their friends all crowded around as Vanessa, her eyes shining with anticipation, lifted the lid. Under the soft glow of the lights, a violet bracelet shimmered-so beautiful it hardly looked real.


    "Purple is the rarest this must be top-tier jade!" someone eximed.


    Vanessa''s lips curved into a gentle smile. "Ian really put his heart into this."

 Chapter 375

    A littleter, Vanessa posted a photo of the bracelet in her social circle.


    "Thank you for the thoughtful gift-I absolutely love it! ?"


    She didn''t mention any names, but everyone in her circle immediately caught on and started yfully teasing her in thements.


    "Wow! Amethyst, huh? Someone''s making a seriousmitment!"


    -"Congrats, Vanessa! Looks like something big is on the horizon!"


    "Your family is always so generous. That bracelet must be worth at least a million!"


    Vanessa scrolled through the flood of well-wishes, a smile tugging at her lips. Lately, Eleanor had been making things difficult, and it had been a long time since she''d felt this genuinely happy.


    That night, after Eleanor finally coaxed her daughter to sleep, she headed to her study to work on some files. Her phone buzzed with a new message.


    She nced down-Joy Thatcher had sent her a text. "Ellie, did you see Vanessa''s story? She just posted a bracelet worth seven figures."


    A screenshot was attached.


    Eleanor stared at the familiar amethyst bracelet in the photo, momentarily stunned.


    Wasn''t this the very gift Magdalen had mentioned preparing for her earlier this evening?


    How did it end up with Vanessa?


    After a moment''s thought, the answer became clear. Even if Magdalen hadn''t promised it to Vanessa,n could have given it to her. The bracelet''s color suited a younger woman, after all.


    Either way, it had nothing to do with her.


    On Sunday afternoon, Jude Vaughn called, reminding her to dress up for the next day. The newb''s opening ceremony was tomorrow, and she had a seat reserved for the ribbon cutting-government officials would be attending as well. "Got it, Jude."


    "You''re our star scientist, Eleanor. Theb needs its best face forward," Jude teased.


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh. "You''re exaggerating."


    "Not at all. Everyone says so."


    They chatted about someb details, and as they wrapped up, Jude added, "Oh, by the way, Mr. Goodwin will be there tomorrow too."


    Eleanor had already guessedn woulde. With government representatives present and as theb''srgest investor, he''d have to be there to host.


    The next morning, after dropping off her daughter, Eleanor headed straight for the new research center.


    The building stood on a sprawling campus in a designated industrial park¡ª imposing and modern, its architecture radiated high-tech sophistication.


    Eleanor arrived at the ribbon-cutting in a tailored suit, her hair swept up to reveal her graceful neckline and lending her a poised, intellectual elegance.


    "Miss Sutton, right this way." An usher led her to a front-row seat.


    Jude Vaughn came by to chat, and Eleanor noticed quite a few members of the press in attendance.


    She was about to respond when, out of the corner of her eye, she caught a familiar figuren, walking in with two middle-aged men. Dressed in a charcoal suit, he stood out among the government officials.


    Their eyes met for a fraction of a second before Eleanor looked away.


    Jude introduced the two men as representatives from the other major pharmaceutical firms backing theb.


    The ceremony began promptly at ten.


    "Eleanor,e on! It''s almost time," Jude called.


    Eleanor stood and made her way to the long ceremonial ribbon. Ian was at the center, nked by the pharma and government reps, with Eleanor three spots away from him.


    As the photographers focused their cameras, and the sound of celebratory fireworks filled the air, everyone cut the ribbon in unison.


    Jude took the stage for a speech, expertly introducing theb and drawing rounds of apuse.


    "And now, a few words from Mr. Ian Goodwin, CEO of Goodwin & Co."


    He kept his remarks brief and to the point. Jude then led the group inside for a tour of the newb.


    After a walk-through, everyone gathered in the lobby. Jude arranged lunch for the key people, but Eleanor excused herself¡ªshe needed to get to the Ashford Medical Universityb.


    In the parking lot, she spottedn heading her way.


    She had just climbed into her car when he approached. "Are you free this afternoon?"


    Eleanor frowned. "No."


    "It''s business,"n replied.


    "What''s up?"


    "You haven''t updated me on your research progress for two weeks now," he said. "I''ll be at yourb at two."


    With that, he turned and got into his car, pulling away first.


    At theb, Eleanor managed to grab lunch in the cafeteria with Simone Langley. As they ate, Simone offered some fresh ideas for the research and eventually brought up Eleanor''s father.


    She described him as a manpletely devoted to his work.


    Eleanor felt a pang of nostalgia, recalling the strict way her father had raised her, the high expectations he''d had, always hoping she''d follow in his footsteps. He must have been so disappointed when she chose marriage over her career.


    If he could see her now, would he finally be proud of what she''d achieved?


    "Tomorrow''s Memorial Day," Simone reminded her gently. "Don''t forget to visit your parents'' grave."


    Eleanor nodded. "Yeah, I know."


    When she returned to theb, her assistant, Darcy, hurried over. "Ian''s here. He''s in the conference room, looking over your files."


    Eleanor bit her lip, then pushed open the door. Ian was seated at the table, his long fingers flipping through hertest research report, brow slightly furrowed.


    She set her own folder down, her tone calm.


    Eleanor barely acknowledged thement. "If you have any questions, just ask."


    He closed the file and smiled. "Aren''t you supposed to brief me? You know I can''t follow all the technical stuff."


    If that were true, he wouldn''t be poring over her data so intently.


    Eleanor knew better than anyone how quickly this man learned. She turned on the projector. "Let''s get started."


    Her presentation was concise and thorough, the numbers clear. But as she exined a crucial parameter,n interrupted, "This figure''s down fromst month. Why?"

 Chapter 376

    "We''re still optimizing the reaction conditions. Short-term fluctuations are perfectly normal." Eleanor answered coolly, then pulled up a set ofparative data.


    Eleanor turned to look at him, waiting for feedback, only to realizen''s mind was elsewhere. Irritated, she snapped, "If you''re just here to waste my time, don''t bothering next time."


    ¡°Really?¡± Eleanor scoffed, snapping herptop shut. "Then why don''t you repeat thest set of data I just covered?"


    After he finished, he lifted his eyes, a hint of mischief flickering there. "Did I get it right?"


    Eleanor''s expression only frosted over further. "That''s all for today''s report."


    At that moment,n''s phone rang. He nced at the screen-his grandmother was calling.


    He answered in front of Eleanor. "Hello, Gran."


    "That bracelet I asked you to carry for mest night-where did you put it?"


    "Yes! You had it with you yesterday, but I couldn''t find it when I got home."


    "I''m sorry, Gran, I..."n''s mind went nk; he couldn''t recall what happened to it.


    Eleanor stood up, surprised for once to seen looking unsettled. Had he given Vanessa the bracelet without telling Magdalen?


    She didn''t stick around to listen-she pushed open the door and left.


    A few minutester,n left the conference room and strode quickly toward the elevator.


    He had Gavin check the hotel CCTV, and soon enough, they located the license te of the taxi he''d taken the previous night.


    He briefly exined the situation, and the driver paused. "Didn''t I give your gift box to your sister?"


    "When was this?"n''s frown deepened.


    "About five minutes after you got outst night. I dropped it off at the hotel. A


    pretty youngdy said she was your sister-I even took a photo."


    The driver sent the photo over. Sure enough, it was Serena. Ian thanked him and hung up.


    Then he called Serena.


    "Hey,n!" Serena answered, sounding a little guilty. She''d lied to him the night before and assumed he was about to scold her.


    "Did you get a gift box from a driverst night? Where''s the bracelet that was inside?"


    "The bracelet? Oh, you mean that amethyst one? Weren''t you giving that to Vanessa? I gave it to her for you!" Serena sounded aggrieved.


    There was a shriek on the other end. "What? Gran wanted to give Eleanor that expensive bracelet? Why?!"


    "Get it back, and bring it home,"n ordered in a low voice.


    Serena huffed, ¡°I''m not doing that! You can''t just ask for a gift back after you''ve given it away."


    "Don''t mess around."


    "You do it yourself! I already gave it to Vanessa as if it was from you. I''m not showing my face to get it back!" Serena hung up before he could reply.


    "We''ll go back to the office,"n decided. He''d deal with thister.


    In an upscale caf¨¦, Vanessa was having coffee with friends, the amethyst bracelet


    on her wrist catching the sunlight and drawing admiring nces.


    "Vanessa, that bracelet looks stunning on you," one of the women gushed. "Is Mr. Goodwin going to propose soon?"


    Vanessa smiled, lips curved. "I have no idea!"


    But everyone could hear the satisfaction in her voice. Even ifn hadn''t proposed, she was living a life most of them envied.


    Just then, Serena''s call came through. Vanessa excused herself and moved to a quieter spot by the window.


    "Hello, Serena."


    "Vanessa, has my brother called you?"


    "Your brother? No. Why?"


    "I''m really sorry, Vanessa. The bracelet fromst night wasn''t actually a gift fromn¡ªit was meant for Eleanor from my grandmother. Ian picked it up by mistake, and I thought it was for you when I handed it over."


    Serena''s words wiped the color from Vanessa''s face. She stared down at the bracelet-Magdalen had intended it for Eleanor?


    A moment ago, the bracelet had seemed beautiful. Now, it felt like it was burning her skin. She wanted to rip it off immediately.


    "My brother just asked me to get it back from you. Vanessa, please don''t be upset!"


    Vanessa drew a shaky breath, forcing a smile. "It''s fine. Just a misunderstanding. I''ll take it off and return it to him."


    After hanging up, Vanessa said a quick goodbye to her friends and left. Driving home, she kept ncing at the bracelet, her fingers digging into her palm as she finally managed to pull it off, her skin red from the effort.


    A flush of humiliation and anger surged through her.


    "A gift for Eleanor, huh?" Vanessa muttered bitterly, her eyes burning. Then she let


    out a short, mockingugh. "Fine. I''ll deliver it to Eleanor myself."


    She turned her car and headed straight for Eleanor''sb.

 Chapter 377

    Eleanor finished typing up the day''sb report, ready to call it a night. She slipped off her white coat and hung it on the rack when a voice sounded at the door.


    "Excuse me, miss, can I help you?"


    "Could you tell me which office Eleanor is in?" A woman''s voice, clear and sharp. Eleanor''s expression darkened. That voice-why was it her? Vanessa.


    A few secondster, Vanessa strode in, the sharp click of her heels echoing through the quiet office. Her wless makeup couldn''t quite mask the storm brewing beneath.


    Vanessa stared at Eleanor for a moment before holding out a bracelet, amethyst stones glimmering in the harsh light.


    "This belongs to you," she said.


    Eleanor blinked, recognizing it instantly¡ªthe purple bracelet she''d shown offst night.


    "That''s not mine. You''ve got the wrong person," Eleanor replied coolly, arching an eyebrow.


    "I heard from Serena that Magdalen originally meant this for you. I couldn''t possibly take something that wasn''t meant for me." Vanessa''s lips curled into a sly smile. "Oh, silly me-I forgot, I already took your husband. I''ll leave the gift for you. Even I have standards."


    Eleanor let out a silent, scornfulugh. "Are you finished?"


    "I am." Vanessa tilted her head, her smile triumphant.


    Eleanor picked up her bag and adjusted her shirt cuffs. "Take your bracelet and go. I don''t want anything you''ve used. It''s tainted, and frankly, it''s bad luck."


    Vanessa''s face fell. She''d assumed anything from Magdalen would be precious to Eleanor, but Eleanor didn''t even give it a second nce.


    "Eleanor, this was a special gift from Magdalen, and you''re just throwing it away?" Vanessa''s voice took on a pointed tone. "What would Magdalen think¡ª"


    Eleanor cut her off. "I refused when Magdalen tried to give it to me. It has nothing to do with me now. And one more thing: get out of my office."


    Vanessa''s expression twisted in anger. She sucked in a sharp breath. "Don''t pretend to be so high and mighty. The only reason Magdalen still cares is because you spent a year tending ton when he was sick. She just pities you for being tossed aside."


    Eleanor almostughed out loud.


    "You got what you wantedn. So why do you still act like the wounded one? If anyone here is pitiful, it''s you."


    "You-" Vanessa''s perfect features contorted with rage. She mmed the amethyst bracelet onto Eleanor''s desk. "You think I even want this? It''s just something the Goodwin family tossed your way. I don''t care about it, either."


    The bracelet ttered on the desk, sharp and bright. Eleanor didn''t even look up. "If you''re done, leave. I need to go pick up my daughter."


    "Your daughter?¡± Vanessa sneered suddenly. ¡°You''re just using Evelyn to cozy up to Magdalen, aren''t you? Trying to worm your way back into the family with your child as bait?"


    Eleanor''s eyes shed with fury. "Vanessa, I warn you-leave my daughter out of this."


    "Oh? Did I hit a nerve?" Vanessa lifted her chin, smug. "You''re a terrible mother, using your own daughter to-"


    Smack.


    A sharp p silenced her.


    Vanessa clutched her cheek, her voice trembling with rage and shock. "You hit me?"


    "That was to teach you some manners," Eleanor said icily. "Mention my daughter again, and I won''t hesitate to remind you twice."


    Vanessa''s fists clenched, her re murderous, as if she was about to retaliate. But after a moment, she forced out a bitterugh, still holding her face. "I''ll remember this p, Eleanor. And someday, I''ll pay you back."


    With that, she turned on her heel and left.


    Eleanor eyed the amethyst bracelet on her desk with an irritated frown.


    She snapped a picture and sent it ton, her message curt: Come get your stuff.


    A minuteter,n called. His voice was low, restrained. ¡°Alright, I''m on my way."


    "I left it in my desk drawer. Take it yourself." She hung up.


    Vanessa climbed into her car just as her phone rang. Serena''s name shed on the screen.


    "Hey, Vanessa, did my brothere get the bracelet?"


    "No, I gave it to Eleanor."


    "What? Why would you do that? Grandma never meant for her to have it."


    "I was just trying to do the right thing, Serena. And she pped me for it." Vanessa''sugh was brittle.


    "She did what? Who does she think she is?"


    "I don''t know. Maybe she thinks anything I''ve worn is bad luck. Or maybe I said something wrong."


    "What did you say?"


    "I said I shouldn''t take what she loves." Vanessa sighed. "Maybe that set her off."


    Serena tried to reassure her. "Vanessa, this isn''t your fault. Don''t let her get to you. She''s just angry about the divorce and taking it out on you."


    ¡°Serena, am I really such a terrible person? Did I hurt her that much?" Vanessa bit her lip, voice wobbling. "Am I really a bad woman?"


    "Don''t cry, Vanessa. If Eleanor hadn''t insisted on marrying my brother in the first ce, you would''ve been the Goodwin family''s daughter-inw a long time ago. She couldn''t keepn, so why take it out on you?"


    "Thank you, Serena. That means a lot."


    "Don''t worry about the bracelet. If Grandma gets upset, I''ll take the me."


    Vanessa let out a soft breath. "Thank you for always being on my side." Serena offered more reassurances before hanging up, saying she had to head back to the Goodwin estate and not to worry about the bracelet. Twenty minutes after Eleanor left,n stepped into her office. He pulled open the top drawer and found the amethyst bracelet inside, slipping it into his pocket. His long fingers lingered for a moment on Eleanor''s freshly written report before he left.

 Chapter 378

    The handwriting was elegant and graceful-just like the person who''d written it.


    True to form.


    Later, Eleanor picked up her daughter and headed home. Just as they sat down for dinner, her phone rang. Magdalen''s name shed on the screen.


    Eleanor stepped out into the garden to take the call. "Hello, Magdalen?"


    "Ellie, I heard you and Vanessa had an argument and you pped her. Did she try to fight back?" Magdalen''s anxious voice crackled over the line.


    Eleanor paused, caught off guard. ¡°Grandma, she didn''t. She just walked away."


    "That''s a relief," Magdalen sighed. Then her tone shifted, stern but caring. "About the bracelet-Serena was careless giving it away. I''ve already spoken to her."


    "Grandma, I''ve hadn return the bracelet."


    "I know. He just got home," Magdalen replied, sounding a little irritated now. "That bracelet was something I picked out especially for you. It''s not for just anyone to wear. I''m putting it up for auction-next time, I''ll choose something else for you."


    "Please, Grandma, there''s no need to get me anything. I really don''t need gifts like that."


    Magdalen sighed again. "You''ve always been so unassuming, never one to fight for anything. That''s exactly why I adore you. Girls who y games and scheme¡ªl can''t stand them."


    Eleanorughed softly. "It''ste, Grandma. You should get some rest."


    "You too, Ellie. Make sure Evelyn gets to bed early." With that, Magdalen hung up.


    Meanwhile, at the Goodwin house, the atmosphere was heavy. Serena sat on the couch, sulking, cheeks puffed out in frustration¡ªher grandmother had given her quite the scolding. Ian was upstairs working in the study, and Gina, their mother, was quietly upset about her daughter''s thoughtless gesture.


    If only Serena had asked before giving away the bracelet, none of this would have happened.


    This time, Serena had taken all the me herself, not wanting Vanessa to get dragged into the mess.


    Just then,n came downstairs for a ss of water. Serena watched him, visibly upset, but he ignored her.


    Her frustration boiled over. She got up and nted herself in front of him. "Ian, I know I messed up, but Vanessa was just trying to give Eleanor a nice gift, and Eleanor pped her! How unfair is that to Vanessa?"


    Serena shrank back under his stare, her eyes filling with tears. ¡°I¡ª I just¡ª¡± Her voice trembled. "But Vanessa-"


    "That''s enough." Ian cut her off sharply. "You''re going back to Montir for school. And you''re noting home until you''ve earned your degree."


    "Why should I? You know I''m not cut out for school!" Serena protested, her voice rising in anger.


    Gina, hearing themotion, came downstairs. "What''s going on?"


    Serena flung herself into her mother''s arms, sobbing. "He''s trying to send me away again, Mom! I don''t want to go back to school-I hate it!"


    Gina sighed, turning to her son. "She''s twenty-five,n. Do you really need to force her to study abroad?"


    "I''m not leaving. I don''t care what you say!" Serena snapped, her eyes red with tears.


    Aftern went back upstairs, Gina tried tofort her. "Don''t worry, honey. He''s just upset about today. Give him some time to cool off."


    A thought struck Gina, and she hesitated before asking, "By the way, how are things between your brother and Vanessa?"


    "They''re fine," Serena answered quickly.


    Gina remembered the lunch she''d had with Vanessa not long ago¡ªVanessa''s stomach had been perfectly t. Maybe she''d been wrong about her suspicions after all. Vanessa must not be pregnant. But it wasn''t something she could ask about directly, not before they were even married.


    "Try not to cause your brother any more trouble. He''s already under enough stress at work," Gina reminded her daughter gently.


    Upstairs in the study,n was drafting an email when his phone lit up with a text from Vanessa.


    "Ian, I''m really sorry about the bracelet. I had no idea it was meant for Eleanor. I apologized to her today I hope she''s not upset with me. And please, don''t be mad at Serena. If anyone''s at fault, it''s me."


    Just then,n''s phone rang again. He didn''t reply to Vanessa''s message, choosing instead to answer the call.


    Afterward, he grabbed his suit jacket and car keys, then dialed Byron Chase. "Come with me to Kingston. Now."


    "Yes, Mr. Goodwin."


    Asn headed downstairs, he called Eleanor.


    At that moment, Eleanor was getting Evelyn ready for bed. When she sawn''s name on the screen, a wave of annoyance washed over her, but she answered anyway. "What is it?"


    "First flight out tomorrow. We need to go to Kingston,¡±n said, his tone brisk. "Meridian Dynamics is signing a formal contract with the military. You have to be there."


    Eleanor had no interest in traveling with him. "Do I have to go?"


    "Yes. The military hospital specifically requested you,"n''s voice was low, leaving no room for negotiation.


    "Why would they want to see me?" Eleanor asked, keeping her voice as steady as she could.


    "Because your research proposal was selected as a key project. They want to discuss details with you face to face."


    He paused, his voice softening just a little. "Eleanor, this coboration is important for Meridian Dynamics."

 Chapter 379

    Eleanor paused for a moment before replying, "Alright, I''ll be there on time."


    She didn''t wait forn to say anything else¡ªshe hung up first.


    As much as she loathed working withn, this was about her research. Personal grudges had to take a back seat; strengthening herself mattered more now.


    Partnering with the military would open up new possibilities for her future projects. All she could do was contribute her own small spark to the world of science, even if it felt like a dim firefly''s glow.


    A littleter, Joel Kingsley texted-he''d be apanying her tomorrow, along with Faye Yeaton. All the lead researchers from Meridian Dynamics would be present this time.


    The next morning, as Eleanor was packing, she heard her daughter''s cheerful voice drifting up from downstairs. ¡°Grandma, you''re here!"


    Eleanor froze, then hurried down to find Joslyn Gina in the living room. Joslyn looked up and said, "I heard you''re heading to Kingston for work, so I came to take Evelyn to my ce."


    Eleanor wasn''t surprised; she''d half-expectedn to make such arrangements. Still, Joslyn wasn''t Evelyn''s mother. She could keep the girlpany during the day, but not overnight.


    Seeing Eleanor hesitate, Gina softened her tone. "Eleanor, caring for Evelyn is my responsibility, too. Go focus on your work-I''ll look after her."


    There was a time when Gina thought Eleanor was aimless, dependent on her son for everything. Now she realized that if Eleanor hadn''t married into their family and given up her own ambitions, she might have been remarkable in her own right. In hindsight, it seemed marriage had only held her back.


    "Mom, bring me back a present when you''re home, okay?" Evelyn called out.


    Eleanor smiled at her daughter. "Of course. But you have to be good while I''m away."


    "I will! I love Grandma''s house," Evelyn replied-after all, everyone there doted on her.


    Once Gina had taken Evelyn, Joel arrived to pick Eleanor up for the airport.


    In the front seat, Faye looked less than pleased. When she''d received the emailst night about the business trip to Kingston, she''d been thrilled¡ªit meant her skills were finally being recognized. Then she heard Eleanor would be going as well, and her enthusiasm vanished. It felt like, once again, she''d be cast as Eleanor''s sidekick.


    Joel loaded Eleanor''s suitcase into the trunk and asked, "Evelyn all set?"


    "Yeah, she''s with her grandmother now," Eleanor replied.


    Joel nodded. "This project is important for Meridian Dynamics, but it''s also your chance to prove the value of your research. Make the most of it."


    Eleanor gave him a small smile and slid into the back seat.


    Joel drove them straight to the airport. Once parked, he grabbed Eleanor''s suitcase. Faye, meanwhile, had to haul her own.


    "Joel, I can carry it myself," Eleanor said with augh. She''d only packed a small bag-it wasn''t heavy.


    "It''s fine," Joel replied. "I heard you''ve been swamped in thebtely. Take it easy for a change."


    Behind them, Faye clenched her jaw. Did Joel only ever notice when Eleanor was tired? She was exhausted too!


    After clearing security, they boarded quickly.


    Two hourster, the three arrived in Kingston. A military car was already waiting for them.


    Faye felt her nerves tighten. It was her first time receiving this kind of treatment. When she nced at Eleanor, she found her calm and unfazed. Faye forced herself to take a slow breath and tamped down her anxiety.


    The car brought them onto the campus of the Military Medical University, stopping outside the research building. As they stepped out, Byron''s assistant approached them. "Please get ready-the meeting will start soon. There''s no time to check in yet; we''ll handle thatter."


    Eleanor and Faye followed Joel to the administrative conference room. Inside,n was chatting with several military officials. He nced their way, checked his watch, and said, "Mr. ck, our lead researchers are here; we can begin."


    Once seated, Byron handed Eleanor a folder. Inside was the military''s focus for this project: her proposal for nanorobotic therapy.


    Around the table, a dozen or so military officers and medical experts were waiting, their attention fixed on the Meridian Dynamics team.


    At that moment, a middle-aged man across the table stood up to greet her. "Dr. Sutton, it''s an honor to finally meet you! I''ve studied your paper on Al cellr simtion-brilliant work."


    Taken aback, Eleanor smiled modestly. "Thank you."


    From the corner of her eye, Faye gave a barely concealed smirk.


    If only he knew Eleanor didn''t even have a master''s degree-calling her ''Doctor'' was a joke. And Eleanor had the nerve to ept it? Clearly, she''d been passing herself off as a PhD outside. Shameless.


    Eleanor said nothing. This wasn''t the time or ce for exnations. Besides, her degree was no longer the point-her published work spoke for itself.


    A physician from the base introduced everyone around the table, then Byron introduced the Meridian Dynamics team. The atmosphere was warm and enthusiastic on both sides.


    "Ms. Sutton, could you exin the clinical application n for this technology in detail?" one doctor asked earnestly.


    Eleanor nodded, responding with rity and precision. She referenced the current progress at Meridian Dynamics-even though she''d left the project three months ago, Joel had brought her up to speed with all thetest data on the way here.


    For the next three hours, the Meridian Dynamics team led the meeting. Their performance impressed the military hospital representatives, who listened intently, nodding along.


    Mr. ck turned ton. "Mr. Goodwin, your team is outstanding. We hope to establish a long-term coboration with yourpany and form a dedicated military medical research group to jointly lead this project.¡±<pn grinned broadly. "Thank you for your trust in Meridian Dynamics. We''re honored to work with you."

 Chapter 380

    The staff brought out the prepared contract, and everyone signed the strategic cooperation agreement right there at the table.


    As Eleanor skimmed through a stack of documents, she suddenly sensed someone''s gaze on her-a curious, lingering look from across the table. She nced up and realized it was Dr. Garrison Bradley, the military physician who''d been peppering her with questions earlier. Caught in the act, Garrison offered a sheepish smile, scribbled something hastily on a notepad, and slid it across to her.


    Eleanor blinked in surprise, taking the notebook. On the open page was a quick note: "I''m good friends with Mansfield. He told me to say hello."


    She looked up, genuinely surprised, and Garrison grinned, giving her a small nod.


    From the other side, Faye watched the exchange with narrowed eyes. She hadn''t expected Eleanor to be so casual-flirting with a man she''d only just met, and in front of everyone, no less.


    Of course,n noticed too. As Eleanor handed the notebook back to Garrison and gave him a polite smile, the clock struck noon-lunchtime.


    "Let''s head next door for lunch together," Mr. ck suggested, leading the way. "We''ll dive into the details this afternoon."


    He left the conference room withn at his side, deep in conversation, while Byron started chatting with the visiting engineers.


    Eleanor and Faye fell in step behind Joel. Faye, never missing a chance, leaned in with a smirk. "Eleanor, why didn''t you clear up the confusion about your degree just now? Or do you prefer everyone calling you Dr. Sutton-does it sound fancier?"


    Joel overheard and shot Faye a warning look. "Faye, academic credentials aren''t everything. Eleanor''s research speaks louder than any diploma."


    Faye''s cheeks flushed a deeper red. Joel always took Eleanor''s side, it seemed, refusing to let anyone so much as ruffle her feathers.


    "Sure, some people are impressive," Faye muttered, "especially when ites to attracting men."


    "Dr. Bradley''s just a friend of a friend," Eleanor replied calmly. "He was just saying hello."


    Faye blinked, thrown off. Since when did Eleanor have friends in the military? She couldn''t help recalling the dashing officer she''d seen with Eleanor once, and her irritation only deepened.


    The group arrived at the restaurant, where two tables had been set for their party.


    Garrison made his way over to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, a pleasure. Mansfield talks about you all the time."


    Eleanor felt her cheeks flush. "Really? Are you and Mr. Ellington close?"


    "We served together and studied together. The military''s very interested in your nanobot technology. Personally, I find your work fascinating."


    Just then, Faye drifted over, catching Garrison''s attention. "You must be Dr. Yeaton," he said with a friendly smile.


    Faye replied, "I''m still finishing my doctorate, actually-haven''t graduated yet."


    She shot Eleanor a pointed look, as if to say, "See, at least I''m honest," unlike someone else.


    Garrison chuckled. "Joining such a major project at your age is impressive."


    Suddenly, Faye turned to Eleanor, her tone sharp. "Eleanor, didn''t Professor Langley reject your joint master''s and PhD application? Or am I remembering wrong?"


    Eleanor faced her challengingly, a slight smile on her lips. "That''s right."


    "So, you''re actually still an undergrad?" Faye said, feigning innocence.


    Garrison nced at Faye, then turned to Eleanor, visibly impressed. "You''re still an undergrad and you''ve aplished all this? That''s extraordinary."


    Faye''s expression froze.


    Garrison''s words practically crowned Eleanor a prodigy.


    Eleanor smiled. "Yes, I was on leave for six years and only went back to universityst year."


    Garrison nodded. "I''ve always believed research should be judged by results, not degrees." He added, "I''ve read your papers in international journals-they''re visionary, and I know you hold several patents. That''s real achievement."


    Faye''s face was now a mask of barely concealed frustration.


    She''d hoped to make Garrison dismiss Eleanor, but all she''d done was give him


    reason to admire her more. The n hadpletely backfired.


    "Miss Sutton, would you mind if I ask you some technical questions this afternoon?" Garrison said.


    "Of course," Eleanor replied.


    At the head table,n sipped his coffee, ncing over at the group.


    Sensing the mood, Faye retreated to her seat. Garrison leaned in and teased,


    "Looks like Mansfield has good taste-he picked a scientist with both brains and beauty."


    Eleanor blushed, pressing her slender fingers to her lips in a rare moment of shyness.


    Across the room,n watched the scene unfold, surprised to see just how much attention Eleanor drew from the men around her.


    Garrison was just over thirty, his military background lending him a confident,manding presence. With his sharp features and doctorate in military medicine, he was undeniably attractive.


    Even Joel found himself ncing over, curious about what Eleanor and Garrison were discussing so intently.


    Faye seethed in silence. Whenever Eleanor was present, her own shine seemed to fade into the background-a feeling she hated.


    After lunch, Eleanor and her team checked into the university guest residence.


    Not long after, someone knocked at her door. When she opened it, she foundn standing in the hallway.


    "What do you want?" Eleanor asked coolly.


    "I saw you and Dr. Bradley getting along pretty well. Did you know each other before?"n''s eyes narrowed.


    Eleanor folded her arms and gave a shortugh. "And what business is it of yours?"


    He held her gaze. "Just asking."


    "In the future, my private life is none of your concern. You have neither the right


    nor the privilege to ask." With that, she shut the door in his face.

 Chapter 381

    That afternoon''s technology seminar was dominated by a barrage of questions from the military delegation, all zeroing in on the project''s potential.


    "Is this technology capable of rapidly stopping bleeding and repairing internal organ injuries in harsh battlefield conditions?" Mr. ck asked, his tone grave.


    His question brought the meeting room to a sudden, tense silence.


    Byron, frowning as he flipped through his notes, looked uneasy-he was an engineer, after all, and medical science wasn''t exactly his forte.


    Joel, meanwhile, was furiously scribbling calctions into his notebook. Spotting this, Faye quickly ducked her head and pretended to jot something down as well, inwardly cursing her luck-this was miles outside her area of expertise.


    She thought, It''s not just me¡ªeven Joel can''t make any guarantees here.


    Just then, a clear female voice broke the silence. "In theory, nanorobots could achieve that."


    Eleanor stood up, all eyes turning her way as she stepped to the projector and pulled up a set of research data.


    "I ran a simr simtionst year." She zoomed in on a 3D model. "By improving the current nanomaterials and using maic field guidance, we can achieve micro-suturing within thirty minutes."


    A flicker of admiration crossed Garrison''s face. He rose and said, "Miss Sutton''s experiments are highly practical."


    Across the table,n''s lips twitched in the barest hint of a smile.


    Eleanor proceeded with a calm, confident demonstration, exining the technical details.


    "How long would it take to trante this technology to clinical use?" a military expert pressed.


    "If we have militaryb support..." Eleanor paused in thought. "We couldplete animal trials within two months."


    "With Meridian Dynamics'' currentb capabilities, that''s absolutely feasible," Joel added, brimming with confidence.


    At the other end of the table,n watched Eleanor, who was now the center of attention.


    The woman presenting in front of the military-grade holographic disy barely resembled the version of her he remembered.


    "Mr. Goodwin?" Byron whispered. "If we go ahead with this, we''ll need Miss Sutton working at Meridian Dynamics for two months."


    Byron continued, "But I heard Miss Sutton is currently leading an independent project for you."


    At that moment, Eleanor nced over. It was true if she joined this research, coordinating live with both Meridian and the military, there''d be no way to continue her other experiments.


    Their eyes met for a few seconds before Eleanor looked away.


    After a brief silence,n said to Byron, "Alright, you can have her for two months."


    A smile spread across Byron''s face. "That''s excellent news."


    Faye, who''d earlier feigned note-taking to avoid being called on, now watched as Eleanor not only answered the toughest question but also volunteered to spearhead the project-stealing the spotlight yet again.


    But wait, wasn''t Eleanor busy withn''s project? There''s no way she could handle both. Maybe this was her chance.


    "Mr. Goodwin, I''d like to volunteer as the project liaison," Faye interjected quickly.


    Beforen could reply, Garrison spoke up. "Miss Sutton is the only logical choice. She''s the only one at Meridian Dynamics with direct experience."


    The military experts nodded in agreement.


    Joel chimed in, "Eleanor''s published three major papers on this exact subject. She''s the obvious fit."


    Once the meeting wrapped, both sides exchanged contact details for future cooperation. Mr. ck and his team scheduled a follow-up for the next day before leaving.


    The coboration was settled smoothly.


    That evening,n made a reservation at a restaurant for all participants-a chance to unwind after a heavy day.


    Byron went out of his way to invite Eleanor, eager to discuss the project''s specifics over dinner.


    She epted.


    At six, Joel came by to invite Eleanor to share a cab downtown-the restaurant was in the city center, and everyone was looking forward to rxing a little after the meal.

 Chapter 382

    When they arrived at the restaurant, Faye had already swapped out her business suit for a striking, low-cut dress, turning heads as she entered. Eleanor, on the other hand, stuck to her signature look: a crisp white blouse and dark jeans¡ª simple, fresh, and decidedly unfussy.


    The private dining room buzzed with conversation about the day''s project. Byron, unable to contain his excitement, raised his ss and announced, "Who would''ve thought Meridian Dynamics would reach the point of coborating with the military? All thanks to Mr. Goodwin''s leadership. Let''s have a toast to Mr. Goodwin!"


    Everyone at the table stood to join in-except Eleanor.


    sses were raised inn''s direction, but Eleanor simply sipped her tea, unconcerned. Everyone there understood: no matter how out of line Eleanor might seem,n would never hold it against her.


    Faye shot Eleanor a sideways nce. Did she really have to act so aloof, as if she were above the rest of the team? What made her so special? Did beingn''s ex-wife entitle her to some kind of privilege?


    "Alright, everyone''s worked hard. Let''s eat,"n said, his long fingers pausing thezy Susan at the center of the table.


    The group fell quiet for a moment, noticing that a steaming dish of truffle-baked lobster hade to rest directly in front of Eleanor.


    Eleanor picked up her fork and replied coolly, "Got tired of it."


    Only Faye kept ncing betweenn and Eleanor, her curiosity growing. What was going on here? Wasn still looking out for his ex-wife? Could there be something rekindling between them?


    "Miss Sutton," Byron chimed in, "Mr. Goodwin has already agreed to have you seconded back to Meridian Dynamics for the military project. Looks like we''ll be working together again."


    Faye''s expression soured as she stared at Eleanor. What? She''sing back for research again?


    Eleanor herself was genuinely interested in the project-it was based on her own theoretical work, after all, and she was eager to see it put into practice.


    After dinner, with the night still young, Eleanor decided to head downtown to pick out a gift for her daughter.


    "Joel, why don''t you head back first? I want to find something for my little girl."


    "Kingston''s pretty safe, but I''d still worry about you wandering around alone thiste. Let mee with you," Joel replied with an easy smile.


    Faye, catching their conversation, piped up, "Joel, mind if I join you guys? I''d love to shop a little too!"


    Joel frowned slightly. "Maybe Laird can go with you."


    Laird jumped in right away, "Sure, Faye. I''ve got time."


    Faye hesitated, her tone chilly. "Never mind. I''m beat¡ªI''ll just head back and get some rest."


    Meanwhile,n and Byron were deep in conversation, butn nced over just in time to see Eleanor misjudge a step and stumble slightly.


    Joel was quick, steadying her with a gentle arm. "Careful,¡± he said.


    Eleanor regained her bnce, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "Didn''t see that step."


    "The lighting''s terrible-someone shouldin about that," Joel muttered, letting her go.


    "Mr. Goodwin?"


    Snapped from his thoughts,n replied, "We''ll discuss the project details back at the hotel."


    "Are you heading back to the guesthouseter, sir?"


    "I have someone to meet. You all go ahead." With that,n strode toward a waiting ck SUV.


    Just then, his phone rang. It was Vanessa calling.

 Chapter 383

    Eleanor and Joel made their way to the busiest shopping street in Kingston.


    The night was alive with neon lights and crowds weaving along the sidewalk.


    Eleanor stepped into a charming toy store, carefully browsing for a gift for her daughter. Evelyn already had a mountain of toys, so every time Eleanor picked out something new, she found herself agonizing over the choice.


    She wondered what kind of toy would actually delight her daughter this time.


    "How about this one? Looks like it just came out," Eleanor said, picking up a singing robot toy that could also chat and dance.


    She checked its features and smiled. "This one''s great. I think Evelyn will love it."


    Before she could say more, Joel had already picked up the toy and was heading toward the counter.


    "Joel!" Eleanor hurried after him.


    Joel had the cashier ring it up and presented his phone to pay.


    Just as Eleanor was about to protest, the cashier-quick on the uptake-scanned Joel''s code without hesitation.


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh, resigned. ¡°Joel, you really shouldn''t spend money on this."


    "It''s been a while since I got Evelyn a present," Joel replied. "Let this one be from me."


    "Thank you," Eleanor said warmly.


    They left the shop with the gift and caught a cab back toward the guesthouse at the Military Medical University. Down on thewn, they spotted Byron ying ser with a group of his men. They called Joel over to join, and he happily epted.


    Inside the lobby, Eleanor ran into Garrison. He noticed her arrival and greeted her. "Miss Sutton, just getting back?"


    "Yes, I went out to pick up a toy for my daughter," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    Garrison wasn''t surprised-Mansfield Ellington had already filled him in on Eleanor''s situation.


    "I was hoping to chat with you, but it''s gettingte. Let''s catch up tomorrow if you have time," Garrison said.


    "Sure, see you then."


    Eleanor brought the toy up to her room, took a shower, and settled on the couch to review her research proposal. Out on the emptywn below, she could still hear the men cheering each other on as they yed ser, even at eleven o''clock. Eventually, drowsiness overtook her and she went to bed.


    The next morning, Eleanor headed down to the dining hall at seven thirty. Byron and Joel were already seated, eating breakfast. Eleanor grabbed a tray and sat with them.


    "Did either of you see Mr. Goodwinst night? I have an urgent document for him to sign, but he wasn''t in his room," asked Laird, Byron''s assistant.


    "Didn''t Mr. Goodwin leave in a ck Land Roverst night? He must''ve had other ns."


    "With someone in Mr. Goodwin''s position, I imagine there''s a line out the door to meet him," someone else chimed in.


    Suddenly, Byron shot his men a look, signaling them to drop the subject.


    They fell silent, remembering that Eleanor wasn''s ex-wife and not wanting to make things awkward.


    Joel, ever considerate, handed Eleanor a mug of hot milk. "Did you sleep wellst night?"


    "Pretty well, thanks." She epted the mug, ncing out of the corner of her eye to seen striding into the dining room.


    He wore a sharp suit, his expression cool and focused. It was the same shirt and jacket from the day before-clearly, he''d been too busy to return to the guesthouse and change.


    Laird immediately stood up. "Mr. Goodwin, I have a document that needs your signature."


    "Eleanor," he called suddenly, "the military delegation will arrive at nine. Make sure your presentation materials are ready."


    Eleanor finally looked up, her tone neutral. "They''re ready."


    He nced at the caller ID, frowned, and stepped out of the dining room to


    answer.


    Just then, Garrison entered and walked straight over to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, about the presentation slides you sent me I have a suggestion. Could we go over it privately before the meeting?"


    Eleanor had just finished eating and rose to join him in a quiet corner.


    Faye couldn''t help but stare after them, a flicker of jealousy in her eyes.


    "I went over your datast night," Garrison said, handing her a sh drive. "There


    are a few figures that could use tweaking, so I made some adjustments."


    "Thank you. I''ll take a look in a bit," Eleanor replied gratefully.


    Outside the dining hall,n finished his call just in time to see Eleanor and Garrison standing close together.


    His eyes darkened as he strode toward the conference room.


    At nine on the dot, the military representatives arrived. Mr. ck surveyed the room. "Today, we''ll finalize the schedule for the experiment."


    Eleanor switched on the projector and began presenting the revised n. Her professional delivery earned her another round of apuse. When she finished, Mr. ck nodded in approval. ¡°Let''s move forward with this. Animal testing will begin next week."


    As the meeting ended, people began to file out.


    Joel found Eleanor to let her know he''d booked their flight for three that afternoon, and that they still had a little time to coordinate with the military team.


    The follow-up meeting ran until one-thirty, after which the group hurried to the airport.n didn''t go with them.


    After a two-hour flight, theynded in Ashford City, where apany car met them and took them back downtown. As soon as Eleanor got home, she went to pick up her daughter.


    Evelyn was thrilled with her new toy. When Eleanor told her it was from Joel, Evelyn''s eyes went wide in surprise. Hugging her gift, she eximed, "I love the present Mr. Kingsley gave me!"


    At eight that evening, Eleanor''s doorbell rang.


    Joslyn looked up, surprised. "Who could that be thiste?"


    Just then, Princess-who''d been dozing nearby-suddenly leapt to her feet, barking excitedly at the door, her tail wagging furiously until she was practically whining with joy.


    Evelyn''s eyes sparkled. "It''s Daddy! I know it''s Daddy. Come on, Princess, let''s go see!"


    Eleanor ran a hand through her hair in exasperation, arms folded as she stepped into the yard. Joslyn had just opened the door, andn''s tall frame appeared in the doorway.

 Chapter 384

    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, throwing herself into his arms with delight.


    Evelyn hugged the new toy to her chest, then turned to Eleanor with shining eyes. "Mommy, I got two presents today! One from Mr. Kingsley, and now one from Daddy."


    She turned back ton, eager to share the news again. "Daddy, guess what? Mr. Kingsley got me a present too!"


    A shadow flickered acrossn''s face, barely noticeable. "Oh? Did he now?"


    Eleanor stood on the steps, the moonlight tracing the delicate lines of her figure and lending her an air of quiet elegance.


    "But I want Daddy to stay with me," Evelyn protested, suddenly dropping her new toy and clinging to his leg.


    "Evelyn, how about Mommy helps you unwrap your gifts?" Eleanor''s calm voice broke the moment.


    Evelyn''s eyes instantly lit up. She releasedn and spun around. "Bye, Daddy! Mommy''s going to help me open my presents!"


    Eleanor spent the rest of the evening with Evelyn, helping her unwrap the gifts and coaxing her to bed.


    The next morning, as she dropped Evelyn off at school, Eleanor ran into Xavier Vaughn. He hadn''t seen her in days; he knew how demanding her job was just scheduling a meal with her was nearly impossible.


    "How''s work these days? Still swamped?" he asked, offering a friendly smile.


    "Yeah, I''ve got several research projects on my te right now. It''s nonstop," Eleanor admitted.


    Xavier chuckled. "Well, if you ever find a free evening, let''s grab dinner."


    "I''ll let you know if I get a break," she replied, smiling.


    He watched as Eleanor''s car pulled away, then snapped back to reality when his phone rang. His father had been hospitalizedst week, and it looked like he''d have to take over the family business sooner than expected.


    These days, his life was a bncing act between family and work.


    Back at theb, Eleanor informed Simone she''d be stationed at Meridian Dynamics for two months. Simone was visibly surprised.


    ¡°I thoughtn was always pushing you to hit deadlines on your current projects. Why the sudden transfer to Meridian Dynamics?" Simone asked, puzzled.


    "Meridian Dynamics has just partnered with the Department of Defense. They need me for support work," Eleanor exined.


    Simone nodded. "Alright, I''ll have Callie take over your experiments for now. The pace might slow down a bit, but we can''t just freeze everything."


    ¡°Thanks. I''ll check the data whenever I have a spare moment," Eleanor promised.


    She packed a few personal items for her stay at Meridian Dynamics and settled into a spacious, sunlit office.


    As she stepped inside, she noticed a bouquet of red roses arranged neatly on her desk.


    She paused in surprise. Who could have sent these?


    Faye, arms full of files, passed by the office, then doubled back when she noticed


    Eleanor staring at the flowers. She strolled in with a sly grin.


    "Don''t get any wild ideas. It''s not from who you think," Faye teased.


    Eleanor arched a brow. "And who do you think I think it''s from?"


    "You weren''t hoping Mr. Goodwin sent them, were you?" Faye smirked.


    Eleanor frowned. Of all people, she hoped it wasn''tn.


    "Sorry to disappoint, but they''re from VP Chase. He sent one to me, too." Faye shed a red-lipped smile and breezed out.


    Since the flowers were from Byron, Eleanor felt free to enjoy them. She inhaled their fragrance and ced them on the coffee table, right where she could see them whenever she looked up.


    At ten, the meeting began.


    Byron opened with a special wee for Eleanor, and then they dialed in Garrison for a video conference.


    On Garrison''s end, three military researchers joined in as well. After quick introductions, the academic discussion got underway.


    Outside the conference room,n lingered by the door, listening quietly without interrupting.


    Just as he was about to leave, Garrison''s voice rose from the screen. "Sorry to interrupt, but I have a friend who''d like to say hello to Miss Sutton."


    A new face appeared on screen-handsome, sharp-jawed, and immediatelymanding attention.


    -Mansfield Ellington.


    The moment Mansfield Ellington''s face appeared, Eleanor stiffened in surprise.


    Faye''s heart skipped a beat. Even the two young assistants taking notes exchanged wide-eyed nces, silently marveling at the man on the screen.


    Mansfield, in his dress uniform, gleaming epaulets catching the light, looked every inch the high-ranking officer.


    "Eleanor, it''s been a long time," he greeted her with a warm smile.


    Every eye in the room turned to Eleanor.


    Faye''s gaze held a flicker of envy. This was no ordinary officer; those epaulets marked him as someone important.


    Eleanor quicklyposed herself. "Major General Ellington. It''s good to see you again."


    The title drew a collective gasp-so young, and already a Major General?


    "Garrison told me you''re working together on a critical project. I happened to be inspecting the site today," Mansfield said easily. "Wishing you all the best. I won''t keep you."


    He lingered for a moment, his gaze resting on Eleanor, before signing off.


    At that moment, the conference room door opened. Ian strode in, exuding quiet authority in his tailored suit.


    Byron cleared his throat, jumping up to greet him. "Mr. Goodwin, d you could join us."<pn pulled out a chair and sat down. "Just here to observe. Please, carry on."

 Chapter 385

    Faye was still reeling from the revtion that Mansfield Ellington held the rank of Major General. Before she could fully process it,n walked into the conference room. A bitter, mocking feeling welled up inside her there was Eleanor, openly flirting with another man in front of Mr. Goodwin.


    Clearly, as far asn was concerned, his ex-wife was nothing but fickle and untrustworthy.


    Back in Kingston, Faye had worried thatn might rekindle things with Eleanor. But seeing him now, she realized that, no matter how desperaten might be for femalepany, he''d never go back to her.


    And why would he, when he had the alluring Vanessa by his side? Next to Vanessa, Eleanor''s appeal didn''t even register on the same scale.


    The video call was still running in the conference room, casting an odd tension over the group.


    Eleanor could feeln''s gaze lingering on her for a few seconds, but she kept her eyes on the documents in front of her, focused and unfazed.


    After Garrison greetedn, he dove straight into the heart of the meeting. The discussion dragged on for nearly two hours before it finally wrapped up.


    Eleanor stayed absorbed in the meeting the whole time, never noticing whenn slipped out.


    At noon, Joel invited her to lunch.


    "So-first impressions of your new posting at Meridian Dynamics?" he asked as they settled in.


    "It''s a bit nerve-racking," Eleanor admitted, "like I could be thrown into battle at any moment. Nothing like the calm you get in ab."


    "Couldn''t agree more," Joel chuckled. "By the way, did Evelyn like the gift I broughtst night?"


    Eleanor''s face brightened. "She loved it. Thank you."


    Joel grinned, then asked with feigned casualness as he cut into his steak, "So, how exactly did you meet Major General Ellington?"


    Eleanor paused, surprised by the question, but she didn''t bother hiding anything. She told him the truth.


    A flicker of surprise crossed Joel''s eyes. "Seems like he''s quite taken with you. Maybe even nning to pursue you?"


    Eleanor''s knife paused mid-cut. She met his gaze. She couldn''t deny it.


    "He does seem to like me," she admitted. She could feel Mansfield Ellington''s enthusiasm¡ªit wasn''t subtle.


    "And what about you?" Joel took a sip of water, watching her closely.


    Eleanor thought for a moment before answering honestly, "I''m so busy right now, I don''t have time for a rtionship. It''s just not on my mind."


    "Is that what you told Major General Ellington, too?" Joel asked, a teasing smile on his lips.


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. "Exactly that."


    Joel believed her. He also knew any man who cared for Eleanor would be willing to wait-she was worth a patient pursuit.


    Especially now: she''d juste out of a failed marriage, was raising a five-year- old on her own, and was throwing herself into her research. She barely had a moment to breathe, let alone date.


    After lunch, they returned to the Meridian Dynamics office. That afternoon, Byron had assembled his team of engineers for an internal meeting. They were running tests on the new algorithm, blue spectral data streams flickering across the screen everything had a distinct sense of cutting-edge technology.


    And all of it was built on Eleanor''s theoretical work.


    Every time Faye thought about it, she felt a pang of resentment. All their breakthroughs stemmed from Eleanor''s theory. She''d worked hard, too, had even put forward her own ideas before, but none had ever been epted.


    Now Eleanor''s theory had leapt from forms on a page to tangible, life-saving technology. How could Faye possibly feel content with that?


    The more sessful Meridian Dynamics became, the more it proved just how right Eleanor''s ideas were.


    "As we discussed with Dr. Bradley, our nanobot prototypes are ready to make their debut," Byron announced.


    As soon as he finished, the projector flickered to a new set of 3D molecr models. Eleanor''s eyes widened in astonishment; she stood up and strode quickly to the screen.


    "This structure¡ª" her fingers brushed the disy, voice trembling with excitement, "you actually built my theoretical model?"


    Byron nodded, beaming. "Miss Sutton, using your self-assembly theory, our engineering team spent three months synthesizing the first batch of nanobot prototypes. We kept it under wraps until now-at Mr. Goodwin''s request."


    The room fellpletely silent. Everyone held their breath.


    Faye''s pen fell from her hand with a tter. She stared at the screen in disbelief- this was the very theory she''d once dismissed as unrealistic, impossible to achieve.


    Yet here it was, realized.


    Eleanor''s tion dimmed for a moment. Ian had kept Meridian Dynamics'' core developments hidden from her-was he still wary of her loyalty?


    After the incident with Xavier Labs, he''d started keeping his guard up around her. But this time, Eleanor was fullymitted to the military partnership; that was the only reason he''d allowed VP Chase to reveal this critical technology.


    Eleanor returned to her seat, listening as Byron continued to exin the nanobots'' capabilities, his excitement barely contained. "Even more impressive, they exhibit the ''collective intelligence'' predicted by Miss Sutton''s theory."


    "This could revolutionize the entire medical field," Byron said, looking at Eleanor with awe. "If this theory holds up, it could save millions of lives."


    A buzz of whispered conversation swept through the room.


    Faye''s expression soured. She bit her lip, then raised her hand. "Excuse me, but isn''t it risky to push such an untested technology into clinical trials?"


    All eyes turned toward her.


    Byron faltered for a moment, clearly irritated to be challenged at a moment of triumph.


    Eleanor looked over at Faye and replied calmly, "You''re right to be concerned. That''s why we''ll be following the military''s strict testing protocols-animal trials first, then carefully controlled clinical studies."

 Chapter 386

    Faye let out a sudden, coldugh, refusing to let up. "A theory is only as good as its results. What if the animal trials fail-"


    Eleanor met her mocking gaze head-on. "I trust the data. Numbers don''t lie."


    Byron nodded in agreement. "Next, we''ll run a simtion demo, then work with the military to see how our nanobots perform in real-world scenarios."


    He nced toward the camera in the corner of the room, a faint smile on his lips. "Let''s keep our confidence up, everyone. This is Meridian Dynamics'' most advanced research-there''s no room for doubt."


    That look wasn''t idental. Byron knew someone else was watching the meeting remotely.


    Ian Goodwin, who hadn''t had the time to attend in person.


    At that very moment,n sat in his office with the curtains drawn tight. The conference room''s live feed yed on the wall, Eleanor''s confident voice echoing through the quiet. Her eyes shone with conviction as she exined the data-a radiance that was impossible to ignore.


    This version of Eleanor was dazzling, so much so he couldn''t look away.


    A subtle smile tugged at his lips as the meeting wound down. He powered off the projector, stood, and headed for his own conference room.


    Once the meeting ended, Byron called out to Faye. "Faye, could youe to my office for a minute?"


    Byron was a naturallyposed man. He fixed Faye with a steady gaze. "Faye, did you realize Mr. Goodwin was observing the meeting just now? When we''re presenting our most sensitive technology, I need you to be mindful of your words. Don''t undermine the team''s morale."


    Faye''s face paled. She hadn''t expectedn to be listening in.


    "In the future, whenever Mr. Goodwin can''t join an important meeting in person, he''ll be watching from HQ. Be especially careful not to publicly challenge Eleanor''s theories. We''vee this far thanks to her work."


    Faye lifted her chin stubbornly. "I was just raising valid scientific concerns. Isn''t that the whole point of research discussion?"


    Byron rubbed his temples, exasperated. "It''s obvious you were targeting Eleanor."


    Her expression shifted, and she twisted the hem of her jacket unconsciously. "I''m just worried about the risks. If these trials fail, Meridian Dynamics could take a huge hit."


    "Risk management isn''t your concern. Mr. Goodwin will handle it. You can go now." Byron waved her off.


    Faye left his office, her face a storm of conflicting emotions. She couldn''t deny the truth¡ªEleanor''s theory was revolutionary. That realization filled her with a mix of jealousy and fear.


    If this project seeded, Eleanor''s reputation would eclipse even her father''s. In the field of Al-driven nanomedicine, she''d be untouchable.


    Eleanor''s theory was worth a fortune.


    Back in her own office, Eleanor wrapped her hands around a mug of coffee, her eyes narrowing.


    How absurd.


    Eleanor could feel it he didn''t just mistrust her; he was actively shielding himself from her.


    Meanwhile, Byron''s phone buzzed. He checked the messagen.


    "Please exin today''s announcements to Eleanor for me."


    Byron understood immediately and replied, "Of course, Mr. Goodwin. I''ll make sure Miss Sutton understands."


    Byron knew what this was about. Ian was worried Eleanor might read too much into things, especially after the time she''d been used of leaking the algorithm.


    Eleanor was gathering her things when Byron knocked and entered. "Eleanor, do you have a minute?"


    She smiled. "Of course, VP Chase. Please, have a seat."


    Byron sat across from her, choosing his words carefully. "Eleanor, about the nanobot project we presented today¡ª"


    She caught his drift and cut in, "You don''t need to exin, VP Chase. I understand thepany''s protocols on safeguarding core technology."


    Byron pressed on. "Three months ago, when the engineering team first synthesized the nanobots, Mr. Goodwin orderedprehensive testing- including all the edge cases your theory predicted."


    Eleanor paused, waiting for him to continue.


    "The tests proved you right, but Mr. Goodwin insisted we wait for the military partnership before presenting anything. It''s not a matter of mistrust, it''s just¡ª"


    Byron broke off, scratching his head. Words weren''t really his thing.


    "I know he likes to be in control of everything," Eleanor finished for him. "Thank you for telling me, VP Chase."


    Byron cleared his throat. "Mr. Goodwin''s always been cautious. But honestly, he rarely offers exnations. You''re one of the few he bothers to rify things for."


    In other words, this was unusual forn. He was breaking his own rules. Eleanor smiled faintly. "I understand. I''m pleased with the project''s progress and I''ll give it my all."


    Byron looked as though he wanted to say more, but in the end, just nodded and stood. "Alright, I''ll let you get back to it."


    There was nothing more for him to say. He''d done his part.


    For Eleanor, though, the exnation was unnecessary.


    No one understoodn better than she did.


    He was cold, arrogant, emotionally unavable, obsessed with control. He didn''t


    know how to respect people, let alone love them.


    His request for Byron to exin things was just a formality¡ªa reminder that, for now, their interests were aligned. Nothing more.

 Chapter 387

    After Byron left, Eleanor lingered by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the glittering city below. But her mind wandered back to six years ago.


    Back then,n had been the same always keeping their marriage at arm''s length, always so cold and distant. She''d once believed, with the blind hope of the young, that if she just loved him enough, epted enough, she''d eventually thaw his frozen heart.


    But on the day their divorce was finalized, she finally understood-some people are simply unreachable, no matter how much warmth you offer. And her life wasn''t meant to be wasted trying to change someone like that.


    That evening, Meridian Dynamics was hosting apany dinner, but Eleanor skipped it. Unless it was for work, she tried to spend her free time at home with her daughter.


    Curled up on the couch, Eleanor relished a rare moment to watch TV. The news anchor suddenly mentioned that Farris Vaughn, chairman of the Vaughn Group, had been hospitalized with a serious illness. A jolt ran through her. Wasn''t that Xavier''s father?


    She watched as Mrs. Vaughn, looking exhausted, gave a brief interview, thanking everyone for their concern and support as the family prepared to spend Farris''s final days by his side.


    Eleanor''s mood grew heavy. Birth, aging, illness, death-some things in life simply defy exnation.


    Over Memorial Day, she''d been sent to Kingston for work. So that weekend, she took her daughter to visit her parents'' graves.


    Work at Meridian Dynamics kept her busy, time slipping by almost unnoticed. The weekend arrived before she knew it. While most of her colleagues worked overtime on Saturday, Byron had generously given her the day off.


    She''d already told Evelyn about their n to visit the cemetery. Her daughter was eager to help, joining Eleanor to buy flowers and supplies for tending the graves.


    Though Memorial Day had passed, the weather remained rainy, but thankfully the downpour had stopped for now. The entire cemetery was shrouded in a misty haze.


    Hand in hand, Eleanor and Evelyn made their way toward her parents'' headstone. When she saw the grass freshly trimmed and a bouquet of white lilies left just a few days ago, Eleanor paused in surprise.


    Who had been here?


    But then she remembered her father had taught many students who still respected him deeply. Perhaps one of them hade to pay their respects.


    "Mom, is this where Grandma and Grandpa are sleeping?" Evelyn asked, tilting her head to study the photo etched on the stone.


    "Yes, sweetheart." Eleanor knelt down, gently wiping the raindrops from the headstone.


    Evelyn mimicked her, using her small hands to clear the rain from their photo. "Grandma, Grandpa, Mommy and I came to see you!"


    Eleanor''s eyes stung with tears. Science could exin almost everything, but not life and death.


    She bit her lip, but couldn''t stop the tears from welling up.


    "Why are you crying, Mommy?" Evelyn reached up and brushed away Eleanor''s tears.


    "It''s nothing, honey. I just... miss them," Eleanor replied, forcing a small smile.


    There were still a few stubborn weeds, and together they carefully pulled them up. After half an hour of cleaning and arranging flowers, Evelyn pressed her hands together in a little prayer, following her mother''s lead to say goodbye to her grandparents. Then, hand in hand, they left the quiet cemetery.


    Back in the city, Eleanor took her daughter to meet Joy for afternoon tea. While Evelyn yed quietly nearby, Joy sipped her coffee and asked, "So, what''s been keeping you busytely?"


    "I''ve transferred from theb to Meridian Dynamics," Eleanor said. "I''ll be working there for the next couple of months."


    "Really? I thoughtn wanted you to focus on your research! Why''d he move you?"


    "Meridian Dynamics is working with the government on a major project. It''s more urgent."


    Joy nodded. "Figuresn''s always chasing after short-term gains."


    She swirled her coffee, then remembered something. "Oh, did you see the news about the Vaughn family?"


    Eleanor nodded. "I did. Xavier''s father is seriously ill."


    "So if his father doesn''t make it, Xavier inherits everything-he''ll be CEO and chairman of the Vaughn Group. Look at you, after your divorce, you''re surrounded


    by men with serious clout. Ian''s going to regret letting you go!" Joy teased.


    Eleanor just smiled, unfazed. "Regret isn''t in his vocabry."


    Joy thought about it. Six years of marriage-Eleanor must known better than anyone. No matter how brilliant Eleanor became,n probably wouldn''t even notice.


    After a while, it was half past five. Eleanor took her daughter home for dinner and to prep for the next day''s meeting.


    The following morning, as Eleanor dropped Evelyn off at school, Miss Alice, her teacher, mentioned that Vanessa''s sses were all canceled-she''d fallen ill and needed time off.


    Eleanor felt a wave of relief.


    Afterward, she hurried to Meridian Dynamics. As soon as she settled into her office, opened herptop, and clicked through the news, a new obituary popped


    up.


    Xavier''s father had passed away just an hour ago.


    She clicked on the article. The homepage chronicled the highlights of Farris''s remarkable life, apanied by photographs tracing his journey from youth to old age.

 Chapter 388

    Eleanor felt a heaviness settle over her heart. Just then, her phone buzzed unexpectedly-Xavier''s name shed across the screen.


    She stared at it for a moment before answering. On the other end, a rough male voice spoke. ¡°Eleanor, it''s me."


    "I''m so sorry for your loss, Mr. Vaughn," she said softly.


    Xavier''s breathing was slow and weighted. "My father passed away just now."


    "I saw the news online," Eleanor replied, gripping her phone so tightly her knuckles turned white. For a moment, she was at a loss for words.


    She could hear Xavier''s shaky, broken breaths over the line. "Xavier, I know what it''s like to lose someone you love. I know how hard this is¡ª"


    He let out a stifled sigh. "When I was a kid, I was always annoyed at how busy he was, too busy to even make it to a single parent-teacher meeting. When I got older, I thought he was just nagging me all the time. Now, I''d give anything to hear him nag me again, but.....¡±


    His voice cracked with grief.


    Eleanor thought of her own father''s passing and let out a quiet sigh.


    Xavier must have sensed he''d touched a nerve. "I''m sorry, Eleanor. I shouldn''t have brought up painful memories for you."


    "It''s all right, Xavier. Really. And again-my condolences," she offered gently.


    "Thank you." His voice was steadier now, though still tinged with sorrow. "May I ask you something?"


    "If there''s anything I can do, just say it," Eleanor replied quickly.


    "It''s not that. Three days from now, we''ll be holding my father''s funeral. Would you


    be willing toe?" Xavier''s voice was cautious, as if half-expecting her to refuse.


    Eleanor was surprised-Xavier had invited her personally.


    She nced at her calendar. Three days from now: "Defense Technology Review" was scribbled in that slot.


    Before she could answer, Xavier spoke again, his tone suddenly subdued.


    "Please don''t feel obligated, Eleanor. I know you''re busy. It was thoughtless of me to ask."


    "I''lle by early that day," Eleanor said atst.


    She could hear Xavier''s relief in the pause that followed. "Thank you. You don''t have to stay long. Just a few minutes is enough."


    Three morningster, a sudden downpour swept across the city.


    Farris''s funeral was held in a chapel on the outskirts of town. By eight a.m., mourners had already begun to arrive, umbres bobbing through the rain.


    Xavier''s closest friends,n and Henry Holt, were greeting guests at the entrance. Inside, Xavier and his family stood in the chapel, receiving condolences with weary grace.


    Just as Henry andn finished weing a group of guests, a white Porsche Cayenne pulled up a few yards away. Ian caught sight of the license te and froze for a second.


    The car door opened.


    Eleanor stepped out, dressed in a ck blouse and long skirt, her hair pulled back. The rain had already soaked her shoulders, but nothing could diminish her elegance.


    She raised her umbre against the downpour, intent on the slippery pavement beneath her feet, unaware that a pair of eyes watched her from the chapel doorway.


    Henry was surprised-he hadn''t expected Xavier to invite Eleanor. Their rtionship, it seemed, was more than passing acquaintance.


    When Eleanor reached the chapel''s covered walkway, she closed her umbre and straightened her rain-dampened skirt. Suddenly, she felt an intense gaze on her.


    She looked up, her breath catchingn stood at the entrance, expression unreadable.


    Eleanor''s face cooled, her features settling into a reserved calm as she moved toward the chapel.


    ¡°Miss Sutton,¡± Henry greeted her first, ¡°thank you foring. This way, please.¡± Eleanor nodded and followed him into the chapel.


    Xavier, dressed in ck mourning attire, approached. His eyes were rimmed with red, but for a moment, when he saw Eleanor, they lit up.


    "You came," he rasped, looking exhausted.


    "My condolences, Mr. Vaughn," she said quietly.


    "Thank you for being here," Xavier replied, gratitude flickering in his eyes.


    The chapel was solemn and still. Farris''s portrait hung above the altar, wreathed


    in white lilies. Eleanor joined the mourners, bowing her head in silent respect.


    Ten minutester, she approached Xavier again. "Mr. Vaughn, I should be going."


    He looked at her with quiet appreciation. That she hade-even briefly- meant more than she could say.


    "Drive carefully. The roads are bad in this weather," Xavier reminded her gently.


    Eleanor nodded. Henry walked her out, handing her an umbre as she made her way down the corridor.


    At the far end, beneath the shadow of a marble pir,n leaned against the wall, a cigarette burning between his fingers, his mood unreadable.


    "Leaving already?" he said, his tone edged. "Not staying to keep himpany?" "That''s none of your business," Eleanor answered coolly.


    movements.


    Just then, a woman''s voice called out from the main hall. n!"


    Vanessa appeared, dressed in a sleek ck dress, making her way toward him.


    Eleanor nced at Vanessa, then turned away, opening her umbre as she headed for her car.


    Momentster, the white Cayenne disappeared into the rain.

 Chapter 389

    As Vanessa drew closer, she caught the lingering scent of tobo on his clothes and narrowed her eyes. Ian only ever smoked for one reason-when something was weighing on him.


    Eleanor had shown up at Xavier''s father''s funeral, though by all rights, she had no reason to be there.


    So why had shee? There could only be one exnation: to get undern''s skin.


    Even though Eleanor''s car was long gone, Vanessa nced in that direction a few more times, her expression tinged with frustration. Ever since the divorce, Eleanor refused to fade quietly into the background; she always found a way to rattlen. Was she trying to prove a point?


    Just then, Henry walked over ton. "Most of the guests have left. Let''s go pay our respects to Mr. Vaughn."


    Vanessa turned to Henry. "That was... Eleanor, wasn''t it? What was she doing here?"


    Henry nodded. "Yeah, she stopped in to pay her respects and left right after." Vanessa frowned in thought. "You don''t think Xavier introduced Eleanor to his parents in private, do you?"


    Her voice wasn''t particrly loud, but it was just enough forn to catch the words. His brow furrowed, and he quickened his pace almost imperceptibly.


    Henry considered it. "It''s possible. Mr. Vaughn''sst wish was to see Xavier bring home a girlfriend."


    "So, Eleanor helped him fulfill thatst wish?" Vanessa''s lips curled in a smirk as she hurried aftern.


    Henry followed after them, his gaze lingering before he too headed into the chapel.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor rushed through the halls and managed to slip into the conference room with just two minutes to spare.


    Byron let out a breath of relief. For some reason, whenever Eleanor was present at these meetings, he felt a sense of calm. The tough questions thrown out by the military reps never seemed to faze her; she always had an answer ready, keeping the discussion from stalling.


    Faye bit her lip, watching Eleanor stride in dressed head to toe in ck. For a moment, she wondered if Eleanor had juste from a funeral-she wasn''t wrong.


    Joel was surprised too. The cool, dark outfit gave Eleanor an air of effortless confidence aloof, striking, and captivating all at once.


    The review meeting went off without a hitch.


    Garrison, the military liaison, expressed his satisfaction with Meridian Dynamics'' technical proposal, especially the module Eleanor had spearheaded.


    After the meeting, Byron offered a rarepliment. "You did well in there."


    Back at her office, Eleanor barely had time to settle in before a new email popped up¡ªthere was a routine meeting that afternoon.


    A knock sounded at her door. Joel peeked in. "Eleanor, grab yourptop and meet me in Conference Room Three in two minutes."


    "I''ll be right there," she replied.


    Meridian Dynamics was moving toward a more coborative, group-based workflow to encourage closer cooperation between departments.


    At lunch, Eleanor and Joel sat across from each other in the cafeteria. Joel eyed


    her outfit with curiosity. "Don''t often see you in all ck."


    Eleanor looked up. "I went to Xavier''s father''s funeral this morning."


    Joel raised his eyebrows. "Did you know his father?"

 Chapter 390

    Eleanor shook her head. "No, I haven''t¡ªI just stopped by to light a candle."


    Joel understood immediately. Clearly, Xavier had been the one to invite her.


    He had watched Eleanor grow up over the years. Sometimes, he couldn''t help but marvel at how much she''d been through. Looking at her now, it was hard to believe she''d only just turned twenty-seven. She still had that youthful innocence in her face, a hint of the girl she used to be.


    Catching Joel''s gaze, Eleanor looked a little bewildered. She wiped the corner of her mouth, half-wondering if she had something on her face.


    "Come on," Joel said, breaking the moment. "Let''s take a walk and grab some coffee from the ce across the street. We could both use a break before getting back to work."


    Eleanor nodded. There was a blend at that caf¨¦ she particrly liked.


    As they strolled side by side out onto the sidewalk, a sleek ck Maybach idled at the curb nearby. Ian sat in the back seat, phone pressed to his ear. Gavin, sharp- eyed as ever, spotted Eleanor first. "Mr. Goodwin, that''s Miss Sutton."


    Just then, the roar of a motorcycle engine echoed down the street-a rider weaving recklessly between the cars. Even though the pedestrian light was green, the bike''s speed made it clear the rider had no regard for the rules and was likely to blow right through the crossing.


    Sure enough, the motorcycle surged forward, heading straight for the crosswalk.


    With barely three meters to spare, Joel reacted instantly, pulling Eleanor into his arms and out of harm''s way.


    The motorcycle zed past, the rush of air whipping Eleanor''s hair around her face.


    Joel''s arm stayed protectively around her shoulders, his voice tight with both fear and anger. "People like that shouldn''t be allowed on the road!"


    Eleanor, still shaken, clung to Joel''s sleeve, her breath catching in her throat.


    Inside the Maybach,n saw the entire scene y out in perfect rity.


    His fingers tightened around his phone, the voice on the other end-someone droning on about work-faded into background noise.


    "Mr. Goodwin? Mr. Goodwin, are you still with me?" The voice on the line grew uncertain.


    The caller continued, now even more nervous.


    On the sidewalk, Joel kept his arm around Eleanor, bending slightly to check if she was alright.


    Eleanor shook her head, reassuring him she was fine. Still wary, Joel gripped her wrist and hurried her safely across the street.


    Gavin, ncing up at the rearview mirror, saw the stony look on his boss''s face and wisely kept silent.


    Ten minutester, Eleanor and Joel each walked back toward Meridian Dynamics, coffee in hand.


    The Maybach was still there, parked at the curb.


    Almost simultaneously, both their phones rang. Eleanor answered first. "Hello?"


    "Ellie, there''s an emergency meeting at two."


    "Alright, I''ll be there."


    Joel received the same call, and together they quickened their pace toward the lobby of Meridian Dynamics.


    Back at her desk, Eleanor saw a string of messages from Garrison, each with a new question. With a few minutes to spare, she quickly replied. By the time she finished, she realized she was runningte.


    Grabbing herptop, she hurried off to the meeting room.


    The moment Eleanor stepped into Conference Room Three, she could sense something was off.


    The room was already filled-every department head was present.

 Chapter 391

    And then-there wasn, seated at the head of the table.


    His long, slender fingers tapped rhythmically against the polished wood, and the ck shirt he wore today made him look even more distant and unapproachable, exuding a cold, regal aura.


    Eleanor was dressed head-to-toe in ck as well, and together, the pair''s matching attire drew more than a few surprised nces around the room.


    As the door opened,n lifted his gaze, his eyes lingering on Eleanor for a brief moment.


    Only then did Eleanor realize everyone seemed to be waiting for her.


    "Sorry I''mte," she said quietly, hurrying to the empty seat.


    A sh of annoyance crossed Faye''s eyes. Who does Eleanor think she is, making everyone wait for her?


    Byron cleared his throat. "Let''s get started, shall we?"


    Decker, the lead engineer, began the progress report. Halfway through,n interrupted, his voice calm and unyielding. "The military wants testingpleted in two months. Your progress is too slow. This isn''t the result I expect."


    Everyone stiffened. They still hadn''t met Mr. Goodwin''s standards?


    Decker, already prone to stammering, went pale undern''s scrutiny. "Mr. Goodwin, we''ve already elerated the schedule¡ª¡±


    "Mr. Goodwin, all our research is strictly following the project n," another engineer chimed in hastily.


    "Mr. Goodwin, the main problem is-the, uh, the stability testing still-" Decker faltered, butn cut him off with a raised hand. "I''m not interested in excuses."


    The room fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.


    Eleanor nced at Decker''s reddening face and quietly set her pen down.


    "I''ll exin," she said, her voice clear and steady. "The stability test for the Al cell entanglement simtion takes time. If we force the pace, the data won''t be urate."


    "Do you have a better idea, Miss Sutton?"n''s tone carried a hint of challenge.


    Everyone seemed to hold their breath, nerves stretched taut. Only Faye looked entertained, clearly enjoying Eleanor''s audacity in challengingn at work. It was almost impressive how fearless-or reckless-she was.


    But honestly, Faye didn''t mind watching Eleanor dig her own grave.


    Eleanor stood,posed and unflinching, and strode to the projector to pull up a set of data. "Based onst week''s experiments, if we use this new cooling system, we can shorten the testing cycle. But the cost will go up."


    Her slender finger traced across the screen, exining the technical details with practiced ease.


    "This solution..." He paused thoughtfully. "How much additional funding would it require?"


    "Fifteen percent more than the original budget," Eleanor answered, meeting his eyes.


    Faye couldn''t hide her smirk. The new proposal exceeded the approved budget by a mile¡ªso much so that Byron had been too nervous to even bring it up. But Eleanor justid it out there.


    Joel jumped in at the right moment. "Eleanor''s n is viable. We''ve already run some small-scale tests."


    Faye''s smirk froze. Was he serious?


    How couldn just approve such a huge budget increase without a second thought? Yet he''d agreed-just like that.

 Chapter 392

    Byron finally let out a sigh of relief. Clearly, having Eleanor step in was far more persuasive.


    If he''d been the one to submit the report, who knows-he might''ve had to deliver a stack of paperwork the size of a hay bale.


    Faye shot Eleanor a sharp look, while Decker nced at her with open gratitude.


    If it hadn''t been for Eleanor, everyone in that conference room would''ve caught hell today. In a worse-case scenario, they might''ve even lost an engineer or two on the spot.


    When the meeting wrapped up, people filed out one after another.


    As Eleanor gathered her files,n''s low voice cut through the air. ¡°Stay."


    At the door, Faye overheard him. She turned back, eyeing Eleanor curiously.


    Ever since Eleanor had joined Meridian Dynamics, Faye couldn''t shake the feeling that she was always-whether intentionally or not-drawingn''s attention. Or was it just her imagination?


    Eleanor paused, her hands stilling on her paperwork. Her voice was frosty. "If you have something to say, make it quick. I''m busy."


    "Keep your distance from Xavier for a while,"n said coolly. "His father just passed, and there''s a power struggle brewing. You don''t want to get tangled up in unnecessary trouble."


    Eleanor looked up at him, her gaze unreadable. Without a word, she gathered her files and turned to leave.


    Suddenly, a strong hand seized her wrist. The grip was so forceful that she lost her bnce, stumbling straight inton''s chest.


    At that very moment, Faye-pretending to have forgotten something-doubled back and was stunned by the scene unfolding inside.


    Just as she''d suspected.


    With no one else around, Eleanor was using every trick in the book to cozy up ton.


    From Faye''s vantage point, Eleanor''s face was buried againstn''s shoulder, while his hands gripped her shoulders as if trying to keep her at arm''s length.


    Faye''s eyes shed with contempt. Eleanor really had no shame.


    Didn''t she realize Mr. Goodwin was saving himself for Vanessa? Throwing herself at him was pointless.


    Faye couldn''t be bothered to watch any longer. She figured Eleanor would just get brushed off-there was no way she''d get anything out ofn.


    But the truth was-Eleanor had twisted her ankle.


    Pain shot through her leg, leaving her trembling and drawing a sharp breath. Beads of sweat broke out instantly across her forehead.


    On reflex, she grabbedn''s shoulder, her fingers digging almost painfully into the fabric of his shirt.


    "Let go of me," she hissed through clenched teeth.


    of the conference table before crouching down, unable to put weight on her throbbing leg.


    Eleanor ignored him. If he hadn''t yanked her so suddenly, she wouldn''t have ended up like this.


    Without warning,n bent down and scooped her up into his arms.


    "Put me down!" Eleanor struggled, seething.


    Along the way, every passing coworker witnessed the scene.


    Faye, sitting at her desk, caught sight of them as well. Immediately, she got up and headed to Eleanor''s door, just in time to seen kneeling to examine Eleanor''s injured leg.


    First she throws herself at him and fails, now she''s pretending her leg hurts? Give me a break.

 Chapter 393

    "Don''t touch me!" she snapped through gritted teeth, her voice full of disdain.


    Eleanor red at him, bristling like a hedgehog. "I don''t need your help."


    At that moment, Joel stepped into her office, concern etched on his face. "Eleanor, what happened?"


    Joel''s eyes widened in surprise. Eleanor had seemed perfectly fine in the meeting earlier how had she gotten injured so suddenly? Hadn done something when he asked her to stay behind?


    Asn reached the door, a few nosy staff members outside quickly scattered.


    Withn gone, only Eleanor and Joel remained in the office.


    Joel knelt down to examine her ankle carefully, brow furrowing. "It''s really swollen.


    You need to have it checked by a doctor."


    Eleanor shook her head. "It''s just a sprain. Some ice will do the trick."


    Joel gave her a searching look. "Did he do this to you?"


    She forced a cold smile. "It doesn''t matter."


    Joel didn''t press further. Instead, he went to the office mini-fridge, grabbed a cold pack, wrapped it in a towel, and gently pressed it to her ankle.


    "I''ll drive you home early today so you can rest," Joel said softly.


    "Alright," Eleanor agreed. There was no way she''d be able to drive herself with her foot in this state.


    Later, Byron stopped by to check on her, and even sent his assistant, Laird, to help Eleanor with some paperwork.


    That evening, Evelyn gazed worriedly at her mother''s injured foot. "Mom, how did you get hurt?"


    Children never let go of anything they''re curious about, and Evelyn was no exception.


    Eleanor sighed and spun a little white lie. "I was carrying too many files and twisted my ankle."


    Evelyn''s eyes widened, her voice earnest. "You work too hard, Mom. When I grow up, I''ll make lots of money and take care of you."


    Eleanor''s heart melted. She pulled her daughter into a hug and kissed her forehead. "Alright. I''ll be waiting."


    "Promise!"


    Byron granted Eleanor three days of working from home so she could recover.


    The next morning, as she was writing a report, her phone buzzed with a string of messages. Eleanor nced at the screen in surprise-Mansfield Ellington had sent several texts, all asking about her.


    "I heard you hurt your foot. Is it serious?"


    "Did you see a doctor? What did they say?"


    "Did someone hurt you?"


    She stared at her phone, momentarily stunned. How did he know about this?


    She texted back, "It''s just a mild sprain. I''ll be fine after a few days'' rest, but thank you for checking on me, Mr. Ellington."


    Barely ten seconds after she hit send, her phone rang. Mansfield''s concerned voice came through as soon as she answered. "Eleanor, are you sure you''re alright?"


    "I''m much better now," she replied, managing a small smile.


    "There are still ten days before the holiday. Would it be alright if I came by to see you then?"


    Eleanor hesitated, instinctively wanting to refuse. "That''s not necessary. I''m working from home for now-no need to trouble yourself."


    He chuckled lightly. "Afraid I''ll be a bother?"


    She sighed. "No, it''s just..."


    "Just that you don''t want to feel indebted?" He hit the nail on the head, his tone turning gentle. "Eleanor, we''re friends. Friends don''t keep score."


    She paused for a moment. "If you''re back in town, maybe we can have dinner together when my foot heals."


    Mansfield sounded pleased. "It''s a date, then."


    His concern touched Eleanor more than she expected. ¡°Thank you for caring, Mr. Ellington."


    "I heard from Garrison that your team''s swamped with this project. Don''t wear yourself out, promise me you''ll take care of yourself."


    "I will. Thank you."


    "I''ll let you get back to work. Goodbye."


    "Goodbye." Eleanor waited politely for him to hang up first, but when he didn''t, she hesitated.


    Heughed softly. "You hang up first."


    Caught off guard, Eleanor smiled and ended the call.


    The next morning, sunlight streamed through her study''s tall windows as Eleanor


    sat at herputer, fingers moving quickly over the keyboard, lines of project updates filling the screen. The swelling in her ankle had gone down, but it still throbbed when she walked.


    She gently massaged it, then refocused on her work.


    Herputer''s messenger chimed repeatedly-


    Byron''s email: "The client has requested additional testing. Can you adjust the n?"


    Decker: "Eleanor, the stability test data''s in. There''s something odd-need you to review."


    Laird: "Ellie, I''ve sent the meeting notes to your inbox."


    Even working from home, Eleanor was anything but idle.


    Later that day, Joy stopped by to check on her. Earbuds in, Joy was scrolling


    through social media when she suddenly froze.


    "Well, isn''t she something," Joy muttered.


    Eleanor looked up. "Who?"


    "You know-the one you can''t stand. The woman."


    Joy puffed out her cheeks and added, "She''s got a solo concert this Friday at Kingston Hall."


    Eleanor instantly knew who she meant.


    "She''s performing at the most prestigious concert hall in the city. Unbelievable,¡±


    Joy said, tossing her phone down.


    Vanessa had been keeping a low profile at her daughter''s schooltely- apparently, she''d been busy preparing for her concert.


    But right now, Eleanor had no energy to think about anything except her current project.


    On Friday, when Evelyn got home from school, Eleanor was buried in work when she heard her daughter sobbing as she ran upstairs.


    "What''s wrong, Evelyn?"


    "I want Dad toe see me, but he''s too busy," Evelyn said through tears,


    rubbing her eyes, her voice trembling with disappointment.


    Eleanor paused, caught off guard. "What''s got you missing your dad all of a sudden?"

 Chapter 394

    Evelyn''s moods always came and went in a sh. Puffing out her cheeks, she grumbled, "But Daddy neveres to be with me."


    Joslyn came upstairs with her phone in hand and exined to Eleanor, "Ma''am, on the way home just now, Evelyn used my phone to call Mr. Goodwin, but he said he''s working over in Kingston."


    Eleanor paused, ncing at the calendar-Friday.


    "It''s alright, sweetheart. Mommy''s here with you," Eleanor said softly, her heart aching as she looked at her little girl.


    This wouldn''t be thest timen missed out on his daughter''s life. Evelyn would have to start getting used to days without her father around.


    With that thought, Eleanor pressed a kiss to her daughter''s forehead. "Didn''t you say you wanted to hear stories about when Mommy was little? Let me tell you one."


    "Okay!" Evelyn finally brightened, climbing into her mother''sp, eager for her bedtime story.


    ...


    By Monday, Eleanor''s ankle had healed. As she pulled into the parking lot, she noticed a familiar silver Bentley-Xavier''s car.


    Eleanor helped Evelyn out of the car and walked her toward the school gates. Xavier was nearby, finishing up a phone call. When he spotted Eleanor, he quickly hung up and came over.


    "Eleanor," he called.


    Eleanor gave him a polite nod. "Good morning, Mr. Vaughn."


    "Vivian just got back from overseas. I''m dropping her off for her first day," Xavier exined.


    Eleanor looked up at him, noticing he seemed a bit thinner than before. Was it true, asn had hinted, that there was a power struggle brewing in Xavier''s family?


    "How have you beentely?" Xavier asked, genuine concern in his voice.


    "I''m alright¡ªjust keeping very busy," Eleanor replied.


    He smiled, a little tired around the eyes. "Same here. Once this busy spell is over, let me take you out for dinner."


    Eleanor nodded out of courtesy. "Sure, let''s n for when things settle down."


    After watching Eleanor drive off, Xavier''s phone rang. He nced at the screen and answered, "Hello?"


    "Mr. Vaughn, Mr. Curtis just left for Fairhaven."


    "Book me a flight to Fairhaven right now."


    "Sir, are you sure? He''s already made up his mind to back your uncle at the board meeting. You''ve asked him three times now-he''s never even tried to hide his disdain."


    "His vote is crucial. I have to secure control of thepany," Xavier said, determination hardening his features.


    He rubbed at his temples. His father had barely passed, and already his uncle was rallying the board to push him out.


    He couldn''t afford to lose this family war.


    Xavier stared after Eleanor''s car as it disappeared down the road, resolve burning even brighter in his eyes.


    No matter how desperate he looked while chasing support behind the scenes, he would reim the Vaughn Group empire.


    Because he wasn''t just fighting for thepany anymore-he was serious about pursuing Eleanor.


    She was the reason he needed to be strong.


    The atmosphere in the Meridian Dynamics conference room was tense.


    "Dr. Bradley wants the final testing wrapped up in three days," Byron said, mopping sweat from his brow. "But our Al simtion module is still being debugged "


    Faye cut in sharply, "The real problem is Eleanor''s theory. She insisted on pushing this unproven new method, and now it''s set us all back."


    Everyone turned to look at Eleanor.


    She kept her eyes fixed on herptop, calm andposed. Even as the team grew visibly anxious, knowing this was thest thing they needed before the big test, she stayed focused.


    Joel leaned in to quietly discuss something with her.


    Faye got up to grab a coffee, but as she turned, she spottedn standing quietly outside the ss wall.


    She quickly sat back down. This was Eleanor''s moment of reckoning-she wasn''t about to miss the show if Eleanor failed.


    Eleanor rose and strode to the projector, pulling up thetest test results. She didn''t even notice the people gathering outside the conference room.


    Arms folded, she studied the data, andn stepped in through the door.


    "Mr. Goodwin," Faye greeted him, standing up quickly. "We were just discussing the ws in Eleanor''s proposal-"


    "But our meeting with Dr. Bradley is in just thirty minutes," Faye pressed, her toneced with anxiety.


    Eleanor''sshes fluttered as she focused on the screen, her bright eyes reflecting confidence and intelligence.


    The room fell utterly silent, everyone holding their breath to give her space.


    Evenn silenced his phone and set it aside, his hand resting thoughtfully against his chin as he waited for her to solve the problem.


    Atst, Eleanor turned to Joel. "Joel, set up the environment."


    Joel''s eyes lit up. He grabbed hisptop and entered a string of numbers. Instantly, the stalled data on the screen began to scroll like lines of codeing to life.


    "It''s unlocked," Joel breathed, relief in his voice as he shared a grin with Eleanor. Having such a perfectly in-sync partner made Eleanor genuinely happy.


    While the two exchanged a small, triumphant smile,n tapped his long fingers on the table and asked, in his usual calm tone, "So, the issue''s resolved?"


    "Resolved perfectly," Joel replied.


    Faye bit her lip and said nothing more.


    Eleanor returned to her seat,ptop in hand, quietly tweaking her proposal as Byron resumed the meeting.


    Before long, Garrison joined them by video conference, and the joint testing passed without a hitch.


    Afterward,n stopped by Byron''s office, then walked over to Eleanor''s desk. "You did well today."


    "Don''t bother me I''m busy," Eleanor replied, not even ncing up, her tone making it clear she wanted to be left alone.


    "Alright."n took it in stride, having grown used to Eleanor''s cool indifference.

 Chapter 395

    Ellington called to ask if Eleanor could spare some time that afternoon for a meeting at the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    She nced at the time and replied, "Could we schedule the meeting for the evening instead?"


    "Of course, Ms. Sutton. I''ll arrange for it to begin at seven. You can have dinner at the Vesper Joy Hotel before we start," Ellington offered helpfully.


    "Sounds good," Eleanor agreed.


    The May Day holiday was just around the corner, but for the experimental team at Meridian Dynamics-Byron''s division-it was crunch time. The holiday was being sacrificed for the project, though no oneined; after all, the pay was triple the usual rate, which made everyone content to work through the break.


    Eleanor hadn''t checked her sry in ages. Money had never been an issue for her, and spending it wasn''t her strong suit either. Her car was five years old, her wardrobe consisted of simple, practical outfits, and her watch was a model from several years back.


    At four-thirty, Eleanor arrived to pick up her daughter. When she mentioned she''d have to head out again for a meeting that evening, Evelyn''s eyes lit up. "Mom, can


    Ie with you to the meeting? I promise I''ll be good and quiet."


    Eleanor was caught off-guard but quickly agreed, smiling. "You really want toe with me?"


    "I do!" Evelyn nodded eagerly.


    "All right, then you''lle along," Eleanor said, gently brushing her daughter''s hair. One day, she thought, this position would be Evelyn''s to inherit.


    Eleanor texted Joy, hoping her best friend could help watch Evelyn during the meeting. If Evelyn didn''t enjoy the atmosphere, at least she''d havepany.


    "Of course! But I expect a fancy dinner out of it," Joy teased.


    "Order whatever you like from the Vesper Joy Hotel menu," Eleanor replied grandly.


    "In that case, I''m definitelying," Joyughed.


    By six o''clock, the Vesper Joy Hotel lobby was glowing under crystal chandeliers. As one of Ashford City''s premier luxury hotels, it had always boasted steady profits.


    Eleanor led Evelyn into the elevator. Tonight, Evelyn had dressed up in a pale blue dress, her hair clipped back with a pearl barrette. She looked every bit the little swan.


    "Mom, isn''t this Dad''s hotel?" Evelyn asked, tilting her face up.


    "It''s under my name now," Eleanor answered seriously.


    "Wow, Mom, you''re amazing!" Evelyn gazed at her in awe as if her mother could do anything.


    Eleanor pinched her daughter''s cheek, ncing at her own reflection in the mirrored elevator door: sharp suit, pearl earrings, and confidence that needed no embellishment.


    At the entrance to the banquet hall, Ellington was waiting. Spotting the little girl by Eleanor''s side, he smiled warmly. "Ms. Sutton, is this your daughter?"


    "Yes, this is my daughter," Eleanor replied, holding Evelyn''s hand. "Say hello to Mr. Ellington."


    "Hello, Mr. Ellington," Evelyn greeted politely.


    "Hello there," Ellington replied, waving.


    Soon after, Joy arrived. The three of them had dinner in one of the hotel''s Western-style restaurants. Afterward, Evelyn skipped down the wide, bright corridor while Eleanor followed, her presence calm and regal, like a lioness watching over her cub.


    Eleanor decided not to bring Evelyn into the meeting room. Instead, she asked Joy to take her to the children''s y area.


    At seven on the dot, Eleanor walked into the conference room.


    The meeting was about the hotel''s uing smart technology initiative. The general manager bowed slightly. "Ms. Sutton, we''ve prepared thetest quarterly financial analysis as you requested."


    Eleanor nodded. Ellington had already sent her a more detailed, easy-to-digest report. After flipping through the documents, she said, "Let''s begin."


    Meanwhile, in the y area, Evelyn grew thirsty after running around and tugged Joy along to find some water.


    Suddenly, a towering sixyer cake caught Evelyn''s eye. She followed the server rolling it along, curiosity sparkling in her gaze. Joy nced back just in time to see Evelyn scampering off and quickly hurried after her.


    Evelyn boldly asked the server, "Miss, who''s that cake for? Is someone having a birthday?"


    The server, spotting Evelyn''s expensive dress and delicate pearl clip, smiled. "It''s for a celebration hosted by a lovelydy."


    "What''s her name?" Evelyn pressed, ever persistent.


    The server hesitated, but figured the child wouldn''t know the guest anyway. She smiled, "It''s for a Miss Vanessa''s celebration."


    "Mrs. Shannon?" Evelyn blurted out, surprised.


    The server pushed the cake cart into the elevator.


    "Evelyn!" Joy called as she caught up.


    "Miss Thatcher, the cake is for-" Evelyn began, but just then the elevator doors opened. A guest stepped out, and Evelyn craned her neck to look inside.


    She caught a glimpse of a familiar figure inside the elevator. Her heart leapt with delight, but before she could call out, the doors slid shut.


    "Miss Thatcher! Miss Thatcher!" Evelyn clung to Joy''s hand, breathless.


    "What is it, Evelyn?" Joy knelt down, concerned.


    ¡°I just saw my dad! He was in the elevator¡ªhe went upstairs!" Evelyn tugged at Joy''s sleeve, pointing toward the elevator.


    The disy showed it stopping on the tenth floor. Joy recalled that the tenth floor was where the banquet halls were.


    She eyed Evelyn skeptically. "You''re sure you saw your dad?"


    "I''m sure! I really did! I saw his face," Evelyn insisted, stamping her foot, still pulling at Joy''s sleeve. "Miss Thatcher, can we go upstairs and look for Dad?"


    Joy wasn''t convinced, but seeing Evelyn so anxious, she figured it couldn''t hurt to check. Smiling, she said, "All right, let''s go find him."

 Chapter 396

    Joy stepped into the elevator, eyes flickering to the panel above the doors. Next to the tenth floor, where the grand ballroom was located, a digital sign read: "Private Celebration."


    She paused, a puzzled look crossing her face. Wasn here for a friend''s party?


    "Dad''s being mean. He''s back in town, but he won''te to see me!" Evelyn pouted, cheeks puffed out in indignation.


    Joy noticed the little girl''s mood souring and thought, Maybe I imagined it. After all, this hotel was crawling with wealthy socialites; it wouldn''t be surprising if someone looked a lot liken.


    With a soft chime, the elevator doors slid open. Two servers carrying flutes of champagne walked out, their conversation drifting over.


    "Miss Shannon looks absolutely stunning tonight! That gown must''ve cost a fortune."


    "I heard someone rented the entire tenth floor just for her¡ª"


    "Wow, the guy behind her must really adore her."


    Joy''s face paled. She scooped Evelyn into her arms and started walking quickly in the opposite direction. "Come on, sweetheart, let''s go find your mom."


    "No!" Evelyn suddenly began to wriggle and squirm, her voice trembling on the edge of tears. "I want Daddy."


    Joy rarely carried Evelyn, and now, with the girl weighing nearly eighty pounds, she couldn''t hold on for long. The moment she set Evelyn down, the child darted away like a slippery little fish-straight toward the private ballroom across the hall.


    "Evelyn!" Joy called, hurrying after her.


    Ballroom Three on the tenth floor sparkled with gold and crystal. A server holding the door open blinked in surprise as a little girl appeared before her.


    "Hey there, are you a guest here too?" she asked kindly.


    "Yes, I am," Evelyn replied, brimming with confidence.


    The server smiled and ushered her inside. "Go ahead, sweetie."


    Evelyn stepped into the ballroom and immediately spotted the towering six-tier cake at the center of the room.


    Under the spotlights, Vanessa was radiant in a shimmering white gown,ughing and chatting with guests.


    "Daddy!"


    A child''s voice rang out across the hall. Ian spun around, startled, and saw his daughter standing by the champagne tower.


    His expression turned instantly to shock. He set his ss down and hurried over. "Evelyn, what are you doing here?"


    Vanessa''s smile froze on her face.


    Evelyn? What is she doing here? Did Eleanore too?


    Meanwhile, outside the doors, Joy had already dialed Eleanor''s number. As she pushed open the ballroom doors, the scene before her stole her breath.


    So Evelyn hadn''t made a mistaken was here. And he was at Vanessa''s celebration.


    "Joy, where''s Evelyn?" Eleanor''s worried voice came through the phone.


    Joy exhaled, keeping her tone calm. "Ellie, don''t worry. Evelyn''s with her dad. We''re in the ballroom on the tenth floore up when you can."


    She hung up and waved ton. "Mr. Goodwin."


    "Where''s Eleanor?"n asked.


    "She''s in a meeting downstairs. I''m watching Evelyn for her," Joy exined.


    Evelyn clung to her father''s leg, her mouth turned down in a dramatic frown. "Daddy''s mean. Daddy doesn''t want to be with me."


    She turned away, arms crossed, her little voice huffy. "No, you don''t."


    A pang shot throughn''s heart. When she was younger, Evelyn would joke about her parents not loving her if she couldn''t have a new toy or a treat. But now, he could tell-he''d genuinely let her down.


    Vanessa crouched beside them, her voice syrupy sweet. "Evelyn, your daddy loves you more than anything. In a little while, will you help Mrs. Shannon cut that big cake?"


    In the past, Evelyn would have run straight for the cake¡ªshe loved being the center of attention at any party. But today, she didn''t budge. She wanted her dad, not a slice of cake.


    Vanessa tried again, shing her brightest smile. "Evelyn, I even got you a present! Wouldn''t you like to see?"


    Evelyn shook her head, stubbornly refusing.


    Vanessa was momentarily at a loss. Gifts and sweets always worked before. She reached out, meaning to scoop Evelyn up, but Joy quickly stepped in and took Evelyn''s hand. "Evelyn, Mommy will be here any minute."


    "Come to Daddy." Ian lifted Evelyn into his arms, his broad hand gently cradling her head,forting and protective.


    Evelyn wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, her big blue eyes ring fiercely at anyone who might try to take him away. She was iming her father for herself, and it was clear she wouldn''t share.


    To everyone else, it was just a child''s possessiveness. But to Vanessa, it felt like a p in the face.


    Of course, Eleanor must have told Evelyn to fight forn.


    Suddenly, the ballroom doors burst open.


    Eleanor stormed in, breathless, clearly having run all the way.


    She marched straight up ton, her expression icy. "Give Evelyn to me."


    Vanessa''s face darkened. So Eleanor was here after all.


    Did she pick tonight on purpose, just to ruin Vanessa''s party? Then again, the Vesper Joy Hotel belonged to Eleanor now-Vanessa probably never should have chosen this ce in the first ce.

 Chapter 397

    "Mom." Evelyn reached out for Eleanor, wriggling from her father''s arms into her mother''s embrace.


    Holding her daughter close, Eleanor looked at Joy. "Joy, let''s go."


    "But Dad-" Evelyn nced back at her father, uncertainty clouding her little face.


    Suddenly, a sweet, slightly petnt voice called out, n¡ª"


    Vanessa tried to follow, but Henry caught her gently by the arm. She stared aftern as he walked away with Eleanor and their daughter, a flicker of frustration in


    her eyes.


    Henry sighed quietly. "Even ifn doesn''t love Eleanor, you can''t ignore how much Evelyn means to him."


    Vanessa bit down on her red lip, swallowing her retort.


    Of course she knew how important Evelyn was ton-how could she not?


    "Vanessa, it''s time to cut the cake. Everyone''s waiting!" Laverne, her manager, stepped forward, breaking the tension.


    Forcing herself to smile, Vanessa turned to Henry. ¡°Alright. Henry, will you help me cut the cake?"


    He nodded and followed her to the table, standing at her side as they sliced into the cake together.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor carried Evelyn to the lounge. She knewn was following, but she had no intention of acknowledging him.


    Eleanor caught Joy''s gaze and gave a subtle nod toward the door. Joy hesitated, then moved to blockn''s way. "I''m sorry, Mr. Goodwin, but Eleanor would like some time to rest."


    With that, Joy closed the door in his face.


    On the couch inside, Evelyn wiped her tears and looked up at her mother. "Mom, does Dad not want us anymore?"


    A sharp ache pierced Eleanor''s heart. She didn''t know how to answer.


    Joy stepped in gently. "Evelyn, your mom is a scientist now. She''s strong and amazing. It''s not that your dad doesn''t want you¡ªit''s that your mom doesn''t want him anymore."


    Evelyn blinked her big eyes, clearly understanding but not quite able to process it. Still, she tightened her little arms around Eleanor''s neck. "I want my mom."


    Eleanor and Joy exchanged a smile.


    Eleanor kissed her daughter''s soft hair. "And Mommy loves you."


    Just then, someone knocked at the door. Joy nced at Eleanor, silently asking if she should letn in.


    Eleanor set her daughter down. "Evelyn, I''m going to get you something to eat, okay?"


    "Okay! Can I have a cupcake?" Evelyn''s eyes lit up.


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright, I''ll bring you a cupcake."


    She opened the door to findn still waiting.


    Her eyes chilled. "Evelyn doesn''t need yourfort. Go take care of whoever it is you want tofort."


    She let out a coldugh, not interested in his exnations. All she wanted was to get her daughter a cupcake and cheer her up.


    She started to walk away, butn suddenly grabbed her wrist. "You know how much I love Evelyn."


    Eleanor yanked her hand back, her voice icy. n, my daughter doesn''t need you anymore."


    Her words were low, but each one cut like a de. "Stop chasing after us. Don''t make me hate you more."


    With that, she turned sharply to leave.


    Butn caught her by the shoulder. "We need to talk. Now."


    "Let go!" Eleanor shoved his hand away. "Don''t touch me. You make me sick."


    In that moment, his phone rang. Eleanor turned and strode away, asking a staff member to bring up a cupcake.


    When she returned to the lounge,n was gone.


    As Eleanor stepped inside, Joy pressed a hand to her chest and whispered, "You scared me¡ªI thought he wasing back."


    "He''s gone," Eleanor reassured her.


    "Mom, where did Dad go? I saw him following us just now." Evelyn''s curiosity was in.


    Eleanor ruffled her daughter''s hair. "He had something to take care of."


    "Oh!" Evelyn blinked, and soon the cupcake and some fruit snacks were delivered. Eleanor sat with Joy, sharing the treats.


    Her meeting was being handled by Ellington, who would send her the report afterward.


    "Mom, can we stay here tonight?" Evelyn looked up hopefully.


    "Of course! Should we invite Miss Thatcher to stay with us?"


    Around nine in Eleanor''s private luxury suite, Evelyn yed with her toys while the two women lounged on the sofa, chatting and wearing face masks.


    "Out of all the hotels she could''ve picked, she insisted on booking the Vesper Joy. Was she trying to get under your skin?" Joy asked, exasperated.


    Eleanor peeled off her mask and gently massaged the skin around her eyes, her tone frosty. "It''s not about me. She''s making a statement."


    She gazed out at the dazzling city lights. "Vesper Joy used to ben''s. Now it''s mine. By hosting her celebration here, Vanessa''s telling everyone she can still shine on my turf."

 Chapter 398

    "I heard from one of the staff that someone booked all ten floors of the banquet hall tonight for her celebration party. It can''t ben, can it?" Joy said, raising an eyebrow.


    Eleanor shrugged, rubbing her neck. "Who cares who it is? As long as they''re spending money here, I''m happy.¡± Business was business, and her doors were always open.


    Joy grinned. "That''s the spirit."


    Eleanor nced over her shoulder, her expression softening as she watched her daughter build towers with her blocks. "Let her show off all she wants. The only thing I care about is keeping my daughter safe.¡±


    On Saturday, Eleanor was having lunch at the restaurant with her daughter while Joy had already left for another appointment.


    Eleanor was scrolling through emails when she heard her daughter''s excited voice. "Daddy!"


    She looked up and there wasn, just a few steps away, holding a gift in one hand. Eleanor watched as her daughter dashed toward him like a butterfly, and she knew there was nothing she could do to stop it.


    Eleanor watched the tender scene, but her heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand. No matter how much she resentedn, she could never sever


    the bond between father and daughter.


    But some boundaries had to be drawn.


    When Evelyn wandered off to the sofa, hugging her new present, Eleanor walked over ton and said in a cold, even voice, "You have ten minutes. Then I want you to leave."


    Eleanor turned and stepped out onto the balcony, giving him his ten minutes.


    About ten minutester, as she stood lost in thought, her daughter ran out to the balcony. "Mommy, Daddy has to go now! Will you y with me?"


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. "Of course, sweetheart."


    That evening, Eleanor took her daughter home. Joslyn started making dinner in the kitchen while Princess, their golden retriever, yed with Evelyn in the living room, herughter ringing through the house.


    Joslyn had set a bouquet of fresh flowers on Eleanor''s desk; under the softmplight, their pastel colors looked especially lovely.


    This house was Eleanor''s haven, the ce where exhaustion and irritation melted away.


    On Monday morning, Eleanor spotted the Vaughn family''s nanny dropping Vivian off at school. The nanny gave her a warm smile.


    "You must be Miss Sutton!"


    Eleanor smiled back. "That''s right. Are you taking Vivian to school now?"


    "Yes, Mr. Vaughn is away on a business trip-he won''t be back until next week." The nanny nced at Eleanor, then added with augh, ¡°You''re so pretty, Miss Sutton. No wonder Mr. Vaughn likes you so much!"


    Eleanor froze, caught off guard and unsure how to respond.


    The nanny quickly covered her mouth. "Oh, I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have said that."


    With that, she hurried back to her car.


    Eleanor shook her head, deciding the nanny must have misunderstood something. She set off for the Meridian Dynamics building.


    Another day packed with back-to-back meetings.


    In the office, employees from other departments were already chatting about their ns for the long weekend. In Byron''s research team, everyone was buzzing with energy-some huddled in the conference room for discussions, others hard at work in their offices.


    Faye used to be just as busy, eager to dive into theb''s core projects and get her hands on the most cutting-edge research. But since Eleanor joined, there was little left for her to do.


    Now, her days were slow-reviewing data reports, drafting a few memos, and not much else.


    That afternoon, Faye got a call from Gwenda, asking if she had any ns for the long weekend.


    "Don''t you guys have any work to do?" Faye asked, a little annoyed.


    "Not really! I''m just gathering background info. I''m not like Callie, practically living in theb."


    "Callie''s in charge of Eleanor''sb now, right?" Faye''s eyes shed.


    "Yeah! He''s running animal trials, and Professor Langley checks in whenever he can."


    "Back in school, I always thought Callie was just shy. But now...honestly, I think he''s just kind of clueless," Faye said.


    Gwenda didn''t get it. "Really? I heard his experiments have been going really welltely."


    Faye let out a shortugh. "We''ll talk after the holiday. I have things to do."


    "I''m so jealous you get to be part of such an important research team," said Gwenda.


    But Faye''s face darkened. Thatment stung more than Gwenda realized.


    With Eleanor at Meridian Dynamics, Faye had already been pushed to the sidelines.


    After hanging up with Gwenda, Faye dialed Callie''s number.


    "Hey, Faye. What''s up?" Callie answered.


    "Long time no see, Callie. I was hoping to pick your brain about some work stuff.


    Are you free for dinner tonight? My treat," Faye said brightly.


    Callie chuckled. "You need my help? That''s a first."


    "Are youing or not?" Faye pressed.


    "Alright, just send me the address. I''ll be there," Callie agreed.


    After confirming the restaurant, a sly smile shed across Faye''s face. Eleanor,


    you can''t have all the good things to yourself.

 Chapter 399

    6:30 p.m.


    A cozy Italian bistro.


    Faye sat tucked away in a dimly lit private booth, the kind designed for whispered secrets and personal conversations.


    Callie arrived a few minuteste, still flushed and a little sweaty from his dash from the universityb. He wore a simple id shirt and jeans, his sses slipping down his nose, exhaustion written in the lines beneath his eyes.


    "Sorry, I got held up wrapping things up in theb." He offered an apologetic smile as he slid into the seat across from her.


    Noticing how Faye had dressed to impress-her outfit was bold and attention- grabbing-Callie self-consciously scratched the back of his neck.


    Back in college, Faye had been the unattainable beauty; someone like Callie, from a modest background, would have never caught her eye if not for his ster grades.


    Now, with Faye unexpectedly asking him out to dinner, Callie felt both ttered and a little out of his depth.


    Faye teased, "Wow, look at you, Mr. Mad Scientist! I get it, work''s important. But tonight, dinner''s on me¨Dlet''s order first."


    Once the waitress left with their order, Faye leaned back and tried to sound casual. ¡°So I heard you took over Eleanor''s project? How''s that going?"


    Suddenly, Callie''s eyes lit up. "It''s actually going pretty well! Especially the targeted delivery system she proposed-it''s just "


    Faye''s smile faltered. She hadn''te here to hear him gush about Eleanor. With a hint of sharpness, she cut in, "Yeah, Eleanor''s amazing. None of us can quite measure up, right?"


    Callie wasn''t the most socially adept, but he wasn''t clueless either. He gave a small, awkwardugh and let the subject drop.


    "How are you, though?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation away. "It''s a shame about Horace. Last time we talked, he mentioned he''d started working sales at an auto dealership."


    Faye knew all about Horace. But the truth was, she''d long since decided he was beneath her now. He''d even tried to ask her out recently, but she''d brushed him off, iming she was too busy.


    She clearly didn''t want to talk about Horace, giving only a nomittal "Oh," before fixing her gaze on Callie.


    His cheeks flushed under her scrutiny, and he grew visibly nervous. "Faye, is there something you wanted to talk to me about?"


    Seeing her chance, Faye smiled slyly. "Think about it, Callie. Eleanor has all the right connections-she''ll do well wherever she goes. But you? You''re brilliant, but with your background, it''s hard to stand out in research. Opportunities like this don''te around often."


    Callie blinked, uncertain. "What are you getting at?"


    Faye knew all too well how stubbornly naive he could be. If she didn''t spell it out, he''d never act.


    She leaned in, her voice dropping. "Eleanor''s at Meridian Dynamics now, and you''re running theb. If you don''t seize the spotlight while you can, you might never get another chance."


    Callie set down his water ss, his brow furrowing.


    "What''s wrong? Are you really content just handing your work over for someone else to take the credit?" Faye pressed.


    He looked up, his tone turning serious. "Eleanor entrusted me with theb because she believes in me. Why would I try to take credit for her work?"


    Faye stared at him in disbelief. "Callie, you''re too naive. Eleanor''s already leading a major project at Meridian while you''re stuck as her sidekick. You''re just as capable as she is why should she get all the recognition?"


    Callie took off his sses, rubbing the lenses with the corner of his shirt. When he put them back on, his gaze was steady. "Faye, I don''t know why you''re saying this. Eleanor''s achievements are out there for everyone to see. Her theories solved problems we''d been stuck on for years. That''s real science."


    A flicker of annoyance passed through Faye''s eyes, but she quickly reced it with a sweet smile. "I''m just looking out for you! Remember your master''s thesis? Your idea was almost identical to Eleanor''s current system."


    Callie shook his head. "Mine was just a rough concept. I never even tested it. Eleanor''s approach is backed by solid data and rigorous experiments. We''re not even in the same league."


    Faye clenched her jaw in frustration. Why was this bookworm so impossible to sway?


    Trying a different tack, she ran her fingers through her hair and leaned closer. "Callie, we''ve known each other for years. You know I''d never do anything to hurt you. If you want, I can help you get more exposure¡ªI have connections with Professor Langley-"


    "Faye." Callie interrupted, his voice unusually firm. "This isn''t a game. Research is serious-it''s not about wing for glory."


    Faye''s expression darkened.


    "Callie!" she snapped. "I''m just trying to help¡ª"


    He got to his feet. "Thanks for dinner, Faye, but I think we''re done here. I won''t do anything to undermine Eleanor."


    Faye shot up as well, her voice rising. "So you''re in love with her too?"


    Callie paused, then shook his head. "No. I admire her. Respect her. Only


    someone like Joel would be worthy of her."

 Chapter 400

    Faye''s face flushed a deep red, her voice sharp with anger. "Eleanor is just using you! Once she''s made it, you''ll be left with nothing!"


    Callie paused at the doorway, turning to look back at Faye with a hint of pity in his eyes. "Faye, you never used to be like this. What happened to you?"


    Without waiting for a reply, he pulled open the door and strode out.


    Faye''s delicate features twisted with fury as she mmed her fist on the table. That blockhead Callie was worshipping Eleanor like she was some kind of goddess.


    He used to be the one who secretly had a crush on her, after all.


    ...


    The next day was the start of the long May Day weekend. As Eleanor was tidying


    up her desk, her phone lit up with a message.


    She nced at the screen. It was from Mansfield Ellington.


    "Miss Sutton, are you busy? I''m back in town."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. He was back early? But she had no time for dinner tonight-there was still a mountain of work to bring home.


    "Mr. Ellington, could we meet for dinner another day? I''ve got piles of work to finish tonight," she replied honestly.


    He answered almost immediately. "No problem-just wanted to let you know I''m home. No pressure."


    Before she could reply, another message popped up. "Really, don''t feel obligated."


    Eleanor paused, letting out a silent sigh. Mansfield Ellington really was attentive and considerate.


    But as for her...


    She didn''t reply again. Her mind was already made up.


    Over the next two days, Eleanor worked from home, juggling spreadsheets while spending time with her daughter. Compared to Byron''s team, who still had to put in overtime at Meridian Dynamics, being able to work remotely felt like a rare privilege.


    Three days passed in a blink. Eleanor took her daughter and met up with Joy for a trip to the coast. As the sun set, Eleanor knelt in the sand, digging for tiny crabs with her daughter, who was absolutely delighted.


    "Mom, there''s a little hole here! There must be a baby crab inside!"


    Eleanor dug with a small spade,pletely absorbed in the moment. Her phone buzzed in her bag, but she didn''t notice.


    They yed until well past eight before heading back to the hotel. Eleanor bathed her daughter, then herself; by the time she was done, it was nearly ten.


    She hadn''t checked her phone all evening.


    Only after telling her daughter a mermaid story and watching her drift off to sleep did Eleanor remember her messages.


    She curled up on the sofa to check her emails. There were over a dozen unread messages some from Joel and Byron about work, and one from Mansfield Ellington, sent around four.


    He''d asked if she was free for dinner with him and her daughter that night.


    At five-thirty, he''d followed up with the restaurant address.


    At six, another gentle reminder. After that, nothing.


    Eleanor stared at the thread, her throat tightening.


    Since she''d met Mansfield Ellington, his patience and warmth had been a rarefort in her life. Maybe that was exactly why she couldn''t bring herself to lead him on.


    She''d made up her mind during the divorce: she would never remarry. Her daughter was all she needed.


    Her failed marriage had drained her of any passion for love-she simply had nothing left to give.


    "Mr. Ellington, thank you for your kindness, but my daughter''s worn out from today and already asleep," she typed out, knowing her reply sounded cold.


    There was no immediate response. Minutes passed before her phone buzzed again.


    "Eleanor, I''m sorry if I overstepped. I hope you and your little one have a wonderful holiday."


    Eleanor read the message over and over, wondering if he understood what she was really saying.


    She hoped he did. Maybe, with time, they''d drift apart-bing nothing more than acquaintances who nodded in passing. Someday, he''d marry, start a family, and find happiness.


    Someone like Mansfield Ellington would have no trouble finding an extraordinary


    woman.


    She closed her eyes, ready to sleep, when her silenced phone shed again and again.


    She picked it up. More messages from Mansfield Ellington.


    "Eleanor, I know what you''re trying to say."


    "I won''t give up just because you turned me down once. Having a child doesn''t scare me off or make thingsplicated."


    "But I want you to know-waiting for someone worthwhile is never a waste. If you''re not ready now, I can wait. A month, a year, however long it takes."


    The certainty in his words was unmistakable.


    Eleanor stared at the screen, mind suddenly nk,pletely at a loss for how to respond.

 Chapter 401

    Eleanor Sutton''s fingers hovered over the screen, uncertain, unable to bring herself to reply.


    Atst, she set her phone aside on the nightstand. The fatigue that had weighed on her just moments before had lifted, reced by a restless rity.


    Her thoughts wandered to the mayor and his wife, to Mansfield''s grandmother Mildred, to the Secretary of State-they all cared deeply for Mansfield Ellington. They loved him and, in their own ways, wanted the best for his future.


    They had always treated Eleanor with warmth and kindness.


    And perhaps because they were such good people, Eleanor felt all the more determined to end things with Mansfield, swiftly and decisively.


    She couldn''t afford to string him along.


    If she was resolute in her decision never to marry, thest thing she wanted was to keep Mansfield Ellington from finding his own happiness, from meeting the right person.


    So Eleanor decided she would not reply-not online, not anywhere. If they didn''t speak, if they didn''t see each other in daily life, the distance between them would only grow. Eventually, they would go their separate ways and find their own peace.


    Eleanor turned and wrapped her arms around her daughter''s soft, warm little body, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair. With Evelyn in her arms, she finally drifted off to sleep.


    The next morning, bright and early, Eleanor and Joy Thatcher were packing up to head back to the city. Joy pulled her car up to Eleanor''s house, nced out the window, and eximed, "Wait a second-am I seeing things, or is that Mr. Ellington?"


    Parked right in front of the house was a sleek ck Range Rover, and leaning against the door, waiting, was Mansfield Ellington himself.


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat. She hadn''t expected him to show up at her home. As she processed the sight, a ck Mercedes pulled up across the street, drawing attention with its polished finish.


    Joy caught sight of the license te and turned to Eleanor. "Looks like your ex- husband decided to show up too."


    Eleanor watched asn Goodwin''s car came to a stop just a few yards in front of Mansfield''s. She nced at her daughter, still absorbed in her toys, then turned to Joy. "Joy, would you mind watching Evelyn for me?"


    "No problem. I''ll take her to the mall for a bit," Joy said, though her tone betrayed her curiosity-she was eager to witness the drama unfold. After all, a showdown between two men like this was a rare spectacle.


    "Thank you," Eleanor said sincerely. Then she knelt to her daughter''s level. "Evelyn, I need to run home for a bit. Why don''t you go to the mall with Miss Thatcher? I''lle get you soon."


    The mention of the mall made Evelyn''s eyes light up. She nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, Mommy! See you soon!"


    As soon as Eleanor stepped out of the car, Joy drove off with Evelyn in the backseat.


    Eleanor took a deep breath and walked toward her front door.


    Mansfield Ellington was the first to spot her. He''d already asked Joslyn about her, and after hearing that Eleanor was on her way home, he''d chosen to wait outside rather than ept Joslyn''s invitation to wait inside. Something in his bearing must have convinced Joslyn he was no threat.


    From the driver''s seat of the Mercedes,n watched Eleanor walk toward Mansfield in his rearview mirror.


    Seeing her approach, Mansfield straightened and offered a gentle smile. "Good morning."


    It had been easy for Eleanor to steel herself and reject him over the phone, but with Mansfield standing right in front of her, she found herself wavering. She was only human, after all.


    "How long have you been here?" she asked quietly.


    "Not long," he replied, his gaze softening with an earnest tenderness.


    "I''m sorry about yesterday," Mansfield said first, his voice sincere. "I didn''t know you''d taken your daughter on a trip."

 Chapter 402

    Eleanor''s breath caught. ¡°I should be the one apologizing."


    "No, it''s my fault." Mansfield Ellington was certain she had nothing to apologize


    for.


    "Mr. Ellington-"


    "Please, just call me Mansfield." He gently corrected her.


    He''d told her before to use his first name, but she must have been too busy to remember.


    Eleanor pressed her lips together, her gaze meeting his.


    Just then, the car door mmed shut with a thunderous bang.


    Mansfield nced toward the man getting out, his brows drawing together. He leaned in and asked Eleanor quietly, "Do you want me to leave?"


    She looked atn, her expression turning icy. "No need. He and I are strangers now."


    "She''s with a friend of mine," Eleanor replied, barely ncing his way.


    "Mr. Goodwin." Mansfield greeted him politely.


    "Thene byter," Eleanor said, lifting her chin. "I need to set up a regr schedule for your visits, anyway."


    "It''s absolutely necessary," Eleanor replied, her voice firm and unwavering.


    At that moment, Joslyn opened the front door, and Princess, their golden retriever, bounded out, tail wagging as she circled Eleanor andn.


    "Joslyn, would you show our guest inside and offer him some tea?" Eleanor said.


    A quick flicker of amusement crossed Mansfield''s eyes. "Alright, I''ll wait for you inside."


    He stepped into the house, and Joslyn, after a brief nce atn, followed to make tea for Mansfield.


    "Oh? Am I not allowed to be happy after the divorce?" Eleanor shot back, her tone edged with sarcasm.


    Eleanor was done with the conversation. "Come by tomorrow or the day after. I have guests to see to now."


    A gust of wind swept through, rustling the branches overhead. A single leaf drifted down,nding on Eleanor''s hair.


    Eleanor cut him off coldly. "What does it matter to you?"


    He turned and strode toward his Maybach, his posture ramrod straight. As he mmed the car door, the sound startled a couple out for a walk nearby.


    The man, annoyed, said, "What, did he get that door for free?"


    His girlfriend stared after the car, a little awestruck. "That''s a million-dor car-he can afford to m it."


    Eleanor slipped through the gate into the yard. Princess came wagging over, but when she reached Mansfield''s side, her ears drooped and she went on alert, as if she could sense the strength in this new man.

 Chapter 403

    The first time it metn, the poor thing was so frightened it trembled from nose to tail.


    "Your dog''s name is Princess? That''s certainly an unusual choice," Mansfield Ellington remarked with a warm chuckle.


    "My daughter picked it," Eleanor exined, settling into the armchair across from him and pouring the tea.


    Mansfield took in the surroundings: the house had an old-fashioned charm, but everything was tidy and inviting. It felt like the kind of home he''d always dreamed


    of.


    "Did you visit your grandmother? Is she doing well?" Eleanor asked kindly.


    Mansfield nodded. "She''s in great shape, just-" He hesitated, ncing at Eleanor, then let the thought fade away. He smiled instead. "I''ve been busytely too. I went down to Kingston to spend some time with my father."


    "That''s good. Holidays are for family, after all," Eleanor replied.


    "Is he gone?" Mansfield asked quietly.


    Eleanor nodded.


    Mansfield hade with so much he wanted to say to her, but afterst night, he found himself hesitating. He was afraid of saying too much-afraid of scaring her away.


    He traced his fingertip around the rim of his teacup. "I''m heading back to the base the day after tomorrow. I don''t know if I''ll get another chance to take you out for a meal."


    Eleanor looked up, meeting his deep, searching eyes, and offered a gentle smile. "Of course you will. There''ll be plenty of chances."


    "Will there?" Mansfield''s disappointment was obvious.


    He straightened, his voice soft but firm. "Eleanor, don''t worry. I''ll give us both the time and space we need."


    Just then, Joslyn bustled in from the kitchen. "Ma''am, I''ve got everything for lunch. I''ll start cooking now!"


    Joslyn had been eyeing Mansfield Ellington since he walked in. After meetingn and Xavier Vaughn, she thought to herself that this man was just as impressive¡ª maybe even more so, with that unmistakable air of discipline. He''d be a perfect fit for thedy of the house.


    Eleanor flushed, flustered by Joslyn''s timing. How could she ask Mansfield to leave now?


    "Mr. Ellington, would you care to stay for lunch?¡± she asked, a bit awkwardly.


    Anyone could tell the invitation was more politeness than enthusiasm.


    But Mansfield''s eyes lit up all the same. "Are you sure it''s no trouble?"


    "Of course not, Mr. Ellington. I''ve already got everything ready. It''s no trouble at all


    to set out a couple more tes!" Joslyn called from the kitchen.


    A smile tugged at Mansfield''s lips. "Well, if you''re sure I''d be delighted."


    Eleanor turned to Joslyn. "Make a bit extra, please. Joy and Evelyn areing home for lunch too."


    "You got it!" Joslyn replied, already getting busy.


    Eleanor picked up her phone. "I''ll just make a call."


    Stepping out into the garden, she rang Joy and asked her to bring Evelyn home. Joyughed, "Isn sulking yet?"


    "I''ll tell you when you get here," Eleanor replied.


    Fifteen minutester, Joy arrived hand-in-hand with Evelyn. The little girl spotted the unfamiliar man in the living room and immediately ducked behind her mother, peeking out with wide, curious eyes.


    Mansfield was momentarily taken aback. Eleanor''s daughter was an absolute angel.


    Eleanor coaxed her forward. "Evelyn, this is Mr. Ellington. Say hello, sweetheart."


    Evelyn, chin raised with adorable confidence, looked Mansfield up and down. "Hello, Mr. Ellington."


    Mansfield got up, walked over, and crouched down to her level, meeting her gaze with a warm smile. "Hello, Evelyn. I''m Mansfield Ellington¡ªa friend of your mom''s."

 Chapter 404

    Joy kept shooting suggestive nces at Eleanor, as if to say, See? Isn''t this just the picture of harmony?


    Eleanor pretended not to notice.


    With Joy around, the atmosphere warmed considerably. She peppered Mansfield Ellington with questions about his time in the military, drawing out lighthearted stories andughter. Meanwhile, Joslyn finished preparing the meal and soon the table was set.


    Everyone gathered for dinner. Eleanor served her daughter, her gentle care on full disy. Mansfield found himself captivated by this softer side of her¡ªthere was a new intensity in his eyes, barely contained.


    The first time he''d met Eleanor, her beauty had stunned him. The second time, her intelligence drew him in. The third, her aplishments left him in awe. The more he got to know her, the deeper he fell under her spell.


    After the meal, Mansfield knew it was time to excuse himself. Eleanor walked him to the door.


    "This was wonderful," he said in his deep, even voice. "Dinner at your home feels more meaningful than anything a restaurant could offer."


    Eleanor smiled. "It was just some simple home cooking."


    Mansfield''s gaze was earnest and unwavering. "Eleanor, life is long. I have a feeling we''ll see each other again."


    She hesitated for a moment, noticing how he was carefully reining in his own emotions. She nodded. "Drive safe."


    He opened the back door of his car, pulling out a gift. "Almost forgot-I brought something for your daughter."


    Eleanor paused. "You really didn''t have to. She already has so many gifts."


    He grinned. "She''s the only child I know in your family. It would be awkward to give it to anyone else."


    Seeing he wouldn''t take no for an answer, Eleanor finally epted the gift. "Thank you."


    "She''s a wonderful girl. I''m sure she''ll grow up to be just as remarkable as her mother." With that, Mansfield slid into his car, rolled down the window, and gave Eleanor onest lingering look. "Goodbye."


    Eleanor stood at the gate, watching his car disappear down the street. Behind her, Joy stepped outside, swinging the door open with a dramatic flourish. "Oh, look at you! Reluctant to see him go, are we?"


    Eleanor quickly tugged her back inside and closed the door. "I need your help."


    "Shoot."


    "What can I do to limitn''s visitation rights?" Eleanor asked, her voice steady. Joy arched an eyebrow. "Didn say something infuriating to set you off again?" Eleanor shook her head. "I just want to give Evelyn a more stable, peaceful environment to grow up in."


    "I''ll talk it over with my colleague and see if there''s anything we can do, but don''t get your hopes up too high. Ian''swyer is tough to beat."


    She dropped her voice and squeezed Eleanor''s arm. "Aren''t you worried that if you pushn too hard, he''ll try to fight for full custody of Evelyn?" Joy continued, "And what about Vanessa Shannon? Last time I saw her, she looked pregnant, but now there''s no news. Could she be... unable to have children?"


    Eleanor''s face drained of color.


    Ifn truly loved Vanessa, and Vanessa couldn''t have a child, then Evelyn would be his only heir.


    A wave of dread lodged itself in Eleanor''s throat, choking her.

 Chapter 405

    Eleanor''s fingers instinctively tightened around the hem of her skirt. Noticing she''d startled her, Joy quickly wrapped an arm around Eleanor''s shoulders. "Sorry! It''s probably just my job making me paranoid. Don''t worry-I just wanted to give you a heads up, that''s all."


    Eleanor was grateful for the warning.


    A family like the Goodwins, with all their influence¡ªnot to mentionn''s power¡ª meant she couldn''t afford to let her guard down.


    But withn''s resources, he could have as many children as he wanted. If Vanessa couldn''t have kids, they''d just find another way. One thing was certain:n would never settle for only one child.


    That thought made Eleanor let out a quiet sigh.


    "Don''t worry," Joy reassured her. "That divorce agreement is written entirely in your favor. Even ifn tries to fight it, it''s not going to be easy for him. Besides, Evelyn loves you more than anyone right now."


    Setting aside the emotions thatn always seemed to stir up, Eleanor focused on spending the rest of the holiday weekend with her daughter.


    After she dropped Evelyn back at school, it was time for Eleanor to head to Meridian Dynamics for a meeting.


    The moment she stepped into the Meridian Dynamics lobby, Eleanor sensed something was off. The usual chatty, cheerful receptionists were all silently absorbed in their work.


    She wondered if something had happened. When she reached her office and clipped on her badge, Byron Chase''s assistant, Laird, walked in carrying a stack of files.


    "Eleanor, here''s the agenda for today''s meeting. Thought you might want to look it over."


    "Thanks, Laird." She paused, lowering her voice. "Is something going on in thepany today? The atmosphere is... tense."


    Laird looked surprised. "You haven''t heard?"


    "Heard what?"


    "They let go of the entire Talbot engineering team. It happened just yesterday." Eleanor''s eyes widened. "Why?"


    "Apparently, Mr. Goodwin rejected their entire design proposal. He was furious- dissolved the whole team on the spot. Didn''t keep a single person."


    Eleanor frowned, her thoughts racing.


    The Talbot team had been at Meridian Dynamics for over five years. They were the core group that had pioneered thepany''s Al self-driving initiative from the very start.


    Laird dropped his voice to a whisper. "Word is, Mr. Goodwin thinks their algorithm is too conservative-doesn''t meet the demands of next-generation smart driving. Hepletely lost it."


    Eleanor''s fingers stilled on the folder.


    In tech, if you stop pushing boundaries, you''re on the fast track to irrelevance. And unfortunately, they were dealing withn-a boss who prized efficiency and results above all else.


    "But hey," Laird added with a relieved smile, "it doesn''t affect our division at all. Byron''s team is focused on Al biotech. We''re safe."


    Eleanor nodded. That much was true.


    Around ten, she headed to the front desk to pick up a package, just as several sleek cars pulled up outside. Ian was at the front, leading six or seven people-a full engineering team by the look of it. Among them was a middle-aged man with striking European features, speaking quietly withn, who listened intently and nodded.


    The receptionist gasped in a whisper. "Oh my God! Isn''t that Dr. Schmidt, the chief engineer from Drexford Autotech? Mr. Goodwin must have paid a fortune to recruit him and his whole team!"


    Eleanor knew Autotech was a world leader in autonomous driving technology. Clearly,n was determined topletely overhaul Meridian Dynamics'' self- driving division.


    As she watched the group, she caughtn ncing her way. Eleanor quickly looked down, pretending not to notice.


    Byron hurried over to greet Dr. Schmidt, shaking his hand and ushering the group toward the elevators.


    Later that morning, Eleanor met with Garrison Bradley to review their joint project; the military''s testing phase had gone exceptionally well, and animal trials were nearly ny-seven percent sessful. There were still minor glitches, but those could be addressed with data tweaks on their end.


    All day, the tension at Meridian Dynamics was palpable. Ian''s ruthless, decisive management style had left people on edge, their nerves stretched taut.


    Eleanor ducked into the restroom. She''d just entered a stall when she heard the sound of several peopleing in.


    "Everyone''s on eggshells today," one woman whispered. "It feels like Mr. Goodwin could decide to rece our entire department on a whim."


    "Why are you worried? Your team has Eleanor," another replied. "She''s Mr. Goodwin''s ex-wife-he wouldn''t dare touch your division."


    "Exactly! And they have a daughter together. Would he really fire the mother of his own child?"


    "I think the real reason is that Eleanor''s brilliant. Mr. Goodwin knows talent when he sees it."


    "Do you think he still has feelings for her? I mean, they were married, after all!" "Oh, please. If you consider how their daughter came to be, I''m honestly jealous. Mr. Goodwin is so handsome-he could be a model, seriously¡ª"


    Just then, the sound of a toilet flushing interrupted them, and the stall door swung open. Faye Yeaton stepped out, heels clicking sharply against the tile.


    "What are you all gossiping about?" she said coolly, heading to the sink.


    "Come on, Faye, can''t we have a little harmless chat?" one of the assistants protested.


    Faye washed her hands, a cold smile on her lips. "You don''t know much, do you? Mr. Goodwin already has a girlfriend-Vanessa, the world-renowned concert pianist."


    The group of assistants exchanged startled looks.


    "Really? Howe we''ve never heard about this?"


    "She keeps a low profile. They''re already talking about marriage," Faye said, pulling a paper towel from the dispenser. She shot them a meaningful nce. "So stop spreading rumors about Eleanor and Mr. Goodwin, unless you want to be next on the chopping block."

 Chapter 406

    Faye finally left, ncing back at the assistants she''d just startled.


    Eleanor waited in her cubicle until everyone had gone. She''d overheard what Faye said.


    So,n and Vanessa were already talking about marriage?


    If it came from Faye''s mouth, chances were it was true.


    Eleanor remembered Vanessa''s celebration dinner the other night-the whole thing had felt like a proposal. Mayben had already popped the question.


    Shaking off the thought, Eleanor returned to her office. Soon after, Joel Kingsley stopped by, and the two of them went over some work matters.


    Just then, Eleanor''s extension rang. She picked up. "Hello, this is Eleanor."


    "Eleanor,e to my office for a moment." It was Byron.


    "Of course, Mr. Chase," she replied.


    She turned to Joel. "Mr. Chase wants to see me."


    He nodded. "Go ahead."


    Eleanor took the elevator up to Byron''s office. The moment she opened the door, she froze¡ªsomeone else was sitting on the couch. Ian.


    "Where''s Mr. Chase?" Eleanor asked, though she already suspectedn was the one who wanted to see her.


    Eleanor''s expression turned cold. "If it''s not about work, then I don''t want to hear it."


    She met his gaze, spine straight, refusing to be intimidated.


    "You want to cut me out of my daughter''s lifepletely, is that it?"n was only a few feet away now, his stare fixed on her, usation simmering beneath the surface.


    That was exactly what Eleanor hoped for-to free her daughter from his influence, to help her stop depending on him.


    Eleanor''s silence spoke volumes.


    He paused, ncing over and catching the sudden rigidity in Eleanor''s posture. His voice grew even lower. "The first time I held her, my hands were shaking."


    Eleanor dug her nails into her palm. What was he trying to do, bringing this up now?


    "From the moment she called me ''Daddy'' for the first time, I swore I''d give her the very best the world had to offer." Ian turned, his eyes locked on Eleanor''s. This wasn''t the controlling man she was used to-it was someone stripped bare by fear.


    "Please. Don''t take her out of my life." Heposed himself, tone steadying. "The visitation schedule stays as it is. Eight times a month. The timing is flexible, but I''ll defer to you."


    Eleanor clearly wasn''t happy, but she''d only agreed to so many visits in the first ce to get the divorce finalized.


    "There''s no room for negotiation on this,"n said through clenched teeth, making it clear he wouldn''t budge.


    She looked up and saw the red at the corners of his eyes, as if his own words had moved him.


    At that moment, Byron''s assistant, Laird, knocked and poked his head in. "Mr. Goodwin-"


    He immediately fell silent, sensing the tension in the room. Ian''s gaze swept over him, and Laird felt like he''d just been x-rayed.


    He''d clearly walked right into a volcanic eruption.


    "I''ll juste backter!" Laird stammered, quickly closing the door, forgetting


    all about the meeting he was supposed to announce.


    Eleanor, still facingn, remembered Joy''s warning: if she pushedn too far, he might stop at nothing to get full custody.


    If he really tried to fight for custody, she wasn''t sure she could win. After all, the divorce agreement did grant him eight visits a month.


    "Nobody in this world loves her more than I do. Not even you,"n added quietly.


    "Fine," Eleanor said, lifting her chin. "But you have to promise me one thing- Vanessa stays away from my daughter."


    Eleanor studied him, searching for any sign of dishonesty. "You''d better keep your word."


    "I always do,"n replied, eyes narrowing.


    Eleanor turned and walked out, her fists clenched, a wave of anger rising in her chest.


    Outside, Laird was still waiting. When he saw Eleanore out, he hurried over. "All done with Mr. Goodwin?"


    "We''re finished. You can go in." Eleanor''s voice was curt.


    Laird nervously knocked and entered. "Mr. Goodwin, it''s time for the meeting."


    "I know."n took a sip of tea, then stood and headed for the conference room.

 Chapter 407

    Eleanor had just returned to her office when Garrison sent over a few experiment reports for her to review.


    She quickly lost herself in the data until her phone rang. It was Ellington.


    "Hello? Ellington, what''s up?"


    "Ms. Sutton, there''s a wedding this weekend. You''ll need to attend."


    "Whose wedding is it?"


    "Mr. Brown''s daughter is getting married. The invitation arrived on my desk this morning," Ellington replied, then added, "Ms. Sutton, it''s important that you make time for this, no matter what."


    Eleanor was well aware of Mr. Brown''s influence in the business world. Rubbing her temples, she agreed, "All right, I understand."


    "I''ll bring the invitation by your office first thing tomorrow," Ellington said before hanging up.


    She couldn''t help but thinkn would almost certainly be there. Even if she preferred to avoid running into him at social events, this time there''d be no escaping it.


    The next morning, Ellington delivered the thick, gold-embossed invitation to her in person. He mentioned, "Mr. Vaughn is likely to attend as well."


    Eleanor remembered the nanny saying Xavier had gone abroad. Had he returned?


    At a wedding like this, the entire upper echelon of the business and political world would surely be in attendance.


    Around noon, Joy called. She was nearby meeting a client and suggested they grab lunch together.


    As they sat in the restaurant and Eleanor mentioned the wedding, Joy grinned. "Looks like you''ve made quite a name for yourself among the business elite."


    Eleanor had always hoped to keep a low profile, but once people learned about her sess and fortune, staying under the radar became impossible.


    "You''d better dress to impress this time," Joy said with a wink.


    Eleanor nodded. "You''re right. I should make an effort."


    "At events like these, appearances matter most. Dress well first-people look at your outfit before they look at you. You can''t afford to let them underestimate you."


    Eleanor smiled. "I won''t."


    On Saturday, Eleanor spent the morning with her daughter before heading out to the boutique at ten. She''d already arranged everything with the shop owner in advance.


    Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the boutique''s second floor. Eleanor stood in front of a full-length mirror, gently smoothing an imaginary crease from her dress.


    She wore a green mermaid gown. The V-neckline elegantly revealed her corbones, while the tailored bodice entuated her slender waist. Under the lights, the fabric shimmered with a subtle, luxurious sheen, shifting in color as she moved.


    A boutique assistant watched in awe, quietly wondering how someone as beautiful as Eleanor could end up divorced fromn. Everyone in the boutique followed thetest society gossip, and they all knew who Eleanor was.


    "Miss Sutton, that dress suits you perfectly," the boutique owner said sincerely.


    Her makeup was wless and understated, with a hint of winged eyeliner and matte, earthy eyeshadow that made her eyes shine. Her lips were painted a vintage red,plementing the green of her dress.


    She wore a pair of emerald drop earrings, the stones glinting under the lights and echoing the green gem on her ne. It was just enough to highlight her quiet strength without being ostentatious.


    Eleanor was pleased with the result. ncing at her watch, she realized it was time to head to the wedding.


    She drove to the hotel where the ceremony was taking ce and made her way to the third-floor ballroom, gift in hand.


    Though it was only ten forty, the hall was already bustling with guests. As soon as she stepped inside, she spotted Xavier in a charcoal suit, standing outside the doors chatting with someone.


    His eyes drifted toward the entrance, immediatelynding on her. Excusing himself, he walked over.


    His intense gaze lingered on her for a few seconds, Adam''s apple bobbing just slightly. "Eleanor, you look stunning today."

 Chapter 408

    Eleanor greeted him with a warm smile. "I heard you were out of the country on business. When did you get back?"


    "How did you know I was abroad?" Xavier asked, surprised.


    She chuckled. "I ran into your housekeeper at the schoolst time. She mentioned it."


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Xavier''s eyes. For a moment, he''d thought Eleanor had gone out of her way to find out about his whereabouts.


    ¡°Yeah, I just got back two days ago,¡± he replied, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Had to take care of somepany issues. Almost wrapped up now."


    Eleanor nced him over, noticing how rxed he seemed. Clearly, he''de out on top in his family''s internal power struggle.


    Just then, a suddenmotion drew everyone''s attention to the entrance of the ballroom.


    Eleanor instinctively turned to look. Ian had just arrived, dressed in a perfectly tailored ck suit, walking in with an older gentleman as they chatted quietly.


    But the instantn spotted Eleanor standing with Xavier, the smile on his face froze for a split second, and something dark flickered in his gaze.


    He said a few words to the elder, then strode toward them.


    n, good to see you," Xavier called out first.


    "It''s all handled," Xavier nodded.


    Thenn''s eyes settled on Eleanor. "You look beautiful tonight."


    The words echoed Xavier''s earlierpliment, buting fromn, they made Eleanor''s expression turn cold. She ignored him.


    At that moment, Mr. Brown, the host, came over to wee them. "Ian, Xavier, Eleanor-thank you foring!" he said warmly. "The ceremony''s about to begin. Please, take your seats."


    Eleanor hesitated. Mr. Brown always addressed the younger generation by their first names, but the fact that he remembered herst name was a subtle acknowledgment of her unusual status.


    As Eleanor made her way toward the seating area,n and Xavier nked her on either side a trio that drew more than a few curious nces from the other guests.


    Some people recognized Eleanor, others didn''t, but regardless, it was obvious that any woman escorted by both the CEO of Goodwin Industries and the president of Vaughn Group had to be someone exceptional.


    Eleanor took her seat, and Xavier casually sat down beside her. Just then, an attentive manager hurried over. "Mr. Vaughn, your seat and Mr. Goodwin''s are up at the front. Please, let me show you."


    Xavier smiled. "I''d like to sit with my friend, if that''s all right."


    The manager paused, nced at Eleanor, and immediately understood. He turned ton, gesturing politely. "Mr. Goodwin, your seat is over this way."


    The ballroom was filled to capacity. As the lights dimmed, the wedding was about to begin.


    Eleanor felt unusually cheerful tonight. Soon, the appointed hour arrived, and on stage, the groom stood waiting in a sharp white suit.


    Eleanor was surprised to see Henry Holt standing beside him, grinning happily as the best man.


    Xavier also smiled, clearly already in on the secret.


    As the wedding march began, all eyes turned to the couple.


    The doors at the back of the hall opened slowly.


    The bride entered, arm in arm with her father, followed by four bridesmaids.


    Eleanor''s gaze lingered on one of them-Vanessa, graceful in a champagne- colored dress, bouquet in hand, gliding elegantly down the aisle.

 Chapter 409

    Eleanor hadn''t expected Vanessa to turn up at all-certainly not as a bridesmaid.


    Vanessa, for her part, spotted Eleanor almost instantly. Noticing Xavier seated at Eleanor''s side, she offered a faint, enigmatic smile before turning her attention forward, focusing on the couple at the altar.


    The ceremony began in earnest. With the officiant guiding them, the bride and groom exchanged rings and vows. Apuse erupted throughout the chapel, and Eleanor joined in, pping along with the crowd.


    Xavier apuded too, but his eyes kept drifting to Eleanor, searching her face. On a day as festive as this, was she thinking about her own wedding the one from years ago?


    The memory was still vivid for him: Eleanor, radiant and beaming, arm in arm withn. Back then, Xavier had offered his heartfelt congrattions to his best friend, never imagining how things would change.


    Afterward, Eleanor had quietly vanished fromn''s social circle. Rumor had it she was staying home, devoted to domestic life as a full-time wife.


    Then, everything shifted the day he saw her abroad-poised and graceful as she took the stage to y a piece on the piano. Perhaps that was when she first caught his heart.


    Later came that day at theke. When Eleanor slipped into the water, and asn dove in after Vanessa, Xavier didn''t hesitate-he jumped in to save Eleanor.


    Another time, as he was heading home, he saw her standing beneath a streemp, shivering in the cold, so fragile and alone. An urge to protect her welled up inside him, and from that moment, he couldn''t help paying more attention to her.


    He knew perfectly well it was taboo to covet his friend''s wife-but still...


    He never imagined it would end in divorce.


    Now, watching Eleanor''s calm,posed face, untouched by the ceremony''s emotion, Xavier felt the corner of his mouth lift in quiet relief.


    Onstage, the bride turned to the crowd, her voice sweet through the microphone. "Now,dies, I''m going to toss my bouquet. I hope to pass along a bit of today''s happiness. Ready? Here we go!"


    The bridesmaids-all single-gathered at the front, joined by other unmarried women eager to catch the bride''s luck.


    Vanessa''s eyes lit up with anticipation. She watched the bride''s movements closely, ready to pounce.


    The brideughed, turned her back to the crowd, andunched the bouquet high overhead.


    A spray of white roses soared in a graceful arc, every eye tracing its flight.


    There was a flurry of elbows andughter as the bridesmaids jostled for position.


    But-


    Smack!


    The bouquet arced past the eager crowd,nding squarely in thep of a guest at the head table.


    It wasn.


    The room fell silent for a beat, then burst into good-naturedughter and apuse.


    "Looks like Mr. Goodwin''s up next!" someone called out, teasing.


    Vanessa''s expression flickered with disappointment-she''d positioned herself closest to the bride, sure the bouquet would be hers.


    But she recovered quickly, her confidence returning. With a poised smile, she strode over ton, and, before the entire room, scooped the bouquet off the table, holding it high for all to see.


    A ripple of whispers swept through the crowd. Vanessa announced, "I got it!"


    The bride, seeing the bouquet inn''s hands, grinned knowingly. She lifted her ss and called out, "Looks like my bouquet''s found its way to the next happy couple. Congrattions! I hope we''re all celebrating your wedding soon."


    The room erupted inughter and apuse. It seemed the next big event would be the Goodwin & Co. CEO''s own nuptials.


    Around Vanessa, a chorus of congrattions rose up.


    Eleanor nced atn. He had his back to her, so she couldn''t see his


    expression, but somehow, she could picture the indulgent, affectionate look on his face.


    Xavier leaned in. "Want to slip out after the ceremony?" he asked softly.


    Eleanor shook her head. "Let''s stay for the dinner."


    Leaving now would be rude and honestly, watchingn and Vanessa parade


    around as a couple didn''t bother her anymore.


    "Alright," Xavier replied, smiling. He was happy to stay.


    Soon, the bride and groom made their rounds, toasting each table. The bridesmaids took their seats, Vanessa naturally settling in besiden, with Henry on her other side.


    Mr. Brown approached, his daughter and son-inw in tow, to offer a toast. Guests raised their sses in turn. When Mr. Brown reached Eleanor''s table, he introduced her warmly to his daughter. "Tessa, let me introduce you to Eleanor¡ªa rising star in the research world. Get to know her."


    "Miss Sutton, a toast to you," Tessa said, lifting her ss.


    Eleanor smiled back. ¡°Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness."


    Course aftervish course arrived at their table. Among the guests were several well-heeled women; one, after observing Eleanor and Xavier for a while, finally asked, "Are you two married?"


    Eleanor was caught off guard. Xavierughed and exined, "We''re just good friends."


    "Oh! You look so perfect together, I assumed you were a couple." The woman grinned at Xavier. ¡°Well, good friends sometimes make the best partners. Don''t give up!"


    Xavier actually blushed, raising his ss to her. "Cheers to that."


    He kept his final thought to himself: If only her well wishes could help his dreamse true.

 Chapter 410

    At that moment, the emcee stepped onto the stage, his voice ringing out, "On this joyful asion, let''s invite the maid of honor, Miss Vanessa, to y a piano piece for the happy couple."


    The crowd burst into apuse as Vanessa made her way gracefully to the piano set off to the side. Everyone had assumed the piano was just there for show, a touch of ss rather than a real instrument.


    But now, as Vanessa took the stage, the room fell silent. A spotlight bathed her in soft light, and for a moment, even the bride''s radiance seemed to pale inparison.


    Vanessa knew how tomand a room. Her skillful performance captivated everyone, and the moment her song ended, she was met with thunderous apuse.


    As she rose from the bench, Vanessa''s gaze drifted inn''s direction, her lips curling into a flirtatious smile.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor was busy reading emails on her phone, absently picking at her te. It wasn''t until the emcee announced another live performance that she finally looked up.


    Suddenly, Eleanor felt the weight of someone''s gaze. When she nced up, she locked eyes withn, his stare deep and unreadable.


    He sat at the main table, surrounded by the city''s business heavyweights. Beside him was Vanessa, who, as the fianc¨¦e of Ashford City''s wealthiest man, enjoyed the kind of deference that came with his support.


    Xavier, seated next to Eleanor, kept a watchful eye on her. He couldn''t tell if she was upset, but she certainly didn''t look happy.


    "Actually..." Xavier hesitated, searching for the right words. "Ian and Vanessa-"


    "Xavier," Eleanor cut him off, looking up. "You don''t have tofort me. We''re divorced now; he''s free to move on."


    Xavier''s gaze softened, lingering on her. "What about you? Are you ready to start over?"


    Eleanor froze, caught off guard by the question. Before she could answer, she noticedn approaching, ss in hand.


    Eleanor''s expression turned cold. Xavier fell silent asn stopped behind them. "Ian," Xavier greeted, raising his ss.


    "I''ll pass," Eleanor replied coolly. She stood and turned to Xavier. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."


    No sooner had Eleanor left thann slid smoothly into her vacant seat, turning to Xavier. "Is your uncle still on the board?"


    Xavier chatted withn, sipping his drink as they discussed recent business issues.


    Eleanor had barely stepped into the restroom when the sharp click of heels echoed behind her. Through the mirror, she saw Vanessa enter, still clutching her bouquet, which she set carefully on the counter.


    Vanessa stood beside her at the sink, fussing with her hair. "Beautiful wedding today, isn''t it?" she said, her tone casual.


    Eleanor didn''t reply, simply grabbing a paper towel to dry her hands.


    Vanessa caught Eleanor''s eye in the mirror, a sly smile ying on her lips. "Ian just told me that when we get married, we''ll have an even grander affair."


    Eleanor let out a coldugh.


    Vanessa suddenly turned and blocked Eleanor''s path. "Did you know?n''s been helping my dad''spany with some cash flow issues. We''re practically family already."


    Eleanor met Vanessa''s challenging stare. "Move. I couldn''t care less about you two."


    "Oh really?" Vanessa smirked, twirling the bouquet in her hands. "Ian and I are lucky today¡ªmaybe you''d like to wish us well?"


    Eleanor took a steadying breath. "Didn''t you hear me? Move out of the way."


    Instead of backing off, Vanessa stepped even closer. "I known''s been reaching outtely, but don''t get the wrong idea. He''s just being responsible for Evelyn, that''s all. If you hadn''t ruined my celebration the other day, he''d have proposed already."


    Eleanor frowned. So she''d guessed rightn had been nning to propose to Vanessa that night.


    Vanessa''s smile widened. "Besides,n adores children. We''ll have two or three when we''re married-at least one has to be a boy."


    "Finished?" Eleanor''s voice was icy. "Get out of my way."


    Vanessa lifted her chin, fingers tracing the ne at her throat. "You know whyn chose me? Because I understand him better than you ever did. I know what he truly wants."


    Eleanor had had enough. "Vanessa, you''re just the mistress who wed her way up. Don''t try to paint yourself as something noble."


    A couple of society women walked in just in time to hear thest remark. Vanessa''s face went rigid. "Excuse me?n and I have been in love for eight years. You''re the one who came between us. The real mistress is the one who isn''t loved."


    With that, Vanessa snatched up her bouquet and strode out.


    Back at her seat, Vanessa scanned the room, only to findn sitting at Eleanor''s spot, deep in conversation with Xavier. Her mood soured even further.


    At the same time, Eleanor returned, only to spotn in her seat. She decided she''d had enough of the evening.


    She leaned toward Xavier. "I''m heading out."


    Eleanor barely spared him a nce, her appetite gone.


    Xavier stood as well. "I''ll walk you out." He turned ton. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."


    Eleanor grabbed her purse and started for the door, nearly colliding with a passing waiter. She stepped back, and Xavier''s long arm shot out to steady her, slipping around her shoulders.


    Once the waiter had passed, Eleanor and Xavier left together.


    Behind them,n stood by Eleanor''s chair, watching them go. He drained thest of his wine, then stared into his empty ss, lost in thought.

 Chapter 411

    After leaving the hotel, Xavier headed down to the underground parking garage to get his car, while Eleanor''s was parked outside in the open lot.


    "Eleanor, do you have time to grab dinner sometime?" Xavier asked, a note of reluctance in his voice.


    "I''m a bit swamped these days," Eleanor replied honestly-she really did have a mountain of work waiting for her.


    A flicker of concern crossed Xavier''s eyes. Though he was no longer leading the Juliette Grayson Lab, he still kept a close eye on developments in the research world. He knew Eleanor was working at Meridian Dynamics now, and thepany was notorious in the industry for its relentless pace.


    "I understand. Let''s wait until your workload eases up, then," Xavier said, trying to


    sound upbeat.


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright. I should get going."


    Xavier watched her walk away, her figure disappearing into the re of the afternoon sun. Only after a long moment did he turn and head back into the hotel lobby, making his way toward the elevators.


    At the Meridian Dynamics office, Eleanor was buried in paperwork when Laird came in with a stack of folders. "Eleanor, VP Chase would like to see you."


    She nodded and made her way to Byron Chase''s office. Byron greeted her with a warm smile. "Eleanor,e on in. Have a seat."


    She took the chair across from him, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Is there something you need, VP Chase?"


    Byron leaned forward, his tone inviting. "The annual Meridian Dynamics conference ising up, and this year we want you to give a talk on advances in Al biology."


    Eleanor frowned slightly. "Wouldn''t Joel be a better fit for that?"


    Byron nodded. "I know, but Joel rmended you. His mother is very ill, and he needs to go abroad to take care of his family."


    Eleanor''s heart skipped a beat. Joel''s family-was it that serious?


    Byron continued, "So, since Joel suggested you, we''re really hoping you''ll agree


    to speak at the conference. I know you''ll do great, Eleanor."


    She bit her lip, then nodded. "Alright. I''ll start preparing."


    Back at her desk, Eleanor immediately dialed Joel''s number.


    "Hello?"


    "Joel, how''s your mother doing?"


    Joel''s sigh was heavy on the other end. "It''ste-stage liver cancer. The doctors say... maybe a month, at best. Ellie, I''ll have to rely on you to keep things going at theb."


    Eleanor felt a cold shock run through her. "Oh, Joel... I''m so sorry."


    "I''m nning to take her to the cancer center for treatment. I want to be with her for whatever time she has left."


    "Of course. Take care of her, Joel-I''ll handle things here." Eleanor gripped the phone tighter. "If you need anything, anything at all, just let me know."


    "I was supposed to do the conference presentation, but I rmended you. I know you''ll do a better job than I could right now," Joel said quietly.


    "I''ll take care of everything at work. Focus on your family," Eleanor promised, her heart heavy and aching for her friend.


    After hanging up, Eleanor began outlining her talk. Meridian Dynamics was a leader in the field, and the conference would draw experts from around the world. There was no room for error.


    As the workday wound down, Eleanor was packing up when her office door swung open. Faye stormed in, her face flushed with anger.


    "Eleanor, why are you taking Joel''s spot at the conference? Do you have to grab every opportunity for yourself? Even if Joel can''t make it, it shouldn''t be you up there."

 Chapter 412

    It was as if Faye had finally found an outlet for over a year''s worth of pent-up frustration-all of it pouring out at once.


    Eleanor blinked in surprise, watching Faye. Truth be told, work had been so overwhelmingtely she barely had a spare moment to prepare for this presentation. If Faye wanted the spotlight so badly, Eleanor saw no reason to fight her for it.


    "I''ll mention it to VP Chase. Go ahead and start getting ready,¡± Eleanor said calmly.


    Faye was caught off guard. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "I''m handing the presentation over to you," Eleanor replied, grabbing her bag, ready to call it a day.


    Moments before, Faye had heard Eleanor was going to step in for Joel as the speaker, and fury had red in her chest. Without thinking, she''d stormed over to confront Eleanor, never expecting Eleanor would give up so easily.


    Something didn''t add up. What was Eleanor ying at?


    Did she think Faye wasn''t good enough?


    Was she implying Faye couldn''t handle it?


    Annoyed, Faye reached out to block Eleanor''s path. "What''s that supposed to mean? Is this some kind of charity?"


    Eleanor nced at her with a hint of boredom. "Didn''t you want this chance? I''m giving it to you."


    "I want a fair shot," Faye''s voice rose. "Not a handout."


    Eleanor''s gaze turned icy. "I''m busy. I don''t have time to argue about this. Move."


    Faye gave a cold, humorlessugh. "So what''s the truth? Are you really giving it to me, or are you just as unsure about this presentation as I am? You know all the big names in our field will be there. Maybe you''re the one with stage fright."


    Eleanor rolled her eyes. "If you have time to stand here and talk, you should probably start working on your notes."


    Faye narrowed her eyes. "You really mean it? You''re letting me have it?"


    Honestly, Faye knew Eleanor had only been put up for the speech because Byron wanted it. Now, she''d managed to wrest the opportunity away. Why not seize it and make herself known in the industry?


    Besides, she''d been part of the project from the start. Writing apelling speech wouldn''t be a problem. She was confident she could handle it¡ªand handle it well.


    Faye smirked. "Don''t regret thister."


    Eleanor flipped her hair over her shoulder and walked away, not sparing her another nce.


    Internally, Faye scoffed. Acting so high and mighty? Just wait-I''ll show you what I''m capable of.


    She went straight back to her office and dove into drafting her speech. With a week left before the conference, she was certain she could pull it off.


    All night, Faye poured over her work, revising until three in the morning. Meanwhile, Eleanor felt nothing but relief after giving up the speech. She no longer needed to put herself in the spotlight; that part of her life was behind her.


    Early the next morning, Faye knocked on Byron''s office door. She was the first to inform him she''d be taking over the keynote.


    Byron looked surprised. "Eleanor gave it up?"


    Faye''s expression soured a little. The truth was, Joel had handed the speech to Eleanor, and she''d snatched it from Eleanor in turn.


    "Yes. She said she''s too busy these days and doesn''t have time to prepare," Faye admitted, knowing there was no other way to exin it.


    This speech meant everything to her; her reputation in the researchmunity could hinge on it.


    Byron nodded, not sounding the least bit disapproving. "Eleanor really is swamped. She and Dr. Bradley have been coordinating the animal trial data¡ªno way she''d have time to prepare a full presentation."

 Chapter 413

    Byron paused, ncing up at Faye with a note of concern in his voice. "Faye, are you sure you can handle this?"


    Faye straightened her back, determination in her eyes. "Absolutely, VP Chase. I won''t let you down."


    "Alright, then go get ready," Byron nodded, giving her the green light.


    As Faye stepped out of Byron''s office, she finally allowed herself a sigh of relief. The chance to give this presentation was finally hers-no one was going to snatch it away this time.


    She couldn''t afford to fail.


    After two sleepless nights spent hunched over herptop, Faye finallypleted the first draft of her speech. She polished and trimmed it, then sent the final version to Byron''s inbox, waiting anxiously for his approval.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor''stest project handoffs had gone off without a hitch, and Garrison''s team had pulled off a wless round of testing.


    Wednesday''s morning meeting was about to start.


    "Laird, let VP Chase know I''ll be skipping the morning meeting-I have a video call with Dr. Bradley," Eleanor said as she dialed the office inte.


    "Sure thing! I''ll let him know," Laird replied cheerfully.


    Just before the meeting began, Byron''s phone rang. He nced at the caller ID and answered immediately, nervousness creeping into his tone. "Hello, Mr. Goodwin."


    "Why has the speaker list for the press conference changed? Where''s Eleanor?"n''s voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.


    Byron instantly remembered that Eleanor''s name hadn''t been on the final list he submittedst night. He hurried to exin, "Well, Eleanor has been overloaded with work, so we reassigned the presentation to Faye."


    "This is Meridian Dynamics'' first public reveal of our Al bio-division. The presentation is critical, and the speaker can''t be changed. I want Eleanor on stage,¡±n''s tone left no room for argument¡ªa quiet authority that brooked no refusal.


    Sweat broke out on Byron''s brow. "But Mr. Goodwin, Faye has already finished her speech..."


    "She can be the backup," Ian interrupted coolly. "Eleanor is the lead researcher- no one knows the project like she does."


    With that,n hung up.


    Byron wiped his forehead, already dialing Eleanor''s extension. When she picked up, he said, ¡°Eleanor, can youe to my office for a moment?¡±


    A short whileter, Eleanor walked in. Byron studied her for a moment before speaking inly. "Eleanor, it looks like you''re the only one who can give this presentation."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "VP Chase, I already handed it off to Faye, didn''t I?¡±


    "I know, and Faye''s ready, but-" Byron hesitated, then pressed on, "Mr. Goodwin just called. He specifically requested you. He said this presentation is vital for Meridian Dynamics'' debut in the bio sector-we can''t risk anything going wrong." "Faye''s more than capable," Eleanor replied, giving credit where it was due. Besides, she thought, Faye was practically family ton now; even if she made a few mistakes, with Vanessa in her corner,n would be forgiving.


    Byron grew anxious. "Eleanor, this really is Mr. Goodwin''s decision. You know how much is riding on thisunch. We can''t afford a single misstep."


    "I''m swamped. I don''t have time to prepare a speech. Sorry," Eleanor said bluntly, then turned and walked out.


    Byron stood there, sweat prickling his brow all over again. Why on earth was Eleanor refusing to take the stage?

 Chapter 414

    Byron was beginning to regret agreeing so quickly to let Faye take over. If only he''d insisted on Eleanor going on stage that Monday, none of this mess would have happened.


    The morning meeting began, and Faye waited anxiously for Byron to announce the final decision about her presentation.


    But Byron only addressed a few routine matters before wrapping up the meeting. As everyone began to stand, he nced at Faye. "Faye, could youe by my office for a moment?"


    Faye was caught off guard, but hope fluttered in her chest. She gathered her carefully printed speech and hurried to Byron''s office.


    "Vice President Chase, is there something you wanted to discuss with me privately?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.


    Byron sighed. ¡°Faye, here''s the situation. After a discussion among upper management, it''s been decided that Eleanor will still be the one presenting the Al Biotech segment. You''ll be the backup."


    The color drained from Faye''s face. Her grip tightened on the stack of papers, knuckles turning white.


    "What? That''s not fair!" she protested, struggling to keep herposure. "I''ve already prepared everything. I stayed up for nights getting this ready!"


    "It''s a decision from above," Byron said, helpless. "We do believe you''re very talented, Faye."


    "Who made that call? Did Mr. Goodwin sign off on this?" she demanded, biting her lip, eyes brimming with tears.


    Byron hesitated, then answered bluntly. "This was Mr. Goodwin''s decision."


    Faye stared at him in disbelief. The tears she''d been holding back finally spilled over.n? This wasn''s idea?


    Was this Eleanor''s twisted way of humiliating her?


    Eleanor had pretended to hand over the opportunity, but behind the scenes, she''d gone ton-her ex-husband-and asked for the speaking slot back? Was this all just a game to her? All those nights working on her speech, wasted?


    "Faye, this is a majorpanyunch. I hope you''ll understand the decision from senior management," Byron added gently.


    Faye didn''t respond. Instead, she turned on her heel and marched out of the office, barely holding herself together. She made a beeline to the restroom, scrubbing away her tears, then ducked into a stall to steady her breathing.


    But no matter how many deep breaths she took, the anger in her gut wouldn''t subside. Eleanor was toying with her, in and simple.


    Thanks to her credentials-and her status asn''s ex-wife-Eleanor treated her like some kind of joke. Faye clenched her fists. She would remember this.


    Ten minutester, Faye stormed into Eleanor''s office, mming the door so hard it rattled the ss.


    Eleanor startled, ncing up from herptop with a frown, before returning to her email.


    "Eleanor!" Faye snapped, her voice shaking with fury. "Is this some kind of joke to you?"


    Eleanor looked at her calmly. "What are you talking about?"


    "Don''t y dumb!" Faye shot back. "You publicly handed me the chance, then went behind my back and begged Mr. Goodwin to take it away. If that''s not messing with me, what is?"


    Eleanor''s frown deepened. "I didn''t do that."


    "Stop pretending! If you didn''t, then why did Mr. Goodwin specifically ask for you to go on stage?" Faye''s hands were balled into fists at her sides.


    Eleanor faltered at that, caught off guard. Ian had asked for her to present? She met Faye''s gaze, her tone even. "Trust me, I have no interest in fighting you for this."


    Ifn wanted her on stage, well then he could beg her for it himself.

 Chapter 415

    Faye clenched her fists, her voice tight with frustration. "Now that Mr. Goodwin has spoken, why are you still pretending to be so magnanimous?"


    Eleanor shot her a cool nce, then picked up her phone and dialedn''s number, switching straight to speakerphone.


    The call connected almost immediately. Ian''s deep, unmistakable voice came through. "What''s up?"


    Faye held her breath, as if terrifiedn might realize she was there.


    Eleanor stared at the phone. "Listen,n. Even if you begged me, I wouldn''t do the keynote this time."


    Faye''s eyes widened in disbelief. Was Eleanor really talking ton like that? Where did she get the nerve?


    There was a pause on the other end. "Don''t be impulsive. You''re presenting. That''s thepany''s decision."


    "Then fire me, or cancel the Al BioTechunch," Eleanor replied, and hung up before he could answer.


    Faye was still processing what had just happened when Eleanor looked up at her. "Any more questions?"


    Faye opened her mouth but couldn''t find the words. After a moment, she turned and left.


    A littleter, Byron called her over to discuss the keynote presentation.


    That''s how Faye secured her shot at delivering the speech.


    But even so, she couldn''t shake the feeling that she was simply picking up what Eleanor had discarded without a second thought.


    After that call, Eleanor wasn''t contacted by thepany again about doing the keynote¡ªnot that she had the time to care.


    She spent the weekend with her daughter. Aside from work, most of her free hours were devoted to her little girl and resting at home.


    Monday arrived in a blink. Today was the big day: Meridian Dynamics'' Annual Conference.


    The main hall was already buzzing early in the morning. An hour before the event, every seat was taken.


    Foreign faces dotted the crowd-the world''s leading scientists and media had all gathered for this.


    Faye arrived at eight, pacing backstage as she silently rehearsed her speech. She ducked into the restroom, nerves jangling. Passing through the main hall, she stared nkly for a few seconds at the sea of academics and industry giants.


    By the time she snapped back to reality, sweat was beading on her forehead and palms. She breathed deeply, trying to steady herself.


    Just then her phone chimed. A message from Vanessa: "I''m on my way! How''s your prep going? I can''t wait to see you shine!"


    Swallowing hard, Faye hurried back to the backstage lounge. As she reached for her speech notes, she noticed her hands trembling so badly the pages fluttered. Biting her lip, she tried to steady herself.


    Byron came over to check on her. She quickly twisted her hands together, doing her best to appear calm.


    "Faye, rx. Just treat it like any other project update," he said, handing her a bottle of water.


    Faye epted it and managed a nod. "Thank you, VP Chase. I''ll do my best."


    Byron could tell she was on edge, but there was nothing more he could say. With a reassuring nod, he left.


    As soon as he was gone, Faye pressed a hand to her chest and let out a shaky breath, then went right back to reviewing her notes.


    Eleanor arrived at the venue, scanning for an open seat just as Xavier approached.


    "Ms. Brooks, you made it too?" Eleanor blinked in surprise.


    "Wouldn''t miss a conference like this for the world!" he grinned. "Looking for a seat? Let''s sit together." He led her to the third row.


    "I honestly thought you''d be the one giving the keynote," Xavier said, settling in.


    Eleanor twisted open a water bottle and took a sip. "I figured it was someone else''s turn this time."


    He chuckled. "Still, I was hoping to see you up there."


    Eleanor was content to be just another face in the audience today. Since Faye


    had fought so hard for this chance, Eleanor was curious to see what she''d do with


    it.


    Just then, Eleanor spotted Vanessaing in with Serena Goodwin by the entrance. Serena, heiress of Goodwin & Co., always had a front-row seat at anypany event.


    Serena noticed Xavier¡ªand then Eleanor. Irritation shed in her eyes. Why did Eleanor seem to turn up wherever Xavier was?


    Vanessa saw Eleanor too, but for once, she was d Eleanor wasn''t the one stealing the spotlight. This was Faye''s moment to shine. If she delivered, she''d finally getn''s recognition, and maybe a shot at bigger opportunities down the road.


    "I''m going to check on my sister," Vanessa told Serena, and asked a staffer to take her backstage.


    Henry and Xavier exchanged a wave across the room before finding seats. Serena, torn between wanting to sit near Xavier and not wanting to be near Eleanor, settled for a spot in the second row.


    Backstage, Vanessa found Faye and looked her over appraisingly. "Not bad- today you''ve really got that ''science superstar'' aura going."

 Chapter 416

    "Please, don''t make fun of me." Faye managed a strained smile.


    "What''s wrong? Don''t tell me you don''t have any confidence in yourself." Vanessa nudged her, noticing the tension in Faye''s posture.


    Faye bit her lip, her cheeks tinged with red. "Of course I''m confident, it''s just¡ª"


    "Just what? If Eleanor can do it, so can you. You''re every bit as good as she is." Vanessa pressed on, determined to push Faye through this speech.


    Faye''s eyes darkened with resolve. "I''m not any less than her. Not at all."


    "That''s the spirit. I''ll be waiting for you in the lobby." Vanessa gave her shoulder a reassuring pat and slipped out.


    Inside the conference hall, a suddenmotion at the entrance drew everyone''s attention.


    Reporters who had been busy interviewing various industry titans rushed toward him, camera shes going off in rapid session. Ian greeted the press with a wave, scanning the audience until his gaze paused on the third row-right where Eleanor was seated.


    Eleanor kept her eyes lowered, flipping through a program booklet, pointedly ignoring his arrival.


    With a brief nod,n let the staff usher him to the very center seat in the front row. His presence brought instant hush to the previously noisy venue.


    Vanessa, re-entering the hall, spottedn as she looked for her seat. But this time, she didn''t sit beside him; instead, she joined Henry, leaving the seats aroundn for the tech industry''s movers and shakers.


    Henry leaned over and whispered, "How''s your sister holding up?"


    Vanessa smiled, "She''s in good shape. She won''t let us down."


    Backstage, a staff member hurried in and told Faye thatn had arrived. Faye took a deep breath, clutching her speech notes with trembling hands.


    The countdown to theunch event began.


    The host came on stage, reciting the opening lines before invitingn up for a few words. True to form,n kept it brief and gracious, quickly handing the spotlight to Byron.


    Byron, ever the gentleman, took the stage and began eloquently introducing the theme of the conference.


    Backstage, Laird handed Faye a ss of water, encouraging her to get ready. But Faye''s face had gone pale.


    "Faye, are you okay? You don''t look well."


    "I''m fine," Faye insisted. "How many people are out there?"


    "A lot. Pretty much everyone who matters in research is here, and there are plenty from abroad too."


    Faye only looked more anxious at that.


    Onstage, Byron was wrapping up his remarks. "Now, let''s wee our lead researcher, Ms. Faye, to share her insights."


    The spotlight swept to the entrance. Faye steadied herself on her heels and stepped onto the stage. Instantly, the lights locked on her, and every eye in the hall turned her way.


    Her breaths came fast and shallow. She took the mic from Byron, but when she tried to speak, her voice caught in her throat. The sea of faces in front of her, especially those in the front row, blurred together under the pressure.


    "Hello, everyone, I''m... I''m..."


    She had the mic, but her voice was barely louder than a whisper. Her fingers clenched the speech so tightly her knuckles went white.


    Vanessa fidgeted nervously in the audience. A low murmur began to spread through the hall.


    Byron moved quickly, retrieving the mic and signaling to Laird. Laird hurried onto the stage, gently guiding Faye back down.


    Byron addressed the audience with a gracious smile. "Looks like I made a mistake. Our next speaker is actually the person who first developed this theory and a key member of our team-Ms. Eleanor."


    He locked eyes with Eleanor, gesturing cordially. "Let''s give a warm wee to Ms. Eleanor."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. Why was he calling on her?


    Byron chuckled, "Perhaps our apuse wasn''t enthusiastic enough. Let''s hear it again for Eleanor!"


    The audience erupted in thunderous apuse. At the same moment, the spotlight swung to Eleanor, singling her out in the crowd.


    Realizing there was no escape, Eleanor mustered a calm smile, rose from her seat, and made her way to the stage under the gaze of hundreds.


    Behind her, Xavier shot her an approving look.


    Backstage, Faye''s cheeks flushed red, then pale. As she watched Eleanor take the stage, tears welled up and spilled over, herposure finally breaking under the weight of disappointment.

 Chapter 417

    As Byron handed it over, he leaned in close, speaking in a voice only Eleanor could hear. "Eleanor, it''s up to you to save the day."


    She gave him a small, reassuring nod. Byron added, "Joel''s got a presentation on myptop. I''ll put it up for you-you can follow along with the slides to make it a bit easier."


    Eleanor nodded again.


    From the audience,n fixed his gaze on her. In that moment, he knew-she would be just fine.


    He hadn''t forgotten thest time, half a year ago, when she''d delivered a stunning keynote in wless English.


    He narrowed his eyes, hesitated, but finally stayed seated.


    Meanwhile, backstage, Vanessa hurried through the side aisle. When she saw Faye crouched on the floor, hugging her arms and sobbing, her heart ached with sympathy, but she was also frustrated at her sister''sck ofposure.


    Such a golden opportunity-wasted. In the end, it was Eleanor who''d benefited. And to make matters worse, her foolish sister had just made Eleanor look even more capable by contrast.


    On stage, Byron called for the assistant to queue up the presentation for Eleanor, but just then, a technician rushed over, flustered. "Mr. Chase, I forgot¡ªI left the sh drive back at the office."


    Byron''s face turned pale. Of all times, how could something so important be forgotten?


    The technician looked helpless. How could he have known Faye would freeze up?


    Eleanor was standing nearby. As Byron shot her a panicked nce, she stepped forward and said, "I have a copy of the presentation in my email. You can use that version."


    Byron breathed a sigh of relief. At least Eleanor hade prepared.


    In truth, she hadn''t nned for this at all. She''d only thrown the slides together on


    a whim when she heard she might have to present. It would have to do.


    In the audience, guests began murmuring among themselves again. Clearly, no one had expected so many hups at Meridian Dynamics''unch event.


    Just then, the massive screen flickered to life as the crew got things ready. Eleanor tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze bright and steady as she looked out over the crowd.


    "Good afternoon, everyone. I''d like to discuss our breakthrough in Al-driven biomimetic cell technology from three different perspectives¡ª¡±


    Her voice rang out, clear and confident, carrying the calm assurance of a true professional. She turned, picked up aser pointer, and began her presentation, guiding the audience throughplex ideas with rity and ease.


    The panel of experts, who had been whispering among themselves on stage, gradually fell silent. Even those in the audience who weren''t specialists, who just moments ago had seemed bored or impatient, were now captivated by Eleanor''s steady voice and the sense of authority she projected.


    In her seat, Serena had little interest in hearing Eleanor speak. She''de to see Faye present, and instead, it was Eleanor who took the spotlight once again.


    How infuriating¡ªto have Eleanor perform in front of her older brother and Xavier. Frustrated, Serena stood and slipped out, making her way backstage.


    Back in the green room, Vanessa was gently rubbing Faye''s back, trying to help her calm down. Faye had curled up on the couch, eyes rimmed red.


    "I blew it," Faye choked out.


    A female assistant tried to reassure her. "It''s alright. Eleanor''s covering for you now-theunch will still be a sess."


    But the words only made Faye look even more devastated. Vanessa shot the assistant a look of irritation. "Give her some space. Leave us, please."


    The assistant looked bewildered, unsure what she''d done wrong, but slipped out quietly.


    A few momentster, Serena entered, giving Faye a look of sympathy. Faye wasn''t untalented-she''d just happened to run up against someone as formidable as Eleanor.


    Faye sat up, biting her lip, her fist pounding the armrest. "It''s just not fair."


    Serena sighed. "Fair or not, it''s done. Eleanor stole the whole show."


    Vanessa looked over at Serena. "Serena "


    Serena fell silent. Vanessa patted Faye''s shoulder. "Don''t lose heart. There will be more chances."


    But Faye knew, deep down, she''d never stand on a stage this grand again.


    Out front, Eleanor was reaching the heart of her presentation. The audience was utterly silent, many snapping photos or taking notes, some lost in thought as they absorbed her words.


    Though she had her slides as a guide, she barely nced at them, delivering her talk almost entirely from memory. The presentation was there for the audience''s reference, not hers.


    He remembered: after her mother died, Eleanor had lived with her father, who had himself stood on countless stages, presenting his research withposure and conviction. Clearly, she''d absorbed that same confidence from a young age.


    In the crowd, Xavier watched her with a newfound intensity. He''d stopped listening


    to the content of her talk-his attention was fixed on Eleanor herself: the way she swept her hair back, the quiet joy in her smile as she discussed her breakthroughs, the grace and brilliance she radiated.


    Every facet of Eleanor drew him in, stirring a fierce possessiveness he''d never known before. He wanted her-wanted her to belong to him alone.


    As Eleanor approached the end of her talk, her voice carried through the hall.


    "Finally, I want to thank the entire team for their dedication. Scientific progress is


    the result of collective wisdom, not individual effort."


    With that, she bowed gracefully to the audience.

 Chapter 418

    Thunderous apuse swept through the auditorium as Eleanor finished her speech. The humility in her closing remarks only amplified the admiration in the room.


    Byron hurried over, his eyes shining with emotion as he epted the microphone from Eleanor. His voice trembled, on the verge of tears. "Let''s all thank Miss Eleanor Sutton for that brilliant speech."


    Byron thenunched into his summary and outlined his engineering team''s research direction.


    Eleanor returned to her seat, where Xavier was already waiting with a bottle of water. He handed it to her with a gentle smile. She took it gratefully. "Thank you."


    As Eleanor took a sip, she caught someone''s gaze-someone had turned to look at her. It wasn. He''d seen Xavier''s thoughtful gesture, and, eyes narrowing, he turned away again.


    Byron delivered his final remarks, and after two full hours, theunch event wrapped up wlessly.


    Guests began to file out. As Eleanor gathered her things, Xavier approached her. "It''s nearly lunchtime. Care to join me for a meal?"


    A quick nce at her watch confirmed it-11:30. Since they''d run into each other, she had no reason to refuse.


    "Sure, let''s go together," Eleanor replied warmly, nodding.


    They walked side by side toward the exit, never noticingn in the front row, his gaze fixed on their backs, his expression unreadable.


    A few eager journalists rushed over. "Miss Sutton, may we take a photo of you two?"


    Before Eleanor could respond, Xavier smiled. "Of course."


    The photographers snapped several quick shots, and a couple of reporters asked a few questions before Eleanor and Xavier slipped away to a nearby bistro.


    They''d barely been seated ten minutes when three more figures walked in- Vanessa, Serena, and Faye.


    Vanessa hesitated when she spotted Eleanor and Xavier by the window, considering whether they should eat elsewhere. But before she could voice the thought, Faye strode straight toward Eleanor, her posture tense, as if ready for a confrontation.


    Faye, eyes red and face contorted, ignored the setting and demanded, "Eleanor, are you satisfied now?"


    Eleanor frowned. "I''m not sure what you mean."


    "You knew I''d embarrass myself, didn''t you? You set me up¡ªhumiliated me on purpose!" Faye''s voice rose, ragged and shrill.


    Heads turned throughout the restaurant. Vanessa and Serena rushed to pull Faye away.


    "Faye, that''s enough. Let''s go," Vanessa said, wrapping an arm around Faye''s waist, trying to steer her toward the door.


    Serena''s cheeks burned with embarrassment-Xavier was watching them, his gaze cool and impassive.


    Faye red at Eleanor, convinced she''d fallen into a trap Eleanor had set. She''d overestimated how much she could handle and walked herself right into disaster. And she was certain Eleanor had known this all along.


    Eleanor met Faye''s furious stare head-on. "Faye, you fought for this opportunity yourself. If you couldn''t handle it, that isn''t anyone else''s fault."


    Vanessa turned to Eleanor, her expression icy. "I apologize for my sister. She''s not herself today."


    Serena looked at Eleanor too. "Faye''s already devastated. You''re on the same team-did you really have to be so harsh?"


    Xavier frowned, clearly unconvinced by Serena''s criticism of Eleanor.


    With onest re, Faye stormed out. Vanessa nced at Eleanor, then at Xavier, before hurrying after her sister.


    Serena lingered, as if she wanted to say something to Xavier, but seeing his eyes fixed on the window, she bit her lip and left too.


    Once they were alone, Xavier looked at Eleanor. "Does this happen to you often?"


    He meant being med for things that weren''t her fault.


    Eleanor smiled faintly. "Not really. Most of my team are good people."


    Xavier handed her the menu. "Pick whatever you like. Let''s let good food heal a rough morning."


    She ordered, and Xavier offered a few more reassuring words. "Don''t let what just happened get to you. You were outstanding today-no one could fault your performance."


    Eleanor wrapped her hands around her cup of tea. "Thank you."


    "Tell me," Xavier said, curiosity lighting his eyes, "what was it like the first time you gave a speech? Were you nervous?"


    Eleanor chuckled, recalling her first speech back in middle school-so nervous she''d held her notes upside down. The memory broke the tension, and she found herself sharing stories from her early days, Xavier listening intently.


    He was a wonderful listener, and as they chatted about those younger years, Eleanor found herself rxing, her mood lifting.


    After lunch, Byron called-there was a meeting at the office at two.


    Stepping out of the restaurant, Xavier hesitated, regret in his voice. "Let''s do this again sometime."


    "Of course," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    He watched as she drove away, a small smile crossing his face. For him, this was a promising start.


    Eleanor parked outside Meridian Dynamics, just as a sleek ck Mercedes pulled in behind her. As she stepped out and turned, she sawn getting out, too. Their eyes met for a brief moment before she gathered her bag and headed into the lobby.


    Eleanor didn''t need his approval and gave no reply.


    "But next time, as Meridian Dynamics'' lead researcher, you might want to keep a


    bit of distance from Xavier at events like this,"n continued, his tone colder.


    Eleanor shot him a sidelong look. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    With that, he strode ahead, leaving Eleanor standing in the lobby, her jaw set.

 Chapter 419

    Eleanor red atn''s back, irritation simmering in her chest.


    She had just pressed the elevator button when she noticedn was already inside, leaning casually against the wall, scrolling through his phone.


    Suppressing a sigh of annoyance, Eleanor stepped in and realized he hadn''t even selected a floor. She jabbed the button for her office, then deliberately chose a spot as far from him as possible.


    As soon as the elevator doors slid open, she spotted Byron hurrying down the hall. He paused, surprised to see both of them stepping out together.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Eleanor, you two-?"


    "We have a meeting at two o''clock sharp," Ian cut him off, shoving one hand in his pocket as he strode toward the conference room.


    Byron turned to Eleanor with a grateful smile. ¡°Eleanor, I can''t thank you enough for today. If you hadn''t stepped in at thest minute, thatunch event would have been a disaster."


    Eleanor''s expression hardened. "VP Chase, next time something like this happens, just ask the boss to handle it himself. Don''t drag me into it."


    Byron blinked in surprise, then chuckled. "Mr. Goodwin can certainly keep things under control, but when ites to the technical side, you''re the expert."


    The implication was clear: Ian was out of his depth with the science.


    Eleanor headed for her office. Just then, another person stepped out of the elevator-Faye.


    Her eyes were red and puffy, the evidence of a good, hard cry.


    Seeing Byron, Faye''s cheeks flushed as she hurried over to apologize. "VP Chase, I''m so sorry about today. I let you down."


    Byron''s face grew stern. "Faye, don''t take on things you''re not prepared for. Do you realize you nearly ruined theunch? If Eleanor hadn''t rescued us, this whole event would be theughingstock of the industry."


    Faye''s face drained of color. She bit her already reddened lip, teetering on the verge of tears again. "I''m sorry, VP Chase. It was my fault."


    Byron considered her for a moment, remembering her connection ton. He decided not to press further. "Just go home and get some rest. We''ll talk when you''re feeling better."


    Faye straightened up. "I''m fine now. I can work."


    Byron didn''t argue, but he also didn''t invite her to the two o''clock meeting.


    Faye sshed her face with cold water in the restroom. As she ducked into a stall,


    a group of women entered, their voices carrying easily through the thin walls.


    "Hey, were you at the productunch today? I heard Faye nearly broke down in tears on stage."


    "Seriously, why take on something you can''t handle? Now she''s a joke around the office."


    "She must have overestimated herself."


    "Overestimated? Please. She was totally out of her depth."


    "Thank goodness Eleanor took over, or ourpany would be the butt of every joke in the industry. How would we ever live it down?"


    "I heard Eleanor spoke off the cuff and absolutely nailed it. She''s incredible."


    "Of course she is. She''s Mr. Goodwin''s ex-wife. Any woman he''d marry is bound to be extraordinary."


    "Looks like Faye was just desperate to make a name for herself. She''s a grad student, right? How did she freeze up so badly?"


    "It''s one thing to handle a little seminar, but did you see that crowd today? All those tech bigwigs, plus the press with their cameras in your face... If it had been me, I wouldn''t have even made it on stage."

 Chapter 420

    The group of women wrapped up their conversation with a unanimous conclusion: ¡°Eleanor really is something else."


    Once they''d all left, Faye stood alone in the restroom, her face ashen as she gripped the edge of the sink. She bit her lip, unable to stop the tears from spilling down her cheeks. She had never been mocked like this before; the sting of humiliation was almost unbearable.


    By two in the afternoon, the conference room was filled with department heads.n sat at the head of the table, his expression cold and impassive as he listened to the reports.


    Faye wasn''t present at this meeting. Eleanor sat at the back of the room, quietly taking her ce.


    Byron opened the meeting by reviewing the details of the recent productunch, making a point to praise Eleanor''s performance several times. Each time,n''s gaze lingered on her.


    Eleanor absentmindedly scribbled notes in the margins of her meeting packet, her mind wandering-she was thinking about her uing handoff with Garrison rather than the meeting itself.n lounged in his chair, looking unusually rxed and disinterested.


    "Eleanor, would you give us a quick summary of your presentation today?" Byron called on her suddenly.


    Eleanor had never been fond of these routine meetings, and her mind had drifted elsewhere. She didn''t register Byron''s question at first. The department heads turned to look at her, waiting expectantly.


    Still lost in her notes, Eleanor didn''t respond. Byron coughed and raised his voice, "Eleanor?"


    This time, she heard him. ncing up, she realized everyone in the room was staring at her. She froze, caught off guard for a moment.


    Byron quickly tried to smooth over the awkwardness. "Never mind, Eleanor''s probably exhausted today. No need for a summary."


    Just then, Laird, the assistant, stepped in. "VP Chase, Dr. Bradley needs to start a video call about an urgent matter."


    Byron checked his watch. "Alright, let''s wrap things up here. Eleanor, Decker, and a few others, please stay. The rest of you are dismissed." He turned ton. "Mr. Goodwin, would you like to stay for the next part of the meeting?"


    Ten minutester, the video call with Garrison was underway.


    After the initial greetings and a brief discussion about recent experiments, Garrison got to the point. ¡°Miss Sutton, our team would really appreciate it if you coulde to the base in person for a week. Would you have time for that?"


    The room fell silent for a few seconds. Byron looked over at Eleanor-he genuinely hoped she would ept. Remote guidance only went so far, and with the deadline looming, they needed all the help they could get.


    Garrison pressed on, sensing her hesitation. ¡°I realize it''s a lot to ask. I''ve already cleared it with my superiors-they''re on board. We''d really like you here with us for the final phase of the experiment."


    Eleanor considered it, then asked, "Would I be able to bring my child along?"


    Garrison chuckled warmly. "Of course, that''s not a problem at all! While you''re working, maybe Mansfield can babysit¡ª"


    He caught himself and quickly backtracked, embarrassed. "Sorry, just kidding! What I meant was, we have plenty of women on the team who''d be happy to help watch your child if needed. It''s no trouble at all."

 Chapter 421

    Eleanor gave Garrison a nod. "Alright, I''ll bring my daughter with me to the base for a week. I hope it won''t be too much trouble."


    Garrison smiled. "Not at all. We''re more than happy to have you." Then he added, "We''ll handle your transportation, Miss Sutton. No need to worry."


    Eleanor nodded her thanks.


    "Oh, and if Decker coulde along as well, that''d be great," Garrison added.


    Decker replied, "Of course, I''ll go with Eleanor."


    After the meeting, Byron turned to Eleanor. "If you run into any difficulties during your time at the base, just let me know. I''ll help with whatever you need."


    "I won''t hesitate to ask if somethinges up," Eleanor said, never one to stand on ceremony. For now, all she had to do was pack their bags and wait for the military escort.


    Word spread quickly after the meeting that Eleanor would be going to the military base to consult for a week. Faye, moping in her office, only felt worse when she heard the news.


    Later, Byron calledn to mention that Eleanor would be bringing her daughter along for the week''s assignment at the base. Ian''s response was brief and to the point: "Whatever she needs, see that she gets it."


    "I already asked Eleanor-she said she doesn''t need anything at the moment," Byron replied.


    "Alright."n ended the call.


    That afternoon, Eleanor picked up her daughter from school and asked the teacher for a week''s leave. As soon as Evelyn heard the news, her eyes lit up. "Mom, are you taking me somewhere fun?"


    Eleanor grinned. "Yes, Mommy has to work somewhere a bit far away, and you''lle along. How does that sound?"


    "Yay!" Evelyn giggled, delighted.


    Back home, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen and was surprised to see Mansfield Ellington''s name.


    "Hello, Mr. Ellington," she answered.


    "I heard from Garrison you''ll be consulting at our base next week," Mansfield said, his tone warm and friendly.


    "That''s right. I''m in the middle of packing now."


    "Great, I''ll have someonee pick you up."


    "Wait, you''re sending someone for me?" Eleanor asked, a little surprised.


    "Yes. My team will be at your door at ten tomorrow morning to take you to the airport. It''s about a four-hour trip-we''ll see you at the base soon."


    "Thank you. I''m bringing my daughter this time, so I hope it won''t be an inconvenience."


    "Not at all. We understand it''s not easy for you. Once you get here, I''ll help you take care of her," he replied, his voice gentle.


    This was a rare opportunity, and Eleanor wanted Evelyn to experience something new. After all, chances to visit a ce like this didn''te often.


    She started packing, with Evelyn buzzing around excitedly. Around eight, their dog Princess suddenly barked with excitement and darted to the front gate, whining happily.


    Joslyn, watching Princess, guessed immediately-it must ben at the door.


    Sure enough, the security camera showedn standing outside.


    She opened the door. "Good evening, Mr. Goodwin. You''re here."


    "Is Eleanor home?"


    "She is-she''s packing for a trip with Evelyn."


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed as she ran into his arms. Ian scooped her up. "So,


    you''re off on an adventure with Mom?"

 Chapter 422

    "Yes! Mom''s taking me on a big trip!" Evelyn announced, her voice bubbling with excitement.


    Eleanor wasing down the stairs when she spottedn carrying their daughter inside. Her tone was less than weing. "What are you doing here?"


    Before Eleanor could answer, Evelyn piped up, "Daddy, Mr. Ellington''s sending someone to pick us up!"


    A shadow crossedn''s face.


    "It''s a long way. You''re taking Evelyn by yourself¡ª" he began, clearly intent on insisting.


    "That''s not necessary," Eleanor cut him off, irritation sharpening her words.


    n let it go. He crouched down, ruffling Evelyn''s hair, and said gently, "Keep your phone on you. If you miss me, you can call anytime, okay?"


    "I know, Daddy!" Evelyn grinned.


    Straightening,n nced at Eleanor. "If you need anything, you know how to reach me."


    Eleanor barely acknowledged him, focusing instead on packing Evelyn''s water bottle, as if she hadn''t heard a thing he said.


    Whenn stepped outside, Princess followed at his heels. He knelt, giving her a gentle scratch behind the ears. "Go back, girl," he murmured.


    As if she understood, Princess turned, poked her head through the open gate onest time, then padded back into the yard. Ian closed the gate behind her and headed for his car.


    The next morning at ten, a military SUV pulled up in front of Eleanor''s house. Two men in dress uniforms stood waiting at the curb.


    "Miss Sutton, Major General Ellington sent us to pick you and your daughter up," the senior officer said, offering a crisp salute.


    Eleanor nodded, took Evelyn''s hand, and climbed into the SUV.


    Evelyn was beside herself with excitement during the drive, and Eleanor found herself more at ease with her daughter at her side. When they arrived at the military airfield, Eleanor stared in disbelief at the private jet waiting for them on the tarmac.


    She was stunned.


    Mansfield Ellington had actually sent a private ne for them?


    Decker appeared, carrying their luggage. "Eleanor."


    Eleanor had helped him out of a tight spot once, and he''d never forgotten it.


    "Decker," she greeted him with a warm smile, prompting Evelyn to say hello as well.


    Decker could barely hide his excitement. Eleanor led her daughter onto the ne just as her phone chimed.


    "Boarded yet?" came the message.


    "Just got on," Eleanor replied. "I thought we''d be flyingmercial."


    "My father''s ne was free, so I arranged it," Mansfield Ellington texted back.


    Eleanor''s eyes widened in shock. Wait-this was the Secretary of State''s personal aircraft?


    She could barely breathe. This level of treatment was beyond anything she''d ever imagined.


    A momentter, another message came through from Mansfield: "Don''t feel pressured. You''re a national researcher now, serving your country. You deserve


    it."

 Chapter 423

    The flight was smooth from takeoff tonding. Eleanor kept her daughter entertained withic books while Decker made good use of the time, typing away at hisptop.


    Four hourster, the ne touched down at an airfield nestled among rolling mountains, the kind used by the military. As soon as the cabin door opened, Eleanor took Evelyn by the hand and saw Mansfield Ellington waiting at the bottom of the steps, standing tall in full uniform, a bouquet of fresh flowers in his


    arms.


    "Wee to the Ninth Military District, Miss Sutton." He stepped forward with a warm smile, offering the flowers to Eleanor.


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied, gratitude in her voice.


    "Mr. Ellington," Evelyn piped up, peeking shyly from behind her mother, her round face full of curiosity¡ªand a touch of awe at the sight of Mansfield''s crisp uniform.


    Mansfield crouched to be at eye level with her. "Hello there, Evelyn. Wee to my corner of the world."


    Evelyn blinked her big eyes, clearly feeling the respect in his gesture, and rxed a little. "Is this really your ce?" she asked, her voice sweet and small.


    He grinned. "It is. You can explore as much as you like." Then he straightened and turned to Eleanor. "You must be tired from the journey."


    Eleanor shook her head. "Not at all."


    "Come on, let me show you to your quarters," Mansfield said.


    He personally led the three of them to a waiting car. As they drove through the heavily guarded base, Evelyn pressed her face to the window, captivated by the military vehicles and equipment scattered along the way.


    "Mr. Ellington, is that a real tank?"


    "It sure is."


    "And that is that a cannon?"


    "Yes, it is."


    Eleanor watched her daughter''s excitement grow, afraid she might try to crawl out the window. She gently pulled Evelyn back into her arms. "No rush," she soothed. "We''re staying here for a whole week, remember?"


    Mansfield nced back with a smile. "Next time, how about I take you inside the tank for a look?"


    "Really?" Evelyn pped her hands in delight.


    They arrived at the residential quarters, and Eleanor was surprised to find their amodations were a private little cottage. Mansfield exined, "Since you''re traveling with your daughter, I wanted you to have a quiet ce to stay. I arranged this just for you."


    Eleanor smiled gratefully. "Thank you. That''s very thoughtful of you."


    One of Mansfield''s men, unable to hold back, added, "Our boss has been looking forward to your visit for days, Miss Sutton."


    Mansfield just chuckled. "I hope you and Evelyn will befortable here."


    After they''d settled in, Mansfield escorted Eleanor and her daughter to the mess hall for dinner. Only when they''d finished did he lead them toward the base''s research wing.


    He brought Evelyn to a cozy lounge near theb, which was stocked with toys and games for kids. A gentle-faced female assistant was there to keep Evelynpany.


    Eleanor, along with Decker and Garrison, headed into theb proper, where Garrison had been waiting for them.


    Eleanor threw herself into work immediately. Not long after, her phone buzzed. She nced at the screen: a message fromn.


    "Have you arrived?"


    She ignored it.


    By eight that evening, Eleanor was back at the cottage, tucking Evelyn in for the night as darkness settled over the base. The air was cool and fresh, the sky a tapestry of brilliant stars. Eleanor and her daughter stretched out on lounge chairs in the garden, counting stars together.


    "Wow, Mom, look at all those stars! I''ve never seen so many before!" Evelyn eximed, her eyes wide with wonder. "Back home, you could hardly see any."


    Eleanor gazed upward, a soft smile on her lips as the memory of stargazing with her own parents drifted through her mind. The night sky glittered like diamonds above them.


    "I can''t even count them all!" Evelyn said, her little head tilted back as she tried.


    Eleanor stroked her daughter''s hair, savoring the gentle breeze on her face and the peace of being far from Ashford City. The weight she''d been carrying seemed a little lighter.


    "Still awake?" A warm, deep voice drifted over from the entrance to the garden.


    Eleanor looked up to see Mansfield in a casual army-green shirt and cks, a grocery bag in one hand. In the soft glow of moonlight, he looked less like themanding officer and more like an old friend dropping by.


    "Mansfield," Eleanor greeted him, using his first name now-because, truth be told, they really were friends.


    His eyes lit up at that. He pushed open the garden gate with a smile. ¡°I had the kitchen whip up some snacks¡ªespecially for the little one."


    The moment Evelyn heard there was food, she popped up from Eleanor''s arms, her eyes shining. "Are those for me?"

 Chapter 424

    Mansfield Ellington strode over with a warm smile, setting a te of pastries on the side table. "Of course. Is someone''s little tummy hungry?"


    "Yes!" Evelyn''s eyes were glued to the pastries, unable to hide her excitement.


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh at her daughter''s eagerness. "Say thank you to Mr. Ellington before you dig in!"


    "Thank you, Mr. Ellington," Evelyn said politely, taking the small roll Mansfield offered her. She took a big, happy bite. "This is delicious!"


    Mansfield watched Evelyn''s satisfied face, his eyes softening with a gentle smile. He settled into the chair across from them. "How was work today? Did Garrison give you any trouble?"


    Eleanor smiled. ¡°Not at all. We had a good talk, and the experiments are on track."


    She noticed Mansfield watching her and, suddenly self-conscious, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and gazed up at the night sky. "You can''t see this many stars in the city. The Milky Way is so clear here."


    He nodded in agreement. "Out here, you can see them every night."


    "Thank you for taking such good care of us," Eleanor said gratefully. She''d felt nervous about bringing her daughter along, but everything Mansfield arranged had been thoughtful and considerate-from thefortable amodations to, like tonight, making sure Evelyn got something to eat when she hadn''t had much at dinner.


    "It''s the least I can do," Mansfield replied sincerely. "You''re here serving your country. I''m just making things a little easier where I can."


    Eleanor smiled, but before she could say more, Evelyn suddenly wriggled in herp and pointed excitedly toward thewn.


    "Mom, look! Are those fireflies?"


    Eleanor''s face lit up with surprise. She hadn''t expected to see fireflies out here. "Yes, those are fireflies! Would you like Mr. Ellington to catch some for you?"


    "Yes! I want to catch them with Mr. Ellington!" Evelyn slid down from Eleanor''sp, bouncing with excitement. Eleanor stood and said, "I''ll go find a jar."


    Soon she returned with a ss jar. Out on the grass, Evelyn was already chasing fireflies with Mansfield. They caught a few and gently ced them in the jar, the little lights winking and dancing in the darkness¡ªutterly enchanting.


    "Wow! Mr. Ellington, you''re amazing!" Evelyn was beaming with joy.


    Watching her daughter delight in something she could never experience in the city, Eleanor felt her own heart lighten.


    After they''d caught nearly a dozen fireflies and the night grewte, Mansfield crouched down to Evelyn''s level. "Remember to be good and listen to your mom, all right? I''m heading out now."


    "Okay!" Evelyn clutched her jar, over the moon with her new treasures.


    Mansfield straightened. "I have a meeting tomorrow morning, but I''ll be free after three. I''lle by to give you both a tour of the base."


    Eleanor nodded. "Thank you. Don''t worry about us-your workes first."


    Before leaving, Mansfield handed Eleanor a military walkie-talkie. "The cell signal is spotty out here. Keep this¡ªyou can reach me directly if you need anything."


    A wave of warmth washed over Eleanor. "Thank you."


    "Goodnight, Evelyn." Mansfield bent down and smiled at the little girl.


    "Goodnight, Mr. Ellington!" Evelyn waved her tiny hand.


    Eleanor watched as Mansfield''s figure melted into the shadows, just as her phone began to ring. It wasn.


    She hesitated, but picked up. "Is something wrong?"


    "I just wanted to check-how''s Evelyn settling in at the base?"n''s voice came through.


    "Evelyn, your dad''s on the phone." Eleanor put the call on speaker.


    "Hi, Daddy!" Evelyn called out as she ran over.


    "Are you having fun?"n asked.


    "It''s great! Mr. Ellington helped me catch a bunch of fireflies, and he brought me some yummy bread!" Evelyn said, her voice bubbling with excitement.


    "Daddy, I can''t talk long. I want to go look at my fireflies!" And with that, Evelyn dashed away.


    There was a pause, silence stretching for a few seconds. Thenn spoke, his tone suddenly cool. "It sounds like Major General Ellington is taking good care of you both."


    He hung up just as abruptly, leaving only the quiet of the night behind.

 Chapter 425

    Eleanor had long grown used ton''s ways-his arrogance, his pride, and the way he always assumed he was right. Six years of marriage had made all of that clear as day.


    That evening, Eleanor took Evelyn out to watch the fireflies.


    Her little girl was so excited she couldn''t settle down, wriggling and giggling until finally, exhaustion won out. She fell asleep in Eleanor''s arms, still clutching a jar filled with glowing fireflies.


    Eleanor pressed a gentle kiss to her daughter''s hair, carefully took the jar from her grasp, and soon drifted off herself.


    Morning came quietly.


    After releasing the fireflies back into the fields with Evelyn, Eleanor led her daughter to the dining hall. Mansfield Ellington joined them not long after, sharing breakfast, then walking them both to theb. Only after giving a few parting instructions did he finally take his leave.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but notice the subtle smiles that followed her as she walked through the corridors. Mansfield Ellington''s warmth and attention were enough to stir up all kinds of spection.


    She threw herself into her work.


    It was afternoon before she emerged, grateful that Evelyn had behaved so well. The kind research assistant had kept herpany, and there hadn''t been a single fuss.


    At three, with Garrison heading off to a meeting, Eleanor finally had a free moment. Mansfield Ellington invited her and Evelyn to tour some of the base''s open facilities.


    Evelyn''s eyes shone wide with excitement. She''d always had to settle for toy models before, but now she could finally touch the real thing. Mansfield Ellington even took her inside one of the shuttles, letting her sit in the cockpit, which left her grinning from ear to ear.


    Evelyn''s happiness was infectious, and Eleanor found herself smiling as well.


    As the sun set, golden light washed over the base''s airstrip. Mansfield Ellington led them up a small hill, where the whole base stretched out below them. "It''s beautiful," Eleanor breathed.


    "It is," Mansfield Ellington agreed, his gaze far away. "I love it here. This ce is my calling, my responsibility."


    Behind them, Evelyn chased a butterfly across the grass, herughter ringing out.


    Eleanor looked at the young major general beside her, admiration in her eyes. His strong, handsome features spoke of discipline and quiet strength, a soldier through and through.


    Sensing her gaze, Mansfield Ellington turned to look at her. Eleanor nced away, letting the wind toss her hair as thest rays of sunlight bathed her in gold. In that moment, Mansfield Ellington thought she looked almost ethereal, untouchable.


    That evening.


    Mansfield Ellington invited Eleanor to dinner at the officers'' club-a cozy ce where many service families lived, and where children like Evelyn yed together. "This is Mr. Galloway, my formermanding officer. He''s the one who invited us tonight," Mansfield Ellington introduced.


    Eleanor greeted him politely. "Good evening, Mr. Galloway."


    "I''ve heard about your work in medicine, Dr. Turner. We''re honored to have you consulting here¡ªit''s a privilege. Please, make yourself at home. We''re all family here," Mr. Galloway said warmly, ncing at Mansfield Ellington with a knowing grin, as if to say, "You''ve got good taste, son."


    "You''re too kind," Eleanor replied modestly. "I''m just doing my part."


    While they talked, Evelyn and Mr. Galloway''s granddaughter yed out in the garden, quickly bing fast friends.


    After dinner, on the walk back, Evelyn-worn out from the day-fell asleep against Eleanor''s shoulder.


    "Let me carry her,¡± Mansfield Ellington offered gently.


    Eleanor, arms aching, nodded in thanks. He carefully took the sleeping child from her.


    Back at the cottage, Eleanor carried her daughter to bed. When she came back out, Mansfield Ellington was still in the yard.


    "Thank you for everything today," Eleanor said, gratitude clear in her voice.


    "No need to thank me," he replied, a soft smile tugging at his lips. For a moment, something unspoken lingered in the air. He scratched the back of his head, a little sheepish. "See you tomorrow."


    "See you tomorrow," Eleanor echoed.


    He strode over to his car. As he gripped the steering wheel, his heart thudded hard in his chest. Just minutes ago, he''d almost blurted out how he felt about Eleanor.


    Today had left him both content and restless. Being this close to Eleanor set something alight inside him.


    But he knew-no matter how much he cared, he could never force Eleanor''s feelings. Everything he did for her, he did willingly, expecting nothing in return.


    He was already looking forward to seeing her again. How was it that the days seemed to pass so quickly now?


    The next morning, Eleanor followed her usual routine-breakfast with Evelyn, then dropping her off with theb assistant for the day.


    Today was crucial for Garrison''s experiment, and Eleanor watched the data with him, eyes glued to the monitors.


    It was noon by the time she finally made it to the lounge. She opened the door and froze.


    Evelyn was there, ying with the assistant. But there was someone else¡ªa visitor she hadn''t expected.


    True to form, he wore a perfectly tailored dark suit, crouched beside their daughter as she yed. When he saw Eleanor, his expression was calm, almost indifferent.


    He looked up at her. She wore a simple white blouse and jeans, her hair


    carelessly pinned up. Her gaze was cool, distant.


    "I''m here for work,"n said, arching an eyebrow.


    "Mom, Dad says he''s here to work too, just like you," Evelyn chimed in, clearly delighted to see her father.


    Eleanor was skeptical.


    Just then, Byron walked in, phone in hand. Eleanor blinked in surprise. "VP Chase? You''re here too?"


    Byron grinned. "I''m here with Mr. Goodwin for a meeting."


    She eyed him, unconvinced. Byron exined, "Meridian Dynamics is working with


    the base on a few nonprofit tech projects, not just the Al medical research."


    She nodded, only half believing it. Why hadn chosen this exact moment to show up? His motives were all too obvious.


    Eleanor had never thought that.


    A chill flickered in her eyes as she turned to Byron. "How long are you staying?"

 Chapter 426

    Byron said, "Mr. Goodwin wants to wait for you and head back to Ashford City together."


    "Daddy, are you staying with us tonight?" Evelyn asked, her little face turned up expectantly.


    Beforen could answer, Eleanor jumped in. "Evelyn, there aren''t enough beds where we''re staying."


    "But-but Daddy can sleep with us!" Evelyn protested, her wide eyes full of hope.


    Still so young. She doesn''t understand that moms and dads don''t just automatically sleep together.


    Byron, standing off to the side, couldn''t help but smile at Evelyn''s innocence before quietly excusing himself from the room.


    Eleanor said nothing, but her face made her feelings perfectly clear-she was not interested in the idea.


    At that moment, Byron returned. "Mr. Goodwin, the technical exchange meeting starts in ten minutes."


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded, satisfied.


    Aftern left, Garrison entered. Eleanor took the opportunity to ask aboutn''s visit. Garrison nodded, confirming, "Yes, Meridian Dynamics has an ongoing tech partnership with us. Mr. Goodwines over for meetings a few times every year."


    Eleanor fell silent. She had never really known the scale ofn''s business before ¡ªshe still didn''t. The only thing she knew for certain was that his projects spanned everything from investment banking to tech and even medical research.


    He was the archetype of a modern businessman: sharp, visionary, and always able to use every resource at his disposal to his advantage. But men like that were often deeply selfish and astonishingly arrogant.


    As evening fell, Mansfield Ellington arrived. He, of course, had heard thatn was in town.


    He nced at Eleanor, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. "I heard your ex- husband is here."


    Eleanor nodded, her tone turning cool. "He''s here for work."


    Mansfield had, in fact, already checked up onn''s visit-it was prearranged, but the timing was almost too coincidental, as ifn had gone out of his way to be here while Eleanor was around. Could it be-


    "Mr. Ellington, let''s go eat! I''m hungry," Evelyn announced, breaking the tension.


    "Of course! Come on, I''ll take you and your mom to get something delicious," Mansfield replied with a cheerful smile.


    The three of them had barely stepped out of the lounge when they bumped right inton and Byron, who wereing from the conference room.


    The instantn saw the three of them together, his gaze cooled.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, running over andunching herself into his arms.


    Mansfield''s expression didn''t flicker as he extended a hand. "Mr. Goodwin. Wee to the Ninth Military District."


    The two men shook hands, all polite smiles on the surface-but Byron, watching from the side, could sense the silent tension between them. He thought, If Major General Ellington is interested in Mr. Goodwin''s ex-wife, it''s only natural that Mr. Goodwin wouldn''t like it. After all, he and Eleanor share a daughter. If Mansfield ever married her, he''d be Evelyn''s stepfather. Any man would mind, let alone someone like Mr. Goodwin, who''s used to getting what he wants.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Major General Ellington, why don''t we all have dinner in the mess hall?" Byron suggested, hoping to ease the atmosphere.


    During dinner,n patiently helped Evelyn with her food. Eleanor sat across from him, while Mansfield took the seat beside her. Byron asionally chatted with Eleanor about the finer points of their research.


    When the meal was over, Evelyn suddenly tugged on her father''s hand. "Daddy,e look for fireflies with me! You''ve never seen them like this before."


    "Care for a walk?" Mansfield offered.


    Eleanor nodded after a whole day in theb, she needed to stretch her legs. With her daughter happily entertained, it was a rare moment to rx. The early summer dusk deepened as themps along the base flickered on, and she and Mansfield strolled side by side along the tree-lined path, a gentle breeze carrying with it the coolness of the season.


    "Did your experiment go well today?" Mansfield asked.


    Eleanor looked up at the sky, where the North Star was already shining bright. "Yes, it''s progressing faster than I expected."


    Not far off,n and Evelyn were searching for fireflies in the grass. Ian''s gaze drifted over to the pair walking under the trees, and his eyes darkened even further.


    Eleanor and Mansfield walked farther and farther, disappearing around the bend. When Eleanor finally circled back, she found her daughter holdingn''s hand, looking a bit dejected. Apparently, they hadn''t found any fireflies.


    Mansfield smiled, "Maybe there are more in the grass near the cottage where you''re staying."


    "Mommy, let''s go back to the house!" Evelyn said, perking up.


    The mood grew tense for a moment. Mansfield was the first to break it. "I''ll head back, then."


    Eleanor nodded. She led the way,n carrying Evelyn a few steps behind, careful to keep his distance.


    At the cottage door,n lingered. Evelyn clung to him, refusing to let go. "Daddy,


    you have to help me catch fireflies. You can''t leave!"


    "Daddy has to work, honey. How about Mommy helps you catch fireflies instead?" Eleanor knelt to speak to her daughter.


    "Will you help me catch a whole jarful?" Evelyn asked, hopeful.


    "I will," Eleanor promised. "We''ll fill up the whole jar together."


    Just then, in themplight, a faint red mark on the side of Eleanor''s pale neck caughtn''s eye-a mark that looked suspiciously like it had been left by someone''s careful kiss.

 Chapter 427

    It was hard not to be suspicious.


    His gaze darkened as he stared at the fading red mark on Eleanor''s neck, and his grip on his daughter''s hand tightened unconsciously.


    "Dad, why are you squeezing so hard?" Evelyn pouted in protest, wriggling her tiny fingers out of his grasp.


    Snapping back,n quickly loosened his hold, forcing down the tangle of emotions inside. He crouched down, looking Evelyn in the eye. "Daddy just remembered he has some work to finish up. How about you stay with Mom for a bit, okay?"


    Evelyn''s face fell. "Will youe y with me tomorrow?"


    That finally drew a smile from her, and she nodded. "Okay! You can go now!"


    Asn stood, he nced across at Eleanor. When he turned to leave, his steps were brisker than usual.


    He knew exactly whose mark that was¡ªand he knew why it was left in such a tant spot.


    Any man would recognize it for what it was: a clear sign of another man staking his im.


    Just then, Byron hurried over. "Mr. Goodwin, the evening meeting''s about to start." "Do you have a cigarette?"n asked.


    "I do." Byron produced a pack and a lighter from his pocket.


    "We''re doing it now."n exhaled a cloud of smoke, ncing back toward the cottage before striding off with Byron in tow.


    Back in the cottage''s living room, Eleanor was gently rubbing bug repellent on Evelyn''s arms. She paused, remembering the spot on her own neck where a mosquito had bitten her earlier, and applied some to herself as well.


    "Let''s go find some fireflies!" she suggested, taking Evelyn''s hand.


    Together, they wandered around the grassywns, searching. Evelyn''s keen eyes caught a faint glow in a nearby thicket. "Mom, look-there are so many over there!"


    Following her daughter''s pointing finger, Eleanor spotted the tiny lights flickering in the shadows. She joined Evelyn, helping her catch fireflies one by one and ce them in a ss jar.


    Above, the Milky Way zed across the sky. In the grass below, mother and daughter shared a rare, peaceful moment.


    Meanwhile, in the base''s conference room,n listened to a technical report, drumming his fingers on the table, his brows furrowed.


    "Mr. Goodwin," the tech lead asked cautiously, "do you have any feedback on the proposal?"


    A tense silence filled the room. Everyone could sense the storm in the air ever sincen walked in-no one dared guess why he was in such a ck mood tonight.


    After the meeting,n returned to his temporary quarters. His phone rang. ncing at the caller ID, he picked up. "Hello?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Shannon''s running a fever. I just took her to the hospital," Gavin Young said on the other end.


    "One-oh-three point five."


    "Get Dr. Harden to check on her."


    "I already asked. Director Harden''s off for the night."


    "Understood."


    Momentster, his phone buzzed with a new message. Vanessa had texted:n, don''t worry about me. I can take care of myself.


    Listen to Director Harden, he replied.


    Got it, she sent back.


    The next morning, Eleanor brought Evelyn to theb. After handing her over to an assistant, she spotted Byron leaving with a group of engineers.


    "Mr. Chase, are you all heading back?" she asked.


    "Yes, we''re returning to the city," he replied.


    "Did something happen at thepany?"


    "One of Mr. Goodwin''s friends was admitted to the ICU. He''s going back to check


    on her." Byron had overheardn making calls.


    There was only one personn would drop everything for: Vanessa. His feelings for her had always been obvious.


    "Alright, safe travels," Eleanor said, nodding.


    Just then, her phone rang-it wasn. She answered coolly, "What is it?"


    "I have to head back to the city. Do you want me to take Evelyn with me?"n asked.


    "No," Eleanor replied curtly and hung up.


    "Mom, was that Dad? Is heing to y with me?" Evelyn asked hopefully.


    "Your dad has to go back for work. We''re staying here a few more days."


    "Oh! I don''t want to leave yet-I want to y here forever!" Evelyn eximed. This ce had so many fun things to do, tasty food, and all sorts of bugs she''d never seen in the city.


    Eleanor smiled. "Alright."


    Withn gone, Eleanor felt the air was fresher, her mood lighter.


    After another long day, she returned to the cottage at dusk. Her phone buzzed with a new message.


    She opened it to find a photo and a single line: See? He''s always been mine.


    It showedn sitting on a sofa, scrolling through patient files. The message was from Vanessa.


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. Vanessa thoughtn hade to the base for her? That this was some desperate im of territory, draggingn back to her side?


    But Vanessa was wrong. Whatevern did, wherever he was, none of it mattered anymore.


    Eleanor tossed her phone onto the couch, blocked the number, and called out to her daughter, "Let''s go for a walk."


    Mother and daughter wandered out onto thewn. The evening sky was clear and deep; Evelyn pointed up at the stars. "Mom, that one''s so bright!"

 Chapter 428

    Eleanor followed her daughter''s small finger, her voice gentle. "That''s the North Star," she exined.


    Footsteps sounded behind them. Startled, Eleanor turned to see Mansfield Ellington approaching in his usual attire. He offered them a warm smile. "I just finished up. What are you two looking at?"


    "Mr. Ellington, we''re watching the stars. Look-that''s the North Star," Evelyn piped up, eager to show off her newfound knowledge.


    Mansfield beamed at her. "Very clever, Evelyn."


    Eleanor watched her daughter cover her mouth, suddenly shy at the praise, and


    felt her own lips curve upward in a smile she couldn''t suppress.


    "Looks like you''re in a good mood tonight," Mansfield remarked, ncing at Eleanor.


    She didn''t bother to hide it. "I am. Very much so."


    Mansfield met her eyes, his gaze thoughtful in the starlight. "I hope I''m part of the reason for that."


    Eleanor blinked, surprised, then let out a softugh. "Of course, Major General Ellington. You''ve been so thoughtful and considerate. I truly appreciate it." His eyes seemed even deeper beneath the stars. "Just call me Mansfield." Eleanor nodded, unembarrassed, and said clearly, "Mansfield."


    He grinned, perfect white teeth shing¡ªa smile both handsome and disarming. As the night deepened, the three of them strolled leisurely back toward the vi. Mansfield kept a respectful distance, stopping at the garden gate rather than following them inside. He bid them goodnight there.


    "Goodbye, Mr. Ellington!" Evelyn called, waving her little hand.


    "See you tomorrow," he replied.


    Eleanor and Evelyn stepped into the vi''s cozy living room. Mansfield lingered in the yard for a moment, watching their lighted windows before heading back to his own quarters. On his way, he nced up and caught a streak of silver-a shooting star zing briefly across the night sky.


    He''d never believed in wishes or superstitions, but in that quiet moment, Mansfield closed his eyes and silently made a wish.


    ***


    Morning arrived.


    It was already Eleanor''s fifth day as a consultant here, and Garrison''s experiment was drawing to a close. Everything was going smoothly.


    Eleanor stood at the observation deck, watching the final results. Garrison approached and handed her a cup of coffee. "The results are better than we hoped, all thanks to your expertise, Miss Sutton."


    "It was your team''s excellent cooperation," Eleanor replied, epting the coffee with a smile. "Once thest details are wrapped up, it''ll be time for me to head home."


    Not wanting to dy her, Garrison nodded. "I''ve asked Mansfield to make arrangements for your trip back to Ashford City."


    On the sixth day, with the project finished, Mansfield took leave from work so he could personally escort Eleanor and her daughter back to the city¡ªa detail he kept to himself.


    It wasn''t until the morning of the seventh day, with Eleanor''s bags packed, that Mansfield arrived to help carry their luggage to the airstrip.


    With Evelyn in hand and Decker, who had done an outstanding job assisting, apanying them, they boarded the ne together.


    Eleanor turned to her daughter. "Evelyn, say goodbye to Mr. Ellington." "Goodbye, Mr. Ellington!"


    "I''ll walk you both to the ne," Mansfield said, a hint of amusement in his eyes.


    To Eleanor''s surprise, once they settled into their seats, the ne began to taxi. She turned to Mansfield, startled. "You haven''t gotten off yet!"


    Buckling his seatbelt, Mansfield grinned. "I took a couple of days off. I''ll be taking you back to Ashford City myself."


    Eleanor stared at him, feeling a bit guilty. "Are you sure this isn''t interfering with your work? You''re needed here. I''d hate to be an inconvenience."


    Mansfield shook his head. "Not at all. I have a meeting to attend in Ashford City anyway."


    Of course, there was no meeting, but he didn''t want her to feel burdened. Reassured, Eleanor nodded, believing him.


    Gazing out the window as the airbase shrank below them, Evelyn pouted. "Will I


    be able toe back and catch fireflies and watch the stars again?"


    "Of course," Mansfield replied. "Next time you have a break, just let me know and I''ll bring you back."


    Evelyn''s eyes widened in delight. "Really?"


    Eleanor didn''t want to trouble Mansfield, but she couldn''t bear to dash her daughter''s hopes, so she stayed silent.


    "Really," Mansfield promised with a sincerity that made Evelyn beam.


    During the flight, Eleanor and Evelyn dozed together. When Eleanor opened her eyes, the ne was circling over Ashford City.


    Theynded at a military airfield. On the wide tarmac, a sleek ck Maybach and two dark SUVs drove up to meet the ne.


    As Eleanor stepped down the stairs, she spotted a tall, familiar figure waiting¡ªn.


    Four bodyguards and his assistant, Gavin, stood behind him.


    But whenn saw Mansfield disembark with Eleanor and Evelyn, his eyes darkened a shade.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn shouted with glee.


    Just then, a military-green SUV screeched to a halt nearby and a young officer poked his head out. "Boss, am Ite?"


    Mansfield smiled. "Right on time." Turning to Eleanor, he asked, "Which car would you like to take back into the city?"


    Eleanor didn''t hesitate. "Yours."


    "Mommy, what about me?" Evelyn piped up.


    "You''lle with me in Mr. Ellington''s car," Eleanor told her.


    Evelyn wriggled in her father''s arms. "Daddy, I want to ride with Mr. Ellington!"


    Eleanor stepped forward, arms out. "Evelyn,e to Mommy."


    Evelyn reached eagerly for her mother. Seeingn reluctant to let go, Eleanor assertively took her daughter from his arms and walked toward Mansfield''s SUV. Mansfield gaven a polite nod. "Mr. Goodwin, we''ll head off first, then."


    As Mansfield''s car drove away, the wind swept across the runway. Ian stood motionless, tall and solitary¡ªa lone wolf who would never bow his head.

 Chapter 429

    Gavin watched as his boss stood motionless, eyes fixed on the fading silhouette of Mansfield Ellington''s SUV. He stepped forward and spoke quietly, "Mr. Goodwin, shouldn''t we be heading back too?"


    Gavin understoodn''s frustration all too well. After six years working at his side, he''d witnessed the change firsthand: he''d seen Eleanor, who once looked atn as if he was her entire world, and the Eleanor of today, whose eyes never lingered on him anymore.


    She used to be content just to stay byn''s side, quietly supporting him. Now, Eleanor''s brilliance was recognized throughout the researchmunity. Even Gavin couldn''t help but be amazed.


    What man could feel good watching the woman who used to rely on him sopletely climb so naturally into another man''s car?


    Meanwhile, Mansfield Ellington''s SUV rolled smoothly toward the city. Evelyn, snuggled against her mother''s warm embrace, watched the scenery slip by outside and soon drifted back to sleep.


    The trip had left Eleanor physically drained as well, but Mansfield Ellington''s driver was steady. Once they reached the city, he pulled up right in front of Eleanor''s home.


    Evelyn stirred, blinking sleepily, and spotted Princess waiting by the door. With a squeal of delight, she ran over and scooped up the little dog. "Princess!"


    The two little friends had missed each other dearly.


    Eleanor turned and invited Mansfield and his driver, "Would you like toe in for some tea?"


    The driver, quick on the uptake, shook his head. "I''ll pass, I''ve got things to take care of. Boss, I''ll head off now."


    With that, he hopped back into the car and drove away.


    Mansfield Ellington smiled, a glint in his eye. "Are you sure it''s not an inconvenience?"


    "You''ve helped me so much on this trip-I should be the one thanking you," Eleanor insisted. She called for Joslyn to make some tea.


    Joslyn''s eyes lit up when she saw their familiar, handsome guest. She hurried off to prepare the tea, secretly delighted.


    Princess, meanwhile, eyed Mansfield warily. Evelyn noticed and patted the dog''s head gently. "You''re not allowed to bite Mr. Ellington, understand?"


    Princess drooped her head with a intive little whine.


    Mansfield couldn''t help butugh at the sight. He crouched down, calling softly, "Come here, girl." He reached out his hand in invitation.


    Princess hesitated for a moment, then trotted over and epted his affectionate strokes.


    She rxed under his big, gentle hand, whimpering contentedly. Joslyn, carrying in the tea, paused in surprise the usually cautious Princess seemed to love every guest Eleanor brought home.


    Eleanor returned from the kitchen with a te of fresh fruit. "Have some," she offered Mansfield.


    "Thank you," he replied, and Princess, nowpletely won over, came over again for more attention. He chuckled, scratching her ears.


    Joslyn brought out some pastries and discreetly nced around the living room. This officer was not only strikingly handsome but also treated Mrs. Grant so well. If something did develop between them, Joslyn thought, it wouldn''t be a bad thing at all.


    After twenty minutes, Mansfield stood to leave. He could tell Eleanor was still exhausted and didn''t want to keep her from resting.


    "Are you free for lunch tomorrow?" he asked as he picked up his coat.


    Before Eleanor could answer, Evelyn bounced up, eyes shining. "I want to go out for lunch!"


    Mansfieldughed, "Perfect. I''ll pick you both up tomorrow at noon."


    Eleanor nodded, smiling. "It''s my treat this time. I can''t let you pay every time."


    Mansfield grinned, understanding she didn''t want to be indebted to him. "Alright, your treat tomorrow."


    After tidying up her suitcase, Eleanor retreated to her study. There, she found over fifty emails from Meridian Dynamics waiting for her. She had to review them all and prepare for the final handover.


    Her assignment at Meridian Dynamics was always meant tost only two months ¡ªa temporary coboration with Garrison. With the project nearingpletion, it was almost time to return to Ashford Medical University and resume her own research.


    Just then, her phone buzzed. Eleanor picked it up, and a heavy feeling settled in her chest.


    A message from Joel: "My mother passed away. I''lle back after the funeral." Eleanor''s breath caught; her mind went nk for a few seconds, and she felt her eyes sting with tears.


    She replied, "I''m so sorry for your loss. Take your time-don''t worry abouting back until you''ve handled everything."


    Joel texted back, "I''ll do everything ording to her wishes. The funeral will be kept simple."


    "Alright, take care of your family first. Let me know if there''s anything I can do," Eleanor wrote.


    After a good night''s rest, Eleanor felt much better. By noon, she and Evelyn met Mansfield Ellington at a nearby caf¨¦ for lunch.


    As they entered, they ran into one of Evelyn''s ssmates. The little girl''s parents greeted them, ncing at Eleanor and Mansfield and assuming, quite naturally, that they were Evelyn''s mom and dad.


    "Wow, Evelyn''s father is so handsome!" the mother said admiringly.


    Eleanor froze.


    Mansfield just smiled politely. Eleanor was about to correct the misunderstanding, but the woman''s phone rang. "Sorry, I need to take this. Let the kids y for a bit!"


    And just like that, Eleanor lost her chance to exin. She turned to Mansfield, apologetic. "Sorry about that¡ªI didn''t mean for them to get the wrong idea." Mansfield''s lips curved upward in a yful smile. "Honestly, I don''t mind the mix-


    up."


    To him, it was nothing more than a harmless misunderstanding.


    But for Eleanor-


    After they sat down, Eleanor watched Evelyn and her friend ying together, their little heads bent close. She bit her lip and looked up at Mansfield. "Mansfield, can we talk?" she said softly. "About us."


    Mansfield''s expression sobered. He leaned in slightly. "Of course. I''m listening."


    Eleanor drew a slow breath. "Since meeting you, I''ve been so grateful for everything you''ve done for me and Evelyn. But..." She hesitated, searching for the right words. "You deserve someone better."


    "You''re an incredible woman," Mansfield said quietly, his eyes intent.


    "I''ve been through a failed marriage. My work keeps me busy, and I have a child. Especially for someone as outstanding as you..." She met his gaze, and though she didn''t finish the thought, the message was clear in her eyes.

 Chapter 430

    A flicker of hurt passed through Mansfield Ellington''s eyes, but it quickly gave way to understanding. He knew exactly where Eleanor''s heart stood. A woman who''d endured the pain of a broken marriage wasn''t about to open herself up to someone new so easily.


    Let alone the fact that Eleanor was raising a child on her own-she had so much more to consider than just herself.


    Mansfield looked up at her, his expression earnest. "Really, there''s no pressure. We can just be friends. Even if we only ever stay friends, I''d still count myself lucky¡ªI mean, having you as a friend is a blessing all on its own.¡±


    Eleanor''s breath caught at his words.


    He smiled again, warm and unbothered. "If I meet someone great in the future, sure, I''ll try dating. And I''ll go to those blind dates my parents arrange, too. But you? I''m not letting go of you as a friend."


    He continued, "And you don''t owe me anything. All this time we''ve spent together? It''s just work. You''re going to the research center, and as a Major General, it''s my job to take care of you. That''s professional duty, not a personal favor. Please, don''t feel like you have to repay me. The only thing that matters is that you and Evelyn are happy."


    Faced with Mansfield''s openness and sincerity, Eleanor felt her eyes sting. He was the kind of friend worth having.


    But-


    "Thank you for understanding," Eleanor said, her voice a little hoarse. It was all she could say.


    Mansfield''s lips quirked upward. "Hey, having a scientist from the medical field as a friend-if I ever run into trouble-"


    Eleanor cut him off, her tone deadpan. "If you keep talking like that, we might have to stop being friends."


    He burst outughing. "All right, all right, I''ll stop."


    The tension melted away, and they turned their attention to ordering lunch.


    Evelyn''s little ssmate had to leave, so she returned to her seat and began eating quietly.


    Anyone watching Eleanor look at her daughter could see it inly: Evelyn was the center of her world.


    That was the greatness of a mother.


    She had money, looks, and talent, but she wasn''t out chasing after excitement or the next new thing. She wasmitted steadfastly so-to being the best mother she could be.


    Even when someone as remarkable as Mansfield Ellington was interested in her. After lunch, Mansfield drove them home. Eventually, it was time to say goodbye. "I''m heading back to the base," he said with a smile. "Next time I''m in town, it''ll probably be for the holidays."


    "Goodbye, Mr. Ellington!" Evelyn waved her tiny hand.


    He knelt down and ruffled her hair. "Remember to eat well and listen to your mom."


    "I will!" Evelyn replied, her voice bright.


    Eleanor gave him a gentle nod. "Take care on your way back."


    "See you," Mansfield said, waving as he got into his car and drove off.


    Watching him leave, Eleanor was filled with a pang of guilt. Even though he''d insisted all he''d done this week was work-rted, she couldn''t help but feel deeply grateful.


    Just then, Joslyn heard Princess whining and opened the door to check. She saw only Eleanor and her daughter and couldn''t hide her surprise. "You''re back, ma''am!"


    Then Joslyn hesitated, ncing behind her. "Isn''t Mr. Ellingtoning in for a bit?"


    "He''s gone," Eleanor said, stepping into the yard.


    Joslyn paused, a bit thrown. So she and Mr. Ellington weren''t what she''d imagined after all? Just friends?


    The next morning, Eleanor brought her daughter to school. As they reached the gate, they ran into Gina Quinn. She must have heard her granddaughter was back and hade early to wait.


    "Grandma!" Evelyn''s sharp eyes spotted her at once.


    Gina hadn''t seen her granddaughter for over two weeks. Now, her eyes grew misty as she knelt to look Evelyn over. "How have you been, sweetheart?" "I''m really happy, Grandma."


    Nearby, a father hoisted his daughter onto his shoulders. The little girlughed with delight, catching Evelyn''s attention.


    Evelyn stared, wide-eyed, at the girl perched high on her dad''s shoulders, lost in thought.


    Gina saw it all¡ªthe longing in Evelyn''s eyes¡ªand her heart ached. There were words she''d been holding in for so long, and now she had to say them to Eleanor. Evelyn waved at her mother and grandmother. "Mom, Grandma, I''m going in now!"


    They watched as her small figure disappeared into the school building. Gina turned to Eleanor, trying to smile. "She''s grown taller again, hasn''t she?"


    But Eleanor could sense Gina had something else on her mind. "If there''s something you want to say, please say it."


    Taking a deep breath, Gina''s voice trembled. "Eleanor, I know Ian hurt you, and you''ve suffered all these years." Her eyes filled with tears. "But Evelyn is still so young. She needs a real family, a whole one."


    Eleanor''s face turned cold. ¡°Evelyn and I are happy together."


    "I know, I know," Gina said quickly, desperate. "But did you see how she looked at that other little girl with her dad? It broke my heart."


    Gina''s eyes pleaded. ¡°Eleanor, I really believen still loves you. I think he regrets the divorce. For Evelyn''s sake, can''t you two try again?"


    Eleanor almostughed. Regret?n, with all his pride, would regret?


    "Eleanor, marriage is all aboutpromise¡ª"


    Eleanor cut her off sharply. "I spent six years sacrificing everything, Gina. What else do you think I have left topromise?"


    Gina was left speechless.


    Just then, a gentle male voice called out, "Eleanor."


    She turned to see Xavier standing behind her, rxed in a crisp shirt, smiling


    warmly. He nodded politely to Gina. "Good morning, ma''am."


    He turned to Eleanor. "My car''s in the shop. Would you mind giving me a ride?"


    "Of course, no problem," Eleanor replied.


    She headed for her car, Xavier following. She slid into the driver''s seat while he took the passenger side, and together they drove off.


    Gina stood there in stunned silence, covering her mouth with her hand as realization dawned.


    Could Xavier be interested in Eleanor?


    How could that be?


    Just yesterday, Mrs. Vaughn had invited her for afternoon tea to talk about arranging a marriage between Xavier and her own daughter, Serena!

 Chapter 431

    Gina Quinn had barely nced at her granddaughter a moment ago, but the child was still very much on her mind. Pulling out her phone, she dialed her son''s


    number.


    "Ian, I saw Eleanor Sutton and Evelyn at school just now. Could you ask Eleanor to bring Evelyn over to our ce for dinner tonight?"


    "Sure, I''ll mention it to her," Ian Goodwin replied without hesitation.


    "Oh, and another thing¡ªI saw Xavier Vaughn getting into Eleanor''s car. What''s going on between them?" Gina couldn''t help but pry.


    Xavier andn had grown up together; now that Xavier and Eleanor seemed close, Gina found the whole situation a bit odd.


    There was a brief pause on the other end beforen answered, his tone cool. "Mom, this isn''t something you need to worry about."


    Gina''s chest tightened. "Are you aware that the Vaughns want to discuss a possible engagement with our family?"


    "Mom, Serena and Xavier aren''t right for each other."


    Gina immediately protested. "Why not? I''ve watched Xavier grow up-he''s practically family. There''s nothing about Serena that wouldn''t suit him!"


    "Feelings can''t be forced, Mom. I have to get to a meeting. Talkter."


    The call ended abruptly. Gina stared at her phone, then nced back in the direction of the kindergarten, sighing deeply.


    She really did miss her granddaughter.


    At that moment, Eleanor was asking Xavier where he wanted to go and offering to give him a ride.


    "Just let me out by the curb," Xavier said.


    Eleanor flicked on the turn signal and pulled over. Xavier looked at her, his gaze steady. "I overheard Gina earlier. She said she hoped you and Ian would get back together. Are you... considering it?"


    Eleanor answered without hesitation. "Absolutely not."


    Xavier studied her elegant profile for a few seconds. "There''s an event this week I need you to attend."


    Eleanor looked at him, surprised. "What event?"


    "The charity foundation''s new talent initiative isunching. You''re a donor-they expect you to be there."


    Eleanor paused, caught off guard. "The project''s already underway?"


    "That''s right, it''s up and running," Xavier said with a small smile. It was Eleanor who had first suggested the project; he''d made sure it happened.


    "Thank you, Xavier." Eleanor''s grateful smile was genuine. This initiative would help so many young researchers with big dreams.


    "No need to thank me. This was your idea." Xavier unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car.


    As soon as he stepped onto the sidewalk, a sleek Bentley pulled up to collect him.


    He''d barely settled into the back seat when his phone rang. ncing at the screen, he answered, "Hello?"


    "Rumor has it the Vaughns and the Goodwins are about to be joined in holy matrimony," Henry Holt teased on the other end. "Figured I''d go straight to the source for confirmation."


    "Not true," Xavier replied tly.


    "Serena''s a lovely girl, you know. Honestly, you two¡ª"


    Xavier cut him off. "That''s the family''s idea, not mine. I won''t agree to it."


    Henry chuckled. "If you''re still hoping to win Eleanor back, then best of luck to you."


    Xavier set the phone aside as sunlight streamed through the car window, casting shifting patterns across his handsome features. He let out a quiet sigh.


    When Eleanor arrived at Meridian Dynamics, she went straight into the morning meeting. Faye Yeaton, who had stumbled during herst big presentation, seemed to have found her footing again. The haughtiness she''d once carried had faded considerably.


    After the meeting, Byron Chase called out to her, "Eleanor, stop by my office when you get a chance."

 Chapter 432

    Eleanor thought he wanted to speak with her privately. When she pushed open Byron''s office door, she foundn standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    She stopped short, every nerve in her body going on high alert. Her gaze turned icy as she looked at him.


    He was, in his own way, asking for her permission.


    "Have her back by nine," Eleanor replied coolly. He had visitation rights-eight times a month. From now on, she intended to count every single one.


    She turned to leave, butn called out, "Wait."


    Eleanor didn''t turn back. She simply stood there, waiting for him to speak.


    "The Vaughn family is interested in arranging a marriage alliance with my family,"n said, his voice low as he walked closer. "If you don''t want trouble from the Vaughns, you should keep your distance from Xavier for a while."


    He paused, his tone cold and certain. "I told you, the Vaughns would never let their heir marry a divorced woman with a child."


    Rage surged through Eleanor. She spun around, herugh sharp and bitter. "Oh? So you look down on divorced women now? Am I cheap in your eyes,n?"


    He frowned. "That''s not what I meant."


    "Ian, I admit I made a mistake choosing you, but that doesn''t give you the right to belittle me, to keep treating me like I''m beneath you." Her voice rose, trembling with anger. "For six years of marriage, I was nothing to you but a free maid, a means to an end. And now you want to pretend you care? Who are you trying to fool?"


    His face shifted, as if he wanted to protest. "I never-"


    She cut him off. "Never what? Never looked down on me? I ended up a divorc¨¦e because of you. Marrying you is the biggest regret of my life. From now on, whoever I spend time with is none of your business."


    With that, Eleanor turned and mmed the door behind her, the sound echoing in the office.


    The room fell into a heavy silence. Ian turned, his hand brushing the stack of files on the desk. With a clenched fist, he swept them to the floor.


    He yanked at his tie, his chest rising and falling under his shirt as he struggled topose himself.


    Byron''s assistant, Laird, heard themotion and hurried in, only to find papers scattered everywhere andn standing by the window, radiating a cold, forbidding energy.


    "Mr. Goodwin, are you all right?" Laird ventured, voice tentative.


    Then he strode out of the office without another word.


    Ten minutester, in the restroom, Faye was in a stall when two of Byron''s assistants entered, chatting animatedly.


    "I just heard from Laird Mr. Goodwin and Eleanor had a huge argument in Mr. Chase''s office. No idea what happened."


    "Eleanor had a fight with Mr. Goodwin? Didn''t she just pull off that big experimental test?"


    "Probably something personal. Laird said Mr. Goodwin lost it and knocked all of Mr. Chase''s files to the floor. Must have beenpletely out of control!"


    Faye stepped out of her stall, having overheard everything. She looked at the assistant who''d been speaking. "Are you serious?"


    "Of course! But, you know, let''s not spread this around."


    Faye''s lips curled into a sly smile. "Don''t worry. My lips are sealed."


    Ifn and Eleanor were fighting, it probably wasn''t about work. Could Eleanor be jealous? After all, when her sisternded in the ICU,n had stayed by her side three days and nights straight.

 Chapter 433

    Goodwin Manor


    Serena Goodwin had just returned home after spending a week abroad, trying to shake off a lingering bad mood. The driver carried her suitcases into the foyer, where a housekeeper promptly arrived to unpack for her. Serena flopped onto the sofa, phone in hand, utterly exhausted.


    "Where have you run off to this time, youngdy? You''re never home for more than a day," Magdalen''s voice boomed from across the room.


    Startled, Serena quickly straightened up and puffed out her cheeks. ¡°Grandma, you nearly scared me to death!"


    Magdalen sat opposite her, eyeing Serena''s makeup with clear disapproval. "Just look at yourself. Is this how you want to go around, all painted up? Why can''t you be more like Eleanor-fresh-faced and elegant? She always looks so lovely."


    Serena hadn''t expected to bepared to Eleanor the moment she walked through the door. Annoyed, she turned her face away and muttered, "Right, right. In your eyes, it''s always Eleanor who''s the real granddaughter, not me."


    Magdalen let out a heavy sigh, wondering for the hundredth time why Serena seemed to have it in for Eleanor.


    At that moment, Gina, returning from outside, caught sight of her daughter and called out, "Go take a shower and change your clothes. I''m taking you out to lunch today."


    Serena slumped back into the couch. "No way. I''m dead tired."


    "Don''t be difficult. This isn''t just any lunch-we''re meeting Mrs. Vaughn."


    "Which Mrs. Vaughn?" Serena arched an eyebrow and pursed her lips. As the realization hit her, she shot her mother a wide-eyed look. "Wait-do you mean Xavier''s mother?"


    Gina couldn''t help butugh at her daughter''s dramatic reaction. "Yes, Xavier''s mother."


    "Really?" Serena''s exhaustion vanished, reced by giddy excitement.


    Gina raised an eyebrow, amused. "Not so tired anymore, are you?"


    Serena leapt off the couch, all fatigue forgotten. "Mom, why didn''t you tell me sooner?" she called out, already dashing upstairs. "I''ll be ready in ten minutes!" Downstairs, Magdalen turned to Gina, frowning. "The Vaughns actually agreed?" Gina sat down and replied, "They''re the ones who reached out to us, so I think it''ll work out. I''ve watched Xavier grow up-he''s always been steady and reliable. If Serena marries him, I''ll finally have some peace of mind."


    Magdalen nodded in agreement. "Yes, Serena would be lucky to marry a man like Xavier."


    Gina''s thoughts drifted to the scene she''d witnessed earlier: Xavier getting into Eleanor''s car. She couldn''t help but wonder how those two even knew each other, and from the looks of it, they seemed quite familiar.


    "Did you telln?" Magdalen asked.


    Gina''s expression stiffened. There was no need to mention her son''s predictableck of enthusiasm he never had anything nice to say about these matters anyway.


    Magdalen, ever the optimist, said, "I''m suren will help nudge things along."


    Not wanting her mother-inw to worry, Gina changed the subject. "I bought your favorite fish for lunch, Mom. I''ll have the kitchen steam it for you."


    Upstairs, Serena''s heart was pounding with anticipation. Vanessa had been right -the Vaughns'' elders had finally reached out. She was really about to marry Xavier, or at least be engaged to him.


    Even if Xavier didn''t love her now, surely he would grow to care for her over time. After all, she was attractive, had a great figure, and, aside from Xavier''s indifference, had no shortage of admirers.


    After her shower, Serena dried her hair and sat down at her vanity. She was pondering what kind of makeup to wear when her grandmother''s words echoed in her mind-Eleanor''s clean, understated style.


    Maybe Xavier liked girls who looked natural and fresh. Serena bit her lip, studying her reflection. Aside from the dark circles from too manyte nights, she was still quite pretty.


    She decided against her usual heavy makeup, opting instead for a simple, natural look.


    A littleter, Gina joined her upstairs to help pick out an outfit. She selected a refined, elegant dress, and Serena wore it without protest-she was eager for her mother to help make this marriage a reality.


    "Mom, do you think Xavier''s actually agreed to this arrangement?" Serena asked tentatively as they drove.


    "For now, it''s just an idea between the families. There''s no rush," Gina replied, ncing over at her daughter. Something urred to her and she asked, "Are you and Xavier close?"


    "Mom, don''t you remember? I interned at Xavier''s firm, remember? I was his assistant for two months."

 Chapter 434

    Gina didn''t pay much attention to where her daughter was working. "Oh really? So, how does Xavier treat you?"


    "He''s wonderful! If it weren''t for-" Serena caught herself and quickly shut her mouth.


    Gina pressed, "If it weren''t for what?"


    Serena smiled slyly. "Nothing, Mom. I like Xavier a lot. You have to help me with this marriage. I really want it to work."


    Gina secretly hoped her daughter would marry into the Vaughn family. It wasn''t about money or status-Xavier''s character alone made him a catch in her eyes.


    In a quiet, elegant restaurant, Mrs. Vaughn-Henrietta-had already arrived and was waiting for them.


    "Gina," she greeted warmly.


    ¡°Henrietta,¡± Gina replied with a pleasant smile.


    Once the two women were seated, Henreitta turned her attention to Serena, looking her up and down with an approving smile. "Serena, it''s been so long since Ist saw you."


    "Hello, Mrs. Vaughn." Serena''s cheeks flushed with shyness.


    "What a lovely, well-mannered girl," Henreitta praised. She still remembered attending Serena''s older brother''s wedding, and now, in the blink of an eye, Serena had grown into a young woman.


    Now that her son had just taken over as chairman of the Vaughn group, Henreitta thought it was the perfect time to form a strong alliance with the Goodwin family. It made sense for the family business and, besides, her son was at the right age to settle down.


    Henreitta began asking Serena about her interests with genuine warmth.


    "I enjoy flower arranging and baking. Andtely, I''ve been learning German."


    "Oh, that''s wonderful!" Henreitta beamed.


    Serena''s cheeks colored. "I want to learn more so I can help Xavier in the future."


    Henreitta exchanged a satisfied nce with Gina. It was clear this future daughter-inw had her approval.


    ¡°So, Serena, what do you think of my Xavier?" Henreitta asked, her tone gentle but probing.


    A hint of admiration flickered in Serena''s eyes. "Xavier is incredible. I... I''ve always looked up to him."


    Just from Serena''s expression, Henreitta could tell the girl was genuinely fond of her son, and that put her mind at ease.


    At that moment, Gina stood up. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."


    As soon as her mother left, Serena bit her lip and turned to Henreitta. "Mrs. Vaughn, does Xavier know about the marriage arrangement between our families?"


    Henreitta set down her cup. "I''ve mentioned it to him, but he''s been so busytely, he hasn''t given me a proper answer yet."


    Serena''s hands clenched tighter in herp. Xavier hadn''t just failed to answer-


    his heart was clearly being drawn away by another woman.


    If she didn''t find a way to break things off between Xavier and Eleanor, this engagement would be doomed.


    And the only person with the power to help was sitting right in front of her-Mrs. Vaughn.


    "Mrs. Vaughn, there''s something I''d like to discuss with you." Serena decided to take the initiative.


    "Oh? What is it?"


    "Do you know Eleanor?" Serena lowered her voice.


    Henreitta frowned in thought. "The name sounds familiar."


    "She''s my brother''s ex-wife. My former sister-inw," Serena exined.


    "Ah, yes," Henreitta nodded. "So what about her?"


    Serena hesitated, biting her red lip. "Since the divorce, she''s been spending a lot of time around Xavier. She used to coborate in Mrs. Juliette Grayson''sb, too. I''m worried-"


    Henreitta immediately understood. This Eleanor had just gotten divorced and was already trying to climb the socialdder again¡ªthis time with her son in the crosshairs.


    Henreitta set her cup down, keeping her tone even. "Perhaps it''s just a professional rtionship?"


    Serena shook her head, her voice urgent. "No, it''s more than work. Your granddaughter Vivian goes to the same preschool as my niece-they see each other all the time. I even heard Eleanor might be interested in pursuing Xavier."


    That sparked Henreitta''s memory. Hadn''t Vivian mentioned a kind "Aunt Eleanor" who took good care of her?


    "Mrs. Vaughn, I wouldn''t bring this up if it weren''t important. Eleanor is my brother''s ex-wife¡ªI want the best for her, truly. But you''d never allow your son to marry someone like her, would you?"


    Henreitta''s expression grew serious. "If there''s any truth to this, I''ll look into it and handle it personally."


    Serena nodded obediently, a glimmer of triumph in her eyes. Atst, the Vaughn family matriarch was going to intervene. Eleanor, your days were numbered.


    When Gina returned to the table, neither Henreitta nor Serena mentioned a word about their private conversation.

 Chapter 435

    Meridian Dynamics, Conference Room.


    Eleanor stood at the head of the table, guiding the team through her PowerPoint presentation. She was wrapping up the final phase of the Garrison Bradley experiment, ande next week, she''d be returning to her own research project.


    The door swung open, and Joel Kingsley strode in.


    Eleanor shot him a concerned nce, but Joel just offered a reassuring smile. "Go on, don''t let me interrupt."


    Faye''s heart skipped a beat. Joel was finally back. She hadn''t seen him in days, and, truth be told, work had felt strangely empty without him.


    She sneaked a look at Joel, only to notice that after he sat down, his eyes never left Eleanor. A surge of resentment welled up inside her.


    When Eleanor finished her summary and took her seat, Joel leaned over. "Come to my office after this, Eleanor. We need to go over the handoff."


    "Of course," Eleanor nodded.


    As the meeting broke up, Joel and Eleanor headed toward his office. Eleanor noticed the red veins in his tired eyes and couldn''t help but say, "Joel, are you sure you don''t want to take a couple days off beforeing back to work?"


    "I''m fine," Joel replied with a gentle smile, adjusting his sses. "I know you''re eager to get back to your project. Let''s take care of the transition first."


    Eleanor felt warmth bloom in her chest. "Thank you, Joel. You always look out for me."


    "It''s the least I can do," he replied, smiling softly.


    They spent the next half hour discussing all the details of the transition. Faye walked by the office several times, each time catching sight of them deep in conversation. She never even got a chance to check in on Joel herself.


    When Eleanor finally emerged, Faye seized the opportunity. She found an excuse to step inside, and seeing the exhaustion etched on Joel''s face, she asked, "Joel,


    if you need any help with anything, just let me know, okay?"


    Joel barely looked up. "Thanks, Faye, but I''m all set. Go ahead and finish your work."


    Faye bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before blurting out, "Joel, did you know Eleanor has a new admirer?"


    Joel paused, ncing up at her.


    Faye went on, "Word is, there''s a Major from the Ninth Military District Base who''s been pursuing her. Eleanor spent a week out there for an exchange, and no one knows how far things have gone."


    The implication was clear: Eleanor and Mansfield Ellington had spent seven days together at the base-plenty of time for a rtionship to blossom.


    After a few seconds of silence, Joel nodded slowly. "Good. Eleanor deserves someone exceptional."


    Faye stared at him, stunned. That was not the reaction she expected-he was actually giving his blessing?


    "You''re really not bothered?" she pressed.


    Joel removed his sses and rubbed his brow. "Why would I be? Isn''t that a good thing?"


    "And that''s not all," Faye said, her frustration mounting. "The CEO of Vaughn Group-Xavier-is rumored to be interested in Eleanor, too. She''s got history with her ex-husband, Mr. Goodwin. It''s like she''s stringing all of them along¡ª"


    Joel''s head snapped up, his eyes sharp. "Faye, who Eleanor is, and how she lives her life-that''s not for you to judge."


    Faye paled. She could shrug off criticism from anyone else, but Joel''s words cut deep, as if he''d plunged a knife straight through her.


    "Understood," she muttered, turning away and leaving the office. Out in the hall, she simmered with confusion and jealousy. Why did all the remarkable men always gravitate toward Eleanor?


    What was it about her that drew even someone like Joel to her side? Even a Major from the military couldn''t seem to resist her.

 Chapter 436

    With a man like Xavier-handsome, sessful, and charming-he could have any woman he wanted. Why on earth was he circling around a divorc¨¦e like Eleanor?


    Tonight, Evelyn Goodwin was having dinner at Goodwin Manor, so Eleanor decided to unwind after work by inviting Joy Thatcher out for a meal. No one could work nonstop, after all.


    Luckily, Joy had been thinking the same thing, so their ns came together instantly.


    By five-thirty, Eleanor was already seated at the restaurant when Joy hurried in, swinging her purse and grinning mischievously. She pped her hands together. "Big news-want to hear it? I guarantee it''ll put you in a good mood!"


    Eleanor blinked, skeptical. "What''s the big news?"


    n''s getting sued. He''s about to go to court." Joy looked positively gleeful. "Who''s suing him?"


    "It all started when he tried to buy out a failing biotech firm. Word is, they''ve got a few valuable patents, andn thought he could just snap them up for pennies. Turns out, thepany didn''t appreciate his vulture routine they dragged him straight to business court."


    Eleanor frowned. "Which biotechpany?"


    "Everprosper Biotech, I think."


    The name rang a bell. Joy, clearly pleased with the turn of events, gave a satisfied sigh. "About time someone gaven a taste of his own medicine."


    Eleanor just treated it as idle gossip, nothing more.


    Joy made a face. "Honestly, guys liken-cold-blooded, greedy-someone needs to take them down a peg."


    "Let''s change the subject. He''s going to ruin my appetite. What are you in the mood for? Dinner''s on me," Eleanor said.


    Joy grinned. "Don''t mind if I do. I''ve been craving this ce''s steamed sea bass for ages."


    "Order whatever you want," Eleanor said, indulgent and amused. "Tonight, anything goes."


    They chatted about life as they browsed the menu. Then Joy''s eyes sparkled with mischief. "So, spill. Last time you went out to Mr. Ellington''s facility for consulting -how''d it go? Any progress?"


    Eleanorughed and shook her head. "What are you imagining? It was just work."


    "Oh, c''mon! Work and romance aren''t mutually exclusive. Give me something!" Joy waggled her brows in mock scandal.


    "It really was just work. Nothing else," Eleanor said frankly.


    Joy looked at her, disappointment in on her face. "You''re not nning to stay single forever, are you?"


    Eleanor shot back, "What about you?"


    Joy''s cheeks turned pink as she hesitated. "Me-uh-"


    Eleanor immediately picked up on her embarrassment and leaned in. "Out with it. What''s going on with you and Attorney Jeffries?"


    Joy covered her face with both hands. "Don''t even ask! We were at a partyst Friday¡ªI had a few too many drinks and then, well..."


    Eleanor''s grin turned sly. "Don''t tell me it''s what I think it is?"


    Joy''s face was bright red now, but she nodded. "Exactly what you''re thinking."


    "And?"


    "And nothing! We''re just back to normal at work, pretending it never happened. Let''s call it a little... hormonal reset," Joy said breezily.


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Attorney Jeffries is quite the catch. Don''t let this slip by."


    A shy, sweet smile flickered across Joy''s face. "He never said anything before. I had no idea he liked me."


    "So, did he confess?" Eleanor pressed.


    Joy nodded silently. "That morning, he said all these sweet things. You know how I am-I can''t handle romantic talk. He just kept going, and I panicked and ran off."


    Eleanor burst outughing, picturing the typically polished Frazier Jeffries attempting to pour his heart out. It must have been quite a sight. She could only hope her dear friend wouldn''t let this chance at happiness slip away.

 Chapter 437

    At Goodwin Manor, Gina sat on the couch ying with her granddaughter while the kitchen staff prepared a few of Evelyn''s favorite dishes. Upstairs,n was busy in his study, working through a stack of paperwork.


    Serena had gone out to dinner with friends, leaving Magdalen happily watching her great-granddaughter. The little girl was growing prettier by the day.


    Dinner was served promptly at half past six.


    "Evelyn, I heard you and your mom visited the base today. Was it fun?" Magdalen asked, her curiosity piqued.


    Evelyn''s wide eyes sparkled as she replied, "It was amazing! Mr. Ellington caught loads of fireflies for me, and he even let me sit inside a real tank!"


    Gina paused, soupdle in midair. "Mr. Ellington? Which Mr. Ellington is this?"


    Evelyn piped up, her voice full of admiration, "Mr. Ellington is really handsome and super cool."


    A shadow flickered inn''s eyes, but he quickly recovered, cing a piece of chicken into his daughter''s bowl. In a gentle voice, he said, "Evelyn, let''s eat, sweetheart."


    Evelyn looked up at him, "Daddy, can I eat with my hands?"


    Magdalen watched her grandson with open curiosity. Considering how remarkable Eleanor had be, it was hardly surprising if she had new admirers. The thought made her re atn with a hint of exasperation.


    Gina decided to drop the subject for now. There was one question she''d long wanted to ask her son: Why had he transferred those eightpanies into Eleanor''s name after they separated? But she held her tongue.


    After dinner, Gina took Evelyn for a stroll in the garden. Evelyn gazed up at the clouded night sky. "Grandma, why can''t we see any stars at our house?"


    "Oh? Where did you see stars?"


    "At Mr. Ellington''s ce! There were so, so many."


    "Mr. Ellington''s ce?" Gina echoed in surprise.


    "Yeah! Mr. Ellington says the whole base is his,¡± Evelyn replied innocently.


    Gina was taken aback-what kind of big shot would im an entire base as his own? No wonder, she thought, remembering how Eleanor had refused the idea of getting back together withn. Eleanor was clearly moving in circles with some very important people. Gina sighed inwardly. Any hope of her son reconciling with Eleanor seemed fainter than ever.


    That evening, Eleanor and Joy had dinner together and browsed through a mall before heading home separately.


    As soon as Eleanor got back, Callie sent her thetestb data. She headed straight to her study to catch up on work she''d missed. A nce at the clock told her it was nearly ninen hadn''t brought Evelyn home yet.


    She went downstairs to wait in the living room.


    Around nine, Princess, their golden retriever, perked up her ears and suddenly dashed toward the front yard, tail wagging with excitement.


    Eleanor didn''t need to look to know her daughter was back. She opened the front gate just as Evelyn ran into her arms. "Mommy!"


    Eleanor knelt down to hug her, and Evelyn threw her arms around her neck. "Daddy brought me home."


    "I know, sweetheart. Let''s go inside," Eleanor replied, taking her daughter''s hand. She barely spared a nce at the man standing outside, refusing to meet his eyes.


    Evelyn skipped into the yard, then turned back and scampered out again to the gate, calling out under the streetlight, "Daddy, why don''t youe in?"


    Eleanor shotn a frosty look. He lingered a moment, then said to his daughter, "Daddy has work to finish. You and Mommy go on inside, okay?"


    "Okay!" Evelyn didn''t ask for details. She simply waved, "Bye, Daddy!"


    Princess, delighted, circledn, tail wagging. He crouched to ruffle the dog''s head,


    and Princess closed her eyes, basking in the attention.


    Eleanor, noticing Princess missing from the yard, called out with a touch of impatience, "Princess! Inside!"


    Only then did the dog trot back through the gate. Eleanor closed it firmly, shuttingn out for the night.


    Later, Eleanor sat on the bed with Evelyn, reading her a bedtime story.


    "And so, the Little Prince decided to leave his and explore the universe," Eleanor said softly.


    Evelyn rubbed her eyes and drifted to sleep in her mother''s arms. Eleanor pressed a gentle kiss to her daughter''s forehead. Nights like these were peaceful -quiet, and full offort.


    Morning arrived.


    After dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor headed straight to the new research facility. Several projects from Ashford Medical University had been relocated there, including her own.


    The ce had officially opened after the ribbon-cutting ceremony a few days earlier.


    As Eleanor stepped out of the elevator, she ran into Gwenda, who greeted her with delight. "Eleanor! You''re finally back!"


    Eleanor paused, then smiled. "Yes, I''m here from today on. This will be my new base of operations."

 Chapter 438

    Gwenda beamed, "We''ve all been looking forward to having you back!"


    Eleanor nced at Gwenda''s open, guileless face and couldn''t help but trust her words. She smiled and nodded in response.


    Now that Faye was gone, Gwenda seemed much more grounded and focused on her work. In fact, she''d even received praise from Simone Langley recently.


    "I''m heading to the break room anyway-they''ve got a new coffee bar set up. I''ll bring you a cup."


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied with a nod.


    Her office was spotless and neatly arranged. Eleanor set down herptop and stood by the wide window, gazing out at the city skyline. The view was spectacr; the entire atmosphere here felt invigorating.


    A short whileter, Gwenda returned with a steaming cup of coffee. The rich aroma filled the room as Eleanor sipped gratefully, powering up herputer to review data and prepare for the ten o''clock meeting.


    At ten sharp, everyone gathered in the conference room. Simone turned to Eleanor. "Did you wrap up things on the other side?"


    "It''s all been handed over. I''ll be focusing entirely on the current research project now."


    Simone nodded with approval. "Good. Now that you''re free from the other responsibilities, I want you to give this project your full attention. Upper management is watching the progress closely."


    Eleanor''s fingers tightened unconsciously around her pen. Wasn still pushing for faster results?


    The meeting ended at eleven. Back in her office, Eleanor decided to seek out Simone for a private conversation.


    As she stepped out into the hallway with her folders, she caught sight of a tall figure ahead, speaking on the phone. Ian''s tone was icy andmanding. "Send more people to the Everprosper negotiations. I need those patents."


    Sensing someone behind him,n nced over his shoulder, his gaze sharp. When he saw Eleanor, his eyes narrowed slightly.


    Eleanor met his gaze, then walked past him, clutching her documents.


    While Eleanor was talking with Simone,n knocked and entered the office. Simone looked up, a bit surprised. "Ian, what brings you here?"


    "I''m here for a project update,"n replied. Even in a in white shirt, he exuded an undeniable authority.


    "I was just discussing some details with Eleanor. Why don''t you join us?" Simone offered.


    Recently, Simone had been supervising Eleanor''s experimentation. As Simone described the current progress, Eleanor listened, acutely aware ofn''s gaze fixed on her. She pressed her lips together in irritation.


    "In the next phase, we''ll be expanding the sample size. If everything goes smoothly, we should move to animal trials in about two months¡ª"


    Eleanor nodded. "Thank you, Professor Langley. I''ll get back to work." She closed her folder, stood up, and left the room.


    Simone looked a little surprised, then nced atn, whose expression remained unreadable. She immediately understood.


    "Ian, has the Everprosper Biotech acquisition been resolved?" Simone asked.


    "Not yet. They haven''t budged on my offer,"n replied, a steely glint in his eyes.


    Simone nodded. She knew Everprosper''s patent portfolio was critical to Eleanor''s research.


    After updating him on the project''s progress,n drummed his long fingers on the armrest. "Eleanor is back now. We need to elerate the timeline."


    "I''ll stay on top of it," Simone assured him.


    She was paging through her experiment reports when the door opened. She looked up asn strode in.


    "Can we talk?" He pulled out the chair opposite her and sat down.


    "There''s nothing to discuss. Please leave." Eleanor''s voice was cold and resolute. "I''ll be acquiring Everprosper Biotech soon. They hold nine patents, three of which will directly benefit your research," Ian began, unbuttoning his cor with long, deft fingers. In the harsh white light, the sharp line of his corbone stood out, lending him an air of casual, almost dangerous allure.


    Eleanor didn''t even bother looking up. "Are you finished?"


    Just then, her phone rang. She nced at the screen-Xavier. Shootingn a quick look, she answered with him still in the room. "Hello, Xavier. What''s up?"


    "I''m free."


    "Great, I''ll be there."


    She hung up, ran a frustrated hand through her bangs, and fixedn with a frosty stare. "If you''re done, you can go."<pn adjusted his cuffs slowly, his voice suddenly cold. "The Everprosper patents will be transferred to theb in a week. I hope you don''t waste my ''investment."" The way he said "investment" wasced with barely contained frustration. Eleanor watched as he left, then checked her calendar. On Thursday, she was scheduled to attend theunch of the Grayson Foundation''s new talent initiative.

 Chapter 439

    Eleanor spent two hours that afternoon in theb, patiently answering Callie''s thoughtful questions about someplex issues. Callie took the opportunity to learn as much as he could.


    He couldn''t help but think of what Faye had pulledst time he really wanted to warn Eleanor to be careful around her.


    "Eleanor, how are things between you and Faye?" Callie asked, trying to sound casual.


    "Not much of anything," Eleanor replied honestly.


    Since Faye was now at Meridian Dynamics and no longer involved with Eleanor''s projects, Callie decided to let it drop.


    Before the end of the workday, Simone called Eleanor into her office. She brought upn''s acquisition of Everprosper Biotech, mentioning that three of their patents would be necessary for Eleanor''s uing research.


    Eleanor nodded. Ian had said earlier that the patent rights would be transferred to theb next week-no need to worry.


    "Ian''s been pouring a fortune into your project," Simonemented. "He''s clearly sparing no expense. I heard negotiations with Everprosper are deadlocked-their asking price is way above market value."


    Eleanor almostughed. This project was meant to save Vanessa Shannon; of coursen would pay any price. Compared to the life of his "one and only," what did money matter to him?


    He was far better at making money than spending it, anyway.


    "So let''s just focus on the research and try not to let him down," Simone encouraged. "I''ll shield you from any pressure about the timeline-real science needs room to breathe."


    Eleanor nodded and, after leaving Simone''s office, realized it was time to pick up her daughter from school.


    When she arrived at the preschool, Eleanor spotted her daughter ying on the yground with Vivian. But it wasn''t a nanny or Xavier picking up Vivian today¡ªit was a well-dressed, elegant woman. Judging by her age and resemnce, Eleanor guessed this was Xavier''s mother.


    As Eleanor approached, Vivian''s face lit up. "Ms. Sutton!"


    Henrietta, who''d been watching her granddaughter, looked up at the sound of Vivian''s greeting, her eyes appraising Eleanor.


    Eleanor wore a simple white blouse and jeans, her long hair loosely gathered. She exuded a graceful, intelligent air¡ªso different from what Henrietta had expected.


    Serena''s stories had painted Eleanor as some maniptive seductress, but the young woman walking toward her seemed bright,posed, and quietly beautiful.


    Still, Henrietta reminded herself not to judge by appearances. Clever women always had ways of winning men over. And her son, as she knew, was hardly interested in shy types-if anything, he''d be drawn to someone more cerebral, like this.


    "Hello, you must be Vivian''s grandmother." Eleanor greeted her with a warm smile.


    Henrietta smiled politely and nodded. "You''re Eleanor, right? I''ve heard Vivian mention you quite often."


    Eleanor hesitated, catching the subtext. She exined gently, "Yes, my Evelyn and Vivian are good friends. Vivianes over to our ce to y sometimes."


    Henrietta''s expression softened a little. "That''s right. Vivian''s mother is away for now, so I appreciate you looking after her."


    "Oh, it''s nothing," Eleanor replied. "The girls just enjoy each other''spany."


    At that moment, Vivian tilted her head and asked, "Grandma, can I go to Ms. Sutton''s for dinner? Uncle hasn''t taken me there in ages."


    Henrietta''s smile faltered for a moment before she spoke gently. "Maybe next time, Vivian. Tonight, Grandma''s taking you and your uncle out for dinner."


    Eleanor chimed in, "Vivian, you can visit us another time, okay?"


    Vivian pouted, disappointed. "Alright..."


    "Bye, Vivian!" Evelyn waved, her little hand in Eleanor''s as they walked out of the school gate.


    Behind them, Henrietta watched Eleanor leave, her gaze thoughtful.


    On the way home, Eleanor and her daughter stopped by a flower shop, picking up


    a few packets of seeds. There was a patch of bare earth in their garden, just waiting for something new to grow.


    The golden light of sunset spilled over the little yard, bathing the greenery in a warm glow. Evelyn bounced beside Eleanor, while Princess, their cat, nappedzily in a corner. The scene was peaceful and full of quiet joy.


    Evelyn, wielding a tiny spade like a miniature gardener, helped Eleanor loosen the soil and scatter the seeds, chanting softly, "Grow up strong, little flowers..."


    Eleanor smiled, listening to her daughter''s sweet, childish voice. Moments like these made happiness feel almost tangible.


    After dinner, Eleanor read fairytales with Evelyn for a while before heading upstairs to work.


    She had just settled in when Joy''s voice message arrived: "Ian''swsuit was dropped. Looks like he''s going ahead with the Everprosper Biotech acquisition at the original price."

 Chapter 440

    Eleanor replied, "He''s desperate for their family''s patent."


    "You don''t mean the patent is for yourb too, do you?"


    "It is."


    "No wonder he caved-turns out he''s just trying to save his sweetheart!" At that, Joy switched topics, her curiosity satisfied for the moment.


    At Xavier''s apartment, Henrietta entered hand-in-hand with her granddaughter. She still couldn''t fathom why her son, who used to live in a sprawling mansion, insisted on buying arge t in this old part of town. Sure, the ce was tastefully decorated, but the traffic here was a nightmare.


    The past two years had been a whirlwind. Her husband''s illness and her daughter''s legal troubles had kept her living abroad. Now, with her husband gone and her daughter sentenced to prison, she''de back to find herself in the middle of her son''s battle for inheritance. His ambitious uncle had been lurking, eyeing the chairman''s seat, but atst Xavier managed to secure his position. Still, Henrietta worried that the conniving uncle might try to make aeback.


    That was why she''d finally set her mind on arranging a marriage alliance with the Goodwin family.


    A littleter, Xavier came home. Henrietta sent Vivian off to the yroom and called her son over. "Xavier,e talk with your mother for a bit."


    "Mom, I''m tired." Xavier''s reluctance was obvious.


    Annoyed, Henrietta raised her voice. "So, when exactly do you n to discuss this marriage alliance with me? Are you just going to keep avoiding it forever?"


    "Mom, I have no intention of marrying for business. You don''t have to trouble yourself over it." Xavier turned away, his refusal clear and resolute.


    Until now, Henrietta hadn''t quite understood why her son was so adamant. Now, she thought she did.


    "Is it because of that Eleanor girl?"


    Xavier stopped in his tracks, turning to face her. "Mom, have you been looking into my private life?"


    Henrietta settled herself gracefully onto the couch. "I ran into her at the preschool today. She''s certainly an impressive young woman."


    "Mom, please don''t interfere in her life." Xavier turned back, but this time, instead of walking away, he came over to her. "She has nothing to do with my decisions."


    Henrietta nearlyughed at the contradiction. Her son imed Eleanor meant nothing, yet the moment she brought up the girl''s name, he pivoted and came over for a conversation.


    Did he really think he could fool her?


    "Nothing to do with her?" Henrietta lifted her teacup with a scoff. "Then why are you always taking Vivian to her house?"


    Xavier loosened his tie. "We''re just friends. Vivian and her daughter are close, that''s all."


    But Henrietta knew her son too well. The more he tried to act indifferent, the more she could see how much he cared.


    She forced herself to set aside her frustration, smoothing her well-kept features into a smile. "Fine, I won''t bother her. Let''s talk about you and Serena, then."


    Xavier met her gaze. "I only see Serena as a sister. There''s nothing else between us." He straightened, determination in his eyes. "I''ll prove myself at work. I don''t need a marriage alliance to keep my seat on the board."


    Henrietta''s irritation simmered. "I''m doing this for your own good! I hate to see you working yourself to the bone. I heard you went overseas, begging for support-" She looked at her son, heart aching. She could only imagine the humiliation orpromises he''d endured. She didn''t want to see him grovel before anyone. Xavier sighed. "Mom, let me handle thepany. I''ll take care of it."


    With that, he stood up to leave.


    Henrietta sprang to her feet, her voice rising. "You know Serena is devoted to you.


    If you married her, you wouldn''t have to work so hard!"


    Xavier paused. "I''d rather struggle than settle for a loveless marriage."


    Henrietta stared at her son, a realization dawning. "You... you''re in love with Eleanor, aren''t you?"


    Xavier''s jaw tightened, silent, but the answer was clear.


    "She''s divorced, with a child. She''s also your best friendn''s ex-wife! How could


    you possibly fall for her?" Henrietta''s disbelief spilled out.


    Xavier looked right at her. "Mom, I don''t care about any of that." With that, he


    tossed out, "My life is my business. Please stop worrying."


    Henrietta called after his retreating back, "Come back here and exin yourself! If


    you want to marry Eleanor, I will never approve!"


    The only answer was the sound of the door mming shut.


    Vivian peeked out from the yroom. "Grandma, are you okay?"


    Henrietta quicklyposed herself, forcing a gentle smile. "I''m fine, sweetheart.


    Do you want me to y with you?"


    "Yes!" Vivian nodded enthusiastically.


    Even as she yed with her granddaughter, Henrietta''s thoughts remained tangled in her son''s stubbornness. What was it about Eleanor that had captivated him sopletely?

 Chapter 441

    The next day, Eleanor received a personal call from the Vice President of the Grayson Foundation. She was invited to give a speech at theunch of the foundation''s new talent initiative-a charitable project she herself had funded. Initially, Eleanor considered declining, but the program was meant to foster young scientists and support research, a cause she deeply cared about. So, she agreed.


    On Wednesday night, Xavier texted to remind her about the foundation event at ten the next morning.


    She replied that she''d be there on time.


    At dawn, Eleanor dropped her daughter off at school. As she pulled up to the curb, she happened to see Xavier''s mother, Henrietta Vaughn, escorting Vivian to the entrance.


    Eleanor greeted her politely. "Good morning, Mrs. Vaughn.¡±


    Henrietta nodded, her gaze lingering on Eleanor with a mixture of curiosity and appraisal. What caught her off guard was that Eleanor''s expression was neither eager nor ingratiating. There was no hint of ttery or forced warmth.


    After saying her hello, Eleanor turned and climbed into her car, pulling away without looking back.


    Henrietta stood there, mildly surprised. If what Serena had told her was true, wouldn''t Eleanor, as her son''s possible fianc¨¦e, try a little harder to make a good impression?


    Even after dropping off her granddaughter, Henrietta couldn''t stop turning it over in her mind. She''d noticedtely that her son avoided discussing Eleanor, and he''d made his feelings about an arranged marriage perfectly clear.


    Truthfully, Henrietta never intended to pressure Xavier into marriage. She simply hoped to make his early years at the helm of thepany a little easier, and a strategic marriage was the most effective way to do that.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor had taken the morning off from work. The Grayson Foundation was set to announce several new projects, and reporters had already gathered outside, preparing their cameras.


    "Miss Sutton, you''re here!" A sharp-eyed assistant hurried over to greet her.


    The event buzzed with elite guests from every field. As Eleanor entered the main hall, she spotted Xavier deep in conversation with several senior figures. He stood out in a sharp navy suit, looking more energetic than ever.


    Catching sight of her, Xavier quickly excused himself and walked over.


    "d you made it," he said, his tone friendly and familiar.


    Eleanor smiled. "You''ve worked hard for this."


    After all, the foundation-founded by Juliette Grayson-was now his to run, on top of his recent takeover of the familypany. He must have been swamped.


    Xavier''s eyes crinkled with a smile. "It''s nothing." He turned to his assistant. "Show Miss Sutton to my private lounge."


    Eleanor nced at her watch. She was early-it was only nine-thirty. She followed the assistant to Xavier''s lounge to wait.


    The assistant was attentive, bringing her tea and a selection of pastries.


    Outside, the venue grew livelier as more guests arrived. When it was time, Eleanor was led to a seat in the front row. Just then, the main doors opened andn strode in, immacte in a tailored ck suit. Every camera in the room swung to focus on him.


    Xavier narrowed his eyes slightly and went over to greet him. n, you made it."n nodded. ¡°No need to fuss over me. Go on-you''ve got things to do."


    He scanned the room, his gaze eventuallynding on the front row. As he moved to take his seat, the doors opened again and more attention-grabbing figures walked in-Henry, apanied by Vanessa and Serena.


    It was Vanessa''s first appearance since her stint in the ICU. Though expertly made up, she still looked a bit pale. Serena linked arms with her and led her ton''s side.


    Eleanor nced up briefly, then returned her focus to her speech notes on her phone.


    Serena, however, immediately spotted Eleanor in the front row. She hadn''t expected Xavier to invite her.


    To Serena, Eleanor''s presence at an event like this seemed out of ce. This was Xavier''s first major appearance as head of the Grayson Foundation, with business leaders and key partners in attendance. What role did Eleanor have here?


    Only those close to Xavier knew Eleanor had inherited Juliette''s research fund. Even fewer were aware that this new talent initiative was her brainchild.


    Serena tugged at Vanessa''s sleeve and whispered, "Vanessa, why is she here?"


    Vanessa followed Serena''s gaze, lingering on Eleanor for a moment before turning her attention back ton.


    With that, he strode over to where Eleanor was sitting. Serena, realizing where he


    was heading, called out in a half-whisper, n-!"

 Chapter 442

    Vanessa''s expression darkened, but Henry quickly exined, n just needs to discuss some work matters with Eleanor."


    Serena bit her lip. "What''s so important it can''t wait untilter?"


    Just then, a staff member ushered a line of older, distinguished guests into the front row. Clearly, those seats were already taken.


    Henry led the two women to seats in the second row.


    "Vanessa, are you okay?" Serena asked, her concern obvious.


    Vanessa forced a smile. "I''m fine."


    "I don''t get why she gets to sit in the front row." Serena''s voice was edged with frustration. Did Eleanor really deserve that kind of status?


    "The front row''s reserved for the foundation''s board members and special guests," Henry replied.


    Vanessa let out a short, brittleugh. "Looks like Xavier really is invested in Eleanor-he even made sure she was on the guest list for an event like this."


    Serena''s lips pressed together in a jealous frown. "Who knows, maybe she begged him for the invitation."


    Henry raised his brows in surprise and nced toward Eleanor, suddenly wondering if there really was something going on between Xavier and her.


    Up front,n sat beside Eleanor, but she never once nced his way¡ªif anything, she seemed ufortable with him so close.


    Finally, the event officially began.


    The host invited Xavier onto the stage to give the opening speech. Xavier strode up with calm confidence, letting his gaze sweep across the audience before it lingered briefly on Eleanor.


    "Thank you all for attending theunch of the Grayson Foundation''s Young Schrs Program," Xavier began, his voice steady andmanding. "Today, I''m honored to announce that the foundation will be establishing the ¡®Eleanor Research Schrship,'' dedicated to supporting outstanding young scientists."


    The announcement sent a ripple of surprise through the crowd.


    Eleanor''s eyes widened slightly-Xavier had never mentioned anything about this to her.


    Standing under the spotlight, Xavier held Eleanor''s gaze, a small smile ying at his lips as he gestured for her to join him. "Now, I''d like to invite Miss Sutton to the stage for a few words."


    Eleanor took a steadying breath,posed herself, and rose to her feet.


    Under the bright lights, she cut an elegant figure in a simple navy sleeveless dress, poised and graceful.


    From the audience, Serena''s eyes shed with envy. "Has Xavier lost his mind? Why would he name the schrship after her?"


    Vanessa''s feelings were equallyplicated. Was Xavier really this invested in Eleanor, enough to name an entire schrship program after her? That kind of recognition was usually reserved for world-renowned scientists.


    Onstage, Eleanor''s clear, melodious voice rang out. "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn, for your support of scientific research. I''m honored to stand here and helpunch this new initiative for young schrs..."


    As Eleanor finished her remarks and began to step down, the host stopped her, excitement in his voice. "Wait, please! Now, may I invite Mr. Vaughn and Miss Sutton to unveil the new Young Schrs Program together."


    Xavier returned to the stage while an usher brought out arge que covered by a velvet cloth.


    Eleanor and Xavier exchanged a warm smile. Xavier gestured. "Miss Sutton, would you do the honors?"


    Eleanor nodded, lifting the cloth to reveal the schrship amount-ten million dors.


    The crowd erupted into thunderous apuse.


    The host then announced, "It''s my great pleasure to reveal that the generous donor behind this schrship is none other than Miss Eleanor Sutton herself."


    A flurry of conversation broke out among the guests, with many expressing admiration for Eleanor''s personal contribution.


    Serena''s eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Eleanor donated the entire amount?¡±


    Vanessa hadn''t expected Eleanor to pull a stunt like this for publicity¡ªbut then, with her wealth, a ten-million-dor schrship was hardly a stretch.


    As Eleanor returned to her seat, a calm, low voice sounded beside her. "Congrattions."

 Chapter 443

    A gentleman nearby offered his congrattions to Eleanor as well. She smiled politely at him. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    As for the man to her left, Eleanor acted as if she hadn''t heard his well-wishes at all.


    On stage, the event continued. The foundation was now presenting its next project, a campaign for environmental awareness.


    From a few seats away, Serena stared daggers into Eleanor''s back, feeling a swell of frustration. "Vanessa, just look at her-so smug, as if she''s someone important just because she donated a bit of money."


    Vanessa maintained her graceful smile. "Serena, don''t be like that. Eleanor''s contribution to scientific research is a good thing, no matter what."


    Serena merely curled her lip in disdain.


    Henry, sitting beside them, overheard Vanessa''s words and nced over with clear approval.


    As Vanessa swept back her long hair, her hand brushed Henry''s arm. He caught her eye and a faint smile yed at his lips.


    Just then, an assistant quietly approached Eleanor, leaning in and speaking in a low voice, "Miss Sutton, Mr. Vaughn would like you to join him in the lounge."


    Eleanor was only too happy to leave her currentpany and followed the assistant toward the lounge. The assistant smiled. "Mr. Vaughn would like you to rest here for a while. When the event is over, he''d like to discuss the donation with you."


    "All right," Eleanor agreed with a nod.


    An hourter, the program in the main hall concluded, and guests began to filter out.


    Eleanor checked the time just as Xavier stepped into the lounge. "Sorry to keep you waiting."


    He and Eleanor went over the details for the allocation of the research grant. By the time they finished, it was already half past eleven.


    "It''s lunchtime," Xavier said, extending an invitation. "We''re having a small celebration-would you join us? After all, you''re one of the guests of honor today." Eleanor considered it. It was about time for lunch, and she had no other ns. "Sure," she replied.


    Xavier smiled as they left the lounge together and crossed the parking lot. He insisted Eleanor ride with him, promising to bring her back after lunch.


    The celebration was held at a five-star hotel near the foundation. Eleanor didn''t ask who would be there, but as soon as she arrived, she saw five tables set up- and at one of them satn, Henry, Vanessa, and Serena.


    Eleanor''s breath caught for a moment. Xavier looked away, guilt flickering in his eyes.


    He had, in fact, arranged forn to be invited. Still, he wanted Eleanor here; some things couldn''t be avoided forever, and he wanted her to stand by his side.


    This was his decision-right or wrong.


    Since Eleanor had agreed toe, she was determined to see the meal through. She was seated next to Xavier, among the event''s most distinguished guests. Several of the men at the table, eager to make an impression, tried to offer Eleanor a few drinks in celebration, but Xavier stepped in each time.


    "She can''t drink. I''ll have a couple on her behalf-thank you for understanding," he said, standing to toast the table.


    His words weren''t loud, but everyone heard-including those at the neighboring tables.


    Serena bit her red lip, jealousy shing in her eyes as she watched Xavier speak up for Eleanor. To her, it was as good as a public deration.


    Suddenly, he stood up. "I have to go. There''s something at work."


    He walked over to Xavier''s table. "I''m heading out."


    "Leaving so soon? Not even one drink?" Xavier asked, rising as well.


    "No, I''ve got business at the office,"n replied coolly.


    He turned to Eleanor. "You need to sign the Everprosper Biotech patent contract


    at two o''clock. Don''t bete."


    Eleanor frowned slightly, lifting her teacup and taking a sip.


    Without another word,n walked away.


    "Come on,n, you''re leaving already? We just started eating!" Serena protested.


    "Serena, you all enjoy. I''ll be going as well," Vanessa said, setting down her fork and quickly grabbing her purse to follown out.


    Eleanor kept her head down as she ate, as if none of theirings and goings mattered to her in the slightest.


    After lunch, Xavier personally walked her to the car, his gaze fixed on her.


    "I owe you an apology for today," he said quietly. "I didn''t mean to make you ufortable."

 Chapter 444

    Eleanor knew exactly why he was apologizing. She smiled gently. "It''s all right."


    Her calm, unruffled expression only deepened Xavier''s guilt. He knew he''d acted a bit underhanded today.


    "I''ll get going. You should head back, too," Eleanor said, then opened the car door and slid inside.


    Xavier bent down beside the window, his voice soft with concern. "Drive safe."


    Eleanor''s car pulled out of the parking lot. Xavier let out a quiet sigh, but just then, a voice called from behind, "Xavier, do you have a minute? Can we talk?"


    Serena''s car had just pulled up; she''d been hoping for a chance to speak to Xavier in person about their families'' proposed engagement. He''d been impossible to reachtely, always busy, so she''d decided to seize the moment.


    Turning, Xavier saw Serena approaching, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. He could already guess what she wanted to discuss.


    Before Serena could say a word, Xavier nced at his watch and opened his own car door. "Serena, I have something I need to take care of."


    Serena, who had been working up her courage, blurted out in a rush, "Xavier, about the engagement between our families¡ª"


    He cut her off, his tone even. "Serena, I''m not interested in an arranged marriage."


    ¡°But¡ª¡± Tears welled up in Serena''s eyes. "Is it because of Eleanor? Do you really like her that much?"


    "It''s not about anyone else. I just won''t use marriage as a bargaining chip," Xavier replied, calm but firm.


    Serena bit her lip, her eyes brimming with hurt and resentment. "I know it''s because of her. What does she have that I don''t? Why am I not enough?"


    "Serena." Xavier''s voice grew colder. "Out of respect for our families, I don''t want to hurt you. But don''t drag Eleanor into this."


    Serena felt as if his words were a knife twisting in her chest. Xavier always said not to involve Eleanor-wasn''t that just another way of protecting her?


    So if Eleanor got dragged into it, Xavier would be willing to burn bridges for her, wouldn''t he?


    "I have a meeting. I have to go." Xavier finished, then got in his car and drove away.


    Serena broke down, covering her face as she cried. Her whole life had been smooth sailing-cherished by her parents as a child, then cared for by her older brother after her father passed away. She''d never experienced real disappointment¡ªexcept in love.


    Even a few casual words from Xavier could wound her so deeply.


    She couldn''t help but wonder: if Eleanor had never appeared, would Xavier have agreed to the family''s arrangement? If Eleanor were still married to her brother, would Xavier have given up and chosen her instead?


    Meanwhile, Eleanor returned to the research facility earlier than usual. She spent some time working in her office, and around two o''clock, Andie came by. "Eleanor, Professor Langley wants you in the conference room."


    Eleanor nodded, "All right, I''ll be right there."


    Inside the conference room,n was already seated, along with the team from Everprosper Biotech.


    Eleanor took a seat beside Simone as both sides began reviewing the final details of the patent contract.


    After all, the acquisition had been tense, and there was still a final payment due after the patent handover. Everprosper Biotech wanted everything to go smoothly.


    Eleanor was carefully reviewing the data in the contract, her focused expression reminiscent of a teacher grading papers.


    Sunlight streamed through the ss, illuminating Eleanor''s elegant features¡ªshe was like a magnolia blossom: not breathtaking at first nce, but subtly captivating.


    She set aside thepleted documents. Just then, a long, well-shaped hand reached over and picked them up.


    Eleanor frowned slightly but didn''t look up.


    the usage rights on these patents, correct?"


    The Everprosper executive wiped sweat from his brow, replying, "You can rest


    assured, Mr. Goodwin. All the patents have cleared the legal process. The usage


    rights now belong solely to yourb."<pn nodded and said nothing more.

 Chapter 445

    The signing of the patent transfer agreement went smoothly. ncing at the time, Eleanor turned to Simone. "Professor Langley, I''m heading to theb."


    "Of course, go ahead!" Simone nodded encouragingly, then turned ton. "Ian, is there something you''d like to say?"


    Eleanor finished collecting her things and left without another word.


    Her retreating figure made it clear-even ifn had something to say, she wasn''t interested in hearing it.


    Simone watched the two young people and sighed inwardly. There''d been a time when she thought, if their divorce hadn''t been so bitter, maybe they could reconcile. After all, they had a child together.


    But now, it was obvious Eleanor had no intention of looking back, andn seemed to have lost any patience for winning her over.


    Simone had already asked Eleanor about it, but so far, it seemed she hadn''t begun any concrete work.


    "Ian, you know this is a sensitive matter," Simone said gently. "It''s her mother''s donor sample, after all."


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than he looked up-and there was Eleanor, standing in the doorway, clutching her files. Her face was ashen, and she was trembling.


    Simone followedn''s gaze and saw Eleanor. Clearly, she''d overheard.


    For a few seconds, the room froze.


    Simone hurried to smooth things over. "Eleanor,n is just concerned about the project''s progress="


    But Eleanor marched into theb, snatched her phone from the table, and stormed out.


    She ignored himpletely, striding out of theb. Ian''s long legs carried him after her.


    "Eleanor, wait.¡± His voice was low andmanding.


    Eleanor halted, still clutching her files.


    "I don''t care whose life is at stake," Eleanor cut him off coldly. "It has nothing to do with me."


    Simone came out, watching the tension crackle between them. "Both of you, calm down."


    "Professor Langley, I need a quiet space to work. I won''t tolerate any more interruptions from unrted parties. If it happens again, I''ll quit the team." Eleanor''s words were icy as she turned to leave.


    "Eleanor."n''s eyes darkened.


    "That''s enough." She snapped, ring at him through clenched teeth. "From now on, my research has nothing to do with you. Vanessa''s life means nothing to me either."


    Suddenly,n lunged forward and grabbed her wrist, his grip shockingly strong. "Listen to me. This research on your mother''s donor isn''t about saving her."


    Eleanor recoiled, trying to wrench her arm free. When she couldn''t, her voice went colder still. "Then who''s it for?"


    Eleanor gave a short, bitterugh and finally wrenched her hand away. "Ian, when I start research on my mother''s sample is my decision. You don''t get to order me around."


    With that, she took a step back and walked away.


    Simone watchedn, surprised to see hisposure slip for once.


    She sighed. ¡°Ian, you need to find some time to talk to her properly."


    "Professor Langley, I''m asking you to talk to her for me. Try to convince her to start the research as soon as possible."


    Simone frowned. "Why is this donor sample in your hands anyway?"


    "My father-inw gave it to me,"n replied, lowering his gaze. "Please, Professor Langley. I''m counting on you."


    Simone nodded. "Alright, I''ll find the right time to speak to Eleanor. But if this research isn''t to save Miss Shannon, then who is it for?"

 Chapter 446

    Simone hesitated, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. Was the patient''s identity that sensitive?


    Without another word,n turned and walked away.


    Eleanor wasn''t in theb at that moment. She''d retreated to her office, rubbing her aching temples, desperate for a moment of quiet.


    For six years, whenever Vanessa was involved,n paid special attention. Just now, he''d danced around Simone''s questions, refusing to exin the donor''s purpose. Who else could it be for, if not Vanessa? It was just another one of his calcted moves.


    If he admitted the truth, he feared Eleanor might deliberately stall her research and jeopardize Vanessa''s health.


    But what truly drove Eleanor wasn''t the chance to save a single life-it was the hope of saving countless patients. That was the mission she''d inherited from her father, his legacy living on in her work.


    At three o''clock, Eleanor entered theb. Callie nced at her, concern etched on her face. "Eleanor, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine. Let me see today''s data," Eleanor replied briskly.


    Callie handed her theb results. Forcing herself to focus, Eleanor flipped through the pages. Suddenly, she stopped at a data set on the sixth page, her breath catching.


    She murmured softly to herself, drawing Callie''s curiosity. Callie leaned in, saying, "That''s the batch of hematopoietic stem cell samples fromst week''s leukemia patients. I used the new screening method you suggested-what is it? Something wrong?"


    Eleanor immediately moved to theputer, pulling up the raw data, her eyes shining with anticipation. She grabbed a pen and scribbled a string of forms into her notebook.


    "Eleanor, did you find something?" Callie''s voice trembled with excitement.


    Eleanor''s own voice quivered as she replied, "Thebination works¡ªit''s effective." Without another word, she began working at theputer herself. Callie watched as Eleanor''s fingers flew over the keyboard. Theb was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Finally, the sequencing report printed out.


    Eleanor''s hands shook slightly as she picked up the printout. Callie''s eyes widened. "Eleanor, is this real? This identifies and eliminates the leukemia stem cells in the blood with precision?"


    "It''s real." Eleanor closed her eyes, thinking of her father''s final research notes- her breakthrough surpassed everything he had achieved.


    "Dad, your unfinished work finally has an answer." Tears blurred Eleanor''s vision.


    A whileter, Simone arrived. Her hands trembled as she flipped through the report, her voice quivering with excitement. "Eleanor, this is incredible! It''s thirty percent more efficient than any existing therapy."


    "And the side effects are minimal-almost zero damage to healthy stem cells," Callie added.


    "Eleanor, this could win the Medical Breakthrough of the Year award!"


    "It''s all Eleanor''s doing," Callie said with obvious admiration. Every experiment he''d run had been at Eleanor''s direction.


    "This Friday, we''ll hold a seminar. I''ll invite leading experts from around the world to witness your results," Simone promised.


    Eleanor took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Alright. I''ll perfect the data and make sure everything is airtight."


    "I''ll get the detailed records ready," Callie said, rubbing his hands together with excitement.


    Back in her office, Simone reyed everything in her mind. Suddenly, she picked up her phone and dialedn''s number.


    "Professor Langley."


    "Ian, great news¡ªEleanor''sb just made a breakthrough. We could be ready for clinical trials in a month."


    There was a pause, thenn''s calm voice. "Alright. I understand."


    Simone blinked, a little surprised at hisposure. Then again,n had always


    been the type to stay unruffled, no matter what.


    "This Friday, Eleanor''s holding a seminar. You shoulde."


    "Okay,¡±n replied, and promptly ended the call.

 Chapter 447

    Eleanor asked Joslyn to pick up her daughter from school that afternoon-she nned to workte in theb and wouldn''t be home until nine.


    At five thirty, Joslyn''s number shed on Eleanor''s phone. Her heart skipped a beat. Had something happened?


    She quickly answered, "Hello, Joslyn?"


    "Ma''am, Mr. Goodwin picked Evelyn up from school. He was there at dismissal and asked me to let you know-he''s taking her to the Goodwin family''s for dinner tonight. He''ll bring her home by nine."


    "Alright, thank you," Eleanor replied.


    "Evelyn seemed really happy," Joslyn added gently. "I think she''s missed her dad and the family."


    "Okay." Eleanor kept her response short.


    She could guess that Simone had already told him about the breakthrough in theb-he must have gone to school on purpose to see their daughter.


    With Evelyn in good hands, Eleanor could set her worries aside and focus on her work.


    At nine, Eleanor powered down herb equipment and headed to the parking lot with Callie, who was practically buzzing with excitement.


    "Eleanor, it''s such an honor to work on your team," Callie said, beaming.


    Eleanor smiled. "Get some real rest tonight, okay? You look like you''ve pulled three all-nighters in a row."


    Callie felt a rush of warmth. "I will. Drive safe."


    When Eleanor got home, Evelyn still wasn''t back yet. Something urred to her, and she went upstairs, grabbed a bag, and ced a gift box inside before heading back down.


    "What''s that, ma''am?" Joslyn asked, curiosity getting the better of her.


    It was the luxury children''s jewelry set Vanessa had given Evelyn the other day¡ª a gift worth a small fortune.


    At nine twenty, Princess, their little dog, sprang off the couch and trotted to the door, tail wagging in anticipation.


    Princess was like a living rm system-always the first to know when someone familiar was at the door.


    She yipped happily and followed Eleanor to the entryway.


    Eleanor opened the door, and Evelyn bounded inside, face lit up with joy. "Mom!"


    Eleanor ruffled her daughter''s hair. "Come on in."


    Evelyn nodded, then turned back. "Goodnight, Dad!" Her tone was matter-of-fact now, as if she finally understood her father belonged somewhere else.


    Under the porch light,n froze for a moment, then waved, voice soft. "Goodnight."


    Evelyn and Princess disappeared inside. Eleanor shut the gate, then turned ton ¡ªwho was waiting, eyes narrowed, noticing the bag in her hand.


    She handed it to him. "This was the jewelry Vanessa gave Evelyn. Please return it for me and tell her something."


    Eleanor ced the bag on the hood of his car, her voice cool. "Tell her she''s not worthy of giving gifts to my daughter."


    ¡°I heard from Professor Langley that you made a breakthrough in your research. Congrattions," he added.


    Eleanor didn''t reply, simply scanned herself through the gate and walked inside.


    Later that night, after tucking Evelyn into bed, Eleanor retreated to her study and worked on her report until well past midnight.


    In the morning, she helped Evelyn into her school uniform-a cute, ssic set that made her daughter look absolutely radiant.

 Chapter 448

    Her little face had grown even prettiertely, her pigtails swaying as she walked, revealing a smooth, pale forehead and big, sparkling eyes that shone like ck gemstones.


    Eleanor bent down and kissed her daughter gently on the head before taking her hand and heading out the door.


    At the school gate, Eleanor happened to run into Xavier. Vivian had already gone inside, but he hadn''t left yet.


    "Mr. Vaughn," Evelyn greeted him politely.


    Xavier smiled warmly at her. "Hello, Evelyn."


    After dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor returned to the parking lot to find Xavier waiting beside her car.


    "Did you go to theb this morning?" Xavier asked.


    "I did," Eleanor replied with a small smile.


    "Are you free Saturday evening?"


    She blinked, curious. "Why do you ask?"


    "It''s Vivian''s birthday. I''d love for you and Evelyn toe join us," Xavier said.


    Eleanor paused for a moment. Thest time it was Evelyn''s birthday, Xavier had brought Vivian to the party and even brought a gift. Of course, Eleanor intended to return the gesture.


    She smiled, lips pressed together. "We''d be happy toe."


    Xavier let out a barely visible sigh of relief. "Great. I''ll see you Saturday, then." As he spoke, he opened the car door for her. Eleanor hesitated a second, then smiled. "Thank you."


    "Drive safe," Xavier reminded her gently.


    She gave a grateful nod and pulled into the morning traffic. Just as she merged, a reckless car nearly rear-ended her, making Xavier''s heart leap into his throat. Thankfully, the other driver braked in time and avoided a collision. Only then did Xavier allow himself to breathe again.


    When Eleanor arrived at theb, she found Dr. Lyman Brown already there, waiting to start the morning meeting. Dr. Lyman was visibly excited. "If your father were still here, he''d be so proud," he said. "He devoted thest years of his life to this very research."


    Eleanor had pored over her father''s notes many times. It was true-he had thrown himself into leukemia research during his final years, and now Eleanor felt she was carrying on the work he''d begun.


    "This isn''t just a miracle anymore. It''s nothing short of divine intervention," Dr. Lyman said with high praise.


    With the Friday symposium approaching, Eleanor and her team pressed on, spending nearly every waking hour in theb for the next two days.


    ...


    Goodwin Manor.


    Serena hadn''t left her room in days, shutting herself away. Gina grew worried; ever since her daughter came home with red, swollen eyes and shut herself in, Gina hadn''t been able to coax her out for a talk.


    Today, she had the housekeeper prepare a bowl of nourishing soup to take upstairs. She knocked gently on Serena''s door.


    To her relief, Serena opened it, though her hair was a mess and she lookedpletely drained. She nced at the soup and shook her head. "I don''t want any."


    Gina stepped quietly into the room, her voice soft. "That''s all right, you don''t have to. But can we talk for a bit?"


    Serena curled up on the sofa, arms wrapped around her knees, chin resting on top. She didn''t say a word.


    Gina''s heart ached as she watched her daughter. "Serena, what''s going on? Does this have something to do with Xavier?"


    Serena''s eyes filled with tears instantly. She bit her lip, refusing to answer, but the tears spilled over, rolling down her cheeks one after another.


    Seeing her daughter cry, Gina understood at once. She sat beside Serena, gently rubbing her back. "Did Xavier call off the engagement?"


    "He said... he said he didn''t want to use marriage as a bargaining chip-" Serena choked out between sobs, "because there''s someone else he cares about."

 Chapter 449

    "Xavier has someone he likes?" Gina frowned. But Mrs. Vaughn had told her that her son was currently single-no girlfriend in sight.


    "So, Xavier''s fallen for which socialite''s daughter?" Gina couldn''t help but ask, curiosity getting the better of her.


    A sh of hurt and anger passed through Serena''s eyes. "What socialite? It''s Eleanor. The person he likes is Eleanor."


    Even though Gina had seen Xavier and Eleanor leave togetherst time, hearing it straight from her daughter still left herpletely stunned. "What? Xavier likes Eleanor?"


    Serena buried her face in her hands and started to sob.


    Gina quickly tried tofort her. "Serena, don''t get upset just yet. Maybe it''s all just a misunderstanding."


    She found it hard to believe that Xavier would fall for Eleanor. After all, the two boys had grown up together, and Eleanor had once been her own son''s wife. How could Xavier possibly fall for his friend''s ex-wife?


    "I wish it was just a misunderstanding, Mom, but the truth is Xavier doesn''t just like Eleanor-he''s fallen in love with her."


    "But Eleanor-" Gina wanted to say that the Vaughn family would never approve of this.


    Serena, still sobbing, interrupted, "But Xavier doesn''t care about any of that. He''s willing to throw everything away for Eleanor."


    The more Serena spoke, the more miserable she became, her tears streaming down.


    Gina was at a loss for words, not knowing how tofort her daughter.


    It was true-Eleanor had be outstanding, someone you couldn''t help but notice. If Xavier liked her, it was understandable. But Gina didn''t want her daughter to fall apart like this. Even without Xavier, there were other choices out there.


    Suddenly, she remembered something her son had said the other day-Xavier wasn''t right for Serena.


    Did he already know Xavier had feelings for Eleanor?


    Gina let out a long sigh. Why did young people''s rtionships have to be soplicated?


    As she stood up to leave, Serena grabbed her hand, looking up at her pleadingly. "Mom, please help me."


    Gina looked at her daughter carefully. "You need to think this through. If Xavier really is in love with Eleanor, forcing yourself into the Vaughn family will only bring you pain."


    "Mom, I''m not afraid of hardship. I just want to marry Xavier. Please, talk to Mrs. Vaughn-convince her to let me marry him!" Serena was convinced-Xavier was the prize, and sweet or not, she wanted him for herself.


    Gina sighed again. "Alright, I''ll speak with Mrs. Vaughn."


    Friday arrived in the blink of an eye.


    Eleanor''s much-anticipated presentation was set for ten o''clock. Many prominent figures from the country''s medicalmunity had shown up, while international guests were fewer due to the time difference. Still, with journalists covering the event, it was only a matter of time before the whole world took notice.


    Joel had arrived early and was now chatting with Simone. Eleanor hadn''t dressed up for the asion-she nned to take the stage in her white coat, as always.


    She was in the middle of her final preparations backstage when Gwenda suddenly burst into the lounge. "Eleanor! Guess who''s here today?"


    Simoneughed. "Isn''t that obvious? Everyone I invited, of course."


    Gwenda grinned. "There are a few guests who aren''t from the medical field!"


    "Oh?" Simone''s eyes lit up. "Who?"


    "Seven members from the Goodwin & Co. board of directors are here. And " Gwenda hesitated, ncing at Eleanor, "Eleanor, promise you won''t get upset when I tell you."


    Eleanor arched an eyebrow, already suspecting who it might be.

 Chapter 450

    Gwenda had already shared the news. "Vanessa''s here too-she was just chatting with Faye a moment ago!"


    Eleanor considered this and wasn''t the least bit surprised. If her research truly had the potential to save Vanessa''s life, it made perfect sense for her to attend the conference.


    "Well, let here! Today''s seminar is open to everyone." Eleanor turned her attention back to the conference agenda.


    Gwenda let out an awkwardugh and slipped out of the room.


    At exactly ten o''clock, Joel and Eleanor emerged together. Eleanor nced at the nearly packed auditorium. Joel shot her an encouraging look. "Ready? Time to go up."


    Eleanor took the stage. Before she could say a word, the hall erupted in apuse. She swept her gaze over the first few rows.


    There was Dr. Lyman, Simone, and several other familiar experts. Nearn sat Henry and Vanessa.


    As usual, Vanessa looked stunning, whispering something into Henry''s ear, whilen gazed intently at Eleanor on stage, poised to listen to every word.


    Eleanor pulled her focus back and began her presentation.


    She started by outlining the theoretical foundations of her experiment. Her voice rang out clear and confident, perfectly synchronized with the data disyed behind her. The entire report flowed seamlessly, each point building on thest.


    A few rows back, Gwenda sat beside Faye. Faye''s expression was cold, her mood as dark as expected. She hadn''t wanted toe, but Simone had insisted, practically dragging her here to hear Eleanor''s talk.


    Yet as Eleanor spoke, Faye found it impossible to remain indifferent. With every slide, every argument, she felt a growing sense of shock. The gap between her and Eleanor was widening-fast.


    Last time, Eleanor had told her she wasn''t even worthy of being her rival.


    Now, with her research front and center, Eleanor wasn''t provoking her with words -she was doing it with facts, with undeniable achievement.


    Faye''s hand clenched the back of her chair so tightly her knuckles turned white. As she watched Eleanor shine on stage, a storm of emotion churned inside her- jealousy, frustration, defeat.


    And, though she''d never admit it aloud, a trace of awe.


    Vanessa''s expression was just asplicated. Arms crossed, she stared at Eleanor with a cool detachment.


    It wasn''t until Henry''s elbow brushed against hers by ident that the ice in Vanessa''s eyes melted a little, a faint smile flickering at her lips.


    Henry hadn''t meant anything by it; he offered her an apologetic smile.


    Vanessa reached for her water bottle and struggled with the cap. Henry noticed and, without a word, took it and opened it for her with ease.


    She epted it and took a sip.


    This was exactly what he''d hoped for.


    Eleanor had done it.


    And he''d always known she could.


    At that moment, Eleanor wrapped up her talk. "Of course, nothing is guaranteed until we move into clinical trials. But based on our current data, we have every reason to believe this could represent a revolutionary breakthrough in leukemia treatment."<pn''s brow furrowed. Maybe it was still too soon to hope.

 Chapter 451

    Dr. Lyman took the stage for his speech while Eleanor quietly slipped off the tform, settling into the seat beside Joel. She sat so still, soposed, she seemed almost like a lily with all its radiance drawn inward. Ten minutester, the conference wrapped up without a hitch.


    Eleanor couldn''t leave right away. Simone had specifically asked her to stay for a bit and mingle with some colleagues in the field.


    She made her way over to Simone, who was chatting with a small group of distinguished doctors. Simone introduced her, and the men''s eyes lit up with genuine admiration.


    "Eleanor, I was two years behind your father in med school-we even yed ser on the same team," said one gray-haired department head with a warm grin.


    Eleanor''s eyes shone with respect. "It''s a pleasure, Mr. Ackerly."


    Mr. Ackerly chuckled. "I never thought Elliot''s daughter would be so impressive. He''d be so proud of you, wherever he is."


    Across the room,n was deep in conversation with several board members, their eyes bright with interest-Eleanor''s research had clearly piqued their hopes for new medical breakthroughs.


    After exchanging a few words with Dr. Lyman and Simone,n nced over at Eleanor. Seeing her engaged in conversation, he chose not to interrupt and quietly turned away.


    As Eleanor turned slightly, she caught a glimpse ofn and Henry walking side by side, with Vanessa and Serena following arm in arm a few paces behind.


    She looked away, and Joel leaned over. "It''s almost lunchtime. Want to join us?" "Sure," Eleanor replied with a nod.


    They invited a couple of their professors, but both already had ns-many old ssmates had made it to the conference today.


    Joel called over Callie and Gwenda, and as luck would have it, Faye was nearby. Gwenda asked, "Faye, want to join us for lunch?¡±


    Faye nced at Joel, who nodded his approval. With a slight smile, she agreed, "Okay, I''lle along."


    Gwenda looped her arm through Eleanor''s with easy affection. "Your talk was incredible, Eleanor."


    Eleanor answered modestly, "It was a team effort, truly."


    Faye exchanged a nce with Callie. Callie looked back at her, and Faye''s heart skippedst time, she''d tried to stir up trouble between Callie and Eleanor over credit for the research. Was Callie going to tell her now?


    As Eleanor, Gwenda, and Joel walked ahead, Faye tugged at Callie''s sleeve. "Callie."


    Callie paused, looking at her. Faye stalled for a moment, waiting until the others were out of earshot before whispering, "You haven''t told Eleanor about what happened at dinnerst time, have you?"


    Callie immediately understood what Faye was worried about. She offered a gentle warning. "Faye, just focus on the research. It''s better than trying to cut corners. I''m not going to say a word about that dinner, but please for everyone''s sake- don''t go down that road again."


    Faye blushed with relief. "Thank you, Callie. You''re honestly a good person."


    Callie, a little ufortable under the praise, nudged her gently. "Come on, let''s catch up."


    Faye smiled to herself as they hurried after the group. She was sure now-Callie wouldn''t betray her.


    Soon, the group settled into a private room at a nearby restaurant. After ordering, Joel raised his teacup. "Let''s toast-with tea, not wine-to theb''s sess."


    Everyone clinked cups, and Faye forced a smile to join in.


    As the food arrived, the conversation turned to future research directions. Joel offered plenty of insights and suggestions.


    Suddenly, Faye seemed to remember something. With feigned casualness, she said, "Eleanor, didn''t Mr. Goodwin hand you your mother''s donor samplesst time? Have you started working on them yet?"


    Joel''s face darkened. "Faye, that''s enough."


    Snapping out of her act, Faye quickly backpedaled. "Oh-sorry, forget I said anything."


    Eleanor''s expression cooled, but Gwenda quickly changed the subject. "This ce''s food is amazing. The fish stew is especially good."


    Joel smoothly followed her lead. "By the way, the international medical conference


    is in Kingston next month. Eleanor, will you be able to attend?"


    Eleanor looked up. "I''m not sure yet."


    "If you''re busy, I can represent theb," Joel said, then turned to Gwenda. "I''ll


    need an assistant-would you be avable, Gwenda?"


    Faye''s hand tightened around her cup. Shouldn''t he be asking her?


    "Me? Of course-I mean, can I really go?" Gwenda asked, barely containing her excitement.


    Joel nodded. "Absolutely."


    Gwenda practically beamed. "I''ll be there¡ªan all-expenses-paid conference trip!"


    Faye shot Gwenda a look, biting back her frustration. Wasn''t this supposed to be her opportunity?


    Eleanor caught the flicker of resentment in Faye''s eyes.


    "Gwenda''s meticulous with records," Eleanor remarked. Then she offered Gwenda a warm smile. "It''s a great opportunity, Gwenda. Make the most of it."

 Chapter 452

    Gwenda''s eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Absolutely!"


    "There''s another authentic ce in Kingston-why don''t you have Joel take you there?" Eleanor suggested, her tone light.


    Joel chimed in, "You mean the spot we triedst time?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, that one. It''s excellent."


    For Gwenda, visiting Kingston wasn''t just about sightseeing; the chance to attend such a prestigious international conference thrilled her even more. The event was a big deal¡ªa rare opportunity to meet some of the brightest minds in medicine from around the world.


    Across the table, Faye bit her lip, trying to mask her difort.


    After lunch, Eleanor and Gwenda returned to theb. Faye and Joel headed for the parking lot, ready to drive back to work at Meridian Dynamics.


    As Faye pulled open the passenger door, she hesitated for a few seconds before finally speaking up. "Joel, I''d really like to attend the international conference too. Is there any way-?"


    Joel nced over at her. "I already promised to take Gwenda," he replied simply.


    Faye''s fingers tightened on her seatbelt. "But you know I''m more qualified than Gwenda..."


    Joel started the engine and fixed his gaze on the road ahead. "I believe teamwork and professionalism matter just as much as technical skills," he replied, his voice steady.


    Faye flushed at his words. Was Joel deliberately sidelining her just because she''d joked about Eleanor''s mother being a donor at lunch?


    She turned to stare out the window, resentment flickering in her eyes. Did Joel really have to shield Eleanor like this, even though he didn''t stand a chance with her?


    That afternoon, clips from Eleanor''s morning presentation were already ying on the news. The camera lingered on her several times, highlighting herposed and confident demeanor.


    Meanwhile, a group of society women gathered for afternoon tea. Henrietta sat among them, sipping Earl Grey with practiced poise, when Mrs. Cooper suddenly piped up, "Did any of you catch the news at noon? There''s this scientist-Eleanor ¡ªshe''s made a breakthrough in leukemia research!"


    "I saw it! Dr. Sutton is truly remarkable," anotherdy gushed.


    "She really is! So young and already achieving so much-she''s a credit to women everywhere."


    "Wait, who? I don''t think I''ve heard of her," Mrs. Brown asked, curiosity piqued. Mrs. Cooper quickly pulled up a photo on her phone. "Here, this is her."


    The picture showed Eleanor at a conference, listening intently.


    "Oh! Isn''t Miss Sutton the Goodwin family''s former daughter-inw?" Mrs. Brown eximed.


    "That''s right," Mrs. Cooper confirmed. "She used to be married to the Goodwins'' son. Honestly, it''s such a shame they let such an outstanding woman slip through their fingers."


    "Exactly! With her education, talent, and looks, who wouldn''t want her as a daughter-inw?" anotherdy agreed.


    "Is she seeing anyone now? I''d love to introduce her to my nephew," Mrs. Brown joked.


    Henrietta cleared her throat gently. "Actually, my son Xavier knows her-they''re friends."


    Mrs. Cooper''s eyes lit up. "Really? Your Xavier and Eleanor would make quite the pair!"


    "That''s right, Henrietta. You should encourage your son! Divorced or not, a woman like that is a real gem."


    Henrietta hesitated, remembering her previous misgivings about Eleanor''s divorce. But hearing the others praise Eleanor''s achievements, she found herself wavering. The more she thought about it, the more she realized her son seemed genuinely interested in Eleanor.


    A sudden thought struck her. Henrietta excused herself and stepped into the hallway to call her son.


    "Hello? Mom?"


    "Xavier, tomorrow''s Vivian''s birthday. Why don''t we invite Eleanor as well?" "Mom? Why-?"


    "Vivian said she wanted her friends toe, and isn''t Eleanor''s daughter Vivian''s best friend?"


    "I''ve already invited her. She said she''ll bring her daughter," Xavier replied.


    Hearing this, Henrietta felt reassured. Hanging up, she resolved to take a closer look at her potential future daughter-inw at the party.


    Henrietta knew Xavier had no interest in marrying into the Goodwin family, and she couldn''t me him. Marriage was a lifelong affair; her son deserved someone he truly connected with.


    Back at the table, Henrietta searched for videos of Eleanor on her phone. Watching Eleanor speak from the podium, she was quietly amazed. Her son certainly had good taste.


    Besides, Eleanor had always left a good impression-gracious, poised, and polite. Divorced or not, she was clearly a treasure.

 Chapter 453

    After a long day at work, nothing soothed Eleanor''s heart more thaning home to her daughter''s beaming smile.


    And then there were those sweet, sticky kisses-Evelyn''s way of reminding her mother how much she needed and loved her.


    Joslyn took care of everything at home, from meals toundry, keeping the house running like clockwork. Thanks to her, Eleanor could always count on a peaceful haven to return to.


    "Mom, tomorrow''s Vivian''s birthday party. I''ve been racking my brain-what should I get her as a gift?" Evelyn asked, her little brow furrowed in thought.


    Eleanor smiled. "Let''s go to the mall together in the morning. This time, you get to pick out the present yourself, alright?"


    Evelyn''s face lit up. "Okay!"


    "You''re growing up so fast, Evelyn. Such a littledy already!" Joslyn said with a fondugh from across the room.


    Watching her daughter, Eleanor couldn''t help but look forward to the day Evelyn grew up maybe in another ten years, they''d not only be mother and daughter, but best friends too.


    That night, Eleanor received an email from Dr. Smith at the overseasb. After congratting her, he attached a new file-clinical data his team had collected from leukemia patients, offering it as a resource for her research.


    She thought of hisb, and the fact thatn was also an investor. This was, in a way, just sharing resources.


    Eleanor replied, expressing her gratitude and hoping for more opportunities to coborate.


    To her surprise, Dr. Smith answered almost immediately, saying he''d be flying in next week and looked forward to meeting her in person.


    Eleanor was genuinely pleased and began to anticipate their uing discussion.


    Later that night, Evelyny in Eleanor''s arms, rolling back and forth, still mulling over what to get Vivian for her birthday. Eleanor smiled down at her daughter, hugging her close and showering her with kisses.


    "Mom, do you think Dad wille to Vivian''s party tomorrow?" Evelyn suddenly asked.


    Eleanor considered this. It was just a kid''s birthday party-there was really no reason forn to go. She doubted he''d make it.


    "He''s really busy, sweetheart. I don''t think he''ll have time," Eleanor said gently, hoping not to let Evelyn get her hopes up.


    "Oh." Evelyn''s reply was tinged with disappointment.


    Eleanor quickly suggested a bedtime story to take her mind off it, and before long, Evelyn had drifted to sleep, nestled in her mother''s arms.


    The next morning, since Vivian''s party was scheduled for the evening, Eleanor arranged to meet her friend Joy for lunch.


    Eleanor didn''t have many people she could truly confide in. Most friends were just acquaintances or colleagues, but with Joy, she could rx and be herself.


    "I saw you on the news yesterday. You''re bing such a superstar!" Joy teased as they sat down.


    Eleanor chuckled. ¡°I just hope I can get through my speeches without tripping up.¡±


    Joy leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "You must have a whole line of admirers by now. Anyone special catch your eye?"


    That was the fun of having a close girlfriend-somehow, the conversation always circled back to men.


    Eleanorughed. "Are you kidding? I barely have enough hours in the day to get my work done, let alone date!"


    "You''re still young. Wouldn''t it be nice to have a little romance? Besides, you can''t neglect your... needs, right?" Joy winked.


    Eleanor shot her a yful look. "Alright, spill it¡ªwhat''s going on with you and Attorney Jeffries?"


    Joy rolled her eyes with a dramatic sigh. "He''s so busy these days, I''m lucky if I see him at all. There''s no progress."


    "Oh really? Want me to pull some strings at Ellington and get you two a week off? You could have a proper lovefest," Eleanor joked, grinning.

 Chapter 454

    Only then did it hit Joy-oh, for heaven''s sake! Her own sister was her big boss!


    "No way, are you trying to work me to death?" Joy grumbled, cheeks turning pink.


    Eleanor burst outughing. "You''re young! You''re supposed to have this much energy."


    "Yeah? Laugh at me again, I dare you!" Joy lunged, fingers outstretched, and started tickling her.


    The two of them dissolved intoughter in the cozy little private room, and even Evelyn, ying quietly with her toys on the sofa, giggled along with them.


    Eleanor tried to catch her breath between fits ofughter. "Alright, alright! I''ll stop teasing you."


    Joy shot her a mischievous look. "Then you should hurry up and find yourself someone. Major General Ellington, for example-he''s a great catch. Just pick him!"


    Eleanor had just taken a sip of tea and nearly spat it back into her cup in surprise.


    "What? Don''t tell me you''ve already tried and he''s not up to the task?" Joy''s eyes widened in mock shock.


    Eleanor''s face turned bright red. "Oh, stop it! There''s nothing between us. We''repletely innocent."


    Joy gave a theatrical "oh," but finally let the joke drop. In the back of her mind, the image ofn flitted by.


    Six years Eleanor had been married to him... Who even knew-


    Ugh, no. Even if he had an amazing body, he was still a rotten apple as far as Joy was concerned.


    Shaking off the thought, Joy turned to Eleanor and said, "Alright, time to take Evelyn to pick out a present."


    Evelyn, who''d been waiting impatiently, perked up immediately.


    The three of them headed to a nearby mall and stepped into an upscale toy store.


    Evelyn took her time, carefully considering every shelf before finally settling on a delicate music box. She remembered how Vivian, during herst visit, had said she loved music boxes.


    Eleanor noticed how thoughtful her daughter had be-she was really growing up.


    Just then, at the entrance, Serena walked in, but as soon as she caught sight of Eleanor and Evelyn, she instinctively slipped back out again.


    She hated running into Eleanor, even if she had nothing against her little niece.


    After Eleanor and Joy left with Evelyn, Serena came back in to choose a gift. She pulled out her phone and sent a voice message, "Vanessa, what do you think Vivian would like as a birthday present?"


    Vanessa replied, "Little girls usually love dolls and pretty toys."


    Serena browsed the store for a while before finally selecting a limited-edition doll and an ornate music box.


    "Vanessa, guess who I just saw?" she said, sending another voice message.


    "Who?"


    "Eleanor and Evelyn-they just left the toy shop."


    "You don''t think Eleanor is bringing Evelyn to Vivian''s birthday party, do you?" Vanessa''s voice was skeptical.


    "No way," Serena replied, her tone confident.


    "How can you be so sure?"


    "I mentioned to Mrs. Vaughnst time about Eleanor chasing after Xavier. You should''ve seen Mrs. Vaughn''s face-she was absolutely appalled. There''s no way she''d let Eleanor attend."


    "But Evelyn and Vivian are best friends-"


    Serena stiffened at that. Sure, Mrs. Vaughn hated Eleanor, but if Xavier was really interested in her, maybe he would insist on bringing Eleanor and Evelyn.


    The thought made Serena''s eyes narrow. Xavier''s refusal to go through with their arranged marriage had left her moping for a week, and tonight was her chance to shine at Vivian''s birthday party.


    Was Eleanor really going to show up and ruin things for her again?


    But soon enough, Serena rxed. There was no way Mrs. Vaughn would ever let her son marry a divorced woman with a child. Xavier was such a catch-it would be a waste if he ended up with someone like that.


    Besides, tonight she and her mother were headed to the Vaughns'' for the birthday party-Mrs. Vaughn had sent the invitation herself.

 Chapter 455

    Rumor had it that Mrs. Vaughn was throwing avish birthday party for her granddaughter Vivian this year.


    Serena decided not to dwell on it anymore. She was certain she wouldn''t see Eleanor tonight.


    At the moment, she was heading to the boutique to meet her mother, determined to look absolutely stunning for the evening.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor returned home with her daughter. She began dressing Evelyn in a sparkling blue princess dress, which made the little girl twirl with delight. Her long hair was braided into a crown and topped with a headband-she looked every bit the fairytale princess.


    Eleanor herself stood before her wardrobe, pulling out a simple yet elegant id dress she''d bought for asions like this. A thin belt cinched her waist, entuating her slender figure.


    It was the perfect choice-neither too formal, nor too casual, and showed just the right amount of respect for their hosts.


    "Mom, let''s go, let''s go!" Evelyn chimed, already dressed in her little party dress, looking like a miniature royal.


    The birthday celebration was being held at Xavier''s estate. As Eleanor drove through the gates of the neighborhood, she intentionally took a roundabout route, but Evelyn still recognized the way.


    "Mom, isn''t this the road to our old house?" Evelyn asked from the back seat.


    Eleanor''s breath caught for a moment, but she quickly smiled. "That''s right, sweetheart. Tonight we''re going to Mr. Vaughn''s ce for the party."


    When they finally pulled into the Vaughn family''s driveway, it was already half past six. The evening sky was still tinged with gold and rose, and the garden was festooned with colorful balloons and streamers. Uniformed staff bustled about, greeting guests as they arrived.


    "There you are," Xavier called, dressed in a dark shirt and tailored cks that gave him an easy, rxed air.


    "Mr. Vaughn, look! I brought a gift for Vivian!" Evelyn announced, holding up her bag.


    Xavier grinned. "Vivian''s been waiting for you all afternoon. Go on in and find her!"


    Beaming, Evelyn scampered inside with her present. Xavier''s gaze lingered on Eleanor. "That dress looks wonderful on you tonight," he said warmly.


    Eleanor offered a polite smile. "Thank you." Then she held out a gift box. "I brought something for Vivian as well."


    "Didn''t Evelyn already bring a gift?" Xavier asked, a little surprised.


    Eleanor''s smile deepened. "That one''s from her. This is from me it''s only right to show my appreciation."


    Xavier realized she was returning the favor for the birthday bracelet he''d given her before.


    "Thank you," he said softly, epting the gift.


    Just then, another car pulled up. Out stepped Gina and her daughter Serena. The moment Serena spotted Eleanor, her face twisted in shock and disbelief.


    What was Eleanor doing here? Had Xavier really invited her? And she actually had the nerve to show up?


    Gina, too, was surprised to see Eleanor, but when she noticed Evelyn, her expression softened. She was genuinely pleased her granddaughter could join the festivities.


    Xavier came over to greet them. "Aunt Gina, Serena-d you could make it. Come inside and getfortable.¡±


    "I''d like a word with Eleanor. Why don''t you show Serena in?" Gina said to Xavier.


    He gestured for Serena to go ahead with him. Though she was dying to know what her mother wanted to say to Eleanor, she had no choice but to follow Xavier inside.


    Eleanor watched Gina approach and greeted her quietly, "Hello, Aunt Gina."


    "Eleanor, I didn''t expect to see you here. Does that mean Evelyn''s here too?" Gina asked with a smile.


    "She is," Eleanor replied with a nod.


    Gina thought to herself that a lively party like this was exactly where her granddaughter belonged.

 Chapter 456

    "Eleanor, you and Xavier-" Gina hesitated, wanting to confirm for herself whether Eleanor and Xavier were truly seeing each other. If that was the case, she''d need to consider a different match for her own daughter.


    Eleanor frowned slightly. "Gina, I''d rather not discuss my personal life."


    Gina faltered, suddenly realizing she no longer had any right to pry into Eleanor''s affairs.


    Letting out a soft sigh, she conceded, "You''re right. I shouldn''t have asked. Come inside and have a seat. I''ll go find Evelyn."


    As Gina walked away, Eleanor felt no urge to follow. She lingered in the garden, alone but not ufortable-if anything, solitude suited her.


    Serena emerged from the house, phone pressed to her ear, clearly finishing a call. Spotting Eleanor by herself, she said to the person on the other end, "Vanessa, I''ll call you back."


    Sliding her phone into her pocket, Serena strolled over, letting out a quiet scoff. "Don''t think cozying up to Mrs. Vaughn is going to get you through the family''s front door."


    Eleanor, wishing for a moment''s peace, couldn''t hide her irritation. "I have no need to cozy up to anyone."


    "Even if you tried, it wouldn''t matter," Serena replied with a smug lift of her brow. "Mrs. Vaughn runs this family now. She decides everything-Xavier''s marriage included. Even if I''m not the one to marry in, you don''t stand a chance."


    Just then, Xavier stepped out from the house. He''d been looking for Eleanor and now saw Serena standing beside her, arms folded. His chest tightened, and he strode over quickly.


    "Eleanor," he called her name first.


    Serena started, instantly masking the disdain in her eyes and greeting him with a sugary, "Xavier."


    He barely nced at her. "Serena, go inside. I need to speak with Eleanor." Serena pouted, feigning indignation. "What''s wrong with me hearing it?"


    "You sure you want to?" Xavier''s eyes narrowed.


    Realizing he was about to say something intimate to Eleanor, Serena''s breath caught. She shot Eleanor a re, jealousy flickering across her face, but ultimately bit her lip and left.


    Eleanor turned to Xavier. "I should get back to work-"


    "Did Serena say something to upset you?" Xavier asked, his tone gentle but concerned.


    Eleanor thought about her ce here and knew she didn''t really belong. "Maybe I should juste pick up Evelynter."


    With Gina-her former mother-inw-around, she knew Evelyn would be well cared for.


    Suddenly, Xavier reached out and caught her wrist, his voice rough with urgency. "Don''t go."


    Eleanor stared, startled, at his hand. He quickly let go, looking flustered. "I don''t want you to leave. You rarelye by-stay a while, have some tea, something to eat."


    At that very moment, a stately figure appeared in the doorway. Mrs. Vaughn had seen Evelyn earlier but hadn''t caught sight of Eleanor until now. Watching her son speak with Eleanor, she finally looked relieved.


    Eleanor''s gaze drifted to Mrs. Vaughn at the entrance, her nerves tightening. She knew perfectly well she was not a wee guest.


    Meanwhile, Serena had stationed herself by the marble columns at the door, phone back to her ear. Seeing Mrs. Vaughn step outside, she couldn''t help but smirk.


    "Vanessa, gotta go. I''m about to witness some real drama."


    "What kind of drama?"


    "The kind where Mrs. Vaughn puts Eleanor in her ce, of course."

 Chapter 457

    To catch every word Henrietta said, Serena pretended to take a call and slipped behind a nearby tree.


    Xavier nced over his shoulder when he noticed his mother approaching. He tensed instinctively; though her attitude had softenedtely, he still couldn''t read her. He had no idea what she truly thought of Eleanor.


    Henrietta, dressed elegantly in a fitted navy dress, wore a warmer, more genuine smile than thest time they met. "Eleanor, I''m so d you could make it." She shot a gentle reproach at her son. "Xavier, really-how could you let Miss Sutton stand out here in the cold? At least invite her in for a cup of tea."


    Xavier was momentarily caught off guard.


    Eleanor greeted her politely, "Good evening, Mrs. Vaughn."


    Though Henrietta''s gaze still sized her up, the scrutiny had softened. There was genuine warmth in her smile, a kind of eager hospitality.


    Surprised by the change, Eleanor nced at Xavier.


    He gave a small, relieved smile, as if finally able to breathe.


    Henrietta stepped forward to take Eleanor''s hand. "Don''t just stand there, dear. Consider this your own home-no need to be so formal. Come, let''s sit in the living room."


    The sudden wave of friendliness left Eleanor bewildered. She nced at Xavier for reassurance, but he just kept smiling back at her.


    Meanwhile, Serena, hidden behind the tree, stared in disbelief as Mrs. Vaughn led Eleanor arm-in-arm toward the house. She couldn''t wrap her mind around it.


    How could this be happening?


    Mrs. Vaughn had never been half this enthusiastic with her!


    Why was she treating Eleanor with such obvious affection, even personally escorting her inside?


    As Eleanor walked with Mrs. Vaughn into the elegant foyer, she could feel the eyes of the societydies-the ones Xavier''s mother always surrounded herself with-settle on her, their surprise barely concealed.


    "Miss Sutton, let me introduce you to a few friends." Mrs. Vaughn steered Eleanor toward her inner circle, beaming. ¡°Ladies, this is Eleanor Sutton, a rising star in medicine and a close friend of my son''s."


    This was the same circle that had joined Henrietta for tea the day before; now, each one regarded her with open envy.


    "We''ve heard so much about you, Miss Sutton!" gushed one woman in a tailored Chanel suit, extending her hand. "Just yesterday, we were all talking about your speech on the news!"


    "Thank you, it''s lovely to meet you," Eleanor replied, shaking her hand.


    "I heard you made a major breakthrough in leukemia research¡ªis that true?" another woman asked, curiosity shining in her eyes.


    Eleanor was just about to respond when Xavier interjected with a quick grin, "No work talk tonight-let''s give her a break and chat about something else."


    Thediesughed in agreement. "Of course, of course, Miss Sutton must be exhausted already. Let''s talk about something more rxing."


    Across the room, Gina was feeding some fruit to Evelyn as she walked her daughter into the hall. She caught sight of the scene and blinked in surprise.


    A few feet away, Serena stood gripping her champagne ss so hard her knuckles whitened, the ss nearly slipping from her hand. She''d been convinced that Mrs. Vaughn hadn''t liked Eleanor thest time they met but the scene before her told a very different story.


    Could it be that Mrs. Vaughn didn''t mind Eleanor being divorced after all?


    Gina, ever perceptive, immediately understood. It was all too clear: the daughter- inw Henrietta favored wasn''t Serena, but her former daughter-inw instead. Gina nced at her daughter and sighed inwardly.


    Henrietta, meanwhile, picked up on the tension between Gina and Serena. Leaving the other women, she made her way over, pausing first topliment Evelyn, then turning to Gina. "Gina, you can see how much Xavier truly cares for Eleanor. Honestly, I admire her as well."


    Gina managed a gracious smile. "Yes, Eleanor really is exceptional."


    Henrietta hesitated, then continued, "About the arrangement between our families -I think it''s best if we..."


    She gave Gina a meaningful look, hoping she''d understand.


    Of course Gina understood. She nodded, her smile tinged with resignation. "I know. Marriage isn''t something you can force. If Xavier''s found someone he truly cares for, I''m happy for him."


    Henrietta looked a little embarrassed and gave Gina''s shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Gina, in this matter, the Vaughn family owes you and Serena an apology."


    Gina smiled generously. "Think nothing of it. These kids should be allowed to make their own choices."


    Serena watched her mother and Mrs. Vaughn whispering, a sense of dread rising in her chest at the look that passed between them.


    As soon as Henrietta moved off to greet more guests, Serena hurried to her mother''s side.


    "Mom, what were you just talking about?"


    "We''ll discuss it at home," Gina replied softly, her eyes betraying a flicker of pity. "Please, Mom, just tell me," Serena pressed, desperate for answers.


    At that moment, Henrietta returned, her voice gentle. "Serena, I''m sorry, dear. Your mother and I both feel that you and Xavier just aren''t right for each other."

 Chapter 458

    The words struck Serena like a hammer blow. She bit her lip, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Mrs. Vaughn,st time you told me yourself that I was the perfect fit to be your daughter-inw-and that you''d never ept a divorc¨¦e marrying into the Vaughn family!"


    Henrietta''s expression hardened. "Serena, I never said anything of the sort. You must be remembering it wrong."


    Serena''sposure began to crack. "Is it just me, or do you all think Eleanor is so wonderful? She wed her way into marrying my brother back then, and now she''s trying to seduce Xavier-"


    "Serena." Gina''s voice snapped like a whip, silencing her. "That''s enough. Haven''t you embarrassed yourself enough already?"


    Serena looked up, suddenly aware that everyone in the room was staring at her. Xavier''s face had darkened as well. Tears welled in her eyes and, unable to bear it any longer, she turned and fled from the living room.


    "Serena, wait!" Mrs. Vaughn called after her, worry in her voice.


    Gina let out a heavy sigh. "I''ll head out first, then." She crouched down, speaking gently to her granddaughter. "Evelyn, Grandma has to leave early. Will you stay with your mom?"


    "Okay, Grandma," Evelyn replied obediently.


    Out in the parking lot, Gina saw their car already running. Serena was in the back seat, dabbing furiously at her eyes.


    Gina climbed in and told the driver, "Take us home."


    The driver had just started the engine when headlights swept across the driveway. He squinted through the windshield and recognized the vehicle immediately.


    "That''s the young master''s car," he announced.


    Serena wiped her tears and looked up. Sure enough, it was her eldest brother''s


    car.


    Gina felt a jolt of surprise. Why was her son here? Wasn''t he supposed to skip the party?


    A blue Bentley pulled up behindn''s car, both vehiclesing to a stop side by side. Under the glow of the porch lights,n stepped out-tall,posed, and striking as ever.


    The doors of the other car opened, and Henry and Vanessa emerged.


    The moment Serena saw Vanessa, she pushed open the car door and hurried toward her.


    Vanessa''s face softened as Serena approached. "Serena," she called gently. Without warning, Serena threw herself into Vanessa''s arms. "Vanessa."


    Vanessa wrapped aforting arm around her, rubbing her back. "Serena, who upset you?"


    Gina sighed, lowering her voice. "The Vaughns just called off the engagement. She''s taking it hard."


    "I know,¡±n replied, voice low and steady.


    Gina''s eyes filled with regret. "It''s obvious Serena truly cares for Xavier."


    Serena''s head shot up, her tear-stained face brimming with resentment. "Why are you sending me away,n?"


    "Don''t argue,"n said quietly, his tone brooking no dissent. "Or I''ll cancel all your credit cards."


    Serena''s jaw dropped in outrage, her sense of injustice only deepening.


    Gina agreed it wasn''t wise for her daughter to stay and risk another outburst. She spoke up, "Serena,e home with me. Your brother can stay here with Evelyn."


    Vanessa gave Gina a gentle nod. "Good night, Mrs. Goodwin," she said softly. Then, to Serena, "You should go home for now. If you have more to say, talk to your brother tomorrow-he''ll understand."


    Serena ignored her mother andn, but she listened to Vanessa. She nodded, shot her brother an using re, and slid back into the car.


    Gina looked atn as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she just climbed in and told the driver to go.


    Once the Goodwin family''s car pulled away, Henry coughed awkwardly. "So, uh- should we go in? We weren''t exactly invited to this birthday party."


    Vanessa''s lips curled into a small smile. The only reason they''d shown up tonight was because she''d toldn about Serena''s meltdown. Ian hadn''t hesitated for a second; he simply grabbed his keys, and she''d made Henrye along.


    Tonight, because of Eleanor, the unbreakable bond between the three families was about to snap.

 Chapter 459

    Since all the guests and servers were busy in the main hall, no one noticed the neers at first.


    It wasn''t untiln led Vanessa and Henry into the brightly lit ballroom that heads began to turn.


    Vanessa had clearly put extra effort into her appearance tonight. She wore a champagne-colored mermaid gown, and as she stood deliberately close ton under the lights, the two of them looked every bit the morous couple- impossible to ignore.


    Xavier strode over from the lounge, his steps quickening as he caught sight of the trio. Though momentarily surprised, he greeted them with a warm smile. "Ian, Henry, Vanessa-so d you could make it!"


    "Sorry to drop in unannounced," Ian replied in his low, reserved voice.


    The politeness in his tone made the distance between them obvious.


    Henry''s smile faltered for a moment. He turned, ppedn on the shoulder, and said, "Come on,n-don''t be a stranger. We''re family here, especially with Xavier. How could you possibly be intruding?"


    Xavier''s smile never wavered. "I should have invited you myself. I''ve just been a little swampedtely."


    Vanessa chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. "As long as you don''t mind us showing up, Xavier."


    "Not at all," Xavier replied, chuckling.


    At that moment, Mrs. Vaughn approached with her trademark warmth. "Ian, Henry," she greeted, then paused as her gazended on Vanessa. "And this is...?"


    "Hello, ma''am. I''m Vanessa-Xavier''s friend," Vanessa introduced herself with a friendly smile.


    "Wee, wee! Xavier," Mrs. Vaughn called out, "why don''t you have someone set a table out in the garden? Let the younger folks enjoy dinner outside together." Most of tonight''s guests were her own friends, after all the generations wouldn''t have much to talk about.


    Just then, a lively woman tapped Henry on the shoulder. "There you are, you rascal! I was beginning to think you''d vanished off the face of the earth."


    Henry jumped, then turned and broke into a grin. "Aunt Sybil! Didn''t realize you''d be here."


    "What have you been up totely? Found a girlfriend yet?" Sybil gave her nephew a pointed once-over. Suddenly, her eyes caught Vanessa standing beside him, and she lit up. Well, well-he''s got a stunning beauty at his side tonight.


    Vanessa noticed Sybil appraising her and offered a polite smile. Sybil returned it with a wink of approval.


    Xavier, meanwhile, turned to a server and suggested moving a long table out to the garden, making sure his younger guests would be well amodated.


    -Special privileges like that weren''t something just any guest could enjoy. Vanessa, too, was surreptitiously scanning the room for Eleanor. She quickly realized Eleanor was nowhere to be seen in the main hall; clearly, Eleanor''s status in the Vaughn family had changed. She could probably wander into the master bedroom as she pleased now.


    At that moment, a voice rang out from the second floor. "Daddy!"


    Evelyn''s little head peeked over the upstairs railing.


    Vivian appeared beside her, then Eleanor stepped into view as well.


    Just then, Vanessa gave a little sway and looped her arm throughn''s.


    From Eleanor''s vantage point above, Vanessa andn looked for all the world like a loving couple.<pn smoothly slipped his arm free, then looked up at his daughter and called out with a gentle smile, "Come on down, sweetheart. Daddy''s here."

 Chapter 460

    Vanessa greeted Evelyn with a warm, gentle smile as she came downstairs, while Eleanor followed close behind.


    At the foot of the staircase,n waited as Evelyn approached, just three steps away from him. He readied himself, and with a swift motion, scooped his daughter into his arms. Evelyn''s rosy cheek brushed against his chin as she grinned, "Daddy, Mom said you wouldn''te tonight. Why are you here after all?¡±


    Eleanor hadn''t wanted him at tonight''s gathering.


    Was she afraid he''d interrupt her evening with Xavier?


    "Daddy, I gave Vivian my music box and she absolutely loved it!" Evelyn announced, her eyes bright with pride.


    "Daddy, put me down! I want to go y with Vivian." Evelyn squirmed out of his arms, her little legs kicking as she slipped away. She grabbed Vivian''s hand, and the two girls dashed off toward the living room, already giggling.


    Eleanor watched her daughter go, then followed her down the stairs and after the girls.n''s gaze lingered on her until Henry''s cheerful voice interrupted, n,e outside and have a drink with me!"


    A long table stretched beneath the soft amber glow of string lights, the setting both elegant and inviting. Fine cutlery and sparkling wine sses adorned the table, promising a memorable evening.


    "Xavier''s gone down to the wine cer to fetch us something special,¡± Henry said, trying to lighten the mood. He could sense the tension among their close-knit trio -something had shifted between them. Tonight, he was determined to bridge that


    gap.


    Vanessa, seated beside Henry, smiled ruefully. "Too bad I can''t enjoy the good wine tonight."


    Henry grinned, reassuring her, ¡°I stopped by the kitchen earlier-tonight''s filet mignon is fantastic. Xavier hired a five-star chef for us!"


    Just then, a server appeared behind Xavier, carrying arge basket filled with bottles-some wine, some whiskey.


    "Henry, is this enough for you?" Xavier called out with augh. "If not, you''re wee to pick something yourself."


    "It''s plenty! I couldn''t drink that much if I tried," Henry replied, rising to open a bottle.


    Xavier signaled to the staff to begin serving the dishes. Soon, the table was covered in a feast of delicious food. Henry poured red wine for everyone, and made sure to get Vanessa a ss of juice instead.


    As thest dish was ced on the table, Vanessa turned to Xavier. "Xavier, why don''t you invite Eleanor over to join us?"


    Xavier smiled warmly. "Of course, I''ll go get her."


    As he spoke,n''s grip tightened around his wine ss, the delicate stem


    pressing into his palm as though it might shatter at any moment.


    The ease in Xavier''s answer-like he was calling for his own girlfriend, or even his wife¡ªmade something insiden twist.


    Vanessa noticedn''s reaction from the corner of her eye, but she turned away, busying herself with Henry. "Wow, we''re in for a treat tonight. Everything looks incredible."


    "Doesn''t it?" Henry replied, raising his ss towardn. "Come on,n, let''s toast."


    At that moment, Evelyn and Vivian burst into the garden,ughing, with Eleanor following behind. The two girls began to race around the table, theirughter ringing out into the night.

 Chapter 461

    The children ran circles around the grand Roman columns, giggling and whispering secrets to each other.


    Eleanor Sutton was just about to leave when Xavier Vaughn called out, "Eleanor, let the kids y! Stay and have dinner with us."


    She offered a polite smile. "No, thank you. Please, go ahead without me."


    But as she turned, Xavier reached out and gently, yet firmly, caught her wrist. "The nanny''s watching the kids," he said, his eyes warm and persuasive. "You don''t need to worry."


    The touch maden Goodwin''s gaze turn ice-cold. He set down his wine ss with a sharp clink, the sound echoing off the polished tabletop.


    Xavier released her and kept his eyes on Eleanor, waiting for her to respond.


    "You''ve been working all night, Eleanor," Vanessa Shannon called out with a bright-almost pointed-smile. "Come, sit down and eat with us!"


    The invitation was edged with sarcasm-Vanessa''s tone made it clear she thought Eleanor was acting like thedy of the Vaughn house before she''d even set foot through the door.


    Before Eleanor could reply, Evelyn Goodwin and Vivian came running up. One called, "Mommy, I''m hungry! I want to eat!" The other chimed in, "Uncle, me too! I''m starving!"


    The two girls nted themselves on either side of Eleanor and Xavier, looking for all the world like a picture-perfect family of four.


    Without waiting for her mother, Evelyn mbered up onto a chair, Vivian taking the seat on Xavier''s other side. Xavier nodded at Eleanor. "Come on. Sit with us. The girls want you here."


    Eleanor took her ce beside her daughter, while Xavier settled next to Vivian.


    "Try this," Xavier said, gesturing to the tter. "The foie gras just arrived fresh this morning."


    "I want some! I want some!" Evelyn demanded, her eyes glued to the dish.


    His gesture sent a ripple of tension through the table; conversation faltered, the atmosphere suddenly taut.


    "Mommy, feed me," Evelyn said, her mouth open expectantly. Eleanor obliged, offering her a bite. As she chewed, Evelyn lifted the fork to Eleanor''s lips, insisting, "Mommy, you have some too."


    Eleanor set the foie gras back down. "Mommy doesn''t eat this," she said quietly.


    Across the table, a man''s face darkened.


    Six years of marriagen knew well enough what Eleanor liked and what she didn''t.


    Xavier stood, swapping out the dish for another. "I remember you love these," he said, cing a te of golden shrimp croquettes in front of her.


    Eleanor recognized them from thest time she and Xavier had dined together. She''dplimented the dish then, but hadn''t expected he''d remember, much less have the kitchen prepare it specially.


    "You mentioned itst time," Xavier said easily. "So I made sure they were on the menu tonight."


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied with a genuine smile, helping herself to a shrimp croquette.


    Vanessa let out a lightugh. "Miss Sutton, have your tastes changed? I could''ve sworn you used to eat foie gras.¡±


    Eleanor shot her a chilly nce. ¡°People change. What you enjoy once can easily be something you can''t stand."


    Her words carried a double meaning-answering Vanessa, but also sending a pointed message to the ex-husband across the table.


    Vanessa, meanwhile, seemed almost delighted by the exchange.


    But there was at least one person at the table who didn''t appreciate it. No matter how amicable a divorce, nobody likes being mocked by their ex in front of a room full of guests.


    Sensing the tension, Henry Holt quickly stood and forced a cheerful tone. "Come on, everyone, let''s eat before the food gets cold!"

 Chapter 462

    Vanessa smiled gently atn. n, why don''t you eat something first before you start drinking?"


    "Daddy, please don''t drink," Evelyn chimed in, her lips pouting in protest. She hated the smell of alcohol on her father.


    Setting his ss aside,n gave her a warm smile. "Alright, Daddy won''t drink. Come here, sweetheart."


    Evelyn scrambled down from her chair and mbered inton''s arms. He picked up some food and started feeding her, his attentionpletely on his daughter.


    Just then, Mrs. Vaughn approached, holding her own ss. She looked at the younger generation gathered at the table, her eyes kind. "Let''s have a toast, everyone. Make yourselves at home."


    Mrs. Vaughn''s gaze drifted across the table, finally settling on Eleanor. Her smile softened. "Eleanor, you should eat more." She then turned to her son, her tone affectionate but firm. "Xavier, take good care of Eleanor. Don''t let her feel left out."


    As soon as those words left her lips, the atmosphere at the table shifted-tension sweeping in like a draft.


    Xavier quickly spoke up, "Mom, you should go greet the other guests."


    Vanessa''s eyes lingered on both Eleanor and Mrs. Vaughn, her mind racing. After seeing Serena Goodwin so heartbroken, it seemed the Vaughn family had really given up on the idea of marrying into the Goodwins.


    But Mrs. Vaughn''s words just now-was she giving her approval to Eleanor?


    Henry''s expression faltered for a moment too; he seemed to notice that the Vaughns were weing Eleanor into the family.


    Across the table,n''s gaze fixed on Eleanor, his eyes growing darker, unreadable.


    Mrs. Vaughn turned her warm smile ton. "Ian, Evelyn is such a darling. I liked her the moment I saw her. You must bring her over to our house more often!"


    Anyone else might have missed the undertone, butn understood. Mrs. Vaughn was sending him a message: if the Vaughns epted Eleanor, they would ept her child as well. It was her way of reassuring him.


    Xavier stood up. "Mom, why don''t you go see to the other guests?"


    "Alright. You all enjoy yourselves," Mrs. Vaughn said with her usual grace, before leaving the room.


    For a few seconds, a heavy silence lingered. Then the two kids began moring to y in the living room, theirughter breaking the tension.


    Eleanor stood up and followed them out.


    Suddenly, Vanessa tugged lightly at Henry''s sleeve. "Come walk with me for a bit."


    Henry caught her meaning-they should give the two old friends some space to talk.


    As soon as Vanessa and Henry left the table, Xavier broke the silence. "Ian, we need to talk."


    Xavier didn''t hesitate. "Do you still love her?"


    "It''s my business now too," Xavier replied, his voice quiet but resolute. "If you can''t give her happiness, I can."


    A faint smile tugged atn''s lips. "Are you sure?"


    Xavier nodded. "I''m sure."


    Outside, the vi''s lights cast long shadows of the two men across thewn, stretching on and on-just like the silent rift beginning to form in their friendship.

 Chapter 463

    Vanessa and Henry strolled along the path behind the house, the garden around them hushed and dim. Suddenly, Vanessa spun around without warning. Henry, distracted, walked straight into her-his lips brushed her forehead in the briefest, most idental kiss.


    Henry stepped back, flustered. "I''m so sorry, I¡ª"


    Vanessa justughed it off, easy and unbothered. "It''s fine. I just remembered something I wanted to tell you and forgot you were right behind me."


    He gazed at her, his eyes dark and searching, but Vanessa abruptly grew serious. "Henry, what do you think Xavier andn are talking about right now?"


    Pulled from his thoughts, Henry''s expression clouded with worry. "No idea."


    Vanessa sighed, folding her arms. "They''re bound to have a falling out over Eleanor. You know whatn''s like-proud to a fault. Having his ex-wife marry his closest friend? That''s got to sting."


    Henry nodded, his agreement clear. "You can see it written all over him."


    Vanessa''s voice dropped, slow and thoughtful. "Do you think Eleanor''s doing this to get back atn? Maybe she never really liked Xavier-maybe she just wants to hurtn."


    Henry''s face registered surprise. "What are you saying?"


    "My sister told me Eleanor''s been awfully close with some young military officer. I think she''s deliberately trying to get undern''s skin, maybe even drive a wedge between you guys." Vanessa spoke with a certainty that made Henry pause.


    "Are you serious?" he asked after a moment, uncertainty flickering across his features.


    Vanessa let out another sigh. "Honestly, I never thought Eleanor was that type of person. But from what I''ve heard, she does seem interested in that officer. So why would she be flirting with Xavier? If it''s not about revenge, I can''t think of any other reason."


    Henry''s voice came out rough. "So you mean¡ª"


    "Eleanor must really haten," Vanessa replied, her tone almost clinical. "But to toy with Xavier''s feelings just for payback? That''s low." She turned, her gazending on Henry from beneath the shadow of a tree. "It''s just a theory-don''t take my word for it."


    But Henry couldn''t help but consider it. The more he thought about it, the more sense it made. Eleanor never seemed truly interested in Xavier, yet she had him wrapped around her finger-and tonight, she''d managed to get ton, too.


    "Maybe it''s just a woman''s intuition, but I can feel what Eleanor''s doing," Vanessa went on. "Flirting with your ex-husband''s best friend? That''s the most effective way to get even."


    Henry exhaled heavily. "If that''s the case, I can''t just stand by and watch Xavier get hurt. I won''t let Eleanor ruin our friendship."


    "You''re going to warn Xavier, then?" Vanessa looked up at him, the garden''s shadows softening her features, giving her an almost serpentine allure.


    "You saw it yourself tonight," she continued. "Even Mrs. Vaughn''s already charmed by Eleanor, and she''s epted her as a future daughter-inw. With Eleanor''s reputation in the scientific world, what parent wouldn''t approve? If she wants to break up your friendship, she could do it without even trying."


    Henry''s expression grew heavier with every word.


    "I just hate to see a friendship that''ssted over twenty years get wrecked like this," Vanessa said quietly, her words sinking deep into Henry''s heart. Friendship meant everything to him-he wouldn''t let anyone tear it apart.


    If Eleanor truly cared about Xavier, he''d be happy for them. But if she was using Xavier to get back atn? That was unforgivable.


    "If that''s how it is-" Henry''s fists clenched at his sides, jaw set. "Then I can''t just look the other way."

 Chapter 464

    A glint of satisfaction flickered in Vanessa''s eyes as her n fell into ce. She sighed, her toneced with mock helplessness. "But what can you really do? Xavier''spletely bewitched by Eleanor right now. Do you honestly think he''d listen to you?"


    Henry''s gaze darkened. "Then we''ll just have to show Xavier the truth-let him see Eleanor for who she really is, ying both sides. Maybe that''ll finally open his eyes."


    Vanessa lifted her delicate face, giving him a sorrowful look. "Maybe I shouldn''t interfere, but seeing you and your brother at odds like this-it breaks my heart." Henry''s expression softened with gratitude. "You mean well. I appreciate it."


    She nodded emphatically. "Eleanor could have gone aftern directly if she wanted revenge. Instead, she''s using Xavier to get back at him. Xavier''s the real victim here."


    Henry''s fists clenched at his sides.


    Night had fallen, the garden bathed in the soft glow ofmps. Under the shadows,n regarded his friend, his voice unreadable.


    "So, you''re really going after her?"


    Xavier''s eyes didn''t waver. "I''ve never been more certain."


    "When did it start?"n looked up, meeting Xavier''s gaze head-on.


    Xavier let out a breath, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. "I don''t know. It just... happened."


    Even without the words,n knew exactly what Xavier meant. Somewhere along the way, Eleanor had drawn him in-subtly, irresistibly.


    The waiter returned promptly. Ian lit one, then held out the pack and lighter. ¡°Want one?"


    Xavier shook his head. "I don''t smoke."


    Xavier''s jaw tightened, his face briefly shing with something only another man could understand. Six years of marriage-six years of intimacy and familiarity. The thought lingered in the air.


    Xavier''s brows drew together. "Eleanor isn''t anyone''s property. She''s her own person. I don''t care about the past¡ªI only care about whether I can give her a better future."


    Xavier''s gaze softened, a quiet honesty in his answer. "There''s a lot I still don''t know. But I''ve got time to find out."


    Xavier gave a halfugh, resigned. "If you need an apology,n, I''ll say I''m sorry."


    Xavier perked up, curiosity in his eyes. "What condition?"


    "For five years after the divorce, she can''t remarry. So, you two can date, but marriage is off the table."


    "Ian, what are you trying to do? If you still love her, you shouldn''t hurt her like this. And if you don''t, why stand in the way of her happiness?"


    "It''s only five years. I can wait." Xavier''s voice was suddenly resolute.<pn narrowed his eyes, his words taking on a chill. "Xavier, are you really sure about this?"

 Chapter 465

    Xavier metn''s gaze, his voice steady. "I''m sure."


    The air seemed to freeze. Twenty years of friendship suddenly felt as fragile as ss-one wrong move, and it would all shatter.


    Standing in the shadows, Henry and Vanessa overheard every word. Eleanor''s n had worked, just as they''d expected.


    As the tension betweenn and Xavier thickened, Henry strode forward. "What''s going on? Giving up on the drinks already?"


    Vanessa, however, stayed where she was, eyes fixed onn. Why?


    Why would he add such an unreasonable use to the divorce agreement with Eleanor?


    This wasn''t like him at all.


    No marriage for Eleanor for five years? Why wouldn insist on something like that?


    Unless¨D


    But the answer came to her quickly. Eleanor had asked for the divorce in the first ce. Ian''s condition was nothing but a punishment for her.


    No marriage for five years. Eleanor was already divorced once-what man would wait half a decade to marry her? Even if Xavier swore just now he''d wait, would Mrs. Vaughn really approve of her son putting his life on hold for five years? Without a marriage certificate, even if Xavier and Eleanor had a child, that kid would have no legal standing.


    Vanessa let a sly smile y on her lips. But she had already pulled Henry into this war-Eleanor''s days were numbered.


    n, Xavier, let''s talk this through," Henry urged.


    With that, he pushed back his chair and made to leave the table.


    Henry''s breath caught. Ian hadn''t blown up, but it was as if an invisible wall had sprung up between them.


    "Ian, after twenty-three years of friendship, can''t we just be honest with each other?" Xavier stood, staring at his friend.


    "I want you to remove that five-year use from the divorce agreement. It''s not fair to Eleanor."


    Xavier frowned. "What''s that supposed to mean? You''re testing me?"


    Seeing the tension rise again, Henry quickly stepped in. "Honestly, I thinkn''s offer is fair."


    Xavier thought it over, then finally nodded. "Fine. I ept."


    Henry let out a long sigh. "That''s the friends I know."


    A few paces away, Vanessa''s face darkened. This wasn''t the oue she''d hoped for.


    Had she underestimated the bond these three shared?


    She''d expectedn and Xavier to fall out over Eleanor, with Henry caught in the middle, and the three of them to split for good-leaving Eleanor to take the me.


    But now, withn''s concession and Xavier''spromise, their friendship looked stronger than ever. It was almost moving.


    At that moment, a server appeared. "Mrs. Vaughn says it''s time to cut the cake. Would you all pleasee inside?"


    Xavier nodded. "Alright, we''reing."


    Henry nced back at Vanessa. "Come on, Vanessa."<pn was the first to head in. Spotting his daughter next to the cake, her face alight with excitement, he let the steeliness melt from his features. For a moment, he looked almost gentle.

 Chapter 466

    His gaze drifted to Eleanor, standing a few steps away and busy taking photos of the kids with her phone.


    Mrs. Vaughn helped her granddaughter slice the cake, then carefully divided it up. Evelyn carried the first te to Eleanor and then brought the second te ton. "Here you go, Daddy."


    Vanessa had half-expected Evelyn might bring her a te, too, but when she looked over, Evelyn was already happily digging in. Once again, the thought shed through Vanessa''s mind: Ungrateful little wretch-no matter how much you give her, she''ll never give anything back.


    She''d spent so much precious time trying to get close to that child, but in the end, it was all for nothing.


    "With Mom!" Evelyn blinked up at him, as if he''d asked the silliest question in the world.


    Thoughn looked a bit frustrated, he still reached over and affectionately tapped her little nose. "Alright then."


    He nced up at Eleanor, standing beneath the warm lights, his expression shadowed by something unreadable. After a brief pause, he turned and walked away.


    Vanessa hadn''t touched her cake. She grabbed her purse and followed aftern.


    Henry caught sight of them as they left, a hint of disappointment flickering in his eyes. Just then, his aunt sat down beside him. "So, who was that young woman? What''s your rtionship with her?"


    "We''re just friends," Henry replied.


    Sybil had been watching closely. She could tell her nephew had feelings for Eleanor. She patted his shoulder. "It''s the twenty-first century, darling. If you like her, go for it. You have my full support."


    Henry managed a wry smile. Some things weren''t that simple. He respected the unspoken rule between brothers-whoever came first had the im.


    When Evelyn finished her cake, Eleanor decided it was time to leave.


    Xavier came over. "Heading out already?"


    "Yes, it''s gettingte."


    "Would you like me to have someone drive you home?" Xavier offered, worry in his voice. "You must be tired."


    "I''m alright, I still have plenty of energy," Eleanor said with a small smile. Just then, Mrs. Vaughn approached. "Miss Sutton, are you leaving already?"


    "Yes, Mrs. Vaughn. Thank you for having us. I''ll take Evelyn home now."


    "Of course! You''re wee anytime," Mrs. Vaughn said warmly.


    Eleanor nodded, took Evelyn''s hand, and walked out of the hall. Suddenly, Henry got up and hurried after them.


    "Eleanor, do you have a moment to talk?"


    Out in the garden, Eleanor looked at him in surprise. "Mr. Holt, is something wrong?"


    Henry crouched down to Evelyn''s level. "Evelyn, would you mind grabbing another piece of cake for your uncle?"


    Evelyn''s face lit up. "Sure, okay!" She dashed back toward the house.


    Henry slipped his hands into his pockets, studying Eleanor. "Eleanor, we''re friends, aren''t we? There''s something I don''t understand why are you ying with Xavier''s feelings?"


    Eleanor frowned, clearly confused. "I''m not sure what you mean."


    ¡°Eleanor, I''m asking you, please don''t let your personal grudgese between us as brothers."


    "Personal grudges?" Eleanor looked even more bewildered.


    "You andn have been divorced less than a year, and now you''re seeing his best friend¡ª¡± Henry stopped himself, then fixed her with a warning look. "If you want to get back atn, fine. Just don''t use Xavier as a pawn."

 Chapter 467

    A little whileter, Evelyn brought over a cake. Henry took it from her, shing her a warm smile. "Thank you, sweetheart."


    Eleanor helped her daughter into the car and, atst, understood what Henry had meant earlier.


    Now she knew exactly what she needed to do next.


    When they got home, Joslyn helped Evelyn with her bath and washed her hair. Eleanor slipped into the study, her mind already shifting away from personal feelings¡ªshe simply didn''t have the time. A mountain of work was waiting for her, and she threw herself into it.


    On the weekend, Eleanor managed to carve out half a day to take her daughter out for some fresh air. That afternoon, Evelyn''snguage tutor came by for lessons, and just like that, the weekend was filled with activities and learning.


    Monday morning, Eleanor dropped her daughter off at school. As she was about to leave, she spotted Mrs. Vaughn arriving as well. Eleanor offered a friendly greeting. "Good morning, Mrs. Vaughn."


    Henrietta looked her up and down with a smile. "Just call me Auntie, dear."


    Eleanor''s smile softened. "Alright, Auntie. I''d better get to work now."


    Henrietta nodded. "Go ahead, drive safe!"


    Feeling a little warmer inside, Eleanor gave Henrietta a quick grateful nod before getting in her car and heading off.


    Nearby, the housekeeper turned to her employer, chuckling. "Miss Sutton just gets more and more charming every time I see her."


    Henrietta agreed, watching Eleanor go. There was a natural grace and poise about the young woman¡ªa clear sign of a good upbringing.


    Henrietta let out a wistful sigh. "If only she could be my daughter-inw one day." She really had taken a liking to Eleanor.


    The housekeeper nodded enthusiastically. "Mr. Vaughn is so aplished, and he and Miss Sutton look perfect together."


    Henrietta thought back onst night''s dinner and realized something: Serena had once imed Eleanor was chasing after her son, but in truth, it was her son who couldn''t stop circling around Eleanor!


    Of course, just because her son wanted to marry her, didn''t mean Eleanor would necessarily say yes...


    ...


    At the research center, Eleanor was at the morning meeting bright and early. Dr. Lyman Brown outlined several key agendas, including the update that Eleanor''s experiment would be entering the clinical trial phase within a month.


    "Ellie, once you''ve wrapped things up on your end, I''ll submit an elerated review application to the FDA as soon as possible," he said.


    "And we''ll need to start recruiting clinical trial volunteers soon," he added.


    Eleanor felt her nerves tighten, but her eyes sharpened with resolve. "I''ll do my best to speed up our research," she promised.


    There was no room for mistakes; people''s lives depended on the oue.


    "Eleanor, if we seed with this new drug, it could be a medical breakthrough," Dr. Brown said.


    Both senior doctors were looking at her with hope and expectation. The weight of their trust settled on her shoulders, and Eleanor nodded firmly. "My team and I will give it everything we have."


    Later that afternoon, Eleanor was still working overtime when her phone rang. She nced at the unfamiliar number and hesitated, then answered, "Hello, this is Eleanor."


    "Eleanor, it''s me Mrs. Vaughn." Henrietta''s voice came through the line.


    "Mrs. Vaughn?" Eleanor repeated, a little surprised.


    "Oh, don''t be so formal, call me Auntie. I was thinking of picking up Evelyn and inviting her over for dinner at my ce. Would that be alright with you?"


    Eleanor paused, caught off guard. "That''s really not necessary, Mrs. Vaughn. I wouldn''t want to trouble you."


    "It''s no trouble at all! Vivian and Evelyn get along so well, and I''d love for you toe over after work and join us for dinner."


    Eleanor''s heart skipped a beat, Henry''s earlier warning echoing in her mind. She tried to politely decline, ¡°Really, there''s no need, Mrs. Vaughn. Our housekeeper is making dinner tonight, and I''m just about to pick up Evelyn from school. She has English lessons this evening as well."

 Chapter 468

    Eleanor had no choice but to politely decline.


    On the other end of the line, Henrietta sounded a little disappointed. "Oh, I see! Well, maybe next time you and your mom cane over for dinner."


    "Thank you, Mrs. Vaughn, but I really need to get back to work now."


    "Of course, dear. I won''t keep you. Take care!" Though Henrietta was clearly let down, she didn''t seem upset.


    Eleanor exhaled softly, checked the time, and refocused on her experiments.


    Vaughn Shipping Group.


    Xavier was in the middle of paperwork when his phone rang. Seeing it was his mother, he picked up. "Xavier, be honest with me are you serious about Eleanor? This isn''t just a passing fancy, is it?"


    Spinning his chair to face the window, Xavier looked out at the bustling city


    skyline. His voice was steady. "Mom, I''ve never been more certain about anything in my life."


    "What aboutn?"


    "We''ve already talked. He won''t get in the way of me pursuing Eleanor." Xavier didn''t mention the five-year marriage contract Eleanor had signed.


    "That''s good to hear. Eleanor really is a wonderful girl-so polite and well- mannered. Evelyn raised her well. I was just thinking of inviting them both over for dinner tonight, but Eleanor said Evelyn has an evening English ss."


    Xavier blinked in surprise. "You reached out to her?"


    "I just called, that''s all."


    "Mom, next time please don''t contact her out of the blue. She''s got a lot on her te at work." Xavier was quick to caution her.


    Henrietta could hear the protectiveness in her son''s tone and was a little taken aback-since when did her son get so cautious chasing after a girl?


    "I''m only trying to help you win her over!"


    "Mom, please. Let me handle things with Eleanor myself, all right?" Xavier rubbed his temples, sounding resigned.


    "Fine, I won''t interfere. But you''d better step up your game-girls like her don''t stay single for long."


    "I know." Xavier managed a small smile.


    Just then, his assistant knocked and stepped in. "Mr. Vaughn, Mr. Holt is here to see you."


    Xavier was caught off guard. Henry rarely dropped by unannounced.


    "Show him in."


    Henry sauntered in, dressed casually. Xavier couldn''t help but smile. "Didn''t think to give me a heads-up?"


    "I was meeting a client downstairs, figured I''de up and say hi." Henry flopped onto the sofa, stretching outzily. "Busy? Or do you have a few minutes to talk?"


    Xavier eyed him curiously; there was an unusual seriousness in Henry''s expression.


    "What''s with the secrecy?" Xavier took a seat across from him.


    Once the assistant had brought in some coffee and left, Henry picked up his mug and took a sip. "Xavier, how long have we known each other?"


    "Twenty-three years," Xavier answered without hesitation. "What''s this about?"


    Henry pulled out his phone and brought up a photo he''d snapped in secret. It showed a young man in military dress chatting animatedly with Eleanor in an auditorium. They wereughing, their eyes locked.


    Xavier''s brow furrowed. "Who''s that?"


    "His name''s Mansfield Ellington. I don''t know much about his family background, but he and Eleanor seem close-word is, he''s one of her suitors, and she''s interested."


    Xavier''s frown deepened as he studied the photo. The man was striking, clearly someone with a high rank in the military.

 Chapter 469

    Xavier looked up at Henry, trying to keep hisposure. "Really? Eleanor never mentioned that to me."


    "Xavier." Henry leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Don''t you get it? Eleanor''s been stringing you along while getting cozy with this other guy. She''s using you." Xavier stared at him in disbelief for a moment. "Eleanor? Using me? What for?" "Think about it! She divorcedn less than a year ago, and now she''s suddenly flirting with you? Isn''t it obvious? She wants to get back atn."


    "Watch your words, Henry. Eleanor''s never tried to seduce me," Xavier shot back, immediately correcting him.


    Henry sighed. "I''m just worried about you, that''s all."


    "At the moment, Eleanor and I are just friends. We haven''t defined anything between us. She''s free to be as close as she wants with anyone. I have no right to interfere."


    Henry shook his head in disbelief. "Xavier, with everything you have going for you, you could have any woman you wanted. Why-"


    Xavier cut him off. "You''ve got it all wrong, Henry. From the very start, I''ve been the one chasing her. If anyone''s intentions are questionable, it''s mine, not hers."


    Henry let out a frustrated breath. ¡°Xavier, do you hear yourself? Do you know how many women would kill to marry you? And you''re willing to just be Eleanor''s backup n?"


    Xavier''s eyes narrowed. "And what about you? You''ve been Vanessa''s fallback guy for, what, four or five years now?"


    Henry froze, caught off guard. It took him a moment to respond. "That''s different. You and I aren''t the same."


    Xavier sighed softly. "Sorry. I shouldn''t have hit a nerve."


    Henry managed a bitter smile. "You''re right. I am her second choice. Ifn marries her, I''ll walk away. But ifn-"


    Xavier watched his friend, at a loss for words. For a moment, the office was thick with silence.


    Then curiosity got the better of him. "Where did you even get that photo?"


    Henry hesitated, not answering right away.


    But Xavier had already figured it out. The only people who could have taken that kind of picture were close to Eleanor.


    "Fine. It was Faye Yeaton, Vanessa''s little sister. She took it, but don''t me her. I asked for it."


    Xavier didn''t seem angry. He just turned his coffee mug slowly, saying nothing. Henry watched him intently. "Xavier, if¡ªand I''m just saying if¡ªEleanor really is using you to get back atn, what would you do?"


    Xavier was quiet for a moment, then suddenly grinned. "Honestly? I''d almost prefer that. At least then she''d be willing to marry me."


    "You''re insane!" Henry was exasperated.


    "Maybe I am. But listen, Henry-remember this: from the very beginning, I''ve been the one chasing Eleanor. Ian knows and he''s fine with it. I''d appreciate it if you stayed out of it."


    "You''re hopeless," Henry muttered, shaking his head.


    Xavier met his gaze, steady and unwavering. "I know Eleanor''s worth it, even if she never chooses me in the end."


    Henry opened his mouth, then just let out a long sigh.


    After a beat, Xavier nced at him, suddenly thoughtful. "Henry, do you really thinkn feels nothing for Eleanor anymore?"


    Henry hesitated. "Even if he did regret the divorce,n''s not the type to go back to an ex."


    Xavier nodded slowly. "You''re right about that."

 Chapter 470

    "Ian''s the type," Henry said, looking utterly convinced, "who, once he''s made up his mind, never goes back on it¡ªeven if he regrets itter."


    Xavier stared thoughtfully out the window. "So you''re saying he''s really moved on from Eleanor?"


    Henry shook his head. "I''m not sure. But I do know, ifn still loved Eleanor, he''d never just stand by and let you pursue her."


    Xavier''s eyes narrowed as he asked, "Then why didn insist on that five-year no- remarriage use in the divorce?"


    Henry thought for a moment, then shrugged as if it were obvious. "Honestly? That was justn''s pride talking. You remember how much Eleanor loved him. She spent a year taking care of him while he was in thata-he only married her because of that. But she''s the one who asked for the divorce." He took a sip of his coffee and went on, "You thinkn would just let her go that easily?"


    "So you believe the five-year use was justn''s way of punishing her?"


    "What else? You don''t seriously think he can''t let her go, do you?"


    Xavier didn''t answer. Lately, he couldn''t read his old friend at all¡ªcouldn''t guess whatn was really thinking anymore.


    Was it possible thatn''s five-year use wasn''t just about getting back at Eleanor for leaving? Xavier tried to shake the thought away. He didn''t want to dig any deeper.


    Some things just bring more trouble the more you dwell on them.


    Early Thursday morning, Eleanor got a call from Simone Langley. They were expecting guests from overseas, and Simone asked her toe in as early as possible.


    "Is it Dr. Smith''s team?" Eleanor asked.


    "You knew?"


    "Yeah, we''ve been in touch by email."


    "Perfect. See you soon!"


    After dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor drove straight to the research facility. As she pulled into the parking lot, a sleek ck Mercedes pulled up right next to her.


    Her hand paused on her purse. With a weary frown, she got out of the car.


    Eleanor reached the elevator first. As the doors began to close, she felt a flicker of relief at the thought of escaping him.


    But a strong arm blocked the doors. With a soft chime, they slid open again andn stepped inside, one hand in his pocket, utterlyposed. He nced at the button she''d pressed and didn''t bother to select another-clearly, they were headed to the same floor.


    The air in the elevator turned to ice.


    "How''s Evelyn doing?"n broke the silence, his tone surprisingly gentle.


    Eleanor turned her face away, refusing to answer.


    Unbothered,n continued, "So-does Xavier know that Mansfield Ellington is chasing after you as well?"


    There was a familiar edge of mockery in his voice, one Eleanor knew all too well.


    She gripped her handbag tighter, forcing out the words, "That''s none of your business."


    Eleanor spun toward him, fury in her eyes. "I don''t need you to remind me."


    His gaze darkened, lingering on her face for a moment. ¡°Just a friendly warning.


    I''d hate for you to get careless and end up with awsuit on your hands."


    At that moment, the elevator dinged and the doors slid open. Ian stepped out first, leaving Eleanor standing in the chill of his words.

 Chapter 471

    Eleanor forced down her anger and stepped out of the elevator. Gwenda was hurrying toward the conference room but paused when she spotted Eleanor. "Eleanor, would you like me to get you some coffee?"


    Eleanor shed her a grateful smile. ¡°That''d be great, thanks!"


    "No need to thank me," Gwenda replied with a yful raise of her eyebrow. This whole trip, apanying Joel Kingsley to Kingston for the academic exchange, she felt wasrgely thanks to Eleanor.


    Eleanor ducked into her office first, gathering up some documents before making her way to the conference room.


    When she entered,n was already seated at the head of the table. On one side sat Dr. Smith''s team, opposite Simone''s group.


    Eleanor was just about to slip to one of the seats at the back when Simone called her over. "Eleanor, sit here."


    It was the seat immediately ton''s left. Eleanor gave a nod, determined not to let personal feelings interfere with her work.


    "Hi, Miss Sutton. Good to see you again," Dr. Smith greeted her from across the table.


    Eleanor offered her most professional smile and returned the greeting. Soon, Dr. Smithunched into a detailed introduction of theirtest research on neurodegenerative diseases the focus of this exchange. Eleanor listened intently. When he finished, Simone invited Eleanor to present her own findings. As Eleanor spoke, Dr. Smith''s eyes lit up. He turned ton and, in English, congratted him, "Congrattions, Mr. Goodwin, your faith paid off."


    Eleanor caught the exchange, ncing up at Dr. Smith. Still, she kept her attention on the academic discussion, pushing aside any distractions.


    After the meeting, the group moved to a nearby restaurant for lunch. As everyone settled in, Dr. Smith approached Eleanor with genuine enthusiasm. "Miss Sutton, your results are astounding. Mr. Goodwin truly has an eye for talent."


    Eleanor nodded politely. Dr. Smith continued, ¡°Myb once pursued simr research, but we could never quite push it forward. Just a year ago, Mr. Goodwin withdrew his funding from my project and invested in yours."


    That confirmed what Eleanor had suspectedn''s interest in medical research wasn''t some sudden whim. He''d been investing heavily for years.


    For someone as driven by profit asn to pour so much into medical projects- well, it only underscored how much Vanessa must mean to him.


    The realization stung. Six years of marriage, she thought bitterly, and it had all been one big joke.


    "Hello, Miss Sutton. I''m Adkins. I''ve read your papers-they''re brilliant."


    Adkins looked to be in his early thirties, the archetype of a Western leading man: striking blue eyes, a charming smile, and focused attention entirely on Eleanor.


    She smiled politely. "Thank you. I actually found your recent paper very insightful as well."


    Adkins'' eyes brightened, just a bit breathless with excitement. "Miss Sutton, I''ve been hoping for a chance to discuss your work in detail."


    He extended his hand. Eleanor shook it, replying, "The pleasure''s mine."


    From beside them,n''s gazended on their handshake-dark, unreadable. Adkins, still beaming, took out his phone. "Miss Sutton, could I get your contact info? I''d love to learn more from you."


    Eleanor nodded and took out her own phone. They exchanged Skype details. Suddenly, a cool voice cut in.


    "Dr. Smith, it seems your team is quite taken with my chief researcher,"n remarked, a faint smile on his lips.


    Dr. Smith gave a boomingugh. "Adkins has always admired Miss Sutton''s work."


    Adkins froze, catching the warning. He looked both embarrassed and a little confused. Dr. Smith nudged him discreetly and murmured, "Miss Sutton is Mr. Goodwin''s ex-wife."


    The realization dawned on Adkins, and he hurried to rify, "Mr. Goodwin, please don''t misunderstand. This is purely academic."


    Eleanor bristled atn''s possessiveness, but unwilling to let the moment turn awkward, she offered, ¡°Adkins, I''d be happy to coborate with you."


    Adkins nodded gratefully, his smile a shade more reserved.


    As lunch continued, Eleanor and Dr. Smith walked together, deep in conversation about new opportunities in the medical field. Dr. Smith''s admiration for Eleanor was obvious and unrestrained.


    "Mr. Goodwin certainly knows how to spot talent," Dr. Smith said warmly. "Your achievements far exceeded my expectations, Miss Sutton."


    The unexpectedpliment made Eleanor''s expression go cold. She turned sharply and left.


    Dr. Smith was about to say something more to her, only to find she''d already walked away. Ian narrowed his eyes at him. "Dr. Smith, from now on, I want yourb to give Eleanor''s research any support she needs. And don''t worry your next project''s funding is already in the works."

 Chapter 472

    Dr. Smith''s face lit up with delight. "Absolutely, I''ll give Miss Sutton''sb my full support."


    This trip wasn''t just about academic exchange for Dr. Smith-he was also here to continue talks withn about renewing hisb''s funding. He hadn''t expectedn to agree so readily; the quick answer caught him off-guard in the best way.


    "However,¡±n continued, "from now on, your research direction needs to align with Eleanor''s. Give her more room for trial and error and help minimize the risks."


    Dr. Smith nodded enthusiastically. "You can count on us, Mr. Goodwin. We''ll do everything we can to support Miss Sutton''s work."


    With a slight nod,n turned and made his way toward the restroom.


    At that moment, Eleanor wasing out. They nearly collided in the doorway.


    Startled, Eleanor jerked back, banging the back of her head against the wall with a sharp thud.


    Her face went pale from the pain.


    He leaned in, trying to get a closer look.


    The subtle scent of cedarwood clinging to him made Eleanor recoil in distaste; she shoved him away. Ian took a half step back, his handsome features tightening as he swallowed hard.


    Without looking back, Eleanor walked off toward the dining room, rubbing the spot on her head where a bump was already forming. If she''d run into a stranger, she wouldn''t have reacted so foolishly as to bash her head against the wall. But faced withn, she''d rather injure herself than crash into him.


    "Eleanor, are you alright?" Gwenda noticed her cradling her head.


    Eleanor massaged the sore spot and shook her head. "It''s nothing. I just bumped it by ident."


    A littleter,n and Dr. Smith joined them in the restaurant. Simone had already asked Gwenda to order, and soon the food arrived. As they ate, conversation flowed easily around the table.


    That afternoon, Dr. Smith''s team set up in the conference room, while Adkins brought over a few samples for Eleanor to discuss in theb.


    The hours slipped by. Eleanor asked Joslyn to pick up her daughter from school so she could workte, not leaving until eight that evening.


    After a quick shower at home, her phone rang-Ellington was inviting her to lunch the next day to discuss a few matters. She agreed.


    Work filled nearly every minute until bedtime. As she tucked her daughter in, Eleanor felt a pinch of guilt. She leaned over and kissed her little girl''s forehead before letting her settle in for the night.


    The next morning, Eleanor dropped her daughter off at school early, hoping to avoid a run-in with Mrs. Vaughn.


    She spent the morning in theb, and at eleven left for her lunch meeting with Ellington at a luxury hotel that doubled as a business center and conference venue.


    As she entered the grand lobby, Ellington came over from the lounge area. "Ms. Sutton, you''re here. The restaurant''s on the third floor."


    They headed to the elevators. When the doors slid open, three guests from the parking garage were already inside.


    Eleanor froze for a second. Her gaze locked with a man in his early fifties¡ª Rnd Yeaton, father of Vanessa and Faye.


    Rnd''s eyes narrowed as he saw her, his expression dark. Years ago, Eleanor had cost hisb a project worth nearly a hundred million. Ifn hadn''tter introduced new opportunities to offset the loss, Rnd would never have let her off the hook.


    The elevator chimed and stopped at the third floor. Eleanor stepped out first.


    As Rnd walked past her, he let out a cold huff. "Miss Sutton, my advice-mind your own business. Or you''ll have troubleing your way."


    Eleanor watched Faye''s retreating figure. Ellington, noticing the tension, leaned over and asked quietly, "Ms. Sutton, do you have a history with Mr. Yeaton?"


    She shot back, "You know him too?"


    Ellington nodded. "Yeaton Holdings is riding high in the business world these days. Three years ago, his IPO failed, but now he''s gearing up for another attempt. I hear Mr. Goodwin is investing in hispany and helping him secure funding."


    A chill flickered in Eleanor''s eyes. Clearly,n was taking a special interest in the Yeatons.


    Ellington hesitated, then added, "There are also some rumors going around about the Yeatons and Mr. Goodwin. Not sure if they''re true."


    Eleanor didn''t ask, but Ellington continued anyway. "Word is, Mr. Goodwin''s about to be the Yeatons'' son-inw. A lot of people are cozying up to Rnd these days."


    Eleanor gave a nomittal "Oh," and Ellington wisely let the subject drop. They entered their private dining room, ordered lunch, and Ellington updated her on the documents he''d brought.


    At one point, Eleanor excused herself to the restroom. As she rounded a corner near the restaurant, she spottedn''s tall figure disappearing into a private room.


    It had to be Rnd''s suite. Ellington was right, she thoughtn really was about to be part of the Yeaton family.

 Chapter 473

    After dinner, Eleanor and Ellington chatted as they walked toward the elevators. As luck would have it, a small group was already waiting in front of the elevator doors-including Rnd and hispanions.


    Hearing footsteps behind him, Rnd turned, his gaze sweeping over the neers. When he saw Eleanor, a flicker of disdain crossed his eyes.


    He straightened his suit jacket and remarked to his colleagues, "Now that the funding''s secured, I can finally breathe easy."


    "With Mr. Goodwin''s backing, taking thepany public will be a walk in the park," someone replied.


    "Right? And let''s not forget-Mr. Yeaton is Mr. Goodwin''s future father-inw!"


    Rnd''s chest swelled with pride at the ttery. He deliberately raised his voice. "Ian''s a good kid. He''s always gone above and beyond-for mypany and for my daughter."


    Just then, the elevator doors slid open. Rnd adjusted his suit again and stepped inside with his entourage. Eleanor and Ellington, however, opted for a different elevator down the hall.


    Ellington watched Eleanor''s expression carefully. Asn''s ex-wife, hearing her former husband''s boasts-even if she kept that cool exterior-had to sting a little.


    "Ms. Sutton, if you''re not in a rush, would you like to grab a coffee downstairs?" Ellington offered.


    "No, thank you. I''ve got some samples to process back at theb this afternoon," Eleanor replied.


    "Ms. Sutton, please don''t let the Yeatons'' business bother you¡ª¡±


    "I''m fine. Ian''s free to marry whomever he likes-it''s got nothing to do with me." Eleanor cut him off, well aware that everyone assumed she''d be upset.


    Maybe she should be. But truthfully, Eleanor couldn''t bring herself to care.


    When the elevator reached the ground floor, she swept outside, the July sun zing overhead. She raised a hand to shield her eyes just as she spotted a sleek ck Mercedes pulling away from the parking lot.


    She crossed to her own car, climbed in, and queued up a cheerful song as she started toward the research center.


    Suddenly, the car phone rang. An unfamiliar number shed on the disy. She hesitated, then pressed ept.


    "Hello? Who''s this?"


    A bright, friendly female voice answered. "Miss Sutton? This is Leah from the Mayor''s office."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Yes? How can I help you?"


    Leah exined, "The Mayor''s wife is hosting a charity event this Saturday at the country club and has asked me to extend a personal invitation to you."


    Eleanor was taken aback. The Mayor''s wife, inviting her specifically?


    "Miss Sutton, will you be able to attend? I''d just like to confirm for our records," Leah pressed, still warm and enthusiastic.


    Eleanor couldn''t very well refuse such an invitation. "Of course. Please let her know I''ll be there."


    "Wonderful! I''ll send you the details soon. Have a great day!" Leah ended the call.


    Ten minutester, her phone rang again¡ªthis time, it was Joy Thatcher. Eleanor guessed she''d also received an invitation.


    As soon as she picked up, Joy eximed, "Ellie, did you get invited to the Mayor''s wife''s event too?"


    "I did," Eleanor confirmed.


    Joy sounded genuinely excited. "This''ll be such a new experience-I''m actually looking forward to it!"


    After a quick chat, Eleanor arrived at the research center. A new text message appeared as she entered: apparently, the Mayor''s wife''s event was a fundraiser for children with rare diseases.


    It was a worthy cause, and Eleanor intended to contribute generously.


    That afternoon, she met with Dr. Smith to discuss changes in several data sets and to finalize preparations for the clinical trial of a new drug scheduled for next month.


    Callie, her diligent assistant, had be an invaluable right hand, and the rest of the team worked seamlessly together. Progress was steady.


    At around 5:20 p.m., Eleanor waited outside the school gates to pick up her daughter. Just then, a refined and elegant figure approached.


    "Eleanor."


    She turned to see Henrietta and greeted her politely. "Good evening, Mrs. Yeaton."


    Henrietta smiled warmly. "Busy at work these days? I''ve noticed your nanny''s been picking up Evelyn a lottely."


    "Yes, work''s been hectic," Eleanor admitted.


    Henrietta''s concern was genuine. "Just remember to take care of yourself too." "Thank you for your concern," Eleanor replied with a grateful nod.


    At that moment, the school doors opened, and parents began streaming inside. Two little girls emerged, hand in hand.


    Henrietta turned to Evelyn. "Sweetheart, would you and your friend like toe over for dinner tonight? I''ll make you something delicious."


    Evelyn''s eyes lit up. "Really?" She tugged at Eleanor''s hand, pleading, "Mom, can we go to Vivian''s house for dinner? Please?"


    Before Eleanor could answer, Vivian chimed in excitedly, "Of course you can! Ms. Sutton, pleasee have dinner with us! Please?"


    "Mom, please?" Evelyn begged, her eyes wide with hope.


    Faced with two sets of imploring eyes, Eleanor found it impossible to say no.


    Henrietta spoke gently. "Eleanor, the girls just want to spend some time together. It''s just an ordinary dinner-please join us."


    ncing down at her daughter''s eager face, Eleanor felt a pang of guilt for being so busytely. How could she refuse?


    "All right. Thank you for having us," she agreed atst.


    "Yay! We get to y together!" The two girls spun in circles, hand in hand, giggling with delight.

 Chapter 474

    Henrietta smiled warmly. "Not at all! In fact, I just had the housekeeper pick up some groceries."


    Vivian and Evelyn climbed into Eleanor''s car together, heading toward the townhouse near Xavier''s ce.


    Meanwhile, Henrietta settled into the passenger seat and called her son.


    "Hey, Mom! What''s up?"


    "Come home for dinner tonight."


    "Mom, you know how swamped I am I''ve got a video meeting tonight!"


    "If you skip dinner tonight, you''ll regret it." Henrietta gave a little huff. Her son was always so busy he barely showed his face; she couldn''t help feeling a little annoyed.


    "And why exactly would I regret it?" Xavier asked, curiosity piqued.


    Henrietta deliberately drew out her words. "Because I''ve invited Evelyn over for dinner. Eleanor will be there, too."


    There was a sudden scraping sound from Xavier''s end, like a chair being pushed back. His voice came back, bright with surprise, "Mom, why didn''t you say so earlier? I''m heading home right now!"


    "What about your video call?"


    "Not important. Do you want me to pick anything up on the way?"


    "Pick up some fruit-Eleanor''s favorites," Henrietta said, her satisfaction obvious.


    Back in Eleanor''s car, the two kids chattered away in the back seat, energy bubbling over.


    Eleanor nced at her daughter''s beaming face and couldn''t help but smile. Work had been overwhelmingtely, and she realized she''d been neglecting time with her little girl.


    They arrived at the most exclusive neighborhood in the old part of town and parked. Eleanor took the kids'' hands and ushered them into the elevator.


    Henrietta was already waiting at the door.


    "Eleanor,e in! Make yourselffortable," she greeted them cheerfully, saying nothing about Xavier''s imminent arrival.


    At that moment, Xavier was weaving his way through traffic, heading home from the office. Henry''s name shed on his dashboard screen; he answered on speaker.


    "Hey, Xavier! I booked us a table for tonight. Come rx with us!"


    "Can''t make it tonight," Xavier replied.


    "Where are you off to?"


    "Home for dinner."


    "Come on, we could eat out! The food''s better than whatever you''ll get at home!"


    Xavier chuckled. "Eleanor and Evelyn areing over for dinner. Tell me that''s not worth rushing home for?"


    There was a stunned silence on the other end. "Alright, alright! Rain check."


    Xavier hung up, a smile tugging at his lips.


    Back at Eleanor''s ce, her phone buzzed on the couch. Evelyn, ying nearby, nced at the screen and saw Joslyn''s name. She picked up without hesitation. "Hi, Auntie!"


    "Evelyn, why aren''t you and your mom home yet?"


    "Auntie, don''t worry about dinner for us. We''re eating at Vivian''s house tonight.¡± "Alright, got it." Joslyn''s gentleughter came through the phone.


    On the balcony, Henrietta was setting out a tter of fruit and desserts, chatting with Eleanor about all things parenting.


    Around six o''clock, the front door swung open. Xavier stepped in, slightly out of breath, his suit jacket draped over his shoulder and his tie loosened. He''d clearly hurried home.


    He spotted Evelyn first, then saw Eleanor chatting with his mother out on the balcony. A flicker of delight lit his eyes.


    "Good evening, Mr. Vaughn," Evelyn greeted politely.


    "Hello, Evelyn." Xavier gave her a gentle smile and headed for the balcony.


    Eleanor stood when she saw him. "You''re back, Xavier."


    "Yeah, figured I''d finally make it home for dinner for a change," he replied, trying to sound casual.


    Henrietta watched, amused-her son hadn''t looked this nervous around anyone in years.


    "I''ll go check on dinner," Henrietta announced, leaving them alone.


    Eleanor and Xavier sat across from each other, the sunset painting the sky in brilliant colors. A cool breeze drifted in, carrying a sense of calm.


    Even without words, just sitting together and taking in the view felt like its own kind of romance.


    "Any ns for the weekend?" Xavier broke the silence, his gaze lingering on Eleanor''s elegant profile.


    Eleanor answered honestly. "Saturday, I''m attending a charity event hosted by the mayor''s wife."


    "Oh? Where''s it being held?"


    "At a country club, on the golf course," she said.


    Xavier grinned. "Since when are you friends with the mayor''s wife?"


    Eleanor didn''t hide the story about how she had once helped the mayor''s mother. Xavier listened, surprised he had no idea Eleanor had such a connection to the city''s first family.


    Meanwhile, back at Eleanor''s house, Princess, the golden retriever, was napping on the floor. Suddenly, her ears perked up. She let out a happy whine and bolted toward the yard, tail wagging. Joslyn paused. Was Eleanor home already? It wasn''t even seven yet!


    Joslyn headed to the door, but instead of Eleanor, the doorbell chimed.


    Not Eleanor after all.


    She checked the video inte and saw a handsome face on the screen. She hurried to answer the door. "Oh! Mr. Carter, what brings you here?"


    Joslyn hesitated. "I''m afraid Mrs. Summers and Evelyn aren''t home right now."


    "Where did they go?"


    Without thinking, Joslyn replied, "Mrs. Summers took Evelyn to Mr. Vaughn''s for dinner."


    Joslyn pped a hand to her mouth, realizing she''d said too much.


    "I think Evelyn just wanted to y with Vivian-" she tried to exin.


    "I see."n turned, yanked open his car door, and slid inside. His ck sedan shot


    out of the driveway like a bullet.


    Joslyn jumped, startled. Was he... angry?


    Surely not. Right?

 Chapter 475

    Dinner at the Vaughn household was a lively, generous affair. The two kidspeted to see who could finish their tes first, theirughter and enthusiasm setting the parents'' minds at ease. At home, Joslyn always grew anxious whenever Evelyn picked at her food, often so worried that she''d barely eat herself -she wouldn''t rest until Evelyn was full.


    But here, Evelyn and Vivian chatted and ate with gusto, savoring every bite, leaving no room for concern.


    "Eleanor, please, help yourself. Make yourself at home," Henrietta said warmly.


    "Thank you, Mrs. Vaughn." Eleanor smiled and nodded. Lately, with work keeping her busy, she''d been eating less-hunger, she''d found, made her thoughts crisper.


    "Here, try this." Henrietta slid a serving dish closer to Eleanor. "Our cook makes it best. You really must taste it."


    Eleanor felt a bit ttered by the attention,ughing lightly. "Thank you, but I can reach it. Please, you enjoy some too."


    Xavier, watching his mother fuss, grinned. "Mom, this isn''t Eleanor''s first time having dinner with us."


    Henrietta chuckled, realizing she might be overdoing it. "No wonder Vivian likes you so much."


    A thought crossed Henrietta''s mind-how wonderful it would be if Eleanor joined the family for good. Then her granddaughter would have a truly remarkable and kind aunt.


    After dinner, Eleanor nced at her watch-it was already eight. She stood to leave.


    "Eleanor, it''s still early! Why not stay a while longer?" Henrietta urged.


    Xavier quickly interjected, "Mom, Eleanor''s work keeps her busy. Let her get some rest."


    Eleanor shot Xavier a grateful look. Henrietta nodded, not wanting to press further. She watched as Eleanor and Evelyn gathered their things, then turned to her son. "Xavier, walk them down to the parking lot, would you?¡±


    He nodded just as Vivian started begging to tag along. The two girls skipped ahead, giggling as they made their way to the elevator.


    Inside, the girls chattered non-stop while Xavier stood beside Eleanor, keeping a respectful distance.


    He turned slightly, his gaze catching her profile-she wore a simple blush-pink sweater that made her skin look even more luminous. Even with a hint of fatigue in her eyes, she still looked effortlessly elegant.


    "Work been toughtely?" Xavier asked, his tone gentle.


    Eleanor nodded. "Very. The clinical trial is at a critical stage."


    "Don''t forget to take care of yourself, no matter how busy you get," he said. He''d noticed she hadn''t eaten much tonight.


    She gave him a grateful smile. ¡°Thank you."


    When the elevator doors opened, the girls darted ahead. Eleanor hurried after them, Xavier close behind.


    At the car, Eleanor buckled her daughter safely into her seat, waving goodbye to Vivian.


    "Drive safe," Xavier reminded her.


    "Thank your mother for dinner," Eleanor said softly before getting in.


    Xavier''s reply was warm, but restrained. "Anytime."


    After Eleanor''s car pulled away, Vivian noticed her uncle still standing there, lost


    in thought. She tugged at his hand, "Uncle, what are you looking at?"


    He snapped back to reality, smiling. "Come on, let''s go home."


    He cared deeply for Eleanor, but he had no intention of pressuring her. If she wanted to start over, he''d wait for her. If she chose to stay where she was, he''d quietly take his leave.


    It took Eleanor just fifteen minutes to drive home. As she and Evelyn stepped into the living room, Joslyn approached. Once Evelyn ran off to y, Joslyn spoke in a low voice, "Ma''am, Mr. Goodwin stopped by around seven."


    Eleanor paused. "Why?"


    "He didn''t say. I... identally mentioned you were having dinner at the Vaughns''." Joslyn watched Eleanor''s expression, worried she might be upset.


    Eleanor nced at her watch and said, "I''ll be in the study. Could you help Evelyn with her bath?"


    Joslyn was momentarily surprised by Eleanor''s calm; clearly, she wasn''t bothered. Maybe I was overthinking, Joslyn thought.


    The next few days passed in a blur ofboratory work and caring for her daughter. On Friday night, Eleanor got a text fromn.


    "I''d like to take Evelyn to my mom''s house for the day tomorrow."


    Eleanor had a charity g to attend the next evening, and Evelyn had been


    asking to see her grandmother. She agreed.


    Gina Quinn adored her granddaughter; Eleanor had always noticed that.


    Saturday morning at eight,n''s car pulled up out front.


    Eleanor opened the door to find Evelyn, her hair in yful pigtails, leaping inton''s arms.


    "Daddy!"


    "Lots!" Evelyn replied at the top of her lungs.


    Eleanor ignored him, crouching to Evelyn''s level. "Be good, sweetheart. Say hello to your great-grandma for me."


    "I will, Mom," Evelyn promised solemnly.


    Asn''s car drove away, Eleanor''s phone rang-Joy was calling. They''d arranged


    to meet at a boutique to find dresses for the g.


    Both women chose ssic, understated evening gowns: elegant and tasteful, never shy, and perfect for an event where blending in was just as important as standing out.

 Chapter 476

    With Joy behind the wheel, Eleanor finally had a chance to rx.


    Half an hourter, their car pulled into the parking lot of an upscale country club. The ce looked more like a luxury car showcase than an actual parking lot, and attendants hurried over to open their doors for them.


    A plush red carpet stretched all the way to the main hall. Eleanor and Joy stepped into the charity event, hoping to find a quiet spot and keep a low profile.


    But before they could even settle in, the mayor''s wife spotted them from across


    the room.


    "Eleanor, Joy!"


    Both women quickly put on their best smiles and greeted Mrs. Ellington, who weed them warmly. "Come, I''ve reserved seats for you."


    To their surprise, their seats were in the very front row-clearly reserved for VIPs.


    Eleanor and Joy exchanged a look, a little overwhelmed by the honor, but Mrs. Ellington insisted. They''d barely sat down when the doors opened again and more guests arrived. Eleanor''s expression cooled.


    Vanessa swept in, making a statement in a striking red dress, her arm linked with a wealthy socialite.


    "What''s she doing here?" Joy muttered, rolling her eyes.


    Vanessa spotted them immediately. A sly smirk curved her red lips-she''d obviously expected to see Eleanor today.


    Mrs. Ellington exchanged a few pleasantries with Vanessa and herpanion before asking a staff member to show them to their seats.


    Within fifteen minutes, the hall was filled with distinguished guests.


    Vanessa, ever poised, tossed her long hair and took a seat in the second row- right behind Eleanor.


    "Eleanor, what a coincidence!" Vanessa called out.


    Joy turned and shot Vanessa a re. "Eleanor barely knows you, thanks," she snapped.


    Vanessa arched an eyebrow at Joy. ¡°Sitting in the front row, are we? I suppose you''ll be bidding on a few pieces tonight, then," she said pointedly, making it clear she didn''t think they belonged there.


    Joy didn''t back down. "You have no idea what Eleanor''s worth these days, do you?"


    Vanessa gave a soft, dismissiveugh, her fingers idly tracing her ne. "Living off her ex-husband''s alimony hardly counts as her own aplishment."


    Joy just snorted. "Eleanor doesn''t need anyone''s charity. Trust me, soon her bank bnce will be longer than your social security number."


    Vanessa red, stung by the retort.


    Joy turned to Eleanor and said loudly enough for Vanessa to hear, "Some people must keep their brains in their cheeks, because there''s certainly nothing in their heads."


    Vanessa bit her lip, about to snap back, but noticed people nearby turning to look. She swallowed her annoyance just as Mrs. Ellington took the podium to begin her speech.


    The speech was excellent, and as Eleanor and Joy joined in the apuse, a new figure made her way across the hall.


    Her hair was silver-white, and despite her gentle, grandmotherly appearance, everyone in the room recognized her immediately.


    It was Mildred-both the Secretary of State''s and the Mayor''s mother, and Mrs. Ellington''s mother-inw.


    "Mother, what brings you here?" Mrs. Ellington asked in surprise.


    "Oh, just wanted to see what all the fuss was about!" Mildred replied with a warm chuckle, her eyes scanning the room.


    Mrs. Ellington understood at once who she was looking for, and gently took her arm. "Mom, Eleanor is right over here!"


    Seeing the elderlydy, Eleanor immediately stood up and walked over to greet her. "Mildred."


    It had been two months since theyst saw each other. Mildred took Eleanor''s hand warmly. "I knew you''de, so I made sure to stop by and join the fun."


    Eleanor felt a wave of emotion. Mildred''s gaze was gentle as she looked her over. "It''s been two months, and you''ve lost weight again. Are you working too hard?"


    Eleanor gave a soft smile. "How''s your health, Mildred?"


    "Wonderful, thanks to you. Still as fit as ever!" Mildredughed.


    Vanessa''s fingers tightened around her purse. How on earth was Eleanor on such familiar terms with the mayor''s mother?


    Mrs. Ellington quickly instructed the attendants to move seats, arranging for Mildred to sit right next to Eleanor.


    There was no way Eleanor could keep a low profile now. Guests all around began whispering, trying to figure out who she was, and soon her name was on everyone''s lips.


    "So that''s Eleanor! She''s so young and already a brilliant scientist!"


    "I''ve seen her on TV more than once. She developed that breakthrough treatment for the spherical virus."


    "Incredible, truly."


    All around Vanessa, people were singing Eleanor''s praises, their words stinging her ears until she wanted to cover them.


    Then the charity auction began. Vanessa finally let out a breath-she had a mission tonight. After identally wearing Magdalen''s braceletst time, she was determined to win an antique tonight to win her favor.


    She set her sights on a beautiful antique vase, from Magdalen''s favorite era.


    Eleanor noticed the vase as well. After a moment''s thought, she decided she would bid on it too.


    She wanted to give it as a gift to someone special.

 Chapter 477

    The auction officially began, and every guest present today was a true


    heavyweight. Winning a coveted item here required not just deep pockets, but also patience and nerves of steel.


    The host, brimming with enthusiasm, introduced the first item up for bidding. It was quickly imed by a wealthy-looking matron. In the blink of an eye, ten more items found new owners, and soon it was time for the eleventh lot.


    "An early Renaissance Italian porcin vase, starting at sixty thousand dors. Bidders may increase in any increments," the host announced, his voice ringing through the hall.


    An olderdy immediately raised her paddle. "Eighty thousand."


    Almost at once, a young woman''s voice followed. "One hundred thousand."


    Eleanor didn''t need to turn around to know it was Vanessa. She frowned-did Vanessa want this vase too? Was she nning to give it to Grandma Magdalen Goodwin?


    Eleanor lifted her paddle. "One hundred twenty thousand."


    "One hundred fifty thousand." Vanessa matched her, gaze locked on Eleanor. Clearly, Eleanor wanted this for Mildred. Well, Vanessa had no intention of letting her score any points with Mildred so easily.


    "Two hundred thousand," Eleanor called.


    "Three hundred thousand," Vanessa replied, sounding nonchnt.


    "Five hundred thousand." Eleanor''s paddle was in the air again.


    A ripple of surprise swept through the room-this was well beyond the market estimate.


    Vanessa hesitated; this exceeded what she''d nned to spend. But this vase was from Magdalen''s favorite period, and she was sure Magdalen would be thrilled to receive it.


    Gritting her teeth, Vanessa pictured Magdalen''s delighted smile. She steeled herself. "Six hundred thousand."


    Nearby, Joy felt her heart racing. She nced at Vanessa and caught the smug little smile on her lips. But Joy knew that smile wouldn''tst.


    ¡°One million,¡± Eleanor said smoothly, as if she were discussing a ten-dor purchase.


    Vanessa nched. Was Eleanor doing this on purpose? Trying to drive the price up and make a fool of her?


    But actually, Eleanor would be the one overpaying, wouldn''t she? Vanessa smirked coldly and dropped out.


    "One million, going once. One million, going twice. One million, sold! Congrattions to bidder number ten."


    Apuse broke out. Eleanor caught Mrs. Ellington''s grateful gaze and nodded in acknowledgment.


    Mildred squeezed Eleanor''s hand, her voice low and warm. "You really are something else, youngdy."


    Vanessa overheard and stiffened. Did that make her the timid one now?


    "You really didn''t have to spend so much." Mildred''s tone was tinged with concern; she knew Eleanor''s circumstances.


    Eleanor smiled. ¡°Grandma, it''s only right to contribute to a good cause."


    Besides, this charity event had been organized by the mayor''s wife herself- Eleanor felt her money was well spent.


    Vanessa heard all this and struggled to contain her anger. Eleanor''s faux modesty made her sick. She imed it was for charity, but in reality, she was just currying favor with Mildred. Eleanor was bing an expert at social climbing.


    No wonder Faye had said Eleanor was so sessful in academia-it was all about knowing how to y the game. Looking at her now, Vanessa realized Faye hadn''t been wrong.


    Eleanor sat out the rest of the auction, and Vanessa also kept quiet. The remaining lots were sold without a hitch. As the final item was imed, Mrs. Ellington took the stage, smiling as she congratted the sessful bidders. She wrapped up the event with a few words, announcing that the golf course would be open for everyone to enjoy for the rest of the day after lunch-a perfect chance to rx and unwind.

 Chapter 478

    Joy looped her arm through Eleanor''s, insisting that Eleanor join her for a couple rounds inside. Eleanorughed and agreed, letting herself be led along.


    Out on thewn, Vanessa dialed Serena''s number and recounted what had just happened: she''d tried to bid on the vase for Magdalen, but Eleanor had swooped in and snatched it away at thest moment.


    "What? She knew you were getting it for my grandmother, and she still fought you for it?" Serena exploded on the other end of the line.


    "I''d already bid six hundred thousand, but she just jumped straight to a million. She clearly didn''t want me giving that vase to Magdalen."


    "That''s outrageous! After all my grandmother''s done for her... and now she takes the one thing my grandmother loves most? What''s her problem? Honestly, when my brother divorced her, he never should''ve let her keep so many shares in thepany. Now she just bullies you." Serena''s voice softened in sympathy.


    Vanessa gave a faint smile. "It''s nothing really-just a shame that I can''t give Magdalen the vase."


    "I''m telling my grandmother about this," Serena dered. "She needs to see what Eleanor''s really like, see how fake she is behind that innocent act. Don''t let it get to you, Vanessa. My grandmother''s seen the best of everything; she won''t be fazed. Just let it go.


    Vanessa''s lips curled at the corners. This was exactly what she wanted to have Serena take the story to Magdalen, nting the seed of disappointment in Eleanor.


    Meanwhile, inside, Eleanor was chatting with Mrs. Ellington. Mrs. Ellington''s eyes shone with genuine gratitude. "You really went out of your way tonight, dear."


    She could see right through Eleanor''s bidding-knew that Eleanor was using the auction as an opportunity to make a generous donation. She''d always thought Eleanor waspassionate and kind-hearted.


    "I heard from Mansfield you spent a week at his research center. How did you two get along?" Mrs. Ellington asked with a warm smile.


    Eleanor felt her cheeks flush under Mrs. Ellington''s gaze. She hoped there wouldn''t be any misunderstandings. "Yes, I took my son along. Mansfield was very considerate and took good care of us."


    "I''m not just boasting-my nephew really is a catch. If he has any faults, it''s only that he''s a bit too busy," Mrs. Ellington said approvingly.


    Eleanor nodded in agreement. Mansfield Ellington was aplished in every way-a truly exceptional man.


    "So, I hope you two stay in touch when you''re both free. Maybe deepen your rtionship a little. He''s only twenty-seven, after all! And I wouldn''t be surprised if he ended up transferring back to Kingston in the future," Mrs. Ellington added with a meaningful smile.


    Eleanor recalled how Mansfield had looked back at the research center-she suspected he preferred the challenge of his current work.


    She smiled. "I think he enjoys the environment he''s in now."


    Mrs. Ellington gave her a knowing smile. "Seems you know him quite well already."


    Eleanor looked momentarily startled and hurried to rify, "Just a sense I got from working with him, Mrs. Ellington. Please don''t take it the wrong way."


    "Eleanor, my mother is so fond of you-and we appreciate not just your talent, but the person you are. Have you ever considered Mansfield? You''d make a


    wonderful pair." Mrs. Ellington''s tone was gentle as she patted Eleanor''s shoulder. "Of course, no pressure."


    Just then, Vanessa swept in from the garden, clutching her purse. She caught sight of Mrs. Ellington giving Eleanor that affectionate, approving look only a beloved elder could give.

 Chapter 479

    A flicker of jealousy shed through her heart. Last time, Eleanor had taken center stage at Mrs. Ellington''s dinner party, stealing the spotlight with ease.


    Now, with Mrs. Ellington and the mayor introducing her to all the right people, Eleanor''s future seemed limitless. It was entirely possible that one day, she''d be as influential as her own father.


    Just then, Joy returned from the restroom, while Mrs. Ellington had gone off to check on her mother-inw.


    Joy immediately sidled up to Eleanor. "Is Mrs. Ellington trying to set you up with Major General Ellington? The way she looks at you, it''s like she already sees you as her nephew''s bride."


    Eleanor changed the subject smoothly. "Come on, weren''t you just saying you wanted to y tennis? I''lle with you."


    By now, most of the guests in the banquet hall had finished their meals and were scattering to mingle or find their own amusements.


    Vanessa strode over, her expression sharp as she confronted Eleanor. "Eleanor, you knew perfectly well I was bidding on that vase for someone special. Why did you swoop in and outbid me?"


    Eleanor had no intention of dignifying Vanessa''s usation with a response, but Joy arched an eyebrow and retorted, "Maybe if you had more skill, you wouldn''t have to me others for your own shorings."


    Vanessa had clearly had enough of Joy''s attitude. "Ms. Thatcher, who asked for your opinion? It''s not like you''re some kind of expert either."


    Joy''s voice was calm and unflinching. "At least the money I spend, I earned myself. Unlike certain people who just open their legs and call it a day."


    Thankfully, the surrounding guests had already dispersed, but Vanessa''s cheeks flushed scarlet with anger. "You have no idea what you''re talking about."


    "Oh, I don''t? Hasn married you? Are you even engaged? Let''s see you used his money to bid on a vase you''re giving to his grandmother. The reputation you''re building for yourself-wow, what an achievement."


    Vanessa''s carefully crafted poise cracked, her face turning an ugly shade of green. "Who the hell are you toment on me andn?"


    Joy smirked coldly. "Did I say anything false?n and Eleanor have been divorced for almost a year now. You still don''t even have an official title. What exactly are you so proud of?"


    "You-!" Vanessa ground her teeth and shot a venomous re at Eleanor. "You sure know how to pick your friends, Eleanor. Birds of a feather, I suppose.¡±


    Eleanor gave a mockingugh. "Point out a single lie she told."


    "There''s no lie, butn and I love each other, so what? If you''ve got what it takes, why don''t you try to win him back?" Vanessa''s eyes gleamed with smugness.


    "Win him back?" Joy scoffed first. "You''re bragging about picking up the man Eleanor didn''t want anymore?"


    Eleanor let out a soft, amusedugh. "Vanessa, do you really think everyone''s as desperate as you, treatingn like he''s a prize?"


    "Exactly. It''s been a year and he still hasn''t given you any kind of official status, and you''re here showing off?" Joy added, then shot Eleanor a wink. "Even ifn wanted to get back with Eleanor, he wouldn''t even make the shortlist."


    Vanessaughed like she''d heard the world''s best joke. "You''re kidding, right?n chasing after Eleanor? That''s rich."


    "Our Eleanor wouldn''t even bother," Joy said with a smirk.


    Vanessa turned to Eleanor, her tone suddenly serious. "Eleanor, don''t kid yourself. You known. He never regrets anything he does, including your divorce."


    Eleanor wrinkled her nose in disdain.


    Vanessa stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Don''t get the wrong idea just because you''ve been seeingn more oftentely. He''s only around you for work ¡ªand for Evelyn, because of his responsibilities as her father. That''s all."


    Joy rolled her eyes, looping her arm through Eleanor''s. "Please, as if Eleanor''s the one desperate to see him. He''s the one always finding excuses to show up in her life. Come on, let''s get out of here. She''s not worth it."

 Chapter 480

    Vanessa arched a brow and dialed a number. When the call connected, her voice turned silky sweet. "Ian, are you here yet?"


    She made sure to speak loud enough for Joy and Eleanor to overhear.


    Joy clenched her jaw in frustration. "What doesn even see in her? If he''s lost his mind, maybe he should get it checked out."


    Just then, Mildred and Mrs. Ellington approached. Eleanor stepped forward with a polite greeting. "Mildred."


    "Eleanor, I''m heading out now. You enjoy the rest of the day with your friend. Next time, you muste over for dinner," Mildred said warmly.


    Eleanor couldn''t refuse in front of everyone, so she smiled graciously. "Of course, Mildred. Have a wonderful afternoon."


    Mildred turned to Joy as well. "You too, Joy. I haven''t forgotten how much you helpedst time."


    "Oh, it was nothing, really," Joy replied, waving off the thanks.


    After Mildred left, Eleanor and Joy made their way toward the golf course in the back, both carrying extra sets of athletic clothes just for this.


    The fairway was lush and green, the sky overcast, making the day pleasantly cool. Eleanor gripped her club, swinging a few times, though her skill left much to be desired.


    As she readied herself for another attempt, a shuttle cart pulled up not far behind them.


    n, look at the view over there! Let''s check it out!" Vanessa''s voice rang out. She''d changed into a bright yellow tracksuit, her ponytail swinging high. Ian and Henry were right by her side.


    Joy rolled her eyes. "Talk about a bad penny."


    Eleanor calmly looked away and focused on adjusting her stance. She raised her club, but embarrassingly enough, didn''t even graze the ball.


    "Come on, you got this!" Joy cheered her on.


    Eleanor was just here for fun anyway-she was a total beginner.


    A few yards away,n watched them, dressed sharply in deep gray casual wear that made him look all the more striking.


    Just then, another car pulled up, and Xavier stepped out, dressed in sleek gray athletic gear, obviously here for a round of golf as well.


    Joy nudged Eleanor, tugging on her sleeve. "Look, your Prince Charming just arrived."


    Eleanor whirled around, startled to see Xavier.


    Xavier shot a greeting eyebrow-raise toward Henry and the others, but his steps were already carrying him straight toward Eleanor and Joy.


    Across the green,n''s gaze sharpened, a sudden ray of sunlight casting shifting shadows across his chiseled face.


    The clouds had parted, butn''s mood only grew darker.


    After all, watching his closest friend and ex-wife meet up for a private game was enough to sour anyone''s day.

 Chapter 481

    As Xavier approached, Joy grinned. "Mr. Vaughn, do you y golf?"


    Xavier nodded, a hint of confidence in his smile. "I do."


    ¡°Perfect! Teach Eleanor, would you? She hasn''t managed to hit a single ball so far," Joy teased.


    Eleanor felt her cheeks flush. "Joy!" She turned to Xavier in surprise. "What brings you here?"


    Xavier''s eyes crinkled as he smiled at her. "Just happened to be in the area, thought I''d unwind a little."


    Joy bit back augh¡ªshe didn''t buy that excuse for a second. Still, his timing couldn''t have been better.


    Xavier nced at Eleanor''s awkward grip on the club. "Never yed before?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "First time."


    Xavier looked genuinely surprised. Ian was a skilled golfer; he would''ve thought Eleanor had spent enough time with her husband over the past six years to pick up the sport.


    Just then, across the green, Vanessa swung her club with practiced ease. Her ball arced gracefully through the air-clearly, she wasn''t new to this.


    Xavier pulled his gaze away from Vanessa and turned back to Eleanor. "Would you mind if I showed you?"


    "Of course not, Mr. Vaughn! Please, teach her-she''s been wishing someone would!" Joy jumped in before Eleanor could answer.


    Eleanor shot her friend a yful re. Joy just grinned, stepping back. "All yours, Mr. Vaughn."


    Xavier looked to Eleanor, noticing her embarrassment. She hadn''t agreed, but she wasn''t exactly refusing, either.


    He stepped closer. "Let me show you the proper stance."


    Eleanor nodded. Xavier moved behind her, his arms reaching around to rest his hands over hers on the club. "Rx your wrists, like this¡ª"


    Eleanor froze. Even though their bodies weren''t touching, this was the closest she''d ever been to Xavier.


    "Shift your weight forward," he instructed, his voice low and earnest by her ear- like he really was just focusing on teaching her.


    Not far away,n watched, his gaze darkening as he focused on the way Xavier''s hands ovepped Eleanor''s.


    Vanessa leaned on her club, a mocking glint in her eyes as she nced at Eleanor. What was Eleanor ying at? unting herself with Xavier for everyone to see? Who was this performance for?


    She quickly turned to check onn, only to find him gripping his club with white knuckles. He swung hard, the club digging into the turf and tearing up a chunk of grass as the ball shot away.


    Vanessa blinked. Ian was usually so precise-what happened to his technique?


    "Ian, are you alright?" she called out, concern in her voice.


    "Let''s move to another spot," he muttered suddenly, striding straight toward Eleanor.


    "Hey!n!" Vanessa hurried after him.


    Henry caught up and grabbed her wrist. "Vanessa, don''t go over there."


    She looked down at his hand, shrugged him off, and picked up her pace to follown.


    Henry frowned, sighing as he trailed after her.


    Eleanor frowned and looked away, annoyed. She''d just made a decent shot and was eager to try again.


    "Xavier, does this look right?" she asked, determined to focus on her lesson.

 Chapter 482

    Xavier had just released her. Noticing her grip was off, he stepped behind her again, his tall frame nearly enveloping her as he gently instructed, "Rx your wrists a little more."


    "That''s it¡ªjust like that!"


    Once Xavier stepped back, Eleanor swung again, sending the ball flying with surprising uracy. Joy, watching from the side, pped her hands in delight. "Wow, Ellie! Having a coach really makes a difference!"


    Eleanor was dressed in a pale pink athletic outfit today, her hair pulled up into a high bun, with a few wisps framing her delicate face. The pleated skirt revealed long, slender legs entuated by white sneakers, and under the afternoon sun, she seemed almost radiant.


    Xavier, you''re amazing. I can''t believe you taught Eleanor-all it took was one lesson!" Vanessa called out as she joined the group, her tone yful.


    Xavier gave her a nod. "You looked pretty good out there yourself. Who taught you?"


    Vanessa smiled slyly, ncing-perhaps a little too obviously-over atn. "I''ve been practicing a lot, actually."


    Joy caught the exchange and smirked to herself. Son''s been giving Vanessa some private lessons, huh? Teaching someone golf was always a little flirtatious, and clearly,n hadn''t been shy about helping her out.


    Eleanor, meanwhile, kept her focus on her swing. With another clean drive, the ball soared down the fairway. Joy pped again. "Nice! You''re really getting the hang of this!"


    Vanessa raised her voice just a notch. "Eleanor, you''re learning so fast! Are you sure you''re a beginner?"


    The implication was obvious: Eleanor had pretended to be clueless just so Xavier would teach her himself.


    He set up his own shot, face unreadable, and sent the ball flying with practiced precision,nding it squarely on the green.


    He turned to Eleanor suddenly and asked, "I thought you didn''t like golf."


    Eleanor brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her voice cool. "What does it matter to you?"


    Without waiting for a response, she took another swing. Ian watched where her ballnded, raising an eyebrow. "Xavier''s a good teacher."


    Right then, Xavier stepped in at just the right moment. "Eleanor, is there anything you''re still unsure about?"


    "I think I''m missing the right spot for my swing."


    Xavier smiled. ¡°Let me show you again." With that, he gently wrapped his arms around her, guiding her hands and stance. ¡°Come on, I''ll teach you how to putt."


    The sight of the two of them, so close, darkenedn''s expression. He remembered bringing Eleanor to the golf course before, but back then, she''d had no interest in learning. Even when he''d offered to teach her, she''d just sat on the sidelines, content to watch him y. He could still recall her standing behind him, eyes full of admiration and pride.


    Now, Eleanor stood in Xavier''s embrace, epting his guidance without hesitation.


    From the sidelines, Joy watchedn and frowned, puzzled. Was she imagining things, or did he actually look jealous?


    That couldn''t be right.


    But, thinking about it, it made sense. Ian was the kind of man who radiated control and possessiveness, whether or not Eleanor was still his wife. Deep down, he probably still thought of her as his and his alone.


    Just then, Vanessa sent another ball flying with a wless swing. She turned, beaming atn. "Ian, what do you think of that shot?"

 Chapter 483

    Eleanor''s arm was starting to ache from all the swinging. As she massaged her forearm, Xavier leaned in, his voice gentle. "What''s wrong? Sore arm?"


    She nodded. ¡°Let''s head back, shall we?"


    "Sure," Xavier agreed immediately. Clearly, he hadn''te for the golf.


    Eleanor crouched to gather her things, but Xavier beat her to it, lifting her bag with


    the easy confidence of a thoughtful boyfriend.


    The three of them had barely taken a few steps whenn suddenly called out behind them, "Let''s go too."


    "But we just got here!" Vanessa protested, pouting in disappointment.


    "Ian probably has something to do," Henry said, ncing atn. ¡°Vanessa, I''ll stay and y a few rounds with you."


    Vanessa instantly changed her tune, feigning exhaustion. "Never mind, it''s too hot. Let''s go home."


    Noticingn''s expression, Henry gave his shoulder a friendly pat. "Ian, if you still have feelings for Eleanor-"


    "There''s no ''if,""n cut him off coldly, shouldering his golf bag and striding ahead. Henry had spoken quietly, so Vanessa, busy with her gear, hadn''t caught any of it. By the time Vanessa finished packing up,n was already ten meters ahead. Carrying Vanessa''s bag for her, Henry couldn''t help but remark, "You know, Eleanor and Xavier seem like a good match."


    Vanessa whipped her head around to re at him. "Henry, did you forget what I told youst time?"


    "I''ve spoken to Xavier in private, but he really seems into Eleanor¡ª¡±


    "Can''t you see what she''s doing? She was clearly pretending not to know how to y, just so Xavier would teach her. She''s trying to seduce him."


    Henry hesitated. "You really think so?"


    "I was actually looking forward to a good game today, but thanks to her,n''s in a foul mood, and so am I." Vanessa bit her red lip, ming Eleanor for ruining her day.


    Henryughed. "So, what would it take to cheer you up?"


    "You know, I was nning to buy that vase for Magdalen''s birthday, but she swooped in and grabbed it first."


    "Seriously? That happened?"


    "She knew I wanted it for Magdalen, but she snatched it anyway. Do you still think she''s as sweet and innocent as she looks?" Vanessa''s eyes shed with resentment. "She managed to walk away from that divorce with so much ofn''s money-do you really think she''s that naive?"


    Henry nced in Eleanor''s direction, suddenly unsure what to think.


    Vanessa sighed. "You men are so easy to fool with that high-and-mighty act. You just eat it up."


    Henry, still half skeptical, couldn''t help hoping Eleanor wouldn''t mess with Xavier''s feelings.


    By the time Eleanor and Joy made it to the parking lot, they found Xavier already waiting for them. Just then, Joy''s phone rang. She nced at the screen and answered-it was Frazier Jeffries inviting her to the beach. "Hey, why don''t you ride with Mr. Vaughn?" she suggested.


    Eleanor grinned. "Go on, don''t let me keep you from your date with Attorney Jeffries!"


    At that moment,n walked past Eleanor with one hand in his pocket. Xavier gave him a nod. "Heading home?"


    "Yeah. I''ve got work to do,"n replied, then headed for his car.


    "Did you drive today, Eleanor?" Xavier asked.


    "She didn''t bring her car," Joy answered with a smile. "Since you two live close by,


    Mr. Vaughn, could you give her a ride?"

 Chapter 484

    "Of course, I don''t mind," Xavier replied.


    Joy turned to Eleanor. "Looks like you''ll be riding with Mr. Vaughn, then. I''ll head out on my own."


    With that, Joy hurried off to her car, started the engine, and drove away.


    Eleanor nced at Xavier. "Thank you. Sorry for the trouble."


    ¡°No trouble at alle on, hop in!" Xavier''s Bentley was parked right nearby.


    Eleanor slid into the passenger seat. She was just buckling her seatbelt when a loud crash echoed from the exit ahead.


    She looked up in rm, just in time to seen''s sleek ck Mercedes colliding head-on with a Porsche SUV.


    Xavier''s eyes widened in shock. "I''d better check on them," he said quickly to Eleanor.


    She nodded, staying put inside the car.


    The Porsche driver got out, whilen remained in his seat. The Porsche owner nced atn''s license te and immediately realized he''d just run into someone important. Even if he thought he wasn''t at fault, it was time to tread carefully. He approachedn''s window and tapped on the ss, stering on a nervous, ingratiating smile. "Sir, are you alright?"


    The window slid down, revealingn''s cold,posed profile. He hadn''t even utched his seatbelt. Without a word, he gave the Porsche driver a once-over, then pulled a business card from the console and handed it over. His voice was low and indifferent. "I''ll take full responsibility. Call my assistant to sort things out."


    Just then, Henry and Vanessa hurried over. Vanessa''s voice rang out, tinged with anxiety, n, are you okay? Did you get hurt?"


    "I''m fine,"n replied tersely, ncing at the three of them outside his window. "I''ll be on my way."


    His gaze drifted beyond them, settling on the woman still seated in Xavier''s car. Without another word,n reversed, the engine of his damaged Mercedes growling as he pulled away, unfazed by the dented hood.


    Vanessa bit her lip, crimson with frustration, and suddenly spun around to re at Eleanor through the window of Xavier''s car. She knew all too well thatn''s foul mood today was Eleanor''s fault.


    Picking up on Vanessa''s mood, Henry put aforting arm around her shoulders. "Come on, let''s get going."


    Xavier''s expression darkened. He shot Vanessa a warning look. "Don''t go ming Eleanor for everything."


    Henry looked over, attempting to smooth things over. "Xavier, she didn''t mean anything by it."


    Xavier said nothing more and turned back toward his own car.


    On the drive home, Xavier tried to lighten the mood with small talk. Eventually, curiosity got the better of him. "I''ve always wondered why didn''t you ever train withn? He''s an incredible coach."


    Eleanor gazed out the window, a bitter smile flickering across her face. Back then, just standing byn''s side felt like happiness. Now, looking back, she realized how foolish she''d been.


    Vanessa was a great yer-clearly,n had been an attentive coach to her.


    Xavier chuckled softly. "You don''t have to answer." After a pause, he added, n didn''t look like he was in a good mood just now."


    "His mood has nothing to do with me," Eleanor replied crisply.


    Xavier let out a quiet breath, some of the tension in his face easing. What he


    feared most was that Eleanor might still be hung up onn-after all, he''d seen firsthand how happy she''d once been to marry him.

 Chapter 485

    Xavier didn''t pursue the topic any further. As they neared the main road leading into the old part of town, he nced over and suggested, "How about we stop for a coffee? Take a little break?"


    Eleanor checked the time and shook her head with a polite smile. "I''ve still got some work to finish. Rain check?"


    He nodded, not pressing the matter.


    The car turned onto a tree-lined avenue, dappled sunlight flickering across the windshield. Xavier nced sideways at Eleanor and noticed she was gazing out the window, lost in thought.


    "What''s on your mind?" he asked quietly. He genuinely wondered what went on inside her head-what mattered to her, what she held dear.


    Eleanor blinked and smiled,ing back to herself. "Nothing, really. Just daydreaming."


    He drove her the rest of the way home. As she got out, Eleanor turned and gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks for the ride."


    Xavier watched as she walked through the gate into her yard, his eyes lingering with a trace of disappointment. Still, he allowed himself a wry smile. All things considered, today had gone well. He''d taught her the basics of golf; it was a brief connection, but for now, that was enough.


    Once inside, Eleanor set down her bag and headed upstairs to tackle her work. Downstairs, Joslyn had already tidied up the house and the garden until everything was spotless. Not wanting to disturb Eleanor, Joslyn took Princess, the family''s beloved golden retriever, out for a walk.


    Goodwin Manor.


    A white convertible pulled up in the driveway. Serena climbed out, coffee in hand, and shut the car door with a casual flick of her wrist before heading inside.


    "Wee home, Miss," the housekeeper greeted her with a warm smile.


    "Thanks! Where''s my grandmother?" Serena asked as she slipped off her jacket. "She''s in her collection room, as usual."


    Serena''s lips curled into a slight grin. She made her way toward the collection room¡ªa sprawling space filled with Magdalen''s most treasured antiques and curiosities, her greatest passion.


    On most days, Magdalen could be found there, lovingly polishing her finds with a soft cloth.


    "Grandma, cleaning your treasures again?" Serena teased, watching her grandmother, reading sses perched on her nose, carefully buffing a porcin


    vase.


    "These are precious, you know," Magdalen replied, not looking up as she continued her careful work.


    Serena plopped down beside her. ¡°Grandma, I have something to tell you-but promise you won''t get mad!"


    Magdalen paused, looking at her granddaughter in surprise. "What is it?"


    "Mrs. Ellington, the mayor''s wife, hosted a charity auction today. Vanessa was invited and spotted a Ming dynasty vase-she wanted to bid on it for you. But guess what? Eleanor swooped in and snatched it away at thest minute." Magdalen stopped polishing, her gaze sharpening on Serena. "Is that true?"


    Serena''s face was full of indignation. "Of course it''s true! Vanessa told me herself. Eleanor waspletely out of line-Vanessa went as high as six hundred thousand, but Eleanor deliberately pushed the price up to a million. She obviously didn''t want Vanessa to win it for you."


    Magdalen resumed polishing her vase, if anything more tenderly than before.


    "And that''s not all," Serena continued, her annoyance mounting. "Vanessa said Eleanor was fawning all over Mrs. Ellington. For all we know, she bought that vase just to give it to Mildred. See, Grandma? You always treat Eleanor like your own granddaughter, but when she gets her hands on something special, she never thinks of giving it to you."

 Chapter 486

    Before Magdalen could reply, Serena muttered under her breath, "Well, it figures. Now that Eleanor''s married into the mayor''s family, she''s probably forgotten all about how kind you were to her-"


    Magdalen shook her head and said firmly, "Ellie isn''t that kind of person."


    "Grandma, after all that''s happened, you''re still defending her? She''s lost every bit of conscience she ever had." No sooner had Serena finished than Magdalen''s


    tone grew stern. "Don''t you speak about Ellie that way."


    "Grandma! I mean-" Serena was practically fuming.


    How could everything that had happened still not open Grandma''s eyes to how fake Eleanor was?


    Magdalen ced the freshly polished vase back on the shelf, then turned and asked, "Why don''t you ask Vanessa-wasn''t it this vase that Eleanor bought at the auction today?"


    Serena blinked, ncing at the vase her grandmother had just set down. Words caught in her throat.


    "Grandma, are you saying this vase¡ª?"


    "This is the very one Eleanor won at the auction today. She just had it delivered to me!"


    "That''s impossible! Wasn''t she nning to give it to Mildred?" Serena waspletely taken aback.


    Magdalen removed her reading sses, her tone gentle but instructive. "Serena, you''re not a child anymore. You can''t just believe everything you hear when will you start thinking for yourself?"


    Serena''s face flushed scarlet as she stammered, "But... but Vanessa clearly told me="


    Magdalen''s brow creased. "You ought to spend less time with Vanessa. That girl''s not as pure-hearted as she seems."


    Serena protested, "Grandma, you can''t just say that about Vanessa because you like Eleanor more! How is Vanessa not pure-hearted?"


    Magdalen only shook her head, refusing to argue further.


    Just then, a thought struck Serena. She couldn''t keep quiet. ¡°Grandma, why would Eleanor give you a million-dor vase? Is she trying to butter you up so you''ll help her get back together with my brother?"


    Magdalen gave her a look. "And wouldn''t that be a good thing?"


    Honestly, she''d love for Eleanor to want a reconciliation! Buttely, her grandson was so busy he was never home, and Eleanor hadn''te around the Goodwin house in ages. The whole idea seemed less and less likely.


    "Grandma, no way! My brother doesn''t even like her, why should they get back together? I''m totally against it," Serena huffed.


    Magdalen shot her granddaughter a stern look. "Stay out of it."


    Serena stormed out, frustrated. So much for making Grandma dislike Eleanor- now Eleanor had just won her over again.


    Back in her room, Serena immediately called Vanessa to report what had happened. On the other end, Vanessa sounded genuinely surprised and apologized quickly. "Serena, I''m so sorry. I had no idea Eleanor bought that vase for your grandma. She''s not mad at you, is she?"


    "It''s all Eleanor''s fault, misleading you on purpose. She just wants to look good in front of Grandma," Serena fumed.


    Vanessa sighed. ¡°Serena, I really didn''t mean for things to turn out this way."


    "It''s not your fault. Eleanor''s just so maniptive. And now Grandma''s actually hoping they''ll get back together!" Serena grumbled, still fuming.


    ¡°Serena, we ran into Xavier and Eleanor at the golf course today," Vanessa said, lowering her voice. "Xavier was giving her hands-on lessons. The two of them looked really close, andn was there too."


    "What?" Serena shot up from the couch, livid.


    Vanessa rushed to calm her down. "Serena, don''t get upset. Maybe Xavier and Eleanor are just friends..."

 Chapter 487

    "Do ordinary friends teach each other how to y golf, hand in hand?" Serena pictured Xavier showing Eleanor the basics-his arms around her, guiding her swing. That kind of closeness was basically an embrace.


    Since the Vaughn family had called off their engagement, Serena had known she stood no chance with Xavier. But if he married Eleanor, Serena knew she''d never


    find peace.


    "Serena, there''s an art exhibit tomorrow. Want toe out and clear your head?" Vanessa asked.


    "Sure," Serena replied, her voice dull.


    After hanging up, she sat on the couch, pain churning inside her.


    Xavier-the one she loved, but could never have.


    ***


    By eight that evening, Eleanor was already restless. Her daughter still wasn''t home. Ian had promised to bring her back by nine, but Eleanor wished she''d arrive sooner.


    At eight fifty, Princess, the family''s golden retriever, suddenly lifted her head from the rug. She sniffed the air, nced at Eleanor on the couch, then let out a soft whine and bounded to the front gate.


    Eleanor understood instantly: her daughter was home.


    She stood, walked to the gate, and opened it. Beneath the streemp, a ck Rolls-Royce idled at the curb asn carefully unbuckled their daughter from her car seat.


    "Mommy!" Evelyn called out, grinning, clutching her favorite stuffed animal. Eleanor''s face softened. Once Evelyn was out ofn''s arms, Eleanor took her hand and led her inside.


    "Bye, Daddy!" Evelyn waved cheerfully.


    Princess circledn twice before sitting, basking in a familiar head rub. Ian smiled and scratched her ears. Just then, Eleanor''s exasperated voice called from the yard: "Princess!"


    Obediently, Princess trotted inside. The gate closed, shutting out the world beyond.


    Back in the house, Evelyn looked up at her mother. "Mommy, can we go somewhere fun tomorrow? We haven''t gone out in ages."


    Eleanor realized she''d been neglecting her daughtertely, caught up in work. She smiled. "Let''s see if there''s anywhere special we can go."


    Scrolling through her phone, Eleanor soon spotted a post about a world art exhibition opening locally at the Ashford City Convention Hall.


    She read the event details-perfect for sparking a child''s curiosity about art.


    "How about a trip to the art exhibit tomorrow?" Eleanor asked.


    "Yes! I love painting!" Evelyn''s face lit up.


    Eleanor bought tickets online while Joslyn, their housekeeper, gave Evelyn her bath. Eleanor headed to her study to finish up some work.


    ***


    The next morning at nine thirty, Eleanor and Evelyn arrived at the convention center. As they entered, Evelyn suddenly squealed, "Vivian!"


    A little girl with mixed features turned at the sound of her name. The two children hugged excitedly. "Evelyn! What are you doing here?"


    Eleanor looked up¡ªjust in time to catch Xavier''s eyes as he toured the exhibit nearby.


    They bothughed, a little surprised by the coincidence.


    Xavier was dressed casually, his shirt sleeves rolled up. He smiled as he walked over. "What are the odds?"


    "Yeah! Evelyn wanted to get out for a bit, so here we are," Eleanor replied.


    What Xavier didn''t say was that he''d considered inviting Eleanor the night before,


    but he''d hesitated, not wanting to pull her away from her work.


    Fate, it seemed, had its own ns¡ªthey''d both ended up here after all.

 Chapter 488

    "Seems fate really does keep throwing us together," Xavier said, his gaze lingering on Eleanor with an intensity that made her look down, trying to escape the heat in his eyes.


    Just then, Evelyn and Vivian skipped ahead, hand in hand. Eleanor smiled, using their distraction as an excuse. "Shall we see the rest of the exhibit together?"


    Xavier nodded. "I''d like that."


    So, the four of them continued on as a group.


    When they reached the fourth gallery, Xavier paused in front of a painting, quietly studying it. Around the corner, two women entered arm in arm.


    Serena''s mood had been sour all afternoon; she''d barely looked at the art. But now, seeing Xavier''s familiar silhouette, her heart leaped and her breath caught. She hadn''t expected to run into him here of all ces.


    Unable to contain her excitement, Serena was about to call out when Xavier suddenly moved forward, walking toward a woman and two children standing together.


    Serena''s steps faltered. The woman wasn''t a stranger.


    Vivian and Evelyn-Eleanor''s girls¡ªand standing beside them was Eleanor herself.


    Serena''s smile froze, her nails digging into her palm.


    Vanessa followed Serena''s gaze and her eyes narrowed. "Well, what are the odds," she muttered under her breath.


    She should have known. Someone like Xavier, with his wealth and status, wouldn''te to a modest art show alone-not unless he was bringing someone special.


    Serena bit her lip, jealousy and bitterness swirling in her chest. She stayed back, not daring to greet him now. Instead, she pulled out her phone and snapped a few quick photos.


    In the frame, Evelyn was holding Eleanor''s hand, Vivian clung to Xavier, and the two little girls held hands between them¡ªa picture-perfect family.


    Serena saved the images, then turned abruptly and looped her arm through Vanessa''s. "Let''s go."


    Vanessa let herself be tugged outside, ncing at Serena''s stormy face. She tried tofort her. "This is my fault, Serena. I shouldn''t have brought you here."


    "You meant well. I don''t me you." Serena shook her head, but her mind was already racing. She opened her phone and began selecting the photos to send.


    "Who are you sending those to?" Vanessa asked.


    "Who else? My brother. He needs to see for himself what kind of woman Eleanor really is. She''s not fit for him, not even close," Serena said coldly.


    Vanessa nced at the photos, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Looks like Evelyn really is about to start calling Xavier ''Dad.""


    Serena''s expression darkened. "If Eleanor actually marries him, I''ll make sure my brother gets custody of Evelyn. There''s no way I''ll let Evelyn be one of the Vaughns."


    Her heart twisted with longing and resentment. She couldn''t stand that Xavier had chosen Eleanor.


    Meanwhile, at Goodwin & Co.''s executive office,n was reviewing documents when his phone buzzed with a new message.


    He nced down and tapped it open. The photos Serena had sent filled the screen, making his brow crease instantly.


    Four figures, hand in hand, the very image of a happy, harmonious family.<pn''s grip on the phone tightened, his knuckles turning white. Without hesitation, he scrolled through his contacts until he found Eleanor''s number and pressed call.

 Chapter 489

    The convention center was quiet when Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen and, without hesitation, declined the call.


    Xavier turned to her. "Not going to answer?"


    "Just another spam call," Eleanor replied casually.


    Momentster, her phone buzzed with a message. She nced down: it was fromn. "Come to my office at ten tomorrow. We need to talk."


    Eleanor frowned. There was nothing left between them worth discussing.


    She ignored the message and slipped her phone away.


    After browsing the art exhibit, Eleanor and Xavier took the kids out for dinner at a nearby bistro before heading home separately.


    Evelyn was all smiles, herughter lingering in Eleanor''s mind as she tucked her daughter into bed that night. It had been a good day-full and satisfying.


    At ten o''clock, with Evelyn already asleep, Eleanory in bed when her phone lit up again. She reached for it, half-distracted.


    "Ten o''clock tomorrow. Don''t bete."n again.


    Eleanor stared coldly at the words on her screen. What on earth did he want now? Gritting her teeth, she typed back: "What is there to talk about?"


    He replied almost instantly: ¡°About revising Evelyn''s custody arrangement.¡±


    Eleanor''s breath caught. Her fingers flew across the screen. "What do you mean by that,n?"


    His answer came just as quickly. "Exactly what it says. Ten o''clock. Don''t make me wait."


    A heavy weight pressed against Eleanor''s chest. Was he really going to try and take Evelyn from her? It hadn''t even been a year since the divorce-how could he be thinking of this already?


    She looked over at her sleeping daughter and clenched her jaw. "Custody isn''t up for negotiation. I won''t give her up."


    "We''ll talk tomorrow." Ian clearly had no intention of arguing further tonight.


    Eleanor shut her eyes, resigned. She''d have to face him tomorrow and see what game he was ying.


    A momentter, she got out of bed and headed to her study. She called Frazier, her attorney, hoping for some advice.


    "Eleanor, the divorce agreement itself is solid," Frazier reassured her. "But those extra usesn insisted on... he might try to use them. Don''t worry yet. See what he has to say tomorrow."


    Eleanor hung up, still unsure whatn was plotting. All she could do was wait for their meeting.


    The next morning, after dropping Evelyn at school, Eleanor drove to Goodwin & Co.


    At 9:50, she walked into thepany''s marble-floored lobby.


    The receptionist recognized her and smiled, waving her through without question.


    Eleanor stepped onto the elevator, rode it to the top, and strode straight ton''s office.


    A young female assistant greeted her at the door. "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin is expecting you. This way, please."


    She opened the office door. Ian stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, back to the room. He turned at the sound, his expression unreadable as his gaze settled on Eleanor.


    "You''re here. Have a seat,¡± he said, gesturing to the sofa. His tone was all business.


    Eleanor crossed her arms. "Let''s get this over with. What do you want?"


    Eleanor narrowed her eyes at the folder. She didn''t need to look to know it was a custody amendment. She gave a short, bitterugh. "You really think I''d sign that?"


    ¡°I''ve decided to remove the use preventing you from remarrying for five years,¡± he continued. ¡°As long as you agree to revise the custody arrangement, you''re free to marry Xavier whenever you wish." He looked up, meeting her eyes. "Isn''t that what you want?"


    A surge of anger rose in Eleanor''s chest. What kind of trick was he pulling now?


    "Whatever scheme you''re ying, I''m not interested," she said icily. "I won''t be threatened and I''m not signing anything."


    Eleanor stepped forward, grabbed the file, and mmed it down onto the floor. "Let me make this clear,n: don''t try to threaten me. I will never give up custody of Evelyn. Not now, not ever."


    The assistant had just cracked the door with a tray of coffee when the noise startled her. She peeked in, wide-eyed, then quickly closed the door again.


    Eleanor wasted no time. She turned on her heel and headed for the door. As she pulled it open,n spoke again. "Don''t let your personal life get in the way of your research. Stay on top of your project deadlines."


    Eleanor ignored him, mming the door behind her.


    Outside, the assistant shook her head in amazement. She''d never seen anyone stand up to Mr. Goodwin like that.


    After Eleanor left, the assistant knocked and poked her head in. "Mr. Goodwin, should I tidy up in here?"<pn nodded, looking lost in thought. As she cleaned up, she stole a nce at him -he was sprawled back on the sofa, eyes closed, as if blocking out the world.

 Chapter 490

    Eleanor climbed back into her car, recounting everything that had just happened to Frazier over the phone. He sounded genuinely surprised. "Mr. Goodwin-was that all he meant?"


    "For now, it seems so."


    "Eleanor, I reviewed your divorce agreement again. The contract itself is solid, but in the additional uses, Mr. Goodwin left himself some wiggle room."


    Eleanor''s grip tightened on the steering wheel. "What do you mean?"


    On the other end of the line, Frazier chose his words carefully. "Legally speaking, Mr. Goodwin reserved the right to change the custody arrangement in those uses. But judging by his attitude today, I think there might be more to it."


    Eleanor frowned. "More, how?"


    "He''s testing you."


    "Testing what?" Eleanor bit her lip.


    "Your feelings for Xavier," Frazier analyzed. "Eleanor, have you ever considered that Mr. Goodwin might actually-"


    "No way." Eleanor cut him off, unwilling to hear the rest of that sentence.


    Frazier coughed awkwardly. "Maybe I misread things. Still, it''s pretty unusual for him to suddenly drop the five-year no-remarriage use and give up fighting for custody. That''s not his usual style."


    Eleanor didn''t me Frazier for specting-after all, he hadn''t lived six years withn Goodwin and couldn''t know the man''s true methods.


    Manipting people and reading human nature was whatn did best.


    "In any case, we should both stay alert," Frazier reminded her before hanging up. After the call, Eleanor checked the clock and headed toward the research facility. Once inside theb, she settled into work, letting the steady rhythm of tasks sweep away her tangled thoughts.


    By two in the afternoon, Eleanor was heading to a meeting. As she rounded a corner, she spotted a group of colleagues gathered around Faye. One of them eximed loudly, ¡°Faye, now that your dad''spany is going public, you''re about to be the heiress of the year!"


    "I''ve nevercked for money, so whether my family''s rich or not doesn''t really matter," Faye said, tossing her long hair with a practiced flick.


    Catching sight of Eleanor, Faye added, "But if my dad''spany does go public smoothly, there''s one person we really have to thank."


    "Who''s that?"


    Faye stepped past her colleagues and fixed her eyes on Eleanor. "That would be Mr. Goodwin. He helped my dad pull off the whole IPO. He''s even a shareholder now."


    "Wow! With Mr. Goodwin backing it, Faye, you''re totally set to be the next billionaire heiress!"


    Faye had never wanted for anything, but her family had always beenfortably upper-middle ss never truly wealthy. Now, with her father''spany about to go public, his worth was skyrocketing. Among Ashford City''s business elite, he was bing a force to be reckoned with.


    Eleanor slipped into the conference room, where Joel looked up and greeted her with a smile. "Hey, you made it."


    "Yeah. How''s your projecting alongtely?¡± she asked, taking a seat.


    "So far, so good. By the way, rumor has it the new drug could enter clinical trials in as soon as a month. Are you feeling the pressure?"


    Eleanor nodded honestly. "Definitely."


    "I heard Dr. Lyman secured a national research grant for your project, and even submitted it for an international medical innovation award. If it wins, the announcement coulde as soon as October."


    As Joel finished, Faye, who had just entered with a stack of documents, looked visibly unsettled.


    A moment ago, she''d made a show of bragging about her father''spany going public. Butpared to Eleanor''s achievements in medicine, she knew that kind of recognition was something money couldn''t buy.


    Of course, on a global scale, there was no guarantee Eleanor''s patent would actually win. And her new drug hadn''t even entered clinical trials yet-if something went wrong, she''d be the one held responsible, not celebrated.


    Faye took a seat across from her just as Simone arrived, ready to give a progress report on the two experimental teams. Both had made significant advances, the result of everyone''s hard work.


    "Eleanor, next month Ashford City is hosting the Biomedical Summit. Ourb unanimously rmends you as our speaker. Do you feel up to it?" Simone asked with a smile.


    Faye quickly raised her hand. "Professor Langley, I''d like to nominate Joel. He''s an outstanding speaker."


    "No, I stand by Eleanor. She''s the best representative for ourb," Joel said firmly.


    Faye turned to Eleanor, her expression sly. "Eleanor, what do you think of Joel''s public speaking skills?"


    Eleanor looked at Simone. "Professor Langley, honestly, I think Joel is better suited for this than I am."


    A sh of triumph crossed Faye''s face. Getting Eleanor to step down herself meant Faye couldn''t be med for the oue.


    Simone hesitated-both Eleanor and Joel were the team''s brightest stars, and it was impossible to choose without showing favoritism.


    But Joel spoke up, his tone earnest. "Professor Langley, I rmend Eleanor. This is the perfect chance to showcase her research. With her new drug about tounch, she needs the public''s trust and attention."


    Simone considered this and nodded. "I agree with Joel. He''s right. Eleanor, you''ll be our speaker this time."


    Faye''s n had backfired. Her smile faltered, and there was a hint of resentment in her voice as she tried to protest. "Professor Langley, I really think-"


    "That''s settled," Simone cut her off.

 Chapter 491

    That afternoon, when Eleanor went to pick up her daughter, she spotted a familiar figure waiting by the school gates. Surprised, she hurried over and called out, "Grandma, what are you doing here?"


    For six years now, Eleanor had called Magdalen "Grandma,¡± and after all this time, it still felt natural.


    Magdalen''s face lit up as she saw her. "Ellie, there you are!"


    "Have you been waiting long?"


    "Not at all," the olddy replied with a warm smile, giving Eleanor a once-over. "You look well. Maybe a bit thinner, but you''re glowing."


    "How did you get here, Grandma?"


    "Oh, I just walked from home. I missed Evelyn and thought I''de by."


    Eleanor suddenly remembered that since Magdalen had moved to this neighborhood, she hadn''t yet invited her over for a meal. Feeling a pang of guilt, she said, "Grandma, why don''t youe over for dinner tonight?"


    Magdalen''s eyes brightened. "I''d love that! I''ve been wanting to see your ce."


    Eleanor picked up her daughter and, together with Magdalen, headed home for dinner. Joslyn, the housekeeper, quickly got busy in the kitchen.


    Magdalen settled onto the sofa, taking in Eleanor''s home. "It''s lovely. So warm and inviting¡ªjust right for you and Evelyn."


    Eleanor poured her a cup of tea. Magdalen epted it, her eyes brimming with affection. ¡°Ellie, I haven''t really had the chance to talk to you about things withn."


    Eleanor''s smile faded. She answered directly, "Grandma, I don''t want to talk about him."


    Sensing her difort, Magdalen let it go and changed the subject. "I wanted to thank you for that vase you sent me. It''s the perfectpanion to my old one- they make a beautiful pair."


    Eleanor smiled softly. "I''m d you like it, Grandma.¡±


    "It must have cost you a fortune-far too generous." Magdalen''s gratitude was obvious. Then she added, "But of course, I know you really meant it as a donation for charity."


    Knowing that Magdalen understood her intentions, Eleanor was relieved-she wouldn''t refuse the gift.


    Just then, Evelyn snuggled up beside her great-grandmother and chattered happily about her day at school, making Magdalenugh with delight.


    Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen-an iing text fromn. "Is Grandma at your ce?"


    He must have known she wouldn''t answer his call, so he''d chosen to text instead. She replied with a single word: "Yes."


    "I''lle pick her up around 8:30,"n wrote back.


    ¡°I''ll drive her home,¡± Eleanor responded, not wanting him at her house.


    "Alright," was his only reply.


    Eleanor tossed her phone aside and turned her attention back to Magdalen, chatting with her about family matters. She held no love for those who had hurt her, but she never forgot those who had shown her kindness.


    She remembered when she gave birth to Evelyn-her mother-inw was too ill to travel, yet Magdalen, despite her age, endured an eighteen-hour flight just to care for her and the baby. Eleanor would always be grateful for that.


    At dinner, Joslyn prepared a table full of dishes tailored to Magdalen''s tastes. The olddy was deeply touched. "You''re all so thoughtful."


    The meal was warm and full ofughter. After dinner, as the clock struck half past eight, Eleanor didn''t want to keep Magdalen any longer-she knew the old woman liked to turn in early.


    "Grandma, let me take you home," Eleanor said gently.


    Magdalen nodded. "Alright. And bring Evelyn to visit us whenever you can. The house feels so empty without her."


    Eleanor agreed, "I will, Grandma."


    But Magdalen knew she probably wouldn''t-Eleanor had been too deeply hurt by her grandson to make casual visits.


    It took only ten minutes for Eleanor to drive Magdalen back to the Goodwin family''s house.


    In the driveway, a sleek ck Rolls-Royce was waiting. Ian leaned against the car, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers, smoke curling in the night air.


    When Eleanor''s car came to a stop, he quickly stubbed out his cigarette and strode over, opening the back door to help his grandmother out.


    Catching the scent of smoke on him, Magdalen frowned in disapproval. "Why are you still smoking? It''s awful."


    "You never used to smoke," she scolded him.


    She made her way to Eleanor''s window. "Ellie, I won''t keep you-Evelyn''s waiting for you at home!"

 Chapter 492

    "Alright, Grandma. Goodbye."


    Magdalen nced back at her grandson, who stood there mute as ever. She huffed, "Can''t you at least show a little concern for Eleanor?"


    Back at home, Eleanor dove once more into preparations for next month''s summit speech. It felt like there was always another mountain of work waiting for her.


    But this was her element-her purpose and even when the workload was crushing, she neverined.


    Three dayster, the business news reported that Yeaton Holdings would be listed on the stock exchange that very day. Thepany''s valuation had skyrocketed from five hundred million to five billion.


    Eleanor came across the headline by ident during her lunch break, just as a message from Joy popped up on her phone.


    "Ellie, did you see the news? Word isn bought into Vanessa''s father''spany and helped them go public."


    "I saw it," Eleanor replied, sending a voice message.


    n must need his eyes checked! Rnd''spany is always skirting thew- how cann not see that? And now he''s helping them go public?"


    "That''s just business," Eleanor shot back.


    Right then, her phone rang. It was Ellington.


    "Hello, Ellington."


    "Ms. Sutton, do you have time this evening? Omnistar Dynamics'' chief engineer is in town. We''d like you to join us for dinner and a discussion about the next steps."


    Eleanor oversaw three hotels, all in the middle of upgrading to smart systems. Omnistar Dynamics was their tech partner, and with their chief engineer visiting, it was only right for her, as CEO of the Vesper Joy Group, to be there to host.


    "Of course. I''ll be at the Vesper Joy Hotel by six," she replied.


    "Great, I''ll arrange dinner for tonight."


    At four-thirty, Eleanor swung by her apartment to change. She chose an elegant beige suit, swept her hair up, and exuded a poised, professional air.


    When she arrived, Ellington was already waiting in the lobby. ¡°Ms. Sutton, Mr. Mark from Omnistar is set up in The Luminary Hall. This way, please."


    Just as they reached the elevator, Eleanor spotted a sign nearby: "Yeaton Holdings Celebration Banquet.¡±


    She stopped short, turning to Ellington. "Yeaton Holdings is holding their celebration here?"


    Ellington gave a sheepish smile. "Yes. By the time I found out, they''d already paid the deposit. Ms. Sutton, I should have told you sooner this one''s on me."


    Eleanor''s expression was calm. "It''s fine."


    Inside The Luminary Hall, Mr. Mark stood to greet her, surprising her with fluent English and a strong handshake. "Ms. Sutton, I''ve heard so much about you. It''s a pleasure to finally meet."


    She smiled. "Mr. Mark, your English is wless."


    "I spent six years working in Vandalia," Mark replied with a grin, before they all sat down to get to business.


    "We have several innovative ideas for your hotel''s smart system upgrades. I''d love to get your feedback."


    Their discussion stretched on until half past eight, when Eleanor finally rose to leave. As she reached the elevator lobby, the doors slid open with a chime-and there stoodn, sharply dressed in a tailored suit beneath the bright lights.


    Of course, he was here for Yeaton Holdings'' celebration.


    "Mr. Goodwin, you''re here for the Yeaton Holdings banquet, right? Let me show you the way," Ellington offered quickly.


    After all,n was Vesper Joy Hotel''s secondrgest shareholder.


    Butn barely nced at Ellington, his eyes locking onto Eleanor. Something about her look tonight¡ªa kind of elegant confidence-caught him off guard.


    "That won''t be necessary. I was just about to¡ª"n began, before he was interrupted.


    A sweet, flirtatious voice chimed in from behind Eleanor. n, you''re finally here! My dad''s been waiting for you!"


    Vanessa had appeared out of nowhere, standing just behind them.


    A flicker ofplicated emotion crossedn''s face. At that moment, another


    elevator door slid open. Eleanor stepped inside and nced at Ellington. "You go ahead. I''ll see myself out."

 Chapter 493

    Just as the elevator doors slid shut behind Eleanor, she heard Vanessa''sughter ring out from the lobby. "Ian,e on! Everyone''s waiting for you! Mr. Ellington, you should join us for a drink, too!"


    Eleanor caught a faint trace of Ellington''s reply. "I''ll pass, thanks. I still have work to finish."


    She made her way to the hotel entrance, where the security guard spotted her and hurried over. "Ms. Sutton."


    Eleanor nodded in greeting, then walked to the VIP parking lot beside the hotel. She slid into her car, turned on some music, and let the night breeze carry her home, savoring the solitude of the drive.


    Halfway there, her car-her faithful Porsche Cayenne of five years-suddenly sputtered and died. Eleanor nced at the dashboard, sighed, and patted the steering wheel. "Guess it''s time for a new one."


    She called a tow truck to take the car to the repair shop, then texted Ellington, asking if he could send someone to handle it in the morning.


    Ellington, always considerate, arranged for his assistant to bring a car over for her temporary use.


    That evening, Eleanor rxed at home, a soothing face mask on, lost in a novel. Her phone chimed with a new message. She checked-it was from Xavier.


    "Heard from Ellington that your car broke down. Thinking about getting a new one?" Xavier asked.


    Eleanor replied honestly, "Yeah, I''m nning to check out some options on Saturday."


    "Needpany? I know a thing or two about cars," Xavier offered.


    She politely declined. "Thanks, but I''ve already made ns with a friend." She was thinking of inviting Joy.


    "No problem. If you need any help, just let me know¡ªI''m free," Xavier replied. Eleanor smiled at his message, touched by his thoughtfulness. But as she closed her eyes, it wasn''s infuriating face that floated up in her mind. Thest time, he''d tried to use their daughter''s custody as leverage to test her feelings for Xavier-truly despicable.


    But no matter what tricksn pulled, nothing could shake Eleanor''s determination to keep custody of her daughter. Ifn wanted to take her child away, he''d have to do it over her dead body.


    Another week passed in its steady rhythmmuting between home and theb. The final rounds of testing went smoothly, with promising results in the animal trials. Eleanor felt confident in the research; after all, the data spoke for itself.


    On Friday night, she confirmed ns with Joy to go car shopping the next morning. Eleanor had decided: it was time for a Bentley.


    Early Saturday, Joy rolled up in her Mercedes to pick up Eleanor and her daughter, Evelyn. Joslyn joined them for the outing.


    At the Bentley showroom, the sales manager greeted them warmly. "Good morning,dies. Is there a particr model you''d like to see today?"


    "We''ll just have a look around first," Joy replied.


    Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, glinting off polished chrome. Eleanor wandered hand-in-hand with Evelyn, the sales manager beaming as he walked alongside, ready with details whenever Eleanor paused to inspect a car.


    Passing a deep blue Bentley Continental GT, the manager couldn''t help but gush, "This one matches your style perfectly, miss. Would you like to take it for a spin?"


    Eleanor smiled, shaking her head. "I need something for school runs. Not considering a sports car."


    Just then, Evelyn pointed at a white SUV. "Mommy, that one''s pretty!"


    Eleanor followed her daughter''s gaze-it was a Bentley Bentayga, the same model she''d been eyeing online.


    The manager caught the spark in Eleanor''s eyes andunched into a thorough rundown of the car''s features. "This Bentaygaes with thetest engine technology-zero to sixty in just 4.5 seconds. It also has the most advanced child safety seat system on the market."


    Eleanor ran her fingers along the sleek white exterior, then knelt beside her daughter. "Evelyn, do you really like this one?"


    "I do! Mr. Vaughn drives the same kind!" Evelyn chirped.


    Eleanor led her inside for a closer look. Seeing the delight on Evelyn''s face, her decision was made.


    At that moment, a familiar, elegant figure stepped through the showroom doors. Eleanor looked up, stunned.


    Xavier? What was he doing here?


    "Mr. Vaughn!" Evelyn called out, her voice ringing across the marble floor.


    Joy shot Eleanor a knowing nce; if she''d known Xavier would be here, she might''ve stayed home.


    Eleanor, still a little dazed, knew that she and Xavier hadn''t nned to meet here.


    "Mr. Vaughn, are you here to help Eleanor pick out a car?" Joy asked politely.


    Xavier nced at Eleanor, clearly a bit embarrassed, but he managed an easy smile. "I''m just here for a service appointment, and thought I''d check out the new models. Didn''t expect to run into you all."


    What a coincidence. Joy looked between them-had they really not coordinated this in advance?


    They hadn''t. Though now Eleanor remembered Ellington had asked her, while handling the old car, what she wanted next-and she''d casually mentioned a Bentley. Had Xavier heard it from Ellington? Or was it truly just happenstance? "Mr. Vaughn, you know each other?" the manager asked, surprised.


    "Yes, Miss Sutton''s a good friend of mine," Xavier said, putting a little extra emphasis on "good." The manager immediately understood and turned an even warmer smile on Eleanor.


    Xavier took in the Bentayga Eleanor had chosen. "Excellent taste. This one suits you."


    He could already picture Eleanor behind the wheel-confident, stylish,pletely in her element.


    "Eleanor, you should have Mr. Vaughn join you for the test drive. We''ll watch Evelyn," Joy suggested.


    Eleanor had to admit, having a man along for the ride might make her feel morefortable. She nced at Xavier, but before she could ask, he smiled. ¡°I''d be honored."


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied.


    The manager quickly arranged the paperwork. Joy took Evelyn''s hand. "Let''s go check out the kids'' area, Evelyn."


    "Okay!" Evelyn agreed cheerfully.


    The test drive car eased out of the dealership. In a nearby parking spot, another Bentley came to a halt. The driver hadn''t even shut off the engine before spotting Eleanor and Xavier together in the test car.

 Chapter 494

    At first, Henry thought his eyes were ying tricks on him. He blinked, but no, he hadn''t imagined it-Eleanor and Xavier really were sitting together in a test drive


    car.


    From the backseat of Henry''s own car, Vanessa and Faye had noticed them as well. They were at the dealership today to help Faye pick out a new car.


    "Xavier sure is attentive to Eleanor! Do you think he''s buying her a new set of wheels?" Vanessa teased, folding her arms as she looked at Henry.


    Henry shook his head. "I have no idea. Come on, let''s go check out that Continental GT-the blue one would look great on you, Faye."


    By now, Eleanor''s test drive had already started, and Henry led Vanessa and Faye into the showroom to browse.


    Faye was in high spirits about getting a new car, but seeing Eleanor just now had dampened her mood. Who would''ve thought they''d both end up choosing the same brand?


    Inside the test drive car, Eleanor focused intently on how the car handled, while Xavier sat in the passenger seat, asionally offering professional suggestions.


    Eleanor was more than satisfied with the car''s performance, and as she concentrated on the road ahead, Xavier couldn''t help but be drawn to her. Just being close to her felt like a gift.


    On the way back, Xavier admitted honestly that he''d asked Ellington where she''d be today. He said he''d only hoped to run into her, never expecting he actually would.


    Eleanor''s breath caught for a moment. She turned to Xavier, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you for looking out for me, Xavier."


    "It''s nothing," Xavier replied with a gentle smile.


    The dealership manager, sitting in the back, quickly picked up on the chemistry between them. Discreetly, he kept silent, determined to fade into the background.


    Eleanor drove back to the dealership and she and Xavier discussed their impressions of the car as they got out. As soon as they stepped back inside, they spotted Henry, Vanessa, and Faye, who were about to go for their own test drive.


    "Xavier! What a coincidence. I didn''t expect to see you car shopping too," Vanessa greeted them with a bright smile.


    Henry nced at Eleanor. Ever since he''d privately warned her offst time, she''d grown a good deal colder toward him. Still, Henry took the initiative. "Miss Sutton," he said in greeting.


    Eleanor nodded, ignoring the other two, and turned to Xavier. "You all go ahead and chat. I''ll be over there."


    Behind her, Vanessa called out yfully, "So, Xavier, when are we getting our wedding invite?"


    Xavier''s expression froze for a second, his face turning cool. Henry interjected, "Vanessa, Xavier and Eleanor are just friends."


    "Faye, go take that test drive. Your sister and I will be right here," Henry said, ushering Faye toward the sales manager.


    Faye nodded and followed the manager out.


    "I''ll catch up with youter," Xavier said to Henry before heading off.


    Sensing Xavier''s coldness, Vanessa let the matter drop. Still, it was obvious- Xavier was fiercely protective of Eleanor.


    Henry watched Xavier walk toward the VIP office and turned to Vanessa.


    "Vanessa, stop making jokes about Eleanor and Xavier."


    Vanessa gave him a knowing look. "Seems like you and Xavier aren''t as close as


    you used to be. Eleanor really is something, isn''t she?"


    Just then, Henry''s phone rang. He nced at the screen. "It''sn."


    "Pick up-let''s see what he wants. But don''t mention I''m with you," Vanessa said,


    taking a few steps away.


    Henry answered, "Hey,n."


    "Mr. Brown''s hosting a dinner tonight-he wants the three of us there. Can you tell Xavier?"n said on the other end.


    "Oh, Xavier''s right here with me," Henry replied.


    "You''re together?"n sounded surprised.


    "At the Bentley dealership. He''s here with Eleanor, helping her look at cars,"


    Henry said, choosing his words carefully.


    "Really? Did she buy one?"n asked, his tone unchanged.


    "She just finished her test drive. Xavier''s with her, sorting out the paperwork." The message was clear enough, even without spelling it out.


    Xavier was buying Eleanor a Bentley.


    There was a long pause on the other end-Henry could almost hearn''s sharp intake of breath.


    He moved to a quieter spot and lowered his voice. n, if you''re still considering


    "Mr. Holt!" a child''s voice called out.


    Henry looked up, surprised. "Evelyn? You''re here too?"


    "Yep! I''m here with Mom and Mr. Vaughn to look at cars," Evelyn beamed, her round cheeks rosy.


    Henry spoke into the phone. "Ian, Evelyn''s here. Want to talk to her?"


    "Are you talking to my dad?" Evelyn asked, excited.


    Henry put the phone on speaker and set it on the table. Evelyn leaned forward and called out, "Daddy!"


    "Evelyn!"n''s voice was suddenly warm and full ofughter.


    "Daddy, Mom just bought a new car. It''s so pretty!"


    "That''s wonderful, sweetheart. As long as your mom''s happy."


    "Daddy, I''m going to find Mom now, so I''ll talk to youter!" Evelyn nced around, spotting Eleanor in the distance, with Joy and Joslyn waiting for her.


    "Alright, goodbye."


    "Bye, Daddy!" Evelyn said, then turned to Henry. "I''m going to find Mom."


    "Your mom should be over by the VIP office," Henry told her.


    Joy took Evelyn''s hand and led her away. Henry picked up the phone, intending to


    say something more, butn had already hung up.


    He let out a sigh. He''d been about to say something ton, but Evelyn had interrupted.


    Then again, even if he had said it,n probably wouldn''t have listened. Now that another of his friends was openly pursuing Eleanor, it was hard to imaginen trying again. He was never the kind of man to back down or be easily tamed. Henry looked up, catching a glimpse of Vanessa''s elegant silhouette through the floor-to-ceiling windows. In that moment, he felt both envious and admiring of Xavier-because Xavier had something Henry had alwayscked: the courage to go after what he truly wanted.

 Chapter 495

    Vanessa strolled over to Henry''s side, catching him as he tucked his phone away, his gaze fixed on the VIP suite. Through the ss, she could see Eleanor deep in conversation with the sales manager.


    "Henry, what are you staring at?" Vanessa nudged him, following his line of sight. A flicker of jealousy shed in her eyes as she teased, "Don''t tell me you''ve fallen for Eleanor''s charm too!"


    Henry quickly averted his gaze, scolding her with mock annoyance. "Don''t be ridiculous."


    "Oh,e on. Isn''t that the type men like? The cool, intellectual type who''s always got her nose in a book?" Vanessa pressed, her tone light but probing.


    Henry didn''t rise to the bait. Instead, he locked eyes with her. "You really don''t know what''s on my mind?"


    Vanessa froze, her yful mood fading. She nced at her watch, changing the subject. "Where on earth is Faye? She''s been gone forever."


    Henry saw her sidestep the question and hesitated, then reached out and pped her gently on the shoulder. "Vanessa, actually, I¡ª"


    She cut him off abruptly. "What didn want with you just now?"


    Whatever Henry had been about to say died on his lips. He withdrew his hand, stuffing it into his pocket. "Mr. Brown invited me and Xavier out for dinner tonight. Wantedn to pass along the message."


    "Typical. The three of you never miss a dinner invitation. Everyone knows you''re thick as thieves," Vanessa said with a half-smile.


    Henry let out a resignedugh. "Yeah. I hope we stay that close for the rest of our lives."


    Inside the VIP room, Eleanor signed the final document and looked up at Xavier. "Thank you for everything today."


    Xavier, however, looked a little put out. Just moments ago, when it was time to pay, he''d tried to hand over his card, only for Eleanor to stop him.


    He''d really wanted to buy this car for her, even if he knew Eleanor hardly needed the money. Ian had already set her up for life-she could do nothing and still never run out. Technically, that fortune was meant forn''s daughter, Evelyn, but Eleanor had full control over it now.


    "If you really want to thank me, just take me out for dinner sometime," Xavier said, only half-joking.


    Eleanor blinked in surprise, thenughed. "Deal. My treat."


    Xavier grinned. "I''ll hold you to that. No backing out."


    She smiled. "Wouldn''t dream of it. But you''ll have to work around my schedule.¡±


    "I know, I know. Wouldn''t want to interrupt your busy life," Xavier replied.


    After Eleanor finished the paperwork, she was told she could pick up the car in three days. As she stepped out, she saw Faye returning from her test drive, clearly happy with her choice.


    Faye chatted with Vanessa and Henry about how smooth the drive was. As she turned, she spotted Eleanor and her grouping out. Faye arched an eyebrow; she''d once envied Eleanor for her staggering eight-billion-dor inheritance. But now, with her own father''spany going public and her family''s worth skyrocketing, things had changed. She and Vanessa were the only daughters. Vanessa would eventually marryn, making her even wealthier, while Faye would inherit the Yeaton fortune herself. She''d have more money than she could ever spend and like Eleanor, she''d be the heiress to a powerful family.


    "All set?" Henry called over.


    Xavier nodded. "Yep, we''ll head out first."


    "Goodbye, Mrs. Shannon. Goodbye, Mr. Holt." Evelyn, snuggled in Joy''s arms, waved her tiny hand politely.


    Vanessa waved back, her voice gentle. "Bye, little Evelyn!"


    Joslyn hadn''t seen Vanessa in ages. She used to think that Vanessa''s vivaciousness had outshone her, making her seem too quiet and reserved byparison. But now, she saw it differently-Eleanor''s allure ran deeper. She was not only beautiful but a renowned scientist, and that was something Joslyn truly admired.


    Eleanor and Xavier went their separate ways. Eleanor took her daughter Joslyn and rode with Joy back home, stopping at a nearby bistro for lunch. By the time they got home, it was already three in the afternoon. Eleanor carried her sleeping daughter inside and tucked her in for a nap.


    Joslyn went to rest as well, but Eleanor, though tired, didn''t pause. She made herself a cup of coffee and retreated to her study to work.


    Soon, Simone called with news: the ethicsmittee had approved the clinical trial application, and the final prep meeting was scheduled for Monday. Simone also sent over the first batch of participant profiles. As Eleanor scanned the list, one name jumped out: Mabel-the desperate mother she''d met before, with two young children.


    Eleanor''s heart tightened. She''d felt so much empathy for Mabel before, and now she was one of their trial subjects. Eleanor''s fingers curled unconsciously. To these patients, her drug was theirst hope.


    She stared at the files until fatigue overtook her. Sinking onto the sofa in her study, she closed her eyes and drifted into a light nap.


    Monday morning, Eleanor arrived at theb, running a bitte. Hugging a stack of files, she hurried toward the conference room. Suddenly, as she rounded a corner near the restrooms, someone stepped out, and she nearly collided with him, her shoulder bumping his arm.


    "I''m so sorry!" she blurted out, not yet seeing who it was.


    "No problem," came a low, familiar voice.


    Eleanor spun aroundn was looking right at her.


    She ducked her head and sped toward the conference room. A few minutester,n entered too. Simone vacated the seat at the head of the table for him, but he waved her off and pulled out the chair beside Eleanor instead.


    "Alright, let''s get started," Simone announced. "As the lead for the new clinical trial, I''ll be overseeing the project."


    The air conditioning sent a cool breeze through the room. Ian caught a faint trace of jasmine in the air-the same shampoo Eleanor had always used, unchanged after six years.


    n, do you have any suggestions?" Simone asked.


    Hisments made Eleanor knit her brows. How didn know so much about this? Had he been studying medicine? Or had he picked it up somewhere along the way?


    Simone nodded thoughtfully. "Good point,n. We''ll make sure to n those details carefully and strengthen the safeguards."

 Chapter 496

    The meeting wrapped up an hourter. Eleanor hurried out of theb and made her way back to her office, ready to start drafting her proposal.


    She''d barely settled in whenn appeared, leaning casually against her office doorway instead ofing inside.


    "Heard you got a new car?" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.


    Eleanor ignored him, fingers flying over the keyboard.


    "Let me guess-Xavier gave it to you?"n narrowed his eyes, pressing further.


    She finally looked up, her gaze cool. "Yeah, and so what? I can ept gifts from whoever I please."


    "So, are you serious about Xavier?" His voice was rough, almost strained.


    Eleanor gave a sharp littleugh. "What business is it of yours?"


    He straightened, tone going cold. "You''re right. It''s none of my business."


    With that,n stepped back, tugged at his tie, and slipped back into his usual distant, icy demeanor.


    Finally, Eleanor had her peace and could get back to work. She knew exactly what that look onn''s face meant. He wasn''t over it-not over the fact that the woman who used to be utterly devoted to him now acted as if he didn''t exist.


    "Professor Langley, could you send me a daily report on this patient''s trial results?" he requested.


    Simone looked at him in surprise. "Ian, do you know someone with leukemia?"


    With a brief nod, he turned and left.


    The following week was a blur of preparation as everyone waited for the new drug''s approval. Eleanor shadowed Simone, meticulously tracking and recording each participant''s progress.


    Amidst the chaos, Eleanor was also preparing her speech for the August medical summit.


    With the start of summer break, Eleanor had signed Evelyn up for a three-day-a- week summer program at school. Evelyn loved it-she thrived on the creative activities and lively atmosphere.


    Eleanor promised herself that as soon as this hectic period ended, she''d take Evelyn on a trip before school started again in September.


    That afternoon, after wrapping up reports with Simone, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. Expecting a work message, she nced at the screen, only to see a text from Mansfield Ellington.


    "Eleanor, there''s a packageing your way today. Make sure someone''s home to receive it."


    She blinked in surprise. Had he sent her a gift?


    "What did you send?" Eleanor replied, curiosity piqued.


    "Can''t say. Top secret," came Mansfield''s teasing response.


    "Oh,e on. Tell me!" she pressed.


    "It''s actually not for you," he admitted.


    Eleanor paused, caught off guard. "Then who''s it for?"


    "It''s for Evelyn."


    That took her by surprise. Mansfield had sent a present for her daughter? "If you won''t tell me, I''ll just refuse the delivery," she threatened yfully.


    "Don''t! Fireflies don''t like being shut in too long," he replied immediately.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but smile, warmth filling her chest. "Thank you, that''s really thoughtful of you. Evelyn will absolutely love it."


    "I''ve been keeping them in an eco-friendly ss terrarium. They shouldst about a month," he exined.


    It wasn''t an expensive gift, but it was thoughtful and heartfelt. Eleanor could already picture Evelyn''s delight when she saw it.


    "Thank you. Next time you''re back in town, dinner''s on me," Eleanor promised. She honestly didn''t know how else to repay him.


    "Deal! I''m off the first of October."


    "Perfect. I''ll get back to work for now, but we''ll make ns when you''re here." "Sounds good. I''ll let you get back to it," Mansfield replied, leaving her to her tasks.


    Eleanor remembered how, after theirst visit, Evelyn had asked several times where she could catch fireflies. She never imagined Mansfield would go out of his way to send her some.


    That evening, not long after Eleanor got home, the delivery arrived a beautifully crafted ss terrarium filled with a dozen glowing fireflies, their tails twinkling like tiny stars. The living room looked almost magical.


    When Joslyn brought Evelyn home, the little girl gasped, pping a hand over her mouth in amazement. "Mom, are those fireflies? Are they really for me?"


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. "Yes, they are. Mr. Ellington sent them especially for you."


    Evelyn pressed her face close to the ss, eyes shining. "Wow, they''re so pretty!"


    As dusk fell, they left the lights off in the living room, letting the soft flicker of the fireflies fill the room with their gentle glow.


    Later, after a shower, Eleanor came downstairs to find Evelyn using Joslyn''s phone for a video call withn.


    "Daddy, look! I want to show you my fireflies. Mr. Ellington caught them for me and sent them all the way from the research base!"


    "Really? Do you like them?"n''s deep voice sounded softer than usual.


    Eleanor stiffened at the sound.


    Evelyn nodded enthusiastically. "I love them, Daddy. They''re amazing."


    "If you''d like, I''ll take you to see even more fireflies someday,"n promised,ughter in his voice.


    Evelyn''s eyes lit up. "Really? You have to take Mom and me together, okay?" Just then, Evelyn nced over her shoulder and noticed Eleanor standing behind her. She swung the camera around. "Daddy, look-Mom''s here too!"


    Eleanor, fresh from the shower and dressed in a camisole nightgown, was caught off guard by the sudden attention. She quickly moved out of the frame. "Evelyn, time to get ready for bed."


    "Okay! Bye, Daddy!" Evelyn ended the call, then turned back to observe her fireflies in fascination.


    Meanwhile, in the executive suite at Goodwin & Co.,n stared at the now-dark phone screen, his long fingers absently tracing its edge. A shadow flickered across his face as he swallowed hard, lost in thought.


    Just then, his new assistant came in a young woman in a crisp white blouse and pencil skirt, fresh from her promotion. She''d unbuttoned her shirt just enough to show a hint of skin, her eyes sharp as she sized upn''s solitary figure on the sofa, sensing the quiet loneliness that clung to him.


    "Mr. Goodwin, would you like a massage to help you rx?" she offered sweetly.


    "Leave,"n said, his voice cold as steel.


    She flinched, fumbling to button her blouse as her cheeks flushed crimson. She made a hasty exit, leavingn alone with his thoughts and the silent, empty room.

 Chapter 497

    That night, the assistant received a termination letter-she wouldn''t need to show up for work tomorrow.


    She''d pulled every string and yed every card to climb her way into the executive office, hoping her looks would catchn''s eye. Her n was simple: seduce him, be his office lover, and secure her position at the top.


    But things didn''t go her way. She''d barely found a chance to get close ton before he dismissed her without a hint of mercy.


    When she received the termination papers, her mind went nk for a few seconds. She remembered the wayn had looked at her earlier a flicker of desire, or so she thought. That look had given her hope, made her believe she had a shot.


    But, in the end, she just wasn''t whatn was looking for. She''d have to chalk it up to bad luck.


    ***


    Byte July, Meridian Dynamics looked imposing in the morning light. A sleek Bentley pulled into the parking lot, and Faye stepped out, dressed in a designer gown. As she locked her car and started toward the entrance, a voice called out behind her.


    "Faye."


    She froze, her eyes narrowing in surprise. Turning around, she saw Horace approaching, hands in his pockets, his gaze lingering appreciatively.


    "Horace?" Faye feigned surprise. "What are you doing here?"


    His eyes traveled over the car, and he nodded in admiration. "That''s a hell of a ride, Faye. Suits you."


    If anyone else hadplimented her like that, Faye would''ve enjoyed it. Buting from Horace, she tensed. She knew he wasn''t here for small talk.


    "I heard you''re working at a dealership now. How''s that going?" she asked, her tone soft but distant.


    Horace gave a rueful smile. "I''m not exactly a top salesperson. Not making much money."


    His attempt to gain her sympathy only made Faye ufortable. Her fingers tightened around her car keys.


    "Don''t get discouraged," she offered, trying to sound supportive. "I''m sure you''ll find your niche."


    Horace hesitated, then got to the point. "Actually, Faye, I was hoping you could help me. I heard your dad''spany went public, and he''s got a big stake in medical equipment. I want to work for him-do you think you could put in a good word for me?"


    Faye''s expression cooled. "Horace, you know I never get involved in my father''s business. I probably can''t help."


    "You''re the only daughter of the Yeaton family. Thepany will be yours someday¡ªyou must have some influence, right? Please, Faye. After all, back when we "


    She cut him off sharply. "Horace, let''s not dig up the past." Then, with a forced smile, she added, "I can arrange for you to have an interview, but if you want to make it in my dad''spany, you''ll have to prove yourself."


    Horace was momentarily stunned, then managed a weak smile. He knew he was asking for a lot, and Faye had always been out of his league anyway.


    "That''s all I can hope for¡ªjust a shot at the interview," he conceded, his eyes lingering on her wless features. "You really do look the part of a heiress now."


    His scrutiny made Faye''s skin crawl. She nced at her watch. "I''ll let you know about the interview," she said briskly. Then, trying to soften the blow, she added, "With your abilities, I''m sure you''ll make something of yourself."


    Horace perked up at her encouragement. "Faye, if I get in, I''ll work my hardest. One day, when I''ve made something of myself, maybe we could-"


    She folded her arms, her tone slightly mocking. "Maybe we could what?"


    Horace faltered. He''d always felt inferior to Faye, even before her family''s fortune skyrocketed. Now that she was a bona fide heiress, he hardly dared dream.


    Still, he clung to the hope that, one day, he might stand beside her father, be his right-hand man. Maybe then, just maybe, he could be worthy of Faye.


    "N-Nothing. I just mean I''ll do my best at your father''spany. You should get going," he stammered, then, curiosity getting the better of him, added, "Are you stillpeting with Eleanor?"


    Faye had just turned away but stopped at his words. Her eyes shed coldly. "What, you think I can''t measure up to her?"


    Horace hurriedly shook his head. "Of course not. I know your research skills are top-notch, too."


    Faye had heard enough. She strode toward the towering ss doors of Meridian Dynamics. Horace watched her disappear inside, regret flickering in his eyes.


    He knew he could join another research team, but after what happenedst time, his reputation was shot. In this field, he''d be just another face in theb, with no chance to rise through the ranks.


    Getting into Yeaton Holdings was his best bet. Rumor had it evenn had invested in thepany-if a billionaire like him saw its potential, the future there had to be bright.


    Inside her office, Faye watched from the window as Horace finally walked away. She breathed a sigh of relief, thinking of the longing in his eyes. The idea that he still dreamed of a future with her was almostughable.


    A man who couldn''t recognize his own limits, who needed her help just to get by -how could she ever take him seriously?


    There was only one man she considered marriage material: Joel.


    But Joel''s world revolved around his research, and in his heart, Eleanor would alwayse first, even if she''d never given him the time of day.

 Chapter 498

    Faye knew she''d have to find the right moment to make Joel see the truth: pouring all his energy into Eleanor would never bring him the happiness he hoped


    for.


    August arrived, and with it, the annual National Medical Summit¡ªa major event held at the city''s mostvish downtown convention center.


    The gathering drew not only top minds from across the country but also a host of international guests from the medical field.


    That morning, Eleanor dropped her daughter off at a summer enrichment program, then headed straight to the convention center.


    She was dressed in a pale blue blouse tucked neatly into a high-waisted gray pencil skirt. Today, she wore silver-framed sses-just for style, not prescription -and swept her long hair into a sleek low bun. Simple pearl studs adorned her ears, lending her an air of understated professionalism and poise.


    Backstage, Eleanor was busy reviewing her presentation, fingers gliding expertly across her tablet as she double-checked every slide and data point.


    "Andie, her assistant, poked her head in. ''Eleanor, ten minutes to go.""


    Eleanor nodded, focused. Just then, Gwenda strode in from the doorway and sidled up to her. "Guess who I spotted in the crowd?" she whispered.


    "No time for guessing games," Eleanor replied, her eyes never leaving the screen.


    Gwenda grinned, undeterred. "Alright, I''ll just tell you: Joel, Faye, Mr. Vaughn, Mr. Goodwin...and Vanessa." She lowered her voice conspiratorially on thest name, eyeing Eleanor for a reaction. Would Vanessa''s presence throw her off?


    But Eleanor didn''t even blink. "You don''t need to keep me updated on these things, Gwenda," she said, straightening up and ncing at her.


    Gwenda flushed, embarrassed by her own nosiness. "Right, sorry. I''ll keep it to myself next time."


    Eleanor''s phone chimed with a message from Xavier: Are you ready? I''m waiting at the front can''t wait to see you shine.


    Ready as I''ll ever be, she texted back. Thank you.


    The ten minutes flew by.


    Eleanor had spoken at conferences before, but this was her first time representing theb as keynote speaker at the country''s most prestigious medical summit.


    When the host called her name, she walked up the steps with unhurried confidence.


    In the front row,n sat in a charcoal suit, eyes fixed intently on her. Xavier, in the second row, couldn''t hide his admiration when he saw her take the stage.


    Eleanor''s outfit highlighted her graceful figure, the silver sses adding a touch of intellect and elegance, a perfect blend of sophistication and quiet allure.


    Vanessa, notably, wasn''t sitting with Xavier this time. She was further back, sharing a row with Faye. Only the most distinguished deans and research directors had seats up front.


    "Now, please wee Ms. Eleanor, Senior Research Fellow at Ashford Medical University, to present hertest findings on leukemia research," the host announced.


    Apuse filled the auditorium. Eleanor stood under the spotlight,posed and focused, her eyes shining with the intelligence of a true schr.


    Vanessa smoothed a hand over her perfectly styled hair and pressed her lips together, feeling a surge of irritation. Was Eleanor showcasing her charm on purpose today? She wasn''t just radiating academic authority-she was making the most of her presence on stage.


    Faye''s mood soured as well. Watching Eleanormand the room only reminded her of her own struggles with public speaking. Instinctively, she nced at Joel, catching the slight lift of his lips and the open admiration in his eyes. Faye''s hands clenched tighter in herp.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, today I''m honored to share our team''stest breakthrough" Eleanor''s voice was clear and captivating as she guided the audience through her research. In the front rows, several distinguished professors leaned in, whispering excitedly to one another.


    One elderly gentleman even removed his reading sses to polish them, eager not to miss a single detail from Eleanor''s slides.


    Meanwhile,n absentmindedly tapped his fingers on the armrest, gaze lingering on the ss Eleanor had just sipped from. He tugged at his tie, lost in thought.


    Xavier, in the second row, grabbed his water bottle and drained half of it in one


    go.


    After half an hour, Eleanor wrapped up her talk to a wave of apuse, which had scarcely begun to fade when someone in the audience stood up. A staff member handed over a bouquet, and Xavier-tall andposed-stepped onto the stage.


    Eleanor was gathering her notes when she looked up and saw Xavier approaching with the flowers. She froze, momentarily stunned.


    He offered her the bouquet. "That was a brilliant presentation. These are for you."


    The hall erupted in a round of good-natured cheers and teasing, especially from the younger med students eager to join in the fun.


    A flush crept up Eleanor''s ears as she epted the flowers, her smile lighting up the stage. "Thank you."


    no one could guess what was going through the mind of this famously inscrutable business magnate.

 Chapter 499

    On stage, Eleanor stepped down, cradling a bouquet of champagne-colored roses in her arms. Xavier walked beside her, the two of them making their way


    backstage together.


    From the wings, Gwenda and her coworker Valery¡ªboth part of the event staff¡ª watched Eleanor and Xavier disappear behind the curtains. Gwenda, always one for gossip, cast a quick nce atn, seated in the front row.


    "Is Mr. Vaughn actually seeing Eleanor now? Is this their way of going public?" Valery, barely able to contain her excitement, whispered. Having once worked in Juliette Grayson''sb, she felt more than a little fondness for Xavier, her former boss. She sincerely hoped he would finally win the woman''s heart.


    Gwenda lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Who knows, maybe they''ve been together for a while now. It wouldn''t be hard for Eleanor to marry into a wealthy family again."


    Valery nodded eagerly. "Yes, I hope so too. They''d make a great couple."


    Backstage, Eleanor handed Xavier a cup of coffee. "One of the staff brought this over-thought you could use a little pick-me-up."


    Xavier took the coffee from her, his gaze lingering on her soft, natural makeup and ssic ensemble. She moved with an effortless grace, looking every bit the embodiment of timeless elegance.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone chimed. She nced at the message; it was from Simone at the front desk, reminding her about a luncheon after the conference, where President Maxwell and several renowned medical experts would be present.


    Eleanor quickly replied, "Of course, Professor Langley."


    Xavier took a sip of the coffee, then praised her, "Your talk today was fantastic. I hope to see you speaking at the Global Medical Summit one day."


    A smile lit up Eleanor''s face. "That would be a dreame true."


    Xavier''s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, imagining how dazzling she would be when that day arrived-so remarkable that few would dare meet her gaze. But above all, he genuinely wished to see her seed, for her own sake.


    "Would you like to grab lunch together?" Xavier invited.


    Eleanor nced at her wristwatch and offered an apologetic smile. "I''m so sorry- Professor Langley asked me to join their lunch. I''ll have to eat with them this time."


    Xavier nodded in understanding. With so many leaders in medical science gathered here, it was only natural for them to connect.


    "No worries. Another time, then," he said.


    "And I still owe you a meal, remember? Next time, it''s on me," Eleanor promised with augh.


    Xavier''s eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Anytime. I''ll be waiting."


    Eleanor truly appreciated Xavier''s thoughtful gesture with the flowers. Unliken''s cold indifference, Xavier always made her feel like basking in a gentle spring breeze.


    "They''re beautiful. Thank you," she said, looking at the bouquet.


    "I''m d you like them." Xavier''s smile was warm.


    The conference ended at half past eleven. Carrying her flowers, Eleanor emerged from backstage. Gwenda hurried up to her. "Eleanor, are you heading to lunch with Professor Langley and the others? Give me your flowers-I''ll find a vase for them back at the office."


    "Thank you, Gwenda." Eleanor shed her a grateful smile.


    "Don''t mention it." Gwenda took the bouquet, watching as Eleanor joined Professor Langley and the rest of the distinguished group.


    A few rows back, Faye watched Eleanor''s retreating figure, a flicker of jealousy passing through her eyes. Just moments ago, everyone who left the hall together was a heavyweight in the medical field-each one a household name.


    And now Eleanor had managed to break into that inner circle. How could Faye not be envious?


    Turning, she noticed Joel still seated, typing a message on his phone. A calcting look shed in her eyes. She called out deliberately, "Joel, why aren''t you joining Professor Langley and the others for lunch?"


    "I have other things to do," Joel replied curtly.


    But Faye suspected he''d simply been left out and couldn''t help voicing her indignation. "Even Eleanor gets to dine with President Maxwell and the top brass. Seems like Professor Langley and Dr. Lyman are ying favorites."


    Joel frowned and turned to look at her. "Faye, don''t stir up trouble. Professor


    Langley did invite me, but I really do have something else to take care of."


    "You don''t have to exin-I get it," Faye replied, unconvinced. She was sure Joel hadn''t been invited at all.


    "Faye, if you''re trying toe between Eleanor and me, don''t bother." Joel stood and walked away.


    The truth was, he genuinely had to decline Simone''s invitation.


    Watching Joel''s departing figure, Faye bit her lip before standing to wait for Vanessa at the door. There, she spotted Gwenda carrying the bouquet-Xavier''s gift to Eleanor.


    "Gwenda, isn''t that Eleanor''s bouquet?" Faye asked, arms crossed.


    "She went to lunch, so I''m taking it back to the office for her," Gwenda replied.


    Faye''s lips curled into a mocking smile. "You two are colleagues, yet Eleanor treats you like her assistant."


    Gwenda''s cheeks flushed. "That''s not true, Faye!"


    Faye''s expression was unapologetic, her tone dripping with disdain. "I''m just calling it like I see it."


    Valery tugged Gwenda away. "Come on, Gwenda. Let''s go. We''re not in her league anyway."


    Gwenda ignored Faye and left with Valery.

 Chapter 500

    Behind her, Faye bit her lip. Not long ago, Gwenda used to bend over backwards to please her. Now, though, Gwenda seemed to orbit around Eleanor-clearly, Eleanor had her own way of winning people over.


    Even someone as dense as Callie seemed fiercely loyal to her these days.


    Vanessa returned from the restroom, her purse slung over her shoulder. Spotting Faye, she called out, "Have you seenn around?"


    Faye shook her head. "No, haven''t seen him. Didn''t you find him out there?"


    ¡°He''s not at his table. Guess he must''ve stepped out," Vanessa replied, sounding a little disappointed. She nced at her watch. "Let''s go grab something to eat."


    Meanwhile, Eleanor, Simone, and the rest of the group climbed into a small shuttle van that dropped them off at the entrance of a nearby hotel.


    As Eleanor stepped out, she spotted Principal Maxwell emerging fromn''s car. The two men wereughing, deep in conversation.


    A strange feeling tightened in Eleanor''s chest. She had a hunch about what wasing.


    Following Simone, Eleanor trailed behind six distinguished professors as they entered the hotel lobby.


    Her intuition proved correct. Principal Maxwell ppedn on the shoulder and announced, "It''sn''s treat tonight. It''s not often we''re all together like this-let''s make the most of it and catch up."


    Eleanor kept to the back of the group as the elevator arrived. Everyone squeezed inside, and when Eleanor stepped inst, she realized just how crowded it was.n stood right at the front, his gaze flickering toward her.


    There was still space, technically, but if she got in now, she''d be practically pressed against him.


    She hesitated at the threshold. "Come on, Eleanor!" Simone called, beckoning her in.


    As Eleanor stepped forward, the elevator let out a warning beep. Suddenly, a strong arm blocked the door, while another hand took her wrist and pulled her inside.


    She stumbled, colliding withn''s chest. Her whole body tensed as she quickly pulled away, elbowing Professor Vinson-an older gentleman with silver hair-by ident.


    "I''m so sorry, Professor Vinson," she apologized at once.


    "Don''t worry about it," he said kindly, shifting to give her more space.


    Now she was standing almost shoulder-to-shoulder withn, her posture ramrod straight, his clean cedar scent filling the air between them and making it hard to breathe.


    When they reached the sixth floor, Eleanor was the first to step out, holding the elevator doors open for the others. Once everyone had exited, she and Simone brought up the rear, following the group into a spacious, elegantly decorated private dining room.


    Principal Maxwell was given the seat of honor, the professors found their ces in turn, and finally, Eleanor andn-being the youngest-sat at the end of the table.


    Eleanor''s expression was a bit stiff, whilen seemed perfectly at ease.


    When it came time to order, Simone handed the task to Eleanor, who took the menu and focused on making selections. The professors chatted among themselves as she ced the orders. Ian took the menu after her, adding a few dishes and, at the end, requesting a dessert.


    Principal Maxwell looked over at Eleanor with genuine approval. "Eleanor, we were just talking about your research earlier. You''re a real rising star."


    "Eleanor''s talent is obvious to all of us. The medicalmunity needs more people like her," Simone added warmly.


    "You tter me," Eleanor replied modestly.


    "Her aplishments don''t stop there," another professor chimed in. "She''s the


    pioneer behind thistest breakthrough!"


    "This field has great promise," Dr. ke said, smiling. "If you need technical support down the line, ourb would be happy to help."


    "Thank you, Professor ke," Eleanor said sincerely.


    The food began to arrive, and conversation drifted to lighter topics. Eleanor, as the junior at the table, listened attentively.


    Soon, a server appeared with a delicate dessert, unsure where to ce it. Ian nodded in Eleanor''s direction. "For her."


    It wasn''t hard for the server to guess the older professors hardly looked like they''d go for something sweet.


    After the dessert was set down in front of her, Eleanor''s expression turned even more rigid. She hadn''t ordered this.


    "Try it. It''s not sweet, just a hint of cocoa,"n said quietly.


    Only those who''d brought someone here before would know this dessert was rich but barely sweet.


    "I don''t want it," Eleanor replied, pushing the te back toward him, her face openly rejecting the offer.


    He stood, raising his ss. "Thank you all foring tonight. Let me offer a toast to our distinguished guests."


    Everyone joined in, sses clinking. Eleanor rose with them, though she toasted with tea instead of wine.


    Just then, a silver-haired female professor smiled at Eleanor. "Eleanor, that gentleman who gave you flowers on stage earlier is he your husband?" Eleanor blinked in surprise, caught off guard.


    Across the table,n''s hand stilled on his winess. His eyes narrowed, now fixed on her.


    Setting her fork down, Eleanor smiled politely at the professor. "He''s just a friend."


    A faint, unreadable smile flickered atn''s lips as he raised his ss toward Principal Maxwell. "Principal Maxwell, I hope the Military Medical University will continue to support Eleanor''s research in the future."

 Chapter 501

    Principal Maxwellughed heartily, raising his ss towardn Goodwin. "Naturally. With someone as talented as Eleanor, she''ll have our full support."


    Simone Langley watched the exchange with satisfaction. Withn managing theb''s external rtions, future support for their research was practically guaranteed.


    Soon, another professor steered the conversation toward renewable energy.


    As dinner drew to a close, the professors were reluctant to part ways. Someone suggested continuing the evening at one of their homes, and the group eagerly agreed.


    They piled into a waiting car. Simone turned to Eleanor Sutton. "Eleanor, letn drive you back to the convention center, alright?"


    Eleanor''s car was parked there.


    "Go ahead, Professor Langley. I''ll make my own arrangements." Eleanor waved as the group climbed into the car and drove off.


    "I''ll drive you,¡±n said quietly at her side.


    "That''s not necessary. I''ll get a cab." Eleanor''s tone was frosty, her expression colder than a winter morning.


    "It''s not far-barely ten minutes."n was clearly determined.


    Just then, a taxi Eleanor had gged down from a distance pulled up. Without another word, she opened the door and slid inside.


    The driver nced atn standing outside and couldn''t help himself. "Miss, your boyfriend''s still out there!"


    Fastening her seatbelt, Eleanor replied, her voice chilly, "I don''t know him."


    The car windows were rolled down, son caught every word. He narrowed his eyes, lips pressed tight.


    The driver quickly realized he''d just witnessed a lovers'' spat. He wisely kept quiet, asked for her destination, and pulled away.


    Still, he couldn''t help but think to himself those two made one stunning couple.


    When Eleanor arrived at the convention center, she walked straight to the parking lot, then drove toward the research facility. She arrived around half past two. In her office, a bouquet from Xavier Vaughn stood in a vase, brightening the space.


    Gwenda came in with a stack of files. "Beautiful flowers, aren''t they? Do you know what champagne roses mean?"


    Eleanor shook her head, not really interested.


    "The meaning is: ''Loving you is the greatest happiness of my life. Missing you is the sweetest pain. In this lifetime, I love only you."" Gwenda recited as if reading from a book.


    Eleanor nced at her, a little embarrassed. "Where''d you find that?"


    "I looked it up! These roses aren''t cheap, you know." Gwenda grinned. Eleanor didn''t reply, instead burying herself in the newly delivered reports. Gwenda left her to it. Even though Faye Yeaton''s words earlier that day had stung, Gwenda knew it was just Faye stirring up trouble. It had nothing to do with Eleanor.


    The next two days, Eleanor was consumed by experiments. Next Monday, the new drug would enter clinical trials; she braced herself for an intense schedule.


    On Sunday evening,n messaged, asking if he could take their daughter, Evelyn, to stay with the Goodwin family for three days.


    Eleanor understood. With the clinical trial starting, she''d barely have time for herself, and Evelyn had been missing her grandmother.


    She agreed. When it came to cultivating her daughter''s family bonds, Eleanor never interfered-she just didn''t participate.


    Monday morning, Eleanor arrived at theb an hour earlier than usual. She donned herb coat, pulled her hair into a neat bun, put on her mask and gloves, and double-checked the day''s protocol. Today marked the first clinical trial of the drug she had led from concept to reality.


    At eight sharp, she and Simone arrived at Ashford General Hospital.


    "Dr. Langley, Miss Sutton, wee." Mr. Ackerly, the clinical coordinator, greeted them.


    "All patients have signed consent forms and meet the inclusion criteria."


    Eleanor entered the patient ward, schooling her expression. She knew that empathy could cloud her judgment, but when she met the gaze of a ten-year-old boy-eyes burning with the will to live-her heart grew heavier.


    These were people who had nearly lost all hope.


    She watched as the first injection was administered. Simone nced at her, gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, and Eleanor nodded resolutely in return.


    The second and third days passed with Eleanor on edge, barely sleeping. On the fourth morning, her daughter called, begging to stay a little longer with the Goodwins. Eleanor agreed.


    After lunch, Eleanor sat in her makeshift office at the hospital, reviewing data. The hallway outside was unusually quiet. Weariness crashed over her, and she rested her head on her arms, drifting into sleep almost instantly.


    Just then, a nurse led someone down the corridor. "This is Miss Sutton''s temporary office."


    The door opened. The nurse saw Eleanor sleeping at her desk and whispered to the man beside her, "Dr. Sutton must be exhausted. She''s been stayingte at the hospital every night."


    The visitor was none other thann.


    He''d found a moment to stop by after speaking with Simone. As the project''s sole investor-and with the drug''s patent registered to hisb-he had every reason to check in on the progress.


    "Thank you, I''ll take it from here,"n said softly.


    His deep, gentle voice made the nurse''s heart skip a beat. Blushing furiously, she excused herself.


    She was turned slightly on her side, cheek resting on her arm, hair slipping free from its bun,shes casting delicate shadows on her cheeks. Her breathing was deep and evenpletely lost to sleep.

 Chapter 502

    The hospital''s air conditioning was sting, and even with her white coat on, Eleanor looked chilled as she slept. Ian hesitated for a moment, then draped the suit jacket he''d been carrying gently over her shoulders.


    He nced at the desk, cluttered with scattered reports and a cup of coffee that had long since gone cold. Theputer screen was still aglow, disying a patient''s real-time vitals.


    Narrowing his eyes,n gathered up the stack of reports and absently picked up the half-finished coffee, then settled himself onto the sofa by the wall.


    The quiet was broken only by the soft rustling of report pages and the subtle sound as he swallowed a mouthful of coffee.


    Eleanor slept soundly for once. Usually gued by dreams, tonight her mind was blissfully nk, though her internal clock was already nudging her awake.


    Rubbing her eyes, she propped her head on her hand, still groggy, savoring ast moment of rest with her eyes closed.


    "Awake?" A low male voice came from the sofa to her left.


    Eleanor''s eyes snapped open as she turned abruptly, only to be met byn''s piercing gaze.


    "What are you doing here?" The question burst from her lips as she jumped up, the jacket slipping from her shoulders to the floor.


    She nced down at the expensive suit jacket, wrinkled her nose, and tossed it disdainfully back at him. "Take your stuff."


    He reced the finished reports on her desk, clearly having read them all, and looked ready to leave.


    "Get some rest. Don''t wear yourself out. I''ll take care of Evelyn," he said, his voice low and even.


    Eleanor''s gaze fell on the cup in his hand-the very coffee she''d been drinking earlier.


    Her expression hardened. "Don''t touch my things again."


    A spark of irritation red up in Eleanor. "Do you think this is funny? You go through my things, pretend you care just stop with the act, okay? Worry about me if you want, but only if you''ve earned the right."


    After the door closed behind him, Eleanor stood at her desk, jaw clenched. "Jerk," she muttered under her breath.


    But work wasn''t going to finish itself. She sucked in a long breath, gave her face a brisk pat, and forced herself to focus. She couldn''t afford to waste time or energy on pointless drama.


    When Eleanor returned from her rounds, she found a paper bag from the caf¨¦ sitting on her desk-brand new, unopened.


    She knewn''s assistant must have delivered it. Instinctively, she reached for the bag, ready to toss it straight in the trash.


    But she''d be at the hospital until ten tonight, and she needed the caffeine to keep her brain sharp.


    Her fingers tightened around the bag. In the end, she pulled out the coffee, took a sip, and returned her attention to the reports glowing on her screen.


    At six in the evening, Simone came by. "You should head out early tonight, get home and spend some time with your daughter. Things look good for now¡ªif anythinges up, I''ll call you."


    Eleanor''s heart softened at the thought of Evelyn. She nodded. "Thank you, Doctor."


    Around seven, she parked in front of Goodwin Manor and rang the bell. A housekeeper answered. "Miss Sutton, you''re here! Mrs. Goodwin is waiting for


    you."


    She''d nned to pick up her daughter and head straight home, but she supposed there was no harm in stopping to greet Mrs. Goodwin.


    As she stepped into the living room, the smell of home-cooked food filled the air. The hospital cafeteria was passable, but nothing beat the warmth of a real family meal.


    "Ellie, dinner''s ready-sit down and eat before you go," Magdalen called out.


    "That''s kind of you, Grandma, but I told Joslyn-"


    "We already made yours, don''t worry," Magdalen interrupted with a smile.


    Eleanor hesitated. How did the Goodwins know she''d being to pick up Evelyn, let alone cook for her?


    "Mommy, Daddy called Grandma and said you''d be here for dinner," Evelyn piped up, her little face bright with excitement.


    Eleanor''s pulse faltered. So Professor Langley had given her an early night off atn''s suggestion.


    She crouched down and hugged her daughter, who seemed a little chubbier than before after a few days apart. "All right, I''ll stay and have dinner with you before we go home," she said, ruffling Evelyn''s hair.


    Gina Quinn appeared from the kitchen. "Come to the table, dear. Everything''s ready."


    "Thank you, Mrs. Quinn," Eleanor replied politely.


    Gina paused¡ªa little surprised at the formal tone. It seemed Eleanor was growing more distant.


    Eleanor worried she might run inton or Serena Goodwin, but both were absent tonight. She enjoyed dinner with Evelyn in peace, then led her daughter outside by the hand.


    "Mommy, Grandma says you''ve been busy. Are you finished now?"


    "Not quite, sweetheart. I still have some work to do. But tomorrow I''ll take you to school myself-sound good?"


    "Okay! I miss Vivian."


    "Vivian''s at school too?" Eleanor was surprised. She hadn''t heard from Xavier that Vivian was attending the summer program.


    "Yeah! Didn''t I tell youst time?" Evelyn replied, puzzled.


    Eleanor smiled. "Must have slipped Mommy''s mind."


    Just then, a ck Rolls-Royce pulled up next to Eleanor''s car. Evelyn squealed in delight. "It''s Daddy''s car!"


    The door opened andn stepped out, tall andposed, suit jacket draped over his arm, tie loosened a clear sign he''d juste from work.

 Chapter 503

    The smile vanished from Eleanor''s face in an instant. Evelyn wriggled free from her grasp and dashed towardn. "Daddy!" she called out.


    "I was very good! Even Great-Grandma said so!" Evelyn replied proudly.


    "Evelyn, say goodbye to Daddy. It''s time for us to head home," Eleanor called, eager not to linger any longer than necessary.


    As Eleanor pressed the gas and drove away,n remained where he was, watching the car until it disappeared down the street. Only then did he turn and walk back inside the house.


    That night, Eleanor cradled her daughter in her arms and read her a bedtime story. Halfway through, sleep crept in and imed them both. Eleanor, running on little rest these past few days, slept soundly through the night, holding her daughter close.


    The next morning, Eleanor dropped Evelyn off at her summer program. As she parked, a sleek silver Bentley pulled up beside her-Xavier was there, bringing Vivian.


    The two little girls, hand in hand, skipped inside together. Eleanor turned to Xavier. "Vivian''s in the summer program too?"


    Xavier gave an exaggerated sigh, though there was warmth behind it. "Yeah. She learns so much more here. My mother spoils her rotten, and I''m worried she''s going to end uppletely pampered."


    Eleanorughed. "That''s just how it goes with grandparents."


    "How''s your project going these days?" Xavier asked, his expression turning earnest.


    Eleanor smiled wryly. "It looks like I''ll be busy for a while yet."


    "Don''t push yourself too hard. Just do your best," Xavier said, meaning every word. Eleanor''s work was unlike anyone else''s-he wished he could help, but there was little he could do.


    "I should get going," Eleanor said, opening her car door.


    Xavier watched her drive away, standing in ce until her car was out of sight. Across the street, in a white sports car, Serena witnessed the whole exchange. Jealousy tightened her grip on the steering wheel. She''d only meant to catch a glimpse of Xavier from afar, but instead, she saw himughing and chatting with Eleanor, lingering long after Eleanor had left.


    Biting her lip, Serena couldn''t summon the courage to get out and say hello. Even after Xavier''s car was gone, she just sat there, feeling miserable.


    Back at the hospital, Eleanor found her entire research team assembled. Today marked the second week of clinical trials for the new drug, and the first batch of patient data was due-everyone was anxious to see the results.


    Inside the conference room, Mr. Ackerly was practically vibrating with excitement. "Derek in bed three is showing clear improvement!" he announced.


    Eleanor scanned the charts and let out a relieved breath.


    "The initial results are even better than we''d hoped," she said.


    Mr. Ackerly nodded. "It looks like we''ve really done it."


    "Hard work does pay off in the end."


    A littleter, Simone made a private call ton to update him on the oue. "Ian, the first group of patients is responding. The drug''s working," she reported.n''s reply came steady and low. "That means Eleanor''s efforts weren''t in vain." "One day, leukemia won''t be a death sentence anymore-we''ll have a real treatment," Simone said, her excitement palpable. But she couldn''t help circling back to something that had been on her mind. "Ian, when you first invested in this research, was there someone you wanted to save?"


    There was a brief silence onn''s end. "I saw the business potential in the project," he answered calmly, giving nothing away.


    Simone sensed he was dodging the question and let her curiosity rest. "No matter the reason, we couldn''t have done it without you. Without your support, Eleanor might never have finished this research."


    "Professor Langley, please look after Eleanor for me. Don''t let her overwork herself,"n said quietly.


    Simone hesitated. "Ian, I won''t pry into your personal affairs, but if you have time, you should check in on her yourself. Otherwise, Eleanor might¡ª¡±


    "No need,¡±n interrupted, his voice cool. "Whether she resents me or hates me, it doesn''t matter."


    Simone could only reply, "Alright, I''ll say no more."


    That afternoon, as Eleanor was sorting through paperwork in her office, a message came through from Joy Thatcher a link.

 Chapter 504

    n seems to be in trouble."


    Eleanor paused, then clicked the link-headline: Goodwin & Co. Assists Yeaton Holdings'' IPO, Allegations of Bribery Surface.


    She frowned. Honestly,n had iting.


    "Is it wrong to say he deserves it?" Joy''s message popped up.


    Eleanor fired back, "You''re not wrong."


    "Rnd Yeaton''s reputation in the business world has been in the gutter for years, andn still insists on helping him go public. He''s basically enabling a crook. Now that this mess is draggingn down, let''s see how he gets out of it," Joy replied. Eleanor finished reading the article carefully. It was clear the media were targetingn, using Rnd''s notorious past as ammunition.


    Maybe one ofn''s rivals had finally found a weakness to exploit. Either way, it had nothing to do with her, and she had no interest in following the drama.


    In the top-floor conference room at Goodwin & Co., tension hung thick in the air. Two dozen executives sat stiffly at the table, watching as wave after wave of negative headlines shed across the projection screen.


    "Mr. Goodwin, our stock price is down seven points. We need to issue a statement immediately and refute these baseless usations."


    "I think we should pull out of Yeaton Holdings altogether. There''s no need to wade through their mess any longer," another executive suggested.


    "No," he said, his voice cold and steely. "Tell legal to file suit against the media outlets leading the charge."


    "And the public bacsh?"


    Everyone understood he was determined to stand by Yeaton Holdings through this crisis.


    "Mr. Goodwin, if we stay tied to Yeaton Holdings, won''t¡ª"


    "Tomorrow at ten, we''ll hold a joint press conference.¡± With that,n stood and left the room.


    The next morning, Goodwin & Co. released Yeaton Holdings'' audited financials for the past three years, along with the original SEC approval for their IPO.


    In just two days, every negative story about Yeaton Holdings vanished from the news cycle, and their stock price stabilized.


    Joy was glued to the updates, her frustration mounting.


    "Eleanor, did you see thetest?n is willing to let Goodwin''s own stock tank just to protect Rnd''spany."


    Eleanor, finally with a moment to herself, skimmed the financial news: Goodwin & Co. Pulls Off a Miracle, Yeaton Holdings Stock Rebounds.


    "Look at this-he''s sacrificing everything just to bail out Vanessa Shannon''s father."


    "Everyone knows about Yeaton Holdings'' skeletons. Ian must bepletely bewitched by Vanessa."


    "Let it go, Joy," Eleanor said, soothing her friend''s indignation. "His personal life isn''t our concern."


    She knew Joy''s sense of justice was especially sharp, thanks to her work as awyer.


    That evening, Eleanor arrived home at seven. Joslyn had prepared a generous dinner, and Eleanor, ravenous, served herself a heaping bowl before digging in. Halfway through, her phone rang-it was Ellington.


    Assuming it was a work call, Eleanor set down her fork and stepped outside to


    answer.


    "Hello, Ellington."


    "Ms. Sutton, I''m not sure if I should be telling you this," Ellington began, hesitating.


    "Is it work-rted?" Eleanor asked, curious.


    "No, it''s... Miss Vanessa booked the presidential suite at the Vesper Joy Hotel at three this afternoon."


    Eleanor frowned. "That''s not something I need to know."


    But Ellington pressed on, hesitating for a few seconds before adding, "Just now, Mr. Goodwin went up to Miss Shannon''s suite="


    Eleanor let out a silent, bitterugh. Son had barely finished smoothing over Yeaton Holdings'' scandal before rushing off to collect his reward from Vanessa?


    And they just had to choose the Vesper Joy Hotel. Were they trying to rub it in her face?


    "Ellington, unless it''s about work, don''t update me on anything else," Eleanor said, her tone suddenly icy.


    The line was quiet for a beat, then Ellington gave an awkwardugh. "Sorry, Ms. Sutton. I overstepped."

 Chapter 505

    The next day, at one in the afternoon, Eleanor was at her desk, sorting through a stack of data reports, when a nurse knocked on her office door. "Dr. Sutton, Mr. Ackerly is asking for you in the conference room upstairs."


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright, I''ll be right there."


    Though she was technically a research fellow, people at the hospital never quite knew what to call her. Eventually, they''d settled on ''doctor,'' and Eleanor hadn''t minded. The title lent a certain authority, and patients seemed to trust her more because of it.


    She gathered her materials and made her way to the conference room upstairs. Simone and Callie were already there, and Mr. Ackerly was waiting, checking his watch. He smiled when he saw Eleanor. "Go ahead and take a seat, Eleanor. We''re waiting on one more guest."


    She assumed it was someone from another hospital and started chatting with Callie about the new medication trial. Two minutester, someone entered the room.


    Eleanor turned her breath caught. Ian walked in.


    Just the sight of him made her chest tighten. She couldn''t help but think ofst night, of him and Vanessa spending the night together at the Vesper Joy Hotel. It felt as if he brought Vanessa''s presence in with him; the very air seemed tainted.


    Simone cleared her throat. "Eleanor, today''s meeting is just to updaten on the new medication trial."


    Eleanor barely heard her. She stood and began gathering her papers. "Professor Langley, why don''t you handle the update? I have work to finish downstairs."


    The others exchanged surprised nces as Eleanor pushed open the door and walked out. Simone looked atn, uncertain. n, do you-?"


    It was obvious to everyone: Eleanor was deliberately avoiding him.


    The meeting upstairs dragged on for another hour. When it ended,n headed back down to Eleanor''s floor. He was checking his watch, ready to leave, when he overheard a conversationing from the elevator hallway.


    A neatly dressed, middle-aged woman was asking, "Excuse me, could you tell me where Miss Sutton''s office is?"


    "Miss Sutton? You mean Dr. Eleanor?" the nurse rified.


    "Yes, that''s right. Miss Eleanor."


    The nurse noticed the woman was carrying a bag and asked, "May I ask how you know her?"


    "Oh, my employer asked me to bring her some soup and pastries. She''s worried Eleanor''s working too hard."


    The nurse pointed down the hallway. "Third office on the left."


    "Thank you so much!" The woman smiled, then made her way to Eleanor''s office, bag in hand.


    A knock sounded at Eleanor''s door. She looked up. "Come in."


    The door opened-not the nurse, but a woman''s friendly face peeked in. "Miss Sutton, do you remember me?"


    Eleanor studied her, something about the woman seemed familiar, though she couldn''t ce her right away.


    "I''m Hazel, the housekeeper from the Vaughns. Vivian''s nanny. Remember?"


    Recognition dawned on Eleanor and she smiled. "Of course! What brings you here?"


    Hazel set the insted bag on Eleanor''s desk with a warm smile. "Mrs. Vaughn asked me to bring you some nourishing soup and pastries. She says you work too hard and need to take care of yourself."


    Eleanor was taken aback. Mrs. Vaughn had sent her soup?


    "Oh, that''s so thoughtful of her. She really didn''t have to go to the trouble."


    "Not at all!" Hazel opened the pastry box with practiced cheer. "She worries about you, Miss Sutton. Everything''s fresh, just made this morning. You should have the soup while it''s still warm."


    Eleanor felt a gentle warmth bloom in her chest. No matter what, Mrs. Vaughn''s kindness touched her deeply.


    "Please thank her for me. I really appreciate it."


    Hazel grinned. "It''s not just our Mrs. Vaughn who cares about you. Our young master does, too!"


    Just then, at the open doorway, a tall figure lingered. The quiet hallway outside letn hear every word exchanged inside.


    "Please thank Mrs. Vaughn for her kindness," Eleanor said sincerely.


    "Of course, Miss Sutton. Just leave the containers when you''re done-I''lle by this afternoon to pick them up."


    "Oh, that''s not necessary, Hazel. I''ll take them home, wash them, and return them next time." Eleanor smiled, thinking of Vivian, who would need her careter.

 Chapter 506

    A wave of warmth swept over Hazel-Eleanor was really thoughtful.


    "Alright then, I''ll get going. Make sure you eat plenty." Hazel grinned as she spoke, then slipped out of the office.


    Eleanor hadn''t eaten much at lunch, and now hunger gnawed at her. She was just nibbling on a pastry when, outside the door, a surprised voice called out, "Mr. Goodwin? Are you looking for Eleanor?"


    It was Callie.


    "No," came a cool male reply.


    Callie blinked in surprise asn brushed past her, files in hand, heading straight into Eleanor''s office.


    "What did Mr. Goodwin want with you just now?" Callie asked, her curiosity piqued.


    Eleanor,pletely unaware thatn had even been at the door, shook her head. "No idea. Here, have a snack."


    "Mmm, that smells delicious!" Callie grabbed a couple pastries and left, clearly pleased.


    Eleanor picked up her phone and typed out a grateful message to Henrietta: "Thank you for the soup and pastries, Mrs. Vaughn. That was so thoughtful of you."


    Henrietta replied almost instantly: "It''s no trouble at all, dear. If you ever want more, just let me know-I''ll have someone bring it over."


    Eleanor hesitated-she couldn''t keep troubling the Vaughn family like this. She quickly typed back, gently refusing: "Mrs. Vaughn, my work schedule changes a lot. Please don''t go to the trouble of sending anything."


    Henrietta seemed to catch her meaning and replied, "Alright, then juste over to eat whenever you have time. It''s been a while since I''ve seen you and Evelyn."


    "Absolutely! Thank you, Mrs. Vaughn." Eleanor sent her reply, then let out a small sigh. Navigating rtionships had never been her strong suit.


    Before she knew it, Thanksgiving was just around the corner. As Eleanor


    wondered how to spend the holiday with her daughter, a new noticended on her desk.


    Kingston was opening a second clinical trial site. Ten trial patients were lined up for the new medication, and theb was sending Eleanor on a ten-day assignment to oversee the rollout at Kingston Hospital.


    The news left her momentarily stunned, but duty was duty-there was no way she could refuse.


    Simone had considered swapping roles with her, but the ongoing trials in Ashford City were already under her direct supervision. That left Eleanor to head to Kingston. As the lead researcher behind the new medication, she had both the responsibility and obligation to see the trial through.


    Eleanor didn''t protest-her only concern was what to do with her daughter.


    Of course, she could leave Evelyn with the Goodwin family. That wouldn''t be a problem, but¨D


    The trip to Kingston would ovep with Thanksgiving. Whether she''d actually be able to spend the holiday with her daughter was anyone''s guess.


    Two hours after the notice went out, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. It was a message fromn: "Don''t worry about Kingston-I''ll take care of Evelyn while you''re away."


    Eleanor rolled her eyes. Honestly, she''d rathern and Vanessa travel abroad and let Evelyn stay with the Goodwins, where the only people around her would be her grandmother and great-grandmother.


    Almost as if he''d read her mind,n sent another reassurance: "Don''t worry, I won''t let Evelyn spend time with anyone you object to."


    Clearly, he''d figured out that Eleanor didn''t want Vanessa anywhere near their daughter.


    "How can you guarantee that?" Eleanor shot back, skeptical.


    "She''s going abroad. She won''t be in the country for the next couple of weeks,"n replied almost immediately.


    Eleanor suspectedn would go with Vanessa, and if that was the case, she was fine with Evelyn spending ten days at the Goodwin house.


    A new message shed on her screen: "Eleanor, the sess of this new clinical trial is critical to the entire project. I hope you''ll give it your full attention."


    A wry smile curved Eleanor''s lips, and a glint of mockery flickered in her eyes.


    He wasn''t wrong; the potential rewards were immense.


    "Fine," Eleanor replied. She actually preferredn to keep things strictly professional, rather than letting personal motives cloud his judgment or threaten to take her daughter from her.


    Once this phase of the trial wrapped up, Eleanor would be done with hisb for good. Maybe she''d join a smaller research team somewhere else¡ªanything would be better than working undern''s thumb.


    Still, she had a dream she''d never given up on: one day, she''d run her own independent researchb. For now, though, it was just a hope she kept quietly to herself.

 Chapter 507

    Eleanor set her phone down and massaged her temples. She really should brief Callie about her current projects before she left.


    By six-thirty, Eleanor was pulling into the driveway. As soon as she stepped out of the car, her daughter Evelyn and their golden retriever, Princess, came running to greet her.


    "Mom! You''re home! Are you going on a work trip?" Evelyn asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.


    Eleanor paused, crouching down so she could look her daughter in the eye. "How did you know about that?"


    "Dad told me," Evelyn replied, nodding solemnly. "He said you''re going to work really hard this time and that I''ll be staying with Grandma for a while. Don''t worry, Mom-I''ll be good and do what I''m told."


    The fact thatn had already made arrangements without discussing it with her made Eleanor bristle with anger. This was not his decision to make. Still, Evelyn''s maturity tugged at her heart.


    She ruffled Evelyn''s hair, forcing a gentle smile. "That''s right, honey. I''ll be gone for about ten days, so you''ll have to¡ª"


    "-be extra good. I know," Evelyn finished for her.


    Eleanor''s heart ached at the thought of being away from her little girl for so long.


    "It''s okay, Mom," Evelyn said, wrapping her arms around Eleanor''s neck. "If I miss you, I''ll call you."


    The truth was, aside from the Goodwin family, Eleanor had no one else she could truly trust to look after Evelyn. Her daughter had always been a handful, and there weren''t many people who could keep up with her. Even Joslyn could only manage during the day¡ªat night, it was eithern, herself, or her ex-mother-inw, Gina.


    That night, Eleanor started packing. The trip to Kingston was scheduled for ten days, but if the results of the new drug trial weren''t promising or if any issues cropped up-she might have to stay longer.


    She tried not to dwell on it. Once her suitcase was closed, she took Evelyn for a walk around the neighborhood, determined to savor thesest moments together.


    The next morning, Eleanor''s flight was at ten. At eight o''clock,n texted to say he was already outside, ready to pick up Evelyn.


    Eleanor packed a small bag of clothes and walked her daughter out to the car. Ian settled Evelyn into her booster seat, then closed the door and reached for the bag Eleanor handed him.


    Eleanor fixed him with a steely gaze. "If Vanessa so much as tries to get close to my daughter, I''ll drop everything ande back. And I''ll resign from yourb on the spot."


    "I promise-" he said, then hesitated. "She won''te within a mile of Evelyn."


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "You''d better keep your word."


    She leaned in to wave at Evelyn through the window. Evelyn rolled it down, grinning. "Bye, Mommy!"


    "Keep me updated on the Kingston project,"n said, his voice low.


    Eleanor barely nced at him. "I''ll report directly to Professor Langley."


    She had no intention of keepingn in the loop.


    He nodded, got in the car, and drove off with Evelyn.


    Eleanor took a deep breath. It was time for her to head to the airport.


    When she arrived at Kingston International, a young woman was waiting for her at the arrivals gate, a badge from Kingston Military Medical University pinned to her zer.


    "Miss Sutton? I''m here to pick you up-call me Leah!" the woman said cheerfully.


    "Thank you, Leah," Eleanor replied, offering a polite smile.


    Once they were in the car, Leah nced at her in the rearview mirror. "Miss Sutton, it''s such an honor to finally meet you. I knew you were young, but I didn''t expect you to be this young-and so beautiful, too!"


    Eleanor couldn''t help but blush. "Thank you."


    "A lot of students at our university really admire you!" Leah added.


    As they drove toward the hospital, Leah filled Eleanor in on the details of the drug trial. "We''ve set aside the best rooms and assembled our top medical team. Principal Maxwell is taking this project very seriously."


    Eleanor gazed out the window. Kingston was just beginning to show the first hints of autumn. For the next ten days-or however long it took-she''d give this trial her all.


    Her amodations at the university guesthouse werefortable and thoughtfully arranged. Everything was ready for her to begin.

 Chapter 508

    When Eleanor arrived at the university hospital affiliated with the Military Medical University, she was greeted with an outpouring of hospitality unlike anything she''d ever experienced. The hospital director himself came down to meet her,


    apanied by several medical specialists. A young woman even handed her a bouquet of flowers.


    Eleanor felt both ttered and a little out of ce-she''d always preferred to keep a low profile, and all this enthusiastic attention left her feeling awkward.


    "Eleanor, I''m Dean rk. I went to college with your father-he probably never mentioned me, but we used to y ser together," Dean rk said with an easy grin.


    Eleanor nodded respectfully. "Good afternoon, Dean rk. You''re right, my father rarely talked about his college days."


    Dean rk''s eyes twinkled with nostalgia. "Your dad was a legend at our school! I never imagined his daughter would be equally impressive-so young and already making waves in the research world."


    He gestured to a young man. "Letn show you around first. We''ll have a meetingter."


    Eleanor agreed, and spent her first day immersed in tours and meetings. That evening, she returned to the guesthouse with a stack of case files for her study participants.


    She was tired, but her sense of duty kept her workingte into the night. It was nearly half past nine when her phone chimed-a video call on WhatsApp fromn.


    But she could guess who really wanted to talk.


    She answered, and sure enough, Evelyn''s cherubic face filled the screen. "Mommy, look! Daddy bought this for me!"


    Evelyn was eager to show off her new toy. She stepped back to reveal a charming little bunnyntern in her hands. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, toy stores were already stocked with holiday gifts.


    "Isn''t it pretty, Mommy?"


    "It''s beautiful,¡± Eleanor said, her eyes crinkling with a smile. The camera jerked slightly, and Eleanor caught a glimpse ofn sitting on the sofa beside Evelyn, dressed in loungewear, watching their daughter with gentle eyes.


    "Mommy, tonight I want to sleep with Daddy," Evelyn announced earnestly. It had been a long time since she''d fallen asleep beside him-whenn was home, he always tucked her in.


    Eleanor''s smile faltered for just a moment, a knot of difort twisting in her chest. She swallowed her unease and coaxed gently, "Evelyn, why don''t you sleep with Grandma tonight? Daddy''s had a long day. Let him rest, okay?"


    "No! I want to sleep with Daddy. He promised me!" Evelyn pouted, her lips jutting out.


    Off camera,n''s deep voice rumbled, "I''ll take care of her."


    Eleanor drew a slow breath, steadying her tone. "Evelyn, be good and go to Grandma''s room, okay?"


    "But-fine," Evelyn finally relented, though she clearly didn''t understand why her mother was insisting on this.


    Suddenly, the camera shifted andn''s face filled the screen. He fixed Eleanor with a dark, questioning stare a silent usation, asking why she wouldn''t let him spend the night with their daughter.


    Eleanor met his gaze squarely, her own eyes cold, making it clear just how much she resented him.


    Turning away from the screen,n spoke softly to Evelyn, "Why don''t you go y with Grandma for a bit? Daddy needs to talk to Mommy."


    "Are you two going to whisper secrets?" Evelyn asked, curiosity lighting her face. "That''s right. I just need a word with your mom." Ian smiled gently.


    Evelyn waved at the camera. "Okay, Mommy. I''m going to Grandma''s room now. You can talk to Daddy."


    Once Evelyn had left, Eleanor reached to end the call, butn''s displeased voice stopped her.


    "Was that really necessary?"


    Without a word, Eleanor tapped her finger on the screen and hung up.

 Chapter 509

    Eleanor''s work at Kingston had been going exceptionally well. The team from the Military Medical University was impressive-sharp, efficient, and highly professional. Their test subjects had responded steadily, and the medication''s effects were measured with precision she rarely saw elsewhere.


    In the blink of an eye, five days had passed. Thanksgiving was almost here, and the festive air around the hospital seemed to thicken by the hour. That afternoon, Leah stopped by Eleanor''s office and handed her a box of pastries from the hospital''s kitchen. ¡°Eleanor, looks like you''ll be spending Thanksgiving here at the hospital this year. Sorry for the trouble."


    Eleanor justughed it off, her smile easy and bright. "No trouble at all. It''s part of the job."


    As Eleanor worked on her reportter that evening, her phone chimed with a new message. She nced at the screen-it was from Xavier.


    "I made a reservation for Thanksgiving dinner. Want to join me? The kids can keep each otherpany."


    Eleanor paused, touched by his thoughtfulness. She typed back, "Thank you, Xavier, that''s really kind. But I''m actually on assignment in Kingston right now. Evelyn''s over at Goodwin Manor."


    "You''re in Kingston? When did that happen?" Xavier''s surprise came through clearly, even over text.


    "I''ve been here nearly a week," Eleanor replied.


    "Work transfer? I thought you were still in town! Well, in that case, let''s wait until you''re back."


    "Yeah, it''s a work assignment."


    "Oh, and by the way, my mom mentioned she had Hazel drop off some treats and soup for you the other day. Hope that didn''t catch you off guard!" Xavier added, as if he''d only just found out himself.


    Eleanor smiled to herself, replying tactfully, "Please thank your mother for me. I really appreciate her thoughtfulness, but I wouldn''t want to trouble her again."


    She hoped the message was clear-she''d rather not impose on the Vaughn family.


    Xavier, ever perceptive, picked up on her meaning right away. "Understood. I''ll let her know. Take care of yourself while you''re away, and happy Thanksgiving."


    "Happy Thanksgiving to you, too," Eleanor wrote back, then added, "I should get back to work now!"


    "Sure! I''ll let you go," Xavier replied, and didn''t message again.


    The next morning, the city hade alive. Everywhere you looked, homes were alight with the spirit of family and togetherness,ughter and anticipation drifting through the chilly air.


    Eleanor spent the day moving from bed to bed with her team, checking in on each patient, asking about their reactions to the new meds. The hours flew by, and before she knew it, it was nearly five-thirty in the afternoon when Director Goodwin stopped by.


    "Eleanor, it''s Thanksgiving. Go home and get some rest. I''ll cover the night shift¡ª call me if anythinges up."


    "I actually don''t have any ns. Maybe you should go home to your family, Director Goodwin. I can stay-" Eleanor offered, genuine.


    Director Goodwin''s expression softened. For a moment, she seemed tempted, but then she shook her head with a gentle smile. "It''s fine. Go on, take the evening off."


    Eleanor returned to her office, finished up thest set of data, and finally headed back toward her room at the guesthouse. As she stepped into the hallway, a child''s voice suddenly called out.


    "Mommy!"


    Eleanor froze. That voice-could it be Evelyn?


    She spun around, searching, and her heart skipped a beat. There, racing across the courtyard from the basketball court, was Evelyn-her daughter, cheeks pink from the cold, grinning ear to ear.


    "Mommy!" Evelyn threw herself into her arms, herughter as bright as sunshine.


    Eleanor dropped to her knees and hugged her tightly, overwhelmed. "What are you doing here?" she asked, still in disbelief. Then she sawn walking over from behind Evelyn, hands in the pockets of his dark gray coat, watching them with a quiet smile.


    "Dad told me not to say anything," Evelyn confessed, cocking her head. ¡°He wanted to surprise you. Are you surprised, Mommy?"


    Eleanor nodded, tears stinging her eyes. "Very surprised," she said, hugging her daughter again.


    "I made a dinner reservation downtown,"n said as he caught up to them, his voice calm and even.


    Eleanor squeezed Evelyn''s hand and turned ton. "You go ahead. I''ll stay with Evelyn."


    Evelyn looked up in confusion. "Aren''t we having dinner together, Mommy?"


    Eleanor tried to smile, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter''s forehead. "How about I take you into the city for some fun, sweetheart?"


    "But... but I want both Mommy and Daddy with me." Evelyn''s big eyes shone with hope, her voice small but insistent.


    Eleanor met her daughter''s gaze-saw the disappointment already clouding her face. On a day like this, when every family wasing together, how could she deny her? Her heart ached at the thought.


    "Alright," she relented softly. "Let''s all have dinner together."


    Evelyn bounced on her toes, beaming. "Yay! We can spend Thanksgiving as a family!"


    In the warm, softly lit private room, Evelyn nestled between her parents, her face aglow with happiness. Eleanor kept her attention on her daughter, pointedly ignoring the man across the table.


    After dinner, she nned to find a quiet moment to slip away with Evelyn, maybe take the morning off tomorrow to spend more time with her.


    She''d just finished helping Evelyn peel some shrimp when she stood up. "I''m going to wash my hands, sweetheart," she said, and headed toward the restroom.

 Chapter 510

    Eleanor had barely been gone two minutes when a ringtone sounded from the seat beside hers. Evelyn immediately slid off her chair and rummaged through Eleanor''s handbag.


    She found Eleanor''s buzzing phone and, reading the name on the screen, called out, "Daddy, who''s calling Mom?"


    His gaze cooled. Just then, Eleanor returned and, seeing the phone in her daughter''s hand, hurried over.


    "Mom, someone''s calling you," Evelyn announced.


    Eleanor nced at the screen and smiled. "Let me take this call, sweetheart."


    "Okay!" Evelyn thought it was just another work call.


    Eleanor stepped out into the hallway, phone pressed to her ear.


    "Happy Thanksgiving, Eleanor," came Mansfield Ellington''s hearty voice.


    "Happy Thanksgiving to you too," she replied warmly.


    "Have you had dinner yet?"


    "I was just having dinner with Evelyn."


    "Has the little one grown taller?" he asked.


    Eleanorughed. ¡°Not just taller¡ªshe''s a little chubbier too."


    Mansfield let out a good-natured chuckle. "Chubby kids are adorable." Then, as if remembering something, he added, "My request for the autumn holidays got approved-five days off."


    "That''s great news! You''ll finally get a break," Eleanor congratted him.


    "Would you like to meet up during the holidays?" he asked, then hurriedly rified, "Just as friends! A casual dinner, nothing more."


    Eleanor hesitated, thinking of the new drug trial she was overseeing. She wasn''t sure she''d have the time.


    She exined her situation, and Mansfield didn''t press. "No worries, let''s y it by ear."


    "Alright," Eleanor agreed.


    At that moment, the private room door opened andn appeared, holding Evelyn''s hand. He paused, noticing how cheerful Eleanor sounded on the phone. His gaze lingered on her.


    So, she wasn''t just busy with work in Kingston-she had men lining up for dinner, too.


    "Mommy, my hands are sticky. Daddy''s taking me to wash them," Evelyn announced.


    When Eleanor returned to the room and reached for her dinner, a phone began to vibrate on the tabletop.


    It wasn''s phone.


    She nced at the screen-Vanessa.


    The call buzzed for a good ten seconds before stopping, only to be followed by four or five message alerts in quick session. From the looks of it, Vanessa was sending him photos.


    A little whileter,n returned with Evelyn. He didn''t touch his phone, but Eleanor was already itching to leave.


    "Evelyn''s sleeping with me tonight. I''ll take her home now," Eleanor said, grabbing her bag and getting up.


    "Mommy, can we go shopping before we go home?" Evelyn pleaded, hoping to dy bedtime.


    "Of course! Let''s go," Eleanor agreed, smiling.


    "No need," Eleanor replied curtly. She didn''t want to owe him any favors.


    "It''s for Evelyn''s safety,"n insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument. Kingston was a safe city, but Eleanor couldn''t deny her daughter''s safety was her responsibility. She relented and carried Evelyn ton''s car.


    Asn and Evelyn waved goodbye, Eleanor caught a glimpse of his phone-yet another call wasing in.


    The driver pulled away, and Eleanor directed him toward the nearest shopping mall.


    She took Evelyn to Kingston''s biggest mall and let her pick out a new toy, making up for all the time she''d missed with hertely.


    Once they''d chosen a gift and returned to the guesthouse, Evelyn was still brimming with excitement. She ran out onto the balcony to gaze at the moon, while Eleanor joined her, sharing sweet pastries and making the best of a holiday apart from home.


    The next morning, Eleanor took two hours off work to y with Evelyn on the outdoor basketball court. Around ten,n''s car pulled up in front of the guesthouse.


    "Daddy, are we going home?" Evelyn ran over, clutching her new ball.


    "Yes, sweetheart. Time to go,¡±n said gently.


    Evelyn''s shoulders slumped with disappointment, but she remembered her promise not to disturb Mommy''s work.


    "Evelyn, as soon as I finish up, I''lle home to you, okay?" Eleanor said, her voice tinged with guilt.


    Just then, Evelyn lost her grip on the ball and it rolled a few yards away.


    As Eleanor watched her daughter, a low voiceced with warning sounded behind her. "This is the critical stage of the trial. I hope you''re focused on your work." Eleanor spun around, meetingn''s icy stare. "What''s that supposed to mean?" "You know exactly what I mean," Ian replied coolly.


    Of course Eleanor knew. He was making another dig about Mansfield. She fired back, ¡°Even if I had ten men on the line, that''s my business, not yours."


    Beforen could respond, Evelyn came running back with her ball. Eleanor knelt and hugged her. "Be good for Grandma, okay? I''ll be home soon." Evelyn nodded and stretched out her arms ton. ¡°Daddy, I''m tired. Carry me?"n scooped her up, his expressionplicated. He looked like he wanted to say something, but in the end, he just carried his daughter toward the car in silence.

 Chapter 511

    In the days that followed, Eleanor threw herselfpletely into the clinical trial for the new medication. She tracked and recorded every participant''s reactions, double-checked experimental parameters, and made sure nothing slipped through the cracks.


    During this time, she drafted six revised testing protocols and sent them to Simone.


    A weekter, Eleanor was wrapping up her work mentoring at Kingston. Her expertise and dedication had earned her the unanimous respect of the Military Medical University team.


    "Eleanor, the patient in bed three has developed a mild allergic reaction," a nurse called out, rushing over.


    Eleanor immediately hurried towards the patient''s room. She examined the patient''s symptoms carefully, made some adjustments to their medication, and by the time she left the room, she was feeling a little worn out herself. She had just stepped into the corridor when the hospital director appeared.


    "Eleanor, would youe to my office for a moment?"


    Eleanor made her way to the director''s office. The moment she opened the door, she stopped short, startled.


    Standing inside was a tall, broad-shouldered man in a tailored suit, his bearing dignified and authoritative, yet softened by a gentle smile.


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat.


    It was none other than Mansfield Ellington''s father-the Secretary of State himself.


    "Eleanor, the Secretary is here today to tour the hospital," the director exined. "He heard you''re leading the new drug trial and asked to meet you personally."


    Flustered but trying not to show it, Eleanor quicklyposed herself and extended her hand. "Mr. Secretary, it''s a pleasure to meet you."


    The Secretary shook her hand warmly, his gaze full of approval. "Eleanor, it''s only been a few months since west met, but you never fail to impress. Remarkable work."


    Eleanor smiled modestly. "You''re too kind, sir. The progress we''ve made is thanks to our entire team."


    Garth Ellington patted her shoulder in a fatherly gesture. "If this new drug makes it to market, it could help countless patients across the country. The government is paying close attention, so if you need anything, just say the word."


    "Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Everything is going smoothly so far,¡± Eleanor replied sincerely.


    Garth''s eyes twinkled, and he suddenly leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "So... have you been in touch with my stubborn sontely?"


    Color rose in Eleanor''s cheeks. She fumbled for words. "I¡ª I''ve just been so busy with work, and Mr. Ellington is probably just as busy."


    Garth let out a boomingugh. "You two are truly a match-both workaholics!"


    Eleanor''s ears burned, and she was at a loss for how to respond. Sensing her difort, Garth gave her a reassuring smile. "I''m here mainly on official business today. If this drug passes clinical trials, it''ll fill a major gap in our country''s medical field."


    "Rest assured, Mr. Secretary, Eleanor and our team will give it everything we have," the director chimed in from the side.


    "Well then, I''ll let you get back to it. Just remember to take care of yourself, no matter how busy you get."


    The warmth of his fatherly concern lingered in Eleanor''s heart as she nodded and turned to leave. Out in the hall, she let out a slow breath-so it really was a coincidence running into the Secretary today.


    That evening, the evening news featured the Secretary''s visit to the Military Medical University hospital, with special mention of his keen interest in the new drug trial.


    At Goodwin Manor,n yed with his daughter while Magdalen sat in front of the television, as she always did when the nightly news came on, keeping an eye on the affairs of the nation.


    The anchor read the headlines, and soon the broadcast cut to footage of Secretary Garth touring the Military Medical University. Ian''s eyes flicked to the screen just in time to catch a glimpse of Eleanor at a patient''s bedside, busy at work. Three secondster, the camera showed Garth Ellington himself.

 Chapter 512

    "The Secretary of State is reportedly paying close attention to the drug trials and


    had a warm conversation with the lead researcher, Eleanor."


    The news anchor''s voice echoed through Goodwin Manor.


    Magdalen thought she must have misheard. Delighted, she turned to her grandson. "Ian, did I just hear Eleanor''s name on the news?"


    Mansfield''s grandmother, Mildred, was visibly excited. "Eleanor''s really going ces! Even the Secretary of State visited her work in person. That''s something, truly something!"


    Gina, who had been chatting with the housekeeper, overheard and paused mid- sentence, sighing quietly to herself.


    Snapping back,n gave her a gentle smile. "Daddy just needs to make a quick phone call, then I''lle right back and y."


    He picked up his phone and dialed a number. On the other end, someone answered and told him privately: the Secretary of State had spent more than fifteen minutes alone with Eleanor.


    Three dayster.


    Eleanor received her new assignment from Simone, wrapped up her current work, and began packing her bags.


    The original n was to stay only ten days, but in the end, Eleanor ended up leading the project for fifteen.


    She was eager to return to Ashford City-her heart was there, with the people who mattered most. And with the new school year beginning for her daughter in just a couple of days, she couldn''t bear to miss it.


    While waiting at Kingston International Airport, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. It was a message from Xavier, asking about tomorrow''s first day of school.


    "I''m about to board now. I should make it back today," Eleanor replied.


    "Great!" Xavier didn''t ask anything else.


    The moment she settled into her seat on the ne, exhaustion hit her. Fifteen days of nonstop work had left her utterly drained, and she fell asleep almost instantly.


    Two hourster, the ne touched down at Ashford City International Airport. Eleanor wheeled her suitcase through the arrivals hall, weaving her way through the bustling crowd, her eyes on her phone as she opened a rideshare app. That''s when she heard a deep, warm voice nearby. "Looking for a ride?"


    Startled, Eleanor looked up-and stopped in her tracks.


    Xavier was standing there, just a few steps away, smiling softly at her.


    "You-what are you doing here?" Eleanor asked in surprise.


    "Of course I came to pick you up," Xavier replied, reaching out naturally to take her suitcase.


    Eleanor blinked, still processing the surprise. She hadn''t expected Xavier toe without telling her.


    "Come on," Xavier said, nodding toward the exit.


    Though she didn''t want to trouble him, he was already here. So Eleanor smiled graciously. "Thank you. Next time, dinner''s on me."


    "By my count, you owe me two dinners now," Xavier teased, a grin tugging at his lips.


    Eleanor paused, remembering she''d promised him a meal after he helped her buy


    a car nearly a month ago-something she still hadn''t made good on. She felt a pang of guilt.


    "Deal. I''ll make sure it happens," Eleanor said,ughing.


    The two of them walked side by side out of the airport. Neither noticed that, in the crowd behind them, someone was making a call.


    "Did you get her?"n''s voice came through on the other end.


    "Miss Suttonnded, but¨D" Gavin Young hesitated before telling the truth, "Mr. Vaughn just picked her up."


    There was a pause on the line. "Understood. You can head back,"n said quietly.

 Chapter 513

    The ride home was lighthearted, the conversation flowing easily and revolving mostly around their children.


    When they reached Eleanor''s house, Xavier hopped out, retrieved her suitcase from the trunk, and handed it to her. "See you at school tomorrow."


    "Thank you. Drive safe," Eleanor replied gratefully.


    He noticed the faint shadows under her eyes, a subtle sign that she hadn''t been sleeping welltely. Concerned, he said, "Try to get some rest."


    With that, Xavier got back in his car and drove away.


    Eleanor let out a soft sigh. She really couldn''t keep relying on him like this.


    Take today, for example-she''d only casually mentioned her flight was arriving, and Xavier ended up clearing half his day just to pick her up. The thought left her feeling even more indebted.


    At five o''clock that evening, Eleanor called Gina to say she''de by to pick up her daughter.


    Gina''s voice was warm. "Of course! I''ll pack up Evelyn''s clothes and toys. Come whenever you''re ready."


    Ten minutester, Eleanor rang the doorbell, and Gina came out with Evelyn in tow.


    "Mommy!" Evelyn squealed, throwing her arms around her.


    Eleanor smoothed her daughter''s hair and looked up at Gina. "Thank you again for everything."


    "Oh, don''t mention it! Evelyn''s part of the Goodwin family, too. Looking after her is the least we can do," Gina replied with a smile.


    "Say goodbye to Grandma," Eleanor prompted gently.


    Evelyn waved her little hand, saying goodbye as Eleanor led her to the car. Gina stood at the door, watching them leave, lost in thought. In just a year, the young woman who once stood on her doorstep, shy and uncertain, had be poised and quietly confident.


    Back home, Eleanor slipped seamlessly into her role as mother-helping Evelyn pack her backpack for enrollment, checking over her summer homework, while the scent of dinner drifted in from the kitchen. The scene was cozy, almost idyllic.


    Joslyn couldn''t help but marvel at how the household had flourished-and how capable Eleanor had be.


    The next morning, Eleanor walked Evelyn to the school gates. She knelt down to straighten her daughter''s cor when Evelyn suddenly called out, "Daddy! It''s Daddy!"


    Eleanor looked up to seen approaching.


    He hadn''t missed his daughter''s first day, though Eleanor would have preferred he hadn''te at all.


    While they ushered Evelyn inside for the parent-child activities, Mrs. Vaughn arrived with Xavier and their daughter Vivian, who immediately ran off to y with Evelyn.


    Mrs. Vaughn noticed both Eleanor andn were there. Smiling, she greeted them, "Eleanor!n! So d you both made it."


    "Hello, Mrs. Vaughn," Ian replied politely, sharing a brief nce with Xavier.


    Xavier nodded in acknowledgment.


    n, why don''t you and Xavier talk shop for a bit? Eleanor and I will catch up over here," Henrietta suggested.


    The kids were reluctant to leave the yground, so the adults waited patiently. Xavier andn strolled a few yards away to chat about work and life.


    Meanwhile, Henrietta sized up Eleanor. "I heard you were away on business in Kingston. Finished everything up?"


    "Yes, all done," Eleanor answered with a smile.


    "You work so hard-juggling your job and raising a child. If you had a bit more help, it''d be easier, you know." Henrietta''s tone was pointed.


    Eleanor caught the hint and replied graciously, "Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Vaughn. I''ve gotten used to this rhythm."


    Henrietta gave her an appraising look. "You''re still young, Eleanor. It''s important to find someone who''ll truly care for you."


    A short distance away,n nced over at them. Xavier followed his gaze, his own expression growing thoughtful.


    "I saw in the news that Eleanor''s project caught the Secretary of State''s attention," Xavier remarked.


    Xavier raised his eyebrows. "A private meeting?"


    He''d known Eleanor was doing well, but this was beyond what he''d imagined-


    private meetings with senior officials were hardly ordinary.


    "Seems I''ve underestimated her," Xavier admitted quietly.


    There were still a few family games left as part of registration. Eleanor yed a couple of rounds with Evelyn, won a few small prizes, and then took her home.


    That evening, Eleanor organized her work files; she had a meeting at the research center on Monday morning.


    She rubbed her temples. Once this round of experiments was done, she was seriously considering leaving Ashford Medical University''s research facility.


    Monday came, and work at theb ran like clockwork. Simone and the eight- person team gathered in the conference room while Eleanor stood at the projector, flipping through data charts. Her two weeks in Kingston had brought back a wealth of new ideas.


    Simone nodded thoughtfully. She realized that Eleanor''s research skills were already at the level of a PhD.


    Eleanor was more than capable of leading a team herself.


    When the meeting ended, Simone asked Eleanor to stay behind. There was something she wanted to discuss, one-on-one.

 Chapter 514

    With theunch of the new drug, the entire team had set aside their other projects to focus on it. Now that the trials were running smoothly, Simone decided it was time to oversee things herself and let Eleanor turn her talents to a new line of research.


    "Eleanor, your work has been nothing short of brilliant. Honestly, you''vepletely surpassed me you''re ready to lead your own team," Simone said, not a hint of exaggeration in her voice.


    Eleanor smiled modestly. "Professor Langley, you''re ttering me."


    "I''m not joking," Simone replied, pushing her sses up the bridge of her nose. Her gaze behind the lenses was earnest and unflinching. "This time, even the Secretary of State made time to meet you in person. I''ve never mentored anyone as gifted as you."


    "Oh! Professor Langley, it''s really not like that. Actually, it''s because-" Eleanor felt her cheeks flush. She suspected the Secretary''s interest in her had far more to do with Mansfield Ellington''s influence than her own achievements.


    "Because of what?" Simone asked, surprised.


    Eleanor decided it was better not to borate. She managed a lightugh. "I suppose I was just lucky-the Secretary happened to be free to see me."


    Simone chuckled. "Luck had nothing to do with it. It''s your ability. Oh, by the way, take a look at this-your next research project, just for you."


    She handed Eleanor a folder. Eleanor, a bit taken aback, opened it to find an in- depth study on gene sequencing.


    "You demonstrated real genius in this fieldst time. I''m confident you''ll break new ground again."


    Eleanor set the folder down, biting her lower lip. After a deep breath, she looked up at Simone. "Professor Langley, after this project, I n to leave theb."


    For a moment, Simone wasn''t sure she''d heard correctly. "I''m sorry, what did you say?"


    Eleanor''s gaze was steady. "I want to leave the Ashford Medical University research center."


    This time Simone registered the words. She stared at Eleanor in shock. "You''re leaving?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, as soon as the new drug trials wrap up, I''ll be gone."


    Simone looked utterly bewildered. "Why? Or is it" She paused. "Has someone tried to recruit you?"


    Eleanor shook her head calmly. "No one''s poaching me. This is my own decision."


    "Eleanor, have you really thought this through? Do you know how much theb is counting on you? When this project finishes, I was going to make you a lead investigator. To reach that position at twenty-seven-there haven''t been many in Ashford''s history who''ve done that. Are you sure about this?"


    Eleanor frowned. "Is thisn''s idea?"


    Simone nodded, not hiding the truth. "Yes,n brought it up with me these past few days. I agreedpletely-you''d be leading the next project yourself."


    The offer was tempting, but Eleanor''s expression was unreadable. What she hated most now was having her research dictated byn.


    She couldn''t stand it anymore.


    "Thank you for your trust, Professor Langley, but I need to find my own path."


    Simone took off her sses and rubbed her brow, silent for a few seconds before letting out a long sigh. "Doesn know?"


    The question caught Eleanor off guard. "What does it matter to him?"


    "Eleanor, your sesses have been intertwined with his support. He''s backed your research, given you the most crucial projects¡ªhe''s always believed in you."


    Eleanor''s tone was dismissive. "Professor Langley, he''s a businessman. What he values most will always be his own interests."


    For a moment, Simone didn''t know what to say. Hearing those words, she realized just how much Eleanor must have suffered duringn''s marriage.


    "But I doubtn will let you go so easily," Simone said quietly.


    Eleanor''s eyes were resolute. "I don''t need his permission to leave."


    She refused to let her future achievements-everything she''d fought for-be forever stamped withn''s name.


    "Oh, Eleanor. Do you realize how much you''ll be giving up? The resources, the support?" Simone sighed.


    A determined light shed in Eleanor''s eyes. No one would dictate her fate.


    She left Simone''s office and headed to the break room, mug in hand, ready to make herself a cup of coffee.


    Just then, her phone rang. Ian''s name lit up the screen.


    She hadn''t expected him to call so soon. Rolling her eyes, she answered.


    Before she could say a word,n''s voice came through-low, controlled, but with an edge of impatience he couldn''t quite hide. "We need to talk."

 Chapter 515

    "I''ve already informed Professor Langley of my decision. There''s nothing left for us to discuss." With that, Eleanor took her coffee and headed toward her office.


    "I''lle by in half an hour," Ian said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.


    Before Eleanor could reply, he hung up, the dial tone buzzing in her ear.


    Annoyance tightened in her chest. Ian''s tone still made it sound as if she were the dependent Mrs. Goodwin she used to be, always following his lead.


    She didn''t care whether he came or not. Once this new drug trial wrapped up, she''d be gone, just like she''d nned.


    Meanwhile, down the hall, a young researcher named Nina knocked on Simone''s door. "Professor Langley, do you have a minute? I''d like to talk."


    Simone nodded. "Of course. What''s on your mind?"


    "I happened to overhear your callst time you mentioned setting up an independent PI position for Eleanor. I was wondering if I could join herb. My thesis was focused on this area, and I''m sure I could-"


    Simone paused, surprised, and looked at her. "Let''s talk about thister, all right?"


    "Why? Aren''t you nning to establish the new PI for her next month?"


    Simone sighed. "That was the n. But Eleanor''s getting ready to leave. She''s moving on."


    "What? She''s leaving, even with all these resources?" Nina was stunned. She''d been hoping to join Eleanor''s team.


    "We''re still trying to persuade her to stay," Simone said with another sigh.


    After leaving Simone''s office, Nina bit her lip, troubled. If Eleanor left, who would take over this project? Only one name came to mind-Faye. Aside from Eleanor and Joel Kingsley, Faye was the only one with the right experience, and she got along with her, too.


    Nina picked up her phone and texted Faye: "Faye, do you have a minute to talk?"


    Faye''s project at Meridian Dynamics was nearly finished, so she had some time. "Sure, what''s up?"


    Nina called her, quickly exining Simone''s n for a new independent PI position. When she finished, Faye''s interest was piqued. "Have they chosen someone yet?"


    "The original candidate was Eleanor, but I heard she''s leaving theb. I actually think you''d be the perfect fit."


    "What did you say?" Faye blurted, startled.


    "I said you''re the ideal person for the independent PI role."


    "No, I mean-did you say Eleanor''s leaving theb?" Faye pressed.


    "Yes, that''s what Professor Langley said. She''s still trying to convince her to stay," Nina replied.


    "Nina, if I get the independent PI position, you''ll be the first person I bring onto my team," Faye said warmly.


    "Really? Thank you, Faye!" Nina was ted, hoping Faye would get the chance.


    Back in her office at Meridian Dynamics, Faye set her phone down and clutched the front of her blouse, hardly able to contain her excitement. Eleanor was leaving theb? That was the best news she''d heard in a long time.


    Once Eleanor left, she''d be like a lone bird out in the world-talented, yes, but without a tform, her chances of sess would shrink dramatically.


    Sure, anotherb would take her in. But who else would be as generous with resources asn? In a field built on rivalry and ambition, Eleanor was destined to be someone else''s stepping stone.

 Chapter 516

    After all, the sess she had achieved wasn''t just her own doing; it owed just as much ton, who had spared no effort to give her resources and opportunities.


    But now that she was leaving theb, wouldn''t those opportunities fall to someone else?


    -And hadn''t Nina just said that Professor Langley was doing everything he could to keep Eleanor from leaving?


    Faye clenched her fists. It looked like it was finally time for her to leave Meridian Dynamics, too. She couldn''t keep wasting her time on this project-she needed to get back to the main research facility right away.


    She would wait there for the independent PI project toe her way.


    Without hesitation, Faye headed straight for Joel''s office. When she told him she wanted to withdraw from his team, Joel looked surprised, but he didn''t try to stop her.


    "Alright, then. You can report back to the research base starting tomorrow," he said with a nod.


    Faye studied Joel, realizing that from now on, he wouldn''t be able to back up Eleanor anymore. Just how far could Eleanor go on her own?


    But once Faye made her mark at theb, she wouldn''t have to worry about being overlooked by Joel again.


    Half an hour passed.


    Eleanor was in her office, absorbed in reading patient reports from the hospital, whenn walked in without warning.


    She nced up, her eyes shing. "Ever heard of knocking?"


    Eleanor closed the file, her tone dripping with irritation. "I don''t want to talk."


    He walked over, bracing his hands on her desk, looking down at her from above. "We have to."


    Eleanor met his gaze, anger simmering beneath the surface.


    Butn''s tone softened slightly as he pulled out the chair beside her and sat down. "Why are you leaving all of a sudden?" He paused, narrowing his eyes. "Is it because of me?"


    "Don''t tter yourself." Eleanor let out a cold, mockingugh. "You''re nothing to me."


    But her words didn''t fazen in the slightest. He just kept his steady gaze fixed on her. "Then give me a reason you''re leaving theb."


    "A reason? Why should I give you a reason?" Eleanor found his question ridiculous.


    "If you can''t give me one, I won''t let you go." Ian''s voice was calm, not the least bit forceful, but it still pressed down on her like a weight.


    That was the aura he''d perfected over years of being in charge.


    Eleanor hated the way he made her feel.


    "In any case, once the clinical trial wraps up, I''ll hand over my work properly." She


    stood, striding to the door and pulling it open. "You can leave now."


    Eleanor''s expression turned frosty, though she couldn''t deny he was right.


    Her eyes burned with defiance. "I''ve made you enough money. That should be enough for you."


    "If you want to go further, stand taller, I can "


    She cut him off coldly. "I''m done being your money-making tool."<pn stood up, his gaze darkening. "I''m not letting you go."

 Chapter 517

    Eleanor''s expression was ice-cold, her eyes shing with indifference. "I don''t need your permission to decide whether I stay or go."


    She scoffed. "That''s your business,n, not mine. Whether I ept or not is up to me."


    A flicker ofplicated emotion passed through his eyes as his brow furrowed. "Do you really hate me that much?"


    Hate? The thought almost made Eleanorugh. Hate him? She hardly had time for such extravagance. Her time was far too precious to waste even a minute on Ian Goodwin.


    Her silence prompted a quiet sigh from him. "So you''ve really decided to leave?"


    Eleanor lifted her chin, her gaze sharp and resolute. "I''m not asking for your approval,n. I''m informing you."


    "At least wait for the results of the new drug trial before you go," he pressed, softening his tone. "It''ll only be another three months."


    She exhaled slowly. Three months left in the trial-she had to admit, announcing her departure now was a little premature.


    "I''ll make sure to wrap things up properly and finish what I started," she replied coolly.


    "My mind''s made up," Eleanor said, unwavering. "I won''t change it."


    "I''ve already granted Professor Langley full Pl ess, with unlimited research funding. If you"


    Eleanor cut him off before he could finish. "None of that matters to me,n. My freedom is worth more than any offer you could make."


    He met her eyes, then finally let out a heavy sigh. "Fine. I won''t interfere with your choices anymore." After a pause, his tone softened. "But wherever you go in three months, I have just one request: don''t cut me and Evelyn off. She needs her father."


    With that,n headed for the door. His hand paused on the doorknob, and he nced back over his shoulder. "I hope that, in the future, we can be partners- not adversaries."


    Eleanor said nothing.


    He added quietly, "Believe it or not, Eleanor, I never meant you any harm."


    Then he opened the door and walked out.


    A cynical smirk yed on Eleanor''s lips. Now he says that? What''s the point?


    Just then, Nina was passing by with a mug of coffee. She nearly jumped when she sawn leaving Eleanor''s office, and hurried over to greet him. "Mr. Goodwin! I didn''t know you were here."


    He gave her a polite nod and continued down the hall.


    As soon asn was gone, something clicked for Nina. She quickly pulled out her phone and retreated to a quiet corner to call Faye.


    At that moment, Faye was packing up her things at Meridian Dynamics. She recognized Nina''s number and picked up immediately. "Hey, what''s up, Nina?"


    Nina''s face lit up-Faye was calling her by her first name now, which made her feel even more loyal. She would absolutely look out for Faye''s interests.


    "Faye, guess who just went into Eleanor''s office?" she said excitedly. "Professor Langley?" Faye guessed at random, knowing Nina would tell her anyway.


    "No, it was Mr. Goodwin! He was in there for ages. Do you think he''s trying to convince Eleanor to stay?" Nina replied, her voice full of intrigue.


    Faye''s grip tightened around her phone. Ifn was making a generous offer, Eleanor might actually reconsider. Maybe she was already thinking about staying.


    No. She had to get back, and fast. People needed to see that she not just Eleanor-was capable of taking over as lead investigator.


    "I hear you. I''m heading back right now," Faye said.


    "Great, Faye, I''ll be waiting for you," Nina replied, and hung up. Clearly, Faye was in just as much of a rush to get moving.

 Chapter 518

    After tidying up, Faye bit her red lips, murmuring, "Eleanor, just once in this life-l have to beat you."


    Eleanor wasn''t irreceable in theb.


    There was still her.


    Later that day, Simone heard from her assistant, Andie, thatn had stopped by. She could guess he''de to talk to Eleanor, probably to persuade her to stay. Simone genuinely hoped Eleanor would remain. Setting aside any personal grievances, this ce was the best possible base for research, and the supportn could offer Eleanor was second to none, even by the highest national standards.


    This time, the independent PI funding had no cap. If Eleanor wanted it, Ian would move mountains for her.


    If Eleanor really left, it would be a terrible loss.


    At two thirty in the afternoon, Faye returned to her office at the research center. A sh of determination crossed her face as she straightened her shoulders and knocked on Simone''s door.


    "Come in."


    "Professor Langley, I''m back." Faye pushed open the door. Simone had always been her mentor, and Faye was undoubtedly her star student.


    Simone looked up in surprise. "Faye, you''re back already? The Meridian Dynamics project is finished?"


    "Yes, we''re nearly at the end. Joel is taking over for the final phase." Faye set a folder down on the desk. "This is my research report from Meridian Dynamics, Professor Langley. Please have a look when you have time."


    Simone reached for it immediately, flipping through the pages and nodding in approval. "Excellent work."


    A thrill of satisfaction ran through Faye. Clearly, she still held weight in Professor Langley''s eyes.


    She tried to sound casual as she asked, "Professor Langley, I ran into Nina downstairs. She said Eleanor''s leaving theb. Is that true?"


    Simone''s gaze sharpened, a flicker of thought passing through her eyes. "So that''s why you came back so quickly."


    Faye realized there was no use hiding it. She admitted directly, "Professor Langley, if Eleanor really leaves, someone will have to take over the independent Pl project. I hope I can have that chance."


    "Ambition is good, Faye, but don''t get ahead of yourself." Simone''s tone grew stern. Seeing Faye''s awkward expression, she continued, "This independent PI was created for Eleanor. If she leaves, the project will be cancelled."


    Shock flickered in Faye''s eyes. "What? They''ll just scrap it if she goes?" The words slipped out before she could stop them. "Professor Langley, that''s not fair. Theb doesn''t revolve around Eleanor alone. Why not give someone else a shot?"


    Simone took off her sses and massaged her brow. "Science isn''t about fair or unfair, Faye. This project was designed byn specifically for Eleanor-down to the research direction and resource allocation. It''s tailored to her expertise, not¡ª"


    "But¡ª" Faye blurted out, cutting Simone off. "I''m perfectly qualified! I have experience in genomic sequencing too."


    "Faye." This time, it was Simone who interrupted, her tone grave. "You are talented, butn is looking for groundbreaking results."


    Even if Simone didn''t finish the thought, Faye understood. Only Eleanor could deliver that.


    Her nails dug into her palm as she struggled to mask her frustration. "So if Eleanor leaves, the whole project just disappears? Professor Langley, can you really watch theb lose such an incredible research opportunity?"


    Simone sighed deeply. "That''s exactly why I''ve been trying so hard to persuade Eleanor to stay."

 Chapter 519

    Just then, there was a knock at the door. Simone called out, "Come in," and Eleanor entered, arms full of files.


    Faye''s gaze snapped to her, jealousy flickering in her eyes.


    Catching sight of Faye, Eleanor paused for a heartbeat before saying, ¡°Professor Langley, I cane backter."


    "Eleanor, please stay," Simone replied, then turned to Faye. "Faye, I''ll need you to step out for now."


    A heaviness settled in Faye''s chest. Simone''s words made it perfectly clear who she valued more.


    "Yes, Professor Langley." Faye managed a respectful expression as she turned, brushing past Eleanor, who stood calmly in the doorway, seemingly impervious to Faye''s resentment.


    Eleanor could easily guess why Faye had rushed back to theb-she wanted to snatch the lead researcher role for herself. Given her connection withn, she was probably the frontrunner for the position.


    Simone looked at Eleanor. "Ian was just here, wasn''t he? Tried to talk you into staying?"


    Eleanor answered with unwavering resolve. "Professor Langley, my mind''s made up."


    The implication was clear: nothingn or anyone else said would change her decision.


    "Alright, I can''t force you," Simone conceded. "There''s still three months left of the clinical trials. Take your time to think it over."


    Eleanor ced the report on Simone''s desk and nodded. "I''ll see the final phase through."


    After Eleanor left, Simone''s phone rang. Seeingn''s name sh on the screen, she picked up. "Hello,n."


    "Professor Langley,"n''s voice was steady, "I''ve spoken with Eleanor, and I have a proposal."


    "Oh? What have you got in mind?" Simone asked, curiosity piqued.


    "I''d like to keep her on as lead investigator. She wouldn''t be required in theb full-time-she''d have full autonomy over her research direction and team. Her funding and resources would remain unchanged." He paused. "This way, she gets her freedom, but still has theb''s support."


    Simone was stunned. Son wasn''t ready to let Eleanor go after all.


    "That''s... actually a good idea. I''ll talk it over with her."


    "Thank you, Professor. Let''s stay in touch." Ian hung up.


    Simone set the phone down, a knowing look crossing her face. As expected,n wasn''t about to let Eleanor walk away.


    No sooner had Eleanor returned to her office than Faye appeared at the door.


    "Eleanor, since you''ve already said you''re leaving, I hope you actually follow through," Faye said, her tone edged with sarcasm. "Don''t tell me a few kind words from Mr. Goodwin or Professor Langley will make you change your mind." She added with a pointed look, "A person should have a little backbone, don''t you think?"


    Eleanor understood perfectly well what Faye was getting at. She met Faye''s gaze. "Don''t worry. I''m not nning to overstay my wee."


    Faye gave a cold, dismissiveugh. "Good. And don''t think you can y hard to get with Mr. Goodwin-he''s not going to fall for it."


    Eleanor rolled her eyes. "Are you done?"


    "I just can''t stand your holier-than-thou act," Faye shot back. "You act all independent, but you can''t live without Mr. Goodwin''s resources. Don''te crawling back when things get tough out there."


    Faye''s words were meant to burn bridges to make sure Eleanor would never have the dignity to return.


    "Finished?" Eleanor''s voice was icy. "If so, I''d appreciate it if you left. I have work to do."


    "The project doesn''t need you to seed, you know." Faye arched an eyebrow, her words deliberately vague, hinting she might be able to take over.


    Eleanor''s patience snapped. "Out. Stop wasting my time."


    Faye''s face darkened. "Eleanor, I hope you''re not putting on a show for Mr. Goodwin. Don''t expect he''lle running back to you-he''s already with my sister now."


    Before Faye could say more, Simone''s voice came from the hallway. "Faye, is there a problem?"


    Faye quicklyposed herself and smiled. "No, Professor Langley, I was just asking Eleanor about a few things."


    Simone stood in the doorway, ncing between the two women, clearly unconvinced but choosing not to push it. "Why don''t you get back to your work, Faye? I need a word with Eleanor."


    Faye gave Eleanor a resentful look before slipping out.


    Simone closed the door behind her and turned to Eleanor. "Do you have a moment to talk?"


    Eleanor nodded. Simone pulled up the chair beside her and got straight to the point. "Ian just called. He wants you to keep your position as lead investigator-no need to be in theb all the time. You''d have full control over your research and your team. The funding and resources would stay the same. So what do you think?"

 Chapter 520

    Eleanor had suspectedn wouldn''t let her go easily, but she never imagined he''d be this calcting.


    She was determined to leave. No matter what tactic he tried or who he sent to persuade her, it wouldn''t work.


    "Professor Langley, could you please tell him not to waste his time? I''m not epting this arrangement."


    A flicker of surprise crossed Simone''s face. This was the biggestpromisen could offer; if Eleanor took the chance, it would be in her best interest.


    "Eleanor, don''t be so quick to refuse," Simone said earnestly. "This is only going to benefit you. Even after you leave theb, you''ll still have ess to all this support. Isn''t that a wonderful thing?"


    Eleanor was quiet for a moment before lifting her head. "Thank you for your concern, Professor Langley."


    "This isn''t justn''s idea. It''s my advice as well." Simone''s gaze was sincere. "In research, connections and resources are everything. Why jeopardize your future over a personal grudge?"


    Eleanor understood. Anyone else in her position would see this as a golden opportunity. If her father were still alive, he''d be trying to talk some sense into her as well.


    But she knew exactly which path she wanted to take.


    Simone wasn''t ready to give up. "You can treat this as a purely professional partnership. Ian values your abilities, and you need his resources and funding. You each get what you need, without interfering in each other''s lives. That''s not a bad deal."


    Eleanor bit her lip and stayed silent. She knew Simone meant well, and it pained her to keep rejecting her kindness.


    Atst, Simone sighed. After all this time working together, she knew Eleanor- once her mind was made up, there was no turning back.


    "Alright. The clinical trials for the new drug will wrap up in three months. Take your time to think it over before you decide."


    When Simone left, Eleanor sat there with a furrowed brow. Anyone else would have eptedn''s offer without hesitation. He really did know her well-knew she couldn''t let go of her research, and that the freedom of an independent PI,bined with theb''s resources, was every scientist''s dream.


    Butn was still treating her like the Eleanor he used to know. He was ying the wrong game.


    Eleanor wasn''t worried about finding resources or funding for her future. What mattered was breaking free fromn, once and for all.


    She had no desire to be his pawn for making money.


    Word spread through theb almost instantly. In the cafeteria, several of her


    friends gathered around her-Gwenda, Valery, Andie, and Callie-all with concern in their eyes.


    "Eleanor, are you really leaving?"


    "Where are you nning to go next?"


    "You''re not thinking of moving abroad, are you? You''ve already got plenty of


    funding, and your list of aplishments is impressive."


    Eleanor just smiled at their barrage of questions. "I''m a bit worn out. I need some


    time to rest. I haven''t decided whichb I''ll join next."


    "Eleanor could walk into anyb she wants," Callie said, her eyes full of


    reluctance. She''d learned so much working with Eleanor.


    Seeing how much they''d miss her, Eleanor couldn''t help butugh. "We''ll still be colleagues. I''m sure we''ll see each other around. Besides, I''m not leaving just yet -I''ll be here for at least three more months."


    Everyone nodded. Eleanor''s future was beyond anything they could imagine. Next time they saw her, she might have an even more prestigious title.


    Not far away, Faye sat eating with Nina. Watching the crowd around Eleanor, Nina whispered, ¡°Faye, you have tond the independent Pl spot this time. I''m rooting for you."


    Faye barely touched her food, ncing in Eleanor''s direction. "I''ll do my best, but there''s no guarantee."


    "Joel''s still at Meridian Dynamics. Aside from you, who else could finish this project?"


    Faye didn''t bother exining that Eleanor''s departure meant the project would be scrapped. She simply said, "We''ll talk about itter."


    Back in her office, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw a message from Xavier.


    "Heard you''re leavingn''sb?"

 Chapter 521

    Eleanor paused, just a moment, but it wasn''t exactly surprising that he knew about this¡ªafter all, several researchers from Juliette Grayson''sb had recently joined thepany.


    "That''s right. I''ll be leaving in three months," she replied.


    "You deserve a break."


    "Yeah, I need some time off."


    "Alright then, I''ll wait for you to treat me to dinner when you''re free," Xavier texted back.


    Only then did Eleanor remember she owed him not just one, but two dinners by now. She really should find a time to make good on that promise.


    "Let''s do tomorrow! My schedule''s clear in the morning," she replied after double- checking her calendar.


    "Sounds good. I''ll see you then," Xavier answered, leaving her to her day.


    Ever since she''d decided to leave theb, a weight had lifted from Eleanor''s shoulders. She couldn''t remember thest time she''d truly rxed. The results from the new drug trial were promising a patient with early-stage leukemia was nowpletely symptom-free. As she read thetest report, Eleanor felt a swell of quiet satisfaction.


    That evening, Ellington invited her to an early meeting the next day. Not wanting to waste the opportunity, Eleanor decided to take Xavier out for lunch at the Vesper Joy Hotel-she could squeeze it in between her workmitments.


    The following morning, Eleanor requested a half-day off from Simone. She had a meeting at ten and, as usual for these asions, she dressed with understated formality: a pale blue blouse and a gray pencil skirt-simple, but sharp.


    Ellington and several of the hotel''s senior staff took turns briefing her. After a year on the job, Eleanor knew the business inside and out.


    During the meeting, she sat at the head of the table-her slender figure radiating quiet authority.


    ¡°With the summer rush, our upancy rate jumped eighteen percentst quarter, and the average room price has held steady, even rising a little," one manager reported.


    Eleanor reviewed the numbers and gave a satisfied nod.


    "But the restaurant''s performance was less impressive. Profit margins only rose five percent, and our wine inventory turnover is much too slow. We need to rethink our purchasing strategy." She nced at Ellington. "Have a revised n on my desk by Monday."


    "Yes, Ms. Sutton,¡± Ellington replied immediately.


    A nce at the clock-she was surprised to see it was nearly eleven-thirty


    already. "If there are no further questions, that''s it for today."


    She gathered her files, handed them to Ellington, and picked up her phone as she stood. The others fell in behind her as they left the conference room¡ªthey''d all noticed how much moremanding Eleanor had betely.


    She texted Xavier: "Xavier, I''m waiting in the restaurant on the third floor. Come over whenever you arrive."


    "On my way¡ªalmost there," he replied.


    Eleanor chose a table by the window in the main dining room. Ten minutester, Xavier arrived, punctual as always, looking effortlessly refined in a dark blue shirt.


    As he sat down, he set a folder on the table. Eleanor couldn''t help but smile. "Busy day?"


    Xavier nced at the folder. "Let''s order first."


    She signaled for the waiter and handed Xavier the menu. "Order whatever you like."


    He looked up with a grin. "Careful, Ms. Sutton, I might take you at your word."


    Sheughed in spite of herself. "I can handle one meal."


    Xavier selected three dishes and passed the menu back to her. "Your turn-pick two more."

 Chapter 522

    Eleanor added three more dishes to the order and handed the menu back to the waitress. Once the waitress left, Xavier slid a folder across the table toward her. "Here''s the detailed information on the National Research Institute. I thought you might be interested."


    She took the folder, momentarily stunned-Xavier had prepared this for her? Flipping it open, she immediately recognized the name of the national research team she''d heard of before.


    Eleanor was engrossed in the documents when, all of a sudden, she noticed movement near the restaurant entrance. Ian walked in, nked by several foreign clients.


    He was dressed in a charcoal three-piece suit, radiating an air of professional authority with every step.


    As Xavier sipped his tea, his gaze metn''s across the room. Ian leaned over to whisper something to the colleague beside him, who immediately guided the clients toward a private dining room.


    Xavier nced at Eleanor, who was still absorbed in the folder, and made no effort to alert her.


    Eleanor only looked up when she sensed a shadow falling over her. The moment she sawn, her expression turned icy.


    Xavier simply took another sip of tea, unruffled.


    "The National Institute for Biomedical Research is recruiting," Xavier said, arching


    a brow. "I think Eleanor would be an excellent addition."


    He didn''t mind saying it outright. After all, Eleanor was leaving hisb, and if he could help pave the way to something better for her, he was more than willing.


    Eleanor turned away, refusing to engage with him.


    Xavier smiled. ¡°Ian, I believe joining the national research team would be a great step for Eleanor."


    Xavier hesitated, unable to decipher the full implication behindn''s remark.


    Eleanor, however, knew exactly what he meant. She shotn a look of disgust. "Can you not ruin our lunch?"


    "Excuse me,¡±n replied stiffly, then turned and walked away.


    Xavier regarded Eleanor thoughtfully. What didn mean by that? Did Eleanor have some connection to the Secretary as well?


    He didn''t press the issue. Instead, he smiled and said, "Let''s eat first. Take the folder home, go through it at your own pace-it''ll be useful for you."


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eleanor said gratefully. "You''ve really gone out of your way."


    "It''s nothing," Xavier replied with a low chuckle. Eleanor leavingn''sb was, in his view, for the best.


    It was time for her to draw a clear line between herself and her ex-husband.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a new message. She nced at the screen.


    "How long do you n to keep your rtionship with Mansfield Ellington a secret from him?"


    Fromn.


    Eleanor''s fingers tightened around her phone. Without a word, she flipped it face- down on the table.

 Chapter 523

    Xavier noticed Eleanor''s subtle movement, his gaze drifting briefly toward the direction of the private dining room.


    Their meal arrived, and Xavier steered the conversation toward children, lightening the mood and making everyone feel at ease.


    An hourter, as they finished lunch, Xavier nced at his watch. "It''s still early. Want to grab a coffee somewhere?"


    Eleanor offered an apologetic smile. "I''m sorry, I have a meeting at theb this afternoon. I should get going."


    He wasn''t ready for their time together to end so soon, but seeing she had work to do, he respected her schedule.


    "I really enjoyed our lunch," Xavier said warmly. "I''ll be out of the country for a couple of weeks, so I probably won''t be back until after the eleventh. Let''s catch up then." His gaze lingered on Eleanor, thoughtful and deep.


    She smiled, nodding. "Of course. Focus on your work, and let''s meet when you''re back."


    Xavier had always admired Eleanor''s easy grace, but now it struck him more than ever that, in her eyes, he was only a friend. Since they''d met, this was probably the first time she''d ever reached out to him of her own ord; all their prior encounters had been thanks to his careful orchestration or chance meetings he''d engineered.


    Eleanor walked him to the restaurant entrance. Just then, Ellington appeared and greeted Xavier. "Mr. Vaughn, it''s been a while."


    "Looking for Ms. Sutton?" Xavier asked casually.


    "Yes, I have some business to discuss with her," Ellington replied with a pleasant smile.


    "I''ll leave you to it, then. I should get going." Xavier didn''t want to intrude on Eleanor''s work, so he turned to her and said, ¡°Eleanor, I hope you''ll consider joining the National Research Team. It''s a great tform for your talents." "Thank you, I''ll think about it," Eleanor replied, giving him a grateful smile. Ellington''s assistant approached, holding a document for Eleanor to sign. She finished signing and, as she turned, she sawn emerging with several international guests.


    She frowned, turning to leave.


    "Can we talk?"n called from behind her. Eleanor ignored him and kept walking. Ellington greetedn. "Good afternoon, Mr. Goodwin."


    She reached the lobby outside the elevator banks whenn finally caught up, reaching out to block her path. "Are you really thinking of joining the national research team?" he asked.


    Eleanor lifted her chin, her clear gaze meeting his. "I don''t see how that''s any of your business."


    "If you want to join the team, I won''t stand in your way,"n said, his voice low and steady. "But the resources I can offer you personally will far exceed what you''ll find there."


    She knew he wasn''t exaggerating. At the national level, opportunities might be broad, but they wouldn''t be tailored to her. Withn''s investments in herb, every project she''d worked on had been at the cutting edge.


    Eleanor''s jaw set with determination. "I''ll be leaving theb in three months. As for where I go next, I don''t need to report to you."


    As Eleanor reached out to press the elevator button,n''s hand deliberately intercepted hers. His eyes darkened. "Meridian Dynamics is about tounch a major project¡ªa neural interface initiative, bridging medicine and technology. If you''re interested, I hope you''ll consider it."


    Eleanor froze, surprised. This was the frontier of modern medicine, a door every researcher dreamed of opening. The fusion of medicine and technology promised miracles and the power to change countless lives.


    "No need to answer now. You have three months to think about it,"n said, then turned and walked away.


    Eleanor didn''t press the elevator button. Her mind wandered back to thest big experiment two years ago, in the Drexford undergroundb. That night, Joslyn had called, sayingn had gone home with his daughter¡ªand that she''d seen another woman in his car.


    At that moment, Eleanor had set aside her work: an experiment with a monkey imnted with a neural chip. The animal had been struck by lightning in the wild and left paralyzed, but that night, against all odds, it had managed to sit up. Her mentor had called it a miracle.


    A monthter, the monkey died from illness. Eleanor left theb to focus on her family, and the research was abandoned due to the staggering costs.


    Yet in the medicalmunity, no one spoke of that night. The "miracle" was never mentioned again.


    Other fields had made progress, but none had captured the wonder of Eleanor''s experiment.


    Now,n was boldly pushing into that very frontier.


    When Eleanor finally snapped out of her reverie, she realized she''d been standing by the elevator for quite some time, her heart pounding with memories both painful and stirring.


    With Meridian Dynamics'' resources and ambition,n genuinely stood a chance of breaking new ground in neural medicine.


    Eleanor shook her head as if to clear it, pressed the elevator button, and headed to the underground parking garage. She started her car and drove toward theb.


    Meanwhile, at the entrance,n was deep in conversation with several foreign experts. One, a medical doctor from Drexford, remarked, "I heard rumors of a miracle at a Drexfordb¡ªa paralyzed monkey that was able to walk again after a neural interface procedure. But the project was shut down, and I don''t think anyone ever spoke publicly about it."

 Chapter 524

    "I''ve heard about that project too, but unfortunately, it was shut down due to the high costs," the doctor said with a sigh.


    The doctor shook his head. "I can''t recall the name. Just that it was a young researcher. The experimental data was kept strictly confidential, and once the funding dried up, the project was terminated." He couldn''t help but add, "It''s a real shame. If they''d been able to keep going, who knows what breakthroughs they might have achieved by now."


    A thoughtful glint passed throughn''s gaze.


    "Getting interested in this field, Mr. Goodwin?" another expert teased with a friendly smile.


    "If you''re serious, you should reach out to Drexford''sb-track down that


    researcher and bring her on board. Who knows, she might help you make history in medicine!"


    If he wanted to keep Eleanor, the only way was to offer her the most cutting-edge research¡ªsomething she''d never resist.


    It looked like he''d be making another trip to Drexford very soon.


    "If Meridian Dynamics manages to break new ground here, the next Nobelureate coulde from yourpany," someone joked.


    Just then, a white Bentley pulled out of the underground parking garage, catchingn''s eye. He watched it glide away, gaze intent, even as the conversation continued around him.


    Eleanor arrived at theb just as Joel returned from a meeting. He hadn''t seen her in ages, and as soon as he spotted her, he came hurrying over.


    "Eleanor, is it true you''re leaving theb?" Joel''s voice was edged with concern.


    After all, he''d returned from abroad because of her. He''d thought they''d always be colleagues, growing together in the field.


    Eleanor gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Joel. It was a sudden decision-I haven''t had a chance to tell everyone yet."


    Joel sighed, understanding all too well. He knew working undern hadn''t been easy for her.


    "I get it, I do. Still... I hate to see you go." He let out another long breath.


    "I''m just leaving thisb, not science. We''ll cross paths again, I''m sure," Eleanor reassured him.


    "With your talent, I''m sure every top research team will be fighting to recruit you. Even the national team would love to have you join." Joel managed a smile, then hesitated before adding, "Has he agreed to let you leave?"


    There was no need to rify who "he" was.


    "My decision doesn''t need his approval," Eleanor answered lightly.


    Joel nodded, knowingn was just the investor-he couldn''t force Eleanor to stay. Unless...


    He recalled something Byron Chase had mentioned to him the day before. Though he doubted it was rted to Eleanor, Meridian Dynamics was definitely making headlines in frontier medical research.


    Would Eleanor be tempted to stay after all? He couldn''t help but hope.


    At that moment, Faye walked by, arms full of files. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Joel, but he didn''t even notice her-his attention fixed entirely on Eleanor.


    It seemed that as long as Eleanor was around, Joel never looked at anyone else.


    But with Eleanor leaving, Faye realized her own chances to see Joel would soon dwindle.


    Given Joel''s trajectory at Meridian Dynamics, Faye was sure Eleanor wouldn''t be able to keep up with him for long.


    Joel, despite himself, lowered his voice and said, "Meridian Dynamics isunching a new project in neural innovation. Eleanor, would you be interested in joining?"


    Eleanor paused, startled. Son was already moving forward. He wasn''t wasting any time.


    She shook her head. "Joel, I''m about to leave. There''s no point in considering it." Joel was visibly disappointed, but he respected her decision. "Alright. Let''s keep in touch. I''ll see you around."


    With that, Joel checked his watch and walked off-never ncing in Faye''s direction.


    Faye''s heart sank, but she mustered a smile and walked up to Eleanor. "You''re really leaving, huh? Just... when you catch up with Joel in the future, don''t bring up Meridian Dynamics'' core projects. It''s bad form in our field, you know?"


    Eleanor couldn''t be bothered to respond to her paranoia and simply turned to leave.


    "If you ever end up fighting over patents in court, it''ll get ugly," Faye added, her voice tinged with warning.


    All she received was Eleanor''s retreating back. Faye bit her lip, her own expression darkening.


    Still, as she thought about Eleanor leaving¡ªmeaning no more chance to get her hands on the best projects-Faye''s mood brightened a little. Especially since she''d heardst night that Meridian Dynamics had something big on the horizon. Back at her office, Eleanor heard her phone buzz. A message fromn: "I''ll be away on business for a month. If Evelyn asks about me, please reassure her." Eleanor frowned, not even bothering to reply.


    It was almostughable-when they were married, he''d never bothered to check in. Now that they were divorced, he thought she owed him an exnation?

 Chapter 525

    The afternoon meetings brought nothing but good news. Simone shared updates about several patients making remarkable recoveries. The process was slow, but all the data pointed in the right direction.


    Faye watched as Eleanor basked in Simone''s repeated praise. Outwardly, Faye kept herposure, but inside, she couldn''t help but feel stung.


    There was a time when she had been Simone''s favorite-Simone''s hope and pride. But, in the end, Eleanor had always had better resources. Looking back, the two most important projects in theb both revolved around Eleanor; she was at the heart of them.


    Faye, meanwhile, had joined Meridian Dynamics'' program and earned the title of Senior Researcher, but her work never touched theb''s core. In truth, she was little more than a glorified data clerk, shuffling reports for everyone else.


    Just then, Faye''s phone buzzed. She nced down. It was a reply from Vanessa, whom she''d invited to dinner earlier.


    "Faye, I can''t make it tonight. I''m flying abroad withn."


    Faye''s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile as she shot a sideways nce at Eleanor. Well, she thought, maybe the universe hadn''t handed everything to Eleanor after all-at leastn''s affections weren''t hers.


    With the sess of this new drug, Goodwin & Co. was set to make a fortune in pharmaceuticals-money that, one day, would belong to her sister''s child.


    When the meeting wrapped up, Eleanor headed into a restroom stall. Nina and Faye followed her inside.


    As Nina washed her hands, a thought struck her. "Faye, my niece is dying to get your sister''s autograph."


    Faye nced at her own reflection in the mirror. "She might have to wait a while. My sister''s abroad. No telling when she''ll be back."


    "Must be nice-traveling overseas for work all the time," Nina sighed.


    "She''s not working. She''s just keeping my future brother-inwpany on a business trip," Faye said, almost teasing.


    Nina''s eyes widened. "Wait-so she''s with Mr. Goodwin?"


    Faye couldn''t deny it: she envied Vanessa''s life. It was full of color and adventure. Every year, she''d jet off around the world withn-he''d work, she''d just enjoy the ride. Traveling without money was called backpacking; traveling withn was first- ss luxury.


    When Faye and Nina left, Eleanor emerged from her stall. Facing the mirror, she gazed at her own reflection. Hearing Faye and Nina''s conversation had stirred up old memories-how naively she''d once believed everythingn told her. He''d say he was traveling for work, and she''d simply trusted him.


    Eleanor washed her hands, then managed a small, wry smile at her reflection. That was all in the past now.


    Later in the evening, Joy texted: "Let''s catch up tonight. It''s been ages since we''ve seen each other."


    At six, Eleanor picked up Evelyn and met Joy at a nearby restaurant. Joy arrived with a new gift for Evelyn, who squealed with delight and immediately began ying with it on the banquette.


    While Evelyn was entertained, Eleanor and Joy caught up. When Eleanor mentioned leaving theb, Joy looked genuinely happy for her.


    "It''s about time," Joy said. "Someone as brilliant as you-anywhere you go, you''ll shine."


    ¡°I''m thinking of taking a real break for a while. Just rest."


    "Absolutely. You have nothing to worry about." As she spoke, Joy slyly pulled an envelope from her purse and slid it across the table. "Fresh off the press-the very first invitation."


    Eleanor''s eyes lit up as she took the envelope. "You and Frazier-when did this happen?"


    Joy blushed, smiling shyly. "He proposedst week. Our parents met, and, well, we''re not getting any younger."


    "Congrattions!" Eleanor said warmly. "You''d better give Evelyn a little brother or sister soon-she''ll need someone to y with."


    Joy nced over at Evelyn, who was still happily ying. "That''s the n, but


    we''ll see. Oh, and we''re having the wedding at the Vesper Joy Hotel."


    Eleanor leaned in conspiratorially. "That''s the only ce you''re allowed-it''s perfect for you."


    Joy looked touched. They started chatting about wedding details. The big day was set for mid-November-plenty of time to n.


    Just then, Joy''s phone pinged with a push notification. Distracted, she nced at


    it and saw Vanessa''s name. She tapped it open.


    A German luxury perfume brand had just announced their new global ambassador: international pianist Vanessa.


    Joy swiped away the notification without mentioning it to Eleanor. Ever since she''d started following Vanessa''s social media, the algorithm kept sending her updates about Vanessa''s morous life. Just a week ago, Vanessa was invited as an honored guest to a g in Ashford City-true royalty treatment.


    From what Joy had heard from an old school friend, everything Vanessa had now her fame, her fortune-was all thanks ton. And withn''spany, Yeaton Holdings, about to go public, even Joy, as an outsider, felt a twist of resentment. "What are you thinking about?" Eleanor asked, holding Evelyn''s hand as she returned from the restroom.


    Joy smiled. "Just wedding details."


    "Mom, can Dad take me to Grandma''s house tomorrow?" Evelyn piped up.


    Eleanor paused, then replied gently, "Daddy''s away on a business trip. He''ll be gone for over a week."


    "Oh. Okay." Evelyn pouted, but quickly returned to her toys.


    As Evelyn yed, Joy recalled the news piece about Vanessa being in Drexford. Wasn with her? Those two really were inseparable.


    At eight-thirty, dinner ended. They each headed home. Eleanor handed Evelyn off


    to Joslyn for a bath, then retreated upstairs to her study.


    Settling into her chair, she let her mind drift. The top had once mentioned- neural interfaces-still tugged at her. That was the one unfinished project in her career, the one regret she couldn''t quite let go.

 Chapter 526

    The pristine experimental data she once had ess to was locked away in the Drexford research department, kept under strict confidentiality. Now that she''d left theb, even if she wanted theplete data, it was out of reach-leaving meant she''d forfeited her qualifications to continue the project.


    Eleanor rubbed her temples, determined not to dwell on it.


    Only two days remained until October break. The approaching holiday filled her with anticipation. She''d promised her daughter: they''d spend the first day at the museum, then head to the coast for two days of seaside fun.


    That evening, Eleanor walked into the yard, hand-in-hand with her daughter. Their golden retriever, Princess, bounded over, tail wagging in delight.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. It was Simone, a colleague, calling to discuss a patient''s situation.


    As Evelyn yed nearby, she suddenly remembered the museum trip and wondered if her dad coulde along. She thought about asking to use her mother''s phone but saw Eleanor was still on the call in the yard. So, she turned to Joslyn, the housekeeper.


    Whenever Evelyn wanted to calln, Joslyn always handed over her phone without hesitation. Evelyn, now having memorized her father''s number, dialed it with practiced ease.


    "Hello!" he answered almost immediately.


    "Daddy, do you have time toe with Mom and me to the museum?" she asked eagerly.


    "When?"n''s voice was gentle.


    "On October first!" Evelyn replied, a little surprised-didn''t he know she''d be on break?


    There was a pause beforen said softly, "Didn''t your mom tell you? I''m away on a business trip abroad."


    "Oh! You''re on a trip? Okay then..." Evelyn''s voice fell. If he was overseas, he definitely couldn''t join them.


    After a moment,n''s voice came through, surprised, "Evelyn, would you like Daddy toe back and go with you?"


    "Of course I would! But you can''t make it back in time."


    "I promise I will,"n said, resolute.


    After hanging up, Evelyn got distracted with her toys and forgot to mention the call to Eleanor.


    October break arrived right on schedule. Eleanor woke at seven. With her daughter still asleep, she slipped onto the balcony for a yoga session. She''d first signed up for yoga to get back in shape after giving birth, but over time, she''d grown to love it for its own sake. Whenever she had a quiet moment, she''d practice.


    At eight, Evelyn woke up. Joslyn had breakfast ready, and they decided to head out by nine.


    Around eight-thirty, Princess, who''d been napping in the living room, suddenly perked up, nose twitching. She hurried outside to sniff around.


    A momentter, the doorbell rang.


    Startled, Princess backpedaled and hid behind Joslyn''s legs. Joslyn, curious about an early visitor, checked the video inte-and was surprised. It was that handsome gentleman who''d visited before!


    Opening the door, she saw a sleek ck Range Rover parked out front, and Mansfield Ellington standing at the doorstep in casual clothes.


    "Joslyn, is Eleanor home?" he asked politely.


    "She is! She and Evelyn are just finishing breakfast. We''re heading to the museum soon," Joslyn replied.


    In the dining room, Eleanor heard the voices and came to the door, momentarily stunned. "When did you get here?" she asked, surprised.


    "Sorry for dropping by unannounced," Mansfield said, scratching the back of his head, a little sheepish-almost boyish in his shyness.


    Eleanor smiled. "Have you had breakfast yet?"


    Before Mansfield could answer, a delighted little voice rang out, "Mr. Ellington! You''re here!"


    He reached behind him and produced a beautifully wrapped gift box. "For you, Evelyn."


    Evelyn epted the present with a beaming grin. Seeing her daughter so happy, Eleanor turned to Mansfield. "Join us for breakfast! We''ve just started."


    Mansfield nodded and stepped inside.


    "I heard you''re going to the museum today, and I happened to be free. I thought I''d join you¡ªif that''s alright," he said, his gaze gentle as it settled on Eleanor.


    Eleanor thought about it¡ªhe was on holiday too, and it would be nice for him to rx. "Of course," she agreed.


    Evelyn, overhearing, chimed in happily, "Mom, I want to go to the museum with Mr. Ellington! He knows so many interesting things!"


    It was true-after theirst visit to the military base, Evelyn''s knowledge had noticeably expanded.


    "Alright," Mansfieldughed. "After breakfast, I''ll go with you both."


    Joslyn quickly set an extra ce at the table, and Eleanor invited Mansfield to sit down and join them.


    After breakfast, it was just past nine. Since Mansfield wasing along, Eleanor decided not to drive herself. She dressed in a crisp white T-shirt and jeans, slung a backpack over her shoulder, and carried Evelyn''s water bottle, ready for a day out with her daughter.


    Joslyn stood at the door, waving as they left. Just as Mansfield''s car pulled away, Princess darted out from behind Joslyn''s feet.


    "Princess,e back! Don''t run into the street-it''s dangerous!" Joslyn called after her.


    That''s when she noticed a ck sedan parked by the curb. The back door opened andn stepped out, his suit jacket draped over one arm, looking travel-worn but determined.


    Princess circled his feet excitedly, whining with joy. Ian bent down to ruffle her head-she was always the first to greet him when he came home.


    "Sir, what brings you here?" Joslyn asked, surprised.


    "I promised Evelyn I''d take her to the museum. Have they already left?"n asked.


    Joslyn hesitated for a moment, then answered honestly, "Mr. Ellington just came to take Eleanor and Evelyn to the museum. They left a minute ago."


    Sensing his mood, Princess shrank back toward the yard, peeking around the gate at her former master.


    Joslyn, noticingn''s disappointment, offered with a gentle smile, "Would you like toe inside for a cup of tea, sir?¡±


    "No, thank you." He turned, pulled open the car door, and drove away.

 Chapter 527

    Gavin stepped on the gas, heading straight for the museum.


    About half an hourter, Mansfield Ellington''s car arrived first. He and Evelyn made their way across the empty frontwn toward the museum''s grand entrance.


    Not long after, Gavin brought the car to a sharp stop in the parking lot. The back door flew open, andn strode out, making his way swiftly toward the entrance hall.


    Inside the lobby, Mansfield''s gaze happened to catch Eleanor''s untied sneakerces. He turned to her with a gentle smile. "Don''t move," he said softly.


    Eleanor froze, looking at him in confusion. Beside her, Evelyn tilted her head. "Mr. Ellington, are we ying a game?"


    "No," Mansfield chuckled, crouching down in front of Eleanor.


    Looking down, Eleanor realized he was tying her shoe. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she instinctively tried to step back, but Mansfield''s hand gently held her ankle in ce. "Stay still. I''m almost done," he said.


    Evelyn chimed in, "Mr. Ellington, can you make a bow for me too?"


    "Of course I can." Mansfield shed her a smile.


    Just then, at the entrance to the lobby, a sharply dressed figure stood silentn had arrived just in time to see the whole scene: Eleanor, hand in hand with their daughter, while Mansfield knelt, carefully tying her shoce. Evelyn wasughing, saying something to Mansfield, her smile so wide it nearly hid her eyes.


    When Mansfield finished with Eleanor''s shoe, he moved on to tie Evelyn''s in a perfect bow.


    Gavin, having just parked and hurried over, was surprised to see his boss lingering by the entrance, unmoving. When he reachedn''s side and followed his gaze, he finally understood-Eleanor and Evelyn weren''t alone, and the atmosphere between the three was unmistakably warm and happy.


    "Back to the office,"n replied, his voice cold as ice.


    Gavin didn''t dare ask more. He started the car, thinking to himself: Mr. Goodwin had rushed back from abroad, leaving business unfinished, only to find Eleanor and his daughter out with another man. Anyone in his position would find that hard to swallow.


    Back in the museum, the trio was gathered around a towering T-Rex skeleton, blissfully unaware ofn''s presence. Evelyn wanted a closer look at the dinosaur''s teeth, but she was too short. Mansfield lifted her up, letting her gleefully count the giant teeth.


    Eleanor watched her daughter''s endless curiosity, a helpless smile on her lips.


    The three wandered through interactive exhibits, often bursting intoughter at Evelyn''s innocent antics.


    After three hours, they''d explored the whole museum, and it was just about lunchtime.


    "Let''s have lunch together," Mansfield suggested.


    "Alright, but this time it''s my treat," Eleanor insisted.


    "Deal," Mansfield agreed easily.


    At the restaurant, Evelyn and Eleanor went to wash up. As they stood at the sink, Evelyn suddenly turned to her mother, holding her hand. ¡°Mom, did Dad call you today?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "No. Why?"


    "Last time I called him, he promised he''de home and take me to the museum. Why didn''t hee?"


    Eleanor froze for a moment-her daughter had calledn herself? Still, she doubtedn ever intended to keep his promise; for him, Vanessa had alwayse first.


    She knelt down to straighten Evelyn''s cor. "Your dad''s really busy with work. Maybe he got held up."


    Evelyn''s lips puckered with disappointment. "I really thought he meant it. I guess he was just saying that to make me happy."


    Eleanor ruffled her hair. "But did you have fun today?"


    Evelyn''s eyes brightened and she nodded. "I did."


    "Let''s go eat. You can order anything you like today."


    "Even ice cream?" Evelyn''s eyes sparkled.


    Eleanorughed, resigned. "Yes, even ice cream. Come on."


    Back at the table, Mansfield was discussing the menu with the waiter, asking which dishes would be good for a child.


    When Eleanor returned, she overheard him and felt a warm fondness for the man across from her. "Evelyn isn''t picky. You can order anything," she told him.


    "I want ice cream!" Evelyn chirped happily.


    Mansfield ordered a couple of dishes, and soon Evelyn was beaming at the towering sundae set before her.


    During lunch, Mansfield asked Eleanor what her ns were for the rest of the day. Before she could answer, Evelyn jumped in, "Mom''s taking me to the beach next!"


    Mansfield looked at Eleanor with hopeful eyes. "I''m free the next three days. Would you like somepany?"


    "Aren''t you going to see your dad in Kingston?" Eleanor asked.


    "I will. I''ll spend thest day with him. For now, I''m staying with my grandmother," Mansfield replied.


    "You''ve done enough for us already," Eleanor said, truly grateful but feeling guilty for taking up so much of his time.


    Mansfield just smiled, brushing aside her concern as if it were nothing at all.

 Chapter 528

    Just then, Mansfield Ellington''s phone buzzed. He nced at the screen and stood up. "Excuse me, I need to take this call."


    "Go ahead," Eleanor nodded.


    At the next table, two stylish young women leaned over and smiled at Evelyn. "Hey there, is that your dad?"


    Evelyn answered withplete seriousness, "No, he''s my uncle."


    The girls immediately perked up, sensing an opportunity. One of them pressed on, "So, does your uncle have a girlfriend?"


    Eleanor turned to look at them, catching their friendly smiles. They''d overheard Evelyn call her "Mom," so they must have assumed the handsome guy across from them was her brother-inw.


    Evelyn blinked her big eyes and shook her head. "Mr. Ellington doesn''t have a girlfriend!"


    Their eyes lit up. The bolder of the two leaned toward Eleanor. "Hey, would you mind introducing us? We''d really like to meet your brother-inw."


    Eleanor hesitated, realizing they''d misunderstood. She was about to politely decline when Mansfield returned, sliding his phone back into his pocket.


    As soon as he sat down, he noticed the two women at the next table staring at him, eyes full of anticipation.


    "Hey, handsome, mind if I add you on WhatsApp?" The prettier one stood up and offered her phone, QR code already pulled up.


    Mansfield caught on and gave a polite smile. "Sorry, I''m afraid that''s not possible." She pouted, undeterred. "Come on, just as friends! We''re perfectly harmless." "Mommy, I need the bathroom," Evelyn announced, clutching her stomach for emphasis.


    Eleanor nodded and turned to Mansfield. "I''ll take her."


    With Eleanor gone, the girls grew bolder. One leaned in, grinning. "Don''t be so aloof! Your niece told us you''re single. Why not just be friends?"


    Mansfield paused, then shook his head and smiled gently. "Actually, she isn''t my niece, and I''m not really her uncle. Her mother is the woman I care about."


    The two girls exchanged a look, embarrassed realization dawning as they blushed furiously. "Oh! Sorry, we misunderstood."


    Mansfield nodded politely and turned to gaze out the window. The prettier one slunk back to her seat, muttering to her friend, "So he''s into a single mom..."


    By then, the girls had finished their meals. Still red-faced, they grabbed their purses and left in a hurry.


    When Eleanor returned, she noticed the empty table next to them. She had no idea if Mansfield had given them his number, and she didn''t feelfortable asking.


    "Hey, where did thosedies go?" Evelyn asked, puzzled.


    "They left," Mansfield replied with a soft smile.


    He nced at Eleanor, teasing, "So, do I really look like your brother-inw to strangers?"


    Eleanor blinked, then burst outughing. "Maybe you do!"


    He grinned, shaking his head in mock defeat. That wasn''t exactly the role he wanted to y in her life.


    After dinner, Mansfield drove them home. Evelyn fell asleep in the backseat, exhausted from the day''s adventures.


    Once they arrived, Eleanor scooped her daughter into her arms and turned to Mansfield. "Thanks for everything today. Drive safe.¡±


    As she opened the door, Joslyn, their housekeeper, was already waiting. She reached for Evelyn. "Would you like Mr. Ellington toe in for a bit, ma''am?"


    Eleanor blushed and nodded. "Would you like toe in for some tea?" Mansfield smiled. "Maybe next time. I have a few things to take care of tonight.¡± "All right," Eleanor agreed.


    After his car drove off, Joslyn carried Evelyn upstairs. Eleanor stayed downstairs, sipping her tea, when her phone buzzed.


    It was Joel.


    "Hi, Joel."


    "Eleanor, can I ask you something?"


    "Of course."


    "When you were working in Dr. Windsor''sb, did you ever hear of a researcher involved in neuro-interface projects?" Joel''s tone was careful.


    Eleanor''s breath caught. Wasn looking into this now?


    "I''m sorry, Joel. I haven''t heard anything about that." She chose not to tell the


    truth. She didn''t wantning after her because of this.


    She was so close to leaving hispany for good. Ifn found out she was the researcher, with his greed, he''d stop at nothing to keep her, or to pry theb''s secrets from her.


    All those patents had been sealed away along with the project, owned entirely by theb.


    "That''s all right," Joel replied kindly. "It was all confidential back then, anyway." "Was itn who asked you to call me?" Eleanor pressed.


    "Yes. He brought it up during a meeting at Meridian Dynamics, so I thought I''d check with you. After all, you were with Dr. Windsor''sb at the time."


    Eleanor shook her head. "I honestly don''t know anything."


    "I see. Go spend time with your little one," Joel said gently.


    After the call, Eleanor let out a weary sigh. She had her reasons for not telling


    Joel the truth-she''d exin when the time was right.


    Wait-hadne back?


    Frowning, she pieced things together.


    Joslyn came downstairs and found Eleanor staring into space. "Ma''am, did Mr. Goodwin visit the museum today?"


    Eleanor looked up, surprised. "He was here?"


    "Yes, right after you and Mr. Ellington left. I invited him in, but he just turned and left," Joslyn replied, careful not to mention how angryn had looked.


    "Oh," Eleanor answered quietly.


    Just then, her phone pinged with a new message: Done with your meeting? I''ming over to see our daughter.


    It was fromn.

 Chapter 529

    Eleanor stared at the message on her phone, her face unreadable. She hadn''t nned to reply, but to keepn from showing up in person, she forced herself to type a quick response.


    "Evelyn''s asleep. No need toe over."


    "I''ll stop byter,"n replied almost immediately.


    Eleanor frowned, knowing there was no stopping him. Still, she needed a break herself. She sshed cold water on her face and settled onto the couch in her study, letting her eyes drift shut as fatigue crept in.


    By five in the evening, the golden light of dusk washed over the garden. Princess, their golden retriever, suddenly snapped to attention, ears perked toward the gate. She sniffed the air, tail wagging, and let out a series of excited whimpers.


    Joslyn, the housekeeper, heard themotion and poked her head out the door. "What is it, Princess?"


    The dog gave her a quick nce, then bounded toward the front gate. Joslyn''s eyes widened, a suspicion forming just as the doorbell chimed.


    She hurried to the gate and nced at the inte screen, surprise flickering across her face. Mr. Goodwin?


    She quickly unlocked the gate.


    "She''s still sleeping," Joslyn replied, stepping aside to let him in. "Mrs. Goodwin is resting in the study."


    "Yes, Mr. Ellington dropped them off earlier and left right after," Joslyn answered honestly.


    A trace of relief softenedn''s expression. He strode toward the living room, and Joslyn called after him, "Sir, would you like to sit down? I''ll check if Evelyn''s awake."


    Joslyn hesitated, unsure if Mrs. Goodwin would approve, but before she could object,n was already heading up the stairs.


    The study door stood open on the second floor. Ian paused in the doorway, squinting into the soft evening light. Eleanor was fast asleep, curled up on the couch, her head resting on her arm. Loose strands of hair framed her face, and, in sleep, the usual cool detachment softened into something almost childlike.


    He eased open the door. Evelyny sprawled on pale green sheets, her cheeks rosy with sleep. Ian padded over and watched her for a moment, his eyes gentle. He reached out to brush the sweat from her little forehead.


    Evelyn stirred, her brows knitting, and then her eyes fluttered open. She blinked, unsure, and rubbed her eyes, voice thick with sleep and disbelief. "Daddy?"


    For a moment, she thought she must be dreaming.


    Evelyn realized she wasn''t dreaming after all-her father was really here. Squealing, she wrapped her arms around his neck and nted a kiss on his cheek. "Daddy, you really came back! I thought you were going to trick me again!"


    The words maden''s heart clench. He kissed her forehead. "If Daddy promises you something, he''ll always keep his word."


    Evelyn snuggled against his chest, grinning. "You have to keep your promises.''


    Laughter and chatter drifted from the master bedroom, carrying down the hall to the study. The sound of a man''sughter jolted Eleanor awake. She sat up abruptly on the couch, the realization hitting hern was here.


    She hurried to the master bedroom. The moment she stepped inside, she sawn sitting on the bed with their daughter in hisp, carefully tying her hair back with a ribbon. The sight of them together, so at ease and intimate, made Eleanor''s expression darken. Since when had she given this man permission to enter her bedroom?


    "Okay!" Evelyn chirped, then turned to her mother. "Mommy, look! Daddy''s home!" With her daughter watching, Eleanor could do little but nod, schooling her face into calm before heading to the bathroom to wash up.


    Downstairs,n sat on the couch, finishing Evelyn''s ponytail while Princess loungedzily at his feet.


    Joslyn quietly made her way upstairs and, finding Eleanor near the master bedroom, asked, "Mrs. Goodwin, shall I start preparing dinner soon, or-?"


    Eleanor cut her off. "No rush. Make itter."


    She''d allown half an hour with their daughter, but she wasn''t about to extend a dinner invitation.


    "Understood," Joslyn replied, reading the message loud and clear.


    It seemed Mrs. Goodwin''s resentment toward her husband ran even deeper than Joslyn had guessed. The thought of a reconciliation seemed more distant than


    ever.


    When Eleanor finally came downstairs, Evelyn was already showing off her neatly tied hair and chattering excitedly ton, a new toy in hand.


    "Daddy, look! Mr. Ellington brought me this dinosaur toy¡ªit''s remote-controlled!" She demonstrated, her eyes shining.


    "Evelyn, we''re not going to the beach after all," Eleanor said quickly. "Something else came up."

 Chapter 530

    "But I really want to go." Evelyn tipped her small face upward, eyes shining with hope. After speaking, she scampered over to Eleanor, tugging at her sleeve with a pleading look. "Please, Mom, I really want to go "


    Eleanor looked down and met her daughter''s imploring gaze, lost for words.


    If it were just her and Evelyn, she''d agree in a heartbeat. But ifn insisted oning along-


    She''d much rather stay home with Evelyn than go anywhere with him.


    Evelyn nodded, scooping up her robotic dinosaur and heading to the backyard. As soon as she disappeared,n stood and fixed Eleanor with a steady look. "I''m free tomorrow. I could-"


    "That''s not necessary." Eleanor cut him off, her tone icy. "Even if you''re free, don''t interfere with my life."


    "Not even once." Her refusal was absolute.


    "You don''t want me toe?"n''s voice took on a meaning she couldn''t quite decipher. "Or would you rather have Mansfield Ellington take her?"


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "Who I spend time with is none of your business."


    "You''re seeing him now?"n arched an eyebrow. "You two are that close already?"


    Eleanor was about to snap back when, suddenly, a wail came from the steps outside. Eleanor immediately bolted from the foyer and found Evelyn sprawled on the ground, crying. Heart aching, Eleanor scooped her up. "Where did you hurt yourself? Let me see."


    Sniffling, Evelyn held out her arms. "Daddy, hold me..."


    Eleanor averted her gaze. She couldn''t deny it-her daughter really did rely onn as her father.


    "Daddy, Mommy, were you two fighting just now?" Evelyn looked up at them, her voice small.


    Both Eleanor andn froze. Had they really been that loud?


    "We weren''t fighting, honey,"n said softly. "We were just talking about something."


    "Then... can we all go to the beach together tomorrow?" Evelyn''s tear-streaked face turned toward them, full of hope.


    When Eleanor didn''t answer right away, Evelyn suddenly burst into tears again. "I haven''t gone to the beach with both of you in so long. All the other kids get to go with their moms and dads, but I never do..."


    She''d just finished crying, but this time her sobs came in ragged gasps.


    Even Joslyn looked heartbroken.


    Eleanor took a deep breath, her resolve finally crumbling as she looked at her daughter''s tear-stained face. "-Okay."


    Still unconvinced, Evelyn held out her tiny pinky. "Pinky swear. You both have to promise."


    Reluctantly, Eleanor extended her pinky and linked it with Evelyn''s on the other hand.


    "Yay!" Evelyn''s tears vanished, reced by a wide grin. "We''re really going to the beach!"


    Once Evelyn headed off, Eleanor''s expression turned cold again. "This is just for Evelyn. Only this once."


    He didn''t linger. Bending down, he called out, "Princess,e here!" The golden retriever bounded over, tail wagging asn ruffled her ears before leaving.


    As soon asn got into his car, his phone buzzed. He checked the screen, then picked up. "Hello?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, we''ve gotten in touch with someone from Dr. Windsor''sb. The researcher on the neural interface project should be traceable."


    The next morning, right on time,n showed up at Eleanor''s door. He wore a crisp ck-and-white tracksuit-a white T-shirt, ck joggers. The usual sharpness in his demeanor was softened, making him look almost approachable.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, throwing herself into his arms.


    Eleanor followed behind, face frosty, carrying a tote full of beach toys.


    After about an hour and a half''s drive, they arrived at the shore. Evelyn grabbedn''s hand, practically dragging him toward the sand in excitement.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang-a foreign number. She frowned and picked up. "Hello?"


    "Eleanor, isn with you? Can you hand him the phone? It''s urgent." Vanessa''s voice crackled down the line.


    Eleanor''s face darkened in annoyance. "If you want to talk to him, don''t call me."


    "He told me he''d be home with Evelyn for the holidays. I figured you''d be together."


    Eleanor hung up without another word.


    Immediately, a text from Vanessa appeared: "Eleanor,n''s feelings for Evelyn are


    purely paternal. Don''t get the wrong idea."


    Without hesitation, Eleanor blocked the number.

 Chapter 531

    Eleanor slipped her phone back into her purse and strolled toward the father and daughter building sandcastles on the beach.


    "Mom, look! Dad helped me make this castle," Evelyn called out, pointing excitedly at a lumpy mound of sand adorned with seashells.


    Eleanor smiled warmly at her daughter. Rarely did she get the chance to spend a whole day with Evelyn, and she was determined to make it a happy one.


    Just then, her phone vibrated again. Expecting it to be Vanessa, she nced down, only to see Joy''s name shing across the screen. Eleanor''s lips curved with amusement as she stepped a few yards away to answer privately.


    Joy wanted to discuss wedding ns, and Eleanor dove eagerly into the conversation, offering suggestions with genuine enthusiasm. She slipped off her sandals, letting the cool, damp sand squish between her toes as she chatted, the surf whispering at her feet.


    From a distance,n watched her. With the wind tugging yfully at the wisps of hair around her face and herughter ringing out, Eleanor seemed lighter than he''d seen her in ages-almost carefree.


    "Dad, look at this shell!" Evelyn dug a pearly shell from the sand and held it up for him to see.


    Eleanor''sughter drifted over again, sparkling and bright. Ian couldn''t help but nce back at her, noticing the way she danced along the water''s edge, as radiant as a girl in love.


    His expression shifted, shadowed by a flicker of thought. Was that Mansfield Ellington calling her?


    "Why is Mom still on the phone?" Evelyn turned, eyes full of hope that her mother woulde admire hertest find. Without waiting for an answer, she scrambled up and dashed toward Eleanor.


    "Mom, who are you talking to?"


    Eleanor knelt to Evelyn''s level. "Just chatting with Joy for a minute more, sweetheart. I''ll be right there, okay?"


    "Okay!" Evelyn beamed and scampered back to her father.


    "It''s Miss Thatcher," Evelyn replied, ncing up at him.


    A faint, almost teasing smile tugged at the corner ofn''s mouth. "Oh, really?"


    When Eleanor finally finished her call, she took Evelyn''s hand and spent the next half hour wandering the shore together, searching for shells. Evelyn was so caught up in showing off her treasures that she barely noticedn waiting for them under a sun umbre.


    Their spot on the sand belonged to the only seven-star hotel on the coast, with a private stretch of beach¡ªsecluded, pristine, and nearly empty.


    By the time Eleanor and Evelyn had filled half a pail with shells, Evelyn''s cheeks were glowing pink from the sun. Eleanor decided it was time to head back to the hotel for a rest.


    "Let''s go inside, sweetie. We''ll count your shells together," she suggested.


    Evelyn nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, please!"


    Back at the hotel, a suite had already been arranged for them-one of the penthouse presidential suites.


    As soon as Eleanor stepped inside, a subtle difort crept over her. This was the same suite they''d stayed in so many times, back when she andn were still together.


    "Mom! We''ve stayed here before!" Evelyn eximed, remembering theirst visit years ago, though she''d only been four at the time.


    Eleanor forced a smile. ¡°We have," she replied softly.


    She only nned to stay long enough for Evelyn to rest, then return to the city.


    Whilen took Evelyn to wash her hands, Eleanor suddenly found the suite''s vastness ustrophobic. Her breathing grew shallow, and a wave of unease swept over her. Her fingers tightened instinctively around her purse strap as she caught sight of the open door to the master bedroom. Memories came flooding back, unbidden and relentless.


    Needing air, Eleanor stepped onto the balcony, letting the sea breeze wash over her. Lost in thought, she sensed someone behind her and spun around, startled.n stood there, a bottle of water in hand, his presence unexpectedly intense.


    She tensed, the words spilling out before she could stop them. "Stay away from me. Don''t touch me."


    The question jolted Eleanor back to reality. She knew the past couldn''t be erased, but she refused to let it control her now.

 Chapter 532

    ¡°Nothing, just need a break. I''ll take Evelyn home," Eleanor said curtly, brushing past him without another nce.


    His gaze drifted toward the master bedroom. He remembered how much she used to love that room, all because of its breathtaking ocean view.


    Funny, isn''t it? The more Eleanor loved it back then, the more she seems to hate it now.


    Especially that bed.


    Half an hourter, Eleanor suggested they head back to the city. Ian didn''t argue -he just helped her get Evelyn to the parking lot.


    As soon as the car merged onto Riverside Highway, Evelyn fell asleep in the back, and Eleanor closed her eyes too, resting her head against the window.


    By the time they pulled up in front of Eleanor''s house, it was nearly five in the evening. Joslyn came out to greet them and carefully carried a sleeping Evelyn inside. Eleanor was still groggy from her nap; as she stepped out of the car, she nearly lost her bnce. She reached for the car door, but before she could steady herself, a hand gently caught her waist.


    Eleanor instinctively brushed him off. "Don''t touch me," she snapped.


    Without another word, Eleanor grabbed her purse and walked through the front gate, mming it behind her.


    From the yard, Princess barked twice-her way of saying goodbye to her master. That evening, when Evelyn woke up and realized her dad wasn''t there, she looked around curiously. "Mommy, where did Daddy go?"


    Eleanor hesitated, then lied gently, "He had to leave the country for something urgent."


    Evelyn didn''t fuss. Even at her age, she seemed to understand her father''s presence was something she couldn''t expect too much of.


    As if on cue, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a new message. It was fromn. "Tell Evelyn I''ve gone abroad."


    Eleanor thought of Vanessa''s call earlier that day, how she''d insisted she needed to speak ton about something urgent. No doubt, he''d managed to hold off as long as possible, but now he was in a rush to get back and smooth things over. The vacation flew by, and soon it was thest day. That afternoon, Eleanor got a call from Gina, inviting Evelyn over to y for a few hours.


    Evelyn had been missing her grandmothertely, so Eleanor agreed and dropped her off.


    As Eleanor left the house and walked back to the street, she ran into Serena. Without the usual family gatherings, their paths hardly ever crossed these days.


    Serena''s dislike for Eleanor was always written inly on her face.


    "My brother isn''t even in the country. Why do you keep showing up at our ce?" Serena sneered.


    Eleanor ignored her-after all, Gina had asked her twice on the phone before she agreed to bring Evelyn over.


    Frustrated by Eleanor''s indifference, Serena climbed into her car, her annoyance clear. Who did Eleanor think she was, acting so aloof and untouchable? Still, Serena knew Xavier was out of the country too, so even with the holidays, Eleanor had no one to spend time with.


    After dropping off her daughter, Eleanor met up with Joy for dinner.


    They chatted about Joy''s uing wedding, but after a while, Joy turned the conversation around. "Ellie, have you thought about what''s next for you? Are you really considering joining the national research team?"


    Eleanor had thought about it, but she worried it would leave her even less time for her daughter. She still wasn''t sure.


    "I''m still thinking about it," Eleanor said, stirring her coffee.


    "And what about your personal life?" Joy teased. "Maybe it''s time to consider that too. Look, Xavier''s a good guy. Mansfield Ellington''s great. And Joel''s always been so good to you." Joy was still basking in the glow of her own engagement, hoping Eleanor might soon find a little happiness of her own.


    Eleanor took a sip of coffee, her eyes drifting to the busy street outside. She let out a quiet sigh. "They are all wonderful people. That''s exactly why I can''t drag them into my mess."

 Chapter 533

    Joy reached out gently. "Ellie, you can''t let one failed marriage¡ª¡±


    Eleanor''s gaze was clear and calm. "I really enjoy the pace of life I have now. Xavier''s helped me a lot, and I''m grateful for that. Mansfield Ellington is a wonderful friend, and Joel has always been a wise mentor. But rtionships aren''t something you can force."


    Joy knew Eleanor well. She simply didn''t know how to turn people down, nor did she want to hurt anyone.


    So, when someone tried to get close and offered her warmth, all she felt was overwhelmed and deeply thankful-never quite sure what to do with those feelings.


    "If you met the right person, would you really just let it pass you by?" Joy asked softly, her concern in to see.


    Eleanor set her coffee cup down, her eyes warm but resolute. ¡°Joy, I''m in a good ce. It''s not that I''m afraid of marriage¡ªI just know exactly what I want."


    Jumping into a rtionship just for the sake of it, Eleanor thought, would be unfair to everyone involved.


    Besides, she had a daughter to think about. There was no way she could give herself fully to someone else; her daughter would alwayse first.


    Joy smiled. "Exactly. After a divorce, you have to learn to love yourself first. You can still have a wonderful life on your own, you know."


    Eleanor nodded. Joy had voiced exactly what she felt.


    It was nearing eight o''clock when they parted ways. As Eleanor stepped out, her phone buzzed. She nced at the caller ID-Mansfield Ellington. For a moment, she hesitated.


    "Hello? Mansfield?"


    "I''m outside your ce. Could youe out for a minute? There''s something I''d like to say to you in person."


    Eleanor actually had something to discuss with him, too. "Sure. I''m out right now, but I''ll be home in ten minutes."


    "I''ll wait."


    Meanwhile, a rugged SUV was making its way toward Eleanor''s house-Gavin behind the wheel.


    Thest time at the airport,n had picked out a gift for Evelyn, but in the chaos, Gavin had forgotten all about it. Only half an hour ago, while rummaging through the trunk, he''d found it again, so now he was hurrying to drop it off at Eleanor''s.


    Just as Eleanor''s car pulled up in front of her house, she spotted the ck Range Rover parked out front, and Mansfield Ellington-dressed in a dark coat-waiting beneath the big sycamore tree.


    She parked and stepped out. Across the road, Gavin caught a glimpse of her and thought about handing over the gift in person. But as he was about to get out, he saw someone else approach Eleanor.


    He recognized him instantly-it was the same man who''d knelt to tie Eleanor''s shoces at the museum.


    Gavin didn''t want to interrupt. All he could do was wait.


    A crisp autumn breeze cut through the evening. Mansfield stood under the broad branches, the streemp casting a soft glow over his tall frame.


    "What brings you here all of a sudden?" Eleanor asked with a gentle smile.


    Mansfield took a deep breath. "I''ve just received an urgent assignment. I''ll be overseas for a while." His eyes were intense and unwavering. "Before I go, there are some things I wanted to say to you in person."


    Eleanor''s heart skipped a beat at the word "overseas." Her mind shed to troubled, war-torn countries, and a knot tightened in her chest. ¡°Is it dangerous?"


    He smiled, brushing off her concern. "Nothing I can''t handle."


    She hesitated, but the truth was clear-wherever Mansfield was needed, danger was never far behind.


    "For a while, I probably won''t be able to text or call much. So... don''t forget about me, alright?" Mansfield shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to sound lighthearted.


    Eleanor understood the message behind his words. He was heading somewhere risky.


    She looked up, meeting his eyes, her voice soft but unwavering. "Promise me you''lle back safe. Otherwise, I can''t guarantee I''ll remember you."

 Chapter 534

    "For those words alone, I promise I''lle back safe," Mansfield Ellington replied with an easy smile.


    Eleanor looked at him, wishing he''d take it a little more seriously.


    Their eyes met for a few quiet seconds before Mansfield''s throat bobbed as if he were swallowing his nerves. Then, almost sheepishly, he made a request that was just a bit too much.


    "Could I have a goodbye hug?" he asked, pausing before adding, "Just a friendly one. Out of courtesy."


    Eleanor blinked, a little surprised, but then gave a soft, understanding smile. She stepped forward, opened her arms, and hugged him. "Come back safe."


    As she pulled away, Mansfield''s long arms drew her gently back, holding her as if she were something fragile and precious. His voice was low and warm. "When I return, take me out to dinner."


    She smiled. "Deal."


    He let her go and took a polite step back. "It''s a promise."


    With that, he strode confidently toward his car.


    Eleanor watched him go, her eyes suddenly bright with unshed tears. She pressed her lips together, forcing herself to keep it together as she saw Mansfield climb into his car.


    It wasn''t until his car had disappeared down the street that she finally lowered her head and wiped at the corners of her eyes. When she looked up, she startled- Gavin was standing right in front of her, a gift box cradled in his hands.


    Gavin hadn''t noticed Eleanor wiping away tears; he stood there awkwardly, stuck between handing over the gift and retreating.


    "Miss Sutton, are you all right?"


    Eleanor quicklyposed herself. "I''m fine."


    "This-uh, Mr. Goodwin bought this at the airport the other day. I''ve been so busy I forgot to bring it by. It''s for Evelyn," Gavin exined, holding out the box.


    Eleanor hesitated but took the gift anyway. "Thank you. That''s thoughtful of you."


    "Miss Sutton, really¡ªare you okay?" Gavin tried again, offering a clumsy sort offort.


    Eleanor shook her head, her expression already calm again. She''d just been worried, watching Mansfield walk away, knowing he was risking his life for his country.


    Gavin couldn''t help himself; he feltpelled to say something for his boss''s sake. ¡°Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin''s been really busytely, that''s why he hasn''t¡ª¡±


    "Gavin." Eleanor cut him off, her eyes cool and clear. "I''m not interested in anything to do with him. You don''t have to exin."


    Gavin immediately backed off with an awkward smile. Clearly, he''d caught Eleanor at a bad moment. Was it that man just now who''d hurt her feelings?


    He retreated to his car and, after a moment''s thought, picked up his phone and dialed his boss.


    "Hello?"n''s voice came through the line.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Sutton epted the gift you bought for Evelyn at the airport," Gavin reported.


    "Okay,"n replied, his tone neutral.


    "And, well... there''s something else. I''m not sure if I should mention it," Gavin added quickly.


    "What is it?"


    "I saw that man from the museum at Miss Sutton''s doorstep just now. They hugged, and whatever he said seemed to upset her-she was crying when he left," Gavin said.


    There was a long pause on the other end.


    "Mr. Goodwin?" Gavin ventured.


    "I understand." Ian hung up.


    After five years working forn, Gavin realized he still couldn''t read his boss''s mind.


    Only btedly did Gavin realize he''d probably been meddling. The boss and Eleanor were already divorced, andn was with Miss Shannon now. Surely he had no time or interest left for Eleanor''s troubles.


    Next time, Gavin promised himself, he''d keep his mouth shut.

 Chapter 535

    Eleanor pulled up to Goodwin Manor to pick up her daughter. A housekeeper


    greeted her at the door and invited her to wait inside the living room, but Eleanor politely declined. A few momentster, Gina appeared, leading Evelyn by the hand.


    "Mom!" Evelyn cried with delight, running straight into Eleanor''s arms.


    Eleanor scooped her up, nodding to Gina. "We''ll head out, then."


    "Thank you for everything, Eleanor," Gina said.


    Eleanor paused, surprised-Gina had never expressed gratitude like this before.


    "It''s really no trouble," Eleanor replied, then carried her daughter out to the car.


    "Wow, Mom! Is this my present?" Evelyn asked, hugging the new gift she''d brought with her.


    "It is," Eleanor answered honestly. "Your dad picked it out for you."


    Evelyn beamed, immediately turning on the car''s dome light and tearing into the wrapping paper with intense concentration.


    When they got home, Evelyn was still clutching her half-unwrapped present as they walked inside. Eleanor was about to head upstairs when her phone rang. The unfamiliar number on the screen startled her it was domestic, but not one she recognized.


    She answered, "Hello? Who''s this?"


    "Eleanor? This is Garth." The voice was deep,manding, but gentle.


    Eleanor''s breath caught. "Secretary Ellington, sir?¡±


    "In private, just call me Mr. Ellington," Garth said, his tone carrying a hint of weariness.


    Eleanor corrected herself. "Of course, Mr. Ellington. Is there something I can help you with?"


    "Has Mansfielde to see you recently?" Garth asked.


    Eleanor didn''t dare lie. "Yes, he came by around half past eight tonight."


    "Would you mind telling me what you talked about before he left?"


    A knot tightened in Eleanor''s chest. She answered truthfully, "We only spoke for a little while. He said he was heading overseas for a mission¡ªhe didn''t mention the details-but I could tell he was determined to go. He said when he came back, dinner would be on me."


    There was a brief pause. "Was there anything else?" Garth pressed.


    "He¡ªhe asked for a hug. Said it was a farewell between friends," Eleanor whispered, biting her lip.


    Garth sighed on the other end. "He''s been stubborn since he was a boy. This time, he insisted on volunteering for the most dangerous frontline."


    Eleanor''s heart twisted. "Mr. Ellington, is he going somewhere dangerous?"


    "Eleanor, thank you for giving him hope." Garth''s voice softened, paternal and warm. "Don''t worry. He''lle home safe. Apart from his family, you''re what he holds on to. Having someone toe back to it''s a good thing."


    Eleanor understood what he meant, and her eyes stung with tears. In that moment, she wished with all her heart that she could be the reason Mansfield Ellington fought to return safely.


    Because when you have someone waiting for you, it gives you the strength to survive anything.


    After Garth hung up, Eleanor stood motionless in the front yard, unable to calm her racing thoughts.


    A week passed.


    Eleanor found herself glued to her phone, checking every message and call, though none brought the news she longed for. She knew the Ellington family must be even more anxious than she was.


    Another week slipped by. Eleanor was preupied with overseeing the clinical trials for a new medication, her nerves stretched thin. She even missed an


    important meeting email, only realizing it when Andie hurried over.


    "Eleanor, did you not see the email? The meeting''s at two-thirty!"


    Eleanor blinked, looking up. "Oh! I''ll be right there."


    After Andie left, Eleanor rubbed her tired eyes, gathered her files, and made her way to the conference room.


    Her mind was elsewhere. Rounding a corner near the elevators, she collided suddenly with someoneing from the other direction.


    Her forehead bumped into a firm chest. She looked up and found herself gazing into deep, dark eyes. Ian stood there, impably dressed in a crisp suit, looking down at her.

 Chapter 536

    "Not watching where you''re going?"n narrowed his eyes at her, but there wasn''t a trace of anger in his voice.


    Eleanor took a step back, unwilling to acknowledge him. She brushed past and headed into the conference room.


    The two entered one after the other, drawing curious nces from everyone already seated. Eleanor slipped into her usual spot, whilen pulled out the chair next to Simone and sat down.


    "Alright, since everyone''s here, let''s go over the results of the new drug trials," Simone began, her tone brisk.


    Halfway through the meeting, Simone turned to Eleanor. "Eleanor, how''s the data verificationing along for Group Three?"


    Lost in her own thoughts, Eleanor didn''t react.


    "Ellie?" Simone called again, and Gwenda, seated beside Eleanor, discreetly tapped her under the table.


    Eleanor snapped back to reality, realizing everyone was watching her. She looked at Simone. "Professor Langley, sorry-what did you say?"


    Simone sighed. "Ellie, what''s been going on with you the past couple of weeks? You seem distracted. Is something wrong?"


    Eleanor''s fingers fidgeted with the papers in front of her. "Professor Langley, I¡ª I''m fine. Really."


    A hush fell over the table.


    He hadn''t called anyone out by name, but everyone knew his words were aimed squarely at Eleanor.


    n, Eleanor''s worktely has actually-" Simone tried to defend her.


    "I don''t want excuses."n''s gaze locked on Eleanor. Ever since Gavin mentioned seeing her and Mansfield Ellington acting cozy together,n had been convinced her current distracted state was all down to some messy rtionship drama. Eleanor met his stare and forced herself to stayposed. "Understood."


    Gwenda leaned over and whispered a reminder about Simone''s earlier question. Eleanor quickly found the relevant page in her notes and delivered a concise, clear analysis.


    Simone cleared her throat, moving on. "Next, I''ll go over what we can expect from the patients in theing days."


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone chimed with a message-everyone else had set their phones to silent, but she''d forgotten. The phone, sitting on the table, immediately caught her attention. She snatched it up, her movements tense, as if she''d been waiting for something important.


    Disappointment flickered in her eyes as she read the message. With a quiet sigh, she set her phone back down and switched it to silent.


    Across the table, a pair of cool, unreadable eyes never left her. Ian knew exactly whom she was waiting to hear from.


    A momentter, though her phone stayed silent, the screen lit up with another notification. Eleanor''s subtle nce at her phone was enough to maken''s brow furrow in displeasure.


    As she scrolled through her messages,n tapped his long fingers against the table in warning. "No phones during the meeting."


    "Eleanor, is it something urgent?" Simone asked tactfully.


    Eleanor gave a quick nod. "Professor Langley, if you''ll excuse me, I need to step out."


    She got up to leave, and almost immediately,n pushed back his chair and followed her out.


    She''d barely made it a few steps down the hallway whenn''s voice sounded behind her. "If you''re too busy with your love life, maybe Evelyn shoulde stay with me for a while."

 Chapter 537

    Eleanor stopped in her tracks, turning to facen directly. Her gaze was steady, her voice frosty. "Don''t even think about it."


    Under the harsh hallway lights, Eleanor''s pale face betrayed her recent sleepless nights.


    Whatever his reasons for saying what he just did, Eleanor had no intention of indulging him.


    "My life is none of your business." With that, Eleanor turned to leave.


    Her steps faltered. She understood exactly what he meant, but she didn''t turn. Herugh was cold. "My rtionship with Mansfield Ellington is none of your concern."


    "I''m just trying to help," Ian lifted an eyebrow.


    Eleanor didn''t bother to exin. Ian''s self-righteous probing into her personal life -using any excuse to try and pry Evelyn from her was beyond infuriating.


    Still, she took a deep breath, refusing to let him see how much he''d gotten under her skin. She spun around. "Ian, we ended a long time ago. My life, my choices- none of it concerns you now. Stop using Evelyn to test my limits. All it does is make me hate you more."


    She didn''t wait for a response, striding away.


    She hadn''t shouted, but the icy calm in her voice left no doubt about her resolve.


    "Yes?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, we''ve found Dr. Windsor. He''s agreed to meet."


    After hanging up,n didn''t return to the conference room. Instead, as he passed Eleanor''s office, he paused at her door.


    Eleanor had just sat down when she looked up to seen''s silhouette blocking half the doorway. He stood with the light behind him, his expression as inscrutable and arrogant as ever.


    Neither spoke. Their eyes met-hers burning with resentment, his clouded and unreadable.


    In the quiet afternoon, they stared each other down untiln finally broke the silence. "I don''t deny the pain I''ve caused you. I''m trying to face my mistakes."


    Eleanor was momentarily surprised. She''d never expected someone as proud asn to say such things. Still, she had no patience for his confessions.


    Something darkened inn''s eyes. He was about to respond when his phone rang again. He shot a nce at the caller ID, his frown deepening.


    Eleanor stood up, gesturing toward the door. "Leave. Don''t waste my time."


    Before he could finish, Eleanor mmed her files down on the desk, anger finally breaking through herposure. "Enough,n! If you have even a shred of decency left, stay away from my life."


    Whatever flicker of remorse had been inn''s eyes vanished, reced by his usual cold detachment.


    He straightened his suit cuffs, his voice t, devoid of emotion. "Fine. As you wish. Unless absolutely necessary, I won''t appear before you again."


    He turned to go, then paused, ncing over his shoulder. "But regarding the new drug trial¡ªif the results don''t meet my expectations, you''re not leaving myb."


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat. She watched his retreating figure, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.


    Later, Simone stopped by, concern etched on her face. It was obvious to anyone that Eleanor hadn''t been herselftely.


    "Professor Langley, are you alright? You seem exhausted."


    "I''m fine, just a bit tired."


    "The new drug''s clinical results are promising. We''re not quite where we want to be yet, but every patient responds differently. Three early-stage cases have already made full recoveries-that''s nothing short of a miracle."


    Eleanor nodded, steadying herself. No matter what, she would never let her work


    slip. Not because ofn, but because of her own sense of duty.


    "Tell you what, take a three-day break. Get some rest before youe back," Simone said, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.


    Eleanor nodded again. Her nerves had been stretched thin for too long.


    After work, Eleanor went to pick up her daughter. As she stepped out of her car, another figure emerged from a nearby sedan-dressed in a deep blue suit, as if he''d just rushed over straight from the office.


    It was Xavier.


    The very day he returned to town, Xavier made a point toe pick up Vivian. The reason was obvious: he wanted to see Eleanor.


    There was no better excuse for an encounter than a chance meeting at school.


    Eleanor was momentarily taken aback at the sight of him. Xavier smiled and approached, "How''s work beentely?"


    She smiled back, "Not bad. How about you? Was the business trip smooth?" He nodded, "It went well."


    She nced toward the school gate. "You''re early. There''s still ten minutes before dismissal."


    Xavier''s eyes lingered on her face. "Have you thought about what you''ll do next?" Eleanor shook her head. "My current project isn''t finished yet. I''m not making any ns for now."


    "Isn the reason you can''t leave?" Xavier asked, his tone cautious.


    The smile faded from Eleanor''s lips. "Whether I stay or go, it''s my decision. It has nothing to do with him."


    Xavier looked momentarily taken aback. He didn''t press the matter. For a moment, the air between them was quiet, and Xavier found himself scrambling for conversation, his nerves always getting the better of him around Eleanor.

 Chapter 538

    Xavier was still searching for a topic when Eleanor''s phone buzzed. It was a message from Evelyn''s teacher: "Mrs. Goodwin, when you pick up Evelynter, could you stay for a moment? There''s something I''d like to discuss with you."


    A wave of anxiety swept over Eleanor. She quickly replied, "Is there something wrong, Miss Alice?"


    "It''s about the school''s selection for the televised piano recital. Evelyn is exceptionally talented, and we''d like to discuss nominating her to perform."


    Relief washed over Eleanor-she''d half-feared her daughter had gotten into trouble again.


    Noticing the flicker of tension and then relief on her face, Xavier asked gently, "Is everything alright?"


    "The teacher just messaged me," Eleanor said, a smile tugging at her lips. "It''s about Evelyn-she''s being considered to represent the school in a piano performance on TV."


    "That''s wonderful," Xavier said, genuine pride in his voice. "It''ll be a great experience for her, help her develop in so many ways."


    "I know. I''m really happy for her," Eleanor replied. It truly was a moment worth celebrating: her daughter doing so well at school, making her parents proud and at ease.


    As they spoke, the school gates opened and parents began filing in to collect their children. Eleanor took Evelyn''s hand and went to speak with Miss Alice.


    "Evelyn truly has remarkable musical talent-her sense of rhythm and expression are outstanding," Miss Alice said, handing over a folder. "Here are the details for the recital. We only have three spots, so please consider letting her participate.¡± Eleanor nced through the materials and saw the piece Evelyn would perform¡ª it was quite challenging. She nodded. "Thank you, I''ll make sure she practices extra hard."


    "Mom, Miss Alice says I can be on TV!" Evelyn bounced on her toes, eyes shining with excitement. She was clearly looking forward to the opportunity.


    Eleanor looked at her six-year-old daughter, already seizing chances when they came. Pride swelled in her chest.


    "Yes, sweetheart," she replied, nodding with encouragement.


    Suddenly, Evelyn''s face lit up with another idea. "Mom, I have to tell Dad! I want him toe see me perform."


    Eleanor''s smile faltered for a split second.


    "Dad will definitely want to see me y. Come on, let''s go home and practice!" Evelyn tugged her toward the car.


    Back at home, Evelyn washed her hands, grabbed some fruit, and then settled at the piano to practice. Eleanor sat beside her, guiding her fingers and cheering her on. This would be Evelyn''s first time performing on TV. Whether she won or not, Eleanor knew that having the courage to step onto that stage was already an achievement.


    Watching her daughter''s small, focused face as she yed, Eleanor felt a bittersweet mix of pride and tenderness.


    When Evelyn finished the piece, she looked up, her eyes searching. "Did I do well, Mom?"


    "You did wonderfully." Eleanor stroked her daughter''s hair. "The more you practice, the better you''ll y in the recital."


    Evelyn nodded vigorously and started again, her determination shining.


    The next week passed in a flurry of music and preparation. The performance was just days away, and Eleanor busied herself finding the perfect dress for Evelyn to wear onstage. In the back of her mind, she was still waiting for word from Mansfield Ellington, hoping he would return safely.


    On Friday, Eleanor received a call from Simone. There was a meeting at Goodwin & Co.¡ªSimone was presenting new clinical data on an experimental drug.


    Eleanor wanted to decline, but Simone urged her to attend. The board members would be there, as well as representatives from Ashford City''s major hospitals.


    In the end, Eleanor made her way to Goodwin & Co.


    In the conference room,n sat at the head of the table, crisp suit and stern expression in ce. When Eleanor entered, he didn''t look up, his long fingers sliding over a tablet, brow furrowed.


    Eleanor was seated next to Simone so they could confer easily if needed. She reviewed the meeting materials, her faceposed and unreadable.


    Simone began her presentation, offering a detailed thirty-minute analysis. She closed with, "Regarding the recent data fluctuations, further analysis is needed¡ª especially with respect to individual patient differences, which could affect final oues."


    The board members looked grim. Clearly, the results were not as clear-cut as they''d hoped; most of them weren''t doctors and barely followed the numbers. All they really wanted was a miracle cure.


    "Dr. Langley, this isn''t quite what we were expecting," one of themined. "Is there no permanent cure?"


    "We''re already seeing results that are unprecedented globally, especially for leukemia," Simone replied, her tone grave.


    At that,n finally lifted his head, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on Eleanor. His voice was low and direct. "Miss Sutton, I''d like your opinion."


    Eleanor paused, then met his eyes, her tone measured. "These fluctuations are normal. The key is to optimize the dosage regimen."


    The rest of the room turned their attention to Eleanor as well-she wasn''t just a lead researcher; she was also a member of thepany''s board.


    She continued, "We''ll adjust the protocol and should have an updated report ready next week."


    The meeting wrapped up. Eleanor began gathering her files, eager to leave, butn''s voice stopped her. "Eleanor, stay. Everyone else is dismissed."


    That single sentence sped up the others'' exit, papers shuffled, doors closing behind them.


    Eleanor crossed her arms, staring at the man across the table. "If you''ve got something to say, make it quick."<pn leaned back, his voice low and unhurried. "Evelyn''s recital is this weekend, isn''t it?" He paused, then added, "I''d like to be there."

 Chapter 539

    Eleanor realized thatn had only kept her behind to say a few words. Gathering her materials, she quietly slipped out. Watching her leave,n''s eyes softened as he remembered that tonight, Evelyn would be performing on stage. A flicker of fatherly pride shone in his gaze.


    ...


    Saturday was just around the corner-Evelyn''s big day. Eleanor had gone out of her way to get the judges'' list for thepetition. Scanning the names provided by the TV station, she didn''t see Vanessa''s anywhere. The relief was palpable.


    She wanted to keep her daughter as far away from Vanessa as possible. Even if she could tell Evelyn that Vanessa was her father''s mistress, it wouldn''t change anything.


    That evening, Eleanor sat down to help Evelyn prepare mentally for the stage. But her daughter''s face was all excitement, radiating pure joy-there wasn''t a hint of nerves or stage fright. Eleanor rxed a little herself.


    Saturday morning.


    Backstage at the TV studio, the ce was buzzing with parents and kids. Eleanor waited with Evelyn for their turn. She''d gone all out this time-Evelyn''s performance dress was a custom gown from a boutique. With her natural beauty, dressed in a white, poofy dress and her long, glossy hair tied back with a bow,


    Evelyn looked every bit the little princess.


    Evelyn did a twirl. "Mom, do I look pretty?"


    "You look wonderful," Eleanor replied, her voice gentle. "When you get on stage, don''t be nervous. Just y like you do at home."


    Evelyn nodded with determination. "Don''t worry, Mom. I''ll do my best." Her eyes sparkled. "Is Dad reallying?"


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. "He promised he''d be here."


    Evelyn''s face lit up even more. ¡°And Vivian said she''sing to watch too."


    Eleanor wasn''t surprised-a lot of parents were bringing their kids to watch the contest today.


    Nearby, two moms were chatting. One picked up her phone, listened for a moment, then eximed, "I just heard there''s been a change in the judges'' panel -someone new''s been added-"


    Right then, a staff member poked their head in. "Five minutes to showtime! Kids, get ready, please!"


    The mom left her sentence hanging and hurried off to encourage her child. Eleanor knelt beside Evelyn, squeezed her little hand, and gave her a final boost of confidence.


    Inside the brightly lit auditorium, the show was already in full swing.


    Four children performed, and then it was Evelyn''s turn. Eleanor watched her daughter follow the stage manager and quickly slipped out to the audience, taking her seat just as the next act began. She reached for her water bottle to calm her


    nerves.


    That''s when she noticed who was sitting at the center of the judges'' table¡ª Vanessa, in an elegant white gown, chatting with the other judges. The way the spotlights caught her made her seem almost luminous, all poise and charisma.


    Eleanor''s breath caught. Vanessa had shown up after all. As an internationally renowned pianist, she had the clout to be added to the panel at thest minute. Eleanor didn''t need to guess whose idea that was.


    A glint of light caught Eleanor''s eye-a massive diamond ring on Vanessa''s finger sparkled under the stage lights.


    Eleanor nced two seats down, wheren was sitting. In the dim light, he lounged casually, eyes fixed on the stage.


    They didn''t interact, but the current between them was unmistakable-Vanessa''s yful gestures, her obvious good mood.


    One smiled from the front row. The other watched from the shadows, indulgent.


    Eleanor tore her gaze away. Her daughter was now seated at the piano. The opening bars of the apaniment started. Evelyn''s tiny fingers danced nimbly across the keys, the melody flowing effortlessly out into the hall. Eleanor silently kept time, counting Evelyn''s rhythm, noticing how steady her daughter was¡ªmeanwhile, Eleanor''s own palms were slick with nerves.


    On the judges'' panel, Vanessa tilted her head, her gazending on Evelyn, and her expression-broadcast on the giant screen-was warm and attentive.


    Evelyn''s performance was wless. When she finished, the hall erupted in apuse. She stood, gave a polite bow to the judges, her face radiant with confidence.


    The host crouched down and smiled at her. "Thank you, Evelyn, for that wonderful performance! Now, let''s hear what the judges have to say."


    Each judge gave high marks. When it was Vanessa''s turn, she took the microphone and spoke warmly, "Evelyn, your performance was outstanding. The emotion you conveyed was remarkable, especially for someone only six years old. Truly exceptional."


    Evelyn''s eyes widened in surprise and delight as she looked at the judging panel. Vanessa continued, "Evelyn, you were absolutely brilliant tonight! So, I''m giving you-a perfect score."


    The audience burst into apuse, and from his seat,n watched his daughter with open pride and affection.


    Evelyn beamed as she heard her score, showing off her bright, gap-toothed smile as she was guided backstage.


    Eleanor quickly made her way to the green room, where Evelyn ran into her arms. "Mom, did I y well?"


    "You were amazing," Eleanor said, pride in her voice.


    Just then, Evelyn let go and called out happily over Eleanor''s shoulder, "Daddy!"

 Chapter 540

    "Mrs. Goodwin," the stage manager called over, "you can take Evelyn to the front to watch the rest of the show. When thest child finishes performing, just bring her backstage again."


    Eleanor nodded. As she turned, she sawn already heading out with Evelyn in his arms, so she followed them to the auditorium. Evelyn nestledfortably withn, watching the next performers from hisp.


    Up at the judges'' table, Vanessa nced back and shed Evelyn a warm smile.


    Evelyn waved her little hand in return, then soon wandered back to Eleanor''s side, where her mother offered her some water and a small snack.


    All fifteen children took their turns onstage, and after the judges tallied their scores, Evelyn was awarded second ce.


    As the three winners lined up to ept their prizes, Evelyn, the smallest of them, stood out. To everyone''s surprise, Vanessa herself stepped forward to present the awards.


    Crouching down, Vanessa handed Evelyn a silver trophy and whispered


    something. Evelyn, with a delighted pout, leaned in and kissed Vanessa on the cheek.


    Seeing this, Eleanor''s anger red she nearly marched up onstage herself, but managed to rein in her emotions.


    She turned to re atn, just as he looked her way. In the dim light, Eleanor''s icy resentment shot straight at him;n''s gaze was unreadable, somethingplicated and distant.


    A littleter, Eleanor led Joslyn backstage, holding Evelyn''s hand. After exchanging a few words with the staff, they made their way out.


    In the corridor by the exit, Xavier waited with Vivian, who hugged a bouquet of flowers. When she saw Eleanor and Evelyn, Vivian hurried over, holding out the blossoms. "Evelyn, these are for you!"


    "Thank you, Vivian!" Evelyn beamed, hugging her friend.


    "You did a wonderful job tonight," Xavier said, smiling down at Evelyn. "I''m proud of you."


    "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn," Evelyn replied politely.


    Eleanor turned to Xavier, gratitude in her voice. "Thank you for the flowers."


    Xavier''s gaze softened as he looked at her. "No need to thank me-it''s the least I could do." He added, with a meaningful nce, "To me, Evelyn and Vivian are like my own daughters."


    Before Eleanor could respond, a deep voice sounded behind them. "Xavier, when did you get back?"


    She turned to seen standing there, having clearly overheard.


    Xavier gave a slightly awkward smile. "Got backst week."


    Just then, the sharp click of heels echoed down the hall. Vanessa appeared, dressed in an elegant white gown, her perfume floating in the air-the same scent Eleanor used to catch onn''s clothes.


    Vanessa greeted Xavier first. "It''s been a while, Xavier."


    He nodded with a polite but distant smile.


    Vanessa then turned to Eleanor. "Evelyn performed beautifully tonight. I''m very pleased."


    Vanessa''s satisfaction came from her role as Evelyn''s first piano teacher, but to Eleanor, the words cut deep. Her hands clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white.


    Finally, Vanessa waved atn. "Ian, I''ll leave you to it. Goodnight."


    She turned, waving at the girls. "Goodbye, Evelyn. Goodbye, Vivian."


    With Vanessa gone, an uneasy silence filled the hallway. Eleanor said quietly to Xavier, "We''ll head out now."


    "If you''re going to the parking lot, let''s walk together," Xavier offered.


    Eleanor nodded, taking Evelyn''s hand as they left. Evelyn called back, "Daddy, hurry up!"


    "Let''s hold hands, Evelyn!" Vivian said, reaching out as they went down the steps. The two adults and two girls strolled hand in hand, the picture of a happy family.n lingered in the corridor, watching them from above as the golden light of sunset streamed through the stone pirs, stretching his shadow across the floor. He ran his fingers absentmindedly along his suit sleeve, longing to join them. But the memory of Eleanor''s cold, hateful re rooted him to the spot.


    Meanwhile, in a van pulling out of the parking lot, Vanessa spottedn by the pirs and told the driver to stop. She stepped out, gathering her flowing dress, and glided towardn like a butterfly, her hair and skirt catching thest rays of


    sun.


    From her car, Eleanor caught sight of Vanessa hurrying across the za ton, her gown billowing, her face aglow with a smile-a princess dashing toward her beloved prince.


    Not wanting her daughter to witness this, Eleanor pressed down on the elerator and sped away.

 Chapter 541

    On the drive home, Evelyn set her trophy aside, already absorbed in her toys again. Eleanor nced back and saw her daughter''s indifference to the honor she''d just received; a gentle relief washed over her. After all, children should be allowed to stay children at heart.


    Goodwin Manor.


    Gina and Magdalen had just finished watching the live broadcast, both beaming with pride. Seeing Evelyn, so young andposed on stage, performing with such poise, filled them with satisfaction.


    "But why was Vanessa there? And how didn end up inviting her to be a judge?" Magdalen asked, her voice heavy with resentment.


    Gina was puzzled too. She''d assumed Vanessa was still in Drexford-her daughter had said as much thest time they talked. Couldn really have brought her back just to judge his daughter''spetition?


    "I''m not sure either. But Evelyn was wonderful today. Maybe one day¡ª"


    Before Gina could finish, her mother-inw cut her off. "Evelyn''s meant for greater things. The arts are just to shape her character. She''s not about to make a living off the piano."


    Gina paused, then nodded in agreement.


    "That''s right! I''d love to see her follow in Ellie''s footsteps-go into science, be a brilliant researcher." Magdalen''s face shone with hope.


    Gina smiled and nodded. "That would be wonderful."


    "What''sn even up totely? He''s never around. Don''t tell me he''s off with her again!" Magdalen scowled, realizing it had been weeks since she''d seen her grandson.


    Gina knew from her daughter thatn had been away on business in Drexford. Now that Vanessa had shown up at Evelyn''spetition, she couldn''t say for sure whether her son and Vanessa were together. But to avoid upsetting her mother-inw, she replied, "Mom,n''s twenty-nine. He''s got his own career to worry about."


    "Is he busy working or just busy chasing after women?" Magdalen''s disapproval was written all over her face.


    Gina couldn''t help the bitterness that crept into her tone. "It''s his father''s fault for leaving so soon, dumping all that responsibility onn. How could he not be exhausted, not be busy?"


    Magdalen turned to her daughter-inw, her expression shadowed with old grief. "Mr. Sutton did everything he could, back then-"


    A sh of resentment crossed Gina''s eyes. "If he''d really done all he could, I wouldn''t still be upset."


    "But your signature was on those surgery papers, too. There were always risks, and if he hadn''t gone through with it-" The memories clearly unsettled Magdalen, who was suddenly ovee and began coughing.


    Gina snapped out of her own thoughts and hurried over to rub Magdalen''s back. "Alright, Mom, let''s not talk about the past anymore. Try to calm down."


    Magdalen''s breathing steadied. She looked up at Gina and said, "Don''t put all the me on Eleanor. You shouldn''t¡ªandn shouldn''t, either." She sighed. "None of us should."


    Gina dabbed at her eyes. "What else can I say? He was Evelyn''s grandfather, and he''s gone. No matter how much I resent it, there''s no one left to me."


    "And let''s not bring this up in front of Ellie again," Magdalen said quietly. "After she andn divorced, she''s drifted further and further from us. I still hope they''ll get back together one day." Her gaze was wistful.


    Just then, Serena walked through the door, catching thest part of the conversation. She rolled her eyes. "Grandma, you''re always wishing they''d get back together, but have you ever considered what my brother wants?"


    Magdalen turned to her granddaughter, giving her a disapproving look. "Why are you out sote again? A young woman shouldn''t be running around every night."


    Serena had indeed been partying more than usualtely. With her new circle of friends, dinner invitations and parties had be routine. But even after a long day of fun, she couldn''t shake the emptiness inside. She was just chasing a distraction, nothing more.

 Chapter 542

    "Grandma, don''t try to change the subject. Bottom line-I''m the first to say no to them getting back together." Serena raised her hand in protest.


    Magdalen gave a dismissive snort. "Since when do we need your permission? This is between your brother and Eleanor."


    "That means there''s even less hope. My brother never goes back on a decision. He doesn''t love Eleanor-how can none of you see that?" Serena was determined to make her point clear.


    Gina cut in, sounding a little annoyed. "Enough. Why stir up trouble with your grandmother right aftering back? Go take a shower-you reek of perfume."


    Serena pulled a face. "I''m just telling the truth. My brother''s been seeing Vanessa all over Ashfordtely, and you still want him to reconcile with Eleanor? No way."


    Magdalen snapped her head around. "You''re sure about your brother and Vanessa?"


    "Absolutely. Vanessa told me herself. Why would she lie?" Serena replied, brimming with confidence.


    Gina shot her daughter a warning look, signaling her to stop upsetting the elderly


    woman.


    Serena turned and bounded upstairs. Magdalen let out a tired sigh.


    ...


    Later that night, after tucking her daughter in with a bedtime story, Eleanor found herself wide awake. She sat on the balcony, knees pulled up to her chest, gazing at the pale, quiet street outside, lost in thought.


    A new email suddenly blinked onto her phone screen. It shed by quickly, but she caught a glimpse and tapped into her inbox, opening the most recent message.


    When she saw the sender''s name, her eyes widened. She hurried to open it.


    "Eleanor, how have you been? It''s been two years since you left theb, and I''ve missed you greatly. I respected your decision to return to your family, but I always knew you''d continue to shine in the medical field. This is why I''ve decided to restart our old research project and will be opening a newboratory in Ashford City. I would be honored if you''d join me.¡±


    The email was signed by Dr. York Windsor-her mentor at the Drexfordb, and herte father''s lifelong friend.


    Dr. Windsor was a world-renowned medical expert and the guiding light of her academic career.


    Eleanor leaned back in her chair, memories of endless days and nights in theb flooding her mind-the hours spent hunched over test tubes and microscopes.


    It was her father who had arranged for her to join Dr. Windsor''sb, paving thatst path for her before he passed away.


    Her eyes grew misty. Her father''s foresight had rescued her from the wreckage of her failed marriage.


    Without him, her life might have been aplete disaster.


    Dr. Windsor, originally from Drexford, had always talked about returning to set up


    ab in his home country. It fit his character perfectly.


    Restarting that old project wouldn''t be easy. Still, Eleanor had never truly abandoned that line of research.


    She typed out her reply: "Dr. Windsor, when will you be back? Let''s meet and talk things over."


    Back in her room, Eleanor gently brushed the hair from her daughter''s forehead and kissed her goodnight, her mind still churning with thoughts.


    After the weekend, on Monday morning, Eleanor pulled into theb''s parking lot. Just as she eased her car into a space, a shy Bentley screeched in opposite her, backing swiftly into a spot.


    Faye stepped out, swinging her purse, and shot Eleanor a quick nce. She arched an eyebrow, then strode toward the building without a word. At the elevators, even though she knew Eleanor was right behind her, Faye didn''t wait- instead, she let the doors close and rode up alone.


    Eleanor took the next elevator. As she stepped out, her phone buzzed-a message from Simone: "Come by my office when you get in. I have something important to discuss."


    Eleanor dropped her bag off in her office, then headed down the hall.


    Simone greeted her with a warm, almost proud smile. "Good news-you want to take a guess?"


    Eleanor looked puzzled and shook her head. "Professor Langley, I really have no idea."


    Simone studied her for a moment, then smiled, pulling a gold-embossed envelope from her desk drawer and handing it over with ceremony. "The university board voted unanimously-congrattions! You''ve been awarded a Doctor of Medicine degree from Ashford Medical University, and we''d like you to join us as a visiting professor. I wanted to be the first to tell you."

 Chapter 543

    Eleanor pressed a trembling hand to her lips, staring in disbelief at the letter of appointment in her hands. Her fingers shook slightly. Ashford Medical University was the country''s top medical school-this offer was worth its weight in gold.


    "This... this is all so sudden." She waspletely unprepared.


    "Not at all," Simone replied gently. "Your patented research is internationally recognized. The results of yourtest clinical trials exceeded everyone''s expectations. The university believes you fully deserve a doctoral degree, bypassing the usual requirements."


    Eleanor ran her fingers over the university crest embossed on the letter. Her father''s greatest wish had been to see her earn a doctorate, and now, this bted recognition brought a rush of emotions she could hardly contain.


    "Today, lunch is on me. I want all theb members to celebrate with you. See you at noon-now go on, you must be busy!" Simone gave her shoulder a congrattory squeeze.


    Eleanor''s eyes filled with tears. She threw her arms around Simone. "Thank you, Professor Langley."


    "No need to thank me. Truthfully, you should be thanking¡ª¡± Simone paused, smiled, "both Dr. Lyman and myself. We rmended you together."


    Eleanor beamed through her tears. "Then next time I see Dr. Lyman, I''ll make sure to thank him properly."


    "With achievements like yours, you''d win over anyone," Simone said, looking at her with pride. "If your father were still with us, he''d be so proud."


    Suddenly, Eleanor''s tears spilled over. Simone, a little startled, quickly handed her a tissue. She regretted mentioning Eleanor''s father.


    But Eleanor''s tears were tears of joy. She wiped at her eyes,ughing through her emotion. "Professor Langley, I''m just... so happy!"


    "As you should be," Simone said, her own eyes growing misty.


    When Eleanor left Simone''s office, she nearly bumped into Faye, who was carrying a stack of files. They exchanged a nce.


    Faye immediately noticed Eleanor''s red eyes and was taken aback. Why was Eleanor crying? Had something happened?


    She slipped into Simone''s office, but Simone was on the phone. Faye wanted to ask, but didn''t want to interrupt.


    She wondered if Eleanor''s tears had to do with her leaving theb-after all, she and Simone were as close as mother and daughter. Was Eleanor just reluctant to say goodbye?


    At noon, the entireb was surprised to get the announcement of a celebratory lunch. No one quite knew the reason, but free food was always wee, and excitement soon spread.


    They gathered in the restaurant across from theb, where fiverge tables had been set up. The team filed in, finding seats. Just then, Joel hurried in. Faye''s heart skipped a beat-Joel had made it back too?


    What on earth was going on? Why would Professor Langley call everyone together for lunch? Had their leukemia project finally seeded?


    Would this mean Eleanor would be in the spotlight again? Faye''s mood soured a little. She nced to see where Joel would sit before choosing her own spot.


    Joel headed straight for Callie''s table, so Faye joined them, along with Gwenda. Soon after, Simone and Eleanor arrived and sat down at their table as well.


    Joel turned to Eleanor. "Congrattions, Eleanor."


    He already knew the reason for the lunch. He''de back from Meridian Dynamics just to congratte her in person.


    Eleanor gave him a grateful nod. "Thank you, Joel."


    Gwenda,pletely lost, leaned in and whispered, "Joel, what''s the big news for Eleanor?"


    Joel smiled mysteriously. "Wait for Professor Langley''s announcement."


    Faye frowned. What good news could Eleanor possibly have? Was this lunch actually a farewell party for her leaving theb?


    At that moment, Simone stood and pped her hands for attention. The restaurant fell silent.

 Chapter 544

    "I''ve gathered everyone here tonight to share some wonderful news," Simone announced, her voice carrying clearly across the dining room. "After a unanimous decision by the board, the university has chosen to award Eleanor a doctoral degree in medicine, as well as appoint her as our visiting professor."


    A stunned silence settled over the room for a few seconds, and then the apuse erupted, loud and heartfelt.


    Faye''s smile froze on her lips. Amid the chorus of congrattions, she muttered under her breath, "That''s impossible..."


    Gwenda was the first to throw her arms around Eleanor. "Eleanor, this is incredible! I always knew this day woulde. I just knew it."


    Their colleagues crowded around to offer their congrattions. Joel raised his ss to toast Eleanor, and she was instantly surrounded by an outpouring of support, the center of attention.


    At that moment, a server appeared at the doorway, holding a bouquet of flowers and scanning the room. She called out, "Excuse me, could someone tell me who Dr. Sutton is?"


    A hand pointed, "That''s Dr. Sutton over there."


    The server blinked in surprise. She had expected the recipient to be a middle- aged woman-certainly not someone so young and strikingly beautiful. Still, she smiled brightly and walked over. "Dr. Sutton, someone left these for you. They''re from a guest in the restaurant. If you could just sign here, please."


    Eleanor hesitated, puzzled but delighted, and signed for the flowers.


    With the bouquet in her arms, she nced back at Simone, who gave her an encouraging smile. Then she looked at Joel, who was smiling, too.


    She couldn''t help but wonder-was it one of them who''d sent the flowers?


    Halfway through dinner, Eleanor excused herself to the restroom. Inside, Faye was at the sink. When she saw Eleanor enter a stall, she leaned toward Nina and whispered, "Some people just get lucky. Connections can hand you what others work a lifetime for and never reach."


    Nina paused, realizing Faye meant for Eleanor to overhear.


    Just then, another stall door swung open. Gwenda emerged, her tone sharp. "Faye, you can''t fake academic achievement. Eleanor''s research is respected internationally. Isn''t it only fair she gets her doctorate?"


    Faye shot back with a sneer. "Oh please, Gwenda, would it kill you to stop sucking up to her for one second?"


    Gwenda flushed with anger. "Faye, what''s wrong with you?"


    Eleanor stepped out of her stall just then. Gwenda turned and, seeing her, quickly tried to reassure her. "Eleanor, your aplishments speak for themselves. Everyone knows it."


    Eleanor smiled, meeting Gwenda''s eyes. "I know." Then, without so much as a nce at Faye, she added, "People with real ability don''t need to tear others down just to make themselves look better."


    Gwenda was struck by admiration;pared to barking back, Eleanor''s calm dismissal was the sharpest retort of all.


    Faye turned pale, then red with anger. "Don''t get too smug, Eleanor."


    Trying to lighten the mood, Gwenda said quickly, "Eleanor, I saw your article was published in the International Journal of Medicine. You''re amazing."


    "Come on, Gwenda," Eleanor said, looping her arm through hers. "Everyone''s waiting for us."

 Chapter 545

    After Eleanor and Gwenda left the restroom, Faye lingered behind, leaning


    against the sink as she bit her red lip. With a bitterugh, she muttered to herself, "A doctorate? So now she''s Dr. Sutton."


    Nina, standing nearby, tried tofort her. "Faye, don''t worry. You''ll achieve just as much as she has, maybe even more."


    But Faye''s jealousy and longing couldn''t be put into words. Eleanor''s honor was something she''d dreamed of her whole life.


    Now Eleanor had it, and in such a spectacr way, her achievement seemed all the more extraordinary.


    When Eleanor returned to her seat, Simone raised her ss. "Let''s toast to Eleanor once more!"


    "To Eleanor!" the group echoed in unison.


    Faye slipped back to the table as well, looking a little sour but keeping her feelings in check-especially with Simone there. She couldn''t let herself loseposure in front of her mentor.


    After lunch, Eleanor carried the bouquet back to her office. As she was saying goodbye to Joel, she nced down at the flowers in her arms and then back at him. "Did you get these for me?"


    Joel looked momentarily surprised, then chuckled and shook his head. "I barely made it here on time-I didn''t get you flowers. I''d bet Professor Langley arranged them."


    Eleanor blinked, wondering if Simone really had ordered them in advance.


    "Drive safe, Joel," she called as he left.


    Gwenda walked with Eleanor back to theb. She hesitated, then asked, "Eleanor, is it true? Are you really leaving?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Yeah. Once the new drug trials are finished, I''ll be moving on."


    "Do you know where you''ll go?" Gwenda asked, curiosity shining in her eyes. Eleanor shook her head. "No ns yet." Dr. Windsor had reached out to her about reopening hisb, but they hadn''t spoken in detail, so nothing was settled.


    Back in her office, Eleanor set the bouquet on her desk. She absently brushed a petal with her fingers, thinking that if Simone had sent the flowers, she would have mentioned it at lunch.


    While she was lost in thought, Andie knocked and poked her head in. "Ellie, Professor Langley would like to see you in her office."


    Eleanor stood and made her way to Simone''s office, taking a seat across from her. Tentatively, she asked, "Professor Langley, about the flowers earlier¡ª"


    Simone smiled and asked in return, "Weren''t they from Joel?"


    Eleanor held her breath. Not from Simone, and Joel had denied it too. Then who...?


    "Professor Langley, besides Joel, did you tell anyone else about me being awarded the doctorate?" Eleanor pressed, curiosity piqued.


    Simone twisted the lid off her tea, thinking for a moment. Suddenly, realization dawned and she cleared her throat. "Eleanor, the university made an official announcement. There are quite a few people in the know by now!"


    Eleanor lowered her gaze, her expression cooling.


    Atst, she figured out who had sent the flowers.


    Given Professor Langley''s connection to him, he must have heard about it as soon as the certificate was ready.


    Eleanor''s fingers tightened slightly, a flicker of disgust in her eyes. If it really was him, she should''ve tossed the bouquet straight into the trash.


    Simone noticed Eleanor''s downcast look and offered a gentle reassurance. "No matter who sent them, your aplishment is real. Oh, by the way, the university is hosting a lecture this Friday. They''d like you to give a talk-do you have time?" Eleanor nodded. "I''ll be ready."


    "Wonderful, it''s settled then." Simone smiled warmly. Now that Eleanor held her doctorate, invitations like this would be a regr urrence.


    Back in her office, Gwenda came in carrying two coffees. "Here, I picked one up for you."


    Eleanor took the cup. "Thanks."


    "These flowers are gorgeous," Gwenda admired, eyeing the bouquet.


    But Eleanor found them rather unpleasant. She turned to Gwenda. "Would you like to keep them? They''re yours if you want."


    "Really?" Gwenda''s eyes lit up. Flowers like these could stay fresh for over a week.


    "Yeah. I don''t have time to look after them-take them, please." Eleanor nodded with a smile.


    Gwenda happily scooped up the bouquet and left. Just as Eleanor sat down, her phone chimed with a message from Xavier: Congrattions.


    A warmth spread in Eleanor''s chest; she hadn''t expected him to notice so quickly. She replied politely, "Thank you."


    "Guess I''ll have to call you Dr. Sutton from now on," Xavier joked.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but smile. The new title sounded strange, but she liked it.


    Just then, an email popped up from Dr. Windsor.


    Eleanor, I''ll be back in the country on Thursday. Will be in touch then.


    Eleanor quickly sent him her phone number and WhatsApp contact. Wee back, Dr. Windsor. Let me know when yound¡ªI''ll pick you up at the airport.


    Dr. Windsor had always preferred email formunicating with his students. Entirely devoted to his research, he''d be a renowned international neurologist.


    He was not only Eleanor''s mentor, but also her godfather-the one her father had trusted to look after her after his passing. Though Eleanor had left university in her sophomore year, her knowledge came not just from her own effort, but also from Dr. Windsor''s guidance and teaching.

 Chapter 546

    After Eleanor left theb, York''s research facility closed down within a year due to funding issues.


    Once Dr. Windsor retired, he spent the past couple of years teaching as a professor at a medical college in Montir.


    A new message popped up from Xavier: "Let''s grab dinner sometime-celebrate a bit."


    Eleanor remembered she still owed him a meal. She replied, "Sure, let''s catch up when we''re both free."


    Thursday arrived before she knew it.


    Eleanor stood by the arrivals gate at the airport, scanning the crowd for that


    familiar figure.


    Momentster, a spry, silver-haired gentleman emerged, pushing his luggage with a steady hand.


    -York, a renowned doctor in the field of neuroscience.


    "Mr. Windsor." Eleanor hurried over, her eyes misting as she approached.


    "Eleanor, you''ve gotten taller! And even more beautiful," York beamed, genuine pride flickering in his gaze.


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh. "Mr. Windsor, I''m hardly a kid anymore. I stopped growing ages ago!"


    York let out a hearty chuckle. "To me, you''ll always be that little girl trailing after Elliot."


    A young man with a gentle face at York''s side greeted her, "Miss Sutton, hello."


    Eleanor noticed him for the first time and smiled, a bit embarrassed. "Hi, are you Mr. Windsor''s assistant?"


    "Mann. Just graduated this year. I''m working as his assistant now," York exined.


    Eleanor offered him a warm smile. "Nice to meet you, I''m Eleanor."


    "I''ve been following your research for a while. You''re my role model," Mann admitted shyly.


    Eleanor ushered them forward. "The car''s outside. Let''s head back to the city for lunch."


    "Sounds good." York nodded, then turned to her, "I heard you were awarded your doctorate ahead of schedule?"


    Eleanor blinked, surprised. "You heard about that?"


    "I saw it on Ashford Medical University''s website," Mann chimed in.


    York''s eyes glimmered with approval. "If Elliot knew, he''d be so proud of you."


    Inside a private dining room at the restaurant, Eleanor poured tea for York.


    "Mr. Windsor,st time you mentioned runching theb. Did you really mean it?"


    York epted the cup, his gaze distant and thoughtful. "I''m serious. I want to use whatever time I have left to do something meaningful-no regrets."


    Eleanor studied him, curiosity sparking. "And the funding...?"


    "No need to worry about that. We already have apany interested in our research." York tried to reassure her. Thest closure had been a hard blow- mounting costs and ack of faith in neurotech projects had driven investors away halfway through.


    This time, York had worked tirelessly to secure solid backing; without it, he wouldn''t have dared attempt a restart.


    Eleanor understood-she''d thought of that herself.


    After lunch, she made sure York and Mann were settled at the Vesper Joy Hotel, rooms booked for their stay.


    As they exited the restaurant''s private room, they suddenly found themselves face-to-face with guests leaving the suite across the hall.


    Eleanor looked up-andn stepped out.


    His tie was a little loose, giving him an air of effortless sophistication. His eyes swept their way, pausing in surprise before heposed himself and strode over, all courteous professionalism. "Dr. Windsor, good to see you again. May I have a word?"


    Eleanor''s breath caught. How did he know Mr. Windsor?


    York''s expression turned frosty. "Mr. Goodwin, I''ve already declined your proposal."


    Eleanor frowned, turning to York. "Mr. Windsor, let''s go."


    York let out a low, dismissive snort. "Young capitalists-always chasing maximum profit."


    Eleanor looked at him in surprise. "You two have met before?"


    York nodded, still sounding annoyed. "He came to see mest month, offered to fund theb-on the condition that all our patents would belong to Goodwin & Co."


    Mann couldn''t hold back. "Professor Windsor rejected him on the spot. That kind of demand would strangle scientific freedom."


    Eleanor knewn''s tactics too well-using money to control everything, turning research into a meremodity.


    "I''ve always hated being under anyone''s thumb," York muttered.


    She understoodn all too clearly: he thrived on controlling others, but never let himself be controlled-a ssic power yer.


    Relief washed over her. For a moment, she''d fearedn was the mysterious new backer behind Mr. Windsor, but clearly, he hadn''t managed to buy his way in.


    Which meant-Mr. Windsor''s investor was someone else entirely.

 Chapter 547

    After Eleanor helped York settle into his hotel room, Ellington arrived to give her an update on recent business developments. They spent half an hour discussing work, and once Ellington left, Eleanor found herself alone on the lounge sofa in the hotel lobby, fatigue pressing down on her. She rubbed her temples, savoring a rare moment of quiet.


    Outside, thest rays of the setting sun filtered through the ss, bathing her in a gentle, golden light.


    She became aware of someone sitting down on the sofa opposite. Probably just another guest waiting for someone, she thought. Keeping her eyes closed a moment longer, she finally opened them¡ªonly to meet a pair of deep, intent eyes staring right at her.


    Eleanor''s expression instantly cooled.


    She rolled her eyes. "Drop the act,n. You don''t have to pretend."


    With that, Eleanor made to leave, butn stood abruptly, running a hand through his hair. "Word is Dr. Windsor''se back to restart hisb. But if you stay with my team, I can offer you better terms. Think about it."


    She''d heard enough. The sheer shamelessness of this man''s pursuit of his own interests was almost impressive.


    "Don''t waste your breath," Eleanor said tly, turning her face away. "No matter what you offer, I''m not staying."


    Eleanor ignored him, slung her bag over her shoulder, and strode off, leaving him no room to persuade her further. Behind her,n''s eyes narrowed for a moment.


    A beatter, he followed her out of the lobby.


    Eleanor returned home, barely sparing a thought forn or any other distractions; she had to prepare for her lecture at Ashford University tomorrow, and there was no time for anything else.


    The next day, Eleanor asked Ellington to send York and Mann to Ashford Medical University. Dr. Windsor was nning to visit his old friend Dr. Lyman, and bring Mann along to hear Eleanor''s lecture.


    Eleanor first introduced York to Dr. Lyman Brown. The two old friends hadn''t seen each other in decades, so their reunion was warm and animated. Meanwhile, Eleanor showed Mann around Ashford Medical.


    "You know, Ashford is really Dr. Windsor''s alma mater," Mann remarked. "He went abroad in his sophomore year, but he always said this ce felt like home."


    Eleanor nodded. "It''s true. Ashford''s produced some of the most respected figures in medicine."


    Including her own father.


    The lecture began at two-thirty in the afternoon, and the auditorium was filled with students from the university.


    Standing at the podium, Eleanor immediately spotted Dr. Windsor and Mann sitting in the front row, both smiling encouragingly at her.


    "Good afternoon, everyone," Eleanor''s clear, melodic voice rang out. "Today, I''ll be sharing thetest advances in leukemia research..."


    Students in the audience quickly readied their notebooks, eager to jot down notes.


    About twenty minutes into her talk, Eleanor noticed the auditorium doors quietly open. A tall figure slipped in and took a seat in the back corner.


    Even from that distance, Eleanor felt the intense weight of his gazen.


    Her train of thought faltered for a brief moment, forcing her to pause mid- sentence. She quickly gathered herself and continued.


    After an hour, her lecture drew to a close, and a crowd of students gathered around with questions. Eleanor answered several patiently before offering a polite smile. ¡°I''d be happy to discuss more next time. Thank you, everyone.¡±

 Chapter 548

    "Dr. Sutton, can we add you on WhatsApp?"


    "Yeah, is that okay?" The request came from a group of good-looking young men, all brimming with the easy confidence of college athletes.


    The atmosphere in the lecture hall turned lively and a little chaotic.


    Eleanor had just opened her mouth to politely decline when a deep, cold male voice cut through the noise from the back of the crowd. "Dr. Sutton''s lecture was excellent."


    Everyone turned around, and there he was a man in a sharply tailored suit, radiating the kind of aura that warned people to keep their distance.


    A few students who always seemed up on campus gossip recognized him instantly. "Oh my God, isn''t that Dr. Sutton''s ex-husband,n?"


    "I can''t believe he showed up."


    Ian stepped forward, his expression unreadable as his gaze swept over the group of guys who''d started themotion. "Academic discussion is wee," he said, voice even but steely, "but bothering Dr. Sutton isn''t very polite."


    His piercing stare made the boys visibly ufortable. They managed a couple of awkward chuckles before slipping away. Truthfully, they''d just been caught up in the moment-Eleanor was strikingly beautiful, and they couldn''t resist teasing a little. No harm was meant.


    "Dr. Sutton has an important meeting to attend,¡±n announced, scanning the students with a cool authority.


    Eleanor offered her students an apologetic smile. "Sorry, everyone. Let''s continue our discussion another time."


    Students who still had questions reluctantly drifted away as the crowd thinned. Eleanor spotted Dr. Windsor and Mann lingering at the edge of the room and made her way toward them.


    York watched asn disappeared down the hallway, then turned to Eleanor. "I thought you two were divorced. What''s he trying to pull?"


    Eleanor shrugged. "Nothing. He just came to listen to the lecture, that''s all.¡±


    York adjusted his sses, his expression turning serious. "Eleanor, about restarting theb-I''d like to hear your thoughts."


    Eleanor took a seat beside him. "Mr. Windsor, I fully support your decision to reopen theb. I''ve always regretted that our research was interrupted. With the technology we have now, we''ve already surpassed what was avable two years ago."


    York nodded thoughtfully. "You''re right. If we can secure funding, why not give it another shot?"


    Eleanor''s curiosity got the better of her. "Mr. Windsor, who''s backing the project this time?"


    "It''s Drexford Technologies. They''ve promised not to interfere with the direction of the research or im ownership of the results. For us, that''s an ideal arrangement."


    A surge of hope rose in Eleanor''s chest. Scientific research was alwayspromised when tangled with outside interests; having apany willing to take a hands-off approach was a rare blessing.


    Mann, who''d been listening quietly, couldn''t help but interject, "That''s miles better than the terms Goodwin & Co. offered."


    York was silent for a moment, then looked Eleanor in the eye. "Ellie, would you like to be involved? You led the projectst time. I still have all the data. If you want toe back, I''ll hand it over to you."


    Eleanor had been turning this question over in her mind for days if she was invited, would she join? But the answer was already clear in her heart. She lifted her gaze, resolve shining in her eyes. "Mr. Windsor, I''d be honored to join."


    York nodded approvingly, then added, "I heard there''s a Juliette Lab facility that was recently closed. We''re hoping to talk to the owner about leasing it for our new project. Would you be willing to help reach out?" He looked at Eleanor expectantly.

 Chapter 549

    Eleanor stared in surprise for a few seconds, then gave a small,posed smile. "Mr. Windsor, I actually know the owner of the Juliette Lab. I can reach out to him."


    York let out a sigh of relief. "That''s wonderful. I''ll leave this in your hands, then. Now that we''ve decided to restart theb, let''s not waste any time. Once we make up our minds, we have to act."


    Dr. Windsor had spent his entire life in research-methodical, decisive, and never one to procrastinate.


    Eleanor nodded. ¡°Alright. I''ll arrange a meeting with him soon."


    After dropping York off at his hotel, Eleanor nced at the clock and headed home to pick up her daughter. On the drive, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but one thing in particr made her feel profoundly grateful: this time, Mr. Windsor''sb had nothing to do withn.


    But now that Mr. Windsor had already turned downn''s offer to coborate, it was clear he''d never be part of it.


    There was a good chance she''d still have to seen at future conferences and events, but the realization that he no longer had any sway over this project left her feeling unexpectedly free.


    That evening, Eleanor curled up at home with her daughter, basking in the warmth of their little family. No matter how hectic or demanding her work got, this was her safe harbor-the ce where she could rest and recharge.


    The next morning, after dropping her daughter off at school, she happened to run into Xavier, who was escorting his own daughter, Vivian, out of the car.


    "Vivian!"


    "Evelyn!" The two girls beamed at each other and quickly grabbed hands, skipping off together.


    Eleanor and Xavier walked a few paces behind, watching the girls disappear into the school building. Xavier nced over at Eleanor. "Still busy with the new medication project?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "I took a couple days off." She hesitated, then asked, "Xavier, are you free for lunch today? I''d like to take you out."


    This time, her lunch invitation wasn''t just about catching up-it was business.


    Xavier paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. It was rare for Eleanor to be the one to ask him out. He couldn''t help butugh. "Of course I''m free. If you''re buying, I''ll always make time."


    Eleanor smiled, amused by his eagerness. "Well, it depends on your schedule. If you''re busy-"


    "I''m not. Really. Should I make the reservation, or will you?"


    "I''ll do it," Eleanor replied quickly. "Do you like sushi?"


    Xavier nodded. ¡°I do. It''s usually nice and quiet."


    "Perfect. I''ll book a ce and text you. See you at noon."


    After they parted, Eleanor headed back to theb. Even though she was transitioning her responsibilities, she wanted to make sure everything was properly wrapped up.


    She reserved a sushi restaurant near Xavier''s office, wanting to make things as convenient as possible. After all, he''d just taken over thepany this year and was bound to be extremely busy.


    Xavier arrived at exactly eleven-thirty. No sooner had he sat down than he grinned. "I''m guessing this isn''t just about celebrating your doctorate or paying back a favor, is it?"


    Eleanor poured him some tea and got straight to the point. "You''re right. I actually wanted to talk business." She settled into her seat and continued, "I''d like to rent your Juliette Lab."


    Xavier raised his eyebrows. "You''re nning to start your ownb?"


    Eleanor shook her head, then filled him in on the recent developments. Xavier listened, stunned for a moment. He''d half-expected Eleanor to join the national research team, but this Dr. Windsor hade out of nowhere. While Xavier was familiar with the domestic medical scene, he knew far less about the international yers.

 Chapter 550

    It was clear that Dr. Windsor was a true giant in the medical field.


    "So, Dr. Windsor wants to runch hisb, and you''ve decided to join his team?¡± Xavier asked.


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes. I owe everything I have today to Dr. Windsor''s mentorship. Besides, I have unfinished research under his guidance. I want to continue."


    Xavier thought for a moment. "The rent isn''t an issue, but I actually have a better idea."


    "What is it?" Eleanor asked.


    "I''d like to be an investor in yourb," Xavier said sincerely. "Not for a share of the research, not for patents, not even for my name on any publications. I just want to support you and your work in any way I can."


    Eleanor was taken aback by his offer.


    Almost without hesitation, she shook her head. "Xavier, I appreciate your kindness, but I can''t ept."


    Xavier blinked, surprised and a little disappointed. "I understand. I should have considered how you''d feel."


    Eleanor looked at him earnestly. "I''m sorry, Xavier."


    He knew there was more to her apology than just the words. He understood that he had always been the one leading this rtionship, sweeping Eleanor along in his wake. To ask her tomit emotionally, to ept his pursuit, just wasn''t fair.


    "I know we''re just friends. But isn''t it normal for friends to help each other?" Xavier tried to lighten the mood.


    Eleanor met his gaze. It was precisely because they were friends that she didn''t want money or favors to muddy the waters between them.


    "Even between friends, it''s best to keep things clear," she said with a smile.


    Xavier sighed, then grinned. "Alright, let''s keep it simple. We''ll sign a lease at market rate. That should work, right?"


    Eleanor let out a subtle sigh of relief. "Deal."


    After lunch, Xavier said, "I can show Dr. Windsor around the ce this afternoon. If there''s anything you need, just let me know."


    "Thank you, Xavier. Really," Eleanor replied, her gratitude genuine.


    He shook his head. "Don''t mention it. If my aunt were still here, she''d be happy to see this too."


    That afternoon, Eleanor arrived with Dr. Windsor and Dr. Mann to tour theb. Dr. Windsor was impressed with the space and decided to lease the building for theb''s new beginning.


    After Eleanor and her group left, a ck SUV sat quietly nearby. Inside, a man who looked every bit the bodyguard made a call.


    "Hello?" came a deep, steady voice on the other end.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Sutton just showed Dr. Windsor around the Juliette Lab headquarters."


    At Goodwin & Co.''s executive office,n tapped his long fingers lightly on the desk. "Understood," he replied coolly, then ended the call.


    He rose and walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the city, his expression thoughtful and imprable.

 Chapter 551

    On the drive back to the hotel, Eleanor Sutton chatted with York Windsor about theb''s equipment.


    "These core machines are in great shape," York said, surveying the facility with clear approval. "They just need a bit of recalibration and they''ll be ready to go."


    Eleanor agreed; the Juliette Grayson Laboratory boasted some of the most advanced equipment she''d ever worked with. She found herself thinking that Mrs. Grayson, wherever she was, would be d herb was still serving the cause of scientific discovery.


    When they reached the hotel, York asked Eleanor to schedule a meeting-he wanted to speak with Xavier Vaughn in person.


    She suggested tomorrow afternoon, booking the conference room at the Vesper Joy Hotel for their discussion.


    The following morning, Eleanor returned to the research facility. Simone Langley came over for a chat, having heard that Dr. Windsor was back in the country and guessing where Eleanor would be headed next.


    Simone didn''t know York well. After all, she''d been two years below him at Ashford Medical University, and York had left to study abroad in his sophomore year. All she really remembered was that he, along with Elliot Sutton and Lyman Brown, had been the stars of their ss, prodigies who showed their brilliance early.


    "I heard your father and York were close-as close as brothers. Hard to believe you spent six years after your marriage working and studying in hisb," Simone remarked.


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, Mr. Windsor looked after me. He''s both a mentor and a family friend."


    Simone smiled approvingly. ¡°You''vee so far on your own. That''s really impressive." Then, with a flicker of surprise, she added, "But how didn never find out you were doing research all these years?"


    Eleanor lowered her gaze and gave a wry smile. "Back then, I wanted to focus on home and family. Research was more of a personal interest-I never nned to make much of it."


    "Son never realized you were involved in any scientific work?" Simone pressed, recalling how shockedn Goodwin had sounded when Eleanor passed her elerated exams.


    Eleanor''s tone was calm, almost detached. "He was always busy-traveling for work, rarely home."


    Simone nodded, as if things made more sense now, and let the matter drop. She wasn''t one to pry into others'' private lives, but rumors had a way of circting. Word was,n had been unfaithful during the marriage, and his affair was with Faye Yeaton''s older sister. In that light, one spouse always away and the other quietly joining a research team didn''t seem so odd after all.


    After a few more words, Simone headed off to a meeting. Eleanor checked the time; it was almost time for her to get to the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    At two o''clock sharp, Xavier arrived at the conference room as promised. Dressed in a charcoal suit, he offered York a firm handshake. "Dr. Windsor, I''ve heard so much about you-it''s a pleasure to finally meet."


    York grinned. "The pleasure''s mine, Mr. Vaughn. I''ve heard you''re quite the rising star yourself."


    After a few pleasantries, Eleanor introduced them properly, and the conversation quickly turned to business. Xavier handed over the prepared lease agreement, which York reviewed carefully before nodding. "Everything looks fair. Mr. Vaughn, you''re a man of your word."


    Xavier smiled politely. "Dr. Windsor, your research means a great deal. It''s an honor to offer my support."


    Eleanor, watching from the sidelines, let out a quiet breath of relief as the meeting went smoothly.


    While York and Xavier finalized the contract, Eleanor stepped out for some fresh air. When she returned, the two men were shaking hands, the deal sealed.


    "Eleanor, would you take care of Mr. Vaughn? I need to go upstairs and rest for a bit," York said.


    "Of course, Mr. Windsor. I''ll look after Mr. Vaughn," Eleanor replied with a warm smile.


    As York left, Xavier turned and gave her a half-smile. "No need to be so formal. From now on, just call me Xavier-no matter the asion."


    Eleanor was momentarily taken aback, then nodded with a smile. "Alright."


    "Oh, and by the way," Xavier added, his tone growing more serious, "I asked Dr. Windsor about the investmentpany involved in this project. Want to hear what I found out?"


    Eleanor was genuinely curious and nodded.


    Xavier''s expression turned thoughtful. "The investor is Starnova Technologies¡ª out of Drexford. They started in renewable energy, but the real story is a bit deeper. Thepany''s owner has strong connections, including ties to a private aerospace venture here in Drexford."


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. "What kind of background does the owner have?"


    "As far as I know," Xavier said, lowering his voice, "he''s a Drexford businessman who''s made it clear he''s deeply interested in neurotechnology and brain-machine interfaces. If your research really breaks new ground, it could be worth far more than anything in conventional medicine."

 Chapter 552

    Eleanor quickly picked up on the implication¡ªif apany like that had invested in Mr. Windsor''sb, it actually made perfect sense. After all, brainputer interface projects weren''t just for medicine; they could y a huge role in future space exploration programs as well.


    "Xavier, do you think thispany is connected ton?" she asked directly. Eleanor had never been too clear on the web ofpanies undern''s name.


    Xavier considered it for a moment, then shook his head. "As far as I know,n''s got no ties to Starnova Technologies. His ownpany''s been focused on medical tech and Al these past few years. Why are you worried he might try to get involved with Dr. Windsor''s funding?"


    "Meridian Dynamics has shown interest in simr projects. Ian''s actually reached out to Mr. Windsor before."


    "Oh? And is Dr. Windsor open to working with him?" Xavier''s voice was low, almost cautious.


    Eleanor shook her head.


    Xavier''s gaze grew more serious. Truth be told,n''s business had expanded rapidly thesest few years, and he was often so busy that he''d fall off the grid for days. He''d also been getting chummy with people in government, making frequent trips to Kingston for meetings. When it came to the specifics of his business dealings-well, even though the three of them had once been as close as brothers, it was a touchy subject, best left alone.


    "Dr. Windsor values his research independence above all else," Eleanor said quietly. "If an investor''s background is too tangled, it could actually slow down the project. Ian isn''t the kind of backer he wants."


    Xavier nodded thoughtfully. "Still..." he hesitated, then continued, "I''d rmend you get a professional team to do a thorough background check before signing anything."


    ¡°I''ll suggest that to Mr. Windsor,¡± Eleanor agreed. ¡°It''s definitely necessary."


    Seeing how determined Eleanor was to keep her distance fromn, Xavier couldn''t help but feel a flicker of hope, even though the idea of vying for his old friend''s ex-wife was, by most standards, a little shameful.


    But at that moment, for Xavier, there wasn''t another woman in the world who drew his attention like Eleanor did.


    It wasn''t just her striking looks or graceful figure-there was something deep in her, a quiet strength and gentle warmth that drew him in.


    Eleanor noticed Xavier watching her, but didn''t turn around. She rested her hands on the railing, gazing down at the lobby just as two guests walked in. Her expression instantly cooled.


    Henry Holt strolled in, casual suit and all, withn at his side, one hand in his pocket. The two of them arrived together.


    Just then,n nced up, his gaze cold and calcting, locking eyes with Eleanor and Xavier standing at the second-floor railing. He narrowed his eyes.


    Henry looked up as well. After spotting them, he said something quietly ton, and the two of them headed toward the stairs.


    A minuteter,n and Henry approached.


    "Xavier, Eleanor, since we''ve run into each other, why not grab a coffee together?" Henry said cheerfully.


    He turned, watchingn with an air of mischief, as if waiting for him to weigh in.


    With that, he walked away.


    Eleanor''s voice was equally cool. "I''ve got work to do. I''ll get going."


    She headed for the stairs, purposefully taking the opposite direction fromn, toward the lobby.


    Henry turned to Xavier with a teasing grin. "Looks like things are going pretty well for you two." Then, as if remembering something, he added, "I heard Eleanor''s leavingn''sb. Is that true?"


    "It is," Xavier nodded.


    "Ian''s really letting her go?" Henry sounded surprised. "Talents like Eleanor are one in a million."


    "They''re done," Xavier said tly. "No sense dragging it out."


    Henry gave him a long, knowing look. "So... you''re willing to go all-in for Eleanor now?"


    Xavier leaned on the railing and watched as Eleanor''s slender figure slipped out the lobby doors. He let out a quiet sigh. "Guess we''ll see what fate has in store."


    Henry pped him on the shoulder. "Ian might be divorced from her, but they''ve still got a kid together. And honestly, Eleanor seems focused on her career and her son."


    Xavier nodded. "I know. You can''t force love. But I''m willing to wait."


    "Yeah, well..." Henry hesitated, then just let it go, sighing. "Your business, not mine."


    And really, it wasn''t his ce to interfere.

 Chapter 553

    Eleanor had just slid into the back seat when her phone buzzed-Ellington''s


    name shed on the screen. She answered, "Hey, Ellington."


    "Ms. Sutton, you haven''t left yet, have you?" Ellington''s voice came through, tight


    with urgency.


    "I''m just outside."


    "Could


    youe back for a moment? There''s something urgent I need to discuss with you about the investment project."


    Eleanor nced at her watch. She was free that afternoon anyway. "Alright, I''ll head up now."


    "I''ll be in the small conference room on the eighth floor," he added.


    She retraced her steps into the lobby, ncing up at the second-floor balcony. Xavier and Henry were gone-probably left already, or maybe headed out for coffee together.


    As she rode the elevator up, Eleanor mulled over what could have prompted Ellington to call her back. Investments were usually his territory; after all, she was juggling not just the hotel group, but five otherpanies outside the hospitality industry. With the portfolio''s steady performers, there was always excess capital needing management.


    On the eighth floor, Ellington''s assistant nearly jogged over to greet her. "Ms. Sutton, you''re here this way, please."


    Eleanor nodded and followed her to the conference room. The assistant pushed open the door, and Eleanor immediately spotted a tall, lean figure lounging on the sleek leather sofa.


    The polite smile faded from Eleanor''s face, reced by a flicker of cold hostility in her eyes. What was he doing here?


    Ellington noticed her reaction and hurried over with an awkward smile. "Ms. Sutton, thanks foring."


    She shot him a sharp look. He knew how much she hated seeing this man¡ªwhy would he set this up?


    Ellington looked a little embarrassed, but the gravity of the situation overrode his difort. He gestured to the seats. "Please, have a seat. I''ll exin everything in just a moment."


    Her annoyance didn''t escapen, who leaned forward, picked up his cup, and took a slow sip. His gaze was calm, almost indifferent, as he watched her.


    Eleanor had no choice but to sit down and see just what supposedly urgent matter Ellington wanted to discuss.


    "Well? I''m listening," she said.


    Ellington''s excitement was palpable as he began. "Ms. Sutton, you probably know that Mr. Goodwinunched Goodwin Biotech Group earlier this year. Right now, Mr. Goodwin is starting a new round of fundraising, and just now he offered us a ten percent stake." He added, almost breathless, "And he''s offering it to us unconditionally."


    Eleanor turned to the man on the sofa, her expression hard. "Unconditionally offering us ten percent?"


    Eleanor looked at Ellington. "Let''s talk outside."


    In the lounge next door, Ellington couldn''t contain his excitement. "Ms. Sutton, you know the ins and outs of Goodwin Biotech better than anyone. I''ve heard the clinical results for your new leukemia drug are phenomenal. The industry is buzzing about thispany-once it hits the market, the valuation could increase tenfold, maybe even a hundred times! It''s practically a guaranteed win. Investors are lining up, begging Mr. Goodwin for a chance to get in on this."


    Eleanor was well aware. Goodwin Biotech was the hottest name in pharmaceuticals right now, and their breakthrough leukemia drug had the world''s attention.


    "Ms. Sutton, you really can''t hesitate on this one," Ellington pressed, his voice almost pleading. He knew how icy things were between Eleanor andn since the divorce, but business was business.


    He kept ncing nervously toward the conference room, worried that Mr. Goodwin would lose patience and leave.


    Eleanor frowned. Ian''s offer was an irresistible temptation, no doubt-but she hated being tied to him or hispany, and she resented how tantly he was trying to maneuver her.


    "Ellington, I know things between Mr. Goodwin and me have been...plicated since the divorce. But-" She hesitated, biting her lip. "I''ll talk to him. Wait for me outside."


    "Of course." Ellington stopped himself from saying more; he knew better than to push her.


    Eleanor reentered the conference room. Ian was still there, his posture rxed, teacup poised like he was at some casual afternoon gathering, not a high-stakes negotiation.


    "Let''s drop the act. What''s your real agenda?" she said, cutting straight to the point.


    Eleanor didn''t buy it for a second. She knew all too well that withn, every seeming act of generosity came with a hidden catch. Six years of marriage had taught her more than the pain of betrayal-it had shown her just how calcting this man could be.

 Chapter 554

    There was no shortage of maniption and deception in the business world.


    "Eleanor, there''s no hidden agenda here. I just want to secure something for Evelyn''s future." Ian''s expression remained asposed as ever.


    Eleanor frowned. She''d seen firsthand just how calcting this man could be; winning back her trust wasn''t going to be easy.


    He knew if he put this share on the market, people would be fighting tooth and nail for it.


    "Eleanor, setting aside our personal history, I strongly suggest you reconsider. Thepany will go public in less than three months,"n said, rising to leave.


    At the door, he paused. "If you''re notfortable making a deal directly with me, you can always have Ellington handle it."


    Eleanor clenched her jaw. ¡°That won''t be necessary. I''m not interested in your so- called generosity."


    No sooner had he stepped out than Ellington nearly jumped out of his skin, scrambling back at the sight ofn''s expression. He could guess exactly what Eleanor had decided. Quickly, he hurried aftern. "Mr. Goodwin, this investment opportunity is "


    Butn didn''t even look back. He was genuinely angry this time, and walked off without another word.


    Ellington let out a heavy sigh. That ten percent stake was as good as gone.


    Watchingn disappear at the end of the hallway, Ellington turned back just in time to see Eleanor exit the conference room. His face was a portrait of anxiety. "Ms. Sutton, did you...turn him down?"


    Eleanor''s voice was calm. "Ellington, from now on, any cooperation with Goodwin & Co. needs my approval. Don''t make decisions on your own."


    Ellington sighed, uncertain. "Ms. Sutton, I''m not sure if I should say this¡ª"


    At that moment,n reappeared down the hall. He''de back.


    "Eleanor." His voice was low and measured. "Let''s talk. Just the two of us."


    "There''s nothing left to say," Eleanor replied tly.


    Ellington''s brief glimmer of hope was extinguished in an instant. Ian''s return had meant there was still room to negotiate, but Eleanor mmed that door shut.


    "I want you to understand, I mean you no harm. If you''re willing to reconsider, I can even "


    Ellington''s eyes lit up. Was Mr. Goodwin about to offer them an even bigger share?


    But Eleanor turned away, her tone icy. "I said I''m not interested."


    "Enough. Are you finished?" Eleanor snapped, ring at him.


    The hallway felt frozen in time. Ian''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he swallowed, visibly restraining his emotions.


    Finally, his voice turned cold. "Business is business. Letting emotions get in the way will only make you miss out."


    With that, he left for good, this time not looking back.


    Ellington''s face was a kaleidoscope of frustration-he wanted to bang his head against the wall. This was hands down the best investment opportunity he''d seen since starting in the field.


    Especially after seeing hown had doubled back-that alone showed how much he wanted Eleanor to have that ten percent share.


    Ellington cleared his throat. "Ms. Sutton, could I have a word?"


    Eleanor nodded, following him back into the conference room. Ellington quietly closed the door. "Ms. Sutton, you know I''m on your side. I realize you and Mr. Goodwin are like oil and water, but this investment-opportunities like thise once in a lifetime."


    He hesitated before adding, "As your investment advisor, I have to say, turning down Mr. Goodwin''s offer could mean losing out on at least a billion in potential profit."


    Eleanor said nothing at first. She walked to the window, gazing out at the city below. She knew full well that the pien was offering almost certainly hid a hook.


    "I stand by my decision."


    Ellington gave up trying to persuade her and focused instead on the investments they already had.


    Back in the car, Gavin Young was waiting. When he heard the door m, he nced over to see his boss rubbing his brow, looking like he had a pounding headache.


    "Mr. Goodwin, are you alright?" Gavin asked, concern in his voice.


    "I''m fine. Just drive."n leaned back, closing his eyes, though his brow remained furrowed.

 Chapter 555

    Eleanor slid back into the car; it was already half past four. Time to pick up her daughter. As she reached for her phone, a new message shed on the screen. She checked it quickly-disappointed, it wasn''t the one she''d been waiting for. With a sigh, Eleanor set the phone down. Still no word from Mansfield Ellington.


    But, considering the sensitive nature of his work, it made sense. He wouldn''t risk reaching out locally at a time like this.


    At the Yeaton household, it was a rare afternoon with everyone under one roof. Since Rnd Yeaton''spany had gone public, he''d be practically a ghost, buried in endless meetings andworking events.


    Mrs. Yeaton had herints, but with the business thriving, she''d learned to let it go. After all, the fortune he was building would one day belong to their daughter-it hardly seemed like wasted effort.


    Faye was lounging on the living room sofa, scrolling through her phone, when Vanessa Shannon walked in. Vanessa settled into the armchair opposite, fixing Faye with a thoughtful look.


    "Did Eleanor finish her resignation paperwork yet?" Vanessa asked.


    "Not yet. She''s still tied up with the new drug trials," Faye replied with a shake of her head.


    Vanessa frowned. "She''s not having second thoughts, is she?" Lately, Vanessa hadn''t seen much of Eleanor and had no idea what she was nning. Faye, on the other hand, worked in the sameb as Eleanor and was surely more in the loop.


    After a pause, Faye looked up at her sister. "Hey, can you do me a favor? I want to join Meridian Dynamics'' brainputer interface project. Could you talk ton for me?"


    Everyone in the family sawn as Vanessa''s future husband-it was a foregone conclusion. At first, callingn her "brother-inw" had felt awkward to Faye, but now it rolled off her tongue without a second thought.


    Vanessa just smiled, calm and confident. "Don''t worry, leave it to me."


    Faye grinned. "So, when do we finally get to toast at your wedding?"


    Vanessa''s lips curled with amusement. "Ian''s swamped at work, and I''ve got a few ad campaigns to shoot. Give it some time."


    Faye''s eyes flickered with envy. Even though her sister hadn''t officially joined the Goodwin family yet,n had already showered her with all the perks. Faye noticed that since Vanessa had returned from Drexford, a diamond ring glittered on her left hand-sorge it could hardly go unnoticed.


    "Is that your engagement ring?" Faye leaned closer, eyes widening in admiration.


    Vanessa lifted her hand, letting the stone catch the light. "Pretty, isn''t it?" She didn''t deny it.


    "It''s gorgeous," Faye said, nodding. "You can tell it''s worth a fortune. Suits you perfectly."


    Vanessa admired the ring herself. She had always loved jewels and anything luxurious¡ªthese things brought herfort, a sense of security, and a happiness she felt she''d earned.


    Just then, the rumble of a car engine drifted in from the driveway. Faye nced up. "Dad''s home."


    Rnd entered, spotting his two beautiful daughters on the sofa. Satisfaction spread across his face. Not only were they both striking, but they were smart and capable as well.


    Especially Vanessa. Thanks to her connections,n had invested in thepany, paving the way for a sessful IPO. Rnd''s name now carried weight in the business world, and he was enjoying all the prestige that came with it.


    "Vanessa, Faye-what are you two chatting about?" he asked, settling into an armchair.


    "Dad, what have you been up totely?" Faye asked, recalling how their mother oftenined that he was gone for days at a time.

 Chapter 556

    Rnd loosened his tie, exhaling heavily. "It''s all about expanding after thepany goes public." His gaze shifted to his eldest daughter. "Vanessa, I heardn''s biotech firm is about to go public. Is that true?"


    Vanessa had already heard about it from Henry and had guessed her father would be interested. She nodded. "Yes, that''s right."


    Rnd leaned in, lowering his voice. "Vanessa, I heard Goodwin & Co. still has some shares left in this round of funding. Can you talk ton for me? See if he can set aside five percent for me?"


    Vanessa knew this was the real reason her father had insisted shee home for dinner. She hesitated, a little uneasy. "Dad, I''m not reallyfortable getting involved in business matters like this."


    "It''s only five percent," Rnd pressed. "For you, it''s just a word, isn''t it? If thispany goes public, the stock will triple, maybe more. This is the kind of sure thing you don''t see twice in a lifetime."


    Even though Faye didn''t know much about business, she understood thatn''spany going public meant the stock would skyrocket.


    "Alright, Dad. I''ll ask," Vanessa agreed, giving a small nod.


    Rnd''s face broke into a broad grin. "That''s my girl."


    That night, the Yeaton family sat down to avish dinner,ughter and warmth filling the room. Just as everyone was settling in, Vanessa''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen and stood up. "Dad, I need to take this."


    Rnd''s eyes lit up with anticipation. Could it be his wonderful future son-inw already?


    Vanessa stepped outside to answer. It was Henry calling.


    "Hey, Henry. What''s up?"


    "I just got wordn''s decided to postpone Goodwin Pharma Group''s IPO."


    Vanessa''s hand, which had been admiring the sparkle of her ring, froze for a moment. "What? Why?"


    "Apparently, some data needs to be re-audited. Ian says they might have to push the listing back as much as two years." Henry sounded just as puzzled as she felt.


    He was only calling to keep her updated-she''d shown a lot of interest when he''d mentioned it a few days ago.


    "Thanks for letting me know," Vanessa said, smiling into the phone.


    "A new ce just opened downtown-Fairhaven bistro, your favorite. Let''s go together sometime."


    "Sounds good. I should get back¡ªmy dad''s waiting for me at dinner."


    "Alright, enjoy. Talk soon," Henry replied, his voice gentle.


    Vanessa hung up and returned to the dining room. Without dy, she passed on Henry''s news to her father.


    "What?" The smile vanished from Rnd''s face. "Who told you that?"


    "Henry just called me. The news is solid."


    Rnd''s mood soured, his jaw tightening. "How could they dy it now? I was counting on getting that five percent! Damn."


    He yanked at his tie, visibly frustrated. All his capital was lined up, and nown was dragging his feet?


    It made no sense. With a new drug nearly ready for release, this was the perfect time to go public. Dying the IPO would hurt Goodwin & Co. too.


    He couldn''t figure it out.


    But there was nothing to be done. He couldn''t me Vanessa; after all,n was the founder of Goodwin Pharma Group. The final decision was his alone.


    And sincen hadn''t married into the Yeatons yet, as a future father-inw, Rnd had no real standing to meddle in Goodwin & Co.''s affairs.


    Three dayster, the business news confirmed it: Goodwin & Co. was officially postponing its IPO. The announcement sent ripples through the financial world and sparked wild spection, but in the end, all exnations rested with Goodwin & Co. itself.

 Chapter 557

    Still, even without going public, Goodwin Pharma Group had a promising future ahead.


    As soon as Ellington got word, he ryed the news to Eleanor right away. But Eleanor, who had never cared much about such things, was hardly surprised.


    Eleanor figuredn''s decision was about keeping his pharmaceutical group''s information private. He liked to keep things close to the chest, and from his perspective, whether thepany was publicly listed or not made little difference.


    Earlier, Eleanor had discussed the background check on Starnova Group with York, who had actually followed through and had someone look into it.


    Sitting on the couch, Eleanor watched York put on his reading sses. "I checked three times,¡± he said. "There''s no trace of Goodwin & Co. anywhere."


    Eleanor scrolled through the equity structure chart of Starnova Group on herptop. The firstyer of ownership was crystal clear.


    York rubbed his forehead. "The truth is, scientific research needsmercial backing. As long as the contracts are clear and research independence stays intact, it doesn''t really matter where the fundinges from."


    Eleanor frowned, realizing her worries had been overblown.


    She had been overthinking things-there was no need to waste any more time fretting aboutn.


    Mr. Windsor was already busy enough, and now she''d made him assign people to do such aplicated background check-she felt a bit guilty for troubling him.


    Starnova Investments and York''sb were mainly focused on developing a neural interface system for pilots.


    Just then, York shared his thoughts with Eleanor. "Science knows no borders, but technology does. So this time, ourb will be contributing technology as equity- we''ll be getting a significant controlling stake."


    Eleanor felt a chill down her spine. The value and potential impact of the brain-puter interface project was enormous. If it seeded, the applications would be far beyond imagination-military pilots, special ops, and more.


    "Mr. Windsor, if we ept Starnova Investments, will our research¡ª¡±


    "It''s inevitable," York said, rubbing his eyes. "But the key is who controls the applied technology. The patents will belong entirely to theb. That''s my number one condition in negotiations." He paused, then added, "I''ll be heading to Kingston in a couple of days to meet an old friend. We''ll have to push back the preparations a bit."


    "Of course," Eleanor nodded. "Please take care of yourself, sir."


    Looking at the elderly man, hair turned white with age, still working tirelessly for the country''s scientific progress, Eleanor felt a deep sense of respect.


    York patted her shoulder. "Don''t let yourself get weighed down by worries. Just focus on wrapping up the final tests on the new drug."


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. Yes-she''d letn''s influence turn her into a nervous wreck.


    That evening, Eleanor took her daughter to the nearby park. Watching her little girl hop and skip around,ughing with delight-this, she thought, was what made it all worth it.


    Just then, her phone buzzed in her bag. She pulled it out and saw a message from the Secretary of State''s private number.


    "Eleanor, Mansfield is safe. He asked me to let you know."


    Eleanor stared at the message for a few seconds before finally releasing a breath. As long as he was safe, that was all that mattered.


    When the weekend ended, Eleanor returned to theb for a meeting. As soon as the elevator doors opened, she spotted Faye clutching a box, chatting with Nina.


    Nina looked genuinely upset. "Faye, you just got back and now you''re leaving for Meridian Dynamics again? I''m really going to miss you."

 Chapter 558

    Faye spotted Eleanor stepping out of the elevator and shed her a smile. "What can I say? Meridian Dynamics'' new project is calling my name. Let''s catch up soon, okay?"


    "You mean their new brainputer interface initiative?" Nina''s eyes went wide. "Wow, Faye, that''s incredible. You''re really on another level."


    Eleanor walked past just in time to catch Nina''s words. Fayending a spot on Meridian Dynamics'' core team wasn''t exactly a shock-after all,n always looked out for the Yeaton family.


    "Hold on, Eleanor." Faye suddenly called after her.


    Eleanor paused, turning her head slightly in acknowledgment.


    "You''ve probably heard about Meridian Dynamics'' brainputer project, right? It''s thetest gship initiative. Joel''s the lead researcher, and I''m his deputy." Faye''s pride was unmistakable.


    Nina suddenly remembered something. "Oh! Eleanor, I heard the Juliette Lab is reopening. Don''t tell me you''re joining them?"


    Faye spun around, surprised. "Who told you that?"


    "I overheard Professor Langley and Dr. Lyman talking about it," Nina admitted, looking unsure. "Apparently, some PhD student from Drexford ising back to reopen theb."


    Faye couldn''t help but let out a dryugh. "So the once-famous Juliette Lab is about to be second-rate?"


    "Who says it''s second-rate?" A new voice cut in-Simone, who had obviously overheard the conversation as she approached.


    Faye and Nina both shrank back, startled.


    "Dr. Windsor is a world-renowned neuroscientist," Simone exined, not wanting her students to sound ignorant and embarrass her outside these walls. "He''s running his own brainputer research with top-tier resources."


    She finished her brief defense just as the elevator doors slid open. Simone stepped inside in a hurry.


    Eleanor was about to leave too, when Nina blurted out, "Wait, Eleanor, so you''re joining Dr. Windsor''sb for the brainputer project? Does that mean you and Faye are working on the same research?"


    Faye''s expression faltered for a second but she quickly regained herposure. "The brainputer project is cutting-edge. Meridian Dynamics has a bigger budget than anyb in the country. Eleanor, just don''t let your research stay theoretical."


    "Science isn''t about who has more money. It''s about real ability." Eleanor shot Faye a level nce. "Or do you think it''s like life¡ªjust about cozying up to the right people?"


    Faye''s face darkened. "Eleanor, you¡ª"


    "The elevator''s here, Faye!" Nina quickly interjected, eager to diffuse the tension.


    Faye squared her shoulders. ¡°Let''s settle it fairly, Eleanor. We''ll see whoseb makes a breakthrough first-yours or Meridian Dynamics."


    Eleanor gave her a dismissive look and turned to leave.


    Faye''s fingers tightened around the cardboard box she was carrying, leaving deep creases in the edges. But then it dawned on her-Eleanor was silent because she didn''t really believe she could win.


    She wouldn''t dare to make a bet.


    This wasn''t her territory. Brainputer research was a brand-new frontier; no team in the world had cracked it yet, and Eleanor was starting from scratch.


    With Goodwin & Co.''s fortune backing Meridian Dynamics, Faye was certain: their project would take the lead.

 Chapter 559

    Word of Eleanor''s transfer to Dr. Windsor''sb had quietly spread. By now, it was hardly a secret among the researchers.


    Even in the restroom, Eleanor overheard plenty of gossip about herself.


    "Is Eleanor out of her mind? Mr. Goodwin practically dotes on her she gets all the best projects! Why would she leave?"


    "Exactly! If she stayed, Faye wouldn''t even have a shot at the neuro-interface project. With Mr. Goodwin''s resources behind her, she''s got it made. No way Windsor''sb canpare!"


    Eleanor didn''t bother to exin her reasons to anyone in theb. Gwenda had asked her once, and Eleanor''s answer was simple: she needed a change of environment, a change of pace.


    A weekter, Dr. Windsor returned from London. He seemed calm, almost relieved, and now that the lease contract with Xavier was signed, it was time to set up the newb and dive into research.


    That evening, Eleanor joined York for dinner to discuss the next steps. After they finished eating, York called Eleanor over. The curtains were drawn, and he asked her to sit across from him, his expression suddenly serious.


    "Eleanor, while I was in London, I met with some old friends. We settled a few things," he began.


    She studied him, sensing something unspoken beneath hisposed exterior. Suddenly, York asked, "Eleanor, do you know the story of the Trojan Horse?"


    Eleanor''s eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at the sharp-eyed old man before her. His intentions were always hard to read.


    "Eleanor, there''s something Mr. Windsor would like to discuss with you. Would you consider staying on at the Ashford Medical Research Division?"


    Eleanor paused, realizing at once what story he was referencing.


    York had returned with a mission. Reopening theb wasn''t just about research- it was about offering support. He''d brought back the experimental techniques he''d once developed at Drexford to help Ashford''s research division.


    York cleared his throat. ¡°This is also what London wants. Talented people like you are highly valued."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. "Mr. Windsor-"


    "Stay at Ashford," York said, rising to gently pat her shoulder. "They need you here."


    She met his steady, meaningful gaze. After a few seconds of thought, she nodded. ¡°All right, Mr. Windsor. Here''s to a good partnership."


    York smiled, satisfied. "Follow the research division''s arrangements and focus on your work."


    "I understand, Mr. Windsor. You should get some rest," Eleanor said, standing up so as not to disturb him further.


    Stepping out of the hotel, Eleanor drew a long breath. Some things were more important than her own feelings. Even if it meant facing people and situations she''d rather avoid, she needed to adjust her mindset and keep going.


    Goodwin Manor.


    Gina Quinn entered, setting a te of sliced fruit on his desk. "Ian,e have some fruit."


    "Thanks, Mom." Ian smiled and walked over.


    Gina studied her son in surprise. He''d seemed troubled during dinner, but now he looked almost cheerful.


    "Did you sort out whatever was bothering you?" she asked.


    He nodded. "Yeah."


    "Work stuff?"


    "Something like that."


    After Gina left,n''s long fingers tapped thoughtfully on the desk, themplight casting sharp shadows across his features. After a moment, he picked up his phone and dialed.


    "Transfer Eleanor to the Meridian Dynamics neuro-interface team tomorrow," he instructed.


    "Mr. Goodwin, what position should Miss Sutton hold?" Byron Chase''s voice came over the line.


    "Lead researcher."


    "Understood. Do you need to speak with Eleanor yourself?"


    "I''m not involved with this project,"n replied coolly.


    "Understood," Byron said crisply.


    Back at home, Eleanor sat on the balcony upstairs, lost in thought. No matter how capablen was, he was still a businessman¡ªa yer in a muchrger game. Hispany''s advances in technology and medicine were always intertwined with the nation''s greater ambitions. Rubbing her aching temples, Eleanor nced up at the night sky and sighed. In the end, the progress of national research mattered far more than her own emotions.


    She called Simone. After hearing the news, Simone instantly understood York''s motives foring back and encouraged Eleanor to stay with the research division.


    "You made the right choice, Eleanor. If your father were still here, he''d have done the same," Simone said warmly.


    At eleven, just as Eleanor was about to sleep, her phone buzzed with a message fromn:


    "Meet me at the airport at ten tomorrow. We''re flying to London for a meeting."


    Eleanor stared at the screen for a few seconds, not replying. Another message came through:


    "Meeting with the Ministry of Defence. Don''t bete."


    She read it over and over before finally replying, "Understood."


    A minuteter, another message:


    "My mother will pick up Evelyn in the morning to look after her."


    Clutching her phone, Eleanor bit her lip, not responding. Just then, a message from Garrison Bradley arrived:


    "Eleanor, heard the news? See you tomorrow."


    Reading Garrison''s message, Eleanor knewn hadn''t been lying. London really was calling everyone in for a meeting.


    At seven the next morning, Eleanor got up to pack, the noise waking little Evelyn.


    "Mom, where are you going?" Evelyn mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "Mommy has a meeting in London. Grandma wille pick you up soon. You''ll stay with her for a couple of days, okay?" Eleanor said gently.


    Evelyn nodded sleepily. "Okay, Mommy."


    Eleanor kissed her daughter''s forehead. "Go back to sleep, sweetheart."


    At eight-thirty, Gina arrived right on time to collect Evelyn. Once Eleanor saw her daughter safely in the car, she headed to the airport.


    After clearing security, Eleanor got a call from Byron, instructing her to head to a particr gate. She realized then thatn had arranged for a private jet for their trip.

 Chapter 560

    Eleanor stepped into the plush jet cabin, pulling her jacket tighter against the chilly air conditioning. ncing up, she spottedn by the window, immersed in a stack of documents. He barely spared her a nce before returning his focus to the


    pages.


    "Eleanor, just pick any seat you like," Byron called out.


    She chose a spot away from him and settled in. The ne soon began to taxi and took off smoothly.


    Once they reached cruising altitude, a flight attendant brought over coffee and pastries. Byron struck up a conversation about the new medication they were developing, but before long, exhaustion seemed to catch up with him. He slumped over his tray table and fell asleep as if he''d pulled an all-nighter.


    Two hourster, theynded at Kingston International Airport. Byron was refreshed again as they made their way to the waiting car. Just as Byron was about to take the passenger seat up front, Eleanor spoke up. "Mr. Chase, I get carsick. Would it be all right if I took the front seat?"


    Byron paused, nced over atn, who-expression cool-opened the back door and slid inside without a word. Byron nodded and let Eleanor have the front, then climbed into the back himself.


    The city shed by outside the window, but inside the car, the mood was heavy and quiet. Ian leaned back and closed his eyes, looking as if he could use a rest, too.


    As Eleanor gazed out the window, a billboard caught her eye: Vanessa, the face of a luxury jewelry brand, stared down from above.


    After an hour and a half, they arrived. Eleanor stepped out of the car in front of a gray building, where two uniformed security guards stood at the entrance.


    She recognized a few familiar faces, though she couldn''t recall their names. They greeted her warmly anyway. "Mr. Goodwin, Dr. Sutton, the military delegation is already waiting in the conference room."


    Eleanor was surprised. Byron wasn''t even allowed to attend the meeting? Just how high-level was this?


    "Eleanor." From across the lobby, a familiar figure approached. Garrison strode


    over.


    "Dr. Bradley," Eleanor greeted him.


    They entered a solemn conference room. At the head of the table sat Mr. ck, and on the screen behind him, bold letters read: "Symposium on Military Applications of Brain-Computer Interfaces." Eleanor instantly understood the gravity of the asion.


    The meeting began. Garrison, representing the military,unched into his presentation. Eventually, he touched on the initial findings in brainputer interface technology. Eleanor listened attentively until Mr. ck''s gentle voice broke in.


    "Eleanor, ording to our research, you worked on simr projects during your time at Drexford, didn''t you?"


    She steadied herself, took a breath, and replied, "Yes. I participated in early-stage brainputer interface research at Drexford. Our focus was on medical rehabilitation-helping paralyzed patients control exoskeletons via brainwaves, or enablinga patients to reestablish neural activity. But for personal reasons, I left theb two years ago."


    "Dr. Sutton, do you still remember the core theoretical framework?" Garrison asked.


    Eleanor nodded. "Even though I left, I''ve continued to study the fundamentals."


    Mr. ck''s eyes shed with approval. "Your honesty is vital, Dr. Sutton. Our country urgently needs breakthroughs in this field, and scientists like you are essential."


    At that moment,n, who''d been silent until now, spoke up. "Mr. ck, Goodwin & Co. has alreadyunched a brainputer interface project. Dr. Sutton will be our chief researcher."


    Mr. ck nodded. "Ourst strategic coboration was a great sess. We have every confidence in this partnership. Thank you, Mr. Goodwin, for supporting our military initiatives."


    He nced at Eleanor. "It will remain confidential. The core technology will be controlled by the military, whilemercial applications will be managed by Goodwin & Co."


    For the first time, Eleanor looked atn directly. There would be little, if any,mercial return in the near future¡ªperhaps not for five or ten years. That was entirely out of character forn, a man notorious for his shrewd business sense and aversion to unprofitable ventures.


    Yet, this arrangement suited Eleanor perfectly. She didn''t want her research to be just another moneymaking tool.


    The meeting concluded with Mr. ck''s solemn closing remarks. This was yet another strategic partnership, building on the foundation of their previous coboration.


    As they left the conference room, Mr. ck suddenly caught sight of someone and hurried forward, his entourage falling in step behind him. Eleanor nced up; her breath caught. Garth Ellington had arrived.


    After a few polite words with Mr. ck, Garth bypassed the others and called out warmly, ¡°Eleanor, could youe here for a moment?"


    Everyone turned in surprise as Eleanor walked over. Garth led her down a side corridor, and she followed.


    Barely two minutester, Eleanor returned, echoing Garth''sst words in her mind:


    "Mansfield is currently on assignment abroad, but he''s very concerned about you. If you ever want an update, just reach out to me. I also met with Dr. Windsor-he spoke very highly of you. This project will need your full attention."


    Eleanor exhaled softly. So, it was Mr. Ellington whom Dr. Windsor had visited. Even he was closely watching this research. No matter which team she joined, Eleanor realized, her efforts would be poured into this project.


    Mr. Windsor had recruited her for Meridian Dynamics specifically because an independent research team could more easily coborate with hisb. That''s what he meant by "the Trojan Horse."


    Looking up, Eleanor metn''s probing gaze. He walked over to her. "Dr. Sutton, the offer letter from Meridian Dynamics has already been sent to you."

 Chapter 561

    At that moment, Garrison, who''d been looking for a chance to talk to Eleanor all evening, finally saw his opening. Spotting her standing besiden, he approached and asked politely, "Mr. Goodwin, may I borrow Miss Sutton for a few minutes?" Eleanor paused, surprised, butn just chuckled lightly. "Of course," he said. She turned and walked with Garrison toward the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    Garrison seemed excited, lowering his voice as he spoke to her. "Eleanor, two years ago I heard rumors about a neuroscience project involving brainputer interface research. I had no idea you were among the first group of people working on it."


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, back then the project was still in its theoretical stage."


    ¡°That''s incredible! I heard you managed to help a paralyzed monkey stand up again. I can''t believe-"


    She cut him off abruptly, frowning. "Who told you that?"


    Garrison faltered, looking at her. "Mr. Goodwin told us."


    Eleanor''s breath caught, but she quicklyposed herself. Ifn had already


    talked to Mr. Windsor about that experiment, then he must have learned about her research results from those years ago¡ªthat must have been why he first approached Mr. Windsor.


    A lot of things that hadn''t made sense now seemed to fall into ce after this meeting.


    He had quietly uncovered the real reason Mr. Windsor had returned to the country, then offered to coborate on Meridian Dynamics'' project with the military, even giving up the core interests and keeping only the civilian profits-all in order to persuade Mr. Windsor to let her stay at Meridian Dynamics.


    Keeping her at Meridian Dynamics made sense; private, for-profit research projects were much better suited for international coboration. If she''d joined a national research team, her work would have been far more restricted. Eleanor''s mind raced with realization.


    The real reasonn had gone to such lengths to keep her at Meridian Dynamics was because of her brainputer research from two years earlier.


    Even ifn was willing to give up the core technology, the civilian applications would still be highly lucrative down the line.


    Eleanor realized she''d underestimated him. He had done all of this because he already knew she''d nearly made a breakthrough-and that meant the timeline for that breakthrough could be moved forward.


    In the end,n never made a deal that lost him money.


    Eleanor nced up atn, who was chatting with Mr. ck across the room. Sensing her gaze,n looked over. There was a fleeting trace of disdain in Eleanor''s eyes.


    Later, at the guesthouse, Eleanor packed for the six o''clock flight back to Ashford City. This time, only she and Byron were returning;n still had business to take care of in Kingston.


    At the airport, Eleanor took a call from York. He''d guessed that things between her andn had grown tense after their divorce and tried to reassure her. "Eleanor, work is work. You have to keep your spirits up and face the challenges ahead."


    "Meridian Dynamics is offering you such amazing terms-that''s actually changed my opinion ofn. Thepany has one of the world''s top Al research systems, and the facilities and resources are the best you''ll find anywhere."


    York sounded a little sentimental. "Honestly, I always had my doubts about businessmen liken. But this coboration showed me a different side of him." He hesitated, then went on, "He volunteered to hand the core technology over to the military, which is almost unheard of in the business world. What surprised me even more is that he''s willing to cover all the early development costs himself. That kind of vision is rare."


    It was surprising thatn had managed to win over Mr. Windsor so thoroughly.


    "Mr. Windsor, I think you''re giving him too much credit," Eleanor couldn''t help but remark.


    York justughed on the other end of the line, and after a few more words, he hung up.


    Their return flight wasmercial. Byron looked after Eleanor throughout the trip. By the time theynded in Ashford City, it was already eight in the evening, and traffic from the airport was so bad that she didn''t get home until ten.


    Not wanting to disturb the Goodwin family at such ate hour, she decided to let her daughter stay over with them for the night.


    She hadn''t expected this business trip to be so brief, but with an early morning meeting at Meridian Dynamics the next day, she knew she''d have to be up at dawn.


    At this point, only Simone knew that Eleanor was still continuing her work in theb.


    Meridian Dynamics.


    Eleanor had taken the wrong route on her way in and ended up runningte.


    By the time she arrived, the morning meeting had already begun, but Byron hadn''t started things yet he seemed to be waiting for someone.


    Faye sat in the conference room, ncing around and noticing that everyone present was an engineer connected to the brainputer project. She leaned over to Joel Kingsley and murmured, "Joel, who is VP Chase waiting for?"


    Joel shook his head. "No idea."


    Byron stood by the conference room door, checking his watch repeatedly, though his expression was calm and unhurried.


    For Byron to be this patient, Faye thought, the person he was waiting for had to


    be someone truly important. Byron was usually known for his strict, no-nonsense attitude at work.


    Just then, the conference room door opened and Eleanor stepped inside. She was dressed simply and professionally, her hair a little tousled, clearly having rushed to get there.


    "Sorry, there was traffic," she said to Byron.

 Chapter 562

    Byron smiled and waved her in. "It''s fine,e on in!"


    Faye''s eyes widened in disbelief, unable to process that the person they''d all been waiting for-kept waiting for more than ten minutes, no less-was actually Eleanor.


    What on earth was she doing here?


    Joel, on the other hand, looked both surprised and delighted. The moment he saw Eleanor, he seemed to guess why she''d shown up.


    Eleanor nodded politely to Joel. Byron nced around at everyone gathered for the meeting. "I''m sure you''re all familiar with Dr. Eleanor Sutton. Starting today, she''ll be stepping in as lead researcher for Meridian Dynamics'' neural interface project."


    Joel was the first to p, rising to his feet. "Eleanor, wee aboard."


    The rest of the team quickly joined in, standing to greet her. Faye, however, remained seated, herplexion turning ghostly pale. She stared at Eleanor, jealousy flickering in her eyes.


    She''s actually shameless enough to stay? And not only that-she''s joined the neural interface team? As lead researcher?


    Faye shot to her feet, unable to contain herself. She turned straight to Eleanor. "Eleanor, didn''t Professor Langley say you were headed to Dr. Windsor''sb? Why are you suddenly at Meridian Dynamics?"


    Byron stepped in smoothly. "This was Mr. Goodwin''s decision."


    For a moment, Faye''s face froze. Was this reallyn''s arrangement? Or had Eleanor simply regretted leaving ande up with any excuse to stay? With her talent, all she had to do was ask andn would have found a way to keep her-so in the end, this was just Eleanor shamelessly clinging to the project, desperate for a slice of the glory.


    Byron began going over the project status. Since things were only just getting started, the core team consisted of himself as lead engineer, Joel and Eleanor as principal researchers, with Faye serving as their deputy.


    He outlined theunch n: theb would remain at the main facility, with state- of-the-art equipment and top-tier resources secured for every aspect of the work.


    After the meeting, Joel lingered to chat with Eleanor. He exhaled in relief. "Honestly, I''ve wanted to ask you to stay for ages. I can''t tell you how happy I am you decided not to leave."


    Eleanor smiled, d to be working with him again. She nodded. "Let''s give this our best shot."


    Back in her office, Eleanor had barely settled in before her door swung open- Faye barged in without so much as a knock.


    Eleanor looked up, already guessing what wasing.


    "What exactly are you ying at, Eleanor?" Faye''s tone dripped with sarcasm. "First you put on a show about resigning, and now you''re back here, brazenly grabbing Joel''s project? Do you think Meridian Dynamics is your personal yground?"


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "If you have a problem, take it up withn. Don''te whining to me."


    Faye snorted, as though Eleanor had just told a joke. It was almostical-she was talking as ifn had begged her to stay, when in fact, it was clear Eleanor simply couldn''t bear to leave. But Faye wasn''t finished. "Don''t hide behind Mr. Goodwin. You just didn''t want to give up your spot. But don''t get too cocky-when ites to neural interfaces, you''re starting from scratch. You don''t even know where to begin." Her tone was sharp; she''d already researched the field and knew that, globally, nob had made significant breakthroughs yet everyone was still fumbling in the dark.


    Still, she''d heard rumors that a team at Drexford had published a paper two years ago, and Byron had mentioned thatn was in talks with them. There was every chance their researchers would be poached for Meridian Dynamics¡ªif that happened, Eleanor would just be another outsider looking in.


    Just then, voices floated in from the hallway. "Dr. Sutton''s office is right here."


    The door opened, and Gwenda appeared, arms wrapped around a cardboard box


    of personal effects. She paused, surprised to find Faye already there.


    Faye, however, was even more stunned. She could hardly believe Gwenda had shown up at Meridian Dynamics as well-and with her things packed up, it was obvious she''d be joining the team.


    "Gwenda, you made it!" Eleanor stood and greeted her with a warm smile.


    Gwenda''s eyes shone with excitement. "Thank you for letting me be your assistant, Eleanor. I''m so happy."


    Faye''s expression darkened. Eleanor was taking Gwenda on as her assistant now?


    Gwenda gave a sheepish little wave in Faye''s direction. "Faye, I didn''t expect you''d be here too."


    "How touching. Such sisterly devotion," Faye sneered, and swept toward the door.


    Gwenda''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.


    Faye turned back, hand on the doorknob. "Don''t get ahead of yourself, Gwenda. You''re just here to fetch coffee and make copies."


    Gwenda straightened her back. "I''m just grateful to work with Eleanor. That''s more than enough for me."


    Later that afternoon, another meeting invitationnded in everyone''s inbox. Early days on a new project always meant a flood of meetings.


    Eleanor gathered her files and headed down the sunlit corridor toward the conference room. At the end, by the windows,n stood taking a phone call. He nced up as she passed, then turned away without a word.


    A few minutester, after Eleanor had settled in,n entered the meeting room. Byron, meaning to offer him the head seat, hesitated whenn simply pulled out the chair beside Eleanor and sat down. "Let''s get started," he said in his low, steady voice.


    Byron looked momentarily flustered, but then took his ce at the front and began the briefing.

 Chapter 563

    But to Faye, the gesture carried another meaning entirely.


    No matter how extraordinaryn''s abilities were, he was still subject to the same impulses as any other man.


    Though Faye was annoyed by it all, she kept a mask of focus, appearingpletely absorbed in the meeting.


    Eleanor, face cool andposed, listened intently to Byron''s report, acting as ifn wasn''t even there.


    Across the table, Faye noticed every detail. Ian might have looked as unbothered as ever, but his actions were tinged with something subtle, probing a question flickering in his eyes.


    Hadn really not moved on from Eleanor?


    The thought left Faye unsettled. Ian just didn''t seem like the kind of man who would revisit the past.


    And yet, there was the undeniable fact: Eleanor had been about to leave theb for good, butn had personally asked her to return, assigning her as lead researcher on their most critical project.


    Faye shot a nce atn. So much for men being above it all, she thought with a trace of disdain.


    She couldn''t help but feel sorry for Vanessa, who had devoted so many years to this man.


    "Mr. Goodwin, do you have any suggestions regarding theb equipment upgrades?" Byron asked, turning ton.


    Eleanor nodded at Byron. "Just forward it to me, VP Chase."


    Byron nodded back. "Alright. That''s it for today. If anyone has questions, post them in the group chat."


    As the meeting wrapped up, people stood and began to file out. Eleanor quietly collected the folder in front ofn, then walked out without looking back.


    Faye watched her go. Outwardly, Eleanor''s attitude towardn seemed cold, even impatient, but who didn''t know she was secretly pleased? No woman would be indifferent to being put in charge of a gship project by her ex-husband-Eleanor had her pride, too.


    Eleanor made a quick stop at the restroom. Soon after, a group of assistants came in, chatting and reapplying their makeup.


    "Did you hear? Faye''s sister is dating Mr. Goodwin. I bet she''s jealous now that Eleanor''s on the brain-machine project team."


    "I wouldn''t be surprised if she''s already causing drama behind the scenes!"


    "I''ll bet Mr. Goodwin''s sweet-talking her as we speak."


    "Oh, I''d love to see how Mr. Goodwin makes it up to a woman. He must be so charming when he wants to be!"


    "Honestly, if I were his girlfriend, all it would take is a look from him and I''d forgive everything."


    "Not me. I''d want him to throw me on the bed and hold me all night as an apology." Thest assistant''sment sent the others into peals ofughter. "I want that too!"


    Eleanor waited for them to leave before stepping out. Her reflection in the mirror was as calm andposed as ever.


    She thought, if those girls had lived through her marriage, they wouldn''t beughing so freely now.


    Back in her office, her phone rang. It was Xavier.


    Eleanor stepped over to the window and answered. "Hello, Xavier."


    "I heard you decided to stay atn''sb. Is that true?" Xavier sounded genuinely surprised.


    Eleanor sighed quietly. "Yes, I''m staying."


    "Can I ask why? Or is that too much?" Xavier''s voice was slightly hoarse.


    "I''d rather not say, but it''s not what you''re thinking," Eleanor replied.


    "So, it''s got nothing to do withn?" he pressed.


    "Ian and I are over. That hasn''t changed," she said firmly.


    "Alright. No matter where you work, I''ll support you."


    "Thank you for leasing theb to Mr. Windsor," Eleanor added gratefully.


    "Ab should be used for research. Letting it sit empty is just a waste," Xavier said


    with augh. "Let''s grab a meal together sometime."


    "Sure. I should get back to work now," Eleanor said.


    At lunch, Eleanor ate in thepany cafeteria with Gwenda. Meridian Dynamics'' cafeteria was famous for its top-notch food; Gwenda speared a piece of fresh salmon and sighed, "At this rate, I''m going to gain at least a few pounds."


    Eleanor grinned. "Well, the work is intense too. You''d better be ready for that." "I''m not worried. I''ll give it my all," Gwenda replied, determined.


    Later that afternoon, Eleanor got a call from York, asking her toe by for an introduction.


    She hurried to the presidential suite at the Vesper Joy Hotel, where she found a middle-aged couple, both in their early fifties, sitting on the sofa.


    "Eleanor, this is Tanya and Julian Grant. They''re from the Montir research division."


    "I''ve been following your published papers over the past year. We''ve read every one-impressive work," Tanya said, her short hair and sses giving her a sharp, intelligent air.


    "We met your father a few times, actually-shared a meal at Drexford College. You must have been just a child back then," Julian added with a warm smile.


    The mention of her father made Eleanor feel instantly at ease. ¡°It''s nice to meet you both," she replied.

 Chapter 564

    York smiled. "They''re my research team from Montir, brought back here to join me on the brainputer interface project.¡± He adjusted his sses and turned to Eleanor, his eyes warm. "Remember what I told you?"


    Meeting York''s gaze, Eleanor instantly understood. She''d assumed she was just another pawn in Mr. Windsor''s game, tucked away for the right moment.


    It turned out to be the Grants all along.


    "We''re well aware of Goodwin & Co.''s reputation on the international stage," York continued, "and Meridian Dynamics is already renowned for its cutting-edge technology. If anyone can push brainputer research forward, it''s us working together."


    "Every country is pouring resources into this field," Tanya added, her voice gentle but firm. ¡°We can''t afford to be left behind. Dr. Windsor told us about your earlier work, Eleanor, and how it was shelved due to technical and financial limits.¡±


    York smiled at her. "That''s changed now. With Meridian Dynamics'' quantumputing center, we finally have the muscle to run your algorithm models from back then."


    Tanya nodded, her tone reassuring. "Research is a healthypetition¡ªa race that, when won, benefits all of humanity."


    "We want the world to see that our country''s innovation stands shoulder to shoulder with anyone, anywhere."


    For days, Eleanor''s mind had been a storm-staying at Meridian Dynamics meant confrontingn every day, her emotions constantly on edge. But listening to the Grants, she suddenly saw where she belonged.


    In the grand scheme of scientific progress, personal grudges seemed trivial.


    She no longer had the energy or time to dwell on the past.


    "We''ll be working closely together from now on," Julian added. "Starnova Group''s board has approved a strategic partnership with Meridian Dynamics."


    Eleanor nodded. That was the beauty of private enterprise: with shared interests, true coboration became possible.


    "Starnova has unique strengths in neural signal acquisition, while Meridian''s algorithms are second to none," Julian said, his eyes shining with anticipation. "This kind of synergy is the norm in international research."


    York agreed. "On the surface, it''s just a regr tech partnership, but deeper technical exchanges will happen naturally as we work side by side."


    He looked meaningfully at Eleanor.


    She understood at once: under the guise of business coboration, her research data from Drexford would be transferred as part of a mutually beneficial exchange. It was amon practice in global cooperation-perfectly aboveboard, yet allowing for real knowledge sharing.


    And that, she realized, was exactly why she needed to stay at Meridian Dynamics ¡ªshe was the bridge between both sides.


    Eleanor stepped out of the hotel into the gathering dusk. Watching the steady stream of headlights, she felt something inside her click into ce.


    Compared to what she was about to aplish, old grievances were nothing but a footnote.


    From now on, her focus would be on the future of the project, not the shadows of her past.


    As she got into her car, Eleanor called Gina.


    "Hello? Eleanor?" Gina picked up right away.


    "Aunt Gina, I''ming to pick up Evelyn."


    "All right, dear. Come on over."


    Eleanor arrived at Goodwin Manor just as the clock chimed half past six. She waited at the front steps until a housekeeper led Evelyn out. Eleanor started to usher her daughter toward the car, but Evelyn tugged on her hand.


    "Mom, Great-Grandma says you have toe in and stay for dinner!" Eleanor hesitated, caught off guard.


    The housekeeper smiled. "Miss Sutton, thedy of the house has missed you. Please, join us for dinner."


    "Mom,e on! I''m starving!" Evelyn insisted, pulling her eagerly up the walk. Unable to refuse, Eleanor nodded and followed her daughter inside.


    In the living room, only Mrs. Goodwin and Gina were waiting. Seeing Eleanor, Mrs. Goodwin''s face lit up.


    "Ellie, it''s been too long. Come, I made all your favorites tonight." Magdalen beckoned her over.


    Eleanor''s heart softened. She sat beside her daughter, just settling in when a tall figure stepped through the door.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, jumping from her seat and running to him.


    He knelt to catch her, surprise flickering across his face when he spotted Eleanor at the table.


    n, you''re just in timee eat with us," Magdalen said, a knowing look in her eyes as she nced between the two.


    Gina came out from the kitchen, pausing when she saw the unexpected family tableau.


    When Eleanor finished her meal, she set down her fork. "Thank you, Grandma. I''m full."


    "Evelyn''s still eating. Why don''t you go rx on the sofa for a bit?" Magdalen suggested.


    Eleanor nodded and moved to the couch to wait. Evelyn scampered around, full of energy. Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She picked it up, and Evelyn peeked at the screen.


    "It''s Mr. Vaughn calling!" Evelyn announced.


    Eleanor stood and stepped outside to take the call. Back at the table,n''s gaze lingered on her retreating figure, his expression unreadable.


    "Who''s Mr. Vaughn?" Magdalen asked, curiosity piqued. She wasn''t familiar with all her grandson''s friends.


    "He''s Mommy''s good friend!" Evelyn replied loudly.


    Gina knew full well that Mr. Vaughn was Xavier. Was it possible, she wondered,


    that something was really blossoming between them? Why else would they be talking sote at night?

 Chapter 565

    Eleanor answered her phone to find Xavier on the line. Vivian had suddenly broken out in hives, and Mrs. Vaughn, already frazzled from their hospital visit, insisted Xavier call Eleanor for advice.


    Eleanor patiently asked Xavier about test results and possible allergens, the two of them talking for a good ten minutes before hanging up.


    When Eleanor returned to the living room, Evelyn andn had disappeared somewhere, leaving only the elderly Mrs. Magdalen resting on the sofa.


    With a warm smile, Magdalen beckoned her over. "Ellie,e keep your grandmotherpany for a bit."


    Eleanor sat down beside her, and Magdalen took her hand, patting it gently. "You''ve done so much these past months, raising Evelyn all on your own. It hasn''t


    been easy."


    Eleanor offered a soft smile. "I''m doing just fine, Grandma."


    Magdalen sighed. "Ian mentioned your work is about to get hectic again, all for Evelyn''s future." She looked at Eleanor, her gaze meaningful. "Have you ever thought about-"


    "Grandma, I''m really okay on my own." Eleanor cut her off, well aware of where this conversation was headed. After a brief pause, hoping to set her grandmother''s mind at ease, she added, "Actually, I''m already interested in someone."


    Before Eleanor had even finished her sentence, a small, clear voice piped up behind her. "Mommy, is it me you like?"


    Eleanor spun around to findn holding Evelyn''s hand. At some point, they had wandered back and were now standing right by the sofa.


    Magdalen looked a little disappointed but nodded in eptance. "As long as you''re happy, Ellie, that''s all that matters."


    Eleanor got up and grabbed her bag. "Evelyn, time to go home."


    Evelyn nodded, dashing over to take Eleanor''s hand. "Bye, Great-Grandma. Bye, Daddy."


    n, go see Ellie out," Magdalen called gently.


    Ian followed Eleanor and Evelyn out through the main hall. In the garden, Evelyn skipped ahead to the car. Ian opened the back door for her, waited until she climbed in, then closed it and turned to Eleanor, narrowing his eyes. "Is it Xavier?"


    Eleanor didn''t answer. She opened the driver''s door, but before she could get in,n''s handnded on the frame, stopping her. His eyes searched hers. "Or is it Mansfield Ellington?"


    Eleanor''s gaze swept over him coolly. "It''s none of your business."


    With that, she slid into the driver''s seat, closed the door, and started the engine, pulling away with calmposure.


    -She has someone she likes?


    -Who could it be?


    That night, after bathing her daughter, Eleanor settled down to review her research notes. Simone had taken over the new drug trials, so Eleanor just needed to keep an eye on the data and step in with suggestions if anything looked off.


    At ten, her phone buzzed with a message from Joy Thatcher: Did she have time tomorrow afternoon to help pick out a wedding dress?


    For her best friend''s big day, Eleanor would make time no matter what.


    The next morning, after dropping Evelyn at school, Eleanor headed straight to Meridian Dynamics for the early meeting. She spent her lunch break drafting a project n, then met Joy at a high-end bridal boutique at two.


    Joy had her eye on a designer gown worth a small fortune and had scheduled a fitting for today.


    As they entered the shop, a sales associate greeted them eagerly. "Good afternoon,dies. Do you have an appointment?"


    "Yes, for three o''clock. Joy Thatcher," Joy replied.


    "Of course. Right this way, Ms. Thatcher." The associate ushered them toward the VIP fitting area.


    Just then, Eleanor stopped short. Through a ss partition, she spotted a familiar silhouette¡ªa woman in a dazzling mermaid gown, a store assistant crouched at her feet, arranging the train.


    Noticing Eleanor''s sudden pause, Joy followed her gaze. Inside the fitting room stood Vanessa.


    What was she doing here, trying on wedding dresses? Joy whispered.


    Before they could move on, Vanessa turned, catching sight of them through the ss. For a moment, she froze. Then, a sly, challenging smile crossed her lips as she turned back to the mirror, deliberately showing off her perfect figure.


    The sales associate, picking up on the tension, asked, "Miss Shannon is also here for a fitting. Are you friends?"


    "No," Joy replied coolly, grabbing Eleanor''s hand. "Come on, let''s go."


    After Joy had tried on her gown, the two of them left the boutique together.


    "What''s going on? Didn propose to Vanessa? Are they getting married?" Joy asked as they stepped outside.


    "It doesn''t matter," Eleanor said, brushing it off. "Let''s go grab some coffee."


    Since they still had time, they found a cozy caf¨¦ nearby. Joy, always the inquisitive friend, couldn''t help herself. "So, you''ve leftn''sb. What''s next?" But she was caught off guard by Eleanor''s response.


    "You''re staying at Meridian Dynamics? Working forn again?¡± Joy''s eyes widened in disbelief. "What did he do to make you stay?"


    Eleanor shook her head. ¡°Nothing like that. I have my own research project to finish."


    Joy figured there must be more to it but knew better than to press. After all, Eleanor''s work was often confidential.


    "Oh, by the way, what''s going on with you and Mansfield Ellington? Have you been in touchtely?" Joy asked, clearly fishing for gossip.


    Eleanor shook her head again. ¡°He''s out of the country. We rarely talk.¡±


    Joyughed. "Honestly, the two of you-one''s always buried in research, the other''s too busy saving the world. If you ever get married, will you even find the time to have a kid?"


    Eleanor just rolled her eyes.


    Joy burst outughing. "Come on! With Mansfield''s stamina, I doubt making a baby would take long."


    Eleanor stirred her coffee, smiling at her friend''s antics. "Maybe you should have


    a kid first. That way, you''ll be too busy to tease me all the time."


    Joy groaned at the thought. "Spare me, please!"

 Chapter 566

    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a message: Byron had forwarded details about a tech summit that Ashford University was hosting the following Monday.


    Opening Byron''s message, Eleanor read the details carefully. It was a high-level forum on artificial intelligence, and Meridian Dynamics-herpany-was one of the main sponsors, sending a team of top engineers.


    Her name was on the attendee list.


    "What''s up?" Joy noticed Eleanor staring at her phone, lost in thought, and couldn''t help but ask.


    "There''s a tech summit next Monday. Thepany wants me to go," Eleanor replied, slipping her phone back into her bag.


    "I''m so jealous," Joy said, her face alight with admiration. "You get to attend all these exclusive events. Must be an amazing experience."


    ***


    Monday came in a sh. Eleanor left home early and headed straight to the summit venue. At the entrance, she gave her name to the staff, who handed her a name badge: Eleanor Sutton, Chief Researcher, Meridian Dynamics.


    "Dr. Sutton, right this way," said the staff member, ushering her to a seat in the second row.


    A momentter, someone approached-tall, familiar. The staff member''s eyes lit up. "Mr. Vaughn, your seat is "


    "Would it be possible for me to sit with Dr. Sutton?" Xavier asked.


    "Absolutely," the staffer replied, rearranging the seating so Xavier could take the seat beside Eleanor.


    "How''s Vivian doing? Any better?" Eleanor asked as he settled in.


    "She still has a rash¡ªstill using the cream and keeping to her restricted diet," Xavier said gratefully.


    At that moment,n entered with Byron''s team. The staff guidedn to the VIP seats in the front row; as he passed, he nodded to Xavier before taking the seat just ahead of Eleanor and Xavier.


    Eleanor had dressed a bit lightly that morning, not expecting the air conditioning inside to be sting even colder than the chilly day outside. As luck would have it, her seat was directly under the vent.


    "Are you cold?" Xavier noticed her hugging her arms tightly.


    Eleanor managed a smile and shook her head. "I''m fine." But as soon as she said it, she sneezed.


    She quickly covered her mouth, cheeks flushed. With the room now full and everyone seated, switching seats wasn''t really an option. Two hours in that draft, she was bound to catch a cold.


    Without a word, Xavier slipped off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Startled, Eleanor turned to protest, trying to give the jacket back to him.


    Up ahead,n was flipping through the conference materials. Hearing a slightmotion behind him, he nced back just in time to see Xavier settling his jacket around Eleanor''s shoulders.


    "Keep it on. You''ll catch a cold," Xavier said kindly.


    "But you''re not dressed that warmly either-" Eleanor protested, not wanting him to freeze.


    "Don''t be stubborn. Your hands are like ice," Xavier insisted, gently holding her hands. "If you get sick, who''s going to look after Evelyn?"


    That argument hit home, bringing a small, grateful smile to Eleanor''s lips. For a moment, she forgot to resist.


    "Thank you."


    Their exchange was quiet, but not quiet enough;n''s jaw tightened ever so slightly as he gripped his phone and sent off a text.


    Just then, the first speaker-a robotics engineer-took the stage and the lights dimmed.


    Five minutester, a female staffer hurried over, carrying a neatly folded nket. She stopped in front of Eleanor and bent down.


    "Dr. Sutton, the conference team has prepared a nket for you," she said.


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. She had been worrying that Xavier might get cold himself. She took the nket gratefully, and as soon as the staffer walked away, she handed the suit jacket back to Xavier. "Here, you wear it. I don''t want you catching cold either."


    Xavier epted it, ncing instinctively toward the front row atn.


    The nket was thick and freshlyundered. As Eleanor wrapped herself in it, warmth seeped back into her limbs, and she leaned back, finally able to focus on the lecture.


    Xavier slipped his jacket on again, but his thoughts were no longer on the summit. After an hour, the talk ended and the lights came up for the coffee break.


    "I''ll get you something hot," Xavier said gently. "Red tea or coffee?"


    "Red tea, thank you," Eleanor replied, not wanting to refuse.


    Ahead of them, Byron fetched a coffee forn, then turned and asked Eleanor, "What can I get you, Eleanor?"


    "It''s all right, someone''s already getting me something," she answered with a smile.


    At that moment, Xavier returned with a cup of tea and handed it to her. Byron caught on instantly, ncing atn for a reaction. Ian sipped his coffee, longshes shadowing his eyes, his expression unreadable.


    When the break ended, the conference resumed, running until half past eleven.


    "I''ve booked a table at a restaurant nearby. Join me for lunch?" Xavier asked as Eleanor stood to stretch.


    She smiled warmly. "That sounds great! My treat."


    Her easy, gracious reply made Xavier''s mood skyrocket. "Deal. Let''s go."


    They left together, chatting as they walked out. Byron came over ton. "Mr. Goodwin, the restaurant''s ready." Then, noticing Eleanor''s empty seat, he frowned. "Wait, where''s Eleanor?"


    "She already haspany,"n answered coolly. "And the afternoon session starts at one. Make sure everyone''s back on time."


    Byron blinked, then quickly caught on.

 Chapter 567

    After ordering their food, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a new message. She nced down and saw it was from Byron.


    "Eleanor, the afternoon meeting has been moved up to one o''clock. Please head back to the office as soon as you finish lunch.¡±


    She frowned. That was abrupt.


    "What''s wrong?" Xavier noticed the change in her expression.


    Setting her phone aside, Eleanor replied, "I''ll probably have to rush back to the office for a meeting right after we eat."


    "I thought your workday doesn''t usually start until after two?" Xavier raised an eyebrow.


    "Yeah, but there''s a meeting that''s suddenly been rescheduled for one." She lifted her cup and took a sip of tea, not thinking much of it.


    But Xavier''s brow furrowed. "Was itn who called you back for the meeting?"


    Eleanor paused mid-sip. "No, it was Byron, the director over at Meridian Dynamics."


    "Makes no difference," Xavier chuckled. Then he leaned in, changing the subject slightly. "By the way, that nket at the venue earlier-do you know who asked the staff to bring it to you?"


    Eleanor was caught off guard. She hadn''t thought about it at the time, but now that he mentioned it, it did seem odd. How did the staff know she was cold, especially with the lights dimmed?


    "I''m pretty sure it wasn who told them to bring it," Xavier said, watching her reaction. "Seems like he still cares about you."


    A sh of distaste crossed Eleanor''s face. "I don''t need his concern."


    Her response made Xavier pause. He could tell she wasn''t faking it-her feelings were genuine.


    "Sorry, I shouldn''t have brought him up." Xavier quickly moved on. "Anyway, the weather''s been all over the cetely. Take care of yourself, okay? Don''t catch a cold."


    Eleanor''s expression softened. "You''re right, it''s the worst time of year for getting sick."


    They began chatting about their kids, and the mood lightened immediately. But just as they finished their meal, Eleanor''s phone buzzed again-Byron had sent over the meeting materials.


    She nced through the message, checked the time, and stood up. "I''d better get back to the office."


    Xavier nodded. "Workes first. Let''s go."


    They walked out of the restaurant together. Xavier watched as Eleanor''s car pulled away, letting out a quiet sigh. That lingering question in his mind only grew more persistent.


    Why didn always seem to be hovering over Eleanor-sometimes openly, sometimes behind the scenes?


    Everyone knew how important Eleanor was to him; her research had yed a critical role in Meridian Dynamics'' meteoric rise in the pharmaceutical world. But if his concern was purely professional, why did it feel liken was subtly blocking Xavier from getting close to her deliberately, but never directly?


    Meridian Dynamics, Conference Room.


    Eleanor slipped in through the door; the meeting was already in session. Ian sat at the head of the table, listening intently as the tech team presented their report. When Eleanor entered, his gaze flicked over her, impassive, lingering for only a second.


    Byron waved her over, signaling for her to grab an empty seat.


    She settled beside Joel, who gave her a warm smile and slid some documents her way. Across from them, Faye tightened her grip on her pen.


    The meeting was halfway through whenn spoke up, his tone clipped and stern. "Let me be clear: from now on, I expect everyone to be on time for meetings."


    His eyes passed over Eleanor-barely noticeable, but the message was clear.


    A ripple of tension ran through the room, and several people nced her way. Eleanor, however, kept her head down, quietly reviewing the documents as if she hadn''t heard a thing.


    The atmosphere grew taut, until Byron broke the silence with a breezy smile. "All right, let''s open the floor for discussion. Any thoughts on the algorithm approach we just went over?"


    Eleanor looked up. "VP Chase, could you add six pigs to the procurement list?" Byron blinked, momentarily thrown. "Pigs?"


    "Yes. We''ll need them for the trial runs. They can be kept at theb facilities," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact.


    Faye snorted. "Seriously? Pigs? At Meridian Dynamics?"


    Joel shook his head. "Of course not here. They''ll be housed at the researchb, not roaming the halls."


    Eleanor answered calmly, "We''ve hit a wall with rodent models. Pigs have physiological systems much closer to humans, so they''re better for simting clinical responses. Using primates would be ideal, but the costs are prohibitive. Pigs are the logical choice for early-stage experiments."


    Faye muttered under her breath, "What is this, a farm?¡±


    Byron nodded. ¡°Understood. Miss Sutton is simply looking out for thepany''s budget."


    His offhandpliment made Faye''s expression sour; she mped her mouth shut.


    "This Friday, there''s a corporate g. Everyone will attend-Starnova Group''s representatives will be there, and it''ll be our first official exchange at a dinner event,"n announced, standing to leave. After a few steps, he paused and looked back, his tone cold and unmistakable. "No absences will be tolerated- especially from our lead researchers."


    Eleanor quietly gathered her materials, feeling singled out.


    Faye watched her, frowning. It was obvious Eleanor''s standing withn was growing stronger with every passing day.


    Even if it was just her research that he valued, Faye couldn''t shake her sense of unease for Vanessa''s sake.


    A former wife who showed up at every major meeting was a ticking time bomb. All


    it would take was one move from Eleanor, andn could easily fall for her all over again¡ªespecially with a child still connecting them.

 Chapter 568

    Thest time she''d caught up with Vanessa at home, their conversation had circled mostly around work-Vanessa was always rushing from one project to the next, constantly flying abroad for performances. Compared to Eleanor andn, Vanessa barely spent any time withn at all.


    Faye decided she had to remind Vanessa to keep an eye onn, before Eleanor used work as an excuse to lure him back.


    Back in her office, Faye dialed Vanessa''s number.


    She ryed everything she''d observed. There was a brief silence on the other end before Vanessa replied, "Looks like I need to have a conversation with Eleanor soon."


    "Just a conversation? Don''t you think you should really warn her off?" Faye, as a third party, was already finding it hard to watch. If it were her boyfriend, she would''ve lost her temper ages ago.


    "Ian doesn''t want me and his ex-wife to have a public falling out," Vanessa said.


    It took Faye a second to process thatn cared about appearances. If Vanessa


    and Eleanor had a messy confrontation, he''d be embarrassed.


    "Just be careful. Ian is in high demand, you know." With that, Faye hung up.


    Evening.


    Eleanor arrived at the school right on time. As she walked inside to pick up her daughter, Miss Alice hurried over. "Ms. Sutton, Evelyn''s practicing piano-Miss Shannon is here, too."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. Vanessa had shown up again?


    "Miss Shannon isn''t our music consultant anymore," Miss Alice exined. "She just dropped by to see Evelyn today. She seems very invested in her."


    Eleanor couldn''t really me the teacher, so she strode quickly toward the piano room. Through the door, she heard her daughter ying piano, Vanessa''s voice singing along.


    Eleanor pushed open the door. Evelyn nced up, her face brightening. "Mommy, you''re here!"


    "Evelyn, why don''t you keep practicing? I need to chat with your mom for a moment, okay?" Vanessa said gently.


    Evelyn nodded and continued to y. Vanessa approached Eleanor with a pleasant smile. "Eleanor, can we talk for a minute?"


    Eleanor picked up her phone. "You''ve got sixty seconds to disappear, or I''m calling the police."


    Vanessa''s smile froze. "Eleanor, I mean no harm."


    "You''re the other woman trying to cozy up to my daughter, and you say you mean no harm? I don''t mind blowing this whole thing wide open-let everyone see just how cruel and conniving you were during my marriage."


    Vanessa''s face darkened. "Then let me warn you, Eleanor-don''t use work as an excuse to seducen." She hesitated, then added, "Faye told me everything. Don''t think I don''t know."


    "If you had any sense, you''d keep him on a tighter leash, instead of letting him show up and disgust me." Eleanor let out a coldugh.


    Vanessa stared at her, but oddly, Eleanor''s words seemed to bring her a measure of relief. This was the reaction she''d been hoping for.


    "Fine. I''ll keepn in check and make sure he stays out of your way. Consider this my apology¡ªit''s my failure for not managing my man. I''m sorry, Eleanor." Vanessa forced a smile, and was just about to leave when Xavier walked in, hand in hand with Vivian.


    Vanessa''s expression faltered. She stopped in her tracks.


    "Xavier!" she greeted him, summoning a brittle smile.


    Xavier''s gaze flicked from her to Eleanor, whose face was still tense. "As I recall, the school''s already let you go as their piano consultant."


    "Yes, I just wanted to see Evelyn for a moment," Vanessa replied, clutching her purse a little tighter.


    "Didn ask you toe?" Xavier pressed.


    "Um, no, it was my own idea," Vanessa answered, keeping her smile in ce.


    "It''d be best if you came to see Evelyn only withn''s approval or Eleanor''s," Xavier said calmly, though his meaning was clear: Vanessa needed to remember her ce.


    Vanessa seethed inwardly but kept up her performance as the gentle, refined pianist. "Of course, it was thoughtless of me." She turned back to Eleanor and added, "I''m sorry, Eleanor. Next time, I''ll ask your permission before visiting Evelyn."


    Without waiting for a reply, she grabbed her bag and hurried out.


    Vivian ran to the piano to y with Evelyn while Xavier turned to Eleanor. "Are you alright?"


    Eleanor mustered a strained smile. "I''m fine. Thank you."


    Xavier kept his voice low. "If she tries to get close to Evelyn again, you can telln to handle her. He''s the only one she''ll really listen to."


    Eleanor nodded and walked over to her daughter.


    Xavier lingered, his mind drifting back to the first time he''d met Vanessa-five years ago, at a Drexford g. Ian had brought her along, introducing her to the heads of elite art schools. After that, Xavier had returned home to take over a management position at the familypany and rarely saw Vanessa. Henry, meanwhile, had invested in Drexford and built himself a private estate, where every year he hosted a gathering for their circle of friends.


    At every party, Vanessa was there. Ian and Henry both looked out for her. Ian wouldn''t let Vanessa touch a drop of alcohol, but she always seemed to push his limits, their flirtation obvious to everyone.


    Vanessa was drawn ton, despite his marriage. Henry, meanwhile, had quietly be one of her admirers.


    But Xavier-he''d seen it in Vanessa''s eyes the very first time they met: she was greedy, but not for money.


    She craved the attention of every aplished man in the room¡ªincluding his. But from the start, Xavier had made it clear he would keep his distance.


    Men are often defenseless against the advances of beautiful women. Without a clear head, it''s easy to fall-just look at Henry, still waiting foolishly in the wings.


    As forn-he''d always preferred to be alone, rather than settle for less.

 Chapter 569

    Xavier''s gaze lingered on Eleanor, who watched the children at the piano with gentle eyes. The evening sun wrapped around them in a warm, golden glow.


    He drifted off for a moment, imagining how wonderful it would be if, someday, the four of them could truly be a family-just the way others might describe them.


    At eight o''clock that night, Eleanor sat with her daughter, reading a picture book together. Her phone chimed with a new message: "Eleanor, I''m sorry. Next time, I promise I''ll ask for your permission first."


    The number was unfamiliar, but Eleanor guessed it was Vanessa. She didn''t know what prompted the apology, but she suspected Vanessa had already brought the incident up withn-maybe he''d asked her to reach out.


    Eleanor set the phone aside, refusing to waste any more energy on Vanessa andn. Shaking off those thoughts, she turned back to her daughter, continuing their storytime.


    Around ten, after tucking her daughter into bed, Eleanor retreated to her study in search of a book. Her father''s old bookshelf stood against the wall, and as she browsed, she suddenly noticed a notebook tucked among the volumes-a journal she was certain she''d never seen before.


    Surprised, Eleanor sat down and began to flip through the pages. Her father''s handwriting greeted her, and her eyes stung with tears as she pictured him hunched over his desk, scribbling away.


    The notebook contained detailed research data mixed with his personal theories. Reading them now, Eleanor realized that many had since been proven true, a testament to her father''s extraordinary talent in medicine.


    She turned the pages slowly, savoring each one. The dates indicated these notes were made two years before he passed.


    As she read, a mouse suddenly darted out the window, startling her so much that she dropped the notebook. It wasn''t that she was afraid of mice¡ªjust that the sudden noise in the quiet of night caught her off guard.


    Recovering, Eleanor picked up the notebook and set it aside, then crossed the room to close the window. Joslyn had mentioned recently that they might have a mouse problem; old houses like this always seemed to.


    It was close to eleven by the time Eleanor checked the clock. She ced the notebook on her desk, deciding to read more another day. By chance, the page she''d left open was titled: Early Symptoms of Leukemia.


    She didn''t linger on it, but closed the notebook, turned off the light, and went to bed.


    The next morning, Eleanor woke her daughter and started the day. Thankfully, her sleep had been restful; her reflection in the mirror showed thick, dark hair framing her delicate face, clear skin, and bright eyes-a picture of health.


    Before she''d even left the house, work messages started pinging in the group chat. With the new project justunched, there was still a mountain of preparation ahead.


    On her drive to Meridian Dynamics, York called to say he''d be at Friday''s banquet too, attending as a representative expert from Starnova Group.


    Upon arriving at the office, Eleanor found Gwenda cing a coffee on her desk-


    a small gesture that warmed her heart. "Thank you, Gwenda."


    "Don''t mention it!" Gwenda grinned and bustled off to her own tasks.


    A littleter, Callie messaged with a few questions, and just like that, Eleanor''s morning was gone.


    At noon, Byron invited everyone to lunch at the restaurant across the street. With Meridian Dynamics'' generous budget, meals were never an issue.


    Midway through lunch, Eleanor''s phone rang. It was Simone, calling from the Academy of Sciences. There was to be an awards ceremony-and Eleanor''s name was on the list.


    "The ceremony''s scheduled for mid-November," Simone said. "Make sure you set aside time. This is a national-level award."


    "I will, Professor Langley. Thank you." Eleanor''s delight was unmistakable. Simone''s voice grew wistful. "Eleanor, I hope someday I''ll see you on the Nobel stage, making us all proud."


    The goal felt impossibly high, too distant to even dream of. Eleanorughed softly. "Professor Langley, I''m already so grateful for what I have. I wouldn''t dare hope for the impossible."


    "Who says it''s impossible?" Simone''s tone sharpened. "You''re the most talented student I''ve ever taught. Your father''s research was ahead of its time, and your neural interface project already achieved a breakthrough two years ago."


    Eleanor smiled. "Thank you for believing in me."


    "In research, both talent and hard work are essential, and you have both. I expect great things from you."


    "I understand. I''ll keep working hard," Eleanor said, her humility sincere.


    For now, the award list was only for internal cirction, but the official announcement woulde next week.


    After what happenedst night with Vanessa approaching her daughter, Eleanor made a point to speak with the school principal. She didn''t hide the fact that Vanessa was the one who''d broken up her marriage, and the principal took the matter seriously.


    Given Vanessa''s history, it was clear she shouldn''t be allowed near Evelyn. If she ever acted with ill intent, the school would be responsible.


    Evelyn''s teacher, Miss Alice, promised to alert Eleanor immediately if Vanessa showed up at school again.


    Eleanor decided that next time she saw Vanessa near her daughter, she wouldn''t hesitate to call the police. She figured one visit from the authorities would be enough to make Vanessa think twice.


    On Friday evening, as Eleanor arrived at the school gates, she spotted Gina approaching.


    "Eleanor!" Gina called out. n told me you''re attending the banquet tonight. Why don''t you let Evelyn have dinner at my ce?"

 Chapter 570

    Eleanor knew this was all arranged byn.


    "It''s just Grandma and me at home. Evelyn only joins us for meals," Gina assured her, subtly promising she wouldn''t let Evelyn cross paths with Vanessa.


    Eleanor nodded. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."


    Gina sighed softly at Eleanor''s politeness. "It''s nothing, really. Taking care of Evelyn is the least I can do."


    Evelyn was thrilled to see her grandmother. Once she climbed into the car, Eleanor waved. "Mom wille pick you upter."


    ...


    By seven o''clock that evening, the city lights were beginning to twinkle.


    Inside the grand ballroom of a seven-star hotel, crystal chandeliers cast dazzling patterns across the room.


    Eleanor stepped into the lobby, instantly drawing admiring nces from every corner. She wore a pale blue tweed suit, her softly curled hair falling gracefully over her shoulder-a look that struck the perfect bnce between professional poise and understated femininity.


    Tonight''s event was a corporate g, and as one of Meridian Dynamics''s leading researchers, Eleanor looked every inch the part. Faye had put effort into her appearance too, dressed in a sleek evening gown.


    The night was hosted by Mr. Brown: an international business exchange, bringing together nearly a hundred of Ashford City''s most influential tech firms.


    Eleanor was chatting with Byron when a group of sharply dressed foreign guests entered, led by a distinguished man in his early fifties-Mr. Steve, founder of Starnova Group.


    "Starnova Group just arrived," Byronmented.


    Just then,n appeared at the entrance with Henry and Xavier. Trailing behind them was Vanessa, striking in a fitted white dress topped with a casually draped zer. Her long, wavy hair and confident air made her impossible to ignore.


    Eleanor''s expression immediately cooled.


    "Mr. Vaughn," Byron greeted with a warm smile.


    "Mind if I steal Dr. Sutton for a quick chat?" Xavier said with a yful grin.


    Byron and the others took the hint and moved aside, giving them some privacy.


    "You look stunning tonight,¡± Xavier said, picking up two sses of champagne from a passing tray and offering one to her.


    Eleanor epted the ss. "Thank you."


    At that moment, she noticed York entering with his assistant, Mann. She turned to Xavier, apologetic. "Mr. Windsor just arrived. I should go say hello."


    Xavier nodded, sipping his champagne as he watched her walk away. Tonight, Eleanor seemed different-less the cool, untouchable scientist and more... captivating, almost vulnerable. He felt a stir of something he hadn''t allowed himself to feel in a long time.


    After greeting York, Eleanor was soon approached by Steve, the Starnova Group president. After exchanging greetings with a few others, Steve turned to her with genuine curiosity.


    "Dr. Sutton, it''s a pleasure. I''ve heard a great deal about you," he said, his eyes narrowing with interest. "Your work on the neural interface project is truly impressive."


    Steve knew Eleanor had once worked under York. It wasn''t surprising; her records and research were still in Drexford''s archives.


    Eleanor shook his hand politely. "You''re too kind, Mr. Steve."


    "We''re expanding our research institute here in Ashford City. I wonder if you''d be interested¡ª¡± Steve began, but a deep voice cut him off.


    "Mr. Steve, are you trying to poach my lead researcher?"n had appeared at Eleanor''s side, his presencemanding.


    Steveughed heartily. "Mr. Goodwin, you''re too sharp for me. I''m simply an admirer of talent. Who wouldn''t want someone like Dr. Sutton on their team?"


    Steve nodded, catching the underlying warning. "I appreciate yourpany''s philosophy. Here''s to a sessful partnership."


    "To new partnerships," Steve agreed, raising his ss. Eleanor joined their toast, the atmosphere suddenly warm and convivial.


    Across the room, Vanessa watched the scene, her grip tightening around her ss of juice. She knew exactly who Steve was-Starnova, Drexford''s premier private aviationpany. And yet, it was Eleanor who stood besiden, involved in the major projects.


    Steve''s admiration for Eleanor was obvious¡ªmore than just professional respect; there was real appreciation in his eyes.


    Faye saw it too. She watched as Steve, the powerful CEO partnering with Meridian Dynamics, focused his attention on Eleanor with a kind of hunger. Was Eleanor now the linchpin of the wholepany, the one everyone depended on? Was she even threatening Byron''s position as chief engineer?

 Chapter 571

    At that moment, the two middle-aged men standing beside Mr. Brown shifted their attention ton and Eleanor. One of them sighed. "Mr. Goodwin really is young. Betting the future of Meridian Dynamics on a young scientist like that he''s taking quite the risk."


    "Lately, our Mr. Goodwin seems obsessed with his research. He''s handed off all the real projects to others. At thest board meeting, we didn''t even get a full progress report."


    "If this keeps up, are we supposed to trust the fate of Goodwin & Co. to an outsider?"


    "Not exactly an outsider. She''s his ex-wife."


    Their voices dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, until a glint of calction flickered in one man''s eyes. "At next week''s board meeting, we should propose a technology oversightmittee. We can''t let Mr. Goodwin have the final say on everything."


    The board had been uneasy aboutn''s decisions for nearly a year. The brain-puter interface project demanded a massive investment, and it was uncharted territory-no one knew if it would turn out to be a goldmine or a bottomless pit.


    For the old-school shareholders,n''s aggressive approach was unnerving. They''d always favored caution and stability.


    Meanwhile, York joinedn, Eleanor, and Steve''s conversation. Steve watched Eleanor, sincerely hoping York could convince his former colleague to return, but York had told him inly-Eleanor wasmitted to Meridian Dynamics and wouldn''t leave easily.


    Elsewhere, Xavier and Henry found themselves near a group of older executives engrossed in their own discussion. Vanessa and Faye stood together, both eyes drifting toward Eleanor, their faces tight with varying degrees of tension.


    "Should we go get Mr. Goodwin?" Faye asked Vanessa softly.


    Vanessa swirled her wine, her tone rxed. ¡°It''s a business g. He''s got plenty of people to talk to¡ªI won''t interrupt."


    "That''s the CEO of Starnova Group over there, the one partnering with us," Faye murmured, barely masking her jealousy. "He seems very interested in Eleanor."


    Vanessa narrowed her eyes. "Is he trying to poach her?"


    "Very likely." Faye bit her lip. Being personally recruited by a major yer like him only proved how valuable Eleanor was.


    "If he knew aboutn and Eleanor''s divorce, I wonder if he''d feel even more confident." Vanessa''s lips curled into a sly smile.


    Faye, never one for subtlety, quickly caught Vanessa''s meaning. If the head of Starnova Group learned that Eleanor andn were no longer married, he''d probably think he had a real shot at recruiting her.


    Vanessa took a delicate sip of her juice, her eyes gleaming with mischief.


    Tonight, Steve was undoubtedly the center of attention. As Starnova Group''s influence in global aviation was immense, no shortage of business leaders were keen to make his acquaintance.


    Steve, for his part, navigated the room with practiced ease. He soon noticed a stunning, stylish woman whose presence seemed to draw people in. Seizing the opportunity, a female investmentpany owner introduced Vanessa as an internationally renowned pianist.


    Music had always intrigued Steve, so he made his way over.


    "Hi, I hear you''re a pianist. I''m very interested in your work," Steve greeted her, extending a hand.


    Vanessa, well-versed in international circles, handled the introduction with effortless poise. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and replied, "Yes, Mr. Steve, I''m a student of Drexford Conservatory. I''ve heard of your aplishments as well-it''s a pleasure to finally meet you."


    Steve raised his ss in acknowledgment. "How funny-my daughter is hoping to apply to Drexford next year."


    Vanessa feigned surprise. "Oh, so you know Dr. Sutton then? I thought I saw the two of you talking earlier, as if you were old friends."


    Steve shook his head. "No, tonight was our first meeting, but I''ve read about her impressive work."


    "Is that so! I just assumed you were close, since you''re working with my friendn ¡ªand Dr. Sutton is his ex-wife-"


    "Excuse me, what did you say?" Steve caught the word instantly.


    Vanessa''s eyes widened in feigned astonishment. "You didn''t know? Dr. Sutton andn divorced over a year ago."


    A sh of satisfaction crossed Steve''s sharp gaze. This was the edge he needed


    to approach Eleanor about joining hisb.


    "Thank you, Miss Shannon. You''ve been a tremendous help." Steve clinked sses with her, genuine gratitude in his tone.


    Vanessa''s lips curved. "Happy to help, Mr. Steve."


    Steve wasn''t na?ve. "It seems Mr. Goodwin has your heart, am I right?"


    Vanessa answered without hesitation. "You guessed correctly."


    Not far away, Henry''s grip on his winess tightened. Xavier, noticing, ced a calming hand on his shoulder. "It''s just business talk, nothing more."


    Henry knew that, but the way Steve looked at Vanessa unsettled him.


    Xavier sighed quietly, ncing towardn, who was deep in conversation with Mr. Brown and the others, his back to Vanessa and Steve as if he hadn''t noticed how animated their exchange had be.

 Chapter 572

    Eleanor was deep in conversation with York, wholly absorbed in their exchange.


    Meanwhile, Steve finished speaking with Vanessa and turned toward Eleanor. "Excuse me,¡± he said politely before heading over.


    Out of the corner of her eye, Vanessa noticed Henry ncing in their direction. She casually picked up another ss of champagne and sauntered over. Xavier, seeing her approach, quietly slipped away.


    Henry watched Vanessa with the champagne in her hand and gently reminded her, "Aren''t you supposed to avoid alcohol?"


    Vanessa sighed, a touch of helplessness in her voice. "At gatherings like this, not even pretending to sip champagne just feels out of ce. It''s only a taste."


    True to her word, she took a tiny sip, then eyed the ss thoughtfully. "It''s such a waste to throw out a full ss after just a sip."


    "Then don''t waste it. Give it here,¡± Henry said, reaching for the ss.


    Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "You don''t mind?"


    Henry gave her a look somewhere between exasperated and amused. "What do you think?"


    She finallyughed and handed him the barely-touched champagne. Henry, unbothered, finished off half the ss.


    Eleanor and York were still animatedly discussing what to name the newb. York had always been fond of the Rhine, so he wanted to call it Rhine Laboratories.


    Eleanor was still smiling when Steve approached her from behind, his expression friendly. "Dr. Sutton, could I steal you away for a moment?"


    York nced at her. "Let''s pick this upter."


    Once they were out of earshot, Steve''s tone grew earnest. "Dr. Sutton, I''ve heard about your father''s groundbreaking work in gic engineering. That''s actually the direction we want to take with Starnova''s next phase."


    Eleanor could tell Steve was still trying to recruit her. She smiled politely. "Thank you, Mr. Steve. I appreciate your confidence in me, but my current project is still in its early stages-"


    Steve interrupted abruptly. "I heard you''re Mr. Goodwin''s ex-wife? You two are divorced?"


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed for a brief moment, but she answered calmly. "Yes, we were once married."


    "Working in your ex-husband''sb can''t be easy. Why not join mine? Dr. Windsor would be thrilled to have you."


    Eleanor''s eyes remained cool but cordial. "Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Steve. But in this field, I believe professionalism always takes precedence over personal feelings. Don''t you agree?"


    Her wless response left Steve momentarily at a loss. He forced a smile. "Well said. Science is the real pursuit. Dr. Sutton, you never fail to impress."


    No one noticedn standing quietly behind a nearby column, champagne ss in hand, watching the exchange.


    Xavier, not far away, caught the whole scene. The sight of Steve speaking alone with Eleanor put him on edge; he''d almost intervened on her behalf. But then he sawn disengage from Mr. Brown''s group and assumedn would step in instead. Yetn merely paused by the column for a few seconds before walking away.


    Steve and Eleanor''s conversation ended shortly thereafter.


    Finally, Xavier found an opportunity to approach Eleanor. She seemed lost in thought and didn''t notice a server hurrying by in front of her. She was about to collide with him when-


    "Careful." Xavier''s voice was low as he reached out, slipping an arm around Eleanor''s waist and pulling her gently into his embrace to steer her clear.


    Realizing Xavier had just saved her from an ident, Eleanor offered a grateful smile. "Thank you."


    "What were you thinking about?" Xavier released her, his palm still tingling from the contact.


    "Work stuff," Eleanor admitted with a rueful smile.


    "There''s a lounge upstairs if you want to take a break," Xavier suggested.


    She shook her head. "No need. I''ll head out soon anyway."


    Xavier smiled. "At leaste sit by the bar for a while. Get off your feet."


    Eleanor nodded and found a seat. From there, she scanned the crowd-Vanessa was chatting with Faye, Byron and Steve''s engineering team were deep in discussion.


    She watched asn, phone in hand, made his way out onto the balcony, seemingly to take a call. A momentter, Vanessa followed, heels clicking against the floor.


    They stayed on the balcony for about three minutes. Ian emerged first, straightening his tie as he stepped back inside. Eleanor was just about to look away when she saw Vanessa reappear, smoothing her slightly disheveled hair. Her already low neckline seemed to dip even farther, as if¡ª


    As if she''d just been thoroughly kissed and left breathless, the kind of reckless, impulsive encounter Eleanor herself had once stumbled into at a g. Back then,n had been reluctant, but when he finally let go, things spun out of control.


    So seeing Vanessa now, Eleanor had little trouble imagining what had just happened on the balcony.


    At that moment, Vanessa caught her eye, her lips looking even redder than before. She shed Eleanor a knowing, triumphant smile-a look only Eleanor could read.

 Chapter 573

    Henry caught the whole scene from his seat at the bar, where he''d already switched from red wine to a ss of whiskey.


    By then, Faye had joined Byron and was deep in conversation with a few of the Starnova Group engineers. One of the younger, single engineers seemed particrly interested in her.


    Eleanor checked the time and decided to head out. She waved at Xavier as she passed.


    "Are you driving tonight?" Xavier''s voice was low as he asked.


    "Yes, I am.¡± Eleanor nodded, then walked over to say goodbye to York.


    Xavier considered leaving with Eleanor, but just as he was about to follow, he spotted Henry drinking alone at the bar. With a sigh, Xavier realized he''d have to look after him tonight.


    Eleanor finished her goodbyes and slipped out toward the elevator. As soon as she stepped outside, the cool night breeze brushed against her. She was heading for the parking lot when footsteps sounded behind her.


    "Eleanor."


    She turned to seen standing on the steps, suit jacket draped over his arm. Eleanor frowned, staring at him.


    The look in her eyes maden stop in his tracks. He hesitated, then said quietly, "Nothing. Just... drive safe."


    Without another word, Eleanor turned and strode away, her posture decisive and unyielding.


    Ten minutester, Vanessa and Faye appeared in the lobby. Faye was asking, "So, what''s going on between you and Mr. Holt? He was definitely watching you just now-"


    Vanessa brushed a hand through her hair and smiled lightly. "We''re just friends." "He looked pretty drunk."


    "It''s fine. Xavier will take him home." Vanessa''s eyes clouded with thought-Henry had clearly lost control of his emotions tonight.


    Faye couldn''t help but add, n''s the one who''s actually best for you."


    Vanessa turned to her. "Well, then you''d better step up your game. Outshine Eleanor, and mayben will finally see how incredible you are."


    Faye bit her lip and nodded. She knew her position at Meridian Dynamics was all thanks to Vanessa, and she owed her everything. "I understand."


    Shortly after the two women left, Xavier appeared, supporting a very tipsy Henry as they made their way to the car.


    "My parents are pushing for marriage again. What am I supposed to do, Xavier?" Henry mumbled.


    "Listen to your dad for once. Go on the dates, get married, do what they want!" Xavier replied, exasperated.


    Henry rubbed his temples, wincing. "You know I can''t do that¡ª"


    Xavier wanted to snap at him that he deserved it, but held back. He opened the car door and slid inside, ready to drive Henry home.


    Later that evening, when Eleanor arrived at Goodwin Manor to pick up her daughter, headlights swept across the driveway asn pulled in behind her.


    He got out and called over, "I''ll bring Evelyn out."


    Eleanor didn''t reply, but she also didn''t go inside, choosing instead to wait by the gate.


    A momentter,n led Evelyn over to her. The little girl bounced with excitement, "Daddy, are you and Mommying home together?"


    "Okay!" Evelyn scrambled into the back seat of Eleanor''s car.


    Eleanor drove her daughter home.


    On Saturday afternoon, Vivian called Eleanor and asked if Evelyn coulde over to y. Seeing how much her daughter wanted to spend time with Vivian, Eleanor instead invited Vivian to their house.


    Xavier was quick to agree and brought Vivian over a little whileter, along with a basket of fruit and some gifts.


    "Would you like some tea?" Eleanor offered as he came in.


    "I''d love that. It''s the perfect time for a break-if it''s not too much trouble," Xavier replied, his tone easy, a hint of rxation in his eyes.


    Eleanor poured him a cup and joined him at the table. The soft winter sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room.


    "I noticedst night that the CEO of Starnova Group seemed pretty interested in you,¡± Xavier said casually.


    Eleanor smiled. "He wants me to join hisb."


    "Are you considering it?" Xavier''s gaze sharpened, his interest unmistakable.


    She shook her head. "I chose Meridian Dynamics for a reason. I''m not leaving that easily."


    Xavier took a slow sip of tea. "I heardn''s investment in the Meridian Dynamics neurotech project has upset some of the Goodwin & Co. board. The follow-up funding might be affected."


    Eleanor frowned.


    Xavier offered a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry-he''ll handle it."


    She hadn''t realizedn''s decision would rile up the board, but that was his problem to solve. The project itself wouldn''t be affected this was a government- backed initiative. Even ifn couldn''t cover the full budget, there would be state support.


    "That''s his business, not mine," Eleanor said tly.


    Xavier paused, then nced upstairs as theughter of two little girls drifted down.


    "Sounds like those two are having a st."


    Eleanor smiled, a touch of warmth in her eyes. "They''re best friends already."


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen. "Excuse me, I need to take this."


    Xavier nodded, and Eleanor stepped outside-it was Simone, calling about the new medication.


    Rising to stretch his legs, Xavier wandered over to a wall crowded with photographs. Every picture was of Eleanor and her daughter, capturing moments from all stages of their lives. His eyes finallynded on a photo of Eleanor as a teenager, awkward and hopeful. His breath caught for a moment.


    If only, he thought, he''d met her when she was eighteen.


    Nearby, he noticed a set of recent ID photos-extras from a batch Eleanor must have taken for work. In the picture, her hair was pulled back, her features calm and lovely, a gentle smile on her lips.


    Xavier picked up one of the photos and studied it, then slipped it into his hand. Just then, Eleanor returned from her call, and Xavier, caught off-guard, stammered, "I''ve got to run. I''ll be back at six to pick up Vivian.¡±


    "She''s wee to stay for dinner," Eleanor offered.


    "Thank you, that''s very kind." Xavier''s eyes softened with a grateful smile.


    "It''s no trouble at all." Eleanor smiled back.


    As Xavier left, he slid into his car and opened his hand to look at the small photo.


    After a moment, he tucked it into a slot in his wallet, keeping it safe.

 Chapter 574

    8:00 p.m.


    Xavier arrived right on time to pick Vivian up. He brought flowers-not roses, but a simple bouquet of lilies.


    "I noticed your vase was empty, so I thought I''d bring you some," he said, handing them to her.


    Eleanor saw he''d already made the gesture and couldn''t refuse, so she took the bouquet and arranged the flowers at home.


    The weekend slipped by in a blink.


    Monday.


    Goodwin & Co. Headquarters.


    A hastily arranged board meeting was underway.


    Several senior shareholders whispered among themselves, while at the side of the chairman''s seat sat a middle-aged man, his expression stern. This was Marcus, current Executive Vice President of Goodwin & Co.


    At that moment,n entered, dressed in a sharp ck suit, exuding amanding presence as he strode directly to the head of the table.


    Marcus cleared his throat and spoke first. "Mr. Goodwin, it''s not that we doubt your abilities. But the investment in the neural interface project is enormous, and we don''t see any short-term returns. All the shareholders want to see thepany move forward on steadier ground."


    Jacques,n''s uncle, spoke up, taking the lead. "Ian, we insist on forming an oversightmittee. This is a unanimous decision after much discussion among the shareholders."


    "That''s right,n. It''s not that we don''t trust you-we have every confidence in your abilities. But too often, decisions seem to be made unterally, and we feel left in the dark," another veteran shareholder added.


    n, the board has every right to raise objections-unless you can get Meridian Dynamics to deliver a detailed three-year development n for the neural interface project. We need to see precise data, from technical milestones to profitability forecasts," Jacques pressed.


    "Mr. Goodwin, all the shareholders want is a n for the next three years. Show us some tangible progress, and we can talk about further funding," Marcus added coolly.


    Marcus, knowingn all too well, recognized the warning signs. He forced augh. "Of course not. Your judgment has always been impable."


    But the other shareholders looked anything but amused. They''de prepared this time, united in their demand for a n-because, for the first time, they truly felt threatened.


    n, it''s not about trust. Last time you pulled the plug on Medisys Group''s IPO, and now you''re pouring resources into the neural interface project. Don''t we, as shareholders, have a right to speak up?"


    "That''s right! It''s our money on the line, too. Why shouldn''t we have a say?" an elderly shareholder huffed.


    After a tense silence, Marcus finally said, "Let''s give Mr. Goodwin a few days. That''s all for today, everyone."


    "Mr. Goodwin-" Gavin ventured hesitantly.


    "I need a minute,"n said, his tone low.


    Gavin got the hint and quietly closed the door behind him.


    Ten minutester, Gavin''s office phone rang. Ian''s voice was steady this time. "Apany me to Meridian Dynamics."


    Gavin grabbed his car keys and hurried to wait by the office door.


    Soon, Gavin was driving them swiftly toward Meridian Dynamics. Ian sat in the back, fingers drumming absently on his knee, deep in thought.


    Meridian Dynamics shimmered under the afternoon sun, its futuristic architecture gleaming like a crouched metal lion.


    Eleanor was in her office, sorting through paperwork, when Byron''s assistant knocked. "Eleanor, Mr. Chase would like you in Conference Room Three."


    Eleanor frowned. "A meeting?"


    "Yes."


    She grabbed her phone and headed down the hall. As she reached the door, Byron himself stepped out to greet her.


    "Eleanor, d you''re here. Come on in-Mr. Goodwin is waiting."


    Eleanor''s brows knitted together. She entered to findn at the head of the table, sifting through papers.


    "Dr. Sutton, please have a seat,"n said, all business.


    Byron sat, his face equally serious.


    No sooner had Eleanor settled in thann looked up. "My shareholders are collectively protesting the neural interface project investment. Dr. Sutton, I need your help."


    Eleanor stared him down. "Help with what?"


    "I need you to draft a three-year n for the project. The board is demanding a detailed proposal." He paused, then added, "I want you to prove to them that this project is worth it."


    Eleanor gave a coldugh. "And why, exactly, should I do that?"


    "Because only you can save me,¡±n replied, his voice low and steady.


    Eleanor stood suddenly, both hands braced against the table as she leaned over him. ¡°Listen,n. I''m not your secretary-and I''m certainly not your savior. The shareholders'' dissatisfaction is your mess to clean up."


    She started to leave, then tossed back over her shoulder, "And if the dayes when they vote to kick you off the board, you can count on my support."


    That''s right-Eleanor was also a Goodwin & Co. shareholder. She''d received the meeting notice the night before and declined to attend.


    Byron was openly sweating, ncing at Eleanor in disbelief. He''d heard rumors of shareholder unrest, but seeing it y out like this was another matter.


    "Clean up your own mess," Eleanor said, walking out without a backward nce. Byron wiped his brow. "Mr. Goodwin, should I try to talk to Eleanor?"


    "No need,¡±n said, rising and adjusting his cufflinks with deliberate calm. "She won''t help me."


    "What about the board?"


    "I''ll handle it myself."n''s eyes darkened as he walked out.

 Chapter 575

    As the elevator doors slid shut, he pressed his fingers against his brow. He should have known better-someone like Eleanor was never going to help him this time.


    Were they destined to be at odds like this forever?


    "Mr. Goodwin, we''ve arrived." Gavin''s voice cut through his thoughts.


    That afternoon, the news hit:n had been besieged by Goodwin & Co.''s shareholders. Headlines red across business channels, financial news tickers, and influencer blogs alike, all dissecting and criticizingn''s every move.


    Joy stumbled across the story and immediately messaged Eleanor, who was a shareholder herself.


    "Hey, the inte''s sayingn''s facing a shareholder rebellion. Is it true? Is he about to get kicked off the board?"


    Eleanor replied, "It''s true, but whether he''ll be forced out is still uncertain."


    She was suren had other backup ns. The proposal he''d asked her to write was likely just the least damaging of his options.


    Andn-well, even cornered, he was the kind of man who''d never bow his head to anyone.


    In the end, though, the simplest solution would be to pull his investments.


    If that happened, the neural interface project would be shut downpletely-


    That thought made Eleanor''s chest tighten. After all, even the Secretary of State was keeping an eye on this initiative.


    Honestly, Eleanor could write the proposal if she wanted. She''d broken new ground in this field before, and her theories had always been backed by solid, verifiable data.


    As night fell, the lights on the top floor of Goodwin & Co. Tower still burned. Ian stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, lost in thought.


    Gavin approached. "Mr. Goodwin, I''ve booked a table. Would you like to get some dinner?"


    "No, I''m fine. Go ahead and head home." Ian didn''t turn around.


    Gavin lingered at the doorway, eyeing his boss''s silhouette. "I''ll wait until you''re ready to leave."


    Meanwhile, Eleanor had returned home and was sinking into her sofa when Joy sent her a link. "You have to read this-it''s brutal but spot-on."


    Eleanor frowned and tapped open the article from a popr business blogger.


    **The Downfall of Goodwin & Co.''s Crown Prince: Hasn''s Empire Finally Copsed?**


    "When the shareholders of Goodwin & Co. staged their rebellion, the frigid prince of the business world,n Goodwin, finally got a taste of what it''s like to stand alone.


    At twenty-nine, this so-called wunderkind has run a billion-dor empire with a reputation for ruthless, autocratic decisions.


    Last year, he poured money into pharmaceuticals. Two months ago, he pulled the plug on Medisys''s IPO without warning. Now, he''s betting it all on a neural interface project most experts call science fiction. Isn a genius¡ªor a fool?


    If he can''t resolve this standoff with the shareholders, he could lose control of


    Goodwin & Co., and his pet project may never see the light of day.


    Thements section was a tidal wave of vitriol:


    *Knew it was only a matter of time before he crashed. He never deserved the top spot.*


    *Good riddance. The business world will be better off without him.*


    Eleanor tossed her phone aside, a sinking feeling twisting in her gut. Someone was orchestrating this-settingn up for a takedown.

 Chapter 576

    The violence of capital is almost always silent.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the unfamiliar number, hesitated, then answered, "Hello? Who''s this?"


    "Dr. Sutton, it''s Marcus-perhaps the name doesn''t ring a bell."


    Marcus? Of course Eleanor remembered him. He used to ben''s project manager, and after the sess of a major project, the shareholders had promoted him to vice president.


    "Mr. Chase, what do you need?" Her tone cooled noticeably.


    "It''s about the news online. As you''ve probably seen, the board thinks it''s time to form a shareholder oversightmittee. I''m calling to invite you to join."


    Eleanor''s voice was ice. "Mr. Chase, I have no interest in your power games. Don''t drag me into them."


    "Dr. Sutton, don''t be so quick to say no," Marcus coaxed smoothly. "You''re a shareholder, too. Are you really going to sit by and watchn burn everyone''s money in a bottomless pit?"


    "Have you actually looked into the neural interface project? If you haven''t bothered to understand it, you have no right to make those usations," she shot back.


    Marcus gave an awkward chuckle. "I know you''re the chief researcher, but I also heard you and Mr. Goodwin have been at each other''s throats since the divorce. Don''t you hate him, too?"


    Eleanor said nothing.


    He pressed on. "Honestly, Mr. Goodwin isn''t fit to be CEO anymore. A lot of his decisions have angered the shareholders. We''d like to rmend someone with better judgment to rece him¡ª¡±


    Eleanor cut him off. "Mr. Chase, you''ve got the wrong person."


    "Dr. Sutton, just think about it. This is your best shot at getting back at your ex. Bring him down, and we all benefit." Marcus finished, polite to thest. "I won''t keep you from your rest."


    When the call ended, Eleanor finally saw the game for what it was. Marcus must be the one stirring up the shareholders againstn-he wantedn''s seat for himself.


    Butn wasn''t a fool; surely he saw thising.


    All Eleanor cared about was the neural interface project. Ifn was ousted, Goodwin & Co. would pull the funding, and the project would be dead in the water. She remembered the Secretary of State''s earnest encouragement just days ago.


    This was a research program the Secretary was personally invested in. Hadn''t he specifically arranged for Mr. Windsor to bring Drexford''s research data back to the States? That was his intention, wasn''t it?


    He wanted a breakthrough on home soil, and Eleanor had been entrusted with the responsibility. If the project was axed now-


    Eleanor paced in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, arms crossed, staring out at the city lights. After several circuits around the room, she made her choice between personal vendetta and the future of science.


    She picked up her phone and dialedn''s number.


    ¡°Hello,¡± he answered almost immediately.


    "I''ll write your three-year roadmap. In three days, you can call a board meeting."


    There was a pause, then his voice came, low and rough. "Why are you suddenly helping me?"


    Eleanor let out a dryugh. "Don''t tter yourself. I just don''t want to see the neural interface project sacrificed to your little power struggle. This has nothing to do with you."


    Eleanor hung up, headed for her study, and opened the encrypted file York had sent her. It was time to start drafting the three-year n.


    Meanwhile, on the top floor of Goodwin & Co.''s executive suite, Gavin entered with a cup of tea and foundn sitting on the sofa. The lines of worry had eased fromn''s brow, and for the first time in weeks, a faint smile yed at the corners of his mouth.

 Chapter 577

    "Mr. Goodwin, is there any progress?"


    He should have seen iting. Eleanor''s dedication and rigor when it came to research would never allow the project to be shut down so easily.


    The smile onn''s lips faded.


    It was also her way of helping the Ellington family.


    Feeling oddly empty,n took a sip of his tea.


    He stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the city lights sprawling below, his thoughts a tangled web.


    Gavin took the hint and quietly exited the office.


    A moment ago, he''d checked thetest analysis online-there were already plenty ofbels being pped onton.


    Vanessa was following the drama too. She hadn''t expected that, overnight,n would find himself in such a predicament. The entire Goodwin & Co. board turning on him?


    She''d already sent him a message to check in, butn hadn''t replied. She


    couldn''t tell if he was simply too busy, or if he was so weighed down by the crisis that he had no energy left to respond.


    Anxious, Vanessa shot a message to Gavin, asking wheren was.


    Gavin replied: still in the office.


    Without hesitation, Vanessa changed into a skirt and headed straight for Goodwin & Co.


    At ten o''clock that night, she walked into thepany''s marble-floored lobby. The receptionist greeted her and led her upstairs. Vanessa pushed open the door ton''s office.


    The receptionist snapped a quick photo of this scene and sent it off to Marcus. She was, after all, one of Marcus''s lovers.


    Marcus, upon receiving the photos, forwarded them directly to Eleanor, adding a voice message: "Dr. Sutton, did you see that? Your ex-husband''s mistress is already there to keep himpany. If you''re still hoping he''ll change his mind, you can forget it."


    Eleanor nced at the photos and said nothing.


    Even ifn and Vanessa got married and had children right then and there, it wouldn''t affect her in the slightest.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone chimed again. This time, it was York.


    "Eleanor, I just saw the news about the shareholder revolt at Goodwin & Co. Will this impact the Meridian Dynamics neural interface project?"


    Eleanor paused, surprised that Mr. Windsor was still thinking about this sote at night.


    He''d been recalled back to the country, burning through time and resources for this project-there was no way she could let it be derailed now.


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Windsor. Ian will handle things," she replied.


    "Good. I hope nothing gets in the way of this project," York responded, his wordsced with hope.


    Eleanor took a long, steadying breath and went back to mapping out her ns. Morning.


    When Eleanor dropped her daughter off at school, she spotted Xavier''s car. He watched her closely, concern flickering in his eyes. "Rough night? You look a little pale."


    "I''m fine-just need a quick nap at lunch and I''ll be good as new," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    "Are you worried aboutn''spany?" Xavier asked gently.


    "I''m worried about the project," she answered.


    "I''ve already talked ton," Xavier reassured her. "He said he''s got it covered. You don''t have to worry too much."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Really?"


    "Ian always has a backup n. Those shareholders can''t touch him," Xavier said, confident in his old friend.


    He knewn wouldn''t go down so easily. After all, eight years ago, when his father passed away,n had juste out of aa. With no one to support him, he wed his way up from nothing, fought tooth and nail in the boardroom, and secured his ce at the helm.

 Chapter 578

    A man who''d walked such a path wouldn''t go down easily.


    Eleanor exchanged a few words with Xavier before getting into the car. Xavier watched her leave-he had the means and the will to help, but in this case, he simply didn''t know where to begin.


    Eleanor was just too busy; this time, there was nothing he could do.


    Back at the office, Eleanor skipped the morning meeting and threw herself into drafting her proposal. Byron had already learned she was working on thepany''s three-year strategic n, so he made it clear: no one was to disturb her unless absolutely necessary.


    Faye, however, found this hard to ept.


    "VP Chase, does this mean next time I can skip the morning meeting too?" she protested, clearly displeased.


    "Faye, Eleanor''s working on something important-more important than any meeting," Byron replied, his tone grave. "You''ve all seen what''s happening online with Goodwin & Co. Meridian Dynamics is one of their holdings. If there''s turmoil within Goodwin & Co., a lot of our projects will be at risk too."


    "I saw it¡ªand it freaked me out! The things people are saying about Mr. Goodwin online are brutal."


    "Exactly. But I''m sure Mr. Goodwin will find a way through. Once he''s back on his feet, those reporters will shut up fast."


    Faye had been thinking about the situation all morning. She''d texted Vanessa, who replied that she''d spent the night at Goodwin & Co., clearly there to supportn.


    Faye was among those who least wanted to seen fall. Yeaton Holdings still needed him, and her own research depended on his protection.


    At this point, the Yeatons and the Goodwin family were practically joined at the hip.


    After lunch, Eleanor returned to her office feeling exhausted. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she finally gave up trying to work, stretched out on the couch, and drifted off to sleep.


    Gwenda came in with a fresh cup of coffee, only to find Eleanor fast asleep. She quietly backed out, careful not to make a sound, but as she turned around, her heart nearly jumped out of her chest.


    "Is Eleanor inside?" His voice was rough, his handsome face drawn with fatigue. "She is, but... she''s asleep," Gwenda whispered.


    Gwenda blinked in surprise. Shouldn''t Mr. Goodwin have left? After all, he and Eleanor were no longer married-was it really appropriate for her ex-husband to walk in like that? What if he did something while she was sleeping?


    But Gwenda didn''t have the nerve to check. She could only hopen, for all his faults, was still a gentleman.


    Inside,n gazed down at Eleanor, curled up on the couch. The office was warm, but somehow the cold still seeped in; she shivered in her sleep.


    Then he moved to her desk chair, sat down, and nced at her openptop. The screen disyed her nning report. He narrowed his eyes, curiosity getting the better of him, and began to read.


    He also noticed a cup of coffee on the desk. After staying up all night himself, the caffeine was tempting. He picked it up and took a sip¡ªit was Eleanor''s usual, far sweeter than he preferred, but he didn''t mind.

 Chapter 579

    When Eleanor woke up from her nap, she found herself covered by a suit jacket that definitely didn''t belong to her.


    Frowning, she sat up and examined the jacket. For a moment, she wondered if it was Joel''s, but the fabric was clearly bespoke, and the sapphire cufflinks gave it away. Eleanor wrinkled her nose in distaste and tossed it aside.


    It wasn''s.


    Had hee by?


    Rubbing her forehead, Eleanor got up and went to wash her face. On her way back, she ran into Gwenda, who sidled up with a knowing look. "Eleanor, Mr. Goodwin was in your office for over an hour just now. He didn''t... do anything, did he?"


    Eleanor''s face darkened immediately. "Over an hour?"


    "Yeah! He came in right after you fell asleep, and didn''t leave until almost two," Gwenda said.


    So, he''d been there the whole time she was napping?


    Back in her office, Eleanor found nothing missing-just the extra suit jacket draped over a chair. She sat at her desk and awoke herptop; her project schedule still filled the screen. Exhaling, she picked up her coffee, feeling a wave of irritation.


    Just then, Gwenda came in with some files. Spotting the coffee cup, she asked, "Is it cold? I brought it for you, but you fell asleep right after."


    A thought struck Eleanor. She grabbed the cup and realized that at least two- thirds of it was gone.


    Someone had drunk her coffee.


    Her expression changed instantly. She bolted to the trash can, doubled over, and gagged as if she''d just swallowed something vile.


    ¡°Uh¡ªwas it that bad? Isn''t this your usual order?" Gwenda asked, baffled.


    "Pass me a tissue, please,¡± Eleanor croaked, tears stinging her eyes as she retched.


    After Gwenda handed her a few tissues, Eleanor wiped her mouth, then staggered to the water cooler and gulped down a full ss. Her face was still pale.


    "What happened? Was there something wrong with the coffee?" Gwenda pressed, genuinely concerned.


    "No," Eleanor muttered, shaking her head. It wasn''t the coffee-it was the fact thatn had drunk from it. Just the thought made her want to throw up.


    "Oh..." Gwenda was still at a loss.


    For the next two days, Eleanor buried herself in her proposal. Byron sent an email: tomorrow, the Goodwin & Co. shareholders'' meeting would be held at Meridian Dynamics.


    So,n was bringing all the shareholders here to listen to her presentation. That was just like him.


    The shareholders weren''t happy when they got the notice. Rumor had itn was going to announce a new three-year n-something none of them expected.


    Still, they were curious. They wanted to see what kind of reportn could present to persuade them.


    Marcus, however, was unbothered. His recent performance in the Goodwin & Co. project division had won over a majority of the shareholders, and they rated him highly.


    As far as Marcus was concerned, ifn insisted on pushing the neural interface project, he could wait another three years. He was certain the whole thing was doomed-there was no way it''d make a ssh in that time.


    The next morning, Meridian Dynamics'' parking lot looked like a luxury car show, with every kind of high-end vehicle on disy. All of Goodwin & Co.''s shareholders, major and minor, had arrived. Security was tight, and bodyguards kept reporters at bay.


    Inside, the staff at Meridian Dynamics were on edge. With so many powerful shareholders in the building, everyone was on high alert, ready to spring into action at a moment''s notice.


    Meanwhile, Faye received a call from Vanessa, who told her to keep her updated on everything happening.


    Faye was puzzled-why was the Goodwin & Co. shareholders'' meeting being held at Meridian Dynamics, of all ces? Lately, Eleanor hadn''t shown up for meetings, and Byron had made it clear that nobody was to disturb her work. Faye couldn''t make sense of it.


    She was justing out of the restroom when she sawn walking toward her. Her heart skipped a beat. "Mr. Goodwin, you''re here."


    "Morning,"n replied coolly, brushing past her without a second nce.


    Faye stared after him, taken aback. Then she remembered how stressedn had beentely; maybe nobody was getting a warm reception from him these days.


    A momentter, she spotted Gwenda heading toward the conference room and called out, "Gwenda, where are you off to?"

 Chapter 580

    "I''m heading to the conference room," Gwenda said.


    "That''s where the board meeting is. What are you doing in there?" Faye grabbed


    her arm.


    "Eleanor''s giving a presentation soon. I''m going in to help her," Gwenda replied. Then she shot Faye a look and added, "Didn''t you know? All the shareholders are here just to hear Eleanor''s speech."


    To be honest, Gwenda had only just found out herself but she knew exactly how to get under Faye''s skin.


    As expected, Faye''s face went pale. ¡°What did you say? The entire Goodwin & Co. board is here for Eleanor?"


    "That''s right. I heard they were supposed to meet at headquarters, but Mr. Goodwin insisted theye here instead." With that, Gwenda didn''t wait for a reply. She strode toward the conference room, leaving Faye standing there, looking rattled and sour.


    Marcus stepped out to take a call. As he hung up, he spotted Eleanor approaching in a crisp white suit, clutching a folder. He smiled and walked over. "Dr. Sutton, I didn''t expect you to be heading up the presentation today!"


    "Is there a problem?" Eleanor''s eyes were cool and steady.


    "No, it''s just " Marcus''s gaze sharpened. "You saw the photos I sent you, right? Rumor has it Miss Shannon spent all night with Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor gave a small smile and corrected him, n is my ex-husband, not my current one."


    Marcus looked momentarily ufortable. "Seems I was meddling. Please, go in."


    He gestured to the door. Eleanor entered the conference room, instantly drawing the attention of every shareholder-some surprised, some skeptical, but most simply curious.


    Besides being a shareholder herself, Eleanor was also the lead researcher on the neural interface project.


    The conference room was just big enough for the twenty-three shareholders, every seat filled. Eleanor took her ce in front of the digital screen and addressed them, "I''m here to present the three-year strategic n for the neural interface project."


    Although Eleanor''s achievements in the scientificmunity had made waves over the past two years, she was still young-perhaps too young for some to fully trust.


    "Eleanor, based on your track record, we''re confident in your abilities. But this project is massive. Are you sure what you''re about to show us is actually useful?" Jacques was the first to speak up.


    He was never thrilled that Eleanor had taken over eightpanies fromn. As Gina''s cousin, it was only natural he''d be sticking up for his family.


    Eleanor knew exactly who sat before her; Ellington had already briefed her on every shareholder''s history and temperament, and she''d studied them all carefully.


    "Director Wells, whether it''s useful or not-let''s judge after you''ve heard me out," Eleanor replied, calm and collected.


    Eleanor pressed the remote, and her meticulously crafted slides filled the screen. She spoke withposure, "First, let''s clear up a misconception. The neural interface project might sound like something out of science fiction, but in reality, it''s far more attainable than you''d think."


    She walked them through her research, including results from two years before- the ones she''d carefully anonymized, never mentioning she''d led the work herself.


    The room fell silent as everyone listened closely. Eleanor''s theoretical groundwork came alive through clear experimental footage-some of it provided by York. Jacques couldn''t help but interrupt. "Eleanor, is your data reliable?"


    Eleanor pulled up an internationally recognized certification. "All data has been independently validated by the Drexford Institute of Neuroscience, with Dr. York''s personal signature."


    Marcus chimed in, "Dr. Sutton, your rtionship with Mr. Goodwin is hardly a secret. Are you sure you''re not just trying to help him out-?"


    Eleanor met his eyes. "Mr. Chase, I''d appreciate it if you didn''t derail my research presentation with irrelevantments."<pn''s focused expression faltered for a split second.

 Chapter 581

    Marcus kept his expressionposed, but inside, he was fuming. He was the


    Vice President of Goodwin & Co., after all, and yet Eleanor Sutton had just called him out in front of every shareholder, showing him absolutely no respect.


    Ian Goodwin wasn''t exactly pleased either, but his voice was steady and low. "Dr. Sutton, please continue."


    Eleanor resumed her presentation, and then pulled up a market analysis report. "This is a projection of future profits in the civilian medical sector. If this project expands into defense or aerospace, the potential is impossible to quantify."


    Shareholders started murmuring to one another. Many were already nodding along-clearly, Eleanor''s three-year report had begun to win them over.


    Marcus noticed the shift and felt a surge of panic.


    "Dr. Sutton, what are the odds of this project actually seeding?" an older shareholder asked.


    "I''ve already shared everything I can at this stage," Eleanor replied smoothly. "You can assess the prospects yourselves, using the current data and test results."


    Outwardly, the shareholders remained calm, but inwardly, the fog had begun to lift -they could finally see the enormous potential of this project.


    As Eleanor gathered her notes,n called out, "Don''t go just yet. Find a chair and take a seat."


    Then, bracing his hands on the table,n addressed the room. "I trust everyone heard Dr. Sutton''s three-year strategy. Now, I have another important announcement to make."


    His sharp gaze swept across the room, finally settling on Marcus.


    Undern''s stare, Marcus grew uneasy but forced a smile. "Mr. Goodwin, is there something else you''d like to share?"


    "In your hands,"n said, his voice cold and unwavering, "is evidence that Marcus abused his position, falsified investment data, and embezzled project funds. You''ll also find recent photographs of him dining with ourpetitors."


    The shareholders stared at the evidence in disbelief. They had trusted Marcuspletely-now, their faces darkened with shock and anger.


    Marcus leapt to his feet, fists clenched, face drained of all color. "Ian, this is nder!"


    "What''s someone like him still doing on the board? Throw him out-now!"


    Several older shareholders were so furious their hands were shaking; they were more incensed by Marcus''s betrayal than by losing their money.


    Sweat broke out on Marcus''s brow as he scanned the room, meeting only disgusted stares.


    He knew it was over. For what he''d done, prison was the only future left.


    He''d always fearedn would be sharp enough to spot his mistakes-that''s why he''d tried to use the neural interface project as a way to pushn out and take control himself. Then he could cover his tracks. But he''d underestimatedn''s abilities.


    Just then, the office door opened and Byron Chase entered, apanied by two police officers. They walked up to Marcus. "Sir, pleasee with us."


    Marcus shotn onest furious re, but in the end, he had no choice but to follow the police out.


    "Mr. Goodwin provided all of Marcus''s criminal records to the authorities three days ago," Gavin announced.


    The shareholders were visibly agitated. Eleanor sat quietly, watching the drama unfold, but then pressed her fingertips to her forehead in frustration, biting her lip.


    The shareholders exchanged nces, but one by one, they shook their heads.


    It wasn''t justn''s decisive action that had convinced them-Eleanor''s three-year


    n had given them new confidence in the project.


    "I''m in favor of investing in the neural interface project," one of the older shareholders said, his voice animated. "I believe it''s the most promising venture we have."


    A wave of agreement swept through the room.


    As the meeting adjourned, Eleanor packed up her files, preparing to leave. Ian approached, leaning on the table to block her exit. "Thank you for your proposal." Eleanor didn''t look up, and made no move to respond.


    The n had pleased the shareholders, and future investment was secured, but she couldn''t shake the uneasy feeling in her chest.


    "Would you like to grab lunch together?"n asked out of the blue.


    Atst, Eleanor looked up, her gaze cold. "I don''t have time."


    Eleanor strode out of the conference room. The shareholders, who had entered with such stern faces, now strolled down the Meridian Dynamics hallway, rxed and congenial, clearly pleased with Eleanor''s presentation.


    Just then, Faye Yeaton crossed paths with the group. She stepped aside and smiled as she watched them pass.


    "That Eleanor is something else. Looks like we underestimated her," one shareholder remarked.


    "We may have misjudged her before. With her on board, this project''s chances just got a lot better."


    "No wonder she earned her doctorate so young-her reputation is well deserved!"


    Faye''s smile faded as she watched them disappear down the hall. She thought to herself that Eleanor''s speech hadpletely won them over.


    That meant no one was going to oppose the neural interface project anymore¡ªor challengen''s leadership.


    Back in her office, Faye picked up her phone to update Vanessa Shannon.


    "Eleanor managed to convince the entire board by herself?" Vanessa was stunned.


    "She did. The shareholders couldn''t stop singing her praises as they left-" Faye admitted, albeit reluctantly, that when it came to public speaking, Eleanor really did have a gift.

 Chapter 582

    "But the neural interface project is still just a pipe dream for now. At least it got my brother-inw out of this mess and secured his ce as CEO, so I guess that''s something," Faye said.


    On the other end of the line, Vanessa managed a strained smile. "Yeah, I suppose


    so."


    Faye hung up and bit her red lip, muttering to herself, "Eleanor are you really that talented, or just ridiculously lucky?"


    Meanwhile, Eleanor was resting in her office when Gwenda burst in, beaming. "Ellie, I heard you convinced the shareholders. That''s incredible!"


    Eleanor looked tired. "At least they''re not pulling their investments anymore."


    Gwenda was genuinely impressed. Goodwin & Co. had been dominating the business headlines for days, and now, with a single speech, Eleanor had managed to turn the tide-even the shareholders who''d been dissatisfied withn left the meeting in good spirits.


    "Eleanor, Mr. Goodwin really owes you a big thank you now," Gwenda said.


    "He doesn''t need to thank me. He can just keep his distance," Eleanor replied coolly, straightening up her desk.


    That afternoon, thetest headline about Goodwin & Co. broke:


    ''Former Vice President Marcus of Goodwin & Co. Under Police Investigation for White-Cor Crime''


    With that,n''s battle with the shareholders ended in a perfect victory.


    Online chatter about Goodwin & Co. quickly died down. Even the tabloids stopped reporting on the scandal.


    By four-thirty, Eleanor was headed to the parking garage when Vanessa''s car pulled up right beside hers.


    Vanessa hade to pick up Faye for dinner, but she hadn''t expected to run into Eleanor leaving work.


    "What a coincidence," Vanessa said, stepping gracefully out of her car and greeting Eleanor.


    Eleanor didn''t even acknowledge her.


    "I heard you helpedn out of this mess," Vanessa continued, "As his girlfriend, I really do appreciate it."


    Eleanor, still outside her own car, heard her loud and clear.


    "But no matter how wonderful an ex-husband is, he''s not yours anymore. Please remember that," Vanessa added just as Eleanor mmed her car door shut.


    Eleanor rolled up her window and drove off without a backward nce.


    Just then, Faye appeared, shouldering her bag as she walked over from the lobby. She slipped into the passenger seat of Vanessa''s Ferrari.


    "I just ran into Eleanor. She''s changed a lot," Vanessa said as she started the engine.


    "She really has," Faye agreed, running her fingers through her hair. "She''s so arrogant at work, acting like Meridian Dynamics would crash and burn without her."


    Vanessa nced over. "She didn''t get to you, did she?"


    Faye snorted. "As if! I''m not that easy to knock down. No matter what happens, I''ll finish my PhD in a few years. I can build my career anywhere I want."


    "Don''t go running off. Stay at Meridian Dynamics, and I''ll make sure you get every opportunity you deserve," Vanessa promised.


    Faye used to look down on Vanessa, but in this moment, she genuinely felt a sense of sisterhood.


    "Thanks," Faye said, ncing over with a grateful smile. Then she added, "No matter how impressive Eleanor is, she''s still just an employee. When you marry into the Goodwin family, you''ll be her boss. No matter how hard Eleanor works, she''ll never beat you at life. All the money she earns will end up with your kids someday."


    Vanessa smiled faintly but didn''t reply.


    Faye felt a wave of satisfaction. Eleanor was working herself to the bone, but what did she really have to show for it? Even if she won awards and caught the public''s attention, none of the Goodwin family''s wealth would ever be hers. In the end, all her hard work would just benefit Vanessa''s children, while Eleanor''s own life would amount to nothing. That, Faye thought, was the sweetest justice of all: no matter how brilliant Eleanor''s life became, she could never outdo Vanessa''s by marrying into the Goodwin family.


    Later, Eleanor arrived at the university and spotted two figures chatting beneath the trees by the front gate.


    Thete autumn sun filtered through the branches, casting a warm glow over them. A few young mothers, waiting early to pick up their children, kept sneaking nces at the two men.


    "It''s been ages since we sat down for a drink," Xavier said, sounding nostalgic. "Yeah,"n nodded, "I''ve just been swampedtely."


    "Did you manage to calm down your shareholders?" Xavier asked, squinting slightly.


    "All thanks to Eleanor,"n said evenly.


    Xavier arched an eyebrow. "Oh?"


    Xavier''s gaze darkened with thought. Just then, he caught sight of a familiar car pulling up. A glimmer of recognition shed in his eyes as he looked over.


    "She''s here," Xavier said. Without another word, he strode toward Eleanor''s car.


    Eleanor was scrolling through news on her phone when she sensed someone approaching. Expectingn, she braced herself for a chilly exchange-only to see Xaviering her way.


    She stepped out and greeted him with a warm smile. "You''re early today."


    "Yeah, I came straight from the office," Xavier replied.


    Eleanor nced past him, locking eyes withn. Instantly, her smile faded and her expression grew cold.


    "I heard fromn that you were the one who settled the shareholder drama?" Xavier asked, eyes fixed on her, as if waiting for an exnation.


    Eleanor turned her gaze back to him. ¡°I was just doing my job¡ªfor the sake of my research project."


    Xavier liked that answer. He chuckled softly. "Well, whatever the reason, you did brilliantly."


    Eleanor tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Thanks for thepliment."


    "What are you two talking about?"n''s voice interrupted, cutting through the moment.

 Chapter 583

    The smile faded from Eleanor''s face as she turned away, gazing off into the distance.


    Xavier grinned and exined, "I was justplimenting Eleanor on how she handled the shareholders for you this time."


    A heavy silence settled between the three of them.


    Just then, the school gates opened. Ian turned to Eleanor. "I''ll go get Evelyn." He took a few steps, then nced back at Xavier with a raised eyebrow. "Youing?"


    Xavier nodded and fell in beside him. The two men headed into the school to pick up the child.


    A few minutester,n emerged, holding Evelyn Goodwin by the hand.


    "Mom!" Evelyn darted forward, wrapping her arms around Eleanor''s legs and looking up at her with bright eyes. "Mom, can we have dinner with Dad tonight?"


    "Joslyn''s already made us dinner," Eleanor said, gently ruffling her daughter''s hair. "But can Dad join us for dinner at our house?" Evelyn pleaded.


    Eleanor smiled softly. "He''s busy, sweetheart. He just said he has to go back to work for a meeting."


    "Really?" Evelyn asked, looking up at her father.


    "That''s right, honey," he said, picking up on Eleanor''s cue. "Dad has some urgent work tonight, but I''ll have dinner with you two another time."


    "Okay, then."


    "But hey, it''s still early. I can walk you home."


    "Let''s walk!" Evelyn chirped, handing her backpack to Eleanor. "Mom, I''ll walk with Dad. You can go ahead!"


    Eleanor hesitated for a moment but didn''t want to spoil her daughter''s excitement. She picked up the backpack and headed toward the car. Vivian, waiting in the car, waved at Evelyn. "See you, Evelyn!"


    "Bye, Vivian!" Evelyn waved back.


    When Eleanor arrived home, Joslyn was surprised to see she was alone. "Ma''am, where''s Evelyn?"


    "She''s walking home with her dad," Eleanor replied.


    Joslyn looked startled, then asked, "I haven''t started the rice yet-should I?¡±


    "No need," Eleanor cut her off quickly. "He''s just dropping Evelyn off."


    Joslyn nodded, understanding. From her perspective, she always hoped Mrs. Goodwin and Mr. Goodwin would get back together. After all, Evelyn was still so young. She deserved aplete family.


    Twenty minutester, Joslyn noticed Princess barking at the door and knewn and Evelyn had returned. She opened the door for them.


    "Okay! Bye, Daddy!" Evelyn waved, then dashed into the yard.


    Princess bounded over, tail wagging. Ian scratched her head, a little ritual that had be second nature. It didn''t feel right to leave without giving Princess a pat.


    Aftern left, Joslyn closed the door and paused.


    Had Mr. Goodwin''s temper mellowed? Or was she just imagining it?


    That evening, Eleanor video-chatted with Joy Thatcher. Joy''s wedding was only three days away, and she was feeling pre-wedding jitters. Eleanor tried to reassure her.


    "I''m so nervous!" Joy chewed her thumbnail on screen. "What if something goes wrong at the wedding? And my college friends are making me sing in front of everyone¡ªand they want Frazier Jeffries to sing too. Honestly, they''re just setting me up!"


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh.

 Chapter 584

    "Don''tugh, I''m serious," Joy protested, puffing out her cheeks.


    Eleanor covered her mouth to stifle a smile. "Alright, alright, I''m notughing. Just rx, and everything will go smoothly."


    "You can invite Joslyn along too¡ªshe can help keep an eye on Evelyn," Joy suggested.


    "That''s a great idea! I''ll ask Joslyn toe with us," Eleanor agreed.


    ***


    The next day at noon,n arrived at the Vesper Joy Hotel for a client meeting. As he stepped into the lobby, his eyesnded on two staff members carrying in arge wedding sign. When he caught sight of the bride''s photo, he squinted, then leaned forward to check the names.


    Sure enough, it was Joy-Eleanor''s closest friend-smiling out from the wedding portrait in her gown.


    "The day after tomorrow, sir."


    He nodded and strode toward the elevator.


    ***


    The day before the wedding, Eleanor took Evelyn to try on a little party dress. "Mommy, do I look pretty?" Evelyn spun in circles, the pink skirt ring around her. "You look beautiful," Eleanor replied with a warm smile.


    Eleanor had picked out a dress for herself as well. Joy had asked her to be a bridesmaid, but since Eleanor was divorced, she''d politely declined. Still, she wanted to look her best at her best friend''s wedding.


    ***


    The wedding day arrived right on schedule. The grand ballroom on the third floor


    of the Vesper Joy Hotel was transformed into a floral dreamscape, bathed in elegant shades of violet.


    The night before, Eleanor had checked into her own private suite with her daughter and Joslyn.


    At eight in the morning, Eleanor made her way to the bridal suite, where Joy was already surrounded by her hair and makeup team.


    "Could you do her makeup too?" Joy called over to a free stylist.


    Eleanor didn''t protest. She took a seat and let the artist work their magic. When


    they were done, her makeup was wless-worthy of a movie star¡ªand her blue dress made her look especially graceful and striking.


    Just then, Joslyn''s phone rang. Eleanor quickly answered, "Hello, Joslyn?"


    "Ma''am, Mr. Goodwin is in the suite," Joslyn reported.


    Eleanor jumped to her feet. "What?"


    Joy looked over, concerned. "What''s wrong?"


    Eleanor ended the call and said, n''s here-he''s in my suite."


    Joy was surprised, but before she could say more, Frazier, dressed sharply as the groom, walked in. Spotting Eleanor, he approached. "Eleanor, I just ran into Mr. Goodwin. I invited him to join us for a ss of champagne. He said he happened to be free."


    Since Frazier had already extended the invitation, Eleanor couldn''t really object. After all, it was her friend''s wedding-this wasn''t the time for arguments.


    Joy got the sensen hade on purpose, but with his status, it would''ve been awkward not to invite him-especially since he was one of the hotel''s shareholders. Frazier had no choice but to ask him.


    "Eleanor, let''s wee Mr. Goodwin with a toast," Joy said.


    What could Eleanor say? After all, she was the only one with any issues with him.


    "Alright. I''ll go upstairs for a bit," Eleanor said.


    Back in the suite, as she pushed open the door, she heard Evelyn''s giggles.


    a tablet. The two lookedpletely at ease with each other.


    "Mommy! Daddy''s teaching me a word game!" Evelyn eximed excitedly.


    "Mommy, Daddy said he''s here to celebrate Miss Thatcher''s wedding too!" Evelyn said, bouncing with excitement.


    Butn hadn''t reallye for the wedding. He just wanted an excuse to spend time with his daughter.


    "I happened to run into Attorney Jeffries downstairs¡ªhe insisted I join in the celebration." Ian looked at Eleanor, perfectlyposed. "You don''t mind, do you?"

 Chapter 585

    Eleanor hadn''t said a word before Evelyn flung her arms around his neck. "Daddy, you can''t leave! I want you to stay with me."


    Evelyn''s eyes brightened as she nced at her mother. "Mom, you look so pretty today!" It was only then she noticed Eleanor had done her makeup.


    Today, Eleanor''s makeup brought out her striking features, adding a touch of sophistication and, beneath it, a subtle allure. She smiled at her daughter. "I''m going to help Miss Thatcher for a bit. You stay here with Daddy, and you two cane down together soon, okay?"


    "Okay, Mom!" Evelyn was perfectly content with her father''spany.


    It had been ages since she''d felt this close to him.


    Eleanor''s smile lingered for a moment, then slipped away as she turned and stepped out of the room.


    Joy was already slipping into her wedding dress when Eleanor entered. She nced up. "Why are you back downstairs again?"


    "He''s with Evelyn," Eleanor replied.


    Joy gave her a knowing look. "So you two can''t even manage the basics of being


    in the same room?" It was an usation Eleanor couldn''t deny. Wherevern


    was, she felt like the air itself got thinner.


    "I''ll stay with you for now," Eleanor offered.


    "That works. But I''m warning you, I''m seating you both at the same tableter. Otherwise, who''s going to look after Evelyn?" Joy said with a smirk.


    Eleanor could only nod in resignation. It was Joy''s big day, after all-she could call the shots.


    An hourter, Eleanor entered the reception hall, her hand in Evelyn''s. Over two hundred guests were already mingling, and as they walked in, more than a few heads turned their way. Among Joy and Frazier''s friends, many had heard about Eleanor''s aplishments.


    Seeing her in person was rarer than spotting a celebrity, so everyone was eager to catch a glimpse of this rising star in the research world.


    "Isn''t that Mr. Goodwin from Goodwin & Co.?" someone whispered nearby.


    People followed the direction of Eleanor''s arrival and sawn in a perfectly tailored ck suit, every movement exuding confidence and grace.


    Still, considering Frazier was now the legal director of the Vesper Joy Hotel, and with Goodwin & Co. holding shares in the hotel,n''s presence wasn''t all that surprising.


    The wedding ceremony began, andn took the seat beside Eleanor.


    As the ceremony reached its high point, Evelyn sat excitedly onn''sp. When the couple exchanged wedding rings, Evelyn suddenly turned to Eleanor with childlike curiosity. "Mom, did you get a ring when you and Dad got married? Why aren''t you wearing it?"


    Eleanor gave her daughter a gentle smile. "When I''m working in theb, I don''t wear rings."


    Truthfully, she couldn''t even remember where she''d tossed that wedding band-if it weren''t worth a small fortune, she might have thrown it in the river long ago.


    Eleanor watched as Joy and Frazier exchanged vows and finished the ceremony. She joined in the apuse, her heart genuinely wishing her best friend a lifetime of happiness and love.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen-and her breath caught in her chest. The name shing there left her stunned for several seconds.


    -Mansfield Ellington


    "Evelyn, I need to take a call," Eleanor said softly, rising from her seat with barely concealed urgency, as if afraid the caller would hang up before she reached them.


    The wedding emcee''s booming voice made it impossible to hear anything anyway, so Eleanor hurried out of the hall, almost running.


    "Nothing, honey." Ian managed a small smile.


    Eleanor made it to the front of the hall, a little out of breath as she answered the call. "Hello?"


    A familiar voiceughed on the other end. "What''s this? Did you have to run just to pick up my call?"

 Chapter 586

    He was sharp enough to catch the slight hitch in her breath.


    Eleanor gave a helplessugh and exined, "It''s my friend''s wedding today. The


    chapel was so loud just now, I had to step outside to take your call."


    "Have you been welltely?"


    "I''m fine. What about you?"


    "I''m-ah-" On the other end, Mansfield''s voice broke off with a barely- suppressed groan of pain.


    "What happened?" Eleanor''s concern was immediate; after all, he was stationed in one of the most dangerous parts of the world.


    "It''s nothing, really-just a minor injury. I''m recuperating," Mansfield replied, giving a low chuckle.


    "Where are you hurt? Is it serious?" Eleanor frowned, worry etched in her tone.


    "Took a bullet to the chest, but I''ll live."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. "You call that nothing? Did they get the bullet out? How close was it?"


    "I''m fine, honestly. Just need to stay in bed for a while." A sharp intake of breath colored his words.


    She didn''t believe for a second that he was really all right. "Mansfield, how bad is it-truly?" she pressed, her voice taking on an unexpected note of authority.


    He gave a softugh. "You sound just like a doctor. All right-missed my heart by less than an inch."


    Eleanor''s fingers clenched tightly around her phone, her knuckles turning white. She knew exactly what that meant-he''d brushed shoulders with death itself.


    "Which hospital are you in?" Her voice tightened.


    "They just transferred me back to the main military hospital," Mansfield answered after a pause. "Honestly, I''ll be fine. I just need some peace and quiet."


    "I''ll be in Kingston on Monday. I''lle see you," Eleanor said.


    "No need to go out of your way. You still have Evelyn to look after."


    "I''m there to ept an award anyway. Dropping by to see you is hardly a detour, is it?" Eleanor replied.


    Mansfield let out augh, which quickly turned into another gasp of pain.


    "All right, focus on getting better," Eleanor said, not wanting to tire him further.


    "Hearing your voice...it''s the best thing that''s happened all week," Mansfield said, his voice hoarse.


    "I''ll be even happier when youe back alive," Eleanor replied, letting out a long sigh.


    "Sorry for making you worry," he murmured.


    "Take care of yourself," she said, and ended the call. As she turned around, she sawn standing a few yards away, holding Evelyn in his arms. She had no idea how long he''d been there.


    "Mommy, who were you talking to?" Evelyn tilted her head, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.


    Under the hallway lights, Eleanor''s eyes were still ssy with unshed tears- Evelyn noticed, too. She blinked her big eyes and asked, "Mommy, are you crying?"


    Eleanor quickly wiped her eyes. It must''ve been the moment Mansfield mentioned getting shot that had made her tear up.


    Just then, Joslyn came out, having seenn carrying Evelyn outside and following with concern.


    "Evelyn,e with Aunt Joslyn and let''s get you something to eat," Joslyn said, reaching out for her.


    Eleanor, worried her daughter hadn''t eaten enough, encouraged her, "Go on,


    have a little more with Aunt Joslyn. I''ll join you soon."


    Evelyn let Joslyn lead her back into the reception hall.


    In the soft glow of the corridor lights,n''s gaze was dark and unreadable as he approached. "Mansfield''s been hurt?"


    Eleanor didn''t want to discuss it with him.


    "Is it serious?"n''s voice was calm but tight.


    His Adam''s apple bobbed as he studied her still-reddened eyes. "You''re going to


    visit him?¡± He paused. "I can look after Evelyn if you need."


    "No need," Eleanor replied, and turned back into the hall.


    After the wedding dinner, Eleanor took her daughter upstairs to rest.n didn''t


    Despite it being her own wedding day, Joyined that it was even more exhausting than a day at work. Eleanor had to agree-keeping your nerves taut for a wedding was no small feat.

 Chapter 587

    "I really wanted to hand you my bouquet just now, but when I looked over, you weren''t at your seat! Where did you run off to?"


    "I just stepped outside to take a call."


    "That''s such a shame! I was hoping to give you the bouquet right in front ofn!"


    Eleanorughed and shook her head. "Let''s save it for another girl who actually wants to get married!"


    That night, Eleanor and her daughter stayed at the hotel, not heading home until Sunday afternoon.


    Later that evening, Simone Langley called, reminding her to head to Kingston well in advance. This award was a big deal¡ªnational level, formal, and absolutely not the kind of event to bete for.


    Eleanor had already taken leave from Byron, deciding instead to bring her daughter to Kingston a day early and spend the night there. Joslyn would join them, so that while Eleanor was at the ceremony and visiting Mansfield, Joslyn could keep an eye on her daughter at the hotel.


    Early the next morning, Ellington sent a driver to take them to the airport. He''d also arranged for someone in Kingston to meet them on arrival, making sure Eleanor''s trip would go off without a hitch.


    At the airport, as Eleanor held her daughter''s hand and waited to board, Evelyn''s big blue eyes darted around curiously. Suddenly, she gasped and shouted in disbelief, "Daddy! It''s Daddy!"


    Before Eleanor could react, Evelyn had wriggled free and was already racing towardn and Gavin.


    Eleanor froze, quickly stepping out of line to look atn, who''d appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Her expression soured a little.


    Why is he everywhere I go?


    Joslyn brightened at the sight. Ifn was here, did that mean he was also flying to Kingston?


    "Daddy, are you taking the same ne as us?" Evelyn asked eagerly.


    "That''s right. I have a business trip in Kingston too, so we''ll travel together,"n replied, his deep voice warm. He scooped up Evelyn and walked over to Eleanor.


    "Miss Sutton," Gavin greeted politely.


    Eleanor nodded in acknowledgment. The boarding line had cleared, so she handed over Evelyn''s ticket at the gate, with Joslyn following close behind.


    Their first-ss seats were together-Eleanor had purchased three-and as it turned out,n and Gavin were also in first ss. Evelyn couldn''t have been happier.


    Two hourster, their ne touched down safely at Kingston International Airport. A driver met Eleanor, Joslyn, and Evelyn, ushering them to their car.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn said wistfully as she had to leaven behind.


    "Be good. I''lle find you soon, sweetheart,"n reassured her.


    Evelyn finally climbed into the car. Eleanor, already settled in the backseat, barely registeredn''s promise. She knew it was just one of his tricks to cate their daughter.


    But as she was checking in at the hotel, she suddenly spottedn and Gavin walking in behind her.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but roll her eyes. Did he have to stay at this hotel too?


    As if reading her thoughts,n exined, "I''m here for the awards ceremony as well."


    "Mr. Goodwin was selected as Entrepreneur of the Year," Gavin added with a smile.


    Eleanor raised an eyebrow, obviously skeptical.


    Eleanor considered it. It did seem possible, so she decided not to dwell on his reasons for being there.


    "Mom, Dad''s staying at our hotel too!" Evelyn pped her hands in delight, then asked hopefully, "Can you and Daddy share a room?"


    After all, whenever the three of them traveled together before, they''d always stayed in the most luxurious presidential suite.


    "I''ve already sorted out our rooms. Let''s go," Eleanor said, sidestepping her daughter''s question as she took Evelyn''s hand and led her and Joslyn toward the elevators.


    They''d barely been in the hotel for half an hour before Evelyn began begging to seen again. Eleanor gave in and asked Joslyn to take her over.


    The whirlwind of the first day left Eleanor feeling worn out. She decided she''d wait until the veryst day to visit Mansfield.

 Chapter 588

    A littleter,n sent a message:


    "I''m taking Evelyn out to dinner. Want to join us?"


    Eleanor replied without hesitation.


    "No, thanks."


    "Mom, Dad took me to the zoo today!" Evelyn chirped happily.


    That evening, Eleanor took Evelyn out for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Joslyn tagged along too, delighted to be part of their little group and clearly enjoying the change of pace.


    The next morning, Joslyn stayed at the hotel with Evelyn, andn left Gavin there as well, just in case anything was needed.


    Inside the National Grand Theater, the lights zed brilliantly.


    Eleanor arrived in an elegant gray suit-understated, sophisticated. She took her seat in the guest section reserved for leaders in medical research. In the front row,n sat tall andposed.


    Cameras swiveled their way. Among the few women present, Eleanor stood out- young and striking, with a presence thatbined the sharp brilliance of a diamond and the soft grace of a pearl.


    The press lingered on her andn with obvious interest.


    "And now, please wee the recipient of this year''s National Prize for Advances in Science and Technology-Dr. Sutton!"


    Thunderous apuse erupted as Eleanor rose gracefully. Climbing the steps to the stage, she was surprised to see the guest presenting the award: none other than Secretary Ellington himself.


    Her heart leaped with excitement and pride.


    "Miss Sutton, we meet again." Garth Ellington greeted her warmly as they shook hands.


    Eleanor noticed he looked a little older since she''dst seen him¡ªprobably the strain of Mansfield''s recent injury and return home, she guessed.


    "Good evening, Mr. Secretary." Eleanor''s concern was clear as she met his gaze.


    Garth handed her the trophy. "Mansfield''s back in the country. If you have time, you should visit him."


    "I was just nning to see him tomorrow," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    To the audience, it looked like a routine exchange between aureate and a distinguished presenter. Butn, watching from his seat, caught the way Secretary Ellington looked at Eleanor¡ªa proud, affectionate gaze, like a mentor toward his brightest prot¨¦g¨¦.


    Returning to her seat, Eleanor was congratted by those around her. Ian nced back at her for a long moment, his eyes shadowed withplicated emotions.


    On camera, Eleanor-a young woman among a sea of men¡ªshone all the brighter for her achievements. Andn, not yet thirty, was just as conspicuous among the older businessmen in attendance.


    Yet from start to finish, the two never exchanged a word. They might as well have been strangers.


    The ceremony was streamed live, and back at Goodwin Manor, the elderly Mrs. Goodwin watched, sighing.


    "If only they could make up..."


    Gina Quinn sat beside her, silent.


    Serena Goodwin, however, snorted. "My brother''s not exactly hurting for


    exceptional women, you know."


    Magdalen shot her a sharp look. "Your brother was never really good enough for


    Eleanor and now he''s got the nerve to fool around?"


    "Mom,n''s not that kind of guy," Gina said quietly, defending her son.


    Serena scoffed. "Dating Vanessa is hardly ''fooling around.'' And what about


    Eleanor? She''s been messing around with Xavier too, hasn''t she?" Her voice trembled with frustration.

 Chapter 589

    Gina''s face froze for a moment before she turned to her daughter. "Are you telling me Eleanor and Xavier are actually together?"


    Serena replied with a sulky edge, "I think they''ve been together for ages."


    Gina let out a weary sigh. She had always hoped Serena would marry Xavier- their families had known each other for years, and it would have strengthened both sides. But now, the Vaughns clearly preferred Eleanor. Gina had nothing left


    to say.


    Because of all this, she and Mrs. Vaughn hadn''t spoken muchtely.


    Magdalen, surprised, turned to Gina. "Xavier? Isn''t that the Vaughn boy?"


    "Yes, Henrietta''s son," Gina confirmed.


    Magdalen''s interest was piqued. "Weren''t we just talking about arranging a match between Serena and him?"


    At that, Serena shot up from her seat, storming out of the living room and up the stairs.


    Magdalen watched her granddaughter go, baffled. "What''s gotten into her now?"


    Gina turned to her mother-inw. "Mom, maybe you should let the younger ones sort out their own business."


    Magdalen, who was getting on in years, didn''t have the energy to keep up with all the drama. Her mind drifted back to Eleanor''s recent award-she could still picture the moment Eleanor epted her prize on stage. Her grandson had attended the ceremony too; surely he''d seen Eleanor''s talent for himself.


    She wondered if he''d ever consider getting back together with Eleanor. Meanwhile, the live broadcast of Eleanor''s award ceremony was ying on every screen across Meridian Dynamics'' offices. In the break room, Faye sat clutching her coffee, watching as the footage ended. Around her, coworkers buzzed with excitement over Eleanor''s poised appearance.


    "She looks incredible on camera! That bone structure, seriously."


    "And her style¡ªshe really knows how to dress."


    "Honestly, her looks are the least of it. The real story is the award she won today. That''s what makes her amazing."


    "Exactly! Did you see who presented the award? That''s as prestigious as it gets."


    Faye sat just behind the group, her grip tightening around her mug. She''d watched the ceremony from start to finish the Secretary of State himself had handed Eleanor the award. Eleanor''s star was rising, and it was blinding.


    She slipped out, heading back to her office and closing the door behind her. Pulling out her phone, she dialed Vanessa.


    "What''s up?" Vanessa answered.


    "Did you see Eleanor epting that award on the live stream?n was at the ceremony too. Don''t you feel even a little threatened?" Faye wasn''t trying to provoke Vanessa¡ªshe just wanted her to do something.


    "I saw it." Vanessa''s voice was casual, almost dismissive.


    "They''re both in Kingston tonight. Aren''t you worriedn might go see Eleanor?" Faye pressed.


    After all, anyone would think an ex-husband and ex-wife alone in the same city- especially after six years of marriage-could be a recipe for sparks to fly again.


    Vanessa gave a short, scornfulugh. "You''re overthinking it. I known, and I know Eleanor. There''s nothing between them."


    Faye hesitated, wondering if maybe she really was worrying too much.


    Vanessa had managed toe between Eleanor andn''s marriage after six years, andn had protected her fiercely-he''d even let Eleanor have custody of their daughter without a fight. There was no doubt whon loved most.


    "Maybe you''re right," Faye conceded. "It''s just, Eleanor''s be such a sensation. Even the Secretary of State handed her that award today-she''s practically glowing."


    Vanessa scoffed. "Do you really thinkn cares about that?n''s worth is a hundred times greater than Eleanor''s research. And anyway, these awards-most of them are just for show, not real merit."


    Faye thought about it. Eleanor''s nomination hade from Simone, Dr. Lyman Brown, and all of Ashford Medical University-top-tier names, sure, but both professors had been college friends of Eleanor''s father. There was no denying a bit of favoritism.


    With that thought, Faye felt slightly better.


    "Next week I''ll be at the International Piano Competition," Vanessa said, her tone suddenly bright. "Guess what prize I''ll take home?"


    Faye could hear the confidence in Vanessa''s voice and thought ofn''s support behind the scenes. Withn pulling strings, any award Vanessa wanted was within reach.


    "Go for the top prize-show up Eleanor for a change," Faye suggested.


    "Just wait for my good news," Vanessa replied.


    "But you''re sure nothing will happen betweenn and Eleanor in Kingston-?"


    Vanessa cut her off, voice cool and steady. "Even ifn is desperate, he''s not the type to settle for just anyone."


    Faye finally understoodn''s needs, whatever they were, only Vanessa could satisfy.


    In her own studio, Vanessa stood by the window, staring out at the city. She''d watched Eleanor''s award ceremony too. Even Vanessa had to admit, Eleanor had


    a captivating presence on stage-one that drew men''s admiration almost effortlessly.


    Still, Vanessa trusted her instincts. She''d knownn far longer than Eleanor ever had; she understood him better than anyone.


    Just then, her manager Laverne walked in. "The hotel''s all booked. This time, you''re bringing home the gold."

 Chapter 590

    Vanessa''s gaze hardened. "I don''t care about the awards. I just wantn to see that I''m better than Eleanor."


    Laverne, sensing the real knot in Vanessa''s heart, lowered her voice. "Mr. Goodwin probably doesn''t have time to go abroad with you this time, does he?" Vanessa replied breezily, "If I ever need him, he''ll show up."


    On that point, Laverne had to agree. Whenever Vanessa neededn, he always appeared he treated her as though she were ss, someone too precious to ever let break.


    Kingston.


    After the awards ceremony, there was a meeting scheduled for the afternoon.


    And when that was over, the organizers had arranged a formal dinner at the Grand Kingston Hotel. Almost no one would pass up such a high-profile event.


    Eleanor certainly wouldn''t. The evening promised not only a gathering of senior officials, but leaders and top professionals from every field.


    She had no choice but to ask Joslyn to watch her daughter for a few extra hours.


    Her little girl was well-behaved about it. After a quick video call with Eleanor, she settled in at the hotel withoutint.


    Inside the ballroom, a staff member led Eleanor to her table-and she stopped short. Her seat had been ced right besiden''s.


    "Dr. Sutton, you''re here! Please, sit here," a middle-aged man stood up and waved her over.


    Eleanor didn''t recognize him, butn rose and introduced them. ¡°This is Director Walden, head of Technology."


    Eleanor maintained a polished smile. "Good evening, Director Walden."


    Director Walden greeted her warmly, then excused himself to wee another guest.


    Eleanor''s mind was already working on how to switch seats, butn''s low voice interrupted her thoughts. "Evelyn didn''t give you any trouble, did she?"


    She answered stiffly, "No."


    The heat was turned up high, and Eleanor felt a flush rising to her cheeks. She slipped off her tailored zer, revealing a crisp white blouse. The top two buttons were undone, showing the elegant line of her corbone.


    Director Walden returned with more guests, and after introducing everyone, turned to Eleanor andn. "You two are exceptional-so young, and already national award recipients. The future is yours."


    Eleanor smiled politely.


    "Mr. Goodwin''s achievements in innovation are an inspiration to us all," another official added. "The two of you truly represent the best of our country''s young talent."


    "Looks to me like we have a power duo right here!" someone else chimed in.


    She had little appetite for dinner. As the first guests began to leave, Eleanor seized the opportunity, excused herself with a few words of thanks, and quietly slipped away from the table.


    After she left,n was cornered by Director Walden and persuaded into another round. He''d already had two sses of whiskey, and as his gaze fell on Eleanor''s half-finished cup of tea, he said, "I''m sorry, but I''ll have to pass on another drink. Let me offer a toast with tea instead."


    With that,n picked up Eleanor''s abandoned cup and raised it in salute.


    Eleanor''s driver was waiting outside. She climbed into the car and headed back to the hotel.


    It was nearly nine by the time she returned. In the elevator, she pressed her fingers to her temples, feeling the weight of fatigue settle in. Tomorrow she''d have to visit Mansfield at the hospital; tonight, all she wanted was an early night.


    Half an hourter.


    Someone rang the doorbell. Eleanor was in the shower, so Evelyn was the one to answer, her voice bright with excitement. "It must be Daddy!"


    She darted over and flung the door open. Sure enough,n was standing outside.


    His tie was loose, his jacket draped over his arm, and a rare flush colored his handsome face.


    "Daddy, you''re finally back!" Evelyn threw her arms around his leg in delight.


    "I came to check on you,"n said, his eyes crinkling with a smile.


    "Well,e on in!" Evelyn grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. Ian looked a little surprised, but Joslyn had just finished slicing some fruit and greeted him, "Mr. Goodwin, would you like some fruit?"


    "Evelyn, I''m taking some clothes to theundry. Why don''t you let Daddy stay with you for a bit?" Joslyn said, heading out with Eleanor''s change of clothes.


    "Okay!"


    Eleanor had no idean was there. She finished her shower and slipped into a robe before stepping out.


    Her hair was still damp as she walked out from the master bathroom, the V-neck of her robe revealing the delicate line of her corbone and a sweep of ivory skin.


    "Evelyn, time to start getting ready for bed," Eleanor called, stepping into the living room-only to freeze at the sight of thest person she expected to see on the couch.


    He was sitting there, Evelyn sprawled beside him with her iPad. His gaze lifted, and when he saw Eleanor in her robe, his eyes darkened, dropping from her face to her exposed skin.


    He knew her habits after a shower, she never wore anything underneath her robe. Some things, it seemed, hadn''t changed.

 Chapter 591

    Eleanor froze for a few seconds, her eyes wide with disbelief, then spun on her heel, her voice sharper and louder than usual.


    "What are you doing here?"


    "Okay!" Evelyn answered, picking up on her mother''s irritation.


    Eleanor let out a long breath, turning back to her daughter''s side. She knew she couldn''t me Evelyn for any of this, and since Evelyn mentioned Joslyn had gone to drop off theundry, she couldn''t fault Joslyn either.


    The next morning, Eleanor gave Joslyn instructions to watch Evelyn for the morning. She had no idea how Mansfield was doing and needed to check on him herself.


    Halfway to the military hospital, her phone buzzed. Joslyn called: Ian hade and taken Evelyn out.


    Eleanor had more or less expected that. For now, she''d have to letn handle it.


    The military hospital was quiet that morning. After registering at the front desk, Eleanor was shown to the private ward section.


    She pushed open the door to find Mansfield lying in bed, a book open in his hands. Two faint scars were still visible on his forehead.


    It was the first time she''d seen him in a hospital gown. His chest was bandaged, the cor loose, but he looked surprisingly well.


    "How''s the wound healing?" Eleanor set her bag on the sofa and pulled up a chair to examine him.


    "At least it didn''t hit anything vital, so I''m not dead yet." Mansfield arched an eyebrow, trying to make light of it.


    Eleanor noticed his medical chart on the table. She picked it up, flipping through the paperwork, then examined the X-ray film beside it.


    Mansfield couldn''t help but watch her closely. The way she studied his chart with such focus-her longshes, her delicate features-made him almost forget the pain.


    When she finished, Eleanor looked back at his chest. Mansfield obligingly shrugged off the hospital gown, revealing his strong, toned torso.


    Eleanorughed, shaking her head. "You don''t have to take it all off-put your shirt back on, or you''ll catch a cold."


    "No worries. Consider it a free show for you." Mansfield leaned back against his pillow with azy grin-until the movement tugged at his wound and he winced.


    Eleanor pulled the nket up to cover his waist. "Stop moving around. Focus on getting better first."


    "Have you been coughing?" she asked, remembering the slight bruising she''d seen on his X-ray.


    "A little, nothing serious," Mansfield admitted.


    He wished Eleanor could be his attending physician-then he''d get to see her making rounds morning, noon, and night. He''d be the model patient, and boredom would never be an issue.


    Eleanor pressed her hand to his forehead. The touch startled Mansfield. It was only when she withdrew that he remembered to breathe.


    "Your temperature''s normal, but you still need to be careful about infection."


    Mansfield smiled, lips pressed together. Even though she didn''t show it openly, her concern was clear-she looked after him with a quiet, professional tenderness.


    "I saw my dad gave you that award," Mansfield teased, lifting an eyebrow.


    "Yeah," Eleanor nodded. "I was surprised, too."


    Mansfield grinned. "Where''s Evelyn? Didn''t bring her along?"


    "She''d be a handful here, so I left her at home."


    Mansfield already knewn was in Kingston. "Is her father watching her?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, she''s with him."


    Mansfield looked at Eleanor for a long moment, something unreadable in his eyes. Eleanor finally asked, "What are you thinking?"


    He chuckled. "I was just thinking, once I''m a little better, maybe I''ll request to recover in Ashford City."


    "Don''t be ridiculous. The facilities here are excellent. Just focus on healing," Eleanor scolded, thinking his idea was childish.


    Mansfield leaned forward, his gaze intense. "But I want to be closer to¡ª"


    She cut him off with a sharp look. "Don''t joke about your health. You barely escaped death this time-you realize that, right?"


    He was momentarily speechless. For the first time, he found himself unable to argue back.


    At that moment, Eleanor sounded less like a friend and more like an older sister giving a stern lecture.


    Mansfield swallowed, sensing that if he kept pushing, she''d ignore himpletely.


    He finally gave in, shing a gentle smile as he settled into his pillow. "Alright, I''ll do as you say."


    Just then, two nurses came in with his medication and an antibiotic injection. Eleanor''s phone began to ring. She nced at the screen. "I need to take this."


    As Eleanor stepped into the hallway, the head nurse smiled at Mansfield. "Is that your girlfriend? She''s gorgeous."


    The younger nurse grinned, too. "Told you, Mr. Ellington-someone as handsome as you must have a girlfriend."


    Mansfield turned a little red, suddenly bashful. "She¡ª¡±


    "No need to be shy. You two look perfect together," the head nurse said, preparing the injection.


    Mansfield gave a sheepish smile and decided not to exin further. By the time his shot was done, Eleanor had returned. She caught the nurses giving her a knowing look as they left the room, grinning to themselves.


    Eleanor noticed but didn''t dwell on it. She sat down near the bed, watching as the nurse finished the injection. "I''ll have to leave soon," she said quietly.


    Mansfield understood. She was a single mom with a demanding job-she''d already made time to visit him, and that was more than enough.


    "Of course. Go take care of things. Once I''m feeling better, I''lle find you," Mansfield promised.


    "Not until the doctor says you''re discharged. Don''t even think about sneaking out," Eleanor warned, half-amused, half-exasperated. Sometimes he really was as mischievous as a teenage boy.


    Mansfield could only nod. "Alright. Whatever you say."

 Chapter 592

    "Get plenty of rest, and don''t forget your medication," Eleanor reminded him gently before picking up her bag and leaving.


    Mansfield watched her go, his head resting back against the pillow. He sighed softly. Even a brief visit was more than he''d hoped for.


    On her way back to the hotel, Eleanor textedn: *My flight''s at 2 p.m. this afternoon. Bring Evelyn back to the hotel, please.*


    *We''re already here,*n replied.


    When Eleanor arrived, Joslyn had finished packing. Ian led Evelyn over, and just as they reached the lobby, Gavin appeared, wheeling his suitcase. Clearly, they were checking out as well.


    "Mom, Dad''sing home with us," Evelyn announced cheerfully.


    Eleanor had already guessed they''d be on the same flight back to Ashford City.


    On the drive to the airport, Evelyn rode withn, while Eleanor gazed out the window, watching the scenery slide by. The trip, she thought, hade to a smooth close.


    Evelyn was brimming with happiness; in her mind, this had been a family adventure-Mom and Dad together.


    Half an hour after takeoff, Evelyn was curled up inn''sp, fast asleep under a thin nket, her little face serene and peaceful.


    Joslyn watched the scene, her heart full. She had seen, more than anyone, how devotedn was to Evelyn. From the moment she was born, she had been his treasure.


    Except for that one time-


    The time Evelyn fell ill. At first, everyone thought it was just a normal fever, but when the medication didn''t work after three days, they took her to the hospital. That''s when they learned her lungs were badly infected.


    It had happened during a nationwide outbreak of a children''s virus. Hospitals everywhere were overflowing, doctors stretched thin and sometimes making mistakes.


    That night, Eleanor had forbidden Joslyn from contactingn. To this day, he didn''t know that his beloved daughter had undergone a lungvage procedure. Thankfully, she recovered well, with no side effects.


    But ifn ever learned what Evelyn had endured, Joslyn knew he''d be devastated.


    She nced at Eleanor, who was quietly reading a medical journal. There was a calm, intelligent focus about her now-a far cry from the young woman who once leaned so heavily onn.


    Eleanor did nce over at her daughter from time to time, but her gaze lingered only on Evelyn''s sleeping face.


    When the nended, Evelyn was still asleep in her father''s arms, warm and content, unwilling to let go. Ian carried her off the ne and all the way to Eleanor''s car, where Joslyn took Evelyn from him.


    "Is Mansfield feeling any better?"n asked Eleanor, breaking the silence.


    Eleanor frowned, clearly not wanting to answer.


    Eleanor climbed in, cradling her daughter, who was still warm from sleep. She caught a faint trace ofn''s cologne on Evelyn''s clothes-a cool, cedar scent. Frowning, she cracked the window, letting the breeze clear the air.


    Back home, Evelyn was full of energy. Princess, their dog, was still at the local pet hotel and woulde home tomorrow.


    Eleanor retreated to her study to deal with emails. One was from York Windsor: hisb was runching next Monday, and Eleanor was invited to the opening ceremony. She fully intended to go. Meridian Dynamics would certainly send representatives as well.


    The next morning, Eleanor dropped Evelyn off at school and ran into Xavier. He''d been busytely, but hadn''t missed the live broadcast of Eleanor''s award ceremony.


    "Congrattions on your award," Xavier said, his smile gentle in the morning sun. "I watched the whole thingst night¡ªit was fantastic."


    Eleanor smiled back. "Thank you."


    "You''ll be at Dr. Windsor''sb reopening on Monday, right?¡± he asked.


    "I will," Eleanor nodded.


    "I''ll be there too. Maybe we could grab a coffee after the ceremony?"


    Eleanor nodded again. "Sure, let''s n on it."


    She nced at her watch. "Sorry, I have to go, or I''ll miss the morning meeting." Xavier nodded, watching her leave, a small smile ying at his lips.


    The ss fa?ade of Meridian Dynamics gleamed in the morning light. As Eleanor stepped into the lobby, the receptionists greeted her with congrattions. "Dr. Sutton, congrattions!"


    She smiled in acknowledgement, and as she walked through the building, colleagues offered their best wishes. The award she''d won brought prestige to everyone, and her abilities were no longer in doubt.


    Entering her office, Eleanor paused in surprise¡ªa bouquet of flowers sat on her desk. Who could have sent them?


    Gwenda came in. "Eleanor, someone dropped off flowers for you first thing this morning."


    Eleanor picked up the card tucked into the bouquet: *Congrattions, Miss Sutton -Xavier.*


    "Wow! Mr. Vaughn sent them?" Gwenda eximed, delighted.


    Eleanor hesitated, surprised by Xavier''s thoughtfulness.


    "Come on, Eleanor, be honest are you and Mr. Vaughn dating?" Gwenda


    whispered. "You can tell me, I swear I won''t breathe a word."


    Eleanor justughed and shook her head. "We''re just friends."


    After the morning meeting, Byron approached her. "Eleanor, Dr. Windsor''sb runch is next week. He''s invited you and Mr. Goodwin to take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony."


    Eleanor''s expression soured; she frowned, then stood and walked out.


    Just then, Byron''s phone rang. He answered. "Hello, Mr. Goodwin?"<pn''s low voice came through the line. "I won''t be able to attend Dr. Windsor''s ribbon-cutting. Please send my regrets-I''ll be out of town."

 Chapter 593

    After her evening shower, Eleanor settled onto the couch, catching up on the news while scrolling through thetest viral videos. Suddenly, a short clip of Vanessa at the airport popped up on her screen-shot and posted by one of Vanessa''s fans. Vanessa, dressed in a stunning, figure-hugging evening gown, was traveling with her manager, while three assistants wheeled along matching oversized suitcases-clearly she was heading overseas.


    The fan''s caption read, "Wishing my goddess the best of lucke home with the trophy!"


    One of the trending tags referenced a prestigious international pianopetition.


    Eleanor quickly swiped to the next headline, barely giving the video a second nce. A few momentster, she saw her own name mentioned in a news update about an award she''d won. Smiling faintly, she got up to head upstairs and spend some time with her daughter.


    ...


    The grand opening of Rhine Laboratories in York was set for the next day. Meridian Dynamics was sending Byron and Eleanor as their representatives.


    Sitting in the car, Byron suddenly remembered something. "Eleanor, Mr. Goodwin won''t be able to make it tomorrow. Did I mention that?"


    Eleanor blinked, then shook her head.


    Byron let out a sigh, running a hand over his hair. "I''ve been so swampedtely, I can barely keep track. Justst night, I told Dr. Windsor that Mr. Goodwin couldn''te-I was sure I''d already told you. Sorry about that!"


    Eleanor had already guessedn''s absence had something to do with Vanessa''s trip abroad for the pianopetition. Compared to that, a ribbon-cutting ceremony hardly seemed important.


    Byron nced back at her, watching for any sign of disappointment, but Eleanor just looked serenely untroubled. He figured she understood Mr. Goodwin''s priorities.


    Starnova Group was sending their own representatives as well. The sign on Juliette Grayson''sb had been swapped out for "Rhine Laboratories," and the new name gleamed proudly on the building''s facade.


    Outside, staff bustled about, makingst-minute preparations for the ceremony. Eleanor made her way over to York, who was chatting with a group of local officials. Catching sight of her, he waved. ¡°There''s champagne and appetizers inside-help yourself!"


    "Thank you, Dr. Windsor." Eleanor smiled politely and stepped inside. Byron quickly introduced her to one of Starnova Group''s engineers. The three of them were deep in conversation when Xavier strolled in, dressed in a sleek te-gray suit, his gentle smile lighting up his face as he walked toward Eleanor.


    "d you made it," he greeted her warmly.


    Eleanor turned to Byron. "You two go ahead. I''ll catch upter."


    She excused herself and joined Xavier on a nearby sofa. He looked around the bustlingb, a trace of emotion in his eyes. "It''s incredible to see this ce up and running again."


    Eleanor followed his gaze to York, who looked genuinely delighted with the day. She couldn''t help but share in his joy, grinning. "It really is. We''ve got a lot to celebrate."


    Xavier leaned back, his posture rxed. "It''s a good day. Feels like a fresh start for everyone."


    Across the room, Byron nced over and saw Eleanor and Xavierughing together, their conversation easy and unguarded. Byron wasn''t one to meddle, but it was obvious to him thatn Goodwin still hoped for a second chance with Eleanor. By the looks of it, though, she wasn''t short of admirers and high-quality ones at that. He''d even heard that Joel Kingsley had been nursing feelings for her.


    Soon, it was time for the ribbon-cutting. Eleanor and Xavier were both invited up; they joined York and the city officials at the entrance, cameras shing as the press jostled for the best shot. With a burst of confetti and the pop of celebratory cannons, the ceremony wasplete.


    Afterwards, everyone gathered at a nearby restaurant for a celebratory dinner. Byron and Eleanor found seats at the same table, and soon Xavier joined them, taking the seat right next to Eleanor. He was attentive in the smallest ways-when Eleanor identally spilled her tea, Xavier was the first to hand her a napkin.


    Byron watched them from across the table; their easy rapport was like watching an old married couple.


    A government official, Director Lamont-well-versed in social niceties-raised his ss and shed a charming smile at Eleanor. "Dr. Sutton, I''ve heard so much about you! Join me for a toast to celebrate."


    Without waiting for her response, he poured a ss of beer and set it in front of her.


    Byron knew Eleanor never drank.


    Appearing slightly flustered, Eleanor stared at the brimming ss, still searching for a way to politely decline.


    Before she could speak, Xavier''s hand reached over, his fingers resting lightly on the rim of her ss. Drawing it toward himself, he offered Director Lamont a polite smile. ¡°I''m afraid Dr. Sutton is allergic to alcohol. She really shouldn''t drink. Allow me." He turned to Eleanor, his expression warm. "I''ll drink this for you."

 Chapter 594

    Director Lamont, of course, knew exactly who Xavier was. With a jovial chuckle, he said, "Oh! My mistake. I didn''t realize Dr. Sutton doesn''t drink. I''ll have someone bring you some juice right away."


    Eleanor felt a surge of gratitude as Xavier shielded her from the wine. Across the table, Byron silently breathed a sigh of relief.


    If Xavier hadn''t stepped in, Byron knew the responsibility would have fallen on him to look out for Eleanor on Mr. Goodwin''s behalf.


    Just then, Byron''s phone buzzed. He nced at the screen, but when he saw who was calling, his expression sobered. He excused himself and moved to a quiet corner of the restaurant to answer.


    "Did the ribbon-cutting go smoothly?"n''s voice came through.


    Byron replied quickly, "Yes, Mr. Goodwin, everything went well. We''re having dinner now."


    "Eleanor''s there too?"


    "She is. And Mr. Vaughn''s with us as well," Byron added, unable to resist mentioning Xavier. He hesitated, then continued, "Mr. Vaughn just helped Eleanor out with a drink, actually."


    They chatted briefly about Starnova Group business beforen closed the call with a simple directive: "Keep an eye on Eleanor for me."


    The meaning behind those words was crystal clear to Byron. "Understood, Mr. Goodwin. You can count on me."


    Back at the table, Director Lamont-clearly a seasoned drinker-had a way of coaxing every man present into joining him for a toast. Even Byron couldn''t refuse, downing three sses in quick session. Xavier, too, had already polished off two. As the meal progressed, Lamont switched from beer to whiskey.


    For reasons he couldn''t quite exin, Xavier didn''t dodge the next round. Instead, he tossed back three shots of whiskey in a row, his movements so brisk and unhesitating that even Byron was impressed.


    Eleanor noticed the faint flush rising in Xavier''s cheeks. At this pace, he was bound to get drunk.


    She leaned over and whispered, "Xavier, that''s enough."


    He turned to her with a faint, easy smile. "Don''t worry. I can hold my liquor."


    Watching this unfold, Byron couldn''t help but think-Xavier''s doing this on purpose, isn''t he? Trying to get himself drunk so Eleanor will have to look after him? Not a bad strategy, he had to admit.


    By the end of dinner, Xavier had mixed beer and whiskey, and though he still appearedposed, he was definitely moving slower than usual as they stood to leave.


    Eleanor asked, "Did you drive here? Do you want me to call you a cab?" "Eleanor, could I trouble you to take me home?" Xavier rubbed his forehead, clearly feeling the effects of the alcohol and looking slightly ufortable. Byron was nearby, exchanging a knowing nce with Xavier-one Eleanor seemed oblivious to. As a man, Byron understood exactly what Xavier was up to.


    "Eleanor, the Starnova reps have a meeting at the office this afternoon. How about I have Laird drive Mr. Vaughn home, and I''ll ride with you back to thepany?" Byron offered smoothly.


    Eleanor nodded, turning to Xavier. "I''ll get VP Chase''s assistant to take you home so you can rest. I have a meeting after lunch."


    "No need," Xavier replied, massaging his temples, his voice a little rougher than usual. ¡°I''ll stay here until I sober up. I''ll have my assistant pick me up.¡±


    As he spoke, Xavier shot Byron a brief nce, then headed for a nearby sofa and sat down heavily, closing his eyes to rest.


    Seeing how unwell he looked, Eleanor fetched a bottle of room-temperature spring water and walked over. "Drink some water. It''ll help.¡±


    Xavier had thought she''d left, so when he opened his eyes and saw her offering the water, he gave her a small, unguarded smile-a little softer, a little more genuine than usual, the alcohol loosening his reserve. "Thank you, Eleanor. I appreciate it. I''m actually happy tonight."


    "You really drank too much," Eleanor said.


    "It was worth it," Xavier replied with a slightugh. Then, more softly, he added, "If


    it means you''ll show you care, getting drunk is worth it."


    Eleanor blinked, only now realizing Xavier had done it on purpose. She frowned lightly. "Don''t do it again. Your health matters."


    With that, she stood up and walked over to Byron, who followed her out of the restaurant.


    In the parking lot, Eleanor turned to him. "VP Chase, I don''t remember any meetings with Starnova scheduled for today."


    Byron looked a little sheepish. "Eleanor, honestly, with Mr. Vaughn that drunk, it really wouldn''t be appropriate for you to take him home."


    Given her friendship with Xavier, it wouldn''t have been a problem for Eleanor to drive him, but she preferred to keep some distance between them.


    "I''m heading to theb. You go back to the office," she said.


    Byron nodded, watching as Eleanor got in her car and drove off. He couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief¡ªat least Eleanor hadn''t realizedn had called him earlier, asking him to keep an eye on her.

 Chapter 595

    On his way back to Meridian Dynamics, Byron hesitated for a moment, then decided to sendn a quick message: "Mr. Goodwin, Eleanor just stopped by theb. She''s probably busy with the new medication."


    A curt reply came almost instantly: "Okay."


    Byron wasn''t surprised. That wasn''s way¡ªalways brisk, always to the point.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor had indeed returned to theb to deal with issues surrounding the new drug. One patient had developed an allergic reaction after starting the treatment, and Simone had asked her toe by when she had a moment to review the data together.


    For half an hour, Simone and Eleanor spoke with the patient, going over symptoms and details. When the conversation wrapped up, Simone turned to Eleanor, a thoughtful look in her eyes. "Eleanor, do you know ifn has any rtives or friends suffering from this illness?"


    Eleanor paused, thought it over, then shook her head. "I haven''t heard of anyone."


    Simone pulled out a folder, flipping it open to reveal a familiar patient chart. "You remember this case?"


    Eleanor took the file and scanned it. Of course-Mabel, the mother of two. She remembered how, after starting the new medication, Mabel''s white blood cell count had steadily fallen, her immune function had improved, and every indicator seemed to be headed in the right direction. Eleanor felt a wave of relief. Mabel was one of Simone''s special cases, and for good reason-she carried a rare gic mutation.


    Eleanor read through the notes again. Mabel''s leukemia was an unusual subtype, extremely rare.


    "Professor Langley, this mutation shows up in maybe one in a million people of East Asian descent. It''s notmon."


    "Exactly. Sometimes it just sits there in the genes, waiting," Simone replied, nodding. "Mabel''s leukemia was triggered by a gic mutation. ording to her, her grandmother died of leukemia, so in her case, it skipped a generation."


    "Can I see her sequencing data?" Eleanor asked.


    Simone pulled up the files on herputer, and Eleanor sat down to pore over the gic charts.


    Simone adjusted her sses, lost in thought. Ian had specifically asked her to keep a close watch on Mabel''s progress. Clearly, someone close to him might be carrying a hidden risk for leukemia, but he''d never said who.


    Suddenly, Simone rememberedn''s visit two days ago. She turned to Eleanor. "By the way, Eleanor,n had your mother''s donor sample transferred to ab overseas for research."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. She looked up sharply. "When did this happen?"


    "The afternoon beforest," Simone answered, a touch of guilt in her voice. n asked me not to tell you, but... well, since you''re here, I thought you should know."


    Seeing how pale Eleanor had be, Simone offered a gentle reassurance. "Eleanor,n must have his reasons. Besides, your father left that sample to be used for research-he wanted it to help people."


    Still, Eleanor felt a tightness in her chest.


    "Actually,n had hoped you''d lead the research," Simone added quietly. "But he thought it might be too much for you, and he just wanted to protect you."


    A sudden realization hit Eleanor. She looked up, her voice tense. "Professor Langley, did you find something unusual in my mother''s sample? I want to see the data."


    Simone blinked in surprise and shook her head. "We haven''t even started testing the sample yet. Why do you ask?"


    Eleanor''s mind shed back to her mother''s ident. She hadn''t died of illness, but in a car crash. The fact that she''d left her own biological sample behind for research must have been herst act of willpower-a final gift, hoping it might help someone, someday.

 Chapter 596

    "It''s nothing, I was just asking." Eleanor''s voice was barely above a whisper.


    "If you''re curious about what kind of research your mother''s sample is being used for, I can askn for you," Simone offered gently.


    Eleanor looked up. "That''s not necessary, Professor Langley. My father handed over the sample himself-he gaven full permission to use it."


    She tried to ept that. Whatever her father''s reasons for givingn the sample, it was his decision. She had no right to interfere.


    Simone reached over and patted Eleanor''s hand. "Why don''t you take a look at the patient data for a bit? I''ll step next door for a break."


    "All right," Eleanor replied with a faint nod.


    She was scanning through charts and numbers when her phone buzzed. She nced down and saw a message fromn.


    "I''ve sent your mother''s sample to an overseasb for research. If you have any questions, you can always ask me."


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. She didn''t want to reply, but finally picked up her phone and typed, "What kind of research are you using my mother''s sample for?"


    "To extract stem cells,"n answered.


    She let out a bitterugh. "And who exactly are you trying to save?"


    "I can''t answer that," camen''s curt reply.


    Eleanor had long suspected thatn wanted her mother''s donor sample for Vanessa. His evasive answer now confirmed it.


    Looking back, the timeline was in enough. Ian and Vanessa had fallen in love well before everything else. Aftern''s car ident, Eleanor had cared for him through hisa and recovery; he''d married her out of gratitude, but his affection -his heart and his resources-had always gone to Vanessa.


    Vanessa''s health had never been good. Ian kept her sheltered and cared for abroad. Eleanor had guessed that Vanessa was the early-stage leukemia patient. Now, with the new drug developed,n was preparing a backup n: extracting stem cells from her mother''s donor blood for a potential future bone marrow transnt.


    The prognosis for the disease often required the option of stem cell transntation.


    Eleanor''s fingers curled into a fist so tight her knuckles turned white. She held her breath for a long, aching moment before finally exhaling.


    Nothing hurt more than knowing her mother''s sample would be used to save the womann truly loved.


    The door opened and Simone returned. She stopped short at the sight of Eleanor''s pale face and reddened eyes. "Eleanor, are you all right? You''re not finished yet?"


    Eleanor bit down hard on her lip, trying topose herself. "I''m fine."


    "If you''re dealing with something painful, you can talk to me," Simone said softly, sitting beside her with concern in her eyes. She sensed that Eleanor was carrying far too much on her shoulders.


    Eleanor closed her eyes and shook her head. "Really, I''m okay."


    Simone didn''t press. She just encouraged Eleanor to rest a while, then quietly left the room.


    Eleanor nodded. She''d always known how deeplyn loved Vanessa, but facing each new piece of evidence left her raw and shaken.


    At four thirty, Eleanor drove to pick up her daughter from school.


    After parking, she grabbed her bag and crossed the street toward the campus. The neighborhood was old, the streets narrow, and the school had limited parking, so Eleanor had to leave her car across the road.


    She had just reached the middle of the crosswalk when a piercing screech of brakes shattered the afternoon stillness. Eleanor''s head snapped up a ck sedan was careening out of control, barreling straight toward her.


    In that split second, she felt her blood turn to ice.

 Chapter 597

    "Watch out!"


    A figure lunged in from the side, shoving her out of the way. Eleanor stumbled forward, dropping to her knees just as a dull thud echoed behind her.


    Heart pounding, she whipped around. Three yards away, where she''d been standing moments ago, Xaviery on his side. Blood streaked along his arm, vivid against the torn sleeve of his suit jacket.


    "Xavier!" Ignoring the pain in her knees, Eleanor scrambled to her feet and rushed to him.


    A ck sedan screeched to a halt nearby. The young driver jumped out, panic written all over his pale face. "I''m sorry, I''m so sorry, I didn''t mean-" He crouched down, hands trembling, voice cracking with fear.


    Xavier propped himself up with his good arm, clutching his left. He looked at Eleanor, his expression strained but steady. "Are you alright?"


    Eleanor stared at the blood seeping through his ripped jacket, her heart twisting painfully. In that split second, Xavier had pushed her clear of the car, taking the full impact himself. He''d been thrown yards across the asphalt. She had no idea how badly he was hurt.


    With shaking hands, she fumbled for her phone and called an ambnce, her voice wavering as she described the ident.


    Xavier tried to reassure her, forcing a smile. "Don''t worry, it''s just a scrape." But as he shifted, pain red across his face and he sucked in a sharp breath. Thankfully, the hospital was close by. Within ten minutes, paramedics arrived, quickly bandaging Xavier''s wounds before whisking him away.


    The driver huddled on the curb, head in his hands, still in shock. Police arrived soon after to take statements and manage the scene.


    Eleanor wanted to go with Xavier, but he stopped her. He needed her to pick up Vivian.


    After ss, Eleanor collected the two children from school and brought them home, asking Joslyn to handle their dinner so she could head straight to the hospital.


    When she reached Xavier''s room, his assistant was already there.


    The assistant gave her a relieved smile. "Mr. Vaughn was lucky. It''s just a fractured arm and some bruises-nothing life-threatening."


    But only Eleanor knew how close it had been. If the driver hadn''t hit the brakes in time, or worse, if he''d mmed on the gas by mistake... she shuddered to think what might have happened.


    Her voice trembled as she asked, "Why were you behind me?"


    "After you parked, I was right there," Xavier replied softly. "You just seemed lost in thought and didn''t notice me." He remembered the car barreling toward Eleanor, the world narrowing to a single desperate instinct: get her out of harm''s way.


    He hadn''t considered what would happen to him after he pushed her aside.


    Fate had been kind. The car had slowed just enough; he''d been thrown, but only his arm was injured.


    "Xavier, thank you." Tears gathered in Eleanor''s eyes and slipped down her cheeks.


    Xavier looked surprised. "Eleanor, don''t me yourself. I''m fine, really-just a few scratches."


    He tried to lift his hand to wipe her tears, but Eleanor had already brushed them away. "I''ll never forget what you did for me. From now on, I''m going to take care of you until you''re out of here and fully recovered."


    The assistant quietly slipped out, giving them privacy.


    Xavier blinked, a gentle smile ying at his lips. "But you''re busy with work¡ª"


    "It doesn''t matter. I''ll take a week off," Eleanor said firmly. "You got hurt protecting me. The least I can do is be here for you."


    A warmth flickered in Xavier''s eyes, his smile deepening. "Your kindness means more to me than you know."

 Chapter 598

    "Vivian''s having dinner at my ce tonight. Is there anything you''d like to eat? I can bring something back for you," Eleanor called over to him.


    Xavier smiled. "I''m easy, but the doctor did suggest I stick to lighter meals for now."


    "There''s a great little ce near the hospital. I''ll pick something up for you," Eleanor replied.


    "Sounds good." There was a flicker of anticipation in Xavier''s eyes.


    After Eleanor left, his assistant came over. "Mr. Vaughn, would you like me to bring you something for dinner?"


    "No need. You can head home for the night," Xavier said.


    The assistant understood immediately when Eleanor was around, he was just in the way, the third wheel.


    "Alright, call me if you need anything." With a smile, the assistant left.


    Xavier hadn''t told his mother about the ident-not wanting to worry her. Just then, his phone rang. He nced at the screen: Henry Holt. He picked up. "Hey, Henry."


    "Let''s grab dinner together," Henry said, sounding a little down.


    "I''m afraid I can''t. I''m at the hospital."


    "What happened? Are you alright?" Henry''s voice shot through with concern.


    "I got clipped by a car. Broke my left arm, so I''m staying here for now."


    "What? Which hospital? I''ming over right now." Henry was clearly rattled.


    Xavier gave him the address. Fifteen minutester, Eleanor returned with takeout some food and a steaming thermos of nourishing soup.


    The soup was piping hot, fresh from the kitchen. You couldn''t even take a sip without blowing on it first.


    With his left arm in a cast and his other hand bandaged and bruised, Xavier was clearly having trouble managing on his own. He didn''t say a word, just looked at Eleanor with quiet hope.


    "Let me cool this down for you," Eleanor said, stirring the soup to help it lose some heat.


    Ten minutes passed. Finally, Xavier nced away, slightly embarrassed, and asked, "Could you... feed me a few bites?"


    It wasn''t an unreasonable request-after all, he''d gotten hurt saving Eleanor, and his other hand was scratched and wrapped in gauze.


    "Of course." Eleanor nodded, lifting the spoon and gently feeding Xavier the soup.


    Outside the hospital room, a hurried voice echoed down the hall. Just as Henry reached the door, he caught sight of the scene through the small window: Eleanor, tenderly feeding Xavier.


    Henry hesitated, hand on the doorknob, and sighed. Well, it seemed Xavier and Eleanor were much closer than he''d realized.


    Right then, Henry''s phone buzzed-Vanessa was calling. His eyes lit up as he answered, "Did you finish your match?"


    "Yeah, it''s over."


    "How''d it go?"


    "I think it was my best performance yet." Vanessaughed. "What are you up to?"


    "Xavier''s in the hospital-I''m here to see him."


    "Xavier''s hurt? Is it serious?"


    "I haven''t gone in yet. He''s gotpany."


    "Who?"


    "Eleanor. She''s feeding him soup, actually."


    "No way! Take a picture for me."


    "You don''t believe me? Fine, I''ll send you one in a bit."


    "Right now," Vanessa insisted before hanging up.


    With no choice, Henry took out his phone, snapped a photo through the ss of Eleanor feeding Xavier, and sent it to Vanessa. ¡°See?"


    "Got it," Vanessa replied.

 Chapter 599

    Henry sent another message: "Vanessa, when are youing back? Do you want me toe keep youpany?"


    "No need! I''ll be flying home in a couple of days," Vanessa replied.


    Reading her response, Henry felt a pang of disappointment. He knew Vanessa only wanted the person she cared about most by her side.


    Pushing aside his own thoughts, Henry looked up to see Eleanor finishing up feeding soup to Xavier. He rapped lightly on the door before stepping inside with a grin. "Looks like I picked the wrong time to show up!"


    Eleanor nced back, surprised to see him. Xavier checked the time, then turned to her. "Why don''t you head home? The kids are probably waiting for you. I''ll have Henry keep an eye on me."


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright."


    "My driver will be here to pick up Vivian at eight thirty," Xavier added.


    "Okay. Get some rest. I''lle by to check on you tomorrow," Eleanor said, grabbing her bag. She exchanged only a brief look with Henry on her way out.


    Henry''s smile faltered a little. Ever since theirst private conversation, Eleanor had been keeping her distance. He still felt guilty for the impulsive things he''d said that day.


    After Eleanor left, Henry pulled up a chair and sat down beside Xavier. "How''d you get hurt? Is it serious?"


    "Broke my arm. The rest are just scrapes and bruises," Xavier replied.


    "I asked how it happened," Henry pressed. He could sense Xavier was hiding something.


    Xavier hesitated, then gave in. "Eleanor was crossing the street-almost got hit by


    a car. I pushed her out of the way and couldn''t dodge in time myself."


    Henry''s eyes widened. "So you saved her life again?" Twice now Xavier had risked himself for Eleanor, and from the way she''d fussed over him earlier, Henry wondered if gratitude might soon be something more.


    Xavier caught the look in Henry''s eyes and grew serious. "Look, Henry, I''m not going to use what happened to manipte Eleanor. And I''d appreciate it if you stopped bringing it up."


    Henry sighed. "Rescue is rescue. Love is love. They''re not the same. Just like whenn married Eleanor out of gratitude-well, we all know how that worked out."


    He hoped Xavier could see the difference. Just because he''d saved Eleanor didn''t mean she owed him her heart.


    Xavier dropped his gaze, a bitter smile flickering across his face. "I know the difference."


    Henry gave his shoulder a pat. "Alright, I said I wouldn''t meddle in your business, and I meant it. If you want to pursue her, go for it. Evenn doesn''t mind-why should I?"


    "Are you suren truly doesn''t mind?" Xavier asked suddenly, looking up.


    Henry hesitated. "What, you thinkn''s the type to try to win her back?"


    Xavier narrowed his eyes. He used to think he understood his two friends, but now he realized everyone kept secrets.


    He didn''t answer, and Henry cleared his throat. "Alright, let''s drop the subject."


    Back at home, Eleanor found Joslyn looking after the twins, the two little ones ying happily together. She headed upstairs, pulled out her phone, and called Byron.


    "Hey, Eleanor."


    "Mr. Chase, I''d like to request a week off."


    "A whole week?"


    "Yes, one week."


    "Alright, I''ll approve it for you," Byron agreed easily. The neural interface project was still in its nning stages, so it wasn''t a problem.


    After the call, Eleanor sighed, reying the moment Xavier had pushed her out of harm''s way. The thought of what could have happened-if that car hadn''t stopped -sent chills down her spine.


    She closed her eyes, forcing herself not to dwell on it, but the fear lingered.


    At eight thirty, Xavier''s driver arrived to take Vivian home.


    Eleanor busied herself bathing her daughter and reading bedtime stories until nearly ten. Evelyn fell asleep nestled in her arms. Eleanor picked up her phone, intending to unwind with a short video, but a headline on the entertainment feed caught her eye, making her squint.


    It was a repost of Vanessa''stest update¡ªa photo of her beaming with pride, clutching a trophy.


    The caption read, "Thank you for giving me the chance to prove myself again and again. Good things are worth waiting for-they alwayse."


    Beneath it, a reporter added, "Looks like our superstar has not only snagged an international award, but found happiness as well! Fans want to know-when will we see you walk down the aisle?"


    Top of thements was, "Heard Ms. Shannon''s boyfriend is none other than Goodwin & Co. CEO,n!"


    "A perfect match-wishing our queen all the happiness in the world!"


    Right then, a sh of lightning split the sky outside. Startled, Eleanor dropped her phone and immediately covered her daughter''s ears as a p of thunder shook the windows. Her face went pale.


    She''d always been sensitive to loud noises-thunderstorms and fireworks had terrified her as a child. But now, as a mother, she forced herself to stay calm for her daughter''s sake.


    After a few more rumbles, rain began to drum against the ss, and Eleanor''s mind wandered restlessly.


    Her phone buzzed. Sleepy but curious, she nced at the screen.


    "Is something wrong? Why are you taking a week off?"


    -It wasn.


    She ignored the message, but another soon followed. "I''m flying home tonight."


    Eleanor tossed her phone aside with a cold expression, holding her daughter close as she drifted off to sleep.


    The next morning, after dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor packed up breakfast and headed to the hospital to check on Xavier.


    Xavier had told her yesterday not to mention the ident to his mother, so Eleanor felt responsible for looking after him herself.


    When she arrived, a nurse was hooking up Xavier''s IV. She adjusted the drip rate, sneaking nces at Xavier-after all, it wasn''t every day you saw a man that handsome and charismatic.

 Chapter 600

    As Eleanor passed the nurses'' station, she felt a few pairs of eyes sizing her up. She couldn''t quite figure out why.


    What she didn''t know was that everyone at the nurses'' station had already pegged her as Xavier''s girlfriend, and so their curiosity was only natural.


    Eleanor pushed open the door to Xavier''s private room. The moment he saw her, his eyes lit up and he tried to prop himself up in bed. "You''re here early," he said, a smile breaking across his face.


    She hurried over, cing the breakfast bag on his nightstand. "Don''t move around so much¡ªyou''ll pull the IV." Her hand reached out to steady him, the gesture so natural she didn''t even think about it.


    Xavier could feel the warmth of her fingers. It sent a shiver through him, an electric charge that left him momentarily breathless.


    Eleanor helped him sit up, then quickly withdrew her hand.


    "I brought you some savory pie and mushroom soup," she said, opening the insted containers. The fragrant steam filled the room, warm andforting. "See if you feel like having either."


    Xavier swallowed, his Adam''s apple bobbing. "From that ce we triedst time?" She nodded. "You said you liked it, so I went out of my way to pick it up."


    He stared at her for a few seconds, surprised she remembered something as trivial as his breakfast preference¡ªespecially since theirst breakfast together had been months ago.


    Did this mean he''d carved out a ce for himself in her heart?


    Eleanor gently stirred the soup, waiting for it to cool. When it was ready, she began to feed it to Xavier.


    He smiled, a little embarrassed. "I can manage. You don''t have to fuss over me."


    Truth be told, he''d managed perfectly well on his own the night before.


    She didn''t insist. Instead, she adjusted the bed so he could sit up morefortably, then handed him the soup. Xavier lifted the bowl in his good hand, sipping the hot broth. "Thank you for taking care of me."


    Eleanor shook her head. "If it weren''t for you, I''d be the one lying here right now."


    Xavier stopped mid-sip, looking up at her. "As long as I''m around, I''ll never let anything happen to you."


    Her breath caught as she met his gaze, gratitude shining in her eyes.


    Outside, a steady winter rain began to fall, drumming softly on the window. For a moment, neither of them spoke.


    "I had my assistant bring a couple of books. Want to take a look?" Xavier asked, breaking the silence.


    One was on business strategy, the other on medicine. Eleanor knew Xavier had picked them out to help her pass the time. "Thank you," she said, genuinely touched.


    So the two of them sat quietly in the sunlit room, each with a book in hand, asionally chatting about work.


    By two in the afternoon, Eleanor was starting to feel drowsy, her head propped on one hand as she struggled to keep her eyes open. Suddenly, the door swung open.


    Eleanor looked up just as Vanessa entered, wrapped in a beige cashmere coat, a bouquet of flowers in her hands. She hesitated when she saw Eleanor, but after a moment regained herposure. Henry came inst, pausing in surprise at the sight of Eleanor.


    He''d assumed that bying at this hour, he''d avoid running into her.


    Butn hade straight from the airport, clearly worried about Xavier.


    Vanessa walked over to the bed, ncing at Xavier''s arm in a cast. "Xavier, I heard what happened. Ian and I came to check on you."


    The room felt suddenly tense. Eleanor closed her book and stood, turning to Xavier. "I''ll head out now."


    Xavier nodded. "It''s raining-drive carefully."


    She gathered up the containers from his nightstand one of them was a special sk of bone broth Joslyn had made for him.


    Seeing this, Xavier said, "Tell Joslyn not to bother with soup tomorrow. You must be tired carrying it back and forth."


    Eleanor smiled. "It''s no trouble. Tomorrow I''ll have her make chicken soup instead." With that, she picked up the bag and headed for the door.


    Henry, noticingn''s reaction, narrowed his eyes. From where he sat, he could see the tension inn''s jaw. Any man would mind seeing his ex-wife caring for his brother like this.


    After Eleanor left, Vanessa smiled. "Xavier, I heard you got hurt saving Eleanor. She must be so grateful."


    Xavier''s gaze flickered, but he said nothing.


    Henry stepped in to smooth things over. "For Xavier, it was nothing, really."


    Xavier understood what he was asking and grew serious. ¡°The police are running


    a thorough background check."


    "If you need help with anything, just say the word," Ian replied.


    Henry turned to Vanessa. "You''re still jetgged. Let me drive you home so you can rest."


    Vanessa looked briefly atn, who didn''t nce back. She nodded at Henry. "Thank you."


    Henry said to Xavier, "I''lle byter."


    After Henry and Vanessa left,n studied Xavier''s bandaged arm, clearly deep in thought-trying to piece together exactly how the ident had happened.


    "Thank you, Xavier,"n said quietly, his voice low.


    Xavier managed a small smile. "There''s no need."


    Xavier''s expression was calm as he nodded. "It''s my duty to protect Eleanor."


    For a moment, the only sound was the rain growing heavier on the windows, echoing the unspoken tension in the room.


    Sitting up straighter, Xavier said, n, we''ve known each other since we were seven. You know me."


    "If you''ve really let go, then do itpletely," Xavier said, drawing a breath. "I think Eleanor has, too."


    "You''re sure she has?"n''s voice was rough, uncertain.


    Xavier held his gaze. "At the very least, she''s not looking back anymore."

 Chapter 601

    n," Xavier said softly, "if you still care about her, let her live her own life."


    "I am," Xavier answered without hesitation.


    After more than twenty years as friends, it wasn''t hard to guess what the other was thinking.


    They locked eyes for a moment beforen nodded. "I''ll respect any choice she makes."


    With that, he grabbed the overcoat slung over the back of his chair and draped it over his arm. "Take care of yourself and get some rest. I''ll check in on you again in a couple of days."


    At the door, he paused. "But this concerns the safety of my child''s mother. I''ll have someone look into that driver."


    Xavier was caught off guard. Before he could say anything,n had already pushed open the door and left. Xavier frowned, thinking to himself: Ian keeps saying he respects Eleanor''s choices, yet he can''t help interfering in every part of her life.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor was resting at home, still an hour away from picking up her daughter. Joslyn, the housekeeper, noticed Princess-Eleanor''s golden retriever -whining at the door, as if sensing someone familiar outside.


    There weren''t many people Princess weed so enthusiastically; Joslyn had a pretty good guess who it was. Right on cue, the doorbell rang.


    Eleanor was resting upstairs, and Joslyn didn''t want to disturb her, but she figured she ought to greet Mr. Goodwin herself.


    She grabbed an umbre and stepped outside. When she opened the door, she foundn standing in the rain, drenched from head to toe, looking far more exhausted than usual.


    "Is Eleanor home?"n asked.


    Joslyn was startled. He looked worn out, the rain darkening his hair and suit, the usual sharpness in his eyes dulled by fatigue.


    "Mrs. Goodwin is resting upstairs. Mr. Goodwin, do you " Joslyn hesitated, unsure whether to invite him in.


    "I need to speak with her."n nced up toward the second floor.


    Joslyn, feeling a pang of sympathy, nodded. "Pleasee inside and get out of the rain. You''ll catch a cold standing out here like this."


    He slipped off his wet coat, and Joslyn, out of habit, took it and hung it in the entryway.


    Upstairs, Eleanor half-heard the voices below. Still groggy, she sat up and started down the stairs, calling, "Joslyn, who''s here?"


    Joslyn hurried to the banister. "Ma''am, it''s Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor''s expression hardened instantly. She clutched her cardigan closer, her


    voice colder than the winter rain outside. "What do you want?"


    Eleanor paused, her hand tightening on the railing. She walked down the stairs slowly, thinking for a moment before replying, "What are you trying to say?"


    "I just want to make sure the ident wasn''t anything but that¡ªan ident."


    Eleanor''s gaze turned icy. Whether the incident was deliberate or not, Xavier was already investigating. "Xavier is looking into it," she said tly.


    "If you need anything, I can "


    She cut him off sharply. "I trust him."


    Those words "I trust him"-made something inn''s expression darken. His jaw tightened, and when he spoke again, his voice was rough. "I only want to make sure you and Evelyn are safe."


    Eleanor turned away. "Joslyn, show Mr. Goodwin out."


    Joslyn barely had time to fetch an umbre for him before Princess darted past her, chasing aftern. He was just about to open his car door when he noticed Princess crouched behind him, looking up at him with watery eyes. Rain streamed down his face as he turned and knelt beside her, rubbing her head gently. "Back inside, girl."


    Princess tilted her head, tail wagging, but didn''t budge.


    "Go on,"n said, his tone firmer.


    Looking dejected, Princess finally retreated behind the gate. Ian closed it behind her and nced up at the second floor, lingering for a few seconds in the rain. Then he slid into his ck sedan and drove away, his car vanishing into the storm.


    Upstairs, Eleanor''s phone rang at that very moment. Xavier was calling-he''d just received the police report.


    It had been an ident after all. The driver was a rookie, licensed for barely three months, who''d just picked up his new car. Excited and careless, he''d run a red light at excessive speed, causing the crash.

 Chapter 602

    "Don''t worry. I''ll have someone keep an eye on the driver, and I''ll notify you right away if anything happens," Xavier assured her gently. Then, as an extra


    precaution, he added, ¡°You should have Ellington''s team arrange some security for you these days."


    "I will. I''ll ask Ellington to bring in some guards," Eleanor agreed, deciding she''d rather be safe than sorry.


    For six straight days, Eleanor arrived on time each morning to look after Xavier. By the seventh day, when Xavier was scheduled for discharge, Eleanor pushed open his hospital room door and foundn and Henry already there, deep in conversation.


    All three men fell silent as she entered. Ian''s gaze lingered on her, his eyes dimming slightly.


    "Good morning, Eleanor," Henry greeted her.


    "Morning," she replied, ncing at him.


    "We''re here to see Xavier off," Henry exined. Eleanor nodded, setting the breakfast she''d brought on the bedside table before moving naturally to Xavier''s side. "Let me help you pack up."


    Xavier offered her a small, grateful smile. "You''ve been amazing these past few days. Thank you."


    "It''s the least I can do," Eleanor replied, then began gathering Xavier''s personal items-his toiletries, a book or two, the change of clothes his assistant had brought in. To anyone watching, she looked every bit the attentive wife.


    Henry took note of this, ncing over atn. Outwardly,n seemed unfazed, but if you looked closely, his eyes were dark and unreadable.


    Xavier hadn''t expected Eleanor''s care to be so thoughtful and meticulous. In truth, he felt a little uneasy about it. The more she drew clear boundaries and acted out of duty, the more it became obvious she saw him as someone to whom she owed a favor, nothing more.


    His feelings grewplicated as he watched her move around the room. "Eleanor, let Cain handle this. You should rest."


    She was folding Xavier''s clothes neatly onto the couch, slipping them into his overnight bag with efficient hands. "It''s fine, I''ve got it," she replied briskly.


    Henry scratched his nose awkwardly. At this point, he couldn''t quite figure out what was really happening between Eleanor and Xavier. She took such good care of him, but it all seemed like she was just repaying a debt-there was no warmth or affection.


    Just then, Xavier''s assistant pushed open the door. "Mr. Vaughn, all the paperwork''s done. You''re free to leave whenever you''re ready."


    "Cain, grab my bag, will you?" Xavier asked.


    Cain noticed Eleanor had already packed everything. He stepped forward, saying, "Miss Sutton, let me take it from here. You should rest."


    Xavier stood, his cast still secured with a sling, but he could move without much trouble.


    "Mr. Vaughn, the car''s waiting outside," Cain announced.


    The five of them made their way out of the room and down the elevator to the hospital entrance. Cain opened the car door for Xavier. "Mr. Vaughn, after you."


    Xavier turned to Eleanor. "Thank you for everything. Make sure you get some rest."


    Eleanor nodded. "If you need anything, just call me."


    But the more polite she was, the more Xavier felt a pang of disappointment. He turned ton and Henry. "You two should head home as well."


    Henry stepped forward. "Take care, all right? And if you need anything, just call, you know that."


    Xavier got into the car, and Cain pulled away smoothly. Henry scratched the back of his head. "Guess I''ll get going too."


    After Henry left, Eleanor lingered for a moment. Ian''s voice drifted over. "I''m picking up Evelyn today. You should take it easy."


    With that,n headed across the lot toward his ck Maybach, the sunlight glinting coldly off its surface-almost as cold and distant as its owner.


    He didn''t drive away right away. He waited until Eleanor''s car pulled out, then followed at a discreet distance.


    Eleanor didn''t go home. She''d made ns to meet Joy for lunch. At a stoplight,n''s car pulled up beside hers, but she didn''t notice the sleek ck vehicle shadowing her. She was too busy chatting with Joy on the phone.


    Listening to Joy recount a hrious story from her married life, Eleanor couldn''t help but smile.


    "Seriously?"


    "I swear! He just stuffed the present somewhere, and then had to go digging through our building''s trash cans to find it. You have no idea how ridiculous he looked."


    Eleanor burst outughing, her eyes crinkling with genuine delight, her whole demeanor light and carefree.


    From the Maybach next to her,n narrowed his eyes. It had been a long time since he''d seen Eleanorugh like that-so freely, so unguardedly. He found himself wondering who had put that smile on her face.


    Was it Xavier? Or was it Mansfield?

 Chapter 603

    Eleanor''s car pulled away first, leavingn waiting to make a left turn. He watched her taillights disappear, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.


    Later, Eleanor met Joy at a cozy downtown caf¨¦. They caught up on life, and soon the conversation turned to Eleanor''s recent ident. Joy''s eyes widened in rm. ¡°Wait¡ªsomeone almost hit you with their car?"


    "Xavier shoved me out of the way," Eleanor said quietly. "He took the hit instead. I''ve spent all week taking care of him."


    "Is he badly hurt?" Joy asked, concern written all over her face.


    "He fractured his arm. He''s home now, just needs time to recover."


    Joy shook her head, half in disbelief. "So now you owe Xavier a huge favor. Actually, that makes two, doesn''t it? How are you ever going to repay him?" She grinned, a teasing glint in her eye. "What''s next, pay him back like they did in the old days? ''You saved my life, now I''ll marry you''?"


    "Don''t be ridiculous." Eleanor stirred her coffee, her expression turning serious. "Xavier''s a very important friend, but that''s all."


    Joy propped her chin on her hand, eyeing Eleanor with a knowing look. "Maybe that''s how you feel, but it''s obvious Xavier sees you as more than just a friend."


    "All I feel is gratitude and friendship," Eleanor replied, though a tangle of emotions tightened her chest. Navigating feelings was never her strong suit.


    "So how are you nning to thank him? You can''t just let things stay so vague forever."


    Eleanor thought for a moment. "I''ve already made up my mind. When he''s fully recovered, I''ll thank him properly-then I''ll keep my distance."


    Joy arched an eyebrow. "But Xavier''s such a catch. He''s kind, thoughtful¡ª"


    "Joy." Eleanor cut her off, her tone earnest. "I don''t want to use feelings to pay back a favor. That wouldn''t be fair to Xavier."


    Joy let out a long sigh. "Alright, I get it." She knew Eleanor''s failed marriage had left her wary, and even the gentlest man probably couldn''t win her heart now.


    Still, a thought nagged at her. She leaned in, lowering her voice. "Hey, doesn know you''ve been looking after Xavier all week? Didn''t he have a meltdown?"


    Eleanor shot back, "What does my life have to do with him?"


    "But does he know?" Joy pressed.


    "He came by to see Xavier," Eleanor replied, lifting her coffee for a sip.


    Joy blinked in surprise. Ian''s indifference said it all¡ªhe really didn''t care about Eleanor, not from the start. What ex-husband could watch his former wife nurse another man back to health and not bat an eye? Only someone who never loved her, that''s who.


    Joy felt a pang of regret for Eleanor. Six years wasted on a man who never truly cared. If she''d met Xavier first, maybe things would have turned out differently. But there are no what-ifs in life, and it was time for her friend to look forward.


    They chatted a while longer before heading out for lunch. In the afternoon, Eleanor went home to rest. Ian had arranged to pick up their daughter today, and Eleanor didn''t object¡ªshe had no right to interfere with his visitation.


    Back in her study, Eleanor''s gaze fell on her father''s old notebook. She picked it up and started reading from the beginning. Her father''s research notes were like a memoir, each page conjuring an image of him hunched over his desk, scribblingte into the night.


    Before she knew it, her eyes were stinging with tears. Suddenly, she came across an entry about a rare blood disorder:


    "RH-negative variant blood disease. Patients require regr matched stem cell infusions to survive. Dyed treatment results in bone marrow failure and progressive organ failure¡ª"


    Eleanor''s breath caught. She read on, heart pounding.


    "Treatment is exceptionally difficult. The most challenging aspect is the patient''s need for an exact stem cell match-standard RH-negative donors are ipatible. The donor must carry a unique gic sequence..."


    Why had her father recorded this case? Who did he know with such an illness?


    She flipped anxiously to thest page, but found only unrted research notes. In his final two years, her father had worked through illness, and Eleanor had been too busy with her newborn to help. He''d even insisted she stay away.


    Evelyn had been a high-needs baby from day one, never wanting to leave Eleanor''s arms. She''d spent those months exhausted and anxious, unable to sleep or eat well. Even with help from the housekeeper and a nanny, she couldn''t bear to let anyone else hold her daughter. If Evelyn was handed to someone else, she''d wail until her face turned red.


    She recognized her mother by scent alone; anyone else and she''d fuss within minutes, her tiny face scrunched in protest.


    Eleanor hadn''t even letn hold her. Those days had left her stretched thin, emotionally and physically.


    Outside, rain began to tap against the window, pulling Eleanor into memories until Princess, her golden retriever, wandered in and nudged her knee with a wet nose. Big brown eyes gazed up at her, full of concern, as if the dog could sense her mncholy.


    Eleanor set aside the notebook and stroked Princess''s head. The older the dog got, the more intuitive she seemed-smart as a seven- or eight-year-old child, ording to the vet.


    Eleanor put the notebook away and headed downstairs for a ss of water. Ten minutester, the doorbell rang.


    Joslyn, her housekeeper, had taken the night off to visit her own daughter, so Eleanor was home alone. She grabbed an umbre and stepped outside to check the camera. On the screen, she sawn holding Evelyn.


    She opened the door. Ian stood there in a ck turtleneck, the rain stering his hair to his head. His coat was draped over Evelyn, who peeked out with a bright smile. "Mommy, look at me!"


    Eleanor handed her the umbre. "Come on inside, sweetheart."


    "Mom, can Dade in too? He doesn''t have an umbre, and it''s pouring out here."


    "I can lend him one," Eleanor replied coolly.


    But Evelyn wouldn''t let go. "No, I want Daddy to stay with me for a little while."<pn looked at Eleanor, rain streaming down his face. Yet under his coat, Evelyn was warm and dry, a little bird safe in her nest.

 Chapter 604

    "Be good, sweetie. Daddy will y with you next time."n gently set his daughter down and slipped off his trench coat. "Go on inside now!"


    But Evelyn clung stubbornly to the hem of his coat. "No, Daddy has toe in too."


    Eleanor stood at the door, her face unreadable. She spoke to her daughter, "He''s busy, honey. He has a meeting."


    By now, the rain wasing down hard. Ian''s dark hair was drenched, water streaming along his sharp jaw. He nced down at Evelyn''s hopeful face, then back up at Eleanor. "Let me just walk her inside."


    Eleanor''s porch offered no shelter from the rain, so Evelyn huddled under her mother''s umbre.


    "That''s not necessary," Eleanor replied coolly.


    Evelyn''s eyes grew round with worry as she watched her father get soaked, rainwater running down his face and soaking his suit. Lips quivering, she pleaded, "Mom, don''t make Daddy go. He''s all wet!"


    Eleanor saw the tears welling up in her daughter''s eyes. She understood-seeing her dad like this, Evelyn''s heart ached for him. And from a mother''s perspective, Eleanor knew she couldn''t ignore this budding empathy. If she hardened her heart and dismissed her daughter''spassion for her father, it would only hurt Evelyn''s emotional growth.


    Eleanor took a deep breath, then finally stepped aside. "Alright. Come in."


    Eleanor guided Evelyn onto the balcony, shielding her with the umbre, asn followed, raindrops pooling at his feet.


    "I''ll get you a towel, Daddy!" Evelyn called out, truly worried. She dashed off and came back with a small, dry towel-her own.


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded eagerly and began awkwardly dabbing at his hair and face.


    From the corner by the water dispenser, Eleanor watched the two of themughing together. She knew this was something she could never change-a bond that belonged only to them.


    "Mom, do we have any clean clothes?" Evelyn asked, ncing at her dad''s soaked sweater.


    "No," Eleanor answered crisply.


    "Evelyn, tell your dad to go to Grandma''s and change. It''s not far," Eleanor said, letting her daughter have thest word but also nudgingn to leave.


    "Daddy, you should go to Grandma''s, take a hot shower, and change your clothes ¡ªso you don''t get sick," Evelyn urged.


    Aftern left, Eleanor gave her daughter some warm water and checked her


    clothing to make sure she hadn''t gotten wet.


    That evening, Eleanor cooked a simple dinner-two bowls of pasta. She savored the quiet time with her daughter, just the two of them.


    The next morning, as Eleanor headed out, she noticed a security car trailing behind her-Ellington''s arrangement. For the next month, the car would follow her everywhere, just in case.


    After dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor received a meeting notice from Meridian Dynamics. The neural interface project had been in preparation for nearly a week, and it was finally about tounch.


    Eleanor had taken a full week off, prompting plenty of spection at the office. Gwenda, ever curious, asked, "Did you go on vacation?"


    "No, a friend was injured. I took care of them for a week."


    "Wow! Which friend was lucky enough to have you looking after them for a whole week?"


    Eleanor only smiled, not answering, as Gwenda handed her a coffee. "Here you go."


    The two women walked toward the conference room, chatting about work as they sipped their coffee.


    Just then, Faye emerged from the conference room and shot a fleeting, disgruntled look at Gwenda, who used to be her sidekick but now stuck close to Eleanor.


    Inside, the atmosphere was tense. Joel, who''d recently been preparing for an overseas assignment, was also present. He nced at Eleanor, concern in his eyes¡ªword had clearly spread about her week-long absence.


    The Meridian Dynamics team was all there, but Byron kept checking his watch, as if waiting for someone.


    "VP Chase, are we expecting anyone else?"


    "Mr. Goodwin said he''s on his way-should be here any minute. Please be


    patient," Byron replied.


    Five minutester,n walked in.


    He looked paler than usual, dressed in a charcoal suit with a perfectly knotted tie, though a hint of fatigue lingered in his features.


    "Sorry I''mte." His voice was rougher than normal, and he couldn''t help but cough twice after speaking.


    Byron immediately expressed concern. "Mr. Goodwin, are you feeling alright?"


    "I''m fine. Just a bit of a cold,"n said, waving it off, his gaze sweeping over the group.


    Faye quickly grabbed her phone and texted Vanessa, ¡°Did you know Mr. Goodwin is sick?"


    "Yeah, he caught a chill the past couple of days," Vanessa replied.


    Faye''s imagination ran wild. Givenn''s usual resilience, it was hard to picture him catching a cold under ordinary circumstances. Did something... happen? Maybe Vanessa was on her period and couldn''t satisfy him, so he took a cold shower or something? She nced at the stoic, self-possessed man across from her, feeling her cheeks flush and quickly cut off her train of thought.


    Eleanor, meanwhile, calmly flipped through her files, as if the people and drama around her had nothing to do with her.


    The meeting began. Ian was as professional and focused as ever, though he coughed quietly every so often. Byron had Laird bring him a mug of warm water. Halfway through,n''s coughing worsened.


    "Mr. Goodwin, do you need to take a break?" Byron asked, worried.


    Several people looked over at Eleanor-after all,n was her ex-husband. Now that he was sick, surely she felt something for him.


    But Eleanor''s expression remained cool andposed, giving absolutely nothing away. If anything, she seemed even less concerned than anyone else in the room.

 Chapter 605

    The meeting dragged on, and thoughn did his best to stay focused on the project updates, the faint sound of his suppressed coughs asionally broke the silence.


    Eleanor sat with her head down, jotting down key points, whenn suddenly addressed her, his voice hoarse. "Eleanor, do you have any suggestions regarding the safety testing protocol?"


    Caught off guard, Eleanor looked up, her gaze calm and unwavering. "Thepany could implement a three-tier security system. The details are on page fifteen of the report."


    The rest of the meeting proceeded without incident. Once it wrapped up, people began to file out. Byron lingered, ncing atn with concern. "Mr. Goodwin, are youing down with something?"


    "Got caught in the rain," Ian replied.


    "Did you see a doctor?"


    "I will, in a bit."


    Byron was momentarily taken aback. Mr. Goodwin''s work ethic was truly admirable attending the meeting while sick, and he hadn''t even stopped by the hospital yet.


    "Eleanor, do you have a moment? Could you take Mr. Goodwin to the hospital?" Byron asked, turning to her with hopeful eyes.


    Eleanor paused in the midst of gathering her things. She looked up and declined crisply, "I''m busy."


    She offered no further exnation.


    An awkward silence settled over the room. Byron cleared his throat, clearly embarrassed. "Ah, I see. Well, I''ll take Mr. Goodwin, then."


    With that, he left the room. Byron watched him go, then started to follow, but Eleanor''s voice stopped him. "VP Chase, in the future, unless it''s work-rted, please don''t involve me in other people''s personal matters."


    She gathered her files and walked out, leaving Byron sitting alone, his hands fidgeting nervously. Had he really overstepped?


    Back in the office, Faye ryed everything that had happened to Vanessa.


    "Mr. Goodwin was coughing pretty badly just now. He didn''t look well at all. You should keep an eye on him," Faye said.


    "Don''t worry. He''s not as fragile as you think," Vanessa replied.


    Faye figured Vanessa must known''s health pretty well. Surely a little cold wouldn''t put him out ofmission.


    "Eleanor was there too. I wonder if she''ll check in on himter," Faye added, a note of concern in her voice.


    Eleanor might have seemed indifferent during the meeting, but who knew what would happen in private? After all,n rarely showed this kind of vulnerability¡ªit was the perfect opportunity for someone to win his heart.


    "Rx. Eleanor knows her ce," Vanessa replied, as nonchnt as ever.


    Faye let the subject drop. With Vanessa''s recent award, her reputation in the piano world had soared, eclipsing even some top celebrities. Her name was everywhere, from endorsements to entertainment news.


    Meanwhile, in Eleanor''s office, Gwenda came by to drop off some files. She couldn''t help but study Eleanor''s expression. Seeing her typing away at herputer, it was clear work hadn''t been disrupted in the slightest.


    "Eleanor, aren''t you even a little worried about Mr. Goodwin?" Gwenda asked, curiosity getting the better of her.


    Eleanor replied coolly, "First of all, he''s an adult. And second, why should I be worried about him?"


    Gwenda blinked, then decided Eleanor had a point. "Mr. Goodwin really is a workaholic, though. He''s sick, but still insisted oning to the meeting."

 Chapter 606

    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "No one forced him toe."


    Whether he showed up or not made no difference to today''s meeting.


    Gwenda noticed that Eleanor''s tone grew sharp whenevern was mentioned. Realizing this, she decided to hold her tongue. So those rumors she''d heard must have been false-people had said Eleanor was looking to get back together with Mr. Goodwin.


    She''d only wanted to help out, quietly, in her own way.


    After Gwenda left, a thought struck Eleanor. She pulled out her phone and dialed Simone.


    "Professor Langley, could you ask Metropolitan General to send me my father''s most recent medical report?"


    "Of course, Eleanor. Why the sudden interest?"


    "No particr reason. I just want to take a look," Eleanor replied, offering no exnation.


    "All right, I''ll give them a call in a minute."


    About ten minutester, an email notification chimed her father''s medical file had arrived.


    Eleanor opened it right away, her hands trembling slightly. The report was from five years ago. ording to the results, everything had been within normal range except for moderate anemia-there was no sign at all of any rare RH-negative blood disorder.


    She let out a shaky breath. It wasn''t her father.


    So had he just scribbled notes about this rare disease in his journal, or did someone close to him actually have it?


    If it didn''t concern her own family, Eleanor wasn''t about to lose sleep over it.


    Later that afternoon, Byron stopped by to remind her that Dr. York and his research team would be visiting Meridian Dynamics next week for a coboration, and made it clear she shouldn''t request any time off.


    Eleanor nodded, then headed to Joel''s office. He was getting ready to fly out to Montir for a conference.


    "Eleanor! Just the person I wanted to see," Joel greeted her with a warm smile.


    She''de with a few work questions, but before she could ask, Joel pulled a neatly wrapped box from his drawer and handed it to her. "Here, I picked this up for you."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Joel, I¡ª"


    "It''s nothing fancy," he said, smiling. "I just saw it and thought it suited you."


    She epted the gift, murmuring her thanks.


    "No need to be so formal. You do call me ''senior'' after all," Joel teased. "It''s only right I bring something back for you from my trip. Go on, open it."


    Inside the velvet-lined box was a delicate brooch, the slender sapphire set within glimmering softly.


    "It''s beautiful. Thank you, Joel." Seeing it wasn''t anything too extravagant, Eleanor epted it-she could always return the gesture sometimeter.


    "I found it in a little shop I walked past. The design just seemed like your style," Joel said.


    Just then, the door opened and Faye walked in, her arms full of files. Spotting the box in Eleanor''s hands, her expression flickered.


    "Joel, here are the reports you asked for." She set them down, then fixed her gaze on the box for a few seconds, biting her lip before leaving the room.


    After discussing work with Joel, Eleanor returned to her office, slipped the brooch into her purse, shut down herputer, and headed out for the day.


    As she started her car, a ck SUV pulled out behind her, shadowing her like a silent knight.


    When she reached the university, her bodyguards got out too, though they kept their distance. Eleanor nced back and nodded to them in thanks before heading inside.

 Chapter 607

    After picking Evelyn up and bringing her home, the bodyguards didn''t leave. Instead, they took shifts patrolling the street across from Eleanor''s townhouse, keeping watch through the night.


    That evening, Eleanor received a call from Ellington. There was a senior staff meeting scheduled for ten the next morning, and he hoped she could spare an hour to attend. Eleanor agreed.


    Beyond her life as a research scientist, Eleanor was also a businesswoman, the owner of eightpanies. That night, she set aside her work for Meridian Dynamics, opened the reports Ellington had sent, and discussed the details with him over a video call.


    The next morning arrived.


    Eleanor dressed in a sharply tailored sapphire blue suit, a pair of pearl studs adding a touch of understated elegance.


    After dropping Evelyn off at school, she drove straight to the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    In the hotel''s breakfast lounge, Eleanor dined like any other guest, apanied by the general manager and an assistant. They watched her closely, anxious for her reaction to the restaurant''s new menu.


    Once she finished breakfast, Eleanor pushed open the door to the conference room. Sixteen executives rose simultaneously to greet her.


    "Ms. Sutton."


    She nodded, walking unhurriedly to the head of the table.


    At that moment, an unexpected guest entered.


    He wore a charcoal suit, lookingposed, eyes still as piercing as ever.


    "Mr. Goodwin, what brings you here? I thought your schedule was packed today," Ellington said, surprised, rising to greet him.


    The executives stiffened, caught off guard. Althoughn was one of the hotel''s major shareholders, he rarely attended anything but the annual meetings and almost never involved himself in daily operations.


    Eleanor''s expression didn''t change as she nced up at the man who''d shown up despite clearly being unwell.


    Eleanor gestured for Ellington to begin.


    Ellington started outlining the recent performance of the hotel group. "Last quarter, Vesper Joy''s market share in Asia rose by three percent¡ªbut our numbers in Europe have slipped a little."


    "How much?"n asked, cutting straight to the point.


    "About five percent," Ellington replied.


    "Why?"


    "The main reason is thatpetitors have rolled out attractive membership programs, while our hotels¡ª"


    "Your solution?"n''s voice was calm, but the pressure behind his words was unmistakable.


    "To address this, we''re focusing on differentiated offerings. Without sacrificing our core guests'' experience, we''re introducing more flexible packages-"


    Ellington paused, the room falling silent for a few seconds. One of the senior managers leaned forward, concern etched on his face. "Mr. Goodwin, are you alright? Should we call a doctor?"


    Ellington nodded. "Beginning next week, we''reunching the ''Sky Service'' program at all our hotels. All VIP clients will receiveplimentary helicopter transfers-"


    Ellington''s report continued, his voice steady. Eleanor, meanwhile, flipped through the documents in her hands, eyes sharp with focus.


    At the far end of the table,n pressed his fingers to his lips, trying to stifle another cough.


    Eleanor reached into her bag for her iPad. As she drew it out, the bag tipped- there was a soft tter as an elegant velvet jewelry box slid onto the table, followed by her lipstick and car keys.


    The noise interrupted Ellington mid-sentence. Eleanor didn''t rush to pick up her things. Instead, she looked to Ellington. "Go on."

 Chapter 608

    At that moment,n bent down, his long, defined fingers picking up the velvet jewelry box and the car key shaped like a tube of lipstick.


    He ran his thumb over the velvet box as he nced at Eleanor. She reached out and swiftly took the elegant box from him. "Thank you," she said curtly.


    Ellington snapped back to attention and hurried on with his presentation, but from then on,n''s questions grew noticeably tougher.


    Luckily, Ellington was a seasoned manager; he handled the scrutiny withposure, though by the end of the meeting, a faint sheen of sweat covered his brow. The other senior managers wasted no time-once the meeting was over, they filed out quickly.


    Asn stood to leave, he was suddenly wracked by a violent cough. He steadied himself with one hand against the conference table, his knuckles turning white as he struggled for breath.


    Eleanor kept gathering her files without missing a beat. She didn''t even nce his way.


    "Mr. Goodwin!" Ellington hurried over, concern in his voice. "Let me take you to the hospital."


    Eleanor was in a foul mood. She hade here for a meeting, butn had dominated the entire discussion, revealing just how deeply rooted his need for control truly was.


    "Ms. Sutton, do you have any objections to Mr. Goodwin''s decision?" Ellington asked politely.


    Despite her irritation, Eleanor had to admitn''s proposal was the best option. It was about the future of Vesper Joy Group; she couldn''t let her personal feelings get in the way.


    ¡°No. Let''s move forward with your n,¡± she replied, grabbing her bag and heading out of the conference room.


    Ellington gave her a courteous nod of farewell.


    As she reached the elevator, she spottedn already waiting. Ellington nced at his watch. "Ms. Sutton, I''ll get back to my work now," he said, making his exit.


    Now, in the echoing elevator lobby, Eleanor andn stood side by side.


    Eleanor stood tall, eyes fixed straight ahead, acting as if the man beside her was invisible.


    The elevator took its time arriving.


    The silence between them thickened, the air weighted with all the words left unsaid. Suddenly, Eleanor''s phone rang, startling her. She nced at the screen -Xavier was calling.


    She hesitated for a second, then answered smoothly. "Hey, Xavier."


    ¡°Eleanor, I''m feeling a bit cooped up. Do you have time to grab lunch with me?" Xavier''s voice was hopeful.


    She remembered he''d been in the hospital for a week after the car ident; he was probably eager to get out for a while. She happened to be free. "Sure. Do you want me to pick you up?"


    "Would that be alright?"


    "Of course."


    "Great. I''ll wait for you outside your office."


    She ended the call. At that moment, the elevator chimed open. She stepped inside,n following just behind her.


    As the doors slid shut, the small space seemed to close in, the tension almost palpable.


    In the hush,n swallowed hard, as if fighting back words or maybe something deeper. After a few seconds, he finally spoke. "Did Xavier just propose to you?"

 Chapter 609

    A hint of icy sarcasm curled Eleanor''s lips as she nced over her shoulder at the man behind her. "If I ever decide to get married again, you''ll be the first to know."


    With a soft chime, the elevator doors slid open onto the ground floor. Eleanor strode out without so much as a backward nce, leavingn''s once-suppressed cough echoing in the marble lobby.


    At noon, Eleanor pulled her car up in front of Vaughn Group. Today, Xavier was finally back at work.


    He looked much better than thest time she''d seen him. The cast was gone from his arm, though he still moved it a little stiffly.


    Eleanor stepped out and, before Xavier could react, opened his door for him. He looked surprised and slightly embarrassed. "I can still handle opening car doors, you know."


    She smiled, unbothered. "I promised I''d take care of you until you''re fully recovered. I keep my promises."


    As Xavier settled into the passenger seat, a faint trace of Eleanor''s perfume drifted in the air, making him smile without even realizing it.


    He''d already picked out a restaurant nearby. Ten minutester, Eleanor pulled into the parking lot, and when they walked into the restaurant, a waiter immediately approached with a warm greeting. "Mr. Vaughn, wee! Your table''s ready."


    Clearly, Xavier was a regr here; the staff recognized him instantly. Several waiters cast curious nces at Eleanor-they''d never seen Xavier bring such a young, beautiful woman with him before.


    "Ie here pretty often," Xavier exined as they sat down. "It''s close to the office, and the food''s just right."


    Eleanor nodded in agreement.


    "Weren''t you at Meridian Dynamics this morning?" Xavier asked, ncing at her over his ss of water.


    "I was at the Vesper Joy Hotel for an early meeting. Came straight from there," she replied.


    Xavier took a sip. "Hmm. Wasn there?"


    Eleanor looked up, meeting his gaze without hesitation. "He was."


    Xavier''s eyes darkened, his tone thoughtful. "Seems liken takes a special interest in all your business ventures."


    "He''s interested because he''s a shareholder too," Eleanor said, a flicker of irritation crossing her face.


    Xavier nodded. "Makes sense." He set his ss down, his expression softening as he looked at her. "Honestly, I wouldn''t have recovered this quickly if it weren''t for you. The doctor said I''m ahead of schedule."


    Eleanor smiled gently. "You got hurt because of me. Taking care of you was the least I could do. Besides, you''re my friend."


    "Just a friend?" Xavier''s voice was quiet, deeper than usual. "Eleanor, you know how I feel about you-"


    Maybe it was the mellow jazz in the background, or the way the midday sunlight filtered through the windows, but something about the moment made Xavier want to finally test the waters, to see if she felt the same.


    Eleanor''s gaze was calm, unwavering. "Xavier-"


    "I know what you''re worried about." He met her eyes evenly. "I''ll handlen. The gossip, the judgment, I''ll take it all. As long as you''re willing-I''ll protect you."


    If he and Eleanor got married, it would definitely raise eyebrows. Everyone knew about his long friendship withn, and the rumors would be relentless. Xavier knew she''d have to bear a lot.


    "I''m sorry," Eleanor said softly. "Right now, all my energy is focused on Evelyn and my work. I''m not thinking about rtionships."


    Disappointment flickered in Xavier''s eyes, but he quickly managed a smile. "That''s okay. I can wait."


    "Don''t." Eleanor''s voice was gentle but firm. "Don''t wait for me, Xavier. You deserve someone better. Don''t waste your time on me."

 Chapter 610

    Xavier''s smile froze in ce, then he sighed and asked, "Is it because your failed marriage withn made you lose faith in marriage altogether?"


    Eleanor thought for a moment and shook her head. "It''s not that. Sure, my divorce left me pretty scarred, but right now all my energy is tied up in Evelyn and my career."


    She simply didn''t have the time or space for romance. Her career was just taking off, her daughter was still young. If she jumped into a rtionship on a whim, it would be irresponsible-not just to herself, but to everyone involved.


    "It''s alright, I can-" Xavier''s eyes softened, earnest and hopeful.


    "Don''t," Eleanor cut him off gently but firmly. "We''re good friends, Xavier. I don''t want to see you put your life on hold for me."


    Xavier looked at her, falling silent just as the waiter arrived with their food. He let out a long breath. "Let''s eat. Try the house special-you''re going to love it."


    Eleanor nodded, ncing at him. No matter how she phrased it, conversations like this always left a sting, and hurting someone was thest thing she wanted.


    Xavier didn''t bring up the subject again, turning the conversation instead to the food and his stories from deep-sea fishing trips in years past.


    Eleanor listened and smiled, letting the tension ebb away as they finished their meal.


    When they left the restaurant, Eleanor offered to drive Xavier to his office. She parked in front of the building and hopped out to open his door. He hesitated, lost in thought, and as he got out, his injured hand bumped against the doorframe. He winced, drawing in a sharp breath.


    Eleanor immediately reached out, steadying him. "Did you hurt yourself?"


    Xavier shook his head, brows drawn tight, but when he saw her hand on his, he held on, just for a moment, a silent hope lingering between them.


    Eleanor realized it and gently pulled away, taking a step back without thinking.


    Xavier''s heart gave a painful jolt, the ache in his chest sharper than the one in his


    arm.


    She studied his face, not understanding the sudden look of pain in his eyes.


    "Do you want me to take you to the hospital?" she asked, worried.


    Xavier pressed a hand over his heart. "Some things, hospitals can''t fix."


    Eleanor paused, piecing it together he was hurt because she''d shied away from his touch.


    "Xavier..." Instinctively, she took another step back.


    He noticed, forcing a wry, bittersweet smile. "Eleanor, you don''t have to keep stepping away. I''m not going to push any further."


    Standing in the sunlight, she met his gaze, her heart twisting with guilt. "I''m sorry, Xavier."


    "I should be the one apologizing. I scared you," he said quietly, straightening his suit jacket. He''d rushed things, thinking maybe she''d feel the same, but all he''d managed was to push her further away.


    He stood tall, brushing off the moment. "I''ve got a meeting this afternoon. I''d better get upstairs."


    Eleanor nodded. "Okay."


    She watched him walk away, his shoulders heavy as he disappeared behind the ss doors. With a sigh, she got back in her car and headed for Meridian Dynamics.


    Over the next three days,n was conspicuously absent from several meetings. Friday came, bringing a small press event at Meridian Dynamics for their robotics project. Ian should have been there but was nowhere to be seen.


    Eleanor hadn''t thought much of it until, in the restroom, she overheard a couple of female colleagues talking in the next stall. "Has anyone noticed Mr. Goodwin hasn''t been to a meeting in ages? Do you think his cold got worse?"

 Chapter 611

    "It''s been days he must be better by now!"


    "He never misses press events like this. He''ll show up."


    Eleanor had barely been dragged by Gwenda down to the lobby to watch the press conference when a suddenmotion rippled through the entrance. From a distance, they saw the crowd part on its own, making way for someone.


    Eleanor instinctively grabbed Gwenda''s hand, hoping to slip away unnoticed, butn''s hawk-like gaze swept the crowd and immediatelynded on her. As she turned, their eyes met for a fleeting moment.


    He lingered on her face just an instant before looking away, striding confidently toward the podium, not a trace of sickness in his demeanor.


    Byron, already on stage, hurried to greet him, shaking his hand with energetic enthusiasm. "Now, let''s wee our own Mr. Goodwin to say a few words."


    Taking the microphone,n''s voice resonated-deep, steady, and strong. "Apologies for beingte, everyone. I''ve pinned my hopes on this robotics project for a long time."


    Gwenda kept a firm grip on Eleanor, refusing to let her leave. Eleanor found


    herself gazing up atn''s presence on stage, unable to resist stealing a few more nces.


    Behind her, a few women whispered, "Mr. Goodwin looked awfulst time, but today-he''s honestly gorgeous."


    Faye''s voice drifted over, a little too loud, a little too pointed. "Seems Mr.


    Goodwin''s cold ispletely gone. Someone must have taken very good care of him."


    The remarknded deliberately in Eleanor''s ear. Gwenda nced back to find Faye watching Eleanor with a sly smile.


    "Come on," Gwenda tugged Eleanor''s arm, "let''s get out of here if you don''t want to watch this."


    When Eleanor finally returned to her office, the building was eerily quiet. Most of the staff had gone downstairs for the press event, leaving the corridors empty.


    She and Gwenda lingered in the break room for over twenty minutes. When Eleanor made her way back to her office and pushed open the door, she nearly jumpedn was sitting on her couch.


    He covered his mouth to cough once. "Hope you don''t mind if I borrow your office to rest for a bit."


    She froze in the doorway, fingers tight on the handle.


    "Just ten minutes," the man on the sofa said, looking up at her.


    Eleanor rolled her eyes. Meridian Dynamics had plenty of guest lounges for visitors-he had to know that.


    "Out. I need to work." She crossed her arms, making it clear he could nap elsewhere if he wanted.


    Eleanor slid into her chair and opened herptop, ignoring him, but his gaze made her skin prickle with difort.


    Fed up, she stood again, stomped over to the door, and shut it behind her-firmly. She headed back to the break room without a word.


    As the door mmed,n''s expression darkened. He pressed his fingers to his temples, as if suddenly beset by a headache.


    When Eleanor finally returned fifteen minutester,n was gone.


    He didn''te back for the rest of the afternoon.


    With the weekend on the horizon, Eleanor''s only n was to spend quality time with her daughter.


    Saturday morning dawned bright and crisp. Eleanor walked through the mall hand-in-hand with her little girl, the child skipping beside her like a happy butterfly.


    They shopped for essentials, then headed home. As soon as they reached the door, Evelyn spotted arge cardboard box waiting on the doorstep.


    "Ooh! What''s this?"


    Joslyn, their housekeeper, hurried over. "Ma''am, this just arrived. Mr. Goodwin had it delivered-a robot for Evelyn."

 Chapter 612

    Eleanor frowned as she noticed thebel on the cardboard box-Meridian Dynamics. So, this robot must have been developed by engineers from Meridian Dynamics.


    Evelyn pped her little hands in excitement and tugged eagerly at Eleanor''s sleeve. "Mom, open it! I want to see!"


    Eleanor and Joslyn hefted the box inside and began to unpack it. Inside stood a robot, a little over three feet tall, painted a cheerful pink. Its head was shaped like a child''s, with gentle, friendly features. Clearly, it was apanion robot for children.


    "Wow!" Evelyn''s eyes sparkled as she reached out to gently touch the robot''s head.


    Eleanor flipped the power switch on the robot. A soft, girlish voice chimed out, "Hello, my name is Wiz. What''s your name?"


    "I''m Evelyn," she replied seriously.


    "Hi, Evelyn! From now on, I''ll be your best friend!" the robot said. "I can tell you stories, sing songs, help with your homework, take walks with you, and even help you get in touch with your mom and dad!"


    A strange mix of emotions flickered across Eleanor''s face. This robot clearly offered more than simple interaction¡ªit was equipped with an advanced safety and location system. She noticed a tiny camera embedded in its chest, no doubt for parents to check in on their children at any time.


    "Really? Then can you call my daddy? I want to talk to him!"


    "Please tell me your dad''s phone number," the robot replied.


    Evelyn recitedn''s number, and soon enough, the robot''s screen showed the call was connecting.


    Standing off to the side, Eleanor felt a storm of emotions swirling inside her. She picked up her phone and headed for the door, just asn''s deep, warm voice came through the robot''s speaker. "Hello, Evelyn."


    Eleanor dialed Byron''s number.


    "Hello! Eleanor."


    "VP Chase, did thepany justunch apanion robot for children?" Byron was momentarily surprised, then chuckled. "Did Mr. Goodwin have the robot delivered to your house?"


    "You knew about this?"


    ¡°This model was specially designed for your daughter,¡± Byron exined, enthusiasm in his voice. "Mr. Goodwin personally oversaw the project from six months ago. He was deeply involved in the design and tested many of the robot''s features himself. It''s truly custom-made for your family."


    "And no one thought to mention this to me beforehand?" Eleanor''s tone was less than thrilled.


    "Well let me tell you about its unique features," Byron said quickly, eager to change the subject. "In addition to the usualpanion functions, it can monitor your child''s health in real time, look after her, and even track her emotional well- being-"


    "I want to know if that camera can be turned off."


    "Of course. You can disable it anytime, even by voicemand. Eleanor, is something bothering you?" Byron asked, genuinely curious.


    Eleanor''s concern was obvious-she didn''t wantn interfering in their lives, especially since he''d been involved in the robot''s development.


    Byron quickly caught on and couldn''t help butugh. "Eleanor, you really don''t have to worry. Mr. Goodwin created this robot solely to be your daughter''spanion. That''s all there is to it."

 Chapter 613

    Eleanor frowned, not entirely convinced by Byron''s assurances. She decided to take a closer look at this robot herself before making any judgments.


    After hanging up the call, she returned to the living room, where she found her daughter delighting in the robot''spany. Evelyn tilted her head, her voice sweet and clear as she asked, "Wiz, I want to hear Daddy tell me a story."


    The robot''s eyes flickered twice beforen''s gentle voice resonated from its speakers. ¡°What story would you like to hear, Evelyn?"


    Evelyn''s face lit up, and she pped her hands with excitement. "Wow! It''s really Daddy telling me a story!" she squealed. "I want to hear The Little Mermaid!"


    Standing to the side, Eleanor''s brows knit together. She couldn''t help but notice that the robot was usingn''s real voice. Still, she had to admit this was a form of fatherly presence, even if it was unconventional.


    "Wiz,e here. Follow me," Evelynmanded with an air of importance.


    Evelyn marched to the sofa, with the robot trailing obediently behind her. Once she''d plopped down, Wiz stood in front of her, its eyes glowing softly asn''s recorded voice began to narrate the fairy tale, warm and maic.


    Suddenly, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen-it wasn. Stepping out toward the front porch, she answered.


    "All of the robot''s monitoring features can be disabled. Its only purpose is to keep Evelynpany,"n said, sounding tired. "You don''t need to worry about me invading your privacy."


    "You''d better keep that promise," Eleanor replied icily.


    "I promise,¡±n said, his voice hoarse. "This model uses thetest emotional interaction system. When you''re busy, it can keep Evelynpany for me."


    A swirl of emotions caught Eleanor off guard. She looked back through the window and saw her daughter beaming at the robot, clearly enchanted. Even if she still had doubts, she couldn''t bring herself to refuse this gift.


    "If you''re still uneasy, you can switch off the monitoring functions when you''re home, and just use the smartpanion mode,¡±n added. "There''s a manual with all the instructions. Look it over."


    Eleanor ended the call and turned to see Evelyn twirling around Wiz. The robot''s digital eyes curved into cheerful crescents, its pink casing glowing warmly under the lights. Its rounded shape made it look nothing like the cold, mechanical bots in science fiction movies.


    "Mommy, Wiz is amazing! I really love this present from Daddy," Evelyn called out.


    Seeing her daughter''s genuine happiness, Eleanor finally smiled. "It is special, isn''t it? Let''s make it your new friend."


    "Yeah!" Evelyn agreed, hugging the robot.


    That night, Evelyn drifted off to sleep, still buzzing from excitement. Later, when Eleanor came downstairs for a ss of water, she found the robot standing quietly in the corner of the living room. Its eyes shimmered with a gentle blue light, like a loyal guardian watching over the room.


    Eleanor stood there for a long moment, just watching. Atst, she decided to let go of her reservations. What mattered most was her daughter''s happiness.


    With Wiz''spany over the weekend, Evelyn was happier and more engaged than ever. The robot was like a patient little tutor, answering Evelyn''s endless questions and helping her learn new things.


    Monday arrived. Eleanor dropped Evelyn off at preschool, then drove to Meridian Dynamics, her security detail following close behind.


    Today, York and his team were scheduled for a day-long technology exchange at Meridian Dynamics.


    Almost as soon as Eleanor arrived at her office, Laird poked his head in. "Eleanor, VP Chase would like you toe downstairs in a bit to help wee Dr. Windsor."

 Chapter 614

    Eleanor nodded. Just then, Faye stepped out of her office as well. To properly wee York''s arrival, Byron had decided to gather his whole team at the


    entrance.


    Joel approached, and Faye took the lead. "Joel,e with us."


    Joel stepped into the elevator, holding the door until Eleanor joined, and together they headed downstairs.


    Faye nced at Eleanor, her mind lingering on the neural interface project that still hadn''tunched. The challenge was unprecedented-even Eleanor''s usual brilliance struggled to find traction here.


    A faint smile tugged at Faye''s lips. Rumor had it that Dr. Windsor''s researchers had already made a breakthrough in this field; perhaps Eleanor would finally be outpaced.


    The elevator reached the first floor, and the group moved toward the lobby. From a distance, Eleanor spottedn at the entrance, speaking quietly with Byron.


    Faye notedn''s presence and realized just how important today''s meeting was.


    York, in stark contrast to hisst meeting withn, smiled warmly and shook his hand. ¡°Mr. Goodwin." His gaze soon found Eleanor, and his smile widened. "Eleanor."


    "Mr. Windsor." Eleanor stepped forward, greeting him, and nodded in acknowledgment to Tanya and Julian Grant, the couple standing at York''s side.


    Everyone knew about Eleanor''s history with York-she had nearly joined his team herself.


    York turned ton. "Eleanor was once my brightest student, and she''s also the daughter of a good friend."


    Byron stepped in. "Dr. Windsor, the conference room is ready. This way, please."


    "Great, let''s get started." York nodded, and the group followed Byron back into the building and into the elevator.


    As Eleanor stepped in with York,n joined them. Joel and Faye stayed behind. Though there was plenty of space, Eleanor stood besiden and immediately crossed her arms, a gesture that seemed unremarkable to the others.


    Butn knew better-Eleanor was making sure not to touch him. His fingers curled slightly at his side.


    The elevator stopped on the designated floor, and Byron led everyone to the conference room, where all the preparations were in ce. People took their seats ording to the name cards set out.


    Faye''s face froze for a moment when she saw she''d been ced at the far end of the table. She stole a nce at Eleanor-who was seated directly across from Dr. Windsor, with even Byron and Joel seated further away.


    Faye thought bitterly to herself that the assistant must have intentionally given Eleanor,n''s ex-wife, the privilege of sitting close to him.


    "Dr. Windsor, would you be willing to demonstrate the breakthrough you achieved two years ago?" Byron asked. "We''re all eager to learn more about what happened then."


    Faye tightened her grip on her pen. She too was keen to witness the results of York''s much-rumored experiment¡ªa closely guarded secret in the research world. The fact that York was willing to share it now meant that everyone in the room was in for an honor few could im.

 Chapter 615

    York smiled and nodded. "That''s right. I''m here today to show you the progress we''ve made." As he finished, he nced at Eleanor across the table. Eleanor pressed her lips together and gave a subtle nod in return.


    Julian took over, giving a brief overview of the experiment. Then, the presentation shifted to a series of images. Faye stared at a photo from two years ago. There was a young woman in the frame, standing at theb bench, head down, jotting something in a notebook.


    Wait a minute. Faye''s eyes narrowed. That girl-wasn''t there something about her that looked just like Eleanor?


    Was she imagining things?


    Eleanor looked at the photo, a wave of emotion rising in her chest. She remembered that experiment vividly: thete-night virtual discussions with York, the endless debates. Aftern left the country with their daughter, she bought a ne ticket and flew straight to theb.


    Faye''s eyes widened as the projection shifted to a video-there, on the screen, a girl who looked unmistakably like Eleanor was working intently, her hands moving deftly over a tangle of sophisticated equipment.


    Faye stared at the screen as if struck by a bolt of lightning. It couldn''t be. How could it be Eleanor?


    Suddenly, the video yed a new clip. Eleanor stood at theb bench, sometimes typing rapidly on the keyboard, sometimes adjusting the equipment, her eyes sharp and steady, intelligence radiating from her every movement.


    Back then, he hadn''t even known what she was working on.


    The Eleanor on the screen was confident, professional, shining with a brilliance that was almost dazzling a world apart from the gentle, amodating wife he thought he knew.


    So this was who Eleanor really was. She had never been someone who lived in his shadow. She had her own gifts, her own ambitions. Even two years ago, while he was oblivious, she was already making breakthroughs at the cutting edge of science.


    A tightness grew inn''s chest.


    Faye''s face had gone pale. She stared at the screen, then at Eleanor, disbelief written all over her features.


    The first person to make a breakthrough in brain-machine interfacing... was Eleanor?


    Impossible. It was absurd.


    Now, the video showed Eleanor and several researchers gathered around a patient bed. She was connecting a brainputer interface to a monkey that waspletely paralyzed. After several careful adjustments, her steady voice rang out, "Begin testing."


    Everyone in the conference room held their breath. The monkey, lifeless just moments before, suddenly jerked as if shocked by a surge of electricity. Then it moved a forelimb, then the hind legs twitched. Tentatively, the monkey sat up, then took a cautious step forward. Another step. Then, with surprising agility, it hopped twice on the bed-just as the footage jolted and cut out.


    York sighed. "That''s where the video ends, unfortunately. The monkey attacked one of our researchers, and we had to stop the experiment immediately."

 Chapter 616

    Eleanor kept her focus on York across the table. "The subject onlysted three minutes before the monkey''s nervous system rejected the imnt. This tells us our neural interface still has serious stability issues."


    Her voice was calm and clinical.


    "Eleanor''s experiment was a real breakthrough," York added. "But the research stalled when the funding dried up. We spent half a year refining the materials, and despite every setback, that trial marked a turning point for our brain-machine project. We need to get our confidence back and push for more breakthroughs."


    Faye''s grip on her pen tightened until her knuckles turned white. No one in the room knew that inside, she felt as if she''d been struck by lightning.


    "That''s why Eleanor is the only one who can lead this project," York said suddenly, his tone serious.


    Everyone''s attention shifted to Eleanor. She offered York a small, confident smile. "Mr. Windsor, let''s pick up where we left off."


    "Exactly. With Mr. Goodwin''s investment and such a strong technical team, I''m sure we''ll seed this time," York replied, sounding more optimistic than ever.


    "VP Chase, could you show us around Meridian Dynamics'' cloud systems? We''re eager to see what you''ve developed," someone requested.


    "Of course. I''ll take you right now," Byron answered with a pleasant smile.


    "VP Chase, please take Dr. Windsor and the others. Eleanor, I''d like you to stay,"n said abruptly.


    York nced at the two younger people, then led the team out of the room. Faye bit her lip, clutching her notepad as she left.


    Joel lingered for a moment, shooting Eleanor a worried look. He knew she''d done much of her research during her marriage, andn had clearly been kept in the dark about her scientific career. Still, Joel reasoned,n was her ex-husband now ¡ªsurely he wouldn''t make things difficult for her.


    Once everyone was gone, Laird quietly closed the door behind them.


    Eleanor met his eyes. "Tell you what? That I was secretly doing research while you were away on business trips? That I had a career outside our marriage?"


    Eleanor''s eyes shed with bitter amusement as she recalled the past. ¡°Ian, all I ever wanted was to be a good wife by your side. But you taught me just how pathetic and pointless that role really was."


    With that, Eleanor turned on her heel and headed for the door.


    "Eleanor¨D"n''s voice was a strained murmur. "There''s a lot you don''t know. I can exin."


    "No need." Eleanor''s tone was icy; even if he wanted to exin, she had no interest in listening.


    Just as she reached the door, a strong hand mped firmly around her arm, stopping her in her tracks.

 Chapter 617

    "Let me go." Her voice was low but fierce as she tried to yank her wrist from his grasp.


    Right then, the conference room door swung open. Joel stepped in, his gaze immediatelynding onn''s hand mped around Eleanor''s arm. He frowned, his voice low andmanding. "Mr. Goodwin, what exactly do you think you''re doing?"


    A momentter, Faye appeared in the doorway as well, her face registering disbelief as she took in the scene.


    n ignored Joel. His gaze stayed fixed on Eleanor, searching her face, but all he found there was loathing and resentment. Atst, his grip ckened and he let


    her go.


    Joel wasted no time. He moved to Eleanor''s side, gently taking her arm and guiding her behind him, positioning himself protectively between her andn.


    "Mr. Goodwin, if you have something to say, say it. But Eleanor is no longer your wife. Please stop harassing her."


    Joel turned to Eleanor, his concern clear. "Do you want me to walk you back to your office?"


    He didn''t buyn''s apology for a second. Seeingn grab Eleanor like that, Joel had been ready to intervene if things escted.


    During their marriage, Eleanor had kept her secrets. It was no surprise thatn, as her ex-husband, would feel betrayed andsh out¡ªhe probably felt yed for a fool.


    Eleanor nodded, then slipped out of the conference room. Joel followed close behind.


    Faye lingered at the door, watchingn''s dark, clouded expression. She almost said something tofort him, but in the end, she simply pressed her lips together and watched him walk away.


    To Faye, the whole scene looked different. She was sure Eleanor had provokedn, driven him to the edge-probably by unting her recent achievements and threatening his pride.


    After all, York''sments today had vaulted Eleanor to a new level of importance in thepany. Now, Eleanor was at the forefront of their neural interface project.n would have to reevaluate her worth, maybe even chase after her again. If Eleanor wanted her ex-husband back, it would be all too easy-she only needed to ask, andn would give her anything.


    Back in the office, Eleanor sat on the couch, absentmindedly massaging her sore wrist wheren had grabbed her. Joel stood nearby, his voice gentle. "Are you alright? Whatn did today definitely crossed the line into harassment."


    "Thank you, Joel." Eleanor''s voice was weary.


    He hesitated, then asked, "Has he done this before?"


    Roughness? Violence? Forcing her into confrontations?


    Eleanor shook her head. "He was always controlled when we were married- never raised his voice, never lost his temper, even when we argued."


    Joel sighed. ¡°I guess he never imagined the wife he thought would stay home and y the good hostess would turn out to be this talented."


    Eleanor pressed her fingers to her brow, wishing for just one thing: forn to stay far away from her, with no more entanglements.


    Just then, Laird poked his head in. "VP Chase wants to see you both in the conference room."


    Eleanor gathered herself and returned to the meeting with Joel. York and the rest of the team had finished their tour and were ready to continue the discussion.


    The seat at the head of the table was emptyn hadn''te back.


    "Mr. Goodwin had something urgent to attend to," Byron exined to the group. "Let''s continue."


    The discussion shifted to neural interface theory. As the teams began an intense brainstorming session, Faye took notes. When Eleanor mentioned aplex medical term, Faye''s pen paused mid-sentence-she didn''t even understand the term Eleanor used.


    Frustrated, Faye pressed her pen so hard it scored a line across her notebook. She looked up, ring at Eleanor, who was speaking confidently, admired by all. Jealousy and resentment burned in her chest.


    "I believe that the theory of synaptic regeneration," Eleanor said clearly, her voice steady and authoritative, "is the key to oveing immune rejection in brain- machine interfaces."


    "I agree with Eleanor''s theory," Tanya chimed in, nodding.


    Everyone seemed impressed. York nodded enthusiastically, admiration clear in his eyes.


    Faye watched silently, her nails digging into her palm. Today''s gathering was full of heavyweights in neural interface research¡ªand once again, Eleanor was at the center of it all, making real contributions.


    It made Faye remember that day back at Ashford Medical University, when she''d told Eleanor she should quit theb and go back to being a housewife. Now those


    words felt like boomerangs,ing back to wound her pride.


    She was about to look away when she noticed Joel watching Eleanor, his admiration for her unmistakable.


    How was this possible? How could Eleanor know so much?


    The meeting finally ended at noon. Byron had reserved a restaurant for lunch, and everyone headed out.


    Tanya walked up front with Eleanor, whispering in low tones. Faye and Tanya''s assistant trailed behind. The assistant was friendly and eager to introduce herself, but Faye barely responded¡ªshe resented being lumped in with someone she considered beneath her.


    After lunch, the group returned to Meridian Dynamics for the afternoon session. During the break, York called Eleanor over for a private discussion.

 Chapter 618

    He couldn''t help but wonder about her personal life outside of work.


    "Eleanor, it must have been tough these past two years, raising your son alone after the divorce."


    Eleanor cradled her tea, her gaze drifting to the distant skyline. "I''m used to it by now. My son''s a good kid, barely gives me any trouble."


    "And you andn¡ª¡± York hesitated, the question half-formed.


    "Mr. Windsor." Eleanor cut him off gently. "I know you care. I''m doing just fine, really."


    York let out a soft sigh. "Anyone can seen''s a difficult man-stubborn, hard to get along with. I''m not trying to push you two back together, but the brain-puter interface project is a mountain of problems, and on top of that you''re raising a child by yourself. Do you remember how things were after your mother passed? How you and your father managed on your own?"


    Eleanor''s breath caught for a moment. Of course she remembered. She smiled. "Maybe I looked pitiful to everyone else, but as long as my dad was there, I was happy no matter where we went."


    York chuckled. "Back then, I really did worry about you."


    "You''ve always been good to me." Eleanor''s gratitude was sincere.


    "Your father asked me to look after you before he passed, and that''s a promise I intend to keep." York''s eyes wandered to the city''s horizon, his thoughts drifting. After a pause, he asked, "How''s your son doing these days?"


    "He''s well. Just the asional cold, nothing serious," Eleanor replied.


    York''s expression softened with relief. "That''s good to hear."


    After Eleanor left, York sipped his tea. Something weighed on his mind, and he sighed. "You never told me how long to keep this from her. How am I supposed to exin it?"


    "Professor, who are you talking to?" Julian approached, curiosity in his voice.


    York looked up. "It''s nothing. Go on, the meeting''s about to start."


    ***


    At the end of the day, Eleanor climbed into her car, exhaustion tugging at her limbs from the endless conference sessions. Just as she leaned back, her phone vibrated with a new message.


    "Eleanor, you andn are over. Please stop using work as an excuse to get close to him."


    It was from an unknown number, but the tone was unmistakable. Vanessa.


    Eleanor stared at the message for a few seconds, then typed back, ¡°Keep your own dog on a leash."


    A reply came instantly. "Eleanor, are you afraid I''ll show this ton?"


    Eleanor smirked, sending back, "Go ahead-show him."


    She tossed her phone onto the passenger seat, started the engine, and pulled away from the curb.


    ***


    Downtown, in a cozy corner of a coffee shop, Faye walked in with her bag slung over her arm. Vanessa sat by the window, lost in thought, her expression clouded with bitterness.


    Faye slid into the seat across from her, rubbing her temples. "We''ve underestimated Eleanor."


    Vanessa''s gaze sharpened. "Earlier, on the phone-you said you sawn holding her hand. Was that real?"


    "I saw it with my own eyes," Faye said, her voice edged with resentment. "Whether he held her wrist or her hand, it doesn''t matter. There was contact. If I hadn''te back to the conference room with Joel, I swear, next secondn would''ve pulled her into his arms. God knows what would''ve happened after that."


    Vanessa''s face darkened.


    Faye wasn''t here to pick a fight-she was here to warn her. "You''d better keep an eye onn. Make sure he doesn''t keep showing up at Meridian Dynamics, or one of these days their old me will reignite, and you''ll be left with nothing but regret." Vanessa sipped her juice in silence.


    Faye recounted how Eleanor had stolen the spotlight at the conference. Vanessa looked up, incredulous. "That''s impossible."


    "So tell me," Faye pressed, "during her marriage ton, when did she ever have time for research? Evenn didn''t know what she was working on?"


    A slow, knowing smile curved on Vanessa''s lips. "Of course she didn''t have time.n was with me."


    The realization dawned on Faye. Whilen was abroad with Vanessa, Eleanor joined York''sb. If Eleanor could pull off such challenging research, clearlyn was almost never home.


    Looks like she''d underestimated Vanessa''s resourcefulness.


    The two sisters had always been aware of each other''s existence, but never had any contact. Faye knew little of Vanessa''s life overseas, only that every year their father sent money to support Vanessa and her mother.


    She remembered being eighteen when her mother found out one of her father''s mistresses was secretly pregnant-and with a boy. Her mother intervened, forced the mistress to give up the baby, and after that allowed Vanessa''s mother to see their father from time to time.


    The first time Faye met twenty-year-old Vanessa, she''d seemed every bit the pampered heiress-educated, elegant, nothing like a child born on the wrong side of the nket. In fact, she''d lived better than Faye ever had.


    Later, her mother confided that by the time Vanessa turned eighteen, she and her mother had been taken in by a man wealthy beyond imaginationn.


    Vanessa nced up. "What are you thinking about?"


    Faye leaned forward, lowering her voice. "If you want to secure your ce as Mrs. Goodwin, you should given a child. Preferably a boy."


    Vanessa tapped her nail on the rim of her ss, her eyes glinting with amusement. "You really think I''m going to lose to Eleanor?"

 Chapter 619

    "Even though Eleanor had a daughter, she''s stilln''s flesh and blood. I hear he absolutely dotes on her," Faye said, frustration creeping into her voice. It was like being more anxious than the person actually involved-she felt like a bystander fussing while the main yers remained calm.


    She''d assumed that once Eleanor divorced, Vanessa would marry into the Goodwin family without dy and take her ce as Mrs. Goodwin. But now, there wasn''t even the slightest sign of that happening.


    "I know what I''m doing," Vanessa replied, setting her cup down.


    Faye couldn''t hold back anymore. "Aren''t you worriedn still has feelings for Eleanor?"


    "Do you even know Eleanor?" Vanessa asked, looking up at her.


    Faye was caught off guard. She''d never bothered to understand Eleanor before- never had any intention of it, in fact. But Vanessa''s question made her pause and actually consider it for once.


    What kind of person was Eleanor, really?


    Faye''s assessment was blunt and dismissive. "She''s arrogant, self-important, and only got ahead through connections."


    But Vanessa''s eyes grew thoughtful, and she smiled slightly. "At her core, Eleanor


    is proud. She despises betrayal and disloyalty. But she''s also both kind and principled."


    "Kind? I don''t see it at all," Faye scoffed.


    Vanessa went on, "She poured six years of love inton and ended up with


    nothing but a divorce. I''m certain she''ll never love again. No matter how wonderful


    the next man is, she''s destined to grow old alone."


    "That just means she''s stupid," Faye sneered.


    Vanessa''s lips curled into a smile. "That works in my favor. She can forgive someone for careless mistakes, but never for cheating or betrayal in marriage. When she found out about me andn, she stayed silent for two years-she was giving him onest chance toe back to his family. After that, she initiated the divorce without hesitation. Even ifn got down on his knees and begged, she wouldn''t spare him a second nce."


    Faye raised an eyebrow and let out a shortugh. "Mr. Goodwin, begging her? Seriously?"


    "I''m just saying, hypothetically. Eleanor seems easygoing, but she''s stubborn to the bone. Once she''s made up her mind, she never looks back. In that sense, she andn are exactly alike."


    Faye finally caught on to what Vanessa was getting at. "So, you mean "


    "To deal with her, you have to use her own nature against her," Vanessa said with a low chuckle. "Make her utterly give up onn."


    Now it all made sense to Faye-this was why Vanessa could stay so cool and unhurried. No wonder she never seemed anxious.


    Vanessa ran her fingers through her hair. ¡°Ian feels guilty towards Eleanor and their daughter. But once that guilt fades away, he''lle back to me. I''ll be his safe haven, always."


    Faye arched a brow. "So, you''re letting them spend time together on purpose?"


    "That''s called letting the enemy advance so I can win in the end. The closern gets to Eleanor, the more he''ll see the cracks between them. With Eleanor''s personality, she''ll shut him out again and again.¡±


    Faye suddenly understood. The best oue would be for Eleanor to never learn how topromise. And withn''s pride, he was hardly the patient type, either.


    Vanessa picked up her coffee. "Eventually,n will realize I''m the only one in this world who''ll believe in him, forgive him, and love him, no matter what."


    Faye couldn''t help but admire Vanessa''s strategy. No wonder she could win over a man liken. She didn''t have to get her hands dirty-just quietly let the gap between Eleanor andn widen, until they couldn''t stand the sight of each other.


    When Eleanor got home, she went straight to her study. In the living room, Evelyn was ying with Wiz, who was more than just a loyal dog-he was Evelyn''s patient ymate, answering her endless questions and making herugh.


    At dinner time, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen.


    n.


    She didn''t n to answer and declined the call without hesitation.


    A text popped up almost immediately, making her sigh in annoyance. "Evelyn''s running a slight fever."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. She stared at the message for a few seconds, then hurried into the living room. There, she found her daughter curled on the sofa, looking more tired than usual. Eleanor reached out and felt her forehead-it was definitely warmer than normal.


    "Mommy, what''s wrong with me?" Evelyn asked, her voice full of curiosity.


    "It''s nothing, sweetheart. Let me check your temperature." Eleanor fetched the thermometer and cradled Evelyn in herp for five minutes. Sure enough, the reading came back at one hundred degrees.


    "Does anything hurt? Do you feel bad anywhere?"


    Evelyn shook her head. "I feel fine."


    Just then, Princess-their golden retriever-jumped up and ran to the front door as the bell rang.


    "It must be Daddy!" Evelyn said excitedly.


    Joslyn, their housekeeper, went to open the door. Ian stepped inside, striding straight to the living room. He knelt by Eleanor and gently felt Evelyn''s forehead, ncing up at Eleanor. ¡°What''s her temperature?¡±


    "One hundred," Eleanor said quietly.


    "Should we take her to the hospital?"


    "No, I don''t want to go to the hospital. I don''t want any shots, and I don''t want any medicine," Evelyn protested, burrowing into Eleanor''s arms and pouting.


    "All right, we''ll keep an eye on you at home. No hospital, okay?" Eleanor kissed her daughter''s cheek, knowing all too well how much Evelyn hated hospitals.

 Chapter 620

    "I want Daddy to stay with me," Evelyn dered as she wriggled out of Eleanor''s arms and burrowed inton''s embrace.


    No matter how strained things were between them, their love for their daughter was unwavering.


    "Daddy, have you eaten yet?"


    "No,"n replied quietly, ncing down at her.


    Evelyn turned hopefully to Eleanor. "Mommy, can Daddy have dinner with us?" Meeting her daughter''s pleading eyes, Eleanor finally gave a silent nod.


    Joslyn, hearing this from the kitchen, decided to make an extra bowl of pasta since dinner was nearly ready.


    Eleanor didn''t leave the living room either; she was more anxious than anyone about Evelyn''s fever. Ever since her daughter''s lung surgery a year and a half ago, even a simple cough was enough to make Eleanor worry.


    In the softmplight, Evelyn''s features-so much like his own-seemed even more striking.


    The living room fell into a hush. Eleanor sat with her phone, messaging Evelyn''s teacher to ask about her day at school.


    "At naptime, Evelyn didn''t want to take off her sweater," the teacher wrote back. "She woke up sweaty."


    Eleanor thought to herself that this might have been what caused Evelyn''s cold.


    Soon, Evelyn was moring for a story. Ian fetched a picture book and began reading to her, while Joslyn set the dishes on the table. Watching the scene on the couch, Joslyn''s heart skipped-how familiar this looked: Eleanor nearby,n gently reading to their little girl. It used to be a regr sight-a warm family, together.


    "Achoo!" Evelyn sneezed adorably atn.


    Father and daughter broke intoughter. Joslyn couldn''t help noticing how, in this moment,n was nothing like the decisive, intimidating man he was at work. Here, he was just a patient, loving dad.


    "Ma''am, dinner''s ready," Joslyn called.


    "Evelyn, you should eat by yourself," Eleanor chided, frowning.


    Butn picked up a fork and said gently, "Alright, Daddy will feed you a few bites first-then you try on your own, okay?"


    Evelyn smiled and nodded. "Then I''ll feed you, Daddy!"


    The two of them started their old game-Daddy feeds Evelyn, Evelyn feeds Daddyughing as they went.


    Eleanor kept her head down, picking at her food. She couldn''t eat much, too preupied with worry for her daughter. She just hoped Evelyn would eat a little


    more.


    After dinner, Eleanor gave Evelyn some medicine to bring down her fever, still uneasy. By nine o''clock, Evelyn was asleep, curled up inn''s arms. Eleanor approached. "I''ll take her to bed now. You should go."


    But half-asleep, Evelyn opened her eyes and tugged atn''s sleeve. "Don''t go, Daddy."


    Eleanor knew that when her daughter was sick, she became clingy¡ªwanting everyone she loved close by.


    "Alright, Daddy''s not going anywhere,"n reassured her, squeezing her tiny hand. He looked at Eleanor. "I''ll bring her upstairs."


    Eleanor stepped back asn carried Evelyn to the master bedroom, Eleanor quietly following. After tucking Evelyn into bed,n sat at the edge, watching her sleep.


    He''d already changed out of his suit downstairs, now in a ck turtleneck. His dark brows shadowed his gentle gaze.


    Eleanor left the room and sat on the upstairsnding.


    A momentter, Joslyn approached, concern etched on her face. "Ma''am, is Evelyn feeling any better?"


    "Still a low fever," Eleanor replied.


    Eleanor''s voice was icy. "You can leave now."


    Dropping his voice,n said, "I''ll be in the car. Call me if you need anything."


    Joslyn walkedn to the front gate. Halfway there, she blurted out, "Ever since Evelyn was hospitalized, every time she''s sick, you get so anxious, ma''am."


    Joslyn froze, realizing she''d said too much. She quickly waved her hand. "Oh, it''s nothing. I must be remembering wrong."


    Joslyn was rattled, but knowing Evelyn was ill, she decided it was best not to stir


    up trouble. Besides, it had been two years-Evelyn was healthy now. There was no need to worry Mrs. Goodwin.


    "I must be mistaken, Mr. Goodwin. It''s cold out-shall I get you a nket for the car?"


    She swiftly changed the subject.


    "No, that''s alright."n gave her a final, searching look and walked out the gate.


    Joslyn let out a sigh of relief, covering her mouth. She reminded herself to be more careful next time.


    Ifn ever found out Evelyn had been hospitalized for lung surgery, he''d surely be furious that Eleanor hadn''t told him. As her father, he had a right to know about her health. If he ended up resenting Eleanor for it, Joslyn would never forgive herself.

 Chapter 621

    Ian Goodwin stood outside the garden gate, the night wind brushing against his tense features. He nced back at the glowing window on the second floor before pulling open the car door and settling into the driver''s seat.


    Upstairs, in the softly lit bedroom, Eleanor Suttony on her side next to her daughter. Every so often, she reached out to check Evelyn Goodwin''s forehead. Thankfully, there was no sign of a high fever-just a typical seasonal cold. As long as Evelyn''s immune system held up, her body would fight it off on its own.


    Still, Eleanor couldn''t help but worry. Two years ago, Evelyn had needed a minor procedure to clear her lungs. The doctors had called it routine, but for Eleanor, it had been anything but small.


    At the time, it had been the best way to rid Evelyn''s lungs of the stubborn mucus.


    Eleanor''s thoughts tangled and churned as shey there, and eventually, sleep pulled her under.


    Sometime past midnight, Evelyn coughed, startling herself awake. Eleanor snapped to attention, instantly reaching out to check on her daughter. Feeling that Evelyn''s temperature had finally dropped, Eleanor exhaled in relief her little girl''s fever had broken.


    Eleanor slipped out of bed and padded downstairs for a ss of water. As she reached the kitchen, she heard Princess-the family''s golden retriever-whining at the door. Only then did Eleanor remembern was still out in the car.


    She had no desire to talk with him, but she didn''t want him waiting outside all night either. Picking up her phone, she sent him a quick message:


    "Evelyn''s temperature is back to normal. You can go home."


    "Alright. Call me if you need anything,"n replied a momentter.


    A few secondster, the sound of an engine rumbling to life drifted in from outside.


    Joslyn, the housekeeper, must have heard the noise too, because she appeared in the hallway, wrapping a cardigan tighter around her shoulders. She nced over at Eleanor, who was sipping water in the kitchen. "Is Evelyn still running a fever?"


    "It''s gone down," Eleanor replied.


    "That''s a relief. I was so worried-" Joslyn began, remembering how terrified she''d been two years ago.


    Before Eleanor could respond, Joslyn added, "Ma''am, Mr. Goodwin still doesn''t know about Evelyn''s lung procedure, does he?¡±


    "There''s no need to bring up the past," Eleanor said quietly.


    Joslyn froze, silently thankful she hadn''t mentioned it earlier-no sense stirring up trouble.


    By morning, Evelyn''s fever hadpletely subsided, and her energy had returned. Eleanor stayed home from work, watching as her daughter bounced around energetically on the bed.


    "Mom, am I going to school today?" Evelyn asked, blinking her bright blue eyes.


    Eleanor walked over and ced a hand on her forehead, just to be sure. "Let''s rest for another couple of days. I''ll be home with you."


    Evelyn grinned. "Will Dade visit?"


    Eleanor''s hands paused in the middle of straightening the nket. Ian had texted earlier to ask about Evelyn, but she''d told him there was no need toe by.


    "Your dad''s busy with work-"


    Before she could finish, the doorbell rang downstairs.


    Evelyn''s face lit up. She scrambled off the bed, pulling on her slippers. "That must be Dad!"


    "Careful, slow down," Eleanor called after her.


    Downstairs, Joslyn had already opened the door. Ian stood on the porch, holding


    a gift bag. Dressed in a dark sweater and jeans, he looked less severe than usual, more like a dad at home than a man at the office.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, flinging herself into his arms.


    Joslyn took the bag, smiling. Ian pressed his forehead gently to his daughter''s, and Evelyn hugged his neck tightly. "Daddy, do I still have a fever?" she asked.


    He shook his head. "No, sweetheart. You''re all better."


    Eleanor came down the stairs. Ian''s gaze lingered on her for a moment. "I''ll stay this morning to keep Evelynpany," he said.


    Before Eleanor could object, Evelyn turned hopeful eyes up at her. ¡°Mom, can Daddy stay and y with me?"


    Eleanor hesitated, but after a sleepless night, she nodded. "Alright."


    "Daddy, what did you get me?" Evelyn asked, peeking into the gift bag.


    "Building blocks,¡±n said. "Let''s build something together."


    "Ma''am, for lunch-?" Joslyn interjected, wondering if she should prepare a meal forn as well.


    "My dad is staying for lunch!" Evelyn answered cheerfully before Eleanor could say a word.


    Three pairs of eyes turned to Eleanor, as if only her approval could make it official. Seeing her daughter''s eager face, Eleanor finally gave a small nod. Joslyn grinned. "Perfect, I''ll run out for groceries now."


    At the top of the stairs, Eleanor lingered for a moment, then quietly retreated to her room. Laughter drifted up from downstairs-Evelyn''s giggles,n''s deeper chuckle. Eleanor decided to leave them be; as long as her daughter was happy, that was enough.


    At noon, Joslyn served a hearty lunch. Evelyn''s appetite had returned, and with her father there, she seemed brighter than ever.


    After the meal, Evelyn grew sleepy again. She nestled inn''s arms on the sofa, chatting quietly with her favorite stuffed animal, Wiz. Before long, she drifted off, her small head tucked againstn''s shoulder.


    Joslyn stepped in from the kitchen, carrying a bowl of fresh fruit, and paused at the sight. It struck her just how quickly time had passed. She remembered whenn would cradle Evelyn on the sofa as a chubby little baby. Now, she was six- still his little girl, but growing up so fast.

 Chapter 622

    Eleanor came downstairs and saw her daughter fast asleep on the couch. Her expression was distant as she approached. "I''ll carry her upstairs. You can go now."


    Butn didn''t hand Evelyn over. His tone was quiet but firm. "Let me take her up."


    Eleanor pressed her lips together, but didn''t argue.


    Asn closed the door behind him, he turned to face her. "We need to talk."


    Eleanor''s voice stayed cold. "You can go."


    "It''s about Evelyn being hospitalized two years ago."n''s voice dropped, heavy with meaning. "I have a right to know."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. She looked up at him, startled-how did he find out?


    Last night, something Joslyn had said maden suspicious. His instincts kicked in, so he asked Gavin Young to pull Evelyn''s medical records from the past three years. That''s when he discovered that, two winters ago, Evelyn had undergone a pulmonaryvage.


    Eleanor hadn''t expected him to dig that up. She instinctively stepped back until her shoulders pressed against the hallway wall.


    "Why did you keep it from me?¡± Ian''s voice was low and tightly controlled, as if he was struggling to keep his emotions in check.


    "It was a routine procedure," Eleanor replied, meeting his eyes with a calm that bordered on indifference.


    Last night, when he''d read Evelyn''s medical report, his mind had gone nk for what felt like ages. He had never imagined his daughter had once hovered so close to death, that her pneumonia had gotten so severe.


    She opened the master bedroom door and slipped inside, leavingn stunned in the hallway. He turned and went downstairs, where Joslyn was tidying up the living room. His voice was low and urgent. "Joslyn, did Evelyn have surgery during her hospital stay two years ago?"


    Joslyn froze-she hadn''t expectedn to ask about this. "Yes, sir. Evelyn had a lung procedure."


    "Why didn''t you tell me?"n''s eyes were sharp. "You should have."


    Joslyn had still been his housekeeper then, his employee. It was her duty to inform him.


    Joslyn sighed. "Mrs. Goodwin told me not to. She said you were busy overseas, and she didn''t want to disturb you... Actually, she did call you that night. You must have been busy; you never answered."


    Joslyn''s voice trembled as she recalled those days. "Mrs. Goodwin barely slept, holding Evelyn night and day until she nearly made herself sick. And the night they rushed to the hospital, it was pouring rain. She lost control of the car and scraped the curb. We were all so scared."


    He hadn''t known¡ªhis daughter had already fought for her life once.


    A crushing wave of guilt nearly drowned him, making it hard to breathe. He shut his eyes, and when he opened them again, they were red-rimmed. He looked upstairs, chest heaving.


    "Sir, it''s been two years," Joslyn tried tofort him. "There''s no need to me yourself now."


    "Mr. Goodwin?" Joslyn watched him with concern.


    Just then, Eleanor came downstairs. She''d been standing at the upstairsnding, listening to everything. Once, news like this would have left her shaking with grief and frustration. But now, hearing the regret inn''s voice, she felt nothing at all.


    "Ma''am," Joslyn greeted as Eleanor reached the bottom step.


    With Joslyn gone,n''s chest rose and fell as he strode closer to Eleanor, stopping just a few feet away. His voice was thick. "Why didn''t you tell me back then?"


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "Tell you? You ignored a dozen calls that night. To me, you might as well have been dead."


    He remembered-he''d been at Vanessa Shannon''s victory party. The entertainment news was full of her that day. The paparazzi had even snapped photos of them together at the airport.


    He''d been celebrating with his old me, not sparing a thought for his daughter''s life or death.


    "Doesn''t matter anymore," Eleanor said with a bitter smile. Any ordeal she survived had, over time, be nothing more than a passing cloud.


    She walked toward the water dispenser, but behind her,n''s voice rang out- soft, sincere, and aching. "Eleanor, I''m sorry."


    "Just go. I don''t want to see you." Eleanor''s voice was weary. Her daughter''s recent illness had already left her emotionally exhausted;n''s presence only unsettled her more.


    "I''ll make it right. All of it,"n promised, his voice low and earnest.

 Chapter 623

    Eleanor let out a coldugh as she turned away, her eyes icy and hard. "Make amends?n, do you really think every mistake can be fixed?"


    She hadn''t wanted to dredge up memories of that night, but now the images came rushing back-her daughter burning with fever, her small hands and feet like ice. Alone in the hospital, Eleanor had cradled Evelyn on the narrow bed, tears slipping down her cheeks as she tried desperately to cool her daughter''s skin.


    Hatred shed in Eleanor''s gaze. Her voice dripped with scorn. "You think you can just make things right? Is this for your own peace of mind? Let me tell you, it''s toote for that."


    Eleanor sneered. "Listen to me,n. I won''t give you the chance to make it up to Evelyn. I want your conscience to haunt you for the rest of your life." She paused, a mocking smile ying on her lips. "That''s if you even have a conscience."


    She picked up a ss of water and headed upstairs. Behind her,n stayed silent, his tall frame shuddering as though struck. He pressed a hand to his chest, steadying himself against the table.


    A momentter, he walked out the front door and stopped by his car. Suddenly, he turned and mmed his fist into the trunk of a nearby maple tree, the rough bark tearing the skin on his hand. Blood trickled down his wrist, butn seemed numb to the pain.


    Joslyn happened to return home just then and gasped at the sight. "Mr. Goodwin, are you alright?"


    His gaze was sharp andmanding, and Joslyn understood instantly-this was a responsibility he was entrusting to her.


    She nodded. "Of course. Don''t worry, I''ll look after them."


    Joslyn nced at the tree trunk, noticing the faint smear of red. For a moment, she stood there stunned. Was this guilt she was seeing? Or just anger after another argument with his wife?


    Back inside, she crept upstairs and peeked in on Eleanor and Evelyn. Mother and daughter were fast asleep. Not wanting to disturb them, Joslyn slipped away.


    She let out a quiet sigh of relief. At leastn had cared enough to look into Evelyn''s surgery all those years ago. If he''d never found out the truth, Mrs. Goodwin''s heart might have broken entirely.


    Maybe, just maybe, this time they''d be able to resolve some of their misunderstandings.


    That evening, Joslyn found a quiet moment to mentionn''s bloodied hand to Eleanor. All she got in response was a curt, "Joslyn, I''m not interested in hearing about him anymore."


    Joslyn gave an awkward little smile. "Of course."


    Three dayster, Evelyn was bouncing around the house, healthy and cheerful again. In the meantime,n had been checking in on her through Joslyn; he''d texted Eleanor directly as well, though she never replied.


    At Meridian Dynamics, Eleanor had taken three days off. Work had piled up, so she spent the morning tackling paperwork and the afternoon in meetings.


    At two-thirty sharp, a meeting began on the eighth floor. Eleanor sat at the conference table, leafing through her reports with focused attention.


    Byron Chase entered with someone in tow.


    "Mr. Goodwin, please take a seat at the head," Byron offered.


    "I''m fine here,"n replied, his deep voice steady. He walked right past the head of the table, pulled out the chair beside Eleanor, and sat down.


    Across the table, Faye Yeaton''s expression flickered. There was an empty seat right next to Byron-why wouldn choose to sit next to Eleanor instead?


    Eleanor frowned. This meeting was for the project team;n had no reason to be here.


    Faye couldn''t help noticing. It didn''t feel liken was here for the meeting at all¡ª he was here for Eleanor.


    Byron cleared his throat and started. "Tomorrow, our research team will head to the testing facility to begin work."


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone lit up with a message.


    She nced down instinctively. It was from Mansfield Ellington.


    "Back in Ashford City to recover-just letting you know. No need to visit, alright?¡±


    Eleanor couldn''t help the small smile tugging at her lips.


    Immediately, she felt a heated stare from beside her.


    She typed back quickly, "Rest up. I''ll drop by when I have a chance."


    Mansfield replied almost instantly, as if he''d been waiting for her response. "Really? I''ll look forward to it, then."


    Eleanor''s features softened. At that moment,n spoke up. "No phones during the meeting."


    His tone was calm but edged with frost-and anyone paying attention could pick up the jealousy buried in his words.


    Faye certainly noticed.


    Eleanor calmly locked her phone and returned her focus to the meeting.


    When Byron finished discussing the testing facility, he turned to Eleanor. "Given that you have a young child, we''re waiving the clock-in requirement for you. Just take care of your responsibilities, and that''s all we need."


    Eleanor offered a grateful smile. "Thank you, VP Chase. I appreciate your consideration."

 Chapter 624

    Byron''s eyes flicked over ton, and he gave an awkward smile. "You should really thank Mr. Goodwin-it was all his suggestion."


    The gratitude in Eleanor''s eyes vanished, reced by a sudden chill. She said nothing.


    Faye seized the moment. "Eleanor, don''t you think you''re being a little rude?"


    Eleanor lifted her gaze to Faye, one eyebrow arching ever so slightly. Still, she remained silent.


    But Faye could feel the air of superiority radiate from Eleanor. A sh of resentment surged within her-what gave Eleanor the right to act like this? Who was she to carry herself with so much confidence?


    Byron cleared his throat. "Alright, that wraps up the meeting. Everyone, back to work."


    "Eleanor, stay for a few words." Ian''s voice was low and steady.


    Eleanor acted as if she hadn''t heard him. She gathered her files and strode toward the door. Suddenly, the entire room seemed to freeze; everyone else quickly finished packing up, eager to escape the tension.


    Within moments, the conference room was deserted except forn. He sat there, brows furrowed, absently rubbing the edge of the bandage on his hand, his gaze fixed on the door, lost in thought.


    A short whileter, Byron poked his head in. "Mr. Goodwin, would you like to join me in my office for some tea?"


    "Understood." Byron quietly left.


    Eleanor returned to her office, rubbing her temples in frustration. Just then, the door swung open. Ian''s tall frame filled the doorway.


    "We need to talk," he said, his voice hoarse. "Just five minutes."


    Eleanor mmed her file down on the desk. "There''s nothing to talk about. Don''t waste my time."


    She got up and headed for the door, but as she stepped out,n caught her wrist in a firm grip. "It''ll only take five minutes," he insisted.


    "Let go." Eleanor twisted, trying to yank her arm free, butn''s hold was unyielding. After several futile attempts, anger red inside her. She raised her right hand and pped him hard across his strikingly handsome face.


    The sharp crack of the p echoed down the hallway.


    A few yards away, Faye and two assistants were walking and chatting. They stopped in shock, staring in disbelief.


    The assistants pped their hands over their mouths, exchanging wide-eyed nces.


    Oh my God! Did Eleanor just p Mr. Goodwin?


    Eleanor finally wrenched her hand free, fighting the sting in her palm. Without a backward nce, she walked away.


    "Mr. Goodwin-!" Faye rushed over, her voiceced with concern. "Are you alright?"


    The two assistants hurried over. "Faye, is Mr. Goodwin okay?"


    Faye gritted her teeth, then spun around and marched off after Eleanor, the other two, hungry for more drama, following close behind.


    Eleanor had made her way to the break room. She sat in a lounge chair, cradling


    a cup of coffee. Faye stormed in, fuming. "Eleanor, that was way out of line! How could you p Mr. Goodwin?"


    One of the assistants gave Faye a gentle tug. "Faye, let''s not¡ª¡±


    But Faye was too fired up to stop. "You''re divorced! What gives you the right toy a hand on him?"


    Eleanor took a measured sip of her coffee, unhurried. ¡°And what right do you have to interrogate me? Unless I''m mistaken, Vanessa hasn''t married into the Goodwin family yet, has she?"


    Faye''s hands clenched into fists. "You really think it''s justified to hit someone at work?"


    Eleanor snorted. "Are you blind? He was the one harassing me."


    Faye let out a bitterugh. "Harassing you? You''re just the ex-wife he couldn''t wait


    to get rid of. Why would he bother?"


    Eleanor stood, smoothing her jacket. "Come back to me when you''ve been


    pped by me. Maybe then you''ll have the right to judge."


    Faye''s face burned with anger. She raised her hand, ready to strike.


    "Enough."


    A man''s voice rang out just in time. Joel Kingsley strode over, grabbing Faye''s wrist and yanking her back. She stumbled, ring at Joel, her expression wounded.


    He stepped between her and Eleanor. "This is a workce, not your personal stage."


    Faye stared at him, outraged. She''d been provoked intoshing out, but before she could even touch Eleanor, Joel had forcibly pulled her away.


    The two assistants quickly took Faye''s arms and led her out.


    Eleanor gave Joel a nod. "Thanks, Joel."


    "I heard you just pped Mr. Goodwin," Joel said, searching her face. "Is it true?" Eleanor''s expression was calm. "It is."


    Joel looked stunned. He couldn''t help but wonder-just what kind of mess had Eleanor andn gotten themselves into now?


    Could it be thatn regretted the divorce? Was he trying to worm his way back into Eleanor''s life, hoping for a reconciliation?


    "Eleanor," Joel said quietly, "have you ever thought about getting back together withn for the sake of your child?"

 Chapter 625

    When Joel asked the question, what he really wanted to know was whether


    Eleanor would ever given another chance. Eleanor lowered her eyes, her voice calm but resolute. "That''s not going to happen."


    Joel exhaled in relief, but quickly furrowed his brow. Eleanor might be firm about never getting back together, but what aboutn? Lately, he''d been showing up at Meridian Dynamics far too often.


    "Does your hand still hurt?" Joel asked, genuinely concerned. After all, hitting someone took effort.


    Eleanor paused, instinctively ncing at her right hand. "It doesn''t hurt anymore." Though, right after she hit him, her hand had gone numb for a few minutes.


    "If you need any help, just let me know," Joel offered warmly.


    "Thanks, but I can handle my own affairs." Eleanor smiled.


    Back at the office, Faye was being consoled by her two assistants. Both of them were well aware that Faye''s sister, Vanessa, was set to marry the future CEO of Goodwin & Co. With Faye possibly bing Mr. Goodwin''s sister-inw, they naturally wanted to stay on her good side.


    "Faye, you really shouldn''t provoke Eleanor right now," one whispered.


    "Yeah! Even Mr. Goodwin has to ask for her help with the neural interface project!" the other chimed in.


    "Ask for her help? You make it sound like Meridian Dynamics would fall apart without her," Faye retorted, rubbing her wrist where Joel had grabbed her earlier, clearly annoyed.


    "Well, there''s you and Dr. Kingsley too, of course!" one assistant added hastily. Faye waved them off. "Get back to work. I''m fine."


    The two exchanged nces and left. Faye let out a long sigh, then picked up her phone and dialed Vanessa. She was determined to report that Eleanor had hitn.


    "Are you serious?" Vanessa sounded incredulous on the other end.


    "I saw it with my own eyes. But the real shocker was Mr. Goodwin''s reaction-he didn''t fight back at all. He didn''t even seem angry," Faye replied.


    Vanessa was quiet for a few seconds, her voice turning cold. "Ian''s a father. There''s no way he''dy a hand on the mother of his child. That''s not who he is. I heard Evelyn''s been sick and missed school. Mayben feels guilty about that."


    Faye hesitated. Vanessa made sense, but Eleanor''s behavior had been outrageous.


    "You should make sure tofort Mr. Goodwin," Faye said, seizing the opportunity. "He must be really hurt right now." After all,n was at his most vulnerable¡ªand that was Vanessa''s best chance to win his heart.


    Vanessa promised she would, then hung up. Faye, thinking about how Joel had been so rough with her just to protect Eleanor, felt a pang of hurt herself.


    But she knew, no matter how much Joel shielded Eleanor, she only saw him as a colleague and a friend-she''d never marry him. For a moment, Faye couldn''t help but feel a twinge of pity for Joel.


    Meanwhile, in her office, Eleanor sifted through project files. York Windsor had sent her the oldb reports under the pretense of corporate coboration. Pushing aside her emotions, Eleanor focused intently on the data.


    It wasn''t until nearly half past four that she slung herptop bag over her shoulder and headed out. Joel was waiting at the door. "I''ll walk you out," he said.


    Eleanor nodded. The two of them headed to the elevator together, chatting about some of the project''s theoretical points.


    As they passed through the lobby, several pairs of eyes lingered on Eleanor. After all, news that she''d ppedn had spread like wildfire through every corner of Meridian Dynamics.


    A woman who couldnd a p on the CEO''s cheek-especially his ex-wife-was something out of the ordinary.


    Whenever Eleanor met someone''s gaze, she held it for a few seconds, unflinching, until the other person looked away in embarrassment. Over the past two years, she''d changed. There was a quiet force about her now, an aura that demanded respect.


    Outside, Eleanor said goodbye to Joel. As she started her car, a ck security SUV slipped in behind her, tailing her as she drove away. Joel watched the scene, reassured, before heading to his own car.


    When Eleanor arrived at the school, she spotted a silver Bentley parked at the entrance-Xavier Vaughn''s car. Remembering his recent injury, Eleanor stepped out and walked over.


    Xavier saw her approach and got out as well, greeting her with a warm smile. "You made it."


    "How''s your hand?" Eleanor asked, concern in her voice.


    "Much better. Other than not being able to lift anything heavy for a while, it''s not affecting my life," Xavier replied.


    Eleanor''s eyes shone with gratitude. After all, Xavier had saved her twice. She''d never forget it.


    Suddenly, Xavier''s tone dropped. "Eleanor, do you have any ns this Saturday?"


    Seeing the seriousness in his eyes, she nodded. "No work this weekend. Did you need something?"


    "It''s the thirtieth anniversary g for my family''spany. I''d like you toe," Xavier said. Sensing she might refuse, he quickly added, "And I hope you''ll bring Evelyn along-Vivian would love to have her there."


    Eleanor froze, caught off guard by the invitation.


    Xavier''s expectant gaze told her just how much her presence meant to him.


    She was acutely aware of how others might see it, and she''d always intended to keep things with Xavier strictly tonic. But then, she''d already said she was free, and after he''d just saved her, turning him down now would be hurtful.


    Xavier seemed to sense her hesitation, but he didn''t withdraw his invitation. He wanted Eleanor to step forward, even if he had the patience of a hunter¡ªhe still hoped for a sign.


    Meeting his hopeful eyes, Eleanor finally nodded. "Alright. I''ll bring Evelyn with


    me."


    A spark lit in Xavier''s eyes. "Great. I''m sure Evelyn will have a wonderful time."


    Later, when they picked up the kids, Xavier extended a formal invitation to Evelyn. "Evelyn, there''s a party at my house this Saturday. Vivian will be there too. Would you like toe?"


    "Really?" Evelyn''s eyes lit up at the mention of a party.


    Vivian grabbed her hand. "Let''s go together, Evelyn!"


    "Okay!" Evelyn beamed.


    Eleanor took Evelyn home, where she yed with Wiz while Joslyn busied herself with dinner in the kitchen.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. It was Ellington calling.

 Chapter 626

    "Hello?"


    "Ms. Sutton, the Vaughn Group''s thirtieth anniversary g is going to be held at our hotel. Will you be joining us?"


    Eleanor paused, surprised. She hadn''t expected Xavier to host the event at the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    "He just invited me today," she replied.


    "Yes, we''re almost done with the preparations. I meant to mention itst time, but I got caught up and forgot," Ellington apologized.


    "It''s fine. Just make sure everything goes smoothly. Don''t let Mr. Vaughn down."


    "Of course, absolutely. After all, he''s a friend of Mr. Goodwin''s too!" Ellington added with a chuckle.


    Eleanor ended the call.


    At the dining table, Joslyn looked at her. "Would you like to celebrate your birthday at home next week, ma''am?"


    Eleanor blinked, realizing how quickly time had passed. Another birthday was right around the corner.


    "I''ll think about it," she said softly. This past year had been so full, she''d barely noticed how quickly it had flown by.


    The next three days, Eleanor and Joel headed out to the research facility to do some groundwork for their uing project.


    The engineers were busy, carving out a self-contained work zone.


    At lunch in the cafeteria, Eleanor sat with Simone Langley, catching up on things. Simone, ever the traditionalist, couldn''t help but steer the conversation toward Eleanor''s personal life.


    "Eleanor, I can see Joel treats you well. If you have the time, maybe you should think about your own happiness."


    Eleanor knew Simone meant well. She looked up with a smile. "Professor Langley, honestly, I barely have a minute to myself these days."


    Simone, now fifty-five, had once let her own research overshadow everything else -including finding a partner. She didn''t want Eleanor to end up the same way: sessful, but alone.


    "There''s no rush. You''re only twenty-seven," Simone said gently.


    "Almost twenty-eight," Eleanor replied with augh.


    "You''re still young, plenty of time left," Simone reassured her. "But don''t let the right one slip by, either."


    Eleanor nodded, though in truth, her work and her daughter were her whole world now. Romance just wasn''t something she needed anymore.


    The week slipped by, and Friday afternoon arrived before she knew it.


    Xavier was getting busier as well, so Vivian''s pick-up was handled by the nanny. When the nanny saw Eleanor, she greeted her warmly-no doubt because her employer had always spoken so fondly of Eleanor.


    Eleanor exchanged a few friendly words with her, as she often did.


    On Saturday morning, Eleanor dressed her daughter in a custom-made princess dress-warm and beautiful.


    "Mom, when are we leaving?" Evelyn bounced with excitement.


    "We''ll head to the hotel for lunch, and then the g''s in the evening."


    "Will Daddy be there? He and Mr. Vaughn are good friends!" Evelyn piped up.


    Eleanor''s smile faltered for a moment. Theplexities of adult life were far beyond the understanding of a six-year-old.


    She kissed her daughter''s forehead. "I''m not sure, sweetheart. Why don''t you go y with Wiz while I get ready?"


    Eleanor chose a long, elegant evening gown-its tailored lines highlighting her figure. She applied a light touch of makeup and pinned her hair up, slender neck exposed.


    By noon, Eleanor and Evelyn arrived at the Vesper Joy Hotel. Ellington greeted them at the entrance.


    "Ms. Sutton, wee," he said, then crouched down to Evelyn''s level. "And good afternoon, little miss."


    Evelyn, already used to formal asions thanks ton, smiled brightly. "Good afternoon, Mr. Ellington!"


    "Our little princess gets more beautiful every day," Ellington said warmly, then turned to Eleanor. "Ms. Sutton, why don''t you and your daughter rx in your room? Lunch will be sent up shortly."


    Eleanor nodded, taking Evelyn''s hand as they headed to the elevator. No sooner had they settled in than her phone rang-Xavier, asking if Vivian coulde over to y.


    Eleanor was happy for the girls to spend time together. Soon, the nanny brought Vivian over, and the two children threw their arms around each other, giggling with delight.


    After lunch, the doorbell rang. Eleanor opened it to find Xavier standing in the hallway, looking sharp in a deep blue suit. The way he paused to take in her understated elegance didn''t escape her.


    There was something timeless in Eleanor''s beauty that day¡ªa quiet, ssic grace, like a white magnolia blooming in early spring.


    "You look stunning," Xavier said, his voice sincere.


    "Thank you. How''s the setuping along?" she asked.


    "Thanks to Ellington''s team, everything is perfect."


    The two girls soon grew restless and begged to go downstairs. Eleanor and


    Xavier had little choice but to take them to the children''s lounge.


    Just as they stepped out of the suite, Evelyn shouted gleefully, "Daddy!"


    Eleanor stiffened. She and Xavier turned to see who she was calling.


    Under the soft hallway lights,n appeared in a perfectly tailored ck suit, looking as cool andposed as ever.


    He was on the phone, but at Evelyn''s excited shout he nced over. When he saw Eleanor and Xaviering out together, his gaze lingered on Eleanor before shifting to Xavier, somethingplicated flickering in his eyes.


    n, you made it," Xavier greeted him, his tone even.


    "I did!" Evelyn wrapped her arms around his neck, then turned to Eleanor. "Mom, Daddy''s here!"


    Eleanor gave a small nod. "Do you still want to go to the yroom?"


    Evelyn slid down fromn''s arms at once. "Daddy, I''m going to y!"


    Vivian tugged at Xavier''s hand. "Uncle, let''s go!"


    Eleanor took Evelyn''s hand, Xavier took Vivian''s, and together they headed for the elevators.<pn stood in the hallway, watching Eleanor and Xavier walk away until they disappeared around the corner. Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed through his chest. He pressed his hand to his heart, struggling to catch his breath.

 Chapter 627

    In the children''s y area, Xavier excused himself not long after-they had an important client arriving.


    Eleanor stayed behind to y with the kids for a while, until Mrs. Vaughn swept in, elegance personified in her floor-length evening gown, a nanny following at her heels.


    "Eleanor! It''s been ages since Ist saw you," Mrs. Vaughn eximed, giving Eleanor an approving once-over. The longer she looked, the more she admired Eleanor''s quiet grace and beauty.


    "Mrs. Vaughn." Eleanor greeted her with a warm smile.


    "Oh, that''s far too formal-call me Auntie, dear!" Mrs. Vaughn insisted, gently correcting her.


    Eleanor''s smile deepened, a hint of shyness in her eyes. "Alright, Auntie."


    Mrs. Vaughn chatted enthusiastically, asking about Eleanor''s work and home life. Eleanor answered politely; Mrs. Vaughn already knew how busy she was, which was precisely why she hadn''t reached outtely. In fact, Xavier had made a point of asking his mother not to disturb Eleanor unnecessarily. The fact that Eleanor had agreed to attend the Vaughn family''s thirtieth anniversary celebration was more than enough to make Mrs. Vaughn happy.


    At the very least, it meant her son and Eleanor were closer than just casual friends.


    Around five o''clock, the ballroom was already buzzing with guests. Eleanor led her daughter in alongside Mrs. Vaughn, and the first thing she saw was a huge ice sculpture of the Vaughn Group''s logo spinning slowly on stage, scattering rainbow lights across the room.


    Eleanor was shown to the VIP lounge, where the two children found plenty to entertain themselves.


    Not far away, Henry Holt was chatting with a few friends when his phone buzzed. He nced at the screen, excused himself, and stepped aside to answer. "Hello? Vanessa, are you here yet?" he asked, his tone softening.


    "Henry, I''m noting tonight. Could you let Xavier know for me?" Vanessa''s voice came through, subdued.


    "Is something holding you up?" Henry asked, unable to hide a note of disappointment.


    "No, nothing in particr. It''s just¡ª¡± Vanessa sighed. "I get the feeling Xavier doesn''t really like me much these days. Probably because of Eleanor."


    ¡°Xavier isn''t like that. You should juste tonight''s going to be lively." Henry tried to reassure her, then added, n will definitely be there too."


    "Do you really think I shoulde?" Vanessa''s voice was barely above a whisper.


    Henry paused, surprised by her uncertainty. "Of course you should! Do you want me toe pick you up?"


    "No need. I''ll have my assistant drop me off," Vanessa said after a moment.


    Henry agreed and ended the call, quietly relieved.


    Fifteen minutester, Vanessa arrived at the entrance of the Vesper Joy Hotel in a striking red evening dress, instantly drawing appreciative stares from the men nearby.


    She walked gracefully to where Henry waited, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Sorry for beingte."


    Xavier, catching sight of them, said coolly to Henry, "Why don''t you take Miss Shannon up?"


    Henry didn''t miss the chill in Xavier''s tone toward Vanessa, and it sparked a flicker of irritation in him.


    Inside the elevator, he leaned over to offerfort. "Vanessa, you look stunning tonight."


    Vanessa managed a small smile, but it was clear her mood was less than bright.


    "Xavier really has been busytely," Henry tried to exin. "He''s not ignoring you on purpose."


    Vanessa nodded, her smile slipping into a wry grimace. "Is Eleanor here too?"


    "She is. She brought the kids," Henry replied.


    Vanessa''s smile froze for a moment. "I see."


    Henry frowned. "Eleanor and Xavier are just friends, you know. Don''t read too much into it."


    "Just friends?" Vanessa gave a short, humorlessugh. "If that were true, would Xavier be so openly hostile toward me?"


    "Hostile?" Henry blinked in surprise.


    At that moment, a manager approached them at the entrance to the ballroom and addressed Vanessa politely, "Excuse me, miss, may I have your name?"


    "Vanessa."


    He checked the guest list and looked perplexed. "I''m sorry, miss, but I don''t see your name on the list."


    Henry''s expression darkened. ¡°Are you kidding? Don''t you know she''s my guest?" The manager hesitated, clearly ufortable. "Mr. Holt, I apologize, but Mr. Vaughn specifically instructed us not to admit anyone without an invitation." Vanessa''s face paled; she gripped her clutch tighter, forcing a smile. "Henry, maybe I should-"


    "No." Henry rarely lost his temper, but now his jaw tightened as he reached for Vanessa''s hand. "She''s my girlfriend. Does she still need an invitation?"


    The manager was taken aback and quickly stammered an apology. "I''m so sorry, sir. Please,e in."


    Inside the ballroom, Vanessa gently slipped her hand from Henry''s. "I don''t want to make things difficult for you¡ª¡±


    Henry shook his head. "You''re not. They''re just being ridiculous. Don''t worry about it."


    Vanessa smoothed her dress, her voice soft. "Thank you, Henry."


    Her eyes drifted over the crowd until she spotted two children in the VIP section,


    with Eleanor and Mrs. Vaughn sitting beside them.

 Chapter 628

    Vanessa leaned toward Henry. "I''m going to say hello to Mrs. Vaughn."


    Henry nodded, and Vanessa, poised and graceful, made her way to the VIP area. The wide diamond bracelet on her wrist sparkled under the lights, catching the attention of anyone nearby.


    ¡°Mrs. Vaughn, it''s been a while,¡± Vanessa greeted politely.


    "Miss Shannon, so d you could make it," Mrs. Vaughn replied with a warm smile.


    Nearby, Evelyn and Vivian were engrossed in their own world,ughing quietly, oblivious to the conversation.


    Vanessa turned, feigning surprise as her eyesnded on Eleanor. ¡°Miss Sutton, I didn''t expect to see you here!"


    As she spoke, Vanessa lifted her hand to adjust her hair, making sure her diamond bracelet was on full disy.


    "Oh! I recognize that bracelet-it''s a limited edition, isn''t it? I heard you can''t find it anywhere in the country," Mrs. Vaughn remarked, her interest piqued. She kept a close eye on the jewelry world and knew all about thetest exclusives.


    Vanessa offered a demure smile. "Yes, I picked it up overseas," she replied, ncing at Eleanor with a subtle, knowing look. "It was a gift."


    Eleanor saw right through Vanessa''s little show. Not long ago, she andn had been abroad, and it was obvious Vanessa wanted her to know exactly who had given her that bracelet.


    "Was it from Henry?" Mrs. Vaughn asked, curiosity evident. After all, Henry and Vanessa seemed close, and his family had the means for suchvish gifts.


    Vanessa''s smile faltered for the briefest moment. Just then,n''s tall figure appeared at the entrance. Vanessa immediately looked up, her lips curving into a bright smile. "Excuse me, Mrs. Vaughn," she said softly.


    With that, Vanessa made her way towardn, every step carefully measured.


    Mrs. Vaughn watched her go, realization dawning in her eyes. She turned to Eleanor, a bit flustered. "Eleanor, this Miss Shannon andn-?"


    "She''s the one who came between my marriage," Eleanor answered directly, her tone calm.


    Mrs. Vaughn''s face registered pure shock. "What? That was her?"


    She''d once asked her son why his marriage to Eleanor had ended, and he''d only said things had changed between them. Now she realized Vanessa was the reason for their breakup.


    Henrietta looked at Eleanor with sympathy. "I wish I''d known. If I had, I never would have let Xavier invite her tonight."


    "It''s all right, Auntie. That''s all in the past-I''m doing just fine now," Eleanor reassured her.


    Henrietta''s gaze followed Vanessa, her expression tinged with disdain. Truth be told, she''d never had patience for women who knowingly inserted themselves into other people''s rtionships.


    Meanwhile,n had just entered, and several CEOs from the business world were already approaching to greet him.


    Vanessa felt his gaze drift in her direction and, lifting her most charming smile, walked toward him. But as she drew close, she realizedn wasn''t looking at her at all¡ªhe was focused on someone behind her. Without so much as a pause, he moved past her, walking straight toward Evelyn.


    Vanessa turned, her heart sinking as she saw Evelyn''s delighted face. The little girl ran ton, throwing her arms around him, and the two quickly fell into an animated conversation. Vanessa, feeling the sting of rejection, picked up a ss of red wine and was about to take a sip when Henry appeared at her side.


    "I thought you couldn''t touch a drop of alcohol," he said quietly.


    "A little won''t kill me," Vanessa replied, a hint of bitterness in her voice.


    Henry nced towardn and Evelyn. He knew Vanessa was hurting. Gently, he took the ss from her hand. ¡°Vanessa, don''t do this to yourself. If you won''t care for yourself, someone else will."


    Vanessa managed a small smile. ¡°Let me guess-by ''someone else,'' you mean you?"


    Henry arched an eyebrow, half amused. "You know exactly who I mean."


    Vanessa looked toward Evelyn. "She''s adorable. I really do like her."


    Just then, a young woman in an elegant dress approached Henry, her eyes bright with excitement. "Mr. Holt, I didn''t expect to see you here!"


    Vanessa raised her brows, curious. "And you are?"


    The girl nced at Vanessa, then spoke with frankness. "I''m Mia Brown. Actually,


    I guess you could call me Mr. Holt''s blind date."


    Vanessa shot Henry a meaningful look. "Oh, so you''ve been busy with matchmakingtely?"


    A flicker of panic crossed Henry''s face. He scrambled to exin, ¡°It was just a dinner between our families, nothing more."


    Mia, looking at Vanessa, seemed to recognize her. "You''re Miss Shannon, the pianist, aren''t you?"


    Vanessa nodded with a polite smile. "Yes, that''s me." Then, turning to Henry, she added, "You two should talk. I''ll leave you to it."


    "Vanessa-" Henry called after her, his voice low.


    But Vanessa was already walking away, her eyes drifting towardn, who was still talking with his daughter, then to Eleanor, deep in conversation with Mrs. Vaughn. Without another word, Vanessa slipped out onto the balcony.


    Barely a minuteter, Henry followed her outside. Catching sight of him from the corner of her eye, Vanessa let a small, knowing smile y on her lips.

 Chapter 629

    By now, all the guests had arrived for the g. Xavier entered with an older gentleman, chatting amiably as they made their way inside. The moment he spotted Eleanor and his mother across the room, he politely excused himself and headed toward them.


    "Uncle!" Vivian squealed with delight and dashed over to greet him.


    Xavier took Vivian''s hand and nced a few steps ahead to see Evelyn nestledfortably inn''s arms. He smiled. "Let''s y with Evelyn in a bit, but first, let''s go say hello to Grandma."


    Eleanor watched asn held their daughter, the two of them deep in conversation for over ten minutes. She couldn''t help but wonder what they were talking about.


    "Mom, could you keep an eye on Vivian for me? I''m about to go up and give my speech," Xavier said to his mother.


    The family''s attentive nanny immediately took Vivian''s hand. Mrs. Vaughn stepped forward to straighten her son''s jacket, fussing over thepels as only a mother would. Xavier flushed with embarrassment-having his mother fix his clothes in front of Eleanor felt a little awkward.


    But Mrs. Vaughn''s motherly gestures were instinctive. No matter how old her children grew, they would always be her little ones.


    Eleanor found the scene heartwarming and smiled, catching Xavier''s eye for a brief, meaningful moment.


    Not far away, someone else was watching them. In the glow of the ballroom lights, Eleanor, standing among the Vaughns, might easily be mistaken for a part of their family¡ªa picture-perfect trio in the eyes of any onlooker.


    Suddenly, the lights dimmed. A spotlight swept across the stage andnded on Xavier. His tall figure stood out, dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit that entuated his broad shoulders and slim waist. He exuded the poise and confidence of a seasoned professional.


    Several young women in the audience couldn''t take their eyes off the Vaughn Group''s heir. Eligible bachelors of his caliber were a rare find in these circles.


    "Thank you all for joining us this evening to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Vaughn Group-" Xavier''s deep, steady voice resonated around the hall.


    Vanessa stood by the balcony entrance, watching Xavier. She vividly remembered the first time she''d met him he must have been only twenty-four then. In just five years, he''d matured into a self-assured leader, every gesture radiating the calm authority of a business elite.


    When it came to charisma, he was every bitn''s equal.


    Xavier was the quintessential heir, raised from childhood to take over the family business, following his life''s blueprint step by step.


    But while Xavier exuded steady confidence,n''s ambition was unmistakable. There was something maic about his intensity-a survivor''s edge that set him apart.


    "Thirty years ago, my grandfather started with nothing but a small boat and a fledgling tradingpany. Today, Vaughn Group stands at the forefront of maritimemerce."


    Henry lifted his ss of red wine, smiling as he watched Xavier on stage. ¡°Doesn''t he look sharp tonight?"


    Vanessa took a sip of champagne and grinned. "Seems Eleanor really does have good taste."


    Henry just smiled nomittally. As Vanessa wandered into the crowd, ss of juice in hand, she made her way towardn in the dimly lit room.


    Henry, feeling a pang of frustration, took another sip but didn''t follow.


    "Evelyn!" Vanessa greeted as she reachedn and his daughter.


    "Mrs. Shannon?" Evelyn''s arms were still wrapped around her father''s neck, and she looked surprised to see Vanessa here.


    Vanessa offeredn a warm greeting as well. He nodded politely.


    Just then, a waiter behind Vanessa stumbled and nearly lost his bnce. Vanessa instinctively pushed Vanessa gently forward, and she caught herself by grabbingn''s strong arm. The waiter apologized profusely, but Vanessa simply smiled, "It''s alright."


    As she spoke, her gaze flicked a few yards away to Eleanor, who happened to be watching. As Eleanor turned her head, her eyesnded on Vanessa clinging ton''s arm, chatting animatedly with their daughter.


    Eleanor''s hand clenched into a fist. She strode over quickly. "Evelyn,e here, sweetheart," she called.


    Without hesitation, Evelyn slid down fromn''s arms and grabbed her mother''s hand. Ian''s arms suddenly felt empty, and his brow furrowed slightly.


    Eleanor stood with her daughter for a moment. Evelyn remembered her toys, still sitting on the sofa nearn. "Mom, I left my toys on that couch over there!"


    Eleanor nced at the sofa behindn. "Stay here with Vivian. I''ll fetch them for you."


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded enthusiastically.


    Eleanor slipped behindn and Vanessa, who were too engrossed in their conversation to notice her. Just as she picked up the toys, she overheardn gripping Vanessa''s wrist, his voice low and resolute: "Remember, your life matters to me. Don''t ever hurt yourself again¡ªnot without my say."


    Vanessa''s expression wasplicated, but when she saw Eleanor standing behind them, she smiled brightly, lips curving into a practiced, confident arc. "I promise. I''ll never let you worry about me again."


    Vanessa let out a quietugh, fingers ying over her bracelet. "Ian, I trust you haven''t forgotten our agreement. I won''t let you break your promise."


    n looked away, adjusted his cufflinks, and disappeared into the crowd.


    Eleanor handed the toys to her daughter, her calm expression masking the unease beneath. Ian''s words to Vanessa echoed in her mind-so painfully clear and sharp.


    Aroundn, a handful of business associates gathered, eager to strike up conversation. He held his winess with polite detachment, keeping them all at arm''s length.


    Vanessa searched for Henry but caught sight of him deep in conversation with a young woman¡ªthe very one he''d been set up with earlier. Henry looked politely uninterested, but the girl beamed at him, undeterred.

 Chapter 630

    Vanessa paused for a moment, then walked over to Henry and gave his shoulder


    a gentle pat. "Henry, I have to go. Something came up."


    "Let me give you a ride," Henry offered immediately, remembering that her manager had dropped her off earlier and she didn''t have her car.


    "That''s all right," Vanessa replied, ncing at Mia Brown standing nearby. "You should stay and take care of Miss Brown."


    Without waiting for a reply, she turned and strode out of the ballroom. Henry stood there for a moment, and as Mia Brown was about to ask if he wanted a drink, he suddenly made up his mind and hurried after Vanessa.


    Behind him, Mia Brown''s expression faltered-she finally understood. Henry''s heart clearly belonged to Vanessa.


    Henry caught up with Vanessa by the elevator. She looked a little surprised. "Why are you out here?"


    "I want to see you off."


    "But your date is still waiting inside!"


    He caught the hint of annoyance in her voice and chuckled, shaking his head. "Are you actually jealous over that?"


    Vanessa arched an eyebrow and smiled. "Why would I be jealous? I''m not your girlfriend." She stepped into the elevator, but just as Henry moved to follow, she stopped him with an outstretched hand. "Henry, tonight, I just want to be alone. Go back and keep Miapany."


    The elevator doors slid shut, leaving Henry standing outside, letting out a quiet sigh.


    Back in the ballroom, Xavier''s speech wasing to an end. His gaze drifted over the crowd and settled on Eleanor. "And finally," he said, "I want to give special thanks to someone very important to me for being here tonight." The room fell silent.


    On stage, Xavier didn''t rify Eleanor''s identity; he simply held her gaze for a few quiet, meaningful seconds before stepping down.


    The guests followed his line of sight and spotted a graceful woman standing in the shadows, her face obscured by the dim light, but her calm elegance drew every eye in the room.


    Meanwhile, Henry was making his way towardn. He hadn''t expected Xavier to dere his feelings for Eleanor-so openly, yet with such subtlety. Instinctively, Henry nced atn.


    Eleanor, after her initial surprise, knelt down to straighten her daughter''s dress. Evelyn bounced on her toes. "Mom, can we go to the lounge and y with the toys?"


    Eleanor took her daughter''s hand and headed toward the staircase. When they reached the upstairs lounge and disappeared from view, the ballroom lights brightened. Guests turned back, but the woman in the gown was nowhere to be seen.


    On the opposite side of the ballroom,n stared up toward the VIP lounge, his empty ss turning slowly in his long fingers.


    "Ian." Henry approached and followed his gaze. "You all right?"


    Henry nced over at Xavier, who was now surrounded by businessmen eager towork. Soon, though, Xavier wrapped up the conversation and made his way


    over.


    "Xavier, you look great tonight," Henryplimented.


    Xavier turned ton. "Ian, have a drink with me?"


    "Congrattions on the anniversary,"n said to Xavier, his tone polite but distant. "Thank you. I''m really d you could both make it," Xavier replied.


    Henry found himself at a loss. When had the three of them started speaking in such formal, careful tones?


    He sighed wearily, wanting to say something to break the ice, but then caught the electric tension betweenn and Xavier¡ªan unspoken current passing between them, invisible to everyone else.


    Nervously, Henry gripped his ss, half-expecting the two men to explode at any moment.


    Just then, Eleanor appeared at the top of the stairs, holding Evelyn''s hand. Her fitted gown shimmered under the lights, her graceful silhouette instantly easing the charged atmosphere between the two men.


    "Dad, I want to go home," Evelyn said quietly.


    "All right, sweetheart. We''ll leave now,"n replied, his voice gentle.


    Evelyn let go of Eleanor''s hand and looked up at her. "Mom, can I stay at Grandma''s tonight?"


    Eleanor hesitated for a moment.


    Evelyn went on, "I''ll ride with Daddy to Grandma''s. You can stay and have fun for a while longer."


    Xavier smiled encouragingly. "Eleanor, why not stay? Enjoy yourself a bit."


    Evelyn''s face fell, but she nodded obediently. "Okay."


    "Bye, Mommy!" Evelyn waved as she left with her father.


    Eleanor watched her daughter go, then turned to Xavier. "Xavier, I should get


    going too. Thank you for inviting me tonight."


    Xavier understood all too well-Eleanor''s heart had left with her daughter. There was no way she could truly stay and enjoy herself now.

 Chapter 631

    "I''ll walk you out," Xavier said.


    "That''s not necessary. You should stay and look after your guests!"


    But Xavier''s gaze was resolute. "It''s no trouble at all. Come on."


    Eleanor stepped outside. Her car was parked in the VIP spot right at the entrance of the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    A sharp night wind swept through; it was nearly December, and the chill was biting. Eleanor''s fitted evening gown looked especially thin in the cold. Suddenly, she pressed a hand to her forehead and swayed unsteadily. Xavier caught her arm at once. "What''s wrong? Are you feeling okay?"


    She shook her head. "I think I just caught a chill. Feeling a little dizzy, that''s all.¡±


    Just then, Ellington came out as well. Xavier waved him over. "Ellington, can you arrange for a driver to take Eleanor home?"


    "I''ll drive Ms. Sutton myself," Ellington replied, unwilling to trust anyone else with the task.


    "Alright. Drive carefully."


    Eleanor was genuinely exhausted. Xavier opened the car door for her, and she slid inside. It wasn''t until Ellington started the engine that she realized she still had Xavier''s jacket draped over her shoulders.


    "Wait, Ellington-let me return this " Eleanor began, reaching for the jacket.


    "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Vaughn''s already gone back inside. You can return it next time," Ellington assured her.


    Eleanor could only relent. Ellington drove her home in silence, not disturbing her with conversation.


    She really was worn outtely. Her daughter''s recent bout with the flu had left her on edge, and the demands of work all week had left her running on empty. Now, just a gust of wind was enough to make her dizzy.


    When they reached her house, Eleanor nced down at the jacket and decided she''d ask Joslyn to have it dry-cleaned before returning it to Xavier.


    After parking her car, Ellington called a ride and left.


    Eleanor stepped into the living room to find her daughter curled on the sofa watching TV, withn sitting beside her.


    "Oh! Ma''am, whose jacket is that?" Joslyn eximed, noticing the men''s jacket draped over Eleanor''s arm.


    She nced down at it and handed it to Joslyn. "A friend''s. Could you have it dry- cleaned tomorrow, please?"


    "Of course, ma''am." Joslyn hung the jacket neatly on the coat rack by the entryway.


    "Mom, are you hungry? Aunt Joslyn''s making noodles for me and Dad!" Evelyn called out.


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, sweetheart, I''m not hungry. You two go ahead and eat."


    She headed upstairs, her elegant gown swaying with each step, the subtle curves of her waist entuated even in her ts.


    In the kitchen, Joslyn finished preparing the noodles and called out, "Mr. Goodwin, bring Evelyn in for dinner, please.¡±


    Around nine, Evelyn finished her meal. Ian knew it was time for him to go.


    He nced up at thending where Eleanor still hadn''t reappeared. Then he turned to his daughter. "Daddy''s heading out now. If you miss me, just ask Wiz to call, okay?"


    "Mm-hmm! Got it. Bye, Daddy." Evelyn waved her little hand, not making a fuss. Seeing how mature she was bing,n felt a pang in his chest. He ruffled her hair gently and kissed the top of her head.


    As he stood,n turned to Joslyn. "That''s my friend''s jacket. Please tell your mistress I''ll return it for her."


    ¡°Um, ma''am said to have it dry-cleaned first-? Joslyn hesitated.


    "I''ll have it cleaned and return it myself,"n said, taking the tailored navy jacket


    from the rack before heading out the door.

 Chapter 632

    Joslyn waited untiln had left the house before she went upstairs to tell Eleanor what had happened.


    Eleanor was in her study, working on a report. When she heard Joslyn''s update, she frowned, clearly irritated.


    "Ma''am, was that Mr. Goodwin''s friend''s suit?" Joslyn asked, needing to be sure. Eleanor nodded.


    Joslyn let out a breath of relief. Still, she couldn''t help but thinkn had probably acted that way out of jealousy. After all, Eleanor hade home wearing another man''s jacket; her ex-husband was bound to mind, at least a little.


    That night, Eleanor tucked her daughter into bed early.


    But as soon as she closed her eyes, her thoughts betrayed her, reyingn''s words when he took Vanessa''s hand: "Your life matters to me. Without my permission, you''re not allowed to hurt yourself again."


    The possessiveness inn''s voice was unmistakable.


    Frustrated, Eleanor opened her eyes and stared out the window. She shook off her thoughts, got up, and went back to her study. Work was the only thing that could quiet her restless mind.


    The next morning, Eleanor took her daughter out for a little shopping with Joy Thatcher, spending a peaceful afternoon together.


    At a caf¨¦, Evelyn sat nearby, flipping through a new picture book while Eleanor and Joy chatted over tea.


    "Your birthday''sing up. Any ns?" Joy asked.


    "I''ll just spend it quietly at home with Evelyn," Eleanor replied, keeping it simple.


    "What''s the matter-worried someone will give you another expensive gift?" Joy leaned closer and teased her in a low voice.


    Eleanor nodded, admitting it.


    "It''s true. It''s one thing on a normal day, but getting an extravagant present on your birthday is awkward to deal with," Joy agreed.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen, and Joy peered over, nudging Eleanor''s shoulder with a mischievous smile. "Xavier really cares about you, huh?"


    It was a message from Xavier: *Eleanor, are you feeling better?*


    He must have heard about her getting dizzy in the windst night. Eleanor replied, *I''m fine now, thanks for checking in.*


    *d to hear it,* Xavier texted back.


    Eleanor thought about mentioning the suit, but decided against it. Sincen had promised to return it to Xavier soon, she figured there was no rush.


    She set her phone aside and the two women drifted into easy, private conversation.


    On Monday morning, Eleanor dropped her daughter off at school. While waiting at a red light, she decided to visit Mansfield at the hospital during her lunch break. She sent him a quick message.


    *Which hospital are you in? I''ll stop by at noon if you''re free.*


    *Metropolitan General Hospital,* Mansfield replied, including his room number and floor.


    Eleanor headed to Meridian Dynamics for the morning meeting,ying out the week''s research schedule.


    "We''ve got a meeting at Goodwin & Co. headquarters this Wednesday," Byron announced. "Eleanor, you and Joel wille with me."


    Eleanor frowned. "Mr. Chase, do I have to go?"


    Faye shot her a look, thinking Eleanor was being aloof again. Getting invited to a meeting at Goodwin & Co. headquarters was a privilege, after all.


    "I''ll have to check with the higher-ups, but there''s no rush," Byron said with a strained smile.


    Everyone in the room knew exactly who he meant by "higher-ups."


    Faye clearly wanted the chance, but it didn''t look like Byron was willing to let anyone else take Eleanor''s ce.


    "No need to check¡ªI''m not going," Eleanor replied, raising an eyebrow.


    "That''s fine," Joel said. "If Eleanor doesn''t go, I''ll take notes and fill her in afterwards."


    Byron hesitated, but let it go. "Alright, Eleanor, you''re off the hook."

 Chapter 633

    At noon, Eleanor ced an order for a fruit basket and a bouquet at the mall across from Meridian Dynamics, then hurried toward Metropolitan General Hospital with the basket in hand.


    She made her way up to the hospital''s inpatient ward and stopped outside Mansfield''s room. After a quick knock, the door swung open to reveal a refined and elegant woman.


    "Eleanor! You''re here," Mrs. Ellington, the mayor''s wife, greeted her warmly. "Come in,e in!"


    "Good afternoon, Mrs. Ellington," Eleanor replied with a polite smile.


    "You''re so thoughtful." Mrs. Ellington graciously epted the fruit basket and bouquet from her.


    Eleanor nced toward the bed, where Mansfield sat propped up against the pillows. He looked much better than before.


    "You made it," Mansfield said, a faint smile ying at his lips, his mood clearly light.


    "I''ll leave you two to talk," Mrs. Ellington said, casting them a knowing nce before excusing herself with a smile.


    Eleanor took a seat beside the bed. "How''s your recovery going?"


    "Really well. The doctors say I''m in good shape-apparently a little injury like this


    is nothing for me," Mansfield replied with a touch of humor.


    "Don''t try to tough it out. The most important thing is to rest and heal properly," Eleanor said, her tone serious. She noticed a stack of Mansfield''s recent medical reports on the bedside table and picked them up to take a look.


    Mansfield watched her in silence, taking in her delicate profile. Though Eleanor wasn''t one for flowery words, her actions spoke volumes. In that quiet moment, he knew she genuinely cared.


    After reading through the reports, Eleanor said, "Everything looks good. Your numbers are solid-nothing to worry about."


    "Good." Mansfield paused, then asked, "So, any ns for your birthday?"


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. He actually remembered her birthday?


    "Nothing big this year. I''ll keep it simple," she replied with a smallugh.


    "I''m being discharged on your birthday," Mansfield said, his gaze steady. "Would you invite me over for a slice of cake? We can celebrate your birthday¡ªand my release."


    Eleanor hesitated, caught off guard. "You''re getting discharged so soon?"


    "Is that all right?" Mansfield pressed, his eyes full of hope.


    It wasn''t an unreasonable request, and besides, Eleanor still owed him for that time he''d given her daughter a jar of fireflies as a gift.


    She smiled. "You cane over for cake-but no gifts. If you bring anything, I won''t ept it."


    Mansfield grinned. "Deal. Just dinner and cake. Promise."


    Just then, a female voice called from the hallway, "Excuse me, is this Mr. Mansfield''s room?"


    A nurse answered, "Yes, this is Mr. Ellington''s room."


    A knock followed. Eleanor stood to open the door and found a bright-eyed, cheerful young woman standing there, also holding a fruit basket and a bouquet. She paused, a little confused, as if she''d walked into the wrong room.


    "Looking for Mansfield? He''s inside," Eleanor told her.


    The girl''s face lit up with a dazzling smile. "Thank you!" She stepped lightly into the room, her gaze immediately finding Mansfield. "Mansfield, I came to see you!"


    Mansfield was clearly surprised. "What brings you here?"


    "I took the day off just to visit you," the girl replied, setting down her gifts. She turned to Eleanor, extending a hand with confidence. "Hi, I''m Sophia. I trained under Mansfield a while back."


    Eleanor shook her hand and smiled. "Nice to meet you, Sophia. I''m Eleanor."


    Mansfield took a moment to properly introduce them. "Eleanor''s a medical researcher,¡± he said, then turned to Eleanor. "Sophia''s an outstanding pilot."


    At a nce, Eleanor could tell Sophia had that unmistakable air of someone with military training. She was surprised someone so young had already made her mark as a pilot.

 Chapter 634

    Sophia''s face lit up with delight as she looked at Eleanor, a sudden realization dawning in her eyes. "Wait, you''re Eleanor? I''ve read about you in the news! I can''t believe I get to meet you in person. You''re amazing."


    Eleanor offered a modest smile. "You''re very impressive yourself."


    As the words left her lips, Eleanor found herself sizing up this cheerful, open- hearted girl. The two seemed to suit each other perfectly, she thought-Sophia and Mansfield. With a polite nod, Eleanor turned to Mansfield. "I have to get back to the office. There are things I need to take care of. I''ll leave you two to chat."


    Mansfield blinked in surprise. "You''ve only been here, what, fifteen minutes? Can''t you stay a bit longer?"


    Eleanor shook her head, her tone apologetic but firm. "You know how hectic work is for me." She turned to Sophia with a smile. ¡°Miss Sophia, I''m leaving him in your care."


    "Don''t worry, Miss Sutton! I''ll make sure Mansfield''s well looked after," Sophia replied enthusiastically.


    With a nod and a gentle smile, Eleanor slipped out the door.


    As the door clicked shut, Mansfield let out a quiet, frustrated sigh. Sophia pulled out a chair to sit down, but when she caught sight of Mansfield''s expression, she paused, immediately picking up on his mood. Without another word, she stood up again. "Mansfield, wait here a second."


    She hurried out, catching up to Eleanor just as she was about to step into the elevator. "Miss Sutton, could you wait a moment?"


    Eleanor turned, a bit surprised. "Is something wrong, Miss Sophia?"


    "Mansfield''s not feeling well. I just got an urgent call and have to leave. Would you mind staying with him a little longer?"


    Concern flickered in Eleanor''s eyes as she heard that Mansfield wasn''t feeling well. Without hesitation, she followed Sophia back to the hospital room. Mansfield watched, puzzled, as Sophia dashed out and returned momentster with Eleanor in tow. Realization dawned as he saw the two women together.


    "Mansfield, didn''t you say earlier you felt a little tightness in your chest? I asked Miss Sutton to keep an eye on you, since I have to go." Sophia picked up her bag, pausing at the door to nce back at him, visibly relieved. "I''m just d to see you''re okay."


    With that, she slipped out, closing the door quietly behind her.


    Mansfield nced at Eleanor, who was watching him closely. He pressed a hand


    to his chest and winced. "I did feel a sharp pain here a moment ago."


    "I''ll go find a doctor to check on you," Eleanor said, her voice full of concern.


    He managed a faint smile. "No need, it''s already passed."


    Meanwhile, out by the elevator, Sophia''s phone rang. She answered quickly. "Hello?"


    "Did you see him?"


    "Yeah, he seems to be recovering well."


    "So now you can rx and focus on that test flight next week?"


    "Yeah, I''m good."


    Her friend''s voice teased, "Of all the people you could have a crush on, you fell for Mansfield? You know what his family is like "


    "Alright, enough with the jokes. I admit I like him, but I won''t get in his way.


    Besides, I think he might already be interested in someone else."


    "What? Mansfield''s got someone?"


    "Mm-hmm. And she''s incredibly impressive."


    "How do you know?"


    "Remember Eleanor?"


    "What, that genius scientist everyone in the medical field talks about?"


    "That''s her."


    "And you-"


    "I think they''re a perfect match. Of course I wish them well."


    "Hey,e on back! If you pull off this test flight, you''ll finally get to fly that fighter jet you''ve always dreamed of."


    Sophia''s eyes sparkled with determination, her posture unwavering a bold rose blooming in the desert, ready to take on the world.

 Chapter 635

    At first, Eleanor had been worried about him. But the more she watched


    Mansfield, the more obvious it became that he wasn''t truly in pain-he was putting on a show. She saw right through it.


    With a quiet sigh, she said, "Alright, that''s enough. Drop the act."


    Mansfield''s hand, which had been pressed melodramatically over his chest, froze mid-gesture. He looked up and offered a sheepish smile. "Caught me, did you?"


    "Sophia''s a good woman," Eleanor said bluntly. "Bright, outgoing, and aplished."


    Mansfield nodded, conceding the point. "She really is. It''s just¡ª¡±


    He met Eleanor''s gaze, eyes suddenly thoughtful. Eleanor didn''t look away. "It''s obvious she cares about you," she said.


    "You''ve got it wrong," Mansfield replied, correcting her gently. "What she feels is just a bit of hero worship for her instructor, nothing more."


    Eleanor''s intuition disagreed. She smiled faintly. "I saw her just now, when she chased after you. The way she looked at you-it was pure concern."


    Mansfield nced at her, then asked abruptly, "What about you? Who''s on your mind these days?"


    Eleanor blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift. She answered honestly, "Right now, it''s just my daughter and my work."


    The room fell quiet for a moment. Sunlight filtered through the blinds, warming the pale walls. Mansfield watched her for a while before finally speaking again. "I get it," he said softly.


    Then he smiled. "But don''t forget-you promised you''d have me over for cake on my birthday. No backing out." He paused, then added, ¡°Just a friendly get- together."


    Eleanor looked up at him. "You once said that if you met the right person, you''d consider settling down."


    "And who says I''m not considering it?" Mansfield grinned, raising an eyebrow. "But don''t feel pressured. Treat me as a friend-that''s all I ask."


    Eleanor checked her watch. "You should rest. I''ve got to get going."


    Mansfield nodded, smiling. "Drive safe."


    A little whileter, Mrs. Ellington opened the door and stepped in, surprised to see Eleanor was already gone. "Eleanor''s left?"


    "She''s busy with work," Mansfield replied.


    Mrs. Ellington poured him a ss of water. "Mansfield, I can tell you''ve got feelings for Eleanor."


    He didn''t deny it. "I like her."


    "She''s a wonderful woman, and honestly, she''s a good match for you. Your uncle, your grandmother, your father-we''re all quite taken with her," Mrs. Ellington said candidly.


    Mansfield gazed out the window. Sunlight cast soft shadows across his sharp features. He let out a quiet sigh. "But you can''t force these things."


    Mrs. Ellington gave him a reassuring smile. "Give it time. Eleanor''se out of a rough marriage. She needs space, that''s all. There''s no rush."


    Mansfield''s smile brightened. "I know. I''m willing to wait for her."


    Seeing her nephew''s calm resolve, Mrs. Ellington felt reassured. He''d always


    been determined; when he set his mind to something, he usually found a way.


    ...


    Vaughn Group, 3 p.m. Xavier''s assistant led Gavin to the executive office.


    Inside, Xavier was in the middle of a meeting with several senior managers.


    "Excuse me, Mr. Vaughn. Sorry to interrupt-Mr. Goodwin asked me to return your suit," Gavin said, holding out a suit neatly wrapped in a dry-cleaning bag.

 Chapter 636

    Xavier stared at the suit jacket in his hands, puzzled for a moment before looking up. "How did my suit end up with your boss?"


    "I''m not entirely sure," Gavin replied. "I think Miss Sutton asked our boss to return


    it to you."


    Xavier reached out to take the suit. "Please thankn for me. I appreciate it."


    "Of course," Gavin said, then turned and left.


    Xavier sank back onto the sofa, setting the suit aside as he tried to refocus on the meeting. Butpared to earlier, his mind kept wandering.


    Eleanor askedn to return the suit? He couldn''t make sense of it no matter how he tried.


    He picked up his phone and sent Eleanor a quick message.


    "Got my suit back from you."


    "Was it dry-cleaned?" Eleanor replied almost immediately.


    "It was. Ian''s assistant, Gavin, dropped it off." As soon as Xavier sent the


    message, one of the managers wrapped up his report.


    "Mr. Vaughn, do you think we need to make any changes to this proposal?"


    Xavier finally looked up, eyes narrowed. "Hold on. I have something important to take care of. Let''s reconvene in an hour."


    The managers exchanged confused nces but got up and left. What could possibly be more important than closing a half-billion-dor project?


    Xavier''s gaze stayed glued to his phone, waiting for Eleanor''s reply as if it might provide answers.


    Ten minutes ticked by.


    On Eleanor''s end, she''d just finished texting when Joel called her away. By the time she returned to her desk and saw Xavier''s message, she quickly typed out an exnation: "He just picked up the suit that night when he left. I forgot to mention it to you."


    Xavier read her reply and felt a strange, restless churn in his chest. Eleanor hadn''t gotten home until eight-thirty that night¡ªhadn been at her ce thatte?


    The jealousy nagged at him, irrational as it was. Still, it was impossible to ignore.


    The wayn had recognized his suit, and deliberately taken it-Xavier couldn''t shake the feeling there was more to it.


    Wasn still in love with Eleanor?


    Five years of that lopsided "no remarriage" use, and now all these little gestures... Everything pointed ton still caring about her.


    Just then, a notification popped up in Xavier''s phone-Vivian''s ss parent group.


    Dear parents, this Saturday we''re organizing our annual winter family outing at Greenwood Park. We wee moms and dads to join us for a day outdoors!


    He watched as mothers immediately started signing up. After a moment''s thought, Xavier added his name to the list as well.


    While Eleanor waited at a red light, her phone buzzed with new messages. She nced down to see the school''s announcement about the winter family outing.


    She hesitated, debating whether to sign up, when another message arrived this time from Xavier: "Did you see the notice? Want to go together?"


    Still uncertain, she replied, "Let me talk it over with Evelyn first." "Alright," Xavier responded.


    That evening, after picking up her daughter, Eleanor barely had her seatbelt buckled before Evelyn bubbled with excitement about the weekend ns. "Mom, we get to go on a pic this weekend! The teacher said we can even bring cupcakes!"


    Eleanor nced back at her, smiling. "Really? Well, let''s go home and sign up, then."


    "Yay! Okay!"

 Chapter 637

    Eleanor was halfway through dinner when her phone buzzed. It was Simone.


    "Eleanor, the audit meeting for the Phase III clinical trial data is set for this Saturday at nine in the morning. The FDA experts will be joining via video, so make sure you''re there."


    Eleanor paused, fork hovering over her te. "Saturday?"


    "Yes. Do you have other ns?"


    She let out a quiet sigh. There went the mother-daughter trip she''d promised for the weekend-she''d have to make it up to Evelyn over winter break. "It''s fine. I''ll be there."


    That night, Eleanor sat down with her daughter. She could see the disappointment in Evelyn''s eyes, though the little girl tried her best not to cry. Eleanor''s heart ached.


    "Do you want me to call your dad and see if he can take you instead?"


    "I want you toe with me," Evelyn whispered, her lip trembling atst. She couldn''t hold back the tears.


    Eleanor pulled her into a hug, gently rubbing her back. "Okay, sweetheart. When winter breakes, I promise I''ll take you to the forest park myself, all right?"


    Later, Evelyn went off to y with Wiz, her stuffed rabbit, while Eleanor noticed a new message pop up fromn.


    "About the parent-child day at school this Saturday¡ªI saw you didn''t sign up. Are you not going?"


    Eleanor replied, "Evelyn isn''t going."


    "Okay!"n didn''t press.


    After two long workdays, Friday night found Eleanor in her study, reading. Her phone rang again-Simone''s name lit up the screen.


    "Eleanor, sorry for thest-minute notice, but the audit team just called. The meeting''s postponed. You''re off the hook for Saturday."


    Relief flooded Eleanor''s face. "Really?"


    "Really! The change is confirmed. Did you have something important nned?"


    "Yeah, actually, my daughter''s school is organizing a winter field trip for parents and kids."


    "Then hurry and sign up! You probably still have time," Simone encouraged her. "That''s what I''m about to do. Evelyn''s been looking forward to this for weeks."


    Eleanor hung up and immediately called Miss Alice, her daughter''s teacher. Miss Alice was quick to reassure her. "No problem at all, Eleanor. We still have room. I know Evelyn really wanted to go¡ªshe''s going to be thrilled."


    "I definitely want to go with her," Eleanor said. It was rare to get a day like this, a chance to join her daughter and her friends outdoors. She wouldn''t miss it for the world.


    This time, Miss Alice didn''t bother updating the list. The next morning, all parents and children would gather at the school and head out together.


    Eleanor rushed downstairs to share the news. Evelyn''s face lit up, and she bounced with excitement. "Yes! I get to go with you-and Vivian too!"


    Eleanor finally breathed easy. If she''d missed this, the disappointment would''ve been crushing.


    Since it was still early, Eleanor took Evelyn to the nearby mall for snacks and supplies for the outing.


    Saturday morning dawned bright and warm. Eleanor dressed Evelyn in a stylish, cozy winter coat and fixed her hair into two neat braids.


    When they arrived at school, someone stood up in surprise-Xavier, dressed casually in a light trench coat. He hadn''t expected to see Eleanor.


    "You made it? I thought you couldn''t get away," Xavier asked her.


    "There was supposed to be a meeting, but it was cancelledst night," Eleanor exined.


    Xavier grinned, unable to hide his pleasure as he held up a pic basket. "That''s great-now the kids can have fun together."

 Chapter 638

    Eleanor nodded, and all the parents gathered their children and boarded the school bus, which headed off toward the forest park.


    As the bus rolled slowly into the park, the children pressed their faces eagerly to the windows, voices erupting with excitement. Early winter sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting a warm golden glow over the entire forest.


    "Mom, look! There''s a squirrel!" Evelyn squealed, pointing out the window.


    Eleanor followed her daughter''s gaze and spotted a fluffy squirrel perched on a branch, clutching an acorn and peering curiously at the bus. She smiled. "We''ll see lots more little animals once we''re out there."


    When the bus came to a stop, the teacher gathered everyone in a circle for a warm-up game to break the ice.


    Laughter and cheers filled the air as the children joined hands and yed together. Evelyn and Vivian clung to each other, their faces alight with joy, while the parents watched from the sidelines, their hearts warmed by the children''s happiness.


    At that moment, standing next to Eleanor, a pair of gentle eyes lingered on her face. Eleanor wore a white down jacket that made her look fresh and elegant. In the soft winter sunlight, her bright eyes sparkled, her cheeks carried a rosy glow, and her smile revealed perfect teeth.


    Xavier swallowed hard, trying not to stare, unable to tear his gaze away.


    He didn''t notice the camera across the clearing, snapping candid shots-not just of the children''sughter, but of the parents'' tender expressions as they watched their kids.


    After a stroll through the woods, the group came upon a shallow brook. The teacher handed out waterproof boots and littles for fishing.


    The children tumbled into the creek, buckets in hand, busily scooping up tiny fish. Their delighted shouts echoed through the trees.


    Eleanor and Xavier joined them in the water, helping their daughters hunt for minnows, while the teacher snapped more photos for the memory books.


    Suddenly, Eleanor slipped on a smooth stone beneath the water. She gasped, instinctively grabbing Xavier''s arm. Without missing a beat, Xavier wrapped an arm around her waist and steadied her.


    Eleanor straightened up, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Thank you."


    "No problem," Xavier replied, reluctantly letting go, his hand tingling with lingering warmth.


    Before long, the girls'' buckets held several shimmering silver fish. Proud of their catch, they mbered back onto the bank, ready to show off their prizes.


    At lunchtime, pic tables were set up in the sun, two families sharing each table. Naturally, Eleanor and Xavier sat together with their daughters.


    The four of them gathered around the table, sunlight dappling their faces, the scene so warm and harmonious it looked like a family postcard.


    Nearby, the official photographer captured every meaningful moment, camera lens glinting.


    That afternoon, the families enjoyed some free time. Eleanor wandered the forest trails with her daughter, identifying nts and bugs until, at half past four, everyone gathered for a group photo before heading back to school.


    On the ride home, Miss Alice could hardly wait to share the day''s photos. She uploaded them to the parents'' group chat as soon as they were on the road.


    Meanwhile, at Goodwin & Co.,n sat in the conference room listening to department heads give their reports. Suddenly, his phone lit up with a message from the school parents'' group.


    He tapped it open absentmindedly, not expecting much he hadn''t joined the field trip, after all, and rarely paid attention to these updates. But as he scrolled through thetest photos, his dark eyes narrowed sharply.


    There, in one snapshot, Xavier''s arm was wrapped intimately around Eleanor''s waist as they stood in the creek, their eyes locked on each other. Beside them, the two little girls bent over, engrossed in catching fish.

 Chapter 639

    So why was she there now, with their daughter?


    Was she trying to keep him from going so she could have some alone time with Xavier?


    Everyone in the meeting room noticed their boss ring at his phone, a stormy tension radiating from him. No one dared to break the silence.


    At that moment, Eleanor was climbing out of Xavier''s car, cradling a sleeping Evelyn in her arms. She heard her phone buzz, but exhaustion left her with no energy to check it.


    Joslyn took Evelyn gently and carried her upstairs to bed. Eleanor slumped onto the living room couch, grabbing a moment''s rest.


    She was just about to drift off when her phone rang again. ncing at the screen and seeingn''s name, she let out an irritated sigh and answered, her tone sharp. "What is it?"


    Her coldness hung in the air for a few seconds beforen''s voice came through. "You took Evelyn to the parent-child event today?"


    "That''s right. What about it?" Her voice was even frostier.


    "Why didn''t you tell me?"n''s voice was low, tightly controlled. "I could have gone with her."


    "That wasn''t necessary," Eleanor shot back, obvious annoyance in her tone.


    "Is Evelyn there? I want to talk to her."


    "She''s asleep. Don''t wake her." With that, Eleanor hung up.


    In his office,n stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out at the city lights. His chest tightened with a wild, restless ache, like something caged was about to break free.


    But deep down, he knew he had no right to be angry anymore.


    Still, he found himself sitting on the couch, scrolling slowly through his phone to look at pictures of his daughter. A few of them had caught Eleanor and Xavier together, mostly candid shots.


    In every one, Xavier''s gaze seemed to follow Eleanor, his eyes soft with affection, unable to hide how he felt.


    In the group photo, Xavier stood just behind Eleanor, so close their shoulders nearly touched. He leaned in slightly, a gentle smile on his lips.


    Suddenly, he locked his phone and strode to the window, frustration swirling around him like a storm.


    The next morning, Eleanor was still at the table with Evelyn, who was finishing breakfast. Under the table, Princess, their golden retriever, suddenly perked up, tail wagging as she barked excitedly toward the front yard.


    "Daddy''s here! That must be Daddy!" Evelyn jumped down from her chair, Princess bounding after her toward the gate. Eleanor followed as Evelyn unlocked the front door. Ian stood outside, dressed in a sharp ck coat.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, wrapping her arms around his long legs. "Why didn''t youe yesterday? Do you know where Mom and I went?"


    "That''s right! We even caught some little fish! Mr. Vaughn and Vivian were there too!" Evelyn beamed.


    By now,n was used to her coldness. He held Evelyn close. "Did you finish your breakfast?"


    "Uh-huh! Want to feel my tummy? It''s all full!" Evelyn took his big hand and pressed it to her little belly.


    Heughed, full of affection. "Mmm, it does feel a little round."


    "Daddy, can I go to Grandma''s today?" Evelyn asked hopefully.


    "I''ll go tell Mommy!" With that, she ran upstairs.


    Eleanor didn''t object when she heard Evelyn wanted to spend the day with the Goodwin family. She knew her daughter needed time with family.


    "I''ll pick you up tonight," Eleanor reminded her.


    "Mommy, can I sleep over at Grandma''s? She can take me to school tomorrow!" Evelyn pleaded.


    Eleanor gave in with a nod. "Alright, but you have to behave, okay?"


    "I will!" Evelyn promised, eyes shining.


    A few minutester, Eleanor heard the car in the driveway asn drove off with Evelyn.


    Upstairs, Joslyn was hangingundry on the top floor terrace. As she was tidying up some branches near the wall, she suddenly noticed something rming-a long, deep crack had formed in the outer wall. Her heart skipped a beat. After all, it had rained for weeks this winter, and the old townhouse, despite its upkeep, was bound to show its age sooner orter.


    Joslyn quickly went to tell Eleanor. Shocked, Eleanor followed her up to the terrace. Even without a professional inspection, it was clear-there was no way they could keep living here.

 Chapter 640

    Renovations would take time, so Eleanor made a swift decision: they were moving.


    She couldn''t let her daughter live in a house with safety hazards. It was time to find somewhere safer and morefortable.


    With her financial situation, she didn''t need to worry about affording a new ce.


    That very morning, Eleanor started browsing real estate listings on her phone. One property immediately caught her eye: a luxury condo in Cloudcrest Manor- the same upscale development where Xavier lived.


    Cloudcrest Manor was the most exclusive residentialmunity in the old town district, right beside the best schools. The neighborhood boasted top-notch security and beautifullyndscaped grounds. Scanning the listings, Eleanor saw a spacious duplex apartment had just gone up for sale.


    After a moment''s thought, she reached out to the owners.


    The sellers were a young couple preparing to move abroad. Eager to sell, they''d priced the apartment below market value. Since Eleanor was pressed for time, she scheduled a viewing that very afternoon.


    The owners personally showed her around. The airy duplex was flooded with natural light, decorated in a sleek, modern style with subtle touches of luxury. The master bedroom featured a walk-in closet and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, while the children''s room was designed to be cozy and eco-friendly.


    "The renovations were finished less than two years ago," the wife exined. "We never even got a chance to move in! But my husband''s job is relocating us, so we have to let it go."


    Eleanor was delighted. This ce matched her idea of a perfect home. Without hesitation, she made an offer.


    Money wasn''t an issue, and the owners were already giving her a good deal, so Eleanor quickly signed the paperwork and finalized the purchase.


    Joslyn began packing up their old ce, preparing for the move. Concerned about the condition of their house, Eleanor decided they would stay at a nearby hotel until everything was ready at the new apartment.


    The next morning, Eleanor headed to work while Joslyn finished packing. By midday, the movingpany would arrive to take everything to their new home.


    Eleanor called Ellington for help-her schedule was just too tight. Ellington brought over a team to assist with the move.


    By three in the afternoon, all their belongings were in the new apartment. Joslyn worked diligently to unpack and clean, and soon the ce felt warm and weing.


    That evening, Eleanor picked her daughter up from school. As they drove, Eleanor nced at her in the rearview mirror and said, "Evelyn, I have some good news-we''ve moved."


    Evelyn''s eyes widened with excitement. "Really? Mom, where are we living now?"


    "We''re moving into the same neighborhood as Mr. Vaughn."


    "Really? So we''ll live in the same ce as Vivian? That''s awesome!"


    Back at their new home, Evelyn gleefully grabbed Eleanor''s phone and dialed Xavier.


    "Hello?" came Xavier''s deep voice.


    "Mr. Vaughn, I have great news! We moved into your neighborhood. Can I talk to Vivian?"


    Xavier sounded surprised. "Evelyn, you guys moved?"


    "Yep! We just moved in today."


    Xavier handed the phone to Vivian, and the two kids started chatting away. From the spiral staircase, Eleanor noticed her daughter on the phone and asked, "Evelyn, who are you talking to?¡±


    "I''m talking to Vivian!"


    Eleanor paused, then waited for Evelyn to finish her call before taking back her phone. Almost immediately, a message popped up.


    "Evelyn just told me you guys moved into our neighborhood?" It was from Xavier.


    Eleanor replied, "Yes, the walls in our old house started to crack, so for safety''s sake we moved thesest couple of days. We''re in Building 12, Unit 1, apartment 2802."


    "Wee! Let me know if you ever need anything," Xavier texted back.


    "Thank you, I appreciate it," Eleanor wrote, then turned back to unpacking.


    Meanwhile, Evelyn was in her new room, chatting with Wiz, her digital assistant. Suddenly, she remembered the move and eximed, "WizWiz, call my dad-I want to tell him!"


    "Calling your dad now," Wiz replied.


    "Hello, Evelyn.¡± Ian''s deep voice came through the speaker.


    "Daddy, we moved!" Evelyn burst out. "Now we live in the same neighborhood as Mr. Vaughn and Vivian!"


    There was a brief silence on the other end.


    "When did this happen?" Ian finally asked, his tone low.


    "Mom said we just moved in today. The new ce is beautiful-I really like it," Evelyn said happily.


    "That''s good. I''m d you''re happy there."


    "Daddy, I wish you could live in our neighborhood too." Evelyn propped her chin in her hand, sounding wistful.


    "Of course!" Evelyn sighed, sounding like a miniature adult. At that moment, she heard Eleanor calling her. "Daddy, Mom''s calling me. I have to go. Bye!"


    "Bye, sweetheart."<pn hung up, leaning back on the sofa in thought for a few moments. Then he picked up his phone and called Gavin. "Find me thetest listings in Cloudcrest Manor."

 Chapter 641

    Gavin was clearly the kind of man who got things done and he got them done fast.


    Just half an hourter, he sent over detailed listings for Cloudcrest Manor.


    "Mr. Goodwin, there are two avable apartments in Building 12, Unit 1," Gavin said over the phone. "One is on the 27th floor, unit 2701, right below Miss Sutton''s new ce. The other is on the 23rd floor." He paused. "The owner of 2701 is asking twenty percent above market rate. ims it''s newly renovated and never been lived in."


    The next morning, Xavier spotted Eleanor''s car at the parking lot exit. They nearly always dropped their children off at school around the same time, so running into each other wasn''t unusual.


    Xavier followed behind Eleanor''s car. The school was only a ten-minute drive away. Eleanor had chosen Cloudcrest Manor precisely because the redevelopment of the Old Quarter nearby had yet to begin; Cloudcrest offered the nicest homes in the area, with the best security andndscaping. For someone with Eleanor''s resources, it was the obvious choice.


    Eleanor pulled up to the school and parked. She knew Xavier was right behind her. Both walked their children up to the school gates. Xavier''s happiness was in to see. "Guess we''re neighbors now. If you ever need anything, just let me know."


    "Thank you." Eleanor tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Everything''s settled at my ce. I just need to unpack."


    Xavier nodded. "Good. We can look out for each other from now on."


    Eleanor had no ulterior motives in moving to Cloudcrest Manor. She simply


    wanted afortable, safe, and elegant home-a ce where her daughter could have the best possible life.


    "Yes." She hoped she could return the favor someday. After all, she owed Xavier a lot.


    "Heading to the office?" Xavier asked.


    "Yeah, off to work." Eleanor smiled and nodded.


    Xavier decided to head to work as well. They parted ways at the next stoplight, Xavier''s car pulling ahead, but he couldn''t help ncing in the rearview mirror to catch one more glimpse of Eleanor''s car.


    Eleanor drove on toward the research facility.


    Inside the private facility, she changed into herb coat and hurried straight to the mainb. Joel was already there, hunched over a machine, tweaking some data.


    "Morning, Joel," Eleanor called as she walked in.


    "Morning." Joel straightened, his eyes warm as they met hers.


    Several pieces of high-precision equipment hummed softly in the background. Eleanor focused intently on the data streams, asionally adjusting a parameter or two.


    Their current project was still in its early stages, building on Eleanor''s previous work-developing non-invasive devices to help paralyzed patients regain control of their limbs.


    Meanwhile, in the president''s office at Goodwin & Co.


    Gavin knocked before entering. "Mr. Goodwin, the transfer for Cloudcrest Manor 2701 isplete. Here''s the key. The default code for the door is six zeros."


    "Mr. Goodwin, should I?"


    "I''m going to the research facility,"n said, his tone low and decisive.


    Gavin nodded and left.


    At noon, in the facility''s cafeteria, Eleanor sat with Gwenda, Joel, Simone, and Callie. Simone was in high spirits, chatting about the progress on a new medication. Callie, meanwhile, had heard about Eleanor''s involvement in brain-puter interface research two years ago, and her admiration for Eleanor only grew.


    On their way back to theb, Joel seemed to remember something. "Any ns for your birthday this year?"


    Eleanor had been lost in her thoughts about theb. The sudden question caught her off guard-how did Joel remember her birthday?


    "Uh, I''m just nning something simple at home," she replied.


    "With your daughter?" Joel smiled.


    "Yeah. Just a small cake, nothing fancy," Eleanor said.


    Joel nodded. "Sounds good. Maybe we can grab dinner together sometime."


    Eleanor smiled back. "Sure."


    At two in the afternoon, Eleanor was analyzing the morning''s test results when Gwenda poked her head in the door. "Eleanor, Mr. Goodwin is here."


    Without looking up, Eleanor replied, "Tell him I''m busy."


    No sooner had she spoken thann strode in, impably dressed in a tailored suit, exuding authority.


    Seeing she couldn''t avoid him, Eleanor''s tone chilled. "What do you want?"n raised an eyebrow. "You moved?"


    Eleanor frowned. He must have gotten her new address from Joslyn.


    She shot him a frosty look. "My private life isn''t something I have to report to you."


    "If you wanted to know where I live, it wouldn''t have been hard to find out, would it?¡± Eleanor said sharply, turning her back to him and returning to her data analysis.


    "Cloudcrest Manor is a solid choice. Xavier rmended it to you?"n took a step closer, leaning against the workbench, watching her sort through the reports.


    A sh of irritation crossed Eleanor''s face. "And what if he did?"


    At that moment, Joel walked in with two cups of coffee and stopped short when he sawn.


    "Eleanor, your coffee," Joel said, setting a cup on her desk.


    Eleanor offered him a grateful smile. "Thanks, Joel."


    Joel nced betweenn and Eleanor. "Mr. Goodwin, is there anything you''d like


    me to report on? I happen to have some time, and I can fill you in."

 Chapter 642

    With that, he calmly adjusted his cufflinks and strode toward the door.


    Gwenda was waiting by the entrance. The moment she saw him emerge, her breath caught; she hurried to see him off. "Have a good evening, Mr. Goodwin."


    Watchingn disappear toward the elevator lobby, Gwenda couldn''t help but think to herself-falling in love with a man like that, let alone marrying him, would take real courage.


    He just had this overwhelming presence.


    Outside Cloudcrest Manor, Joslyn had gone to pick up some household essentials from the nearby grocery store. She''d borrowed a shopping cart from the building management and kept double-checking her shopping list, convinced she''d miscalcted something. Absentmindedly, she pressed the button for the twenty- eighth floor as usual.


    As the elevator climbed upward, Joslyn looked up and realized she''d hit the button for the twenty-seventh floor by mistake. She quickly added the twenty- eighth.


    But when the elevator chimed and stopped at twenty-seven, the doors slid open to reveal a familiar figure waiting in the hallway. Startled, Joslyn hit the "open" button. "Hey! Gavin? What are you doing here?"


    "Joslyn." Gavin greeted her with a friendly smile, looking entirely unsurprised.


    "You live here?" Joslyn couldn''t hide her astonishment.


    Gavin gave a sheepish grin. "No-not me. Mr. Goodwin just moved in."


    "Oh! So Mr. Goodwin''s living here now too? That''s actually great-makes it easier for him to see Evelyn."


    "Need a hand with all that?" Gavin gestured at the cart overflowing with supplies.


    Joslyn waved him off with a smile. "No need, this cart makes it easy. I''ll head up first."


    Once Joslyn got home, she started unpacking everything.


    At five-thirty that afternoon, Eleanor returned with her daughter. Evelyn darted around the new apartment, giggling as she explored, Princess-their golden retriever¡ªtrotting along at her side, as inseparable as ever.


    Eleanor settled onto the couch on the balcony with a ss of water. Joslyn brought over a fruit tter and, almost offhandedly, remarked, "By the way, Mr. Goodwin moved into our building-he''s on the twenty-seventh floor."


    Eleanor spat out her water in shock, sttering it across the floor.


    "How do you know that?" she demanded.


    Joslyn recounted her run-in with Gavin in the elevator. Eleanor''s chest rose and fell as she tried to process it. What wasn ying at? He had visitation rights¡ª eight times a month, not a permanent pass for daily visits.


    Trying to keep her temper in check, Eleanor grabbed her phone and retreated to her bedroom. She dialedn''s number.


    "What is it?" His low, rich voice came through.


    "Ian." Eleanor''s tone sharpened. "What exactly are you trying to do? Why did you deliberately move into the apartment below mine?"


    "I won''t be living at Cloudcrest Manor full-time. It''s just a convenient ce to stay when I''m visiting Evelyn,"n replied evenly.


    Eleanor wasn''t buying it. She took a deep breath. "I want you to move out."


    "I''m only here so I can spend time with my daughter. Don''t worry, I won''t intrude on you."n''s tone made it clear he had every intention of keeping the ce.


    Eleanor realized that since Gavin was already moving things in, the apartment must already be undern''s name.


    "I keep my word,¡±n assured her quietly.


    Eleanor clenched her jaw. She hadn''t lost her temper like this in ages, but this was really pushing her buttons.


    "You''d better," she said coldly, hanging up. She knew, in the end, she had no real right to interfere withn''s decision.


    Meanwhile, down in the underground parking garage-


    Xavier''s car rounded the corner just as a ck Rolls-Royce approached from the opposite direction. The license te caught his eye, and he honked a greeting.


    The Rolls pulled to a stop, the window gliding down to reveal Gavin behind the wheel. Gavin nodded politely. "Mr. Vaughn."


    "Gavin?" Xavier raised his eyebrows. "What brings you here?"


    Gavin smiled. "Mr. Goodwin just moved in-I was helping him with some things for the new ce."


    Xavier''s expression froze for a moment. "Is that so? Any idea when he''s officially moving in?"


    "Still furnishing, so I''m not sure yet," Gavin replied.


    "Alright, I''ll let you get on with it." Xavier waved him off.


    As Gavin drove away, Xavier lingered in his seat, aplex look on his face.n''s move was clearly about Eleanor. Was it really all about being closer to his daughter-or was there something more?


    Later, at dinner-


    Xavier met Henry at a restaurant, where Henry was enthusiastically outlining hispany''stest development ns.


    "Xavier, are you listening? Do you think the resort project still has potential?"


    But Xavier seemed lost in thought, barely registering Henry''s words.


    Henry finally stood up and waved a hand in front of his face. "Earth to Xavier?" Xavier snapped back. "Sorry-what were you saying?"


    Henry rolled his eyes. "Never mind what I was saying. Out with it-what''s got you so distracted?" He leaned his head on his hand and swirled his wine, waiting.


    Xavier hesitated, but Henry''s concern was genuine. He narrowed his eyes. n moved into my building. Did you know?"


    "What?" Now it was Henry''s turn to be surprised.


    "Because Eleanor just moved in this week too," Xavier exined.


    Henry''s eyes widened further. "You don''t thinkn''s doing this because of Eleanor, do you?"


    "What else would it be?"


    Henry chuckled. "Come on, it''s obviously about spending more time with Evelyn! I known better than that."


    Xavier liked to think he knewn too-buttely,n''s actions didn''t match the man he used to be.

 Chapter 643

    Noticing Xavier still brooding over the situation, Henry raised his ss and said, "Eleanor moving into Cloudcrest Manor-doesn''t that make it easier for you to be close to her? If you ask me, that''s a win for you." He paused, curiosity getting the better of him. "Didn move in next door to Eleanor?"


    "Technically, he''s downstairs from her," Xavier replied.


    "Either way, I doubtn ns to live at Cloudcrest Manor long-term. You might be overthinking it," Henry offered, trying to reassure him.


    Xavier''s eyes darkened slightly. If what Henry said was true, then he had nothing to worry about. Eleanor had always been firm withn¡ªthere was no chance of reconciliation between them.


    "Enough about me. How''s your dating situation going? Are your parents still putting the pressure on?" Xavier asked, a note of concern in his voice.


    Henry took a sip of his wine, looking a little dejected. "I told them I wouldn''t even consider marriage until I''m thirty. Right now, it''s not on my radar."


    Xavier shot him a sympathetic nce. "Have you even told Vanessa how you feel about her?"


    Henry froze, then took another drink. "Well, let me ask you this-have you ever told Eleanor how you feel?"


    That shut Xavier up.


    "There are some things that, once said, might mean you can''t even be friends anymore," Henry sighed, swirling the wine in his ss.


    Henry''s words left Xavier deep in thought, his gaze clouding over.


    "You''re right. Some lines, once crossed, you can never return," Xavier admitted quietly.


    "We''re both just unlucky souls drifting through life," Henry muttered, draining his ss.


    "I''m not like you," Xavier said, lifting his head.


    "Oh? How so?"


    "At least in my case, Eleanor would never given a second chance. But between you and Vanessa,n is still in the picture," Xavier pointed out bluntly. "Ifn so much as gave her a nod, Vanessa would marry him in a heartbeat."


    Henry let out a bitterugh. "You really know how to hit where it hurts."


    "I just want you to see things clearly. Vanessa''s carried a torch forn for eight years. She''s not going to move on that easily," Xavier said, meeting his friend''s eyes.


    Just then, the waiter arrived with their meal. Henry waved him over. "Bring us a bottle of whiskey, will you?"


    Xavier recognized the look of frustration on Henry''s face and decided to let the subject drop for now.


    "Why not try soundingn out sometime?" Xavier suggested, picking up his ss and taking a measured sip. "Maybe he doesn''t feel that way about Vanessa at all."


    "As long as Vanessa can''t let him go," Henry said, tossing back a mouthful of whiskey, "it doesn''t matter what I ask."


    The two of them fell silent, two men nursing heartbreak in the quiet hush of the restaurant.


    "Alright, enough of this," Henry said atst, forcing a change of subject. "Help me analyze the ind investment n, would you?¡±


    Downstairs, Eleanor hadn''t told her daughter thatn now lived in their building, though she knew it was only a matter of time.


    Eleanor''s mind was elsewhere, too-wondering whethern, now that he had a ce here, would asionally bring Vanessa around.


    She tossed and turned that night, sleep eluding her until nearly two in the morning.


    The next day, Eleanor took her daughter downstairs to drive her to school. Evelyn wouldn''t start first grade until September next year, so they could hold off on moving until then. For now, she wanted her daughter to finish preschool without disruption.


    On the way, Eleanor''s phone rang-Simone was calling to remind her of the audit meeting that afternoon and to confirm her attendance.


    The meeting had been postponed fromst Saturday, so Eleanor had to be there.


    Just as Eleanor was about to pull away from the school curb, Xavier''s car pulled up behind hers. She paused, hand on the door, and, seeing each other, decided it was only polite to say hello.


    Xavier opened his back door, and Vivian ran ahead toward the school entrance, waving as she went.


    Dressed in a camel-colored overcoat, Xavier looked refined and collected as he walked over. "Eleanor, did you known moved into our building?"


    Eleanor''s expression soured as soon as he mentioned it. She nodded. "I know." "Did he talk to you about it first?" Xavier asked.


    Eleanor gritted her teeth. "His choices aren''t really my concern.¡±


    Realizing he''d crossed a line, Xavier quickly apologized. "Sorry, I didn''t mean to pry."


    Eleanor checked her watch. "I need to get to theb. There''s a crucial meeting this afternoon."


    Xavier nodded. "Drive safe."


    "Thanks,¡± Eleanor said, slipping into the driver''s seat.


    At noon, Eleanor was busy with work in theb. By two-thirty, she set out with Simone for the audit meeting at Ashford Medical University''s conference hall. That day, Eleanor wore a tailored charcoal zer over a navy turtleneck and matching cks. Her long hair was swept into a low, elegant knot at the nape of her neck, a few soft strands framing her face, lending her a quiet sophistication. When she and Simone entered the conference hall with their team, Eleanor immediately drew attention.


    Several experts nced up in unison, eyeing the young prodigy who had already made waves in the research world.


    Her father''s reputation in medicine was equally renowned.


    "This is Dr. Sutton," a middle-aged man introduced her, his tone warm but respectful. ¡°You''re truly gifted."


    Eleanor returned his smile, listening as he introduced the audit team. She greeted each expert with polite warmth. Once she and Simone had finalized thest data points, the meeting officially began.


    Eleanor slipped off her zer, the turtleneck emphasizing her slender figure. As


    she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her pearl earrings caught the light, casting a gentle glow against her porcin skin.

 Chapter 644

    Eleanor rose and stepped in front of the projection screen, her voice ringing clear and melodic as she walked the team through each phase of the new drug''s development. Every word was precise, every point backed by data. Confidence radiated from her, sharpened by the intelligence in her eyes and the smooth conviction in her tone.


    "We''ve implemented thetest improvements using¡ª" she began, but was abruptly interrupted.


    The conference room door swung open. Ian strode in, immacte in a tailored suit. Everyone knew exactly who he was. He offered a brief, apologetic nod. "Sorry I''mte."


    With that, he pulled out the nearest chair and sat down.


    The light caught Eleanor''s eyes, making them momentarily frosty. Her hand paused on theser pointer before she continued.


    "Please, go on, Dr. Sutton," Ian said, his voice low and even.


    Eleanor inhaled deeply, forcing herself to refocus. She picked up right where she left off, losing herself in the flow of her presentation.


    From his seat,n watched Eleanor intently-tracking every gesture and nuance: the way she nced at her watch, the small pause when she sipped her water, the slight frown and quick bite of her lip when she felt his gaze.


    Soon, the meeting shifted to questions. The FDA experts wasted no time, firing off pointed, challenging inquiries from every angle.


    But Eleanor was ready for them. She answered each question with calm precision, expanding on details whenever necessary, and never losing herposure. After all, as the chief researcher, no one knew the project''s intricacies better than she did.


    In her element, Eleanor was unshakeable.


    Simone watched her with unconcealed admiration. Evenn, whose expression rarely betrayed emotion, seemed visibly reassured as the toughest issues were handled with ease.


    By four o''clock, the meeting wrapped up, but Eleanor lingered with several of the experts for a few extra minutes of conversation.


    Just outside the conference room,n stood by a row of flowerbeds, making no move to leave.


    It wasn''t until Eleanor emerged, bag in one hand and jacket draped over her arm, thatn finally nced her way. "Your insights were exceptional today," he said.


    "I was just doing my job," Eleanor replied coolly.


    Simone finished her own goodbyes and caught up with them. Spotting the pair in conversation, she called out, "Eleanor, are youing with us, or do you want to ride withn?"


    They''d all arrived together in Callie''s car; Eleanor hadn''t driven today.


    "I''ll go with the team," Eleanor answered at once, not looking back as she fell in step with her colleagues.


    "Mr. Goodwin, we''ve gotten some preliminary data from the sample you provided."


    "I''ll be back at the office soon. We can talk more over video then."


    "Perfect, I''ll prepare the files."


    Later, as Eleanor returned to theb, she watched the clock-she needed to pick up her child soon. Just then, a message lit up her phone.


    "Miss Sutton, do you have a moment? Have you ever researched the rare RH- negative blood disorder? I''d love to hear your thoughts. Dr. Smith"


    Eleanor frowned, recognizing the condition from notes her father had left behind.


    It was the very same disease Dr. Smith mentioned.


    She typed back, "Dr. Smith, I''m avable after eight tonight."


    "Looking forward to your insights!"


    Driving home, Eleanor couldn''t get the exchange out of her head. Even her father''s notes barely scratched the surface of this illness; she herself had hardly encountered it before. Still, she was eager to discuss the case-every conversation with Smith promised a chance to learn something new.


    Back at Goodwin & Co., the lights were still on inn''s office at half past six. On


    the wall-sized screen, Dr. Smith-white coat and all-waited in his office.


    "How''s your mother these days, Mr. Goodwin?" Smith asked.


    "She''s well,"n replied.


    Smith adjusted his sses. "The sample you provided shows a unique antibody response in this rare RH-negative type. If we can investigate further¡ª"


    "Whatever resources you need, just ask,"n said, his voice steady.


    "I''ve reached out to Dr. Sutton. We''re speaking at eight tonight to discuss the research."


    "I''ll send her our data for joint analysis. After all, her father''s work was invaluable to us."


    "Understood." Dr. Smith nodded,unching into a detailed exnation of his findings. Only when he was finished did the call end.


    "Hi, Mom."


    "Did you have dinner yet?"


    "Not yet."


    "You''re still at work thiste? Come home, I''ve saved you something."<pn paused, then said, "Alright. I''ll be home soon."

 Chapter 645

    At eight o''clock in the evening, Eleanor asked Joslyn to keep her daughter


    Her father''s old notebook sat beside her, a silentpanion.


    "Dr. Sutton, thank you for making time to speak with me." Dr. Smith adjusted his sses and flipped through a report on the screen.


    "Of course. I''m very interested in the rare RH-negative variant you mentioned," Eleanor replied. "My father actually studied simr cases before he passed."


    Smith''s expression held no surprise. "Yes, I remember. I used to correspond with your father online about this, though we never had the chance to meet in person. I regret that."


    Eleanor blinked, startled. So Smith and her father had exchanged messages? But consideringn had funded Smith''sb, it made sensen would have introduced her father.


    She said, "My father''s research was far fromplete. Much of it was spection


    "The technology back then was limited," Smith interrupted, "but with recent medical advances and the help of Al, we''ve been able to gather much more data." As he spoke, a set of charts appeared on the screen.


    Eleanor leaned in, studying the graphs. Smith continued, "One aspect of this illness is its hereditary nature."


    "Hereditary?" Eleanor narrowed her eyes.


    "That''s right," Smith exined, his tone analytical. "The inheritance pattern differs depending on whether the genees from the mother or the father. If the mother carries it, there''s about a fifty-percent chance her daughter or granddaughter will inherit the trait. The odds are high, but there''s no pattern to when or how the illness presents itself."


    Eleanor frowned, realizing how dangerous such a disease could be for any family.


    Smith went on, "If future generations want to have children, modern technology allows for thorough gic screening."


    Eleanor nodded. "What treatment options exist right now?"


    "Once the disease is identified, we rmend annual stem cell infusions to slow its progression. If possible" Smith hesitated, "the best chance is an early bone marrow transnt."


    Eleanor asked, "What about carriers?"


    "Carriers need regr check-ups to monitor for symptoms and dy the onset. Actually, I have a patient who''s been stable for years with regr stem cell infusions-her health is indistinguishable from anyone else''s."


    Eleanor smiled. ¡°That''s incredibly fortunate."


    "She really is lucky. She has a wonderful¡ª¡± Smith caught himself, then chuckled. "Dr. Sutton, I''ll send you a detailed file. After you''ve reviewed the data, I''d love to discuss it further with you."


    "Absolutely," Eleanor agreed.


    Before ending the call, Smith sent her a folder-his entire body of research on the illness, open for her to review.


    Eleanor downloaded the files and, feeling a wave of exhaustion, rubbed her brow. It was already nine. Time to get her daughter ready for bed.


    The next morning, Eleanor was heading out with her daughter when she noticed a figure waiting by the gate¡ªa familiar silhouette, standing quietly against the wall.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn''s face lit up with disbelief and delight at seeing him so early.


    "Hey, sweetheart." Ian scooped Evelyn up with a smile. Eleanor, holding the schoolbag, turned her face away, unwilling to meet his eyes.


    "Daddy, can youe with Mommy and me to school today?" Evelyn asked, hope shining in her voice.


    "Evelyn, why don''t you let Daddy take you today? Mommy''s got a headache and could use some rest." Eleanor seized the excuse.


    Evelyn, always understanding, nodded her little head. "Okay, Mommy, you should go back and sleep some more. I''ll have Daddy take me."


    Eleanor handed the backpack ton. For a moment, his deep gaze lingered on her.


    She hardly looked like someone suffering from a headache; if anything, the morning light gave her cheeks a healthy, rosy glow.


    Eleanor watchedn carry Evelyn into the elevator lobby, then turned and headed back home. Joslyn was surprised to see her return alone. "Ma''am, you''re back already?"


    "Her father''s dropping her off today," Eleanor replied, pouring herself a ss of warm water.


    "Will you have breakfast at home?"


    "Yes, please. I''ll head to work around ten." With that, Eleanor went upstairs to her study.


    She sat and opened the folder Dr. Smith had sent. Each file was dated. She clicked on one from nine years ago¡ªthis must be the case Smith had mentioned.


    The patient''s name was omitted; only the code "011" appeared. The patient was a fifty-year-old woman of Asian descent, with notes on her early symptoms and detailed physiological data.


    As Eleanor read, she realized how much effort Smith must have put into saving her. This case had progressed rapidly, not in the usual slow fashion. Nine years ago, the woman had undergone a critical stem cell transnt-her donor was listed only as "S."


    The surgical notes indicated the operation was a sess. Within three months, the patient''s health had returned to normal.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but marvel. For someone with this kind of rare blood disorder, finding apatible stem cell donor was almost impossible-the donor had to have a specific gic sequence. Some people could search the whole world and never find a match.

 Chapter 646

    She finally understood what Smith meant by "the lucky ones"-they truly were extraordinarily fortunate.


    Eleanor didn''t leave for theb until nearly ten. As soon as she stepped into the hallway, she heard Faye''s voice,ining, "Why does that pig smell so awful? I feel like the stench''s seeped into my whole body."


    "Oh,e on. You just took a quick look at it. Joel actually had to touch the thing!" another voice chimed in.


    "I have a sensitive nose," Faye replied, her tone dripping with disdain.


    Rounding the corner, Eleanor came face-to-face with the group. The moment Faye spotted her, her expression turned ice cold. "Well, look who decided to show upte-convenient, considering we''re supposed to be testing those pigs today."


    The intern, Darcy, jumped in, "Dr. Sutton, we just came back from the pens-it was brutal in there."


    Eleanor shot Faye a sidelong nce. "If you really can''t handle it, you can always request a transfer."


    Faye bristled. "Don''t underestimate me. I can handle a little difort."


    After Eleanor walked away, Darcy noticed Faye''s sour mood. She''d heard the rumors about Faye and Eleanor-how they''d been ssmates, but rivals all the


    same.


    Eleanor''s story was practically legendary: a father who was a renowned schr, skipped grades, direct admission to a doctorate, multiple patents in her name. Any one of those achievements would be enough to impress.


    Faye, for all her solid background and good grades, seemed painfully ordinary inparison.


    When Eleanor returned to her office and then headed to theb, she found Joel hunched over a table, scribbling data into his notebook. As she approached, Joel quickly sniffed his sleeve he''d washed his hands, but the pig smell still lingered. He worried it might bother her.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but smile. "Joel, you''ve had a rough morning."


    He shrugged. "It''s nothing. Let me handle jobs like this in the future. It''s not really work for youdies."


    Suddenly, Eleanor noticed a thin, bloody scratch across the back of his hand. It wasn''t deep, but he hadn''t treated it.


    "Joel, what happened to your hand?" she asked, genuine concern in her voice.


    "Oh, that. Got scraped by a hoof when I was holding the pig. No big deal."


    "Let me disinfect and bandage it," she said, heading for the first-aid kit.


    As Eleanor sat patching up Joel''s hand, Faye walked in, arms full of documents. The sight of Joel, quietly letting Eleanor tend to him, made her eyes widen and her grip on the files tighten.


    She''d seen Joel''s injury earlier and had offered to help, but he''d t-out refused. But now he was letting Eleanor do it without a word of protest?


    Was Joel deliberately saving his wound for Eleanor, hoping she''d fuss over him? Joel nced up and saw Faye. "Just leave the files on the table," he said.


    "Joel, are you okay? Is it serious?" Faye asked, stepping closer.


    "It''s nothing. Just a scratch," he replied.


    Faye forced a brittle smile, doing her best to swallow her jealousy. "Alright then, I''ll let you get back to it."


    Joel wasn''t one for mind games. He''d just wanted to get back to his notes and hadn''t bothered with the cut, but when Eleanor offered to help, he didn''t see a reason to refuse.


    Later, as Eleanor returned the first-aid kit to the break room, she found Faye already there, arms crossed, waiting for her.


    "My, Eleanor, aren''t you busy? So many men vying for your attention-how do you keep up? I count four already. Your little pond is overflowing," Faye said, her tone sharp with mockery.


    Eleanor gave her a cool look. "And what''s it got to do with you?"


    "I just have a strong sense of morals. Can''t stand people who pretend to be so pure," Faye retorted with a snort. "First it''s Mr. Goodwin, then Mr. Vaughn, now Joel, and let''s not forget that guy in uniform. You really are a master of time management, aren''t you?"


    A few assistants nearby were clearly eavesdropping, eyes darting between the two women.


    Eleanor turned and met Faye''s gaze head-on. "So your so-called morals amount to spreading gossip and stirring up trouble?"


    Faye sneered. "Then exin all those men you''re stringing along?"


    "And what are you to me, that I owe you an exnation?" Eleanor''s voice was icy, her stare unflinching. "Seems like you spend more time gossiping than working. No wonder you''re still just a junior assistant."


    Faye''s face flushed red-Eleanor had struck a nerve.


    "You"


    "If you put half as much energy into your work as you do into rumors, maybe you''d stop holding the team back." Eleanor''s words were deliberate, echoing something Faye had once said to her, years ago.


    Back then, Faye had looked down on Eleanor for being from a "housewife" background, bluntly telling her to quit.


    Now, Faye''s eyes shed with shock, her face going pale. "Eleanor, you''re out of line."


    Eleanor just gave a short, coldugh. "I''m only telling the truth."


    After Eleanor left, the break room was dead silent. The assistants who''d been eavesdropping held their breath, stunned.


    To them, Eleanor had always seemed approachable and easygoing. It was the


    first time they''d seen this side of her-and it left them a bit in awe.


    Faye retreated to her office, pulled out her phone, and dialed Vanessa.


    "Hey, what''s up?" Vanessa''s voice wasnguid.


    "I just got humiliated by Eleanor. Can''t you hurry up and marryn already?" Faye snapped. If Eleanor''s career was untouchable, then Faye would make sure her love life was a disaster.


    She was certain Eleanor still lovedn. If he married Vanessa, it would devastate her-just what Faye wanted.

 Chapter 647

    On the other end, Vanessa fell silent for a few seconds. "If you really want to take on Eleanor, you''ll need to show some real skill. That''ll sting her far more than anything else."


    Faye hesitated, suddenly reminded that Vanessa, for all her kindness, was only her half-sister-not someone she could truly rely on. In the end, she realized she could only count on herself.


    A little of herposure returned. She let out a breath. "You''re right... but you and Mr. Goodwin can''t just drag things out forever, can you? You''re nearly twenty- eight. If you don''t marry into the Goodwin family while you''re young, how much longer do you n to wait? Aren''t you worried he''ll change his mind?"


    She couldn''t help but probe, hoping to get a hint of when Vanessa would officially join the Goodwin family. Faye had always wanted Vanessa''s backing for the Shannons.


    "Ian''s been buried in work these past couple of years. I don''t want to pressure him right now," Vanessa replied. Then she added, "Besides, I''ve got a charity performanceing up. I''ll be busy myself."


    "With your status, you still do thesemercial gigs? Doesn''t that feel beneath you?"


    "That depends on who''s hosting." Vanessa''s tone was light. "This time, the mayor''s wife is personally involved in the fundraiser. Being invited is an honor."


    Faye knew Vanessa rubbed shoulders with the city''s elite-something she could never match.


    "So what exactly did Eleanor do to you? Tell me about it," Vanessa asked gently.


    Faye bit her lip, embarrassed, and didn''t really want to get into it. She just sighed. "She''s stronger than I am. At work, she mocks and overshadows me at every turn. I know it''s because I''m not as capable, so I just put up with it."


    "Don''t sell yourself short. Landing a spot on the core project at Meridian Dynamics is a dream for most researchers. Make the most of this opportunity. Remember, you only got on the team because I beggedn for you," Vanessa said.


    Faye''s curiosity was piqued. "You really had to ask Mr. Goodwin for that? Wasn''t it just a casual mention?"


    Vanessaughed softly. "That''s one of the perks of being in a rtionship. You''ll understand when you fall in love."


    Faye couldn''t help but wonder what kind of "asking" Vanessa had done-maybe it wasn''t just a simple request after all. She quickly stopped her imagination from running wild. "Sounds like you and Mr. Goodwin are really happy together."


    n might seem cold on the outside, but he''s always been thoughtful with me," Vanessa replied, her voice sweet.


    Faye felt a pang of envy. It really did take skill to win over a man liken.


    Maybe Vanessa was one of the few who truly saw a different side ofn-the gentle, smiling, affectionate side.


    "All right, I need to get back to work. Let''s talk soon. And try not to stress so much," Vanessa said before hanging up.


    After the call ended, Faye was lost in thought for a while. She faced the reality: if she wanted to hold her ground on the neurotech project, she''d have to work hard ¡ªand watch her back, in case Eleanor managed to push her out.


    At three thirty that afternoon, Eleanor and Joel finished reviewing the data and settled into a quiet lounge for coffee.


    Eleanor seized the chance to ask about research into rare blood diseases.


    "The condition you mentioned is extremely rare, and it''s highly hereditary," Joel said. "I once toured Dr. Smith''s hematology institute. If I remember right,n was the main investor."


    Eleanor''s fingers tightened around her mug. ¡°Really?"


    "Seems like he kept a lot from you after you got married," Joel remarked, sounding almost sympathetic. "You didn''t know about this, did you?"


    Eleanor''s expression turned frosty.


    Sensing the tension, Joel changed the subject. "What''s got you so interested in this disease? Is someone you know affected?"


    "No, it''s just for academic research." Eleanor shook her head. "By the way, how much do you know about Smith''s institute?"


    Joel adjusted his sses. "From what I''ve heard, it''s huge-state-of-the-art equipment, the works. Ian''s invested billions. But what really stood out to me were the security measures. They''re beyond strict."


    Eleanor nodded thoughtfully. They discussed the disease for a while longer, but Joel didn''t have much more to add-it was just too rare.


    Right then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She checked the screen: a message from Xavier. "Eleanor, could you pick up Vivian for me today? I''m stuck in a meeting until five thirty."


    Picking up Vivian was no trouble at all. "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of it and bring Vivian over to my ce for a bit," Eleanor replied.


    "Thank you so much," Xavier texted back.


    That afternoon, Eleanor arrived early at the school. After a quick word with the teacher, she took Evelyn and Vivian by the hand and walked them out, stopping along the way to buy them a few pastries.


    The girls hopped out of the car, beaming. Evelyn grabbed Vivian''s hand, barely able to contain her excitement. "Vivian, you have to see the robot my dad gave me-his name''s Wiz, and he''s amazing!"


    Vivian''s eyes sparkled with curiosity.


    As soon as they got home, Evelyn dropped her backpack and called out, "Wiz, I''m home!"


    Wiz powered up immediately, his eyes curving into a cheerful expression as he rolled over to greet them. "Wee home, Evelyn!"


    "I want you to meet my best friend-this is Vivian," Evelyn said, grinning at the robot.


    "Hello, Vivian! I''m Wiz."


    Eleanor watched the two girls y with Wiz for a moment, then slipped off her coat and headed upstairs.


    Evelyn turned to Wiz. "Wiz, call my dad¡ªI want to tell him Vivian''s here!"


    Wiz''s eyes blinked twice. "Calling Mr. Goodwin now¡ª"


    The call connected almost instantly. Ian''s deep voice came through the speaker. "Hello, Evelyn."


    "Daddy, Vivian came over to y today," Evelyn said, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Do you remember Vivian?"

 Chapter 648

    On the other end of the line,n''s deep voice carried a hint ofughter. "Of course I remember."


    "Dad''s busy with meetings, so Mom brought her over to our house," Evelyn


    exined.


    "Did you miss Daddy?"


    "I did."


    "I''lle over now. Should I bring you girls anything?"


    "Yay! Vivian, my dad''s bringing us presents!" Evelyn beamed at her friend.


    Vivian''s eyes sparkled with excitement.


    "Yes, Daddy, we want presents!" Evelyn announced.


    "Alright. I''m driving now, so I''ll see you soon,"n replied.


    "WizWiz, hang up and tell us a story!" Evelyn chimed in, addressing the family''s virtual assistant.


    Upstairs, Eleanor worked in her study. With her daughter happily upied with a friend, she finally had some peace and quiet.


    At six-thirty, the elevator doors of Building 12 in Cloudcrest Manor slid open. Xavier had just finished work, parked his car, and strolled through the garden to Eleanor''s building. He pressed the button, and the elevator-which was idling in the parking garage-soon began its ascent.


    With a soft "ding," the doors opened. Xavier stepped forward, only to freeze when he recognized the man inside.


    Both men stared at each other, momentarily thrown off.


    The air seemed to grow heavier.


    "Well, fancy seeing you here," Xavier broke the silence first.


    Xavier stepped inside, noticing thatn had pressed for the twenty-eighth floor, not the twenty-seventh.


    "Headed to Eleanor''s as well?" Xavier narrowed his eyes, studying him.


    For just a second, Xavier''s expression stiffened.


    The elevator climbed, tension thickening between the two men, as if the air itself might crackle.


    "So, is your ce on the twenty-seventh finished yet? Moving in soon?" Xavier finally asked, making conversation.


    "Probably next week,"n replied, eyes fixed on the flickering floor numbers.


    Xavier let out a faint chuckle. "Makes sense. Even after the divorce, living just below Eleanor''s ce will make it easier to see Evelyn."


    The elevator chimed as they reached their floor. Xavier stepped out first,n following behind, two carefully wrapped gift bags in hand.


    Hearing the doorbell, Joslyn hurried from the kitchen. "Vivian, that must be your uncle!"


    She nced at the video inte and, seeing Xavier''s face, unlocked the door. But when she peeked out and saw both men, she was startled. "Mr. Vaughn, Mr. Goodwin! You''re both here?"


    Xavier offered a polite smile. "I''m here to take Vivian home."


    "Oh! Come in, please!" Joslyn quickly set out two pairs of men''s slippers.


    "The girls are ying in the toy room. Make yourselvesfortable-I''ll go let


    Mrs. Sutton know," she said, hurrying up the spiral staircase.


    In her study, Eleanor was still at herptop when Joslyn entered, slightly flustered. "Ma''am, Mr. Vaughn and Mr. Goodwin arrived together."


    Eleanor''s fingers stilled over the keyboard. Looking up in surprise, she asked, "Together? Why?"


    "You''d bettere down," Joslyn urged, worry creasing her brow. One was the ex-husband, the other a suitor-thest thing anyone needed was for them to fight in the living room.


    Eleanor snapped herptop shut and left the study.


    Downstairs, the two men sat on opposite ends of the sofa, quietly assessing the decor-and, perhaps, each other.


    Descending the stairs, Eleanor''s eyes skipped overn andnded on Xavier. She smiled warmly. "You''re here. Vivian and Evelyn are in the yroom; I''ll go get them."


    Xavier stood. "Thank you for having her."


    "It''s no trouble at all," Eleanor replied with a gentle smile, heading toward the yroom. In a moment, the two girls came bounding over.


    "Thank you, Unclen," Vivian said sweetly.


    Xavier took Vivian''s hand. "Say goodbye to Mrs. Sutton."


    "Goodbye, Mrs. Sutton!" Vivian waved.


    Xavier''s gaze flicked towardn. "We''ll be off, then."


    Once Xavier and Vivian had left, Eleanor''s pleasant expression vanished. She


    turned ton, her tone frosty. "Was there something you needed?"


    "Next time, ask first. I don''t want you showing up unannounced," Eleanor replied bluntly.


    "Apologies for overstepping."


    Eleanor looked away, her face unreadable but clearly unweing.


    Adjusting his suit cuffs,n maintained his usual dignified air, even as he was being shown the door. "Sorry to intrude."


    He strode toward the exit.


    Joslyn hurried over to see him out, butn paused, ncing back. "I''ll schedule visits in advance from now on."


    Joslyn''s heart ached for her former employer. After six years working for his family, she knew just how proud and reserved Mr. Goodwin could be. Seeing Eleanor shut him out like this made her uneasy.


    Back in the yroom, Evelyn was too absorbed in unwrapping her new toy to notice her father had left.


    Oncen was gone, Joslyn looked over at Eleanor, whose face was still icy cold. Poor Mr. Goodwin-he''d looked almost lonely as he walked away. If he hadn''te today, Mrs. Sutton and Mr. Vaughn probably would have ended up having dinner together.

 Chapter 649

    After ying for about ten minutes, Evelyn came out to find her father already gone. She felt a twinge of disappointment, but didn''t make a fuss. Meanwhile, Eleanor returned to her study. Her phone buzzed at her side¡ªa call from an unfamiliar number.


    She picked up. "Hello, this is Eleanor. Who''s speaking?"


    A warm, energetic woman replied, "Hi! Is this Dr. Sutton? I''m Daphne, Mrs. Ellington''s assistant. Does that ring a bell?"


    Eleanor immediately pictured the slightly plump girl she''d met before and smiled. "Yes, of course. Is there something Mrs. Ellington needs?"


    Daphne''s tone was eager. "Mrs. Ellington is hosting a charity g this Saturday evening, a fundraising event for leukemia patients. She mentioned your outstanding work in the field and would love to invite you as a special guest."


    "What time will it be?" Eleanor asked.


    "It''s at seven p.m. this Saturday, in the main hall of the City Cultural Center," Daphne answered, a note of hope in her voice. "Would you be able to attend?"


    "I''d be happy to," Eleanor replied warmly. She genuinely admired Mrs. Ellington''s dedication to phnthropy.


    "Wonderful, I won''t keep you any longer, Dr. Sutton." Daphne ended the call.


    Almost immediately, a message popped up from Xavier: "It''s your birthday tomorrow. Any ns? There''s a new ce nearby-I can reserve a table if you''d like?"


    Eleanor paused, surprised that Xavier had remembered her birthday.


    She replied, "Thanks for the thought, but I''m nning to just have a quiet evening at home."


    Birthdays had never meant much to her. If Joslyn hadn''t mentioned it recently and Evelyn hadn''t insisted on having cake, Eleanor might not have remembered at all.


    Xavier wrote back, "A night in sounds good too. Happy birthday in advance."


    "Thank you," Eleanor texted, meaning it.


    That night, as she tucked Evelyn in, the little girl was already drifting off but managed to mumble, "Mom, I want strawberry cake tomorrow!"


    Eleanor couldn''t help but smile at her daughter''s adorable reminder. She kissed Evelyn''s cheek. "Alright, sweetheart. Now get some sleep."


    Evelyn''s eyes fluttered open again. "Mom, can Dade for your birthday too?"


    Eleanor stroked her daughter''s hair gently, her smile tender. "He''s busy with work, honey. I don''t think he can make it."


    "Did you ask him?" Evelyn''s sleepy eyes searched her mother''s face.


    Eleanor nodded. "I did."


    Her daughter''s attachment ton was still so strong. Even though Eleanor resentedn, she couldn''t bring herself to ruin his image as a father in Evelyn''s heart.


    "Oh, okay," Evelyn murmured, not pushing further. Eleanor softly patted her back, watching as her daughter fell asleep nestled in her arms.


    She pressed a gentle kiss to Evelyn''s hair, her heart overflowing with love.


    ...


    Wednesday.


    After dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor headed straight to theb. Today, Joel was away at a meeting at Goodwin & Co.


    Her phone rang just as she was typing at herputer. She nced at the screen-Mansfield''s name shed across it.


    Eleanor froze for a second, remembering today was the day he''d be discharged from the hospital.


    She answered, "Hey, Mansfield."


    "Are you busy?" his clear, easy voice came through.


    "I just got to theb. You''re out of the hospital?"


    "Just finished the paperwork," he replied. "Do I need to pick up anything for dinner tonight?"


    Eleanor''s mind went nk for a split second-she''d almost forgotten he wasing over for dinner. "No need, the housekeeper will handle the groceries. Juste and eat."


    "Alright. What time should Ie by?"


    "I''ll be home around six."


    "See you tonight then."


    "See you."


    After hanging up, Eleanor remembered she''d moved recently and quickly texted him her new address-better that than having him show up at the old house.


    At ten-thirty, downtown.


    At the counter of an upscale jewelry boutique, a casually dressed man leaned in, examining the disy. Ever since he''d walked in, the sales staff couldn''t help but stare¡ªhe was not only strikingly handsome but also carried himself with a natural strength and confidence.


    "He''s gorgeous. Absolute perfection," one clerk whispered.


    "Is he a celebrity?"


    "Doubt it-he''s better looking than most movie stars."


    Mansfield seemed oblivious to the attention, focused on the jewelry in front of him. There was an innate air of elegance about him.


    He''d noticed that Eleanor always wore a watch, rarely a ne. Whatever he chose, it should be something she''d actually use.


    A brooch? Earrings?


    He stopped in front of the earring disy, his long fingers tapping lightly on the


    ss as he studied each pair with care.


    Atst, his gaze settled on a pair of exquisite diamond studs.


    "Could I see these?" he asked, pointing.


    The sales clerk''s eyes lit up. "Excellent choice, sir. These are ourtest arrivals. Each stone is four carats, rity VVS."


    Mansfield picked them up, holding them under the light. The diamonds sparkled brilliantly. He imagined how they''d look on Eleanor, and a faint smile yed at his lips.


    "I''ll take them. Please wrap them up," he said decisively.


    "Are these for your girlfriend?" the clerk ventured as she packaged the earrings. Mansfield smiled. "They''re for someone very important."


    Until Eleanor agreed to be his girlfriend, he wouldn''tbel her as such he didn''t want to put any pressure on her.


    Later that afternoon, Gwenda stopped by Eleanor''s office with a beautifully boxed coffee mug. "Eleanor, just a little something for you. Hope you like it."

 Chapter 650

    When Eleanor''s workload piled up, she relied on coffee to keep her going. Luckily, the break room always had fresh coffee brewing, and she had a beautiful mug of her own practical and stylish.


    "Thank you," Eleanor said with a warm smile.


    "I''ll wash it for you and bring over a cup of coffee in a minute," Gwenda replied.


    In the break room, Gwenda was rinsing the mug when Faye and her assistant walked in. The assistant eyed the mug curiously. "Gwenda, is that a new coffee cup you bought?"


    "It''s actually a birthday gift for Eleanor," Gwenda exined.


    Faye let out a snort ofughter. "Seriously? That''s the kind of gift you give?"


    Gwenda was caught off guard. She knew Eleanor wanted for nothing these days, so she''d spent a long time picking out a quality branded mug. Still, Faye''s jab stung her pride.


    "Oh! So today is Dr. Sutton''s birthday?" The assistant jumped in, trying to break the tension.


    Faye''s brow furrowed. Eleanor''s birthday... That meant she could expect gifts from at least four different men. Had Mr. Goodwin prepared something too?


    Just then, Gwenda noticed Eleanor herself entering behind Faye.


    Eleanor had caught Faye''s snide remark. She walked right up to Gwenda and said, "Gwenda, I really love your gift. Thank you."


    Faye''s face froze. Had Eleanor heard her?


    Gwenda still felt a bit awkward, but Eleanor continued, "I remember seeing this at the boutique. It costs over two hundred pounds, doesn''t it? Gwenda, you really went all out."


    Gwenda had indeed spent nearly that much, knowing Eleanor''s status-and not wanting to appear thoughtless. She was touched that Eleanor saw her effort. "It''s nothing, really. Just a mug."


    Faye gave a coldugh. "It''s just a mug. What''s there to brag about?"


    Eleanor turned to Gwenda, her voice calm but firm. "A gift''s value isn''t measured by its price, but by the thought behind it. To me, your kindness is worth more than gold."


    Gwenda felt a rush of gratitude. She also saw this as a chance to make up for any past misunderstandings with Eleanor.


    She nodded, feelingforted, and Faye''s words no longer bothered her.


    Faye''s expression soured as she turned and left.


    Back in her office, Faye messaged Vanessa: "It''s Eleanor''s birthday today. Better keep an eye on Mr. Goodwin-don''t let him sneak off to celebrate with her."


    After all, Eleanor andn shared a daughter. If their child called,n would show up without hesitation.


    It took a while for Vanessa to reply: "Noted."


    At four thirty that afternoon, Eleanor clocked out and stopped by the bakery to


    pick up a custom cake before heading to her daughter''s school.


    When she arrived, Xavier was already at the yground next to the school, watching over the two kids as they yed. The children were having so much fun they didn''t want to leave. Spotting Eleanor, Xavier waved. "You''re here."


    She smiled back. "You''re early today."


    Ten minutester, after the kids said their goodbyes and climbed into the car, Evelyn spotted the cake and her eyes lit up.


    "Mom, that cake looks delicious!" She stared at the cake through the clear box, licking her lips.


    "Remember, just a small piece, okay?" Eleanor reminded her gently.


    "I know, Mom."


    With the cake in hand, Eleanor returned home to find Joslyn already preparing a feast for dinner.


    Downstairs, the living room lights flickered on, illuminating the space. Ian had juste home from work, shrugging off his jacket to reveal a crisp shirt and tailored vest that hinted at the solid build beneath. He sat on the sofa, rubbing his brow, then tilted his head back to stare at the ceiling-lost in thought about the mother and daughter upstairs.


    Around six thirty, the doorbell rang. Joslyn went to answer and found Mansfield standing with a bouquet of flowers. She greeted him warmly. "Mr. Ellington, wee."


    Eleanor appeared behind her andughed. "I told you to juste for dinner- you didn''t have to bring flowers!"


    "I saw a flower shop on the way and thought I''d pick some up," Mansfield replied with a low chuckle, not about to admit he''d searched half the city for the perfect bouquet.


    "Mr. Ellington!" Evelyn called out, her face beaming as she craned her neck to see him.


    "Look at you, Evelyn-you''ve grown again!" Mansfield said, bending down with a smile.


    Eleanor took the flowers, and Joslyn bustled off to make tea and set out some pickles.


    Mansfield nced around at Eleanor''s newly decorated home. The spacious, sunlit rooms radiated warmth andfort, and a faint, sweet scent lingered in the


    air.


    "Mr. Ellington,e here! I want to show you my robot friend-his name''s Wiz!" Evelyn called excitedly.


    With augh, Mansfield followed her. At the kitchen door, Princess-the family''s loyal golden retriever-peeked out nervously, keeping a watchful eye on her young owner.


    On the twenty-seventh floor, Gavin rang the doorbell. Ian opened the door, a gift in his hand.


    "Mr. Goodwin, this is for Miss Sutton''s birthday," Gavin said, handing over the box.n took it with a nod. "Thank you."


    Gavin hesitated, recalling howst timen had asked him to deliver a brooch to Eleanor''s father. "Do you want me to take this to Miss Sutton for you?"


    Gavin smiled. "Of course, sir. I''ll be off, then."

 Chapter 651

    Ian Goodwin sat on the couch, gift in hand, his long fingers absently tracing the edge of the box.


    After a few moments, he nced at his watch, stood up, and headed out the door.


    Instead of taking the elevator,n opted for the stairs. Just as he pushed open the stairwell door, he heard a little girl''s voice.


    "Uncle, can we really spend Ms. Sutton''s birthday with her?" Vivian sounded brimming with hope.


    "She''ll be happy to have us," Xavier Vaughn replied, his tone gentle and warm.


    He listened as Xavier rang the doorbell.


    Momentster, the door opened, and Joslyn''s voice floated out, "Ma''am, Mr. Vaughn and Vivian are here."


    A secondter, Eleanor Sutton sounded surprised. "Xavier, what a surprise-what brings you here?"


    ¡°Vivian wanted to y with Evelyn, so I thought we''d stop by. And¡ª¡± he paused, "we brought a little something to celebrate your birthday."


    "Ms. Sutton, my uncle picked out the gift himself. I hope you like it!" Vivian chimed


    in.


    Eleanor''s voice softened instantly. "I''m sure I''ll love it."


    "Come on in!" That was clearly Eleanor inviting them inside.


    As Xavier and Vivian entered, Joslyn was just about to close the door when Princess-the family''s golden retriever-suddenly darted out.


    "Oh, Princess! Come back here-where do you think you''re going?" Joslyn hurried after her, out into the hallway and toward the elevator lobby. There, she stopped short in surprise-Princess was sitting happily in front of someone, tail wagging excitedly.


    "Mr. Goodwin?" Joslyn greeted him.


    Joslyn quickly understood why he was there, and gave him a reassuring smile. "Why don''t youe in and say hello? It''s Eleanor''s birthday-Mr. Vaughn and Mr. Ellington are both here already."


    "Yes, Mr. Mansfield Ellington. He came earlier. Now Mr. Vaughn''s here too¡ªit''s turning into quite the gathering," Joslyn exined.


    Joslyn rubbed her hands together awkwardly, unsure whether to insist hee in.


    "Joslyn, please don''t tell Eleanor I was here." With that,n turned and walked away.


    Joslyn stood frozen for a moment, noticing the box inn''s hand-clearly, he hadn''t gotten the chance to deliver his gift tonight.


    "Woof!" Princess barked once, and Joslyn called her back inside.


    "Joslyn, is everything all right?" Eleanor came over, concern in her voice.


    "Oh, it''s nothing-Princess just ran out for a second," Joslyn answered, a little


    flustered. She nced at the living room, where two strikingly handsome men sat side by side on the long sofa, a tense undercurrent in the air.


    Evelyn Goodwin and Vivian were happily ying together in the toy corner, blissfully unaware of the adults'' subtle rivalry.


    In the kitchen, Eleanor rinsed fresh fruit while Joslyn quietly set extra tes for dinner.


    Eleanor hadn''t expected Xavier and Vivian to drop in, but since they had, she graciously invited them to stay for dinner.


    Back in the living room, Xavier was the first to break the ice, extending his hand to Mansfield with a warm smile. "Hi, I''m Xavier."


    Mansfield shook his hand, meeting Xavier''s gaze head-on. "Mansfield."


    Their eyes locked for a split second before both released their grip.


    Eleanor ced a tter of fruit on the coffee table and cleared her throat gently. "Can I get you something to drink?"


    "Tea would be great," Xavier replied, still smiling.


    "I''ll have the same," Mansfield said, raising an eyebrow.


    Eleanor poured their drinks with practiced ease, then sat across from the two


    men. "Xavier is my neighbor and a good friend," she said, gesturing first to Xavier, then turning to Mansfield. "And this is Mansfield-Major Ellington from the military district, also a good friend."

 Chapter 652

    Xavier nced at Mansfield with a hint of surprise. "Major General Ellington is remarkably young!"


    Mansfield clearly recognized Xavier as well. "I''ve heard a lot about you, Mr. Vaughn. Your achievements in shipping are quite impressive."


    Xavier offered a modest smile. "You tter me. But you, to have earned the rank of Major General at such a young age-that''s truly admirable."


    The two men exchanged the usual pleasantries. Noticing Joslyn bustling alone in the kitchen, Eleanor stood up. "You two keep chatting. I''ll go help out in the kitchen."


    "Go ahead! We can take care of ourselves," Mansfield said with a rxed grin.


    Xavier''s eyes narrowed in amusement. "We''re all friends here-no need to stand on ceremony."


    Once Eleanor disappeared into the kitchen, the two men fell quiet for a moment until Xavier broke the silence. "Have you known Eleanor long, Mr. Ellington?" Mansfield smiled. "About a year and a half, I''d say. And you, Mr. Vaughn?" Xavier''s gaze flickered with something unspoken. ¡°Eleanor and I go way back." Mansfield raised his brows in surprise. "You''ve known each other that long?" Xavier paused, thinking. "It must be, what, seven years now?"


    Mansfield''s curiosity was piqued. "Oh? How did you two meet?¡±


    A brief shadow crossed Xavier''s face. "I attended her wedding."


    Mansfield nodded, the implication settling between them. He sifted through what he knew of Eleanor''s past, then asked, eyes narrowed slightly, "So you know Eleanor''s ex-husband?"


    Xavier nodded, but didn''t borate.


    Mansfield lifted his teacup and took a sip. On the surface, their conversation was calm and courteous, but underneath, every word felt like a test, each smile edged with rivalry.


    In the kitchen, Joslyn was busy slicing vegetables, ncing at Eleanor. "Ma''am, I''ve got everything under control here. Why not go keep your guestspany?¡±


    Eleanor continued slicing a cucumber into thin ribbons, speaking softly. "Let them chat for a bit. I''ll help you finish up the sds."


    Joslyn instantly understood-her employer was deliberately escaping into the kitchen. After all, this dinner was supposed to be for Mr. Ellington, but Mr. Vaughn had shown up unannounced, and Eleanor had little choice but to roll with it.


    It didn''t help, of course, that both men were clearly interested in her.


    The kitchen was filled with the aroma of homecooked food as Joslyn began saut¨¦ing vegetables.


    She kept her thoughts to herself. She''d seenn in the hallway earlier, but decided not to mention it¡ªno point in troubling Eleanor with more worries.


    Meanwhile, in the living room, the conversation between the two men continued.


    Mansfield, sounding casual, asked, "So you must know a lot about Eleanor''s past, Mr. Vaughn?"


    Xavier took a sip of tea. "And Mr. Ellington, are you interested in Eleanor''s past as well?"


    Mansfield let a small smile y at his lips. "As a friend, it never hurts to know someone better."


    Xavier''s mind wandered to memories-Eleanor''s time at Meridian Dynamics, where she''d worked on projects involving the military. Her friendship with someone like Mansfield made perfect sense in that light.


    What made less sense was that Mansfield seemed to be pursuing Eleanor as well.


    The evidence was on disy in the entryway: two bouquets of flowers, both from them.


    Anyone who''d ever set foot in a florist''s could tell those arrangements didn''te cheap.


    Xavier wondered if his old friendn was aware that Eleanor had another serious admirer in the mix.


    Around seven, Joslyn called everyone to the dining table, where she''did out a feast with loving attention to detail. The two little ones chattered away, their voices filling the room with cheerful chaos.


    "Joslyn''s cooking is as wonderful as ever," Mansfield said, praising the caramelized ribs.


    Xavier, having just sampled a dish, nodded in agreement. "Truly delicious."


    Eleanor helped the children to some chicken legs.


    "Mom, can we have cake after dinner?" Evelyn asked, her eyes shining with anticipation.

 Chapter 653

    "Alright, then after dinner we''ll have cake!" Eleanor said with a gentle smile.


    "Vivian, we need to save some room for cake," Evelyn announced seriously to her friend.


    The adults at the table couldn''t help butugh at the little one''s earnestness.


    Seeing how rxed everyone was, Eleanor let out a quiet sigh of relief. She''d been worried the evening might turn awkward.


    "Mom, I''m full," Evelyn dered, setting down her fork.


    "Me too," Vivian chimed in.


    The two little girls had barely finished half their meal before their thoughts drifted eagerly to dessert.


    Whileughter and warmth filled the upstairs dining room, downstairs felt cold and empty byparison.


    From the balcony above came the faint, brightughter of a little girl. Instantly,n''s stern expression softened.


    He knew thatugh-it was Evelyn''s. In his mind, a scene yed out: Eleanor slicing cake, two attentive men sitting nearby, and his daughter beaming with joy at her birthday dinner, surrounded by warmth and celebration.


    And upstairs, that very scene was unfolding.


    Eleanor sat on the sofa with the birthday cake in front of her, a single candle glowing for her twenty-eighth year.


    "Lights off!" Evelyn called out, expertly darting over to flip the switch.


    Eleanor sat in the gentle candlelight, her delicate features glowing in the soft flicker. She watched as her daughter climbed up beside her and began singing the birthday song, her heart overflowing with happiness.


    The two men watching from the opposite sofa couldn''t help but smile as the joy in the room became infectious.


    "Mom, make a wish!" Evelyn urged, still half singing, half giggling.


    Eleanor pressed her hands together, closed her eyes, and made a wish with quiet


    reverence.


    A few secondster, she invited the girls to help her blow out the candle. Then she stood and began slicing the cake. Across from her, the two men sat quietly, momentarily captivated by the graceful, tender way Eleanor moved as she divided the slices.


    Once the cake was served, the two little girls dove in with gusto. Eleanor brought a piece over to Joslyn, who, ncing downstairs, couldn''t help but think: there''s no way Mrs. Sutton would ever share cake withn.


    Afterward, Xavier decided it was time to take Vivian home, not wanting to impose any longer.


    "Take care, and thank you for the lovely gift," Eleanor said, walking them to the door.


    "Good night, Ms. Sutton!" Vivian waved, cheeks rosy from excitement. Xavier met Eleanor''s eyes with a warm, thoughtful look. ¡°Thank you for having us. We had a wonderful evening."


    Once Xavier and Vivian had gone, Eleanor started to close the door, but her phone rang, making her pause. In that brief moment, Princess-the family cat- darted through the open doorway and disappeared around the corner in the hallway.


    Eleanor didn''t notice the cat slip out. She simply shut the door behind her.


    Inside, Mansfield was ying with Evelyn and her little robot toy. Eleanor settled onto the sofa across from them. "Did you eat enough?" she asked softly.


    "The doctor says I shouldn''t overeat, but I couldn''t help myself tonight-l polished off two whole bowls," Mansfield replied, smiling.


    Eleanorughed. "You really should listen to your doctor."


    Mansfield nodded, his voice low and sincere. "Alright, I''ll do as you say."


    Just then, his phone buzzed. He nced at the screen. "Looks like I should get going. Next time, dinner''s on me-you and Evelyn are invited."


    "Focus on your recovery first," Eleanor insisted.


    "I''ll be in Ashford City for another month. Maybe we''ll get another chance," Mansfield said, a hint of reluctance in his voice as he stood. Turning to Evelyn, he smiled, "Goodbye, Miss Evelyn."


    Evelyn ran over, grinning. "Goodbye, Mr. Ellington!"


    Eleanor walked him to the door. "Drive safely, alright?"


    Mansfield paused at the threshold and looked back at her. He could tell her


    hospitality was offered as a friend, nothing more. Still, he smiled, lips pressed together. ¡°I tucked my gift inside the bouquet. I hope you''ll like it."

 Chapter 654

    "Weren''t we supposed to skip gifts this time?" Eleanor gave a helpless littleugh.


    "Of course I had to bring you something." Mansfield replied, striding off before she


    could protest.


    After closing the door, Eleanor remembered the bouquet Mansfield had handed her. She reached into it and discovered a small velvet box hidden among the flowers. Under the warm light, she opened it and found two glittering diamond earrings.


    Her breath caught-this man, always so extravagant.


    He could easily afford it, but Eleanor truly couldn''t ept something sovish. Still pondering how to handle the gift, she was startled by Evelyn running out in a panic. "Mom, have you seen Princess?"


    Eleanor blinked. Princess had been in the living room during dinner.


    "Princess," she called softly.


    Normally, Princess would''vee running at the sound of her name, but now the house seemed oddly quiet.


    "Mom, where did Princess go? Why isn''t she here?" Evelyn''s eyes brimmed with tears.


    Just then, Joslyn came out of the kitchen. Hearing Princess was missing, she recalled seeing the dog dart out the front door before dinner.


    She knelt beside Evelyn, trying to soothe her. "Don''t worry, sweetheart. Princess won''t wander far."


    Then Joslyn turned to Eleanor, lowering her voice. "Ma''am, maybe she went downstairs to Mr. Goodwin''s? She always gets excited when she catches his scent."


    Eleanor''s expression stiffened, her hand unconsciously curling into a fist.


    "Mom, let''s go find her, please!" Evelyn was now openly crying, clutching her mother''s sleeve.


    Eleanor knelt to hug her gently. "Alright, I''ll go downstairs and look. You stay here, okay? Princess never runs off for long."


    Evelyn wiped her tears and nodded.


    Eleanor grabbed her coat and hurried out, stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the 27th floor.


    Inside apartment 2701, Princess wagged her tail enthusiastically, pressing close to her former owner. She''d picked upn''s scent in the hallway, slipped out the door, and whimpered by the stairwell until he''d found her.


    Eleanor stood outside the door of 2701, her hand hovering over the doorbell, unwilling to press it. Every line on her face spoke of reluctance.


    She inhaled deeply, about to ring, when the door swung open from inside.


    "I was just about to bring her back up,"n said first, breaking the silence.


    "Princess, out. Now." Eleanor''s tone was sharp with reprimand.


    Hearing the anger in her voice, Princess hung her head and shuffled out the door.


    Eleanor turned without another word, heading for the elevators. Behind her,n called softly, ¡°Eleanor."


    She stopped, but didn''t look back.


    "Happy birthday." His deep voice resonated in the quiet hallway.


    Eleanor tilted her head, annoyance clear in her posture. "I don''t need your well wishes."


    With that, she and Princess disappeared toward the elevators.


    A small, elegant gift box still sat untouched on the coffee table. Ian picked it up, turned it over in his hands, then finally ced it in a drawer.


    If she couldn''t even ept his birthday wishes, how could she ever ept a gift from him?

 Chapter 655

    Stepping out of the elevator, Eleanor immediately scolded Princess, "No more running off next time, you hear me?"


    Princess only looked up at her with those big, innocent eyes, clearly confused about what she''d done wrong. Sighing, Eleanor had no choice but to take the dog home with her.


    "Princess!" Evelyn squealed with delight, running over to throw her arms around Princess''s neck, her cheek squishing into the pup''s head.


    "Mom, where did you find her?" Evelyn asked, eyes wide with curiosity.


    "In the garden downstairs," Eleanor replied.


    "Naughty Princess! You''re not allowed to wander off like that anymore!" Evelyn said, pretending to scold her, though she was clearly just relieved.


    Joslyn watched the reunion, unsurprised. She''d suspected Princess had been at Mr. Goodwin''s ce all along.


    That night, after putting her daughter to bed, Eleanor took a moment to look over the gifts she''d received from Xavier and Mansfield. It was her birthday, so friends sending presents was only natural. Xavier''s gift was simple enough that she could easily find a reason to return it if necessary.


    But Mansfield''s gift was another matter entirely-it was far too extravagant to simply hand back. Eleanor felt a headacheing on. Navigating social niceties had never been her strong suit.


    She finally mustered the courage to text him. "The gift you gave tonight is too much," she wrote, knowing it might sting.


    "You deserve it," Mansfield replied, his message short but sincere.


    "I rarely carry anything expensive with me, and I worry about safety. I''m going to return your gift, Mansfield. Your friendship means a lot to me, but there''s really no need for something sovish," Eleanor typed, carefully choosing her words before hitting send.


    "Eleanor, don''t be like this. I just want to give you the best I can," Mansfield replied promptly.


    Staring at his message, Eleanor took a deep breath and typed again, "I appreciate your thoughtfulness, truly, but it''s too much. How about you just treat Evelyn and me to lunch someday instead?"


    The screen showed "typing..." for nearly two minutes before his reply finally appeared. "Alright, I''lle pick it up tomorrow and bring something else. But I''m still taking you and Evelyn out to eat."


    Relieved, Eleanor sent back a smiling emoji. "I''ll be at work tomorrow, so I''ll leave it with Joslyn. You can pick it up anytime."


    "Will do!"


    With that settled, Eleanor finally felt she could rx. Otherwise, she probably wouldn''t have been able to sleep at all.


    Xavier''s gift this year was much more modest-a small, beautifully crafted trinket, worth only a few hundred dors at most.


    Early the next morning, Eleanor handed the ring box to Joslyn before taking Evelyn to school.


    At half past nine, Mansfield arrived as promised, standing at the door with a new gift bag in hand. Joslyn promptly handed him the little velvet box. "Mrs. Ellington said I can''t ept something this expensive," she said politely.


    Mansfield couldn''t help but smile-had he really managed to traumatize Eleanor with his gifts?


    "Don''t worry, it''s just a little music box for her room."


    Joslyn peeked inside and saw an elegant, artistic music box. She immediately pictured it on Eleanor''s desk in the study. "This would look perfect in her study!" she said honestly.


    "Would you mind putting it there for me?" Mansfield asked with a gentle smile. "Of course," Joslyn replied, taking the bag. "I''m sure she''ll love it."


    Mansfield didn''t linger. Later, Joslyn snapped a photo of the music box in ce and sent it to Eleanor.

 Chapter 656

    Eleanor was in the middle of an experiment. A pig, sedated and lying still on the table, was hooked up to a machine as she and Joel Kingsley worked side by side, reading the data from a neural chip imnted in its brain.


    Compared to their previous studies, brainputer interface research was proving far more grueling.


    When they finally stepped out of theb, both were drenched in sweat. Joel grabbed a tissue and, noticing Eleanor struggling to remove her protective gear, felt a sudden urge. He reached over and gently wiped the perspiration from her forehead.


    Eleanor froze in surprise, standing still as Joel carefully dabbed the sweat from her face.


    Outside, by the floor-to-ceiling windows just beyond the break room, two figures stood watching.


    Ian Goodwin and Byron Chase.


    Byron cast a wary nce at his boss''s expression.


    "Mr. Goodwin, should I call them in for the meeting?" Byron asked, treading carefully.


    "No need,¡±n replied coolly. "Let them finish up.¡±


    With that, he turned and strode toward the conference room.


    Inside, Eleanor peeled off her protective gear and pulled a tissue from the box to wipe her brow.


    Joel sniffed at his sleeve and made a face. "We smell pretty bad. Better wash up twice when we get home."


    Eleanor sniffed her own sleeve and grimaced. The anesthesia hadn''t taken properly with the pig, and while they''d been stringing up the data cables, it had


    rolled over and smeared her with who knew what. Now she could definitely smell


    it.


    Joel looked at her with a mix of concern and apology. "Sorry you had to go through that."


    "It''s nothing. Back in Dr. Windsor''sb, I once got attacked by a monkey!" Eleanor pushed up her sleeve to reveal a faint scar on her pale arm.


    Her skin was so fair, you''d barely notice the mark unless you looked closely.


    Just then, Gwenda opened the door. "Eleanor, Joel, VP Chase is here. You''re wanted in the conference room."


    "Perfect timing. Let''s go," Joel said to Eleanor. There was plenty to discuss with the engineering team.


    Gwenda lingered for a few seconds before pinching her nose. "Wow, that smell!" She hurried to switch on the venttion system.


    Eleanor and Joel entered the conference room, where the blinds were drawn tight and the screen was covered with streams of data. Eleanor immediately spottedn among the group.


    "Eleanor, Joel, d you could join us."


    They took their seats. Ian, at the head of the table, looked directly at Eleanor. Her cheeks were still flushed from the exertion, making her fair skin glow with a rosy hue.


    But the scent drifting from Eleanor and Joel was unmistakable. Byron couldn''t help but cover his nose. "Let''s get started, shall we?"


    "Apologies,¡± Joel said. "We just came straight from theb and didn''t have a chance to change. Sorry, everyone."


    "We could upgrade the venttion system," one of the engineers suggested.


    "I think we should install showers in the break room," another chimed in.


    "Not a bad idea."


    As soon as someone mentioned installing showers for both men and women,n''s voice cut through the room, icy andmanding. "Enough."

 Chapter 657

    Six or seven engineers immediately fell silent, all eyes darting toward the CEO. If memory served, hadn''t he just asked everyone to share suggestions?


    Why was he suddenly in such a foul mood?


    For a moment, the conference room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Ian''s long fingers drummed softly on the table.


    "I want theb renovation proposal on my desk by Monday," he said, his voice low and even. "Now, let''s move on to the project status updates."


    An hourter, the meeting wrapped up. Ian looked up at Eleanor. "Eleanor, stay. Everyone else is dismissed."


    Joel frowned. Ian had a habit of using work as an excuse to see Eleanor alone.


    The others filed out quickly. As he passed her, Joel said quietly, "I''ll wait for you outside."


    He hadn''t forgotten thest timen had grabbed Eleanor''s hand in the office-he still had no idea whatn''s intentions had been.


    "Okay!" Eleanor nodded.


    "I only care about things that actually concern my work. I don''t need your fake concern," Eleanor said, standing up and grabbing her notebook.


    If Eleanor needed it, he was willing to approve it.


    She shot back over her shoulder, "Not necessary."


    Work was already overwhelming any personal matters could wait until she got home. Besides, she wasn''t here to put on a show.


    After Eleanor left,n stood alone for a moment, lost in thought. Then his phone rang. It was Henry Holt. Recently, Henry had been talking about investing in a private ind to build a luxury resort, and he wantedn''s and Xavier''s opinions. "Hey, Henry."


    "I''ve got lunch ns with Xavier at noon. Want to join us?"


    Meanwhile, in his office at Holt Properties, Henry breathed a sigh of relief. He''d been worried that, with all the tension between Xavier andn over Eleanor, they might refuse to see each other outside of work.


    Thankfully, for his sake, the two were still willing to sit down and share a meal. After all, when he''d called Xavier earlier, Xavier had readily agreed.


    Whenn arrived at the restaurant, Henry and Xavier were already waiting in a private dining room.


    "There you are,n," Henry said, raising an eyebrow.


    As the waiter began to bring out their lunch, Henry wasted no timeunching into his ind project. He passed them a thick folder-the proposal he''d brought along and asked his two oldest friends for their thoughts.


    "This project carries some hefty risks,"n said, flipping through the proposal. "Did you have an environmental impact assessment done?"


    Xavier was reading along. "The local ecosystem looks pretty fragile."


    Henry watched as they discussed, grateful as always for their sharper business instincts. He''d always trusted their advice.


    A momentter, Henry''s phone buzzed. He nced at the screen and sighed. "The board is really giving me a hard time."


    "Board members?" Xavier arched an eyebrow.


    "Yeah. I''ll go handle it¡ªyou two go ahead and eat,¡± Henry said, stepping out with his phone.<pn picked up his coffee cup, took a sip, and looked at Xavier. "You went to Eleanor''s birthdayst night, didn''t you?"

 Chapter 658

    Xavier set down his fork and said, "It wasn''t just me. Someone else went too."


    "Oh?"n narrowed his eyes, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. "Who?"


    "His name''s Mansfield. He works in the military district-a major general, actually." Despite Xavier''s calm tone, a trace of anxiety crept onto his face.


    It was onlyst night that Xavier had learned he wasn''t the only one pursuing Eleanor. Now, a formidable rival had appeared-one he knew nothing about.


    Xavier''s gaze sharpened. "You know him well?"


    He never imagined he''d one day be fishing for details about a rival in love fromn of all people.


    Xavier''s brow furrowed. "Who is his father?"


    Xavier''s ss of wine froze halfway to his lips. He frowned, running through the list of powerful Ellingtons in government, and then his head snapped up in sudden realization.


    Xavier remembered nown had once mentioned Eleanor had met with the Secretary of State in Kingston.


    "So that''s it." Xavier sipped his wine, trying-and failing to hide the turmoil inside him. He nced up, voice tight. "How long have Eleanor and Mansfield known each other?"


    Xavier drained thest of his wine, pressing his lips together in frustration.


    The blow hadnded hard. Xavier was reeling.


    He couldn''t deny that Mansfield was impressive¡ªa brilliant, dazzling man with wless credentials. In fact, he outshone both Xavier and evenn in every way.


    With his family''s influence straddling both military and political spheres, Mansfield Ellington was on a level no businessman could ever hope to reach.


    To be appointed a major general at such a young age-his future was practically limitless.


    For the first time, as heir to a financial empire, Xavier felt just how powerless wealth could be in the face of true authority.


    Without a word,n refilled Xavier''s ss, then raised his own. "Let''s have a toast."


    Xavier clinked his ss againstn''s. For a moment, neither spoke¡ªeach lost in his own thoughts.


    When Henry walked in, he immediately sensed the tension hanging in the air.


    He nced fromn, who seemed calm as ever, to Xavier, who looked as though he''d just lost the will to live.


    Did Xavier just get dumped?


    Wait-were he and Eleanor ever actually together?

 Chapter 659

    Henry pped Xavier on the shoulder, curiosity lighting up his face. "So, what were you two chatting about just now?"


    "Nothing much, just making small talk." Xavier looked up atn.


    Henry nced at both of them, clearly skeptical. He wasn''t convinced.


    "Let''s hear about your ind project. What''s the board''s take on it?" Xavier asked, steering the conversation away.


    Henry rubbed his temples, already feeling a headache brewing. "Those old men only care about short-term profits. It''s a headache, honestly."


    The three continued discussing the ind development, tossing ideas andints back and forth until two o''clock, whenn and Xavier had to head back to the office for a meeting.


    That evening, Eleanor returned home and noticed the gift Mansfield had sent over again-small, elegant, and genuinely lovely.


    At half past six, she received a message from him:


    "Home yet? Did you like the present?"


    She replied, "I loved it. Thank you."


    "When you have some free time, I''d love to take you and Evelyn out to dinner," Mansfield said.


    "Sure! But for now, spend some time with your family," Eleanor replied. After all, it wasn''t often he got to be at home with his grandmother.


    "Will do!"


    Their chat ended, and Eleanor headed to her study to review the day''s data.


    Airport.


    Gavin Young had been sent to pick up Serena Goodwin, pern''s instructions. She''d just returned from a two-week trip abroad, hoping a change of scenery would clear her mind.


    Gavin loaded her suitcase into the trunk and Serena slipped into the back seat.


    "Miss Goodwin, shall I take you home?" Gavin asked.


    "Not yet. Take me to Miss Shannon''s ce first," Serena replied.


    Gavin hesitated for a split second, but nodded and drove her to Vanessa Shannon''s house.


    By eight that evening, Serena and Vanessa were sitting in the living room, sipping red wine.


    Vanessa eyed her friend''s weary expression. "Looks like your trip didn''t do much good."


    Serena stared into her wine ss, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. ¡°I tried, Vanessa. I really did. I kept telling myself to forget about him, but¡ª¡±


    She watched the wine swirl in her ss, as if the ripples mirrored her own shattered heart.


    "I just can''t. I sneak looks at his photos, check his updates, reread his old messages. Some nights I can''t sleep at all."


    Vanessa reached over and gently patted her hand. "You''ve done so much for Xavier, and he has no idea. Maybe it''s time you told him how you feel. Let him know what you''re going through."


    Serena bit her lip, her voice trembling. "Even if he knew how much I''m hurting, would he pity me? Would he feel anything for me?"


    Vanessa gave a softugh. "You''d be surprised-men are a lot softer than they let on."


    Serena looked up, eyes reddening. "You really think so?"


    "Don''t forget who you are, Serena. You''re the eldest daughter of the Goodwin family. Are you really the type to let fate walk all over you? Chasing after a man isn''t as hard as people say it only takes a little courage to break through that barrier."


    Serena nced at her, suddenly curious. "Vanessa, you''ve never told me how you and my brother met. Can you give me some pointers? I know my brother''s even harder to win over than Xavier."


    Vanessa smoothed the silk strap of her robe that had slipped from her shoulder. Under the warmmplight, her long curls framed a face that was nothing short of stunning¡ªshe was the picture of grace and allure.

 Chapter 660

    Vanessa''s lips curled into a sly smile. "Are you sure you want to hear this?"


    "Come on, spill it! I''m begging you. I even asked my brother, but he just brushed me off." Serena knew her older brother''s personality all too well-romance was never his thing.


    Vanessa''s gaze turned dreamy as she slipped into memory. "It was one of those rainy evenings..."


    Instinctively, Serena leaned closer, eager to hear the story of her brother''s first love.


    "I was only eighteen then, just a naive, starry-eyed girl, like anyone who dreams of their own fairy tale romance. I kept imagining my Prince Charming would appear on some cozy street corner, maybe in a little caf¨¦-"


    Her lips curled with nostalgia. "But it wasn''t a caf¨¦ at all. It was right outside an art gallery. I was clutching an armful of books, soaked to the skin, when suddenly someone held a big ck umbre over my head. I turned around, and there he was-your brother, in a ck trench coat, looking exactly like a dark, brooding knight."


    Serena blinked in surprise. "My brother? Romantic? Now that''s hard to imagine!"


    "That''s how we met," Vanessa said softly. "He insisted on walking me home, and I asked for his number. He didn''t say no, and after a few more chance meetings, we just... clicked." She took a delicate sip of her wine.


    Swept up by the romance, Serena grinned. "So you two have all these beautiful memories. Sounds like love at first sight for my brother."


    "And then? What happened next?" Serena pressed.


    "Well," Vanessa looked a little shy, "we started dating-he''d take me out, show me new ces, always brought my favorite flowers, and he''d pick me up after my art sses at college."


    Serena was surprised-she never imagined her brother could actually have a romantic bone in his body. He certainly never did any of that for Eleanor.


    Then again, when a girl throws herself at him for free, even a nce from him is enough to make her day.


    "So you see," Vanessa went on, "even the most aloof man can be moved by genuine affection. I''m sure Xavier wille around if you''re sincere."


    "But what should I do?" Serena asked, uncertainty flickering across her face.


    "Try creating a memorable, serendipitous moment with Xavier. Move into his neighborhood, bump into him every day if you can, spend time with his mother and niece..."


    "So you''re saying I should just buy a ce in Xavier''s building?" Serena''s eyes sparkled with intrigue.


    "Didn''t you know? Your brother already bought a ce at Cloudcrest Manor." Vanessa swirled her wine. "Henry said it''s fully furnished-just move in and you''re set."


    Serena was taken aback. "Why would my brother buy a house at Cloudcrest Manor?"


    "Maybe he just wanted a change of scene? I''m not sure about the details," Vanessa admitted with a shrug.


    Still, Serena found her brother''s impulsive purchase odd, but couldn''t quite put her finger on it.


    Either way, if her brother had a ce at Cloudcrest Manor, she could move in for a while. She wasn''t about to give up on Xavier so easily-Vanessa was right. Who knows, maybe one day she''d finally win him over?


    Besides, Eleanor was always too busy to pay Xavier any attention, and Xavier was closing in on thirty; he was bound to be thinking about settling down.


    Serena had spent time abroad as a rtionship coach and had picked up plenty of new tactics. Looking back, she realized she''d alwayse on too strong and too desperate¡ªthat''s what had turned Xavier off. This time, she was determined to try something different.

 Chapter 661

    From now on, she''d start by simply being Xavier''s neighbor. Even if it meant just being his honorary little sister for the time being, that would do.


    At ten o''clock that night, Serena returned to Goodwin Manor.


    In the study.


    "You want to live at Cloudcrest Manor?"n looked up from his paperwork, his sharp gazending on Serena.


    She bit her lower lip, her cheeks tinged with red. "I just want a change of scenery, that''s all. Don''t you have a ce there that''s sitting empty?"


    "Serena, promise me you''ll stay out of trouble. I just need some peace and quiet," she pleaded. "You know how Grandmother is-she''s always lecturing me, and I just can''t help but argue back. It''d be better for both of us if I had my own space for a while, wouldn''t it?"


    He had to admit, he''d just heard Grandmother scolding Serena downstairs, and the olddy had stormed off to her room, fuming.


    "Fine. You can stay there for a few days."n nodded, then looked up to warn her, "But don''t bother the neighbors."


    Serena blinked. Did he mean Xavier?


    "Don''t worry! I''m not a kid anymore. I won''t bother anyone." Relief and excitement bubbled up in her chest-her brother had finally agreed.


    She realized she''d forgotten to ask whyn had bought a house in Cloudcrest Manor in the first ce. Then again, with his wealth, snapping up a new property was hardly worth a second thought.


    Starting tomorrow, she''d see Xavier every day. The thought alone made her giddy. There was no point running away. It was time to face things head-on.


    The next morning.


    Eleanor had received Xavier''s message the night before: the kids had arranged to ride to school together in his car.


    Eleanor agreed. She walked her daughter down to the parking garage, where Xavier''s car was already waiting beside her own.


    "Thank you for this," Eleanor said.


    Xavier''s lips curled in an easy smile. "It''s no trouble at all. As long as the kids are happy."


    She watched Xavier''s car pull away, preparing to head back upstairs. Just then, a sleek ck Rolls-Royce glided into the garage, expertly backing into the spot right next to hers.


    "Did Evelyn go to school with Xavier?"n had seen Xavier''s car earlier and realized Eleanor hadn''t driven her daughter herself.


    She kept walking toward the elevator, replying curtly, "Yes."


    The air in the elevator felt heavy, tension thickening the silence until the doors slid open.n strode out.


    Eleanor returned to her apartment, gathering her things for the day. When she stepped into the hallway,n was standing outside her door, a deep blue velvet box in his hand.


    He met her gaze and held out the box. "A bted birthday gift," he said in a low, even voice.


    Eleanor stepped back, her eyes cold. "I told you-I don''t want anything from you." "It''s for Evelyn," he said quietly, his eyes darkening. "Aing-of-age gift."


    She looked away. "Then give it to her when she''s grown up." Without another word, Eleanor brushed past him to leave.


    Butn caught her wrist, his grip gentle yet unyielding. "Keep it for her, just for now."

 Chapter 662

    The touch was like hitting a nerve. Eleanor instinctively raised her hand to block him. "I told you, no¡ª¡±


    Her hand struckn''s, the one holding the gift box. With a sharp smack, the box tumbled to the floor.


    The lid popped open, and a snowke-shaped ne studded with pink diamonds spilled out¡ªso breathtakingly beautiful it almost hurt to look at.


    Anyone could tell it was a one-of-a-kind, a global limited edition.


    For a moment,n''s face went rigid. Eleanor froze as well, but didn''t linger. She turned and strode toward the elevator.


    Eleanor''s initials.


    Clutching the box, he returned to the couch on the twenty-seventh floor and pressed his fingers to his brow. Just then, his phone rang. Gavin''s name lit up the


    screen.


    "Mr. Goodwin, the Vice President of Starnova Group is here. When will you being in?"


    "I''ll be right there,"n replied, still gripping the phone.


    He opened a drawer, ced the ne carefully inside, and headed out.


    At ten-thirty, Serena finished packing two suitcases and set out for Cloudcrest Manor.


    The moment she opened the door, she saw the ce was fully furnished, with everything she could possibly need-though the decor was definitely on the masculine side. She made a mental note to have someonee in and give it a makeover.


    Serena pulled open the coffee table drawer, looking for a spot to stash some things¡ªand there, unexpectedly, was a gift box.


    She opened it, and her jaw dropped.


    "Isn''t this-the Cartier Winter Limited Edition? Only ten in the world!" She couldn''t believe that just rummaging through her brother''s house, she''d stumble upon a globally limited-edition ne.


    "Who was he nning to give this to? Don''t tell me it''s for Vanessa!" The thought seemed obvious to Serena, and since she just happened to have lunch ns with Vanessa, she decided she''d deliver the ne onn''s behalf.


    If her brother asked about itter, she''d just tell him what she''d done.


    That afternoon, Serena and Vanessa met for lunch at one of the city''s upscale bistros. As soon as they sat down, Serena pulled the ne out of her purse.


    "Vanessa, look what my brother got you! Talk about a surprise. It''s a global limited edition!"


    Vanessa''s eyes widened in disbelief. But then she remembered just a few days ago, she had casually mentioned wanting a gift fromn. Could this be it?


    "Are you sure it''s for me?" Vanessa asked, unable to hide the surge of delight as she gazed at the ne.


    She loved jewelry-especially pink diamond pieces.


    "Of course it''s for you. Who else would he be buying for? Just take it! And when my brother asks, I''ll let him know I delivered it." Serena grinned. Honestly, her brother was hopeless-always buying jewelry, but never around to give it himself. Vanessa turned the ne over in her hands, already picturing herself wearing it at the mayor''s wife''s charity g on Saturday. It would be the perfect match for her evening gown. With all the city''s elite attending, this ne would make sure she stood out andmanded respect.


    "Then I''ll dly ept it," Vanessa said, slipping the box into her purse.

 Chapter 663

    Vanessa had always adored diamonds. Even if she only ever showed a casual interest, deep down, her love for them was at least tenfold what she let on.


    That ne she''d just seen was obviously a limited edition. At the mayor''s wife''s charity g this Saturday, she was sure it would be one of the standout pieces in the room.


    "Thank your brother for me," she said, putting on an air of polite reserve.


    "Don''t worry about it. Let''s see how long it takes that silly brother of mine to realize what he''s done. Let him stew in his guilt a while," Serena huffed, convinced the ne was meant for Vanessa.


    Especially after hearing Vanessa recount how she and her brother had fallen in love, Serena was all the more certain: Vanessa was the only woman her brother had ever truly loved.


    As for Eleanor-well, thank goodness the divorce finally went through. If she''d stayed tied to her brother forever, what a waste of his life that would have been.


    That afternoon, Serena invited a friend over along with an interior designer to give Cloudcrest Manor a few decorative touches. By evening, the ce already felt different-warmer, more feminine, like a home that finally belonged to a young


    woman.


    Knowing Xavier lived in this same neighborhood made Serena''s heart soften. She stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, not knowing exactly which floor or apartment he was in, but just the thought of him being nearby brought her peace.


    Feelings aren''t something you can run away from. The more you try, the more it hurts. She was hooked on Xavier-and there was no denying it.


    Meanwhile, in the elevator, Eleanor and Evelyn were chatting. Serena had no idea Eleanor lived upstairs; Vanessa hadn''t mentioned it.


    Suddenly, a loud thud echoed from above-like some mischievous kid had knocked something over.


    Serena rolled her eyes. That was the downside of living in a penthouse¡ªyou could never count onplete silence. Next time, she was definitely going to suggest her brother buy a townhouse instead.


    Then came the unmistakable sound of a ball bouncing overhead. Serena, already short-tempered, mped her hands over her ears and muttered, "What kind of brat is that?"


    Upstairs, Joslyn spotted Evelyn dribbling a ball on the hardwood. She hurried over


    to stop her. ¡°Evelyn, you can''t y ball in the house. It''s too noisy¡ª"


    She caught herself. Wasn''t her dad living just downstairs now?


    "Oh, I get it," Evelyn replied, setting the ball aside. She''d always lived in big


    houses before where she could y as she pleased; this was her first time in an apartment building, so the rules were new to her, even though her mom had already warned her.


    "After dinner, I''ll take you downstairs to y. How about that?"


    "Okay!" Evelyn ran to pick up the ball.


    But as soon as she grabbed it, it slipped from her arm and thudded to the floor again.


    Downstairs, Serena was trying to enjoy a moment of peace when the ball bounced overhead once more. That was thest straw. She balled her fists and stormed upstairs.


    Someone needed to teach this kid a lesson.


    After all, she was going to live here; if the parents upstairs didn''t keep their kid in line, it would ruin her life.


    She made it up to the twenty-eighth floor, practically radiating anger, determined to have a word with the parents.


    Ding-dong.


    Joslyn was busy cooking, the sound of running water masking the doorbell. Upstairs, Eleanor was working and frowned, getting up to check the door.


    Evelyn, who was downstairs, ran to the door, standing on tiptoe to see the video monitor. Her eyes lit up. "It''s Auntie!"


    She reached up and pulled the handle.


    The door swung open, and Serena stood there, hands on her hips, her face set in


    a scowl. She was about tounch into a lecture, but the happy little voice stopped her in her tracks.


    "Auntie! What are you doing here?"


    Serena stared at the little girl who''d opened the door, blinking in shock, struggling to believe what she was seeing.

 Chapter 664

    "Evelyn?"


    "Are you here to have dinner with us?" Evelyn asked, her eyes full of curiosity.


    Serena nced toward the grand living room, and suddenly, everything clicked. No wonder her brother hadn''t bothered buying the penthouse upstairs-of course, he''d settled for this sprawling apartment. Eleanor lived on the top floor!


    "Evelyn, who are you talking to?" Eleanor''s voice floated in from the hallway. Hearing her daughter chatting with someone, she strode quickly to the front door, only to lock eyes with Serena.


    Serena froze, momentarily stunned at the sight of Eleanor.


    Eleanor, however, remained perfectlyposed, her expression frosty. "Miss Goodwin, is there something you need?"


    "This is your ce?" Serena blurted out, unable to hide her surprise.


    "Yes, this is my home," Eleanor replied coolly.


    A dozen questions finally made sense in Serena''s mind. She knelt to meet Evelyn


    at eye level. "Evelyn, your aunt lives just downstairs. Come visit me whenever you''d like, okay?"


    Eleanor''s brows tightened. Serena really was Evelyn''s aunt, so she couldn''t exactly tell her off, not in front of her daughter.


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded enthusiastically.


    "Evelyn, go tidy up your toys, please," Eleanor said, ncing at the scattered mess in the hallway.


    Evelyn scampered off obediently.


    Standing in the doorway, Eleanor turned to Serena. "If you have no reason to be here, I''d appreciate it if you didn''t disturb us."


    Serena''s face hardened. "You think I want to bother you? I only came up here because I heard Evelyn lived upstairs and thought I''d stop by."


    "In any case, I have custody of Evelyn. I''d appreciate it if you stayed away from her," Eleanor warned, her tone leaving no room for argument.


    Eleanor knew exactly how close Serena and Vanessa were.


    Serena scoffed. ¡°If Evelyn weren''t part of the Goodwin family, do you really think we''d want anything to do with you? Trust me, I have no desire to see you, either."


    "That''s for the best," Eleanor said, shutting the door in her face.


    Out in the hallway, Serena gritted her teeth. Eleanor really was getting more and more full of herself these days.


    She cursed her brother under her breath-why had he given Eleanor control over so many of the family businesses? No wonder she acted like she owned the world


    now.


    Storming back to her own apartment, Serena fumed. Then, suddenly, she realized something: Why was Eleanor living at Cloudcrest Manor, anyway? Was she trying to cozy up to Xavier? Damn it¡ªso Eleanor really was scheming to marry into the Vaughn family.


    Saturday was just around the corner. Eleanor remembered her promise to Mrs. Ellington about attending the charity g. She''d have to manage her time carefully and get some extra work done at home.


    That evening, Vanessa stood before her bedroom mirror, delicately tracing her fingers over the snowke-shaped pink diamond ne around her neck. She smiled at her reflection, already picturing how perfect it would look with her champagne-colored evening gown tomorrow night.


    On Saturday evening, Eleanor arranged for Joslyn to stay home and look after her daughter, then drove herself to the charity g.


    The mayor''s wife''s annual charity ball was always a highlight of the social calendar, drawing the city''s elite-and plenty of media attention. Getting an invitation was considered a mark of honor.


    Tonight, Eleanor wore a pale blue mermaid gown, her hair falling in loose waves down her back, entuating her slender neck. As one of the evening''s honored guests, she was careful to strike the perfect bnce-elegant, but never ostentatious.


    She pulled up to the hotel entrance, where a valet in a crisp uniform hurried over. "Good evening, ma''am. May I park your car for you?"


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied, giving him a polite nod.


    A red carpet stretched alongside the entrance for the high-profile guests willing to be interviewed by the press. For those wishing to avoid the spotlight, there was a quieter side entrance leading directly to the ballroom.


    Eleanor chose thetter, slipping discreetly through the side hallway. Once inside the grand hall on the second floor, she saw that many of the city''s most recognizable faces were already there-tonight''s performers, she realized. It dawned on her that this "fundraiser" was, in fact, a private concert for the elite.


    "Miss Sutton! Your seat is in the second row!" Mrs. Ellington''s sharp-eyed assistant spotted her and hurried over to escort her to her ce.

 Chapter 665

    "Thank you." Eleanor shed her a friendly smile, instantly warming to her.


    Before the assistant could show Eleanor to her seat, her phone rang and she hurried off to take the call. Left to find her own way, Eleanor scanned the room¡ª and suddenly, she spotted Vanessa.


    Vanessa was deep in conversation with two impably dressed women. The lighting caught on the pale pink snowke-shaped diamond ne at her throat, making it the centerpiece of her outfit and perfectlyplementing her champagne-colored evening gown.


    At that moment, Vanessa looked up and met Eleanor''s gaze. She''d half expected Eleanor to attend tonight; after all, Eleanor had a close rtionship with Mrs. Ellington, and the fundraiser was for leukemia research.


    Still, Vanessa was confident in her own uniqueness. Eleanor might be special, but so was she irreceable in her own right.


    She let a faint smile curl her lips, and as if worried Eleanor might have missed the ne, Vanessa casually ran her fingers along her corbone, drawing attention to the sparkling pendant.


    Just then, the assistant who''d been called away returned. Spotting Eleanor, she gestured politely. "Miss Sutton, please your seat is this way."


    Vanessa''s gaze followed them, and her smile faltered for a split second. Second row? Eleanor was actually seated in the second row?


    In these circles, nothing mattered more than status-and the seating arrangement tonight had been personally approved by Mrs. Ellington.


    For Eleanor to be ced in the second row spoke volumes about her standing in Mrs. Ellington''s eyes.


    Vanessa''s thoughts flickered back to Mrs. Ellington''sst dinner party, when Eleanor''s unexpected appearance had stolen the spotlight. Even now, the memory rankled.


    No sooner had Eleanor taken her seat than she drew the attention of neighboring guests. Someone extended a hand. "Hello, Miss Sutton. It''s a pleasure to meet you."


    "Hello." Eleanor smiled warmly.


    Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed another guest approaching. She looked up, and for a moment, she was utterly stunned.


    -Mansfield?


    It was rare to see Mansfield in formalwear, but tonight he wore a perfectly tailored ck suit that entuated his broad shoulders and slim waist. Every gesture radiated effortless grace andposure.


    "What''s the matter, don''t recognize me?" Mansfield slid into the seat beside her, a teasing smile ying at his lips.


    He''d deliberately kept his attendance a secret. With his aunt as a source, he could easily keep tabs on Eleanor''s ns-he''d wanted to surprise her.


    For once, Eleanor found herself in a yful mood. She cleared her throat. "There are so many lovely debutantes here tonight. For Mr. Ellington''s sake, maybe we should pretend we don''t know each other, give him a fair shot at meeting someone new."


    Mansfield chuckled, his dark eyes lingering on her. "With the beauty at my side, I don''t see the need to look elsewhere."


    Eleanor''s expression grew more serious. "Are you sure your wound has healed?"


    Mansfield leaned in, lowering his voice. "Would you care to check it yourself, Miss Sutton?"


    "Don''t be ridiculous, this is a formal event." She shot him a look, half reprimand, half amusement.


    A few nearby guests nced in their direction. Mansfield coughed lightly, trying to mask his embarrassment andposed himself.


    Not that anyone had overheard his flirting¡ªevery pair of eyes was simply drawn to his striking good looks.


    A little further back, Vanessa had been shown to a third-row seat, just a few ces away from Eleanor. She immediately recognized the man sitting beside Eleanor-the same young man she''d seen in uniform at thest event.


    Just how close were Eleanor and this man? Their easy rapport suggested a familiarity that piqued Vanessa''s curiosity.


    Who was he, this man whose looks and presence rivaled evenn''s? What was his rtionship with Eleanor?


    For now, all Vanessa could do was specte. Curious, she snapped a discreet photo with her phone and sent it to Henry. If anyone could identify him, it would be Henry.


    "Henry, do you know this man?"

 Chapter 666

    On the other end of the line, Henry shot back, "Why are you so interested in him?"


    "Jealous, are you?" Vanessa teased. "I just saw him with Eleanor-that''s all. Got curious." As she spoke, she sent Henry another photo, this one showing Eleanor seated side by side with the man in question.


    "I don''t know this guy," Henry replied honestly.


    "Then send the photo to Xavier. Ask if he knows him," Vanessa pressed.


    "I don''t know... That might hurt Xavier''s feelings."


    "Isn''t that exactly what Xavier needs? Maybe it''ll help him see Eleanor for who she really is. It''ll do him good," Vanessa insisted, her determination to push Eleanor out ofn''s circle burning as strong as ever.


    After a pause, Henry seemed convinced. "Alright, I''ll send it to him and ask."


    A sly smile curved at Vanessa''s lips. Just then, a voice boomed from the microphone at the front of the hall: "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in weing Mayor Ellington and Mr. Ian Goodwin, CEO of Goodwin & Co.!"


    Vanessa''s head snapped up. Ian was walking into the room alongside the mayor ¡ªa sight that perfectly captured his influence in both business and politics.


    For a moment, every eye in the hall was on them.


    Eleanor looked up as well, surprised to seen here. Still, considering his recent phnthropic work in medicine, it made sense that he''d be invited.


    Asn strode to the front row, his dark eyes swept the audience-andnded squarely on Eleanor, seated beside Mansfield. His step faltered ever so slightly. He held their gaze for a few seconds before moving on.


    The mayor andn took seats at the very center of the front row.


    "Uncle!" Mansfield leaned forward, calling softly to the mayor.


    Mayor Ellington, who hadn''t noticed his nephew before, turned in surprise. He caught sight of Eleanor, too, and his face broke into a knowing smile. He gave Mansfield a quick, approving nod, then greeted Eleanor warmly, "Eleanor! Good to see you."


    Eleanor beamed at him. "Good evening, Mr. Mayor."


    Watching all this, Vanessa felt a jolt of surprise. She hadn''t expected the handsome man beside Eleanor to not only be on close terms with the mayor, but also acquainted withn.


    How intriguing, she mused, lips curling into a crimson smile.


    By now, the charity g was about to begin. Mrs. Ellington, the mayor''s wife, took the stage for the opening address, her warmth andpassion shining through in every word.


    "Tonight, we are honored to wee Mr. Ian Goodwin, CEO of Goodwin & Co., who has made outstanding contributions to leukemia research. We are also joined by Miss Eleanor, the lead researcher in the development of a new leukemia treatment-"


    Before she could finish, the hall erupted in apuse. Eleanor andn stood together, acknowledging Mrs. Ellington with a gracious nod.


    Their faces appeared side by side on therge screen above the stage.


    Vanessa watched, her nails digging into her palm. Two years ago, she would never have imagined Eleanor andn would one day be so closely connected.


    She had never expected Eleanor would be singled out for praise at such an important event, earning the apuse of the entire room.


    Fate could be so ironic. Vanessa couldn''t help but feel that, in some twisted way, she deserved a bit of credit for Eleanor''s sess. It was her own actions that forced Eleanor to grow so quickly.


    If not for her, Eleanor would probably still be content to stay byn''s side, ying the dutiful housewife, asking her husband for shopping money.

 Chapter 667

    Soon, the first performance took the stage, and the entire hall fell silent.


    By the third act, the host returned to the spotlight. "Now, please wee the renowned pianist, Miss Vanessa, performing her signature piece, ''Strolling in the Rain.""


    Amidst a wave of apuse, Vanessa glided onto the stage with effortless grace. She settled at the grand piano in the center, her eyes scanning the audience¡ª pausing ever so briefly inn''s direction.


    She drew in a measured breath. Her slender fingers hovered, then danced across the keys, releasing a cascade of exquisite notes.


    Vanessa had never been just a pretty face. Her artistry at the piano was formidable-after all, from the moment she metn, she''d been determined to be a woman worthy of him.


    She pushed herself, practicingte into countless nights, chasing perfection with relentless ambition. Ian was like an unattainable god on a mountaintop-distant, dazzling, impossible not to yearn for.


    Under the stage lights, Vanessa''s champagne and blush gown shimmered with diamonds, her image magnified on the enormous screen-a vision of poise and refined artistic allure.


    Yet at that moment, a pair of eyes in the audience suddenly narrowed.


    Eleanor hadn''t nned to watch Vanessa''s performance; she was staring down at herp, lost in thought. When she unexpectedly nced up, she metn''s unwavering stare.


    Her gaze turned cold. Ian''s own eyes darkened, and he quickly looked away.


    Onstage, Vanessa''s piece reached its midpoint, yet the attention of every woman in the room had shifted from the music to the ne at her throat. Among the well-heeled crowd, jewelry was anguage of its own, and curiosity flickered everywhere.


    Soon, whispers rippled through the cluster of socialites and wealthy matrons.


    Directly behind Eleanor, two debutantes leaned in, their voices hushed but unmistakably close.


    "Isn''t that the Cartier Winter Limited Edition?" one murmured. "I heard they only made ten of those in the world-"


    "I looked it up," herpanion replied. "Each piece in that collection is specially engraved with the owner''s name. You have to order it at least six months in advance."


    "I can''t believe Miss Shannon actually has one. Whoever''s backing her must have serious influence!"


    "Isn''t her boyfriendn Goodwin, the CEO of Goodwin & Co.? For someone like him, buying all ten would be nothing."


    The first young woman gazed at Vanessa with open envy. To be loved by a man liken Goodwin-what could be more fortunate?


    Just then, Vanessa''s final notes faded into the air. The room erupted in apuse. She pressed a hand to her heart, bowed gracefully, and left the stage with poise.


    Returning to her seat, Vanessa was quietly congratted by the wealthy women around her. She offered a polite smile and a nod in return. Then, one curious matron leaned over. "Miss Shannon, you really are fortunate! That''s a uniquely customized ne, isn''t it?"


    Vanessa''s hand drifted to the ne. "Thank you," she replied.


    "This collection is truly special. I heard each one is engraved with the owner''s


    name¡ªit makes it feel so personal," the woman added.


    Under the dimming lights, Vanessa''s face went pale. Instinctively, she sped the ne, forcing a stiff smile. "Is that so?"


    "You didn''t know?" The woman sounded genuinely surprised.


    Vanessa managed another smile. "Of course I knew. I just thought mine was the only one with a special engraving."


    "Oh, no, all ten are engraved with names."


    Vanessa opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came. She could only manage a strained, hollowugh.

 Chapter 668

    As the conversation continued, Vanessa suddenly interjected, "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."


    She stood up, feeling shaky and unsteady on her feet. With one hand clutching the hem of her champagne-colored evening gown and the other gripping her ne so tightly her knuckles went white, Vanessa abandoned all traces of her usual grace. She looked every bit like someone fleeing the scene.


    At that moment, Eleanor also rose from her seat and headed in the same direction.


    Vanessa nearly stumbled into the restroom, her face drained of color when she caught her reflection in the mirror. She fumbled desperately with the sp of her ne, but her trembling fingers just couldn''t undo it.


    A woman stepped up to the sink beside her and asked gently, "Do you need some help?"


    "Thank you, I''d appreciate it," Vanessa replied, forcing a smile and trying to steady herself.


    The woman helped unfasten the ne and admired it. "This is a gorgeous piece," she said.


    "Thank you," Vanessa answered, her voice stiff and brittle.


    When the woman left, the bathroom fell silent. Vanessa drew a shaky breath and lifted the ne, flipping it over to examine the tinum setting beneath thergest diamond. Her eyes locked on two tiny engraved letters:


    -E. S.


    Those initials sliced through her heart like a knife. Just then, footsteps echoed on the marble floor. Vanessa jerked her head up to see Eleanor''s cool,posed figure stepping inside.


    In that instant, resentment red bright and sharp in Vanessa''s eyes. She clutched the ne in her fist as if it were the only thing keeping her upright.


    Eleanor stood before her, her pale blue gown entuating her slender waist. She wore no extravagant jewelry, yet her quiet elegance was impossible to ignore.


    Eleanor nced at the ne Vanessa had just unsped, noting the wounded expression on her face. She understood immediately.


    Ifn had trulymissioned this ne for Vanessa, the engraving beneath the setting wouldn''t bear someone else''s initials.


    And judging by Vanessa''s stricken face, she''d just realized it.


    The cold fluorescent lights made Vanessa''splexion look even more ghastly. She bit down hard on her crimson lips and stared at Eleanor, her voiceced with sarcasm. "So, Eleanor, when did you start epting limited-edition jewelry fromn behind my back?"


    Eleanor let out a slow, mockingugh and bent to wash her hands. "Seems like you have a knack for picking up things I no longer want. The bracelet, the ne, even the man."


    "You¡ª" Vanessa''s jaw clenched. Eleanor''s taunts stung deeper than she cared to admit. She forced augh. "Your things? Do you really believe everything from the Goodwin family belongs to you?"


    Eleanor regarded her, the mockery in her eyes only deepening. "Ifn truly cared about you, he wouldn''t let you parade around in a ne engraved with his ex- wife''s initials. Apparently, you''re only good for leftovers."


    The words hit their mark, slicing right through Vanessa''s pride. Her chest heaved with anger. "And what makes you so high and mighty, Eleanor? Flirting with other men, stringing your daughter along just to keep your ex-husband hooked-do you really think you''re that impressive?"


    Eleanor turned off the faucet, grabbed a paper towel, and dabbed her hands dry. "Vanessa, I''m begging you marryn already. Maybe then he''ll finally stop chasing after me. I can''t shake him off."


    "Eleanor!" Vanessa''s voice was thick with fury.


    The implication was unmistakable-Eleanor was mocking the past ten years of Vanessa''s life as nothing but a joke.


    Eleanor tossed the paper towel in the trash. "Do yourself a favor: get it over with and marry him this year. Otherwise, I really can''t respect you."


    With that, she walked out, leaving Vanessa clutching her chest, gasping for breath as if she''d truly been wounded. Her face grew even paler as she stared at her reflection, on the verge of fainting. Desperate, she seized her phone and dialedn''s number.

 Chapter 669

    It took a moment for the call to connect. Before the person on the other end could get a word out, Vanessa''s breathless voice broke through. ¡°Ian, I''m about to faint. Help me the restroom."


    Eleanor had just returned to her seat when she sawn quickly stand up. At that moment, Mansfield handed her her phone, which was shing.


    She nced at the screen-Joslyn was calling. Without hesitation, Eleanor stepped out to the quiet hallway beside the hall and answered.


    "Mom, can I have a few cookies?" Evelyn''s small voice came through.


    Eleanor knew Joslyn would give her something to snack on, but Evelyn always asked her first anyway. Eleanor smiled. "Alright, but just two, okay?"


    "Okay, Mom! I love you!"


    As Eleanor ended the call, hurried footsteps sounded behind her. She turned to seen striding toward her from the direction of the restrooms, Vanessa cradled in his arms.


    Their eyes met. Vanessa, pale and fragile, clung to his shoulder, her slender arms wrapped around him as if she belonged nowhere else.


    For a moment,n''s entire body tensed; his breath caught as the three of them came face-to-face in the hallway.


    Vanessa cracked her eyelids open, and when she saw Eleanor, a triumphant little smile-one only Eleanor could see-curved at her lips. She nestled closer ton''s chest, her voice barely a whisper, n, I feel awful... so dizzy..."


    He looked as if he were carrying someone more precious to him than his own life.


    The air still lingered withn''s crisp cedar scent as Eleanor breathed in. To her, it was suddenly the most nauseating smell in the world. She covered her nose, turned, and walked back into the hall.


    Mansfield was waiting for her. "Is Evelyn alright?"


    "She''s fine-she just wanted an extra cookie." Eleanor gave a small smile.


    Mansfield grinned. "She''s adorable. Really."


    The rest of the evening passed withoutn returning; his seat remained empty until the very end.


    After the event, Mrs. Ellington stopped Eleanor and Mansfield by the door. "Mansfield, why don''t you drive Eleanor home?"


    "Mistress Ellington, I did bring my car tonight," Eleanor interjected.


    "I know, dear, but my nephew didn''t. Let him give you a ride," Mrs. Ellington insisted, smiling.


    It was true-Mansfield hadn''t driven himself; he usually took a car service.


    "Alright, I''ll be your chauffeur tonight," Mansfield said with a yful nod.


    Eleanor was about to protest, but Mansfield added, "Didn''t I tell youst time? An old friend of mine lives near you. I was nning to visit him anyway."


    Eleanor hesitated, remembering that a friend of his did live in her neighborhood. She nodded. "Alright, but let me drive."


    She was still concerned about his recent injury; she didn''t want him to strain himself.


    But Mansfield waved her off. "I''mpletely recovered. I can drive, really."


    He noticed how tired Eleanor looked and decided to let her rest.


    When the valet brought Eleanor''s car around, Mansfield opened the driver''s door and climbed in.


    On the way home, Mansfield noticed Eleanor had fallen quiet. He nced over, concern in his voice. "Work keeping you busy?"


    "It''s just been a lottely," she admitted.


    "My dad mentioned you''re leading that brainputer research project now. That''s incredible," Mansfield said, genuine admiration in his tone.


    Eleanor''s talents never failed to impress him.


    But to Mansfield, she still looked like someone delicate-someone who, despite her strength, always seemed to need a little extra protecting.

 Chapter 670

    There was something singr about Eleanor''s beauty-she wasn''t the ambitious type, nor did she unt herself. She had the gentle grace of a blooming flower, yet beneath that softnessy a hidden strength, an allure that left even the most self- assured men quietly astonished.


    Ever since Mansfield met her, he found it impossible to look away. Unless Eleanor chose to marry someone else, he had no intention of giving up.


    The drive was pleasant. Eleanor chatted with him about the basic principles of neural interfaces, her tone rxed and warm. For Mansfield, every moment was tinged with anticipation, his heart beating just a little faster than usual.


    "Which neighborhood does your friend live in again? Let me drop you off first," Eleanor offered, ncing over at him.


    "It''s fine, I''ll take you home first. I can head to my friend''s ce after," Mansfield insisted, refusing to budge.


    The underground parking garage at Cloudcrest Manor wasvishly decorated, all gleaming marble and golden lights. Eleanor directed Mansfield to her reserved spot, and he was out of the car first. As Eleanor reached for her seatbelt, she caught a glimpse-out of the corner of her eye-of a tall figure leaning against a pir. Ian stood there, a cigarette between his fingers, his gaze fixed on her car.


    Mansfield''s instincts kicked in. He scanned the area, spottedn, and blinked in surprise. "Mr. Goodwin?"


    "Major General Ellington,¡±n replied coolly, his greeting clipped.


    Eleanor stepped out and nodded to Mansfield. "Let''s head upstairs."


    "I''ll walk you to your door," Mansfield offered.


    Mansfield immediately sensed something was off. He stepped protectively in front of Eleanor. "Mr. Goodwin, it''ste. Is there something urgent?"


    Mansfield narrowed his eyes. "It''s veryte. Eleanor''s tired. Why don''t we talk tomorrow?"


    "And who are you to step in, Major General?"n''s frustration shed, barely contained.


    Mansfield shot a nce at Eleanor before facingn squarely. "A friend-or maybe her future boyfriend."


    Eleanor really was exhausted. She barely looked atn before turning to Mansfield. "Let''s go. Don''t mind him."


    Mansfield paused, a little surprised. Clearly, Eleanor had no intention of engaging withn, even without his intervention.


    "I''ll walk you home," Mansfield said, and with a gentle but assertive grip, he took her by the wrist. His gesture brooked no argument.


    Eleanor was caught off guard, but she allowed herself to be led toward the elevators.


    "Good night, Mr. Goodwin," Mansfield said over his shoulder, meetingn''s eyes as he guided Eleanor away.


    Eleanor didn''t look back or pull her hand free, but she could feeln''s stare


    burning into her until she and Mansfield reached the elevator lobby.


    Mansfield''s hand was warm and steady. He nced at Eleanor and, sensing her difort, released her at once.


    "Sorry if I overstepped," he murmured, his voice husky.


    "It''s alright," Eleanor replied, offering him a grateful smile. She knew he only meant to shield her.


    Back in the garage,n stood rooted to the spot, rigid as a wounded animal refusing to yield. His fists clenched at his sides, knuckles turning white.

 Chapter 671

    Mansfield Ellington insisted on walking Eleanor Sutton all the way to her front door before taking his leave. When Eleanor invited him in for a cup of tea, he politely declined.


    It waste, after all, and Mansfield knew better than to risk any misunderstanding, even though he wanted nothing more than to ept her invitation. He didn''t want to leave Eleanor with the wrong impression.


    That gentlemanly restraint left Eleanor with an even better opinion of him.


    "Mom!" Evelyn Goodwin ran up and threw her arms around Eleanor, her cherubic face beaming. "I didn''t eat any extra cookies! Just a tiny pack, I promise!"


    Eleanor knelt down and pressed a kiss to her daughter''s cheek. "I know you always keep your word, sweetheart."


    Joslyn, standing nearby, couldn''t help but smile at the scene. Under Eleanor''s guidance, Evelyn was growing more thoughtful and considerate every day.


    She still took after her father in looks, but her nature was bing more and more like Eleanor''s.


    Eleanor stayed on edge for most of the evening, half-expectingn Goodwin to show up at her door. Thankfully, he never came by to disturb her.


    At the hospital-


    Serena Goodwin had just been out to dinner with friends when she received a message from Vanessa Shannon. Vanessa was back in the hospital,ining of heart trouble.


    This was her future sister-inw, after all-Serena didn''t hesitate for a second before dropping everything to rush over.


    She found Vanessa lying in a hospital bed and immediately sat at her side, concern written all over her face. "Vanessa, you were fine just yesterday. What in the world happened today?"


    Vanessa didn''t answer. Her eyes were red with unshed tears, her lips pressed tight¡ªshe looked utterly wronged and vulnerable.


    Serena''s heart gave a jolt. Vanessa had always seemed so strong and independent; what on earth could have upset her like this? Could her brother have done something awful?


    "Vanessa, what''s going on?" Serena took Vanessa''s hand in hers. "Did my brother upset you?"


    Vanessa turned away, dabbing at her eyes. "It''s nothing-I don''t want you to get upset on my behalf."


    "So it is my brother?" Serena''s worry turned to anger. "You''re the only person I''d ever ept as my future sister-inw. If he''s hurt you, I won''t stand for it."


    Vanessa shook her head. "It''s not about your brother."


    Serena frowned. If it wasn''tn, then who? Suddenly a thought struck her.


    "Was it Eleanor?" she blurted out.


    Vanessa finally turned back, trying to muster a reassuring smile through her tears. "Serena, the ne you gave me wasn''t really meant for me. It was a limited edition your brother ordered months ago for someone else."


    "He bought a limited edition piece and it wasn''t for you? Then who could it have been for?" Serena was stunned. Did her brother have someone else?


    "There''s a name engraved on the back of the pendant," Vanessa said, her voice thick with emotion. "It was custom-made-for Eleanor."


    Serena''s eyes went wide. "No way. My brother would never-"


    Vanessa nodded, her expression full of bitter resignation. "Eleanor''s name is right there on the back."


    Serena was both shocked and furious. "Is he out of his mind? He gave that to her? She doesn''t deserve it!"


    "Don''t me your brother," Vanessa said quickly, trying to shieldn. She sighed. "You know how Eleanor has always resented me¡ª"


    Serena snorted. "I knew it. Even after the divorce, she can''t mind her own business. First she walked away with eight of the family businesses, and now she''s scheming for limited edition jewelry? Isn''t she ever satisfied?"


    Vanessa squeezed her hand. "Serena, promise me you won''t make a scene with your brother. It''s my fault. If I''d noticed the engraving sooner, I wouldn''t have had to endure her sarcasm tonight."


    "Did she say something to you? Is that why your heart''s acting up?" Serena asked, her anger simmering.


    Vanessa managed a bitter smile. "Serena, don''t ask. She said some very hurtful things. It''s best if we just leave it."


    "No, I want to know. Tell me what exactly did she say?" Serena demanded. She wanted to know how vicious Eleanor could be, so she could expose her true colors to their grandmother and put an end to Eleanor''s favoritism once and for all.


    "She said I was always picking up things she didn''t want anymore," Vanessa whispered. ¡°And she''s not wrong, really. The bracelet Grandma gave was meant for her. Now this ne, too. Even your brother-" Vanessa let out a sigh. "She said he was just someone she didn''t want anymore."


    Serena let out a sharpugh, as if she''d just heard the world''s worst joke. "What? She didn''t want my brother? Who does she think she is? It wasn who divorced her, not the other way around!" Then, realizing her outburst, she bit her lip and apologized. "I''m sorry, Vanessa. The bracelet and the ne-this is all my fault. It has nothing to do with you. I''ll exin everything to my brother."


    Vanessa looked at her, deeply moved, but shook her head. "There''s no need. I shouldn''t have epted the ne in the first ce."


    Serena''s guilt only grew. "If I''d just checked for the engraving, you wouldn''t have had to go through that humiliation. This is all on me."


    Inside, Serena''s resentment toward Eleanor grew. She''s divorced, yet she''s still treating my brother like her personal ATM?


    "And my brother-he really doesn''t know his own heart, does he?"


    "Eleanor is important to him," Vanessa said quietly. "She''s hispany''s chief researcher, after all."


    Serena ground her teeth in frustration. "So now she thinks she can demand anything she wants, just because she''s indispensable at work? Unbelievable. No. This ne should be yours, Vanessa. I''ll talk to my brother and have him remove Eleanor''s name and rece it with yours."

 Chapter 672

    Vanessa turned to her and said, "The ne is still in my bag. Serena, you should take it back."


    Serena took Vanessa''s purse and pulled out the long velvet box, her disbelief in as she opened the lid and lifted the ne, inspecting the engraving on its base.


    The initials "E. S." caught her eye for a moment. Sure enough, it was Eleanor''s monogram.


    "Vanessa, are you sure this was meant for Eleanor? Are you positive my brother doesn''t have any other female friends with those same initials?" Serena couldn''t quite believe her brother would go out of his way for Eleanor like this.


    Vanessa let out a sigh. "You can ask him yourself."


    Serena, stubborn as ever, decided to do just that. She grabbed her phone and dialed her brother on the spot.


    The phone rang for ages before he finally picked up.


    "What is it?"n''s voice was edged with impatience.


    "Where are you,n? I need to talk to you." Serena''s voice dropped a notch, a little less bold now.


    "I''m out. If it''s important, tell me tomorrow."


    Serena pressed on, n, the ne I gave Vanessa-was that meant for Eleanor?"


    "Yes."n didn''t hesitate.


    "Why are you buying Eleanor such an expensive ne? You''ve never even given me a proper ne in all these years!" Serena''s jealousy red.


    "Did I ever teach you to take something that wasn''t yours and give it away?"n''s voice bristled with frustration.


    The reprimand caught Serena off guard. She tightened her grip on the phone, nced at Vanessa, who had closed her eyes to rest, then quietly slipped out into the hallway.


    "I just thought it looked nice, so I gave it to Vanessa. Besides, you and Eleanor are divorced. How was I supposed to know you''d want to give it to her?"


    "Don''t touch my things again," Ian warned.


    He hadn''t raised his voice, but to Serena, who''d never been spoken to sternly by her brother, it may as well have been a shout. Hurt and indignant, she swallowed hard. "Fine, I won''t. I won''t touch your stuff anymore."


    "Bring the ne back. And don''t make this mess again."


    "Do you know what Eleanor said to Vanessa because of that ne?" Serena burst out, unable to contain herself. "She mocked Vanessa to her face, said she was picking up her leftovers-and even said you were just a man she didn''t want. Are you really going to let her treat Vanessa like that?"


    Eleanor had made it clear she didn''t wantn, yet here he was, still chasing after her with gifts. Serena didn''t get it.


    There was a long pause on the other end. Whenn finally spoke, his voice was tight with anger. "You don''t understand."


    Serena was stunned. Was he actually defending Eleanor?


    "Vanessa ended up in the hospital over this, and you still¡ª"


    Before she could finish, the line went dead. Serena stared at her phone, stunned. What was with him today? He was cold and distant-nothing like her big brother.


    She returned to the hospital room. Vanessa was curled up on the bed, knees drawn to her chest, looking small and fragile.


    Serena''s heart ached. If she told Vanessa hown had acted, it would only make her feel worse.


    "What happened, Serena?" Vanessa asked gently, her voice soft. "What did your brother say?"


    "He... he''s just in a bad mood, that''s all. Don''t worry, Vanessa. I''m sure whatever he''s doing for Eleanor, it''s only because of Evelyn. We both know how much he loves my niece."


    Vanessa offered a small, reassuring smile. "Alright, I''m not upset anymore. I know your brother has his boundaries."


    Serena felt some relief seeing Vanessa so understanding. She tossed her phone on the nightstand and grumbled, "Eleanor only said those things because she''s jealous. She couldn''t keep my brother, and now she can''t stand seeing you happy. Don''t let it bother you. You''re his first love, Vanessa, the one he''s never forgotten. She''ll neverpare."


    Vanessa smiled quietly. "Thank you. I''ll try not to dwell on it. I known still cares about me. But don''t let this cause a rift between you and your brother, alright?"


    "Don''t worry, he won''t stay mad at me," Serena said, brimming with confidence. Then, as if remembering something, she looked at Vanessa. "Vanessa, do you know who''s living upstairs fromn at Cloudcrest Manor?"


    Vanessa shook her head. "He never mentioned it."


    Serena huffed. "It''s Eleanor. She lives right above him. But don''t get the wrong idea-my brother only bought that ce for Evelyn. And now that I''m staying there, I''ll keep an eye on things. I won''t let Eleanor get anywhere near him."


    Vanessa''s gaze dropped, a faint, unreadable smile on her lips. When she looked up again, her expression was calm. "Thank you for all this, Serena. Honestly, it''s not about the gifts. It''s just... your brother is different with Eleanor, somehow."


    "What''s so different? It''s just because of Evelyn," Serena scoffed. "Besides, Eleanor''s already off trying to charm Xavier Vaughn. My brother''s not thrilled about that, either!"


    Yet here was her brother, still eager to shower Eleanor with gifts. Serena could hardly believe it. That ne-how could Eleanor ept it without feeling a pang of guilt?

 Chapter 673

    In the middle of the night, Serena drove Vanessa home. As she gently helped Vanessa out of the car, her hand brushed against Vanessa''s wrist-and her fingers stilled. There, beneath her touch, she felt two ridged lines. Instinctively, Serena turned Vanessa''s arm over for a closer look.


    Four or five thin scars marked the inside of Vanessa''s left wrist, the kind you never want to see.


    Vanessa immediately pulled her arm back, covering the scars with her palm. "Thank you for tonight, Serena," she said quietly.


    "Vanessa, what-" Serena''s voice faltered, her eyes wide. Those marks-had Vanessa really tried to hurt herself?


    Vanessa let out a soft sigh. "I was so young and stupid back then. The pressure of auditions, the stress, it all got to me. I made some foolish choices," she admitted.


    Serena''s heart clenched. But she''d noticed one of the scars looked fresh- nothing like something faded from years ago.


    "Vanessa, I know things get hard, but you can''t do that to yourself,¡± Serena insisted, her voice trembling.


    Vanessa lowered her head, her words floating out like a leaf on water. "I know. Back then, it felt like the world was ending. Now it all seems so childish."


    Serena couldn''t help but think: that newest scar-was it because her brother had agreed to marry Eleanor? Vanessa must love him so deeply, she''d risk everything just to be with him.


    Would she herself seed with Xavier if she had that kind of determination?


    "Vanessa, there''s nothing in life you can''t get through. Promise me you won''t ever hurt yourself again. I''d be heartbroken," Serena said softly.


    She couldn''t stand the thought of someone as gentle and resilient as Vanessa being bullied by someone like Eleanor.


    After a short while at Vanessa''s ce, Vanessa urged her to head home. Serena drove back to Cloudcrest Manor, the estate her brother had given her. As she unlocked the front door, she spotted a dimmp glowing in the living room.


    She jumped, startled-then saw the outline of someone sleeping on the couch.


    ¡°Brother?¡± she blurted out, stunned. What was he doing here, sleeping on the sofa?


    She tiptoed over, still smarting from his earlier coldness on the phone, and stood in front of him, arms crossed. But the moment she saw his sleeping face, the anger faded.


    He was frowning, even in sleep, shadows of exhaustion marring his features. He looked nothing like the proud,manding brother she knew¡ªmore like a lion with its mane dampened by rain.


    Serena''s heart ached to see him like this. But then another thought crept in, and her irritation returned.


    Was he like this because of Eleanor?


    No, she quickly dismissed the idea. He was probably just overworked. Ever since he''d taken over thepany, he''d handled every crisis with ease, and Goodwin & Co. was thriving. What could possibly be troubling him?


    As if sensing someone nearby,n''s eyes snapped open. The sharp edge in his gaze faded when he saw his sister. He rubbed his brow and pushed himself up. "You''re back."


    "Why are you sleeping here, brother? Didn''t you say this house was mine now?" Serena protested.


    She was even more annoyed, knowing Eleanor was asleep upstairs.


    Serena could see he was truly worn out. She had a thousand questions she wanted to ask, including whether he was the reason for the fresh cuts on Vanessa''s wrist. But Vanessa had specifically told her not to mention it to him. Remembering something, Serena dug into her purse and handed him a small jewelry box. "Here. The ne you wanted to give Eleanor-Vanessa doesn''t want it anymore."


    Serena huffed. "At least tell me¡ªwhy did you buy an apartment right below Eleanor''s? Was it for Evelyn, or was it for-¡±


    He stood to leave, but Serena grabbed his arm. "Brother, do you still love Eleanor?"


    He froze, his back rigid as a bowstring.


    "Answer me!" Serena pressed. "Did you two get divorced because she left you, or because you left her?"


    A storm of emotion flickered inn''s eyes. He gently pulled free. "There are things you wouldn''t understand."


    Then, in a low voice, he added, "Tomorrow I''ll find you a new ce. Move out of here."


    Serena was taken aback, then scowled. "Why? I like this neighborhood. I''m not moving."


    "You still haven''t gotten over Xavier?"n shot her a cold look.


    Her eyes stung with tears. "Do you really think so little of your own sister? Do you think I''m not good enough for him?¡±


    "And why not?" Serena demanded, chin tilted defiantly. "What kind of brother looks down on his own sister like this?"


    "He''s in love with Eleanor,"n said quietly. "Don''t you see it?"


    Serena snorted. "I don''t care. I like him, and even if he likes someone else, I''m not giving up."

 Chapter 674

    A fruit forced from the vine never tastes sweet-but sometimes, you just need something to quench your thirst.


    He was truly angry now; anyone could see it. The stubborn look on his sister''s face only made it worse.


    Serena shrank back, startled by her brother''s icy demeanor.


    His tone was cold and cutting. "The only reason Xavier treats you with an ounce of courtesy is because you''re my sister. Otherwise, do you really think he''d even look at you twice?"


    The color drained from Serena''s face.


    "You think he doesn''t know how you feel? He''s just trying not to cause a rift between our families."


    Each ofn''s wordsnded like a hammer blow, his voice chilled to the bone. Serena bit her lip, tears welling up in her eyes as the pain twisted inside her.


    "Then what about Eleanor?" she shot back, desperate, her voice trembling. "If you know Xavier so well, why is he so taken with her?"


    No one outside had ever dared speak to Serena this way; no one had ever cut her down so ruthlessly. But now, every word from her brother sliced straight through her pride and left her feeling worthless.


    She pressed her hands over her face, voice breaking. "How could you say that to me,n?"


    He gave her a sidelong look. Better to let her see herself clearly now than let her make a fool of herself in front of Xavier.


    Suddenly, Serena looked up, her eyes rimmed red. "Wait-you keep saying how amazing Eleanor is. Don''t tell me you "


    Could her brother have fallen for Eleanor too? Was that the real reason Vanessa was so devastated she''d hurt herself?


    The warmmplight in the living room cast sharp shadows across his face, hisshes hiding whatever emotion flickered in his eyes.


    Serena wouldn''t let it go. "Say something,n!" she demanded, her hands clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. She didn''t really want to hear his answer, but she couldn''t stop herself from asking.


    "It''s none of your business,"n replied, cold and indifferent, giving nothing away.


    For a moment, Serena just stared at him in shock. He hadn''t confirmed it¡ªbut he hadn''t denied it, either.


    Could it really be true?


    "Move out tomorrow,"n said abruptly, his tone brooking no argument.


    He strode back to his study, leaving Serena standing alone as hot tears spilled down her cheeks. Every word he''d spoken had cut her, over and over, like a dull de carving into her heart.


    Why did it feel like everyone revolved around Eleanor?


    Later, the m of a door echoed through the hall. Ian frowned, but said nothing. He turned back to hisputer, opening a folder.


    The quiet of the study was broken by a girl''s sweet, honeyed voice: "Ian, which story do you want to hear tonight?"


    Her voice was soft and lilting, a gentle stream of sound that washed over him. The date on the video: ten years ago.


    On screen, the girl''s smile was bright and mischievous as she reached out to gently brush theshes of a man lying unconscious. Sheughed softly.


    "I had anatomy today-want to hear about it? No, you''d hate that. Never mind, I''ll just read for a bit." The video showed Eleanor hoisting a heavy bag, only to spill its contents: a pile of thick textbooks.


    So she''d always loved reading.


    To be honest,n had never watched the whole set of bedside videos. That dark stretch of his life was something he preferred not to remember-no one enjoys seeing themselves so weak.


    He clicked on another recording, one he hadn''t seen before. In it, Eleanor sat hunched at his bedside, her eyes shining like starlight.


    n, please wake up soon! I think I... I might be falling for you."


    The video continued, Eleanor''s voice yful and teasing: "Not that you can hear me. And when you wake up, I''ll never admit it!"


    He shut theptop and strode out to the living room, grabbing a bottle of whiskey from the cab. He poured himself a ss and tossed it back, the burn doing nothing to quiet the turmoil inside him.


    Tugging at his cor, he finally made his way to the master bathroom. Half an hourter, he emerged, a towel slung around his waist, chest heaving, his eyes dull with exhaustion and a hint of something deeper spent.

 Chapter 675

    The next morning, Eleanor led her daughter downstairs. As they reached the parking garage, she spotted a tall, striking figure leaning casually against a pir.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed and ran straight into his arms.


    "Yay!" Evelyn nodded enthusiastically, then turned back to her mother. "Mom, are youing to school with us?"


    Eleanor handed her the backpack. "Not today, honey. I have to go to work."


    "Okay. Bye, Mom!" Evelyn waved, her face bright with excitement.


    Eleanor could feel a pair of intense eyes lingering on her, but she ignored it, opened her car door, and drove off.


    "Dad, let''s go!" Evelyn tugged on his big hand, impatient to be on their way.


    Around eleven, Eleanor received a call from York Windsor, asking her and Joel Kingsley toe to hisb-he had made a discovery.


    Without hesitation, Eleanor and Joel headed straight for Rhine Laboratories.


    Inside theb, both donned protective gear before entering. York had uncovered a new pattern in theb mice''s results.


    After they left theb, York immediately called for a meeting. Five people gathered around the table, deep in discussion about thetest experimental breakthrough.


    By noon, York ushered Eleanor and Joel out for lunch at a restaurant nearby. Since they both needed to return to theb that afternoon, they chose a quiet bistro just down the street.


    It was rare for Eleanor and Joel to have lunch out together. They''d just finished ordering when the door opened and in walked two young women-one of them unmistakably Serena Goodwin.


    Serena hadn''t expected to run into Eleanor and Joel either. She deliberately chose the table right next to theirs and said to her friend, "Let''s sit here."


    Her friend didn''t object, and after quickly ordering, Serena made sure her voice carried. "Didn''t you say you wanted to hear some stories about my brother?"


    Her friend propped her chin on her hand, eyes full of curiosity. "Come on, spill! My friends have been dying to know thetest gossip about him."


    Serena nced sidelong at Eleanor before continuing, "You know, ten years ago my brother was in a car ident and spent a whole year in aa. Guess what? Some med student started showing up at his hospital room uninvited."


    "Oh! Don''t tell me you mean your ex-sister-inw?"


    "Exactly. Then, when my brother finally woke up, she used the excuse of ''taking care of him'' to force him into marrying her. My brother, always the soft touch, married her out of gratitude. Talk about cunning, right?"


    Her friend raised her eyebrows. "That''s one way to marry into a fortune! No wonder your brother-so handsome-suddenly got hitched. But he agreed, didn''t he?"


    Serena took a sip of red wine, lips curling. "He didn''t really have a choice. My brother''s just too soft-hearted. And what happened? After only a few years, she demanded a divorce, walked away with half his assets, and didn''t waste a minute before cozying up to his best friend."


    Her friend''s jaw dropped. "No way! Seriously?"


    Serena nodded. "With that one marriage, she became a billionaire overnight. Some people have no shame at all, and it''s true what they say-fortune favors the bold."


    "Her skin must be thicker than a castle wall!" her friend snickered.


    Serena shot another nce at Eleanor. "And as if that wasn''t enough, she fought for full custody of my niece, so now my brother has to beg just to see his own daughter. And that''s not all-she demanded he buy her a custom, limited-edition ne. I swear, I don''t know what kind of cosmic debt he owes her, but she just won''t let him go."


    Eleanor''s grip on her water ss tightened ever so slightly. The restaurant was quiet, and every word of Serena''s cutting remarks drifted over to their table. Joel looked like he was about to lose his patience and stand up, but Eleanor stopped him with a calm hand. "Joel, just ignore her."


    He frowned. "She''spletely out of line."


    "It''s fine. She can''t hurt me." Eleanor smiled, cool and unbothered. "People who can''t see the truth are the ones to pity."


    Her words carried just far enough for Serena to hear. Serena whipped around, ring at Eleanor, her jaw clenched. "Some people act so pure on the surface, but you never know what tricks they pull behind the scenes. Still pretending to be innocent."


    Serena''s friend nced over at Eleanor, and as recognition dawned, she covered her mouth in surprise. She hadn''t realized Serena''s infamous ex-sister-inw was sitting right beside them!


    Embarrassed, she tugged at Serena''s sleeve. "Serena, let''s just eat, okay?"


    Eleanor cut into her steak, not even ncing in Serena''s direction, as if her words were nothing but background noise.


    "Let''s double-check Mr. Windsor''s data this afternoon," she said to Joel, picking up the conversation as if nothing had happened.


    Joel caught on immediately. "Good idea. We canpare it with our own results."


    Serena''s face flushed with anger when she saw Eleanor ignoring herpletely; she clenched her fists, about to say something else. But just then, the restaurant door opened and in walked several men in sharp suits. Leading the group was Xavier. He was deep in conversation with three clients, but as soon as he spotted Eleanor, his eyes lit up in surprise and delight.


    Serena followed Xavier''s gaze, and when she saw him looking at Eleanor, her face went pale and she quickly lowered her head.

 Chapter 676

    It was as if Xavier didn''t notice anyone else in the room. After whispering


    something to his client, he strode straight toward them.


    "Eleanor! Dr. Kingsley! What a coincidence, I didn''t expect to see you both here!"


    Joel offered a polite nod. "Mr. Vaughn."


    Xavier always found Joel pleasant enough. He suspected Joel liked Eleanor, but only in the way colleagues or friends sometimes did-there was no hint of anything more.


    "Are you here for Dr. Windsor''sb?" Xavier asked with genuine curiosity.


    Eleanor set down her fork and nodded. "Yes, we had a meeting here this morning."


    ¡°Let me take care of the bill," Xavier said quickly. "Just put everything on my tab." "That''s not necessary," Eleanor replied with a smile. "I promised Joel lunch today." Xavier let out a helplessugh. "No need to be so formal with me."


    Across the room, Serena kept ncing back, hoping Xavier would notice her. But he was too engrossed in his conversation with Eleanor to even nce her way. Even Serena''s friend sitting across from her grew anxious, knowing full well about Serena''s not-so-secret crush on him.


    "Really, it''s fine. You should go take care of your guests," Eleanor insisted gently.


    Xavier didn''t push. As a thought struck him, he added, "Let me treat you and Evelyn to dinner next time. I recently found a wonderful family-friendly ce- Evelyn would love the food there."


    Eleanor nodded, smiling genuinely. "Sounds good. Let''s set it up when we''re both free."


    That was when Serena couldn''t take it anymore. She rose to her feet and called out, "Xavier."


    He finally turned, noticing her for the first time. His expression cooled a little. ¡°Serena, I didn''t realize you were here."


    "Yeah, just grabbing lunch with a friend," Serena replied, forcing a smile. She wondered if Xavier would offer to pay for her meal too-he had done that before. "Alright, enjoy your meal." With that, Xavier turned back to Eleanor. "You two take your time. We''ll catch up soon-I need to get back to work."


    He nodded at Joel before heading off, not sparing Serena''s table another nce. Serena stood frozen, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Her friend tugged at her sleeve, whispering awkwardly, "Serena, I''m full. Should we go?"


    Serena shot a re at Eleanor. Why was it that Eleanor always got Xavier''s undivided attention?


    Eleanor had finished eating as well and turned to Joel. "Shall we head back?"


    Joel nodded, and as they walked past Serena''s table, Serena red daggers at Eleanor, her eyes full of resentment.


    Eleanor didn''t even flicker. Not a sideways nce, not the slightest acknowledgment.


    It was more effective than any argument or shouting match. Sometimes, being utterly ignored hurt more than any insult.


    Sure enough, Serena''s chest was heaving with frustration. Her friend tried to soothe her. "Serena, don''t let it get to you."


    Serena wanted nothing more than to have it out with Eleanor-at least then her anger could find an outlet, instead of burning her up inside.


    She was never good at hiding her temper, and now her resentment just sat there, lodged in her chest, heavy and stifling.


    Outside the restaurant, Joel nced at Eleanor. "You and Xavier-?"


    Eleanor answered calmly, "Just friends."


    Joel understood. He knew Eleanor well enough¡ªsomeone as exceptional as her was bound to attract equally outstanding men.


    After lunch, Serena dragged her friend to a major real estate agency. She had her mind set on Cloudcrest Manor.


    If her brother refused to let her stay with him, she''d buy her own ce. Better that than being shuttled around.


    "There''s a unit avable on the twenty-third floor of Building 12. Would you like to take a look?" the agent offered.


    Serena hesitated. If she bought a ce on the same floor as her brother, she''d run into him all the time. Lately, she''d been avoidingn-after hisst cutting remark had left her in tears, she didn''t want to see him at all.


    "Do you know which building and floor Xavier lives on?" she asked the agent.


    "Mr. Vaughn? Oh! Are you a friend of his?" The manager''s eyes widened in surprise.


    Serena leaned in conspiratorially. "Yes, we''re very close. Do you know which unit Xavier purchased?"


    "I''m afraid I can''t disclose that¡ªit''s a matter of client privacy."


    "Don''t worry, Xavier and my brother are practically family. I''m not some random stranger. Tell you what-if you give me a hint, I''ll buy a unit from you today. Deal?" Serena said, lowering her voice.


    As it happened, this agent did know Xavier''s details. He hesitated, whispering, "Miss, that''s really against our policy, I can''t¡ª"


    "I''ll buy any unit in his building. In cash," Serena dered.


    Half an hourter, Serena strode out of the agency, thoroughly satisfied.


    "Serena, you''re incredible! You really bought it outright? Your brother must give you a pretty generous allowance!"


    Serena never asked her brother for money-she had her own Darcy trust fund, one her father set up before he passed away. Three million a month, deposited without fail.


    "Now you and Xavier are not just neighbors, you''ll be living in the same building. This is your chance!" her friend teased.


    Serena bit her lip, her eyes shining with hope. If she could really get closer to Xavier, maybe things would finally change.


    Of course, moving to Cloudcrest Manor wasn''t just about Xavier-she needed to keep an eye on Vanessa for her brother''s sake.


    Whenever she thought of Vanessa''s wrist, so thin and covered in scars, her heart ached.

 Chapter 677

    A little whileter, Serena called Vanessa to share her news-she''d just bought another ce at Cloudcrest Manor.


    "Wait, what? Serena, doesn''t your brother already have a house there?" Vanessa sounded surprised.


    "He does, but I''m not about to live in his ce. I can afford my own, you know." There was a hint of defiance in Serena''s tone.


    Vanessa''s concern was immediate. "Did I cause trouble between you and your brother again?"


    "This isn''t about you. Seriously, don''t worry. Now that I''m living in the sameplex, there''s no way Eleanor will be able to get close to my brother." Serena''s words brimmed with determination.


    "Serena, thank you for being on my side."


    "You''re going to be my sister-inw someday-who else would I stick up for?" Serena''s voice turned yful, then, with a stubborn edge, she added, "I''m living in Xavier''s building now. Don''t tell me I won''t run into him. I''m going to make sure he finally sees the real me."


    "Xavier will definitely notice, especially with how much you care," Vanessa


    encouraged her. "Go for it! But if anything gets too tough or you feel upset, just let me know."


    Serena felt a warmth in her chest. "You''re the only one who cares about me, Vanessa. Not like my brother-he always sides with other people."


    "What did he do this time?"


    Serena thought about the way her brother had praised Eleanor, and the bitterness rose up again. But she held it back, not wanting to upset Vanessa. With a smallugh, she said, "It''s nothing. You shoulde over to my new ce whenever you have time."


    ¡°Will do,¡± Vanessa replied, her smile clear even through the phone.


    Serena returned to Cloudcrest Manor to pack her things. She''d made up her mind -noting back to her brother''s house anymore. Just the thought of Eleanor living upstairs made her feel unlucky.


    At that moment, Gavin Young arrived withn''s freshly dry-cleaned shirts. Spotting Serena, he jumped in surprise.


    "Miss Goodwin, you''re here!"


    Serena was just wheeling her suitcase out the door.


    "Miss Goodwin, would you like me to drive you?" Gavin offered quickly.


    ¡°No need. Oh, but could you do me a favor and tell my brother I''ve bought my own ce here at Cloudcrest Manor? Don''t need to stay at his house anymore." Serena, still bristling, hauled her suitcase away.


    Gavin stood there, a little stunned. He finished hangingn''s suits in the closet, tidied up the room, and then left.


    Back at Goodwin & Co., while delivering documents, Gavin remembered what Serena had said. Seizing the moment, he reported, "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Goodwin has packed up and left your ce at Cloudcrest Manor."


    "She also mentioned she''s bought her own house in Cloudcrest Manor-"


    Gavin hurried to rify, "Miss Goodwin asked me to pass that message on to you."


    "Which building did she buy?"n''s voice turned cold, each word clipped with tightly reined anger.


    Taken aback by the sudden intensity, Gavin stammered, "She didn''t say exactly, but I can find out right away."


    Gavin hurried off to his office and contacted the property management at Cloudcrest Manor. He got the answer within minutes and returned to report.


    "Mr. Goodwin, I''ve found out-Miss Goodwin bought an apartment on the twentieth floor of building eight." He hesitated, then added, "That''s the same building as Mr. Vaughn."


    "She really¡ª¡±n bit back the rest of his words, exhaling sharply.


    He pressed his fingers to his brow, eyes closing as he leaned back in his chair, his jaw clenched tight.


    He was clearly furious.


    In his mind, his father''sst words, spoken before he passed away, echoed:


    "Ian, Serena''s still young and headstrong. As her brother, you have to look out for her."


    Once Gavin left,n picked up his phone and dialed Serena''s number.


    She answered, her voice already wary. "What do you want,n?"


    "Return the Cloudcrest Manor apartment. Immediately." Ian''s tone left no room for negotiation.


    "And why should I?" Serena snapped, instantly defensive. "I bought it with my own money. It''s none of your business."


    "I''ll give you three days,"n''s voice dropped, cold and steely. "Otherwise, I''ll freeze all your ounts."


    Serena''s outrage was palpable even through the phone. "You-you can''t control me like this!"


    "I''m your brother, that''s why. I''ll find you a better ce in the city center."


    "Why can Eleanor do things I can''t? Back when you were in aa, Eleanor took care of you and you were so moved you married her. Why can''t I have a chance to move Xavier?"


    "I don''t care!" Serena shot back, all stubborn rebellion.


    ¡°Three days.¡± Ian''s voice was dangerously calm. ¡°I''ll buy you a ce at No. 8,


    Emerald Bay. Either move there, ore home."


    "Mr. Goodwin, are you sure you want to-"


    "Freeze all her ounts."n''s voice was calm and resolute.


    Half an hourter, while Serena was having afternoon tea with a friend, still


    seething from her brother''s words, her phone buzzed with several new messages.

 Chapter 678

    "All her ounts have been frozen."


    Serena''s eyes widened in disbelief. She hadn''t thought her brother would actually go through with it¡ªbut here she was, facing the consequences.


    If her money was all locked up, how was she supposed to finish fixing up her new ce? It was just the bare minimum right now¡ªshe''d barely started renovations.


    Stunned, she turned to her friend. ¡°Let''s call it a night, okay? Something''se up; I need to head home."


    Goodwin Manor, early evening. The garden was glowing with soft lights, the whole estate steeped in an old-world charm.


    "Mom! Mom!" Serena called as soon as she stepped through the door.


    Gina Quinn appeared at the top of the stairs, frowning. "What''s all this shouting about?"


    "Mom, my brother froze all my bank cards! You have to call him-tell him to unlock them for me!" Serena pleaded.


    Gina''s frown deepened. "What did you do this time to get him so angry?"


    Serena bit her lip. ¡°I just bought an apartment, that''s all!¡±


    One look at her daughter and Gina knew there was more to the story. "Tell me the truth if you want my help."


    Serena hesitated, then blurted out, "I bought an apartment in the same building as Xavier. That''s why he''s mad. But he bought his ce right below Eleanor''s! Why is it okay for him to do it but not for me?"


    Gina''s eyes widened. "Wait, what did you say?"


    "You didn''t know about my brother buying that apartment at Cloudcrest Court?" Serena was genuinely confused. Why had he kept it a secret from the family?


    "So let me get this straight-Eleanor moved to Cloudcrest, your brother bought the apartment below hers, and now you''re trying to move into Xavier''s building?"


    "I just bought in the same building as Xavier, not right below him,¡± Serena muttered, lips pursed.


    Ever since the two families'' engagement ns fell apart, Gina hadn''t been close to Henrietta anymore. It was awkward, especially now that Xavier seemed to prefer Eleanor.


    Gina rubbed her temples, her voice stern. "Serena, you''re being unreasonable. You and Xavier are never going to happen."


    "Mom!" Serena stamped her foot, her voice trembling with indignation. "I''m just trying to follow my heart-what''s so wrong about that?"


    "Do you really think getting close to Xavier this way will make him love you?" Gina sighed. "You can''t force these things. Listen to your brother and return the apartment."


    Serena''s eyes reddened, her voice cracking. "Why does everyone act like I''m not good enough for him? What''s so wrong with me?"


    "Xavier made it clear he''s not interested. If you keep chasing after him, it''ll only embarrass your brother. Don''t you understand?" Gina''s tone left no room for argument.


    Serena froze, tears prickling at her eyes. "So just because Xavier''s going after Eleanor, I''m supposed to give up? What, am I just doomed to be unhappy?"


    "You really don''t get it." Gina sighed again, her voice gentler but firm. "You can''t force love. Think about it¡ªif Xavier found out you bought that apartment just to be near him, how do you think he''d feel?"


    Serena pressed her lips together and said nothing.


    "If Xavier had feelings for you, he''de to you himself. If he doesn''t, no amount of chasing will change that."


    "Then what about Eleanor?" Serena retorted, anger ring again. "She only got close to my brother while he was in aa, and now look-he married her, even though he never loved her!"


    "And that''s exactly why they''re divorced now," Gina said quietly. "I don''t want you making the same mistakes. Forced love only hurts everyone, especially when there are children involved."


    She couldn''t help but think back¡ªwhy had her son agreed to marry Eleanor in the first ce? Was it gratitude for looking after him, or was there genuine feeling? Back when her husband was spending hisst years in the hospital,n would rush there every day after school, and Dr. Elliot Sutton was his attending doctor.


    Eleanor had put her own life on hold to care forn during hisa. Gina suspected Eleanor had fallen for him first.


    Wiping her tears away, Serena sniffled, "But Mom, I really do love Xavier. What am I supposed to do?"


    Gina''s expression softened, and she tried to reason gently. "I know you do. But if you truly love someone, you have to respect their choices-even if it hurts."


    Serena suddenly pushed past her mother. "So you''re telling me to step aside and let Xavier and Eleanor be together?"


    Gina was momentarily taken aback, and Serena''s tears fell faster. She knew her daughter still held a grudge against Eleanor.


    At that moment, Magdalen entered from the conservatory, having clearly overheard their conversation.


    "Serena, if your brother can''t give Ellie happiness, the least you can do is not get in the way of someone else giving her a chance," her grandmother said sharply.


    Serena was stunned into silence. Of everyone in the family, she feared her grandmother most. Since Eleanor had married into the family, Magdalen had always defended her-sometimes it felt like she cared more for Eleanor than for her own granddaughter.


    Magdalen fixed her with a piercing look. "You''ve always been a stubborn child, but this time you''ve gone too far."


    "Grandma, are you taking Eleanor''s side too?" Serena sniffled, her voice small.


    "Ellie put her future on hold to care forn, while you what have you ever sacrificed? All you do is make trouble."


    Serena''s face went pale, her hands twisting together. Deep down, she still refused


    to ept it¡ªso what if Eleanor gave up her studies to look after her brother? Did that really make her a saint?

 Chapter 679

    "You''re already in your twenties and still acting like a child. Your father passed away young, so your brother''s in charge of you now-what''s so wrong with that?"


    "Hmph! You all just take Eleanor''s side! She''s your real granddaughter. I''m not." With tears streaming down her face, Serena ran upstairs.


    Gina started to follow her, but Magdalen stopped her with a quiet word. "Let her be. She needs time to think."


    The old woman cast a meaningful nce at her daughter-inw. "From now on, let the young people handle their own messes. We shouldn''t meddle. You don''t really understand pain until you''ve been hurt yourself. That goes for Serena-and forn too."


    Gina was taken aback. She could ept her daughter muddling through life, but her son? He was anything but clueless.


    "Ian''s always been a brooder, even as a boy. Stubborn too. He acts aloof, pretends not to care, even when he does. Sigh."


    Gina understood the message behind her mother-inw''s words. She replied honestly, "Mom, that''s just not possible. Ian''s always known exactly what he wants. If he still had feelings for Eleanor and wanted to get back together, he''d do something about it. He''d never just sit back."


    Magdalen let out a soft snort. "If he did something, he wouldn''t tell anyone about it."


    At that moment,n strode into the living room. His steps were steady, his expression unreadable. Seeing his mother and grandmother together, his brows furrowed. "Where''s Serena?"


    "She''s upstairs, throwing a tantrum," Gina sighed. "Ian, why did you freeze her bank ount-"


    "Mom."n cut her off. "I have my reasons."


    Magdalen turned to Gina. "I told you, let the kids sort out their own problems. We need to stay out of it."


    Gina''s heart ached for her daughter-her son could be so cold when he wanted to be. Sometimes, his ruthlessness could really hurt.


    "Come on, let''s make dinner. The whole family''s home tonight. Let''s just have a nice meal together," Magdalen suggested.


    "Ian, walk with me in the garden," she added, rising to her feet.


    It was chilly outside. Ian draped a coat over his grandmother''s shoulders before they stepped into the garden.


    n..." Magdalen began slowly, "I heard you bought an apartment right below Ellie''s? Now you''re neighbors, just a floor apart?¡±


    "It makes it easier to look after Evelyn,"n replied.


    Magdalen chuckled. "Is that the only reason? You expect your grandmother to believe that?"


    "How are Ellie and Evelyn these days?"


    "They''re both doing well."


    Magdalen stopped walking and lookedn straight in the eye. "Ian, do you still have feelings for Ellie?"


    His brows drew together. "Grandma, Eleanor and I are divorced."


    "So what? Divorce doesn''t mean you can''t get back together," Magdalen pressed. "Aren''t you afraid someone better wille along and sweep her off her feet?"n''s jaw tightened. He swallowed hard. "That''s her choice."


    "You!" Magdalen rolled her eyes, exasperated. "You''ve always been like this- care so much, but refuse to admit it. Would it kill you to say something nice for once?"


    She sighed. ¡°Ellie put her life on hold for you. Who knows how much she gave up. If she hadn''t been looking after you, she might have gone so much further by now."


    "I held her back,"n admitted.


    Magdalen''s voice softened. "You''ll never find another girl like her if you let her go." "She deserves better,"n replied.


    "You''re as stubborn as ever. Just wait-you''ll regret it one day," Magdalen said, shaking her head. For all her coaxing, she never got a straight answer out of him.


    "Alright, I won''t push you anymore." Magdalen patted his arm. "But remember what I''ve said: some people, once missed, are missed for a lifetime."


    When dinner was ready, Serena came downstairs, sulking. She kept her head down, didn''t say a word, and refused to even nce atn.


    "I''m not going," Serena snapped, turning her face away.


    "Then you can move back into the old house,¡±n replied, putting his fork down.


    Under the table, Gina nudged her daughter''s leg. "Enough, Serena. Listen to your brother."


    Serena had thought it over upstairs; as much as she wanted to rebel, she knew she couldn''t win. In the end, she always had to do what her brother said¡ªor life would get a whole lot harder.


    "Fine! But I want the best floor. The penthouse,¡± Serena huffed.


    "That''ll cost fifty million. What does a single girl need with a ce that big?" Gina shot her daughter a look.


    "Isn''t big brother so worried about me embarrassing Xavier? Then he should show


    he means it," Serena retorted, still trying to get undern''s skin.


    If spending money meant his sister would stop mooning over Xavier,n considered it a bargain.


    Serena still looked unhappy, but she epted thepromise.


    Just then,n''s phone rang. He picked up. "Hello."


    "Mr. Goodwin, someone''s reported you for illegal stock option transactions. Theint''s gone to the Securities Commission. We suspect someone on the board is behind it-they''re using you of backdating options for personal gain."


    He ended the call and walked back into the living room. "Something''se up at work. I need to go."


    Magdalen looked at him with concern. "Is everything alright?"

 Chapter 680

    "It''s nothing,"n said, grabbing his suit jacket before heading out.


    On the way back to the office, his phone rang again. The caller ID shed: Zane, Chief Legal Officer.


    "Mr. Goodwin, the situation is worse than we thought." Zane''s voice was tense. "The Securities Commission has officiallyunched an investigation. They''ll be sending people to thepany tomorrow."


    "Alert all senior management. Emergency meeting in thirty minutes."


    The ck Maybach shot down the highway toward Goodwin & Co. Tower like an arrow loosed from a bow.


    Word got out fast. By that evening, the business journals had sshed the story across their front pages-Goodwin & Co. under investigation for insider trading, the Securities Commission involved.


    In the boardroom,n''s gaze swept across the anxious faces of the executives. "Mr. Goodwin, the stock price is already fluctuating," someone reported.


    The meeting dragged on until dawn. When it finally ended,n drove through the empty city streets, originally intending to head back to Goodwin Manor. At thest moment, he turned the wheel and headed for Cloudcrest Manor instead.


    Inside, the house was dark. Ian didn''t bother turning on the lights. He dropped onto the living room couch, loosened his tie, and let exhaustion wash over his face.


    He pressed his long fingers to his temples and closed his eyes.


    His phone started to vibrate again. He reached over, nced at the screen. "Mr. Goodwin, the Securities Commission team will arrive at nine tomorrow morning."


    The next morning, Eleanor was brushing her teeth, scrolling through the news on her phone as she liked to do. A breaking headline caught her eye: ''Goodwin & Co. under investigation for insider trading.''


    She paused, toothbrush midair. Below the headline was a photo ofn, the caption in bold: This man has always been ambitious, enjoying privilege while grantly breaking the rules.


    Eleanor frowned, then set the phone aside and finished getting ready.


    Before she had a chance to call Ellington, her phone rang.


    "Ms. Sutton, did you see what''s happening with Goodwin & Co.?" Ellington sounded nervous¡ªafter all,n was the secondrgest shareholder in herpany.


    "I saw. Will this affect us?"


    "So far, not much. But we need to prepare," Ellington replied, cautious. "If Goodwin & Co.''s shares tank, there could be a domino effect."


    Eleanor dried her face with a towel. "Schedule a senior management meeting this afternoon. We''ll assess the impact."


    After hanging up, it was still barely seven. Eleanor let her daughter sleep a bit longer. She headed downstairs for a ss of water when the doorbell rang unexpectedly.


    She hurried to the door and checked the screen. Ian was standing outside.


    Taking a slow, steady breath, she opened the door, her expression cool as she looked him up and down.


    "What is it?"


    "Morning," he said, voice rough. "Can we talk?"


    "About what?" Eleanor arched an eyebrow.


    "I''m sure you''ve seen the news about mypany,"n said. "I wanted to exin."


    Eleanor didn''t want to get tangled in his mess, but she stepped aside and let him in, deciding to hear him out.


    Seated on the sofa,n looked at Eleanor. "You don''t need to worry. The options trades are above board-every move I''ve made has been within thew."


    Eleanor''s eyes narrowed. "Then why is this happening?"


    A cold glint shed inn''s eyes. "Someone on the board''s been after me for a while. This is a setup-an excuse to get me to cede some control."


    "What you do with your board is your business. Just don''t drag mypany into it," Eleanor replied, her tone icy.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll handle it. Yourpany won''t be affected,"n promised, meeting her eyes. "And I''ll make sure you aren''t dragged into this mess."


    Eleanor was also on thepany''s board. Earlier in the year,n had proposed a massive options package, which the board had unanimously approved.


    Who would have thought it woulde back to haunt him now?


    But Eleanor, brow furrowed, seemed lost in thought.


    Tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest,n said quietly, "If I do get investigated,


    I''ll have to trouble you to look after Evelyn."


    "Evelyn''s my daughter. Whatever happens to you doesn''t change that," Eleanor shot back, seeing through his attempt to gain her sympathy.


    "Since you''ve exined, you can go now." Eleanor stood, her voice cool and dismissive.


    Eleanor could see from his drawn face that he probably hadn''t slept all night. She wasn''t about to let him drive their daughter in that state.


    "No need," she said, moving to the door and making it clear he should leave.


    Slowly,n stood and walked toward her. As he passed, Eleanor caught a faint scent of tobo clinging to his clothes and instinctively turned her face away in distaste.


    Without another word, he walked out, back straight, and disappeared through the door.

 Chapter 681

    Eleanor closed the door behind her and immediately called Ellington, rying everythingn had just told her. She wanted him toe up with the best countermeasures.


    On the other end, Ellington let out a sigh of relief. "I trust Mr. Goodwin will find a way through this."


    "The afternoon meeting is canceled. I want you to keep an eye on his case let me know the moment anythinges up," Eleanor instructed.


    "Understood, Ms. Sutton. Don''t worry, I''ll attend the Goodwin & Co. meeting on your behalf."


    "Good."


    News about Goodwin & Co. dominated the headlines, with thepany''s every move under intense scrutiny.


    Three dayster.


    Regtors arrived at Goodwin & Co., and reporters camped outside the tower around the clock, broadcasting every development of the crisis.


    Over the past few days, Goodwin & Co.''s stock price had been in freefall, sending shockwaves through the market.


    Rumors swirled thatn had been required to cooperate with a 48-hour investigation.


    Others imed he had volunteered to meet with the regtorymission.


    At Vanessa''s home.


    Serena had been glued to her phone, anxiously refreshing for thetest updates about Goodwin & Co.


    "Vanessa, do you think my brother''s in real trouble? Mom asked him about it, but he wouldn''t say anything just told us not to worry."


    Vanessa''s concern was written all over her face. "Ian really is in hot water this time, but there''s nothing we can do to help."


    Serena sighed, weighed down by guilt-not just for the recent trouble she''d caused, but for feeling helpless now. She''d even called off her ns to buy a new ce, deciding instead to stay at Goodwin Manor to look after her mother and grandmother.


    "Serena, you should go home. Your mom and grandma need you," Vanessa said, giving her a reassuring pat. "You can''t help your brother with work, but you can take care of your family and give him peace of mind."


    Serena looked at Vanessa with gratitude; somehow, Vanessa always managed to guide her whenever she felt lost.


    Eleanor could neverpare in that regard.


    Maybe Eleanor wasn''t even worried aboutn at all¡ªshe might even be secretly pleased to see the Goodwin family losing their footing.


    By the third day of the investigation, Goodwin & Co.''s stock had hit its lowest point in six months. Investors started dumping their shares.


    Just when everyone thoughtn was finished, the regtorymission released a statement:n''splete trading records and the board''s resolutions were made public.


    The findings confirmed that every options transaction had been legal and aboveboard-no vitions were found. However, because of the negative publicity caused by certain decisions,n was personally fined fifty million dors.


    The media quickly reported that three board members had been escorted out of Goodwin & Co. Tower by the police.


    Suddenly,n''s fortunes reversed. Goodwin & Co.''s stock price soared, climbing two percent higher than it had been before the crisis.


    That night, Eleanor received word that an emergency board meeting was scheduled for the following morning.


    After nearly a week of turmoil, the storm at Goodwin & Co. had finally passed.


    Eleanor asked Ellington to attend the board meeting in her ce. On the other end of the line, he sounded visibly relieved. "Ms. Sutton, Goodwin & Co.''s crisis is finally over, and our shares have stabilized."


    Eleanor gave a quiet acknowledgment.


    "But honestly, I had a feeling you expected this oue all along. Mr. Goodwin''s tactics are nothing short of decisive."


    They chatted a bit more, and then Ellington hesitated. "Ms. Sutton, I''ve heard some things... I''m not sure if I should tell you."

 Chapter 682

    "What''s the news?"


    "Word is, during that time, Mr. Goodwin asked the board for stock options so he could set up a personal fund for an overseas research institute."


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. A research institute?


    Was it theb Smith was running? Smith had in fact visited earlier this year-he must havee to discuss further investment.


    Eleanor fell silent for a few seconds, just as Ellington wrapped up his own call.


    She sat back on the sofa, thoughts swirling. Something didn''t add up. Smith''sb was researching a rare blood disorder, but everyone knew that project wasn''s doing. So what exactly was he up to? Why sink resources into studying such a rare disease?


    Worldwide, there were fewer than a thousand documented cases. There was no way this could be profitable.


    It could only mean he was trying to save someone who mattered deeply to him. And Eleanor had a good idea who that person was.


    -Vanessa.


    For the overseasb to run smoothly,n had requested a massive stock option grant from the board.


    Goodwin & Co., Executive Office.


    Gavin knocked and entered, handing him a document. "Mr. Goodwin, the funds from liquidating your options have all cleared. After penalties, the gain is four hundred million."


    Gavin didn''t ask questions. "Understood."


    That evening, at eight o''clock, Eleanor got another call from Ellington. He said Gavin had contacted him, insisting that all board members attend tomorrow''s meeting in person.


    Eleanor wondered if there was to be a shake-up-maybe some big announcement. She decided she would be there herself.


    The next morning, after dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor ran into Xavier at the gate. He''d been away on business the past week; this was his first day back to walk Vivian to ss.


    "I''ve heard about the situation atn''spany. d to see the crisis has been resolved," Xavier said, studying Eleanor''s face, as though hoping to read something in her expression.


    She nodded. "Yeah."


    "Did it scare you?" Xavier asked.


    Eleanor''s brow creased slightly. "Whatever happens with him has nothing to do with me."


    Xavier smiled. "Withn''s talent, things rarely get out of hand. He handpicked every board member at Goodwin & Co., after all."


    Eleanor recalled how the board had challenged him over the neural interface project; clearly, there was some underlying discontent.


    Noticing her slight frown, Xavier''s eyes flickered. "Eleanor, are you close with Major General Ellington? May I ask what your rtionship is?"


    Eleanor was caught off guard.


    "Of course, if you and Major General Ellington are seeing each other, I should keep my distance. I wouldn''t want him to get the wrong idea," Xavier added with a gentle smile.


    Before she could answer, he continued, "He really is a good match-great family, outstanding career, and he''s always looked out for Evelyn."


    Eleanor could see through Xavier''s probing; he was fishing for information about her and Mansfield. For a moment, she didn''t know how to respond.


    Sensing her reluctance, Xavier''s gaze faltered, disappointment flickering in his eyes. "Sorry, I shouldn''t have crossed that line."

 Chapter 683

    At that moment, Eleanor''s phone vibrated. She nced at the screen, then turned to Xavier. "I''ll head out first," she said.


    Xavier gave a small nod, watching as Eleanor climbed into her car and drove away. His mind was a tangled mess. Ever sincen had revealed Mansfield''s true identity, Xavier felt as if an invisible weight had settled on his chest, pressing down with every thought.


    By nine-thirty, the Goodwin & Co. boardroom was thick with tension.


    Eleanor took her seat, flipping open the stack of documents in front of her. Among them was thetest report from the financial regtory authority.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I''ve called this meeting to make a few important announcements," he said. His voice wasn''t loud, but in the silence of the room, it carried a weight that brooked no argument.


    Gavin, seated beside him, took over, "Good morning, everyone. As of today, the three directors involved in the incident have been dismissed and referred to the authorities. Effective immediately, Goodwin & Co. will establish an independent oversightmittee to ensure nothing like this ever happens again."


    He paused, then added, "Mr. Goodwin will also be investing additional personal funds to help stabilize the market''s confidence."


    A ripple of surprise ran through the board, though no one dared voice aint.


    An older director hesitated, then finally spoke up. "Mr. Goodwin, about the funds from the recent options liquidation-"


    The director shook his head quickly. "No real problem, just curious. Will this have any impact on thepany''s cash flow?"


    Gavin jumped in smoothly. "Those funds are from Mr. Goodwin''s personal portfolio. They don''t affect Goodwin & Co.''s finances in any way. You can rest assured."


    The meeting wrapped up with some brief discussion among the directors. It was clearn used the opportunity to send a pointed message to everyone present.


    As soon as it ended, Eleanor gathered her papers, ready to leave, when Gavin hurried over. "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin would like to see you in his office."


    She frowned. "What is this about?"


    "Mr. Goodwin just asked that youe by."


    Eleanor pressed her lips together, then finally nodded and followed Gavin down the hall.


    When she entered the office,n was standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows. At the sound of her footsteps, he turned, his gaze intense and unwavering. "Sit," he gestured toward the sofa.


    Eleanor remained standing. "If you have something to say, make it quick. I need to get back to theb."


    She had-Smith''s team had made significant progresstely, and she''d been following their breakthroughs closely.


    Eleanor looked away. "What you do with your money is none of my business."


    He replied, calm and clear, "Every cent went to Smith Labs for research into rare blood disorders."

 Chapter 684

    He told Eleanor directly.


    Of course, Eleanor had already heard the news from Ellington.


    "This is your business. I don''t want to know about it."


    "I just wanted you to understand my option trading isn''t for personal gain¡ª"


    Eleanor rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed and unwilling to waste another second listening to him.


    She cut him off. "I''m not interested in anything you have to say."


    With that, Eleanor grabbed her bag and strode toward the door. The door rattled on its hinges as she mmed it behind her.


    Momentster, Gavin appeared in the doorway, having watched Eleanor leave. He stepped inside and nced atn, concern etched on his face. "Mr. Goodwin, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine."n replied curtly. He reached into a drawer and pulled out an envelope he''d been holding onto for the past two days. He handed it to Gavin. "Give this to Eleanor for me."


    Gavin nced down at the invitation in his hands. It was from the Drexford Global Medical Summit-the most prestigious conference in the field.


    He nodded and quickly hurried after Eleanor.


    Eleanor had barely reached the lobby when Gavin caught up. "Ms. Sutton, wait a moment."


    She turned as Gavin handed her the envelope. "Mr. Goodwin asked me to give this to you."


    Eleanor tore open the envelope, her eyes widening as she realized what it was¡ª a formal invitation to the Drexford Global Medical Summit, scheduled for the following week.


    A rush of excitement ran through her. She knew exactly how much this summit meant; it was the highest honor in the medical world, and most researchers could only dream of setting foot inside.


    "Ms. Sutton, you''ll want to start preparing for your trip," Gavin said before turning to leave.


    Eleanor stood in the lobby, gripping the invitation tightly, her mind racing. Of course she wanted to go-this was the opportunity of a lifetime. But traveling to Drexford would mean being away for at least ten days, maybe more. What about her daughter?


    Just then, her phone chimed. It was a message fromn: I''ll take our daughter with me on a ski trip to Drexford while you''re at the conference.


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat.


    The opportunity was within reach, and her daughter would be cared for¡ª


    At that moment, her phone rang. It was York. Eleanor picked up. "Hello, Mr. Windsor."


    "Eleanor, you''re not nning to miss the Drexford Summit, are you?"


    "Mr. Windsor, I¡ª"


    "Eleanor, you must attend this summit. It''ll be invaluable for your future research."


    "I understand how important it is, Mr. Windsor."


    "Whatever obstacles you''re facing, you have to find a way. You can''t miss this." York''s voice was insistent, almost urgent.


    "Eleanor, this isn''t just about your research-it''s also about-" He broke off abruptly.


    Eleanor pressed, "Mr. Windsor, what else is it about?"


    "Just book your flight and go." York sighed, the tension in his voice unmistakable. "Don''t miss it."


    Eleanor made her decision on the spot. "Alright-I''ll book my ticket."


    She''d go. Withn nning to take their daughter on a ski trip to Drexford, it


    made sense. Her daughter hadn''t been abroad in two years, and if Eleanor could


    spend some time with her between sessions, all the better. As forning along-she could simply ignore him.

 Chapter 685

    Eleanor arrived at theb that afternoon, and Joel had already heard she''d been invited to the conference. He wasn''t just envious-he was genuinely happy for her; this invitation was proof that Eleanor''s expertise was finally being recognized. "Joel, I''ll have to trouble you with theb work for a while. I''ll try to get back as soon as I can," Eleanor said as she packed up some notes.


    "Don''t worry about it," Joel replied with a warm grin. "It''s not every day you get a chance to go abroad. Take some time for yourself-have some fun, clear your head a bit."


    Eleanor nodded. "I''m taking Evelyn with me this time."


    "In that case, you should definitely enjoy yourselves. Do you have someone to help watch her?" Joel asked, his concern genuine.


    "Ian''sing as well," Eleanor admitted, not bothering to hide it.


    Joel paused, his expression shifting for a moment. He couldn''t help but recall all ofn''s behavior after the divorce. Before,n barely seemed to care; but now, suddenly, he showed up everywhere in Eleanor''s life. It was shameless, honestly. Still, Eleanor had told him inlyst time-she had no intention of getting back together. Whatevern was doing was pointless; Eleanor had her own path, and nothingn did could change that.


    Yet, Joel couldn''t deny one thing:n''s presence, for better or worse, had helped shape the brilliant, confident Eleanor standing before him now. Of course,n had benefitted too¡ªhis biotechpany, though not yet public, was already worth billions, much of that sess built on Eleanor''s research.


    After hesitating, Joel finally decided to voice his concern. "Just... be careful aroundn, okay?"


    Eleanor smiled, understanding exactly what he meant. "You don''t have to worry.n''s justing as Evelyn''s father. That''s all there is to it."


    With the triping up fast, Eleanor headed home early to pack. Just as she was finishing up, her phone rang-it was Gavin.


    "Ms. Sutton, we''d nned to use Mr. Goodwin''s private jet, but the clearance would take a week. I''ve bookedmercial tickets for all of us tonight at ten-thirty. We''ll head out together."


    Eleanor thanked him, grateful for his efficiency. That settled it; she''d travel with her daughter and Gavin.


    She picked Evelyn up from school, and on the drive home, told her about the trip. Evelyn''s eyes sparkled with excitement-she''d get to go skiing abroad with both her mom and dad.


    "Do you like skiing, Evelyn?" Eleanor asked, ncing at her daughter in the rearview mirror.


    "I do!" Evelyn replied brightly. Somewhere in her young mind was a fuzzy memory of skiing before-she remembered Mrs. Shannon being there, but the details were hazy. She almost mentioned it, but then remembered those were times her mom hadn''t been around, so she puffed out her cheeks and stayed quiet.


    Eleanor didn''t notice anything amiss in her daughter''s reply.


    When they got home, Joslyn had already packed their suitcases. After a quick meal, Gavin arrived at seven-thirty to drive them to the airport.


    As soon as they pulled up to the departures drop-off, Eleanor opened the car door and spottedn''s tall figure waiting outside. He reached in and scooped Evelyn up into his arms.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, hugging him tightly.


    Eleanor nced over as Gavin started unloading the luggage. She moved to help, but another pair of hands joined in. "Ms. Sutton, please, let us take care of it. You should rest," a gentle voice said.


    She recognized the speaker-Lanny, one ofn''s bodyguards. He was rarely in the spotlight, but he''d been byn''s side for six or seven years now.

 Chapter 686

    Stepping into the airport''s VIP lounge, Eleanor broke off a piece of bread and gently fed it to her daughter. Ian sat nearby, his eyes soft as he watched Evelyn nibble contentedly.


    Just then, someone entered from outside. Eleanor nced up and smiled in delight¡ªit was Tanya, apanied by her young assistant. "Dr. Tanya!" she called out.


    Tanya returned the smile. "What a coincidence, running into you all here."


    "I''m headed over to represent Dr. Windsor," Eleanor replied, "so we''ll bepany for each other this time."


    "That''s wonderful," Eleanor added, her face brightening.


    "Mr. Goodwin." Tanya smiled warmly at him, then crouched down to say hello to the adorable Evelyn.


    While Eleanor exchanged a nce with Tanya''s assistant, she couldn''t shake the feeling that this woman looked oddly familiar.


    "Eleanor, you probably don''t remember me," the assistant said, pushing her sses up the bridge of her nose. "I''m Luna-we graduated together." Luna was strikingly beautiful, her confidence apparent.


    Recognition dawned on Eleanor, and she smiled back. "Of course I remember you."


    Luna had recently joined Rhine Laboratories, having previously made a name for herself at Kingston. She was reputedly quite aplished in her field.


    Luna''s gaze lingered, almost imperceptibly, onn. A faint, knowing smile yed at her lips. "I''ve heard so much about you, Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor tried to ignore it, but Luna''s subtle gestures made it clear she was interested inn. It was understandable-he was single, handsome, and, for any unattached woman, undeniably appealing.


    It was no surprise Luna would be attracted to him. Still, she was careful not to let it show in front of Eleanor, keeping herposure while quietly hoping this business trip might yield more than just work opportunities.


    Soon, the group prepared to board their flight.


    Traveling long-distance with a child required patience. Once the ne leveled out, Evelyn began to squirm in her seat, restless from sitting still. Ian unfastened her seatbelt and pulled her onto hisp.


    As he set up a cartoon for her to watch, he turned to Eleanor and said gently, "I''ll stay with her try to get some sleep."


    Eleanor turned her face toward the window. She couldn''t sleep, but she also wasn''t in the mood for conversation.


    After a seemingly endless flight, they finallynded at Drexford''s airport.


    Eleanor and her group parted ways with Tanya and Luna. Ian''s car service was waiting on time to whisk them off to their hotel.


    The presidential suite was spacious and elegant. Eleanor and Evelyn tucked into lunch together, andn joined them shortly after.


    As they ate, Evelyn suddenly looked up at her father. "Daddy, can you stay with us tonight?"


    She had noticed the extra bedroom in the suite and thought maybe her dad could sleep there.


    Noticing the exchange, Evelyn tugged at her mother''s sleeve, her big eyes wide with hope. "Please, Mom? Is it okay?"


    Eleanor set down her fork and replied gently, "Daddy has his own room, sweetheart. He has work to do, so let''s not bother him, all right?"


    "But-" Evelyn''s voice faltered, disappointment flickering across her face.<pn ruffled her hair. "I''m right next door. You cane get me anytime, okay?" "Okay," Evelyn pouted, but the promise seemed to cheer her up.

 Chapter 687

    "Take the day off. Tomorrow, I''ll take you out for some fun,"n said, then turned to Eleanor. "If you need to work, you can send Evelyn over to my room anytime."


    Eleanor did have some prep work before her meeting, so she nodded. "Pick her up at three."


    With that, she went back to her meal.


    At three o''clock sharp,n arrived to pick up Evelyn. She happily followed him out. As Eleanor was about to grab herptop, her phone buzzed with a new message.


    She reached over and checked-Xavier was texting.


    "Vivian told me Evelyn called in sick?"


    "Yes, I brought her along on a work trip to Drexford," Eleanor replied.


    "Didn go too?" Xavier asked.


    She typed back, "Yeah, he''s taking her skiing while we''re here."


    "Alright. Have fun," came Xavier''s response.


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied politely.


    She had just pulled out herptop and hadn''t even opened her files when another message came in. It was from Mansfield.


    "Are you free tomorrow? I''d love to take you and Evelyn out for dinner. I''m heading back to Kingston the day after."


    Eleanor paused. Bad timing.


    "I''m in Drexford on business with Evelyn-looks like we''ll be here for about ten days. Next time, dinner''s on me," she wrote back.


    "Oh, what a shame! Are you there alone with Evelyn?" Mansfield replied.


    "She''s with her dad," Eleanor answered.


    At that moment, in a quiet backyard somewhere, Mansfieldy back in a lounge chair, staring at his phone. His fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before he finally typed, "Alright. Have a great time, but don''t overdo it-get some rest."


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Eleanor wrote, setting her phone aside atst and finally opening her work files.


    She kept at it until five, when Smith called to say he''d be stopping by for a face-to- face meeting at her hotel. He sounded genuinely pleased for the chance to catch up in person.


    "I spoke to Mr. Goodwin-he''d like us to meet as well."


    Eleanor readily agreed. Smith''s team had helped her with research on the new leukemia drug, providing both insights and technical support.


    She was always hungry for knowledge when it came to academic work.


    Around dinnertime,n brought Evelyn back and knocked on Eleanor''s door. Evelyn ran up, grabbing Eleanor''s hand. "Mom, Dad already made a reservation! Let''s have dinner together tonight!"


    Eleanor looked down at her daughter''s eager eyes. She knew how uneasy Evelyn felt in a new country and wanted to give her as muchfort as she could.


    "Alright," Eleanor agreed.


    Inside the elevator, Evelyn''s happiness was impossible to miss; her face glowed as she heldn''s hand with one of hers and reached for Eleanor''s with the other.


    As the elevator descended,n felt his daughter''s small, warm hand and nced over at Eleanor.


    Eleanor stared straight ahead, her face unreadable.


    With a soft "ding," the doors opened onto the fourth floor. The soft notes of a violin drifted in.


    The restaurant looked cozy and upscale. Just then, Evelyn squealed with delight, "Mom, look! It''s snowing outside!"

 Chapter 688

    Eleanor nced up. Sure enough, snowkes had begun to drift down outside the window, swirling under the streetlights and painting the world in a spectacr


    hush.


    At the table,n and Evelyn were deep in discussion about dinner. Ian patiently exined the menu to his daughter, pointing out the choices. Meanwhile, Eleanor had already settled on her own order.


    As soon as she finished,n''s phone buzzed. He nced at the screen, then stood up. "I''ll take this call," he said, stepping away.


    Left at the table, Eleanor pulled out her phone and snapped a few adorable photos of Evelyn. Just then, Evelyn''s eyes wandered to the next table, where a little girl sat in front of a whimsically shaped ice cream sundae-something Evelyn recognized from her own memories.


    "What are you thinking about?" Eleanor asked, noticing her daughter''s sudden quiet.


    "Mom, I''ve had that ice cream before," Evelyn replied, her voice soft with nostalgia.


    Eleanor stiffened ever so slightly. That particr sundae was only served at a restaurant in Drexford-nowhere else. Clearly,n must have brought Evelyn there before, perhaps with Vanessa, leaving an impression on their daughter.


    Eleanor''s heart softened as she watched Evelyn steal nce after nce at the dessert. She leaned in, her voice gentle. "Evelyn, if you''d like, I can order one for us. But let''s share it together, okay?"


    Evelyn''s face lit up. "Yes, Mom! Let''s share."


    Eleanor called over the waiter and ordered the same yful sundae. When it arrived, she and Evelyn dug in together,ughter and sweetness shared between them.


    A few minutester,n returned. He sat down, watching as his daughter and Eleanor enjoyed the ice cream together, their faces bright with happiness.


    "Mom, you''ve got cream on your lips!" Evelyn giggled, pointing with a tiny finger.


    Eleanor reached for a napkin, but before she could, she instinctively licked the cream away and wiped her mouth with her hand.


    Across the table,n''s gaze darkened for a moment. He silently pulled a napkin from the holder and offered it to her.


    Eleanor hesitated, not wanting to take it from him, but Evelyn grabbed it and handed it over. "Here, Mom."


    Reluctantly, Eleanor epted the napkin from her daughter and dabbed at her lips. Evelyn, meanwhile, was already scooping another spoonful and offering it up ton.


    "Daddy, you should try some," she said, holding out the spoon.


    Eleanor turned her face away, suddenly remembering that her daughter had just fed her several bites with that same spoon.


    Then Evelyn turned to her again, spoon poised. "Mom, have another bite!"


    Eleanor suppressed her mild difort and smiled gently. "Mommy''s had plenty. You go ahead, sweetheart."


    When the main course arrived, Eleanor focused solely on helping Evelyn with her meal, never once ncing atn on the other side of the table.


    By seven-thirty, Eleanor was in one of the hotel''s meeting rooms, preparing to meet with Smith.


    "Dr. Sutton, it''s been a while," Smith greeted her, apanied by two assistants.


    "Dr. Smith, good evening," Eleanor replied politely.


    Just then,n arrived, holding Evelyn''s hand. Before Eleanor could react, Smith''s face broke into a delighted grin as he greeted Evelyn warmly. "Well, if it isn''t our little angel-look how much you''ve grown!"


    Eleanor''s heart skipped a beat. Smith knows my daughter?

 Chapter 689

    "Grandpa Smith," Evelyn whispered, then quickly ducked behind her father, as if a little wary of the old man.


    Smith immediately put on his warmest smile. "Don''t worry, Evelyn, Grandpa Smith is just here to chat with your mom."


    He turned ton. "Mr. Goodwin, we''ve received the research funding. Thank you so much for your support."


    "Of course!" Smith replied, then addressed Eleanor, "Dr. Sutton, I brought some new test reports. Could I ask you to take a look when you have a moment?"


    Just then,n bent down to Evelyn. "How about we go outside and build a snowman?"


    Evelyn''s face lit up as she took his hand. "Mom, Dad promised to build a snowman with me."


    "Go have fun!" Eleanor smiled at her daughter, ushering her out, though she didn''t have time to join them herself. Guilt tugged at her-she wished she could be there, but her work kept her away far too often.


    That''s why, whenevern spent time with Evelyn, Eleanor never objected.


    Under the soft glow of themp, Smith spread out a stack of reports. "These are thetest results from our gic sequencing," he exined, pointing to a chart. "There''s a rare mutation on the X chromosome that''s causing the patient''s abnormal blood cell production."


    Eleanor scanned the report. "Did the symptomse on suddenly?"


    "Yes, it was an acute onset. Fortunately, about a yearter the patient found apatible donor and received a timely stem cell transnt. Her condition is stable now. What I''d like, Dr. Sutton, is your analysis of this gene sequence- specifically, the risk of inheritance."


    Eleanor examined the gic markers in detail.


    Smith adjusted his sses. "At the moment, the patient''s family is deeply concerned about the possibility of this mutation being passed on, especially to her daughter and granddaughter."


    "Do either of them show any symptoms?" Eleanor asked.


    "So far, none of the women in her family have shown signs, but there''s no guarantee. Globally, we''ve only identified one stem cell donor whose gic sequence can counteract the mutation."


    Smith gave Eleanor a thoughtful look. ¡°Dr. Sutton, do you see any better treatment options?"


    Eleanor fell silent, recalling a theory her father had jotted down in an old notebook. Studying the data, she said, "From this sequencing, the mutation is rare but not irreversible. We might try gene editing to repair the stem cells in vitro, then reintroduce them to the patient."


    Smith''s eyes lit up. "That''s quite a bold idea. Although, as you know, gene editing in clinical practice still carries significant risks¡ª"


    Eleanor nodded. "Absolutely. For now, it''s just a theory. Making it a reality would be a huge challenge."


    Smith pushed his sses up again. "Actually, we do have other methods in mind, but the main issue is that the current stem cell donor isn''t willing to participate in further testing."


    "Why not?" Eleanor frowned.


    "The donor''s own health isplicated. She''s worried about the unknown risks of gene editing."


    Smith quickly added, "The patient''s family is trying to persuade her, and we''ve promised to minimize any risks if an experiment goes forward."


    "Oh, by the way, Doctor, how did you meet my daughter?" Eleanor asked, curiosity in her voice.


    Smith''s eyes flickered before he gave a sheepish chuckle. "Mr. Goodwin brought her by theb a few times. I''ve met her briefly."


    Eleanor nodded. "Well, let''s start with the data we have and see if any alternative solutions turn up."


    She and Smith dove into a deep discussion of the avable options.


    Back in the UK, at Goodwin Manor-


    Serena returned from Vanessa''s ce. Lately, she''d been helping out in her brother''s stead, just asn had asked her to.


    Not that she needed telling; Serena would have looked after Vanessa regardless.


    "Mom, where''sn?" she asked.


    Gina replied, "He''s gone to Drexford."


    "When? Did he go alone?"


    "I think so. I didn''t ask." Gina shrugged. Her son had only told her he''d be abroad for the next couple of weeks.


    Serena huffed in annoyance. Vanessa needed him now, and he just took off- what kind of boyfriend did that?


    Then again, Vanessa was far too understanding. If it had been Eleanor in the past, she''d have raised hell ifn wasn''t around.


    At Vaughn House-


    Xavier took a call: his sister''s visiting hours at the facility wereing up, and Mrs. Vaughn wanted him to take Vivian to see her mother overseas.


    "Uncle, I want to visit Mom," Vivian said quietly.


    "Of course, sweetheart. I''ll take you."


    "Uncle, can we go skiing in Drexford too?" Vivian tilted her head, eyes full of hope.


    Mrs. Vaughn''s heart ached for her granddaughter. She turned to Xavier. "I heard Eleanor took Evelyn there. Vivian''s been wanting to go ever since. Do you think ?"


    Xavier thought for a moment, then looked at his niece. "You really want to go?"


    "I do!" Vivian nodded emphatically.


    "All right. We''ll visit your mom first, then fly to Drexford for some skiing."


    "Thank you, Uncle!" Vivian beamed, perfectly well-behaved.


    Mrs. Vaughn watched her son, secretly hoping he and Eleanor would spark something overseas. Lately, Xavier seemed a little down.


    She''d tried probing him for information more than once, but he wouldn''t say a word. The fire he''d once had for pursuing Eleanor seemed all but gone.


    Once Vivian left to y, Mrs. Vaughn turned serious. "Xavier, be honest with me¡ª did Eleanor turn you down?"


    Xavier paused, then managed augh. "Mom, what are you talking about? I haven''t even confessed to her yet. How could she have rejected me?"

 Chapter 690

    "So what''s been bothering youtely?"


    Seeing that his mother wouldn''t let the matter drop, Xavier finally sighed and said, "Eleanor''s got plenty of admirers-most of them better than me. I''m just worried I don''t stand a chance."


    Mrs. Vaughn shot him a look. "You''re hardly second best. Pull yourself together! Eleanor is exactly the kind of daughter-inw I want, and I''m not letting you miss this opportunity."


    Xavier managed a rueful smile. "Mom, rtionships don''t work like that. Eleanor''s been through a lot. She''s not someone you can just waltz into the heart of."


    "All the more reason for you to keep trying," Mrs. Vaughn insisted. "You''ve got your strengths. Besides, she''s going to have to start a new chapter eventually."


    Xavier fell silent, lost in thought, and let out a long breath.


    "Enough moping. Take Vivian to Drexford-perfect chance to run into Eleanor ''by ident.""


    n''s there too," Xavier muttered, exhaling again.


    Mrs. Vaughn''s tone turned knowing. "A woman who''s determined enough to get a divorce? Trust me, she''s not going back. Especially not after everything she''s endured, with a child in tow. Women like that-they''re done for good."


    "I''ll do my best, then," Xavier said, a fresh resolve flickering in his eyes.


    "That''s my boy." Mrs. Vaughn nodded in satisfaction. "And remember, don''t wait for the girl to make the first move. Take the initiative."


    Xavier couldn''t help butugh. "Okay, Mom, you don''t have to worry about that."


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the garden of a stately home, Mansfield''s phone buzzed. He picked it up and nced at the screen.


    "Boss, the Drexford travel request was denied."


    Mansfield saw iting. He rubbed his temples as another message appeared.


    "With tensions abroad, military personnel are under strict travel restrictions. No leaving the country unless absolutely necessary."


    Momentster, Garth Ellington''s name shed on his phone. Instantly, Mansfield straightened up to answer his father''s call.


    "Hey, Dad."


    "What''s going on? Why the sudden request to go to Drexford? Is there something urgent?"


    "Uh, not really. Just... wanted to visit a friend."


    "You only just recovered. Don''t push yourself. Nothing''s more important than your health," Garth said sternly.


    "Understood, Dad," Mansfield replied.


    After a few more words of fatherly concern, the call ended.


    Mansfield had known the answer before he asked, but he''d tried anyway. Still, the rejection stung.


    He pulled out his phone and shot a message to Eleanor: "Saw the weather report -looks like it''s snowing over there."


    "It is," Eleanor replied. "Snow''s reallying down."


    "Could you send me a picture?"


    A few minutester, Eleanor sent a photo of the snowy scene outside her hotel window. Mansfield''s lips curled into a smile. ¡°Beautiful," he texted back.


    Eleanor nced at the clock. Ian still hadn''t brought their daughter back to the hotel, and it was already nine p.m.


    She rubbed her aching neck, then decided to head down to the hotel garden for some fresh air and a view of the snow.


    In the lobby, she could hear the sound of childrenughing, parents chasing after them in the snow. Eleanor pulled on a knit hat and wrapped her coat tighter, then spotted Evelyn in the glow of the garden lights, bundled up and shoveling snow, withn crouched beside her, helping to build a snowman.


    "Mom!" Evelyn''s eyes lit up as she spotted Eleanor. She waved excitedly. "Come y with us!"


    So it wasn''t thatn was refusing to bring their daughter back-the girl simply didn''t want to leave.


    Eleanor walked over, but as she stepped forward, her foot sank deep into the snow and she nearly lost her bnce. A strong hand caught her arm just in time, steadying her. She quickly pulled away fromn''s grasp as soon as she was upright.


    "Mom, do you like the snowman Dad and I made?" Evelyn beamed, pointing at their creation.


    "It''s wonderful," Eleanor said, her voice gentle. "But it''s gettingte. We should head inside."


    Evelyn looked longingly at the snowman. "Alright... bye, Mr. Snowman. See you tomorrow!"


    Eleanor took her daughter''s hand and led her toward the hotel,n following behind. They stepped into the elevator, and just as the doors were about to close, a group of tourists piled in,ughing and chattering, making the space suddenly feel cramped.


    Eleanor quickly lifted Evelyn into her arms to keep her from being jostled. Ian shifted, giving them the corner and stretching out an arm to shield them from the crowd.


    Eleanor tensed, surrounded by people and unable to move. Ian towered over her, his face just inches away. His eyes were intense, almost predatory as he watched


    her.


    She fixed her gaze on the ascending numbers above the door, silently praying for the ride to end.


    After all, they''d been married for six years.


    Ding! The tourists got off at their floor.


    Eleanor let out a shaky breath, setting Evelyn down. She was slightly out of breath-she''d been holding it for so long that she felt lightheaded.


    Eleanor hated how close he was, hated the way his presence still affected her.

 Chapter 691

    Eleanor hurried Evelyn out of the elevator, holding her daughter''s hand tightly and deliberately keeping her distance fromn.


    When they reached Eleanor''s door, Evelyn nced back at her father. "Mommy, can Daddy stay with us tonight?"


    Eleanor bent down and answered gently, "Daddy has his own room, sweetheart." "But-" Evelyn pouted, "I want to stay with you and Daddy together."


    Evelyn nodded reluctantly. Eleanor opened the door, led her inside, and closed it behind them. Then she knelt and looked her daughter in the eye. "Evelyn, Mommy and Daddy aren''t together anymore. But we both love you just the same."


    Evelyn nodded, only half understanding. Suddenly, she asked, "Will Daddy marry Mrs. Shannon?"


    The question stabbed right through Eleanor''s heart. She froze for several seconds, stunned that her daughter would even ask.


    She realized she''d overlooked something-her daughter was growing up, thinking about things she herself had tried to avoid. Sooner orter, Evelyn would want


    answers.


    She forced a smile. ¡°That''s something for the grown-ups to decide, honey. You don''t need to worry about it."


    "But Mommy, if they get married, will they have a baby too?" Evelyn tilted her head, her face full of innocent curiosity.


    Looking into those wide, trusting eyes, Eleanor''s heart ached. She knelt and wrapped her arms around Evelyn. "No matter what happens, Mommy will always love you."


    Evelyn seemed to sense her mother''s pain. Suddenly, she threw her arms around Eleanor, a fierce little thought shing through her young mind.


    She didn''t want Daddy to marry Mrs. Shannon. She wanted him to stay with her and Mommy, always.


    That stubborn idea made Evelyn''s gaze sharpen with determination, even though she didn''t fully understand its weight.


    The next morning, Eleanor took Evelyn by the hand and knocked onn''s door. When it opened,n stood there in a casual sweater, the V-neck hinting at a quiet, masculine allure.


    "Morning!" he greeted them.


    "Evelyn, Mommy has a meeting today. You''ll stay with Daddy, alright?" Eleanor said.


    "Okay! Bye, Mommy." Evelyn waved her little hand.


    "The car''s waiting out front,"n said in his deep voice.


    Eleanor nced at him, then turned and left.


    Downstairs, a sleek Bentley was parked at the entrance. Eleanor slid into the back seat and headed straight for the Drexford Medical Summit.


    The conference hall gleamed with gold and crystal, filled with leading medical experts from around the world.


    Dressed in a tailored gray suit, Eleanor moved through the crowd with unmistakable elegance. Her refined features and poised manner drew attention; her youth andposure made her stand out all the more among the gathering of distinguished professionals.


    "Dr. Sutton, wee." Dr. Smith approached her with a warm smile. "Come, let me introduce you to a few colleagues."


    Eleanor nodded, her smile gracious. Her fluent English and articte expertise quickly impressed the group. Dr. Smith had evidently already shared her aplishments, and several foreign experts stepped forward to shake her hand and exchange a few words.


    Not far away, Tanya watched the scene with pride. To see a homegrown talent like Eleanor shine on the world stage-what an honor.


    Then Dr. Smith beckoned Eleanor over to introduce her to his university mentor- a Nobelureate.


    Eleanor could hardly believe it. She followed Dr. Smith to the front row, where an elderly gentleman with a shock of white hair awaited them.

 Chapter 692

    "Professor, this is Dr. Sutton."


    The senior expert looked at Eleanor with a hint of amazement. "So aplished at such a young age-impressive. Smith mentioned your research on leukemia to me. Remarkable, truly remarkable."


    Eleanor could barely hide her admiration. She''d read all his books, kept them on her nightstand, and practically memorized passages.


    After a brief conversation, the conference began in earnest. The organizers had arranged for several leading academics to give keynote speeches, each one morepelling than thest. Eleanor clutched her notebook, slender fingers flying as she jotted down notes.


    During the mid-morning coffee break, Tanya nced over to see Eleanor still scribbling away. Looking a bit concerned, she brought over a cup of tea. ¡°Here, have some. Warm yourself up."


    "Thank you, Dr. Tanya." Eleanor looked up and smiled appreciatively.


    "I can tell you''re pretty popr here," Tanya teased, ncing around. "A couple of international schrs have already asked about you."


    Eleanor blushed, modest as ever. "I''m still the young one here. I have so much to learn from all of you."


    A fondness flickered in Tanya''s eyes. No wonder York always spoke so highly of her, she thought. With everything Eleanor had already achieved, she''d have every reason to be proud¡ªyet she was humble and unassuming, never one to seek the spotlight.


    "I''d better get back to my seat¡ªit''s about to start again," Tanya said, heading off as the room gradually quieted.


    The conference ran until five that afternoon. That evening, Smith gathered a small group of academics and invited both Eleanor and Tanya to join.


    Eleanor took the opportunity to textn, letting him know she''d bete tonight. "Don''t worry, focus on your work! I''ll look after Evelyn," Ian replied.


    Eleanor felt instantly reassured. As much as she dislikedn sometimes, he was the one person she trusted most to take care of their daughter-and Evelyn adored him.


    That night, the groupunched into a lively brainstorming session, tossing around medical theories and exchanging ideaste into the evening. Everyone left with new insights.


    By the time Eleanor returned to her hotel, it was already ten o''clock. She pushed open the door, exhaustion in her every movement. After switching on the light and setting down her bag andptop, she stepped back into the hallway and knocked on the door next to hers.


    "Bring her over, will you?" Eleanor ran a tired hand through her hair.


    Eleanor shot him a look. "I''ll carry her myself."


    He blinked, slightly taken aback. "Let me do it." He turned and disappeared into the bedroom.


    Eleanor waited in the hallway untiln appeared, cradling Evelyn. He carried her carefully into Eleanor''s room.


    Eleanor trailed behind, pulling back the covers to make space for her daughter.


    He shut the bedroom door behind him, just as Eleanor''s phone began pinging with several new messages. She picked it up from the couch, curling her fingers around a mug of tea, and a smile spread across her lips as she read.


    So many messages, and thiste¡ªsomeone must be sending her photos.


    It couldn''t be a work message; her colleagues wouldn''t bother her at this hour. It had to be someone close.


    Eleanor scrolled through her phone, only half aware ofn still standing silently in the living room. She looked up. "Is there something else?"


    He leaned against the wall, eyes narrowed in curiosity. "How did it go today?"

 Chapter 693

    Eleanor didn''t answer him. Just then, another message popped up on her phone. Whatever it said, it made herugh out loud. She picked up her phone and sent a quick voice message, her tone gentle and warm. "Alright, off to bed with you! Goodnight."


    That soft, affectionate note in her voice maden''s eyes darken ever so slightly.


    Setting her phone aside, Eleanor went to the door and turned ton. "You should go. I need to get some rest."


    After all, he had spent the whole evening looking after their daughter, so she was being as civil as she could manage.


    "Get some sleep,"n said as he brushed past her.


    Eleanor shut the door behind him and headed for the shower. The messages


    were from Joy Thatcher, her closest friend, just somete-night girl talk.


    The next morning, as usual, Eleanor dropped her daughter off outsiden''s room before heading to her meetings.


    The conference would run for three days, with two more days of academic discussions afterward.


    Eleanor didn''t get back until almost ten that night. As always,n carried their sleeping daughter into Eleanor''s bedroom.


    Asn stepped out and pulled the door closed, Eleanor''s phone began to ring. She nced at the screen, surprised to see Xavier''s name lit up. Thiste? What could he want? Was something wrong?


    She picked up the phone and stepped over to the window. "Hello, Xavier? Is everything alright?"


    "Ms. Sutton, it''s me! Vivian," came a little girl''s hushed voice on the other end.


    "Vivian, sweetheart. Are you looking for Evelyn? She''s already asleep."


    "Ms. Sutton, Uncle Xavier and I areing to Drexford tomorrow. When we get there, can I y with Evelyn?"


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. Xavier was bringing Vivian here?


    "Tomorrow, Uncle and I are going to visit my mom... in prison." Vivian''s voice cracked, tears threatening to spill. "I miss her so much¡ª"


    Eleanor''s heart clenched. She softened her voice. "Vivian, sweetheart, you''ll see your mom tomorrow. And when you get here, I''ll take you and Evelyn out for a treat, alright? Would you like that?"


    "Really? That would be amazing!" Vivian''s tone brightened in a sh. "Okay, promise!"


    In the background, she heard Xavier''s voice: "Vivian, who are you talking to?" "Goodbye, Ms. Sutton!" Vivian blurted, then quickly hung up.


    Eleanor stood there for a moment, realizing Vivian must have snuck the call, hoping to talk to her daughter. She sighed. Poor kid. From what she''d heard, Vivian''s mother had been sentenced to life. Visiting days would be all they could hope for.


    She was still lost in thought when she spun around and nearly collided with a wall of muscle.


    "Xavier''sing here?" His voice was cool, as if, in his mind, Eleanor had personally invited Xavier.


    She stepped back, her tone frosty. "Eavesdropping on someone''s call is extremely rude, you know."


    "Don''t you think you should discuss it with me before inviting people over?"n narrowed his eyes, his displeasure obvious.


    He purposely referred to Xavier as "people"-making it clear how he felt.


    Eleanor bristled. Xavier was onlying so Vivian could visit her mother in prison, and they were stopping in Drexford for a little break. That was all.


    "I think you''re mistaken." She lifted her chin, her gaze icy. "I don''t need your permission to invite anyone to Drexford."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. Did he really mean that? Was he about to pick a fight with Xavier?

 Chapter 694

    The thing Eleanor hated most was being a burden to others, andn knew that all too well.


    "My rtionship with Xavier has nothing to do with you," Eleanor said coolly, her tone as crisp as winter air.


    She turned her face away, refusing to meet his eyes. "You have no right to interfere in my life."


    His voice dropped, strained with something deeper. "Are you just trying to provoke me? You really don''t see what Xavier wants from you?"


    Eleanor felt a rush of anger and something close to bitter amusement. She hadn''t wanted to argue, but the way this man spoke-it pushed her past her limit.


    n, let''s get one thing straight." Herugh was icy. "I''m single. I have every right and freedom to see whoever I want."


    His voice came out hoarse, almost wounded. "Do you actually like Xavier?" It was as if, in that moment, he believed she was ready to move on, to start something


    new.


    Eleanor didn''t respond. In her heart, Xavier was a friend, a mentor, someone she respected¡ªbut she saw no reason to exin herself ton.


    Outside, snow drifted silently past the window. Inside, the room was warm, almost springlike. Eleanor had just taken off her coat; the white turtleneck sweater and fitted skirt she wore hugged her curves, a contradiction of innocence and allure.


    She had avoided his eyes until now. But as she looked up and saw what simmered there, a jolt of rm ran through her. She shoved him away, her voice low and sharp. "Ian, stay away from me. Don''t you dare think of touching me again."


    He stumbled back, caught off guard, a flicker of confusion crossing his handsome features. But he quickly regained hisposure. "Sorry. I didn''t mean to cross a line."


    "You already did." Her re was icy, unyielding.


    Back in his own room,n tore off his tie and let it drop to the floor, copsing onto the sofa. He stared up at the ceiling, Adam''s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. His eyes were clouded with a storm that showed no sign of passing.


    He got up, unbuttoned his shirt, and walked toward the bathroom. Tonight, he needed to do something-anything-to get her out of his head.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor, fresh from her own shower,y awake. Sleep wouldn''te.n''s look from earlier haunted her; she knew him too well.


    It had only been a week since he and Vanessa had separated, and already he couldn''t stand it?


    The next two days of meetings were optional for her. After tomorrow,n could return home whenever he wanted.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Xavier: "Sorry, Vivian tried calling you earlier. I didn''t realize-did we disturb you?"


    Eleanor replied, "No worries."


    Xavier wrote again, "We''ll be in Drexford tomorrow afternoon. If you''re free, let''s grab dinner together?"


    It was rare to run into friends in a foreign country; sharing a meal seemed perfectly natural.


    "Sounds good!" Eleanor replied. She had promised Vivian, after all.

 Chapter 695

    Early the next morning, Eleanor got in touch with Tanya. The academic


    conference was about to begin, but the summit had wrapped up yesterday, so Tanya was preparing to head home.


    After the events ofst night, Eleanor decided to spend a few days with her daughter, just the two of them.


    At breakfast, Eleanor told Evelyn that Vivian would be joining them soon. Evelyn''s eyes lit up instantly. "Really? Is Vivian reallying?"


    "Yes, she''s probably on her way now," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    A littleter,n knocked and stepped inside. Evelyn rushed over and hugged his leg, bubbling with excitement. "Dad, Vivian and Mr. Vaughn areing to Drexford today!"


    "Can we all go skiing together?" Evelyn asked, practically bouncing.


    "Of course,"n said, crouching to her level. "We''ll switch to a hotel closer to the slopes right now."


    Eleanor frowned slightly. It was clearn had already been in touch with Xavier and arranged their ns.


    He nced up, and for a split second, there was a calcting glint in his eyes.


    Eleanor held back her questions, while Evelyn could barely contain her excitement about seeing her friend.


    Eleanor left Evelyn to y inn''s room and went back to her own to organize her notes from the summit. She sent them off to Joel and York.


    By eleven,n and Eleanor had checked out, and as Eleanor was packing her suitcase, a message from Xavier popped up: "We''re almost there. Let''s meet at the hotel near the ski resort."


    "Perfect!" Eleanor replied.


    After lunch, they set out for the ski resort. The drive took two hours, but soon enough, they arrived.


    The hotel sat at the foot of thergest ski mountain-a picturesque cluster of wooden chalets straight out of a storybook. At check-in,n booked a three- bedroom family chalet.


    Eleanor immediately frowned and asked the front desk if there were any other rooms avable.


    "I''m so sorry, madam, but this is thest family chalet we have," the receptionist apologized.


    Eleanor understood. The parking lot was overflowing with cars-it was peak season for skiing.


    And of course, Xavier must have reserved his room online already.


    Eleanor debated whether to switch hotels, but Evelyn was thrilled, pping her hands in delight. "This is great! We finally get to stay together."


    Eleanor nced up at the avability screen behind the desk. Sure enough, not a single vacancy. She could only hope someone would check outter in the afternoon; maybe then she could book a separate room.


    Noticing the tense set of Eleanor''s brow,n leaned closer and said quietly, "Don''t worry. I''m not going to do anything inappropriate."


    His voice was low and sincere, as if to reassure her that the man who''d nearly lost controlst night was a different person entirely.


    Eleanor turned away to speak with the receptionist, asking her to let her know if any rooms became avable. The receptionist nodded and took down Eleanor''s number.


    Meanwhile,n-his back to the desk-was busy fixing Evelyn''s coat, his mood impossible to read.


    Just then, the front doors swung open and Xavier strode in, travel-worn in a gray overcoat, holding Vivian''s hand.


    "Vivian!" Evelyn spotted her at once, and the two girls shrieked with excitement, running into each other''s arms.


    "Eleanor. Ian," Xavier greeted them with a smile.


    "Did you get your room sorted?"n asked.


    "Yes, I booked online," Xavier replied.


    "We got thest family chalet," n added, sounding almost casual.


    Xavier''s brow twitched slightly. "Really? I booked a family chalet as well."


    Eleanor noticed Xavier''s assistant Cain and the children''s nanny waiting just outside.


    "Let''s get checked in, then,¡±n suggested, taking Evelyn''s hand. He turned to Eleanor, "We''ll go drop our bags at the chalet."


    n, we''re in Chalet Seven. Which one are you in?"


    "Perfect," Xavier said with a lift of his brow. "That way, the kids can go back and forth whenever they want."


    Eleanor saw through it all-this was exactly hown had nned it.

 Chapter 696

    He was deliberately keeping her away from Xavier.


    There weren''t many things this man cared about, but his pride and dignity were chief among them.


    So even if Eleanor spent time with other men,n rarely interfered. But when it came to Xavier, it was as if she''d crossed an invisible line-one that went straight to his nerve.


    "See youter, Eleanor," Xavier said gently as she left. His voice was soft, just for her.


    Eleanor nodded and stepped outside, catching the resort''s shuttle that took her to Vi Eight.


    The vi was spacious and bright, filled with the warmth of its natural wood decor. Evelyn dashed excitedly into thergest bedroom. "This is where Mom and I will sleep!" she announced, then scampered toward the guest room. "And this is Dad''s room!"


    Eleanor hadn''t unpacked yet; she kept ncing at her phone, as if waiting for


    some news.


    She was expecting a call from the front desk.


    "Why don''t you rest for a bit? The front desk will contact you if there''s any update."n''s deep voice broke the quiet.


    Ten minutester, Eleanor''s phone rang-a local number.


    "Hello?" she answered quickly.


    "Hello, ma''am. We have a standard room avable. Would you like to take it?"


    "Yes, I do. I need it," Eleanor replied in a rush, as if a moment''s hesitation might cost her the room.


    "Great, pleasee to the lobby to check in," said the receptionist.


    "I''ll be right there," Eleanor answered, barely able to hide her relief.


    "Is it another vi?" he asked, concern slipping into his tone.


    "A standard room," Eleanor replied tly.


    "I''ll move over there. You and Evelyn should stay here,"n said, standing with quiet resolve.


    "That''s not necessary," Eleanor said, unwilling to ept the gesture.


    "This ce is big,fortable-perfect for you and Evelyn," he insisted, determined to leave the vi for them.


    Without waiting for further protest,n left. A momentter, Gavin arrived to collect his luggage. "Mr. Goodwin has reserved a table for six o''clock at the restaurant. Miss Sutton, please bring Evelyn and be on time,¡± he said politely.


    Before Eleanor could reply, Gavin added, "The restaurant''s fully booked tonight, so please don''t bete."


    Evelyn came in from ying in the snow, cheeks flushed. "Mom, where''s Dad?"


    "He went to another room. I''ll be staying here with you," Eleanor said.


    Evelyn puffed out her cheeks, a little disappointed, but nodded. "Okay."


    "Evelyn, let me finish unpacking, then I''lle outside and help you build a snowman, all right?" Eleanor promised with a smile.


    "Okay!" Evelyn agreed, her spirits lifting.


    While Eleanor and Evelyn were rolling snowballs in the yard, two familiar figures appeared at the gate-Xavier and Vivian,e to say hello.


    "Vivian, want to y with us?" Evelyn called out.


    The two little girls grabbed their snow tools and set to work, giggling together.


    Xavier nced toward the vi. "Where''sn?"


    "He switched rooms," Eleanor answered honestly.


    A sh of surprise and delight crossed Xavier''s face. "He moved out?"


    Eleanor brushed the snow from her gloves. "Yes, he left the vi for me and Evelyn."


    Just then, snow began to drift from the sky, dusting Eleanor''s blue knit hat. She tilted her head back to look up, and for a moment, Xavier just looked at her. From where he stood, he could see her profile-delicate features, the tip of her nose tinged pink from the cold, lips soft and full. For a heartbeat, she seemed to glow with gentle warmth.


    He knew he had no right to love her, but some part of him wouldn''t let go of the hope that maybe, just maybe, she could be his.


    Xavier was well aware that the smart thing would be to walk away before his feelings got too deep. But matters of the heart were never that simple.


    Eleanor was the first woman who''d ever made him want to throw caution aside, even knowing it might all lead nowhere.


    "Ah-choo!" Eleanor sneezed suddenly, shivering.


    Xavier immediately noticed she''de outside without a scarf. He unwound his own cashmere scarf and gently draped it around her neck. "Winters are harsh here-don''t catch a cold."


    Before Eleanor could protest, the scarf was already snug around her.


    "Xavier, you don''t need to-" she began, reaching to return it.


    But Xavier ced a steadying hand on her shoulder. At that moment, he caught sight of someone across the snowywn; his gentle demeanor shifted, his tone suddenly more possessive. "Don''t take it off."


    Not far away, a tall figure in a dark overcoat stood out against the snown had arrived.


    At his side, Gavin asked in a low voice, "Mr. Goodwin, should we go over?"

 Chapter 697

    Gavin nced back onest time. Eleanor and Xavier stood close together, looking for all the world like a couple. With the two children''sughter ringing out, the whole scene looked picture-perfect.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Xavier caught the momentn''s silhouette disappeared. He let his hand drop from Eleanor''s shoulder and offered her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I got a little carried away just now."


    Eleanor unwound his scarf from her neck and handed it back. "It''s freezing out here. You need it more than I do I''ll go grab another one inside."


    Xavier hesitated for a second, then epted the scarf. Eleanor hurried back into the living room.


    She had no idean had just been there, nor that Xavier had purposely tried to given the wrong impression.


    That secret belonged to Xavier alone.


    He''d acted that way because he''d noticed somethingtely-his good friendn seemed to want Eleanor back.


    So Xavier used his own closeness, hoping to shield her fromn''s advances¡ª without Eleanor ever knowing. Of course, it didn''t hurt that it gave him a chance as well.


    Xavier had never imed to be a saint. In love, everyone fights their own way.


    Eleanor grabbed another scarf from the hall closet and wrapped it around her neck before heading back outside. The kids were still ying, shrieking with delight.


    Children really are happiest when they''re together¡ªtheir joy seems to multiply. At five-thirty, Xavier''s phone buzzed. Ian was calling.


    "Xavier, bring Eleanor and the kids over for dinner,"n said on the other end. "Sure, we''ll be there soon," Xavier replied.


    After hanging up, he turned to Eleanor. "Let''s go to the restaurantn''s waiting for us."


    Before Eleanor could answer, Evelyn piped up, "Mr. Vaughn, let''s hurry! I''m starving."


    "Alright, let''s go." Eleanor crouched to brush the snow off her daughter''s mittens, while Vivian watched, a little envious.


    After Eleanor finished with Evelyn, she turned and gently dusted the snow from Vivian''s gloves too, making the girl beam with happiness.


    Xavier noticed, and felt a wave of gratitude.


    Ever since Vivian''s sister had been sentenced to life in prison, she''d been withdrawn-crying quietly when she thought no one was looking. Xavier''s heart ached for her, but he never quite knew how to help.


    Now, seeing Eleanor''s gentle kindness toward Vivian, how could he not be moved?


    From the day his sister was sent away, Vivian had be his daughter in every way that mattered-he was her guardian now.


    Any goodness shown to Vivian, Xavier felt deep in his heart.


    A shuttle van pulled up and soon they were riding up to the hotel''s top floor. The restaurant was perched at the very top of the building, its floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of snow-capped mountains and the fading twilight.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, running to him.


    Eleanor sat down beside Evelyn, with Vivian on her other side. Xavier andn took seats together across the table.


    They let the children choose dinner-pan-seared cod, truffle pasta, baked sweet potatoes with cheese.


    Eleanor kept an eye on the girls, making sure everyone was happy, while the two men sipped red wine and watched over the table. The atmosphere was warm and easy.


    "The ski resort opens at nine tomorrow. I''ve already booked us the VIP passes,"n announced, then turned to Xavier. "Hey, do you remember thest time we went skiing together?"

 Chapter 698

    "It''s been four years," Xavier said, his tone unhurried. "I doubt I''ve forgotten how."


    "I want to see Dad ski!" Evelyn chimed in, her eyes shining.


    "I want to see Uncle Xavier ski, too." Vivian echoed, grinning at her cousin.


    With a gentle smile, Xavier replied, "Tomorrow we''ll spend the whole day with you girls. We''ll stick to the beginner slopes."


    He nced at Vivian. "Vivian, have you ever skied before?"


    Vivian shook her head. "Not yet."


    "I have!" Evelyn piped up proudly.


    Evelyn''s attention darted instantly. "Dad, are you okay?"


    "I''m fine."n managed a reassuring smile. "Tomorrow, I''ll teach you everything I know."


    Just then, the server arrived with piping hot cheesy baked potatoes. Evelyn eyed the dish eagerly, butn gave her a gentle warning. "Take it slow, sweetheart. It''s hot."


    Eleanor''s expression was unreadable, but she carefully split the potatoes onto two tes for the girls.


    Across the table, Xavier watched the scene with soft eyes. He said to Eleanor, "I think today is the happiest Vivian''s been since we arrived."


    Eleanor understood. Thest time Vivian had called her, the girl had burst into tears mid-conversation. There were dark circles under her eyes, clear signs she hadn''t been sleeping well.


    As a mother, Eleanor did her best to look after Vivian''s feelings, just as she did her own child''s.


    After dinner, as they reached the restaurant''s entrance,n joined them on the shuttle bus, insisting on seeing Eleanor and Evelyn safely back to their vi.


    When they arrived, Xavier and Vivian headed into their own ce next door. Evelyn, holding tightly to both her parents'' hands, skipped andughed, leaving little footprints in the snow.


    At the front door, Eleanor waited for her daughter to go in. She turned back to look at the man standing behind her.


    Eleanor nodded, then stepped inside with Evelyn. As the door closed,n lingered outside, catching a glimpse through the frosty window. Eleanor shrugged off her coat and moved gracefully around the firelit living room. For a moment,n stood motionless in the falling snow, as if he''d turned to stone.


    When he finally came to, snowkes had settled on his shoulders and hair, dusting him like a statue.


    That night, Eleanor tucked Evelyn in andy beside her until they both drifted into a peaceful sleep.


    The next morning, after breakfast, their little group made its way to the ski resort. Passing through the VIP entrance, the two girls-bundled in puffy pink ski jackets -looked every bit like adorable snow angels.


    Eleanor wasn''t about to miss out on the fun. Besides, sharing the experience with her daughter was what truly mattered. She chose a vibrant red ski suit, whilen and Xavier went for ssic ck and gray.


    Fully geared up, they made their way to a gentle, open area beside the beginner slope-just right for Eleanor. A female instructor stood by her side, whilen and Xavier took charge of the girls.


    "Shift your weight a little more forward," the instructor encouraged, gently steadying Eleanor by the elbows.


    Eleanor nodded, took a deep breath, and tried gliding forward. She''d barely made


    it a few meters before her skis tangled and she pitched headlong into a drift of soft


    snow.


    "Ahh!"


    Shended with a thump, a bright ssh of red against the white.


    Both men looked over from where they were helping the girls. Seeing Eleanor sit up, cheeks flushed with embarrassment but unharmed, they couldn''t help but smile.


    Her fall had been almost endearing.


    Too far away to notice anyone''s amusement, Eleanor simply dusted herself off and got right back to practicing, undeterred.

 Chapter 699

    Vivian, on the other hand, was more timid. She crept forward in tiny, careful steps, her movements cautious and deliberate.


    After Eleanor fell for the third time, Evelyn couldn''t bear to watch any longer. She nudged her father. "Dad, you should go help Mom!"


    Seeing his daughter was getting tired,n nodded. "Take a break here, sweetheart. I''ll be right back."


    He turned to Gavin, who was standing nearby. "Keep an eye on Evelyn for me."


    "Of course, boss," Gavin replied with an easy grin.


    "Need a hand, Dr. Sutton?" he asked, bending down and offering his hand.


    "I can do it myself." Eleanor turned her face away, pushing herself up with her ski poles. But she''d stopped on a short, steep slope and the moment she tried to stand, she lost control, sliding forward with rming speed. Ian moved instantly to keep up. She was clearly unsteady, on the verge of tumbling face-first when he nted himself right in her path.


    "Move aside," Eleanor snapped, waving him away in irritation.


    He caught her, solid and unyielding, and they both went down, tumbling into the snow with Eleanor sprawled awkwardly on top of him.


    "Let me go." She pushed herself up, her gloved palm braced against his broad chest.


    Instead of releasing her,n tightened his hold, locking her firmly in his embrace. His eyes, reflecting the pale winter sky, were dark and maic, as deep as obsidian.


    "You barreled into me, you know," he said, his voice low and slightly hoarse.


    Eleanor''s usualposure deserted her. She tried to push herself free, but the thick ski suit made her efforts all the more futile.


    Not far away, Xavier watched the whole scene unfold. He frowned, his gaze darkening. From his vantage point, all he could see was Eleanor sprawled on top ofn in the snow, and it was impossible to tell what was really happening¡ª anyone watching might think they were flirting.


    But who could truly guess what Eleanor was going through in that moment?


    "Let go!" Eleanor was genuinely angry now.


    n!" Eleanor sucked in a deep breath. "Have you finished hugging me yet?"


    Something in her serious, angry tone finally broke his stubbornness. Ian let her go, and Eleanor scrambled to her feet, flustered and breathless. Just then, the instructor arrived, and Eleanor seized the opportunity to ask for help getting away.n stood, brushing snow from his clothes, throat working as he swallowed hard.


    Realizing she just wasn''t cut out for sports, Eleanor decided to wait in the lodge for the others to finish.


    By the end of the morning session,n brought the two girls over and they all had lunch together at a nearby restaurant. Xavier was unusually quiet throughout the meal, and when the afternoon session rolled around, Eleanor chose to sit it out. The day''s skiing finally wound down in thete afternoon.


    At dinner, both girls were exhausted. After eating, they each went off to rest for the night.


    Back in his room,n took a hot shower. Wrapped in a towel, he stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows as his phone rang.


    "Hey!n, are you at Drexford with Evelyn and Eleanor? Why didn''t you tell me you were going?" Serena''s voice was sharp with usation.


    "There was no need for you toe,"n replied coolly.


    "What do you mean, ''no need''? You left Vanessa in my care, and then you run off on a ski trip with Eleanor. Don''t you feel even a little bit guilty? Do you even know that Vanessa had a sudden feverst night and ended up in the ICU?"

 Chapter 700

    "I''m not sure. Vanessa just went to take a shower, and when she came out, she suddenly copsed. When I touched her, she was burning up-she kept calling your name "


    "Her mom and dad are both there, but honestly, I think the only person Vanessa wants to see is you. Please, you have toe back!"


    A vein pulsed atn''s temple as his fist clenched unconsciously. His voice was rough. "Tell her I''m catching the next flight home."


    "Really? Please hurry! I''m sure Vanessa got sick because she heard you went skiing with Eleanor."


    "You told her?"n''s tone was icy.


    On the other end, Serena flinched and stammered, "Sh-she asked me, that''s all." She quickly apologized, "I''m sorry,n, I didn''t mean to say anything. I promise I won''t mention you and Eleanor to Vanessa ever again."


    "Mr. Goodwin, you''re heading back?"


    "You and Lanny stay here. I''m going alone,"n said curtly.


    "Is something wrong back home?" Gavin asked carefully.


    "It''s nothing,"n replied tly.


    "Understood. I''ll arrange your flight right away." Gavin knew better than to press.


    In the dead of night, a ck SUV sped away from the ski resort, racing toward the airport.


    The next morning, Gavin came by to collect Eleanor and Evelyn for breakfast.


    "Mr. Young, where''s my dad?" Evelyn asked, her small face tilted up.


    "Your dad had to fly homest night for something important," Gavin answered gently. "I''ll be hanging out with you both today."


    Eleanor frowned. Ian went home? When she nced at Gavin, he looked visibly nervous, as if dreading her questions.


    In that moment, Eleanor realized whyn had rushed back-Vanessa had called him away. If it were just business, Gavin wouldn''t be so anxious.


    Eleanor let the matter drop and said nothing more.


    Later, in the restaurant, Xavier arrived with Vivian. When he heard from Gavin thatn had left in the middle of the night, he looked surprised. "Was there some kind of emergency at thepany?"


    "Mr. Goodwin didn''t say," Gavin replied with a polite smile.


    Xavier narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, ncing at Eleanor, trying to gauge her reaction.


    Eleanor appeared not to hear any of it, pouring milk for the two children as if nothing had happened.


    Her phone buzzed just then. She picked it up and saw a text from Serena:


    "Eleanor, you''re divorced now. Don''t cling to my brother anymore. Don''t make me lose respect for you."


    Before Eleanor could react, another message appeared:


    "My brother''s going to be with Vanessa now. You''d better not interfere."


    Eleanor''s eyes turned cold as she set her phone aside.


    The only person who could maken drop everything in the middle of the night


    and fly home-besides his family-had always been Vanessa.

 Chapter 701

    After Gavin Young left, Xavier Vaughn took his seat.


    "Eleanor Sutton? Are you alright?" Xavier''s gentle voice snapped Eleanor back from her thoughts.


    She nodded. "I''m fine."


    "Mom, when is Dading back?" Evelyn Goodwin asked, her mouth half-full of bread.


    Eleanor smiled, smoothing her daughter''s soft hair. "Your dad''s busy with work, sweetheart. It might be a while before you see him-maybe not until we''re back home."


    Evelyn seemed content enough, especially with Vivian to y with, and wasn''t quite so fixated onn Goodwin these days. She nodded, epting her mother''s words.


    While Xavier ced their order, Eleanor finally checked her phone-she hadn''t looked at it since waking up. A notification caught her eye: Ian had sent her a message in the early hours of the morning.


    *Sorry, I had to fly home for work. Gavin will stay and help with anything you need.*


    Eleanor nced at the timestamp. Just past midnight.


    "Eleanor, would you rather stay here and keep skiing, or try something different?" Xavier''s question pulled her attention back to the present.


    "Do you have any suggestions?" she asked.


    "How about we check out Fairytale Meadows? The kids would love it."


    "Sounds good," Eleanor agreed. She wasn''t much of a skier, and withn gone, there was no one left to hit the slopes with Evelyn. A change of scenery sounded perfect.


    Xavier had already noticed that Vivian wasn''t particrly keen on skiing, either.


    A sh of relief crossed his face. "Great, I''ll arrange for a car. We can leave by noon."


    This time, Eleanor decided not to trouble Gavin with the arrangements.


    After lunch, the adults and kids returned to pack up their things. Right on time at ten-thirty, three ck SUVS pulled up at the entrance. Xavier''s security detail was ready. They helped Eleanor and her daughter into the car.


    Once on the road, Eleanor called Gavin.


    "Miss Sutton, you''re leaving?" Gavin''s surprise was evident.


    "Yes. Thank you for everything these past few days, Gavin. We can take it from here."


    "But-but Mr. Goodwin asked me to look after you and Evelyn. Where are you headed next? I''lle right over," Gavin stammered, clearly anxious.


    "No need. Ifn wants to check in, he cane talk to me himself," Eleanor replied, then ended the call.


    Standing in the snow, Gavin stared at his phone, sweat breaking out on his brow despite the cold. He hurriedly dialedn''s number back home.


    "What is it?"n answered promptly.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Sutton and Evelyn left with Mr. Vaughn. I don''t know where they went," Gavin reported quickly.


    There was a brief pause. "When did they leave?"


    "I got Eleanor''s call just after ten this morning."


    "Head back to the city and wait for my instructions,¡±n said, then hung up.


    Later, as the car sped along, Eleanor cradled Evelyn and gazed out at the passingndscape. Her phone buzzed with a message fromn.


    *Where are you nning to take Evelyn next?*


    Eleanor simply turned off her phone, not nning to reply.


    Up front, Xavier''s phone chimed. It wasn.


    *Xavier, where are you all headed next?*


    *Sorry,n. Eleanor asked me not to share our ns,* Xavier typed back. Then, after a moment, he added, *Don''t worry-I''ll make sure Eleanor and Evelyn are safe and having a good time.*


    A few minutester,n replied, *Thanks for your help, Xavier.*


    Aplicated look flickered in Xavier''s eyes. Eleanor hadn''t explicitly told him to keep their ns secret, but he decided to do so¡ªif only to let her enjoy the trip in peace.


    Meanwhile, another message came through on Eleanor''s phone.


    *Have fun. See you when you get back.*


    That afternoon, they arrived at Fairytale Meadows. After checking in, the kids were beside themselves with excitement.


    The next three days passed in a blissful blur. Eleanor and Xavier took the girls to visit local attractions, always keeping their focus on the children. When they tired, everyone would rest-a moment for the grown-ups to sip coffee and chat while the girls shared cake and sweets nearby.


    Eleanor felt lighter than she had in ages. Xavier seemed to share her mood, doing his best to maintain the rxed, cheerful atmosphere.


    He also took every opportunity to snap photos of the children¡ªand often made sure to include Eleanor in the frame. Her gentle smile, caught in the camera''s lens, was like a patch of sunlight in the middle of winter.


    One afternoon, as they sat in a cozy caf¨¦, Eleanor helped the girls pick out some charming little toys. Xavier snapped a photo: Vivian and Evelyn walking ahead, Eleanor trailing behind. She nced up and met his gaze through the lens, offering him a bright, easy smile.


    He pressed the shutter, freezing the moment. It looked, in that instant, as if Eleanor were his wife, caring for the two children and heading toward him with that warm smile.


    After a moment''s hesitation, Xavier opened an old social media app he hadn''t used in ages. He uploaded a few photos-scenery, children, sunlight, and that candid shot of Eleanor.


    He typed a simple caption: *For this moment, all is calm and right with the world.*


    When he hit send, his heart thumped a little faster. He knew he was quietly broadcasting his feelings for Eleanor to the world, even if it was just a hint.


    It was a secret, unspoken affection, but in that moment he wished everyone could


    see.


    Back at the hotel, Xavier stretched out on the sofa and checked his phone-likes andments were already rolling in.


    *Where is this, Mr. Vaughn? The scenery looks amazing.*


    *Those kids are adorable, and thedy next to you is beautiful too!*


    *Mr. Vaughn, when will you introduce us?*


    All messages from friends, and Xavier smiled faintly, though beneath the smile was a bittersweet ache.


    A momentter, he deleted the post.


    He wanted to hold on to the joy of these stolen moments with Eleanor, to savor


    the reality instead of the fantasy. Tomorrow, they''d be heading home.


    He knew that to Eleanor, he was just a friend these past couple of days had made that clear. And so he didn''t let himself hope for more.

 Chapter 702

    Back home, Serena Goodwin sat rigidly on the couch, staring in disbelief at the screenshot she''d managed to save. Although Xavier had deleted his post almost immediately, she''d been obsessively tracking his every move online and caught it in time.


    This was the second time Xavier had posted something for Eleanor-the first had been thatte-night cooking photo, and now this, snapshots from their trip abroad together.


    Serena''s grip tightened around her phone, her fingers pressing so hard against the ss she thought it might crack.


    She''d known her brother was traveling with Eleanor for work in Drexford, but no one told her Xavier hade along too. And now her brother was already back home, which meant that Eleanor and Xavier were off vacationing together with the two kids?


    It was right there in Xavier''s photos the four of them at Fairytale Meadows, smiling, looking for all the world like a family.


    The image of Eleanor with the children stung, but Xavier''s caption was what really made Serena''s blood boil.


    Anyone who didn''t know the truth would think they were a picture-perfect family.


    A heavy ache settled in Serena''s chest, jealousy burning hot in her veins. She''d been furious when her brother had agreed to apany Eleanor on that work trip, but this¡ªthis was so much worse. Eleanor had even managed to persuade Xavier to take a trip abroad with her. What a maniptor she was.


    One business trip and suddenly she had two men orbiting around her.


    At least her brother hade home the moment Serena called; she hadn''t given Eleanor the satisfaction of having both men at her beck and call. But Xavier-who knew what kind of spell Eleanor had cast over him? With her brother gone, what was stopping Eleanor from pulling out all the stops to seduce Xavier?


    Images flooded Serena''s mind: the kids asleep, Eleanor sneaking into Xavier''s room... Had they already crossed some unspoken line?


    After all, Eleanor had been divorced for two years now. Her brother had moved on to Vanessa, so surely Eleanor would have found someone else by now. Someone like Xavier.


    Serena was more convinced than ever. Xavier was utterly devoted to Eleanor- there had to be something going on behind the scenes, something Eleanor had done to keep him so loyal.


    Suddenly, hot tears spilled down Serena''s cheeks. It felt like her heart was being torn apart, the pain of rejection almost too much to bear.


    Grinding her teeth, she logged into her own social media ount, posted Xavier''s already-deleted photo with a scathing caption: Some people just can''t wait to trade up after a divorce-dragging their kids along to seduce someone else. Absolutely disgusting.


    Gavin, who was at the airport waiting to board his flight, saw Serena''s post immediately. He kept a close eye on the Goodwin family''s updates and instantly understood that Serena''s attack was aimed at Eleanor.


    He knew if the press got hold of this, it could ruin Eleanor''s reputation. Without hesitation, he calledn.


    "Hello?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Goodwin just posted something that could seriously damage Miss Sutton''s reputation." As he spoke, Gavin sentn the screenshot.


    His handsome features darkened for a moment before he dialed Serena''s number.


    "Brother."


    "Delete that post. Now."


    Serena''s voice trembled with indignation. "Why should I? She''s seducing Xavier, and who knows what else they''ve been doing overseas-"


    "Enough," Ian cut her off sharply. "Delete it. Now."


    "I won''t! I want everyone to see what kind of person she really is. Just because she''s a scientist-does she think she''s better than everyone else?"


    With that, Serena hung up on him.


    Ten minutester,n strode into Serena''s room, not even bothering to remove his coat. His gaze was icy. "Delete that post."


    "She''s treated you like this and you still want to protect her?" Serena snapped, her anger ring. "I can''t stand the way she throws herself at Xavier, acting like some homewrecker. For all we know, they''ve already¡ª¡±


    A sharp p echoed through the room.


    Serena clutched her cheek, stunned, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You... you hit me?"


    Tears ran down Serena''s face as she wailed, "You hit me for Eleanor?"


    "She''s been divorced for two years! You really think she hasn''t gone after Xavier by now? He''s perfect, and you think she''d just let him go?"


    "But-"


    "That''s enough!"n''s tone was ice. "This is thest time I''m going to say it- delete the post."


    Biting her lip, Serena snatched up her phone and deleted the post with shaking hands, then hurled it aside and ran out of the room, sobbing.


    In the hallway,n leaned against the wall, rubbing his brow, every line in his body screaming exhaustion.


    Downstairs, he grabbed his car keys and was almost out the door when he heard Gina Quinn''s voice ring out, "Serena, what happened to your face? Who hit you?"


    From the living room came Serena''s muffled sobs and Gina''s gentle consoling.


    In just two days, Eleanor would be back.

 Chapter 703

    The airport was buzzing at 7 p.m., its fluorescent lights glinting off polished floors. After a long-haul flight, Eleanor and Xavier emerged from the arrivals gate with their two children in tow. The kids had each managed a decent nap on the ne, so they were still full of energy, while Xavier''s assistant wheeled Eleanor''s suitcase behind them.


    "Tired?" Xavier asked with gentle concern.


    Eleanor shook her head. "I''m all right." She''d managed to nap, too, her daughter curled in her arms during the flight.


    Just then, Xavier''s assistant approached. "Mr. Vaughn, the car''s waiting right outside."


    "Thanks." Xavier gave a nod, then turned to Eleanor. "We''ll be home soon. You can rest."


    Since Xavier had already arranged transportation, Eleanor hadn''t bothered calling Ellington.


    Suddenly, Evelyn''s eyes widened with delight as she spotted a familiar figure emerging through the crowd.


    "Daddy!" she squealed, darting forward.


    "Ian," Xavier greeted, standing shoulder to shoulder with Eleanor as he held Vivian''s hand.


    For a moment, the two men sized each other up, a subtle undercurrent shifting between them.


    "Thank you for bringing them home safe,¡±n said, addressing Xavier. "I appreciate it."


    "It was no trouble," Xavier replied with a polite smile.


    Even in this simple exchange, something unsaid lingered, quietly sparking.


    "Evelyn, we''ll ride home with Mr. Vaughn. Come down, sweetheart," Eleanor called to her daughter.


    But Evelyn, having missed her father these past few days, clung to his neck, refusing to let go. "I want to ride with Daddy."


    "Let her spend some time withn," Xavier suggested gently.


    Xavier''s gaze flickered to Eleanor as well. In that instant, it felt like an unspoken contest between the two men. Whom would she choose?


    Oblivious to the adult tension, Evelyn squirmed inn''s arms and piped up, "Mom, I''m hungry. Can we get something to eat?"


    Eleanor, despite her reluctance to ride withn, knew she would go wherever her daughter was.


    She turned to Xavier. "Thank you for everything these past few days, Xavier. Let me treat you to dinner sometime."


    Xavier smiled. "No need to thank me. Traveling with you all was a pleasure."


    There were still some expenses she needed to settle with him, given that Xavier had handled all the arrangements, but now wasn''t the time.


    "We''ll be off, then," Ian said, arching a brow at Xavier.


    "Of course! You''re always looking at her and smiling. I saw you watching her on the ne the whole time," Vivian replied matter-of-factly.


    Xavier flushed slightly. "Was I... really?"


    "Uh-huh! And you even asked the stewardess for an extra nket for her!" Vivian added.


    Xavier pressed a finger to his lips. "Let''s keep that a secret for now, okay? Don''t tell Ms. Sutton."


    Vivian nodded solemnly, her small fist clenched with resolve. "I hope you marry her. I''d love for her to be my aunt." Maybe it was her ownplicated childhood, but Vivian was more perceptive than most children her age. She''d noticed, all along, how Xavier looked at Eleanor.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor settled into the back seat ofn''s car, daughter in herp. She expectedn to take the front seat, but instead, he slid in beside her. The car started moving before she could change her mind, so she shifted closer to the window, gazing outside at the passing city lights.


    "Daddy, why did youe home early?" Evelyn asked, breaking the silence.


    "I had something important to take care of,"n replied, his voice a little rough from fatigue.


    "Next time, you can''t leave me and Mom in another country while youe home alone!" Evelyn''s protest was indignant. She hadn''t been upset at the time, but the thought of it now made her frown.


    "Okay, I promise. It won''t happen again,¡±n said, pressing his forehead gently to his daughter''s.


    Evelyn lifted her tiny finger and pointed at him, bossy as ever. "Now you have to apologize to Mom. Say sorry."


    "Come on!" Evelyn insisted, her tone earnest.


    toward the window, her profile cool and distant.


    "I''m sorry, Eleanor,"n said quietly, voice low and sincere.


    Evelyn turned to her mother, harrumphing when Eleanor didn''t reply. "See, Mom''s mad at you. She won''t talk to you anymore."


    "It''s my fault,¡±n said, pulling Evelyn close and pressing a kiss to her hair.


    Stubbornness ran in Evelyn''s blood-she had inheritedn''s pride. She crossed her arms and turned her face away, pouting dramatically.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She fished it out of her bag and checked the message.


    "Did yound safely?" The text was from Mansfield Ellington.


    Eleanor''s heart gave a small jolt. Was he tracking her flight information?


    "Mom, who is it?" Evelyn asked, curiosity piqued.


    "It''s Mr. Ellington," Eleanor answered truthfully.


    "Is Mr. Ellingtoning to our house?" Evelyn asked, all innocence.


    Eleanor was typing a reply as she shook her head. "No, sweetheart."


    Another message pinged in: "I''m in Kingston. Before I return to base, I''lle see you in Ashford City."

 Chapter 704

    Eleanor typed her reply carefully. "No need toe all the way here. I''m swampedtely."


    And she really would be busy in the days ahead. She didn''t want to take up any more of his time.


    "I promised to treat you and Evelyn to dinner. I can''t break my word," came his response.


    Eleanor let out a soft sigh, replying, "We can have dinner another time. There''s no reason for you to make a special trip and disrupt your schedule.¡±


    "Spending my time on you isn''t a disruption. It''s worth it."


    She couldn''t help but smile, her lips curving despite herself. In the dimly lit car, the glow from her phone screen illuminated the amusement on her face.


    The air inside the car felt thick, and Evelyn sensed the tension. She nced up and saw her father watching her mother with an unreadable expression. Curiosity flickered in her eyes. "Daddy, why do you look sad?"


    Evelyn, distracted by her toys, rummaged through Eleanor''s bag and pulled out a small figurine to y with. Ian kept his eyes on Eleanor, who was still focused on her texts.


    Eleanor kept trying to convince Mansfield not toe, urging him to focus on his work with the military.


    "I wanted to go with you to Drexford on your business trip, but my request for leave to go abroad was denied," Mansfield messaged her.


    Eleanor paused, her fingers hovering over the keys.


    He was a soldier-he couldn''t just travel overseas as he pleased. Besides, thest thing Eleanor wanted was for Mansfield to take risks on her behalf.


    She needed to make that perfectly clear, so nothing like this would happen again.


    Engrossed in her messages, Eleanor didn''t notice the pair of eyes fixed on her, the emotions behind them impossible to decipher.


    Evelyn tugged at her sleeve, "Mommy, where''s the present I''m giving Daddy?"


    "It''s in the suitcase," Eleanor answered.


    "Oh! Mommy, my doll''s hat is missing. Can you help me find it?" Evelyn held up the toy hopefully.


    Eleanor quickly recorded a voice message for Mansfield: "Can we talkter?"


    He replied with a voice message of his own. In the quiet car, Mansfield''s smooth, maic voice came through the speaker: "Sure, I''ll call youter."


    Eleanor set her phone aside, switched on the backseat light, and rummaged through her bag until she finally found the missing hat. Evelyn snuggled up beside her, content with her toy.


    When Eleanor moved to switch off the light, Evelyn protested, wanting it left on. Eleanor, exhausted, reclined in her seat and let her eyes close, finally stealing a moment''s rest.


    Since they''d gotten in the car,n hadn''t once caught her gaze.


    He watched her tired profile, his Adam''s apple bobbing as he swallowed. Then, reaching over, he gently pulled his daughter to his side.


    "Let Mommy rest for a bit," he said quietly, then leaned across to switch off the overhead light above Eleanor.


    He turned on the reading light on his own side instead, letting Evelyn y quietly in hisp. She sat contentedly, not disturbing her mother.


    When they arrived at Cloudcrest Manor, Eleanor stirred awake. As the driver unloaded their suitcase,n reached for it first, offering, "Let me walk you both upstairs."


    "That''s not necessary," Eleanor replied coolly.


    "Bye, Daddy!" Evelyn called, waving enthusiastically as she skipped toward the entrance, Eleanor trailing behind with the suitcase.


    His phone rang. It was Gavin.


    "Hello?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, the Secretary of State''s office just sent word. There''s a small private dinner in Kingston in three days, and you''re on the guest list."


    "Got it,"n replied.


    "I checked the list-Dr. Windsor and Miss Sutton are invited as well," Gavin added.


    Eleanor and Mansfield had been exchanging messages nonstop, clearly enjoying each other''spany. The Ellingtons were treating Eleanor with an unexpected amount of respect. From the looks of it, if Eleanor did want to marry into their family, they wouldn''t care about her past.


    The thought maden''s grip tighten around his phone.


    Back at home, Joslyn would take care of Evelyn''s dinner, so Eleanor headed to her room for a shower. Afterward, feeling refreshed, she heard her phone ring from the sofa.


    She picked up. "Hello? Who''s this?"


    "Is this Ms. Eleanor?" The voice was a man''s, speaking wless English.


    "Yes, this is she."


    "I''m calling from the Secretary of State''s office. We''d like to extend an invitation


    for you to attend a private dinner in Kingston three days from now. The Secretary is looking forward to meeting you."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Could you tell me the exact time?"


    "This Friday at 7 p.m., at the Kingston Grand Hotel. We''ll arrange your flight and amodations," the assistant replied, polite and efficient.


    "All right. I''ll be there," Eleanor agreed.


    She hung up, still reeling from the unexpected invitation, when her phone rang again this time, it was Mansfield.


    "I just heard you''re invited to my dad''s dinner party," Mansfield said, his voice bright with excitement.


    "You didn''t set this up, did you?" Eleanor asked quickly. She wanted no part in any backdoor favors.


    "No, not at all. This is something my father arranged himself. I checked the guest listn will be there, and so will Dr. York Windsor."


    Eleanor breathed a small sigh of relief. "Okay! I''ll make sure I can attend."


    "I''lle pick you up," Mansfield offered suddenly.


    "That''s not necessary-" she began.


    He cut her off with a cheerfulugh. "Don''t worry about it. I''ve got some time off!"


    "Really, you don''t need to go out of your way," Eleanor insisted.


    But Mansfield was undeterred. "It''s no trouble at all. I''ll be there first thing the day after tomorrow."


    "So, we''ll finally see each other this time," his tone softened. "I''m really looking forward to it."

 Chapter 705

    The next morning, after dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor headed to theb. The Drexford Summit had been more rewarding than she''d hoped, and now it was time to settle in and focus on her research.


    Joel Kingsley called the morning meeting. Eleanor slipped on herb coat and joined the others.


    Simone Langley and her team arrived as well.


    No sooner had Eleanor stepped into the conference room than she felt a pair of envious eyes on her. Faye Yeaton had heard that Eleanor had been invited to the Drexford Summit¡ªa world-ss medical conference-and she''d also learned from Vanessa Shannon thatn himself had apanied her.


    That kind of treatment was the envy of everyone. Maybe it was evenn who''d secured Eleanor''s invitation. After all, on the world stage of medical research, Eleanor''s reputation was hardly legendary.


    "Now, I''d like Eleanor to give us a brief overview of the summit-let us know what breakthroughs other countries are making in medical research," Joel announced, leading the apuse.


    Simone smiled encouragingly. "Eleanor, tell us what you saw and learned this time."


    Eleanor stood up calmly, walked to the projector, and brought up her slides.


    "This year''s summit focused mainly on gene editing and immunotherapy for cancer," she exined in detail. Then her tone shifted. "Of course, our own research is right at the forefront particrly our progress in leukemia treatment, and the advances we''ve made with our Al robotics. We''re leading the field globally in both areas."


    Simone''s eyes shone with pride. ¡°Exactly. We''re more than capable ofpeting with the world''s best teams."


    Faye bit her lip in frustration. Both major research achievements Eleanor had mentioned were projects Faye herself had worked on. Clearly, Eleanor hadn''t missed a chance to showcase their sess at the summit.


    After the meeting, as Simone and Eleanor spoke in the hallway, Faye


    approached, clutching a folder. "Professor, did you get a chance to read the paper


    I submittedst week?"


    "Oh, not yet! I''ll take a look when I have time," Simone replied.


    Faye''s smile faltered. She''d hoped Simone would praise her in front of Eleanor- after all, she thought her paper was excellent.


    "Congrattions, Eleanor!" Faye said, forcing her brightest smile for Simone''s benefit. "You really put ourb on the map at the summit."


    Eleanor dipped her head in acknowledgement.


    "But next time, maybe someone with more experience should go-like Dr. Lyman, Professor Langley, or Joel. Don''t you think?" Faye''s polite tone barely concealed the jab at Eleanor for stealing the spotlight.


    "Faye." Simone gave her a pointed look. "Eleanor was invited by name because her work on targeted leukemia therapy is attracting international attention. Not just anyone gets that kind of invitation."


    Faye''s cheeks reddened. She managed a weak smile. "I just think that for international conferences, it''s better to send someone with more experience. They''d be more representative."


    "Eleanor did an outstanding job. If we get the chance, we''d all be happy to rmend her again," Simone said firmly, seeing right through Faye''s attempt to stir up trouble.


    Faye flushed. "I''m sorry, Professor. I misspoke."


    "I''ll head back to theb, Professor Langley," Eleanor said, turning away.


    Faye nced at Simone, wounded. Simone pointed at her. "If you put that energy


    into your research, you''d go far. I had such high hopes for you once."


    Faye''s fingers dug into her palm. "I know."


    After Simone left, Faye took a deep breath. Eleanor was gaining international recognition, while she was still stuck as an assistant researcher.


    Later, Joel joined Eleanor in theb, and they worked straight through till the end of the day.


    Eleanor was set to leave for Kingston in the morning. She mentioned it to Joel, who nodded approvingly. "It''s a great opportunity. If you can secure national-level support, our project will move forward much more smoothly."


    Eleanor was eager to win more resources for theb.


    At 4:30, her phone buzzed with a message fromn.


    "Heard you''re heading to Kingston for work. I''ll pick Evelyn up tonight and take her to my mother''s for a few days."


    Eleanor knew her daughter missed her grandmother; she''d asked about visiting justst night, and Eleanor had promised her she could go.


    "Okay," Eleanor replied.


    "I''ll be in Kingston for work too. Want to travel together?"n followed up.


    "No need," Eleanor answered, without hesitation.


    "I''ve arranged to go with Dr. Windsor," he texted back.


    "I''ve already made ns," Eleanor replied.


    "With Mansfield?"


    "None of your business."


    In his office at Goodwin & Co.,n stared at Eleanor''s message, drumming his long fingers twice on the desk before finally typing, "Alright, see you in Kingston."


    Meanwhile, at the hospital, Vanessa was finally recovering after a high fever hadnded her in the ICU. Now, in her pale blue hospital gown, she looked even more delicate than usual.

 Chapter 706

    Henry Holt had just returned from an ind research project overseas. The moment hended, he rushed to see her, a bouquet of red roses cradled in his arms. He set the flowers down gently on the bedside table.


    "How are you feeling? Any better?" Henry sat down beside her bed, his concern unmistakable in his eyes.


    "Henry, thank you foring to see me. I really am feeling much better." Vanessa said, then quickly brought her hand up to cover her face. "Don''t look at me¡ªI must look awful right now."


    Henry couldn''t help but chuckle. "Nonsense. You''ll always be the most beautiful woman in the world to me."


    Only then did Vanessa slowly lower her hand, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I was terrified this time, honestly. For a moment, I thought I might not pull through."


    "Don''t say that." Henry frowned. "I spoke to your doctor just now-he said all your vitals are stable."


    Vanessa let out a soft sigh. "Let''s hope this is thest time I have to see the inside of a hospital."


    Henry had learned from her assistant thatn had flown back overnight just to be by her side. That pang of guilt twisted inside him; he''d only heard the news yesterday.


    "Hasn beening to see youtely?" Henry asked quietly.


    Vanessa nodded. "He has, but he''s so busy these days. I keep telling him not to worry abouting to the hospital." She managed a smile. "Henry, really, thank you foring back to see me. It means a lot."


    Henry looked at the woman he''d adored in silence for years, a familiar ache settling over him. Even at her most vulnerable, it wasn''t him she longed to see most.


    He stayed with Vanessa untilte afternoon, only leaving when Serena arrived.


    "Serena, you''re here." Henry stood to greet her.


    Serena''s tone was friendly. "Hey, Henry. d you made it."


    "I''ll leave Vanessa in your care. I''ve got dinner ns with Xavier tonight, so I should get going."


    A spark lit in Serena''s eyes. "You''re meeting Xavier? Is my brothering too?" "Afraid not just me and Xavier," Henry replied.


    Serena''s eyes betrayed a flicker of disappointment, which Vanessa caught. She nced at Henry. "Henry, why don''t you take Serena with you to dinner? I''ll be fine-my assistant is here."


    Serena shot Vanessa a grateful look; she hadn''t had a chance to see Xavier in ages.


    Henry considered for a moment, then nodded. "Of course. Serena,e on." "Thanks, Vanessa. I''lle back to see youter.¡± Serena grabbed her bag and followed Henry out of the hospital room.


    At the restaurant, Xavier had already arrived. Under the warm lights, he looked every inch the refined gentleman in his deep blue suit-calm,posed, and effortlessly elegant.


    He nced up at the sound of footsteps. When he saw Serena with Henry, his expression briefly tightened.


    "Xavier, we ran into Serena on the way. Hope you don''t mind if she joins us for dinner?¡± Henry said with a smile.


    Serena, after all, was a Goodwinn''s own sister-so there was no polite way for Xavier to refuse. He nodded. "Of course, the more the merrier."


    Serena took the seat beside him, cheeks tinged pink. "Xavier, it''s been a while."


    Xavier gave her a polite, distant smile. "It has. Good to see you."


    Serena''s face flushed a deeper shade, but she stayed at his side.


    "So, Xavier, where have you beentely?" Henry asked, trying to keep the conversation light.


    "Took Vivian on a trip abroad."


    "Oh really? Where to?"


    "We spent a few days in Fairhaven, then headed to Drexford for some skiing."


    Serena''s fingers twisted nervously in her napkin. So he''d gone to Fairhaven first, then Drexford-was it because of Eleanor?


    "Just you and Vivian?" Henry continued, oblivious to the tension.


    Xavier took a sip of water. "No, Eleanor and Evelyn joined us in Drexford. We went skiing together."


    Henry paused, caught off guard, and nced quickly at Serena before changing the subject. "By the way, my ind research project is about to be signed off. Next time, I''ll have to invite you both to visit."


    Serena bit her lip and spoke up, "Xavier, if you go skiing again, could you invite me? You know how much I love it."


    Henry almost choked; he''d tried to steer the conversation away, but Serena had brought it right back.


    Xavier''s tone was neutral. "I''m swamped at work these days. Doubt I''ll have time to hit the slopes again soon."


    "There are great ski resorts around here you wouldn''t even have to travel-" Serena tried, unwilling to let it drop.


    Xavier looked straight at her, cutting her off. "I don''t actually like skiing."


    The rejection was unvarnished, direct.


    Serena''s face went scarlet. She gripped her cup, at a loss for words.


    Henry quickly stepped in, trying to save her from further embarrassment. ¡°Serena, don''t you love Fashion Week? Next time, maybe you and Vanessa could go together."


    Serena forced a smile. ¡°Yeah, that sounds good. I''ll ask Vanessa toe along." Just then, Xavier''s phone buzzed. He nced at the screen, grabbed his jacket, and stood up. "Henry, something''se up. Let''s catch up another time."


    Serena felt her cheeks burning. Was Xavier really so unwilling to even look at her now?

 Chapter 707

    Henry and Serena shared what would be their final meal together. Serena barely touched her food, a knot of frustration and sadness tightening in her chest, while Henry tried to offer some gentle words offort.


    When Serena returned to Vanessa''s hospital room, she couldn''t hold it in any longer. She covered her face and broke down in quiet sobs. "Am I really that awful? He wouldn''t even stay for onest meal with me. What did I do wrong?"


    Vanessa''s eyes flickered with concern. She reached over and patted Serena''s shoulder. "This isn''t your fault. Don''t me yourself."


    Serena looked up, resentment shining in her tear-filled eyes. "You''re right¡ªit''s not my fault. It''s Eleanor''s. She must have said all sorts of things about me to Xavier. That''s why he looks at me that way now."


    Vanessa''s expression shifted, a thoughtful glint in her eye. "Don''t cry, Serena. I never thought Xavier would treat you like this for Eleanor''s sake. He''s not usually that kind of person."


    "I know exactly what kind of man Xavier is," Serena said, her anger rising. "Eleanor is the reason he''s turned so cold. She hates me and my brother. She''ll do anything to ruin my happiness." The more she spoke, the more the injustice burned inside her.


    This was Eleanor''s revenge.


    After Vanessa fell ill, and Serena''s older brother flew back from overseas at a moment''s notice, Eleanor must have been furious. So whenever Serena was alone with Xavier, Eleanor found ways to poison his mind, making Serena look bad in his eyes.


    "It''s all because of me," Vanessa said quietly, pressing a hand to her chest as she coughed. "What happened between me andn-Eleanor mes you for it."


    Serena snapped her head up, indignation ring. "How could this be your fault? Eleanor''s just ungrateful. She acts like my brother still cares for her, dragging him along on business trips."


    Her anger mounting, Serena blurted out something she''d tried to keep secret. "Because of her, my brother pped me the other night."


    "What?" Vanessa stared at her, shocked. n did that?"


    Serena''s voice trembled with hurt. "Just because I posted something about Eleanor, he¨D" she broke off, frustration clear.


    Vanessa''s face went pale. She leaned back against her pillows, her fingers twisting the sheet unconsciously.


    Seeing her reaction, Serena quickly wiped her tears away. "Don''t be upset, Vanessa. My brother didn''t do it for Eleanor-he did it for Evelyn. He doesn''t want his daughter to get hurt. That''s why I deleted the post in the end."


    Some color returned to Vanessa''s cheeks. "You''re right. Evelyn is still so young. She needs her mother. I wouldn''t want her to get caught in the crossfire either."


    A gentle warmth welled up in Serena''s chest. She thought that once she and her brother got married, they''d bring Evelyn home to the Goodwin family, and Vanessa would make a wonderful, loving stepmother.


    Just then, Serena''s phone rang. She nced at the screen. "It''s my brother."


    "Go on, answer it," Vanessa urged softly.


    Serena picked up, her tone brightening. "Hey,n."


    "I have to go to Kingston for work. I''ll be gone for three days,"n said, his voice t and distant.


    Ever since that argument, Serena knew her brother was still upset, and it showed in his chilly tone.


    "Another trip? Why are you always traveling?" sheined.


    "It''s business."


    "Alright. Don''t worry I''ll take good care of Vanessa."


    He grunted his acknowledgment and hung up.


    A momentter, Vanessa''s phone buzzed with a message from Faye: "Eleanor''s back in town, but word is she''s heading out again soon-off to Kingston for a conference." There was a hint of jealousy in Faye''s words.


    Eleanor was going to Kingston too? Withn?


    Vanessa''s face paled again, her hand tightening around the nket. She decided not to mention it to Serena-her temper was too fiery, and she didn''t want anything interfering withn''s important trip. Meeting with the nation''s top officials in Kingston was too significant to risk drama.


    But Vanessa had her own ns.


    When Serena left, Vanessa quietly dialed Henry''s number.


    "Hey, Vanessa," he answered.


    "Henry, I need a favor."


    "What is it?"


    "Book me a flight to Kingston," Vanessa said softly. "I need to get away for a bit. I want to see the snow."


    It had already snowed in Kingston, while Ashford City remained stubbornly dry.


    "But you''re still recovering-" Henry protested, concern thick in his voice.


    "I''ll be fine. Please, I just need this."


    He hesitated. "Alright. I''lle with you. I can''t let you go alone."

 Chapter 708

    That evening, Eleanor was finishing up some work when, at nine o''clock, she received a message from Mansfield: he''d already arrived in Ashford City, and would be joining her for the flight to Kingston the next morning.


    "I''ll pick you up at eight and drive you to the airport."


    Eleanor hated to trouble him, but since Mansfield had made all the arrangements, she couldn''t very well refuse. She replied, "Alright, thanks."


    This trip to Kingston was for a private dinner hosted by the Secretary of State-an event of the highest level. She needed to be thoroughly prepared.


    York had already spoken with her. The Secretary''s purpose this time was to learn about breakthroughs in brainputer interface technology and discuss the future direction of medical science.


    That night, Evelyn was already staying over at Goodwin Manor. Wanting to be in top form, Eleanor went to bed right on schedule.


    At dawn, Mansfield arrived at her doorstep, punctual as ever. He wore a dark trench coat, giving him a touch of unstudied elegance.


    "Morning," Mansfield greeted her with a smile.


    "Good morning." Eleanor returned his smile, her suitcase neatly waiting beside her.


    "Mr. Ellington, have you had breakfast yet? Would you like toe in and eat something?" Joslyn called out warmly from the hallway.


    "Thank you, I''ve already eaten." Mansfield declined politely, stepping inside to take Eleanor''s suitcase. "Let''s get going."


    They set off for the airport, Mansfield driving straight through the quiet city streets. This time, they were flyingmercial.


    As the car cruised smoothly down the airport road, Eleanor felt a flutter of nerves.


    Mansfield nced over, easily picking up on her mood. "Nervous?"


    ¡°A little,¡± Eleanor admitted. ¡°It''s my first time attending a meeting like this."


    He offered a reassuring smile. ¡°Don''t worry. My father''s a big fan of your research.


    He mainly wants to hear your ideas on the future of medicine."


    That helped. Eleanor nodded, feeling herself rx a bit.


    At the airport, Mansfield led her through the VIP entrance. They''d barely set foot


    in the lounge when Eleanor''s steps faltered-she spottedn and Dr. York deep in conversation.


    "What a coincidence, Eleanor,¡± York said with a genial smile. ¡°You''re on this flight too?"


    Eleanor returned the smile as she approached. "Dr. Windsor."


    York''s eyes flicked curiously to Mansfield. "And this is...?"


    "He''s Mansfield, he''s " Eleanor hesitated, unsure how to introduce him given the sensitivity around his identity.


    "Dr. Windsor, it''s a pleasure. I''m Mansfield. My father is Garth Ellington," he said, extending a hand with practiced confidence.


    York''s eyes widened in astonishment. So this was the Secretary''s son!


    a few seconds. "Major General Ellington. It''s been a while."


    "It has indeed, Mr. Goodwin," Mansfield replied with polite formality.


    The tension in the air was so thick it was almost palpable. York, sensing the shift, quickly tried to lighten the atmosphere. "Well, what are the odds? Eleanor, I wanted to go over a few points with you about tonight''s report¡ª"


    Before Eleanor could answer, the lounge doors swung open and two more people entered: Henry and Vanessa.


    "We''ve got business in Kingston,n," Henry replied.


    Vanessa, still looking a bit frail after her recent illness, was wrapped in a beige cashmere coat that only highlighted her delicate beauty. When she sawn, delight flickered in her eyes-until she noticed Eleanor and Mansfield together. Her face froze.


    So, Eleanor really was going to Kingston with him.


    n," she called softly.


    Henry quickly interjected, "I checked with the doctor. He said it''s fine. Vanessa just wanted to get out for a bit¡ª"


    Vanessa managed a weak smile. "Don''t worry,n. I won''t get in the way of your work."


    She turned to Eleanor. "Eleanor, it''s been ages."


    Eleanor ignored her, eyes fixed on her phone. Henry noticed the coldness and frowned, thinking Eleanor''s behavior was unnecessarily rude.


    Just then, Mansfield slid an arm around Eleanor''s shoulders. "There''s a caf¨¦ outside. Let''s go get a coffee."


    Eleanor was more than happy to leave the room; she nodded and followed him out.<pn watched them go, Mansfield''s arm protectively around Eleanor, his own gaze darkening, his hand unconsciously clenching into a fist.

 Chapter 709

    Inside the caf¨¦, Mansfield leaned toward Eleanor and asked quietly, "Should we avoid them? We can switch to ater flight, if you want."


    Eleanor had already checked the schedule-changing tickets would mean waiting until eleven. She wanted to arrive early to prepare, and since Mr. Windsor was also on this flight, there was really no one she needed to avoid.


    Once Eleanor sat down, Mansfield asked what she''d like to drink. She ordered a vanitte, and Mansfield went to the counter to ce their order.


    A few minutester, York emerged from another corner, phone pressed to his ear. Eleanor gave him a small wave; York pointed at his phone in response and headed off in the opposite direction.


    In the lounge, Henry and Vanessa were still sitting withn.


    Henry couldn''t help but wonder whyn hadn''t used his private jet this time. Why was he catching amercial flight like everyone else? It wasn''t as ifn didn''t have time to file a flight n.


    Unless he''d chosen to forgo the jet himself. Henry''s gaze lingered onn, remembering how he''d just seen Eleanor with that young man in the caf¨¦. Suddenly, the pieces clicked into ce.


    But was that even possible?


    The truth was, it only took twenty minutes from the rooftop helipad at Goodwin & Co. Tower to the airport. Ian could have easily arrived in Kingston ahead of everyone else.


    "I''m going out for a smoke,"n said to Henry, then got up and left the lounge.


    Outside, through the ss wall,n''s eyes found Eleanor''s slender figure in the caf¨¦. She was hunched over her phone, checking messages. Mansfield returned with two coffees, setting one gently in front of her.


    Eleanor took her cup, warming her hands around it as she smiled up at Mansfield.


    Mansfield loungedfortably across from her, chatting in an easy, rxed tone.


    Eleanor was scrolling through the meeting agenda, while Mansfield was still stewing a bit over running inton at the airport-and on the same flight, no less. As far as he knew,n''s private jet was always ready to go at a moment''s notice.


    "Did you and Dr. Windsor n to take this flight together?" Mansfield asked, curious.


    Eleanor hesitated briefly, then nodded. Mr. Windsor had indeed asked herst night which flight she was on, and she''d told him: the early morning one.


    Mansfield shot her a knowing look, as if the exnation finally made sense.


    In the smoking room,n leaned against a marble pir, the tip of his cigarette glowing in the dim light. The stale haze of someone else''s cigarette drifted over, making him frown. He took another drag, then stubbed it out and stepped back into the terminal.


    As he passed the caf¨¦, Eleanor and Mansfield were still talking. The way Eleanor smiled up at Mansfield¡ªbright and open¡ªmaden''s eyes narrow just a fraction.


    Sensing something, Eleanor nced to the side and, through the ss, caughtn''s gaze at the doorway. Her smile froze at the corners.


    Mansfield, sharp as ever, noticed the shift. He turned and metn''s eyes, giving him a polite nod.


    Eleanor and Mansfield boarded at thest call. In first ss, Henry and Vanessa sat together in one row, York andn in another.


    Eleanor settled into her seat, while Mansfield''s was a few rows behind. Mansfield turned to the well-dresseddy sitting next to Eleanor and, with his trademark charming smile, asked, "Excuse me, ma''am, would you mind swapping seats with me? My girlfriend tends to get a little airsick, and I''d like to sit with her."


    The woman looked Mansfield up and down-handsome, polite. She might not have wanted to move, but his warm, winning smile made it impossible to refuse. "Of course, no problem," she replied cheerfully.


    After switching, she nced at Eleanor, thinking to herself, What a perfect-looking couple.


    Mansfield''s little announcement echoed through the quiet first-ss cabin; everyone who needed to hear, heard it.


    Henry turned around in surprise, studying Mansfield for a few moments. Even now, he still had no idea who this "boyfriend¡± really was.

 Chapter 710

    Still, he was now acting as if he were Eleanor''s boyfriend. He couldn''t see her expression from where he sat, but it was clear she had tacitly epted the role.


    After Mansfield took his seat, he winked at Eleanor. She shot him a wry smile, resigned; if she wanted to swap seats, she''d at least need a reasonable excuse.


    Vanessa nced back atn, who was staring out the window, his handsome profile tense, jaw clenched.


    She looked away, her face clouded with frustration.


    From what she knew ofn, he was proud-someone who always held the upper hand in a rtionship, never one to change for anyone, least of all for Eleanor.


    Yet as she mulled this over, Vanessa bit her lip, a swirl of conflicting emotions welling inside her. So much had shifted between them, quietly and irreversibly.


    When she looked up, she found Henry watching her with concern. If there was one thing she could be sure of, it was that Henry''s feelings for her had never changed.


    She managed a small smile and shook her head, reassuring him she was fine. The ne lifted smoothly off the tarmac. As they climbed through the clouds, Eleanor instinctively gripped the armrest, knuckles white.


    Mansfield''srge hand settled gently over hers, steady and reassuring.


    She didn''t pull away. Instead, Eleanor offered him a grateful smile and closed her eyes, willing herself to ride out the pressure in her chest.


    Once they reached cruising altitude, the flight attendants bustled around, all warmth and efficiency. Eleanor sipped a ss of iced c, settling her uneasy stomach. Later, she folded down her tray table and opened her iPad, catching up on the summit documents she hadn''t finished reading.


    Mansfield nced over at the dense medical terminology and felt genuine admiration. He couldn''t help but wonder how much effort she''d poured into her work to achieve what she had.


    He left her in peace and asked a flight attendant for a magazine.


    The flight attendants were especially attentive today; after all, two of the passengers were public figures, and Mansfield''s identity was something of a mystery.


    York had dozed off, andn requested an extra nket for him. The attendant draped it carefully over York, taking the opportunity to study this refined business magnate up close.


    "Mr. Goodwin, would you like a nket as well?" she asked with a friendly smile.


    From the row in front, Vanessa overheard the attendant''s cheerful tone and frowned, a flicker of irritation crossing her face.


    The two-and-a-half-hour flight passed quickly.


    Afternding, the group made their way to the arrivals hall. Ian and the others had private cars waiting, while Henry had arranged for hispany''s driver to pick them up.


    Asn walked toward his car, he paused to look back at Vanessa, his voice unusually deep. "Take care of yourself."


    With that, he turned and strode toward the waiting convoy.


    Vanessa stared at the ck cars with government tes, her nails digging into her palms. She couldn''t help but recall how, not long ago, Eleanor had been nothing more than a housewife-and now, she was orded this kind of respect.


    "Henry, do you know where they''re going?" Vanessa asked, unable to keep the question in.


    Henry shook his head. "Not exactly. But whoever''s meeting them must be someone very powerful."


    A weight settled on Vanessa''s chest. She remembered Eleanor standing on stage


    at a medical conference, earning a standing ovation. Now, seeing this scene, it was even clearer to her.


    Eleanor was no longer justn''s former wife. She stood shoulder to shoulder with him and in her own field, she shone even brighter.


    "Let''s head to the hotel," Henry said gently.


    Vanessa nodded and climbed into the car Henry had sent for her.


    Outside, rain was falling in Kingston. Through the shimmering curtain of water, three government cars sped off together into the city.

 Chapter 711

    Through the shifting curtain of rain, three military vehicles rolled slowly into a gated estate, its manicured gardens and imposing buildings guarded by armed sentries.


    Eleanor peered out the window, watching one of the soldiers at the entrance snap a salute as their convoy passed through.


    "We''re almost there," Mansfield said, ncing over. "This is Guesthouse Three- the one reserved for foreign visitors and prominent academics."


    It was obvious from his tone that Mansfield knew every inch of Kingston.


    Eleanor nodded, following his gaze.


    Once the cars came to a stop at the entrance, Eleanor and Mansfield stepped out. From the car ahead, York andn joined them, umbres snapping open against the drizzle.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Dr. Windsor-this way, please." Mansfield''s voice was clear and weing as he gestured for them to follow.


    After all, the three guests were here as his father''s VIPs tonight, and it was his responsibility to make sure everything went smoothly.


    Mansfield carried Eleanor''s suitcase himself. After confirming the room assignments at the front desk, he led them to the eighth floor.


    Their rooms were all lined up along the same corridor. Eleanor swiped her keycard, and when she pushed open the door, Mansfield stepped in behind her with her suitcase. The door swung shut with a soft thud.


    Across the hall,n nced over, his features set and stern beneath the warm yellow glow of the overhead lights¡ªa look even the gentle lighting couldn''t soften.


    Inside, Mansfield lingered on the balcony for a moment, watching the rain sweep across the grounds. Then he turned to Eleanor. "I''ll leave you to rest. See you tonight."


    "See you tonight," Eleanor replied, her voice calm.


    Mansfield was always considerate-never overstepping his bounds, no matter how much he might have wanted to linger.


    Once he''d gone, Eleanor set about unpacking. She''d brought a special outfit for the evening''s banquet; there was no way she''d show up in her thick winter coat. She hung up a charcoal-gray dress suit and finally exhaled, relieved.


    She stepped out onto the balcony to watch the rain, savoring the soothing rhythm against the ss. Rain always made her feel grounded-safe, even.


    A littleter, there was a knock at her door. A hotel attendant arrived, bearing a tray of desserts and tea. Eleanor smiled to herself. This must have been Mansfield''s doing.


    At noon, the doorbell rang again. Eleanor opened the door to find York waiting in the hallway. "Ready for lunch in the dining room?"


    "Sure," she said, grabbing her phone before following him out.


    They had barely settled into their seats whenn appeared. York waved him over. "Join us,n!"


    "Her face looks familiar," one of the neers said, smiling at Eleanor.


    "Ian introduced her, his voice low and steady. "Dr. Eleanor Sutton."


    "Dr. Sutton-you''re even younger than I imagined. A pleasure."


    Eleanor stood, shaking hands and offering polite smiles all around. In moments like this, personal rivalries were set aside.


    They gathered around a long table in the restaurant, a dozen of the nation''s leading doctors and innovators. Eleanor found York on her left andn on her right.


    "I''ve read your paper on brainputer interfaces," Garrison said, adjusting his sses. "Three consecutive publications in the top international medical journals -no one else at home has done that. Remarkable."


    Eleanor smiled modestly. "Thank you."


    When the waiter came around with wine for the table, she instinctively raised her hand over her ss, smiling. "Thank you, but I''ll just have tea."


    Eleanor opened her mouth to protest, but the server had already moved on. She felt a sh of annoyance atn''s presumption.


    Still, the mood at the table was light and lively. Eleanor found herself deep in conversation with a doctor fascinated by brainputer technology, with York chiming in as well. For a while, the lunch was filled withughter and effortless conversation.

 Chapter 712

    A little whileter, the same waiter from earlier brought Eleanor a ss of lemonade. She nced at it but didn''t reach for the ss.


    Throughout the entire meal, Eleanor never touched the lemonade. Ian clearly noticed, but his expression betrayed nothing.


    After dinner, Eleanor and York walked ahead, chatting amiably. York, having enjoyed a couple of drinks, announced he was heading to his room for a nap.


    "Mr. Windsor, have a good rest!" Eleanor called after him, watching as he disappeared down the hall. As she turned to head to her own room,n''s voice stopped her. "Eleanor."


    She paused without turning, her tone cool as she looked back over her shoulder. "What is it?"


    Eleanor''s expression turned icy. "I don''t need your advice."


    She was perfectly aware of the need for propriety at these events; she had no intention of giving anyone a reason to gossip about her and Mansfield.


    "I''m only looking out for you, that''s all. Nothing more,"n replied, his eyes fixed on her.


    He had his reasons. As long as Eleanor worked in hisb, her actions reflected on hispany''s reputation, whether she liked it or not.


    "Thank you for your concern." Her words were polite but cold. She opened her door and slipped inside, closing it firmly behind her.


    Goodwin Manor.


    It was three in the afternoon when Serena returned home. As she stepped into the foyer, she was startled by the sound of her niece Evelyn''sughter echoing from the living room. Evelyn was back?


    Serena walked in and spotted Evelyn, a little whirlwind of energy, darting around the room like a butterfly.


    "Evelyn, your aunt''s home!" Serena called.


    "Aunt Serena!" Evelyn chirped, waving a little hand in greeting.


    Serena set her things down and swept the child up into her arms, holding her close. "Did you miss me?" she asked, gazing at her affectionately.


    Evelyn was a clever child. She nodded vigorously. "Of course I did!"


    "Come on, let''s go to my room. I have a present for you," Serena said, remembering the gift she''d bought and left tucked away for just such an asion.


    But before handing over the present, she had a few questions in mind.


    Taking Evelyn''s hand, Serena led her upstairs. Once inside her room, she pulled Evelyn close and noticed how much the girl had grown-taller and more mature than before.


    "Evelyn, tell me, did you have fun skiing this time?"


    "It was great!" Evelyn beamed.


    Serena pressed a little further, "And did your dad teach your mom how to ski?" She hadn''t been there herself and was dying to know whether Eleanor had been pestering her brother for lessons.


    Evelyn thought for a moment, nodding. "Mom fell a few times, so then Dad helped her."


    She was telling the truth.


    Serena felt a wave of irritation. Just as she''d suspected, Eleanor was trying to


    cozy up to her brother whenever she got the chance.


    "And what about Mr. Vaughn? Did he teach your mom?"


    "Mr. Vaughn was teaching Vivian. She didn''t know how to ski."


    "So after your dad came back, did you all go to Fairytale Meadows? How did your mom get along with Mr. Vaughn there?"


    Evelyn answered honestly, "They got along really well! Mr. Vaughn bought us all sorts of gifts."


    Serena couldn''t resist probing further. "Evelyn, would you like it if Mr. Vaughn became your uncle one day?"


    Evelyn blinked, a little confused. "Uncle? You mean...?"


    "It means he''d be my husband. You''d call him Uncle."


    "Oh! Are you going to marry Mr. Vaughn, Aunt Serena?" Evelyn asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.


    ¡°One day, absolutely," Serena said with augh, tapping Evelyn''s nose yfully.

 Chapter 713

    Serena pulled a small box from her bag and held it out to her niece. "Here, sweetie. I bought this for you ages ago, but never had the chance to give it to you."


    Evelyn''s eyes lingered on the gift, her curiosity barely masked. Watching her, Serena couldn''t help but probe a little further, gently drawing the girl to her side. "Evelyn, have you ever thought about your dad marrying someone new? Maybe having a new mom?"


    At that, Evelyn''s head snapped up, her little face suddenly serious. "I don''t want a new mom," she said quietly but firmly. "I just want my own mom."


    Serena was momentarily taken aback, but quickly knelt to soothe her. "Evelyn, just think about how kind Miss Vanessa is to you! She buys you lovely dresses and brings you presents. She really cares about you, doesn''t she?"


    "But she''s not my mom!" Evelyn set the unopened gift on Serena''s bed, her voice trembling with determination. "I just want my mom.¡±


    Serena felt her patience fraying, but forced herself to stay calm. "Evelyn, try to understand, sweetheart. Your mom and dad aren''t here anymore. In the future¡ª¡±


    "I don''t want a new mom, I just don''t!" Evelyn huffed, spun on her heel, and darted out of the room.


    Serena stared after her, stunned. Was Evelyn really growing up, or had Eleanor managed to fill her head with these ideas? She had never been this resistant to Vanessa before. In fact, hadn''t she liked her just fine? Serena was sure this was all Eleanor''s doing.


    Well, maybe after her brother finally married Vanessa and brought her home, she could talk some sense into Evelyn.


    A bitter little thought surfaced: If Evelyn was so against the idea of a new mom, it was hard to imagine she''d warm up to a new dad, either. And if Eleanor cared about Evelyn''s feelings as much as she imed, then maybe Xavier didn''t stand a chance.


    Downstairs, Evelyn threw herself into her grandmother''s arms, her voice trembling with indignation. "Grandma, I don''t want a new mom. I don''t."


    Gina looked at her in surprise. "What''s this about a new mom?"


    "Aunt Serena said Dad wants to find me a new mom," Evelyn grumbled, her small fists clenched.


    In that instant, Gina understood exactly what her daughter had been telling her granddaughter. She stroked Evelyn''s hair, soothing her. "No one''s finding you a new mom, darling. Aunt Serena was just being silly. Go y, now, all right?"


    Evelyn darted off toward the garden, and Gina headed upstairs, only to find Serena emerging from her room. "Serena,e here a moment."


    "What''s wrong, Mom?" Serena asked, noting the stern look on her mother''s face.


    "Did you just tell Evelyn something about a new mom? She''s still a child, Serena. Don''t bring up things like that with her."


    "She may be a child, but just because I don''t say it doesn''t mean it won''t happen. Sooner orter, my brother''s going to marry Vanessa," Serena replied, her lips pursed.


    Gina frowned. "And what makes you so sure? Your brother hasn''t mentioned anythingtely. I haven''t heard a word about it."


    "Just the other week, when Vanessa was sick in the hospital, he dropped everything and flew home from overseas to take care of her. If that''s not love, what is? He even made me promise to keep an eye on her and call him the minute anything happened."


    "Is that so?" Gina seemed genuinely surprised.


    "Of course! The only reason Grandma doesn''t like Vanessa is because she doesn''t know what''s really going on. My brother practically worships her," Serena insisted.


    Gina had long since learned to keep her distance from her son''s romantic affairs. She''d tried interfering with his marriage to Eleanor once, and he hadn''t listened then. Now, she''d decided to let him make his own choices-whether he reconciled with Eleanor or married Vanessa, she wouldn''t interfere.


    "Mom, you remember when you were sick abroad? Wasn''t Vanessa the one who stayed by your side the most?" Serena pressed.


    Gina nodded. "Vanessa really did look after me. I''m grateful to her for that."


    "See? And Eleanor was back home, living it up while Vanessa was sacrificing for our family. My brother should''ve married Vanessa long ago, let her enjoy some happiness for once," Serena said, clearly frustrated on Vanessa''s behalf.


    "It''s not fair to me your brother. He''s been swamped at work these past two years,¡± Gina replied. "He''s busier than ever, and from what I hear, he''s just acquired several biotechpanies."


    "I''m sure Vanessa understands, but honestly, he could at least make it official¡ª give her some standing. Right now, she''s just left hanging." Serena muttered under her breath that if Vanessa were Mrs. Goodwin already, Eleanor wouldn''t be able to boss her brother around every time she went on a business trip.

 Chapter 714

    Vanessa didn''t even have an official ce in the family yet, and already she was acting jealous! That''s why Serena insisted her brother should get the marriage license first, then hold the ceremony. At least then, things would be clear.


    Gina circled back to what had just happened, her expression turning serious. "In any case, don''t bring any of this up to Evelyn. If it has to be said, let your brother talk to her himself. There''s no need to hurt her feelings."


    Serena huffed. "Oh, but what about Eleanor? She can go ahead and find a new stepdad for Evelyn, but my brother can''t have the right to find her a stepmom?¡±


    "Wait-Eleanor''s seeing Xavier now?" Gina was startled, surprised things had escted so quickly.


    Serena''s tone was sour. "And Xavier''s not the only one! Who knows how many men she''s really dating."


    Gina just sighed. "Eleanor''s single now. However many people she wants to date, that''s her business."


    "Then she shouldn''t keep bossing my brother around! He''s her ex-husband, not some errand boy she can summon whenever she pleases."


    "If he doesn''t mind, why do you care so much?" Gina shot her a look. "You''re always worrying about your brother. But when I asked you to go on that blind datest week, you couldn''t be bothered!"


    Serena remembered the guy her mother had tried to set her up with-he couldn''t evenpare to Xavier. As if she''d ever be interested.


    "Mom, please stop. I won''t settle for anyone but Xavier." Tossing her hair, Serena stormed off to her room.


    Gina shook her head in exasperation. If only the Vaughn family had shown any interest in Serena, she''d have arranged that match long ago.


    The grand ballroom of the Ambassador Hotel''s Building Three was already aglow by early evening, the massive crystal chandeliers casting a dazzling light across the space. As Eleanor entered with the other guests for the evening, she couldn''t help but draw a quiet breath.


    The head table was draped in deep blue silk embroidered with the national crest, gleaming gold-rimmed ce settings arranged with precision. A stunning floral centerpiece dominated the middle of the table.


    Waiters, all in crisp, matching uniforms, moved gracefully among the arriving guests.


    Just then, Garth strode in, dressed in a tailored suit with a subtle nod to tradition, and right behind him was Mansfield in full military regalia. The presence of father and son together seemed to fill the room with an unmistakable sense of authority.


    Mansfield caught Eleanor''s eye with a quick, warm smile. She nodded back, polite and reserved. His expression instantly sharpened-clearly, neither of them wanted to draw any extra attention tonight.


    After all, the room was filled with some of the most influential people in the country. If Eleanor stood out too much around him, it could easily backfire.


    Gentle music wafted through the hall. Garth took his ce at the head of the table, raising his ss. "Thank you all for joining us tonight, and for your tireless dedication to the advancement of our nation''s medical sciences."


    Everyone lifted their sses in unison. Principal Maxwell, representing the group, replied, "Serving our country is both an honor and a duty."


    Garth''s face softened in satisfaction as he gestured for everyone to be seated. He went on to personally acknowledge the guests, pausing when his gazended onn. His tone grew especially warm. ¡°Mr. Goodwin, your recent breakthroughs in biotechnology have not gone unnoticed. The country is lucky to have such promising talent."


    "I''m always happy to contribute to the progress of science,"n replied modestly.


    "And Dr. Sutton-" Garth''s attention shifted to Eleanor. "Our nation''s medical research relies on young leaders like you."


    "Secretary, you tter me. It''s truly my honor to do what I can for our country''s medical field." Eleanor replied with a gracious smile.


    Garth continued, "Not only is Dr. Sutton an outstanding scientist, but her humility is even more impressive."


    The extra note of praise didn''t go unnoticed, nor did the fond, almost familial smile Garth directed at Eleanor. Those nearby picked up on it right away.


    Mansfield, seated at Garth''s side, was watching as well, unable to hide the intensity in his eyes.


    Eleanor''s eyes met Mansfield''s for a brief moment. In such a formal setting, feeling his steady gaze on her made her ears grow warm. She could feel the flush creeping up her neck.


    Even from two seats away,n noticed the faint blush on Eleanor''s ears, and a storm of emotion stirred behind his calm expression.

 Chapter 715

    The banquet had reached its midpoint when Eleanor nced at her silenced phone, which she had left on the table. A new message had arrived.


    She skimmed it quickly-it was from Mansfield: *"My father thinks very highly of you."*


    Looking up, Eleanor met Mansfield''s gaze across the table. He was smiling, clearly aware that she''d read his message.


    Flustered by the warmth in his eyes, Eleanor quickly looked away. Mansfield''s open admiration left her a little at a loss.


    Garth, the host, shifted the conversation to the future of medicine and technology, inviting everyone to share their thoughts. Several guests offered opinions, including Eleanor andn, and Garth seemed genuinely pleased with the discussion.


    At one point, Eleanor excused herself to visit the restroom. On her way back, passing through a quiet hallway, she noticed someone standing on the terrace and instinctively nced over.


    Out on the terrace, the night wind carried a bite of winter cold. Ian stood there, lighting a cigarette; the ember flickered in the shadows as he exhaled. His gaze met Eleanor''s head-on.


    He watched her, his calm eyes edged with something almost predatory.


    Tonight, Eleanor wore an understated dress with a subtle elegance, as if she''d stepped out of an old oil painting-a look that lingered in the mind after a single nce.


    Only their group remained in the restaurant now, making the space feel especially quiet.


    Eleanor didn''t linger. She turned and walked back toward the dining room.


    He seemed the most at ease of anyone here, ying the part of the young host.


    Servers brought out a selection of pastries and tea. Mansfield took Eleanor''s cup from her hands and filled it a third of the way. "Try this-see if you like it," he said, offering the cup back with a smile.


    After a moment, Mansfield got up to pour tea for the other professors. He really did seem to be helping his father tonight.


    In truth, Mansfield wasn''t the official host, but he''d volunteered to assist. Garth knew what his son was thinking, so he let him stay.


    Eleanor grew irritated byn''s unrelenting stare. She shot him a warning look, her brow drawn in silent rebuke.


    The evening slipped by almost unnoticed; by now, they''d been there for two hours. At eight-thirty, Garth''s assistant came over with a quiet reminder. Garth, a touch reluctant to end things, stood and said, ¡°It''s gettingte, and I''ve truly enjoyed our conversation tonight-so many insights about the future of medicine and technology. Let''s call it a night, and I hope everyone gets some well-deserved rest."


    As guests began to rise and say their goodbyes, Eleanor picked up her purse and was about to leave when Garth''s assistant hurried over. "Dr. Sutton, would you mind staying a moment? Mr. Ellington would like a word with you."


    Eleanor paused, then nodded politely and waited.


    She watched as Garth shookn''s hand, exchanging a few final words. Over Garth''s shoulder,n sent a brief, unreadable look in Eleanor''s direction.


    After the handshake,n turned and left.


    Garth, with Mansfield in tow, approached Eleanor warmly. "I''m sorry we didn''t have more time tonight, Eleanor. I hope you''ll forgive any shorings in our hospitality."


    "Dad, maybe just get to the point," Mansfield interjected, worried his father might overwhelm Eleanor.


    Eleanor was already a little dazed from the Secretary''s praise earlier; she hadn''t expected such attention.


    Garthughed heartily. "You always cut straight to it, son."


    Out in the hallway,n overheard, his brow furrowing as he paused mid-step. His expression was unreadable, lips pressed tight before he gave a self-mocking smile and walked away.


    "Eleanor, Mansfield''s always known his own mind," Garth said, his tone gentle and proud. "He''s mentioned you to me more than once said you''re the most remarkable woman he''s ever met."


    Despite her best efforts to remainposed, Eleanor could feel a flush creeping up her neck. She hadn''t expected Mansfield to speak of her to his father.

 Chapter 716

    "Dad!" Mansfield called out in exasperation, but theughter in his eyes gave him away.


    ¡°Alright, alright, I''ll stop." Garth let out a hearty chuckle. "Eleanor, there aren''t so many rules in our family. I''ll be away on business tomorrow, but I''ve asked Mansfield to bring you over for a visit-have a cup of tea, make yourself at home."


    "Dad, can we get back to business?" Mansfield interrupted, noticing how tense Eleanor looked in his father''s presence.


    "Yes, of course. Eleanor, I have a friend whose mother is battling leukemia. He heard you''re at Kingston and asked if you could look over her medical reports and offer some advice."


    Eleanor nodded. "Of course. I''ll stop by tomorrow to see your friend''s mother."


    "I heard that half your patients have already recovered-that''s incredible. My


    friend''s mother is on that new medication you developed, but he''d be very grateful if you could see her personally. If it''s not too much trouble, that is."


    "It''s no trouble at all. I have time tomorrow," Eleanor replied. She couldn''t refuse such a request anyway.


    "Mansfield, why don''t you show Eleanor to her room?" Garth nced at his watch, clearly about to take his leave.


    "Good night, Mr. Ellington," Eleanor said politely, escorting him to the door.


    "Just call me Mr. Ellington when it''s not so formal," Garth replied warmly as he turned back to look at her.


    "Alright, Mr. Ellington," Eleanor answered.


    Garth had always liked Eleanor''s character-gracious,posed, and quietly dignified. She was the kind of young woman who instantly won the approval of elders, someone destined for good fortune.


    He''d never asked Mansfield about Eleanor''s previous marriage. Between the demands of his career and Mansfield''s own silence on the subject, Garth had no idea that Eleanor andn had once been married.


    As soon as Garth left, Eleanor let out a quiet sigh of relief, finally able to rx.


    Mansfield couldn''t help but smile at the sight. He hadn''t expected Eleanor to be quite this nervous.


    "Sorry-did he scare you?" Mansfield offered apologetically.


    Eleanor didn''t deny it. "A little. Your dad is pretty intimidating. Standing in front of him, I couldn''t help but feel nervous."


    "You don''t have to be. You''re different in his eyes," Mansfield said, his voice low and warm.


    Eleanor understood exactly what he meant. But standing before her was the son of the Secretary of State-a rising star with a brilliant future ahead of him.


    He deserved someone who could give him her whole heart, like Sophia, who had visited him not long ago.


    For Eleanor, her daughter would alwayse first. Work was a close second. Even putting Mansfield in second ce felt unfair to him.


    Mansfield spoke gently, "It''s actually my father''s friend''s wife who''s ill. I''ll take you over to see her tomorrow."


    "Alright." Eleanor nodded.


    Mansfield looked at her, wanting to say so much more, but held back for now.


    He knew that asions like this were stressful for Eleanor. She wasn''t someone who cared for power or status, so he had to be mindful of what she could handle.


    "My dad he really does admire you. You''re one of the very few people he holds in such high regard,¡± Mansfield said, voice gentle and restrained. "Don''t let him intimidate you."


    Eleanor managed a small smile. "He seems strict, but he''s actually quite kind."


    The truth was, the Ellington family stood on a level Eleanor could only look up to from afar. It was a world she could never truly reach, no matter how hard she tried.


    She''d be content earning their respect through her work alone.


    "I''ll walk you to your room," Mansfield said, pressing the elevator button with effortless grace.


    Inside the elevator, they stood side by side inpanionable silence.


    Mansfield kept his gaze lowered, unhurried-he intended to pursue Eleanor in a way she could ept.


    He knew, deep down, that he hadn''t done enough for her yet.


    When the elevator doors slid open, Eleanor stepped out and turned back. "You should get some rest too."


    Mansfield smiled, lingering at the door with a wave. "You too-good night.¡±


    Tonight, the Ellington family''s special attention toward Eleanor had been impossible to miss. But in circles like this, too much favor could do more harm than good to her reputation.


    Eleanor turned and made her way to her room. Just as she rounded the corner of


    the hallway, she saw a tall figure leaning against the wall.<pn was there, arms folded, waiting for her. Who knew how long he''d been standing there?

 Chapter 717

    Eleanor''s brows knit as she swept past him, face cool and expressionless.


    "Looks like I should congratte you,"n said, his sharp brow arching, a chill flickering in his dark eyes.


    She knew exactly what he was getting at did he really think things with her and Mansfield were getting serious?


    Ignoring him, Eleanor swiped her keycard and pushed into her room. As she moved to shut the door behind her, a sudden arm blocked the way. Ian forced the door open, stepped inside, and with one long arm, closed it behind him.


    n, get out." Eleanor took a step back, her gaze hard and wary.


    "I just want to say a few words. I won''t bother you long,"n replied, his eyes narrowing. "When ites to remarriage, I suggest we talk things through with our daughter first. She shouldn''t be caught in the crossfire."


    Eleanor tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and retreated another step, putting distance between them.


    "I don''t need your advice on this." She moved forward, reaching for the handle, ready to show him out.


    Butn''s arm shot out, his hand covering hers on the door. "I''m not finished," he said, his palm dry and warm against her skin.


    Eleanor jerked her hand away as if she''d been shocked. "You want to talk, but that doesn''t mean I want to listen."


    "That''s your choice,"n replied, his voice rough. "Mansfield may be a good man, but he''s not right for you."


    She turned her face away, even less interested in hearing his opinion.


    "I''m not saying you''re not good enough for him. With your status now, the Ellington family would have no reason to turn you down,"n pressed on. "But if you do marry into the Ellingtons, I have only one request: let Evelyn live with me. You''ll still have custody, but I want her under my roof."


    Eleanor''s face nched. She whirled on him, anger sparking in her eyes. "With you? What, is Vanessa incapable of having children, or just unwilling? Why should my daughter be raised by you two?"


    A storm of emotions churned behindn''s eyes. He rasped, "I swear I''ll never marry anyone for the rest of my life. Can you say the same?"


    Eleanor''s breath hitched. She let out a coldugh. "What you do with your life is your business,n. Don''t use that as an excuse to take Evelyn from me."


    His gaze darkened further. "I just don''t want Evelyn to get hurt. Not even unintentionally."


    Eleanor hesitated. She loved her daughter every bit as much as he did. Steadying her voice, she said, "Evelyn is my daughter. I''ll take care of everything."


    After a moment''s silence,nposed himself, slipping back into his usual calm. "Fine. The five-year no-remarriage agreement still stands. But if you insist on going ahead, don''t me me for fighting you for custody."


    Eleanor''s chest rose and fell, his words striking a nerve. She nearly shouted, n, don''t you dare try to take Evelyn away from me. I''ll never use her as a bargaining chip."


    His eyes flickered. "You can hate me if you want. But please, just believe this-no one in this world wants Evelyn to be happy and healthy more than I do."


    Just then, a knock sounded at the door. York''s muffled voice floated in. "Eleanor? Are you up? I''d like to talk."


    "I''ll wait for you in the lounge," York said. Then, noticingn behind her, he gave a quick, awkward smile. "Oh, I see you''re busy. No rush-let''s talk tomorrow."


    With that, York quietly closed the door for them.


    Silence settled between them, thick and heavy. Ian''s eyes were shadowed; Eleanor''s face, pale and drawn, looked almost as fragile as new-fallen snow on the rooftop.


    "Get some rest," he muttered, turning to leave.


    Eleanor nced at the clock. Nine o''clock. She sat on the sofa, meaning to call her daughter, but hesitated. It was bedtime-she shouldn''t disturb her.


    With a sigh, Eleanor raked her fingers through her hair and headed for the bathroom.


    At the Kingston Grand Hotel, in a luxury suite, Vanessa stood by the window after


    her shower, gazing out at the snowy cityscape, lost in thought.


    A knock at the door. She frowned, already guessing who it was, and went to open


    it.


    Henry stood there, his eyes flicking from her face to her pajamas before he could stop himself.


    Only then did Vanessa seem to realize what she was wearing. She quickly pulled her robe tighter. "Henry, did you need something?"


    "N-no, not really. I just wanted to see if you wanted something to eat," he stammered, dropping his gaze, cheeks tinged with embarrassment.


    "I''ve had enough, and it''s gettingte. Let''s talk tomorrow, all right?" Vanessa gave him a gentle smile. "Thank you."


    "Okay. Good night." Henry looked up, catching her smile, momentarily transfixed.


    Just then, Vanessa''s phone rang. She nced over her shoulder. "I''m expecting a call fromn. This might be him. Good night."


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Henry''s eyes. "Good night."


    After closing the door, Vanessa headed for the sofa and picked up her phone. The call was from her manager.


    "Hello? What''s up?" she answered.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be sick? Why are you at the Kingston?" Laverne''s voice demanded.


    Vanessa scowled, clearly annoyed. "I''m not as fragile as you think."


    "Well, take care of yourself anyway. You''ve still got severalmercials to shoot."


    "Got it!" Vanessa hung up. Just then, a text fromn popped up: "Tomorrow, I''ll go with you to the Military Medical University."

 Chapter 718

    Vanessa frowned as she read the message, then typed back, "Alright, pick me up tomorrow."


    After hitting send, she shared her hotel location.


    The next morning, Eleanor and Mansfield had agreed to leave at eight for the Military Medical University. Eleanor threw on a jacket before stepping out of her room, finding Mansfield waiting for her on one of the lobby couches.


    "There you are," Mansfield said, standing up to greet her.


    "Did you have breakfast?" Eleanor asked.


    "Already did. What about you?"


    "I ate, too."


    Chatting casually, they made their way to the car, and soon Mansfield was driving toward the university.


    Once they arrived, Eleanor saw that the patient''s family was already there. She went straight into the attending physician''s office, discussing the case directly with him.


    Mansfield waited by the door, unable to keep his eyes from drifting to Eleanor. She was so young, sitting in front of a panel of senior specialists, yet she radiated a quiet confidence. The experts seemed especially attentive to her opinions.


    After an hour-long discussion, Eleanor checked on the patient, then headed back out to find Mansfield sitting on a bench in the corridor. She smiled gently, "We can go now."


    Just then, an older man approached. "Mansfield, please thank Dr. Sutton for me."


    "Mr. Ackerly, you should go be with your wife. I''ll see Dr. Sutton out," Mansfield replied.


    Eleanor gave Mr. Ackerly a warm smile. "Go take care of your wife. If anythinges up, you can always reach me."


    "Thank you so much," the older man said, his gratitude clear in his eyes.


    Eleanor and Mansfield left the ward and had just reached the main lobby when two people stepped out of the elevator across from them.


    Eleanor nced up, her smile fading instantly.


    She spotted Eleanor and Mansfield as well. ncing atn, Vanessa suddenly swayed and copsed against his chest.


    ¡°Ian, I¡ªI feel a little dizzy," she murmured.


    Just then, as Eleanor stood there distracted, a janitor pushing a trash cart nearly collided into her.


    In a split second, Mansfield wrapped an arm around Eleanor''s waist, pulling her firmly into his embrace. Her face ended up pressed against his shoulder.


    "I''m so sorry, miss-I didn''t see you there," the janitor apologized hastily.


    Eleanor pulled back from Mansfield, but he caught her wrist. "Let me hold on. I''d feel better," he said quietly.


    Then, turning, he called out to the pair across the lobby, "Mr. Goodwin. What a coincidence."


    "Mm."n''s response was t and unreadable.


    Vanessa edged past Mansfield and addressed Eleanor directly. "Eleanor, is this your new boyfriend?"


    "Mansfield," he answered smoothly-not quite confirming, but not denying either.


    Vanessa''s smile faltered for a moment, then she turned ton. "Ian, I really don''t think I can stand..."


    "Alright," Vanessa replied, followingn out of the lobby.


    Mansfield released Eleanor''s hand, apologetic. "Sorry if I was out of line."


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, I should thank you. If you hadn''t grabbed me, that cart might''ve hit my back."


    "Come on, let''s get in the car," Mansfield said. "I''ve reserved a table for lunch. We can eat before I take you back to your hotel."


    "Sounds good." Eleanor''s flight wasn''t until evening-there was still plenty of time.

 Chapter 719

    "Mr. Ackerly asked me to take good care of you, and I wouldn''t dare let him down," Mansfield said with a warm smile.


    Out in the parking lot, Vanessa had slipped into the car to rest, butn remained outside, making a phone call. By coincidence, Mansfield''s car was parked just across from them.


    Whenn hung up, he caught sight of Mansfield stepping over to open the door for Eleanor, helping her into the car with a gentleman''s grace. Afterward, Mansfield gaven a polite wave before getting in himself and slowly driving out of the lot.


    Vanessa, sitting quietly in the car, had noticed the exchange between Mansfield and Eleanor. She found herself turning Mansfield''s name over in her mind.


    All she knew was that he was military, though she wasn''t sure about his rank. He looked so young¡ªat best, probably a major. If Eleanor remarried and ended up with a young officer, well, Vanessa supposed that was good fortune. Frankly, she''d much rather see Eleanor marry a military man and move far away from Ashford City than have her end up with Xavier. Life as an officer''s wife would be quieter, away from all the drama.


    As long as they weren''t in the same social circle, that was enough.


    Out of the corner of her eye, Vanessa noticedn still standing in the same spot, eyes following the car as it disappeared down the road.


    "I thought we were meeting Henry for lunch?" Vanessa asked.


    "I have something to take care of,"n replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    Vanessa nodded, sweet and understanding as always. "Alright, you handle your business. I''ll be fine on my own."


    When they arrived at the hotel, Henry was already waiting in the lobby. He watched Vanessa step out of the car, just as the passenger window rolled down andn''s sharp features came into view.


    n, aren''t you joining us for lunch?" Henry called over.


    "Can''t. I have an interview," Ian replied.


    "Alright then, I''ll take care of Vanessa. Good luck," Henry said with a nod.


    "Ow!" Vanessa suddenly winced, letting out a small gasp of pain.


    "What''s wrong?" Henry asked, concern etched on his face.


    "It''s nothing-my arm''s just a bit swollen from the blood draw." She pulled up her sleeve, revealing a bluish bruise at the crook of her elbow.


    "Jeez, did they have to be so rough?" Henry''s sympathy was immediate.


    "It''s okay. Ian just wanted to make sure I got a thorough check-up this time. He''s worried about my health," Vanessa exined.


    Henry watched her for a moment, uncertain whethern was caring for her or just putting her through unnecessary pain.


    Later, in the restaurant, Henry ordered a hearty meal packed with iron and nutrients to help Vanessa recover.


    Across town, Mansfield and Eleanor had just sat down at a cozy bistro and were scanning the menu.


    "Their specialty here is the steamed sea bass. It''s fresh-thought you might want to try it," Mansfield suggested.


    "That sounds good," Eleanor replied softly.


    Mansfield could tell her mood was off-probably because ofn and that girl. He had never pressed Eleanor for details, but he knewn was the one who''d strayed during the marriage. Now, seeingn unt his new rtionship in front of Eleanor, it was no wonder she was upset.


    Meanwhile, at the official guest hotel,n was seeing Dr. York Windsor off to his car. "Drive safe, Dr. Windsor."


    "Thanks, I''ve still got plenty to do back at theb," York replied, then hesitated. "Eleanor hasn''t left yet, has she?"


    "No, she''s still here,"n answered.


    York nodded, not wanting to intrude further. "Alright, I''ll leave you young folks to


    it."


    After York left,n''s phone buzzed with a call from Gavin.


    "Hello?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, I''ve tracked down the flight details. Miss Sutton booked the 6:30 p.m. flight tonight. There''s just one seat left-I went ahead and reserved it for you," Gavin reported, taking the initiative.


    The tension inn''s brow eased a little. "Alright," he said simply.


    "The seat''s in the same row as Miss Sutton''s," Gavin added.


    "Got it,"n replied.

 Chapter 720

    A littleter, a car from the local TV station arrived to pick upn; he had a one- on-one finance interview scheduled.


    Half an hour after that, Mansfield dropped Eleanor off at her hotel so she could


    rest.


    "You''ve got three hours before your flight," Mansfield said as he helped her with her bags. "Get some rest. I''ll make sure you get to the airport on time."


    Eleanor smiled appreciatively. "Mansfield, you don''t have to go to all this trouble. I can just call a cab."


    He shook his head firmly. "No way. I wouldn''t feel right about that. I''ll drive you myself."


    "But that''s really¡ª"


    He cut her off, grinning. "Honestly, I like it when you let me help. Once I''m stationed at the base, I won''t have many chances to do you favors."


    Sheughed and met his eyes. "Next time you''re in Ashford City, dinner''s on me."


    "Looking forward to it," Mansfield replied.


    After all, Eleanor had just done her father a favor. The least Mansfield could do was make sure she was looked after.


    Meanwhile,n was in the middle of his televised interview. The host smiled and asked, "Mr. Goodwin, we hear your biomedicalpany still isn''t public. Could you share with us why?"


    There was a sh of admiration in the host''s eyes. "I''ve heard your ex-wife, Dr. Sutton, is also an expert in this field?"


    The interview continued with a few more technical questions, whichn answered smoothly before leaving the set.


    The show''s producer hurried over, clearly excited. "Mr. Goodwin, your insights into the pharmaceutical industry were fantastic. We''re hosting a dinner tonight-would you do us the honor of joining?"


    He left the studio in a rush, his car waiting outside.


    "Airport, please,"n said sinctly as he climbed in.


    ncing at the time, the driver stepped on the gas, heading straight for the highway.


    But rush hour traffic soon swallowed them up, andn stared at the endless line of brake lights ahead, his fingers drumming impatiently on the armrest.


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Goodwin," the driver tried to reassure him. "Once we get past this stretch, it''ll open up."


    congestion, the driver sped up, weaving deftly through traffic.


    With just twenty minutes to spare,n made it to the terminal.


    He strode toward the VIP entrance, where an airport attendant was already waiting for him. "Mr. Goodwin, right this way. We''ve arranged a fast-track for you."


    Rounding a corner,n stopped short. Through the ss wall by the boarding gate, he saw Eleanor standing with Mansfield, face-to-face.


    Mansfield leaned in, saying something to her, and Eleanor tilted her head up with a small, rxed smile.


    Just then, Mansfield patted Eleanor on the shoulder, said a few final words, and Eleanor waved to him as she handed over her boarding pass and disappeared through the gate.

 Chapter 721

    Mansfield Ellington lingered for a moment, reluctant to look away as he watched her leave.


    A staff member nearby leaned in and reminded him quietly, "Mr. Goodwin, we can board now."


    Ian Goodwin waited until Mansfield finally turned and walked away before he tore his gaze from the departure gate. His face gave nothing away as he nodded and headed toward the ne.


    Eleanor Sutton slid into her seat, ncing at the empty spot beside her. Was her seatmate runningte or maybe, just maybe, she''d get lucky and have the row to herself?


    As she pondered the possibility, the cheerful voice of a flight attendant echoed through the cabin, greeting new passengers.


    Eleanor looked up, her eyes widening in surprise.


    What was he doing on this flight?


    He nced at her, the corners of his mouth barely twitching. "Small world, isn''t it?"


    Eleanor immediately turned toward the window, wishing she could melt into the ss. Was it toote to switch seats? But she''d seen when she boarded-the ne was packed, every seat taken.


    As the ne elerated, Eleanor felt the surge press her back into the seat. Her grip tightened on the armrest, knuckles white.


    She cracked one eye open and shot him a look, but said nothing.


    Soon, the ne broke through the rain and climbed into calmer skies, the turbulence fading as they leveled out.


    "Would you like something to drink?"n''s baritone cut through the quiet.


    "I''m fine," Eleanor replied coolly, her gaze never leaving the window.


    When the attendant came by with the beverage cart, though, Eleanor changed her mind and asked for a ss of lemon water.


    A sudden jolt rocked the ne. Eleanor fumbled her cup, and cold water spilled onto herp.


    Before she could react,n had already produced a napkin and was reaching over to help.


    "Don''t touch me." Her voice trembled as she pped his hand away, almost on instinct.


    A few passengers turned to look. Ian''s hand froze midair for a moment, his expression darkening, before he pressed the call button.


    "Could we get a nket for thedy here?" he asked the attendant.


    The flight attendant soon returned with a nket. Eleanor epted it with a grateful nod. "Thank you."


    "Would you like a nket as well, Mr. Goodwin?" the attendant offered with a warm smile.


    "No, thank you," he replied, his tone even.


    After the attendant left, silence settled over their row. Eleanor pulled the nket up to her chest, subtly edging away from the man beside her.


    Outside, the clouds swirled past the window. Ian tapped his fingers absently on his knee,shes lowered, lost in thought.


    Suddenly, the ne dipped and swayed. The attendant''s voice came over the inte, reassuring passengers that it was just a patch of turbulence.


    But after several minutes of uneasy rocking, a violent jolt sent the cabin into chaos-cries and gasps erupting all around. Eleanor''s face drained of color as she clung desperately to the armrest.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, please remain seated with your seatbelts fastened. We are experiencing unstable air currents," the captain''s voice rang out.


    Another wave of turbulence hit, harder this time, and Eleanor felt herself lurch sideways, unable to hold herself upright.


    In the next instant, their shared armrest flipped up, and a strong pair of arms caught her, pulling her securely into an embrace.

 Chapter 722

    "Let me go." Eleanor struggled, trying to pushn away.


    Just then, a woman nearby her seatbelt apparently unsecured-was tossed from her seat into the aisle, letting out a piercing scream.


    "I don''t need your help." Eleanor''s hand emerged from beneath the nket, pushing at him.


    "Don''t move."n''s voice was low as he pressed her back into ce.


    Fear prickled at Eleanor''s skin. She squeezed her eyes shut and held still, her heart thundering as passengers'' terrified cries echoed through the cabin.


    Atst, the ne steadied. The flight attendants hurried out to calm the panicked travelers, and a collective sigh of relief rippled through the aisle.


    The moment she regained herposure, Eleanor shovedn away. "Let me go."


    "Feeling any better?"n asked, reaching out suddenly to smooth the hair from her forehead.


    Eleanor jerked back, batting his hand away. "Don''t touch me."


    He didn''t look offended-just quietly withdrew, no longer pushing her boundaries.


    The flight attendants moved through the cabin, checking for injuries.


    The rest of the flight passed in rtive calm. Passengers gradually collected themselves as the ne began its descent. The lights of Ashford City twinkled into view through the windows.


    Eleanor gazed out at the city below, desperate to get off the ne as soon as possible.


    When the ne finally rolled to a stop and the doors opened, Eleanor shot to her feet.n asked, "Do you have someone picking you up?"


    "None of your business." She tossed the words over her shoulder and strode down the aisle ahead of him.


    Eleanor, in fact, hadn''t arranged for anyone to pick her up. Even if she called Ellington now, it would be toote. She decided to hail a taxi.


    At the baggage im, Eleanor grabbed her suitcase, andn retrieved his own, trailing after her.


    At the arrivals gate, Gavin Young was waiting. He spotted Eleanor immediately and hurried over. "Miss Sutton."


    "Gavin." She nodded in greeting.


    "Our car''s this way, Miss Sutton," Gavin said quickly.


    "I''m not riding with you." Eleanor''s tone was brisk as she nced toward the taxine.


    Just then,n strode over and addressed Gavin, "You drive her back to the city. I''ll take a cab."


    "Mr. Goodwin, why don''t you bothe with me?" Gavin offered, trying to smooth things over.


    "She doesn''t want to be in the same car as me. Take her," Ian replied, his voice just loud enough for Eleanor to hear.


    Sensing the tension, Gavin hurried after Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, let me drive you home. It''s not safe for a young woman to take a cab alone thiste."


    "Thank you, Gavin, but that won''t be necessary," Eleanor replied, not wanting to given the satisfaction of looking after her.


    Gavin looked anxious, sweat beading on his brow. Ian called to him, "Give me the car keys. You ride with her back to the city."


    Gavin hesitated, then realized it was a workable solution. He handed the keys ton. "The car''s just outside, Mr. Goodwin."


    He turned to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, let me carry your bag."


    Before she could object, Gavin had already taken her suitcase and hurried ahead


    to the taxi queue. Eleanor fumed-who wasn to dictate her ns?


    She could be angry atn, but she couldn''t bring herself to snap at Gavin. After all, he had helped her during her marriage.


    Atst, they gged down a taxi.


    Gavin took the front seat, leaving Eleanor in the back.


    The ride was filled with Gavin''s cheerful chatter, mostly directed at the driver to keep him alert and awake, the conversation wandering from one topic to another. Finally, they pulled up outside Cloudcrest Manor. Eleanor lifted her suitcase and thanked Gavin. "Thank you, Gavin."


    "Don''t thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank Mr. Goodwin," Gavin replied with a wry smile.


    Eleanor just nodded and headed inside.


    At home, Joslyn was waiting for her, and quickly whipped up a simple bowl of


    pasta. Eleanor, who hadn''t eaten on the ne, was famished and gratefully dug


    in.


    Her phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Xavier Vaughn.


    "I saw your lights on upstairs. Are you home?" he asked.


    Eleanor paused, guessing he must be out for a walk nearby. She replied, "Just got


    in."


    "Alright. Rest well, I won''t disturb you," came his immediate response.


    "Thank you for checking in," she texted back.


    After finishing her meal and taking a quick shower, Eleanor retreated to her study.


    She''d fallen behind on organizing herb data and needed to catch up.


    For now, she wanted to avoid any unnecessary trips and focus on her work.


    It waste, and she didn''t want to disturb her daughter-she was probably getting ready for bed anyway.


    That night, as Eleanory in bed, the terror from the flight reyed in her mind. For those few seconds, her mind had gonepletely nk. She''d thought of her daughter.


    If something had happened to both her andn on that ne, what would be


    of her child?


    In that instant, all grudges and heartache seemed trivial. The only thing that mattered was surviving.


    Eleanor closed her eyes and forced herself to sleep.


    When she opened them again, morning light was spilling through the window.


    She decided to head to theb early. She was among the first to arrive, and Joel Kingsley was surprised to see her. "You''re here early."


    "Yeah. I didn''t have to take my daughter to school, so I came straight in.¡±


    "Did you have breakfast?" Joel asked.


    "Not yet," Eleanor admitted with a shake of her head.

 Chapter 723

    "Let''s grab some breakfast together," Joel suggested, realizing he hadn''t eaten either.


    Eleanor and Joel walked side by side toward the cafeteria, chatting about theirtestb results along the way.


    Inside, Faye Yeaton and Naomi were already eating. When Faye spotted Joel and Eleanor arriving together, her appetite vanished instantly.


    Naomi shot her a knowing look. "Faye, so Eleanor''s back, huh?¡±


    Faye nodded, mind racing. She knew Vanessa Shannon had gone to Kingston as well, probably atn''s request. If Vanessa was there, Eleanor really didn''t have a reason to stay in Kingston any longer.


    But to see Eleanor return and immediately start spending time with Joel-it was a sight that made Faye''s chest tighten in jealousy.


    A few minutester, Gwenda joined them, taking a seat at Eleanor''s table.


    After breakfast, Eleanor and Joel headed into theb. They were still working off Eleanor''s original theory for the brainputer experiment, and even the smallest breakthrough was proving difficult.


    Eleanor focused intently on fine-tuning the equipment. She and Joel moved in sync, understanding each other without the need for words.


    Faye came in several times to deliver reports, each time catching glimpses of Eleanor and Joel''s easy rapport. The jealousy in her eyes deepened with every visit.


    While Eleanor had been away, Faye had enjoyed herself¡ªshe''d be Joel''s assistant and helped him with experiments. But with Eleanor back, Joel''s attention shifted to her entirely.


    At lunchtime, the cafeteria''s big screen was showing financial news.


    "Look! That''s Mr. Goodwin''s interview!" Gwenda eximed, pointing at the screen. There wasn, dressed in a charcoal suit, his striking features even more pronounced under the studio lights.


    He answered the host''s questions with calm confidence, his deep, maic voice filling the cafeteria through the speakers.


    "The Goodwin Pharma Group is establishing a foundation,mitting five billion dors to research for children''s rare diseases, especially in the fields of leukemia and congenital heart disease-"


    Nearly every woman in the cafeteria turned instinctively to the screen. Gwenda pressed her hands to her cheeks, eyes shining. ¡°Mr. Goodwin really is something -handsome, generous, and socially responsible."


    Then Gwenda let out a surprised yelp. "Whoa, he just mentioned you, Eleanor!"


    Now, more eyes turned to Eleanor. Even after her divorce fromn, it was clear he still admired and supported her.


    Eleanor narrowed her eyes, watchingn''s response on the screen. She couldn''t deny he projected the image of a responsible, admirable leader-exactly what the public expected from a CEO.


    But people always have two sides. Ian''s polished, public persona had little to do with the man he was in private.


    Eleanor stirred her soup, doing her best to ignore the stares and whispers around her.


    Naomi leaned close to Faye and whispered, "Looks like Mr. Goodwin really thinks highly of Eleanor."


    Faye gripped her fork, snorting softly. "He''s a businessman-he has to keep up appearances. Of course he wouldn''t let anything slip during an interview."


    Still, she felt bad for Vanessa. Seeing this must''ve hurt.


    Honestly, theseworks had no sense-why air an interview where a man gushes about his ex-wife? Was it just for the drama?


    Sensing Eleanor''s difort, Joel quietly suggested they head back to theb, and she gratefully followed.


    After lunch, on her way back to the office, Faye sent Vanessa a message: "Did you see Mr. Goodwin''s interview?"


    Vanessa replied almost instantly: "Yeah, I saw it."


    "Don''t let it get to you," Faye reassured her. "He probably just had to say those things for thepany''s image."


    Vanessa''s reply was calm: "I know. He''s just doing his job, that''s all."


    Faye smiled faintly. As long as Vanessa wasn''t upset, that was all that mattered- she was still rooting for Vanessa andn to get married someday.


    Eleanor worked until four-thirty before heading out to pick up her daughter.


    When she arrived, Xavier''s car was already waiting. As she approached, he got out to greet her.


    "Perfect timing. The kids will be out in five minutes," Xavier said.


    Eleanor smiled at him. "You''re early too."


    Just then, a ck sedan pulled up. Gina Quinn stepped out, pausing when she noticed Eleanor and Xavier talking together.


    Xavier noticed her as well and said softly to Eleanor, "Mrs. Goodwin''s here."


    Eleanor nced over and nodded. "I''ll be right back," she told him.


    Gina watched Eleanor approach and smiled warmly. "Eleanor, you''re back."


    "Mrs. Goodwin, I''m taking Evelyn home with me today. Thank you for looking after her these past few days," Eleanor said politely.


    "It''s no trouble. Evelyn''s my granddaughter-it''s what grandmothers do," Gina replied, giving Eleanor a once-over.


    "Well, you can head home. I''ve got it from here," Eleanor said gently.


    "Oh, I''ll just say goodbye to Evelyn before I go," Gina replied, determined to see her granddaughter for a moment longer.


    Eleanor nodded, and just then, the school doors opened. Xavier waited for Eleanor, and together they walked inside.


    Watching them, Gina couldn''t help but sigh quietly. To her, Xavier was the ideal son-inw-handsome, responsible, everything she could wish for. Unfortunately, fate had other ns.


    She''d tried setting her daughter up on datestely, but it was hopeless-her daughter refused to meet anyone else, insisting she''d only ever marry Xavier. It was enough to make Gina''s head ache.


    A few minutester, Eleanor and Xavier each emerged holding a child by the hand. Evelyn Goodwin waved excitedly at Gina. "Grandma, what are you doing here?"


    "I just wanted to see you, sweetheart," Gina answered with a smile.


    "Grandma, I''m going home with Mom tonight. I''lle to your ce next time, okay?" Evelyn said.


    "Of course! You''re always wee, anytime," Gina replied.


    Just then, Evelyn nced up at Xavier and asked curiously, "Mr. Vaughn, is it okay if I call you uncle?"

 Chapter 724

    Evelyn''s words rang out, clear and bright, leaving the three adults frozen in


    surprise. Vivian, always curious, piped up, "Evelyn, why did you just call my uncle your uncle-inw?"


    Evelyn blinked her big eyes and answered loudly, "That''s what Auntie told me. She said Mr. Vaughn is going to be my uncle-inw."


    Gina''s cheeks flushed with heat. She quickly crouched down to Evelyn''s level and said, "Evelyn, your aunt was just joking. Don''t take it seriously, okay?"


    Eleanor recovered from her shock and gently turned to her daughter. "Evelyn, let''s not say things like that in public, all right?"


    Evelyn nodded, still looking confused. "But Auntie said "


    "Auntie was wrong," Gina interrupted, giving Xavier an embarrassed nce. "Xavier, please don''t mind her. Kids say the silliest things sometimes."


    Xavier smiled warmly,pletely unbothered. "It''s fine, really."


    "Evelyn, say goodbye to Mr. Vaughn," Eleanor prompted.


    Evelyn waved at Xavier, who took Vivian''s hand and said, "We''ll be heading home, then."


    As soon as Xavier and Vivian left, Gina let out a sigh. "Eleanor, I''m so sorry. I''ll talk to Serena and make sure she doesn''t teach Evelyn to say things like that again."


    Eleanor nodded. "It''s all right. We should get going too."


    "Bye, Grandma!" Evelyn called, waving as she climbed into the car. No sooner had they buckled up than she turned to her mother in confusion. "Mom, why can''t I call Mr. Vaughn my uncle-inw?"


    Eleanor nced at her daughter in the rearview mirror. "Because Mr. Vaughn and your aunt aren''t married. It wouldn''t be right."


    "Will they get married someday?"


    "I really don''t know, sweetheart." Eleanor softened her tone. "That''s something for the grown-ups to figure out. You don''t have to worry about it."


    "Oh, okay!" Evelyn said, dropping the subject.


    Meanwhile, as soon as Gina got into her own car, she pulled out her phone and dialed her daughter.


    "Hello? Mom, what''s up?" Serena Goodwin''s voice sounded tense on the other end.


    "What''s up? Do you know what Evelyn just blurted out in front of Eleanor and Xavier?" Gina couldn''t hide her frustration.


    Serena''s tone grew anxious. "What did Evelyn say to Xavier?"


    "She announced that she was going to call him her uncle-inw," Gina snapped. "Did you teach her that?"


    "What?" Serena''s panic was obvious. ¡°I¡ªI just said it as a joke, that''s all."


    "A joke?" Gina''s voice rose. "Well, now both Xavier and Eleanor heard it. How do you expect me to look them in the eye?"


    "She didn''t say anything else, did she?" Serena pressed, her nerves on edge.


    "What else did you tell Evelyn?" Gina demanded.


    "Nothing, really. That''s it," Serena replied, sounding guilty.


    Gina sighed. ¡°Feelings can''t be forced, Serena. Xavier just doesn''t see you that way. It''s time to let it go."


    "Mom, please stay out of my business," Serena shot back, promptly hanging up.


    As Eleanor waited at a red light, Evelyn swung her legs in the backseat. Suddenly, she remembered something and pouted, "Mom, Auntie said Daddy''s going to find me a new mommy. But I don''t want a new mommy!"


    Eleanor''s grip on the steering wheel tightened. Serena had actually said this to her daughter?


    She nced at Evelyn''s angry little face in the mirror, her voice gentle but probing. "When did Auntie tell you that?"


    "The other day, when she gave me a present," Evelyn huffed. "She said Mrs. Shannon would be my new mommy. But I don''t want that! I just want you." Her indignation was obvious.


    A rush of anger surged in Eleanor''s chest.n went around dering he''d never remarry, yet here was Serena, filling Evelyn''s head with nonsense. The nerve.


    "Hmph, I don''t want a new mommy. I don''t want Daddy to marry anyone else, either," Evelyn pouted.


    Eleanor was taken aback. She''d never taught her daughter to say such things¡ª was Evelyn starting to form her own opinions?


    "What do you want for dinner tonight? I''ll ask Joslyn to make it for you," Eleanor quickly changed the subject, not wanting Evelyn to dwell on the idea.


    "I want barbecue chicken wings!" Evelyn''s mood lifted as she swung her legs with excitement.


    "Alright." Eleanor dialed Joslyn and asked her to add the dish to tonight''s menu.


    Meanwhile, in the other car, Vivian was still puzzled. "Uncle, why did Evelyn say she''ll call you uncle-inw one day?"


    Xavier let out a resigned sigh. "She must have misunderstood. Her aunt and I are just friends."


    Vivian nodded knowingly. "I think Ms. Sutton is prettier than Evelyn''s aunt, anyway."


    Xavier blinked in surprise, his earlier irritation melting away. Heughed, but still reminded her, "Vivian, let''s keep these thoughts between us, okay? Don''t say them to anyone else."


    "I know!" Vivian grinned, promising to keep her lips sealed.


    Back home, Evelyn scampered off to her yhouse while Eleanor retreated to her study. She''d meant to focus on work, but the more she thought about Serena''s words to Evelyn, the angrier she felt.


    If she was going to get anything done, she had to get this off her chest.


    Eleanor picked up her phone and dialedn''s number.


    "Hello, Eleanor,¡±"n''s voice sounded weary on the other end.


    Eleanor''s voice was tight with anger. n, if you really care about Evelyn''s


    upbringing, you need to keep your sister in check. If I find out she''s been filling my daughter''s head with that kind of nonsense again, I''ll file for a restraining order to keep her away from Evelyn. I mean it."

 Chapter 725

    There was a heavy pause on the other end of the line beforen''s raspy voice broke through. "What did Serena say to Evelyn?"


    Eleanor didn''t bother to hide her irritation. "You have a mouth, don''t you? Why don''t you ask her yourself?" With that, she hung up.


    Only after ending the call did Eleanor finally let out a shaky breath.


    At that moment,n was still at the Goodwin & Co. offices. He''d been in meetings since morning, and fatigue was etched across his features. Yet all signs of exhaustion vanished as he picked up his phone and dialed Serena''s number.


    It rang, but she didn''t answer.


    When the first call went unanswered, he called again. Still, no luck.


    He shrugged on his suit jacket from the sofa, striding out of his office. Stopping by Gavin''s door, he rapped once. "Drive me home. Now."


    Gavin grabbed the car keys without a word and followed him out.


    Serena was, in fact, hiding at home. She''d just endured a lecture from their mother and had retreated to her room, desperate for some peace and quiet. But before she could collect herself, her brother''s number shed on her screen. Twice.


    She panicked and refused to answer. She already knew why he was calling¡ª something about Xavier, no doubt. She hadn''t meant anything by her offhandments to Evelyn, but somehow, everything had blown up and left her wishing she could disappear.


    She was mortified beyond belief, especially knowing her words had gotten back to Xavier. The shame was almost suffocating.


    What must Xavier think of her now? Did he see her as desperate? Ridiculous?


    As dinnertime approached,n''s tall figure strode through the front doors of Goodwin Manor. Gina spotted her son''s stormy expression instantly and stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "Enough. I''ve already spoken to Serena about this. She''s embarrassed herself enough, so don''t go yelling at her."


    "What exactly did she say to Evelyn?"n''s eyes narrowed as he looked at his mother.


    Gina hesitated, then replied, "She just... told Evelyn she''d like Xavier to be her uncle one day."


    Gina looked puzzled. "And nothing. That''s all there is to it, isn''t it?"


    "Evelyn''s just a child," Gina sighed. "But saying something like that in front of Xavier and Eleanor... I was embarrassed myself. No matter how much Serena likes Xavier, she shouldn''t have put Evelyn up to that."


    He tossed his jacket onto the sofa and marched upstairs, stopping in front of


    Serena''s bedroom. He knocked sharply. "Serena. Open the door."


    Her muffled voice came from inside. "I know I messed up,n. Please... don''t yell at me."


    "Open the door," Ianmanded, his tone brooking no argument.


    Serena dared not disobey. She cracked the door open, peering out at her stern older brother. "I swear, it just slipped out. I didn''t mean anything by it¡ª"


    He knew Eleanor too well-there had to be more to her anger than this.


    Serena hesitated, her eyes darting guiltily. Over the past few days, she''d chatted with her niece about all sorts of things.


    "N-nothing else. Really."


    But she couldn''t quite meet his gaze.


    ¡°Think again.¡± Ian''s voice was tight with frustration. "What did you tell Evelyn?"


    He was determined to get to the bottom of Eleanor''s fury.


    "Who called you,n? Was it Xavier? Is he mad at me?" Serena''s cheeks flushed bright red. The shame was overwhelming.


    "It wasn''t Xavier." Ian''s tone was steely. "What exactly have you been telling Evelyn?"


    If it wasn''t Xavier, then it had to be Eleanor, Serena realized her stomach dropping as the truth dawned. What could Eleanor be so upset about? Then it hit her, and the color drained from her face.


    "I... I didn''t mean to. I just told Evelyn that Vanessa would be her new mom someday."


    Serena recoiled, her voice trembling. "It was just a joke! I-I didn''t mean it."


    But the look inn''s eyes made her realize just how much damage her words had done. Hot tears slid down her cheeks. "I''m sorry,n. I really am."


    "That''s not a joke you get to make. Evelyn''s only six."n''s voice was harsh with anger. Atst, he understood the full reason for Eleanor''s outrage.


    "I know. I know I was wrong," Serena stammered, "but it''s just-Vanessa''s going to-"


    "Enough."n cut her off sharply. "From now on, you''re not to go near Evelyn unless I say so. Understood?"


    Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked out.

 Chapter 726

    Serena bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. She never imagined that a few careless words could spark such fury in her eldest brother.


    Clearly, Evelyn must have told Eleanor what happened, and then Eleanor went to confront her brother, which exined why he was so upset.


    n, dinner''s ready." Gina called to her son as he stormed downstairs, radiating anger.


    "You all go ahead and eat, Mom!"n barely managed to contain his temper, grabbed his suit jacket, and strode out the door.


    "What is going on with you two?" Gina muttered in frustration.


    Just then, the olddy made her way over from the sunroom. Her hearing had gotten worsetely, and it was only after a maid told her that she learnedn and his sister had argued.


    "What happened? Why are they fighting?" Magdalen asked her daughter-inw. "It''s nothing, Mom, let''s just eat," Gina replied, not wanting to worry her mother-in-w. Both her children had be a handfultely.


    "Didn''tn just get home? Where is he?" Magdalen pressed.


    "He had something to take care of and left again," Gina replied, before heading upstairs to check on her daughter.


    She knocked on Serena''s door and found her tear-streaked, eyes red and swollen. Gina frowned, her patience wearing thin. "Look at what you''ve done- your brother was furious. Now how''s he supposed to face Xavier?"


    Serena clenched her jaw. "He''s not mad because of that."


    "Then what is he so angry about?" Gina asked, genuinely surprised.


    Serena buried her face in her hands, her voice muffled with regret. "He''s mad because I... I told Evelyn that Vanessa would be her new mom someday." "What?" Gina was stunned, struggling to process it. After a long pause, she asked, "Serena, did you really say that to Evelyn?"


    Serena nodded, biting her lip, then retorted, "Was I wrong to say it?"


    "How could you say something like that to Evelyn?" Gina''s own frustration started


    to show. "She''s just a kid, she doesn''t understand any of this. And even if someone had to exin it, it certainly wasn''t your ce."


    "I know it was wrong now! I didn''t expect Evelyn to repeat everything I said," Serena said, remorseful but helpless.


    "Evelyn''s still so young-innocent and sweet. Don''t me her for this, me yourself for saying the wrong thing," Gina scolded.


    Serena hugged her knees, tears streaming down her face. The fact that her brother had been so angry-for Eleanor''s sake, no less-was something she just couldn''t wrap her head around.


    And yet, as far as she was concerned, she hadn''t said anything wrong. Vanessa would eventually marry into the Goodwin family and be Evelyn''s mother. She had only tried to prepare Evelyn for what wasing.


    "If you''ve lost your appetite, just stay here and think about what you''ve done," Gina said, leaving the room and closing the door behind her.


    Serena picked up her phone and sent a message to Vanessa: "Vanessa, are you back yet?"


    "Not yet, Serena, what''s going on?"


    "It''s nothing. My brother''s already home. You shoulde back soon, too."


    "Okay! I''ll be back tomorrow."


    "Alright." Serena stared at her phone, tempted to text Eleanor and ask why she was driving a wedge between her and her brother.


    But then she thought about it-Eleanor was now her brother''s lead researcher, and he clearly sided with her more these days. Serena swallowed her frustration, deciding to save the confrontation for another time.


    At eight-thirty that evening, Eleanor finished dinner and sat on the couch, helping her daughter with some simple math problems. Evelyn was suddenly obsessed with numbers, pestering Eleanor to give her one problem after another.


    Eleanor was more than happy to teach her while she was interested.


    Just then, the doorbell rang. Princess, their golden retriever, perked up instantly, ears pricked and tail wagging excitedly-it was obvious the visitor was someone the dog knew well.


    Evelyn saw Princess''s reaction and immediately guessed who it was.


    "It must be Daddy!" she squealed, dashing off to answer the door.


    Eleanor didn''t have time to stop her; the child and the dog were already at the door. When it swung open, who else could it be butn?


    He bent down and scooped Evelyn into his arms, his gaze drifting past her to Eleanor waiting in the living room. His suit jacket hung over one arm, his shirt cor slightly undone, as if he''de straight over in a hurry.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn clung to his neck, beaming. "Mommy''s teaching me math!"


    "That''s wonderful,"n said, ruffling her hair before looking at Eleanor. "Is it alright if Ie in?"


    He was asking for her permission, aware that this was Eleanor''s home now, and he was technically a guest.


    Eleanor walked over, her expression unreadable. "It''ste. What brings you here?"


    "I just wanted to see Evelyn," Ian replied quietly.


    "In ten minutes, she needs to get ready for bed," Eleanor said coolly, making it clear he had a limited window.


    Evelyn pouted. "But I want Daddy to stay a little longer!"


    Eleanor pressed her lips together, but said nothing more.

 Chapter 727

    Eleanor gave a sharp, dismissive huff. "Your sister''s been reckless for years. This is hardly new."


    "I won''t let her near Evelyn again. I''ll make her move out,"n replied, his tone resolute.


    Eleanor watched their daughter slip into the yroom on the first floor, then turned to facen, enunciating every word with icy precision. "If your sister ever tries to fill my daughter''s head with nonsense again, I''ll file a restraining order. I''ll make sure the entire Goodwin family is kept away from Evelyn."


    With that, she turned on her heel and headed upstairs.


    Just then, Evelyn came running out and tuggedn over to the sofa. She wanted to show him how she solved her math problems. Smiling,n taught her an even simpler way, and Evelyn, delighted, begged for more. "Daddy, give me ten more questions!"


    "Alright."


    He wrote out ten problems for her, then nced at his watch-ten minutes had already passed. Looking up toward the second floor, he noticed Eleanor hadn''te down to throw him out. Relieved, he settled in to spend a little more time with his daughter.


    Princess, their golden retriever, curled up at his feet. Ian reached down and rubbed the dog''s big head, feeling an unexpected fondness for the furry littlepanion.


    Upstairs, Eleanor sat alone in her study. She could hear her daughter''sughter drifting up through the house. Closing her eyes, she tried to block it out, fighting the urge to storm downstairs and thrown out. But she was afraid of hurting Evelyn''s feelings, so she restrained herself.


    Joslyn, the housekeeper, finished foldingundry and came over with a cup of tea. "Mr. Goodwin, here you go," she said with a gentle smile.


    "Thank you,"n replied warmly.


    "My pleasure." Joslyn nodded and left them.


    By nine o''clock,n realized Evelyn had school the next morning. He stood up.


    "Evelyn, Daddy wille back and spend more time with you tomorrow."


    "Will you take me to school?" Evelyn grabbed his hand, eyes hopeful.


    "Of course,"n promised, kneeling down to meet her gaze.


    "Pinky swear!" Evelyn held out her little finger.


    Joslyn walked him to the door and closed it behind him.


    up at the ceiling as he loosened his tie, tossing it onto the sofa.


    In the vast, five-thousand-square-foot penthouse, his footsteps echoed in the empty silence.


    He headed to the bar and poured himself a ss of whiskey. With only a few wallmps on, he walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    The city lights outside shimmered like a sea of stars.


    That night, after Evelyn had fallen asleep, Eleanor retreated to her study to go over the expenses from her recent trip with Xavier. She took out a stack of cash- ten thousand dors. She knew if she tried to wire Xavier the money, he''d never ept it.


    The next morning, as Eleanor finished braiding Evelyn''s hair, her daughter announced, "Mommy, Daddy said he''ll take me to school today."


    Eleanor''s hand paused. "When did he say that?¡±


    "Last night."


    Eleanor nced down at the floor, a sh of annoyance in her eyes.


    Opening the door, she foundn already waiting outside. He was impably dressed in a tailored suit, looking every bit as confident andposed as ever.


    "Good morning," he greeted Eleanor.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, running to wrap herself around his leg. She grabbed his hand and looked back at her mother. "Bye, Mommy!"


    "Bye, sweetheart." Eleanor waved.


    Evelyn''s ponytails bounced as she skipped toward the elevator, practically dancing with excitement.


    At the school gates,n was just turning to leave when he spotted Xavier walking over with Vivian. Ian stopped, called out, "Xavier, can we talk for a minute?"


    Xavier nodded and knelt down beside Vivian. "Go on inside, sweetheart," he said gently.


    Vivian nodded and headed through the gates.


    The two men walked over to the shade of a nearby sycamore, facing each other. "About Serena-"n got straight to the point, his voice low. "I''m sorry for what she did. She shouldn''t have said those things to Evelyn."


    Xavier''s expression remained calm. "It''s fine. I''m not bothered."


    Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling the ground between them. After a


    brief silence, Xavier spoke first. "Ian, do you ever regret it?"


    "Divorcing Eleanor," Xavier replied evenly. "If you could do it all over again, would you still make the same choice?"

 Chapter 728

    The sycamore leaves rustled in the breeze. Ian narrowed his eyes, taking a moment before replying.


    Just then, his phone rang. He nced at the caller ID, brow furrowing slightly. "Something urgent came up at the office. Let''s talk another day."


    Xavier nodded. "Alright."


    He watchedn hurry to his car and pull away, then stood there for a while, lost in thought, before heading to his own vehicle.


    There was a meeting scheduled for today. Byron Chase arrived with his team of engineers. In the conference room, Joel and Eleanor were already deep in discussion over thetest research data, while Gwenda prepared the materials and set up the projector.


    Soon, the room was filled. Byron was about to have his engineers start their reports when, suddenly, the door swung open.


    All eyes turned to the doorway. Ian strode in, looking sharp in a tailored suit, with Gavin following close behind.


    "Sorry I''mte,"n''s deep voice resonated through the room. His gaze swept across the group, pausing briefly on Eleanor.


    Byron jumped up immediately. "Mr. Goodwin, please¡ªhave a seat."


    The engineers beside Byron quickly made room for him, and the entire row shuffled to amodate.


    Eleanor unconsciously tightened her grip on her pen. There was no real reason forn to be at a technical meeting like this.


    The engineer who had been about to speak cleared his throat andunched into his report. "Based on ourtest tests, the neural interface dy is now down to 0.3 seconds."


    The engineer fidgeted nervously. ¡°In theory, yes, but we''d need more advanced chips."


    Byron responded instantly. "Negotiations are underway. The contract should be signed next month. Their tech can meet our requirements."


    Faye couldn''t hide the admiration in her eyes as she watchedn. He really was a legend in the business world¡ªthere seemed to be nothing he couldn''t do.


    Byron hesitated. "Mr. Goodwin, that might be difficult¡ª"


    Byron nodded. "Their VP says they need time to process the paperwork. They


    might move faster if you called their CEO, Mr. n, personally."


    He turned to Eleanor. "Dr. Sutton, will this timeline work for your team?"


    Eleanor met his gaze. "If we get the samples sooner, we can shorten the testing cycle."


    "Of course, Mr. Goodwin. I''ll arrange it right away," Gavin replied.


    Both Faye and Gwenda were visibly in awe. Witnessingn''s decisiveness in person was something to behold; hismanding presence was maic. He was like a precision instrument-everymand executed wlessly.


    The meeting rolled on. Whenever they hit a technical roadblock,n''s presence seemed to sharpen everyone''s focus, and several issues were resolved on the spot.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a message-Xavier asking her to join him for lunch.


    She remembered she still owed him for the travel expenses, so she replied quickly, ¡°Sure, let''s have lunch together. But it''s my treat this time."


    Eleanor hated owing favors. She wanted to settle up as soon as possible.


    "Great! I''ll pick you up at the front of Meridian Dynamics at 11:30."


    "No need, I''ll drive myself!"


    "It''s no trouble, I''m in the area anyway," Xavier insisted.


    "Alright," she relented. At least she could treat him to lunch and clear the debt.


    By 11:20, Xavier was already waiting in theb''s lobby, sitting by the floor-to- ceiling windows, flipping through a magazine. Sunlight streamed in behind him, casting his tall figure in a warm, gentle light.


    Meanwhile, the meeting was wrapping up. Byron seized the moment. "Since Mr. Goodwin is here, let''s all grab lunch together, keep the conversation going."


    Byron looked disappointed. He''d only organized the lunch to given and Eleanor a chance to smooth things over.


    "Eleanor, can''t you reschedule?" he asked, trying to persuade her.


    She shook her head, gathering her materials. "It''s a very important friend."


    Byron nced atn. "Mr. Goodwin, what about you-?"


    "You all go ahead. I have to get back to headquarters for another meeting."n stood and left.


    Byron looked around the table. Joel stood up. "I''ll skip it, too-still have a lot to wrap up."


    Faye''s face fell. She''d been secretly d Eleanor wasn''t joining, but now Joel was backing out too, and her excitement fizzled.


    Gavin, still gathering his things, smiled. "VP Chase, maybe we should just call it a day. Everyone''s pretty busy."


    Byron gave an awkward chuckle. "Alright, next time. We''ll do it another day."

 Chapter 729

    Eleanor returned to her office, draping a jacket over her arm and picking up her bag before heading toward the elevator lobby.


    Waiting by the elevator weren and Gavin.


    "Miss Sutton," Gavin greeted her with a friendly smile.


    Eleanor nodded in acknowledgment. Just then, one of the elevator doors slid open. Gavin quickly stepped forward to hold it. "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Sutton, after you."


    When the elevator reached the ground floor and chimed, Eleanor was the first to step out. As she looked up, she immediately spotted Xavier sitting on a sofa in the lobby. She headed straight toward him.


    Xavier stood up to greet her, a warm smile on his face.


    Behind her,n paused mid-step, his gaze sharpening as he watched the scene unfold. So, the important friend Eleanor had mentioned was Xavier.


    Xavier noticedn as well and gave him a polite wave.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting," Eleanor said to Xavier.


    Xavier smiled. "Not at all¡ªI just got here. Shall we go?"


    Gavin watched as Eleanor and Xavier walked off together, side by side, and suddenly the whole lobby felt colder.


    "Mr. Goodwin, should we go grab lunch?" Gavin asked in a hushed voice. "Back to the office,"n replied, eyes still lingering on Eleanor and Xavier. "Of course. Your meeting with n is at two thirty-" Gavin began, trailing off. He couldn''t help but think: Mr. Goodwin''s barely had time to breathetely, let alone eat a proper meal. Mr. Vaughn sure seems to have it easier.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor and Xavier had climbed into his car, already discussing what to eat.


    "There''s a great restaurant nearby," Eleanor suggested. "Want to give it a try?" Xavier grinned. "If you rmend it, I''m definitely in."


    Eleanor turned her gaze forward and pointed the way. "Take a left up ahead."


    Before Xavier could start the car, a sleek ck Mercedes rolled past them-it wasn''s car.


    "Ian had meetings here today?" Xavier asked, curiosity in his tone.


    "Yeah¡ªa technical meeting," Eleanor replied.


    Xavier didn''t press for details. Following Eleanor''s directions, he pulled up to a nearby bistro. Eleanor ordered four of the house specialties and checked with Xavier, "Do you like spicy food?"


    Xavier nodded. "A little heat is fine."


    At first, Xavier only noticed a gentle kick, but soon his face turned a shade pinker, like he''d had a ss of wine.


    Eleanor noticed right away. She quickly poured him a ss of water. "I''m so sorry ¡ªI didn''t realize these would be so spicy! Let me order a few milder dishes."


    "It''s all right," Xavier said, smiling up at her. "I can handle it."


    This was just regr fare for Eleanor, but she remembered Xavier had studied in the States-he probably wasn''t used to spicy food.


    She quickly added a couple of milder options and looked up to see Xavier watching her.


    "Sorry-next time, you''ll pick the restaurant," she said, a little embarrassed.


    "No worries," Xavier said, picking up another forkful. "Trying new things is half the fun."


    For Xavier, a meal that was too routine would have been forgettable¡ªthis, at least, was memorable.


    He couldn''t help but find Eleanor''s flustered rush to order more food rather endearing.


    Xavier took his time, savoring each bite, spice and all. Because it was something Eleanor enjoyed, he wanted to give it a fair shot.


    Soon, the new dishes arrived. Eleanor encouraged him to eat, making sure he wasfortable.


    After their meal, they both sat for a while, letting the food settle before getting up to leave.


    Back in the car, Eleanor pulled a folder from her bag and set it on Xavier''s dashboard. "Actually, I invited you to lunch today because I wanted to give you this."


    Xavier nced at the folder, puzzled. "What''s this?"


    "It''s the final expenses from our trip," Eleanor exined.


    Xavier let out a helpless chuckle. "Eleanor, you really don''t have to be so formal with me."


    "I just don''t like owing favors," she said firmly. "It''s only fair."


    Xavier looked at her, understanding. He knew Eleanor well enough to realize that


    if he refused, she might avoid traveling with him in the future.


    So he epted the folder graciously. "All right-but on one condition."


    Eleanor blinked. "What condition?"


    "You owe me a meal. My choice of time and ce," Xavier said, then added, "Don''t worry, I''ll make sure it doesn''t sh with your schedule."


    Eleanor was relieved he agreed to take the folder. After all, the money meant little to him, but to her, it was about principle. "Deal-just let me know when I''m not swamped, okay?"


    "Of course." Xavier nodded and drove her back to theb.


    As Eleanor climbed out of the car, a silver Bentley pulled up nearby. Faye and Naomi stepped out.


    Faye caught sight of Eleanor, then noticed Xavier at the wheel with his window still down. A sh of jealousy crossed her eyes.


    So this was the real reason Eleanor skipped out on today''s get-together-she had a lunch date with Xavier.


    Xavier nced Faye''s way. Faye smiled sweetly. "Mr. Vaughn, good afternoon." Xavier simply nodded, then started the car and pulled away.


    Faye''s smile faltered as he drove off. She was sure he''d recognized her from the gst month he couldn''t have forgotten her that quickly, could he?


    But judging by Xavier''s reaction, it seemed he really had. Faye felt a pang of disappointment was she really that forgettable?

 Chapter 730

    Naomi lingered nearby, her gaze following Eleanor as she disappeared into the grand lobby. Unable to contain her curiosity, she leaned closer to Faye and whispered, "Faye, who was that who dropped Eleanor off just now?"


    Whoever he was, he drove a luxury car and looked like he''d stepped out of a magazine.


    "That''s Xavier," Faye replied offhandedly. "CEO of Vaughn Shipping."


    Naomi''s eyes widened in silent astonishment. She never imagined that even Eleanor''s casual dinnerpanions would be people of such wealth and status. She couldn''t help but press on, her tone turning conspiratorial, "Wait-don''t tell me Eleanor''s seeing him?"


    Faye let out a dryugh. "You''re giving Eleanor too much credit. Xavier''s practically Mr. Goodwin''s brother-they grew up together. You really think he''d be interested in his best friend''s ex-wife?"


    That made sense. A man like Xavier could have any woman he wanted-why would he go there?


    Goodwin Manor.


    Serena checked her reflection in the hallway mirror, ran a hand through her hair, and headed for the door. Gina called after her, "Where are you off to?"


    "To Vanessa''s," Serena replied, grabbing her keys. Vanessa had just gotten back from Kingston.


    "Why do you keep bothering her?" Gina asked with a frown.


    Serena rolled her eyes. "I''m not bothering her!n just texted and asked me to check on her, okay?"


    Gina blinked in surprise. She hadn''t expected her son to be so invested in Vanessa''s well-being.


    "Alright, Mom, I''m heading out," Serena said, already moving towards the garage.


    Gina watched her daughter back the car out of the driveway, a sigh escaping her lips. Wasn really this concerned about Vanessa, or was there something else going on?


    A sudden tightness gripped Gina''s chest. She pressed a hand to her heart, feeling that familiar wave of fatigue and difort wash over her.


    It was that time of year again.


    "Ma''am, are you alright?" One of the maids rushed over, steadying her.


    "Help me to my room. I just need to lie down for a bit," Gina murmured.


    Serena''s drive to Vanessa''s ce was quick. She stepped into the cozy living room and found Vanessa curled up on the sofa, wrapped in a nket, while her assistant tidied up nearby.


    "Vanessa, are you okay?" Serena asked, concern softening her voice as she hurried over.


    "It''s nothing," Vanessa replied, stifling a cough. "Serena, what did your brother say?"


    "Not much. He just asked if I coulde over and look after you," Serena said. Her brother might seem cold and distant, but deep down, he really did care about Vanessa.


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Vanessa''s face. "Is that so? He must be busy."


    "He is," Serena confirmed. "He''s barely had a moment to himselftely. But whenever he can''t be here, I''ll take his ce. Got it?"


    Vanessa''s lips curved into a gentle smile. "Thank you, Serena. You''re so thoughtful."


    "This is the least I can do¡ªafter all, you mean the world to my brother," Serena said with a grin, pouring her a ss of water. "Besides, I''ve got nothing better to do right now. Taking care of you is my top priority."


    Vanessa epted the water, her expression momentarily clouded by something Serena couldn''t quite ce. "Thank you. Sorry to trouble you."


    "You''re not trouble at all! And trust me, my brother definitely still cares about you," Serena insisted, settling in beside her. "He''s just been swamped. He barely evenes home these days."


    Vanessa''s hand paused mid-sip. She looked up. "He''s hardly at Goodwin Manor?"


    Serena blinked, suddenly realizing it had been three days since she''dst seen her brother at home.


    Vanessa''s eyes dimmed further. "I suppose he''s been staying at Cloudcrest Manor then."


    Serena caught the shift in her mood and immediately guessed the reason. Was Vanessa worriedn was rekindling things with Eleanor?


    She scooted closer, looping her arm through Vanessa''s and speaking with certainty. "Vanessa, don''t even let that cross your mind. My brother would never get back together with Eleanor. He''s probably just missing Evelyn."


    Vanessa lowered her gaze, tracing the rim of her ss with a fingertip. ¡°Butn has been acting differentlytely."


    She hesitated, then looked up. "While he was in Kingston, he spent nearly all his time with Eleanor."


    "What? You mean he didn''t see you at all while he was there?" Serena asked, incredulous.


    "He only came with me to the hospital for a quick check-up, then he left," Vanessa answered, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Serena quickly tried to exin. "Vanessa, you''ve got it all wrong. My brother and Eleanor are tied together by work. Of course they''re going to cross paths."


    Ifn ever considered getting back with Eleanor, Serena would be the first to object-her dislike for Eleanor ran bone-deep. Just thinking about that time Eleanor embarrassed her in front of Evelyn made her blood boil, andn''s reaction afterwards only made her angrier. No way was she going to mention that to Vanessa, though.


    Seeing Vanessa''s downcast expression, Serena squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Listen, Vanessa. I''d stake my life on this-my brother only has eyes for you. As for Eleanor-" Serena snorted in disdain, "She''s just clinging to him because of work. Nothing more."


    Vanessa offered a faint smile. "You don''t have to worry about me. I know how your brother feels."


    "I''m d you see it that way," Serena replied, relieved. "Don''t let Eleanor''s little games get to you. There''s no reason to let her get under your skin."


    Truth was, Serena worried that Vanessa might start overthinking things. Withn always busy and an ex-wife still working at hisb, anyone would start to feel insecure.

 Chapter 731

    "Enough about me-how are things with you and Xaviertely?" Vanessa asked, genuine concern softening her voice.


    Serena''s eyes turned ssy, and a wave of hurt welled up inside her. She looked away, voice trembling. "Don''t bring him up. I¡ªI can''t even see him anymore."


    If it weren''t for those rare family events, she wouldn''t have a single chance to run into him these days.


    "I thought your brother was still living at Cloudcrest Manor?" Vanessa pressed, curiosity piqued.


    Serena gave a bitter littleugh. "He won''t even let me set foot in Cloudcrest Manor."


    Vanessa reached out and gave her shoulder a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "Don''t me your brother too much. Maybe it isn''t really up to him-maybe it''s¡ª"


    Serena''s eyes shed with sudden resentment. She whipped her head around. "You mean it''s Eleanor, don''t you? She''s scared I''ll get in the way between her and Xavier, so she doesn''t want me there?"


    Vanessa faltered, caught off guard. "Serena, maybe I''m just overthinking things."


    "No, you''re probably right! That exins everything-why else would my brother suddenly bar me from Cloudcrest Manor? It''s Eleanor, pulling strings behind his back." Serena''s anger red brighter as she spoke. She hadn''t caused trouble for Eleanor in ages, but now Eleanor was secretly turning her brother against her?


    "I''ve put up with Eleanor for long enough," Serena muttered, clenching her fists without realizing it.


    Vanessa quickly grabbed her wrist, rmed. "Serena, don''t do anything rash. Whatever she''s done, Eleanor''s still your ex-sister-inw."


    "Ex-sister-inw? I refuse to recognize her as anything of the sort. She''s crossed the line." Serena was now utterly convinced Eleanor was scheming to drive a wedge between her and her brother.


    "Why is it that only she gets to love Xavier? Why can''t I have feelings for him too? She even has to meddle with who lives in the neighborhood-she''s just insufferable." Every ounce of resentment Serena had built up over the past few days now came crashing down on Eleanor''s head.


    Vanessa let herself sink back into the couch with an exhausted sigh. "Honestly, I''m not sure Eleanor''s even that into Xavier. When she was in Kingston this time, she was being apanied by another man the entire trip."


    Serena''s head snapped up, stunned. "She went to Kingston to meet another guy?"


    "I ran into them at the University Hospital with your brother. The man was all over Eleanor-hugging her, acting like they were a couple."


    "So Eleanor''s stringing Xavier along while flirting with someone else?" Serena could hardly believe it was Eleanor really so maniptive that even someone as exceptional as Xavier was just her backup n?


    "She''s outrageous-someone as fickle as Eleanor doesn''t deserve Xavier!" Serena shot to her feet, seething. "So Xavier''s being yed for a fool and he doesn''t even know it?"


    Vanessa gently took Serena''s hand, trying to calm her. "Serena, take a breath¡ª¡±


    "How am I supposed to stay calm?" Serena couldn''t stand the thought of the man she liked being toyed with by Eleanor.


    She let out an angry huff. "If she''s really ying with Xavier''s feelings, I won''t just sit back and watch. Vanessa, tell me everything you saw!"


    Vanessa hesitated. "Honestly, I didn''t see that much. But I do think the man Eleanor went to Kingston to host was this guy-he picked her up in a military car." "Anything else?" Serena pressed.


    "Well, at the hospital, I saw theming out of the elevator together,ughing and talking. Eleanor looked genuinely happy. I even asked her if that man was her boyfriend. He introduced himself-very polite-his name was Mansfield."


    "Mansfield?" Serena ran through a mental list of every eligible young man in the upper circles. No one by that name stood out.


    So, he must be someone from the military-just not well-known in their social scene.


    "How exactly were they acting all couple-y?" Serena demanded.


    Vanessa sifted through the memory. "That day I was feeling faint, so your brother was holding me up. I saw Eleanor and Mansfield step out together. Suddenly, a nurse nearly bumped into Eleanor with a wheelchair, and Mansfield pulled her into his arms to keep her safe."


    "What? Eleanor was letting another man hold her, right in front of my brother? She''s shameless." Serena spat out the words, biting her lip in anger. "I have to tell Xavier-he needs to see Eleanor''s true colors."


    "Serena, don''t go off half-cocked. Xavier might not believe me if I''m the only witness," Vanessa cautioned.


    "But you said my brother was there too, right? Xavier can ask him! My brother would never stand by and watch Eleanor make a fool out of Xavier." Serena was certain her brother wouldn''t let this slide.


    Vanessa nodded thoughtfully. "It''s all true¡ªI just hope Xavier believes it. We''re only looking out for him."


    "Vanessa, if Xavier asks you about this, promise me you''ll tell him everything. We''ll expose Eleanor together."


    Vanessa nodded. "Of course. I''m happy to help."


    Serena had always been impulsive, and now she couldn''t wait another minute. She nced at the clock-it was only three. She had to find Xavier right away.


    "I''m going to see Xavier now."


    "Serena, maybe wait until tomorrow-"


    "The sooner he knows, the better." Serena couldn''t wait to see Xavier''s reaction when he realized how badly Eleanor was ying him.


    If Xavier found out Eleanor was sneaking around with another man behind his back, he would be furious.

 Chapter 732

    Vanessa nodded thoughtfully. "All right, go ahead."


    Serena didn''t even bother with goodbyes-she made a beeline for Vaughn Group.


    By four o''clock, she arrived at the Vaughn Group''s headquarters.


    She''d worked here before; the receptionists all knew who she was, so no one tried to stop her.


    Serena headed straight for the elevator and pressed the button for Xavier''s floor.


    Once the doors slid open, she strode confidently across the skybridge. The secretary at the end of the corridor looked up in surprise. "Miss Goodwin, what brings you here?"


    "I need to speak with Mr. Vaughn. Is he in?"


    "He just finished a meeting-he''s in his office now."


    Serena walked to Xavier''s door and knocked. When she heard his voice from inside, she let herself in.


    Xavier was bent over a stack of paperwork. He nced up, brows drawing together in a frown. "Serena? What''s going on?"


    "I need to talk to you. It''s important," Serena blurted, crossing the room in a hurry. "It''s about Eleanor."


    Xavier''s expression instantly tightened. "What about Eleanor? Did something happen to her?"


    For a moment, Serena was stunned by how much Xavier seemed to care about Eleanor. She pushed down the sour ache in her chest, thinking of the blow Xavier was about to take.


    "You know Eleanor''s been on a business trip in Kingston for the past two days, right? But she wasn''t just there for work-she''s been seeing another man." Serena''s voice was unwavering. "She''s been stringing you along, Xavier."


    His eyes narrowed, his demeanor turning cold. "Serena, I know what kind of person Eleanor is, probably better than you do."


    Seeing him still defend Eleanor made Serena''s eyes sting with frustration. She leaned over his desk, her voice urgent. "I''m telling the truth, Xavier. She was in Kingston with a man named Mansfield. They were all over each other in public- my brother and Vanessa saw it with their own eyes. If you don''t believe me, ask them."


    Xavier''s breath caught, his expression flickering through a mess of emotions. "Serena, you can''t just make usations like this."


    "I''m not making it up," Serena insisted, certain that Vanessa wouldn''t have lied to her.


    Xavier''s gaze darkened briefly, but he quickly regained hisposure. "Eleanor went to Kingston on business. Meeting new people is normal."


    So it''s true-Eleanor and Mansfield are actually involved? If that''s the case, Xavier felt a bitter pang. Mansfield really was a reliable man.


    "Xavier, can''t you see she''s ying with your feelings? If you don''t believe me, call Vanessa or my brother and ask if they saw Eleanor in Mansfield''s arms."


    "Your brother was there too?" Xavier asked, eyes narrowing.


    "Yes-at the Military Medical University. He saw them together," Serena answered quickly.


    Xavier studied her for a long moment. "You should go home, Serena. I have work to finish."


    Serena stared at him, stunned. This wasn''t how she''d pictured things at all.


    She''d imagined Xavier would be furious when he found out he was being used-if not angry, at least cold and distant. But the calm, unreadable Xavier sitting across from her was nothing like she expected.


    "Xavier-you''re not mad?" Serena bit her lip, almost pleading.


    He leafed through the papers on his desk, his voice steady. "Feelings aren''t ck


    and white, Serena. If Eleanor''s found someone new, I wish her well."


    "So you''re just going to let her get away with this? Don''t you want to confront her?" Serena pressed.


    Xavier looked up, frowning. "Eleanor and I have always just been friends. There''s nothing to ''get away with.""


    Serena wondered if he was too hurt to show it. She tried to coax him. "Xavier, if you''re upset or angry, just let it out, okay? Don''t bottle it up. A woman as fickle as Eleanor-"

 Chapter 733

    "Enough." Xavier''s expression darkened in an instant. "You don''t get to judge what kind of person Eleanor is."


    Serena flinched as if struck, tears stinging her eyes, threatening to spill over.


    Xavier sighed heavily and pressed his fingers to his brow, weariness etched across his face. "Go home."


    Serena took a step back, biting her lip as she turned and left the office.


    Back in her car, she slumped over the steering wheel, unable to hold back her sobs. She''d always looked out for Xavier, always had his best interests at heart, yet this was the thanks she got-how could she not feel wronged?


    Watching Xavier get toyed with by Eleanor hurt her, made her heart ache, but now she just felt utterly powerless.


    After Serena had left his office, Xavier found himself unable to focus on work. His mind kept circling back to the same question.


    Was Eleanor really seeing Mansfield?


    He sat in silence for a moment before finally picking up his phone and dialingn''s number.


    n," he said when the call connected. "Do you have a minute? I need to talk."


    "Sure, go ahead,"n replied.


    "Serena stopped by just now. She mentioned something about Eleanor-said you ran into her at the Military Medical University with Major General Ellington."


    Xavier''s grip on the phone tightened. "So, the two of them¡ª"


    "This trip to Kingston was for a conference. The Secretary of State hosted a dinner for us to discuss the future of medical development. Mansfield was there on behalf of his family to wee us,"n exined inly.


    A brief silence fell between them.


    Xavier couldn''t deny it. If he hadn''t spent time with Mansfield himself, he might have assumed that with a background like his, Mansfield would be arrogant or aloof. But theirst encounter had shown Xavier otherwise.


    Mansfield was impressive-sharp, principled, and gracious. In every way, he was the kind of man anyone would admire.


    Xavier took a deep breath, his voice a little tight. "If Eleanor and Mansfield ended up together, would you be happy for her?"


    There was a pause on the other end. Thenn''s answer came, clear and firm. "If she found someone better, I''d wish her well."


    "Do you really mean that?" Xavier pressed.


    He heard the flick of a lighter, imaginedn lighting a cigarette. "Xavier, how long have we known each other?"


    "Twenty-three years," Xavier answered without missing a beat.


    "Then you know me." Ian''s voice turned rough, low. "I don''t do things I''ll regret." Xavier fell silent, then sighed. "Let''s grab a drink sometime."


    "Sure."n hung up.


    Xavier set his phone down and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, staring out at the city lights. Suddenly, he found himself craving a cigarette. He turned and called his assistant''s extension.


    "Hello, Mr. Vaughn?" came the assistant''s voice.


    "Bring me a pack of cigarettes."


    "Cigarettes?" The surprise was obvious in the assistant''s tone.


    "That''s right. Cigarettes."


    "Understood. Right away."


    At the end of the workday, Eleanor''s phone rang-it was Professor Simone Langley.


    "Eleanor, did you see the email yet? Goodwin Pharma''s foundation isunching next month."


    Eleanor frowned, opening herptop. Sure enough, there was an email about the new foundation from Goodwin Pharma Group.


    "Professor Langley, you''re the perfect choice to give the keynote," Eleanor tried to deflect.


    Simoneughed. "The invitation asks you to speak at theunch-on breakthroughs in leukemia research and the future of Al in medicine. Those achievements are yours, Eleanor. How could I take credit? This speech should be yours."

 Chapter 734

    Eleanor understood what Simone was getting at. She hesitated, her brow furrowing despite herself.


    "Can I have some time to think about it?" she asked.


    "My suggestion is that you give the speech. Goodwin & Co. founding this foundation could make a real difference for leukemia patients in the future¡ªit''s important work."


    "Alright, Professor Langley. I''ll let them know once I''ve made a decision," Eleanor replied.


    Meanwhile,n stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows in the executive office of Goodwin & Co. Tower. Behind him, Gavin was running through a list of updates. "Oh! Mr. Goodwin, all the invitation emails have been sent."


    "Has she replied?"n asked, not turning around.


    Gavin knew immediately who he meant.


    "Miss Sutton hasn''t responded yet," he answered honestly.


    At five-thirty, Eleanor found herself stuck in traffic. She texted her daughter''s homeroom teacher to let her know she''d be at least ten minuteste.


    "No worries, Mrs. Goodwin. Mr. Vaughn is with the children," the teacher replied, sending along a few photos.


    At a red light, Eleanor tapped the images open. There was her daughter, ying in the yground with Vivian; Xavier''s silhouette was visible in the background.


    A wave of gratitude washed over her. She typed back, "I''ll be there as soon as I can."


    By the time she hurried to the preschool, thest rays of the sun stretched across the yground. Laughter drifted toward her in the golden light. Xavier stood nearby, watching the girls with gentle eyes.


    He turned at the sound of footsteps.


    Seeing Eleanor walking toward him, a faint smile yed at his lips. "You made it."


    "Thank you for looking after Evelyn," Eleanor said gratefully.


    Xavier smiled, "Vivian needed a ymate too, so this worked out perfectly."


    Evelyn saw her mother and waved eagerly. "Mom, can we y a little longer?"


    Eleanor smiled back, "Of course. Go ahead and have some more fun."


    Xavier nced at Eleanor. "Did you hear? Goodwin Biologics'' foundation is about tounch."


    She nodded. "Yes, I heard."


    "Didn ask you to give a speech? I noticed the foundation''s focus is on leukemia."


    Eleanor''s expression stiffened a little. "They invited me, but I''m still considering it."


    "It''s a great tform," Xavier said, his voice low and sincere. "Your research deserves to be shared with more people. Don''t let personal feelings get in the way."


    "Ian''s intentions with the foundation are good."


    Eleanor could hear the genuine concern in Xavier''s words. She thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright-I''ll do it. I''ll give the speech."


    A small smile tugged at Xavier''s lips. He was d she''d taken his advice.


    Once the girls were worn out from ying, Xavier checked the time. "Remember that family-friendly restaurant I mentioned nearby? We could take the kids for dinner. Vivian''s been asking to go again."


    "Mom, can we go?" Evelyn piped up, tugging at Eleanor''s sleeve.


    Eleanor nced at the clock; it was just about dinnertime. She nodded. "Sure, let''s all go together."


    The two girls cheered and grabbed each other''s hands, skipping ahead.


    Seeing the kids so happy, the parents couldn''t help but smile too.


    The restaurant''s menu was full of kid-friendly favorites and healthy options. While the girls chatted and ate, Eleanor and Xavier caught up over dinner.


    After the meal, the kids raced to the empty Lego yroom next door, leaving the adults a few quiet moments.


    Xavier looked over, curiosity in his eyes. "I heard Major General Ellington hosted you at the Kingston conference-is that true?"


    Eleanor paused, surprised. "How did you know about that?"

 Chapter 735

    "Ian mentioned it to me," Xavier said, meeting Eleanor''s eyes with a candid gaze.


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, this time it was a special invitation from the Secretary of State. We''re all truly honored to be a part of it."


    "Absolutely! Just getting invited shows how impressive you are," Xavier added, a hint of envy in his voice.


    Eleanor smiled modestly. "You tter me."


    For a moment, Xavier''s eyes grew thoughtful, as if there was something he wanted to ask but wasn''t sure how to put into words. He hesitated, the unspoken question hanging between them.


    Just then, Xavier''s phone rang. It was Mrs. Vaughn, reminding him to bring Vivian home.


    "Alright, Mom. We''re just about to leave. I''m here with Eleanor-just chatting," Xavier replied.


    "Oh! Are you two having dinner with the kids? No rush, then. Take your time, enjoy your meal and your conversation. There''s no need to hurry back," Mrs. Vaughn said, her tone instantly changing.


    Xavier couldn''t help butugh. "Got it, Mom."


    "I thought you were on your own with Vivian! It''s still early,e home whenever you''re ready," she added, then hung up.


    Just as he put his phone down, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a message.


    She nced at the screen-it was a text from Mansfield.


    "At the airport. Boarding soon, heading back to base. Just wanted to let you know," Mansfield wrote.


    Eleanor read the message for a few seconds, then typed her reply: "Safe travels -take care."


    "Thanks, looking forward to our next meeting," Mansfield responded almost instantly.


    Beside her, Xavier watched, lost in thought.


    "Was that Major General Ellington?" he asked casually.


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, he''s flying back to base."


    Beneath the table, Xavier''s fingers curled into a light fist. "Do you two keep in touch often?"


    "We''re just friends," Eleanor answered simply and honestly.


    There was no reason to lie or hide anything from Xavier-she''d always believed that honesty was the foundation of any friendship.


    A glimmer of relief shed in Xavier''s eyes. He seemed to want to say something more, but instead, he lifted his ss and took a sip of water. In the warm glow of the restaurant lights, the happiness in his expression was unmistakable.


    Friends? Did that mean Mansfield was just a friend to Eleanor, nothing more?


    Xavier thought back over everything he knew about her. Eleanor wasn''t someone who let people in easily-her daughter had always been her top priority.


    He''d been doing his best to win her over, but Eleanor had only ever kept things strictly at the level of friendship.


    So, Mansfield was probably just another man who admired her-respectful, yes, but kept firmly in the friend zone.


    The thought made Xavier''s heart skip a beat. A smile tugged at his lips, and suddenly, his spirits lifted.


    The two children came out from ying a whileter; it was already half past eight. Xavier and Eleanor agreed it was time to take the kids home.


    As any parent knows, with children around,te nights out are a thing of the past. Since bing a mother, Eleanor had given up on nightlife altogether; her world revolved around her daughter now.


    Back at the house, Joslyn took Evelyn upstairs for a bath. These daily routines were second nature to Joslyn, giving Eleanor a rare moment to herself.


    Eleanor retreated to her study and opened herptop. After staring at an email for


    a while, she finally typed out her response and hit send.


    Ten minutester, Gavin ryed the news ton.


    "Miss Sutton has agreed to be a keynote speaker at the event."


    "Understood," Ian replied.


    After hanging up,n leaned back and stared at the ceiling, a look of relief crossing his face.

 Chapter 736

    He also hoped Eleanor could set aside her personal biases and let her medical expertise shine through, so more people woulde to recognize her


    achievements.


    A littleter,n texted Gavin, "Send me the final schedule for the foundation''sunch."


    Gavin quickly replied with the document.


    He also tweaked the seating chart, shifting Eleanor from a side seat in the second row to a more prominent spot in the center.


    A few minutester,n emailed Gavin, "Finalize the schedule ording to my changes."


    "Understood, Mr. Goodwin," Gavin replied.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor was working on a proposal when her phone chimed. She picked it up to see a message from Joy Thatcher.


    "Dr. Sutton! Any ns for Christmas?"


    Eleanor blinked, ncing at the date-Christmas was just a day or two away. She couldn''t help but smile; she''d been so busy, she''d lost track of time.


    "Just work! Might take my daughter out for dinner in the evening, pick up a few gifts," she replied.


    "I thought you''d be celebrating with some handsome guy!" Joy teased. She was already on maternity leave, thanks to Eleanor, who had not only approved her paid leave but also bumped up her base sry. Joy was genuinely touched and grateful.


    Eleanor chuckled. "I''m working, darling. It''s not the weekend-I don''t exactly have time for a date."


    "You''re such a workaholic! Okay, let''s grab dinner together when you''re free," Joy said.


    After a few more messages, Eleanor nced at her calendar. Ian''s foundationunch was set for January 10th-just two weeks away.


    The next morning, Eleanor dropped her daughter off at school. The streets were decked out for the holidays, with Christmas decorations everywhere and gift shops bustling. Driving through town, she found herself in surprisingly good spirits.


    When she arrived at the office, Gwenda greeted her with a smile, leading a young woman in a florist''s apron.


    "This is Dr. Sutton," Gwenda introduced.


    The florist, arms full of fresh blooms and holding a beautifully wrapped gift box,


    stepped forward. "Miss Sutton, these were ordered for you by one of our


    customers. Could you please sign for them?"


    Gwenda peered over, curiosity written all over her face, eager to see who the sender was.


    Eleanor stood, a bit surprised. "May I ask who sent them?"


    The shopgirl handed her a card. "Here, there''s a handwritten note and signature."


    Eleanor took the card and read, "Merry Christmas. -Vaughn."


    So, Xavier had sent them.


    "Miss Sutton, could you sign here? I''m in a bit of a rush-lots more holiday deliveries today," the florist said apologetically.


    No doubt she had a busy day ahead. Eleanor quickly signed for the delivery.


    The shopgirl thanked her and hurried out.


    Gwenda edged closer, peeking at the card. When she saw Xavier''s signature, she grinned. "Ah, so Mr. Vaughn sent them!"


    Eleanor nodded, feeling a little awkward-holiday gifts like this felt too personal to ept, but refusing them seemed unnecessarily harsh.


    Just then, Faye came in, arms full of files. She caught sight of the bouquet and


    gift box on Eleanor''s sofa, and her expression darkened for a split second-could they be from Mr. Goodwin?


    As soon as Gwenda left, Faye sidled over.


    "Gwenda, who sent those flowers to Eleanor?" she asked.


    Gwenda shot her a look. "Guess."


    Faye frowned. "One of her admirers, obviously."


    "Of course!"


    "Well, Eleanor''s got plenty of those," Faye muttered.


    Gwenda smirked, looking Faye up and down. "Come on, Faye, Eleanor attracts people with real talent. She''s a step ahead of us. Weren''t you the ss beauty back in college? Howe no one''s sent you flowerstely?"


    Faye''s cheeks flushed. "If I wanted flowers, I could get them anytime."


    Gwenda shrugged. "Sure, maybe, but I doubt it''d be someone like Mr. Vaughn."


    Faye''s expression soured. It was true-she''d always felt a bit superior to Gwenda, but now the tables had turned and it stung.


    "As if attracting men is some great achievement," Faye snapped.


    Gwenda shook her head. "You''re missing the point. Eleanor''s talent isn''t just about turning heads-she''s brilliant at what she does."


    Faye''s eyes narrowed. "Don''t go overboard, Gwenda. What''s Eleanor ever done for you that you''re always singing her praises? Does she even appreciate it?"


    Gwenda huffed. "I just like her, okay? And Mr. Vaughn''s gifts are genuine. I''m happy for her."


    Faye turned away, scoffing.


    Gwenda winked. "Maybe you should ask Mr. Goodwin what he''s giving your sister for Christmas."


    Faye red. "Why bring my sister into this?"


    Gwenda shrugged. "No reason. I just hope Mr. Goodwin didn''t forget your sister''s present while he''s busy picking one for Eleanor."


    "That''s ridiculous," Faye snapped. "Mr. Goodwin''s got more important things to do than fuss over Christmas gifts."


    Gwenda just shrugged and headed back to her office.


    But Faye felt a knot tighten in her chest. Wouldn really send Eleanor a gift? She walked back to her own office, grabbed her phone, and messaged Vanessa, suddenly caught up in Gwenda''s taunts.

 Chapter 737

    It was as if she absolutely needed to know whethern had given Vanessa a


    Christmas gift.


    "So, it''s Christmas-did Mr. Goodwin get you anything?" she asked, ncing at Vanessa.


    "Why? Did you get a present?"


    "No, just curious."


    "If I get one, I''ll send you a phototer," Vanessa replied.


    "Alright! I bet Mr. Goodwin''s got something nned for you."


    "Let''s grab lunch together sometime in the next couple days," Vanessa said.


    "Sure!"


    Half an hourter, Faye was scrolling through Vanessa''s social feed when she saw a new post: a gorgeous bouquet and a delicate, sparkling bracelet. The caption read simply, "Thank you, I love it."


    One look at the photo and message was all it took for Faye to know these were fromn. She''d known all along thatn wouldn''t forget Vanessa-not even if the gift came a littlete. Her mind was suddenly at ease. There was no wayn would send a Christmas present to Eleanor. If he was giving gifts, it would only be to the woman he cared about.


    As for Eleanor, at most, she andn were boss and employee. Nothing more.


    Goodwin & Co.


    The morning sun glinted off the building''s dark ss facade, casting dazzling patterns across the lobby.


    Gavin took a look: it was a limited-edition Disney princess castle building set. He nodded. "Of course, Mr. Goodwin. I''ll handle it."


    "Wait."n called him back.


    "Yes, Mr. Goodwin?"


    Gavin hesitated, then asked, "Mr. Goodwin, were you thinking of preparing something for Miss Sutton as well?"


    "She wouldn''t ept it."n''s eyes lowered, a shadow flickering across his face.


    Gavin understood instantly. Giving a gift that would be refused would only make things more awkward. Sometimes, not giving was the better choice.


    At noon, Gavin ced the carefully wrapped limited-edition box onn''s desk. On a day like this, the only gift that mattered was the one a father gave his daughter.


    Whenn returned after a meeting, he saw the elegantly wrapped present and couldn''t help but smile. He was sure his daughter would love it. At her age, with her quick mind, she was more than ready for this kind of toy.


    Maybe it was a father''s pride, but he never doubted Evelyn would inherit his intelligence and talent.


    Later, in theb at lunchtime, Eleanor and Joel finished discussing a work problem. Suddenly, Joel remembered something, opened a drawer, and handed Eleanor a small figurine. "Just picked this up on a whim-hope you like it."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Joel, I didn''t get you anything."


    Heughed. "Then just take me out for lunch another day. This little guy isn''t worth a whole meal anyway."


    Eleanor grinned, epting the gift. "Deal. Lunch it is."


    The atmosphere between them was easy, like old friends or siblings. Outside theb window, Faye walked by. Seeing Eleanor with a present in her hands, Faye paused, a surge of jealousy catching her off guard. Even Joel had thought to surprise Eleanor.


    Gwenda''s words echoed in her mind: Who did she have to exchange gifts with?


    People assumed she had everything-looks, money, the life of a trust fund kid. But the truth was, she spent her days in theb, and admirers were few and far between. Or rather, they existed, but none caught her interest. The ordinary ones never got close; her cool, distant air sent them running.


    Men like Joel, talented and charming, only had eyes for women even more exceptional-like Eleanor. There was nothing Faye could do to change that.


    After work, Eleanor was grabbing her bag when she noticed a bouquet and a gift box on the couch. She picked them up and headed out.


    When she arrived at Evelyn''s school, the nanny was just leaving with another child and greeted Eleanor warmly before heading off.


    Eleanor picked up her daughter, then stopped by a nearby shop to choose a Christmas gift for her. In the car, Evelyn eyed the flowers curiously.


    "Mommy, who gave you those flowers?"


    Eleanor met her daughter''s innocent gaze and answered truthfully, "Mr. Vaughn gave them to me."


    "Did Daddy get you flowers too?" Evelyn pressed.


    Eleanor''s hands tightened on the steering wheel. She quickly changed the subject. "Do you like the present Mommy got for you?"


    "I love it!" Evelyn beamed, instantly distracted.


    Eleanor drove into the underground garage, parked, and waited for Evelyn to climb out. She was holding the bouquet and the gift box, waiting by the car.


    Suddenly, the door of a nearby ck Mercedes opened, startling Eleanor. She turned and realized she''d parked besiden''s spot-and his car was here.


    Evelyn hopped out and spotted her father. Her face lit up. "Daddy! What are you doing here?"


    Evelyn noticed and piped up, "That''s from Mr. Vaughn. He gave Mommy those flowers."


    "Daddy, did you get Mommy a present too?" Evelyn asked, looking up at him expectantly.

 Chapter 738

    Eleanor frowned and called out to her daughter, "Evelyn, it''s time for us to head home."


    "Dad forgot this time, but I''ll make it up to Mom next time,"n said, scooping Evelyn into his arms as he walked to the trunk. He opened it to reveal a pink box of building blocks.


    "Wow!" Evelyn gasped, eyes wide with delight. "I love this present!"


    Seeing his daughter''s excitement,n''s expression softened. He''d spent hours onlinest night searching for just the right one.


    He handed her the gift box, and Evelyn clutched it, tugging at his sleeve. "Daddy,e upstairs and have dinner with us!"


    "Evelyn, honey, your dad has things to take care of tonight. Let''s not keep him, okay?" Eleanor said gently.


    "Alright," Evelyn nodded, letting go of his hand with surprising maturity.


    He straightened, ncing at the bouquet Eleanor was holding with a conflicted look before turning to leave.


    Momentster, the sound ofn''s car engine echoed through the parking lot and quickly faded as he drove away.


    Eleanor took Evelyn by the hand and led her home. As they walked in, Joslyn noticed the gift in Evelyn''s arms and did a double-take. "Oh! Evelyn, who gave you that?"


    "My dad did," Evelyn replied.


    Joslyn shot Eleanor a look, pointing to an identical gift box sitting on the sofa. "Ma''am, Mr. Vaughn delivered that himself just about ten minutes ago."


    "Huh? It''s exactly the same as the one from my dad! Now I have two presents!" Evelyn squealed, running over to the sofa, absolutely thrilled by the double surprise.


    Eleanor stood frozen for a moment, surprised that Xavier had also gotten a gift for their daughter. Meanwhile, she''d been so busy today she hadn''t managed to get anything for anyone.


    She made a mental note: Christmas was officially tomorrow. She''d have to make it up to Xavier and Vivian with gifts of her own.


    After dinner, Eleanor settled onto the sofa, scrolling through her favorite bloggers on her phone. As she swiped, a short video notification popped up from the media.


    She frowned, spotting Vanessa''stest post. The video''s voiceover chattered excitedly, "Oh my gosh! Did you all get Christmas gifts? Well, let''s check out what everyone else got! Some people are just too lucky-it turns out our piano goddess received an exclusive Tiffiny bracelet! Can you guess which big-shot CEO is behind such generosity? I think we all know who I''m talking about. Honestly, isn''t he just spoiling her rotten?"


    The words rushed by, barely finished when Evelyn came running over. "Mom, I can''t figure this part out. Can you help me?"


    "Of course," Eleanor said, turning off her phone and getting up to help her daughter with the building blocks.


    The next morning, Eleanor picked out a gift and asked Ellington to have someone buy it for her. She also decided to return the favor with a present for Xavier.


    She chose a sleek fountain pen for him¡ªpractical, elegant, and just right.


    By ten o''clock, the gifts were delivered to Xavier''s office. He was in a meeting at the time. When he returned, his assistant greeted him, "Mr. Vaughn, Miss Sutton sent over two gifts this morning."


    Xavier looked surprised, ncing over at the sofa. He strode over and saw that one box was a children''s gift for Vivian. Then his eyesnded on a Montnc fountain pen-Eleanor''s present to him.


    He picked up the pen and couldn''t stop a genuine smile from spreading across his face.


    His assistant stared in astonishment. It had been a long time since Mr. Vaughn had looked this pleased. Clearly, Miss Sutton''s gift had made his day.


    Xavier took out his phone and messaged Eleanor, "Got your gift. Thank you."


    "No need to thank me¡ªit was my pleasure," she replied.


    "I''ll put this pen to good use."


    "Wishing you all the best."


    Xavier held his phone, smiling once more.

 Chapter 739

    That evening, Eleanor picked up her daughter and took her to dinner at the


    Vesper Joy Hotel. The restaurant was bustling with families; several parents sat with their children, chatting andughing over their meals. Evelyn took it all in with wide eyes. When Eleanor stepped aside to answer a phone call, Evelyn seized the moment. She slipped her smartwatch off her wrist and dialed her father''s number.


    ¡°Hello? Evelyn?"n''s voice came through, warm and familiar.


    "Daddy, can youe have dinner with me and Mom?" Evelyn asked in a soft whisper, ncing around as if she were sharing a secret.


    "Where are you?"


    "We''re eating at Mom''s hotel restaurant."


    "All right, I''ll be there soon,"n replied with a low chuckle.


    Eleanor returned to the table just as Evelyn shot her a mischievous grin. "You''re back, Mom!"


    Eleanor eyed her daughter''s impish expression. "What''s going on?"


    "Nothing!" Evelyn pressed her lips together, feigning innocence.


    The restaurant was especially busy tonight, and Eleanor and Evelyn waited for their food as minutes passed. Suddenly, after about fifteen minutes, Evelyn slid off her chair, her face lighting up as she darted toward the entrance.


    "Evelyn!" Eleanor called, startled by her daughter''s sudden burst of energy. That''s when she sawn standing in the doorway, tall and unmistakable.


    In that instant, everything clicked-Eleanor realized what her daughter''s sly smile had meant earlier, and why she''d insisted on wearing her smartwatch before they left the house. She''d nned this all along.


    Eleanor''s chest tightened, her annoyance in in her eyes.


    "Mom, Daddy hasn''t eaten yet. Can we invite him to eat with us?" Evelyn asked, tuggingn over to the table, her head tilted in hopeful expectation.


    Eleanor looked down at her daughter''s pleading face and gave a reluctant nod. The restaurant was crowded; she couldn''t bear to embarrass Evelyn in front of so many people.


    "Daddy, Mr. Vaughn gave me the same present too!" Evelyn announced, beaming.n raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Really? Exactly the same?"


    ¡°Uh-huh! Just the same." Evelyn nodded enthusiastically.


    A thought struckn. He reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, sliding it across the table to Eleanor. "This is for you."


    Yesterday had been Christmas Eve-today was Christmas Day itself.


    Eleanor nced at the box, her tone cool. "I don''t need it, thank you."


    Evelyn, ever curious, snatched up the box and popped it open. "Wow-a brooch!"


    She held it up for her mother to see. "Look, Mom, it''s really sparkly!"


    Eleanor gave it a cursory nce, if only for her daughter''s sake.


    "Evelyn, give the gift back to Daddy." Eleanor''s voice was gentle but firm. "Mom doesn''t need it."


    Evelyn''s face fell. "But Mom-"


    "Sweetheart, it''s all right." Eleanor closed the velvet box and pushed it back towardn. ¡°Thank you for the thought, but you should keep it."


    "It''s not about liking it or not," Eleanor replied, meeting his gaze with an icy glint in her eyes. "It''s just not necessary."


    Evelyn blinked, sensing her mother''s resolve. She nudged the gift back ton. "Daddy, Mom doesn''t want your present. You should take it back."


    He slipped the velvet box back into his pocket just as their steaks arrived. Evelyn tugged on his sleeve. "Daddy, will you cut my steak for me? I want you to feed me."


    Eleanor focused on her own te, carefully slicing her steak. Outside the window, the Christmas tree glittered with twinkling lights, the festive spirit filling every corner of the room.


    In the far corner, three girls sat together, ncing over at Eleanor''s table every so often. One of them discreetly snapped a photo on her phone and sent it off to a friend.


    That friend was Serena-their mutual acquaintance.


    Running into her brother and his ex-wife spending Christmas together with their daughter in a fancy restaurant? Now, that was something worth sharing.

 Chapter 740

    Dinner wrapped up around eight-thirty. Eleanor took her daughter''s hand and said gently, "Say goodbye to your dad, sweetheart."


    Evelyn, always the considerate child, nodded. She knew she couldn''t ask for more than this-her father had made time just to share a meal with her, and that was enough.


    "Bye, Daddy," Evelyn called, waving her small hand.


    Evelyn ran straight into his embrace, and he held her close for a moment. Then Eleanor, without looking back, took Evelyn''s hand and led her toward the elevator. Tonight, she and her daughter would be staying here.


    Goodwin Manor.


    Serena was lounging at home, sipping tea with Vanessa, when her phone buzzed with a new photo. She nced at the screen, her face darkening.


    "What is it?" Vanessa asked, setting her cup down with her usual poise.


    Serena handed her the phone. "Can you believe this? My brother actually spent Christmas with Eleanor."


    Vanessa''s smile didn''t falter. "Looks liken really does love Evelyn."


    "Aren''t you upset?" Serena''s voice was edged with disbelief. Just seeing those photos made her blood boil.


    "I''ve always knownn is a wonderful father. I admire that about him." Vanessa took a slow sip of tea, her eyes thoughtful. "But Eleanor... she''s interesting."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I heard from my sister that Xavier sent her flowers and gifts yesterday, and today she''s having dinner withn and Evelyn." Vanessa gave Serena a knowing look. "She certainly knows how to keep her options open."


    Serena clenched her fists, her tone bitter. "That''s exactly what I''ve been saying- she''s so fickle! Why can''t Xavier see through her?"


    Vanessa reached over, her gaze gentle. "Don''t worry, Serena. It''s only a matter of time before Xavier figures out what Eleanor is really like."


    Ever since that humiliating encounter with Xavier, Serena had been in a funk. If it weren''t for Vanessa''s steady support, she wasn''t sure she''d have pulled herself out of her gloomy mood.


    "Next time I see Eleanor, I''m going to give her a piece of my mind. If she dares mess with Xavier''s feelings, she''ll have to answer to me." Serena''s jaw was set in determination¡ªshe would never let anyone hurt Xavier.


    Vanessa chuckled softly, but just then a new message popped up on her phone. She nced at it-Henry Holt.


    "That custom perfume you liked has arrived. I''ll have it delivered to you tomorrow." Vanessa didn''t bother replying; she simply set her phone face-down on the table.


    "Was that my brother texting you?" Serena asked curiously.


    ¡°No, just spam.¡± Vanessa smiled lightly. "Serena, it''s gettingte. You should head home and get some rest. Those dark circles under your eyes are getting worse."


    "Really? Is it that bad?" Serena immediately pulled out her phone to check her reflection.


    In just two weeks, her brother''s foundation would be holding itsunch g. She was already looking forward to seeing Xavier again¡ªshe couldn''t show up looking tired and haggard.


    "I have some sleeping pills here," Vanessa offered. "Take one each night, and you''ll fall asleep in no time."


    Serena eyed the bottle and grinned. She was sure Vanessa spent sleepless nights pining for her brother-why else would she be so prepared?


    "Vanessa, you know, there''s really no reason for you and my brother to sleep in separate rooms. He''s single now, and so are you. Why not just go to him? I''m sure he''d love thepany."


    Vanessa''s cheeks flushed. "Serena, that''s something your brother has to bring up first."


    Serena scoffed. "You know what he''s like¡ªa total workaholic. If you wait for him to make the first move, you''ll be waiting forever."


    Vanessa''s smile was warm and patient. "I don''t mind waiting. He''s worth it."


    Serena couldn''t help but admire Vanessa-so gentle, so thoughtful, so understanding. No wonder her brother was so fond of her. Compared to Eleanor''s stubborn streak, Vanessa was a thousand times better.


    Honestly, she couldn''t understand what men saw in Eleanor. Aside from beingpetent, there wasn''t much else going for her.


    Once Serena left, Vanessa let out a soft sigh and finally picked up her phone to reply to Henry: "Thank you, truly. I''m sorry for all the trouble."


    This perfume was one of a kind, not something you could buy in any store. Vanessa had used it for nearly eight years now, never once changing her scent.

 Chapter 741

    When Eleanor arrived home that evening, it was around nine o''clock and she received a message from Mansfield: "Merry Christmas."


    She replied right away, and Mansfield texted back, "I forgot to get you a gift. I''ll make it up to you on New Year''s."


    Eleanor paused for a moment, then quickly typed, "Mansfield, your thoughtfulness is more than enough. I really don''t need a present a simple greeting is perfect."


    "What, are you that afraid to ept a gift from me?"


    "You know I hate feeling indebted to people. Please, don''t get me anything," Eleanor admitted, feeling a little helpless.


    ¡°Haha!¡± Mansfield''sughter came through loud and clear. "Alright then! I won''t push it."


    She was relieved that he''d listened. Xavier''s surprise gift earlier had already left her scrambling to return the favor, and she didn''t want to create any more awkwardness¡ªespecially not by sending a gift to Mansfield''s workce, which could onlyplicate things for him.


    After a few more messages, Eleanor went to bathe her daughter.


    *


    Two dayster, Eleanor met Ellington for lunch. He wanted to give her his year- end work report. Her experiments had kept her so busytely that Ellington could only catch her during her lunch break.


    "Ms. Sutton, this is a new ce. I think you''ll like it," Ellington said as they got out of the car.


    She nodded, stepped into the restaurant, and was greeted by a wave of warmth. She slipped off her coat and draped it over her arm. As they walked down the corridor toward their private room, a waiter pushed open the door to a VIP suite.


    Eleanor''s gaze drifted inside as she passed. A round table was set with a group of people¡ªfour foreign guests and Vanessa among them. In the space obscured by the open door, Eleanor glimpsed a pair of hands resting on the table-elegant, well-shaped, a perfect bnce of strength and grace. She didn''t want to guess, but she already knewn was sitting there just out of sight.


    Vanessa happened to nce toward the door.


    Their eyes met, unexpectedly.


    Vanessa looked momentarily surprised, but quickly recovered. She turned back ton with a flirtatious smile, then shot Eleanor a sly, challenging look through the open doorway.


    Eleanor looked away and kept walking.


    The waiter opened the door to the next suite and ushered them inside.


    "Ms. Sutton, here''s the annual financial report."


    She took the file and began reviewing it while Ellington exined the details with practiced thoroughness. Eleanor listened intently.


    When lunch arrived, Ellington noticed she was barely touching her food and felt a pang of guilt. ¡°Looks like I picked the wrong ce. Next time, I''ll choose somewhere better."


    Eleanor managed a smile. "It''s not your fault. I''m just not hungry."


    She didn''t bother to exin the real reason.


    As Ellington went through his report, Eleanor picked at her meal. Around half past one, they headed toward the lobby. Rounding the corridor, Eleanor caught sight ofn and Vanessa near the restaurant entrance, shaking hands with the four foreign guests as they said their goodbyes.


    Vanessa, dressed in a champagne-colored cocktail dress, wrapped her arms around herself, shivering in the biting cold-barely above freezing. She nced back down the hallway, just as Eleanor and Ellington stepped out.


    She turned ton and said something. Ian immediately took off his suit jacket and handed it to her.


    Vanessa looked up at him with a radiant smile, draping the jacket over her shoulders with grateful ease.


    At that moment,n heard footsteps behind him. He turned his head, and when he saw Eleanor and Ellington standing there, his body noticeably tensed. His handsome features hardened, gaze fixed on Eleanor.


    Vanessa pulledn''s jacket tighter around herself, a flicker of triumph in her eyes before she softened into a gracious smile. ¡°Eleanor! What a coincidence."


    Eleanor walked past as if she hadn''t heard her.


    Ellington, not wanting to be impolite, nodded ton. "Mr. Goodwin."


    Butn didn''t acknowledge him. His eyes stayed locked on Eleanor''s retreating figure, his jaw clenched, fists tightening at his sides.


    One of the foreign businessmen stepped forward. "Mr. Goodwin, let''s meet again in three days."<pn snapped back to his businesslikeposure, offering a cool, professional smile. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

 Chapter 742

    After seeing the guests off and watching their car pull away,n immediately looked toward the parking lot. But by then, he only caught a glimpse of Ellington''s taillights vanishing amidst the traffic. He stood there for a moment, lost in thought, until Vanessa''s driver pulled up. She was already draped inn''s suit jacket as she climbed into the car and left.


    Inside, Laverne nced at the tailored jacket around Vanessa''s shoulders, then grabbed the coat Vanessa had left behind and tucked it over her legs. She couldn''t help but grumble, "I told you to wear your own coat when you got out earlier. Now look, you''re freezing."


    Vanessa pulled the jacket tighter and closed her eyes, trying to rest. "Don''t fuss over me."


    Laverne eyed the expensive men''s suit and let out a knowing chuckle. "This is Mr. Goodwin''s, isn''t it?"


    Of course it was. If Vanessa had worn her own coat outside, how would she have managed to stir up Mr. Goodwin''s protective instincts?


    From what Laverne knew, Vanessa had lost count of how many times she''d ended up wrapped in Mr. Goodwin''s jacket over the years.


    But then, Mr. Goodwin had always cared for her, treating her with a rare patience. Every year, these clients would fly in from overseas, and every year, Mr. Goodwin made sure Vanessa was at his side for the meetings.


    "Vanessa, those foreign guests seemed pretty sharp. What line of work are they in, anyway?" Laverne couldn''t help but ask, curiosity getting the better of her.


    "I told you before-some things you''re better off not knowing." Vanessa opened her eyes just long enough to fix Laverne with a look.


    Laverne swallowed her frustration. For a manager of her standing, it was rare not to control every aspect of her client''s life. Other agents kept tabs on everything, but with Vanessa, Laverne could only handle her work-her private world was off- limits.


    Still, Vanessa was generous when it came to pay and perks, so Laverne was happy enough to mind her own business.


    She smiled, letting the matter drop.


    Meanwhile, Ellington was driving, but he kept ncing at Eleanor through the rearview mirror, sensing a shift in her mood. He asked with genuine concern, ¡°Are you alright, Ms. Sutton?"


    "I''m fine," Eleanor replied with a small shake of her head.


    Ellington didn''t press. Even as an outsider, it was clear to him-he''d seen how attentive Mr. Goodwin had been to Miss Shannon. It couldn''t have been easy for Eleanor, beingn''s ex-wife and witnessing that kind of care directed elsewhere.


    Everyone in their circle knew about Vanessa''s rtionship withn, but it was an unspoken truth¡ªno one dared to gossip. After all, crossingn these days was thest thing anyone wanted.


    Ellington dropped Eleanor at the research center. Before heading inside, she turned back and told him, "Drive safe."


    Her words warmed him-Eleanor was truly a good boss. She trusted himpletely and always treated him with respect. He couldn''t understand how someone liken could have failed to appreciate her.


    Especially now-Eleanor was more than just the CEO of Vesper Joy Group. Her achievements in scientific research had made her a rising star in her field.


    With New Year''s just around the corner, Eleanor and Joel finally wrapped up theirtest experiment and decided it was time for a well-earned break.


    "You go rest," Joel said as he passed her in the hall. "I''ll cover thete shift." Now that his father was living abroad and he had no family around, even time off felt aimless.


    "Don''t overwork yourself. Take care of your health," Eleanor advised. Since Joel joined the Neural Interface Project, he''d been pullingte nights, and she worried about him burning out.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll be fine," Joel assured her. "But Evelyn could use yourpany."


    Eleanor nced at him, then smiled. "Why don''t youe over for dinner tonight? No point living on cafeteria food."


    Joel was caught off guard for a moment, then grinned. "I''d like that."

 Chapter 743

    Eleanor called Joslyn and asked her to prepare a couple of extra dishes for dinner tonight. She and Joel would be heading home together from theb to Cloudcrest


    Manor.


    It had been ages since Joel had enjoyed a proper home-cooked meal. He appreciated Eleanor''s thoughtfulness, and to show his gratitude, he picked out a small gift for Evelyn on the way.


    After picking Evelyn up and heading home, Eleanor found Joel already waiting for them. Evelyn hadn''t seen Joel in a while, but she greeted him with the same warmth as always. She knew Mr. Kingsley was her mother''s closest colleague at work.


    She''d watched Joel and her mother work together in theb before, and she admired him deeply.


    Eleanor brought over a bowl of fresh fruit and poured a pot of tea. As she set the table, an idea struck her. "My father left behind a notebook," she said to Joel. "T¡¯II go upstairs and get it for you."


    "Thank you." Joel nodded.


    As Eleanor headed upstairs, their golden retriever, Princess, suddenly perked up, tail wagging enthusiastically as she trotted to the front door, letting out a series of excited little whines.


    Evelyn hopped down from the sofa. "That''s probably my dad."


    She moved to open the door, with Joel following behind, unsure if it was reallyn. Evelyn swung the door open. Sure enough,n stood outside, holding a bag of fruit and a neatly wrapped gift-clearly a New Year''s present for his daughter. But asn caught sight of Joel behind Evelyn, his deep-set eyes paused on him for a moment, expression unreadable.


    "Mr. Goodwin," Joel greeted first, polite but reserved.


    Joel realized Eleanor might have invited him as well. He stepped aside slightly. "She''s here. Are you joining us for dinner, Mr. Goodwin?"


    Evelyn looked up at her father in surprise. So Dad wasing for dinner too?


    "No,"n replied coolly, setting the fruit and gift on the entryway table. "I just dropped by to give Evelyn her New Year''s gift."


    Joel couldn''t help noticing the trace of jealousy inn''s demeanor. Clearly, this wasn''t the best time for him to be here.


    "If you need to speak with Eleanor, I cane back another day," Joel offered, sensing the tension.


    Just then, Eleanor reappeared on the stairs, an old notebook in her arms. She''d heardn''s voice when she wasing down, and now, catching Joel about to leave because ofn, she stepped in.


    "Joel, go have some tea," Eleanor said briskly. Then she turned to her daughter: "Evelyn, why don''t you take Mr. Kingsley to have some fruit?"


    Evelyn replied with a quick "okay," but instead of moving, she went back to her toys on the sofa, her wide eyes still fixed on the doorway.


    Eleanor facedn squarely, her gaze cold. "What is it?"


    "What does it matter to me who you meet with?" Eleanor cut him off, looking away.


    She recoiled, distaste etched on her face, and lowered her voice. "Ian, I have guests tonight. If you don''t want me to embarrass you, I suggest you leave."


    "I''ve always kept up appearances for Evelyn''s sake-made sure she sees you as a good father. Push me any further, and I won''t hold back." Eleanor''s voice was barely above a whisper, but every word was sharp as ss. She looked him dead in the eye, her expression openly hostile and utterly resolute.

 Chapter 744

    He drew a deep breath and stepped back toward the door. "I brought a gift for Evelyn. Would you mind giving it to her for me?"


    With that,n cast a final nce toward the sofa, where Joel was ying with their daughter. He allowed himself onest look at Eleanor, pressed his lips together, and turned to leave.


    Eleanor went back to the sofa. Joel looked up, concern etched in his features. "Are you alright?¡±


    She shook her head with a small, reassuring smile. "I''m fine."


    Joel took the notebook she handed him and began flipping through its pages. The meticulousness of Elliot Sutton''s medical research filled him with respect; every set of data was recorded with painstaking precision.


    "Looks like your dad started researching leukemia six years ago. I don''t remember him ever mentioning an interest in that field before," Joel said as he skimmed the entries.


    Eleanor nodded. "Yeah. Six years ago, he changed his focus all of a sudden."


    "Did something happen? Was there a reason?" Joel asked, curiosity piqued.


    Eleanor thought for a moment, then shook her head. "I honestly don''t know. He never talked about it with me."


    Joel continued leafing through Elliot''s notebook when Evelyn wandered over, clutching her plush bunny. "Mom, are you talking about Grandpa?"


    Eleanor pulled her daughter into herp. "We are. Grandpa used to be a brilliant scientist."


    "I know!" Evelyn dered proudly, tipping her chin up. ¡°Last time Dad took me to the university, I saw Grandpa''s picture on the wall."


    Eleanor paused, a little surprised. She''d almost forgottenn had brought Evelyn to Ashford Medical University-of course, her father''s portrait and bio were disyed there.


    Just then, Joslyn called everyone to the table. Dinner was a hearty, home-cooked meal. Joel ate with genuine enjoyment; ever since his mother''s passing, it had been months since he''d had a family dinner like this.


    Meanwhile, just a floor away-separated only by the hardwood and concrete of the twenty-seventh-story penthousen was working out in his private gym, sweat pouring down his body as the overhead lights carved his muscles into sharp relief.


    His hands gripped the dumbbells so tightly the veins stood out on his forearms, every rep fueled by a pent-up energy he never let show elsewhere.


    It was as if, in silence, he was channeling all his emotions into the cold steel of the equipment.


    Gavin brought in his dinner and set it neatly on the side table. He stepped into the gym, watching his boss who''d been training for nearly an hour. "Mr. Goodwin, you should eat something."


    Frankly, Gavin couldn''t help but envy his boss''s discipline. Despite the relentless pace of his work,n''smitment to his body bordered on obsessive. The man was like a precision engine-never off bnce, never skipping a beat.


    After finishing his session,n took a quick shower and rejoined Gavin for dinner, listening as Gavin gave him a rundown of the day''s business.


    New Year''s Day arrived. Eleanor took Evelyn out to the mall to pick up some household essentials and treat their golden retriever, Princess, to a grooming appointment. These little routines-running errands and spending time together- filled Evelyn with delight, and Eleanor found herself smiling too.


    Sometimes, for a child, nothing is more meaningful or joyful than simply being out and about with their mother.


    Three days slipped by in a blink. Monday morning, Ellington texted Eleanor a reminder: the Goodwin & Co. board meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m.


    As one of thepany''s shareholders, she couldn''t afford to miss it.


    She arrived at the Goodwin & Co. Tower with Ellington at her side, her assistant following behind, carrying a slim leather briefcase filled with documents for the meeting.

 Chapter 745

    The receptionist spotted Eleanor and immediately straightened up, greeting her with respectful enthusiasm. "Ms. Sutton, the meeting''s on the eighteenth floor- please, this way."


    Eleanor gave a polite nod and, with Ellington by her side, stepped into the waiting elevator.


    In the hallway outside the conference room, several senior executives lingered, deep in conversation. When they noticed Eleanor, they broke into weing smiles. "Good morning, Ms. Sutton."


    Eleanor responded with effortless poise and a warmugh. She recognized these men and women asn''s most trusted inner circle-each one sharp, ambitious, and influential. When she''d first joined Goodwin & Co. as a shareholder, their reactions had been wary, their gazes appraising and guarded. But now, their attitudes had clearly shifted.


    Stepping into the conference room, Eleanor saw that everyone had arrived early.n sat at the head of the table, eyes lowered as he skimmed through a stack of documents. Hisposure radiated authority, an unspokenmand that filled the room with a hush.


    At the sound of footsteps,n lifted his gaze, his eyesnding squarely on Eleanor.


    Calm andposed, Eleanor crossed the room and took her seat at the table, her namete gleaming in front of her. Ellington settled in a row behind her, notebook ready for the meeting.


    The room fell instantly silent.


    One by one, department heads gave their reports. Ian listened with an inscrutable expression, asionally interjecting with pointed questions that cut straight to the heart of the matter.


    When someone tried to offer exnations, he stopped them cold. "I want solutions, not excuses."


    That wasn-cool,manding, leaving no room for debate.


    It seemed as if he was born to sit at the helm, orchestrating every move, surveying the field from above.


    When it was time to present the projects under Eleanor''s division, Ellington took the lead. Ian listened, his eyes never leaving Eleanor, his gaze intense and unreadable.


    Ellington finished. For a moment,n said nothing, then a faint, rare smile touched


    his lips. "The proposal from Vesper Joy Group is impressive."


    His approval was evident, and everyone in the room noticed it was not something he gave lightly.


    As the meeting drew to a close,n tapped his long fingers on the table. "There will be a dinner tonight. I hope everyone can make time to attend and connect."


    With that, his gaze drifted-seemingly by chance-in Eleanor''s direction. She was already turned away, quietly conferring with Ellington. Ellington leaned in, listening intently.


    As Eleanor and Ellington rose to leave, Gavin approached them. "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin would like a word with you."


    Eleanor frowned, ncing down the empty corridor wheren stood, waiting by the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    "Tell him I''m not interested in the dinner tonight," she said crisply, and walked away with Ellington.


    Gavin knew better than to press her and instead went to ry the message ton.n''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Have VP Solis go in my ce tonight."


    "Understood," Gavin replied with a nod.


    Just then,n''s phone buzzed with a message from Henry. "Ian, do you have time to talk tonight?"


    Beforen could respond, another message appeared: "It''s about Vanessa."

 Chapter 746

    He pocketed his phone and turned toward the elevator. Gavin hurried to catch up, lowering his voice. "Mr. Goodwin, do we need to make any changes to your schedule for tonight?"


    "Cancel everything I have this evening,"n replied coolly.


    Gavin nodded, instantly recognizing his boss''s foul mood.


    Clearly, this had something to do with Eleanor refusing to even nce his way earlier.


    After so many years working forn, Gavin had learned not to presume too much, but he could still read a few of his boss''s moods.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor and Ellington returned to the Vesper Joy Hotel for lunch. Afterwards, Eleanor made her way to the conference room to hear updates from her executive team.


    Seated at the head of the table, Eleanor''s gaze was steady as she scanned the faces of her managers. "Let''s begin."


    The Director of Marketing stood first, switching on the projector. "Ms. Sutton, regardingst quarter''s smart upgrade project for the hotel, we''vepleted roughly one third of the work so far."


    Eleanor nodded, listening intently. From time to time, she interrupted to ask pointed questions.


    Ellington sat beside her, jumping in quickly to rify when the discussion veered outside her usual area of expertise.


    "Ms. Sutton, we still need to optimize the cost controls for this proposal. ording to the current budget-" the CFO interjected with concern.


    Ellington nced at Eleanor; this wasn''t a decision he was authorized to make, so the Finance Department had been stuck debating it for days.


    "Budget isn''t the issue," Eleanor cut in firmly. "What I want is a n that genuinely improves the client experience, not one that lowers our standards just to save a few dors."


    Ellington''s eyes shed with admiration. Eleanor truly had the makings of a leader -elegant andposed on the outside, but resilient and decisive beneath the surface.


    And that was exactly what he''d always thought of her.


    The CFO nodded in understanding, dropping the matter.


    At three in the afternoon, Eleanor wrapped up the meeting. She nced at the time-toote to head to theb now-so she requested a smaller conference room to catch up on emails.


    Ellington arranged for coffee and pastries to be brought in, closed the door, and left her to work in peace.


    By five o''clock, Eleanor arrived early at the school and waited in the car for her daughter to finish ss.


    Just then, a white sports car pulled into a nearby spot. The driver''s side door opened, and Serena stepped out.


    She''d clearly seen Eleanor''s car before parking. Swinging her bag over her arm, Serena strode straight toward her.


    Eleanor watched her approach, her eyes turning cold. She still hadn''t confronted Serena about the things she''d said to her daughterst time.


    Serena stopped by the driver''s window, where Eleanor had lowered the ss halfway. Taking a deep breath, she asked, "Can we talk?"


    Serena folded her arms and waited. Eleanor grabbed her purse, stepped out, and shut the door behind her, fixing Serena with a frosty look. "Say what you came to say."


    Serena lifted her chin, her tone deliberately arrogant. "Eleanor, I''d advise you to stay away from my brother. The two of you are divorced-don''t make things any messier."


    Eleanor let out a short, coldugh. "Maybe you should deliver that message to your brother instead."


    Serena scoffed. "Don''t think I don''t know you invited him to dinner again on Christmas Eve."

 Chapter 747

    ¡°Serena, I''m warning you stay away from my daughter. If I hear you filling Evelyn''s head with nonsense again, you''ll regret it."


    Serena gave a littleugh. "You seem to forget, Eleanor. You may have custody, but Evelyn is still a Goodwin."


    "Try me," Eleanor shot back, her eyes icy with resolve. The fierce protectiveness in her voice made Serena hesitate for a split second, but she quickly recovered, refusing to back down. "You think you can threaten me just because you''ve gotten a little bolder? My brother will marry Vanessa sooner orter, and when that happens-"


    A cold male voice cut her off from behind. "And what then? nning to steal her child?"


    Serena jumped, startled to find Xavier standing right behind her. He strode to Eleanor''s side, slipping one hand in his pocket, his gaze sharp and condescending as he looked Serena up and down. "Miss Goodwin, you might want to think before you speak. Would you dare say those things in front of your brother?"


    Serena''s face flushed with panic, her lips pressed in a tight line. "Xavier..."


    "I can''t imagine the Goodwin family is desperate enough to let you speak for them. Is your brother so busy at work he can''t keep you in line?" Xavier''s eyes were cold and unyielding.


    Serena''s fingers tightened around her purse strap. "I''m only speaking for myself. This has nothing to do with my brother."


    "Eleanor was your sister-inw once, after all. Is this really how you speak to family?" Xavier''s tone was stern. He''d watched Serena grow up, and in his heart, he''d always regarded her like a little sister.


    Now, all he felt was disappointment and anger.


    Serena looked up and saw the frosty disappointment on Xavier''s face. Her eyes brimmed with frustrated tears. "Xavier, why do you always take her side? She''s the one who keeps chasing after my brother-"


    "Is it really Eleanor chasing after your brother, or is it the other way around? You''d better get your facts straight before you start making usations." Xavier''s voice was cool and direct. "But if you harass Eleanor again, or say one more word to Evelyn-"


    Serena''s blush crept all the way to her ears. She knew exactly what incident he meant: thest time she''d tried to make Evelyn call him ''uncle.'' She bit her lip, visibly shaken, on the verge of tears.


    Xavier turned away, his expression softening as he looked at Eleanor. "Let''s go pick up your daughter."


    Eleanor nodded, giving Serena a final, dismissive nce before walking off with Xavier toward the school entrance.


    Serena watched them go, side by side, her eyes dark with resentment. She whirled around, slid into her sports car, and mmed her foot on the gas, speeding away.


    As they walked, Eleanor turned to Xavier. "Thank you for stepping in."


    "She needed a reality check," Xavier replied with a weary sigh. "Asn''s friend, I can''t just let his sister keep behaving this way."


    Eleanor knew Serena had always been close to Vanessa, and that her resentment ran deep. Everything Serena did now was for Vanessa''s sake. Most things, Eleanor could ignore-but if Serena ever let Vanessa near her daughter again, she wouldn''t stand for it.


    At seven that evening, Henry had secured a reservation at an upscale private kitchen.<pn arrived right on time. Henry spotted him from across the room and waved him over.n crossed the elegant dining room to join him.

 Chapter 748

    After they sat down, Henry nced atn and said, "I''ve already ordered, but take a look-see if there''s anything else you''d like."


    Pouring a cup of tea forn, Henry tried to sound casual as he asked, "Ian, how long have you known Vanessa?"


    "Ten years is a lifetime for a woman," Henry said, setting his own cup down. He traced the rim with his fingertip, thoughtful. "All of us have seen how Vanessa feels about you. Back when you divorced Eleanor, she was always there for you, quietly standing by your side. Don''t you think you owe her some kind of answer?"


    Henry''s hand, resting on the table, curled into a fist. A note of frustration crept into his tone. n, you''re my brother, but even I can''t watch this anymore. After everything Vanessa''s done for you, you can''t just pretend not to see it. Are you seriously still calling her just a friend?"


    Henry let out a short, humorlessugh, disbelief sharpening his words. "Vanessa sees you as the only man she''ll ever love, and you still say she''s just a friend?" His voice suddenly rose, unable to keep his emotions in check. "Is this about Eleanor? Has she been trying to win you back?"


    Henry shook his head, a bitter smile twisting his lips. He pinched the bridge of his nose, as if trying to pull out a truth he''d buried for years. "I don''t even know when things between us got soplicated. Xavier''s chasing after Eleanor, Vanessa''s in love with you, and as for me¡ª¡± He hesitated, the confession weighing on him. "I love Vanessa. You must have known. From the first time I saw her, I fell for her. But she''s never looked at anyone but you."


    "Did you know?" Henry continued, voice raw. "Even before you and Eleanor split up, Vanessa was waiting for you. She turned away every other guy, just for you. I thought after your divorce, she''d finally get her chance. But you''ve kept her waiting two more years."


    He grabbed the whiskey he''d poured earlier, downed it in one gulp, and set the ss down with a sharp thud. When he looked up atn, his eyes brimmed with emotions he''d held back for years. "You have no idea how much it hurts, watching from the sidelines, seeing her put herself through this. I kept my mouth shut because you''re my friend."


    Henry poured himself another drink, took a hard swallow, and pressed on, breathing heavily. "I didn''t ask you here today to pressure you into marrying her. I just want you to understand: Vanessa isn''t some woman no one wants. She deserves to be cherished. If you can''t give her what she wants, then let her go. Don''t keep stringing her along-and don''t string anyone else along, either."


    "I never¨D"n started, but Henry mmed his ss down, cutting him off. "Whatever happens between you and her, that''s for you to figure out. But I''m telling you,n, if you break her heart again, we''re done. That''s it."


    Before Henry could finish, a figure hurried into the room, making him fall silent. Vanessa was walking straight toward their table.

 Chapter 749

    Henry thought for a second that he was seeing things-maybe it was the alcohol. He shot to his feet, wide-eyed. "Van-Vanessa? What are you doing here?"


    Vanessa barely nced at him before turning ton. "Ian, could I have a word alone with Henry?"


    With that,n walked out, leaving the two of them in the dimly lit bar.


    Vanessa slid inton''s now-empty seat. She fixed her gaze on Henry for a few seconds, her tone almost icy as she spoke. "Henry, since when do you think it''s your ce to fight my battles for me?"


    Henry froze. He stared at Vanessa-she rarely got angry with him. But right now, she was like a red rose bristling with thorns, her eyes shing with barely contained fury.


    He felt himself dete, voice dropping to a mumble. "I just... I couldn''t stand seeing you "


    Vanessa let out a sigh and muttered, "You idiot."


    Henry swallowed hard, his Adam''s apple bobbing as he softened his tone. "I just... I can''t bear to see you hurt."


    Vanessa picked upn''s half-finished cup of tea, bringing it to her lips. ¡°Hurt? I knew this day woulde the moment I decided to love him."


    Henry''s heart twisted painfully. It was exactly this stubborn devotion of Vanessa''s that made him ache for her.


    Then, Vanessa gave a bitter littleugh, her eyes brutally honest as she looked at him. "Henry, do you really think I don''t know how you feel about me? I remember every kindness, but I can''t give you anything in return.¡±


    Her words washed over him like a gentle tide, warm and sad. He spoke quietly, "I never expected anything back from you. Everything I''ve done, I did willingly."


    "No, that''s not fair to you. And I can''t just keep you hanging on. I''m not ready to give up onn yet. I can''t let you wait for me like this."


    Henry lifted his head, the look in his eyes stubborn and bright. "I''m willing. If you want to wait forn, then wait. I''ll be right here behind you. Whenever you''re tired, just turn around and you''ll see me."


    Vanessa''s eyes filled with tears. She bit her lip, staring at Henry, then blurted out, "You idiot, is it really worth it?"


    Henry managed a wry smile. "As long as you need me, it''s worth it." He rose, walked to her side, and gently reached up to wipe away her tears.


    Startled, Vanessa jerked away at first, but when his hand brushed her cheek, her breath caught in her throat.


    "Don''t cry," he murmured. "I won''t meddle in things between you andn


    anymore. Don''t be angry with me, okay?"


    Vanessa looked at him and nodded softly.


    Henry immediately called over the bartender and ordered her a ss of juice.


    Watching her sit there, face buried in her hands and lost in gloom, guilt gnawed at him.


    Maybe he really had gone too far tonight.


    "Vanessa," Henry finally asked, "earlier I askedn why he said he only thinks of you as a friend. Does he really not even want you to be his girlfriend?"

 Chapter 750

    Vanessa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, forcing a wry smile. "Don''t men. I never asked for any title-I didn''t want to make thingsplicated for him."


    "But it''s not fair to you," Henry protested, his voice tinged with concern. "You''ve been with him for ten years. He owes you an exnation, at the very least."


    "Henry, didn''t you just promise not to get involved in things betweenn and me?" Vanessa shot him a yful re, the corners of her lips curving up. "And you''re breaking that already?"


    Henry fell silent, momentarily stung. He grabbed the nearest wine ss and took a long, frustrated sip. "Fine. I''ll keep my nose out of it from now on."


    Vanessa sighed, her gaze drifting to the window. The soft light, the fresh flowers, the gentle ambiance-she really was breathtaking, especially tonight.


    Henry nced up, and for a fleeting moment, Vanessa seemed like a portrait framed in gold, so captivating that he found it impossible to look away.


    After a long silence, Vanessa seemed to notice his stare. She turned, meeting his eyes. Henry''s heart pounded wildly in his chest, like a teenager caught gazing at his first crush.


    Vanessa lowered her eyes, reaching for the teacup beside her. She wrapped her fingers around it and took a slow sip.


    Henry watched as she drank from the same cupn had used earlier. Even if jealousy flickered in his chest, he could find nowhere to vent it.


    What did sharing a cup mean, anyway? Vanessa andn had been living together for years, practically like husband and wife. Her beauty, her charm-she''d never held anything back fromn.


    Henry could almost picture it, but he didn''t dare let his mind wander too far. If he did, he feared he might lose control.


    By the end of dinner, Henry was drunk, and Vanessa called for the house car to take him home.


    In the backseat, Henry rested his head on Vanessa''s shoulder. She stiffened in surprise at first, but didn''t push him away.


    He wasn''t entirely out of it-he let himself savor the moment, using his drunkenness as an excuse to lean on the woman he adored. If this was the price for a night of her tenderness, he decided, it was worth it.


    After seeing Henry home, Vanessa swept her hair back from her forehead, an impatient gesture betraying her uneasy mood.


    "Let''s go," she told the driver.


    The days blurred together in a rush of work and obligations as the year drew to a close.


    Eleanor barely had a spare moment. While she was buried in paperwork, Simone called to remind her the Goodwin Foundation''sunch was tomorrow.


    ncing at her calendar, Eleanor discussed the details of tomorrow''s event with Simone before diving right back into work.


    Later, she joined a meeting with Byron''s team. They were deep in conversation about several civilian applications for the Neural Interface Project. While the brain- machine interface was still under development, a few promising branches were nearing readiness-treatments for insomnia, hearing assistance, and more.


    "Mr. Goodwin wants to separate these projects, set up dedicated research teams," Byron exined. "We''re recruiting more scientists as we speak.¡±


    Faye''s eyes lit up. She looked up eagerly. "Mr. Chase, does that mean each civilian project could be its own independent team?"


    "That''s correct," Byron replied with a nod.


    Beneath the table, Faye clenched her fists in excitement. If she could secure her own research track, she wouldn''t have to work under Eleanor and Joel anymore. She could finally lead her own group.


    Of course, she thought, it shouldn''t be difficult. As long as Vanessa or Mr. Goodwin vouched for her abilities, she was sure she could get the position.


    In that case, Eleanor could continue her deep work on the Neural Interface Project, while Faye carved out a niche for herself with her own team. Striking out on her own might not be such a bad thing.


    Eleanor hadn''t expectedn to move so quickly with the civilian branches-it was the quintessential businessman''s instinct, always chasing the next opportunity.


    Meanwhile, Byron''s presentation continued. On the projector screen, a slide detailed the three civilian directions for the neural interface: sleep regtion, hearing assistance, and emotional wellness.


    "Mr. Goodwin''s intent is to establish independent subsidiaries for each area, bringing in strategic investors," Byron said, adjusting his sses. "Of course, the core technology patents will remain the property of Goodwin & Co."

 Chapter 751

    Faye''s heart raced an independent subsidiary meant its own budget, its own team. Wasn''t this exactly the kind of opportunity she''d been dreaming of?


    She couldn''t help but nce up at Eleanor, who was frowning, clearly displeased by the news.


    Faye smirked inwardly. What could Eleanor possibly object to? She was just a researcher. In the end, the real decision-maker here wasn.


    Her future brother-inw.


    "Of course, Mr. Goodwin is hoping to see a working prototype within six months," Byron exined. "These three civilian projects have the most market potential.¡±


    "We''ll need to sit down with Mr. Goodwin and discuss this in person," Joel said, his expression serious.


    ¡°Dr. Kingsley, the board will be voting on this decisionter. You can arrange a meeting with Mr. Goodwin after that," Byron nodded.


    Eleanor herself wasn''t eager to split off the Neural Interface Project so soon, butn had his eyes on the profit margin. The board would be more than happy to back him¡ªespecially ifn was using these three civilian projects to keep them pleased while pouring resources into the Neural Interface research.


    After the meeting, Joel and Eleanor exchanged a few words in private and agreed to set up a meeting withn in the next couple of days.


    Back at her office, Faye immediately messaged Vanessa. "Sis, Mr. Goodwin wants tounch an independent civilian project team. I want to take charge of one of the projects and run it myself.¡±


    "I''ll mention it to him," Vanessa replied.


    "I can do this. Trust me."


    "Alright, wait for my update!" Vanessa responded without hesitation.


    Faye let out a sigh of relief, clutching her phone. She knew Vanessa would have her back. After all, Vanessa had never liked the idea of Eleanor bing too influential in the research world, and she''d do everything possible to support Faye''s rise.


    A thought urred to her, and she fired off another message: "I want to lead the sleep regtion project."


    "Got it." Vanessa texted back.


    Joel was clearly a bit agitated. For him, the Neural Interface Project was still yielding only phased results, and he was deeplymitted to pure research; to Joel, science wasn''t an assembly line.


    He pushed open Eleanor''s office door, causing her to jump in surprise. Looking up, she saw Joel''s anxious face.


    "Joel?"


    "Eleanor, can you set up a meeting with Mr. Goodwin? We have to talk to him. We need at least two more years before discussing civilian applications."


    Eleanor wasn''t used to seeing Joel this upset. She nodded. "Alright, I''ll contact him and arrange a meeting."


    But from what she knew ofn, once he made up his mind, there was little chance of changing it.


    "This project might be civilian-focused, but I''m worried about a leak of our core data. It could jeopardize all our research," Joel said, brow furrowed.


    After Joel left, Eleanor hesitated a moment before picking up her phone and dialingn''s number.


    He answered almost immediately. "Hello?"


    Eleanor frowned. "Are you free tonight? Joel wants to meet with you."


    "I''m sure you do too,"n replied, his voice low.


    "Are you avable?" Eleanor''s tone cooled.


    "I am, but I''ll choose the ce."


    "Fine. Where?"


    "Your ce,"n''s voice was smooth, almost maic.


    Eleanor gripped her phone tightly, her tone ice-cold. "No. Pick somewhere else."


    "Have Joel wait a few days. I''m busy right now," Ian''s voice shifted to all business.


    Eleanor hesitated. Joel was already on edge-should she really let him stew over this for days?


    "Six o''clock. Be on time," Eleanor said, barely holding back her anger.

 Chapter 752

    This man had a knack for reading people; he knew perfectly well that she cared about Joel.


    Eleanor dialed the office extension and told Joel that they''d meet at her ce tonight to talk. Joel agreed without hesitation.


    At five o''clock, Eleanor left work early to pick up her daughter. On the drive home, she exined that Joel andn would being over for dinner.


    "Really? That''s great-I get to see Dad!" Evelyn beamed with excitement.


    Just after they arrived home, the clock barely past six, the doorbell rang. Joel was the first to show up.


    A momentter, the bell chimed again. Evelyn dashed to the door, grinning. "That must be Dad!"


    She swung open the door, and there he was who else could it be butn?


    "Dad!" Evelyn flung herself into his arms. Ian scooped her up and stepped into the living room. Joel rose from the sofa. "Mr. Goodwin, d you could make it."


    Eleanor had already told her daughter that tonight''s dinner was for work, so Evelyn obediently went off to watch TV.


    "Let''s talk in the study upstairs," Eleanor said, giving the two men a brief, appraising look. She led the way up the stairs.


    In the second-floor study, Eleanor closed the door behind them. The two men settled onto opposite ends of the sofa.


    Joel spoke first. "Mr. Goodwin, I''ve identified three major risks in the civilian projects. Rushing to market too soon could-"


    Eleanor sat across from them, pouring two cups of tea and passing them over. She shot a worried nce at Joel.


    "Mr. Goodwin," Joel adjusted his sses, his tone turning grave, "Neural interfaces aren''t your average consumer electronics. One technical w, and the consequences could be catastrophic."


    Eleanor''s gaze metn''s, level and unwavering. "Joel''s worried that splitting up the team could increase the risk of a core data leak."


    Eleanor looked away. She understood the pressuren was under from the board, but she certainly wasn''t going to worry on his behalf-he always found a way out.


    Joel had braced himself for this. He''d tried to reason withn, but clearly, oncen made up his mind, there was no changing it.


    Joel''s disappointment was obvious. Ian, meanwhile, kept his gaze fixed on


    Eleanor, his voice roughening. "Eleanor, I need you to see this from my side-can you?"


    Joel immediately looked up, shifting his attention between the two of them.


    "I need to speak with Joel privately," Eleanor said atst.


    Eleanor turned to Joel. "Joel, have some tea first."


    Joel took a sip, then set the cup down. ¡°Eleanor, just say what''s on your mind."


    "The neural interface project requires enormous investment. A lot of the board members are unhappy about it. Ian promised them he''d push forward with civilian applications as quickly as possible-that''s the only reason they backed off."


    "So Mr. Goodwin is pushing the civilian projects just to keep the board off his back?" Joel frowned.


    "When the Neural Interface Project got suspended overseas, it was because the costs were overwhelming. Ian went ahead anyway-despite opposition on the board. Some wanted to cut the budget entirely, butn fought to keep the project alive."


    There were things Eleanor couldn''t say-not out loud. Like how the project was tied up with the defense department, or that the military was waiting for the core breakthroughs. And all of it depended not just on massive investment, but also on the cooperation of York Windsor''s Rhine Laboratories and the power behind the scenes at Starnova Group.

 Chapter 753

    The situation was moreplicated than it seemed. Ifn failed to win over the board members, there was a real risk they might unite against him. After all, Eleanor''sst three-year proposal to the board had mentioned the civilian applications of their researchn had merely moved up the timeline. Of course, that was only possible because their project had finally reached a stage suitable for civilian development.


    Joel couldn''t grasp the intricacies of these business negotiations, but he trusted Eleanor. He took off his sses and massaged his brow. "I understand. I won''t oppose this anymore."


    "Thank you, Joel."


    Joel could tell Eleanor wasn''t protesting too hard, which meant she must have her reasons. After all, she was the true originator of the Neural Interface Project''s theory-the one most qualified to make these big decisions.


    Downstairs, Joslyn had prepared a generous meal. Eleanor and Joel came down together to the inviting aroma of dinner.


    Butn frowned slightly. Joel seemedposed, his features rxed-clearly, Eleanor had managed to convince him upstairs, and whatever she''d said had worked. Asn mulled this over, his fingers unconsciously tightened around the stic block in his hand.


    As Joslyn bustled about, bringing out tea, Joel immediately headed into the kitchen to help her. Ian, meanwhile, drifted over to Eleanor''s side, his voice neutral. "Looks like Dr. Kingsley came around?"


    Eleanor turned to nce at him but didn''t respond.


    Eleanor still didn''t reply. All she wanted was for this man to finish his dinner and leave as soon as possible.


    From his spot,n watched Joel and Joslyn chatting in the kitchen. He knit his brows-Joel almost looked like the master of the house.


    At the dinner table, everyone ate in rtive peace. Ian kept an eye on his daughter, Evelyn, who didn''t care for onions. But tonight, for extra vor, Joslyn had sprinkled some over the sweet and sour ribs.


    "Let me pick those out for you,"n said gently, removing the onions from her te.


    Joslyn smiled. ¡°Evelyn, I''ll remember for next time, okay?"


    "It''s alright." Eleanor smiled as well. Joslyn had worked hard tonight-she''d been in the kitchen since five o''clock, making sure everything looked and tasted perfect.


    After dinner, Joel was the first to excuse himself. "Mr. Goodwin, I understand that market factors are important, and I agree the project needs to move forward. But when ites to confidentiality, I think we should fine-tune the protocols."


    Joel waved to Eleanor and Evelyn. "Good night, you two. I''ll see myself out."


    "Drive safe," Eleanor said, walking him to the door.


    Once Joel left,n made no move to go. Evelyn ran over and tugged at his hand. "Daddy, y with me?"


    "Alright,¡±n replied with a softugh, giving in.


    It was almost eight-thirty when Eleanor came down from her study. She looked at Evelyn. "Evelyn, it''s gettingte. Let Daddy head home and get some rest."


    "But Mom, we have a spare room. Can Daddy stay here tonight?" Evelyn tilted her round, cherubic face up at her mother, hopeful.


    Hearing this,n nced at Eleanor, his eyes shadowed by an emotion she couldn''t quite read.

 Chapter 754

    When Evelyn turned to look at her father, Eleanor''s gaze swept over her with an icy indifference.


    Catching Eleanor''s look,n lowered his head, gently smoothing his daughter''s hair. His voice softened, "Be good, Evelyn. Daddy has to work tonight."


    "But-" Evelyn pouted, her lips jutting out in protest.


    "How about this¡ªon the weekend, I''ll take you to the aquarium, okay?"n nced at Eleanor, silently hoping for her approval.


    "Really? Pinky promise!" Evelyn''s face lit up as she held out her little finger. Ian hooked his pinky around hers.


    "Daddy, you have to keep your word! No take-backs." Evelyn''s eyes sparkled with excitement, making it clear she''d remember this promise.


    "I promise, sweetheart. I always keep my word," Ian assured her.


    Aftern left, Evelyn turned to her mother, "Mommy, will youe with us to the aquarium too?"


    "I''ll have to check my schedule," Eleanor replied.


    That was enough for Evelyn, who dashed back to the couch to y with her toys, humming contentedly.


    Eleanor knew full well-even if she could erase every trace ofn from her own life, she could never sever the bond he shared with their daughter.


    Soon, Joslyn came by to help Evelyn with her bath, leaving Eleanor alone in her study. She opened her iPad and began reviewing her speech for tomorrow, eyes scanning each line with practiced focus.


    Wednesday morning dawned bright and clear. The Goodwin Biomedical


    Foundation''s inaugural ceremony was being held at the Vesper Joy Hotel''s grand ballroom.


    Eleanor arrived early, Ellington at her side as they surveyed the dazzlingly decorated venue. Today, the city''s elite, leading doctors, and a swarm of journalists would all be gathering here.


    She wore a pearl-white tailored suit, her long hair swept up in an elegant chignon. As a keynote speaker, her seat was right in the center of the second row.


    Eleanor nced around, searching for familiar names. Serena and Vanessa were nowhere to be found. Good, she thought. She''d never liked either of them; the event would be better off without their presence.


    "Ms. Sutton, I heard Mr. Goodwin personally donated five hundred million dors to kick things off," Ellington remarked quietly. In the world of phnthropy, it was a staggering sum.


    Eleanor nodded, her eyes lingering on the nametes arranged on the stage. Unsurprisingly,n''s name was right at the top.


    "Ms. Sutton, it''s still early. Why don''t you rx in the lounge for a bit?" Ellington suggested.


    Just then, his phone chimed. He nced at the message, tapped out a quick reply, and gestured politely for her to go ahead.


    Eleanor made her way to a lounge on the same floor, where a staff member promptly brought her coffee and a selection of pastries. No one dared to show anything less than the utmost courtesy to this particr guest.


    A few minutester, a figure in deep blue strode down the corridor-Xavier had arrived.


    Ellington, whose private rapport with his former boss had always been cordial, was waiting by the elevator. When Xavier stepped out, Ellington greeted him with a warm smile and gestured, "Mr. Vaughn, Ms. Sutton is in lounge three. I can take you there."


    "No need. I''m sure you''re swamped today-go take care of things," Xavier replied with an easy grin.


    Ellington, juggling a thousand tasks, gratefully nodded and hurried off.


    Inside the lounge, Eleanor pulled out her iPad and began working through her emails. She barely had time to settle in before footsteps sounded outside. The door opened after a polite knock.


    To her surprise, Xavier appeared in the doorway. "You''re here early," she said, eyebrows raised.


    "It''s only eight-thirty," Xavier replied, a knowing smile ying on his lips.


    He''d guessed she''d arrive ahead of schedule-after all, this was her foundation. If she could, she''d want an early look around. His prediction had clearly been spot


    on.


    "Knew I''d find you here," Xavier said. He asked the server for a cup of tea and closed the door behind him.


    Today, he wore a deep gray three-piece suit that fit him perfectly, a sapphire pin gleaming discreetly on his tie.


    Noticing the iPad in her hands, he asked with a hint of curiosity, "Going over your speech?"


    "Just some work emails," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    Xavier knew well enough-she could give a wless speech without even ncing at her notes.


    "Vivian''s been begging for a puppy or a kitten. I''m thinking about it-what do you think?¡± Xavier asked, the corners of his mouth lifting.


    Eleanor''s eyes sparkled with quiet amusement. She considered it for a moment before replying, "Well, it depends on what Vivian really likes, doesn''t it?"

 Chapter 755

    "She also suggested we get a rabbit or a hamster," Xavier said, his eyes softening at the mention of his niece.


    Maybe it was because they both had kids around the same age-sometimes, their concerns seemed to mirror each other.


    "If you want something quiet, I think a cat is a good choice," Eleanor offered. She''d always wanted one herself, but now that Princess was at home, she barely had time for another pet, so she''d put the idea aside.


    "Alright, I''ll take her to pick out a kitten one of these days, let her learn how to take care of a pet herself," Xavier nodded.


    Just then, Ellington knocked and stepped into the room.


    "Ms. Sutton, the folks from Goodwin & Co. have arrived. They need you to check over the agenda."


    Eleanor frowned slightly. Wasn really here this early?


    "Mr. Goodwin is in Suite One," Ellington added.


    "I''ll head over now." Eleanor grabbed her bag and rose from her seat.


    When she reached Suite One, the door was open and voices drifted out. Eleanor stepped inside.n was standing at the table, leaning over some documents. His gold-rimmed sses had slipped down his nose, and he pushed them up with a practiced, elegant motion.


    The foundation manager was beside him, giving a progress report.


    "Ms. Sutton has arrived," Gavin announced promptly.


    He took off his sses and carefully folded them, slipping them into his breast pocket. Clearly, they were just for show-he wasn''t actually nearsighted.


    Gavin couldn''t help being surprised. Mr. Goodwin''s eyesight was legendary, sharp as a hawk''s, yet today he''d shown up in sses. Still, they did give him a certain distinguished charm.


    "Dr. Sutton."n''s voice was low and smooth. "Perfect timing."


    She didn''t mind the formal address in public.


    "This is thetest schedule-let me know if you see any issues."n handed her a printout.


    Eleanor took it and quickly scanned the presentation times. Satisfied, she turned to leave. Behind her,n frowned.


    He''d overheard Ellington mention Eleanor and Xavier in Suite Three earlier. Was she in such a hurry to get back to Xavier?


    As Eleanor left the suite, she ran into York. She greeted him with a smile. "Mr. Windsor, you''re here."


    York was one of the key guests. "I heard Goodwin & Co. is developing three consumer products?"


    "That''s right. We''re already assembling the R&D team."


    York nodded. "Brainputer research is still in its infancy. The investment will be huge, so it makes sense forn to branch into consumer products early. It''ll help ensure there''s enough funding, and it could really benefit healthcare for the public. It''s a win-win."


    "Exactly," Eleanor agreed. "Mr. Windsor, why don''t you rx in Suite Three? We still have half an hour before the meeting starts."


    "I''m waiting for a colleague-no need to fuss over me," York said easily.


    Eleanor nodded and headed back to Suite Three. Xavier looked up as she entered, taking a sip from his teacup. "All done?"


    "Yeah, just confirming the schedule." As Eleanor sat down, Xavier''s phone buzzed. He nced at the screen. "Henry''s here, too."


    Eleanor''s expression cooled a little.


    Xavier noticed and set his phone on the table without replying to Henry''s message.


    Henry was close to Vanessa, and Eleanor didn''t like him much.


    "Do you know much about cats? Any rmendations for a good breed?" Xavier shifted the conversation to lighter ground.


    Eleanor considered. "I''m not sure what kind of cat Vivian would like, but British Shorthairs are lovely-they''re gentle and easygoing."


    "Got it. I''ll take Vivian to the pet shop soon," Xavier said, making a mental note.


    In the parking lot of the Vesper Joy Hotel, luxury cars were pulling in one after another. Henry sat waiting on the lobby sofa, a frown creasing his brow. Why hadn''t Xavier replied to his message? Hadn''t he said he''d be arriving early?


    Just then, Henry''s phone rang. His face lit up. "Vanessa, are you here?"


    "I''m in the car with Serena-we''ll be there in ten minutes."

 Chapter 756

    Henry spotted Ellington across the lobby and instinctively called out, "Mr. Ellington."


    Ellington turned, a polite smile on his face. "Mr. Holt, good to see you."


    "Have you seen Xavier?"


    "I thought he was with Ms. Sutton," Ellington replied naturally.


    Henry''s eyes narrowed for a brief moment. He patted Ellington''s shoulder. "Alright, go ahead. Don''t let me hold you up."


    As Ellington walked away, Henry watched him go and exhaled quietly. So, Xavier was ignoring him because he was with Eleanor. Henry had always suspected that something had shifted between them; now it was clear-Eleanor mattered more to Xavier than any brotherly bond ever had.


    He nced at his watch. Only a few minutes had passed since the event had started. He settled back into his seat in the lobby, waiting.


    Inside the grand ballroom, the host was already warming up the crowd. Behind him, the giant screen looped a promotional video for the Goodwin Foundation. There, on the screen, was Eleanor-kneeling to meet the eyes of a child fighting leukemia.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, the Goodwin Biomedical Foundation''s inaugural


    ceremony is about to begin. Please take your seats," the host announced warmly from the stage.


    At the entrance, Eleanor and Xavier walked into the hall together. Ellington was waiting by the door. As soon as he saw them, he hurried over. "Ms. Sutton, your seat is in the center of the second row. Mr. Vaughn, you''re in the first row, second from the left."


    Xavier frowned. Why were their seats so far apart?


    Eleanor shed him a quick smile and headed to her seat. Annoyed, Xavier raised an eyebrow but followed her anyway.


    By the time Eleanor sat down, the seats around her had already filled with other guests. Xavier approached and leaned toward a man in his early forties seated beside her. ¡°Mr. Dewitt, would you mind switching seats with me?"


    Xavier didn''t know him personally, but he''d seen the name "Dewitt" on the ce card. He addressed him politely.


    Dewitt recognized Xavier instantly and stood up, a little flustered and excited. "Ah, Mr. Vaughn! Aren''t you supposed to be in the first row?"


    "My friend is here. I''d like to sit with her," Xavier said, gesturing toward Eleanor.


    Dewitt turned and, though he didn''t immediately recognize Eleanor, her striking beauty was hard to miss. Realizing Xavier''s intentions, he grinned. "Of course, Mr. Vaughn, please take my seat."


    "Thank you. You can take mine in the first row," Xavier offered.


    "No trouble at all, it''s my pleasure," Dewitt replied, moving off to im his new seat, looking rather pleased with the arrangement.


    Once Xavier sat down, his gazended on the namete in front of Eleanor. It read n."


    A subtle crease appeared between his brows.


    Just then,n entered the hall, apanied by Mayor Ellington, Dr. Maxwell, and several other dignitaries. After helping everyone to their seats,n nced back- seemingly by chance-catching sight of Xavier and Eleanor sitting together. He gave Xavier a brief, acknowledging nod.


    Suddenly, the lights dimmed. A spotlight illuminated the stage, and the room began to hush. That was when three more people stepped inside. As the lights faded, Serena took Vanessa''s arm gently. "Careful with the steps, Vanessa."


    At the same time, Henry reached out and held Vanessa''s hand, but she slipped her hand free without missing a beat.


    Henry immediately remembered Serena was right there. Whatever he felt for Vanessa, he had to keep it to himself. He drew his hand back, eyes lingering on Vanessa''s graceful silhouette as she walked ahead.

 Chapter 757

    Henry seemed to remember something and hurried ahead to arrange the seating. He imed the far-right seat in the second row for himself and had already asked the staff to reserve three more spots.


    After Serena and Vanessa sat down, Serena nced up at the screen, where a promotional video was ying¡ªa montage of photographs taken at the hospital. Three of them featured Eleanor. The sight made Serena ufortable, her chest tightening. She turned to look at Vanessa, who remained utterlyposed, as if the images hadn''t affected her at all.


    Serena thought to herself that Vanessa was able to stay calm because she knew how to see the bigger picture. After all, this was theunch of her eldest brother''s foundation-Vanessa wouldn''t let personal feelings get in the way.


    Serena took a quiet, steadying breath, trying to follow Vanessa''s example and suppress her own sense of injustice.


    The lights in the auditorium dimmed. The host''s voice rang out, bright and enthusiastic: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, please wee the president of Goodwin & Co., and chairman of the Goodwin Biomedical Foundation, Mr. Ian Goodwin, to deliver his opening remarks!"


    Apuse filled the hall asn stepped onto the stage, dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit that entuated his tall, lean frame. Several people in the audience noticed he was wearing gold-rimmed sses today, which lent him a schrly, refined air.


    Serena spotted him immediately and smiled, leaning in to whisper, "My brother looks even more handsome with sses, doesn''t he?"


    And wasn''t it a little suspicious that he''d chosen those sses specifically to boost his appeal tonight?


    Vanessa''s gaze sharpened. It was impossible to deny thatn was maic this evening, but this was the first time he''d made even the slightest change to his usual appearance. It wasn''t like him at all.


    Vanessa nced around the room, searching for Eleanor. She''d already checked the schedule and knew Eleanor was ted to speakter, so she must be here somewhere.


    Unconsciously, Vanessa tightened her grip on her purse.


    "Thank you all for attending the inauguration of the Goodwin Biomedical Foundation,"n began, his voice steady and resonant. "Every year, more than two hundred thousand children in our country are diagnosed with rare diseases. For most of these illnesses, there is still no effective treatment-"


    As he spoke,n instinctively adjusted his sses and looked out at the audience, his gaze lingering for a few seconds in the direction where Eleanor sat.


    Eleanor frowned, caught off guard by a sudden wave of memories. She stared at the gold-rimmed ssesn was wearing, her breath catching.


    She''d bought those for him five years ago, back when life still felt yful and full of possibility. She''d always thought men looked good in sses, so she''d secretly picked out a pair-no prescription, just gold frames-and given them to him, hoping he''d wear them for her.


    Eleanor''s chest tightened, and once again she wondered how she could have been so foolish, pouring all her energy into trying to please him. The smallest gesture from him could brighten her whole day.


    To everyone else,n''s speech was captivating-confident, understated, never shy, every word measured and sincere.


    But no one noticed how often his eyes paused on the section where Eleanor sat. "I believe every life deserves our unwavering effort to save it," he said.


    The audience broke into enthusiastic apuse asn stepped down, his speech ending on a perfect note.


    Next, the host called Mayor Ellington and President Maxwell to the stage, and as the minutes ticked by, nearly an hour passed. Finally, the host returned to center stage, voice ringing with excitement. "And now, please wee to the stage Dr. Sutton, lead researcher in leukemia and chief scientist at Goodwin Biotech!"


    Thunderous apuse rolled through the hall as Eleanor stood and made her way to the stage from the left side.


    As she climbed the steps, her eyes swept the audience andnded on Vanessa and Serena.

 Chapter 758

    At the same moment, all eyes from the front row turned to Eleanor as she


    approached. Meeting their gaze for a brief, unflinching instant, she looked away and walked on, her stride calm and unhurried.


    She made her way to the stage.


    Under the spotlight, Eleanor''s slender figure stood tall and poised. She hadn''t brought a single note or cue card; instead, she simply took her ce at the microphone, herposure radiating confidence. Her gaze swept over the audience, steady and assured.


    Front and center in the first row,n sat with his hands folded neatly over his knee, his gold-rimmed sses framing a pair of eyes that never left the woman on stage.


    "Good afternoon, everyone." Eleanor''s voice was clear and melodious, carrying easily through the auditorium. "It''s an honor to stand here on behalf of the Goodwin Biotech research team."


    Behind her, therge screen flickered to life, disying a series ofplex data sets and graphs.


    Many in the audience struggled to make sense of the numbers and diagrams. Turning slightly, Eleanor picked up aser pointer and began to exin, breaking down the information into simple, engagingnguage that brought the science to life.


    "Unlike conventional treatments-" she gestured to an animated sequence on the screen, ¡°our technology can pinpoint the exact location of white blood cells, using Al-guided nanobots to deliver targeted therapy-"


    A murmur of astonishment rippled through the crowd. People stared at Eleanor in disbelief, quickly realizing they were witnessing a genuine prodigy in action.


    Just moments ago, the audience had been captivated by her striking looks. Now, her beauty seemed almost trivialpared to her brilliance.


    On stage, Serena watched with a flicker of envy and admiration hidden in her eyes. She understood, perhaps better than anyone, that Eleanor was the kind of woman others aspired to be-confident,posed, and dazzling in her expertise. Tonight, she owned the spotlight with effortless grace.


    Vanessa, seated nearby, seemed lost in thought. She looked at Eleanor, but her gaze was distant, as if it drifted back through memories she''d rather forget.


    Once, Vanessa had unted her superiority in front of Eleanor without the slightest hesitation. Back then, Eleanor had seemed so ordinary-apart from her pretty face and figure, Vanessa couldn''t fathom whyn would ever marry her. Later, she''d learned the truth: Eleanor had cared forn during his year-longa, and he''d married her out of gratitude.


    But now, standing on stage, Eleanor was so radiant it was impossible to look away.


    Vanessa had seen this version of Eleanor before-confident, luminous, every gesture exudingpetence and a string of impressive achievements.


    She didn''t need to look to know thatn was watching Eleanor with unmistakable admiration.


    The thought made her clench her fists even tighter, her nails digging into her palms, the pain going unnoticed.


    As Eleanor''s presentation gathered momentum, she seemed wholly absorbed in her element, her expertisemanding the room. In the audience, Xavier watched her intently, leaning forward in his seat, his eyes following her every move as if she were the only person in the world.


    The dimmed lights gave him cover to admire her openly, his attention unabashed and unrestrained.


    Henry sat nearby, his feelings a tangled knot. He had to admit, Eleanor had the kind of allure that could easily captivate someone like Xavier. And seeing hown had been treating Vanessately, it was obvious: Eleanor, the ex-wife, simply outshone everyone else.


    It was enough to maken-who should have divorced and married Vanessa by now-keep hesitating. Maybe people really could change, Henry realized. The world wasn''t as predictable as he''d once thought.


    He''d always been so sure thatn was thest person who would ever go back to an ex, but reality was proving him wrong.


    In the front row, Mayor Ellington watched with open admiration, nodding along several times in agreement. Beside him, President Maxwell of the university also nodded approvingly, clearly impressed.


    The mayor privately congratted himself on his nephew''s taste-how could anyone not be drawn to someone as aplished as Eleanor? If only his work hadn''t kept him at the research facility, perhaps things between him and Eleanor would have progressed more smoothly.


    But both were busy people, and making a rtionship work would always be a challenge.


    At that moment, in the center of the first row,n''s eyes never wavered from Eleanor. Hidden behind his sses, his gaze was filled with a storm of emotion¡ªplicated, yes, but above all, openly admiring, with something deeper and more elusive lurking beneath the surface.

 Chapter 759

    After Eleanor finished her speech, she bowed with graceful poise. A stray lock of hair fell against her cheek; she tucked it behind her ear, the hint of a smile on her lips.


    That unguarded gesture drew a subtle, darkening look from two men in the audience at the same time.


    "That was outstanding!" The host, visibly excited, hurried back on stage. Faced with such a brilliant woman, he couldn''t help but extend his hand.


    Eleanor responded politely, offering her hand for a brief shake. At that moment, both men''s expressions soured¡ªeveryone could see the host had seized the opportunity to touch Eleanor''s hand.


    "Let''s give Dr. Sutton another round of apuse for her wonderful talk."


    Once offstage, Eleanor had no desire to return to her seat from Vanessa''s side of the auditorium. As she passed the front row, a voice called out, "Eleanor."


    She bent slightly in greeting. "Mr. Mayor." Then she nodded to the man beside him. "Principal Maxwell." A few familiar faces-distinguished academics-smiled and nodded their greetings as well.


    "Excellent presentation," Mayor Ellington praised her directly.


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. "Thank you, sir."


    This entire row was filled with prominent figures, but as Eleanor''s warm gaze moved along the line, she conspicuously skipped overn.


    When she finally returned to her seat, the man to her left immediately extended his hand. "Miss Sutton, a pleasure to meet you."


    Eleanor shook his hand just as another figure leaned over with a hint of jealousy in his voice. "If everyone else gets to shake your hand, then I want a turn too."


    With that, Xavier offered his hand.


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh, half exasperated, and reached out. Xavier quickly sped her hand in his.


    From a few rows ahead,n had heard Xavier''s remark and turned just in time to see Xavier''s hand enveloping Eleanor''s. Ian''s gaze darkened, a storm brewing behind his eyes.


    The moment Xavier let go, he twisted open a bottle of water and handed it to Eleanor with the attentive care of someone who''d make an ideal boyfriend. "Here, have some water."


    Caught off guard by his thoughtfulness, Eleanor smiled in surprise. "Thank you." She epted the water, realizing just how parched she was.


    Atst, the host announced a break for refreshments. The lights brightened, and guests began to mingle throughout the hall.


    From her seat, Eleanor felt the weight of admiring, curious nces from several people nearby.


    Xavier leaned toward her. "Let''s stretch our legs. We can grab some tea ande back."


    Eleanor nodded, rising with him. At that moment, Henry was escorting Vanessa and Serena down the aisle. Serena''s gaze flicked to Xavier, unable to hide the jealousy and longing in her eyes¡ªso he''d been at Eleanor''s side all along.


    She''d wondered earlier why she hadn''t spotted Xavier in the front row with the other VIPs, but now she realized he''d switched seats to be closer to Eleanor.


    Meanwhile,n was busy inviting Mayor Ellington and a cluster of high-profile schrs to join him for a private refreshment break.


    Henry remarked, "Looks liken''s got his hands full entertaining everyone tonight. Why don''t we find somewhere quieter to sit?¡±


    Vanessa nodded, though she couldn''t quite mask a flicker of disappointment.


    Serena, gathering her nerve, stepped in front of Xavier. "Xavier."


    He merely nodded coolly, while Eleanor turned away, not bothering to acknowledge Serena at all.


    Biting her lip, Serena turned on her heel, refusing to humiliate herself further.


    Henry and Xavier exchanged a wave from across the room, and Henry steered Vanessa and Serena toward the other side of the lounge.


    Just then, Gavin hurried over to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin has asked you to join him in the VIP suite-Mayor Ellington would like a word."


    Gavin nced apologetically at Xavier. "Mr. Vaughn, if you''d like, I can show you to the hospitality lounge."


    Xavier understood that Eleanor needed to socialize. He gave her an encouraging nod. "Go ahead, Eleanor. I''ll catch up with youter."

 Chapter 760

    Eleanor nodded lightly and followed Gavin toward the VIP lounge. Not far off, Vanessa and Serena''s eyes drifted in their direction. They''d noticedn inviting several prominent guests into the lounge, and now Eleanor was joining them.


    A flicker of envy crossed Serena''s face, gone as quickly as it appeared. Vanessa looked away, lowering her gaze, lost in thought.


    Henry''s attention immediately shifted to her, concern etched across his features. He knew Eleanor''s presence had once again unsettled Vanessa.


    No one could deny Eleanor''s brilliance, but the fact that she wasn''s ex-wife was a bitter pill for Vanessa to swallow.


    The lounge door closed behind Eleanor, shutting out the noise of the ballroom. Inside, she sawn and Mayor Ellington chatting amiably with a few distinguished schrs. Whenn noticed her, he adjusted his sses with poise and greeted her with a warm smile. "Eleanor, you''re here."


    "Eleanor!" Mayor Ellington called her over enthusiastically. "I was just praising you to Principal Maxwell. That speech of yours was outstanding."


    Eleanor smiled and stepped forward. "Principal Maxwell is far too generous."


    "You''re much too modest," Maxwell said kindly, his eyes full of warmth. "Your paper on leukemia has officially been added to our medical school curriculum."


    "Eleanor, have you been in touch with my nephewtely?" Mayor Ellington asked suddenly, curiosity in his tone.


    Eleanor paused, then nodded. ¡°I saw himst time I was in Kingston for a conference."


    "You''re both remarkable young people. It''s good to keep in touch." Mayor Ellington''s eyes darted ton, as if only now remembering his presence. He seemed a bit awkward as he continued, n, I heard your Neural Interface Project is working closely with the research base."


    Mayor Ellington let out a heartyugh. Unable to resist, he threw Eleanor another meaningful look. "Eleanor, you young folks should connect more often. Some opportunities are too good to miss, you know?"


    With that, he picked up his phone. "Excuse me, I''ll take a call. You all go ahead."


    Eleanor offered the mayor a polite nod. As soon as he left, Principal Maxwell deftly steered the conversation to a new topic, inviting Eleanor''s opinion. The other schrs soon joined in, eager to discuss.


    Over by the tea service,n removed his sses and began cleaning them with a silk cloth-his movements deliberate and graceful, reminiscent of a panther at rest.


    Ten minutes slipped by. When the break ended, Eleanor walked out alongside Principal Maxwell and the other schrs. Amidst the group of esteemed experts, her youth made her stand out all the more.


    Several heads turned as they passed. Even Xavier nced over, a trace of admiration in his eyes.


    Soon, all the guests returned to their seats on time.


    On stage, the host announced the next agenda item: a summary of the foundation''s ns for theing three years, which would be presented by one of the managers.


    Vanessa sat at the edge of the second row, her gaze fixed on the center seats in the front row.


    Serena noticed her mood and leaned in, whispering, "Vanessa, are you alright?" "I''m fine," Vanessa replied with a smile, though Serena could see the sadness behind it.


    Her brother had been so busy tonight¡ªtoo busy to even stop by and say hello. And with Eleanor present, fresh from her impressive speech and at the center of attention, it was hard not to feel overshadowed.


    Just then, Serena spotted Eleanor rising from her seat-clearly heading to the restroom.


    Serena immediately said, "Vanessa, I''m going to thedies'' room."


    Vanessa caught Eleanor leaving out of the corner of her eye, and now Serena was excusing herself as well. She managed a small smile. "Go ahead."

 Chapter 761

    Eleanor really had just gone to the restroom. Standing in front of the mirror, she


    let out a slow breath, trying to ease the tension in her shoulders.


    "Well, look who''s the center of attention today." A voice,ced with obvious hostility, cut through the quiet behind her.


    In the reflection, Eleanor saw Serena leaning against the doorframe, arms folded,


    a mocking smirk tugging at her crimson lips.


    Eleanor didn''t turn around or bother to answer.


    "So, what did you do to get my brother to invite you up on stage?" Serena pressed, her tone sharp. "There are plenty of people here with more credentials and reputation than you. Yet somehow, you''re the one giving the speech. Don''t tell me you didn''t pull strings with my brother-I''d never believe that."


    Eleanor shot her a cold look in the mirror, but remained silent.


    Serena''s irritation red at the silent treatment. She scoffed, her voice icy. "You know as well as I do, you wouldn''t be here if it weren''t for my brother propping you up. But don''t get greedy, Eleanor. Don''t overstep."


    Only then did Eleanor finally turn to face her. Serena was dressed head-to-toe in designer Chanel, her makeup wless, though the bitterness twisting her features ruined any sense of elegance.


    Eleanor calmly took a paper towel and wiped her hands. "Serena, before you lecture me, maybe you should ask your brother who''s really trying to take advantage of whom."


    Serena hesitated, thrown off for a moment, then gave up any pretense. She let out a coldugh. "Fine, I''ll spell it out-stay away from my brother. Stop using your status as his ex-wife to get what you want."


    The second Eleanor heard that, she knew exactly whose handiwork this was. Vanessa had clearly been poisoning Serena''s mind-Serena used to have a mind of her own, but ever since she started hanging around Vanessa, she''d be little more than a pawn.


    "Did Vanessa put you up to this?" Eleanor shot back, voice dripping with sarcasm as she tossed the crumpled towel in the trash. "If she''s so worried, maybe she should try keeping a closer eye on your brother instead of sending you to fight her battles."


    Serena''s face darkened. "What''s that supposed to mean? Are you trying toe between me and Vanessa?"


    From behind her came Serena''s stubborn voice. "Vanessa''s a thousand times better than you''ll ever be."


    Eleanor didn''t break stride as she walked out of the restroom. Serena, frustrated that her warning hadn''tnded, stomped after her in her heels.


    "Eleanor! Stop! I''m not finished talking to you!" Serena called, hurrying after her.


    Eleanor didn''t even look back, heading straight for the ballroom. Serena, ever hot- tempered, acted without thinking¡ªshe rushed ahead, grabbed Eleanor''s wrist. "I said stop!"


    Eleanor whirled around and yanked her arm free. "Don''t touch me."


    The force of it sent Serena stumbling back; she lost her bnce and her heel twisted. Eyes wide in rm, she instinctively reached out for something-anything -to steady herself.


    At that moment, someone stepped out from the men''s room. Seeing what was happening, he moved quickly and caught Serena by the arm, steadying her.


    Serena turned and saw that it was her brother. Instantly, shetched onto his sleeve, eyes brimming with tears. "Ian, she pushed me¡ª¡±


    Eleanor red at Serena. ¡°You know perfectly well whether I pushed you or not."


    ¡°I¡ªI just.......¡± Serena bit her lip, faltering under his stare, her eyes darting away.


    ¡°Serena,¡± he said, his tone low and stern, "apologize to Eleanor."

 Chapter 762

    Serena jerked her head up, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You want me to apologize,n?"


    She yanked her hand out of his grasp. "I didn''t do anything wrong! Why should I apologize? I won''t." She red at Eleanor, voice trembling with indignation. "What did you say to my brother, huh? Ever since the divorce, he''s always taken your side."


    Eleanor regarded the scene with icy detachment. She had no interest in getting dragged into the drama thatn''s spoiled little sister stirred up, so she turned to leave.


    "Don''t you dare walk away!" Serena shot forward, arm outstretched as if to grab Eleanor.


    Serena froze, her bravado crumbling. Tears welled up and spilled over instantly. "You''re yelling at me for her?"


    Eleanor nced back once, then turned to leave again. But as she rounded the corner, she walked straight into someone''s chest. Startled, she stumbled back, but the man caught her securely in his arms.


    Eleanor''s head snapped up, heart racing, only to find herself staring into Xavier''s face. She''d collided right into him.


    Serena stared in shock, mouth agape, jealousy flickering in her eyes. But for once, she had no words.


    Xavier looked down at Eleanor, a flicker of concern in his eyes. "Did you hurt yourself?"


    Eleanor quickly stepped back, her cheeks flushing. She was embarrassed; it had been her own fault for not watching where she was going. "I''m fine," she said quietly.


    Xavier''s gaze moved ton. "What''s going on here?"


    Serena, desperate now, shot her brother a pleading look, silently begging him not to mention her outburst in front of Xavier. She could always stand her ground in front ofn, but in front of Xavier-the man she secretly loved-her bravado melted away. His mere presence always made her feel small.


    Serena gaped at him, stunned that he was doubling down-still siding with Eleanor, still demanding an apology.


    Eleanor frowned with distaste, turning to go, but Xavier spoke gently, "At least wait to hear her apology before you leave."


    Xavier didn''t know the details, but it was obvious Serena had crossed a line- enough to maken furious. He wanted Eleanor to hear an apology because, frankly, Serena had disrespected her far too many times.


    "Xavier, you both of you-" Serena''s voice broke, tears spilling down her face. "Why are you both defending her?"


    Just then, Gavin appeared, having noticed thatn hadn''t returned to the reception anding to find him.


    "Mr. Goodwin," Gavin announced as he approached.


    a bigger scene. He turned to Gavin. "Take her home. She''s not toe back inside."


    Serena stared at her brother in disbelief. This was the Goodwin Foundation''s event¡ªher own family''s charity. How could he ban her?


    n! How could you-"


    "That''s enough,¡± Ian snapped. "Gavin, please."


    Gavin caught the dangerous glint inn''s eyes and stepped forward at once. "Ms. Goodwin, if you''lle with me."


    Serena opened her mouth to protest, but the look onn''s face silenced her. She bit her lip, shot a venomous re at Eleanor, and stormed off in a huff.


    The hallway fell into a strange, heavy silence.


    Eleanor didn''t react. Instead, she looked at Xavier and said, "I''m going back inside."


    Without another word, she strode toward the reception hall, her heels clicking crisply against the marble floor.


    Both men watched her go. Under the glow of the chandeliers, her silhouette seemed delicate and stubborn all at once.


    Xavier nced atn''s troubled face. He wanted to say somethingforting, but in the end, he simply pattedn''s shoulder. This was, after all, a Goodwin family matter-one he had no right to interfere in.

 Chapter 763

    Just then, Headmaster Maxwell stood up, phone in hand, and walked towardn as he spoke into the receiver. Ian offered him a polite smile and exchanged a brief greeting as they passed.


    Back at his seat, the manager was still outlining the specifics of the three-year n, his voice carrying over the murmurs in the room.


    At another table, Vanessa nced at the empty seat beside her, worried that Serena hadn''t returned. She pulled out her phone and sent a quick message.


    "Serena, where are you? Why haven''t youe back yet?"


    The reply came almost instantly. "Vanessa, I had a fight with my brother. I''m noting back."


    Vanessa''s eyes widened in surprise. She quickly typed back, "What happened? Do you need my help?"


    Serena''s response was swift. "Vanessa, just stay out of it. This is between me and Eleanor-it''s got nothing to do with you. I don''t want to drag you into this."


    Vanessa frowned, piecing things together. Had Serena confronted Eleanor in the restroom, only forn to walk in on them?


    She bit her lip in frustration. She knew exactly what kind of person Serena was, and she probably should have stopped her earlier, kept her from making trouble for Eleanor at a time like this.


    But it was toote for regrets now. Vanessa replied gently, "Don''t be upset. I''lle find you right away."


    "Vanessa, you should stay at the event and keep my brotherpany. You don''t need to worry about me."


    "No, really, your brother''s busy tonight. I''ll go with you." Vanessa said, then turned to Henry and murmured, "Something''se up, I need to head out."


    Henry looked surprised. "Is it boring? You''re leaving already?"


    "It''s not that¡ªit''s just an urgent matter I need to handle. You stay here and supportn, all right? I''ll catch up with youter."


    "Let me walk you out," Henry offered, starting to rise from his chair.


    Vanessa gently pressed his shoulder back down. "No need, really. My car''s waiting right outside."


    Still, Henry couldn''t help but worry. Vanessa going off on her own always made him uneasy.


    Vanessa grabbed her purse, then paused for a moment to look across the room atn. For a few seconds, she watched him silently before turning on her heel and leaving without hesitation.


    Henry noticed the way she looked atn¡ªthere was something in her gaze that stung him, a sharp, familiar ache. Truth be told, he wasn''t interested in the meeting either, but sincen had invited him, he was expected to y the supportive guest.


    Outside, Vanessa''s car quickly caught up to Gavin''s, which was pulled over at the curb with its hazard lights shing. As soon as Vanessa''s car stopped, Serena darted out from Gavin''s and slipped inside. Gavin let out a sigh of relief and textedn.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Goodwin has left with Miss Shannon."


    "I told you to take her home yourself,"n shot back, frustration clear in his message.


    "Sorry, sir, I tried. She insisted on getting out, and I couldn''t stop her," Gavin replied immediately. Serena had been in a terrible mood, and when she demanded he pull over, there was nothing he could do.


    "Come back,"n replied curtly.


    Inside Vanessa''s car, Serena clutched a handful of tissues to her swollen, tear- stained eyes, her voice trembling with indignation. "It''s Eleanor-she''s so rude! I wasn''t even finished talking when she just walked away. I admit I grabbed her arm, but she shoved me. If my brother hadn''t caught me, I would''ve hit my head on the floor!"


    Vanessa offered her a damp wipe and gently patted her back. "Don''t cry, sweetheart. Your eyes are all puffy."


    "That''s not even the worst of it," Serena sobbed, her carefully applied makeup streaked down her cheeks. "The worst part is that my own brother-right in front of Eleanor-forced me to apologize to her! Why? I was the one who almost fell! Why should I be the one to say sorry?" She sniffled, her voice breaking. "He''s changed. Ian really has changed."


    Vanessa''s expression shifted as well. Forn to make Serena apologize to Eleanor-just to please her? That was something she never would have expected.

 Chapter 764

    Family had alwayse first forn; nothing ever took precedence over his loved ones. His behavior today was entirely out of character.


    "The worst one here is Eleanor." Serena suddenly lifted her head, her eyes shing. "When Xavier arrived, she deliberately threw herself into his arms¡ªright in front of me! She clung to him like they were some lovesick couple, and she knew exactly what she was doing." Serena sniffled, her voice tight with frustration. "She knows how much I like Xavier. She was just unting it to make me jealous, showing off in front of me and my brother."


    "She didn''t just disgust me-she pissed off my brother, too." Serena''s resentment simmered.


    "So, how did he react?" Vanessa asked, curiosity coloring her tone.


    "What could he do? She''s his ex-wife. Who she flirts with now doesn''t bother him anymore," Serena replied, though the truth was, she hadn''t even looked at her brother''s face at the time-her own jealousy had nearly overwhelmed her.


    "I figure the only thing he felt was disgust. Xavier''s his best friend, after all. And now his ex is all over him? That''s just awkward, not amusing." Serena gave a bitter little huff.


    "Serena, you really shouldn''t go after Eleanor anymore," Vanessa said, her voice lowered in warning. "You''ll just put your brother in a tough spot. Don''t forget, Eleanor controls thepany''s core technology. She''s important to him, whether you like it or not."


    Serena bristled, her anger ring up again. "So now Eleanor is more important to my brother than I am, is that it?"


    "That''s not what I meant," Vanessa said quickly, soothingly. "I just mean that Eleanor is valuable to hispany. You know how rare it is to find someone with her expertise."


    Serena''s irritation eased a little. "You''re right-she''s just a moneymaker in his eyes. It''s not like he treasures her or anything."


    Vanessa smiled. "Exactly. So, stop crying. Don''t me your brother for this. Why not just apologize?"


    Serena blinked. "You want me to apologize to him?"


    Vanessa sighed, nodding gently. "Yes. Don''t let Eleanore between you and your brother. That''s not worth it."


    The words finally sank in. Serena realized Vanessa was right¡ªif she kept fighting with her brother, all she''d do was give Eleanor the satisfaction of watching the Goodwin family fall apart.


    There was no way she was going to let Eleanor enjoy that spectacle. Serena turned to Vanessa, gratitude shining in her eyes. Whenever she messed up or lost her way, Vanessa was always there a steady, caring big sister, guiding her back.


    "Vanessa, you really are the best. When you marry into the Goodwin family, we''ll be so lucky to have you," Serena said, hugging her tightly. In Serena''s mind, Vanessa was nothing short of a life coach.


    Vanessa stroked her back with a soft chuckle. "You just get a little too worked up sometimes."


    "I know, I know. I lost it today. But Eleanor''s arrogance just drives me crazy. Who does she think she is, always acting so superior?"


    The memory of Eleanor''s disdainful re in the restroom still made Serena''s blood boil.


    She wiped away her tears and grabbed her phone,posing a message to her brother.


    "Hey, I''m sorry. I lost my temper today. I shouldn''t have made a scene at your event and put you in that position. I was wrong. Please don''t be mad at me, okay?"


    After a moment, she added, "From now on, I''ll listen to you and try not to be so reckless. I promise."


    Vanessa, reading over her shoulder, smiled. "That''s a good apology. I''m sure he''ll forgive you."

 Chapter 765

    Serena tossed her phone aside and leaned back in her seat with a relieved sigh. "Finally done being angry. I actually feel better now."


    Vanessa smiled. "Your brother has always doted on you. He''ll never hold a grudge. But-" She hesitated, trailing off.


    "But what?" Serena immediately sat up straighter.


    Vanessa sighed softly. "But when ites to Eleanor... Your brother really needs her expertise right now. Serena, just hold back for a bit, okay? Don''t go picking fights with her again."


    A shadow flickered in Serena''s eyes, but she quickly forced a smile. "I get it. For the sake of his career, I''ll tolerate her." She turned to Vanessa, eyes gleaming with admiration. "Vanessa, you really are the most understanding person I know. No one gets my brother''s struggles the way you do."


    Vanessa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, after ten years together, I''d hope so."


    "My brother can be so clueless sometimes. When''s he finally going to propose to you?" Serena couldn''t hide her eagerness-she was already picturing Vanessa as family.


    Vanessa''s gaze flickered. "No rush. Let''s wait until he''s finished with this busy stretch."


    Serena looked at her with genuine gratitude. Vanessa''s grace, patience, and thoughtfulness were exactly what Serena aspired to.


    "Wait," Serena said suddenly, "don''t you still have some cute photos of you and my brother on your phone?"


    Vanessa froze, instantly realizing what Serena was after. "We haven''t taken any new ones in ages-any pictures I have are from way back."


    "That''s fine! Just pick one for me. I want to send it to Eleanor. She shouldn''t get off so easily," Serena said, her grudge against Eleanor still simmering.


    With no way to refuse, Vanessa unlocked her phone and found an old photo of herself leaning againstn''s shoulder in a hospital room.


    Serena''s eyes lit up when she saw it. Vanessa looked delicate but beautiful, nestled in her brother''s arms like a pampered little princess. "This one''s perfect."


    She sent the photo to herself, then nced nervously at her phone-what if Eleanor had already blocked her? She turned to the driver. "Excuse me, can I borrow your phone for a minute?"


    The driver handed it over, and Serena quickly typed out a message, attaching the photo.


    "Eleanor, did you really think my brother cares about you? Don''t tter yourself." With that, she hit send.


    Meanwhile,n was staring down at his phone, frowning at the apologetic text Serena had sent. He didn''t bother to reply.


    In the back seat, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She picked it up¡ªa message from an unfamiliar number. Curiously, she opened it and saw the photo from Serena. The lighting was dim, but Xavier, who was sitting beside her, nced over and caught sight of the picture ofn and Vanessa together.


    He looked up, watching Eleanor''s reaction. She barely nced at the photo before deleting it and blocking the number without hesitation.


    Xavier''s gaze drifted forward, settling onn''s silhouette in the front seat. The faintest trace of a smile curled at his lips. There were some rivalries that simply didn''t allow for mercy-and love was one of them.


    Xavier knewn well. Even ifn didn''t want something himself, he couldn''t stand the thought of anyone else having it¡ªespecially when it came to his ex-wife, Eleanor. Ian''s constant interference in Xavier''s pursuit of Eleanor wasn''t about regret, but pure possessiveness.


    Xavier wished he could openly pursue Eleanor, without jeopardizing his friendship withn.


    Just then,n sensed someone''s gaze on him. He nced back, locking eyes with Eleanor for a split second-a sh of resentment in her eyes.<pn was visibly startled for a moment before he looked away.

 Chapter 766

    Around eleven o''clock, after two and a half long hours, the meeting finally drew to a close.


    The host invited all the guests and journalists to head to the buffet area, where lunch was being served.


    As Eleanor stood and reached for her purse, Xavier turned to her. "I made a lunch reservation-care to join me?"


    She looked at him, surprised. "When did you manage to book a table?"


    "I had my assistant do it. It''s just across the street," Xavier replied with a friendly smile. ¡°Not that the hotel buffet isn''t good, but it''s packed today."


    Eleanor considered this for a moment. The crowd was indeed overwhelming. She nodded. "Alright."


    By the exit,n was seeing off Principal Maxwell and Mayor Ellington, who were getting ready to leave.


    n, don''t forget to give me a call next time you''re in Kingston. Lunch is on me," Principal Maxwell said, givingn''s shoulder a warm pat, a look of genuine approval in his eyes.


    "I will, absolutely. Safe travels, Principal Maxwell." Ian watched them go, and as he turned back, he caught sight of Xavier and Eleanor approaching together.


    Xavier was being the perfect gentleman, steering Eleanor gently away from the throng, both of themughing and chatting easily.


    "Mr. Goodwin, about the press-" Gavin approached, seeking direction.


    "Let them eat first,"n interrupted. "I''lle byter."


    With that, he adjusted the cuffs of his suit and started toward Xavier and Eleanor.


    Xavier noticed him first and called out, n, I''m taking Eleanor to lunch across the street. Let''s catch upter."


    Before Xavier could answer, Eleanor declined coolly. "That won''t be necessary." She turned to Xavier. "Let''s go."


    eat."


    Xavier smiled gently. "Another time,n. Eleanor''s hungry."


    A flicker of frustration passed throughn''s eyes, but he managed a gracious nod. "Of course. Enjoy your lunch."


    He watched Eleanor walk away, then slipped off his sses and tucked them neatly into the breast pocket of his suit.


    Without the sses,n''s entire demeanor shifted¡ªhis sharp gaze was suddenly piercing, giving off an air of quiet authority that seemed to fill the space around him. He loosened his tie, radiating amanding presence that made people instinctively step aside.


    Two staff members hurried past, barely daring to breathe in his presence.


    Gavin, watching from the side, thought to himself that this was the realn-the one with the intimidating aura. The sses just made him seem too approachable.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor and Xavier crossed the street to the restaurant. Over sses of sparkling water with lemon, they discussed the foundation''s ns for the next three years. Eleanor swirled her drink thoughtfully, scrolling through a freshly received email on her phone.


    "Goodwin & Co.''s children''s health initiative is truly meaningful," she said. "Especially for kids with leukemia in remote areas-early screening and treatment could make a huge difference."


    Xavier admired her professional focus. "Absolutely. Ian''s yed a major role in this project."


    Eleanor nced at him, her tone businesslike. "Once his foundation is running, estimates show they''ll be able to help thirty percent more children."


    Xavier nodded, and after a while their food arrived. The conversation shifted to lighter topics,ughter mixing with the clinking of cutlery and soft chatter from nearby tables.


    Halfway through the meal, something seemed to cross Xavier''s mind. He remembered seeing Eleanor delete a photo earlier. Curiosity got the better of him.


    "Eleanor, I noticed you deleted a picture earlier. Who sent it to you?"


    Eleanor paused mid-bite, then shook her head. "Just a pointless message. Nothing important."


    But Xavier caught a fleeting chill in her eyes. He frowned slightly. "Was it Serena?"

 Chapter 767

    Eleanor lifted her teacup, took a sip of water, and said quietly, "Let''s not talk about this anymore."


    She knew Xavier was just trying to stand up for her, but Serena wasn''s sister, and their mothers were old friends. Eleanor didn''t want Xavier caught between her and Serena, nor did she want to stir up trouble between the two families.


    "Xavier, just let it go," she said calmly. "Honestly, it doesn''t bother me."


    Xavier could tell he''d guessed right-it was obvious Serena thought Eleanor was still chasing aftern, which exined the smug photos she''d sent as a warning. The thought made his jaw clench in frustration. Serena was so spoiled.


    He nced at Eleanor across the table. If she''d just let him define their rtionship, he would never have tolerated the Goodwin family treating her this way. But he also worried that meddling too much would only make things harder for her.


    After dinner, they parted ways. Eleanor had to get back to herb, and as Xavier was heading out, his phone buzzed. It was Henry.


    He nced at the screen and answered, "Henry?"


    "I''m at the caf¨¦ on the third floor. Want toe up and talk?" Henry''s voice came through the line.


    "You''re still here?" Xavier sounded surprised.


    "Juste up," Henry replied, then hung up.


    Xavier checked his watch-still early. He made his way to the elevators.


    The caf¨¦ was quiet, sunlight streaming through the windows. Henry sat alone at a corner table, and Xavier joined him. Henry pushed a ck coffee across the table.


    "I saw you and Eleanor having dinner earlier,¡± Henry said, a teasing glint in his eye. "How''s it going with you two?"


    Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Since when are you so nosy?"


    "I''m not nosy," Henry protested, shaking his head with a smile. "Just concerned. You''ve seen the wayn looks at Eleanortely."


    Xavier took a sip of coffee. "They''re divorced." Then he shot back, "What about you and Miss Shannon?"


    Henry looked caught off guard. He turned to stare out the window. "We''re just friends."


    "My mom said your aunt set you up with someone new. Did you meet her?" Xavier asked, his tone light.


    Henry drummed his fingers on his coffee cup and gave a wry smile. "My aunt insisted. I met herst week."


    "And?" Xavier pressed, genuinely curious.


    "That''s it. Nothing else to tell.¡± Henry shook his head, then fixed Xavier with a searching look. "But you are you really thinking about starting something with Eleanor?"


    Xavier''s expression turned serious. "That depends on what Eleanor wants." Henry frowned. "You''re awfully patient. What if she''s interested in someone else?"


    Xavier set down his cup. "Love isn''t a business deal. Eleanor just got out of a marriage-I don''t want to pressure her. If she finds someone better, I''ll wish her well." He gazed out the window. "Besides, I''m not convincedn truly wants her back."


    "Oh?" Henry arched an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"


    "If he really wanted to win her over,n wouldn''t be sitting on his hands. He wouldn''t just let me pursue her. He''s only interested in her talent."


    Henry''s eyes darkened. "So,n doesn''t want Eleanor to rush into another


    marriage. He''d rather see her dedicate herself to her research than get tied down again." He gave a thoughtful nod. "You''re not wrong. Ian''s always had a controlling streak."


    Xavier didn''t reply. He traced the rim of his cup absentmindedly, then murmured, "I don''t like the wayn tries to run Eleanor''s life."

 Chapter 768

    Henry arched a brow, understanding all too well the weight his friend carried. He had his own share of burdens, after all.


    "If it really doesn''t work out, maybe one day you should just be upfront withn,¡± Henry encouraged, his tone earnest.


    Xavier shook his head. "I can''t do that. It would interfere with Eleanor''s career, and I have to respect her choices."


    Henry caught the restraint in Xavier''s eyes and thought of Eleanor''smanding presence on the podium earlier that day. Her achievements had shaped the woman she was now; Henry was certain Eleanor would never want to return to a traditional marriage or settle into the role of a housewife.


    "If you meet someone good, you should at least give it a chance," Henry added, unable to bear the thought of his closest friend waiting in vain.


    Xavier let out a bitterugh. ¡°Why don''t you try that yourself before giving me advice?"


    Henry was momentarily at a loss for words. The two of them fell into a heavy silence.


    Meanwhile, on the top floor of the Vesper Joy Hotel, Gavin stood waiting by the elevator. "Mr. Goodwin, the press is ready for your one-on-one interview."


    As the elevator doors slid open on the interview level, a barrage of camera shes greeted him.


    He adjusted his tie, aposed smile gracing his features behind the lenses, and strode toward the prepared interview area.


    "Mr. Goodwin, thank you for making time to speak with us," the lead reporter said, extending the microphone with practiced professionalism. "Could you borate on the coverage and funding allocation mentioned at the Goodwin Foundation conference?"


    The journalists listened patiently as he finished, then one after another, peppered him with follow-up questions. Ian responded to each outlet with poise and patience.


    Before long, twenty minutes had passed, and a staff member signaled that the interview wasing to a close.


    Just then, a female reporter shifted the conversation, her tone taking on a hint of gossip. "Mr. Goodwin, we''ve talked so much about work, but our readers are just as interested in your personal life. You''re widely regarded as a young leader, and since your divorce from Dr. Sutton, there haven''t been any reports of a steady rtionship. Do you have any ns regarding your love life?"


    The question hung in the air, and for a moment, the room fell silent. Every camera lens was trained onn. Gavin was about to step in and deflect whenn, with effortless grace, adjusted his sses and replied, "When ites to rtionships, I believe things should unfold naturally."


    "Do you have a particr type in mind?" another female reporter quickly followed


    up. ¡°Someone like Ms. Vanessa¡ªthe brilliant artist, perhaps?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, have you ever considered getting back together with Dr. Sutton? After all, you have a child together," a male reporter asked, cutting straight to the point.


    A flurry of personal questions seemed to freeze the air for a few seconds.


    Everyone waited forn''s response.


    To the public, his ambiguous but conspicuous rtionship with Vanessa was obvious enough. Yet, despite the divorce, he continued to support Eleanor''s work so publicly and had even appeared with her at this charity event, inevitably fueling spection.


    "I''m more than happy to answer questions about the foundation,"n said, his voice calm but firm. "But as for my private life, I''d rather not take up public resources."

 Chapter 769

    Aftern finished speaking, he rose from his seat, a chill flickering behind his sses.


    The reporters, though brimming with curiosity, didn''t dare press him any further.


    As they exited the interview area, Gavin leaned in and murmured, "Mr. Goodwin, I''m sorry I wasn''t able to stop the reporters earlier¡ª¡±


    "It''s fine,"n replied, slipping off his sses and tucking them neatly into his suit pocket. The coldness faded from his gaze, reced by something deeper and more inscrutable.


    Gavin reyed the interview in his mind. His boss had allowed the reporters to ask their questions but never gave them a straight answer. It was as if Mr. Goodwin wanted them to throw out their theories first, just to let them stew in their own spection.


    Why Mr. Goodwin handled things this way was a mystery Gavin didn''t dare ponder any further.


    Back in theb, Eleanor returned to her workspace, where Gwenda greeted her with a considerate smile and handed her a fresh cup of coffee. Momentster, Eleanor''s phone rang. It was Simone.


    "Eleanor, how did the press conference go today?" Simone asked.


    "It went really well!" Eleanor replied, her voice bright.


    Since Simone hadn''t been able to attend due to personal reasons, Eleanor couldn''t help but ask, "Professor Langley, were you able to take care of your business?"


    "All sorted, nothing to worry about," Simone answered with a warmugh.


    Eleanor, sensing it was private, didn''t press further. After a few more words, they ended the call.


    A littleter, Eleanor headed to the restroom. As she settled into one of the stalls, footsteps echoed in from the hallway. Faye entered with one of the assistants.


    "Faye, I''m so jealous! I can''t believe your application went through so quickly," the assistant gushed.


    Faye smiled. "It was pretty much what I expected."


    "I heard Mr. Goodwin is going to be your brother-inw. Looks like you''ll be leading the new independent project team! I wish I were in your shoes."


    As she spoke, the stall door behind them opened. Faye caught Eleanor''s reflection in the mirror and, with deliberate poise, fixed her hair. "Brother-inw or not, Mr. Goodwin has always valued people with actual talent. My transfer was approved because of my proposal."


    She turned slightly, her eyes meeting Eleanor''s in the mirror, her voice pointed. "Not like some people who just ride on old connections."


    Then she pivotedpletely and raised an eyebrow at Eleanor. "Don''t you agree, Dr. Sutton?"


    The assistant, sensing the tension, rushed to change the subject. "Faye, I heard the research team is staying in our department. Guess we''ll still see plenty of each other, right?"


    Faye replied smoothly, "We''re just splitting up the teams, not thebs. This facility is the best in the country, after all."


    "True," the assistant nodded. "And with your rtionship with Mr. Goodwin, I bet you''ll get whatever equipment you want-and pick whoever you like for your team."


    Faye watched Eleanor washing her hands, a touch of pride in her tone. "The project I''m heading takes some serious technical muscle. We''re aiming for publication in international journals."


    Eleanor dried her hands, looking utterly uninterested in their conversation.


    Faye, not one to let things drop, pressed on. "Eleanor, with three civilian projects spinning off, I''m curious-what do you think?"


    Eleanor turned to face her. "I just hope you have the skills to match the resources you''ve been handed."


    Color drained from Faye''s face. "Eleanor, you-"


    But by then, Eleanor was already gone. Faye clenched her fists, silently vowing that soon enough, she would make her own mark-one that would rival, if not surpass, Eleanor''s.

 Chapter 770

    When Eleanor finished work, Joel came by to discuss themercial project.


    Goodwin Biotech was assembling a new R&D team, but from their side, only Faye was being transferred.


    "I got the email. Honestly, Faye leaving the team is for the best," Joel said. Faye was too emotionally invested, and she seemed to go out of her way to provoke Eleanor. Joel had wanted her off the team for a while now.


    Besides, Faye''s open infatuation made Joel ufortable. He believed that mixing feelings with work only undermined one''s professionalism.


    Because of her sister''s connections, Faye had her pick of projects-everything except the core neural interface research.


    "I''ll make sure everything''s handled properly. We can make the basic data avable, but anything involving patents has to go through the approval process, per the partnership agreement," Joel said.


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright."


    Just then, Joel''s phone rang. He answered, "Hello?"


    "Dr. Kingsley, Mr. Goodwin would like you toe to Goodwin & Co. for a private meeting," came Gavin''s voice.


    "What''s this about?" Joel frowned.


    "Mr. Goodwin didn''t specify, but he asked if you coulde by after work," Gavin replied, sounding insistent.


    "Alright, I''ll be there," Joel said.


    After hanging up, he turned to Eleanor. "Ian wants to see me after work. Do you know what it''s about?"


    Eleanor thought for a moment, then shook her head. "No idea. Maybe it''s something urgent on the business side."


    "If it''s work-rted, I would''ve thought he''d want to talk to you too," Joel mused.


    "I''m just about done for the day-you go ahead," Eleanor told him.


    Joel nodded. They headed downstairs to the parking lot together. Faye, who was on her phone in the lobby, nced over and felt a pang of jealousy watching them.


    She was about to lead her own team. Once she left the Neural Interface Project, she wouldn''t see Joel around anymore.


    But she could already picture how Eleanor would treat Joel as both a colleague and a boyfriend, ordering him around, and sooner orter something would happen between them behind closed doors.


    The thought stung. Why couldn''t a man like Joel give her a chance?


    Ever since Joel returned from abroad and joined the research team, Faye had done everything she could to break into his world. But the trust and professional chemistry he shared with Eleanor created a barrier she could never cross.


    If only this new project managed to separate Joel and Eleanor-then maybe she''d finally get what she wanted.


    At Goodwin & Co., Gavin met Joel at the executive suite entrance. He knocked once, then opened the door. "Dr. Kingsley, pleasee in."


    Joel stepped inside. Ian was seated on therge sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window, reading over some documents. When he looked up and saw Joel, he rose and motioned for him to sit.


    "Thank you foring on such short notice, Dr. Kingsley," Ian said, his tone gracious and polite.


    Joel saw right through him. For alln''s effortless elegance and manners, there was a sharp mind and a steely resolve beneath the surface.


    Which meant that, despite the courteous wee, Joel had to stay on his guard.


    "No trouble at all. What can I do for you, Mr. Goodwin?" Joel replied, matching the formality.


    A young assistant promptly brought in coffee and refreshments, then slipped out.


    Joel''s expression tightened. He''d suspected as much on the drive over, but he hadn''t expectedn to bring it up so directly.


    "There''s a big market formercial applications, but it''s not really my area of interest," Joel said carefully.


    "I understand it might seem like a waste of your talents to put you on such a project,¡±n replied, his eyes steady and his tone calm but unmistakably firm. ¡°But the neural interface project requires enormous ongoing investment. While I''m happy to continue funding it, the board''s patience for projects without obvious returns is wearing thin."

 Chapter 771

    Joel paused, his hand hovering mid-air with the coffee cup, and didn''t respond right away. Of course he knew about the financial strain-they''d been running throughb supplies at a staggering rate, and the costs of patent applications and licensing alone were enough to keep him up at night.


    "Civilian projects are a different story,"n said, flipping open a folder. "In less than a year, one of these could turn a profit. That profit would go right back into funding the Neural Interface Project."


    Joel''s brows rxed a little. "Why not be straightforward with me, Mr. Goodwin?"


    "I''m putting you in charge of three separate civilian projects,"n replied, his tone warm with trust. "You''ll lead the research teams. I believe in your technical skills and your ability to deliver. If we get the cash flow moving, the Neural Interface Project can finally move ahead without financial worries."


    Joel studiedn through his sses, lost in thought. He knew the truth: the Neural Interface Project could probably survive without him, but not without Eleanor.


    Lately, he''d been painfully aware of just how difficult it was to break through the project''s technical barriers. The more they pushed forward, the more the costs piled up. If things continued at this pace, they''d burn through even more money, with no guarantee of sess.


    "The Neural Interface Project needs male researchers for the experimental phase," Joel said quietly. "Eleanor''s been working herself to the bone. She can''t handle it all alone."


    "I''m nning to bring Callie onto the team,¡±n replied. "She and Eleanor work well together." He turned to Joel, his expression sincere. "Dr. Kingsley, believe me -I won''t let you down."


    Joel looked him straight in the eye. "Can I ask you something, Mr. Goodwin? All these moves you''re making-what''s your real motivation?"


    Joel didn''t hesitate. "Are you doing this to support Eleanor, or is it just about the money?"


    A sharp smile flickered acrossn''s face, his gaze piercing. "Do you really think making money and supporting Eleanor are mutually exclusive?" he asked. His smile faded, reced by a cool, businesslike calm. "Goodwin & Co. is a corporation, not a charity. But Eleanor''s research is a long-term investment I''m willing to make. The profits from the civilian projects will fund the Neural Interface Project. There''s no reason I can''t do both."


    He looked Joel up and down. "But what about you, Dr. Kingsley? All the ways you''ve looked out for Eleanor these past few years-what''s your real reason?"


    Joel''s grip tightened on his coffee. "Eleanor is a colleague and a friend," he said, his voice steady. "That''s a personal matter, and I don''t see why I need to exin it to you."


    ¡°I understand what you''re proposing,¡± Joel replied, setting down his cup and preparing to leave. "I''ll think it over."


    "I''d like to see the civilian projects get off the ground as soon as possible,"n said, standing to walk him out.


    At the door, Joel paused and turned back. "If I do take on the civilian projects, will


    the profits be invested into the Neural Interface Project first?"


    Behind his lenses, Joel''s expression softened. "That won''t be necessary, Mr. Goodwin. I''ll see myself out."


    When Joel left the Goodwin & Co. building and got back to his car, he pulled out his phone, ready to text Eleanor. But his fingers hovered over the screen, unsure of what to say.


    He couldn''t deny that whatn had just proposed was urgent. Without the profits from the civilian ventures, Eleanor would never be free to focus entirely on her brain-machine research.


    Joel reyedn''s words in his mind-the deliberate ambiguity, the careful bnce between candor and calction. It was ss: a businessman through and through. Whatever personal motives he might have, he''d never say them out loud, but Joel sensed something else beneath the surface. For all his self-interest,n''s decisions had always included a genuine willingness to invest in Eleanor''s work.


    From the very beginning,n had never once hesitated to fund any of Eleanor''s research.


    Joel still didn''t know whatn ultimately wanted, but his instincts told him one thing for sure.<pn meant no harm to Eleanor.

 Chapter 772

    In the end, Joel never told Eleanor about any of this in advance. At eight o''clock that evening, he finally replied ton.


    At that moment,n was still at the office, signing an international partnership agreement. Gavin handed him his phone-a single message from Joel: "I ept the transfer."


    screen.


    "Let Meridian Dynamics and theb know: meeting at 9 a.m. tomorrow,"n instructed Gavin.


    "Yes, sir,¡± Gavin replied with a nod.


    Meanwhile, Faye had gone to Vanessa''s ce. With the news that she''d soon be leading a new team, she felt a strange mix of excitement and anxiety. There was no one at home to help her process her nerves, but somehow, being at Vanessa''s felt moreforting.


    "Now that you''ve got the green light for your transfer," Vanessa said, "you need to perform well. Even if it''s just consumer product development, it''s a global market. If you do well,n will notice."


    "Don''t worry, sis. I''m confident I can handle it," Faye replied, her tone serious.


    Vanessa studied her face. "Confidence is good, but don''t get careless. Not everyone gets a shot like this."


    Faye grinned. "Well, that''s because I have such an amazing sister, right?" Her smile faded. "I known''s strict, but this new project is right up my alley. I''ll give it my all-even though leaving the team makes me..."


    Vanessa noticed her troubled expression and set her mug down. "I know you''re reluctant to leave Joel behind. But listen, if you want him to really see you, hanging around him every day isn''t the answer. You need to prove yourself¡ª show him you''re exceptional."


    Faye bit her lip. Vanessa''s words stung, but she knew they were true.


    "Look at Eleanor," Vanessa continued. "She''s always surrounded by brilliant men. Not because she''sn''s ex-wife, but because she''s achieved real results in her field. If you can make this consumer project a hit, trust me, not just Joel-the entire Goodwin & Co. board will take notice."


    A spark lit in Faye''s eyes. "Thanks for the reminder, sis. I''ll remember that."


    Faye''s thoughts drifted to what Eleanor had said to her in the restroom: "I hope your abilities live up to your opportunities." Only now did she understand-it wasn''t just a jab; it was a challenge.


    "I won''t let you down," Faye said, determination shing in her gaze.


    If she could lead this team herself, she''d finally have a real shot at surpassing Eleanor.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a new email. She opened it, her face lighting up. "Sis, there''s a meeting at 9 a.m. tomorrow. It has to be about the consumer project announcement."


    Vanessa nodded. "Go make me proud."


    The next morning.


    Eleanor got her daughter ready for school. Lately, she''d been considering summer programs, choosing extracurricrs her daughter actually enjoyed-horseback riding and dance. The winter break wasn''t long, so she didn''t want to overdo it.


    After dropping her daughter off, Eleanor headed straight for theb.


    With theunch of three new consumer research projects, many in theb had submitted applications, eager to join one of the teams.


    Theb''srge conference room was already bustling. Meridian Dynamics had arrived early, with Byron leading his team-they were key engineers for the new venture.


    By nine o''clock sharp, both sides of the table were filled. Faye had chosen a seat near the front, her nerves a tight knot under her excitement, waiting for the official announcement.


    Eleanor sat further back. Joel came in a littleter, scanning the room-he looked as if he wanted to sit beside Eleanor, but Byron waved him over. "Dr. Kingsley, sit here! Saved you a spot."


    From Byron''s grin, Joel could tell he already knew about the transfer. Joel nodded, taking the seat next to Byron. He caught Eleanor''s eye, and they exchanged a silent greeting.

 Chapter 773

    At that moment, the conference room doors swung open. Ian strode in with Gavin at his side, dressed in a charcoal suit that made the sharp intelligence in his eyes impossible to miss¡ªespecially today, with his sses left behind.


    He paused just inside, sweeping his gaze across the room until it settled on Eleanor for a brief but unmistakable two seconds. Then, without another word, he took his ce at the head of the table.


    "Everyone''s here. Let''s begin."


    Gavin sat down nearby, cleared his throat, and addressed the room. "Mr. Goodwin has called this meeting to announce the restructuring of the R&D team for our civilian product initiative-"


    Just then, two assistants entered, distributing thick folders to everyone at the table.


    Faye felt her pulse race as she gripped her hands tightly under the table. She could sense the eyes of several colleaguesnding on her, full of thinly veiled envy.


    Rumor among the staff had it that Faye was in line to take over the civilian project, that she''d be named lead researcher.


    She took a deep breath and straightened her back, ready for the moment her name would be called.


    Gavin continued, "After a joint evaluation by the executive board and the technicalmittee¡ª¡± He paused, scanning the room. ¡°We''ve decided to appoint Dr. Joel Kingsley as Chief Scientific Officer for Goodwin Biotech''s Civilian R&D Division. He will have full responsibility for the development of our three gship medical technology products."


    The room was stunned into silence.


    Faye''s mind went utterly nk, a dull roar in her ears. She stared at Gavin in disbelief, then whipped her head towardn, her lips parting in shock, but no sound came out.


    Joel? He''s leading all three civilian products?


    Then what about her? Where would she fit in? Faye bit her lower lip, telling herself that Joel might just be heading the teams, but each product would surely need its own lead researcher.


    Eleanor, too, looked surprised, but she''d half expected this aftern''s private meeting with Joel the night before. In hindsight, it all made sense.


    Joel rose to his feet, calm and collected. "Thank you for your trust. I''ll do everything I can to push these projects forward."


    Faye''s head was spinning again. The core team was still being formed? Did this mean she hadn''t even made it into the core civilian team?


    She stole a nce atn. He was leafing through his folder, his profile cold and unreadable under the harsh ceiling lights. A wave of frustration and disappointment washed over her, catching her off guard.


    Joel went on to announce his own selection criteria for the new team-strict requirements that would serve as a finely tuned filter for candidates.


    Eleanor scribbled something into her notebook, her expression detached, as if the proceedings barely concerned her.


    In truth, Eleanor had already worked it out in her mindn''s move was a smart one. By bringing Joel onboard, he guaranteed technical excellence, silenced the board''s objections, and protected future profits.


    Meanwhile, Faye ducked her head and quickly sent a message to her older sister, Vanessa. "They just announced it. Joel''s the chief lead. My position isn''t settled yet."


    A few secondster, Vanessa replied, "Tell me which role you want. I''ll get it for you."


    Faye considered carefully, then typed her answer. It wasn''t the top spot, but it was still a good fit.


    "I want the lead researcher position for the Smart Sleep Project."


    "Done," came Vanessa''s brief reply, as if securing that spot was no more than a quick word withn.

 Chapter 774

    At that moment,n turned to Joel. "Dr. Kingsley, you''ll be in charge of recruiting for the civilian project. You''ll also handpick and evaluate the leads for the three R&D teams."


    Joel nodded, then addressed the group. "Each team lead must have at least five years of relevant research experience, and must have overseen at least one medical device project that passed FDA approval."


    As soon as those words settled, the conference room fell silent for several seconds. Joel''s standards for the recruitment team were almost impossibly high.


    Faye''s fingers tightened around her phone. She''d only been in medical research for two years, and none of the projects she''d worked on had even reached the clinical trial phase.


    Was Joel deliberately setting the bar to keep her out?


    She didn''t really believe that, but given her current credentials, could she really hope tond a team lead position?


    Ifn didn''t intervene, there was no way she''d qualify with Joel''s requirements.


    Ten minutester, the meeting wrapped up. Eleanor closed herptop and slipped out the back door.


    Faye watchedn''s tall figure, half-expecting he might pull her aside for a private conversation. But she caught sight of Gavin trailing behind him, rattling off a report. Ian listened intently, never breaking stride; when his gaze drifted over Faye, he looked straight through her.


    She thought, for a split second, that he''d noticed her. Butn''s eyes slid away, his demeanor distant and unapproachable, as if she were just another irrelevant stranger.


    Clutching her folder, Faye stood rooted to the spot, realizing for the first time just how little she mattered in the academic world without a real achievement to her name.


    Back in her office, her phone buzzed. Vanessa had finally replied: "Ian says all team leads must pass Joel''s technical assessment. Faye, you''ll have to talk to Joel yourself and seize the opportunity."


    Faye stared at the message, breath catching.


    A one-on-one with Joel? He was friendly enough in daily life, but when it came to


    his work, he was famously demanding. Passing his assessment without solid skills and proven results was next to impossible.


    She realized thatn had just handed the civilian project over to Joel; if he jumped in to help her now, Joel would surely take issue.


    "Faye, just join the project team for now," Vanessa tried tofort her. "Wait for the right moment¡ªmayben can promote youter."


    Faye almostughed. She''d been so sure she could lead a team on her own, and now she couldn''t even secure a team lead position without someone else''s favor.


    Her frustration welled up until it felt like a physical weight on her chest. She left for the restroom, and as she reached the door, voices drifted from inside-her colleagues from the materials team.


    "I told you Faye didn''t stand a chance. She really thought connections were enough to get her a team?"


    "I heard Dr. Kingsley''s standards are brutal. Five years of experience and an FDA- approved project? She''s nowhere close."


    Another woman snickered. "You guys know her sister Vanessa is dating Mr.


    Goodwin, right? She''s practically Mrs. Goodwin already!"


    "So what? You think Dr. Kingsley is the type to y favorites? Even if Mr. Goodwin wanted to sneak someone onto the project, it wouldn''t fly with Dr. Kingsley. Connections don''t mean a thing to him."


    "I heard Faye applied for the civilian project team. Wonder what position they''ll stick her in?"


    "Whatever she deserves, I guess. She''ll get what''sing to her."


    Faye clenched her jaw, the words needling at her self-confidence. The more assured she''d once felt, the more exposed and humiliated she felt now.

 Chapter 775

    "Besides," someone chimed in, "didn''t you notice Mr. Goodwin''s expression today? He was nothing but respectful and pleased with Dr. Kingsley, but I sure didn''t see him treating Faye like a future sister-inw."


    "Exactly! Unless he''s looking at Eleanor, Mr. Goodwin acts like the rest of us are invisible."


    "So what''s Faye going to do now? I heard there''s already a line for the civilian project group! If she can''t even get into a specialized team, won''t she be theughingstock of the entireb?"


    Faye''s chest tightened as she gritted her teeth, fists clenched. She barely resisted the urge to storm into the bathroom and let off steam. In the end, she turned sharply and walked away.


    She had barely stepped into the hallway when a group of assistants carrying files caught sight of her. They all fell suddenly silent.


    Faye marched past with her eyes fixed straight ahead, one thought ringing in her head-No matter what, I have to get into the civilian project group.


    ***


    Joel knocked on Eleanor''s office door and stepped inside.


    "Joel," Eleanor greeted him with a smile.


    "Sorry I didn''t mention this earlier I figured it''d be announced at the meeting today anyway," Joel said.


    Eleanor''s smile was easy. "It''s fine. With you leading the civilian project group, I couldn''t ask for a better arrangement."


    Joel met her gaze. "Mr. Goodwin will be assigning Callie to assist you. She''s capable and trustworthy. I''ll make sure the handover is smooth."


    Eleanor nodded; Simone had already called to brief her.


    "I''ll be busy recruiting the team for a while," Joel continued. "Since Mr. Goodwin''s put the project fully in my hands, I need to deliver results." His eyes lingered on Eleanor, sincere and determined. "Any profit from the civilian project will be funneled straight into the Neural Interface Project Team. That''s Mr. Goodwin''s promise to me."


    Eleanor''s eyes widened in surprise. Joel had actually gottenn to make that kind of promise? So his decision to join the civilian team was really to safeguard her research?


    "Joel..." Her voice caught, eyes shining with emotion.


    Joel smiled. "It''s all in the name of science. Your talent should be put where it matters most. My job is to make sure Goodwin & Co. earns enough so you never have to worry about research funding."


    Eleanor couldn''t help but look at him gratefully. "The underlying logic of the civilian project and neural interface oveps a lot. Once we get it running, it''ll be a huge boost for my clinical trials, too."


    Suddenly, something urred to her. "What are you nning to do about Faye?"


    Joel''s expression was calm. "I''ll follow protocol-start with a technical assessment. If she''s got what it takes, I have no reason to turn her away." His voice dropped, steady and resolute. "But rest assured, I won''t lower the bar for anyone, no matter my personal connections."


    "And ifn tries to force her into the group?" Eleanor asked.


    She knew it wasn''t impossible. If Vanessa pushedn hard enough, he''d cave.


    Joel''s face grew cold. "If Mr. Goodwin interferes, I''ll hand in my resignation on the spot. I won''t stand for it."


    Eleanor stared at him for a moment, then broke into a smile. That was Joel all over-upromising when it came to professionalism. Even ifn was his boss, he''d never y favorites.


    After Joel left, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a message fromn: "Any thoughts on Joel''s arrangement?"


    Eleanor frowned. He''d already made the announcement-why bother asking her opinion now?


    "None," she replied coolly.


    At Goodwin & Co.,n sat on the sofa, staring at Eleanor''s terse reply. He didn''t send another message. Just then, Gavin knocked and entered. "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Shannon is here."

 Chapter 776

    Gavin nodded and left the office.


    A momentter, he approached Vanessa with a polite smile. "Miss Shannon, I''m


    so sorry. Mr. Goodwin has an important video conference starting soon. He asks if you could go home for now-he''ll reach out to youter."


    Vanessa smiled gracefully. "Of course. I understand."


    Gavin gestured toward the elevator. "Let me walk you down."


    "Thank you." Vanessa nodded, her elegant outfit and artistic poise entuating her beauty. With her refined features and natural grace, she was truly striking.


    Gavin remained courteous, but standing beside someone so beautiful in the elevator made him a little nervous. Some women just radiated an intimidating kind of presence.


    When they reached the lobby, Vanessa turned to him. "You can head back up. I''ll be fine from here."


    Gavin nodded and stepped into the elevator, leaving Vanessa to cross the lobby on her own. At the front desk, the receptionist greeted her with a bright smile. "Miss Shannon, are you heading out?"


    Vanessa maintained her poised smile and gave a small nod.


    "Let me walk you out."


    "Thank you." Vanessa''s reply was gentle, her demeanor as polished as ever.


    The receptionist apanied Vanessa all the way to her waiting car, only turning back after it pulled away.


    As she returned to her post, she couldn''t help but whisper to her coworker, "Miss Shannon is just so gorgeous and elegant. I bet things are getting serious between her and Mr. Goodwin."


    "Definitely! You can tell he treats her differently-shees and goes from his office as she pleases," her colleague agreed. "I wouldn''t be surprised if she''s our boss''s wife soon."


    Meanwhile, Vanessa settled into the back seat of her car, just as her phone buzzed with a message from Faye.


    "Did you see Mr. Goodwin?"


    Vanessa replied, "I went to his office, but he''s busy with meetings. He''ll see meter."


    After sending her text, she leaned back to rest her eyes and told the driver, "Take me to the mall."


    "But Miss Laverne said you shouldn''t be in crowded ces," the driver reminded her gently.


    Vanessa''s voice was cool but firm. "I need to pick out a gift forn.¡±


    At the mall, Vanessa made her way straight to the men''s section, heading for the belts. The sales associate brought out thetest styles for her to choose from.


    As she browsed, she caught sight of a familiar figure-Joy, Eleanor''s close friend, who was visibly pregnant and also shopping for men''s essories.


    Vanessa''s lips curled into a smile. "Attorney Thatcher! What a coincidence."


    Joy turned, then told the sales associate, "I''ll take this one. Please wrap it up for me."


    Vanessa approached with effortless grace. "Shopping for a tie for your husband?" "Mm." Joy''s answer was curt-she wasn''t in the mood for small talk.


    Vanessa turned to the associate. "I''ll have that belt wrapped up as well. It''s a gift for a friend."


    A trace of mockery shed in Joy''s eyes. "Miss Shannon, just a word of advice-a belt is best given to an unmarried man."


    "It''s forn. He''s been swamped with worktely, so I wanted to pick up something nice for him," Vanessa replied, her smile never faltering. "Men always need a little... guidance, don''t they? Maybe you could pass that on to your dear friend as well."


    Her meaning was clear-she was getting territorial about Eleanor''s recent interactions withn.


    Joy rolled her eyes. "Well, take your time, Miss Shannon. I''ll be on my way."


    Vanessa seized the moment. "Six months along and you''re out shopping alone? No assistant or housekeeper to help carry things? Your husband lets you run errands by yourself? Isn''t that a bit much?"


    Her tone was sweet, but the barb was obvious-she was mocking Joy''s circumstances.


    Joy simply stroked her belly, her smile serene and radiant. "No need to worry, Miss Shannon. I like being out and about, and I wanted to pick something out for my husband myself." She paused deliberately, then added, "You and Mr. Goodwin have been together for years, haven''t you? Howe you still haven''t¡ª¡± Her eyes drifted meaningfully to Vanessa''s perfectly t stomach. "Oh, I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have asked." Then, as if out of concern, she added, "I''ve heard the specialists at Ashford General are great with fertility issues. Maybe you should check them out?"

 Chapter 777

    Vanessa''s knuckles turned white as she gripped her purse, forcing a brittle smile while surrounded by staff. "Thank you for your concern, but we''re not in any


    hurry."


    "Oh, really?" Joy shot back with a sly grin. "Well, even if you''re desperate for a baby, you might want to get legally married first!"


    The color drained further from Vanessa''s face.


    Satisfied, Joy picked up her gift from the attendant. "Well, I''ll head off now, Miss Shannon. Take your time choosing. And by the way, you really ought to keep Mr. Goodwin on a tighter leash-he keeps sniffing around his ex-wife, and honestly, it''s not helping anyone''s peace of mind."


    After Joy left, Vanessa''s chest rose and fell with barely contained anger.


    Just then, an attendant approached with her wrapped package. Vanessa swallowed her feelings, took it, and hurried out.


    Meanwhile, Joy slid into her car and couldn''t resist texting Eleanor: Ellie, just ran into Vanessa at the mall. Still as self-important as ever.


    Eleanor was in her office, sifting through spreadsheets, and instantly replied with concern: You''re six months pregnant, Joy. Please be careful when you''re out and about.


    Rx! You''ve been pregnant before; you know we aren''t made of ss.


    Eleanor paused, breath catching-she''d said those exact words once herself.


    Back when she was pregnant,n had insisted she stay home, avoid crowds, and skip shopping trips. She remembered pushing back against him, just like Joy was doing now.


    Suddenly, Eleanor wondered if herst run-in with Vanessa had made things worse-had she said something that set her off? Without hesitating, she called Joy directly.


    Joy answered right away. "Hey, superstar. What''s up?"


    Eleanor''s voice was tight with worry. "Joy, did Vanessa say anything out of line to you?"


    "She didn''t say anything to me, but she sure had a lot to say about you through me. She said she was buyingn a belt, told me someone needs to keep his urges in check. Like you''d ever care whatn gets up to."


    Eleanor rolled her eyes. "The man she acts like she won the lottery with? He''s ancient history to me."


    Joy''sughter bubbled over the line. "Exactly! Anyway, you should''ve seen her face-I got under her skin big time. Guess what I told her?"


    Eleanor shook her head, half fond, half exasperated. "You''re unbelievable. Pregnant and still stirring up trouble."


    "She mocked me for waddling around the mall alone, so I told her at least I could get pregnant. You''ve been divorced for two years and she still hasn''t managed to marryn, so I suggested she see a fertility specialist at Ashford General Hospital."


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh. "Thanks for having my back."


    "Of course. By the way,n''s not pestering you again, is he?"


    "Other than work, I keep it strictly business," Eleanor said firmly.


    Joy advised her to keep it that way-apart from matters about their child, she was better off with zero personal contact.


    They chatted a little longer, then hung up. Eleanor rubbed her temples, wishing she could erase all memory of that miserable marriage.


    Just then, a new message shed on her phone: Miss Sutton, please keep your friend in check.


    The tone and wording left no doubt-Vanessa, using someone else''s phone. Eleanor shot back: Before you warn me, maybe keep an eye on your own man. Almost immediately, the phone number lit up with an iing call.

 Chapter 778

    Eleanor ended the call without hesitation, tossing her phone aside. She had no intention of picking up again.


    She understood perfectly well: whenevern assigned Faye to a project, it was always because Faye had the skills to match. Without genuine ability, being shoehorned into a team would only make things harder for her.


    Faye belonged exactly where she could grow the most, not stuck in a cycle of envy andparison. Vanessa''s so-called help wasn''t helping at all¡ªit was doing more harm than good.


    Breaking through technical barriers wasn''t something that could be forced.


    With Joel overseeing the project this time, even ifn tried to pull strings and push Faye into the team, Joel would stand his ground.


    Joel would neverpromise his professional standards-unlessn decided to cut him loose entirely.


    It was true thatn rarely said no to Vanessa, always indulging her requests, but this time, his professional judgment wouldn''t allow her to meddle. Maybe afterward, he''d offer her something else to make up for it, to keep both sisters satisfied.


    Meanwhile, Faye sat at her desk, unable to focus. The work in front of her felt meaningless; all she could do was wait for an answer.


    Vanessa had saidn would see herter-did that mean she''d have to wait until tomorrow?n was so busy, it was hard to say if he''d even be free tonight.


    The truth was, a man was usually his most agreeable in just one situation-when he''s in bed.


    Maybe she really would have to wait until tonight. Faye forced herself to calm down.


    Just then, her phone rang again. It was Simone. Faye paused, surprised-why was Professor Langley calling her now?


    She hesitated, then answered. ¡°Hello? Professor Langley?"


    Simone''s voice was gentle. "Faye, how''s work goingtely?"


    "It''s all right, Professor Langley. Is there something you need?" Faye asked, curiosity piqued.


    "I heard you applied to the Neural Interface Project''s civilian applications team," Simone got straight to the point. "Actually, I wanted to ask if you''d be interested in joining the Sanctuary Cityb."


    Faye''s grip tightened on her phone. "The Sanctuary Cityb?"


    "Yes, they''re looking for a project lead over there. I think you''d be a perfect fit."


    Faye''s chest constricted. "Is this Mr. Goodwin''s idea?"


    "You guessed it, didn''t you? Yes, it''sn''s suggestion. You have real talent in materials science, and the Sanctuary City project would be a great opportunity for you." Simone''s tone softened, sincere and encouraging. "Faye, sometimes a change in environment is exactly what you need to excel."


    Faye''s heart sank. Son wanted to send her away?


    "Professor Langley, could I think about it? My family, my friends, my whole life is here in Ashford City. I really want to stay."


    "Of course. Take your time," Simone replied kindly.


    After hanging up, Faye sat back, feeling her breath quicken. Wasn never going to make an exception for Vanessa and push her into the civilian team? Was he simply trying to send her away, out of sight and out of mind?


    No matter how much she relied on Vanessa, Faye realized she had to reevaluaten''s character.


    And Vanessa wasn''t truly Mrs. Goodwin-not yet. Maybe she''d expected too much from Vanessa''s influence.


    Now, she couldn''t get into the Neural Civilian Applications Team, and she''d already requested a transfer from the Neural Core Project Team. And nown wanted to send her to Sanctuary City. Faye feltpletely stuck.


    No. She wasn''t going anywhere. She was staying in Ashford City. She would get into the civilian project team-on her own terms. If Joel wanted her to pass the assessment, then she''d do it.


    Faye pressed her lips together and dialed Vanessa''s number.


    "Vanessa, please don''t letn send me to Sanctuary City. I want to stay here in Ashford City. I''m going to take the assessment."

 Chapter 779

    "What?n wants to transfer you to Sanctuary City?" Vanessa''s surprise was evident even through the phone.


    In that instant, Faye realizedn hadn''t mentioned anything to Vanessa before making this decision.


    A cold wave of disappointment swept through her, but she managed to keep her voice steady. "Yes. Professor Langley called this morning and asked me to think it over."


    Vanessa fell silent for a few moments. "So, what are you nning to do, Faye?"


    "I''ve made up my mind," Faye replied, her tone resolute. "I want to earn my ce on the team. I''ll go through the assessment process and prove myself."


    A soft sigh came from the other end. "Alright, go for the assessment then. Sincen''s already put everything in Joel''s hands, if I force him to make an exception, it''ll only make things harder for him." After a pause, Vanessa asked, "What position didn offer you in Sanctuary City?"


    "I didn''t ask for details, but Professor Langley said it''s a team lead role for a research project."


    Vanessa sighed again. "Seemsn''s not exactly shortchanging you. It''s just that you don''t want to go."


    "Exactly. Mr. Goodwin''s been fair to me it''s not that the offer isn''t good enough. I just don''t want to leave here," Faye admitted. She couldn''t men for this.


    "Alright, in that case, focus on the assessment and do your best." Vanessa''s tone was encouraging.


    After hanging up, Faye pressed her lips together, determination shing in her eyes. She couldn''t let herself lose.


    She pulled open the bottom drawer of her desk, took out a thick binder of FDA certification materials, and began marking key sections with a highlighter.


    A littleter, she returned Simone''s call. When Faye exined she wouldn''t be going to Sanctuary City, Simone sounded genuinely disappointed-it was a solid opportunity, after all.


    Meanwhile, in theb, Eleanor, Joel, and Callie were poring over thetest experimental data. Callie was eager to learn, and Joel was more patient than usual, knowing how crucial it was for Callie to master the protocols. Once Joel left, Eleanor would need someone she could rely on.


    "In the future, Eleanor shouldn''t be handling the heavy lifting, especially during animal trials," Joel said. "Let the others handle the grunt work."


    Callie nodded. "Understood. I''ll take care of anything that needs muscle from now on." He admired Eleanor deeply and could tell Joel was reluctant to hand over responsibilities. Still, being part of the Neural Interface Project Team was a dreame true. He was determined to prove himself worthy of Joel''s trust.


    Learning from Eleanor was an honor he didn''t take lightly.


    Eleanor excused herself and headed out. On her way back to her office, she nearly ran into Faye in the hallway. Faye, suspecting that Eleanor had spoken ton about her transfer, stopped her.


    "Eleanor, did you mention to Mr. Goodwin that I should be moved?"


    Eleanor paused, her voice cool. "No, I didn''t."


    "You didn''t? So Mr. Goodwin''s decision to transfer me to the Sanctuary Cityb wasn''t your idea?"


    Eleanor looked at her, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. Ian wanted to send Faye to Sanctuary City? That was theb he''d acquired after buying out a biotechpany there.


    Seeing Eleanor''s reaction, Faye realized she was telling the truth. Still, she couldn''t resist adding, "Even though Mr. Goodwin offered me a research team lead position, I turned it down. I''d rather stay here."


    A team lead?n was being generous.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the message:


    Dinner with Joel tonight. Join us?


    n

 Chapter 780

    "No," Eleanor replied briskly before heading straight for her office.


    Faye stayed rooted to the spot, watching Eleanor''s retreating figure. She bit her lip, steeling herself. This time, she was determined to prove her worth and earn a spot on the project team through her own abilities.


    Back in her office, Eleanor''s phone chimed again¡ªa new message fromn: "Busy? Or do you have other ns?"


    She nced at the screen, set the phone facedown on her desk, and ignored it.


    Ten minutester, Faye was waiting outside Joel''s office. When she saw Joel approaching with Callie, her heart skipped a beat. She quickly forced a bright smile and called out, "Callie, long time no see! I heard you''re taking over Joel''s position. Congrattions!"


    Callie didn''t even bother to return the smile. He gave Faye a brief nce, then turned to Joel. "I''ll head back to my office."


    "If you have any questions, just call me anytime," Joel replied, giving Callie a reassuring pat on the shoulder.


    Faye watched Callie walk away, frustration flickering in her eyes. She remembered how she used to ignore him outright, but now, even when she swallowed her pride and greeted him warmly, this was the response she got.


    If she hadn''t asked Callie out for lunchst time and tried to nudge him into taking credit for Eleanor''s work-something he now held over her-she''d never have bothered being so nice.


    "Joel, do you have a moment? I''d like to talk," Faye said, clutching a folderbeled "FDA."


    Joel looked up. ¡°If you have something to say, just say it."


    "I want to apply for the special project team. I''ll prepare my materials seriously," she said.


    Joel adjusted his sses. "You can sign up directly. No need to report to me."


    "I know. I was just hoping maybe you could give me a few words of encouragement," Faye said, her eyes pleading.


    Joel paused, then asked, "I rmended you to Mr. Goodwin for the Sanctuary Cityb. Did you consider it?"


    Faye''s eyes widened in shock. "Joel, you were the one who rmended me for Sanctuary City?"


    He nodded calmly. "It''s a smallb, but its research focus matches your background."


    Faye''s expression darkened. "Joel, that''s just a second-tierb. They don''t even have major projects¡ª"


    She''d done her homework. No wonder there was a team leader position open there; it wasn''t a key assignment, just routine work.


    Joel pushed his sses up again. "With your qualifications, running a small project is already a good step."


    Faye''s grip tightened on her folder, her heart pounding. So in Joel''s eyes, she was only fit for minor assignments?


    "Joel, I want to stay here. Even if it''s just as your assistant, I''d be happy," she said, her gaze burning with undisguised admiration.


    Joel''s face grew stern. "Faye, this is ab, not a dating service. I expect you to keep your personal feelings out of the workce."


    Faye''s cheeks flushed crimson. She twisted her fingers, mortified at his blunt rejection. Trying to salvage her dignity, she stammered, "That''s not what I meant -my parents live here in Ashford City. I just want to stay close to them."


    Joel gave her a measured look. "Research takes focus. If you want to prove yourself, do it with your abilities. I don''t y favorites, and I won''t make exceptions."


    The message was clear: askingn for special favors was pointless.


    "I understand. Don''t worry, Joel," Faye said, her face heating up again. Clearly, Joel had found out she''d privately approached Vanessa to askn for help.


    Joel turned and went into his office, leaving Faye standing in the hallway. After a moment, she walked away too.


    But inside, she couldn''t help feeling indignant. Joel told her to keep things professional-so why was it okay for him and Eleanor to have feelings for each other? Taking a deep breath, Faye pulled out her phone and texted Vanessa: "Sis, it was Joel who rmended me for Sanctuary City. I turned it down. From now on, I''ll rely on myself."


    "Good," Vanessa replied.


    Faye couldn''t tell if Joel had meant well or if he just wanted her out of the way- for Eleanor''s sake, perhaps?


    At the end of the day, Joel found Eleanor. "Mr. Goodwin invited me to dinner tonight to discuss the civilian project. Want toe?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "I''ll pass. I want to get home to be with the kids.¡±


    "Alright. I''ll call if there''s anything important," Joel said with a nod.


    At the school gate, Eleanor arrived ten minutes early and sat in her car, scrolling through her phone. When she sensed someone approach the window, she looked up quickly.


    Xavier was leaning on the car door, smiling at her. Eleanor rolled down the window and greeted him, "You''re here."

 Chapter 781

    "Just got here," Xavier Vaughn said.


    Eleanor Sutton tucked her phone back into her purse, stepped out of the car, and joined him beneath a row of sycamore trees. A sharp chill swept through the air. She was wearing a light trench coat and instinctively wrapped her arms around herself. Xavier nced at her with concern. "Next time, you should bring a warmer coat."


    He was dressed in a suit-not exactly thick, but he seemed unfazed by the cold.


    "I''ll remember that next time," Eleanor replied with a small smile, the tip of her elegant nose tinged red from the cold.


    "Why don''t you wait in the car? I''ll go get Evelyn," Xavier suggested, wanting her to stay warm.


    Eleanor shook her head. "It''s fine-I''ll survive a few minutes out here."


    Xavier could only look at her helplessly, silently hoping the school gates would open soon so they could collect Evelyn and get going.


    It wasn''t long before the gates swung open. Xavier and Eleanor entered the school, and soon they walked out hand-in-hand with Evelyn Goodwin. Suddenly, Evelyn clutched Eleanor''s hand and pleaded, "Mom, can I go to Mr. Vaughn''s house? I really want to see the kitten Vivian just got."


    Eleanor hesitated, ncing at Xavier with a smile. "You really bought one?" "Yesterday," Xavier confirmed. "A British Shorthair."


    "Please, Mom, I want to see it! Vivian said it''s so cute," Evelyn begged, her longing obvious.


    "Why don''t you bothe over for dinner tonight?" Xavier offered.


    Evelyn''s wide eyes sparkled with anticipation, making her look just like a little kitten herself. Eleanor knew that if she said no, her daughter would probably burst into tears right then and there.


    "Ms. Sutton, please! Let Evelyne see my kitten!" Vivian chimed in, her big eyes pleading.


    Faced with two pairs of hopeful eyes, Eleanor couldn''t bring herself to refuse. She nced at Xavier and relented, "Well, thank you for having us."


    Evelyn bounced with excitement. "Yay!"


    "Mom, can I ride with Mr. Vaughn?" Evelyn asked eagerly.


    Since Eleanor had already agreed to dinner at Xavier''s, she nodded. The two girls climbed into Xavier''s car, while Eleanor followed behind in hers as they drove back to Cloudcrest Manor.


    Meanwhile, Mrs. Vaughn had just received a call from her son, telling her that Eleanor would being for dinner. She responded at once, "Alright, I''ll head back to the old house for the night. You stay home and have dinner with Eleanor." "Mom, is that really necessary?" Xavier chuckled.


    "Of course it is! With me around, you young people would just feel awkward. You''ll have a much better time without a parent hovering."


    Leaving the housekeeper to prepare dinner, Mrs. Vaughn called for the driver and left for the old estate.


    By the time Eleanor arrived with her daughter, Mrs. Vaughn had already gone.


    The two girls darted off to see the kitten as soon as they got inside. Surprised, Eleanor asked, "Your mom''s not here?"


    "She had to go back to the old house," Xavier replied, hanging up his coat. "Would you like something to drink?"


    The house was warm andfortable. Eleanor slipped off her coat, revealing a simple gray top and tailored cks-effortlessly stylish.


    Xavier looked at her with gentle eyes. "Tea or water?"


    "Water''s fine, thanks," she replied, making her way to the sitting room. The two little girls were already giggling and ying with the kitten.


    Eleanor couldn''t resist reaching out to stroke the sleek little cat. Just then, her phone rang. She nced at the screen and answered, "Hi, Joel."


    "Eleanor, could you send me that file?" Joel Kingsley asked.


    "Is it urgent? I''m at a friend''s house right now, but it''s in the same neighborhood. I can pop home quickly if you need it."


    "It''s a bit urgent. Sorry for the trouble."


    "No problem, just give me a minute." Hanging up, Eleanor stepped out into the hallway and called to Xavier, "I need to run home to send a file. I''ll be right back."


    "Sure," Xavier nodded.


    Elsewhere, in a nearby restaurant, three menn Goodwin, Byron Chase, and Joel Kingsley-were discussing details of a civil engineering project over dinner.


    As Joel checked his phone, he told the others, "Hold on a minute. Eleanor''s at a friend''s ce, but she said she''ll go home and send the file now."


    "That much trouble?" Byron asked, curious.


    "She said it''s no problem. Her friend lives in the same neighborhood," Joel replied.


    Joel, unaware of the nuance, nodded. "Yeah, she said she''d send it over soon."


    Beneath the table,n''s hand clenched unconsciously. Was this why she turned down his invitation today? Did she have a date with Xavier instead?

 Chapter 782

    A few minutester, Joel received the documents and turned ton and Byron. ¡°Eleanor just sent these over. It''s the analysis chart from ourst experiment. Mr. Goodwin, VP Chase, take a look-these results could really benefit our civilian project. This marks our first major breakthrough."


    "Mr. Goodwin, look at this data point," Byron said, pointing at the screen.


    "Mm,"n replied, his tone perfunctory.


    Byron shot him a nce, then exchanged a look with Joel. Neither could figure out whyn suddenly seemed so distracted.


    Byron cleared his throat. "Mr. Goodwin, maybe we should pick this up another day?"


    Byron and Joel stood up to see him out.


    Oncen had left, Byron frowned. "What''s going on with Mr. Goodwin?"


    Joel closed hisptop, also sensingn''s restlessness. Was it because of Eleanor?


    Byron couldn''t puzzle it out and let it go, turning to Joel to discuss some of the experimental data. The two soon became absorbed in their conversation.


    Meanwhile, at Xavier''s house-


    The housekeeper had just finished setting the dinner table. Eleanor was in the bathroom with the kids, helping the two little ones wash up after a spirited round of ying with the cat.


    Xavier followed them in, watching Eleanor''s gentle reflection in the warm light over the sink. His heart skipped a beat. He was used to seeing Eleanor''s academic brilliance in public, but it was rare to catch a glimpse of her like this, rxed and radiant in private.


    He''d always known there was more to Eleanor than Dr. Sutton. In private, she had a captivating warmth and grace-her figure perfectly proportioned, every movement effortlessly elegant. Even just her silhouette could make your heart flutter.


    "Uncle Xavier, look! Did I wash my hands well enough?" Vivian asked, holding up her tiny palms.


    "I washed mine too!" Evelyn chimed in as she skipped out of the bathroom.


    Xavier coughed awkwardly, snapping out of his daze. "Great job, both of you! Let''s go eat."


    The girls scampered off to the dining room. Eleanor dried her hands and stepped out, and Xavier offered a quiet, "Thank you for your help tonight."


    Eleanor smiled. "This hardly counts as work."


    They joined the girls at the table, where the children chattered nonstop. Eleanor watched them with a gentle smile, and Xavier felt a wave of warmth sweep over him.


    Vivian was so open and sweet around Eleanor-it was clear she already saw her as family.


    Dinner was lively and full ofughter. The girls'' happiness was infectious, putting the adults at ease.


    At half past eight, Eleanor tried to coax her daughter into leaving, but Evelyn was stubborn as ever. "It''s gettingte, sweetheart," Eleanor said, a bit helpless.


    "Please, Mom, can I y with the kitten for just ten more minutes? Just ten!" Evelyn pleaded, clutching the cat tightly.


    "Alright¡ªjust ten minutes," Eleanor relented, striking a gentle deal with her daughter.


    Xavier brought Eleanor a cup of warm milk, grinning at the exchange. In his eyes, Eleanor was every bit as endearing as Evelyn.


    "Here, have some milk before you head out," Xavier said, setting the cup down. He never offered her tea or coffee at night-these small acts of thoughtfulness woven seamlessly into his refined manners.


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied, nodding with a smile.


    Ten minutester, Eleanor gathered up Evelyn to leave. She nced at her watch eight fifty already.


    They left Xavier''s building and strolled back to their own, mother and daughter meandering through thendscaped paths of theplex. The air was chilly, but after a hearty meal, a walk together felt just right.

 Chapter 783

    Evelyn skipped along the sidewalk, her steps light and carefree. As they neared the entrance of Eleanor''s apartment building, she suddenly stopped, her small hands twisting together in a nervous knot.


    She stared at the figure standing beneath the streemp by the doorway. The man''s back was to them, his tall frame outlined by the dim, yellow glow. He was smoking, the ember at the end of his cigarette ring and fading in the darkness, casting a long, solitary shadow. There was something unmistakably somber about him, a heaviness that lingered in the air.


    Evelyn squinted, studying the broad shoulders and familiar stance. Where had she seen that silhouette before?


    Then it clicked-


    "Daddy!" she squealed, letting go of Eleanor''s coat and dashing forward with glee.


    Eleanor, who''d been watching her step, looked up just in time to see her daughter racing toward the man. She recognized him instantly¡ªit wasn.


    "We were at Mr. Vaughn''s house ying with the kittens!" Evelyn beamed. "Daddy, Vivian''s kitten is just the cutest!"


    A faint smile yed atn''s lips. "Is that so? Would you like to have one at home?"


    Evelyn''s face scrunched up in a tiny pout. "But mommy says we already have Princess, so we can''t have a kitten. Next time, I''ll just have to visit Mr. Vaughn to see them."


    Eleanor stopped a few steps away, her expression cool. "It''ste. Was there something you needed?"


    Only then did Eleanor remember that he owned an apartment in this building too. So, he had probablye home as well.


    "Daddy, can youe upstairs with us?" Evelyn asked, looking up at him hopefully.


    "Of course,"n replied, scooping her up and striding toward the lobby.


    Eleanor followed as they made their way to the elevator. At their floor,n set Evelyn down at the door. She bounced up to the keypad to punch in the code.


    Eleanor blinked, surprised. She hadn''t checked her emails yet. She averted her gaze, not wanting to answer.


    Just then, the door clicked open. "Daddy, Mommy,e inside!" Evelyn called eagerly.


    Eleanor stepped in front of the doorway, blocking the entrance. "Evelyn, it''ste. Daddy needs to go home now."


    "Okay!" Evelyn chirped, not protesting as she ran off to y.


    "Let me know in advance next time," she said coolly before shutting the door.


    Outside,n lingered for a moment, then pressed the elevator button. The elevator was already up on the twenty-seventh floor.


    Inside the apartment, Joslyn busied herself with getting Evelyn''s bath ready, while Eleanor sat at her desk, scrolling through a flood of work emails. Sure enough, there it was¡ªan invitation to the Ashford Medical University 60th anniversary g.


    She opened it and stared at the message for a few seconds, her mind drifting. It was her alma mater her father''s too. After a moment''s pause, she replied to RSVP. Of course she would go.


    By nine-thirty, Eleanor was tucking her freshly bathed daughter into bed. In the darkness, Evelyn snuggled close and whispered, "Mommy, how did you and Daddy meet?"


    Eleanor froze, ncing down at the little face nestled against her. ¡°Why do you want to know all of a sudden?"


    Evelyn blinked her big, innocent eyes. It was clear she''d just asked out of simple curiosity.


    "I just want to know!" she said, her voice soft and yful.

 Chapter 784

    Eleanor held her daughter close, her thoughts drifting back into old memories. After a moment, she said, "Your dad and I met at the hospital."


    "Oh! So who liked who first?" Evelyn asked, sounding like a pint-sized grownup.


    Eleanor''s reply was a bit stiff. "Mom liked your dad first."


    "But Daddy liked Mommy too, didn''t he?" Evelyn pressed, her curiosity undimmed.


    Eleanor sighed softly. "It''s gettingte, honey. How about we save the chatting for tomorrow?"


    "Alright," Evelyn agreed obediently. She picked up a rag doll and began whispering stories to it, lost in her own little world.


    Eleanor closed her eyes, and memories crashed over her. She was seventeen, hurrying through those bleach-scented hospital corridors, arms full of paperwork. She ran straight inton, and everything she was carrying spilled across the floor.


    She''d been a flustered teenager, cheeks burning, whilen-just neen-was so calm and collected he seemed older than his years.


    After that day, she stopped studying at the school library. Instead, she spent her afternoons in the hospital''s tiny reading nook, wheren always studied, too. She read medical texts; he had his nose buried in business school materials.


    Her father happened to be the lead doctor onn''s father''s medical team.


    One day, needing her father''s signature, Eleanor pushed open the conference room door. Inside,n sat at the head of a long table, surrounded by the world''s top medical experts. Her father led the discussion about treatment options forn''s dad.


    She froze in the doorway, overwhelmed by the crowd of brilliant doctors. But her gazended onn¡ªwhite shirt, brow furrowed, exuding a maturity well beyond his age.


    That day, her father finally made formal introductions. "This is my daughter, Eleanor-she just got into Ashford Medical," he said, then turned to her, "Ellie, this is Mr. Goodwin''s son,n."


    "Mommy, I have to go potty."


    Eleanor''s reverie was broken by her daughter''s urgent voice. She looked down at Evelyn''s sweet, expectant face and, for a moment, felt utterly dazed. Her daughter was the one thing in her life she never, ever regretted.


    Once Evelyn was tucked back in bed, Eleanor nced at the clock-it waste. Not wanting her little girl to be tired for school, she gently patted Evelyn''s back to help her drift off. Before long, Eleanor herself began to doze.


    She opened her eyes.


    Morning light spilled into the room. Eleanor turned to see her daughter sprawled out beside her, still fast asleep, and felt a surge of energy fill her for the day ahead.


    For Eleanor, everything she did was for two things: to prove her own worth, and for her daughter.


    After dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor hurried to theb. The winter holidays were approaching, and the streets were already dressed up with festive decorations.


    Ashford Medical University celebrated its annual Founders'' Day on January 15th just next Wednesday.


    Eleanor had been invited as a guest lecturer.


    Faye Yeaton, still a student, had also received the notification. She didn''t care much for these ceremonies-at events like this, Eleanor always stole the spotlight. Faye would have been happier if there were no celebration at all. She stared at her phone, scrolling irritably through the event details.


    Her ssmates'' group chat was buzzing.


    "Did you hear? Goodwin & Co. donated an entire new research building this year, and Mr. Goodwin himself will be at the ceremony!" someone posted.


    "No way!n Goodwin?" someone replied. "He''s Ashford City''s most eligible bachelor!"


    Faye scoffed under her breath, muttering, "As if any of you have a shot."


    "And his ex-wife, Dr. Sutton, will be there too."


    "They say all of Dr. Sutton''s research is funded by Goodwin & Co. Are they really divorced?"


    "Maybe they''re not."


    Faye finally chimed in: "It''s as real as pearls, believe me."


    "Faye, aren''t you working in Dr. Sutton''sb? I''m so jealous!" someone messaged her.


    Faye didn''t feel the least bit ttered. The group chat continued its lively gossip, but she couldn''t be bothered to keep up.


    Later, Joel stopped by Eleanor''s office. He''d also been invited to the Founders'' Day as a guest. Smiling, he said, "I''m looking forward to it¡ªit''s your alma mater, and your father''s too."


    Eleanor nodded. "Great. Let''s make an appearance together."


    "Sorry aboutst night," Joel added. "I realized I forgot to send you the data analysis and ended up wasting your time."


    Eleanor smiled, shaking her head to show it was no big deal.

 Chapter 785

    "It''s nothing, really. I just happened to be having dinner at a friend''s ce-lives in the same neighborhood, so it only took a few minutes," Eleanor said with a smile.


    "A friend?" Joel asked, curiosity piqued.


    Eleanor saw no reason to hide it. "Someone you know-Xavier."


    Joel looked surprised. "You and Xavier live in the same neighborhood?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Yeah. Cloudcrest Manor''s the best ce in the old part of town -better security and all that."


    Suddenly, Joel realized whyn had seemed so distractedst night. What had his ex-husband so on edge? Was it because his best friend and his ex-wife were now neighbors? Did that make him ufortable?


    "Joel, what are you thinking about?" Eleanor noticed Joel''s absent-minded expression and couldn''t help butugh.


    "Oh, it''s nothing." Joel smiled, letting the thought go. He knew Xavier-always the perfect gentleman. Eleanor was single now; she had every right to be friends with whoever she liked.


    Still, Joel hoped that, whoever she chose, it wouldn''t ben.


    After Joel left, Eleanor and Callie headed to theb.


    At Goodwin & Co.''s executive office, Gavin Young was giving his report. "Mr. Goodwin, the schedule for the university anniversary is all set. Would you like to make any changes?"


    "Of course. I''ll coordinate with the university."


    "What about the afternoon roundtable? Is Eleanor attending?"n looked up at Gavin.


    Gavin hesitated. "I''m not sure, sir. It depends on Dr. Sutton''s avability."


    After Gavin left,n checked his watch and turned to Byron. "Get your engineers together. Meet me at theb."


    "On it! I''ll arrange it now."


    In theb, Eleanor was carefully adjusting the focus on a microscope while Callie took notes beside her.


    "There''s something off with the data in sample group three," Eleanor said as she worked. "The values are way outside the expected range. We''ll need to run more tests."


    "Understood." Callie nodded and went to prepare new samples.


    Eleanor rubbed her temples, trying to focus, when she caught sight of Gwenda waving to her from outside theb. Eleanor opened the door. "What''s up?"


    "Joel''s asking for you there''s a meeting," Gwenda replied.


    "I''ll be there in a minute."


    Once she''d passed on instructions to Callie, Eleanor slipped off herb coat, tidied her hair, and hurried down the hall toward the conference room.


    She pushed open the door. Ian was at the head of the table, Byron was setting up with the engineering team, and Joel waved her over. "Over here-grab a seat."


    Eleanor sat down naturally beside Joel. Byron started the meeting and powered up the projector. "Everyone, today we''ll be discussing how to define the technical milestones for our civilian project."


    "Dr. Sutton, I''d like to hear your thoughts," Ian said, addressing her directly.


    Eleanor looked up at the screen. "I think safety should be the top priority. Medical- grade equipment can sometimes be invasive, but for a civilian product, it needs to bepletely non-invasive."


    Eleanor took Joel''s tablet and cast a set of data onto the screen,unching into her exnation. Joel chimed in with additional technical details, and the discussion quickly grew more lively and focused.


    Partway through,n''s phone buzzed with a message. He nced at it, his brows drawing together, then stood up. "Excuse me, I need to make a call."


    A few minutester,n returned, pushing open the door. "Something''se up-


    I have to leave early. Please, carry on." He looked over at Eleanor, but she was absorbed in her notes and didn''t seem to notice his departure at all.


    After all, when it came to technical discussions, her conversation was with Byron and his engineers. Ian only ever came to listen.


    Without another nce,n turned and strode out.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone vibrated-Joy Thatcher had sent her a message. "Eleanor, there was a traffic ident about an hour ago on Summit Avenue. The media''s reporting that Vanessa Shannon''s nanny van collided with an SUV."


    Eleanor clicked on the link. Sure enough, there''d been an ident. Both vehicles had front-end damage, but nothing too severe. The passengers were likely just shaken up, maybe a few minor injuries.


    So that was whyn had stepped out-Vanessa must have called him, and he''d gone tofort her after the scare.

 Chapter 786

    Eleanor, Joel, and Byron continued to immerse themselves in the meeting.


    Byron had assumedn''s abrupt departure would throw Eleanor off her game. To his surprise, not only did she answer every question with pinpoint uracy, her mind was so razor-sharp he struggled to keep up.


    "Eleanor, do you think this method might not be the most effective?" Byron asked, a hint of doubt in his voice.


    Eleanor considered it for a moment. "We''ll lose a bit of precision," she admitted, "but it''s safer for civilian use. For the consumer market, safety should alwayse first."


    Fifteen minutes into the meeting, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She nced at the caller ID-Laird, Simone Langley''s assistant. "Excuse me, I need to take this," she said to Joel and Byron.


    They nodded as she stepped out of the conference room, answering the call with a soft, "Hello, Laird."


    "Dr. Sutton, I''m not sure if I should be telling you this," Laird hesitated, her voice wavering.


    "What''s this about?" Eleanor''s tone softened, sensing something was off.


    "It''s about Dr. Langley''s health," Laird said quietly. "Professor Langley told me not


    to say anything to anyone, but... I''m worried."


    A chill ran through Eleanor. "What''s wrong with her? Is she ill?"


    "I identally saw her hospital filest week. It said there''s suspicion of pancreatic cancer."


    Eleanor''s mind went nk for a second, her grip tightening on the phone. "When did she find out?"


    "A month ago."


    Eleanor recalled thatn''s foundation had invited Simone to this summit, but she''d taken leave and said she had personal matters. Now the truth hit her-Simone had been sick all along.


    "Eleanor, Professor Langley just called and asked me toe to the hospital with her. I''m heading over now," Laird added.


    "I''ll go with you," Eleanor said without hesitation.


    "I don''t want to impose-Professor Langley didn''t tell you because she thinks your time is too precious," Laird protested.


    "Wait for me in the parking lot. I''ll drive us," Eleanor replied, already making up her mind.


    Laird sounded relieved. "Okay."


    Eleanor ducked back into the conference room, quickly informed Joel and Byron, and hurried out.


    Joel and Byron exchanged a look. Joel frowned, noticing the urgency in Eleanor''s expression. Something was wrong-seriously wrong.


    Eleanor and Laird rushed to the hospital and made their way to the third-floor corridor. There, Simone sat slumped on a bench, looking exhausted, a folder of medical records in her hand.


    Laird hurried over. "Professor Langley."


    Simone looked up, first spotting Laird, then, to her surprise, seeing Eleanor right behind. Eleanor immediately stepped forward. "Professor Langley, what''s going on? Are you all right?"


    Simone had hoped to keep her diagnosis a secret, but she could see from Laird''s anxious expression that Eleanor now knew.


    She managed a tired smile. "I was diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic cancer after a physicalst month. I''m here for more tests and to discuss treatment options. But why are you here?"


    Eleanor''s heart clenched. Pancreatic cancer-the "king of cancers." Even in the early stages, it was perilous.


    She looked at Simone, usually so decisive andmanding, now sitting alone on a bench, her silhouette fragile and solitary. A wave of sympathy swept over Eleanor.


    Simone turned to Laird, her tone a mixture of reproach and affection. "Didn''t I tell you not to say anything?"


    "I''m sorry, Professor Langley. I was worried, and I thought you could use some support,¡± Laird sniffled, fighting back tears.


    If something happened to Simone, she''d be at a total loss-she wouldn''t know what to do. That''s why she''d confided in Eleanor. Eleanor and Simone were close; she''d be able to handle this.


    "How could you keep this from us?" Eleanor said softly.


    Simone let out a weary sigh. "You''re busy with work, and your son is still little. I''m not experiencing any symptoms yet. If it''s treatable, I''ll fight it. If not, well..."


    "You''ll beat this," Eleanor assured her, squeezing Simone''s hand. "Have the test resultse back yet?"


    "I just finished the CT scan. I''m waiting for the report." Simone forced a smile. "Honestly, it''s not as bad as it sounds. If you catch it early, there''s a good chance."


    Eleanor knew she was putting on a brave face. As a medical professional, Simone understood all too well how dangerous this was.


    Eleanor sat beside her, quietly reviewing some of Simone''s paperwork. Laird fidgeted nervously, ncing around the hallway. Suddenly, her eyes widened. She tugged at Eleanor''s sleeve and whispered, "Ellie, isn''t that Mr. Goodwin?"


    Eleanor looked up. At the far end of the corridor,n walked towards them, apanied by Vanessa, her manager, and their entourage. Gavin trailed besiden. The entire group stood out in the busy hallway.


    Eleanor frowned. Vanessa''s forehead was wrapped in white gauze-a clear sign she''d suffered a head injury in the ident.


    Were they here for a CT scan too?


    Eleanor quickly averted her gaze, son didn''t notice her right away. But Vanessa, ever attuned to her surroundings, spotted Eleanor first. She was stunned to run into Eleanor here, of all ces.


    As the group passed by, Vanessa suddenly staggered, nearly copsing againstn, her face pale and drawn, clutching his arm as if she might faint.


    "Ian, I feel so dizzy..." Vanessa''s voice was weak, almost childlike.


    Simone looked up and immediately greeted him. ¡°Ian?"


    who was looking down at a medical chart. He froze, clearly shocked to find Eleanor here.

 Chapter 787

    "Professor Langley?" Asn turned, Vanessa instinctively slipped her arm from his and leaned against her manager, her gaze settling on Eleanor.


    He nced over at Eleanor, his voice lowering. "What''s happened to Professor Langley?"


    "It''s nothing, really. You should go take care of your patient." Simone waved him off, noticing the bandage on Vanessa''s head¡ªshe clearly needed his attention as well.


    Just then, a nurse called out, "Simone, your CT results are ready."


    Laird hurried off to fetch them. Eleanor stood, gently supporting Simone. "Professor, let''s go meet with the doctor."


    "That won''t be necessary." Eleanor finally lifted her head, her expression frosty. "I''ll take care of Professor Langley."


    Beforen could respond, Vanessa''s manager, Laverne, chimed in, clearly urging him back. "Mr. Goodwin, Vanessa''s turn ising up. She has severe ustrophobia-you need to be there-"


    "I''ll walk with you," Gavin interjected quickly. "Mr. Goodwin has a few things to handle."


    Vanessa shed a bright smile. "Don''t worry aboutn. He''ll catch up with us." The implication was clearn couldn''t bear to leave her for long.


    As Vanessa''s group headed toward the CT room,n lingered, watching them go. Vanessa nced back over her shoulder. "Ian, go check on Miss Shannon. Eleanor and Laird have me covered."


    Suddenly, a startled cry echoed down the hallway from around the corner.


    "Vanessa!" her manager shouted in rm.


    Gavin rushed over. "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Shannon just fainted!"


    From the empty corridor, someone called out, "She skipped breakfast this morning could it be low blood sugar?"


    Simone jumped at the harsh tone, and Laird stared in shock. Ian''s anger made it clear how much he cared that Vanessa hadn''t been looked after properly.


    A momentter,n scooped Vanessa up and hurried toward the elevators, clearly intent on taking her to the ER.


    As he passed Eleanor, he paused, meeting her gaze. His eyes were stormy, emotions roiling beneath the surface. He swallowed hard, but said nothing, simply tightening his hold on Vanessa and rushing on.


    Gavin and the rest of Vanessa''s entourage quickly followed, leaving the hallway strangely quiet. Only Eleanor, Simone, and Laird remained.


    Simone watched them disappear, sighing as she patted Eleanor''s shoulder. "Ian, that boy-"


    "Professor Langley, let''s look at your results," Eleanor cut her off, guiding her to the doctor''s office.


    The attending physician reviewed the CT scan carefully. "Professor Langley, the situation is better than we expected. There''s no sign of any spread at this point."


    Eleanor exhaled in relief. "What''s the surgical n?"


    "We rmend surgery as soon as possible," the doctor replied. "For the best oue, though, you should consider going to Kingston Military Medical University."


    Eleanor nodded, turning to Simone. "Professor, I''ll reach out to a specialist at Kingston and get your surgery scheduled."


    Though Simone was reluctant to go down the surgical path, she knew it was necessary. She nodded. "Eleanor, I hope it''s not too much trouble for you."


    "Not at all," Eleanor assured her. "I have some connections at the university hospital. I can get us in quickly."


    As they left the doctor''s office, they saw a figure hurrying toward them from the elevator. Ian''s hair was tousled, sweat beading on his forehead-whether from carrying Vanessa or stress was anyone''s guess.


    "Professor Langley, I just heard about your situation,"n said, catching his breath. "I can arrange for the best surgeon at the Military Medical University."


    "Ian, that''s kind of you, but Eleanor is already taking care of it," Simone replied gently.


    He had plenty of connections himself¡ªif anything came up, he could make things happen.


    Eleanor''s tone was cool. "That won''t be necessary."


    n, how''s Miss Shannon?" Simone asked.


    "She had a low blood sugar episode, but she''s conscious now,"n answered, his voice calm.


    "Then you''d better go check on her," Simone said kindly. It was obvious to anyone that Miss Shannon mattered to him; the rumor mill had already pegged her as his new girlfriend.


    "Professor Langley, may I have a word with Eleanor?"n asked politely.


    "Of course." Simone quickly took Laird''s arm and walked away.


    Eleanor recoiled, her distaste in. "I don''t see what there is to talk about." She turned away.


    Butn caught her wrist, his voice low and raw. "Eleanor, please¡ªdon''t go."

 Chapter 788

    Eleanor abruptly pulled her hand fromn''s grasp, her gaze frosty. n, please respect my boundaries."


    "I don''t want to waste even a single minute." Eleanor turned to leave.


    Suddenly,n called after her, "As far as I know, Professor Williams is one of the leading authorities on pancreatic cancer. I''d like to bring him to Ashford City to consult with Professor Langley. Another expert means another perspective, another chance."


    Eleanor finally looked up at him. She kept tabs on thetest in the medical world and knew full well just how renowned this expert was in the field of oncology. Ifn could really get him to consult, Simone''s chances would be that much better.


    "They call pancreatic cancer the king of cancers. I hope you''ll agree with me on this,"n said quietly.


    Eleanor relented. Simone''s condition weighed heavily on her heart.


    "How soon could you get him here?"


    "Earliest would be Monday next week,"n replied.


    "Alright." Eleanor gave him a steady look. Ian seemed like he had more to say- his Adam''s apple bobbed twice-but just then, his gaze shifted over Eleanor''s shoulder, brow furrowing as he looked down the corridor.


    Following his eyes, Eleanor saw Vanessa standing at the end of the hall, her manager supporting her. She looked frail, silently waiting forn.


    Vanessa didn''t call out, but just by standing there, she was impossible to ignore. Eleanor broke the moment, stepping pastn and walking away.


    Simone, ever sensitive to Eleanor''s moods, gave her a searching nce. ¡°Eleanor, sometimes people leave your life so you have space to meet the right ones."


    Eleanor caught Simone''s meaning and nodded. "Professor Langley,n just offered to bring Professor Williams from Montir for a consultation. Can we wait one more week? After his assessment, we can go to Kingston if necessary."


    Simone''s eyes widened. "Williams? That''s-"


    A world-ss specialist money alone couldn''t buy. Simone looked at Eleanor, overwhelmed. "That''s asking so much of you."


    "It''s no trouble," Eleanor replied. In moments like this,n''s connections and influence were actually a blessing.


    Simone let out a weary sigh. "Ian really does care."


    Eleanor didn''t say anything more. She escorted Simone downstairs and made sure she got home to rest.


    The heaviness lingered as Eleanor returned to theb. All she could hope was that Simone would pull through.


    Back in theb, Joel walked in, wanting to know what had happened. Eleanor didn''t hold anything back; she told him about Simone''s illness.


    "If Mr. Goodwin can really bring in Professor Williams from Montir, that gives us a much better shot," Joel agreed, though he looked at Eleanor with concern. She was putting herself right back inn''s orbit for Simone''s sake.


    "I''ll also send Professor Langley''s test results to the experts at the Military Medical University for a second opinion," Eleanor added. "The more options, the better."


    That afternoon, Eleanor had a video consult with one of the university''s specialists.


    Meanwhile, at the hospital-


    Once Vanessa had finished a battery of tests,n left. Not long after, Henry Holt arrived, carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers. He''d rushed back from another city as soon as his assistant had seen the news online about Vanessa''s ident.


    "Something this serious, and you didn''t tell me?" Henry''s tone was gently reproachful as he set the flowers aside and sat on the edge of the bed, studying her face.


    Vanessa managed a weak smile, a strip of gauze taped to her forehead. "You''re always so busy. I didn''t want to bother you."


    "Some things take priority-if something like this happens, nothing else is more important." He brushed her hair back gently, concern etched across his face. "Is it bad?"


    "Split my forehead open, it''s still swollen. Mild concussion. Otherwise, I''m fine," Vanessa said gamely.


    Henry''s gaze fell on a suit jacket tossed over a nearby chair, his brow darkening. n was here?"


    Vanessa nced at the jacket and nodded. "Yeah. He stayed with me through all the tests before he left."

 Chapter 789

    A shadow flickered in Henry''s eyes. Once again, he was a step toote. If only he could have been there for her first-would he have mattered more to her then?


    "He really does care about you,¡± Henry said quietly. He''d seen it for himself: whenever Vanessa had even the slightest ache or pain,n''s concern was written all over his face.


    Even when it came to something as trivial as a drink,n kept a strict watch over her, as if Vanessa were a priceless piece of art and he wouldn''t allow the tiniest scratch.


    Vanessa pressed her lips together in a small smile and gestured for him to rx. "There''s some tea over there-help yourself."


    Henry nced at the ss of water beside him, picked it up, and took a sip. Vanessa stopped him, her voice flustered. "Wait-that''s mine-"


    He''d already heard her, but finished drinking anyway. He smiled at her, teasing, "Do you mind?"


    Vanessa''s cheeks turned faintly pink as she dropped her gaze. "Of course not. I''m just grateful you came to see me."


    At that moment, Gavin walked in, carrying a takeout bag from an upscale restaurant. Noticing Henry, he greeted him a bit awkwardly, "Mr. Holt. I didn''t realize you were here."


    "Gavin, where''sn?" Henry asked before he could stop himself.


    "Mr. Goodwin had to go back to the office. He asked me to bring this over," Gavin replied, lifting the bag.


    Vanessa looked up with a bright smile. "Thank you for running the errand, Gavin."


    "It''s nothing," Gavin said, then added, "Mr. Goodwin also insisted you eat a proper meal." He hesitated, recalling how sternn had sounded-almost angry, as though he med Vanessa for skipping meals.


    Of course,n''s overbearing tone was only because he was worried-Vanessa had fainted earlier from low blood sugar.


    Another wave of mncholy swept through Henry. Sitting here now, he felt almost foolish.


    Henry rememberedn''s breakout moment vividly. Back then, Goodwin & Co. hovered on the edge of bankruptcy. The Montir banking trio had joined forces to short thepany''s stock-it plummeted to rock bottom. Ian was just twenty- one, barely recovered from aa, when he walked straight into that disaster.


    Henry and Xavier had rushed to find him, worried sick, butn shut himself in the boardroom for seventy-two hours straight. He calcted every debt to the cent, leveraging every connection their father had left behind, and forced open a path where there was none.


    With just five million in capital, he leveraged it to move fifty million. Henry and Xavier had thought he''d lost his mind.


    Butn pulled it off.


    After that, Henry couldn''t help but admire him. And once Goodwin & Co. bounced back,n immediately shorted the three rival banks that had tried to take him down. Wall Street dubbed him the youngest Wolf of the West.


    Yearster, Henry and Xavier still talked about that time, always admitting that, inn''s shoes, neither of them could have pulled it off.


    Since then,n''s business moves had grown even more enigmatic-by the time anyone realized what he was up to, he''d already imed victory.


    How could Henry possibly believe he stood a chance against a rival like that?


    "Henry? You look miles away. What are you thinking about?" Vanessa''s voice broke through his thoughts.


    He blinked, snapping back to the present, and forced a sheepish smile. "Oh, nothing. Just tired, I guess."


    "Then eat something with me?" Vanessa slid off the bed, inviting him to join her. Gavin, sensing the moment, quietly excused himself and slipped out.


    At least, Henry thought, even ifn''s world revolved around his business empire, Vanessa still had a ce in his heart.


    As soon as Gavin left, he calledn to report in.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Holt is with Miss Shannon now," he said.


    There was a brief silence on the other end. "I see."


    Gavin couldn''t help but wonder-was Mr. Goodwin feeling jealous?

 Chapter 790

    Gavin gripped his phone, fully aware of the uncharacteristic silence on the other end of the line. Mr. Goodwin, usually so decisive andmanding, didn''t utter a single instruction this time.


    "Mr. Goodwin, do you need me to¡ª" Gavin ventured, treading carefully.


    "That won''t be necessary." Ian''s voice was as calm as ever. "Let Henry stay with her. Youe back."


    The call ended abruptly. Gavin stood there for a moment, processing the change. In the past, whenever Miss Shannon felt unwell, Mr. Goodwin would always be the first to check on her personally.


    But then again, Henry and Miss Shannon had been friends for years. Mr. Goodwin must know that.


    In the hospital room, Henry watched as Vanessa picked at her food, barely eating. She seemed to have no appetite at all.


    "Is it the food? Would you like me to have something else brought up?" Henry asked, concern in his voice.


    "No, it''s not that. I just don''t feel like eating." Vanessa set her fork down, deciding she was done.


    "You really need your strength right now. Try to eat a little more," Henry urged, frowning.


    Vanessa managed a small smile. "Thank you, Henry. Just having you here makes me feel better."


    Noticing the bowl of fruit on the table, Henry stood up. "Let me wash some fruit for you."


    "Henry, you don''t need to fuss over me." Vanessa reached out, gently tugging his sleeve.


    Henry froze, breath caught. With her bare face, she looked as delicate as a white blossom-impossible to refuse.


    "All right. If you want anythingter, just ask," he conceded, no longer pressing her.


    Vanessay back down, clearly exhausted. While she drifted off, Henry quietly tidied up the room and kept watch by her bedside. When her manager, Laverne, came by, Henry sent them away.


    Tonight, he would be the one to look after Vanessa.


    Three morningster, just after Eleanor had dropped her daughter off at school, her phone rang. It wasn. "Professor Williams justnded at the airport. He''ll be at Ashford General by ten."


    "Perfect. I''ll bring Professor Langley with me," Eleanor replied.


    "Need me there as well?"


    "No, that''s not necessary."


    "Alright. If I have time, I''ll stop by,"n said before hanging up.


    Eleanor got in touch with Simone; Laird was already on his way to pick her up, and they agreed to meet at the hospital at half past nine.


    As soon as Eleanor arrived at the hospital and parked, she spotted a sleek ck van by the entrance. Ian stood beside it, deep in conversation with an elderly gentleman whose silver hair and sharp eyes radiated intellect and authority. Eleanor recognized him instantly-Professor Williams, the world-renowned expert.


    As she approached,n noticed her and gave a subtle nod. "Dr. Sutton, this is Professor Williams," he introduced.


    Professor Williams extended his hand warmly. "Dr. Sutton, it''s a pleasure. Your work in leukemia research has inspired me greatly. I''ve read every one of your papers."


    Eleanor was genuinely surprised; she hadn''t expected such praise from a figure of his stature. She shook his hand politely. "You tter me, Professor. We''re honored to have you consulting with us."


    Just then, the hospital director arrived with a small entourage. Both Eleanor and Williams were treated as honored guests, with evenn standing quietly behind them. He didn''t seem the least bit put out; in fact, as he watched Eleanor walk ahead, deep in discussion with Williams, a smile tugged unconsciously at his lips. Eleanor took a moment to introduce Simone, exining her case. Professor Williams listened intently, nodding as they made their way to the conference room, where Simone greeted them.


    Professor Williams gave Simone a kind smile. "Professor Langley, you''re looking well today."


    After the introductions, everyone took their seats. Eleanor focused on Simone''s case, only then noticingn quietly settling into the chair beside her. The room was small, and the chairs were set close together.


    Steadying herself, Eleanor turned her attention back to Professor Williams, who was pointing to CT scans on the projector with aser pointer, sharing his insights.


    When he announced that the sess rate of the treatment would be over eighty- five percent, Eleanor felt herself finally exhale. She sat up straighter, and as she stretched her legs, her calf identally brushed againstn''s.


    She quickly pulled her legs back, catching, out of the corner of her eye,n watching her.

 Chapter 791

    After the meeting wrapped up, Professor Williams took Simone aside for a private consultation.


    Eleanor moved to the window for some fresh air, andn quietly followed.


    "I''ve arranged for a care team," Ian said. "Once Professor Langley''s surgery is over, you won''t have to worry about a thing."


    Eleanor didn''t bother responding. This was something he should discuss with Professor Langley directly¡ªwhether to ept it was up to her, not Eleanor.


    Just then, at the bend in the corridor, a nurse carrying a stack of files collided with a young doctor. Papers scattered everywhere, and the nurse hurried to kneel down and gather them.


    The young male doctor crouched to help, and as their hands brushed, both paused, suddenly shy, pulling back and ncing up in embarrassment¡ªfaces tinged pink.


    The scene made Eleanor catch her breath. Ian watched her profile and said softly, "Doesn''t this remind you of the first time we met?"


    Eleanor turned to the window, her voice cool. "I''ve forgotten."


    She shot him a look of annoyance, cutting him off. "What''s the point of bringing up things that don''t matter anymore?"


    Just then, his phone rang. He nced at the screen and declined the call without a word.


    Eleanor''s phone rang almost immediately after. She nced at the caller ID, her expression flickering with surprise for a few seconds. In that brief moment,n¡ª taller by a head-easily caught sight of the name on her screen.


    -Mansfield Ellington.


    His brow furrowed as he watched Eleanor answer and step away.


    ¡°Hello? Mansfield." Eleanor sounded genuinely surprised to hear from him.


    "I heard you''re bringing your mentor to Kingston for treatment. I was wondering if there''s anything I can do to help.¡±


    Eleanor hesitated. "How did you find out?"


    He chuckled. "I know my way around the Military Medical University." He didn''t borate, but it was clear he had his sources.


    "My mentor''s been diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic cancer. We''re nning surgery in Kingston," Eleanor exined.


    Mansfield''s tone grew serious. "Is the operation risky?"


    "The specialists at Montir put the odds at eighty-five percent sess."


    "When''s the surgery scheduled?"


    "As soon as possible-probably the week after next, once all the assessments are done."


    "If you need anything at Kingston, just ask," Mansfield said.


    "Really, you should focus on your work at the base. I can handle things here," Eleanor replied, grateful.


    "If you need help, call me right away. Don''t hesitate," he insisted in his deep, steady voice.


    "If I do, I won''t hold back," Eleanor promised with a smallugh.


    "Good. And while you''re looking after everyone else, remember to take care of yourself too."


    "I will. You too," she said, ncing up to see Professor Williams and the others emerging from the meeting room. "I have to go-let''s catch up another time." "All right, I''ll let you go."


    As Eleanor walked over, she caughtn watching her closely. He seemed to notice the lingering hint of happiness in her eyes left from her conversation with Mansfield, and his expression dimmed.


    Professor Williams had another engagement, so Gavin volunteered to drive him to the airport.


    Simone called aftern. "Ian, thank you so much for everything-spending your time and money to help me. I really appreciate it."


    Turning with a gentle smile, Simone added, n, Eleanor, you''ve both worked hard today. Why don''t we have dinner together? My treat, as a thank-you."


    Eleanor was about to politely decline, butn had already nodded. "Sounds good. I''ll book us a table."


    "Professor Langley, I should get back to theb," Eleanor still tried to refuse.


    But Simone wouldn''t hear of it. She gently took Eleanor''s hand. "Just one meal with your old teacher, all right?"


    Seeing the hopeful look in Simone''s eyes, Eleanor reconsidered-maybe a meal together would lift her spirits. She nodded in agreement.


    They didn''t look far for a ce¡ªjust a cozy restaurant near the hospital, where Laird and Gavin joined them.


    Sunlight poured into the private dining room as everyone took their seats. It seemed as if Laird and Gavin had deliberately left the spot beside Eleanor free- just forn.


    "Let''s order, shall we?" Simone said, handing the menu to Eleanor. "You two pick whatever you like."

 Chapter 792

    Eleanor epted the menu, her fingertips tightening just a fraction as she lowered her eyes to scan the options, making a conscious effort to ignore the presence of the man beside her.


    She ordered two simple dishes and slid the menu over ton, who picked it up and added four more, all equally in and straightforward.


    "Ian," Simone asked, "how''s the prep work going for the civilian project?"


    "It''s all in Joel''s hands now. He makes the calls on everything." Ian lifted his cup and took a measured sip of tea.


    Simone nodded. "Joel''s the right person for the job. The project''s in good hands."


    "It only got off the ground thanks to Eleanor''s early research,"n said, his gaze lingering on the curve of Eleanor''s cheek.


    "Just doing my job," Eleanor replied calmly.


    Simone, sensing the shift in mood, quickly changed the subject. ¡°By the way, Eleanor, is your little one in elementary school now?"


    "Next September," Eleanor said with a gentle smile.


    "Time flies. Hard to believe she''s starting school already," Simone remarked with a sigh.


    Just then,n''s phone buzzed on the table. He nced at the screen, his brow drawing together for a moment, before declining the call.


    The conversation shifted as Simone brought up repairs she was having done on her cottage. Eleanor listened and chatted with her, when Gavin''s phone suddenly rang. He nced at the caller ID, shot a quick look atn, and at a subtle nod fromn, excused himself to take the call outside.


    A brief, ufortable silence settled over the table. Eleanor lifted her cup, taking


    a sip of tea. This time,n''s phone vibrated again, this time with a text. He nced at the screen, his expression tightening almost imperceptibly.


    "Professor Langley," he said abruptly, "I have an urgent matter to attend to. I''ll have to excuse myself."


    Simone nodded knowingly. "Of course. Workes first."


    Asn stood, his gaze lingered on Eleanor for a moment. She kept her eyes on her phone, her expression unreadable.


    Just then, Gavin reentered. "Mr. Goodwin-"


    Shrugging on his suit jacket,n strode quickly from the room.


    The door closed behind him, and the room was silent for a few seconds once more. Simone knew full well thatn''s so-called urgent business was really just Miss Shannon acting up again.


    She nced at Eleanor, hesitating as


    if about to say something, but the food arrived just then. Simone waved Laird over to return a few dishes-there was no way the three of them could finish so much.


    Eleanor urged Simone to eat, her manner soposed it was as ifn had never even been there.


    "Eleanor, I''ll have Laird go with me to Kingston this time. If you''re too busy-"


    "Professor Langley, you should check in for your tests first. I''ll be there on your surgery day," Eleanor assured her.


    Simone looked at her, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you. I was so strict with you before I almost cost you that research opportunity."


    Every time Simone thought of it, she felt a pang of guilt. It was her own shortsightedness that made her nearly overlook Eleanor''s talent, even forcing her to skip ahead a year just to prove herself.


    Eleanor gave a small, reassuring smile. "Please don''t me yourself, Professor. Science demands rigor. I understand. If I were in your position, I would''ve made the same choice."


    Simone''s eyes stung. "You''re always so understanding..."


    Eleanor gently nudged a te toward her. "Here, try the fish. It''s really tender."


    Simone nodded, watching Eleanor


    and silently wondering hown


    could ever have let her go. How could he teave behind such an extraordinary woman? Miss Shannon might be beautiful, but


    always seemed far too delicate for


    real life.


    Laird quietly ate her meal, lost in her own thoughts, asking herself what, exactly,


    Eleanorckedpared to Miss Shannon.


    Lunch turned out better than


    expected. As they left the restaurant, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a new


    message she checked it it was ne


    from Mansfield. The VIP suite at Kingston General Hospital is ready for you-just let us know when you''re arriving."

 Chapter 793

    Eleanor stood stunned for a few seconds-she hadn''t expected Mansfield to move so quickly. Everything was already arranged. Simone had also booked her flight for early the day after tomorrow, nning to check into the hospital in Kingston ahead of time. Apparently, you really did have to reserve those private suites well in advance.


    Eleanor didn''t refuse; Simone genuinely needed this, and honestly, Eleanor doubted she would have been able to secure a private suite herself.


    "Thank you, Mansfield," she said, her gratitude sincere.


    "No need to thank me. If you need anything else, just call," Mansfield replied almost instantly.


    Eleanor turned to Simone. "Professor Langley, I''ve arranged a private suite for you at Kingston Military General Hospital. You can check in as soon as you arrive."


    Simone''s eyes widened. "Those suites are expensive! A regr room would have been just fine."


    "It''s not too costly, and it''s already taken care of. It''ll be better for your recovery," Eleanor reassured her.


    "That''s right! Professor Langley''s been having trouble sleepingtely," Laird chimed in. ¡°If she can rest in a private suite, that''s the best thing. Dr. Sutton, you really do think of everything."


    Eleanor couldn''t help but give a wry smile-the one who thought of everything was actually a friend of hers. The idea hadn''t even crossed her own mind.


    Just then, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message fromn.


    "I''ve already reserved a private suite in advance. Professor Langley can check in at The Kingston Hospital whenever she''s ready."


    Eleanor replied without hesitation: "No need, it''s already arranged."


    After sending the message, she slipped her phone into her bag and helped Simone out toward the parking lot.


    They climbed into Laird''s car-Eleanor reminding him to drive carefully-before she opened the passenger door and settled in herself.


    On the way back to theb, her phone vibrated once more. She nced at the screen-another message fromn: "d it''s settled."


    Eleanor tossed the phone onto the seat beside her and didn''t reply.


    The weekend was just around the


    corner. Eleanor picked up her daughter and brought her to the Vesper Joy Hotel for a little weekend retreat she''d take the opportunity to hold a few meetings and deat with some business for the hotel as well.


    Ellington had really turned thepany around-every business in Eleanor''s portfolio was steadily growing. These were long-term investments, solid and reliable.


    Evelyn ran wild through the nearly 6,000-square-foot presidential suite, giggling as she darted from room to room. Even Princess, her little dog, was along for the adventure, and Joslyn was there too, keeping an eye on Evelyn.


    That evening, Eleanor ordered a dainty cake for her daughter. The little one''s face lit up with pure happiness.


    "Mommy, I''m so happy!" Evelyn beamed, her cheeks flushed with joy.


    Joslyn, watching from the side, couldn''t help but marvel-Eleanor was apletely different person after the divorce.


    Back when she was with the


    Goodwin family, she''d been so obedient and quiet-always the understated wife of a tycoon, rarely leaving the house and devoting herself to her daughter and home. Now, Joslyn found herself reminding her own daughter: Make sure you build your own career and skilis before you get married. That way, you''ll never have topromise yourself or be voiceless in your husband''s family.


    Eleanor''s life was proof of that she was a true role model.


    Eleanor gently brushed her daughter''s hair back. ¡°When you''re all grown up, this hotel will be yours, Evelyn."


    "Really? Then I want to be just as amazing as you, Mommy-so I can run thepany well!" Evelyn nodded seriously.


    Suddenly, curiosity lit up her eyes. "Mommy, will Daddy''spany be mine someday too?"


    Joslyn froze and nced at Eleanor, who smiled and tapped her daughter gently on the forehead. "That''s your dad''s decision, sweetie. Mommy doesn''t know."


    With that, Eleanor neatly sidestepped the sensitive topic.


    Joslyn''s mind wandered, heavy with thoughts. No matter how well Eleanor''s businesses did, they''d neverpare to the Goodwin. family fortune. And if Mr. Goodwin remarried and had more children, the lion''s share of the family business would go to them. Everif Evelyn got a piece, it wouldn''t be


    much.


    Evelyn popped a bite of cake into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "But Mommy,


    why did Great-Grandma tell me I should study hard and take over Daddy''spany when I grow up?"

 Chapter 794

    Eleanor''s hand stilled for a moment as she looked at her daughter. Her voice was gentle but firm. "Evelyn, Great-Grandma is getting on in years. Sometimes she gets things mixed up."


    Evelyn tilted her head, lips pursed in a little pout. "But Great-Grandma said I''m Daddy''s only daughter!"


    Joslyn, sitting nearby, felt her heart skip a beat. If Evelyn clung to that belief, she''d only end up hurt someday. After all, Mr. Goodwin and Miss Shannon were practically engaged. In another year or two, they''d probably have a child of their


    own.


    Quickly, Joslyn changed the subject. "Evelyn, look at these strawberries-don''t they look fresh? Why don''t you try one and see if it''s sweet?"


    Evelyn immediately popped one into her mouth and beamed. "It''s really sweet!"


    Eleanor let out an inward sigh. When had Grandma Magdalen Goodwin mentioned this to her daughter? She''d have to talk to Magdalen-better not to give Evelyn false hopes.


    After all, when it came ton''s estate, Eleanor would never let her daughter get caught up in any inheritance battles.


    "Evelyn, when you''re grown up, I''ll send you to the best university to study business. I know you''ll do amazing things with Mommy''spany one day."


    Evelyn nodded solemnly, even if she only half understood. "Okay, Mommy. I''ll do my best."


    By ten o''clock, after tucking her daughter into bed, Eleanor sat by the floor-to- ceiling window, gazing out at the city lights before opening herptop to work.


    Just then, her phone chimed. She picked it up¡ªJoy had sent her a link.


    "Did Vanessa really end up in the ER?"


    Eleanor frowned and clicked the link. The headline was clear: that afternoon, a reporter had caught footage of Vanessa being rushed into the hospital. Eleanor checked the timestamp-it was right when they''d been having lunch.


    So that''s whyn had left in such a hurry. Vanessa had been taken to the emergency room again.


    "Was her car ident really that bad?" Joy messaged again.


    Eleanor didn''t bother opening the video. She replied, "I''m not sure either."


    "Are you busy? Am I interrupting?"


    ¡°No, just reviewing some research data,¡± Eleanor typed back.


    "Then I''ll let you get back to it. I should get some sleep anyway."


    "Don''t stay upte," Eleanor reminded her. "You have to take care of yourself."


    "Got it! You''re not allowed to pull all-nighters either."


    They exchanged a few more messages before Eleanor set her phone aside and focused on the spreadsheets glowing on her screen.


    Outside, the city sparkled against the night, and Eleanor lost herself in work.


    Meanwhile, at the hospital, Vanessa slept in her bed whilen and Henry waited nearby.


    The two assistants looked terrified. One''s eyes filled with tears as she stammered, "Mr. Goodwin, Vanessa''s been on a diet fately e might have used some expired meal recements by mistake"


    "And she hasn''t been in the best mood," the other added nervously. "We''re worried she might be a bit depressed. Could she have identally taken something she shouldn''t have?"


    Their manager shot them a sharp look. ¡°Don''t jump to conclusions. Vanessa cares


    about her health. She wouldn''t just take random medication."


    Henry''s expression was grim. "If you knew she was dieting, it was your responsibility to keep an eye on her¡ªand talk her out of anything extreme."


    "We were scared too," one of the assistants murmured, wringing her hands. "No one wanted this. She was just resting in her room, and suddenly she started vomiting and passed out."


    A female doctor approached. "Who''s the patient''s family? I need to speak with you."


    Henry started forward, butn was quicker. "I''m her family. How is she?"


    "She''ll be fine. After the stomach


    pump, there''s no immediate danger. But clearly she was poisoned. We'' have to wait for her to wake up to find out what exactly she took the doctor handedna clipboard. "I''l need your signature here, please."

 Chapter 795

    Henry''s expression darkened. He stood stiffly by the doctor''s office door, tension radiating from every line of his body.


    A short whileter, Rnd Yeaton hurried in with his wife, having just returned from a business trip. Spottingn, Rnd rushed over, anxiety etched across his face. "Mr. Goodwin, how''s my daughter?"


    "Food poisoning. Her stomach''s been pumped, but she''s stable for now,"n replied, voice calm and steady.


    Rnd let out a long breath of relief. "Thank God. I knew with you here, nothing could go wrong." Then, noticing Henry lingering nearby, he called out, "Mr. Holt, I didn''t see you there!"


    Henry nodded politely.


    "Mr. Goodwin, why don''t you head home and get some rest?" Rnd said, concern softening his tone as he took in the fatigue etched onn''s face. "We''ll stay here with her. You''ve done more than enough."


    He turned to Henry. "I''ll head out first."


    "Alright. I''ll stay until Vanessa wakes up," Henry replied.


    By the timen stepped out of the hospital, it was already half past ten. Gavin, his driver, was waiting by the car and promptly opened the door for him. ¡°Where to, Mr. Goodwin?"


    "Back to Cloudcrest Manor," Ian said, rubbing his brow.


    Gavin started the car and headed toward the manor. Twenty minutester, as they pulled up to the estate,n''s gaze lingered on one of the buildings. Suddenly, he spoke up. "Stop the car."


    Gavin hesitated, confused. "Is something wrong, sir?"


    Vesper Joy Hotel. Her private presidential suite.


    "Take me to Vesper Joy Hotel instead,"n instructed.


    Without missing a beat, Gavin turned the car around and sped through the city streets. Ian watched the world blur past the window, his eyes shadowed beneath thickshes, unreadable.


    When they arrived, Gavin pulled up to the entrance. "We''re here, sir."


    "Is Ms. Sutton staying here?" he asked.


    The clerk was momentarily taken aback, then nodded. "Yes, Ms. Sutton checked in yesterday with her child."


    "Is the room next to hers avable?"


    "One moment, let me check."


    A few momentster, she returned with a keycard. "Yes, Mr. Goodwin. The room next door is unupied. Here you are."


    A slender silhouette appeared in the warm glow, just visible through the sheer curtains-a fleeting figure, graceful and familiar. She lingered only a few seconds before turning away, disappearing from sight.


    his eyes.


    But the moment passed quickly; the shadow behind the curtains vanished.


    With a sigh,n loosened his tie, a flicker of restlessness crossing his handsome features. In the dim light, he looked like a beast reigning in its instincts, fighting some urge rising from deep within.


    He turned away, yanked off his tie, and unfastened the top buttons of his shirt, heading for the bathroom.


    Half an hourter,n emerged in a robe, an air of fatigue and quiet satisfaction about him. He poured himself a stiff drink and stepped back onto the balcony, letting the night wind ruffle his damp hair.


    His phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Henry: "Vanessa''s awake.


    She''s asking for you."

 Chapter 796

    Henry quickly responded, "Alright.¡±


    Early the next morning, Joslyn was brushing Evelyn''s hair when Princess, who had been dozing nearby, suddenly pricked up her ears. Tail wagging excitedly, the dog let out a series of soft whimpers as she looked toward the door.


    Evelyn jumped up, her face lighting up. "Is Daddy here?"


    Noticing Princess''s reaction, Joslyn guessed who it might be. "Your mom''s still sleeping. Maybe we should-¡±


    But Evelyn was already dashing out of the room, determined. "It''s definitely Daddy!"


    "Wait, Evelyn-"


    Before Joslyn could stop her, Evelyn had flung open the door. Sure enough,n stood outside in a sharp ck suit. He smiled warmly. "Evelyn, do you remember where Daddy''s taking you today?"


    "The aquarium!" Evelyn squealed in delight. "Daddy, did youe to pick me up?"n knelt down and scooped her into his arms. "That''s right. Daddy''s here for you." He gently ruffled her silky hair. "Where''s Mommy?"


    "Mommy''s still sleeping!" Evelyn whispered, putting a finger to her lips. "Let''s not wake her up. She workedtest night and needs more sleep."


    "Yes! Okay!" Evelyn wrapped her arms around his neck, her face shining with anticipation.


    Joslyn hovered nearby, hesitating before speaking up. "Mr. Goodwin, would you like me to let Mrs. Goodwin know?"


    "No need to wake her,"n replied. "I''ll bring Evelyn back by two-thirty this afternoon."


    With that, he lifted his daughter and headed for the door.


    Joslyn quickly grabbed Evelyn''s water bottle and little backpack. "Here''s her bottle; please don''t forget it!"


    In the master bedroom, Eleanor was drifting in and out of sleep when she thought she heardn''s voice. The next moment, as if jolted from a bad dream she sat up abruptly, pushed off the covers, stipped on her slippers, and hurried toward the door.


    Joslyn heard her and came right over. "Ma''am, you''re awake. Mr. Goodwin just stopped by and took Evelyn to the aquarium."


    Eleanor remembered thatn had


    promised their daughter a trip to the aquarium that weekend. "Let him take her she said, rubbing her forehead. Im going to get some more sleep."


    Joslyn breathed a sigh of relief. She knewn was a devoted father; Eleanor could always trust him with their little girl.


    At the aquarium,n held Evelyn''s hand as they walked in. The moment they entered, Evelyn''s eyes widened and she pointed at the enormous ss wall. "Daddy, what''s that?"


    ¡°That''s a whale shark,¡±n replied.


    "Daddy, lift me up!" Evelyn hugged his waist, andn bent down, picking her up so she could get a better view.


    Evelyn pressed her small hands to the ss, her eyes sparkling. "It''s so big!"


    Trailing behind them, Gavin''s phone buzzed. He nced at the screen, then stepped forward and spoke quietly, "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Goodwin is calling."


    "No need to answer,"n said coolly.


    "Understood." Gavin nodded and silenced his phone.


    tousled bangs and offered her water from her bottle.


    Nearby, a group of young women watched the father and daughter with envy.


    What a beautiful pair, they thought. Whoever that little girl''s mother was, she must be one lucky woman.

 Chapter 797

    Her husband was ridiculously handsome, their daughter absolutely adorable¡ªand judging by their appearance, they looked every bit the picture of a well-to-do


    family.


    Thanks to the staff''s special arrangements, Evelyn was given a chance for some close-up time with the dolphins. Guided by her dad, she reached out and touched one, her face lighting up with pure joy.


    "Daddy, it kissed me!" Evelyn squealed, her cheeks flushed with excitement.


    Off to the side, Gavin kept busy with his phone, recording every precious moment. He''d taken on the role of family photographer for the day.


    For lunch,n took his daughter out to a nice caf¨¦ before bringing her back to the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    A few seconds after ringing the doorbell, the door swung open to reveal Eleanor standing behind it.


    "Mom!" Evelyn threw herself into her mother''s arms, beaming. "We had so much fun! I saw all kinds of sea creatures today!"


    Eleanor smiled warmly. "Did you?"


    "Daddy, do you want toe in and rest for a bit before you go?" Evelyn turned to ask.


    Eleanor nced up, meetingn''s eyes. Ian caught her meaning and replied gently, ¡°Evelyn, I have some things to take care of, but next time I''ll stay longer, okay?"


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded, perfectly content. She was already thrilled that her dad had taken her to the aquarium.


    Out front, he opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat. Gavin, sitting behind the wheel, handed him his phone. "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Goodwin sent you a few messages. You might want to take a look."


    "Big brother, where are you? Why haven''t youe to the hospital to see Vanessa yet?"


    "Why aren''t you here?"


    "What could possibly be more important than Vanessa?"


    "Hello?n?" Henry''s voice came through.


    "How is she?"n''s tone was low and even.


    "Physically, she''s fine-just a bit down, that''s all," Henry replied, then asked, "Are youing over?"


    "Yes. I''m on my way now,"n answered.


    At the hospital, Serena had been messaging her brother since early morning, but still hadn''t received a single reply. It frustrated her. She''d only learned about Vanessa''s bout of food poisoning that morning, and had even canceled her ns to fly overseas for a fashion show just to be here for her.


    But when she arrived, she found Henry looking after Vanessa, having spent the whole night by her bedside. The sight left her more than a little confused.


    Wasn''t this the kind of moment when her brother should be here for Vanessa?


    "Vanessa, don''t worry. As soon as my brother''s free, he''lle see you right away," Serena reassured her.


    Vanessa nodded faintly. Her pale face had a delicate, almost ethereal beauty. She''d had her assistant wash her hair that morning, and now


    it fell softly over her shoulders Even while sick she looked


    heartbreakingly fragile.


    Whenn arrived at the hospital, he found Henry sitting in the hallway, eyes


    closed, trying to catch some rest.


    The sound of footsteps made Henry look up. Seeingn, he straightened, rubbing


    his temples. ¡°Ian, you''re here."


    "You did well, Henry. Go home and get some rest,"n told him.


    At that moment, the door to Vanessa''s room opened. Serena poked her head out, her tone tinged with frustration. Big brother, what took you so long? Vanessa''s been waiting for you!"


    Serena trailed in after him, only forn to turn and fix her with a sharp look. "Out. I


    want to speak with her alone."


    Serena froze, surprised by his sternness. Was that really the way to treat


    someone who was sick?

 Chapter 798

    Right now, though, what Vanessa needed most was her brother, so Serena decided not to go in and disturb them.


    Henry lingered outside for a moment longer, then said a few words to Serena before turning to leave.


    Left alone in the hallway, Serena idly scrolled through her phone. Barely ten minutes had passed when she saw her brother emerge from Vanessa''s hospital room. She quickly looked up, startled by the powerful, almost intimidating aura he carried with him. What on earth had just happened in there?


    "Hey,n!" Serena called, her voice uncertain as she took in his stony expression. She had no idea what might have transpired between them.


    "Stay with her," Ian said, his tone calm but unmistakably forceful. His face revealed nothing, not even the flicker of an emotion.


    Before Serena could react, he was already striding away down the corridor.


    She frowned, puzzled-why had he left so soon? Shouldn''t he stay with Vanessa a little longer? She puffed out her cheeks in frustration, then pushed open the door to Vanessa''s room.


    The sight that greeted her stopped Serena in her tracks. Vanessa sat propped up in bed, tissues clutched in her hand, quietly wiping away tears. She''d turned her face toward the window, her thin shoulders trembling. Sorrow and helplessness seemed to settle over her like a heavy fog.


    Serena''s heart twisted with sympathy. She hurried to the bedside, her voice tight with concern. "Vanessa, what did my brother do to you? Why are you crying?" She hesitated, then asked gently, "Did you two have a fight?"


    Vanessa shook her head, but her cheeks were streaked with tears that hadn''t yet dried. Her eyes and the tip of her nose were red. As Serena watched, another tear slipped down Vanessa''s cheek. Stubbornly, she wiped it away.


    Serena thought back to the look she''d seen on her brother''s face-a kind of cold, unyielding calm. She knew that side of him all too well, the way his presence alone could make a person want to cry from sheer pressure. He''d made her cry with a single re more than once. But she''d never imagined he could be so hard on someone who''d just been through such an ordeal.


    Not only did he fail tofort her, he''d left her feeling worse.


    Serena''s heart ached for Vanessa. She knew how fragile Vanessa must be feeling, but she couldn''t help wanting to know what had happened.


    "Vanessa, I mean it-what did he say to you? How could he treat you like this?"


    Vanessa looked up, eyes bright with tears, biting her lower lip. She shook her head again. "Don''t me your brother. It''s not his fault. Please, Serena-don''t me him."


    Serena blinked, taken aback by Vanessa''s kindness. Even now, Vanessa was trying to defendn. Serena felt even more certain thatn had gone too far.


    Lost in her frustration, Serena looked up just in time to see Vanessa''s tears spill over again. rmed, she snatched up a tissue and dabbed gently at Vanessa''s cheeks.


    "Do you want me to call him back?" Serena offered, reaching for her phone. Vanessa quickly stopped her.


    "No, Serena, that''s not necessary. Your brother, he-"


    "Was it about Eleanor? Did you two argue over her?" Images of soap opera- worthy fights between ex-wives and new girlfriends shed through Serena''s mind.


    Vanessa closed her eyes, a fresh tear sliding down her face. It was as if she had to gather every ounce of strength just to speak. "Serena, please just go. I need a little time alone."


    How could Serena possibly leave her like this? Besides,n had specifically asked her to look after Vanessa.


    "I''ll just wait outside the door, okay? I won''t bother you. Take your time and calm down." Serena spoke softly.


    Vanessa nodded, and Serena


    paused at the doorway, ncing back. She saw Vanessa bury her face in the pillow, her small. shoulders shaking with silent sobs. The quiet tears seemed evermore heartbreaking than if she''d wailed aloud.


    Serena closed the door as gently as she could, her own chest tight with worry and helplessness.


    She hesitated for a moment, then decided to check on her brother.


    She dialedn''s number.


    It rang for a long time before


    someone finally picked up, but it


    wasn''t Jan''s voice-it was Gavin, his


    assistant. "Miss Goodwin, Mr.


    Goodwin''s busy right now and can''t


    take your call. Is it urgent


    Serena understood immediately. Ian just didn''t want to talk to her, so he''d passed


    the call to Gavin.


    "It''s nothing," Serena replied, hanging up in resignation and confusion.


    What on earth hadn said to Vanessa?


    Vanessa had already been through enough-after getting her stomach


    pumped, she needed care and


    boyfriend, l?n should be the one


    looking after her, not making things worse.

 Chapter 799

    What had Vanessa done wrong? All she''d ever been guilty of was loving him.


    It had to be Eleanor-she must have said something to him! He never used to act


    this way.


    Just then, Faye appeared by the elevator at the end of the hallway, still in her work clothes.


    "Miss Goodwin, what brings you here?" Faye greeted Serena with a friendly wave.


    Serena smiled, standing up to return the gesture. "I came to check on your sister. Just got off work?"


    "Yeah, I wanted to see how she was doing." Faye nodded. With her father constantly busy and her mother living abroad, she felt it was her duty as the younger sister to look after Vanessa.


    "Wait, don''t go in yet," Serena stopped her, gently taking her arm. "Vanessa just had a good cry. Let her rest for a bit."


    Faye blinked, surprised. "What happened?"


    "It was my brother," Serena said, a trace of regret in her voice. "He stopped by earlier¡ªseems like they had a fight."


    Faye''s eyes widened. Mr. Goodwin and Vanessa had argued? That didn''t fit with anything she knew. Vanessa always went along with whatever he wanted, and she was far tooposed to start a scene.


    "Will you tell me what happened?" Faye asked quickly.


    "I honestly have no idea what they were fighting about," Serena replied, shaking


    her head in exasperation. "I tried calling him, but he won''t pick up."


    Deciding to give Vanessa some space, Faye and Serena sat together in the hallway.


    "Faye, how''s work been going?" Serena asked, turning to her.


    Faye hesitated for a moment, her expression stiff. ¡°It''s going alright. I''m actually studying for an uing certification exam."


    Serena looked at her with a touch of envy. Despite her privileged upbringing, she''d never had a knack for academics. Even with her charmed life, she couldn''t help but admire overachievers like Faye.


    In her eyes, Faye was a star student. After all, how many people could say they were on track to be a scientist?


    Fifteen minutester, Faye figured Vanessa had probably calmed down. She knocked softly, then stepped inside.


    Vanessa sat upright in bed, the


    tracks of her tears wiped clean. She looked pale, a trace of exhaustion in her features, but there was a stubborn resilience in her posture-a quiet refusal to be defeated.


    Most people didn''t truly know Vanessa, but Faye understood her history. She was not someone easily broken. If she were, she wouldn''t have made it this far.


    "Hey, sis. Feeling any better?" Faye set the bag of fruit on the bedside table and took a seat.


    Vanessa forced a small smile. "Much better now. Thank you foring, Faye."


    Just then Serena popped her head in. "Vanessa, I''ll leave you two to talk. I''m going downstairs to grab a drink."


    "You''ve done enough, Serena. Go home and get some rest," Vanessa said gently, her eyes full of gratitude.


    "It''s nothing. I promised my brother I''d look after you." Serena shed a quick smile and slipped out.


    Faye watched Vanessa with


    something close to awe. Even M Goodwin''s own sister cared for her so attentively. In most people''s eyes, Serena was a proud heiress yet here she was, fussing over Vanessa.


    Faye hesitated, then nced at Vanessa. "Miss Goodwin mentioned Mr. Goodwin stopped by earlier. Did you two-?"


    Vanessa''s expression settled into something unreadable. "There''s no need to ask about that. How''s the studying going?"


    Faye paused. She could sense that there were things Vanessa would never share with her secrets she kept buried like how she first met Mr. Goodwin, or what her life abroad had really been like. ''


    She nodded. "I''m keeping at it." The way Vanessa asked, it sounded like she was preparing Faye for a future where she''d have to fend for herself.


    Still, Faye couldn''t help but urge her, "Sis, you can''t give up on Mr. Goodwin. You''ve spent ten years by his side. You deserve to fight for the right to be Mrs. Goodwin."


    Vanessa looked at her, not answering right away. She smiled-a quiet, resilient smile, like a flower refusing to bow to the wind and rain.


    A faint, determined curve touched her lips.


    "If you give up now, Eleanor will end up as Mrs. Goodwin sooner orter. I hate her. I can''t stand the thought of her winning." Faye''s voice was tight with bitterness.


    A flicker of pride shed in Vanessa''s eyes. ¡°Eleanor''s already taken from me once. I won''t let her take anything else."

 Chapter 800

    Seeing the look on Vanessa''s face, Faye finally let out a secret sigh of relief. Eleanor already had too much; it was only fair that she lost something for once. Otherwise, the world would be simply too unjust.


    After staying for about half an hour, Faye stood to leave. Not long after, Serena arrived carrying takeout dinner, joining Vanessa for the meal. She avoided mentioning her eldest brother, steering the conversation toward lighter topics in hopes of cheering Vanessa up.


    Close to midnight, Xavier was half-asleep in bed when his phone buzzed. Henry was calling, slurring his words and clearly already tipsy, inviting him out for a drink.


    Without hesitation, Xavier threw off his robe and dressed in casual clothes. He found Henry at a bar downtown, slouched over a table with his assistant sitting nearby, visibly at a loss.


    The assistant looked up at Xavier as if salvation had arrived. "Mr. Vaughn, thank goodness you''re here. I can''t get Mr. Holt to stop-he''s already put away three bottles."


    Xavier''s gaze flicked to the three empty whiskey bottles on the table. That was definitely Henry''s limit. He nodded to the assistant. "I''ll get him home. You go on ahead."


    The assistant, looking exhausted, grabbed his bag and left.


    Xavier patted Henry''s cheek. Henry blinked blearily at him, then managed a crooked smile. "Knew you''de. That''s real friendship¡ªa call and you''re here." "What''s going on?" Xavier poured himself a cup of tea and took a slow sip.


    "Nothing much. Just feeling down. Thought I''d have a few drinks."


    "If you don''t tell me what''s really up, I''m leaving," Xavier replied tly, already half- rising from his seat.


    "Alright, alright. Vanessanded herself in the hospital with food poisoning yesterday. Had to have her stomach pumped. I''ve been worried sick-so here I am."


    But Xavier could read him too well. He saw straight through to the real problem: Henry wasn''t just upset about Vanessa''s illness. He''d been hurt again, caught between Vanessa andn.


    "Henry, I''ll be honest with you-Vanessa''s not right for you. Move on, find someone else," Xavier said quietly.


    Henry looked up, forcing a bitter smile. "And what about you? Could you leave Eleanor behind and just find someone else?"


    Xavier froze for a moment, ncing away. "It''s different for me. Eleanor''s single, after all."


    "Yeah? But I heard there''s a guy in the military chasing after her. What''s his name... Mansfield, I think?" Henry mumbled, squinting into his ss. "Yeah, that''s it."


    Xavier took another sip of tea, now clearly annoyed. "He and Eleanor are just friends."


    "Come on, are you kidding me? Nobody''s ''just friends'' these days. It''s always one-sided or the other."


    Xavier''s hand tightened around his teacup. Even through the drunken haze, Henry''s words hit home, stirring up the anxiety Xavier tried so hard to ignore.


    Mansfield was, without a doubt, his strongest rival for Eleanor''s heart.


    Not evenn had ever seemed so threatening.


    Henry nced at him, eyes zed. "See? You''re not happy I brought it up. We''re both in the same boat, man. Neither of us should be giving advice."


    "Let''s get you home," Xavier said, already lifting Henry to his feet. It was the middle of winter, and he''de out sote just to sit with his friend that was brotherhood enough.


    "Am I aplete failure?" Henry muttered, copsing onto the table. His voice was thick and indistinct, but the pain and self-mockery were unmistakable. Where do I even stand in her life? Why is that all she needs isn-why is just seeing him enough?"


    Xavier understood that ache all too well-the pain of loving someone who didn''t love you back. He couldn''t scold Henry, couldn''t find the words, so instead he hauled him out to the car and drove him home.


    On the drive through the city, neon lights yed across Xavier''s face. Henry''s obsession with Vanessa was like a mirror, reflecting Xavier''s own worries about the future with Eleanor.


    If Eleanor did end up marrying Mansfield, maybe Xavier would drink himself into oblivion, too.


    But their situations weren''t entirely the same. Eleanor didn''t treat him with cold indifference; at least, they were genuine friends.


    Still, Mansfield was a remarkable


    man, and it was clear he was deeply interested in Eleanor. She might see him as a friend now, but who knew


    what could happenin the future


    When two outstanding people spent enough time together, it was only a matter of time before feelings developed.


    After dropping Henry off, Xavier stuck around out of concern, crashing for the


    night on his friend''s sofa.

 Chapter 801

    The new week began with Joel Kingsley''s assessment looming on Friday, but first came Wednesday: the Ashford Medical University anniversary g.


    Dressed in herb coat, Eleanor Sutton had been hard at work with Callie since early morning. Theb was filled with the faint scent of antiseptic and the low hum of equipment as Eleanor peered intently at the cell sample under her microscope. Her slender fingers moved deftly over the controls, and the sunlight cast a soft halo on her focused expression.


    Callie watched her, impressed. Eleanor hadn''t moved from her station all morning. The sample analysis was notoriously difficult, yet she was already nearingpletion. Eleanor knew the anniversary celebration on Wednesday would consume the entire day, which meant she had to push her research forward as fast as possible.


    The first two days of the week were packed with meetings, but one particr person was conspicuously absent, leaving Eleanor in surprisingly good spirits.


    Wednesday arrived in a sh. The Ashford Medical University campus was decked out in festive decorations, exuding an air of celebration. The sixtieth- anniversary g was a grand affair, bringing together industry elites and distinguished alumni for a packed schedule of academic presentations and celebratory ceremonies.


    As a prominent graduate, Eleanor was attending as a guest doctor. She chose an outfit that was both professional and elegant: a pair of tailored trousers, a high- quality charcoal gray sweater, and a matching zer. She left her long hair down, wearing only a touch of subtle makeup, striking the perfect bnce between academic formality and effortless grace.


    Before the ceremony began, Eleanor and Joel made their way to the reception lounge, where they saw university administrators gathered around a few notable guests. Mayor Ellington and other city officials were there, as wasn Goodwin. As if sensing her arrival,n turned his head slightly, and his eyes met hers. He stood among the crowd in an impably tailored, deep charcoal suit, radiating an air of noble detachment that came from years in a position of power.


    Eleanor''s expression immediately turned cold as she averted her gaze. But a momentter, an alumnus greeted her, and she broke into a radiant smile.


    But as Eleanor was chatting with Joel,n approached them anyway.


    "Joel, do you have a moment?" he asked politely, his gaze sweeping over Eleanor. With her hair down, she had a softer, more delicate air about her-an understated yet undeniable radiance.


    "Of course," Joel nodded. There were several important decisions he needed to discuss with him.


    Just then, Eleanor spotted Jude Vaughn, a friend she hadn''t seen in nearly a year since he''d been transferred to another campus.


    "I''m going to go say hello to Jude," she said before turning to leave.


    With the ceremony yet to officially


    start, the lounge was buzzing with lively conversation. After a brief chat, Jude troduced Eleanorto a few other @lumni, and she found herself on the receiving end of the usual pleasantries-phrases like a rising star" and "the pride of the university."


    Meanwhile,n navigated a circle of middle-aged city officials and university


    faculty with ease, though his eyes periodically drifted, searching for Eleanor in the crowd.


    When it was time to be seated,


    Eleanor searched for her name card in the second row, only to find she had been assigned a seat in the front right next ton. She frowned in disgust as she saw her name next to his gilded one on the ce card. She couldn''t tell if the arrangement was intentional or just a


    coincidence.


    As she debated whether to ask someone to switch seats, she heard the sound of steady footsteps behind her, apanied by a faint, cool scent of cedarwood. Tan was standing right there, watching her.


    "What a coincidence," he said in a low voice.


    Eleanor suddenly found the situation absurd. Why should she be the one to run away? With newfound resolve, she pulled out her chair and sat down.


    Watching her,n''s lips curved into an almost imperceptible smile as he gracefully took his own seat beside her.

 Chapter 802

    Eleanor did her best to ignore the man''s overwhelming presence. Though there was a small distance between them, the air around him felt strangely thin, charged with a silent, powerful tension that emanated from him. She frowned and picked up the program brochure from the table in front of her, pretending to read


    it.


    The ceremony soon began with a speech from the university president, who then offered a special, heartfelt thanks to one man in particr: Ian. He announced thatn would be donating a new state-of-the-artboratory building to Ashford Medical University.


    As the president finished his words of gratitude,n rose from his seat with a modest smile, and the auditorium erupted in thunderous apuse.


    Next came speeches from distinguished alumni and student representatives, the program proceeding one item at a time. Eleanor sat ramrod straight, her gaze fixed on the stage, deliberately ignoring the formidable presence beside her.


    Soon, Dr. Lyman Brown took the stage. He spoke emotionally about Ashford''s illustrious sixty-year history, giving special mention to the researchers who had graduated from the university and gone on to make groundbreaking achievements. When Eleanor heard her father''s name, her eyes welled up with a gentle warmth. A momentter, her own name and research aplishments were mentioned among the younger generation of schrs, and she smiled, nodding in acknowledgment to Dr. Brown on stage.


    When the lunch break was announced, Eleanor shot up from her seat as if escaping someone who made her deeply ufortable. Ian watched her retreating figure, his expression calm, his fingertips tapping twice on the armrest.


    Eleanor went to the restroom first. On her way back, she stopped to speak with Joel. Not far away, Gavin Young stood besiden, quietly briefing him on a work matter. Ian listened with narrowed eyes, his gaze once again sweeping in Eleanor''s direction.


    The ambient noise forced Joel and Eleanor to stand close together. He leaned in, listening intently to what she was saying, his expression gentle and focused.


    The afternoon session began, and Eleanor returned to her seat just in time, still carrying the lightheartedness of her conversation with Joel. Ian noticed it, nced at her, then looked away with aplex expression.


    Next was the alumni donation segment. When the host announcedn''s name and the astronomical sum he had pledged, gasps rippled through the audience, followed by a wave of enthusiastic apuse.


    themselves, some bold and others shy, all stealing nces at the man on stage.


    Eleanor watched the brilliant man with a calm expression. Whatever else she felt


    about him, his donation was undeniably worthy of the apuse it received.


    After a brief eptance speech,n returned to his seat.


    The rest of the afternoon was scheduled for alumni panels and other events. Eleanor decided she would have lunch with Joel and then head back to theb. As she was leaving however Dr. Lyman Brown pulted her aside to introduce her to several university leaders?n was there, too, and they were all drawn into a few minutes of pleasantries before she could finally excuse herself.


    Just as she turned to leave,n''s voice stopped her. "I''ve booked a table at a restaurant. We should have Joel join us for a meal."


    Eleanor was about to refuse when he added, "Joel has already agreed."


    She paused, and at that moment, Joel walked over. "Mr. Goodwin, Eleanor." "Joel, I''ll get going then," Eleanor said, hoping to excuse herself from their lunch. "Eleanor, why don''t you join us?" Joel interjected. "There are a few critical and sensitive aspects of the project I''d like your input on, to ensure both safety and feasibility."


    Eleanor understood immediately. This was a working lunch.

 Chapter 803

    Joel was pouring all his energy intounching the new civilian project, and Eleanor knew his time was precious. If they had to schedule another meeting, it would just take up more of her own time. "Alright," she agreed.


    At her single-word eptance,n''s lips curved into a distinct upward tilt.


    "Then let''s go," he said, leading the way.


    Eleanor and Joel followed behind. Joel nced at her, worried that he had put her in an ufortable position by inviting her. Sensing his concern, Eleanor offered him a reassuring smile. "Joel, what''s the current status of the project?"


    Seeing her shift the conversation to work, Joel rxed and began to exin in earnest. She could see in his eyes how critical and urgent the project was to him. When it came to supporting Joel, Eleanor felt an unwavering sense of duty, making her own personal feelings seem insignificant. To her, Joel was a mentor, a senior colleague, an essential partner, and a dear friend.


    Joel, in turn, was relieved to see her actively engaging. "Great, we can discuss the details over lunch and finalize the preliminary framework with Mr. Goodwin."


    It was clearlyn''s treat. After a quick calction of the route, Eleanor decided to ride with Joel, whilen''s car drove ahead.


    Beneath his thickshes,n''s expression grewplicated. The sight stirred a feeling in him that he could only describe as... displeasure.


    "Miss Sutton, Dr. Kingsley, this way, please," Gavin''s voice cut in at the perfect moment.


    Eleanor and Joel stopped talking and followed him into a private dining room.


    After they ordered, Joel began


    outlining the project''s potential risks, along with the required resources and timelines, ton. Ian was noyman in this field. While Gavi looked utterly lost,n was an active participant, listening silently for the most part but interjecting with decisivements when it came to major resource allocation.


    However, his gaze frequently drifted to Eleanor. To help Joel get the project off the ground as quickly as possible, she spoke up when her expertise was needed, analyzingplex issues with rity and precision.n''s intense stare didn''t seem to faze her; in work mode, she was a world away from the cold, distant woman she was when alone with him she was independent brilliant, and fully in her element. Several key issues were resolved thanks to her exnations, making it easier forn to make his decisions.


    By the time the food arrived, the preliminary framework of the project had been established, and they could finally enjoy their meal.


    Joel surveyed the dishes, then picked up a clean serving fork and ced the most tender part of the steamed fish into Eleanor''s bowl.


    "Try this," he said with brotherly affection. "You''ve been under a lot of stresstely. You need to replenish your nutrients."


    Eleanor smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Joel." A momentter, she noticed a dish that was one of his favorites. "This is the one you like. You should have some too."


    The easy exchange did not go unnoticed byn. His hand, holding his teacup, tightened slightly. Gavin sensing the sudden tension. air, quickly tried to smooth things over. "Mr. Goodwin, this dish is


    excellent. You should try it.


    Butn didn''t move. He set down his cup and leaned back slightly. "Dr. Kingsley, if


    you don''t mind my asking, how did you two meet?"

 Chapter 804

    Joel, who had been about to serve himself some food, paused. He nced fromn to Eleanor, as if silently asking for her permission to answer. Eleanor looked up atn, her displeasure obvious.


    Pushing his sses up his nose, Joel smiled and replied candidly, "Eleanor and I? You could say she''s my junior. Her father was my mentor for a year when I was abroad. Later, I returned to the country and joined theb because of her."


    He said it all with such frankness and sincerity, especially the part about returning for Eleanor''s sake.


    It was apliment, yet it carried an indescribable undertone.


    Eleanor met his gaze, her voice cool. "I thought we weren''t discussing personal matters." The implication was clear: his question was out of line.


    Joel understood that "back then" referred to the timen and Eleanor were married.


    Eleanor didn''t respond.


    Joel stepped in smoothly. "I assume, Mr. Goodwin, that you invested in ourb''s project because you value our professional capabilities and coborative spirit, not for any other... irrelevant reasons." His words were a subtle reminder thatn, as an investor, should focus on the project itself.


    He then steered the conversation back to work, easing the awkwardness. Joel readily engaged, and the rest of the meal was dedicated to business.


    After they left the restaurant, Eleanor immediately got into Joel''s car. As she did,n reached out and pped Joel on the shoulder. "Dr. Kingsley, I


    have great confidence in your el


    project. But I won''t tolerate unnecessary factors affecting its progress Especially... the


    rtionships between team members."


    The words were both a reminder and a warning.


    Joel understood perfectly. The warmth in his expression faded. "I believe the person bringing personal feelings into the workce is you, not me I suggest you mind your own emotions Mr. Goodwin and refrain from distracting your employees. It could affect the research."


    Joel''s words were like a surgeon''s scalpel, precisely cutting throughn''s


    professional facade to expose his personal agenda. Ian was clearly taken aback


    by the direct rebuttal and stood speechless for a few seconds.


    Seeing his reaction, Joel gave a polite nod. "Excuse me."


    As Joel''s car pulled away,n remained standing there, his expression.unreadable. But Gavin, standing beside him, could feel his boss''s displeasure radiating off him in waves. Joel had essentially used him of using work as a pretext to get close to Eleanor Mr. Goodwin Gavin thought, must be furious at being so bluntly called out and having his intentionsid bare.


    "Mr. Goodwin, shall we¨D"


    "Back to the office,"n said curtly.


    Joel drove Eleanor back to her car. She had research to attend to that afternoon and headed straight for theb.


    On Thursday evening, Eleanor called Laura to check on Simone Langley''s condition. Laura told her there was one more test result due back at ten that night, and the data was critical. Eleanor asked her to send it over as soon as it came in, and Laura agreed.


    At nine, Eleanor was sitting on the living room sofa, reading a story to her daughter. No matter what, she had to go to Kingston tomorrow.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Mansfield Ellington.


    "I heard your mentor has been hospitalized. When are you nning oning to Kingston?"

 Chapter 805

    Eleanor was surprised that he knew and cared enough to ask, especially since he was stationed so far away at the base. A wave of gratitude washed over her. "I''m nning to head to Kingston around noon tomorrow."


    "Alright. Be safe on the road."


    "I will," Eleanor replied.


    At ten-thirty that night, after tucking her daughter into bed, Eleanor went downstairs to the living room to unwind. Her phone buzzed again. It was a message from Laura. "Ellie, it''s bad news. Thetest results show that Professor Langley''s cancer cells are showing signs of spreading. She needs surgery immediately."


    Eleanor''s mind went nk for a second. Simone''s condition had deteriorated far more quickly and dangerously than anyone had anticipated.


    "She''s scheduled for emergency surgery at eight tomorrow morning."


    Eleanor immediately checked for flights. There was one leaving at one in the morning. If she wanted to be there for Simone''s surgery, she had to be on that ne.


    She nced toward her sleeping daughter''s room and made a decision. Joslyn couldn''t look after Evelyn, which left only one person she could¡ªand had to¡ª entrust her to.


    The man downstairs.


    Evelyn was too heavy for her to carry now. Eleanor stood up from the sofa, threw on a coat, and walked out the door. She went straight to the twenty-seventh floor and, after a moment''s hesitation, rangn''s doorbell.


    Inside,n had just stepped out of the shower. He frowned at the sound of the doorbell; whoever it was seemed to be in a hurry, pressing the button in rapid session. He wondered who would dare disturb him thiste.


    With a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, his bare torso revealing well- defined abs and a taut waistline, he walked to the door, still damp from the shower. When he nced at the security monitor, he froze.


    Eleanor''s face was on the screen.


    Did something happen to their daughter? She would nevere to him at this hour unless it was an absolute necessity.


    He pulled the door open,ing face-to-face with her.


    Eleanor was momentarily stunned by the sight of his powerful, bare chest. She quickly averted her eyes her words tumbling out in a rush. 1 have to go to Kingston immediately. I need you to bring Evelyn


    downstairs. She''ll have to sleep with you tonight."


    "She has surgery at eight tomorrow morning. My flight is at two," Eleanor said, still avoiding his gaze.


    "Alright. Give me two minutes. I''lle up to your apartment." He needed to get dressed.


    Eleanor turned and left, leaving her door unlocked for him. Two minutester,n arrived, dressed in a set of silk pajamas.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen and said ton, "Evelyn''s in the master bedroom. You can go get her."


    "Hello? Mansfield-"


    He turned his gaze away and


    continued upstairs. In the soft blue master bedroom, Evelyn was sleeping soundly on therge bedn carefully lifted his daughter inta his arms, his expression tender and full of love. He couldn''t resist leaning down to press a soft kiss on her adorable sleeping face.


    Whenn carried Evelyn downstairs, Eleanor had just finished her call and was walking back in from the


    balcony The anxiety on her fac


    seemed to have lessened, as if the phone call had reassured heb it was clear that someone in Kingston had already made all the necessary arrangements for her.


    Eleanor walked over to him. "Please take care of Evelyn for the next couple of


    days. Call me anytime if you need anything."


    and said in a low voice, "Be safe. Let me know when you get there."

 Chapter 806

    Since she was asking him to look after their daughter, Eleanor knew she couldn''t be too cold. She nodded. "Okay, I will."


    "Gavin is waiting for you in the garage. Let him drive you to the airport,"n added. He had already called Gavin, who, for the sake of convenience, had rented an apartment in another building at Cloudcrest Manor.


    Eleanor paused and nced at him. Ian didn''t seem to be expecting a thank you. He simply carried their sleeping daughter and left.


    Ordinarily, Eleanor would have refused his help, but with a flight to catch, she decided not to argue. She quickly packed a suitcase and went downstairs.


    In the underground garage, Gavin was waiting by the elevator. "Miss Sutton, you''re here. Please, get in."


    He was drivingn''s Maybach. He took her suitcase and ced it in the trunk. Eleanor opened the back door and slid inside.


    Up on the twenty-seventh floor,n gently ced Evelyn on his bed. The little girl stirred, kicking her feet restlessly. Ian immediatelyy down beside her, patting her back gently. "Shh, it''s okay," he murmured. "Daddy''s here."


    Evelyn settled down and fell back asleep. Ian hadforted her to sleep


    countless times since she was a baby, and she feltpletely safe in his presence. After turning over a couple of times, she snuggled into her father''s arms and drifted back into a deep sleep.


    On the way to the airport, Eleanor''s mind was racing. Gavin drove in silence,


    noticing that she was constantly exchanging messages with someone.


    An hourter, they arrived. Gavin escorted her all the way to the security checkpoint.


    "Miss Sutton, please let Mr. Goodwin know when you''vended. He''ll be worried," Gavin reminded her.


    Eleanor nodded. "Thank you, Gavin."


    "You''re wee." He waved and left.


    Once on the ne, exhaustion hit her. As soon as the flight stabilized, she asked the flight attendant for a nket and tried to get some rest.


    The two-and-a-half-hour flight to Kingston passed quickly. As soon as her nended, a series of messages flooded her phone.


    "Contact the number I sent you as soon as yound. The driver will take you to a hotel near the hospital."


    "Remember not to take a cab by yourself. Stay safe."


    "Have you seen my messages? I''m worried about you."


    And then another one: "Do you have someone picking you up in


    1.n


    Kingston''ve arranged for a driver to meet you at the airport. The number is..." This message was from tartplete with the driver''s name and phone number.


    Eleanor stood by the baggage carousel, frowning at her phone. Why hadn arranged for a car?


    Mansfield had already insisted on sending someone for her. During their phone call, he had been so adamant that she couldn''t refuse. In the end, she had agreed.


    After retrieving her suitcase, she stood to the side and replied ton''s message.


    "You can tell your person to go home. I have a ride."


    The message sent. Back in Ashford City, in the living room of the twenty-seventh-floor apartment,n''s phone screen lit up. He


    snatched it immediately R


    her reply his fingers tightened around the device.


    *I have a ride.*


    It was obvious who it was.


    Mansfield. Or someone from the Secretary of State''s office.


    He replied, "Alright. Just text me when you''re safely at the hotel."


    More than ten minutes passed, but his phone remained silent.n closed his eyes, his throat tightening.


    By now, Eleanor was already in the car Mansfield had arranged, heading toward Kingston. She had seenn''sst message but had no intention of Replying She felt no need to to her, he was a stranger now.

 Chapter 807

    She was responsible for her own safety; she didn''t need to report her whereabouts to an outsider.


    The car moved steadily along the highway to Kingston. Outside the window, the tall por trees lining the road blurred into a continuous streak as the sky began to fade from ck to a hazy, predawn gray. Eleanor leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes, exhausted. The driver, sensing her need for rest, drove on in silence.


    When they arrived at the hotel, the driver was exceptionally respectful. "Miss Sutton, allow me to carry your suitcase up for you."


    "That''s not necessary, but thank you," Eleanor replied politely.


    It was clear he was a professional driver, calm andposed. A thought suddenly struck her. Mansfield was at the base, so the person he arranged must have been from the Secretary of State''s office. Could this man be the Secretary''s personal driver?


    A sense of being unexpectedly honored washed over her. She checked into the hotel. It was already four-thirty in the morning. She decided to rest for two hours before heading to the hospital.


    At six-thirty, Eleanor arrived at the hospital. Outside Simone''s room, she found Laura asleep on a bench in the empty corridor. Laura stirred and opened her eyes as Eleanor approached.


    "Ellie, you''re here!" she eximed, sitting up.


    Laura exined that Simone''s sister and niece had arrived and were resting at a hotel across the street. Eleanor sat with her for a while. Seeing that Simone was still asleep, the two of them went to grab some breakfast.


    "Ellie, you must not have slept either," Laura said, noticing the dark circles under Eleanor''s eyes.


    "It''s fine. I can manage," Eleanor said, shaking her head.


    "I just can''t believe it spread so quickly. She seemed fine thest time we saw her," Laura sighed.


    "It''s okay," Eleanor reassured her. "As long as she has the surgery promptly, she''ll recover."


    "I feel so much better now that you''re here," Laura said.


    Eleanor thought Laura had done a remarkable job herself. As Simone''s student and assistant, her loyalty and dedication were truly admirable.


    When they returned, Simone was awake. She looked even more frail, her eyes sunken. It was clear the illness was taking a heavy toll on her both physically and mentally, Shortly after, her sister and niece arrived, and a nurse came in to go over the pre-operative procedures.


    At eight o''clock sharp, Simone was wheeled into the operating room. Eleanor,


    Laura, and Simone''s family waited anxiously outside.


    met


    Around ten, as Eleanor stared nkly at the light above the operating room door, she heard footsteps approaching from t elevator hall. Both she and Laura looked up to see a familiar figure striding toward them.


    It was Faye Yeaton. She hade too.


    Laura leaned over and whispered to Eleanor, "Faye called mest night, so I told her. I can''t believe she actually came."


    When Faye saw Eleanor, her expression flickered for a moment before she turned


    to Laura. "Laura, is Professor Langley still in surgery?"


    "Yes, she''s still in there. You can sit with us and wait," Laura replied.


    Faye greeted Professor Langley''s sister first, then took a seat nearby. She nced at Eleanor before turning back to Laura and


    "Laura, you should have told me


    about this sooner. Why did you keep it from me for so long?"


    Laura looked helpless. "Professor Langley asked me not to tell anyone."


    Faye scoffed internally. If Professor Langley wanted to keep it a secret, then why


    did she tell Eleanor? In the end, it was obvious that Eleanor was the only one who truly mattered to her.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She picked it up to see a message from Mansfield.


    "Are you at the hospital?"


    Eleanor was stunned. Was he asking because he was back in Kingston? Was heing here?

 Chapter 808

    She quickly typed back, "Don''t tell me you''re back!"


    The message had barely been sent, and before a reply coulde, the distinct sound of footsteps echoed from the elevator hall again-steady, rhythmic, and powerful, the unmistakable cadence of a military officer.


    They grew closer.


    Eleanor instinctively looked up.


    A tall, imposing figure was striding toward the operating room. He was dressed in


    a crisp, dark green military uniform, the insignia on his shoulders glinting under the lights. It was Mansfield.


    He was really here.


    Eleanor was so surprised she shot to her feet and walked toward him.


    Faye''s eyes widened in astonishment when she saw Mansfield. She had only ever seen this powerful man from a distance; she never imagined he would show up here. Laura didn''t know who he was, but she couldn''t help staring, though she quickly lowered her gaze after a few moments. The man was like the sun-so brilliant he was hard to look at directly.


    "What are you doing back?" Eleanor asked in a hushed, surprised tone.


    "Official business," Mansfield replied, his voice equally low. "I came to see your mentor while I was here."


    Eleanor looked at him doubtfully. Was it really just official business?


    Mansfield''s gaze swept over her face, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. "How is she?" he asked in a deep voice.


    "Still in surgery," Eleanor said, turning her head to look at the illuminated sign above the operating room door. "It''s aplex procedure, so it''s going to take some time."


    "I''ll wait with you until it''s over," Mansfield said.


    Eleanor studied his expression. "Shouldn''t you go home and get some rest?"


    He shook his head, his eyes firm. "I''m staying with you."


    Seeing his resolve, Eleanor led him back to the waiting area, and he sat down naturally beside her.


    Laura couldn''t help but ask Eleanor in a whisper, "Ellie, who is this?"


    "He''s a friend of mine," Eleanor exined quietly. "Major General Ellington."


    Laura''s eyes widened in shock. My god, a major general this young? She nced at Mansfield with a mixture of awe and admiration.


    Faye, too, turned her head and met Mansfield''s eyes for a fleeting moment. She offered a small smile and a nod. Mansfield, assuming that everyone waiting was an important rtive of Eleanor''s mentor, returned the gesture with a polite nod of his own.


    Faye''s heart skipped a beat. Seeing Mansfield up close, she was even more struck by his extraordinary presence. His uniform and the


    dignited aura he exuded we


    credibly captivating. Laura''s heart was also racing, but she was more curious about his rtionship with Eleanor. She couldn''t help but wonder if Eleanor had such an


    impressive suitor.


    Faye stole another nce at


    Mansfield, only to find his gaze fixed intently on Eleanor''s face, a look


    concern and care etched in his


    expression A bitter feeling


    rose in


    Paye''s chest. It seemed Eleanor was never short of exceptional men in her life.


    The title of major general was staggering. To rise to such a high rank at his age meant he either had powerful connections or exceptional abilities of his own.


    Either way, it proved he was an outstanding man.


    The light above the operating room


    door remained on as everyone


    §Ö§ä


    waited patiently. Time ticked by, minute by minute. Mansfield didn''t interrupt Eleanor often, only asionally leaning over to ask in a low voice if she needed water or wanted to rest. His attentiveness was considerate without being overbearing.


    Faye found it puzzling. What exactly was their rtionship? If they were just friends, Mansfield''s gaze was far from tonic. But if they were a couple, there was a noticeable distance between them.


    Faye went to the restroom. On her way back, she saw Mansfield on the phone on


    a balcony farther down the hall. He stood ramrod straight, and even from a distance, she could feel themanding presence of a military leader in the way he spoke.

 Chapter 809

    Faye couldn''t help but steal a few extra nces. If she ever met a man of his caliber and status, she certainly wouldn''t hesitate. But her social circle was nowhere near that level. Eleanor, on the other hand, had it easy. Her father''s extensivework in academia, both at home and abroad, gave her advantages Faye could only dream of. Having a renowned academic for a father made all the difference.


    Time stretched on. Finally, it was nearly one in the afternoon. No one had had any appetite for lunch, and their energy was draining away. Eleanor had been running on fumes since she got the callst night, barely eating or sleeping. The constant worry had taken its toll. As she stood up to get a ss of water, a wave of dizziness washed over her.


    The world spun, and darkness clouded her vision. Her body swayed uncontrobly.


    In that instant, a strong hand swiftly and securely wrapped around her waist, pulling her into a protective embrace and supporting her as she faltered.


    "What''s wrong?" Mansfield asked, his voice filled with concern.


    "It''s nothing, probably just low blood sugar," Eleanor mumbled, steadying herself. She looked up at him gratefully. If he hadn''t caught her, she would have fallen.


    Mansfield looked down at her pale face, his arm held firmly around her, showing no intention of letting go.


    "Ellie, I have some candy! Here, take one," Laura said, rushing over.


    Eleanor took it and put it in her mouth as Laura hurried off to get her some water.


    Faye watched the scene unfold. She quickly took out her phone and recorded a minute-long video before pretending to step forward with concern. "Eleanor, are you okay?"


    Eleanor was practically enveloped in Mansfield''s arms. The protective gesture filled Faye with a surge of envy.


    After a sip of water, Eleanor felt her strength returning. Realizing how closely Mansfield was holding her, she instinctively straightened up. "Mansfield, I''m fine now. Thank you."


    He helped her back to her seat. "Stay here and rest," he said in a low, firm voice. "I''m going to get you some chocte and something to eat."


    Before she could object, he was already gone.


    Ten minutester, Mansfield returned from the hospital convenience store with bread and water distributing them to everyone there so they could keep their strength up. Faye received her share and smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you, Major General Ellington."


    After handing out the food to the others, Mansfield immediately went back to Eleanor. He unwrapped a piece of chocte and held it out for her. Eleanor looked at him with gratitude and epted it without protest. After she finished the chocte, ke gently coaxed her to eat some bread. "Come on, just half is fine."


    His tone was like he was talking to a child. Faye watched from the side, scoffing internally. Was Eleanor being deliberately dramatic, needing to be coddled just to eat? Was she really that delicate?


    It wasn''t that Eleanor was being difficult; Mansfield was just incredibly persuasive. She had only shaken her head slightly, and he had immediately switched to a gentle, coaxing tone.


    Eleanor''s face flushed with embarrassment. She took the bread and began to eat, and only then did Mansfield look satisfied as he handed her a bottle of water.


    Laura watched them with an envious smile. Mansfield had to be Eleanor''s boyfriend. She never would have guessed her long-distance boyfriend was so handsome.


    Every time Faye nced over, she saw Mansfield looking at Eleanor with a mixture of heartache and concern-an intense emotion that anyone could see. Why? Why did Eleanor get everything so easily?


    Faye picked up her phone and sent the video she had just recorded to Vanessa Shannon. "Here''s a chance for Mr. Goodwin to see this. Maybe it will help him finally give up on Eleanor."

 Chapter 810

    Vanessa was still in the hospital. Her agent had just handed her a te of freshly cut fruit when her phone vibrated. She picked it up and saw the message was from Faye, with a video attached. She nced at her agent. "Laverne, could you step out for a minute?"


    As Vanessa''s agent, Laverne was used to being dismissed like this. It was just how Vanessa operated. "Remember to eat some fruit," she said before leaving. Once the door was closed, Vanessa pressed y.


    The video showed a frail-looking Eleanor leaning against the man named Mansfield. He had his arm wrapped tightly around her waist, his gaze filled with unconcealed worry and tenderness. The intimacy of the gesture made them look like a couple.


    Vanessa typed back, "Where are you?"


    "Kingston. Professor Langley is having surgery. I came to help out and happened to catch this."


    Vanessa frowned. "Aren''t you supposed to be taking the assessment today? What are you doing in Kingston?"


    "I asked Joel for an extension. He agreed to let me take itter."


    Vanessa felt a flicker of relief. She watched the video again, a thoughtful expression on her face. After a moment, she forwarded it to Henry Holt on WhatsApp.


    Almost immediately, Henry replied, stunned. "Vanessa, who sent you this?"


    "My sister filmed it in Kingston," Vanessa wrote. "Henry, I tried to warn you, didn''t I? Eleanor is just ying with Xavier''s feelings. Now do you believe me?" She quickly added, "This video is just for you and me. Please don''t share it. I don''t want to damage Eleanor''s reputation."


    A momentter, her phone rang. It was Henry.


    "Hello? Henry, did you see my message? Remember, don''t share it."


    "Why are you still trying to protect her reputation at a time like this Henry''s voice wasced with anger.


    xavier! Are we


    "Shee ying with Xaver!


    supposed to just cover for her?"


    "Henry, I know you care about Xavier, but please don''t show this to him. It will only upset him."


    "Maybe he needs to be upset! Maybe this is what it will take for him to finally see what kind of woman he''s fallen for," Henry retorted, his voice rising.


    "Look, I just wanted you to see it. I''m tired now. I need to rest."


    Henry''s tone immediately softened. "Didn''t sleep well against night?"


    "No. The doctor has me on such a strict diet. I can''t eat what I want, and it''s affecting my mood."


    "Just get through these next few days," he soothed. "After that, I''ll take you out for all your favorite foods."


    "We''ll see. I''m hanging up now."


    Vanessa ended the call with a faint, triumphant smile. She elegantly picked up a slice of apple and took a slow, deliberate bite, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.


    The image of a virtuous, independent woman that Eleanor had so carefully cultivated in Xavier''s mind was about to shatter.


    Ultimately Eleanor had to end up with someone. This military man seemed like a good fit. If he took


    inor and her daughter away from Ashford City, far fromn''s circle, it would be a huge help to Vanessa.


    A thought suddenly struck her, and her chewing slowed. She looked down at her own slender wrist and lost her appetite. Tossing the apple back onto the te, she picked up her phone as it buzzed with message from her agent.

 Chapter 811

    "I just ran into Miss Goodwin in the lobby. She''s on her way up to see you."


    Vanessa paused, a small smile ying on her lips.


    A knock came at the door. Vanessa didn''t answer, but a momentter, Serena Goodwin pushed the door open and walked in. She was about to say something when she noticed Vanessa engrossed in her phone. Curious, Serena tiptoed over to the bedside, nning to surprise her.


    "Vanessa, what are you looking at so intently?"


    Vanessa jumped, and her phone fell onto the covers. She quickly tried to snatch it away.


    "Serena, don''t look!"


    Serena hadn''t intended to, but Vanessa''s reaction piqued her curiosity. "What is it that I''m not allowed to see?"


    As Vanessa grabbed the phone, the video was still ying. Serena caught a glimpse of Eleanor copsing into a man''s arms and immediately snatched the phone from her hand.


    She reyed the video from the beginning. When it finished, her expression was one of pure disgust.


    "Don''t tell your brother," Vanessa said, taking her phone back. "I don''t want this to affect him."


    Serena scoffed. "Affect him? More like disgust him."


    "Still, Serena, don''t say anything to him. And don''t mention you saw it on my phone. My sister sent it to me, and I don''t want to cause trouble for her."


    "Don''t worry. Even if I sent it to my brother, he wouldn''t care. It''s Eleanor''s business whose arms she wants to be in," Serena said dismissively. As long as Eleanor stayed away from her brother, she couldn''t care less.


    But Vanessa insisted. "Serena, promise me you won''t tell him."


    Even if she didn''t tell her brother, Serena''s opinion of Eleanor had just plummeted even further.


    "Fine, I promise," Serena nodded.


    Only then did Vanessa rx and smile. Serena, however, was still curious. "Where did your sister film this?"


    "At a hospital in Kingston. One of their professors is having surgery. Eleanor and my sister are both there."


    "Good thing your sister was there," Serena huffed. "Otherwise, we''d never find out about Eleanor''s disgusting private life."


    "Honestly, it might be a good thing if Eleanor marries this military man," Vanessa mused. "At least she''d be out of our lives, right?"


    Serena pursed her lips. "Vanessa, you''re too kind. Why are you even thinking about what''s best for her?"


    Vanessa smiled gently. "Evelyn lives with her. I just hope she can provide a good life for her."


    Serena had always known Vanessa was fond of her niece. Hearing this only reinforced her belief that Vanessa was a kind and gracious, woman¡ªthe kind of woman even she admired.


    Meanwhile, the video Vanessa had sent to Henry was festering in his mind. He was driving to his office,, and the more he thought


    about


    the angrier he became. It waspletely unfair to Xavier


    As far as Henry was concerned, Eleanor was leading Xavier on. So why was she


    off hugging another man? What was that all about?


    At a red light, the frustration became


    too much. He spun the wheel and headed straight for the Vaughn Group headquarters. A phone cal wasn''t enough. He had to go there in person and talk some sense into Xavier face-to-face.


    When Henry strode into the Vaughn Group lobby, the receptionist immediately


    came to greet him, but he waved her off. "I''ll find him myself."

 Chapter 812

    Everyone at the Vaughn Group knew Henry, so he walked straight up to Xavier''s office without any trouble.


    Inside, Xavier was on the phone, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window. He turned in surprise when he heard the door open. Seeing Henry, he ended his call and walked over.


    "What brings you here?" Xavier asked, tossing his phone onto the sofa and rubbing his temples. He looked exhausted from worktely.


    Without a word, Henry pulled out his phone, yed the video again, and held it up for Xavier to see. "Take a good look at this. Xavier, is this woman really worth all your effort?"


    Xavier took the phone, confused. The video was halfway through, showing Eleanor leaning against Mansfield, who was looking down at her with concern.


    Xavier''s breath hitched. Where was this filmed? Why did Eleanor look so pale, as if she were about to faint?


    "Did you see it?" Henry pressed. "I feel terrible for you. Look at her, stringing you along while she''s all over some other guy. The video makes it crystal clear." Xavier''s head snapped up. "Who sent this to you? Where was it filmed?" "It doesn''t matter who sent it. It was filmed today, at a hospital in Kingston." Xavier quickly grabbed his own phone and opened WhatsApp to message Eleanor. "Eleanor, are you at The Kingston Hospital? What happened?"


    Henry stared, dumbfounded. This was not the reaction he had expected. He thought Xavier would be furious, angry, and full of regret for ever falling for Eleanor. That was how a betrayed man was supposed to react.


    "Yes, I''m in Kingston," Eleanor replied a momentter. "Professor Langley is having surgery here."


    Xavier knew how much Simone meant to Eleanor. He typed back, "How is she? Was the surgery sessful?"


    "She''s still in surgery. We don''t know the oue yet."


    Xavier suddenly turned to Henry. "Send me that video. Now."


    Henry, though confused, forwarded it immediately. Xavier watched it carefully. Seeing Eleanor in


    Mansfield''s arms was jarring but he was more concerned about her condition.


    Why did she copse? Why was her face so pale? Was it because she was worried sick about Simone? It didn''t take him long to connect the dots. She had fainted from exhaustion, and Mansfield, being there with her had haterally caught her. If he had been there instead, Xavier would have done the exact same thing.


    "Xavier, are you even listening to me?" Henry eximed.


    "I''m listening. But you''ve misunderstood. Eleanor''s mentor is having surgery in Kingston. She must have fainted from exhaustion."


    "Her mentor''s having surgery? Sounds more like an excuse to meet her lover," Henry blurted out.


    Xavier shot him a sharp look. "Henry, don''t nder Eleanor with your malicious assumptions. I know her better than you do."


    defensive tone. "Xavier, you''vepletely lost your mind


    evidence is right in front of you, and you''re still defending her?"


    Henry was taken aback by


    Xavier grabbed his suit jacket from the sofa and turned to him. "If I told you


    Vanessa was having an affair, what would you think?"


    Henry''s reaction was immediate and visceral. "That''s impossible."


    Xavier held his gaze for a few seconds. "You know her. You know she wouldn''t do that. It''s the same for me with Eleanor. I know there''s a reason for what happened."


    Henry was speechless. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

 Chapter 813

    He was right. If someone had shown him an ambiguous video iming Vanessa was involved with another man, his first reaction would have been disbelief. Put in the same position, Xavier felt the same way about Eleanor.


    "Xavier, I... I''m sorry," Henry stammered. "I let my emotions get the best of me."


    Xavier shook his head. "Who sent you the video?"


    Henry''s lips tightened, and he remained silent.


    Xavier seemed to understand. "Just be more careful next time. Things aren''t always what they seem on the surface."


    A sense of helplessness washed over Henry. He watched as Xavier looked like he was about to leave. "Xavier, where are you going?"


    "To Kingston," Xavier replied, shrugging on his jacket and heading for the door.


    He had to go. Whether Eleanor needed him or not, whether someone else was already by her side, now that he knew, he had to be there.


    "Isn''t Laura with her? She''ll be fine," Henry called after him.


    "I have to see for myself. I won''t be able to rx until I know she''s okay."


    Henry could only nod in resignation. "Alright, then. Go. Be careful on the road." He paused, then added with sincere plea, "Xavier, what I said earlier... don''t tell Eleanor."


    Xavier nced back and gave a slight nod before disappearing through the door.


    Henry watched the elevator doors close, a mix of emotions churning inside him. Part of him hoped Xavier was right and that Eleanor was truly worthy of his devotion. Another part of him feared Xavier would only end up hurt.


    But in the end, as a friend, all Henry could do was wish him well. He knew all too well the pain of unrequited love.


    Kingston, 4:30 PM.


    The light above the operating room door finally went out.


    Everyone waiting outside instantly rose to their feet, their eyes fixed on the door. The head surgeon emerged first. Though his face was etched with fatigue, his eyes were bright. The surgery was a sess he announced. "We removed the tumorpletely. Her recovery will now depend on the post-op care and chemotherapy."


    A collective sigh of relief filled the hallway. Eleanor felt it too.


    Just then, a clear male voice called out, "Dr. Lyman, thank you for your hard work."


    Mansfield was greeting the surgeon.


    Dr. Lyman''s eyes lit up when he saw him. "Well, look who''s back." His


    §Ö§ä


    gaze shifted to Eleanor, a knowing smile ying on his lips. "Don''t worry, everyone The surgery went very well. We''ll keep her in


    observation for another couple of hours before moving her to her


    room. You can all go get something


    to eat."


    Simone''s sister and niece were ovee with emotion, their eyes welling with


    tears as they thanked the doctor profusely.


    "Thank you, thank you, Dr. Lyman," Eleanor added gratefully.


    At that moment, unnoticed by anyone, the elevator doors at the end of the hall opened, and a tall figure stepped out.


    It wasn.


    As they were seeing the doctor off, Eleanor took a step back and identally trod on Simone''s niece''s foot. She quickly lifted her foot but lost her bnce and stumbled.


    Thinking she was about to faint again, Mansfield reacted instantly, his hand shooting out to steady her arm, pulling her into his embrace. His strong arm wrapped securely around her waist.


    resistance, as if it were the most normal thing in the world


    Since everyone''s attention was focused on the other end of the hall, no one


    noticed the two new arrivals until Gavin cleared his throat deliberately.


    Everyone turned.


    Faye gasped, and Laura''s eyes darted to Eleanor.

 Chapter 814

    Mansfield, seeingn, didn''t immediately release his hold on Eleanor. Only after ensuring she was steady on her feet did he naturally withdraw his arm.


    From a few feet away, the two men''s gazes met in a brief, silent sh.


    Mansfield was the first to give a slight nod. Ian reciprocated with a polite dip of his head before turning his attention to Eleanor.


    Eleanor stepped forward. "Where''s Evelyn?"


    "She''s staying at my mother''s for the night,"n replied, then asked, "How is Professor Langley? Was the surgery sessful?"


    Faye jumped in to answer. "The head surgeon just said the operation went very smoothly."


    "I''m d to hear the surgery was a sess," he said, his voiceced with relief. "You''ve all been through a lot."


    Simone''s sister, Sonya Langley, a modest businesswoman, was taken aback by the arrival of yet another imposing figure. She turned to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, who is this?"


    Eleanor paused for a moment before smiling. "He is Mr. Goodwin, an investor in Professor Langley''sb."


    "Mr. Goodwin, thank you so much foring to see my sister. We really appreciate it," Sonya said, offering the customary pleasantries.


    "It''s no trouble," Ian replied with a small smile.


    "None of you have eaten. You must be starving," Sonya said, extending an invitation. "Please, let me treat you all to a meal at the restaurant across the street." As a family member, she felt it was her duty to host them.


    "Ms. Langley, I''ll stay here. You all go ahead," Eleanor said, having no appetite.


    "I''ll stay with you," Mansfield added immediately.


    Gavin chimed in at the perfect moment. "Mr. Goodwin and I have already had lunch."


    Sonya then turned to Laura and Faye. "Laura, Faye, why don''t you two go get something to eat?"


    Laura was genuinely hungry and nodded. "Okay, Ms. Langley."


    Faye nced atn, saw that his attention was still fixed on Eleanor, and decided not to make things awkward. "Alright, let''s go."


    After Sonya led them away, the hallway fell silent, leaving only Eleanor, Mansfield,n, and the ever-present, ever-discreet Gavin.


    Gavin, ever the tactful assistant, said, "I''ll go downstairs and get some water." He turned and left.


    An ufortable silence descended. Eleanor looked at the two men. "We should all sit down and rest."


    Simone was still in the observation period, and Eleanor needed to wait calmly.


    Mansfield took the seat next to took Eleanor. Ian''s eyes darkened almost imperceptibly. He directed his question to Mansfield. "Major General Ellington, are you back in the or did youe specifically to apany... Dr. Sutton?


    Capital of official


    His words were framed as casual conversation, but Mansfield could read the probing intent behind them.


    Mansfield met his gaze with a candid smile. "A bit of both, I suppose. had a mission to handle back here, and then heard about Professor Langley Since Eleanor was here, I thought I''de by and see if I could help." He then added pointedly, "And you, Mr. Goodwin? I imagine you also took time out of your busy schedule to be here."


    The implication was clear: we''re both here for the same reason.


    professionally and personall ne


    Visit her. But you Major Generat Ellington, with all your military responsibilities, to show such concern for a friend''s mentor... it''s quite remarkable."


    The words were a subtle usation, implying Mansfield was overstepping the bounds of friendship.


    Mansfield chuckled lightly. "I''ve always considered Eleanor''s concerns to be my own. It''s only right that I do what I can to help."


    "There''s no need," Eleanor said coolly. "I''ll leave after Professor Langley is back in her room."


    Mansfield remained silent, a quiet pir of support by her side. He knew Eleanor disliked confrontations.

 Chapter 815

    Just then, the sound of the elevator announced another arrival. A figure, looking slightly travel-worn, strode around the corner. It was Xavier, a suit jacket draped over his arm, his expression a mixture of urgency and concern.


    His steps faltered for a moment when he saw the three people sitting on the bench, but he quicklyposed himself and walked over.


    "Eleanor,n," Xavier greeted them, then turned to Mansfield with a polite nod. "Major General Ellington."


    His eyes returned to Eleanor. He saw that while she was pale, she seemed to be holding up, and he breathed a quiet sigh of relief.


    "Xavier, you''re here,"n said, raising an eyebrow.


    "Mr. Vaughn," Mansfield acknowledged.


    Eleanor was the most surprised of all. She couldn''t believe he hade.


    "What are you doing here?" she asked, standing up. She had assumed he would just check in via text, not drive all the way from Ashford City.


    "I had a business trip in Kingston and heard about your mentor''s surgery, so I thought I''d... stop by," Xavier said, his eyes shifting slightly as he quickly changed the subject. "How is Professor Langley''s surgery?"


    "It was a sess," Eleanor replied, still a bit stunned.


    "That''s good to hear," Xavier said, his voice full of genuine concern.


    A few young nurses passed by, their eyes widening as they saw the three men sitting in the hallway. They exchanged nces and hurried away blushing. Any one of these men would have been enough to turn heads, but to have all three gathered in a quiet hospital corridor, all for the same woman, created a surreal scene-a silent, tense standoff beneath a veneer of civility.


    Xavier sat down next ton, clearly intending to stay.


    The air seemed to thicken, a silent battle of wills, unfolding between the three men. They sat like stoic


    sentinels nking Eleanor, eacho


    exuding a powerful and distinct aura, their attention focused either on her or on the operating room doors.


    ?? ?.


    Another woman might have felt a thrill of vanity, a flutter of excitement, or overwhelming anxiety. But Eleanor felt only a deep-seated weariness and a quiet unease Though the surgery was sess, Simone was not out of the woods yet. Her mind was already racing, formting post-operative ns and contingency strategies. She was so lost in thought that she barely registered the three


    formidable men beside her.


    The sound of footsteps broke the silence. Sonya returned with her daughter, Laura, and Faye. They had been too worried to go far, opting for a quick meal in the hospital cafeteria downstairs.


    As they rounded the corner, they stopped in their tracks, stunned by the scene before them.


    There sat Eleanor, quiet and contemtive, her head slightly bowed. On either side of her were three tall, handsome, and impably dressed men. They weren''t speaking, but theirbined presence created a powerful, almost cinematic tableau.


    Sonya, her daughter, and Laura were speechless.


    Faye, however, felt her pupils constrict. A wave of jealousy so intense it was almost suffocating washed over her.


    Three of them.


    Three top-tier, exceptional men, all gathered around Eleanor likes orbiting a star.


    Two titans of industry and a young major general.


    Any one of them was a man Faye could only dream of meeting, yet Eleanor had somehow captured the attention and devotion of all three.

 Chapter 816

    The vast chasm between their realities gnawed at Faye''s heart like a venomous snake. She struggled to maintain a calm facade, but her tightly clenched fists betrayed her inner turmoil.


    Laura was secretly in awe. Eleanor was incredibly captivating to have attracted three such handsome men, each one more striking than thest.


    Sonya, unsure of the situation, approached with a smile. "Miss Sutton, and this is?" she asked, looking at Xavier, whom she didn''t recognize.


    "This is my friend, Xavier. He was in Kingston on business and came to see Professor Langley," Eleanor exined, rising to her feet. "This is Professor Langley''s sister, Ms. Langley."


    "Mr. Vaughn, hello. It''s very kind of you toe," Sonya said gratefully.


    "Not at all, Ms. Langley," Xavier replied politely.


    Sonya looked at Eleanor''s pale face with concern. "Miss Sutton, you should go back to the hotel and rest. We can watch over things here. We''ll call you if anything changes."


    Eleanor was about to protest when Mansfield spoke up in a low voice. "Ms. Langley is right. You need to rest. Dr. Lyman will notify us immediately if there''s any change."


    "It''s fine," Eleanor insisted, shaking her head. "I can manage."


    "You''ve been here for so long, and you even fainted from low blood sugar. We can''t have you copsing," Sonya said, her voice full of genuine concern.


    The words "fainted from low blood sugar" hitn like a physical blow. His gaze shot to Eleanor, his worry in to see. He finally understood why she had stumbled when he arrived.


    Xavier, too, was looking at Eleanor, his suspicions confirmed. The video showed exactly what he had thought: Eleanor had fainted from low blood sugar, and Mansfield had caught her. His eyes then darted to Faye, a sharp, warning glint in them.


    Faye had been watchingn''s reaction, her heart sinking as she saw his undisguised concern for Eleanor. Just then, she felt another pair of eyes on her. She nced over and saw Xavier staring at her A chill ran down her spine Why was he looking at her like that Confused and unnerved, she quickly lowered her gaze.


    Xavier knew the video on Henry''s phone hade from Faye. Her tactic of filming out of context was both shameful and malicious. She had taken a normal reaction to a medical issue and twisted it into something scandalous to send to Henry.


    But at least now, Xavier felt a sense of relief. He had known there had to be a reason. Eleanor would never behave so inappropriately in public.


    "Ellie, we brought you some food. You need to eat something," Laura said, remembering the bag she was holding.


    "Miss Sutton, please, have a little something," Sonya urged. "There''s a lounge down the hall. You can eat in there."


    Eleanor took the bag from Laura and nodded. "Alright."


    Sonya''s daughter, a young woman in her early twenties, couldn''t help but stare at the three powerful men. She had never seen anything like it. From the moment she saw Eleanor She had thought she was beautiful, with the looks of a movie star. Now, seeing these three wealthy and influential men all by her side, she felt a sense of pure awe and envy.


    "I''ll go with you," Mansfield said immediately.


    Seeing that Laura had packed enough for everyone, Eleanor turned to Xavier. "Xavier, have you eaten?"


    "I was in a hurry to get here, so no, not yet," he replied naturally.

 Chapter 817

    "Thene eat with us," Eleanor invited.


    Xavier nodded. Eleanor''s gaze briefly flickered towardn, but she said nothing more and walked with Mansfield and Xavier toward the lounge.


    Faye bit her lip. It was as if Eleanor was the center of their universe, her every move dictating their actions. She forced herself to sit down, the bitter taste of resentment filling her mouth.


    In the lounge, Eleanor opened the takeout containers. There were at least four, filled with noodles, rice porridge, and tworge steamed buns Laura had packed. It was simple cafeteria food, meant to fill their stomachs.


    Mansfield picked up a bun, broke it in half, and handed a piece to Eleanor. "Eat this. Professor Langley wouldn''t want to wake up and find you''ve copsed."


    "Your health is what''s important," Xavier added. "Please, eat."


    Eleanor took the bun and, under the watchful eyes of the two men, took a small bite.


    Mansfield efficiently opened the other containers, his movements crisp and precise, like the soldier he was.


    "Mr. Vaughn, have some," he said, gesturing to the food.


    Xavier nodded, took the other half of the bun, and began eating it with some of the side dishes. Neither man seemed to mind the simple meal, both seemingly aware that Eleanor would only eat if they ate with her.


    Eleanor, however, was lost in thought, her brow furrowed. Even with two powerful men nking her, her mind was elsewhere.


    "What are you thinking about?" Xavier asked gently.


    Eleanor looked up. "A recovery n for Professor Langley. Chemotherapy is hard on the body, especially at her age. I''m trying to think of better options."


    Xavier and Mansfield exchanged a look. This was a battle they couldn''t help her fight; she was the genius in the medical field.


    The lounge was small, with a simple table and a few chairs. Eleanor sat in the middle, with Mansfield and


    Meronei


    Xavier on either side. Even eating steamed buns and side dishes felt like a strangely peaceful moment.


    Eleanor nibbled absentmindedly at her bun, her mind already on Simone''s post- op treatment n.


    Mansfield pushed a bowl of warm millet porridge in front of her. "If you don''t want the bun, have some of this. It''ll be good for you."


    Almost simultaneously, Xavier moved a small dish of pickled vegetables closer to her. "This might help with your appetite."


    Eleanor paused, pulled from her thoughts. She looked from the porridge to the vegetables and then at the two men. "Thank you," she said to both of them.


    the half-eaten bun and


    She put down the


    began to eat the porridge with a


    spoon Mansfield and Xavier


    exchanged another nce before


    turning back to their own food, though their eyes frequently returned to her, as if to make sure she finished her meal.


    Eleanor must have been hungrier than she thought, because she ate half the bowl before feeling fulk" can''teat any more," she said looking


    You two should have the rest


    Mansfield had already finished his food with military efficiency. Xavier, ever the gentleman, had only eaten half a bun and also seemed to be done.


    "You should eat more. The noodles are good."


    "And this stir-fry is delicious."


    Both men tried to coax her, but Eleanor just shook her head with a weary smile. "I''m really full. Please, don''t worry about me."


    They were both intelligent men and immediately understood that she didn''t want to be fussed over.


    Mansfield withdrew his hand. "Alright. We won''t force you."


    Xavier, however, still seemed hungry. "May I have that other piece of the bun?" he asked Eleanor.

 Chapter 818

    Mansfield had already eaten the other half. It seemed both men preferred the in steamed buns over noodles.


    Eleanor picked up the piece she had been eating. She tore off the part she had bitten and handed the rest to him. "If you don''t mind, here."


    Xavier smiled. "Of course not." Even if she hadn''t torn off her part, he wouldn''t have minded.


    Across the table, Mansfield looked up at Xavier. For a brief moment, unseen by Eleanor, a spark of rivalry seemed to crackle in the air between them before dissipating into a quiet, peaceful silence.


    A few minutester, Eleanor emerged from the lounge, followed by Mansfield, who was carrying the empty containers to the trash, and Xavier, who was talking to her quietly. Ian forced himself to look away, suppressing the turmoil in his heart.


    Faye watched, stunned. She had half-expected the two men to get into a fight over Eleanor, or at least give each other the cold shoulder. But instead, they were coexisting peacefully, seemingly willing to suppress their own feelings for Eleanor''s sake. Their profound respect and care for her only highlighted how much she meant to them-so much that they would tolerate a rival''s presence rather than cause her any distress.


    She had also noticedn constantly ncing toward the lounge, his concern for his ex-wife painfully obvious. And yet, even though Faye was about to be his


    sister-inw, he had barely looked at her, treating her like aplete stranger. Given all the support he had given the Yeatons, his coldness was baffling. Faye couldn''t


    understand it, nor did she have the courage to approach him. His intimidating aura was so intense it was suffocating.


    He was a man to be admired from afar, yet feared up close. She had to give Vanessa credit for capturing his heart.


    Faye''s gaze fell on Eleanor again. Xavier was walking beside her, his eyes so full


    of affection they seemed to melt.


    *Go on, Eleanor,* she thought bitterly. *Lead them all on until they''re all heartbroken and hate you.*


    The intense jealousy felt like acid corroding her heart. She had always believed they started from the same ce or that she had even had a better starts so why had things turned out this way? Eleanors mere existence made all of Faye''s hard work feel like a joke. It was as if Eleanor did nothing and still ended up with everything.


    Her phone buzzed with a reply from Vanessa. She looked down to read the message.ust focus on taking care of Professor Langley. Don''t pay attention to anything else. Ian is only there because of her condition."


    Another message followed. "And remember, don''t get too close to Xavier."


    Faye frowned. Why the specific warning? She recalled the warning look Xavier had given her earlier. Had he found out something? Could Vanessa have shown him the video she sent?

 Chapter 819

    A wave of panic washed over Faye.


    Just then, the operating room doors opened. An assistant surgeon stepped out. "The patient is awake. We''re about to move her to her room. You can wait for her there."


    A jolt of relief went through the group. Eleanor''s tense expression finally softened. "That''s wonderful news," Sonya said, her eyes welling up with tears.


    Everyone hurried toward the patient room, with Mansfield naturally falling into step beside Eleanor, andn and Xavier following closely behind. They gathered outside the VIP room, waiting.


    Soon, a nurse wheeled the bed over. Simoney on it, her face pale, an oxygen mask covering her mouth and nose. Her consciousness seemed hazy, but her eyes were open.


    "Sister," Sonya whispered, rushing to her side, her voice choked with emotion.


    "Professor Langley," Faye said, stepping forward.


    Eleanor hung back as the head surgeon approached to give Sonya and her the post-op instructions. "The anesthesia hasn''t fully worn off yet. She needs quiet rest. The family should monitor her closely."


    Sonya turned to Eleanor. "You should go in and see her."


    Eleanor nodded and entered the room. She gently took Simone''s hand. "Professor Langley, the surgery was a sess. Don''t worry. Just focus on resting."


    Simone, who had been unresponsive, slowly moved her eyes, as if recognizing Eleanor. Her fingers twitched in Eleanor''s grasp, a silent acknowledgment.


    Faye watched from the side, a familiar sting of jealousy rising in her. Of course. In Professor Langley''s eyes, only Eleanor mattered. She had called out to her earlier, but Simone hadn''t reacted at all.


    Sonya came in a momentter. "Miss Sutton, we''ll take it from here. You should go home. I hear you have a very demanding job¡ª"


    "It''s fine," Eleanor said. "I''ll leave tomorrow."


    "In that case, could you please ask those three gentlemen to go home and rest as well? We''ve taken up so much of their time. I feel terrible, Sonya said, clearly overwhelmed by the presence of such influential men.


    Eleanor could see her difort and nodded. "Of course. I''ll tell them to go. You should stay with Professor Langley. The doctors are here if you need anything. I''ll be at the hotel across the street."


    "Okay, you go on then," Sonya said, then turned to Faye. "Miss Yeaton, if you''re busy, you should head back too. I''ll tell my sister you came to see her when she''s more awake."


    Faye nodded. "Alright." She had no more time to waste here. She needed to use the weekend to study for her rescheduled assessment on Monday.


    Laura, of course, stayed behind.


    Eleanor stepped out of the room and saw the three men standing a short distance away. A look of relief washed over her tired face as she walked toward them.


    She addressedn first, her tone carefully distant. "Professor Langley is awake and stable. I''m heading back to Ashford City tomorrow. You should go home and look after Evelyn. We can handle things here."


    of the ange for othe


    help, to someone to stay, held back,


    said, nodding. "I''ll leave Gavin here. Call me if you need anything."


    "That won''t be necessary. Gavin can go back too," Eleanor stated.


    Gavin nced at his boss, awaiting hismand. Ian frowned but eventually nodded. He didn''t leave immediately, however, clearly curious to see how she would dismiss the other two.

 Chapter 820

    Seeing that he wasn''t leaving, Eleanor ignored him and turned to Xavier. Before she could speak, he offered a gentle smile. "I have a client to see. I''ll be leaving tomorrow."


    Eleanor nodded, a hint of apology in her voice. "Thank you foring all this way today. You should get to your work."


    "Don''t be a stranger," Xavier said, his eyes soft. "Get some rest. Don''t push yourself. Call me if you need anything."


    He, too, lingered, turning to Mansfield. "Major General Ellington, are you leaving?"


    "I''m taking Eleanor back to her hotel first," Mansfield stated tly.


    His words made both other men frown. Ian''s expression darkened. "I''m staying at the hotel across the street. I''ll walk her over."


    Gavin quickly interjected, "That''s right. Mr. Goodwin just checked in. He was about to go get his luggage."


    Now it was Eleanor''s turn to frown. She would rather walk back alone than be escorted byn.


    "Eleanor and I have something to discuss. Don''t trouble yourself," Mansfield said, effectively shuttingn down. He knew Eleanor wanted to avoid her ex-husband, and he wasn''t about to pass up an opportunity to help her do that.


    Xavier watched the exchange, a flicker of something akin to pity forn in his eyes. Though he was annoyed himself, it was the first time he had seenn so thoroughly rebuffed.


    Eleanor was exhausted, a dull throb starting at her temples, but she was keenly aware of the silent power struggle between the three men. She looked at each of them, her gaze finally settling on Mansfield. Her voice was gentle but firm. "None of you need to walk me back. The hotel is just across the street. Besides, I need to run to the store to pick up a few things for myself."


    Three pairs of eyes immediately fixed on her, all with the same spective thought. *Things for herself? Personal items that a man shouldn''t apany her to buy? Could it be...*


    A faint blush crept up Eleanor''s pale cheeks. She could read their minds and didn''t bother to correct them. "All of you should go," she said, then turned to Mansfield. "And Mansfield, thank you again foring today. The words were both a thank you and a polite dismissal.


    Mansfield knew better than to drain any more of her energy. Juggling the three of


    them was exhausting, and what she needed most was peace and quiet.


    "Alright. We''ll head out then," he said, then nced at the other two. "Shall we go down together?"


    Eleanor stepped into the elevator,


    and the three tall men followed, with Gavin awkwardly squeezing into a corner. He had never witnessed scene quite like this. Eleanor, he had to admit, was truly exceptional.


    An awkward silence filled the elevator. When the doors opened on the next floor, a group of nurses,ughing and chatting were waiting, They froze, stunned by the sight inside.n shot them a cold book. "Are you getting in?"


    "No, no, you go ahead!" one of them quickly replied.


    As the doors closed, they could hear a faint exmation from the hallway. "Oh my god, they''re all so handsome!"


    The three men exchangedplex nces. Eleanor, lost in her own thoughts, seemed oblivious to it all.


    At the hospital entrance, Xavier and Mansfield headed toward the parking lot. Gavin turned ton. "Mr. Goodwin, I''ll bring the car around to the hotel. Are you going to walk?"


    Eleanor crossed the hospital za and waited at the crosswalk. Just as Mansfield''s SUV pulled up to the street, he sawn step up beside her. He paused, his foot hovering over the elerator.

 Chapter 821

    The crosswalk light turned green. Eleanor looked up and started forward, so exhausted she didn''t even noticen following close behind her.


    From his car at the red light, Mansfield watched until she disappeared into the crowd. A few impatient honks sounded from behind him, but the car directly in hisne remained silent. The driver had seen his government tes and wisely kept his hand off the horn.


    A momentter, the army-green SUV shot away like an arrow released from a bow.


    Then, a ck Bentley pulled up from behind, and Xavier''s assistant drove off in a different direction.


    "Mr. Vaughn, the hotel is booked at the "


    "Just get me a room at the hotel across from the hospital," Xavier cut him off.


    The assistant paused for a second before understanding. "Right away, sir. I''ll see if they have a suite avable."


    "A standard room is fine," came the reply from the back seat.


    "Yes, sir," the assistant quickly agreed.


    Eleanor stepped into the hotel lobby as a wave of exhaustion washed over her. She touched her forehead and was shocked to find it burning up.


    She pressed the elevator''s up button. When the doors slid open, she stumbled inside and leaned against the cool metal wall, her eyes closed, willing herself to get to her room quickly.


    Just as the doors were about to close, they opened again, and a tall figure stepped inside.


    Eleanor''s eyes snapped open, her brow furrowing in annoyance.


    *Why did he follow me?*


    As the elevator began to ascend, a dizzy spell hit her, the world tilting violently. The long hours in theb,bined with exhaustion, low blood sugar, and a mounting fever, finally took their toll. Her vision went ck.


    In herst moment of consciousness, she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist as she copsed into his arms.


    He felt the heat radiating from her body and leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers.


    She was burning up. Damn it, she had a fever.


    "Eleanor?"n''s deep voice wasced with urgency.


    When she didn''t respond, he pulled out his phone and dialed Gavin. "Meet me at the elevator. Eleanor copsed."


    "On my way."


    Gavin didn''t hesitate, stomping on the gas. Just then, the gloomy sky opened up, and a heavy rain began to fall While waiting at a red light, Gavin nced back to see fan holding Eleanor as gently as if she were a child.


    "Mr. Goodwin, what happened to Miss Sutton?"


    "She has a fever. She''s unconscious,"n said, his gaze fixed on Eleanor''s face


    as hisrge hand cupped her cheek.


    At the hospital, Gavin arranged for a VIP room.n carried Eleanor in and ced


    her on the gurney before a doctor came to examine her.


    Aftern exined the situation, the


    doctor concluded that Eleanor''s exhaustion had weakened her immune system, leading to a high lever. They would start by bringing the fever down before running more tests.


    butn''s jaw tightened as he watched the needle pierce the delicate skin on the back of her hand.


    Once the nurse left, the only sound


    in the quiet room was their breathing,n noticed Eleanor''s hair was a mess. He instinctively reached out to smooth it, his hand freezing mid-air for a moment. It had been so long since they''d shared such an intimate gesture?


    Letting his hand fall, his fingers gently brushed her forehead as he tucked the stray strands of hair behind her ear.


    He looked at the womanpletely lost to the world on the bed. If he hadn''t


    followed her, she would have copsed alone with no one to even take her to the hospital.

 Chapter 822

    He was grateful he had insisted on following her, allowing him to get her to the hospital in time.


    The IV drip was making her arm cold. Ian reached out and gently took her hand in his. It was like ice.


    He cupped it between his palms, trying to transfer some of his own warmth to her. Gavin waited outside, not daring to disturb them.


    Time ticked by. The sound of the rain outside only amplified the silence in the


    room.


    After she left,n pressed a cotton ball to the injection site until the bleeding stopped. He felt Eleanor''s forehead again; the fever had gone down slightly, but it hadn''t brokenpletely.


    Her hand was still cold, so he held it again, warming it in his own before tucking it back under the covers.


    Eleanor slept deeply, as if she hadn''t had a proper rest in ages, her features peaceful and content.


    Without the cool, distant walls she usually put up around him, she seemed exceptionally fragile and quiet.


    The hours crept by. Around four in the morning, Eleanor''s longshes fluttered. She slowly opened her eyes, the fog of the fever having lifted considerably.


    She blinked, adjusting to the dim light, and stared at the unfamiliar ceiling for a few seconds, confused.


    Was she... in a hospital?


    Her eyes widened as the memories returned. She had copsed in the elevator, andn had been there.


    Eleanor instinctively sat up and looked toward the chair.


    In the dim light, she could make outn''s form, resting with his eyes closed.


    It really was him.


    Her heart sank, aplicated mix of embarrassment, annoyance, and a reluctant acknowledgment of the truth washing over her.


    He had brought her to the hospital and stayed with her all night.


    Her first instinct was to flee. She carefully pushed back the covers, trying not to wake him.


    But the slight movement was


    enough to stir the light-sleepingn. His eyes snapped open his sharp gaze instantly locking onto her back as she tried to slip out of bed.


    "You''re awake?" he asked, his voice raspy with sleep.


    Eleanor froze. With her back still to him, she said in a cool voice, "I''m fine now. Thank you for bringing me here After a pause, she added, " transfer you the money for the medical bills."


    Annoyed, Eleanor realized her shoes were on his side of the bed. She shifted to get out on the other side.


    "That won''t be necessary. I know own body" Eleanor said, sitting on the edge of the bed to put on her shoes. But as her feet touched the floor, her legs felt like jelly, and she nearly stumbled.


    flinched away as if burned. "Don''t touch me."


    Her voice was sharp with frustration. "I can manage."


    she was; forcing the issue would only make her more resentful.

 Chapter 823

    "Fine. I''ll walk you back,"n said, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    "No, thank you," Eleanor refused immediately.


    The hotel was just across the street, and Kingston was a safe city.


    Eleanor was speechless. He had a point¡ªshe owed him for what happened¡ªbut she hated feeling dependent on anyone, especially her ex-husband.


    "I won''t trouble you," she insisted, feeling a bit steadier now. She touched her forehead; the fever was gone.


    As Eleanor walked out of the hospital,n followed. At four in the morning, the main square was deserted. The wind was sharp and cold. Eleanor''s cashmere coat wasn''t enough to stop her from shivering. Behind her,n unbuttoned his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.


    The weight of it settled on her, carrying the distinct, masculine scent of cedar. She immediately reached up to shrug it off. "Take it back. I don''t need it," she said coldly.


    Before her fingers could touch thepel,n''s hand mped down on her


    shoulder, holding the jacket in ce. "Wear it," hemanded, his voice firm and unyielding.


    Eleanor looked up, her gaze meeting his under the dim glow of amppost. Her eyes were like ice. "Take it back."


    Her tone was even more forceful than his.


    "Don''t be difficult,"n''s voice softened, a hint of pleading in his tone. "You''re still recovering from a fever. You can''t afford to get a chill."


    His hand remained steady on her shoulder, and she had to admit the fine wool of his jacket blocked the biting wind.


    But she refused to be indebted to him and tried to wrench herself free.


    Suddenly,n pulled the jacket tighter around her, then scooped her into his arms


    and started walking toward the five-star hotel across the square.


    "Ian, put me down!" Eleanor''s furious cry was snatched away by the wind.


    Gavin, who had followed them out, watched the scene with his jaw on the floor,


    thinking his all-nighter was causing him to hallucinate.


    Was Mr. Goodwin actually forcing himself on Eleanor?


    Worried she might struggle and fall, Gavin quickly jogged after them. The sub-zero wind out at his face, making him shiver. He had to admire his boss, who was wearing nothing but a thin cashmere sweater.


    Eleanor''s angry struggles were useless againstn''s strength, and her protests were lost in the howline wind Held tightly in his arms, she felt her whole body go rigid, the blood rushing to her head,


    Finally, drained of energy after her copse, she gave up. She closed her eyes and turned her face away, trying to ignore the scent and feel of him.


    Her sudden shift to the silent treatment maden nce down at her. It was clear this was her way of expressing her protest and humiliation.


    He frowned. He would have preferred her to yell at him, even hit him, rather than this cold indifference.


    But he didn''t stop, his steps steady as he carried her across the empty square and through the hotel''s main doors.


    Once inside the heated lobby,n wisely set her down and took his jacket back.


    Eleanor said nothing. Without so much as a thank you or even a nce in his direction, she strode toward the elevators.


    Gavin hurried to catch up. The silence inside the elevator was suffocating.


    When Eleanor reached her room,, she swiped her key card and disappeared inside. Gavin opened the door to the adjacent room. "Mr. Goodwin, you should get some rest too


    "Right,"n said, but he didn''t move from the hallway.


    Gavin left, andn leaned against the wall, clutching his jacket. He rubbed his


    temples, a flicker of hurt in his eyes.

 Chapter 824

    After a hot shower, Eleanor climbed back into bed, her head feeling much clearer. Outside, the sky was beginning to lighten. It was already 5:30 a.m.


    She closed her eyes, nning to get a little more rest before heading to the hospital to see Simone.


    At 7:30, Eleanor opened her door and was startled to find someone standing directly across the hall. It wasn''tn, but Xavier.


    He had clearly been waiting for some time. Eleanor stared at him, stunned. "Xavier? What are you doing here?"


    "Waiting to have breakfast with you," Xavier said, his eyes scanning her face with


    concern.


    "You''re staying here?" she asked, surprised.


    "Yes, I checked intest night. I didn''t want to disturb you. Are you heading to see Professor Langley?"


    Eleanor nodded.


    "Let''s get some breakfast first," Xavier invited.


    Realizing she was starving, Eleanor agreed and went with him to the hotel''s buffet restaurant.


    They had just settled at a table by the window whenn and Gavin walked in.


    Gavin was also taken aback. Why was Mr. Vaughn staying here? On a business trip, he would normally be at one of the city''s seven-star hotels.


    Could it be because of Eleanor? Gavin nced at his boss. Ian looked away and picked up a te.


    Xavier had noticedn as well. A momentter,n walked over with his food and sat down next to him.


    n," Xavier greeted him.


    Eleanor''s fever had broken that morning. She looked away and answered coolly, "Yes."


    Xavier immediately turned to her, concerned. "You had a feverst night?"


    Gavin couldn''t help but chime in. "Not only did Miss Sutton have a fever, she copsed. Luckily, M. Goodwin was there to carry her to the hospital for treatment


    Hearing this, Xavier looked atn. "She copsed?"


    A pang of guilt shot through Xavier If he hadn''t scheduled that dinner with a client yesterday, he would have checked into the hotel earlier and might have been able to help.


    Eleanor had already finished eating. "I have to go," she said to Xavier, rising from


    her seat. She walked away, looking as if nothing had happened.


    Both men watched her leave. After a moment of silence, Xavier turned ton. "How bad was her fever?"


    "103.3,"n replied.


    The atmosphere grew heavy. Neither man spoke, picking at their food with little appetite.


    "I''m going to stop by and see Professor Langley,"n said, standing up with his te. "Enjoy your meal."


    "Goodbye, Mr. Vaughn," Gavin said, rising to follow him.


    Xavier''s assistant, Cain, came over from another table. "Mr. Vaughn, are you still nning to go to the hospital?"


    Xavier knew there was no point. He had no personal connection to Simone, and withn and Eleanor there, his presence would only be an intrusion.


    "Book me a flight back to Ashford City," Xavier said with a sigh.


    His trip to Kingston had been on a whim, and thest thing he wanted was to cause Eleanor any trouble.


    At the hospital, Simone was delighted to see Eleanor. She held her hand and chatted happily.


    "Sonya told me two of your friends.


    came to visit as well. must thank


    them properly one day."


    Eleanor managed a smile. "It''s all right, Professor Langley. They''ve already left."

 Chapter 825

    "Well, perhaps another time," Simone said with a nod.


    Just then, Laura peeked into the room. "Professor Langley, Mr. Goodwin is here to


    see you."


    Simone smiled. "Please, show him in."


    A momentter,n entered. He was wearing a dark gray suit today, which softened his usual intense and intimidating presence, making him seem more approachable.


    "Professor Langley, are you feeling any better?" he asked, walking to her bedside with concern in his voice.


    "Much better, thank you for asking," Simone replied with a warm smile.


    "You''re a cornerstone of ourb. We''re all hoping for your speedy recovery,"n said.


    Simone''s eyes brightened. "It was very kind of you to make a special trip to Kingston."


    "It was no trouble at all. It''s the least I could do,"n said, his gaze shifting to Eleanor, who was standing by the bed.


    At that moment, Eleanor stood up. "Professor Langley, I''m going to find your doctor and get an update on your condition."


    "Of course, dear. Go ahead," Simone nodded.


    After Eleanor left,n excused himself shortly after and followed, heading in the direction of the doctors'' offices.


    He found Eleanor speaking with Dr. Lyman. Whenn walked in, the doctor assumed he was also family and looked at him seriously as he continued his exnation of Simone''s condition.


    He leaned quietly against the desk, and Dr. Lyman made sure to include him in the conversation.


    "We understand. Thank you, Dr. Lyman," Eleanor said gratefully.


    "Of course," the doctor smiled. "That young man, Mr. Mansfield, has also asked


    me several times to take special care of Professor Langley."


    Dr. Lyman''s knowing nce made Eleanor''s cheeks flush. He clearly misunderstood her rtionship with Mansfield.


    "Rest assured, Mr. Goodwin. It''s my duty," the doctor replied politely.


    They left the office one after the other. In the hallway, Eleanor instinctively quickened her pace to create some distance between them.


    "Eleanor, take care of yourself, too, not just Professor Langley," Ian''s steady, emotionless voice came from behind her.


    She pretended not to hear and


    walked faster. A


    short whileter dan


    returned to say goodbye to Simone


    he had a flight back to Ashford City


    to catch.


    As he stepped out of the room, he saw Mansfield talking with Eleanor in the hallway.


    Mansfield was dressed in stylish casual clothes, exuding the effortless charm of old money.


    "Mr. Goodwin," Mansfield greeted him with a nod.


    Eleanor gave a faint, "Mm."


    "When are youing back?"n asked, his tone sounding unnervingly like a husband asking his wife.


    Eleanor frowned in annoyance, but thinking their daughter might have asked him


    to, she replied, "My flight is at three this afternoon."


    Mansfield watched Eleanor, recalling the image of her andn crossing the street together the night before. A flicker of disappointment crossed us face content belongs.


    "I''ll take you to the airport this afternoon."


    "You don''t have to do that. I can get a cab," Eleanor said, knowing he must have


    his own work to attend to.


    "It''s no trouble at all. Don''t be a stranger," Mansfield insisted, his tone firm but gentle.

 Chapter 826

    Eleanor met his sincere gaze, and the refusal on the tip of her tongue died away.


    She truly didn''t want to impose on anyone, but Mansfield''s kindness was hard to refuse without feeling like she was hurting his feelings.


    "Well, if you''re sure it''s not out of your way-"


    "I''m free this afternoon. I was heading to the airport to pick up a friend anyway," Mansfield said smoothly, as if he really had a friend to pick up.


    Eleanor stayed with Simone at the hospital until 1:30 p.m. before Simone urged her to go pack so she wouldn''t miss her flight.


    At 1:50, she finished checking out and was pulling her suitcase through the lobby when she saw Mansfield waiting for her.


    He naturally took the suitcase from her, the motion smooth and practiced.


    On the way to the airport, Mansfield kept the conversation focused on Simone''s recovery, a topic Eleanor was more than happy to discuss.


    At the airport, he helped her check in and then used his military credentials to escort her all the way to the departure lounge, waiting with her for half an hour until it was time to board.


    "Have a safe flight. Text me when yound," Mansfield said with a smile.


    A few young women nearby watched him with shy, blushing faces, clearly star- struck by the handsome man.


    Feeling the weight of their envious stares, Eleanor felt a bit awkward. "Mansfield, thank you so much for everything. You should go."


    "Take care of yourself. Don''t work too hard," Mansfield added, his eyes full of


    concern.


    Eleanor waved and headed through the gate.


    Mansfield watched until she disappeared around the corner before finally turning away. The trip to Kingston had been worth it; he felt he had closed some of the distance between them.


    The ne climbed through the clouds, heading for Ashford City. Eleanor leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes to rest.


    Two and a half hourster, the flightnded safely. As Eleanor pushed her luggage cart out of the arrivals hall, a familiar figure hurried toward her. "Miss Sutton."


    "Gavin?" Eleanor asked, surprised to see him.


    "I was waiting for you. Here, let me help," Gavin said enthusiastically, reaching for her suitcase.


    "That''s very kind of you, Gavin, but I''m fine. You can go home," Eleanor said politely.


    "Miss Sutton, the car is right outside. I''m here to take you back to the city."


    "I appreciate the thought, but it''s not necessary," Eleanor said, her voice turning cool.


    Gavin paused, taken aback by her firm and final refusal.


    Eleanor gave him a polite nod and headed for the taxi stand.


    After a moment of hesitation, Gavin rushed after her. "Miss Sutton-"


    "Gavin, please don''t do things for your boss on my behalf anymore. I don''t need it, and it''s not necessary" Eleanor interrupted him. She took a few more steps, then turned back, her expression softening with grautude. But Gaving thank you for all your help and concern over the years."


    With that, she turned and walked away without looking back.


    Gavin stood there, at a loss. Watching her go, he pulled out his phone and dialedn''s number.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Sutton... she refused to get in my car. She''s taking a taxi. I couldn''t stop her."


    There was a moment of silence on the other end beforen''s voice came through. "I understand. Follow her taxi back."


    "Right," Gavin replied.


    In the taxi, Eleanor leaned against the window, watching the familiar scenery fly by suddenly the driver grumbled, What''s with that luxury sedan back there? Is it going to pass or just follow us the whole way?"


    Eleanor nced back and saw Gavin''s car. She sighed. "It''s fine, driver. He''s a friend of mine."


    "Boyfriend, you mean? Did you two have a fight?" the driver surmised, figuring that a woman who took a taxi when a fancy car was avable was probably having a lover''s quarrel.


    Eleanor just gave a cool, nomittal look, and the driver took the hint and fell silent.


    When she arrived at her apartment


    nearby, but he didn''t get out. He


    §Ö§ä


    knew it would only annoy her more,


    and he worried that if he pushed it, he wouldn''t be able to help his boss with anything rted to her in thre future.

 Chapter 827

    Eleanor got home but didn''t pick up her daughter right away. Instead, she took a shower and fell into bed for a much-needed nap.


    She woke up at eight that evening and immediately calledn.


    "Hello?" his voice came through, sounding raspy.


    "I''m home. Bring Evelyn back," she said, straight to the point.


    "Alright,"n replied and hung up.


    Fifteen minutester, the doorbell rang. Joslyn opened it, and Evelyn burst in like a happy little whirlwind.


    "Mommy, Mommy!" she cried, finding Eleanor and throwing her arms around her waist. "I missed you so much!"


    Eleanor smiled, stroking her daughter''s head. "I missed you too, sweetie."


    "Evelyn, go y for a minute. Daddy needs to talk to Mommy," Ian said as he stepped inside.


    Joslyn gently took Evelyn''s hand. "Come on, sweetie."


    Eleanor looked at the man before her, waiting for him to speak.


    "I have to go abroad for a while," he began, his voice low. "It could be a month, maybe three. I might not be back during that time."


    Eleanor turned her head, a flicker of impatience in her eyes. "You don''t need to report your travel ns to me."


    "Evelyn is my daughter. Looking after her is my responsibility, not a favor," Eleanor said, her tone distant. "As for your grandmother, I''ll visit her when I have time."


    "Thank you,"n said. He seemed to want to say more, but seeing the irritation in her eyes, he simply added, "My flight is tonight."


    He looked at her onest time, but she wasn''t looking at him. He turned and walked out the door.


    Eleanor stood rooted to the spot, listening to the soft click of the door closing, before she went to find her daughter.


    In the elevator,n pulled out his phone and dialed Xavier''s number.


    n?"


    "Are you free? I''d like to see you."


    "Where are you?"


    "I''m at the coffee shop next to yourplex. I''ll wait for you there," Ian said.


    "Okay, I''m on my way," Xavier replied.


    The coffee shop was quiet and elegant. When Xavier arrived, he foundn sitting in a secluded corner.


    Xavier sat down across from him, a hint of curiosity on his face. "Ian, what''s so urgent?"


    Xavier was slightly taken aback, then nodded. "Do you need any help?"


    "Everything here is taken care of,"n said, his fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of his cup. "I called


    you because I need to ask you for a favor de looked up his expression earnest. Please take good cal Eleanor."


    Xavier was stunned, then a small smile touched his lips. "Don''t worry. I would do that even if you didn''t ask."


    Xavier heard the deep concern in his voice, and his expression grewplicated. "Ian, you said you wouldn''t mind if I pursued Eleanor. I hope you meant it."


    "I meant what I said,"n''s voice was low and steady, betraying little emotion. "We''re all adults. Everyone has the right to make their own choices have no right to interfere and I won''t."

 Chapter 828

    He paused, his tone bing more serious. "My asking you to look after Eleanor is as a friend. As for your rtionship with her, let things take their natural course."


    Xavier detected a sense of resigned surrender inn''s words, which surprised him. n, what exactly is this personal matter you''re dealing with abroad?"


    "Just some personal business,"n replied, his calm exterior revealing nothing.


    "If you need me or Henry, don''t hesitate to ask," Xavier said with a nod. "I''ll look after Eleanor and Evelyn. Don''t worry, just focus on what you need to do."


    "Thank you."n nced at his watch and stood up. "It''s about time. I need to get to the airport."


    "Alright. Be safe, and have a good trip," Xavier said, rising as well.


    They walked out of the coffee shop together. The easy understanding they''d shared since childhood meant no more words were needed as they went their separate ways.


    Walking back through theplex, Xavier felt a sense of unease. He rarely sawn ask for help, and it felt like his old friend was hiding something.


    Of course, looking after Eleanor was something he was more than willing to do¡ª in fact, it was exactly what he wanted.


    That evening, Eleanor was chatting with her daughter, who was cuddled in her arms. Evelyn suddenly asked with a little pout, "Mommy, why didn''t you tell me Daddy lives downstairs?"


    Eleanor froze, realizing that whenn had carried her downstairs on Friday night, Evelyn must have woken up and figured it out.


    "Did I not? Mommy must have forgotten," Eleanor said, trying to deflect.


    Evelyn tilted her head, thinking hard, then snuggled closer. "You definitely didn''t tell me."


    Eleanor chuckled at her daughter''s adorable seriousness and hugged her tight. "Alright, you caught me. It''ste now, time for bed."


    Evelyn obedientlyy down but then popped her head up again. "Mommy, can I stay at Daddy''s house again sometime?"


    Eleanor kissed her forehead. "Your daddy isn''t usually here. We''ll see, when he''s back in town, okay?"


    "Okay," Evelyn mumbled, her lips still in a slight pout.


    The next morning, Eleanor dropped Evelyn off at a winter break camp organized by her school, a program designed to help working parents and enrich the children''s holidays


    The Meridian Dynamics sign gleamed in the sunlight. Faye sat in her parked car her hands clenched tightly on the steering wheel, unable to bring herself to get out.


    She was here for her re-test. She''d heard from colleagues that Joel''s evaluations were notoriously inconsistent, so she had no idea what to expect.


    Most of the others who had applied for the transfer had already given up. Getting into the civilian projects division was no easy feat.


    After a few minutes, Faye took a deep breath, pushed open the car door, and walked into the impressive Meridian Dynamics building.


    She went straight to the examination room.


    A few other colleagues taking the re-test were already there, and the atmosphere


    was tense. Faye found a seat, determined to give it her all.


    She had initially thought her connection to Vanessa would be enough to get her a prime position in the new division with a single word from Tan. But with toel inplete. control, connections meant nothing.


    At nine o''clock sharp, Joel, the project lead, entered. His expression was stern, and he wasted no time on pleasantries, immediately handing out the exam papers.


    "You have two hours," he announced sinctly.


    Faye quickly scanned the paper. The questions were harder than she had anticipated, covering advanced technologies andplex decision-making scenarios.


    Still, she had an advantage over her colleagues from other departments; she had spent thest two years working on Meridian Dynamics'' core projects.

 Chapter 829

    As time ticked by, the only sound in the room was the scratching of pens on paper. The difficulty of the questions had many of them breaking out in a sweat.


    Faye propped her chin on her hand, biting her lip as she imagined how Eleanor would score on a test like this.


    Finally, time was up. Joel collected the papers with a nk expression and left.


    The results were to be announced at 3:30 p.m.


    Faye was too nervous to eat lunch and was back by two, waiting. The colleagues she ran into all looked grim, none of them confident about their performance.


    The air was thick with anxiety.


    "Faye, what are you worried about? You''re smarter than all of us. You definitely passed," one female colleague said.


    "Yeah, and you and Joel are so close. He''ll definitely pick you," another added.


    Thepliments, though hollow, were a smallfort. Faye managed a weak smile. "We''ll see when the results are out."


    About half an hourter, Joel reappeared, holding a list. His eyes scanned the small group, finallynding on Faye.


    "Faye."


    Her heart leaped. She quickly stood up. "Joel."


    "Your score was sixty-one. A bare pass," he told her.


    Faye froze, unsure whether to be relieved or disappointed. Just barely passing? She had given it everything she had, only to get such a marginal score.


    Her colleagues, however, looked at her with envy. Joel addressed the rest of them. "None of you passed. You may go."


    stef


    As the others left in disappointment, Joel handed Faye her graded paper. "The basic assessment is just the first step," he said in a business-like tone. The civilian project demands a high level ofprehensive skill and resilience. There will be further team based exercises and simtions. Keep working hard and don''t getcent."


    Faye took the paper, a sense of injustice rising within her. "Joel, this test was incredibly difficult. If Eleanor had taken it, what would she have scored?"


    Joel paused, then looked at her. "If Eleanor had taken this test, I expect she would have received a perfect score."


    The words hit Faye like a punch to the gut. The vast gap between Joel''s assessment of her and his praise for Eleanor filled her with a bitter sense of inadequacy.


    She forced down her resentment, careful not to let it show. "Joel, does this mean I''m in?"


    Joel adjusted his sses, his gaze calm. "Yes. You''ve passed the initial requirement and can be transferred to the civilian project team."


    A flicker of joy ignited in Faye, but Joel''s next words extinguished it like a bucket of cold water.


    "However, based on your current score, you will be starting as a junior research assistant, responsible for data organization and peripheral support."


    Faye''s eyes widened. A junior research assistant? Data entry? She hadn''t even made it to the core R&D team.


    "Joel, I¡ªyou know I''m capable of more than that," she protested.


    "Faye, there''s no shame in starting from the bottom. For you, it''s the most stable path. Of course if cana that, you''re free to


    You


    remain in your current department."


    Faye''s current position was also as a junior researcher in Eleanor''s division. With Eleanor there, she''d never get near the core work. Besides, with Callie having transferred over as well, she was even more eager to leave


    She took a deep breath. "I ept. I''ll join the civilian project team as a junior research assistant."


    She wasn''t worried. The day Vanessa married into the Goodwin family,


    promotions would be easy toe by.


    For now, this allowed her to make a good impression on Joel and work close to


    him. It was apromise she could live with.

 Chapter 830

    By epting the junior role, Faye hoped to both make a good impression on Joel and have the opportunity to work alongside him. It was apromise she was willing to make.


    News that Faye had passed the assessment quickly spread through theb. Gwenda, who was helping Eleanor organize files, brought it up. "Faye is pretty sharp, I guess. I heard she passed, even if it was just by a hair."


    Eleanor, typing away at her keyboard, nced up. "Good for her."


    "Well, at least with her gone, you''ll have some peace and quiet," Gwenda added.


    After all, Faye often acted entitled, unting her connection as Mr. Goodwin''s future sister-inw.


    Seeing Eleanor was already absorbed in her work again, Gwenda dropped the subject. Secretly, she was thrilled about Faye''s transfer.


    Just then, Callie came over to discuss an experiment with Eleanor. As they sat down to talk, Gwenda leaned in to eavesdrop but found the conversation bafflinglyplex. The theories Eleanor was proposing were concepts she had never even heard of in medical school.


    Meanwhile, Faye sat in a coffee shop, wanting to tell Vanessa the news. But she remembered Vanessa was traveling abroad for several months, and even more enviably,n was with her.


    She figuredn was taking her on a trip around the world to lift her spirits after her recent bad moods.


    She decided to wait until tomorrow to share her news. Instead, she grabbed her purse and headed to her father''spany. It had been a while since herst visit. Yeaton Holdings had recently acquired an office tower in the city center, and the building looked impressive in thete afternoon sun.


    Faye stepped out of her car and walked into the grand, modern lobby of Yeaton Holdings. The receptionist''s face lit up upon seeing her. "Good afternoon, Miss Yeaton."


    "Hello," Faye said with a slight nod. She was so caught up in herb work that she sometimes forgot her other identity: the heiress of Yeaton Holdings.


    Here, she could soothe the bruised ego she''d suffered from the exam. Here, she was someone to be fawned over, not a research assistant desperately trying to prove her worth while living in Eleanor''s shadow.


    She headed for the executive elevator, and every employee she passed greeted her with a respectful nod.


    "Good afternoon, Miss Yeaton."


    "You look lovely today, Miss Yeaton."


    The ttery was a balm to her soul. If she weren''t so determined to make a name for herself, she could easily live the life of a socialite, enjoying every luxury.


    But she wasn''t content with that. She wanted to achieve something in the academic world, a kind of honor and recognition that a life of leisure could never provide.


    Just then, a man in a suit carrying a briefcase walked toward her. Faye''s smile vanished. She tried to turn away before he noticed her, but it was toote.


    "Faye!" Horace''s voice was filled with excitement as he hurried over. "Its really is you! I was hoping you''d visit thepany I cant believe was, lucky enough to an into you today."


    A sh of annoyance crossed Faye''s face. The main reason she avoided the office was to avoid Horace. She didn''t mind being ttered by other men, but Horace''s attention grated on her.


    His eyes were fixed on her, glowing with admiration. "Faye, you look more sophisticated every time I see you. Being a scientist really suits you."


    Faye took a step back, creating distance between them. "Horace," she said with a forced smile. "How are you settling in at my father''spany?"


    Horace beamed. "Thanks to you, I''m doing great. I''m not a team lead anymore. I was just promoted to manager."


    He waited for her to congratte him, but her expression remained cool. He felt a pang of awkwardness. "Of course, a position like mine is nothing to someone like you, Miss Yeaton."


    "Well, you should get back to work. I have to see my father about something," Faye said dismissively.


    "Your father stepped out. He might not be in the office," Horace said, his concern evident. "Is everything going well at theb? With your talent, I''m sure you''re excelling."


    His words were meant as a<ppliment, but on a day when she felt anything but sessful, they struck a nerve. Her face darkened. There''s nothing to tell Research takes years to yield results."

 Chapter 831

    Horace paused, his mind immediately jumping to Eleanor. He followed news in the research world and knew Eleanor''s reputation was skyrocketing. There were even rumors that high-level government officials had consulted her a level of recognition Faye had yet to achieve.


    "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have asked about work," he said quickly. "But I''m doing well here at your father''spany. He seems to value my work and has given me some important projects. I¡ª" Horace couldn''t help but want to boast about his progress, hoping to impress her.


    "Manager Horace," Faye cut him off, her tone impatient. "I''m very busy. If you want to seed at my father''spany, just work hard."


    The light in Horace''s eyes dimmed. He nced down at his own thousand-dor, off-the-rack suit, then at Faye''s designer handbag and expensive clothes. A wave of inadequacy washed over him.


    They had once been colleagues, equals in theb, sharing dreams and ambitions. Now, he was a mid-level manager at her father''spany, while she remained aloof and unattainable. He knew it wouldn''t be easy to win her affection.


    "Just do your job, Horace," Faye said, then delivered her final blow. "I''m working in Joel''s division now."


    The message was clear: she was still interested in Joel, and Horace shouldn''t entertain any foolish ideas about winning her over.


    She walked past him toward her father''s office, leaving Horace frozen in ce, his hand tightening around the handle of his briefcase.


    Was she just going to cast him aside now that she had gotten what she wanted?


    He watched her retreating back, a look of hurt in his eyes that quickly hardened into something more determined, a mix of obsession and resentment.


    He had joined Yeaton Holdings and was climbing the corporatedder for one reason: to one day be worthy of her, to stand by her side again.


    Faye entered her father''s office, smoothing her hair andposing her expression. She decided she would have to avoid Horace in the future to keep him from getting any ideas.


    Just then, a middle-aged woman carrying a stack of files walked in. She flinched slightly upon seeing Faye, then quickly regained herposure. "Faye, you''re here."


    "Cathie, it''s been a while," Faye greeted her.


    Cathie was a rtive from her mother''s side of the family. A finance graduate, she had been giverra job at Yeaton Holdings by Faye''s mother and had since be the finance manager.


    "You''re looking more beautiful than ever," Cathieplimented.


    Faye studied Cathie for a moment. She knew there was gossip about her in the family. At forty-six, Cathie was unmarried and childless, an old maid in their rtives'' eyes.


    "You look as young as ever, Cathie," Faye returned thepliment.


    "Your father-Mr. Yeaton-just stepped out. Did you need to see him?"


    "No, not really. I was just in the area and thought I''d stop by," Faye said, her gaze sweeping the office with an air of ownership. One day,pany would be hers. She was merely inspecting her future assets.


    Vanessa would marry into the Goodwin family, with their billions, and wouldn''t be interested in the father''s smallpany. Everything her father was working for would one day belong to her.


    "Cathie, how has thepany been doingtely?" Faye asked, sinking into her father''s chair as if it were her own.


    Cathie stood before the desk, her eyes fixed on the chair Faye now upied. A flicker of a well-hidden emotion crossed her face, which was lined with fine wrinkles.


    "Faye, thepany has been growing steadily since we went public," she said, maintaining a polite smile.


    Faye nced at the time. "Well, I should get going." She didn''t want to risk running into Horace again.


    The moment Faye left, Cathie''s smile vanished. She pressed a hand to her chest


    and let out a soft breath, as if she had been holding it in fear.


    Then, her gaze fell upon the empty chair, and a slow, meaningful smile spread across her lips.

 Chapter 832

    At 5:30, Eleanor arrived at the school to pick up her daughter and happened to run into Xavier.


    "Didn tell you he was going abroad?" Xavier asked her.


    Eleanor nodded, confirming that she knew.


    "Do you know why he''ll be gone for so long?" he pressed.


    Eleanor thought for a moment, then shook her head. "We''re divorced. His personal life is none of my business."


    Xavier realized he had asked the wrong person.


    Just then, the school gates opened, and parents streamed in to collect their children. Eleanor emerged holding Evelyn''s hand and waved goodbye to Xavier and Vivian.


    Xavier wanted to invite Eleanor over for dinner, but he figured she was probably tired after her trip to Kingston, so he held back.


    Later that evening, Xavier got a call from Henry, asking him toe out for a drink. He was already at a bar, waiting.


    Worried Henry would get himself into trouble, Xavier drove over.


    He found Henry in a private booth on the second floor, a small, soundproofed space that shut out the bar''s loud music and chaos.


    "Drinking again?" Xavier asked, sitting across from him. He frowned at Henry''s disheveled appearance-bloodshot eyes, messy hair, and several days'' worth of stubble.


    It looked like Henry hadn''t taken care of himself in days. Xavier knew why. "Henry, pull yourself together," Xavier said, his voice sharp with frustration.


    Henry looked up, his eyes hazy with alcohol, and let out a bitter, self-mockingugh. "Pull myself together? How? By watching her run off withn on a romantic trip around the world without so much as a goodbye? I don''t even have the right to fight for her!"


    He took a long swig of his drink, the pain in his heart palpable.


    When drunk, a person''s inhibitions crumble, and their true feelingse pouring out.


    "What am I to her? I know I can''tpare ton. He''s brilliant, powerful In Vanessa''s eyes, I''m probably just some pathetic idiot who won''t leave her alone." Henry slumped back against the sofa, his empty gaze fixed on the shing lights on the ceiling. nn is better than me in every way. Family, ability, looks... I''ve lost on all fronts."


    Xavier couldn''t stand to see him so dejected. He stood up, snatched the ss from Henry''s hand, and mmed it on the table, that''s enough Look at yourself. Is it worth destroying yourself over a woman who doesn''t care about you?" C¨®ntent


    "No, it''s


    covert Henry sneered, then


    eyes with his arm, his


    voice cracking But Leant fuckm help it. Xavier, it hurts... right here."


    He pointed to his chest.


    "Think about your father. He''s about to retire, and you''re supposed to take over. What would he think if he saw you like this?"


    Henry lowered his arm, his red-rimmed eyes filled with desperation. "Are they really together? They''re not going to get married abroad, are they?"


    Xavier froze. It was clear Henry hadn''t heard a word he''d said.


    He sat down beside him, silent for a moment. n is going to be abroad for a few months."


    Deep down, Xavier felt thatn''s sudden trip was strange, but he couldn''t pinpoint why.


    Henry looked as if thest ounce of his strength had been drained. He copsed onto the sofa, muttering, "If that''s true... I''ll wish them well."


    Then he pointed a shaky finger at Xavier. "Ifn gets married, you should be happy. Eleanor will be all yours. Go for it..."


    "Shut up," Xavier snapped, turning on him. "You''re drunk."


    Henry flinched at his harsh tone. "I was just... just kidding. Look at you, so


    protective of Eleanor... you even followed her to Kingston."


    "Eleanor isn''t an object to be passed around," Xavier said sternly. "Don''t ever say something like that again."

 Chapter 833

    Henry knew he had crossed a line and sullenly reached for the bottle again.


    Xavier moved it out of his reach. "Henry, love isn''t everything. You need to get a grip."


    Seeing him like this, Xavier found himself missing the old Henry-the one who, despite his yboy antics, was full of life, pride, and ambition. Now, he was a wreck, brought down by a single unrequited love.


    "I thought if I just tried hard enough, if I was sincere enough, I could win her over one day," Henry mumbled, his voice full of despair. "But now I realizen doesn''t have to do a thing. He''s already won."


    Hearing the hopelessness in his friend''s voice, Xavier felt a mix of pity and frustration. He patted his shoulder. "No more drinking. I''ll take you home. Get some sleep, and I''ll take you out for a meal tomorrow."


    Henry didn''t resist this time, letting Xavier pull him to his feet and stumble out of the bar.


    After buckling Henry into the car, Xavier headed for his friend''s vi. He knew that when it came to matters of the heart, those involved were often blind to their own folly.


    Xavier got Henry home, where the butler opened the door. He helped Henry to his room, offered a few words of advice, and then left.


    Just as Xavier was leaving, the doorbell rang again. The butler, assuming it was Xavier returning, was surprised to see a well-dressed, elegant young woman on the security monitor. He recognized her immediately-she was the woman Mrs. Holt had chosen as her future daughter-inw.


    He opened the door. "Miss Quigley, what a surprise. The young master just came home, quite drunk."


    Miss Quigley looked concerned. "He''s been drinking? Is something wrong?"


    The butler thought that if his young master got sick, a woman''s touch would be better than his. "I''m not sure, Miss Quigley. Please,e in. Perhaps you could check on him."


    Selma Quigley was the daughter of a close family friend of the Holts. The two families had been trying to set her up with Henry, but after a few dinners, Henry had remained nomittal.


    She hade tonight to return a car key and a suit jacket Henry had left at a hotel. Hearing he was drunk, she felt a genuine sense of worry.


    "Should I look after him?" Selma asked.


    "Miss Quigley, think my young master is in low spirits. Perhaps yourpany would do him some good, the butler suggested Since she was the family''s chosen match, he feltfortable leaving Henry in her care.


    Selma nodded and went to the master bedroom. She found Henry slumped on the


    sofa, his tie askew and his face flushed. "Henry?" she called softly.


    Seeing her, the butler quietly slipped out of the room.


    Henry looked up, his vision blurry. Through the haze of alcohol, he saw a gentle face. His mind yed tricks on him, and slowly that face merged with the one he held in his heart


    "Vanessa?" he whispered, grabbing Selma''s wrist and pulling her into a tight embrace.


    "What are you doing here? I thought you went abroad."


    Selma gasped, struggling to breathe. She was an admirer of Henry''s and knew he was in love with someone else this Vanessa.


    He had clearly mistaken her for the other woman.


    "Henry, you''re mistaken. I''m not your Vanessa. I''m Selma."


    "No, you''re her," Henry insisted, holding her tighter. "Don''t leave me. I promise I''ll be better to you."


    "Henry, you need to sober up," Selma pleaded, trying to reason with him.


    But Henry clung to her like a child, burying his face in her shoulder, his voice a muffled sob. "Don''t go. I love you so much. I fell in love with you the moment I saw you."


    Selma froze. She did have feelings for Henry, and hearing his heartfelt confession-even if it was meant for another woman made her hesitate. With a sigh, she stopped struggling and wrapped her arms around him, allowing herself, for a moment, to be the woman he loved, to offer himfort.


    She had no idea what a price she would pay for that moment of weakness.

 Chapter 834

    When Henry''s lips found hers, Selma panicked. But in his drunken state,


    convinced she was the woman he loved, he was relentless.


    Sometimeter, Henry''s breathing grew deep and even beside her. He had fallen into a heavy sleep, but his arm remained wrapped tightly around her, as if she were a lifeline.


    Selma tried to shift, and thankfully, he had rxed in his sleep.


    As she pulled back the covers to get out of bed, she saw a ssh of red on the sheets and froze in shock. She didn''t know what to do. But in the end, what happened had been consensual, at least on her part. With a soft sigh, Selma got up and left.


    She had been in the master bedroom for two hours. When she came out, the butler hurried over. He noticed her disheveled hair and the distinct red marks on her neck and gasped. "Miss Quigley, you-"


    "Please, don''t tell anyone I was here tonight, especially not your young master," Selma said, looking exhausted. "And the sheets are soiled. Please have them changed before he wakes up."


    With that, she left.


    The butler knew exactly what had happened in the master bedroom. He thought of his young master, dead drunk, and sighed.


    Alcohol was truly a destructive force.


    The next morning, Henry woke up with a splitting headache and no memory of the previous night. He feltpletely drained, as if all his energy had been sapped away. He sat up, staring at the ceiling for a moment, then swung his legs out of bed.


    That''s when he noticed a red stain on the gray bedsheets. He frowned. It looked like blood. But where would it havee from?


    His head throbbed too intensely to think about it.


    As he got up, his foot kicked something on the floor. It was a woman''s ne, and it looked expensive.


    Henry froze. What was a woman''s ne doing in his bed? What had happenedst night?


    He knew Xavier had brought him home, so he couldn''t have brought anyone back with him.


    He stumbled into the bathroom for a shower. The cold water helped clear his head. When he came back out, he picked up the ne and examined it before cing it on the nightstand.


    When he went downstairs, the butler immediately approached him. "Young master, is your head hurting? Would you like some ginger tea to help with the hangover?"


    "I''m sober now. Who was herest night?"


    "Mr. Vaughn, and... well..."


    "And who?" Henry''s eyebrows shot up.


    The butler quickly shook his head. "No one else. Just Mr. Vaughn."


    He couldn''t tell him about Selma; she had specifically asked him not to.


    "Young master, I''ve had the maids change the sheets fromst night," the butler added.


    Henry grunted in acknowledgment and went to get a ss of water.


    The butler instructed a maid to clean the room. When she went in, she found the bloodstained sheets. "Get rid of this," he told her.


    Henry went back to his room andy down on the fresh sheets. After a moment, he sat up, picked up the ne again, and studied it. The diamonds were high quality it was easily worth seven figures.


    Who could have left it in his house? In his bed? Suddenly, he shot up. He remembered a dream fromst night-a vivid, passionate dream where he and Vanessa had made love.


    Could his dream have been real? Was there actually a woman in his bed?


    "Butler!" Henry''s voice boomed through the house.


    The butler hurried upstairs. "Young master?"


    "I''m asking you again. Who else was herest night?" Henry demanded, his face grim.


    The butler finally confessed. "It was Miss Selma Quigley. She was in your room


    for two hours. When she left, she asked me not to tell you she had been here. She also told me..."


    "Told you what?"


    "To change the sheets."


    "The sheets?" Henry repeated, his mind shing back to the suspicious red stain.


    He bolted out of the room. "Show me those sheets. Now!"


    The maids were about to dispose of the bundled linens when Henry burst in. He tore open the bag and frantically searched through the gray sheets unt he found it: a small, flower-like stain of blood.


    Henry''s mind went nk. He was consumed by a wave of guilt and self-loathing.


    He couldn''t believe it-he had actuallymitted the clich¨¦ of a drunken one- night stand.


    "Young master!"


    "Get rid of it," Henry said, turning away, unable to face the evidence of his mistake: He returned to his room, feeling utterly ashamed.


    Towel


    Selma was the daughter of his


    parents close friends, and be had used her as a substitute for


    Vanessa, forcing himself on her.


    It was despicable.


    He picked up his phone, found the number for Selma Quigley he had saved, and dialed.


    "Hello, Henry."


    "I''m sorry, Selma. I am so, so sorry," Henry stammered, his voice thick with


    shame. "I was drunkst night. I... I didn''t mean for that to happen. I apologize,


    I..."


    "It''s okay, Henry," Selma''s understanding voice came from the other end. "I know you didn''t mean it. You were just upset."

 Chapter 835

    The more understanding Selma sounded, the more guilt gnawed at Henry. He ran a hand through his messy hair, at aplete loss for how to fix his mistake.


    "I''ll make it up to you," he finally said before hanging up.


    Henry stood frozen for a moment, then copsed onto the sofa, burying his face in his hands.


    Meanwhile, at theb, Eleanor went to visit Joel''s new civilian projects facility, which was in a separate building. Joel had just received a shipment of new equipment and had asked for her help in calibrating it.


    "Joel, you need to take care of yourself, too," Eleanor advised him.


    The pressure was immense. The taskn had given him left no room for error.


    Faye was sent over with a stack of documents. As she approached Joel''s office, she saw Eleanor and Joel through the partially open door, chatting as they worked on a new piece of machinery.


    Eleanor was leaning over, her fingers moving expertly across the control panel as she exined something to Joel.


    Joel listened with rapt attention, nodding and smiling, the admiration in his eyes impossible to miss.


    Faye stopped dead in her tracks, her hands tightening on the papers she held. *Eleanor again.*


    Watching Eleanor stand before the massive machine, looking so delicate yet radiating such power, as if theplex equipment would bend to her will, Faye felt a familiar sting of resentment.


    She had fought so hard just to get a foot in the door of Joel''s project, even as a glorified assistant, yet Eleanor, who wasn''t even on the team, could walk in and work alongside him as an equal.


    Joel''s words echoed in her mind: *"If Eleanor had taken this test, she would have received a perfect score."*


    "Joel, here are the documents you wanted," Faye announced, stepping into the room.


    "Leave them in the conference room. We''ll need them for the meetingter," Joel said without looking up.


    Eleanor remained focused on her work, and Faye, feeling dismissed, left the room.


    At lunchtime, Eleanor and Faye crossed paths again at the elevator. A few newb assistants were standing nearby. Faye forced a smile. "Eleanor, you''re so brilliant. You know everything. It must be nice having such a talented father."


    Her words caught the attention of the others. So that was the secret to Eleanor''s sess-nepotism.


    Faye continued, her tone dripping with false sincerity, "It''s not like the rest of us, who have to figure everything out on our own, terrified of making a single mistake."


    Herment was a thinly veiled usation, suggesting Eleanor''s achievements were due to her family connections rather than her own talent and hard work.


    Of course, for those who hadn''t witnessed her brilliance firsthand, it was an easy assumption to make.


    The other assistants exchanged knowing nces.


    Eleanor had heard this kind of remark countless times. She couldn''t be bothered to respond or defend herself.


    She calmly pressed the call button and stepped into the elevator.


    The other assistants looked at each other and decided to take a different one.


    Alone in the elevator with Eleanor, Faye''s expression soured. Eleanor''splete and utter disregard was more infuriating than any angry retort. It was as if she believed she was inherently superior.


    1.n


    "Eleanor, I assume Mr. Goodwin told you he''s taking my sister on a trip abroad to cheer her up? They''ll be gone for months," Faye said, watching Eleanor''s face closely hoping to see a flicker of pain or humiliation.


    But Eleanor''s reaction was once again a disappointment.


    "I''d be happier if they got married," Eleanor said coolly as she stepped out of the elevator.


    Faye was stunned. What did she mean by that? Was it possible she truly didn''t care?


    It couldn''t be.n''s charm was undeniable. This was the man she had dropped out of school to marry.


    She had to be pretending.


    Faye convinced herself that Eleanor was just putting on a brave face, that her coldness was a sign of deep, suppressed pain.


    That thought brought her a small measure offort. She sneered to herself.


    *The dayn gets married, you can go cry in a corner.*


    The following week was thest


    before the holidays, and Eleanor was


    busy On Friday, she was held up at the fab and had to ask Xavier to pick up Evelyn along with his own daughter, promising to get her from his houseter.


    Just as she was about to leave, she received a text from him: *"Stay for dinner. I''ve already nned for you and Evelyn."*


    Eleanor hesitated. It was already an imposition to ask him to pick up her daughter; she felt guilty about freeloading a meal as well.


    Before she could reply, another text came through: *"Come on over. We''re waiting for you."*

 Chapter 836

    Eleanor finally texted back a simple reply: "Okay, on my way."


    When she arrived at Xavier''s apartment, she was greeted by the warm aroma of home-cooked food and the sound of children''sughter. The two little girls were lying on the living room floor, engrossed in a puzzle.


    "Mommy, you''re here!" Evelyn shouted, running over to give her a hug.


    Xavier poked his head out of the kitchen, an apron tied around his waist. "You made it. Go wash up, dinner''s almost ready."


    Eleanor stood in stunned silence for a moment. Xavier was cooking? She walked over to the kitchen doorway. "Did your housekeeper take the day off?"


    "No, I gave her the day off. I wanted to cook for you myself tonight," Xavier said with a charming smile. "I apologize in advance if it''s not very good."


    Eleanor inhaled the delicious smells wafting from the dining table and smiled. "It smells amazing. Thank you for doing this."


    She felt a pang of guilt. He had watched the children and cooked dinner. It was too much.


    Just then, her phone, which she had left in her purse on the sofa, began to ring. She went to check it and saw the name shing on the screen: Ian.


    With Xavier still busy in the kitchen, Eleanor stepped out onto the balcony to


    answer.


    "Hello?" she said, her voice calm and even.


    There was a brief silence on the other end, as if he was surprised she had answered so quickly. Then,n''s deep, slightly weary voice came through. The background was quiet. "Have you had dinner yet?"


    Before she could answer, Evelyn and Vivian came running out onto the balcony. "Mommy, who are you talking to?" Evelyn asked loudly.


    Eleanor turned to the phone. "Evelyn''s here. Do you want to speak with her?"


    "Yes, let me hear her voice,"n replied.


    Eleanor handed the phone to her daughter. "It''s your daddy."


    Evelyn took the phone, her face lighting up. "Daddy, guess where Mommy and I are!"


    "Evelyn, is that your dad?" Vivian asked, leaning in.


    Evelyn nodded. "Yep, it''s my daddy."


    "Are you at Mr. Vaughn''s house?"n''s voice came through, a hint of amusement in it.


    "You guessed it! Mommy and I are at Mr. Vaughn''s for dinner, and he cooked for us himself!" Evelyn reported happily.


    "Oh, did he?"n asked, his tone unreadable.


    "Daddy, what are you doing?"


    "I just woke up."


    "Oh, is it morning where you are?"


    "Evelyn, my uncle says it''s time to wash our hands for dinner!" Vivian chimed in.


    "Okay! Daddy, I have to go now. Time to wash my hands!"


    "Alright, you go. And remember to thank Mr. Vaughn before you leave, okay?"


    "I will! I miss you, Daddy. Bye!" Evelyn said, her voice soft and sweet.


    Eleanor took the phone back. Seeing thatn hadn''t hung up, she put it to her ear. "If there''s nothing else¡ª"


    "You''re having dinner at Xavier''s?"n asked.


    "Yes," Eleanor replied tly.


    "With the holidays just around the


    corner, would you be able to get


    Evelyn to Goodwin Manor to have dinner with my grandmother?" asked content


    "Fine," Eleanor agreed.


    "How have you been?"n''s voice suddenly held a note of concern.


    "You don''t need to worry about me," she answered coolly.


    "Mommy,e eat!" Evelyn called from inside.


    "I have to go," Eleanor said.


    There was a pause, and thenn''s voice, now slightly hoarse, came through. "... Alright."


    Eleanor hung up and went back inside. Xavier had already served the two girls and had set a bowl of rice for her.


    Feeling a bit overwhelmed by his kindness, she sat down. "Thank you."


    "Go on, try it," Xavier said, his eyes fixed on her face, full of anticipation.


    Under his watchful gaze, Eleanor


    took a bite. It was delicious. Sheet


    looked up at him in surprise. "This is really good, had no idea you were such a great cook


    Her praise was genuine, and Xavier''s face broke into a wide smile, as if he had just received the highest honor. "If you like it, eat up. I taught myse When I was studying abroad

 Chapter 837

    "I''ve always wanted to learn to cook, but I just don''t have the talent for it," Eleanor admitted with a wry smile.


    Xavier''s gaze softened. "In a family, you only need one person who loves to


    cook."


    Eleanor felt a slight blush creep up her cheeks. "You should eat, too. You must be starving after preparing all this."


    "You''re right," Xavier said with a smile, then turned to the girls with a gentle but firm look. "No picky eating, you two. You need a bnced diet."


    "We know, Uncle," Vivian replied dutifully.


    With the two children chattering away, the meal was rxed andfortable.


    Eleanor had to admit, being with Xavier was easy. He was thoughtful, considerate, and knew how to respect her boundaries without making her feel pressured.


    After dinner, she insisted on helping with the dishes.


    Xavier tried to stop her, but she was adamant.


    "You''re the guest. Let me handle it," he said, standing by helplessly.


    "You already cooked a wonderful meal. The least I can do is clean up," Eleanor replied, efficiently scrubbing the tes.


    Xavier gave up, a soft light in his eyes. For a moment, it felt like they were a real family.


    "I''ll get them some fruit," he said, not wanting to stand by idly.


    Just as Eleanor finished with thest te and turned to put them away, Xavier approached with a bowl of cherries, and they nearly collided.


    Eleanor instinctively stepped back, the te almost slipping from her hands. Xavier''s reflexes were quick; he reached out and grabbed her arm to steady her. For a split second, they were standing incredibly close.


    So close that Xavier could smell the faint, clean scent of her hair. He froze. One looking up, the other down, their eyes met.


    "Sorry," Eleanor said, pulling back first.


    "Are you okay?" Xavier asked, his voice a little deeper than usual.


    "I''m fine," Eleanor shook her head, cing the tes in the drying rack.


    Xavier smiled, acting as if nothing had happened. He set the cherries on the counter and turned to get a fruit bowl, but Eleanor was also turning, and they nearly bumped into each other again.


    Xavier''s arm hovered protectively around her waist as she took a steady step back. Their eyes met again, and Eleanor smiled. "Let me wash the fruit."


    Xavier ced the bowl on the counter. As Eleanor rinsed the cherries, he leaned against the counter beside her, his gaze fixed on her.


    The atmosphere in the kitchen shifted, bing charged with a quiet intimacy as Eleanor focus on her task with the handsome, gentle man standing close by.


    "Thank you... foring over tonight. It made me very happy," Xavier said suddenly, his voiceced with something more than friendship.


    Eleanor finished washing the cherries and turned to meet his gaze directly. "I should be thanking you for picking up Evelyn and making dinner."


    Her eyes were clear and sincere, full of gratitude, but also a clear, unspoken boundary.


    Xavier understood. He suppressed the romantic thoughts that had started to bloom in his mind. He would not pressure her. He respected her and her choices.


    He smiled, his tone returning to its usual warm and easygoing nature. "That''s what friends are for."


    They brought the fruit out to the


    living room, where the two girls were


    watching cartoons. Eleanor


    them, and of


    e scene was ok with


    quiet, domestic peace.


    A littleter, Xavier joined them, and the four of them watched the cartoon together.


    At 8:30, Eleanor decided it was gettingte and told her daughter it was time to


    go.


    As they were leaving, Evelyn remembered her father''s instructions and said politely, "Mr. Vaughn, thank you for having us for dinner tonight."


    Xavier smiled, surprised, then looked at Eleanor. "Evelyn is such a polite, wonderful child."


    Eleanor ruffled her daughter''s hair, feeling a surge of pride.


    In the elevator, Eleanor praised her. "You were wonderful tonight, Evelyn."


    "Daddy told me to say thank you to Mr. Vaughn," Evelyn said, looking up at her mother with a bright smile.


    Eleanor''s own smile faltered.

 Chapter 838

    With the holidays just around the corner, Eleanor spent the day at home with her daughter. That afternoon, she called Magdalen to let her know they would being over for dinner. Magdalen was overjoyed.


    "How thoughtful of you! Please,e. It''s been too long," she said warmly.


    Around three, Eleanor picked up a gift and headed over to the Goodwin Manor with her daughter. A maid opened the door, greeting them with a smile. "Miss Sutton, wee. Pleasee in."


    "Great-grandma, we''re here!" Evelyn shouted, running into the living room like a little butterfly.


    The old woman was watching the news on the sofa. At the sound of Evelyn''s voice, she beamed. "Is that my little Evelyn? Come here to Great-grandma."


    Evelyn ran into her arms and gave her a big hug. "It''s me, Great-grandma!"


    "My, you''ve grown again," Magdalen said, measuring her with her hand before stroking her head. She looked up as Eleanor walked in, her face full of affection. "Ellie, you''re here."


    "Grandma, how have you been feeling?" Eleanor asked, handing the gift to a maid and sitting down beside her.


    "I''m doing well, just the usual aches and pains," Magdalen said, studying her granddaughter-inw. "Good, you haven''t lost any more weight."


    In the winter, people tended to put on a few pounds, and Eleanor''s naturally oval face looked a bit fuller.


    n called this afternoon to see if you had arrived yet. It seems you two spokest night," Magdalen mentioned.


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, he called me."


    Magdalen sighed. "That boy has so much on his mind." She looked at Eleanor, her eyes holding a hint of gentle probing. She patted her hand. "Ellie, I know things between you andn are over, but I can see that he still cares deeply for you and Evelyn."


    Eleanor looked down, saying nothing. He could care about his daughter, but she wished he would stop caring about her.


    "Grandma, let''s leave the past in the past," Eleanor said, her voice soft but firm. "Right now, all I want is to raise Evelyn well and focus on my research."


    "Mommy, can I go y upstairs?" Evelyn asked, running over.


    "Of course, you can, sweetie," Magdalen said with a smile. "This is your second home, after all."


    Evelyn''s eyes lit up, and she scampered up the stairs.


    Magdalen watched her go, then turned back to Eleanor''s calm, resolute expression. She knew


    ve


    Eleanor had truly moved on. Shen et


    sighed her heart aching for


    Eleanor''s strength and at the same time, frustrated with her emotionally in¨¦pt grandson.


    "You''re right. You''re finally here. Let''s not talk about all that," Magdalen said, changing the subject. "I''ve seen your name on the news several


    times recently. You''re truly remarkable."


    Eleanor smiled faintly. Magdalen, couldn''t help but add, "If you had continued your research right after Evelyn was born, you wouldn''t have wasted all those years. You''d be even more sessful by now


    Eleanor felt a sense of resignation. The old woman always seemed to circle back to the same topics.


    Of course, she couldn''t tell her that those years hadn''t been wasted at all; she had simply been working in secret, away from the Goodwin family''s knowledge.


    As the maids prepared avish holiday dinner in the kitchen, a loud crash echoed from upstairs.


    "Grandma, I''ll go check," Eleanor said, jumping to her feet and rushing up the stairs, terrified her daughter had fallen.


    "Evelyn!" she called out anxiously.


    "I''m in here, Mommy," Evelyn''s small voice came fromn''s study.


    Eleanor hurried in to find her daughter looking guilty, wringing her little hands. "Mommy, I didn''t mean to."


    Eleanor looked at the floor and saw a thick stack of files fromn''s desk scattered everywhere.


    "Are you hurt?" she asked, her concern for her daughter overriding everything else.

 Chapter 839

    "No," Evelyn shook her head. She had just been trying to reach for her dad''s pen and had identally knocked over the pile of documents.


    Eleanor let out a sigh of relief. As long as her daughter was okay. "Let''s clean this up together."


    "Okay, Mommy!" Evelyn said cheerfully, starting to pick up the papers. Eleanor knelt down to help. A maid rushed in. "Miss Sutton, is Evelyn alright?"


    Knowing Magdalen had sent her, Eleanor said, "Tell her that Evelyn is fine. She just knocked over some files."


    "Right away."


    As Eleanor gathered the papers, her eyes caught a few words that made her pause. She picked up a folderbeled "Rare Hematological Disease Research File." She frowned. What was this doing inn''s files?


    Hesitantly, she untied the string and pulled out the contents. When she saw the name on the first page, her eyes widened. *Gina Quinn?*


    She quickly flipped through the folder, which contained a thick stack of medical reports,b results, and research notes. As she scanned the pages, her heart sank. It was a file on an extremely rare and aggressive blood disorder-a disorder that bore a striking resemnce to the one her father had detailed in his notebook.


    Eleanor was stunned. Son''s sudden trip abroad wasn''t a romantic getaway with Vanessa after all. He had taken his mother overseas to seek treatment.


    Smith''sb, located in Drexford, was the world''s leading research facility for blood diseases. Andn had personally funded it.


    Eleanor knelt there, clutching the file, her mind racing.


    "Mommy, what are you doing? Look at this weird paper with all the circles," Evelyn said, holding up a scattered chart.


    Eleanor snapped back to the present, quicklyposing herself. She took the chart from her daughter. "This is just some of your daddy''s work. Let''s put it all back where it belongs."


    "Okay," Evelyn said, dutifully continuing to pick up the papers.


    Eleanor stood up, took a deep breath, and quickly organized the files. "Mommy, can I go y somewhere else?" Evelyn asked.


    "You can, but be careful not to knock anything else over."


    "I will, I promise!" Evelyn said before running out of the room.


    Eleanor sat down inn''s chair and opened the file again, studying it more closely. The documents detailed Gina''s treatment n and condition from the previous year.


    Her eyes scanned the key data points. The reports showed that Gina had undergone a stem cell transnt, after which her condition had stabilized, and her vitals had


    returned to normal.  S to''


    But as she flipped further, she found the follow-up reports from thest six months. Several key indicators were trending upward, showing a slight rpse.


    At the very end of the report was a consultation summary from the Drexfordb, signed by Dr. Smith himself.


    Eleanor suddenly remembered Dr.


    Smith asking her about treatment options for a rare blood disease She had suggested two different approaches. Had he been researching a new n for Gina?


    So that was whyn had insisted on apanying her on that trip. He had arranged for her to meet with. Dr. Smith to discuss the case. And Smith had brought up the topic with her six months ago.


    It had all been a setup. Ian knew she would never cooperate if he asked directly,


    so he had used the pretext of academic coboration to get her input.


    Eleanor''s heart grew heavy. Could the notes in her father''s notebook have been about Gina''s case?

 Chapter 840

    Or had her father simply been intrigued by the challenge of such a rare disease?


    As a researcher herself, Eleanor understood the pull of aplex and challenging case.


    She rubbed her temples. Just as she was about to close the folder, a thought struck her, and she stopped breathing.


    She frantically flipped through the file again until she found what she was looking


    for in a detailed report from a Drexford physician: a single word, underlined and in bold.


    **Hereditary.**


    Eleanor gasped, her hand flying to her chest. The word echoed in her mind.


    *Hereditary.*


    Her father''s notebook had mentioned it, too. Could it be... Her chest ached, and she struggled to breathe.


    Her father hadn''t just been documenting Gina''s illness; he had been worried about the gic implications for her daughter. For *his* daughter.


    "Mommy, look!" Evelyn suddenly appeared in the doorway.


    "Evelyn,e here," Eleanor said, her voice strained.


    Evelyn walked over to her, and Eleanor pulled her daughter into a fierce hug, her arms tightening around her. She buried her face in Evelyn''s soft hair, her eyes scanning her daughter''s face, searching for any sign of a suspicious bruise or rash.


    "Mommy, what''s wrong?" Evelyn asked, her voice muffled against her mother''s shoulder.


    Realizing she was frightening her, Eleanor forced the lump in her throat down and loosened her grip, managing a weak smile. "Nothing, sweetie. I''m just d you''re okay."


    "I''m fine, Mommy. I''m going to go y now," Evelyn said, wriggling free and running off again.


    Eleanor quickly put the file back in its folder. She had to take it home and study it. Her mind was a torrent of words: *hereditary, genes, family history, risk*.


    Even as a scientist, she was consumed by the primal fear of a mother for her child.


    Just as Eleanor came downstairs, she heard a familiar voice. Serena was home.


    Eleanor clutched the folder tighter. Serena, sitting on the sofa, looked up at her, her dislike for Eleanor in on her face.


    "Serena," Magdalen said, her tone a clear warning.


    Serena pouted and stood up. "I''m going to go y with Evelyn."


    Eleanor sat back down, tucking the folder into her bag. "Grandma, can I ask you something?"


    "Of course, dear," Magdalen said with a smile.


    "How old were Old Mr. Goodwin''s parents when they passed away?" Eleanor asked.


    Magdalen thought for a moment. "They were in their eighties, I believe."


    Her answer confirmed Eleanor''s suspicion: the source of the disease was on Gina''s side of the family. Old Mr. Goodwin''s arents had lived long lives, and her former


    father-inw had died of a heart attack brought on by overwork.


    C¨®ntent


    As Eleanor was lost in thought, she heard her daughter and Serenaing down the stairs.


    "You can''t catch me, Auntie!"


    "You little rascal, you''re too fast," Serena said with augh. "Just wait, I''m going to get you."


    Evelyn ran down the stairs and straight into Eleanor''s arms. Her face was flushed and happy from ying. But for Eleanor, a dark cloud now hung over her, a fear that was tightening its grip around her heart.


    Serena sat down across from her, her eyes only on Evelyn. Magdalen sighed. "Serena, have you been staying upte again? Look at those dark circles under your eyes."


    Eleanor looked at Serena. Even


    through the heavy makeup, she could see that the skin under Serena''s eyes was puffy and red She looked exhausted, the picture of someone suffering from chronic sleep deprivation.

 Chapter 841

    As Serena got up and headed for the kitchen, Eleanor seized the opportunity to casually ask Magdalen, "Do you know much about Gina''s family? How was her parents'' health?"


    It was a personal question, but Magdalen had no intention of hiding anything from Eleanor. "Gina''s mother passed away young," she said after a moment''s thought. "I''m not sure of the exact cause-some sort of serious illness, I believe. Her father, however, lived well into his seventies. Why do you ask?"


    "It''s nothing, really. We''ve been doing some research on longevity genes and wanted to understand the patterns in different families."


    Magdalen epted her exnation without suspicion, nodding with a smile. "That makes sense. It''s important for you researchers to look into these things."


    "Magdalen, do you know whyn went abroad?" Eleanor asked again.


    Magdalen''s eyes brightened, pleased that Eleanor was finally asking about her grandson. "That boy keeps so much to himself," she mused. "I believe he took his mother on a trip and to a hospital in Drexford for a full check-up. You know, since Gina has been feeling some difort in her chest."


    Eleanor was stunned. She hadn''t realizedn had kept Gina''s condition so tightly under wraps that even his own family was in the dark. Could it be that Gina herself didn''t know the truth?


    It was certainly possible.


    Fromn''s perspective, it made a certain kind of sense. He was shielding his family from fear. Eleanor knew Gina''s personality-sensitive and prone to worry. If she knew she had a rare blood disease, her morale would likely plummet.


    So, when had Gina first gotten sick? That was a question onlyn could answer.


    Eleanor resolved to schedule a physical and gic screening for her daughter after the New Year, just to be safe.


    When dinner was ready, Magdalen invited Eleanor and her daughter to the dining table, where a reluctant Serena joined them.


    "Grandma, I got a call from my brother this afternoon," Serena announced.


    "Oh! What did he say? Did he mention how your mother''s check-up went?"


    Serena rolled her eyes. "My brother is being so dramatic. Mom is perfectly fine, but he insisted on dragging her all the way to Drexford for a check-up, iming their equipment is more Honestly, think she''s


    overthinking things, which is why she feels one ache or another."


    Her tone was dripping with dismissal.


    Eleanor''s gaze shot up to her. Beneath Serena''s foundation and eyeliner, she could just make out a faint scattering of what looked like tiny, point-like red spots. Serena had clearly been partying hard; her Complexion was sallow with bloodless pallor that suggested exhaustion.


    If Eleanor hadn''t discovered Gina''s medical file, she would never have noticed these details. Anyone else would have simply assumed Serena wasnt getting enough rest of


    course, Eleanor couldn''t be certain, but Serena''s overall condition looked worryingly poor.


    "You! Your brother should be here to keep you in line. Just look at the state of you," Magdalen chided, clearly at her wit''s end with her granddaughter.


    "Grandma, don''t you dare call him! He''s on vacation with Vanessa right now," Serena protested quickly.


    At the mention of the name, Magdalen coughed sharply and shot her a re. This was hardly the time or ce to bring up her brother''s rtionships with other


    women.


    Serena nced at Eleanor and pouted again. "It''s not like she doesn''t know."

 Chapter 842

    The moment the words left Serena''s mouth, Magdalen''s expression hardened. "Serena, eat your dinner. Evelyn is right here!"


    Serena nced at her little niece, who was indeed watching her from across the table. She sullenly lowered her head and picked at her food, a defiant look still lingering on her face. She hadn''t noticed the girl earlier, but she was still annoyed. It had been two years since Eleanor and her brother had divorced, yet the topic was still taboo in this house. What was the big deal? Getting a divorce wasn''t something to be ashamed of.


    Her grandmother forbade it, her mother forbade it, and even her brother''s face would darken as if she''dmitted a cardinal sin.


    Eleanor ced some vegetables on her daughter''s te. "Let''s eat, Magdalen," she said calmly.


    Magdalen, still fuming, was relieved to see Eleanor unaffected. But that only meant one thing: Eleanor truly had no interest in her grandson anymore.


    Under the warm dining room lights, Eleanor''s mind was untroubled by such trivial matters. The discovery she''d made tonight was far more significant thann''s affair with Vanessa. Her gaze drifted back to Serena, seemingly by chance. As Serena bent over her te, Eleanor noticed a small, faint bruise on her arm. It didn''t look like it was from a bump; it resembled subcutaneous bleeding.


    Serena ate a few bites, then set down her fork, looking listless. "Grandma, I''m full."


    "How can you be? You''ve barely touched your food! I had them steam your favorite sea bass," Magdalen noted with concern.


    "I just don''t have an appetite. Besides, I''m on a diet," Serena mumbled, grabbing her phone and retreating to the living room couch to scroll through it, clearly wanting to put some distance between herself and Eleanor.


    Eleanor frowned. Serena''s condition was definitely off. Loss of appetite, subcutaneous bleeding, a paleplexion, and lethargy.


    She quickly pieced the symptoms together in her mind, her gaze falling on Serena again. This wasn''t just about dieting orte nights; it wasn''t a simple case of being run down. It was more likely-


    Eleanor looked down at her own daughter, who was healthy and rosy, radiating vitality. A wave of relief washed over her, but an invisible string of anxiety tightened in her gut.


    Gina''s rare blood disease was hereditary, and it was only passed down from mother to daughter.


    Eleanor forced her mind to stop,


    refusing to spiral into terrifying She


    what-ifs. She couldn''t be sure if Serena was showing early


    symptoms; it was possible she was misjudging the situation. The only way to know for sure was for Serena to go to a hospital for a check-up.


    Building a global hematologyb just to save his mother-that was indeed the work of a good son. But right now, Eleanor was grateful forn''s investment, as that same research might one day protect her own daughter.


    She nced at the couch, where Serena wasughing at a short video on her phone. Yes, and it could protect his sister, too.


    Serena had just stumbled upon a video posted by Vanessa''s studio. In the clip, Vanessa stood on a hotel balcony in a slinky slip dress, bathed in the light of the rising sun. She looked at the camera, her hair. artfully tousled by the morning breeze, her eyes and lips exuding azy, satisfied glow.

 Chapter 843

    While Serena envied Vanessa''s luxurious vacation, a thought struck her: who filmed this? The look on Vanessa''s face seemed almost... post-coital.


    Could her brother have filmed it? The camera was a bit shaky, suggesting someone was filming from behind her, and Vanessa''s smile was as sweet as honey, her eyes filled with happiness as she gazed at the person behind the lens. Serena nced over at Eleanor at the dining table. It was clear now that there was no chance of her andn getting back together. Her brother waspletely devoted to Vanessa. She remembered the dayn left the country; Vanessa had been emotional in the hospital room, but aftern spoke with her privately for a few minutes, she had calmed down and left with him. He had obviously charmed her. You only put that much effort into cating someone you truly loved.


    Serena tapped on the nearly one thousandments. Sure enough, many fans had the same idea, calling it an "afterglow" shot. Someone with a keen eye even pointed out a hickey on Vanessa''s neck.


    Serena zoomed in. There it was, a distinct mark on Vanessa''s slightly tilted neck.


    "Auntie, what are you looking at?" Evelyn suddenly climbed onto the couch beside her, trying to see the screen.


    Serena quickly turned off her phone. "Nothing, sweetie. Just scrolling," she said with a smile.


    "y with me, Auntie," Evelyn insisted, tugging on her arm.


    "Okay," Serena said, mustering some energy. "I''ll y with you for a bit."


    "I want to y Ludo!" Evelyn announced, running to a cab to get the board game.


    Serena agreed, and the two began to y on the couch. Eleanor nced over with a slight frown, but whatever her feelings about Serena, she couldn''t change the fact that she was her daughter''s aunt.


    "Ellie, eat some more," Magdalen urged.


    Eleanor didn''t have much of an


    appetite either, but not wanting to


    je


    waste the food, she ate a little more. The sound of her daughter''s happyughter filled the living room, punctuated by Serena''s asional praise.


    "Having Evelyn in the house really brightens the ce up," Magdalen remarked with a contented sigh.


    "Magdalen," Eleanor said, looking up, "why don''t you let me treat you to New Year''s Eve dinner at a restaurant? It might be more festive."


    Magdalen''s eyes lit up. "That''s a wonderful idea. Withn and his mother away, I haven''t had much of an appetite Achange of scenery would be nice." Then she added, "I''ll bring Serena along, if you don''t mind."


    Eleanor nodded. "It''s just a meal. I don''t mind at all."


    "Yay! I won!" Evelyn cheered from the couch.


    "My little niece is so smart," Serena praised.


    As Eleanor got up to join them, Serena immediately packed away the game


    board. "Next time, sweetie. Your aunt is a little tired."


    Eleanor had no desire to linger either. "Evelyn, it''s time to go."


    "Okay," Evelyn said with a nod.


    Though reluctant to see them leave, Magdalen didn''t want to impose and confirmed their ns for New Year''s Eve. Serena, on the other hand, was relieved. Having Eleanor around made her ufortable.


    As Eleanor led her daughter to the door, she nced back at Serena, who simply turned and headed upstairs without a word. In the end, Eleanor said nothing and walked out with her daughter.

 Chapter 844

    The city lights blurred past the car window. Eleanor watched her daughter in the rearview mirror, already fast asleep, and felt an invisible knot tighten in her chest. Her daughter''s health and future, once so certain in her eyes, now felt incredibly fragile, as if the word "hereditary" could shatter everything in an instant.


    From the moment Evelyn was born, Eleanor had been a careful and anxious mother. A small cold or fever would keep her awake all night with worry. When it was time for vinations, watching her daughter cry herself hoarse would break her heart for days. It was an emotion she couldn''t control; anything concerning her daughter sent her into a panic, her mind racing to the worst possible conclusions. Even knowing that the shots were for her daughter''s own good didn''t stop the anxiety.


    Back in the parking garage, she settled Evelyn into bed and asked Joslyn not to disturb her, saying she needed to work for a while.


    Closing the study door behind her, Eleanor turned on herputer and immediately opened the file containing Gina''s medical records. Her fingertips were ice-cold as she stared at the thick report, which felt like a boulder crashing into her heart. She scrolled to the sections on gic information and analysis. The professional medical terms were no longer cold symbols; each word tugged at the raw nerves of a terrified mother.


    "Autosomal dominant inheritance..."


    "Pathogenic gene located... Prance rate, fifty percent probability of transmission to female offspring."


    The lines of text swam before her eyes, stabbing at her heart. She finally closed her eyes and buried her face in her hands. Her daughter had a one in two chance...


    Wait. The data from Dr. Smith. Eleanor shot back in her chair, her chest heaving. She forced herself to calm down. She needed data, evidence-not spection and fear.


    She opened herputer, her fingers flying across the keyboard. Smith had given her the highest level of ess to theb''s database. It contained data from nearly a thousand patients, tracking family histories over four generations. One statistic made her pause. ording to the data, the probability of inheriting the condition skipped a generation was thirty percent, twenty percent lower than direct mother-to-daughter transmission.


    But even as she read it, she knew it wasn''t enough. Even if the probability was one percent, it wouldn''t be enough to reassure her. This wasn''t a gamble she was willing to take; she had to be one hundred percent certain of her daughter''s health.


    At Goodwin Manor, the housekeeper locked up after putting the old madam to bed. As she came downstairs, thendline phone began to ring. Surprised, she picked it up. "Hello?"


    "It''s me. Is my grandmother asleep?" It wasn''s voice.


    "Sir! Yes, she''s asleep."


    "Did anything unusual happen at home today?"


    "Unusual? What do you mean, sir?"


    "Did anyone go into my study?"


    "Oh! Evelyn went in, and so did Miss Sutton. Evelyn identally knocked over the papers on your desk, and Miss Sutton helped her pick them up"


    The housekeeper was about to say more whenn''s voice cut her off "Go to my desk right now and see if there''s a medical report among the files."


    "Oh! Did you leave something behind, sir?"


    "Yes."


    "Alright, I''ll go look right away."


    MS


    She put down the phone and hurried upstairs. Arriving atn''s desk, she carefully sorted through the stack of documents examining each one. After early ten minutes of searching, she was certain there was no medical report among them.

 Chapter 845

    She rushed back downstairs and picked up the phone. "Sir, I''ve looked through everything carefully. The medical report you''re looking for isn''t here. Could you have left it somewhere else?"


    The line went silent.


    After a moment, the housekeeper asked softly, "Sir, are you still there?"


    "Don''t worry about it,"n''s voice came back, raspy and low. "Just take good care of my grandmother and my sister."


    "Of course," she replied, and the line went dead.


    It was early morning in Drexford. Ian stood outside a room in the Smith Lab, gazing at his mother, who was sleeping peacefully after taking her medication. He closed his eyes and let out a soft breath. The morning sun cast a pale light on his weary face, his eyes swirling withplex emotions.


    Someone came up behind him with a cup of coffee. "Mr. Goodwin. This should help."


    It was Dr. Smith.


    Smith looked at him, surprised. The secret had been kept for so long. Yet, inn''splex, dark eyes, Smith read an unexpected emotion.


    Relief.


    He pattedn on the shoulder. "Mr. Goodwin, I believe that in this entire world, you and Eleanor are the two people most capable and most likely to secure a future for your daughter and your family."


    "But we''re divorced,"n murmured.


    "I may not know Miss Sutton well, but I''m confident that when faced with matters of life, responsibility, and family she will stand with you Smith said before turning to leave.


    Just then, an assistant approached. "Mr. Goodwin, your mother''stest test


    results are in. Dr. Smith would like to see you."


    Smith''s office. He found the doctor frowning, his expression grim as he


    studied the data. Ian sat down beside him How is my mother Condition this time?"


    Dr. Smith looked up. "Mr. Goodwin, I think we need to move forward with the proposal I mentioned before. Your mother''s condition is more serious than we anticipated."


    "Has the previous treatment n stopped working?"n asked, his brow furrowing.


    "It hasn''t failed, but its efficacy has greatly diminished. Coupled with your mother''s age, her regenerative capabilities and hematopoietic functions are weakening."


    "You also need to consider the future for your sister and your daughter," Smith added gravely. "While I hope it neveres to this, you know that some things are unpredictable."


    Smith sawn''s hand, resting on the desk, clench into a fist. He knew this proposal was a difficult one for him.


    "Are there any other options?"


    "We discussed two alternatives with


    Miss Sutton previously. The other


    one is still in its experimental stages.b attempted,


    As far as know on


    it, but the test subject ultimately died. Our technology simply isn''t


    safe enough yet." <pn closed his eyes, a muscle twitching in his cheek as he wrestled with his emotions.

 Chapter 846

    A heavy silence filled Dr. Smith''s office.


    "Doctor, pack your things. You and your team areing back with me. I''m going to invite Eleanor to co-lead the research on the final solution with you. We''re activating theb back home."


    "That''s wonderful news! With Miss Sutton on board, our progress will be exponential," Smith said, his excitement palpable. "I''ll bring my entire team for a long-term project in your country." He paused, then nodded. "It''s better for treatment when the family is together."


    Just then, a new email notification popped up on Smith''s screen. He clicked it open, his eyes widening in surprise. "It''s from Miss Sutton."


    Smith opened the email. It was concise and devoid of pleasantries. Eleanor quoted thetest research from theb''s own database and posed several incredibly sharp and professional questions. After reading it, Smith let out an appreciative "Wow."


    "Miss Sutton is a genius," he said. "To have absorbed our core research in such a short time and pinpointed the most critical questions... it''s remarkable."


    "Doctor, tell her you and your team will be back in three days. We''ll meet with her then."


    "Okay," Smith replied.


    "And please forward me a copy of her email,"n added before walking out.


    After forwarding the email, Smith


    replied to Eleanor: "Miss Sutton,


    ins


    regarding your questions, I believe it would be best to discuss them. person In three days, my team and I will be returning with Mr. Goodwin''s mother I will be able to give you more definitive answers at that time."


    Eleanor, looking pale and exhausted, sat in her study with a fresh cup of coffee. She had indeed been up all night. Reading Smith''s reply, her heart jolted fan was bringing the entire team back? Did that mean Gina''s condition was deteriorating?


    She didn''t want to believe it, but she calmly typed back, "Understood, Doctor. I''ll see you then."


    Just then, a text message fromn appeared on her phone. "Eleanor, I''m sorry. Can we talk?"


    Those few words were like a key unlocking a floodgate of suppressed emotions. The exhaustion from a sleepless night, the terror for her daughter''s future, and the raw anger of being kept in the dark all came rushing to the surface.


    She bit her lip, walked over to the study door, and locked it. Then, she picked up her phone and dialed his number. He answered immediately. "Hello?"


    "Talk?" she seethed. "What do you


    want to talk about,n? How you painstakingly hid your mother''s illness? Or the thirty percent chance that Evelyn could inherit it? My daughter is at risk and you let me ve in ignorance? I am her motherly have the right to know about anything that could endanger her health, but you chose to hide it. Are you even human,n? What gave you the right?"

 Chapter 847

    The words tore from her, sharp and bitter. She was furious. How dare this man y God while leaving herpletely in the dark? Her chest heaved, and her eyes burned with unshed tears. She gripped the phone so tightly it felt like a weapon; ifn were standing in front of her, she would have plunged it into his heart.


    "I''m sorry. I was wrong," he said immediately, his voice filled with sincere apology. "It was wrong of me to hide my mother''s condition. I thought I could control it, that I could spare you all the worry. I know I was a bastard, and I hurt you. I know no amount of apologies can-"


    "Don''t give me that!" Eleanor cut him off, her voice sharp with frustration. "Is Dr. Smith''s teaming back with you?"


    "Yes. A few years ago, I received approval to build a privateboratory. They''ll continue their research there, and the facility will be fully operational. Eleanor, I need your help."


    She wanted to scream at him, to list every one of his transgressions, but she knew that yelling, hitting, or even killing him would solve nothing.


    "Fine," she said, running a hand through her hair. "I''ll wait for Dr. Smith to arrive." Suddenly, she felt dizzy and reached for the desk to steady herself, but instead sent a stack of files scattering to the floor, along with her coffee cup, which shattered on impact.


    The crash echoed over the phone line. "Eleanor, what happened? Are you okay?"n asked, his voice sharp with rm.


    Eleanor stared at the mess on the floor, her chest still rising and falling with


    ragged breaths. She med him for all of it. "I hate you,n," she said, her voice cold as ice.


    "I know," he replied, epting her anger without defense. "Are you hurt? Did you stay up all night?"


    "I don''t need your concern," she snapped.


    "I''m sorry."


    Again, no arguments, only apologies. His passive eptance was infuriating, like punching a pillow. Her anger had nowhere tond.. Finally, she took a deep breath, her


    forcing down the store


    personal feelings. This wasnt the time to settle old scores. Her daughter''s future was at stake, and she needed solutions.


    As forn building ab without her knowledge-it was just another secret. But she would ept his proposal. She would work with Smith, because her daughters


    health came first.


    A knock came at the door. "Ma''am?" It was Joslyn. "Did a cup break? Do you need me toe in and clean up?"


    Eleanorposed herself and opened the door. "There''s coffee on the floor. Could you please take care of it?" she asked, turning to pick up the scattered files.


    Evelyn peeked into the room. "Mommy, can I help?"


    The sight of her daughter''s innocent smile was a balm to her frayed nerves. All


    her anger and fear melted away. "Of course, sweetie. Come on in."


    As she and Evelyn tidied the room together, Eleanor''s resolve


    hardened. As soon as Smith''s team arrived, her daughter would undergo the mostprehensive gic screening possible.

 Chapter 848

    Eleanor told Joslyn she needed to rest, and Evelyn, ever the considerate child,


    went downstairs to y. Exhaustion finally overtook her. She fell onto the bed and slept soundly until two in the afternoon.


    When she woke, she felt much better. Downstairs, she watched her daughter chasing Princess around the living room, the afternoon sun streaming in, warm and bright. Evelyn ran and leaped into her arms, and as Eleanor looked down at her daughter''s flushed little face, her conviction grew stronger.


    Whether the probability was thirty percent or one percent, she would fight to make it zero.


    Her phone rang. It was Joel. "Hey, Joel?"


    "I stopped by the office to see you, but they said you took the day off. Is everything okay?" he asked with concern.


    Though her heart was heavy, she didn''t want to worry him. "I''m fine," she said, forcing a light tone.


    "There are a few parameters on the civilian project that I''m not sure about. I was hoping to discuss them with you."


    "Why don''t youe over for dinner tonight? We can talk about work then," Eleanor offered.


    "Sounds good," Joel replied easily. "I''ll head over after work."


    After the call, Eleanor returned to her study. She opened herputer, but this time, she ignored the daunting data and began reviewing all of the Smith Lab''s treatment and intervention protocols for rare blood diseases. She needed to master the core information as quickly as possible so she couldmunicate effectively with Smith when he arrived.


    At six o''clock, Joel arrived right on time. They sat on the balcony to discuss the project, and both became deeply engrossed in their work.


    Eleanor had left her phone upstairs. Evelyn, ying with Princess in the master bedroom, saw it light up and picked it up. "It''s Daddy!" she whispered excitedly to the dog before swiping to answer. "Hello, Daddy, it''s me!"


    "Evelyn! Why do you have the phone? Where''s your mom?"n''s gentle voice came through the speaker.


    "Mommy''s talking with Mr. Kingsley," she replied.


    "Is that Uncle Joel?"


    "Yep! Mommy invited him for dinner."


    "Is that so? Can you give the phone to your mom, please? I need to tell her something."


    "Okay, Daddy, hold on!" Evelyn said, carrying the phone downstairs.


    ???;


    On the balcony, Eleanor and Joel were deep in a discussion about technical specifications when Evelyn ran up, holding out the phone "Mommy, it''s Daddy."


    Thinking there might be a change in Dr. Smith''s travel ns, Eleanor took the


    phone. "Excuse me for a moment," she said to Joel.


    "Of course, take your time."


    Eleanor walked to the other side of the balcony and put the phone to her ear. "What is it?"


    "Joel is at your house?"n''s voice was steady.


    A wave of annoyance washed over her. "Who I have over for dinner is none of your business," she said coldly. "If you have something to say, say it."


    "I had Evelyn''s genes tested a while back. I''ll send you the data shortly. Dr. Smith believes the risk of her inheriting the condition is low, but he can''t be certain,"n said, his voice low.


    Eleanor''s grip on the phone tightened. "When did you have her tested?"


    "Four years ago," he admitted.


    n, why wouldn''t you tell me something like that?" A fresh surge of anger rose in


    her chest, her voice trembling with rage.

 Chapter 849

    Four years. He had secretly tested their daughter four years ago and kept her in the dark the entire time. It was unforgivable. Despicable.


    The line went silent for a moment, filled only by the sound of his heavy breathing.


    "I''m sorry,"n''s voice came back, low and hoarse. "It was my fault."


    More apologies. She hated it.


    "Ian, what gave you the right?" she demanded, her voice shaking with fury. "What gave you the right to strip me of my parental right to know? Who are you to make these decisions about Evelyn on your own? In your eyes, am I just some burden who gets in your way whenever there''s a problem?"


    "No," he denied sharply, then repeated, "I''m sorry. I never should have hidden it from you."


    His passive eptance of her tirade only fueled her rage. "Sorry? Is ''sorry'' supposed to fix everything? You''re always like this,n¡ªhigh-handed and self- righteous, acting like you''re some kind of savior! What else have you been hiding from me? Do you think you''re so incredibly noble?" The words tumbled out, and she felt hot tears welling in her eyes.


    The overwhelming emotion sent a sharp, stabbing pain through her chest. Her breath caught, and she instinctively clutched her heart as she stumbled and sank to her knees.


    Joel, who had been watching her with concern, saw her copse. His face paled, and he rushed to her side in an instant, grabbing her shoulders. "Eleanor, what''s wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with rm.


    Eleanor leaned against him, gasping for breath.


    His brow furrowed, Joel didn''t hesitate. He took the phone from her hand. "Mr. Goodwin, this is Joel. I''m going to have to ask you to stop upsetting Eleanor."


    "What''s wrong with her?"n''s voice was urgent.


    "She''s extremely agitated and experiencing chest pains. If you have any concern for her well-being, you''ll stop now Whatevert is, it can Wort until she''s calm


    "Joel, take care of her. If she''s having heart trouble, get her to a hospital immediately,"n urged. "Her heart-"


    Worried about Eleanor''s condition, Joel ended the call beforen could finish. He pocketed the phone and helped Eleanor to a lounge chair. "Are you feeling any better? Is your chest still hurting


    Eleanor closed her eyes and focused on her breathing. The sharp pain slowly subsided into a dull ache.


    "Joel, could you get me a ss of water?" she asked, looking up at him.


    He quickly brought her a ss of warm water. "Breathe slowly. Nothing is worth getting this worked up over."


    After a few sips, she felt a little


    better and leaned back against the cushions. She didn''t exin that the argument wasn''t about work. A new thought had taken foot in ber mind-a desire to keep this secret from the world. If word ever got out and reached her daughter''s ears, the knowledge that she might one day get sick could be devastating, even at her young age.


    As her breathing steadied, she reflected on the intense pain she had felt in her chest. Was it because she had pulled an all-nighter?

 Chapter 850

    Seeing Eleanor''s still-pale face, Joel felt a surge of worry. "Eleanor," he said, his tone gentle but firm, "you can''t just push through things like this. What just


    happened really scared me. I think you should go to the hospital for a check-up, just for peace of mind."


    She considered his words and nodded. "You''re right. I''ll schedule a full physical when I have time." In her mind, she attributed it to theck of sleep and the extreme stress of the argument. For now, she would keep the secret about her daughter''s potential condition to herself. Evelyn was only at risk; she wasn''t sick. She would protect that secret until she found a cure.


    "Let''s call it a night for work, then," Joel said, gathering the documents from the table, not wanting to add to her stress.


    "Leave me a copy of those parameters," Eleanor insisted. "I''ll look at themter."


    "We can discuss them at theb tomorrow," Joel said, his tone leaving no room for argument. He knew she was a workaholic and would sacrifice rest if she had a task hanging over her.


    Eleanor finally relented.


    Just then, Joslyn announced that dinner was ready, and Evelyn came skipping out onto the balcony to call them. "Mommy, Mr. Kingsley, it''s time to eat!"


    "Okay, we''reing!" Joel replied with a smile.


    After dinner, Eleanor sat alone on the balcony. The city was glowing with decorations; New Year''s Eve was only three days away. She decided she would


    find a time tomorrow to return Gina''s medical report. Just then, an email notification pinged on her phone. It was fromn, containing their daughter''s gic test data.


    Her heart clenched. She quickly stood up and went to her study.


    Eleanor opened the email and clicked on the attached report. It was a detailed gic analysis, dated four years ago, just as he''d said. The conclusion was written in professional terminology stating that no known pathogenic mutations were found in the subject''s gene sequence. However, a supplementary note followed.


    *Given the possibility of mutations at unknown loci for this disease, regr follow- up and monitoring are rmended.*


    The first sentence brought a wave of relief, but the second hung in the air like a suspended sword, a starke reminder that she could never let her guard down. At leastn hadn''t lied about this. The data gave hepa small measure offort, but it did nothing to erase the bitterness of his deception or lessen the resentment in her heart.


    She scrutinized every piece of data. The analysis held up. Her feelings were a tangled mess. She had thought divorcingn would mean cutting all ties, but her daughter''s potential illness was a stark reminder that they still shared a profound and unavoidable responsibility.


    The next morning, Eleanor took Evelyn to visit Magdalen, bringing a gift. The old woman was delighted to see them and shared thatn and Gina would be returning in time for the New Year.


    "Such a fuss," Magdalenined to Eleanor. "Running off to another country for a minor ache. As if our doctors here aren''t good enough."


    Listening to her, Eleanor felt a mix of emotions. For all these years,n had managed to keep his mother''s illness a perfect secret. She


    want to frighten his eldent


    understood why, of course. He didn''t


    grandmother or burden Gina with


    the stress of a rare disease


    diagnosis. Many patients, upon learning of such a condition, live in a


    constant state of anxiety, which only


    hinders recovery.


    Thinking of Gina''s life over the past few years-pampered, sheltered, and


    mentally at peace-Eleanor had to admit it was all thanks to the son who had shouldered the entire burden alone.

 Chapter 851

    But Eleanor had no intention of feeling sorry forn Goodwin. He was getting exactly what he deserved.


    "Grandma, some of the medical equipment overseas is more advanced," Eleanor said, trying tofort her. "It would be good to get checked out, just for peace of mind."


    "I suppose you''re right, but all that travel is just so exhausting. I''ve grown to dread flying," the old woman sighed, her gaze softening as she watched Evelyn ying happily nearby. A fond smile touched her lips. "Just look at Evelyn. You''ve raised her so well. She''s glowing with health, with such rosy cheeks."


    Eleanor watched her daughter too, her heart filled with a simple wish: for Evelyn to be healthy and happy her entire life.


    "Mommy, can I go y upstairs?" Evelyn asked, a little hesitant. After knocking over her father''s filesst time, she worried her mother might say no.


    Eleanor reached into her purse and pulled out the file. "Come on," she said gently. "Mommy will go up with you."


    She took her daughter''s hand and led her upstairs ton''s study, where she slipped the medical file back into the stack of documents on his desk.


    Evelyn was skipping happily down the hall when a door was suddenly thrown open. "Who''s out there?" an irritable voice snapped. "Can you stop making so much noise this early?"


    Startled, Evelyn spun around to see Serena Goodwin standing in the doorway, rubbing her temples. It was clear she''d just been woken up.


    "Auntie Serena!" Evelyn cried, running over to her.


    The anger on Serena''s face softened when she saw the little girl, melting into a weary smile. "Oh, it''s you, Evelyn. When did you get here?"


    "I''ve been here for a while! Are you still sleeping, Auntie?" Evelyn asked, tilting her head back to look up at her.


    "I didn''t sleep well, I was just about to-" Serena began, but then she looked up and saw Eleanor approaching. The warmth she''d shown Evelyn vanished instantly, reced by an undisguised, icy impatience.


    "What are you doing here?" Her tone was an usation, as if Eleanor were a trespasser.


    Eleanor turned to her daughter. "Evelyn, why don''t you go y downstairs?" Evelyn scampered off, and just as Eleanor was about to follow, she paused and took a closer look at Serena.


    Serena stood there in her pajamas, her hair a mess, radiating the tired irritability of someone who hadn''t. gotten enough sleep. Eleanor met her hostile gaze calmly, seemingly unfazed by her attitude.


    Even from a few feet away, Eleanor could see the unhealthy pallor of Serena''s skin and the dark, almost reddish circles under her eyes. It didn''t look like it was just from ate night.


    Serena shifted, ufortable and angry under her scrutiny. "What are you staring at?" she snapped.


    "Nothing," Eleanor said quietly. "But if you get the chance, I''d suggest you get a full physical. It might be a good idea."


    To Serena, however, the words sounded like something else entirely.


    "What''s that supposed to mean, Eleanor? Are you wishing I was sick? I''m perfectly fine, so I don''t need your fake concern. Don''t think you''re so special just because you know a thing or two about medicine Why don''t you just worry about yourself?"


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed slightly, but she simply turned to leave without another word.


    "Wait," Serena called out after her. She


    to liz cher arms, a cold smirk


    on her face. "What''s this? Suddenly


    you care about me? Are you trying to get on my good side? Don''t tell me you''re trying to get back together with my brother."


    Eleanor had expected as much. She didn''t bother to exin, saying only, "Think whatever you want."


    "If that''s your n, Eleanor, I''m telling you not to waste your time! My brother will never take you back!" Serena yelled at her retreating back.


    Just as Eleanor disappeared around the corner, a wave of dizziness washed over Serena. She instinctively grabbed the doorframe for support, taking a few shallow breaths.


    A flicker of rm went through her mind. *Could there actually be something wrong?*

 Chapter 852

    Ever since Xavier rejected her, she''d been on a self-destructive tear, living by a simple, reckless creed: whatever feels good, whenever she wants.


    She knew that burning the candle at both ends would eventually catch up with her, but her philosophy was to live in the moment and worry about recoveringter.


    Now, however, she suddenly felt like her body wasn''t that of a twenty-six-year-old anymore. She turned and went back to her room, hoping to sleep off the fatigue.


    Downstairs, Magdalen didn''t need to see the encounter to know her granddaughter had given Eleanor a hard time. "Don''t mind Serena," she said with a sigh. "I don''t know what''s gotten into hertely. She''s been so listless, and her temper has gotten shorter and shorter. The smallest thing sets her off."


    A nearby maid nodded in silent agreement.


    They couldn''t even clean in the mornings anymore, forced to wait until Serena woke up. If they disturbed her, she would truly fly into a rage.


    Eleanor frowned. Irritability and fatigue weremon symptoms associated with blood disorders.


    At ten-thirty, Eleanor and her daughter left, despite the old woman''s repeated invitations to stay. Citing work, Eleanor made her excuses and took Evelyn to the mall to do some holiday shopping. The little girl skipped along beside her, giddy with excitement.


    As the holidays drew closer, Eleanor''s workload hadn''t lessened. Theb, however, was closing for the break, so most experiments were on hold, giving her a much-needed vacation.


    Ellington needed to report on work matters, and to make it easier for Eleanor to watch her child, he suggested they meet at an elegant caf¨¦ near her residentialplex.


    When Eleanor told her daughter she had to step out for a bit, Evelyn tugged on her sleeve. "Mommy, can Viviane over and y for a while?" she asked sweetly.


    Eleanor nodded. "Let me ask Mr. Vaughn if that''s okay."


    She sent a text to Xavier, asking if Vivian was home. A momentter, his call came through.


    "She''s here," Xavier''s voice came through the line. "Vivian has been wanting to y with Evelyn, too."


    "Great. Could you have your nanny or housekeeper bring her over?" Eleanor asked.


    "Why don''t you bring Evelyn to my ce? I''m home," he offered, his voice a low, gentle rumble.


    Eleanor considered it. Leaving


    Joslyn to manage two children by


    herself while she was out did make


    her a bit uneasy. "Would that be convenient? don''t want to disturb you."


    "Of course, it''s convenient," Xavier said with a light chuckle. "With a ymate to keep Vivian busy, I might actually get some time to myself."


    Eleanor understoodpletely. When children had friends over, they were far less likely to cling to their parents.


    "Okay, then I''ll bring Evelyn over. I have a meeting with Ellington at the caf¨¦ near the entrance in a little while."


    "Sounds good. I''ll be waiting for you," Xavier said warmly.


    After she hung up, Eleanor told her daughter the n, and Evelyn jumped for joy. "Mommy, I''m going to bring my new toys to share with Vivian!"


    Ten minutester, Eleanor rang Xavier''s doorbell. The door swung open to reveal him standing there in casual clothes. "Good afternoon, Mr. Vaughn," Evelyn chirped.


    "Good afternoon to you, too. Come on in," Xavier replied with a smile.


    Evelyn scurried inside, and soon the sound of two children''s happyughter echoed from the living room.


    Xavier''s gaze then fell on Eleanor.


    Dressed for a day at home, she wore a simple, cream-colored turtleneck sweater her long hair cascading over her shoulders and revealing the elegant curve of her neck. She exuded a gentle, domestic warmth.


    C¨®ntent


    "Thank you so much for this. My meeting should onlyst about an hour. I''lle get her after."


    "No problem. Go on, get to your meeting. I''ll take good care of Evelyn," he assured her.


    A short whiteter, Eleanor arrived at the caf¨¦. Pushing the door open, she was surprised to see that a corner of the cafe had been transformed into a makeshift conference room, with several tables pushed together.


    She had assumed it would only be Ellington, but he had brought all six of his department managers with him.

 Chapter 853

    Eleanor gracefully took the seat they had left for her at the head of the table. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft halo around her.


    "Let''s begin," she said, nodding to Ellington.


    He opened hisptop and started presenting the year-end report. Eleanor listened intently, her expression immediately shifting to one of cool, focused concentration. Other patrons who arrived couldn''t help but be drawn to the scene: a beautiful woman surrounded by seven men in sharp business suits. It was obvious she was their boss, and the men themselves, judging by their age and demeanor, were clearly sessful figures in the business world. Three of them were French, and they delivered their reports entirely in their native tongue. Eleanor transitioned seamlessly between French and English, her fluency effortless.


    Every gesture she made radiated an unquestionable authority, a natural air of leadership. The other patrons overheard the men refer to her respectfully as "Ms. Sutton."


    A few young women at a nearby table began whispering among themselves, their eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and envy.


    Even the three baristas couldn''t help but steal nces.


    They recognized Eleanor from her asional coffee runs; her striking beauty made her hard to forget. They knew she lived in the exclusive Cloudcrest Manor next door but had no idea she was the head of apany. It just went to show that everyone in that neighborhood was either wealthy or powerful.


    Lost in a world of data and projections, Eleanor was entirely unaware of the attention she was drawing.


    Her charisma wasn''t a deliberate performance but a natural extension of her passion and dedication to her work-an aura that emanated from within.


    An hourter, the meeting concluded. Eleanor stood and shook hands with Ellington and each of the managers, her smile gentle and her demeanor rxed yet professional. The group escorted her to the entrance of her residentialplex before departing.


    As she walked back into theplex, she sent Xavier a text.


    "The girls are still having a st," he replied. "Why don''t youe over and join us for a bit?"


    Remembering theb data she still needed to analyze that afternoon, she typed back, "I have to get back to work, but how about I treat you all to dinner tonight?" "Sounds good. You focus on your work. Evelyn is fine here," Xavier answered.


    Eleanor felt a little guilty leaving him to watch the kids, but they were clearly having a world


    ful time together. Treating him to dinner felt like the least she could do to repay his kindness.


    After finishing her work, Eleanor nced at her watch. It was already six o''clock.


    She immediately picked up her phone and called Xavier.


    "I''m so sorry, Ipletely lost track of time. I''ll book a restaurant right now."


    "Already taken care of," Xavier said smoothly. "I''ve made a reservation. We can


    head out whenever you''re ready."


    "I''m done now. We can go anytime."


    "Great. I''ll drive over and pick you up from your building."


    Eleanor tidied up, let Joslyn know she was leaving, and headed out.


    Downstairs, Xavier''s car was waiting by the elevator entrance. The window rolled down. "Hop in," he said with a weing smile.


    Eleanor opened the back door to


    find the two girls still happily lost in a role-ying game. After saying hello to Vivian, she settled in. Xavier''s car pulled smoothly out of the Cloudcrest Manor garage and into the glittering city streets. The festive holiday lights cast a cheerful glow, lifting everyone''s spirits.


    At the restaurant, Eleanor and Xavier each held a child''s hand as they walked in.


    The host immediately led them to a prime table by the window.


    At another table, Serena watched them, shing with disbelief and envy. As fate would have it Serena was dining at the same restaurant with her friends.


    She couldn''t believe what she was seeing: Eleanor and Xavier, out with the two children,ughing and talking like a perfect family of four.


    Serena quickly snapped a photo of the scene and sent it straight to her brother. She didn''t need to add a caption; the picture spoke for itself.

 Chapter 854

    Back at theb, Joel Kingsley had been so buried in work he hadn''t even had a moment to check his phone. When he finally returned to his office and nced at the screen, he frowned. He had three missed calls, all from the same person:n.


    Though he had no desire to call back, Joel knew he couldn''t ignore him. He dialed the number.


    "Joel, are you busy?"n''s voice was clear in the otherwise silent room.


    "Mr. Goodwin. Is something wrong?" Joel asked directly.


    "How was Eleanor when you left her cest night?"n''s tone was low and serious.


    "If you truly cared about her, Mr. Goodwin, you would stop doing things to upset her. Stay away from her," Joel replied, a warning edge in his voice. He didn''t know whatn and Eleanor had discussed, but it had clearly left her distraught. He figured it was some personal, emotional matter. Sincen had chosen to divorce her, he had no right to keep meddling in her life.


    "Joel, please, just keep an eye on her for me. If she feels unwell in any way, take her to the hospital immediately," Ian requested, his voice tight. He paused, then added, "It''ll be another two days before I''m back in the country."


    Joel sighed. "I''ll call her in a bit to check on her."


    "Thank you,"n said formally.


    Joel couldn''t resist adding, "My care for Eleanor is a personal matter, Mr. Goodwin. It doesn''t involve you."


    Joel was remindingn that he had forfeited any right to be concerned about Eleanor''s life.


    A brief silence hung on the line. After a few seconds,n''s voice returned, devoid


    of its earlier edge. "You''re right. As her friend and colleague, please, just make sure she''s okay."


    "I will," Joel confirmed.


    "Hey, Joel," she answered, her voice sounding surprisingly light and carefree. "How are you feeling now? Any difort?" he asked, concerned.


    "I''m fine. Did I scare youst night? I''m sorry about that."


    "Don''t worry about it. Just call me right away if you feel anything," Joel said,n''s urgent request still echoing in his mind.


    "Okay. I''m out having dinner with Evelyn. Have you eaten?" she asked, her concern for his well-being evident. Joel had grown noticeably thinner recently, thanks to the new project.


    "I''m just about to grab something," he replied with a small smile.


    "Good, go eat. Don''t starve yourself."


    Joel decided not to mentionn''s call. Any news of him would only serve to upset Eleanor, and there was no need for that.


    Meanwhile, at the restaurant, Serena stared at the scene by the window. Xavier was leaning in, talking animatedly with Eleanor, while the two children yed beside them. Anyone looking at them would assume they were a happy picture-perfect family. The sight was a bitter pill to swallow. Not wanting


    to be seen, she put on a hat to


    obscure her face. The humiliation she''d felt from Xavier''s rejection was


    still too raw for her to face him.


    Miles away,n had just ended his call with Joel when he was summoned into Dr. Smith''s office. He emerged fifteen minutester, his brow furrowed with a weary gravity. He was about to takea break when his phone buzzed, A WhatsApp notification lit up the screen.


    "Brother, it looks like someone''s in a hurry to find my niece a new daddy."


    He tapped the message and saw that his sister had sent him a series of photos


    twenty minutes earlier. The images hit him like a punch to the gut.


    There they were, in a high-end restaurant: Eleanor and Xavier sitting across from each other, the childrenughing beside them. Eleanor held a teacup, her


    expressionpletely rxed, while Xavier''s gaze rested on her soft and full of affection. The entire scene radiated a harmonious, blissful warmth.

 Chapter 855

    When Serena didn''t get a response, she sent another message: "Brother, did you see the photos I sent you or not?!"


    He leaned his head back against the sofa and closed his eyes, his jaw clenched. A few minutester, he opened them and dialed a number. "What''s the status of the flight crew?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, the earliest we can take off is tomorrow afternoon."


    Back in the restaurant, Eleanor propped her chin on her hand, gazing out at the city lights, lost in a momentary daze.


    "What are you thinking about?" Xavier asked gently. "Something to do with work?"


    Eleanor snapped back to the present and shook her head. "No, just thinking about how quickly time flies."


    Xavier nodded in agreement. "It does. It''s been what, two or three years since we properly met?" Eleanor paused, her mind drifting back. They had been formally introduced at a private Christmas party hosted by Henry Holt three years ago.


    Xavier was clearly reminiscing as well, marveling at how much she had changed in that time. She had transformed from a homemaker into an independent scientist and a single mother.


    "I feel like I''ve watched you grow over these past three years, watched you be more and more brilliant. It''s been wonderful to see."


    His praise was sincere and understated, never making her feel pressured.


    But Eleanor''s mind was heavy with the weight of her daughter''s situation. She took a sip of tea and offered him a grateful look. "Thank you."


    "Mommy, look! They''re setting off fireworks over there!" Evelyn eximed, pointing excitedly.


    In the distance, arge amusement park was putting on a fireworks disy, and their table offered a perfect view. The two children rushed to the floor-to-ceiling window to watch. Seeing the innocent jay on her daughter''s face Eleanor felt some of the darkness in her heart dissipate. Whatever the future held, she knew she would face it with everything she had.


    Xavier held his teacup, his gaze taking in all three of them. The children were adorable, of course, but it was the woman across from him who truly captivated him.


    As Serena got up to leave with her friends, she caught onest glimpse of that scene. It felt like a giant hand was squeezing her heart, making it difficult to breathe.


    The dinner had a wonderful atmosphere. Xavier quietly paid the bill, insisting that Eleanor could treat him next time. She couldn''t argue On the ride back, both children fell asleep, leaning against eachother peacefully.


    The car fell into a quiet stillness, filled with a subtle, unspoken tension.


    "The kids had a great time today," Xavier said, his eyes meeting hers in the rearview mirror.


    "Yes, they did. Thank you for watching them, and for dinner," Eleanor replied with a small smile.


    "It was my pleasure," he said, his gaze lingering on her. "Eleanor, if you ever need help with anything, please, just ask me. You don''t have to carry everything on your own."


    Eleanor was grateful for his concern, no matter his intentions. "Thank you, Xavier."


    The car had just pulled into the


    underground parking garage. Xavier


    stopped right in front of her


    building''s elevator and got out,


    walking around to her side. The children were still sleeping soundly. Eleanor was about to get out first and then lift her daughter from the car.


    But just then, Xavier gently closed the car door. Eleanor, who had been adjusting


    the strap of her bag, looked up and found herself caught in his warm, intense


    gaze.


    "Eleanor," he said, his voice low and direct. "I have feelings for you."

 Chapter 856

    The light in the underground garage was dim, but Eleanor could clearly see the sincerity and deep affection in Xavier''s eyes. She froze for a moment.


    His confession was so open and sincere it felt cruel to refuse, but Eleanor''s heart was a tangle ofplicated, heavy emotions. The recent discovery of her daughter''s potential gic risk filled her with an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. Xavier''s deration, as kind as it was, felt like an unbearable weight at the most inopportune time.


    She lowered her gaze for a few seconds, avoiding his intense stare. When she looked up again, her eyes held only gratitude.


    "Xavier, thank you. You''re awesome, really. And I''m honored you feel that way about me. But I''m just not in that ce where I can be in a rtionship. I''m sorry."


    Her gaze drifted toward the car door, her expression softening with a quiet resolve. "All of my energy, my entire focus, has to be on Evelyn and my work. I can''t afford any distractions, and I simply don''t have the space in my life to start something new."


    She kept the truth about her daughter''s potential condition to herself. Evelyn''s future was hers to protect, a burden she couldn''t and wouldn''t ask anyone else to share.


    The light in Xavier''s eyes dimmed slightly, though her rejection didn''t seem to surprise him. He had long sensed the heavy burdens she carried beneath her strong, independent exterior. He desperately wanted to help her carry some of that weight, to keep her from facing it all alone.


    "I was too forward," he said, his voice low. "It''s okay. We can still be friends. And


    my offer still stands¡ªif you ever need anything, I''ll be there for you."


    His grace and understanding filled Eleanor with a pang of guilt, but also a profound sense of relief.


    His gaze remained on her. "You said you can''t be in a rtionship with anyone right now. Does that include Major General Ellington?"


    Eleanor''s hand, which had been about to open the door, paused.


    She met his eyes and gave a slight nod. Then, a thought urred to her. "Xavier, you''re surrounded by so many wonderful women. You should open your eyes to them."


    For some reason, this made him smile. Despite the rejection, he didn''t seem upset. It was as if something in her words had managed to soothe him.


    "Alright," he said with a light chuckle. "I''ll keep that in mind."


    He didn''t press the matter further. Instead, he thoughtfully opened the car door for her. "Get the little one home to bed."


    As Eleanor carefully lifted her sleeping daughter, Xavier hovered protectively nearby, ready to catch them if she stumbled. He closed the door then walked over to calf the elevator, pressing the button for her floor before stepping back.


    Holding her daughter in her arms felt like holding an immense responsibility. Right now, all she felt for Xavier was a deep sense of apology. Until Evelyns Future was certain, she had neither the desire nor the right to pursue a new rtionship. Her heart was already full, leaving no room for anyone else.


    Xavier deserved someone who could love him wholeheartedly, without any reservations.


    When she got back to her apartment, Joslyn was there to gently take Evelyn and carry her to her room. Eleanor''s arms ached, but her heart was filled with a sense of peace.


    A few dayster, with the New Year fast approaching, the city was alive with festive cheer. But the


    celebratory atmosphere was


    shattered by a sudden news bulletin


    sent shockwaves across


    thats


    country.


    The Vice President had died suddenly during a conference.


    The following day, a press conference announced that Secretary of State Garth


    Ellington would serve as the acting Vice President.

 Chapter 857

    The news immediately sparked spection that Garth Ellington was the clear frontrunner for the permanent position.


    Eleanor, having met him a few times, felt he would be perfect for the role.


    She had just finished reading the news and was about to get back to work when her phone lit up with a new message.


    "I''m on leave. I''ll be back in Ashford City tomorrow." -Mansfield Ellington.


    Eleanor hesitated, unsure how to respond. With his father now the acting Vice President and a likely future presidential candidate, Mansfield''s own status would be elevated to a level she couldn''t ignore. She clutched her phone for a moment before setting it back down without replying.


    Half an hourter, new headlines were dominating the news cycle. As Eleanor scrolled through them, one in particr caught her eye.


    **[BREAKING: Goodwin & Co. CEO Ian Goodwin and Rumored Girlfriend Vanessa Shannon Seemingly Go Public. Are Wedding Bells Finally Ringing?]** Eleanor frowned. She remembered that Dr. Smith was supposed to be returning withn and wanted to check on his arrival time, so she tapped the link.


    However, the article only featured photos ofn and Vanessa at a private airport. In the pictures,n was dressed in a long ck coat, with the stylish, impably made-up Vanessa by his side. One shot showed him turning back to wait for her; another captured her casually tucking her hair behind her ear as she followed him, a sweet smile on her face.


    Eleanor scrolled to the bottom, but there were no photos of Dr. Smith or his team. Instead, the page was filled withments from the public.


    "Wow, this has to be the real deal! My goddess is finally getting the recognition she deserves!"


    "It''s about time Mr. Goodwin made it official. My goddess is so beautiful. They look perfect together."


    "They''ve just been private about it. They''ve been together for years!"


    "The lives of the super-rich are so dramatic, but you can''t deny they''re a gorgeous couple."


    Eleanor swiped back to her home screen and dialedn''s number directly. Her daughter''s health was on the line and she needed to know What was going on with Dr. Smith''s team.


    A low, tired, yet gentle voice answered. "Eleanor."


    "Didn''t Dr. Smith''s team fly back with you?" she demanded.


    "They did,"n confirmed. "They''re already at theb."


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. "Are you sure?"


    A faint chuckle came from the other end. "I''m not lying to you. I''m sure." He then turned the question back on her. "Why are you so concerned?"


    "It''s nothing," Eleanor said, her tone turning cold again. "I want Evelyn''s genes re-


    tested, and I intend to be present for the entire process."


    "Of course,"n agreed immediately. "Whatever you want."


    Eleanor hung up. It seemed the media had simply focused on the celebrity angle ofn and Vanessa ignoring everyone else and causing her to misunderstand. She had been Worried that Dr. Smith''s team hadn''t returned.


    A littleter, when she checked the news again, the trending story aboutn and Vanessa was gone. Ian


    must have seen it. True to his


    nature he would never tolerate such a high-profile disy of his life.


    At Vanessa''s vi, Laverne was giving her an update.


    "The story was trending a minute ago, and now it''s just... gone."


    "It''s fine.n must have had it taken down," Vanessa said, sipping a fruit juice.


    "But I have to admit, the photographer did a great job with those pictures."

 Chapter 858

    Laverne smirked, a hint of pride in her voice. "Of course. Did you expect anything less from someone I hired?"


    Vanessa fell silent, lost in thought. Laverne had noticed that since her return, she seemed more preupied than ever, even canceling several lucrativemercial events that had been arranged for her.


    "Vanessa, there''s an advertiser offering fifty million for a campaign. Are you interested-"


    "Not interested," Vanessa cut her off with a frown.


    "Fifty million is a lot of money just to show up and smile for the camera."


    At that, a disdainful smile touched Vanessa''s lips as she shot her manager a dismissive look. "Do you really think I still need to shootmercials to make money?"


    Laverne was taken aback, momentarily speechless.


    She was right, of course. Vanessa didn''t need it.


    Her one and only ambition had ever been to marry into the Goodwin family and im the revered title of Mrs. Goodwin, thedy of a multi-billion-dor dynasty. Endorsement fees and appearance payments were trivial inparison.


    Vanessa gazed out the window and sighed. "Laverne, the title of Mrs. Goodwin is the only thing worth fighting for. It represents true top-tier status, an endless stream of wealth and resources. Once I have that, do you think I''d let you down?" Laverne saw the determined glint in her eyes and understood. Vanessa''s career was secondary; she was entirely captivated by the prospect of bing Mrs. Goodwin. Her work was merely a stepping stone toward that ultimate prize, and she was willing to sacrifice anything for it.


    Sighing, Laverne asked cautiously, "Vanessa, I have to ask... Is Mr. Goodwin truly sincere about you?"


    She had always sensed thatn''s attitude toward Vanessa wasn''t as intimate as the rumors or Vanessa herself suggested if felt more like a transaction, though she would never dare say that word aloud.


    "Men aren''t sincere," Vanessa said with a confident smile, as if she had everything under control. "The only thing that matters is whether I have value to him. And my value is irreceable. He needs me."


    Laverne was momentarily stunned.


    1.n


    With Vanessa''s family background, beauty, and emotional intelligence she was indeed almost perfect. What man could refuse her? And evenn didn''t marry her there was still Mr. Holt, the son of a real estate tycoon, waiting in the wings.


    "Well, in that case, Vanessa, I hope you be Mrs. Goodwin very soon," Laverne said, her tone shifting to one of ttery.


    A flicker of bitterness crossed


    Vanessa''s eyes, but her voice remained firm with conviction, as it trying to convince herself as much as hermanager. "The position of Mrs. Goodwin will be mine, o Course. Ive waited ten years. I''ve been by his side for a decade. No one is more qualified than I am."


    A decade of her youth, a heart full of devotion-she would never let that investment go to waste.


    On the morning of New Year''s Eve, Eleanor received a call from Gina Quinn.


    "Eleanor, why don''t you and Evelyne over to celebrate with us? Have dinner with the family," Gina''s voice sounded weaker than before, tinged with exhaustion.


    "Thank you for the invitation, Gina, but we won''t be able to make it," Eleanor replied politely. Even knowing Gina''s condition, her feelings were limited to sympathy.


    "Alright. Well, bring Evelyn to visit after the holidays when you have time," Gina added.


    "Of course," Eleanor said, maintaining the courteous tone.


    She then called Joel, who had already booked a flight to spend the holiday abroad with his father.

 Chapter 859

    This year, Joslyn''s daughter was traveling with friends, so Joslyn would be staying


    to celebrate with Eleanor.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang.


    She nced at the screen and saw Mansfield''s name. She hesitated, debating


    whether to answer. As the phone fell silent, the doorbell rang.


    Eleanor jumped, a strange sense of panic and guilt washing over her.


    It couldn''t be him, could it?


    Hoping it wasn''t, she tossed her phone onto the sofa and walked to the door. A nce at the video inte confirmed her fears. It was Mansfield.


    Taking a deep breath, she opened the door, feigning surprise. "Mansfield? What are you doing here?"


    He stood on her doorstep in a dark overcoat, his posture ramrod straight, looking as though he''d just arrived from a long journey. His direct gaze made Eleanor feel exposed; she knew instantly that he had seen right through her avoidance.


    "Can we talk?" he asked, his voice raspy.


    His directness made her realize that further pretense was pointless. "Mansfield, let''s go downstairs," she said, looking up at him with an expression that was both honest and resolute. "There are some things I need to make clear."


    Now it was Mansfield''s turn to look uneasy. His pupils contracted almost imperceptibly as he anticipated what wasing. He suddenly feigned a thought. "You know, I just remembered I have something urgent¡ª"


    But Eleanor had already stepped out, closing the door behind her. "It won''t take long," she said, looking at him. "Just ten minutes."


    He nodded in reluctant agreement. "Okay."


    They rode the elevator down in silence, the quiet so profound they could hear each other breathe.


    "I saw the news," Eleanor said, looking up at him. "Your father is the acting Vice President now."


    "Yes. A matter of necessity," Mansfield replied with a nod, clearly indifferent to his father''s new position.


    Theplex''s garden was decorated with festiventerns, brimming with holiday cheer. They walked in silence to a quiet pavilion, where Eleanor stopped and turned to face him.


    "Mansfield," she began, her voice soft, as if she had been rehearsing her words the entire way down. "I know how you feel about me, and I''m truly grateful for how you''ve looked after me and Evelyn. You are an exceptional person-honorable, strong, and principled. You''re practically faultless."


    Her praise, however, only made Mansfield''s brow furrow. This wasn''t what he wanted to hear. He remained silent, waiting for the inevitable blow.


    Eleanor paused, then met his gaze, her eyes filled with apology but also an unshakeable resolve. "But I''m sorry. I can''t ept your feelings. Not now, and not


    ever."


    Mansfield''s throat tightened. "Can you at least give me a reason?" he asked, his voice hoarse.


    She thought for a moment, then


    shook her head. "There is no reason." Then she decided to bepletely honest. "My life is nned out, and my daughter will alwayse first All of my times and energy must be dedicated to her and my work. I can''t afford any


    distractions."


    She looked at him earnestly. "Your future shouldn''t be held back by me. You deserve a partner who will love you wholeheartedly, support you, and stand by your side through every stop and every triumph."


    Evelyn thought of the female pilot she had met once; she seemed perfect for him.


    Her words were not sharp, but they felt like a dull de, slowly but definitively severing any possibility between them.

 Chapter 860

    "Your father''s position has changed, which means your future will be under even more scrutiny," Eleanor added softly.


    Mansfield stared at her for a long time, reading the unwavering resolve in her eyes. He knew then that her decision wasn''t about someone else; her life''s n simply had no room for him, or for any man.


    Finally, he let out a slow breath, a bitter yet understanding smile touching his lips. "I get it." He paused, his voice returning to its usual steady tone. "Eleanor, I respect your decision. Take care of yourself."


    He seemed to want to say more, but he held it back.


    "I''ll walk you up."


    "You don''t have to. You should go."


    "We''re saying goodbye. The least I can do is see you to your door," Mansfield said with a casual shrug.


    Eleanor looked at him for a moment before nodding.


    They walked back to the elevator in silence. Just as they reached it, the doors of another elevator arriving from the underground garage slid open.


    The man standing inside made both Eleanor and Mansfield freeze.


    It wasn.


    He had clearly juste from the parking garage, carrying the chill of the outside on his ck trench coat. He stood tall and imposing, though his brow was creased with fatigue. As he saw the two of them standing side-by-side, that exhaustion was instantly reced by a dark, unreadable shadow.


    "Mr. Goodwin," Mansfield acknowledged first.


    "Major General Ellington,"n returned, his tone polite but cold.


    As Eleanor stepped forward, the elevator doors began to close.


    In a split second, four hands shot out to stop them, and the doors groaned in protest, making Eleanor jump. Thebined force of the two men seemed powerful enough to rip the doors from their hinges.


    Mansfield quickly entered, and the two men stood on either side of Eleanor, instantly charging the smalt space with a palpable tension.


    Eleano could feel a piercing gel. no


    on


    her from the left...n was staring at her. She kept her eyes fixed on the ascending floor numbers?


    The elevator stopped at the twenty-seventh floor.n''s eyes swept over the two of them onest time before he stepped out. He stood in the hallway, watching the doors close, his eyes as


    as


    spiffed ink, swirling with a thick, bitter jealousy.


    Vel


    He had never imagined that the reason Eleanor had refused his family''s invitation was because she was spending the holiday with Mansfield. His mind filled with images of what might be happening upstairs, and his tall frame seemed to stoop slightly, as a great weight were pressing down on his chest, making it hard to breathe.


    Had Eleanor finally made her choice?


    Up on the twenty-eighth floor, having cleared the air with Mansfield, Eleanor felt more at ease. "Drive safely on your way back," she said.


    Mansfield nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a few seconds before he stepped back. "I''m leaving. Take care."


    Those two words "take care"-carried the weight of a long separation.


    Eleanor nodded. She waited until the elevator doors closed, then stood in her doorway for a moment before finally going inside.


    In the elevator, Mansfield''s phone rang. "Hello?"


    "Sir, your name has been removed from the list. It must have been your father."


    "My father doesn''t make my decisions for me," Mansfield said, raising an eyebrow.


    "But the situation over there is unstable. It''s dangerous. Maybe you should reconsider "


    "If I were afraid of dying, I wouldn''t have chosen this line of work."


    Mansfield was leaving, heading back to his battlefield. He hade tonight to say goodbye to Eleanor, and perhaps to share a dinner with her.


    Though he hadn''t gotten the dinner and had instead received a definitive rejection, a man with a clear purpose never loses his way.

 Chapter 861

    Like Eleanor, he had his own goals, his own direction, and a heavy responsibility to bear.


    Downstairs,n stood by his window, his phone ringing unanswered. It was his family, calling him for dinner. He looked up at the ceiling, a look of finality crossing his face as he closed his eyes and sighed, as if he were finally letting something go.


    Upstairs, Joslyn had prepared a festive dinner. The three of them ate together, then moved to the balcony with fruit and dessert to watch the fireworks disy over the river.


    "Mommy, I''m so happy," Evelyn murmured, snuggling into her mother''s arms. Joslyn draped a warm nket over them. Princess, their cat, hopped onto their feet and curled up contentedly.


    Two days after New Year''s, Eleanor decided to let Evelyn spend the day with the Goodwins.


    "Daddy, you''re squeezing my hand," Evelyn said, looking up at him.


    "Bye, Mommy!"


    After they left, Eleanor headed out as well. Dr. Smith and his team were at theb making preparations, and she needed to be there.


    Smith was thrilled to see her and gave her a full tour of the facility. Eleanor was stunned to learn thatn had established theb five years ago and had secured significant government support for it.


    "It''s only because of Mr. Goodwin''s unwavering support that we have a facility of this scale," Smith said. "This is truly a project for the benefit of all humanity."


    Eleanor knew that in addition to non-profit research, theb also coborated with international pharmaceuticalpanies, licensing patents and generating


    revenue.


    There was something she had been wanting to ask Dr. Smith, and today seemed like the right time.


    "Doctor, there''s a question I''d like to ask you, if you''re at liberty to discuss it."


    "Of course, Ms. Sutton. What is it?" Smith''s eyes sharpened behind his sses.


    "I need to know the identity of Gina''s stem cell donor," Eleanor said directly.


    The warm smile vanished from


    Smith''s face. He adjusted his sses, looking conflicted. "Ms. Sutton, regarding the donor''s information. He hesitated. afraid that involves patient privacy and a donor agreement. Unless Mr. Goodwin gives the okay, breally can''t get into the details."


    Eleanor hadn''t expected that answer, but it exined why she couldn''t find Gina''s treatment records in any database. It was apletely confidential case.


    "However," Smith added, "given your rtionship with Mr. Goodwin, you could certainly ask him yourself."


    Eleanor nodded. "I need to


    understand this. My daughter is at potential risk. Knowing the donor''s identity could help me better assess future possibilities and ever prepare for a potential match if it bes necessary."


    "I understand," Smith agreed. "But the confidentiality protocols at ourb are extremely strict. Of course, if you call Mr Goodwin and be gives his approval, I can share any information you need."


    He had deftly passed the decision back ton.


    The only reason Eleanor had approached Smith in the first ce was to avoid having to speak withn. It seemed she had no choice but to confront him directly.

 Chapter 862

    "Thank you, Doctor," Eleanor said, suppressing her frustration. She didn''t press him further and continued the tour.


    But her mind was racing. Who was Gina''s donor? Why wouldn go to such lengths to keep their identity a secret? Was there something special about this person?It was bing clear thatn was hiding far more than she had ever imagined.


    After the tour, Smith invited her to lunch to discuss Gina''s condition in more detail. On this topic, he was open and forting. The news, however, was not good. No matter her feelings toward Gina, she was still her daughter''s grandmother, and Eleanor felt a familiar weight settle in her chest.


    "Because of Gina''s age, her hematopoietic function has deteriorated," Smith exined. "The stem cell infusions are not as effective as they used to be. Mr. Goodwin is pushing me to develop a new treatment n as soon as possible."


    Eleanor frowned. "The second option I mentioned before-have there been any sessful cases yet?"


    Smith shook his head. "None yet. The risks are too high, and it''s difficult to find subjects with the same rare condition. The theory is sound, but we have no practical application."


    Eleanor looked up at him. "You mentionedst time that you had another option, but the stem cell donor was unwilling to cooperate. Is that still the case?"


    Smith adjusted his sses. "Yes. The individual is refusing, and we can''t force them. I''ve spoken with them, but they remain adamant." He sighed, looking helpless. "Now it''s up to Mr. Goodwin to try and persuade them."


    "Does he think he can?" Eleanor asked.


    Smith nced at her before replying. "He''s confident he can, but Mr. Goodwin is still considering the donor''s terms."


    Eleanor frowned again. Was there really someonen couldn''t handle? With the advanced solutions Smith''sb could offer, surelyn could meet any condition the donor proposed in exchange for their cooperation.


    She spent the next hour listening to Smith''stest proposals, the two of them falling into a deep, technical discussion.


    It was two o''clock when they finally left the restaurant. Eleanor checked the time, said her goodbyes to Smith, and got into her car. After a moment of hesitation, she dialedn''s number.


    "Hello," a low voice answered.


    "It''s me," Eleanor said, keeping her tone as neutral as possible. "We need to talk about the donor. When are you free?"


    There was a few seconds of silence on the other end. "Come to my office. I''ll be waiting."


    Eleanor''s brow tightened. She tossed the phone onto the passenger seat, started the car, and drove toward the Goodwin & Co. headquarters.


    Half an hourter, she stood before the towering ss skyscraper that served as a monument to its owner''s wealth and power. As she entered the lobby, the receptionist recognized her immediately and


    respec


    fed her to the private


    elevator that went directly to the top floor.


    When the doors opened, Gavin Young was waiting. "Ms. Sutton, you''re here. Mr. Goodwin is expecting you."


    Eleanor gave him a slight nod. Gavin knocked once on the office door before opening it and gesturing for her to enter.


    view of the city. He was sitting on a


    sofa by the floor-to-ceiling windows, surrounded by stacks of files, looking as if he had juste from a meeting: He looked up as she entered and stood.


    "You''re here," he said, motioning for her to sit.


    She took a seat across from him. A momentter, a secretary brought in tea and quietly retreated, leaving the two of them alone in the vast office.


    Eleanor got straight to the point. "I came here to find out who your mother''s stem cell donor is."


    She took it with a frown. Inside was an addendum to their divorce agreement. She met his gaze. "What is this?"


    He leaned back, his expression calm and his deep eyes swirling with an unreadable mix of emotions, though a hint of relief softened his weary features.


    "It means," he said, his voice low and


    clear, "that this use is now nul and void. The original is yours to do with as you please Rip it up or keep


    it''s up to you

 Chapter 863

    Eleanor''s eyes sharpened, but she quickly understood. This wasn''s attempt at a truce, a maniptive gesture to get her to participate in Smith''s experiment and save his mother.


    "I will no longer interfere with your freedom to remarry,"n stated, his gaze fixed on her. "Who you choose to be with is your right."


    But the use had never been a threat to her. Even watching him nullify it now stirred nothing inside her. It was just a meaningless piece of paper.


    She tossed the document onto the table. "Ian, I don''t have time for these games. Just tell me who the donor is."


    Her dismissive reaction seemed to surprise him for a second, but he quickly regained his usual stoicposure. He was silent for a moment, as if gathering his strength for a final, difficult admission. Finally, he met her gaze, his own expression unreadable.


    "It''s Vanessa."


    The name struck Eleanor like a physical blow. The air rushed from her lungs, and for a moment, every expression on her face froze, her mind struggling to process the information.


    Eleanor was utterly stunned, momentarily incapable of thought. Vanessa? She was the donor Gina had been depending on for a decade?


    "Ten years ago,"n continued, "my mother was first diagnosed with this rare blood disease. It was a medical puzzle. It took me a full year, with her on the brink of death, to find Vanessa. She was the first person in the world who was a sessful match."


    Eleanor turned her head to stare out the window, her fingers unconsciously curling into fists, her nails digging into her palms. So,n''s mother, his sister, and her own daughter''s futures all depended on Vanessa?


    The irony suddenly hit her-what a sick joke fate had yed. Here she was, enjoying the lifestylen gave her, while literally keeping his mother alive with her blood.


    A coldugh escaped her lips. "I didn''te here to rehash the past."


    "But there are things I need you to understand," Ian insisted.


    "Enough," Eleanor snapped, cutting him off. "I don''t want to hear about your history with Vanessa, your transactions, or any of your sordid affairs. I''m not interested."


    She turned back to him, her gaze sharp and piercing. "Right now, I only care about one thing: finding the


    most effective treatment for the


    gic risk Evelyn faces." She?


    a deep breath. "I spoke with Dr. Smith. The infusions are losing their effectiveness for your mother, so we need a new n. It would be best if Vanessa agrees to cooperate with the new experimental therapy. Whatever her conditions are, you need to meet them."


    at Eleanor, his gaze intense. "Her condition... is to be Mrs. Goodwin."


    He held her gaze, watching for any flicker of emotion on her face.


    Eleanor remained impassive. "Her terms are reasonable. For you, it''s a small price to pay to save your mother and your sister. A very good deal, I''d say."


    "Eleanor!"n''s voice finally broke, a raw edge of frustration cutting through hisposure. He stared at her. "You just mentioned Serena-"


    Eleanor had already considered this. To find a cure for her daughter, Serena was the ideal test subject; Gina was too weak. It was a selfish thought, but a necessary one She met his eyes. "Your sister may already be symptomatic."


    "This disease can manifest


    suddenly, tan. Serena''s lifestyle is


    incredibly unhealthy, which could


    easily elerate the gic,


    mutation. You need to get her tested


    immediately."


    Eleanor stood and picked up her bag. "Get Vanessa to agree to the experiment. Soon."

 Chapter 864

    "Wait,"n said, stopping her as she turned to leave.


    Eleanor looked back at him, waiting.


    Hisposure had returned. "I will consider what you''ve said," he stated. "And I will handle Vanessa. But I need you to understand something. I will pay any price to save my family and ensure Evelyn''s future."


    His words didn''t surprise her. She had always known him to be ruthless, a man who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.


    "But I need you to promise me something," he said, his gaze locking onto hers.


    Seeing hismitment to saving their daughter, Eleanor''s icy demeanor softened slightly. "What is it?"


    "This information must remain absolutely confidential. You cannot tell anyone, especially not Vanessa."


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed.


    "I have a legally binding non-disclosure agreement with her," Ian exined. "It explicitly states that all information rted to her status as a donor is protected. Without her express consent, she has the right to terminate all... cooperation." He seemed to emphasize thest word.


    Eleanor listened in silence, her eyes downcast.


    "Eleanor, the sess of Smith''s therapy, and any future treatment Evelyn might need, depends on her continued cooperation. I cannot risk losing that." He took a step closer, his voice dropping to an almost pleading tone. "So, until I can convince her to agree to the new n, can you please keep this to yourself? Do it... for our daughter."


    He knew exactly how to y her. He always knew her weaknesses. And their daughter was the greatest of them all.


    Eleanor looked up. Everything he had revealed made one thing painfully clear: Vanessa had held power over him for a decade. Their rtionship was aplex mix of transaction and emotion, but none of that mattered now. For her daughter, she had topromise.


    "Fine," Eleanor said. "I promise. I won''t say a word to anyone until you''ve persuaded her."


    His intense gaze lingered on her. "Is there anything else you want to ask?"


    "No," she replied, her voice once again cool and distant.


    Without another word, she turned and left his office.


    After she was gone,n stood frozen for a few seconds, a powerful emotion threatening to shatter his carefully constructed calm. He closed his eyes, pressing his fingers to his temples. When he opened them again, the turmoil was gone teced by a cold resolute cidity. He had shut down every personal feeling that might cloud his judgment.


    Bet


    He didn''t doubt Eleanor''s diagnosis for a second Taking a deep breath, he picked


    hit his phone and dialed


    his sister''s number.


    "Hey, bro!" Serena''s voice sounded unusually listless.


    "Where are you?"n asked.


    "At home. Where else would I be? I''m so tiredtely," sheined.


    "Gavin is on his way to pick you up. You''reing with me."


    "I don''t want to."


    "Don''t be difficult,"nmanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    Serena was clearly taken aback by his seriousness. "...Okay, fine," she mumbled.


    Ian instructed Gavin to get her immediately, then left the office himself.


    An hourter, in the main testing hall of Smith''sboratory, Serena looked around in confusion. "Gavin, where are we? This doesn''t look like hospital. What is this ce?


    "Miss Goodwin," Gavin replied formally, "this is a private researchboratory


    owned by Mr. Goodwin."

 Chapter 865

    Serena knewn''s assets were vast, but she was still shocked to discover he owned such a massiveboratory. "This is my brother''s?"


    Just then, the door to a conference room opened, and her brother emerged with a foreign man who had the distinct air of an academic.


    "Doctor, this is my sister,"n said to Smith.


    Serena''sst check-up had been a simple blood draw at a hospital, so she didn''t recognize Dr. Smith.


    "Miss Goodwin," Smith said with a gentle smile. "We''re going to run aprehensive series of tests. I''ll need your full cooperation."


    Serena''s eyes widened in rm. She turned to her brother. "Ian, why are you making me get a check-up all of a sudden? I''m perfectly healthy."


    She had been feeling dizzy and tired, sure, but she chalked that up to herte nights. She was young; any issues she had were bound to be minor.


    "Stop messing around and get the tests done," he said, his voice low and cold.


    Under his intense,manding gaze, Serena''s usual defiance crumbled. "Okay," she mumbled, reluctantly following Smith''s team into the testing area.


    Half an hourter, Smith returned with the preliminary reports, his expression grave. He looked atn and gave a slight, somber nod.


    Serena blinked, obeying him. The serious look on his face sparked a terrible


    premonition. Had they actually found something wrong with her?


    "Bro, don''t scare me. What''s going on?" she asked, rising to her feet, panic creeping into her voice. She had been feeling off for a while-fess interested in parties, less appetite for her favorite foods Her energy levels were so low that she''d lost interest in almost everything. Now that she thought about it, she had been feeling this way for two or three months.


    "Serena,"n began, his voice deep and solemn, "I have something very important to tell you."


    His expression terrified her, and the panic intensified. "What is it? It was just a check-up! Don''t do this to me!"


    Serena stared at him, her eyes wide with disbelief, as if she couldn''tprehend his words. "What disease? Mom is sick? Howe I never knew?"


    Dr. Smith stepped forward. "Your mother was diagnosed ten years ago. She has been managing it with stem cell infusions, and her condition has been stable."


    Serena looked from the doctor back to her brother, aghast. "How could you keep something this huge from us? Does Mom even know?"<pn nodded grimly. "And now, what''s important is you, Serena. Your test results are abnormal."

 Chapter 866

    "No, that''s impossible! You''re lying!" Serena cried, her face pale as she


    desperately tried to deny it. "I''m fine, and so is Mom! She just has some chest pain, it''s an old issue." She just wanted to be normal. But despite her words, her body began to tremble.


    Dr. Smith spoke gently. "Miss Goodwin, have you been feeling unusually tiredtely? A loss of appetite? Perhaps some unexined bruises on your body?"


    Serena gasped for air. She had experienced all of those symptoms. Just yesterday, she had found a dark bruise on her calf and assumed she had bumped into something.


    "I thought that was just from staying upte and being stressed," she argued, still grasping for any other exnation.


    "I''m very sorry, Miss Goodwin," Dr. Smith said, his voice filled with empathy. "You are exhibiting the initial symptoms of your mother''s condition."


    His words hit her with the force of an official verdict. Overwhelming terror seized her, and tears streamed down her face. She looked at her brother, her voice breaking. "Ian, how can this be happening? Am I really sick? Am I going to die? How long do I have?"


    "No," Ian said, his voice firm and unwavering. "You are not going to die. Not if you cooperate. We have a treatment n, but I need you to participate."


    Serena was still shaking uncontrobly. Ian softened his tone, exining as clearly as he could, "Dr. Smith''s team is developing a new gene therapy. It has a very high chance of curing this diseasepletely, but it requires your cooperation as a test subject. This is the only way to be free of it for good."


    Tears continued to fall silently down her cheeks. The sheer volume of information was too much to process. All she could cling to were her brother''s words: *cure* and *free*.


    "If I can be cured... can Mom be saved too?" she asked, her voice thick with sobs.


    Serena copsed into his arms, crying uncontrobly. After several minutes, she pulled back, her face


    tear streaked but with a newe


    12


    desperate resolve in her eyes. don''t have a choice, do I? I have to do the experiment."


    "Don''t worry,"n reassured her. "You''re in the hands of the best team in the world."


    Just then, Smith''s assistant entered the room, holding out a ringing phone. "Doctor, it''s Ms. Sutton."


    Serena''s head snapped up. She looked at her brother. "Is she... is she going to be part of this?"


    Serena''s face grew even paler. A memory surfaced, flooding her with shame Eleanor''s warning just a few days ago, urging her to get a


    check-up. The dismissive, c


    things she had said in response now


    made her want to disappear.


    who told me to bring


    "It was Eleanor w


    you here,"n said with a heavy sigh. He had been so consumed with worktely that he hadn''t noticed what was happening at home. He was grateful to Eleanor for the warning.


    Serena bit her lip, hard. So her brother had been alerted by Eleanor too. And she had treated Eleanor...


    "Serena, you are not to tell anyone about your condition. This experiment must be keptpletely confidential," Ian ordered, his gaze intense.


    "Not even Grandma or Mom?" Serena asked, her voice small. They were her family.


    "I mean anyone. Do you understand?"n''s stare was unwavering, leaving no room for argument.

 Chapter 867

    Serena finally understood. Everything she did now was to save herself and her mother. She had to do exactly what her brother said.


    In the span of a few hours, the once-pampered heiress had been forced to grow up. Before walking into thisb, she had been living in a fairytale. Now, she was trapped in a harsh reality she couldn''t escape.


    She thought of all the times she had taunted Eleanor, mocked her, and treated her with contempt. She remembered the dismissive, nasty things she had said when Eleanor had kindly suggested she get a check-up. Eleanor could have ignored her, could have let the disease progress, but instead, she had warned her brother, effectively saving her.


    To be repaid for cruelty with such kindness-and from Eleanor, of all people-felt like a p across the face. A hard one. The shame burned. For the first time, Serena saw her own behavior for what it was: petty, foolish, and wrong.


    In the office, Dr. Smith ended his call. "Ms. Sutton''s efficiency is remarkable," he toldn. "The questions she raised address the exact critical points we need to ovee."


    A sh of pride for Eleanor crossedn''s eyes, mingled with a deeper, carefully suppressed emotion. It looked almost like love.


    It was two days after New Year''s, and while the city outside was still celebrating, the cold, sterileb felt like a world away. Serena hugged herself, feeling a chill deep in her bones.


    A short timeter,n took her home.


    At Goodwin Manor, Eleanor had already arrived to pick up her daughter, but Evelyn was having too much fun to leave. Not wanting to be rude, Eleanor stayed for a cup of tea and chatted with Magdalen. Gina looked even thinner than before; the once-vibrant socialite now had hollows in her cheeks. Eleanor found her


    attitude toward the older woman softening.


    Just then, they heard a car pull into the garage.


    "That must ben and Serena," Magdalen said.


    Eleanor set down her teacup. "Grandma, it''s gettingte. I should take Evelyn home now."


    "You won''t stay a little longer?" Magdalen asked, rising from her seat.


    "I can''t, I stilt have some work to do," Eleanor said, using her usual excuse. an effective one; no one@ould


    It we


    argue with work that involved saving lives.


    Evelyn, having yed to her heart''s content, obediently took her mother''s hand.


    As they reached the front door, they came face-to-face withn and Serena.


    Serena was pale and looked dazed.


    When she looked up and saw Eleanor, she froze. An


    vel


    unprecedented wave of shame


    washed over her, and she


    instinctively dropped her gaze,


    wishing the floor would swallow her whole.


    "Daddy! Auntie!" Evelyn chirped happily.


    "Yes, it''s time to get Evelyn home," Eleanor replied evenly. She turned to her daughter. "Evelyn, let''s go."


    "Okay," the little girl said, sliding out of her father''s arms and taking her mother''s hand again.


    Eleanor didn''t spare Serena a single nce as she led her daughter away.


    Serena stared after them, her mouth opening and closing as if she wanted to say something, but her lifelong pride kept her silent.


    Yet, as she watched Eleanor''s retreating figure, the disdain and mockery that had once filled her eyes were gone.

 Chapter 868

    A weekter, Mayor Ellington hosted his annual charity g, an event attended by the city''s most prominent figures from politics, business, and society.


    Eleanor was on the guest list. Though she had little interest in such gatherings, Mrs. Ellington had personally called to invite her, making it impossible to refuse.


    That evening, Eleanor chose a simple yet exquisitely tailored ck evening gown, her long hair swept into a loose updo. With just a touch of makeup, she was ready.


    The grand ballroom of the city''s most luxurious hotel was a dazzling spectacle of glittering jewels and flowing silk.


    Eleanor arrived with Ellington. Since his promotion to CEO of Vesper Joy Group before the holidays, he was now responsible for all of her business ventures and had quickly be one of the city''s rising business stars. A man in his early forties with a degree from a top business school, he possessed a sharp and innovative mind for investment.


    The ballroom buzzed with conversation and clinking sses. Eleanor''s entrance drew more than a few stares, initially captivated by her beauty. But it was her cool, reserved aura that set her apart from the boisterous crowd, like a solitary moonbeam gracing the surface of a bustlingke. Her elegance was understated, a sophisticated blend of intelligence and grace that invited closer appreciation.


    Ellington walked respectfully half a step behind her, a silent testament to his deference.


    Eleanor spotted Mayor Ellington speaking with several chairmen. "Come with me to say hello," she said to Ellington.


    He nodded, and they made their way across the room. Before she could even speak, Mayor Ellington paused his conversation and greeted her warmly. "Eleanor, you made it."


    "Good evening, Mayor Ellington," Eleanor smiled politely. "Thank you for the invitation."


    "I was hoping you woulde," he said, his expression one of genuine admiration. His gaze shifted to the man beside her. "And this is?"


    "This is Ellington, the CEO of Vesper Joy Group and my right-hand man," Eleanor introduced with a smile.


    Ellington stepped forward, extending his hand with confidentposure. "Mayor Ellington, it''s an honor. Thank you for having me tonight."


    The Mayor nodded, clearly impressed. Soon, the chairmen of several business associations joined them, eager to meet the rising star they had heard so much about. After a brief but pleasant exchange, Eleanor and Ellington excused themselves, leaving the Mayor to his hosting duties.


    They moved to the refreshment area, where Ellington began quietly briefing her on potentially valuable business contacts in the room.. Eleanor listened intently, she felt a strong, unignorable gaze from


    across the room.


    She looked up and sawn, seated at a table several feet away,


    surrounded by a few of his top gave her a slight nod


    executives. He gave her a


    of acknowledgment from a distance. Eleanor returned her attention to Ellington, forcing herself to focus.


    Just then, a figure entered the ballroom from a side entrance, scanning the crowd.


    His eyes finallynded on Eleanor, and a look of relief washed over his face.


    It was Xavier.


    He had checked the guest list and known she would be here, but he hadn''t been able to find her in the main crowd. It was clear he hadn''te for the g; he hade for her.


    "Mr. Vaughn," Ellington said, standing to greet him warmly. He would never forget that Xavier was the one who had first recognized his potential.


    Xavier smiled and took a seat opposite Eleanor,pletely unaware thatn was sitting just behind him.

 Chapter 869

    Just then, Ellington smiled and gently reminded Xavier, "Mr. Vaughn, Mr. Goodwin is here as well."


    Only then did Xavier turn, a hint of surprise on his face.


    He spottedn a few tables away and raised a hand in a casual wave. n, you''re here too."


    From across the room,n lifted his ss to Xavier in a rxed greeting.


    Eleanor gracefully popped a piece of honeydew melon into her mouth and began asking Xavier about elementary schools for the children. Xavier was considering which top-tier school to choose for Vivian; with his resources, she could attend the very best.


    "I was thinking we could pick the same school," Xavier suggested with a smile. "That way, the kids will have each other."


    Eleanor offered a faint smile of her own. "I''m still thinking about it."


    "No rush, it''s still early," he replied, his smile unwavering.


    Just then,n stood up to take a call. His brow furrowed as he nced toward Eleanor, and after a quick word with his associates, he started walking in her direction.


    "Mr. Goodwin, is something the matter?" Ellington asked, rising to meet him.


    A small smile touchedn''s lips, as if her coldness didn''t faze him at all. He pped Xavier on the shoulder. "I''m off."


    Xavier nodded, andn departed, looking as though he had urgent business to attend to.


    A littleter, Eleanor and Xavier made their way out of the main banquet hall. Mayor Ellington was scheduled to give a speech soon. and neither of them wanted to miss it. As Eleanor scanned the crowd, her eyesnded on a familiar figure standing among the guests, seemingly searching for someone.


    .n


    It was Vanessa. She was exquisitely dressed for the evening in a stunning wine-red mermaid gown elegantly chatting with an older gentleman as she surveyed the room. Just as Eleanor was about to look away, Vanessa''s eyes found hers. The smile on vanessa''s face instantly chilled as she took in the sight of Eleanor standing so


    naturally beside Xavier.


    At that moment, a gentle hand tapped her shoulder. Vanessa turned to find Henry


    looking at her, his gaze deep and intense.


    She pressed her lips into a smile and murmured, "You''re here."


    Henry''s eyes lingered on her, a fleeting expression of pain and guilt crossing his features before he


    smoothed it over, resuming his


    usual air of casual


    elegance


    He


    hadn''t missed Xavier and Eleanor standing together. It seemed the once inseparable trio of brothers


    had finally drifted apart.


    "Where''sn? I don''t see him," Henry asked.


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Vanessa''s eyes. "I haven''t seen him either."


    "He''s not always one for these kinds of events," Henry said, offering a smallfort.


    Vanessa pushed aside her own sense of loneliness. Just then, Mayor Ellington took the stage, delivering a fifteen-minute speech that was met with thunderous apuse.


    Deciding to touch up her makeup, Eleanor headed for the restroom. As she stepped into the quiet hallway, a voice stopped her. "Eleanor, do you have a moment to talk?"


    It was Vanessa. Her expression was deceptively friendly, but her eyes held an unmistakable glint of provocation as she stared unabashedly at Eleanor.


    Eleanor met her gaze, her eyes sweeping over Vanessa from head to toe for the first time with aplex expression.


    Vanessa was taken aback. In the past, Eleanor would have simply walked away with an air of detached superiority. Why was she reacting like this now? "What do you want to talk about?" Eleanor asked, her tone distant and cold.

 Chapter 870

    Vanessa took a step closer, tilting her chin up with a smug smile. "Don''t be so cold, Eleanor. I just thought there was something you should know, to spare you any... unnecessary pain." Her words wereced with insinuation. "And to prevent you from holding on to any unrealistic fantasies about people you shouldn''t."


    Eleanor''s expression remained impassive. "Then say it. I''m busy."


    Vanessa let out a softugh, idly twisting arge diamond ring on her finger. "What I''m saying is," she drawled, "thatn and I might have some good news to share soon. I''m not sure if he''s mentioned it to you."


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. Vanessa was fishing, trying to gauge her rtionship withn, or more specifically, trying to find out if he had told her about her role as the donor. Eleanor had made a promise ton, and she intended to keep it.


    "I have no interest in your affairs. You don''t need to inform me," she said, affecting an air of superiority.


    "Well, you know,n and I met long before you did," Vanessa purred. "Fate has a way of rewarding those who are patient."


    "What is it you''re trying to say?" Eleanor asked, her patience wearing thin.


    "You''ll never understand how important I am ton," Vanessa said, her eyes fixed on Eleanor, clearly hoping to see a flicker of pain or resentment. "So please, stop trying to get close to him just because you''re his ex-wife."


    A faint, mocking smile touched Eleanor''s lips. "Don''t worry. You two can get married whenever you like. I won''t stand in your way."


    "Is it because of that Major General Ellington? Are you nning to be with him now?" Vanessa pressed, convinced that Eleanor''s indifference must stem from having found a recement.


    "My personal life is none of your business," Eleanor said coolly. "You should spend less time worrying about me and more time gettingn to finally marry you."


    The smile on Vanessa''s face froze. For a second, it felt as if Eleanor could see right through her. Was it just her imagination?


    Eleanor noted her reaction. In the past, she would have believed Vanessa was untingn''s love for her. Now, she saw it for what it was: insecurity. She knew the kind of mann was. To him, vanessa''s value tar outweighed any affection he might feel. He was a businessman, first and foremost. Vanessa must have sensed that too, which was why she constantly needed to provoke his ex-wife to feel secure.


    Eleanor turned and walked away, leaving Vanessa standing alone in the hallway. Just then, Henry Holt passed by seeing vanessa he immediately approached his expression concerned. "What''s wrong?"


    Vanessa forced a smile. "Nothing."


    Kon


    But her pained expression told him otherwise. It was obvious she was upset. "Was it Eleanor again?" he asked, his tone hardening. "What did she say to you?"


    Vanessa lowered her eyes. "It was nothing, really. I must have done something to upset her."


    Her vague, long-suffering act worked perfectly, stoking Henry''s protective instincts and his resentment toward


    Eleanor He knew Eleanor''s recent


    sess had put her on a higher pedestal than Vanessa, and in his


    mind, Eleanor was the type to gloat.


    "Don''t let her get to you," Henry said, patting her shoulder. "Insecure people can''t stand to see others happy."


    Just then, a slender figure appeared at the end of the hallway, heading for the restroom. She stopped short when she saw the two of them.


    It was Selma Quigley, Henry''s arranged date.

 Chapter 871

    Selma Quigley was clearly aware of Henry''s history, and after a brief, almost imperceptible pause, herposure returned.


    Henry, on the other hand, froze. A flicker of panic and guilt crossed his face, and he quickly dropped his hand from Vanessa''s shoulder.


    Vanessa, ever perceptive, sensed the shift. She studied Selma with curiosity. "Henry, do you two know each other?"


    Henry cleared his throat, schooling his features. "Vanessa, this is Miss Quigley." He then avoided Selma''s gaze as he introduced the other woman. "Selma, this is Miss Shannon."


    Selma''s smile didn''t waver. "Miss Shannon, it''s a pleasure. I was at yourst piano recital." Her grace was impable, especially considering she was face-to- face with the woman who had taken the man beside her''s virginity.


    Her poise was not what Henry had expected, and his panic and guilt strangely morphed into a flicker of admiration. He had tried to contact Selma several times after their night together to talk, but she had avoided him. Seeing her here, so suddenly, had caught himpletely off guard.


    "Thank you, Miss Quigley. I''m ttered," Vanessa replied, though her eyes darted to Henry, noticing his gaze was still on Selma.


    Selma excused herself and walked past them into the restroom. When Vanessa turned back to Henry, she found him staring down the hallway, lost in thought.


    Vanessa''s intuition screamed. "Henry," she asked casually, "have you and Miss Quigley met before? You never mentioned her."


    He stiffened. "Our fathers are old friends. We met at a family gathering recently." It was a


    ???


    half-truth. It was at that gathering where he''d left his jacket and keys, Which Selma had returned to his hometer that night-the night they had slept together.


    Vanessa smiled. "Is that so? Miss Quigley seems very elegant. She''s quite a catch. You should go for it."


    A sh of panic crossed Henry''s face. He grabbed her arm. "Vanessa, don''t misunderstand. We''re just friends."


    "We''re just friends too," Vanessa said pointedly, pulling her arm away. The gesture was a clear signal, drawing a line between them.


    Having pursued her for years, Henry could read her every mood. He knew he had genuinely upset her this time.


    Vanessa returned to the ballroom, but when she nced back, Henry wasnt following her to apologize on exin. The hope in her eyes faded. A few momentster, however, as an older man began to hit on her, Henry''s voice cut in from behind.


    "Mr. Duskborne, would you mind if I had a word with my friend?" he said, his tone carrying a distinct warning.


    Vanessa didn''t turn around, but a triumphant smile yed on her lips as Mr. Duskborne quickly excused himself. When she finally turned her eyes fell on Selma Quigley, who was chatting with a group of socialites across the room. Noticing Henry''s tie was crooked, Vanessa reached up and straightened it for him.


    Henry''s breath caught as he looked down at her, momentarily mesmerized.


    From afar, Selma observed them, herposure finally wavered, betrayed by a sh of pain.

 Chapter 872

    Midway through the dinner, Eleanor decided to let Ellington handle the rest of the social obligations and head home early. After bidding the mayor farewell, he smiled at her and said, "Eleanor, please keep an eye on things with Mansfield''s work."


    Eleanor paused, not quite understanding his meaning, but with so many guests around, she simply smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.


    Just as she was about to leave the banquet hall, a voice called out from behind her. "Eleanor, are you leaving already?"


    Xavier emerged from the crowd. Eleanor nodded. "Yes, I need to get back."


    "I''ve had a bit to drink tonight," he said, his eyes pleading slightly. "Would you mind giving me a ride?"


    Since they lived in the same residentialplex, it was on her way.


    "You''re not staying a little longer?" she asked.


    "No, I should get home," Xavier replied, ever the responsible father.


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright, let''s go together."


    From a distance, Vanessa and Henry watched Eleanor and Xavier leave. "It seems your bond really has faded," Vanessa remarked to Henry.


    Henry tried to act indifferent, but a sour feeling settled in his stomach. In the past, Xavier would have never left without saying goodbye to him. Now, it seemed he only had eyes for Eleanor. Dejected, Henry took a sip of his red wine. Just then, another guest nearly stumbled into Vanessa, and Henry instinctively wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into his embrace.


    Vanessa recovered and shot him a flirtatious smile.


    He looked down at her tenderly, but as he nced up, his eyes identally met Selma Quigley''s from across the room. Henry froze for a moment, and Selma quickly averted her gaze.


    Noticing his attention was elsewhere, Vanessa followed his line of sight and saw Selma. The smile in her eyes vanished.


    On the drive home, Eleanor and Xavier discussed elementary schools for the children. Eleanor mentioned she was considering an international school with an excellent faculty, located near Dr. Smith''sb.


    Xavier was puzzled. "Why that one? It''s pretty far from your house and theb."


    "I''m considering it for a number of reasons," Eleanor replied with a slight smile.


    Seeing that she didn''t want to borate, he didn''t press further. "It''s a great school, definitely worth considering."


    Before they knew it, they had arrived home. As Eleanor steered her car


    into the underground garage and pulled into her designated spot, she saw that the space next to hers was already upied by a ck March The headlights were


    on


    the window was down, andn''s long fingers were holding a lit cigarette out of the car.


    Eleanor frowned. What was he doing here?


    Xavier looked at her, his voice low. "Did you two have ns to meet?"


    She shook her head. "No."


    After Eleanor had parked, Xavier opened his door to get out. Ian, clearly not expecting to see him with Eleanor exited his car and stubbed out his cigarette. "Xavier, you''re back too," he said, greeting him.


    Xavier managed a smile. "I had a bit to drink tonight, so Eleanor gave me a lift."


    "We''ll catch up another time. I need to talk to Eleanor about something for work,"n said, then turned to her. "I have a few work-rted things to discuss. Is now a good time?"


    Previously, Eleanor would have tly refused him. But now that they were united in their goal to find a preventative cure for their daughter, her attitude had softened.


    "Ian, Eleanor just came from a dinner. She''s probably tired¡ª" Xavier started, trying to refuse on her behalf. After all, work could wait until morning.


    His words were also a subtle hint that it was inappropriate for her ex-husband to be disturbing her at nine o''clock at night.

 Chapter 873

    "I won''t keep her long,"n said to Xavier, then turned his gaze back to Eleanor, his voice a low plea. "Can we?"


    Eleanor nced at the time. "Come on up."


    A faint smile touchedn''s eyes. He turned to Xavier. "We''re heading up, then."


    "Thanks for the ride tonight," Xavier said to Eleanor.


    "Don''t mention it. Of course," she replied with a small smile. "Get some rest."


    As Xavier watched the two of them disappear into the elevator, a bitter and helpless feeling washed over him. He had tried for so long, yet he could never truly get close to Eleanor''s heart. In contrast, even two years after their divorce,n was a constant, inescapable presence in her life in a way he could never be.


    Inside the elevator, Eleanor stared nkly at the changing floor numbers, making no move to speak. Ian stood a slight distance behind her, his eyes fixed on her back. Just then, her phone rang. She frowned, ncing at the screen, where the name "Mr. Secretary of State" was disyed.


    Eleanor''s eyes widened in surprise. From behind her,n used his height to his advantage and easily saw the caller ID. His expression instantly became dark and unreadable.


    She watched the numbers climb, unwilling to answer the call in front of him. When the elevator dinged, she turned ton. "Go on into my apartment. I need to take this."


    With that, she walked down the hall toward a small balcony, took a deep breath, and answered the phone.


    "Hello, Mr. Ellington."


    "Eleanor, I hope I''m not disturbing you," came Garth''s steady, yet gentle, voice.


    "Not at all, sir. What can I do for you?" Eleanor tried to keep her voice calm, shocked that he was calling her personally.


    Garth paused for a moment before speaking. "Eleanor, has Mansfield been to see you recently?"


    She remembered Mansfield''s visit on New Year''s Eve. "Yes, we saw each other the night before New Year''s."


    "He left for an overseas mission. About an hour ago, his team reported in, but they''ve lost contact


    with him, Garth said, his tone heavy with worry despite its steadiness. "If he calls you you must Jet me know


    immediately."


    Eleanor''s mind went nk. She gripped the phone tighter, fighting to control her emotions. "When did he leave the country?"


    Garth didn''t hide the details. "The kid left on New Year''s Eve without a word to anyone."


    A sharp pain pierced Eleanor''s heart. Had Mansfielde to say goodbye that night? And she... she hadn''t even offered him dinner.


    "Alright, I''ll let you know if I hear anything. And if he calls you, please inform me right away," Garth said, his voiceced with the weariness of a worried father.


    "Of course. I''ll let you know immediately," Eleanor promised.


    He hung up, but Eleanor remained frozen, one thought reying in her mind: *Mansfield is missing. Mansfield is missing on an overseas mission.*


    As she thought about his visit and her cold dismissal, her eyes suddenly burned with tears of guilt She paused to collect herself, drawing a steadying breath before turning toward her apartment.


    But as she rounded the corner from the balcony, she looked up and saw thatn hadn''t gone inside. He was leaning against the wall in the shadows a few feet


    way waiting


    for her.

 Chapter 874

    Eleanor quickly turned her face away, wiping at the tears in her eyes as she tried to regain herposure.


    She didn''t answer.


    Eleanor ignored it and walked toward her front door.


    The man''s hand froze in mid-air before he slowly withdrew it. He watched her slender, defiant figure, his face shadowed and unreadable in the dim light of the hallway, his features tense.


    When Eleanor opened the door, Evelyn ran to her with a joyful cry. "Mommy!"


    Then, she sawn standing behind her, and her eyes lit up. "Daddy, you''re here too!" She darted past Eleanor and threw herself inton''s arms.


    "Did you miss me?"n asked, hugging her close.


    "Yes!"


    Just then, Princess trotted over, tail wagging enthusiastically. Ian reached down to scratch her head. At that moment, Eleanor''s phone rang again. She nced at


    the screen and quickly walked out to the balcony to answer it.


    It was Garth. "Hello, Mr. Ellington," she said, her voice urgent.


    "Eleanor, we just received an update. Mansfield''s team was just lost. They''re all safe and sound."


    The tight knot of tension in Eleanor''s chest instantly loosened. "That''s wonderful news. Thank you for letting me know, sir."


    "That boy," Garth grumbled with augh, clearly relieved. "Always making us worry."


    "I''m sure he''ll return safely," Eleanor said.


    "He''d better," Garth replied. "I won''t keep you."


    After hanging up, Eleanor let out a long sigh, the weight on her heart lifting. But the knowledge that Mansfield was on a dangerous mission overseas still left a lingering worry for her friend.


    When she walked back inside, she


    sawn sitting on the sofa. He watched here out from the balcony apletely different person from moments before s she put her phone away, an O unconscious smile yed on her lips. But when her eyes met his, the smile vanished. "Let''s talk in my study."


    to y with you in a little while, okay?"


    "Okay! I''ll wait for you!" Evelyn replied obediently.


    Eleanor went into the study withn following behind. She sat down at her desk, a rxed air about her now.


    "I sent you an email,"n said, pulling up a chair. "Dr. Smith has proposed three experimental protocols. The risks and data are all there. Take a look, and we''ll choose one to begin."


    Eleanor opened the email, her demeanor shifting back to


    professional andposed, though


    the faint redness around her eyes was still visible in themplight. She focused on the protocols,pletely unfazed by the man''s intense gaze. After she finished. reading, she spoke. "I choose the first protocol. In the long run, it has the highest probability of aplete cure and the least long-term impact on the subject."


    the detailed experimental n based on this."


    She looked up at him. "Has Vanessa agreed to undergo the experiment?"


    His gaze darkened slightly as he gave a small nod. "She will."


    Eleanor nodded in a strictly professional manner. "Good. Once the n is confirmed, we''ll need to conduct a preliminary physical examination. We need more detailed data from her."


    "I know," n said, his


    steady and


    eadable.


    Eleanor turned her attention back to theputer, lost in thought.


    Without looking up, Eleanor gave a nomittal hum, clearly unwilling to discuss


    it further.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a series of messages, one after another, as if someone was urgently trying to reach her. Her eyes darted to the phone, and she picked it up.


    The sender was Mansfield.


    "My dad told me you knew I was out of the country. Eleanor, I''m sorry. I left in


    such a hurry I forgot to say anything."


    "Forgive me for leaving without a word."


    "Please don''t be mad, okay?"

 Chapter 875

    "I''ll apologize in person when I get back."


    Reading the messages, Eleanor''s eyes flickered with guilt, momentarily forgetting that another man was in the room with her. Ian watched her expression shift as her fingers flew across the screen, obviously typing a reply. His jaw tightened. He sat in silence, watching her exchange what looked like sweet nothings with another man.


    "It seems he''s safe,"n remarked, his tone devoid of any discernible emotion.


    Eleanor''s head snapped up, suddenly rememberingn was still there. "We''re done here. You can go now," she said, her voice turning distant. The dismissal was clear.


    With that, he turned and left, closing the door behind him.


    Eleanor frowned. Even without his reminder, she knew exactly what she had to do. Researching a cure for the rare blood disorder was the most important-and only thing that mattered. She had to ensure her daughter had a bright, healthy future.


    She had just told Mansfield toe home safe, and he had replied with two words: "Yes, ma''am."


    Eleanor closed her eyes and let out a soft breath. When Mansfield returned, she would be the one who needed to apologize. If she had known he was saying goodbye that night, she would have invited him in for New Year''s Eve dinner. She owed him an apology and a meal, but that was all. She knew she couldn''t give him any expectations beyond friendship. She couldn''t hold him back.


    Setting her phone aside, Eleanor cleared her mind of all distractions and refocused on the experimental protocol.


    She remained in her study until nine-thirty. When she came downstairs, she could hear her daughter''s cheerful chatter mixed withn''s lowughter. She frowned. Why hadn''t he left yet?


    As she reached the bottom of the stairs,n was ruffling their daughter''s hair. "Daddy has to go now."


    "Daddy, are you going back to your apartment downstairs?"


    "No, Grandma hasn''t been feeling welltely, so I need to go home and take care of her,"n exined.


    "Oh! Then can I go visit Grandma soon?" Evelyn asked thoughtfully.


    "Of course. Daddy will arrange it."


    Eleanor frowned. "I''ll walk you out."


    Once they were outside the


    apartment, she closed the door behind them, took a deep breath, and met his gaze, her own clear and resefute. "We have a lot of work ahead of us. I won''t concern myself with whatever is going on between you and Vanessa anymore."


    "Therefore she continued, "you must ensure that Vanessa cooperates fully throughout the entire experimental process. Before we can save Evelyn this is the only n to save your mother and sister."


    His jaw clenched, his Adam''s apple bobbing. "So, in your eyes, I''m just a tool to


    be exchanged for an experiment?"


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. "What else would you be?"


    A storm brewed inn''s eyes. He suddenly grabbed her arm, his tatl frame looming over her as he stepped closer. "Is there really nothing left between us besides daughter?


    She instinctively tried to pull away but found his grip too tight. At that moment, the phone in his hand lit up again. The name *Vanessa* was clearly disyed on the


    screen.


    Eleanor yanked her arm free and met his intense, almost searing gaze. "Go answer her call."


    With that, she opened her door and disappeared inside.<pn looked down at his phone, his fingers gripping it so tightly it seemed the screen might crack. After a few seconds, he turned and strode away.

 Chapter 876

    Eleanor sat on the sofa, checking on Simone Langley''s condition.


    "Professor Langley can be discharged tomorrow. Her post-op recovery is going very well."


    Reading the message, Eleanor felt a wave of relief. She would go visit Simone once she was back home.


    The next morning, Eleanor went to theb first. Since she now had to divide her time with Dr. Smith''s experiment, the Neural Interface Project would have to slow down, but there were some tests Callie could handle independently. Joel''s own Neural Interface Project had entered its initial trial phase, and she called him on the internal line to arrange a meeting in the cafeteria at noon.


    Just as she put down her files to get a drink of water, Gwenda knocked and entered. "Eleanor, someone''s here to see you. They''ve stopped by a few times in thest couple of days."


    "Who is it?" Eleanor asked, surprised.


    "They said they''re your patients." As Gwenda spoke, a couple walked in behind her, carrying gift boxes and bags of fruit. Eleanor immediately recognized the woman¡ªit was Marilyn, the leukemia patient.


    "Dr. Sutton, we finally found you! We''vee by several times," Marilyn said, her voice choked with emotion as she looked at Eleanor with gratitude. "My husband and I came specifically to thank you for saving my life."


    Her husband nodded eagerly, cing the gifts on the sofa. "Dr. Sutton, if it weren''t for the drug you developed, my Marilyn might have... This is just a small token of our appreciation. Please don''t refuse."


    "Marilyn, thank you," Eleanor said quickly. "Seeing you so well is all the thanks I need. You really don''t have to bring me gifts."


    "We insist," Marilyn said, tightly gripping Eleanor''s hand, her voice trembling. "Dr. Sutton, you have no idea... our whole world was falling apart. My children are so young; they can''t lose their mother. You gave our family hope and let me be a normal person again. You''re our family''s savior."


    Seeing Marilyn''s healthyplexion and the gratitude in her eyes, Eleanor, a mother herself, was deeply moved. She stopped protesting. "Thank you. Seeing you recover is the greatest affirmation of my work."


    "You''re truly incredible. Marilyn''s case was soplex, but you cured her."


    Marilyn and her husband thanked her repeatedly, sharing updates about their family, their faces filled with the relief of having weathered a storm and deep respect for Eleanor. After Gwenda saw them out Eleanor was left with a profound sense of fulfillment This was why she had dedicated her life to scientific research-this was her


    responsibility.


    Returning to her desk, Eleanor looked from theplex protocols on herputer screen to the picture of her daughter''s radiant smile beside it. Her resolve hardened. She would make sure


    Evelyn, just like Marilyn, had


    ve


    healthy and bright future


    At noon in the cafeteria, Eleanor sat with Joel, Callie, and Gwenda. When she announced she would be assisting with Dr. Smith''s experiment, Joel looked up in shock. "Didn ask you to?"


    Eleanor nodded. "And I wanted to."


    Seeing her conviction, Joel didn''t press the matter.


    "The initial trials for the neural interface are going smoothly," Eleanor exined. "Callie can handle the subsequent tests."


    "Alright, as long as you have it all nned out," Joel agreed.


    A few tables away, Faye Yeaton watched them, her eyes filled with jealousy. Even after the holidays, Eleanor was still the center of attention. Faye had been feeling the pressuretely; the new researchers hired for the civilian projects division all spoke of Eleanor as a genius and were desperate to meet her. Meanwhile, Faye had fought tooth and nail only to end up as an assistantb technician in the data management department, unable to even get into the core R&D division.


    "So that''s Eleanor! She''s even younger than I imagined," a new researcher whispered in admiration. "I heard she''s led several cutting-edge projects, all with great sess."


    "Yeah, just the development of the new leukemia drug alone is incredible. A rtive of mine was diagnosed early, and now she''s inplete remission."


    "That''s amazing," another colleague added.


    The hushed praise was like needles pricking at Faye''s nerves.


    Eleanor didn''t even need to be at the center to earn everyone''s admiration. Faye, meanwhile, had given everything she had and still remained on the outside.


    She had also been the subject of gossip recently. After bragging to her colleagues about getting into the core civilian projects team and potentially leading her own research, her current position felt like a public humiliation.

 Chapter 877

    Faye was resentful. Vanessa would offer cating words about working hard but had done nothing to use her connection withn to help her get a promotion. For now, all Faye could do was endure the ridicule and bide her time. She was certain that once Vanessa married into the Goodwin family, opportunities for


    advancement would be plentiful.


    **Goodwin Manor**


    Ever since her diagnosis and the onset of her symptoms, Serena had shut herself away at home, spending most of her days crying in her room as if all the color had drained from her life. Gina wasn''t well either. The sudden appearance of bruises on her body troubled her, and though her trip abroad had seemed to help, she had grown thinner and couldn''t seem to regain her strength. Nurses now visited the house regrly to monitor her, and Serena underwent the same tests as her mother.


    Serena had promised her older brother she wouldn''t tell anyone about her condition. She was still reeling from the discovery thatn had been hiding their mother''s decade-long illness from everyone, including Gina herself. She used to think her mother''s ailments were minor and thatn was overreacting. Now, those thoughts filled her with shame. Seeing her mother''s increasingly frail figure and the distinct bruises on her neck served as both a constant worry and a terrifying glimpse into her own future.


    Gina sensed something was seriously wrong with her body, but with daily visits from nurses and her son''s reassurances, she dismissed it as a consequence of


    old age.


    Serena''s phone rang. It was Vanessa. A flicker of warmth went through her. "Hey, Vanessa! When did you get back?"


    "I came back before the New Year, but I''ve been so busy I didn''t get a chance to call. What have you been up to? Want to get afternoon tea?" Vanessa invited.


    "I can''t, Vanessa. My brother wants me to go to grad school, so I''m stuck at home studying."


    "He''s forcing you to study again?" Vanessa asked sympathetically.


    "I don''t me him. He''s just doing what''s best for me."


    "Alright then, I won''t disturb your studies. Call me when you have time."


    "Okay!" After hanging up, Serena''s eyes filled with longing. But reality was a cruel reminder that she couldn''t just go out. Her brother had been explicit she was not to see Vanessa and under no


    circumstances was she to mention her illness.


    Lately, Serena found her mind racing with anxious thoughts. The disease had


    changed her, twisted her into a stranger she didn''t recognize.


    She was terrified of dying. So, to stay alive, she had to follow her brother''s instructions to the letter. She understood why he didn''t want Vanessa to know; what woman would willingly marry into a family with a hereditary disease? It felt wrong to hide it, but her brother was working tirelessly on a cure. As long as she cooperated with the experiments, she and her mother would get better. Besides her brother hadn''t inherited the disease. He and Vanessa could have gic screening and have healthy children.


    Just then, she heard a car pull up outside. Serena grabbed her bag and went downstairs. "Mom, I''m heading out for a bit."


    She was on her way to Dr. Smith''sb. Recently, she had been going there to take medication to manage her symptoms.


    Staring out the car window, Serena felt a profound emptiness. Even the most beautiful scenery couldn''t prate the heavy weight pressing down on her heart, leaving her breathless.


    In


    When she arrived at Dr. Smith''sb, it was quiet. There were no other patients, only the research team and a few nurses. She was the sole. subject here-in ab her brother had built specifically for her and then mother. Feeling suffocated, she pushed open the door of the waiting room and stepped onto a balcony where two assistants were chatting on their break.


    "Hey, did you overhear the doctor the other day? He said the donor is still refusing


    to cooperate. I wonder why."


    "I know, right? The Goodwins are so wealthy; they could meet any condition. If someone offered me a hundred million, I''d cooperate in a heartbeat."


    "It''s not that simple. She''s the only gic match for the Goodwins in the entire world. I heard Mr. Goodwin is getting desperate, but she just won''t agree to the experiment."


    "He must have offered her everything! What more could she want? At this rate, Mrs. Goodwin''s condition will only get worse."


    "Exactly. And I heard the experiment isn''t even that risky. I just don''t get why she''s refusing."


    The words struck Serena like a bolt of lightning, and her face went pale. The only match in the world? Refusing to cooperate?

 Chapter 878

    So whenn said he would find a cure, he was stuck here? The donor wouldn''t cooperate? How could their mother''s illness wait? The key to her and her mother''s survival was in this person''s hands, and they were still haggling with her brother over terms? Who was it? What would it take for them to save her mother?


    As Serena stepped back inside from the balcony and into the spacious central hall, she saw a figure walking in, carrying aptop bag.


    It was Eleanor.


    She wore a simple, well-tailored suit and moved with purpose, her entire demeanor projecting a distinct schrly presence.


    Serena froze, instinctively wanting to hide. A wave of shame, embarrassment, and avoidance washed over her. She thought of all the cruel things she had said to Eleanor-mocking her for thinking she could hold on ton, ridiculing her for acting so high and mighty.


    And now, here she was, a person waiting for Eleanor to save her life.


    Eleanor saw Serena too. As their eyes met, Serena flinched and looked away. Eleanor, however, showed no emotion and walked directly toward the coreb area, where an assistant greeted her warmly.


    A short whileter, Eleanor appeared at Serena''s bedside, discussing her condition with Dr. Smith. Serena hugged her knees and bit her lip, her eyes downcast.


    Eleanor observed Serena while speaking with Dr. Smith in fluent French, calmly analyzing the data. To them, Serena was Test Subject Number One.


    In that moment, Serena finally understood Eleanor''s true worth and capability. A sharp, absurd thought suddenly pierced her mind: *Will Eleanor get revenge on me?* After all, Serena was about to be her test subject. If Eleanor wanted to harm her, it would be as simple as a single thought.


    "Miss Goodwin, may I ask you a few questions?" Eleanor said, sitting down, her gaze holding the dispassionate scrutiny of a researcher.


    Serena looked up and met Eleanor''s eyes. They were clear, calm, and filled with professional rigor-not a trace of the disgust or smugness she had expected.


    "How has your sleep been recently? Any sudden headaches or heart difort?" Eleanor asked evenly.


    Serena, taken aback, answered automatically. "I haven''t been sleeping well. I get migraines and my heart races for no reason."


    Eleanor listened intently. "And your appetite?"


    "I can''t eat. I don''t have much of an appetite," Serena mumbled, looking down.


    "These are all normal reactions to your current condition. There''s no need to panic," Eleanor said, observing her for a few seconds. Try to rx. Anxiety itself can effect your physical stats. If you can''t sleep, there''s a mild sleeping aid you can take with very few side effects."


    She wrote a name on a piece of paper from her notebook, tore it off, and handed


    it to Serena. "You can give this a try."


    Serena froze, staring at the


    prescription. The thought that Eleanor would seek revenge now seemed utterly ridiculous and Vile


    Eleanor was genuinely trying to save her


    A wave of immense shame washed over her. Her nose tingled, and she lowered


    her head, her voice barely a whisper. "I... I''m sorry."


    Eleanor seemed not to hear. She turned, gave instructions to an assistant, and


    left.


    Serena stared after her, the


    unanswered apology hanging in the air. She bit her lip and clutched the piece of paper, a storm of emotions swirling within her. Even if Eleanor had heard, it was only natural that she wouldn''t ept her apology.


    In the coreb area, Dr. Smith and Eleanor were discussing a private matter.


    Eleanor''s expression was serious. "So, his intention is that I am not to be seen in front of Vanessa?"


    "Mr. Goodwin must have his reasons. Would you be able to cooperate, Miss Sutton?" Dr. Smith asked.

 Chapter 879

    Eleanor frowned in thought. What wasn ying at? Was he worried her presence would upset Vanessa in some way, and that''s why he wanted her to stay away?


    "Miss Sutton, Miss Shannon is, after all, the only viable donor in the world," Dr. Smith exined. "Mr. Goodwin is concerned your presence might make her feel... uneasy."


    Eleanor understood instantly. Vanessa was still givingn a hard time. He was worried that having his ex-wife conduct experiments on her would provoke Vanessa into refusing to cooperate. To keep her calm,n was being exceptionally considerate.


    "Fine," Eleanor said coolly. "I''ll stay out of sight."


    Dr. Smith let out a sigh of relief. "Of course, I would prefer you to be involved every step of the way, but as long as it doesn''t impede our progress, we can make this temporary arrangement."


    "I understand," Eleanor nodded. She knew Vanessa''s type all too well. She''d hadn wrapped around her finger for ten years; she was clearly very skilled at getting what she wanted. For Evelyn''s future, Eleanor was willing topromise her own feelings and principles. "I will cooperate. Just let me know in advance when I need to make myself scarce."


    "Thank you for your understanding," Dr. Smith said, then added, "I hear you and Dr. Windsor are on very good terms. I''ve invited him for an academic exchange this Wednesday. Perhaps you''d like to join us?"


    Eleanor smiled. "Of course, I''ll be there."


    Serena arrived home at six in the evening and saw her brother''s car, knowing he was back. "Grandma, where''s my brother?" she asked as she walked in.


    "Where else? Busy in his study," Magdalen replied from the sofa, absorbed in the evening news, a daily ritual of hers.


    Serena hurried upstairs, pushed open the door ton''s study, and closed it behind her. "Brother," she began urgently, "who is this donor? When will she agree to cooperate with the experiment?"


    "It doesn''t matter who told me! Just tell me, is it true that the person who can save Mom and me is refusing to help? What does she want?" Serena''s voice wasced with anxiety. "Mom is looking worse every day. We can''t afford to wait."


    "Serena, calm down,"n said, his voice firm.


    "I heard everything! She''s the only match in the world. If she won''t cooperate, what are we going to do?" Serena''s voice cracked, and she was on the verge of tears. "Brother, cant you just tell me who she i cargo beg her. I''ll beg her to save our family, to save Mom


    "Don''t be ridiculous,"n''s tone sharpened. "The donor''s identity is confidential: As for her cooperation there are procedures and preparations that take time. Your job is to focus on getting better. You don''t need to worry about any of this."


    His stern rebuke seemed to calm her. She looked at his cold,posed face, and


    the seriousness in his eyes was strangely reassuring.


    "I have everything under control,"n said, rising and walking over to her, his tone softening slightly. "You just need to listen to Dr. Smith and cooperate with the treatment. Nothing will go wrong."


    "Really? Are Mom and I really going to be okay?" Serena asked, her eyes red.


    "Trust me,"n said, his voice leaving no room for doubt. "I won''t let anything happen to you."


    Only then did Serena feel a sense of relief as she returned to her room.


    "I''ll do it," Vanessa had written. It was followed by another message: "Butn, don''t forget the promise you made me."<pn stared at the screen for a few seconds before his long fingers typed a single word in reply: "Fine."

 Chapter 880

    After sending the message,n''s fingers tapped twice on the desk before he dialed Dr. Smith''s direct line.


    "Doctor, Miss Shannon has confirmed her cooperation. The experiment can proceed as nned," Ian stated, his voice as calm and decisive as ever.


    On the other end of the line, Dr. Smith finally breathed a sigh of relief. "That''s excellent news, Mr. Goodwin. I''ll have the team begin preparations immediately."


    "Thank you for your hard work,"n said before hanging up.


    He rose and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the bustling city below. The bright sunlight seemed unable to prate the darkness in his deep eyes. Two minutester, he picked up his phone, found Eleanor''s number, and dialed.


    "Hello?" she answered.


    "The experiment here can begin tomorrow," he said in a low voice.


    "Okay," she replied calmly, then added, "I''m driving. Was there anything else?"


    The line went dead.


    He let out a slow breath, his brow furrowed with aplex expression no one could decipher. The strong posture he held just moments ago seemed to copse, as if his strength had been drained away. He leaned against the window for support and let out a soft sigh.


    At that moment, Eleanor was stopped at a red light, her slender fingers tapping restlessly on the steering wheel. Ian''s words meant only one thing: he had finally agreed to all of Vanessa''s demands. Whether he wanted to marry Vanessa or not, he had to meet her conditions. Gina''s illness couldn''t wait, and neither could Serena''s. Without effective treatment, there was no telling how their conditions would progress.


    Eleanor checked the time and, after


    confirming Simone''s address,


    headed over to visit her. Simone lived in an older residentialplex not far from Ashford Medical University. Eleanor arrived with gifts and fruit and knocked on the door.


    Sonya Langley answered, her face lighting up with surprise. "Miss Sutton, you''re


    here! Please,e in. We just got home this morning."


    Eleanor smiled. "I came to see Professor Langley."


    "She''s resting in her room, but she''s awake."


    Eleanor went to the master bedroom. Simone was visibly thinner, her cheeks hollowed and her hair noticeably sparse. Herplexion was pale.


    "Professor Langley," Eleanor called softly.


    "I heard your voice. It''s so good of you toe see me so soon," Simone said, sitting up. She seemed to be in decent spirits. "This old body of mine has caused you andn so much trouble."


    "Don''t say that. We''re just relieved your surgery was a sess," Eleanor said, pulling up a chair and studying Simone''s face. "How is your recovery going?"


    "It''s going well, I''m just weak and don''t have much of an appetite," Simone said, forcing a cheerful tone. "Enough about me. How are you? How''s the child? Any progress with your experiments?"


    "The little one is doing great, and work is going well. We''re making good progress," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    "You work so hard, juggling your research and a child," Simone said, her eyes filled with sympathy. There was more she wanted to say, but she held her tongue. After all, she had heard that two outstanding young men were vying for Eleanor''s affection. It seemed Eleanor had found her happiness, so it wasn''t her


    ce to offer unsolicited advice.


    "Professor Langley, have you done much research on rare blood disorders?" Eleanor asked.


    Simone thought for a moment and shook her head. "That''s not an area I''ve delved into deeply. Gic issues often require breakthrough technologies, which is more your expertise."

 Chapter 881

    Eleanor smiled faintly. "Right. I''m currently studying some rted cases."


    Simone''s gaze grew probing, sensing there was more to Eleanor''s question than simple curiosity. "Why do you ask? Does someone you know have a blood disorder?"


    "Just curious," Eleanor replied with a calm smile, not wanting to burden Simone with her worries. She changed the subject to Simone''s diet, and they chatted until four-thirty, when Eleanor finally took her leave.


    After Eleanor left, Simone picked up herptop. She searched for domestic case studies but found nothing matching the rare blood disorder Eleanor had mentioned, onlymon ones. With time on her hands, she began organizing some cases and logged into the hospital''s internal system to look up leukemia- rted files. When she searched for Marilyn''s case, a list of other hospital records popped up.


    As Simone scrolled through the names, one suddenly caught her eye: *Sara Whitmore*.


    1.n


    It was Eleanor''s mother''s name. She was on the leukemia list? Could it be a coincidence? Simone immediately checked the identification information, address, and family contacts. When she saw the name listed for the family contact Sutton her mind went nk. Eleanor''s mother was a leukemia patient?


    Elliot


    Simone quickly checked the date the file was created. Because of her deep respect for Elliot, she had followed news about his family. The file was dated just a month before Sara''s fatal car ident. She had been diagnosed but never had the chance to receive treatment.


    Simone let out a heavy sigh. Suddenly, she rememberedn''s unusual interest in Marilyn''s case. Her heart clenched as details she had previously overlooked clicked into ce. When Eleanor''s new drug was being developed,n had been intensely focused on Marilyn''s case. When Marilyn couldn''t afford the treatment, he had even used his private foundation to ensure she received the best care. At the time, Simone had dismissed it as an act of charity.


    But now, connecting Sara Sutton''s leukemia file withn''s strange behavior, everything became clearn''s relentless push to fund and elerate the development of the new leukemia drug had a deeper purpose: it was for Eleanor and the future generations of the Sutton family. He must have known about Sara''s diagnosis before, her ident. Fearing the disease was hereditary and discovering that Marilyn had the same rare type of leukemia as Sara, he had been desperate to find a cure to protect Eleanor and his child. He had pushed Eleanor relentlessly, and at the time, Simone had felt sorry for her and even toldn to back off. Now she realized he had been acting out of necessity.


    Finding a subject with Marilyn''s rare type of leukemia was incredibly difficult, which was whyn had insisted she be treated as a crucial case study-an attempt to preemptively eliminate the threat hanging over Eleanor and his daughter.


    Everything finally clicked for Simone. Ian''s tough exterior was just a cover for a deeper loyalty she hadn''t seen before.

 Chapter 882

    It urred to Simone that Eleanor''s father, Elliot, had done the same. His final years of research werepletely focused on leukemia. He had also been working behind the scenes to secure a future for his daughter and granddaughter.


    She sighed. Ian had done all of this without saying a word, and to this day, Eleanor remained oblivious.


    Thankfully, the leukemia drug was a sess. Marilyn''s full recovery meant that if Eleanor or her daughter ever inherited Sara''s condition, it would be treatable. Simone felt a wave of relief. She examined Sara''s test results again. It was, indeed, the same type of leukemia as Marilyn''s, and the medical report clearly indicated it was hereditary. Elliot must have entrustedn with this responsibility before he died, which was why he spared no expense in pushing the research forward.


    And the donor sample Elliot had givenn must have been for this research as well.n had been preparing for every possibility.


    **After the Holidays**


    The festive warmth had faded, reced by the crisp chill of early spring. Eleanor walked her daughter out the door. Evelyn, with her small backpack on, skipped happily. "Mommy, is there going to be fun stuff at school today?"


    "I saw your teacher sent out a list of games and activities. You can participate in all of them," Eleanor told her.


    "Yay! I want to do them all!" Evelyn cheered.


    Just as they stepped out of the elevator, Eleanor saw a ck Maybach already waiting by her parking spot.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn cried out, letting go of Eleanor''s hand and running toward him.


    "I am,"n said, smiling and kissing her back. "I came just to take you to register."


    "Mommy, can we take Daddy''s car to school, please?" Evelyn asked, turning to her mother.


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright."


    it fat and quickly got into the driver''s seat.


    Evelyn swung her little legs happily. "Daddy, after we register, can you take


    Mommy and me out for a big dinner?"


    Eleanor was about to tell her daughter no, butn answered first. "Of course. I''ll book a restaurant."


    "Yay! I''m so happy today!" Evelyn eximed.


    school.


    "Dr. Sutton, you''re here early to register your daughter!" a friendly mother greeted Eleanor. She had met her at a parent-teacher conference.


    Eleanor offered a polite smile in return. "Is that your child''s father?" the mother asked, nodding towardn, who was adjusting the bow on Evelyn''s school uniform at the gate.

 Chapter 883

    "Yes," Eleanor replied politely before walking over to them.


    "Their family is so good-looking," another mother whispered behind her.


    The first mother leaned in. "They''re not a family anymore. They divorced two years ago, you know."


    "What a shame. They seemed so perfect for each other."


    Due ton and Eleanor''s high profiles, they attracted a lot of attention. Eleanor apanied her daughter into the ssroom and saw Vivian, who had been brought not by Xavier, but by Mrs. Vaughn.


    "Oh, Eleanor, you''re here! Evelyn is getting more beautiful by the day," Mrs. Vaughnplimented, then noticedn walk in. "Ian, you came too."


    "Mrs. Vaughn," Ian greeted politely. "Hasn''t Xavier returned yet?"


    A shadow of worry crossed Mrs. Vaughn''s face, but she forced a smile. "No, some urgent business came up with the overseaspany. He won''t be able to get away for a while."


    A glimmer of hope appeared in Mrs. Vaughn''s eyes. She looked at her son''s childhood friend with gratitude. "Just hearing you say that is enough."


    Eleanor, who had been watching her daughter, overheard their conversation. A thought crossed her mind: was Xavier''spany in some kind of trouble?


    "That''s wonderful, sweetie," Eleanor praised.


    At eleven-thirty,n led Evelyn out. "I''ve booked a restaurant," he said to Eleanor. "Let''s have lunch together."


    "Please, Mommy, let''s go together!


    she


    It''s the first day of school, and I want both Mommy and Daddy with me Evelyn pleaded. At six years old, was beginning to have a mind of her own, and her requests were often more like demands.


    Feeling helpless, Eleanor nodded. "Alright, let''s go."


    A twenty-minute drive brought them to an elegant Western restaurant, wheren had chosen a table by the window. Evelyn, acting like a little grown-up, ordered several of her favorite dishes.


    As the food arrived,n carefully cut his daughter''s steak, while Eleanor ate her own meal in silence. Evelyn ate happily, her eyes sparkling as she looked between her parents. "Mommy, you haven''t taken any pictures of me today!"


    "I''ll take some for you now, sweetie," Eleanor said, realizing she had forgotten to document her


    daughter''s first day. She took out her phone and snapped a few photos. Evelyn then hopped off her chair, climbed onto tan''sp, and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Mommy, I want a picture with Daddy!" she said, shing a bright, toothy grin.


    Eleanor had no choice but to oblige, taking several pictures until Evelyn was satisfied and returned to her seat. Just then,


    her ice crea


    arrived she excitedly took


    spoonful and offered it to Eleanor. "Mommy, you try first. It''s so sweet!"


    Eleanor hesitated for a second but didn''t refuse her daughter. After she took a


    bite, Evelyn scooped up another spoonful and held it out ton. "Daddy, you have a bite too."


    "Evelyn, just eat it yourself," Eleanor gently chided.


    Butn had already leaned forward and epted the ice cream from his daughter.


    Evelyn''s eyes curved into happy crescents as she finally dug out the biggest spoonful for herself.


    Just then,n''s phone buzzed with a message.


    "I''m going to theb this afternoon. Can youe with me? I''m scared." It was from Vanessa.

 Chapter 884

    He put his phone away, his gaze softening as it fell on his daughter''s carefree smile. He couldn''t help but smile back, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "After this, Daddy will take you to the mall to buy some school supplies."


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded happily.


    "Evelyn, Mommy has work this afternoon. Why don''t you go with Daddy?" Eleanor suggested.


    "Okay, Mommy," Evelyn agreed.


    After paying the bill,n said to Eleanor, "I''ll drop you off at home first."


    "There''s no need. I''ll get a taxi," she replied tly.


    "I''m taking Evelyn to the mall near your ce. It''s on the way," Ian insisted.


    "Mommy, just let Daddy drive you! I want to ride in the car with you," Evelyn said, tugging on Eleanor''s arm.


    Eleanor''s resolve softened. "Alright, fine."


    In the car,n chatted with his daughter about school. When she grew quiet, content to y with her new toys, he nced at Eleanor in the rearview mirror. "Xavier has run into some trouble abroad," he mentioned, his tone casual.


    Eleanor, who had been gazing out the window, was pulled back to the present. She met his eyes in the mirror, her expression questioning.


    "Several of his cargo ships have been seized in disputed waters,"n continued. "It involves someplex international disputes and massive fines. It''s going to be tricky to resolve."


    Though Eleanor didn''t understand the shipping business, she knew that having ships seized meant operational disaster, a damaged reputation, and clientwsuits, not to mention discontent among the board members.


    "Is it serious?" she asked, a note of worry in her voice.


    "Yes. It involves thews of two different countries, so it will take time to negotiate,"n confirmed, his gaze on her flickering with aplex emotion.


    Concern shone in Eleanor''s eyes. Xavier was her friend and had helped her tremendously in the past. She truly hoped he could navigate this crisis.


    Eleanor''s gaze, which had drifted back to the window, snapped back to the rearview mirror, meeting his intense stare They were stopped at ared light, andn''s eyes were fixed on her. "I still have some connections overseas. I might be able to put in a good word for him."


    The implication was clear: he could help Xavier, but whether he would depended


    on her.


    Her cool eyes met his for a few


    seconds before she started to


    speak. "If you could-" She stopped


    herself, swallowing the rest of the


    sentence. She knew whatn wanted. He wanted her to beg him, to create an opportunity for a transaction, or to put her in his debt. But dan and xavier were childhood friends. Whether he helped or not should depend on their rtionship, not her.


    A low chuckle escapedn''s lips, breaking the heavy silence in the car. "Rx,"


    he said, his tone unreadable. "Xavier is my brother. I''d help him even if you didn''t ask."


    Eleanor bit her lip.


    "I''m not going to stand by and do nothing," he continued. "I''ve already sent people to smooth things over on my end. I might also need to trouble the Secretary of State''s office to leverage diplomatic channels to help mediate."


    Eleanor was stunned. He was mobilizing that many resources to help Xavier? Even getting the Secretary of State involved?

 Chapter 885

    Through the rearview mirror,n caught the look of astonishment on her face. A small smile yed on his lips, pleased with her reaction.


    "Xavier and I grew up together. I wouldn''t abandon him in his time of need," he said, casually discussing a situation that required top-tier diplomatic intervention as if it were nothing more than the weather.


    Eleanor was truly shocked. She never imaginedn would go to such lengths for Xavier. The cost and the political capital involved went far beyond a simple deration of friendship. But whatever his motives, the fact that he was willing to help was a good thing.


    Just then, the car pulled up to the entrance of Cloudcrest Manor. "Mommy, we''re home!" Evelyn''s voice chirped.


    Eleanor shook herself from her thoughts. "Alright, you two go on. I''m heading inside."


    After getting out of the car, she started walking toward theplex. The ck Maybach didn''t drive away immediately. From the driver''s seat,n''s eyes followed her graceful figure, his hand unconsciously stroking the steering wheel, a storm of emotions in his eyes. He was brought back to reality by a small voice.


    "Daddy! Aren''t we going?" Evelyn called out from the back seat.


    The Maybach finally pulled away and headed toward the nearby mall.


    As Eleanor walked home, her thoughts were in turmoil. Ifn hadn''t told her, she would have had no idea about the massive trouble Xavier was in. Even now, she didn''t know how much progress he had made. She pulled out her phone and checked the news. The top business story was about Vaughn Shipping.


    [Multiple Vaughn Shipping Cargo Ships Seized, Stock Poised for a Nosedive as Group Faces Potentially Crippling Lawsuits.]


    She read the article carefully, her heart sinking. Ian had severely understated the situation. This wasn''t just "trouble"¡ªif mishandled, it could bankrupt the entire Vaughn Group.


    She found Xavier''s number in her contacts and, after a moment''s hesitation, sent him a message. "Xavier, just saw the news. How are things on your end?" She didn''t expect a?t immediate reply, knowing how busy he must be. A phone call felt too intrusive.


    "Don''t worry, I can handle it. It''ll just take some time. Don''t worry about me."


    His reply was deliberately vague, clearly trying to shield her from worry.


    "Take care of yourself over there. If you need anything at all, please let me know," she typed back.


    "I will. Thanks for your concern," he replied, followed by another message. "Once this is all sorted out, I''ll take you to dinner."


    Eleanor''s breath hitched. He was trying so hard to reassure her. "Okay. When you get back, it''s my treat."


    "Deal. I''ll be back as soon as I can."


    "You should get back to work. I won''t bother you."


    "Okay. You take care of yourself too."


    Walking under the green canopy of the trees in herplex, Eleanor''s heart felt heavy. The brutality of the business world and theplexities of intemational politics were beyond herprehension, but she could imagine the immense pressure Xavier was under. In that moment, she truly hopedn would help him.


    At two-thirty,n returned with Evelyn, their arms full of school supplies After Evelyn ran off to yn stood in the doorway, looking at Eleanor. His throat felt dry. "May Ie in for a ss of water?"

 Chapter 886

    Eleanor stepped aside. "Come in," she said, her voice t.


    Eleanor returned with a disposable cup of water and handed it to him. Ian took it without a second thought and drank it down. When he was finished, he held the empty cup out to her. "Could I have another?"


    She took the cup and refilled it. As she walked back, she saw his phone light up. He nced at the screen, silenced the call, and took the water from her. "I have to go," he said after finishing it.


    "Okay," she replied simply.


    Asn changed his shoes at the door, Princess darted out the moment he opened it, as if ready to run away with him.


    "Princess, get back here!" Eleanor called out, annoyed.


    The dog immediately bounded back inside, a clear sign of who held the authority in the house.


    Standing in the doorway,n was momentarily amused. A low chuckle rumbled in his throat. "Don''t cause trouble," he said to the pouting dog. Princess blinked her big eyes and let out a soft whine.


    Eleanor rubbed her temples and headed toward her daughter''s room.


    By the timen arrived at theb, Vanessa was already there, sitting amidst the cold, sterile equipment. Dressed in a cream-colored sweater and without any makeup, she looked pale and frail. The moment she saw him, she rushed toward him as if he were a lifeline.


    n, you''re finally here! I was starting to think you weren''ting."


    Suddenly, her sharp eyes caught sight of several long strands of dog hair clinging to the sleeve of his expensive, dark gray suit. The joy on Vanessa''s face froze, and a sharp pain pierced her heart. She had heard from Serena that Eleanor had a dog. Had he juste from her ce? A flicker of jealousy darkened her eyes.


    "We''re ready. We just need Miss Shannon to provide a blood sample."


    As Vanessa was having her blood drawn, her agent, Laverne, arrived. Laverne cleverly took a photo with her phone, capturing Vanessa''s pale, delicate face. She then zoomed out slightly, making sure to includen''s arm resting on the table in the frame-the rolled-up sleeve revealing a sapphire cufflink, a sliver of a man''s strong forearm, and a limited-edition watch. It was a picture that screamed wealth and power.


    Ten minutester, a new post appeared on Vanessa''s social media.


    "So d to have someone here with me. Suddenly, I''m not so scared anymore."


    Fifteen minutes after that, a message from Joy Thatcher popped up on Eleanor''s phone. "Ellie, is Vanessa pregnant?"


    Eleanor opened the photo. She


    zoomed in on the equipment behind


    Vanessa and recognized Dr. Smith''s


    the arm in the photo asn''s.


    "No, it''s a blood draw for a physical exam. For something else," Eleanor replied to her gossipy friend.


    "You scared me! I''m so sick of blood draws from my own pregnancy, I thought she was getting her early screening done," Joy wrote back.


    Eleanor looked at Vanessa''s post again. She''s twisting the truth with that photo. Definitely trying to make someone look at her in a certain way.

 Chapter 887

    Beneath the post, her fans were already flooding thements with sympathy.


    "Oh my goddess. Are you okay, darling? My heart aches for you! At least your beloved is with you."


    "That arm has so much presence! Is it that powerful CEO I''m thinking of? "


    "Wow, so lucky to have someone by your side! I''m so envious!"


    The fans, unaware of the truth, showered her with praise and envy. Eleanor, who knew the real story, found Vanessa''s public disy utterly meaningless. For her, the only thing that mattered was thatn had sessfully persuaded Vanessa to cooperate. That, at least, was a relief.


    At Goodwin Manor, Serena was bored and scrolling through social media when she saw Vanessa''s post. She studied the photo carefully. The sofa Vanessa was sitting on and the equipment in the background looked familiar, but she figured mostbs were probably set up the same way. She wondered what illness required a blood draw and recognized the arm in the photo as her brother''s.


    She decided to ask Vanessa directly. "Vanessa, what''s wrong? Do you have a cold?"


    Vanessa replied quickly. "Yeah, just a cold and a bit of a fever. I''m at the hospital getting it checked out."


    "You need to take care of yourself. The weather has been so unpredictabletely. Make sure to dress warmly," Serena said, concerned.


    "I will. You too. We should get afternoon tea sometime," Vanessa suggested.


    "Okay, I''ll let you know when I''m not so busy," Serena replied vaguely. She couldn''t make any promises. Her brother had told her to stay home, and the recent blood tests had left her feeling weak and looking pale. She was so anxious she was even losing her hair; she didn''t have the courage to see anyone.


    However, she had been feeling a bit better thest couple of days. The sleeping aid Eleanor had rmended had given her two nights of good sleep, and her appetite was slowly returning.


    Switching off her phone, Serenay on her bed, her thoughts drifting. Had the world''s only donor agreed to her brother''s terms? Would this dy her mother''s treatment? Serena desperately wanted to know who this person was. For her mother''s sake, she was willing to beg.


    "Miss Serena, the flowers have been prepped. Your grandmother would like you toe down and help her with the arrangements."


    "I''ll be right there," Serena called out. Lately, her grandmother had been teaching her flower arranging to pass the time. Serena had never had the panence for such things before, preferring a life of ease and


    Now, she found a strange sense of peace in the quiet art. The flowers seemed to lift her spirits.


    On the ride home in her private car, Vanessa''s phone rang. It was Henry.


    "Hello?" she answered, her voice sounding deliberately weak.


    "What''s wrong? Why are you getting your blood drawn?" Henry asked anxiously.


    "It''s nothing, just a small cold."


    "Didn take you to the doctor?"


    "Yes, he did. I''m on my way home now."


    "The weather''s been crazytely. You need to stay warm."


    Vanessaughed softly. "If you''re so concerned, why don''t you take me out to dinner?"


    Normally, Henry would have


    immediately booked the finest


    restaurant and ordered her a feast of


    nourishing food. She wanted


    expectantly for his reply.


    "I can''t tonight. I promised my mom I''d visit a family elder. I''ll make it up to you next time."


    Vanessa''s grip on her phone tightened. She forced a smile. "Oh, really? Well, you go on then."


    "Have your assistant take good care of you. I have to go."


    "Okay," Vanessa replied sweetly. But the moment she hung up, her expression soured. A family elder? Henry who was known for his


    rebellious streak and dislike of


    family obligations?


    to''


    In his office, Henry grabbed his car keys and dialed his mother''s number. "Mom,


    what should I bring as a gift to the Quigleys'' house?"

 Chapter 888

    On the other end of the line, Henry''s mother couldn''t hide the pleasure in her voice at her son''s proactive question. "Just pick out something nice. We don''t want to be rude."


    "Alright, I''ll get some good wine," Henry said.


    "As long as you show up, that''s all that matters," his mother replied, thrilled that her son was finally taking the initiative to attend the Quigley family patriarch''s birthday celebration.


    "I know," Henry said and hung up. An image of Selma Quigley''s face shed in his mind. After what had happened that night, even though she hadn''t demanded anything, he felt a sense of responsibility. He had taken her first time, after all. If he did nothing, he''d be nothing but a scumbag.


    In Vanessa''s car, Laverne noticed the bruise forming where the needle had been. "Why did they take so many vials of blood this time?" she asked, concerned.


    Vanessa''s expression was grim. "This check-up was moreprehensive," she said curtly.


    "I feel so bad for you, having to go through this every year," Laverne said. Though Vanessa imed it was just a routine physical, Laverne suspected it was something more. But if Vanessa wouldn''t talk, she couldn''t ask. "Were you happy with the photos I took? Your fans are going crazy with worry. You''re already trending."


    Vanessa picked up her phone and saw that the post had indeed gone viral, with her feed flooded with messages of concern. The photo perfectly captured her fragile beauty. She didn''t say anything. The point of the post wasn''t to garner sympathy from her fans. In the age of big data, the people who were meant to see it, would. A small smile touched her lips.


    Her thoughts returned to Henry''s phone call. In the six years she had known him, this was the first time he had turned her down for someone else. She remembered him mentioning his family was setting him up on dates. Then she recalled the girl she had seen him with at the g¡ªshe must be the one his family had chosen. Vanessa bit her lip, her face darkening.


    "Wow, Vaughn Group is in big trouble!" Laverne eximed, scrolling through the news on her phone.


    "Let me see," Vanessa demanded.


    Laverne handed her the phone. As Vanessa read about the


    Group, she connected the dots. Given the rtionship between Xavier and Eleanor, had Eleanor met with fan privately today? At her home? Was it about Xavier? That would exin the dog hair on his suit. For someone who was drawn to power,n was a god-like figure. Even with a man like Xavier by her side, Eleanor couldn''t resistn''s allure.


    international crisis facing et


    At six in the evening, Dr. Smith sent Vanessa''s blood sample data to Eleanor.


    The next morning at nine, Eleanor, dressed in a crisp whiteb coat with her hair pulled back neatly, arrived at Dr. Smith''sb.


    "Miss Sutton, you''re here," Dr. Smith greeted her warmly. His core team, who had already built a rapport with Eleanor, quickly got to work.


    Eleanor spent the entire morning, immersed in her research. At noon, Dr. Smith approached her. "I''ve booked a table at the restaurant across the street Let''s have lunch together."


    Eleanor, who needed to discuss some things with him anyway, agreed. "Great, thank you."


    But as she and Dr. Smith walked into


    the restaurant''s private room, the smile on her face froze. Ian was already there, seated at the head of the table, looking at a tablet He looked up as they entered, and flicker of a smile crossed his lips when he saw her.

 Chapter 889

    Dr. Smith, however, acted perfectly natural. "Mr. Goodwin mentioned this ce has excellent food. We can eat while we talk."


    Eleanor quicklyposed herself, nodded, and chose a seat as far fromn as possible.


    Then, as Eleanor and Dr. Smith delved into a technical discussion, it wasn''s turn to listen silently. Smith subtly watched his reactions and noticed thatn''s eyes were often on Eleanor.


    The way he looked at her didn''t feel possessive at all. It was full of real admiration and quiet pride, like he was appreciating a one-of-a-kind treasure.


    Eleanor could feel his stare and instinctively avoided looking in his direction, keeping her focus on Dr. Smith and the food in front of her. Her coldness only maden''s eyes narrow slightly as he sipped his tea to ease the awkwardness.


    Finally, the meal was over. Eleanor stood up first. "Doctor, please, you two continue. I''m heading back."


    "Of course, Miss Sutton. See you in a bit," Smith nodded. Ian gave a slight nod in acknowledgment but said nothing.


    Once Eleanor was gone, Smith couldn''t help but praise her. "Dr. Sutton is truly the most gifted young scientist I have ever met. With her on the team, our sess rate increases by at least thirty percent."


    Smith''s expression turned serious. "We are doing everything we can. I am confident we will not disappoint you."


    "Understood. I won''t take up Miss Sutton''s personal time."


    Back at theb, Eleanor went to the restroom. As she stepped into a stall, she heard the cheerful voices of a few nurses outside.


    "Hey, I wonder why Mr. Goodwin didn''te by today," one of them said as she washed her hands.


    "Are you daydreaming again?" another teased. "Mr. Goodwin is a busy man. He can''t be at theb every day."


    "I''m just admiring from afar! Everyone online knows he''s Miss Shannon''s boyfriend. I wouldn''t dare have any ideas."


    "True. If Miss Shannon found out


    you were eyeing Mr. Goodwin, you''d be in trouble. Didn''t you see how nervous he was when she was getting her blood drawn yesterday? He stayed with her the whole time


    "I heard the nurse was so nervous she missed the vein, and Miss Shannon cried


    out in pain. Mr. Goodwin looked like he was about to kill someone."


    "That was Cain! She said Mr. Goodwin was staring at her so


    intensely she got flustered we


    his


    presence, I''m not sure!


    could have done any better content


    "I heard from her fans that they''re getting engaged soon. I wonder if it''s true."


    "Probably. He''s brilliant, she''s beautiful, and their families are a perfect match. They''re made for each other."


    The sound of the water stopped, and the nurses left, still chatting andughing.


    Eleanor stepped out of the stall and looked at her reflection. Her face was calm. She had known Vanessa wouldn''t willingly participate in the experiment without getting someth


    in return. Ian''s


    ove


    rtionship with her wasn''t just


    about maniption and


    transactions; there was genuine affection there.

 Chapter 890

    Vanessa was not the type to bow to fate. She would have made sure to get everything she wanted fromn.


    It seemed that over the past decade,n had given her all the fame, fortune, and love she could ask for.


    Eleanor turned off the tap and slowly dried her hands before walking back out into the hallway.


    Just then, she saw a receptionist escorting a familiar figure toward her. Her eyes lit up. "Mr. Windsor."


    York Windsor had been extremely busytely and had lost touch with Eleanor. He had just returned from a business trip abroad and was surprised to see her. "What are you doing here?"


    "I''ll take it from here," Eleanor told the receptionist, then turned to York. "Mr. Windsor, let''s walk and talk."


    She exined the situation about her daughter''s potential hereditary blood disorder. After she finished, York''s first question was, "Didn tell you this himself?"


    His reaction caught Eleanor off guard. "Mr. Windsor... did you know about this already?"


    Guilt shed in York''s eyes as he nodded. "Yes. I knew about Mrs. Goodwin''s blood disorder even when your father was still alive."


    Eleanor stared at him in shock. "My father knew? Why did none of you tell me?"


    They had entered a small lounge and sat down facing each other. "Yes," York said, his voice full of remorse. "You were a consultant on one of Dr. Smith''s projects back then. At first, we thought it was amon blood disorder, butter, through various channels, we confirmed it was hereditary. Your father... he was most worried about you and your daughter."


    Tears welled in Eleanor''s eyes. Her own father knew?


    York sighed. "Your father and I had a long talk about it. He made me promise to keep it a secret because he didn''t want you to live in fear. He wanted you to live your life and pursue your research without this burden. If he could see what you''ve aplished today, he would be so proud."


    "Why would he do that? Was that really what was best for me?" Eleanor asked,


    her eyes red with a mixture of anger and sorrow.


    "He nned to tell you once he had a breakthrough in his research, to give you some preparation," York exined, shaking his head. But then he passed away so suddenly, and everything was left unsaid."


    Eleanor clenched her fists, fighting. back the wave of emotions. It was just like her father to bear every burden silently, believing he was protecting her. Her chest ached with a dull, heavy pain. All those years he had spent tirelessly in hisb weren''t just for academic pursuit they were for her, for the future her daughter might face.


    "You can''t me him," York said gently. "You were so young. If you had spent your days consumed with worry, you might not have been able to finish your studies and be who you are today."


    An overwhelming sense of love and grief washed over her. Her father,n-they had all known, and they had all kept it from her.


    Just as York was about to say more, the door to the lounge opened, andn and Dr. Smith walked in.


    "Mr. Windsor, you''re here,"n said with a polite smile.


    "York!" Dr. Smith greeted him warmly with a hug.


    Eleanor quickly lowered her head, dabbing at the corners of her eyes to hide her tears.


    The small gesture did not escapen''s notice. It was clear what she and York had been discussing.

 Chapter 891

    "Dr. Smith, why don''t you take Mr. Windsor to yourb for a chat? I need a word with Eleanor,"n said.


    Dr. Smith turned to York. "Come on, York. Let''s head to my office for some tea."


    Before he left, York shot a look atn, his eyes conveying a silent warning.


    After Smith and York had gone, the quiet of the lounge settled around them. With just the two of them left, Eleanor''sposure began to return.


    Almost instinctively,n reached out and caught her by the wrist. "We need to talk."


    Eleanor pulled her hand away but didn''t leave immediately. She stood there, waiting. "Go on," she said.


    "Did Mr. Windsor tell you something?"


    "My father knew about your mother''s illness. Why didn''t you tell me?" she demanded, looking up at him. She could understand her father hiding it, butn had been her husband. Why had he done the same?


    Eleanor fought to control the rage simmering inside her. She believed him; it was exactly what her father would have done.


    "Your father wanted to keep it a secret until he found a viable treatment,"n continued. "He was worried you''d throw yourself into it without a second thought, that you''d end up like him, crushed by the weight of the pressure and responsibility. He just wanted you... to be happy."


    She knew he was telling the truth. Her father had poured thest years of his life into his research, ultimately dying from exhaustion and missing the critical window for his own treatment.


    At the thought, a dam of tears broke inside her.


    Silent tears streamed down her cheeks, washing away the calm and strength she had been clinging to. The sheer weight of her father''s love had shattered her defenses. Her mind flooded with images of him working through sleepless nights, his figure growing thinner in theb day by day. She vividly remembered him missing her daughter''s second birthday because he was glued to his research data.


    Back then, she had resented him for caring more about his work than his family. Now, an unbearable painnced through her heart, and she didn''t know how to ept it.


    Seeing the tears spill from her eyes,n acted on instinct. He closed the distance between them in a single step, wrapping his arms around her and cradling the back of her head, pressing her gently against his chest.


    "Eleanor-" he murmured, his voice filled with a quiet ache of affection.


    But a secondter, she recoiled as if burned, violently shoving him away and taking a step back. When he instinctively reached for her again, she pped his hand away.


    "Don''t touch me," Eleanor said, her voice trembling with tears but colder than ice.n''s arm froze in mid-air. The undisguised repulsion in her eyes was a ssh of cold water, snapping him back to reality.


    He had no right to touch her.


    No matter how he exined it, he was one of the architects of her current pain.


    "Even if my father asked you to," she said, her voiceced with anger, "you were my husband. You should have given me the right to choose not kept me in the dark all this time."


    With that, she turned and stormed out of the lounge, refusing to look at him again.


    Just then, his phone rang. He answered it. "Hello."


    "Mr. Goodwin," Gavin''s voice came through the line, "we have another problem with Yeaton Holdings."

 Chapter 892

    "Yeaton Holdings'' overseas medical nt is facing serious environmental vitions andbor disputes. The local government hasunched an investigation, and the project has beenpletely shut down," Gavin reported briskly. "They''re requesting an urgent meeting with you."


    Yeaton Holdings had recently be a publicly listedpany with a major investment from Goodwin & Co. While Goodwin & Co. wasn''t directly involved in this particr project,n sat on the board as a major shareholder. With this crisis blowing up, the other Yeaton shareholders were undoubtedly panicking.


    "Understood,"n said, his voice devoid of emotion. "I''ll be at Yeaton Holdings in an hour. Have every department head present."


    "Yes, Mr. Goodwin."


    After hanging up,n straightened his suit. His fingertips brushed against a damp spot over his left breast where Eleanor''s tears had fallen. He let out a soft sigh before striding out of the lounge with resolute steps.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor was in the restroom,posing herself. She had to meet with Dr. Smith and York soon and needed to be calm. After a few deep breaths, her emotions were back under control, though her eyes were still slightly red. She had to take up her father''s mantle now and secure her daughter''s future.


    When she entered the conference room, the meeting had already started. The projector was on, casting the room in a dim light. Eleanor slipped quietly into a seat and listened as Dr. Smith presented.


    York nced at her with concern before turning his attention back to Dr. Smith''s analysis.


    "This blood sample," Dr. Smith exined, "contains a rare, naturally urring neutralizing antibody. Against the Goodwin Group''s hereditary blood disease, its ability to envelop and neutralize the diseased cells is remarkable."


    York followed up with several technical questions. After answering, Dr. Smith gestured toward Eleanor. "Perhaps Miss Sutton can answer that. She has some very insightful perspectives."


    Eleanor fielded York''s questions, steering the discussion into a deeper, more technical analysis.


    York watched her with a look of admiration and pride. She was just like her father, he thought,pletely dedicated to her work.


    Half an hourter, York, speaking as a senior colleague, offered a word of caution. "Don''t push yourself too hard Eleanor. Take care of your health."


    "I will, Mr. Windsor," she replied, walking him to the elevator.


    "I shouldn''t meddle," York said gently, "but don''t me your father. Everything he did was for you. He once told me you were so much like him, and he was afraid that if you found out about your daughter''s condition, you''d lose yourself


    Eleanor pressed her lips together, her eyes welling up again. "I know. I''m not angry with him."


    "Based on the proposal I saw from you and Dr. Smith today, I believe the chances of finding a cure are very high. You don''t need to worry so much."


    A thought suddenly urred to Eleanor. "Mr. Windsor, my father left behind a donor sample from my mother. Do you know what he intended to use it for?"


    York paused, thinking for a moment before shaking his head. "He never mentioned it to me. Didn''t he tell you?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "He gave the sample ton for safekeeping. It''s not in my name."


    "Then you should askn," York suggested. "I''m sure he''ll tell you everything now." It was clear his opinion ofn had shifted


    significantly. Having attendent


    several joint meetings between Starnova Group and Goodwin & Co. recently, York hade to seen as a trusted junior colleague.

 Chapter 893

    After all,n had shown considerable support for York''sb during their coboration with Starnova Group.


    "Alright, I''ll ask him when I get the chance," Eleanor said, nodding as she saw York into the elevator.


    In the lobby, York''s assistant was waiting. Eleanor stopped, watching them leave.


    Her phone buzzed with a text from Joy.


    "Ellie, I just heard from a source at Yarnton. Yeaton Holdings'' overseas medical nt is in deep trouble. Isn''tn a shareholder and on their board? He''s really shot himself in the foot with this one."


    Below the message was a link. She tapped it, and it opened to a detailed financial news report. Yeaton Holdings had been exposed for environmental vitions andbor exploitation, and the local government had ordered aplete shutdown and investigation. In the fallout, Yeaton''s stock had plummeted, wiping nearly five billion off its market value and severely impacting its investors¡ªincludingn, a key shareholder and board member.


    Eleanor frowned.


    Rnd Yeaton was always long on ambition and short on the talent to back it up. He was always looking for shortcuts and dabbling in shady practices. Sooner orter, his dealings were bound to catch up with him.


    This was a mess ofn''s own making. Whatever the consequences, he would have to face them.


    ***


    At the Yeaton Holdings headquarters, the conference room was deathly silent. You could have heard a pin drop.


    The atmosphere shifted the momentn stepped inside.


    "Mr. Goodwin, you''re here. Please, have a seat," Rnd Yeaton said, hurrying to greet him. He seemed to shrink inn''s presence, his face a mask of deference.


    Everyone at Yeaton Holdings knew Rnd was supposedlyn''s future father-in-w. Seeing his terrified expression now, they couldn''t help but wonder if that was truly the case.


    He picked up the top report, his eyes narrowing as he scanned it. After only a few minutes, he tossed it back onto the table, pointing to a specific figure. "Where did this numbere from?"


    Rnd looked at the spotn indicated-it was the previous quarter''s profit report, and the figures were obviously, and ridiculously, fabricated. The color drained from his face.


    The executive responsible for the report shot to his feet. "That-Mr. Goodwin, that was just "


    "If this number is wrong, I have no reason to believe any of the others are correct,"n said, his voice dangerously low, "You are wasting my time. He tore the report in half and threw the pieces in front of the trembling executive.


    The room was stunned into silence.


    "Is this how you answer to your shareholders, and board?"n''s voice wasn''t loud, but it carried an intense,


    suffocating pressure. With a pile With a pile of useless paper that dodges all the important issues." The unspoken usation hung in the air you are all useless*. Content bel¨¦ngs to


    Sweat beaded on Rnd''s forehead. "Mr. Goodwin, we-"


    "I don''t want to hear any excuses,"n cut him off, leaning forward and cing his


    hands on the table. "I want a viable solution on my desk by four p.m."


    Without another word, he turned and strode out of the room.

 Chapter 894

    Everyone watched him go, letting out a collective sigh of relief before a new wave of panic set in. A solution by four p.m.? How were they possibly going to manage that?


    Rnd was ashen. He had hoped his status asn''s "future father-inw" would earn him some leniency, but in that room, he hadn''t even found the courage to meet the man''s eyes.


    He now understoodn''s ruthless, upromising approach to business.


    A short whileter, a consultant from Goodwin & Co. arrived. His appearance was


    a lifeline for Rnd, who knewn''spany wouldn''t just abandon them.


    The consultant was a model of efficiency, immediately establishing a precise protocol for handling the crisis. He issued a series of sharp, targeted directives, his actions swift and decisive. Under his guidance, Rnd and his team managed to produce a final resolution n just before the four o''clock deadline.


    When Rnd finally returned to his office, his legs felt like jelly. As he was rubbing his sore shoulders, a ss of water appeared in front of him. He was about to snap at whoever it was but stopped when he saw it was his wife, Cathie. He swallowed his anger.


    "How did it go? Is Goodwin & Co. helping you?" she asked gently.


    Rnd sighed. "They''re helping, but their attitude is far from pleasant."


    "How could that be? Didn''tn even give you some consideration?" Cathie asked, surprised.


    "Consideration? I waspletely humiliated today," Rnd scoffed. "As long as my daughter Vanessa hasn''t married into the Goodwin family, he won''t give a damn about me. Hmph!"


    Cathie moved behind him and began massaging his shoulders, her touch skilled and soothing. Rnd closed his eyes, enjoying the relief.


    "Vanessa has been with Mr. Goodwin for years," Cathie mused. "He divorced his wife for her two years ago. It''s about time he married her, don''t you think?"


    "Hmph! I can''t figuren out, and that girl never talks about their rtionship."


    A calcting look flickered in Cathie''s eyes. "It would be perfect if Vanessa got pregnant. I hear the Goodwins only have one daughter. If Vanessa had a son, I wonder if that would change their attitude."


    The idea resonated with Rnd. Deep down, he held a traditional preference for male heirs, and he figuredn, as a man, must feel the same of his daughter could get pregnant-preferably with a boy-the Goodwins would surely wee her into the family with open arms Then, if hispany ran into trouble again,n would be there to bail him out. Besides, seeing the consultant from Goodwin & Co. in action today had shown him what realpetence looked like. Having a few people like that in hispany would guarantee smooth sailing.


    ***


    At five-thirty, Eleanor picked her daughter up from school. Watching the little girl, her hair in two bouncing pigtails, skip toward the elevator, Eleanor''s heart swelled. Perhaps she finally understood her father''s intentions.


    If he had told her back then, she would have been powerless to do anything, and she might not have achieved what she had today.


    But now, after reviewing Dr. Smith''s proposal, she felt a sense of relief. There was


    a clear path forward. If they worked toward that goal, they would find a cure.


    Of course, more than anything, she just wished her daughter a long, healthy, and happy life.


    Back in the warmth of their


    apartment, Evelyn took off her coat and immediately started wrestling


    with their dog Princess on the


    carpet. The sound of her daughter''sughter mingling with the dog''s happy yelps was the most healing sound in the world.


    Joslyn came to tell Eleanor what was for dinner before heading back to the kitchen. Eleanor went to her study, opened herptop, and began usingan Al program to run


    simtions on the treatments


    sess rate.


    As she massaged her temples, staring at the screen, a thought struck her. She


    quickly grabbed her phone and dialed Joel''s number.


    "Hello? Ellie," Joel''s gentle voice answered.


    "Joel, I need you to confirm something for me. Do you remember when youpared my mother''s donor sample with Vanessa''s? Was the result a perfect match?"

 Chapter 895

    Joel paused for a few seconds, recalling the details. "Yes, that''s right," he answered seriously. "You suspectedn was keeping your mother''s sample for Vanessa''s stem cell donation, so I ran apatibility test. It was a sessful match."


    "Thank you! Thank you, Joel!" Eleanor eximed, so overwhelmed with emotion she was on the verge of tears.


    "What''s wrong, Ellie? Did something happen?" Joel asked, his voice full of


    concern.


    "No, nothing''s wrong. This is just... it''s incredibly important. I''m so d you did that for me. Otherwise, I would never have known how vital my mother''s sample is," Eleanor said, her voice trembling as she clutched the phone, as if holding onto another lifeline for her daughter.


    Joel sounded confused. "Ellie, are you sure you''re okay?"


    "It''s not for me. It''s for a research project I''m working on. Joel, I won''t keep you."


    "I''ll send you thepatibility report."


    "Okay. Thanks, Joel."


    Eleanor hung up, her heart flooded with joy and hope. The rare neutralizing antibody that Dr. Smith had found in Vanessa''s blood-could it also be present in her mother''s sample?


    If so, Vanessa would no longer be the only person who could save her daughter.


    Tears of relief welled in her eyes. Her father could never have known this when he preserved the sample, but he might have inadvertently provided the key to curing his own granddaughter. This discovery was monumental. It meant another option, anotheryer of security.


    Within ten minutes, Joel sent the report. Eleanor opened it immediately. The conclusion read: *Highpatibility, suitable for transnt*. A sob of pure joy escaped her as she covered her mouth with her hand.


    Her mother''s blood sample was stored at Dr. Smith''sb. Without a second''s hesitation, Eleanor dialed his number.


    When she finished exining, Dr. Smith''s voice was filled with incredulous delight. "El, is this true? This is... it''s like divine intervention! This is wonderful! It gives us the most reliable backup n we could have asked for."


    "Yes, Doctor. I''ll begin analyzing my mother''s blood sample tomorrow," Eleanor confirmed.


    "Of course! This is fantastic. I have to tell Mr. Goodwin immediately," he said excitedly.


    Eleanor''s heart skipped a beat. Her daughter''s fate was now intertwined with the Goodwin family''s. To develop the perfect treatment, both Gina and Serena would be test subjects. She had to set aside personal feelings and focus solely on the breakthrough.


    "Alright," she said. "Please, go ahead and tell him."


    Then, Dr. Smith let out a sigh of admiration. "El, your father... he was a true visionary and a great man."


    Eleanor''s eyes grew hot with a fresh wave of love and gratitude for her father. Though she still didn''t know z his exact reason for preserving the sample, he had once again given her the support she needed most.


    ***


    At Goodwin & Co.,n was workingte, having just finished a video conference


    with his team at Yarnton about the Yeaton Holdings crisis.


    He rubbed his temples, then picked up his phone and opened WhatsApp. A new update from the preschool was pinned to the top of his chat. He tapped it immediately. It was a video from the teacher.


    He scanned the group of children as the camera panned, searching for his little


    girl.


    There she was, in her school uniform, standing cute and small among her ssmates, seriously following the motions of a choreographed dance.


    A gentle smile touchedn''s lips. His eyes remained fixed on her tiny, earnest figure, not wanting to miss a single second. The fatigue from? work and the cold ruthlessness of the business world melted away,


    reced by pure adulterated


    fatherly love. A deep sense of pride filled him. Even if it was just a simple dance, to him, she was magnificent.


    He watched it once, then scrolled back and watched it all over again. He was


    about to y it a third time when a call from Dr. Smith came through.


    A call at this hour made his stomach clench. He answered immediately. "Doctor, what is it?"

 Chapter 896

    "Mr. Goodwin, I have good news! Incredible news!" Dr. Smith''s excited voice crackled through the phone. "Dr. Sutton has just confirmed that herte mother''s blood sample is a high-level gic match with Miss Shannon''s. It''s a perfect backup donor for the experiments."


    "When did she confirm this?"


    "I''m not entirely sure," Dr. Smith replied. "A year ago, I think? If you want more details, you should probably ask Miss Sutton directly."


    Dr. Smith, who had been ready to start tests the next morning, was taken aback. "Why? Mr. Goodwin, another donor means another source of hope!"


    "Wait for my word before you proceed. For now, continue the research using only Vanessa''s sample,"nmanded before ending the call.


    He slowly sank back into hisrge executive chair, his gaze lost in the deep night sky beyond the floor-to-ceiling window. After a long moment, he let out a quiet sigh, stood up, and left the office.


    ***


    At home, Eleanor was in the yroom with her daughter, helping her learn to read, when Joslyn brought her the phone. "Ma''am, it''s for you."


    Eleanor took the phone and sawn''s name on the screen. She frowned, stepping out onto the balcony to answer. Her voice was automatically cool. "Hello."


    "I just heard from Dr. Smith that your mother''s sample is a match with Vanessa''s,"n''s low voice came through the line. "When did you find this out?"


    "That''s not important," Eleanor said, unwilling to offer him any exnation.


    "I''m ordering you not to use your mother''s sample. We will only be using Vanessa''s for now." His tone was absolute, leaving no room for argument.


    Eleanor had assumed he was calling to discuss the next steps for the experiment. She never expected him to refuse.


    "Ian, I am giving my consent to use my mother''s sample for the experiment. What right do you have to refuse?" she demanded, her anger ring. This is a chance to save your mother and your sister. Have you really thought this through?"


    There was a few seconds of silence on the other end. "I have," he replied.


    "Ian, give me an exnation," Eleanor said through gritted teeth. Everything this man did seemed designed to infuriate her.


    "There is no exnation. We are not using it." With that, he hung up.


    Eleanor stared out at the night sky, her emotions in turmoil. A momentter, she called Dr. Smith, only to hear the same thing.


    "Miss Sutton, do you have any idea why?" Dr. Smith asked.


    Eleanor, of course, had no clue. Ever since she had learned of the sample''s existence,n had been evasive about its purpose. She had once suspected it was for treating Vanessa, which was why shed had Joel run the stem cell match. But based on Vanessa''s current health-aside from a certain frailty and fatigue, she was perfectly healthy-that didn''t seem right.


    When she''d confrontedn about it before, asking if her mother''s sample was for


    Vanessa, his answer had been a clear and simple, "Yes."


    ?


    But now, it seemed that wasn''t the case. What was he hiding? He was refusing to use it even to save his own mother and sister. Was there someone else someone more important, who needed it?


    Eleanor felt utterly exhausted. If only her father were still alive, none of these mysteries would exist.


    She bit her lip, trying to think. Who else would have had ess to her mother''s sample? She had asked Mr. Windsor today, and he knew nothing.

 Chapter 897

    She decided to put it out of her mind for now and deal with it at theb tomorrow.


    The next morning, after dropping off her daughter, Eleanor drove straight to theb. As soon as she arrived, an assistant approached her. "Dr. Sutton, the doctor is waiting for you in the conference room for a meeting."


    "I''ll be right there," Eleanor said, pulling on her whiteb coat.


    She swiftly tied back her long hair, her movements efficient and professional, radiating an air of schrly authority.


    When Eleanor walked into the conference room, the morning sun was streaming through the ss walls, backlightingn. The light cast his already striking, deep- set features into sharp, unreadable shadows.


    He nced up as she entered, but his eyes dropped the moment they met hers.


    Sensing the tension, Dr. Smith broke the silence with a forced chuckle. "Well, shall we begin? We have some new data sets from this morning to review."


    He could see that Eleanor had the upper hand in their silent conflict, whilen was on the defensive.


    "Doctor, could you give us five minutes?" Eleanor asked.


    "Of course," Smith replied, happy to give them a chance to resolve their issues. He tactfully closed the door behind him, leaving them alone.


    The sunlight illuminated the dust motes dancing in the air, but it did nothing to dispel the frigid atmosphere between them.


    Eleanor walked right up to the conference table, something she rarely did, and leaned forward, bracing her hands on its surface. She looked down at the seated man, her posture making it clear she was here to negotiate.


    In the soft light, her delicate features were illuminated, and her whole expression seemed to vibrate with a new energy.


    "I need a reasonable exnation," she said, her voice low and firm. "This


    concerns Evelyn. It concerns the lives of your mother and your sister. What are you thinking?"


    His voice was quiet but unyielding. "I told you, we are only using Vanessa''s sample for now."


    n," Eleanor''s voice rose with frustration, "what are you hiding? That sample belonged to my mother. I have a right to know what it''s for."


    "Final authority over the use of that sample rests with me," he said, deflecting her question, his tone bing harsh. "This is not up for discussion."


    "You are the most selfish, infuriating man I have ever met," Eleanor snapped "Don''te to regret this. If anything happens to your mother or your sister, the consequences will be yours to bear alone."


    Without another word, she spun around, not wanting to look at him for a second longer. She stormed to the door, pulling it open and striding out. The door swung shut behind her with a dull thud.


    Outside, Dr. Smith, who was chatting with his assistant while holding two cups of coffee, jumped at the sound. Clearly, their talk had been a failure.


    A momentter, he entered the conference room with the coffee.n was standing by the window, his tall frame casting along shadowin the morning light. Despite the brightness, he was enveloped in an aura of profound loneliness and sorrow. He was looking down, his thickshes casting deep shadows beneath his eyes.


    "Mr. Goodwin, have some coffee," Smith said, cing a cup on the table in front of him.<pn turned and slowly sat down. He took a sip before saying, "Let''s continue the meeting."

 Chapter 898

    "Should I go talk to Miss Sutton?" Smith offered, thinking she might be more receptive to him.


    "No,"n said coolly. "Let her cool down."


    Smith surmised that Eleanor''s mother''s sample must have a purpose far more critical than he knew. Otherwise, with his own mother''s condition worsening and his sister already symptomatic,n would never withhold it. He immediatelyunched into a presentation of the previous night''s experiments on Vanessa''s blood sample.


    Eleanor was out on theb''s balcony, letting the cool breeze clear her head. She couldn''t understand any of it, and the unanswered questions felt like a suffocating weight on her chest. But she quickly regained herposure. For now, they would have to leave her mother''s sample as ast resort. Focusing the research on Vanessa''s blood was still the correct course of action.


    Dr. Smith was in the middle of a detailed exnation ton when the door opened. Eleanor walked in, a cup of coffee in her hand, her expression serene. She sat down, all traces of her earlier anger gone, herposure as calm as still water.


    Smith slid a copy of the data report toward her. "Miss Sutton, I was just updating Mr. Goodwin on our progress. Please, join us."


    "Go on, Doctor," she said, nodding.


    Smith picked up where he had left off.


    As Smith was exining one point, Eleanor interjected. "If my mother''s sample is a match with Vanessa''s, I suggest we include my blood in the gicparison sequence. Theoretically, I could also be a sessful match."


    Dr. Smith was stunned; he hadn''t considered that possibility. "Miss Sutton''s proposal is an excellent-"


    "No,"n cut him off sharply, his eyes locked on Eleanor, as if he had been anticipating this very suggestion.


    Eleanor met his gaze, her own eyes cool and emotionless. "It''s my body. I have the right to decide whether or not to participate in the screening."


    The reason sounded weak and contrived, but Smith could see the truth: Ian didn''t


    want Eleanor to be a donor. He seemed to be afraid of something.


    "Dr. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin has a point,"


    Shanith mediated. "Miss


    s sample shows verval


    stability and neutralization rates, Let''s focus on that for now.


    Eleanor nodded once. "Fine."


    Butn could see the stubbornness beneath her calm exterior. He knew she would go through with the test anyway.


    "This is no longer up for discussion," Ian said, rapping his fingers on the table in irritation. "The experimental n will proceed as scheduled."


    Eleanor stood up, took her coffee, and left. Smith looked awkwardly atn. "Well, I''ll head back to theb, then."


    "Doctor,"n said as he was about to leave, "if Eleanor insists on running theparison, send me a copy of the results He grabbed his suit jacket from the back of his chair and strode out of the room.

 Chapter 899

    Smith was taken aback. Mr. Goodwin certainly knew Eleanor well, anticipating her next move. Could Eleanor really be a second potential donor?


    That afternoon, Eleanor took her own blood sample to be tested, running theparison herself.


    The analysis wasplete.


    Her blood was not suitable for the experiment.


    Smith, who had been keeping a close eye on the matter, saw the results on hisputer and sighed. Eleanor''spatibility was only around sixty percent-not high enough to be effective.


    Eleanor ran the test three times, but the result was always the same. Finally, she gave up and returned to her office, three small bruises already forming on her inner elbow from the needles.


    Smith sent a text ton: "Miss Sutton did run the gicparison. She is not a suitable match."


    The reply came back a momentter: "Thank you."


    Smith rubbed his temples. He really couldn''t afford to get distracted by anything else. The experiment was all that mattered.


    Eleanor sat in her office, lost in thought for a long time. Then, shaking it off, she resolved not to waste any more time and threw herself back into her work.


    ***


    The crisis at Yeaton Holdings had the entire family on edge. Vanessa was summoned back to Yeaton Manor for dinner. Faye had also taken the day off from work, and Mrs. Yeaton had been so worried for the past two days she could barely eat or sleep.


    "Vanessa, you have to speak ton on your father''s behalf," Mrs. Yeaton pleaded. "This isn''t his fault; it''s those useless subordinates of his who caused all this trouble."


    Vanessa sipped her tea quietly. "Don''t worry," she said, looking up. "Goodwin & Co. won''t let thepany go under."


    "Mom, if Vanessa says so, I''m sure Dad''spany will be fine," Faye added, trying to reassure her mother.


    Mrs. Yeaton looked at Vanessa. "We owe it all to you that your father''spany was able to go public. None of us wanted this to happen."


    Vanessa turned her face away. "If there''s nothing else, I should be going."


    "Faye, why don''t you take your sister out for a nice meal?" Mrs. Yeaton suggested.


    Faye grabbed her purse and linked arms with Vanessa. "Come on, sis. There''s a new restaurant that just opened. Let''s have lunch."


    Vanessa didn''t refuse, and the two of them left.


    Behind them, a servant leaned in to whisper to Mrs. Yeaton. "The eldest miss certainly puts on airs. You invite her to lunch, and she won''t even give you the time of day."


    "I used to look down on her and her mother; now she''s just lording it over me," Mrs. Yeaton said bitterly. She hadn''t forgotten how she''d treated them the past, but now that


    Vanessa hadtched onto the Goodwin family she had no choice but to swallow her pride. If the Goodwins hadn''t supported Vanessa for thest ten years, she and her mother would still be struggling in the slums of Drexford.


    Even back then, when Vanessa had first arrived at the Yeaton house, a timid girl hiding behind her mother Mrs. Yeaton had seen the ambition in her@yes. And she''d been right. A decadeter, Vanessa was not only a celebrated piano prodigy but also the likely future daughter-inw of the Goodwin family. From now on, Mrs. Yeaton would be the one seeking her favor.


    However, Vanessa''s mother was a constant headache. She had a gambling addiction and a penchant for bad investments. To keep


    Vanessa happy, the Yeatons had already given her fifty million this


    year alone.

 Chapter 900

    At the restaurant, as soon as Vanessa and Faye were seated, they drew stares from men all around the room.


    Faye enjoyed the attention, but she knew most of it was directed at her sister. Vanessa possessed a strong artistic aura, and the alluring grace in her every nce gave her an irresistible presence that men found captivating.


    Faye was trying to learn from her, but her work at theb meant her style was more conservative and simple. It was hard to maintain the same level of constant sophistication and allure as Vanessa. A flicker of envy and jealousy crossed Faye''s eyes as she looked at her sister.


    Vanessa stirred her coffee elegantly, long ustomed to being the center of attention. She cared more about tangible things than such vanities.


    "How are things at theb?" Vanessa asked, her tone casual.


    Faye''s expression soured. "It''s fine. Just data entry work. Boring and repetitive." Then, a thought urred to her. "I was chatting with a colleague recently, and she said she hasn''t seen Eleanor at theb in a long time. Do you know where Mr. Goodwin sent her?"


    Vanessa''s hand, holding her fork, paused. A sh of surprise crossed her face. "Isn''t Eleanor on the Neural Interface Project team at yourb?"


    "Not anymore. My colleague said she hasn''t seen her in almost two weeks," Faye said, her own expression darkening. Had Eleanor been promoted to an even more advancedb?


    Vanessa''s face fell. The timing of Eleanor''s disappearance coincided exactly with the arrival of Dr. Smith''s team in Ashford City.


    Hadn moved Eleanor to Smith''s team? To work on a new treatment for his mother?


    The thought made Vanessa''s heart sink. Eleanor had achieved several breakthroughs in just two years in the research field. It was entirely possible...


    Noticing Vanessa''s grim expression, Faye asked, "Are you not feeling well?" Vanessa seemed even thinner than usual, and herplexion was pale.


    Vanessa quicklyposed herself, forcing a smile. "I''m fine. Just haven''t been sleeping welltely."


    But inwardly, she was certain her suspicion was correct. Ian had transferred ¨¨leanor to Smith''s team. While she had expected it, the thought of bing a test subject for Eleanor''s research filed her with a profound sense of humiliation and resentment. She felt like an object on ab table, her fatepletely in Eleanor''s hands.


    "Sis, you have to talk to Mr. Goodwin about Dad''spany," Faye pleaded. "Otherwise, this time¡ª"


    "I told you," Vanessa interrupted, raising her eyebrows with an air of confidence, "Goodwin & Co. will take care of it."


    Faye''s lips curved into a smile. "Well, that''s a relief."


    Vanessa''s confidence reassured her. Faye was counting on inheriting her father''s business one day; if it went bankrupt now, her social standing would copse. She had long enjoyed the benefits of her family''s wealth and naturally wanted the


    After lunch, Vanessa''s private car arrived to pick her up. As she was about to get in, she heard voices behind her and turned instinctively Twovishly dressed socialites were


    walking out of the restaurant


    followed by an elegant young


    woman carrying a handbag.


    Vanessa immediately recognized one of the women as Henry''s mother. The girl trailing behind them was Selma Quigley-the same girl she had seen at the banquet, Henry''s intended match.

 Chapter 901

    That meant the other wealthy socialite had to be Selma Quigley''s mother. Now that Vanessa looked closer, she could see the striking resemnce between


    them.


    The two women were deep in conversation as they walked,pletely oblivious to their surroundings.


    Vanessa had considered going over to say hello, but she decided against it.


    Selma, too, was lost in her own thoughts and didn''t notice Vanessa.


    Just then, the first Rolls-Royce pulled up. Mrs. Holt waved goodbye as Selma and her mother climbed into the car and drove away.


    As Mrs. Holt waited for her own car, Vanessa saw her chance. With a warm smile, she approached her. "Mrs. Holt, it''s been a while."


    Mrs. Holt was startled by the sudden greeting.


    She turned around. When she saw Vanessa, she smiled politely. "Miss Shannon! It''s been a while."


    "You look as young and elegant as ever, Mrs. Holt," Vanessa said, her tone a perfect blend of warmth and respect.


    A practiced, courteous smile touched Mrs. Holt''s well-maintained features. "You''re too kind, Miss Shannon. Were you dining here as well?" As she spoke, her gaze subtly swept over Vanessa, a flicker of appreciation in her eyes, but nothing more.


    "Yes, I was having a meal with a friend," Vanessa replied. Just then, a Bentley glided to a stop beside them. Mrs. Holt was clearly in a hurry. "I have to run," she said. "Let''s catch up another time."


    "Take care," Vanessa said, smiling as she watched her get into the car.


    Once Mrs. Holt''s car had disappeared from view, Vanessa''s smile vanished, reced by a look of deep contemtion.


    Instead of getting into her own car, she pulled out her phone and dialed Henry Holt''s number.


    "Hello? Vanessa?" His voice on the other end was filled with pleasant surprise. It made sense; it wasn''t every day that she called him first.


    "I just ran into your mother at the restaurant," Vanessa said cheerfully. "She was having lunch with a friend. And guess who else I saw?"


    Henry''s curiosity was piqued. "Oh? Who?"


    "It was that Miss Quigley from the g, along with her mother. They were eating with your mom," Vanessa said, her tone light and casual.


    There was a brief pause on Henry''s end, followed by a slightly unnatural exnation. "Oh, really? My mom and Mrs. Quigley are old friends They have lunch together all the time."


    Vanessaughed. "I figured as much. Your mother seems quite fond of Miss Quigley."


    "Uh, well... my mom, she¡ª"


    are


    Before Henry could finish exining, Vanessa let out a yfulugh. "Rx,& didn''t say anything. Why are your so nervous? said hello to your Thother and she seemed to like me just fine."


    "Of course she likes you! She''s praised you before," Henry insisted. "Really? When?"


    "The other day, I showed her that video of your exhibition. She said you were beautiful and that it was incredible for someone so young to have won so many international awards. She called you a true artistic genius."


    Vanessaughed softly at thepliment. "Are you serious? You''re not just trying


    to tter me, are you?"


    "Of course it''s true," Henry said earnestly.


    "Alright, I believe you," Vanessa said. "There''s a movie I want to see this Friday.


    Are you free to go with me?"


    "I''m always free for you."


    "Great! It''s a date, then. Don''t you dare stand me up."


    "I''d stand up anyone else, but never you," Henry promised.


    "Okay, I''m heading home to rest. Talk to youter."


    "Alright."


    After hanging up, the gentle smile in Vanessa''s eyes vanished. She got into her


    car and told the driver, "To the Goodwin & Co. headquarters."

 Chapter 902

    The driver pulled smoothly into the flow of traffic.


    Vanessa leaned back against the seat, took out herpact, and carefully checked her makeup, touching up her lipstick.


    The car arrived at the main entrance of the Goodwin & Co. headquarters, and Vanessa, donning a pair of sunsses, stepped out.


    The receptionist at the front desk recognized her instantly and hurried over. "Miss Shannon, wee."


    Vanessa, her face half-hidden by the sunsses, gave a slight nod and headed straight for the executive elevator. She didn''t need an appointment; the front desk had standing orders. The receptionist practically jogged to keep up, quickly swiping a keycard to call the elevator for her.


    The receptionist escorted Vanessa all the way to the executive floor, wheren Goodwin''s private secretary was waiting. "Miss Shannon, good afternoon. Mr. Goodwin is still in a meeting. If you''d please wait a moment, I can show you to the VIP lounge."


    "Thank you," Vanessa replied with an elegant nod.


    In the lounge, an assistant served coffee and refreshments before discreetly leaving.


    Vanessa walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing down at the sprawling cityscape below, savoring the view from the top.


    Just as the meeting was about to end, the secretary returned to let her know. Vanessa nced at the time, then left the lounge and waited in the hallway near the conference room.


    Five minutester,n emerged, nked by two senior executives. He was speaking in a low,manding voice, his handsome face stern and his presence overwhelming.


    A radiant smile instantly appeared on Vanessa''s face as she walked toward him. n."


    The executives obviously knew who she was and greeted her politely. "Miss Shannon."


    Ellington was also in the group leaving the meeting. He saw Vanessa standing besiden and froze mid-stride, aborting his n to approach him. Ian then led Vanessa toward his office.


    Since Ellington had urgent business to discuss withn privately, he had no choice but to wait in the lounge. While he waited, he decided to call Eleanor Sutton.


    "Hello, Ellington," Eleanor answered.


    "Ms. Sutton, are you free around lunchtime? I have a few documents that need your signature."


    "I''m free now. You cane over," Eleanor said.


    Ellington checked his watch. "I also need to discuss a project with M Goodwin, but he''s with Miss Shannon at the moment. I''m not sure when he''ll be avable.


    "It''s fine. I''ll be free until two this afternoon," Eleanor replied.


    "Perfect," Ellington said. "I''ll head over as soon as I''m done here."


    Ten minutester, an assistant came to fetch Ellington, informing him thatn was waiting in his office.


    As Ellington walked toward the


    office, he ran into Vanessa, who was on her way out. She seemed to be in reeted him first.


    hits and


    "Hello, Ellington."


    "Miss Shannon," Ellington responded politely.


    Vanessa paused. "Are you managing Eleanor''s assets now?"


    "Yes. Ms. Sutton is focused on her own career," Ellington said, unwilling to borate. He moved past her and went inton''s office.


    Ellington quickly sat down and handed him a project report. "Mr. Goodwin, this is


    the preliminary data from the smart hotel pilot program. Please take a look."


    scanning the pages. He nodded in approval. "A thirty-five percent profit margin. That''s five points higher


    than projected: Excellent work."


    "Yes, sir. The next step is to expand the pilot program. We''ll have a detailed proposal for you as soon as possible."


    "Good. You''ll handlepany matters,"n said with a curt nod. "Eleanor''s workes first. Leave her to it unless it''s urgent."

 Chapter 903

    "Understood. I''ll take my leave, then."


    Just after Ellington left,n''s phone rang.


    It was Serena Goodwin. He answered immediately. "What is it?"


    "Brother! Mom just copsed! I''ve called an ambnce to take her to Ashford General Hospital. You have toe, quickly!" Serena''s frantic voice crackled through the phone.


    In theb, Eleanor was focused on her experiment when she heard her assistant


    at the door. "Miss Shannon, what a surprise to see you here."


    Eleanor frowned and looked up. Through the ss window, her eyes met Vanessa''s.


    Vanessa smiled and gave a small wave-a gesture that was less of a greeting and more of a silent provocation.


    Eleanor recalled Ellington mentioning that Vanessa had met withn at Goodwin & Co. Her showing up here now meantn must have told her about the arrangement. There was no point in hiding in theb any longer.


    Ten minutester, Eleanor stepped out. Vanessa, who had been waiting in the nearby seating area, stood up and approached her. "Eleanor, you must be exhausted."


    Eleanor looked at her coolly. "What do you want?"


    Vanessa''s lips curved into a smile. "Nothing, really. I just came to drop off a report and thought I''d say hello. After all, you''re the researcher and I''m the sole donor. Shouldn''t we at least be on speaking terms?"


    "Don''t worry, I promisedn I would cooperate fully. I also hope you won''t let our personal history affect the progress of this research," Vanessa said, her eyes glinting with a triumphant light. "After all, this is about the most important person inn''s life."


    Eleanor pulled off herb gloves and tossed them into a medical waste bin. "In here," she said tly, "there are only data points and sample numbers. I couldn''t care less who the donor is."


    Vanessa''s ga?e softened into a reminiscent expression. "Do you know how thrilledn was when he found me all those years ago? His mother was on the verge of death, and was the one who saved her. Perhaps I should apologize l''apologize to you. During your marriage, he spent half of every year abroad with me."


    "Look, I told him not to tell you who I was, to save you the confusion and hurt. If you''re gonna be mad at anyone, be mad at me," Vanessa said, her voice full of pride, not apology.


    "Has being a donor given you a sense of aplishment?" Eleanor scoffed. Vanessa''s expression momentarily froze. "Eleanor, why must you be so hurtful? Whatn and I have is more than just a donor-recipient rtionship. We¨D"


    Eleanor cut her off with a coldugh. "The title of Mrs. Goodwin has been vacant for two years."


    The smile on Vanessa''s face faltered. "What''s that supposed to mean?" Eleanor raised an eyebrow. "Nothing."


    But the contempt in her tone was unmistakable. Vanessa clutched her purse, struggling to maintain herposure.


    Eleanor''s eyes swept over her forced smile. "You should probably askn if he ever ns on getting married again."


    With that, Eleanor turned and walked away. From behind her, she heard Vanessa''s defiant retort, "You''re lying."


    Eleanor didn''t bother to respond, her figure disappearing around the corner.


    Vanessa''s chest heaved. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. It had to be a lie Eleanor had concocted. The Goodwin family didn''t even have a formal heir yet. He had given bis daughter to Eleanor, so why wouldn''t he


    remarry? Was he nning to stay celibate for Eleanor''s sake?


    The thought was so ridiculous that Vanessa let out a bitterugh. The more she considered it, the more convinced she became that Eleanor was just trying to get under her skin.


    Vanessa smoothed her hair. If


    Eleanor thought she could break her


    that easily, she had severely


    underestimated her. Vanessa had


    gotten to where she was today by


    never bowing to fate.

 Chapter 904

    Not long after Vanessa left, Ellington arrived at the research facility.


    A receptionist led him to Eleanor''s office, where she had changed out of herb coat and was organizing data at her desk.


    "Ms. Sutton, I have a few documents that need your signature," Ellington said, handing them over.


    Eleanor took them, signed after a brief review, and handed them back. Ellington put the signed papers away and then presented another file.


    "Ms. Sutton, this is a revised organizational chart for Mr. Goodwin''s affiliatedpanies." He pointed to a small box on the periphery. "This is Grandrise Future Tech, a new subsidiary established this year with a registered capital of one billion. The legal representative is Miss Shannon herself, and its primary business partner is her father''spany, Yeaton Holdings."


    Ellington continued, "Miss Shannon is using Mr. Goodwin''s money and resources to pave the way for herself and the Yeatons. Mr. Goodwin acted swiftly to resolve the recent crisis at Yeaton Holdings; their stock barely dropped when the market opened today."


    He then produced another document, a breakdown of Yeaton Holdings'' share structure. "Grandrise Future Tech is not wholly owned by Goodwin & Co.; Yeaton Holdings also has a significant stake. A week ago, there was an internal transfer of shares at Yeaton Holdings. A portion of Rnd Yeaton''s shares were transferred to Miss Shannon''spany. As it stands, she effectively holds thirteen percent of Yeaton Holdings, valued at nearly three billion."


    Ellington was clearly puzzled by his findings, but Eleanor understood perfectly. Ian had paid three billion to ensure Vanessa''s cooperation in the experiment.


    Recent events all pointed to the same conclusion: Ian and Vanessa''s rtionship was far from simple. Beyond emotional needs, it was deeply entangled with business interests. For the past decade,n had elevated her, building her fame, introducing her to hiswork, and now, even securing her a stake in her family''spany. He had certainly done more than enough for her.


    "Thank you for looking into this for me," Eleanor said gratefully. "You can get back to your work."


    "If you need anything else, Ms. Sutton, please don''t hesitate to ask," Ellington said before taking his leave.


    Eleanor crumpled the two shareholder documents into a ball and tossed them into the trash. She had only snapped at Vanessa earlier because her arrogance had been unbearable, but it seemed her words had hit the mark.


    If Vanessa had truly wanted the title of Mrs. Goodwin,n would have given it to her right after their divorce. He wouldn''t have waited two years. It was clear now that tan''svish financial support was the real condition for her cooperation.


    Eleanor thought of the six sets of astronomically expensive jewelry Vanessa had received, worth two hundred and eighty million. That, too, had been part of his persuasion.


    Vanessa was a smart woman. She had leveraged her one and only bargaining chip withn to its absolute maximum.


    But it was obvious she still wasn''t satisfied. She had secured tangible wealth, yet she still craved the title and status of MES Goodwin. That was why she kept showing up in front of his ex-wife, seeking O validation and a sense of superiority.


    Eleanor shook her head, forcing her thoughts back to theputer screen.


    The disy showed a series of rare, active antibodies. In Gina Quinn''s samples, they had exhibited the remarkable ability to force malignant blood cells into regression, effectively stopping their growth.


    She stared at the results of an experiment she had run that morning. It had already managed to activate the patient''s own immune response-a true medical marvel.


    No wondern was willing to do anything to keep Vanessa by his side. She was, without a doubt, the Goodwin family''s only hope.


    At the hospital.


    P.n


    After a frantic effort by the medical team, Gina was conscious again. Lying in the hospital bed, she looked even thinner and more frail than before. As she looked at her son and daughter by her side, a sense of impending doom washed overher. She knew this was more than just a typical ailment of old age.


    She grippedn''s hand. "Ian, tell me the truth. What''s happening to me?"


    Beside him, Serena''s eyes filled with tears that began to stream down her face. She knelt by the bed. "Brother, just tell her," she pleaded. "She''s already in this state. She deserves to know."

 Chapter 905

    Gina stared at her daughter in shock, her heart sinking. Was she really terminally ill?


    She tightened her grip onn''s hand. "Ian, tell me. What is it? Please, don''t hide it from me anymore."


    The steadiness in her son''s expression offered a small measure offort. She knew he was always measured and in control. Serena, too, waited anxiously, as her brother had never told her the full story.


    "At the time, you were diagnosed with amon blood disorder. The treatment was supposed to be regr stem cell infusions."


    He paused. "But after the first infusion, your condition didn''t improve; it worsened. You were in aa for three days. It was then that we discovered you have an extremely rare blood disease. We had to perform gic screening to find a hundred-percent match for a stem cell donation to suppress the malignant cells in your body."


    Serena quickly added, "Don''t worry, Mom. He found a match."


    Gina looked back at her son, waiting for him to continue.


    "Ten years ago, after Dad passed away, I arranged for you to recuperate abroad. In reality, you were undergoing intensive treatment and stem cell transnts,"n exined, not shying away from his mother''s shocked expression. "I kept it from you because I was afraid the psychological burden would affect your treatment." Tears welled in Gina''s eyes as she thought back. What had her son endured? His father''s death, aa from a car ident, and on top of it all, he had been secretly managing her rare illness all by himself.


    Serena looked at her brother, her own eyes red with tears. She felt utterly useless, having never been able to share any of his burdens, only causing him more worry with her constant troublemaking.


    "Did the person who matched... agree to help me?" Gina asked, a glimmer of hope in her voice.


    "Yes,"n confirmed. "It''s because of her stem cell donations over thest ten years that we''ve been able to control your condition."


    Hearing her son speak of it so matter-of-factly, Gina could only imagine the struggles and sacrifices involved. Fresh tears of heartache streamed down her face. "Who is this person? I-I must thank them properly."


    "Mom, just focus on getting better,"n said gently. "The most important thing now


    is to cooperate with the treatment. There''s been a breakthrough with a new


    therapy, and we''re going to cure you."


    Serena chimed in. "Don''t worry, Mom. Brother hired world-renowned hematology experts, and Eleanor is working in theb too."


    Gina''s eyes widened in astonishment. She looked at her son. "Eleanor is working on my case?"


    A wave of profound guilt washed over Gina''s frail face. She clutched the nket, momentarily speechless.


    "Brother, you should have told me sooner," Serena sobbed.


    Serena fell silent. She remembered how, upon learning of her own diagnosis, she had been consumed by fear and panic, her mind aplete nk. He was right; she would have been no help at all.


    Gina slowly closed her eyes, the


    weight of the information almost too much to bear. But knowing the truth also brought a strange sense of eptance. Her heart ached for her son for the ten years he had spent fighting to keep her alive. He had given too much.


    As she thought of the donor who


    she


    had been providing stem cells for ten years, a wave of deep gratitude and burning curiosity washed. Gina. (Tan, who is this perso asked. "Is there any chance could meet them?"

 Chapter 906

    "The donor wishes to remain anonymous,"n replied calmly, dismissing his mother''s request.


    "Brother, we won''t bother him. Can''t we just thank him?" Serena asked, equally curious to know who their benefactor was.


    "The most important thing right now is the treatment. Let''s not disturb anyone," he said, shutting down his sister''s suggestion.


    Though still filled with gratitude, Gina nodded in eptance, burying the debt in her heart. Then, her thoughts turned to Eleanor, and her eyes filled with shame. "This must be so difficult for Eleanor."


    Serena bit her lip. Arge part of why she had been able toe to terms with her own diagnosis was the strength she drew from Eleanor. Eleanor''s reputation as a medical genius gave her hope for a cure. But she couldn''t bring herself to say it out loud. She had hurt Eleanor too many times in the past; now, she didn''t even have the courage to face her and say thank you.


    Just then,n''s phone rang. He nced at the screen and said to his sister, "Stay with Mom. I need to take this."


    Asn stepped out, Serena took her mother''s hand. "Mom, don''t overthink it. Brother has everything under control."


    Tears streamed down Gina''s face as her emotions surged. "I had no idean was carrying this burden alone for ten years="


    "Mom, he did it so you wouldn''t worry. How can you rest if you keep getting upset like this?"


    Gina looked at her daughter, momentarily stunned. She had be so sensible, so considerate. A faint, relieved smile touched her lips. "You''re right. I''ll listen to you both. I won''t dwell on it."


    "You''re going to get better, Mom," Serena said, dabbing her mother''s tears with a tissue. She didn''t dare tell her mother about her own diagnosis; her brother had forbidden it. Although the donor had initially been uncooperative, it seemed her brother had negotiated a deal, and the experiment was back on track. With Eleanor and Dr. Smith in theb, she had to believe they would find a cure. In the hallway.


    On the other end of the line, Rnd Yeaton let out a breath of relief mixed with


    utter delight. n, thank you so much. If it weren''t for you, I¡ª"


    "Don''t thank me,"n cut in coldly. "Thank your daughter." He then hung up.


    In his office, Rnd stared at the


    disconnected call. He took a long, hard drag from the cigar resting beside him, his frustration palpable. After exhaling a cloud of smoke, he sighed with resignation. The shares he had given up were now in eldest daughter Vanessa''s name so it wasn''t a total loss. But dealing with a man liken was suffocating. The young man was ruthless.


    Still,n had promised that the value of the shares he''d relinquished would be more than recovered. He would just have to consider the


    thirte


    teen percent stake dowry. Once his daughter married into the Goodwin family, the returns would be far greater than this.


    With that thought, Rnd picked up his phone and called Vanessa.


    "Hello, Dad."


    "Vanessa, I''ve saved you a seat at the shareholder meeting next week. I''d like you


    to be there," Rnd said gently.


    "I don''t think I can make it, Dad."


    Rnd chuckled. "Come on, can''t you do your old man a favor?"


    "Dad, you know I don''t understand any of this. n can handle it for me."


    "I just got off the phone with him."

 Chapter 907

    "What did he say?"


    "He promised to stabilize our stock price and even suggested that Yeaton


    Holdings'' market value could double," Rnd said, his voiceced with a fawning tone. "Vanessa,n truly cares for you."


    "In that case, Dad, just focus on running thepany and try not to get into any more trouble," Vanessa said coolly.


    Her words stung. It was clear his daughter was leveraging her rtionship withn to lecture her own father.


    "Don''t worry," Rnd replied curtly. She was his illegitimate daughter, after all; he couldn''t expect her to truly have his best interests at heart. But as long as she could keep her hold onn, he was willing to tolerate her little tantrums.


    In theb, Eleanor nced at the clock. It was time to pick up her daughter, but she was in the middle of a critical experiment. She picked up her phone and calledn.


    "Hello?" His voice came through, low and tinged with exhaustion.


    "I can''t get away. Can you pick up Evelyn?"


    "Of course,"n replied without hesitation. "You focus on your work. I''ll take care of her."


    Just as she was about to hang up, she heard him say, "Thank you for everything. Take care of¡ª"


    She ended the call before he could finish.


    In the hospital hallway,n stared at the disconnected call for a moment before returning to the room. "I''m going to pick up Evelyn," he told his mother and sister. "I''ll be back to see youter tonight."


    Gina and Serena knew it meant Eleanor was workingte at theb again. A fresh wave of guilt washed over both of them.


    After he left, Gina sighed heavily. "Our family owes Eleanor so much."


    Serena bit her lip. "Mom, do you think... she''ll ever get back together with Brother?"


    Gina considered it for a moment, then shook her head. A woman as brilliant as Eleanor had endless options. Her son might not get another chance.


    In theb.


    Eleanor received a text fromn. He was taking their daughter to dinner and had arranged for a meal to be delivered to theb for Eleanor.


    She frowned and texted back, "Don''t bother. I''ve already eaten."


    "It''s already on its way," he replied.


    He had clearly anticipated that she hadn''t eaten and was determined to send it.


    Ten minutester, a delivery from a Michelin-starred restaurant arrived. Eleanor went to the main lobby to pick it up and brought it back to her office she was in fact starving. Setting aside her pride, she opened the containers and began to eat, taking a much-needed break from staring at data parameters on her screen.


    It was eight-thirty when Eleanor finally got home. Ian and Evelyn were already there. Seeing her mother, Evelyn ran over excitedly. "Mommy, you''re home! Daddy''s been ying with me!"


    "I see that," Eleanor said, stroking her daughter''s hair. Under the light, the fatigue on her face was evident.


    Eleanor gave him a cool nce. "It''ste."


    The implication was clear: it was time for him to leave.


    "Bye-bye, Daddy," Evelyn said, waving her little hand.


    Back at the hospital, Serena was


    diligently caring for her mother.


    When her brother arrived at


    nine thirty


    hereyes reddened


    "Brother," she whispered, "I think Mom''s getting worse. Her legs are covered in red spots."


    Serena covered her mouth, stifling a sob. She was terrified not only for her mother''s present but for her own future.

 Chapter 908

    Serena nodded, choosing to trust him.


    Serena was exhausted. Gavin was waiting outside to escort her.


    Once she was gone,n called Dr. Smith. "Doctor, I''m moving my mother to theb tomorrow. I want you to restart her stem cell injections to suppress the symptoms."


    "Of course. We have a reserve of stem cells ready. Bring Mrs. Goodwin over whenever you''re ready."


    The next morning.


    Eleanor was leading her daughter out the door when she saw a figure leaning against the wall in the hallway.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn cried out in delight.


    n looked like he hadn''t slept. There were red veins in his eyes and a hint of stubble on his chin. His suit jacket was draped casually over his arm, his tie loosened. The fatigue of a sleepless night was starkly visible in the bright morning light.


    He knelt to greet his daughter. "Daddy''s here to take you to school."


    Evelyn turned to Eleanor. "Mommy, can Daddy take me to school today?"


    Eleanor nodded. As she was about to handn Evelyn''s backpack, he stopped her. "Gavin took my car to run some errands. Would you mind giving me a ride to theb?"


    Eleanor looked at his exhausted state. Even if he had his car, she wouldn''t have trusted him to drive their daughter. She gave a faint nod in agreement.


    A subtle look of relief crossedn''s face. He took Evelyn''s hand and led the way to the elevator.


    On the way to the kindergarten, Evelyn chattered happily withn in the back seat while Eleanor focused on driving.


    As Eleanor pulled into the


    kindergarten parking lot, she saw a familiar car pullin behind her One


    o the license te confirmed t


    Xavier Vaughn.


    Xavier got out of his car just as she did, and their eyes met. "When did you get back?" Eleanor asked, breaking the silence.


    He looked thinner; the recent crisis


    with hispany had clearly taken its toll. Before he could answer, the back door of Eleanor''s car opened. A long, well defined leg emerged, followed byn, holding Evelyn in his arms.  s?novels


    The smile on Xavier''s face froze for an instant, a flicker of disappointment


    crossing his eyes before he quicklyposed himself.


    "Eleanor,n. Good morning," Xavier said, walking over with Vivian.


    "Morning,"n replied with a nod.


    "Mr. Vaughn, you''re back!" Evelyn greeted him politely.


    "That''s right, I am."


    "Vivian, let''s go!" Evelyn took Vivian''s hand, and the two children skipped happily toward the teacher waiting at the entrance.


    The three adults watched until the children were safely inside. Ian then turned to Xavier. "Is everything sorted out?"


    A look of gratitude filled Xavier''s eyes. "Ian, I really owe you for this one."


    "There''s no need for that between us,"n said, pping him on the shoulder.


    helping Xavier weather the stormet


    and the gratitude this eyes was profound. "I won''t forget this."


    "It was nothing. Don''t worry about it,"n said, patting his shoulder again.


    Xavier''s gentle gaze shifted to Eleanor. "Let me treat you both to dinner sometime."


    "We''re heading to theb now,"n said casually. "We''ll have to do it another time."

 Chapter 909

    With that,n naturally opened the passenger door of Eleanor''s car and said, "We should get going."


    "We''ll head out, then," Eleanor said to Xavier, before getting into the driver''s seat.


    Xavier stood frozen in ce as Eleanor''s car pulled away, the morning sun casting a long, lonely shadow behind him. The calm expression he had maintained finally crumbled, reced by a bitter sorrow. It felt as if an invisible hand had mped around his heart, extinguishing thest flicker of hope. He was grateful for his best friend''s help, but that gratitude was now tainted with an unspeakable anguish.


    Some boundaries had suddenly be crystal clear. Some people were destined to be admired only from a distance.


    He turned and walked back to his car, his deste figure carrying the weight of a reality he was forced to ept. Once inside, he gripped the steering wheel, unable to bring himself to drive away.


    After the second traffic light, a wave of irritation washed over Eleanor. She shot a cold nce at the man in the passenger seat, only to find thatn had fallen asleep. He was leaning against the window, the dark circles under his eyes and the deep-seated exhaustion in his features inly visible.


    Her fingers tightened on the steering wheel. She pressed her lips together, swallowing her annoyance.


    Half an hourter, Eleanor pulled into the underground parking garage of the research facility. She parked the car and shut off the engine, deliberately making enough noise to wake the man beside her.


    "Are we here?"n asked, his eyes still hazy with sleep as he looked around.


    "Get out," Eleanormanded coolly.


    Though brief, the nap seemed to have restored some of his energy.


    The elevator ascended quietly to the third floor, where theb''s cafeteria was located. Eleanor picked up a tray and began selecting her breakfastn followed a few steps behind. She chose a corner table and sat down. Just then, Smith arrived, andn joined him at a different table.


    After breakfast, Eleanor returned to her office, opened herptop, and began writing up a report on her experiments from the previous night. She was scheduled to present hertest findings at a meetingter that morning.  s?novels


    At the ten o''clock meeting, Dr. Smith and his team filed in, followed shortly byn. "El, please walk us through your discovery from yesterday," Dr. Smith said to Eleanor.


    Eleanor nodded and stood before the projection screen. She clicked a few keys on herptop, bringing up a series of data charts. Using aser pointer, she indicated a specific image.


    "As you can all see, this specific antibody, which we isted from the donor sample, has a powerful inhibitory effect on malignant blood cells. In vitro experiments show that it can effectively reverse oveneighty percent of the diseased cells within seventy-two hours."


    This wasn''t new information to Dr. Smith orn, but it was clear Eleanor had more


    to say.


    Her gaze swept across the room. "Through my recent experiments, I''ve discovered that this antibody acts more like a ''key.'' It can precisely unlock the patient''s own dormant or suppressed immune response mechanisms."


    "What?" Dr. Smith shot to his feet, his voice filled with excitement.


    Eleanor''s eyes metn''s, which were shining with an intense, hopeful light.

 Chapter 910

    Eleanor turned her focus back to Dr. Smith. "ording to the data, Vanessa''s antibodies have a dual-action mechanism-external suppressionbined with internal activation."


    "This is incredible, El! You''re a genius," Dr. Smith eximed, pushing his sses up his nose. "This isn''t just a treatment; it''s a full reboot of the patient''s own defense system. This is the real cure we''ve been looking for!"


    "That''s one way to put it," Eleanor agreed. "This opens up an entirely new therapeutic path. We would no longer bepletely reliant on an external donor and long-term infusions. Instead, we could activate the patient''s own immune potential to control, and perhaps even cure, the disease."


    "When can we begin implementation?"n asked, his voice low and trembling with excitement.


    Eleanor paused. "We''re still in the preliminary stages. We need to conduct extensive research to assess its stability and safety. For now, all I''ve found is a very promising direction."


    "El, this is fantastic! You''ve made this breakthrough in such a short amount of time. It''s truly remarkable," Dr. Smith praised, pping his hands. His team murmured in agreement, their faces filled with admiration.


    "El, this is a milestone discovery. We need to immediately re-prioritize our research efforts."


    Eleanor gave a slight nod, epting the praise with her usualposure. "It''s just a phase-one discovery. We''re still a long way from sess," she said.


    Eleanor gave him a fleeting nce before turning to Dr. Smith. "I''m heading back to theb."


    As Eleanor stepped out of the conference room, she ran into Serena in the main hall. Serena''s first instinct was to hide. But as Eleanor strode toward her, she instinctively took a step back, her eyes darting away, unable to meet Eleanor''s gaze. A blush of shame crept up her neck.


    "El-Ellie," Serena stammered, biting her lip, looking utterly lost. Memories of all the times she had been cruel and condescending to Eleanor flooded her mind, leaving her feeling mortified.


    Eleanor stopped and looked at Serena calmly. "What are you doing here today?"


    "I''m with my mother. She copsed


    the night beforest and was


    hospitalized. My brother just had ter transferred here for treatment, Serena answered honestly


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. So that''s whyn had been at the hospital all night, taking care of his mother.


    "I see," Eleanor said curtly, and started to walk away.


    Serena watched her go, then suddenly mustered her courage and called out, "Ellie."


    Eleanor paused and turned back. "Is there something else?"


    "I... I wanted to say I''m sorry. And... thank you." The words seemed to take every ounce of her strength.


    Eleanor simply gave a slight nod and continued on her way.


    Serena clutched her chest, realizing she was gasping for air long after Eleanor''s figure had disappeared around the corner.


    That afternoon, Eleanor apanied Dr. Smith to Gina''s room for an


    assessment.


    The room was quiet. Gina was propped up in bed, looking pale and even more frail than before. Serena, who had been sitting by the bed, immediately stood up to make way for them content


    Dr. Smith went through his routine examination while Gina answered his


    questions, her eyes frequently drifting toward Eleanor.

 Chapter 911

    Eleanor stood back slightly, reviewing the chart in her hands and noting down data.


    When she had finished answering Dr. Smith''s questions, Gina looked straight at Eleanor, a look of both immense gratitude and profound guilt in her eyes.


    Dr. Smith finished his instructions.


    "Doctor, may I have a word with Ms. Sutton?" Gina asked.


    Dr. Smith nodded and nced at Eleanor, who walked over to the bed without hesitation.


    Gina struggled to sit up straighter, and Serena rushed to help her.


    "Eleanor, I..." Gina''s voice broke, and her eyes quickly reddened. "The Goodwin family has wronged you. I never should have treated you that way. I am so... so sorry."


    Eleanor listened, her expression unreadable. After a moment of silence, she said, "Please, just focus on resting. Nothing else matters." Her tone was calm, devoid of resentment but also of warmth.


    Her neutral reaction only seemed to deepen Gina''s sense of guilt. "This research must be so exhausting for you. I feel terrible."


    "It''s my job. You don''t need to feel burdened by it," Eleanor replied. "I have data to process, so I''ll be going now."


    As Eleanor turned to leave, she sawn leaning against the doorframe, his expression heavy andplex. When she reached him, he straightened up and stepped aside to let her pass.


    Eleanor walked by him without a word. Ian watched her go. The fact that she was willing to see his family at all was more than he could have hoped for.


    Later, Dr. Smith called a meeting to formte a treatment n for Gina. In the end, they decided to stick with the previous regimen. Her body was too weak to risk an unproven alternative.


    "El, we need to elerate the


    research on your new approach and


    get to clinical trials as soon as


    possible. I sure Miss Goodwin will


    My


    consent to be a test subject, Dr.


    Smith said.


    Eleanor nodded. "I''ll do my best."


    "Mrs. Goodwin''s condition is putting more pressure on us. We''re running out of time," Dr. Smith added with a sigh.


    Eleanor knew this wasn''t just about saving Gina and Serena; it was about securing a healthy future for her own daughter.


    That evening, Eleanor sent a text ton from theb, asking him to pick up their daughter. She wouldn''t be home until ten and needed him to stay with Evelyn until then.


    Thinking of Magdalen at home alone, Eleanor felt a pang of sympathy. "Okay," she wrote back.


    At eight o''clock, Serena came in for


    a blood draw. As she sat on the sofa, watching the nurse prepare the needle, she felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ v¨´. She remembered seeing a picture of Vanessa getting her blood drawn, and the sofa in the background had looked just like this one.


    Could Vanessa have had her blood drawn here too?


    "Excuse me," Serena asked the nurse, "do you treat other patients here?" "No, this facility is not open to the public," the nurse replied.


    Serena murmured an "oh" and let the subject drop. After the blood draw, her phone buzzed with a text from Vanessa: "Henry told me Xavier is back in the country."


    Thinking of Xavier, Serena felt a wave of insecurity. She suddenly realized she wasn''t good enough for him. In that moment, a sense of peace washed over her.


    She actually hoped Eleanor and Xavier would end up together. They were a perfect match.

 Chapter 912

    Serena texted back, "Oh, really? I guess hispany must be out of trouble then."


    "It should be fine. Henry said your brother helped him out a lot. Serena, this is good news," Vanessa replied, her message carrying a clear implication.


    Serena understood what she meant, and a bitter feeling rose in her chest. Who would have known that the once free-spirited Miss Goodwin now wished for nothing more than good health?


    "I''m not sure about the details. Vanessa, I''m a little tired. Let''s talkter."


    "Okay, let''s catch up soon," Vanessa responded.


    Serena turned off her phone screen without replying.


    The spot where they had drawn blood was throbbing. They had taken six vials, and she felt lightheaded.


    "Miss Goodwin, let me help you to the rest area. We''ll bring you something to eat shortly," a nurse offered.


    "Thank you," Serena said. Just then, she saw Eleanor and Dr. Smith approaching. "Doctor. Ellie."


    "Miss Goodwin, El will be performing a full-body examination now. We need to document the changes in your skin," Dr. Smith exined.


    Serena''s face flushed a deep red. She had never been naked in front of anyone before.


    "It''s a routine check. Try not to feel anxious," Eleanor said calmly.


    Serena bit her lip and nodded. One of the nurses followed her and Eleanor into the examination room.


    "Miss Goodwin, do you need my help?" the nurse asked.


    Serena''s blush deepened, spreading to her ears. She clenched her fists, her eyes filled with shame and resistance.


    "You can leave. I''ll handle the examination," Eleanor told the nurse.


    The nurse nodded and left the room.


    Eleanor put on a pair of disposable gloves. Seeing Serena standing frozen she said in a neutral tone,


    his is just a standard check t


    record the condition of your skin. If you''re ufortable with me doing it, you can request another nurse." C¨®ntent


    "No, it''s fine. You can do it," Serena said quickly. Being examined by Eleanor felt morefortable than by a stranger. In her mind, Eleanor had been her sister-in-w; there was a sense of familiarity.


    Oveing her embarrassment, Serena finally stopped hesitating. As she undressed, Eleanor''s gaze was clinical and focused. She saw the same taint red spots on Serena''s back as her mother had, though less severe.  s?novels


    Serena squeezed her eyes shut, unable to look at Eleanor.


    Eleanor, however, waspletely absorbed in her work-documenting,


    photographing, and scanning with an instrument. She pressed gently on a few


    spots. "Any itching or pain here?"


    Serena shook her head, her voice tight. "No."


    "Okay, turn around."


    Serena turned, biting her lip in shame. But as she watched Eleanor''s professional expression, the intense focus as she examined every inch of her skin, she saw a new side of her. There was a gentle yet firm strength about Eleanor, the natural grace of a highly intelligent woman, an elegance born from intellect.


    the


    Serena was so captivated that she stared for a few seconds, only snapping out of


    it when Eleanor removed her gloves and said, "All done."


    As Serena reached for her clothes, she shivered from the cold, and her shirt fell to the floor. Eleanor picked it up and handed it to her. "Don''t catch a chill. Amon cold could worsen your condition."


    Serena quickly dressed while Eleanor wrote her report at a nearby desk. Once Serena was ready, Eleanor opened the door and left the examination room.


    Strangely, Eleanor''s professionalism and calm demeanor had put her at ease. That night, Eleanor workedte, not leaving theb until nine-thirty. When she reached the main lobby, Gavin was waiting for her. "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin asked me to drive you home."

 Chapter 913

    Eleanor was taken aback. "It''s fine, Gavin. You can go home."


    But Gavin shook his head. "Mr. Goodwin insisted. He said you''ve been working too hard and shouldn''t drive while fatigued."


    Eleanor was, in fact, exhausted. She had felt dizzy when she stood up earlier. It was better not to push her luck.


    "Thank you, Gavin," she said, epting his offer.


    It was after ten when she finally got home. As she walked in, Joslyn rushed over to take her bag. "Ma''am, you''re back sote."


    Eleanor noticed the silence and immediately asked, "Where''s Evelyn? Isn''t she back yet?"


    "Mr. Goodwin took her downstairs to y. They should be up any minute now," Joslyn exined.


    Eleanor then realized Princess was gone too. Ian must have taken them both out.


    "I''m going to take a shower," she told Joslyn. "In ten minutes, go downstairs and knock on his door. Tell him to bring Evelyn up."


    "Of course," Joslyn nodded.


    Eleanor went upstairs to wash up.


    Twenty minutester, her hair dry and dressed in afortable cotton pajama set, she was applying skincare at her vanity when she heard footstepsing up the stairs. Assuming it was her daughter, she smiled, ready to read her a bedtime story.


    The bedroom door opened. She turned with a smile, but it froze on her face when she saw who walked in.


    It wasn, carrying their sleeping daughter in his arms.


    "She tired herself out ying and fell asleep downstairs," he exined in a low voice, his eyes lingering on Eleanor''s makeup-free face and her pajamas.


    A beat toote, Eleanor realized what he was seeing. She instinctively crossed her arms over her chest; she never wore a bra to bed after a shower.


    Her movement drew his eyes to her chest for a fleeting second before he forced his gaze away, carrying their daughter to the bed. He gentlyid her down and carefully pulled the covers over her.


    By then, Eleanor had grabbed a robe and wrapped it tightly around herself.n looked up and saw her bundled up, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. They had once been the closest two people could be; now, a chasm wider than one between strangersy between them.


    "Joslyn was downstairs feeding Princess, so I brought Evelyn up myself. I''m sorry," he exined quietly.


    Eleanor pushed the issue aside and went straight to the point. "It''ste. You can go now."


    She had no intention of epting his concern. "I''m capable of managing my own work," she said tly.


    He nced at their daughter''s peaceful face on the bed, then quickly looked back


    at Eleanor before turning to leave. With his hand on the doorknob, he paused. "I''ll take Evelyn to school tomorrow."


    Then, he quietly opened the door and left.


    Eleanor let out a breath and took off the robe, returning to her skincare routinez Under the soft light, her thick, dark hair framed a face with delicate features and eyes that held a cool, clear depth:  S to''


    After she was done, she turned off the main lights, leaving only a dim night light on. She picked up her phone, nning to read the news to help for fall asleep, She sawa headline about Garth Elfington diplomatic trip abroad, which made


    her think of Mansfield, oma mission


    in a foreign country.


    His current work was so sensitive that she couldn''t even send a simple message


    to check on him, for fear ofpromising his safety. The urge to reach out was strong, but she forced it down.

 Chapter 914

    The next morning, as Eleanor was tying Evelyn''s hair, the little girl said happily, "Mommy, Daddy is taking me to school today. We agreedst night."


    "Okay," Eleanor said, having no intention of interfering with her daughter''s wishes.


    When Evelyn emerged with her little backpack on,n was already waiting outside the door.


    "Let''s go," he said, taking his daughter''s hand. He looked up at Eleanor and noticed she was also carrying her bag, ready to leave.


    The three of them rode the elevator down in silence. Evelyn nced from her father to her mother, a sad look on her face as she lowered her head.


    "Other mommies and daddies love each other. You two don''t even talk anymore," Evelyn said, voicing the simple, painful truth. They really had nothing to say to each other, except for matters rted to work.


    A sharp pang of guilt shot throughn as he stroked his daughter''s head.


    Eleanor looked at her daughter, and her gaze inadvertently metn''s. The raw emotion swirling in his deep-set eyes made her quickly look away. "Be sure to eat your lunch at school," she told Evelyn.


    "Okay, Mommy, I will," Evelyn replied with a nod.


    On the crisp spring morning, the school entrance was bustling with parents seeing their children off. Ian walked Evelyn to the gate and knelt to straighten her cor. "Go on now."


    "Evelyn!" Vivian called out, skipping over. Xavier stood a few paces behind her. Once the children were inside,n walked over to Xavier. "Are you free for lunch? I was thinking of getting Henry to join us."


    "Some other time. I have some personal matters to attend totely,"n replied.


    Xavier paused but didn''t press further. "Alright. Give me a call when you''re free."


    "Will do,"n nodded.


    The two men walked to their respective cars. Ian drove off first, with Xavier leaving a few momentster.


    At theb, at ten in the morning, Eleanor joined Dr. Smith to check on Gina. Dr. Smith had administered another stem cell infusion the


    previous night, but her condition?


    showed no immediate improvement


    The red spots under her eyelids


    were more pronounced, and the skin around the veins in her arms and


    legs was covered in dark red blotches, a startling sight.


    Afterward, Eleanor and Dr. Smith held a meeting with the team.


    During the meeting, Dr. Smith was effusive in his praise for Eleanor. "El, your insight is extraordinary. I spent ten years building the theoretical framework and data models and


    you found the breakthrough in fraction of the time. You''re truly


    remarkable."


    Eleanor, in turn, felt immense gratitude toward Dr. Smith and refused to take all


    the credit. "Doctor, without your foundational theories and data, I could never have


    made this progress. My work was done standing on your shoulders."


    Her humility was not lost on Dr. Smith or the rest of the team. They had all contributed to the database and by attributing her sess to their collective efforts, Eleanor showed them a level of respect that earned their deep admiration.


    Just then, a team member noticedn standing at the doorway. "Mr. Goodwin, you''re here. Please,e in."


    It was unclear how long he had been standing there, but his gaze was fixed on Eleanor. He had obviously heard what she said.


    "Mr. Goodwin, would you like to join us?" Dr. Smith invited.


    Dr. Smith lowered his voice. "Mrs. Goodwin''s condition is worrying. We have to elerate our experiments and find a breakthrough, hopefully before....." He trailed off, but everyone in the room understood the unspoken urgency. Eleanor''s grip on her pen tightened. No matter what, Gina was her daughter''s grandmother. She wanted her to recover. Despite how poorly Gina had treated her in the past, her love for Evelyn was undeniable.


    The Holt Group.


    Henry was in a meeting with several senior executives when his phone buzzed.


    "I bought the tickets for 3:30." It was from Vanessa.


    Henry nced at the time, realizing with a jolt that it was already Friday.


    "Okay, I''ll pick you up at two," he replied.

 Chapter 915

    "Sounds good. I''ll be waiting," Vanessa texted back.


    After the meeting, Henry had lunch in his office to clear his schedule for the afternoon. This was the first time Vanessa had ever asked him out, and he was determined not to bete.


    He buzzed his assistant. "Order me a bouquet of roses. The best you can find."


    At 1:45, Henry decided to leave early, wanting to be rxed and unhurried for their date. As he drove, enjoying the music, his good mood was abruptly shattered when he turned onto a street that was at aplete standstill. A long line of cars stretched out before him, and frustration immediately set in.


    "What''s going on?" he muttered, ncing anxiously at the time.


    He rolled down his window as a police officer on a motorcycle weaved through the traffic. "Officer, what''s the hold-up?"


    "There''s been a rear-end collision up ahead with injuries," the officer replied quickly. "We''re waiting on an ambnce. It''s going to be a while."


    Henry''s frown deepened. It was already 1:50. At this rate, he would never make it. Thankfully, with the police directing traffic, the cars began to inch forward. Just then, a car tried to cut in front of him. Henry mmed on the elerator, blocking it. He was already on edge; there was no way he was letting anyone get ahead.


    After crawling forward another three hundred meters, his patience worn thin, he saw the two crashed vehicles being moved to the side of the road, still partially blocking ane.


    And then, his eyes fell on the curb.


    Sitting by the side of the road, a young woman was pressing a hand to her forehead, blood seeping through her fingers. As she looked up, seemingly searching for the ambnce, her familiar face hit Henry like a physical blow.


    The injured woman was Selma Quigley.


    A ck SUV had rear-ended a white Bentley convertible, which in turn had bumped a sedan in front of it.


    Henry''s heart plummeted. He mmed on the brakes, and the car behind him, not expecting the sudden stop, smashed into his rear bumper.


    *CRUNCH!*


    Another ident.


    Henry threw the car in park and jumped out. The driver who had hit him braced himself, expecting a confrontation. But the young man from the sports car didn''t even nce his way. Instead, he ran across the road toward the injured woman. The sound of the second crash had startled Selma. She looked up and saw Henry getting out of his car, her shock quickly turning to relief as he rushed toward her.


    "Henry," she said, getting to her feet.


    "Are you okay? Where are you hurt?" he asked, his voice tight with concern.


    Selma moved her hand, revealing a nasty gash on her temple that was still bleeding, the blood smearing down her cheek. It looked rming.


    "I''m fine, it''s just a scrape. The ambnce should be here soon."


    "You call this fine?" Henry took her by the wrist. "I''m taking you to the hospital."


    As Selma took a step, a wave of dizziness washed over her, and she stumbled, grabbing onto Henry''s arm. "I feel dizzy."


    Without another word, Henry swept her up into his arms and carried her toward his car. The driver who bad hit him was waiting nervously. I''m so sorry, I really-"


    "I''m not pressing charges," Henry said curtly. "Open the door for me."


    Relieved, the driver quickly opened the passenger door. Selma''s eyes fell on the bouquet of red roses sitting on the seat. She struggled slightlyn Henrys arms. Henry don''t worry about me. You should go on your date."


    Henry grabbed the flowers and tossed them into the back seat. "Don''t talk."


    He got into the driver''s seat. The road ahead had cleared. He floored it, heading for the nearest hospital.


    As Selma fastened her seatbelt, she noticed a small card on the floor. She picked


    it up. It read, "Looking forward to every moment with you. Henry."


    Just as she finished reading, a hand reached over from the driver''s seat and snatched the card from


    her


    Without looking at it, Henry tossed it


    inth


    the back with the flowers.


    "You were on your way to a date with Miss Shannon, weren''t you?" Selma asked.


    "No," Henry answered tly.


    Just then, the car''s hands-free system rang, and Vanessa''s name shed across the screen.

 Chapter 916

    Henry stared at the name on the screen, then instinctively nced at Selma. She immediately turned her head to look out the window, giving him privacy.


    His eyes fell on her bleeding temple, the crimson standing out starkly against her pale skin. Some of it had even dripped onto her blouse. She looked so pitiful.


    Taking a deep breath, he reached out and ended the call, his foot never easing up on the elerator.


    In her vi, Vanessa frowned, unable to believe Henry had just hung up on her. It was the first time that had ever happened. *Was he driving?* That was the only exnation she could think of. Otherwise, he would never have ignored her call.


    She decided to send a text instead. "Henry, are you on your way? The movie starts at 3:30!" The gentle words carried a subtle note of urgency.


    By now, Henry''s car had screeched to a halt at the hospital entrance. He threw open the passenger door. "Get out. We need to get that looked at."


    Selma unbuckled and tried to get out, but the blood loss and the blow to her head were too much. A wave of vertigo hit her, and she pitched forward, copsing into Henry''s arms as she fainted.


    He caught her, a surge of panic washing over him. "Selma? Selma, what''s wrong? Don''t scare me."


    mming the car door shut, he lifted her again and ran toward the emergency entrance, shouting, "Nurse! Nurse, someone copsed!"


    A nurse rushed over. "This way, to the trauma room!"


    Henry followed them into a treatment room, where a doctor quickly began examining Selma. After a quick assessment, the doctor turned to him. "Are you family? Please wait outside."


    Henry backed out of the room, his heart clenching as he watched Selma lying pale and still under the bright lights.


    He knew he had to call her parents. He patted his pockets-his phone was still in the car. He sprinted back outside to get it.


    When he returned, breathless, he sat


    down heavily on a waiting room


    chair. He saw Vanessa s text


    message but quickly swiped it away and searched for the Quigleys'' number.


    After making the call, he finally opened Vanessa''s message. He nced at the time: 2:28. He figured. if the Quigleys arrived soon, he could still make the movie.


    "Vanessa, can you have your driver take you to the theater? I''ve run into something here and might not make it in time to pick you up," he texted back.


    "What happened? Is it serious? If it is, we can skip the movie," Vanessa replied, full of concern.


    "It''s not urgent. I can still make it," he wrote. He had promised her he wouldn''t ke.


    "Okay, I''ll head over and wait for you there."


    "See you soon," Henry replied, his eyes fixed on the treatment room door. He prayed Selma would be okay and that her parents would arrive quickly.


    Twenty minutester, the light above the door went out. Selma''s wound had been cleaned and stitched and she was awake, though she looked incredibly fragile.


    "Sir," the doctor said, "just to be safe, you should take your wife for a head CT."


    Henry was taken aback by the assumption but didn''t bother to correct him. "Okay, I''ll take her."

 Chapter 917

    The doctor handed him a form. After paying the fee, Henry returned to find Selma waiting for him, looking at him like a child waiting for a parent.


    "Does it still hurt?" he asked gently.


    Selma nodded. "Yes. They gave me seven stitches." The pain was worse now than when it had been bleeding.


    "Come on, let''s get that CT scan to make sure everything''s okay," Henry said.


    Selma nodded and stood up, but she was still dizzy. Seeing her sway, Henry instinctively put an arm around her shoulders, letting her lean on him for support. She looked up at him gratefully, a faint blush coloring her pale cheeks.


    When they got to the imaging department, the nurse at the counter looked them over. "Excuse me, is there any chance the patient could be pregnant? CT scans are not rmended during pregnancy."


    The question hit Henry like a ton of bricks, bringing back memories of that night. He turned to look at Selma.


    She, however, answered the nurse with confidence. "No, I''m not."


    Henry grabbed her wrist and pulled her aside. "Are you sure? This isn''t something to joke about."


    Selma looked him in the eye, her expression unwavering. "I took a pill the morning after."


    Henry froze, momentarily speechless. He had made a mistake, hurt her, and forced her to deal with the consequences alone. Even he wanted to call himself a scumbag.


    "I''m so sorry," he whispered.


    Seeing his guilt, Selma shook her head and managed a faint smile. "It''s in the past, Henry. You don''t need to worry about it."


    Her understanding and casual dismissal only made him feel worse.


    "Selma Quigley, you''re next," the nurse called out.


    "Let''s go," Henry said, taking Selma''s hand and walking with her toward the CT


    room.


    After the scan, they had to wait half an hour for the results. Henry helped Selma to a chair in the hallway. He checked the time again¡ªit was three o''clock. He could still make it to the movie, but Selma''s parents hadn''t arrived yet. He couldn''t just abandon her after a car crash and seven stitches.


    Just then, his phone buzzed. "Henry, I''m here. Are you on your way?"


    His fingers hovered over the screen, unsure how to reply.


    "Henry," Selma said quietly, "is Miss Shannon waiting for you? You should go. I''ll be fine."


    He looked up, pushing down his anxiety. "It''s okay. I''ll leave after your parents get here."


    Selma knew how much he liked Vanessa and didn''t want him to his


    break


    promise. If it weren''t for


    her they would be on the date right


    now.


    "Henry, thank you, really. But I don''t want to be a burden. Please, go. Don''t keep


    Miss Shannon waiting."


    Henry was stunned. He was sure


    Selma had feelings for him. Yet here she was, pushing him away. Had


    patriott changed everything had


    night


    h? been that awful? A blow to his masculine pridended squarely in his chest.

 Chapter 918

    He had been drunk, but he didn''t think he''d performed that poorly. In fact, that night... he had imagined she was Vanessa. Subconsciously, he couldn''t have allowed himself to be a disappointment.


    Just then, two frantic figures hurried down the hallway. "Selma! Selma!"


    "Dad, Mom, I''m over here," Selma called out.


    Her mother rushed over, cupping her daughter''s face in her hands. "Let me see, let me see. Oh, you poor thing, look how bad it is." Her eyes welled up with tears.


    Selma''s father was equally distressed but managed to thank Henry. "Henry, it was a good thing you were there."


    Henry stood up. "I just happened to be passing by. The doctor said it''s just a surface wound. We''re waiting on the CT results now."


    "Thank you, thank you so much," Mr. Quigley said gratefully.


    "Henry, who knows what might''ve happened if you weren''t here," Mrs. Quigley added. "Thank you."


    Selma looked at Henry. "My parents are here now. You should go."


    "Henry, do you have somewhere you need to be?" Mrs. Quigley asked.


    "Uh, it''s not that important," he said. "Mr. and Mrs. Quigley, I''ll leave Selma in your care. I have to go."


    "You muste over for dinner soon!" Mrs. Quigley called after him.


    "I will!" Henry replied over his shoulder.


    Selma watched him leave, her expression falling. She knew he only saw her as a friend; she couldn''t expect anything more.


    Back in his car, Henry saw it was 3:20. He quickly texted Vanessa. "On my way. If it starts, go on in. I''ll find you."


    "No, I''ll wait for you. Drive safely, there''s no rush," she replied.


    Henry sped through traffic, finally arriving at the theater at 3:45. Vanessa watched him run from the elevater breathless. She knew be had run all this way for her. Dressed in an elegant dress and a chio trench coat, she stood out from the crowd.


    Henry caught his breath. "Vanessa, I''m so sorry I''mte."


    She looked up, her smile as gentle as ever. "It''s okay. Let''s go." As they walked, her eyes fixed on a dark red smudge on his shoulder. It looked like blood.


    "Henry, what''s that on your shoulder? Is that blood? Are you hurt?" she asked, rmed.


    He looked down and saw the stain. He quickly exined what had happened on the way.


    "Is Miss Quigley badly hurt?" Vanessa asked, her voice full of concern.


    "No, she just hit her head and needed a few stitches. She''s fine now," Henry said, relieved that Vanessa was so understanding.


    Vanessa noted the location of the


    bloodstain. Selma must have leaned on his shoulder. Or maybe he had.


    aybe!


    carried her, Her smile tightened


    slightly. "The movie''s already


    started. Let''s go in."


    Inside the dark theater, Henry tried to find their seats, but Vanessa suddenly looped her arm through. his her soft body pressing against him. "Henry, it''s so dark," she whispered.


    His body went rigid. In the dim light, he could feel her warm breath on his neck.

 Chapter 919

    The sudden intimacy made Henry''s heart skip a beat.


    Hadn''t Vanessa always been in love withn? She had always maintained a polite, friendly distance from him. This was the first time she had ever initiated such close contact.


    Henry swallowed hard. Now that the opportunity he had dreamed of was here, he felt a surge of panic.


    "Vanessa, let me hold your hand," he said, gently disengaging his arm and taking her hand instead.


    Vanessa looked around and saw that the entire back row was empty. "Let''s sit back there," she suggested.


    Henry agreed, and he led her to the middle of the row. After they sat down, Vanessa smoothed her hair. In the flickering light from the screen, Henry looked down at her. Sensing his gaze, she turned to face him, their eyes meeting in the darkness.


    She blinked slowly. With her perfect makeup and alluring charm, she was everything he had ever wanted. This should have been a dreame true, but instead, Henry felt a knot of anxiety in his stomach.


    In his mind, Vanessa belonged ton. All her beauty, all her tenderness-it was all meant forn. He shouldn''t be indulging in it, let alone epting it.


    The thought made him quickly look away, his heart beating erratically. It wasn''t just her proximity; it was the panicked feeling of betraying his friend.


    "What''s wrong? Scared to look at me?" Vanessa leaned in, a yful smile in her voice.


    Henry''s throat felt dry. "No, it''s just... this movie looks really interesting."


    In truth, he hadn''t registered a single frame. His mind was a tangled mess.


    Vanessa was extremely perceptive. She sat up straight, remembering the two drinks she was holding She handed


    done to Henry. After inserting


    the straw into her own cup, she asked, "Can I have a sip of yours?"


    Henry nodded.


    As he watched, she pressed her red lips to his straw and took a small sip. Then


    she handed the drink back to him. "Here you go."


    He took it from her, and she began to drink from her own cup in silence.


    Suddenly, a violent assassination


    scene shed on the screen, causing the audience to asp Before Henry could react, Vanessa yelped and threw herself against him, burying her face in his arm.


    Henry''s body tensed again. By all rights, he should have been thrilled, but all he felt was unease. An image ofm shed in his mind, followed by one of Selma''s gentle understanding face.


    "Are you okay?" he asked, patting her arm. "It''s just a movie."


    Vanessa slowly lifted her head. Looking at his clueless expression, she couldn''t help but smile. "Don''t you know girls get scared easily?"


    Henry managed a weak smile and said nothing.


    He couldn''t focus on the movie at all. For years, he had wished for Vanessa to get overn and turn to him, to let him make her happy.


    But now, all he wanted was to wish her well and maintain a safe, friendly distance.


    It was as if his six-year obsession had suddenly begun to crack.

 Chapter 920

    Vanessa watched the movie, her gentle expression fading as she became lost in thought.


    She nced at the drink Henry had ced beside him. He hadn''t touched it since she''d taken a sip. Was he disgusted that she had used his straw?


    Suddenly remembering something, Henry pulled out his phone, found Selma''s number on WhatsApp, and typed, "Did the reporte back? How is everything?" A reply came almost instantly. "It came back clear. I''m fine. Thanks for asking." The polite, formal tone left him with an inexplicable feeling of disappointment.


    When the movie finally ended, other audience members were buzzing about how great it was, but Henry felt like he hadn''t seen it at all. "Come on," he said to Vanessa. "I''ll take you home."


    Vanessa stood up, her eyes falling on the untouched drink beside Henry''s seat. Her heart sank.


    As they left the theater, she was unusually quiet, lost in her thoughts. Normally, Henry would have noticed immediately and asked what was wrong. But tonight, he was preupied, busy texting someone on his phone.


    Selma was trying to send him money for the hospital bill, and Henry was trying to refuse it. Despite his protests, she transferred him ten thousand. He sighed and declined the transfer, insisting it wasn''t necessary.


    When he finally looked up, the elevator had arrived. "Vanessa, after you."


    She stepped inside. As they reached the ground floor, she asked, "Where to next?"


    "I''ll take you home, then I have to get back to the office," he said.


    Vanessa bit her lip. "But I don''t want to go home yet."


    "Should I take you to your studio, then?"


    She shot him a petnt look. "I took the day off. Why would I go to my studio? Besides, it''s almost five-thirty."


    Henry checked the time and chuckled sheepishly. "Oh, right. I forgot what time it was."


    Vanessa knew he hadn''t forgotten. His mind was simply elsewhere. Who was he texting? It had to be Seling Quigley. She looked innocents enough, but she was clearly more catcting than she let on


    "Should I calln and see if he wants to get dinner with us?" Henry suggested suddenly.


    Vanessa''s expression soured instantly. She turned her head away. "No."


    Henry rubbed his nose, confused as


    to how he had upset her. "Okay," he


    said trying to gate her


    "How


    just the two of us get


    thing to eat?"


    fo


    She continued to look away, but her eyes began to redden as if she were about to


    cry.


    "What''s wrong? Did I say something?" Henry asked, immediately ming himself.


    "Ian''s beenpletely absorbed


    with the fabtely, spending all day with Eleanor He has no time for


    me, she said, her voiceced with bitterness and resentment


    Henry was stunned. Ian and Eleanor were together day and night?


    "Vanessa, they''re divorced. They''re only together for work. You shouldn''t overthink it," he said, trying tofort her.


    She looked at him, surprised. He had always tried to console her before, but his words today felt different somehow.


    "If you loven, you need to be more understanding. Once he gets through this busy period, he''ll have time for you."


    Vanessa bit her lip and tightened her grip on her purse, saying nothing.


    "Besides," Henry continued, "you''ve waited ten years for him. He won''t make you wait much longer."


    When he finished, he saw that Vanessa''s expression had grown even colder.

 Chapter 921

    Henry instinctively scratched the back of his head, trying to figure out what he''d messed up this time.


    "Henry, are you just waiting to celebrate my wedding ton?" Vanessa suddenly lifted her chin, her eyes locking onto his.


    Henry blinked, then let out a low chuckle. "Didn propose? When did this happen? That sly dog didn''t say a word to any of us."


    Vanessa''s eyes instantly reddened. She turned away from him, snapping, "I''m done talking to you." With that, she clutched her purse and pushed her way into the throng of shoppers, disappearing without a backward nce.


    Henry stared after her,pletely bewildered. The thought that she was out by herself hit him, and he instinctively started after her. "Vanessa!"


    The mall was at its peak hour, and after a frantic chase, he lost sight of herpletely. Growing anxious, he pulled out his phone and called her, but she didn''t pick up.


    He immediately sent a text: *Vanessa, stop fooling around. Let me take you home.*


    No reply.


    Henry waited a moment before heading for the exit. Just then, standing at the entrance of a designer boutique behind him, Vanessa watched him go.


    She bit her lip so hard it turned white, her knuckles pale as she gripped the strap of her purse.


    Her phone buzzed again with a text from Henry. She nced down. *Vanessa, if I said something wrong, don''t hold it against me. I genuinely want you andn to be happy.*


    Vanessa closed her eyes and took a deep breath before replying, *It''s my fault. I''m just in a bad mood today. Sorry for wasting your time.*


    *No, I was happy to see a movie with you.*


    She clutched her phone for a second, then shoved it into her purse without replying and walked into the boutique.


    After waiting in the parking garage for a while with no response, Henry knew she was really ignoring him now. Just as frustration began to set in, his phone rang. It was Xavier.


    "Free for dinner? Come out and we''ll talk," Xavier''s voice sounded weary.


    "Of course. The usual spot," Henry said.


    "See you there."


    Henry checked the time, started the car, and pulled out of the parking garage.


    At theb, Eleanor was workingte. Ian, as usual, had picked up their daughter and was in charge of her dinner.


    At the restaurant, Henry saw that Xavier was already there.


    Uncharacteristically, two bottles of wine were sitting of the table. Henry pulled out a chair and sat down. "What''s this? Hitting the bottle tonight?"


    Xavier filled a ss and pushed it toward him. "Have a drink with me."


    in


    Henry studied his friend''s face. He had a good idea why Xavier was in a foul mood Hispany had just weathered a massive crisis, and while Henry had wanted to help, hecked the connections and influence to make a real difference.n, on the other hand, had the power andwork to truly pull


    Xavier out of the fire.


    "Thanks ton, yourpany is in the clear now, right? I saw your stock went up


    a couple of points today."


    Xavier nodded. n was a huge help."


    "That''s what friends are for," Henry said. "Next time he''s in a jam, you''ll be there for him. It''s what we do."


    Xavier froze, the ss halfway to his lips. His bloodshot eyes met Henry''s, and though he said nothing, his gaze was heavy with unspoken thoughts.


    Henry immediately understood. The words offort died on his lips, and he let out a sigh. "I get how hard this is for you, but this kind of thing¡ª"


    "The other day, I sawn and Eleanor dropping Evelyn off at school together Xavier said, his voice thick with misery. And he did it again today." He downed the rest of his drink in one bitter swallow.

 Chapter 922

    Henry froze for a second before pping the table. "Are you sayingn is trying to win Eleanor back? That he wants to get back together with her?"


    Xavier closed his eyes, his expression pained. He didn''t have to say a word.


    Henry''s hand clenched into a fist. "Ifn wants to reconcile with Eleanor, then what about Vanessa?" He suddenly understood why Vanessa had been so upset earlier. She must have sensedn was pulling away and hade to him forfort, only for him to say the exact wrong thing. He had poured salt in the wound.


    "If he was thinking about this, why didn''t he say so sooner?" Henry fumed. "He''s wasting your time with Eleanor and stringing Vanessa along."


    Xavier lowered his head. "You like Vanessa, don''t you? This is your chance. You should take it."


    Henry''s hand paused mid-sip. He set his ss down and looked at Xavier. "And you thinkn would be okay with that? He might be pursuing Eleanor, but have you seen him let Vanessa go? She''s been by his side for ten years without any realmitment. Doesn''t he owe her some kind of exnation?"


    Even thoughn was his best friend, Henry couldn''t stomach the injustice of it. Xavier just stared nkly into the distance, seemingly lost in thought.


    "Xavier, Eleanor isn''t right for you. Why don''t you find someone else? It''s not like you''re short on options," Henry advised, trying to steer his friend away from the heartbreak he knew wasing. He''d never seen Xavier so torn up over anyone.


    Xavier sighed, looking down at the table. "Would you?"


    "Are you saying if I move on, you will too?" Henry leaned forward, his eyes fixed on him.


    Xavier shot him a re, as if Henry were mocking him. "Could you show some respect? Women aren''t clothes you can just change whenever you feel like it."


    Henry recoiled slightly, rubbing his nose. "Th''s not what I meant. I was


    trying


    to help and now you''re yelling


    at me. Fine Keep hanging on to her


    See where it gets you."


    Xavier silently poured himself another ss and drank it down, as if hoping the


    burn of the alcohol could numb the bitterness in his heart.


    "You know that''s not what I meant," Xavier said, his voice tinged with a wry sadness.


    "Then what''s the n?" Henry asked.


    "Ifn really wants to get back together with Eleanor, he should announce it and stop messing with everyone''s feelings. If he wants to marry Vanessa, then he needs to Leave Eleanor alone and give other people a chance."


    A shadow crossed Xavier''s face. "Ian always has his reasons, his own way of doing things. As for Eleanor... if she''s willing to take him back, then I wish them well."


    Henry raised his ss. "You''re right. When hasn ever needed to exin himself to us?"


    Xavier looked up at him. "Henry, if you really like Vanessa, this might be your moment. Don''t miss it."


    His words stirred aplex mix of emotions in Henry. If it hadn''t been for that night with Selma Quigley, maybe he would have thrown


    won


    everything he had into winning


    Vanessa ?ver.


    But what if Vanessa found out? Wouldn''t that hurt her even more?


    Henry threw back arge gulp of wine. "Forget it. Let''s talk about something else. How are things at thepany now?"


    Xavier pulled himself together and shifted the conversation to work. Henry, in turn, vented about his own recent frustrations.


    Before the food even arrived, both men were well on their way to being drunk.

 Chapter 923

    At nine, they called for their drivers to take them home.


    When Xavier got out of the car, his assistant, Cain, rushed to support him. "Mr. Vaughn, let me help you inside."


    "It''s fine. You can go home," Xavier said, steadying himself against the car door. He was clearly drunk.


    "Are you sure, sir?" Cain asked, still worried. He''d never seen his boss this intoxicated.


    "I''m sure."


    After his assistant left, Xavier didn''t go straight home. He decided to walk through the residentialplex for a bit to clear his head. As he ambled along, his feet carried him unconsciously toward Eleanor''s building. He looked up at her floor and saw the lights were on.


    He sighed and had just turned to leave when a familiar figure rounded the corner. It was Eleanor, tired from a long day, being dropped off by Gavin.


    "Eleanor?" Xavier murmured, wondering if he was so drunk he was hallucinating. Eleanor looked up and saw a man standing under the streetlight. It was Xavier. "Xavier? What are you doing here?" she asked, quickening her pace.


    As she got closer, the strong smell of alcohol hit her.


    "Have you been drinking?" she asked, her brow furrowed with concern.


    He looked at her, realizing it was really her, not a dream. The person he most wanted to see was standing right in front of him. The alcohol had dulled his senses, but it had also stripped away his usual restraint.


    "Eleanor! It really is you," he said with a low, happyugh, swaying slightly. "What a... what a coincidence."


    Afraid he would fall, Eleanor instinctively reached out to steady him. "Why did you drink so much?"


    "Sorry you have to see me like this," Xavier mumbled, rubbing his forehead. His face was flushed, his eyes zed over, the usualposure gone.


    "Let me help you get home," she said, deciding it was the best course of action.


    Xavier leaned on her for support. He looked down at her face, so close in the soft glow of themplight that she seemed almost unreal. The alcohol amplified the emotions he kept buried deep inside, making his gaze direct and intense.


    "Eleanor..." he whispered her name.


    She patted his back gently. "Let''s get you home so you can rest."


    Suddenly, Xavier''s forehead dropped to her shoulder, his body heavy with exhaustion. "I feel awful..."


    Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows


    of the trees at the corner, Gavin stood holding a woman''s handbag He stared at the scene, stunned. He had onlye back because he''d. noticed Eleanor had left her purse in the car. He never expected to find this.


    Almost on instinct, Gavin pulled out his phone, took a few steps back, and dialedn''s number.


    "Hello? Is she home safe?"n asked as soon as he answered.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Sutton is back in theplex, but she left her purse in the car, so I came back to return it," Gavin said, lowering his voice. But Mr Vaughn is here too. He seems to have had too much to drink, and Miss Sutton is helping him-"


    Before Gavin could finish, the line went dead.


    Clutching his phone, Gavin had the sudden feeling he''d said too much. Was Mr.


    Goodwin on his way down?


    Eleanor managed to guide the


    unsteady Xavier to a nearby bench. She could tell something was weighing heavily on his mind. As she looked around for a security guard who could help get him home, Xavier must have thought she wag leaving. He suddenly shot out an arm and grabbed her wrist, his voice a low plea. "Eleanor... please don''t go."

 Chapter 924

    "I''m not going anywhere," Eleanor reassured him.


    Just then, Xavier tried to stand, stumbling again. Eleanor quickly wrapped her arms around his waist to steady him. He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against her shoulder, his voice a low apology. "I''m sorry... I''m so sorry, Eleanor."


    She was about to push him away, but she couldn''t understand why he was apologizing so profusely. Then, his voice, bitter and hoarse, sounded next to her ear. "I chose mypany, so I couldn''t choose you... I''m such an idiot."


    Eleanor froze, the words stunning her into silence. *Chose hispany, so he couldn''t choose me? What did that even mean?*


    And that was the scene that greeted the man stepping out of the building''s main entrance.


    Eleanor turned, surprised. "What are you doing down here?"


    Xavier, too, seemed to register the change. He looked up with bleary eyes and sawn. He sighed. n. You''re here too."


    At that moment, Gavin appeared, handing the purse to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, you forgot this."


    Eleanor took the bag, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. Now she knew whyn had shown up.


    She looked at Xavier with concern. "You should go home and get some rest."


    Xavier seemed to sober up slightly. He tried to stand straighter. "Okay. You go take care of Evelyn. I''ll letn take me home."


    Eleanor turned and walked back into the soft glow of the building lights.n watched her for a second, his expression unreadable, before turning to Xavier. "Is your mother home?"


    "Yeah, she is."


    "You can''t let Vivian see you like this,"n said. "I''ll take you to a hotel nearby for the night."


    A flicker of warmth touched Xavier''s heart. He nodded. "Okay. Thanks."


    Gavin, who had been waiting nearby, stepped forward. "Mr. Goodwin, my car is right outside."


    "How did you get this drunk?"n asked, supporting Xavier as they walked out of theplex.


    "Had a few drinks with Henry. I knew you were busy, so I didn''t call," Xavier exined.


    When Eleanor got back to her apartment, Evelyn looked up at her curiously. "Mommy, Daddy ran out in such a hurry. Was something wrong?"


    From the side, Joslyn added, "He didn''t even have time to change his shoes."


    Eleanor frowned slightly, then turned to her daughter. "Have you had your bath?"


    "Yes."


    In the car, dan looked down and


    noticed he was still wearing a pair of Eleanor''s


    men''s slippers from Eleanor''s


    apartment. He''d left in too much of a rush to even think about it.


    He got Xavier settled in a hotel room. Xavier copsed onto the sofa, rubbing his temples with his eyes closed, clearly exhausted. Jan opened a bottle of water and ced it off the table before sitting on the sofa opposite him. "Drink some water. It''ll help you sober up."


    Xavier sat up, took the bottle, and gulped down arge mouthful. He closed his


    eyes again. n, you can go. I just need to rest."


    then nodded and stood to leave.


    Just as he reached the door, Xavier''s


    voice stopped him. Tan, tell me the


    truth. Do you want to get back together with Eleanor?"

 Chapter 925

    "Tell me," Xavier pressed, his chest rising and falling visibly. "Are you trying to win her back?"


    Xavier met his gaze, a bitter smile twisting his lips. "It matters to me." He took a deep breath. n, if you''ve decided to reconcile with her, then treat her right. Don''t do anything to hurt her again. But if you have no intention of doing that..." He paused, his voice taking on an almost pleading tone. "Then give other people a chance, will you?"


    Looking at his tormented friend on the sofa,n finally spoke. "Xavier, Eleanor already likes someone."


    As Xavier''s head snapped up,n''s voice came out low and steady, twisting the knife. "And it''s not you."


    Pain filled Xavier''s bloodshot eyes. "It''s him, isn''t it? Mansfield."


    To Xavier''s ears, the implication was clear: Mansfield had spent the night. His pupils constricted, the answer striking him like a physical blow. Mansfield. His family''s influence was immense, his background untouchable, and he himself was a man of impable character. He was so perfect it could make anyone feel inadequate.


    Xavier nodded, a bitterugh escaping him. "Is that so? Well, it seems Eleanor has good taste. She picked an outstanding man." He then looked up atn. "And what about you?"


    With that,n opened the door and left.


    The alcohol had mostly worn off, and Xavier suddenly felt the urge to have another drink, but now there was no one to share it with.


    At ten, the doorbell rang. Joslyn opened it to findn standing there. "Sorry, I forgot to change my shoes."


    "Ma''am is upstairs putting Evelyn to bed," Joslyn said. "You should get some rest too, Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor heard the front door open and close downstairs. She figured Xavier had been taken home, was too exhausted to think any more about it and quickly fell asleep.


    But that night, at least two meny awake, lost in their thoughts.


    The first was Xavier. He couldn''t get the image of Eleanor and Mansfield spending New Year''s Eve together out of his head. Any man knew what that meant. And he knew Mansfield was deeply devoted to Eleanor. With the shifting politicalndscape Mansfield''s future status would be untouchable. If Eleanor were to marry him... Xavier rested his head on his arms and felt a strange sense of release. He shouldn''t stand in the way of her marrying into a better family. She deserved it.


    The second was Henry. His mind was a battlefield upied by two women: Vanessa and Selma Quigley. As a man, Selma''s recent coldness toward him was like a feather tickling a nerve, making him desperate to ask a single question, to prove one thing. Cont¨¦nt


    Was he really that bad that night?


    He scrolled through his texts from Selma again. They were polite, detached, filled


    with gratitude for saving her life, but utterly devoid of any other emotion.

 Chapter 926

    The next morning,n was at the door right on time to take Evelyn to school. Eleanor watched them go before getting ready for theb.


    When she got down to her car, however, she found someone already waiting for her. It was Xavier.


    Eleanor paused, then walked over to him, her voice filled with concern. "Are you okay?"


    Xavier thought of how he had drunkenly grabbed her and spouted nonsense the night before, and a wave of embarrassment and regret washed over him.


    "Good morning," he said, his voice a little hoarse, his eyes still bloodshot. "I came to apologize. Last night I... I had too much to drink and said some stupid things. Please don''t take any of it to heart."


    Seeing his condition, Eleanor was more worried than offended. "It''s okay. You don''t look well. Don''t drink that much; it''s bad for you."


    "I know," Xavier nodded. He looked at her, searching for something else to say, but in the end, he just took a step back. "You should get going. I''ll see you around."


    With that, he walked back to his car.


    Eleanor found it strange; it felt like Xavier was deliberately keeping his distance. But she didn''t dwell on it. She got into her car and drove toward the garage exit.


    Xavier, however, pulled back into his parking spot. He hadn''t slept well at the hotel and knew he desperately needed some real rest.


    At theb, Eleanor was in a meeting when she sawn''s figure pass by in the hallway. He paused for a few seconds, and their eyes met through the ss wall. She gave him a cool, detached nce before turning her attention back to the meeting.n moved on.


    At midday, she went to do rounds on Gina. The stem cell infusion had improved her condition somewhat, and Serena had transformed from a carefree socialite into a patient and attentive daughter. She now stayed by Gina''s side constantly, with a nurse providing round-the-clock care.


    After Gina finished speaking with Dr. Smith, she looked at Eleanor with guilt in her eyes. She had been wanting to apologize again, but Eleanors attitude remained distant and she was always busy.


    "Miss Goodwin, could I speak with you outside?" Eleanor said to Serena.


    Serena nodded and followed her out of the room.


    "Based on your mother''s treatment n, we need to run aprehensive set of blood-rted tests on you. This is the consent form. Please review it and sign if you agree."


    Serena''s fingers trembled as she took the papers. Her eyes caught on the words "Test Subject," and a chill of fear snaked through her. She wasn''t nearly as brave as she pretended to be.


    "Ellie..." Serena looked up, her fear evident.


    Eleanor''s expression softened slightly. "It''s just a routine screening."


    A sudden surge of courage filled Serena. She picked up the pen and signed her name. "Ellie, for my mom, I''ll do whatever it takes. I will cooperatepletely."


    Eleanor nodded, took the form, and walked away.


    Serena stared after her for a moment. From what she had observed recently, Eleanor''s professionalism was beyond question and her personality was blend of gentleness and strength. She felt like a fool for being so blind to Eleanor''s qualities before.


    Her animosity toward Eleanor had always stemmed from the belief that Eleanor had leveraged a debt of gratitude to force her way into their family derailing what should have been a future between her brother and Vanessa. She knew Vanessa had metn long before Eleanor did, and from the moment she met Vanessa, she knew the woman was in love with her brother.


    In her eyes, Eleanor was an opportunist who had stolen him away, and she''d


    resented Eleanor for it.

 Chapter 927

    Vanessa hadbeled Eleanor a viin. Compounded by Eleanor''s role as a stay- at-home wife after the marriage, Serena had assumed she was just a freeloader, which only deepened her contempt. Whenpared to the aplished Vanessa, Eleanor was, in Serena''s eyes, azy, ordinary housewife who did nothing but live off the Goodwin name.


    Only now did she realize that during her marriage, Eleanor had not only raised a daughter but had also been constantly growing. She used to mock Eleanor for reading novels to pass the time, but the truth was, Eleanor had been studying medicine.


    The more she recalled her past cruelty, the more ashamed Serena felt. She had been living in a bubble of her own prejudice and arrogance. She had not only misjudged Eleanor but had treated her with such malice.


    Like the incident at the pool party. That night, she''d gotten a call from Vanessa to go out for dinner, and on a whim, she tricked Eleanor intoing, hoping to embarrass her in front ofn''s friends and expose her as an inadequate wife. But then she and Vanessa both ended up in the water, and she had been too stunned to think clearly.


    Serena bit her lip. There were things she needed to ask her brother. Could he really have been unaware of how brilliant Eleanor was during their marriage?


    Over the past few days, Serena had noticed that whenever Eleanor was around, her brother''s gaze never left her. So, did he still love Eleanor or not?


    With that thought, Serena headed for a conference room thatn had been using as a temporary office.


    She walked to the door and knocked.


    "Come in,"n''s voice called out.


    Serena pushed the door open to seen at arge table, signing documents, a hint of exhaustion in his features.


    "Ian, are you busy? I need to ask you something," she said, pulling a chair up beside him.


    "I want to ask about you and Ellie."


    "Be honest with me," Serena began, her gaze intense. "When you married loved her? Or was it just to repay a debt?" She watched his face closely, searching for any flicker of emotion.


    Ellie was it beca you


    Serena was taken aback. "Both? You


    mean you loved her and felt indebted to her? But you were in aa when she took care of you.. How Could you have fallen in love was aspletely


    With her then?" Sheen in love


    baffled. Had it been love at first sight? But at that time, the brilliant and beautiful Vanessa was already in his life. How could he have fallen for Eleanor?


    whenever she dared to speak to him.


    Who could have known that back then, the sightn looked forward to most each


    day was the quiet figure reading in the corner of the library?

 Chapter 928

    "Come on,n, just tell me! How did you fall in love with Ellie?" Serena''s question pulled him back from his reverie.


    He seemed reluctant to discuss it, picking up another document. "Why are you asking all this?"


    Serena grabbed his arm, her eyes pleading. "Can you win her back? Make her my sister-inw again."


    "But I can see it! You still care about her. Whenever Ellie''s in the room, your eyes are glued to her. I know you love her." Serena''s voice broke with self-reproach. "I was so stupid before, so blind. I always thought Ellie wasn''t good enough for you, and I was so awful to her. But now I see how wrong I was. I''m so sorry for what I did to her."


    "Ian," she pressed on, "you always said I was immature, but I see things clearly this time. Even though you''re divorced, you''re still in love with her, aren''t you?"


    But Serena was persistent. "What''s stopping you? Is it... is it because of Vanessa?"


    "Enough,"n cut her off, his tone sharp and unyielding. "The most important thing right now is your and Mom''s health. We can talk about everything elseter." He picked up his pen and focused his attention back on the document.


    "Then just answer me this: do you love Vanessa?" Serena pressed her hand down on the paper, determined to get an answer.


    "Is it that hard of a question? Either you love her or you don''t. Why are you avoiding it? If you asked me who I liked, l''ate you straight out."


    Serena felt her brother was hiding too much, and she was determined to uncover something.


    Clearly unsatisfied, Serena pouted. "From where I''m standing, it looks like you love Vanessa more. You always protected her, gave her whatever she wanted. I bet Eleanor divorced you because¡ª"


    "Don''t,"n interrupted, looking up with a gravity she had never seen in his eyes. "Don''t ask any more questions. Don''t make a scene. Once Mom''s condition is stable exin everything. Now, please leave."


    Seeing the deep exhaustion on her brother''s face, Serena swallowed the words


    on the tip of her tongue. "Fine. I won''t bother you."


    As she left the room, Serena felt


    more confused than ever. Ifn truly considered. Vanessa his girlfriend, why hadn''t he let her visit their


    mother? Why had he forbidir,


    Serena from contacting Vanessa


    and telling her toe to theb? At first, she thought he just didn''t want to worry Vanessa But now, with their mother''s condition worsening did his actions make any sense? Why wouldn''t he let his future daughter-inwe and show her support?


    Or was it because Eleanor was here, and he didn''t want her to get the wrong idea? If that was the case, then he must still love Eleanor. He must still care.

 Chapter 929

    Serena couldn''t make sense of it.


    There were too many contradictions. But in her memory, her brother''s generosity toward Vanessa was an undeniable fact. Vanessa had shown off so many gifts from him¡ªgifts that even Serena envied. Limited-edition handbags, a Ferrari, avish vi, not to mention the career support he gave her. If that wasn''t love, what was?


    She sighed. Just then, she spotted Eleanor talking to a nurse down the hall.


    Serena walked over and called out, "Ellie."


    "Yes?" Eleanor turned.


    "Ellie, I know I did a lot of things to hurt you in the past. Like that time at the pool... I shouldn''t have tricked you intoing, and I''m so sorry you fell in. It was the middle of winter, and you fell into that cold water-"


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. "I didn''t fall in by ident," she stated coolly.


    Serena froze. "You mean... you didn''t slip?" She hadn''t thought much about the details of that day. She only remembered Vanessa telling herter that Eleanor had slipped and pushed her, and as Vanessa fell toward the pool, she had identally pulled Eleanor in with her.


    Eleanor stood with her hands in her pockets, her gaze fixed on Serena. "Vanessa pulled me in on purpose."


    Serena waspletely stunned, her eyes wide with disbelief. "She... she did?" But why would Vanessa im Eleanor had slipped and pushed her first?


    "I''m sorry, it''s all my fault. If it weren''t for me, you never would have gone to that party," Serena said, suddenly feeling that no matter what happened, Eleanor falling into the pool was entirely her fault.


    Eleanor had considered warning her about Vanessa''s character, but decided against it. It wasn''t worth the effort. She simply turned and walked away.


    Serena bit her lip, her heart still heavy with quilt. If she hadn''t mentioned to Vanessa that she should invite Eleanor over for dinner, the thought of ying a prank on her would never have crossed her mind. She blinked, annoyed at herself for listening to Vanessa. In fact, if Vanessa hadn''t brought it up, she wouldn''t have even thought of inviting Eleanor just to humiliate her.


    Serena clenched her fists in shame, feeling like aplete idiot.


    Wait a minute. Ellie just said Vanessa deliberately pulled her into the water, Serena chewed on her lip, torn. Who was she supposed to believe? She looked in the direction Eleanor had disappeared and


    single conclusion formed inther mind.


    Eleanor had no reason to lie to her.


    So, was Vanessa the one who was lying?


    Serena thought back to that night, how her brother had immediately dived in to save Vanessa, while Xavier had been the one to rescue Eleanor. How heartbroken and betrayed Eleanor must have felt that day. And she had been the one to


    set it all in motion.


    She shook her head. Vanessa was always so gentle, so considerate. Could she really lie about something like that?


    Serena ducked into the restroom. As she entered a stall, two nurses came in, chatting.


    "I hear Miss Shannon ising in tomorrow."


    "Yeah, I missed the veinst time. I can''t mess it up again."


    "You''d better be careful. Miss Shannon is not someone we can afford to offend."


    Serena pushed the stall door open and asked the nurses, "What''s the first name of this Miss Shannon you''re talking about?"


    The nurses jumped, startled to see her there. They exchanged a hesitant nce, unsure if they should say.

 Chapter 930

    Just as one of the nurses was about to answer Serena, another figure walked in.


    Seeing her, the two nurses exchanged a quick look, offered a smiling greeting "Dr. Sutton"-and quickly scurried away.


    Serena watched them go, certain that Eleanor must know who this Miss Shannon


    was.


    She decided to test the waters. "Ellie, who is the Miss Shannon they were just talking about?"


    Eleanor turned on the faucet and began to wash her hands with a slow, deliberate motion. Her tone was cid. "It''s not Vanessa. It''s just a girl named Shannoning in for some blood tests."


    Serena gave a slightly forced smile. "Oh, I didn''t know this ce was open to the public."


    "It''s a medical aid program," Eleanor replied matter-of-factly.


    Serena felt a secret wave of relief. At least it wasn''t Vanessa. For a moment there, she had almost been sure it was.


    Eleanor left first, and Serena returned to her mother''s room shortly after.


    Back in her office, Eleanor sat for a moment, then stood up and walked toward the conference roomn was using. She knocked once before pushing the door open.n was standing by the window on a call. Seeing her, he quickly wrapped it up. "Is something wrong?" he asked, turning to face her, his gaze intense.


    Eleanor got straight to the point, her tone strictly professional. "Vanessa will be here tomorrow for her tests."


    "I''ll make the arrangements," Ian''s low voice followed her.


    As Eleanor reached for the door, he suddenly called out, "Eleanor."


    She paused but didn''t turn around.


    more. In the end, all that came out was, "Thank you. For everything."


    Eleanor gave no reaction. She opened the door and walked out.


    Back in her office, Eleanor reflected


    on the situation. She had overheard the nurses in the restroom and, putting it together with the Goodwin women''s presence, she had


    Correctly guessed that get


    told them Vanessa was the donor. Likewise, Vanessa was unaware of Gina''s condition or the fact that Serena had inherited the illness.


    There was only one reasonn would keep this from Vanessa: it would give her


    more leverage, and he would have to meet even greater demands.


    Eleanor just wanted Vanessa to cooperate without causing trouble or refusing at thest minute. It was better to head off any potential. problems. That''s why she had gone to remindn about Vanessa''s appointment, in case it had slipped his mind amidst all his other responsibilities.


    If she weren''t so desperate to find a cure and secure her daughter''s future, she


    wouldn''t have bothered to meddle at all.


    The next morning, Vanessa arrived


    at theb on schedule. She was no longer surprised to see Eleanor there, but she disliked the sight of her in white coat it made her feel like ab rat under Eleanor''s observation.


    Before the blood draw, Vanessa suddenly asked, "Is Mr. Goodwin here? Could you please ask him toe in?"


    Eleanor frowned. Dr. Smith nced at her, as if the decision to fetchn rested solely with her.


    Eleanor turned to the nurse. "Please ask him toe."


    The nurse left immediately. Vanessa hadn''t brought her manager today, so she was alone. Soon, footsteps approached, andn entered with the nurse.


    Seeing him, Vanessa''s lips curved into a smile. "Ian, I''m a little scared. Can you stay with me?"


    Eleanor seemed to have anticipated this. She simply turned to Dr. Smith and said, "I''ll leave it to you, Doctor." Then, without another word, she turned and left the room.<pn''s eyes followed her until the door closed, cutting off his view.

 Chapter 931

    Through the ss window, he could see the scene inside the collection room.


    As Vanessa extended her arm for the nurse, her eyes were fixed onn, her expression one of delicate vulnerability. Ian, however, merely stood to the side, hands in the pockets of his trousers, his posture rigid. He watched the procedure with a detached focus, his presence feeling less like support and more like silent supervision.


    Ten minutester, the door opened. A nurse supported the pale-faced Vanessa, who seemed to radiate a fragile aura. Ian followed them out, one hand still in his pocket.


    n, can I rest for a bit before I go?" Vanessa asked, clearly in no hurry to leave. "The car is waiting. Go home and rest,"n said, his tone final. He walked past her and headed down the hall in the opposite direction.


    "Miss Shannon, let us walk you out," a nurse offered gently.


    Vanessa''s frail posture instantly straightened. "That won''t be necessary. I can see myself out," she said, her voiceced with a hint of disdain. The two nurses, sensing her dismissal, took a step back.


    Vanessa picked up her purse and headed for the elevator to the main lobby. She smoothed her hair, and though her face was pale from the blood draw, she maintained her elegantposure.


    As she stepped out of the lobby, Gavin met her. "Miss Shannon, I''m here to take you home."


    Vanessa epted the courtesy without protest, though she settled into the car with an obvious air of displeasure as Gavin held the door for her. He, in turn, drove her home with professional diligence.


    Back at theb, Eleanor was heading to an upstairsboratory. She had just stepped into the elevator when a long arm blocked the closing door. She looked up asn strode in. At six-foot-two, his presence made the space feel instantly smaller. He nced at her cold profile.


    "I''m sorry about what just happened," he said in a low voice, referring to Vanessa''s behavior in the collection room.


    Eleanor acted as if she hadn''t heard him. The elevator chimed and the doors opened. She walked out.


    Eleanor''s steps faltered. She slowly turned, her gazending onn, her expression one of cool, detached understanding, as if his confession meant nothing to her.


    Her lips twisted into a derisive smirk. "I''ve said it before. She bought your mother ten years of life. It sounds like a pretty good deal to me. You got what you paid for."


    "It''s not what you think,"n said, his


    voice urgent and pained. "Between


    her and me, it''s always been an


    exchange of resources. There was never any of the


    the sordid.


    sordid


    involvement you''re imagining."


    Eleanorughed as if he''d told a joke. "Does it matter what I think? What you


    trade with her is your business. What she wants is hers. What does any of it have to do with me?"


    She turned to leave again.


    Her smile vanished, reced by a cold re. "Can you please not waste my time?"


    "We need to find a time to talk. Properly," Ian insisted, his eyes locking onto hers, filled with a grim determination.


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. "The only rtionship we have is as Evelyn''s parents. That''s it. I have zero interest in your past or present dealings with Vanessa. Now, move."


    Butn''s arm remained, barring her way. His deep-set eyes held her


    captivez ¨¤ storm of clear yetplex emotions churning within them:


    urgency frustration, pain, and an


    almost obsessive persistence.


    "We''re more than just Evelyn''s parents," he said, his voice low and raspy, yet filled


    with an undeniable force. "We have never been just that."


    Eleanor''s patience was wearing thin. Her voice rose, sharp and impatient. "Ian,


    I''m asking you to get out of my way."


    "I know you don''t believe me, and I


    know you


    don''t care, but I have to


    say this," Jan said, practically gritting his teeth. "There has never been


    anything romantic between us Not in the past, not now,


    favore never


    will be. Everything I''ve done for her has a price tag. It''s a clean ledger."

 Chapter 932

    The almost fanatical sincerity in his eyes caught Eleanor off guard for a second, but then the irony of it all came crashing back.


    "Are you done? If you are, then move," she said, and this time, instead of just using his name, she pushed him aside. For a man of his stature, he moved surprisingly easily, not because of her strength, but because he yielded to her touch, stepping aside to let her pass.


    "Sorry for taking up your time,"n said, his voice low and hoarse.


    Eleanor barely gave him a second nce as she walked toward theb, swiped her card, and disappeared behind the heavy, soundproof door as it slowly closed between them.


    Stepping back into the elevator, he pinched the bridge of his nose, a flicker of sharp, hidden pain still visible in his eyes.


    That afternoon, Eleanor took a break to pick up her daughter from school herself.


    At the school, she ran into Mrs. Vaughn. As the two children yed on the nearby slide, Mrs. Vaughn made friendly conversation. "Eleanor, how has work been? Still busy?"


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. "Yes, very busy."


    Mrs. Vaughn studied her. Even as a mother, Eleanor looked young and vibrant, with a presence that was immediatelyforting.


    "You shoulde over to our house sometime. The girls get along so well, it would be nice for them to y more," Mrs. Vaughn invited, the underlying meaning of her words clear.


    "I''d love that," Eleanor replied with a polite smile. "When things at work slow down, I''ll be sure to stop by."


    Mrs. Vaughn knew it was a nomittal answer. She hoped her son would pursue Eleanor, but he had been so swamped with worktely that he was hardly


    ever seen.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen and excused herself. "Sorry, I have to take this."


    She walked a short distance away to answer. "Hello? Who is this?"


    "Ellie, it''s me. Could you bring Evelyn over for dinner tonight?" It was Magdalen''s voice.


    Eleanor''s expression softened instantly. "Grandma Magdalen, of course. We''ll be over shortly."


    "Wonderful! I''ll be waiting for you."


    "We''re just at the school, so we''ll be


    there soon," Eleanor said. It had


    been a while since she''d seen the old woman, and with Gina and Serena at the


    ich she knew Magdalen must be lonely. Spending an evening with her was the least she could do.


    After hanging up, she walked over to her daughter, who was having a great time. "Evelyn, Great-Grandma misses us. How about we go to her house for dinner tonight?"


    "Okay!" Evelyn chirped happily.


    Eleanor took her daughter''s hand, said goodbye to Mrs. Vaughn, and got into her car. A short five-minute drive brought them to the gates of the Goodwin estate, with a private lottabeled ''Goodwin Manor outside.


    A maid opened the door, and Eleanor led her daughter into the living room.


    Magdalen was already waiting at the entrance, her face breaking into a wide smile the moment she saw them.


    "My little Evelyn is here! Come to Great-Grandma."


    "Great-Grandma!" Evelyn cried, running into the old woman''s arms.


    "Oh, my sweet girl, my little treasure," the old woman cooed, hugging her tightly.


    Eleanor followed them in, carrying a basket of fruit. "Grandma, how have you been feeling?"


    "You''re justing for dinner, you shouldn''t have brought anything! Come ine in," she chided gently, though her face beamed with happiness at Eleanor''s arrival.

 Chapter 933

    The Goodwin house, though a little quiet, was as grand and immacte as ever, kept spotless by the staff.


    While Evelyn went off to y, Magdalen and Eleanor sat on the sofa, sipping tea.


    "I wanted to go see Gina, butn told me not to make the trip," Magdalen said with a sigh. "What kind of illness is it, anyway? She''s been gone for so long." It was clear she was still being kept in the dark.


    "Grandma, try not to worry too much," Eleanor soothed. "Modern medicine is very advanced. Gina will be okay."


    Magdalen looked at Eleanor and smiled. "Well, I have a genius scientist sitting right in front of me, so I suppose I shouldn''t worry. I just wish this house had a bit more life in it." She then asked, "What have you been busy withtely? Are you still at the sameb?"


    "Yes, I am," Eleanor replied, instinctively protecting the old woman from the truth. At her age, she didn''t need any more shocks.


    "You young people are all so busy. It must be tough forn, managing such argepany. If only his father hadn''t passed away so young," Magdalenmented, her thoughts turning to her son, who had died before he was fifty.


    To be precise,n''s father had been forty-five when he died. He had passed away in his prime.


    On the day he died, Eleanor had been at the hospital. Her father, as his lead physician, had been working around the clock, holdingte-night meetings with the medical team. In the end, they couldn''t save him.


    Eleanor''s hand tightened around her teacup as a memory, long buried, resurfaced. That day, she had overheard nurses in the elevator saying the patient in room nine hadn''t made it through the morning resuscitation. She had bolted out of the elevator and sprinted to the inpatient wing, arriving to findn kneeling outside the hospital room while her father and the other specialists stood by in somber silence.


    "Ellie, what''s wrong?" Magdalen''s voice pulled Eleanor back to the present. Eleanor quicklyposed herself, shaking her head. "Nothing, Grandma." "You must have metn''s father, didn''t you?" Magdalen asked.


    Eleanor nodded. "I saw him a couple of times outside the room when my father was his doctor."


    Magdalen sighed. "By the time we got back, it was toote to say goodbye. It all happened so suddenly."


    Eleanor tried to think of a way to change the subject, to steer the conversation away from painful memories.


    nta


    "Afterward, your father askedn donate his body for research. We couldn''t ept it at the time; we wanted him to be buried peacefully. Butn.


    The teacup ttered in its saucer. Eleanor looked up, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Mr. Goodwin''s body... was donated to my father for his research?"


    "Ian never told you?" the old woman asked, clearly havinge to terms with it long ago.


    Eleanor was utterly stunned, her heart pounding as if struck by a heavy blow. She had no idea. She remembered how much pressure her father had been under, how he hadst weight and seemed to hit wall in his research Had the breakthroughe from the donation ofn''s father''s body?


    "That boy has always been strong-willed, even as a child. I couldn''t have made a decision like. that but he had the strength to sign the papers," Magdalen sighed. 4 suppose it was a contribution to medical science in the end.


    Eleanor looked down at the cup in her hands, her mind reeling with a storm ofplex emotions.


    It was her father''s idea?

 Chapter 934

    "Oh, andn specifically told his mother and me not to tell you," Magdalen added. "He didn''t want you to feel burdened by it."


    An indescribable mix of shock and confusion churned in Eleanor''s chest. Ian had made such a monumental decision and had hidden it from her all this time.


    "Grandma," Eleanor''s voice was strained, "did my father know it wasn''s decision alone?"


    Magdalen nodded. "Ian handled all the donation paperwork himself."


    Eleanor felt a sharp prick in her heart. Ian had never said a single word about it.


    "Ellie, you don''t need to feel any pressure about it. It''s been so many years, and our family has moved past it. I just thought I''d mention it," Magdalen said. There was a hint of helplessness in her eyes, as if she wouldn''t have brought it up if her grandson weren''t so guarded, if she didn''t feel Eleanor needed to understand him better.


    "You sit here for a bit. I''m going to check on dinner," the old woman said, getting up and heading to the kitchen.


    Eleanor took a sip of her now-cold tea, her thoughts a million miles away. She couldn''t help but think ofn in the hallway earlier, his eyes filled with a desperate need to exin. Maybe she did need to find a time to talk to him, to ask what her father had really told him, to understand why so much had been kept from her.


    A few momentster, Evelyn ran over with a drawing, pulling Eleanor from her thoughts. She took the picture; it was abstract but full of childish charm.


    "This is wonderful," Eleanor praised.


    Soon, dinner was served. After a pleasant meal filled with light conversation, Eleanor saw that it was gettingte and decided it was time to take her daughter home. Though Magdalen was sad to see them go, she understood and waved them off.


    As Eleanor pulled into her parking spot, she noticed a ck Maybach parked in the adjacent space, its engine still running.


    "It''s Daddy''s car!" Evelyn eximed happily.


    Eleanor frowned. Before she had even turned off her own car,n was getting out


    of the driver''s seat. He waited for her to kill the engine, then opened the back


    door. Evelyn scrambled out and threw her arms around him.


    "Daddy!"


    "Yes! Great-Grandma and Mommy talked for a long time," Evelyn reported.


    Eleanor got out of the car with her purse, avoiding his eyes. Ian turned back to his daughter. "I''ll walk you two. His words were meant for Eleanor as much as for Evelyn.


    The elevator rose to their floor. Ian carried Evelyn to the door, and Eleanor opened it. Joslyn was there to greet them, her surprise evident at seeingn.


    Eleanor paused for a moment, then spoke softly to her daughter. "Evelyn, you go inside. Mommy and Daddy need to talk about something."


    Evelyn nodded obediently. "Okay." She looked from one to the other, her big eyes serious. "But you can''t fight, okay?"


    "We won''t. We''re just going to talk," Eleanor promised.


    Satisfied, Evelyn nodded and allowed her mother to close the door.


    "Come over to my ce?" he invited.


    Eleanor looked up at him. "We can talk here. I want to know what my father told you back then. I want you to tell me everything you and my father discussed that I don''t know about." She added, "Your grandmother told me about your father''s donation today."<pn''s body went rigid. He hadn''t expected his grandmother to bring that up.

 Chapter 935

    He looked into Eleanor''s eyes, which shone like clear water in the hallway light, and nodded. "Yes."


    "Why did you never tell me?" she asked, her tone more questioning than usatory.


    "Come to my ce. I''ll tell you everything you want to know,"n said in a low voice, clearly unwilling to have this conversation in the open.


    Eleanor turned her head away, her expression a mixture of disgust and refusal.


    Eleanor cut him off coldly. "Your rtionship with her is not what I want to talk about. I only want to discuss my father and you."


    He opened the door and switched on the lights, revealing an apartment that was a study in minimalist modernism¡ªa stark palette of ck, white, and gray. It was cold, orderly, and so clean it felt almost sterile, devoid of any personal warmth. Only a toy basket in the corner, filled with a dozen or so children''s toys, offered a small crack in the austere facade.


    "You don''t need to take off your shoes. Come in," he said.


    Eleanor took a deep breath and sat on the edge of the sofa.


    "Can I get you something to drink?"n asked.


    "No, thank you." She crossed her arms, her posture distant and defensive. "Let''s just get to it."


    "Where do you want me to start?" he asked, his voice low and a little raspy.


    Eleanor''s gaze was clear and direct. "Start from when my father became your father''s physician. Everything I know and don''t know. Everything that happened between you and him."


    "Your father was the most renowned expert at the hospital, an academician. I trusted him


    avy


    Eleanor remembered that time well. Her father and his team had held endless meetings, working tirelessly on treatment ns. She recalled himing home


    so exhausted he would fall asleep without even changing his clothes.


    Eleanor had been listening intently to the story about her father, but hisst words


    made her frown. "Get to the point."

 Chapter 936

    "I was in a terrible state of mind that day. I went to find your father to discuss the treatment n, and when I pushed open his office door, you were sitting at his desk, reading."n offered a faint smile. "You looked so startled. I must have scared you with my temper."


    Eleanor turned away, but the memory was sharp and clear. She had brought her father dinner, and since he wasn''t there, she had started reading one of his books. A loud bang from the door had made her jump, and she had looked up to seen, his face like a mask of ice, ring at her with cold fury.


    "That''s not what I want to hear," she said, turning back to him, refusing to let him draw her into the past. "I told you to stick to the point. Tell me what happened between you and my father."


    Eleanor''s frown deepened. She hadn''te here to reminisce or listen to his sentimental recollections.


    "If this is all you''re going to talk about, then we have nothing left to discuss." She stood up, ready to leave.


    "Fine, I''ll tell you,"n said quickly, changing his tone. "I''ll tell you what you want to know about your father."


    Eleanor bit her lip and sat back down, her eyes fixed on him.


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat. *Cause of death undetermined?* What did that mean? Had there been a mistake? A dy in treatment?


    As if sensing her thoughts,n looked up. "Your father did everything he could. I don''t me him in the slightest."


    Eleanor blinked. She knew her father would have done his best; she remembered his exhaustion during that period.


    "After my father passed away, I signed the donation agreement,"n continued, looking at Eleanor. "I


    know it was a cold


    disrespectful to my father and family, but... I signed it anyway. Do you think I''m a cruel, heartless person?"


    Eleanor didn''t want to pass judgment on him, but an opinion formed nheless.


    "I don''t know. But from a medical standpoint, your decision was incredibly significant."


    A flicker of something-relief, maybe understanding passed throughn''s eyes.


    Eleanor looked down. If her father had received his body for research, what kind of research was it? Deep pathological analysis might required destructive sampling. An autopsy. The thought made her


    fingers clench. For a young man


    who had just lost his father, that would have been an almost


    unbearable cruelty.


    For a moment, she couldn''t bring herself to ask the next question. If that was the kind of research her father needed to do,n must have signed a mountain of paperwork.


    "Later, I had the car ident and was brought to your father for treatment. Regardless of anything else, before we were married, your father was the only doctor my family and I trusted."


    Eleanor swallowed hard. His story


    after the ident was her story. Her


    father had told her, and she had


    immediately taken a leave of


    for


    absence from college to care him. Now she understood why her


    father, who had initially opposed her


    decision, had eventually agreed.

 Chapter 937

    It must have been becausen had donated his father''s body. That had to be part of it, but the more significant reason was the obvious adoration forn that her father had seen in her eyes.


    Eleanor took a deep breath, pulling her thoughts back to the present. She looked up and met his intense, searching gaze. She felt as if he could see right through her and instinctively put on a colder expression.


    "What else? What else did my father tell you? And why was my mother''s tissue sample given to you?"


    "I traded my father''s body for it,"n answered directly.


    Eleanor stared at him for a few seconds, then the pieces clicked into ce. Ian had known her mother''s sample was a match for his own mother and had used his father''s body as a bargaining chip. It was a cold, calcted move, perfectly in line with his character. That exined why he held the rights to her mother''s sample. And if he had paid such a steep price for it, she truly had no right to demand it back.


    "Then why did you refuse when I asked to use it?" she asked, her eyes fixed on him.


    "Why use your mother''s sample when there''s a living donor?" he countered.


    She had no response to that. She smoothed her clothes and stood up. "Fine. I think we''re done here." In the end, it all came down to another one of his ruthless transactions.


    "Eleanor, don''t you want to talk about anything else?"n asked, standing as well, his voice raspy.


    She shot him a cool nce. "No."


    His chest rose and fell with a controlled breath. He walked to the door and opened


    it for her, but he didn''t pull it all the way, waiting for her to approach.


    Eleanor was tired and just wanted to go home. As she reached the doorway arge hand closed


    around her wrist. She instinctively


    away her voice shar


    tried


    with annoyance. "What do you think you''re doing?"


    She red at him. "What is it?"


    Eleanor wrenched her hand free and took two steps back, her face a mask of cold rejection. "I don''t want to hear this."


    Back in her own home,n''s words weighed heavily on her. Whatever his motives, he had helped her father and supported his research, and for that, she was grateful.


    "Mommy, you and Daddy didn''t fight, did you?" Evelyn asked, walking over with a doll in her arms.


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, we didn''t fight."


    Joslyn, who was cleaning nearby, overheard and paused, a hopeful look in her eyes. She could see thatn still loved Eleanor deeply; they just needed to learn how tomunicate.


    In her room, Eleanor showered, reyingn''s words. She finally understood Gina''s reaction when she had first confessed her feelings forn Gina had known about the donation of her husband''s body and had disliked her for it, trying to pay her off to settle the debt of her caring fort all made sense now And her boldness toward Eleanor boldnesextoward


    during the marriage was even more understandable.

 Chapter 938

    That night, after pushing aside her thoughts to read a story to her daughter, Eleanory awake long after Evelyn had drifted off to sleep.


    So, wasn still hiding something from her?


    Eleanor closed her eyes. She couldn''t waste any more time thinking about him.


    Downstairs, in his dark, empty apartment, a man stood on the balcony. The city lights cast long shadows, making his tall figure seem lonely, yet no less powerful. The light carved sharp lines across his face, revealing aplex anxiety in his eyes and a hint of something he tried to hide-vulnerability.


    The next morning, Eleanor was packing Evelyn''s school bag.


    "Mommy, are you taking me to school today?" Evelyn asked.


    "Yes. Let''s go," Eleanor said, stroking her daughter''s head. Joslyn came over to straighten her clothes, a warm, domestic scene unfolding in the morning light.


    When Eleanor opened the door, Evelyn peeked out, her face falling with a hint of disappointment when she didn''t see her father. "I thought Daddy would be waiting for us."


    "Your daddy wasn''t herest night, so he couldn''t make it. Mommy''s taking you," Eleanor said, taking her daughter''s hand and walking to the elevator.


    After dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor''s phone rang. It was Dr. Smith. "El, Mrs. Goodwin''s condition was unstablest night. We had to transfer her to Ashford General Hospital for emergency treatment. You need toe over." Eleanor was shocked. Had Gina''s condition deteriorated that quickly?


    Though Gina had been critical and disapproving during their marriage, she was still her daughter''s grandmother. More importantly her hess was directly linked to the research for her daughter''s future. Professionally and personally, Eleanor could not stand by. She got in her car and rushed to the hospital.


    When she arrived outside the ICU, she could see Gina through the ss window,


    looking even thinner, an oxygen mask covering her face.


    In the hallway,n leaned against the wall, his deep-seated worry barely concealed as he watched her approach. Serena sat on a nearby bench, her face in her hands, her


    shoulders shaking from recent tears.


    Dr. Smith came over and exined what had happened. Gina had suddenly lost consciousness during the night. They had stabilized her for now, but she wasn''t out of danger.


    Eleanor nced atn, and he


    looked back at her. Their eyes met. His were bloodshot, his brow heavy with an imprable worry. In the face of medicine, all status and power vanished fan was justa man, helpless against his mother''s illness.


    "I''ll stay here. You should go back to theb,"n said, his voice hoarse.


    Eleanor looked at Gina onest time, then turned to Dr. Smith. "Doctor, I''ll be heading out then."


    "Can you take Serena back with you?"n asked, his voice almost a plea.


    "No,n, I don''t want to go! I want to stay here," Serena cried, though she knew there was nothing she could do but worry.


    "Go back,"n said, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    Serena bit her lip and stood up, moving to Eleanor''s side. Ian''s gaze shifted to Eleanor, a silent request in his eyes, as she hadn''t yet agreed.


    Eleanor gave a slight nod, nced at Serena, and walked toward the elevator.

 Chapter 939

    On the way back, Serena was silent for a long time before finally speaking. "Ellie, you can use me for your experiments. As long as you can find a cure for my mom, you can take as much of my blood as you need."


    Eleanor nced at her in the passenger seat. The emergency must have truly frightened her. "Medical research isn''t that simple. It''s not something that can be solved with just a few vials of blood."


    "But... but my mom doesn''t have time," Serena said, tears welling up in her eyes again.


    Eleanor didn''t say anything more, not wanting to crush her hope. In a situation like this, staying calm was the most important thing.


    Back at theb, Eleanor threw herself into her work. Gina''s condition was critical, and the theory she had developed still needed extensive testing. She would do her best.


    At the hospital, Gina was even weaker after the resuscitation. When she opened her eyes, she was painfully aware that her life was nearing its end. The recent rapid decline in her health wasrgely due to her own anxiety, which had led to severe depression, ack of appetite, and a troubled mind.


    The night before, after her daughter had fallen asleep, she had gone to cover her with a nket and had seen a patch of red spots on Serena''s exposed wrist. The shock had been so great that she hadin awake until morning, when her body finally gave out and she copsed.


    Now, awake and lucid, she understood. Her illness had been passed down to her daughter. At only twenty-six, Serena was already sick. The blow was more than she could bear.


    After regaining consciousness, withn by her side, Gina asked through her tears, "Ian, tell me, is my illness hereditary?"


    "Mom..."n said softly.


    "I know now. I passed it on to Serena. The symptoms on her skin are exactly like mine were ten years ago," Gina choked out, the pain in her heart far worse than any physical ailment.


    A new fear gripped Gina, and she tightened her hold on his hand. "And you...?" "I''m fine."


    "Then... then what about Evelyn? Could she have it too?" Gina''s tears flowed freely, her words dissolving into a fit of violent coughing.


    "Mom, please, don''t get agitated. You need to rest,"n tried to soothe her.


    "Just tell me!" she pleaded, her grip on his arm like a vice, her breathing growing more ragged with agitation. "Evelyn... does she...?"


    Looking at his mother,n could only give a slight, reluctant nod. "There''s a thirty percent chance Evelyn could inherit it, but it''s not a certainty."


    Gina whispered her granddaughter''s name, her eyes filled with terror and despair. Her daughter, and now possibly her little granddaughter, carrying this terrible gic burden.


    "How could this happen?" she whispered, slumping back against the pillows, tears streaming down


    her face


    What have


    What have done to.


    deserve this? The puni


    should have been mine alone Why


    did it have to fall on the children?"


    digit


    Overwhelmed by grief and self-me, she began to cough violently again. The


    monitor beside her bed red with an urgent rm.


    "Mom! Mom! Doctor!"n''s face paled. He mmed the call button.


    Medical staff rushed into the room, and it descended into a flurry of urgent activity. Ian was ushered out. He leaned against the cold wall, listening to the shoutedmands and the beeping of machines from inside. He mmed his fist against the wall, his knuckles instantly turning red.

 Chapter 940

    Gavin, standing nearby, rushed over in concern. "Mr. Goodwin."


    An hourter, the doctor emerged from the room, his expression grave. "Mr. Goodwin, your mother''s emotional distress caused damage to her cardiopulmonary function. We''ve administered medication and stabilized her for now, but she cannot handle any more stress."


    Outside the window, Gavin sighed. The weight on Mr. Goodwin''s shoulders was immense. Anyone else would have crumbled long ago.


    Back at theb, Dr. Smith immediately called a meeting. He brought up Eleanor''s theory again. "El, we can''t wait any longer. We have to make a decision, and soon."


    Eleanor''s expression was serious. "Doctor, I ran an in-vitro experiment. The results were far better than I anticipated. I think we can try it, but we''ll needn''s approval."


    Dr. Smith sighed. "Given the circumstances, we have no other choice. Mrs. Goodwin might not have much time left."


    Eleanor nodded and returned to her workstation, with Dr. Smith following to conduct a final safety assessment. The decade of data Smith had umted provided invaluable reference points, greatly aiding her research.


    As Smith looked at the data disyed on Eleanor''s screen, he pushed his sses up in disbelief. "El, this is nothing short of a miracle. You''ve actually found the target for immune regtion. The toxicity to normal cells is far lower than expected-it''s almostpletely suppressed. This is incredible."


    Eleanor nodded but kept her excitement in check. Ab experiment was just that ¡ªan experiment.


    "Is Miss Goodwin ready to begin the trial?" Smith asked.


    Serena was now the optimal test subject. Eleanor sighed. This was something they would have to discuss carefully with her. When a life was on the line, there was no room for error.


    At four that afternoon,n arrived at theb. Smith exined the proposed experimental treatment to him.


    "I approve,"n said, his voice low but perfectly clear, without a hint of hesitation. "Whatever documents you need me to sign, whatever support you require, just ask."


    His gaze moved past Smith and settled on Eleanor. The usualplexity was gone from his eyes, reced by a single, unwavering emotion: absolute trust.


    Eleanor hadn''t wanted to meet his eyes, but at this critical juncture, she understood what he was conveying. She met his gaze and saw the fierce desperation of a son trying to save his mother in moment, authen tha personal history fell away They were united in their goal.


    "But there are risks," she stated. "Even with optimistic data, human application is still an unknown."


    "I know,"n nodded. "But I trust you, and I trust this team. This is our only hope now." His a e then took on pleading quality. "Do wha


    have to do. I will take full


    responsibility for any and allo


    YOU


    consequences."


    Just then, his phone rang. He nced at the screen and stepped out to take the call.


    Dr. Smith let out a sigh, his expression a mixture of respect and awe. "El, you may not know this, but ten years ago, when Mrs. Goodwin first fell into aa, the price Mr. Goodwin paid was staggering."


    Eleanor''s grip on her pen tightened. She looked at Smith.


    "At the time, there wasn''t a single suitable donor. It was a hopeless situation. But Mr. Goodwin searched relentlessly, spending a fortune on matching services. It wasn''t just about money he met with countless, top experts and heads of


    institutions. He was the one who


    ultimately found Miss Shannon,


    seizing that one sliver of hope that


    has kept his mother alive for thest decade."

 Chapter 941

    Eleanor listened quietly, offering no opinion.


    "Ellie," Dr. Smith said suddenly, his tone serious. "When he said he''d bear all the consequences, it wasn''t an empty promise. It''s what he''s always done. He''s ced his greatest hope in your hands, but I believe that after weighing all the options, he knows you''re the most trustworthy person for the job."


    Eleanor lowered her gaze. Did she want to take such a risk? Of course not. But in a moment like this, all she could think about was preventing her own daughter from ever facing this disease.


    Saving the Goodwin women was the same as saving her own daughter.


    "I understand, Doctor." Eleanor took a deep breath, her eyes sharpening with focus. "We will seed."


    When Eleanor pushed the door open, she nearly ran inton. She stepped back, and he froze, his eyes fixed on her.


    "I''m going to get things ready," she told him. "You should prepare your sister mentally for what''s toe."


    "Right,"n nodded. "I''ll talk to her."


    "Also, we''re running low on blood samples. Have Vanessae in," Eleanor added, looking up at him.


    "Okay. I''ll contact her and have her here first thing in the morning,"n replied in a low voice.


    Dr. Smith and Eleanor began preparing the reagents, and a heavy tension settled over theb.


    A little whileter, Serena pushed open the door to Eleanor''s office. She took a deep breath and said, "Ellie, I''m ready. Just tell me what you need me to do."


    Eleanor looked at her. The once-spoiled and willful girl seemed to have truly matured over the past few weeks. It was strange to think that Eleanor herself was less than two years older.


    "Don''t worry," Eleanor said, her voice a little softer than usual. "The process might be ufortable, but we''ll monitor you constantly to ensure your safety."


    Serena shook her head. "I''m not afraid. As long as it can help my mom, I''ll do whatever it takes."


    "Good." Eleanor nodded. That was all that mattered.


    Tonight, Ian would be taking Evelyn home while Eleanor workedte. It was also


    the night they would begin Serena''s first experimental treatment.


    At six o''clock


    Serena was lying on the bed as a nurse prepped her for


    an IV. She flinched instinctively, but


    when she met a


    of steady eyes watching over her, she rxed


    Dressed in a whiteb coat, Eleanor stood by her side like a guardian angel.


    Just as Serena was drifting off, she suddenly reached a hand toward Eleanor. "Ellie-" she murmured.


    Eleanor, who was mixing a solution nearby, heard her but gave no reaction. A momentter, a new form containing extracts from Vanessa''s fresh blood was slowly introduced into Serena''s IV line.


    Theb was silent. All eyes were fixed on the monitoring screens, watching the data curves.


    The minutes ticked by.


    At first, there was no significant


    change in the data. Serena simply


    looked like she was asleep. After


    half an hour her heart rate began to fluctuate slightly, and her body temperature rose a fraction of a degree.


    "Vitals are generally stable. No signs of rejection or toxic reactions." Dr. Smith pushed his sses up his nose, letting out a visible sigh of relief. "We''ve made it through phase one."


    That evening, tan stayed home to


    put Evelyn to bed while Eleanor remained at theb to keep watch dat At ten-thirty a message fromn came through Evelyn put up a little fuss, but she''s asleep now. I stay with her."*


    *"Okay,"* Eleanor texted back.


    At three in the morning, Eleanor fought off waves of exhaustion as she checked Serena''stest metrics. Later, she and Dr. Smith were in the break room, trying to stay awake with coffee.


    "It looks like our gamble paid off," Dr. Smith said, relieved. "Miss Goodwin''s immune response is strengthening, with almost no toxic side effects."


    Eleanor nodded, remaining objective and calm. "We can''t let our guard down yet. We''ll need more blood for in-vitro testing tomorrow."


    Dr. Smith nodded in agreement.

 Chapter 942

    As the first rays of morning light streamed in, Eleanor rubbed her sore eyes and confirmed Serena''stest data onest time. Everything was stable.


    Dr. Smith urged her to get some rest, so Eleanor nodded and went to the small lounge prepared for her. Shey down on the sofa and was asleep almost instantly.


    Around eight o''clock, Dr. Smith calledn to report their progress.


    "I''ll be there at nine. How''s Eleanor?"n asked, his voice low.


    "She''s asleep in the lounge," Dr. Smith said.


    "Thank you both for your hard work."


    "Of course," Dr. Smith replied, his voice buzzing with excitement. "We''ve waited a


    long time for this moment. By the way, when will Miss Shannon arrive?"


    "Before nine."


    "Excellent! We may need quite a bit from her this time."


    "She''ll be prepared,"n said, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    At ten minutes to nine, a ck town car pulled up to the entrance. As Vanessa''s agent, Laverne, started to get out with her, Vanessa stopped her. "You can go back."


    Laverne paused. "You don''t need me toe with you?"


    "No,n''s here. He''ll be with me," Vanessa said as she grabbed her handbag and stepped out of the car.


    Laverne had no choice but to get back inside and tell the driver to leave.


    Vanessa looked up at theboratory''s main hall, her grip tightening on her purse. She took a deep breath and finally walked inside.


    "Miss Shannon, you''re here. This way, please," a nurse said, having been sent to greet her.


    Vanessa followed her into the elevator and up to the phlebotomy room. The sight of the equipment made her instinctively clench her fists, a flicker of resistance in her eyes. But then, as if remembering if something she set down her bag, rolled up her sleeve, and sat in the chair.


    Just then, Dr. Smith entered with another nurse, who was carrying a rack of collection vials. When Vanessa saw how many there were, the color drained from her face. Were they going to fill all of those?


    "Doctor, you promised me I wouldn''t be in any danger. Are you sure about that?" she demanded, looking up at Dr. Smith.


    He saw through her anxiety and nodded reassuringly. "Rest assured, Miss Shannon. We will take every


    precaution to ensure your safet


    the


    during the collection." Turning urse, he said, "We need to to have this done by ten o''clock. You can begin."


    The nurse approached, and as the needle pierced Vanessa''s skin, she gasped. The pain seemed to trigger a kind of muscle memory, making it feel excruciating.


    At that moment, the door opened andn walked in. When Vanessa saw him, she tried to mask the pain on her face, forcing a look of brave endurance so she wouldn''t appear distorted and ugly.


    stood off to the side. When Vanessa looked at him, tears welled in her eyes, making her look pitiable enough to break anyone''s heart. Butn''s gaze was fixed only on the


    nurse''s movements as one vial after another was filled with fresh blood.


    After the first set was drawn, the nurse prepared for a second.


    Vanessa''s face went white. "No-stop, I''m scared. I don''t want to do this anymore." She suddenly recoiled, and the nurse said urgently, "Miss Shannon,


    you can''t move! Please, calm down."


    "Let go of me! It hurts! I don''t want to do this anymore-" Vanessa struggled, about to rip the needle from her arm.

 Chapter 943

    Just then, arge, well-defined hand reached out and firmly pressed down on Vanessa''s arm. The pressure wasn''t great, but it carried an undeniable strength.


    "Don''t move,"n''s low, cold voicemanded.


    Vanessa''s other hand immediately shot out to grab his arm. She looked up, her face streaked with tears, her voice trembling and wounded. "Ian-please, don''t. It hurts so much. Can we stop? There has to be another way."


    "But I''m really scared-can we please just stop?" Vanessa pleaded, her voice choked with sobs as she tried to win his sympathy.


    Those two words cut through Vanessa''s every pretense and fantasy like a knife. She stared in disbelief at his hard profile, at the deep, intimidating eyes that held not a single shred of pity for her pain.


    Just then, out of the corner of her eye, Vanessa saw a figure standing silently outside the phlebotomy room''srge ss window-Eleanor.


    She had clearly been there for a while, holding a cup of coffee. Her face showed signs of fatigue, but her eyes were clear and sharp, as if she could see through everything happening inside the room.


    Eleanor just stood there, her quiet presence more humiliating than any words of mockery could ever be. All of Vanessa''s carefullyid ns, all her attempts to create the illusion thatn cared for her, had just be a monumental joke in the face of this scene:n himself holding her down while a nurse drew her blood.


    A wave of shame and despair washed over her. She forgot about the pain as vial after vial was filled her face pale as she watched Her own blood being drained away. She sat fimply as the nurse finished the procedure.


    Finally,n released her arm. Without giving her a second nce, he turned to Dr. Smith. "Doctor, get these samples to research as soon as possible."


    "Of course, Mr. Goodwin," Dr. Smith replied.


    Suddenly,n froze. His gaze met Eleanor''s through the ss.


    She said nothing, merely shifted her gaze away and turned to leave, coffee cup in hand. Ian watched her go, his jaw tightening.


    By now, Vanessa''s face was paler than ever. She sat slumped on the chair as if all her strength had been drained.


    Vanessa slowly lifted her head, her eyes bloodshot and filled with a wild despare she let out augh that sounded more like a sob. "Is that it,n? Use me and then throw me away?"


    Her ragged cry startled the nurses and Dr. Smith, who had never seen this unhinged side of her.


    expression free of guilt, his eyes


    holding only a cold warning. "This


    was a transaction from the


    beginning. Don''t


    yo


    our


    ce-or your promises."


    With that, he turned and strode out of the room.

 Chapter 944

    Vanessa watched his retreating back, her eyes swirling with intense hatred and resentment.


    Dr. Smith gestured for the nurses to leave the room.


    Vanessa''s carefully styled hair was now in disarray, and her makeup was smudged with tears. She looked a mess, a stark contrast to her usual polished elegance.


    Dr. Smith handed her a tissue. "Miss Shannon, I''m sorry you had to go through this, but please understand, this research is a matter of life and death for Mr. Goodwin''s family."


    Vanessa''s head snapped up, her eyes zing with anger. "What do you think I am? A walking blood bank? It was like this ten years ago, and it''s still the same now!"


    Dr. Smith adjusted his sses, his gaze calm. "Miss Shannon, I''m not fully aware of the details of your arrangement ten years ago, but from what I know, Mr. Goodwin haspensated you very well. This was never a one-sided affair."


    Vanessa''s face contorted as if he''d struck a nerve. "So what? Can money buy everything? Can it buy back thest ten years of my life? Can it make up for the love I''ve given? He knows how I feel about him, he knows it was never about the money! And now, he acts like he wants to drain everyst drop of blood from my body."


    Growing more agitated, Vanessa tried to stand, but a wave of dizziness from the blood loss sent her stumbling back into the chair. She pressed a hand to her forehead, the bitterness in her eyes deepening.


    Dr. Smith waited for her to calm down before speaking again. "Miss Shannon, I can''tment on your personal feelings, but factually, you have an agreement with Mr. Goodwin, and we hope you will honor it. I suggest you rest for a while andpose yourself."


    After Dr. Smith left, two nurses entered to stay with her.


    Vanessa bit her lip so hard it nearly bled. She suddenly held out her left arm, revealing the six jagged, faded scars on the inside of her wrist.


    The nurses saw them and exchanged a look, wondering if Mr. Goodwin was the story behind those scars.


    Vanessa stared at them, her expression a mixture of profound self-pity and bitter irony, as if she were mourning a tragedy and mocking her own foolishness at the same time. She closed her eyes, and two tears rolled down her temples. When a nurse offered hepa tissue, she took it calmly, her earlier hysterical outburst gone.


    She looked up with a self-deprecating smile. "He''s right¡ªa transaction. From start


    to finish, it was only ever a transaction." She pulled her sleeve down. "I was the fool."


    Looking up at the two nurses, whose


    eyes were filled with a mixture of


    pity and curiosity, she quickly


    immediately looked away Vanessa smoothed her hair, adjusted her clothes, and grabbed her bag, rising to her feet on unsteady legs.


    "Miss Shannon, do you need help?" one of the nurses asked, rushing to her side.


    "No," Vanessa said coolly, clearly unwilling to be seen as a pitiful wreck by anyone else.


    Eleanor was resting in her office. She was a light sleeper, and when a nurse identally dropped a stack of files outside her door, she woke up. The drama in the phlebotomy room meant nothing to her.


    Just then, there was a knock on her door. Before she could answer, it


    opened, andn''s tall frame filled the doorway. He still looked tired, but


    the raw exhaustion from the moming had settled into a weary calm.  s?novels


    "Do you have a minute?" he asked, his voice low and raspy.

 Chapter 945

    Eleanor nced up at him. "If it''s about work, go ahead. If it''s personal, I''m busy."


    Her words stopped him cold. He stared at the woman sitting at the desk, who hadn''t even bothered to look at him properly. It was clear she had no interest in anything he had to say.


    "Ten years ago," he began anyway, "I signed an agreement with her. I provided her with resources and funding, and in return, she would serve as a designated donor for my family-"


    Eleanor''s typing stopped. "Right now," she cut him off, "I only care about the experimental data and the safety of the new reagent. If you don''t have work to discuss, please don''t waste my time." She turned her focus back to the screen and added, "A failed marriage is nothingpared to my future. My work is what matters."


    The second the door clicked shut, he stumbled, bracing himself against the wall. His tall frame bent slightly as he reached up and clutched at his chest, his breathing suddenly ragged.


    Just then, a nurse carrying a file folder rounded the corner. She gasped when she sawn leaning against the wall, his face etched with pain. "Mr. Goodwin!" she eximed, rushing over. "Are you all right? Should I call a doctor?"


    At the sound of her voice,n straightened up instantly. Any trace of vulnerability vanished, his expression returning to its usual deep calm.


    "I''m fine," he said, his voice low and steady, as if he were a different person entirely.


    The nurse stared, confused. Had she imagined it? She nced again at his retreating back-strong,posed, and impossibly charismatic, just as always.


    Just then, Eleanor opened her door and saw the nurse staring down the hall. "Can I help you?" she asked.


    The nurse snapped back to reality and smiled. "Oh, no. I was just passing by."


    Eleanor had just received a call from Dr. Smith. The fresh blood samples from Vanessa needed to be run through several more in-vitro tests to ensure their stability.


    Serena woke up around eleven. As she opened her eyes, the only difort she felt was the soreness from lying in one position for so long.


    n!" she said, surprised to see her brother sitting by her bed.


    "How are you feeling? Anything wrong?" he asked quietly.


    Serena did a quick mental check and shook her head. "I feel fine. Just a little stiff from sleeping so much." After all, they had given her sedative to help her through the night. "How''s Mom?"


    "No change."


    Serena''s expression fell. She wished


    ve


    the experiment would hurry up so they could find a cure for their mother


    Back at her apartment, Laverne was watching a variety show when Vanessa walked in. She was so shocked she nearly dropped the remote Vanessa''s face was as white as a sheet, as if she''d beenpletely drained of blood.


    "Vanessa, what happened? You look terrible!" Laverne cried, rushing to help her to the sofa.


    "Make me some restorative broth, now," Vanessa ordered as she copsed onto the cushions.


    "Okay, I''ll have someone start right away," Laverne said, immediately calling for help.


    Vanessa then picked up her phone and dialed Henry''s number.


    "Hello? Vanessa," Henry answered, his voice as warm and enthusiastic as ever.


    "Henry, I need to see you," Vanessa said, her voiceced with a sorrowful, choked-up quality.


    "What''s wrong? Did something happen? Where are you?"


    "I''m at home. Can you... can youe keep mepany?" she pleaded softly.

 Chapter 946

    "Of course. I''m on my way," Henry replied without hesitation.


    Laverne returned with a nket and draped it over Vanessa, studying her pale face. This morning, she''d been radiant. Now, she looked ghostly. *Did they draw her blood again?* Laverne wondered. *But it''s been less than a week since thest time.*


    "Here, drink some water," she said, handing Vanessa a ss.


    As Vanessa reached for it, she let out a sharp hiss of pain. A red stain was spreading across the sleeve of her white sweater. "Vanessa, you''re bleeding!" Laverne eximed.


    Vanessa yanked up her sleeve and saw that the puncture site had indeed started bleeding again. "Get the first-aid kit," she ordered. "Quickly!"


    Laverne scrambled to retrieve it and handed her a cotton ball. Vanessa pressed down hard on the wound, biting her lip. Not a single drop of her blood could be wasted.


    Laverne nced at the spot Vanessa was pressing. The skin around it was a deep, ugly bruise. "Vanessa, be honest with me," she said with a sigh. "Why does Dr. Smith keep drawing your blood? You''re going to make yourself sick if this continues."


    Vanessa ignored her, her eyes fixed on the bleeding wound. Laverne knew better than to press the issue. A short whileter, the housekeeper arrived to make a fortified porridge for her.


    After checking the time, Vanessa said to Laverne, "I have a guesting over. You should go."


    Laverne knew the guest was Henry and took the hint, grabbing her bag to leave. She had watched their dynamic for years. It had been love at first sight for Henry, but he had remained just a friend because of Vanessa''s rtionship with Ian. Any other man would have moved on, but Vanessa had plenty of ways to keep Henry devoted to her, and he had given her more than just his time.


    Not long after Laverne left, the doorbell rang. The housekeeper answered it, and Henry walked in carrying a gift bag. Vanessa looked at the bag with a slight frown. Since when had Henry be so formal with her?


    "You didn''t have to bring anything. You know I won''t ept it," she said, feigning annoyance.


    Henry just smiled. "It''s that expensive tonic you like."


    That seemed to please her. As the housekeeper took the bag, Henry sat down beside her on the sofa, noting the nket she was wrapped in. Are you sick? You''re so pale


    "It''s nothing just been a little tiredtely," Vanessa said, avoiding his gaze.


    "If you''re tired, you should take on less work," Henry said caringly. "You know you


    can always ask me orn if you need money."


    "You''ve already done so much for


    me," Vanessa ?aid with a sweet


    sincere smile I can never!


    repay


    for your kindness over the years. How could I possibly ask for more?"


    "It''s nothing. After all, we''re... good friends," Henry said with a slightugh.


    Hearing those words once would have made her happy, but now, they felt different. She bit her lip and looked down. "Yes. Good friends."


    Henry cleared his throat, suddenly nervous. "Vanessa, to me, you''ve always been my best friend."


    Vanessa''s head snapped up, her eyes full of emotion. "What if... what if I told you I don''t want to be your good friend anymore?"


    Henry froze, thenughed it off.


    "What, are you cutting me off? What did I do wrong?" He chuckled again "Then again, guess I''ll have to keep my distance once you be Mrs. Goodwin. Can''t haven getting the wrong idea."  s?novels

 Chapter 947

    The color drained further from Vanessa''s face. She looked at Henry¡ªhis smile was bright, his gaze gentle, but she knew something had changed.


    And it was all because of Selma Quigley.


    Henry grew flustered under her intense stare. He scratched the back of his head. "Vanessa, what''s gotten into you today? You seem so down. Did something happen with you andn?"


    Just then, the housekeeper brought over a bowl of porridge and set it on the coffee table. "Miss Shannon, your food is ready."


    "Thank you, just leave it there," Vanessa said. She then tried to reach for the bowl but gasped in pain.


    "What''s wrong?" Henry asked immediately.


    Vanessa sank back into the sofa and gently lifted the sleeve of her sweater, revealing the fresh wound and the shocking, dark bruise that covered the entire crook of her arm.


    Henry grabbed her wrist, his voice sharp with worry. "What is this?"


    Vanessa tried to pull her arm back, but he held on tighter. "Tell me what


    happened. How did you get this?"


    "Henry... please don''t ask," she said, turning her face away.


    "Fine, I won''t ask," he relented with a sigh. "But you need to rest. And if you need anything, you have to tell me."


    Vanessa frowned. This wasn''t the Henry she knew.


    "Henry, my arm hurts. Could you... could you feed me?" she asked, looking up at him with wide, pleading eyes.


    Seeing her so pale and fragile, with that awful bruise on her arm, how could he refuse? "Of course. You just sit there. I''ll feed you."


    He picked up the steaming bowl, carefully scooped a spoonful, and blew on it before bringing it to her lips.


    Vanessa took a tiny sip and immediately recoiled. "It''s hot."


    Henry paused, then blew on the spoon again before carefully offering it to her once more. She took a small bite, her eyes fixed on his face with a look of deep affection.


    He felt his cheeks grow warm under her gaze. Let me just cool this down a bit," he said, standing up. He took the bowl to the kitchen and set it in a basin of cool water to bring down the temperature.


    Vanessa''s expression hardened. Ever since that day at the movie theater, she had sensed a change in him and his reaction now only confirmed it. He was deliberately. creating distance. The old Henry would have relished the intimacy of blowing on each spoonful for her. Now, he was actively avoiding it.


    What kind of spell had that Selma Quigley cast on him to make a man who had chased her for six years suddenly pull away?


    A potent mix of panic and resentment welled up inside her. If she was losing Henry, her most loyal safety, then she was...


    "Okay, it''s cooled down now," Henry said cheerfully, returning with the bowl and sitting beside her.


    Vanessa forced a sweet smile. "You''re always so clever. I can eat it myself now."


    She reached for the bowl, but Henry moved it away. "Your arm is in no condition. Let me."

 Chapter 948

    Vanessa didn''t argue. She let Henry feed her the entire bowl of porridge, then delicately wiped her mouth and leaned back into the sofa. "Thank you, Henry," she murmured. "I don''t know what I''d do without you." Curled up under the nket with her eyes closed, she looked exceptionally fragile and pitiable.


    Watching her, Henry felt a growing certainty that something was wrong between her andn. "Vanessa, tell me the truth. How are things really withn?" he asked gently.


    She slowly opened her eyes, which were now glistening with moisture. She looked at him with an expression of confusion and sorrow, then let out a soft, weary sigh. "Henry, tell me... if a person tries for ten years and still can''t get what they want... should they just give up?"


    Henry''s heart sank. "Vanessa, you andn..."


    She gave a bitterugh and turned to look out the window, her voice tired and sad. "I''m just... so tired. Maybe some things just aren''t meant to be, no matter how hard you fight for them."


    Stunned, Henry put his hands on her shoulders, turning her to face him. "Didn do something to you? What did he say?"


    Vanessa gently pushed his hands away and shook her head. "Let''s not talk about it. It has nothing to do with him. I was the one who made the wrong choice from the very beginning." She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "Henry, right now... I feel like I have nothing left."


    She lowered her gaze, waiting for him to say the words she so desperately needed to hear: *You still have me.*


    But the words never came.


    The silence stretched on. Henry looked at her, his eyes filled with aplex mix of sympathy and pity. His lips parted, but all that came out was a sigh. "Vanessa, don''t say that. Whatever it is, things will get better."


    His response hit her like a physical blow. A wave of disappointment washed over her. He wasn''t rushing to her defense, wasn''t promising to stand by her side like he always had before. She knew then, with absolute certainty, that Selma Quigley had already imed a piece of his heart.


    Slowly, deliberately, she pushed his hand away again.


    "Yes... everything will be fine," she whispered, her smile full of


    for the


    self-mockery. Thank you f


    kind words mal


    tired think d


    like to be alone for a while.


    Henry was taken aback by her sudden dismissal. She turned away from him,


    pulling the nket tighter around herself.


    "Vanessa, that''s not what I meant-I..." he stammered.


    "I''m tired," she cut him off, her voice cracking. "Please go."


    He stood there, at a loss for words.


    After a moment, "All


    right get


    he sighed a


    rest. Call me! anything."


    He waited a little longer, but when she didn''t respond, he picked up his jacket and


    left.


    The moment the door closed, Vanessa''s eyes snapped open. The vulnerability


    was gone, reced by a cold, seething resentment.


    At four in the afternoon, Eleanor was by Serena''s bedside in theb, asking her a few questions when the door opened. Ian walked in, looking much moreposed than he had that morning gave Eleano


    te


    brief nce before turning his attention to his sister.


    "How are you feeling? Any difort?"

 Chapter 949

    Serena shook her head, her eyes bright. "I''m fine,n. Really good, actually." She then asked eagerly, "Does this mean I''m okay? Can we help Mom now?"


    "Promising," Eleanor said calmly. "Your sister''s tolerance for the drug is even better than I anticipated. Her key indicators have improved significantly."


    "At least another forty-eight hours of close observation," Eleanor replied, all business.


    "I''ll have Dr. Smith take over tonight. You should go home and rest,"n said, a clear note of concern in his voice.


    "That won''t be necessary," she countered. "You take care of Evelyn. I''ll stay here."


    "Ellie, you should listen to my brother and get some sleep," Serena chimed in, feeling guilty about how exhausted Eleanor looked.


    "And why should I listen to your brother?" Eleanor retorted tly.


    Serena was speechless. A flicker of emotion crossedn''s face before


    disappearing into the depths of his dark eyes. "Serena, get some rest," he told his sister. "We''lle see youter." Then, to Eleanor, he said, "The doctor has called a meeting."


    In the conference room, the


    atmosphere was serious.n sat at the head of the long table with Dr. Smith and Eleanor on either side. Dr. Smith began by reporting the key data and evaluations from the second phase of the experiment, while Eleanor projected charts and graphs onto the screen.


    She picked up where he left off, her analysis crisp and clear. "As you can see, the patient''s tolerance to the new form is excellent, with no unexpected adverse reactions."


    e


    scientific data. Half an hourter, it concluded, andn closed his report and left the room. Dr. Smith ga Eleanor a Curious look but said


    nothing. He wasn''t one to meddle. As long as the experiment progressed smoothly, that was all that mattered.


    As Eleanor walked out with herptop, she sawn standing in an open lounge area down the hall, talking on the phone. In the quiet space, his voice was clear.


    "Proceed with the acquisition as nned. Ignore their petty maneuvers... I want to see theirtest financial report by morning." His tone was as sharp and decisive


    as ever.


    Hearing her footsteps, he turned, his phone still to his ear. His eyes met hers for a fleeting moment before he turned away and continued giving orders.


    That evening, Eleanor video-chatted with her daughter. Evelyn was walking around on the balcony withn''s phone. "Mommy, don''t worry about me! Daddy''s taking good care of me." She flipped the camera around. "Look, he''s ying with Princess!"


    On the screen,n was crouched down while their dog, Princess, happily danced around his feet.


    "Okay, sweetie. Eat your dinner and get to bed early."


    "I will! Bye, Mommy!"


    Eleanor ended the call with a sigh. This was a critical time for Serena''s treatment, and her sense of duty required her to be there. Once Serena and Gina were cured, she wouldn''t have to worry about her own daughter''s future.

 Chapter 950

    The forty-eight-hour observation period was grueling, but she had to see it through.


    At five in the morning, Eleanor finally got some rest in the lounge. A nurse brought her a full set of toiletries. When she woke up the next morning, she found her own suitcase beside the sofa. Joslyn must have packed some warm clothes for her and hadn bring them over. There was also a familiar nket draped over her, one from their home. She rubbed her temples, knowing exactly who had put it there.


    After two days and three nights of constant monitoring, Serena sessfully passed the safety period of the treatment. It was a result that brought Eleanor a profound sense of relief. Of course, with the support of rigorous scientific data, everything had been within a controlled range. Her theory had underpinned the entire experiment, and now it seemed poised to break new ground.


    "Ellie, if you seed, you''ll be a miracle worker for patients with blood disorders. You''re giving them hope," Dr. Smith praised her once again.


    Eleanor stood before the observation window, watching Serena, who was looking visibly better. She felt a surge of hope, imagining that if her daughter ever fell ill, she too would recover just like this, and grow up to be healthy.


    "It''s a shame Miss Shannon is the only person in the world with this type of blood," Dr. Smith mused. "Otherwise, Mr. Goodwin wouldn''t have had to spend ten years managing her. I was the first one to find her, you know. When I initially approached her about it, she refused."


    Eleanor turned to look at him, waiting for him to continue.


    Dr. Smith adjusted his sses, a reminiscent look in his eyes. "At first, Miss Shannon was very resistant, even when we offered her a significant amount of money. But that was before she had met Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor understood immediately. Arge part of Vanessa''s motivation to donate wasn himself. It had been


    love at first sight. That een


    why Vanessa felt that she had stolen the man she loved. Andn had hidden it all so well. It had taken over two years of marriage forher to even learn of Vanessa''s existence.


    "But then," Dr Smith continued, "she left, and not two minutester, she came back and agreed to sign the donor intent form." He paused. "So, to keep her on board and ensure she


    would be avable Mrs


    Goodwin needed her,


    Goodwin


    gave her almost anything she asked for-material things, from what I could see."


    Eleanor felt she couldn''t just walk away, so she listened quietly.


    "Mr. Goodwin carries a heavy burden," Dr. Smith said. "Especially after his mother


    was diagnosed and he found out it was hereditary. He was terrified. He spent


    years negotiating with Miss Shannon, all for a chance to save his mother."


    Eleanor frowned. That would have been during the period whenn frequently took their daughter


    abroad without her, convenientet


    avoiding any chance of her meeting Vanessa. At the same time, it gave Vanessa more time with Evelyn. She had despicably used her daughter''s affection as a tool to winn over. Eleanor could just imagine her two-year-old child in a foreign. country, growing attached to a


    woman who was showering her with calcted kindness and attention.


    Vanessa had preyed on her


    daughter''s innocence, trying to use


    the little girl as leverage to secure her ce inn''s life.


    But whethern had done it intentionally or had simply failed in his duty as a


    father, she decided she wouldn''t dwell on it now.

 Chapter 951

    "El, did you see the scars on Vanessa Shannon''s wrist? I''m sure every one of those suicide attempts was a calcted move to control Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor Sutton frowned. As the world''s onlypatible donor, Vanessa could indeed holdn Goodwin''s family hostage with her life at any moment. Whatever she wanted, he would have to give her.


    Including sacrificing his own marriage.


    Eleanor''s mind shed back to the incident at the pool. Vanessa had tripped her on purpose, pulling her into the water as she fell. She had been so certain thatn would dive in to save her first, because her life was tied to the lives of three generations of the Goodwin family.


    Eleanor also remembered the panicked wayn had checked on Vanessa, and the triumphant, proud look on Vanessa''s face. At the time, Eleanor had mistaken his panic for proof of his love for the other woman.


    And then there was that time at the dinner table, when Vanessa deliberately reached for a ss of wine, promptingn to snatch it from her hand. What Eleanor had once seen as favoritism and concern, she now recognized as another cruel performance staged for her benefit.


    Time and again, Vanessa had used self-harm and the threat of her own death as bargaining chips, trappingn in their transactional rtionship. But what infuriated Eleanor most was that Vanessa hadn''t hesitated to use her own innocent, unsuspecting daughter as a pawn in her schemes.


    "Thank you for telling me this, Doctor," Eleanor said before walking to her office. She sat down at herputer and, after a moment of contemtion, logged into theboratory''s internal system.


    She pulled up a specific file: Gina Quinn''s gic report, conducted two years after her initial diagnosis. Ifn had known about the hereditary risk back then, Vanessa''s importance to him would have instantly doubled.


    Eleanor closed her eyes.


    If her marriage ton fell apart because of Vanessa''s scheming, then Vanessa had won.


    She had assumed that once they were divorced, she would have her chance to step in.


    Clearly,n had never given her that opportunity. It had all been nothing more than Vanessa''s wishful thinking.


    Eleanor shut down theputer, determined not to let the past cloud her thoughts any longer. Her path was clear now: conquer the blood disorder affecting Gira find a definitive cure for her daughter''s potential future illness, and then cut all ties with the Goodwin family. As for the pain and hurt Vanessa had caused, it all seemed like a self-directed melodrama now.


    Forn, merelypensating Vanessa with money was never enough. She had


    greedily demanded his love, his very being.


    So he had yed his part, giving


    Vanessa the emotional stability she


    craved, whether it was through psychological reassurance or


    novon!.


    physicalfort. He yed along in public and indulged her


    behavior-not out of affection, but


    out of a cold ruthless pragmat


    designed solely to keep the woman who could save his family alive andpliant.


    For that, no one could me him. Not even Eleanor.


    It had been his choice.


    After a long while,


    Eleanor let out a


    soft sigh. All the old


    entanglements-the pain, the suspicion, the hurt-seemed to have lost their meaning. The past had carved an invisible chasm between her andn She had no desire to cross it and he had no need to They could fight side by side for their daughter''s future, but that was all it would ever be.


    Some say that hate is just another way of caring.


    If that was true, then Eleanor no longer had it in her to even haten anymore.

 Chapter 952

    From the very beginning of her research, Eleanor had been focused on one objective: to break free from their dependency on Vanessa as the sole donor.


    She would rather pour a hundred times more effort into her work than ever have to beg someone for help in the future.


    In addition to Serena Goodwin''s treatment, she initiated a separate research project. Using her own blood samples, she began searching for a unique antibody reaction that might exist among direct rtives.


    The idea hadn''te out of nowhere; it had taken root the moment she learned her daughter might inherit the disease. As a mother, she couldn''t ept a future where her daughter''s life depended on an outsider like Vanessa-a woman with impure motives who could use her life as a threat at any moment. Ian had chosen topromise and y her game. Eleanor couldn''t. Her choice was to shatter the foundation of their reliance on herpletely.


    Combining Dr. Smith''s experimental data with theories published by hematology experts worldwide, Eleanor was confident she could find the answer. She began byparing early samples from Serena and Gina.


    She formed a hypothesis: if the disease could be passed down through genes, then perhaps a more subtle, perfectly matched immune response or antibody- generating mechanism existed between direct blood rtives, one that had yet to be discovered.


    The theory was already solid in her mind. She knew she was on the right path; she just needed to find the key.


    And Serena''s trial was the perfect avenue for her research.


    "Dr. Sutton, Miss Goodwin''s new blood samples have been delivered to yourb,"


    a nurse said, knocking before entering.


    Eleanor snapped out of her thoughts and nodded. "Thank you."


    A momentter, she rose and entered theboratory, her hands moving with practiced ease as she operated the equipment to analyze Serena''s blood. She left no stone unturned, leveraging every piece of avable data.


    After another failed attempt, she leaned wearily against the instrument table, closing her eyes in thought. Suddenly, a bold idea struck her like a lightning bolt.


    "A targeted catalyst," Eleanor murmured. Shaking off her exhaustion, she dove back into her research, guided by her new theory.


    "El''s been in theb for two hours and hasn''te out yet," Smith replied.


    "Alright. When she does, please let her know I''ll take care of our daughter." "Of course," Smith said.


    He walked over to Eleanor''sb and peered through the ss window. Inside, she waspletely


    absorbed in her work. A


    admiration crossed his face,


    ve


    followed by a hint of concern She was pushing herself too hard. Could her body handle this kind of pressure? Intensive scientific research took a significant physical toll.


    Eleanor pulled out a refrigerated blood sample-she''d lost count of how many extractions she''d


    performed. She ced it in a


    precision incubator that simted a


    pharmaceutical environment,


    continuously adjusting the


    parameters, trying to cultivate and


    stimte a reaction.


    After a quick dinner, she was back at it again, possessed by a powerful feeling of inspiration. She had to chase it. She couldn''t stop now.


    Around midnight, Smith''s phone rang again. It wasn, his voice low and urgent. "Is she still in there?"


    Smith sighed. "I tried to talk her out of it, but El said she has to finish an experiment. She''s noting out."


    "Get her out of there,"n ordered, his voice tight with worry. "Whatever experiment it is, she''s not to work on it any longer."


    "Alright, I''ll try again, but I can''t promise I can convince her."


    "Put her on the phone. Let me talk to her,"n insisted.


    Smith pressed the inte button for Eleanor''sb. She stepped away from her work and opened the door.


    Just need a little more


    IMS


    time." .


    "El, you can''t keep going like this. The experiments will always be there, but you can''t destroy your health over them."

 Chapter 953

    Despite her fatigue, Eleanor''s eyes were exceptionally bright. "I know," she said with a small smile. "Thank you for the reminder."


    "Oh, right. Mr. Goodwin is on the line. He wants to speak with you," Smith said, quickly handing her his phone.


    Eleanor''s first thought was of her daughter. Was something wrong? She snatched the phone. "What''s wrong with Evelyn?"


    A deep, masculine voice answered, reassuring her. "Evelyn''s asleep. She''s fine. Eleanor, go get some rest. Get out of theb."


    Hearing that her daughter was safe, Eleanor''s relief was quickly reced by a cool detachment. "You don''t get to manage my life."


    "You don''t want what happened to your father to happen to you, Eleanor. Just listen to me,"n''s voice suddenly grew agitated.


    Eleanor froze.


    On the other end of the line, his tone softened. "The experiment can wait until tomorrow. Don''t work yourself into the ground."


    If she recalled correctly, he hadn''t been so considerate when she was developing the cure for leukemia. Back then, he had pushed her relentlessly. What was with the sudden act of kindness now?


    "Just worry about yourself,n," Eleanor said before hanging up. She turned to Smith. "Doctor, just a little more time. I promise I''ll get some rest."


    "El, what exactly are you working on?" Smith asked, puzzled. After all, the research direction for Serena was already set; they just needed to proceed with the trial to get the results.


    "Doctor, I believe there must be some kind of highly homologous connection between direct rtives."


    Smith looked at her, stunned. "So, you''re searching for that connection?" Eleanor nodded.


    He shook his head in disbelief. "I''ve looked. I spent ten years on that very research and found nothing."


    "Your data has been incredibly helpful. It allowed me to rule out so many factors," Eleanor said. Despite her paleplexion, her eyes were bright and clear "Docter, I''m just continuing down the path you started, hoping to find another miracle."


    "But you have to rest," Smith insisted. "Mr. Goodwin is going crazy at home. He''s


    called four or five times since this afternoon."


    Eleanor offered a faint smile. "Alright, I know."


    The heavyb door closed, and she returned to her station. As she prepared another blood culture, a set of data suddenly shed across the instrument''s


    screen.


    The peak amplitude was soaring, reaching an astonishing new high. Its stability far surpassed the


    antibodies provided by Vanessa


    Inside the incubator, troup of simted diseased cells was being eradicated at a rate that exceeded even the performance of the extracts from Vanessa''s blood.


    She had done it.


    Eleanor stared at the screen, scarcely believing her eyes. Her heart hammered against her ribs, and an overwhelming, indescribable wave of joy washed over her, making her eyes well up.


    She had seeded. She had found


    the other key. They no longer needed Vanessa. The blood of a direct rtive could generate a far more powerful healing force. This meant that not only could Gina and Serena bepletely free of their dependence on Vanessa, but more importantly, her daughter would have the most reliable source of life-saving blood in the future.


    Eleanor immediately printed out the data sheet and encrypted the file for this


    "golden antibody." It was a monumental breakthrough.


    As she stepped out of theb, she suddenly swayed forward. A nurse rushed to support her. "Dr. Sutton, are you alright?"


    "I¡ª" A sharp pain stabbed through Eleanor''s chest. Then everything went dark, and she sank into the nurse''s arms.


    "Dr. Sutton! Dr. Sutton!" the nurse cried out in panic. "Someone help! Dr. Sutton has copsed! Call an ambnce!"

 Chapter 954

    When Dr. Smith heard the news, the man in his fifties rushed over just as the nurses were calling for an ambnce. Seeing Eleanor''s deathly pale face, he panicked and immediately dialedn''s number.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Sutton copsed¡ª"


    On the other end,n''s mind went nk for a few seconds. When he came to, he gripped the phone tightly. "Get her to the hospital immediately. I''m on my way."


    Joslyn was startled awake by a sharp knock on her door. She threw on a robe and opened it to findn standing there, his chest heaving. "Please go downstairs and watch Evelyn," he said, his voice strained. "Let her rest at home tomorrow. I need you to take care of her."


    Joslyn had never seenn so disheveled and almost frantic. It startled her. "Of course, Mr. Goodwin. I''ll take good care of Evelyn."


    She followed him downstairs. By the time she entered his room, he had already grabbed his car keys and was practically bolting out the door.


    The roar of an engine tore through the night as a ck Maybach shot out of the Cloudcrest Manor''s underground garage, disappearing down the street like a panther.


    At the hospital, the red light above the emergency room door glowed ominously. Whenn arrived, he found Dr. Smith pacing anxiously.


    "How is she?"n demanded, his voice hoarse as he grabbed Smith''s shoulders. "They''re still running tests. She just copsed suddenly, cause unknown-maybe she was just too exhausted. She''s been working at high intensity for over eighty hours straight, ever since Miss Goodwin''s first trial began."


    His father-inw''s words echoed in his ears. He had solemnly promised to take care of Eleanor for him, and now he had let her copse in aboratory. Even if her father''s heart condition wasn''t hereditary, their shared gics were a risk he couldn''t¡ªwouldn''t dare to bet against.


    If she followed in her father''s footsteps because of this... if she never woke up...n''s body trembled slightly.


    After what felt like an eternity, the emergency room doors finally swung open.


    As a doctor emerged,n rushed forward. "Doctor, how is she?"


    The doctor removed his mask, his expression softening. "Mr. Goodwin, Dr. Sutton suffered a cardiac arrhythmia brought on by extreme fatigue Fortunately, you brought her, in promptly so there were r serious consequences. However, I do rmend aprehensive cardiac screening for any hereditary conditions."


    "Thank you, Doctor,"n managed, his voice raspy.


    A short whileter, Eleanor was moved to a private room. She was sleeping


    peacefully, an IV drip attached to the back of her hand, the heart monitor beeping steadily beside her.


    other hand, the one without the needle, its coldness sent a pang through his heart, and he tightened


    his grip, trying to transfer his


    warmth to her.


    Eleanor slept on, deeply and without stirring, as if her body was finally taking the


    rest it so desperately needed.


    Dr. Smith eventually returned to the


    He looked up slightly. Overnight, stark threads of gray had appeared among his dark hair.


    When a nurse entered to change Eleanor''s IV drip, her eyes fell on the man sitting as still as a statue. She froze for a second, stunned.

 Chapter 955

    Last night, the nurses'' station had been buzzing with talk about him. But today,


    she was witnessing the unbelievable reality: the man''s hair had turned partly gray overnight for the woman in the hospital bed.


    The gray strands stood out against his thick, dark hair. While it didn''t detract from his handsome features, it was a heart-wrenching sight.


    The nurse quietly finished her work and left. When she told her colleagues, they were all astonished. Working in a hospital, they had seen their share of human tragedy, but something as dramatic as hair turning white from stress overnight was rare.


    "Are you serious?"


    "Completely. He''s so handsome, I took a few extra looks at himst night. His hair was all ck then. But this morning, there are patches of gray. If he gets any more stressed, he might end up with a full head of white hair."


    "That Dr. Sutton is his ex-wife, right? You all saw the news. He gave her eightpanies as part of the divorce settlement. It was a huge story!"


    While the nurses whispered at their station, the hospital room remained silent.


    It was three in the afternoon.


    Eleanor''s eyshes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.


    The first thing she saw was the sterile white ceiling of the hospital room. A few seconds after her consciousness returned, a low, gentle voice asked, "You''re awake?" It wasn.


    Eleanor turned her head slightly, and her gaze met a pair of eyes shot through with blood-red veins. Her eyes then traveled past his face andnded on the silver threads that now streaked through his dark hair.


    She froze for a moment, her eyes fixed on his hair.


    "Does your heart feel strange? Should I call the doctor?"n asked, his voice hoarse as he studied her expression.


    Eleanor shook her head, but she


    couldn''t tear her gaze away from the gray in his hair. She opened her


    mouth to ask something, but no words came out.


    She remembered him from yesterday morning. His hair had beenpletely ck.


    What had happened to him? Had some tragedy struck? While she was unconscious, did something happen to his mother? Or was she... gone?


    The thought wasn''t unreasonable. Such a sudden change was almost always triggered by a profound shock.


    Fel


    "The doctor said it was extreme fatigue that caused an arrhythmia. You need to stop all your work immediately. The man''s tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.


    Eleanor pushed herself up into a sitting position. "How long was I asleep? Where''s Evelyn?"


    "I had Joslyn keep Evelyn home from school. She''s taking care of her. You''ve been asleep for ten hours."


    "Your mother..." Eleanor asked softly.


    "My mother''s condition is stable. Serena is also stable. Dr. Smith is monitoring everything, so you don''t have to worry,"n answered immediately.


    Eleanor''s eyes once again fell on the gray in his hair. If his mother and sister were fine, why had his hair turned gray overnight?


    A strange tightness gripped her chest. She didn''t know what it was, but she


    instinctively shied away from probing any deeper.


    Eleanor assessed her own condition


    and felt mostly recovered. "I''m fine now. You can go," she told him


    Then seeing his rmingly red eyes,


    she looked away. "Or maybe you should go home and get some rest."


    "You''re overthinking it," Eleanor replied coolly.

 Chapter 956

    The flicker of light inn''s eyes dimmed, swallowed once again by the bloodshot haze.


    "I''ll get you some water," he said, rising and walking over to the small kitchte to pour her a ss.


    Eleanor didn''t take it. Ian''s voice returned to its usual low tone. "The doctor said you need to stay hydrated."


    She reached out and took the ss, taking a few sips. "I''m really fine. You can leave now."


    "Cardiac screening?" Eleanor frowned.


    "Yes. The doctor rmended it,"n confirmed.


    Eleanor shook her head. "That''s not necessary. I know my own body."


    "If you knew your own body, you wouldn''t have copsed and ended up in the hospital,"n retorted softly.


    Eleanor was silenced.


    "If you don''t want to end up like your father, you''ll do the tests and give everyone some peace of mind,"n said, his voice low. Then, he added gently, "Evelyn needs her father, but she needs her mother, too."


    His words made Eleanor stiffen. She swallowed hard and finally relented.


    "Fine. I''ll do it. But let''s get it over with quickly. I have work to do at theb."


    The hospital promptly arranged a detailed cardiac screening for Eleanor. Ian stayed by her side the entire time, ignoring her protests that his presence wasn''t necessary. By the time the series of tests waspleted, it was seven in the evening.


    The results would take a few days, so Eleanor decided to go home and rest.


    "I missed you too, sweetie," Eleanor said, crouching down to her daughter''s level.


    Just then, Evelyn noticedn standing nearby. With a child''s keen observation, she tilted her head. "Daddy, can you kneel down?"


    Eleanor instantly realized her daughter had spotted his gray hair-a topic she still hadn''t brought up withn, who seemedpletely unaware of the change.


    "Daddy, did you dye your hair? Why is there gray in it?" Evelyn asked curiously.


    "Go look in a mirror," Eleanor said, averting her gaze.


    He took his daughter''s hand and led her to the downstairs bathroom. As they left, Joslyn hurried over. "Ma''am, is everything alright? Mr. Goodwin scared me tr?ff to deathst night."


    Eleanor frowned slightly. "What did he do?"


    "He was frantic, and his face was white as as


    He looked like his


    whole world was copsing," Joslyn described still shaken i''ve never seen him like that before."


    Eleanor''s heart sank. A thought surfaced, and she quickly pushed it away. "Oh. It''s


    fine now, don''t worry," she said, reassuring Joslyn.


    She had intended to go upstairs, but her feet carried her toward the bathroom instead.


    From inside, she heard her daughter''s surprised voice. "Daddy, your hair really did turn white! There''s lots and lots of it!"


    Then camen''s voice, attempting a lighthearted tone. "Well, is a daddy with gray hair still handsome?"


    "Of course! My daddy is the most handsome man in the world," Evelyn dered.


    As Eleanor stood there, lost in


    thought,n emerged with Evelyn. He saw Eleanor and paused, his expression quickly returning to. normal) but his eyes were fixed on her face, filled with aplex Searching look. He seemed to trying to read something in her expression.


    Eleanor instinctively avoided his gaze and looked down at her daughter. "Evelyn, Mommy''s going to go take a shower."

 Chapter 957

    "Okay, Mommy. Daddy will stay with me," Evelyn replied dutifully.


    Eleanor turned and walked away, needing some space to sort through her jumbled thoughts.


    "Daddy, why did your hair turn white all of a sudden?" Evelyn asked with innocent curiosity.


    "I guess Daddy has just been thinking a little too muchtely,"n answered in a rxed tone.


    "No matter what, Daddy, I''ll always love you," Evelyn dered loudly.


    He knelt and kissed her cheek. "You''re my precious girl."


    Just then, Joslyn came out of the kitchen with a bowl of soup. She caught sight ofn under the light and froze for a few seconds. She didn''t say anything, but a wave of sympathy washed over her before she returned to the kitchen.


    Evelyn went off to y, leavingn standing on the balcony. The night breeze rustled his hair as he looked out with a strange sense of calm. He epted the change in himself without resistance, almost with a sense of wee, as if the streaks of gray were a badge of honor, a testament to something significant.


    That evening, Joslyn prepared a simple, light dinner. As she was cleaning up in the kitchen, she nced over at the dining table and saw the three of them sitting together like a family. A pang of hope filled her. Could scenes like this be moremon in the future?


    At the table, Evelyn finished her meal, and Eleanor had some soup. Ian checked the time and said to her, "I''ll take Evelyn downstairs. You should get some rest."


    "No, it''s fine. I sleep better when she''s with me," Eleanor said, keeping their daughter with her.


    Eleanor didn''t answer, simply saying, "You should get some rest, too."


    And no love.


    There wasn''t even resentment or the cold distance she used to maintain. It was a profound cidity, an indifference so deep that nothing he did or said could stir her emotions.


    Hate, at least


    would have meant she


    still cared. This utter apathy was a silent deration: *I don''t hate you but I don''t care about you either. To her, be was just an consequential stranger she treated with polite courtesy, their only connection the shared responsibility for their daughter.


    The realization maden''s throat


    tighten. He turned and walked out,


    avoiding the cid gaze that


    followed him. As he closed the door, however, he did so with a soft, controlled click.


    On the sofa, Eleanor was on the phone with Dr. Smith, her work never far from her mind, nor was Serena''s ongoing trial.


    "Miss Goodwin is stable. El, the theory you proposed is very sound. We should explore it from multiple angles."


    "Doctor, I found the answer. The golden antibody produced by direct rtives stimtes a much stronger immune response than Vanessa''s."


    "What? You seeded?" Dr. Smith''s excited voice came through the line.


    Eleanor looked down and smiled, her voice filled with certainty. "Yes. I''ve found the other key."

 Chapter 958

    On the other end of the line, Dr. Smith''s voice trembled with excitement. "That''s incredible, El! This is andmark breakthrough. It means we''repletely free from our dependency on a single donor."


    "Exactly. And the effect is even better," Eleanor added, her voiceced with relief


    and joy.


    Dr. Smith was ecstatic. He had poured his life''s work into building thisb, and now Eleanor had borne the most magnificent fruit. The answer had been there all along, but he hadcked the genius to uncover it. Eleanor had finally found it.


    "I''ll organize the data immediately and report to Mr. Goodwin," he said, his voice eager.


    Eleanor thought ofn''s exhausted face and bloodshot eyes when he had left earlier. If Smith told him now, it would disrupt his rest and likely keep him up all night with excitement.


    "Doctor, let''s wait. You can tell him tomorrow," she suggested.


    Smith immediately understood. "You''re right, you''re right. He pulled an all-nighter with youst night; he must be exhausted. If I tell him now, he''ll be too excited to sleep. Let him get a good night''s rest. He''s earned it."


    After a brief chat, Eleanor hung up and savored the warmth of being home. She walked into the yroom to see her daughter on the floor, assembling a simple Lego set. The sight of her, so lovely under the soft light, warmed Eleanor''s heart. It felt like just yesterday that the little girl in her arms was learning to babble, and now she was so independent and thoughtful.


    In Vanessa''s vi, she had been on edge for the past two days. She couldn''t eat, she couldn''t sleep, and the physical fatigue from the blood donation left her with no patience for anything.


    She tossed her iPad aside in


    frustration. Not even the fawningments from her fans, hailing her as a goddess could lift her spirits She walked to the wine cab, uncorked a bottle of red wine, and downed a ss. Staring at the empty ss, she let out a scornfulugh.


    Soon, the weakness from the blood drawbined with the dizziness from the alcohol, and she slumped onto the sofa. She knew it wasn''t just physical difort; it was a deep-seated anxiety, a creeping fear that she was about to lose her most important bargaining chip.


    She stared up at the ceiling, her mind drifting back to the first time she metn.


    She was eighteen, living with her mother in a squalid, chaotic tenement in Drexford. Their apartment was a cramped, damp room with moldy walls, a ce filled with the constant noise of drunken arguments and crying children.


    Her mother, once a B-list actress in her home country, had lost all her former radiance.


    "No money, that''s all he ever says! If he had no money, why did he let me have a child?" her mother shrieked only daring to curse her father after she hung up the phone. She turned and saw Vanessa standing in the doorway, clutching an old music book. "And you, with that stupid music. Look at you! Born without a silver spoon but acting like a


    princess. Tomorrow, you''re going to find a job!"


    When her mother tried to snatch the music book, Vanessa clutched it fiercely to her chest. "I''m telling you, forget those ridiculous dreams!" her mother sobbed. "The smart thing to do is find a rich man and marry hing Don''t you dare end up like your good-for-nothing deadbeat father-"


    Vanessa ran out of the house. Not long after, she received a call. Someone


    wanted to see her.

 Chapter 959

    Vanessa had sold her blood a few times in secret, just to afford a pair of shoes her mother refused to buy her. She never imagined that it would lead to aboratory contacting her, offering an astronomical sum for regr donations.


    Of course, she refused. She wouldn''t risk her life.


    After rejecting Dr. Smith''s generous offer, she stormed out of the office and collided with someone.


    As she rubbed the sore spot and looked up, she froze. She could hear her own heart pounding wildly in her chest.


    A twenty-year-oldn politely helped her up, his voice a low, distant murmur. "My apologies."


    Then he turned and entered the office she had just left.


    Just as Vanessa was about to leave, she overheardn and Dr. Smith talking. She learned that the person who desperately needed her blood was this very man''s mother.


    In that instant, a wild, audacious idea took hold of her. She knew, with chilling certainty, that an opportunity to change her destiny was right in front of her.


    She had to have him. She had to hold on to him for dear life.


    She walked back into Dr. Smith''s office. Her face was flushed, but her voice was firm as she announced her willingness to donate.


    She had seized her chance. Over the next two weeks, she sawn frequently as he personally apanied her. A monthter, she confessed her feelings to him. She loved money, of course, butn was far more alluring. The more she was around him, the more she understood her own value: she was the only person in the world who could save his mother.


    She had sessfully tied herself to the Goodwin family, and in doing so, gained the power to negotiate with him.


    That year, she was admitted to Drexford''s prestigious The Arts Institute. And from that year on,n became her sole objective, the lifeline she had to grasp to change her fate Even if their rtionship was built on a transaction from the start, she threw herself into it without a second thought, stopping at nothing.


    If only... if only Eleanor had never appeared.


    She would have beenn''s wife long ago.


    Vanessa got another ss of red wine, her eyes burning with resentment and a


    frenzied hatred as the memories flooded back.


    She would never forget the moment she learned he had gotten married back in his home country. It was


    right after her third confession on et


    him, a time when she had already started acting like his girlfriend. In that instant, Vanessa felt alt her dreams and schemes crumble into a pathetic joke. She had given so much, even risked her health-why was it some woman named Eleanor who ended up withn?


    She couldn''t ept it.


    The day he arrived in Drexford, she called him and delivered a vicious threat. If he


    didn''te, she would jump off a bridge.


    He came.


    And she jumped anyway.


    She would never forget the cold, coerced look in his eyes, nor the fury simmering beneath the surface. But she knew he couldn''t take the risk. He couldn''t afford to call her bluff.


    In the end, he agreed. He would give her anything she wanted-except marriage. He would also spend half of every year in Drexford, and he was forbidden from bringing Eleanor with him.


    Even thoughn didn''t spend that time with her, it gave her opportunities to be near him, to be seen with him. She would use this to torment the woman who had stolen him, to prove her own special, indispensable ce in his life.

 Chapter 960

    From then on, she lived the luxurious life she had always dreamed of, basking in the vanity built byn''s money and relishing the brief periods each year when she could possess a part of him.


    Before long, she had not only joined his social circle and won over his friends, but also became his staplepanion at numerous events.


    She knew that with enough time, the rift between Eleanor andn would grow wider. Her chance woulde.


    The yearn''s daughter was born was one of the most agonizing for Vanessa, but it was also the year she received another piece of valuable information: Gina''s illness could be hereditary. Suddenly, her importance ton magnified.


    Her leverage had increased. She epted the facts she couldn''t change and adjusted her ns ordingly. Whenn brought his daughter abroad, she yed the part of a kind, benevolent woman. While he was away, she showered Gina with attention, building a strong rtionship with the Goodwins and winning their affection. When Gina was hospitalized, Vanessa was a constant presence, a devoted friend who asked for nothing in return.


    All the while, she subtly undermined Eleanor''s image, positioning herself asn''spassionate and understanding soulmate. She used every means at her disposal to silently broadcast her special existence to Eleanor, who was miles away.


    By weaving herself inton''s world, she created the illusion of being his lover abroad. Ian could warn her in private, but he couldn''t risk a public confrontation.


    She knew women were perceptive. That was why, from the very beginning, she had used only one perfume¡ªa custom-made scent, strong and longsting. Ian''s clothes had a distinctive cedarwood scent, so she had the base notes of her perfume blended with cedarwood and ambergris. A light touch was all it took for the scent to cling to him. Ian, busy and perhaps unconcerned, would never notice. But Eleanor, with her medical background, would be acutely sensitive to it. The scent would be like a poison dart, lodging itself in her heart. One or two instances might be a coincidence, but when the same fragrance consistently lingered on her husband and daughter, any woman would be suspicious. Any woman would start to imagine the story behind it.


    And she had seeded.


    Eleanor filed for divorce, and to Vanessa''s delight,n readily agreed.


    But after the divorce,n was busy-so busy he seemed to vanish. To this day, Vanessa still didn''t know what he was doing, but it didn''t matter. He was divorced.


    She had always known he didn''t loye Eleanor, Marrying her had been an act of obligation, a repayment of a debThe only people he truly loved were his daughter and his family.


    From the start, Vanessa knewn was a ruthless, pragmatic businessman who acted purely out of self-interest. And yet, she had been so infatuated with him that it took her until now to realize be would never love her. All she could ever get from him was his money. No matter how hard she tried, no matter how aplished she became, she would never truly capture his heart.


    She used to think the same was true for Eleanor.


    But now, seeing Eleanor''s rise in the scientificmunity, she knewn was


    developing a grudging admiration for her strength.


    Still, the damage was done. The woundsn had inflicted on Eleanor would never


    be forgotten or forgiven.


    So, in the end, after ten years, the


    one thing she had truly seeded in


    was making Eleanor haten as


    much as she did. Just as she could.


    never have him, an had now lost


    Eleanor for good.


    Heh.


    Snapping back to the present, Vanessa''s lips curved into a wry smile. Wasn''t that a satisfying thought?


    Besides, she was sure Eleanor knew that her daughter''s future still depended on her blood.

 Chapter 961

    So, even if they were to meet, Eleanor couldn''t do anything to her. In fact, she might even have to beg, just liken did.


    At this thought, Vanessa felt a sudden, eager anticipation to have a proper conversation with Eleanor.


    Just then, another wave of dizziness washed over her. Vanessa clutched her head, gasping for breath. A nce at the clock showed it was three in the morning. For the past few nights, she had been tormented by insomnia, unable to find any peace. She had even increased her dosage of sleeping pills. She walked to the master bedroom, opened the bottle, swallowed two pills, and finally climbed into bed.


    The next morning, Eleanor drove her daughter to school. After watching Evelyn disappear into the campus, she headed to theboratory.


    When she arrived,n wasn''t there yet.


    Dr. Smith approached her. "Mr. Goodwin went to visit his mother. He''ll be here shortly. El, get your materials ready. We''ll tell him the good news when he arrives."


    Eleanor nodded and went into theb to get started.


    Serena was chatting with a nurse, her spirits visibly lifted. The red blotches under her skin had started to fade, which was enough to make her happy. Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Vanessa.


    "Serena, it''s been a while. Are you still busy?"


    "Vanessa, long time no see. What have you been up to?" Serena replied.


    "Just busy with work. How have you been?"


    "I''m doing great," Serena typed back.


    "We should get together for dinner sometime. I miss you."


    Serena stared at Vanessa''s friendly message and blinked. An idea had been taking root in her mindtely-a long shot, perhaps, but one she was determined to pursue. She wanted to get Eleanor and her brother back together She had even started collecting evidence to support her cause.


    "Sorry, Vanessa, I''m really busy right now. Maybe some other time."


    "Okay, let me know when you''re free," Vanessa replied without pushing.


    Serena let out a breath of relief, but a question lingered in her mind: was her brother really in love with


    Vanessa? Based on the evidenc


    she had gathered the


    way he


    looked at Eleanor-she realized he had never looked at Vanessa like that.


    At the hospital, Gina''s condition had improved over the past two days. She was eating breakfast when she looked up and saw her son walk in. Her initial joy quickly turned to shock.


    n, your hair¡ªwhat happened to your hair?"


    "Let me see. Come here and let me see," Gina said, horrified. Her son was only twenty-nine. How could his hair already be showing signs of gray? And so noticeably, too. She had only seen him two days ago.


    in her eyes. She knew her condition had worried him for a decade. This had to be


    the result of immense stress, and she was ovee with guilt.


    "Mom, it''s really nothing,"n said, handing her a tissue. "I just haven''t been


    sleeping well. It''ll be fine after I get some rest."


    believe him. This


    But Gina didn''t be


    wasn''t just fromck of sleep; it was from anxiety and emotional


    exhaustion, from shouldering the burden of her and her daughters gic illness, from worrying about Evelyn''s future and the entire family.

 Chapter 962

    "It''s my fault for holding you back," Gina sobbed, her heart aching. "If it weren''t for this wretched illness, you wouldn''t have to work so hard."


    "Mom, don''t say that. Everything is going to be alright," Ian continued to reassure her.


    Gina was consumed by guilt and remorse, but she felt powerless. All she wanted was for her son to live a less burdened life.


    But...


    Eleanor had just stepped out of theb and was in her office reviewing some data when a nurse knocked on her door. "Dr. Sutton, you have a visitor."


    Eleanor looked up to see a woman with a handbag walk in. It was Vanessa.


    Eleanor wasn''t surprised. It was as if she had been expecting her.


    "Can I help you?" Eleanor asked, her gaze level.


    "Let''s talk," Vanessa said, crossing her arms with her usual air of elegant confidence.


    "About what?" Eleanor''s tone was cold.


    Vanessa sat down on the sofa and smiled. "You know what I want to talk about."


    "Isn''t whatn has given you enough? Are you still not satisfied?" Eleanor asked mockingly.


    The smile on Vanessa''s face faltered for a second. She tilted her chin up. "Everything fan has given me, he


    owed me. As for being satisfied et


    She let out a soft, ambiguousugh. "Which kind of satisfaction are you referring to?"


    Eleanor leaned back in her chair, her expression calm but perceptive. "If you''re nning to put on another show, I think you''ve found the wrong audience."


    Vanessa flinched at the direct taunt. When had Eleanor started treating her with such a high-and-mighty attitude?


    "Eleanor, you don''t need to act so virtuous with me," Vanessa''s voice turned icy. "Do you think you''ve won? That some minor research breakthrough makes you special? Don''t forget, your daughter still needs me."


    She stared intently at Eleanor, expecting to see panic, fear, or at least a willingness to negotiate.


    But Eleanor''s expression remained unchanged. Not even a flicker of emotion crossed her eyes. She just watched her, as if observing a buffoon.


    "Are you finished?" Eleanor asked coolly.


    Vanessa was stunned. Eleanor''s reaction was not what she had anticipated. "You ¡ªaren''t you scared? Don''t you know your former mother-inw''s disease is hereditary? Besides me, no one can save them."


    At that moment, Eleanor nced toward the door, which the nurse hadn''t closedpletely. A figure was standing just behind it.


    Eleanor let out a softugh. "So, as the world''s only donor, you''ve maniptedn for ten years. And after he met all your material demands, you still refused to Cooperate with thistest trial, demanding shares in Yeaton Holdings worth three billion before you would agree. Is that right?"


    Vanessa''s eyes widened. How did Eleanor know so much? Hadn told her everything?


    "You''re not Mrs. Goodwin anymore. Why do you care?" Vanessa scoffed.


    "As the sole donor, you deliberately stalled, refusing to cooperate with Dr. Smith''s experiments because you never wanted a permanent.


    solution. You nned to keep


    donating stem cells year after year


    to extort more fromn, didn''t you?" Eleanor''s voice was clear and


    stead


    steady her tone dripping with scorn You never cared of the Goodwind could be cured. You only cared about how much you could gain. Your entire act for them was just a ploy to force a divorce betweenn and me so you could take my ce as Mrs. Goodwin."

 Chapter 963

    Vanessa''s face twisted with rage.


    How dare Eleanor tear down her carefully constructed facade?


    The humiliation was unbearable, fueling her fury. "Eleanor, what absolute rubbish are you spewing?" she retorted, her voice dripping with venomous sweetness. "My concern for the Goodwins ispletely genuine¡ª"


    "Genuinely?" Eleanor cut her off, the mockery in her voice intensifying. "Ifn hadn''t given you those shares in Yeaton Holdings, would you have agreed to this trial? You demand an exorbitant price first and talk about sincerityter. Don''t you find thatughable?"


    The usation, sharp and undeniable, finally broke Vanessa''sposure. Already on edge, she shot to her feet, pointing a trembling finger at Eleanor. "What do you know? I was the one who fell in love with him first! Why did you have to steal him from me? And you have the nerve to lecture me? I gave ten years of my youth and my health! That payment is what I deserve!n owes me! The entire Goodwin family owes me! Without me, his mother would have died long ago. His sister and your daughter will depend on my blood to live. I''m just taking what''s mine. What''s wrong with that?"


    She was panting, her chest heaving. "You got eighty billion in your divorce, and what about me? I can save three lives in his family. What''s three billion ton? If you ask me, I asked for too little!"


    Just then, the door was thrown open. A pale-faced Serena stood in the doorway, her eyes wide with shock, disappointment, and fury. She stared at Vanessa, her voice trembling. "Is... is what you''re saying true? You''re the sole donor my brother was talking about? All this time, you were only with him for his money?"


    Vanessa''s face went white. She looked in horror from Serena to Eleanor, realizing with a jolt that Eleanor had known Serena was there all along. Had she deliberately provoked her into saying all those things?


    "Serena-you-listen to me, it''s not what it looks like! Eleanor was baiting me, I "Vanessa stammered, panicking.


    "I heard everything," Serena said through gritted teeth. "I heard it all very clearly thought you loved my brother, but it turns out he was just a poor soul for you to manipte and threaten."


    Vanessa opened her mouth, then shot a venomous re at Eleanor, who was watching the scene unfold with detached amusement. For Eleanor, some truths were far more devastating when they came directly from the source.  s?novel


    Vanessa''s carefully crafted image of a gentle, kind-hearted woman, maintained for a decade in front of the Goodwins, had justpletely crumbled.


    Taking a deep breath, Vanessa turned back to Serena. "Serena, I know you don''t believe me right now, but I want you to know, I''ve always thought of you as a sister. And I always will."


    "So that day at the pool, you pulled Ellie into the water on purpose, didn''t you? You knew my brother would save you," Serena shot back, her voice cold.


    Vanessa frowned and nced at Eleanor, then back at Serena. "Serena, there''s no point in discussing this."


    "There is a point! I want to know the truth. Did you deliberately pull Ellie into the water?" Serena demanded, her fists clenched.


    Vanessa, finding the conversation tedious, finally replied, "I know you''ll only believe Eleanor no matter what I say, so why bother?"


    "You know exactly how many wicked


    things you did behind the sceneszto brother and Ellie''s


    break up my saldu


    marriage. Serena sale the full


    realization dawning on her that she had been Vanessa''s aplice.

 Chapter 964

    Vanessa hated having her past dredged up. She clutched her handbag tighter. "Serena, I said it''s pointless. My friendship with you was real."


    With that, she tried to walk past her. Serena reached out to grab her wrist. "Don''t you dare leave! We''re not finished here."


    But Vanessa sidestepped her and hurried toward the elevator. Serena was left trembling with rage, her chest heaving. A momentter, she spun around and rushed toward Eleanor.


    Eleanor had just risen from her chair when Serena threw her arms around her in a tight, desperate hug. Eleanor froze, stunned.


    "I''m sorry, I''m so sorry, sister-inw," Serena sobbed, her guilt pouring out like a flood. "It was all my fault. I was so wrong. I¡ª" She clung to Eleanor, refusing to let go. "I was so stupid. I helped her bully you. I said so many terrible things about you. I''m so, so sorry."


    Eleanor stood stiffly. Serena wasn''t malicious by nature, just arrogant and easily swayed by Vanessa''s masterful performance. But her remorse now was undeniably genuine.


    "Let''s not talk about the past," Eleanor said, patting her back awkwardly. "I need to get back to theb."


    Serena stepped back, her eyes red and swollen. She knew a few apologies could never undo the harm she had caused, and Eleanor''s willingness to let it go only made her feel more ashamed.


    "My dear sister-inw, I know my actions caused real damage, and saying sorry isn''t enough. But I promise I''ll make it up to you. I''ll prove it with my actions." Serena''s voice was filled with conviction, as if she were making a solemn vow.


    Eleanor felt a headacheing on. She had been determined to cut all ties with the Goodwin family after this research was finished. "That won''t be necessary she said coolly, then walked out of the room.


    Serena stood there, stunned, before being consumed by another wave of self-loathing. She couldn''t believe Vanessa was the sole donor. Now that she saw Vanessa''s true nature, she realized just how much her brother had been extorted over the past ten years. Just moments ago, Vanessa''s greed had been written all over her face.


    Serena''s heart ached for her brother. She finally understood why he had always been so conflicted about Vanessa. He had been ckmailed by her life-saving "kindness."


    She sank onto a chair in the public waiting area, distraught. Just then, she heard the elevator doors open. She looked up and sawn stepping out.


    "Brother!" Serena cried, her eyes welling up as she ran to him. Then she saw the gray in his hair and gasped, covering her mouth. "Brother, your hair."


    "It''s nothing." Seeing his sister''s tear-streaked face,n frowned. "What happened?"


    Serena finally understood the immense pressure her brother had been under. He had worked himself to the bone for their family to the point where his hair had turned gray And she, in her ignorance, had helped Vanessa destroy his marriage.


    "Brother, I''m so sorry," Serena sobbed, burying her face inn''s chest. "I know everything now. I know what kind of person Vanessa is, how she threatened and manipted you. I''m so sorry."


    "She came to see Ellie," Serena exined, then quickly added, "But Ellie helped me expose her true colors. She''s gone now, with her tail between her legs."

 Chapter 965

    "Mr. Goodwin, you''re here," said Dr. Smith, then turned to a nurse. "Please ask Dr. Sutton to join us in Conference Room One." He then looked at Serena. "Miss Goodwin, you shoulde too."


    Serena quickly tookn''s arm. "Brother, does this mean Ellie found another way?"


    Dr. Smith nced back with a smile. "You''ll see in a moment, Miss Goodwin."


    Inside Conference Room One, Dr. Smith maintained an air of mystery until Eleanor walked in with herptop. Then, he announced excitedly, "Mr. Goodwin, you''re about to witness just how brilliant El truly is."


    Eleanor sat down and looked at the siblings. "Through my research," she began calmly, "ourb has sessfully extracted and cultivated a new type of antibody from the blood samples of direct rtives. I''ve tentatively named it the ''golden antibody.""


    She turned to herptop and brought up a data chart. "The performance of the golden antibody far exceeds the activity of the extract from Vanessa''s blood. Its stability and safety are also significantly higher."


    Eleanor continued, "This means that for all future treatments, we canpletely eliminate our reliance on Vanessa''s blood. All direct rtives can serve as primary donors."


    Thosest words struckn like a bolt of lightning.


    A decade of tension, of suppressed emotions, of shouldering an unbearable burden-in that single moment, it all shattered.


    An immense, unprecedented wave of euphoria crashed over him. He shot up from his chair, his hands" braced on the table, his chest rising and falling rapidly.


    A shuddering breath escaped him, and his eyes grew bright, glistening with unshed tears.


    He looked at Eleanor, his gaze a whirlwind of joy, shock, gratitude, and a deep, aching guilt.


    The shackles Vanessa had ced on him had just been broken by Eleanor''s own hands.


    "Brother! Did you hear that? This is amazing! You''re free! Evelyn will be okay!" Serena cried tears of joy, shakingn''s arm in excitement.


    his throat working as if a thousand words were stuck in his chest. In the end all he could manage was "Eleanor... thank you."


    But everyone in the room understood that those two words carried the weight of a decade.


    It was only then that Dr. Smith


    noticed the gray inn''s hair. He was


    stunned. Rememberingn''s frantic


    state in the emergency roomst


    night he wondered, Did his a turn gray overnight because of Eleanor


    "Serena, Doctor, could you give me a moment alone with Eleanor?"n asked.


    Dr. Smith stood up. Serena looked at her brother with a hopeful expression, silently urging him to do something.


    Once the door was closed, Eleanor stood up. "If it''s not about work, then-"


    Before she could finish, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her tightly into an embrace.

 Chapter 966

    As arge hand gently pressed against the back of her head, Eleanor''s body went rigid.


    Her eyes widened in shock for a moment, but she didn''t struggle or respond. She simply stood there, limp inn''s arms, as if it took her a few seconds to process what was happening.


    When she finally did, her voice was cold. "Are you done?"


    Those three words were like a physical de, twisting deep inton''s heart. The strength of his embrace faltered, and the overwhelming surge of joy and gratitude instantly froze. He could feel the unyielding stiffness of her body¡ªa rejection far more devastating than if she had pushed him away.


    "Sorry... I got carried away," he apologized, his voice low. His gratitude for what she had done was beyond words, and in that moment, he felt as lost and clumsy as a child, unsure how to express it.


    Eleanor smoothed down herb coat with a deliberate, detached motion, as if the embrace had been utterly insignificant something best forgotten.


    "If you have no other work-rted matters, Mr. Goodwin, I''ll be returning to myb," she said, picking up herptop and walking out the door.


    Serena, who had been waiting outside, was startled. She had expected them to talk for a while, but Eleanor was out in less than two minutes. "Ellie," she said, surprised.


    Eleanor gave her a brief nce and walked past without a word. Serena watched her go, not an ounce of


    too overjoyed. Eleanor''s


    resentment in her heart. She wan et


    breakthrough meant her brother was with


    no longer at Vanessa''s mercy. her own strength, she had pulled him out of a living hell.


    Serena turned to go back into the conference room to talk to her


    e


    brother. As she reached the doorway, she saw him standing there, one hand braced on the conference table the other presse to his forehead. His tall frame seemed to radiate a profound sense of loneliness and sorrow.


    Serena swallowed hard. After seeing Vanessa''s true colors, she was


    overwhelmed with guilt. She had not only been Vanessa''s aplice in hurting Eleanor, but she had also been a pawn in the destruction of her brother''s marriage, a weapon wielded by Vanessa.


    Now she understood why her brother had always warned her to stay away from Vanessa. She wasn''t just Vanessa''s pawn; she was now a roadblock to her brother''s chances of winning Eleanor back. She had done so much to hurt her.


    Looking back, Vanessa had been


    diabolically clever. Nearly every time they were together, she had perfectly timed Eleanor''s arrival so she could strike a blow, to wound her. At the time, Serena had been too foolish to see it, thinking each incident was a coincidence. Now she realized that for an ambitious woman who had been unscrupulously plotting to marry her brother from the start, every single move had been a calcted step toward her goal.


    Sensing someone behind him,n turned. Seeing his sister, his expression softened. "Go get some rest."


    "Brother, I''m so sorry. I was so stupid before, always fighting with you," Serena said, her voice choked with shame and regret as tears streamed down her face. "You told me to stay away from Vanessa, and I just pushed back even harder."n looked at his distraught sister, a mix of emotions churning inside him.


    He ced a hand on her shoulder and said, "It''s not all your fault. I didn''t handle things well."

 Chapter 967

    "Brother, are you... are you going to try to win Ellie back?" Serena asked, her tear-filled eyes pleading. In that moment, she was convinced Eleanor was the best sister-inw in the world.


    A bitter smile touchedn''s lips, but he didn''t answer.


    Serena grew anxious. "But you two have Evelyn!"


    Serena nodded, swallowing the rest of her words. He was right. Eleanor waspletely focused on her research, and it wouldn''t be fair to distract her now. "Okay, brother, I understand. I''ll cooperate fully."


    Back in her hospital room, Serena clenched her fists, still trembling with anger. She sat on her bed, her mind reying all the things she had done with Vanessa. In hindsight, every one of Vanessa''s actions had been aimed at Eleanor.


    She remembered their first family dinner in Drexford. Vanessa had shown up unexpectedly, introducing herself as a friend of her brother''s. Serena, unsuspecting, had weed her. Later, they ran into each other in the restroom, where Vanessa showered her withpliments and asked for her number. Soon after, she invited Serena to a concert at The Arts Institute.


    From then on Vanessa became a constant presence in her life, ying the role of a supportive older sister At the time, Serena was struggling under the weight of her brother''s academic expectations, feeling depressed and overwhelmed


    Whenever sheined about fier studies, Vanessa would take her shopping or to art galleries, concerts, and fashion


    events-always catering to her interests.


    Though she was a "Miss Goodwin," Serena felt empty and lonely, desperate for validation. Vanessa expertly filled that void, praising her intelligence and taste, putting her on a pedestal. At the time, Vanessa was a top student at The Arts Institute, a celebrated prodigy who even had her own solo recitals.


    Then one night, Vanessa pretended to be drunk and confessed that she had been secretly in love withn for two years. Serena was shocked; her brother was already married to


    Eleanor. Her knowledge of Eleanor was limited, mostly consisting of what Vanessa had told her that Eleanor had taken advantage ofn while he was unconscious, proposed as soon as he recovered, and essentially forced him into marriage, stealing him away from Vanessa.


    Serena, who already admired Vanessa''s talent, was easily swayed. The idea that Eleanor was so conniving nted a seed of prejudice in her mind. From that point on, she despised Eleanor, convinced she was a maniptive social climber who had dropped out of school to marry into wealth¡ªsomeone utterly unworthy of her brilliant brother.


    Unless it was absolutely necessary, Serena avoided Eleanor. Vanessa, meanwhite, became the tragic, long-suffering heroine in her eyes. On several asions, Serena saw Vanessa post photos of expensive gifts with captions that hinted they were fromn This reinforced Serena''s belief that her brother''s marriage to Eleanor was a reluctant obligation, while his heart truly belonged to Vanessa, his


    unobtainable love.


    Vanessa would also send her photos with Evelyn, often withn blurred in the background, subtly creating the illusion that they were the real family, and Eleanor, back in her home country, was the outsider.

 Chapter 968

    And so, over the years, Serena had be trapped in the web of lies Vanessa had woven, willingly bing a weapon in her hands. She would praise Vanessa to her mother and grandmother, extolling her kindness and talent.


    At the same time, Vanessa made her presence felt during Gina''s annual stem cell infusions. She would visit the hospital daily, chatting with Gina and winning her over with the same charm she had used on Serena.


    She recalled one evening after dinner when she mentioned Evelyn was at home. Vanessa immediately said she would love to see her niece. Serena, knowing Evelyn was fond of Vanessa, didn''t think twice and brought her to Goodwin Manor. Later, Vanessained of a headache, and Serena insisted she stay the night.


    That evening, just as Eleanor arrived to pick up her daughter, Vanessa, who was supposed to be resting, came downstairs in a revealing, silky nightgown, iming she was thirsty. The timing was perfect; she ran right into Eleanor. Serena, watching with Vanessa from the second-floornding, saw the pained, humiliated look on Eleanor''s face. Vanessa had even given her a triumphant little smile, as this was around the time Eleanor and her brother were finalizing their divorce. Serena had been eager for Vanessa to take her ce as her sister-inw.


    Though her brother hadn''te home that night, Vanessa had achieved her goal. Serena had sessfully helped her drive another nail into Eleanor''s heart.


    Thinking back on her past actions now, Serena felt a chill run down her spine. She wanted to go back in time and shake her foolish younger self.


    "Ah!" Serena cried out in anguish, burying her face in her hands as tears of regret streamed through her fingers.


    A passing nurse heard her and rushed in. "Miss Goodwin, are you alright?"


    Serena just shook her head, her body wracked with sobs. The nurse handed her some tissues and quietly left.


    Later, Eleanor wasing out of theb and heading to the restroom when she ran into the same nurse. Seeing Eleanor, the nurse, who had been unable to calm Serena down, approached her. "Dr. Sutton, do you have a moment? Miss Goodwin has been crying for a while now, and none of us can console her. Could you please try talking to her?"


    Eleanor paused, her hands under the faucet. "How long has she been crying?"


    "For over an hour. Mr. Goodwin stepped out, and we can''t get through to her. It''s not good for her to be so emotional right now."


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright, I''ll go see her."


    Serena was still her test subject, and emotional stability was important. She dried her hands and walked toward Serena''s room.


    When she entered, she found Serena curled up on the bed, her eyes red and swollen, her expression utterly dejected.


    Hearing footsteps, Serena looked


    up. Seeing Eleanor, she was


    ovee with shame and


    wiped at her tears, her voice


    cracking. "Ellie I''m-I''m so sorry. The tears she had just managed to stop began to flow again.


    Eleanor pulled a few tissues from the box and handed them to her, her tone even. "I told you I''m not holding onto the past, so you don''t need to me yourself. Just keep your emotions stable and cooperate with the treatment."


    Her words, meant to be calming, only made Serena break down again. "I know¡ª but whenever I think about the stupid things I did, I just... I just want to hit myself. I was so awful to you."


    Eleanor looked at Serena and sighed. She understood that after learning the truth about Vanessa Serena was a victim in her own right Being manipted and deceived for so many years couldn''t be easy.


    She gently patted Serena''s trembling shoulder. "It''s alright. Let the past go. It doesn''t matter anymore."


    "But-"


    "If you really want to repay me in some way, then cooperate with the treatment. Your recovery would be a good thing for Evelyn''s future, too."


    Serena quickly wiped her eyes. "Ellie, as soon as I''m discharged, I''m going to register as an organ donor. If Evelyn ever needs anything, I''ll be the first in line."

 Chapter 969

    Eleanor was taken aback by Serena''s fierce determination to atone. Looking into her eyes, she felt thest of her own resentment begin to fade.


    "Just focus on your treatment for now," Eleanor said softly. "We can talk about the futureter."


    Though it was a simple, understated gesture of care, for Serena, it felt like absolution. It soothed her guilt-ridden heart. She nodded vigorously. "I will, Ellie. I promise I''ll cooperate fully and get better as soon as possible."


    "Good." Eleanor nodded and turned to leave.


    Serena let out a long breath andy back down. Just then, her phone rang. She nced at the screen and saw a name that now filled her with disgust.


    -Vanessa.


    Serena closed the door, took a deep breath, and answered the call.


    "Hello? Serena, are you there?" Vanessa''s voice was as gentle as ever.


    Serena wanted to scream every curse word she knew at her, but she held back. Vanessa''s skin was too thick; insults wouldn''t even scratch the surface.


    "What do you want? Spit it out," Serena snapped.


    "Serena, I''m sorry. I deceived you, and I kept things from you. Yes, I''m the one who has been donating blood to your mother all these years. For ten years, I never cked off, not for a moment, because I was so afraid something would happen to her."


    Hearing Vanessa''s


    self-congrattory apology made Serena feel sick to her stomach. She fought back the urge to curse her out and said caldly, what? The gave you


    money my brothasht


    enough? You want my whole family to thank you, too? To be eternally grateful?"


    There was a pause on the other end, then Vanessa''s voice returned,ced with a feigned hurt. "Serena, how can you think that of me? I know Eleanor said some things to turn you against me today, but for the past ten years, I''ve truly thought of you as my own sister-"


    "Your own sister? Wasn''t ying me for a fool for eight years enough? Your kindness was just a convenient way to get closer to my brother, to drive a wedge between him and Eleanor. You used me so you could extort everything you wanted from him."


    "Serena, you Vanessa sighed dramatically Serena, please believe me. I just gave blood a few days ago. I nearly drained myself to save your mother took your brothers money, yes, but also willingly risked my health to save her. And I''ll continue to do so."


    Serena suddenly thought of Eleanor''s new research. Vanessa didn''t know about it yet. She still thought she was the one and only donor in the world. Well, let''s see what she tries to leverage with that.


    "Fine. Let''s say I misjudged you. I can understand why you did it. Money is no object to the Goodwin family, and your blood is precious. It''s worth the price," Serena said, changing her tone.


    On the other end, Vanessa breathed a sigh of relief. The Serena she knew was back.


    "Serena, I''m so d you understand. I was so worried you''d misunderstood me."


    "Eleanor has been using this experiment to cling to my brother. You know I can''t stand her. In my heart, you''re still the only sister-inw I''ll ever ept," Serena said with a huff.


    "Is that so? Has her research produced any results yet?" Vanessa probed.


    "I thought she was some kind of genius, but it turns out she''s nothing special. She hasn''t found anything. Vanessa, my mom''s life is still in your hands."


    "Don''t worry. Like I said, as long as I''m here, I won''t let anything happen to your mother."

 Chapter 970

    "Vanessa, that''s all I needed to hear. My mother is counting on you," Serena said, her voice filled with gratitude.


    "Serena, it makes me so happy that you understand. I was afraid you had started to believe Eleanor."


    "Why would I believe her? Even if she tries to drive us apart, I won''t let her seed," Serena scoffed. Then she added, "But I need to see you. There are things I want you to tell me."


    "Serena, you must be busy taking care of your mother¡ª"


    "My brother is taking care of her. I''m bored to tears here. The coffee shop across from theb. I''ll wait for you." Serena was insistent.


    "Serena, it might not be convenient for me right now¡ª"


    "But I want to see you," Serena cut her off, dangling a piece of bait. "Vanessa, don''t you want to know what''s going on between my brother and Eleanor?"


    "Alright. I''lle find you," Vanessa agreed instantly.


    A cold gleam of hatred settled in Serena''s eyes as she hung up. She would make sure Vanessa paid for all of it-every year of deception, every twisted maniption.


    She was sure there was one person in theb who knew Vanessa best: Dr. Smith. He was the one who had dealt with her from the very beginning. Serena decided to pay him a visit.


    Smith happened to have some free time, and he sat down with Serena in his office to talk about Vanessa.


    "She''s from the slums in Drexford?" Serena was shocked. She had always assumed Vanessa was from a wealthy immigrant family.


    "As far as I know, she was born out of wedlock. Her mother gave birth to her in Drexford, and they lived in extreme poverty."


    Serena let out a coldugh. It all made sense now-why Vanessa had been so grasping after bing a donor. She was desperate to change her fate, to use her brother as stepping stone into high society. And for the past decade, she had seeded, transforming herself into a world-ss pianist.


    At Serena''s urging, Smith repeated what he had told Eleanor: how they found Vanessa, how she had initially refused to donate, and how she had changed her mind just two minutester, after running inton.


    Now that she knew Vanessa''s true nature, Serena wasn''t surprised. It wasn''t the money that had changed Vanessa''s mind; it was her brother. She wanted the money, yes, but her real goal was much bigger: she wanted to marry him.


    and


    "You know the rest," Smith said. "She made many demands of your brother-financial support for her education a luxurious lifestyle, So onsmith had never liked Vanessa. Her ambition and greed were so tant that even an outsider like him found it excessive.


    "Have you ever noticed the scars on Miss Shannon''s wrist? Those were all tools she used to pressure your brother. Hemember one time he couldn''t find her. It turned out she was at home, having cut her wrists. He rushed her to the emergency room and saved her. After that, he gave in to almost all of her demands. It wasn''t out of affection, but... fear." Smith shook his head. "Vanessa knew exactly how valuable she was, and she knew how to


    exploit it to get what she wanted."


    Serena bit her lip so hard she could taste blood, her nails digging into her palms.


    Vanessa was truly ruthless. She had held her mother''s life over her brother''s head, using her own body to ckmail him for a decade. How much helplessness and pain had he endured? She knew he wouldn''t dare gamble with their mother''s life.


    A person who had wed her way out of poverty would never let an opportunity like that slip away. She would stop at nothing to achieve her goals.


    Serena thought about the romantic, fairytale version of her first meeting withn that Vanessa had once told her. It made her stomach turn. To think she had once looked up to that woman as a trusted confidante, even hurting Eleanor for her sake.


    "Miss Goodwin, let the past be the past. Now that El has found a new solution, you can all be free of her."


    Serena nodded. Her brother could be free, yes. But did that mean Vanessa should face no consequences for what she had done?


    No. Serena couldn''t let it go. She needed to get justice for herself.


    And now, she would use Vanessa''s misced trust in her to dig up something she could use.

 Chapter 971

    Around three in the afternoon, Serena dressed up and headed out. She was waiting in a coffee shop when, a short whileter, Vanessa arrived, elegant as always.


    Watching her, Serena was struck by how ringly artificial she seemed. Vanessa meticulously cultivated her public persona as a sessful concert pianist, a self- made woman who had achieved everything through her own hard work, without relying on anyone''s help.


    But the truth was a different story. Every drop of her blood had been sold to Serena''s brother for an exorbitant price. From the very beginning, she had set her sights on bing Mrs. Goodwin, viewing the entire Goodwin family as nothing more than a tool to unscrupulously achieve her goals.


    Vanessa glided to the table and sat down, her face fixed with her usual gentle smile. "Serena, have you been waiting long? The traffic was a bit heavy."


    She waved over a waiter like she owned the ce, clearly used to being treated as a VIP.


    Serena quietly watched her performance.


    When Vanessa looked up and saw Serena staring at her, a knot of anxiety tightened in her chest. "Serena, I have to apologize. I kept this from you for so long, but it wasn''t my intention. Your brother asked me not to say anything."


    "I know. My brother''s the type to carry every burden himself," Serena said with a dismissive purse of her lips. "Does he think it makes him look cool? It''s infuriating. He only just now told me about our mother''s illness."


    "Your brother has his reasons. Please don''t me him," Vanessa said, ying the part of the caring older sister, making it seem as if she was always looking out forn and Serena''s best interests.


    Serena used to fall for this act, believing Vanessa was the gentle, kind, idealized love of her brother''s life, someone who always put him first.


    "Vanessa, let me ask you something practical, and I want you to be honest with me." Serena folded her hands on the table, leaning forward slightly. "After you and my brother met, exactly how much money has he given you?"


    Vanessa''s hand paused, the spoon clinking against her cup. Her smile turned a little stiff. n... did provide me with some necessary support and assistance." Her eyes darted nervously as she spoke. "It was mainly to help me focus on my studies without any worries. You know how difficult the path of an artist can be. He didn''t give me cash; it was all through a foundation¡ªand as you know, I''ve never been short on money."


    Serena scoffed internally, having expected such a sanitized answer. Outwardly, however, she smiled. "He''s so generous to you, Vanessa. What about all that jewelry you show off? Did my brother give you all of that, too?"


    A subtle change crossed Vanessa''s face. Serena had never cared about such things before.


    "Vanessa, I won''t hold it against you if you tell me the truth. But you know I hate being lied to," Serena said, leveraging her well-known straightforward personality.


    Vanessa looked at Serena, aware that she was someone who didn''t y games: Besides, the only thing she could gain from Serena now was information about theb She needed to know how far Dr Suttons research had progressed, to see if she still held any value.


    Apart from drawing her blood, all experimental results from theb were kept strictly confidential. She hadn''t even known she was the sole donor until she privately met with one of Dr. Sutton''s male assistants, who told her the doctor had. searched globally for six months before finally finding her. She was


    the only match.


    After that, she had testedn''s reactions multiple times. His anxiety and fear only confirmed her importance. She made a point of testing him every year, and the results always emboldened her to demand more. Eventually, she was certain she was the only one.n''s wealth and connections, he would have scoured every gene bank on the by now.


    Vanessa took a sip of her coffee, deciding to offer a few morsels of truth to win back Serena''s trust. She knew how easily Serena could be manipted.


    "Alright, Serena, I won''t hide it from you," Vanessa said with an air of confession. "The only piece of jewelry I ever asked your brother for was the set I wore at myst recital. The rest of the pieces I''ve posted online weren''t from him. They''re my own."


    "Then how do you exin the captions you wrote?"


    "Serena, you know I''m a public figure, right? I just wanted the world to know I was doing well. That''s all."


    "So, the jewelry wasn''t from my brother. You just posted it to make it look like it was," Serena pressed, her tone direct.


    Seeing Serena''s persistence, Vanessa nodded. "Yes. I admit, I can be a bit vain."


    "And what about your luxury car and the vi? Did my brother give you those too?" Serena''s eyes were sharp, cutting through the pretense.

 Chapter 972

    "Well-"Serena''s eyes narrowed. "Vanessa, if you don''t tell me, I can just ask my brother. I''d rather hear it from you, though. In my heart, I still think of you as my future sister-inw."


    Vanessa''s expression flickered, and her hand tightened around the coffee spoon. She hadn''t expected Serena to be so blunt. A sh of difort crossed her face, but she took a deep breath, struggling to maintain herposure. "Serena, since you''re asking, I won''t be embarrassed to tell you the truth."


    "That car¡ªit was actually a used car that a friend of Henry Holt''s was selling. I liked it, and Henry negotiated a good price for me, so I took it. As for the vi..." She paused, as if the words were difficult to say. Finally, she confessed, "When I first moved back, I didn''t have a ce to stay. But I wanted to be close to your brother, so I started renting a vi in the area."


    Vanessa added with a wry smile, "Serena, not everyone is born with a silver spoon like you. I just wanted to maintain a certain image, so I had to settle for a used car and a rental. Besides, our world is a very materialistic ce."


    Serena''s mind reeled with cold fury. Everything Vanessa did wasn''t just about maintaining her public image-it was a calcted attack on Eleanor. She had unted that car knowing that, in Eleanor''s state of mind, she would assumen had bought it for her. She had deliberately rented a vi near Eleanor''s home to make her thinkn had purchased it for their secret rendezvous.


    Every action was steeped in malicious intent, yet here she was, spewing high- sounding excuses and trying to win Serena''s sympathy and understanding.


    It was pathetic.


    If Serena were to check, she''d find the smug posts of the car, the house, and the jewelry, all with captions designed to hint that they were romantic gifts fromn. Now that she was being confronted, suddenly they were second-hand and rented?


    Of course, Serena believed that part was true.


    "Oh, so that''s how it was! I really thought my brother gave you all those things!"


    A flicker of panic and embarrassment crossed Vanessa''s face. She offered a weak exnation, "Serena, that was all just wild spection from the media and my fans. I just posted a few things casually. Maybe my captions gave you the wrong impression."


    Watching her deny everything, desperately clinging to her persona, Serena saw an even uglier side of Vanessa.


    "So," Serena said, finally getting to the heart of the matter, "was forcing my brother to divorce Eleanor also one of your conditions?"


    Vanessa''s face instantly turned grim. She gripped her coffee cup, her eyes fixed on Serena. Whose side was she really on?


    Serena quickly tried to sound reassuring. "Vanessa, you have to be honest with me so I can help you, right?"


    The true reason forn and Eleanor''s divorce had always been a thorn in Vanessa''s side, an answer she herself didn''t know. She had schemed and pushed for so long, butn had never given in. Then, suddenly, they were divorced, and it seemed to have nothing to do with her.


    "Serena," Vanessa said, her


    expression serious, "do you really think I have that much power over your brother? Could actually force him to divorce Eleanor? I admit I made mistakes, and I caused Eleanor a lot of misunderstandings. But I''m telling you, their divorce had nothing to do with me."


    "Really?" Serena''s expression was openly skeptical.


    "You can ask your brother if you don''t believe me. From what I know, Eleanor was


    the one who asked for the divorce. She gave up on him," Vanessa said with


    conviction, unafraid of Serena confrontingn.


    As Serena processed this, Vanessa


    added with a coldugh, "There were


    always problems between them.


    They were from different worlds. Your brother is a sessful businessman, and Eleanor was just a love-struck college student. They had nothing inmon, not to mention she was insecure and suspicious. Even without me, their marriage wouldn''t havested. I was just the catalyst that made it all


    implode sooner."


    Vanessa finished with a self-deprecating smile, as if her own efforts had been pointless.


    "So, you''re admitting you destroyed their marriage?" Serena asked directly.


    Having confessed so much already, Vanessa didn''t mind admitting to this. Serena''s question seemed to strike a nerve, giving her an outlet for her pent-up frustration. She took a deep breath. "Yes, I admit it. O Because was the one who fell in love with your brother first. Eleanor was the one who stole him from me. I''m the pitiful one who was left with unrequited love."

 Chapter 973

    Vanessa took another deep, shaky breath, her voiceced with bitterness and resentment. "I fell in love with your brother the moment I saw him. I knew I wasn''t good enough for him, so I worked my ass off to be someone worthy of standing by his side. But Eleanor? All she did was look after him for a year while he was in aa, and she got to marry him. On what grounds? Just because of that debt of gratitude?"


    Vanessa seemed to realize she was losing herposure, but she couldn''t stop the flood of grievances she needed Serena to hear.


    "She used that obligation to force your brother to marry her, effortlessly getting everything I had ever dreamed of. Is that fair? Serena, if you were in my shoes, what would you do? You loved Xavier Vaughn; you know the pain of having Eleanor take someone from you. You of all people should understand."


    Serena watched her impassioned rant with cold eyes, puffing out her cheeks. "Even so, that doesn''t give you the right to destroy their marriage."


    "I wasn''t destroying it. I was fighting for what was rightfully mine," Vanessa shot back, her eyes growing sharp and wild.


    "And what was rightfully yours? My brother?" Serena let out a sudden, mockingugh.


    Vanessa froze, a shiver running through her as she stared at Serena.


    Serena''s lips curled into a cold sneer. "With the money and all the support my brother gave you, you could have livedfortably for the rest of your life. And you still wanted more?"


    The realization hit Vanessa like a physical blow. She stared at the intense, icy contempt on Serena''s face, and her stomach dropped.


    Had she been set up? Panic and rage surged through her. "Serena, what did you really bring me here for?"


    "Nothing much. I just wanted to see for myself how shameless and despicable you really are," Serena spat, the anger she''d been suppressing finally erupting.


    Vanessa''s expression turned to ice. "How dare you, Serena? The money and resources your brother gave me were payment for my services-payment I earned with my health. Without me, your mother would have been dead ten years ago."


    "So you were just supposed to take the money and resources? No, you got greedy. You wanted the title of Mrs. Goodwin. You venomously broke up my brother and Eleanor''s marriage. You used your status as the world''s sole donor to threaten and ckmail my brother, all while pretending to love him and deceiving me." Serena stood up, ring down at her. "Vanessa, from start to finish, your rtionship with my brother has been nothing but calction and possessiveness. You don''t love him. You love the glory, status, and wealth that being Mrs. Goodwin would bring you. You''re a vile, despicable person, and you don''t deserve to love my brother."


    "Serena, you¡ª" Vanessa''s face went pale, then twisted into a cold sneer. "Who are you to act so high and mighty? You think your hands are clean when ites to hurting Eleanor? You were my aplice, weren''t you?"


    The words were like a knife, twisting into the nerve of Serena''s deepest regret.


    Serena''s chest heaved, but she regained herposure in a matter of seconds. She nodded, admitting her fault. "You''re right. I was a fool. I


    let you use me as a pawn for years. I was an aplice. Why," that''s today, I finally see how hateful a I


    snake like you truly is. You''ve made me realize my mistake, and now I know how I''m going to make it up to Eleanor."


    Vanessaughed coldly. "You think Eleanor will ever forgive you?"


    "She doesn''t have to," Serena shot back, her own smile frigid. "I can''t even forgive myself for the pain I caused her. But I know that for the rest of my life will do everything I can to be good to her and atone f my mistakes."


    Vanessa stared at Serena in shock. She never imagined Serena could say something like that. Was this the same arrogant, prideful Miss Goodwin who had despised Eleanor?


    Done with her, Serena turned and walked toward the door. She crossed the street and entered the lobby of theboratory building.


    She took out her phone and yed the recording she had just made. Finally, she had proof, in Vanessa''s own words, that she had deliberately destroyed her brother''s marriage. She had admitted that the jewelry


    the vi, and the sports car were all a ploy to mislead Eleanor?


    Serena knew her brother. He might never confess all of this to Eleanor-or


    perhaps he''d be too ashamed to.


    In that case, his little sister would have to do it for him.


    As Vanessa left the coffee shop, she felt a burning mix of humiliation, rage, and a


    creeping, indefinable panic.


    Serena must have recorded her.


    This time, she had been yed.

 Chapter 974

    Serena waited patiently outside theb.


    Nurses passing by exchanged curious nces, their eyebrows raised at the sight of a test subject stationed outside Dr. Sutton''sb instead of being in her room.


    Just then, the heavy door to Eleanor''sb swung open with a rush of cold air. As an elegant figure stepped out, Serena quickly stood up. "Ellie."


    Eleanor looked at her, a slight frown on her face. "Do you need something?"


    "Ellie, are you going back to your office?"


    "Yes."


    "I need to talk to you about something," Serena said quickly.


    Eleanor gave her a brief nce and, without another word, started walking toward her office.


    Serena hurried to keep up. She waited until Eleanor had washed her hands and settled at her desk before approaching and cing her phone on the table.


    "Ellie, I know you probably won''t believe anything I say right now. And I know the pain my brother and I caused you can''t be fixed with a few words of apology." Serena''s voice was heavy with sincerity. "But I hope you''ll give me a few minutes to listen to a recording. Please?"


    Eleanor looked up at her. She didn''t seem particrly interested, but she didn''t refuse either.


    Serena pressed y.


    Vanessa''s familiar, grating voice filled the quiet office.


    As Eleanor listened, Serena watched her face, searching for any reaction. The recordingid bare Vanessa''s vanity, her calcting nature, and her venomous heart, all coaxed out and admitted to under Serena''s guidance. Yet Eleanor''s expression remained unreadable. Her eyes were slightly downcast, hiding whatever emotionsy within.


    Serena wrung her hands, her nerves on edge. "Ellie," she asked


    tentatively, I know this doesn''t


    change anything, but at least... amet


    Jeast shows that my brother


    maybe he had his reasons, things he couldn''t control."


    Eleanor looked up, her gaze distant for a moment before returning to its usual calm rity.


    "Stay away from Vanessa from now on. You''re very important to me right now, and I don''t want you getting hurt by her schemes. Do you understand?" Eleanor said, her tone professional,pletely ignoring the contents of the recording. C¨®ntent


    Serena was stunned for a second, then a wave of joy washed over her. *I''m important to Eleanor?* Oh, right. She was still a test subject.


    But no matter the reason, she loved hearing those words. She nodded eagerly. "I know. I''ll be careful." Then, unable to let it go, she asked, "Ellie, what did you think after hearing that?"


    "I''ve known what kind of person Vanessa is for a long time," Eleanor replied tly. "But my brother-"


    Eleanor''s eyes swept over her. "The issues between your brother and me are resolved. Don''t ask about it again."


    "Ellie, I know my brother," Serena


    UT


    said, growing desperate. "He''s brilliant at reading people. He must have seen through a toxic, maniptive woman like Vanessa from the start. He would never fall in love with someone like her. I''m sure he never even touched her-"


    "Miss Goodwin," Eleanor interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Let the past be the past. Right now, I only want to focus on my research. I don''t care about anything else."


    She stood up, a clear signal that the conversation was over.


    The words died in Serena''s throat. A sense of panic set in. She finally understood. Eleanor didn''t hate her brother, nor did she resent him. She had simply... let him


    go.


    And that kind of release was more heart-wrenching than hatred.


    "Okay..." Serena picked up her phone, crestfallen. "You''re busy, Ellie. I won''t disturb you."

 Chapter 975

    As Serena reached the door, she couldn''t help but add onest thing. "My brother, my entire family, and I... we all want to thank you."


    Eleanor didn''t respond. She simply sat back down at herputer, her attention already fixed on the new data disyed on the screen.


    Serena closed the door gently behind her, a storm of emotions churning inside. If she felt this terrible, how much pain would her brother be in when he found out Eleanor hadpletely moved on?


    All she could do was what she had done. Beyond that, there was nothing more she could do to help.


    ***


    Night fell.


    In a dimly lit bar, Vanessa sat in a corner booth. She arranged a dozen different drinks on the table, snapped a photo, and sent it ton.


    n, if you still care about me,e get me. Otherwise, I''ll drink everyst one of these.*


    After sending the message, Vanessa stared at her phone, expecting an immediate response. In the past,n''s call would alwayse through instantly-whether he was scolding her, ordering her to stop, oring to find her himself. That feeling of being controlled, of being cared about, was a thrill she savored. She was sure this time would be no different.


    But the seconds ticked into minutes, and the screen remained ck. No calls, no messages. Nothing.


    Vanessa swallowed hard, forcing herself to be patient. She sent another text. n, you don''t think I''d dare?*


    The tone was a clear threat.


    Five minutes passed. Then ten. A crushing wave of disappointment and the humiliation of being ignored. wrapped around her heart like a


    being.ig


    thorny vine, squeezing tighter and tighter.


    She jabbed at the screen with a trembling finger and sent onest message.


    *Fine. If you won''te, then I''ll drink them for you.*


    Vanessa grabbed a bottle of hard liquor from the table and tilted it back, pouring the contents into her mouth, Laverne, who was sitting beside her, gasped in rm. She could tell Vanessa was in a foul mood, but she hadn''t been able to stop her froming to the bar. All she could do was stay close, terrified Vanessa might do something reckless. After all,


    was still an internationally renowned pianist with seven or eight


    endorsement deals to her name.


    "Vanessa, stop! You know you''re not supposed to drink! Mr. Goodwin has warned


    you about it," Laverne pleaded, reaching for the bottle.


    Vanessa shoved her hand away with a coldugh. "Doesn Goodwin control


    me? Who is he to me? He''s just a cold, heartless businessman."


    She took anotherrge gulp, the burn in her throat a dull achepared to the agony in her heart. She knew her greatest fear of thest decade had finallye true.


    "Vanessa, please don''t do this," Laverne begged, her voice strained with worry. "Whatever it is, we can talk it out. Why hurt yourself like this?"


    Vanessa ignored her. After two more swallows, an intense bitterness filled her eyes. The more she thought, the more furious she became. Staring at the still dark phone screen herst Shred of sanity seemed to crumble.


    She took a ragged breath, snatched her phone, and dialedn''s number.


    The phone rang for a long time. Just as Vanessa was about to give up, the call connected.


    n!n, did you see? I''m drinking-you-"


    A man''s voice, so calm it was almost cruel, cut her off. "You''ve breached our agreement."

 Chapter 976

    Hearing that familiar deep voice, Vanessa suddenlyughed, a flirtatious sound. "And? What are you going to do about it?"


    Herughter turned mocking. "You don''t need me anymore, remember? Why do you care what I do?"


    "Our transaction is not yetplete," Ian stated, his tone t but carrying an undeniable weight of authority. "Do not test my limits."


    Vanessaughed again, a triumphant sound this time. "Limits? So you do still need me, don''t you? You still have to control me."


    Feeling as though she had regained the upper hand, and emboldened by the alcohol, she listened to his cold but still intoxicatingly sexy voice and bit her lip. "Beg me,n. Beg me to stay alive, and I''ll continue to keep your mother alive. Otherwise... do you really think I won''t die just to spite you? I wouldn''t mind adding another scar to my wrist-you-"


    The line went dead.


    Vanessa stared at the disconnected call in disbelief. With a cry of rage, she hurled the phone onto the adjacent sofa cushion, buried her head in her hands, and began to sob.


    Laverne silently picked up the phone. She finally understood whyn needed Vanessa. She was donating blood to save Mrs. Goodwin,n''s mother.


    So that was the source of Vanessa''s unique leverage over him.


    She gently rubbed Vanessa''s back. "Vanessa, you need to pull yourself together. Even without the title of Mrs. Goodwin, you''ve already achieved more than most people could ever dream of."


    Vanessa snatched a tissue and wiped her tear-streaked face, her red-rimmed eyes ring at Laverne. "What do you know? I''ve invested ten years of my life in him. Do you really think I''d be satisfied with just this?"


    Laverne froze, Sometimes,


    het


    Vanessa''s ambition and desire were staggering even to her. She had amassed a fortune that most people couldnt earn in several lifetimes, but it was clear she wasn''t satisfied. Her status as a world-renowned pianist, her multi-million-dor endorsement deals she would throw them all away in an instant. The only thing she''d ever truly wanted was to ben''s wife.


    Laverne had thought that aftern''s divorce, Vanessa would immediately take her ce. Vanessa had always hinted as much, suggesting thatr loved her, doted on her and would give her anything she wanted Tonight, Laverne finally realized it was all a self-deceiving fantasy.


    Having been by Vanessa''s side for years, Laverne knew the truth behind the public image. Vanessa''s early tabloid scandals were all


    orchestrated by Laverne herself. She would send photographers to tail them, and whenever Vanessa andn appeared together, Vanessa would strike a certain pose on expression. Three different photographers would capture the moment, and Laverne would select the best shots for the press. At first, she worried the Goodwin family would intervene, but Vanessa had confidently assured her they wouldn''t.


    Now it was clear that Vanessa''s confidence stemmed fromn''s tacit permission.


    But now, not only hadn ignored her threats about drinking, he had hung up on her. This unprecedented coldness made Laverne realize that Vanessa''s greatest leverage was likely gone for good.


    As her agent, however, Laverne had her own interests to protect. She couldn''t let Vanessa actually self-destruct.


    "Vanessa, snap out of it! You''re going to ruin yourself," Laverne said, reaching for the liquor bottle.


    Vanessa set the bottle down, a cool resolve gradually recing the hysteria in her eyes. She had known this day mighte. And she had prepared a backup n.

 Chapter 977

    "Laverne, I''m fine now. You can go home," Vanessa said, picking up her phone.


    "How can I leave you like this?"


    "Someone else ising to keep mepany." Vanessa''s finger scrolled through her contacts.


    "You mean Mr. Holt?" Laverne''s eyes lit up. She knew exactly what Vanessa''s backup n was. If she couldn''t be Mrs. Goodwin, then Mrs. Holt was a title countless women would kill for. Whilen was out of her reach, Henry waspletely wrapped around her finger. His adoration for her was so obvious he was just short of fightingn for her.


    Vanessa dialed Henry''s number.


    "Hello? Vanessa, what''s up?" Henry''s cheerful voice came through the line. "I... had a little to drink, and I''m feeling dizzy. Could youe pick me up?" "What? I thought you couldn''t drink. Why were you drinking?"


    "I... was just in a bad mood. I only had a couple of sses. I''m at a bar." "You''re at a bar alone?" Henry sounded shocked.


    "Yes, alone. Are youing or not?" Vanessa asked with a coquettishugh.


    He sighed on the other end. "What''s a girl like you doing in a bar by herself? Which one is it?"


    A smirk touched Vanessa''s red lips. She knew that even if the whole world abandoned her, Henry never would.


    She gave him the address, and he said he was nearby and would be right over.


    Seeing that she had sessfully summoned Henry, Laverne chose her moment to exit. "I''ll wait in the car outside. Call me if you need anything."


    Vanessa nodded. Once Laverne was gone, she pulled out apact mirror to check her makeup and fix her expression.


    Ten minutester, Henry''s SUV


    pulled up to the bar. He grabbed bis keys and phone and went inside He knew the ce-it was owned by friend of his. He made his way toward Vanessa''s booth.


    Just then, two young women walking arm-in-arm blocked his path, apparently also looking for a table As Henry was about to ask them to move he froze one of the figures looked strikingly familiar. His heart skipped a beat, and on pure instinct, he reached out and touched the girl''s shoulder.


    Startled, the girl spun around. In the dim light, their eyes met.


    "What are you doing here?" Henry''s voice was suddenly sharp, his shock at seeing her in a ce like this evident.


    Selma Quigley hadn''t expected to run into Henry while out with a friend. A blush crept up her neck as she exined, "I''m just out with my friend."


    "Is this really a ce for a girl like you?" he shot back, his tone instinctively parental.


    Selma was taken aback, then retorted, "You''re here. Why can''t I be?"


    Her friend immediately chimed in. "Exactly! Who are you, anyway? You''re not her boyfriend, so mind your own business."


    Henry realized he had overreacted,


    but seeing Selma here filled him with


    an inexplicable anxiety. He softened


    his tone just mean, this ce can be shady. It''s not very safe for you girls-"


    Before Selma could respond, her friend answered her phone. "Selma, they''re waiting for us. Let''s go."


    Selma shot Henry a quick nce before her friend pulled her toward a central booth.


    Henry watched her go, his irritation mounting as he saw her sit down with a group of other young men and women.

 Chapter 978

    At this time, Henry''s phone lit up with a call from Vanessa.


    He had almost forgotten he was there to take her home. He immediately headed toward her booth.


    As he approached, he saw Vanessa bathed in a soft spotlight. Her face was flushed, her eyes hazy and alluring, exuding azy, fragile vulnerability from the alcohol. She greeted him with a smile ying on her red lips.


    "Henry, you''re here."


    As Henry sat down, his gaze drifted back toward Selma''s table. Just then, she stood up and looked in his direction. Henry''s body went rigid.


    Though it was just a nce, Selma''s eyes felt like two needles, making him squirm in his seat.


    "Vanessa, stop drinking. I''m taking you home," Henry said, trying to fulfill his duty as a friend.


    Vanessa just smiled. "I asked you toe drink with me. Why are you trying to send me home the second you arrive?"


    "Doesn''tn forbid you from drinking? Why did you start?" Henry frowned.


    "Henry, what kind of rtionship do you think he and I have? Friends? Lovers? I''ll tell you, it''s neither," Vanessa said, shaking her head in mock pain.


    Henry froze. This was the first time Vanessa had ever spoken so candidly about her rtionship withn. He couldn''t help but ask, "Then what are you?"


    "Henry, if I told you we just have a business arrangement, would you believe me?" Vanessa propped her chin on her hand, her expression seductive. "We aren''t even friends in the most basic sense."


    Henry listened, stunned.


    "Is that so shocking? Ha!" Vanessa gave a self-deprecatingugh and took another sip of her drink, her gaze hazy as she looked at him. "He just needs my blood to save his mother''s life. That''s all."


    Henry was speechless, staring at her


    in disbelief. Vanessa''s eyes bored into his as she added with a bitter smile, "So, Henry, stop thinking of me asn''s property. There''s nathing between us We''repletely, spotlessly clean. Nothing has ever happened."


    Henry waspletely floored.


    "I trade my blood for his money and resources," Vanessa continued. "We''ve always just been using each other."


    All this time, he had believed Vanessa wasn''s hidden lover. The thought had tormented him, causing him sleepless nights of unrequited love and agony. Now, hearing the truth from Vanessa''s own lips, an indescribable emotion welled up inside him.


    "Vanessa... why would you..." His voice was hoarse.


    "You want to say, why would I degrade myself like this?" Vanessa finished for him, letting out a smalugh that held no humor. "What was the alternative? Was I supposed trot in a stum in prexfords Let my mother marry me off to some lowlife like a piece of property? don''t care if people look down on me. I had to change my own fate."


    Henry stared at her, at a loss for words.


    "Henry, my deal withn is almost over. He doesn''t need me anymore. From now on... from now on, I only have you." Vanessa reached out, her hand Covering Henry''s where it rested on the table. "I know you''re good to me Not liken''s cold, transactional way. You genuinely care about me, don''t you?"


    She looked up, her eyes wide and pleading, like a lost kitten who had finally found


    a warm ce to rest.


    Henry''s mind was in utter turmoil. Vanessa''s hand on his felt unnaturally cold. He should have held it back.

 Chapter 979

    But his thoughts were ensnared by another figure. He looked up toward the central booth and saw Selma talking with another man. She yfully punched the man''s shoulder,ughing as she scolded him for something.


    A sharp sting pierced Henry''s heart. Almost instinctively, he pulled his hand out from under Vanessa''s.


    The coldness that shot through Vanessa was as stark as the feeling in her hand. She followed Henry''s gaze.


    A shadow of displeasure crossed her face. Why was that Selma Quigley girl here too? But just as quickly, a calcting glint reced the anger in her eyes, and a smirk touched her red lips.


    At that moment, Selma picked up her purse, clearly getting ready to leave. As she did, her eyes drifted toward Henry''s booth.


    Seizing the opportunity, Vanessa pressed a hand to her forehead and leaned her entire body against Henry. "Henry, my head is spinning," she whispered, her voice soft and fragile. "Can we please get out of here? I don''t want to be here anymore."


    Henry tore his eyes away from Selma and looked down at Vanessa, who had practically nestled herself into his arms. He was suddenly flustered, feeling as if touching her would burn him.


    He looked up again and saw Selma, purse in hand, staring directly at them. He immediately helped Vanessa sit up straight, his gaze darting anxiously back to Selma.


    But it was toote. Selma had already left her table and was walking toward the exit with her friend.


    Henry swallowed hard, his panic rising. Just then, Vanessa wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, her body clinging to him like a snake. "Henry, don''t leave me."


    Selma nced back onest time and saw the intimate embrace. In the dim, flickering light and from a distance, she couldn''t see Henry''s expression, only the image of the two of them locked together. She paused for a fraction of a second, then quickened her pace, practically fleeing the bar.


    Acting on pure instinct, Henry pushed Vanessa away.


    "Selma," he called out, bolting from the booth and chasing after her.


    Vanessa watched him run toward the exit, the blood in her veins turning to ice. She couldn''t believe


    that Henry would do do


    her drunk and helpless-for Selma Quigley.


    Just as Selma was about to get into her friend''s car, a hand mped down on her wrist. "Selma, let me exin."


    Henry had caught up to her.


    Selma tried to wrench her arm free. "Your friend is still inside. You should go back to her."


    "Selma, get in," a young man called from the car, eyeing Henry warily.


    Henry shot him a cold look before turning his gaze back to Selma, his expression now resembling that of a pleading puppy. "Let me take you home."


    "What about Miss Shannon? Aren''t you going to take care of her?" Selma asked, looking up at him.


    "I''m not abandoning her. I''ll have my assistante pick her up. I''m just fulfilling my duty as a friend," Henry said quickly.


    Selma looked at her friends in the


    car. "You guys go on ahead." She closed the car door and turnk


    to Henry. "I''ll go with you to take


    Miss Shaprion home."


    "Selma, you..." A wave of joy washed over Henry. "You''re not mad at me?"


    Selma knew he had


    only just arrived.


    Besides, she had been keeping an eye on Vanessa''s social mediately and knew her real involvement was with an It was clear to her that Henry was just a backup n Vanessa kept on a string.

 Chapter 980

    "Would you mind if I tagged along?" Selma asked him instead.


    Henry stood frozen for a few seconds. Selma''s reaction wasn''t one of anger. Instead, she was offering to help him take Vanessa home. It waspletely unexpected.


    "Selma, are you really... not angry?" Henry asked again, needing to be sure, especially after the scene in the bar.


    Selma''s expression was calm, her eyes clear. "Why would I be angry? You and Miss Shannon are friends. She was drunk, and it''s only right for you to help her." She paused, then added, "Isn''t she Mr. Goodwin''s girlfriend?"


    Henry blinked. "How did you know?" A thrill of excitement shot through him. Had Selma been looking into Vanessa? Was it for his sake?


    Henry''s intense gaze seemed to see right through her. Selma felt a blush creep up her cheeks and quickly looked away. "Are you going to get her or not?"


    "Right. Wait for me by my car. I''ll bring her out," Henry said. He took a few steps, then turned back to make sure she was still there, as if afraid she might vanish. Selma waited by Henry''s SUV. She had, for his sake, meticulously studied Vanessa''s social media presence. She had scrolled through practically every post, confirming that Vanessa was a high-level social climber who had forced her way into the upper echelons of society. She had interfered inn''s marriage, constantly provoking Eleanor with thinly veiled posts and flirtations. At the same time, she hadn''t forgotten to keep a high-quality heir like Henry on the hook, ying him like a fiddle and keeping him as her backup.


    As a woman, Selma despised people like that. She also felt that Henry deserved better and hoped he would wake up to the fact that he was being used.


    Selma thought back to her first meeting with Henry. She was a freshman in high school on a visit to the Holt family estate. She was too young then to have any feelings for him. Later, she ran into him again in the international student circles in Fairhaven. At a party, a guy was aggressively hitting on her, and Henry had stepped in, ying the white knight and driving her home.


    He had left an impression on her then, but she was busy with her studies, and he soon took over his family''s business in Drexford. They barely saw each other after that.


    She had harbored a secret crush for


    three years. After returning to the


    country and starting her own business, she''d gone to dinner at the Holt estate, but Henry hadn''t been home. Mrs. Holt had insisted that Henry make it up to her by taking her to dinner. At the restaurant, Henry had been polite and gentlemanly, but it was obvious he was resistant to the setup. Midway through dinner, he took a call and left in such a hurry he forgot his coat.


    Selma was sure that call had been from Vanessa.


    That night, he hade home drunk. She had been there to return his coat, and in his stupor, he had mistaken her for Vanessa. Faced with an embrace from the man she had secretly desired for years, Selma hadn''t pushed him away. She didn''t regret it afterward and went on with her life. But something seemed to have changed in Henry. He would text her out of the blue de liked. every one of her social media posts. The day of the car ident, he had been frantic with worry, and his concern for her had be a regr thing...


    Back at the booth, Vanessa sat huddled in the corner, her head down, her long hair obscuring her face. Just then, the ss was snatched from her hand.


    She looked up, a sh of delighted surprise on her face. But when she saw it was Henry, half of her excitement faded. It was clear he wasn''t the one she had been hoping for.


    But she quickly recovered, a smile touching her red lips as tears welled in her eyes. In the dim light, she looked utterly pitiful and heart-wrenching.

 Chapter 981

    "Henry Holt-" her voice caught in a happy sob. "I thought you''d abandoned me!"


    Henry looked at her, then held out his hand. "Come on. My car''s outside. I''ll take you home."


    A jolt of delight went through Vanessa Shannon. She knew Henry wouldn''t really leave her behind. She slipped her hand into his, grabbed her purse, and deliberately brushed her chest against him as she stood up.


    Henry, flustered, quickly steadied her by the shoulders. "Can you walk?"


    A yful smile touched Vanessa''s lips. She shook her head like a child. "Nope. You''ll have to help me."


    With a sigh of resignation, Henry wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her toward the bar''s entrance.


    A triumphant smile flickered in Vanessa''s downcast eyes. It seemed Henry had made his choice between her and Selma Quigley. She had been right all along. A man who had been hopelessly in love with her for seven years wouldn''t give up that easily.


    However, Vanessa''s smug satisfaction shattered the moment they stepped outside the bar.


    Though she was a little drunk, she could clearly see Selma Quigley standing quietly beside Henry''s car.


    Hadn''t Henry left Selma toe back for her? Why was she still here?


    Sensing the shift in Vanessa''s mood, Henry nced down at her and exined, "Vanessa, Selma and I will take you home together."


    Vanessa immediately straightened up, pushing Henry''s supporting arm away. She smoothed her long hair back, feigning a brave front. "Henry, it''s okay, don''t trouble yourself. Just take Miss Quigley home. I''ll get a cab."


    She deliberately turned her face away, letting the single, martyred tear at the corner of her eye catch the light.


    Henry knew Vanessa was upset; he was all too familiar with her sensitivity and her temper. But the thought of letting her take a cab home alone while she was drunk didn''t sit light with him even just as a friend.


    "Don''t be difficult. Get in the car, I''ll take you home first," Henry said, a note of weariness in his voice.


    Vanessa turned to look at him, and under the dim light, a tear suddenly traced a path down her cheek. She bit her lip. "Henry, thank you foring, but you have Miss Quigley now. I won''t be a bother."


    With that, she stumbled off to hail a cab. She quickly gged one down, and a burly male driver with a fleshy face leaned out. "Need a ride, miss?"


    Henry nced at the driver, then saw Vanessa already pulling the car door open. He strode forward, grabbed her wrist, mmed the door shut, and said to the driver, "My friend isn''t taking a cab. Please leave."


    The driver cast a regretful look at Vanessa before stepping on the gas and driving off.


    Vanessa struggled against Henry''s grip. "Henry, I told you to leave me alone! Let go!"


    Henry felt a headacheing on. He turned to look at Selma, who was now walking toward them. He instinctively released Vanessa''s wrist.


    Vanessa clutched her purse and watched Selma approach, then turned her face away. Selma, however walked up to her with perfectposure. "Miss Shannon, it''ste. Taking a cab alone isn''t safe. Henry is just worried about you. Please, get in the car."


    Vanessa was taken aback. Frankly, Selma''s gracious and understanding demeanor was incredibly grating. Still, she forced a smile. "Thank you for your concern, Miss Quigley, but I can take responsibility for my own safety."


    Henry''s brow furrowed. "Vanessa, don''t be so stubborn. Selma is just trying to look out for you."

 Chapter 982

    "That''s right, Miss Shannon. Let''s get you home," Selma added gently. "Whatever you need to say to Henry can wait until you''re sober."


    Vanessa looked from Selma to Henry, then let out a smallugh. "Henry is so lucky to have such a thoughtful friend in Miss Quigley."


    Vanessa was a master of words. It sounded like apliment, but it was a thinly veiled jab at Selma''s supposed sincerity.


    Henry caught the sting in her words and was about to speak, but Selma beat him to it, smiling faintly. "Henry''s friends are my friends. It''s only natural to be concerned about you."


    Vanessa felt a knot tighten in her chest. She knew there was no point in arguing further; it would only make her look immature and unreasonable.


    "Fine. Then-thank you for the trouble," Vanessa said, her smile painfully strained. "I get a bit carsick. I''d like to sit in the front, if Miss Quigley doesn''t mind."


    Selma smiled. "Of course not. Let''s go."


    Henry''s expression wasplicated, but just before getting in, he shot Selma a grateful look.


    Vanessa, already in the car, didn''t see it.


    Not long after the car started moving, Vanessa feigned carsickness, rubbing her temples. Her gaze casually swept over the center console, and she nonchntly picked up Henry''s phone.


    "Henry, can we listen to some music?" she asked in a coy tone, her fingers already swiping the screen open, expertly tapping in the passcode.


    Henry''s hands tightened on the steering wheel, and he immediately nced at Selma in the rearview mirror.


    Selma was looking at her own phone in the back, seemingly unfazed by Vanessa''s actions.


    Soft music filled the car. Vanessa ced the phone back down and leaned backfortably, closing her eyes to listen.


    The atmosphere in the car turned strange. Selma rested her head against her hand, staring out the window, lost in thought. Henry, however, was on edge, the music suddenly sounding grating to his ears. He pressed down hard on the elerator, his jaw tight.


    Finally, the car pulled up to the gate of Vanessa''s vi. He parked, killed the engine, and quickly rounded the front of the car to open her door.


    "Vanessa, we''re here."


    As Vanessa got out, she suddenly stumbled and fell into Henry''s arms. He caught her, "What''s wrong?"


    "I''m a little dizzy. Henry, can you walk me to the door?" she requested.


    Henry nced back toward the car before helping Vanessa through the small gate and into the living room After switching on the fights, h helped her onto the sofa. "If you need anything, call Laverne toe look after you. I have to go


    Henry had only taken two steps when a pair of arms wrapped tightly around his waist from behind Vanessa pressed her face against his back. "Henry-don''t go


    "Don''t go. Stay with me, just for a little while," her voice was fragile, pleading.


    In the past, Henry would have melted instantly, all principles and boundaries forgotten. But now, his only thought was of Selma, waiting for him in the car. He took a deep breath, reached back, and pried her hands off his waist. Vanessa went rigid, her eyes wide with disbelief as she looked up at Henry''s turned, impassive face. Her lips parted. "Henry, you¡ª"


    "Vanessa, you''ve had too much to drink. Get some rest."


    With that, Henry strode out of the living room without a backward nce. A momentter, the sound of a car starting up came from outside the gate.


    As the sound faded into the


    1.n


    distance, Vanessa wiped her tears, her expression hardening into a cold mask. With a cry of frustration, Vanessa snatched a throw pillow from the sofa and hurled violently to the floor.


    Her chest heaved, her face contorting in a mask of agony.


    Back on the road, Henry stopped at the first red light and turned to check on Selma.


    He found her watching him quietly. Her clear eyes showed no impatience, no anger-only a hint of amusement.


    "Is Miss Shannon okay?" she asked.


    "She''s fine," Henry replied. "She just needs some rest."

 Chapter 983

    Selma nodded with a smile. "Good. Let''s go home."


    A wave of relief washed over Henry, and the rest of the drive suddenly felt pleasant and light.


    "I''d like to listen to some music," Selma said.


    Henry immediately unlocked his phone and handed it to her. "Pick whatever you like."


    Selma paused, her eyes meeting Henry''s smiling face. She took the phone and chose a song she liked.


    Upbeat music filled the car, and even the night seemed to grow clearer and more


    serene.


    After dropping Selma off at her ce, she told him, "Drive safe."


    "I will," Henry replied, but he didn''t immediately drive away.


    Selma looked at him and asked with a smile, "Why are you still here?"


    Startled, Henry finally put the car in gear, but he watched her in the rearview mirror until he turned the corner.


    On the drive home, Henry reyed Vanessa''s confession in his mind-the truth about her rtionship withn. It still felt unbelievable. Could it be that their entire rtionship was nothing more than a transaction?


    Henry recalled the time he had askedn out for a talk. Ian had admitted that he and Vanessa were just friends. At the time, Henry had been too emotional, dismissing it as a cruel lie.


    Had he misjudged his best friend? Wasn telling the truth all along?


    The more Henry thought about it, the more confused he became. It seemed he needed to find an opportunity to clear the air withn once and for all.


    Eleanor arrived home at nine-thirty. Joslyn informed her thatn had taken their daughter downstairs to his apartment for the night. Sighing, Eleanor dropped her bag and headed back down.


    Princess, her dog, trotted out after her, following her into the elevator and all the way to the door of the twenty-seventh-floor apartment.


    Eleanor rang the doorbell. A few secondster, the door opened to reveal Evelyn Goodwin in her pajamas. Behind her stoodn, dressed in casual loungewear, his usual cold demeanor reced by a softer warmth.


    "Mommy, you''re back!" Evelyn chirped happily.


    "Come on, sweetie, let''s go upstairs," Eleanor said, holding out her hand.


    "But I want to sleep with Daddy," Evelyn said, tilting her head up.


    "Just let her stay with me tonight. I''ll take her to preschool in the morning,"n offered, his gaze resting on Eleanor''s weary face.


    "Evelyn, be good. Come home with Mommy," Eleanor insisted, her hand still outstretched.


    Evelyn looked back at her father. Ian smiled, leaned down, and scooped her into his arms. "Daddy will walk you up."


    "Okay!"


    In the elevator, Evelyn looked up at her father. "Daddy, I want you to take me to school tomorrow."


    "Of course,"n said, smoothing a stray hair from her forehead.


    Eleanor watched them, conflicted. She didn''t want any more


    entanglement withn, but her


    daughter''s yearning for her father was undeniable.


    When they reached her apartment, just as Eleanor was about to sendn on his way. Evelyn tugged on his hand. "Daddy, I want you to help me brush my teeth."  ?wnovels


    Seeing that Eleanor didn''t immediately refuse,n smiled. "Alright, Daddy will help you."


    Eleanor turned away. "I''m going to take a shower. Brush your teeth and then wait for me in your room."


    Ian helped his daughter brush her teeth in the downstairs bathroom. Afterward, Evelyn waved goodbye. "See you tomorrow, Daddy."


    "See you tomorrow."


    Lying in bed, Henry couldn''t sleep. He nced at the time, picked up his phone, and finally dialedn''s number.


    The phone rang for a long time before it was finally answered with a simple, "Hello?"


    "Ian, am I bothering you?" Henry asked, then continued, "I wanted to ask you something, about you and Vanessa¡ª"


    "Henry, some things are better discussed in person. We''ll talk tomorrow," Ian''s calm voice came through the line.


    "Alright, let''s set a time to meet


    tomorrow, then." Henry didn''t press


    the issue. Vanessa''s behavior


    tonight had made him realize that he


    might have been


    kept in the dark


    about many things over the years.

 Chapter 984

    The next morning, after dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor received a call from the hospital. Her full checkup results were in, and a nurse was asking her toe pick them up.


    Eleanor had a good sense of her own body. She knew she had fainted that day simply because she had pushed herself to her absolute limit.


    When she arrived at the nurses'' station, the nurse searched for her file. "Hmm, that''s strange," she murmured. "I''m sure I saw your report this morning."


    Just then, another nurse who had just returned from her rounds recognized Eleanor. "Dr. Sutton, you''re here! Your husband already picked up your report. Oh, wait, I mean, your ex-husband! He''s in Dr. Ackerly''s office right now."


    Eleanor froze for a moment. Ian had her medical report?


    Thanking the nurse, Eleanor walked to the doctor''s office. The door was ajar, and she could hearn''s deep, serious voice. "Dr. Ackerly, are you certain there are no issues with the markers on this report? I''m concerned about these few in particr; the values seem to be outside the normal range."


    Dr. Ackerly''s reassuring voice followed. "Mr. Goodwin, the report does indicate that Miss Sutton is suffering from some exhaustion and nutritional deficiencies, which exins the abnormal indicators. But I can''t guarantee there are no underlying issues, only that this specific report shows nothing critical."


    "Underlying issues?"n''s voice grew taut. "Please, Dr. Ackerly, be more specific."


    "Now, don''t worry, Mr. Goodwin," Dr. Ackerly chuckled lightly. "I see she''s slightly anemic. We can adjust her diet. She also needs to reduce her workload, get outside more often, and keep her spirits up. These problems should resolve themselves."


    "Dr. Ackerly, her father died of a sudden cardiac arrest brought on by overwork. I''m worried she-"n''s voice wasced with an undeniable anxiety.


    Outside


    door, Eleanor froze, her


    hearthing as if squeezed by an


    invisible hand. Her father. The word


    vas


    a Wound that would terreal


    Dr. Ackerly''s tone became more serious. "Mr. Goodwin, I understand your concern. But Dr. Sutton''s cardiac function indicators are alt currently normal. Of course, extreme fatigue and stress are known


    tuggers for cardiovascr disease; which is why I''m rmending better nutrition and stress relief. The risks are manageable."


    sure she takes care of her health."


    Just then, Dr. Ackerly spotted Eleanor stepping into the doorway. "Ah, Miss Sutton, you''re here."


    it settled back into a calm mask. He didn''t move to leave.


    Eleanor looked at the medical report on the desk and addressed the doctor politely. "Dr. Ackerly, so there''s nothing wrong with my report?"


    "I was just discussing your situation with Mr. Goodwin. My advice is to improve your nutrition, reduce your workload, and get outside more, You


    ur health is your most important asset."


    "Thank you for the advice, Dr. Ackerly. I''ll do my best to take care of myself."


    Eleanor picked up the report. "I won''t disturb you any longer."


    "Eleanor!"n stood up and followed her out of the office.


    Eleanor stopped and looked up at him. "Next time, I''ll pick up my own reports. You don''t need to trouble yourself."<pn''s gaze held hers. "I was already at the hospital to see a specialist, so I thought I''d ask the doctor for you."

 Chapter 985

    "Aside from matters concerning Evelyn, please do not interfere in my life," Eleanor said, her gaze direct. "Keep your work and your personal life separate."


    With that, Eleanor turned and walked away without looking back.


    Just then, Dr. Ackerly came out to get some water. Seeingn, he added a friendly reminder, "Mr. Goodwin, you need to get some rest too. You look like you''re under a lot of pressure yourself."


    At fifty-four, Dr. Ackerly still looked youthful, while this man, not yet thirty, already had streaks of silver in his hair. If the pressure kept up, he''d likely go gray prematurely.


    "Thank you, Dr. Ackerly," Ian acknowledged with a nod before his tall frame moved toward the elevators.


    As he passed the nurses'' station, several nurses secretly watched his back until his upright figure disappeared into the elevator, at which point a flurry of whispers erupted.


    "Even with the gray hair, he''s incredibly handsome up close. That height, that presence "


    "But he''s so intimidating. I had to drop off a file in Dr. Ackerly''s office earlier and didn''t even dare to look up at him."


    "I think the gray actually looks distinguished, like something a celebrity would dye their hair to get. He''ll still be handsome even when it''s all white."


    "It''s a shame he and Dr. Sutton got divorced."


    "Even after a divorce, he''s still so concerned about his ex-wife''s health that he personally came to ask the doctor about it. Where can you find a man like that?"


    As Eleanor drove away, she received a call from Joel Kingsley. He wanted to meet her for lunch. Since it was still early, she decided to meet with Callie first to discuss their brainputer interface research.


    In theb''s central caf¨¦, Callie hurried over with hisptop, thrilled that Eleanor had time to stop by. There were a few things he needed to discuss with her.


    "Eleanor, is Dr. Smith keeping you busy?"


    "It was hectic for a while, but it''s better now," Eleanor said with a smile.


    "I ran a few experiments based on the neural bridging technique your developedst time, but some of the results arent ideal. Can you see if missed something?"


    Eleanor watched as he opened hisptop and clicked through several simtions: After about ten minutes of careful review, she pointed to the screen the signal decay Here is too rapid. It''s likely an issue with the electrode material''s bipatibility, causing a rejection response."


    Callie leaned in for a closer look, and his eyes widened in realization. "Of course! How did I not think of that? I was so focused on optimizing the algorithm."


    They discussed a few other


    parameters. At eleven-thirty, Joel


    walked over from the main corridor He saw Eleanor by the bright, floor-to-ceiling window, spring blooming outside. The sunlight illuminated her, and as she spoke with passion, her eyes shone with a professional, intelligent light, making her seem to glow from within.


    Joel felt a flutter in his chest. He smiled and walked over, pulling up a chair to join


    them. Eleanor and Callie looked up at the same time and greeted him.


    "Joel, you''re here," Callie said with a smile.


    "I am. Are you two finished? Shall we go get some lunch?" Joel invited.


    "We''re about done. We can go," Eleanor replied.


    Callie, sharp as ever, knew Joel hade for Eleanor.


    He grinned. "You two go ahead. I need to get back to theb and adjust our experimental approach."

 Chapter 986

    "Don''t work yourself too hard, Callie," Eleanor advised.


    Callie''s heart warmed. "I know. You two enjoy your lunch."


    Once Callie had left, Joel''s gaze settled on Eleanor''s slightly pale face. "How are things over there?"


    "Let''s go to the restaurant and talk while we eat," Eleanor suggested. A lot had happened recently, and if she needed a good listener, Joel was definitely the best choice.


    In the restaurant across from theb, Eleanor exined the situation with Smith and mentioned the transactional nature of Vanessa andn''s rtionship.


    Joel was stunned silent for a long moment before he finally processed it. "You mean to say,n and Vanessa were never lovers? It was a transaction from the very beginning?"


    "I''m not sure if they were lovers or not, but they definitely had a deal," Eleanor confirmed. n needed her to provide stem cell donations at least once a year, and in return, he provided for her financially."


    Joel had seenn and Vanessa together before. Ian''s care and attentiveness toward her had been obvious. It couldn''t have been just a cold transaction.


    "Your research breakthrough has effectively removed Vanessa''s status as the sole donor. Nown is no longer beholden to her. He should be grateful to you," Joel said, picking up his teacup. "Has he given you any exnation for everything he did to you in the past?"


    Eleanor''s fingers tightened around her water ss. She turned to look at the spring scenery outside the window. An exnation? What they had been through couldn''t be resolved with a simple exnation.


    "The past doesn''t matter anymore," Eleanor said, looking back at Joel. "What''s important now is that we''ve both moved on."


    Joel was taken aback. He had witnessed everything Eleanor had been through, but this was the first time he had seen her so calm about the past. She had matured, grown. He deftly changed the subject. "Well, let''s not talk about that. Once you''re done with Smith''s experiments, you nning to return to the BCI


    team? Callie seems overwhelmed on


    his own."


    Eleanor nodded. "Of course, I''ming back. I don''t have a habit of leaving my research half-finished."


    Joel smiled. He, too, had been through a lot recently in themercial projects division and had interacted withn several times an had been incredibly supportive of his work providing funding, equipment, and personnel. For that, Joel was grateful. He wanted to say a few words inn''s


    defense but worried Eleanor


    wouldn''t want to hear them.


    The fact that Goodwin & Co.


    operated so smoothly wasrgely due ton at the helm. Joel hade to understand the internalplexities of thepany and the challenges of expanding into international markets. Countless eyes were onn, waiting for him to make a mistake, waiting for him to fall. The business world was a battlefield, and as a man, Joel had to admiren''s skill and decisiveness.


    Now, adding the pressure of his


    family''s health issues, the past


    decade couldn''t have been easy for him.


    "Tell me about yourmercial projects," Eleanor asked, wanting to catch up on Joel''s work.


    "Everything is proceeding in an orderly fashion," Joel began, choosing his words carefully, his tone objective. "And speaking of which,n''s support for scientific research is trulymendable. Our division''s three major projects recently received full funding, equipment, and staffing, all thanks to him."


    Eleanor nodded, listening quietly. Joel continued, "I''ve been in a lot of meetings at Goodwin & Co.tely, and I''ve learned a bit about the business world. He''s incredibly capable to manage apany like that."


    Noticing that Eleanor didn''t seem keen on the topic, Joel smiled. "Anyway, you know my work is all about following the development n. It''s your research that''s truly worth discussing."


    Eleanor offered a small smile. She understood the implication behind Joel''s words. It wasn''t that she was unaware ofn''s difficult position; it was just that, having stepped out of the role of his wife, there was no longer any need to dwell on the past.


    As they walked back to theb, Eleanor spotted a familiar figure. She quickened her pace in surprise. "Professor Langley."

 Chapter 987

    Simone Langley was talking with a few young students. Hearing her name, she turned in surprise, her face breaking into a wide, delighted grin. "Eleanor! What are you doing back here?"


    Simone said a few more words to her students and then walked over. Eleanor studied her, noting that her color looked good; the post-surgery recovery seemed to be going well.


    "Professor Langley, you two chat. I''ll head back to theb," Joel said politely.


    Once Joel was gone, Simone''s gaze softened as she studied Eleanor, asking quietly, "How have you been, Eleanor? Is your daughter doing well?"


    Eleanor thought of her recent copse and hospitalization but chose to focus on the positive. "I''m doing very well. And you? How is your recoverying along?"


    "All my vitals are stable. My research team has been disbanded, so now I juste to campus to teach a few sses a week," Simone said.


    "You definitely shouldn''t be leading a team right now. Your health has toe first," Eleanor advised.


    "Do you remember that leukemia patient, Marilyn? I did a follow-up visit with her recently. She''s made a full recovery."


    Eleanor had been swampedtely, but she remembered Marilyn. She nodded. "I remember her. Professor Langley, are you still doing patient follow-ups?"


    "I only visited her," Simone said, her look meaningful. "She was a special case."


    Eleanor recalled Marilyn''s mutated leukemia was indeed rare. It made sense that Simone would want to follow up for a research paper.


    "Eleanor, how are things between you andn?" Simone asked suddenly.


    Eleanor paused, trying to keep her tone as neutral as possible. "We have some interaction for work, but otherwise, we don''t see each other."


    She knew Simone had been hoping they would reconcile, and she wanted to put that idea to rest.


    Simone looked at her and sighed gently, her eyes filled with concern. "You may be divorced, but you still have a child together. The truth is,n¡ª"


    Eleanor interrupted with a smile. "Professor Langley, please don''t worry about me. You need to focus on your own health."


    Simone nodded, her voice warm but full of meaning. "Eleanor, sometimes things aren''t what they seem on the surface tan carries a heavy burden, and maybe he used some clumsy methods or did things that made you misunderstand him. But I truly believe that what he feels for you is different."


    A faint smile touched Eleanor''s lips. "Professor, I should get back to theb.


    Please take it easy and just focus on teaching for now."


    Seeing that Eleanor didn''t want to


    discuss it further, Simone didn''t press. They chatted for a few more minutes about campus life. As Eleano was about to leave, Simone suddenly took her hand and


    repeated earnestly, Tan isn''t over


    you. I''m sure of it."


    Eleanor just smiled. "Alright, I understand. Goodbye, Professor Langley."


    Simone''s words didn''t stir anything in Eleanor''s heart. A momentter, her mind was already back on her experiments.


    That afternoon, Smith informed her thatn had already provided six vials of


    blood, which were now in theb, ready for her research.


    Eleanor nodded, put on herb coat, and went to work.


    She decided to leave shortly before five. After her breakthrough, the experiments no longer required such long hours. Ian''s blood had proven to have a strong


    immune stimting effect on Gin? Quinn''s cells. Once the trial on


    Serena Goodwin wasplete, they


    could begin treatment for Gina.


    At five-twenty, Eleanor arrived at her daughter''s school. To her surprise,n''s car was already in the parking lot. The school gates hadn''t opened yet; he must have been waiting for a while.


    The setting sun outlined his tall figure. His silver-streaked hair was less noticeable in the warm light, but he was wearing a ck face mask, as if he were sick.


    He saw Eleanor and walked over. "Sorry, I should have called first."


    Eleanor frowned. "If you have a cold, you should see a doctor. I can pick up Evelyn."


    "Ahem,"n let out a muffled cough. "I am feeling a little under the weather."


    His thick hair fell across his forehead, his long eyebrows shadowing his eyes. His gaze, deep under thickshes, was fixed on Eleanor. "Are you sure you don''t want me to get her with you?"

 Chapter 988

    Eleanor turned to look at him. She couldn''t be sure if he was really sick, but she definitely didn''t want to pick up their daughter with him.


    "I''m sure. You should go home," she said dismissively.


    A shadow crossedn''s deep-set eyes, but he didn''t leave immediately. He simply took a few steps back to lean against his car, his gaze still fixed on Eleanor''s profile.


    Eleanor could feel him watching her. After a few seconds, she turned and shot him a re.


    At her re, a hint of a resigned smile touchedn''s eyes. He finally opened his car door, got in, and drove away.


    Eleanor smoothed her hair, annoyed that he had managed to get under her skin. Just then, the school gates opened, and she joined the other parents heading toward the entrance.


    When Evelyn came out, her little head was hanging low, as if she''d suffered a terrible blow. Eleanor quickly knelt down. "Evelyn, what''s wrong?"


    "Mommy, Vivian is moving away!" Evelyn''s lower lip began to tremble, and her big eyes instantly filled with tears.


    Eleanor was taken aback. "Vivian is moving? Where is she going?"


    "She''s going to live in another country." The thought made Evelyn even more


    upset, and the sorrow of parting with her best friend overwhelmed her.


    Eleanor was even more surprised. Was Xavier Vaughn sending Vivian abroad? Or was he nning to move himself?


    "Mommy, can you take me to see Vivian? I want to see her," Evelyn pleaded, wrapping her arms around Eleanor''s neck. "She hasn''t been to school in three days."


    Eleanor figured her daughter must have asked her teacher, who then told her about Vivian moving.


    "Okay, sweetie. Let me ask Mr. Vaughn, alright?" Eleanor said, patting her daughter''s back soothingly.


    Evelyn sniffled and nodded against her shoulder.


    As Eleanor buckled her daughter into the car, she noticedn''s car was still there, parked a little further down the road.


    She drove back to theirplex. Ian''s car didn''t follow; it turned in another direction.


    Seeing her daughter''s sad mood, Eleanor decided to text Xavier to ask about Vivian.


    In the elevator, she sent a message: *Xavier, is Vivian really transferring schools?


    *


    Xavier replied almost immediately: *Vivian''s grandparents want to take her with them. She might be going abroad for a while.*


    A bad feeling crept over Eleanor. Were Vivian''s grandparents trying to fight for custody?


    *Is Vivian home? Could Evelyne over to say goodbye?* Eleanor typed.


    *Yes. I''m on my way home now. You can go ahead. My mother is there,* Xavier replied.


    Eleanor took her daughter''s hand and walked across theplex to Xavier''s building.


    A maid opened the door, and Mrs. Vaughn, hearing their arrival, came to greet them. She was delighted to see them. "Eleanor, you''re here! Please,e in." "Vivian!"


    "Evelyn!"


    The two little girls squealed with delight, grabbing hands and spinning in a circle. "Let''s go y!" Vivian said to Evelyn.


    "Okay! I want to see your kitten."


    After Mrs. Vaughn had Eleanor seated, Eleanor noticed that she seemed to be in


    low spirits. "Mrs. Vaughn, is everything alright?" she asked gently.


    A flicker of anger crossed Mrs. Vaughn''s face. "Vivian''s


    grandparents are demanding custody We''ve been fighting it You she


    know my daughter when you


    fought back against the abuse... it''s just heartbreaking." Mrs. Vaughn''s eyes welled up with tears?


    Eleanor quickly grabbed a tissue and moved closer tofort her, unsure of what to say. But it was clear her guess had been right. Vivian wasn''t just transferring schools, she was being forced to leave the country.


    Mrs. Vaughn sighed. "Xavier has been negotiating with them, but they''re adamant that Vivian has to go live with them."


    "Are they good to Vivian?"


    "They seem to be, but Vivian hasn''t spent much time with them. I''m worried she won''t be able to adjust." The pain in Mrs. Vaughn''s voice was palpable.


    Just then, the front door opened, and Xavier walked in.


    Though they lived in the sameplex, Eleanor hadn''t seen him in over a week. The exhaustion on his


    & gras obvious he was clearly worn out from worrying about Vivian.

 Chapter 989

    "Eleanor," Xavier''s voice was gentle as he looked at her, then at his mother''s tear- streaked face. He took off his jacket and sat down. Mrs. Vaughn asked anxiously, "Xavier, how did it go?"


    "Their position is firm. I''ve hired awyer, and we''re preparing to take legal action," Xavier said, rubbing his brow. Hispany had just weathered a crisis, and now his personal life was presenting him with another major challenge.


    Eleanor looked at Xavier sincerely. "If there''s anything I can do to help, please don''t hesitate to ask."


    She wasn''t sure what she could do, but she wanted him to know she would help in any way she could.


    Xavier gave her a grateful look. "Thank you." He didn''t want to worry her. "I''ve spoken with a topwyer who specializes in international custody disputes. He says we have a strong case, but it will take some time to go through the process." A glimmer of hope appeared in Mrs. Vaughn''s eyes. Her anxiety had made her emotional, but hearing this news from her son brought some relief.


    "Eleanor," Mrs. Vaughn said, turning to her. "Xavier hasn''t had a proper meal in ages. The children can stay here with me. Would you mind taking him out to the restaurant across the street for dinner?"


    Eleanor was surprised, but she knew Mrs. Vaughn was an experienced caregiver and trusted her with her daughter. She looked at Xavier. "Alright, my treat." Then she added, "Mrs. Vaughn, why don''t we all go together with the kids?"


    Mrs. Vaughn smiled. "No, no, the children are too noisy. You two go and have a nice, quiet meal."


    Her intentions were clear: she just wanted Eleanor to spend some time with her son and help him de-stress.


    Eleanor didn''t insist. "Okay, then. I''ll take Xavier out for a quick dinner."


    "Go on. And please make sure he eats," Mrs. Vaughn said, her mood brightening considerably.


    Xavier looked at his mother''s arrangement, feeling it was putting Eleanor in an awkward position. He stood up. "Mom, you''re putting Eleanor on the spot-"


    Eleanor smiled. "It''s no trouble at all. It''s my treat."


    A flicker of surprised delight lit up Xavier''s eyes. He had been longing for an opportunity like this.


    "Okay," he said, grabbing his suit jacket as they headed out the door together.


    There were several high-end


    restaurants across from Cloudcrest


    Manor, catering to the wealthy residents of the area They didn''t


    need to drive; it was just a short walk. After a brief discussion they chose one and headed over.


    As they entered the main dining hall, Eleanor nced toward the floor-to-ceiling


    windows and her eyes unexpectedly met a pair of shocked,plex ones.


    were seated at a table by the window, with several documents spread out before them. They appeared to be having a business dinner.


    As their eyes locked, Xavier sawn too, clearly surprised.


    "A table for two in the main hall, or would you prefer a private room? We have


    small booths avable," a waiter greeted them warmly.


    Eleanor pulled her gaze away fromn and smiled at the waiter. "A private room, please."


    "Of course, right this way." The waiter led them toward a corridor of private booths.


    Xavier was a bit taken aback. He had assumed Eleanor would choose a table in the main hall. He followed her down the corridor.


    Gavin, of course, had seen Eleanor and Xavier. When he looked back at his boss, the atmosphere around him had dropped several degrees., The knuckles of the hand holding his teacup were white. ''


    Gavin knew that look. It was jealousy.


    "Mr. Goodwin, would you like to join Miss Sutton and Mr. Vaughn for dinner?" Gavin asked helpfully. His report wasn''t urgent; it could wait until tomorrow.<pn''s jaw was tight. "Continue," he bit out.

 Chapter 990

    Gavin quickly refocused. Judging by Eleanor and Xavier''s interaction, it seemed Eleanor was treating him to dinner, and given her rtionship with Mr. Goodwin...


    Gavin decided he had overstepped. He cleared his throat and concentrated on his report. In his hands were the details of a major acquisition Goodwin & Co. was working on, and he began to present the information with rity.


    He was focused on the data and didn''t notice that his boss''s attention wasn''t on the figures he was pointing to. Instead,n''s dark gaze was fixed on the corridor leading to the private rooms, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the rim of his cup.


    "¡ªso, their current asking price is still on the high side. The project department''s assessment is that there''s still about a ten percent margin for negotiation," Gavin concluded, waiting for his boss''s directive.


    When several seconds passed in silence, he looked up and sawn''s distracted expression. He paused and ventured, "Mr. Goodwin?"


    Gavin immediatelyunched into the reasoning, keeping a careful eye onn''s reactions this time. When he finished,n tapped a finger on the table. "Have the project department run a market analysis ofparable acquisitions. Use that data to renegotiate their premium."


    "Understood." Gavin gathered the documents. It seemed that while Miss Sutton and Mr. Vaughn''s dinner had distracted his boss, it hadn''t impaired his business judgment.


    After years of working withn, Gavin''s admiration for him had only grown. Ian''s empire was expanding, venturing into new sectors like the pharmaceutical industry andboratory investments with great sess.


    Meanwhile, in the private room, Eleanor and Xavier had ordered and were discussing Vivian''s situation.


    Xavier spoke openly about it. He had no shortage of internationalwyers, so Eleanor mostly listened as he outlined his advantages in the case.


    "So, we have at least a sixty percent chance of winning," Xavier concluded. As an uncle, he had more than fulfilled his duties. He refused to entrust his niece''s future to people he didn''t trust. It was a


    testament tense of


    responsibility. After the tragedy with his sister, his strength in taking on the care of his niece was truly moving.


    "I''m sure you''ll win custody of Vivian," Eleanor said sincerely.


    Her words made Xavier''s heart stir. From behind b


    his cup, his


    with a warm smile Th


    you.


    support gives me more confidence."


    Just then, their food began to arrive, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics like their children''s hobbies, Eleanor''s dog Princess, and Xavier''s cat.


    As they talked, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a text. She nced at it. It was from


    *Is Evelyn ying at Xavier''s?* he asked.


    Eleanor frowned. He was her father and had a right to know. She quickly replied, *Yes. I''ll pick her upter.*


    Xavier looked over. "Was thatn?"


    "Yes. Let''s just eat." A new dish arrived just then, and she gestured toward it. "This beef hot pot looks delicious. You should try it."


    Instead, Xavier picked up the serving chopsticks and ced a few slices of beef in her bowl. "Here."


    Eleanor smiled. "Thank you, but I can get it myself. Please, eat."

 Chapter 991

This chapter is missing , we are fix soon !

 Chapter 992

    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. It was an unfamiliar local number.


    Frowning, she stepped out onto the balcony to answer it.


    "Hello? Who is this?" she asked politely.


    "Eleanor, it''s me. We need to talk," came Vanessa''s provocative voice.


    Eleanor was surprised she still had the audacity to call. Vanessa was clever, always using a new number since her old ones were blocked.


    "I have nothing to talk to you about," Eleanor said coldly, unwilling to waste her


    time.


    Vanessa continued as if she hadn''t heard. "Eleanor, do you really believe thatn and I have beenpletely innocent all this time? Remember the night of my concert? If you hadn''t burst into my dressing room and interrupted us... do you have any idea what would have happened?"


    Vanessaughed triumphantly, jogging Eleanor''s memory. "I''m sure you saw it for yourself. My hair was caught onn''s belt buckle¡ª"


    "I''m not interested in hearing about your disgusting affairs," Eleanor cut her off.


    Vanessa''sughter only grew louder. "If you find it so disgusting, are you still nning on getting back together withn?"


    Eleanor frowned. So this was Vanessa''s goal, calling from a new number just to say this. She wanted to know if Eleanor andn were reconciling.


    "Vanessa, are you done? Do you think these pathetic little games will get to me? I know what kind of mann is. Stop acting like a pathetic clown."


    The breathing on the other end of the line grew heavy, Vanessa''s voiceced with anger. "Eleanor, what did you just say?"


    "Whether or notn and I get back together is our business. It has


    nothing to do with you," Eleanor


    retorted coolly. "As for the issues between you andn he can handle them himself."


    Without giving Vanessa another chance to speak, Eleanor hung up and blocked the new number.


    If Vanessa hadn''t brought it up, Eleanor might have let it go. But the fact that she did only confirmed that the whole incident had been orchestrated.


    She had her daughter and a career she loved. Her life was peaceful and fulfilling. She didn''t need to rely on anyone. As forn, the bond of their daughter meant they could per


    truly seventies. But from powoN. they would keep their distance and live their own lives.


    Henry had been in a foul mood ever since Vanessa''s confession the other night. After a long day at work, he was finally home.


    Throughout the day, many past events had started to make more sense. It was as


    if a fog had lifted, revealing a deeper truth.


    Just then, his phone rang. It was Xavier.


    "Hey, Xavier. Any luck with Vivian''s custody case?" Henry asked immediately.


    He and Xavier were close and often discussed their problems. Xavier had mentioned the issue a few days ago.


    "We''ve hired awyer. We''re heading over to negotiate next week."


    "If you need any help, don''t forget about me and-" Henry stopped short. He used to say "andn without a second thought, but now, it felt like the once-unbreakable trio had lost a member.

 Chapter 993

    "Your help is more than enough. Ian must be busy. We shouldn''t bother him," Xavier said, filling the silence.


    "You''re right,n''s swamped. I''ve been trying to meet with him, but he hasn''t had the time."


    "Oh? Are you in some kind of trouble? Maybe I can help," Xavier offered.


    "Are you free? Let''s grab a drink. I''ve had something on my mind all day and need to talk it out."


    "Sure. The usual ce," Xavier replied, clearly needing a break himself.


    They met in a VIP room on the third floor of a downtown bar. Henry arrived first, followed shortly by Xavier, dressed in casual clothes.


    "Alright, what''s been bothering you all day?" Xavier asked curiously.


    Henry leaned in close. "Xavier, I need to ask you a serious question, and I want an honest answer."


    Xavier nodded, taking a sip of his tea.


    "Do you thinkn and Vanessa ever slept together?" Henry asked, his voice dead serious.


    Xavier nearly choked on his tea. After a few coughs, he looked at Henry, stunned. "Why are you suddenly asking this?"


    Henry ran a hand through his hair, a


    vel


    rare look of frustration on his face. "Vanessa told me herself that her rtionship withn was just a transaction. That they werepletely clean, nothing ever happened. But... I''ve seen them being so intimate before I''m so confused."


    "And this bothers you?" Xavier raised an eyebrow.


    Henry sighed. "If it bothered me, would I have waited this long? I epted the


    fact that they were together years ago."


    "You mentioned a transaction between Vanessa andn? What kind of


    transaction?" Xavier pressed, getting to the heart of the matter.


    "Ian''s mother has needed an annual stem cell transfusion for thest ten years, and Vanessa is her only donor. So,n has been providing for her financially this whole time. Her entire career is thanks to him Henry exined, a wave of regret washing over him. "Andn kept it from us for ten years. His mother is sick, and as his brothers, shouldn''t we have been there to help? But he never said a word-"


    Henry took a frustrated gulp of his tea. "It feels like he kept it from the whole world. I bet Eleanor didn''t know either. If she had, would they have ended up divorced?"


    Xavier listened in silence, clearly taken aback by this revtion But unlike Henry, his reaction was more subdued. Perhaps, on some level, he had already suspected something.


    "Xavier, what kind of mess is this? If it was just a transaction, why didn''t he tell us? If he had, maybe I¡ª" Henry cut himself off.


    Xavier looked at him. "You were going to say that if he had told you the truth, you and Vanessa would have had kids by now?"


    Henry''s thoughts were an open book to Xavier. He gave a bitter smile. "But now, everything feels different. I''ve started to let some things go."


    Xavier looked up at Henry. "That question you asked me earlier, do you still want an answer?"


    "Tell me what you think. Let''s see if we''re on the same page," Henry said, leaning backfortably on the sofa.

 Chapter 994

    Xavier''s expression turned serious. After a moment of thought, he spoke slowly. "We''ve knownn since elementary school. Even though we went our separate ways for college, we still know each other well. If you''re saying their rtionship was just a transaction, then my answer to your question is no, they didn''t."


    "How is that possible?" Henry sat up straight. "I could see that Vanessa was deeply in love withn."


    Xavier''s gaze was frank. "Knowingn, he''s not the type to sleep with someone he has a business arrangement with. Besides, he was still married to Eleanor back then."


    "So you think what Vanessa said is true? That nothing ever happened between them?" Henry pressed.


    Xavier had kept some things to himself, like his first encounter with Vanessa and how she had tried to flirt with him afterward. Though her attempts were subtle, Xavier had seen her true nature that day.


    "Henry, if nothing happened between them, are you going to start pursuing Vanessa immediately?" Xavier asked in return.


    Henry clutched his head, caught in a swirl of conflicting emotions. Finally, he looked at Xavier. "I need to tell you something, but you have to promise to keep it a secret."


    Xavier picked up his teacup, a look of interest in his eyes. "I''m listening."


    Henry confessed everything about the drunken night with Selma Quigley and his recent feelings for her. He ran a hand through his hair, his voice full of confusion. "Xavier, what''s wrong with me? I was obsessed with Vanessa for so long, but now... all I can think about is Selma. I get angry when I see her at a bar, and even angrier when I see her getting into someone else''s car. I feel like... I''m thinking about her all the time."


    After listening, Xavier broke into a knowing smile. "Henry, congrattions. You''ve found true love."


    Henry''s eyes were filled with turmoil. "But I''m so confused. On one hand, I feel like I''ve betrayed Vanessa, but on the other, I can''t stop myself from wanting to be near Selma. And ifn and Vanessa really were innocent, then what am I supposed to do?"


    Xavier''s yful expression faded, reced by a serious one. "Henry, you need to realize that what you felt for Vanessa was an obsession born from wanting what you couldnt have. You need to let her go and pursue Miss Quigley. She''s the right one for you."


    "But Vanessa-" Henry was flooded with guilt, as if he had wronged her. Seeing his expression, Xavier decided it was time to tell him the whole truth.


    "Vanessa isn''t as innocent as you think. She''s a master maniptor with a hidden agenda. The reason _she''s rifying her rtionship withn now is probably because their arrangement is ending. She wants to secure you, to get you to marry her. After all, you''ve always been her other option besidesn."


    Xavier''s words hit Henry like a bucket of cold water. He downed his drink in one gulp. "You''re right. I was always her second choice. I was just a..." The words "a backup n" died in a bitterugh.


    "Vanessa even made a pass at me once, though I never told you," Xavier said, dropping another bombshell.


    Henry''s mind went nk. He looked at Xavier in disbelief. "What? How is that possible?"


    A flicker of disdain crossed Xavier''s


    eyes. "It was at a party.n was


    so were you. I was on the


    there, and


    balcony when she


    identally


    spilled her drink on me as an excuse


    to get close. She asked for my


    number and then dropped a few hintster, but I ignored her."


    Henry''s mind reeled. He felt like a fool who had been yed for years.


    Xavier continued, "Vanessa is like a vine. She clung ton to change her fate.


    Now that their arrangement is ending, she needs a new host. You''ve been on her hook for years, making you the perfect choice."

 Chapter 995

    Under the dim light, Henry''s face was pale. For seven years, Vanessa had feigned her devotion ton in front of him, all while maintaining a flirtatious ambiguity with him. She always gave him just enough hope to keep him from giving up. And all her seemingly innocent disys of vulnerability...


    The more Henry reyed the memories, the more he felt a sense of powerlessness, of being manipted and deceived. He drained his ss in one gulp. The next moment, a surge of unfamiliar anger made him m the empty ss down on the table.


    "I''ve been aplete and utter fool," Henry growled, his voice thick with self- loathing and pain.


    He could ept Vanessa lovingn from afar, but the fact that she had made a move on Xavier seven years ago struck a raw nerve. What kind of woman had he been infatuated with all this time? A social climber who seized every opportunity?


    Henry buried his face in his hands, letting out a low groan of anguish. Then, he leaned back on the sofa, staring up at the ceiling lights. The initial rage and humiliation slowly faded, reced by a hollow emptiness, and finally, a cold, clear calm.


    After a long silence, he spoke, his voice dripping with self-mockery. "Xavier, I remember you tried to warn me a few times. Am I really that stupid?"


    Xavier shook his head. "You were just blinded by her beauty and overlooked her true nature. I''ve told you before, Vanessa knows how to handle men."


    Henry gave a bitterugh. "You''re right. Now that I think about it, I''ve done more than one stupid thing in thest seven years. I almost ruined my friendship withn over her. I thought he was a monster for keeping her without giving her amitment, but it turns out... I was the biggest fool of all."


    The truth didn''t just shatter a rtionship; it destroyed Henry''s entire belief system and self-perception from thest seven years. That was the hardest part to


    ept. He felt a wave of nausea, disgusted by it all.


    Seeing someone for who they truly are can leave you with nothing but the wreckage of the past and a bone-deep chill.


    He forced down a ss of ice water


    down


    and looked at Xavier. "Xavier, if it


    weren''t for you, I''d probably still bez under her spell. I might have even


    hurt Selma for her. Thank you for knocking some sense into my thick skull."


    Xavier sat down beside him and pped him on the shoulder. "I''m d you''vee to your senses. Now go for it with Miss Quigley terms of family, status, and character, she''s a hundred times better than Vanessa."


    "You can''t evenpare her to Selma. She''s aplete fraud," Henry said, his voice as cold as ice. Forget all the viianey ve spent on her over the years. Just the time and energy I wasted... it wasn''t worth it."


    Xavier looked surprised. "You and her... have you already¡ª"


    Henry cut him off. "No. Nothing. In my mind, she wasn''s woman. I would never have touched her as long as she andn were still involved."


    Xavier believed him and nodded.


    Henry gritted his teeth, frustrated. "I took her on trips behindn''s back, bought her so many gifts... All told, it must be over a hundred or two hundred million."


    Now it was Xavier''s turn to be shocked. "You spent that much money on her?"


    Henry gave a self-deprecating smile and sank back onto the sofa. "I guess I''m just a rich fool."


    Then, Henry sat up, grabbed his phone, found Vanessa''s number, and dialed it without hesitation.

 Chapter 996

This chapter is missing , we are fix soon !

 Chapter 997

    "Ian has incredible self-control," Henry said, putting down his ss with a snort. "He knew Vanessa was maniptive, yet he had to y along, give her


    resources, and even watch her parade around as his ''girlfriend.'' If it were me, I would have torn her to shreds long ago."


    A flicker of understanding crossed Xavier''s eyes. "Ian can endure more than we can. There''s no doubt about that. But... he did hurt Eleanor."


    Henry looked up sharply, a thought striking him. He mmed his fist on the table. "Speaking of hurting Eleanor, I''m guilty of that too."


    A wave of guilt washed over Henry. He must have been possessed to have blindly believed everything Vanessa said and even spoken harshly to Eleanor.


    Xavier looked at him. "Are you talking about Vivian''s birthday party?"


    "Yes, that night. I didn''t want to bother you all, but she said she had already bought a gift and would leave right after dropping it off, so I brought her," Henry paused,, "I''m such an idiot. I have a feeling Vanessa is the reasonn and Eleanor got divorced."


    Xavier''s heart sank, and he fell silent.


    "I don''t know Eleanor well, but I know she lovedn deeply. She''s not the type to give up on her family easily. And Xavier, have you noticed the wayn looks at Eleanor now? I don''t think he''s over her at all."


    Xavier remained silent, the shadows from the lights ying across his handsome face.


    Henry suddenly realized what he was saying and stopped short. He had almost forgotten that Xavier had feelings for Eleanor too.


    He took a sip of his drink. "Xavier... I didn''t mean to bring that up."


    Xavier slowly looked up, his expression calm. He shook his head. "It''s fine. Say whatever is on your mind."


    Henry ran a hand through his hair. "I''ve said all I need to say. I think I should find a chance to apologize to Eleanor-"


    Xavier looked up at him. "Don''t go to her now. She''s very busy. And stay out of things between her and fan, He owes her a debt, and he needs to be the one to repay it."


    Henry nodded. "You''re right. We can''t interfere. Ian has to make up for what he did to her himself."


    After a pause, Henry leaned in. "Xavier, do you think there''s any chance ofn and Eleanor getting back together?"


    Xavier''s hand, holding the ss, froze. stared into his drink for a few seconds, then narrowed his eyes. "Not necessarily." >


    "Why not?"


    "Eleanor is in love with someone else," Xavier said, draining his ss.


    "Don''t tell me Eleanor actually likes that Mansfield Ellington guy," Henry pressed.


    A bitter smile touched Xavier''s lips. He looked up at Henry. "Do you know who he is?"


    Henry rubbed his nose. "Is he that important? Do I have to know who he is?"


    Xavier pped him on the shoulder, his gaze direct. "He''s the Vice President''s son and Mayor Ellington''s nephew."


    Henry was stunned. "Doesn''t that mean evenn would feel insecure around him?"


    A flicker of insecurity crossed Xavier''s own eyes. "Hees from a world we can''tpare to."


    "No wonder l''ye never heard of him in business or political circles. He''s incredibly low-key," Henry said, amazed that Eleanor had a suitor of that caliber. It was no wonder she might fall for a man like that Which woman wouldn''t? Xavier is Mr. Ellington really interested in Eleanor?


    Does that meann really has no


    chance?"

 Chapter 998

    Xavier leaned back on the sofa, the bitterness in his eyes deepening. During their time in Kingston, he had seen firsthand the depth of Mansfield''s feelings for Eleanor-passionate, bold, and without reservation. Unlike him, who was held back by his own hesitations, Mansfield just needed a nod from Eleanor to give her the world.


    Seeing the sadness in Xavier''s eyes, Henry ran a hand through his hair. "So, does that mean neither you norn have a chance?"


    Xavier rubbed his brow and shook his head. "Not necessarily. It all depends on Eleanor''s choice. She''s not someone who cares about family background."


    "With Mansfield''s credentials, if he''s actively pursuing her, I find it hard to believe Eleanor wouldn''t be moved," Henry countered.


    "I''m out of the running. We''ll see whatn can do," Xavier said, then picked up the nearest bottle and started drinking straight from it.


    "Whoa, whoa!" Henry quickly grabbed the bottle. "You''ve had enough for tonight. Stop drinking."


    They talked for a little while longer. When Henry saw it was already one in the morning, he helped Xavier up. "Come on, it''s gettingte."


    Xavier was a bit drunk. He held his head. "I''ll just get a room at a nearby hotel. I''m not going home."


    His assistant came to pick him up.


    As Henry waited for his own ride, he stood under the cool night air, the breeze clearing his head. He stood under a streetlight, trying to sort through his chaotic thoughts.


    The shattering of a seven-year obsession brought not just pain, but also a liberating sense of new beginnings.


    He took out his phone. Even though it was past one in the morning, he couldn''t resist finding her on WhatsApp and typing a message.


    *Selma, are you asleep?*


    Realizing the time, he gave a wry smile and put his phone back in his pocket. But a secondter, it vibrated.


    He pulled it out almost instantly. Selma Quigley had replied.


    *It''s the middle of the night. Why are you sending random messages and waking me up?*


    Even though it was aint, Henry''s heart soared. He stood there, grinning like an idiot.


    *You''re not awake because you were thinking of me, were you?* he typed, then tried to salvage some dignity. *Sorry to bother you.d can''t sleep.content


    *Why can''t you sleep? Heartbroken?* Selma replied, a hint of teasing in her tone.


    *I want to confess my feelings to a girl, but I''m worried she''ll reject me, so I can''t sleep.*


    This time, Selma didn''t reply


    immediately. Henry watched as


    "typing..." appeared and disappeared


    at the top


    pounding


    the chat, his heart


    with each sh.


    Had she misunderstood?


    After a moment, a new message popped up: *If you like someone, you should just


    tell them. Otherwise, you might miss your chance.*


    Henry''s heart hammered against his ribs. He took a deep breath and typed, letter by letter: *If that girl were you, would you reject me?*


    He hit send.


    He stared at the screen, his heart beating like a drum. Was he being too direct? Did he scare her off? Would she think he was being flippant?


    Regret washed over him. He frantically tried to unsend the message, but it was toote.


    Just as his anxiety reached its peak, his phone vibrated again.


    Selma''s reply was simple. Just two words.


    *I wouldn''t.*


    Henry blinked, rereading the screen to make sure he wasn''t imagining it. A.wave of euphoria washed over him, and he almost jumped for joy,


    ing like a fool.


    fo

 Chapter 999

This chapter is missing , we are fix soon !

 Chapter 1000

    Eleanor frowned. "Gavin couldn''t reach you. He was worried, so he asked me to check on you."


    He certainly looked like he was.


    "You should have someone take you to the hospital," Eleanor suggested.


    "No, I''ll be fine after I get some sleep," Ian shook his head. He left the door open and walked toward the living room.


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. He was as stubborn as ever when it came to being sick. She figured he had probably just missed Gavin''s calls while he was in the shower.


    She turned to leave, but a sudden crash of ss from inside stopped her. She turned back and stepped into the apartment.


    In the living room,n was bracing himself on the table with one hand, the other pressed to his forehead. Shards of a broken ssy at his feet. He had clearly gotten dizzy and dropped it.


    Eleanor walked over to him. Just as she reached him, he swayed, nearly copsing. She instinctively reached out to steady him.


    His arm wrapped around her shoulders, and he leaned his head against her. She could feel the intense heat radiating from his body.


    "Get on the sofa and lie down," Eleanor said, half-supporting, half-guiding him to the couch.n sank onto it, beads of sweat on his forehead. He seemed to be fighting off a wave of dizziness, his eyes unfocused.


    Eleanor was about to clean up the broken ss when arge hand grabbed her wrist. "Don''t go," he pleaded, his voice raspy.


    "Let go." She easily pulled her hand free and took out her phone to call Joslyn upstairs.


    A momentter, Joslyn appeared at the door. Seeingn on the sofa, she asked with concern, "Ma''am, what''s wrong with Mr. Goodwin?"


    "He''s sick. Joslyn, could you please clean this up and then go make him some soup?"


    "Of course." Joslyn quickly swept up the ss and then went back upstairs to the kitchen.


    Eleanor stood by the sofa, looking down at the man lying with his eyes closed. "You need to go to the hospital. Now."


    "No,"n''s voice was obstinate. "I hate hospitals."


    Eleanor knew he did. "Then call your family doctor toe here."


    Eleanor picked up the phone and held it out to him. "Call him yourself."


    Just then, Joslyn returned with a thermometer. "Ma''am, you should take Mr Goodwin''s temperature. Ha seems to be burning up.content


    Eleanor took it and handed it to him. "Do it yourself."


    Joslyn discreetly left, pulling the door almost closed behind her.


    She nced at the reading. It was a high fever: 104.3¡ãF.


    She went into his bathroom, found a washcloth, soaked it in cold water


    ando


    rung it out She folded it and ced it onn''s forehead >


    The cool sensation seemed to ease the tension in his brow.


    Eleanor thought about who could take care of him. Magdalen was too old, Gina was still recovering in the hospital, and Serena was undergoing drug trials and couldn''t be exposed to any illnesses.

 Chapter 1001

    It seemed her only option was to wait for the doctor and Gavin to arrive before she could leave.


    Eleanor Sutton stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, resigning herself to the wait. She took a moment to admire the brilliant blue sky and thezy drift of white clouds outside.


    Thoughn Goodwin''s eyes were closed, waves of dizziness and a pounding headache from the high fever washed over him. Still, he could sense Eleanor''s presence nearby and fought to keep his heavy eyelids from shuttingpletely.


    "Ahem!" he let out a low cough.


    Eleanor turned to see he had managed to sit up again. She walked over to the counter, poured a ss of warm water, and brought it to him.


    Taking the ss,n looked up at Eleanor and murmured, "Thank you."


    "The doctor should be on his way," Eleanor said, her tone t.


    After speaking, she instinctively retreated to the window, turning her back to him again.


    Just then, the doorbell finally rang.


    Eleanor breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to answer it.


    It was Dr. Lyman, apanied by Gavin.


    Eleanor stepped aside to let them in, then said to Gavin, "He''s all yours now."


    Remembering something, she turned back and added, "Joslyn is making some soup upstairs. She''ll bring it downter."


    "Of course," Gavin nodded quickly.


    Nearby, Gavin sighed. He really should have insisted on canceling yesterday''s meeting instead of letting Mr. Goodwin work through the night while sick.


    As the medication dripped from


    IV bag inton''s veins, the


    BUT


    exhaustion from the fever,bined with the effects of the drug, finally


    pulled him into a deep sleally


    Gavin carefully covered him with a nket while Dr. Lyman gave detailed


    instructions, promising to returnter that afternoon.


    At three in the afternoon,n awoke from his heavy slumber. The high fever had


    subsided to a low-grade one, and his mind felt much clearer.


    "Mr. Goodwin, you''re awake," Gavin said, immediately approaching him.


    Gavin hesitated for a moment before saying, "Miss Sutton left this morning."


    "Mr. Goodwin, you should have some soup. Joslyn also sent down some appetizers," Gavin suggested.


    "Mr. Goodwin, how are you feeling?" Smith asked with concern from the other end.


    "Miss Sutton mentioned it briefly during our meeting earlier."


    A flicker of warmth crossedn''s eyes before his tone became serious again. "Doctor, I want to terminate the contract with Vanessa Shannon. Is now a good time?"


    On the other end, Smith mulled it over for a few seconds. "We certainly don''t need Miss Shannon''s donations anymore, but we could keep her as a backup¡ª"


    A cold glint appeared inn''s eyes, his voice low and resolute. "No. I want to end


    all dealings with herpletely."


    "I understand


    Smith heard the


    resolve inn''s voice and stopped trying to persuade him. "Since you''ve made your decision, Mr. Good with ''!! prepare the legal documents for the termination agreement as soon as possible. Should we notify Miss Shannon?"


    "I''ll speak with her myself."

 Chapter 1002

    Back at theb, Eleanor was leaving her office to discuss some data with Smith.


    As she reached his door, she heard him on the phone and decided toe backter, but then she overheard him say, "Make sure you bring the original documents. Mr. Goodwin wants to terminate the agreement with Miss Shannon for good this time, so we can''t afford any mistakes."


    Eleanor froze, ncing toward the office with a frown. Ian was terminating his agreement with Vanessa?


    Just then, Smith''s assistant approached her. "Dr. Sutton, are you looking for the doctor?"


    Smith, still on the phone, saw Eleanor through the ss wall of his office. He quickly wrapped up his call.


    "Eleanor, did you need something?" Smith asked as he stepped out of his office.


    Eleanor nodded. "I wanted to discuss a few data sets with you. Do you have a moment?"


    "Come on in," Smith said, nodding.


    Once inside the office, Eleanor couldn''t help but ask, "Doctor, I overheard you on the phone just now. Isn terminating the donation agreement with Vanessa?"


    Smith didn''t see any reason to keep it a secret. He nodded. "Yes, Mr. Goodwin called me about it himself just a little while ago. It seems he''s very eager to end things with her."


    As for the reason, Smith had a pretty good idea.


    Eleanor offered her professional opinion. "Doctor, I don''t think it''s the right time to terminate the agreement. Vanessa could serve as a valuable backup donor, just in case."


    "Hmm." Smith stroked his chin and nodded. "That''s what I said, but Mr. Goodwin seems quite insistent."


    Smith looked at Eleanor, his tone earnest. "Eleanor, I''m sure you understand why Mr. Goodwin is in such a hurry to terminate the contract."


    Eleanor''s expression remained neutral. She handed him the file. "Doctor, take a look at these two data sets from this morning. I think the values are still bit hight a We


    might need to adjust for stability.


    Smith''s focus immediately shifted to the data. After they had discussed it for a while, he saw Eleanor getting up to leave and couldn''t help but advise Eleanor, if you want to keep Vanessa as a backup donor, you should be the one to tell Mr. Goodwin. I think you''re the only one who can change his mind."


    Eleanor considered it for a moment, then nodded. "If it''s necessary, I''ll call him."


    On her way back to her office, Eleanor mulled it over. This wasn''t a matter of personal grudges; it was about the future of the Goodwin family and her daughter.


    Even withn as the primary donor, having a backup was always the safer, more responsible choice.


    Meanwhile,n was resting on the sofa, the fatigue from the fever making it difficult to do much else. Just then, his phone screen lit up with an iing call from-Eleanor.


    He raised an eyebrow in surprise and quickly answered, "Hello."


    On the other end, Eleanor''s voice came through, as calm and direct as ever. "I heard from the doctor that you''re nning to terminate the agreement with Vanessa."


    He grunted in affirmation, not denying it.


    Eleanor was silent for a few seconds


    Silent


    before she spoke again. "Ian, I hope you''ll reconsider. While the research has made a breakthrough, medicine is full of uncertainties. Keeping Vanessa as a backup donor provides an extrayer of security. It''s the more responsible choice for your family and for Evelyn."

 Chapter 1003

    Eleanor''s words were entirely objective and rational, devoid of any personal emotion.


    "I understand what you''re saying,"n said hoarsely, but then his voice grew firm and low. "But I don''t need it."


    The finality in his tone was unmistakable.


    Eleanor''s calm voice suddenly took on a note of frustration. "Ian, relying on you as the sole donor is a huge risk. Besides, you''ve only given blood a few times and you''re already sick. Don''t overestimate your own physical resilience."


    The tension inn''s brow suddenly eased, and a faint smile touched his lips.


    So, her insistence on keeping Vanessa was also hiding a concern for his health.


    "Are you worried about me?"n''s voice softened, a hint of pleasurecing his words.


    On the other end, Eleanor''s tone grew even colder. "An unstable donor is a potential risk. Evelyn might need you in the future."


    He paused, his voice bing resolute again, almost exnatory. "Eleanor, I know you''re thinking about the Goodwin family from a professional standpoint, but some choices can''t be made based on pros and cons alone."


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "Aren''t you the one who always loves to weigh the pros and cons?"


    "I''m sorry. I''ve made a lot of mistakes in the past and let you down," Ian said, his voice low and sincere.


    "I didn''t call to hear you apologize or to discuss the past. I only care about one thing keeping Vanessa as a backup donor. Thope you won''t make an irrational decision based on personal feelings and gamble with the future of your family and Evelyn."


    Eleanor''s words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the flicker of hope he had for forgiveness.


    Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his heart, as if it had been viciously squeezed.


    After a few seconds of silence, he spoke again, his voice raspy and yielding. "I''ll listen to you. We''ll keep Vanessa as a backup donor."


    He continued, "You''re right. An extrayer of security is more responsible for the Goodwin family and fore Evelyn. I was being irrational and didn''t think it through."


    "I''m d you see it that way," Eleanor said before hanging up.


    Listening to the dial tone,n slowly lowered his arm, a flicker of disappointment in his deep eyes.


    Later, Dr. Lyman returned. As the needle went in for another IV drip,ny on the sofa without so much as a flinch. He even took his medicine without protest.


    Sitting nearby, Gavin was surprised


    by his boss''spliance. In the


    past Goodw Mr


    I would al


    to tough out any illness, bus


    try


    time, it was as if he couldn''t wait to get better.


    Then again, with so much on his te, he really couldn''t afford to be down for long.


    Just then, Gavin''s phone rang. He nced at the screen and said ton, "Mr. Goodwin, it''s Miss Shannon."

 Chapter 1004

    His voice was cold, devoid of any emotion.


    Gavin understood and took the phone out to the balcony to answer.


    "Miss Shannon, how can I help you?" Gavin asked politely.


    "Gavin, where''sn? I''ve been trying to call him, but it won''t go through. Is he busy?" Vanessa''s voice was as gentle and cheerful as always.


    "Mr. Goodwin is in a meeting and can''t take calls right now. You can tell me if it''s important," Gavin said.


    "Oh, it''s nothing, Gavin. I just wanted to see how he was doing," Vanessa said with augh.


    "Mr. Goodwin is fine. You don''t need to worry, Miss Shannon."


    "Alright then, I won''t bother you," Vanessa said before hanging up.


    Gavin returned to his seat with the phone in his hand. In the past, no matter how impatient Mr. Goodwin was, he would always maintain a basic level of courtesy. But now that Vanessa had gotten so much, he no longer felt the need to put on an act.


    Gavin reviewed every document that came across his desk for a signature. He had, of course, seen the contract transferring a portion of Yeaton Holdings'' shares to Vanessa. That three-billion-dor stake was likely Mr. Goodwin''s final transaction with her.


    Since bingn''s assistant, Gavin had frequent dealings with Vanessa and was involved in many of their affairs. Over the years, he saw her appetite for more only grow.


    Vanessa''s career in the arts was built not only on her own efforts but also on a foundation of money. Gavin clearly remembered five years ago, when Vanessa was


    mpeting


    in an international piano Competition, Mr. Goodwin had personally flown out to deal with the judges and sponsors. In the end, Vanessa took home a prestigious trophy that solidified her status as a world-ss pianist, an achievement she unted endlessly on social media.


    Not to mention her jewelry. Vanessa


    had a voracious appetite for


    diamonds and would often ask Mr


    Goodwin to apany her to


    auctions to bid on pieces she fancied. Gavin had personally handled the paperwork for at least three pieces worth terts, of millions of dors. Sometimes, she would insist Mr. Goodwin attend the


    auctions with her in person.


    Materially, Mr. Goodwin had never shortchanged her. In fact, he gave her almost anything she asked for.


    And Vanessa''s greed was such that she had stopped just short of demanding the title of Mrs. Goodwin.


    Two years ago, Gavin had assumed Vanessa was his boss''s overseas mistress. After all, the executives he''d worked for before had them scattered all over the globe, so it seemed perfectly normal for his new boss to have one too.


    ef.ne


    What Gavin could never understand, however, wasn''s behavior. He was generous with material things but emotionally distant and evasive, Whenever Mr. Goodwin was in Drexford, Vanessa would find excuse after excuse to stay the night at his vi, only to have Gavin sent to drive her home in the end.


    It happened more times than Gavin could count.


    But it was clear to Gavin that Vanessa was deeply in love with his boss. Her desire for his affection was far stronger than her desire for material wealth.


    She often acted as if he were her boyfriend, and anyone not in the know would have easily mistaken their rtionship.


    As for why his boss never rified his rtionship with Vanessa, Gavin figured it was a strategy to keep the peace. After all, Vanessa wore her ambition and intensity on her sleeve; she wasn''t as quiet, obedient, and easily satisfied as Eleanor had been.


    Gavin vividly remembered one particr incident. Mr. Goodwin had returned to the country after a six-month business trip in Drexford, and Eleanor hade to pick him up from the airport in the middle of the night.


    Mr. Goodwin had spent a solid week in transnational negotiations and was utterly exhausted. When Eleanor saw him emerge, she ran through the crowd to meet him, her eyes fixed on his face. "Are you tired?" she had asked softly.


    Mr. Goodwin was so drained he didn''t even want to speak. He simply reached out and ruffled her hair. In response, Eleanor had beamed, her eyes shining with love and concern.

 Chapter 1005

    Back then, Eleanor was indeed pure and beautiful, and Gavin had been struck by her at that moment.


    He remembered thinking at the time what a good person the real Mrs. Goodwin


    was.


    Vanessa was all about money and fame in Drexford, but Eleanor never seemed to want anything at all.


    But the Eleanor of today had transformed into someone who seemed utterly out of reach.


    The medication from the IV dripped steadily inton''s arm, and he drifted off to sleep.


    Gavin tiptoed over, adjusted the nket, and went back to his work.


    Regardless of everything, Gavin still hoped his boss could win Eleanor back. Otherwise, knowing his personality, he would probably stay single for the rest of his life.


    At five-thirty, Eleanor picked up her daughter and headed home, with no intention of telling her aboutn''s illness.


    However, by the time she finished washing her hands at home, Joslyn had already spilled the beans.


    "Mommy, is Daddy sick? Is he downstairs? I want to go see him," Evelyn Goodwin pleaded, her big eyes wide.


    "I''m so sorry, ma''am," Joslyn said, flustered. She was in the middle of making more soup forn.


    "It''s alright," Eleanor said, not ming her. Joslyn had been onn''s payroll for six years; she still had a soft spot for her former employer.


    "Evelyn, why don''t you wait a little while? Once I''ve finished making the soup, you and Mommy can go down together to visit your daddy," Joslyn suggested.


    Eleanor frowned but said nothing. Ian was now the primary donor, and he needed to recover quickly. They were scheduled to administer the new medication to Gina Quinn next week.


    Fifteen minutester, the doorbell ton''s apartment rang.


    Gavin opened the door and his face lit up when he saw Eleanor and Evelyn. "Miss Sutton, you''re here."


    "Daddy!" Evelyn had already darted inside.


    Hearing his daughter''s sweet voice, he immediately got up, crouched down, and opened his arms to catch the little girl as she barreled into him.


    "Daddy, are you sick? Does it hurt?" Evelyn asked worriedly, cing her small hand on his forehead.


    "Daddy got a shot, so I''m feeling much better,"n said softly, his gaze lifting to the woman who was walking over with a thermal container.


    Eleanor set the soup down and said to Gavin, "Make sure he eats some of this. I''m heading back up."


    Just then, a dog rushed in and brushed against Gavin''s leg.


    Princess had arrived, along wit


    bowls of appetizers Joslyn had forgotten to bring down.


    wo


    "Mr. Goodwin, I just made these to go with your soup," Joslyn said.


    "Thank you, Joslyn. That''s very thoughtful of you,"n said gratefully.


    Joslyn smiled, a little embarrassed. "It''s nothing, really. I''m happy to do it."


    "Mommy, can I stay here with Daddy for a little while?" Evelyn asked, not wanting to leave.


    Eleanor didn''t force the issue. "I''ll call you when it''s time for dinner."


    "Okay, Mommy!" Evelyn nodded happily.


    Joslyn left, and just as Eleanor stepped out the door, she turned back and called


    to the dog lying on the floor. "Princess,e on."


    Princess whimpered, her big eyes looking up at her owner, but she didn''t move. Clearly, she wanted to stay too.


    "Could you let Princess stay with me for a bit?"n asked in a low, pleading tone.


    Though reluctant, Eleanor saw that


    Princess wasn''t going to listen to her


    anyway. She decided not


    bother


    and left, closing the door behind her.


    Still, the fact that Eleanor had personally brought their daughter downstairs was a pleasant surprise forn.


    "Daddy, hurry and drink your soup!" Evelyn urged her father.


    "Alright."n stood up and took her hand, leading her to the table. He was indeed hungry.


    Evelyn sat beside him, propping her chin on her hands and watching bim with a happy expression. The soup warmed his stomach, but his daughter''s presence was just asforting.

 Chapter 1006

    "Daddy, you have to get better soon! My school is having a family sports day next week, and I want both you and Mommy toe with me," Evelyn said.


    Eleanor returned to her study to finish the work she had brought home. She remembered her father''s notebooks contained records of blood disorders and reached for one. As she flipped through the pages, she noticed that among the densely written notes, there were a surprising number of entries about leukemia.


    She frowned. Why had her father been so fixated on researching leukemia in his final two years?


    While there were notes on other blood disorders, they were far fewer. It seemed his final efforts hadn''t been focused on blood disorders in general, but specifically on leukemia.


    Eleanor opened theb''s system on herputer and typed "leukemia" into the research database.


    To her surprise, she found research outlines and records on leukemia, with the earliest entries dating back to thest year of her father''s life.


    The most recent entries were from the year she had taken over the leukemia research back in her home country. So,n hadn''t established this bloodb solely for his mother''s illness. The archives showed he had also invested significant effort into leukemia research.


    Pharmaceutical research was a lucrative industry. Sincen had entered the field, he must have intended tomercialize his findings. After all, his venture into pharmaceuticals had been met with skepticism from the Goodwin & Co. board. He had funded thisb with his own money and needed to find a way to make it profitable.


    Looking at her father''s notes, Eleanor felt a pang in her chest. What had driven him to work so hard?


    Eleanor rubbed her temples. Just then, her phone rang. It was Serena. She frowned and answered, "Hello."


    "Ellie, you won''t believe it! Mytest test results just came in, and my levels are almost back to normal! Only three are slightly elevated; everything else is fine."


    Serena''s joyful voice came through the phone.


    Eleanor was silent for a few seconds. Serena''s voice then took on a hopeful, yet guilty tone. "Ellie... are you... are you happy for me?"


    Eleanor was simply too tired to speak, but Serena''s question prompted a response. "Of course, I''m happy for you."


    "Ellie, I won''t disturb you. You should get some rest," Serena said tactfully.


    "Just keep a positive attitude and stick with the treatment. You''re going to be okay," Eleanor said.


    "Okay, I will. I''ll cooperate fully," Serena promised. "You get some rest."


    After the call ended, Eleanor sighed. How could she not be happy? Serena''s recovery meant she wouldn''t have to worry about her daughter''s future.


    Soon after, a video call from Smith came in. He wanted to discuss Serena''stest test results with her.


    Serena''s recovery was progressing


    much better than they had


    anticipated. After ten years of


    dedicated research, Smith and his team could finally breathe a sigh of relief.


    After discussing the matter, Eleanor couldn''t help but ask, "Doctor, I was looking through the database earlier and noticed that theb conducted leukemia research as far back as eleven years ago is that correct?


    Smith replied, "Yes, we coborated with your father for a year. After he passed away, we formed a small team to continue the research. Ass you know, we weren''t sessful."


    "Was itn who asked you to conduct this research?" Eleanor pressed.


    On the video call, Smith''s expression grew serious. He adjusted his sses. "Eleanor, that''s a question you should ask Mr. Goodwin himself. He''ll tell you."


    Eleanor frowned. Was this another one ofn''s secrets? How many more did this man have?


    "Alright. Thank you, Doctor."


    "You''re wee. In any case, you''ve solved the leukemia puzzle, so Mr. Goodwin should have no more worries," Smith said before ending the call.


    Eleanor took a deep breath. This was a problem her father had worked himself to death trying to solve. Perhaps there was still a secret she needed to uncover.


    Joslyn came upstairs. "Ma''am, dinner is ready."

 Chapter 1007

    "Okay, I''ll go get Evelyn," Eleanor said.


    Eleanor went to the twenty-seventh floor and rang the doorbell. Gavin smiled when he saw her. "Miss Sutton, you''re here. Perfect timing, I was just about to leave. Could you please look after Mr. Goodwin for me?"


    Eleanor was taken aback. "How is he?"


    "Mr. Goodwin''s fever is low-grade now, but Dr. Lyman is worried it might spike again tonight," Gavin said with concern.


    "I see," Eleanor nodded.


    Gavin''s face lit up with relief. "Then I''ll leave him in your care, Miss Sutton. I have


    to go."


    He looked as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders as he quickly let himself out.


    The scene of the father, daughter, and dog was rather heartwarming, though Eleanor found it irritating.


    "Evelyn, it''s time toe home for dinner."


    "But Mommy, I''m not hungry yet," Evelyn protested, wanting to keep ying.


    "You cane back down after you eat," Eleanor coaxed.


    "Okay," Evelyn pouted. Ian added his own encouragement, "After you eat, Daddy will y with you some more."


    "Okay, I''ll go eat then. Wait for me, Daddy!" Evelyn said, taking her mother''s hand.


    Eleanor took Evelyn upstairs for dinner. Afterward, Evelyn was eager to go back downstairs.


    Eleanor felt a surge of frustration. Living one floor apart, she really couldn''t stop her daughter from running ton''s apartment. And for safety''s sake, she had to escort her down herself.


    When they returned ton''s, Evelyn no longer wanted to y with toys; she wanted to watch cartoons. Aftern set up a show for her, Eleanor turned to him. "I have a few questions for you."


    There was a small table on the balcony. Ian gestured for her to sit. "Please."


    Eleanor sat down, her eyes fixed on the man opposite her. Perhaps because he was sick, the sharp intensity he usually carried had softened.


    "Ask whatever you want. I''ll answer everything,"n said first, as if he had been waiting for her questions.


    Eleanor didn''t beat around the bush. "My father coborated with Smith on leukemia research years ago. Did you ask him to join theb?"


    A flicker of disappointment crossedn''s eyes, but he answered seriously, "Yes."


    "Why? Why would my father research leukemia for you?" Eleanor continued to press.


    Eleanor''s eyes narrowed. n, I need the truth."


    to identify several core research areas. Leukemia is a global medical challenge with vast market potential. favesting in its research was a business decision I made at the time."


    Hatred shed in Eleanor''s eyes. She bit her lip, struggling to contain her rage. "So, for your business project, you let my father exhaust his health and work himself to death to make money for you?"


    That notebook, filled with dense, frantic script, was proof of how tirelessly her


    father had worked in his final days.


    Eleanor closed h her eyes, her hands clenching into fists on the table. She knew that no amount of hatred could change the past. But she. couldn''t understand why a purelymercial project would have


    been worth her father sacrificing his


    life for.


    "Eleanor, your father is gone. Bringing this up now is meaningless."


    Tears welled in Eleanor''s eyes. "Ian, after this experiment is over, you''d better


    stay far away from me. I don''t want to see you ever again."


    With that, Eleanor stood up and left.<pn remained frozen on his seat, his heart seized by an invisible hand.

 Chapter 1008

    Back in her apartment, Eleanor went into her study, and the tears she had been holding back finally streamed down her face. She cried for her father.


    The thought of that man, who had dedicated his entire life to scientific research, being reduced to a business venture in someone else''s eyes during his final days was unbearable.


    A few minutester, she wiped her tears, her expression hardening with resolve.


    Perhaps dwelling on the past was pointless now, but she couldn''t afford to be weak. In the future, she would never again allow anyone to harm the people she cared about, in any way.


    At nine, Joslyn went downstairs to get Evelyn, who came up obediently.


    Before bed, Evelyn said unhappily, "Daddy said he has to go away for a few days. He won''t be living downstairs anymore."


    "He''s probably sick and needs to see a doctor. Mommy will be here with you," Eleanorforted her.


    "Mommy, Daddy is all alone. It''s so sad. He''s sick and has no one to take care of him," Evelyn said suddenly.


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat.


    She quickly changed the subject, and Evelyn started talking about the family sports day.


    "Mommy, Daddy promised he woulde."


    "He''s not feeling well. How about just Mommy goes with you?" Eleanor suggested, subconsciously trying to distance her daughter fromn.


    The raw emotions from the evening''s conversation were still fresh. She desperately wanted to make a clean break from this man, once and for all.


    As they talked, the little girl in her arms drifted off to sleep. Eleanory there, her thoughts drifting to the sick man downstairs. Gavin''s words echoed in her mind- he might have another high fever tonight. She turned over, determined to ignore it. But as she closed her eyes, her mind raced. If something happened ton, her daughter''s future would be less secure, as he was her only viable donor. While it was uncertain if her daughter would ever develop the condition, Eleanor couldn''t take that risk.


    Reason told her to be ruthless. This man had callously treated her father''s life''s work as a business project; he didn''t deserve an ounce of her sympathy.


    But the thought of her daughter''s future left her feeling tormented.


    She got out of bed and went downstairs. Her mind reyedn''s words from that afternoon. With one dismissive phrase about a "business decision. He had erased thest two years of her father''s life. A man as cold as that truly didn''t deserve her pity.  S


    Joslyn was still awake. Seeing Eleanore downstairs, she asked, "Ma''am, can''t you sleep?"


    "I''m just getting a ss of water," Eleanor said as she filled a ss, her expression a mixture of conflict and indecision.


    If the man downstairs got worse, it would not only disrupt her uing experiments but also create


    ve?


    The doctor had predicted his fever would return tonight, and Eleano knew from experience that a fever spiking to 1.04 degrees often had smaller peaks and valleys before fully breaking.


    And knowingn''s stubbornness when it came to illness, he would probably just try to tough it out.


    But he had already given blood three times this week. Could his body really handle it?


    A fierce battle raged in her mind.


    Finally, her hand tightened around the water ss, a decision made.


    She said to Joslyn, "I''m going downstairs for a bit. Keep an eye on Evelyn."


    "Of course, ma''am. You go ahead," Joslyn said with a gentle smile.


    After Eleanor left, Joslyn sighed softly to herself. In the end, her mistress couldn''t help but worry about Mr. Goodwin.


    After all, she had loved him so much. If Mr. Goodwin hadn''t made such a fundamental mistake, they could have been a very happy family.


    Eleanor stood atn''s door, hesitating for a few seconds before ringing the bell.


    After waiting a while with no answer, a knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach. What if he had passed out from the fever?


    She immediately dialed Gavin''s number and asked for the door code. Gavin gave it to her without hesitation-it was her daughter''s birthday.

 Chapter 1009

    Just as Eleanor was about to hang up, Gavin added urgently, "Miss Sutton, please take care of Mr. Goodwin. My dad was just hospitalized, and I can''t leave."


    Eleanor paused, then replied, "Okay."


    She opened the door to find the living room lit by a single, dim wallmp. Ian was lying on the sofa, seemingly asleep. As Eleanor got closer, she noticed his breathing was shallow and rapid, his brow furrowed in a troubled sleep.


    She reached out and touched his forehead. As she''d suspected, it was burning hot.


    His fever was back.


    Eleanor went to the bathroom, wrung out a cool towel, and ced it on his forehead. As she was checking the medicine on the table, a hoarse, incredulous voice came from behind her. "Eleanor?"


    "When did youst take your medicine?" Eleanor turned and asked, her gaze cold.


    She knew it. He hadn''t taken his medicine on time, which was why the fever had returned. She stood up, brought him a ss of water, ced the prescribed pills on the table, andmanded the man on the sofa, "Take your medicine."


    "Get up and take your medicine," Eleanor repeated.


    The entire time, his gaze remained fixed on Eleanor, filled with a fragile andplex mix of emotions, as if he feared that the moment he finished the medicine, she would leave.


    After taking the pills,n didn''t lie back down but remained sitting, leaning against the sofa. He looked up at Eleanor slowly. "I thought... you''d never speak to me again."


    Eleanor handed him a thermometer. "Take this."


    He took it, and after a minute, handed it back. It read 103.3 degrees. She refilled his water ss and set it down.


    As Eleanor instinctively moved away from the sofa,n suddenly reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Eleanor, don''t go yet¡ª"


    Eleanor yanked her hand back, hatred shing in her eyes.


    "I''m sorry. Jan closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they were filled with a deep, suffocating regret and pain About your father I am so sorry. Truly... so sorry."


    His voice was raspy, with an almost imperceptible catch, as if the apology came from the very depths of his soul.


    Eleanor stood her ground, her face a mask of indifference. "I didn''te here for an apology. I just need you to be healthy rough not to interfere my uing experiments, and not to jeopardize Evelyn''s future security."


    "So, in your eyes, I''m just a donor?" he asked with a bitter, self-mockingugh.


    Eleanor didn''t answer.


    "I understand," he said softly, his voice tinged with a weary resignation.


    Eleanor turned away from him, walked over to the farthest armchair, sat down, and started checking emails on her phone.


    The living room fell into a dead silence, broken only byn''s slightlybored breathing.


    5


    "That child is just like me, too stubborn... I can''t let her carry such a heavy


    burden. She deserves to live a lighter life. With you on the research... I can rest


    easy."


    "Promise me,n. Don''t let her know. Don''t let her be... like me."


    "I promise you, Elliot."


    It was thest promise he had made to the dying man.


    As the memories washed over him,n opened his eyes and looked at Eleanor


    across the room, a bitter smile twisting his lips.

 Chapter 1010

    She had definitely inherited her father''s obsessive work ethic. That time she had worked for three days straight and copsed... standing outside the emergency room that day, he had made up his mind about what he would tell her.


    It was for the best. Let her hate him.


    She had already solved the problem. The heavy weight no longer needed to press down on her.


    By taking one burden off her shoulders, maybe she could live a little more freely.


    At eleven,n''s hoarse voice broke the silence. "You should go back and get some rest. I''ll be fine."


    Eleanor nced at the time, stood up, and actually began to leave.


    "Eleanor-" he called out hoarsely, pushing himself abruptly off the sofa.


    However, the weakness and dizziness from the fever were far worse than he had imagined. He had stood too quickly, and his vision instantly went ck. His body stumbled forward uncontrobly-


    Hearing his footsteps, Eleanor turned just in time to seen copsing toward her. Acting on pure instinct, she rushed forward and caught his falling upper body.


    The heavy weight of the man pressed down on her, nearly knocking the wind out of her.


    "Don''t go¡ª" he gasped against her shoulder, his breathing ragged. Then, his long arms wrapped around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. His voice was muffled and raw with an almost desperate plea. "Stay with me a little longer... just a little longer, please?"


    Eleanor''s body went rigid. It wasn''t that she didn''t want to push him away; it was that she couldn''t.


    Even sick, the man''s strength was terrifying.


    "Let go," Eleanor ordered, turning her head to avoid his feverish breath.


    "No," he rasped, his arms tightening around her.


    Eleanor gritted her teeth and finally stopped struggling, letting him hold her. In the deep silence of the night, their breathing intertwined.


    The man''s burning forehead rested against the cool skin of her neck. Though the fever had drained his strength, his senses


    e slowmet


    returning. The stiffness in her body


    was a clear warning stop clinging to her like a desperate fool.


    Slowly, his grip loosened. Ian forced himself to take a step back, breaking the intimacy he had created.


    "I''m sorry," he apologized, seemingly regaining his calm, self-possessed demeanor. "You can go."


    With that, he turned, walked back to the sofa, and sat down, his face looking exceedingly pale in the dim light.


    Eleanor stood frozen for a moment looking at the man on the sofa. In


    the end she said nothing did


    nothing. She turned and walked


    toward the door once more.


    The moment the door clicked shut, the silent room was filled with nothing but the man''s heavy, suppressed breathing.


    On the sofa,n remained in that position, motionless for a long, long time.


    The next morning, when Joslyn came down with soup, she saw Gavin packing a suitcase. "Where is Mr. Goodwin?" she asked.


    "The boss won''t be staying here for a while. Could you please let Miss Sutton know?" Gavin said, lifting the suitcase.


    Joslyn was surprised but didn''t ask any more questions.


    On her way to theb, Eleanor received a call from Joslyn, who she had indeed asked to make soup and bring it down that morning.


    "Since he''s not there, you don''t need to go to the trouble of making him soup anymore," Eleanor said.


    For the next three days,n was nowhere to be seen. Then, on the afternoon of the third day as


    Eleanor was leaving the fab, passed by the blood collection room. Her steps faltered.

 Chapter 1011

    Through the ss window, she sawn sitting quietly in a chair, his arm extended as a nurse skillfully drew his blood.


    As if sensing her presence, he looked up, his gaze regaining its usual depth andposure. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment before Eleanor turned and


    walked away.


    The nurse removed the needle and pressed a cotton swab against the puncture site. Ian quietly thanked her and stood up.


    He rolled up his sleeve, revealing a firm forearm. After pressing down for a dozen seconds, he straightened his cuff and strode calmly toward the door.


    Just as Eleanor was about to enter her office, she heard footsteps approaching from behind and turned around.


    "Dr. Sutton," he began, his tone formal.


    Eleanor nced up at him coolly. "Yes?"


    "I''m here for this week''s blood draw,"n said in a low voice, his eyes fixed on her.


    "I won''t get in the way of your experiment, and I won''t risk Evelyn''s future."


    He was repeating Eleanor''s own words from the night he was sick.


    Eleanor frowned slightly. "Do you have a problem with what I said?"


    "No, you were right. I''ll listen to you,"n said with a small smile. "When ites to theb, you''re in charge."


    Eleanor turned, pushed open her office door, and went inside.


    A short whileter, Eleanor received a meeting notification. When she walked into


    the conference room,n was already seated at the head of the table.


    Smith brought over thetest data, and they decided on a treatment n for Gina to begin on Monday.


    "I haveplete faith in your decision,"n said, his gaze resting on Eleanor''s face.


    Eleanor deliberately avoided his eyes, listening as Smith analyzed Gina''s condition in detail.


    When the meeting ended, Eleanor was packing up herptop to leave whenn spoke to her. "I''ll be


    attending Evelyn''s pare


    sports day on Monday, Thope you don''t have a problem with that."


    Eleanor didn''t object. "No, I can''t get away. You can go with her."


    "Okay,"n nodded.


    Eleanor was in her office writing up a proposal when someone knocked. Serena


    poked her head in and called out, "Ellie, look what I brought you."


    With that, Serena walked in carrying a slice of ramisu and a coffee. "


    got it from the cafe across the


    street," she said, approaching her. "It''s your favorite kind of coffee."


    Eleanor was taken aback and looked up at her. "You shouldn''t be running around


    while you''re a patient here."


    "I know, I just went out to clear my head and thought I''d grab a coffee for you," Serena exined, looking at her With hopeful eyes "Ellie, please don''t turn it down.


    Before Eleanor could say anything, Serena gave a knowing smile. "Well, I''ll head back to my room to rest then."


    Eleanor sighed. She had been feeling a bit drowsy all morning, so she picked up the coffee, removed the lid, and took a sip.


    A momentter, when a nurse was about to enter Eleanor''s office to deliver some files, Serena stopped her. "Excuse me, could you do me a favor?"


    Afterward, the nurse came out and walked over to Serena. "Miss Goodwin, I saw Miss Sutton drinking the coffee, but she hasn''t touched the tiramisu.


    A happy glint appeared in Serena''s eyes. "Thank you."


    Regardless, she was thrilled that Eleanor had at least taken a sip of the coffee she brought. It felt like the beginning of their reconciliation.

 Chapter 1012

    Serena''s mood and outlook had changed dramatically. Her initial fear of the illness had given way to a sense of ease. Moreover, her own recovery meant there was hope for her mother''s condition as well.


    In Vanessa''s vi, she had just gotten off a call with her mother and was in a foul mood. Laverne ced a newly acquired advertising contract in front of her. "Vanessa, I know you''ve been downtely, but this is easy money we shouldn''t turn down-"


    Vanessa nced at the contract with disgust. "What is this trash? You want me to be a spokesperson for diapers?"


    "No, what I mean is-" Laverne tried to exin.


    Furious, Vanessa mmed the contract on the table. "Do you think I''m so desperate I''ll take any ad thates my way? Don''t bring me these demeaning offers again."


    Laverne sighed and patiently reasoned with her, "Vanessa, times have changed. We''re losing almost all of our high-end endorsements. This brand may be new, but the endorsement fee is very generous."


    Vanessa rubbed her temples in frustration. She knew her situation well. She knew something was wrong after Henry Holt had called her the other night only to hang up without a word. She was sure Serena had pulled some trick to ruin her reputation. Later, when she tried calling him back several times, she discovered he had blocked her number.


    This gave her a bad feeling, but now she couldn''t find Henry and had no idea what was going on with him.


    As forn, she had given up hope. In fact, she was waiting for him to contact her to terminate their arrangement, because she was genuinely terrified of the blood draws.


    After thest one, her mental state had deteriorated. The anemia caused hypoglycemia, andbined with immense stress, it gave her terrible headaches.


    Vanessa had recentlye to a profound realization: it''s no use earning money if you''re not alive to spend it.


    Laverne said no more and left with a bag of Vanessa''s dry cleaning.


    Just as Vanessa tried to stand up, a wave of dizziness forced her back down. She gasped in pain, her expression twisting.


    Just then, her phone rang. Seeing it was her father, Rnd Yeaton, made Vanessa''s head throb even more, but she answered anyway. "Hello? Dad, what''s up?"


    "Vanessa, is Mr. Goodwin with you? Can you ask him what''s going on with


    InnoMind Group? Our order volume has dropped significantly this month," Rnd asked directly.


    Vanessa''s breath caught in her throat. She wasn''t feeling well and could only manage to say, "Dad, it''s not a good time for me to contact him¡ª"


    "Not a good time? What''s not a good time about it? Isn''t he my future son-inw? You need to contact him as soon as possible and find out what''s going on," Rnd demanded, his voiceced with urgency and amanding tone.


    Listening to the dial tone, Vanessa''s chest heaved. Could the decline in her father''spany''s orders have something to do withn?


    But right now, she couldn''t even get in touch with him, let alone ask him for a favor. Gavin had answered herst few calls.


    The stock dividends from her father''spany were a significant source of her future ie. If Yeaton Holdings was in trouble, it meant her own assets were shrinking too.


    She suddenly regretted her decision. She should have askedn for a


    lump sum of cash instead of using his connections to get shares in her father''spany. Now, those shares tred her fate to Yeator Holdings, for better or for worse.


    After some hesitation, Vanessa picked up her phone and called Gavin. To seen, she had to go through him.


    "Miss Shannon, how can I help you?" Gavin''s voice came from the other end.


    "Gavin, isn busy right now? I have something I need to discuss with him."


    "I''m sorry, Miss Shannon. Mr. Goodwin is in a meeting and can''t take your call at the moment."


    Vanessa tightened her grip on the phone. It was the same old excuse from Gavin. She forced augh. "Gavin, you know my rtio withn. If something important gets dyed because of this, you won''t be able to take responsibility for it, will you?"


    She had to speak withn directly about this; otherwise, she wouldn''t be able to answer to her father.


    "My apologies, Miss Shannon. You can tell me what it''s about, and I will pass the message along," Gavin replied, his tone polite but distant.

 Chapter 1013

    Vanessa clenched her phone, knowing full well this was just Gavin''s excuse. Ian simply didn''t want to talk to her.


    "Gavin, it''s about the partnership between Yeaton Holdings and InnoMind. I''d like to askn-"


    "Miss Shannon," Gavin cut her off abruptly, his tone even. "Regarding business partnerships, please contact the relevant department directly. Mr. Goodwin doesn''t handle such matters. If there''s nothing else, I''ll be hanging up now."


    "Wait, Gavin¡ª" Vanessa cried out in desperation. "Can''t you just put me through? Or at least tell me where he is so I can go find him myself."


    "I''m sorry, Miss Shannon, Mr. Goodwin''s schedule is confidential. Goodbye." Gavin hung up crisply.


    Vanessa sat frozen, the dial tone buzzing in her ear like a jeer. A wave of humiliation and helplessness washed over her. When had she ever been treated so coldly? Even Gavin was acting this way now?


    Vanessa bit her lip, her shoulders trembling slightly, her eyes filled with


    resentment. n, are you really going to do this to me? Are you really going to be so ruthless?"


    She thought of Henry. He would surely have some advice for her. In the past, whenever she felt helpless, Henry was always the first one to rush to her side, tofort and cherish her.


    Vanessa picked up her phone again and dialed Henry''s assistant.


    "Hello, Miss Shannon. How may I help you?"


    Vanessa forced a smile. "I''m looking for your boss. Is he in the office?"


    "I''m sorry, Miss Shannon. Mr. Holt is out of the country at the moment."


    "Out of the country? Where did he go?" Vanessa pressed.


    "Um... I''m not sure about Mr. Holt''s travel ns. If there''s nothing else, I have to go now."


    The assistant on the other end hung up abruptly.


    Vanessa gripped her phone, her fingertips cold. Was even Henry''s assistant avoiding her now?


    A sense of being isted and abandoned washed over her.


    What had made Henry disappear from her life?


    Vanessa bit her lip. Recalling Henry''s kindness and adoration for her, she couldn''t believe he would be so heartless as to avoid her.


    She suddenly remembered she had the number of one of Henry''s female assistants. She found it and dialed.


    "Hello, Miss Shannon!" The female assistant''s voice on the other end was warm and friendly.


    Vanessa immediately asked with a smile, "Lana, is Mr. Holt in the office?"


    "Yes, he is! Are youing to see him, Miss Shannon?"


    "Yes, but don''t tell him. I''ll be there shortly," Vanessa said.


    "Okay, I''ll get back to work then." The assistant hung up with a smile.


    Vanessa took a deep breath. So


    Henry was at the office. Why was he


    avoiding her? Whatever the reason,


    was going to go over there right now and find out


    At The Holt Group, Henry nced at his watch, feeling like time was dragging. He had dinner ns with Selma Quigley, but it was only three-thirty and he was only halfway through his work.


    He sent a text to Selma Quigley: "Every second I''m not with you is torture. What should I do about it?"


    "How about Ie keep youpany at your office? I''m nearby."


    Henry sat up straight, pleasantly surprised. "Really?"


    "Really."


    "Okay, I''ll be waiting," Henry quickly texted back, delighted that Selma was close


    by.


    "I''m just grabbing something, and then I''ll head over."


    Henry immediately refocused, determined to finish his work quickly so he could spend time with Selma.


    Twenty minutester.


    At the entrance of The Holt Group''s


    lobby, Selma Quigley''s car was parked in a VIP spot. At the same time, a luxury van pulled up to the entrance. The door opened, and Vanessa stepped out. She had already done her makeup in the car and was meticulously dressed in a form-fitting dress that entuated her curves, exuding her usual elegance.


    Just then, she saw a familiar figure walking ahead of her. She looked closer and


    realized it was Selma Quigley.


    What was she doing here?


    "Miss Quigley, what a coincidence! Are you here to see Henry too?" Vanessa hurried to catch up with her.


    Selma Quigley turned, bag in hand, and paused when she saw Vanessa. "Are you also looking for Henry, Miss Shannon?"

 Chapter 1014

    Vanessa''s smile froze for a moment. Then, she adopted a pleading tone. "Miss Quigley, would you mind doing me a favor? Could I speak with Henry first about a private matter?"


    Selma was a bit surprised, but seeing that it was still early for her meeting with Henry, she nodded. "Sure, go ahead. I can see himter."


    Vanessa was secretly pleased. She still didn''t know why Henry was avoiding her and needed to find out first. Selma''s presence would only get in the way of her approach.


    "Thank you so much, Miss Quigley. You''re too kind," Vanessa said gratefully.


    Selma replied, "I''ll just wait here in the lobby. You can go on up."


    Vanessa nced at her watch and walked briskly toward the elevators. The receptionists didn''t dare stop either of Mr. Holt''s close female friends, especially not Miss Shannon, who had always been a VIP guest. Whenever she arrived, she never needed an appointment and coulde and go as she pleased.


    As for Miss Quigley, she had been seen with Mr. Holt at thepany recently and they also seemed very close. Seeing her waiting, one of the receptionists approached her. "Miss Quigley, would you like to wait for Mr. Holt in the executive lounge?"


    Selma was about to sit down, and she was indeed a bit tired. She was happy to have a private area to rest.


    "Yes, please lead the way."


    The elevator doors dinged open. Vanessa tightened her grip on her purse, took a shallow breath, and put on a charming smile. She walked elegantly on her high heels toward Henry''s office.


    She navigated the familiar path past the assistants'' area and went straight to the heavy, solid wood door of Henry''s office.


    Henry was engrossed in reading the uses of a document. Thinking it was his assistant bringing in papers, he said without looking up, "Just leave it on the desk."


    When he heard no reply, a familiar scent of perfume wafted toward him, making him look up sharply. He was met with the sight of Vanessa, purse in hand, smiling sweetly at him.


    Henry''s expression froze instantly, reced by a look of clear disgust and resistance.


    "What are you doing here?" Henry put down his pen, pushed himself up from his desk, and his voice turned cold and hard. "Who let you in?"


    Vanessa''s smile faltered for a few seconds, and her heart sank a little, but she quickly made her smile even more flirtatious. "Do I need someone''s permission to see you? Henry What''s been going on with youtely? You don''t answer my calls or texts, and your assistant even lied and said you were out of the country." She finished with a poutyint, "That assistant of yours is so irresponsible."


    Henry looked at the woman before him, his eyes. instantly filling with intense contempt and revulsion. He couldn''t believe he''d been so blind before thinking this woman was pure and innocent, worthy of his devotion and protection. Now he saw her for what she was a greedy unscrupulous viper who would weave her way between different men and use any means necessary to get what she wanted.


    "Henry, why are you looking at me like that?" Vanessa felt a pang of guilt and panic under his gaze. It seemed her guess was right-Serena had been scheming behind her back.


    "Vanessa," Henry''s voice was as cold as ice,ced with undisguised sarcasm. "Drop the phony act. It makes me sick."


    Vanessa''s smilepletely vanished, and the color drained from her already pale face. In all the time she had known Henry, he had never looked at her like this- with such disdain and contempt, as if she were something filthy.


    "Henry, how...how can you talk to me like that! What did I do wrong?" Tears instantly welled up in Vanessa''s eyes. She bit her lip, her face a mask of disbelief and hurt.


    "Then how should I talk to you?" Henry came around the desk, advancing on her step by step, his gaze menacing. "Like before? Like an idiot you can wrap around your little finger? Watching you string me along while you seduce fan and even try to throw yourself at Xavier Vaughn in the beginning? In your eyes, are the three of us just your prey?"

 Chapter 1015

    Vanessa''s eyes widened.


    The mention of Xavier sent a jolt of panic through her, as if all her secrets and schemes had beenid bare for Henry to see.


    "Henry, what are you talking about? Xavier and I have only ever been friends!"


    "Even now, you still think I deserve to be yed like a fool, wrapped around your little finger?"


    An icy chill ran through Vanessa. What did Henry know? How could he have suddenly seen through everything?


    "No, that''s not it. Henry, let me exin. My rtionship withn is purely transactional, and Xavier and I are just friends. But you know my feelings for you... they''re real. I''ve never denied that I like you." Vanessa rushed forward, trying to grab Henry''s arm to pour out her feelings for him.


    But Henry recoiled in disgust. "Don''t touch me." He stepped back, putting distance between them, his eyes brimming with loathing. "Vanessa, from this moment on, I have no desire to be liked by you. Don''t ever appear in front of me again. Otherwise, don''t me me for humiliating you, regardless of our past."


    Henry suppressed his rising fury. He would ept the seven years of foolishness and being yed for a fool. All he wanted now was topletely sever all ties with Vanessa.


    "Henry!" Vanessa cried out, tears instantly flooding her eyes. This time, she wasn''t acting; she truly felt the despair and indignation of being abandoned by Henry. "You can''t do this to me, not after all these years we''ve had together¡ª"


    "Together?" Henry scoffed as if he had heard the world''s biggest joke. "Was there ever an ''us''? It was nothing more than my one-sided devotion and your


    shameless exploitation. Now, the game is over. I can let the past go, but you need to stop pestering me."


    Henry turned his back, determined to draw a clear line with Vanessa once and for all.


    Vanessa stared at Henry''s cold, unforgiving back. She had never imagined a day like this woulde, a day when even the man who loved her most would treat her this way.


    Suddenly, Vanessa''s purse dropped


    to the floor, She rushed forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Henry''s waist, tears streaming down her face. "I''m sorry, Henry, I''m so sorry But really, really can''t live.


    without you!"


    Henry''s body tensed. He spun


    around, pried her hands off him, and pushed her away. Vanessa stumbled back a few steps, lost her footing, and copsed weakly onto the floor. She didn''t get up immediately instead curling into a ball her shoulders trembling with


    suppressed sobs.


    After a few moments of crying, she lifted her tear-streaked face, deliberately showcasing her most vulnerable and helpless side. In the past, this look had always been enough to soften Henry''s heart.


    "Henry, I know I was wrong. It''s my fault, I was too greedy-" She bit her lip and continued to sob. "But... but you''re all I have left. If you leave me too, I really don''t know what I''ll do "


    Henry narrowed his eyes, watching her resort to her usual tactic of ying the victim. In the past, it would have immediately triggered his protective instincts and pity.


    Now, however, seeing through her true nature, he only found her pretense utterly fake.


    What welled up in Henry''s heart was not sympathy, but an even stronger sense of revulsion and impatience.


    "Vanessa, save your tears," Henry said, his voice hard, without a trace of emotion. "That trick of yours doesn''t work on me anymore."

 Chapter 1016

    He looked down at her, his gaze sharp enough to see through anything. "Do you think I''m still the same fool you could deceive with a few tears? Your tears now aren''t for regret, but for the fear of losing your backup n-of losing the resources and material wealth I can provide you."


    Vanessa''s tears still clung to hershes, but a sh of panic at being seen through flickered across her face.


    "Henry, how can you-" Vanessa looked at him with anger and resentment.


    But Henry cut her off. "Stop acting. You chose this path, so you walk it alone. As for the time and money I spent on you, I''ll write it off as a loss. So, please, stay out of my life and don''t disgust me ever again."


    Henry''s words were spoken calmly, but each one was like a knife stabbing at Vanessa''s heart, making her understand with brutal rity that all her pretenses and maniptions were useless against a Henry who now saw the truth.


    And Henry''s calm request for her to get out of his world was more hurtful than any angry outburst.


    She sat slumped on the floor, her face ashen, feeling utterly powerless and humiliated.


    Henry pressed the inte and said, "Send two security guards up. Please escort Miss Shannon out. And from now on, she is not to set foot in thispany without my permission."


    Mustering herst shred of dignity, Vanessa scrambled up from the floor. She picked up her bag, straightened her back, and red at Henry. "You don''t need security. I can walk out on my own. Henry, I never thought you could be so cruel." Naturally, Vanessa was resentful. She had invested a great deal of effort in Henry over the past seven years and couldn''t ept such an oue.


    Henry watched her coldly. "You should have expected this."


    As Vanessa stumbled toward the door, she saw Selma Quigley standing just outside the partially open door. Vanessa''s face instantly flushed with shame.


    Selma looked at her. She had heard everything. An assistant hade to get her, saying Henry was shouting at someone in his office and they were worried something might happen.


    Selma hadn''t expected to witness the final, explosive end of Vanessa and Henry''s rtionship. Her expression was calm, showing no mockery despite Vanessa''s recent humiliation. She simply looked at her.


    At that moment, thest person


    Vanessa wanted to see was Selma Quigley. Knowing that Selma had heard her being so thoroughly degraded, a surge of resentment rose within her Miss Quigley, you Miss Quigley, you heard all that, didn''t you? I''m sure


    you have a clear idea of what kind of person he is now."


    Selma was surprised that even at this final moment, Vanessa was still trying to maliciously nder Henry''s finally, turned cold. "Miss Shannon, you shouldn''t repay kindness with such matice."


    character Selma''s expression triality


    "Repay kindness with malice?" Vanessa sneered, gritting her teeth. "Miss Quigley,


    the way he treated me today is how he''ll treat you tomorrow. He''s nothing but a hypocrite who chases after novelty."


    Vanessa''s words were venomous, intended to nt a thorn of doubt in Selma''s heart.


    But after hearing her out, Selma


    wasn''t angry at all. Instead, her gaze was clear and firm as she looked directly at Vanessa. "Miss Shannon. stop trying to discord. Perhaps you should reflect on your own actions and ask yourself why you weren''t cherished, but abandoned."


    "You-"The words were like a silent p across Vanessa''s face.


    "As for whether Henry will treat me that way, you don''t need to worry. We will manage our own rtionship."


    Just then, the door opened fully. Henry stood there, his face dark, his eyes fixed on Vanessa with fury. Clearly, he had seen this final, venomous disy.


    Vanessa''s face paled in panic.


    Henry stood beside Selma and took her hand. "Do you see, Vanessa? Selma is the one who truly deserves to be cherished. You''re not worthy of beingpared to her. Now get out. Don''t humiliate yourself further."

 Chapter 1017

    Vanessa''s chest heaved violently. Seeing them standing together, united against her, a burning sense of humiliation washed over her. With no strength left to say anything more, she could only re at them before turning and walking quickly toward the elevator, her heart filled with despair.


    Henry looked at Selma, a bitter smile on his lips. "You heard everything?"


    Selma nodded. "Yes, I heard some of it."


    "Am I pathetic?" Henry asked, his voice full of self-mockery.


    Selma shook her head and smiled gently. "Not pathetic. You might have been a little foolish before, but you''vee to your senses, and that''s a good thing."


    Her words were like a warm current, calming Henry''s agitated heart. He suddenly pulled her into his arms and sighed softly, "I''m so d I met you."


    Selma leaned against his chest and smiled.


    Back in the luxury van, Laverne saw Vanessa''s pale face, her exquisite makeup smudged and her eye makeup ruined by tears. She quickly handed her a bottle of water. "Vanessa, what''s wrong? Did you and Mr. Holt have a fight?"


    Vanessa was not a truly fragile person. Though she wanted to cry, she tilted her head back, refusing to let the tears fall. Her eyes were filled with a scarlet hatred.


    She knew that many people would beughing at her now. The more that was the case, the more she had to prove she was doing well. Her current wealth and status already surpassed that of so many others.


    Even withoutn and Henry''s support, she could live a good life.


    And in the future, she wouldn''t have trouble finding someone better thann or Henry. If not in this country, then abroad. If not someone young and handsome, then surely a wealthy old tycoon. There were plenty of resources for her to grasp, and she would not let anyoneugh at her.


    Vanessa took a fewrge gulps of water. She had fought with all her might, using every trick in the book to achieve her current morous life.


    She would continue to live this way. She had enjoyed the feeling of being on top of the world, and no one could pull her down.


    Notn, not Henry, and certainly not Eleanor.


    Beside her, Laverne saw the ambition and desire in Vanessa''s eyes and knew she hadn''t been defeated. As long as she stuck with her, there was still a way forward.


    Back at her vista, Vanessa took a


    shower and stood before the floor-to-ceiling window in a sexy nightgown. She would no longer rely on any man. Men were unreliable. The only things she could truly count on were the resources in her hands and her own abilities.


    With her looks, her cunning, and the wealth she had umted, she was confident she could find a new backer and new opportunities.. From now on, it didn''t matter what kind of tycoon it was; as long as he was rich and powerful, she could y the part and please him.


    If she fell to the bottom, she would just climb back up.


    If anyone asked what she had truly gained in the past ten years, they probably wouldn''t believe it.


    She had spent a decade getting revenge on someone for stealing the man she loved.


    And that person was Eleanor.


    She would never forget the feeling of having her chance to change her destiny snatched away by Eleanor.


    Although she had appeared byn''s side as a donor, that year, for him, she had practiced piano desperately, studying only to get into the prestigious Arts Institute. In the


    UT


    her were covered i


    chilins that cracked and bled, making every note painful, but she


    endured. She studied day and night,


    hoping to be epted.


    But that same year, just as she was holding her eptance letter, ready to tell


    Somehow, Eleanor had managed to maken marry her.


    Eleanor had stolen the man she loved most and destroyed her best chance at happiness.


    From that day forward, she vowed to force Eleanor andn into divorce and to reim everything that had been taken from her, one by one: the title of Mrs. Goodwin,n''s affection, andn himself.

 Chapter 1018

    For ten years, she had constantly strived to prove she was no worse than Eleanor, to prove thatn''s choice had been a mistake.


    And now, she had seeded. She had sessfully made Eleanor andn divorce, and turnedn into the person Eleanor hated most. Even though she herself hadn''t secured the position of Mrs. Goodwin, seeing Eleanor in pain andn''s family fall apart filled her with a sense of grim satisfaction.


    She had used everything she could to maken personally destroy Eleanor''s trust and love for him.


    "Eleanor, have you tasted pain?" Vanessa murmured with a cold smile. "The day you stole him from me, I swore I would make you two see this day."


    Of course, she hadn''t truly won yet. Eleanor still had her daughter and her career. But at leastn had lost Eleanor for good. They would never love each other again, never be a family. In a way, wasn''t that a victory?


    Now, Eleanor was shining in her field, soaring to new heights. Her future choices would no longer includen. Perhaps she would choose that military officer, leave Ashford City, and spend her golden years doing research at his base.


    Now, she actually hoped thatn loved Eleanor, loved her madly.


    Only then could he be punished by loving someone he could never have, living the rest of his life in regret.


    As for her, she now had fame, status, and family background. Unattached, her choices now included all the wealthy men in the world.


    So what ifn and Henry had given up on her? At this point, they were merely stepping stones in her sessful life.


    Suddenly, Vanessa felt dizzy and swayed. The intense emotions left her feeling lightheaded. This dizziness had been happening since she started the blood donations, but it had be more frequent recently.


    She had to get her health back. She was only twenty-eight, still young, with her whole life ahead of her.


    Vanessa bit her lip, a hateful glint in her eyes. If she had one regret in life, it was that she had never truly hadn.


    Not the title of Mrs. Goodwin, not a hollow, transactional rtionship, but to secretly have that aloof, ascetic man lose hisposure for her, to submit to her charms.


    Vanessa turned to the full-length


    mirror in her walk-in closet, studying


    her reflection. An exquisite figure, captivating aura, and a face of. sophisticated beauty she believed that, given the chance, no man could truly resist her charms.


    Butn was the exception.


    For ten years she had used every excuse to get close to him, creating


    an ambiguous atmosphere, even throwing herself at him on various asions. But all she ever got?n return was his cold rejection and warnings.


    Only in her dreams could she touch him, fantasize about him satisfying her twisted desires. Once, she had thought of letting Henry be his substitute, but he was not him.


    Over the years, to ensure her willing cooperation as a donor,n had not treated her poorly. He would show her consideration on specific


    asions. When shed


    birthday gifts, he would grantthem. When she was weak after a


    donation, he would personally care for her. And whenever she fainted, he would carry her himself.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t trust others to carry her; it was because Vanessa had insisted it must be him, or she would refuse to cooperate. To save his mother,n had topromise time and again.


    Those moments in his arms, pressed against his firm chest, breathing in his fresh, pleasant scent, had once deluded her into thinkingn wasn''t entirely heartless.


    She had deceived herself and everyone else, ying the part of his girlfriend in a self-directed drama. She had relished it, but all that warmth was ultimately fake.


    She knew that the dayn no longer needed her blood, he would ruthlessly take it all away.

 Chapter 1019

    "Heh," Vanessaughed at her reflection, a self-mocking and absurd sound. But she had no regrets.


    Because she had gotten far more than she had ever dreamed of back then.


    Money, resources, famen had given her all of it. In these ten years, though she hadn''t won him over, she had gotten everything else she wanted.


    So now she would wait and watch. She would watch as Eleanor tookn''s daughter and married someone else. Not Xavier, probably, but that officer named Ellington.


    Thinking of Eleanor in a white wedding dress, marrying another man whilen could only watch-what would his expression be at that moment? Resentment or pain? Regret or numbness?


    She could hardly wait to see.


    "On that day, Eleanor, I will be sure to send my blessings. I''ll wish you and Officer Ellington a long and happy life together."


    "And I''ll wishn a long life, to die old and alone," Vanessa said, taking a deep breath, a twisted smile on her lips.


    At Eleanor''s home, Evelyn had tried several times to go downstairs and knock on the door. Even though Eleanor told her he wasn''t there, she couldn''t resist her daughter''s pleas and went with her to knock onn''s door.


    As expected, there was no answer.


    "Where did Daddy go?" Evelyn pouted. "Is he noting back to this home anymore?"


    "Probably not," Eleanor replied. That was what she hoped for.


    "But what do I do when I miss him?" Evelyn''s lip trembled. Being able to run downstairs to see her father every day had clearly made her dependent on him.


    Eleanor looked at her daughter''s sad little face, wondering how tofort her, when a deep male voice suddenly came from behind them. "Who said I wasn''ting back?"


    Eleanor spun around to seen walking over from the elevator.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn flew into his arms like a happy little bird. "Daddy, where were you? I missed you so much."


    His words seemed to be directed at Eleanor as well, who pointedly looked away, not wanting to hear them.


    "Daddy, where were you?"


    "Daddy was sick and didn''t want to infect you, so I stayed in the hospital for a few days. I''m all better now."


    "Mommy, can I y at Daddy''s house for a little while?" Evelyn asked Eleanor.


    "I''lle down and get you when dinner is ready," Eleanor said.


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded happily.


    Eleanor could be cold and curt withn, but she couldn''t ignore her daughter''s feelings, so she


    rays


    gave in at times like these.


    Eleanor turned and walked toward


    the elevator Jan watched her go for ter to his door, his


    a few seconds before carrying his


    >


    Eleanor''s phone suddenly rang. She nced at it and saw a few photos from


    Mansfield Ellington. "Which gem do you like?"


    Eleanor was surprised. Was heing back?


    "Are youing back?" Eleanor texted back.


    "Work here is wrapping up. I wanted to pick out a gift for you before I head back."


    "Don''t trouble yourself. We can talk when you''re back," Eleanor replied.


    "Then I''ll choose for you. How about the sapphire? I think it would suit you."


    Eleanor couldn''t help but smile. "Justing back safely is the best gift."


    "Can I take that to mean Miss Sutton likes me?"


    Eleanor chuckled. That wasn''t what she meant at all. After he had returned injuredst time, she genuinely just wanted him toe back safely this time and didnt want him to go to the trouble of picking out a gift.


    "Contact me when you''re back," Eleanor replied, ignoring his question.


    "Alright, I''ll ask you again when I get back," Mansfield texted back, adding, "In person."


    Eleanor was left speechless.

 Chapter 1020

    "I''ll treat you to dinner when you get back," Eleanor replied.


    "Okay, I''ll be waiting," Mansfield texted back instantly.


    Eleanor returned to her study, ced her phone aside, and opened herptop to check her emails. Gina was scheduled to start her infusions next Monday. Her condition was severe and would require assessment based on various data points.


    Around seven o''clock, Joslyn came upstairs. "Ma''am, dinner is ready."


    "Joslyn, could you please go downstairs and get Evelyn?" Eleanor asked, not wanting to go down herself.


    Joslyn smiled. "Of course-" She hesitated at the door, as if she had something more to say.


    Eleanor looked up at her, guessing what she wanted to ask, and frowned. "Don''t invite him up."


    Joslyn''s smile faltered, but she nodded. "Understood."


    Five minutester, Evelyn''s voice echoed from the living room downstairs.


    Eleanor got up and went down to have dinner with her daughter.


    "Mommy, Princess is still at Daddy''s house!" Evelyn said.


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. "We''ll get Princesster tonight."


    "But Daddy is all alone. I want Princess to keep himpany. Mommy, please let Princess stay at Daddy''s house!" Evelyn pleaded, tugging at her hand on her father''s behalf.


    Eleanor sighed in resignation. "Alright. Let''s eat first."


    After dinner, Eleanor went back upstairs to work. Evelyn, however, pestered Joslyn to take her downstairs again and stayed there ying until nine. Just as Eleanor went to the entryway to get her, she heard her daughter''s voice outside.


    She opened the door to seen leading her daughter upstairs. Princess was not with them.


    "Please bring Princess up," Eleanor said, annoyed. Princess was her pet, and she didn''t want to lend her out.


    "Mommy, you promised you''d let Princess keep Daddypany," Evelyn said, looking up with her big, innocent eyes.


    Eleanor was at a loss for words. She had vaguely agreed before dinner. She quickly tried to find an excuse. "Your daddy''s house doesn''t have a dog bed¡ª"


    "Yes, it does! Daddy already had Uncle Gavin deliver a beautiful dog bed. Princess loves it!" Evelyn said happily.


    Eleanor felt a knot of frustration in her chest, but she couldn''t lose her temper in front of her daughter. "Fine," she finally said.


    "Goodnight, Daddy," Evelyn said sweetly, waving atn.


    "Goodnight." Ian''s gaze was soft. He then looked up at Eleanor, a gentle light in his deep eyes. "You two get some rest."


    Eleanor didn''t respond and closed the door.


    Whenn opened his door, Princess immediately trotted over to greet him.n went to a cab, took out dog food and a bowl, filled it, and ced it in front of her. Princess immediately started eating_O earnestly.


    At ten o''clock,n was watching a game. Princess hopped onto the sofa and curled up beside him, resting herrge snout on his leg, enjoying the feeling of his hand stroking her fur.


    Early the next morning, as Eleanor opened the door to take her daughter to school, she saw a tall, elegant figure leaning against the wall outside, a dog lying at his feet.


    Before Eleanor could react, Evelyn cried out in delight, "Daddy! Princess!"


    Eleanor instinctively started to refuse. "You don''t have to. I¡ª"


    "It''s no trouble," Ian interrupted her, his voice gentle but firm. "You should have a proper breakfast before heading to theb."


    "Mommy, please let Daddy take me! I want to go to school with Daddy," Evelyn pleaded, her little face full of expectation as she looked at Eleanor.


    Faced with her daughter''s sparkling eyes, Eleanor swallowed the refusal on the tip of her tongue.


    "Say goodbye to Mommy," Ian told his daughter.


    "Bye-bye, Mommy!" Evelyn waved happily.


    Princess trotted into the apartment, wagging her tail cheerfully at Eleanor. Eleanor red at the dog. It felt liken was slowly chipping away at the boundaries she had set.


    Especially with her daughter growing more and more attached to him, Eleanor ran


    a hand through her hair, grabbed her bag, and left for theb.


    At ten in the morning, Eleanor was still in the tab when she saw Serena standing outside the door, waving at her. Eleanor opened the heavyb door and asked with a frown What, is it?"


    "Ellie, she''s here," Serena said, a hateful look in her eyes. "She''s here to see Dr. Smith."


    Eleanor immediately understood who Serena was talking about. Vanessa was probably here to see Smith about terminating her donation contract.


    "Ellie, you don''t think she''s here to cause trouble at theb, do you?" Serena said angrily, clenching her fists.


    "Let''s go see," Eleanor said calmly.


    As Eleanor approached Smith''s office, she heard Vanessa''s raised voice from inside, filled with intense emotion. "What do you mean you can make that decision? Thats not what you said when we signed the contract! My health is failing. I can''t continue to donate. Are you trying to kill me?"

 Chapter 1021

    Smith''s voice was calm as he responded, "Miss Shannon, ording to the


    contract, you will be liable for a substantial penalty for terminating the agreement unterally and without cause. Furthermore, we reserve the right to pursue additional damages for the interruption to our research and any losses incurred due to your withdrawal."


    Vanessa Shannon grew agitated again. "A penalty? Further damages? What about my health? What about my life? Don''t push your luck. I''m terminating the contract right now. My body is breaking down, and you can''t force me to do this." Smith tried to cate her. "Miss Shannon, please calm down. We can ask Mr. Goodwin toe and handle this. I''m sure he will take your health into consideration."


    "Then go get him! I''ll be waiting right here." Vanessa sat down and crossed her arms, looking as if she hade specifically to seen Goodwin.


    "Miss Shannon, a contract is a legally binding document. If your health is truly an issue, you will need to provide a diagnostic report from a certified medical institution," Dr. Smith advised seriously.


    "I''ll wait forn," Vanessa said, turning her face away.


    Outside the door, Serena Goodwin was about to go in and confront her, but Eleanor Sutton suddenly grabbed her wrist. "This isn''t something you should get involved in."


    Serena froze. Although Eleanor''s words were spoken quietly, Serena was surprisingly obedient and held herself back.


    Eleanor was right. This was a deal between her brother and Vanessa. Her getting involved wouldn''t resolve the core issue, so they would just have to wait for him to arrive.


    When Smith came out to make a call, he saw Eleanor standing in the hallway, but he had already dialedn''s number.


    "Hello, Mr. Goodwin. Could youe to theb? Miss Shannon is here making a scene about terminating her contract and says she needs to see you."


    "Alright, I''ll have her wait for you here." After getting a response, Smith turned to Eleanor. "El, Miss Shannon is inside. She wants to discuss terminating the agreement."


    Eleanor nodded and said to Serena, "You should go back to your room and rest. You don''t need to worry about what''s happening here."


    Serena bit her lip, desperately wanting to storm in and confront Vanessa. But she couldn''t ignore Eleanor''s words, so she suppressed her anger and turned to leave.


    Twenty minutester,n strode in from theb''s main lobby. He was dressed in a well-tailored dark suit, his steps steady and his expression stern, radiating an unmistakable air of authority.


    Smith walked up to meet him. "Mr. Goodwin, you''re here. Miss Shannon is inside."n gave a slight nod, pushed open the door, and stepped inside.


    "Ian." Vanessa immediately shot up from her chair, her voice tinged with pleasant surprise. "You''re finally here."


    "Dr. Smith, ask Eleanor to join us in the conference room for a meeting,"n said before giving Vanessa a brief, indifferent nce. "You too."


    Vanessa was taken aback, a sh of anger in her eyes. "Ian, this is something we can discuss privately. Why do you need to involve Eleanor? What does this have to do with her?"


    Eleanor was in her office working on some documents when a nurse peeked in. "Miss Sutton, Dr. Smith has requested your presence in Conference Room One for a meeting."


    Eleanor paused, then nodded and got up. Assuming it was to discuss a treatment n, she grabbed herptop and headed over.


    However, when she pushed open the door, she saw three people inside:n, Dr. Smith, and Vanessa.


    Eleanor frowned. Smith gestured for her toe in. "El, join us."


    Vanessa shot Eleanor a resentful re, her eyes filled with rejection and hostility.


    Eleanor sat down beside Smith with a neutral expression, not once looking at Vanessa.


    to three times the total sum of all payments received."


    Vanessa''s face went white. She shot to her feet. "Ian, is that reasonable? I saved


    your mother''s life, and now you''re making me pay you?"


    "You signed the contract yourself. The terms are clear, explicit, and legally binding. If you have an issue, Miss. Shannon, you can have your Jawyer file awsuit, an stated coldly.


    "Miss Shannon, I suggest you consider Mr. Goodwin''s proposal. We would all prefer to avoid this taking a turn for the worse." Smith said with a grave expression.


    "Alternatively,"n added, "you can choose not to pay the penalty. But you will then be held fully liable for all losses resulting from the project''s interruption a figure which may far exceed this amount."


    Vanessa gripped the edge of the table, her face pale. She bit her lip so hard she


    couldn''t speak.

 Chapter 1022

    Smith produced three copies of the contract, cing one in front of Eleanor and another before Vanessa. "Miss Shannon, please calm down. We''re not trying to make things difficult. The terms of the contract are binding for both parties, and these are the supplementary uses you yourself insisted on adding."


    Eleanor instinctively reached out and began flipping through the contract. She had only turned two pages when an intense, urgent gaze fell upon her from the head of the table.


    At that moment, Vanessa stared at the contract in front of her, her face flushing a deep red. Her gaze shot to Eleanor, who was still reading, and her chest heaved with agitation.


    She had never imagined that this contract would one day end up in Eleanor''s hands for her to read.


    Eleanor, however, seemed to have little interest in it. After listlessly flipping through a couple of pages, she closed the document and pushed it aside.


    Beside them, Smith continued speaking to Vanessa. "Miss Shannon, I trust you understand the significance of this contract. We expect you to honor our agreement."


    Vanessa stared at the contract with hatred. The signature she had once so dly penned now seemed to mock her.


    Of course she knew its contents; she had been the one to insist on adding several of the more unreasonable uses.


    For instance, one use required the first party to reside in Drexford for six months out of every year to apany her, attending any academic or public business events she had.


    Another allowed the second party to demand the first party''s cooperation inmercial promotions and private social engagements as needed.


    Another explicitly stated that the first party n) must use his resources and connections to provide full support for the second party Vanessa''s) admission to and studies at a top arts Institute in Drexford, ensuring her sessful graduation.


    And on important holidays, the first party was required to give expensive gifts valued at no less than seven figures and attend celebrations in person whenever possible.


    These uses, all there in ck and white, clearly documented how Vanessa had exploited her unique status as a donor to make both emotional and material demands onn.


    Now, that very contracty tantly exposed before Eleanor for her to peruse, and Vanessa felt as if she''d been pped hard across the face.


    She shot a look atn. Did he really have to do this? What was he trying to prove by showing Eleanor this contract? That he had been an


    unwilling participant? that she was


    despicable?


    She wanted to scream these questions atn, but in the end, she just bit down


    hard on her lower lip, nearly drawing blood.


    Just then, Eleanor, feeling she had no reason to be there and wanting to waste no more time, picked up herptop and stood. "D":"Smith" there''s nothing else, I''m going back to work."


    Smith nodded, and Eleanor walked straight out of the conference room.


    Aplex, somber gaze followed her out. Ian clearly hadn''t expected Eleanor to show absolutely no interest in the contract, not even enough to turn another page.


    Could it be... that she really didn''t care at all anymore?


    This scene did not escape Vanessa''s notice. Her earlier shame and indignation strangely morphed into a sense of glee.

 Chapter 1023

    "Look at that,n. You went to all this trouble to bring Eleanor in, hoping to use this contract to prove you had no choice, to rify the nature of our rtionship. And what was the result? Eleanor doesn''t care in the slightest."


    The corners of Vanessa''s mouth twitched, threatening to curve into a smile. Finally, with a mocking tone, she looked atn. "See,n? Even when youy the evidence of our dealings on the table, she can''t be bothered to give it a second nce. Why do you even bother ttering yourself?"


    After a moment, she turned to Smith. "Dr. Smith, could you given and me a moment alone?"


    Smith looked ton, who gave no indication either way, but Smith decided to give them their privacy.


    He stood up and left.


    As soon as the conference room door closed, Vanessa shifted her chair closer ton, her voice turning soft and gentle. "Ian, I know I was emotional just now. We can discuss the contract civilly. But can you please continue to help my father''spany? The orders from InnoMind are incredibly important to him."


    As she spoke, she reached out, instinctively trying to grab his sleeve, but a pair of icy eyes stopped her hand mid-air.


    She awkwardly withdrew her hand, her expression pleading. "Please,n. If you just help my dad this one time, I promise I''ll do whatever you say."


    Vanessa bit her lip. "But... you helped my family willingly before-"


    As the conference room door clicked shut, Vanessa''s head shot up. Her pupils constricted as if she''d been struck by lightning, and in that instant, everything became clear.


    So that was it.


    She had always wondered whyn had suddenly been so kind back then, not only agreeing to her outrageous demands but also


    proactively helping her father


    injecting capital to help it go public.


    Now, she finally understood. It had all been a carefullyid trap from the very beginning.


    From the moment he took over the


    mess that was Yeaton Holdings, it was never about affection or


    goodwill. It was about seizing


    control of its fifeline, turning her


    father''spany into a sword


    hanging right over her head.


    the contract and his control.


    So, not only did he help her father go public, but he also entangled him in a deep partnership with the InnoMind Group, making it his biggest client. He wasn''t helping her at all he was using a colder, more effective method to keep her, the donor, firmly in his grasp ensuring that for the sake of her family, she would remain at his mercy and never dare to breach the contract.


    As the realization washed over her, a chill ran up her spine, leaving her ice-cold.


    For the first time, she truly understood how terrifyingn could be. His schemes, his methods-they were far more calcting and ruthless than she had ever imagined.


    She had turned her own family''spany into his coteral.


    Vanessa gasped for air, clutching the edge of the table to keep herself steady.

 Chapter 1024

    Vanessa leaned against the table, trembling uncontrobly. All her pride and scheming seemedughable and pathetic in the face ofn''s cold, calcted n.


    "Hah!n, you''re truly ruthless," Vanessa muttered, a look of defiance on her face. Her eyes fell on the contract in front of her, and she snatched it up, ready to rip it to shreds.


    But just as she was about to tear it, something urred to her. She began to frantically flip through the pages, her eyes searching eagerly. Finally, her finger stopped on a use marked in bold.


    ''Confidentiality use: All contents of this contract shall not be disclosed, published, or disyed to any third party by the First Party without the written consent of the Second Party. Any vition will be considered a breach of contract, for which the First Party will be held legally responsible and mustpensate the Second Party for losses incurred.''


    A twisted hatred ignited in Vanessa''s eyes.


    She grabbed the contract and stormed out of the conference room. She was going to confrontn and make him pay for his breach.


    Vanessa stopped a passing nurse. "Excuse me, where isn?"


    The nurse, startled, pointed in a direction. "Mr. Goodwin just went back to his office."


    A crazed look shed in Vanessa''s eyes as she hurried towardn''s office.


    Just then, she spotted him in the public lounge.


    n." Vanessa rushed up to him and mmed the contract down in front of him. "You vited the confidentiality use of this contract. You are not allowed to disclose its contents to any third party without my permission, but you just showed it to Eleanor. That''s a breach of contract."


    She stared at him, expecting to see a hint of panic or apology on his handsome face.


    However,n remainedposed, a coldness creeping into his sharp features. He raised an eyebrow. "I think you need to reread the terms."


    "What do you mean? What other tricks are you trying to pull?" Vanessa was beginning to develop aplex about this man; every word and action felt like a part of somerger calction against her.


    opened it, his long fingers pointing to the definition of the First Party. "Read carefully. The First Party. this contract is not me as an


    ve


    individual, but Masand


    Vanessa''s breath hitched. She suddenly felt intellectually outmatched by him.


    She had seen that use, but at the


    time, she hadn''t paid it much mind.


    Andn''s behavior over the years


    had lulled her into a false sense of security. Eleanor had been kept in the dark and no one around him


    seemed aware of their deal not exer


    Dr. Smith. It had all clouded her


    judgment.


    She had been too confident, thinking her position as the sole global donor was


    invincible. Now, she was the one who looked like a fool.


    A cold light glinted inn''s eyes, and he exuded a calm, collected confidence. "Eleanor is now a corez researcher in myb, currently this


    leading the project rted re


    very donation As such, she has a right to be informed about the project''s partners-nam¨¦ly, you-and the terms of our cooperation. This is perfectly in line with the contract and does not constitute a breach."


    He then stood up, looking down at the frozen Vanessa with a frigid tone. "If you have any objections, you can have yourwyers contact me. I will not shirk any of my responsibilities."


    Vanessa''s face went pale again. The contract slipped from her hand and fluttered to the floor like a piece of waste paper.


    So, this too had been part of his calctions all along.


    She looked up at his deep-set eyes and his refined, handsome features, which suddenly seemed so foreign. Perhaps his performance over the years had trapped her in acent way of thinking, making her forget how cold and ruthless this man truly was.


    So, for the past ten years, then who would grant her every wish had probably never been the real him. He was just a charactern had meticulously yed to achieve his goals.

 Chapter 1025

    The realn was this man before her-calm, rational, infallibly calcting, a man who saw everything as a bargaining chip.


    And she, who had fancied herself a master hunter, had ended up being the foolish,ughable prey.


    n¡ª" Vanessa bit her lip, her eyes filled with pain and helplessness. "You were lying to me from the very beginning?"


    He gazed down at her, his eyes devoid of all feeling. There was no pride, no guilt, only a profound, bottomless calm.


    "It was a mutually agreed-upon transaction. Where''s the lie in that?" he said tly. "You got the resources, fame, and wealth you wanted, and I ensured my mother''s health. We each got what we wanted. A clean transaction."


    "A clean transaction¡ª" Vanessa''s voice suddenly rose, thick with tears and resentment. "You know I love you! I''ve loved you for ten whole years, given you the best years of a woman''s life! Everything I did was to be worthy of you. But what about you?n, what do you see me as?"


    Her tears, a mixture of indignation and humiliation, rolled down her cheeks. "In all these ten years, did you never, not even for a second, have any feelings for me?"


    Just then, around the corner of the lounge''s hallway, a slender figure stopped short.


    Eleanor had been on her way to discuss a n with Dr. Smith but had stumbled upon this scene. To get to Smith''s office, she had to pass through the hallway next to the public lounge. Eleanor froze, her hand clutching her files tightening slightly.


    She was about to leave when she heardn''s calm voice behind her. "Vanessa, I''ve told you before not to waste your time and energy on me. Our deal is spelled out clearly in the contract."


    As Vanessa turned her head away in pain, her peripheral vision caught the corner of a whiteb coat peeking out from the hallway.


    Vanessa knew exactly who was hiding there-Eleanor.


    A spark of resentment shed in her eyes, and she raised her voice. "Waste my time and energy? Is that really what you think,n? Then what about the million-dor jewelry you bought for me at the auction? Was that a waste? What about how you skipped out on your own daughter to apany me to a concert at the opera house? And you even came to my celebratory dinner. I told you I liked diamonds, and you''ve given them to me for my birthday every year was all of that just a cold, hard transaction? Not to mention you were the one who carried me every time I fainted-you dare say you don''t have a single genuine feeling for me? Who are you trying to fool!"


    But Vanessa cut him off, directing a


    sneer toward the corner of the


    hallway. "Eleanor, stop hiding and


    Pet


    listering m. Come on out Come and


    hear how your ex-husband has


    cared so deeply for his ''business


    partner'' all these years."


    Eleanor stopped, but her back remained turned to him. "I have work to do. You two can talk."


    Vanessa shifted her gaze from Eleanor back ton. Finally, she saw a flicker of pain on his cold face, saw himpletely lose hisposure.


    But her satisfactionsted only a moment before she was gripped by a different kind of pain. All ofn''s emotional turmoil was because of Eleanor Only Eleanor could make him suffer the pains of love.


    Good, Eleanor. Keep going. Keep hating him, loathing him. Make him disappear from your world.


    After Eleanor''s figure vanished at the elevators,n pulled his gaze back. When he looked at Vanessa again, his eyes had returned to their usual coldness, but beneath it simmered a suppressed rage.


    "Vanessa," his voice was dangerously low, carrying a terrifying weight. "If you don''t want Yeaton Holdings to go bankrupt ahead of schedule, you''d better learn when to stop."

 Chapter 1026

    The threat in his words made Vanessa tremble. What didn mean? Was he nning to bankrupt Yeaton Holdings sooner orter?


    That realization made Vanessa sway on her feet. Looking at the man before her, she knew with chilling certainty that if he decided to do something, he would see it through.


    "Ian, I was wrong. I shouldn''t have said those things to provoke Eleanor. Please, don''t touch my father''spany, okay?" Vanessa lunged forward and grabbedn''s sleeve, her face pleading.


    His gaze drifted toward the hallway where Eleanor had disappeared. "Get rid of those cheap tricks of yours," he said coldly. "If you dare interfere in my business with Eleanor again, I guarantee Yeaton Holdings willpletely disappear from Ashford City."


    His words terrified Vanessa. "Ian, you can''t do this to me," she said, her voice choked with sobs. "I know I was wrong. Please, for the sake of the ten years I''ve donated blood for your mother, let Yeaton Holdings go. Let my father go."


    When Vanessa reached for his arm again,n deftly stepped aside, his entire demeanor radiating an unapproachable coldness.


    "Leave,"n said without another nce at her. He turned and walked away, his resolute back leaving Vanessa frozen in ce.


    She regretted provoking and trying to alienate Eleanor, but at the same time, she felt a sliver of satisfaction for having twisted the knife in Eleanor''s heart one more time.


    Vanessa wiped her tears and headed to the nearest restroom topose herself.


    She had just entered a stall with her purse when she heard two nursese in, chatting.


    "Did you notice earlier? Mr. Goodwin''s hair seems to have more gray in it. Do you think he''ll end up with a full head of silver hair?"


    "It happened that night Dr. Sutton copsed and was rushed to the emergency room. Mr. Goodwin''s hair turned gray overnight."


    "It seems Mr. Goodwin really does still love Dr. Sutton."


    "Too bad Dr. Sutton doesn''t seem to feel the same way. She''s always so cold whenever she sees him."


    The two nurses chatted for a bit longer before leaving. In the stall, Vanessa emerged with her bag, a look of shock on her face. She


    narrowed her eyes. She had


    noticedn''s hair before, but now that she thought about it, it did seem grayer.


    If she hadn''t heard what the nurses said, she would have just assumed he was overworked.


    So, it was because Eleanor had copsed and been rushed to the ER? He was that worried about her?


    Vanessa picked up her lipstick and carefully painted her lips, a smug, cold smile ying on them.


    He deserved to savor that pain. It would serve him right.


    It would be even better if all his hair turned white.


    That was the best news she had heard all day.


    She also realized something else: her value as the sole global donor was diminishing. Had Eleanor made another research breakthrough? She''d


    I had a bad feeling ever since


    that night she deliberately got drunk andn hung up on her.


    Now,n''s attitude toward her made it clearer than ever. He really didn''t need her anymore.


    As for why he hadn''t terminated the


    contract, it was because even if she wasn''t the only donor she might still. have some other value in the future.


    No, she had to find a reason to terminate it.


    She no longer wanted to be his donor, and she certainly didn''t want to be constrained by this contract. She had to find a way to meet the conditions for termination.


    Sunlight streamed into the clear, bright office, falling on Eleanor''s bare face. She looked fresh and alert, her features distinct in the spring light.

 Chapter 1027

    A knock sounded at the door. Eleanor looked up. "Come in."


    Looking at the calm woman behind the desk,n''s heart sank.


    "Eleanor," he began, his voice a little tight, "I can exin everything Vanessa said earlier."


    "I don''t think that''s necessary," Eleanor said calmly, looking up. "Let the past stay in the past."


    Her tone was perfectly level, yetn''s heart felt as if it were being squeezed in a vise. Her calm was more painful than any usation.


    Eleanor closed the file in her hand. "From your perspective, you did nothing wrong. You were constrained by others for the sake of your mother, your sister, and Evelyn. I understand that. But your deal with Vanessa has nothing to do with me."


    "If there''s nothing else, please don''t disturb me. I need to prepare your mother''s treatment n."


    Eleanor''s dismissal was clear and direct.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t believe him; it was that she simply didn''t care anymore.


    A short whileter, Serena ran inton''s office. "Brother, did you exin things about you and Vanessa to Ellie? I hope you told her everything, cleared up all the misunderstandings."


    "So you just give up because she won''t listen? tried to show her some conversations I recorded with Vanessa, and she wouldn''t listen either Serena said, frustrated "Maybe Ellie is just too disappointed in you."


    "Brother, I was an aplice in all this, so I''m sorry. I didn''t know how stupid and foolish I was being back then."


    "Just spend more time with Mom," Ian told her. Serena''s condition had stabilized and was nowpletely under control. She had even developed an immunity, so she wouldn''t have to suffer anymore.


    "I know. Can I tell Mom about your deal with Vanessa? She''s still in the dark about everything," Serena asked.


    Serena looked at the gray streaks in


    her brother''s hair. It wasn''t


    unattractive, but it made her nose


    tingle "Brother,


    "Brother, will your hair ever


    turn back to its original color Maybe you should see someone


    about it."


    Serena sniffled. "It''s not that it looks bad, it''s just... you''re only twenty-nine. You''re


    still so young."


    Yet in that short time, it felt as if he


    had already lived through half a lifetime of hardships. He had amassed wealth and status beyond most people''s reach, but he had also lost so much.


    "It doesn''t matter,"n said with a sense of resigned calm. "Whether it turns back


    or not, it''s not important anymore."


    What he cared about was never his hair, but whether the woman who had caused


    it to turn gray overnight would evere back to him.


    Clearly, she wouldn''t.

 Chapter 1028

    Seeing her brother''s mncholic expression pained Serena even more. Then, an idea struck her. "Brother, since Ellie won''t listen to your exnations, why don''t you show her through your actions? Win her over with your sincerity. Make her see the good in you again."


    Serena couldn''t help but mumble, "Are you calling me stupid again, brother? You''re afraid I''ll mess up your n to win back your wife, aren''t you?"


    Serena nodded, but added one more piece of advice. "Brother, you have to take real action. Don''t be so proud and aloof. You know how in-demand Ellie is right now."


    Suddenly, Serena thought of something else. She leaned in closer to her brother. "Brother, tell me honestly. Did you and Vanessa ever..."


    Serena trailed off before saying the words "have a physical rtionship," but she was sure her brother understood what she was asking.


    "Oh, don''t get mad, brother!" Serena said, blushing and awkwardly pressing on. "I just want to know. It''s very important to me."


    "No,"n answered decisively, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Not once. From the very beginning, there was nothing between us but a transaction."


    "But I saw you holding her a few times. And once, during the New Year''s holiday, she called you and you left immediately. Evelyn cried for you that night."


    so


    "What? She threatened you by slitting her wrists? That exins it! I always wondered why she had so many scars on her wrists. So she used them to threaten you. That wicked woman!" Serena mmed her fist on the table in anger, Vanessa has gone too far, always using her status as the sole global donor to threaten her brother.


    How could her brother ever like, let alone touch, a woman so malicious and maniptive?


    Of course, with Vanessa''s methods, she must have tried to seduce her brother countless times, both openly and secretly. Her brother had to endure such a seductress. It was truly unfair to him.


    No matter how bad things got, her brother wouldn''t do something against his will. That was good. At least he had maintained his principles. That would make exining things to Ellie more convincing.


    Serena got the answer she wanted and left, finally feeling at ease.


    That afternoon, they began implementing Gina Quinn''s treatment n. Due to the severity of Gina''s condition and some pre existing conditionsmon in the elderly, implementing the new n required careful consideration. Dr. Smith had been working on optimizing it.


    When Eleanor entered the hospital room, Gina''s face was pale and she was very thin, but her eyes lit up when she saw Eleanor.


    "Eleanor, you''re here." She sat up, but a low cough wracked her body. The back of her hand was covered in dense red spots, an rming sight.


    Eleanor looked at her, the past long forgotten. In her eyes, Gina was now her patient, her daughter''s grandmother. She would do everything in her power to save her life.


    "Stay lying down. A nurse will be here soon to check your blood pressure," Eleanor told her.


    Just then, Serena walked in from behind, greeting her warmly. "Ellie, you''re here."


    Eleanor nodded. After the nurse


    finished taking the blood pressure, Eleanor sat down to ask about other symptoms. About ten minutes into their conversation, Gina''s nose tingled, and she suddenly became emotional. "Eleanor so sorry was too harsh on you before. I shouldn''t have treated you that way-"


    Eleanor was taken aback by the sudden confession. She lowered her head. "What''s past is past. Please focus on getting better."


    "I was always prejudiced against you. It''s a fact. When you dropped out of school


    to marryn, I thought you weren''t good enough for him, that you were holding back his life and career¡ª" Gina''s voice grew choked with emotion. "But now I know I was wrong-"

 Chapter 1029

    Her hand trembled as she reached for Eleanor''s. After a moment''s hesitation, Eleanor didn''t pull away.


    "I''m sorry, Eleanor. It''s my fault Evelyn might have inherited this disease, and it''s my fault you''ve had to work so hard to develop a treatment for us. The Goodwin family has failed you."


    Eleanor gently withdrew her hand. "You don''t need to apologize anymore. It''s all in the past. For now, please cooperate with the treatment so you can recover."


    Serena, standing beside them, had tears in her eyes as well. She sat down on the edge of her mother''s bed. "Mom, since Ellie is here, there''s something I have to tell you."


    Eleanor immediately looked at Serena, guessing what she was about to say. "Serena, now is not-"


    Eleanor didn''t want Serena to say anything that might agitate Gina at a time like this.


    "Ellie, we''re at this point already. My mom needs to know. Please let me say it," Serena pleaded.


    Gina, unsettled by her daughter''s solemn demeanor, looked from Eleanor to Serena. "Serena, what is it you want to tell me?"


    Serena took a deep breath. "Mom, your illness first appeared ten years ago, right? Because it''s a rare blood disorder, my brother found a donor for you from around the world to donate stem cells. You know that, don''t you?"


    Gina nodded, but looked at her daughter with confusion. "I know all of that."


    "Then do you know who has been donating blood and stem cells to you all these years?" Serena asked, looking at her mother.


    "Your brother never told me. I think there was some kind of confidentiality agreement."


    Eleanor didn''t leave. She had to stay to monitor the situation, worried about the emotional impact this might have on Gina.


    Serena bit her lip. "There was no need for a confidentiality agreement. The dong herself insisted that my brother keep it a secret. She kept it from you, from me, and from Ellie. She deliberately hid her identity so she could use it as leverage to ruin Ellie and my brother''s marriage. She wanted to be Mrs. Goodwin."


    Gina was stunned. "Who is this person?"


    Serena nced at Eleanor before telling her mother, "It''s Vanessa. She''s the only


    donor my brother could find in the entire world."


    Gina stared at her daughter in shock, then looked at Eleanor, asking for


    confirmation. "What did you say? How could it be Vanessa?"


    "Mom, are you about to say she''s kind-hearted? That she willingly helped you?" Serena pressed on.


    After the initial shock, Gina seemed lost in thought.


    "Mom, the truth is, from the very beginning, she used her blood to force my


    brother into a deal."


    Gina was stunned again. "A... a deal?"


    "Yes, a ten-year-long, extremely unequal deal, Serena said, her eyes


    red with anger. "She forced him to


    sign a contract filled with all time


    unreasonable demands-that he had to stay in Drexford for six months after their marriage, that he had to help her graduate from a top arts institute, apany her to events, give her expensive gifts. She even demanded he help her acquire three billion in Yeaton Holdings shares as payment for her cooperation with the experiment. Otherwise, she wouldn''t agree to participate."


    Serena took a deep breath. "She even pretended to slit her wrists to manipte him." She then looked at Eleanor. Ellie, do you remember that New Year''s you came with Evelyn? That night, my brother left you and Evelyn because Vanessa called him. It was because she was at home slitting her wrists, threatening him that if he didn''t go to her, she would die right then and there."


    Eleanor''s brow tightened. Vanessa was certainly capable of such a crazy act, just like that time at the pool. She had knownn wouldn''t risk her getting hurt, so she had deliberately chosen that moment to pull her into the water.


    Gina''s breathing grew ragged. She looked at her daughter in disbelief. "What did you say? She would do something like that?"

 Chapter 1030

    "Mom, for your sake, and because of the hereditary nature of this disease, my brother had to agree to all of Vanessa''s conditions. For the past ten years, he''s been in so much pain, so repressed, but he never told anyone. He carried it all alone" Serena said, wiping her tears.


    Gina sat there, stunned, as if she couldn''t believe Vanessa would do such things to her son.


    When she came to her senses, Gina felt an even deeper sense of guilt toward Eleanor. Her eyes red, she said, "Eleanor, I¡ªI''ve been such an old fool!" Gina''s voice was filled with regret and self-reproach. "I used to think Vanessa was sessful, from a good family, and a perfect match forn. And I thought you¡ª that by giving up your studies for your family, you weren''t good enough for him. I even looked down on you-"


    Gina''s voice broke, and tears streamed down her face. Everything she said was true, things she had done in the past. Now, each and every one of those actions was a wound inflicted on Eleanor. She felt that even in death, she couldn''t make up for the guilt she felt.


    She remembered how she had spoken to Eleanor with such coldness while praising Vanessa. The more she thought about it, the more her heart ached with shame.


    "I''m sorry, Eleanor-I''m so, so sorry." Gina beat her chest. "I don''t deserve to be your mother-inw. I don''t deserve to be Evelyn''s grandmother. I should just die


    Eleanor looked at her, a mixture of emotions swirling inside her. She handed her a tissue. "It''s all in the past."


    Eleanor''s voice was soft but held a sense of release. "Focus on your treatment. There''s no need to bring up anything else."


    In truth, Eleanor knew that Gina''s initial disapproval of her wasn''t just about her dropping out of school to get married; it was also tied to her resentment toward her father.


    After all,n had gone against Gina''s wishes and donated histe father''s body to her father for research. As a wife, that would undoubtedly be a painful experience.


    There was no point in arguing about who was right or wrong now. From each person''s perspective, no one was truly at fault.


    But for Eleanor, only by letting go of the past could she move forward into the future.


    She hoped the Goodwin family could do the same.


    "Mom, we''ve all wronged Ellie," Serena said, biting her lip to hold back her tears.


    Gina looked at her daughter, her heart aching for her too. She sighed.


    Eleanor nced at the time. "I should get back to my office."


    As soon as Eleanor left, Gina looked at her daughter. "Did you apologize to Eleanor?"


    Serena nodded and then recounted what she had overheard between Vanessa and Eleanor in Eleanor''s office that day.


    Gina was shocked again. She had thought Vanessa was merely maniptive, but she had never imagined the extent of her schemes. How much money and how many resources had she extracted from her son over the past ten years?


    Her methods were so sophisticated they were almost impressive.


    "Your brother has sacrificed so much for our family," Gina said, closing her eyes. It was a painful thing to see the true face of someone you thought you knew.


    Vanessa had always appeared


    gentle and poised in front of her.


    When they first met, she had assumed Vanessa was the daughter of some wealthy family. Not only was her taste in clothes impable and her demeanor graceful, but she also frequently brought gifts to win her over Gina, who didn''t socialize much abroad, began to feel as if she had gained a caring daughter.


    When she was sick, Vanessa would bring flowers and gifts, keeping herpany and chatting with her. Meanwhile, Eleanor, her daughter-inw at the time, was in another country and never even showed her face.


    Whenever her son came to visit, he would bring his granddaughter, and Gina never asked why Eleanor didn''te. She assumed Eleanor didn''t want to, that she didn''t want to see her mother-inw, believing Eleanor resented her.


    She remembered that after Eleanor confessed her feelings for her son, she had met with Eleanor privately and tried to convince her not to marry him At that time, she had. presented herself as a wicked mother-inw, genuinely believing Eleanor wasn''t good enough for her brilliant son.


    As a mother, she selfishly hoped her son would marry a woman of equal social standing, someone who could support him in his career and provide connections, so he wouldn''t have to bear the burden of everything, both at home and at work, all by himself.


    Vanessa''s appearance had gradually swayed Gina''s thinking. She found Vanessa elegant and sophisticated. Furthermore, her granddaughter, who was not yet two at the time, was with her, and without Eleanor around, she found difficult to care for her. Vanessa''s presence made things much easier.


    Often, when her son was away, Vanessa woulde over to help with her granddaughter. Gradually, the little girl grew attached to the beautiful and patient Vanessa.


    Even when her son was home, her granddaughter would cry and ask to see Vanessa. To keep the child happy, Gina had invited Vanessa over for dinner many times.

 Chapter 1031

    Vanessa had been heavily involved in Evelyn''s life from the ages of two to four.


    Thinking back on it now, Gina was filled with regret and a cold sweat. She had entrusted Evelyn to such a maniptive woman. If Vanessa had wanted to marry her son and had harmed Evelyn, Gina felt she could never atone for her sin.


    Back then, her rtionship with Vanessa had been as close as that of a mother and daughter. Even her own daughter had a great private rtionship with Vanessa, who was like a second family member to the Goodwins.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor had been back home whilen spent half of every year by her side. Gina had, of course, seen how hardn worked, often staying upte with his job every time he returned. Yet Eleanor was living a life of leisure back home like a wealthy socialite, neglecting her daughter and her husband. This didn''t sit well with Gina, her mother-inw.


    Her prejudice against Eleanor had grown more severe over time.


    Only now did she realize that it was Vanessa who had signed an agreement preventingn from bringing Eleanor overseas. Otherwise, who knew what kind of threats she might have used against him.


    And now, she also learned that Vanessa''s apparent excellence-her academic credentials, her status in the piano world-were all thingsn had provided for her from behind the scenes.


    "Serena, do you know her true identity?" Gina had beenpletely unaware of this.


    "She''s just an illegitimate daughter from the slums of Drexford," Serena said from the side. "She only has what she has today because she met my brother."


    Gina remembered it now. Ian had repeatedly asked her not to bring Vanessa home, but she had thought Vanessa was harmless and a good person to know. Besides, Evelyn had grown attached to her. "I had been so foolish,pletely ignoringn''s warnings." Gina thought.


    "It''s my fault. I''m the one to me for Eleanor and your brother''s divorce. I was the one who let Evelyn get close to her, which made Eleanor misunderstand and think your brother brought Vanessa into their lives. If she had harbored any ill intentions toward Evelyn back then, I..." Gina trembled with fear.


    Serena knew, of course, how much Gina had liked and trusted Vanessa back then. She had been on the verge of asking Vanessa to be her god-daughter, and had even mentioned the idea to Serena. The fondness Gina had for Vanessa back then must be matched only by her regret now.


    "Mom, it''s all in the past," Serena said, rubbing her back soothingly. "We may have seen her true colorste, but it''s not toote."


    "She got close to my brother for money, which is one thing, but she also wanted to be my brother''s wife. How incredibly greedy. Fortunately, my brother stayed true to himself and only ever loved Ellie, so she didn''t seed. Otherwise, if she had actually married into the family, none of us would have had any peace." Serena had been thinking a lottely. If Vanessa had really be Mrs. Goodwin and revealed her true nature, would there be any tranquility left in their home?


    Gina sighed. If Vanessa had simply made a normal agreement with her son to donate blood to save her, Gina would have been truly grateful. But Vanessa''s character was so wed Her initial approach to Gina and her granddaughter must have been driven by ill intentions.


    Thinking about it from this perspective, Gina was both terrified and furious.


    "Mom, just focus on getting better now. Ellie has solved our family''s problem, so my brother no longer has to worry or be controlled by her."


    A glimmer of hope appeared in Gina''s eyes. "You''re right. I''ve held your brother back and made him carry too much. I can''t be a burden to him anymore." She choked up as she added, "And Eleanor... the Goodwin family owes her so much." Serena hugged her mother. "Mom, once you''re well, our family will do everything we can to make it up to Ellie."


    "Okay." Gina closed her eyes, and two tears of regret streamed down her face.


    Eleanor was busy in her office looking at data when an email popped up. She opened it and saw it was an official letter from the National Academy of Sciences.


    After reading the email, a look of gratification and emotion crossed Eleanor''s face.


    The email informed her that, due to her breakthrough contributions in the field of leukemia research, the National Academy of Sciences had decided to grant her the annual Outstanding Young Scientist Award." They invited her to attend the award ceremony in Kingston next Friday.


    This award carried immense weight in the national academicmunity and was the highest form of recognition for her work.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but marvel at how strange fate could be sometimes.


    If it weren''t for her failed marriage and being forced to be independent and


    grow, perhaps she wouldn''t have achieved what she had today.


    Now, her world was vast and boundless, and she could spread her wings and fly whenever she wished.

 Chapter 1032

    Eleanor leaned back in her chair and let out a long sigh. Sunlight streamed


    through the blinds, casting patterns on her desk. The young girl who had once resolutely given up her studies for love was now being recognized time and again by the scientificmunity.


    Just then, her phone chimed with a notification.


    Eleanor nced at it. It was a message fromn: "I saw the list of award


    recipients from the National Academy of Sciences. Congrattions."


    Eleanor put her phone down. Soon, another message came through. She thought


    it was fromn again, but it was from Mansfield Ellington. "How about we grab a


    meal after the National Academy of Sciences award ceremony?"


    Eleanor was taken aback. Was he already back in the country? The ceremony wasn''t until next Friday.


    She replied, "Are you back?"


    "Not yet, but I''ll make it back around the time of your ceremony. I promise I''ll see you in Kingston," Mansfield replied instantly.


    At that moment, Eleanor didn''t notice a tall, slender figure standing outside her office door, watching her through the ss wall.


    He saw her looking down at her phone, the corners of her lips turning up in a light, happy smile¡ªa bright expression he hadn''t seen in a long time.


    Whose message could make her look like that?


    Just then, a nurse delivering some files asked him in surprise, "Mr. Goodwin, aren''t you going in?"


    He took onest look at the woman in the office and turned to leave.


    The nurse knocked on Eleanor''s door. After getting a response, she entered, ced a file on the desk, and casually remarked, "I just saw Mr. Goodwin standing outside thought he had something to discuss with you, Dr. Sutton."


    Let


    Eleanor paused, looking up at the ss wall. The hallway was empty. nurse left Eleanor found


    After the


    At that moment, another message came in: "Great. See you in Kingston."


    After reading it, Eleanor didn''t reply and picked up the file the nurse had brought.


    Meanwhile,n was just leaving the


    distant polite words,


    softly, got in the car and drove away.


    Once in the car, Gavin Young began to give him a verbal report, butn suddenly interrupted, "Clear my entire schedule for next Friday."


    Gavin was surprised. At a red light, he quickly checked the schedule on his tablet. "Mr. Goodwin, you have an important merger meeting next Friday, and also¡ª"


    "Postpone or cancel all of it,"n said firmly, his gaze fixed on the streetscape blurring past the window. "I need to go to Kingston."


    Though surprised, Gavin immediately agreed. "Yes, sir. I''ll adjust the schedule right away."


    "Mr. Goodwin, should I book a flight and hotel for you?" Gavin asked. "Book me on the same flight as Eleanor. I''ll be returning the same day."


    Gavin couldn''t help his surprise. "You''re not nning to stay the night in Kingston?"


    "No need,"n shook his head.


    For the next few days, Eleanor split her time between home and theb.


    Gina''s condition improved, though the results weren''t as dramatic as they had been with Serena.

 Chapter 1033

    Over the weekend, Eleanor took Evelyn and Joslyn on a pic.


    Evelyn wanted to invite her father, but Eleanor talked her out of it, not wanting to take upn''s time since he was already busy shuttling between theb and his


    In the park, Evelyn ran across the grass with the dog. The spring sun was bright, the air was exceptionally fresh, and it had been a long time since Eleanor had felt so rxed.


    After the weekend ended.


    On Monday, Eleanor went to theb and dove into working on Gina''s treatment n. Smith continuously adjusted the medication dosage based on Gina''s condition to achieve the best possible results.


    When it came to Gina''s specific physical condition, Dr. Smith was the true expert.


    Eleanor returned to her office and opened theb''s internal database, intending to pull up Gina''s historical files.


    While browsing through the folders, she noticed an encrypted document whose name was just a timestamp.


    It was an encrypted file from twelve years ago. Her heart suddenly raced. Remembering that her father had once conducted research at thisb, she clicked on it immediately, only to be met with a pop-up: "Insufficient permissions. Please contact the system administrator."


    She called Dr. Smith''s extension. "Doctor, I found an encrypted document in the database. Can you give me permission to view it?"


    The other end was silent for a moment. "El, I know the file you''re talking about, but the ess key is with Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. She hadn''t expectedn to be the one who had locked it.


    "Doctor, does this file contain my father''s research notes?" Eleanor asked.


    "That document was created when theb was first established, but its contents are encrypted. If you want to see it, you''ll have to contact Mr. Goodwin." It was clear Smith didn''t know the details. He added, "But El, it''s probably not anything important. When you were researching leukemia, we gave you all of theb''s data without reservation."


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied.


    After hanging up, Eleanor felt a mix


    of emotions. If this really was.h


    father''s research,data,


    have kept it confidential? >


    It was true that the data Smith had provided her before had beenplete. Eleanor stared at the file, a strong feeling growing inside her that it was rted to something her father had done before he died.


    After much hesitation, Eleanor decided to calln.


    "Eleanor? Is something wrong?"n answered quickly, a hint of surprise in his voice.


    "I found an encrypted file in theb''s database. The doctor said I need your authorization to open it," Eleanor said directly.


    The line was silent for a few seconds. "Yes, but it''s nothing important."


    "Then give me the password," Eleanor demanded.


    "I''m sorry, that''s a private file of mine,"n sighed. "I can''t give you ess to it right now."


    Eleanor bit her lip. He was right; they had no rtionship now, and she had no right to demand anything from him.


    "Well, just tell me, are there any videos or photos of my father in that file?" Eleanor asked.


    After another few seconds of silence,n denied it. "No."


    But Eleanor had a gut feeling he was lying. Still, she couldn''t force him to


    e it. She offered anime


    let her brief


    thanks and hung up


    She stared at the file, her desire to open it still burning strongly.

 Chapter 1034

    Three dayster, Eleanor was preparing to leave for Kingston for the award ceremony. Since the trip would take two days, she had to contactn to arrange for their daughter''s care.


    "My flight to Kingston is at ten tomorrow morning. I need you to look after Evelyn for two days," Eleanor said over the phone.


    "Okay, I''ll take good care of Evelyn,"n agreed readily.


    Since he had agreed, Eleanor had nothing more to say and hung up.


    Early Friday morning, Eleanor took Evelyn to school. Evelyn knew her mom was going to receive an award and was very proud, promising maturely to be good and wait for her toe home.


    After dropping off her daughter, Eleanor took a taxi to the airport. The National Academy of Sciences ceremony was at two in the afternoon, so she would make it just in time.


    Upon arriving at the airport, Eleanor immediately got in line to check in and drop off her suitcase. Time was tight, and she heard the boarding announcement as soon as she reached the departure lounge.


    Ever since encountering turbulence on herst flight, Eleanor had developed a bit of a fear of flying, but she tried to remain optimistic.


    Eleanor sat in a first-ss window seat and checked her phone. Passengers were boarding one by one. Just as the cabin door was about to close, a figure stepped inside. Eleanor nced up casually and froze for a few seconds.


    He naturally made his way to the seat next to Eleanor and sat down. She frowned. "Didn''t you promise you would look after Evelyn?"


    Eleanor was momentarily speechless and turned to look out the window.


    Soon, the ne began to taxi. Eleanor unconsciously gripped the armrest, her knuckles turning white. Ian noticed her tension and said softly, "Rx."


    Eleanor didn''t respond, simply closing her eyes and feeling the weightlessness as the ne left the ground. She only rxed a little after the ne had leveled off.


    The flight was smooth for the first


    half hour, but an hour in, they hit some strong spring convective weather. The ne suddenly plunged into a dark cloud and began to shake The fight attendant''s voice came over the inte, reminding everyone to fasten their seatbelts as they were passing through unstable


    air.


    Eleanor''s face instantly went pale. A few screams came from the passengers behind them.


    "It''s okay, it''s just normal turbulence,"n tried to reassure her, but he saw the sheer terror in her eyes.


    She suddenly grabbed his arm. "If-if something happens to the ne," Eleanor''s voice trembled, "what will happen to Evelyn?"


    Just asn was about to speak, the ne jolted violently again. This time, the oxygen masks deployed, and chaos erupted in the cabin,n grabbed a mask and put it on her. As He


    did, Eleanor gripped his hand tightly, her eyes shining with a fierce, determined light. She gasped, n, we have to promise each other something."


    "Go on,"n said, confused by her sudden seriousness.


    "From now on, we can never take the same flight again." Eleanor''s voice was shaky under the mask, but every word was clear and firm. "No matter what happens to one of us, at least the other will still be there for Evelyn."


    Because their daughter might need blood from a direct rtive in the future.


    what she was worried about. He


    reached over, flipped up the armrest between them, and pulled her into his arms. Eleanor was about to push him away when deep voice


    sounded by her ear, Okay promise you."


    Eleanor froze. Just then, the ne broke through the turbulent clouds and began


    to stabilize. She pushedn''s arms away and leaned back against her seat, trying to catch her breath.

 Chapter 1035

    Eleanor took off her oxygen mask. Ian immediately checked on her, seeing that apart from a pale face and disheveled hair, she seemed to be fine.


    Seeing her messy hair falling across her face, he subconsciously reached out to brush it away. Eleanor, thinking he was trying to do something else, turned and red at him. Ian''s hand stopped mid-air before he clenched it into a fist and pulled it back.


    Eleanor removed her hair tie, letting her waist-length, silky hair fall down. She then deftly gathered it and tied it into a low, casual yet charming ponytail.


    "You''re right,"n said, his gaze deep as he looked at her. "We really shouldn''t take this kind of risk."


    Eleanor nced at him before turning her attention back to theyers of clouds outside the window. "It''s our responsibility as parents."


    The two-hour flight passed. As Eleanor collected her luggage,n said from behind her, "The car is waiting outside the airport."


    Eleanor nced at her watch. "I''ll get my own taxi."


    Just as she was wheeling her suitcase out of the arrivals gate, she saw a young man in a military uniform holding a sign that clearly read, "Dr. Sutton."


    As soon as she saw him, he saw her. He immediately smiled and walked over. "Dr. Sutton, do you remember me? I was sent by Major General Ellington to pick you up."


    Eleanor recognized him as one of Mansfield''s men. She hadn''t expected Mansfield to be so thoughtful as to send someone to meet her.


    The man responded respectfully but firmly, "I''m sorry, sir, but mymander specifically instructed me to escort Dr. Sutton to the hotel personally."


    "Yourmander is Mansfield?"n frowned.


    "Yes, sir."


    Sensing the tension between them, Eleanor said ton, "You go on with your business. I''ll take his car."


    After Eleanor spoke, Mansfield''s subordinate smiled warmly. "Dr. Sutton, let me get your luggage. The car is this way."


    Watching Eleanor leave with the man,n stood frozen, his brows knitted


    together. It was a long while before he finally left the airport to meet the person he was there to see.


    As soon as they got in the car, the young driver turned back and smiled at Eleanor. "Dr. Sutton, mymander will be arriving tonight."


    Eleanor smiled. "Yes, he told me."


    Eleanor was dropped off at her hotel. She was just about to rest when she received a call from room service about a r meal delivery She


    couldnt help but smile wryly Had Mansfield arranged this in advance too?


    But she did need to eat something, and the two o''clock award ceremony was still


    a while away.


    After eating, Eleanor saw she still had plenty of time and decided to take a stroll towards the auditorium where the ceremony would be held.


    Just as she reached the lobby, she ran into Dr. Lyman Brown, who was also pleased to see her.


    "Eleanor, you''re here."


    "Dr. Lyman," Eleanor greeted him respectfully.


    "Let''s walk over together." Lyman was also nning to walk, so they could go together.


    Dr. Lyman asked about Eleanor''s recent work and expressed how pleased he was with her progress. He remarked with emotion, "If your father were still alive, he would be so


    proud."


    Eleanor wished dearly that her father could see her aplishments now, but he


    could only live on in her heart.


    "Oh, by the way, once you''ve


    experiments, have you considered studying abroad? I still have a letter of rmendation for you." Lyman continued, "It''s for the directo admission spot to the Stanford University doctoral program that the school applied for on your behalf two years ago. All the materials were ready; we were just waiting for your signature."


    Eleanor was stunned. She had never heard anything about this.

 Chapter 1036

    "Doctor, was that really a thing?" Eleanor blinked.


    Lyman looked at her. "You turned down the opportunity to study abroad back then, don''t you remember? But I''ve kept the spot reserved for you," Lyman said. "I recall asking Simone to talk to you about it, and Simone said you weren''t nning to go abroad for the sake of your child."


    Eleanor''s memory suddenly returned to two years ago. She seemed to remember Dr. Langley asking her about this, and she had indeed rejected the offer firmly.


    "It was a spotn specifically secured for you. It''s a real shame you didn''t take it," Lyman continued. "But with your current achievements, you have every reason to be proud."


    Eleanor''s eyes widened slightly. Ian had specially secured that spot for her? Was this around the same time he gave the spot in thebined Master''s-PhD program to Faye Yeaton? He had made these arrangements for her?


    Eleanor forced a smile. "I couldn''t leave. My daughter needed me very much at that time. I had to give it up, no matter how good the opportunity was."


    Lyman nodded. "I understand the difficult position you were in. Simone told me as much. Butn also mentioned to me back then not to tell you he had arranged it, as he was worried you wouldn''t ept. Just as I was about to have a serious talk with you, he stopped me, saying we could bring it up againter when you had the time."


    Eleanor nodded slightly. Even if Dr. Lyman had spoken to her in detail back then, she likely would have rejected him anyway, which would have only hurt his feelings.


    "Although you andn are divorced, it''s clear he has been quietly paving the way for you," Lyman said, looking at Eleanor with fatherly affection. He recalled that the past few symposiums in Kingston had all been opportunitiesn had pushed for her to attend, which also proved she had the ability to handle such important meetings.


    But Lyman didn''t n on mentioning these details. It was all in the past. And Eleanor''s current sess was indeed inseparable fromn''s support; he had provided her with resources and financial backing in every aspect.


    Eleanor pressed her lips together. She suddenly wondered ifn had also had something to do with her being awarded a doctorate by Ashford Medical University.


    Eleanor stopped walking and looked at Lyman earnestly. "Dr. Lyman, I have one more question for you."


    "Go ahead," Lyman said, his expression gentle.


    "Wasn involved in Ashford Medical University awarding me my doctorate?"


    Lyman paused, then a meaningful smile spread across his face. "Indeed, the selection process was very rigorous. was based entirety on your outstanding contributions to leukemia research."


    The answer sounded very official. Eleanor was about to drop the subject.


    But Lyman continued, "Of course,n did y a role in moving things along."


    Eleanor stopped in her tracks. So he was involved after all. Lyman looked at her and sighed. "Eleanor, in academia, connections are just as important as ability. It''s true thatn rmended you to the selectionmittee, but the final decision rested with them. If your research hadn''t been outstanding, no amount of rmendations would have helped. You could sayn just opened a door for you. How far you walked through it was all up to your own capabilities."


    Eleanor walked a few more steps in silence before looking up at Lyman. "Thank


    you for telling me all this, Dr. Lyman."


    By now, they had reached the auditorium. Lyman said to her, "Today''s a big day for you. You''ve earned this. Go ahead in."


    Eleanor followed him inside and


    1.n


    soon met President Maxwell of the Military Medical University. Severa of the senior figures there were particrly fond of Eleanor, and easily joined their conversation about academic topics.


    and she

 Chapter 1037

    At the Kingston National Convention Center, the atmosphere was grand and formal.


    At two-thirty in the afternoon.


    Eleanor, dressed in an elegant dark gray business suit, stood under the spotlights to ept her award. Her eptance speech was concise and powerful, thanking her team and supporters, and she made special mention of her father''s influence on her.


    At that moment, the man waiting for takeoff on his ne happened to see the live broadcast of Eleanor on stage receiving her award. He thought back to the shy girl from so many years ago, who had now grown into a scientist in her own right. "Mr. Goodwin, could you please turn off your phone? Our flight is about to take off," the flight attendant said with a sweet smile.


    After writing it,n stared at the message for a long time. In the end, he turned off the screen and gazed out the window with a look of resignation.


    He knew that even if he sent it, Eleanor wouldn''t necessarily appreciate it.


    The award ceremony ended at five in the afternoon. Eleanor walked back to the hotel with Dr. Lyman and a few other senior academics. Along the way, numerous reporters aimed their cameras at them, capturing the distinguished presence of these figures from the academic world.


    Meanwhile, in Ashford City, this awards ceremony was also a major point of interest for industry professionals.


    Joel Kingsley watched the entire live broadcast from his office, feeling a sense of gratification for Eleanor''s achievements.


    Just then, Faye, who was passing his office with a stack of files, saw the screen. Her heart sank. News of Eleanor''s award had spread throughout the office, and the entire civilian projects team was discussing her sess. Faye couldn''t escape the chatter no matter how she tried.


    Memories of all the times she had mocked Eleanor came rushing back like a boomerang, piercing her with regret. It had only been two and a half years since Eleanor first joined the project team and Faye had demanded she quit. Now, Eleanor had left her miles behind.


    These days, her work in the civilian projects team didn''t even give her a chance to set foot in ab. She spent all her time organizing files in the archives. She suddenly regretted leaving the brainputer interface team, but it was toote now. The onlyfort she had was seeing Joel every day.


    Lately, Faye had also sensed a tense atmosphere at home, stemming from the


    negativity her father brought back each day.


    She''d heard that many of her father''spany''s project orders had been


    canceled recently, and his coborations were not going smoothly. Her mother had started to suffer from anxiety, unable to eat or sleep.


    Faye had been busy with work and hadn''t been in touch with Vanessa much. The few times Faye had tried to meet up, Vanessa had brushed her oft with the excuse of being busy. After a few rejections Baye stopped trying.


    After all, they weren''t sisters by blood. Both of them were too proud.


    Faye returned to her desk and scrolled through the news on her phone, feeling irritated. Sure enough, all the major media outlets were reporting on the award ceremony.


    "Young Scientist Eleanor Sutton Wins National Academy of Sciences Grand Prize for Major Breakthrough in Leukemia Research."


    "Top Schr Eleanor Sutton Brings Hope to Millions of Leukemia Patients."


    Faye''s annoyance intensified. She identally clicked on a video of a reporter interviewing Eleanor.


    "Dr. Sutton, what do you believe has enabled you to achieve such remarkable sess in just a few short years?"


    Eleanor smiled. "I think it''s a passion for scientific research and a belief in never giving up."


    "We heard that you once took a break from your studies for your family. Now that you''ve returned to the field of research, is there anything you''d like to say to other young women?"


    "I believe no path in life is a waste. Every step matters, and every experience bes an asset you can build upon. If you never stop learning, you wifl undoubtedly achieve great things." Eleanor''s gaze was firm yet gentle.

 Chapter 1038

    Just then, an assistant leaned over. "Faye, are you watching the news about Eleanor too?"


    Faye sneered. "What''s there to see?"


    "I heard you and Eleanor used to be ssmates. Is that true?" the assistant asked, eager for gossip.


    Faye scoffed. "Yes, we were. But she only got where she is because of her father and her ex-husband,n. And now she''s up there spouting all that nonsense."


    The assistant''s face lit up with interest, and she moved closer. "Faye, are you serious? Eleanor won that huge award because of her father and ex-husband?"


    Another assistant chimed in from the side, "Well, she must still be pretty impressive, then!"


    "Impressive? What''s so impressive? Her father left behind a ton of research notes. It''s only natural she''d make a breakthrough or two by building on his academic foundation," Faye said dismissively.


    The two assistants immediately nodded in agreement, their eyes showing a new understanding. "Looked at that way, I guess Eleanor isn''t all that special."


    "The press is probably blowing her role out of proportion. And of course, no one would be crazy enough to cross her right now. Even if they wanted to report on academic fraud, they''d have to think twice about Mr. Goodwin''s power."


    Seeing that she had sessfully brainwashed her two colleagues, Faye smirked. She remembered hown had snatched the spot in thebined Master''s-PhD program for her. Eleanor''s ce inn''s heart couldn''t have been that important. Just then, a voice came from behind them. "What are you all looking at?" Faye quickly put her phone away. "N-nothing, Joel."


    Joel nced at them before walking away. The two assistants scurried back to work, leaving Faye to stare nkly into space.


    Her mind went back to the first time she saw Eleanor at the university. Even before she arrived, her beauty had made her the topic of conversation among the new students. When Eleanor finally walked into the ssroom, the room fell silent.


    Eighteen-year-old Eleanor wore a simple white dress and sat quietly by the window, as pure and beautiful as a painting. All the male students who had been looking at her simultaneously turned to stare.


    Someone mentioned that her father was a PhD who had been honored as an academician.


    The ssroom instantly erupted withpliments.


    "She''s gorgeous! I bet she''ll be crowned the campus queen."


    "She''s from a good family and she''s beautiful. Is she too perfect or what?"


    From that day on, a seed of jealousy and resentment towards Eleanor was nted in Faye''s heart. She had worked so hard to get into this prestigious university, while some people got in easily because of their father''s connections.


    What was even harder for her to ept was that Eleanor had scored


    first in the entire ss on their first cement exam after the semester began.


    At the time, she had consoled herself by thinking, "What''s so great about Eleanor? She just has a good father, that''s all."


    Later, when Eleanor dropped out during the second semester of her freshman year, Faye had been overjoyed.


    Sheter heard that Eleanor had gotten married, and while many of their


    ssmates expressed their regret, Faye had been celebrating.


    Their next encounter was when Eleanor suddenly joined theb.


    Now, looking at Eleanor''s


    achievements, even though Faye didn''t want to admit it, and even though she told her colleagues that Eleanor had gotten ahead through connections, she knew better. She had worked with Eleanor. She knew what Eleanor was capable of.


    It was a feeling of beingpletely and utterly crushed just by standing next to


    her.


    Kingston, six o''clock.


    Eleanor was resting in her hotel room when her phone rang. She nced at the screen on the sofa and saw three words.


    Mansfield.


    Eleanor had actually been waiting for his call, as they had arranged to have dinner together that evening.


    She picked up the phone. "Hello, Mansfield."


    "I''m in the hotel lobby. Should Ie up and get you?" His clear, charming voice


    came through the line.

 Chapter 1039

    Eleanor paused, then smiled. "No need, I''ll be right down."


    Eleanor grabbed her bag and went downstairs. As she stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor, she saw a tall, upright figure standing a few meters away. He wasn''t looking at his phone, but waiting patiently and attentively.


    Their eyes met, and he couldn''t help but break into a smile.


    Looking at him, Eleanor felt a pang of guilt. Thest time he hade all this way


    to see her, she hadn''t even offered him a meal.


    "Long time no see," Eleanor said, looking up at him. She then noticed a scar, a few centimeters long, next to his forehead. It wasn''t very obvious, but it had clearly been stitched.


    Eleanor immediately stepped closer to get a better look at the wound. "How did you get this?"


    Mansfield touched the spot. "A bullet grazed me. It''s nothing, just a minor injury."


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat for a few seconds, unable to imagine how dangerously close that bullet must havee to his eye.


    "Did I scare you?" Mansfield suddenly felt a bit regretful, realizing he shouldn''t have told her that.


    Eleanor nodded. "That is a little scary, yes."


    To him, it was a routine part of his job, but for Eleanor, she barely had the courage to even hear about it.


    "Come on, get in the car. I brought you something."


    Eleanor nodded and followed him to his SUV. When she opened the door, she saw a box of tiramisu sitting on the center console. She smiled and picked it up. "You remembered I like this?"


    Mansfield raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Of course I remember. I picked a restaurant for tonight. We''ll see if you like it."


    Mansfield drove through the bustling streets of Kingston, eventually stopping in a quiet alley.


    "This private kitchen is very hard to book, but I have a feeling you''ll like it." He led Eleanor through a sandalwood gate.


    with


    Behind the gate was another world entirely. An elegant courtyard was adorned with stonenterns, and the sound of flowing water mingled the music of a traditional zither, creating an atmosphere far removed from the city''s hustle and bustle. C¨®ntent


    The owner personally came to greet them. "Mr. Ellington, the private room you reserved is ready."


    From the owner''s respectful demeanor towards Mansfield, Eleanor could tell that this was no ordinary restaurant. It was a ce that catered to distinguished and influential guests.


    Eleanor and Mansfield entered a private room with a window overlooking a meticulously manicuredndscape of rookeries and flowing water. Eleanor couldn''t help but praise it. "It''s beautiful here."


    "I''m d you like it." Mansfield sat down, his gaze deep as he looked at her. It had been less than three


    months since theyst saw each months si other, but to him, it felt like a very long time.


    Resting her chin on her hand, Eleanor asked, "So, on New Year''s Eve, you came specifically to say goodbye to me?"


    Mansfield nodded, a little embarrassed. "Yes. Later, my team was rushing me, so I didn''t get a chance to tell you¡ª"


    Seeing that he was trying to take the me, Eleanor smiled guiltily. "It was my fault for not being a good host. I''m sorry."


    "So, is Dr. Sutton nning on owing me a favor?" Mansfield asked with a mischievous grin. In the soft light, his handsome face showed a hint of boyish charm.


    Eleanor paused, then smiled and pressed her lips together. "Alright, I owe you one." She picked up her teacup and asked, "Do you have to go on another mission soon?"


    "I''ll be staying in the country for now." A smile shed in Mansfield''s eyes. "I managed to get a two-week leave-"


    Eleanor was happy for him. "You should take a good long rest." As she spoke, she nced again at the scar on his forehead.


    "In that case, can Ie over to your ce for a few meals?" Mansfield asked, his eyes shining brightly.


    "You''re wee anytime," Eleanor nodded, clearly still feeling guilty about sending him away that night.


    Mansfield instantly broke into a wide smile, as happy as a child who had just received a gift.

 Chapter 1040

    "Then it''s a deal," Mansfield said with a smile.


    The waiter began to bring in the dishes, filling the table with exquisite cuisine, each te a work of art and delicious to behold.


    "Try this." Mansfield ced a slice of fish on her te. "They say it was freshly caught from the sea. It''s very tender."


    Eleanor smiled. "I can get it myself. You should eat. You must be hungry after rushing back to the country."


    Mansfield paused, a warmth spreading through his chest. He had indeed just gotten off the ne, taken a quick shower at home, and then rushed straight here to pick her up.


    They started talking about their recent lives. Mansfield shared some amusing stories from his work, and Eleanor talked about the award ceremony. The atmosphere was light and pleasant.


    "My dad thinks very highly of you too. He''s always praising you," Mansfield said, putting down his utensils and picking up his teacup. From behind the rim of the cup, his gaze was earnest and deep. "He really admires you."


    Eleanor was slightly taken aback, then smiled, feeling ttered. "Thank you for Mr. Ellington''s high praise."


    Mansfield looked at Eleanor, his admiration for her impossible to hide. "I''m very proud to have a friend like you."


    He emphasized the word "friend," but his tone wasced with a deeper affection.


    Eleanor ced a piece of meat in his te. "Eat more. I feel like you''ve lost some weight."


    Mansfield smiled. "And gotten tanner?"


    Eleanor looked up. His features held an innate heroic and cool demeanor. Even without his uniform, his sun-kissed, wheat-colored skin gave him a natural ruggedness and masculinity.


    Eleanor studied him with an appreciative gaze. "Yes, you''re quite a bit darker, but it doesn''t detract from your good looks."


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a video call. She picked it up and saw that the call was from Joslyn''s WhatsApp. Eleanor assumed it must be her daughter. She looked at Mansfield and said, "It''s probably my daughter."


    "Go ahead and answer. It''s been a while since I''ve seen the little one, too," Mansfield said with an expectant look.


    Eleanor answered the call, and Evelyn''s adorable, rosy little face immediately appeared on the screen.


    "Mommy!" the little girl eximed excitedly.


    "Evelyn, have you had dinner?" Eleanor asked her daughter.


    "Yes, I have." Evelyn looked at Eleanor through the screen, and then she asked, "Mommy, are you having dinner with someone?"


    Eleanor shifted the camera slightly, and her daughter''s eyes instantly lit up. "Mr. Ellington!"


    Mansfield leaned closer to the camera and smiled warmly. "Evelyn, long time no see."


    "Mr. Ellington, so you''re having dinner with my mommy!" Evelyn said, then asked expectantly, Mr. Ellington, can you catch ke me to fireflies at your ce again next time?"


    Mansfield let out a low chuckle. "Of course. You''re wee anytime you''re free."


    Beside them, Eleanor quickly rified, "Evelyn, there are no fireflies now. They onlye out in the summer."


    "Oh, okay!" Evelyn said, then walked around with the phone. In the background,n''s figure


    inadvertently came into view. H


    was sitting on the sofa in Eleanor''s ving room, his Sharp gaze shings across the screen for a moment.


    Mansfield clearly noticed him and asked with a smile, "Are you with your dad, Evelyn?"


    "Yes! My daddy''s taking care of me," Evelyn said, then aimed the camera at her father. "Daddy, do you want to talk to Mommy?"


    Arge hand covered the camera lens, andn''s deep voice came from off- screen. "No, it''s fine. Let your mother have a nice dinner with her friend."


    Eleanor couldn''t help but feel a little awkward. She hadn''t knownn would be at her house. She said to her daughter Evetats all for now. Mommy will be back early tomorrow."

 Chapter 1041

    "But I still want to chat with Mr. Ellington!" On screen, Evelyn''s adorable little face leaned in close. "This summer, I want to go to Mr. Ellington''s ce and catch


    fireflies."


    "How about Mommy takes you when she has time this summer, okay?" Eleanor had no choice but to coax her daughter.


    "Be a good girl, Evelyn. This summer, have your mom bring you to y at my estate, okay?" Mansfield added gently.


    "Okay," Evelyn was sessfully cated. "Mommy, you go have dinner with Mr. Ellington! Don''t forget to bring me a present tomorrow!"


    "I know, I won''t forget," Eleanor promised her daughter.


    After the call ended, Eleanor smiled with a mixture of helplessness and affection. "This little one''s demands are getting longer and longer."


    Mansfield''s smiling gaze rested on her face. "Evelyn is adorable. So frank and innocent. You''ve raised her very well."


    Eleanor sighed. "Sometimes I feel like I''m not doing enough for her. I spend so little time with her."


    "But you''ve shown her what a strong woman looks like," Mansfield consoled her. "A mother who excels in her career gives her child the most positive influence of all."


    His words warmed Eleanor''s heart. Although she still felt she owed her daughter more, his sentiment was a genuinefort.


    "I''m going back to see my grandmother next week. Could I take Evelyn to my grandmother''s house for a meal? I''d really like to see her too," Mansfield said, looking up at Eleanor with anticipation.


    Eleanor was slightly taken aback. Given Garth Ellington''s current status, even a simple dinner invitation carried more weight than it would for an ordinary family.


    "Don''t be nervous," Mansfield said, sensing her hesitation. "It''s just a home-cooked meal. My grandmother adores you and is always praising how independent and remarkable you are." He smiled again. "You don''t have to answer me right away. I still have a lot to take care of in Kingston, so my trip might be dyed anyway."


    "Alright, contact me when you get to Ashford City," Eleanor nodded, essentially agreeing.


    After dinner, Mansfield noted that it was still early. There was quaint, histone district nearby so her suggested they go for a walk to rx and aid their digestion.


    Eleanor readily agreed; she really did want to unwind.


    When they arrived at the scenic area, the night was aze with lights that illuminated their figures as they strolled side-by-side on the


    cobblestone path. The ancientel"


    architecture around them looked exceptionally enchanting.


    As Eleanor tilted her head back to admire a pavilion with elegantly curved eaves,


    she didn''t notice an uneven step in her path.


    "Ah!" She stumbled, her entire body lurching forward.


    In a sh, a strong arm swiftly wrapped around her waist, pulling her securely into an embrace.


    "Careful," Mansfield''s deep voice rumbled by her ear, his arm still protectively around her.


    Eleanor''s heart was still pounding from the scare. She gasped lightly, looking down at the uneven ground while feeling the warmth and


    from


    masculine presence radiating the solid chest behind her. Realizing she was in Mansfield''s arms, she instinctively tried to pull away.


    Mansfield loosened his grip slightly but still reminded her gently, "There are a lot of steps around here. Watch your feet."


    Eleanor was annoyed at her own carelessness, but she had beenpletely captivated by the beautiful scene of the eaves against the moonlit sky.


    Ever the gentleman, Mansfield withdrew his hand from her waist and took a half- step back. Together, they continued their walk down the quaint, historic alley. The lights stretched their shadows long, intertwining them on the ground. When Mansfield inadvertently noticed this, an almost imperceptible smile touched his lips.

 Chapter 1042

    Just then, Eleanor spotted a tower that was open for sightseeing. On an impulse, she turned to Mansfield and said, "I want to go up and see."


    "Alright, I''ll go with you," Mansfield nodded, apanying her to The Ancient Spire. The view from the top was excellent, but since it was an ancient structure, the entryway was so narrow that only one person could pass at a time, and taller people had to duck to avoid hitting the ceiling beams.


    This proved to be a bit of a challenge for Mansfield.


    They had just climbed two floors when, on the third level, four tourists starteding down. In the tight space, the girl in the lead asked politely, "Could you let us pass? We''re in a hurry to get down."


    Eleanor immediately stepped back to a smallnding below. At that moment, a solid frame unavoidably closed in around her. The first tourist was a bit heavyset, and as she passed Mansfield, she bumped into him, causing him to instinctively lean forward.


    In the dim light, Eleanor felt her face flush.


    He didn''t want to bump into her, so Mansfield quickly put his hands on the walls on either side, kind of trapping her safely between him and the wall.


    The four tourists squeezed past Mansfield one by one. In the confined space, Eleanor tried to make herself as small as possible, feeling the warmth of the man''s breath in her hair.


    Once the tourists had disappeared down the stairs.


    "Sorry," Mansfield said in a low voice, which sounded particrly maic in the narrow space.


    Eleanor shook her head, but her face was blushing uncontrobly. The man''s clean, soapy scent was quite pleasant.


    Mansfield took a step back. "I''ll go first," he said.


    Eleanor followed behind him. Whenever they reached a steep step, Mansfield would offer his hand to help her up. They finally reached the fifth floor. From this height, they could overlook the entire expanse of historic residences and alleyways below. Eleanor leaned against the railing, enjoying the cool breeze. Though the climb up had been a bit awkward, the view more than made up for it.


    As Eleanor gazed at the distant scenery, lost in thought, she felt a pair of eyes on her.


    She looked up and met Mansfield''s intense gaze. The distant, dim lights cast alluring shadows on his chiseled features. His eyes, usually filled with amusement, were now serious.


    "Eleanor, I know this might not be the right time to say this," Mansfield''s gaze shifted to the distant, unattainable moon. "But I still want to tell you, I will wait for you."


    Eleanor''s heart leaped. She hadn''t expected him to be so direct.


    Mansfield looked at the beautiful moon. It was stunningly remote, yet the woman beside him was so close, within reach. Who could resist seizing the opportunity?


    At that moment, Eleanor was also


    looking at the pristine, full moon, which seemed so perfectit was


    almost invible. Inger hea


    Mansfield was like that


    moon-untouchable, an admirable figure she could only look up to. C¨®ntent


    "You don''t have to answer me now. Just give me your answer when you''re ready," Mansfield said in a low voice I just want you to know that in your fut


    an


    am one


    choices.


    Eleanor''s breath caught. She nodded, her mind in turmoil.


    The night stretched out before them, with the city lights twinkling like a sea of stars.


    "It''s beautiful," Eleanor murmured.


    "Yes, very beautiful," Mansfield agreed, his eyes fixed on her face in genuine admiration.


    After enjoying the breeze for a while,


    they started heading back. This time, Mansfield again led the way, carefully checking the path for her.


    and asionally reminding her.


    about the steps.


    It was already eleven o''clock when they returned to the hotel. Mansfield walked her


    to the lobby and said softly, "I''lle by in the morning to take you to the airport."

 Chapter 1043

    Eleanor quickly replied, "No, that''s not necessary. I can just get a cab from the hotel. You should get some rest."


    "It''s no trouble, I''m an early riser," Mansfield said with a smile. "Go on up."


    As Eleanor walked towards the elevators, she nced back and saw Mansfield still standing there, waving. She stepped into the elevator, her mind a bit hazy. Her phone buzzed with a message fromn: "Evelyn''s already asleep, don''t worry. Get some rest."


    Eleanor got out of the elevator, sent a simple "Okay," and headed to her room.


    Meanwhile, in the master bedroom of his home at Cloudcrest Manor, the man had no intention of sleeping. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in his study, holding his phone, the screen still on his chat with Eleanor.


    That simple "Okay" felt like a tiny thorn pricking his heart.


    He recalled the video call from earlier, seeing how rxed and happy Eleanor was having dinner with Mansfield. It was a radiant smile he hadn''t seen in a long time.


    The next morning, Eleanor, with her suitcase in tow, had the hotel call a taxi.


    In the elevator, she wasposing a text message telling Mansfield not to bother seeing her off. To make sure, she decided to leave for the airport at seven, nning to have breakfast there.


    After sending the message, Eleanor breathed a sigh of relief. At least she wouldn''t be troubling him.


    With a "ding," the elevator doors opened. Eleanor pulled her suitcase into the lobby. As she went to check out, she was startled to see a figure rising from one of the lounge sofas. She froze.


    Mansfield raised an eyebrow, looking rather pleased with himself. "Good morning, Dr. Sutton. Trying to make a run for it?"


    Eleanor couldn''t help but chuckle. "How early did you get here?"


    "I figured you''d try to avoid me, so came early," Mansfield smiled,


    l.ne


    looking at the text she had just sent and then at her guilty expression. He found it quite endearing.


    Eleanor felt rather awkward. She thought she had been early enough, but he had been even earlier.


    After checking out, Eleanor ended up getting a ride to the airport in Mansfield''s car. With two hours before her flight, Eleanor treated him to breakfast and coffee.


    When Eleanor came out of the restroom, she saw Mansfield standing there as two stylish, pretty girls were asking him for his contact information.


    She deliberately waited a moment. Then, she saw both girls look over at her, their eyes filled with appraisal and envy.


    Eleanor immediately guessed what Mansfield must have told them.


    Sure enough, Mansfield walked over gracefully and said, "I told them I''m spoken for."


    Eleanor smiled and shook her head helplessly as they walked into a coffee shop.


    It wasn''t until Eleanor was boarding that Mansfield waved and said, "See you in Ashford City next week."


    "I thought you were swamped with work," Eleanor said, turning back.


    "I''ll hurry and wrap up my work here so I can see my grandmother on time,"


    Mansfield said with a grin. "You did promise to bring Evelyn, after all."


    Eleanor gave him a resigned smile. He was the one who said he might be too busy, which was why she''d only agreed as a dying tactic.


    Eleanor boarded the ne, and only


    then did Mansfield leave, moving with an ease that suggested hie status granted him passage anywhere in Kingston.


    After the momentary feeling of weightlessness during takeoff, Eleanor gazed out at


    the clouds, her thoughts drifting.


    Matters of the heart were never a


    simple ck-and-white choice. Right now, what she needed most,


    besidespleting her research,


    was to take some time to sort out her own feelings.

 Chapter 1044

    The nended smoothly at Ashford City Airport. Eleanor collected her luggage and followed the crowd toward the arrivals hall. She had arranged for Ellington to pick her up, but as soon as she emerged, she spotted a tall figure in the crowd.


    Eleanor hurried over. As her daughter reached out fromn''s arms, Eleanor opened hers to receive her. Just then, Ellington approached with a smile. "Ms. Sutton."


    "Ellington, you can head back to the office," Eleanor told him, knowing how busy things were at thepany.


    Ellington nodded and greetedn. "Mr. Goodwin, I''ll leave Ms. Sutton in your care then. I''m heading back to thepany."


    Eleanor nted a kiss on her daughter''s cheek. "Did you miss Mommy?"


    "Yes," Evelyn said, wrapping her arms around Eleanor''s neck and whispering conspiratorially, "Mommy, guess what Daddy brought for you?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "I don''t know."


    Evelyn leaned close to her ear and whispered carefully, "Mommy, Daddy bought you a bouquet of flowers!"


    Eleanor put her daughter down and took her hand. At that moment, she noticed a burly figure nearby.n''s bodyguard, Lanny, greeted her, "Miss Sutton."


    Eleanor gave him a polite nod. His presence was to ensure her daughter''s safety, and for that, she was grateful.


    In the car, a bouquet of red roses sat on the back seat. Evelyn happily picked it up and presented it to Eleanor. "Mommy, do you like it? I picked it out!"


    Eleanor epted the flowers and gently tapped her daughter''s nose. "They''re beautiful. Mommy loves them."


    At that moment, the man standing by the other car door looked at Eleanor, who had just returned from Kingston. She seemed to have an extra glow about her. His eyes darkened slightly He closedgier door, then opened the front


    passenger door and got in.


    During the drive, Evelyn chattered about all the fun things she''d done over the past


    few days. Lanny drove, whilen listened quietly to his daughter.


    About halfway through the ride, Evelyn fell asleep in Eleanor''s arms, and the car finally fell silent.


    Lanny drove very smoothly. Eleanor happened to notice two cars


    escorting them, one in front and one behind. Her gaze drifted to the man in the passenger seat, and Suspicion formed in her mind H? was traveling with bodyguards now. H¨¢d something happened with his work?


    One year,n had received a warning from the authorities that someone was targeting him. That entire year, she and their daughter had required bodyguards whenever they went out.


    When the motorcade reached the


    elevator entrance in the


    underground parking garage,n leaned over to take their sleeping daughter from Eleanor''s arms. Hisrge hand brushed against the back of hers, and for a fleeting moment the familiar touch sent a jolt through his heart.


    By


    In the elevator,n turned with their daughter in his arms and saw the woman walk


    in holding the flowers. A flicker of pleasure crossed his eyes.


    "Was your trip to Kingston sessful?"n asked, breaking the silence.


    "Very sessful," Eleanor answered curtly.


    "Congrattions."


    "Thank you."


    The elevator reached their floor. Ian carried their daughter toward Eleanor''s apartment. Eleanor hurried past him to unlock the door. Ian went in first, and Eleanor followed with her suitcase.

 Chapter 1045

    Joslyn came out of the kitchen and, seeing the sleeping Evelyn, moved to take her. Butn said in a low voice, "I''ve got her."


    Then, as if he knew the way by heart, he walked up to the master bedroom on the second floor. Eleanor nced at him but didn''t follow.


    In the master bedroom,n gently ced their daughter on the bed, carefully taking off her shoes and tucking her in.


    He gazed down at his daughter''s peaceful, sleeping face, tenderly brushed the hair from her forehead, and leaned down to kiss her before getting up and leaving the


    room.


    They met on the staircase. As Eleanor saw the maning down, she said politely, "Thank you for your trouble these past two days."


    With that, he walked past her and down the stairs. Joslyn came over to greet him. "Mr. Goodwin, would you like a cup of tea?"


    Aftern left, Eleanor also went upstairs. Standing in the living room, Joslyn couldn''t help but sense a peculiar atmosphere. How should she put it? She no longer saw any hatred forn in Eleanor''s eyes.


    And from what she''d overheard on the stairs, their conversation was so distant and polite, it was as if they were two strangers.


    They seemed to have truly left their marriage behind. For their child''s sake, they had found a way to be at peace, the resentment between them finally gone.


    Joslyn knew then that what she had been hoping for would never happen. If there was no love left between them, how could there be any chance of reconciliation?


    Perhaps soon, her mistress would find someone new, like Mr. Vaughn or that handsome Mr. Ellington fromst time. And Mr. Goodwin would surely find a new partner as well.


    Joslyn couldn''t help but feel a pang of regret for them. After all, she had witnessed their past. If it hadn''t been for that Miss Shannon, they would have been a happy family of three.


    Upstairs, Eleanor gently pushed open the master bedroom door. Her daughter was sleeping soundly, looking so soft and sweet, utterly adorable.


    Just then, her phone, which she had brought up with her, vibrated. She picked it up to see a message from Mansfield: "Home safe?"


    "Just got home."


    "Good. Get some rest."


    "You too," Eleanor replied. He had also just returned from an overseas mission.


    "Yes, Dr. Sutton," Mansfield responded humorously.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but smile.


    Downstairs,n sat in his car but didn''t leave right away.


    Just then, Lanny got into the car after taking a call. He turned ton and said "Boss Drew and the others from the Marlowe Vige chemical nt are set to be released next month."


    "Understood, I''ll handle it," Lanny nodded.


    "Assign two more men to discreetly protect Eleanor and Evelyn," Ian instructed. "Don''t let her notice."


    "Yes, sir."


    The car slowly pulled away from the residentialplex. Ian rubbed his temples;st night''s insomnia had left him feeling weary.


    Eleanor returned to her study to continue working. Smith had sent over updates on Gina''s condition from the past two days, and everything was progressing as expected.


    Just then, her phone chimed with another message. It was from Joy Thatcher who had sent a few photos. Eleanor''s eyes widened in surprise and delight. "Mother and segrare safe and sound. The seven-pound little guy nearly did me in."

 Chapter 1046

    Eleanor covered her mouth, overjoyed and excited, and immediately texted back, "You had a baby and didn''t even tell me? Are we still best friends?"


    "I knew you were a busy woman! I decided to tell you after he was born to give you a surprise."


    "Alright, I''lle see my godson tomorrow," Eleanor replied with a smile, carefully studying the baby pictures, genuinely happy for her friend.


    "No rush, we''re still under observation at the hospital. Next week is fine."


    "Okay, make sure you get some rest. I''ll bring Evelyn to visit you next week."


    After chatting a bit more with Joy, Eleanor couldn''t help but recall the day her own daughter was born. Although Evelyn had only weighed six pounds, being a first-time mother meant she had spent three grueling hours in the delivery room.


    Afterward, in the busy haze of caring for a newborn, the pain of childbirth was forgotten within a month. The cuteness of the little one was a cure for everything.


    Right then, Joy sent over a few more candid shots. In them, Frazier Jeffries sat on the sofa holding the baby, his face a mix of excitement and nervousness, his movements clumsy yet overflowing with paternal affection.


    Looking at these pictures, Eleanor''s breath hitched, and her thoughts drifted back six years.


    It was the day after their daughter was born. Ian had been just as careful, his face filled with the anxiety of a new father.


    The head nurse stood by, instructing him on the correct way to hold an infant. The man who was always soposed looked particrly clumsy at that moment.


    Back then, despite her exhaustion and pain, she had taken out her phone to take pictures and videos, capturing the moment a man became a father for the first time. Now, all of it was packed away in a corner of herputer files, a folder she would never open unless absolutely necessary.


    In the period right after her divorce, she had considered deleting them. But then she thought about how precious these memories would be to her daughter. So, she changed her mind, deciding to preserve them for Evelyn to see when she was older.


    Looking at Frazier in the photo, Eleanor sincerely hoped her best friend would findsting happiness, forever cherished like a princess.


    The next morning, Eleanor drove her daughter to school.


    As her car left the garage, a ck SUV parked at the entrance of theplex immediately followed. The driver was Lanny, with his


    subordinate in the passenger seat. He had now been assigned to protect Eleanor and Evelyn.


    After watching Eleanor drop off her child, his car continued to follow her to theb,


    only leaving after he saw her enter the high-security building.


    As soon as Eleanor returned, she apanied Smith to check on Gina. Gina''s


    mood had been poor recently, which was affecting her appetite.


    Smith said to Eleanor, "Ellie, do you think you could try to talk to Mrs. Goodwin? A positive attitude would really help her recovery."


    Eleanor nodded. "Okay, I''ll do my best to persuade her."


    After Smith finished his rounds, Gina called out to Eleanor. "Eleanor, can we talk for a few minutes?"


    Eleanor came to her bedside, her gaze calm. "Gina, please, say what''s on your mind."


    "I heard from Serena that you went to Kingston to receive another award. You''re truly outstanding," Gina said with genuine praise.


    Eleanor pressed her lips together and nodded, waiting for her to continue.


    Gina took a deep breath, her eyes filled with guilt. "Eleanor, there''s something I must confess to you. The reason Vanessa was able to Come and go from the Goodwin family home so freely and get close to Evelyn... it was all my fault."


    Eleanor was slightly stunned but didn''t interrupt.


    "When I was diagnosed with the blood disorder,n was still in the country taking care of his father. He kept it from me, letting me believe it was just a bad flu. It wasn''t until two yearster that I found out it was hereditary, which is whyn started taking Evelyn abroad for frequent check-ups. That''s when Vanessa offered to help," Gina''s voice was filled with regret. "She seemed so gentle and considerate, always asking after me, and she was incredibly patient with Evelyn. Ian was busy managing thepany, working from morning till night, and I was struggling to care for a child on my own-"

 Chapter 1047

    Gina''s voice broke with a sob. n warned me multiple times not to get too close to her, but I admired Vanessa. I insisted on inviting her to our home for dinner and letting her get close to Evelyn, which caused the misunderstanding between you two. After I learned the truth, I realized Vanessa hated you for ''stealing''n from her and was always looking for a chance to break you up. She even used Evelyn to provoke you... I''m such a fool-"


    Gina''s sobs grew more intense. "I know it''s toote to say any of this now. You andn are both good people. I don''t deserve to be his mother or your mother-inw, and I certainly don''t deserve to be Evelyn''s grandmother. If you hadn''t taken Evelyn away when you did, she definitely would have been used by Vanessa. Who knows what else she might have done."


    Fear filled Gina''s eyes. Lately, the more she thought about it, the more terrified she became. She recalled certain details, like allowing Vanessa to take her granddaughter to a nearby park alone, or letting her take Evelyn out to buy toys without her supervision. These memories now haunted her like nightmares.


    She had been having recurring dreams of her granddaughter being bullied, kidnapped, or getting into a car ident.


    Even though none of it had actually happened, the terror she felt in her dreams was visceral.


    "I''ve been having nightmares constantly, dreaming that something happened to you and Evelyn, and ton... I deserve to be punished for what I''ve done," Gina said, covering her eyes as tears streamed through her fingers.


    Seeing Gina''s torment and self-me, Eleanor felt a mix of emotions. She pulled a tissue and handed it to her. "Gina, that''s all in the past. Evelyn is safe now. You don''t need to me yourself so much."


    "But I nearly put Evelyn in danger," Gina choked out.


    "Let the past be the past. We should all look forward. Evelyn will still need her grandmother''s love in the future," Eleanor saidfortingly.


    Her words seemed to quiet Gina''s crying. She looked up, her expression one of disbelief. "Eleanor, you... you''re still willing to let Evelyn acknowledge me as her grandmother?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Of course. You will always be her grandmother."


    Gina wanted to say more, but a nurse came to ask Eleanor to attend a meeting, so she had to leave.


    Left behind, Gina closed her eyes. Eleanor''s forgiveness only made her feel more ashamed.


    After the meeting, Eleanor returned to her office to find a slice of tiramisu and a cup of coffee on her desk, along with a note.


    "Ellie, thanks for all your hard work." It was from Serena.


    Eleanor sighed softly. Serena had


    taken to bringing her snacks and et


    coffee fately. Regardless of the reason, Serena''s personality bad definitely changed


    Her arrogant and bossy demeanor had vanished, reced by a surprising thoughtfulness.


    Eleanor picked up her phone to check the news. Suddenly, a headline caught her eye: "Latest Update on the Marlowe Vige Chemical nt Incident."


    She clicked on the article. The media was rehashing the events from two years ago when Eleanor''s research report had led to the shutdown of the multi-billion-dor chemical nt. The person in charge, Drew, had been imprisoned as a result. Eleanor remembered the incident where a car had tried to run her off the road. If the police hadn''t been nearby, she might have been in an unavoidable ident.


    After that incident, nothing else had happened, and she had mostly forgotten about it. But now, seeing the Marlowe Vige case mentioned again she felt a familiar knot tension tighten in her stomach.

 Chapter 1048

    In a coffee shop, Serena was waiting for someone.


    In the past, her patience had always been limited, but now, she sat quietly and calmly. Beside her was a shopping bag containing a new designer handbag.


    A short whileter, a middle-aged woman walked in. Though her appearance was unremarkable, her eyes held a sharp, capable gleam. Upon seeing Serena, she immediately broke into a warm smile and approached. "Miss Goodwin, have you been waiting long?"


    Serena smiled slightly. "No, please have a seat, Leah."


    via was Vanessa''s first assistant in Drexford. However, sheter left to pursue her own career and was now a manager for several artists in the country.


    After via sat down, Serena pushed the shopping bag toward her. "This is a gift for you. Thank you for agreeing to meet."


    via feigned surprise, covering her mouth, but epted the gift without hesitation. "Miss Goodwin, you''re too kind. Whatever you want to know, I''ll tell you everything."


    Serena stirred her coffee, her tone even. "I want to know everything about what happened between Vanessa and my brother back then. Anything you can remember."


    via seemed to have guessed that Serena and Vanessa had fallen out. After all, the fact that Vanessa was now epting anymercial she could get was a clear sign of her decline.


    Without the Goodwin family''s backing, Vanessa couldn''t make much money from ying the piano alone.


    via had once suggested she enter the domestic film industry, only to be scornfully rejected by Vanessa on the spot.


    via took a sip of her coffee. "Back then, Miss Shannon certainly put a lot of effort into pursuing Mr. Goodwin. She didn''t just study his preferences; she knew yours and your mother''s inside and out as well."


    "Go on," Serena encouraged her. "How did she put effort into winning over my brother?"


    el.ned


    via lowered her voice. "Oh, her specialty was staging ''idental'' encounters. She would have me out Mr. Goodwin''s schedule in advance, then she would dress up exquisitely and appear at the same location. I remember one time, she had me bribe a hotel staff member to find out Mr. Goodwin''s toom number. She went up in the middle of the night wearing a sexy slip dress."


    Serena''s brows furrowed. "What was my brother''s reaction?"


    "I''m not sure, but she came back down in about ten minutes, followed by Mr. Goodwin''s bodyguards. She didn''t look too happy, so I assume she was asked to leave," via said. "But she told me that as long as she persisted, she would eventually win Mr. Goodwin over."


    "Where did she get that confidence?" Serena scoffed.


    "She said all men are visual creatures. As long as she was beautiful and sexy enough, Mr. Goodwin would eventually fall for her." via could still remember how the twenty-something Vanessa had been.


    Serena clenched her fists. As it turned out, Vanessa had indeed seeded in destroying her brother''s marriage.


    And back then, she had even helped Vanessa by speaking well of her in front of their mother. The thought of it now made her want to p herself.


    "She was quite the actress. ying the victim and feigning fainting spells were her go-to moves. One time, she called and demanded Mr. Goodwin personally take her to the hospital. I remember your brother sent his assistant instead At the hospital, she deliberately took a cold shower and ended up with a fever of a hundred and four, nearly passing out."


    Serena took a deep breath. She finally understood why her brother had to personally carry her and stay with her time and again. Vanessa had relentlessly tested his boundaries, growing more audacious with each sess.


    "Anything else?" Serena asked.


    "She also used to post ambiguous photos and captions on social


    media to make people


    misunderstand her rtionship with Mr. Goodwin. Especially her


    ssmates from The Arts


    Institute-every single one of them thought she was Mr. Goodwin''s mistress." As, she spoke, via pulled out her phone and showed her a few screenshots. "Look, take this photo for example. She found out in advance that Mr. Goodwin was meeting a client here. She took the opportunity to go over and say hello, then had me take a picture of her from a specific angle, making it look like Mr. Goodwin had taken her to dinner at the restaurant."

 Chapter 1049

    In the photo, a twenty-something Vanessa stood at the entrance of a high-end restaurant. Her brother was in the background on the phone, while she stood in the foreground, cupping her chin in a sweet, innocent pose, smiling blissfully. The caption read, ''A wonderful night.''


    Serena gritted her teeth. If she hadn''t heard the true story behind this photo from via, even she would have assumed it was a candid shot of her brother and Vanessa after a dinner date.


    "She''s incredibly maniptive," Serena hissed.


    "But what I found most distasteful was when she started getting close to your brother''s daughter. She even went and studied child psychology or something. I once heard her intentionally say bad things about the girl''s mother in front of your little niece, things like, ''Why didn''t your mommye abroad with you? Do you think she doesn''t want you anymore?"¡ª"


    Serena''s eyes turned red with anger. Vanessa had acted so pure and kind in front of the Goodwins, but behind their backs, she was full of venom, not even sparing her two-year-old niece.


    via continued, "But I decided to return to the country to develop my career shortly after that, so I left her. Still, using a child like that is just despicable. Even I couldn''t stand it."


    After hearing a few more details, via, getting into the swing of things, suddenly lowered her voice. "Actually, Vanessa does have some skill at the piano, but not enough to win major awards. All those so-called international grand prizes were bought. Mr. Goodwin paid for them behind the scenes to help her establish a foothold in the international piano scene."


    Serena sneered. "She spent all her energy on my brother. How could she have any real talent left?"


    via recalled more details about Vanessa, painting a picture of a twenty-something who was already vain, maniptive, and a masterful actress.


    "Miss Goodwin, I heard your brother and your former sister-inw divorced two years ago. I assume it had something to do with her, right?" via suddenly asked.


    Serena sighed in frustration. "Yes, they divorced a long time ago."


    "So it seems she seeded after all. When she heard your brother was getting married, she nearly went insane. She had her sights set on the position of Mrs. Goodwin from the very beginning."


    "Is she delusional?" Serena scoffed. "My brother would marry anyone but her."


    via recalled Vanessa''s state during that period. Her personality had changed drastically; she had a terrifying temper and would fly int rage at the slightest provocation. As her assistant, via had suffered a great deal.


    "I heard her call your brother in the middle of the night and say, ''Since you won''te to Drexford to see me, I''lle back to the country and meet your Mrs. Goodwin myself. W make her understand who is worthy of standing by your side.""


    via mimicked Vanessa''s cold, menacing tone from that time.


    Serena''s heart sank. So Vanessa had even nned to return to the country to challenge Eleanor?


    "It seemed like she had already booked a flight back. But then your brother made a few more calls to her, and she calmed down."


    Serena gripped her coffee cup, her knuckles turning white from the force. It was because Vanessa was so crazy and made such a scene that her brother had topromise with her time and again. So, the real reason her brother didn''t want Eleanor to go abroad was to prevent her from meeting Vanessa, wasn''t it?

 Chapter 1050

    At twenty-something, Eleanor''s own schemes and methods were no match for Vanessa''s. She would have likely been wounded and torn apart by Vanessa''s various tactics.


    "Thank you for telling me all this," Serena said gratefully. "Take a look at the bag. Do you like it?"


    via took the bag out, and her eyes lit up with delight. "You can''t even buy this in the country."


    "You need connections to get one," Serena said.


    via thought to herself that only someone of Serena''s status could get their hands on a true limited edition.


    After via left with the bag, Serena sat alone in the coffee shop for a while topose herself before leaving.


    Even though she knew that digging into Vanessa''s past would only make her angrier and more pained, Serena felt a persistent need to do it. She just wanted to uncover Vanessa''s history and see just how shameless she could be.


    At 4:30 in the afternoon, Eleanor''s car emerged from the underground garage. Just as she stopped at a traffic light, her car''s hands-free system rang. It was Joel.


    Eleanor answered the call, and Joel''s anxious voice filled the car. "Ellie, did you see the report about the Marlowe Vige chemical nt? It says Drew, the owner from back then, is about to be released."


    Eleanor''s own voice grew tense. "I saw it today, too."


    "I don''t know if this Drew guy will hold a grudge against you after two years in prison. From now on, you need to be careful. Keep an eye out for any unfamiliar vehicles following you."


    "I will. You be careful too," Eleanor reminded him.


    "Don''t worry about me," Joel said, then asked, "Are you driving right now?"


    "Yes, I''m on my way to pick up my daughter from school," Eleanor replied.


    "Okay, drive safely. Call me anytime if you need anything."


    After hanging up with Joel, Eleanor stepped on the gas just as her gaze fell on the car behind her. She saw a ck SUV following her. With Joel''s warning still ringing in her ears, the vehicle suddenly seemed suspicious.


    She thought she had seen a simr vehicle behind her car this morning. A wave of rm washed over her. Eleanor immediately turned into anotherne. The ck SUV behind her promptly signaled and followed. Eleanor''s nerves tightened. Was she really being followed?


    Eleanor pussed into a parking lot but didn''t get out of the car. Instead, she sat and watched the other vehicles. Sure enough, it also pulled over to the side of the road, its hazard lights shing.


    Eleanor was now certain she was being followed. Could it really be people sent by Drew from the chemical nt? Were they scouting her out to do something to her?


    Just then, her car''s phone rang again. A name appeared on the screen.


    n.


    Eleanor paused for a moment. She was being followed right now, and she needed him to pick up their daughter. She answered the call.


    "Hey, are you home?" Eleanor asked proactively.


    "I''m on my way from work,"n''s deep voice replied.


    "I... I think someone''s following me,'' Eleanor decided to report it to him. After aft they weren''t just ther daughter''s parents he was also her potential primary blood donor if her condition rpsed. ''


    I sent them to protect you."


    Eleanor was stunned for a few


    seconds. She turned to look at the


    ck SUV with its shing lights. Just then, the car door


    opened, and


    a somewhat familiar figure started


    walking toward her car. It was one ofn''s regr bodyguards, Lanny.


    Eleanor let out a sigh of relief. So they weren''s men.


    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to scare you,"n''s apologetic voice came through the speakers.


    Eleanor said to him, "Next time, please give me a heads-up."


    "I will,"n agreed.


    "Well, if that''s all, I''m hanging up now," Eleanor said.


    "I just left my office. I''ll go pick up Evelyn. You can just go home,"n continued.


    Eleanor nced at the time. She had taken a detour, and she was indeed running a littlete.


    "Thanks," Eleanor said, the wording out naturally.

 Chapter 1051

    There were a few seconds of silence on the other end. "Why be so formal with me?"


    "I''m hanging up," Eleanor said before ending the call. Just then, Lanny''s figure appeared at her car window. She rolled it down, and Lanny looked at her apologetically. "Miss Sutton, I''m so sorry. Did we startle you?"


    "A little, yes," Eleanor admitted with a nod.


    "Mr. Goodwin was very concerned for your safety, so he assigned us to protect you discreetly for a month. He was worried you''d object, so we didn''t inform you beforehand," Lanny continued. "He doesn''t want a repeat of what happened two years ago with that car."


    Eleanor froze. "Two years ago... you were protecting me then, too?"


    Lanny nodded. "Yes. When Mr. Goodwin heard that Drew from the chemical nt had someone run you off the road, he arranged for us to protect you discreetly. We only withdrew after Drew was imprisoned and we confirmed there were no other threats."


    Eleanor was stunned. She remembered being on high alert for over a month after that terrifying incident. It wasn''t until she heard the news that the head of the chemical nt had been sentenced that she finally started to rx.


    So,n Goodwin had been having her protected all that time.


    "Miss Sutton, Drew is about to be released from prison. We will be here to ensure your safety from the moment he''s out. Please don''t worry," Lanny said.


    Eleanor nodded lightly. "Thank you. I appreciate it."


    "It''s our duty," Lanny said with a slight bow. "Miss Sutton, would you like me to drive for you?"


    "No, that''s alright. I can manage," Eleanor replied. Knowing it was Lanny''s car, she finally felt at ease.


    On the ride home, Eleanor''s emotions were tangled. She had to admit to herself: whilen hadn''t been the perfect husband, he had always been a responsible father.


    When Eleanor got home, she sawn and Evelyn ying with Princess on the balcony. Seeing her walk in,n stood up and came over. "I assume Lanny spoke with you. Is the misunderstanding cleared up?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, we met." After a brief pause, she added softly, "Thank you for the protection."


    "Mommy, can Daddy stay for dinner?" Evelyn asked, skipping over.


    Looking at her daughter''s hopeful face and thinking about the protectionn was


    providing, Eleanor nodded. "Alright. I''ll go let Joslyn know."


    In truth, Eleanor didn''t need to say anything. Joslyn had already overheard. The moment Eleanor entered the kitchen Joslyn smiled. "Ma''am, as it happens, I bought some of Mr. Goodwin''s favorite dishes today!"


    "Great, thank you for making a couple of extra dishes." When Eleanor came out, she heard her daughter''s giggles from the balcony, punctuated by Princess''s yful barks.


    Evelyn excitedly tugged onn''s hand, pleading, "Daddy, pick me up, pick me up!" Ian scooped his daughter up, and Princess started pawing at his leg, her tongue lolling out as if she wanted to be held too.


    Holding his daughter with one arm,n stroked Princess''s head with his other hand. Princess let out a soft whine seemingly no longer intimidated by the master of the


    house''s imposing presence.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She walked over and saw it was a call from Joy Thatcher.


    She answered with a light tone, "Hey, have you eaten yet?"


    "Already ate, you busy bee. Are you off work?"


    "Yeah, just got home a little while ago."


    "Why didn''t you ever tell me having a kid was this exhausting? Being a new parent


    is no joke," Joymented from the other end.


    Eleanor chuckled and sat on the


    sofa, sharing some advice with Joy. On the balcony, behind the


    floor-to-ceiling windows, a pair on et


    deep eyes watched her. As he


    observed the woman on the sofa chatting on her phone with a smile that looked as if she were flirting with a lover, a shadow of disappointment crossed the man''s


    face.


    resigning himself to something.

 Chapter 1052

    During dinner, Eleanor had little appetite and ate sparingly. When she put down her utensils after eating only half her meal, the man across from her noticed. A flicker of gloom crossed his eyes, and he also set his utensils down, seemingly finished as well.


    "Mr. Goodwin, there''s still more food. Please have some more," Joslyn offered.


    "No, thank you. I''m full," Ian said with a wave of his hand. Just then, Evelyn also put down her spoon, a grain of rice on the corner of her mouth, and announced, "Daddy, I''m done."


    "Yes!" Evelyn nodded eagerly.


    Eleanor stood up. "I''m going to the study."


    Joslyn noticed Eleanor had eaten very little as well. Could it be that Mr. Goodwin''s presence had affected her appetite?


    That wasn''t the reason for Eleanor. She insisted on eating only a small portion for dinner because staying slightly hungry helped keep her mind sharp.


    Eleanor was typing at herputer when there was a knock on the door. She looked up and said, "Come in."


    "Before I leave, there''s something I want to talk to you about," Ian said as he walked in.


    Eleanor stopped her work and looked up at him. "Go ahead."


    "Drew, the owner of the chemical nt, is getting out of prison soon. You need to be extra careful when you go out. I''ll personally handle picking up and dropping off Evelyn."


    Eleanor nodded. "Lanny already told me."


    "I''ve received some information. Drew made some connections in prison who might try to harm you,"n said, his expression turning serious.


    Eleanor''s heart sank. The research report she had submitted to the court was the most critical piece of ce against Drew''s chemical nt. It was understandable that he would hold a grudge against her.


    But as a researcher, she had a duty and responsibility toplete her work.


    A flicker of gratitude appeared in Eleanor''s eyes. "I''ll be careful."


    "Lanny''s team will protect you 24/7, but you also need to stay vignt. Try to avoid going to secluded ces alone."


    "Thank you," Eleanor said softly, then added, "You too. Be safe."


    Was she... concerned about him?


    His Adam''s apple bobbed as he spoke, his voice raspy. "I''ll be fine. The primary target is you."


    Eleanor averted her gaze back to the screen. "I need to get back to work."


    Eleanor was taken aback, and before she could refuse,n had already picked up her ss and walked out of the study.


    For a moment, her mind drifted. She used to be the one doing these little things for him.


    Soon,n returned with a ss of water and ced it on her desk. "I''m leaving now. Get some rest."


    "Thank you," Eleanor said softly.


    say something, but in the end, he turned and left in silence.


    Hearing the door close, Eleanor''s


    fingers paused on the keyboard. t wasn''t that she hadn''t noticed the change inn; it was just that some wounds, had already been inflicted and would need time to heal.


    She could understand his dilemma, being ckmailed by Vanessa Shannon with her life. She


    understood the responsibilities and obligations he carried. If their.


    ve


    positions were reversed, if her own parents needed a life-saving blood transfusion and the donor demanded she do something against her conscience, Eleanor knew she would havepromised too.

 Chapter 1053

This chapter is missing , we are fix soon !

 Chapter 1054

    During the meeting, Faye sat in the back row, her eyes secretly followingn at the head of the table. Watching his focused expression as he listened to the reports, she confirmed that he didn''t cast a single nce her way.


    How could such a business magnate have fallen for Eleanor back then? As a freshman, Eleanor had no academic achievements to her name; in fact, she was so lovesick that she dropped out of college for him.


    In the meeting, Joel''s presentation was brilliant, earning several appreciative looks fromn. Faye watched Joel, feeling a pang of resentment. She had been working alongside him for two and a half years, yet she still couldn''t win even a sliver of his favor.


    After the meeting, Faye deliberately waited at a corner in the hallway, hopingn would notice her ande over to say hello. However, whenn and Byron walked past, he didn''t even give her a sidelong nce, nor did he pause for a second.


    Standing in the hallway, Faye bit her lip and watchedn''s upright figure retreat. It felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head, snapping her to her senses. Inn''s eyes, she was nothing.


    Who would have known that in her heart, Faye had secretly fantasized thatn might give her just one more look?


    Just then, Faye''s phone rang. Seeing it was her mother, she answered as she walked toward her office. "Hello? Mom, I''m at work. What''s up?"


    "Faye, did you know that Vanessa is now a shareholder in your father''spany?" Faye felt like her head exploded, and her face paled. "What? How did she be a shareholder in Dad''spany?"


    "I heard it from Chloe. She said she saw Vanessa''s name on a list of shareholders for a meeting. I thought she might have misread it, so I asked her to double-check at thepany. And sure enough, she confirmed it. Vanessa is one of your father''s shareholders. I just don''t know how many shares she holds."


    Faye clutched her phone tightly. "Mom, didn''t Dad mention this to you either?"


    "Your father has been so secretivetely, he doesn''t tell me anything about thepany. Faye, what''s going on? Do you know anything?"


    Faye''s mind raced. Ian helping her father''spany go public was indeed because of Vanessa. Could it be that to reward Vanessa her father had secretly given her shares behind their backs?


    Just then, Faye''s mother''s voice on the other end grew sharp. "Faye, Chloe just found out. She holds thirteen percent of your father''spany sharks, worth three billion."


    Hearing her mother''s words, Faye''s breath caught. Three billion? The number hit her like a punch to the gut.


    "Mom, are you sure? Thirteen percent?" Faye''s voice trembled with anger.


    "Absolutely certain. Chloe just sent me the shareholding structure chart," Faye''s mother said, her voice filled with rage. "She holds thirteen percent of the shares! That property should be yours. How dare an illegitimate daughter get her hands on it first?"


    Faye''s chest heaved. She told her mother, "Mom, I''m going to ask her about this first. I''ll call you back."


    After hanging up abruptly, Faye immediately dialed Vanessa''s number. It rang for a while before Vanessa answered, her voicezy. "Faye, what''s up?"


    "Vanessa," Faye said, practically gritting her teeth. "How did you get your hands on thirteen percent of my father''spany shares? How did you manage that?"


    There was a moment of silence on the other end, followed by Vanessa''s light, dismissiveugh. "You should probably ask Dad about that."

 Chapter 1055

    "Vanessa, don''t y games with me. Tell me right now, by what right did you get those shares?" Faye was so furious she lost allposure, the usual courtesy she showed Vanessa reced by pure resentment over the stolen inheritance.


    On the other end, Vanessa''s tone grew cold. "Faye, if you want to know, I''ll tell you. It was a gift fromn, and Dad agreed to it."


    Faye''s eyes widened in disbelief. "What did you say?"


    "Faye, I know this is hard for you to ept, but it''spensation fromn," Vanessa continued. "It''s also his breakup settlement for me."


    Faye''s mind reeled again. Vanessa andn had broken up? That would exin whyn had been so cold to her earlier. So Vanessa hadn''t been able to hold onto him after all. But to take thirteen percent of Yeaton Holdings as a breakup settlement was a direct blow to her interests. How could she not be enraged?


    "Vanessa, have you no shame? Why should you get shares in our familypany just because you andn broke up?"


    "Why?" Vanessa couldn''t be bothered to pretend anymore. "Because it was through my connections that Yeaton Holdings had the chance to go public. Have you ever contributed anything to Dad''spany?"


    "You¡ª" Faye was so angry she was speechless.


    Vanessa wasn''t wrong. Ifn hadn''t suddenly stepped in, Yeaton Holdings would still be a second-ratepany. Its market value had surged over the past year entirely because ofn''s influence.


    "Faye, I know you''re upset, but this is a done deal. You''d better learn to ept it."


    With that, the call ended.


    Faye stared at the disconnected call, steadying herself against her desk, her body trembling with rage. She had never imagined that Vanessa would usen to see a piece of the Yeaton Holdings inheritance ahead of time, and a three-billion-dor piece at that.


    But was what she said about breaking up withn true or false?


    She hoped it was true. Otherwise, if Vanessa actually married into the Goodwin family, she''d probably get greedy enough to try and take over all of Yeaton Holdings.


    Faye called her mother back. Her mother immediatelyunched into a stream of curses on the other end. After letting her vent, Faye, still not ready to give up, dialed her father.


    "Faye, what is it?" Rnd Yeaton''s voice came through.


    "Dad, what''s going on? Why did you give thirteen percent of thepany''s shares to Vanessa?"


    Rnd was silent for a few seconds before his tone became stern. "Faye, stay out of thepany''s business."


    "Dad, it''s the business you worked


    so hard to build! Why would you just


    hand it over to her? I''m your


    daughter, too! I want you to give me thirteen percent of the shares as well, Faye cried, her sense of injustice overwhelming her, she was the legitimate Miss Yeaton; what right did an illegitimate daughter have to enjoy such privileges?


    "What do you know?" Rnd snapped on the other end. "Stop being so childish. Thepany is giving me enough headaches as it is."


    With that, he hung up. Faye was both furious and devastated, but she vowed she


    would not let an illegitimate daughter take what belonged to the Yeatons. She would get back what was rightfully hers.


    Faye sat back down, her mind in a fog. She had once thought that by getting into the civilian projects division, she could use her


    connection to Vanessa to get into the core team. But now that


    Vanessa andn had broken up, did


    that mean she would never have


    that chance?

 Chapter 1056

    Faye had no mind for work. She requested time off, grabbed her bag, and rushed out of theb, heading straight home.


    On the way, she was consumed by rage. The thought that Vanessa had so easily obtained thirteen percent of her father''spany-enough to live a life of luxury for the rest of her days, even if she couldn''t marry into the Goodwin family-was infuriating.


    And what about her? Her father hadn''t even given her one percent. How could she tolerate such a stark difference? She had to go home and figure out a way with her mother to turn the situation around.


    In Vanessa''s vi, a doctor and nurse had just left. Vanessay on the sofa, pressing a hand to the spot where she''d received an injection, closing her eyes to rest. She had spent most of the past week recuperating.


    Faye''s call had stirred her emotions. She had anticipated that Faye and her mother would drop all pretenses with her once they found out.


    Now that the Yeaton shares were securely in her hands, there was no way she would give them up.


    Just then, Vanessa''s phone rang. She nced at it and her expression soured. It was her mother.


    She ignored the call, but two minutes after it stopped ringing, a text from her mother, Farrah, came in. "Honey, transfer a million to my ount. I need it urgently."


    Vanessa read her mother''s demand and tossed the phone aside. She truly regretted not reining in her mother''s gambling habit years ago, which had now turned her into an addict who gambled with bigger and bigger stakes. Every time her mother contacted her, it was for money.


    Her eyes fell on several advertising contracts Laverne had left nearby. She picked one up and browsed through it, finally calling Laverne. "I''ll take the piano ad. Have someone go and negotiate the terms."


    "Alright, I''ll get someone on it right away. Vanessa, please don''t be so picky. Take a look at the other ad proposals too!"


    Vanessa had epted an offer from a domestic piano brand. The pay was good, but previously, she had looked down on such small brands. Now, however, it suited her identity as a pianist.


    "For now, I''ll just take this one," Vanessa said, a flicker of annoyance in her eyes.


    She picked up her phone and started scrolling through some videos when a news alert popped up. "Heir to Holt Properties and heiress of Quigley Group spotted on a sweet date. A happy union seems to be on the horizon."


    The apanying picture showed Henry Holt carrying a woman''s handbag in one hand and holding Selma Quigley''s hand with the other, the two of them looking blissful outside a restaurant. The image radiated sweet happiness.


    The photo stung Vanessa''s eyes. The man who once had eyes only for her had nowpletely abandoned her.


    Vanessa threw her phone away. Images of Henry''s gentle smiles, his constant care and concern, flooded hermind She remembered how he wouldly from overseas to be with her at a moment''s notice, how he had clumsily learned a piano piece just to please her, how he had promised countless times that he would wait for her forever-


    But now, all of that belonged to Selma Quigley.


    Vanessa''s heart felt like it was being squeezed by an iron fist. If she hadn''t metn, Henry would have


    been her first choice for a future


    husband. She remembered Henry telling her with red-rimmed eyes As long as you''re not married,


    always


    be here waiting for you."


    Back then, her mind waspletely consumed with winning overn, and she had callously ignored Henry''s devotion. Now, Vanessa was filled with regret. She regretted not giving Henry another chance.


    If she had turned back and epted Henry just a year ago, she would be the future Mrs. Holt now, and Selma Quigley wouldn''t have stood a chance.


    Tears of regret welled up in Vanessa''s eyes. She had been so foolish, clinging to a man who never had her in his heart while pushing away someone who truly loved her.


    "Ian, I must have owed you a life in my past life to have wasted ten years of my youth on you in this one," Vanessa muttered, gritting her teeth in frustration.


    Vanessa reached for her phone again and opened her photo gallery. She scrolled all the way back to the beginning and found pictures that documented her youth including Jan. He Ple


    one of a neen year-o


    was standing in ab corridor, wearing a clean white shirt, his eyes holding a maturity and calmness that defied his age.

 Chapter 1057

    He had been like a ma back then, irresistibly drawing the eighteen-year-old her to him. Even now, at twenty-eight, looking at the neen-year-oldn, she could still feel the intense flutter of her heart from that time.


    Her phone was filled with secretly taken photos ofn, but now, each picture was just a record of her unrequited love.


    Meeting someone too dazzling when you''re young is not a blessing, but a disaster you can''t escape.


    For ten years, she had fought desperately to be worthy ofn, learning piano, navigating high society, and using every trick in the book to force her way into his life. Only she knew the hardships she had endured.


    But he had never acknowledged any of it.n was like a man without a heart. She performed tirelessly in his world, while he remained nothing more than a cold, detached spectator.


    Just then, a message from Laverne came through. "Vanessa, I just got an invitation for a pianopetition performance. This is a great opportunity for you to make a name for yourself in the country."


    "Send it to me right now," Vanessa replied immediately.


    Laverne forwarded an invitation from a television station for a performance in Kingston. Vanessa instantly felt revitalized.


    If love was a losing battle, her career would be her victory.


    At Eleanor''sb, she had just finished her work and was heading to Dr. Smith''s office.


    "Dr. Smith, I''ve decided to start developing the medication. I''ll need Vanessa toe in regrly to donate blood so we can extract thetest stem cells for backup," Eleanor proposed.


    Smith agreed with her idea. "That''s a wise decision. Building a drug reserve is much more reliable than depending on a single donor. But as for Miss Shannon-"


    "You should haven talk to her first," Eleanor said.


    Smith nodded. "Alright, I''ll arrange a meeting with Miss Shannon and Mr. Goodwin to discuss this."


    Eleanor knew she had to prepare for the future. After the terrifying experience with the ne turbulence and now with Drew''s impending release from prison, she was determined to start producing the drug in advance. That way, if anything unexpected happened to her, there would be a supply of medication ready.


    After Eleanor left, Smith dialedn''s number. "Mr. Goodwin, I''d like to ask Miss Shannon toe to theb tomorrow to discuss the matter of regr blood donations."


    "OK. I''ll make sure she''s there,"n replied.


    Vanessa was just about to close her eyes and rest when her phone rang again she nced at it irritably, but When she saw the name on the


    her heart began to race.


    -n.


    She held her breath for a few seconds before snatching the phone, taking a deep breath topose herself before answering. "Hello?n, is there something you need?"


    "Be at theb tomorrow at nine in the morning,"n''s voice was as calm and detached as ever.


    Vanessa''s heart sank. So, he was calling about that.


    "Ian, I haven''t been feeling welltely. Could you let me rest for a while?"


    "Dr. Smith will assess your physical condition. Nine o''clock tomorrow. Don''t bete,"


    Vanessa gripped her phone tighter, biting her lip. "What if¡ªwhat if I refuse?"


    There was a moment of silence on the other end, followed byn''s even colder voice. "I can take back that thirteen percent stake in Yeaton Holdings at any time. Weigh your options carefully."


    Vanessa''s face paled. n, how can you be so heartless?"


    "You can choose to refuse, but you''ll have to bear the consequences,"n said tly and hung up.


    "You¡ª" Vanessa tried to say something, but all she heard was the dial tone.


    Vanessa clenched her fists. Inn''s eyes, there were only transactions. This particr transaction was not one she could end; it had to be ended by him.


    She hated herself for being so greedy. She never should have agreed to sign that stock


    agreement. Now, it had be the very leveragen was using to threaten her She had been a fool. think she could make a deal with a top-tier businessman.

 Chapter 1058

This chapter is missing , we are fix soon !

 Chapter 1059

    Vanessa bit her lip so hard it almost bled. Eleanor''s words had left her with noeback.


    "But no matter what, he did it for me. Did he ever do that for you?" Vanessa persisted, desperate to provoke Eleanor.


    Eleanor sneered. "I wasn''t a research subject he needed to manipte. He didn''t have to do those things for me."


    The implication was clear: Vanessa had always been just a research subject, and everythingn did was merely a necessary means to ensure her cooperation.


    Vanessa''s eyes shed with frustration. When had Eleanor be so clear- headed? Shouldn''t she be provoked by all this?


    "If you want to walk away from this with any dignity, there''s only one path: cooperate and do what you''re supposed to do. It will be better for both of us," Eleanor warned her coldly.


    Vanessa grabbed her bag and red at Eleanor. "Eleanor, do you really think he''ll treat you sincerely just because you''re on his side now? The only people he''s ever loved are his family. You''re just an outsider."


    Eleanor watched her leave with an air of distaste. "Vanessa, save your breath. Your attempts to provoke me are useless."


    Vanessa''s chest heaved with frustration. Eleanor''s imperviousness was a major setback. Every carefully crafted barb she had thrown felt like it had been plunged into cotton.


    "Fine. Just make sure you don''t go crawling back to him. If you do, I''ll be the first to look down on you," Vanessa said, forcing a triumphant smile as she left.


    As the door mmed shut, Eleanor sat back down in her chair and took a sip of her lukewarm coffee. Vanessa''s words hadn''t been entirely without effect, but she was no longer the person who could be so easily swayed by her emotions.


    She knew exactly what kind of mann was¡ªcalm, rational, calcting, and willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goals.


    He might have never loved Vanessa, but it was equally likely he had never truly loved her either. From the very beginning, their rtionship had been entangled with too manyplex factors. She had naively walked into the situation back then, and getting hurt was the inevitable oue.


    Now, her focus was clear: to ensure her daughter had a healthy, worry-free future.


    In the blood collection room, Vanessa rolled up her sleeve and exposed her arm. When the nurse swabbed her skin with an alcoho wipe, @shiver ran through her. She watched the needle pierce her vein, and the crimson blood slowly fill the collection tube. It felt as if her dignity was being drawn out along with it.


    After the nurse skillfully finished, she handed Vanessa a packet of pills. "Miss Shannon, these are iron supplements Dr. Smith prescribed for you. Please take them as directed when you get home. They''ll help you get better."


    Vanessa took the packet and set it aside. With Eleanor here, she was wary of everything in this ce, unsure if Eleanor might try to get revenge.


    But she still put it in her bag. Pressing a cotton ball to the injection site, she wanted to flee this ce immediately. As she walked unsteadily out of the room, she saw someone at the corner of the hallway.


    He was standing there, as if waiting for someone. His figure was tall and straight, his profile sharp and cold Sunlight streamed in through the. hallway window, casting a halo around him, but it couldn''t prate the depths of his eyes.


    Vanessa''s heart skipped a beat. She subconsciously smoothed her hair. No matter how many times it happened, no matter how cruel he was, she was still drawn to this man.


    Just then, a slender figure in a whiteb coat emerged from another hallway. Eleanor walked over to him, holding aptop. She paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping coolly overn.


    A sharp pain pierced Vanessa''s


    chest. She watched asn immediately fell into step with Eleanor, reaching out to take theptop from her hands Eleanor said something, and he withdrew his hand. Then he asked her a question, and as she answered,fleaned in closer to listen-


    Vanessa stood frozen, the needle mark on her arm throbbing faintly. Watching them, she was overwhelmed by a wave of intense anger and resentment.


    Taking a deep breath, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number. "Hello, Lawyer Brown? I have a stock agreement I''d like you to look at."


    Vanessa had to break free fromn''s control. She needed to see if there were any legal loopholes in that contract she could exploit. She couldn''t spend the rest of her life as amb waiting to be ughtered byn and Eleanor.

 Chapter 1060

    In the conference room, Smith was giving an update on Gina''s condition. Due to her age and pre-existing health issues, her recovery required flexible adjustments, but all signs indicated that her condition was improving.


    "I''vepiled a list of data points. These marked here show a high degree ofpatibility with Mrs. Goodwin''s sequence," Eleanor said, opening herptop.n immediately stood up and moved closer, his shoulder almost touching hers as he leaned in to look at the screen.


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed slightly, and she leaned back in her chair. "I need more samples forparison," she continued.


    "I''ll contact her and get her to cooperate,"n replied in a low voice.


    Just then, Smith''s phone rang. He gestured to them that he needed to take the call and stepped out of the room.


    With just the two of them left,n turned his head to look at Eleanor''s profile, so close to him. His deep gaze moved from her eyebrows, down to her lips, and locked there.


    Eleanor, however, was focused on the screen, her mindpletely absorbed with data. Suddenly, her phone, which was on the table, lit up with a new message.


    As soon as Eleanor leaned in, the phone''s facial recognition unlocked, and the message appeared.


    "I''m done with my work here. See you in Ashford City tomorrow."


    The sender-Mansfield Ellington.


    Eleanor picked up her phone and replied simply, "Okay, see you then."


    After sending the brief reply, she put her phone down. Mansfield responded almost instantly. "Ourst meeting was too rushed. I forgot to give you the gift I prepared. I''ll bring it this time."


    Eleanor remembered him mentioning a sapphire. She replied, "Okay. Travel safely."


    Just then, Smith returned to the conference room after his call. He noticed the unusual quiet in the room and sawn feaning of the table next to Eleanor, a look of frustration on his face. He couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Goodwin, do you have somewhere you need to be?"


    "No,"n replied curtly. He pulled out the chair next to him and sat down, his long fingers tapping restlessly on the table. But his eyes were fixed on Eleanor. Finally, he couldn''t hold it in any longer. "Have you two... been in contact often?"


    He didn''t say it like an usation. He just sounded... careful, and a bit fragile.


    Eleanor looked up at him, her gaze clear. "Is there a problem?" she asked.


    "No¡ª"n lowered his eyes, his fingers on the table unconsciously clenching into a fist.


    Smith immediately realized that while he was out on the phone, the two of them had discussed something personal, and Mr. Goodwin had clearly been provoked.


    "Do you need some private time?" Smith offered.


    Eleanor looked up. "Dr. Smith, let''s continue."


    Smith nced atn, who seemed to have no objection, so he resumed his presentation from where he had left off.


    Finally, Smith''s presentation ended. He stood up and left first. Eleanor was packing up herptop, about to leave, whenn suddenly reached out and shut the conference room door.


    Eleanor stopped in her tracks. She looked up at the man blocking her way, her eyes questioning.


    "What are you doing?"


    "You and Mansfield¡ª"n''s voice was rough and hoarse. "Are you two officially seeing each other?"


    Eleanor met his gaze, looking into


    the bottomless depths of his dark eyes. For a moment, she could


    clearly see


    the swirling pain and"


    struggle within them-a mix of vulnerability and intensity.


    Eleanor looked at him calmly. "Get out."

 Chapter 1061

    Eleanor watched him quietly, her gaze devoid of resentment or emotion. "If I ever remarry, I''ll let you know."


    Eleanor didn''t understand his sudden outburst and frowned. n, it''s all in the past."


    "It''s not in the past!" he practically growled. "I know I don''t deserve you¡ªI just¡ªl just want to know if I''ve truly lost you for good."


    Eleanor froze for a few seconds, instinctively taking a step back. The man before her suddenly seemed like a vtile, dangerous beast.


    Whenn looked up and saw her retreat, he instantly realized he had frightened her. He clenched the hand that had been blocking the door into a fist and lowered his gaze, like a predator sheathing its ws. He apologized hoarsely, "Sorry, I lost myposure."


    With that, he opened the door for Eleanor, who paused for a moment as she walked past him. "We should both move on. You save your family, and I''ll do my research. Let''s not bother each other anymore."


    After saying her piece, Eleanor walked around him and left.


    The door closed, leaving the man alone in the conference room. He leaned against the wall, his tall frame looking as if all the strength had been drained from it as a self-deprecating smile touched his lips.


    Back in her office, Eleanor''s thoughts were in a bit of a turmoil, but she quickly clicked back into a work document. A sudden wave of curiosity washed over her, and she navigated back to the confidential file from before. She reached out to click on it, and when the password prompt appeared, she bit her lip. What kind of file was locked away in there?


    Why wouldn''tn make it public? If it was research material rted to her mother, there was no reason to keep it secret. But it was clear these documents had nothing to do with his mother''s blood disorder.


    Eleanor casually typed in a few passwords they had shared when they were married, such as their daughter''s birthday, his birthday, her birthday, and a few special anniversaries.


    After trying everything she could think of, she still couldn''t unlock the document, which left her feeling frustrated.


    Why wasn keeping this a secret? She had searched the entireb''s system and found no research documents from her father. Could they all be locked in here?


    In a caf¨¦.


    Vanessa was meeting with herwyer. Before her arrival, he had already reviewed the contract she had sent over.


    "Miss Shannon, I''ve gone over the contract carefully," Lawyer Brown said, pushing up his sses. "On the surface, it''s a standard stock grant agreement, but there''s a particrly unusual additional use."


    "Which one?" Vanessa asked eagerly.


    "This one."


    "The use states that if you unterally terminate your


    Mr. Goodwin has the right to repurchase all your shares at


    coboration with Goodwin niet


    one-tenth of their value. This means that if your partnership with Mr. Goodwin ends, you''ll not only lose the shares but also suffer a massive financial loss."


    Vanessa''s face went pale. "One-tenth? That''s not what he said before."


    "The contract states it clearly in


    ck and white. Moreover, this use is cleverly worded to sidestep the legal standards for an


    unconscionable contract. If al no


    were to sue, your chances of


    winning are slim." Lawyer Brown


    then addedGoodwin &


    Co. Tegal


    team is one of the best in the world.


    Who would dare to taken to


    court?"


    Vanessa sank onto the sofa, a chill running through her. Ian had set such a huge trap for her. What she thought was a gift of shares had now be a chain binding her to him.

 Chapter 1062

    "Isn''t there any other way?" she asked, unwilling to give up.


    "Not unless you can prove Mr. Goodwin engaged in fraudulent behavior, which I imagine would be very difficult."


    Vanessa ran a hand through her hair in anguish. Ian was ruthless. Did he n to have her trapped for life?


    Or was he getting revenge for all the things she''d done? Did he hate her for breaking up his marriage with Eleanor?


    A fierce resentment red in Vanessa''s eyes. It turned out that all her audacious behavior in front ofn over the years came with a price.


    Even though he had found another way to save his mother, he wouldn''t let her go free.


    She had to admit she''d gone too far in the past. She had been willful and reckless, constantly pushing his buttons.


    Vanessa recalled how triumphantly she had unted her rtionship withn in front of Eleanor, how she''d deliberately created intimate moments with him, and even how she''d forced him to her side at a family dinner by slitting her wrist.


    Thinking back, every timen had indulged her, he was just marking the price she would eventually have to pay.


    How pathetic.


    After thewyer left, Vanessa grabbed her purse and headed out, calling Laverne to go shopping with her at the mall.


    Whenever she was agitated, she''d browse jewelry or luxury brands. In the past, Henry had been the one to foot all her bills. Of course, she''d had other suitors, but she had rejected their advances forn''s sake. Looking back now, she realized how utterly foolish she had been.


    Vanessa walked into a jewelry store. The pieces in the disy cases didn''t interest her, and a salesperson was about to lead her to the VIP room when she saw a familiar person sitting on the sofa inside.


    Henry!


    He was picking out a diamond ring. Before he could spot her, Vanessa instinctively ducked behind an embroidered screen. Through the fine threads, she saw Henry carefully examining a pigeon''s egg-sized diamond ring, a gentle smile ying on his lips.


    "I''ll take this one," Henry said.


    "Mr. Holt, you''re so thoughtful towards your fianc¨¦e," the sales clerk ttered.


    Henry chuckled softly. "She deserves the best."


    Those words felt like a needle piercing Vanessa''s heart.


    She remembered how Henry had confessed his feelings for her multiple times, telling her she deserved the best. Now, Selma Quigley had hit the jackpot.


    Putting other things aside, Henry was far superior to other wealthy heirs in terms of looks, status, and character in the past seven year aside from his crush on her, he had never messed around with other women.


    Now, the man who had once beenpletely devoted to her was about to be someone else''s husband.


    "Mr. Holt, when is the wedding?" the clerk asked while wrapping the box.


    "In May," Henry replied, his voice filled with happiness.


    "Congrattions."


    After the salesperson saw Henry out, the one assisting Vanessa smiled and said, "Miss Shannon, this way, please."


    "Maybe next time," Vanessa said, suddenly losing her mood for jewelry. Besides, she had onlye to browse, with no real intention of buying anything.


    She loved diamonds, but she couldn''t bring herself to spend her own money on them.


    Just then, her phone rang. It was Rnd. Vanessa tensed up. "Hello, Dad."


    "Vanessa, did you go ask Mr. Goodwin to help us or not? Why have ourpany''s orders been cut in half this month?"


    Vanessa clutched her phone and hurried to a quiet corner of the mall. "Dad, you need to figure something out!"


    "If I had a solution, I wouldn''t be calling you," Rnd said, his voiceced with anxiety. "At this rate, thepany won''tst another three. months. Vanessa, what''s going on with you and Mr. Goodwin? Why haven''t you gone to him yet"


    "Dad, you''re overestimating my influence. Do you really thinkn does everything I ask?" Vanessa lowered her voice. It seemed she had to be honest with her father about some things. She couldn''t let him pin all thepany''s hopes on her.

 Chapter 1063

    The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds before Rnd''s tone softened. "Vanessa, I know you have your difficulties, but you also know thepany''s situation right now I''m begging you, please go askn!"


    "Dad, it''s better to rely on ourselves than on others. We should solve this on our own."


    "How about this? I have a dinner meeting tonight. Come with me, and I''ll introduce you to the CEO of Novum Tech. He''s always admired your talent," Rnd suddenly suggested.


    Vanessa sounded annoyed. "Dad, you know I don''t like those kinds of dinners."


    "Vanessa, just listen to me. Do it for my sake. It''s just one meal," Rnd said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Besides, you''ll be attending as a shareholder of thepany."


    Vanessa tightened her grip on the phone. If thepany had nothing to do with her, she wouldn''t bother, but as a shareholder, she couldn''t just ignore it.


    "Fine, send me the address. I''ll be there," Vanessa said, finally giving in.


    In the evening, Eleanor returned home to findn already there with their daughter. "Mommy, you''re back!" Evelyn was sitting on the sofa, watching cartoons withn.


    "I am." Eleanor put down her bag and walked over to her daughter, who reached out to hug her. "Mommy, what''s that smell on you?"


    "It''s disinfectant. Let Mommy go take a shower, and then I''lle down and y with you, okay?" Eleanor said.


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded.


    "I''ll stay with Evelyn a little longer and then I''ll go,"n said, implying he wouldn''t be staying for dinner.


    "Alright," Eleanor nodded and went to the kitchen to let Joslyn know before heading upstairs to shower.


    After washing her hair and showering, Eleanor came downstairs infortable loungewear, her fluffy hair draped loosely over her shoulders. Fresh from her bath, she exuded a fresh and gentle aura.


    When Eleanor stepped onto the balcony, she foundn still sitting on the sofa under the lights.


    He looked up at her as she entered and was momentarily stunned.


    This version of Eleanor reminded him of their married life. She used to be just like this, without makeup gentle and serene, waiting up for him toe homete at night. And back then, he-


    Eleanor walked over to their daughter. A gentle night breeze carried her faint scent,


    the familiar smell of gardenias.


    Just then, Eleanor turned her head and asked softly, "Weren''t you leaving?"


    "Are you going to work, Daddy?"


    "That''s right. Daddy''s going to make money for you to spend,"n said with a low chuckle.


    "Will you still give Mommy money to spend?" Evelyn asked innocently, tilting her head up.


    This was a yful exchangen often had with their daughter during their marriage. He never expected her to bring it up so casually now.


    Eleanor pretended not to hear, her hair falling over her chest. Under the lights, her fair profile created a heart-stirring picture. The man''s breathing quickened. "I''m leaving."


    Three minutester, the sound of a running shower came from the downstairs bathroom.


    The man had


    ad walked straight into


    the bathroom, letting the cold water pour over his head, soaking his fine handmade shift. The nearly


    transparent fabric clung to his body; revealing the powerful, toned


    muscles beneath.


    desire that shouldn''t exist.


    But it was no use.


    Twenty minutester, the man


    emerged with a towel wrapped around his waist, his wet hair


    on


    dripping. Fatigue was etaped or ars


    brow, along with a hint of frustration from an unfulfilled urge.

 Chapter 1064

    At the nine o''clock dinner meeting, Vanessa found herself ying a part for her father. Although she had been reluctant toe, she had to perform well to maintain the rtionship with her father''s major client.


    "Mr. Yeaton, you''re a lucky man! I''ve heard both of your daughters are as beautiful as angels, and seeing Vanessa today, she certainly lives up to the name!" a manager-level man eximed.


    At that moment, a middle-aged man in his early forties sitting next to Vanessa raised his ss. "Yes, Manager Brown is right. Miss Shannon is not only beautiful but also an internationally renowned pianist. She''s incredibly capable. I''m very impressed."


    Vanessa smiled, her red lips curving as she clinked her ss with the man beside her. "You''re too kind, Mr. Langley."


    Rnd also raised his ss with a smile. "Mr. Langley, here''s to you."


    Frankie Langley, a man in his early forties whose figure had softened from years of business dinners, was still a significant figure in Ashford City as the founder of Novum Tech. Vanessa knew she couldn''t afford to be dismissive.


    He was the man her father needed to charm tonight, his biggest client at the moment.


    Frankie''s eyes roamed over Vanessa, his interest undisguised. "A woman with both beauty and talent like Miss Shannon is truly a rare find."


    Vanessa smiled demurely. "A young entrepreneur like yourself, Mr. Langley, is the one I truly admire. Let me toast you again."


    Frankie was pleased. "Miss Shannon, you honor me. Cheers."


    Across the table, Rnd watched his daughter and Frankie, a flicker of delight in his eyes. It seemed bringing his eldest daughter along was a good idea after all.


    Frankie''s gaze on his daughter was telling. He used to think his daughter was useless, but now he realized she could be his most valuable asset.


    Just then, having held the same position for a while, Vanessa wanted to stretch her legs. As she did her foot brushed against someone''s leg. under the table. Frankie, sitting beside her, immediately gave her a suggestive look.


    Vanessa knew it was his leg she had touched. She smiled faintly and said softly, "My apologies, Mr. Langley."


    Under the lights, Vanessa''s eyes


    sparkled with a flirtatious charm, and Frankie found himself


    met


    momentarily captivated. He was a married man, but his wife was just a


    homemaker. At that moment)


    Frankie''s soul waspletely


    ensnared by Vanessa''s smile.


    Frankie let out a heartyugh. "Tonight has been wonderful! Come on, everyone, eat up!"


    After the meal, Rnd quickly made his exit, feigning illness. As he left, he pped Frankie on the shoulder. "Mr. Langley, I''m entrusting my daughter to you for a ride home. Is that alright?"


    Frankie understood Rnd''s meaning and readily agreed. "Of course, not a problem. Don''t you worry, Mr. Yeaton. I''ll make sure Miss Shannon gets home safely."


    Soon, everyone at the table began to


    leave with various excuses. After Frankie''s assistant also stepped out, Frankie''s hand finally came to rest on Vanessa''s shoulder


    Shannon, it''s gettingte: I''ll take you home."


    Vanessa gave him a seductive smile. "Thank you, Mr. Langley."


    A message notification sounded on Vanessa''s phone. She nced at it; it was from Rnd. "Vanessa, Mr. Langley is interested in you. Remember to seize the opportunity and build a connection."


    As they stepped outside, Vanessa deliberately swayed, her body leaning softly against Frankie. He quickly caught her, his hand conveniently wrapping around her waist.


    "Miss Shannon, are you drunk?" Frankie asked with feigned concern, a triumphant glint in his eyes.


    "I''m a little dizzy," Vanessa said, touching her forehead as she subtly freed herself from his grasp.

 Chapter 1065

    Frankie was a bit disappointed. Just as he was about to find another excuse to get closer to Vanessa, the door to a private room opened, and a familiar figure stepped out-Xavier Vaughn.


    He seemed to have just finished his own business dinner and was apanied by a few partners. Vanessa''s heart skipped a beat. Compared to the portly, forty- something Frankie, Xavier, under the lights, was handsome and impably dressed, with a tall, lean physique.


    When Xavier saw Vanessa, he paused, gave her an indifferent nce, and then noticed Frankie beside her, instantly understanding the situation.


    Xavier''s fleeting look made Vanessa''s face flush with shame. She bit her lip and greeted him, "Xavier, what a coincidence."


    Frankie, not wanting to be impolite, also offered a greeting. "Mr. Vaughn, what a coincidence." Then he looked at Vanessa in surprise. "Miss Shannon, you know Mr. Vaughn?"


    Vanessa smiled. "We''re friends, and we live in the same neighborhood."


    Frankie was taken aback, realizing his chance to drive Vanessa home was gone. He smiled and said, "Miss Shannon, in that case, why don''t you let Mr. Vaughn give you a ride?"


    Vanessa waved a hand. "Mr. Langley, you have a safe trip home. I''ll see you another time."


    Though disappointed, Frankie knew he wasn''t powerful enough topete with Xavier for a woman''s attention.


    As soon as Frankie left, Vanessa seized the opportunity and looked at Xavier gratefully. "Xavier, thank you. If it weren''t for you¡ª"


    Xavier cut her off coolly. "It was just a coincidence."


    With that, he started to walk away. Vanessa quickly followed him. "Xavier, could you possibly give me a ride home? I don''t have my car, and I''ve had a bit to drink."


    "You can call a car," Xavier said dismissively as he pressed the elevator button.


    "It''s sote, I don''t feel safe going alone" Vanessa softened her voice, her eyes looking pitiful.


    The elevator doors opened, and Xavier stepped inside. Vanessa followed close behind, her eyes fixed on his stoic face. "Xavier we''ve known each other for a whie Do you really dislike me that much?"


    Xavier watched the floor numbers change. "There''s no need for us to be close."


    Vanessa bit her lip, recalling the many asions she had run into Xavier over the years. Though he was always cool and distant, he had never been outright rude.


    "Xavier, do you think I''m pathetic and cheap?" Vanessa asked with a self- deprecatingugh, a hint of bitterness in her eyes.


    Xavier finally turned to look at her, a hint of mockery in his gaze. "Self-awareness is a good thing."


    His words stung. As soon as the elevator doors opened, she rushed after him to the parking garage. "Xavier, could I please catch a ride with you?"


    "No, it''s not convenient," Xavier replied without turning back, already in the parking area outside the restaurant.


    Vanessa chased after him. "Xavier, stop." She reached out and grabbed his hand as he was about to open the car door. Tell me clearly, what is it about me that you despise so much?"


    Xavier frowned in annoyance. "Vanessa, please have some self-respect."


    Pet


    "That''s right, all of you were born with silver spoons in your mouths," Vanessa said, emboldened by the alcohol, an air of desperation about het You all look down on me, but did choose this life for myself? just want to live a better life. What''s wrong with that?"


    Before she could finish, Xavier grabbed her arm and pulled her aside. "I have somewhere to be. Please move."

 Chapter 1066

    Xavier pulled open the car door and got in. Vanessa immediately started pounding on his window. "Xavier, let me finish what I have to say, or you''re not going


    anywhere¡ª"


    Xavier started the car. Just as he was about to turn the wheel, he heard a cry of pain from outside. "Ah!"


    He mmed on the brakes. Though he hadn''t seen the front of the car hit Vanessa, he had to get out and check.


    Sure enough, he saw Vanessa clutching her stomach, crumpled on the ground.


    A few restaurant employees, unsure of what had happened, rushed over. "Miss, are you alright?"


    Xavier looked at Vanessa on the ground and asked with a frown, "Are you okay?"


    Vanessa looked up, her eyes filled with tears of pain. "I''m fine. You don''t have to worry about me."


    "Sir, it looks like she was hit. Shouldn''t you take her to the hospital to get checked out?" a female employee asked.


    Xavier opened the back door of his car and said to Vanessa, "Get in. I''ll take you to the hospital."


    Vanessa bit her lip. With the help of an employee, she managed to get to her feet and settle into the back seat of Xavier''s car.


    Xavier got back in the car and set the navigation for the nearest hospital.


    "Xavier, I''m sorry¡ª" Vanessa said softly.


    He hadn''t clearly seen if he had hit her or not. "Let''s have a doctor check you out first."


    Vanessa remained quiet, her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror, watching the reflection of his handsome profile. She remembered the first time she had ever seen him.


    It was at a high-society g. Vanessa had askedn to take her so she could see what it was like, andn had gotten her on the guest list.


    about him, while Xavier was exceptionally refined and steady not as intense and domineering asp but more mature and elegant than Henry.


    But a man like that was also incredibly perceptive and independent. All her little tricks had been seen through by him, leaving her feeling rather embarrassed that night.


    Vanessa reached up and unbuttoned her ruffle-cored blouse, revealing a glimpse of her corbone and the skin below.


    From the moment she got in the car, Vanessa''s eyes were practically glued to the rearview mirror. Any man being stared at by a woman for that long would have some kind of reaction.


    "Xavier, I''m a little hot¡ª" she said, her voice tinged with a flirtatious tone. "Could you open a window?"


    Vanessa''s lips curved into a smile. Xavier was just too proper, which made him difficult to approach.


    But that wasn''t entirely a bad thing. Compared ton''s cold ruthlessness, Xavier at least had a sense of decency.


    When they arrived at the hospital parking lot, Vanessa deliberately stumbled as she got out of the car, crying out in pain, "It hurts."


    Xavier didn''t know where she had been hit, but seeing her clutch her lower right abdomen, he frowned and stepped forward. "Can you walk?"


    Vanessa shook her head painfully, looking at him with pleading eyes. "Xavier, can you carry me?"


    Xavier was silent for a moment before finally bending down. Vanessa steadied herself against him, then haturally wrapped her


    armas around his neck as he


    her into his arms and carried her toward the hospital entrance.


    Vanessa admired the clean line of Xavier''s jaw from up close, her voice soft and gentle. "Xavier, I''ve actually always admired you¡ª"


    Xavier acted as if he hadn''t heard her. He spoke to a nurse, "She needs a physical examination."


    The nurse led them to a doctor''s


    office. After Vanessa sat down and exined the situation, the doctor had her go in for an examination and then ordered an abdominal


    ultrasound. Aften and


    ultrasound. After the scan the doctor confirmed that nothing was wrong and she could go home.


    However, he gave her some advice. "Apply a warmpress to the injured area when you get home."


    Vanessa nodded. Taking the opportunity, she quickly pulled out her phone and snapped a selfie, deliberately including Xavier in the background as he spoke with the doctor.

 Chapter 1067

    As she left, she also took a picture of the hospital and of Xavier getting into his car. Once she was in the car herself, she snapped a selfie inside.


    Xavier knew where Vanessa lived; after all, he andn used to live in the same vimunity. Twenty minutester, Xavier''s car pulled up in front of Vanessa''s vi.


    Xavier got out, opened her door, and silently and coolly motioned for her to get out.


    After stepping out of the car, Vanessa looked at him, her gazeced with a silent invitation. "Xavier, would you like toe in for a bit?"


    "No, thank you," Xavier replied curtly.


    As he was about to get back into his car, Vanessa suddenly said, "Xavier, what if I told you that I like you?"


    Xavier turned to face her. Even with the deep affection in her eyes, he remained unmoved, his gaze holding only a clear, all-knowing coldness.


    "I really did like you, but you rejected me back then. I''m well aware of my value ton¡ªI''m just his mother''s donor. If you hadn''t rejected me back then, maybe we¡ª"


    Xavier cut her off sharply. "There is no possibility of ''us.'' I am not a pawn in your game."


    With that, Xavier got into his car and sped away.


    Vanessa stood there, hugging her arms, feeling a chill run through her. But it was true¡ªshe really had liked Xavier.


    She had been smitten with him from their very first meeting, but she just couldn''t let go ofn.


    Xavier''sst words made her realize something: for the past ten years, hadn''tn been stringing her along as well?


    He would show her just the right amount of tenderness, buy her a limited-edition handbag, and even personally apany her to a restaurant when she felt weak from frequent blood donations.


    But now, looking back, all those seemingly intimate gestures were filled with calction. He knew her too well, knew what she craved, and he used the lowest- cost methods to keep her willingly participating in their transaction.


    He was such a master maniptor! With material gifts and a pathetic sliver of warmth, he had bought the best ten years of her life.


    If Xavier had been willing to love her back then, she would have married someone else long ago. She would have seenn''s heartlessness for what was and found a way to end their deal, making him suffer the pain of losing his mother. Then, he would have had to watch as the family he loved was tormented


    illness one by one, until finally


    Eleanor left him, and he would have be a lonely, isted man.


    This vicious thought surfaced in Vanessa''s mind.


    But there were no ''what ifs'' in this world.


    Now that theb had found a way to rece her, she had not only been cast aside byn but was still being forced to give blood.


    Vanessa opened her phone and posted on her social media: "Had an ident, but luckily I ran into someone kindhearted."


    She uploaded all the pictures she had taken and hit post.


    The next morning, Eleanor opened her door at exactly seven-thirty. Ian was waiting outside as usual to take their daughter to school.


    "Bye, Mommy!" Evelyn was like a fully charged doll, lively and cheerful.


    Eleanor smiled and waved back at her. "Be good at school."


    "I will!" Evelyn said, then turned and took her father''s hand. "Let''s go, Daddy!"


    n led his skipping daughter away. In the elevator, he took out his phone and sent a text to Eleanor.


    "Drive safely."


    Eleanor was walking to the dining


    table where Joslyn had prepared et


    nutritious breakfast for her. She Saw the message and Wanks."


    In a hospital room at theb, Serena Goodwin was having breakfast with her mother when a message came through. "Serena, isn''t she your future sister-inw? Why is she with Xavier?"

 Chapter 1068

    Serena clicked on the photo. It was a screenshot of Vanessa''s social media post from one of her friends. In one of the pictures, Xavier''s profile was clearly visible.


    Serena''s breath caught in her throat for a few seconds. She quickly stepped out, clutching her phone, and carefully examined Vanessa''s post. It had been publishedtest night, around eleven. Though she didn''t know what had happened, it was clear Xavier had taken her to the hospital and then driven her home.


    Although Serena was no longer pursuing Xavier, he had always been an unattainable ideal to her, a kind of first love.


    These pictures still stung her deeply.


    She felt like Vanessa had posted them deliberately to show her, but she desperately wanted to know what had happened. Yet, she didn''t dare ask Xavier.


    Just then, Serena saw Eleanor appear in the hallway. Thinking of her rtionship with Xavier, she walked over to her.


    "Ellie, good morning. Can I ask you something?" Serena asked, looking anxious.


    "What is it?" Eleanor looked at her.


    Serena showed her the photos from Vanessa''s social media post and pleaded, "Ellie, could you please ask Xavier what''s going on? It''s really important to me."


    Eleanor frowned, also quite surprised by the photos.


    "Ellie, please, I''m begging you. Just send Xavier a message and ask him what happened. I really need to know," Serena sped her hands together, as if she wouldn''t be able to rest until she got an answer.


    "I-I don''t think it''s my ce to ask," Eleanor said, shaking her head. How could she pry into Xavier''s private life?


    "Dr. Sutton, the director is waiting for you in his office," a nurse hurried over to inform her.


    Eleanor said to Serena, "I have to go to a meeting."


    Serena bit her lip, left with no other choice. "Fine, I''ll ask him myself," she said, picking up her phone.


    Serena sat down on a nearby chair and sent a screenshot of Vanessa''s post to Xavier. "Xavier, can I ask what this is about?"


    After sending the message, she worried he might ignore her. After all, she had left him with the impression of being unreasonable and spoiled.


    "Ellie saw it too," Serena added.


    Sure enough, as soon as she sent that, a reply from Xavier came through. "I was at a restaurantst night and identally hit her with my car. I took her to


    he hospital for


    a check-up. That''s all."


    Reading Xavier''s reply, Serena instantly felt relieved. Knowing Vanessa, she suspected this was an opportunity Vanessa had deliberately created.


    How despicable.


    Just then, another message from Xavier arrived. "Please exin this to Eleanor for me."


    Serena blinked and scratched her head. This was something she definitely couldn''t let her brother know about, or he would get jealous.


    "Okay, Xavier, I''ll tell Ellie," Serena replied, finally understanding why Xavier liked Eleanor.


    Because now, she herself both admired and adored Eleanor.


    In the conference room, after Eleanor finished her meeting, she found Serena


    waiting for her in the hallway.


    "Ellie, I asked Xavier. He said he


    identally hit Vanessa with his car


    at a restaurantst night and just


    took her to the hospital for a check up. It was nothing," Serena exined.


    Eleanor nodded slightly after hearing the exnation.


    "Ellie, now you see how Vanessa twists the truth and creates drama, right? If I hadn''t asked Xavier for the truth, we all would have misunderstood." Serena thought angrily, realizing that the intimate photos Vanessa used to post with her brother were probably fabricated in the same way.


    Back in her office, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw a message from Xavier. "Did Serena exin things to you? I don''t want you to get the wrong idea."


    Eleanor sighed softly. "Yes, she told me." Then she took the initiative to ask, "Any progress with Vivian''s custody case?"


    "The hearing is next week in Drexford. I''ll do everything I can to win," Xavier replied.

 Chapter 1069

    "Okay, let me know if there''s any good news," Eleanor replied, as she also hoped Vivian would be raised by Xavier.


    "Will do. We should grab a meal sometime. You get back to work," Xavier proactively ended the conversation.


    Eleanor replied, "Sounds good."


    At noon, Smith invited Eleanor out for lunch at a restaurant; he was craving Chinese food.


    Just as they were seated, a familiar figure appeared at the restaurant''s entrance.n strode over and casually pulled out the chair next to Eleanor, sitting down. "Mind if I join you?"


    Smith smiled at Eleanor. "El, I was hoping to invite Mr. Goodwin to join us to discuss this morning''s new proposal."


    Eleanor nodded, indicating she didn''t mind.


    "It''s still in the validation phase."


    After a bit more conversation, the food arrived. Just as Smith brought up a new topic and Eleanor was about to respond, she was suddenly choked by a spicy vor. She clutched her chest and coughed, instinctively reaching for a ss of water and taking a fewrge gulps.


    At that moment, arge handnded on her back and began to pat it gently. After a few pats, Eleanor, without looking up, pushed his hand away.


    Across the table, Smith looked over with concern. "El, are you alright?"


    Eleanor looked up with an embarrassed smile. "I''m fine, just choked a little." As she reached for the water ss again, her hand froze.


    She saw three sses on the table: one in front of Smith, one to her left, and the one to her right, which was half-empty¡ªit wasn''s.


    Eleanor pulled her hand back and used her left hand to grab the ss on her left, quickly taking two more sips.


    Then, Eleanor looked up atn. "Sorry, I''ll have the waiter get you a new ss."


    "It''s fine,"n said, then nonchntly picked up the ss and drank the remaining water.


    This gesture made Eleanor look away. She had to treat it as a simple mistake, something that meant nothing.


    "Regarding the drug formtion, if the validation is sessful, can we expect results within two months?"n asked, changing the subject.


    "Theoretically, yes, but I''m not in a hurry Eleanor said. Since this medication


    would eventually


    used by her daughter, she had to be extra cautious.


    "I understand,"n nodded. "Thank you for your hard work."


    Just then, a new dish arrived. "Let''s eat," Smith encouraged.


    This time, Eleanor ate more slowly, but the dish was still quite spicy. She fanned her mouth with her hand, letting out soft breaths, her cheeks flushed a fight pink, which made her look surprisingly childlike and cute.


    This sight caught the eye of the man beside her, and for a moment, he seemed lost in thought.


    "Mr. Goodwin?" Dr. Smith''s voice brought him back. "Do you have any objections to my proposed n?"


    "I have to run an errand at the embassy in a bit. El, you can get a ride back to theb with Mr. Goodwin," Smith said.


    She hade in Smith''s car.


    "No, it''s fine, I''ll just¡ª" Eleanor began, about to say she''d call a car.


    "It''s on my way. I''m heading to theb anyway,"n said in a low voice.


    Considering the recent potential danger, Eleanor nodded and didn''t refuse.


    In the car, Eleanor gazed out at the passing streetscape. Suddenly, her phone rang. She picked it up and saw it was Mansfield calling.


    Eleanor looked at the screen and answered naturally, "Hello! Have younded?"


    "Just got to the airport. Are you free tonight? I''d like to treat you and Evelyn to dinner," Mansfield''s clear, charming voice came through the phone.


    fo


    In the quiet car, a certain someone could hear everything clearly.


    Eleanor was hesitating about whether to ept when a deep male voice from beside her cut in. "I''ll take care of Evelyn. You go on your date."

 Chapter 1070

    Eleanor could clearly feel the atmosphere in the car grow tense. She spoke into the phone apologetically, "Mansfield, tonight might not be convenient. I still have work to do. How about tomorrow at noon?"


    Mansfield responded considerately, "Whatever works for you. I''m flexible."


    "Okay, you should go spend some time with your grandmother. She must have missed you a lot."


    "Alright. Call me when you''re done with work," Mansfield said gently.


    "Okay, I will." Eleanor hung up, and the car fell into a tense silence. She turned her head to look out the window.


    "You could have gone,"n suddenly said, his voice tinged with suppressed emotion. "I won''t interfere in your private life."


    Eleanor continued to watch the scenery outside, her tone casual. "I can make my own ns."


    Eleanor pressed her lips together but didn''t answer. Ian narrowed his eyes. "If you don''t have time to go, I''ll exin it to Evelyn."


    Eleanor frowned. "Fine, I''ll make time."


    When they reached the elevators, Eleanor stepped inside. Just as the doors were about to close, a well-defined hand suddenly shot out, and the sensor reopened them.


    instantly filled with his crisp,


    "There are five other elevators," Eleanor reminded him with a frown.


    "This one''s the closest,"n replied nonchntly as he pressed the button for his floor.


    The elevator ascended slowly. Eleanor could feel his eyes on her and turned her face away.


    The man pursed his lips, not looking angry in the slightest. In fact, a thought seemed to cross his mind, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile graced his lips.


    Back in her office, Eleanor pushed aside her distracting thoughts and opened herputer to work. She checked her email and saw several messages from Simone Langley''sb. These emails were mostly just notifications, which she would asionally check when she had time.


    Sure enough, Eleanor soon received a notice from the parents''mittee. The school''s spring field trip, which had been postponed, was now scheduled for the weekend, and parents could sign up based on their avability.


    Eleanor saw thatn had already signed their daughter''s name up.


    That evening, when Eleanor got home, Evelyn eagerly ran up to her. "Mommy, we''re going hiking this weekend!"


    "I know. Mommy will go with you," Eleanor said with a smile.


    "Mommy and Daddy are both going together," Evelyn said, pulling on her hand.


    Joslyn came over and said, "Mr. Goodwin dropped Evelyn off and left right away. He must have had something to take care of."


    Eleanor nodded. "Okay, I understand."


    That night, while bathing her daughter and blow-drying her long hair, Eleanor noticed that she had grown a little taller.


    Her adorable face looked fair and lovely in the mirror. After finishing with the hair dryer, Eleanor couldn''t help but cup her daughter''s small face and give her a kiss.


    "Mommy, who do I look like? My teacher says I look like Daddy," Evelyn asked, tilting her head.


    Eleanor paused, then studied her daughter''s face. Seeing her every day, she hadn''t really noticed, but now that Evelyn mentioned it, she realized her daughter''s features were starting to resemblen''s more, especially the expression in her eyes, which was almost identical


    to his.


    "Mommy, why aren''t you saying anything?" Evelyn asked, cupping her mother''s face.


    Eleanor smiled gently. "You look like both Daddy and Mommy."


    "Then why does everyone say I look more like Daddy?" the little girl pouted, seeming a bit dissatisfied.


    Eleanor chuckled as shebed through her daughter''s hair. Perhaps it was just nature''s way of bncing things, allowing fathers to confirm their lineage through their children''s appearance.


    "Daddy is very handsome, but I want to look like Mommy more," Evelyn said, wrapping her arms around her mother''s neck, lobbying to be more like her.


    Eleanor smiled and hugged her. "Okay, Evelyn looks like Mommy."


    Looking at her innocent, beautiful daughter, Eleanor wished that she only looked like


    him and didn''t carry the Goodwin family''s gic traits. But for that, she couldn''t me anyone.


    After all, when she gave birth to her daughter, Gina''s blood disorder was only ssified as a rare condition. Its hereditary nature was only


    after ne


    discovered two year


    became ill, by which time their daughter had already been born.

 Chapter 1071

    That evening, her daughter brought over a new picture bookn had just bought her.


    Eleanor opened the book, and warm illustrations filled the pages, telling the story of two parents who poured all their love into their child from the moment of birth.


    Evelyn Goodwin leaned against her, chin propped on her hand, and asked, "Mommy, did you and Daddy love me this much when I was born?"


    Eleanor''s heart melted. "Of course. Mommy and Daddy love you more than anything."


    Evelyn snuggled happily into her arms. "I love you the most, too."


    After reading the book and tucking her daughter in, Eleanor felt a swirl ofplicated emotions. But the long day at work had exhausted her, and she fell asleep before long.


    The next morning, Eleanor was about to take Evelyn to school when she opened the door to findn waiting there, right on time.


    As Evelyn held her father''s hand in the elevator, she suddenly pouted. "Daddy, can I take a day off? I don''t want to go to school. I want to go to your office with you."


    "No, it''s just been so long since I visited yourpany. I want to go y there," Evelyn said, her voice full of charm.


    "Yay!" Evelyn threw her arms around him in a happy hug. "Daddy, you''re the best.''n ruffled her hair, then took her hand and led her to the car, heading straight for Goodwin & Co.


    At school, the teacher received the notice of her absence.


    Goodwin & Co. upied a prime location in the city center. Asn led his daughter through the lobby, her small figure, d in a little blue uniform with a backpack, seemed to carry an aura of its own.


    Everyone around them turned to look, their faces breaking into smiles as they studied her with careful curiosity. After all, as things stood, this adorable little girl was the sole heir to Goodwin & Co.


    "Daddy, why is everyone looking at me like that?" Evelyn asked, tilting her head up at her father.


    In the CEO''s office, a secretary brought in a specially prepared kids'' meal and some cartoon toys.


    "The young miss looks just like Mr. Goodwin!" the secretary couldn''t help but remark upon returning to her desk.


    During the ten o''clock meeting, Evelyn was seated beside her father, having promised to be on her best behavior.


    The managers giving their reports all seemed to soften their voices. Whilen discussed business with them Evelyn sat quietly, drawing Whene she looked up and saw theplex diagram on the screen, she asked curiously, "Daddy, what kind of drawing is that? I''ve never seen one like it before."


    Evelyn nodded, only half-understanding, then pointed to the box at the very top. "Daddy, what does that one represent?"


    "That represents the project''s decision-making level, like the king in a castle,"n exined gently. "When you grow up, how about you be the king of the castle?"


    The meeting room fell even quieter. The managers exchanged nces. Although they all knew she was Mr. Goodwin''s daughter, this was the first time they had heard him so openly confirm her role as his sessor.


    "Would Evelyn like to learn how to manage thepany?"n asked his daughter in a low voice.


    Evelyn nodded happily. "Yes, I want to be amazing, just like you."


    "You''ll be even more amazing than me,"n said, his eyes filled with pride as he looked at her.


    In that moment, everyone saw the same confidence in Evelyn''s young features as in her father''s, as if her destiny was already encoded in her DNA. She would one day be the one with the highest authority in thispany.


    As long as Mr. Goodwin had no other children.


    This little girl would one daymand a multi-billion-dor corporation.


    The meeting continued, and Evelyn went back to her drawing. This time, she was sketching the framework diagram, carefully coloring it in with her crayons.


    Eleanor was working in her office when her phone buzzed with a notification. It was a message fromn. She opened it and saw a photo of their daughter sitting in his office chair, drawing.


    "Why didn''t you take her to school?" Eleanor texted back with a frown.


    "She said she wanted to spend the day with me at the office. Sorry, I


    should have told yo


    on


    "Your daughter has the makings of my future sessor."

 Chapter 1072

    Seeing her daughter''s focused expression, Eleanor replied, "Just let me know ahead of time next time."


    Eleanor didn''t reply again, but back in the executive office at Goodwin & Co., someone was in a very good mood.


    "Daddy, look, I''m finished!" Evelyn presented her masterpiece: an adorably crude take on the corporate organizational chart.


    "I''m going to take it home to show Mommy," Evelyn said with a happy arch of her brow.


    At noon, an army-green SUV was parked in front of the research institute. Serena Goodwin, who was heading out to the lobby to pick up a package, nced at the vehicle curiously. Just then, a handsome, rugged figure stepped out of the driver''s side. The man didn''te inside but leaned casually against the hood of the car, looking at the building as if waiting for someone.


    The receptionists saw him through the ss and immediately started whispering among themselves.


    "Who is that guy? He''s so handsome."


    "From his bearing, he looks like he''s from the military."


    Serena''s heart tightened. Wasn''t this the military officer who had been pursuing Eleanor? What was he doing here?


    Just as Serena was wondering, she saw Eleanor emerge from the elevators. She was wearing a light blue dress that perfectlyplemented her gentle and charming demeanor.


    "Ellie," Serena said, hurrying over. She gestured curiously toward the man outside. "Is he waiting for you?"


    "Yes, I''m having lunch with a friend," Eleanor replied with a nod.


    Serena immediately felt a surge of anxiety onn''s behalf. Besides the brilliant Xavier Vaughn, Eleanor also had this mysterious officer pursuing her a man whose charisma, looks, and physique were in no way inferior ton''s.


    Mansfield Ellington saw Eleanor step out of the lobby and immediately straightened up. Dressed in casual clothes today, his tall, athletic frame was particrly striking in the sunlight.


    "Have you been waiting long?" Eleanor asked with a smile as she approached him.


    "Just got here." Mansfield smiled back, opening the car door for her with the grace of a true gentleman.


    Watching from the lobby''s floor-to-ceiling windows, Serena''s anxiety intensified. This officer wasn''t just handsome; he was also incredibly attentive to Eleanor.


    After watching the SUV drive away, Serena immediately sentn a text.


    n, Ellie just went to lunch with that officer who''s pursuing her."


    A dozen secondster,n''s reply came through. "I know."


    Serena blinked. Wasn''tn worried? Wasn''t he jealous at all?


    But after calming down, Serena understood. In Eleanor''s world, aside from Evelyn,


    At the restaurant, Mansfield was


    visibly happy, the smile never leaving his eyes. "Can you tell me what you''ve been busy withtely? want


    to know more about your life and your work."


    "Sure. I''ve been researching a specific blood disorder, trying to find a treatment," Eleanor said honestly.


    "Any breakthroughs?" Mansfield asked with concern.


    "Yes, the progress has been good," Eleanor confirmed with a nod.


    Mansfield looked at her with an admiring smile. "I know a few experts at the Military Medical University. If you ever need an introduction, just let me know."


    Eleanor smiled gratefully. "Thank you. I''d love to meet them sometime. By the way, how is Dr. Bradley doing?"


    Mansfield paused, clearly not expecting Eleanor to ask about another man while with him. He wasn tone for mine games, so he just raised an eyebrow. "Here you are, having lunch with me, asking about another man. Aren''t you worried I''ll get jealous?"


    Eleanor was taken aback for a second before breaking into a smile. "So, are you jealous?"


    Mansfield chuckled honestly. "A


    little, yeah. But I know your


    connection with Garrison is purely academic. He''s doing great work at the base, making some significant strides in His research.

 Chapter 1073

    Eleanor nodded. "I would like to consult him on a few things when I have the chance."


    Mansfield''s gaze deepened. "As it happens, Evelyn mentioned she wants to visit the base again. When you have some time off, you shoulde for another visit."


    Eleanor blinked. Thest time she went to his base was for a work assignment. She felt a little hesitant about going just for fun, especially since it was a restricted military area, typically off-limits to anyone who wasn''t family.


    "Evelyn says things on a whim. You don''t have to take it so seriously," Eleanor said.


    But Mansfield''s expression grew earnest. "To me, you and Evelyn are very special people."


    Eleanor looked into his eyes, and of course, she understood what he was thinking. She wasn''t some naive girl in her early twenties anymore.


    "Mansfield," Eleanor began, gently stirring her coffee, "I know how you feel, but you must realize the gap between us is just toorge."


    His gaze softened as he looked at her. "Are you referring to my father''s position?"


    "It''s more than that." Eleanor looked up, her expression frank. "Evelyn might develop a hereditary blood disorder that requires special care. And you... you''re the Vice President''s son. You have a limitless future ahead of you. I don''t want to be a burden."


    Mansfield anxiously reached out and took her hand, his palm warm and strong. "If Evelyn needs me, I will do everything in my power to care for her and get her treated. As for you, your own aplishments are in no way overshadowed by my title as the Vice President''s son."


    Eleanor froze, looking into Mansfield''s deep gaze, but the feelings of inadequacy and hesitation were still strong.


    "My father''s status will never be an obstacle between us. He admires you, and you would make him proud. Let me protect you and Evelyn."


    Eleanor looked at his sincere expression, and a ripple of emotion she hadn''t felt in a long time stirred within her. Mansfield''s honesty moved her, even though the pressures of reality remained.


    "Can you give me some time to think?" she asked him.


    "Of course. I would never pressure you," Mansfield said with a smile. "I''ll be waiting."


    From the first moment he saw her, Mansfield had been waiting. If Eleanor would just say yes, he was certain he could give her a happy future.


    "Tell me about Evelyn''s condition," Mansfield prompted gently.


    Since she had brought it up, Eleanor exined the Goodwin family''s hereditary blood disorder. Mansfield


    listened intently. When he hea that


    Eleano had already found a


    ¦¯¦«¦¯


    potential solution and was developing a treatment, he felt a genuine appreciation for her


    capabilities. Her brilliance was never


    in doubt.


    "Evelyn is lucky to have a mother like you. I''m sure she''ll be fine," Mansfield said in a low,forting voice.


    Eleanor truly wasn''t worried about that anymore. They chatted for a little while longer before her phone rang. It was Smith.


    "Hello, Doctor."


    "Ellie, when are youing back? York ising for a meeting this afternoon." "Mr. Windsor?" Eleanor asked, surprised.


    "Yes, he decided to drop by unexpectedly. It''s a good chance for us to discuss our proposal with him."


    Eleanor nced at her watch. "Alright, I''ll try to be back at theb in twenty minutes."


    "Sounds good."


    Mansfield saw it was nearly two o''clock. "I''ll drive you back to theb," he told Eleanor.


    "Okay. I have a meeting with a senior colleague," Eleanor said with a nod.


    They left the restaurant, and Mansfield had her back at theb in ten minutes. Since Eleanor had a meeting, Ke told her he had errands to run and that she should head on up.  s?novels


    As Eleanor walked into the lobby, she instinctively nced back outside. Mansfield was still standing there waving at her with a smile that seemed brighter than the sun

 Chapter 1074

    As Eleanor passed the front desk, a cheerful receptionist quickly asked, "Dr. Sutton, is that your boyfriend? He''s so handsome!"


    "Yeah, Dr. Sutton, is your boyfriend in the military?" another one chimed in.


    Eleanor just smiled at them, not offering an answer.


    But in the receptionists'' minds, her silence was as good as a confirmation.


    Mansfield got into his car, his sharp gaze sweeping over to a ck SUV. The same vehicle had followed him to the restaurant, and now it had followed them back to theb. Something felt off.


    Had Eleanor gotten into some kind of trouble? Mansfield frowned, a sense of rm rising within him.


    Eleanor hurried back to her office, put on herb coat, and pressed the inte. "Which conference room is Dr. Windsor in?"


    "Conference Room Three."


    When Eleanor arrived, she found York Windsor, whom she hadn''t seen in a while, deep in conversation with Smith. "Mr. Windsor, wee," she said with a warm greeting.


    "I heard about your breakthrough with the blood disorder and thought I''d stop by to chat and catch up," York said.


    Smith added with augh, "Ellie, you might not know this, but York and I go back more than a decade. Before I joined theb, York even served as a consultant here!"


    Eleanor looked at York in surprise. "Mr. Windsor, you used to work at the doctor''sb?"


    York chuckled. "That was a long time ago. Back then, my main role was to provide guidance on gene sequencing." It was clear he didn''t want to dwell on the past.


    Smith sighed with nostalgia. "Speaking of which, you even helped us with our global search for donors back in the day. We were practically old colleagues."


    York just smiled again. "Let''s talk about your current breakthrough. No need to bring up the past."


    Eleanor keenly sensed there was more to the story. Had thisb been established even before Smith arrived? And Mr. Windsor had been a consultant? Who, then, was theb''s original founder?


    Her thoughts drifted back to the locked filen had, the one that seemed to hide some great, unknown secret.


    Half an hourter, Smith had to leave, leaving Eleanor to discuss brainputer interface technology with York His achievements at St?rnova Group were considerable, and his coboration with Goodwin & Co. was going smoothly.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Windsor, can you tell me about your time as a consultant at theb? Who did you work with back then?"


    York paused, and before he could answer, Eleanor asked another question. "Was it my father?"


    She remembered that in the six months beforen''sa, her father had been in Drexford. She had never asked what he was doing that year, but now she wondered if it was rted to the founding of the blood researchb.


    Aftern fell into thea, her father had traveled back and forth to Drexford many times, always looking exhausted. Thinking back, was it possible he was working at theb then?


    Hadn asked her father to research blood disorders? She recalled her father''s notebook, filled with notes on rare blood diseases, which proved he had been involved in this research.


    She also remembered Smith saying he had worked with her father for a year.


    York nodded, not denying it. "Yes, your father and I worked together at the bloodb for a year."


    "What was my father''s research project back then? Can you tell me?" Eleanor asked, her gaze sincere.


    York looked at Eleanor and sighed softly. "It was also rted to blood disorders. Initially, your father was focused on leukemia research."


    Eleanor was stunned. She remembered the contents of her father''s notebook-the pages filled with dense data and forms definitely pointed toward leukemia research Was he conducting routine


    medical research, or was Ibere


    another reason?


    But she was convincedn must have gone to her father, hoping he could find a cure for Gina''s blood disorder.


    So, what wasn hiding in that locked file? Was it a video of her father''s research? Why wouldn''t he let her see it?


    "Ellie, that''s all in the past. There''s no point in asking about it now. What''s important is that you take good care of child. If you ever yourself and your need anything, you can alwayse to me for help," York said,<pforting her.

 Chapter 1075

    York''s gaze was full of meaning as he looked at Eleanor. "When your father was alive, the two people he worried about most were you and his granddaughter."


    Eleanor pressed her lips together and nodded. "Thank you for telling me all this, Mr. Windsor."


    "You''ve now conquered the research your father left unfinished, fulfilling a dream he never got to realize. He would be so proud if he knew."


    After York left, Eleanor walked down the hallway in a daze. She saw Smith talking to the head nurse and approached them. "Doctor, may I ask you a few questions?"


    "Oh, of course. Go ahead," Smith said, turning to her.


    "Who founded the Drexford bloodb?"


    "Well... did Mr. Goodwin not tell you?" Smith replied, looking at her.


    "It was my father, wasn''t it?" Eleanor asked directly.


    Smith nodded. "Yes. Your father was not only theb''s chief researcher but also its founder. Mr. Goodwin, however, provided all the funding."


    Eleanor''s heart sank. Her father had never told her this, and neither hadn.


    "Doctor, I heard from Mr. Windsor that theb''s initial project was leukemia research. Is that connected to the Goodwin family''s gic disorder?"


    Smith''s expression grew grave. "That... is something you should probably ask Mr. Goodwin himself."


    His words gave Eleanor a familiar feeling-once again,n was hiding something. Was it rted to what was in that locked file?


    Eleanor gritted her teeth, but one thing was certain:n''s ultimate goal in funding her father''sb was undoubtedly to find a cure for Gina''s disease.


    So, perhaps there was no need to dig any deeper.


    Eleanor worked until four-thirty, when a message from Mansfield came in. "What time do you think you''ll be off this afternoon?"


    Eleanor replied, "I''ll probably be working until around five-thirty."


    "Alright. Don''t forget to rest between work."


    "Okay, I have to get back to it now."


    At five-thirty, Eleanor finished up her work for the day. Lately, she hadn''t been responsible for Gina''s case and was instead focused on developing the new treatment, so she hadn''t seen much of the Goodwin family.


    Eleanor grabbed her bag and walked out. In the light of the setting sun, her figure looked somewhat weary. She got in her car and started driving home.


    The ck SUV immediately followed, but right behind it, a discreet sedan also pulled out and followed them.


    As Eleanor approached an intersection under an overpass, a police officer up ahead waved at her, signaling for her to pull over.


    Eleanor wondered if it was a sobriety checkpoint.


    She dutifully pulled over to the side of the road. The officer approached her window. "Please step out of the vehicle."


    Eleanor opened her door and got out. At that moment, the officer said her name. "Eleanor, is that right? We suspect you''re involved in an international criminal case. You''ll have toe with us."


    Eleanor''s heart clenched. She immediately knew something was wrong. If she had actuallymitted a crime, it wouldn''t be a traffic cop pulling her over.


    Besides, she had never done anything illegal in her life. She calmly demanded, "Please show me your identification."


    "Please cooperate with our


    investigation, the officer barked. He


    then opened the door of the


    adjacent police car and forcefully. shoved Eleanor inside. As she struggled, a man inside mped a cloth over her mouth, and her consciousness began to fade.


    The police car sped away. The entire incident took less than two minutes. By the time. Lanny got out of his car to see what was happening, he saw Eleanor being forced into the police vehicle Follow them, now! Something''s wrong! he yelled to his men.


    But as Lanny and his team scrambled back to their car, a ck sedan shot past


    them like a bullet, in hot pursuit of the fake police car.


    After taking several winding detours, the man driving the police car finally breathed


    a sigh of relief. "Finally shook those bodyguards."


    "Tsk, tsk, what a gorgeous doctor. We''re in for a treat, boys."


    "I''ve never had a doctor before, especially not one this pretty."


    The fake police car then sped through the city''s narrow alleyways, disappearing in


    the direction of the suburbs.

 Chapter 1076

    As evening fell, a police car disappeared down a side road, heading toward a reservoir.


    It finally stopped at an abandoned reservoir management facility, surrounded by a fence and shrouded in dark, menacing tree shadows. The whole ce gave off a sinister, terrifying vibe.


    Eleanor''s consciousness returned as she was thrown hard onto the ground. Before she could even take in her surroundings, a heavy p struck her across the face.


    "You bitch! You''re the one who got Drew''s chemical nt shut down, aren''t you!" a beefy man growled, grabbing Eleanor''s hair and forcing her to look at him. "If you hadn''t stuck your nose where it didn''t belong, my brothers and I wouldn''t have been jobless all this time."


    Eleanor gritted her teeth against the searing pain. She knew instantly these were Drew''s men. "Your nt''s emissions were dangerously high, and you know how many vigers you harmed," she shot back.


    "Oh, listen to her, still got some fight left. Boss, why are we wasting time talking to her?" one of the kidnappers sneered. "Let''s just have the good doctor entertain us brothers for a bit, aspensation."


    "Damn right. Too bad we couldn''t get thatn Goodwin to suffer with her. His men beat us so bad back then we couldn''t even return to the country. Today, we''ll settle the score with her. Messing withn''s wife is revenge enough."


    Another man spat. "If it weren''t for that bastardn, Drew wouldn''t have had to do two years in jail. We were lucky to get away, or he would''ve never let us go."


    Eleanor closed her eyes, a silent tear slipping down her cheek. She clenched her jaw, knowing there was no escape.


    She looked up at the wall opposite her. Her daughter''s face shed through her mind, followed by the memory ofn''s gentle gaze as he looked at Evelyn. Even though the medicine she was working on wasn''t finished, at least Smith would take over. The research n was on herputer-


    In this moment, Eleanor''s mind was like a flurry ofst words, putting her affairs in order.


    She only has you now-


    Her surroundings told her escape was impossible, but she would never let these men defile her.


    Eleanor opened her tear-filled eyes and stared at the dark gray wall. While the four kidnappers were still sneering, she gathered her strength, scrambled to her feet and lunged toward it.


    But the kidnapper closest to her saw her move. He lunged forward, grabbing her by her long hair and yanking her back.


    The excruciating pain made Eleanor''s vision go ck, and despair washed over her like a tidal wave.


    "Trying to die? Not that easily," the leader of the kidnappers sneered, crouching down to grip her chin. "My brothers haven''t had their fun yet."


    A rough hand began to tear at the cor of her dress. Eleanor struggled with all her might. "Let go of me! Let me go, you bastards!"


    "Save your breath. There''s no one for miles around. No one''sing to save you."


    "Better save that energy for servicing us. Maybe we''ll make yourst moments a little more pleasurable."


    Eleanor''s nails raked across one kidnapper''s arm, drawing blood. He cursed and grabbed her clothes, about to rip them open with brute force.


    Just then, a deafening crash echoed


    from outside the warehouse. The


    locked iron gate buckled and


    copsed inward, and a pair of


    blinding headlights pierced the


    darkness, like two beams from hell.


    With a tremendous roar, the gate fell to the ground. Silhouetted against the light, a


    tall figure stepped out of the car and strode forward with urgent steps.


    The four kidnappers had been expecting a whole team, but after a few seconds, they realized only one person had gotten out. They pulled out their weapons, grinning menacingly at the fool who hade to die.

 Chapter 1077

    Eleanor shielded her eyes from the blinding light. As the figure walked toward her, she couldn''t see his face clearly, but she recognized him in an instant.


    Mansfield.


    Then, she saw the cold glint of knives in the kidnappers'' hands. "Mansfield, don''te any closer!" she screamed in panic.


    Mansfield reached the entrance, and the headlights behind him illuminated the scene inside, revealing Eleanor on the floor. Her cor was torn, a handprint was visible on her cheek, and her disheveled hair told the story of what she had just endured.


    In an instant, a raging fire ignited in Mansfield''s eyes. His fists clenched so tightly they audibly cracked, and a murderous aura emanated from him.


    The four kidnappers had thought they were dealing with just one man, but now they sensed he was no easy opponent. They exchanged a look and tightened their grips on their knives.


    "All of you, take him down," the leader ordered his men.


    The first kidnapper lunged, knife raised, aiming for Mansfield. Mansfield sidestepped, grabbed the man''s wrist, and twisted. The sharp crack of breaking bone echoed in the quiet of the reservoir.


    "Argh!" The kidnapper''s scream put the other three on high alert. They were up against a formidable foe.


    Eleanor''s heart was in her throat. Watching Mansfield face four armed men alone, she feared for his safety, even knowing his military background.


    The remaining three quickly surrounded him. The second man thrust his knife forward while the third attacked from behind, and the fourth wrapped his arms around Mansfield''s waist, trying to restrain him.


    They swarmed him like a pack of wolves. Mansfield first kicked a dagger out of one man''s hand with pinpoint uracy, then twisted to deliver a sharp elbow to the forehead of the man holding him. The one attacking from behind saw his chance, aiming to stab Mansfield through the heart, but Mansfield dodged just in time. The de only sliced his arm, and blood immediately stained his sleeve. He didn''t even flinch. Instead, he spun around and executed a perfect shoulder throw, mming the man hard onto the ground.


    The kidnapper with the broken wrist scrambled to pick up a knife and started moving toward Eleanor. Her attention was fixed on Mansfield, and by the time she realized what was happening, the man was already raising the de. "You bitch, I''ll deal with you first!"


    "Eleanor!" A desperate shout.


    Mansfield broke free from the man clinging to him and lunged forward like a panther. In the split second before the knife could strike Eleanor he threw himself in front of her, taking the blow. The de sank into his shoulder with a sickening thud.


    Eleanor''s eyes widened in horror. She wanted to scream but no sound came out, only a flood of tears.


    Mansfield, however, seemed to feel no pain. He simply threw a punch, sending the kidnapper staggering back.


    The four men were all injured, but when they saw the blood pouring from Mansfield''s shoulder, they knew they still had a chance to win.


    "Don''t be afraid. I''ll take care of them and get you out of here," Mansfield said, his voice raspy.


    But just then, three more sets of headlights pierced the darkness at the entrance. A convoy of cars streamed into the yard of the abandoned facility, flooding the warehouse with light as bright as day.  s?novel


    The moment he stepped into the warehouse, the scene that met his eyes unleashed


    a terrifying, murderous rage from deep within him.


    Eleanor was slumped on the ground, her clothes in disarray, while a blood-soaked Mansfield stood protectively in front of her.


    Lanny''s men rushed in, and the kidnappers'' faces turned to masks of pure terror as they tried to flee.


    "Don''t let a single one get away,"n''s voice was ice-cold.


    His bodyguards moved swiftly,


    subduing the four men in se ne


    off his suit jacket and draping it over her trembling shoulders.


    "I''m sorry." He reached out, as if to touch the bruise on her face. "I''mte."

 Chapter 1078

    Eleanor suddenly grabbed the front of his shirt, her voice urgent and pleading. "Ian, save him! Please, save him! I''m begging you, take him to the hospital."


    "Eleanor, I''m fine," Mansfield said, trying to reassure her. He could see how terrified


    she was.


    A bodyguard was at his side in an instant with a medical kit, starting emergency treatment. Mansfield remainedpliant during the bandaging. All focus was on stopping the blood flow.


    Eleanor shook her head, her eyes fixed on Mansfield, her expression a clear reflection of her worry and heartache.


    Mansfield''s gaze was also on Eleanor. Their eyes met and held.


    "Your wound-" Eleanor began softly, her voice trembling.


    "It''s just a flesh wound," Mansfield said with a slight smile, his eyes meetingn''s in the air above her.


    In that moment, an unspoken understanding seemed to pass between the two men. Some battles, once lost, are lost for good.


    "Lanny, take Major General Ellington and Miss Sutton to the nearest hospital,"n ordered as soon as Mansfield was bandaged.


    Eleanor tried to stand, but she wobbled. Ian immediately reached out to steady her. He noticed she had twisted her leg. "I''ll get you to the car," he said in a low voice.


    The next second, he swept her up into his arms. Mansfield turned to look, and their eyes met again. It was as if, on the matter of protecting Eleanor, they had reached a silent agreement.


    Eleanor was ced in Lanny''s car, and Mansfield got in from the other side.


    The moment the door shut,n felt as if a piece of his heart had been brutally torn out. He stood frozen, watching the car carrying Eleanor and Mansfield drive away until its taillightspletely vanished into the night.


    He slowly turned around, the night wind messing up his hair. Thest trace of warmth in his eyes had faded, leaving only a terrifying crimson hue, with the glint of what might have been a tear.


    "Bring him here," he said, his voice as cold as ice.


    The kidnapper leader was dragged roughly before him. Before the man could even beg for mercy,n''s foot mmed into his chest. The crisp sound of breaking ribs was unnervingly clear in the silent night.


    "Who sent you?"n knelt, yanking the man''s hair to force his head up.


    "Mercy¡ªwe were fools, we were wrong, Mr. Goodwin, please let us go¡ª" the leader begged, spitting up blood.


    A fierce glint shed inn''s eyes, and his fist crashed into the man''s face again and again. He didn''t stop until the kidnapper was unconscious at his feet. Only then did he


    she


    straighten up, panting heavilyas h?


    leaned on his knees.


    Under the moonlight, this man, usually soposed and refined, appeared


    disheveled and lost for the first time.


    No one knew what he had lost tonight.


    A bodyguard silently offered him a handkerchief.n took it, wiped his hands clean, and walked toward his c?p Have the police handle this. want these men to rot in prison."


    As he settled into the car, his bodyguards quickly followed. He


    rubbed his brow, his ming


    efr


    the look in Eleanor''s eyes as she gazed at Mansfield-it was something he once had but had personally thrown away.


    It was love.


    On the way to the hospital,n received a text from Eleanor.


    "I''m staying at the hospital to look after him tonight. Could you please watch Evelyn for me? I''m sorry to ask."


    Eleanor was pleading with him for another man.


    He knew that if Mansfield hadn''t arrived first, Eleanor would have suffered a horrific fate. Mansfield deserved her care.


    The streetlights whizzed past, casting flickering shadows across his face.


    At Eleanor''s home, Evelyn was eagerly awaiting her mother''s return, but it was her father who arrived. "Daddy, where''s Mommy?" she asked curiously.


    "Mommy has something very important to do tonight, so Daddy will stay with you,"n said, ruffling his daughter''s hair and giving her a kiss.


    Evelyn nodded. Joslyn came out and said, "Mr. Goodwin, I''ve made dinner. Why don''t you eat with Evelyn?"

 Chapter 1079

    "Okay."n took his daughter''s hand and led her to the dining table.


    Just then, his phone buzzed with a message. "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Sutton has some superficial injuries and a sprained ankle. Major General Ellington has a prating wound to the shoulder and will need to be hospitalized for observation."


    In the hospital room, Eleanor sat by the bedside, looking at the thick bandages on Mansfield''s shoulder. Tears welled up in her eyes again. "This is all my fault. If it weren''t for saving me, you wouldn''t be so badly hurt."


    Mansfield raised his uninjured hand to wipe away her tears, his smile meant to beforting. "This is nothing. I''ve had much worse injuries in the military."


    Mansfield tried to lighten the mood. "Besides, getting to y the hero for a beautiful woman was worth the price."


    His joke worked. Eleanor shot him a re. "How can you be making jokes at a time like this "


    Seeing her smile, Mansfield''s expression turned serious. "Eleanor, protecting you is something I do willingly. Seeing you safe is more important than anything else."


    "But¡ª" Eleanor was still terrified by what had happened.


    "No buts." Mansfield took her hand. "You have no idea how d I am that I made it in time."


    Otherwise, he would never have forgiven himself.


    Eleanor sighed and looked at his wound. "Does it hurt? Do you want some painkillers so you can sleep better tonight?"


    "It really doesn''t hurt, don''t worry." After he spoke, Mansfield gently touched her cheek. "Does your face still hurt?"


    Eleanor had put ice on it earlier, and the pain had subsided. She shook her head. "Not anymore."


    "You should get some rest on the other bed," Mansfield told her. Eleanor shook her head again. "I''ll stay with you."


    He tried to persuade her a few more times, but when he saw she wouldn''t budge, he let her be. He had lost a lot of blood, and soon, he drifted off to sleep.


    In that moment, the hospital room was quiet and serene.


    The next morning, Evelyn opened her eyes in her father''srge bed. She didn''t see


    him and let out an indignant huff. Daddy didn''t even stay with her.


    Evelyn got out of bed and went to the living room, where she saw her father sleeping on the sofa with his eyes closed.


    "Daddy, your hair-" Evelyn gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief.


    "Daddy, are you sick?" Evelyn''s voice trembled as she threw her arms around him, her tone on the verge of tears.


    When he stood in front of the bathroom mirror,n himself froze for a few seconds. His hair, which had only been streaked with gray, had turnedpletely silver white overnight content


    He forced a smile for his daughter. "It''s nothing, Daddy''s just... very tired."


    Evelyn''s lower lip quivered, and then she burst into tears. Ian held her tight, knowing he had scared her.


    "Shh, don''t cry, Evelyn. Didn''t you say Daddy is handsome no matter what?"


    Evelyn nodded in his embrace. After crying for a moment, she looked up at her father, and then, surprisingly, giggled. "My daddy is handsome no matter what."


    Asn took his daughter upstairs to get ready, Joslyn saw him and gasped, pointing at his hair. "Mr. Goodwin, your hair¡ª"


    "It''s fine. Please help her get dressed and pack her school bag. I''ll take her to school,"n said calmly.


    Joslyn took Evelyn''s hand, her heart aching for him. What could have happened to Mr. Goodwin to make his hair turn white overnight?


    Downstairs, Lanny was waiting forn and his daughter. The moment he saw his boss, he was visibly stunned, but he quickly regained his professionalposure. "Mr. Goodwin all the kidnappers have been taken into custody and are awaiting interrogation."


    "Because my daddy works too hard. He got tired and his hair turned white," Evelyn exined, not seeming to mind it at all.

 Chapter 1080

    Sitting in the hospital room, Eleanor was getting some fruit ready for Mansfield when she heard a knock.


    Assuming it was a nurseing to change his dressing, she turned toward the door, and the fruit knife nearly slipped from her hand.


    She stared at the man who walked in. In just one night, his hair had turnedpletely silver-white.


    She just looked at him, speechless. Her heart clenched, and for a moment, she didn''t know what to say.


    Mansfield''s gaze also lingered onn''s hair for a moment, a look of understanding in


    his eyes.


    "Much better. Thank you for your concern, Mr. Goodwin," Mansfield replied with a nod.


    Eleanor pulled her gaze away and collected herself. She stood up and asked, "Did something happen? Or is it "


    "Everything is fine,"n answered in a low voice, his eyes on her face. The handprint had faded, but her cheek was still slightly swollen. "I''m just d you''re okay," he said gently.


    Eleanor looked up at his hair. Ian subtly turned away, avoiding her probing gaze, a rare hint of unease on his handsome face.


    "I have things to attend to at thepany, so I''ll be going now."n turned and left. The moment the door closed, Eleanor lowered her eyes and let out a soft sigh.


    In the hallway,n stopped. He ran a hand through his hair, a profound pain surfacing in his eyes. On the way here, he hadn''t cared about the stares of others, but when Eleanor looked at him, all he felt was inadequacy and a desire to flee.


    After a brief moment, he left with his bodyguards.


    Inside the room, Mansfield said softly to Eleanor, "Eleanor, you don''t need to feel any pressure about what happenedst night, and you certainly don''t need to make any decisions because of it."


    Eleanor looked up at him, meeting his gentle gaze. Mansfield


    continued, "A rtionship can''t bee on


    bilder of gratitude twant


    you to follow your heart and choose the person who can truly make you happy. That''s all that matters. C¨®ntent


    Whether that person was him or not didn''t matter.


    She could only stare, the words caught in her throat as her vision blurred.


    Mansfield had saved her life, and she was moved beyond words. She


    had thought about a lot of thet


    The life-and-death ordeal of the


    previous night had made her realize she needed to bravely step into a new life and stop running away. Whatever the future held, she would let ite.


    Eleanor''s gaze became steady and gentle. She didn''t answer Mansfield''s words directly. Instead, she reached out and took his uninjured hand, looking at him.


    Surprise and disbelief shed in Mansfield''s eyes. He squeezed her hand back, his voice a little hoarse. "Are you sure?"


    Eleanor nodded softly. "Yes."


    Mansfield gazed at her with deep affection. Finally, his actions had won her heart. His voice broke with emotion. "Eleanor, I will spend the rest of my life proving that you didn''t make the wrong choice."


    Eleanor nodded. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating their joined hands. From this moment on, Eleanor was willing to be with the man who had risked his life for her.


    Last night, he had thrown himself in front of the knife that was meant for her. If the de had been just a little lower, she couldn''t bear to imagine what would have happened.


    The sense of Security Mansfield


    gave her wasn''t just fromst night. She admired everything about him? While it wasn''t the same dizzying infatuation she''d felt when she first metm as a teenager, she knew this was a different kind of love¡ªnot a rash, impulsive decision, but a


    natural, steady affection.


    "Let''s take it slow," Eleanor said, her gaze clear and earnest. "Starting today, let''s


    get to know each other, just like any other couple."


    A smile filled with anticipation spread across Mansfield''s face. "Okay, whatever you


    say. Then as of today, Dr. Sutton, consider yourself officially pursued."

 Chapter 1081

    Eleanor smiled. In that moment, the atmosphere in the hospital room felt light and sweet, and outside the window, the sun was shining brightly.


    A few minutester, Mayor Gat Ellington pushed the door open. Mansfield asked Eleanor to wait outside for a moment. After a twenty-minute conversation, Gat emerged, a look of anger on his face, but it softened into a gentle expression when he saw Eleanor.


    "Eleanor, Mansfield told me everything that happenedst night. I''m taking this very seriously. I''m sorry you had to go through that. You''re a vital talent in our scientificmunity, and I promise nothing like this will ever happen again."


    Eleanor was grateful. "Thank you for your concern, Mayor Ellington."


    "I''ll leave my nephew in your care, then," Gat said gently, a knowing smile in his eyes.


    Eleanor''s face grew slightly warm as she watched him leave.


    When she re-entered the room, Mansfield told her, "Don''t worry. My uncle will handle this. None of them will escape justice."


    Eleanor nodded. With the Ellington family involved, she was confident that the culprits would be held ountable.


    At theb, Serena was watching the news in themon room when she heard footsteps. She turned and shot to her feet in shock. n!" The next second, she rushed over. "What happened to your hair?"


    How hadn''s hair turnedpletely white overnight?


    As his sister reached out to touch his hair,n caught her hand. "I don''t like people touching my hair."


    "What''s wrong with me touching it?" Serena grumbled, but her eyes were filled with deep concern. n, what happened? Why did your hair suddenly go all white?"


    "There''s nothing wrong with white hair. It makes me look mature andposed,"n replied faintly.


    Serena followed behind him, stomping her foot in frustration. "This isn''t about looking mature! Your hair turned white overnight!n, tell me, did Ellie leave you, and you just-"


    Before Serena could finish, she bumped inton''s back. He had stopped, a sh of intense pain crossing his features before he quickly regained hisposure. "It has nothing to do with her. It''s my own issue."


    With that,n walked toward his office. Staring at his tall yet lonely figure, Serena suddenly understood something. She ran after him and hugged him from behind. n no matter what you look like, you''ll always be the best brother to me."


    "I will," Serena promised from behind him. She then immediately ran back to the sofa, picked up her phone, and started searching for ways to reverse white hair.


    met


    This couldn''t be happening. Ian was only twenty-nine! There had to be a way to fix it: While the white hair didn''t detract from his good looks what he didn''t like it. She had to find a way to get his hair back to normal.


    Later, when Smith and the otherb members sawn''s hair, they were all stunned.


    Smith even suggested he get a physical check-up, butn refused.


    This was a heartache that no medicine in the world could cure. Unless-


    But the only cure was already spoken for.


    When Gina saw her son''s hair, she broke down in tears, her guilt and pain intensifying. She was convinced it was her fault.


    It took a great deal offorting fromn to calm her down. Gina hoped she could get better soon, to finally resolve her own health issues and ease her son''s burden. He had carried the responsibility for her illness for ten years; she truly felt she didn''t deserve to be his mother.

 Chapter 1082

    Five in the afternoon.


    Eleanor went home to take a shower. Mansfield, worried that being away from her daughter for two days would make the child anxious, had urged her to go home, saying Mrs. Ellington was there to look after him.


    Just as Eleanor finished drying her hair and came out, she heard her daughter''s cheerful, lively voice from downstairs. "Daddy, look at Mommy''s shoes! Mommy''s home!"


    Joslyn came over with a smile. "That''s right, your mommy''s back. She''s upstairs taking a shower!"


    "Okay! You have to be on time to take me to school tomorrow!"


    "Daddy promises to be on time," Ian assured her, stroking her little head. As he was about to turn and leave, he heard footsteps on the stairs. He instinctively looked up and saw Eleanor, her hair still half-damp, walking down.


    Fresh from her shower, she was dressed infortable, elegant loungewear. With her long hair down, she looked as fresh and lovely as a lotus emerging from water.


    As Eleanor reached the bottom of the stairs, her eyes fell on his graying hair. She seemed to want to say something but held back, finally just murmuring, "Thank you for looking after Evelyn."


    "It''s my duty,"n said, his gaze lowered. "I''ll be going."


    Suddenly, Evelyn got emotional and hugged his leg. "Daddy, don''t go! Please stay and have dinner with us."


    Eleanor nodded and spoke up. "Stay for dinner."


    If her kindness stemmed from that,n would rather she remained cold to him.


    "No, thank you. I have a meeting,"n


    said, gently taking his daughter''s hand. His voice was soft but firm. "Daddy wille pick you up


    tomorrow morning, okay?"


    Evelyn pouted. "Alright."


    Eleanor keenly sensed his shift in mood. She said to her daughter, "Go y with Princess. I''ll see your dad out."


    Evelyn nodded and ran off to the balcony to y with Princess.


    Eleanor walkedn to the entryway. She wanted to talk to him, so she slipped on her outdoor slippers and followed him out the door.


    Just as she turned to close the door, an intense presence overwhelmed her. She was trapped between his strong arms, her back against the door.


    Eleanor looked up;n looked down.


    Even without makeup, her face was fair and her lips red, and she carried a light, pleasant fragrance from her shower.


    Eleanor took a shallow breath and pushed against him. "Let''s just talk."


    "Did you say yes to him?"n''s body didn''t move, but his eyes were locked on hers, demanding an answer.


    Eleanor looked up and red at him in frustration. She had thought they could have a civilized conversation, but clearly, the man''s domineering nature hadn''t changed.


    n, we''re divorced. Who I''m with is none of your business."


    His arms remained firm, his gaze burning. "So you''re dating him?"


    Eleanor turned her face away. "It has nothing to do with you."


    "True. You''ve always been the one with more courage, the one to take the first step,"n''s voice was low and pained.


    "We ended a long time ago. Let''s just let each other go," Eleanor said, looking up to meet his bloodshot eyes.


    The words were like a bucket of cold water, snapping him back to reality. He let out a ragged breath, his gaze fixed on the woman in his arms, as if desperately suppressing some wild impulse But the more he suppressed it, the more painful became, his eyes revealing a storm of untamable passion.

 Chapter 1083

    "I''m sorry," he said hoarsely, taking a step back before turning and walking quickly to the elevator.


    Eleanor''s lips parted. She had wanted to genuinely thank him for showing upst night, for saving both Mansfield and her.


    That evening, Eleanor messaged Mansfield to ask how he was doing after the dressing change. He told her not to worry, that everything was fine.


    Later that night, as Eleanor stroked her daughter''s head and gave her a kiss, she tentatively asked, "Evelyn, do you like Mr. Ellington?"


    Evelyn, nestled in her arms, looked up and answered naturally, "Yes, I do!"


    After her daughter fell asleep, Eleanor''s mind raced with thoughts until she finally drifted into a deep slumber.


    The next morning, Eleanor sawn at the door, his eyes still bloodshot. He looked like he hadn''t slept at all. "I''ll take Evelyn," she said. "You should go home and get some sleep."


    "It''s fine, Lanny''s driving,"n said, taking their daughter''s hand. "Say goodbye to Mommy."


    "Bye, Mommy."


    "Gavin Young is downstairs. He''ll take you wherever you need to go,"n told her.


    Mansfield had been transferred to the nearest hospital to the Ellington family estate, and he had insisted she rest at home. But Eleanor still had work to finish, and she needed to go to theb.


    "I''m going to theb," Eleanor said.


    "No, it can''t," Eleanor said firmly.


    "I''ll be at thebter. There''s something I need to talk to you about ten said, his expression an


    suddenly serious. It was clear that whatever he had to say was important.


    Eleanor paused, then nodded. "Okay, I''ll see you at theb."


    Gavin drove Eleanor to theb. After the kidnapping, she didn''t feel like driving for the time being.


    As soon as Eleanor reached her office, Serena came in. "Ellie, have you seen my brother''s hair? Do you know what happened to him?"


    Eleanor had her own theories about whyn''s hair had turned white overnight, but she wasn''t certain. She told Serena, "You could ask him."


    "I did, but he won''t say," Serena said, annoyed. "He just insists on carrying everything himself. Does he think he''s some kind of hero? Should we give him an award?"


    "Serena, I need to get some work done. Can we talkter?" Eleanor asked.


    Serena realized she was taking up


    her time. Right. You go ahead, Ellie. I''ll catch you when you''re free. researching ways to get my


    brother''s hair color back, and I''d love your opinion."


    Eleanor was taken aback but agreed. "Okay."


    Serena smiled and left. Eleanor then had a meeting with Dr. Smith thatsted until eleven.


    Just past eleven,n appeared near theb''s elevators. Though his hair was gray- white, it did nothing to diminish his powerful aura.


    With his wless bone structure and distinguished looks, he still exuded an air of elegantposure in every move.


    Even though everyone''s eyes were naturally drawn to his hair, he showed not a hint of awkwardness or unease.


    The nurses had been gossiping about it all day yesterday, and the final consensus was that he somehow looked even more handsome.

 Chapter 1084

    Smith nodded and dismissed his assistant.


    Eleanor rememberedn saying he had something important to discuss with her that morning, and she had been waiting to hear what it was.


    "You said you had something to talk to me about. What is it?" Eleanor asked first.


    Eleanor was stunned. "Why?"


    "Just listen to me. Don''t conceive naturally. Always take precautions,"n said, turning his face away, though his voice held an unquestionable authority. "It''s for the good of you and your children."


    Eleanor frowned. "Are you hiding something else from me?"


    If Eleanor weren''t in the medical field, she might not have given it a second thought. But with her background,n''s words made her keenly aware that he was hiding something.


    "What else are you hiding from me? Can you just tell me everything at once?" Eleanor asked, staring at him.


    n looked up, his gaze meeting hers with a flicker of tenderness. "Please, just listen to me this onest time."


    Then he added, "For the sake of your second child, don''t take any risks."


    As Eleanor frowned, still pondering his words, the man opposite her swallowed, his voice growing hoarse. "If, if you and him¡ª"


    He paused, as if the mere thought of it was unbearable. "Remember to take precautions."


    With that,n stood up and left, as if he couldn''t bear to stay another second.


    Eleanor frowned, watching the conference room door swing back from the force of his push. She hadn''t expectedn to bring up such a private topic.


    But her attention was still fixed on his warning. Why would he suddenly bring this up?


    The gic risk Evelyn carried came from the Goodwin family line; it had nothing to do with her family.


    So why was he warning her?


    Eleanor rubbed her brow and returned to her office. She didn''t have much time to dwell on it, however, as a pile of experimental data awaited her analysis.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from Joy Thatcher.


    "Oh my god! Ellie, did you see? The media just reported thatn''s hair has gonepletely white. Is it true?"


    She sent a photo along with the message. It showedn leaving the Goodwin & Co. building, surrounded by several bodyguards. His profile was clearly visible, his gray-white hair strikingly prominent in the sunlight. Thements below the photo had already exploded.


    "What happened to Mr. Goodwin? How did his hair turn white overnight?"


    "I hope he''s not seriously ill!"


    "No! He''s too handsome for that! He''s totally my type."


    "Well, with his looks and physique, he can pull off any hair color."


    "OMG, Daddy!"


    As Eleanor frowned at the screen, another message from Joy came through. "Eleanor, don''t tell me his hair turned white overnight because you left him!"


    Eleanor was taken aback, her feelingsplicated. She wasn''t sure herself ifn''s white hair had anything to do with her.


    The man had always been incredibly resilient. Looking back at his life, he had shouldered immense pressure. It couldn''t be that her leaving was what caused this. "No, it must be from too much stress."


    "Some people are specting he has a serious illness. You don''t think that''s true, do you? I may not like him, but he''s Evelyn''s father. I still hope he stays healthy," Joy continued.


    Eleanor paused for a few seconds. Joy''s words were a stark reminder. He wasn''t just her daughter''s father he was also the key to her future safety. It was necessary to remind him to get a check-up.


    Eleanor picked up her phone, foundn''s number, and dialed.


    "I''m on my way back to the office. What''s up?"n''s voice came through.


    "Could you find a day to get a full physical?" Eleanor suggested seriously.


    There was a few seconds of silence on the other end, followed byn''s slightly annoyed tone. "What? You think there''s something wrong with pe? Then he added, m perfectly fine. I don''t need a check-up."

 Chapter 1085

    "That''s not what I meant¡ª" Eleanor tried to exin.


    "It''s just white hair. It doesn''t mean my body is failing,"n said, his tone clearly offended. "It''s not just soldiers who are in good shape. I''m fine, too."


    Eleanor held the phone, stunned. Wasn''t he overreacting a little?


    "I''m just worried about you. You''re Evelyn''s father, and your health is important for her future."


    "Fine," the man on the other end said, his voice softening slightly. "I''ll schedule a check-up."


    After hanging up, Eleanor furrowed her brow before getting up and heading back to theb.


    At three in the afternoon, Eleanor managed to find time to visit Mansfield. When she arrived, Mrs. Ellington was also there. She smiled at Eleanor. "Eleanor, you''re here. Mansfield mentioned you were very busy with work."


    "Good afternoon, Mrs. Ellington. I just finished up," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    "Please, don''t call me Mrs. Ellington, it''s too formal. You should call me Auntie, just like Mansfield does," Mrs. Ellington said with a meaningful smile.


    Eleanor was taken aback, then her face warmed slightly as she nodded. "Alright, Auntie Ellington."


    Just then, a beautiful young woman walked over quickly. "Mom."


    Eleanor looked up and saw the young woman studying her. "You must be my future cousin-inw. Hi, I''m Lily Ellington."


    Eleanor immediately guessed this was Mayor Ellington''s daughter. She extended a hand. "Hello, I''m Eleanor."


    "I''ve heard all about you, but I didn''t expect you to be so young and beautiful in person," Lily said, her eyes filled with admiration.


    "My daughter just got back from out of town, so you two haven''t met. You can see each other more often in the future," Mrs. Ellington said, looking at her daughter with pride.


    "I''ve been teaching up north recently, so I''m not back very often," Lily exined. "But I''m on break now, so I can stay for a few days."


    "We''re just standing here talking. Go on, let Eleanor see Mansfield," Mrs. Ellington said, taking her daughter''s arm. "You cane home with me for now. Don''t disturb your cousin."


    "Okay," Lily said, waving to Eleanor as she left.


    Eleanor knocked on Mansfield''s door before entering. He had clearly heard her voice and was looking at her with a smile. "What were you all talking about out there?"


    "I met your cousin," Eleanor said with a smile.


    "I rarely see that girl myself,"


    Mansfield said. He was shirtless the nket covering him up to his waist. The evening light fell across his upper body, highlighting his strong, muscr build.


    Eleanor examined the wound where the dressing had been changed. "What did the doctor say? Is it healing well?"


    "It''s healing nicely. I should be able to take you on a date next week," Mansfield joked with a smile.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but smile back. "Maybe you should wait until your wound is fully healed before making jokes."


    Mansfield''s gaze turned more


    serious


    was just thinking about


    what I want to do with you the first


    day I''m out of the hospital. What do


    normal couples do on dates?"


    Eleanor watched him seriously contemting the question, looking as earnest as a young boy.


    "They go to the movies, have dinner, go shopping, drink coffee... all sorts of things," Eleanor said. Then, an old memory surfaced her first date withn.


    He had taken her to the highest restaurant in the city, where they watched the sunset from a private room¡ª


    Eleanor lowered her gaze, trying to shake off the lingering memories. She turned to Mansfield. "Let me get some fruit for you."


    Eleanor picked up an apple and began to peel it.


    Mansfield watched her profile as she looked down, then asked softly, "What are you thinking about?"


    "Nothing," Eleanor said, shaking her head.


    Mansfield''s voice was gentle. "Eleanor, I don''t mind your past. You don''t need to feel burdened by it."


    Eleanor looked up into his sincere eyes, a warmth spreading through her chest. He was right. Everyone brings their past into a new. rtionship; what matters is now you build the present.


    "When you get out of the hospital, you can decide what we do," Eleanor told him.


    "Okay," Mansfield nodded with a smile. "For our first date, I''ll definitely have to n something special."

 Chapter 1086

    Around seven, Eleanor returned home to find a full dinner prepared by Joslyn. She had originally nned to eat with Mansfield at the hospital, but he insisted she go home to be with her daughter, a gesture for which Eleanor was very grateful.


    "Mommy!" Evelyn rushed over to hug her. Eleanor''s gaze fell onn, who was on the sofa with their daughter, and she offered him a thankful nce. Just then, Princess bounded over excitedly, and Eleanor knelt to pet her.


    Eleanor yfully cooed at Princess and gave her a kiss. "Alright, I''m going to wash my hands."


    Joslyn, carrying a dish out from the kitchen, noticed the change in Eleanor as well. She seemed different tonight, more like the Eleanor from four years ago, whose eyes would light up with a love for life.


    Back then, that Eleanor was by Mr. Goodwin''s side. Joslyn sensed that Eleanor must be in a new rtionship.


    But with whom? Mr. Vaughn? Or Mr. Ellington?


    As Eleanor headed to the washroom, Evelyn ran to the sofa and tugged onn''s arm. "Daddy, it''s time for dinner!"


    Soon, Eleanor returned and sat down, happily serving food for her daughter. Her joy was palpable; she looked exactly like someone who had juste back from a date.


    Eleanor felt a pair of eyes on her and looked up at the man across the table, her own expression clear and open. "Let''s eat."


    "I have to go. I have something to do,"n said, putting down his fork. He looked at his daughter. "Daddy wille pick you up tomorrow morning."


    Joslyn looked at him with some regret. "Mr. Goodwin, please have some more." "Stay a little longer," Eleanor added.


    "Daddy, are you full?" Evelyn asked.


    "Yes, I''m full. You need to eat more," Ian managed a smile for his daughter. "Okay!" Evelyn nodded.


    Joslyn went to see him out. At the entryway,n nced back at the warm scene in the dining room. Eleanor was leaning in, listening to her daughter speak, her smile exceptionally gentle-a gentleness so captivating thath found himself an staring


    for a dozen seconds before


    he snapped out of it and left.


    Joslyn turned back to the living room and sighed. It seemed a new man would soon


    be the master of this house.


    Downstairs.


    He tossed his jacket onto the sofa and walked to the liquor cab to pour himself a whiskey. The cold liquid burned its way down his


    throat, but it couldn''t seem to


    extinguish the searing pain ine


    chest.


    With his drink, he moved to the floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, the cityscape shimmered, a gxy artificial stars. But as be looked out,


    artificialstars.


    it was as if all the light had gone out of his world.


    Suddenly, an unforecasted spring rain began to patter against the ss.


    A bolt of lightning tore across the night sky, illuminating his gray-white hair, the sharp


    angles of his brow, and the sharp, hidden pain in his eyes.


    In that instant, the man was like a beast trapped in a cage, in agony but without even the right to roar.

 Chapter 1087

    The next morning, Eleanor awoke refreshed after a good night''s sleep, the scent of spring thick in the air.


    She was dressed in a soft white blouse and a form-fitting skirt, her hair styled in a gentle low bun with a few stray strands framing her delicate features. She looked like a magnolia blossom, exuding a subtle, captivating fragrance.


    Today, Evelyn wanted her mother to take her to school, and Eleanor had agreed. As she led her daughter out the door, she wasn''t surprised to see the man leaning against the wall.


    He wore a simple ck shirt and matching trousers, which made his gray-white hair seem even colder.


    "Morning,"n said, straightening up, his voice a little hoarse.


    Evelyn chirped happily and ran to hug his arm. "Daddy, Mommy''s taking me to school today!"


    Eleanor looked inton''s eyes. He seemed alert, but they were heavily bloodshot, a clear sign of a sleepless night.


    "I''ll take Evelyn to school. You should go home and rest," Eleanor told him.


    "I''lle with you,"n said suddenly.


    Evelyn''s eyes lit up. "Yay! I want Mommy and Daddy to take me together."


    Eleanor was taken aback. Ian looked over at her. "I don''t feel right about you going alone."


    His words were a reminder of the recent kidnapping.


    "Alright," Eleanor nodded, not refusing.


    Downstairs, Lanny drove while Eleanor sat in the back with her daughter andn took the passenger seat. Ten minutester, they arrived at the kindergarten.n turned to Eleanor. "I''ll walk her in."


    Eleanor waved to her daughter. "See you this afternoon."


    "Bye, Mommy," Evelyn said as she got out of the car. Escorted by her father, she reached the kindergarten gate, waved, and went inside.


    After dropping off his daughter,n returned to the car, choosing to sit in the back this time. The car fell silent.


    Lanny, in the driver''s seat, tactfully raised the partition, giving them their privacy. "How is his injury healing?"n asked, his voice calm.


    Eleanor turned from the window. "It''s healing well. He should be out of the hospital next week."


    "That''s good. I owe him for what happened,"n said, his gaze deep as it rested on Eleanor''s face. "I''m very grateful to him."


    Eleanor understood the underlying


    meaning of his words. She was Evelyn''s mother and her primary future donor her life was crucial to their daughter''s.


    "He saved my life," Eleanor said. "Without him, I would have died that night."


    The car fell silent again. After a few seconds,n''s throat moved. "How is he with Evelyn-"


    "He adores Evelyn, and he respects her," Eleanor cut him off. "I know what you''re worried about. I''ll handle it."


    The car stopped next to Eleanor''s parking spot. As she opened the door to get out, she turned to him. "Don''t forget to get a full physical."


    "I know,"n replied.


    Eleanor got into her own car. A momentter, the elegant Bentley drove out of the garage. As soon as her car left, a military green SUV immediately followed.


    Shortly after, Lanny''s phone rang. He answered it. "Hello?"


    "Boss, a military-green SUV is following Miss Sutton''s car. It looks like a military vehicle."


    Lanny reported ton in the back


    seat, "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Sutton''s car is being followed by


    military-green SUV. Should our men still follow?"


    Had Mansfield also assigned people to protect Eleanor?


    "Have them keep their distance, but don''t let her car out of their sight,"n instructed, closing his eyes.

 Chapter 1088

    The terror of that night could never be allowed to happen again.


    On the road, Eleanor noticed the military-green SUV behind her and understood it was Mansfield''s arrangement. He had mentioned itst night. He was always so thoughtful, yet never overbearing.


    When she arrived at theb, she saw the SUV park about thirty feet away. Eleanor sent a message to Mansfield: "I see your men''s car. Isn''t this too much trouble for them?"


    "Protecting a top scientist is part of our duty," Mansfield replied instantly.


    Eleanor read the reply and couldn''t help but smile. It was the perfect reason, one that eased any sense of pressure.


    "Please thank your men for me."


    "You''re worth it."


    Eleanor smiled again. This feeling of being cherished was truly heartwarming.


    Inside theb, Eleanor immersed herself in her work. At noon, Serena walked into her office with a list of medications and treatments she had researched.


    "Ellie, can you spare ten minutes to look at this for me? I''ve picked out some medicine for my brother. Do you think it can bring his hair color back?" Serena asked earnestly.


    Eleanor couldn''t refuse her sincere request. She looked over the ingredients in the medications Serena had found. While they might have some effect, they would certainly have side effects.


    "I''ve already told your brother to get a physical. Once we have the results, you can ask a doctor to prescribe professional medication for him," Eleanor suggested.


    "My brother hates hospitals. Will he actually go for a check-up?" Serena pouted. "He already promised he would," Eleanor said.


    Serena''s eyes lit up, and she leaned in excitedly. "Ellie, my brother listens to you so well now?"


    Eleanor felt a little ufortable under her teasing gaze and looked down at her files. "I just reminded him to take care of his health."


    "See? He only listens to you," Serena said, her voice eager as she bit her lip. "Ellie, have you seen the way he looks at you? He''s totally¡ª"


    "Serena," Eleanor looked up, interrupting her. "Your brother and I have been divorced for two years."


    "Ellie, I can tell he deeply regrets it¡ª" Serena tried to continue.


    Eleanor calmly cut her off again. "Serena, please don''t. I''ve already started a new life."


    Serena''s mouth fell open in shock. "Ellie, what do you mean by a new life? Are you are you dating someone?"


    Eleanor nodded gently. "Yes, I''m in love with someone."


    Serena''s eyes widened, and she leaned in closer. "When did this happen? Is it Xavier, or that soldier?"


    "His name is Mansfield," Eleanor said, her voice soft and tender.


    Serena looked at the gentleness in Eleanor''s eyes in disbelief, her mind going nk for a few seconds. She asked urgently, "Does my brother know you''re dating?"


    Eleanor nodded lightly again. "He knows."


    Serena''s jaw dropped. The pieces of the puzzle she couldn''t solve suddenly clicked into ce.


    So, the story behindn''s hair turning white overnight was that Eleanor had moved on to a new rtionship.


    "Ellie, is there really no chance for


    you and my brother anymore?" Serena asked, a sudden sadness in her voice. Deep down, she had always hoped Eleanor would be her sister-inw again


    "Serena, you can''t force feelings," Eleanor said, rising to pat her on the shoulder before heading out of the office.


    Serena felt a heavy weight in her heart. She ached forn and deeply regretted that he had lost his chance with Eleanor.


    Serena clenched her fists. All of this


    was vanessa''s fault if she had just takenn''s money and stayed


    away,


    none of this would have happened.

 Chapter 1089

    But no, she had to take the money and destroyn''s marriage. She was despicable and shameless.


    So, even though Eleanor knewn hadn''t physically cheated, her love for him had withered away. Yet, the memory of the Eleanor who had been so deeply in love withn was still vivid in Serena''s mind.


    An image from six years ago shed before Serena''s eyes¡ª


    It was a sunny afternoon. She hade back to the country to see friends, andn had asked her to his house for dinner. Back then, she was full of prejudice against Eleanor, feeling no affection for this sister-inw who had forced her way into the family through a debt of gratitude.


    That evening, she had sat in the back ofn''s car, not even wanting to get out. But through the window, she saw Eleanoring from the vi''s main gate, her face beaming. Whenn was just a few steps away, Eleanor threw her arms around his shoulders, tilted her head up, and gave him a sweet kiss. "You''re back!"


    At the time, she couldn''t seen''s expression, but she saw the undisguised love in Eleanor''s eyes and her shy blush.


    Serena had felt only scorn, thinkingn didn''t love her, so why was she putting on such a show? She was just after his good looks, a lovestruck fool going to any length to please him.


    But looking back now, Serena dimly understood that Eleanor''s feelings forn back then were truly and utterly real.


    It was just like when she had been madly in love with Xavier, that feeling of missing him desperately even after a day apart. Eleanor''s reaction to seeingne home from work was the most genuine expression of her love.


    But back then, blinded by her own biases, Serena hadn''t seen Eleanor''s affection. Instead, she had mocked her for putting on an act.


    More memories flooded back.


    She remembered the first family gathering before Evelyn was born. Eleanor sat quietly in a corner of the sofa, her eyes followingn, filled with open admiration and worship.n had just woken from hisa and was still recovering, and Eleanor would sit by his side, handing him water and medicine.


    Serena had sat nearby, sneering inwardly, thinking Eleanor was just pretending to


    be a gentle and virtuous wife. She had even hopedn would leave her.


    But she was certain that by the fourth year of their marriage, Eleanor''s love forn wasn''t an act. She genuinely loved him, loved him enough to endure anything, to wait for him alone, to bury all her grievances in her heart.


    In the two years that followed, Eleanor must have discovered Vanessa''s existence. By then,


    Vanessa was no longer satisfiedmet


    with material things. Her ascent to the status of a world ss piano goddess gave her the capital challenge the legitimate wife.


    She began to frequently stage ''coincidental encounters withn, which just so happened to make headlines. She would appear at the same events asn, take pictures


    show off her gifts and li


    goods;


    and post them all over the world with ambiguous captions?


    Given the nature of her arrangement withn, if she was determined to put on a show, the world became her stage-a stage she could even bring right to Eleanor''s doorstep.


    It was a situation no woman could tolerate, let alone Eleanor at the time.


    Although Serena didn''t know whatn''s attitude was back then, she knew he had to consider Vanessa''s status as the sole global donor.


    The self-harm scars on Vanessa''s wrists were evidence of how she had leveraged her own suffering againstn, cut by calcted cut.


    Eleanor''s love had been worn away by one injury after another. Now, with another man who adored her by her side,n, the ex-husband, stood no chance at all.


    Ifn''s hair had turned white because of Eleanor...


    Then just how deeply had he hidden his love for her all these years?

 Chapter 1090

    Serena picked up her phone and started looking up Vanessa''s recent activities. To her surprise, after posting that ambiguous update with Xavier, Vanessa had followed up with a poster announcing her performance at the Kingston Art Festival. The festival was next week, and Vanessa had been invited as a guest performer.


    Serena stared at the poster. Vanessa was in a white evening gown, looking elegant and pure, like a goddess.


    But now, Serena knew what a maniptive, scheming woman was hiding behind that graceful smile.


    Thinking about everything Vanessa had done over the years, Serena gritted her teeth.


    She found the phone number of the festival''s director and dialed without hesitation. "Hello, who is this?"


    "Director Wells, hello. My name is Serena. I''d like to report a serious issue with the personal conduct of the piano artist you''ve hired, Vanessa Shannon."


    The director on the other end sounded surprised. "Miss Goodwin, Miss Shannon is a pianist we''ve hired at great expense. Her artistic achievements are internationally recognized "


    "Mr. Wells, I have evidence proving that her artistic achievements are fraudulent and that her international piano certifications are highly questionable," Serena said, her tone bing more serious. "My name is Serena. Ian, the CEO of Goodwin & Co., is my brother. I am making this report under my own name and am willing to bear full responsibility for any inuracies."


    "This is¡ª" Director Wells was clearly shocked.


    Serena pressed on. "Mr. Wells, the art festival represents the highest standard of artistic pursuit. If you allow someone who has achieved fame through deception to perform on your stage, it will not only damage the festival''s reputation but also dishearten other artists. Wouldn''t you agree?"


    "Miss Goodwin, can you provide the relevant evidence?"


    "I will send the evidence to your email shortly urge you to take this matter


    "Evenously," Serena continued.


    "Even if you don''t disqualify her, I will expose her in the future. If that ends up affecting your festival, I apologize in advance."


    Director Wells''s voice grew stern. "Miss Goodwin, thank you for your call. I will treat this matter with thez utmost seriousness. Upon receiving your evidence, I will immediately convene an emergency meetin re-evaluate Miss Shannon''s eligibility to perform."


    Serena hung up. To stop Vanessa''s performance, she could only attack her personal conduct for now. The evidence ofn''s past sponsorship and her artistic fraud was something she couldn''t get her hands on at the moment.


    Serenapiled the previous conversations with Vanessa and her assistant, which were enough to prove Vanessa''s deliberate interference inn''s marriage.


    After sending the email, she decided to wait patiently for the result.


    The news of Eleanor starting a new rtionship left her feeling down for a while, but she soon came to terms with it. No matter who Eleanor chose to marry in the future, Serena vowed to repay her for the rest of


    her life to make up for how she had hurt her in the past.


    And althoughn had lost Eleanor, they still had a daughter together, so they would never bepletely out of each other''s lives. In the future,n could surely help Eleanor with his research connections andwork.


    As forn''s future love life, Serena couldn''t interfere. Maybe he would meet the right woman and marry again, or maybe he would remain single for the rest of his life.


    Around four o''clock, Serena went to find Eleanor. "Ellie, my grandmother would like you toe to my home for dinner today. She hasn''t seen Evelyn in a long time and misses her very much."


    Eleanor was taken aback. Just then, a message fromn came through. "I''m taking Evelyn to Goodwin Manor tonight. Could you bring Serena back with you?"

 Chapter 1091

    Eleanor thought about Magdalen being home alone and decided it was time to go visit her.


    Eleanor said to Serena, "Alright, you can ride with me."


    "Thanks, Ellie." A littleter, Serena had two gifts delivered by courier.


    At five o''clock, Serena got into Eleanor''s car to head home. Watching the scenery fly by, she felt as if she''d been given a new lease on life, with Eleanor as her savior.


    "Ellie, even after you get married, can we still be friends?" Serena asked suddenly, as if afraid Eleanor would cut her offpletely.


    Eleanor kept her eyes on the road, her voice calm. "You''re Evelyn''s aunt. That will never change."


    Serena''s heart warmed, and her eyes stung a little. She said softly, "Ellie, I know that saying sorry a million times won''t erase the stupid things I''ve done."


    "It''s all in the past," Eleanor said, ncing at her. "You have to look forward."


    Serena pressed her lips together and nodded, swallowing the words she wanted to say. She understood that apologies were useless; actions would speak louder than any further words.


    Serena wanted to ask about Mansfield, but didn''t dare. She also wanted to ask aboutn, but was afraid of Eleanor''s reaction.


    So she remained quiet as the car headed toward Goodwin Manor.


    When Eleanor''s car pulled into the driveway, Magdalen came out, holding Evelyn''s hand. As soon as Serena got out, Evelyn ran happily into her arms, shouting, "Auntie!"


    Serena''s eyes immediately turned red. She hugged her little niece. "Let Auntie give you a kiss."


    Magdalen walked over to Eleanor. "Ellie, you''re here too! This is wonderful. The house hasn''t been this lively in ages."


    Eleanor stepped forward, concerned. "Grandma, how have you been feeling?"


    "I''m doing great! I just miss having you all home," Magdalen said, taking Eleanor''s hand, her eyes filled with joy.


    Just then,n came out of the house. The evening light cast a glow on him, his ck shirt and pants making his graying hair stand out even more.


    "Look,n''s been so busytely, his hair''s turned gray." Magdalen turned to see him, and her eyes suddenly welled up with tears of sympathy.


    Just a little while ago, she had secretly gone upstairs to cry. It hadn''t even been that long since she''dst seen her grandson, and now it was like his ham had turned wate overnight.


    Serena saw her grandmother wiping away her tears. She desperately wanted to tell


    her thatn''s gray hair wasn''t from overwork, but from losing Eleanor.


    Of course, she couldn''t bring herself to tell her the truth.


    Eleanor wanted tofort her too, but she didn''t know what to say.


    The old woman cleaned her tears and forced a smile. "It''s just his hair. He still looks strong Come on,


    fet


    go inside! I''ve made all your favorite dishes!"


    Serena took the gifts and went with Evelyn to unwrap them, whilen sat on the


    sofa, watching the old woman offer Eleanor some fruit.


    "You should have some fruit too. Don''t just think about work all day you need to get proper nutrition," the woman said, cing a te of fruit in front of him.  fo


    "I''ll go check on the food in the kitchen. You two talk," Magdalen said, getting up, clearly intending to give them some space.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at it, put down the orange she was peeling, and answered.


    "Hello, Mansfield," she said, getting up and walking into the sunroom.

 Chapter 1092

    Evelyn was engrossed in her new toy. Serena sawn leave and followed him out into the yard. She found him on a garden bench and went to sit beside him.


    "Ian, I heard Ellie is... dating someone," Serena said, turning to gauge his reaction.n''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Mm."


    n... why don''t you try to win her back?" Serena ventured, trying to encourage him.


    "Ian, tell me the truth. Do you still love Ellie?" Serena asked suddenly.


    Thest rays of the sunset caught his graying hair, casting a faint golden glow over it. He finally spoke, his voice slow. "What right does a man who doesn''t even know how to love have to talk about love?"


    Serena''s heart went out to him. "Ian, you love Ellie. You need to tell her your side, exin everything. She might hear you out. I know you never broke her trust."


    Serena felt a sting in her nose.


    She suddenly realized that behindn''s gray hair, there was not only the pain of losing Eleanor, but perhaps his own remorse as well.


    Just then, the bright lights of the sunroom illuminated Eleanor''s figure on the phone. Through the ss, they could see the gentle smile on her face. She was sitting in an ornate chair by the French doors, her chin propped on her hand, looking rxed and happy.


    Watching this scene, Serena knew that this version of Eleanor would nevere back ton.


    She nced atn beside her. As dusk settled, the breeze ruffled his hair. His gaze was also fixed an


    Eleanor. Though the appeared cata,


    Serena could sense the unspoken anguish in his heart.


    In Serena''s eyes,n had always been spirited and confident, his every move exuding a natural strength. But now, this proud man didn''t even have the courage to speak of love.


    She decided not to disturb him any longer and went back inside to be with her niece.


    Eleanor was on the phone with


    Mansfield, listening to him describe


    how his grandmother had visited


    and forced him to drink some


    medicine. As he described f


    Eleanor could just picture


    Mansfield''s grandma Mildred


    taste


    fussing over her grandson, and she


    couldn''t help butugh.


    After hanging up, Eleanor returned to the living room, where the old woman was


    asking, "Ellie, have you seenn?"


    Eleanor paused;n wasn''t on the sofa.


    "Could you find him for me? Tell him toe in for dinner," Magdalen said to Eleanor.


    Understanding that it was difficult for Magdalen to get around, Eleanor nodded. "Okay, I''ll go look for him."


    Eleanor instinctively went out into the yard. After a few steps, she sawn sitting alone on the bench, lost in thought.


    "It''s time for dinner," she said to him.


    He started walking toward her, but Eleanor turned and headed for the main hall first.


    In the dining room, Magdalen was waiting for them at the head of the table.


    Eleanor sat next to her daughter. Evelyn said coaxingly, "Mommy, I want some shrimp."

 Chapter 1093

This chapter is missing , we are fix soon !

 Chapter 1094

    "I''ll be waiting for you in my hospital room," Mansfield said, his tone insistent. "I need you toe here."


    When Lanny told him they had arrived, he quickly regained hisposure, opened the car door, and headed toward the inpatient wing.


    Mansfield was in a premium VIP suite. Whenn arrived, a man approached him. "Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Ellington is expecting you."


    With that, he led the way to a hospital room.


    Mansfield hadn''t even bothered to change out of his green camo. He was over by the window, hands behind his back, and he looked unusually grim.


    "Mr. Goodwin, you''re here," Mansfield said, looking up and gesturing for him to sit.


    "I have an urgent mission that requires me to go abroad immediately. I''m leaving Ashford City in an hour," Mansfield said, looking up.


    "I know," Mansfield''s voice was low and hoarse. "I''ve let her down."


    He picked up a nearby tablet and tapped on a photo. A gruesome image assaultedn''s eyes¡ªseveral soldiers in camouge were bound, their bodies covered in shocking injuries. One had even lost an arm. The timestamp in the corner indicated the photo was from the previous day.


    "We received an ultimatum an hour ago." The veins on the back of Mansfield''s hand bulged. "If we don''t hand over the person they want within forty-eight hours, they''ll start executing the hostages."


    "Those are my brothers-in-arms," Mansfield said through gritted teeth. "I can''t just leave them to die."


    The room fell into a dead silence.


    Mansfield looked up. "I''ll tell her I''ve been urgently deployed for a military exercise, with no set return date."


    Mansfield didn''t answer. Just then, the sound of a helicopter came from outside the window. Mansfielde


    gaze


    looked up, his gaze


    sincere plea Takled with a


    care of her


    Just then, one of his men opened the door from outside. "Sir, the helicopter is here."


    Mansfield turned and walked toward the door. He paused, then turned his head with difficulty. "If I don''t make it back, please exin things to her for me."


    Ian watched as Mansfield''s figure disappeared through the door.


    Ten minutester, Eleanor was revising a proposal on herputer when her phone buzzed with a message. She picked it up and saw it was from Mansfield.


    She couldn''t help but smile. Had he figured out what he wanted to do for their date tomorrow?


    Eleanor opened the message. The content wasn''t about their date, but an announcement from Mansfield.


    "Ellie, I just received an urgent


    notice. I have to participate in a multinational military exercise immediately. The return date is undetermined. I''m so sorry, but I can''t make our date tomorrow."


    Eleanor was a bit taken aback. What kind of exercise was so urgent? He had been


    cleared for discharge, but he still needed to rest!


    "How long will you be gone?" Eleanor asked.


    "I can''t say for sure yet. Take care of yourself and Evelyn. I''ll let you know when I have news."


    Although surprised, Eleanor


    understood the responsibilities and


    duties that came with Mansfield''s position, so she didn''t press further. She replied, "Okay. Stay safe."

 Chapter 1095

    After putting down her phone, Eleanor tried to be understanding of Mansfield''s work, but his sudden departure still felt jarring.


    She got up and walked to the window, gazing up at the sky. For some reason, her heart felt tight.


    He was still injured.


    Meanwhile, on a military aircraft flying from Ashford City toward the horizon, Mansfield took onest look at the photo on his phone. He then powered it off, heading into a battle with an uncertain oue.


    At 4:30, Eleanor shut down herputer and left to pick up her daughter from school. As she arrived at the school gates, she saw a ck Maybach already waiting there.


    "You''re here,"n said, walking over to her. He looked at her face, thinking that sometimes, not knowing the truth was a form of protection.


    "I''m taking Evelyn hiking this weekend. Want toe?"n invited.


    It had indeed been a while since Eleanor had taken her daughter outdoors. With Mansfield away on a mission and unlikely to return to Ashford City anytime soon, she could certainly make more time for her daughter.


    "Okay," Eleanor agreed. Spring was the perfect season for an outing.


    Just then, the school gates opened, andn went in first to get their daughter. When


    he came out holding her hand, Eleanor greeted them with a smile. "Evelyn, Mommy''s here to pick you up."


    Eleanor had originally nned to tell her daughter about having dinner with Mansfield today, but now, it seemed she wouldn''t have to.


    Evelyn rode home in Eleanor''s car, withn''s car following behind. He didn''t leave until he had seen them safely to their doorstep.


    Evelyn didn''t make a fuss. She was bing more independent now, not as clingy as she had been when she was three or four.


    Eleanor had just put her bag down


    when her phone rang from inside it. She was a little Surprised as she pulled it out. The name Garth Ellington appeared on the screen.


    Eleanor immediately tensed up. She quickly walked out to the balcony to answer the call. "Hello, Mr. Ellington."


    Garth''s voice on the other end sounded anxious. "Eleanor, can you tell me what Mansfield said to you when he left?"


    "He sent me a message saying he had an urgent multinational military exercise. He didn''t say anything else," Eleanor replied quickly.


    "He told you it was a military exercise?" Garth asked, his tone heavy.


    Eleanor was also worried about Mansfield''s injuries. She pleaded, "Mr. Ellington, Mansfield is still recovering. Can''t he take some time off to rest?"


    "Eleanor, there are some things I can''t say much about," Garth''s tired voice came through the line. "He went to do what he had to do. As a father I''m more worded about him than anyone. But as a soldier un proud of him."


    Eleanor suddenly had a sharp realization. She couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Ellington,


    is he... is he in danger?"


    "Every mission has its dangers," Garth replied.


    Eleanor''s heart suddenly clenched. "But he wille back safely, right?"


    Garth chuckled softly on the other end. "I believe he wille back safely."


    After the call ended, Eleanor let out a soft sigh. She opened Mansfield''s message again, read it one more time, then took a deep breath and dialed his number.


    "The number you have dialed is currently out of service. Please try againter..."


    The Al female voice made Eleanor''s heart sink. Was he really just on military exercise? Why would his phone bepletely out of service? Something felt off.  fo


    Eleanor stood on the balcony, clutching her phone. The spring evening breeze


    suddenly carried a chill, making her feel a little fragile.

 Chapter 1096

    -At Vanessa''s vi.


    Vanessa stood before her jewelry cab, arms crossed, selecting pieces for her uing performance in Kingston. She had a particr quirk: she never wanted to wear the same piece of jewelry twice. Not only did it make her feel less unique, but she also had to guard against the media making a story out of her wearing old pieces on stage.


    Just as she was holding a diamond ne up to the mirror, her phone rang. She nced at it and saw it was the organizer''s number. She answered elegantly, "Hello, Director Wells. Are you calling to confirm the performance schedule?"


    "Miss Shannon¡ª" Director Wells''s voice was hesitant. "I''m very sorry to inform you that after a re-evaluation, themittee has decided to cancel your performance." The smile on Vanessa''s face vanished instantly. "What did you say?"


    "This was a collective decision by themittee," Director Wells continued in a business-like tone. "We will pay the fifty-thousand-dor penalty for breach of contract, as stipted."


    "The reason?" Vanessa''s voice turned cold. "I need a reasonable exnation for this cancetion."


    There was a moment of silence on the other end. "Miss Shannon, it''s like this. We received some... unfavorable reports about you. And the person who filed them did so under their real name."


    "Under their real name? Who? What''s their name?" Vanessa asked through gritted teeth.


    "I''m sorry, I''m not at liberty to say." Director Wells then hung up.


    Vanessa squeezed her phone tightly. Even if Director Wells didn''t say, she knew who it was.


    It had to be Serena.


    She threw her phone onto the sofa. The "Goddess of the Piano" image she had painstakingly built for years had been destroyed by Serena just like that.


    Vanessa went to a drawer, took out another phone, and dialed Serena''s number.


    Serena clearly didn''t recognize the number, answering in a gentle tone, "Hello, who is this?"


    The moment the call connected, Vanessa demanded coldly, "Serena, it was you, wasn''t it?"


    Serena recognized Vanessa''s voice and let out a coldugh. "It was me. So what? I''m not afraid to admit it."


    "I knew it was you," Vanessa''s voice rose in anger. "Serena, what gives you the right? I have nothing to do with the Goodwin family anymore. Why are you trying to ruin my career?"


    Serena scoffed. "For what you did before, Ellie couldn''t be bothered to settle the score with you, and my brother was too busy. But I''m different. I have plenty of time."


    Vanessa took a shaky breath and softened her tone slightly. "Serena, we were together for a while. Let''s not take things too far."


    "Now you''re asking me not to take things too far? When you were breaking up my brother''s marriage did you ever think you were going too far? If you had just donated your blood and taken the money ording to the contract, I would have considered you a benefactor. But you''re vicious and maniptive, and I will not forgive you."


    "Serena, what do you want?" Vanessa seethed, knowing Serena''s personality. If she


    was a target, her life would be miserable.


    "I don''t want anything. But as long as


    you try to perform on stage, I''ll report you. And stay away from my brother and Ellie unless he says otherwise," Serena threatened.


    f.ne


    ned.Cor


    else, won''t hesitate to let everyone see what the so-called Goddess of the Piano'' is really like."


    Serena hung up first. Vanessa copsed onto the sofa, trembling with rage.


    She never imagined that Serena would one day try to destroy her career.

 Chapter 1097

    Just then, Laverne''s voice came from downstairs. "Vanessa, are you almost ready? We should be leaving."


    Laverne came upstairs to find Vanessa sitting on the sofa with her arms crossed, her face dark and sullen. She quickly asked in a hushed tone, "Vanessa, what''s wrong?"


    "My performance was canceled," Vanessa said, biting her lip.


    "What?" Laverne eximed in surprise. "Why?"


    "Serena reported me under her real name. She''s trying to stop me from performing ever again," Vanessa said, her fists clenched in anger.


    "Then you need to contact Mr. Goodwin! Your entire livelihood depends on ying the piano. You can''t let Mr. Goodwin''s sister smash your career to pieces!" Laverne said anxiously.


    Vanessa''s eyes shed with a cold light. "Contactn? He only has eyes for that bitch Eleanor now!"


    "Then what do we do? We can''t just let Serena bully us like this!" Laverne was frantic too. She was counting on Vanessa to make a fortune.


    Vanessa clenched her fists again. Who else could she ask for help? In the past, she would have immediately thought of Henry Holt, and Henry would have helped her without a second thought. But now, Henry only had eyes for Selma Quigley and was nothing but cruel to her.


    Laverne was also racking her brain for a solution, and sure enough, she thought of Henry too. She sat down beside Vanessa and urged, "Vanessa, why don''t you call Mr. Holt? Ask him to step in and ask Serena to back off."


    Vanessa bit her lip. She recalled how gentle and protective Henry had once been with her. She couldn''t believe he had turned sopletely cold overnight. Would he help her onest time?


    "Pick out a beautiful dress for me. I have to go beg him in person," Vanessa said through clenched teeth. Only by seeing Henry face-to-face could she hope to rekindle any lingering affection he might have for her.


    "Okay, let''s get you a dress and some gorgeous makeup," Laverne said, making a beeline for the closet. "Given how Mr. Holt always felt about you, hee through for sure."


    Vanessa carefully selected a champagne colored slip dress and applied a soft, elegant makeup look with a slight reddish tint at the corners of her eyes to make her appear more vulnerable ando charming.


    Laverne immediately arranged for a car to take her to The Holt Group.


    Arriving at The Holt Group building, Vanessa took a deep breath and dialed Henry''s number.


    Since she was using a new number, Henry''s voice on the other end was questioning. "Who is this?"


    "Henry, it''s me!" Vanessa said in a gentle voice. "I''m downstairs at yourpany. Can we meet?"


    "I''m busy," came Henry''s cold refusal.


    "Just for five minutes, I''m begging you," Vanessa''s voice cracked with a sob. "For old times'' sake_"


    The line was silent for a moment. "Come up to my office."


    Vanessa''s face lit up. "Okay, I''m on my way up." After hanging up, a triumphant smile touched her lips. Laverne, beside her, was thrilled. Hott agreed to see you?


    Vanessa took out herpact mirror to check her makeup, then smiled confidently.


    "I knew he couldn''t bepletely heartless toward me."


    Laverne rubbed her hands together excitedly. "Vanessa, you have to seize this


    opportunity. Beg him to help you this one time. You can''t let Serena ruin your career!"


    Vanessa adjusted her cor, revealing her ample cleavage, and walked confidently toward the lobby of The Holt Group.

 Chapter 1098

    Vanessa proceeded unimpeded to the door of Henry''s office.


    Henry''s assistant came forward to greet her. "Miss Shannon, you''re here. Please,e in."


    Vanessa smiled faintly. However, when the assistant pushed open the door to the CEO''s office, her smile froze on her face.


    Sitting in Henry''s executive chair was not Henry, but Selma Quigley.


    Seeing her enter, Selma Quigley raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Miss Shannon, long time no see."


    Vanessa''s expression changed slightly. She scanned the office but saw no sign of Henry. She forced herself to remainposed. "Excuse me, I''m here to see Henry."


    "He''s in a meeting," Selma said, gracefully rising to her feet and walking over to her. "If you have something to say, you can tell me."


    "I''m sorry, but this is between me and Henry," Vanessa said, maintaining herposure.


    "Oh!" Selma let out a softugh. "But his business is now my business."


    Vanessa sensed a hint of provocation from Selma. She took a deep breath, reached into her bag for her phone, intending to call Henry again.


    Selma smiled. "Miss Shannon, I wouldn''t bother. The reason I asked you toe up was my idea. There are a few things I''d like to discuss with you."


    Vanessa suddenly felt like she had been yed. Her face darkened. "Miss Quigley, if you wanted to see me, you could have just asked properly. There was no need for this!"


    Selma''s gaze fell on Vanessa''s deliberately exposed cleavage. She raised an eyebrow. "Miss Shannon, there''s something I need to inform you of. Henry and I are engaged. He is now my fianc¨¦."


    The news hit Vanessa like a sledgehammer. They were engaged?


    Selma raised her hand, and a diamond ring the size of a pigeon''s egg glittered on her finger. "We didn''t announce our engagement to the media, so you might not have known."


    Vanessa looked away. "Do you want me to congratte you?"


    Selma looked up at her, her voice turning colder. "No. I want to remind you to stay away from my fianc¨¦. And stop ying these cheap tricks."


    Vanessa''s face turned pale. "You¡ª"


    "Do you think it''s appropriate toe see my fianc¨¦ dressed like that?" Selma''s gaze was piercing seeing right through her. "Henry is my husband-to-be. The next time you see him, please have the decency to dress appropriately."


    "Selma Quigley, don''t go too far. You''re in no position to judge my clothes," Vanessa retorted, clearly not one to be easily intimidated.


    "My apologies. It was just a friendly reminder, Selma said with a faint smile, turning to pick up an invitation from the desk. "Our wedding is next month. Since you''re here in person, I might as well give this to you."


    Vanessa stared at the gold-embossed invitation, her knuckles turning white as she gripped her purse. She gritted her teeth, turned, and stormed out.


    As soon as Vanessa left, Henry emerged from the adjacent office, his gaze soft as he looked at Selma. "Did she upset you?"


    Selma shook her head. "No."


    Henry wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Don''t bother with people like her next time."


    Selma nodded. She had only wanted to take the opportunity to warn Vanessa off, to make her stay away from Henry from now on.


    Back in the car, Vanessa threw her bag onto the floor. Laverne jumped, startled. "Vanessa, how did it go? Did Mr. Holt agree to help?"


    Vanessa gritted her teeth. "That bitch Selma Quigley, she did it on purpose to humiliate me."


    "What? What about Mr. Holt?"


    Vanessa looked up at The Holt Group building, her eyes filled with rage and resentment. She had invested so much effort in Henry, only to end up like this.


    Now, her career had been sabotaged by Serena once, which meant it could happen again and again. Soon, it would be difficult for her to even get on a stage.


    But the fate of Yeaton Holdings was still inn''s hands, and she was tied to it. If Yeaton Holdings went bankrupt, her three billion would be gone.


    In the end, all the fame and fortune she had gained would have to be returned to the Goodwin family, with interest. It was infuriating.


    Just then, Laverne''s phone rang. She nced at it with a headache. "Vanessa, it''s your mother calling my phone again."


    "Don''t answer it."


    "She borrowed twenty thousand


    from mest time for food. I don''t have any more money to lend her," Laverne said. She also disliked Vanessa s mothers who did nothing but ask for money all day long.

 Chapter 1099

    Vanessa had recently blocked her mother, Farrah, so Farrah had taken to harassing Laverne instead.


    "Well, now that your performance opportunity is gone... Vanessa, what about thatmercial I mentioned before? I know it''s for diapers, but they''re still very eager to have you as their spokesperson," Laverne brought up again.


    Vanessa ran a hand through her hair in frustration. It seemed her only option now was to leverage her international pianist status to make some money in the advertising world.


    "Go negotiate. Get the price as high as possible," Vanessa finally agreed.


    Laverne was instantly pleased. "Great, I''ll go talk to them right away."


    Just then, Vanessa''s phone rang. It was an assistant of Smith''s. She bit her lip, wanting to ignore it but not daring to. She finally answered. "Hello."


    "Miss Shannon, we''ll need you toe to theb tomorrow at nine for a blood draw. Thank you," a voice on the other end reminded her.


    "Didn''t I just have onest week?" Vanessa snapped.


    "I''m not sure about that. I''m just rying the doctor''s instructions. Thank you," the assistant said before hanging up.


    Vanessa let out a breath. Laverne, beside her, looked worried. "Vanessa, you can''t just let them draw your blood every day. you have to find a way to get out from under Mr. Goodwin''s control."


    Of course, Vanessa had thought about it. She desperately wanted to break free fromn''s control. She had considered using drugs or alcohol to make her blood


    unsuitable, but as long as Yeaton Holdings was inn''s hands, she couldn''t vite the contract.


    "Damn it. I should never have taken the shares in Yeaton Holdings in the first ce. If I hadn''t, I wouldn''t care if it lived or died," Vanessa said with regret.


    Laverne couldn''t help but remember how Vanessa had boasted about it, overjoyed at the thirty billion in shares she had so easily acquired. Now, it was toote for regrets.


    "When you''re dealing with a shrewd businessman liken, ordinary people like us are bound to lose out," Laverne remarked, then added, "I wonder how his hair turned gray like that."


    Hearing this, a malicious smile spread across Vanessa''s face. "It would be karmic justice for him to suffer a real tragedy."


    Laverne was shocked. "Vanessa, you can''t say things like that¡ª"


    "Why not?" Vanessa sneered coldly. "I wish something would happen ton, preferably taking his precious daughter with him. That way Eleanor would l?se her backer and her child. Two birds with one stone."


    Seeing the vicious glint in Vanessa''s eyes, Laverne secretly started making her own ns. It was bing clear that there was no future in sticking with Vanessa; it was better to n her exit soon.


    That evening, Eleanor was having dinner at home with her daughter, but she had little appetite. She was supposed to be having dinner with Mansfield tonight, yet now his phone was unreachable.


    Although Eleanor didn''t know where he had gone, she was sure it was for an extremely important mission, one so critical that he had to leave.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door. Joslyn went to check the peephole and told Eleanor, "It''s a young woman."


    Eleanor got up in surprise. Joslyn opened the door to find a slightly plump young woman greeting them warmly. "Dr. Sutton, do you remember me? I''m the mayor''s wife''s assistant."


    "Yes, I remember," Eleanor said with a smile.


    The young woman held up a gift-wrapped box. "The mayor''s wife asked me to give this to you. Please ept it."


    Eleanor was taken aback but epted the box. "Have you eaten? Pleasee in and join us."


    "No, thank you, Dr. Sutton. I have to go," the assistant said, waving as she turned to leave.


    Eleanor brought the box into the living room. She took out a box of choctes, and then she saw a royal blue velvet box. She picked it up and opened it. Under the light, an aquamarine gemstone Ne appeared.


    s?novels


    Eleanor''s eyes immediately welled up. Could this be the one Mansfield had been telling her he wanted to give her?


    She held the ne, Mansfield''s image flooding her mind. It was something, at least. Something to keep with her. When he returned, she would wear it to see him.

 Chapter 1100

    Tomorrow was the weekend. That night, nestled in her mother''s arms, Evelyn


    chattered excitedly about their hiking trip. Bathed in the soft light from the window, Eleanor looked at her daughter''s chubby cheeks and couldn''t resist leaning in to kiss her.


    Feeling her mother''s love, Evelyn wrapped her arms around her neck, curling up like a little kitten. She cupped Eleanor''s face and kissed her. "Mommy, I love you so much! I love you the most."


    Eleanor smiled and stroked her little head. "Mommy loves you the most too."


    Later, after her daughter had fallen asleep, Eleanor found herself unable to sleep. She got up and went to the master bedroom''s balcony, standing there alone for a while. As the night wind blew past, she whispered softly to the night sky, "You have toe back safe."


    At that moment, in a vi on the other side of the city, Vanessa was on her iPad, watching an interview with a man in his early sixties. He was a tech tycoon, the head of a globally renowned techpany. Despite his age, he was energetic and charismatic.


    Vanessa watched the interview over and over, a calcting glint in her eyes. This tycoon, Walden, was not only worth hundreds of billions, but more importantly, hispany was apetitor to Goodwin & Co. in several sectors.


    That made Walden andn rivals. If she could sessfully be Walden''s woman,n could forget about controlling her with that contract.


    She still had her whole life ahead of her. She couldn''t letn have her in his grip, especially now that he had no more resources to offer her. She had to find a new patron.


    Beside her, Laverne spoke up. "I''ve found out some of Walden''s itinerary. He''sing to Ashford City next Wednesday for a tech summit. This could be your chance."


    Vanessa''s red lips curled into a smile. "Then find a way to get me an invitation!" "But Vanessa, this Mr. Wells has a pretty bad reputation. Do you think it''s a good idea to get involved with someone like that?" Laverne asked, worried.


    "If he wasn''t that kind of person, I might not even have a chance," Vanessa said, toying with a lock of her hair.


    With a man liken, who was famously uninterested in women, she could have spent ten years trying and it would have been for nothing.


    "But this Walden character does have a particr fondness for artists. You might actually have a shot," Laverne said, happy for her.


    Vanessa lifted her chin confidently. "Men are all the same. They just pretend to be respectable."


    Vanessa was determined to make Walden her new backer, to shown and everyone who looked down on her that she, Vanessa, would never admit defeat.


    Seeing the confidence on Vanessa''s face, Laverne paused. She had been thinking of leaving, but now she decided to put that n on hold for the time being.


    The next morning.


    At 8:30, Eleanor''s doorbell rang.


    Joslyn opened the door to findn standing outside. He was dressed in a gray casual tracksuit, and his graying hair looked quite natural in the morning light.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn flew into his arms like a happy little bird. Dressed in a pink tracksuit, she was full of energy.


    "Ready to go?"n asked in a low voice.


    Eleanor nodded, a sports bag on her back. Behind her, Joslyn waved. "Evelyn, have fun! I''ll be waiting for you at home."


    "Goodbye!" Evelyn waved back politely and took her father''s hand as they walked to the elevator.


    A three-car convoy headed for the


    outskirts of the cityn''s car was in the lead with Eleanor and her daughter in the middle, and a bodyguard''s car following behind.


    To give Evelyn a truly wild experience, they chose a remote pristine mountain with


    man made trails. It was surrounded by green hills and clear water, with a deep blueke at its base.

 Chapter 1101

    "Wow! It''s so beautiful!" Evelyn eximed in amazement. Living in the city, she rarely got to see such lush, greenndscapes.


    "Mommy, look! There''s a big butterfly over there, and it''s blue," Evelyn said, pointing with a curious expression.


    Eleanor Sutton nced in the direction her daughter indicated and saw a butterfly flitting among the flowers. The sunlight filtering through the leaves and the fresh scent of wildflowers carried by the mountain breeze lifted her spirits as well. "It''s lovely."


    Beside them, Gavin Young was also dressed in athletic wear with a hiking backpack. He was happy to be apanying his boss somewhere other than a conference room for a change.


    "That''s a Blue Swallowtail," Ian exined to his daughter.


    "It''s so pretty!" Evelyn chased after the butterfly, running happily across the grassy field.


    Eleanor took out her phone to capture her daughter''s joyful moments.


    Standing to the side,n''s expression softened unconsciously. The bodyguards were discreetly positioned around them, careful not to disturb their fun.


    As they began their hike, Evelyn was curious about everything along the trail, frequently stopping to examine wildflowers and small nts. She was especially thrilled when she spotted a little squirrel.


    Eleanor patiently stayed by her daughter''s side, telling her the names of the various nts.


    "Mommy, you know so much," Evelyn said with admiration.


    Although his boss hadn''t given him any instructions, whenn had asked him the previous night if he had a camera, Gavin knew exactly what his task for the day would be.


    Suddenly, Evelyn spotted a beautiful flower up ahead and her small, agile body scrambled up the path.


    Just as Eleanor started to follow, she stepped on a loose rock, and her body instinctively swayed backward.


    "Thank you," Eleanor said softly before quickly catching up with her daughter.


    By the time Eleanor reached her daughter, she was slightly breathless. But the sweeping vista of theke and mountains spread before them made every step worthwhile.


    Just then,n handed her a bottle of water. "Have some water and rest for a bit."


    Eleanor took it, and as she went to twist the cap, she realized it had already been loosened. It opened with a gentle turn. She gave it to her daughter to drink first, then took a sip herself.


    the damp cloth from behind her back and reced it with a fresh, dry one.


    That gave Eleanor pause. She''dpletely overlooked such a fine detail.


    But sincen had been raising their daughter from a young age, he was indeed more attentive when it came to caring for her.


    Gavin noticed this as well, though he wasn''t surprised. After seven years with his boss, he knewn was an exceptionallypetent father.


    Forgetting his own thirst, he quickly raised his camera to capture the moment. Through the lens,n''s profile was especially gentle as he bent down to wipe his daughters forehead.


    The heartwarming scene made Gavin recall a few years ago, when Evelyn was two


    or three. She would always sit in her father''s arms during outings, looking like a lovely doll.

 Chapter 1102

    "Daddy, look, there''s a little rabbit over there," Evelyn suddenly whispered, pointing at the grass.


    Ian followed her gaze and saw a wild rabbit nibbling on the grass. He gestured for his daughter to be quiet and gently picked her up, stepping closer.


    Nestled in her father''s arms, Evelyn quietly watched the rabbit eat until it hopped away. "Daddy, I want to go hiking again next time," she said, still full of excitement. "Alright. When I have time, I''ll bring you hiking again,"n replied with a warm smile.


    They continued toward the summit. The higher they climbed, the steeper the trail became. Eleanor''s stamina couldn''t keep up with her daughter''s, so she and Gavin fell behind whilen stayed with Evelyn.


    "Evelyn has amazing energy!" Gavin remarked.


    "Always has been," Eleanor managed between breaths, a proud smile touching her lips. "She''s always been like that."


    When they finally reached the top, Eleanor was so tired she found a rock and sat down. Evelyn was ying in the grass nearby, with Gavin keeping an eye on her.


    Eleanor looked at the view of the blue sky and white clouds and shook her head.


    But her fair cheeks were flushed with a healthy pink from the exercise, and tiny beads of sweat dotted her forehead. Ian instinctively took the handkerchief he''d used for his daughter from his pocket and gently dabbed at her forehead. The gesture startled them both.


    Eleanor frowned and looked up, her eyes filled with a distinct coldness. "You don''t have to. Thanks."


    "Sorry,"n said in a low voice, putting the handkerchief back in his pocket.


    "Evelyn had a great time today. Thank you for arranging this," Eleanor said, looking out at the distant scenery.


    "It''s what I should do,"n replied in


    a deep voice before getting up and walking over to where Gavin was spreading out a pic nket. H? began cing the food they d Brought on it, with Evelyn happily helping.


    Eleanor joined them shortly after, taking out the fruit and snacks she had packed in her bag to share.


    During the pic, Evelyn was a little


    ray of sunshine, her innocent chatter making everyoneugh. Eleanor''s


    attention was mostly on her


    daughter, though she asionally stared into the distance, lost in thought.


    Whenever she drifted off, a pair of eyes from beside her would rest on her, filled with deep, hidden emotions and an unspoken sentiment.


    "Daddy, this sandwich is so yummy," Evelyn said, holding it up to his mouth. "Have a bite."


    "Mommy, what are you looking at?" Evelyn asked, curiously leaning in front of Eleanor.


    Eleanor realized she had zoned out and smiled. "I was just looking at the clouds."n knew she wasn''t looking at the clouds. She was thinking about someone.


    On the way down the mountain, Evelyn got tired halfway and ended up onn''s


    back. By the time they reached the car, she was fast asleep.


    About ten minutester, the car took a sharp turn, and Eleanor''s head tilted sideways,nding with a soft thud onn''s shoulder.


    The unexpected contact made him freeze for a few seconds before a gentle smile touched his eyes. He subtly adjusted his posture to let her lean morefortably.


    While waiting at a long red light,n looked down at the sleeping face on his shoulder.


    For a second there, Eleanor let her guard downpletely. She looked so peaceful, it reminded me of the past.


    He remembered waking up in the morning and finding her nestled in his arms,zy and content like a child. If he stared at her for too long, she would yfully cover his eyes and grumble, "Don''t look."

 Chapter 1103

    The bodyguard saw the scene in the rearview mirror and tactfully slowed the car down.


    But those times felt so distant now.


    The car in front of them suddenly mmed on its brakes. The bodyguard reacted instantly, hitting the brakes hard. Evelyn, secure inn''s arms, was fine, but the jolt pushed Eleanor forward, waking her up.


    When she opened her eyes, she realized she had slipped fromn''s shoulder. Her body visibly tensed for a moment.


    Then, in a tone as calm as if she were discussing the weather, she asked, "What happened?"


    "Apologies, Ms. Sutton. There''s a traffic jam up ahead," the bodyguard exined.


    Eleanor smoothed her slightly messy hair and looked at the traffic, not noticing the light fading from the eyes of the man beside her. Herposed reaction surprised him; it was as if what had just happened was nothing at all.


    In the elevator, Eleanor tried to take their daughter, butn kept holding her until he had gently ced her on the bed in the master bedroom.


    Joslyn brought him a ss of water. Ian epted it without ceremony, drank it, and said to Eleanor, "I still have things to do. I''m leaving now."


    Eleanor, who was also drinking a ss of water, replied politely, "Take care."


    Downstairs in the car, Gavin asked, "Mr. Goodwin, are we heading to the office?"


    "Yes."


    In her study, Eleanor received a call from Ellington. "Ms. Sutton, there''s a meeting tomorrow morning that you''ll need to attend."


    "What''s it about?"


    "It''s regarding the election for the new chairman of The Guild of Commerce," Ellington replied.


    Eleanor frowned slightly. "Can''t you take my ce?"


    "I''m afraid not this time," Ellington said, his tone apologetic. "The Guild of Commerce specifically requested that all invitees attend in person suspect the new chairman has an important proposal that requires a vote from leaders across all sectors."


    Eleanor had no choice but to agree. "Alright, send me the meeting materials. I''ll be there tomorrow."


    After hanging up, she opened her email. When she saw the proposal''s contents, she immediately understood why her presence was required the new chairman nned to establish a tech ethicsmittee.


    Just then, a message from Ellington came through. "From what I''ve heard, Mr. Goodwin is running for the chairmanship."


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. Why wouldn run for chairman of The Guild of Commerce? With his standing in the business world, he didn''t need such a title.


    Of course, ifn were to be elected, it would undoubtedly be beneficial for the future of hisboratory.


    The next morning, Eleanor chose a sharp, tailored suit for the asion.


    The Guild of Commerce election was held at the Ashford City Convention Center. The event was teeming with influential figures. As soon as Eleanor entered, she sawn surrounded by a crowd.


    He was wearing a dark gray suit, his silver-streaked hair standing out in the crowd. His sharp features somehow transformed what should have been a sign of age into a uniquely charismatic trait.


    Far from making him look old, the silver in his hair lent him an air ofposed authority, giving him a cool, distinguished air, like a snow-dusted pine, noble and resilient.


    He was speaking with Mr. Brown and several other business magnates. Just as Eleanor was about to tum away, Jan looked over at her heir eyes mer across the room. Eleanor paused for a few seconds, gave him a slight nod, and then averted her gaze.


    Soon after, the meeting began. Eleanor found her seat, which was marked with her name, and noted that everyone present was indeed a top figure from their respective business sectors.


    Just then, the venue fell silent. Mr. Brown took the stage to give a speech. As the current chairman of The Guild of Commerce, he would personally announce his sessor today.

 Chapter 1104

    Mr. Brown took the stage and spoke eloquently for half an hour, detailing his aplishments over his fifteen-year tenure.


    Finally, in a solemn tone, he announced, "After careful consideration and numerous rmendations, the new chairman of The Guild of Commerce will be Mr.n


    Goodwin."


    The announcement was not entirely unexpected.


    Still, it sent a wave of shock through the attendees and the media for a few seconds, followed by thunderous apuse.


    Amid the ovation,n rose calmly and walked to the stage. He hugged Mr. Brown, who pped him on the shoulder as if passing on a great responsibility.


    At that moment, an attendant approached, and Mr. Brown personally took the certificate of appointment from a tray and presented it ton. Ian epted it with both hands, his silver-gray hair glinting coolly under the lights.


    After the brief handover,n stood at the podium. His gaze swept over the audience, finally resting on Eleanor. Even from a distance, his eyes were deep and bright.


    Following a brief self-introduction, he stated in a low, firm voice, "My first resolution upon taking office will be to establish a technology development fund, with a focus on supporting innovative scientific research projects."


    Eleanor was stunned. The proposal was clearly designed to pave the way for advancements in scientific research.


    In the audience, some business leaders were supportive, while others clearly disapproved. Among them, Walden Wells, sitting in the front row, looked particrly grim.


    He had also been on the list of candidates for the chairmanship. He never expected the final choice to ben, a man not yet thirty. He surpassedn in both experience and seniority, and his achievements were certainly on par with the young man''s.


    At his age, he cared more for prestige than profit.


    Walden Wells let out a coldugh and stood up abruptly. His voice boomed, "Mr. Goodwin, I have a question. You propose establishing a technology development fund, but where will the fundinge from? Surely you don''t expect all of us businesses to be forced to contribute!"


    The room instantly fell silent. Everyone could hear the dissatisfaction in Walden Wells''s tone, and many who had also expected him to be the new chairman felt a sense of injustice on his behalf.


    He replied calmly, "That''s an excellent question, Mr. Wells. The initial funding of five billion will be provided by Goodwin & Co. Subsequent contributions will be on a voluntary subscription basis."


    His gaze swept across the room. "I trust everyone here understands that technology is the future."


    Walden Wells snorted, refusing to back down. "And what about management? Don''t tell me Goodwin & Co. will haveplete control!"


    Immediately, murmurs of discontent rippled through the crowd.


    Eleanor overheard two business figures whispering beside her, "I heard Walden Wells was very confident about this election. He probably thought the chairmanship was his."


    "He likely never imaginedn would snatch the position from him."


    "That confrontational tone? Yeah, that''s pretty clear he''s not happy."


    "He''s puttingn on the spot on his very first day. This won''t be an easy situation forn to handle."


    Eleanor frowned as the atmosphere in the room grew tense. Everyone in the audience was looking atn, waiting for his response.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but look up atn on the stage. At that very moment, his eyes


    met hers. Their gazes connected briefly in the air.


    He turned his steady, intimidating gaze back to Walden Wells. "You needn''t worry,


    Mr. Wells. The fund will have an independent council, and the council''s president will


    be elected by the members of The Guild of Commerce."


    The audience nodded in approval, satisfied withn''s solution.


    Walden Wells scoffed and reluctantly sat back down.


    his seat.


    Later, as the host on stage


    announced some follow-up details and the meeting drew to a close, Eleanor nced at her watch. She saw a light sh from her purse new message. She checked ber phone and saw it was fromn. C¨®ntent


    "Don''t leave after the meeting. I want to introduce you to some important people."


    Eleanor was taken aback and looked towardn. He didn''t turn around. Then, another message came through. "It will be helpful for your career."


    Eleanor replied, "Okay."


    After the meeting concluded, most of the attendees lingered, taking the opportunity


    towork with leaders from various fields. As Eleanor stood up, she sawn standing in a crowd, looking directly at her.


    She understood. Setting aside their history, she walked over to him. This was a connection she needed to make.


    As soon as Eleanor reachedn''s side, he led her to a spirited-looking elderly man: "Eleanor, this is President barkin of Permanence Pharmaceuticals." Then, turning to the older man, he said, "And this is Dr. Eleanor Sutton from Ashford


    Medical University."


    "President Larkin, it''s an honor to meet you. I''ve heard so much about you," Eleanor


    said with a smile, extending her hand.


    President Larkin''s eyes lit up as he


    warmly shook her hand. "Dr. Sutton, I''ve been following your breakthroughs in medicine w great interest. You''re truly a remarkable young talent! If there are any opportunities for coboration in the future, please don''t hesitate to find me at Permanence Group."


    "Thank you for thepliment. I look forward to working with you," Eleanor replied graciously.


    After a series of introductions, they found themselves near Walden Wells, who sneered, "Mr. Goodwin, you''re certainly going to great lengths, aren''t you? So eager to pave the way for Dr. Sutton."


    "Is that so?" Walden Wells retorted. "Mr. Goodwin, you should be careful not to abuse your position for personal gain. I heard you two used to be married."


    His words were a tant challenge, and the surrounding area fell silent.

 Chapter 1105

    respect."


    Walden Wells''s face turned pale with anger from the rebuke. Just as he was about argue back, his assistant stepped in. "Mr. Wells, you have another meeting to get


    to."


    Walden Wells huffed and finally left with his assistant.


    Eleanor turned ton. "Thank you."


    Just then, Mr. Brown walked over and ppedn on the shoulder. "Ian, Ms. Sutton, I''ve arranged for lunch. Let''s go chat."


    "Thank you, Mr. Brown, but I still have¡ª" Eleanor began to politely decline.


    But just then, President Larkin approached them and said to Eleanor, "Dr. Sutton, please join us. I happen to have some medical questions I was hoping to ask you."


    In front of so many industry leaders, Eleanor felt it would be inappropriate to refuse again. Being invited was an honor. She smiled at Mr. Brown and said, "In that case, I''d be happy to ept."


    The luncheon was held in a private banquet hall at the convention center. On the way there,n and Mr. Brown walked ahead, while Eleanor followed with several other industry leaders. President Larkin was asking her about gics, and Eleanor did her best to answer.


    This scene was captured by reporters. Among the group of industry titans, the two younger figures ofn and Eleanor stood out, looking particrly brilliant and eye- catching.


    Once everyone was seated,n, who''d rather have sat by Eleanor, found himself guided to the head of the table.


    Eleanor took the seat beside President Larkin.


    "Dr. Sutton, I hear you''ve made a major breakthrough in your brainputer interface research?" Mr. Brown asked with great interest.


    Eleanor''s eyes metn''s for a couple of seconds. Ian gave a slight, encouraging nod, giving her permission to talk about the Neural Interface Project.


    Eleanor tactfully described parts of her research. Everyone was amazed that such a young research prodigy was also such a beautiful young woman.


    "Mr. Goodwin certainly has a keen eye for talent," President Larkin praised. "A talent like Dr. Sutton is indeed worthy of significant support."


    An intense gaze was directed her way. Eleanor was looking down, sipping her tea. Just then, a waiter brought a dessert and ced it exclusively in front of her.


    Eleanor was slightly taken aback.


    Everyone at the table understood thatn was trying to win Eleanor''s favor.


    After all, most of them knew they had once been married.


    "The dessert here is supposed to be excellent. You should try it, Ms. Sutton," Mr. Brown said with a smile.


    Eleanor nodded at Mr. Brown, her gaze flicking over to the man at the head of the table before she picked up her spoon and took a bite.


    The man opposite her watched, a faint smile gracing his lips and a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.


    The atmosph¨¨re at the table was very cordial waiter came by to pour red wine, and Mr. Brown stood up, raising his ss. "Today, let us congratten on bing the new chairman of The Guild of Commerce."


    "Why doesn''t Ms. Sutton have some juice? It would do just as well,"n put in considerately.


    Eleanor nodded and joined the others in raising her ss. Ian also raised his and drank freely.


    After a few rounds, it was clear that the older gentlemen could hold their liquor well. A faint blush appeared onn''s handsome face, softening his sharp features and his eyes field a slight, tipsy glimmer.


    "Mr. Goodwin and Dr. Sutton make such a handsome couple!" a construction magnate, also a bit drunk, remarked, hoping to say somethingn would like to hear.


    Thement brought a brief silence to the table, and all eyes turned ton and Eleanor.


    As he spoke, his gaze fell on Eleanor, hazy with an unreadable emotion.


    Eleanor was engrossed in a conversation with President Larkin, seemingly not having heard the remark. Ian''s hand tightened around his ss, but he maintained a perfectlyposed smile.


    Mr. Brown skillfully changed the subject to thetest aerospace technology, and the lunch continued until it ended.


    The magnates all had assistants waiting outside, and they were promptly escorted away.


    Gavin was also waiting. When he saw his boss emerge, he was about to speak but was silenced by a quick nce. Gavin immediately


    understood Mr. Goodwin need to find Mr. Brown to sign a document."


    As Eleanor came out with her bag,n asked in a low voice, "Where are you going?"


    "Back to theb."


    "Could I trouble you for a ride?"n''s voice was husky from the alcohol.


    "You can wait for Gavin to drive you," Eleanor said, knowing Gavin wouldn''t leave him stranded.


    "He just left for something important,"n said, his expression unchanged. Eleanor knew Gavin had left on purpose and frowned. "You can wait for him."


    Just then, Dr. Smith called. Eleanor answered, "Hello, Doctor."


    "Are you with Mr. Goodwin? There''s an urgent document that needs his signature. Could you bothe over as soon as possible?" Dr. Smith said on the other end. Eleanor paused, then turned to the man beside her. "Come with me."


    "What did the doctor say?"n asked in a low voice.


    "He needs you toe sign a document."


    When they got into Eleanor''s car,n didn''t choose the back seat. He sat in the passenger seat instead.


    The faint scent of wine mixed with his cedar cologne filled the car. Eleanor frowned and opened the window.


    As Eleanor started the car and focused on driving, he slowly opened his eyes, a drunken haze clouding his gaze-

 Chapter 1106

    Eleanor gripped the steering wheel, her focus on the road as the scenery outside flew by. She could feel the intense, direct gaze from the man beside her and did her best to ignore it.


    Perhapsn was truly tired, because before long, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.


    When Eleanor pulled into theboratory''s parking lot, she turned to look at the sleeping man. She tried calling his name. "Ian, we''re here."


    He didn''t respond. Eleanor was anxious to get back to work and didn''t have time to wait, so she reached out to nudge his shoulder. "Ian, wake up. We''re here."


    As she reached to nudge him a second time, her hand was suddenly caught by a warm, firm grip.


    Eleanor instinctively pulled her hand away and reminded him again, "We''re here. Get out."


    Eleanor walked ahead, and he followed behind, his long legs moving at a steady pace, his eyes tracing her figure as they entered the elevator together and she stepped into her office.


    Dr. Smith did indeed have urgent business with him. He came over with a document in hand. "Mr. Goodwin, you''re here. I''ve brought the file."


    He exined the importance of the document as he opened it to the signature line.


    "Mr. Goodwin, there''s something I need to bring to your attention. Miss Vanessa Shannon''s blood sample showed trace amounts of alcohol residue, which could affect our research. Could you please remind her to abstain from alcohol for the time being?"


    As soon as Eleanor sat down in her office, a message from Joy Thatcher popped up. "Dr. Sutton, you''re absolutely killing it."


    Below was a screenshot from a business journal. It was a powerful photo taken as they were heading to the restaurant: Ian and Mr. Brown walking side-by-side, withn looking back at Eleanor, who was smiling and talking with President Larkin The headline was cleverly crafted: "Goodwin Co. CEOn Goodwin Takes the Helm of The Guild of Commerce, Ushering in a New Era of Technology with Industry Leaders."


    Eleanor, dressed in a simple gray suit, walked withposure among the industry giants, exuding an outstanding and schrly presence despite her youth.


    Joy also sent a screenshot of the


    elet


    true goddesses also


    gorgeous, but shes also a genius n the scientificmunity."


    "Oh my god! The wayn looks at Eleanor... I think I ship them again."


    "If only they hadn''t divorced. A power couple like them is the ultimate pairing!"


    "What a shame! I wish they''d get back together. Eleanor is the kind of celebrity I should be following."


    Eleanor frowned as she read thements and replied to Joy, "You''re giving me too much credit. I was just there to make up the numbers."


    "Don''t be so modest. You deserve all the praise," Joy replied.


    Next, Joy sent a photo ofn looking distinguished on the podium. The media caption read, "A business" magnate under thirty proves that a leader''s value lies not in seniority, but in vision and courage."


    "Scumbag tendencies aside,n is still handsome!" Joymented.


    Eleanor chatted with her for a bit longer about their kids before immersing herself in her work.


    However, the news still managed to provoke others.

 Chapter 1107

    Vanessa was naturally the first to see it. Laverne was surrounded by media contacts, all of whom knew about the feud between Vanessa and Eleanor.


    "Eleanor certainly knows how to ride someone''s coattails. She''s already using her connection ton to climb thedder," Vanessa sneered, her eyes filled with jealousy. The photo of Eleanor walking alongside business magnates was particrly galling to her.


    Beside her, Laverne ventured a guess, "Do you think Eleanor wants to get back together with Mr. Goodwin?"


    Vanessa stared at the wayn was looking back at Eleanor in the picture. Her nails dug into the screen. She knew it wasn who wanted to get back together.


    Seeing Vanessa''s silence, Laverne tactfully dropped the subject. The current Eleanor was brilliant and sessful, andn was a legendary figure in the business world. If they remarried, it would be no good for Vanessa.


    "They won''t get back together," Vanessa said through gritted teeth, her words sounding like a curse.


    Laverne was taken aback. "Why are you so sure?"


    Vanessa''s lips curled into a smug, cold smile. She said slowly, "Eleanor hatesn to the bone. She won''t forgive him that easily."


    Laverne immediately recalled Vanessa''s past schemes. Before she knew the truth about Vanessa donating blood to save Gina, even she had believedn was deeply in love with her. How could Eleanor, his wife at the time, not have been heartbroken?


    All the photos that appeared in the media were ones Vanessa had paid people to take. Vanessa would provide the time and ce, and Laverne just had to send professional paparazzi.


    "Vanessa, aren''t you worriedn might retaliate against you one day?" Laverne suddenly asked. Then, she added a warning, "I remember once, whenn came out of your vi, his face was like ice. His eyes were filled with either anger or murderous intent. It was terrifying."


    Vanessa''s face instantly paled. She knew which incident Laverne was referring to. How could she forget that day?


    donations, topletely cure Gina Quinn''s illness.


    She wasn''t stupid. Why would she agree? If Gina was cured, her status as a donor would be meaningless.


    She remembered hown had tried to reason with her at first. But after she refused, all warmth vanished from his eyes.


    So, she had grabbed a fruit knife from the table to threaten him.


    n, you have two choices today. Either I die, or you divorce her and marry me."


    ?


    She would never forget the clear disgust and killing intent in his eyes. But given the situation, she had to


    force and other wise;"


    everything she had schemed for would be for nothing.


    "Vanessa, stop dreaming."


    He had thrown those words at her, snatched the knife from her hand, mmed it on


    the floor, and left with a dark expression.


    "He won''t retaliate against me,"


    Vanessa said, forcing herself to stay calm as she took a sip of red wine saved his mother''s life. That''s a debt fan will have to carry for the rest of his life. If he dares to do anything to me, I''ll expose everything and let the whole world see how ungrateful he is."


    Just then, Vanessa''s phone rang. She nced at it, and her hand trembled so much that the wine in her ss nearly spilled.


    Laverne leaned over and saw the name on the screen. It was a call fromn.

 Chapter 1108

    "It''sn''s phone, Vanessa."


    Vanessa took a deep breath, her fingertips trembling as she answered the call.


    She made her voice soft on purpose. "Ian, why call me all of a sudden?"


    Nowadays, even matters like blood draws were handled by theb. She thoughtn would never contact her again.


    Vanessa quickly exined, "I just had a small drinkst night at a business dinner with my father."


    Vanessa clenched her phone, her nails digging into her palm. "Ian, are you threatening me? Don''t forget, I saved your mother''s life."


    A moment of silence followed beforen''s voice, terrifyingly calm, came through. "That''s the only reason I''ve tolerated you until now."


    The words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing Vanessa''s anger. She opened her mouth but found she couldn''t make a sound.


    "Remember my words,"n said finally. "This is myst warning."


    The call ended, and the dial tone pierced Vanessa''s ears.


    Laverne whispered, "What did he say?"


    Vanessa threw her phone onto the sofa and gritted her teeth. "He said I drank and it affected the experiment''s progress. He threatened me, telling me not to touch alcohol again." Suddenly, she threw a cushion across the room and screamed, "Why? Why is he treating me like this? Just because I love him? Does that give him the right to trample on my feelings?"


    Laverne went to pick up the cushion and looked back at the anguished Vanessa, unsure of how tofort her.


    She had lost all control over the man she once manipted. In fact, she was now firmly under his thumb.


    "I won''t let my life be like this. I refuse to ept it!" Vanessa cried, clutching her head in pain.


    Just then, Laverne''s phone rang. She picked it up. "Hello?"


    "Laverne, we found out. Mr. Wells is having a business dinner at a restaurant tonight."


    "Okay, send me the address," Laverne said.


    An address was sent over. Laverne immediately looked up the restaurant''s details andyout. When she saw a grand piano in the center of the dining room, an idea sparked.


    She rushed over to the distraught Vanessa. "Vanessa, this is your chance. Pull yourself together. You''re going to ''run into'' Mr. Wells tonight."


    Vanessa wiped her tears and listened as Laverne exined the n. A fierce look of defiance shed in her eyes. n, one day I will break free from you.*


    At Yeaton Manor.


    ???


    Faye Yeaton had recently taken an extended leave from work. She simply wasn''t in the mood to do anything since discovering that Vanessa owned thirteen percent of her father''spany. In hereyes, Vanessa was now an enemy.


    She had also learned from her father that the thirteen percent stake was actually


    mother was so angry she hadn''t spoken to her father in days.


    She regretted not seeing Vanessa''s true colors sooner. She had assumed that once Vanessa married into the Goodwin family, she would be content with their billions and lose interest in the reaton''s assets. She never imagined that before Vanessa had evemarried in, she had already gottenn to snatch a ten percent stake in Yeaton Holdings for her.


    Faye was idly scrolling through the news on the sofa when she came across the business report. She saw the photo of Eleanorn and the group of magnates, and her eyes widened in jealous disbelief at Eleanor''s current sess.


    Two years ago, they were just fellow researchers in the sameb. Now, Eleanor had received eighty billion in a divorce settlement and had soared in her scientific career to be a top figure in her field.


    The man chatting amiably with Eleanor in the photo was the chairman of a major pharmaceuticalpany. Had Eleanor started moving in such elite circles?


    The confident smile on Eleanor''s face in the photo stung her eyes. Why did Eleanor get to reach such heights? Seeing the wayn looked back at Eleanor made her feelings even moreplicated.


    She both hoped Ian would dump Vanessa and prayed he wouldn''t remarry Eleanor, which would make Eleanor''s life even more perfect.


    But it was clear that withn as the new chairman of The Guild of Commerce, he could provide Eleanor with better opportunities and solve more of her problems, only elevating her further.


    "Eleanor, why is your life so easy?" Faye clenched her fists. Over the past two years, Vanessa had seemingly offered her benefits, but none of them were substantial.


    Now, she didn''t care for them anymore. Even if it meant giving up her career as a researcher, she was determined to protect her family''s assets from Vanessa''s grasp.

 Chapter 1109

    Eleanor left theb at five-thirty. Ian had already messaged her to say he would pick up their daughter.


    As Eleanor''s car pulled out from theb, it was followed by the usual two bodyguard vehicles¡ªone fromn, and the other sent by Mansfield Ellington.


    Eleanor sighed. She picked up her phone, thinking of messaging Mansfield, but then remembered his special status and put it back down.


    She didn''t have any other hopes now; she just wished for his safe return.


    When Eleanor got home, her daughter was already back. Ian was helping her practice with a jump rope on the balcony. Evelyn had a frustrated frown on her little face. The simple motion seemed so hard for her to master.


    "Mommy, this is so hard!" Evelyn pouted.


    "Let Mommy teach you," Eleanor said with a smile, ruffling her daughter''s hair. She took the rope and slowly showed her how.


    Eleanor noticed his stare and faltered, stopping abruptly.


    "Mommy, you''re so good!" Evelyn pped, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension between the two adults.


    Eleanor handed the jump rope back to her daughter. "Evelyn, try again. Mommy has to go do some work."


    Joslyn prepared dinner forn as usual. It was a nutritious and hearty meal. Eleanor figured that since he had been picking up their daughter recently and lived downstairs anyway, making food for one extra person was no trouble.


    Meanwhile, at the restaurant, Vanessa and Laverne arrived right on time. Walden Wells was there, deep in conversation with two other men of a simr age.


    Shortly after being seated, Vanessa, with the manager''s permission, gracefully walked to the piano. Dressed in a long white gown, she sat down, and as her fingers touched the keys, a beautiful melody filled the air.


    The other diners were pleasantly surprised to see a beautiful woman ying the piano so wonderfully.


    Many of the men in the room stared, momentarily captivated.


    This, of course, included Walden Wells''s table. He was visibly taken aback, his gaze drawn to the piano.


    Vanessa could tell he was looking. She nced up at just the right moment, held his eyes, and offered a slight, polite nod and smile.


    Walden Wells felt his spirits lift. He summoned a waiter, whispered something, and continued to enjoy the performance.


    After she finished her piece and returned to her seat, a waiter approached with a ss of red wine. "Miss, this is a gift from that gentleman."


    Vanessa graciously epted it and raised the ss in Walden Wells''s direction with a thankful smile.


    Walden Wells, also holding a wine ss, observed Vanessa with the scrutinizing gaze of a hunter.


    Laverne saw it all and whispered to Vanessa, "Looks like the prey has taken the bait."


    Vanessa''s red lips curved. "You think so?" It was exactly what she had expected.


    As dinner ended and Vanessa and Laverne were about to leave, Walden Wells''s assistant came over with a business card.


    "Miss, my boss is very interested in getting to know you."


    Vanessa took the card and deliberately read the name aloud. "Walden Wells. I''ve heard of hispany."


    "In that case, miss, would you mind leaving a contact number?"


    "Her name is Vanessa, and she is an international pianist," Laverne interjected, seizing the opportunity to hand over Vanessa''s personal card.


    Just then, a man''s chuckling voice came from behind them. "No wonder the piano ying was so exquisite. It turns out she''s a professional pianist."


    Walden Wells himself hade over. Vanessa immediately feigned a look of surprise and delight. "Mr. Wells, hello. I didn''t expect to meet you here."


    "Miss Shannon is not only beautiful, but her piano skills are also superb," Walden Wells said meaningfully "Let''s be friends. We could have tea or y a round of golf sometime."


    Vanessa was secretly thrilled but kept her expressionposed. "It would be my pleasure and honor to be friends with you, Mr. Wells. But I have something to attend to so I must be going."


    "Go on, then. We''ll be in touch." Walden Wells didn''t press her to stay. As he watched her sway away, he saw her for what she was: a vixen just waiting to be caught.


    "Interesting," Walden Wells chuckled.


    Just then, the man next to him came over. "Mr. Wells, that Vanessa isn Goodwin''s woman, you know."


    Walden Wells''s face darkened. "What?n''s woman?"


    "The rumor is she''s the womann keeps abroad. I don''t know if they''ve broken up now or not."


    n stole my position, so it''s only


    fair I steal his woman, isn''t it?"


    Walden Wells steered a vicious look in his eyes in that case, I''m


    determined to have this Vanessa."

 Chapter 1110

    Back in the car, Laverne let out a sigh of relief. "From the look in Mr. Wells''s eyes, he''s very interested in you. Your n to get close to him was a sess."


    Vanessa clutched her chest, a wave of difort washing over her.


    Well, the man was sixty. When he moved in close, she caught a whiff of that old- person smell and it really put her off.


    Compared ton''s captivating, crisp scent of cedar, Vanessa felt slightly nauseated.


    Laverne noticed her difort. Although Vanessa came from a humble background as an illegitimate daughter, the wealth and famen had given her over the past decade were no less than that of any heiress. Deep down, Vanessa was proud.


    "Vanessa, you need to think this through. Once you start, there''s no turning back. Now that you''ve caught Walden Wells''s attention, you have to see this through to the end," Laverne reminded her. She was now banking on Vanessa''s connection with Walden Wells to revive her own career.


    She was gambling the next few years of her career on Vanessa.


    Vanessa stared out the window without responding. Her mind was filled with images ofn, Henry Holt, and Xavier Vaughn-all so vibrant, handsome, young, and charming. Now, she was about to serve a man older than her own father. She needed courage.


    Just then, Laverne''s phone rang. She answered it. "Hello? What''s up?"


    "Laverne, did you hear? Walden Wells was also on the list of candidates for the Guild of Commerce chairmanship. And my media friends said he had been secretly lobbying for the position for a while."


    Laverne hadn''t been aware of this. "Isn''t Walden Wells qualified enough?"


    "He was more than qualified, but who knew some dark horse liken woulde out of nowhere and take the spot that should''ve been his."


    Laverne responded, "Okay, have your media friends keep a close eye on this."


    After hanging up, Laverne thought for a moment and then turned to Vanessa excitedly. "Vanessa, I just got some important news. Walden Wells was apparently a shoo-in for The Guild of Commerce chairmanship, butn swooped in and stole it from him. It seems there''s some serious bad blood between them now."


    Vanessa''s eyes widened in surprise. "What are you saying?"


    "Walden Wells must haten''s guts right now. Knowing his personality, he won''t let it


    go. Once he finds out about your past rtionship withn, he''ll definitely want to take you for himself."


    Vanessa leaned back against the seat, clenching her jaw. Walden Wells was her most powerful ticket to breaking free fromn. Now that he also despisedn, she might even be able to use him to destron''s career his reputation and everything he held dear.


    Vanessa''s fingers tightened into a fist, her eyes growing more determined: The earlier hesitation had vanished. She took Walden Wells''s business card from her purse. It seems need to arrange


    In


    my next meeting with Mr. Wells as soon as possible."


    "Don''t rush it. You need to y games and keep him on the hook. Getting you too easily will make a man lose interest," Laverne advised, patting her arm.


    She had faith in Vanessa''s abilities. Otherwise, how could a rich heir like Henry have been willing to be her backup for seven years?


    Back at Eleanor''s home, after dinner, Evelyn wanted to practice her writing early. Ian was teaching her in the first-floor study, as Evelyn had specifically requested her dad''s help.


    Eleanor went upstairs to work for a while. At eight-thirty, she came downstairs just as Joslyn was finishing cutting up some fruit. "Ma''am," Joslyn said, "could you take this te of fruit into the study for Evelyn?"

 Chapter 1111

    Eleanor nodded. She''d been working upstairs all evening and hadn''t spent much


    time with her daughter, so she picked up the fruit tter and headed for the study on the first floor.


    As soon as she stepped into the study, Eleanor could hearn''s gentle voice exining something, followed by her daughter''s questions.


    "Daddy, does my writing look nice?"


    "Yes, it does. If you press a little harder on this stroke, it''ll look even better." Ian''s voice was low and patient. "That''s right, just like that."


    Eleanor walked in and saw the heartwarming scene, aplex emotion stirring within her. Evelyn was learning diligently, her little face a mask of concentration, whilen watched her with a smile of approval.


    Sensing someone''s presence, Evelyn turned her head and called out happily, "Mommy."


    "Okay," Evelyn chirped, nodding happily.


    Eleanor ced the fruit on the coffee table next to the desk, and Evelyn excitedly held up her practice book. "Mommy, look at the words I wrote."


    Eleanor leaned in to look. Her daughter had written simple words in neat script. Though the strokes were still a bit shaky, the structure was quite good.


    It was clearn was an excellent teacher.


    "You did a wonderful job," Eleanor praised sincerely, ruffling her daughter''s hair.


    Evelyn picked up a small fork, speared a piece of pear, and offered it to her father. "Daddy, you first."


    Eleanor sat down and took it. Only then did Evelyn get a piece for herself, munching on it happily.


    At that moment, both found their attention irresistibly drawn to Evelyn''s face, alight with sheer delight.


    Eleanor was about to refuse when he added, "Dr. Lyman and Principal Maxwell will be there, along with Dr. Windsor and the neuro-engineers from Starnova."


    The refusal died on her lips. The opportunity to exchange ideas with them would be beneficial for her research.


    her as he spoke earnestly, "An opportunity like this is rare, and it will


    help your future research.nd.


    you the time and ceter."


    "Your attendance would also be a show of support for my work,"n continued.


    Eleanor nodded. "Thank you for the invitation. I''ll be there."


    A flicker of relief crossedn''s eyes. He forked another piece of fruit into his mouth, which now tasted even sweater. At this moment, he didn''t ask for much. This was enough


    After they finished the fruit, Eleanor took over teaching their daughter, andn left.


    Just asn reached the living room downstairs, his phone rang. He nced at the caller ID-it was Xavier. He answered, "Hello, Xavier. How''s thewsuit going?"


    "Still waiting for the verdict.


    Congrattions on bing the Chairman of The Guild of


    Commerce. And... your hair-


    re


    Xavier''s voice on the other end was filled with undisguised surprise.


    "It''s nothing, just been a bit exhaustedtely," Ian exined with a faint smile.


    "Has your mother''s condition been brought under control?" Xavier asked with concern.


    "It has. She''s recovering now."


    "Good. How have things been back hometely?" Xavier asked, his tone hinting at something more.


    "Everything''s fine. We should get together when you''re back,"n replied in a low voice, understanding the meaning behind his words.

 Chapter 1112

    "Alright! I''m hanging up then." Xavier ended the call.


    A momentter, a call from Henry came in. "Mr. Goodwin, congrattions! It''s been a while, and your status has changed again."


    Henry''s tone was teasing, but he was also curious. "Thest time I saw you, your hair just had some gray in it. How did it turnpletely white?"


    "Haha! If I were ten years younger, I might actually consider it!" Henryughed, then his tone grew more serious. "My wedding is on May fifth. Don''t forget toe."


    "Of course. Congrattions. I''ll make sure to clear my schedule to celebrate with you."


    Henry hesitated for a few seconds on the other end before saying tentatively, n, there''s one more thing. On my wedding day, could you invite Eleanor toe with you?"


    "I said some terrible things to her before," Henry''s voice was filled with guilt and remorse. "I really should find a time to apologize to her in person. I was such an idiot back then."


    Henry sounded regretful. "At Vivian''s birthday party, I stupidly thought she was ying with Xavier''s feelings to get back at you. I told her not to use Xavier as a tool. I was aplete fool."


    "You''re right. I''ll find a chance to apologize to her in person another day," Henry said sincerely.


    "Alright. You don''t have to invite her; I will," Henry said, then paused before adding, "To be honest, I also hope you two... can have a chance to start over."


    A bitter smile touchedn''s lips. "I''ll respect her choice."


    "Ian, I know these past few years haven''t been easy for you. Eleanor was hurt a lot because of Vanessa. Show her with your actions that you love her," Henry urged.


    After hanging up,n stood there for a long time. Henry''s call had brought back too many memories.


    He would have to spend the rest of his life making up for everything.


    The next morning, when Eleanor arrived at theb, she saw Gina sitting in themon lounge with Serena Goodwin, who was keeping herpany. She looked much better.


    "Ellie," Serena greeted her happily.


    Eleanor, dressed in her whiteb coat, exuded an air of cool detachment. She


    looked at Serena and asked, "Is there something you need?"


    "Ellie, my mom said she has something to tell you. Do you have a moment?" Serena asked, her eyes full of hope.


    Eleanor shook her head. "I have to get to theb. Maybe next time."


    After Eleanor left, Serena returned to her mother''s side. Gina sighed, understanding why Eleanor didn''t want to see her right now. "Let''s back to the room," she said to Serena.


    go


    "Mom, what is it you want to tell Ellie? But whatever you do, please don''t mention them getting back together she has a boyfriend now,"


    Serena reminded her mother.


    Gina looked up at her daughter. "Have you met her new boyfriend? What''s he like?"


    Serena nodded. "I''ve met him. He''s in the military. He''s very handsome, in great shape, and I''m sure he treats Ellie well."


    Gina''s gaze lingered on the empty hallway where Eleanor had vanished. "We owe her a debt our family can never repay," she murmured, almost to herself.

 Chapter 1113

    After a nonstop morning, the clock read two-thirty. Eleanor found herself fighting off sleepiness. She lifted her coffee mug for a fortifying sip and leaned back, letting her gaze drift out the window.


    Mansfield''s image surfaced in her mind.


    Seven days had passed in a sh, and there was still no word from him.


    No texts, no calls.


    Eleanor had thought about contacting the Ellington family, but she didn''t know in what capacity she could approach them.


    Her rtionship with Mansfield was private, and until it was made public, she couldn''t reach out to his family on her own.


    But she was genuinely worried about him.


    As Eleanor was lost in thought, a low male voice suddenly came from behind her. "Are you worried about him?"


    Eleanor jumped, turning to see the man who had entered at some point. She frowned slightly. "Next time you enter, please knock."


    Eleanor returned to her seat and asked, "Is there something you need?"


    "I''ve sent the detailed schedule for the tech forum to your email,"n said, noticing


    the faint shadows under her eyes. He asked with concern, "Didn''t you sleep wellst night?"


    "I''m fine," Eleanor replied, shuffling papers on her desk, clearly not wanting to discuss it.


    Eleanor''s head snapped up. She was clearly desperate for any news about Mansfield, but the thought of him being the one to help made her shake her head. "No, thank you."


    "It''s normal for someone of his rank to be unable to contact the outside world while on a mission. You don''t need to worry too much."


    Before Eleanor could say anything,n continued, "I''ll ask about him for you."


    With that, he turned and walked out of the office.


    Eleanor clutched the documents in her hand, her heart a turmoil of mixed emotions. Her ex-husband helping her get news about he current boyfriendt felt strangely humiliating.


    The office returned to its silence. Eleanor picked up her phone, wanting to send Mansfield a message, but ultimately put it down.


    She couldn''t interfere with his mission.


    Around four o''clock,n walked into


    the main lobby. Eleanor was at the front desk signing for a package, and they ran into each other unexpectedly.


    Eleanor instinctively paused, her lips pressed together, her eyes holding a flicker of anticipation she didn''t even realize was there.


    Eleanor''s fingertips tightened unconsciously. "Is there¡ªany news about him?" she asked softly.


    "The mayor said there''s no concrete


    news at the moment," he reported honestly. Seeing the sh of disappointment in her eyes, he quickly added, "But no news is good news. At his level if something had really happened, his family would have been notified immediately."


    Eleanor lowered her gaze and murmured a soft, "Okay," before adding, "Thank you."


    Eleanor nodded and turned to leave.


    Asn watched her walk away, he said in a low voice, "I''m going to pick up Evelyn now."


    Eleanor''s steps faltered. She nced back at him.


    Could it be that he had made a special trip to theb just to give her news about Mansfield?


    For a moment, Eleanor was left speechless.

 Chapter 1114

    He wanted her to be happy, yet he was jealous of the man who could give her that happiness.


    But no matter what, he would protect her in his own way until Mansfield returned safely.


    In a romantic rooftop cafe, Vanessa was waiting for someone. Soon, Walden Wells walked in through the entrance. Therge cafe was quiet and empty, as it had been booked for a private event.


    And Vanessa was Walden Wells''s only guest today.


    The pleasure of being powerful with wealth was back in Vanessa''s hands, and oh, how she adored it.


    "Mr. Wells, you''re here," Vanessa said, standing up to greet him.


    As Walden Wells approached, Vanessa reached out and gently straightened his tie with a practiced, natural ease.


    Walden Wells was taken aback for a moment, then clearly enjoyed her attention.


    As soon as he sat down, he asked directly, "Miss Shannon, I hear your rtionship withn is quite special?"


    Vanessa''s hand, holding a champagne flute, paused slightly. She had obviouslye prepared. She forced a bitter smile. "Mr. Wells, you''re very well-informed. But my rtionship withn isn''t what the rumors say. It''s nothing more than a transactional rtionship."


    "Oh? What kind of transaction?" Walden Wells raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued.


    "I regrly provide his mother with blood of a rare type, and hepensates me ordingly," Vanessa said nonchntly, conveniently omitting the fact that she''d been using her blood donations to ckmailn for years.


    Walden Wells was clearly surprised. "Is that all?"


    "The media did write a lot about our rtionship, Vanessa said with a perfectly timed note of grievance. "But our rtionship is just that simple. My suffering isn''t over, though. I still have to continue giving his mother blood transfusions


    ording to the agreement."


    Walden Wells''s eyes narrowed. "What would happen if his mother didn''t have your blood?"


    "His mother has a rare blood


    disorder, and I''m the only person in the world who can provide the blood to save her. I''ve been saving her for ten years now. If I don''t give blood ording to the contract, I have to pay damages," Vanessa sighed.


    Walden Wells looked at her thoughtfully, then suddenly smiled. "Miss Shannon, what


    if I told you I could help you get out of this deal?"


    Vanessa''s eyes lit up instantly, but then dimmed just as quickly. "Ian won''t let me go that easily. But thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Wells."


    "As powerful asn is, he''s nothing in my eyes," Walden Wells snorted dismissively. "When I was wing my way up in the business world, he hadn''t even been born! You think I''m afraid of him?"


    Vanessa bit her red lip, her expression clearly showing she still didn''t believe him.


    At that moment, Walden Wells stood up, moved from his seat to stand in front of Vanessa, and suddenly lifted her chin with his hand, his gaze burning. "However, I have conditions for helping you. It''s up to you whether you agree or not."


    "What conditions?" Vanessa asked, her heart pounding.


    "Be my woman," Walden Wells said bluntly. "As long as you''re with me, I guaranteen will never dare to bother you again."


    Vanessa was almost ecstatic, but her face showed only a shy hesitation.


    This was exactly what she wanted to use Walden Wells to escapen''s control.


    "Mr. Wells, this¡ªthis is so sudden," Vanessa said, ying hard to get.


    "I don''t like to beat around the bush." Walden Wells released her chin and returned to his seat, his tonemanding. "Give me an answer before seven clock tonight If you agree, you''ll be my woman, Walden


    Wells''s woman. I''ll handle jan."

 Chapter 1115

    Vanessa bit her lip, her eyes shimmering with tears-tears of excitement and gratitude.


    She looked up at Walden Wells. "I don''t need until seven. I''ll agree right now. I, I''m willing."


    Walden Wells smiled, satisfied. "Good. You have what it takes to be Walden Wells''s woman."


    With that, he took a room key card from his pocket and ced it on the table. "Ten o''clock tonight, the presidential suite at this hotel. I''ll see you then."


    Vanessa stared at the key card, then at Walden Wells''s retreating back, her whole body trembling slightly.


    Finally, was she finally going to be free ofn? With Walden Wells, her father''spany would be safe, and her shares would be secure.


    Vanessa sat alone in the empty cafe, clutching the key card so tightly she nearly bent it in two.


    Ten o''clock at night.


    In the presidential suite, Vanessa stood wrapped in a bath towel, looking down at the cityscape below, tears of humiliation welling in her eyes.


    She, Vanessa, the piano goddess once pursued by countless rich heirs, was now about to willingly climb into an old man''s bed.


    And it was alln''s fault.


    If he had been willing to love her, to marry her, she would never have ended up in this position.


    A fierce hatred zed in Vanessa''s eyes. "Ian, after tonight, I will hate you for the rest of my life."


    A momentter, a female assistant delivered a sexy, wine-red nightgown. Vanessa took it and changed. Not long after, the doorbell rang.


    She took a deep breath, stered a seductive smile on her face, and opened the door. Walden Wells


    Over


    stood outside his eyes raking. her body before nodding in satisfaction.


    "Mr. Wells." Vanessa lowered her gaze shyly and stepped aside to let him in.


    Walden Wells entered and immediately wrapped an arm around her waist. "Have you thought it through? Once you''re with me, you''ll enjoy endless wealth and luxury."


    Vanessa pressed herself against him. "It''s my good fortune to be with you."


    That night was endlessly long for Vanessa. As Walden Wells was on


    top of her in the


    arkness, she bitTM


    her lip so hard it nearly bled, ber


    mind filled with images ofn.


    When it was over, Walden Wells fell into a contented sleep. Vanessa went into the


    bathroom, her face twisted into a grotesque smile.


    n, you did this to me. I will make you pay."


    The morning sun streamed through


    the curtains. Walden Wells woke up to find Vanessa still asleep. His phone rang, and he picked at up, walking over to the French windows to take the call.


    It was about aworking event for The Guild of Commerce. Walden Wells sounded annoyed. "I don''t have time for things like this. Decline for me."


    Then, the person on the other end mentioned something else. Walden Wells raised an eyebrow. "A g for The Guild of Commerce?"


    Just then, a pair of snake-like arms wrapped around his waist from behind. "Walden, can I go to the g?"


    Walden Wells immediately smiled, patting her hand. He spoke into the phone, "Get me two invitation cards."


    After hanging up, Vanessa draped her arms around his neck. "I love gs. I hope it''s not too much trouble for you."


    "Of course not. How many people will envy me when I arrive with such a beautiful date?" Walden Wells said, tapping her nose with a fond smile.


    Vanessa smiled and nodded. "Alright, I promise I won''t embarrass you."


    Walden Wells couldn''t care less if others envied him. What he found truly interesting was the idea of bringingn''s former woman to a g hosted byn himself.

 Chapter 1116

    Three dayster, Gina was discharged from the hospital.


    Following sessful treatment by Dr. Smith''s team, her health had greatly improved. She would be continuing her recovery at home.


    Serena went to Eleanor''s office. "Ellie, my mom is being discharged today. Thank you for all your hard work during this time."


    "It wasn''t me; it was the doctor''s team," Eleanor said, shaking her head lightly.


    She was only responsible for the research; the credit for the care belonged to Smith''s team, and she wouldn''t take it.


    "No matter what, the fact that my mom and I can be cured of our blood disorder isrgely thanks to you. This is a debt of gratitude that my mom, I, and the entire Goodwin family will never forget," Serena said sincerely.


    Eleanor nodded at her. "You should go. Your grandmother is at home alone. Spend more time with her."


    Serena nodded. "Okay. And you should bring Evelyn over for dinner sometime when you''re free."


    "If Evelyn wants to go, I''ll bring her over," Eleanor replied.


    Eleanor returned to her research in theb, spending most of the next few days there, busy with her work.


    In the afternoon,n called.


    "I''ll go with you to the police station this afternoon to give a statement about the kidnapping case,"n''s gentle voice came through the phone.


    Eleanor had received a message about it that morning. "I can go by myself," she said.


    "I''ll apany you. I need to give a statement as well,"n insisted.


    At two in the afternoon, in the lobby of the police station, Eleanor andn gave their statements one after the other. Eleanor recounted the details of the incident thoroughly. The police officer was gentle with her, ensuring she felt no pressure.


    "Are you done?" he asked, standing up.


    Eleanor nodded. "I''m done."


    A cold glint shed inn''s eyes. "Don''t worry. They won''t get another chance to hurt you."


    Eleanor was slightly taken aback and looked at him. The coldness in his eyes had vanished, reced by a gentle warmth.


    Eleanor figured the police were


    already fully aware of what


    happened that night and were just going through the procedural


    §ï§Ý


    motions. She suspected that because of Mansfield''s special status, an in-depth investigation had beenunched long ago.


    Eleanor frowned. "That''s not necessary. I''ll get her myself."


    "Together?"n asked in a low voice.


    Eleanor hadn''t driven, so she nodded. "Alright."


    The two of them walked towards the ck Maybach in the parking lotn stood an Eleanor''s side and pulled open the front passenger door for her, but she reached out and opened the back door instead.


    and walked around to the driver''s side.


    The car pulled smoothly out of the police station. Ian put on some soft music, and the gentle strains of a male blues singer filled the car.


    Eleanor sat by the window, gazing at the passing scenery, her thoughts drifting.


    His hands tightened on the steering wheel. He wanted to break the silence, but he didn''t know what to say.


    Only the blues music flowed through the air.


    It was still early to pick up their daughter. As they drove onto the elevated highway,n saw the congested traffic ahead. For the first time, he didn''t mind being stuck in a traffic jam Just sitting quietly in the Same car, listening to music


    together, felt like a luxury to him.


    Eleanor''s thoughts returned to the present. She nced at the traffic, then at her


    watch. Fortunately, there was still plenty of time.

 Chapter 1117

    They arrived at the school just before five, with ten minutes to spare before sses ended.


    Eleanor turned to the man in the car. "I''ll go get her. You can wait here."


    Ton, her words implied that she didn''t want them to be seen together.


    "Alright,"n replied gently, but after Eleanor got out of the car, he felt a dull ache in his chest.


    Did it bother her that much?


    When Eleanor came out holding Evelyn''s hand, the little girl was thrilled to hear that her daddy was there too. She hopped and skipped with joy. "Yay! I love it when Mommy and Daddy pick me up from school together."


    "My daddy came to get me!" a little boy called out deliberately to Evelyn.


    "My daddy came too!" Evelyn shouted back, a hint of defiance in her voice.


    Eleanor''s heart clenched for a second.


    Seeing her daughter''s innocent, radiant smile, a wave of sadness washed over her.


    In a child''s simple world, having both parents pick her up from school was the greatest happiness.


    Evelyn skipped over to the car.n got out, bent down to lift his daughter into his arms, and gently opened the door to help her in. Eleanor got in from the other side.


    On the way home, Evelyn chattered happily about her day at school, finally breaking the heavy silence in the car.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but think back


    to when she was a baby, just learning to talk. She used to love styling her hair in two little pigtails and dressing her in cute clothes. Evelyn would blink her Big, grape-like eyes adorably while ying inn''s arms.


    During that time,n worked from home almost exclusively, canceling everything except the most critical meetings.


    The first thing he did when he came home was to hold his daughter. So, despite his busy schedule, he had always been a gentle and patient father in Evelyn''s eyes in the past, her phone''s memory was mostly filled with photos and videos of


    Evelyn and him.


    Aplex emotion welled up inside her. Watching her daughter grow into a little girl, she realized some memories could only be memories. In reality, they had long since chosen different paths.


    Learning that Vanessa had staged the evidence ofn''s affair had brought her a great deal of closure, allowing her to face him calmly.


    Understanding the kind of person Vanessa was, she could also grasp the helplessness of his situation. The memory of him choosing to save Vanessa first at the pool two years ago had finally faded from her mind.


    In a situation where Vanessa was the only one who could donate stem cells, he had to choose to save her Three lives were at stake. At the time, Vanessa was not only the


    primary donor but also the future


    source for experimental blood work


    needed to find a cure.


    "Mommy, what are you thinking about?" Evelyn asked curiously, noticing her mother''s silence.


    Eleanor snapped back to the present. Looking at her vibrant, lovely daughter, she wondered what she would have done inn''s position at the pool.


    If she had been in his shoes, forced to save only one person, she probably would have made the same choice to save Vanessa.


    Not because of love, but because of responsibility.


    The weight of three lives was far heavier than personal feelings.


    Besides,n was a calmer and more rational person than she was.


    This realization brought Eleanor an unprecedented sense of relief. During their divorce, the scene by the pool had been like a thorn in her heart. Now, that thorn had finally been removed.

 Chapter 1118

    But letting go didn''t mean starting over. Some scars, once formed, couldn''t be easily erased.


    Eleanor simply smiled and gently stroked her daughter''s hair, saying nothing.


    He knew their daughter was right beside her, which meant there was only one person she could be thinking about so deeply.


    As the sky outside darkened, the man''s eyes grew dimmer.


    "I have a business dinner tonight, so I won''t be crashing your dinner,"n said to Eleanor after they got out of the car.


    Eleanor held her daughter''s hand and nodded. "Okay."


    Evelyn waved her little hand. "Bye-bye, Daddy."


    Eleanor led her daughter into the elevator. She was determined to patiently help Evelyn practice her writing and drawing tonight, bncing work with more quality time with her daughter.


    On Monday, the seminar organized by The Guild of Commerce officially began. Eleanor drove from the school to The Guild Hall early in the morning.


    Many leading academics and titans from various fields were in attendance. As Eleanor stepped into the main hall, she spotted Professor Lyman Brown and Maxwell, the president of Kingston Ashford Medical University. She walked over to greet them. "Dr. Lyman, Principal Maxwell, good morning."


    "Eleanor, you''re here! I was the one who toldn to specifically invite you," Principal Maxwell said to her.


    Dr. Lyman also looked at her with approval. "Ian told me you''ve made significant breakthroughs in your research on blood disorders. That''s wonderful news for the future of medicine!"


    "Indeed. These are efforts that benefit all of humanity."


    Just then, a small stir rippled through the entrance of the venue. Everyone instinctively turned to look asn strode in.


    He was dressed in a well-tailored dark gray suit, with a pair of gold-rimmed sses perched on his nose that gave him a schrly air. His salt-and-pepper hair was impably styled, gleaming under the lights. His arrival seemed to make the atmosphere in the hall more formal.


    After a quick scan of the room,n''s gaze settled on their group, and he walked


    over.


    "Principal Maxwell, Dr. Lyman, thank you for taking the time to attend,"n said, greeting them with polite humility.


    Even though he was now the Chairman of The Guild Hall, this humility from a younger peer earned him admiring nces from those around them.


    Although they were very familiar in private, in a formal setting like this, the two academic giants still shook his hand.


    After shaking hands with the two senior figures,n''s gaze shifted to Eleanor. He extended his hand. "Dr. Sutton, wee."


    Eleanor looked at the outstretched hand. In such a public ce, with eyes all around them, she couldn''t refuse without causing a scene. She had no choice but to extend her hand to meet his.


    After five seconds, Eleanor tried to withdraw her hand, butn held it a little tighter.


    "I look forward to your presentation today, Dr. Sutton."


    With that, he finally let go. His eyes were deep and focused.


    Maintaining a polite expression, Eleanor naturally stepped back to stand behind Dr. Lyman.


    Soon, they entered the main conference hall. After the forum began,n as the host, gave the opening remarks. His speech was concise and powerful exuding the confident charisma of a


    king of the business world, making it nearly impossible to look away.


    Afterward, several experts from different fields gave their presentations, followed by breakout sessions for discussion and exchange.


    Eleanor entered the medical conference room. She had just taken her seat and was listening to a discussion about thetest research findings whenn pushed the door open and walked in.


    As the Chairman of The Guild of Commerce, he was supposed to be presiding over the artificial intelligence breakout session.


    That was also the field that interested him the most.


    "Mr. Goodwin, please, have a seat," a senior professor said, standing up to greet


    him.


    his gold-rimmed sses swept across the room beforending on Eleanor Medicine is a vital field conceming human welfare. I wanted toe and listen to your esteemed insights." Content Belongs


    He sat down in a chair that a staff member had brought in, directly opposite Eleanor.


    Her hand tightened on her pen. She would have much preferred him to focus on other fields.


    When it was Eleanor''s turn to speak,


    she adjusted the microphone and began to exin thetest


    breakthroughs in her blood disorder research. Across from her, a pair of eyes watched her intently, filled with unconcealed admiration.

 Chapter 1119

    As Eleanor sat down to a round of apuse, someone suggested thatn say a few words.


    "Mr. Goodwin, could you tell us how you n to support the scientific researchmunity in the future?"


    His words made Eleanor look up, and her eyes met his deep gaze. Behind the gold- rimmed sses, his eyes held an emotion she couldn''t quite decipher.


    Soon after,n left and moved on to the artificial intelligence session.


    At lunch, Eleanor ate with Dr. Lyman and his group, whilen was busy hosting international guests. They happened to run into each other in the restaurant, and he simply nodded a greeting to Dr. Lyman and the others from a distance before they went into their respective private rooms.


    The afternoon session ended rtively early. Just as Eleanor was about to leave the venue, her phone rang. It was Serena.


    Eleanor hesitated for a moment before answering, "Hello?"


    "Ellie, I heard from my brother that you attended the seminar. Can I pick up Evelyn to have dinner at my ce tonight? My mom and grandma really want to see her."


    Eleanor considered that Goodwin Manor wasn''t far from the school, and her daughter had mentioned wanting to see her grandmothers several times. "Alright," she agreed. "You can pick her up at five-ten. I''lle get herter." "Great! I''ll be there on time to get Evelyn," Serena replied happily.


    Eleanor nced at the time. With her evening now free, she wasn''t sure what to do.


    Just then, her phone rang again. She looked at the screen and was surprised to see it was the mayor''s wife.


    Eleanor answered with a smile. "Hello, Mrs. Ellington."


    "Eleanor, you''ll be at the business g tonight, won''t you?" Mrs. Ellington''s friendly voice came through.


    "Mrs. Ellington, I can¡ª"


    Sensing her hesitation, Mrs. Ellington quickly chimed in, "Eleanor, I know you''re not fond of these kinds of events, but it''s a rare chance for us to get together and have some fun. I''ll be there tonight with Lily, and I''d really love for you toe too."


    An idea immediately sprang into Eleanor''s mind. If she saw the Ellingtons, perhaps she could get some news about Mansfield.


    Since her evening was free, Eleanor smiled and agreed, "Alright, Mrs. Ellington. I''ll be there."


    "Wonderful! I''ll see you tonight then." Mrs. Ellington sounded pleased as she hung


    up.


    "Hello, Serena. What''s up?" he asked, moving to a quieter spot.


    "Brother, I heard you have a g tonight. You should invite Ellie to go! I''ll take care of Evelyn."


    "Serena, you need to discuss picking up Evelyn with Eleanor beforehand."


    "Don''t worry, I know! I already asked Ellie."


    "What did she say?"n''s grip on his phone tightened.


    "She said I could take Evelyn home for dinner."


    His eyes visibly brightened. "Good. Take good care of Evelyn."


    "I know, I know. I won''t say more. Evelyn is in good hands with us," Serena said before hanging up.


    thought. Aclient who was about to leave came over to say goodbye, and a refined, elegant smile immediately appeared on his face as he shook the man''s hand.


    After seeing the client off, he turned to Gavin beside him. "Do you know where Eleanor is?"


    "She''s probably left the venue by now. The medical conference ended a while ago."


    "Hello?" she answered.


    "I heard from Serena that you agreed


    to let Evelyn have dinner at my


    mother''s ce. What are your ns for the evening? fan asked ing low voice.


    "I promised Mrs. Ellington I''d apany her to the g," Eleanor replied.


    The smile onn''s lips faded slightly.


    Eleanor


    was attending with the


    Ellingtons? Was she attending as the


    future daughter-inw of the


    Ellington family?


    "Alright. See you at the g,"n responded hoarsely. The line went dead as she hung up first.


    Gavin, standing nearby, immediately sensed the terrifyingly dark aura emanating from his boss and wisely took two steps back.

 Chapter 1120

    The business g was held at a high-end hotel owned by The Guild of Commerce.


    The building was aze with lights, and the roads in front of the hotel had been closed off, essible only to guests with credentials for the evening.


    Eleanor''s car pulled up, and she handed the keys to a valet before walking towards the grand hall.


    She wore a simple white gown with a perfectly tailored waist, paired with stilettos, looking elegant and understated, yet dignified.


    At that moment, at the entrance to the ballroom, Vanessa made a grand entrance on Walden Wells''s arm, dressed in a wine-red, backless evening gown. She instantly captured the attention of everyone present.


    Vanessa''s eyes immediately locked onto the man at the center of the room.


    Vanessa caught his fleeting reaction, and a triumphant smile touched her lips. Did that mean he cared?


    She deliberately pressed closer to Walden Wells, whispering in his ear in an intimate gesture.


    She refused to believe thatn could see her with Walden Wells and feel nothing. After all, everyone used to know that she wasn''s woman.


    "Mr. Goodwin, good evening," Walden Wells said, his expression a mix of arrogance and self-satisfaction.


    "Mr. Wells, wee."n inclined his head slightly. As the host, it was his duty to wee all the guests.


    "This is my date, Miss Vanessa," Walden Wells said, taking Vanessa''s hand. "I believe you two know each other."


    Vanessa lifted her chin slightly, meetingn''s gaze as her red lips curved into a smile. "Mr. Goodwin, it''s been a while."


    She mirrored his formal tone, but her smiling eyes held a mix of triumph, provocation, and a sharp, intense pain.


    This was the man she had spent ten years loving with all her heart, and now she was being introduced to hing as another man''s date She Couldn''t believe he was truly unaffected.


    Just then,n''s gaze shifted past Vanessa toward the entrance of the ballroom. His calm, indifferent eyes suddenly lit up with a brilliant intensity.


    At the entrance, Eleanor stood draped in white, an ethereal, moonlit figure bathed in


    the glittering light. She was exchanging quiet words with a waiter.


    Vanessa couldn''t help but follow his gaze and froze on the spot. Her hand clutching her purse tightened. It was Eleanor.


    "Excuse me for a moment,"n said with a slight nod to Walden Wells, then walked straight toward Eleanor.


    Vanessa felt the breath freeze in her


    n¨¦


    throat.n''splete and utter disregard was a physical blow; t


    measured her entire worth astess


    than a single hair on Eleanor''s head.


    Just then, Walden Wells spotted an old friend. He said to Vanessa, "I''m going to chat with a friend. Go get yourself a drink."


    As soon as Walden Wells left, Vanessa picked up a ss of red wine to mask her inner turmoil, but the look she shot at Eleanor was nearly mad with jealousy. Sensing someone approaching, Eleanor looked up to findn standing before her.


    "You''re here," he said with a smile.


    At that moment, Mrs. Ellington arrived at the entrance with her daughter, Lily Ellington. Seeing Eleanor, she immediately came over with a warm greeting. Eleanor you''re here!"


    "Mrs. Ellington," Eleanor greeted her.


    Seeing them,n politely stepped aside to give them space.


    He was about to turn away when he heard Mrs. Ellington''s voice. "Still calling me


    Mrs. Ellington? Don''t be so formal, dear!"

 Chapter 1121

    The man who''d just turned away paused, his expression darkening at her words. A server passed by, and he reached out, taking a ss of whiskey from the tray before heading toward the center of the room.


    "Ellie, we meet again," ra said with a smile. Three years younger than Eleanor, she had a more lively and yful air about her.


    "Shona."


    "Just call me ra."


    Mrs. Ellington''s arrival immediately drew the attention of several societydies, and soon a crowd had gathered to greet her. Caught up in the social obligations, she turned to her daughter and said, "Why don''t you go chat with Eleanor for a bit? I''lle find you twoter."


    Eleanor and ra found a quieter spot to talk. Eleanor tried to suppress her question, but she couldn''t hold it back any longer.


    "ra, has your cousin Mansfield been in touch with the family recently?"


    ra shook her head, a flicker of worry in her eyes. "There''s no news yet, but don''t worry, he''s always like this when he''s on a mission. Do you miss him?"


    ra smiled reassuringly. "When he gets back, I''ll make sure he makes it up to you properly."


    Eleanor pressed her lips into a faint smile. "I''m just worried about him."


    Not far away, Vanessa watched as Walden Wells chatted with his friends, leaving


    her feeling neglected. She was merely his date for the evening, not close enough to be included in his work discussions.


    Her gaze inevitably drifted ton. He stood at the center of a crowd, holding a ss, surrounded by industry tycoons. He moved among the guests with ease, maintaining the grace and presence expected of the President of The Guild of Commerce.


    He was wearing those gold-rimmed sses again tonight. But he wasn''t nearsighted, so who bought them for him? And who was he wearing them for?


    Realization dawned on Vanessa, and her eyes shot toward Eleanor.


    So,n was deliberately wearing them at such an important event as a gesture of reconciliation toward Eleanor?


    The thought made her grip her ss so tightly she almost crushed it. As she watchedn, she noticed that even while conversing with others, a part of his attention was always on Eleanor.


    Meanwhile, since she had arrived at the banquet, she hadn''t received so much as a sideways nce from him.


    Vanessa bit her red lip in humiliation as jealousy raged within her.


    The sound of footsteps made her


    nce up. Walden Wells was


    walking toward her. She quickly arranged her features into an inviting smile Done with your


    conversation?" As Walden came came over, he naturally draped an arm around her waist. "Come on, I''ll introduce you to some friends."


    Vanessa immediately struck a pose, swaying her hips and raising an elegant smile, determined not to embarrass him.


    Later, Mrs. Ellington brought Eleanor and her daughter into her social circle, introducing Eleanor to her friends.


    Eleanor''s reputation was already well-known in high society, and seeing her rtionship with the Ellington family, they treated her with even more respect.


    Walden Wells basked in the envious looks he received from his friends because of Vanessa. Just then, hez received an important work call I''m going to the lounge to take this call," he told Vanessa. You can mingle for a bit."


    Vanessa nodded with a smile. After he left, she sawn finish his conversation with


    several entrepreneurs and walk toward the terrace.


    Seeing her chance, Vanessa immediately followed him.


    On the terrace,n stood alone, leaning against the railing. The whiskey in his hand glowed an amber color in the moonlight, and the night breeze gently lifted his silver-white hair Behind the O gold-rimmed sses, his eyes were as deep as the ocean.


    hair gehind the i


    "Ian," Vanessa called softly from behind him.

 Chapter 1122

    "What is it?"


    Vanessa''s voice was tinged with self-mockery. "I stood by you for ten years, gave your mother blood for ten years, and in the end, you won''t even give me a proper look? I just want to know, what makes her so much better than me?"


    Vanessa let out a pained, coldugh. "How cruel! But I don''t care for your love anymore. Without you,n, there are still people who will love and cherish me. I''ll live a wonderful life."


    Vanessa smiled sadly. "Aren''t you curious why I''m with Walden Wells?"


    "That''s your choice. It has nothing to do with me,"n said, his voice devoid of emotion.


    Vanessa stared, her eyes searching his profile, desperate for a sign of worry or ire. She met only with a profound, chilling stillness. His gaze, beneath those thickshes, held the t calm of a windless pond.


    Vanessa took a deep breath and, through gritted teeth, said word by word, n, one day, you will pay the price for your attitude today."


    Vanessa froze for a few seconds, then hispletely indifferent attitude thoroughly enraged her. She clutched her gown and took a step forward. "Ian, do you even have a heart? Ten years! Even raising a dog for that long would create some affection, and I''m a person! How can you be like this¡ª"


    From her angle, Vanessa saw a figure in white approaching the terrace¡ªit was Eleanor.


    A calcting glint shed in her eyes. Just as Eleanor was about to step onto the terrace, she quickly reached out to wrap her arms aroundn''s waist.


    Vanessa reached out, butn''s hand came up in a cold, blocking motion. "Vanessa,"


    he said, his tone t, "have some self-respect."


    This scene was witnessed by Eleanor, who had just arrived. She paused, not


    realizing there were people on the terrace.


    Vanessa immediately put on a


    wronged expression. n, werente


    we just having a nice chat?


    are


    you acting all proper just because Eleanor is here


    ra was also taken aback. She stared, frozen, at the man with such a powerful presence.


    But Vanessa just smirked and walked toward Eleanor. "Eleanor, we''re just old mes catching up. Don''t get the wrong idea!"


    Eleanor gave Vanessa a cool nce. "I have no wrong ideas to get."


    Vanessa''s smile froze. It seemed her carefully orchestrated drama was nothing to Eleanor now.


    Her calm spectatorship also meant thatn was nothing to her either.


    Ha! That at least made her feel a little better. She turned and left without a backward nce.


    "Ellie, who is this?" ra asked, sizing upn. Her intuition told her that Eleanor


    knew him and that this man was clearly no ordinary person.


    "My ex-husband," Eleanor introduced him calmly.


    It dawned on ra.


    ra spent most of the year teaching up north, so she waspletely out of the loop on business stuff.n''s white hair had totally throw her off she took another look. So that''s who he was


    the richest guy in the country, and Eleanor''s ex-husband.

 Chapter 1123

    ra tactfully took a step back. "Ellie, I''m going to check on my mom. You two talk."


    Now they were alone on the terrace, with only the gentle night breeze forpany. But Eleanor had nothing to say to him.


    She turned to leave, but a deep voice behind her pleaded, "Eleanor, can we¡ª"


    "Mr. Goodwin." Eleanor turned back, her clear gaze meeting his calmly. "Some boundaries are best not crossed."


    The title made his chest tighten, and a sharp pain suddenly spread from his heart. He instinctively grabbed the railing for support, his eyes shut tight behind his gold- rimmed sses, his brow furrowed in pain.


    Eleanor had already turned to leave but heard the sound behind her. She couldn''t help but look back and pause.


    "What''s wrong with you?" she asked, unable to stop herself.


    In the dim light, fine beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead. It was clear something was wrong with his heart.


    "Should I call a doctor?" Eleanor took a step forward.


    "Of course I am. You''re Evelyn''s donor. Nothing can happen to you," she snapped back.


    "It seems I''m at least still useful to you," he said in a hoarse voice, a hint of self- deprecation mixed with a strange sense of satisfaction.


    Eleanor realized herstment had been too emotional. She looked away. "Don''t overthink it."


    "I know,"n nodded, seemingly very understanding.


    "Have you had your heart checked recently?" Eleanor asked with a frown.


    "Yes, it''s fine,"n replied with a light smile. "I''ll be sure to get enough rest."


    Eleanor didn''t respond, nor did she leave immediately. Compared to the atmosphere in the ballroom, she preferred the quiet here.


    The intense gaze from her side finally got to Eleanor, and she turned and walked back toward the ballroom.


    The man behind her watched her go, his deep eyes filled with a restrained love that was spreading uncontrobly.


    A manager located him shortly after. "Mr. Goodwin, there you are," he said with a respectful but urgent air. "Several entrepreneurs are still waiting for you."


    Back in the bathroom, he was


    immediately surrounded by people


    toasting and exchanging


    pleasantries He was a man adept at


    Concealing all his emotions behind appropriate words and noble demeanor, handling everything with ease.


    In a corner, Vanessa held her wine ss. Her gaze was hazy, but she was still irresistibly drawn to the dazzling figure at the center of the _crowd a powerful infatuation shing in her eyes.


    It was just as the saying goes: you always want what you can''t have.

 Chapter 1124

    After mingling with several high-statusdies alongside Mrs. Ellington, Eleanor casually nced up and saw Vanessa. She was by Walden Wells''s side, clinging to his arm and whispering intimately in his ear, looking like a couple with arge age gap.


    Eleanor understood immediately. Vanessa had found a new patron. And judging by Walden Wells''s behavior during thest Guild of Commerce election, he was clearly unhappy aboutn taking the presidency.


    It seemed Vanessa''s approach to him was driven by a strong motive.


    The banquet was halfway through whenn, as the host, went on stage to give a speech. He stood in the spotlight, his silver hair catching the light with a cool sheen, which did nothing to diminish his powerful aura.


    "Thank you all for attending tonight''s banquet. As the new President of The Guild of Commerce, I will continue to be dedicated to promoting business development, technological innovation, and supporting exceptional talent¡ª"


    As Eleanor was taking a sip of her champagne, ra leaned in and asked in a curious whisper, "Ellie, how did your ex-husband''s hair turn white?"


    Eleanor paused for a moment, looking at the figure speaking on stage. "Probably from working too hard," she answered naturally.


    ra looked at the man on stage thoughtfully, figuring that must be it. Managing such arge corporation and serving as the President of The Guild of Commerce had to be incredibly stressful.


    "ra, I''m going to the restroom," Eleanor said to her.


    "Okay," ra replied with a smile.


    Eleanor was washing her hands at the sink when suddenly, Vanessa''s reflection appeared in the mirror. She walked over to Eleanor, her high heels clicking on the floor.


    "What a coincidence," Vanessa said slowly as she washed her hands, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "It looks like you''ve gained a lot tonight. From now on, you can keep reaping the benefits of your rtionship with your ex-husband."


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about," Eleanor replied coldly.


    Vanessa sneered, lowering her voice. "Are you telling me thatn bing the President of The Guild of Commerce won''t bring you any advantages? Yourpany, your research funding-which of those can''t he help you with?"


    Eleanor frowned, not wanting to engage.


    Vanessa held her ground. "Let''s not pretend, Eleanor. Your sess was bought and paid for by him. So drop the ''independent and strong'' act. Who exactly are you trying to convince?"


    Eleanor turned off the faucet, pulled out a paper towel, and slowly dried her hands, her eyes meeting Vanessa''s in the mirror.


    "You''re right, Miss Shannon. I really can''tpare to you." Eleanor''s lips curved into a mocking smile. "At least I don''t have to climb my way up by relying on a man old enough to be my father."


    Vanessa''s face instantly turned ashen. "Eleanor, what did you say¡ª"


    Eleanor turned to face her, her voice calm but every word a stab to the heart. "Aren''t you an expert at using men? Fromn to Henry, and now to Walden Wells you certainly know how to pick your stepping stones."


    "What do you know?" Vanessa gritted her teeth. "Mr. Wells and I are truly in love. Then, unwilling to back


    down, she continued Continued to provoke it


    Eleanor. And how noble are you? Still relying on your ex-husband''s connections even after a divorce."


    Eleanor tossed the paper towel into the trash can. "Sorry, but I have no interest inpeting with you over who''s doing better."


    With that, Eleanor picked up her purse and walked out the door.


    Vanessa''s fists clenched tightly. She had almost forgotten that this was not the same Eleanor from before.


    "Eleanor, let''s see who gets thestugh!" Vanessa muttered to her reflection, gritting her teeth. She had to admit, Eleanor''s mockery of her rtionship with Walden Wells had hit a nerve.


    When Eleanor returned to the ballroom, she nced at her watch. It was almost eight-thirty, and she nned to leave early.


    She went to say goodbye to Mrs. Ellington, who took her hand affectionately. "You muste over for dinner sometime. Even though Mansfield isn''t here, don''t be a stranger."


    Eleanor saw the way Mrs. Ellington looked at her and knew that Mansfield had told her about their rtionship.


    A light blush crept onto Eleanor''s cheeks as she nodded.


    A few steps away,n stood


    watching. The way Mrs. Ellington held Eleanor''s hand and spoke to her was clearly the affectionate way an elder would speak to a younger fangily member. He pushed his sses up the bridge of his nose as an uncontroble pang of bitterness spread through his chest.


    "Mr. Goodwin?" a guest beside him noticed he was distracted. "Are you alright?"<pn quicklyposed himself, a polite smile on his lips. "I''m fine. Now, where were we?"

 Chapter 1125

    Despiten''s impable manners, not many in the crowd dared to approach him for a conversation. He had very strong personal boundaries.


    Standing among a group of mostly middle-aged and older guests, his handsome and extraordinary presence stood out even more, backed by a fortune that could rival a nation''s.


    Men and women all around couldn''t help but cast respectful and eager nces his way.


    The young, beautiful women of high society, in particr, had already done their research on him, hoping to catch the eye of this golden boy tonight.


    Just then, Walden Wells finished his conversation with Vanessa and walked over ton with a chuckle. "Mr. Goodwin, it seems Dr. Sutton has quite a close rtionship with the Ellington family!"


    "I just feel it''s unfair to you," Walden Wells sighed with false sympathy. "You are so devoted to Dr. Sutton, but it seems she has... fallen for someone else."


    Just then,n saw Eleanor preparing to leave. He said to Walden Wells coolly, "Excuse me."


    Before Eleanor reached the main entrance,n appeared behind her. "Leaving already?"


    Eleanor nodded at him. "I have to go pick up Evelyn."


    "Have you been drinking? Should I have Gavin drive you?"n asked out of instinctual concern.


    "No, thank you," Eleanor declined politely, adding, "You should get back to your guests, Mr. Goodwin."


    "Do you have to call me that?"n''s eyes locked on hers, his voice hoarse. "We don''t have to be this distant, do we?"


    Eleanor looked at him with clear eyes. "I think this title is very appropriate."


    "Appropriate?"n let out a low, frustratedugh, looking at her helplessly. "Fine. Call me whatever you like."


    Eleanor took her bag and went from the elevator to the lobby. Just then, a waitress hurried after her with a gift. "Miss Sutton, you forgot your party favor."


    Eleanor was taken aback. She looked at the beautifully wrapped gift box the waitress was holding out to her, hesitated for a moment, then took it. "Thank you."


    "Have a good evening," the waitress said politely before turning to leave.


    Eleanor walked out with the gift, and a momentter, a valet brought her car around. She got in and drove away.


    As soon as her car pulled out, two other cars immediately fell in behind, escorting her.


    Back in the ballroom, Walden Wells had once again drifted away from Vanessa to mingle. Seated alone in a shadowed corner, she watched a girl in a palevender gown gather her nerve to approach Ian.


    She recognized her instantly as the daughter of a well-known national real estate tycoon. Dressed to the nines tonight, she was obviously hoping for a chance to meetn.


    "Mr. Goodwin, it''s an honor to finally


    meet you, she said, gracefully raising her ss with a perfectly measured smile. "My father is the president of Aetherius Corporation. My name is Vickie Brown


    "I heard The Guild of Commerce is hosting a tech forum next month. I''m very interested in the field of artificial intelligence. I was wondering if I might be able to get an invitation?" Vickie tried to findmon ground After all, to talk to someone liken, you had to hit on his interests.


    "You can direct that question to the information desk at The Guild of Commerce, Miss Brown." Just then,n''s phone rang. He nced at it and smiled. "Excuse me."


    He walked a few steps away, holding his phone, and answered it, his voice low and maic.


    Vickie stood there awkwardly. She


    had been observing him all night and


    thought he was


    a very polite person


    but just now, even though he was


    smiling, she felt an icy coldness that


    kept her at a distance.


    This scene was witnessed by Vanessa from afar. She swirled the red wine in her


    ss, a satisfied and sarcastic smile ying on her lips.


    Did these naive and arrogant young heiresses really think they could get close ton so easily?


    They had no idea that this man had no heart.


    She had spent ten years scheming to get close to him, only to end up like this. What chance did these strangers, who had no connection to him, possibly have of catching his eye?

 Chapter 1126

    Just then, a hand snaked around her waist. Walden Wells asked, a hint of jealousy in his voice, "What are you looking at? Still thinking about your old me?"


    Vanessa immediately put on a seductive smile. "You must be joking, Mr. Wells. I was just admiring tonight''s guests."


    Walden Wells pulled her closer by the waist. "Let''s go. I''m heading to the next event. A few friends are having a private gathering. I''ll take you to broaden your horizons."


    Vanessa nodded obediently. As Walden Wells turned to say goodbye to a friend, she cast onest look inn''s direction.


    He was back in the center of the crowd, surrounded by the most elite guests of the evening. The strict hierarchy of the world of fame and fortune was on full disy here, as it always was.


    A man like him seemed to belong to no one. And she... she really needed to kill any hope she had left.


    In the elevator, Walden Wells, finding Vanessa particrly beautiful tonight, couldn''t help but get handsy, his hands roaming her waist. Vanessa had to suppress her feelings, lowering her eyes and submitting with a coy smile.


    Just then, the elevator reached the ground floor lobby and the doors chimed open.


    Outside the elevator, an elegant figure in a deep blue suit stood waiting, one hand casually in his pocket. He also witnessed the scene inside.


    Vanessa''s blood ran cold. As Walden Wells leaned in to kiss her, she frantically lowered her head and whispered coyly, "Mr. Wells, there are people here."


    Henry had skipped the banquet tonight to have dinner with his fianc¨¦e''s family. But since he was nearby, he decided to drop in and congratte his good friend.


    He never expected to see a scene like this in the elevator.


    Henry''s gaze swept between Vanessa and Walden Wells. His usually charming eyes shed with icy contempt, and his lips curved into a sarcastic smile. "Having fun, are we, Mr. Wells?"


    Vanessa kept her gaze lowered, her grip on her purse white-knuckled.


    Walden Wells was clearly displeased, but, acknowledging the Holt family''s influence, he managed a tight, unconvincing smile. "Mr. Holt, you''re here too." Henry stepped into the elevator as Walden Wells, with his arm around Vanessa, stepped out. Vanessa felt the gaze on her back like sharp thorns, making her so flustered she wished the ground would swallow her whole.


    Those eyes that used to be full of her were now filled with nothing but scorn and mockery.


    The feeling was like several harsh ps to her face.


    Walden Wells seemed to notice something. He turned to Vanessa and asked, "Are you also familiar with this Holt family kid?"


    Vanessa forced a smile. "We''re just casual friends."


    "It had better be just that," Walden Wells said, grabbing her chin. "You''re my woman now. Don''t let me see you flirting with other men and embarrassing me."


    "Of course not. I''m all yours now," Vanessa said with a smile, leaning against his arm. But inside, she felt a chilling coldness, regretting that she had never said yes to Henry.


    As Henry stepped out of the elevator, the image of Vanessa in Walden Wells''s arms was still fresh in his mind.


    Now that he had seen her true colors, he wasn''t surprised anymore.


    He had heard from industry insiders, however, that Walden Wells was bitter about being pushed out of the presidency of the Guild of


    Commerce. Bytching onto him now, was Vanessa trying to get revenge on his good friend tan? C¨®ntent


    Henryposed himself and walked into the ballroom, heading straight forn.


    n."


    "I was just nearby, so I thought I''d drop by," Henry said. After a moment''s thought,


    he added, "Guess who I just saw?"


    "Vanessa and Walden Wells," Henry sneered. "It was quite an eye-opener."


    "It''s all in the past,"n said, patting his shoulder. "Let me introduce you to some of the guests."


    Clearly, he didn''t want to waste time discussing such matters.


    Goodwin Manor.


    Eleanor parked her car in the courtyard and walked into the


    brightle


    living room. Serena, who was ying with Evelyn, looked up and smiled. "Ellie, you''re here."


    Gina also stood up from the sofa excitedly. "Eleanor, you''re here."


    "I''m here to pick up Evelyn," Eleanor said with a nod.


    Gina''s nose suddenly tingled with the urge to cry. There were so many things she wanted to say, but she knew it was pointless now.


    She had done so many foolish things, ruining her son and daughter-inw''s rtionship and causing her granddaughter to lose aplete family.


    "Mommy, where''s Daddy?" Evelyn asked curiously.


    "He''s still busy. He might be homete," Eleanor replied.


    Evelyn brought over a drawing. "Mommy, look, isn''t my drawing pretty?"

 Chapter 1127

    Eleanor nodded. "It''s beautiful."


    "Auntie Serena helped me draw it," Evelyn said happily.


    Just then, Magdalen''s voice came from the second floor. "Ellie."


    "Grandma," Eleanor called up to her.


    "Ellie, are you in a hurry to leave? If not,e up and chat with Grandma for a bit," Magdalen asked.


    Eleanor nced at her watch. "Grandma, I''lle by another day. It''s gettingte, and Evelyn has school tomorrow."


    "Alright then. Serena, see her out," Magdalen said gently, not insisting.


    "I''ll walk Eleanor out," Gina said, getting up to take Evelyn''s hand.


    By the car, Eleanor settled her daughter in the back seat. When she turned around, she saw Gina looking at her with tears streaming down her face. She was taken aback. "Gina, what''s this?"


    "Eleanor... I''ve done so many things to hurt you over the years. I don''t ask for your forgiveness, but I can''t forgive myself either. I don''t know how I can ever repay your kindness," Gina said, covering her face and choking back sobs.


    "It''s all in the past. Just take care of your health," Eleanor said. Withn now taking on the presidency of The Guild of Commerce, his work pressure would double. A peaceful home life for the Goodwin family would be good for him.


    "Thank you. We can never repay you," Gina said, her voice catching again.


    Eleanor drove away. For her, it wasn''t something she dwelled on. She had taken on the blood disorder research for her daughter''s future, so it wasn''t a matter of kindness. And having Serena and Gina as test subjects had been crucial to finding a solution.


    In a way, each of them got what they needed.


    Vanessa hadtched onto Walden Wells, clearly eager to shed her status as a donor. And Eleanor''s pharmaceutical research was nearlyplete, which would render Vanessa''s donor statuspletely invalid.


    So, there would be no problem withn terminating her contract.


    "Mommy, what''s this gift?" Evelyn asked curiously, spotting the gift on the passenger seat.


    Eleanor nced at the party favor from tonight. "It''s a gift from the banquet. Do you want to open it and see what''s inside, Evelyn?"


    "Yes!" Evelyn said happily. She loved opening presents.


    Eleanor passed the gift to the back seat. Evelyn immediately turned on the car light and started unwrapping it excitedly.


    After a few seconds, Evelyn pouted. "Mommy, this isn''t a kid''s present. It''s a grown- up''s present."


    "What is it?" Eleanor asked curiously.


    On Evelyn''s small hand was a bracelet that was too big for her. The chain was


    adorned with a few small sapphires, a simple yet elegant design.


    Eleanor was stunned. The party favor tonight was a bracelet?


    At a red light, Eleanor took the bracelet from her daughter. She


    turned on the light to examine it


    more closely and saw a tiny


    insertion on the inside of the sp: Forever


    Eleanor frowned. Was the banquet seriously giving out this kind of bracelet?


    Another thought popped into her head.


    Could this have been a special gift fromn, not the actual party favor?


    She happened to have ra''s contact information. She would ask her about itter.


    At nine-thirty fan also left the


    banquet. He sat in Gavin''s car,


    leaning his head against his hand.


    feeling a bit drunk. He took of his sses, gently folded them, and put them in their case before rubbing his temples.


    "Mr. Goodwin, you''re not too drunk, are you?" Gavin asked with concern.


    "I''m fine,"n replied in a low voice.


    "Miss Sutton''s gift has been delivered to her," Gavin reported. "Good."


    At that moment, Eleanor''s message to ra came through. She was a bit surprised. "Yes, I did! The party favor I got tonight was amemorative que from The Guild of


    Commerce!"


    Eleanor let out a breath. So,n had given it to her privately after all.


    Eleanor chatted with ra for a few more minutes, then tucked the bracelet deep inside her jewelry box.


    She would just treat it as tonight''s party favor. She couldn''t be bothered to return it; she just wouldn''t wear it.


    Making a fuss would only create more entanglement between them.


    In the car,n took out his phone and nced at it. It was already 9:50 PM. She


    must have opened the gift by now, but she hadn''t sent any messages asking about


    it.


    It seemed she hadn''t rejected it, but had epted it instead.


    That was enough.


    Just then,n''s phone suddenly rang. In the dim light, the number from Kingston made his eyes narrow.


    A few minutester, Gavin''s car made a sharp U-turn and sped toward the airport. At the same time,n''s private jet was put on standby, ready for takeoff.

 Chapter 1128

    The night was thick and dark. At the airport in the early hours of the morning,n strode toward his waiting Gulfstream G650 private jet. Gavin followed closely behind, giving instructions to the pickup team in Kingston.


    Once inside the cabin, Gavin chose a seat that was neither too close nor too far. He carefully observed his boss''s expression, which was uncharacteristically solemn.


    He couldn''t guess what could have happened in Kingston.


    At two in the morning, the Gulfstream G650nded smoothly at Kingston


    International Airport. The cabin door opened, andn descended the airstairs. Three mysterious ck sedans were already waiting beside the ne, with several middle-aged men in ck suits standing by.


    "Mr. Goodwin, please," the man in the lead said respectfully, stepping forward.


    Gavin instinctively tried to follow, but two other men blocked his way. "Sorry, only Mr. Goodwin is invited."


    Gavin stood there, his heart filled with uncertainty. The people who hade to pick up his boss clearly had an extraordinary status.


    Meanwhile,n sat in the car, gazing at the rapidly receding night scenery outside the window, his expression grave.


    The convoy headed toward a private area behind Ashford Medical University. When the cars came to a stop,n got out and saw another car pull up sharply. He paused for a moment and saw Chancellor Maxwell stepped out, an air of exhaustion about him.


    He didn''t seem surprised to seen.


    n, you''re here. Let''s go in," he said.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Chancellor Maxwell, pleasee in." A middle-aged man with a grim expression pushed open the door to the hospital room.


    The room was filled with the smell


    of disinfectant, and various monitoring machines beeped rhythmically. Garth Ellington stood by the hospital bed. The man who was usually a dignified Vice O President was now just a queving father.


    "Mansfield and his rescue team engaged with a terrorist organization for three days and sessfully rescued all the hostages. But during the final evacuation, he was hit by a


    close-range explosion wovel,


    covering


    for an injured team member-"


    It had been a long time sincen had admired anyone, but Mansfield was definitely one of them.


    Chancellor Maxwell said gravely, "The panel of experts has already consulted. The situation is not optimistic. Mr. Ellington is in a deepa, and the doctors can''t determine if he will ever wake up."


    The room fell silent. Ian stared at the unconscious Mansfield, his feelingsplicated.


    This man was his rival in love, but at this moment, he felt a deep sense of regret. "Mr. Vice President, what do you need me to do?"n asked Garth.


    Garth took a deep breath. "Mansfield''s condition demands the highest level of care. We need not only top neurologists, but also your brainputer interface research to help bring him back."


    Chancellor Maxwell nodded heavily.


    "The experts all agree that Mr. Ellington is in a vegetative state. Conventional medical treatment can only maintain his vital signs, but to wake him up" He looked at an senously, Right now, only your brainputer interface research can create that miracle."


    "As long as there is a one percent chance, I will put in one hundred percent of the effort," Garth said, his voice choking. "I absolutely cannot give up."

 Chapter 1129

    "Alright, I''ll immediately arrange for a team to start the research,"n replied with a nod.


    "Eleanor is a professional researcher in the brainputer interface field," Maxwell mentioned.


    Garth suddenly remembered something¡ªthest message his son had sent before leaving. "Dad, Eleanor and I are officially together. She''s a wonderful girl, and I hope to have your blessing."


    Garth pulled himself back to the present, his expression grave as he thought for a moment. "Eleanor and Mansfield started dating two weeks ago. If she finds out about his condition, it will have a huge emotional impact on her." After a pause, he continued, n, I have an unreasonable request. To avoid affecting Eleanor''s research, I hope you''ll keep the truth from her for now."


    "I''ll tell her that Mansfield is on a ssified mission and will be out of contact for a while. Once the brainputer research has made some progress, we can slowly help her ept the reality."


    "I understand your difficult position," Ian finally said. "But Eleanor has the right to know the truth."


    "I know it''s not fair to her," Garth said, lifting his bloodshot eyes. "But given Mansfield''s current condition, I can''t risk losing any chance of waking him. Eleanor is the core of this research, and her state of mind will directly affect whether Mansfield wakes up."


    Chancellor Maxwell added from beside him, "A scientist''s frame of mind is everything. It''s essential she stays objective and focused."


    "Thank you,n. If you need anything, just ask," Garth said, gripping his hand. "Once there''s a breakthrough in the research, please inform me immediately."


    "I will mobilize national medical resources to fully cooperate with your research," Chancellor Maxwell also stated solemnly.


    determined gaze. "Mr. Vice


    President, rest assured, I will ensure


    the brainputer research has no


    funding limitations


    will also


    mobilize the world''s top scientific


    resources to assist."


    Garth heldn''s hand tightly, his voice choking with emotion. "Ian, the Ellington family will never forget this kindness."


    "It''s what I should do."


    The next morning, Eleanor rubbed her neck as she sat up.


    The gentle spring sunlight streamed into a corner of the room.


    She reached for her phone and checked it. Other than a few work email notifications, there were no other messages.


    Eleanor sighed. When would she hear from him?


    Even Mrs. Ellington didn''t know his whereabouts. It seemed the only way to find out anything was to ask his father, but how could Eleanor dare to disturb the Vice President?


    Besides, Mansfield was on a mission, and it wasn''t her ce to inquire about it.


    Eleanor woke up her daughter and helped her wash her face and brush her teeth. Joslyn had already packed her little backpack.


    The little girl looked adorable in her blue spring uniform. Eleanor couldn''t resist


    pinching her cheek. "Let''s go, Mommy will take you to school."


    Just then, Evelyn saw Princess wagging her tail at the door in the entryway, whining enthusiastically. Her big eyes lit up. "Daddy''s here!"

 Chapter 1130

    With that, she ran to open the door, and Princess was the first to dash out. Sure enough,n''s tall figure was standing outside.


    His silver-white hair looked a bit messy in the morning light, and his eyes were clearly tired. He had barely slept all night, rushing back to Ashford City from Kingston just in time to take his daughter to school.


    "Daddy, your eyes are so red!" Evelyn eximed, noticing her father''s unusually red eyes.


    Eleanor, standing at the door, also noticedn''s exhaustion. "I''ll take our daughter to school," she offered. "You should go home and rest."


    "I''lle with you. I can rest at thebter. I have an important meeting,"n said, shaking his head.


    Eleanor had no choice but to say, "I''ll drive." He wasn''t in any condition to drive.


    "Alright,"n didn''t argue.


    After dropping their daughter off at school, Eleanor drove toward theb. At the first red light, she nced in the rearview mirror to check the traffic behind them and saw thatn, in the passenger seat, had fallen asleep at some point. His head was tilted slightly toward the window, his breathing even and deep.


    He really had been exhaustedtelypeting for the presidency of The Guild of Commerce, managing Goodwin & Co., and the research at theb.


    The light turned green, and Eleanor drove on smoothly. The car was quiet. Withn asleep, Eleanor felt much more at ease than when he was awake.


    Half an hourter, Eleanor''s car pulled up in front of theb. Just as she was about to waken, she found that he was already awake. Although his eyes, framed by thickshes, were still heavy with sleep, they had regained their usual rity.


    "We''re here?" he asked, sitting up straight and rubbing his temples.


    "Yes," Eleanor nodded, opening her door and getting out.


    As soon as Eleanor reached her office, a nurse knocked on the door. "Dr. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin has called an emergency meeting. He''s asked you to go to conference room three."


    Eleanor was surprised. Didn''t he need more rest? Why call a meeting so early?


    Could there be another issue with Gina''s condition? Eleanor grabbed thetest data and headed to conference room three.


    When she opened the door, she saw Dr. Smith andn discussing Gina''s case. Dr. Smith was very optimistic, saying that Gina''s health was improving.


    Eleanor sat down. Ian''s gaze shifted to her, his expression deep andplex, with a hint of seriousness "Eleanor, starting tomorrow, I need you to hand over your curren research to Dr. Sraith. You''ll be


    rejoining the Neural Interface Project team to lead a new project."


    Eleanor looked at him, confused. "What project?"


    Eleanor frowned. "Why are we suddenly starting this project?"


    The exnation was logical and reasonable, but Eleanor couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. Why wasn in such a hurry for her to return to the Neural Interface Project Team? And why had he specified this particr


    research direction?


    "El, you can leave your experiment to me. I promise the follow-up research will meet your expectations," Dr. Smith said.


    Eleanor, of course, trusted him. The medication n was alreadyplete, so the subsequent work wouldn''t require much effort.


    Eleanor looked atn, her brow furrowed as she studied him, trying to read something in his eyes. Ian met her gaze calmly, but in his deep eyes, apart from fatigue, she couldn''t read any other thoughts.

 Chapter 1131

    "Alright, I''ll go back to the Neural Interface team tomorrow," Eleanor finally agreed.


    Ian Goodwin paused for a moment before urging her, "You should hand over your work today and go back this afternoon."


    Eleanor''s eyes filled with confusion. Why was he in such a hurry? No matter how she looked at it,n''s behavior today was unusual.


    Not only had he suddenlyunched a new research project, but he had also specifically emphasized its direction.


    This inevitably brought Mansfield''s disappearance to mind. Could it be¡ª


    No, that couldn''t be right. Eleanor shook her head, dismissing the ominous thought. Mansfield was on a mission; how could he possibly be connected to this research project?


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the name on the screen, and her breath caught.


    Eleanor picked up her phone. "I need to take this call."


    "Mr. Goodwin, are you alright?" Dr. Smith asked with concern.


    "I''m fine,"n said, looking up. "Doctor, I''ll be counting on you for Eleanor''s follow-up research."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll adhere strictly to the n," Dr. Smith nodded, though he was curious whyn would let Eleanor leave now. After all, she was working on the very medication their future daughter would need.


    Butn did look unwell. He pattedn''s shoulder and said, "Mr. Goodwin, you should get some rest. You look terrible."


    Just then, Eleanor pushed the door open and came back in, a clear look of relief on her face. Ian understood that Garth had reassured her.


    "Doctor, I''d like to speak with Eleanor alone,"n said.


    Smith nodded, stood up, and left.


    As soon as Eleanor sat down,n looked at her. "What did the Vice President say to you? Would you mind telling me?"


    Eleanor put down her phone and said coolly, "It was nothing. Just news about Mansfield."


    "Oh! Is he back?"n asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Eleanor shook her head, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. "He he won''t be back for a while."


    "The Vice President mentioned the neural interface experiment. He hopes for a breakthrough as soon as possible, Eleanor said, tooking up at him. He considers this research very important."


    avertine search he said


    gaze. "Don''t disappoint


    the Vice President. After all, he might very well be your future-"


    The words "father-inw" lingered on his tongue before he forced them back down,


    taking a sip of water from the ss on the table.


    Of course Eleanor got what he really meant. She looked down and organized the documents in her hands, saying softly, "I''ll give it my all."


    Indeed, Garth had repeatedly urged her on the phone to work hard on this. Eleanor genuinely hoped to make a significant achievement, one that would make her fruing wife for Mansfield.


    The meeting room fell into a brief silence.


    Eleanor stood up. "I''m going to handle the work handover now."


    While Eleanor was with Dr. Smith,n pushed open the door to her office. Hey


    down on the long sofa inside, resting his head on his arm.


    He had discovered that this was the only ce in the entireb where he could sleep peacefully.

 Chapter 1132

    Eleanor spent over an hour on the handover. Lost in thought, she pushed open her office door and froze. Before her, a figurey fully clothed on the sofa.


    She frowned slightly but lightened her steps as she returned to her desk. She still had a few documents to write, which meant she''d have to share the room with him.


    A ray of sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow over the man on the sofa. In that moment, he had shed the sharp,manding presence of a business elite and looked as peaceful as a child.


    Eleanor was typing away when she heard a faint murmur from the sofa. "Ellie, don''t go."


    Her hands froze on the keyboard for a few seconds. She looked over at the sofa, butn was still asleep, his brow furrowed as if caught in a bad dream.


    Her thoughts were disrupted. She frowned at the sleeping man, then forced herself to refocus on the keyboard. Once her work was done, she stood up and left.


    At two in the afternoon, Ian woke up. He nced at the empty desk across from him; Eleanor had clearly already left for the neural interfaceb.


    The cool water slid down his throat, tasting unexpectedly sweet. Then, he spotted a pen next to the desk, one Eleanor had obviously left behind.


    As soon as Eleanor arrived at theb, she received a call from Principal Maxwell. He sent her a file of patient analysis data, which detailed various treatment ns for a patient in a deepa¡ªas if a specific person was already waiting for treatment. With Garth, Ian, and Principal Maxwell all showing such interest, Eleanor began to suspect there might actually be a key figure whose life depended on this tech.


    But who on earth would that be?


    Eleanor could only guess it was some high-ranking individual in Kingston, someone so important that even Garth was involved.


    The thought made her heart tighten. If that was the case, then this was truly a matter of life and death.


    Eleanor immediately began to study the files from Principal Maxwell. The more she read, the more certain she was of her theory-the treatment ns were so precise they seemed tailor-made for a specificatose patient.


    Moreover, they targeted a rare type of neuronal damage.


    A short whileter, Principal Maxwell sent her a file on some of his university''s research¡ªcutting-edge technologies not yet made public, which would help advance her work.


    Callie was thrilled to hear that Eleanor was back. Later, Joel Kingsley also found time toe and see her.


    "Is the other experiment all wrapped up?" Joel asked with concern.


    "Yes, it''s mostly finished. I''ll be working here from now on," Eleanor confirmed.


    "If you need help with anything, just ask," Joel said.


    Eleanor didn''t say much about her current project. The cloud of suspicion in her mind grew denser; all clues pointed to one fact-there was indeed a person of special status waiting for treatment.


    On the third day of Eleanor''s intensive research, a fierce debate erupted at Goodwin & Co. headquarters.


    Eleanor had received an email from the board of directors that morning, informing her that a meeting would be held to discuss further investment in the Neural Interface Project.


    She had initially nned to skip it, but considering the pressuren would face from the shareholders and her own yow to achieve


    breakthrough within three years, she felt she should be there to face it


    with him.


    When Eleanor arrived at Goodwin & Co., the receptionist warmly greeted her and led her to the boardroom.


    Gavin Young saw her and immediately said, "Miss Sutton, you''re here. Please,e in."


    Eleanor stepped inside and nced atn, seated at the head of the table. He wore sses today, giving him a deep, sharp look, but his gaze softened when it fell on her.

 Chapter 1133

    The meeting had just begun when one of the directors was the first toin, "Fifty billion? Mr. Goodwin, the Neural Interface Project has already consumed a massive amount of capital with nomercial return in sight, and now you want to add another fifty billion? This is just burning money."


    An uproar filled the room as half of the board members voiced their agreement.


    "I suggest we keep the civilian application part of the project but cut funding for the medical R&D," another director proposed. "That way, we can at least salvage the initial investment."


    Seated at the head of the table,n listened calmly to the chorus of objections, his eyes behind the gold-rimmed sses as sharp as a scalpel.


    "Any other opinions? Let''s hear them all now,"n said coolly. His voice wasn''t loud, but it instantly silenced the agitated shareholders.


    "Mr. Goodwin, now''s not the time to let emotions drive the decision," advised an older director, one on good terms with him. "The group has a duty to its shareholders."


    Eleanor''s hands tightened under the table. Just as she''d expected, theck of progress on the Neural Interface Project had drawn the ire of the major shareholders, and they were now protesting collectively.


    She looked at the man at the head of the table, who remained calm andposed, exuding his usual confidence and ease.


    "It is precisely because I am responsible for the shareholders'' interests that I insist on this project,"n said, standing up. His gaze swept across the room. "I believe in the project led by Dr. Sutton. It will undoubtedly achieve remarkable sess and will not disappoint any of you."


    In an instant, every gaze shifted toward Eleanor. Herpany held a substantial stake in Goodwin & Co., which made her a legitimate major shareholder.


    "Ms. Sutton, can you guarantee that? Can you guarantee our investment will see a return instead of just going down the drain?" a middle-aged shareholder sitting across from her challenged, his toneced with a hint of disdain.


    After all, Eleanor was too young and had a face that beautiful. Anyone would instinctively doubt whether she was just a pretty face with no substance.


    Under everyone''s gaze, Eleanor slowly rose to her feet. She was dressed in a simple white suit, looking cool and professional.


    "I cannot guarantee one hundred percent sess," Eleanor''s voice was clear and firm. "But I can


    guarantee that once this project


    achieves a breakthrough, it will revolutionize the entire medical field, enabling directmunication between the human brain and machines."


    clearly to back him up, to stand with him.


    Did she know something?


    Or was she standing up just to help him?


    "More importantly,"n added in a low, deep voice, "this project has gained attention at the national level. I''m sure I don''t need to borate on its strategic significance."


    The directors exchanged nces. They knew their protests couldn''t swayn''s decision. One by one, they changed their tune, turning the situation around, and the board


    unanimously approved board


    the


    additional investment.


    After the meeting, Eleanor was the first to leave, withn following right behind her.


    "Eleanor!"


    Eleanor stopped and looked at him. "Is there anything else, Mr. Goodwin?"


    "Thank you,"n said, his eyes fixed on her face.


    Eleanor replied calmly, "No need to thank me. It''s all for the sessful development


    of the Neural Interface Project."


    "Lunch together?"


    "No, thank you. I need to get back to theb," Eleanor said, turning to leave.


    Eleanor paused and looked back, butn had already turned and walked away.

 Chapter 1134

    With the board approving the additional investment, Eleanor felt a sense of relief. After a conversation with Joel, she learned that the civilian side of the project was progressing smoothly, and Goodwin & Co.''s stock was performing well.


    Just as she returned to theb, her phone rang. The screen disyed Principal Maxwell''s name.


    "Principal Maxwell," Eleanor answered.


    "Eleanor, I''ll be at theb at three this afternoon. There are some research details I''d like to discuss with you in person."


    Something clicked in Eleanor''s mind. For Principal Maxwell to make a special trip to Ashford City to see her only reinforced her suspicions.


    "Principal Maxwell," she began, "can you tell me if there''s someone who needs the Neural Interface Project for treatment?"


    There was a few seconds of silence on the other end. "We''ll talk in person."


    At three o''clock sharp, Principal Maxwell arrived at theb. He looked even more serious than usual, and the dark circles under his eyes suggested he hadn''t been sleeping well. This only confirmed her theory-there was indeed a patient with a special status awaiting treatment.


    "Eleanor, let''s get straight to the point. I have a flight to catch soon," Principal Maxwell said, opening theptop he had brought with him. "These are thetest brain scan data."


    Eleanor stared at theplex series of brain images on the screen and frowned. "What caused this pattern of damage in the patient?"


    "It was caused by an explosion''s shockwave," Principal Maxwell stated.


    Eleanor froze, her mind going nk for a moment.


    Principal Maxwell''s expression grew solemn. "Eleanor, I need you to pour all your energy into this neural interface research. This technology will affect the fates of many people in the future." He then shifted his tone. "In many border conflicts, soldiers have suffered simr brain injuries. If this technology can achieve a breakthrough, it could save countless young lives."


    Eleanor was slightly taken aback. So, it was to treat soldiers on the front lines? That certainly made sense, as such injuries weremon in military operations.


    "I understand," Eleanor nodded. "I''ll do everything I can to speed up the research."


    "That''s why the government ces such high importance on this project," Principal Maxwell added.


    Eleanor nodded again. She now


    understoodn''smitment to the project. He must have received


    signals from higher-ups and gone


    shouldering a great deal of


    ¦¯¦«


    responsibility and pressure, knowing the technology''s importance to the Country and its medical


    advancement.


    Maxwell closed hisptop, his expression grave. "I''ll have my doctoral student, Ryan, report here tomorrow. He''s made significant contributions to neural signal decoding and should be a great help."


    "Thank you, Principal Maxwell," Eleanor said sincerely. Ryan was a well-known young schr in the field, and his involvement would definitely speed up their progress.


    After Principal Maxwell left, Eleanor sat alone in theb for a while, carefully re- examining the patient''s brain scan data.


    In the evening, Eleanor received a message fromn saying he would pick up their daughter, so she could continue her work without worry.


    Eleanor knew she would need his cooperation and help during this period. She wasfortable entrusting their daughter''s care to him. I the past, she''d worried about Vanessa Shannon''s influence, but with Vanessa out of the picture, that concern was gone.


    Later, Gwenda poked her head in. "Eleanor, someone sent food. Come and eat!" "Who ordered it?" Eleanor asked, curious.


    "I''m not sure, but the packaging is clearly from a five-star hotel. Could it be Mr. Goodwin?" Gwenda asked with a smile.


    The only person who knew she was workingte here wasn. Eleanor gave a nomittal nod. "Alright, I''ming."


    The meal wasvish, a real treat for everyone working overtime.


    After eating, Eleanor and Callie


    returned to theb to analyze recent data from their experiments on monkeys. Before she knew it, she nced at her watch and was startled to see it was already mine o''clock.

 Chapter 1135

    Eleanor took off herb coat. Callie was staying behind to record data and told her to go ahead, and Eleanor reminded him not to stay toote.


    As Eleanor walked out of her office with her bag, a figure in the hallway smiled and approached her. "Miss Sutton, heading home?"


    "Gavin? What are you doing here?" Eleanor asked in surprise.


    "I''m here to take you home. Mr. Goodwin was concerned you''d be tired from workingte, so he sent me to be your driver," Gavin exined.


    Eleanor did feel exhausted, so for safety''s sake, she didn''t refuse.


    The ride home was smooth, thanks to Gavin''s steady driving, and she felt a surge of gratitude.


    When they reached the parking garage, Eleanor thanked him. "Gavin, thank you for your trouble. You should get some rest."


    "Miss Sutton, if you want to thank someone, thank Mr. Goodwin," Gavin said, not daring to take the credit. He was just an employee following orders.


    The gesture came from his boss.


    Eleanor nodded and walked towards the elevator. She checked the time-ten past ten. She gently pushed open the door to her apartment. Only a warm yellow floormp was lit in the living room, filling the space with a quiet, cozy ambiance.


    She wondered if Joslyn had already put their daughter to bed in the master bedroom. As she tiptoed from the entryway into the living room, the scene before her made her stop in her tracks.


    Eleanor approached quietly. Ian looked up at her and said in a low voice, "You''re back."


    "I''m sorry for taking up your time," Eleanor whispered. She couldn''t deny thatn''s own work schedule was demanding.


    "No need to be so formal with me. She''s our daughter-we''re both responsible for her,"n said softly.


    "I''ll take her upstairs to bed. You should go home and rest," Eleanor said, leaning down to take their daughter. Butn stopped her, saying, "I''ll carry her up."


    Their girl wasn''t exactly heavy, but she was over forty pounds.


    Eleanor nodded and went upstairs first with her bag. Ian followed behind. She opened the door to the master bedroom, andn gently ce their daughter on the bed. The little girl smacked her lips, turned over, and continued to sleep soundly.


    Eleanor stood at the doorway, quietly watching the scene. This used to be a familiar


    part of her daily life, but now it felt like a distant memory.


    "It is," Eleanor nodded.


    "That''s good,"n murmured. Eleanor stepped aside, and he walked out of the


    room.


    After hearing the front door click shut, Eleanor grabbed her pajamas and went into the bathroom, nning to take a quick shower before bed.


    Down in the parking garage, Gavin was waiting for his boss. Seeingne down, he opened the rear car door. "Mr. Goodwin, the video conference is scheduled for eleven-thirty. We should make it."


    A weekter, a piece of news broke in the financial papers-Yeaton Holdings was facing bankruptcy due to a ruptured capital chain, and its stock price had plummeted.


    On her way to the cafeteria with Gwenda, Eleanor heard the news. Sheter pulled out her phone to check-Yeaton Holdings was embroiled in a debt crisis, and its Chairman, Rnd Weaton was on the brink of ruin.


    As for the mastermind behind the crisis at Yeaton Holdings, Eleanor had a good


    idea who it was.

 Chapter 1136

    With Dr. Smith''s medication research sessfully concluded, it was no surprise thatn would make his move.


    Vanessa had a huge appetite, and a thirty-million-dor stake in Yeaton Holdings was enough to satisfy her ambition. Ian had supported Yeaton Holdings'' public offering precisely for this day.


    Now that the experiment was over, the price for Vanessa holding him hostage for a decade was the bankruptcy of Yeaton Holdings, and her thirteen percent stake was now worthless.


    The internal crisis at Yeaton Holdings had started long ago. To keep investors calm, Rnd had been desperately trying to conceal it, but the inevitable explosion could not be hidden forever.


    Inside Vanessa''s vi, the sound of a ss shattering echoed.


    Crimson wine sttered everywhere.


    Her hands trembling, she opened her stock app. When she saw that Yeaton Holdings'' stock had plummeted to its daily limit down, her legs nearly gave out. She leaned against a table, breath catching. "No... this can''t be happening."


    If this was real, didn''t that mean her thirteen percent stake in thepany was now just a fantasy?


    No, this was thergest fortune she had painstakingly acquired fromn over the years, the foundation for her future security.


    Even if her father''s management was poor, it shouldn''t have caused the stock to plummet to rock bottom. This could only mean that an invisible hand was crushing Yeaton Holdings from behind the scenes.


    A crazed hatred red in Vanessa''s eyes. She finally gritted her teeth and cursed, n-you''re so cruel."


    For the past ten years, she had used her status as the world''s only donor to manipten, obtaining the resources and connections that made her who she was today. Had transferred the thirteen percent stake to her when Yeaton Holdings was at its peak. She had never imagined it was a trap, nor did she expect him to discard her so quickly once she was no longer useful.


    At the same time, he pulled the rug out from under Yeaton Holdings, driving it


    directly into bankruptcy. This was clearly his revenge against her.


    Just then, Vanessa''s phone rang. She nced at it, and her heart clenched. It was her father.


    She didn''t want to answer, but she didn''t dare ignore it. Forcing herself to calm down, she picked it up. "Hello, Dad."


    "Vanessa, where are you? Get over to Goodwin & Co. right now and help me see Mr. Goodwin," Rnd''s anxious voice came through the line.


    "Dad? You''re at Goodwin & Co. now?" Vanessa''s heart sank, and panic washed over her face. How could she tell her father that their greatest enemy at this moment wasn?


    "Dad, I¡ªI have something going on here, I can''t get away," Vanessa stammered, making an excuse.


    Rnd''s tone on the other end erupted in fury. "Vanessa, what could possibly be more important than the survival of thepany? Get over here now! Make Mr. Goodwin give Yeaton Holdings another chance, for your sake. Vanessa, you''re the only one who can save us now."


    Vanessa bit her lip hard. She remembered two years ago, when she had pleaded withn to help her father. At the time,n had refused; associating with the infamous Yeaton Holdings would only tarnish his own name.


    But Vanessa was being pursued relentlessly by Henry Holt at the time. She had put


    on a diamond ring in front ofn, threatening to ept Henry''s proposal if he didn''t


    help.


    Given how much Henry cared for her then, he would have immediately cut ties withn and even paid the ten-billion-dor breach of contract fee for her.


    To this day, Vanessa still remembered the look inn''s eyes that day-cold, with a hint of disgust, yet he had stillpromised.

 Chapter 1137

    Thinking back now, she realizedn had been plotting this since then. He had seemingly supported Yeaton Holdings'' public offering, but had secretlyid the groundwork for today''s bankruptcy.


    "Vanessa, are you listening?" Rnd''s desperate voice crackled over the phone. "Get over here. We have to see Mr. Goodwin today. He''s the only one who can save us."


    Vanessa''s heart sank. How couldn, that cold-hearted man, possibly help the Yeatons now? And she never could have imagined that a single choice she made back then would bring about the total downfall of Yeaton Holdings.


    "Dad, listen to me-" Vanessa took a deep breath. "Ian won''t help us anymore. Begging him is useless."


    "How could that be? Hasn''t he always taken care of us?" Rnd''s voice was filled with confusion. After all, he had genuinely benefited from Goodwin & Co., fromn helping with his bank loans to securing resources.


    "Dad, let me be honest with you. My rtionship withn isn''t what you think it is. All these years, it''s only seemed good because his mother needed my blood to


    survive," Vanessa finally decided to tell her father the truth, personally tearing down the act she had maintained for so long.


    The other end of the line went dead silent. A few secondster, Rnd''s voice roared, "Vanessa, what are you talking about? Did you do something to offend him? Is this crisis with Yeaton Holdings your fault?"


    Vanessa let out a coldugh. When her father needed her, he treated her like a goddess. But now that thepany was on the verge of copse, he was pinning all the me on her.


    She thought about how he had been capable of abandoning her and her mother to fend for themselves in the slums; she should have known how cold-hearted this father of hers truly was.


    "Dad, I don''t know what you''re talking about. The crisis at Yeaton Holdings has nothing to do with me."


    "You own thirteen percent of thepany''s shares, Vanessa. Finda way to maken stop. Let us gol Rnd''s tone softened slightly turning into a plea. "At least give us a chance to survive."


    Vanessa''s face turned pale. Maken stop? What leverage did she have now? Her blood was no longer effective. Thinking of everything she had done over the past decade she could only hope thatn might remember she saved his mother and not be too cruel, too ruthless. But as for asking him to let them go, she felt it was toote.


    "Dad, I''ll see what I can do," Vanessa could only agree.


    "Don''t forget, you''re a Yeaton too. If Yeaton Holdings goes bankrupt, don''t think you


    can escape unscathed," Rnd added onest angry threat before hanging up.


    Vanessa copsed onto the sofa, feeling utterly powerless. More than thepany''s copse, another knife had been brutally twisted in her heart.


    He had even dragged the entire Yeaton Holdings down with her!


    No, she couldn''t believen had no feelings for her at all. She refused to believe he could be so heartless. Vanessa looked at her phone bit her Tip and picked it up-Content


    Meanwhile, in the CEO''s office at Goodwin & Co., Gavin walked in to report, "Mr. Goodwin, the front desk said that Rnd has left."<pn stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, his gaze dark and cold. "Keep up the pressure. I want to see Yeaton Holdingspletely bankrupt within two weeks." Gavin''s phone rang. He nced at it. "Mr. Goodwin, it''s Vanessa."

 Chapter 1138

    "Understood." Gavin ended the call and continued with his report.


    Vanessa stared at the disconnected call, her heart sinking to the abyss. Wasnpletely refusing to see her? Tears of humiliation welled in her eyes, but her face was a mask of defiance. She took a deep breath and dialed Walden Wells''s number. He was herst hope.


    "Walden, are you busy?" Vanessa''s voice was choked with emotion.


    "What''s wrong, Vanessa? Did someone upset you?" Walden Wells''s voice sounded sympathetic on the other end.


    "No one upset me. It''s just that my father''spany is in a bit of trouble. Could you possibly-help my dad?"


    "Yeaton Holdings?" Walden Wells was clearly aware of the situation.


    "Yes, my dad''spany stock is having some problems. Could you¡ª"


    Walden Wells cut her off. "Vanessa, it''s not that I don''t want to help you. But given the shape Yeaton Holdings is in right now, anyone who gets involved is going to get burned."""Walden, if you''d just inject some capital-"


    He interrupted her again. "Vanessa, I''ve looked into your father''spany. How about this? I''ll give him a piece of advice: file for bankruptcy sooner rather thanter. He''ll end up with less debt."


    Vanessa''s heart turned to ice. She managed a bitterugh. "Walden, won''t you help, even for my sake?"


    There was a few seconds of silence before Walden Wells''s tone suddenly turned cold. "Vanessa, I, Walden Wells, am never short of women, especially not women who can y the piano. Do you understand?"


    The words hit Vanessa like a p across the face. She finally understood that in Walden Wells''s eyes, she was nothing more than a ything.


    "Don''t worry, Vanessa. After your family goes bankrupt, I''ll take care of you," Walden Wells added as a flimsy constion.


    Vanessa heard the click of the phone hanging up. She gasped for air, her entire body stiff.


    Compared ton''s openly brutal approach, Walden Wells was more like a cunning, cold-blooded snake - even less trustworthy.


    The crisis at Yeaton Holdings was like the sky falling for the Yeaton family.


    Mrs. Yeaton was frantically calling everyone she knew for help. Faye


    Yeaton sat in the living room, still


    satir


    unable to process the news. Hermet


    father''s worth of nearly thirty billion had evaporated overnight and she hadn''t even had a chance to enjoy it.


    Her status as the heiress of Yeaton Holdings was about to be a joke.


    How could this happen? Faye almost forgot she had an old ssmate, Horace, who was a vice president at her father''spany.


    She called Horace, wanting to understand the situation.


    "Faye, I''ve been exhaustedtely. If you want to know what''s going on,e over to my ce. I''ll exin everything in detail," Horace said.


    Faye was desperate to know about her father''spany. Without a second thought, she said, "Okay, I''ll be right over."


    When Faye arrived at Horace''s apartment, she rushed in and asked anxiously, "Horace, how is my dad''spany? Can it be saved?"


    Horace calmly got her a ss of water. "Don''t rush. Have some water first, and then I''ll tell you everything."


    Faye took the ss and drank. She was thirsty from rushing over, but she failed to notice the fleeting smile in Horace''s eyes.


    "Do you want me to tell you the truth? Your dad''spany-" Horace sat down and began to talk.


    "What is going on with my dad''spany?"


    "From what I know, someone is behind the scenes, targeting your dad''spany. I''m not sure who it is. You should ask your dad if he''s offended someone."


    Faye was even more confused. "How would I know? Weren''t you promoted to vice president? You should know! Tell me."


    Horace looked at her tone and


    couldn''t help but smile. Faye haet


    alwayspoken to him like this, as if He were her dog to be ordered


    around at will.


    In the past, he had willingly been her dog. Now, Horace felt that Faye wasn''t so high


    and mighty anymore.


    "Faye, do you remember when I got expelled from university for you?" Horace suddenly brought up the past.

 Chapter 1139

    Faye''s hand, holding the water, froze.


    She avoided Horace''s eyes, her voice dropping almost to a whisper. "That... that was such a long time ago. Why bring that up now?"


    "Was it?" Horace chuckled, leaning back on the sofa. "Did you know I had a bright future ahead of me? But for you, I gave up my chance to be a research scientist. I was expelled, and my record was permanently stained. And you, Miss Yeaton, you didn''t seem to feel the slightest bit of guilt. In fact, afterward, you couldn''t wait for me to stay far away from you."


    Faye''s face flushed red. She took another sip of water, forcing herself to stay calm. "Horace, I was grateful to you. Didn''t I get you a job at my dad''spanyter? You even made it to vice president-"


    "And do you know how I became vice president? I drank until my stomach bled, until I ended up in the hospital. I was like a dog at your dad''spany. Now that Yeaton Holdings has copsed, what kind of vice president am I? I''m nothing."


    Horace''s voice suddenly rose, filled with long-suppressed resentment. Faye flinched, startled. She realized that Horace was different now, almost frightening.


    "Horace, I have to go," Faye said, grabbing her bag to leave.


    But as she stood up, she swayed, feeling dizzy. A sense of rm shot through her. "Horace, what did you give me to drink?"


    "Nothing much. Just a little something to make you more obedient," Horace said, getting up and walking towards her step by step. "You wanted to know about thepany, right? I''ll tell you. It''s hopeless. Yeaton Holdings ispletely finished. You''re not some rich heiress anymore. Soon you''ll have nothing, and it''s time you paid the price for letting me take the fall for you all those years ago."


    "Horace, you wouldn''t dare. Don''t you dare touch me," Faye struggled to get away, but her body felt weak, and she copsed back onto the sofa.


    "What right do you have to talk to me like that? Who knows who your father offended, but once the Yeatons are bankrupt, you''ll be just an ordinary person, maybe even worse off than me."


    Horace grabbed Faye''s chin, his


    eyes filled with vengeful satisfaction. "Faye you used to be so arrogant, didn''t you? You always looked down on people like me. Well, now you''ve fallen to this."


    A terror Faye had never known washed over her. She tried to push him away, but


    her arms felt weak and heavy. Humiliated and hopeless tears welled in her eyes. She regretted evering here.


    "Horace, please, don''t do this. We were ssmates. I know you''re not this kind of person," she tried to plead.


    "It''s toote, Faye. You know I liked you. I spent four years of university simpering after you, but you never even gave me a second nce. All you could see was that Joel. NOW, I''m going to make you see that from this day on you''re not good enough for him either."


    He yanked Faye off the sofa and dragged her towards his bedroom. Faye fought with all her might, but in the end, she could do nothing.


    She could only watch as the man she hated and despised the most took away the one thing she held most precious.


    An hourter, Faye woke up from the sharp pain. Horace was suddenly kneeling in front of her. "Faye, I''m sorry. I was wrong."


    "Get out! Get away from me!" Faye shrieked, tears of humiliation streaming down her face. "I''m calling the police. I''m going to sue you."


    A cold smile flickered in Horace''s eyes. He tossed an iPad to her. "On here is evidence of your father embezzling public funds and bribing officials. If I''m in a bad mood, J report your father immediately. Not only will he go bankrupt, but he''ll also go to prison. And as for that little incident you had me take the fall for, if I decide to bring that up, you''ll be finished too."


    "Horace, you¡ª" Faye''s face went deathly pale. She never thought the man who


    used to be like herpdog could be so vicious.


    "Be my girlfriend. Otherwise, we''ll all go down together," Horace threatened with a cold smirk.


    It turned out that everything had its cause and effect.

 Chapter 1140

    Faye wanted to tear Horace to shreds, but when she heard that her father could go to jail and her own reputation would be ruined, she panicked. She absolutely could not let Horace destroy what was left of the Yeatons.


    At that moment, beneath the madness in Horace''s eyes, there was also a flicker of fear. He wasn''t some seasoned criminal; he was educated, and had once been a young man full of dreams. But reality had driven him to this. Now, holding evidence against Rnd, he had twisted that into some strange obsession with Faye.


    Right now, more than anything, he hoped Faye would submit and agree to be his girlfriend. He still naively hoped for a future with the girl he had admired for six years.


    Faye bit her lip hard. After the initial rage, she regained herposure. She knew she couldn''t provoke Horace, at least not now.


    To calm him down and buy time for her father and herself, Faye took a deep breath, forcing down the hatred and disgust that threatened to choke her. She hugged her knees and looked up at Horace. "Fine, I agree."


    A wave of intense tion washed over Horace''s eyes. He walked over and crouched down, trying to stroke her messy hair. "That''s right, Faye. Do you know how much I love you? I''ve had a crush on you for six years. In my heart, you''re my goddess."


    Faye turned her head away slightly. The smile on Horace''s face stiffened for a moment, but he quickly reassured himself. It was fine, there was plenty of time. She was his woman now.


    "So you''ll let my dad and me go?" Faye asked, her gaze calm.


    "Of course. As long as you''re my girlfriend, your dad will be my future father-inw. How could I harm you?" Horace quickly pledged his loyalty. He still hoped Faye would see his good side, forgive him for what he did today, and be with him.


    "My dad''spany is a mess. You have to help him," Faye immediately started giving him orders.


    Horace sat down, looking somewhat helpless. "With Yeaton Holdings'' current situation, it''s unclear whether it will be restructured through bankruptcy or if someone will take it over."


    "I have one condition. We won''t make


    month rtionship public for six


    months, and you can''t force me to do anything dont want to do


    Faye


    immediately demanded.


    Horace''s expression changed slightly. "We''re a couple. We should at least... once a week, right?"


    Faye knew what he was referring to. A wave of nausea washed over her. She turned her face away and agreed. "Fine."


    Horace grinned again, a hint of pride in his eyes. He couldn''t believe the aloof Faye was now his girlfriend, so obedient to his every word.


    "I''m tired. I want to go home," Faye said.


    "I''ll drive you."


    "I drove myself. I need some time alone."


    Horace couldn''t say much more. As soon as Faye left, he clutched his head. He found hard to ept that he had obtamed Faye this way, but the thought of her agreeing to be his girlfriend filled him with a sweet sense of joy.


    However, the moment Faye got back into her car, she felt as if she had just lived through a nightmare.


    Tears of humiliation streamed down her face again, and her stomach twisted until she was gagging uncontrobly.


    She never thought Horace would be her nightmare. In that moment her mind was filled with the image of voel, that gentleman man as pure as the bright moon. From this day forward, she could never reach him again.


    But this was not the time for a breakdown. The Yeatons'' crisis was not yet resolved.


    She had to see what, if anything, could still be salvaged for her family.

 Chapter 1141

    When Faye got home, her parents weren''t back yet. She went straight to the bathroom and scrubbed her body hard, as if trying to wash away the feeling of filth.


    For now, she could only take things one step at a time. Until she was pushed into a corner, she couldn''t afford to have a falling out with Horace.


    The crisis at Yeaton Holdings continued to spread, with more bad news breaking by evening.


    Eleanor was at the supermarket with her daughter. Evelyn Goodwin skipped ahead, picking out items, her ponytail swaying with innocent charm.


    Behind Eleanor, Lanny and two of his men blended in with the other shoppers, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.


    Grocery shopping was a rxing activity. Eleanor''s gentle gaze followed her daughter''s lively figure. The little girl was standing in front of a row of choctes, her big eyes full of longing. She turned back to her mother. "Mommy, can I buy a chocte bar?" she asked, holding up a small finger as a promise. "Just one."


    Eleanor chuckled at her daughter''s adorable expression and nodded. "Alright, pick one out!"


    "Thank you, Mommy!" Evelyn beamed and turned back to the choctes, searching for her favorite vor.


    Just then, Eleanor caught a tall figure out of the corner of her eye stepping out from behind a shelf. Ian had appeared from nowhere and was now walking toward them.


    He was dressed in a formal suit, looking as if he had just rushed over from an important meeting.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn spotted him and immediately abandoned her beloved choctes. She ran over to hug his leg, then eagerly took his hand. "Daddy, Mommy said I can buy a chocte bar! Come help me pick!"


    As he passed Eleanor, his eyes met hers. "Just finished up," he said in a low, gentle voice. "Came to see you two."


    Eleanor didn''t say anything, son went with his daughter to pick out a chocte bar.


    Seeing this, Lanny and his men quietly retreated to a more inconspicuous spot, giving the boss his space.


    Then, Evelyn ran ahead to look at other things.n came to Eleanor''s side. "Have you heard about the


    Yeatons?" he asked, his eyes following their daughter while also


    gauging Eleanor''s reaction


    Eleanor nodded. "I saw." However, her expression clearly indicated she wasn''t concerned with such business matters.


    the dirty dealings of the business world with her anyway. He just wanted to take the opportunity to exin his role in helping Yeaton


    Holdings go public.


    And now, the copse of Yeaton Holdings was the final result.


    "Do you want to know who was behind it?"n asked in a low voice.


    Eleanor turned to look at him, her exasperated expression seeming to say he was asking the obvious.


    A flicker of relief passed throughn''s eyes, and the corner of his mouth lifted faintly. So she had been paying attention after all.


    His tone became firm and steady. "Don''t worry. No matter how big the storm is out there, it won''t touch you or Evelyn."


    It was both a promise and an assurance.


    With that,n walked over to his daughter and picked her up. "Evelyn, it''s time to go home."


    Sitting in his arms, Evelyn was suddenly much taller, which made her giggle. "We''re going home!"

 Chapter 1142

    As Eleanor pushed the cart andn held their daughter, they turned heads in the store ¡ª some looks admiring, some curious.


    A few well-dressed shoppers even recognizedn; that white hair of his had be pretty hard to miss.


    Who would have thought that a man of his status, wealthy enough to buy a country, would also spend time shopping with his wife and child?


    Although Eleanor was his ex-wife, the scene made many assume they were a family of three.


    Back at Eleanor''s penthouse duplex,n carried Evelyn inside as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Eleanor had a pile of data to review to make time for her daughterter. She turned ton. "Do you have time? You can stay and keep Evelynpany. I still have work to do."


    "Okay, I''ll let Joslyn know," Eleanor said, heading to the kitchen to tell Joslyn to prepare dinner for one more person.


    Evelyn brought over a new toy she''d bought, a Ludo board. For the rest of the evening,n yed the game with his daughter.


    He took off his suit jacket, casually draping it over the arm of the sofa. Then he undid the top two buttons of his shirt and unfastened his cufflinks, rolling up his sleeves to reveal his strong forearms.


    Like this, he lost the sharp edge of the business world and gained a more rxed, domestic air.


    Evelyny on the carpet. "Daddy, let''s y on the floor."


    "Alright."n sat on the carpet as well, his long legs bent casually, patiently rolling the dice.


    In the study, Eleanor was on a video call with Callie, discussing new data online. It wasn''t until around seven-thirty that Joslyn came upstairs to call her down for dinner.


    As Eleanor came down from the second floor, she heard her daughter''s happyughter under the warm lights. "Daddy, I won! You can''t catch me!"


    "Amazing! You''re even smarter than Daddy,"n praised, ruffling Evelyn''s hair. The tiny, doll-like figure he once held in his arms had now grown into a little girl.


    At the dinner table, Joslyn had prepared avish meal, including Evelyn''s favorite sea fish, steamed to tender perfection. Ian patiently picked out the bones for his daughter.


    Eleanor, on the other hand, was quiet, lost in thought about the data she had just been reviewing.


    Whatever she was thinking about, her gaze seemed far away. Her delicate brows were slightly furrowed, and she held her fork between her teeth, as if she even forgotten to chew.


    He didn''t interrupt, having seen her fully immersed in her work before, as if the outside world ceased to Outsi exist. In that, she reminded him of her father, that stubborn old man who was tireless in his pursuit of scientific research.


    Just then, Evelyn looked at her mother and asked, "Mommy, who are you thinking about?"


    Eleanor snapped back to reality and smiled. "Mommy was thinking about work."


    Evelyn blinked and ced the fish her father had just deboned into her mother''s bowl. In a sweet, childish voice she said, "Mommy this is the fish Daddy picked out. There are no bones! You should eat some too!"


    Seeing her daughter''s proud expression, Eleanor''s lips curved into a faint smile. "Okay, thank you, Evelyn."


    Without any hesitation, she picked up the tender pieces of fish and ate them.


    From across the table, a pair of deep eyes nced over, a barely perceptible smile shing in their depths.


    After dinner,n continued to y with Evelyn while Eleanor went back to work. By the time she finished, it was already nine-thirty.

 Chapter 1143

    Joslyn was getting Evelyn ready for her bath. Eleanor walked downstairs and sawn by the sofa, picking up his suit jacket, ready to leave.


    Eleanor came down the stairs. "Thank you for looking after Evelyn."


    Eleanor was taken aback, sensing something unusual in his words. She stopped a few feet away from him and looked him straight in the eye. "Tell me the truth. Is this project rted to someone very important?"


    "Who?" Eleanor''s pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.


    "The former vice president,"n answered in a low voice, then added a warning. "Don''t tell anyone."


    Eleanor was shocked. The former vice president''s sudden incident had been followed by apleteck of news. So he was still alive? Did he need the Neural Interface Project to be awakened? Was this the person Dean Maxwell had avoided talking about? Was this why Garth was personally overseeing the project?


    If that were true, the stakes and urgency of this project would be beyond anything she''d imagined.


    He said gravely, "This technology might be the only hope right now. Therefore, it cannot have any setbacks. We must achieve a breakthrough as soon as possible."


    Eleanor looked up at him, sensing the pressure he was under. Although he was just a businessman, he had been drawn into thisplex situation and was shouldering the burden.


    "Eleanor, I need you to understand that this is no longer just a scientific challenge. It''s a mission that cannot fail,"n said, his eyes filled with an unprecedented gravity.


    Eleanor took a deep breath. Her questions were answered, and she knew who they needed to save weight on her shoulders felt beavier.


    Sho


    nodded. "Alright, I''ll give it my


    all."  s?novel


    he eventually turned and walked to the entryway.


    Eleanor heard the door close and


    took another deep breath. That night, after her daughter was asleep. Eleanor returned to her study and worked until the early hours of the morning.


    The next morning,n arrived on time to take their daughter to school, and Eleanor went to theb as scheduled.


    Ryan, Maxwell''s doctoral student, was already there. After some introductions and discussion, they dove into their research.


    Over at the civilianb, Joel was reviewing thest report when someone knocked and entered. It was Faye, and she didn''t look well.


    "Faye? Is something wrong?" Joel asked, looking up.


    Faye looked at Joel''s handsome face, a lump forming in her throat. She took a deep breath. "Joel,


    something hase up my


    family. Can textend my leave?-


    The crisis at Yeaton Holdings had already been all over the news, so Joel was aware of it. "I''ll give you another three days," he replied.


    Faye breathed a sigh of relief, but her eyes were filled with pain and resentment as she looked at Joel.


    "If that''s all, please close the door on your way out." Joel looked back down at his report, not sparing her another nce.


    Faye fought back tears, gave him onest look, and turned to leave.


    Faye knew that only Eleanor was ever worthy of Joel''s attention. He wouldn''t even spare a second nce for any other woman.

 Chapter 1144

    Faye bit her lip hard. She headed to a restroom topose herself. Just as she entered a stall, she heard colleagues from the officee in.


    "Did you see the news about Yeaton Holdings? I heard the Yeatons are going bankrupt."


    "There was so much bad press about the Yeatons back then. I''m surprised they even managed to go public."


    "It''s more than just bankruptcy. The news said it might involve serious financial crimes. Someone could even go to jail."


    "Faye won''t be able to hold on to her ''rich heiress'' title for much longer. Look how smug she used to be."


    "She used to be such a high-and-mighty princess. Now... tsk. She''ll be lucky if she''s not saddled with debt."


    In the stall, Faye struggled to control her emotions. These people used to envy and tter her, but now they were kicking her while she was down. She didn''t even have the courage to go out and confront them.


    Once Faye was back in her car, she called Vanessa. Although she hated Vanessa for taking a stake in thepany, now that it was on the verge of bankruptcy, Vanessa''s shares were worthless paper. She still hoped Vanessa could save thepany.


    "What is it?" Vanessa''s mocking voice came from the other end.


    "Let''s meet," Faye said.


    Vanessa didn''t refuse. They agreed to meet at a caf¨¦ near Vanessa''s ce. Seeing Faye''s state, Vanessa got straight to the point. "Well? What do you want?"


    "Can you please go beg Mr. Goodwin again? Ask him to save Dad''spany. After all, you own thirteen percent of the shares," Faye pleaded.


    Vanessa sneered. "You only think of me when you need something. Faye, you''re too naive."


    "Please. You and Mr. Goodwin are so close. Bailing out Yeaton Holdings is nothing for him," Faye pleaded, her eyes full of entreaty. Ian''s position in the business world was unshakable, and there was nopany he couldn''t save.


    A sh of intense self-mockery crossed Vanessa''s eyes. If her blood was still useful, if she were still the only donor for Gina Quinn, then Jan would surely help the Yeatons Bat


    now, she herself had been cast


    aside.


    Besides, she didn''t dare tell the Yeatons that the bankruptcy of theirpany wasn''s doing.


    "I can''t save it. From now on, I''m done with the Yeatons'' affairs." Vanessa picked up her bag, ready to leave.


    Faye rushed over and grabbed her hand. "Sister, I was wrong! Please, just ask Mr. Goodwin! I''m begging you!"


    Vanessa shook her off. "Faye, you''re the proper Yeaton heiress. I''m just an illegitimate daughter who can''t even show her face in public isn''t that what you and your mother""" always said? Now, what does the fate of the Yeatons have to do with me?"


    Faye watched Vanessa storm off, her mind nk for a few seconds. Herst sliver of hope had been extinguished.


    Vanessa was a dead end. Was she just going to stand by and watch the Yeatons fall?


    No!


    A crazy idea formed in her mind¡ªshe would go begn herself. Even if there was only a one-in-ten-thousand chance, she had to try.


    She headed straight for Goodwin & Co. headquarters. Standing there beneath the towering skyscraper, exhausted from days without sleep, Faye felt a sudden wave of


    dizziness, and for a moment she feltpletely small and lost.


    She took a deep breath, smoothed her dress, and walked to the reception desk.


    "Hello, I''m here to see Mr. Ian Goodwin," Faye said directly.


    The receptionist maintained a professional smile. "Do you have an appointment?"


    "No, but I have something extremely important to discuss. Please, I must see him." Faye maintained her usual assertive demeanor.


    "I''m sorry, but we can''t let you go up without an appointment." The receptionist''s tone was polite but firm and non-negotiable.

 Chapter 1145

    Faye was about to plead again when she heard a group of people approaching from the elevator bank. She immediately looked over.


    A group of men in suits were escorting a young man with a powerful presence. The man at the center stood tall and straight, his silver hair particrly striking. It was


    He was slightly turning his head to listen to the man beside him, his gaze sharp, his steps steady.


    Faye''s heart began to pound.


    Almost instinctively, she rushed towardn, shouting, n!"


    Her cry was loud and urgent, instantly shattering the orderly atmosphere in the lobby.


    Everyone stopped and stared in astonishment at the girl who had just shouted.


    A chill ran through Faye under his gaze, but she braced herself and spoke. n, please, for-for my sister''s sake, save my father''spany! You''re my brother-in-w. You''re the only one who can help us now."


    Gavin, at his side, immediately blocked Faye. "Miss Yeaton, please watch yourself. Mr. Goodwin has no connection to you or the Yeatons."


    Seeing the situation, someone made a gesture. "Mr. Goodwin, let''s go."


    Just asn was about to leave, Faye tried to rush forward again. Gavin signaled to the security guards on standby. "Stop her. Don''t let her near Mr. Goodwin."


    Two strong bodyguards stepped forward and grabbed Faye by the shoulders. "Miss, this is not the ce for you to cause a scene."


    "Let go of me! Mr. Goodwin! Mr. Goodwin, please, save my father''spany!"


    Everyone thoughtn was leaving, but instead, he walked step by step toward Faye. His lips parted, and his voice, though not loud, was


    bone chillingly cold.


    Miss Yeaton, if you dare call me ''brother-inw'' one more time, Yeaton Holdings willpletely disappear from this city by tomorrow."


    His voice was calm and even, yet it carried an absolute power that was terrifying.


    His words were like a sharp p across Faye''s face.


    She froze, the blood draining from her face only to rush back in a crimson tide of humiliation. Ian''s threat left her feeling utterly shamed and embarrassed.


    Without another nce at her,n turned and, surrounded by his entourage, walked expressionlessly toward the main entrance.


    The guards released Faye, and she copsed to the floor, feeling like a joke as she endured the mocking stares from all around.


    No one could fathom where she got the nerve to call Mr. Goodwin ''brother-inw.''


    The two tall guards stood nearby, watching the frozen Faye, waiting for her to leave on her own.


    Faye stared at the entrance in


    disbelief. Wasn''t Vanessa the love of


    te


    wife for her ble helped her father''s


    overseas factories. Her father had long considered him a future son-inw.


    Why? Why was it like this?


    Overwhelmed by a colossal sense of shame, Faye staggered to her feet and ran


    outside, only to see a line of luxury cars driving away.


    She rememberedn''s warning, his


    gaze cold enough to freeze the air between them. It was as if the Yeaters meant athing fn, not even worthy of a mention.

 Chapter 1146

    Back in her car, Faye''s mind was still a nk. The courage she had mustered to calln ''brother-inw'' had now transformed into an unbearable sense of shame.


    How on earth did Vanessa maintain her rtionship with him? He had given her all of Goodwin & Co.''s shares in Yeaton Holdings. Wasn''t that a sign of love?


    Besides, three billion was nothing ton.


    Now, Faye finally understood that the rtionship betweenn and Vanessa was truly over. Vanessa''s dream of bing Mrs. Goodwin was nothing but a fantasy.


    This realization was like a soothing balm, bringing her a strange sense of satisfaction.


    When she first heard aboutn and Vanessa, she had been consumed with jealousy and envy, unable to ept that her illegitimate sister would marry better than her.


    Just now,n''s disgust at being called ''brother-inw'' made it clear that Vanessa meant nothing to him anymore. The position of Mrs. Goodwin was something Vanessa could forget about.


    With Yeaton Holdings now bankrupt, she had lost everything, but Vanessa wasn''t much better off. A dark sense of pleasure crept into Faye''s heart.


    In theb, Eleanor and Ryan were at a sterile workstation, with Callie observing nearby.


    Eleanor was focused on calibrating a system. The air, thick with the smell of disinfectant, created a tense atmosphere for the three of them.


    "Dr. Sutton, all parameters are calibrated. Everything is ready," Ryan said, pushing


    up his sses. His tone was precise. Although he was nearly forty, his respect for Eleanor was absolute.


    Callie''s eyes gleamed with


    excitement and anticipation as she looked at the transparent monitoring chamber. An anesthetizedb monkeyy quietly inside, connected to a dense array of sensors and ¨¦lectrodes. On arge screen opposite them,plex brainwave signals danced as waveforms.


    Eleanor took a deep breath, her focused gaze sweeping over every data point. "The goal this time," she said calmly, "is to use the brainputer interface to


    precisely stimte specific areas of the cerebral cortex and observe whether it produces a measurable conscious response to external


    At that moment, behind the ss of the darkened observation room outside theb,


    a tall, slender figure stood watching quietly. It wasn.


    He hadn''t alerted anyone to his presence, simply watching the three people at work, his gaze fixed on Eleanor.


    Eleanor didn''t notice him at all. She waspletely absorbed in her work, her fingers flying across the control panel as she input a series ofmands.


    Eleanor waspletely unaware of the intense gaze from beyond the window. Her entire being was one with the instruments and data before her Her, fingers pressed the finalmand on the control panel. "Initiating simtion signal


    injection," she announced, her eyes glued to the screen.


    Outside the ss,n stood with one hand in his trouser pocket, his posture as straight as a pine tree. The dim light traced the sharp lines of his profile, and aplex, conflicted expression flickered across his face as his deep eyes remained locked on Eleanor.


    Just then, an excited expression appeared on Ryan''s face inside theb. "We have a response! Specific activation in the cortical region. The feedback signal has exceeded the normal threshold!"


    Eleanor immediately leaned in to examine the detailed data, while Callie quickly recorded all parameter changes. The three of them worked seamlessly on the next step.<pn nced at his watch. He took onest, deep look at the figurepletely immersed in scientific exploration, then turned and left as quietly as he had arrived, without disturbing anyone.

 Chapter 1147

    After leaving theb, Eleanor returned to her office. Gwenda poked her head in. "Eleanor, did you see Mr. Goodwin earlier?"


    Eleanor, who was about to take a drink of water, paused. "He was here?"


    "Yeah, he went into theb''s observation room about half an hour ago. He stayed for over twenty minutes and then left. You all were probably busy," Gwenda said.


    Eleanor hadn''t noticed at all. Butn''s anxiety about the experiment''s progress was understandable, given the pressure he was under-pressure from the government. There had been some good news from today''s progress. Eleanor nced at the time; it was three-thirty in the afternoon. She had a meeting at York Windsor''sb next. She took out her phone and sent a message ton: "I have a meeting tonight. Are you free to look after Evelyn?"


    "Focus on work. Leave Evelyn to me."


    The reply was simple and direct, justn''s style.


    Reading the words, Eleanor felt a wave of relief. Whatever their past was, when it came to taking care of their daughter, he was the one person she could always count on.


    She put her phone away and left for Rhine Laboratories with Ryan.


    Eleanor worked until ten that night, returning home under the stars. When she opened the door, Princess was the first to greet her, a slipper in her mouth and her tail wagging happily.


    A warmth spread through Eleanor''s heart. She crouched down, took the slipper from the dog''s mouth, and ruffled her big head. Then she walked quietly into the living room. It was silent; Joslyn had already gone to her room to rest.


    And there on the sofa satn, holding their sleeping daughter. He had been watching a ser game on mute, waiting for her.


    Eleanor looked at him, and he looked back. Their eyes met in the silent living room.


    The little girl in his arms was fast asleep, her sweet face pressed against his chest, one small hand unconsciously clutching his shirt. Ian reached for the remote and turned off the TV.


    Eleanor looked at their daughter in his arms, a flicker of guilt in her eyes. Ian noticed it. "Don''t worry," he said in a low voice. "Evelyn understands your work."


    His voice was deep and slightly hoarse.


    "Bring her to my room," Eleanor said.


    Joslyn heard Eleanor return and came out to check. Seeing the two of them heading upstairs together she silently turned and went back to her room. When she saw Princess about to follow them, she shooed the dog back, keeping her off the first floor.


    Eleanor helped pull back the covers.n leaned over and gently ced their daughter on the bed, then tenderly brushed a stray strand of hair from her face the watched her. for a few seconds before leaning down to kiss her forehead


    Eleanor waited by the door for him to leave.


    Asn walked over, she said softly, "Thank you."


    No matter what, she was grateful thatn sacrificed his own time to care for their daughter, allowing her to work without worry.


    n looked at her. Under the light, her face showed the fatigue from a long day''s work, but her eyes were clear. "Get some rest," he said in a low, concerned voice.


    With that,n turned and left quietly.


    After going downstairs,n picked up his suit jacket from the sofa and walked to the entryway. As he was leaving, he saw Princess behind him. He gestured for her, and the dog happily followed him out the door.


    Princess now had a warm dog bed on the twenty-seventh floor, so she could spend the night on either level.


    Eleanor went into the bathroom, washed away the smell of disinfectant, and reced it with a faint, fresh scent from her body wash.


    She theny down next to her


    daughter Before falling asleep, she


    habitually checked her phone. The


    message she was waiting for hadn''t


    arrived. She sighed softly and...


    With


    sense of peace, drifted off to sleep.

 Chapter 1148

    The Yeaton residence.


    Rnd sat on the sofa, looking as if he had aged ten years overnight. His hair was a mess, his eyes were sunken, and he was smoking a cigarette, his expression a mixture of anger and resignation.


    Mrs. Yeaton came downstairs, still unable to process how their perfectly finepany had suddenly been pushed to the brink of ruin.


    Rnd was on the phone. As soon as the call connected, he swallowed his pride and pleaded, "Hey, Leel, you finally answered. Can you give me a short-term bridge loan? As soon as mypany is back on its feet, I promise I''ll pay you back immediately."


    "Mr. Yeaton, I''m really sorry, but I can''t help you with this."


    "Leel, for the sake of our friendship¡ª"


    "I''m really sorry, Mr. Yeaton." The person on the other end hung up.


    Bang. Rnd mmed his hand on the table and roared, "A bunch of ungrateful bastards! They used to call me brother, and now they either don''t answer my calls or tell me they have no money. Damn them!"


    Rnd hadn''t forgotten how these same people had been fawning over him just a few months ago.


    Now, Yeaton Holdings was facing a flood of collection notices from banks. Its core assets were frozen, its stock price had hit rock bottom with over eighty percent of its market value evaporated, and suppliers and partners were camped outside thepany demanding payment. Almost every escape route had been cut off.


    He had no choice but to file for bankruptcy.


    Mrs. Yeaton didn''t dare say a word. Looking at her defeated husband, she knew he was out of options.


    Rnd slumped onto the sofa, his face a mask of bitter resentment. Just then, his phone rang.


    He nced at the screen; it was an unknown number. Normally, he wouldn''t bother with such calls, but now he snatched the phone. "Hello? Who is this?"


    An elderly voice came from the other end. "Mr. Yeaton! Good evening!"


    "You are?" Rnd asked quickly.


    "My name is Walden Wells. You should know me."


    Walden Wells? The name immediately clicked in Rnd''s mind. Walden Wells, the CEO of Wells Technologies?


    "Mr. Wells, hello, hello! Of course I know you. It''s just that I''ve never had the pleasure of meeting you," Rnd''s voice immediately became friendly.


    Walden Wells''s voice held a note of sympathy. "Mr. Yeaton, you must be having a hard time. But I''ve heard some whispers, and I was wondering if you''d be interested."


    "Please, go on," Rnd said, suddenly tense. "Mr. Wells, whatever you have to say, just say it."


    "The crisis at Yeaton Holdings runs deep. But from what I''ve heard, the person who wants to destroy yourpany is none other than the chairman of The Guild of


    Commercen."


    The information hit Rnd like a bolt of lightning.


    How could it be him?


    The man who had helped hispany go public, who had opened up overseas channels for him, the. man he had considered his future son-inw, the Yeatons'' biggest backer?


    Rnd''s expression changed dramatically, but he was still in disbelief. "That¡ªthat''s impossible! Where did you hear this?"


    Walden Welts chuckled coldly.


    bet


    "Rnd, wish it were fake too, but


    my source is very reliable. As for the


    reason, I''m not quite sure 1


    quite sure. That''s all I


    have to say. Take care, Mr. Yeatom


    With that, Walden Wells hung up. Clearly, he didn''t want to get involved in the


    conflict betweenn and the Yeatons.


    Rnd stood there, frozen, as if turned to stone.


    "Rnd? Rnd, who was that? Was it someone who can help us?" Mrs. Yeaton rushed to his side, her face full of desperation.


    Rnd snapped back to reality, his bloodshot eyes filled with shock and the rage of betrayal.


    "What''s wrong? Rnd, what''s happened to you?" Mrs. Yeaton looked at her husband, startled. He looked like he wanted to kill someone.


    n!" Rnd roared.


    "Mr. Goodwin? Is Mr. Goodwin going to help us?" Mrs. Yeaton asked eagerly.


    Rnd mmed his hand on the table and shot to his feet, a cold sneer on his face. "Help us? He''s trying to destroy us!"

 Chapter 1149

    "What? Why would he do that? What did we ever do to offend him?" Mrs. Yeaton was also shocked and incredulous.


    "And I actually treated him like a future son-inw. To think he''d betray me like this!" Rnd''s chest heaved. All the respect and ttery he had shownn now turned to hatred and fury.


    Thinking back,n had helped him go public and then with overseas investments. Every step now seemed like a carefullyid trap, his grand design from the very beginning, all to bankrupt Yeaton Holdings.


    "How could it be Mr. Goodwin? Isn''t he with Vanessa-" Mrs. Yeaton''s eyes shed with intense anger. "Was it that wretched girl Vanessa who told him to do this?"


    Only then did Rnd think of that daughter, his illegitimate one, the person who had connected the Yeatons withn.


    Rnd grabbed his coat and stormed out. He had to go find out what kind of grudge his illegitimate daughter had withn. If they could resolve it, mayben would let them off the hook.


    Behind him, Mrs. Yeaton stomped her foot and cursed, "Oh, what a jinx! To bring such a disaster upon our family!"


    "Mom! What''s wrong?"


    "Faye, hurry and drive your father. He''s been drinking tonight." Mrs. Yeaton pushed her daughter, who had juste downstairs, toward the door.


    Faye hurried to the garage and saw her father getting into the car. She ran over and stopped him. "Dad, wherever you''re going, I''ll drive you. You''ve been drinking."


    Rnd opened the back door. "To Vanessa''s house."


    Seeing her father''s usatory expression, Faye immediately said, "Alright, I''ll take you."


    In contrast to the situation at the Yeaton residence, Vanessa''s vi was brightly lit and quiet.


    She was sitting on a sofa on the second floor, a dozen jewelry boxes spread out before her, containing all the jewels she had acquired over the years.


    Under the lights, there were


    sparkling diamonds, brilliant gemstones, and top-grade pearls, each piece priceless on the market. After the copse of Yeaton Holdings, apart from the fifty million in her bank ount, these were the only spoils she had left.


    Tonight, she felt uneasy, and only these trophies from her past could give her a sense of security.


    She picked up a diamond bracelet. Henry had given it to her for her birthday one year. It was a limited edition, and Henry had paid a premium to get it. At the time, she had been so moved she cried.


    She still remembered Henry''s deep, devoted eyes. Butpared ton, a true mountain of gold, Henry, who had yet to inherit his family''s fortune,cked the same appeal.


    She put down the diamond bracelet and her gaze fell on severalrger, more ornate velvet boxes next to it. Insidey her real source of confidence-six sets of jewelry fromn.


    She picked up a rare emerald ne, its stones like the deep eyes of a forest, a symbol of status and wealth.


    Each of these six sets was worth tens of millions, with a total value of two hundred and eighty million.


    They hadn''t been willingly given byn. Rather, they were trophies she had painstakingly schemed for, using both hard and soft tactics.


    It had been for her first solo concert


    in the country, an event she had


    prepared for over a year. To showcase her extraordinary charm, she had spared no expense and didn''t want to seem cheap when it came to her jewelry.


    After picking out six diamond sets, she kept pesteringn to pay for them at his office, during his business trips, even at dinners. She remembered the day he finally said yes. He was swamped with work, and after she''d shamelessly begged hira once more, he stayed quiet for a few seconds before coolly telling his assistant, Gavin, "Go handle it."


    No extra words, as if he were shooing away a pest, his expression one of detached


    annoyance, wanting only to resolve the trouble quickly.


    But in the end, the six priceless nes were delivered to her.

 Chapter 1150

    Eleanor''s voice echoed in her mind: Ian had used the things he had in abundance to trade for the beautiful youth and health she could never get back. What was there to be proud of?


    Vanessa''s expression of admiration instantly twisted into one of resentment and bitterness.


    She looked at the six dazzling sets of jewelry before her, but they felt cold and piercing.


    These jewels couldn''t be called gifts at all. They were more like feesn had paid her.


    They were props for her performance in front of Eleanor over the years, badges of her vanity.


    Just then, there was a knock on her door. Vanessa nced at the time. Who would be visiting her sote?


    When Vanessa went to the video inte in the living room and saw who was outside, she froze for a few seconds. Why was her father here?


    "Vanessa, I know you''re in there. Open the door," Rnd''s angry voice came through the speaker.


    Vanessa spun around and ran upstairs.


    She quickly scooped up all the jewelry boxes from the table, carried them to her room, and stuffed them into the closet. After straightening her clothes, she headed downstairs to answer the door.


    When the door opened, she saw Faye standing behind Rnd. Her expression immediately soured. "Dad, what are you two doing here thiste at night?"


    Rnd''s face was dark. "Let''s go inside. I have something to ask you."


    Vanessa crossed her arms, shot Faye an impatient look, and followed her father into the living room. She got two sses of water from the dispenser, but Rnd first lit a cigarette. After a few puffs, he looked up at his eldest daughter with grim eyes.


    Vanessa felt a jolt of rm under his stare. "Dad, can''t this wait until tomorrow? Why did you have toe over sote?"


    "Tomorrow? If we wait until tomorrow, the Yeatons will be sleeping on the streets!" Rnd fought to control his anger, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Vanessa. "Vanessa, I''m asking you, what is your rtionship withn? How did you two meet? And why did he help ourpany go public before?"


    Vanessa''s heart clenched. A flicker of panic crossed her eyes, but she quickly hid it, turning her face away. "I told you, I was just responsible for providing stem cells for his mother. It was a simple transaction, nothing more."


    Faye''s eyes widened in shock. This was the first time she had heard about Vanessa''s rtionship withn. Just a transaction?


    "That''s it?" Rnd''s voice rose sharply. "You''re telling me a simple ''transaction'' made you a concert pianist? Put you in a vi like this? Paid for your mother''s gambling? And just happened to get Yeaton Holdings listed? Vanessa, do I look like I''m three years old to you?"


    Faye sneered from the side. "Sister, now that the Yeatons are going bankrupt, you''re just trying to cut ties, aren''t you? If you hadn''t provokedn, we wouldn''t be in this mess!"


    On the way over, Rnd had told her thatn was the one behind it all, something Faye still found hard to believe.


    "Vanessa, tell me the truth. How did you offendn? Maybe there''s still a chance to fix this," Rnd said, softening his usatory tone.


    "Fix this? How?" Vanessa sneered, as if years of pent-up resentment and bitterness had finally found an outlet.


    "Yes, I relied onn to get where I am


    today. But paid for it with my own blood!" she shouted, pointing a finger at Rnd. "And you? My father?Where were you when you threw me and my mother out like trash in some foreign slum You You were busy enjoying father-daughter time with your precious little girl!"


    Her shouting stunned Rnd, and his face grew even darker.


    Vanessaughed coldly. "And me? To climb out of that hellhole, I had to scheme and w my way up to a powerful man liken. I used my blood my health, to force him fo lift me to where I am today." She gasped for breath and continued her coldugh. "I was the one who beggedn to help yourpany go public. I was trying to give you a hand, but not only are you not grateful, now that thepany is failing, you''re ming it all on me? On what grounds?"

 Chapter 1151

    Rnd stared at his eldest daughter, speechless, while Faye looked on in shock.


    "Let me tell you, I''ve done nothing wrong," Vanessa dered. "I got to where I am today through my own hard work. It''s your own fault you couldn''t hold onto thepany. Don''t you dare try to pin this on me-I lost thirteen percent of my shares, too!"


    Faye suddenly found Vanessa utterly ridiculous. "Then why did you put on such a show for our family, pretending you and Mr. Goodwin were so in love? Why act like he doted on you? Why let us all mistakenly believe you were about to be the next Mrs. Goodwin?"


    Faye''s questions undeniably struck a nerve, exposing Vanessa''s most hypocritical and shameful side.


    Vanessa whipped her head around, ring at Faye for a few seconds before sneering, "Why? Because I felt like it! It was fun. What''s it to you?"


    "Oh, so it was all just a show you directed yourself!" Faye taunted. "You yed your part so well that we all believed it. Even Eleanor Sutton divorcedn Goodwin, clearing the way for you. You have no shame at all, do you?"


    A desperate, frantic look shed in Vanessa''s eyes. "Yes, it was all an act!n paid me and gave me resources to buy my blood to save his mother, alright? Our deal is almost over anyway, so you can say whatever you like."


    The truth left Rnd dumbfounded. He finally understood whyn was targeting the Yeatons¡ªit was because his eldest daughter was so vain and insatiably greedy.


    "Is that what your mother taught you?" Rnd suddenly recalled her mother''s character, feeling a pathetic sense of resentment as he added with a self- deprecating sneer, "Like mother, like daughter."


    "Vanessa, you can live in your fantasy world if you want, but why did you have to lie to all of us?" Faye used angrily. "Do you realizen is the one sabotaging Dad''spany right now?" The memory of callingn her brother-inw earlier that day made her realize what aplete fool she must have looked like, and her face flushed with embarrassment.


    "That''s right! Now you see me for who I really am. Happy now?" Vanessa Crossed her arms. "They say a child''s failings are the father''s fault The Yeatens going bankrupt is just what you deserve. It''s karma!"* The words had barely left her mouth when Rnd furiously pped her across the face.


    "You wretched child," he roared.


    The p was so forceful that it sent Vanessa staggering to the floor. As shey there a bright red handprint was already visible on her cheek.


    Rnd''s chest heaved, his gaze on his eldest daughter filled with utter disappointment.


    "Dad, please calm down. Don''t let this affect your health," Faye said, rushing to her father''s side to console him.


    But when they looked at Vanessa on the floor, a secret sh of satisfaction crossed her eyes.


    Vanessa didn''t cry. Clutching her


    stinging cheek, she slowly turned her head to fix Rnd, with a look of icy hatred. You hit me? Rnd, what right do you have? You don''t even deserve to be called my father."


    Rnd raised his hand again but let it drop. His face was ashen, and he trembled with rage. "You¡ª"


    In the end, Rnd turned and left. Faye nced back at Vanessa on the ground, a hidden flicker of pleasure in her own eyes.


    Rnd knew it with absolute certainty now: Yeaton Holdings was doomed. Ian was using thepany to vent his fury and exact his revenge.


    How could anypany targeted byn possibly survive?

 Chapter 1152

    As Faye drove, she nced at her father in the rearview mirror, her heart swelling with intense anger and hatred for Vanessa. The way Vanessa had deceived their entire family, ultimately leading to the bankruptcy of Yeaton Holdings, was utterly unforgivable.


    If only she had made it clear from the start thatn was unreliable, her father wouldn''t be in this mess. Even before thepany went public, they had beenfortably well-off.


    And the way Vanessa had paraded around, acting as ifn were truly her boyfriend and future husband, was both disgusting andughable.


    In reality,n was only using her blood to save his mother, yet Vanessa had managed to put on such a convincing performance. But then, why didn end up divorcing Eleanor? After a moment''s thought, a likely reason came to her. Given how infatuated Vanessa was withn, it was almost certain she would have tried to sabotage their marriage.


    The fact thatn gave Eleanor eighty billion in the divorce settlement proved that she must have been the one to file for it, forcing his hand. His willingness to give her the kids, the money, and all those resources could only mean he was still in love with her.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have continued to pour money into her research after she joined theb. The realization left Faye feeling deeply unsettled.


    Just then, she heard her father on the phone in the back seat. "Contact mywyer and my ountant immediately," he was saying. "I want to see all the documents for the bankruptcy filing by tomorrow morning."


    Faye was startled. Was her father really going through with the bankruptcy filing?


    "Dad, is there... is there really no other way?" Faye couldn''t bear the thought of her family simply going bankrupt.


    Rnd''s fierce emotion had vanished, reced by the cool, calcted resolve of a businessman. His conversation with Vanessa had made it painfully clear that confrontingn directly would be a disaster. In the business world,n wielded absolute power, and with his rumored connections to Kingston''s political elite, any resistance was futile.


    If he wanted to avoid a worse fate and sinking deeper into debt, his only option was to file for bankruptcy himself. By doing so, he couldase the protection process to salvage what personal assets he could, securing some kind of future for the Yeaton family.


    "What other options do we have at this point?" Rnd scoffed. He was furious about it, of course, but he could see the writing on the wall. If he tried to tough it out, the deb would only snowball until even his personal assets were forcibly


    liquidated. Filing for Daw


    while he still had some


    maneuverable assets, was a painful but necessary choice-like cutting


    off an arm to save one''s life.


    "It''s all her fault," Faye cursed, unable to swallow her anger. "If she had never gotten involved withn, our family would be perfectly fine."


    A harsh glint shed in Rnd''s eyes. "From this day forward, I, Rnd Yeaton, no longer have a daughter by that name."


    That night, Rnd, despite his age, summoned his legal team and began the process of organizing ounts and preparing the necessary documents.


    News of the Yeatons'' situation reachedn immediately. In the early hours of the morning, he nced at the report on his phone, his expression impassive.


    A short whileter, Gavin Young called to give a more detailed update. "Mr: Goodwin, Rnd assembled his team overnight and has officially begun bankruptcy proceedings. It seems he''s trying to use the process to protect some of his personal assets."


    "That''s far enough," Ian said, his voice t.


    The bankruptcy of Yeaton Holdings had been his objective. Now that Rnd had the sense to file for it himself, there was no need to waste any more energy on annihting thempletely.


    Besides, as the chairman of The Guild of Commerce, it wouldn''t be appropriate for him to be seen carrying out such a ruthless vendetta.

 Chapter 1153

    All he wanted was to drive out a notorious businessman like Rnd, preventing him from ever wreaking havoc in the business world again. The Yeatons'' bankruptcy was a consequence, but more importantly, it served as a warning to everyone else.


    "Understood, Mr. Goodwin. We''ll handle the remaining matters through standard business procedures."


    "Mm,"n replied softly.


    Gavin understood that his boss''s goal had been achieved. The scraps left over from the Yeatons were beneath his notice; the storm targeting Yeaton Holdings could finally subside.


    The morning''s top story, sshed across the front page of the financial news, was the blockbuster announcement of Yeaton Holdings'' bankruptcy and liquidation.


    The report detailed the situation at Yeaton Holdings, its wording exceptionally cautious.


    But every prominent figure in the business world knew, without a word being said, whose hand was behind the entire affair.


    Suddenly, undercurrents stirred throughout the businessmunity.


    And all signs pointed unequivocally to one personn, the new President of The Guild of Commerce.


    Combined with the fact that the Yeatons themselves didn''t have a clean history¡ª having built their empire on all sorts of shady practices before going public¡ªthis liquidation served as a clear signal. During his tenure as President of The Guild of Commerce, anyone who tried to challenge the rules, y dirty tricks, and especially anyone who dared to scheme against him, would have to be prepared to face the consequences.


    This incident certainly made some of the old guard re-evaluate the young President of The Guild of Commerce and reconsider how they would interact with him in the future. Without a doubt, the affair was his signal that he intended to clean up the business world.


    --The storms of the business world, however, hardly affected the lives of ordinary people, and they certainly couldn''t prate the disciplined atmosphere of the scientificmunity.


    Eleanor''s workload had recently increased, but thankfully, she also had some good news to report on her progress.


    At lunch in the cafeteria, Eleanor ran into Simone Langley, who had brought some students over to borrow ab for the day.


    "Ellie, I haven''t seen you in a couple of months! I heard you''re back at the BCIb." Simone looked much thinner, but her spirits seemed high.


    "That''s right. My research will be focused here from now on," Eleanor said with a smile.


    "How''s your health? Have you had a check-up recently?" Simone asked suddenly, her tone full of concern.


    Eleanor nodded. "I actually had one not too long ago. Everything''s fine."


    A look of relief shed in Simone''s eyes as she nodded. "No matter how busy you get, you have to take care of your health. Don''t think you can neglect it just because you'' young."


    "I will, Professor Langley. I have a


    meeting to get to, so I should g


    now," Eleanor said apologetically, though she would have liked to stay and chat longer.


    "Go on," Simone said with a smile.


    After Eleanor left, a young student beside Simone asked excitedly, "Professor Langley, was that Dr. Eleanor Sutton? Oh my god, she''s so young!"


    "Yes, that was her. You should all learn from her."


    "If I didn''t know she was a researcher and just saw her on the street, I would''ve sworn she was an actress!"


    "I''m so jealous! She''s beautiful, brilliant, and I heard she''s rich, too," one of the students said, resting her chin in her hands.


    "Alright, stop just being envious,"


    Simone told her students. "Focusing


    on your own research is what-


    matters. You can''t imagine the hard work she put m to get where she is today."


    The students nodded in agreement, but their chatter continued, just more quietly.


    Eleanor hurried back to the conference room. Just as she reached the door, Gwenda quickly pulled her aside. "Eleanor, Mr. Goodwin is here, too."


    Eleanor''s steps faltered almost imperceptibly for a moment before she nodded. "I see."

 Chapter 1154

    The meeting this time had also invited the brainputer interface team from Starnova, serving as an academic exchange between personnel from both sides.


    Eleanor Sutton pushed open the conference room door. Eight core members of theb were already seated inside, andn Goodwin was sitting next to the head position.


    He was dressed in a deep gray suit, posture steady, head bowed as he reviewed the documents in his hand. His head of white hair appeared especially stark under the lights.


    Seemingly hearing the footsteps, he looked up. Eleanor, however, naturally greeted the engineers from Starnova without making eye contact with him.


    Eleanor''s seat was at the head of the table. She connected herptop to the projector, and the meeting soon began.


    She led the presentation on key recent advancements in brainputer interface research. The entire conference room was silent, filled only by her clear voice and the faint sound of slides changing.


    He could understand Eleanor''s exnations well enough, but it was mostly the Starnova engineers who posed questions to her. As Eleanor answered their queries, a pair of eyes remained fixed on her face, then drifted to her beautiful head, as if trying to peer through and see what constructed that brilliant mind.


    Her intelligence astonished him. The sweetly naive girl from his memory was gone. So too was the yful woman who had snuggled in his arms demanding kisses, disrupted his work, bought him sses on a whim, and insisted he wear them.


    Yet they had shared a bed for six years-


    But the woman sitting beside him now exuded an unapproachable, academic air that made her difficult to grasp and decipher.


    Eleanor was listening to an engineer''s exnation when her gaze inadvertently shifted to the man beside her. Ian had been staring so intently that his focus had drifted, making him appear somewhat distracted.


    Eleanor''s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.


    That nce snappedn back to alertness instantly. If he wasn''t mistaken, the look Eleanor had just given him could only be interpreted as... disdain.


    He immediately cleared his throat softly, sat up straighter, and collected himself. Although, this feeling didn''t seem entirely unpleasant.


    After the meeting concluded, Eleanor shook hands and said farewell to the engineers Ryan stood nearby also establishing connections. Later, once the Starnova engineers had left.


    Eleanor turned and sawn standing behind her, one hand in his pocket. "Can we talk?" he asked.


    "Sorry, I have other matters," Eleanor replied.


    "I wasn''t distracted earlier. I''m not entirely uninterested in your meeting¡ª"n attempted to exin.


    Eleanor met his gaze with clear eyes. "If Mr. Goodwin is too busy, he need not attend such academic meetings in the future."


    Ryan and Callie, standing to the side, exchanged a nce and wisely made themselves scarce to avoid any coteral fallout.


    Eleanor didn''t intend to say more and moved to walk past him toward her office.


    "Your presentation today was excellent,"n praised in a low voice.


    Eleanor left without another word. Shortly after, Tan also stepped out. There had been a glimmer of good news in Eleanor''s meeting information-they had at least touched upon a potential key to awakeninga patients.


    Vanessa began applying her makeup in the afternoon.


    She was to apany Walden Wells to a private dinner that evening. Within their circles, the fact that she was Walden Wells''s woman had spread like wildfire. Coupled with her own beauty and social skills, Walden Wells was, for the time


    being, utterly taken with her, taking her wherever he went.

 Chapter 1155

    Walden Wells had been a widower for three years. With a son living abroad and no ns to remarry, the women on his arm changed in a steady rotation.


    Vanessa was his newest prize¡ªa woman he could both show off and who knew exactly how to keep him happy. It was an art she had mastered.


    Right now, the only thing Vanessa wanted from Walden Wells was his help in finding awyer to break her contract withn.


    The Goodwin family''s affairs were kept strictly private, so Walden knew very little aboutn''s mother. He''d only heard rumors that she depended on Vanessa to stay alive. The thought thatn had snatched the chairman''s seat from him still left a bitter taste in his mouth.


    At the dinner party, Vanessa was a vision in a champagne-colored slip dress. Her makeup was wless, and her every move was a graceful blend of decorum and allure that made the other men''s dates pale inparison. She was an absolute credit to him.


    "Mr. Wells, what a shame! I was so sure the chairman''s seat at the Guild of Commerce would be yours."


    "Your qualifications and experience far surpassn''s. I have no idea how he managed to get that position."


    Walden Wells''s grip on his wine ss tightened. Their words made his chest constrict with frustration.


    Just then, Vanessa returned to his side at the perfect moment, slipping her soft arm through his. "Walden, what are you all talking about?"


    Walden led her out to the terrace. "You mentioned before," he said abruptly, "that you wanted to get out of that contract withn?"


    A flicker of hope ignited in Vanessa''s eyes. "Walden, can you help me? I just want to be your woman, peacefully, without any more ties ton." As she spoke, her eyes


    reddened. "Every time thin verne:


    being used as a tool to save his mother, I get so scared-


    Walden pulled her into his arms, stroking the back of her head soothingly, though a shrewd,


    calcting glint shone in his eyes "Ian is a forceful and vindictive man. Tearing you away from him won''t be ebay. He paused, then histone shifted. "But, if we had a stronger bond between us... for the sake of our future, I would move heaven and earth to free you from him."


    Vanessa looked up, confused. "Walden, what do you mean?"


    Walden lowered his head, met her gaze, and said, word by word, "Vanessa, have a child for me."


    Vanessa froze for a few seconds. She had, of course, looked into Walden Wells''s past. The son he kept stashed away abroad was practically a stranger to him,pletely unreliable for his old age. That was why he wanted another one.


    Walden continued to paint a picture of their future. "You probably don''t know this, but I have an estranged son I can''t rely on for anything. If you givere a son, he will be my rightful me heir Then, breaking your contract withn will be the least of it.


    Everything I have will belong to you and our child."


    His words were dripping with temptation, offering Vanessa a ray of hope. Trading a child for her freedom and a secure ce in the Wells family? It was a bargain she couldn''t lose.


    "Walden, of course I want to have a child of our own, but we have to terminate my contract withn first. He won''t allow me to get pregnant. He''ll sue me."


    "Let him try." Walden''s face darkened, his voiceced with scorn. "Ian is getting ahead of himself. Does he really think he can interfere with my woman having my child?"

 Chapter 1156

    Vanessa chose her moment to sound aggrieved. "But there are uses in the contract about this, Walden. What if I get pregnant andn tries to force me to donate blood? It would be terrible for the baby. I don''t want to lose our child."


    Walden Wells had chosen Vanessa to have his child precisely for her intelligence and talent; she was, in his eyes, worthy. To him, an ambitious woman wasn''t necessarily a bad thing.


    After weighing his options for a few seconds, Walden pulled Vanessa into his arms. "Don''t be afraid. Leave this to me. No matter how powerfuln is, he can''t just do whatever he wants. I''ll have the best legal team review that contract, and no matter what, I''ll get you out of it."


    A flicker of panic crossed Vanessa''s eyes as she recalled the supplementary uses in the contract. But she reasoned that Walden must have already assumed she''d slept withn, so he probably wouldn''t care about her past.


    Let his legal team go head-to-head withn''s, then!


    She knew she had to get pregnant with Walden''s child as soon as possible to solidify hismitment to helping her.


    "Okay. I''ll work hard to give you a strong, healthy son," Vanessa said, lifting her head. Tears of gratitude welled in her eyes as she looked at him withplete dependence. "Walden, you''re so good to me. I''ll listen to you from now on."


    Walden was also aware that with Yeaton Holdings'' copse, Vanessa had no other options; she had to rely on him.


    The calcted gleam that shed in Vanessa''s eyes had finally pushed Walden to confrontn. She had sessfully stirred the pot.


    Creating an enemy forn was what she enjoyed most.


    After all, the resentment and bitterness she felt would likely haunt her for the rest of her life.


    At 8:30 PM, Eleanor was still in her office discussing data with Ryan when her phone rang. She nced at the screen and was surprised to see it was Joslyn. Her heart skipped a beat; Joslyn rarely called her untess something was wrong at home.


    Eleanor grabbed her phone and said to Ryan, "I need to take this."


    She hurried into the hallway and answered the call. "Hello, Joslyn? Is something wrong?"


    Joslyn''s frantic, breathless voice came from the other end. "Ma''am, it''s terrible! Princess Princess ran away!"


    Eleanor''s heart tightened, and she clutched the phone, trying to remain calm. "What happened? Tell me slowly."


    "Princess had been inside all day, so I decided to take her for a walk downstairs. We had just reached the park across from ourplex when a big, off-leash ck dog appeared out of nowhere. It was vicious and charged right at Princess, trying to attack her. Princess got so scared she slipped out of her leash and just took off running chased her for a I while, but couldn''t catch up. She didn''t respond when I called her, and now I have no idea where she is." Joslyn''s voice was filled with self-me and panic. "Ma''am, I''m so sorry. It''s all my fault for not holding on tighter-"


    Of course, Eleanor couldn''t me Joslyn. Princess wasn''t just a pet; she was a member of the family and, more importantly, her daughter Evelyn Goodwin''s bestpanion.


    She forced herself to stay calm.


    "Joslyn, don''t panic. Princess is very


    smart and knows her way around.


    She mighte home on her own.


    You can start by checking the nearby bushes, and I''ll be right back."


    "Okay, Ma''am. I''ll keep looking and ask around the neighborhood," Joslyn replied, clearly distraught. She knew how important Princess was to this family.


    Eleanor returned to her office and said to Ryan, "Dr. Lyman, I''ll sync up with you on the rest of the data from home. I have to go now."


    "Of course. Go take care of things. I''ll send you the data chartster," Ryan said, noticing her urgency.

 Chapter 1157

    Their work had moved to data consolidation, which wasn''t the most critical phase.


    Although his mentor checked in daily, anxious and concerned, research wasn''t a one-day affair. They had to be prepared for the long haul.


    Eleanor grabbed her bag and coat and practically ran from theb. She got into her car and sped toward home, with two ck SUVs immediately following behind her.


    Eleanor knew Princess was a bit timid and often got scared byrger dogs, but she also knew Princess was familiar with the neighborhood and wouldn''t get lost easily.


    That is, unless something else had happened¡ªan ident, or worse, someone with ill intentions had found and taken her.


    Eleanor didn''t dare to think about it further. The first step was to get home and start searching.


    As Eleanor drove up to the entrance of her residentialplex, she saw Joslyn anxiously scanning the roadside from a distance. The moment Joslyn spotted her car, she ran over, her eyes filled with worry. "Ma''am, I still can''t find her. I''ve looked everywhere nearby¡ª"


    "Don''t worry, we''ll find her," Eleanor reassured her. Her gaze drifted to the two ck SUVS that had followed her, a security detail arranged byn and Mansfield Ellington. Usually, they stayed hidden, but now they were parked a short distance away.


    Eleanor immediately walked over to them. Right now, more people meant more hope.


    As she approached, the bodyguards from both vehicles got out. They were all tall and imposing. By now, the two teams had developed a working understanding. They had one shared order: to protect Eleanor''s safety at all costs.


    Eleanor addressed the stern-looking men. "Hello. Could I ask you for a favor?"


    Both groups responded in unison, "Please, Miss Sutton, go ahead."


    "My dog ran off somewhere around here. I was hoping you could help me look for her," Eleanor said, taking out her phone to show them a picture of Princess.


    "If you could send us the photo, Miss Sutton, we''ll start searching right away."


    Eleanor quickly added them on WhatsApp and sent them several recent pictures of Princess.


    "However, Miss Sutton, we can''t leave you unprotected. Please let me apany you while you search," Lanny said.


    Eleanor nodded. "Thank you."


    With that, the other bodyguards fanned out, searching the greenbelts and corners within a 500-meter radius.


    Even with the extra help, Eleanor''s concern for Princess left her feeling deeply uneasy Lanny apanied Eleanor and Joslyn back to the spot where they had been separated, and they began calling out for her again.


    They searched until 9:30 PM, when Eleanor''s phone suddenly rang. She looked at the screen and saw it wasn.


    She answered, "Hello?"


    "Mommy, when are youing home?" Evelyn''s sweet, childlike voice came through the phone.


    Eleanor''s heart clenched. She couldn''t imagine how heartbroken her daughter would be if she found out Princess was missing.


    "Mommy will be back soon," Eleanor said soothingly.


    Then, a deep male voice asked, "I was told you were already home. Why haven''t youe up yet?"


    Apparently, Lanny was supposed to


    report her


    movements, but he must


    have forgotten to updaten after


    she asked for his help.


    >


    Eleanor had no choice but to exin. "Princess is missing. Joslyn and


    are looking for her downstairs. Let''s


    not tell Evelyn for now. We''ll wait


    until we find her."


    "What?"n on the other end was clearly shocked. After all, to him, Princess was


    more than just a pet.

 Chapter 1158

    The line was silent for a few seconds before his usualposure returned. "Youe back up. I''ll go down and look."


    Eleanor turned to the exhausted Joslyn. "Joslyn, why don''t you go home and look after Evelyn? We''ll keep searching."


    Since Princess had disappeared, Joslyn had been pacing back and forth for nearly an hour. She looked anxious, tired, and thirsty, and Eleanor felt for her.


    "Okay, Ma''am. I''ll go up and watch Evelyn," Joslyn said, heading toward theplex entrance.


    Less than five minutester,n appeared at the gate. He strode quickly toward the small park across the street, where Lanny and Eleanor had returned after searching the perimeter.


    n walked up to Eleanor, his eyes scanning her worried face. "Where exactly did she get lost?" he asked in a low voice.


    Eleanor pointed in a direction. "Joslyn said she ran that way."


    "Mr. Goodwin, our men are already driving around the area. They''ll notify us as soon as they have any news," Lanny reported.


    "Get your men over here now. Contact the local animal rescue stations, and request the surveince footage from the nearby stores. Use every means necessary to find Princess."


    Lanny nodded immediately. He knew this dog meant a great deal to his boss; losing her was not an option.


    Eleanor looked at the passing cars and the dimly lit park, her heart pounding with anxiety. Given Princess''s intelligence, even if she had run far, she should have been able to find her way home. But it had been over an hour with no sign of her, which made her worry-


    "Let''s retrace the path where she disappeared,"n said, looking at Eleanor.


    When it came to finding Princess, Eleanor saw him as an ally. Besides, Princess was particrly close to him.


    "Okay," Eleanor agreed, deciding to search a wider area, especially the alleyways and corners where a frightened Princess might be hiding.


    They followed the path where Princess wasst seen, searching carefully Eleanor called out Princess''s name, whilen, setting aside his usual cold demeanor patiently called into the bushes ahead.


    In that moment, they were not a business magnate and a top scientist, but simply a pair of frantic parents whose family member was missing.


    After walking for about ten minutes, they reached an intersection. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, Eleanor caught a sh of white on the opposite corner of the street.


    "Princess!" Eleanor cried out instinctively. Without a second thought, she dashed across the street, desperate to confirm if it was her scared dog. She waspletely oblivious to an electric scooter with dim headlights speeding toward her.


    Butn noticed. His expression changed instantly. In a sh, he shot out a long arm


    and violently yanked Eleanor back from the curb she had just stepped off.


    Caught off guard, Eleanor was


    pulled back with immense force, her back colliding with a solid chest. At


    the same instant, the scooter Whizzed past the spot where she had been standing, its young rider ncing back to curse at her.


    "Watch where you''re going!"


    Eleanor was shaken, but she didn''t realize she was inn''s arms. She pushed away from him and said, "I think I saw Princess."


    Eleanor called anxiously into the darkness, "Princess? Princess¡ª"


    "Meow!" Arge white cat leaped out from the shadows, then disappeared into a nearby alley.

 Chapter 1159

    Her hopes were dashed again, and disappointment washed over her. From behind,n''s gentle voice offeredfort. "Let''s keep looking ahead."


    They walked another full circle, returning to where they started, but there was still no news. It was already 10:30 PM. Ian nced at his watch and said to Eleanor, "You should go back and get Evelyn to bed. I''ll keep looking."


    It was past Evelyn''s bedtime, and it was only Tuesday, so the child had school the next day.


    "Okay," Eleanor nodded, walking to her car and driving into the garage.


    When Eleanor got home, Evelyn was still waiting for her on the sofa. "Mommy, didn''t Daddye back with you?" she asked curiously.


    Joslyn looked at Eleanor, who gave a slight shake of her head. She then turned to Evelyn. "Come upstairs with me. Mommy will take a shower and then read you a story."


    Evelyn blinked, a little slow to catch on. "Mommy, why haven''t I seen Princess? Where did she go?"


    Eleanor answered smoothly, "She''s sleeping at your daddy''s house tonight."


    "Oh!" Evelyn didn''t doubt it, as she loved the idea of Princess keeping her daddypany.


    As the clock ticked past midnight, Eleanor couldn''t sleep. There was no word fromn, which meant Princess still hadn''t been found. She was tormented with anxiety. Princess was part of the family, and she couldn''t bear the thought of something happening to her.


    Eleanor waited until one in the morning. Exhausted from the recent mentally draining experiments, she finally drifted off to sleep without realizing it.


    At three in the morning,n returned to his apartment. After his bodyguards reviewed the surveince footage, they determined that Princess wasst seen at


    the entrance of an alley, which opened up to a bustling street market.


    Anyone who provided a valid lead or found Princess would be handsomelypensated.


    In his study at three in the morning,n rubbed his temples. Thest surveince image Lanny had sent him was of Princess, tail between her legs, fleeing in panic. The sight made his heart clench.


    That night, Joslyn was also sleepless with guilt. She regretted taking Princess out, but what was done was done. All her self-me was useless now; she could only pray for Princess''s safe return.


    Early the next morning, Eleanor''s phone rang. She hoped it was good news about Princess, but the call was from Principal Maxwell.


    Eleanor shot awake and hurried out to the balcony to answer.


    "Hello, Principal Maxwell."


    "Eleanor, Kingston is hosting a seminar with brainputer interface engineers from Montir. I need you and Ryan to attend. The meeting is at two this afternoon; you should be able to make it."


    Eleanor had heard that engineers from Montir wereing, but the date hadn''t been confirmed. She didn''t expect it to be today.


    "Okay, I''ll contact Ryan right away and we''ll head over," Eleanor agreed.


    Eleanor contacted Ryan and booked


    a ten o''clock flight. Just as she opened her door to leave, she foundn waiting outside. Principal Maxwell called me. You have to Kingston for a meeting this afternoon. I''ll take Evelyn to school."


    to go


    C¨®ntent


    Eleanor still needed to prepare some materials, so she didn''t refuse. "Thank you."


    She then tried to bring up Princess. "And¡ª"


    "Don''t worry. Leave it all to me,"n''s voice was firm and steady. "Just focus on your meeting in Kingston."

 Chapter 1160

    Evelyn adjusted her little backpack, big eyes blinking as she looked from her father to her mother. Even at her young age, she was perceptive.


    "Mommy, what were you going to say to Daddy?" she asked, looking up.


    Eleanor stroked her head. "Mommy has to go to a meeting in Kingston. Will you be okay with Daddy for a bit?"


    "Okay! Will you bring me a present from Kingston?" Evelyn asked expectantly.


    "I will," Eleanor promised.


    Evelyn had been a typical high-needs baby from the start. Ever since she could recognize faces, she was wary of strangers, clinging only to her parents. They had originally hired three nannies, but Eleanor had let them all go.


    When she was fussy, not even Joslyn could hold her, which was why both Eleanor andn were so hands-on with their daughter. Eleanor had developed a habit of only entrusting her daughter ton and no one else.


    Aftern took their daughter downstairs, Eleanor quickly packed herptop and luggage. When she went down, she saw Gavin waiting by her car. "Miss Sutton, I''ve been instructed to take you to the airport."


    "Oh, I couldn''t possibly trouble you, Gavin," Eleanor said, not wanting to impose.


    "It''s no trouble. Mr. Goodwin said you need to rest up for your meeting in Kingston."


    Eleanor paused. She hadn''t slept wellst night and really did need to catch up on some sleep during the drive. The afternoon''s BCI meeting was going to be a mental marathon.


    She didn''t refuse, as she needed to review the key points for the conference in the


    car.


    Her thoughts drifted back to


    Princess, and her heart ached with worry. But she sighed. She knew how to prioritize. Her sense of responsibility and the urgency of her project meant she couldn''t continue the search herself.


    But she knewn wouldn''t give up.


    Lanny followed him. A foul smell suddenly wafted over, and he said, "Mr. Goodwin, there''s a garbage collection point up ahead. I can go search it."


    There was still no sign of Princess. His men kept reporting in, but none of them had any news.


    A sense of unease crept into his heart. Could something have really happened to Princess?


    Just then,n''s phone rang. It was one of Lanny''s subordinates.


    "Mr. Goodwin, I just spoke with an old man who said he saw a city animal control van near the street market around nine o''clockst night. He said he heard what sounded like a dog being captured."


    "Animal control?"n''s heart sank. His voice was urgent. "Find the license te number and the location of the local animal shelter immediately."


    Ten minutester,n received an address-a temporary holding and processing facility within the district. He pulled open the car door and got in. Lanny immediately started the vehicle, and they sped toward the location.


    the terror she must be experiencing if she were locked up in a ce like that.

 Chapter 1161

    The car sped away asn Goodwin made several calls, reaching high-level city officials to demand a halt to the processing of dogs sheltered the previous night.


    Who would have thought that the wealthiest man in Ashford City would leverage his power and resources to their absolute limit for a single dog?


    Lanny''s car screeched to a halt outside a dpidated courtyard on the outskirts of the city, the site of the temporary animal shelter. Before Lanny could even open the door for him,n pushed it open himself and strode inside.


    Several staff members, who had been chatting over tea, were stunned to see him.


    They stared at the man in the high-end suit, his expression cold and severe, wondering what he was doing there.


    The shelter''s manager immediately recalled a phone call from twenty minutes earlier, hearing that a tycoon''s dog had gone missing and might be at his facility.


    He hadn''t expected the man to show up in person.


    "Sir, what breed is your dog?" he asked, stepping forward.


    "A Beagle,"n''s voice was devoid of any warmth. "Where are the dogs that were brought in around nine o''clockst night?"


    The manager''s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly led the way. "In the back of the courtyard-please, follow me."


    They passed through a narrow path into arge, foul-smelling shed area in the backyard. Inside were dozens of cold iron cages, filled with stray dogs of various breeds, sizes, and colors, all whimpering and barking nervously.


    Just then, an excited yelp came from one of the cages. A dog was spinning in circles, pressing eagerly against the bars.


    That sound-


    It was Princess.


    "Princess,"n called out, his voice


    filled with emotion as he strode toward the cage. A staff member quickly grabbed an iron rod, unlocked the cage door, and held back the other dogs, letting only Princess out.


    Princess''srge brown eyes, full of fear, now seemed to overflow with a profound sense of grievance. She let out a whimper and bolted from the cage, running straight forn.


    "Woof!" Princess let out an excited whimper that was all hurt feelings and relief, like


    a child who''s finally found their parents after being lost.


    But then,n noticed arge patch of fur missing from Princess''s neck, revealing a deep bite wound where the blood had already dried one of


    her legs had a simr injury, she had clearly been attacked by the other dogs.


    A sh of pain crossedn''s eyes. He scooped Princess up and walked back to


    Lanny''s car.


    "Boss, I''m so d we found her," Lanny said, breathing a sigh of relief.


    "Get us to the best veterinary hospital, now,"nmanded.


    Once in the car, Princess, likely terrified from the previous night, kept nudging into


    Princess find a sense of security


    against him. He took out his phone and sent a text to Eleanor Sutton: cess. She''s


    "Found Princess


    e Wered I''m


    taking her to the vet."


    He then sent a photo of Princess along with the message.

 Chapter 1162

    Eleanor had just gotten off the ne when her phone chimed with a message. She stopped and pulled it out to check. Seeing the photo of Princess, she let out a heavy sigh of relief. In the picture, Princess was dirty, her head resting onn''sp, her eyes wide and damp with lingering fear.


    The image gave Eleanor pause for a few seconds.


    In her memory,n was fastidious about cleanliness. Even when she had brought Princess home without his permission, he had outwardly epted the dog, but she knew he was privately resistant to having a pet in the house.


    "Thank you. I appreciate it," Eleanor quickly replied before walking with Ryan to their waiting car.


    He looked down at Princess, who was gradually calming down in his arms, and felt the effort was all worth it.


    When they arrived at the veterinary clinic, Princess began to tremble all over again at the sight of the doctor. Ian held her himself, staying with her through her bath, the bandaging of her wounds, and her vinations.


    The female staff at the clinic werepletely charmed. They had never seen such a handsome man so lovingly and patiently attend to his pet.


    He had a cool, imposing demeanor that suggested he was a man of status, yet he didn''t seem to care that his expensive suit was covered in dog hair.


    And when he used his deep, maic voice to soothe the Beagle, the staff members'' hearts beat a little faster. They couldn''t help but imagine how blissful it would be to be his girlfriend, to be coaxed with such gentle patience. They''d probably faint from happiness!


    An hourter, Princess was clean and her wounds were properly dressed. She looked a little ridiculous wearing an Elizabethan cor.


    To keep her from biting at the bandages, she would have to wear the cor for a few days. Ian carried Princess to the car, then took a picture of the clean, cored dog and sent it to Eleanor. "Wounds are treated. I''m bringing her home."


    At Kingston, Eleanor was having lunch with Principal Maxwell and several other highly respected medical seniors. When she saw the message, she replied again, "Thank you."


    Now that she andn were divorced, Princess was a member of her household. As the dog''s owner, it was only right for her to thank him for everything he had done.


    "I''ll exin everything to Evelyn when she gets home tonight,"n texted back.


    Eleanor was listening to Principal Maxwell speak, so she quickly typed a one-word reply, "Okay."


    She put her phone away and focused on the discussion. Principal Maxwell looked at Eleanor with high expectations.


    The meeting happened at Ashford


    f


    Medical University''s teaching hospital. After the introductions, both sides had an open, friendly exchange about their respective technologies, and came away deeply impressed with each other


    After the meeting, Principal Maxwell asked Eleanor to take a walk with him in the hospital garden. She knew he wanted to talk to her privately.


    "Eleanor, you''ve worked so hard on the Neural Interface Project. I heard from Ryan that you often work overtime and have already started the first phase of testing with some impressive results."


    Eleanor nodded, and they discussed some technical details from the meeting and the future ns for the project.


    Just then, Principal Maxwell''s phone rang. He nced at it. "I need to take this."


    Eleanor waited for him, her gaze drifting over the elegantly designed garden. As evening approached, ¨¨ many patients were out enjoying the sunset was then that a figure in a wheelchair, not far away, caught her attention.


    It was a young woman dressed in blue-and-white striped hospital pajamas, with a jacket draped casually over her shoulders. A nurse was pushing her wheelchair as she looked up at the birds flying Ch overhead. Her beautiful face held a look of resilience that was different


    from that of ordinary patients.

 Chapter 1163

    Eleanor stopped in her tracks.


    She had seen this girl before. Though it was only once, the impression she''d made was profound-it was the pilot named Sophia. Thest time they met, at the hospital, Sophia had been striking and full of life, brimming with energy. How had she ended up in a wheelchair?


    Principal Maxwell finished his call and walked over. Following Eleanor''s gaze, he sighed softly. "That''s the granddaughter of an old friend of mine. She was a very promising pilot. Ah, what a shame."


    Eleanor couldn''t help but ask, "Principal Maxwell, was she in a flight ident?"


    Maxwell looked toward Sophia, his tone heavy. "Yes. The ident left her with no use of her legs." He then turned to Eleanor, his eyes filled with hope. "However, if your Neural Interface Project is sessful, it''s highly likely it could fully treat her injury."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. She looked again at the girl in the wheelchair, who was now looking up and chatting with the nurse. Her eyes were still clear and bright, as if she refused to bow to her fate.


    Eleanor sighed inwardly. If her research could truly give Sophia back two healthy legs, she would certainly be willing to work tirelessly for it.


    Principal Maxwell then said to her, "Eleanor, I was hoping to have you stay for dinner, but I''ll treat you next time I''m in Ashford City!"


    Soon after, Eleanor and Ryan were in a car heading to the airport, where they boarded the earliest flight back to Ashford City.


    Theynded at Ashford City airport at eight-thirty in the evening. At the arrivals gate, Gavin Young was waving. "Miss Sutton, Dr. Lyman."


    Ellington also approached. "Ms. Sutton, I didn''t expect to see Gavin here."


    "Ellington, could you please give Dr. Lyman a ride? I''ll be driving Miss Sutton," Gavin said with a smile.


    Eleanor nodded. Ellington gestured to Ryan. "Dr. Lyman, this way, please."


    Gavin took Eleanor''s suitcase, and they headed for his car outside the airport, driving straight to her house.


    At Eleanor''s home, Evelyn Goodwin had already had a good cry over Princess''s injuries. Back in her warm home Princess was still quite lively. despite the cone around her neck and the bandage on her leg. Hearing the door open, she limped over to greet them.


    Eleanor opened the door to see Princess wagging her tail. Her heart instantly softened. She put down her bag, bent down to stroke Princess''s head, and examined her wounds.


    "Mommy, Princess was bitten by other dogs," Evelyn reported immediately, running


    over.


    "I know. We''ll take good care of her, and she''ll get better," Eleanor reassured her daughter.


    "You''re back,"n''s voice was as deep as ever.


    "Yes," Eleanor nodded. He must have pulled some strings and used his resources to find Princess.


    "Was the meeting sessful?"n''s gaze fell on her weary face.


    "It went very well," Eleanor replied. Joslyn thoughtfully brought her a ss of water. Eleanor took it and removed her jacket revealing a simple, sharp white blouse and trousers underneath.


    Despite the fatigue from the long flight and the meeting, her unique presence was undiminished.


    The fitted silk blouse entuated her slender waist, and the trousers made her legs look long and straight. With no extra adornments, she exuded a unique and captivating academic aura.


    extra seconds. During their marriage, he had seen her in all her moods yful gentle stubbom, But after the divorce, he was seeing a confident andposed Eleanor.


    He sensed a kindred spirit.

 Chapter 1164

    Eleanor nced at her watch and said to the man on the sofa, "You should go home and get some rest."


    Before Eleanor could answer, Evelyn agreed. "Daddy, you have to take good care of Princess!"


    "I will,"n chuckled, ncing at Princess, who seemed to understand and followed him out the door.


    After tucking her daughter into bed, Eleanor returned to her study to organize the day''s materials. Her thoughts drifted back to Sophia, to the way she had looked up at the birds in the sky. She must be longing to spread her wings and return to her career.


    Eleanor''s heart felt heavy, the weight of her responsibility pressing down on her


    even more.


    The next morning,n took his daughter to school, and Eleanor left for theb shortly after. It waste spring, and she dressed lightly for the day. On her way to theb, she noticed the two cars of her security detail trailing behind her.


    In theb''s parking lot, Eleanor got out of her car but didn''t head straight for the main entrance. Instead, she walked over to one of the security vehicles.


    The bodyguard inside immediately got out to greet her politely. "Miss Sutton, is there something we can help you with?"


    "Hello, I was hoping you might have some news about Mansfield Ellington. Do you know how he is?" Eleanor asked, holding onto a sliver of hope that she might hear something about Mansfield, as it was highly likely they were his former subordinates.


    The lead bodyguard shook his head. "Sorry, we don''t know Major General Ellington''s whereabouts."


    From their expressions, Eleanor could tell they weren''t lying. They genuinely didn''t know.


    Nearby, a ck Maybach sedan had just pulled into the lot. From the back seat, a man with sharp eyes caught the flicker of disappointment and worry in Eleanor''s face, and his breath hitched.


    "Mr. Goodwin, should I go over and greet Miss Sutton?" Gavin, who was driving, asked.


    "No need,"n said in a low voice. He was here today for a report on the civilian projects, on a different floor from Eleanor.


    Eleanor soon entered the main lobby and headed toward the D-wingbs, whilen and Gavin went to the A-wing.


    Just then,n''s phone rang. He nced at the caller ID-it was an unknown number, but anyone able to reach his private line was certainly no ordinary person.


    "Hello," his voice was its usual calm self.


    "Mr. Goodwin, this is Walden Wells," a smooth, elderly male voice came through the line.


    "Mr. Wells, how can I help you?"n asked politely.


    "It''s like this. I''ve heard there''s a rather unreasonable contract between you and my fianc¨¦e, Miss Vanessa Shannon. I was hoping you would do me the honor of meeting sometime so we can discuss this and get it settled."


    "Congrattions,"n offered, his expression unreadable. He then adopted a more forceful tone. "The contract between Miss Shannon and mets @ legally binding document rted to my mother''s treatment. I''m afraid it can''t simply be nullified over a chat, Mr. Wells."


    Walden Wells on the other end seemed to have expected this response, and his voice grew heavier. Mr. Goodwin, everything is negotiable. I know the contract involves certain penalty uses, but Vanessa is my fianc¨¦e now, and she will soon be Mrs. Cooper bearing my children. For you to hold onto her like this wouldn''t be good for your reputation. We can talk terms: Walden Wells, can afford the penalty. As long as it''s reasonable and legal, we can discuss it, can''t we?"


    "You''re overthinking it, Mr. Wells. The terms of the contract are clear. It''s a medical cooperation, with no personal rtionship involved. As for termination¡ª"n paused, his tone holding an unquestionable finality. "That''s impossible at the moment My mother''s treatment still requires Miss Shannon''s


    cooperation."

 Chapter 1165

    "Mr. Goodwin, don''t speak in such absolutes. We may need to look out for each other in the business world down the line. It''s not worth ruining the goodwill between us over a woman."


    "You needn''t trouble yourself, Mr. Wells. If there''s nothing else, I have a meeting to attend. Excuse me."


    With that,n hung up and strode into the elevator.


    Back at his vi, Walden Wells gripped his phone, his face dark. He already disliked this arrogant young man, and now, to be so tantly disrespected¡ªit was the first time he''d been treated with such contempt.


    Just then, a soft, pliant arm wrapped around his neck. "Walden, don''t be angry. You''ve already done more than enough for me."


    Though Walden Wells was older, having weathered decades in the business world had instilled in him apetitive spirit that rivaled any young man''s. Ian''s curt refusal, rather than making him back down, had only stoked his desire to win.


    He pulled Vanessa into his arms and patted her back gently. "Vanessa, don''t you worry. Ian is just an arrogant kid who doesn''t know his ce. In Ashford City, there''s nothing I, Walden Wells, want to do that I can''t get done."


    Vanessa looked at him with seductive eyes, noticing the flicker of anger in his expression from being challenged. She knew the feud between Walden andn was deepening. Walden''s desire to free her was now also about defending his own pride and authority.


    "Walden, I know you''re good to me, butn is so powerful, and he''s the chairman of The Guild of Commerce. I''m afraid I''ll drag you into this. Maybe I should just endure it."


    Vanessa employed a strategic retreat, her voiceced with grievance and concern.


    "Nonsense," Walden''s protective instincts were immediately triggered. "You think Walden Wells is afraid of some wet-behind-the-ears kid?"


    Walden was, at his core, a proud man. Ian certainly had some skill, but he didn''t see him as a true threat.


    He scoffed. "Contracts are set in stone, but people aren''t. I''ll hire the best legal team money can buy to go over every line. They''ll find a way out. And if they don''t, I''ll buy you out myself for ten billion."


    Moved, Vanessa threw herself into his arms, a smile breaking through her tears. "Thank you. As soon as the contract is terminated, I''ll dly be your Mrs. Cooper and give you a fine, healthy son."


    The emotional validation Vanessa provided was exactly what Walden Wells craved. Being with her made him feel young again.


    For Vanessa, no matter the oue, she wouldn''t lose. If Walden won, she would regain her freedom and secure her position as the matriarch of the Wells family. Ifn won, she would simply continue to abide by the contract and let him support her.


    After all, the annual payments and gifts stipted in the contract were legally binding.


    And her birthday wasing up soon. It was about timen made a gesture.


    In previous years, she only had to mention it, andn would send someone over with whatever she wanted, be it diamond jewelry limited edition handbags. As long as her request was within the specified price range,n would buy it for her.


    1.n


    Walden Wells had to leave on business. Vanessa was already living with him in his grand vi. The fall of Yeaton Holdings hadn''t affected her much, except for her shares, which were now worthless


    Even if it pained her, dwelling on it would only fuel her resentment towardn and harm herself.


    One could say she had made the same mistake as Eleanor: she''d let her heart rule


    her head and wasted her youth on a cold man liken.

 Chapter 1166

    However, one piece of news did catch her attention: after Yeaton Holdings went bankrupt and was liquidated, its profitable overseas assets were acquired by an emerging medical technologypany.


    Yeaton Holdings would cease to exist, and her father, Rnd Yeaton, would have no chance of making aeback.


    At this thought, Vanessa felt fortunate to havetched onto a sturdy tree like Walden Wells, who provided her with support and a ce to belong.


    She caressed the enormous diamond ring Walden had just given her, which now sat on her ring finger. He might be old, but he could provide her with a life of luxury, and that was enough.


    Now, she began to anticipaten''s annual gesture. Though their rtionship was tense, the annual gift use was written in ck and white in their contract, and it was legally enforceable.


    This time, she needed to think carefully about what to ask for.


    She could start by browsing the major jewelry stores, deciding between diamonds or jade.


    In theb''s cafeteria, Eleanor had arranged to meet Joel Kingsley. As she carried her tray toward him, she caught sight of two figures walking in her direction out of the corner of her eye.


    But she quickly looked away and walked to Joel''s table. Just as she set down her tray,n and Gavin arrived.


    Just like that, the four-person table was full.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Gavin," Joel greeted them, maintaining hisposure.


    "Dr. Kingsley, Dr. Sutton, you don''t mind if we share the table, do you?"n''s voice held a hint of warmth.


    "Of course not," Joel said, pushing up his sses as his gaze flickered between Eleanor andn.


    Eleanor lowered her eyes and quietly picked up her fork. Joel quickly started the conversation. "Ellie, did you see the email I sent you? About I the interference algorithm for neural signals inplex environments? I wanted to get your thoughts¡ª"


    Eleanor nodded, which was exactly what she had nned to discuss with Joel. She


    buried deep in his memory.


    His mind involuntarily shed back to a night four years ago.


    He hade homete and, passing by the study, saw that Eleanor''sptop was still on. She wasn''t there, but on the screen was an open chat window. The person she was talking to was Joel.


    He hadn''t meant to pry-he only wanted to shut down theputer for her-but as his eyes scanned the screen, a few lines of their conversation caught his attention.


    Eleanor was confiding her frustration and loneliness in her marriage, her tone more vulnerable than he had ever seen. "He''s always busy don''t even know what he''s thinking. It feels like there''s a pane of ss between us that can never be broken. I feel so tired."Content


    Joel''s reply was full of understanding and gentlefort. He had even called her Ellie.


    Ellie. That was the name he used for her during their marriage.


    "Ellie, don''t be sad. You deserve to be understood and cherished. Try to think of the good things, like our meeting in Montirst time. I could tell your smile was genuinely happy then."


    That night,nmitted the name Joel to memory. Although he never confronted Eleanor about it, the thorn had been nted in his heart, bing one of the many factors that created a rift between them over the next two years.


    That was why he had been so shocked to see Joel at Drexford Henry Holt''s private banquet. He discovered then that Joel was a medical genius from Montir¡ªyoung, handsome, and brilliant.

 Chapter 1167

    That day, he couldn''t resist reminding Eleanor to be mindful of boundaries. Butter, watching them always chatting in a corner, so familiar with each other, his mood soured for the rest of the evening, casting a pall over the entire Christmas holiday.


    Across the table, Gavin noticed his boss wasn''t eating much and figured that eating in a public cafeteria was probably beneath a man of his status.


    Meanwhile, in a corner not far away, Faye Yeaton was staring daggers at the scene. It was her first day back at work, and she never expected to see this.


    Eleanor sitting with Joel was irritating enough, but to have the unapproachablen sitting right beside her was even worse. Thinking of the wayn looked at her versus the way he looked at Eleanor, she was ovee with jealousy.


    Now, she was in a position where everyone looked down on her. The Yeatons were bankrupt, and her career was mediocre. In contrast, Eleanor was sessful, her ex- husband was relentlessly pursuing her, and she was surrounded by top experts in her field. Her future was destined to be even more brilliant.


    The stark difference between them made her want to grit her teeth to dust.


    After Eleanor finished eating, she nced at the time and said to Joel, "Joel, I''m heading back up."


    With that, Eleanor picked up her tray and nced atn. He met her gaze and smiled with narrowed eyes. "You go on ahead."


    After Eleanor left, Joel and the other two men also got up to return their trays. As they stepped out of the cafeteria,n suddenly called out to Joel. "Dr. Kingsley, did you know I once misunderstood the rtionship between you and Eleanor?"


    Joel stopped and turned around, a look of surprise on his face. "Mr. Goodwin, why do you say that?"


    Gavin, sensing the situation, tactfully stepped back a few paces to give them space.


    confiding in you marital


    about he


    struggles, and you two seemed to get along very well. You were already calling her Ellie back then."


    Hearing this, Joel was momentarily stunned, then a knowing yet helpless smile appeared on his face. He


    nodded frankly. "First, I want to.


    apologize for any misunderes


    I caused back then. The name Ellie started calling her that after, fearing MSutton use it She''s younger than me, and it became a habit after we got to know each other. It wasn''t my intention to overstep."


    He looked atn, his eyes clear and honest. "At the time, I was just trying tofort


    her as a friend, hoping she would pull herself together. That''s all it was."


    Joel then seemed to drift into his own memories. "In fact, most of our discussions were about medical topics. However, to avoid any issues at home, Ellie would delete our conversations Mr Goodingf you had recognized her talent and passion for medicine earlier, I''m sure you would have taken more time to encourage and understand her."


    Because during that period, his most vivid impression was thatn was always too busy-so busy that Eleanor would asionallyin to him about it.


    Joel''s words maden''s pupils tremble slightly. He btedly recalled the thick books that had started appearing in a corner of the study, which he had assumed were just a hobby for Eleanor to pass the time.


    Even now, those books were still in the vi, and he had never once taken a proper look at what they were about.


    After they were married, Eleanor had told him she wanted to be a good wife and loving mother, so he had overlooked what her true passions were.<pn felt a hand clench tightly around his heart. He remained silent for a moment before saying in a low voice, "Thank you for your honesty."

 Chapter 1168

    Joel gave a slight nod and said no more. He knew that Eleanor had intentionally hidden her dreams and ambitions during her marriage, aspiring to be a good wife and mother. But she was never meant for that role; she was destined to shine in her own field.


    Perhapsn understood that now, but it was toote. The Eleanor he knew was already a dazzling sess in her career. It was never her marriage to a tycoon that defined her, but her own abilities.


    Gavin watched his boss stand there, rooted to the spot. Though he didn''t know what he and Joel had discussed, an unusually heavy, almost somber aura now enveloped him.


    "Let''s go,"n said a momentter, ncing at his watch. He had a meeting at Goodwin & Co. next.


    After getting in the car, Gavin turned back and asked, "Mr. Goodwin, will you still be attending the Sun Valley conference this year?"


    It was a highly exclusive, three-day summit for the world''s top finance and tech giants. One of its strict rules was aplete ban on personalmunication devices, effectively cutting attendees off from the outside world. Gavin remembered thest time his boss attended, he waspletely unreachable for three full days.


    Asn''s core confidant, he knew all too well the unprecedented crisis Goodwin & Co. had been facing at that time.


    Apetitor, manipted by international capital predators, hadunched a series of malicious attacks on Goodwin & Co.''s core business, sparing no expense and causing thepany''s stock to plummet for days.


    When his boss returned from the conference, he brought back six major international partnership agreements, solidifying the foundation for Goodwin & Co.''s global expansion.


    He still remembered the immense psychological pressure his boss was under during that period. He had called the Sun Valley Conference "the only visible path to break through the darkness."


    When Joslyn had told him about this recently, the bted fear and intense guilt that gripped his heart were so strong that it still made his chest tighten. He had missed the moment his wife and daughter needed him most, leaving Eleanor to face it all alone.


    Now, that same powerful self-reproach washed over him again, threatening to overwhelm his reason.


    This time, however, he couldn''t afford to hesitate.


    He took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil of emotions, and his gaze became


    firm and sharp once more. "I''m attending."


    Gavin nodded. "Understood. I''ll respond to the invitation today."


    And Sun Valley was the fastest, most effective tform to leverage those resources.


    At eight in the evening, Eleanor returned home. Joslyn greeted her at the door. "Ma''am, have you had dinner?"


    "I ate at theb."


    "Mr. Goodwin and Evelyn have eaten as well. He''s in the study now, helping Evelyn with her writing."


    Eleanor put down her bag and quietly walked to the study door. Through the open doorway, she could hear her daughter''s young but serious voice as she practiced her speaking skills.


    structure. Eleanor leaned against the


    doorframe, watching the father ar


    and


    daughter under themplight, not wanting to disturb them.


    Evelyn pointed her little hand here and there, askingn to teach her the names of everyday objects in foreignnguage. Soon Evelyn happy taughter filled the room, followed byn''s low words of praise.

 Chapter 1169

    Eleanor stepped outside, where Joslyn brought her a bowl of sweet soup. "Ma''am, I made you some sweet fruit soup. It''s good for you."


    Eleanor looked at her gratefully. "Thank you."


    Joslyn was still feeling incredibly guilty about the Princess incident. Her momentarypse had caused them to waste so much precious time.


    Eleanor sat down to eat her soup, pulling out her iPad to continue analyzing data.


    At eight-thirty,n came out with their daughter for a drink of water. Evelyn''s face lit up. "Mommy, you''re back! Daddy and I were practicing how to introduce myself in French."


    "I heard, sweetie. Evelyn is making great progress," Eleanor praised her daughter.n''s gaze fell on her face, and Eleanor looked up at him, saying softly, "Thank you."n''s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. "You don''t need to be so formal with me." But Eleanor felt it was necessary. They were two separate individuals now, no longer husband and wife. She couldn''t just take it for granted that he would look after their child.


    "Next week, I have to go abroad for a three-day, closed-door conference. I won''t be able to contact the outside world during that time. I''ll let Serena know to pick up Evelyn for a few days,"n said in a low voice, watching Eleanor''s reaction.


    Eleanor nodded as she sipped her soup. "I understand."


    However, the thought came and went, and he suppressed it.


    He looked at Eleanor''s calm profile as she focused on the data analysis report on her iPad. He realized that his exnation would mean nothing to her now; it would just be an unnecessary disturbance.


    And Eleanor, of course, would no longer connect the incident of not being able to reach him back then with the conference he had just mentioned.


    In the end,n said nothing more. He nced at his watch and told his daughter, "Evelyn, Daddy is going to go downstairs to work for a bit. I''ll take you to school tomorrow."


    "Okay, Daddy," Evelyn said. After her studies, she was ready to y for a while.


    As he reached the door,n seemed to remember something and looked back at Eleanor. "Eleanor, tomorrow-"


    Eleanor looked up at him. "What about tomorrow?"


    The sound of the door closing made Eleanor look up, realizing he had left. She finished her soup and went up to the second-floor study.


    As she sat down, her gaze fell on the calendar on her desk, and she paused. Tomorrow was the anniversary of her father''s death. Every year on this day, Eleanor would visit his grave.


    Eleanor sent a text to Ryan, telling him she had personal matters to attend to in the morning and would be at theb by noon.


    Although for Eleanor, her work had long since transcended fixed hours and


    locations. Even when she was home, she rarely had time that was truly her own.


    The next morning,n arrived on time to pick up Evelyn, who skipped happily to school holding his hand.


    Eleanor left shortly after. She


    stopped at a nearby flower shop and had the florist wrap a bouquet of white chrysanthemums. Cradling the flowers, she drove toward her father''s cemetery.


    The security detail followed her responsibly. At nine-thirty, she arrived at a cemetery on the ata.


    outskirts of the city. As she parked her can by the roadside, she was startled to see a ck Maybach parked ahead.


    It wasn''s car.


    Eleanor got out with the white chrysanthemums and walked halfway up the slope. There, in front of her father''s gravestone, she sawn crouching down, pulling weeds.

 Chapter 1170

    Gavin saw Eleanor and didn''t seem surprised. Lanny had already reported her movements on the road, so her appearance here was expected.


    "Miss Sutton, you''re here," Gavin greeted her.


    She hadn''t expected to run into him here.


    Gavin chose that moment to exin, "Miss Sutton, for the past few years, whenever Mr. Goodwin has been in the country, he has alwayse to visit on the


    anniversary of Mr. Sutton''s passing."


    The words struck Eleanor''s heart like a soft blow.


    During the first four years of their marriage, they had alwayse together. Later, when their rtionship soured, Eleanor preferred toe alone.


    For two of those years, she had found the grave already clean, with fresh flowersid before it. She had always assumed it was one of her father''s students who hade to pay their respects, but thinking back now, his burial had been very private.


    So it had been him all along.


    The realization left Eleanor momentarily stunned. Ian knelt back down and continued to pull the wild grass growing in the cracks.


    Eleanor ced her white chrysanthemums in front of the tombstone, right next to another bouquet.


    "Thank you," Eleanor said softly.


    "I was going to ask you toe with mest night, but you were busy with work, so I didn''t,"n added.


    Eleanor recalled his hesitant expression as he was leaving the night before. So that was what he had wanted to say.


    She also knelt down and began pulling weeds from a corner. Gavin didn''t offer to help; it wasn''t his ce as an outsider to interfere. He tactfully stepped aside.


    The two of them before the grave said no more. The air was filled with a silent understanding and a quiet, somber mood.


    After clearing the weeds, Eleanor stood before her father''s grave, lost in thought.n didn''t disturb her, simply standing behind her in quietpanionship.


    After a few moments, Eleanor turned ton. "Let''s go."


    They walked down the slope together. When they reached the cars,n said to Gavin, "You drive her."


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, it''s fine. I''ll drive myself."


    Gavin was caught in the middle, looking to his boss for direction. Ian didn''t insist. He opened the rear door of his car and got in.


    Eleanor''s car turned around and left. Once they reached the city, their cars went in separate directions.


    While still on the road, Eleanor received a call from Ellington. He had been invited to attend the Sun Valley conference as part ofn''s trip and was calling to ask for her opinion.


    Eleanor gripped the steering wheel. On the other end of the line, the usuallyposed Ellington could barely contain his excitement.


    "Ms. Sutton, ourpany just


    received an invitation to the Sun


    Valley Conference. It''s a tform for


    connecting with top tier global


    resources an unparalleled opportunity for our hotel''s future expansion."


    "It is a great opportunity," Eleanor said. She was sure Ellington was eager to go, and she wouldn''t stand. in his way Under his leadership. Vesper Joy Group was growing steadily, and it was indeed time for arger vision. "If you can arrange your schedule, you should go."


    Ellington''s voice on the other end was slightly rushed with excitement. "I understand, Ms. Sutton. I will be mindful of my role and will not miss this chance to help thepany grow."


    "Good. Apply for whatever resources you need."


    "Ms. Sutton, could I trouble you to ask Mr. Goodwin something? His private jet is


    flying directly to Sun Valley. I was hoping I might be able to catch a ride," Ellington requested.


    Eleanor agreed. "Okay, I''ll talk to him about it."

 Chapter 1171

    After hanging up, Eleanor''s car pulled into theboratory''s parking lot. She got out and immediately dialedn''s number.


    As the secondrgest shareholder of the Vesper Joy Hotel, she was confident he wouldn''t refuse an opportunity for Ellington to catch a ride.


    "Hello!" A deep, gentle male voice came from the other end.


    "Mr. Goodwin, could I ask you for a favor?" Eleanor asked, her tone polite and formal.


    A low, exasperated chuckle came through the line. "Have we really be such strangers?"


    Eleanor ignored his question and went straight to her request. "For Ellington''s uing trip to Sun Valley, would it be possible for him to fly on your private jet?"


    "Of course,"n agreed without hesitation.


    "Thank you." Eleanor was about to end the call.


    "Wait," he said suddenly, stopping her.


    Eleanor frowned. What else could he want?


    "The Sun Valley Conference ispletely cut off from the outside world. Even if I bring my phone, it will be confiscated. So, if you need anything over the next three days, call Gavin. He''ll get in touch with me as soon as the conference is over."


    Eleanor stopped in her tracks, her fingers tightening around her phone. After a few seconds of silence, she replied calmly, "OK."


    There were no questions, noints, not even a flicker of emotion.


    "Eleanor¡ª"n''s hesitant voice came through the phone.


    "If there''s nothing else, Mr. Goodwin, I''ll hang up," Eleanor said, her voice polite yet distant.


    It was as if she were speaking to a regr business partner.


    A faint sigh came from the other end. "Take care of yourself."


    Eleanor ended the call and stood there, stunned for a few seconds.


    So, wasn trying to tell her that the twelve unanswered calls from three years ago were because he was at the conference in Sun Valley?


    Though it had been a while, Eleanor still remembered the airport scene from the day before it all happened. The media had published photos of Vanessa andn at the airport, and Vanessa''s celebration party was that same evening. Paired with the gift, Vanessater unted online Eleanor had naturally assumed he was celebrating with her.


    During the first four years of their marriage, their rtionship had been as calm and happy as any other couple''s. tan would regrly update her on his business dealings, but he hadn''t that day. Then their daughter suddenly came down with a high fever during a viral outbreak in the country. Within just three days, a simple cold had turned into severe pneumonia.


    By that time, she already knew about Vanessa. The year their daughter turned two was the same year Dr. Smith confirmed that Gina Quinn''s blood disorder was hereditary. The reasonn had been taking their daughter abroad so frequently was for gic testing.


    But one thing was certain: Vanessa''s love forn bordered on obsession. Although Eleanor hadn''t read the contractn presented that day in detail, she had skimmed the additional uses.


    Vanessa had demanded he spend half the year with her in Drexford, provide gifts on specified dates, and support her career advancement.


    Their daughter''s admiration for Vanessa was partly due to her young age a two-year-oldcks & judgment. Plus, Vanessa had made a pointof getting close to Gina and Serena Goodwin, bing a frequent guest at the Goodwin family home. Of course, these were


    just external factors.


    Vanessa''s real motive was to earnn''s favor by making Evelyn depend on her¡ª


    which was exactly why she had so deliberately worked to win the girl''s affection.

 Chapter 1172

    "Dr. Sutton, good morning," a female assistant greeted her.


    Eleanor snapped back to reality and offered a polite smile. She walked slowly toward theboratory building, pushing aside the fragmented memories she had deliberately buried, and shifted into work mode.


    That morning, Eleanor had a meeting with Ryan to discuss preparations for the new round of experiments. To speed things up, their research had taken a much bolder step forward.


    In the cafeteria at noon, just as Eleanor and Ryan sat down, Joel approached with his tray. "Dr. Lyman, could I have a word with Dr. Sutton alone?"


    Ryan graciously stood up and moved his tray to another table. Eleanor looked at Joel in surprise. "Joel, is something important?"


    After sitting down, Joel looked at her with a profound gaze. "Ellie, I''ve suddenly realized I did something wrong, and I feel quite guilty about it."


    Eleanor was slightly taken aback. "Joel, what are you talking about?"


    Joel sighed. "Do you remember how we got in touch? I was the one who reached out to you. That period when we first started talking, I felt so happy and gratified."


    Eleanor blinked, recalling the night she had connected with Joel. He had sent an email first, and since she happened to be online, she replied immediately. After that, they had their first phone call.


    Later, they added each other on Skype and chatted frequently. At first, they talked about her father''s research. Then, Joel became interested in some of Eleanor''s theories, and the two of them like kindred spirits constantly. exchanged and discussed ideas in the field of medical research.


    A flicker of guilt shed in Joel''s eyes. "Maybe I ended up being the trigger for your divorce-without even to." He


    at


    even meaning to." He looked at


    Eleanor his expression grow


    heavier. Mr. Goodwin mentioned


    the other day that he''d seen our chat logs from four years ago He knew I used to call you Ellie back then... and said he''d misunderstood our rtionship at the time."


    Eleanor''s grip on her fork tightened. At that time, all she wanted was to be a devoted wife and mother. After all, with one person in the family constantly traveling for work, she had to take on the role of a mother and care for their daughter.


    She had always deleted her chat logs with Joel to avoid revealing her interest in medicine. Even the medical books and journals she bought were hidden in the corner of the bottom shelf of her bookcase.


    Whenevern took their daughter abroad, Eleanor would go to theb in York Windsor for a month or two, or at least a week, typically rushing home two days beforen and their daughter returned.


    Seeing Joel''s guilty expression, Eleanorforted him, "Joel, you''re overthinking it. The root of the problems between us wasn''t that."


    But the guilt in Joel''s eyes was real. "If I hadn''t contacted you so frequently during your marriage¡ª"


    If he hadn''t affectionately called her Ellie, if he hadn''t expressed admiration and care that went beyond friendship while she was still married, perhaps¡ª


    Eleanor looked at Joel with clear eyes. "Even without you, something or someone else would have


    be the trigger. He chose t


    hide his family''s gic condition, and chose to hide my ambitions and dreams. He chose not to ask about my personal life, and I tolerated his ambiguous rtionship with Vanessa without question. We both gave up onmunicating with each other. Ultimately, it wasn''t a healthy marriage. It was doomed to fail."

 Chapter 1173

    Joel was silent for a moment before saying in a low voice, "But your choice back then was also out of a sense of responsibility for your family and daughter."


    "Looking back, I was just being stubborn and making things harder on myself," Eleanor said with a bitterugh.


    "So,n strung Vanessa along... just to keep her willing to donate blood for his mother?" Joel asked quietly, his eyes thoughtful.


    Eleanor bit her lip and remained silent for a few seconds. "That was his choice. I understand his desperation to save his mother. If he had been honest with me back then, we would have faced the problem together."


    Joel looked at Eleanor intently. "If that were the case, Vanessa would have surely demanded the title of Mrs. Goodwin."


    Eleanor looked up at Joel, momentarily at a loss for words.


    Ifn had confessed to her, and Vanessa had approached her with the possibility of their daughter''s inherited condition, the oue would have been different. She would have undoubtedly given up her title as Mrs. Goodwin for her daughter''s sake, because back then, she didn''t have the courage or strength to say no to Vanessa.


    No matter what, she would always love her daughter more than her own life. She would make any concession andpromise for her.


    "So... do you still hate him?" Joel asked softly.


    Eleanor shook her head. "Hating someone is exhausting. I''d rather focus my energy on Evelyn and my research now." After a pause, she added with a hint of resignation, "Perhaps neither of us was wrong. We just weren''t meant to be husband and wife."


    Joel looked at her. It was true. The woman before him, with her calm and


    determined gaze, was no longer the submissive Eleanor who had endured so much in her marriage. She had clearly nned her future, and she was radiant and dazzling.


    This was how she was always meant to be.


    After the meal, as they were leaving, Eleanor gave Joel a reassuring smile in the hallway. "Joel, you really don''t need to me yourself. I''m doing very well now."


    Aplex emotion stirred in Joel''s heart. He could certainly see that Eleanor had moved on, but what aboutn?


    Would he choose to withdraw from Eleanor''s world and stop interfering in her life?


    Joel already knew the answer. Ifn had never truly betrayed Eleanor, he would never let her go so easily.


    He could see thatn was trying to


    re-enter Eleanor''s life in his own


    way-not as a domineering


    ex-husband, but as a business


    partner and as Evelyn''s fathe


    approaching her cautiously.


    Perhaps he would only give uppletely on the day Eleanor chose to remarry.


    At four in the afternoon, Eleanor''s


    phone buzzed with a message from


    Im


    Serena Ellie, going to bring Evelyn back to your ce with my


    brother tonight. Is that okay with you?"


    Eleanor was taken aback. Serena was showing a surprising amount of respect for her boundaries these days.


    "Okay," Eleanor replied.


    She had beening homete recently because of work, so having another family


    member spend time with her daughter was a good thing.


    At 8:30 p.m,, when Eleanor opened


    the door to her home, she heard ber


    daughter''sughter mingling with


    Serena''s fan


    shoes werent there


    So he must have left for some reason.


    "Mommy, look who''s here!" Evelyn ran over happily to report.


    Eleanor looked up at Serena, who greeted her warmly. "Ellie."


    "Huh? I remember you used to call Mommy ''sis''? Why do you call her Ellie now?" Evelyn asked, clearly confused.


    Both Eleanor and Serena were momentarily stunned.

 Chapter 1174

    Serena really wanted to go back to calling her sis, but she was worried it would upset Eleanor, so she didn''t dare.


    Serena knelt down and gently exined to Evelyn, "Even though your mom and my brother are separated now, she''s still very dear to me in my heart, so calling her Ellie is just the same."


    Evelyn nodded, seeming to understand. "Oh, I see!"


    Eleanor gave Serena a grateful look. Over the past six months, Serena had truly changed. She was no longer the spoiled, willful youngdy she once was, but had learned to be considerate and respectful.


    Just then, Evelyn remembered something and pulled Eleanor''s hand. "Mommy,e and see! Auntie gave me a guitar, and she''s going to teach me how to y."


    Eleanor was surprised; she hadn''t known Serena could y an instrument.


    Serena followed them into the study, where a delicate, small ssical guitar sat, clearly custom-made for a child.


    "I also studied music abroad, so teaching a child to y the guitar is no problem," Serena exined, a little embarrassed. "Evelyn is interested in music, so besides the piano, she can explore other instruments."


    "Auntie, did the cut on your finger fromst time leave a scar?" Evelyn asked, turning to Serena.


    Eleanor looked over in surprise as well. Serena smiled. "It did, but it''s not very noticeable now. But I''m sure it must have scared you that day!"


    Evelyn, who still remembered, nodded. "Yeah, you were bleeding so much! It was really scary."


    Noticing Eleanor''s gaze, Serena exined, "It was three years ago, the first time I came back to the country and tried to teach Evelyn guitar. The string identally cut a deep gash in my finger, and Evelyn was terrified."


    Remembering something, Serena gently pulled Evelyn closer. "Here, let Auntie see your teeth. I was always taking you out for cake back then, I wonder if you got any cavities."


    Evelyn obediently opened her mouth for Serena to check. After the inspection, Evelyn tilted her head and said, "Daddy always makes sure I brush my teeth, so I won''t get any cavities!"


    Watching this scene, a memory was suddenly triggered for Eleanor. She recalled a time three years ago whenn was on the phone with someone.


    The person on the other end had


    injured their finger, and he was telling them to apply ointment. At the time


    tellingeanor had assumed he


    was talking to Vanessa. Could the person on the phone that night have been Serena?


    Serena''s concern for her daughter was clearly genuine; after all, they were blood rtives.


    At half-past eight, Eleanor walked Serena to the door and thanked her. "Thank you for looking after Evelyn for me."


    "Ellie, Evelyn is my niece. Who else would I dote on if not her?" Serena said, then added with a touch of guilt, "I''ve done so many wrong things in the past, and now I just want to make up for it however I can."


    For Serena, these small, everyday


    acts were a form of redemption for her past self. Eleanor had saved both her and her mother, and although she hadn''t asked for word of thanks, they knew and would remember the debt they owed.


    "My brother is leaving for the Sun Valley conference next Monday. I''ll pick up and drop off Evelyn for him, so you can focus on your work without worry," Serena said.


    Eleanor nodded. "Thank you."


    "Don''t mention it." Serena waved goodbye and left.


    Eleanor''s weekend was also booked.


    At 3:30 on Sunday afternoon, inside the sterileboratory, Ryan had already administered an anesthetic to a research monkey. The calcted dose was just enough to allow them to collect experimental data without harming the subject.

 Chapter 1175

    Eleanor leaned over and began cing sensors on the monkey''s body. Focused on the screen beside her, she didn''t notice the monkey''s eyes suddenly flicker open. By the time she realized what was happening, the monkey had already wed her arm, leaving several deep, bleeding scratches.


    Blood instantly soaked the sleeve of her whiteb coat, startling Ryan and Callie who were standing nearby. They reacted instantly, pinning down the under- anesthetized monkey to prevent it from causing further harm.


    Fortunately, the anesthetic took full effect again shortly after, and the monkey lost its aggression. Callie returned it to its cage.


    Ryan quickly rushed out of theb and returned momentster with a first-aid kit. "Dr. Sutton, you need a tetanus shot and a rabies vine immediately," Ryan said. Fighting through the pain, Eleanor took off herb coat and rolled up her sleeve. Severe scratches covered the middle of her forearm, blood streaming from the wounds.


    "I''ll bandage it for now, and then we need to get you to a hospital as soon as possible," Ryan said as he worked.


    Eleanor nodded, beads of sweat forming on her forehead from the pain.


    Callie dialed for emergency services. "An ambnce is on its way."


    As Eleanor was being loaded into the ambnce, Gwenda and Callie climbed in with her. Callie, remembering something, quickly sent a text message.


    Eleanor was taken to the hospital''s emergency room. While a doctor was cleaning her wounds, a figure hurried in¡ªit wasn.


    He had clearlye straight from an important meeting, his suit jacket clutched in his hand, his handsome face tense, and his breathing unsteady.


    "What happened?" he asked, ncing at Eleanor''s wound before turning his sharp gaze on Callie.


    "Mr. Goodwin, I''m so sorry. We didn''t administer a high enough dose of anesthetic to the monkey, and it woke up and attacked Eleanor," Callie said apologetically.


    The doctor, still working, replied,


    "The wounds are quite deep and will need stitches. The main concern is infection. We''ve already administered


    the strongest tetanus


    and rabies vines, but she need


    to be hospitalized for observation


    for at least three days."


    "No observation. I have experiments I need to do," Eleanor told the doctor. "I can monitor it myself."


    "Absolutely not,"n''s voice was firm and unyielding. "The experiments can be handled by others. Your health is not something to be careless about."


    He turned back to the doctor. "Please arrange for a three-day hospital stay for observation, and make sure she receives the best possible treatment."


    "This is my business. I can make my own decisions," Eleanor said, frowning at him.


    Seeing things were getting tense, Callie jumped in. "Eleanor, Mr. Goodwin''s not wrong. We''ll handle the data collection, you can run the aralysister. Just focus on getting better for now, okay?"


    The doctor nodded firmly. "Miss Sutton, let''s be clear, a monkey scratch is nothing to brush off, especially with ab animals. Infections can turn serious fast. Staying in the hospital for observation is really the only safe move here."


    With everyone urging her, Eleanor felt she couldn''t insist any longer. She nodded. "Alright."

 Chapter 1176

    Eleanor never expected an experiment tond her in the hospital before it even began. Her wounds were stitched, half her arm was tightly bandaged, and she was now in a morefortable hospital gown.


    Lying in bed, the pain and blood loss left her feeling exhausted.


    "Don''t tell Evelyn," Eleanor said to him.


    Eleanor was taken aback. How did he know she had been scratched before?


    A sh of self-reproach crossedn''s eyes. "I''ll make sure Ryan and the others are more careful next time."


    Eleanor didn''t want to dwell on it and decided to get some sleep. She looked at the man in the chair. "You should go. The nurses will look after me here."


    "You don''t have to-" Eleanor insisted.


    Beneath his thickshes, his eyes flickered with a restrained emotion. Finally, he stood up and left the room.


    Eleanor finally closed her eyes in peace and fell asleep shortly after.


    Outside in the hallway, Gavin approachedn to confirm the flight departure time for the next day.


    Gavin was stunned for a few seconds, unable to process the words. He knew exactly whatn stood to gain from the Sun Valley trip. It was crucial for finalizing a partnership with the tech giant Montir and for developing an energy project¡ªboth vital for maintaining Goodwin & Co.''s cash flow.


    "Mr. Goodwin, this "


    "I said, cancel it,"n''s tone left no room for argument.


    "Is it because you need to stay and take care of Miss Sutton?" Gavin asked with a frown. It was rare for him to question his boss''s personal matters, but this time, Gavin feltpelled to remind him of the immense losses canceling the conference would entail.


    "Don''t cancel the flight. Just send Ellington,"n said in a low voice.


    "Understood."Gavin knew he had no right to persuade him, even though he desperately wanted to. He was well aware of the importance of The Sun Valley Conference to Goodwin & Co., and even more so of how much effort his boss had put into these projects.


    Fifteen minutester, a figure quietly settled back into the chair by


    Eleanor''s bed. He rested his


    forehead on his hand, not looking at his phone, but simply watching the sleeping woman.


    Under the effect of the medication, Eleanor slept soundly,pletely unaware that


    the man who had left had returned to stay by her side.


    Outside, the evening sun cast long shadows. The man in the chair remained motionless, the y of light and shadow on his face entuating his deep-set, handsome features.


    At 7:30 p.m., a sharp pain from her wound woke Eleanor. As she opened her eyes in the dim hospital room, the tall figure sitting in the chair made her pause.


    "Why are you still here?" Eleanor''s voice was hoarse from sleep.


    Eleanor hesitated for a moment, her throat dry. She epted the ss. "It''s okay." She nced at the time¡ªit was almost eight o''clock. "You should go back," she urged. "Evelyn will be sleeping with you tonight."


    Besides, he had to leave for the Sun Valley conference tomorrow.


    "Serena is at your ce taking care of her. I''ll head back in a bit,"n nodded. "What would you like to eat?"


    Eleanor noticed the phone for ordering food nearby. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I can order for myself."

 Chapter 1177

    "I''ll order for you,"n said, then suggested, "I''ll get that fish chowder from the ce you love."


    Eleanor looked at him, her gaze clear and direct, and refused. "No, thank you. Just because I liked it back then doesn''t mean it suits my taste now."


    Eleanor shook her head. "The hospital''s meals are fine."


    "Alright," was all he said in the end.


    The room fell into a silence thatsted for a dozen seconds. Ian nced at his watch. "I''m heading back now. Gavin is outside the door, so if you need anything, just ask him."


    "That won''t be necessary. Please tell him to go home and rest. I''ll call a nurse if I need anything," Eleanor said, not wanting to trouble Gavin.


    "I''ll have him stay until ten,"n insisted. Then, he picked up his suit jacket, draped it over his arm, and left.


    In the quiet hospital room, Eleanor picked up her phone to check her messages and emails. As she was reading, there was a gentle knock on the door.


    "Come in," Eleanor called out.


    Gavin pushed the door open. "Miss Sutton, sorry to bother you. May I have a word?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Please,e in."


    Gavin gently closed the door and stood a few feet from the bed, his tone sincere. "Miss Sutton, there''s something I''d like to ask you to persuade Mr. Goodwin about. It concerns the future of Goodwin & Co."


    Eleanor was slightly taken aback. "What is it?"


    "Mr. Goodwin has decided to cancel his trip to The Sun Valley Conference tomorrow."


    Eleanor looked at Gavin in surprise. "Why would he do that?"


    "I believe it''s so he can take better care of you and your daughter," Gavin said, then continued, "But this conference is crucial for Goodwin & Co. Three years ago, when thepany was facing a crisis it was the partnerships from The Sun Valley Conference that helped us pull through. And now, the Neural Interface Project we''ve invested in urgently needs the international resources and coborations this conference can provide. Otherwise, the board members will surely protest again."


    Eleanor listened in silence, then looked up and asked, "Goodwin & Co. faced a crisis three years ago? When exactly?"


    Gavin recalled, "In June, three years ago. Goodwin & Co. was targeted for a hostile takeover by a foreign tech giant who wanted to force Mr. Goodwin to ept their acquisition offer."


    Gavin''s words made Eleanor frown. June, three years ago¡ªthat was when her daughter was hospitalized with pneumonia.


    was critical," Gavin


    "The situation w


    continued. "The otherpany


    spared no expense in attacking


    Goodwin & Co.''s core business


    causing the stock price to plummet for days. During The Sun Valley Conference, Mr. Goodwin worked almost non-stop in negotiations and ultimately brought back SIX


    international partnership


    agreements, which saved the


    Eleanor''s fingers unconsciously tightened on the bedsheet.


    dat


    Gavin looked at Eleanor''s silent expression, unsure if she even


    wanted to hear all this. He exined, "Miss Sutton, I know Mr. Goodwin neverexins these things to you. He doesn''t want you to bear the pressore with him. There were many expenses that year? He personally funded all of Dr. Smith''sb, pouring billions into it annually. The pressure on him was immense."


    "So, what do you need me to do?" Eleanor looked up at Gavin, her eyes calm andposed.

 Chapter 1178

    "This year''s Sun Valley Conference is critical for securing follow-up funding and international partnerships for the neural interface project. If Mr. Goodwin is absent, not only will he miss out on important opportunities, but the board might also question his decision-making abilities, leading to dissent," Gavin finally stated his request. "Please, convince Mr. Goodwin that he must attend this conference."


    Eleanor thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright, I''ll talk to him."


    A look of relief washed over Gavin''s face. "Thank you, I appreciate it."


    After Gavin left, Eleanor picked up her phone and, without hesitation, dialedn''s number.


    The call was answered quickly. "I''m still on the road. Did Evelyn call you?"


    "No," Eleanor took a deep breath. "Ian, I don''t need you to give up The Sun Valley Conference because of my injury."


    There was a few seconds of silence on the other end. "Did Gavin ask you to convince me?"


    "I don''t need you to take care of me¡ª"


    "Eleanor," the man''s voice was filled with self-reproach and guilt, "Three years ago, I missed your calls and left you to face Evelyn''s surgery alone. I can''t be absent again this time."


    Eleanor gripped her phone tighter. "It''s not necessary. You should focus on your work. I''ll look after Evelyn."


    "Eleanor, when I make a decision¡ª"


    n, as one of yourpany''s shareholders, I have the right to demand that you prioritize thepany''s interests," Eleanor interrupted him calmly. "If you insist on canceling your trip and it affects the future funding for the Neural Interface Project, then the three-year n I guaranteed to the board will be a joke."


    A long silence followed on the other end. Ian clearly hadn''t expected Eleanor to use her position as leverage.


    "Are you threatening me?" His voice held a note of weary disbelief.


    "I''m simply reminding you of your responsibilities as CEO," Eleanor said evenly. It was the only way she could persuade him.


    "Fine, I promise I''ll go to the


    conference,n conceded. Then he added But you have to promise me you rest and recover properly Seren@can bring Evelyn to my ce and put her to bed. She has experience with that."


    "It''s fine, I can go home tomorrow-" Eleanor began, nning to recuperate at home.


    "No, you must stay in the hospital until the observation period is over,"n said, not allowing it.


    Eleanor fell silent. Once he was gone for the conference, she could do as she pleased.


    "During this conference, my phone will be on 24/7,"n said in a low voice. "You can reach me at any time."


    Eleanor frowned. It was clear thatn''s status in the global business world was far different now.


    Perhaps three years ago, he had needed to fight for partnerships at The Sun Valley Conference, but now, he had be a key figure capable of influencing the global techndscape.


    "I know," Eleanor replied faintly.


    Her response seemed to liftn''s spirits. "Okay, bye."


    After ending the call, Eleanor gazed out the window at the deepening night, aplex mix of emotions. stirring within her. She thought. about what Gavin had said. What wasn''s original intention in setting up his privateb?


    After all, the blood disorder wasn''t hisb''s first project. The first one was leukemia research, and he had even invited her father to participate. Was it really just about making a breakthrough to earn money?


    Before Eleanor could sort out her thoughts, a nurse came in pushing a food trolley.


    "Miss Sutton, your dinner."

 Chapter 1179

    Eleanor was a bit surprised. She hadn''t ordered anything yet. Who could have ordered for her?


    The nurse set up a meal tray over her bed and ced a nourishing fish chowder on it, along with three refreshing side dishes. At the same time, there was also one of the hospital''s own nutritional meals.


    "This is " Eleanor looked at the nurse. "Who ordered this for me?"


    The nurse smiled and exined, "The cafeteria meal was ordered for you by Mr. Young. This fish chowder was delivered from outside. I just brought them both up for you."


    A mix ofplicated feelings churned within Eleanor. The name on the container was from the same ce she used to frequent. After the nurse left, Eleanor picked up her spoon and hesitated. The familiar aroma filled the air. She took a small bite¡ª it tasted just as she remembered.


    But her feelings werepletely different now.


    Eleanor picked up her phone and scrolled through herst messages with Mansfield. By her count, it had been thirty-eight days since she''dst heard from him.


    A sudden pain shot through her wound, and she gritted her teeth until it passed. She looked out the window at the night sky. Another summer was approaching.


    But when would hee back?


    Eleanor typed out a message asking how he was but hesitated for a long time before sending it. She didn''t know what he was doing now if he was on a mission or in a life-or-death struggle with an enemy. On the battlefield, any single factor could change the oue.


    Eleanor swallowed hard and ultimately deleted the message.


    After finishing her dinner, Eleanor called and spoke with her daughter, telling her she was on a business trip, which Evelynpletely believed. Later, Gwenda brought herptop and stayed to chat for a while before leaving.


    Eleanor had napped in the afternoon, so she wasn''t sleepy. She opened herputer and got to work. Ryan and Callie had managed toplete the experiment that afternoon and had collected the data she needed.


    The next morning, as Eleanor was taking her medication, a message from Ellington arrived. "Ms. Sutton, I''ve boarded the ne with Mr. Goodwin."


    "Okay, have a safe trip," Eleanor replied.


    "Remember to take your medicine on time," came a message fromn shortly after.


    Eleanor frowned, scoffing inwardly. She wasn''t a three-year-old; she didn''t need such reminders.


    Besides, she would never risk her own life. Her life wasn''t just her own-it was tied to her daughter''s future.


    Her heart suddenly clenched. This realization brought a pang of guilt.


    In her heart, her daughter always came first.


    Was she a bad girlfriend?


    As she thought about it, her chest tightened. Mansfield''s handsome, vibrant face appeared in her mind He had told her that Evelyn would always be the most important person in her life that he wasn''t trying to rece her but wanted to protect her alongside him.


    It was this understanding that filled Eleanor with guilt. Mansfield deserved


    better this thought l


    always been in the back of her mind.


    Eleanor sighed and got up to walk around Just then, Gwenda arrived with a fruit basket Eleanor are you feeling unwell anywhere?"


    "I''m fine, really."


    Gavin also walked over. "Miss Sutton, is there anything you need?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, thanks. I''m just stretching my legs."


    Just then, Gavin''s phone rang. He nced at it and saw it was Vanessa calling.

 Chapter 1180

    Gavin turned away to take the call. Gwenda realized she had forgotten her phone and said to Eleanor, "Eleanor, wait for me, I''ll be right back. I left my phone."


    Eleanor nodded and overheard Gavin''s voice. "Miss Shannon, how can I help you?"


    Eleanor couldn''t help but turn to look at Gavin as she heard him maintain a professional politeness. "Mr. Goodwin is currently away on an overseas business trip. I''m not in a position to share the details of his schedule."


    "I''m unable to contact Mr. Goodwin at the moment, I''m sorry."


    "A gift list?" Gavin''s surprised voice came through. "What kind of gift is Miss Shannon referring to?"


    "I''m sorry, but I can''t make that decision on Mr. Goodwin''s behalf. You''ll have to wait until he returns to the country to bring it up."


    It was unclear what Vanessa said on the other end, but Gavin''s voice grew tinged with impatience. "I understand your feelings, but I have no authority over Mr. Goodwin''s personal matters. I apologize, but I have to go now."


    Gavin hung up first. When he turned around, he was startled to find Eleanor standing right behind him. He quickly exined, "Miss Sutton, that was Miss Shannon calling for Mr. Goodwin. She was submitting a gift list ording to the terms of their contract."


    Eleanor remembered that the contract betweenn and Vanessa did indeed have a use about providing gifts on specified dates.


    Before Eleanor could say anything, Gavin hurriedly added, "Miss Sutton, actually, all the gifts Mr. Goodwin has given Miss Shannon over the years have been in


    fulfillment of that contract. And it has always been me who handled the transactions for her "


    "Gavin, you don''t need to exin," Eleanor interrupted. "We''re divorced. His personal life has nothing to do with me."


    Gavin paused, a bit helpless. "You''re right. It would be better to let Mr. Goodwin exin this to you himself another day."


    Just then, Gwenda returned with her phone. "Eleanor,e on, let''s go for a walk in the garden."


    Gavin sat down on a bench in the hallway outside the room to rest. A message came in¡ªit was a photo of a purple jade bracelet with a price tag of 3.8 million.


    "Gavin, this is the gift I''ve chosen this time. See when you have time to purchase it for me," Vanessa''s message read.


    No matter howposed Gavin usually was, a look of contempt shed in his eyes. Vanessa''s method of asking for gifts had always been this direct and ruthless.


    Gavin didn''t reply immediately. Frustrated, he stood up and went to the window for some fresh air.


    His gaze fell upon Eleanor and Gwenda strolling in the garden below. He couldn''t help but sigh. If Mr. Goodwm hadn''t gotten entangled with an ambitious and calcting woman like Vanessa, perhaps he and Eleanor would never have divorced.


    At the Walden Wells vi.


    Vanessa stared at her phone, waiting for Gavin''s reply. But after a long wait, there was nothing, which made her increasingly irritated. The difference in her treatment was now worlds apart.


    In the past whenever she wanted a birthday gift, she would just pick something, send it ton, and Gavin would quickly sign off on the purchase on his behalf. But now


    Gavin was ignoring her.


    As long as that contract was valid, and as long asn was unwilling to terminate it,


    he had to fulfill its terms. Otherwise, she could sue.


    This time, she had carefully selected a top-grade purple jade bracelet that she had fallen in love with at first sight it would perfectlyplement an evening gown that Walden Wells had given her. Content Belongs


    She had made up her mind to restart her career and step back into the public eye. There was no sense letting the attention her face attracted just go to waste.

 Chapter 1181

    Vanessa bit her lip. Ian was out of the country? What for?


    Just then, she heard a car pull up outside. She immediately deleted her chat history with Gavin, not wanting Walden Wells to find out she''d been askingn for a gift.


    Wearing a sexy, wine-red slip dress, Vanessa gracefully descended the stairs, only to find Walden Wells storming in with a thunderous expression. He didn''t even nce her way, which sent a jolt of rm through her.


    "Walden, is something wrong?" Vanessa asked, approaching him with concern.


    Walden Wells dropped onto the sofa and mmed his fist into a throw pillow. n was invited to the Sun Valley Conference," he growled, his voice dark. "Who knows how many deals he''ll close this time."


    Vanessa''s heart raced.


    The Sun Valley Conference was held only once every three years¡ªa gathering of the world''s top business leaders. Invitations were extended only to the most influential figures in their respective fields. She rememberedn attending three years ago, and now he was there again.


    Just how far hadn''s business empire expanded?


    "Walden, don''t be angry¡ª" Vanessa tried to console him.


    "How can I not be angry?" Walden Wells sneered. "That young punk actually got an invitation from Sun Valley."


    Meanwhile, even if he went, he would only be able to linger on the fringes, never touching the real centers of power.


    Vanessa lowered her gaze, hiding the jealousy and bitterness in her eyes. If Eleanor hadn''t developed the drug that saved the Goodwin family, she would still ben''s sole donor. She wouldn''t have had to throw herself into the arms of a man in his sixties.


    When Walden Wells was in a bad mood, he was like a raging beast, and anyone who got too close was bound to suffer.


    "Walden, let me make you some tea to help you cool off," Vanessa said, bringing over the tea she had just prepared.


    But Walden Wells swatted it away, knocking the cup from her hand. Tea sshed everywhere, staining her beautiful dress.


    Vanessa froze, biting her lip. She felt wronged but didn''t dare say a word.


    Walden Wells snorted. "Have someone clean this up." With that, he turned and went upstairs.


    Standing alone in the living room, Vanessa''s fingers tightened into fists Eleanor was bing more dazzling by the day, andn''s career was flourishing, while she was stuck here, cating this old man.


    But she had to endure it, even with her grievances, for the sake of the freedom Walden Wells could buy her.


    Tonight, Eleanor wanted to go home to her daughter, but with her arm injured and immobilized, she knew her presence would only worry the little girl Serena was staying with Evelyn inn''s guest room anyway, and during their video call, her daughter seemed excited


    So, Eleanor decided to stay in the hospital for observation.


    On the third day, Joel finally heard the news and rushed over to see her.


    "You have to be more careful next time," Joel urged, relieved that it was only her arm. If it had been her face, Eleanor''s beautiful features could have been ruined.


    Eleanor just smiled. "I will. I''ll be more careful from now on."


    After chatting about work for a while, Joet had to leave for


    meeting. The civilian project was running smoothly under his management, proving thatn had


    chosen the right person for the job.


    In the afternoon, Serena came to visit with a bouquet of flowers, but she didn''t stay


    long before leaving to pick up Evelyn from school.

 Chapter 1182

    On the morning of the fourth day, Eleanor went home. Evelyn was at school, and Joslyn had made her a nourishing soup to help her recover.


    Although Eleanor was physically at home, her mind was on theb. She sat on the living room sofa, herptop a permanent fixture, while Princess, her bandages now removed, rested nearby with a scab forming over her wound.


    From now on, Joslyn would walk the dog in themunity''s courtyard downstairs instead of taking her to the public garden.


    At five in the afternoon, Serena brought Evelyn home. Carrying her little backpack, Evelyn skipped into the house like a little ray of sunshine.


    "Mommy, you''re back!" Evelyn said as she ran over.


    Eleanor was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, so Evelyn didn''t notice her mother''s injury.


    Serena spoke up, "Evelyn, tell Mommy who you want to sleep with tonight."


    "Mommy, can I still sleep with Auntie?" Evelyn pleaded, thinking that with Eleanor home, she wouldn''t be allowed to anymore.


    Eleanor knew Serena was being considerate of her injury. She nodded. "Yes, of course you can."


    "Yay! Auntie, we can sleep together again!" Evelyn eximed, happily shaking her head.


    Joslyn cooked a delicious dinner. Afterward, Serena helped Evelyn practice her guitar. The little one was picking it up quickly, and Serena decided she should perform at the next preschool show.


    Eleanor sat on the sofa working, listening to her daughter''s guitar music with a pleasant feeling in her heart.


    Later, while Evelyn was ying by herself in her room, Serena came out for a ss of water. Seeing Eleanor still at herputer, she leaned over curiously, but the data on the screen was soplex it gave her a headache. She looked at Eleanor with admiration. "Ellie, you''re amazing."


    She then remembered how she used to mock Eleanor for reading novels, and her face flushed with heat.


    "Serena, thank you for all your hard work," Eleanor said, closing herptop and looking at her gratefully.


    Serena''s eyes welled up. Eleanor''s tone was so kind, like that of a dear sister, that for a moment, she was too moved to speak and could only stare.


    Eleanor found her gaze a bit strange. "Are you okay?"


    In the next second, Serena suddenly threw her arms around Eleanor, her voice choked with emotion. "Ellie, you don''t have to thank me.


    vel


    Everything I''ve done is what I should


    be doing. In fact, I should beo


    thanking you for giving me this


    chance to do something useful for you."


    Startled by the sudden embrace, Eleanor gently patted her back. "Let''s not talk about the past anymore."


    Serena sniffled. In her heart, those things were far from forgotten.


    "Everyone has to grow up. You have, too," Eleanor added, her voice softening.


    Serena nodded. "I''ll keep working hard to be a good aunt."


    The Serena of the past was a spoiled little princess, but now she had truly matured and grown up.


    "Ellie, so much has happened. If you have questions about anything, you can just ask me. I''ll tell you everything I know."


    Eleanor blinked. She really had no interest in dredging up old grievances. She shook her head. "I don''t."


    "But I do. I remember one time I took Evelyn to the mall for dinner. My brother was there, and so was Vanessa. I saw you there too, with your friends. have to exin what happened that day."


    Eleanor paused, a faint memory stirring.


    "That day, my brother was nning to treat me and Evelyn to dinner.d


    was the one who told Vanessa


    about it and insisted


    along. My


    shee


    My brother had no idea she


    would be there; I forced her on him."


    Eleanor listened quietly, recalling the scene at the mall entrance: Ian holding Evelyn and walking ahead, with Serena and Vanessa arm-in-arm behind them, looking like a happy family.


    Indeed, that image had stung her deeply at the time, strengthening her resolve to get a divorce.


    "Evelyn really liked Vanessa back then, so my brother didn''t say anything to avoid upsetting her."

 Chapter 1183

    Serena bit her lip. "Ellie, I can promise you, there was never anything between my brother and Vanessa. The only reason he tolerated her all those years was because of my mother''s illness."


    Eleanor sighed softly. "It all happened so long ago. We don''t need to bring it up again."


    "No, it''s not over," Serena said, looking at her with determination. "My brother has only ever had you in his heart. I could tell he wasn''t happy after the divorce. Sometimes he would just sit in his study alone for hours. Once, I even saw him in there looking at your old bedside care records "


    Eleanor frowned. The thought of those records from that year made her want to get them back and destroy them.


    Not noticing Eleanor''s distraction, Serena continued, "Ellie, I know I don''t have the right to say this anymore, but my brother knows he was wrong, and he''s really trying to change "


    "Serena," Eleanor interrupted gently. "I know he''s changing, but some things can''t be undone."


    Serena recalled that Eleanor was with someone new now a man who was every bit as remarkable as her brother, if not more so. He seemed brighter, more easygoing, and undeniably handsome.


    Thinking of her brother''s ever-stern expression, she had to admit that for all his looks, his presence could be... a lot. "If I were in her shoes", Serena thought, "I''d probably pick the cheerful, handsome one too."


    Serena didn''t press the issue further. All she wanted was for Eleanor to be happy, and her duty was to support her whenever she was needed.


    Like with taking care of her child.


    At nine, Serena took Evelyn downstairs to bed. Eleanor worked until after midnight, even having a meeting with Ryan to discuss the next phase of experiments.


    On the morning of the sixth day.


    After Evelyn was sent to school, Eleanor, whose arm still had stitches, had no choice but to rest at home. At eleven in the morning, the doorbell rang. Joslyn asked curiously, "Ma''am, are you expecting guests?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "No."


    Joslyn nced at the video inte and her face lit up with a surprised smile. "Ma''am, Mr. Goodwin is back!"


    She immediately went to open the door.


    From the sofa, Eleanor looked up as he entered. Ian''s gaze immediately found hers, then settled on her arm. "Haven''t you had the stitches removed yet?"


    "I''m going this afternoon," Eleanor replied.


    "I had this made for you. You can put it on your desk,"n said.


    Eleanor looked at the gem on the table. Her daughter''s radiant smile seemed to float in the center of the crystal, glowing with an adorable light.


    She had to admit, it was a very thoughtful gift. The picture captured her daughter''s innocent and joyfulughter perfectly.


    "Please ept it. Think of it as a gift between friends, a memento for Evelyn,"n said in a low voice, his eyes full of expectation.


    "Thank you." Eleanor nodded, her eyes on the beautiful ornament.


    Then,n took out a velvet box and handed it to Joslyn. "Joslyn, this is for you."


    Joslyn looked at the box, ttered and surprised. "Mr. Goodwin, I couldn''t possibly ept a gift from you!"


    "Please, take it,"n said with a slight


    smile, cing it in her hands. Joslyn


    excitedly opened the box to find a gold ted ne with a


    gemstone. "Thank you Mr. Goodwin! It''s beautiful!" she eximed.


    She nced at Eleanor, hesitant to ept such a gift, but Eleanor gave her a slight


    nod. It was a gift fromn to her, and she had no objection.

 Chapter 1184

    "Mr. Goodwin, we''re out of pepper. I''m just going to run to the supermarket outside. Would you mind keeping an eye on Ma''am for a moment?" After saying this, Joslyn ced her gift on a cab and, with a knowing look, headed for the door and quickly left.


    Eleanor frowned. Joslyn was clearly making an excuse to leave. Suddenly feeling awkward, she closed herptop.


    "Not anymore," Eleanor replied, looking down.


    "The conference went very well. It was incredibly productive,"n said, his gaze steady on her. "So, you don''t need to worry about future funding."


    Eleanor turned to look out the window. "I see," she answered softly.


    Eleanor turned back to face him. Curious as to what he could possibly want to exin, she listened patiently.


    "The reason I didn''t want you to know Vanessa back then was because I had seen her at her most unhinged. She would do anything to get what she wanted. You were so naive at the time, and I was afraid-afraid you would get hurt."


    Eleanor listened in silence, then let out a self-deprecatingugh. "So you''d rather I remain a fool."


    A sharp pain shed inn''s eyes. "I''m sorry. I thought I could handle everything, but in the end, you were the one who got hurt the most."


    Eleanor looked away. Ian had always been arrogant, always in control. In the past, she had been the good girl, content to hide behind him, build their little family, and live her life. She had been happy.


    "At the time, my mother''s condition was unstable. I had the doctor working on a permanent cure. The n was to solve the root problem and geard of Vanessa for good, d?n looked up, a bitter expression in his eyes. "But then you suddenly asked for a divorce-"


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed as she looked at him. "And I shouldn''t have?" she retorted.


    "So you selfishly forced me to sign that unfair five-year agreement?" Eleanor red at him, anger rising in her voice.


    Eleanor thought of Frazier''s advice; he had said the same thing back then.


    Now, hearingn admit it himself, she felt surprisingly calm.


    "For the past three years, I''ve been pushing the treatment n forward. I never imagined that you would be the one to solve the problem for me. I am incredibly grateful for


    vel¡¤


    everything you''ve done for the Goodwin family. You are our


    benefactor."n looked up, the


    sunlight streaming in from the window illuminating the bloodshot veins in his eyes. It was clear he hadn''t rested well on his trip.


    Eleanor remembered the


    investigation into his use of


    resource to find a solution Eleanor had just been lucky enough to provide the final push that led to the breakthrough.


    Suddenly, Eleanor''s gaze sharpened. "Alright. If you truly see me as a benefactor, or


    if you want to reconcile our past, then give me the password to that secret file in theb in exchange."

 Chapter 1185

    Eleanor had expected nothing less. He''d sooner let go of any chance to mend things with her than breathe a word about the secret.


    "Why?" Eleanor looked directly into his eyes, her tone calm but unyielding. "What''s hidden in there? What''s so important that you''d rather I continue to hate you than tell me?"


    Eleanor bit her lip. Even though they were divorced and she had grown so much, confronting him like this still made her eyes well up uncontrobly.


    n, you''re always like this. You high-handedly decide what I should know and what should be kept from me. That has always been the biggest problem between us."


    But as his hand approached, Eleanor pped it away and turned her face from him in rejection.


    Eleanor quickly wiped the moisture from the corner of her eye, refusing to look at him. "Since you''re not willing to make the exchange, there''s nothing more to talk about."


    "Eleanor¡ª"n started to say, but she cut him off.


    "You should go," she said, reopening herptop and fixing her gaze on the screen. "I have work to do."


    The dismissal was clear. Ian stood up but remained in ce for a moment before finally replying, "Alright."


    Eleanor didn''t look up until she heard the door close.


    She closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh. The moren wanted to keep that document hidden, the more she felt it had something to do with her. No, with her father.


    What kind of secret wasn guarding so fiercely?


    Eleanor''s gaze fell on the crystal ornament. In the photo, her


    daughter''s innocent smile was like a beam of light cutting through her sorrow, making her own lips curve into a faint smile.


    Later, when Joslyn returned and saw thatn was gone, she couldn''t help but feel a little disappointed. She had hoped Eleanor would ask him to stay for lunch.


    But that was just her wishful thinking. She could sense a faint air of mncholy surrounding the working figure on the sofa. Had Ma''am and Mr. Goodwin argued again?


    Joslyn had been the closest third-party witness to their rtionship: She had been their live-in postpartum nurse right after Evelyn was born. Her performance hadimasedn so Eleanor hired her as a housekeeper to help with the baby.


    Joslyn tiptoed into the kitchen and began preparing lunch, her mind drifting back through the memories of this little family.


    She first met Eleanor the week she came home from the hospital after giving birth. She remembered thinking how young the new mother was.


    Though only two years older,n seemed much more mature. While Joslyn was in charge of Evelyn''s newborn care dan had hired two other senior mannies and


    nutritionist to look after Eleanor. But most of the time,n cared for her himself. As a new father, the


    tenderness in his eyes was


    impossible to hide.


    Back then, Eleanor was a happy young mother, with a doting husband, a wealthy home, and an adorable daughter.

 Chapter 1186

    Joslyn remembered how Eleanor often had clogged milk ducts back then. Evelyn was too small to draw the milk out properly, which made her wail in frustration, and she refused to take a bottle.


    So, on many asions, her husband would go into the room first. By the time Joslyn brought Evelyn in, Eleanor''s face would be beet red. As an experienced woman, Joslyn knew better than to make a fuss.


    Living under the same roof, such scenes were not umon. In the middle of the night, she would sometimes hearn carrying Eleanor from the master bedroom to the guest room. She knew to give the young couple their privacy and never disturb them.


    Thinking back on their first four years of marriage, Joslyn could still feel the warmth and happiness that filled the house. After the baby was asleep, Eleanor loved to rest her head on Mr. Goodwin''s shoulder and read, while he would wrap one arm around her and continue working with the other. Once Eleanor fell asleep, he would carry her back to their bedroom.


    Back then, the vi, the garden, the dining room, the living room-everywhere you looked, you could see the loving family of three.


    Eleanor was so doted on byn that she was like a child, innocent of the world''s troubles, with a perpetual light of happiness in her eyes.


    But when did it all change?


    It was in their fourth year of marriage.


    She remembered being at the airport once with Gavin to pick up Evelyn, who was returning from a trip. She saw a morous, mboyant woman standing next to Mr. Goodwin, looking at him with adoration.


    On the way back,n specifically told her not to mention it to his wife. From that day on, Joslyn was on edge.


    Even though she kept her mouth shut, Eleanor eventually sensed something was wrong. Joslyn saw Eleanor crying ale at night, and she watched as the warmth in their home slowly faded.


    Before, even when Mr. Goodwin was away on business for as long as six months, his wife never doubted his fidelity. But after that, she knew he had a mistress abroad.


    At the time, Joslyn couldn''t believe that the Mr Goodwin who loved his wife so deeply would cheat. But then she thought of the other woman, Miss Shannon, an international pianist, dazzling and captivating. In contrast, his wife, a homemaker at the time, was like a delicate flower he kept carefully tended indoors.


    She suspected that Miss Shannon would be the catalyst to destroy her employer''s happiness, and sure enough, after enduring it for a year and a half, his wife initiated the divorce.


    Joslyn had truly admired her


    courage back then. She had seen too many wealthy wives stay in unhappy marrages for money and status, but Eleanor chose to walk


    away with nothing, asking only to take her daughter with her


    Joslyn carried the freshly made chicken soup to Eleanor. "Ma''am, have some soup first," she said gently.


    Eleanor looked up from herputer with a smile. "Thank you, Joslyn."


    Joslyn smiled back and returned to the kitchen Her employer was doing well now. More importantly, she had her own career and was making a name for herself in the scientificmunity. She had also attracted excellent men, like that Mr. Vaughn and Mr. Ellington. Both were good choices.


    Lately, it seemed Mr. Goodwin had a change of heart, which was a wee surprise.


    She had noticed that recently, whenn dropped Evelyn off, Eleanor no longer rushed him out the door.


    If possible, she still hoped this family could one day return to the happy times of the past.


    In the afternoon, Valery, the driver arranged by Ellington, came to take Eleanor to


    the hospital. The moment she stepped through the main entrance, she saw a figure already waiting in the lobby.


    "I''ll go with you to get your stitches out,"n said softly.


    At this point, Eleanor didn''t have the energy to send him away. She had to go to the<pb after this anyway. She simply clutched her bag and walked forward.

 Chapter 1187

    During the procedure, the doctor said, "This will sting a bit. Try to bear with it."


    As the first suture was removed, a sharp pain shot through her. Eleanor bit her lip hard and squeezed her eyes shut.


    Instinctively, her free hand iled, eventually grippingn''s arm beside her. The pain was too intense for her to think about finding something else to hold onto, and her fingernails dug into his flesh.


    With each stitch the doctor carefully removed, beads of sweat formed on Eleanor''s forehead. She clenched her jaw to keep from making a sound, channeling all the pain into her grip.


    Finally, thest stitch was out. Eleanor let out a sharp breath and immediately released his arm, turning to look at the three angry, red lines on her own arm, like centipedes crawling across her skin.


    They would leave scars, but Eleanor no longer cared.


    Walking out of the examination room with a bag of medication, Eleanor said ton, "You can go home now."


    Valery came over to help her into the car. Ian followed her, and though Valery moved quickly to open the door,n was faster. He pulled open the rear door and gestured for Eleanor to get in.


    Eleanor had no need for his deliberate courtesy, but her injured arm made it awkward. As she bent to get in, a hand moved to shield her head from the doorframe.


    Once the door was closed, Valery drove away from the hospital.


    But the sight of those marks brought a faint smile to his lips. At least she wasn''t repulsed by his touch anymore.


    Thinking of something, Gavin nced at him in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Shannon''s birthday is in three days. Do you still need to¡ª"


    "Ignore it,"n said coolly.


    Gavin feltpelled to remind him, "But Mr. Goodwin, the contract clearly states-"


    "I''ll handle the contract,"n said, his gaze fixed on the marks on his arm. "It''s time to end thingspletely."


    Gavin understood. The boss was finally cutting all ties with Vanessa. He couldn''t help but recall all the years his boss had been forced to deal with her. Now atst, he could bepletely free.


    "Mr. Goodwin, should I have thewyers prepare the termination documents?" "Wait for her toe to me,"n said, his eyes as cold as ice.


    Gavin knew Vanessa wouldn''t let this go easily. He wondered what schemes she would cook up this time to get her gift.


    For the past few days, Vanessa had been constantly messaging Gavin, all for the sake of getting his signature for that jade bracelet she coveted. Her greed was clearly etched into her very bones.


    At the Walden Wells vi.


    Vanessa was browsing for gifts on her iPad. She had given up on the jade bracelet and decided on a piece of diamond jewelry valued at just over five million, which was within the price range stipted in her agreement.


    As long as she could still ask, why not ask for more?n had yed her for a fool with the Yeaton Holdings stock. It was only fair that she get somepensation.


    Besides, then of today was even more powerful, wealthier, and, as a result, more charming and alluring than before.


    Vanessa closed her eyes. She truly regretted not crossing the line with him over the years. If she had used a few tricks,n might not have been he hot have been able to resist. After all, he hadn''t had another woman since the divorce. How could a man as young and virile as him not need a woman?

 Chapter 1188

    Suddenly feeling bored, Vanessa decided to go out. Walden Wells had no time for her, but he had given her a credit card to shop with. He hadn''t specified the limit, but she certainly wasn''t going to let it go to waste.


    Vanessa called Laverne to have her private car brought around. The two of them headed to the most high-end shopping mall in the city center.


    On the way, Laverne confirmed that the limited-edition handbag Vanessa had her eye on had just been released.


    A determined glint appeared in Vanessa''s eyes. After getting out of the car, they went straight to the luxury boutique.


    Striding into the store on her high heels, Vanessa immediately spotted the handbag disyed in the most prominent location. Her eyes lit up. Just then, she heard footsteps approaching from behind and whipped her head around, knowing that many others would be after this bag.


    When Vanessa saw who it was, her eyes widened in surprise before she broke into her signature smile. "Long time no see, Serena."


    Serena was with a female friend who had once had afternoon tea with Vanessa. Unaware of the deteriorated rtionship between the two, she waved politely. "Miss Shannon, long time no see!"


    Serena''s gaze, however, was fixed on the handbag. "I''ll take this bag," she said to the sales associate. "Please wrap it up for me. It''s a gift."


    "Of course, Miss Goodwin," the associate replied enthusiastically.


    "Wait," Vanessa immediately intervened. "I was here first and I saw it first."


    Serena turned to face her, her eyes narrowing. "Sorry, but I''m getting this bag."


    Her friend looked on in surprise as the two women vied for the bag. She tugged on Serena''s sleeve. "Serena, you and Miss Shannon, you two¡ª"


    "I''ll exinter," Serena said to her friend before turning her re back to Vanessa. "This is a gift for Ellie. I''m not letting you have it."


    Vanessa''s expression instantly soured, then twisted into a mocking sneer. "For Eleanor? My, you''ve certainly learned how to suck up to her, haven''t you?"


    "I was blind before," Serena said coldly. "But now I see things very clearly, including who actually deserves my brother."


    Vanessa secretly gritted her teeth. She turned to the sales associate. "I''ll pay double."


    The associate shook her head politely. "I''m sorry, Miss Shannon, but Miss Goodwin is one of our brand''s VVIP clients and has priority purchasing rights. This bag can only be sold to Miss Goodwin first."


    "Wrap it up for me," Serena told the associate, then turned to Vanessa with a triumphant smile. "I told you, you can''tpete with me."


    Vanessa scoffed mockingly. "Serena, I truly envy your birthright. You get to throw your weight around everywhere thanks to your brother. It''s a shame that besides spending money, what else can you do?"


    Though Serena''s personality had changed recently, her sharp tongue was still intact. "Vanessa, you''re not qualified to lecture me. If all your dirty file secrets were exposed, would you be any better off than me?"


    Vanessa''s face paled for a moment, but she quickly lifted her chin. "Then expose them! Let everyone know thart Vanessa, was made famous by your brother''s support. And while you''re at it, tell them I''m his woman, too."


    "Don''t be so shameless. My brother never even touched you," Serena spat.


    "And how would you know?"


    Vanessa deliberately flicked her hair back, a seductive smile ying on her lips. Your brother spent my birthday with me in Fairhaven W spent the entire night together in a hotel."  s?novels


    Serena''s face turned white with rage. "You''re lying."

 Chapter 1189

    Vanessa leaned in, lowering her voice in a faux-coy whisper. "Your brother was quite passionate that night. He even said I understood him better than Eleanor ever did


    "Shut up," Serena seethed, ring at her. "Vanessa, you make me sick."


    "Sick?" Vanessaughed softly. "You didn''t seem so disgusted back when you were desperate for me to be your brother''s wife."


    Just then, the sales associate handed Serena the gift-wrapped box. Serena took it and turned to leave without another word.


    Vanessa watched her go, her mood for shoppingpletely ruined. There was, however, something urgent she needed to take care of¡ªthe matter of her gift fromn. She couldn''t just let a multi-million dor gift slip through her fingers.


    "We''re done here. Take me to Goodwin & Co.," Vanessa said to Laverne.


    "Vanessa, why are you going to Goodwin & Co.?" Laverne''s heart skipped a beat. Hadn''tn refused to see her?


    "To findn, of course." Vanessa put on a pair of sunsses, hiding the ambition and greed in her eyes.


    Meanwhile, Serena had parted ways with her friend and gotten back in her car. She immediately picked up her phone and dialedn''s number.


    After a few rings,n''s deep voice came through. "Serena, what''s wrong?"


    "Brother, I just ran into Vanessa at the mall," Serena said, her voice filled with frustration. "She said you two slept together. Is that true?"


    There was a few seconds of silence on the other end, followed byn''s firm denial. "No. I have never touched her."


    "But she said "


    "It doesn''t matter what she said. It''s a lie,"n''s voice wasced with ice.


    "Then swear to me that you didn''t sleep with her." Serena was furious and needed absolute confirmation.


    Silence again from the other end.


    "Brother, hurry up and say it! This is really important to me," Serena urged.


    have


    dept with Vanessa. If I


    "I swear on my life that het


    have may


    "Okay, okay, I believe you!" Serena quickly cut him off, not wanting her brother to make such a heavy vow.


    A low hum came from the other end. "Satisfied now?"


    Serena let out a breath of relief. "You swore, so of course I believe you. But just so you know, I was asking for Ellie."


    "Eleanor asked you about this?" The man''s voice on the other end instantly became more urgent.


    "No, no," Serena quickly reassured him. "I was the one who wanted to know. I doubt Ellie would ever ask."


    A low sigh came through the phone. "No, she wouldn''t."


    "Alright, brother, I have to go now, I''m driving," Serena said before hanging up. Her mood had improved signicantly vanessas words had really gotten under her skin.


    In the lobby of Goodwin & Co.


    Vanessa strode in, wearing sunsses and high heels. A receptionist immediately stepped forward to intercept her. "Miss Shannon, excuse me, do you have an appointment?"


    Vanessa took off her sunsses and nced at her. "Do I need one?"


    "From now on, yes, you do," the receptionist said, polite but firm.


    They had received a memost week: Vanessa Shannon was not to be allowed into


    Goodwin & Co. without prior approval.


    Vanessa took out her phone and dialed Gavin''s number directly.


    "Miss Shannon, can I help you?" Gavin answered.


    "Gavin, is Mr. Goodwin in the office? I''m in the lobby and I''d like to see him,"


    Vanessa said in her sweetest voice.


    "One moment, let me ask," Gavin said before hanging up.

 Chapter 1190

    A momentter, Gavin''s voice came back, formal and polite. "Miss Shannon, pleasee up."


    Vanessa turned and red at the receptionist. "Do you need to reconfirm my identity?"


    The receptionist turned and saw her colleague give her a signal. She immediately put on a smile and gestured for Vanessa to follow. "My apologies, Miss Shannon. This way, please."


    Vanessa put her sunsses back on, tilted her chin up, and strode arrogantly towardn''s private executive elevator.


    The feeling was so familiar, it was likeing home.


    The receptionist escorting her couldn''t help but wonder. Justst week, Gavin had sent out a specific email banning Vanessa from the executive office. Had Mr. Goodwin and her reconciled? Was she still a candidate to be the future boss''s wife? Thinking this, the receptionist stole a nce at Vanessa. Dressed to the nines, she was certainly the type of woman men found attractive sultry and charismatic.


    Lately, several versions of gossip had been circting through thepany. It was rumored that several female assistants in the executive office had been fired for trying to seduce Mr. Goodwin. Now, his first, second, and third secretaries had all been reced by men.


    The elevator doors opened, and the receptionist gestured inside. "Miss Shannon, after you."


    Vanessa walked confidently toward the CEO''s office. Halfway there, Gavin came to meet her. "Miss Shannon, Mr. Goodwin is waiting for you in the conference room."


    Vanessa frowned. What didn mean by that? Gavin must have told him why she was here.


    "Gavin, did you tell your boss about my request?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Gavin nodded. "Yes, I did. Mr. Goodwin has invited you here to resolve the matter."


    A flicker of joy ignited within Vanessa. It seemedn still needed her after all. She had known he


    wasn''tpletely heartless. Th


    copse of Yeaton Holdings was due to her father being a corrupt businessman. As the new chairman of The Guild of Commerce,n was just making an example of the Yeatons. She had simply been unlucky enough to have a useless father. The three billion was gone, but as long as she had Walden Wells, the Wells family''s future fortune of a hundred billion would be in her hands.


    Lost in her calctions, Vanessa followed Gavin into the conference room she looked up and saw a tall figure seated casually at the head of the table, butn''s expression was far colder than she had anticipated.


    "Sit,"n said, gesturing to the chair beside him, his tone distant.


    Vanessa sat down gracefully, a seductive smile on her face. "Ian, my birthday ising up, and about my gift-"


    Vanessa''s smile froze. She stared at the new contract, then back atn. "Ian, what is the meaning of this?"


    "The old contract is terminated. If you want to continue receiving gifts, you must sign this new one,"n''s voice held no warmth.


    Vanessa quickly snatched the new contract and opened it. The terms were indeed fewer than the old one but when her eyesnded on a key use her face turned pale with shock. n, you want me to be a lifefong blood donor? Are you even human? You''re a devil from hell! You


    want to own me for the rest of my


    life, is that it?" <pn''s expression remained unchanged, his gaze like ice. "This is your only option for terminating the old contract."

 Chapter 1191

    Vanessa shot to her feet, her voice sharp. "No way! No chance. I''m not signing what''s basically a ve contract."


    Gavin exined, "Miss Shannon, please take a closer look at this new contract. It''s more favorable to you."


    Vanessa scoffed, "Favorable to me?" Her resentful gaze fixed onn Goodwin''s handsome face. "For the past ten years, I''ve invested so much emotion in you, and what have I gotten in return? You haven''t even touched me once.n, if you want me to sign, I have two conditions. First, sleep with me for a year. Second, you can never see Eleanor Sutton again, and you''re forbidden from remarrying her."


    Gavin coughed awkwardly beside them. "Miss Shannon, please have some self- respect."


    "What? You don''t want to? I don''t want the gift. I can even donate blood to you for free, as long as you meet these two conditions. Deal?" Vanessa leaned forward, her hands on the table, ring at the man opposite her. But seeing his cold, impassive face only deepened her anguish.


    "Vanessa,"n looked up, his voice bone-chillingly cold. "It seems you still haven''t grasped your situation."


    Then,n stood up, towering over her. "Did you think I was negotiating with you?"


    Vanessa''s heart sank, shaken by the chill in his eyes. When she was of no value to this man, she knew her ce¡ªnothing more than a discarded pawn he detested. But her pride made her push back. "What else would it be?"


    "Otherwise, we continue with the old contract,"n said, his gaze frigid. "If you ever want to get married and have children, you''d be wise to sign the new one."


    Vanessa bit her lip in anguish. "So, whether it''s the new contract or the old one, I''ll always be the Goodwin family''s blood bag, is that it?n, are you never going to let me go?"


    Gavin frowned from the side. "Miss Shannon, Mr. Goodwin hasn''t mistreated you in the past decade. He hasn''t overdrawn your health. It''s simply been a fair exchange of benefits."


    Vanessa whipped her head around


    to re at Gavin. "Gavin, this isn''t happening to you, so you can''t possibly understand. Yes, I got some benefits, but what about him? He bankrupted my father and made my three billion go down the drain. How can I trust him now?"


    Her gaze returned to the man she both loved and hated. "Ian, I''m not signing the


    new contract. I''ll fight you to the end, my way."


    With that, Vanessa grabbed her bag and stormed out. At the door, she turned back. "I don''t want the gift, and I''m not donating any more blood. You can wait to hear from the Wells family''s legal team!"


    After her threat, she stared atn for a few more seconds. "Of course, you can still consider my two conditions. If you agree, I''ll sign the new contract. Otherwise, you''ll have to wait untilum dead She added, "You''ve seen what I''m capable of."


    This time, Vanessa left without looking back.


    A dead silence fell over the conference room. Gavin looked at his boss with concern. "Mr. Goodwin, it seems Miss Shannon is dead set on suing you this time."

 Chapter 1192

    Gavin knew very well that his boss had drafted this new contract precisely to avoid a conflict with Walden Wells and mitigate that risk. After all, Walden Wells was a major figure in the tech world. While Goodwin & Co. was on solid ground, they didn''t want to make unnecessary enemies.


    It was even more unlikely that they would let two corporations sh over Vanessa.


    Asn reached the door of the conference room, he turned his head and ordered, "Have someone look into Walden Wells'' tax situation."


    Gavin understood immediately. His boss never fought a battle he wasn''t prepared to win. More often than not, he preferred to strike first. If Walden Wells was determined to champion Vanessa''s cause, a confrontation with Goodwin & Co. was inevitable.


    Meanwhile, Vanessa was in her car, silent. Laverne, beside her, didn''t dare to ask anything, simply watching as Vanessa picked at her fingers and clenched her jaw, clearly furious again.


    On the way over, she had advised Vanessa against meetingn. After witnessing his methods, Laverne had grown to fear the man. Businessmen were always driven by profit; how could Vanessa possibly win against him?


    "Vanessa, don''t go seen anymore. You don''t want him to plot against you again," Laverne advised softly.


    Vanessa''s eyes filled with resentment. She had figured it out. The only reasonn would draft a new contract was because he was afraid of Walden Wells. He didn''t want to confront him over her.


    Ha!n, you can feel fear too? Then just wait for the Wells family''swyers. I, Vanessa, will make you pay.


    "You think I''m afraid of him? I''m not," Vanessa said, turning to Laverne. "Look at my face. Do I look like someone who bows to fate?"


    Laverne was speechless. Following Vanessa felt like being on a rollercoaster, a constant state of anxiety. Fortunately, the pay was good. Otherwise, living life on a tightrope with her would require real courage.


    She''d provokedn on one side and Walden Wells on the other. Who knew what kind of trouble she would stir up next?


    Vanessa bit her lip, her mind reying the conditions she had proposed. She gave it some serious thought; ifn actually agreed, she might be willing to change her mind.


    If she had a child withn, given how he doted on his daughter, her child would surely receive the same level of attention.


    Vanessa closed her eyes. "Let''s go back."


    But she would still fight for the rights to that gift. Ifn refused, she would sue for her legal rights.


    Vanessa couldn''t help but remember a time whenn had practically begged her. He wasn''t nearly as tough back then as he was today.


    If she felt cold, he had to give her his suit jacket. Otherwise, if she caught a cold, she''d immediately take medicine or get an injection, which would affect her ability to donate blood for his mother. She yed all her little games on him, always, orchestrating some minor incident two weeks before a scheduled donation.


    She savoredn''s boyfriend-like care. She remembered one time during the peak of a global pandemic, a spherical virus that had killed tens of thous ads that year. the airport, everyone was wearing masks, but she was being willful and refused.


    That time, disregarding the bustling


    crowd,n had personally put the


    mask on for her. In moments like


    those


    Vanessa felt like the happiest person in the world if it weren''t for Eleanor, ifn hadn''t been married with a child, how could she not have been his woman?

 Chapter 1193

    And at that time, Laverne, who had arrived early to pick her up, had perfectly captured the scene in a series of photos. Vanessa immediately sent them to the


    media.


    She didn''t know if Eleanor saw them, but the pictures were taken down by the media within half a day after Gavin found out and made a call.


    But she figured Eleanor, who paid such close attention to her andn''s every move, must have seen them.


    Of course, Vanessa didn''t know that Eleanor had already hired a private investigator who had captured that exact moment for her. These were pieces of evidence that solidified Eleanor''s resolve to divorce him.


    Vanessa truly regretted not being bolder back then. If she had just slipped something inton''s drink and sent Gavin far away, she andn would have ended up in bed long ago.


    Once it happened, she was suren wouldn''t be able to refuse her a second or third time.


    Vanessa was very confident in her abilities in bed. However, her first time wasn''t with Walden Wells. It was at seventeen, before she even knewn, when she had explored her sexuality with a white ssmate.


    In the end, that ssmate paid for her meals and spending money for a semester.


    But Vanessa didn''t dwell on these past events. She always focused on the immediate benefits, and Walden Wells was her future patron.


    "Walden Wells suggested I undergo IVF. I''m still considering it," Vanessa said to Laverne.


    Laverne was shocked. "When did this happen?"


    A hint of disgust shed in Vanessa''s eyes. "At his age, it''s impossible for me to get pregnant naturally. If I want him to help me deal withn, I have to get pregnant."


    "But I''ve heard IVF is very difficult on your body, and you''d have to stop all your work," Laverne said, trying to dissuade her. She didn''t want Vanessa to give up her dreams for an old man.


    Vanessa sneered. "Dreams? My


    dream is to be at the very top. Walden Wells might be old, but his wealth cam ensure I never have to work a day in my life. It might evenst for two lifetimes."


    He was the CEO of a hundred-billion-dor techpany! Besidesn, Henry Holt,


    and Xavier Vaughn, where else could she find someone like that?


    Laverne wanted to say more but held her tongue. Seeing Vanessa''s undisguised ambition, she knew nothing she said could stop her madness.


    In theb.


    Due to her arm injury, Eleanor couldn''t participate in experiments for the time being, but she was monitoring the data. If Kingston was in a hurry to develop the Neural Interface Project, she couldn''t afford to slow down.


    In the afternoon, York Windsor brought his team over to exchange data with Eleanor''s team. They had recently made a few small


    breakthroughs and were now sharing them openly with Eleanor. York didn''t mention it and Eleanor didn''t know, but this was authorized byn. His coboration with the Starnova Group gave him the right to ess their internal patents and share them with her.


    As the meeting was concluding, York Windsor walked over to speak with Eleanor. "Ellie, this project of yours is so urgenttely, but you need to take care of yourself."


    Eleanor returned the sentiment. "Thank you, Mr. Windsor. I''m still young. You should take care of your health too."


    York nodded. "I will. Your father and I shared the same dream and goal: to dedicate our lives to scientific research until the very end, without regrets."

 Chapter 1194

    Eleanor''s eyes welled up.


    York had been married when he was younger, but his wife left, unable to handle his devotion to his research. Now, he''d been separated from his wife and children for half his life and would be an old man living alone.


    "Mr. Windsor, in my heart, you''re like a godfather to me. In a few years, when you retire, I''ll take care of you," Eleanor said sincerely.


    York''s eyes also grew warm. He patted her shoulder. "We''re not there yet! You just focus on taking care of your own little family."


    After York left, Eleanor threw herself back into her work. In the evening, Ryan and Callie went down to the cafeteria for dinner. Eleanor was analyzing a set of brainwave data when she suddenly noticed an anomaly when the test subject engaged in a specific thought process, the neurons in a certain area of the brain exhibited a unique synchronous firing pattern.


    This discovery instantly thrilled her. She immediately pulled up all the past experimental data and, after repeatedparisons and validations, confirmed that this was not a random urrence.


    Excitedly, Eleanor sent a message to York.


    Soon, York called her. "Eleanor, you''ve just confirmed an unprecedented brain information encoding mechanism. This discovery is not only revolutionary for brain-puter interface technology but could also open up entirely new paths for treating neurodegenerative diseases.


    Then, York eximed excitedly, "Ellie, this is a Nobel Prize-level discovery!" But he quickly calmed himself. "Of course, the value of research isn''t in the awards, but in how many people it can benefit."


    "Mr. Windsor, I''ll immediately organize this into a paper and submit it to an international academic journal. Once I''ve finished my current tasks, I''ll further explore the clinical applications of this mechanism."


    "Good, that''s fantastic," York said approvingly.


    A littleter, Ryan and Callie returned. Eleanor shared her discovery with them, and they were both stunned.


    At that moment, York''s car wasn''t heading back to theb. It was driving toward the Goodwin & Co. headquarters.


    York was respectfully led by the receptionist ton. "Mr. Goodwin, Dr. Windsor is here."


    After York sat down,n personally poured him some tea. "Doctor, is there something important you wanted to discuss?"


    York quickly told him about Eleanor''s recent discovery, his excitement palpable. "This finding is significant. It''s not just a


    breakthrough for brainpul.ne


    interfaces; it could lead to entirely new treatments for neurological diseases." He took a sip of tea, then paused before continuing However the subsequent research will require a great deal of funding and equipment-"


    York nodded but still looked concerned.


    York nodded in relief. "With your word, I can rest easy. That girl, Ellie, she''s just like


    her father¡ªborn for scientific research."


    "She''s more brilliant than any of us could have imagined,"n said, his eyes filled with admiration. "Doctor, don''t worry. I''ll see to it that her research moves forward smoothly from now on."

 Chapter 1195

    "Well, there is one more thing," York said thoughtfully. "This discovery will inevitably attract international attention. I suggest we secure the intellectual property rights in advance."


    York held his teacup, looking at the young man before him. It seemed he had underestimated him. However, his dedication to protecting Eleanor wasmendable. "Although we never had a formal ceremony, I imed the title of godfather when she was born. Even if she doesn''t call me that, I''ll always consider her half a daughter. Hearing you say this, I''m very grateful," York said sincerely.


    "If her research leads to a breakthroughter on, she could be nominated for a Nobel Prize," York said, his eyes filled with satisfaction. He truly hoped for that day


    toe.


    A sharp light glinted inn''s eyes. He nodded. "Doctor, could I ask you to keep our conversation confidential for now? Please don''t tell Eleanor that I''ll be supporting her new research."


    "Why? Is this something you need to hide from her?" York asked, surprised.


    "Eleanor and I were once married, and we have some unresolved issues. She might not ept my funding. At the same time, I don''t trust anyone else to invest in her research. So, when the timees, I might invest under a different identity."


    "This won''t be a small investment! Scientific research is a money pit," York said, suddenly feeling a pang of sympathy for him.


    York shook his head with a sigh. "Well, since you''re so determined, I''ll keep your secret."


    "I''ll establish a research foundation under an offshorepany, dedicated solely to supporting here new research." Ian wouldn''t use the Goodwin & Co. name directly. The hadn''t used various tactics along the way Eleanor would never have agreed to stay in his researchb.


    "If that''s the case, the investment will have toe from your personal ount.n, are you sure you want to shoulder all the costs for Eleanor''s future experiments? York felt the pressure might be too much for him.


    Besides, right now it was just a discovery. Whether it would lead to a breakthrough was still unknown.


    "I believe I have the capacity,"n said with a calm smile, his eyes shining with confidence.


    York also believed this young man possessed an indomitable spirit. To have built such a vast business empire at such a young age already made him a highly aplished businessman of his generation.


    After seeing York off,n picked up his teacup and drifted into a daydream.


    A scene was taking shape in his mind: Eleanor in an elegant evening gown, standing in the spotlight at the Nobel Prize ceremony. She


    gracefully epted the award


    delivered her eptance speech with ease.


    The image brought an unconscious smile to his lips. To witness the moment Eleanor


    stood at the pinnacle of science, he was willing to give everything.


    At the same time, one thing still gnawed at him. Was Mansfield Ellington really a better match for Eleanor than he was?

 Chapter 1196

    "Hello? What is it?" Eleanor''s voice came from the other end.


    "I heard you made a major discovery,"n said, trying to sound calm. "Congrattions."


    "How did you know?" Eleanor asked back.


    "Dr. Windsor just came to see me,"n said truthfully. "I''ll take care of the patent application."


    On the other end, Eleanor didn''t refuse. She really didn''t have time for it right now. Besides, since she was working in hisb, it was his responsibility to protect his researchers'' patents.


    Eleanor worked until eight in the evening before going home. Joslyn told her that Evelyn Goodwin and Serena Goodwin were ying downstairs atn''s ce, and even Princess had gone down.


    Eleanor sat on the sofa, worn out. Joslyn brought her a bowl of nourishing soup. "Ma''am, have some soup to restore your strength."


    Joslyn could see that Eleanor had been busy with worktely and had lost weight. It pained her to see it.


    Eleanor nodded. She had overworked her brain today and just wanted to zone out for a bit.


    Downstairs, Serena was ying the guitar with Evelyn. On the sofa,n watched the little girl with a doting expression, his eyes full of praise.


    With every chord Evelyn strummed, she would nce at her father to make sure he was listening attentively. Ian maintained a focused expression, asionally giving his daughter an encouraging smile. With her father''s affirming gaze, Evelyn managed to y aplete "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."


    "Evelyn, that was great,"n said, holding out his arms. Evelyn put down the guitar and happily jumped into his embrace. "Daddy, did I y better than before?"


    "Yes, you''ve improved,"n said, stroking his daughter''s hair. "You''ve been working very hard."


    Just then,n''s doorbell rang. Evelyn said happily, "It must be Mommy!" She ran to open the door.


    the door opened, Eleanor was


    ???


    indeed standing there. Evelyn excitedly reported, "Mommy I can y Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on the guitar!"


    Eleanor stroked her daughter''s little head. "Is that so?"


    "No, I''m just here to take Evelyn up for her bath," Eleanor replied, looking up. Her tone wasn''t as distant as before, but it still held a certam reserve.


    "Ellie, you''re here! I have a gift for you," Serena said, running to the door with arge paper bag. "I was out shopping today and saw a bag that would be perfect for you, so... bought it. Please take it."


    Eleanor paused, hesitating.


    "Mommy, Auntie bought it especially for you. You should take it!" Evelyn chimed in.


    "It''s just a bag. If you like it, keep it. If not, you can give it away,"n said gently from the side.


    Looking at Serena''s expectant eyes, Eleanor finally took the bag. "Thank you. You shouldn''t have."


    "It''s nothing, really, just a bag," Serena said, waving her hand. "I''m just happy you''re willing to ept it, Ellie."


    Eleanor turned to her daughter. "Evelyn, say goodbye to Daddy and Auntie."


    Evelyn wanted to sleep with her mommy tonight. She waved her little hand. "Bye- bye, Daddy! Bye-bye, Auntie!"<pn quickly put on his shoes and followed them out, with Princess trailing behind him.

 Chapter 1197

    Clearly, he was going to walk them upstairs.


    Behind them, Serena let out a sigh of relief. Eleanor''s eptance of her gift was a good sign.


    When Eleanor and Evelyn reached their door,n stopped a few steps away. He watched the mother, daughter, and Princess go inside before turning to leave.


    Evelyn loved unwrapping presents and couldn''t wait to see her mom''s new bag.


    Eleanor opened the box. Inside was a designer handbag. It was a ssic style that suited her well.


    "Wow, this bag is so pretty!" Evelyn eximed.


    Eleanor didn''tck money, but she didck time for shopping. That''s why she always bought high-end, durable items. The bag she currently carried was two or three years old, but she hadn''t reced it. Sometimes, something familiar andfortable couldn''t be reced by something new.


    A weekter.


    Eleanor had just arrived at theb when she received an international package. Opening it, she found a notification that her patent application had received preliminary approval.


    Just then, a text message pinged on her phone. "I''ll handle the rest of the patent process."


    Eleanor replied, "Thank you."


    Eleanor changed into herb coat and headed toward theb. As she walked down a hallway, she heard Ryan on the phone. Not wanting to disturb him, she lightened her steps as she passed by.


    Ryan clearly didn''t notice her. He


    Ready for isky


    was reporting to the person on the other end of the line. "Our project isn''t ready for hisky applications yet We''ve only had a breakthrough with the test monkeys. We still need to conduct clinical trials."


    "Can''t Mr. Ellington wait any longer?" Ryan''s anxious voice carried clearly to Eleanor''s ears.


    Eleanor''s steps froze. She turned to


    look at Ryan, who also noticed someone behind him. He turned, and his eyes met hers 3. A sh of nervousness crossed his face. He spoke into the phone, "Mr. Maxwell, I have to go. I''ll report back to youter."


    Eleanor stared straight at Ryan. Her expression was calm, but the blood in her veins, felt like it had turned to ice. Finally, her voice trembling slightly she demanded, "Ryan, who is the Mr. Ellington you were just talking about? Is it Mansfield What''s happened to him?"


    "Well¡ªEleanor, I don''t know how to exin it to you." Ryan was under strict orders


    of confidentiality. He knew he had identally let the secret slip, but he didn''t know how to exin it.


    Principal Maxwell had explicitly forbidden anyone from telling Eleanor about Mansfield''s condition. The order hade directly from the Vice President himself, as it involved his son.


    Seeing Ryan''s hesitation and the way he was clearly hiding something, Eleanor felt an invisible hand clench around her heart, making it hard to breathe.


    Mansfield-is he in trouble?


    And from the looks of it, it was serious¡ªso serious that they had to keep it a secret from her. Ryan knew, but she had been keptpletely in the dark.


    "Eleanor¡ª" Ryan was in a difficult position.


    Tears suddenly welled up in her eyes. She spun around and practically ran to her office, grabbing her bag and heading straight for the elevator.


    If Ryan wouldn''t tell her, she knew someone who would. And that person had to tell her.


    Because he was the one who had brought her onto this project in the first ce. He had to know everything.

 Chapter 1198

    Eleanor got into her car, her knuckles white from gripping the steering wheel. She started the engine and floored the elerator. The high-performance Bentley shot forward like an arrow, heading straight for the Goodwin & Co. headquarters.


    She had only one thought in her mind: findn and get answers.


    All the way there, Eleanor''s mind was in chaos. The project was meant to awaken people from deepas or vegetative states. So, the person they were trying to save wasn''t the former Vice President, asn had led her to believe, but very likely a severely injured,atose Mansfield. The terrible thought spun in her head.


    The man who had shielded her from a knife without a moment''s hesitation, the man with the bright smile who carried the weight of his country on his shoulders... how could this have happened?


    Arriving at Goodwin & Co. Tower, Eleanor drove her car right up to the main entrance. A security guard was about to approach and ask her to move, but then he recognized the boss''s ex-wife getting out of the car and stopped.


    Besides, from the look on her face, it seemed she was here to have a serious talk with the big boss.


    "Miss Sutton, your car-" the guard tried to say.


    "Give me ten minutes. I''ll move it soon," Eleanor told the guard before striding into the lobby.


    The receptionist quickly approached her. "Miss Sutton, are you here to see Mr. Goodwin? Do you have an appointment?"


    "I have one. I''m going straight up to see him." Eleanor didn''t meet the receptionist''s eyes; her emotions had made her own eyes red.


    The receptionists sensed the intensitying from Eleanor. Even if they wanted to stop her, they couldn''t. Besides, she was a shareholder of Goodwin & Co.; there was no reason to stop her.


    One of the receptionists even stepped forward to swipe her inton''s private elevator.


    In the elevator, Eleanor wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. The receptionist asked with concern, "Miss Sutton, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine," Eleanor replied. The elevator doors opened. As she stepped out, Gavin, who was talking with a subordinate, saw her and came over immediately, surprised. "Miss Sutton, what are you doing here?"


    "Gavin, where isn? Please take me to him," Eleanor said anxiously.


    "Mr. Goodwin is in a meeting right now."


    "Take me to him." Her eyes were red and her breathing was rapid. It was clear she was there for something urgent.


    Gavin immediately gestured. "Alright. Mr. Goodwin is in Conference Room Three."


    Before Gavin could lead the way, Eleanor was already jogging ahead. Gavin quickly sped up to catch her.


    When Eleanor reached the conference room door, she took a deep breath and shoved the heavy double doors open.


    A loud bang shattered the serious atmosphere in the room.


    .n


    At the massive circr conference table, the senior executives of Goodwin & Co. and several clients all stared in shock at the uninvited guest who had just burst in


    The man at the head of the table frowned at the sound and looked up. When he saw the woman standing at the door-pale with red immed eyes staring at him-his annoyance was instantly reced by shock.


    Seeing her expression, he knew why she was there.


    n! Pleasee out. I need to ask you something," Eleanor said, suppressing her emotions.


    Then he strode toward Eleanor, grabbed her wrist, and whispered, "This isn''t the ce to talk. Come with me."


    Eleanor let him lead her by the wrist toward his office without struggling.


    Oncen had led her into his office


    had fed


    and the door was closed, her


    emotions finally broke. With a suppressed choked voice, she demanded, n, what happened to Mansfield? Is he in trouble? Tell me, what happened to him?"

 Chapter 1199

    "How can I calm down?" Eleanor pped his hand off her shoulder, tears finally streaming down her face. "You all knew, and you all kept it from me. So, the person this project is supposed to save is him, isn''t it? Is he in aa? Or is he in a vegetative state?"


    Eleanor tilted her head back, her red eyes filled with pain, questions, and the fury of being deceived.


    If that was the case, why hide it from her? Why not just tell her the truth?


    He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his gaze was deep andplex, heavy with a difficult honesty. "Yes."


    His answer hit Eleanor like a sledgehammer. She forgot to breathe, her face turning deathly pale in an instant.


    Eleanor closed her eyes, and tears streamed down uncontrobly. So, he had already been lying in a hospital bed when she took on this project, and she had known nothing.


    "Why¡ªwhy did you all hide this from me?" Eleanor''s voice was broken.


    "It was a direct order from Garth. I had no choice but to follow it."n watched her trembling, crying form "He was concerned that telling you Would affect you emotionally and put you under immense pressure, which would hinder your research and judgment."


    Eleanor''s emotions were at a breaking point. Mansfield''s life depended on her research, and she had beenpletely unaware.


    Eleanor pressed her lips together, her vision blurred by tears. She tried to hold back her sobs, but they kept escaping.


    endless tears, his fists clenching


    silently. He knew her pain,


    understood her


    anger, but there was


    nothing he could do. Even though he desperately wanted to pull her into his arms, he no longer had the right.


    "I''m sorry," was all he could finally say.


    Eleanor''s suppressed sobs echoed in the spacious office. Ian''s hand instinctively rose, wanting to reach out and hold her, but it froze mid-air. He knew that after this, Eleanor would only hate him more.


    Eleanor suddenly wiped her tears


    away, grabbed her bag, and tried to


    stand. But the emotional turmoil,


    Spiel


    And just in time, an arm wrapped around her waist.

 Chapter 1200

    The hand at her waist was strong, supporting her as she swayed.


    "Are you okay?"n''s low voice held a hint of tension. "Are you dizzy or is it your heart?"


    "Dizzy," Eleanor said, her eyes closed. Her voice was hoarse from crying. The world was spinning, and any movement made it worse.


    Instinctively, Eleanor wanted to push him away, but she realized she didn''t even have the strength to stand. The immense emotional shock and days of intense work had taken their toll on her body.


    "Let go of me¡ª" Eleanor struggled.


    "Ian, put me down," Eleanor protested, but he gently ced her on the soft bed. She tried to sit up, but a firm hand pressed her back down.


    "You need to rest, now,"n said, his voice low and firm. He pulled a light nket over her.


    "I don''t want to rest here¡ª" Eleanor turned her face away, resisting the scent of him in the room, resisting his care. Besides, after he had hidden so much from her, she didn''t want to face him right now.


    "If you still want to save him, you need to take care of yourself first. If you get sick, Mansfield will have no hope,"n said, standing by the bed and looking down at her, his gaze as deep as the sea. "And you have Evelyn to think about."


    His words hit Eleanor where she was most vulnerable. Her daughter was her weakness, and Mansfield''s life depended on her research Right now, she was so dizzy she really did need to lie down for a while.


    Seeing her fall silent, stubbornly biting her lip with tears still on her cheeksn''s tone softened. "Res here for a bit. When you''re not dizzy anymore, I''ll personally drive you back to theb."


    Eleanor''s mind was a mess. She closed her eyes and forced herself to rest.


    Just as he stepped back into his office, his phone rang. He nced at the caller ID and answered, "Hello, Principal Maxwell."


    A sigh came from the other end. n, did Eleanore to see you? I was on the phone with Ryan, and she identally overheard me mention Mansfield''s condition."


    "I''ve already exined everything to her. She''s a bit emotional, so she''s resting here right now."


    Principal Maxwell let out an even deeper sigh, his tone sympathetic. "Ian, I''m sorry you had to deal with this. It''s natural for Eleanor to be? emotional after learning the truth. She probably gave you a hard time, didn''t she? We had to follow Garth''s gag order, but on the other hand, we really didn''t want to burden Eleanor with too much psychological pressure and affect her research."


    Hearing Principal Maxwell''s understanding tone,n sighed softly. "I understand the Vice President''s intentions. If I were in his shoes, I would have done the same thing."


    "Well, try tofort Eleanor and reason with her. She should be able to understand the Vice President''s difficult position."


    "I will,"n said calmly. "I understand how she feels, too."


    "Then I''ll leave things in your hands. You''ll have to manage her emotions and


    ensure the research continues, or even speeds up. Mansfield had a bit of a downturn this afternoon."

 Chapter 1201

    "Can he hold on?"n asked, his voice low.


    "Our team has stabilized him for now, but we don''t know for how long. The research needs to speed up."


    "I know what to do,"n said, rubbing his temples.


    On the other end, Principal Maxwell seemed to let out a sigh of relief. "Then I''ll leave Eleanor to you."


    After hanging up,n nced back at the closed door of the break room, his expression profound.


    Eleanor''s anger from moments ago felt like a fine needle piercing his heart. He knew that the already fragile trust between them had been shattered even further by this incident.


    Ten minutester,n heard the break room door open from the inside. Eleanor was looking down, adjusting her cor and slightly disheveled hair. She had the calm that often follows an emotional breakdown, but it was only on the surface. Her eyes still betrayed a deep anxiety and unease.


    "Is your head still spinning?"n asked, immediately walking over.


    Eleanor looked up at him. "Could you please take me back to theb?"


    to suppress all her grief and anger to face the situation calmly.


    "Alright,"n replied in a low voice, walking to his desk to grab his car keys.


    The two of them left the office, one after the other, and tookn''s private elevator directly down to the underground garage, where Gavin was already waiting with the


    car.


    The atmosphere in the car remained cold and silent during the drive. Eleanor stared out the window at the passing streets, showing no interest in talking.


    The car pulled up smoothly to the entrance of theb''s main building. Eleanor thanked the man beside her and, without any hesitation, pushed open the door and got out.


    During the brief silence while waiting for the elevator, Eleanor''s chaotic thoughts began to settle. The tide of anger and grievance receded, and reason once again took over.


    She thought back to how she had questioned and raged atn, and realized she shouldn''t have.


    Keeping the seeret from her must have been Garth''s idea; he and the principal were just carrying out orders. They hadn''t hidden it from her out of malicious deceit, but out of fear that knowing the truth would


    affect heal state and slow


    down the research.


    Putting herself in his shoes,n was innocent. He had even been working silently to save Mansfield. He was tos the one who had forcefully brought her back to the neural interface


    teampu


    back against the


    board''s power struggles and


    opposition, and adding a


    fifty-billion-dor investment to the


    project.


    Earlier, she had been blinded by her emotions, unleashing all her fury on him, using and resenting him. Only now did she realize that he, too, was passively bearing the pressure of this whole situation.


    He currently controlled the most


    advanced neural interface research technology in the country. Even if Garth wanted to save his son, he couldnt justmandeera national


    research team. As the head of a private enterprise,n was the most suitable and capable person to advance this cause.


    With a soft chime, the elevator doors opened, but Eleanor didn''t step inside immediately.


    She turned around, looked up at the silent man beside her, and called his name softly, n-I''m sorry about earlier."

 Chapter 1202

    Eleanor continued her apology, "I shouldn''t have questioned you like that. I know- hiding it from me wasn''t your decision. It was Garth''s order."


    "Thank you for pulling me back into the project despite the pressure, and thank you for investing in it. The Ellington family should also be grateful for everything you''ve done for them. If Mansfield can still make it¡ª" Eleanor bit her lip, her throat so tight with emotion that she couldn''t seem to go on. Tears welled up in her eyes.


    He sighed softly. "Promise me, we will save Mansfield, but not at the expense of your health. Don''t forget, you''re still Evelyn''s mother."


    Eleanor reached up to wipe away her tears and nodded. This time, she didn''t resist his concern. "I''ll be careful."


    She promised him softly, "I''ll take care of myself."


    Eleanor pressed the button, and the elevator doors opened again. She stepped inside, butn didn''t follow. He hade up because he was worried about her emotional state and wanted to say a few words, but now Eleanor seemed to have a clear idea of the path ahead.


    Two seconds before the doors slowly closed, Eleanor, aware of his busy schedule, said naturally, "You should get back to work."


    "Alright."n gave a faint smile as the elevator doors shutpletely.


    A few minutes ago, his heart had been weighed down by a heavy sense of responsibility and helplessness. But now, having received Eleanor''s understanding and forgiveness, the tension he felt had eased considerably.


    How long had it been? Three years? Four? No matter how long he had waited, this moment made it all feel worth it.


    When Eleanor returned to theb, Ryan looked over with concern. She walked up to him and said softly, "I''m fine now. Sorry if I scared you earlier."


    Ryan had indeed been startled, which was why he had immediately called to report the situation. He had been worried Eleanor wouldn''t be able to handle the emotional strain But now, it seemed Mansfield''s girlfriend had channeled her grief into motivation.


    "Don''t worry! Mr. Ellington will hold on for our research. My professor is overseeing things in Kingston," Ryan saidfortingly. He had only learned that Eleanor was Mansfield''s girlfriend when he arrived.


    "Okay, good." Eleanor took a deep breath. It seemed Mansfield''s condition was stable. Now she had to speed up her research.


    Just as Eleanor changed into herb coat, ready to immerse herself in her work, her phone rang. It was an encrypted number. Her heart stirred, and she walked to the quiet break room to answer it.


    "Hello?"


    "Eleanor, this is Garth Ellington." A steady, slightly raspy older man''s voice came from the other end.


    It held the authority of someone long ustomed to being in charge.


    Eleanor''s breath caught. She immediately responded respectfully, "Mr. Vice President, hello."


    "Eleanor, first, must offer you a


    sincere apology," Garth''s voice was heavy. "Regarding Mansfield''s condition, I was the one who


    personally ordered the information blockade against you That decision, caused you unnecessary pain and misunderstanding, and that is my responsibility."


    Eleanor hadn''t expected Garth to call her personally to apologize. She quickly replied, "Mr. Vice President, you''re being too kind. I understand the situation now.


    You were only thinking of Mansfield''s well-being."


    "Thank you for your understanding."


    Garth''s voice was tinged with


    weariness and the heavy burden of a


    father. "Mansfield''s condition is not


    optimistic. We''ve used every


    medical means avable just to


    maintain his vital signs. As his


    fatter, want him to wake up more a


    than anyone. The decision to


    maintain secrecy was based on several considerations, and I truly hope you''ll understand and respect that."

 Chapter 1203

    "I understand your difficulties," Eleanor said, suppressing her emotions and trying to reply calmly.


    "Especially that boy,n. He''s been under a great deal of pressure, coordinating resources to push the project forward while also pressing for progress in theb. I hope you won''t hold this against him. Although he is your ex-husband, he is also a trustworthy partner. He has done a great deal for Mansfield''s sake."


    Eleanor''s eyes shed with self-reproach and guilt. She had indeed been too harsh on him in this matter.


    "Mr. Vice President, rest assured, I know the truth now. I will do everything in my power to elerate the research and get the project to the clinical trial stage as soon as possible."


    "Okay, okay. With your words, I can rest easy," Garth''s voice was filled with immense relief. "Thank you for all your hard work."


    "Mansfield was injured in the line of duty for our country. This is what I should be doing."


    "Alright, goodbye."


    Hanging up the phone, Eleanor stood there, clutching her phone and sighing. Although she desperately wanted to rush to Kingston to see Mansfield, she knew her responsibility and mission right now were more important.


    She turned and strode toward theb benches. From this moment on, she would seize every second to push the research forward.


    It was already ten-thirty at night by the time Eleanor finished her experiments and got home. Although her mind was unusually clear, her body was utterly exhausted.


    She gently pushed the door open and stepped into the foyer. Only a single warm wallmp was lit in the living room. Her gaze unintentionally swept over to the sofa, and her steps paused.


    When she was little, her favorite ce to sleep wasn''t her bed, butn''s arms. It was as if Evelyn felt safest in her father''s embrace.


    Watching this scene, a wave of emotion surged through Eleanor, striking her heart. The guilt she felt towards fan from today still lingered,pounded by the fact that he was sacrificing his own time to take on the responsibility of caring for and spending time with their daughter.


    Although, as a father, it was what he should do, Eleanor couldn''t help but feel grateful.


    After all, he spent his days managing the affairs of a vast business empire and at night he had to take her ce the mother who workedte to patiently put their daughter to sleep.


    "You''re back?"n''s gaze shifted to her, his eyes clearly showing a hint of drowsiness.


    "Yes," Eleanor replied softly, her eyes filled withplex emotions. "You can put Evelyn in my bed."


    She didn''t want to take up any more of his time; he should go and get some rest.


    Downstairs, Eleanor poured herself a ss of water. Joslyn came out and asked in a low voice, "Ma''am, are you hungry? Would you like me to cook some noodle soup for you?"


    "No, that''s alright. You should go get some rest," Eleanor told her.


    Joslyn tactfully returned to her room to rest. A momentter,n came down the stairs. Eleanor held her water ss, drinking as she looked up at him.


    Ian walked towards her, his gaze scanning her with concern, remembering how she had nearly fainted earlier that day.


    Eleanor looked away, lowering her eyes. After a moment of hesitation, she looked up again, her gaze sincere as she met his. "I''m very sorry about what happened today."<pn narrowed his eyes, seeing the self-reproach flickering within hers. He said in a low voice, "Stop apologizing. I was never truly angry with you."

 Chapter 1204

    Although he said that, Eleanor still subconsciously wanted to say something more to make up for her rudeness earlier.


    But when she looked up, she met a pair of eyes as deep as the sea, in whichplex emotions were faintly churning.


    Eleanor instinctively turned her face away, avoiding his heated stare. "It''s gettingte. You''ve had a long day too. You should go home and rest."


    Seeing her evasive look,n immediately shuttered the light in his eyes, his tone returning to normal. "You get some rest too. Don''t overthink things."


    With that, he didn''t linger and walked toward the door.


    Eleanor heard the door close and slowly let out a breath, her tense shoulders rxing. She finished her water and went upstairs.


    After her shower, she had justin down when the sleeping Evelyn, just like when she was little, automatically snuggled closer, nestling into her arms with her head on Eleanor''s arm, sleeping like a baby who needed to be held to feel secure.


    Eleanor felt a pang of guilt and kissed her little head. For the foreseeable future, she would likely be too busy to spend time with her.


    For the next three days, Eleanor devoted herself entirely to her work, until a call from Principal Maxwell made her breath catch in her throat.


    "Eleanor, find some time toe to Ashford Medical University tomorrow. We need to discuss Mansfield''s treatment n, and we''d like you to be a part of it."


    Eleanor took a deep breath. "Can I see him?"


    "Of course," Principal Maxwell replied.


    After hanging up, Eleanor immediately checked flight schedules and decided to leave early the next morning, aiming to return within the day.


    When she got home from work that evening,n was still at her house. Eleanor mentioned her trip, andn told her to go to Kingston without worry; he would look after their child.


    Eleanor was momentarily at a loss for words. Ian then asked her, "Do you need me to go to Kingston with you?"


    Eleanor was taken aback and shook her head. "No, I''ll be back the same day."


    At nine-thirty,n took a call on the balcony. From his expression, Eleanor could tell


    it was work-rted, and that something had gone wrong.


    "Is something wrong?" Eleanor asked, stepping forward with concern.


    "Then you should go take care of it," Eleanor said, then turned away to tidy up her daughter''s toys on the sofa.


    Though Eleanor''s tone was normal, it seemed to carry a hint of gentleness.


    moment, like a beast breaking free from its cage, spreading wildly.


    Stepping back without pushing was the most dignified moven could make in that moment.


    "Goodnight,"n said in a low voice before walking to the door.


    The next morning, Eleanor assumed he had been too busy with workst night to take their daughter to school. But when she opened her door,n was standing right there, his face showing a hint of fatigue, as if he had been dealing with work all night.


    "I''ll take her. You go back and rest," Eleanor said to him.


    "Mommy, don''t you have to catch a flight? Just let Daddy take me!" Evelyn said sensibly, waving her small hand.


    Eleanor felt a lump in her throat and waved back at her daughter.


    Ellington drove Eleanor to the


    airport. On the way, he took the opportunity to ask for her decisions on several projects, which Eleanor


    confidently entrusted to him.


    The ne took off, and Eleanor fought against the unease of ascent. At that


    moment, her heart had already flown ahead to Kingston.

 Chapter 1205

    As soon as Eleanor''s nended, someone was there to pick her up and take her to Ashford Medical University. She arrived just in time for the meeting, where six medical experts were discussing Mansfield''s future treatment.


    When a photo appeared on the screen, Eleanor fought back tears. In the picture, Mansfield looked as if he were merely asleep, wearing a venttor, his face much thinner.


    "Eleanor, we''ve discussed the situation. Now we need to hear your opinion," Principal Maxwell''s gentle voice cut through. He could see Eleanor was emotional, but he hoped she could offer a suggestion that would give them hope.


    Eleanor took a deep breath, forcing down the churning sorrow in her heart, and focused on the meeting at hand.


    She began to clearly articte thetest progress and theoretical underpinnings of the neural interface project.


    "Although our project is still some distance from clinical trials, if it bes necessary, we have promising avenues to explore and the confidence to try."


    Eleanor''s proposal wasn''t some far-fetched dream. It was built on solid experimental data and cutting-edge theory.


    The experts present whispered among themselves, their eyes showing a mix of contemtion and caution, but Principal Maxwell gave Eleanor a look of affirmation.


    After the meeting, apanied personally by Principal Maxwell, Eleanor finally arrived at the special ward reserved for Mansfield.


    The entire floor''s corridor was silent. Just then, a nurse approached. "Doctor, there''s a visitor inside. Should I let them know you''re here?"


    Eleanor peered through the ss window on the door and saw the scene inside the room.


    She saw a young woman in a hospital gown, sitting in a wheelchair. The woman''s back was to the door, revealing a neat, short haircut. She was leaning forward slightly, meticulously tucking in the corners of Mansfield''s nket.


    Eleanor recognized her-Sophia.


    She hade to visit Mansfield thest time he was hospitalized after an injury, and Eleanor couldn''t have missed her feelings of admiration for him.


    "Let''s not disturb her. I can wait," Eleanor said, aplex mix of


    emotions welling up inside her concern, sympathy and perhaps a touch of indescribable poignancy.


    Principal Maxwell stood beside her, also aware of who was inside. He sighed softly.


    "It''s Sophia. She''s beening to sit with Mansfield often since his ident."


    She


    He paused, his tone growing heavy with regret. "That child... it hasn''t been easy for her. This time, it''s not just the paralysis of her legs. She''s also been implicated in a serious disciplinary vition. Her future is effectively ruined."


    Eleanor''s heart sank. She couldn''t help but ask, "Is her injury rted to Mansfield?"


    Principal Maxwell shook his head. "I don''t know the specific details. I only heard from her father that she''s facing a hearing."


    Eleanor''s heart grew heavy at his words. Sophia was involved in a disciplinary incident as well?


    She remembered her from theirst meeting¡ªso bright and outstanding. Such an oue was truly cruel for her.


    Just then, Sophia, inside the room, noticed someone outside. She maneuvered her wheelchair toward the door.


    When her eyes met Eleanor''s, a flicker of embarrassment crossed her otherwise calm expression. "Mr. Maxwell, Miss Sutton, you''re here."


    Eleanor took in her reaction, understandingpletely. She greeted her with a warm smile. "Miss Shona, it''s been a while."


    "It has. You should go in and visit Major Ellington," Sophia said, her voice clear. Despite being in a wheelchair, she still carried the, resolute air of someone from the military.

 Chapter 1206

    Eleanor watched her leave, a mix of emotions churning within her. She pulled her gaze back, took a deep breath, and finally entered Mansfield''s room with Principal Maxwell.


    The room was exceptionally quiet, filled only with the rhythmic beeping of medical instruments. Mansfieldy silently on the bed, looking as if he had simply fallen into a deep sleep. But his paleplexion and increasingly gaunt cheeks silently spoke of the ordeal he was enduring.


    Eleanor walked closer step by step and sat down gently in the chair beside his bed. She gazed at Mansfield''s sleeping face, a thousand words caught in her throat, her heart twisting into a tight knot.


    "Mansfield," Eleanor called his name softly, her voice trembling almost


    imperceptibly. "I came to see you. Don''t worry, I''ll push the research forward as fast


    as I can. You have to hold on. Wait for me."


    Beside her, Principal Maxwell quietly stepped out of the room, leaving her to be with Mansfield in peace.


    Eleanor said nothing more. She just sat with him quietly, carefully reaching out to hold the hand that wasn''t connected to an IV line, feeling the chill of his fingertips.


    As Eleanor felt his faint life signs and looked at his resolute face and the location of his injuries, she could sense his bravery on the battlefield. Her heart ached, but it wasn''t the heart-wrenching pain of a lover.


    It was a deeper, moreplex emotion-pity, pride, sorrow, and worry.


    He was an intimate friend she admired, or perhaps like the outstanding boy-next- door who would risk everything for his beliefs. Eleanor felt a sense of protectiveness and responsibility toward Mansfield.


    She wanted him to be well, to be safe, to see his ambitions fulfilled and his dreams realized.


    This hope was very simr to her hopes for her daughter; they were both people she cared about deeply.


    It was a bond akin to family-deep and weighty, yet devoid of the possessiveness and excitement of romantic love.


    This realization brought a wave of guilt to Eleanor''s heart, guilt for having ence given him mixed signals With boundaries. And at the same time, it steeled her resolve. No matter what, she had to do


    §°


    everything in her power to wake him.


    She gently withdrew her hand, the movement both tender and firm.


    "Mansfield," she whispered again. "I have to go now. I''lle see you again next time."


    Eleanor nced at the time; her return flight was in just an hour and a half. Standing at the door, she took onest, long look at the man on the bed, then stepped out of the room, her sense of purpose renewed.


    She talked with Principal Maxwell all the way to the hospital entrance. He mentioned that they would transfer Mansfield to Ashford City as soon as possible, so that if anything happeried, he ould immediately receive the awakening technology from the Neural Interface Project.


    Eleanor nodded. "Principal Maxwell, thank you for everything here. I''lle up with


    a moreprehensive n as soon as possible."


    On the journey back, Eleanor''s mindset had quietly shifted. Her focus was now


    clearer. The turmoil caused by her ambiguous feelings had dissipated, leaving only


    a powerful sense of responsibility.


    -Wake Mansfield, at any cost.


    Two hourster at Ashford City


    Airport, the city lights were just beginning to glitter outside the cabin window, Eleanor, feeling drained, followed the stream of people toward the exit. The day''s travel, the intense stress, and the heavy weight of Mansfield''s condition had taken a toll on her spirit.


    Ellington was supposed to pick her up, but as Eleanor walked out of the arrivals area, she was surprised to see a tall figure and a striking head of silver-grey hair in the crowd.<pn stood there, his posture straight and tall, standing out in the crowd. He was dressed simply in a dark shirt and cks, his deep eyes locked onto her, calm and focused.

 Chapter 1207

    Eleanor''s steps subconsciously faltered. She looked around, searching for Ellington, butn was already walking toward her. "Don''t bother looking," he said in a low voice. "I''m the one picking you up."


    Eleanor frowned. "Why are you here? Where''s Evelyn?"


    "Serena picked Evelyn up to have dinner at my ce,"n said, naturally reaching out to take theptop bag from her hand. He practically had to take it from her, a mix of gentle force and her resignedpliance.


    "Did you see him?"n asked, his voice low and steady.


    "Yes," Eleanor nodded, a hint of weariness in her brow, but also a sense of settled determination in her eyes.


    In the crowd, a paparazzi photographer had been focused on Eleanor since she appeared. He had originally been there to stalk a celebrity but had gotten lucky, catching the moment the billionairen Goodwin quietly came to greet his ex-wife.


    Moreover, the thoughtful caren showed in every gesture suggested that the high- profile divorce from two years ago might have a chance of being reversed.


    "You must be tired. The car''s outside,"n said, not pressing for more details, and turned to lead the way.


    Eleanor walked beside him, looking at his broad, straight back. For a moment, her mind seemed to go still. In the middle of the bustling crowd, the tightness in her chest began to ease.


    Once inside the car, the outside noise was cut off. The enclosed space was filled with a faint, crisp scent that was uniquely his-he had driven himself.


    Eleanor didn''t refuse to talk about it with him; after all, he was the one leading the research for Mansfield''s rescue. "The meeting went smoothly. The expert panel generally approved my proposal."


    The car fell into a brief silence. Ian nced at Eleanor''s expression in the rearview mirror and saw her with her eyes closed, as if she were truly exhausted.


    "Are you hungry? Do you want to eat out or go straight home?" he asked.


    "I want to go home and rest," Eleanor replied, opening her eyes to meet his gaze in the mirror.


    "Alright." Ian didn''t say more, just steadily steered the car in the direction of Cloudcrest Manor.


    The car fell silent again, but this time the atmosphere was different. Eleanor''s resistance towardsn had clearly vanished. They seemed to have found an anchor for peaceful coexistence.


    The car drove into Cloudcrest Manor and stopped in front of Eleanor''s building.


    It was still early, son didn''t n on picking up their daughter just yet. He carried Eleanor''sptop bag and walked her to the door. As Eleanor took the bag, she hesitated for a moment ther looked at Him. Have, you eaten?


    Eleanor thought about how he had missed dinner just to pick her up and asked subconsciously, "Do you want toe in and have Joslyn cook some noodles?"


    Eleanor pushed open the door to her


    warm home. Joslyn came to greet


    them, and seeing the two of them


    arrive together without Evelyn, she guessedn must have picked


    Eleanor up from the airport.


    "Joslyn, could you please cook two bowls of noodle soup for us?" Eleanor asked.


    Joslyn''s face lit up with joy. "Of course, I''ll get right on it," she said, then turned ton. "Mr. Goodwin, please have a seat."


    "Don''t worry about me,"n said with


    a low chuckle. He saw Princess wagging her tail at his feet, so he crouched down and couldn''t resist petting her Princess became even more affectionate.

 Chapter 1208

    Eleanor went upstairs first to put herptop away. She sat down to check her


    emails; Ryan and Callie had produced new data today, and she was eager to see it.


    Fifteen minutester,n appeared at the study door. "The noodle soup is ready. You cane down and eat."


    Eleanor looked up from the screen. "I''ll be right down."


    Eleanor followedn downstairs, one after the other. Joslyn was just bringing out her special side dishes, perfect for eating with noodles.


    Both bowls of noodles were topped with two fried eggs, and the broth was rich and looked delicious.


    Eleanor sat down and began eating quietly. Across from her,n also ate without conversation, each of them finishing their meal.


    In the kitchen, Joslyn wiped down the counter, ncing back at the scene in the dining room. It felt so familiar.


    After dinner,n left first. He had to bring Evelyn home before nine.


    Eleanor settled into her work for the evening.


    At nine-thirty, Evelyn came home, cheerful and skipping. She was now in the senior ss of kindergarten, having just turned six years and three months old. When she started elementary school in September, she would be exactly six years and seven months old.


    "Mommy! I''m home!" Evelyn called out for her mother as soon as she entered. Eleanor came down the stairs. "Mommy''s right here!"


    After Evelyn ran over to hug her legs affectionately, she went to pull on her father''s hand. "Daddy, y with me."


    "Evelyn, it''s gettingte. Let your daddy go rest," Eleanor told her daughter. "You should get ready for your bath too."


    Evelyn pouted, not having had her fill of fun. "Can Daddy just y with me for a little longer?"


    Before Eleanor could say anything else,n had already agreed. "Okay, Daddy will y with you for another twenty minutes. We''ll try to get you in bed by ten-ten."


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded happily.


    The robot her father had once given her could talk and y with her, but what she truly wanted was the warm and realpanionship of her parents.


    Eleanor watched them head towards the yroom and sighed softly. But she was gratefuln was here; otherwise, torn between work and her daughter, she would have a hard te bncing her priorities.


    The next morning,n took Evelyn to school on time, and Eleanor got ready and drove to theb.


    While waiting at the first red light, her car''s hands-free phone rang. It was Joy Thatcher.


    "Hey, Joy," Eleanor answered cheerfully.


    "Did you just get back from a business tripst night?"


    "I went to Kingston for a meeting," Eleanor said, then added with some surprise, "How did you know?"


    "How did I know? I saw it with my own eyes, of course! Today''s top entertainment headline is a picture ofn picking you up at the airport It''s a very clear shot. He''s carrying yourptop bag for you, so thoughtful. Thements are all specting that you two are getting back together!"


    Eleanor''s hand on the steering wheel tightened slightly, and her brow furrowed. She hadn''t expected to be photographed by the mediast night.


    "So let me interview the person involved. Are you two really getting married again?" Joy''s tone was full of gossip.


    "No, it was just a friend picking another friend up from the airport," Eleanor tried to exin.


    Joy clearly didn''t believe her, her voice dripping with teasing. "I looked at the photos carefully. The way you look at him, there''s no more hatred. And the way he looks at you is so gentle."


    Eleanor was at a loss for words. Joy was awyer, after all, with a keen sense of observation; a simple exnation wouldn''t satisfy her.


    The light turned green. Eleanor


    pressed the elerator while


    saying, "Alright, it''s true we''re not at


    each other''s throats like before.


    We''re facing some things together,


    and because of my work, he''s


    looking after Evelyn."

 Chapter 1209

    Joy didn''t dare to pry any further. After all, Eleanor''s work could involve highly


    ssified information. She couldn''t help but ask, "If you don''t hate him anymore, do you... still love him?"


    Joy''s question, while startling Eleanor for a few seconds, was quickly met with a calm and clear-eyed response.


    "You want the truth?" Eleanor asked with augh.


    "Of course, I want to know what''s really in your heart. After all, all ofn''s past messes haven''t been erased from my book," Joy huffed.


    Eleanor hadn''t shared many of the things that had happened over the past year with her, so in Joy''s mind,n was still the cheating scumbag, a stain that couldn''t be washed clean.


    Eleanor''s voice was steady, without a hint of hesitation. "Right now, my mind is filled with my experiment schedules and data analysis. I have a very clear n for my future."


    "So, you''re saying you only have eyes for work and not for men?" Joy''sughter came through from the other end.


    Eleanor truly had no time to think about such things. In her current situation, her personal feelings werepressed into a tiny, almost negligible corner. Before her stood a mountain, a field she needed to devote all her energy to climbing, leaving no room for other distractions.


    "Who I love or don''t love isn''t important to me anymore," Eleanor said honestly.


    "Alright, alright! After all, you have a lineup of outstanding suitors. When you finally have time to think about it, I''m sure someone will be willing to wait for you," Joy conceded, finding it hard to analyze her friend''s romantic life.


    After a bit more chat about Joy''s children, they hung up.


    Meanwhile, the media headlines that day screamed, [Rekindling an Old me? Billionairen Goodwin Discreetly Picks Up Ex-Wife Eleanor at Airport, Intimate Gestures Spark Reconciliation Rumors]


    The article was apanied by several high-definition candid shots: Ian naturally taking Eleanor''sptop bag, the way he looked at her with a gaze full of tenderness and deep affection, and even a detail ofn opening the car door for her, his arm protectively held over her head.


    In thements section,


    gossip-lovingizens were buzzing. "Damn is this a reconciliation in the works Mr. Goodwin''s gaze clearly shows he''s still in love! What about my piano goddess?"


    "What can you do? This ex-wife is too exceptional. Even a billionaire has to go back for seconds."


    "They''re back together after only two years? Well, I don''t understand the world of the rich, but a woman with a career is just beautiful."


    "Am I the only one who noticed Mr Goodwin''s hair color is so stylish and high-end? Is this a script where, the cold 50 instantly bes bag-carrying assistant?"


    Gavin immediately walked inton''s office with a tablet.


    "Mr. Goodwin, should we do something about this news?" Gavin said, trying to suppress the urge to tease his boss.


    "The photos are well-taken,"nmented in a low voice.


    Gavin fought back a smile. He hade in to cheer his boss up, and it seemed this news was exactly to his liking.


    Gavin was taken aback. When did his boss get a pen like this? He had noticedn carrying it around recently, using it for signing documents and in meetings.


    "Mr. Goodwin, was this a gift from someone?" Gavin thought to himself that for Mr. Goodwin to cherish. something so much, it must have been a gift from Miss Sutton.


    "Oh, I see!" Gavin thought again. Well, if he picked it up, he must have picked up something Miss Sutton had discarded.

 Chapter 1210

    Laverne usually got wind of media news almost instantly, but today she hesitated to show Vanessa thetest report. Vanessa had been in a foul moodtely, her temper short.


    But thinking that Vanessa had already offendedn, it was probably necessary for her to stay updated on his recent activities.


    In the end, Laverne took the tablet and went upstairs to find her.


    "Vanessa, here''s today''s news. Take a look." With that, she ced the tablet with the prominent headline in front of Vanessa.


    Vanessa had been lounging on the sofa, carelessly flipping through thetest fashion magazine. But when her eyes fell on the ring headline, her fingers, holding the magazine page, tightened abruptly.


    Beside her, Laverne carefully observed her expression.


    Vanessa tossed the magazine aside and picked up the iPad. She sneered, "Rekindling an old me?"


    But her fingers scrolled through the photos, finally stopping on an image ofn gazing intently at Eleanor.


    In the picture, he was holding herptop bag with care, shielding her head gently as she got into the car. Each image burned like a needle, sharp in her eyes and sharper still in her heart.


    Laverne whispered, "Vanessa, you don''t thinkn and Eleanor are actually getting back together, do you?"


    A reconciliation would not be good for Vanessa at all.


    "How could they?" Vanessa retorted sharply, but her chest heaved, and her eyes shed with extreme jealousy. She was clearly deeply provoked.


    Despite her words, Vanessa knew that Eleanor was no longer the woman she once was the one who could be fooled by carefully crafted illusions of closeness, lost in the haze of her own marriage.


    The Eleanor of today saw through all the facades and truths. Stripped of emotional fog, she had be calm, powerful, and dazzling.


    Divorce had not only given her an independent career but also personal charisma. She was no longer the docile little wifen had hidden away and protected back in their home country.


    Rel


    Vanessa''s thoughts uncontrobly drifted back eight years. When she heard the news ofn''s marriage, she had nearly gone mad with rage. She had paid people to secretly take photos ofn and Eleanor''s daily life trying to find cracks in their marriage.


    However, the photos that arrived in her email showed an undeniably beautiful


    Eleanor, with a student-like air, her smile carrying a gentle innocence.


    Though married to a wealthy heir liken and holding the status of a high-society wife, she was someone who preferred to live her own quiet life behind closed doors, rarely attendingn''s events.


    Instead, there were many photos of her andn visiting art galleries and grocery shopping together, looking very much in love.


    Back then, Eleanor was like a carefully kept bird in a gilded cage, her eyes clear, filled with a simple and content look of someone well-protected.


    Her world then must have been very small, small enough to hold onlyn.


    At that time, Vanessa, standing on various award stages, clutching trophies and looking at the photos of Eleanor, had felt nothing but disdain and a sense of superiority.


    She had thought to herself, ''Look, this is the wifen chose¡ªa clinging vine with nothing but beauty and no talent, who can only survive under his protective wing.''


    Back then, she had been confident that such an Eleanor was unworthy ofn and would eventually lose her position as Mrs. Goodwin. One day, she would break them apart.


    And she had indeed seeded.


    She sessfully led Eleanor to believen was cheating, sessfully marketed herself asn''s girlfriend abroad, and inserted


    herself into any event where met


    was


    present. Behind her morous facade, she had been a mess. She had once haggled with a shop assistant over a one of a kind dress bought fake bags and shoes to match her outfits, and spun a web of lies to a manager just to get into a high-end g.

 Chapter 1211

    She had stayed up half the night, acting cute and charming, all to persuade Henry Holt to take her to a medical conference thatn Goodwin was interested in.


    Back then, Henry,n, and Xavier would take her everywhere they went. It wasn''t because she was actually invited, but because she would privately beg Henry to let her tag along and see the world. At the time, Henry would do anything she asked.


    As she kept up the act, Vanessa Shannon sometimes truly felt like she was the one and only princess surrounded by these three men. The feeling of being subtly adored byn, Henry, and Xavier-three of the most elite men in the world-was like an addictive drug that left herpletely intoxicated.


    She knew, of course, thatn always kept his distance, that Xavier was mostly just humoring Henry, and that Henry himself was just a backup n she could wrap around her little finger.


    But the envious res from outsiders and the spective media reports all fed her vanity immensely.


    Whenever the media was present, she would deliberately move closer ton, shing him adoring looks and radiant smiles, carefully cultivating the image of his morous mistress. It made the world see her as the sole darling within the inner circle of these three top-tier men.


    She did this so often that she was certain Eleanor Sutton, back in their home country, would eventually see it.


    From the moment their lives became entangled, she knew the carefully woven facade would sessfully shatter the fortress of Eleanor''s love forn.


    Maybe it would be a tripn had to take abroad, or a phone call she intentionally made to her daughter, or perhaps a rainy night when Eleanor was lying awake, alone in her bed.


    In short, once a seed of doubt is nted in the heart, it only takes a crack for it to grow until it shatters everything.


    But now...


    Vanessa looked at the radiant


    Eleanor on the tablet and then at her own situation. Ian was retaliating against her, Henry despised her, and Xavier Bouldn''t have been bothered with her from the start. There was no longer a ce for her in their inner circle.


    Meanwhile, the woman she once looked down on, the woman she thought was fragile, had established a firm foothold in the world of scientific research on her own merits, earning the respect of everyone, includingn.


    And now,n was even trying to win her back.


    The stark contrast felt like a resounding p across her face, stinging with a burning pain.


    All her schemes, all her careful nning, had turned out to be nothing more than a joke. She had broken up Eleanor''s marriage, only to inadvertently create a stronger, more captivating Eleanor.


    Vanessa tossed the tablet back to Laverne. "You actually believe this gossip the media is peddling?"


    Laverne quickly grabbed the iPad, afraid Vanessa might smash it in a fit of anger. She smiled. "I knew it


    was impossible. A man liken cale


    have his pick of eighteen-year-old girls. Why would he go back to an ex? Besides-"


    Vanessa turned to look at her. "Besides what?"


    "Besides, the Eleanor of today is no longer the young woman from ten years ago whose eyes were filled with nothing but love for him," Laverne quickly continued. "Once a woman''s heart is dead to you especially someone like Eleanor who is sessful and has seen the world, getting her to fall in love withn again won''t be easy. I think they''re just interacting more for the sake of their child. After all, you can''t unring a bell, and some things just can''t be undone."

 Chapter 1212

    Laverne''s words didfort Vanessa, but a knot of unease remained in her


    stomach. She knewn too well. He was such a proud man; if he didn''t genuinely care, why would he lower himself to do small things like picking someone up from the airport or carrying their bags?


    In all their ten years, she had only asked him to carry her bag once. She had been invited by Henry to a dinner party with wealthy socialites, and there were two other prominent couples in the private room. Wanting to break into the wives'' circle, Vanessa orchestrated a chance encounter withn in the parking lot. Before entering the room, she asked him to hold her bag so she could put up her hair.


    Aftern took her purse, she pretended to fix her hair but never took it back. She waited until they walked into the private room together, making sure the other two wives sawn carrying her bag for her.


    Sure enough, that night, both wives cozied up to her, opening doors to new connections.


    What Vanessa didn''t know was that Eleanor had also been at that restaurant that night and had seenn carrying her bag.


    It was true that a woman with a broken heart would find it hard to love the same man again. But if that man wasn, and if he was willing to put in the effort and swallow his pride to pursue her again¡ªnot to mention they had a daughter connecting them.


    And Evelyn Goodwin was, without a doubt, the child Vanessa despised most in the world.


    Her thoughts drifted to the first time she met Evelyn. The girl must have been about a year and eight months old. Vanessa had managed to get an invitation to the Goodwin family vi in Drexford, hoping to present a gentle and approachable side of herself to the family.


    But Evelyn was like a little shadow, practically attached ton''s hip. The cold, distant demeanorn showed to outsiders melted away when he looked at his daughter; the affection and gentleness in his eyes could practically overflow.


    He held her while she ate, patiently feeding her. At the slightest whimper, he would immediately scoop her into his arms tofort her.


    Vanessa had


    ad to put in an immense


    amount of effort just to get close to Evelyn. She even took child


    psychology sses for her. Through a relentless campaign of candy, princess dresses, toys, and endless> patience, she finally won Evelyn over.


    She seeded in charming Evelyn, teaching her Drexford-style greetings and practicing piano with her slowly leaving her mark on the child. Before Evelyn returned to her home country, Vanessa would slyly dab her signature perfume on the back of the girl''s neck.


    Whenever she was nearn, she would also spray the same specially blended, longsting fragrance on her fingertips¡ªa scent so potent it could linger on clothing for forty-eight hours or even longer.


    She knew that the moment they returned, Eleanor would smell the perfume and wonder just how close she had been with the father and daughter before their trip.


    The perfume was like an invisible poison, quietly fraying Eleanor''s nerves in ces she couldn''t reach.


    Vanessa had only ever used one fragrance. It was her signature. Once Eleanor smelled it, the scent would haunt her like a nightmare, shaking her trust inn and creating a ghost that she could never escape.


    Undoubtedly, these tactics were despicable, but they were highly effective. They sent a clear message to Eleanor: "See how close I am with your husband and your daughter while you''re not around?"


    he


    ustomed to giving orders, so h wouldn''t exin such trivial details, like why he smelled of another


    woman''s perfume or why his


    daughter asionally used a


    Drexford greeting.


    He simply assumed that Eleanor should understand how difficult his life was.


    But men so often underestimate the power of such subtle attacks. And he had likely


    overestimated the resolve of the Eleanor who had once depended on him<ppletely, her determination to go through with the divorce.

 Chapter 1213

    The copse of trust often begins with the smallest of cracks. In Eleanor''s eyes,n''s silence andck of exnation were admissions of guilt and signs of indifference. She began to doubt, to feel insecure, to scrutinize everything about their rtionship. The sweetness and certainty they once shared were slowly eroded by suspicion and disappointment.


    When it came to reading people, Vanessa was undeniably precise. She exploitedn''s refusal to exin and Eleanor''s deep-seated insecurities, patiently weaving a web of lies and misunderstandings that ultimately killed Eleanor''s love for him.


    "Vanessa, what are you thinking about?" Laverne''s voice pulled her back to the present. She was curious about what new scheme was brewing in her mind.


    Vanessa turned to look out the window, her eyes growing colder. Evelyn, the child she once used as a tool, was growing up, and all her old weapons had be useless.


    Did she truly have no power left to fight back against Eleanor andn?


    Just then, the sound of a car reached them from downstairs. Laverne''s heart skipped a beat. She picked up her iPad and said, "Vanessa, I should get going. Call me if you need anything."


    Laverne disliked interacting with Walden Wells, but as she reached the bottom of the stairs, she ran right into him as he was entering the house.


    "Mr. Wells, you''re back," Laverne greeted him with a warm smile.


    "How''s Vanessa? Is she in a better mood?" Walden Wells asked.


    "Vanessa''s been in good spirits today," Laverne replied.


    Walden Wells nced at her and waved a hand, dismissing her.


    He headed upstairs. Vanessa bit her lip as a n began to take shape in her mind. Walden''s dissatisfaction withn was already palpable.


    By the time Walden Wells pushed the door open, Vanessa had alreadyposed her features into an alluring and charming expression. A red dress made her look stunningly beautiful.


    Walden looked at her, his heart stirred. He walked over and pulled her into his arms. Vanessa draped her arms around his neck. "Walden, I''ve been thinking about something recently."


    "What is it?" he asked.


    Vanessa looked up, hesitating for a moment before speaking as if she had finally made up her mind. "Walden, did you know thatn shifted his investment focus to the pharmaceutical industry a few years ago?"


    Walden snorted. "Of course, I know. The kid has a decent eye for investments."


    Vanessa continued, "The reasonn has been able to make such breakthroughs in the medical field isn''t because of his unique vision.or his team''s brilliant analysis. Hes- been able to bet on all the right horses because of his ex-wife, Eleanor, and his former father-inw, Elliot Sutton."


    Walden''s expression immediately darkened. Vanessa''s words reminded him of something. The recent string of breakthroughs in the medical world was indeed credited ton''s ex-wife. He''d also heard that Goodwin & Co. had poured a lot of money into her core technology.


    "What are you trying to say?" Walden''s gaze sharpened as he stared at Vanessa. He was beginning to realize she was more than just a pretty face; she had a cunning side to her.


    Vanessa calmly met his gaze. "What I''m thinking is, the media has caughtn trying to get back together with his ex-wife. He''s bound to favor her when ites to major investment decisions. Everyone knows medical research is a bottomless pit, sometimes you can pour fortunes into it and not even make a ssh. Ifn lets his personal feelings cloud his judgment and throws all that


    money at Eleanor''s research


    projects, do you think the board


    members and shareholders at


    Goodwin & Co. will just sit back and watch?"


    Vanessa pouted her red lips. "Walden, is my idea too naive? Just think of it as a joke."


    But a sharp glint shed in Walden''s eyes. "What shareholder would be happy about losses to thepany''s bottom line?"

 Chapter 1214

    Her words had precisely targeted his dissatisfaction withn. This could be an opportunity¡ªa chance to stir up trouble with the Goodwin & Co. board. If he could get the shareholders to collectively opposen''s uing decisions, it would disrupt his ns. It was a viable way to hindern''s future progress.


    Walden reached out and patted Vanessa''s shoulder. "Vanessa, you''ve made a good point. I''ll be keeping an eye on this."


    Vanessa lowered her head, a triumphant glint shing in her eyes. She knew Walden would go and create trouble forn and Eleanor on her behalf.


    When that happened, withn facing doubt and pressure from his board and shareholders, would he continue to protect Eleanor''s research, or would he appease the board to consolidate his own authority within thepany?


    ***


    A littleter, Walden Wells went out again on business. Vanessa sat on the sofa, scrolling through the news. Suddenly, in the finance section, she saw an announcement about the sessful union of The Holt Group and the Quigley Group, with the wedding scheduled to take ce in three days.


    Vanessa''s mood soured even further. Henry and Selma Quigley were getting married. The thought of her rival, Selma, made her grit her teeth.


    It had been a long time since anyone had treated her with such disdain, yet Selma Quigley, empowered by Henry, had humiliated her time and time again.


    Vanessa picked up her phone and opened her chat with Henry. She scrolled frantically upwards, finally reaching their conversations from two years ago. Henry had sent her a photo of himself wearing a baseball cap, posing with a world-ss baseball champion, grinning brightly under the sun.


    His side of the chat was filled with messages he had initiated.


    [Vanessa, are you up? I got the autograph for you.]


    [Next time, I''ll take you to get a photo with him.]


    [I found a new French restaurant near your campus. I hear the desserts are amazing. Are you free this weekend? I''d love to take you.]


    [That brand of bag you said you liked, I had someone buy it for you. I''m thinking, should I bring it to you in person or mail it?]


    Vanessa''s side of the chat showed her request to attend the tech conference.


    Henry had replied with some surprise, [You want to go to the tech conference? There''s nothing fun there!]


    [I just want to go. Please? Take me so I can see what it''s like!] Vanessa had pleaded, knowingn was one of the invited guests.


    That time, she had gotten her wish. Henry had taken her, and she had sat right next ton. She took a photo and posted it online, smiling sweetly with a handsome shot ofn''s profile in the frame.


    Vanessa scrofted further down. When she asionallyined about being tired or in a bad mood Henry wouldfort her, finding ways to cheer her up, suggesting getaways, or even changing bis flight schedule just to deliver a gift to her.


    Back then, Henry had been like a loyal, giant puppy, always orbiting around her. Even knowing she lovedn, he had let her manipte and order him around.


    While he couldn''t matchn''s mature stability and business acumen at the time, she had definitely relied on him for emotional support and material convenience.


    In contrast, her replies had always been brief, often dismissive and careless. Sometimes she would take a long time to respond, but Henry never got angry, always remaining as enthusiastic as ever.


    In Henry''s eyes, she had been a noble, pure goddess, a precious treasure.


    She wouldin to him about hown didn''t understand her, how he was too busy to spend time with her, how cold he was. And Henry would offer warm encouragement, silently stepping in to give her the affectionn wouldn''t.


    Ha.


    Looking back at these chat logs, Vanessa felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She might have never truly hadn, but Henry had once beenpletely hers-a possession she could control and use as si pleased.

 Chapter 1215

    And now, he was marrying someone else.


    She had personally trained this devoted puppy, and now he belonged to another woman. The thought was unbearable.


    After all, the Henry of the past had been a cynical, yboy heir. It was she who had made him devoted and steadfast, she who had molded him into a caring Prince Charming.


    And now Selma Quigley was reaping all the benefits.


    If she hadn''t been so fixated on bing Mrs. Goodwin back then, the title of Mrs. Holt would have been hers long ago.


    And it was alln''s fault.


    He was the one who was like a distant, unattainable iceberg, always keeping her at arm''s length, giving her just enough hope to keep her hooked but never letting her get close.


    For him, she had fought her way into exclusive circles, learned to be elegant, to be noble, to be everything she thought he would want. She had passed up an excellent man like Henry, who was right within her grasp, to gamble on a possibility.


    In the end, she had gotten nothing.


    And the main culprit behind it all wasn.


    Although Vanessa hated her own greed, she refused to admit it was her fault.


    If she could do it all over again, she would have married Henry first.


    Then she would have found a way to deal withn, topletely destroy his marriage to Eleanor and make him taste the bitterness of wanting something he could never have.


    ***


    An international private jet touched down.


    When the cabin door opened, Xavier stepped out gracefully, holding the hand of Vivian, who had a small backpack on. Vivian looked up at him, her face beaming with excitement. "Uncle, does this mean I can live with you and Grandma from now on?"


    Xavier knelt down to straighten her crooked cor, a gentle smile on his face. "Yes. From now on, you''ll live with me and Grandma."


    Xavier had won the custody battle.


    "Yay! I can''t wait to go back to school. I miss Evelyn, and I miss Ms. Sutton, too," Vivian said.


    Xavier''s brow furrowed slightly.


    "Uncle, do you miss Ms. Sutton, too?" Vivian might be small, but she wasn''t naive. Sometimes, she saw things more clearly than the adults.


    "Don''t you go guessing about grown-up matters, you little rascal." With that, Xavier took her hand and led her toward the airport exit.


    "Uncle, you said you''d take me to a wedding reception in three days. Is that true? Will I get a gift?" Vivian asked, skipping along.


    "Yes. Evelyn will probably be there, too."


    "Yay! That''s great!" Vivian was happy again.


    Xavier let out a sigh of relief. He looked out at the familiar scenery of his home country. Thewsuit bad. kept him away


    foma full three months.


    He had returned earlier than


    nned, leaving some paperwork unfinished to be dealt withter He couldn''t miss his good frend


    Henry''s wedding.


    The early summer weather was wonderfully warm, mirroring Xavier''s own light and rxed mood.


    Just then, his phone rang. He answered it. "Hello? Henry, I''vended."


    "If you''d skipped my wedding, I''d have skipped yours. Hmph!" Henry grumbled from the other end.


    Initially, Xavier had nned to miss the event and had told Henry he''d make it up to him with drinkster.


    "I don''t even have a girlfriend. How am I supposed to get married?" Xavier said with a helpless smile.


    Henry fell silent for a few seconds on the other end, then asked, "Did you see the news about Eleanor andn this morning?"


    Xavier frowned. "What news?"


    "Oh, nothing much. Just some


    media outlet snapping pictures ofn picking Eleanor up from the airport, carrying her bags and all that. Looks like they might be getting back together."


    Xavier''s gaze dimmed slightly. "Is that so?"

 Chapter 1216

    "You bet. Thatn sure moves fast," Henry remarked over the phone, then added in a probing tone, "But seriously, if they do get back together, it would be great for Evelyn-"


    "Yeah," Xavier replied, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside the window, aplex emotion flickering within them.


    He andn had grown up together. The change inn was obvious, and Xavier knew exactly what it meant.


    And Eleanor deserved to be treated well. Whether as a friend or as one of her admirers, Xavier wanted her to be happy. If that happiness was somethingn could provide, and if Eleanor was willing to ept it, then he could do nothing but offer his blessing.


    Still, a sense of mncholy lingered in his heart.


    "Alright, I get it. I''ll be there early for your wedding to help greet the guests."


    "Thanks," Henry said before hanging up.


    The car was quiet for a moment. Vivian looked up, sensing the shift in his mood. "Uncle, are you unhappy?"


    Xavier snapped back to reality, his usual gentle and calm expression returning. He ruffled her hair. "No, I''m not."


    Some beautiful things were meant to be admired from a distance. Some feelings were destined to end before they even began. Right now, his most important job was to take care of the little one beside him and to face the people he needed to face, as a friend.


    ***


    At Walden Wells''s vi.


    At eight in the evening, Vanessa was bored, flipping through movies in the living room. When she heard a car outside, she immediately straightened up, fixed her hair, and went to the door with a sweet smile.


    Walden Wells stepped out of the car. His slightly paunchy figure looked even more bloated in the dim light. He had the same salt-and-pepper hair asn, but onn, it exuded a captivating charm and noble bearing. On Walden, it only made him look older and more unattractive.


    An almost imperceptible sh of disgust crossed Vanessa''s eyes, but the sweet smile on her face never faltered. She hurried over to him, her voice delicate. "Walden, you''re back! You must be tired." ''


    Seeing the stunning Vanessa under the lights, Walden''s mood improved slightly. He handed her a


    An


    gold embossed envelope. Here invitation from the Holt family. Three days from now, you''reing with me."


    Vanessa''s smile froze. She took the invitation, her fingers clenching it tightly.


    Henry and Selma Quigley''s wedding. How could she possibly go?


    The mere thought made it hard for her to breathe.


    "Walden, are you that close with the Holt family?" Vanessa asked tentatively.


    "I was at the christening for the Holt family''s kid," Walden snorted, a hint of pride in


    his tone. "In business, you have to show face where it''s due."


    Walden noticed Vanessa lower her head, looking troubled. He assumed she was just nervous and patted her shoulder. "Don''t worry. With me there, no one will dare to give you a hard time just dress up picely and make me look good."


    Vanessa wanted to refuse a thousand, a million times over. Ian and Xavier would definitely be at Henry''s wedding, along with everyone else from their circle.


    And she would be there as thepanion of a man old enough to be her father, paraded around like a piece of arm candy. It would be beyond humiliating.


    She forced a submissive smile, her voice soft and sweet. "Walden, I''m worried I''ll be nervous. I''m afraid I won''t make a good impression... Can I possibly¡ª"


    Walden wrapped an arm around her waist, his tone firm. "You have to go. A lot of important guests will be there. I''m taking you to see and be seen."


    Vanessa could only nod obediently. "Alright."


    A call came in for Walden. As Vanessa watched him walk into his study, the invitation in her hand felt like it was burning her skin. She tossed it onto the sofa.

 Chapter 1217

    She started to rack her brain for a way to get out of attending. Everyone in Henry''s circle knew her.


    She could just imagine the looks of contempt she would receive when she walked in on Walden Wells''s arm. The ''piano diva'' image she had so carefully built would crumble in an instant. For her, it would be social suicide, an unbearable public execution of her character.


    But if she didn''t go, Walden would certainly be displeased, and she couldn''t afford to lose his backing right now.


    She would have to wait until the third day ande up with an excuse then.


    No matter what, she had to find a way to avoid this public humiliation.


    ***


    That evening, Eleanor arrived home at eight-thirty to find her daughter wasn''t there. Joslyn told hern had taken her down to themunity yground.


    Eleanor sentn a message, asking when he was bringing their daughter back up.


    [Evelyn wants you toe down for a bit. We''re at the yground. Can you join us?]n replied almost immediately.


    Eleanor stared at the message, hesitated for a moment, then changed into afortable pair of t shoes and went out.


    Themunity yground was brightly lit on the early summer evening, filled with theughter of children. From a distance, she saw Evelyn, dressed in a princess gown, ying with another little girl. Eleanor looked closer and broke into a delighted smile.


    It was Vivian.


    Eleanor''s gaze swept across the area and settled on the nearby seating area, where three men withmanding presence stood, creating a rather eye-catching scene.


    The scene made Eleanor feel as if she had been transported back two years, to a


    time when their inseparable trio was amon sight at all sorts of events.


    Xavier was the first to spot her. His eyes met hers, and a flicker of joy at their reunion crossed his gentle features, but he restrained it, offering a warm smile instead. "Eleanor, long time no see."


    "Long time no see, Xavier," Eleanor smiled back.


    Beside him, Henry looked a little awkward and embarrassed. He scratched the back


    of his head. "Eleanor, can we talk privately for a minute?"


    Eleanor looked at Henry. "Is something wrong, Mr. Holt?"


    ????


    The formal address made Henry even more ufortable. He cleared his throat, shedding his usualyful.demeanor for a moment and spoke with sincerity. "Eleanor, before... I did a lot of things wrong. I caused you trouble and hurt you, and I... I''m very sorry?"


    "I''m sorry," Henry said, his gaze sincere, filled with genuine regret and self- reflection.


    Eleanor had seen the news of his engagement to Selma Quigley. She knew Henry wasn''t the type to meddle in others'' affairs The things he had said to her were clearly the result of Vanessa pulling strings behind the scenes, misleading him.


    Eleanor wasn''t one to hold onto the past. She gave a faint smile. "Let''s just let the past be the past. I haven''t held it against you."


    Henry let out a sigh of relief, though Eleanor''s poise and grace only made him feel more guilty. "Eleanor, thank you for forgiving me."


    "Congrattions on your marriage. I wish you a lifetime of happiness," Eleanor offered her well wishes.


    Hearing her blessing, a smile returned to Henry''s face. "Thanks. You shoulde to the reception if you have time."


    Eleanor smiled and gave a polite, nomittal reply. "Okay."

 Chapter 1218

    Throughout the exchange,n remained silent, watching Eleanor. The look in his eyes wasn''t one of relief, but of heartache.


    He knew that behind Eleanor''s magnanimityy all the grievances and pain she had once endured alone.


    Xavier also kept quiet, giving Henry and Eleanor the space to resolve their past issues.


    Henry''s purpose ining today was to formally apologize to Eleanor. He had been nervous on the way here, but her gracious forgiveness now brought him a sense of relief.


    "I should get going. I still have a few things to take care of before the wedding," Henry said, taking his leave.


    "Go on. Get everything ready for the wedding. Ian and I will be there early," Xavier told him.


    Henry nodded and turned to leave.


    Just then, Evelyn and Vivian came running over, their hair damp with sweat. Eleanor said to her daughter, "Evelyn, it''s gettingte. We should go home and get you ready for your bath."


    Though reluctant to leave, Evelyn nodded obediently. She looked up excitedly. "Mommy, Vivian said we can go to school together from now on!"


    "That''s great. You two will have each other forpany again," Eleanor said, turning her gaze to Vivian. "Vivian, you''ve grown taller!"


    Xavier took Vivian''s hand. "Say goodbye to Ms. Sutton and the others."


    "Bye, Ms. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin, Evelyn!"


    "Goodbye,"n said with a warm smile, exchanging a brief, knowing nce with Xavier. The two men gave a slight nod of mutual understanding.


    Xavier led Vivian toward his apartment building while, on the other side,n and Eleanor walked with Evelyn toward theirs.


    After a few steps, Vivian dropped one of her small toys. She turned back to pick it up, and Xavier turned with her He nced up casually and saw Evelyn, holding hands with both Eleanor and Tan, happily chattering away as she skipped between them.


    The scene was so harmonious and warm, just like a family.


    Xavier watched quietly until their figures disappeared among the shadows of the trees. Only then did he slowly pull his gaze away. In that moment, something inside his heart quietly snapped.


    From the moment Eleanor had fallen into the water and he had jumped in after her without hesitation, a thought he couldn''t express had been tangled in Xavier''s heart.


    He knewn''s eyes had held both gratitude and shock that time. That night, Eleanor had been utterly disappointed, and on some strange impulse, he had driven after her But he also knew that seconds after his car pulled away,n''s car had followed.


    That night, Eleanor had gotten into his car. As they drove away, he sawn''s car stopped in ce.


    Another time after Eleanor dropped off the kids at school, Xavier noticed she was walking home. The sky was overcast, threatening a


    thunderstorm. That day, xavier.ne


    hae


    followed behind Eleanor, and sure enough, the heavens opened up. After Xavier invited Eleanor into his car, he noticedn''s car was driving up behind them as well.


    He had seenn''s neglect and coldness toward Eleanor during their marriage, and


    he had seen Eleanor''s disappointment and despair.


    He had once truly believed thatn had betrayed her. After their divorce, he had hoped he might have a chance to enter Eleanor''s world, to offer her warmth and protection.


    Now, he knew the truth aboutn and Vanessa. He knewn had been bound and controlled by Vanessa''s status as the world''s only donor for a critical patient, and that his rtionship with her was merely a necessary means to an end.


    He could see thatn was now trying to make up for everything with his actions.


    Vivian retrieved her toy and took his hand again. "Uncle, what are you looking at?" Xavier came back to himself, a smile of relief on his face. "Nothing."

 Chapter 1219

    Xavier knew with certainty that from this day forward, his feelings for Eleanor would only be those of a friend''s care and concern. He would no longer hope for anything


    more.


    ***


    Eleanor led her daughter into the elevator, andn''s tall frame followed them in. Evelyn reached out to press the button for their floor, andn reached out to press the one for his, the 27th.


    "Thank you for being so understanding with Henry today. He''s been wanting to find a chance to apologize to you,"n said in a low voice, his gaze fixed on Eleanor from beneath thickshes, as if trying to read her.


    "I''ve already forgotten about the past," Eleanor replied calmly.


    A flicker of apology crossedn''s eyes. If Henry hadn''t told him, he would have never known she''d had issues with him as well.


    "I''m sorry. In the past... you went through a lot,"n''s voice was deep, heavy with


    remorse.


    Talk of their failed marriage still stirred something in Eleanor, but not much.


    There was a time when those hurts were like invisible thorns lodged deep in her heart. She would toss and turn all night, her mind in turmoil, over a cold word or a moment of neglect from him.


    Now, hearing his apology, she mostly felt a sense of peace thates with time, as if she had detached herself from her past emotions.


    She didn''t love him anymore, but she didn''t hate him either.


    Just then, the elevator doors opened. Evelyn was preupied with a small toy in her hands and hadn''t heard what her parents were talking about.


    As Eleanor unlocked her front door, she turned to the man who had walked her to her doorstep. Her eyes were clear as she looked at him. "We were too young back then. I had an overly idealized view of love and marriage, and I was too dependent on you, losing myself in the process. And you had your own difficulties. The way we are now, able to get along peacefully for Evelyn''s sake, is good enough."


    There was no resentment in her words, no usation, only a calm rity thates with experience.


    Butn''s heart felt as if it had been squeezed by an iron fist, a dull ache spreading through his chest.


    Eleanor''s casual demeanor made it seem like she truly didn''t care about any of it anymore.


    He had lost not only their marriage, but also Eleanor''s unreserved, fiery, and pure love.


    The Eleanor of today was more mature, independent, her heart clearly guarded. To re-enter it...


    He would need to offer much more than a simple apology.


    "I understand,"n said, swallowing hard as he forcibly suppressed the storm of


    emotions rising within him.


    Seeing that he seemed to


    understand her meaning, Eleano gave a slight nod and pushed the door open. She saw Princess trying to dart out and quickly grabbed the cat''s cor, holding her back.


    If Eleanor had taken one more look back, she would have seen a pair of eyes no longer restrained, but overflowing with a turbulent love. She would have seen the


    frantic thoughts swirling within them.


    And at the heart of that gaze was the beginning of an uncontroble obsession.


    He pressed a hand tightly over his heart, his eyes burning.


    She doesn''t care anymore.


    Did she really not care?


    He would rather she hate him, resent him, curse him. At least that would mean she still had emotions left for him. But Eleanor''s words suggested she saw him as nothing more than a. co-parent.


    Even though he had sensed this before, he was now consumed by an


    unprecedented sense of panic and helplessness.


    Was he really supposed to just let go, to be nothing more than a good ex-husband and a father to their child?<pn slowly straightened up. Though the ache in his chest lingered, his eyes regained theirposure. He had never been one to give up easily.

 Chapter 1220

    Three dayster, the wedding of the Holt and Quigley families was held in the grand ballroom of the most luxurious hotel in Ashford City.


    As Henry''s childhood friends,n and Xavier arrived early. They stood on either side of him, helping to greet the arriving guests.


    Xavier, with his usual gentle and refined air, wore a light-colored suit that made him look all the more dashing. His warm smile could make anyone feel at ease.


    The two of them, one cool andposed, the other warm and gentle, stood next to the radiant groom, looking like a trio of top models and drawing admiring nces from all the female guests.


    "Nervous?" Xavier teased Henry during a lull.


    Henry tugged at his bow tie and grinned. "A little, yeah. But mostly, I''m just happy."


    Then, his brow suddenly furrowed. "That Walden Wells is on the guest list."


    Henry had already told Xavier about Walden''s current rtionship with Vanessa. Xavier patted his shoulder. "Today is your big day. Don''t think about unpleasant things."


    Henry nodded, the look of disgust vanishing from his face.


    ***


    At Walden Wells''s vi.


    Vanessa, wearing a silk robe, leaned back against the sofa, her face pale as she rested her head wearily in her hard. She looked weakly at Walden, Who was already dressed. "Walden, I feel so dizzy, and I have no energy. I think I caught a chillst night... I''m afraid I can''t go to the wedding with you today."


    She had been so worried about it that she hadn''t slept a wink the night before and had even had a nightmare. In it, she was publicly shamed by everyone from her old social circle, mocked and scorned until she jolted awake in a panic.


    Faking an illness was the most direct way she could think of to avoid attending.


    Walden, already dressed in a smart suit while a maid adjusted his tie, heard her words and his face fell. He narrowed his eyes, studying Vanessa on the sofa. There was none of his usual indulgence in his gaze, only an all-knowing displeasure.


    "Dizzy? No energy?" Walden chuckled humorlessly. "I don''t think you''re feeling sick. I think your heart is what''s feeling ufortable."


    He waved the maid away and walked over to the sofa, looking down at her. "What''s the matter? You found outn will be there today, so now you don''t dare to be seen with this old man? Do you think I''m not presentable enough? Are you ashamed to be seen with me?"


    Vanessa was stunned, a panicked look shing across her face. She quickly got up and wrapped her arms around Walden''s neck. "Walden, how could you think that? I really don''t feel well¡ª"


    "Enough," Walden cut her off


    impatiently "Don''t think I don''t see through your little tricks. I don''t care


    whose woman you were before.


    Now that you''re with more n


    you''l


    behave. All the big names will be at this event today. If the woman I, Walden Wells, bring with me is still thinking about another man, how is that supposed to make me look?"


    Vanessa''s face paled, and tears of indignation welled up in her eyes. "Walden, you''ve misunderstood me How could I still be thinking aboutn? Qur rtionship was alwayspletely professional, nothing more than a business arrangement." Then as if she''d suffered the greatest injustice, her eyes


    reddened. "I admit, I usedn''s fame to boost my own vanity before, but I see things clearly now. I know who truly loves me and understands me."

 Chapter 1221

    With that, she pressed her face against Walden''s chest, her shoulders trembling slightly. "It''s you, Walden. You''re the only one who''s good to me, the only one I can lean on. If he weren''t still tying me down with that contract, I''d want to stay as far away from him as possible for the rest of my life."


    Though Walden Wells knew her words were a mix of truth and lies, they were what he wanted to hear. The anger on his face dissipated, and he patted her on the back, his tone softening. "Alright, alright, what are you crying for? Now that you''re with me, you don''t have to be afraid of anyone. I''ll make sure everyone knows that you, Vanessa, are just as morous by my side."


    Vanessa gritted her teeth in frustration. It seemed there was no getting out of this. She had to go to the wedding.


    "Okay, I''ll listen to you. I''ll go change into my gown right now. I won''t embarrass you," Vanessa said, lifting her head and wiping away her tears, forcing a gentle smile. "I''ll go get ready."


    Vanessa walked into the dressing room and took a deep breath. If she couldn''t avoid it, she might as well face it head-on.


    Since she''d been with Walden Wells, he hadn''t been stingy with clothes and jewelry. Vanessa looked at the sexy and striking crimson gown in her closet. The dress was adorned with fine sequins that shimmered under the light, dazzling and enchanting.


    It was an exclusive piece from a luxury brand. Once, she had schemed and haggled endlessly just to get a one-of-a-kind item. Now, all she had to do was say the word, and the boutiques would deliver it to her door.


    This was the feeling that money and power brought-whatn had once given her, and what she was now getting from Walden Wells.


    She stood before the massive floor-to-ceiling mirror, slowly letting her robe fall to reveal her well-defined curves. She couldn''t help but admire herself for a few seconds before putting on the gown. She began to apply her makeup meticulously, and soon, a green diamond ne was fastened around her neck. Vanessa stared, captivated, at her reflection, her fingertips gently tracing her cheek.


    She had finally found her motivation for the day. She wantedn to see how beautiful she was, to make him regret being so blind and indifferent to her all those years ago.


    She also wanted Henry to see that the woman he once worshipped as a goddess was still so beautiful, so radiant.


    She imagined the two men seeing her. Would they be captivated, even for a moment?


    Even the slightest hint of awe from them would be enough to satisfy her vanity. Especially Henry. Would he regret not marrying her? Would there be a moment when hepared her to Selma Quigley?


    That would make attending this wedding worthwhile.


    Vanessa took a deep breath, straightened her back, and lifted her chin slightly, reiming the proud posture she once had when she was byn''s side.


    No matter what, she had to maintain her dignity and mour. In the


    .n


    future, she would be Walden Wells''s


    wife and the son she bake would be the primary heir in his will content


    ***


    The wedding venue was filled with guests, the atmosphere lively and festive.


    It was a message from Eleanor.


    [I can''t make it to the wedding. Please tell Henry I''m sorry on my behalf.]


    The message was simple and to the point, just asn had expected.


    Let


    Although he had hoped Eleanor woulde, he knew she wouldn''t


    single second on anything


    E now. Her boyfriend was


    was


    waiting for her to save him.

 Chapter 1222

    A shadow crossedn''s eyes. His long fingers typed a reply. "Okay, leave it to me. Make sure you get some rest. Don''t overwork yourself."


    Eleanor didn''t write back. Ian put his phone away and walked over to Henry, who was talking with guests, and pped him on the shoulder.


    Henry turned to him. In a steady voice,n ryed Eleanor''s message. "She asked me to congratte you and Miss Quigley. She couldn''t make it in person."


    Henry smiled in understanding. "It''s fine. Her research is too important to be dyed. We can get together after she''s done with this busy period."


    Just then, another group of guests arrived from the elevator bank. Ian and Henry instinctively looked up and saw Walden Wells walking in with a stunningly dressed Vanessa on his arm.


    Vanessa''s crimson sequined mermaid gown was indeed eye-catching under the lights. She held tightly to Walden Wells''s arm, but her expression froze for a few seconds when she saw the two men greeting guests at the entrance.


    She hadn''t expected to run inton and Henry right away.


    These two men, who had once held such important ces in her life, were now standing side by side.


    One was cool and distinguished, the other handsome and beaming with joy. Her heart clenched painfully in her chest.


    Although neither man would ever belong to her again, the bitterness she had forcefully suppressed began to bubble up uncontrobly.


    Vanessa took a deep breath, maintaining an elegant and appropriate smile as she pushed her roiling emotions back down. She couldn''t lose herposure,


    especially not in front ofn and Henry.


    Walden Wells chuckled and stepped forward to congratte Henry. "Henry, congrattions! I hear the bride is absolutely beautiful!"


    "Mr. Wells, please,e in. I hope you''ll forgive any shorings in our hospitality," Henry said, maintaining a polite smile whilepletely ignoring the woman at Walden''s side.


    Walden chuckled again, then turned his attention ton as if just noticing him. With a feigned familiarityced with condescension he pped fan on the shoulder. "Mr. Goodwin, the position of Chairman of the Guild of Commerce isn''t an easy one. Take it easy, don''t wear yourself out!"


    The words sounded like advice from an elder, but the slight disdain and insinuation


    in his tone made it clear he doubtedn''s ability to handle the role.


    Walden, ever the seasoned businessman, justughed. "Good, good." Vanessa''s gaze was uncontrobly fixed onn''s handsome face.


    Despite her heart being full of resentment and bitterness, she had to admit thatn was the most breathtaking man she had ever met. The white hair didn''t detract from his charm; instead, it added a unique quality other mencked, making his features seem even more sharp and captivating.


    This was a charm not built on money or power, but one that radiated from his very being.


    She knew she would never forget the shock of seeing him for the first time, how she was drawn to him like a moth to a me, willing to use her own blood, her very life, to capture his attention.


    But now, as she stood before him, his eyes didn''t linger on her for even a second. Thatplete indifference hurt more than any hatred ever could.


    She knew the real reason for her meticulous preparation today wasn''t to be Walden Wells''s arm candy, but for him. She would have been satisfied with even a flicker of emotion in his eyes.

 Chapter 1223

    But he wouldn''t even spare her a single nce. In the face of his absolute indifference, all her efforts feltughable and futile.


    Just then, Walden noticed her distraction and discreetly pinched her arm, a clear sign of his displeasure.


    Vanessa snapped back to reality, pulling her gaze away and turning a gentle look to Walden, clinging to his arm as if it were her only lifeline.


    "Walden, let''s go inside!" she called out in a deliberately coquettish tone.


    Walden genuinely liked this side of her. He wrapped his arm around her waist. "Let''s go. I''ll introduce you to a few friends."


    Vanessa gave him a sultry look, but as her eyes shifted, she met another pair¡ª gentle, yet distant. It was Xavier.


    He was holding a ss of wine, conversing with a few guests. His gaze drifted in her direction and met hers head-on.


    Vanessa''s seductive smile froze on her face, a wave of embarrassment and shame washing over her.


    Ifn was her unattainable ideal, and Henry her loyal backup n, then Xavier was her secret regret.


    Xavier was gentle and refined, with a top-tier family background and capabilities. Unliken''s coldness or Henry''s passion, he was like fine wine, his character growing richer and moreplex with time.


    She had wondered more than once: if Xavier had pursued her back then instead of Henry, would she have been able to break free from her obsession withn and choose him?


    But now, here she was, in a ce like this, on the arm of a man older than her father, standing right in front of him. It truly pained her.


    Xavier''s gaze lingered on her for two seconds before moving on. There was no surprise, no contempt in his eyes. He simply turned back to chat amiably with the others.


    Xavier''s impable upbringing and refined character meant he never judged people. Still, Vanessa''s face burned with humiliation.


    At that moment, Vanessa spotted a few familiar faces¡ªthe wives from Henry andn''s inner circle.


    These women had once considered Vanessa a friend, having socialized with her at parties, afternoon teas and fashion gs Back then, under the guise of being a no prodigy and fan''s closepanion, Vanessa had been the object of their private envy and public ttery.


    Now, their eyes held only shock and disbelief.


    After exchanging a smile and a nod with them from across the room, Vanessa saw the women turn, cover their mouths with their hands, and start whispering while ncing in her direction.


    When Vanessa looked back, she saw them scrutinizing her as if under a spotlight. In their eyes, she was nothing more than a product with a price tag.


    Blood rushed to Vanessa''s face. All she could do was force her back straight and maintain the stiff smile on her face, trying her best to ignore their piercing stares.


    Fortunately, the man beside her had enough status. As the head of TeraTech Induses, even if those


    people gossiped about her, ther families and husbands didn''Chave his financial clout.


    That was her onlyfort.


    ***


    Soon, it was time for the ceremony to begin.


    The wedding march began to y, and the lights in the banquet hall softened focusing on the grand." floral arch at the entrance. The guests took their seats, their eyes all turned in that direction.


    Henry stood on the stage, a look of nervousness and anticipation on his face. He


    adjusted his bowtie, his gaze locked on the closed doors of the hall.

 Chapter 1224

    Vanessa and Walden Wells were seated a bit further back. Vanessa also stared at the entrance, but her eyes were filled with hidden resentment. She would never forget the humiliation Selma Quigley had inflicted upon her.


    At that moment, the heavy doors of the banquet hall slowly swung open.


    The bride, dressed in a pristine white gown, appeared on her father''s arm, her


    delicate features and shy smile faintly visible through her veil.


    Watching his bride walk towards him step by step, Henry''s eyes suddenly reddened, his handsome face a mixture of excitement and love.


    The entire hall erupted in apuse and cheers.


    The bride walked steadily toward the groom on the stage.


    Seated in his chair,n''s eyes followed the bride, but his focus seemed to drift, as if he were looking through time to another scene from years ago.


    It was his and Eleanor''s wedding.


    The Eleanor in his memory was even younger than Selma, still carrying an air of innocence and naivete. She too had walked towards him, step by step, on her father''s arm. Back then, her face was filled with undisguised nervousness, and the look in her eyes was full of shyness and trust.


    He remembered after the vows, when the officiant announced that the groom could kiss the bride, he had leaned down and gently kissed her lips. It was a restrained and tender kiss, but because Eleanor was so young, whether from shyness or some other emotion, she had burst into tears and thrown herself into his arms, crying with joy.


    Now, watching Henry and Selma share a passionate kiss on stage, and thinking back to the Eleanor who had wept with happiness in his arms,n felt a deep, slow ache take over his chest.


    He had made so many mistakes.


    When she needed security the most, he hadn''t been able to give her enough. When her eyes were filled with love for him, he was burdened by the responsibilities on his shoulders. And when he was finally free from his troubles and wanted to love her, she no longer needed it.


    Some mistakes, once made, required a hundred times the effort and a long time to fix.


    Xavier, however, watched his friend with a sincere, congrattory smile.


    Seeing this scene, Vanessa felt a sharp sting in her heart. Watching Henry, whose eyes were filled with nothing but his bride, she suddenly felt it was unfair.


    Why was everyone else the one to find happiness? Didn''t she, Vanessa, deserve to be happy?


    Why could everyone else find their perfect match, but she couldn''t?


    Now,n and Xavier were both single, but she no longer had a chance to get close to either of them.


    ***


    After the ceremony, the banquet began. Xavier hadn''t brought Vivian today, as he needed to mingle with the guests, andn hadn''t brought his daughter either for the same reason flowever Henry Hado. prepared generous party favors for both little girls.


    Vanessa barely ate. She was just waiting for Walden to take her home, but he still had some speralizing to


    do


    Just then, she saw two society


    wives walking toward her, and she immediately braced herself.


    Walden had already moved to another table to offer toasts, so the two women sat down in the empty seats.


    "Vanessa! It''s been so long. We were just talking about you! Back in the day, you and Mr. Goodwin¡ª-oh, I always thought we''d be drinking at your wedding!"


    The words sounded regretful, but they were a subtle jab at Vanessa''s sore spot. After all, when Vanessa had beenn''s mistress, these Prospective wives had secretly looked down on her.

 Chapter 1225

    But Vanessa was no ordinary woman. She smiled. "You''re joking, Mrs. Brown. Ian and I are ancient history. Besides, we were just friends. You shouldn''t believe all those rumors."


    The two women exchanged a look.


    Friends? They weren''t blind. Vanessa had failed to snagn, which only meant her technique needed work, but hearing her try to distance herself now was rather amusing.


    Vanessa then looked toward Walden with an affectionate gaze. "But then I met Walden. He''s mature, stable, and he understands me better. Being with him is the greatest blessing of my life."


    The two women shared another meaningful nce, their faces still stered with polite smiles.


    "Well, congrattions on finding true love, Miss Shannon."


    "Yes, true love is rare. And as they say these days, age is just a number when ites to true love."


    Vanessa''s smile faltered slightly.


    The women''s smiles held a knowing, unspoken meaning. After a few more pleasantries, they left.


    Back at their table, they couldn''t help but whisper.


    "Did you hear what she just said? Just friends? The way she used to look at Mr. Goodwin, she wanted to glue herself to him. Does she think we''re blind?"


    "Exactly! She was quite scheming back then. I almost thought she was going to rece Mrs. Goodwin. I even made an effort to get on her good side!"


    "Well,n''s been divorced for two years. If he wanted to marry her, he would have done it already. He was just ying with her, And now sh found a man old enough to be her father and calls it ''true love.'' It''s hrious."


    "And who is this Walden Wells? He was a notorious yboy in his youth, went through women faster than he changed clothes. Does Vanessa really think she''ll be thest?"


    "It''s just a transaction. She wants his money, and he wants a young, beautiful woman on his arm who he can show off. After all, she still has that ''piano prodigy'' title."


    "Speaking of which,n''s ex-wife is incredible now, a genius in the scientificmunity. I heard Vanessa used to be quite brazen in front of her back in the day."


    "I thinkn regrets it, too. Weren''t there reports a few days ago of him carrying his ex-wife''s bags at the airport? He''s probably trying everything to win her back."


    "It really goes to show how different people''s fates can be. One gets divorced and shines in her own field, making her ex-husband long for her. The other desperately tries to daw her way into a wealthy family and an old man in the


    can only rely of


    end, a woman has to have her own


    abilities."


    Vanessa, of course, couldn''t hear this behind-the-scenes gossip. Her eyes were once again drawn ton.


    Many prominent figures from the business world were taking this opportunity to toast him, all of them influential people in their own right.


    His status was not just a symbol of


    wealth but also a trendsetter, a master of capital. A single decision


    from him could affect the fate of


    many Companies; a single word could be interpreted and


    reinterpreted by the market.


    Watching these people, who were usually so unapproachable, behave so humbly and cautiously in front of him, Vanessa felt her heart being squeezed and twisted.


    This man was the one she could never get over, the obstacle she could never seem to cross.


    He stood there, doing nothing, his mere presence enough to make her heart flutter.

 Chapter 1226

    The traditional toasting procession was skipped, butter in the evening, Henry and Selma Quigley made their way through the guests, offering their thanks.


    Soon after, Mrs. Holt brought her new daughter-inw, Selma, over to greet the circle of society wives.


    Thedies eagerly gathered around, showering Selma withpliments.


    "The bride is absolutely stunning today."


    "Yes! That gown must be a custom Yarnton, isn''t it? It suits you perfectly."


    "Mrs. Holt, you are so fortunate to have such a beautiful daughter-inw in Miss Quigley."


    Mrs. Holt, dressed in a festive, heavily embroidered crimson gown, looked radiant and exceptionally happy. "From now on, I hope you''ll all look after our Selma."


    "Of course, we will."


    Selma graciously epted the praise, her face glowing with newlywed bliss. "Thank you, everyone, for your kind words."


    One of the wives immediately offered her a ss of red wine. "Selma, we didn''t see you making the rounds for toasts earlier. How about having a drink with us now?"


    Selma, with a hint of shyness yet unable to hide her joy, replied, "I''m sorry, I can''t drink right now."


    Mrs. Holt protectively added, "Selma has a special situation, so please understand." Her words were met with an even more enthusiastic round of congrattions.


    "Oh my! This is a double celebration! Congrattions, congrattions!"


    "Well, we''ll have to prepare our gifts early and get ready for the baby shower!"


    "Yes, what wonderful news!"


    Thedies voices were loud, and Vanessa, sitting at the adjacent table, had heard everything. Seeing the expressions on Mrs. Holt''s and Selma faces, she gloomily downed a mouthful of wine.


    Henry certainly worked fast. He''d already gotten Selma pregnant?


    She subconsciously touched her own stomach. She had been trying to conceive recently, but to her frustration, nothing had happened.


    Though she suspected Walden was the reason, she couldn''t say anything now.


    As Selma''s gaze swept over the crowd, itnded on Vanessa at the next table. She excused herself from the group. "Pardon me for a moment."


    Then, she walked over to Vanessa''s table. "Miss Shannon, I''m so d you coulde today. Thank you for being here to witness my and Henry''s wedding."


    Selma''s posture was elegant,


    seemingly devoid of any hostility et


    But Vanessa didn''t believe it for¨¤


    showing off her victory content


    d. Was Selma deliberately


    "Congrattions," Vanessa said, her voice stiff as she raised her ss.


    Selma nodded at her and turned to walk toward another table where the Quigley family''s rtives were seated.


    Vanessa tightened her grip on her wine ss. She had braced herself for Selma''s taunts, but unexpectedly, Selma didn''t press the attack.


    Had she misjudged the situation?


    Regardless, Vanessa knew that Selma''s greeting was a deration of victory.


    She nced at Walden Wells, who was flushed from drinking, looking even older and more unpleasant. She discreetly looked away, only to see the three men at the main tablen, Xavier, and


    §à§Ó


    Henrysughing and talking Their power to seemed to have solidified


    once more, meaning a slight cough from any of them could send shockwaves through the business world.


    Under the lights, the three men were rxed, their faces showing the easy smiles of


    close friends who shared a deep bond of trust and understanding.


    They seemed to exist in their own world, not just as three top entrepreneurs, but as


    a tight-knit alliance and a formidable force in business.

 Chapter 1227

    Vanessa felt a corrosive bitterness spreading through her chest, sharp and painful.


    She had once been so close to this circle, so close she could almost touch it.


    But now, they remained on their pedestals, shining brightly, while she didn''t even have the right to approach them and say hello.


    She once thought that by manipting Henry, she could use Eleanor as a wedge to drive them apart, but ultimately, she had failed. Now, Xavier andn''s rtionship had been restored, which meant Xavier had likely given up his pursuit of Eleanor, leaving the field open forn.


    After all, when Xavier''spany faced difficulties overseas recently, it wasn who had stepped in to help, further cementing their bond.


    Now she was trapped by Walden Wells''s side. Though it looked morous on the surface, only she knew the bitter truth.


    Just then, Walden, who had had too much to drink, staggered over, supported by another guest. "Miss Shannon, Mr. Wells is drunk. You should take him home to rest. I''ve arranged a car for you."


    Walden looked at Vanessa, his breath reeking of alcohol. "Vanessa, my little sweetheart,e here"


    His call of "sweetheart" echoed loudly in the rtively quiet banquet hall, instantly drawing the gazes of numerous guests¡ªgazes that were curious, amused, and even openly contemptuous.


    Vanessa felt her face burn as if on fire. She suppressed her emotions, walked over to Walden, and forced a gentle smile. "Walden, you''ve had too much to drink. Let''s go home."


    At that moment, all she wanted was to escape this humiliating ce as quickly as possible.


    Walden was indeed quite drunk, and when he was drunk, he had a bad habit of getting handsy.


    Vanessa froze as she saw Walden''s handing towards her, but she didn''t dare push him away. Head down under the weight of countless ambiguous stares, she supported him as they walked towards the exit.


    She didn''t have the courage to look at the three men at the main table; it would only make her feel more ashamed.


    "Tsk! Mr. Wells certainly is a lucky man!"


    "Yeah, his date is an international piano diva! He''s in for a heavenly night!"


    The muffled snickers reached her ears.


    Walden was too dazed and hard of


    hearing to catch it, but Vanessa heard every word. Eachment stung, stripping away what little pride she had left. She could feel several pairs of lecherous eyes on her, as if she were a piece of merchandise being shamelessly appraised.


    A waiter hurried after them. "Miss Shannon, you forgot your purse."


    Vanessa turned to take the purse, but as she did, her eyes instinctively flicked toward the main table.


    The three men were indeed looking in her direction, but their gazes held none of the mockery she expected, none of the satisfaction of seeing her fall. They didn''t even deign to grant her an emotion.


    And yet, that was what made Vanessa feel worse than any scorn or contempt could. It was a copse-inducing level of pain.


    They didn''t even exchange nces or show any desire to judge her, maintaining their superiorposure and dignity.


    Supporting Walden, Vanessa


    practically fled the banquet hall. Once they were in the car and the door was shut, she copsed against the seat gasping for a intense humiliation made her bite


    down hard on her lip.


    For her, this wedding had been nothing but aplete and utter humiliation.

 Chapter 1228

    At five in the evening, Eleanor received a message fromn. He was taking their daughter, Evelyn, to the wedding reception for dinner and asked if she wanted to


    join.


    Eleanor declined, telling him to just make sure their daughter had her dinner.


    This was whatn had expected.


    That evening, Xavier also brought Vivian. The two little girls sat side by side, each with their guardian next to them. Many guests looked over at the two little princesses with admiration.


    Some were even secretly scheming, wondering if their sons might one day win the affection of these two, forging an inw rtionship with the Goodwin and Vaughn families.


    After all, having inws like Xavier andn could save their children from half a lifetime of struggle.


    More than half a lifetime-it was the kind of wealth that would take generations to umte.


    That night, many people also got to seen''s fatherly side. Usually decisive and formidable in the business world, he was now incredibly meticulous and patient with his daughter, a gentle smile always on his face.


    Halfway through dinner, there was a designated rest area where the children could go and y. Soon, two little boys came over, immediately seeking a chance to y with Evelyn and Vivian.


    At first, Evelyn and Vivian were ying together with balloons and building blocks.n and Xavier, sitting not far away, kept a close watch on them.


    The intrusion of the two boys instantly put the two guardians on edge.


    The boys were a couple of years older than Evelyn and Vivian and were clearly spoiled at home. They walked right up and insisted on ying with the girls.


    Just then, one of the boys heard the music and forcefully took Evelyn''s hand. "y with me!"


    Evelyn didn''t want to, but the boy had already grabbed her hand and was trying to pull her into a spin,ughing.


    The two men exchanged a look, seeing the same irritation and tension in each other''s eyes.


    Evelyn immediately pulled her hand


    away


    from the boy and ran ton''s side.n knelt down, pretending to fix his daughters hair, but his gaze Swept over the boy who stood frozen in ce. The invisible pressure made the boy shrink back instinctively and run back to his parents.


    Vivian also came over, and the other boy, losing interest, ran off as well. The boys parents, sitting further back had noticed their sons behavior. It was clear they were the type to let their children run wild.


    Some people had witnessed the entire scene, including some of the very parents


    who had been hoping their sons could get close to Evelyn and Vivian.


    And that looked like it would be a very, very difficult task.


    Afterwardn took the two girls to wash their hands. He was especially thorough lifting her up to the sink, and washing his daughter''s little hands twice before he was satisfied.


    Back at the table,n and Xavier didn''t let the children go back to the y area, as


    the two boys were there again.

 Chapter 1229

    At eight o''clock, the two men took their children home. They went to the yground, wheren and Xavier stood by, discussing business while the girls yed under the lights.


    Around eight-thirty, Eleanor returned home from theb. Joslyn told her Evelyn


    wasn''t back yet, so Eleanor decided to take Princess for a short walk. After a whole day in theb, she needed to stretch her legs.


    As she neared the yground, she nced over and saw her daughter, Evelyn, ying with Vivian. Eleanor led Princess closer and also sawn and Xavier standing in the shadows of the trees.


    "Woof!" Princess yipped excitedly, practically begging to go over, so Eleanor had no choice but to head in their direction.


    Eleanor had already showered and had no makeup on. Under the lights, her face was fair and clear.


    She wore a light gray summer long-sleeve tee, revealing a pair of straight, slender legs. She exuded a fresh, rxed air, like a girlfortable at home.


    Xavier''s gentle eyes flickered with a momentary stir of emotion, but he perfectly suppressed it.


    "Eleanor," he said, greeting her first.


    "Xavier," Eleanor smiled at him, then looked atn. "You should take Evelyn home for her bath soon. I''ll just walk a couple moreps and head back."


    "Princess, let''s go!" Eleanor urged, walking over to tug at its cor. The faint, clean scent from her recent shower wafted pastn like a feather brushing against his heart. He looked down at the woman beside him, his dark eyes filled with aplex, unreadable emotion.


    Eleanor forcefully pulled Princess away. Her departure seemed to leave an awkward tension between the two men.


    "Are you and Eleanor... nning to remarry?" Xavier asked in a low voice, his eyes sincere and wishing them well.


    Xavier blinked, a look of surprise and shock on his face.


    "Are you sure?"


    "Yes,"n''s voice wasced with a bitterness he couldn''t hide.


    The night wind rustled through the trees, and the silence between the two men grew heavier.


    Xavier could see that Eleanor''s feelings towardsn had changed significantly. Now he understood it was because she had epted a new rtionship.


    That would certainly help her move on from past hurts, make peace with the past, and establish a


    -parenting partnership with her, ex husband.


    "Then..." Xavier started to say something more.


    Xavier studiedn''s expression under the moonlight. Though the words were calm, Xavier could hear the suppressed pain within them.


    If Mansfield was the man Eleanor had chosen, then he, too, would wish her well. She deserved to be treated properly.


    "But I will continue to support her research,"n said, his gaze firm as he looked into the distance. "I''ll give her everything I can."


    "That''s good. Evelyn still needs you," Xavier said, gently patting his shoulder in a silent gesture offort.

 Chapter 1230

    Xavier understood the true meaning behindn''s question. He lowered his gaze slightly, a smile of eptance on his lips. "For now, I''ll focus on taking care of Vivian and managing thepany. My personal life can wait."


    Xavier paused for a moment, then realized he was talking about Eleanor falling into


    the pool.


    "It was the right thing to do," Xavier replied softly. "Anyone would have done the same in that situation."


    Under the moonlight, the two men''s gazes met. Emotion tightened his throat for a moment. "I''ll never forget that."


    Xavier nodded gently. Some thanks didn''t need to be spoken; some bonds were understood without words.


    That night, whenn had jumped in to save Vanessa, Xavier had been in the water to rescue Eleanor no more than three secondster.


    "Why didn''t you save Eleanor first?" Xavier suddenly asked, still curious after all this time. There were plenty of people there that day; even if someone fell in, it wouldn''t have been a fatal ident.


    it happened, he had taken a phone call.


    He looked up and sighed heavily. "Ten minutes before it happened, I had just learned that my mother''s blood disease had a fifty percent chance of being passed down to Serena, and a thirty percent chance of being passed to Evelyn."


    The truth left Xavier speechless. He had never imagined that behind such a seemingly cold choicey such aplex and heavy consideration.


    "Have you exined this to Eleanor?" Xavier asked, his eyes narrowing.


    Some exnations, when theye toote, lose their meaning.


    Xavier understood. To remain silent when Eleanor needed an exnation the most, and then to bring it up now that so much time had passed, would only seem like making excuses. Why disturb her with old entanglements?


    smile as she went down the slide, a


    his lips. "What


    bitter smile and the


    matters is the


    future. What I can do is take good


    care of Evelyn and make sure she


    grows up healthy and happy-"


    C¨®ntent


    It dawned on Xavier what he had said. His eyes widened in shock. "You just said


    Evelyn might have inherited it?"


    So much had happened recently thatn hadn''t had a chance to tell Xavier everything. He nodded now. "Eleanor has already developed a cure. Serena has recovered from the initial also


    symptoms and my moth the initial


    recuperating. We don''t have to worry too much about Evelyn''s future."


    Xavier nodded slowly, realizing that even though they were divorced, their child would forever bind them together. He looked at the innocent Evelyn on the slide and felt a sense of relief. She was lucky to have such good parents.


    One spared no expense to build ab, and the other worked tirelessly to develop a cure, all to ensure her lifelong health and safety.


    ***


    The early summer night breeze was


    slightly warm. After walking Princess a couple ofps, Eleanor led her into the elevator lobby. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead, and her hair was slightly disheveled, adding a lively beauty to her usual cool demeanor. Ian was leading his daughter toward the elevator, and as be turned, he saw Eleanor casually tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, revealing the slender, pale line of her neck.


    "Mommy!" Evelyn happily ran over and hugged her leg.


    Eleanor bent down and ruffled her daughter''s hair. "Did you have fun?"


    "Lots of fun!" Evelyn''s head was also covered in sweat. Eleanor made a mental note to give her a bath as soon as they got back.


    She had fallen into a habit of being polite with him. A simple "thank you" clearly delineated their current rtionship¡ªa parenting partnership.


    A sense of helplessness washed overn. He replied softly, "You''re wee."


    Eleanor closed the door. Ian stood there for a moment before turning and walking back to the elevator.

 Chapter 1231

    The elevator descended to the twenty-seventh floor. The cool-toned decor made the apartment feel even colder. Ian loosened his tie and walked straight to the dressing room, changing into sweatpants before heading to the gym. The sweltering heat of the night mingled with the emptiness in his heart, and he desperately needed an outlet.


    The rhythmic hum of the treadmill filled the room as sweat quickly soaked his back. For the two years since their divorce, nights like this had be the norm.


    By day, he was a strategic titan of industry, but by night, he could only exhaust his body with exercise.


    Summer nights like this were particrly difficult, the air thick with a restless energy that frayed his most sensitive nerves.


    His mind was filled with the image of Eleanor''s alluring figure from earlier. The days and nights they had once shared flooded his memory with startling rity.


    After a high-intensity set, he leaned on the machine, breathing heavily. Beads of sweat glistened on his tan skin. The lean, powerful lines of his hips and the defined V-cut of his abs disappeared into his sweatpants. As his chest rose and fell, he straightened up, the well-defined muscles of his back ring¡ªbroad shoulders, a narrow waist, a near-perfect physique.


    He headed straight for the shower and stepped under the icy water, hoping it would cool the heat coiled tight inside him.


    ***


    The next morning, Eleanor received a phone call that left her mind nk for a few seconds.


    Principal Maxwell had decided to move Mansfield to Ashford City to coordinate with the Neural Interface Project and ensure that the technology could be deployed precisely when it was most needed.


    Eleanor took a deep breath and pulled herself together. There was still so much to do.


    But she couldn''t help herself. After Principal Maxwell called to confirm the arrangements, she used her lunch break to go to the hospital.


    Principal Maxwell was discussing something with the hospital director. Eleanor sat gently by the bedside, looking at Mansfield''s face, which seemed to have grown even thinner. Tears welled up in her eyes.


    Just then, a nurse brought in a some warm water and a towel, preparing to give him


    a sponge bath. Eleanor reached out. "Let me do it."


    She carefully washed Mansfield''s face, her movements gentle and meticulous.


    Suddenly, a figure appeared in the doorwayn.


    He had also received a call from Principal Maxwell and hade to check on things, not expecting to find Eleanor at the bedside.


    The scene was like a key, unlocking a flood of memories.


    He had watched that video of her at his bedside countless times over the past two years. In it, just like now, Eleanor was sitting by the bed, carefully wiping his face.


    Except the Eleanor back then was


    younger, more innocent, and liked to


    chat with kim


    as if he could hear.


    But the pained and determined Jook on her face was identical to the expression she wore now as she cared for Mansfield.


    His heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, a sharp pang of bitterness washing over him.


    That devoted care, once his alone, was now being given to another man.


    It meant that Mansfield had truly found a ce in Eleanor''s heart. As soon as he


    woke up, they would love each other fiercely and build a life together.


    Just then, Principal Maxwell walked over to himdan forced himself to look away and approached the older man, his voice steady. "Principal Maxwell, that Drexford precision monitoring equipment you? mentioned can be flown in within three days at the earliest


    Principal Maxwell''s face lit up with relief. "Ian, I really have to thank you for this. This


    equipment is crucial for monitoring Mansfield''s condition."


    "It was the least I could do,"n replied with a nod.


    "With this device, we''ll be able to precisely monitor Mansfield''s brain activity, providing the most critical data to support the uing neural interface intervention."


    world. He had expedited the delivery through his biotechpany.


    Principal Maxwell knew how much effort it had taken to secure the machine. He ppedn on the shoulder, his voice heavy with gratitude On behalf of Garth and Mansfield, thank you."


    "Don''t mention it." Ian offered a faint smile. "I''m just d I could help."


    Even though it might help Mansfield wake up sooner, which would meanpletely


    losing any chance of reconciling with Eleanor.


    But he had to do everything in his power. This was what he owed her.

 Chapter 1232

    Just then, a woman''s voice came from behind him. "Thank you."


    "You''re wee,"n replied softly.


    "This equipment is very important for Mansfield''s treatment. I thank you on his behalf."


    Principal Maxwell spoke up at the right moment. "Ellie, withn''s help, I''m sure Mansfield''s treatment will go smoothly."


    Eleanor nodded, her gaze shifting back ton. She knew this equipment was hard to get; he had obviously gone to great lengths.


    Principal Maxwell nced at his watch. "I have to get to a meeting."


    They both nodded and watched him leave. Once he was gone, Eleanor said ton, "I''m going to stay a little longer. You should go if you have things to do."


    With that, she turned and went back into the hospital room. Ian stood in the hallway for a moment before heading toward the elevators.


    As he left the hospital, the afternoon sun was blinding. He got into his car but didn''t start the engine right away. He reyed the way Eleanor had looked at him¡ª sincere andposed, as if the history and resentment between them had vanished.


    She no longer hated him, nor did she hold any expectations. She calmly epted his help, thanking him on behalf of another man.


    His phone buzzed with a message from one of his managers. [Mr. Goodwin, Drexford has confirmed the equipment will ship tomorrow.]


    He typed back, [Oversee the entire process. Ensure there are no mistakes.]


    Sunlight streamed through the car window, illuminating his resolute profile. Since this was the happiness Eleanor had chosen, he would be ready to step away at any moment.


    The ck Maybach pulled away from the hospital slowly. In the rearview mirror, the hospital building shrank until it disappeared around a corner.


    The car''s hands-free system rang. It was Gavin Young, calling to go over his afternoon schedule. There was an important meeting at three and a meeting with an overseas client at four.


    "Mr. Goodwin, I''ve canceled your attendance at the business reception tonight."


    "Good."


    Lately,n had been canceling all of his evening engagements to spend time with his daughter.


    It was ten o''clock at night when


    Eleanor opened the door. The warm glow of a single wallmp left on for her filled her with


    pang of quilt


    The house was quiet, she assumed her daughter was already asleep.


    Just then, Joslyn approached her quietly. "Ma''am, Mr. Goodwin is upstairs putting Evelyn to bed."


    Eleanor nodded. "You can head to bed."


    Joslyn returned to her room. Feeling a wave of exhaustion, Eleanor carried her bag upstairs. She checked the master bedroom, but her daughter wasn''t there. She then went to the small den on the second floor. There, under the warmmplight,n was leaning back on the sofa with Evelyn sleeping Soundly in his arms. He was resting his head against the backrest, and she couldn''t tell if his eyes were closed or if he had fallen asleep.


    Eleanor froze for a moment. The scene stirred up memories of times past when the father and daughter would snuggle together, Evelyn''s little hand clutching his shirt.


    The cold severity of his daytime


    demeanor was gone, reced by a hint of weariness in his expression Lately, he had been dealing withpany affairs, managing the board, and sharing the responsibility of caring for their daughter. It was clear he was tired.


    She was hesitating whether to wake him when he suddenly opened his eyes. Their gazes met, and for a fleeting moment, a flicker of confusion crossed his face before it cleared.


    "You''re back," he said in a low voice, carefully adjusting their daughter in his arms.

 Chapter 1233

    Eleanor nodded softly and walked over. "Let me take her."


    Eleanor followed, watching as he gently ced Evelyn on the bed. The moment he did, Evelyn started rubbing her eyes and kicking her little legs, showing a hint of fussiness. Ian knelt down and gently stroked her head, letting her feel the warmth of her father''s presence.


    Only after Evelyn had fallen back into a deep sleep didn carefully pull the covers over her.


    Once their daughter was settled,n turned to Eleanor. "Get some rest."


    Eleanor walked him downstairs. At the door,n turned to face her. In the dim light, his gaze was intense. "Waking him up... how confident are you?"


    Eleanor paused, thinking for a few seconds before answering honestly. "The neural interface technology is theoretically viable, but there are still many uncertainties in its practical application. However¡ª" She looked up, her eyes firm. "I will never give up."


    "You''ve already helped so much," Eleanor said, referring to the equipment.


    Eleanor stood at the door for a while, staring at it asplex emotions washed over her. She had asked York Windsor that afternoon and learned what acquiring thattest model of monitoring equipment really meant. It wasn''t just about money. Ian had leveraged the most importantmercial bargaining chip of his biotechpany, signing at least a five-year exclusive partnership agreement with Drexford, a top-tier medical devicepany.


    This agreement tied a portion of Goodwin Biotech''s research direction to the otherpany for the next five years. The associated business risks and concessions. were far beyond what money could measure.


    Eleanor sighed. She had once hated him for his coldness and distance, but now, he was using the most tangible means possible to support her in saving another person.


    Did he really want nothing in return? Or was he doing all this for Mansfield because Garth could help him in his career? After all, he had made a huge business sacrifice for Mansfield''s sake.


    She could never figure him out before, and she still couldn''t read him now.


    Returning to the bedroom, Eleanor sat by her daughter''s bed, watching her peaceful, sleeping face, and drifted into thought for a while.


    For the next three days, Eleanor threw herself into her research, sometimes even skipping meals.


    Immersed in her work, she had an epiphany about a truth she had overlooked.


    Her life was destined to be spent in ab. Countless projects awaited her in the future. The rhythm of a life in research meant she could never give a partner thepanionship they deserved, not like an ordinary couple.


    This realization brought Eleanor a sense of relief. Her feelings for Mansfield weren''t romantic She admired his abilities and


    grateful he had saved her but as for


    spending a lifetime together¡ª


    Eleanor walked to the window. In the distance, the city lights zed. She whispered


    to herself, "I''m sorry, Mansfield."


    She had to be honest with herself. She didn''t want to make the same mistake again. She couldn''t give Mansfield the pure, passionate love he deserved.


    Just as Eleanor was lost in her thoughts, her phone vibrated. She picked it up and read the message. [Eleanor, there''s been a breakthrough in the neural signal test. Get over here, quick.]

 Chapter 1234

    Eleanor shot up from her chair, yanked open her office door, and ran toward theb. She stood excitedly next to Ryan, who couldn''t hide his own excitement. "We justpleted thirty-two simtion tests, and the response consistency of the target neurons reached ny-three percent, far exceeding our expected threshold."


    Eleanor asked calmly, "What''s the margin of error?"


    "Completely within the safe range," Ryan replied, pointing to theputer. "More importantly, the neural wave you constructed has formed a stable connection pattern with the surrounding functional areas. As long as Mansfield has the basic capacity to receive external signals, we might actually be able to wake him up.''


    Eleanor felt her heart pound. For the first time in three months, a ray of hope had broken through.


    "Eleanor, we have to run the next test immediately," Ryan said urgently. Eleanor nodded. It looked like she would be getting home eventer tonight.


    She sent a text ton. [Can you put Evelyn to bed tonight? I need to stayte.] [Howte?] he replied simply.


    [Probably after midnight,] she texted back, unsure.


    [I''ll send Gavin to pick you up.]


    [No need, I''ll have one of the Ellingtons'' drivers take me.] She didn''t want to trouble his people.


    Eleanor frowned but finally relented. [Okay.]


    She continued testingte into the night, and the results were even better than expected. By the time she grabbed her bag and left theb, it was one in the morning. The entire city was asleep.


    Gavin, however, was wide awake, waiting for her by the car. He opened the door for her like a gentleman. "Miss Sutton, after you."


    "Thank you, Gavin. I appreciate you waiting," Eleanor said gratefully.


    "Not at all," Gavin replied with a smile as he got back in the driver''s seat.


    It was two in the morning when Eleanor got home. She was so exhausted that she took a quick shower and fell asleep immediately.


    When she woke up, it was already ten the next day. Eleanor checked her phone and saw a message from Ryan saying there was a meeting at two in the afternoon, so th so there was


    no rush to get in.


    She was thirsty and a little hungry. She went downstairs, her long hair loose around her shoulders.


    Halfway down the stairs, she saw a tall figure sitting on the sofa.


    "You''re awake?" he asked, closing the file.


    Eleanor looked at him, surprised. "Why aren''t you at the office?"


    "It''s Saturday," he reminded her.


    Eleanor felt a sh of annoyance with herself. She had been so busy she''d lost track of the days. "Where''s Evelyn?" she asked.


    "She was begging to go to my mom''s ce this morning, so I dropped her off. Joslyn has a half-day off, but she made some oatmeal in the kitchen."


    Eleanor suddenly remembered something. Her hand flew to her chest, and she quickly turned and ran back upstairs.


    She wasn''t wearing a bra under her long nightgown.


    Downstairs, the man''s gaze lifted to watch the woman flee up the stairs. A slight smile yed on his lips.


    Some of her habits hadn''t changed hadn''t changed orall.


    When Eleanor came back down, she was dressed in casual clothes. She went into the kitchen and found that along with the warm oatmeal her favorite kind there was a te fresh fruit and toast prepared.


    of


    Eleanor scooped some oatmeal into a bowl and came out, asking the man on the sofa, "Have you eaten?"


    Seeing that Joslyn had made enough for at least three people, Eleanor prepared a second bowl.

 Chapter 1235

    They sat at the dining table, sharing a rare, quiet breakfast together.


    "I heard there was good news fromst night''s tests,"n said, looking up at her. It was clear he was always the first to know what was happening at theb.


    Eleanor''s eyes brightened. "Yes, the results were even better than expected. We sessfully established a stable neural signal pathway¡ª"


    She stopped mid-sentence.


    The man across from her had been listening intently, but now she''d gone silent. Was she stopping because she thought he wouldn''t understand?


    Eleanor pursed her lips. "It''s already considered a medical breakthrough."


    A hint of approval shed inn''s eyes.


    Eleanor''s expression grew a bit more serious. "However, the next steps are very risky. We need to imnt micro-electrodes in his brain, which is an extremely delicate surgery in itself."


    "With Principal Maxwell''s team, it should go smoothly," Ian reassured her.


    "Mm," Eleanor nodded and looked down, continuing to eat her oatmeal. She was clearly starving.


    "Eleanor," the man across from her said, his voice unusually deep. "Regardless of the oue, what you''ve already done is incredible."


    Eleanor paused, meeting his gaze before offering a polite, "Thank you."


    The only sound in the dining room for a moment was the soft clinking of utensils.


    When they finished, Eleanor started to clear the table, butn reached out. "I''ll get it. You rest."


    "It''s fine, I can do it," Eleanor said, reaching for the bowl in front of him just as his own hand moved toward it. Their fingers brushed against each other at the rim.


    Eleanor quickly pulled her hand back. Ian paused for a fraction of a second before smoothly taking the bowl from her.


    "I''ll clean up," he said, his tone insistent.


    Eleanor took the side dishes into the


    kitchen, wrapped them in stic and put them in the fridge.


    Meanwhile,n rolled up his shirt sleeves and stood at the sink washing the dishes.


    As Eleanor left the kitchen, she nced back instinctively and froze. She suddenly remembered years ago, when they were first married,n used to help in the kitchen like this. But as his work got busier and their daughter was born, scenes like this had vanished.


    The sound of the faucet stopped abruptly.


    Eleanor quickly snapped out of her thoughts and went upstairs. She still had to prepare materials for the afternoon meeting.


    She worked until noon beforeing back downstairs, assumingn would have left. But he was still in the living room, though he''d swapped the file for an iPad.


    Hearing her footsteps, he looked up. "Finished with work? Let''s get some lunch."


    "That''s okay, I have a meeting at theb this afternoon. I''ll just grab something at the cafeteria," Eleanor said.


    "As it happens, I need to attend that meeting too. Let''s go to theb together,"n said in a low voice.


    Eleanor remembered that the Neural Interface Project was, at its core, one of hispany''s ventures. As the head of thepany, it made sense for him to be there.


    "In that case, let''s not eat at the cafeteria. We can go to a restaurant, and then head to theb together," Eleanor suggested. "My treat."


    "If you''re busy, just forget I said anything," Eleanor replied. She had intended it as a thank you for getting the equipment for Mansfield, but she realized a single meat couldn''t repay that kind of favor. That would be up to the Ellington family.


    "I''m not busy,"n said, a slight smile touching his lips.

 Chapter 1236

    Eleanor nced at the time. It was still early. "Let''s eat somewhere near theb," she suggested.


    Eleanor was still feeling the effects of herte night, her head feeling heavy. She needed to rest up for the afternoon meeting.


    During the drive, she sat in the back seat with her eyes closed. Ian didn''t disturb her, only asionally checking on her in the rearview mirror.


    When they arrived at a restaurant across from theb,n parked the car. Eleanor woke up immediately, rubbing her temples. She looked up and met a pair of deep eyes looking back at her from the mirror.


    Their eyes met for a split second. Eleanor was the first to look away.


    "Are we here?" she asked, smoothing her hair.


    "Yeah."n unbuckled his seatbelt, got out, and came around to open her door.


    They entered the restaurant, which was elegantly decorated and frequented by manyb employees.


    At a window seat, a pair of eyes widened in shock as they saw the two walk in. It was Faye Yeaton.


    Though the Yeatons had gone bankrupt, she had managed to keep her job in the civil projects division. Now, with her father having fled the country to escape his debts, she and her mother had moved out of their mansion and were renting an apartment near theb.


    They had sold everything of value, including her shy Bentley convertible.


    Faye never expected to run into Eleanor andn here. The man who was always the untouchable CEO of Goodwin & Co. was now pulling out a chair for Eleanor, his movements gentle and graceful.


    Even though Yeaton Holdings was bankrupt and she had fallen from grace, suffering ridicule and scorn-and despite the rumors thatn was behind it all-Faye found she couldn''t bring herself to hate him.


    Just then,n''s gaze swept casually across the restaurant and briefly met hers. Faye quickly looked down, her heart pounding like a drum.


    Despite the mortifying incident where she''d tried to im a connection to him, and knowing he never gave her or Yeaton Holdings a second thought, her attraction to power made her almost pathologically obsessed with him.


    After ordering, Eleanor sensed something and looked over. This time, Faye didn''t look away, meeting her gaze directly.


    Eleanor merely nced at her before turning back. Although she and Faye had a history, Eleanor now felt at peace with their past grievances.


    After all, their careers would never intersect again.


    Eleanor''s indifference made Faye grip her fork so tightly her knuckles turned white. In the world of white.


    research, Eleanor was in the top tier. They had been ssmates, both


    starting as ordinaryb technicians, but now Eleanor''s status was a world away from hers.


    Meanwhile, she was still doing basic work in the civil projects division. The vast chasm between them was harder for her to ept than her family''s bankruptcy.


    Just recently, she had seen another one of Eleanor''s papers published in a top journal, its groundbreaking findings drawing global attention.


    So, when Eleanor had nced at her so casually just now, it felt like a confirmation that they were no longer on the same level, not even in the same world.


    Faye felt the food in her mouth turn to ash. The two colleagues sitting across from her were lowering their voices, their earlier surprise now turning to whispers.


    "Oh my god, is that Mr. Goodwin and Dr. Sutton? What an honor to be eating in the same restaurant as them."


    Faye couldn''t help but look over again.


    phone whilen attentively refilled her tea. He didnt seem like an


    phone was looking at her et


    ex husband at all, more like a suitor.


    Faye suddenly had a realization. Wasn trying to win Eleanor back? Were they nning to remarry?


    Her colleagues were still whispering.


    "I heard Dr. Sutton''s paper was epted into¡ª"


    "Mr. Goodwin has been pouring money into the Neural Interface Project to support her research-"


    The words were like needles in


    Faye''s ears. Everything her colleagues said only served to highlight Eleanor''s status in the researchmunity, a height she could only dream of reaching.


    She nced over atn and Eleanor again. Eleanor was saying something, andn


    was listening intently, a faint smile on his lips.


    Faye''s suspicion hardened into certainty.


    The decisive, ruthlessn of the business world was acting like a loyal, devoted


    guardian, watching over Eleanor''s every move.

 Chapter 1237

    She remembered the cold, dismissive lookn had given her when she''d tried to act familiar with him. Now, looking at the way he gazed at Eleanor, his expression was unbelievably gentle.


    "Faye, we should probably get back. We have a ton of data to sort through this afternoon," her female colleague''s voice pulled her from her thoughts.


    "Right." Faye looked away. The memory of that humiliating encounter made her shudder. She grabbed her bag and quickly walked out.


    At Eleanor''s table,n was listening as she exined hertest breakthrough and its implications for the future of the Neural Interface Project.


    "I believe that the ambitious three-year n you proposed to the board will be a reality. At least you won''t be in such a tough position," Eleanor told him.


    They had always helped each other seed.


    Eleanor didn''t eat much. She reached up to rub her forehead, clearly not feeling well.


    Seeing her put down her fork,n said with concern, "You should eat more. We still have an hour before the meeting."


    As Eleanor shook her head, she suddenly sneezed. A wave of dizziness washed over her, and she swayed slightly.


    Eleanor waved a hand. "I''m fine."


    No sooner had the words left her mouth than she sneezed twice more. The tip of her nose was red, and an unnatural flush spread across her face.


    "You have a fever," he said in a low voice. "You need to go to the hospital now."


    "No," Eleanor said, pushing his hand away. "This afternoon''s meeting is too important. I have to be there."


    Eleanor knew she wasn''t feeling well, but she couldn''t miss this meeting.


    "I can''t. This meeting is to finalize our direction. Mansfield''s condition can''t wait any longer," Eleanor insisted. She had been in touch with Principal Maxwellst night, and his team had already traveled from Kingston. She couldn''t be absent.


    "The meeting can be rescheduled. Your health can''t wait,"n countered, his brow furrowed.


    "I know my own body," Eleanor said, pushing him away slightly. "Just finish eating so we can go to the conference room."


    This time, Eleanor didn''t refuse. She followed him out of the restaurant and got into


    the car, heading to a nearby affiliated hospital for medication.


    A nurse at the hospital took her temperature. It was 102 degrees. The doctor prescribed a fever reducer. As Eleanor sat in the hospital corridor,n brought her a cup of warm water. "Take this now."


    Eleanor took the pills with the water. Seeing the time, they headed back toward the hospital exit.


    Watching her walk toward the car, he sighed to himself. Like father, like daughter.


    He remembered his father-inw


    had been the same way. While trying


    to ovee a technical hurdle, he


    had insisted on working in theb despite a high fever No one could persuade him to stop. Now, Eleanor had inherited that same stubborn dedication to her research.


    He hurried forward and opened the car door for her. As she leaned in, her head


    bumped against the hand he had put up to shield the doorframe.


    "Mm," Eleanor murmured, leaning back against the seat and closing her eyes.


    The fever reducer seemed to be kicking in, making her drowsy.


    Three minutester, her phone rang. She answered it. "Hello, Ryan."


    "Eleanor, Principal Maxwell said to postpone the meeting for an hour, so you don''t


    have to rush," Ryan''s voice came through the phone.


    Eleanor was a little surprised. "Is Principal Maxwell dyed?"


    "I think so," Ryan said. "We''ll start at three-thirty."

 Chapter 1238

    After hanging up, Eleanor told the man driving, "The meeting''s been pushed back an hour."


    "Okay, I''ll rest for a bit." Eleanor lowered the center armrest, found afortable position, and leaned against it. The medicine quickly pulled her into a deep sleep.


    While waiting at a red light,n nced back at her and adjusted the car''s temperature to a morefortable level.


    He drove steadily for about fifteen minutes, finally parking at a quietkeside park, far from the city''s hustle and bustle.


    Time passed quickly. Forty minutester,n was driving toward theb.


    To his surprise, Eleanor had set an rm before she fell asleep. Just as he parked in theb''s lot, the rm went off, startling her awake. She was still groggy, but she noticed the jacket draped over her.


    She paused for a moment, but instead of the usual rejection, she simply took the jacket off, ced it aside, and rubbed her temples. "Let''s go."


    In the past, she would have tossed it aside with disdain.


    "Feeling better?"n asked with concern as they got out of the car.


    "Much better," Eleanor nodded. Her voice was still a little nasal, but she was clearly more alert.


    "Thank you," Eleanor said, looking up at him.


    Eleanor didn''t reply. She picked up herptop bag and walked toward theb She seemed to have erected an invisible wall around herself, ang though they were getting along peacefully, that boundary was clearly drawn between them.


    In theb''s conference room, Principal Maxwell, his team, and the core project members were already seated.


    When Eleanor arrived, all eyes naturally turned to her. Principal Maxwell andn exchanged a quick nce.


    The meeting began, and Eleanor presented thetest experimental data. After some rest, her thoughts were clear and her words precise. Despite feeling unwell her performance was unaffected.


    By the end of the meeting, the mental exertion had taken its toll, and a wave of dizziness washed over Eleanor. She instinctively pressed her fingertips to her temples.


    With that, he stood up, walked over to Eleanor, leaned down, and ced a hand on her forehead. She was still burning up.


    "Your fever''s back,"n said, his voice low but firm, leaving no room for argument. "We''re going to the hospital now."


    Principal Maxwell immediately looked over with concern. "Ian, don''t dy. Take Eleanor to get checked out."


    "Eleanor, your healthes first. Go see a doctor," Ryan added worriedly.


    Faced with everyone''s concern, Eleanor finally relented. She nodded. "Okay."


    Seeing her agree,n''s brow rxed slightly. As Eleanor reached for herptop bag, he quickly closed theputer, packed it for her, and asked, "Can you walk?"

 Chapter 1239

    "Yes," Eleanor replied, getting up and leaving the conference room.


    Back at the hospital, the doctor rmended an IV drip and ran some blood tests. Fortunately, it wasn''t a viral fever, just her body protesting its recent overexertion.


    Eleanor sat in the quiet IV room with a drip in her hand. Ian brought her a cup of warm water to drink.


    The hospital''s air conditioning was a bit cold. Despite her fever, she felt a chill and wrapped her arms around herself to ward it off.


    The jacket instantly blocked the cold air. Eleanor was slightly taken aback but didn''t refuse this time. "Thank you," she said softly.


    Eleanor was surprised he would bring up her father and turned to look at him.


    "When he was my father''s attending physician, he once had a fever of 102 but still gathered his team to discuss treatment ns." Ian''s gaze seemed distant, lost in memory. "He ended up holding a meeting with an IV in his arm. The way you were in the conference room today... you were just like him."


    Eleanor lowered her eyes, her lips pursed. That was definitely something her father would do.


    "Mansfield''s condition can''t wait," she exined quietly.


    "I know you''re worried about him,"n said, his eyes on her pale face. "But if you copse, the project will really be dyed."


    Eleanor looked up, meeting his deep gaze. "Regardless, I still want to thank you for everything you''ve done for him."


    Him. Mansfield. Her boyfriend.


    She was thanking him as Mansfield''s girlfriend.


    Eleanor frowned. "I''m serious. I''m truly grateful for everything you''ve done for him."


    Even if she hadn''t said it, inn''s mind, he knew she was speaking as Mansfield''s girlfriend.


    Eleanor''s frown deepened again. She seemed to want to say something but ultimately just pressed her lips together and turned her head away.


    Silence stretched between them in the cold infusion room.


    Finally,n''s gaze returned from the window to Eleanor''s pale profile. His voice was low tinged with sincerity. "If "If you really want to thank me then take care of yourself. Stop making me worry."


    Eleanor''s head snapped back around, and she was caught in his intense gaze. Her heart felt as if it had been gently but firmly squeezed, and for a moment, she was speechless.


    Seeing her expression,n let out a soft, mockingugh. "What? Is that simple form of repayment too much to ask?"


    Eleanor turned her head away again. After a long moment, she replied, "I''ll take care of myself."


    But to him, her words carried another meaning: she would take care of herself for Mansfield''s sake.


    The light mockery inn''s eyes turned to self-deprecation. He didn''t say anything else.

 Chapter 1240

    A short whileter,n''s phone rang. He stepped outside to answer it. Eleanor nced at him as he returned. He looked at her, his expression calm. "It was nothing important."


    The implication was clear: nothing was more important than staying with her while she got her IV.


    Eleanor''s mind felt foggy. She had been overworking her brain recently, and the fever made her feel dizzy and disconnected. At least she had made it through the meeting, which would allow Principal Maxwell and his team to better n the next steps of the treatment.


    Half an hourter, the nurse came to remove the IV. Eleanor pressed a cotton ball to the back of her hand. Perhaps from sitting for so long, she felt a wave of dizziness as she stood up. She instinctively closed her eyes, andn was there in an instant, his hand steadying her arm.


    "Can you walk?" he asked in a low voice.


    Eleanor nodded and pulled her arm away. Ian watched her walk ahead, her steps clearly a little unsteady. His tall frame followed close behind, his eyes never leaving her.


    "I''lle in and stay with you until Joslyn gets back,"n said at the door.


    "There''s no need. I can take care of myself," Eleanor said, shaking her head. While she was grateful he had stayed with her at the hospital, she didn''t want to trouble him further.


    "Eleanor, don''t be stubborn." Ian frowned, his tone firm and unyielding. "I don''t feelfortable leaving you alone in this state."


    Eleanor met his gaze, her own unwavering. "I said, I''ll be fine."


    He assumed she was refusing to be alone with him because she was afraid he''d make a move.


    Eleanor frowned and looked away. "I just want to be alone."


    "I won''t need to," Eleanor bit her lip, making it clear she wouldn''t be bothering him again.


    of loneliness as he walked toward the elevator.


    Eleanor had just gotten home and was about to get a ss of water when her


    phone rang. It was Ryan.


    She picked it up. "Hello, Ryan."


    "Eleanor, we have a problem," Ryan''s voice was urgent. "Something I need to report. Ourtest simtions


    show that the current neural interface chips


    on''t have en


    processing power to handle theplex neural signals. They can''t support the full load of the new algorithm." Ryan sighed. "In other words, our chips aren''t powerful enough."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. She had worried about this, and now the problem was real.


    "Ryan, what do you suggest?" she asked him.


    "I rmend we procure the new


    ''Helios'' series high-end chips just released by Andreessen & Co. They''re the only ones that will meet the demands of the next phase Otherwise, all our algorithm optimizations are just theoretical, and Mansfield''s treatment n will stall."


    Eleanor felt her chest tighten. Andreessen & Co. was an industry giant, known for its technological monopoly and exorbitant prices The Helios chip was theirtest product, incredibly expensive, with aplicated procurement process and a typically long review period.


    "Let''s prepare the materials and submit a purchase request to Andreessen & Co. immediately," Eleanor said calmly.

 Chapter 1241

    "Eleanor Sutton, I just had a friend abroad look into it. The approval process for Andreessen & Co.''s Helios chip is extremely strict due to new proprietary


    technology. There are also quota limits for global distributors. If ourb applies, the waiting period is at least a year, and even then, there''s no guarantee we''ll pass the final review."


    A year? Eleanor''s heart sank. She could wait, but Mansfield Ellington''s condition couldn''t.


    Was all their research progress going to be stalled because of a chip?


    "Is there no other way?" Eleanor asked, her voice urgent as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.


    "Unless¨D" Ryan hesitated. "Unless someone with enough clout vouches for us and uses higher-level business channels. I heard Goodwin & Co. has a strategic partnership with Andreessen. Maybe Mr. Goodwin has a way."


    Eleanor''s mind went nk for a few seconds.


    But Ryan was right. He was the only one who could get this done in the shortest amount of time.


    But thinking about how he had just shut the door in her face, and now she had to¡ª


    Ryan''s anxious voice came through the phone again. "Miss Sutton, we can''t wait on this. Every second counts!"


    Eleanor bit her lip. For Mansfield''s sake, she had to ask him.


    She could pay for the chip herself, but the only way to get it was through him.


    "Okay, I''ll go talk to him right now," Eleanor said.


    Ryan sighed in relief on the other end. "That''s great. I''ll be waiting for good news."


    He hung up.


    Eleanor drew a steadying breath. Every instinct told her to stay away, but she still had to open that door, go downstairs, and face him.


    She stepped into the elevator. The ride from the 28th to the 27th floor was so fast it was over before she could even think of what to say.


    Eleanor stood atn Goodwin''s door. She raised her hand, her fingertips hovering over the cold doorbell for two seconds before she pressed it firmly.


    The door opened quickly. Ian looked at her, a little surprised. He had two buttons of his shirt undone at the cor, shedding his usual formal rigor for a more casual, at- home look.


    "What''s wrong?" His eyes locked on her pale face.


    Eleanor forced herself to remain calm and met his gaze, getting straight to the point. "I need your help. The chips theb currently has cant meet the demands of the new algorithm. We have to acquire Andreessen & Co.''s ''Helios chip." After a pause, Eleanor lowered her eyes. "Applying through theb will take at least a year. We can''t wait that long."


    Eleanor paused for a moment before stepping into his apartment. Ian walked over to the water dispenser to pour her a ss of warm water noticing that her lips were a little dry from the fever.


    Standing in the living room, Eleanor spoke to the man as he walked back with the water. "I heard Goodwin & Co. has a strategic partnership with Andreessen. If you get involved the process of getting the chip would be much faster. I can cover the cost myself."


    Ian handed her the water, a slight arch in his eyebrow. "You came to me just for a chip?"


    Eleanor lowered her gaze. Although he had agreed to Garth''s request to save Mansfield, she was now asking him for a favor in the name of ab project, which put him in a difficult position.


    She could ovee experimental difficulties on her own, but for something like this, which was beyond her control, she was truly helpless. She could only ask him.

 Chapter 1242

    Even if she didn''t ask, the Ellington family would. Seeing it that way, Eleanor decided she should be the one to do it.


    "Yes. I know this is very sudden, but if you''re willing to help, I can promise you one favor. As long as it''s within my power and doesn''t vite my principles, I''ll do it."


    After she spoke, Eleanor felt her cheeks grow warmer. This was practically a transaction, one that put her in a vulnerable position.


    At her words,n''s gaze suddenly deepened, like a stone dropped into a dark pool, sending ripples across the surface. He took a small step forward, closing the distance between them. He watched her, his voice low and slow,ced with a


    dangerous curiosity.


    "Anything?"


    Startled by his sudden proximity and the loaded question, Eleanor instinctively took half a step back. She bit her lower lip, forcing herself to meet his gaze calmly. "I said, as long as it''s within my power and doesn''t vite my principles-"


    The intensity in his eyes gradually softened, reced by a moreplex emotion. He turned and walked to the refrigerator, pulling out a bottle of cold water. As he twisted it open and walked back, he said, "Leave the chip to me."


    He took a sip of water. When he spoke again, the intimidating edge was gone from his voice, reced by a reassuring strength. "I''ll contact Andreessen & Co. I''ll have it for you in three days, tops."


    He emphasized the two words-for you.


    In other words, he was doing this for her.


    Eleanor''s head snapped up, her eyes wide with incredulous joy. "Three days? Really?"


    "Yes,"n confirmed, his gaze fixed on her excited expression. He added, "The cost will be covered by the project fund. You don''t need to pay for it yourself."


    Eleanor blinked. He was using project funds?


    Eleanor''s heart leaped into her throat, and she looked at him, suddenly nervous.


    However,n just curved his lips into a smile that didn''t quite reach his


    eyes. I''ll hold onto it for now.?


    cash in when think of something: it


    met


    His words made Eleanor even more anxious, like a debt hanging over her head, but she couldn''t refuse.


    She had no room to negotiate on this matter. Since she had made the offer, she had to honor it.


    "Okay. Thank you," Eleanor nodded.


    "Go get some rest,"n said, looking at her flushed cheeks. "And remember to take your medicine on time."


    Eleanor nodded. "I''ll leave the matter of the chip to you, then."


    "I''ll let you know the moment it arrives,"n replied in his low voice.


    Eleanor had gotten a far better oue than she''d expected. "Thank you," she said again, softly.


    This time,n didn''t respond to her thanks. He walked quickly to the door and opened it for her.


    After Eleanor left, the door closed. Behind it, the man tugged at his


    cor in frustration. He had, or


    course, seen her panic and her guardedness.


    The favor he really wanted¡ª


    He knew he could never ask for it.


    Later, Eleanor returned to her


    apartment and told Ryan the news.


    He was andfarged fer thrilled and urged her to get


    some rest, telling her to call


    anything came up.


    Eleanor went to her room andy down. The medicine she''d taken earlier knocked


    her out, and she slept soundly.


    It wasn''t until seven in the evening thatn''s phone rang. He saw it was Joslyn and answered. "Hello, Joslyn."

 Chapter 1243

    "Mr. Goodwin, are you at Cloudcrest Manor?"


    "I am."


    "I''ve been calling Eleanor''s phone, but she hasn''t been picking up. I wanted to let her know that I''ll be back tomorrow morning."


    "Well¡ª" Joslyn sounded hesitant.


    "Joslyn, Eleanor is sick. She just had a shot. We can''t risk something happening,"n said, his tone serious.


    Joslyn was startled. "She''s sick?" Then she quickly added, "It''s Evelyn''s birthday."


    Ian understood immediately. He hung up, went to Eleanor''s apartment, and expertly punched in the code. Pushing the door open, he found the living room dark and the apartment silent.


    "Eleanor!"n called out as he strode toward the stairs, heading for the master bedroom on the second floor.


    He took the stairs two at a time and gently pushed open the bedroom door. The room was dark, but a sliver of light from a distantmp filtered in, faintly illuminating a small, curled-up figure in the bed, apparently deep in sleep.


    So she wasn''t unconscious, just sleeping very deeply.


    "Mansfield"


    Eleanor was having a nightmare. In her dream, she couldn''t find the chip anywhere and was forced to watch as Mansfield lost hisst chance. The dream made her brow furrow, and a fine sheen of sweat broke out on her forehead.


    *Was she that afraid of losing him? Was he all she ever thought about?*


    nightstand, intending to wipe the sweat from her forehead. But the moment he touched her skin, Eleano''s hand shot out from under the covers and mped down on his wrist.


    Her grip was surprisingly strong, her fingertips digging into his skin.


    "I''ll save you..... There has to be a way..." Eleanor murmured unconsciously in her


    dream, as if desperately trying to hold on to something.


    Two tears slid from the corners of her eyes,nding on the back of his hand.


    The intimate, trusting gesture burned through his chest, leaving a mark he knew he''d never shake.


    He remained frozen in a bent position, his gaze dark and imprable. He could feel the distinct warmth and softness where she held his wrist tight.


    But she thought he was Mansfield.


    After a while, Eleanor seemed to drift into another dream. Her grip on his wrist gradually loosened, and her breathing became even and deep.


    Only then didn slowly withdraw his hand. The back of it was still warm from her cheek and damp with her tears.

 Chapter 1244

    He didn''t leave. Instead, he sat down on the living room sofa. As the night deepened outside, he called Serena and asked her to have his daughter sleep over, offering no exnation.


    After hanging up,n stared out the window. The city lights cast his profile in shifting shadows. The dampness from her tears was still on the back of his hand. He took out his phone and sent a message, dispatching his private jet to the Andreessen factory in Drexford to retrieve thetest upgraded model of the Helios chip.


    He had made her a promise, and he intended to keep it.


    ***


    Eleanor woke up at nine-thirty, drenched in a cold sweat. She touched her face and felt the lingering traces of tears at the corners of her eyes. She sighed.


    The dream had felt so real. She dreamt that Mansfield''s vital signs suddenly tlined. The neural interface was ready, but the chip was missing. In the dream, she ripped theb apart, searching everywhere, only to end up frozen in ce as the heart monitor let out one long, shrill tone and the green line on the screen copsed into a dead, unbroken bar.


    Even now, Eleanor could feel a dull ache in her chest from her heart pounding so fiercely. Her nightgown was soaked through, but thankfully, it was just a dream.


    She wiped the moisture from her eyes and got out of bed. Her phone wasn''t nearby, and she remembered she might have left it on the living room sofa.


    As she stepped out of her room, she saw the living room lights were on. *Joslyn must be back,* she thought.


    Eleanor wanted to get a ss of water and see if her daughter was home. But as she reached the middle of the staircase, she was surprised to see someone sitting on the sofa in the light-it wasn.


    He seemed to be working, aptop open on his knees, but he quickly turned his head to look up at the stairs.


    "You''re awake?" he said, closing theptop. His voice sounded especially clear in the quiet of the night. "Joslyn had an emergency and couldn''t make it back. Evelyn is sleeping at my mom''s."


    Eleanor froze and folded her arms across her chest without even thinking about it. She frowned. "What are you doing here?"


    And how did he get in?


    "I''m sorry. Joslyn called you several times, but you didn''t answer. I was worried something might have happened, so I had her give me the code."


    Eleanor instinctively pulled her silk nightgown tighter around herself. "I''m fine. Thank you."


    crossing


    her arms only drew his


    eyes to ces they shouldn''t be.


    Eleanor stood there ufortably for a few seconds before turning and heading briskly back upstairs.


    When she came down again, she had changed into a T-shirt and soft lounge pants.n stood up and walked toward her. "Has the fever gone down?"


    Eleanor felt much more alert, and her thoughts were clearer. The fever was gone, and she felt morefortable facing him.


    "I''m much better."


    "I don''t really have an appetite right now," Eleanor replied. Then, she realized he probably hadn''t eaten either.


    "I''ll order," she said.


    Eleanor, who had been walking toward the water dispenser, stopped dead in her tracks. She turned to


    stare at him in astonishment. A


    private jet? He had used his private


    jet just to get a chip?


    This favor was far beyond what she had expected, leaving her momentarily at a loss


    for words.


    "Thank you. That was very thoughtful of you," Eleanor said, her voice filled with gratitude.

 Chapter 1245

    Eleanor poured herself a ss of water, then took a disposable cup and filled it for him. She carried it over to him.


    "Of course,"n nodded.


    Eleanor went upstairs with her ss of water, her long, waist-length hair flowing behind her. Still recovering from the fever, her steps were a bit unsteady, and her slender back looked frail in the oversized T-shirt.


    This woman who looked so breakable was the one person who could turn the entire tech world on its head.


    Who would have thought that the woman who was just running a fever, so


    distressed by a nightmare that she cried in her sleep, was the lead developer of the world''s most advanced Neural Interface Project?


    Even he, in this moment, was struck with awe.


    The wife who used to be so yful and childlike in his arms had been hiding such genius. If...


    If he hadn''t agreed to marry her back then, she would have already made a name for herself in the world of scientific research.


    In truth, he had initially refused.


    He had been a twenty-year-old man who had just lost his father and barely emerged from a deepa. He had taken over a corporate empire on the verge of copse, battling internal factions and fending off powerful external rivals. On top of that, his mother was gravely ill. At the time, he was being watched by countless eyes, suffocating under the immense pressure and responsibility.


    He could barely keep his own head above water. How could he have the energy or confidence to start a marriage?


    He remembered that afternoon in the hospital garden. Freshly awakened, he sat in the sun, quietly observing the vibrant girl before him. She exuded the sweet freshness of a summer spring, her eyes clear and innocent, her smile disarmingly pure and healing.


    She gave people hope and made them yearn for something more.


    It felt like she could chase off any darkness.


    In fact, his feelings for Eleanor went back much further. He was first


    drawn to her the year before his father passed away, when she appeared in his father''s office for the first time:


    Later, at the hospital''s library corner, after discovering she would read there, he started waiting for her.


    During that period, he was studying for his doctorate in business school. The academic pressure was immense, and he had already begun tatakeover thepany''s affairs. He truly had no time to be at that library.


    But Eleanor was there at a set time, so he began to show up at a set time, too.


    The result was that, a week before his doctoral qualifying exams, he found himself seriously behind in his studies. He was too distracted whenever he was reading with Eleanor.


    Finally, his advisor called him several times, warning him sternly that if he continued like this, he was at very high risk of failing.


    To pass the exam, he had to force himself to disappear for a while. In the end, he passed.


    This secret crush, which began in a library, was something he had never told anyone, not even Eleanor.


    That was why he had once told Eleanor that he was the one who fell first.


    Behind those words were six months of a silent, secret flutter in his heart that he could never speak of.


    But back then, his world was in shambles. His future was uncertain, and he carried the fate of the entirepany and his mother''s life on his shoulders. He couldn''t give her happiness; he might even drag her down into the mire with him.


    But fate worked in mysterious ways.


    No matter how ruthless or cold a person tried to be, they could never refuse


    something their heart truly desired.


    He was no exception.

 Chapter 1246

    The doorbell rang, pullingn back from his thoughts. He got up, walked to the door, and opened it to find a delivery person holding a bag of food.


    She was staring at a screen,pletely engrossed in a string of data, so deep in thought that she didn''t even notice him standing in the doorway.


    Under the warm glow of the deskmp, Eleanor rested her chin on her hand,pletely immersed in a sea of numbers. Her profile was soft, a few strands of hair falling forward, her brow slightly furrowed.


    The scene ovepped withn''s memory of that quiet girl reading in the library.


    The emotions stirred by his recollection washed over him again. He took a deep breath, schooling his features, and raised his hand to knock twice on the doorframe. The sound startled Eleanor, and she turned to look at the doorway.


    "The food''s here. Come eat something first,"n said.


    Eleanor nced at the time. She had been working for half an hour without realizing it. She stood up and walked toward the door, casually tucking her long hair behind her ear.


    So natural, so casual, yet she carried an invisible air of distance.


    Downstairs, Eleanor saw the neatly arranged dishes on the table. She got up to pour two sses of water.


    They sat across from each other, a silence settling between them.


    They ate in silence. Eleanor didn''t have much of an appetite. The meal came with two small bowls of soup; she finished one and barely touched anything else.


    "Close the door on your way out," Eleanor said calmly over her shoulder as she headed upstairs again.


    "Don''t stay up toote,"n called after her.


    Eleanor''s steps paused for a fraction of a second. Without turning back, she simply hummed in acknowledgment.


    ***


    The next day, Eleanor felt much better. With the chip issue resolved, she needed to get back to her best as quickly as possible.


    Joslyn returned early in the morning and made her breakfast. After eating, Eleanor headed to theb.


    She worked until five in the


    afternoon. When she got home, she was greeted by the sound of her daughter''s cheerfulughter. The sound stripped the tiredness right out of her.


    Under the warm light, the sight of her little girl chasing around the room made everything else fade away.


    Eleanor looked at her daughter. It felt like just yesterday she was so small, yet somehow, she had grown taller without her even noticing.


    For any parent, every small bit of their child''s growth is a source of pride and joy.


    That night, Evelyn Goodwin cuddled up to Eleanor and whispered, "Mommy, can you invent a medicine that makes people never get old? I never want you to leave me."


    Eleanor''s heart tightened. "Why do you say that, sweetie?" she asked softly.


    "I don''t want Mommy to get old," Evelyn said sadly. "I want you to be young forever."


    Eleanor sighed softly. For a moment,


    she had worried that she had


    somehow hurt her daughter or made her feel insecure. But her answer er feel


    was a relief; it was just a sign of how


    much her daughter loved her.


    Eleanor hugged her daughter tightly. "Okay," she cooed. "Mommy will see if she can


    find a medicine for immortality."


    ***


    Three dayster, Eleanor received a call first thing in the morning. The chip had arrived on schedule.


    It was being sent directly to the state-of-the-art researchb on the top floor of Meridian Dynamics. The facility had the best testing equipment and environment in the country, making it the perfect ce to verify the Helios chip''s performance.

 Chapter 1247

    Eleanor left home to meet Ryan at Meridian Dynamics.


    As soon as they arrived, Byron Chase''s assistant came to greet them. "Miss Sutton, it''s been a while."


    "Mr. Mercer, good to see you," Eleanor greeted him.


    "The chip has been sent to the testing area on the top floor. Let''s go up and observe together," Mr. Mercer said, adding, "Mr. Goodwin will be joining us shortly."


    Eleanor nodded and followed him upstairs. In front of a massive circr testing tform, researchers in whiteb coats were making final preparations. Eleanor''s gaze was fixed on the precision anti-shock case in the center, which was about to be opened.


    Just then, the automatic doors to theb slid open silently.


    A tall, imposing figure entered, nked by several of Byron''s top executives. Ian had arrived.


    As soon as he appeared, the project lead approached him to report. "Mr. Goodwin, the ''Helios'' chip has arrived safely. All handover procedures areplete. We''re ready to begin testing at any time."


    She was wearing a grey suit today, her long hair pulled back neatly, revealing her smooth forehead and long neck. She put on the protective sses a staff member handed her and was now speaking with Ryan in a low voice.


    One of Byron''s engineers stood beside her, listening intently. Despite how young she was, she carried herself like a scientist who belonged at the same table as every top expert in the room.


    A look of admiration crossedn''s face, but he didn''t go over to disturb her. He took the spot front and center, radiating the quiet ease of someone who''d been in charge his whole life.


    Byron was overseeing the test. He gestured to the engineers inside the testing area, who then put on specialized gloves and began to unbox the chip.


    Eleanor''s gaze swept across the room and happened to meetn''s. Their eyes connected, and they exchanged a brief, distant nod.


    On the circr tform, the equipment hummed softly as the researchers, their excitement palpable, began the test with practiced efficiency.


    The process was tense but orderly. Data streamed across the enormous screens in real-time. When the final report was generated, the bello''s chip had not only met but exceeded all expectations.


    A collective sigh of relief went through the entire testing area. Eleanor and Ryan exchanged a look, both feeling an immense weight lifted from their shoulders.


    Eleanor stared at the wless readout on the screen, her vision blurring at the edges. The hope of saving Mansfield was now even greater.


    "Understood," Byron nodded.


    Eleanor and Ryan walked out of the testing area, still discussing the results. As they reached the grand lobby of Meridian Dynamics, she saw a ck Maybach parked at the entrance fan was standing by f


    by the


    car, apparently waiting for someone.


    Eleanor''s steps faltered for a moment before she continued toward the lobby.


    The afternoon sun was harsh, and


    she had to narrow her eyes a little as she stopped in front of him. "Thank you so much for your help with the chip. We couldn''t have done it without your unwavering Support, Eleanor said, her gratitude sincere.


    "I gave Garth my word that I would do everything in my power to save Mansfield,"


    me."


    Eleanor was taken aback by his business-like tone. She simply nodded. Regardless, the Ellington family owedn a great debt.

 Chapter 1248

    Eleanor and Ryan headed to the parking garage. Ryan had taken a cab, so he got into Eleanor''s car to ride with her to theb.


    Soon after they arrived, the chip was delivered. Eleanor and Ryan began their work, their movements tense but precise. After the first nerve-wracking test run, the chip performed perfectly, providing the processing power the neural interface required. Eleanor leaned against the table, her face a mask of calm, but inside, her heart was pounding wildly.


    Just then, her phone rang. A nce at the caller ID-Dr. MacLeod, Mansfield''s attending physician-sent a knot of dread tightening in her stomach.


    She quickly stepped out into the hallway to answer, her voice unconsciously tense. "Dr. MacLeod."


    "Miss Sutton, a short while ago, Major Ellington''s vitals showed a sharp fluctuation. There are signs of cardiopulmonary failure. We''re working to stabilize him now, but the situation is not optimistic."


    Eleanor''s knuckles turned white as she gripped the phone. She felt her blood run cold.


    "Doctor, we just got the chip¡ª" Her voice trembled slightly.


    "Where are you in the process?"


    "We justpleted the first test. The results were ideal, but¡ª" Eleanor''s voice faltered.


    "I know, but the situation is critical. I''m afraid we don''t have much time. I''ve spoken with Maxwell, and we agree. If this were to happen, we would have to use the neural interface to wake him. It''s our only hope now."


    Her heart clenched.


    "Based on his condition, we have to perform the surgery in three days. Eleanor, you need to be ready," Dr. MacLeod said before hanging up.


    Eleanor gasped for air. The chip had just been tested. The subsequent integration, calibration, and matching with Mansfield''s brain data¡ªall of thisplex work now had to bepressed into a mere seventy-two hours.


    Eleanor pressed a hand to her chest, feeling a dull ache. She forced herself to calm down, walked back into theb, and addressed Ryan and Callie. "We''re out of time. We''ve got seventy-two hours to get everything ready."


    Her voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.


    Ryan and Callie''s faces grew grim, but they nodded in agreement.


    "Eleanor, do you think you could ask Mr. Goodwin to send some engineers from Meridian Dynamics to help?" Ryan suggested.


    Eleanor nodded. They definitely


    needed more people, and Meridian Dynamics was tan''spany.


    had the top engineers at his


    disposal, but to get them, she would


    have to go through him.


    She hadn''t expected to have to keep asking him for favors, but the


    current situation left no room for


    hesitation. No matter how much she, owed him, she would have to repay himter.


    Right now, she had to ask.


    Eleanor took a deep breath, found a quiet corner, and dialedn''s number.


    He answered almost instantly. "What is it?" came his low voice.


    n," Eleanor said, using his first name. "There''s an emergency with Mansfield. The surgery has to be moved up to three days from now. We don''t have enough time. We need to start the chip integration, and calibration immediately, but we''re severely short-staffed. Could you possibly send your top engineering team from Meridian Dynamics to help us?"


    She said it all in one breath, then held it, waiting for his response.


    "Don''t panic. I''ll have Byron bring the best team over to support you right away,"n''s voice was deep and soothing, as if he could sense her desperation.


    Eleanor swallowed. "Thank you," she said.


    "Did you take your medicine today?"n suddenly asked.


    Eleanor paused. In her rush to leave this morning, she had forgotten to bring it.


    "You forgot it, didn''t you?"n guessed immediately.


    "It''s fine. I''m much better now," Eleanor insisted.

 Chapter 1249

    "You just broke your fever. You can''t be careless,"n''s tone was non-negotiable. "I''ll have Gavin Young bring your medicine over right now."


    "You really don''t have to trouble yourself¡ª" Eleanor started to refuse, her mindpletely focused on her work.


    "Eleanor,"n said, his voice dropping with a hint of frustration. "Do you want to copse before Mansfield''s surgery? If you want to save him, you need to learn to take care of yourself first."


    Eleanor was stunned into silence. She was right. She relented. "Okay. Thank you."


    It seemed all she could say to him was ''thank you.''


    "Get back to work,"n said, ending the call.


    Eleanor clutched her phone, not dwelling on it, and turned back toward theb. For the next seventy-two hours, she probably wouldn''t even be able to go home.


    At noon, the cafeteria delivered lunch to theb''s break room. Gavin also arrived with her medicine, reminding her to be sure to take it.


    Byron''s team had also arrived. Theb was a model of efficiency, with tasks clearly divided. Without needing extra instruction, both teams dove into the work, tackling one obstacle after another.


    In the evening, during a brief moment of respite, Eleanor checked her phone. A message fromn hade in: [Don''t worry about Evelyn. I''ll take good care of her. You focus on your work.]


    Eleanor stared at the message for a few seconds. She hadn''t even had a chance to think about arrangements for her daughter. She had to race against the clock for these seventy-two hours, with no time to spare for anything else.


    She replied with two words: [Thank you.]


    Then she added another message: [I appreciate all the trouble.]


    [Focus on what you need to do. I''ll take care of everything else.]


    Reading his words, she finally felt free to hurl herself into this life-or-death battle.


    This time, an indescribable emotion welled up inside her, but she had no time to examine it. Ryan called out to her, "Eleanor,e here a minute."


    Eleanor quickly put her phone away and hurried over to him.


    ***


    Late into the night, theb remained brightly lit, right through to the dawn of the third day.


    As the first rays of sunlight pierced the city''s skyline, the lights in theb finally went


    out.


    After seventy-two consecutive hours


    of sleepless, relentless work, the neural interface system, integrated with the Helios'' chip, hadpleted all preliminary testing and calibration. All indicators had met their targets.


    Eleanor''s eyes were bloodshot, and her face was pale from extreme sleep deprivation, but her gaze was exceptionally clear and bright. Her long hair was messily tied up in a bun.


    The entire team had worked without rest. The system was carefully dismantled, packaged, and escorted by a dedicated convoy to Mansfield''s hospital.


    The hospital was already on high alert. The atmosphere outside the top-security operating room was heavy with tension.


    When Eleanor arrived, she saw a familiar face: Garth Ellington. Although he held the office of Vice President, at this moment, he was just an ordinary father anxiously hoping for his son to wake up.


    He saw the equipment being escorted in and Eleanor and Ryan leading the way. He walked over to them.


    "Thank you for all your hard work," he said, his voice hoarse. He shook their hands, his eyes full of trust.


    "Mr. Ellington, we will do our absolute best," Eleanor promised solemnly.


    Just then, the sound of steady footsteps echoed from the other end of the hallway.


    His expression was grave. He nodded in acknowledgment to Garth. "Mr. Vice President."


    n, we owe you a great deal for this," Garth said, shaking his hand, his ton? sincere and filled with gratitude. "The Ellington family will not forget what you''ve done for us."


    "It was the right thing to do,"n replied humbly, before his gaze fell on Eleanor.

 Chapter 1250

    He hadn''t seen her in person over the past three days, only catching glimpses of her in theb''s corridors. Now, seeing her standing beside the enormous piece of equipment, her figure so frail and her face so pale, he noted that only her eyes remained focused and determined.


    Principal Maxwell arrived. He shook Garth''s hand, exchanged a few words, and then gestured for Eleanor''s team to enter.


    Inside the operating room, Eleanor and Ryan performed their final checks. When Mansfield''s bed was wheeled in, Eleanor did her best not to look at him. Seeing his gaunt figure would make her lose control of her emotions, and right now, what she needed most was to be calm.


    The lights in the operating room were cold and blinding, bleaching every shadow out of the room.


    Mansfieldy quietly on the operating table, his face pale and thin. The faint, steady blips on the monitor beside him were the only proof that he was still hanging on.


    A tiny chip had already been imnted in his brain. Principal Maxwell looked at Eleanor. "Eleanor, are you ready?"


    Eleanor nodded, finally allowing her gaze to rest on the peacefully sleeping Mansfield. She took several deep breaths, her hands covered in sterile gloves, and exchanged a look with Ryan.


    "Commencing system integration," Eleanor''s voice announced, calm and steady.


    Theplex neural interface device was connected to the imnt in Mansfield''s head. On therge screen, a massive amount of brainwave data and chip feedback began to scroll by.


    Eleanor''s eyes were glued to the screen, her fingers flying across the control console as she issued a constant stream of adjustmentmands.


    The operating room was eerily silent. Everyone held their breath.


    This was a test of a cutting-edge medical technology. Would it work? Could it break through the limits of traditional treatment?


    Time ticked by, second by agonizing second.


    The tension in the room was almost thick enough to touch. In the observation area, Garth''s hands were clenched into tight fists, his eyes glistening with tears as he stared at his son, his expression one of a father''s most desperate hope.


    Suddenly, the brainwave patterns on the screen changed dramatically After a burst of chaotic fluctuations, they began to settle into a strange rhythmic pulse.


    "We have a response," Ryan whispered, his voice tight with suppressed excitement.


    Eleanor''s own heart began to pound. She focused even more intently, guiding the system through its final stabilization sequence.


    Just then, on the operating table, Mansfield''s fingers, whichy still at his side, twitched almost imperceptibly.


    "Major Ellington''s fingers moved!" Dr. MacLeod eximed in a hushed, thrilled voice.


    Then, as everyone watched, transfixed, Mansfield''s eyshes, which had been still for three months, fluttered.


    One second, two, three...Seven secondster¡ª


    §Ö§ä


    Mansfield''s heavy eyelids slowly, arduously, opened a sliver. At first, his gaze was unfocused but then he blinked, and as he opened them again, everyone held their breath.


    "Mansfield!" Outside the operating room, Garth could no longer contain himself. Tears streamed down his face as he cried out his son''s name.


    They had done it.


    The neural interface procedure was a sess.


    A wave of immense joy and relief washed over everyone in the operating room.


    However, in that moment of collective euphoria, Eleanor, who had been holding herself together by sheer will, suddenly swayed.


    The seventy-two hours of non-stop,


    high-intensity work, the sudden


    ine


    release of extreme tension, and the


    emotional impact of seeing


    Mansfield wake up-


    It was all too much. Her exhausted body finally gave out, and she began to fall.


    "Eleanor!" Ryan, who was closest to her, reached out to catch her.


    At the same moment, in the observation room,n, who had been watching her intently, was already moving toward the door.

 Chapter 1251

    As Ryan carried Eleanor to the door,n smoothly took her into his arms.


    "Ryan, it''s on you from here," Ian entrusted to him.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Eleanor is exhausted. You should get her to a room to rest as soon as possible," Ryan said.


    Garth hurried over, his voice filled with concern. n, get Eleanor to a room now."


    "Doctor, quickly, take a look at her."


    A doctor immediately came to check on Eleanor, hooking her up to various monitors to check her heart rate and blood pressure.


    "From the looks of it, Dr. Sutton has just fainted from physical exhaustion. We''ll start an IV drip immediately and let her rest quietly."


    He, too, had holed himself up in theb without rest, ultimately suffering a sudden heart attack from which he couldn''t be revived at the hospital.


    Now, that same familiar, suffocating feeling of helplessness and panic washed over him again, even stronger than before.


    She and her father were so alike¡ªjust as dedicated, just as stubborn, willing to give everything for their goals, even if it meant pushing their bodies to the breaking point.


    Was history about to repeat itself right before his eyes?


    Later, Principal Maxwell came to check on Eleanor himself. Seeingn sitting by the bed with a heavy expression, he offered somefort. "Ian, don''t worry. She just needs to rest."


    Principal Maxwell let out a long sigh. "He''s awake. All his vitals are good." "Her efforts weren''t in vain,"n said, his eyes on the pale woman in the bed. "No, they weren''t. She''s created a medical miracle," Principal Maxwell said with emotion. Her work would bring hope to many simr cases in the future.


    Noticing how tightlyn held


    Eleanor''s hand and the worry etched between his brows, Principal


    Maxwell sighed to himself. It w?


    though though


    obvious to him that evelings for


    they were divorced, dan''s divorcedn''s


    Eleanor were still there.


    He didn''t say more, simply pattingn''s shoulder gently. "I''m going to check on Mansfield. You take good care of her."


    After Principal Maxwell left, the room fell silent again, punctuated only by the rhythmic beeping of the monitoring equipment.


    Over in Mansfield''s room, Principal Maxwell informed everyone of the situation but omitted the part abou


    Eleanor copsing, fearing the news Eleanor might be too much of a shock for Mansfield given their rtionship.


    Garth, dressed in sterile scrubs, walked in and sat by the bed. Mansfield''s hoarse voice called out, "Dad."


    The single word brought tears to Garth''s eyes. He nodded repeatedly. "You''re awake. That''s all that matters."


    Mansfield''s gaze moved across


    everyone in the room. He didn''t see Eleanor, and a look of confusion and disappointment crossed his face


    Then his eyes fell on


    fell on the


    massive


    piece of equipment next to him. He blinked.


    "That''s the brainputer interface device," Principal Maxwell told him.


    "Eleanor''s research." A faint, gratified smile appeared on Mansfield''s face before he seemed to realize something. With difficulty, he asked, "Did she... copse from exhaustion?"

 Chapter 1252

    Mansfield watched as Principal Maxwell and his father fell silent. The others in the room averted their gazes. His heart sank. He had guessed correctly.


    A sharp pang of concern and urgency shot through him. He struggled to sit up. "Where is she? I need to see her."


    "Mansfield, don''t get agitated. You just woke up. You''re still very weak," Garth said, rushing forward to hold him down.


    "Mansfield, lie down," Principal Maxwell urged.


    "Dad, just let me see her. Just for a moment," Mansfield''s voice was hoarse but unyieldingly firm. His newly opened eyes were filled with pleading.


    Principal Maxwell and Garth exchanged a look. They both knew Mansfield''s stubborn nature. Finally, Principal Maxwell sighed. "Alright. But you can only look from the outside. Eleanor needs absolute quiet."


    A nurse brought a wheelchair, and they carefully moved him into it. Principal Maxwell himself pushed him out of the room. Mansfield covered his mouth and let out a light cough; his body was indeed still very weak.


    They went down the quiet corridor to a room with arge ss observation window. Through it, Mansfield could see inside.


    Under the soft light, Eleanory quietly in the hospital bed, an IV drip in the back of her hand. Beside the bed,n sat with his back to the window. He was holding Eleanor''s other hand, pressing it to his forehead.


    The sight made Principal Maxwell tense up, and he nervously nced at Mansfield, afraid he might have a strong reaction.


    Mansfield looked at the sleeping Eleanor and also noticed the exhaustion and worry etched onn''s face.


    Inside the room,n''s attention waspletely focused on Eleanor, oblivious to the eyes watching from outside.


    Mansfield''s face, thin and somewhat gaunt, appeared remarkably calm in the light. There was no jealousy, only aplex understanding.


    Though he didn''t know the details of how Eleanor had woken him, he knew thatn had provided all the funding for her research.


    Now, looking at the scene through the ss, he suddenly understood that some bonds couldn''t be severed by a piece of paper.


    That man was still deeply in love with her.


    Mansfield watched quietly for a moment longer, then gently raised a hand, signaling for Principal Maxwell to wheel him away.


    He didn''t want to disturb them.


    On the way back to his room, he leaned back in the wheelchair and slowly closed his eyes. A mix of emotions churned within him-he felt a gang of heartache for all Eleanor had done, but there was also a sense of resigned finality.


    In truth, the moment he had decided to go on that rescue mission, he had already made his choice.


    He loved Eleanor. His feelings were genuine and profound. But because he loved her, he was keenly aware that the path he had chosen was fraught with danger and long separations.


    He couldn''t give her a stable, secure future. He couldn''t be by her side like a normal


    partner, and he certainly couldn''t guarantee he woulde back alive every time.


    He couldn''t be so selfish as to bind


    her to a rtionship filled with waiting and worry. She deserved


    someone who could give her Stability and happiness, someone who could protect her at all times.


    And that person was clearly not him.


    Seeingn by Eleanor''s bedside, though it caused a slight ache in his chest, made him hope for a more stable future for her.


    He was helped back into his bed by a nurse. Everyone else left, leaving only Garth and Dr. MacLeod with him.

 Chapter 1253

    Mansfield stared up at the ceiling, his vision blurring as love, guilt, and a stubborn reluctance all tangled in his chest.


    It was the final word on a love that could never be.


    From now on, he would step back into the role of a friend. Whether she pursued her career or found love, he would sincerely wish her the best.


    Later, Mansfield was taken for more detailed examinations to ensure all his bodily functions were recovering steadily.


    Ten minutester, Garth took a call. Afterward, he went to Eleanor''s room. He stood at the door for a moment before his assistant knocked lightly.


    "Mr. Vice President,"n said respectfully.


    "Ian, thank you for your hard work." Garth''s expression was sincere and heavy. "There''s an urgent matter in Kingston I must return to immediately. I''m not worried about Mansfield with Principal Maxwell and Dr. MacLeod here, but Eleanor..."


    He nced back into the room, his eyes filled with a paternal affection, and sighed. "She truly gave her all for Mansfield this time."


    "The doctor said she''s just exhausted. She''ll be fine with some rest,"n said in a low voice.


    Garth looked back atn, his tone formal and full of trust. "After I leave, I''ll have to trouble you with Eleanor. Please, take good care of her."


    He paused, his voice growing more earnest and powerful. "The Ellington family is deeply indebted to you and Eleanor. We will never forget what you''ve done."


    Coming from a man of his position and power, the words carried immense weight.


    This acknowledgment and


    fot


    friendship from the Ellington family, from the Vice President himself was an unspoken promise of support his future, but it also ced a heavier responsibility on his shoulders.


    Garth looked at him deeply, his appreciation for the young man''s character and perspective growing He nodded, said no more, and gaven''s hand a firm shake before~ turning to leave, nked by his entourage.


    The room was quiet, filled with the rhythmic beeping of the machines and the sound of Eleanor''s shallow breathing.


    He reached out and once again took the hand thaty outside the covers, feeling the warmth returning to her palm.


    Just then, Eleanor stirred in her sleep.


    He thought she was waking up.


    Panic surged through him, mixed with the guilt of someone caught stealing.


    He knew Eleanor disliked his touch. If she were awake, she would never want him holding her hand like this.


    Fortunately, Eleanor merely frowned in her sleep before settling back into a deep slumber, showing no signs of waking.


    This stolen moment of closeness, while she was unaware, was something he craved, yet he was constantly terrified of her rejection.

 Chapter 1254

    It had been like that for a while.


    ***


    After more than an hour of detailed examinations, Mansfield was brought back to his room. His condition was better than expected, thanks to his formidable physical constitution, but he still needed plenty of rest to recover.


    Principal Maxwell advised him to get some sleep, but he was wide awake. He pointed to a chair. "Mr. Maxwell, please sit."


    Looking at him, Principal Maxwell knew he wanted to know what had happened while he was unconscious.


    He had watched Mansfield grow up and felt a deep affection for him.


    "Mr. Maxwell, can you tell me what happened after I lost consciousness?" Mansfield asked.


    Principal Maxwell nodded, his tone calm and serious. "Yes, there are some things I think you should know."


    Mansfield leaned against the headboard, his face pale but his eyes clear andposed. "Go ahead, Mr. Maxwell."


    "A lot has happened in the three months you were out," Principal Maxwell began. "First, your father. He was under immense pressure, but he never gave up on you. He used every resource at his disposal to find a cure for you."


    Mansfield''s eyes grew slightly red. He had never doubted his father''s love.


    "Second, there''s Eleanor." Principal Maxwell''s tone was filled with admiration and concern. "That girl practically worked herself to death to save you. She poured all her energy into the brainputer interface project, oveing countless technical hurdles Just three days ago, she and her team pulled three days of nonstop work with almost no sleep to get everything ready while you were crashing."


    Mansfield listened in silence, his chest knotting so hard it actually hurt.


    He could almost picture Eleanor in theb, forgetting to eat or sleep. The debt he owed her was too heavy.


    Principal Maxwell watched him, gauging his ability to handle the information, and continued, "There''s one more person you should know aboutn, Eleanor''s ex- husband."


    Mansfield looked up, listening intently.


    "From the very beginning, this project faced enormous controversy and financial pressure. It wasn who, against all opposition, invested a massive amount of money to get it started and keep it running. At the same time, he supplied the hospital with thetest monitoring equipment to record detailed data on your brain activity."


    Principal Maxwell paused and took a deep breath. "Most critically, we urgently needed the ''Helios'' chip. It''s a new, cutting-edge product from a foreign techpany. It''s incredibly expensive, and the procurement


    process is extryplex Through normal channels, it would have taken at least a year. Butn used his private jet and his business connections to have the chip flown in within three days. Without that chip, the oue-"


    Even though Principal Maxwell didn''t finish, Mansfield knew. Without that chip imnted in his brain, he never would have woken up.


    He was alive because of thebined efforts ofn, Eleanor, and their team.


    Principal Maxwell looked at Mansfield, his tone grave. "Mansfield, your recovery is thanks to Eleanor''s brilliance, perseverance, and sacrifice. It''s also thanks to the path paved byn''s resources, wealth, and connections. The two of them were both indispensable."


    Mansfield listened in silence, every word from Principal Maxwell branding itself onto his heart.

 Chapter 1255

    He had been on the brink of death, and these two people and their teams had fought to give him a chance at life.


    The debt was heavier than a mountain.


    He slowly closed his eyes, suppressing the storm of emotions inside him. "I understand, Mr. Maxwell. Thank you for telling me all this."


    ***


    Eleanor awoke from another startling nightmare.


    Like a drowning person suddenly breaking the surface, she gasped for air and shot upright.


    "Is he awake? Is Mansfield awake?" she asked, grabbing his arm, her voice hoarse and desperate.


    A dull ache spread through his chest for a few seconds before he quickly took her hand in his, his grip firm and reassuring. His voice was low and gentle. "He''s awake."


    Seeing the uncertainty still in her eyes, he continued, "He''s fully conscious and in stable condition."


    Eleanor let out a huge sigh of relief. She took several deep breaths. She knew their rescue n had been cobbled together at thest minute; she hadn''t been fully prepared, and every step had been a race against time. A single mistake could have cost Mansfield his life.


    Now, hearing that he had sessfully woken up, the nerve that had been stretched taut for so long finally ckened.


    An overwhelming wave of relief and residual fear washed over her, leaving her feeling weak. Her body swayed slightly.


    Pushed back against the pillows, Eleanor felt too dizzy to even argue. She closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again.


    Her delicate eyshes fluttered weakly like a butterfly''s wings. Her face was drained of color, butter lips were flushed from how hard she was breathing.


    They parted slightly as she tried to catch her breath.


    Eleanor''s vulnerable expression and


    her red lips were like a rose blooming in the snow, a silent temptation that pulled at the


    deepest desires within him.


    A powerful, unexpected impulse swept through him¡ªhe wanted to kiss her.


    The thought was so swift and intense that his breathing instantly grew heavier. His throat went tight, the words sticking on the way out.


    But he knew he couldn''t.


    Right now, Eleanor was ecstatic over another man''s recovery. She was longing for another man.


    Eleanor blinked, oblivious to his


    thoughts. She slowly sat up again and ran a hand through her messy hair realizing it was tangled, and probably greasy, after three


    sleepless days.


    She began tob through it with her fingers in frustration, trying to make herself look a little more presentable.


    tried to fix her hair, as if she was very concerned about her appearance.


    That realization was like a tiny thorn pricking his newly calmed heart.


    *Is she getting ready to see her man?*

 Chapter 1256

    *Does she want to look her best for him?*


    A mix of self-mockery and bitterness crept into his heart.


    "Don''t worry. I''m sure he thinks you look beautiful no matter what," Ian scoffed lightly.


    Eleanor froze, her hand still in her hair. She pressed her lips together but said nothing.


    "Do you need to go home and take a shower before you see him?"n asked suddenly.


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, that''s not necessary."


    A self-mocking smile touchedn''s lips. "That''s how much his opinion of you matters?"


    Eleanor was taken aback. She did want to look nice, but that was just a woman''s natural vanity.


    "Thank you for watching over me. You should go home and rest," she said, noticing the red veins in his eyes. It looked like he had also pulled several all-nighters.


    "I can handle it,"n replied, sitting back down.


    "Have you seen my phone?" she asked.


    She quietly slipped out of bed and put on her shoes, clearly eager to see Mansfield.


    Once her shoes were on, Eleanor gently pulled her arm away. "Thank you."


    "Say something else,"n said, a sudden flicker of anger in his eyes. He didn''t want to hear her polite ''thank you'' anymore.


    Eleanor looked at him, surprised. She swallowed. "Well then... I appreciate it?"


    A look of frustration and helplessness crossedn''s face. He stared at her intently


    for a few seconds before letting out a barely audible sigh.


    His gaze made Eleanor feel uneasy. She instinctively looked away and mumbled, "I''m going to go see him."


    With that, she turned and left.


    away. The dull ache in his chest


    returned with a vengeance. He closed his eyes, suppressing the bitterness but ultimately, his concern won out. He followed her.


    Eleanor found out which room Mansfield was in and headed over.


    When she arrived, she saw him through the ss window. He was propped up in bed, talking with Principal Maxwell. Though he was thin and pale, his eyes were bright. He was definitely awake.


    Eleanor didn''t go in right away. Just seeing that he was safe was enough for now.


    She hadpleted her mission. She had woken him up.


    This was the best possible oue, the one she had risked everything for.


    Suddenly, Mansfield sensed someone behind the window. He looked up, and his eyes met Eleanor''s.


    His pupils widened in pleasant surprise. "Eleanor," he breathed.


    Eleanor smiled and pushed the door open, greeting Principal Maxwell first. "Principal Maxwell."


    "Ah, well, I''ll let these old bones get some exercise. You two young people have a good chat!" Principal Maxwell said, stretching as he walked out.


    Eleanor sat down in a chair on the other side of the bed and looked at Mansfield, studying his condition His pate, thin appearance reminded her of hown had looked when he woke up ten years ago.


    But as long as he was awake, he would recover.


    "Mr. Maxwell told me everything you did for me. Thank you, Eleanor," Mansfield


    said, his voice hoarse and filled with immense gratitude.


    Looking at him, Eleanor''s tired face broke into a relieved smile. "As long as you''re awake, it was all worth it."


    Mansfield noticed the dark circles


    under her eyes, and a wave of indescribable tenderness and


    gratitude washed over him. Just then, his gaze drifted to the silent figure standing outside the window.


    He took a deep breath, trying to make his tone light. "I owe you so much. I''m afraid


    I''ll never be able to repay you."


    "You took a knife for me and saved my life. Consider us even," Eleanor replied with a gentle smile.

 Chapter 1257

    Mansfield looked at her sincerely. "I''m truly grateful that you saved me, but I need you to understand that your health and safety are just as important to me."


    Eleanor knew he was referring to her copsing from exhaustion. She smiled. "You think I''m that fragile? It was just three sleepless nights. I''m young, what''s there to be afraid of?"


    Outside the room,n leaned against the hallway wall. Through the ss, he


    watched the two of them talk. He couldn''t hear what they were saying, but he could see the smile on Eleanor''s face and the gentle way Mansfield gazed at her.


    The meaning was obvious.


    Inside, Mansfield''s expression shifted to one of apology and guilt. "Eleanor, there''s something I have to apologize for, and something I have to confess."


    Eleanor paused, looking at him seriously. "What is it?"


    "Myst mission wasn''t a military exercise. I was sent to a high-risk zone to rescue my brothers. It was wrong of me not to tell you before I left."


    Eleanor already knew. The moment she heard he had been brought back unconscious, she understood how dangerous his mission had been.


    "I know. You don''t have to apologize," she reassured him.


    Mansfield shook his head, as if he''d made up his mind. "After this experience, there are things I have to make clear to you. Eleanor... I''m sorry, but I''m afraid I have to let you down."


    Eleanor''s face showed a flicker of surprise. She hadn''t expected him to say that.


    Mansfield looked at her, then lowered his head in guilt. "After everything you''ve done for me, I shouldn''t be saying something so hurtful. But I can''t selfishly hurt you even more. My future, my career... it''s all full of uncertainty and danger. I was lucky enough to wake up this time, but I can''t guarantee I''ll be so lucky next time."


    His gaze drifted to the faint silhouette in the hallway outside. "You deserve someone better," he said sincerely. "Someone who can always be by your side, not someone like me who can''t even keep a single promise."


    Eleanor knew he was referring to their first date, which he had missed.


    She looked at him, her expression not one of sadness or disappointment as he''d expected, but one of calm understanding.


    She sighed softly and met his guilty eyes. Her voice was gentle but clear. "Mansfield, you don''t need to feel sorry Actually there''s something I''ve been wanting to say to you, t?e."


    Mansfield looked at her.


    fet


    Eleanor continued, "When you took that knife for me, you saved my life. I''ll always be grateful for that. But feelings... they''re about more than just datitude and being moved My Career, and Evelyn they take up most of my life. I probably... couldn''t give you aplete rtionship either."


    fe, my


    ine


    She looked up, her eyes honest and apologetic. "My life is already filled with work and my daughter. The time and energy I have left for a rtionship is bound to be wouldn''t be fair to you. So, maybe I''m the one who should be apologizing."


    Mansfield was stunned. He never expected to hear this from her.


    So it wasn''t just him letting go. They both had their own realities to face.


    She had responsibilities and a child she couldn''t set aside, and he couldn''t give her the stability andpanionship she deserved.


    In that moment, they looked at each other not with regret, but with a mutual


    understanding and a sense of shared relief.


    And between them, a deep, pure friendship remained.


    Mansfield smiled. "In that case, Eleanor, let''s be friends who''ve been through life and death together."


    "Okay," Eleanor smiled back, a weight lifting from her as well. "Friends who''ve been through life and death together."


    Outside the room,n them smile at each other, and a heart sank, bit by bit, to the very bottom.


    It was time for him to let go.

 Chapter 1258

    Though her face was still tinged with fatigue, her color had returned. Clearly, Mansfield''s recovery had thrilled her.


    Watching someone you care aboute back from the edge is better than any treatment in the world.


    Eleanor sawn still sitting in the corridor and frowned slightly. Why hadn''t he left?


    As she approached,n stood up and spoke first. "How is he?"


    "He''s recovering well, better than expected," Eleanor answered calmly.


    Eleanor was a bit surprised. "When did you decide this?"


    She hadn''t heard anything about it from her daughter.


    The implication was clear: even if she wasn''t working, taking care of Mansfield would keep her busy enough.


    Before Eleanor could respond,n''s gaze fell on her. "Do you want to...e with us? Or... would you rather spend more time with him?"


    Eleanor thought about it seriously. She really couldn''t get away. Wrapping up the project was important, and she didn''t have the energy for a trip anyway. She shook her head. "You guys go ahead. I can''t get away." Then she added, "I''m fine with Evelyn going with you. It''ll be good for her to get out and have some fun."


    Her answer was exactly whatn had expected. A flicker of disappointment, almost imperceptible, crossed his eyes.


    She chose to stay. Was it for work, or to be by Mansfield''s side every moment?


    He figured it was thetter. They had only just started their rtionship when Mansfield was deployed Now, that he was finally awake, it was natural for the young couple to want to be close.


    she


    Even when he was won bisp


    would insist on curling up in bisp like a clingy kitten.


    The memory made his heart ache. Though the Eleanor of today was more reserved, her core nature was still gentle and thoughtful.


    "Alright,"n nodded, his face unreadable. "We''ll be gone for about a week. Take care of yourself. Eat on time, and don''t get so busy that you neglect everything else."


    Eleanor was taken aback. When hadn learned to be so caring? That wasn''t like him at all.


    "Thank you for your concern," she said, maintaining her polite distance.


    "Are you heading home? I can give you a ride,"n asked.


    "No, I''m staying here for a while. I need to meet up with Ryan," she said, clearly not wanting to go with him.


    She didn''t want to go with him. She wanted to stay here. The reason was painfully obvious He stared at her, making her feer uneasy. Just then, her phone rang. She ne


    the screen and stepped aside t answer it. "Hello, Ryan."


    at


    "He''s awake, and his condition is better than expected," Eleanor said, her voice filled with excitement.


    The pair of eyes behind her remained fixed on her. The faint possibility he had harbored, the hope he hadn''t dared to voice, was now, at this very moment,ing to a definitive end.

 Chapter 1259

    She seemed to just realize he was still there. Ryan was talking in her ear, and she didn''t have a moment to spare for him.


    A single thought echoed in his mind.


    *She belongs to someone else now. It''s time to kill any lingering hope.*


    Eleanor nced over her shoulder at his retreating figure heading toward the elevators, a slight frown on her face. But her thoughts were quickly consumed by what Ryan was saying.


    After the call, she saw that Dr. MacLeod was still in the room talking with Mansfield, the examination finished. She knocked lightly and entered. Dr. MacLeod greeted her with a look of pure admiration. "Eleanor, this is all thanks to you!"


    "It wasn''t just me. It was the whole team," Eleanor replied, then, thinking ofn, she added, "Andn''s considerable help."


    Mansfield looked up. "Is he still here? I want to thank him personally."


    Eleanor shook her head. "He had something to do and left. Maybe next time."


    Mansfield nodded. Having just woken up, his energy was low, and a wave of drowsiness was hitting him. Seeing this, Dr. MacLeod said, "Eleanor, let''s let him get some rest."


    Eleanor nodded and said to Mansfield, "I''m heading back to theb. Call me anytime if you need anything."


    Mansfield gave her a warm smile. "You''re exhausted too. Make sure you rest after you''re done."


    "I will," Eleanor smiled back. Both of them felt a sense of ease. They had been honest with each other. Being friends instead of lovers felt right.


    ***


    Back in his car,n shut the door. The calm facade on his face crumbled, leaving


    only deep exhaustion. The pain in his dark eyes was unmistakable.


    He took out his phone and, without a moment''s hesitation, dialed Gavin.


    "Mr. Goodwin."


    "Find a


    myfotspring resort. I''m taking


    my family on a week-long trip Aranget for as soon as possible: We leave this afternoon." >


    He needed to get away from here. Now. Immediately.


    iet


    He needed space, distance, to be somewhere he couldn''t see anything rted to Eleanor and Mansfield He had to force himself to extinguish this foolish hope once and for all.


    "Yes, Mr. Goodwin. There''s a high-end hot spring resort that opened in Lummova City two years ago. Would that work?" Gavik asked cautiously.


    After working forn for so long, he could read his boss''s mood from his tone of voice.


    And right now, his boss sounded like he was in a very bad mood.


    "Fine,"n replied curtly.


    "Understood. I''ll take care of it right away." Gavin didn''t dare ask any more questions and immediately got to work.


    After hanging up,n rubbed his brow. A sudden throbbing pain started in his temples.


    He decided to exile himself, using physical distance to sever thisst, desperate wish.


    Ian then called home to tell them the n. On the other end, Gina Quinn was surprised. n, why so sudden?"


    "Mom, I happen to have some free time, so I thought I''d take you all to rx,"n answered smoothly.


    "Alright, then! I''ll have someone pack our bags right away. It would be good for Evelyn to get out and rx."


    Serena Goodwin was also delighted and immediately called Joslyn to pack Evelyn''s clothes for her to pick up.


    At seven that evening, a private jet lifted off from the airport, soaring into the sky.

 Chapter 1260

    Eleanor was at theb, handling the final stages of the project. Without the crushing time pressure, she, Ryan, and Callie could calmly organize the data.


    Later, Joel Kingsley also came to help, mostly with the physical tasks. He had heard from Callie that Eleanor had fainted and thatn had been the one to take care of her. He wanted to show his concern but decided to hold back for now.


    Joel didn''t want to cause any more unnecessary misunderstandings. Perhaps his presence had already created a significant misunderstanding in Eleanor andn''s marriage.


    The thought had filled Joel with guilt for the past few days. He wasn''t usually a perceptive person, but now, thinking back onn''s initial attitude toward him, he realized it had been the unmistakable animosity one shows a rival.


    This prompted him to look back at his chat history with Eleanor from four years ago. Eleanor had deleted hers, but Joel''s was still there.


    Joel was stacking several thick files for Eleanor. He dusted off his hands and walked over to her. "Eleanor-"


    Eleanor looked up from herputer screen. "What is it, Joel?"


    "About our chat history from back then... you deleted it all, didn''t you? Ifn knew we were talking at the time, do you think he might have suspected you of cheating, too?"


    Joel''s question broke the still surface of Eleanor''s thoughts. Her fingers paused over the keyboard as she frowned, trying to remember.


    "The chat history... yes, I did delete it all," she recalled. "As for whether he suspected anything... he never talked to me about it."


    But in thest two years of their marriage,n had definitely grown colder. Before that, he would at least be discreet about his charade with Vanessa Shannon. But in those final two years, he started taking Vanessa''s calls right in front of her, sometimes even speaking in an intimate tone.


    Could it be... he was doing it on purpose for her to see?


    Could he have known she was talking to Joel back then? Even though most of their conversations were academic discussions, a man as proud and sharp asn would certainly have been bothered if he knew.


    So he chose silence, punishing her with an even colder indifference?


    "I went back and looked at our chat history, and Joel sighed. "It''s my fault, I didn''t realize at the time what kind of trouble it would cause your marriage. And after I returned and joined theb, Mr. Goodwin was definitely hostile toward me, like a rival."


    Eleanor frowned. "He was hostile toward you?"


    Joel was an oblivious guy. At the time, he hadn''t thought of it as hostility, but looking back, he realized it had been a clear warning.


    "Remember when I told you your mother''s sample was withn?" Joel walked over


    to her desk, leaning his hands on it as he looked back. "Ian called me personally that day."


    "What did he say?" Eleanor wasn''t particrly curious, but Joel seemed so troubled that she wanted to help him find some closure.


    Joel''s memory was sharp. "He


    warned me not to tell you any more details about our coboration, to avoid unnecessary


    misunderstandings. He also told me to focus on my research and not to pay excessive attention to another man''s wife, lest my own reputation suffer."


    Eleanor remembered that incident. Ian had also demanded that Joel kick her out of theb.


    "Looking at it now, whatn said


    1.n


    back then wasn''t a judgment on your character. He was intentionally trying to stop us from working together," Joel said. He remembered how an had angrily called Eleanor unprofessional, but he now realized the true intent was to keep her out of theb and away from him.


    It was just that Joel, lost in his world of academia, had only just now put the pieces together.


    "Joel, it''s all in the past. There''s no need to dwell on it," Eleanor said, trying tofort him.


    Even if that had been a contributing factor, it was all over now. If, back then, they had been able tomunicate as openly as she and Mansfield just had,ying their misunderstandings bare, perhaps things wouldn''t have ended the way they did.

 Chapter 1261

    Joel''s guilt deepened. "I''m sorry, Eleanor. I never expected this... I just found our discussions so insightful back then, I didn''t consider how it might affect your marriage."


    "It wasn''t your fault, Joel." Eleanor shook her head. "The problems were already there between us. Poormunication, ack of trust... it''s all in the past now."


    Even if it hadn''t been Joel, there was still Vanessa Shannon. At the time,n Goodwin was unwilling to be open about his rtionship with Vanessa, and she would have ended up just as embittered.


    Of course, Eleanor did recall a few times whenn had tried to exin, but by then, she no longer wanted to hear any of it. She was sure that even if he had exined back then, nothing would have changed.


    Given her capabilities at the time, upon learning about her daughter''s potential gic condition, she might have divorced him even faster to make way for Vanessa, allowingn to maintain his connection to Vanessa as a donor.


    Seeing Joel''s remorseful expression, Eleanor got up and walked over to pat his shoulder. "Joel, don''t dwell on it. It really wasn''t your fault."


    Joel sighed and looked up at Eleanor, a deeply hidden secret held tight in his heart.


    The truth was, when he first learned of Eleanor''s unhappiness, he had developed feelings for her. After all, the real reason he had returned to the country was because of her.


    Eleanor might not have known, but he was suren knew everything.


    As for Eleanor joining theb,n must have approached Dr. Lyman privately. However, the theoretical foundation for theb was Eleanor''s own proposal.


    So, even ifn had talked to Dr. Lyman, it would have been impossible to kick Eleanor out.


    "Ellie, do you think... if it hadn''t been for me, would you two not have..." Joel looked at Eleanor, specting.


    "We would have," Eleanor said, looking at him. "We still would have gotten divorced."


    She was certain of that.


    Joel suddenly looked at her with curiosity. "How did you end up falling forn in the first ce? If you don''t mind me asking."


    In the quiet office, Eleanor hadn''t expected Joel to be curious about that. It had been


    a long time since she had thought about her past withn.


    "His father''s attending physician was


    my dad. Fused to go to my dad''s


    him


    office after school to keep i


    that''s how met him Eleanor said, involuntarily drifting


    into her memories.


    At neen,n already had that polished, untouchable rich-kid aura, calm and self-possessed in a way that didn''t match his age, to her seventeen-year-old self, he was the kind of man you couldn''t quite figure out but couldn''t look away from, all cool distance and quiet pull.


    Eleanor, in the first blush of love, couldn''t help but want to get closer to him, to know him. One time, after his father''s condition turned critical, she ran inton on a secluded balcony.


    He stood with his back to the hallway, shoulders shaking, but without a sound. An unshakable aura of grief and despair surrounded him.


    When he turned around, Eleanor''s heart pounded. She fumbled to pull out a clean handkerchief, awkwardly stuffed it into his hand, and then turned and fled.


    Heter returned the handkerchief to her, washed and clean. He was still cold and unapproachable, like someone from a different, higher world.


    But Eleanor had seen his vulnerability. Combined with the purest flutterings of a young girl''s heart, it made her fall for himpletely.


    Joel waited for her to continue, but Eleanor''s gaze flickered. "That was all a long time ago. It''s better not to bring it up."


    Joel felt a touch of disappointment but didn''t press further. Seeing her clear reluctance to talk about it, he knew that while the beginning of that story might have been sweety the ending had been painful.

 Chapter 1262

    "Alright, if you don''t want to talk about it, I won''t ask." Joel changed the subject. "It''s gettingte. Let me give you a ride home. I have to run an errand near your ce anyway."


    Eleanor knew the errand was just an excuse; his concern was real.


    "Joel, I can drive."


    "You passed out at the hospital today, you''ve been up night after night, and it''s already pushing ten. You expect me to feelfortable letting you go home alone?" Joel''s protective instincts were clear.


    "Okay, thank you." Eleanor epted his kindness.


    As they walked to the parking lot, the early summer night air was cool and refreshing. A bright moon hung overhead, casting their shadows long on the pavement.


    Inside the car, Joel started the engine and drove smoothly out of theboratory campus.


    Eleanor really did feel lighter; everything that had been weighing on her, work, family, even her tangled love life, seemed to ease off at once.


    She could finally go home and get a good night''s sleep.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. She picked it up and saw it was fromn.


    [Still busy? Are you home yet?]


    Eleanor stared at the message without moving. Joel asked curiously, "Is that from Mr. Goodwin?"


    "He took Evelyn to a hot springs resort," Eleanor replied softly.


    "Eleanor, after the Neural Interface Project isplete, have you thought about taking a break? You haven''t had a proper rest in two years," Joel asked her.


    Eleanor thought for a moment. "As long as the work proceeds smoothly, I won''t be too tired."


    Joel smiled helplessly. "I should have known you wouldn''t want to rest."


    At that moment, another message notification chimed. It wasn again. [Evelyn wants to video chat. Is now a good time?]


    Before Eleanor could respond, a video call came through. Knowing her daughter''s impatience, she immediately epted. Sure enough, her daughter''s face filled the screen as she eximed, "Mommy, I just finished at the hot springs! They had these tiny fish that tickled my feet!"


    Looking at her daughter''s rosy cheeks, Eleanor''s eyes softened. "Is that so? Did you have fun?"


    "So much fun! It''s great here." As Evelyn''s camera wobbled, she noticed the car in the background. "Mommy, are you driving?"


    "No, Mommy''s not driving. I''m in Mr. Kingsley''s car," Eleanor replied.


    "Oh, okay! Mommy, you shoulde with us to the hot springs next time! I want to go with you."


    "Of course. When Mommy''s not so busy, I''ll take you," Eleanor promised.


    Just then, a man''s voice came through from the other end. "Still out thiste?"


    It wasn''s question.


    Anyone perceptive could detect the displeasure in his tone, including the now- enlightened Joel.


    Joel immediately nced at Eleanor, who was replying, "Yes, I''m on my way home." The screen shifted, showing Evelyn nestled in her father''s arms, the camera aimed at his firm jawline. "The wrap-up work isn''t urgent. Don''t work thiste again."


    "Mommy, can I say hi to Mr. Kingsley?" Evelyn asked.


    Eleanor turned the phone toward Joel. They were at a red light, and Joel smiled at the camera. "Good evening, Evelyn!"


    "Mr. Kingsley, thank you for taking my mom home," Evelyn said politely. However, the camera panned up, revealingn''s grim expression. He said to Joel Dr Kingsley, thank you for the trouble at thiste hour."


    Joel maintained a polite smile. "No trouble at all. It''s my pleasure."


    Evelyn obediently said goodbye, and the call was disconnected.


    As Joel pressed the elerator, he couldn''t help but ask Eleanor, "Was Mr. Goodwin jealous?"


    Eleanor turned to him and retorted, "Why would he be jealous?"


    Joel was taken aback. That was true. They were divorced;n no longer had the right to be jealous.


    Still, he had clearly sensed the displeasure inn''s voice. He was bothered by the fact that Joel was driving Eleanor home sote.


    However, Joel was very clear about his rtionship with Eleanor: they were colleagues, good friends, and confidants for life.


    He wouldn''t cross that line, and he wouldn''t overstep his bounds.


    After dropping Eleanor off at the entrance to her residentialplex, Joel waited


    until she was inside before turning the car around and leaving.


    On the drive home, Joel''s mind was anything but calm.


    Withn''s money and pull, if he''d


    really wanted to, going through Eleanor''s messages would''ve been


    the easiest thing in the world. Although his chats with Eleanor were purely about medical matters, the frequency of their


    Butn had never confronted


    Eleanor or caused trouble for him


    He had chosen to endure it silently. But given his personality, how would


    he have processed and dealt with those emotions?

 Chapter 1263

    Was it out of disdain, or was it because he was afraid?


    Afraid that a confrontation,ying the conflict bare, wouldpletely shatter their marriage and elerate their divorce?


    After all, Eleanor already knew about Vanessa''s existence, andn had offered no exnation. Their marriage was already fragile at that point.


    If his spection was correct, thenn''s feelings for Eleanor were incrediblyplex.


    He had invested tirelessly in the scientific researchmunity, which had helped shape the Eleanor of today. And for Mansfield Ellington''s brainputer interface project, he had spared no resource to help.


    Although Eleanor had never said she liked Mansfield, Joel knew she did and that she might even marry him in the future. So what wasn''s motive for all of this?


    Was he helping to bring about Eleanor''s second chance at love?


    For a man to do so much for his ex-wife,n''s feelings for Eleanor had to be far deeper and moreplicated than they appeared on the surface.


    *Is he atoning?* The thought struck Joel.


    In the end, Joel sighed. He was, and always would be, an outsider-a spectator who had only seen a fraction of the truth.


    ***


    Eleanor took a shower, washing her hair, and then sank into the sofa on her


    balcony, feelingpletely rxed. She gazed at the city lights in the distance, her mind a nk te. The night breeze lifted a strand of her long hair as she quietly enjoyed the view.


    A warm shower had washed away the fatigue of the past few days and cleared the heavy weight from her heart. Wrapped in afortable silk robe, she lounged on the soft balcony sofa. In the distance, the city lights merged with the starry sky, creating a scene of serene tranquility.


    At that moment, she just wanted her mind to be empty, to think of nothing at all.


    Moonlight pooled over her, sketching out the soft lines of her body. Stripped of her usual professional rigor, she possessed a pure and unadorned beauty. She had a clean, quietly striking face, full mouth, smooth skin with a healthy flush.


    Eleanor wasn''t the kind of beauty that screamed for attention, but she drew the eye and held it.


    Resting her chin on her hand, she suddenly thought of her father, that stubborn and headstrong man. If he were still alive, if he could see her now, would he feel even a glimmer of pride?


    As far back as she could remember, her father had been strict, but he had also been omnipotent. Her mother used to say that when she was three, he would hold her


    and read medical books to her, trying to instill knowledge in her.


    Eleanor could almost picture it: she, looking up at him with innocent,


    uprehending eyes, while he read with earnest seriousness, full of hope for her


    future.


    If... if she had never metn.


    What would her life be like then?


    She would have dutifullypleted her university studies, pursued a master''s and a doctorate, and then entered the world of scientific research.


    Perhaps she would have metn or Xavier Vaughn at some event, but she certainly would never have met Mansfield.


    His world was too far from hers.


    Ifn hadn''t married her...


    Then he probably would have married Vanessa. Vanessa was maniptive and scheming, but she was also beautiful and talented.


    As much as Eleanor despised her, she had to admit Vanessa was a gifted pianist.


    Was that true?


    Was his willingness to marry her not because her father had approached him with the video of her caring for him? Wasn''t it just to repay a debt of gratitude?


    What else had her father andn discussed back then? Was it about her father joining hisb to research blood disorders for his mother? After all, blood disorders were a type of leukemia, and her father was already a leading academic in the field.


    cin


    Could there have been another agreement between her father andn that she didn''t know about?


    Like that document he never made public.


    If he had truly been after the value of


    her father''s research, then their marriage was nothing more than a naked transactionn''s im of falling for her first would beughable, and her own


    moth-to-a-me love for him would


    be just as pathetic.


    Now, Eleanor hade to terms


    with everything in her past. She didn''t me anyone; she med her


    younger self for being self for being blinded by love. Now that she had settled the ounts of the past, she was only twenty-eight years old.


    She was still young, with a bright future ahead of her.


    Suddenly, everything that had happened felt unimportant.


    What mattered was the present and the future.


    The world of romance was tooplicated. She had thrown herself into it once, and from now on, she never wanted to step back in.


    She had a career she was passionate about and a beautiful, lovely daughter. That was enough.


    Eleanor took a deep breath, filled with the calm thates after untangling one''s thoughts. She made up her mind. She was done with falling in love.


    It wasn''t out of spite or fear, but a sense of responsibility to herself. She would devote all the passion and energy of her remaining years to her career and to raising her daughter.


    The road ahead might be lonely, but Eleanor felt a sense of security and peace she had never known before.


    She could prove her worth through her work, take control of her own life, and pursue


    her dreams. What did it matter if she grew old alone? She had an entire world of her own to build.


    As for love, maybe in the next life.


    Eleanor stood up and walked back into the bedroom.

 Chapter 1264

    Three dayster, Eleanor visited the hospital. Mansfield was about to return to Kingston to recuperate, and she was there to say goodbye.


    In the quiet hospital room, Mansfield was dressed in a patient gown, his spirits clearly much better. He had a short buzz cut, and a patch on the right side of his head was shaved where the chip had been imnted. The wound had healed well, leaving only a faint scar that would bepletely hidden once his hair grew out a little.


    "With Principal Maxwell and Dr. MacLeod in Kingston, I know you''ll be in good hands," Eleanor said, looking at him.


    Mansfield looked back at her. Eleanor had rested well over the past few days, and herplexion had improved.


    "Has he not returned yet?" Mansfield asked her.


    Eleanor knew Mansfield had been wanting to thankn in person. Although the favor was owed to his father, Mansfield was a man who kept a clear ledger of debts and favors.


    "Not yet," Eleanor shook her head. "His trip was nned for a week."


    Mansfield nodded and mulled it over for a moment. "I''ll thank him the next time I see him."


    Mansfield wasn''t the type to forget a favor like this.


    Eleanor looked at his serious expression and understood. Mansfield had eptedn''s help, and he would surely repay him when the opportunity arose.


    After that, afortable and rxed atmosphere settled in the room. Eleanor peeled a piece of fruit. In a way, Mansfield had be her clinical test subject for this technological breakthrough.


    "I don''t know when we''ll see each other again after I go back," Mansfield said with a hint of reluctance. "I was hoping to treat your Evelyn to a meal before I left."


    "There will be other opportunities," Eleanor said, handing him a slice of apple. "Once you''re fully recovered, you''re always wee to visit us in Ashford City."


    They were no longer lovers, but friends who trusted and could rely on each other.


    Mansfield smiled and nodded. "Alright. I''ll definitelye back to Ashford City before I return to the military."


    Mansfield looked at Eleanor,


    hesitating over words he didn''t know how to say be knewn had offered his help, but he felt there was a deeper meaning behind his actions.


    ¨¦t


    He had spoken with Ryan recently, who told him that when he received the international chip, his first call had been to Eleanor and her first move had been to askn for help.


    He felt thatn''s actions weren''t entirely about saving him, or at least, not entirely as a favor to his father.


    Although Mansfield had stepped back into the role of a friend, he wouldn''t overstep by interfering with Eleanor''s future romantic choices.


    Just then, Principal Maxwell knocked and entered. "Do you two need a few more minutes?"


    Eleanor smiled and stood up. "Principal Maxwell, you''re here."


    Principal Maxwell smiled and nodded at Eleanor, then spoke gently to Mansfield. "Mansfield, it''s time for us to go."


    Mansfield looked up at Eleanor. "Eleanor, take care of yourself. Get some rest."


    "You too. Focus on your rehabilitation and get back to your team soon," Eleanor said with a smile, her eyes filled with sincere relief.


    Mansfield extended his hand toward her. Eleanor paused for a moment, then reached out and took it. They shook hands-a gesture of farewell and mutual blessing.


    Principal Maxwell said to Mansfield, "Mansfield, why don''t you go on ahead? I''d like to have a quick word with Eleanor."

 Chapter 1267

    Joy was frustrated. "How can it not be important? The pain was real! Even if he was trapped at the time and had to y along to keep Vanessa on the hook, that''s no excuse for how he neglected you. There were times, before Vanessa showed up, when you two were happy together."


    Eleanor rested her chin on her hand and said softly, "The way things are now is fine. He has his path, and I have my life to live. You only dig through old misunderstandings if you''re trying to fix things, and I''m not interested in that anymore."


    Joy looked at her friend and suddenly understood. She leaned in closer. "Ellie, have you really... let it go?"


    She saw it in her friend''s eyes. It wasn''t out of anger or resentment, but a state of genuine release.


    "Right now, I just want to live my life well, focus on my work and Evelyn, and be able to have tea and chat with you like this. I''m already very content," Eleanor said, a sincere smile gracing her lips.


    Seeing the light in Eleanor''s eyes, Joy finally understood. Eleanor was no longer shrouded by the shadows of the past. In her new life,n had be a passerby.


    Even though she had loved him so much.


    "Alright," Joy said, raising her teacup. "Then here''s to your new life. Box up all the old drama and all the old guys and dump it at the curb!"


    Eleanor smiled and clinked her cup against Joy''s. "Cheers."


    Still, Joy couldn''t quite let it go. In a tone that was halfint, half jest, she said, "If it were up to me, I''d maken chase you all over again, just like you once loved him. Let him get a taste of what it''s like to bare his soul and never feel sure of you, only for you to shut him down in the end. Then he''d know what heartache feels like."


    Eleanor couldn''t help butugh at that. She shook her head with a hint of amusement. "My time and energy are too precious to waste on things like revenge."


    Joy huffed. "If it were me, I wouldn''t let it slide so easily."


    But she was truly happy that her friend had moved on.


    "You''re right. You''re the bigger person, Dr. Sutton," Joy said with a smile.


    Eleanor held her teacup and gazed out at the bustling street. "Life is short. You should spend it doing things you love."


    "Hey, so what''s the deal with you and that Major Ellington?" Joy couldn''t resist asking.


    Eleanor looked up at her and smiled. "We''re friends."


    "Wow! Being friends with Major Ellington is still pretty amazing.. People like us probably won''t even get to see him in person in this lifetime Joy said, full of envy


    Eleanor didn''t seem inclined to discuss Mansfield further, so Joy didn''t pry, Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with a message. She picked it up and nced at it.


    [Is the wrap-up work going smoothly?] It was fromn.


    Eleanor nced at it. The Neural


    Interface Project was a Goodwin get


    Co. project, and as the boss, he deserved a reply  t?


    [Still wrapping up,] Eleanor texted back.


    [Make sure to rest. Don''t overwork yourself,]n replied.


    Joy asked curiously, "Who''s that? Texting you so eagerly. A new admirer?"


    n," Eleanor answered quietly.


    Joy''s interest was immediately piqued. "What''s he talking to you about?"


    "He''s asking about work," Eleanor said.


    Joy propped her chin on her hand. "Is he only asking about work?"


    "What else would he ask about?" Eleanor looked at her, amused.


    "I''m just thinking, maybe he regrets it and wants to win you back," Joy said, not holding back.

 Chapter 1268

    Eleanor put down her phone and looked out the window, a helpless expression on her face as she picked up her teacup. "We both need to move on."


    Just then, her phone buzzed again, four or five times in a row, as if photos were being sent.


    Eleanor immediately picked it up, assuming they were pictures of her daughter.


    Sure enough, several adorable photos of Evelyn appeared. She was clearly having a wonderful time, her smile radiant.


    "Are those pictures of Evelyn? Let me see, I haven''t seen her in ages."


    Eleanor handed her the phone. As Joy was admiring the pictures, a new message popped up on the screen.


    [Evelyn misses you. Should I have someone pick you up toe rx here?] It was fromn.


    Joy blinked, looked at Eleanor, and handed the phone back. n texted you again." Eleanor took it and read the message, her brow furrowing slightly. She typed back a reply. [Sorry, I can''t get away. Please take good care of Evelyn.]


    Joy''s curiosity, which had subsided, began to re up again. Ian''s tone was clearly that of a man trying to win someone back.


    Did Evelyn miss Eleanor, or did *he* miss Eleanor?


    After sending the message, Eleanor looked up to find Joy watching her with a


    meaningful gaze. She blinked. "What are you thinking about now?"


    "Isn trying to win you back?" Joy asked, her expression like that of an interrogator.


    Eleanor was rendered a little speechless by the question. She put her phone down. "You''re overthinking it. It''s just that Evelyn misses me."


    Joy felt that Eleanor wasn''t telling the whole truth. "With a personality liken''s, why would he send such an ambiguous invitation if he didn''t have other intentions? It''s obvious he wants you there."


    Eleanor could sense thatn was trying to make up for the past, but that was his decision. She had no intention of epting it.


    A new message fromn arrived. It was a single, short word. [Okay.]


    The two friends moved on to chatting about raising children until five-thirty, when Joy had to go home to her baby.


    As Eleanor drove home, she nced in the rearview mirror and saw security car still following at a steady distance. She had sent Mansfield''s security detail awa seeing no need to waste hiso manpower.


    Goodwin & Co., she didn''t refuse the protection he provided.


    She didn''t want a repeat of thest kidnapping incident.


    ***


    Nine o''clock at night, Luminova City.


    At a high-end hot springs resort, steam rose from the natural spring-fed pool behind the vi.


    muscles-broad shoulders, waist-all entuated by the shimmering water.


    He tipped his head back and closed his eyes, steam blurring the hard lines of his


    face and leaving him looking oddly alone.


    It was quiet all around, save for the sound of the flowing spring water His mind was uncontrobly filled with the image of Eleanor and of Mansfield gazing at her with gentle eyes.


    Without any interruptions, their rtionship would surely be progressing rapidly.


    The thought slipped in out of nowhere and hit him with a sudden, private hurt.


    He snapped his eyes open. Even in the dim light, the bitterness and anguish swirling in his gaze were undeniable.


    Mansfield needed care right now. He was the man Eleanor had risked everything, overdrafted her own life, to save.


    She was probably by his side, caring for him meticulously, as if he were a precious treasure. They might even be so intimate they could be sharing a bed at night.

 Chapter 1269

    The dull ache in his chest grew sharper, apanied by a powerful sense of helplessness that made his breathing shallow.


    He knew he had to face this, to calmly ept the happiness she had chosen. But that was far from easy.


    The room was scattered with some of his daughter''s toys. He patiently knelt to tidy them up, then went to the liquor cab and poured himself a ss of whiskey. The amber liquid swirled in the ss, reflecting his heavy thoughts.


    Just then, his phone chimed with a message from Gavin Young. [Mr. Goodwin, Major Ellington has returned to Kingston.]


    Gavin immediately replied, "Dr. Lyman sent over an inventory list. I casually asked if Miss Sutton was at the hospital, and he mentioned she had gone home. Major Ellington returned to Kingston this afternoon."


    Only Mansfield went back to Kingston? Eleanor didn''t go with him?


    Given Mansfield''s current physical condition, he should have needed Eleanor''s care. And given their rtionship, Eleanor should not have left his side at such a critical moment.


    "Mr. Goodwin? Is there anything else?" Gavin asked tentatively from the other end.


    "No,"n said tly and hung up.


    He downed the whiskey in one go and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, unable to make sense of the situation.


    Eleanor had risked everything to save Mansfield. Why, when he needed her most, hadn''t she apanied him to Kingston to care for him? After all, he had taken their daughter, and her work was just minor wrap-up tasks.


    Unless-


    His throat went tight as the idea caught and burned through him.


    If his guess was correct, that meant...


    Whether it was because of the alcohol or something else,n felt his heart begin to


    race.


    He grabbed his phone and dialed Eleanor''s number.


    Eleanor was already in bed reading a book. Her brain had been


    overworkedtely, and she had


    decided to read a physical book t


    give her eyes a rest. When the phone rang, she assumed it must be her energetic daughter calling at this hour.


    "Hello," she answered warmly.


    There was a two-second silence on the other end, followed byn''s deep voice. "It''s


    me."


    Eleanor''s expression cooled slightly, and her tone became distant. "It''ste. Is something wrong?"


    "I heard Major Ellington went back to Kingston. Why didn''t you go with him?"n''s voice was tinged with curiosity.


    Eleanor frowned, surprised by his question. Her voice remained cool. "They have a professional medical tear to look after him in Kingston wasn''t needed."


    "Is that all?"n pressed. "You''re not worried about him?"


    "With Principal Maxwell''s team there, there''s no need to worry," Eleanor continued to respond.


    "Have you two discussed when you''re getting engaged?"n asked abruptly. Annoyed, Eleanor closed her book. n, that''s none of your business, is it?"


    The words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the hope that had just begun to flicker within him. Standing by the window,n''s lips curved into a self-deprecating smile. "Sorry. I crossed a line."


    Two secondster, the line went dead.

 Chapter 1270

    Eleanor held her phone, listening to the dial tone. She frowned for a few seconds before cing the phone back on the nightstand. She didn''t pick up her book again. There were some things she needed to think through.


    In saving Mansfield, she had inadvertently be indebted ton. For instance, his care when she was sick, and of course, the chip.


    Although he surely would have agreed once the Ellington family got involved, the fact that Eleanor had been the one to ask him first meant she had to count it as a personal favor.


    The chip had been the single most critical factor in Mansfield''s timely awakening, and Eleanor couldn''t deny thatn''s swift action in dispatching a private jet to retrieve it had been influenced by personal factors.


    It could be seen asn''s way of making amends for the past, all because she had been the one to ask.


    Since they were divorced, it was better to keep things clean and bnced between them. In the future, if he ever needed help, Eleanor would find an opportunity to repay him.


    ***


    At the hot springs resort,n stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his whiskey ss now empty. Although Eleanor''s final words had left a dull ache in his chest, it was strangely mixed with an inexplicable sense of anticipation.


    Was she dodging the question on purpose?


    ***


    At four-thirty in the afternoon on the seventh day,n''s private jetnded at the international airport.


    Eleanor was still at theb when she received a call from him, inviting her to dinner at Goodwin Manor that evening to see Magdalen.


    Eleanor hadn''t seen the old woman in a while, so she agreed to go.


    Around five o''clock, Eleanor left her office, stopping on the way to buy some of Magdalen''s favorite fruits.


    At Goodwin Manor, the roses nted by the matriarch were in full bloom, their fragrance filling the entire courtyard on the summer evening. Eleanor walked in, carrying the fruit.


    "Ellie''s here!" In the main hall, Magdalen looked up and saw her, greeting her warmly.


    "Grandma," Eleanor called out. Then, an adorable, child-like voice cried, "Mommy!"


    Eleanor hadn''t seen Evelyn in a week and missed her terribly. She opened her arms and hugged her daughter as she rushed into them.


    Evelyn buried her face in her mother''s neck, her cheeks soft and tender. Eleanor couldn''t help but cup her small face and kiss it. "Did you have fun at the hot springs?"


    "Yes, but I want to go with you next time, Mommy," Evelyn said with an expectant look.


    Eleanor nodded. "Okay, next time Mommy will go with you."


    "Ellie, you''re here." Serena Goodwin came down from the second floor. She was dressed in casual clothes and had a shorter, more stylish haircut that made her look more mature.


    "Yes," Eleanor nodded at her.


    In the kitchen, Gina, who was


    speaking with a servant, looked up and saw, Eleanor. She froze for a few


    seconds, then her eyes grew warm. said


    "Eleanor, you''re here she sale


    softly.


    Eleanor nodded at her. Gina walked over and said, n told me you''ve been very


    busytely and were even sick. Are you feeling alright?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "Thank you for your concern, Gina. I''m fine." Her tone was deliberately distant.


    "That''s good, that''s good." Gina nodded repeatedly, her fingers twisting together nervousky "I had the kitchen prepare a few of your favorite dishes. Please eat well tonight."


    "Thank you for the trouble," Eleanor said politely.


    "It''s my pleasure," Gina replied. She had always felt a deep sense of guilt towards Eleanor, knowing she could never truly atone for her past mistakes. All she could do now was


    QUTE


    be a de grandmother and


    lighten Eleanor''s burden.


    She was deeply sorry for what she had done. If only she had tried to see things from Eleanor''s perspective back then, she wouldn''t have made such an unforgivable


    error.

 Chapter 1271

    "Grandma, I want some fruit." Evelyn broke the delicate atmosphere, tugging on Gina''s hand with a sweet, childish voice.


    "Of course. How about some cherries?"


    "Okay."


    Magdalen, standing to the side, took it all in. During the time Gina had been home recovering, she had decided not to hide the truth from the old woman any longer. She told her everything about the illness and that Vanessa was the donor.


    Magdalen was consumed by guilt. Part of her resented her grandson for keeping the entire family in the dark, and another part hated Vanessa for her scheming, which had destroyed her grandson''s perfectly good marriage.


    Of course, the one most at fault wasn''t Vanessa, but her grandson,n.


    Magdalen looked at Eleanor''s slender figure, her heart filled with a mix of emotions. She stepped forward and took Eleanor''s hand. "Ellie,e. Walk with Grandma outside. Let''s talk."


    Eleanor obediently followed the old woman toward the garden. Magdalen held her hand, and though it was bony, her grip was still strong¡ªjust as it had been the first time she''d led her into the Goodwin family home all those years ago.


    "Grandma knows you''ve been through a lot these past few years." The old woman got straight to the point, her voice filled with sympathy. "That boy,n-he''s made so many mistakes."


    Eleanor met the old woman''s gaze, knowing she must have learned the truth.


    She lowered her eyes and said nothing.


    "I only recently found out the whole story about Vanessa," the old woman sighed. "She was wrong, but I know the biggest fault lies withn."


    Eleanor gently interrupted her. "Grandma, it''s all in the past."


    Magdalen''s gaze drifted into the distance as she let out a heavy sigh. n has been stubborn since he was a child. His father passed away early, and ever since then, he''s felt he has to carry everything on his own shoulders, terrified of causing the family the slightest bit of trouble."


    Though Eleanor didn''t particrly want to hear any of this, she knew it was her


    ce to listen respectfully while her elder spoke.


    "Back when his father was sick,


    Gina''s health was also poor, and she


    was recovering abroad. I only just


    found out that she was in the early stages of her blood disorder even then. He was trying to save his father while also dealing with his mother''s illness." Magdalen''s voice began to choke up. "And that boy never onceined to any of


    us."


    Magdalen''s emotion tugged at something in Eleanor, and she reached over to gently pat her back.


    "After his father passed, he developed a habit of bottling everything up." After a moment,


    Magdalen patted Eleanor''s hand et


    "Ellie, om not telling you this to make you forgive him. Her gaze was kind. "It''s not thatn doesn''t love you. It''s that he doesn''t know how to love. No one ever taught him how to manage a rtionship, how to trust and love his partner."


    Eleanor offered a faint smile. "Grandma, don''t worry. Live and learn. When he meets the next girl, he''ll have more experience. You won''t have to worry about him getting another divorce."


    Magdalen froze for a few seconds. Her eyes went past Eleanor''s shoulder, and she froze again. Her eyesight wasn''t what it used to be, and only now did she realize her grandson had entered the yard at some point and was standing right behind them.


    "Ian, why didn''t you make a sound!" Magdalen said, a little annoyed.


    Eleanor turned around as well. Ian was standing right behind her, his gaze deep and fixed on her.


    He had clearly heard what she''d just said.

 Chapter 1272

    Eleanor''s expression remained calm. Just then, her phone rang. It was Ryan. She turned to the old woman. "Grandma, I need to take this call."


    She answered and walked a short distance away.


    Magdalen red at him, vexed. "You never should have hidden it from her. You kept our entire family in the dark and let Vanessa walk all over Ellie."


    After saying this, she expected some kind of response from her grandson, but he fell silent again, his gaze heavy as he watched Eleanor on the phone.


    Furious, she pped him on the back. "When are you going to change this habit of bottling everything up? What did Ellie ever see in you?"


    With that, she gave up on him and headed back toward the living room. After a few steps, she nced back at the young couple and sighed. Magdalen knew perfectly well that her grandson''s heart was still with Eleanor. She just wondered if she would live to see the day they found their way back to each other.


    When Eleanor hung up, she saw that Magdalen had left, butn was still standing there, watching her with aplicated expression.


    She walked back down the path, and as she passed him, she said casually, "I''m heading inside."


    "Eleanor,"n said suddenly.


    She turned back, meeting his eyes, assuming he had something to say.


    "Mansfield is a man you can count on,"n''s voice was low and steady. "I wish you both happiness."


    Eleanor frowned. Although she and


    elne


    Mansfield were just friends, she


    didn''t feel the need to exin


    anything to him. It was her


    life. She simply nodded. "Thank you."


    Just then, Eleanor heard her daughter calling for her. Without another word, she hurried toward the living room.


    ????


    He pulled a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from his pocket. The tip red red in the twilight, then dimmed, over and over. He was supposed to be rxing with his family, but at that moment, his eyes were filled with exhaustion. He took two deep drags and once the difort in his chest subsided, he stubbed the cigarette out. Straightening up, he walked toward the living room.


    He couldn''t go in smelling strongly of smoke; he didn''t want his daughter breathing it


    in when she got close.


    Dinner was already on the table, dish


    after dish crowding the space until


    there was barely any room left Magdalen waved everyone over, making sure the chair next


    Eleanor stayed empty for Jan.


    "Dad, hurry up, we''re starting without you!" Evelyn called, then jabbed a finger at the tter. "Mom, I want that huge drumstick."


    Eleanorughed at the way her daughter zeroed in on the food and reached over to snag it for her. Evelyn grabbed it with both hands and bit in, blissfully happy.


    "Ellie, have some more," Magdalen said. "You''ve gotten too thintely."

 Chapter 1273

    "Alright." Eleanor was in rare good spirits. After all the pressure, she had learned to rx.


    Serena chatted about the fun they''d had at the hot springs, and the atmosphere was pleasant. Evelyn was already looking forward to their next trip together.


    At eight-thirty, after finishing her post-dinner fruit, Eleanor was ready to leave.


    Eleanor looked up. "I have my car."


    "Then can you give me a ride?"n asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    "You didn''t drive?" Eleanor countered.


    "Gavin took the car to run an errand,"n replied casually.


    Not bothering to question it further, Eleanor nodded. "Fine, let''s go back together."


    After saying their goodbyes to the Goodwins, Eleanor led her daughter to the parking lot outside. Ian couldn''t help but ask, "Do you want me to drive?"


    "No, thanks," she declined.


    Less than five minutes into the drive, Evelyn was fast asleep.


    Suddenly, Eleanor''s phone buzzed with several consecutive messages, as if someone was excitedly sharing something with her.


    Stopping at a red light, Eleanor picked up her phone. The messages were from Joy, who had sent pictures of her son wearing the outfits Eleanor had given him.


    Joy praised Eleanor''s excellent taste. Looking at the handsome and adorable little boy, a gentle, bright smile touched Eleanor''s lips, lighting up her eyes.


    He lowered his gaze, gently shifting his position to make their sleeping daughter morefortable.


    Just as Eleanor finished replying to Joy, the light turned green. She pressed the elerator and drove on smoothly.


    An oppressive silence filled the car. Goodwin Manor wasn''t far from Cloudcrest Manor, and the fifteen-minute drive was soon over. After Eleanor parked,n carefully lifted their daughter out of the car.


    Eleanor grabbed her bag and walked ahead, holding the elevator button for him.


    When they reached her apartment, Joslyn came to greet them. Just


    then, Princess''s excited barks woke Evelyn up. The little girl rubbed her eyes, and upon seeing she was home, immediately dered I don''t want to sleep! I want to y!"


    C¨®ntent


    smile graced her lips. She then said to Joslyn, not seeming to mind, "Joslyn, go ahead and get him a ss of water."


    However,n nced at his watch. "No, thank you. I have something to attend to."


    With that, he turned and left without another word.


    Eleanor, stil Mooking at her phone, was slightly taken aback before heading upstairs. Joslyn was also surprised it was rare for her boss to invite . Goodwin in for a donk.


    Why was he in such a hurry to leave?


    Was he really that busy?


    He opened the door to his apartment, loosening his tie as he walked toward the liquor cab.


    He got himself a ss of whiskey and knocked it back. The burn scorched a path down his throat to his chest, but it didn''t touch the dull ache lodged there.


    Just then, his phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number from Kingston. Ian frowned.


    "Hello? Who is this?"


    n, it''s me," Garth Ellington''s steady voice came through the line. "Are you free toe to Kingston in:


    three days?" He continued, "I''m


    La dinne


    and would like for both you and Eleanor to attend."

 Chapter 1274

    An invitation to a private dinner with the Vice President was a great honor.


    "Mr. Vice President,"n said respectfully, "how is Major Ellington''s recovery?"


    "Mansfield is recovering very well," Garth replied, his tone filled with relief. "I''m inviting you both to thank you in person. My duties prevent me from traveling to Ashford City, son, I''ll need to ask you to bring Eleanor here."


    "Of course,"n said in a low voice. "Eleanor and I will be there on time."


    "Excellent, it''s settled then. I''ll notify Eleanor myself." Garth paused, his tone softening slightly. "Ian, I won''t interfere in your personal lives, but both you and Eleanor were crucial to Mansfield''s recovery."


    About ten minutester, Eleanor, who was upstairs, also received a personal invitation from Garth, which she naturally epted.


    Not long after she hung up, a text fromn came through. [I''ll have my mom look after Evelyn in three days. We''ll leave for Kingston together.]


    Eleanor replied with a simple, [Okay.]


    For the next two days, Eleanor returned to her routine, juggling her life between theb and picking up her daughter.


    The third day arrived quickly. Ian came early to pick up Evelyn, as his private jet was scheduled to depart at ten.


    Eleanor had packed a few simple outfits into a suitcase. At eight-thirty, she was inn''s car, on the way to the airport.


    Gavin was driving. In the back seat, Eleanor andn sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.


    Eleanor, however, kept ncing down at her phone as messages came in. She was wearing light makeup today, and herplexion was radiant. She was clearly looking forward to the trip to Kingston.


    It seemed this trip was for more than just a thank-you dinner. She was probably going to formally meet her boyfriend''s family.


    The heavy atmosphere in the car was palpable even to Gavin, who nced back. "Mr. Goodwin, would you like some music?"


    "Hm,"n grunted distractedly.


    Gavin immediately put on the soft instrumental music his boss usually listened to, hoping to ease the tension.


    Eleanor remained in high spirits. The soothing music rxed her nerves, and she too turned to look out the window, her mind drifting elsewhere.


    His chest tightened. Trying to sound offhand, he asked, "How''s Major Ellington doing now?"


    Eleanor turned to him, her eyes shining with relief. "Quite good. He''s already been discharged from the hospital."


    Seeing her genuinely happy for another man,n dropped his gaze, letting his eyes give nothing away. "That''s good."


    They arrived at the airport and quickly went through boarding procedures. The ne took off smoothly. The spacious andfortable private jet was indeed quiet and pleasant.


    The flight attendant was attentive. Eleanor rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the sea of clouds rolling by outside the window, lost in a daze for the entire flight.


    The two-hour flight passed in silence. When the nended at Kingston International Airport, a car from the Ellington family was already waiting for them.


    They got into the car and headed directly for the hotel. The dinner was to be held that evening at the Vice President''s official residence. Garth''s schedule was so packed that even one meal had to be nned down to the minute.


    The car drove through the bustling streets of Kingston and finally stopped in front of


    a discreet, high-end hotel. A doorman stepped forward to open the door, and Eleanor andn got out one after the other.


    After checking in, they took their key cards and headed up to their rooms.


    Eleanor nced at the floor number and realized she andn were on the same floor. They stepped out of the elevator together. As Eleanor walked toward her room with her suitcase,n followed right behind her She found it odd. Were their rooms next to each other?


    As it turned out, her guess was correct.


    Just as she swiped her key card, she sawn at the adjacent door. He also seemed


    a little surprised. He looked at Eleanor and said, "I''m right next door. If you need anything, just call me."


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied politely.


    "Yes", he thought, "it''s best to be polite". Soon, Eleanor would be Mrs. Ellington. In the future, they would not only need to be polite but also maintain an appropriate distance.


    Eleanor closed her door and let out a soft sigh. To be honest, she was a


    little nervous about this trip to


    formal


    Kingston She wasn''t one for fo events and she felt the Ellington family didn''t need to go to such lengths to thank her.


    But their arrangements were clearly meant to be a grand gesture of gratitude, which


    only made Eleanor feel more pressured.


    Just then, her phone rang. It was Mansfield.


    "Hello?"


    "Have you arrived?"


    "Just got to the hotel. How are you feeling?"


    "Much better. After a few more days of rest, I''m nning to start strength training," Mansfield said, his voice cheerful.


    "That''s great. I''m sure you''ll be back to your old self in no time," Eleanor said.


    They discussed his rehabilitation n for a bit before ending the call. She would see him that evening.


    In the suite next door,n stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, an empty hollow feeling creeping in he pictured that night''s dinner, where he would likely have to witness Eleanor and Mansfield officially bing a couple.


    C¨®ntent


    Tonight, he would step out of her life for good.


    From now on, even if they had to interact for their daughter''s sake or meet for work,


    he would have to maintain the most appropriate distance.


    Eleanor spent the afternoon resting and catching up on work at the hotel. Time flew by, and soon it was five-thirty.

 Chapter 1275

    Eleanor received a call informing her that a car was waiting downstairs. When she got to the lobby, she sawn, who seemed to be waiting for her.


    Together, they got into the car headed for the Ellington Mansion.


    Night had fallen. At six o''clock, the Vice President''s residence was brilliantly lit.


    The imposing Roman columns stood tall and straight. At the entrance, Garth was speaking with Principal Maxwell. Seeing them arrive, he came over to greet them personally. "Eleanor,n, wee."


    Garth shook both their hands, his gaze lingering on Eleanor for a moment.


    "Mansfield is in the drawing room. He said he has something important to announceter."


    Eleanor smiled faintly. "Alright..."


    "Don''t be so formal. Just call me Mr. Ellington," Garth said with a proactive smile, inviting her to change her address.


    Eleanor nodded quickly. "Okay, Mr. Ellington."


    Principal Maxwell turned to them. "Eleanor, Ian, let''s go. Let''s head inside."


    Eleanor followed Principal Maxwell in. A momentter, Garth returned, apanied by Ryan, Callie, and Dr. MacLeod.


    Eleanor''s face lit up when she saw Callie, who was wringing his hands in excitement. "Eleanor, I had no idea we wereing here for dinner!"


    Apparently, Ryan had kept him in the dark the whole way, only revealing their destination once they arrived in Kingston. Callie was so excited he was a little dazed, but seeing Eleanor helped him rx.


    Eleanor realized the Ellington family had invited all the key contributors to this thank- you dinner. Soon, everyone was seated. Garth turned ton. "Ian,e sit next to me."


    Mansfield sat down next to Principal Maxwell and gave Eleanor a warm, smiling nce. She smiled back in greeting.


    "Mansfield''s recovery is thanks to all of your efforts. I especially want to thankn for delivering that chip in time. The Ellington family will never forget this kindness," Garth said, addressingn with grave sincerity.


    "You''re too kind, Mr. Vice President. It was my duty,"n replied politely.


    Mansfield suddenly stood up, his handsome face filled with emotion. "Thank you all foring today. You are all my saviors. Without you, I might have never woken up. I''d like to propose a toast to all of you."


    Everyone raised their sses in unison, epting Mansfield''s gratitude. Then, Mansfield''s gaze swept across the room, finallynding on Eleanor. Their eyes met for a moment.


    Garth then raised his ss. "I also have a piece of good news to announce."


    Everyone fell silent, listening intently.


    Eleanor was no exception.


    "I will be approving a national technology support initiative. Over the next five years, we will invest fifty billion dors in dedicated funds to support foundational research and industrial application in O cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and biomedicine."


    Excitement flickered across the faces of everyone at the table. This was a


    tremendous benefit for the country!


    this. A perfectly measured smile formed on his lips.


    "The inspiration for this n came from all of you," Garth said, looking at Eleanor, Jan, and the others.


    "Witnessing the scientific prowess and innovative spirit you


    demonstrated during one


    treatment convinced me that we must increase our investment in technological innovation."


    Callie and Ryan exchanged a nce, both thinking excitedly that they would no


    longer have to worry about research funding.


    Principal Maxwell raised his ss. "This policy will be a massive boon to the medical field. On behalf of the Military Medical University, I thank you."


    Garth smiled and nodded knowingly. "I hope you all seize this opportunity, not just in your careers, but to find new directions in your personal lives as well."


    Just then, Eleanor''s and Mansfield''s eyes met, and they shared a smile.


    He gripped his ss, his expression calm, but a storm raged within him.


    Was Garth''s statement a hint for him to stop trying to reconcile with Eleanor? He was clearly epting her as Mansfield''s wife.


    A servant promptly led him in the right direction.


    When he returned, the atmosphere at the dinner table was still lively. The sumptuous meal made everyone feel weed.


    Eleanor didn''t eat much. As the only woman and one of the younger guests, she preferred to listen to the conversation.


    Halfway through dinner, Mansfield turned to Eleanor. "Ellie, would you like a tour of my home?"


    Eleanor, who was looking for a chance to get some fresh air, nodded.


    Mansfield led her from the room. As their figures disappeared from the dining hall,n''s eyes Tell on a


    He had been


    nearby ss of vodka. drinking red wine all evening, but


    now, he wanted to taste the vodka.


    He wondered if its harsh, fiery burn could chase away the pain inside him.


    An overwhelming sense of powerlessness washed over him. Mansfield was an obstacle he was destined never to ovee.

 Chapter 1276

    Eleanor followed Mansfield through a long hallway to his study. Inside the spacious room, a full wall of disy cases immediately caught her eye, filled with neatly arranged trophies, medals, and certificates of honor.


    "Did you earn all of these?" Eleanor asked, stunned.


    Mansfield smiled faintly. "Most of them. But some were my dad''s from when he was young."


    Eleanor stopped in front of a particrly striking medal, examining it closely. It was a Medal of Valor.


    Mansfield calmly exined, "I received that five years ago during a border mission." He let out a reflectiveugh. After all, he had nearly not made it back that time. It was his teammates who hadn''t given up on him.


    Just like this time, he was willing to risk his life to bring his team member back, never abandoning, never giving up.


    Eleanor''s heart tightened. To earn such an honor, the mission must have been incredibly difficult.


    She continued looking and saw several other simr medals. Finally, Eleanor came to a photo wall. The first thing she saw was a picture of Mansfield in his early twenties, lying in a hospital bed covered in bandages, yet still smiling warmly for the camera with his team.


    "That''s a picture of me at twenty," Mansfield said. Back then, he had a more boyish air, like a bright, sunny young man.


    Eleanor studied the photos for a few minutes, a mix of emotions welling up inside her. She felt a pang of sympathy for what Mansfield had been through, but also a deep admiration for his resilience. Behind these honors was the courage he had shown, time and again, in brushing with death.


    Eleanor also noticed the massive bookshelf in the study, filled with books. It was clear Mansfield was the kind of man who never stopped learning. His excellence wasn''t confined to the military; it came from how hard he pushed himself to keep growing.


    love, living for our ideals," Mansfield


    "It''s great that we''ve both found careers remarked with a sigh. But his path had been set for him long ago. Sometimes he wondered what his life would be like if he had chosen to be an ordinary person.


    But once he started down this road, he had to see it through to the end.


    Suddenly, Eleanor understood why Mansfield had brought her to his study he was showing her, in his own way, that they were ultimately on two different paths.


    Eleanor also understood that Mansfield had his own journey to walk. Some connections weren''t meant to be forced. To be able to understand and support each other was already a rare gift.


    Mansfield seemed to remember something. He walked over to a disy case of models, took out the smallest tank, and said, "Could you give this to Evelyn for me? I promised herst time that I''d get her a little tank."


    Eleanor looked at the exquisitely crafted miniature tank model, nodded, and smiled. "Of course."


    After a little while longer, Mansfield said to Eleanor, "We should be getting back."


    Otherwise, someone might start to worry.


    and Mansfield


    When Eleanor a


    returned to the dining room, the


    atmosphere was still lively Garth Ellington was chatting with the


    younger generation about technology and the future, listening intently to their thoughts.


    Ian Goodwin was sitting beside him, though he wasn''t part of the conversation. It was impossible to tell how many sses of wine he''d had, but his handsome face was slightly flushed.


    When he saw Eleanor return, his gaze shot up, deep andplex, with what looked like a hint of resentment.


    Eleanor frowned at him. He rarely drank enough to get red in the face. Under the lights, he was clearly a bit drunk.


    As soon as she sat back down, Callie whispered to her, "Eleanor, what''s wrong with Mr. Goodwin? He was drinking a lot by himself while you two were gone."


    Eleanor had a good idea of what was going on. She looked up and sawn looking back at her. Their eyes met, and his gaze held an emotion she couldn''t decipher.


    Just then, Garth stood up and announced, "Tea has been prepared in the tea room. Let''s all move over there for a few cups!"


    Everyone rose and headed to the tea room. Asn was about to stand up, Mansfield suddenly pped a hand on his shoulder and sat down next to him. "Mr. Goodwin, could we talk for a moment?"


    Once the main group had left, Mansfield poured a cup of tea forn and said with a solemn


    expression, "Mr. Goodwin, I owe my awakening to yourpany''s Neural


    interface Project technology and the timely delivery of the chip. I will never forget this life-saving


    grace for the rest of my life."


    Mansfield''s expression grew even more grateful. "Mr. Goodwin, what you did was a lot more than just ''the right thing to do.'' If it weren''t for your tremendous help, I might never have opened my eyes again."


    He paused, his voice deepening. "¡ªwas because Eleanor came to me for help."


    Mansfield was slightly taken aback, then he understood. "I see."


    "She put aside her pride to beg me to save you." Ian''s fingertips gently traced the


    rim of the cup. "It''s clear you''re very important to her."


    The hidden meaning in his words made Mansfield''s expression turn serious. Then, he looked atn Then


    sincerely and said, "Mr. Goodwi


    there''s something I feel I must confess to you. ¦Ê¦Ï¦Ô


    Eleanor and have decided to go back to being friends."

 Chapter 1277

    Mansfield met his gaze calmly and offered a small smile. "Eleanor and I have talked it out. We''ve decided to go back to being friends. Of course, I''d rather be able to consider her my sister."


    For a moment,n felt his heart almost stop. He took a deep breath, struggling to maintain hisposure. "Was this your choice, or Eleanor''s decision?"


    Mansfield picked up his teacup and took a sip, looking relieved. "Some things are just meant to be. This was my choice, and it was Eleanor''s decision as well. We both respect each other''s feelings."


    "Why are you telling me this?"n''s voice was a bit hoarse.


    Mansfield looked at him. "I don''t want there to be any misunderstandings between us. And don''t get me wrong-I would never try to interfere in Eleanor''s rtionships. What she needs is sincerity, not for anyone to y matchmaker or arrange her life."n was silent for a moment before cing his teacup firmly on the table, much like the way his heart had finally settled.


    "Thank you,"n said, a note of gratitude in his voice.


    "Give her time and space," Mansfield said meaningfully. "Let her figure things out for herself."


    Mansfield pped him on the shoulder. "Mr. Goodwin, go try some of my father''s tea. He has several rare collections that are quite good."


    As he stepped inside, his eyes immediately found Eleanor. She was talking quietly with Callie, her profile looking exceptionally delicate in the soft light.


    Eleanor sensed someone had entered and looked up, her gaze instantly meetingn''s.


    In that one nce, Eleanor knew. Mansfield must have told him about their decision.n didn''t walk over to her right away. Instead, he first went to Garth''s side to exchange a few pleasantries, appearing much more sober now.


    Time passed, and it was soon eight-thirty. The tea gathering was nearing its end when Garth received an important call. After hanging up, he apologized, "I''m sorry, everyone, but an urgent matter hase up that I need to handle. We''ll have to end it here for tonight. Please forgive me if the hospitality wascking."


    Everyone expressed their understanding. Garth clearly had something urgent to attend to. He called his son over. "Mansfield, please see our guests out for me." Then, he made a point to walk over to Eleanor andn. "I apologize for the poor hospitality tonight. Next time you''re in Ashford City, I hope we''ll have a chance to get together again."


    "You''re too kind, Mr. Ellington. We had a wonderful evening," Eleanor said with a smile.


    Mansfield thoughtfully saw them to their private cars outside. Ryan and Callie got into one, while Principal Maxwell and Dr. MacLeod shared another. Thest car was fon and Eleanor.


    After seeing the others off, Mansfield came over to Eleanor. Ian had already gotten into the car. Just before she stepped inside, Mansfield said in a low voice, "Eleanor, he''s had a bit too much to drink tonight Keep an eye on him on the way


    Eleanor nodded. "I will."


    Once in the car,n leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes to rest, but


    the furrow in his brow suggested he was feeling unwell.


    Eleanor, on the other hand, was just looking forward to a good night''s rest.


    The car drove through the Kingston night. Eleanor admired the neon-lit streetscape. The hotel was only about fifteen minutes away.


    Callie and Ryan weren''t staying there, and Principal Maxwell and Dr. MacLeod lived


    in Kingston, so only she andn were guests at the hotel.


    After getting out


    of the car, Eleanor


    was about to walk ahead when she


    noticed the man beside her was unsteady on his feet. As another guest came out of the entrance, he


    stepped aside


    avord them and his


    body swayed noticeably.


    Eleanor instinctively reached out and grabbed his arm. "Careful, don''t bump into anyone."


    The action made them both freeze. They had rarely had such close contact since the divorce, and tonight, Eleanor had initiated it.


    "Do you need me to help you?" Eleanor asked with a frown.


    Eleanor avoided his gaze, feeling that he wasn''t nearly as drunk as he was letting on. She was about to pull her hand away, butn gently held it in ce.


    "Just to the elevator," he said, his voice tinged with a plea. "I really am a bit dizzy."


    Seeing the definite flush on his cheeks, Eleanor relented and didn''t pull her hand away. She supported his arm, and they walked side by side to the elevator.


    Once inside, Eleanor almost immediately withdrew her hand. Ian leaned against the wall of the elevator car, but his eyes never left her.


    "I heard you were the one who suggested being friends with Major Ellington. Is that true?"


    Eleanor didn''t answer his question.

 Chapter 1278

    The drunken haze inn''s eyes had vanished at some point, reced by an unprecedented seriousness. He was about to say more.


    The elevator dinged as it reached their floor, interrupting their conversation. Eleanor walked out first, withn following close behind.


    When Eleanor reached her room and was about to use her key card,n''s low voice sounded from behind her. "Good night."


    Though she hadn''t answered his earlier question, he was clearly in a good mood- one might even say pleased.


    Eleanor replied with a polite, quiet, "Good night."


    "The flight is at ten tomorrow morning,"n added, implying she didn''t need to arrange her own travel back and could take his private jet.


    She opened her door and went inside. After she closed it, a small smile touchedn''s lips before he turned and entered his own room.


    ***


    After a quiet and restful night, Eleanor came out with her luggage packed. Ian''s tall figure was leaning against the hallway wall, and it was impossible to tell how long he had been waiting there.


    "Let the driver take your luggage to the car first. We can go get some breakfast," he said.


    Eleanor was carrying her bag and pulling a small suitcase. Ian reached out with a long arm and, before she could react, lifted the suitcase and walked ahead.


    Eleanor frowned but followed him.


    Eleanor entered the restaurant first. She picked up a te, chose a few of her favorite items, and sat down at a table by the window. Ian came over shortly after and naturally pulled out the chair across from her to sit down.


    Last night, Eleanor hade to a realization. Ian''s help with Mansfield wasn''t without its own rewards. From Garth''s remarks, it was clear that the technology held great promise for both tech and biotech sectors. Withn owning a top-tier techpany and several biomedical firms andbs, it was a sound investment for him.


    "Have you thought about what you''re going to do after this project wraps up?"n asked, narrowing his eyes at her.


    Eleanor had considered it. The Neural Interface Project was too vast, with many research directions, and her energy was limited. So, she had decided to specialize in her recent discovery and conduct in-depth research specifically on treating neurodegenerative diseases.


    Eleanor took a sip of her coffee, thought for a few seconds, and then looked at the man across from her. "I want to focus on research into neurodegenerative diseases. I might need to step away from the current Neural Interface Project."


    After a pause, she added, "If you don''t think this project is worth investing in, I can leave Goodwin & Co. and find another tform."


    "So, will you let me go?" Eleanor looked at him calmly, adding, "After all, my current research direction might not align with Goodwin & Co.''s overall strategy."


    "Goodwin & Co. was never meant to keep you trapped. You can leave whenever you want,"n said, letting her go with ease.


    Eleanor looked up at him, astonished. "You''re really willing to let me leave?"


    "It''s your right,"n nodded. "I will transfer the subsequent research of the Neural Interface Project to the military. Goodwin & Co. will only retain the development rights for civilian applications."


    This had been a condition of their strategic cooperation from the beginning;n wouldn''t use the core brainputer technology formercial profit.


    Eleanor looked at him with some surprise, though she knew this was a decisionn was bound to make.


    Seeing her surprised expression,n spoke seriously. "However, I have a proposal that might help with your future research."


    Eleanor asked curiously, "What proposal?"


    "The Guild of Commerce is nning


    to establish an independent


    neuroscience research foundation dedicated to supporting


    cutting edge brain science


    vel.


    exploration,"n said, pausing for a


    moment. "The foundation will


    provide ample funding, and its research scope includes the neurodegenerative diseases you mentioned. Of course, the foundation only provides support and will not interfere with any research. You can consider it."


    Eleanor frowned at him. "This foundation¡ª"


    "Will be operatedpletely independently, free from anymercial interests,"n added.


    Eleanor was stunned. Such terms were incredibly tempting. She knew very well how rare it was in academia to have such a free research environment.


    "Why is The Guild of Commerce suddenly setting up a foundation like this?" she couldn''t help asking.


    His answer was impable, but Eleanor still had a sharp feeling that things weren''t


    that simple.


    "Is it really that simple?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.


    "If you turn down the Guild''s funding, it will be very difficult to carry out your


    research. Just securing the funds would consume a great deal of your energy, not to mention practical issues like purchasing equipment and assembling a team."


    Eleanor had to admit that he was right.


    "Right now, there aren''t many ces


    in this country that can back


    research at this level. Besides The Guild of Commerce, you''d be hard-pressed to find another tform that offers such substantial funding andplete freedom," "fan: said, his eyes narrowed on her as he


    precisely targeted her concerns.

 Chapter 1279

    Of course Eleanor knew. To conduct cutting-edge research, talent alone wasn''t enough; it required powerful resource support.


    "Of course,"n''s tone shifted. "If you insist on leaving, I''ll respect your choice. But as a... friend, I hope you''ll consider this carefully."


    It was as if he really was just a ''friend'' looking out for her best interests.


    "Can you give me some time to think about it?" Eleanor asked, looking up at him with a hint of a plea in her eyes.


    "Of course,"n nodded. "Let me know whenever you''ve made a decision."


    After breakfast, on the way to the airport, Eleanor was quiet. She was mulling over her next steps. Transferring the Neural Interface Project to the military was the best course of action, and with Joel Kingsley managing the civilian projects, she could indeed focus on her own research direction.


    However,n''s analysis was very objective. The path through The Guild of Commerce would certainly make her future research much smoother.


    But that would mean she''d owe him again. As the chairman of The Guild of Commerce, tilting resources this way would put him under pressure.


    After boarding the ne, Eleanor finally broke the silence. "Will doing this affect your reputation as chairman of The Guild of Commerce? After all, such a clear tilting of resources-"


    Eleanor''s brow, however, remained furrowed. After a moment''s thought, she couldn''t help asking again, "Is such arge-scale investment of funds really not a problem?" "The foundation''s funding sources are quite broad," Ian said, glossing over the details. "Besides the Guild''s own funds, there are annual donations from many memberpanies. Scientific research is, after all, the most promising field." Eleanor looked at his calm andposed expression, blinked, and then bit her lower lip gently, staring out the window as she thought.


    To the man across from her, she looked like a novice in the world of business. A small smile tugged at his lips, as if he was grateful for something.


    Thank goodness she was a scientific genius, not a business one. Otherwise, how could he so calmly weave this well-intentioned lie?


    A month ago after his conversation with York Windsor, he had funneled


    funds from an overseas co


    into The Guild of Commerce. On paper the Guild was footing the bill for the foundation but foundation, but in realityn in realityn was bankrolling almost all of it himself. The remaining twenty percent came from the Guild''s


    special support fund. He had deliberately designed aplex


    financial structure precisely so she


    wouldn''t see through the truth.


    Fortunately, Eleanor clearly had no intention of digging deeper. She nodded lightly. "Alright. If the procedures arepliant, then I''ll ept the project support from The Guild of Commerce."


    A smile lingered inn''s deep eyes, though he was secretly relieved. He maintained hisposed demeanor. "Good. I''ll have someone from The Guild of Commerce contact you in a few days."


    "Thank you," Eleanor said sincerely. No matter what, he had used the Guild''s support fund to help her, and that was a favor she owed him.


    "Are you sure this won''t bring you any criticism?" Eleanor was still worried about this. From the bottom of her heart, she didn''t want to cause him trouble.


    Two hourster, the ne began its descent. Eleanor looked out at the familiar city skyline, her mind already nning her future work This brought her a sense of peace Most importantly, the research funding was secured, and from now on, she could focus solely on hef research.


    At the airport exit, passengers from another international flight were also justing out. In the crowd, a figure with a troubled expression, nked by two assistants emerged It was Vanessa Shannon.


    She had just returned from a check-up at a hospital abroad. As her eyes scanned the area, her pupils suddenly dted.


    She sawn and Eleanor. Ian was pulling a small suitcase, clearly a woman''s, while Eleanor walked ahead with her bag. Ian followed her closely.


    The sight made her breath catch. The man who was always so cold and aloof was not only willing to carry Eleanor''s luggage but also wore a gentle expression she had never seen before.


    Laverne saw them too and immediately asked Vanessa, "Vanessa, should we wait a bit before going out?"


    Vanessa suppressed the jealousy in her heart and put on her sunsses. "Why should I have to hide?"


    Just thirty feet away, a mischievous little boy ran by, about to collide with Eleanor.n grabbed Eleanor''s arm, pulling her to his side and away from the two roughhousing boys.


    Behind them, Vanessa, though wearing sunsses, saw everything clearly. Her hand, clutching her bag strap, turned white.


    Without her in the way, he couldn''t wait to be stuck to Eleanor every second of the day, could he? Had he already thought of names for their second child?

 Chapter 1280

    At the airport under the night sky, traffic flowed endlessly. Parked between two ck SUVs, a Rolls-Royce waited quietly. Just as Vanessa stepped out of the terminal,


    she sawn protectively helping Eleanor into the car. Eleanor didn''t reject his attentive service.


    Laverne, standing beside her, was shocked. Could the rumors online be true? Wasn really getting back together with Eleanor?


    She watched as the three-car convoy assertively pulled away from the curb and disappeared into the distant stream of traffic.


    Vanessa forced herself to look away and walked toward her van. Once inside, she took off her sunsses, her eyes filled with gloom. She had been abroad for a medical check-up and was scheduled to undergo IVF in a foreign country soon.


    Laverne got in the car and saw Vanessa staring out the window, her face dark and sullen. She couldn''t help but wonder, if Eleanor andn did remarry, would Eleanor retaliate against Vanessa for what she had done back then?


    After all, the main reason for her divorce fromn was Vanessa. The dramas Vanessa had orchestrated were filmed and released with Laverne''s help. At the time, Vanessa was, for all intents and purposes, the other woman.


    Although the truth was now out¡ªthat Vanessa andn''s rtionship was merely a transaction¡ªLaverne felt a sense of regret for her. If only she had managed to have a child withn during that time, she wouldn''t have been cast aside after her use was up.


    Vanessa had the looks and the body; she was a temptation most men couldn''t resist. Yet, how hadn managed to restrain himself all these years?


    Could it be that something was physically wrong with him? Laverne secretly wondered.


    Seeing Vanessa still in a foul mood, Laverne offered some well-meaning advice. "Vanessa, you need to take care of yourself right now. You shouldn''t let your emotions get the best of you."


    Vanessa seemed not to hear. She picked up her phone, scrolled through her photos, and then began swiping frantically. Finally, she stopped at one picture she had taken secretly. In it,n''s handsome face was stern, but at least he was by her side.


    Laverne nced over and saw Vanessa looking at the photo. She hatedn so much, yet at this moment, her eyes were filled with infatuation.


    Most of the time, she thought Vanessa was smart, ambitious, and calcting. But in front ofn, she was an out-and-out fool. She knew the man had never had her in his heart, yet she had loved him unconditionally for ten years.


    Vanessa bit her lip, only wishing she had caused Eleanor more pain back then. Otherwise, why would she even consider getting back with a man liken?


    ***


    Ashford''s skyline glowed against the night, all ss and light.


    The convoy arrived at Cloudcrest Manor.


    Eleanor nodded, grabbed her bag, and got out of the car. A bodyguard handed her the suitcase.


    As Eleanor entered themunity gates, the early summer night air was cool and breezy, and her steps felt a little lighter.


    When she got home, Joslyn immediately asked if she wanted to eat anything. Eleanor replied, "Let''s wait until Evelyn gets back."


    "Okay!" Joslyn nodded.


    Eleanor bent down to pet Princess''s head before heading upstairs to take a shower.


    She changed into a loose, long


    T-shirt and came downstairs, checking her emails on her iPad. After the Neural Interface Project was wrapped up it could be handed over to the military. There would likely be a period of transition and coordination.


    At eight-thirty, the doorbell rang. Joslyn hurried to open the door, andn walked in, holding Evelyn Goodwin''s hand.


    Evelyn changed her shoes and rushed over to Eleanor. "Mommy, I missed you so much!"


    Eleanor ruffled her little head. "Mommy missed you too." Then, she handed her a wrapped gift box. "Open it and see."


    Evelyn happily took the box and opened it, her eyes lighting up. "Wow! It''s a little tank!"


    "Mr. Ellington sent it for you," Eleanor told her.


    "Really? I love it!" Evelyn eximed, then started ying with it on the sofa.


    Eleanor gave him a nod. The atmosphere between them had be noticeably more natural after the trip to Kingston.


    Joslyn started cooking a bowl of


    noodles for Eleanor. Beside her, Evelyn yed with the tank, unable to put it down. She asked curiously, "Mommy, when is Mr. Ellingtoning to our house to y?"


    "Mr. Ellington is very busy recently. We''ll see in the future," Eleanor replied gently.


    Evelyn propped her chin on her hands and asked, "Can I go see the fireflies at his base again someday?"


    Her question caught Eleanor slightly off guard. Looking at her daughter''s expectant eyes, she reached out and stroked her head, coaxing softly, "Be good. There will be a chance in the future."


    Evelyn didn''t press the issue. Joslyn called her upstairs for a bath.


    As Eleanor ate her noodles, her mind drifted to her uing research. Midway through her meal, she sighed, put down her utensils, and leaned back in her chair. Staring out at the right sky a wave


    helplessness washed over her.

 Chapter 1281

    She had thought that leaving Goodwin & Co. would allow her to conduct her researchpletely independently, but her new research direction was still inextricably linked ton. The patent for the brainputer interface was held by Goodwin & Co., and the core technology of the Meridian Dynamics system also required his authorization.


    This tangled, inseparable connection left her feeling both helpless and frustrated.


    Moreover, their ties weren''t just professional; they were also bound by their shared responsibility of raising their daughter.


    "Mommy," Evelyn''s voice called from the stairs after her bath. "Can I take my little tank to kindergarten tomorrow?"


    Eleanor snapped out of her thoughts and turned to her. "You can, but you have to take good care of it."


    Evelyn nodded her little head. "I just want to show it to Vivian."


    Later that night, holding her daughter, Eleanor was so tired she closed her eyes and fell asleep. But downstairs, the light inn''s study remained on until midnight.


    He rubbed his temples, his gaze fixed on the dense data reports on hisputer screen. There were several major projects that required his personal attention.


    Because now, the purpose of making money was not just to grow thepany, but also to pave the way for her research dreams.


    ***


    Three dayster, the team at the Neural Interface Projectb received a meeting notice.


    Eleanor already knew about the decision to transfer the project to the military, but Ryan and Callie were still in the dark.


    When Eleanor arrived at the conference room, she sawn sitting there in a ck shirt, a pair of gold-rimmed sses perched on his nose, his thick salt-and-pepper hair looking effortlessly styled.


    Ryan and Callie were a bit surprised to see him there, as were Joel and Byron Chase.


    "Mr. Goodwin," Ryan greeted him.


    "I''ve gathered you all today to announce the future arrangements for the Neural Interface Project," Ian began, getting straight to the point. "After negotiations with the military, the project''s core technology and research findings will be fully transferred for military use."


    Callie gasped, her shock palpable. "Does that mean theb is being dissolved?"


    "Even if theb is dissolved, you will have other arrangements," Ian said, ncing at Callie, then at Eleanor. Coincidentally, her new project needed people.


    Callie scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed.


    "Goodwin & Co. will retain the research rights for the civilian sector,"n said, pushing up his sses His deep gaze felt on Eleanor The flitary has requested that the original team remainin charge of the technology transfer for a period of three months


    Eleanor nodded, her expression calm. "Understood."


    "Dr. Lyman, thank you for your hard work during this time,"n said to Ryan. After all, he was on loan from Principal Maxwell, andn had to return him on schedule.


    Ryan smiled. "You''re too kind. It''s been my honor to work with Eleanor and Callie." "Eleanor, you and Callie will be responsible for the handover to the military,"n continued, then looked at Joel. "Dr. Kingsley, you will continue to be in full charge of the civilian projects."


    Joel nodded. "Understood."


    After the meeting,n nced at his watch and said to Eleanor, "I''ll pick you up at eleven-thirty. Let''s have lunch together. I have something to discuss with you."


    Eleanor was taken aback. Ian left with Byron.


    Callie couldn''t help but look at Eleanor. "Eleanor, did you know about this already?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes. The initial n for the Neural Interface Project was always to hand it over to the military after a breakthrough."


    Joel agreed. "Indeed. The recent breakthrough shows that the project''s system is stable and mature. Further in depth resear


    not suitable for a private enterprise to hold. Handing it over to the military is the most appropriate choice."


    Callie understood now. He looked at Eleanor. "Eleanor, so where are you nning to go next?"


    "I''ll be focusing on research into neurodegenerative diseases," Eleanor told Callie.


    "If you''re willing, you can join this new project."


    Callie''s eyes lit up. "So, you''re saying we can still work together?"


    Nearby, Joel frowned. "That direction also requires brainputer interface technology. So, you still can''t get away from Goodwin & Co.''s support."


    Eleanor paused in her task of gathering her files. It was true. Even with a new research direction, she would still needn''s technical support. She nodded. "Yes. Research is never a singr endeavor."


    Callie asked curiously, "So, are we still conducting research under Goodwin & Co.?"


    "Not entirely," Eleanor exined. "The research will be independently supported by a new foundation established by The Guild of


    Commerce. We''ll just need Goodwin & Co''s authorization for the


    technology."


    Callie was excited nheless. "As long as I can keep doing research with you, it doesn''t matter where."


    Joel watched Eleanor thoughtfully. Couldn''s purpose in running for chairman of The Guild of Commerce have included securing a special research fund for Eleanor?


    But regardless, he was happy for her that her future research now had a clear direction.


    At eleven-thirty, while Eleanor was organizing documents in her office, a message fromn came through. [I''m downstairs at the entrance.]

 Chapter 1282

    Eleanor picked up her phone and went downstairs. As she was crossing the lobby, a figure carrying a stack of documents walked toward her. It was Faye Yeaton.


    When Faye saw Eleanor approaching, her expression stiffened slightly.


    Eleanor, however, walked past her naturally with her bag. Faye, holding her documents, turned around just in time to see a ck sedan parked at theb''s


    entrance.


    The car window rolled down, revealing the driver to be none other thann.


    Eleanor casually opened the passenger door and got in. As the window rolled up, the luxury car drove away.


    The sight filled Faye with such jealousy that she clutched her documents tightly. When had Eleanor andn gotten back to this point?


    It was lunchtime. Were they going on a private date?


    Were they going to remarry? The thought coiled around her heart like a venomous snake. Faye hadn''t forgotten how she used to mock Eleanor, how she''d said her status as the wife of a billionaire was just for show, and how she''dughed at her for being abandoned. Now, just two and a half yearster, there were signs of Eleanor andn getting back together.


    Was Eleanor going to be Mrs. Goodwin again in the future?


    Faye''s chest heaved. What right did Eleanor have to get all of this?


    The vast research resources, the title of Mrs. Goodwin, the position as chief researcher of a core project-every single one of those was something Faye could only dream of now.


    And yet, this dazzling Eleanor was only twenty-eight this year. Fate was truly too kind to her.


    ***


    In the car,n asked Eleanor, "What do you feel like eating?"


    "Anything is fine," Eleanor said, showing no preference. Instead, she asked curiously, "What did you want to discuss with me?"


    While waiting at a red light,n reached into the back seat, grabbed a file, and handed it to her. "This is the draft charter for the neuroscience research foundation. Take a look and give me your feedback."


    Eleanor was stunned. She hadn''t expected him to move so quickly. She took the file and read through it carefully. The terms were just as he had promised, granting the chief scientist a great deal of autonomy. The initial funding amount was-twenty billion dors.


    Eleanor''s gaze lingered on that number for a long time. Then, she looked up atn, her voice filled with shock. "This funding amount-isn''t it a bit too much?"


    "But-" Eleanor started to say more.


    "Don''t worry about the source of the funds," Ian interrupted her. "The Guild of Commerce has already approved the budget."


    Eleanor lowered her head and


    continued to read the document. She found that in addition to the


    ample financial security the chart?r also explicitly stated that the research team would have ful ownership of their findings, with the foundation only retaining oversight rights. Such terms were almost unheard of in the academic world.


    "Are you sure The Guild of Commerce will approve these terms?" Eleanor looked up, astonished. These conditions were incredibly favorable for the researchers.


    "Are you hoping they won''t be approved?"n retorted, raising an eyebrow. There was a hint of a smile in his eyes behind the lenses.


    "Of course not," Eleanor said, closing the file. "I just think this charter is overly generous. I''m worried that other members of The Guild of Commerce will have objections."


    Eleanor didn''t want him to be under pressure to secure resources for her, nor did she want to owe him any more favors.


    be objections. But persuading them is my job."


    He nced at her. "The Guild of


    Commerce established this


    foundation with the express purpose


    of supporting top-tier research


    breakthrough potential and


    with


    long-term value. You are the most


    Suitable date for investment


    This will be a strategic investment, and the Guild is very optimistic about it."


    Eleanor turned to look out the window, lost in thought for a moment. Ian nced over again. "What''s wrong? Feeling pressured?"


    Eleanor turned back to meet his gaze. "As long as it doesn''t cause you any trouble, I can handle the pressure on my end."


    "Just focus on your research. Don''t worry about anything else,"n said, a very faint smile ying on his lips.


    The lunch was at a quiet private restaurant. After they were seated,n handed Eleanor the menu.


    As Eleanor browsed the menu, her expression suddenly froze for a few seconds. When had it happened? When had she be able to sit and have a meal with him so naturally?


    "Nothing," Eleanor said, her expression returning to normal as she continued to look at the menu.


    charter details back with you to study carefully. If you have any questions, contact me directly. The foundation is expected to be officially established next month. Before then, you''ll need to submit a research proposal for ou records and for future evaluation."


    "Okay," Eleanor replied softly.


    "Also,"n said, picking up his teacup and narrowing his eyes, "thank you for your hard work during these three months of transitioning the project to the military."


    "It''s no trouble." Eleanor would, of course,plete the handover of this project perfectly before moving on to her next step.


    "The military''s requirements and standards are different frommercial projects. The process will be stricter. If you run into any difficulties, let me know immediately." The protective and supportive undertones in his words were unmistakable.

 Chapter 1283

    Eleanor looked up at him, her reply brimming with confidence. "I''ll handle it well."


    A sh of heartache crossedn''s eyes. Ever since she had asked for a divorce, she had be so independent and strong. She was like a cut diamond now¡ª- sharp, dazzling, and not exactly easy to hold in your hand.


    He picked up his teacup, concealing the emotion in his eyes, and said in a steady voice, "Good. I have faith in your abilities."


    As the food was served, Eleanor began to eat gracefully. Ian suddenly asked, "Will you continue to work here, or do you want to establish a newb?"


    Eleanor paused and looked up. "Let''s use theb here. No need to spend extra money."


    A small smile touchedn''s lips. "Saving the foundation''s money?"


    Eleanor''s chewing slowed for a moment. She met his slightly teasing gaze and said frankly, "It''s about saving money, and also about saving my time."


    Naturally, Eleanor didn''t want to squander the foundation''s funds, especially since he had secured them for her. The money needed to be used where it mattered.


    "Alright, we''ll do it your way. Of course, if theb needs any renovations or modifications, just let me know. Goodwin & Co. will cover the costs, as part of my technical support for you."


    Eleanor didn''t need any of that; the current equipment and environment were more than sufficient. Still, she replied gratefully, "Thank you."


    "You''re wee. Consider it my way of repaying you,"n said, a slight smile ying on his lips as he raised an eyebrow.


    ***


    In Walden Wells'' office, a call came in. It was from a mole he had nted in The Guild of Commerce.


    "Mr. Wells, next month The Guild of Commerce is setting up a special fund for medical research. And guess whose research our esteemed chairman ns to support with it?"


    Walden''s interest was immediately piqued. "Stop beating around the bush and just tell me," he said into the phone.


    "It''sn''s ex-wife, that genius from the research world, Eleanor."


    Walden sneered. "I knew it. I guessed he only wanted to be chairman of The Guild of Commerce so he could use the title to do whatever he wanted. And sure enough, he couldn''t even wait."


    "I heard he and his ex-wife are rekindling things. Could this be Mr. Goodwin''s way of winning her over?"


    A glint appeared in Walden''s eyes, and a calcting smile spread across his face. "Rekindling an old me, abusing his power? This is some good leverage." He then instructed the person on the other end, "Keep an eye on it, especially the flow of funds and the approval process. Let me know immediately if you find anything that isn''t above board."


    After hanging up, Walden paced to the window and looked at the towering Goodwin & Co. building in the distance, a cold smile on his face.


    n, you think sitting on the


    chairman''s throne of The Guild of


    rein? This


    Commerce gives you free you


    time I''m going to make


    know exactly what it feels like to have your name dragged through the mud."


    ?


    Thest time Walden had tried to privately discuss terminating Vanessa''s contract,


    n hadpletely ignored him. Now that he finally had something on him, there


    was no way Walden was going to let it go.


    He was also still bitter about losing


    the election for chairman of The Guild of Commerce that position was something he had his eye on. Ifn couldn''t hold on to it, it night just fall into his hands next term.


    ***


    Back at the restaurant,n''s phone buzzed with a message. He nced at it, then looked up at Eleanor. "There''s a business dinner tomorrow evening. I was wondering if Miss Sutton would do me the honor of attending?"


    Eleanor frowned and was about to refuse whenn continued, "Several trustees from medical foundations will be there. I can introduce you. It could be helpful for your future research."


    Eleanor genuinely disliked businessworking events, and she hesitated.


    That convinced her. Her future research did require expanding herwork in the medicalmunity.


    "Alright, I''ll be there on time."


    A flicker of a smile passed throughn''s eyes, though his expression remained calm. "I''ll pick you up at six tomorrow evening."


    Eleanor nodded. They paid the bill and left the restaurant, withn driving her back to theb.


    As she got out of the car, Eleanor suddenly realized that her interactions withn were going to be more and more frequent. Since she had epted the foundation''s support, she couldn''t back down now.


    The funds from Juliette Grayson''sb were under Xavier Vaughn''s management. That was Mrs. Juliette Grayson''s contribution to society, and Eleanor couldn''t use it for her own purposes.


    Shaking off these distracting thoughts, Eleanor returned to theb. Her phone rang. She nced at the screen, a little surprised, but answered quickly. "Hello, Dr. Bradley."


    It was Garrison Bradley on the other end. He sounded excited. "Miss Sutton, it looks like we might be seeing each other again soon."


    "Don''t tell me you''re the one I''ll be working with on the handover," Eleanor asked with augh.


    "It''s quite the coincidence, but yes, it''s me and my team. I''ve read about your research¡ªit''s absolutely brilliant. Mansfield''s recovery is thanks to you all."


    Eleanor felt a sense of relief. If she was handing over the project to someone she knew,munication would be much easier.


    "In that case, I look forward to you and your teaming for the handover," Eleanor said with a smile.


    "Great. We''ll probably be there next week," Garrison said cheerfully.

 Chapter 1284

    A short whileter, she entered her office and saw an email from the military confirming that the first round of the technology transfer would begin next Wednesday.


    For the next three months, Eleanor would focus onpleting the handover of the Neural Interface Project. After that, her schedule would free up considerably. With summer vacation just around the corner, it was the perfect opportunity to make up for the time she owed her daughter.


    ***


    That evening, at Walden Wells'' vi.


    Just as Walden stepped inside, Vanessa, dressed in a sexy long gown, fluttered over to him like a butterfly and affectionately took his arm.


    "Walden, you''re back!"


    She was like the songbird Walden kept in his cage¡ªthere to be admired, picked up whenever he felt like it, and to let him pretend he was still young.


    Walden reached out and pinched her chin. "Were you a good girl today?"


    "Of course I was!" Vanessa said with a smile, taking his suit jacket to hang it up. Just then, Walden''s phone rang. He nced at it and answered, "Hello!"


    "Doesn''t The Guild of Commerce have anything better to do? Always hosting these boring dinners. I''m not going," Walden replied irritably.


    After he hung up, Vanessa immediately clung to his arm again, tilting up her meticulously made-up face, her eyes full of expectation. "Walden, I''m so bored. Please take me to the dinner with you! I need to rx."


    Walden frowned and grunted. "There''s nothing interesting about those kinds of events."


    "Please take me!" Vanessa begged, gently shaking his arm, her voice soft and coy. "I want to see more of the world. Please?"


    Her pleading stirred something in him, and he gave in. "Alright, alright, I''ll take you."


    Then, a thought urred to him. "Do you thinkn and his ex-wife will get back together?"


    Vanessa''s heart skipped a beat, but she feigned indifference. "Whether they get back together or not, I couldn''t care less."


    Walden immediately realized that


    It was a perfect chance to see for himself how far those two hade, and maybe even find more dirt on them.


    "Dress to impress tomorrow. Don''t make me look bad." Walden said, patting Vanessa''s cheek.


    A look of delight shed in Vanessa''s eyes. She cooed, "Don''t worry, I won''t let you down."


    ***


    The next morning, a Friday, Eleanor took her daughter to school.n had mentioned the previous evening


    when he dropped Evelyn off the met


    Serena Goodwin would be picking herop tonight to take herte


    Goodwin Manor.


    At three o''clock, Eleanor was still working in theb. Around four, a message from


    An address was attached.


    Eleanor replied, [Okay.]


    At four-thirty, Eleanor arrived at the high-end boutique located in the city center. As she pushed open the door a manager in a professional suit greeted her with a smile. "Miss Sutton, you''re here. Please,e with me."


    Eleanor nodded. Her entire wardrobe consisted of work attire; she had nothing suitable for a formal dinner, so a dress shop was her only option.


    The shop was softly lit, with racks of exquisite dresses on disy. The disy cases


    even featured several one-of-a-kind, heavily embellished pieces.


    The manager led her to the VIP room, where five carefully selected gowns were already waiting.


    "We''ve chosen these based on your style. Please feel free to try them on," the manager said warmly.


    Since Eleanor didn''t have much time to browse, the selections had been made ording ton''s instructions.

 Chapter 1285

    Eleanor''s gaze fell on a pale champagne-colored satin gown. It had a simple cut with no extra embellishments, yet it exuded an air of elegance. She said to the manager, "I''ll try this one on."


    "Of course," the manager immediately arranged for Eleanor to try it on.


    When Eleanor came out, the manager''s eyes lit up. Eleanor had excellent taste. The dress fit her perfectly, neither too ostentatious nor too in, and it beautifullyplemented her intellectual aura.


    "This one suits you perfectly," the manager praised sincerely.


    She then called over a makeup artist to do Eleanor''s makeup and hair for the evening. Eleanor sat patiently as the artist worked. When she opened her eyes, the reflection in the mirror showed a brighter, more captivating version of herself.


    At twenty-eight, she''d lost her girlish softness but kept a bright, effortless youth about her. The makeup just sharpened that grown-woman allure.


    Eleanor looked at herself in the mirror, her expression rxed andposed.


    "Miss Sutton, you look absolutely beautiful!" the managerplimented generously.


    "Thank you." Eleanor tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and nced at her watch. It was five-thirty.


    Just as Eleanor was picking up her bag to go downstairs, the shop door opened. Greeted by the staff,n''s tall figure strode in.


    He was dressed in a dark gray bespoke suit, and the gaze behind his gold-rimmed sses immediately locked onto the woman descending the stairs.


    His eyes rested on Eleanor, and for a moment, he froze.


    He had seen her in so many ways-innocent, shy, radiant¡ªbut today, she was stunning.


    He had seen her without makeup in theb and had seen her speaking eloquently in meetings. But today, with that unique blend of cool elegance and alluring charm in her eyes, she was perfectly captivating.


    Ian walked over to her and asked, "Are you ready to go?"


    "Yes," Eleanor said, picking up her matching clutch and nodding.


    As they left, the manager and staff watched them go, their eyes filled with awe and envy.


    Gavin Young was driving.


    After the car started,n nced at her, his voice tinged with admiration. "The dress suits you very well."


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied.


    used to wearing them and still needed some time to adapt.


    "Do you remember these sses? You gave them to me,"n asked.


    Eleanor''s gaze fell on the gold-rimmed sses on his nose, and memories from years ago instantly came flooding back.


    Of course, she remembered.


    She had seen a pair of gold-rimmed sses in a magazine, thought they looked elegant and sophisticated, and for some reason, felt they would suit him perfectly she had excitedly bought them and presented them to him like a treasure, insisting he try them on for her.


    At the time, fan was busy with work and initially found her childish gift a bit silly But after some coaxing and he


    yful pestering from Elechad


    finally put them on. The sight had made Eleanor happy all evening.


    But he never seemed to get used to wearing sses. After she made him wear them a few more times at home, he had put them away in his.... essories cab.


    "Those sses are very old. If you like them, you should get a new pair," Eleanor


    said, turning her gaze to the window.


    The topic ended there.

 Chapter 1286

    The car glided smoothly toward the banquet hall. Thest of the sunset stretched long across the city. Eleanor had no desire to reminisce about the past. Their rtionship would be built on the new foundation of their coboration.


    Soon, the car arrived at the hotel. An attendant stepped forward and opened the door.n got out first.


    A manager saw him and immediately hurried over. "Mr. Goodwin, you''ve arrived."


    Once she was out, they walked side-by-side up the red carpet and into the brightly lit banquet hall.


    Their appearance immediately drew nces from all around.


    The man was distinguished andposed, the woman elegant and intelligent. They seemed to be keeping their distance, but most people present knew they were once married.


    By then, the hall was half full. A few board members were the first to greetn, and they showed great enthusiasm for Eleanor as well. "Dr. Sutton, a pleasure to meet you."


    Eleanor calmly shook hands with the board members, her demeanor poised and respectful. Her conversation showcased her refinement.


    "Dr. Sutton, I read your recent paper on neurodegenerative diseases. It was truly enlightening," a middle-aged board member praised.


    Seeing his interest in her research and his specific mention of her academic work, Eleanor smiled and struck up a conversation with him.


    This was precisely her purpose for being here tonight; she hoped to gain the support of The Guild of Commerce for her academic research.


    "Dr. Sutton, it seems we have much to discuss in the future!"


    "It''s Dr. Sutton''s research on brainputer interfaces that has truly opened our eyes!" another board member added with a smile.


    The Eleanor of today no longer needed to rely on her former identity as Mrs. Goodwin. She had earned a significant ce in the scientificmunity through her own merit.


    Just then, some guests turned their attention toward the entrance. Walden Wells walked in with a morous woman on his arm. Many recognized her as the international pianist, Vanessa.


    The moment Vanessa stepped into the banquet hall, she spottedn. However, she saw a slender, elegant woman standing beside him, her back to her, obscuring her face.


    But just then, the woman with the beautiful silhouette turned her head slightly, and Vanessa''s expression froze.


    It was Eleanor.


    How could this be? Had Eleanor andn''s rtionship recovered to the point where they could attend a banquet together?


    Was Eleanorn''s date tonight?


    Vanessa felt a jolt. She was once the one standing byn''s side, basking in the envious stares of the crowd. The Eleanor of the past was. someonen would never have brought to such an event.


    But now, the woman she had once relentlessly mocked-Eleanor-was standing besiden, looking so independent and dazzling, enjoying the respect and admiration of the surrounding guests.


    Eleanor hadn''t even dressed up extravagantly. A simple


    champagne-colored gown and light


    makeup were enough. The


    intellectual and calm aura she


    d''effortlessly made her the.


    exuded


    center of attention.


    Vanessa had also dressed to the nines tonight, hervish gown and dazzling jewelry meant to unt her status. But next to Eleanor''s understated elegance, it backfired.

 Chapter 1287

    "What''s wrong? See your old me and get all worked up?" Walden Wells suddenly murmured, his toneced with displeasure.


    Vanessa snapped back to reality. She realized her jealousy had caused her to unconsciously tighten her grip on his arm.


    She immediately stered on a bright, flirtatious smile and pressed closer to him. "Walden, you know who''s in my heart, don''t you?"


    Walden Wells grunted. He was looking for an opportunity to confrontn anyway, so he led Vanessa in their direction.


    Vanessa was startled that he was walking straight towardn. She took a deep breath, determined not to show any weakness in front of them.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Dr. Sutton, what a coincidence! Perfect time to discuss the establishment of the special fund," Walden Wells said, his voice booming and drawing the attention of those nearby.


    Vanessa put on a show of dignifiedposure, greetingn first. "Mr. Goodwin, it''s been a while." Then, as if just noticing Eleanor, she feigned surprise. "Oh! Miss Sutton is here too. Sorry-Dr. Sutton now. You''ve certainly climbed a long way up."


    It sounded like apliment, but the bite underneath was hard to miss.


    Waldenughed, his words loaded with insinuation. "Oh, I''m interested, of course. Especially in a project that Mr. Goodwin is backing so heavily. I''m just curious if the rapid approval of such a massive sum of moneyplies with The Guild of Commerce''s standard procedures." As he spoke, his eyes shifted directly to Eleanor. "After all, the rtionship between Dr. Sutton and Mr. Goodwin... well, it does make one wonder, doesn''t it?"


    It was a tant usation, a not-so-subtle way of sayingn was using his position as chairman to line his own pockets.


    The conversation around them died off all at once. All eyes were onn and Eleanor.


    Eleanor''s chest tightened. Had she dragged him into a mess after all?


    His voice was calm but carried absolute authority.


    His expression then turned icy. "As for my personal rtionship with Dr. Sutton, I


    don''t believe it''s for outsiders to question or specte about."


    Walden''s face darkened. He hadn''t expectedn to be so confident, showing no sign of panic He knew the project had been approved bymittee vote, but he had no immediate proof of any backroom deals.


    "Mr. Wells, Dr. Sutton''s project was indeed approved by a unanimous vote," said the board member who had been speaking with Eleanor earlier.


    "The Guild of Commerce established this special fund precisely to support cutting-edge research. Dr. Sutton''s work has breakthrough potential and perfectly meets our criteria," another board member added, rifying the situation.


    "Even the former chairman endorsed the project. Surely you don''t have any objections, Mr. Wells?" the first board member asked with a smile.


    The board members'' statements effectively silenced Walden. He had intended to publicly sow doubt aboutn''s conduct but had instead put himself in an awkward position.

 Chapter 1288

    He let out a thinugh, trying to y it off. "I was just asking. With such arge sum of money involved, it''s always good to be cautious."


    Walden''s expression soured. A man in his sixties being lectured by someone not yet thirty was a blow to both his pride and his reputation.


    Before he could retort,n continued, his voice cold. "If you continue to make


    baseless usations and spread false rumors, The Guild of Commerce will reserve the right to pursue legal action."


    Though not loud, his voice was firm and carried weight, earning him looks of newfound respect from the onlookers.


    Vanessa bit her lip, fuming inwardly. To defend Eleanor,n had publicly humiliated Walden, leaving him with no graceful way to back down.


    Did he really cherish Eleanor so much that a few critical words from someone else would provoke such a stern warning?


    Vanessa shot a resentful re at Eleanor.


    Eleanor stood off to the side, her emotions knotted up. She couldn''t pretendn hadn''t just stepped in for her, but it also felt like a burden. She didn''t want to be the cause of controversy and trouble for him.


    Walden forced himself to maintain a calm facade, saying through gritted teeth, "You certainly carry yourself with authority, Mr. Goodwin. If the procedures were followed and the project is so outstanding, then I''ll consider my words unsaid."


    "Mr. Wells, there''s some good wine over there. Care for a drink?" someone interjected, trying to smooth things over. Walden turned and walked away, and Vanessa had no choice but to follow.


    The sudden confrontation shifted the atmosphere in the room, and Eleanor could feel more eyes on her. Her identity asn''s ex-wife was something she couldn''t


    erase.


    She turned ton. "I need to talk to you."


    His gaze deepened, his voice low. "Eleanor, don''t back down."


    Eleanor was taken aback, meeting his all knowing gaze. She had indeed felt a flicker of doubt not out of fear of a Challenge, but because she didn''t want to be a burden to him.


    "Remember, you don''t have to prove anything to anyone, and neither do I,"n said, his eyes locked on hers.


    vel


    "Your father persisted with his research under such difficult


    conditions for the sake of advancing medicine. Now that The Guild of Commerce is providing you with the best possible resources, you should be even more focused on moving forward."


    Stunned, Eleanor looked up at him, momentarily speechless.


    "Eleanor, don''t let a little gossip shake you, and don''t betray your own talent and hard work. Understand?"


    "But¡ª" Eleanor looked at him. "Are you sure there are no issues with the funding?"


    "I can promise you every dor is clean and by the book. There isn''t a single line crossed,"n assured her in a low tone.


    The sight ofn leaning down to speak with Eleanor caught Vanessa''s eye, and her hand


    tightened around her wine s


    Eleano was actually listening ten with such patience What had


    happened between them recently? C¨®ntent


    Where was the Eleanor who had been so disgusted withn? The one who hated


    and despised him?

 Chapter 1289

    She''d spent ten relentless years of her life plotting to tear them apart. Was it all for nothing in the end?


    Seeingn''s deep, steady gaze fixed on Eleanor''s face, Vanessa''s heart ached. The way he leaned in showed a rare patience and focus. Eleanor, tilting her head up slightly, looked calm and earnest.


    It seemed the animosity between them was truly gone.


    Vanessa bit down on her lip. She''d given up so much right down to shackling herself to an aging man like Walden Wells. Why did Eleanor get to slip back ton''s side so easily, and end up with even more of his protection and care than before?


    "What are you looking at? Still thinking about your old me?" Walden Wells suddenly pinched her waist.


    Vanessa snapped her gaze away and put on a flirtatious expression. "Walden, I''m just angry for you. Thatn has no respect for you at all."


    Walden snorted, his own gaze turning towardn, his eyes dark. "Hmph. We''ll see how long he gets to be smug. I won''t forget this."


    This was exactly what Vanessa wanted-Walden''s animosity towardn. With Walden''s status, he could actually challenge him.


    "Walden, look at how Eleanor hasn wrapped around her finger. The way he''s defending her... I bet there''s some kind of shady deal between them!" Vanessa added, fanning the mes.


    Walden narrowed his eyes, studying Eleanor from afar. She was indeed a rare beauty, but what was more remarkable was her unique aura. He scoffed. "Whatever is going on between them, I''ll find out."


    ***


    Meanwhile, Eleanor''s eyes were once again clear and determined. "Thank you. I understand now."


    "I''m confident your results will speak for themselves in the future,"n said, straightening up, his tone more rxed.


    Just then, a board member approached them. "Dr. Sutton, there''s someone I''d like you to meet."


    Eleanor smiled at him. "Of course."


    She was led to an elderly, white-haired professor in a wheelchair. Eleanor


    recognized him instantly. He was her father''s mentor. She stepped forward to greet him. "Professor Vinson, hello."


    Professor Vinson adjusted his reading sses and studied Eleanor, a look of pleasant surprise gradually appearing on his face. "You''re Elliot''s daughter?"


    Eleanor''s eyes welled up slightly as she nodded. "Yes, Professor Vinson. I met you when I was a child. How have you been?"


    "I''m well," Professor Vinson said, looking at her with excitement. "Elliot raised a good daughter! Your father was my most promising student. He had such a gift for medicine§Át''s just a shame-"


    The old professor stopped himself and looked at Eleanor. "You''re the one picking up


    where he had to stop, and you''re making that work your own. The scientific


    Eleanor sat down and began to chat with the professor. He was very supportive of her research direction. As they talked, her path forward became even clearer. She couldn''t


    give up such an advanta Couldn''t


    research opportunity. Personal matters could be set aside for now. Her research wasn''t for profit or fame; it was for the benefit of humanity.


    Not far away, tan was surrounded by a group of people from The Guild of Commerce. He mingled, a ss of red wine in hand, but his gaze frequently drifted to the woman talking with the old professor and he was in an excellent mood. C¨®ntent

 Chapter 1290

    After about fifteen minutes of chatting with Professor Vinson,n walked over. He greeted the professor, then said to Eleanor, "Dr. Sutton, excuse me, but some international colleagues would like to meet you. Pleasee with me."


    Eleanor looked at the professor, who waved a kind hand. "Go on, go on. Businesses first."


    Eleanor nodded, stood up, and followedn to another group of people in the hall. As they approached, a man walked toward them enthusiastically. "Mr. Goodwin." "Mr. Dewitt, let me introduce you. This is Dr. Sutton," Ian said with a smile.


    "Dr. Sutton, it''s a pleasure to finally meet you in person," Aaron said, his eyes full of admiration and praise.


    While they were exchanging pleasantries, another friend came over to greet him.n turned his head slightly and leaned close to Eleanor''s ear. "Eighty percent of the donations for your project came from Mr. Dewitt here."


    Eleanor''s eyes widened in shock. She never would have guessed that this gentle, refined-looking man was the fund''srgest contributor. Her polite expression now held a new level of respect and gratitude. "Mr. Dewitt, thank you so much for your support of scientific research."


    Aaron smiled and waved his hand, his tone sincere. "Please, Dr. Sutton, there''s no need to thank me. I should be thanking you. Your research papers and past achievements convinced me. I''ve always wanted to put my money into cutting-edge tech that can actually change how we treat people."


    There was no trace of condescension in his tone, only a deep respect for science, which helped Eleanor rx.


    "You''re too kind, Mr. Dewitt. I will be sure to put every dor of the funding to good use. I won''t let you down," Eleanor said.


    "I trust Mr Goodwin''s judgment, and


    I trust in your abilities, Dr. Sutton Aaron sald, givingn a meaningful nce.n reached out and pped him lightly on the shoulder. "Let''s


    have a drink, then."


    Eleanor raised her champagne flute to toast with Aaron. A momentter, a ss of red wine clinked against hers, and the three of them drank together.


    Afterward, Aaron and Eleanor discussed some aspects of her research field. His insights were quite sharp, making it clear he was not an uninformed investor.


    About fifteen minutester, Aaron stepped away to take a call. Eleanor realized this was the personn had wanted her to meet tonight. A twenty billion-dor investment, with eighty percenting from Mr. Dewitt-it was truly astonishing. C¨®ntent


    "How did it go?" a low voice asked from beside her.


    Eleanorposed herself and looked at the perfectly calmn. "Why didn''t you tell me this before I came?"


    Eleanor was speechless for a moment. If the fund was primarily backed by a private investor, with The Guild of Commerce only contributing twenty percent, it did relieve a significant amount of pressure.


    "Thank you," she said.


    From a distance, Walden Wells also


    noticed Aaron, and his expression turned grim: This wealthy


    international businessman was incredibly powerful and influential in global finance circles. He had just


    spent over ten minutes talking


    privately with Eleanor. Hadn


    managed to get him on board as an investor?

 Chapter 1291

    But Walden Wells had no intention of dropping his investigation into the Guild of Commerce''s foundation. He hadn''t given up on the chairman position, and he was determined to sit in that chair, even just for a little while, before he died.


    Besides, he was deeply dissatisfied with the youngern Goodwin. Losing to him in thest election had been a major blow to his pride, andn''s tant disregard for him today only added fuel to the fire. With old grudges and new grievancesbined, there was no way he would let this go.


    Others might not be able to shaken''s position, but Walden Wells wasn''t afraid to try.


    Just then, Vanessa Shannon, who was beside him, spotted Eleanor Sutton heading toward the restrooms. She turned to Walden. "Walden, I''m just going to use the restroom."


    When Eleanor came out of the stall, Vanessa was already at the sink, washing her hands. She watched Eleanor in the mirror. "Miss Sutton was quite the powerhouse today."


    All the stall doors were open; it was clear they were alone.


    Eleanor met Vanessa''s provocative gaze in the mirror, her expression unchanging. She had no desire to engage.


    Vanessa''s red lips curved into a smirk. "It reminds me of the old days, whenn used to bring me to these kinds of events. You know, he''s not nearly as serious and boring in private as he seems in public."


    She paused deliberately, her seductive eyes sweeping over Eleanor. "Especially when we were alone. He was actually very gentle and considerate with me. Thinking about it now makes me a little nostalgic."


    The implication was impossible to miss. She wanted Eleanor to know that she andn had been intimate.


    Eleanor washed her hands with a slow, deliberate rhythm before finally looking up. "Your past with him has nothing to do with me."


    Vanessa let out a softugh and raised an eyebrow. "Remember that time in the dressing room at my concert? My hair got caught on his belt. Don''t you want to know how something like that could have happened?"


    Eleanor''s hands froze for a fraction of a second. Vanessa bringing that up still stirred a painful memory. The image from that day flooded her mind against her will Vanessa dressed provocatively, her hair tangled inn''s belt buckle in an incredibly suggestive position.


    "If you hadn''te in and interrupted us-" Vanessa''s lips parted slightly, and she licked them. "Do you know what would have happened?n is a man, after all. And men like to... get creative."


    Vanessa''s gesture,bined with her look, was undeniably suggestive. That scene had been one of the final blows that had pushed Eleanor to give up on her marriage.


    Even though she now knew the truth about her transaction withn, it was hard to believe nothing had ever happened between them after all that time together.


    But Vanessa didn''t know that, for Eleanor, these old wounds had long since lost their sting.


    Eleanor finished drying her hands and turned to face Vanessa directly. "Whatever happened between you two only proves that he''s a man who can''t resist temptation, and that you''re just a pathetic woman who uses cheap tricks to get attention is catering to a man''s whims really something you''re so proud of that you have to show it off?"


    Vanessa''s face paled, her seductive smile twisting into a furious scowl. "Eleanor, don''t you dare act so high and mighty. When you were in love with him, weren''t you even crazier than me? You took care of him for one year and had the nerve to pressure him into marrying you. How is that any better?"


    Vanessa would hold a grudge for the rest of her life over Eleanor stealingn from her.


    Without Eleanor, she was certain she would have be Mrs. Goodwin.


    She med Eleanor for her current situation. If Eleanor had never shown up, she


    had plenty of tricks up her sleeve to forcen to marry her.

 Chapter 1292

    Eleanor listened to Vanessa, realizing the other woman had no idea that after she had confessed her feelings all those years ago, she had decided to give up whenn didn''t respond. Their marriage hadn''t been her idea;n had been the one to propose it just as she was ready to walk away.


    "Vanessa, don''t judge others by your own filthy standards. Since you''ve alreadytched onto Walden Wells, you should focus on your own life," Eleanor said coolly. "Going around bragging about your ''glorious past'' withn isn''t going to do you any favors."


    Just as Eleanor grabbed her bag to leave, Vanessa grabbed her arm, her voice filled with resentment. "Eleanor, stop pretending you''re so magnanimous. I refuse to believe you don''t hate him at all. When he had to choose between us at the pool, he chose me. In the dressing room, he let me service him. Do you really believe he was faithful to you during your marriage? You''re enjoying his attention now, but have you forgotten how he treated you back then? Tell me, do you really not haten anymore?"


    Vanessa spat the words out through clenched teeth, determined to rip open Eleanor''s old wounds and pour salt on them.


    Eleanor pulled her wrist free. It was true thatn''s past neglect and indifference had caused her immense pain. But now, listening to Vanessa, she felt a strange sense of calm. Hate? Of course she had.


    But that was all in the past.


    With time and personal growth, she hade to see things differently.


    She andn were partners now. He was providing the best possible resources to support her research, and she was focusing on her career to give back to society. There was no conflict.


    Eleanor saw right through Vanessa''s true motive: to drive a wedge between her andn, to force her to dredge up the past, to twist the knife in her old wounds.


    The old Eleanor might have fallen into her trap. But not the Eleanor of today.


    "Save your breath, Vanessa," Eleanor said dismissively, adding, "He''s a good partner. That''s all that matters."


    Vanessa stared at her, stunned. She had expected her words to reignite Eleanor''s old hatred forn, but she never imagined Eleanor would be so clear-headed.


    "You" Vanessa bit her lip. "You''re pathetic."


    "I don''t need your approval," Eleanor replied, ncing back at her before turning to leave with her bag.


    Vanessa''s words were like a dull de,pletely ineffective against Eleanor. She gritted her teeth in frustration. The Eleanor of today wasnt the same person whose emotions could be swayed with a few simple words.


    "Don''t get too smug, Eleanor," Vanessa muttered to her reflection in the mirror.


    If she didn''t say something, she felt like her own anger would consume her.


    Wait a minute. Did Eleanor just say she andn were only partners? Did that mean she was only interacting with him for work not because she was considering getting back


    together with him?


    A realization dawned on her, instantly lifting her gloomy mood. She almostughed out loud.


    So that was it.


    It wasn''t Eleanor who had gone back, but an who was making the moves The samen who had been so cold and distant was now doing everything he could to win Eleanor back.


    The thought of the high and mighty, all-powerfuln getting stonewalled by Eleanor, groveling for her attention, only to be treated as a mere business partner...


    Heh.


    A twisted sense of pleasure surged through Vanessa.


    "So,n, you finally got what wasing to you."


    Vanessa''s eyes gleamed with malicious delight. Eleanor was no longer the young


    girl who was head-over-heels in love with him.

 Chapter 1293

    Affection thates toote is worthless.


    It was only fair thatn got a taste of loving someone he could never have. It was


    his penance.


    Vanessa let out a long breath. The man she couldn''t have was getting the cold shoulder from another woman. Was there anything more satisfying?


    Eleanor, you''d better keep that pride of yours and never given a chance. Just live out your life married to your career!


    And she, Vanessa, would just enjoy the show from the sidelines. She would watchn exhaust every trick in the book, and she would watch Eleanor remainpletely unmoved.


    Fate really was fair. Ian was finally paying the price for his past actions, getting a taste of what it was like to walk through fire to win back an ex-wife. She couldn''t wait to see him get burned.


    Vanessa knew better than anyone hown had remained celibate for Eleanor over the past ten years, because she had diligently guarded him on Eleanor''s behalf.


    As for the incident in the dressing room she had mentioned earlier, it was no ident. It was her own deliberate setup.


    Originally,n had been pressuring her to sign an experimental consent form under Dr. Smith''s purview. Wantingn to see her at her most charming during her concert, she had asked him to meet her in the dressing room.


    Just as she was working her magic on him, her assistant sent a text: Eleanor was here.


    A malicious idea instantly formed in Vanessa''s mind. Timing it perfectly, she pretended to trip on her gown, falling so that her head hitn''sp. Before he could react, her hair became tangled in his belt buckle.


    At the same time, she intentionally pulled at the shoulder strap of her dress, creating a more suggestive, disheveled illusion.


    The moment Eleanor pushed the door open, she was greeted by that exact scene.


    Anyone would have connected the dots, assuming Vanessa was trying to pleasen. After all, with the concert about to start, there wasn''t much else she could do but... that.


    She rememberedn leaning back on the sofa, his legs spread from the impact of her fall, looking like an emperor awaiting his tribute.


    Vanessa also remembered the ugly look onn''s face-furious at her scheming and shocked by Eleanor''s arrival.


    People make terrible decisions when they panic. For instance, she recalledn asking Eleanor, "Why did youe in without knocking?"


    That subconscious, usatory question was like pouring gasoline on a fire.


    Even ifnter realized how foolish his words had been, the damage to Eleanor was already done.


    Eleanor''s expression that night had


    been exactly what Vanessa had hoped for. A kind of quiet despair.


    She didn''t cry, didn''t demand an


    exnation. She looked lik


    someone whose heart had died. To make matters worse, the flowers


    Henry Holt sentter were also


    attributed ton.


    It made Eleanor think he had sent them. It had been a perfect performance that night.


    No matter hown tried to exin things afterward, it was just his word against what she''d seen. Eleanor would never believe him.


    Ha! And didn''t that just make his current pursuit of Eleanor all the more difficult?


    Coupled with the misleading things she''d just said, that incident would forever hang between them.


    Eleanor andn could be partners, fine. But getting remarried? Not a chance.


    She didn''t mind being a spectator. And when the time was right, she''d add a little more fuel to the fire, ensuringn''s path to winning her back was cut off for good.


    Vanessa smoothed her dress and walked back into the banquet hall Her eyes immediately foundn standing in the center of a group of powerful men, as brilliant and captivating as the moon.


    That silver white hair only enhanced his sophisticated, aloof aura. What a shame she thought. Such a prime specimen of a man was going to live out his days in lonely devation to Eleanor.

 Chapter 1294

    When Vanessa returned to her seat, a server approached and informed her that Walden Wells had gone to a private lounge to rest and that she should join him shortly.


    Vanessa''s gaze lingered onn in the crowd. Adjusting her expression, she picked up a ss of wine and walked toward him.


    "Ian, long time no see," Vanessa said, forcing a natural smile, her voice soft and alluring.


    Vanessa spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd and smiled. She could tell from their expressions that they were among those who had once misunderstood her rtionship withn.


    n, don''t be so cold. We go way back, after all," Vanessa said, shamelessly pressing on.


    Those standing nearby were a little taken aback byn''s reaction. They all knew Miss Shannon and Mr. Goodwin had a history, but it was clear Mr. Goodwin had no interest in reminiscing.


    "Is there something you need, Miss Shannon?"n finally responded, his eyes narrowed, his tone still frigid.


    Vanessa''s smile faltered. "Nothing, really. I just wanted to say hello. I''m so happy to see you and Eleanor getting along so well. I was just chatting with her, and she mentioned that you two are very good partners now."


    She intentionally emphasized the word "partners," her eyes fixed onn, searching for any flicker of a reaction on his wless face.


    Behind his gold-rimmed sses,n''s expression was unreadable, but a clear warning shed in his eyes.


    "Stay away from her,"n said, his voice low butced with apelling chill. Vanessa''s smile froze on her lips. "I guess I overstepped," she said, forcing augh. She turned and walked away. She had confirmed just how muchn cared about Eleanor, and the twisted satisfaction inside her intensified.


    Eleanor used to be the one blinded by love. Now it wasn''s turn. How fitting.


    Partners. That meant they only had professional interactions. No kissing, no hugging, no intimacy. Ifn thought he was going to rekindle their old me, he was dreaming.


    After Vanessa left,n''s gaze drifted involuntarily toward Eleanor, his eyes darkening.


    She was talking to someone from the medical field, her eyes focused, her expression earnest. He knew it. She had agreed toe to the banquet for the sake of her career.


    The realization brought a pang of bitterness. He swirled the wine in his ss. He knew that to get close to Eleanor again, he had to respect the boundaries she had set He had to proceed step by step in a way could ept.


    He couldn''t rush it.


    she


    Watching Eleanor exchange contact information with the other person,n sighed softly. At least her research was making progress. That was a win for the night.


    Just then, a young man from abroad, holding a wine ss, approached Eleanor. Unlike the middle-aged academics she had been speaking with, this man was tall, with sharp features and a distinguished air.


    He walked straight up to Eleanor with a charming smile and struck up a conversation.


    The man was clearly interested in Eleanor, his admiration for her unconcealed. Eleanor, for her part, remainedposed, a polite smile on her face.


    Though he knew it was just a normal professional exchange,n despised the way the man was looking at Eleanor. That look of obvious interest and inquiry clearly held another meaning.


    At that moment, one of the guild


    directors noticed the change inn''s


    aura, Following his intense stare


    toward Eleanor, the director


    chuckled. "Mr. Goodwin, it seems Dr. Sutton is quite popr."


    The director smiled, but he couldn''t help but notice that the tense atmosphere aroundn had grown even heavier.


    Because the handsome young man was now exchanging contact information with Eleanor.

 Chapter 1295

    Just as Eleanor finished exchanging numbers with the young biologist, a deep male voice sounded beside her. "Dr. Sutton, are you finished? A word, if you please."


    Eleanor looked up. "Of course." She nodded a farewell to the biologist and followedn to a quieter spot.


    "I''m heading back to Goodwin Manor in ten minutes. Would you like to ride with me?"n asked.


    Her daughter was at Goodwin Manor, so Eleanor naturally had to go pick her up. She nodded. "Alright, let''s go together."


    She hadn''t driven, and with the roads around the venue blocked off, hailing a cab would be impossible. She had no choice but to ept his offer.


    A flicker of a smile crossedn''s eyes. "I''ll have Gavin Young bring the car to the entrance."


    Ten minutester, Eleanor andn left the banquet together. It was already eight- thirty.


    Once settled in the car, Eleanor rubbed her temples wearily. Networking was definitely not her strong suit. In truth, she had been on edge all evening.


    "Tired?"


    Eleanor suddenly looked up and asked, "Would it be possible to arrange a dinner with Mr. Aaron? I''d like to discuss the foundation with him."


    Eleanor''s gaze was clear. "Yes. I''m using his money for my research, and I want to ensure the contract grants him appropriate rights, like priority application of the research findings or partial patent sharing." She added earnestly, "I don''t want people to think I only received this funding because of my connection to you, nor do I want to put you in a difficult position or be a source of criticism."


    Walden Wells wasn''t the only one who thought that way tonight. The Guild of Commerce was a vast,plex organization; there were surely many others with the same opinion.


    Eleanor was doing this because she wanted the grant to be based on fairness, transparency, and mutual benefit, not on some ambiguous personal debt.


    Most importantly, she didn''t wantn to bear the pressure alone.


    "I understand,"n said with a slight smile. "I''lFarrange it. But not as a personal meeting. It should be a format discussion between your research team and the foundation That''s more appropriate."


    Eleanor was slightly taken aback. On this matter,n''s approach was more logical


    and considerate.


    She nodded. "Thank you."


    "You''re wee. It''s the right thing to do,"n said, taking off his sses and elegantly folding them. "The foundation''s support of your research is an investment. rifying the rights, responsibilities, and benefits for both sides is crucial for a long-term coboration?"


    Eleanor felt he had a point. Thinking of it that way put her mind at ease. On a professional level,n was indeed an excellent partner.


    When you love someone to your very core, your eyes betray an overwhelming possessiveness.


    And a desire for control was an intrinsic part of his nature.


    Eleanor had been looking out the window, but the intensity of his gaze made her ufortable. She turned to look at the man beside her.


    "Okay," Eleanor murmured, unconsciously hugging her arms as a chill from the air conditioning washed over her.


    his white shirt, revealing the strong, clean lines of his corbone.


    As the streetlights cast shifting


    shadows across his brow and eye


    sockets he smiled faintly His


    already handsome features,


    created an alluring presence.


    Unfortunately, Eleanor''s mind was elsewhere, lost in thought about the future of her


    work.

 Chapter 1296

    The car fell silent, the muffled sounds of the city filtering in from outside. Eleanor leaned back against the seat and rested her eyes, her mind already nning the details of the uing handover to the military.


    In the dim light, Eleanor, resting in her seat, looked soft, her usual professional guard finally lowered. Her quiet demeanor was disarming, stirring a powerful urge in him to pull her into his arms.


    But while the impulse was overwhelming, his actions were restrained.


    He knew Eleanor wouldn''t allow it. She wouldn''t consent to it.


    Still, at least their rtionship was thawing. She had epted his partnership and was willing to coexist peacefully with him. For now, that was enough.


    ***


    The car pulled to a smooth stop in front of Goodwin Manor. Eleanor opened her eyes at just the right moment, the weariness in them having eased slightly.


    "We''re here,"n said to her.


    Eleanor followed him out of the car and into the manor. The sound of her daughter''s happy voice, mingled with Serena Goodwin''sughter, greeted them. As Eleanor walked in, she saw the two of them ying a board game.


    "Daddy, Mommy, you''re back!" Evelyn Goodwin said happily, looking at her parents as they walked in together.


    "Ellie," Serena said, standing up to greet her.


    Gina Quinn and Magdalen were sitting nearby, and the atmosphere was pleasant. "Magdalen, Gina, it''s time for me to take Evelyn home," Eleanor announced politely. Gina stood up. "Eleanor, if you''re tired, you can let Evelyn sleep here tonight." "I''m not tired, thank you," Eleanor replied with formal courtesy.


    Gina didn''t press the issue. She called her granddaughter over. "Evelyn, go home with Mommy, okay? Be good."


    "I will, Grandma."


    Evelyn turned and took Eleanor''s hand, then reached forn''s. "Daddy, walk me and Mommy home together."


    "Alright. Your mom didn''t drive, so I''ll take you both," Ian said with a faint smile. He turned to his mother and grandmother. "Mom, Grandma, we''re heading out."


    Watching them leave, Gina was struck by a wave of nostalgia and let out a soft sigh.


    A momentter, Serena couldn''t help but ask, "Grandma, Mom, do you think my brother can really win Ellie back?"


    Magdalen sighed but offered noment.


    Gina, however, considered it for a moment. "Thinking about everything that''s happened recently, I finally understand whyn gave Eleanor those eightpanies."


    Serena was still confused. "Why, Mom? Tell me."


    The family matriarch, however, seemed to grasp her


    daughter-inw''s meaning. She


    exined to her grandda


    novef


    "Your brother wasying the


    groundwork. On the surface giving


    Ellie those eightpanies was part of the divorce settlement. But in. reality, it was a way to tie the two of them inextricably together."


    Gina''s tone was knowing. "With the connection of those eightpanies, Eleanor needs to consult with your brother on operations, decisions, and even future development. That creates opportunities for them to meet and gives themmon ground to talk about."


    A sharp pang of guilt shed across Serena''s face. She remembered how those eightpanies had driven her to pull dirty tricks behind


    Eleanos back even fool Net


    leaking the story online to nder her. The thought made Serena want to p herself. How could she have been so stupid?


    So stupid she could barely stand to think about the person she used to be.


    Gina sighed. "I suspected as much back then. Those eightpanies weren''s way of giving Eleanor


    security and leverage. He knew she


    has too much pride to ept any


    divorce He


    help from him after the divoros


    didn''t want her to have to rely on anyone else. By giving her that property, he ensured she could live independently and raise her child."

 Chapter 1297

    It was a revtion for Serena. "So, my brother was ying the long game even back then?"


    Magdalen huffed. "It was your brother''s way of making amends to Eleanor. He was tied up with Vanessa at the time, and while he wouldn''t say anything, he showed it through his actions."


    Serena said, frustrated, "It''s not like my brother can''t talk! Why didn''t he just say something? If he had, they might not have even gotten divorced."


    "Your brother didn''t have the nerve to bring it up. Ellie was the one who asked for the divorce," Magdalen said irritably.


    Serena looked at her mother,pletely baffled. "Mom, why did he even marry Ellie in the first ce? You never really told me. I always thought he married her out of a sense of duty, to repay a debt. But it seems like he truly loves her."


    At the mention of this, Gina sighed again. "Whether your brother liked Eleanor or not, I couldn''t tell at the time. All I knew was that they had been seeing each other for about six months. That was when your father was still alive, and Eleanor''s father was his attending physician. They met at the hospital."


    "The two of them must have fallen for each other at first sight," the matriarch spected. She had been abroad at the time. "Otherwise, Ellie wouldn''t have dropped her studies to take care of your brother after his car ident."


    Gina shook her head. "I think Eleanor lovedn more. I overheard her confess her feelings to him, and his reaction wasn''t that strong. So, afterward, I approached Eleanor. I was going to offer her a hundred million dors to go back to school."


    "And did Ellie agree?"


    "Eleanor agreed, but she refused the money." Gina could still remember the clear, determined look in Eleanor''s eyes. "She said she took care ofn because she wanted to not for money. She also promised to leave and stay out of his life." Gina''s voice was tinged with aplex mix of emotions as she recalled the scene. "I thought that was the end of it."


    "So what happened next?" Serena''s curiosity grew.


    "The very next morning, your brother went to find Eleanor himself and agreed to marry her." A wistful look appeared in Gina''s eyes. "He never said a word about what he was thinking at the time."


    Serena finally understood that she had been wrong all along. She had assumed Eleanor had begged to marry her brother and that he had only agreed to repay a debt, without any love involved.


    "And Eleanor''s father met with your brother a few times. I don''t know


    what they talked about behind


    was


    closed doors, but I do know that when your brother came qut, he determined to marry Eleano regardless of my objections.


    The matriarch chimed in with her own recollection. "We all thought it was too sudden back then. We askedn about it, but he wouldn''t say anything, only that it was his decision. That boy insisted on making his own choice, even. intris, marriage. But he was lucky to marry Ellie."


    "So, my brother liked Ellie from the very beginning," Serena concluded firmly. That exined why Vanessa, despite clinging to him for ten years, had never won his heart.


    "Whether he liked her or not, only he knows," Gina said with a sigh. "But he must have had his reasons for choosing to get married."

 Chapter 1298

    Serena wished she could turn back time. If she could, she never would have done something so foolish.


    "Let the past be the past," the matriarch advised. "If you genuinely feel you''ve wronged Ellie, then show her more respect and help her from now on. It''s clear that Ellie isn''t the type to hold a grudge."


    "That''s right," Gina agreed, havinge to terms with it herself. "Serena and I both owe Eleanor a great debt. Ian is trying his best to make it up to her. The best we can do is support them and not cause any more trouble."


    "So, my brother and Ellie have a chance to get back together?" Serena asked, pping her hands in anticipation.


    The matriarch shot her a look. "Getting back together isn''t that simple. Your brother is hard to read, but at least he''s finally heading in the right direction. Ifn wants to win Eleanor back, it will take more than just schemes and material things. He''ll have to use his heart."


    "But with his personality, has he really learned how to love someone?" Serena was skeptical.


    If she were choosing a husband, she would never pick someone as secretive as her brother. Just trying to guess what he was thinking would be a constant headache.


    She''d been intimidated by how smart her brother was her whole life. He could tell with a single nce if she had copied her math homework.


    One day, she hoped to find a kind, easygoing husband, someone like Xavier Vaughn.


    But Serena knew she couldn''t get her hopes up. She wasn''t worthy of a man as outstanding as Xavier.


    ***


    When Eleanor got home with her daughter, Evelyn looked back at her father. "Daddy, are you going back to your apartment downstairs?"


    "Yes, I''ll be downstairs,"n confirmed with a gentle nod.


    "Mommy, don''t we have an empty room? Can Daddy sleep here?" Evelyn suddenly asked, looking up at Eleanor.


    Eleanor, who was busy changing her shoes, pretended not to hear.


    But Evelyn wouldn''t give up. She tugged on Eleanor''s sleeve, looking up at her with wide, pleading eyes. "Mommy, can he?"


    Eleanor avoided her daughter''s gaze, unsure how to respond. A direct refusal would hurt Evelyn''s feelings, but agreeing was out of the question.


    Just then, a soft cough broke the tension. "Evelyn, I live right downstairs, so you can see me anytime. Besides, workte most, nights and would end up disturbing you and your mom."


    Though a little disappointed, Evelyn nodded obediently. "Okay then."


    Gratitude::Flis exnation w


    reasonable and had sessfully cated their daughter.


    "Good night,"n said in a low voice, a hollow ache tightening in his chest.


    "Good night," Eleanor replied with a nod, closing the door.


    That was a good sign.


    For now, there were no other suitors in Eleanor''s life, which meant he could take on


    the role of caring for her and their daughter.


    The exact nature of that role didn''t matter. What mattered was that Eleanor and Evelyn needed him. Even if Eleanor''s need wasn''t emotional, being needed by her was enough.

 Chapter 1299

    After putting her daughter to bed, Eleanor went to her study for a while. She looked up Aaron''spany and discovered that he had indeed invested in several


    research institutions abroad. It was clear he was passionate about the field, which further convinced her that he was a genuinely forward-thinking investor dedicated to advancing technology.


    This made Eleanor all the more excited about the establishment of their dedicated foundation.


    After finishing her research, Eleanor sat lost in thought for a moment. She knew that as long as her work had value, she could win the market''s support. The feeling of standing firm on her own two feet was truly empowering.


    As forn, Eleanor nned to maintain their current, clear boundaries: he was her daughter''s father and a supporter of her research project.


    And in the future... Eleanor shook her head, finding she didn''t want to think about it.


    She turned off the light in the study and returned to the bedroom. Her daughter was sound asleep, her cheeks rosy. Leaning in, she could still catch that sweet, lingering baby scent on her skin.


    A wave of overwhelming love washed over Eleanor as she pressed her nose against her daughter''s soft cheek, breathing her in. It was probably something all mothers loved to do. Since Evelyn was born, Eleanor had felt the urge to kiss her hundreds of times a day. Just looking at her made her want to shower her with affection, a love that surpassed all else.


    ***


    Over the next few days, Eleanor and Callie began organizing the data for the military handover. Ryan, meanwhile, started a new research initiative based on Eleanor''s work, focusing on nerve cell activation, which would soon be applied in clinical trials.


    Eleanor knew that Principal Maxwell was hoping to find a treatment for Sophia''s leg. Eleanor was confident she would recover; the technology was already mature and would be viable in time.


    Eleanor had a very positive impression of Sophia. She admired girls like her, so full of life. Sophia was someone who dared to pilot a fighter jet through the skies, and for that, Eleanor deeply respected her.


    She hoped Sophia could ovee her difficulties, return to her career, and have a brighter future.


    Last night, she had received a message from Garrison Bradley. He would be leading


    a team over this morning for the handover meeting.


    Dr. Lyman, who had been out of the


    picture for a while, also made an


    appearance: He


    led Garrison and a


    team of military personnel to theb.


    Dressed in uniform, they stood


    ramfod straight, their imposing


    presence hard to miss.


    Eleanor and her team greeted Garrison''s team with handshakes before they all headed into the conference room.


    Having worked with Garrison before,


    their renewed coboration was more efficient and in-depth, and far less formal Both teams openly share their perspectives, creating an atmosphere that was serious yet rxed.


    Supported by data, Eleanor gave a clear, methodical presentation on the key aspects of the experiment and the theory behind the core technology. Garrison''s team nodded frequently, clearly confident about taking over the project.


    The meeting, which started at nine, didn''t conclude until eleven. Dr. Lyman smiled and said, "Everyone''s worked hard. We''ve arranged for lunch, so we can continue our discussion over the meal."


    Eleanor nodded, wondering if the university had made special arrangements.


    Three executive vans arrived, and the group was driven to a restaurant.


    When the host led them to a spacious private room, Eleanor''s expression froze in astonishment.


    Two men were already inside. One was Byron Chase. The other wasn, who was on the phone. He nced back at the guests in the doorway, ended his call, and turned around. His intense gaze immediately found Eleanor.


    Eleanor furrowed her brow. What was he doing here? Wasn''t he supposed to be on a business trip abroad?


    Garrison, who was clearly in on it, smiled and walked forward. "Mr. Goodwin, you made it. Did youe straight from the airport?"


    Ian shook Garrison''s hand. "A project handover of this magnitude is a major event. Naturally, I had to be here. Thank you all for your hard work."


    As the primary stakeholder in the Neural Interface Project, it was perfectly reasonable forn to be present to host the military research team.

 Chapter 1300

    "Dr. Lyman, please, take the head of the table," Byron said perceptively, stepping forward to greet him. Unable to refuse his enthusiastic offer, Dr. Lyman took the seat of honor.


    Eleanor casually pulled out a chair and sat down next to Byron. Just then, after greeting Garrison''s team,n naturally pulled out the chair beside Eleanor and took a seat.


    It was an unspoken understanding among everyone present. The seat next ton was meant for Eleanor, and no one else would dare take the seat next to her.


    "Is Evelyn behaving?"n asked, turning his head slightly. His clean, crisp scent drifted over to her.


    Looking at him up close, Eleanor noticed that his eyes were bloodshot. It seemed his business trip had been exhausting.


    "Yes," she murmured, looking down.


    During the meal, the conversation revolved primarily around the project. Ian didn''t say much, speaking only to offer constructive feedback, which showed his deep involvement.


    The atmosphere was pleasant, and everyone seemed to enjoy a rxed and cheerful meal.


    As Eleanor was the only woman there, the waiter suddenly brought out an extra dessert, a cr¨¨me br?l¨¦e.


    The waiter ced it in front of her. "Mr. Goodwin requested this specifically for you, ma''am."


    Eleanor was taken aback. She nced atn, who raised his eyebrows slightly. "It''s a new item on their menu. Want to try it?"


    The men at the table generally didn''t care for sweets, so they didn''t need this special gesture.


    The cr¨¨me br?l¨¦e in its delicate dish looked truly delicious. Eleanor nodded. "Thank you."


    The discussion continued, showing no signs of ending soon. Having finished her main course, Eleanor found herself intrigued by the dessert.


    As she ate, the man beside her didn''t appear to be paying special attention, but he watched out of the corner of his eye to see how much she was eating.


    It was a small dessert, as expected, and Eleanor finished the whole thing.


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, thank you. I''m full."


    As lunch was winding down,n''s phone rang, and he stepped out to take the call.


    After the bill was settled, the group stood up and prepared to return to theb.


    At the entrance,n walked over to Eleanor. "I have to get back to the office for a meeting. I''ll leave the rest of the handover to you all."


    Eleanor nodded. "I''ll handle the handover. You don''t need to worry."


    "I haveplete faith in your abilities,"n said, offering a sincerepliment. He then added, "There''s a meeting in three days about the foundation. See if you have time to attend."


    "Okay," Eleanor agreed.


    Everyone got back into the vans and returned to the conference room. As they entered the lobby, Faye Yeaton and a colleague were at the front desk picking up some documents. She suddenly saw a group of stern looking military personnel walk with Eleanor walking alongside


    their leader.


    Faye''s smile instantly froze on her face. She stared in disbelief at Eleanor who was in conversation with the military representative. The sight of her chatting andughing so effortlessly was like a daggento her eyes.


    BUMS


    She had, of course, heard that the Neural Interface Project was being transferred to the military. But seeing these national research. figures people she would normally never even get a chance to meet-all focused on Eleanor, discussing


    things with her filled her with a


    feeling she couldn''t describe the


    respect and importance they


    showed Eleanor was something she had never experienced.


    Jealousy, envy, and resentment churned in Faye''s heart. Compared to Eleanor''s


    current status, she was still stuck in the archives doing menial work, forced to tread carefully around others.

 Chapter 1301

    Eleanor didn''t notice her as her group quickly headed for the elevators.


    "Oh my god! Is that Eleanor? She really owns the room."


    "She''s the real deal. Her aplishments speak for themselves."


    "In the world of scientific research, you can''t get by without real talent."


    "True that."


    Faye listened to her colleagues'' chatter, clutching the documents in her hand so tightly her knuckles turned white.


    There was a time when she''d convinced herself Eleanor seeded because of her father, because of Joel Kingsley, because ofn, because of sheer luck¡ªanything but her own merit.


    But now, seeing this felt like a p in the face. The stark contrast between them was suffocating.


    "Faye? Faye," a colleague called her name.


    "What is it?" Faye snapped back to reality, her expression sour.


    "We should head up," the colleague said, giving her a curious look.


    Faye followed them with her files. Just then, one of her colleagues asked, "Faye, I heard you were in the same year as Eleanor, and even in the same ss. Is that true?"


    "Yeah, tell us what she was like back in school!"


    Faye''s face suddenly darkened. She shot them a re. "What she''s like has nothing to do with me."


    The two colleagues were taken aback and exchanged a confused nce. What had gotten into her? They quickly walked ahead, not daring to provoke her further.


    Just then, Faye''s phone buzzed. She looked down and saw a text from Horace: [You free tonight? Want to get dinner?]


    A sh of intense hatred crossed Faye''s eyes. She knew Horace was unhinged, so she had been avoiding himtely, trying her best not to see him.


    [Faye, there''s something about your father I want to tell you tonight. I''m sure you''ll be interested.]


    Faye continued to ignore him, but Horace was persistent. [Are you sure you don''t want to know your dad''s secret?]


    Faye knew her father had plenty of mistresses. It was just the same old sordid affair, and she had no interest in his messy life.


    Another text from Horace came through. [Faye, I''ll give you a hint. It''s about your dad having an illegitimate son.]


    Faye nced at her phone in


    irritation, but her eyes widened at


    thest messages What


    illegitimate son? Her father had an


    illegitimate son? How was that


    possible?


    For years, her mother had kept a tight leash on him. Even with all his affairs, none of


    the women had ever had a child. Horace had to be lying.


    [Horace, I''m at work. Can you stop bothering me?] Faye texted back, her tone a clear warning.


    [Faye, don''t be so cold! It''s just dinner. I won''t do anything!]


    Faye shoved her phone into her pocket, determined to ignore him She had just gotten to her desk when her phone rang. Thinking it was Horace again, she was


    surprised to see it was her mother.


    "Hey, Mom," Faye answered wearily.


    On the other end, her mother''s voice was choked with sobs. "Faye¡ªyour father just


    told me he wants a divorce. He''s leaving us."


    Faye shot up from her chair. "What?"


    "I don''t know what''s gotten into him.


    He came home today and started a


    fight and then he just brought up


    divorce


    What have bever


    have bever done to


    deserve this?"


    As her mother''s cries filled her ear, Faye remembered Horace''s texts. Could it be


    true? Did her father really have an illegitimate son somewhere?

 Chapter 1302

    Afterforting her mother on the phone for a few minutes, Faye took a deep breath and called Horace.


    "Where are we meeting?" she asked, suppressing her emotions. She had to find Horace and learn what he knew about her father.


    Horace had worked at her father''spany for a year; he must have known plenty about his private life.


    On the other end, Horace sounded surprised by her promptness. He gave her the name of a restaurant near his ce. "Seven o''clock tonight. See you there."


    After hanging up, Faye sank back into her chair. Horace''s information was probably true. She couldn''t believe her father actually had an illegitimate son and was now willing to abandon his family for him.


    Of course. In a family that had always favored sons over daughters, no amount of effort on her part would ever earn her father''s approval.


    Just then, her phone rang again. Seeing it was her mother, she quickly answered, "Hello? Mom."


    "That bastard! Your father secretly moved a billion dors into an overseas ount!" her mother''s furious voice screamed through the phone.


    Faye''s heart skipped a beat. What? One billion? An overseas ount? Her father had secretly transferred that much money?


    "Mom, are you sure you read that right?" Faye''s voice trembled with shock.


    "There''s no mistake. As soon as your father left, I figured out thebination to his safe. The deposit slips were split across several ounts, totaling one billion dors, tucked inside his passport!" Her mother''s voice was a mix of tears and despair. "Faye, he''s been nning to abandon us all along! He''s going to take that billion and start a new life!"


    A chill shot up from Faye''s feet, leaving her limbs cold. Not only did her father have an illegitimate son, but he had also been secretly moving a massive fortune. This meant that even with a divorce, she and her mother would likely get very little. Her father had already prepared his escape route.


    Faye told her mother not to tip him off and that they would discuss a n when she got home tonight.


    After ending the call, Faye''s mind went nk for a few seconds. If her father was going to be ruthless, then so would she.


    She would not let that bastard and his mother get their hands on that billion dors. She had to fight for her share.


    Now that the Yeatons were


    bankrupt, Vanessa and her mother


    had vanished. Faye had heard


    rumors that Vanessa had moved on to a tech tycoon, Walden Wells, bing his kept woman, Faye didn''t have Vanessa''s skill


    she had


    to seize this chance to turn her life around.


    At the very least, she had to get half of her father''s one billion.


    At seven o''clock that evening, Faye arrived at the restaurant on time Horace was already waiting. Though Faye''s career was unremarkable, in


    Horace''s eyes, she was already. incredibly sessful.


    After leaving theb, he often


    yearned to return, but he knew the ck mark on his record was


    permanent. He would ent


    never


    foot in the industry again.


    And that ck mark was the price he paid for protecting Faye. Now, he was just collecting what he was owed.


    "Faye, you''re here." Horace eagerly pulled out a chair for her.


    Faye ignored his attempt at chivalry, sat down, and stared at him. "Horace, tell me everything you know about my father and that illegitimate son."


    Seeing her impatience, Horace just smiled. "What''s the hurry? The night is still young. Let''s eat first."


    A flicker of disgust crossed Faye''s face. Of course, Horace wanted more than just dinner. He wanted her to spend the night at his ce.

 Chapter 1303

    After the first time, he had fucked her several more times. Though she desperately wanted to call the police, Horace not only had evidence against her father but also held the fact that he''d protected her at Meridian Dynamics over her head.


    Faye knew Horace was a psychopath and didn''t dare provoke him, so she did her best to avoid him.


    But tonight, she had to get information about her father''s illegitimate son. She needed to know who had managed to have a child right under her mother''s nose.


    After a dinner she barely tasted, under Horace''s half-coaxing, half-threatening gaze, Faye ended up following him back to the apartment she despised.


    When it was over, Faye fought back waves of difort and nausea, quickly got dressed, and turned to Horace. "You can tell me now, right?"


    Horace, having gotten what he wanted, leaned back against the headboard, satisfied. He lit a cigarette and said slowly, "You know the mother of your dad''s illegitimate son."


    Faye''s heart tightened. "Who?"


    "Cathie, the former finance manager at Yeaton Holdings. I heard she''s some kind of rtive from your mother''s side."


    Faye''s pupils contracted. A face instantly appeared in her mind-a face that always greeted her warmly as "Faye." She was the daughter of her mother''s great-uncle, a distant cousin who was nearly fifty and still unmarried.


    Faye thought about how Cathie would show up with gifts during holidays, always acting so warm and considerate toward her mother. A wave of nausea churned in her stomach.


    It was her.


    Cathie.


    After Cathie graduated from college, it was Faye''s mother who had personally brought her into Yeaton Holdings as family. It was her mother who had arranged for her to be in the finance department, specifically to keep an eye on her father''s finances.


    Faye felt a dizzying sense of absurdity, almost wanting tough.


    It was ironic. Unbelievably ironic.


    The very person her mother had installed to spy on her father turned out to be his mistress. Not only did she get into his bed, but she also gave him an illegitimate son?


    "How old is the bastard?" Faye''s face twisted with rage.


    "I heard he''s in middle school," Horace said, blowing a smoke ring.


    Cathie was a slick, sharp woman, a business school graduate. Transferring that


    billion dors for her father was undoubtedly her handiwork.


    Faye''s fists clenched. The thought that she had once trusted that woman as family made her blood boil. She''d been ying the devoted rtive to her mother while crawling into her father''s bed. And by giving him a son, she had secured her ce in his heart.


    And her father was the coldest of them all. For Cathie and that bastard, he had yed the part of good husband and father while


    secretly plotting to abandonne


    his wife


    and daughter and transfer his assets overseas for afortable retirement.


    Faye forced herself to calm down, her nails digging so deep into her palms that the sharp pain was a wee distraction.


    Now that she had the information, Faye didn''t want to stay another second. She grabbed her bag to leave.


    "Leaving already?" Horace sounded reluctant. "Will youe back again?"


    "We''ll see. be busy with family matters for a while," Faye replied then turned. "Horace, can you give me the evidence you have of my father''s legal embezzlement ofpany funds?"


    That was Horace''s leverage over Faye; he wasn''t going to give it up so easily. He just smiled. "Maybe some other time."


    Faye didn''t say anything else and walked out the door.


    Right now, she had to go home and fight for her inheritance. Once she had money,


    she never wanted to see Horace again, and she certainly didn''t want to be under his thumb.

 Chapter 1304

    When Faye got home, she found her mother looking haggard. The face she usually took such good care of had aged several years overnight.


    She had to stay calm and face this with her mother. She would not let her father and Cathie run off with the money to live happily ever after abroad.


    A vicious glint appeared in Faye''s eyes. She knew her father was a shrewd, maniptive man, and Cathie was just as sharp. She and her mother wouldn''t stand a chance against them.


    But the evidence Horace had¡ªof her father''s pastmercial bribery and illegal asset transfers-was the perfect weapon.


    A wild n quickly formed in her mind: she would use Horace to threaten her father and demand a huge sum for his silence.


    Let her shameless father and Horace tear each other apart. Regardless of who won, it would be a bloodbath. Either her father''s reputation would be ruined and he''d be thrown in jail, or Horace''s extortion attempt would be enough tond him behind bars for a few years.


    Once they had destroyed each other, she would find a way to get her hands on that one billion dors.


    Faye knew her mother couldn''t handle the shock, so she decided not to tell her. She would handle this herself.


    After a long, scalding shower, Fayey in bed, her mind racing. Besides her family drama, she couldn''t stop thinking about the poised and elegant figure of Eleanor among the military representatives that day.


    In their field, reputation was even more desirable than money.


    ***


    The next morning, Eleanor opened her front door, ready to take her daughter to school, only to findn leaning against the wall, waiting.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn chirped, running over to hug him.


    "Daddy''s taking you to school," Ian said, ruffling her hair. He looked up at Eleanor. "Together?"


    Before Eleanor could answer, Evelyn looked at her with pleading eyes. "Mama, can youe with us?"


    "Alright," Eleanor nodded. She had to go out anyway. She said ton, "I''ll drive."


    "Sounds good. We can head to theb together,"n said with a low chuckle, clearly nning to hitch a ride.


    Eleanor frowned, sensing he had deliberatelye without his car.


    Eleanor pulled up to the school and found a parking spot. The car in


    front ofthem was Xavier''s sir


    Bentley.


    in."


    Then, he turned to Eleanor. "Does Mama want toe?"


    Eleanor paused. It was the name he''d always used for her in front of their daughter when they were married.


    "No, I''ll wait in the car," she replied.


    A few minutes after they went inside, Eleanor sawn walking back toward the car, chatting with Xavier.


    Eleanor had already rolled down her


    window. From a few yards away, Xavier''s eyes met hers. Eleanor gave nod Noticing


    him a small, Scar Xavier seemed


    to understand. He smiled and


    nodded back before getting into his own vehicle.


    Eleanor started the car, following Xavier for a short distance before their paths diverged.


    Xavier nced at the white sedan shrinking in his rearview mirror, his hands tightening on the steering wheel.


    Wasn''t this a metaphor for their lives?


    He and Eleanor were destined to


    head in different directions. Meanwhiten and Eleanor''s lives would always revolve around their shared work and their shared child. They were fellow travelers on the same path.

 Chapter 1305

    He would only ever be a passerby in Eleanor''s life. After a brief intersection, they were destined to drive in different directions.


    Though he had known this for a long time, a faint bitterness still welled up inside him. It wasn''t overwhelming, but it was sharp enough to be felt.


    Understanding something intellectually and epting it emotionally were two different things.


    He admired Eleanor''s talent, respected her resilience, and was even involuntarily drawn to the brilliant confidence she exuded in her professional field. But he also knew that Eleanor had always maintained a perfect distance from him¡ªthe respect and gratitude of a friend, and nothing more.


    Just now at the school gate, watchingn slide so naturally into her passenger seat, watching them leave together, he saw an unspoken bond that he could never achieve.


    He''d also heard thatn had established a special fund through The Guild of Commerce to support Eleanor''s new research direction-twenty billion dors. While it couldn''tpare to Goodwin & Co.''s previous investments, it was more than enough for Eleanor''s independent research.


    Xavier took a deep breath, his gaze returning to the road ahead, his usual rity andposure restored.


    He had his own path to walk, as did Eleanor andn. In the future, if Eleanor ever needed help, he would still offer it as a friend and watch her achieve even greater things in her scientific journey. Perhaps that was the best oue for them.


    ***


    Meanwhile, in Eleanor''s car.


    Whether it was Joel, Mansfield Ellington, Xavier, or any other man who got close to Eleanor, he always felt it.


    "How are the preparations for this afternoon''s meeting with the military?" he asked, breaking the silence.


    "Ready," Eleanor replied. "I''ve double-checked the key data, and the transfer protocol is clearly outlined."


    "Good."n nodded. When it came to work, Eleanor rarely made mistakes; she always performed exceptionally.


    Suddenly,n remembered something. "There''s something I need to exin to you," he said.


    Eleanor frowned. "If it''s about the past, there''s no need."


    "It''s about the security breach at Meridian Dynamics and Juliette Grayson''sb,"n said, bringing it up himself.


    Eleanor nced at him. "Hasn''t that already been resolved?"


    "When I revoked your ess to the coreb, it wasn''t because I didn''t trust you. I wanted to remove you from the fist of people with core ess to shield you from deeper suspicion."


    Eleanor was slightly taken aback, her eyes returning to the road. Thinking back on it, the person she felt most guilty about was Xavier Because of Jus Xavier Because of that incident, Juliette''sb had to cancel the project andy offits engineers and researchers.


    It had been a setup targeting her, yet he had paid such a heavy price.


    "I owe Xavier so much," Eleanor said suddenly, her voice thick with guilt.<pn''s breath caught in his throat. He had only learned after the incident that Juliette had been diagnosed with cancer. But Xavier had already been nning to take over his father''s shipping conglomerate and couldn''t devote time to theb, so she had already drafted a n to close it.

 Chapter 1306

    After Eleanor was framed, Xavier canceled the project and fired the engineers and researchers involved. He did it to protect what was left of Juliette Labs'' reputation, and in the process, he also earned Eleanor''s gratitude.


    It was obvious he was pursuing Eleanor back then.


    Andn had felt a pressure he''d never experienced before.


    At the time, Xavier had stood by Eleanor without hesitation, even sacrificing significant business interests to defend her. His decisiveness and resolve had shockedn.


    Back then, Xavier had done whatn couldn''t-he''d given Eleanor his unwavering support and protection.


    But now thatn was by her side again, he would never let history repeat itself.


    Some things were better left unsaid. All he could do was give her hisplete trust, support, and devotion from now on.


    He would give her everything she wanted.


    Even if his methods weren''t exactly conventional.


    Eleanor recalled the incident. Under those circumstances, isting her temporarily had been a way to protect both the project and her. After all, it was Meridian Dynamics'' core technology; a leak would have been catastrophic.


    But at the time, the feeling of being doubted and excluded had stung.


    "I understand,"n said in a low voice. "If he ever needs help in the future, I''ll do my best to assist him."


    Eleanor turned to look at him, her brow furrowing slightly. "That''s between me and Xavier. I''ll find a way to repay him myself."


    The subtext was clear: she didn''t need him to pay her debts.


    Eleanor was at a loss for words.


    His reasoning was impable and airtight.


    She couldn''t argue with him, which only frustrated her more.


    It felt like no matter how hard she tried to be independent, she could neverpletely escape his influence and control.


    ***


    At theb''s parking garage, Eleanor parked the car, andn got out.


    He walked beside her as they entered theb''s main lobby. The receptionists couldn''t help but exchange nces when they saw them.


    Could the rumors online actually be true?


    Was there a chance Mr. Goodwin and Dr. Sutton were getting back together? Or were they already on that path?


    Seeing them arrive together clearly meant they had ridden in the same car. They might have even left from the same house or woken up in the same bed.


    Eleanor looked up and noticed the suggestive stares from the front desk. She lowered her gaze and quickened her pace toward the elevators.


    She stepped into an elevator, and withn just a few steps behind, she considered hitting the ''close'' button but held the door for him instead. A smile touchedn''s deep-set eyes as he stroden.


    The elevator doors slid shut, and Eleanor stared at the ascending floor numbers.


    A deep male voice suddenly spoke from beside her. "You seem to care what other people think of us."


    Eleanor frowned but didn''t answer.


    Just then, the doors opened. As she stepped out,n said from behind her, "See you in the meeting."


    Without looking back, Eleanor walked toward her office.


    During the meetingter, Eleanor was already in work mode. In the dimly lit room, she stood before the projection screen, using aser


    in


    pontento exin her points. Tan sat


    His


    in the back, resting his head on hand, his gaze fixed on her from across the conference table.


    She wore a whiteb coat, which made her look even more professional andposed. The light from the screen flickered across her, making bet seem to glow.

 Chapter 1307

    person, in particr, could see her. He was certain that person would be immensely proud of the woman Eleanor had be.


    That person was her father, Elliot Sutton.


    She had perfectly inherited her father''s brilliance, resilience, and passion for research.


    Eleanormanded the room with confidence and poise, fielding questions from the military representatives with ease and earning their consistent approval.


    Just then,n''s phone vibrated. He nced at the screen, then stood up and slipped out the back door of the conference room.


    He found a quiet spot in the hallway and answered the call. "Smith."


    "Mr. Goodwin, I''m sorry to bother you," Dr. Smith''s voice came through. "As per the contract, we''ve contacted Miss Shannon multiple times to request she fulfill her blood donation obligations, but she keeps making excuses. Today, she''s stopped answering our calls altogether. Ourb''s blood supply is critically low¡ª"


    Although Eleanor had found a cure for the underlying condition, the research hadn''t stopped. Ian needed to continue his work in that area.


    "Thank you, Mr. Goodwin." Dr. Smith hung up.


    A few secondster, Vanessa''s voice, a deliberate, sultry drawl, came through the line. n? What a surprise. You''re actually calling me."


    "Why did you refuse the call from Smith''sb?"n asked, his tone icy and cutting straight to the point without any pleasantries.


    Vanessa was silent for a moment. "I haven''t been feeling welltely. It''s not a good time for me to donate blood."


    "You don''t get to decide whether you can donate or not. Don''t test my patience,"n''s voice was devoid of any warmth.


    Vanessa''s tone grew sharp. "Ian, am I not human? Do you see me as some kind of animal? Your mother''s illness has a cure now, so why are you still forcing me to donate blood? Are you trying to kill me?"


    A sh of annoyance crossedn''s eyes, and his voice wasced with impatience. "You took the benefits so you will fulfill your obligations. Be at theb tomorrow at nine in the morning I don''t want to heacany more excuses."


    He hung up before Vanessa could respond.


    In his vi, Walden Wells''s girlfriend, Vanessa, mmed her phone onto the bed. She ran a hand through her long hair, her face pale with rage.


    s coldness made her feel like a tool to be used and discarded at his whim,pletely stripped of her dignity.


    Walden happened to be home today. He came out of his study to find Vanessa fuming.


    "What''s wrong? Who''s gotten my girl so upset?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her waist.


    Vanessa''s expression immediately shifted to one of distress. She wrapped her arms around his neck her eyes welling with tears. "Walden, itsfan-hes forcing me to go to hisb


    to donate blood. He doesn''t care if my body can handle it."


    Walden''s face darkened. "Doesn''t he know you''re preparing for IVF?"


    "Even if he knew, he wouldn''t care about me. Walden, what am I going to do? I''ll never be free of him."


    "Nonsense. You''re my woman now. He can''t just order you around."


    "Walden, I''m so scared!"


    "Don''t worry, I''m here. He can''t do anything to you. I''ll have my legal team continue to go after him."

 Chapter 1308

    A flicker of annoyance crossed Vanessa''s eyes. She cursed her own body for being so uncooperative. If she were pregnant right now, Walden wouldn''t just be sing hiswyers onn.


    He would be doing everything in his power to deal withn and sever her contract with him.


    "Walden, you''re the best to me," Vanessa cooed. Right now, Walden was the only one who could help her escapen.


    Walden was pleased by her disy of dependence; it was a great boost to his ego. He held her tighter and vowed, "Don''t worry, someone liken doesn''t even register on my radar. You just focus on getting healthy and ready to continue the Wells family line."


    Vanessa nestled into his embrace, apliant smile on her face, but her eyes held a cold, calcting glint. She had to get pregnant as soon as possible. Only then would she secure an unshakable position and have a real say with Walden.


    ***


    The next morning.


    Ultimately, Vanessa didn''t dare defyn''s order. She arrived at Dr. Smith''s office on the final day stipted by her contract.


    "Miss Shannon," Dr. Smith said as gently as possible, "I hope we won''t have to bother Mr. Goodwin again next time. He''s a very busy man."


    Under the cold, white lights, Vanessa''s face was pale and drawn. She watched her crimson blood flow through the tube into the collection bag, and she felt as though her own life was draining away with it.


    A wave of unprecedented panic seized her heart.


    Since signing that contract, she''d lost count of how many times she''d had her blood drawn. Each time, she was left feeling exhausted and dizzy for days before she recovered.


    She wasn''t in her early twenties anymore; she was twenty-eight. If this continued, would her body break down? Would her life be shortened by a decade or more?


    No, she couldn''t let this go on. She had to find a way to break this damn contract for good.


    She thought back to when she had signed it without a second thought. Half of it was for the money, but the other half was forn.


    The moment she''d nearly run into him at that overseasb had been breathtaking.


    At neen,n had been like a distant, brilliant star-cold and untouchable. She had longed to get closer to that star, to bask in its light.


    But a decade of effort hadn''t earned her his special consideration, only his detached cruelty.


    Looking back now, it was all soughable.


    She knew that inn''s eyes, it had been a straightforward transaction from the start. Yet she had foolishly believed she could win him over, believed


    be Mrs. Goodwin, and bear his children.


    A sharp pain in her arm brought her back to the present. The nurse was removing the needle. She took a cotton ball and pressed it to the spot gathering her thoughts After resting for a few minutes she left theb.


    Sitting in the back of the luxury SUV, her assistant, Laverne, immediately handed her something to eat to replenish her energy Vanessa bit her lip. She had to find a way to get away fromn.


    Walden was her only lifeline now. She knew it was naive to rely solely on a man''s affection; she needed a more tangible guarantee.


    A child who shared Walden''s blood-that was the key to securing her ce in the Wells family.


    Just then, her phone rang. She picked it up, her voice instantly turning sweet. "Hello, Walden."


    "Vanessa, something''s happened to Tammy. I have to go abroad."


    Tammy was Walden Wells''s son, who had always lived overseas. While there was little affection between them, he was still his flesh and blood, and Walden doted on him.


    Vanessa''s voice filled with concern. "What happened to him?"


    "He¡ªhe was shot during a robbery overseas. He''s in critical condition, and they''re trying to save him at the hospital now," Walden''s aging voice was filled with anxiety and panic.


    Though he was often displeased with his undisciplined son, the matter of life and death was a devastating blow.

 Chapter 1309

    A surge of delight shot through Vanessa, but her voice wasced with equal parts anxiety and concern. "Oh my god! How could this have happened? Walden, try not to worry too much. With modern medicine, I''m sure Tammy will be okay."


    "I''m heading over there now to see the situation for myself. You take care of yourself," Walden said before hanging up.


    After Vanessa put her phone down, the worried expression on her face vanished, reced by deep calction and a flicker of ecstasy.


    Tammy was in critical condition? This was wonderful news for her, a true blessing from fate.


    Walden only had one son. If Tammy didn''t make it, who would inherit Walden''s vast fortune?


    The answer, of course, would be the child in Vanessa''s womb.


    Wait, Walden would definitely be too busy to deal with her contract dispute withn now. He might even be despondent for a while. Vanessa rememberedn mentioning a new contract, one where he wouldn''t interfere with her marriage or having children.


    Maybe she could sign it first. Then she could marry Walden, have his child, and once he kicked the bucket, she would inherit his billions. Then she could use a portion of that to pay the massive penalty fee.


    Walden''s estate was worth hundreds of billions. Givingn ten billion would be nothing. She would stille out a winner for the rest of her life.


    The tion and scheming in Vanessa''s eyes settled into a n. She quickly cleared her thoughts. The most important thing was to keepn at bay; she couldn''t let him continue to drain her with these blood draws.


    She took a deep breath and told the driver, "Don''t go back to the vi. Take me to Goodwin & Co."


    Laverne was surprised. "Vanessa, you''re going to Goodwin & Co. ?"


    "I have to seen," Vanessa said, opening her purse. She took out apact mirror and a cushion foundation to touch up her makeup.


    She had several lipsticks in her makeup bag. She recalled a time she had put on lipstick and askedn if it looked good, and he had nodded at her.


    Though she no longer needed his approval, her hand still reached for the dusty rose lipstick.


    When Vanessa arrived in the lobby of Goodwin & Co., a receptionist came over to stop her. "Miss Shannon, I''m sorry, but you can''t go up."


    Vanessa nced at the receptionist. "I have important business withn."


    "We''ll need confirmation from Gavin before we can let you go up," the receptionist said with a polite but firm smile.


    Vanessa turned away and dialed Gavin''s number. He answered promptly. "Miss Shannon, can I help you?"


    "Gavin, isn in the office?"


    "Mr. Goodwin is in a meeting."


    "Tell him I''m willing to sign the new contract he mentioned. I''m in the lobby right now."


    Gavin was silent for a few seconds, clearly consulting withn. A momentter, he replied, "Miss Shannon, you cane up in ten minutes."


    The receptionist received a call and approached Vanessa again. "Miss Shannon, if you''ll please wait ten


    minutes, we''ll take you up to the executive offices."  fo


    Vanessa frowned with displeasure but waited patiently. Ten minutester, the receptionist guided her to the elevator bank.


    The elevator dinged as it arrived onn''s floor. Gavin was already waiting by the doors. "Miss Shannon, please follow me."


    He led her not towardn''s office,


    but to a conference room. Vanessa kept her expression neutral, but she felt surge of resentment at tan''s strictly-business attitude.


    He pushed the door open. Ian was seated in arge conference chair the sunlight from the floor-to-ceiling window behind him casting a harsh glow around his silhouette,


    On the table in front of himy a new contract and a pen.

 Chapter 1310

    Vanessa''s eyes showed a hint ofpromise. "Ian, I''ve thought it over. I''ll sign the


    new contract on the condition that you don''t interfere with my marriage or ns to have children. After I''m married and have a child, I will continue to cooperate with theb and make regr donations."


    "Gavin," he said.


    Gavin, who was waiting nearby, slid the document over to her. "This is a supplement to the old contract, with a new use explicitly stating there will be no interference in your marriage or childbirth. Please review it, Miss Shannon. If there are no issues, you can sign."


    Vanessa saw the words "lifelong donation" and it felt like a needle piercing her heart. Her fists clenched under the table. Ian was truly ruthless; he wasn''t giving her any way out.


    Was he nning to squeeze everyst drop of blood from her? Did he expect her to keep donating for his descendants when she was seventy or eighty years old?


    A suffocating sense of humiliation and resentment wrapped around her heart. From now on, whenever the Goodwin family needed it, she would have to be a mobile blood bank, ready to be tapped at any time.


    Vanessa also knew thatn was unwilling to let her go because her blood still had value. On one hand, it was for research exclusive to his family. On the other, it was a precaution in case future generations inherited the condition and needed her blood to survive.


    The thought made her breath catch.


    Her life was meant to guarantee the health of Eleanor''s descendants?


    "You can sign it, or you can refuse,"n stated, his voice devoid of emotion.


    Vanessa looked up at him. Silhouetted against the harsh light,n looked cold and untouchable, watching her with the detached indifference of a man who held all the cards.


    Since she had already made her decision, she had to sign.


    She flipped to the page with the penalty use and gasped, her head snapping up. "Why has the penalty doubled? It was ten billion, why is it twenty billion now?"


    "You can think about it, or you can choose not to sign," Ian said, leaning back slightly in his chair, his tone still perfectly t.


    Vanessa stared at him, trying to find a trace of sympathy or pity for her on his handsome face.


    There was nothing.


    He didn''t even bother to exin why the penalty had doubled.


    And she was in the pathetic position of not even being able to negotiate.


    She realized then that the man she''d met when she was eighteen wasn''t a god-he was a devil in disguise.


    Still, Vanessa had her own calctions. As long as she got her hands on Walden''s assets, twenty billion would be a small price to pay.


    ''¨¦


    She found a specific use: upon marriage, she would be granted a 36-month exemption for childbirth, during which all blood collection obligations would be suspended.


    This was exactly what she wanted. Those three years were crucial. She needed to restore her health,


    elg


    sessfully conceive and solidify her position:


    "Fine, I''ll sign," Vanessa said without hesitation. She picked up the pen and signed her name.


    After signing both copies, she took


    her own. A thought urred to her,


    and she narrowed her eyes. "So, the benefits I had before are stillin effect?"


    She was referring to the exchange of resources and the annual stipends specified in the contract.


    Color rushed to Vanessa''s cheeks. She straightened her back and walked out of the conference room with her head held high.


    As soon as she was gone, Gavin remarked, "It seems Miss Shannon is determined to be Mrs. Wells."


    Gavin understood. His boss wasn''t oblivious to Vanessa''s ambitions; he just didn''t


    care.


    Eleanor''s research had cured the Goodwins'' condition, making Vanessa''s blood less critical.


    The only reason their boss was still willing to pay to maintain the arrangement with Vanessa was to prepare for any future uncertainties.


    It was a safeguard for the Goodwin family.


    Perhaps Vanessa''s blood would one day be ineffective, but their boss would never stop taking responsibility for his family''s lives.

 Chapter 1311

    Based on the new contract he''d drafted, he clearly had no intention of interfering with Vanessa Shannon''s marriage or her choice to have children. He didn''t even care who she aligned herself with, as long as it didn''t affect their agreement.


    Gavin Young couldn''t help but think that if Vanessa hadn''t overstepped her bounds in her original deal with his boss...


    Perhapsn would have provided her with afortable, well-settled life.


    But while enjoying the resources and material wealth, Vanessa had greedily craved more. She wanted the title of Mrs. Goodwin. She wanted his heart.


    Sitting in her car, Vanessa clutched the new contract tightly. She knew that as long as she behaved from now on,n Goodwin wouldn''t bother her. But if she ever tried to break free, the twenty-billion-dor penalty and Goodwin & Co.''s legal team would make her understand the consequences.


    Vanessa took a deep breath and said to Laverne, "Let''s go to that doctor you mentionedst time."


    She had to prepare her body for the IVF cycle immediately. She couldn''t wait any longer; she had to get pregnant as soon as possible.


    That evening, Eleanor Sutton was helping her daughter with her letters. It had been a few days since theirst lesson. As she opened a page in the reading book, Evelyn Goodwin announced proudly, "Mommy, I know all these words."


    Eleanor smiled. "Alright, then. Why don''t you read them for Mommy?"


    Evelyn immediately began to read the words Eleanor pointed to in a clear, loud voice. Eleanor flipped through ten pages, and her daughter read every word correctly, even forming simple phrases.


    Eleanor felt a stir of emotion. She knewn had taught her this.


    It seemed that while she had been busy with her research,n had been patiently teaching their daughter, bit by bit.


    As a father, he truly was a good one.


    Pushing her thoughts aside, Eleanor praised her daughter sincerely. "That''s amazing."


    "Mommy, are you praising me or Daddy?" Evelyn asked, tilting her little head.


    Eleanor was taken aback by her daughter''s innocent question. She answered gently, "You''re both amazing."


    "Yay! Mommy finally praised Daddy!" Evelyn''s eyes crinkled with joy, her little face beaming at thepliment.


    She was also happy that her mom had praised her dad.


    "I have to tell Daddy about this tomorrow and make him happy, too," she thought to herself.


    The next morning,n arrived on time to pick up his daughter. This


    time Eleanor, dren''t a himet


    them to the door.


    "Bye, Mommy," Evelyn said, waving her little hand as she happily took her father''srger one to go to school.


    Asn''s car left the underground garage, Evelyn sat in the back, swinging her legs cheerfully.


    "Daddy," Evelyn''s bright voice rang out, bursting with the desire to share. "I''ll tell you a secret!"


    "Last night, Mommy praised me for learning my letters so fast and remembering them so well,"


    said her little head held high n


    IMS


    pride.


    "That''s because you''re very smart,"n''s voice was full of fatherly affirmation and affection.


    Evelyn continued excitedly, "Mommy said I was amazing. I asked her if she was praising me or you, and Mommy said "Evelyn drew out her words, mimicking Eleanor''s tone, "You''re both amazing.""


    Was he sure those were Eleanor''s words?


    "Daddy, Mommy meant that you and I are both amazing!" Evelyn added, afraid her father hadn''t understood.


    A smile touchedn''s deep eyes. "I know, sweetheart," he said in a low voice.


    "Mommy praised you. Are you happy?" Evelyn pressed.


    "Yes, I''m very happy," Ian replied, a genuine smile ying on his lips.

 Chapter 1312

    That afternoon,n sent a message to Eleanor. He had to go to Kingston. If she didn''t have time, he would send Serena Goodwin to pick up Evelyn.


    Eleanor, of course, had time. Her handover tasks were light, allowing her to keep regr hours.


    When Eleanor arrived at the preschool that afternoon, Evelyn, despite a full day of sses, was a bundle of energy. When the teacher brought her out, she bounded over to Eleanor like a little rabbit.


    Eleanor hugged her and led her to the car. The moment she was buckled in, the little girl couldn''t wait to report, "Mommy, I told Daddy this morning! I told him you praised him."


    Eleanor, who had been about to start the car, froze. The smile on her face stiffened.


    She hadn''t expected her daughter to repeat a casual remark fromst night ton. While it wasn''t a big deal, Eleanor didn''t want her daughter acting as a go-between. She turned and forced a smile. "Okay, honey. But in the future, you don''t need to make a special point of telling Daddy things like that, alright?"


    Evelyn blinked her big, clear eyes,pletely puzzled. "Why not? Daddy was so happy when he heard it!"


    Eleanor was at a loss for words. Looking at her daughter''s innocent face, she realized it was impossible to exin theplex emotions of adults. She decided to drop it.


    "Where did Daddy go? Why didn''t hee pick me up?" Evelyn asked curiously.


    "Your daddy had to go to Kingston for work," Eleanor said. Though she didn''t know the specifics, she assumed it had to do with the recent turmoil in the international business world.


    For the next two days, Eleanor''s life was a simple routine between theb and home. On the morning of the third day, she received a text fromn: "I''ll be back this morning."


    Eleanor paused. Theunch ceremony for the special fund established by The Guild of Commerce was at two o''clock that afternoon. As the chairman, he should be there if he had time.


    Eleanor had already been in contact with The Guild. She was scheduled to give a brief speech about the direction of her research.


    Her afternoon was free. She had


    lunch with Joy Thatcher nearby. Joy wanted to see the event, so Eleanor had The Guild reserve a seat for her as well content


    Around one-thirty, the venue for the fund''sunch ceremony was already fung up with guests. Eleanor Went backstage upon arrival to do a final check with the staff.


    She was dressed in a tasteful, light gray skirt suit, her long hair styled in an updo


    that made her look both professional and elegant.


    "Dr. Sutton, you''ll be on after Mr. Goodwin''s speech. The host will invite you to the stage then," a staff member informed her.


    Eleanor nodded and was about to


    head back to her seat when amanding tall figure strode through the entrance:n showed no signs of travel fatigue; he had clearly gone home to shower and change.


    "Mr. Goodwin, you''re here," the staff members greeted him.


    "I''ve been here a little while," Eleanor replied calmly, looking at him.


    His directpliment caught her slightly off guard. She gave a slight nod. "Thank you." With that, she averted her gaze.


    She wasn''t used to this version ofn-or rather, she wasn''t used to such close interactions with him.


    "Is your speech ready?"n asked.

 Chapter 1313

    "Yes," Eleanor replied, subtly shifting to avoid his gaze, feeling a little uneasy.


    Eleanor went back out to the main area. Joy approached, handing her a ss of champagne. "Still early. Have a drink."


    Eleanor took the ss and had just taken a sip when Joy said, "I sawn arrived."


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes."


    At two o''clock sharp, theunch ceremony began. After a brief opening by the host,n rose from his seat and walked to the podium with an air of elegance andposure.


    Under the spotlight, his figure was tall and straight, his suit enhancing his distinguished and cool demeanor. As chairman of The Guild of Commerce, his address was visionary, concise, and powerful.


    Aftern''s speech, the host announced with enthusiasm, "Next, we would like to invite Dr. Sutton from Ashford Medical University to the stage to give her presentation."


    Thunderous apuse filled the room. Eleanor took a deep breath and, under the watchful eyes of the audience, walked calmly and naturally toward the stage.


    Her path crossed withn''s as he returned to his seat.


    He turned slightly to the side, and their eyes met for a brief moment. In his gaze, Eleanor saw a hint of encouragement.


    She continued to the podium without breaking her stride, adjusted the microphone, and then offered a natural smile.


    At that smile, the audience fell silent for a few seconds.


    One pair of eyes, in particr, was locked on her. Eleanor''s smile exuded


    confidence and poise, infused with the quiet strength unique to a researcher. It was exceptionally captivating.


    Eleanor began her speech. There were no flowery words, only a logically tight and easily understandable presentation of her research, drawing the audience into a future filled with infinite scientific possibility.


    Whispers broke out in the audience. "If Dr. Sutton''s research is sessful, does that mean there will be a cure for Alzheimer''s?"


    "Oh my gosh, I hope she finds it right now. My aunt was just diagnosed."


    On stage, Eleanor''s solid research foundation and firm belief in the future culminated in a standing ovation as she concluded her speech.


    After her presentation, Eleanor gave a slight bow and left the stage. She returned to her seat as several other key partners and academic representatives took their turns to speak. The event proceededo smoothly, leading to the most crucial moment-the fund''s unveiling ceremony.


    As the apuse died down, Eleanor looked up at the stage and her eyes unexpectedly metn''s again. He was looking at her with a deep, prating gaze. This time, Eleanor didn''t look away. Instead, heo expression conveyed her approval for his role in leading this initiative.


    Because of his efforts, the future of technological innovation held greater promise. The projectunch concluded perfectly.


    Background music began to y as guests started to mingle and depart.


    Eleanor and Joy were about to get up and leave whenn''s figure suddenly approached. Joy leaned in close to Eleanor''s ear. "Look, Mr. Goodwin is sporting a special essory today. A sleeve garter!"


    Eleanor was taken aback. She nced atn and saw that he was indeed wearing a sleeve garter on his left arm.


    It was ck, and it looked familiar.

 Chapter 1314

    As Eleanor was studying it,n reached them. He caught her examining the sleeve garter and smiled. "Well, you can stop looking," he said in a low voice. "because you''re the one who bought it."


    The statement made Eleanor''s breath catch, leaving her momentarily unsure how to respond.


    Joy, however, had a mischievous glint in her eye. She quickly found an excuse. "Ellie, I''m just going to pop to the restroom. You two talk."


    Before Eleanor could react, she was gone.


    "The shirt wasn''t a perfect fit," Ian exined. "The sleeve garter helps."


    Eleanor looked away. After they were married, she had been the one to handle all his clothes¡ªthe sizes, styles, and colors. She found it hard to believe thatn couldn''t find a well-fitting shirt now.


    Not wanting to dwell on the topic, she looked up at him. "I don''t see Mr. Aaron. Why isn''t he here?"


    As the man who had invested eighty percent of the fund, his absence was surprising.


    A flicker of emotion crossedn''s eyes, but his tone was natural. "Mr. Aaron had an urgent matter to attend to. He couldn''t make it."


    Eleanor didn''t press the issue. She had no personal rtionship with Aaron and had only asked out of curiosity.


    "Oh," she said, nodding. Seeing that Joy hadn''t returned, she said, "I should get going."


    "Let''s have dinner tonight,"n suggested suddenly. "We can take Evelyn out for a change of scenery."


    "We''ll see what Evelyn wants," Eleanor said. It was true they hadn''t taken their daughter out to eat in a while.


    "Alright. I''ll pick her up this afternoon,"n said before turning to greet an elderly gentleman, adjusting his suit jacket.


    A momentter, Joy returned, nudging Eleanor''s shoulder. "Was that deliberate?


    You bought that sleeve garter ages ago. How did he even dig it out?"


    "He said his shirt didn''t fit," Eleanor mumbled, looking down.


    Joy raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "At an event this important he''d pick a shirt that doesn''t fit? And he just happens to wear the sleeve garter you bought years ago? Sounds to me like he wore it just for you to see.


    Eleanor shot her a yful re. "What are you trying to say?"


    "I''m saying, is it possiblen is actually trying to win you back?" Joy teased.


    "Of course not," Eleanor retorted quickly, walking toward her car.


    "Okay, okay, I''ll stop teasing," Joy said, catching up. "But seriously, his reason for establishing this fund is you."


    "The Guild''s objective is the advancement of scientific research," Eleanor corrected her.


    "Right, right, whatever you say." Joy


    slid into the passenger seat, her yful expression turning more serious. But still, personal feelings aside establishing this fund shows incredible foresight and resolve onns part. That''s worth


    acknowledging."


    Eleanor gave a nomittal nod. Whethern''s motives were public or private, the fund was a tangible source of support for her, and she wouldn''t deny that because of their personal history.


    "I know," Eleanor nodded. "I''m going to make the most of this opportunity."


    "So, who is this Mr. Aaron who invested eighty percent?"


    Eleanor replied, n said he had something to do and couldn''te."


    "Oh," Joy said as her phone buzzed with several messages. She nced at it and smiled. "A few of my friends are already asking me about your project. It seems the public is very optimistic about your research."


    After dropping Joy off, Eleanor checked the time and headed home. Not long after she arrived, her phone rang. Assuming it was her daughter, she answered. "Hello?"


    "Mommy, it''s me!" Evelyn''s excited voice came through the line. "Daddy said he''s taking us out for a yummy dinner tonight! Are you home yet?"

 Chapter 1315

    "Mommy''s home," Eleanor replied.


    "So are youing to dinner with us?"


    "I¡ª"


    "Please, Mommy, pleasee!" Evelyn pleaded sweetly, sensing her hesitation.


    Eleanor''s heart softened. "Alright, Mommy wille."


    "Yay! Thene down to the parking garage, Mommy. Daddy''s here to pick you up," Evelyn said.


    Eleanor wanted to spend some rxing time with her daughter as well. She let Joslyn know she was leaving and went downstairs.


    When she reached the garage,n''s car was already parked in its spot. The window rolled down, and Evelyn waved her little hand excitedly. "Mommy, hurry up!"


    Eleanor smiled and shook her head at her daughter''s eagerness, opening the car door and getting in.


    As soon as she was seated,n turned to her. "What are you in the mood for?" "Anything is fine. You decide," Eleanor answered, her tone calm.


    "Alright, I''ll take care of it,"n said in a low voice.


    Eleanor led her forward, andn reached over to take Evelyn''s other hand. For a moment, they looked like a perfect family, all holding hands.


    Eleanor instinctively tried to pull her hand away, but Evelyn held on tight, so she had no choice but to walk into the restaurant with them.


    A waiter greeted them warmly and led them to a table by the window. Evelyn scooted close ton to help him order.


    Eleanor took a sip of water. Across from her,n was still in the same suit he''d worn that afternoon, the ck sleeve garter still on his left arm. Under the soft lighting, it lent him an air of restrained intensity.


    Just then, two figures walked through the entrance: Vanessa and her agent, Laverne.


    Eleanor''s eyes turned cold. She nced at her daughter. At the same moment Vanessa spotted the table Her expression immediately stiffened, her face hardening.


    She couldn''t believe it. In a city this big, she''d randomly run inton and Eleanor having dinner with their daughter.


    The sight of the three of them under the warm lights, looking so happy together, made her chest tighten. It was a painful image to behold.


    But Eleanor had clearly said she andn were just partners. Was she lying?


    Were they secretly dating, maybe even getting back together?


    Vanessa suddenly felt the urge to stir up some trouble. After all, little Evelyn was still quite fond of her.


    Quicklyposing herself, Vanessa put on a warm, friendly smile and walked directly toward their table.


    n, Miss Sutton, what a coincidence!" Vanessa''s voice was soft and sweet. She then turned to Evelyn. "Evelyn, it''s been so long! Have you missed me?"


    A happy smile spread across Evelyn''s face when she saw Vanessa. "Mrs. Shannon, long time no see."


    Eleanor took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around her ss. Ian shot Vanessa a cold look, his eyes filled with a clear warning.


    Vanessa ignored him and continued to smile at Evelyn. "You look so pretty today, Evelyn. Are you happy to be having dinner with Mommy and Daddy?"


    "I''m happy," Evelyn nodded emphatically.


    Vanessa then looked at Eleanor, her gaze pointed. "Miss Sutton, it looks like you two are getting along quite well I wasn''t mistaken when you said you and fan were just partners, was I?"


    The implication was clear: she was using Eleanor of lying.


    Eleanor put down her ss and met Vanessa''s gaze. "We''re having a meal. We don''t wish to be disturbed."


    Laverne quickly tugged on Vanessa''s arm. "Vanessa, let''s go to our table."


    n, darling," Vanessa said suddenly,


    casting a meaningful nce


    Eleanor I''m a little short on


    on your tab, won''t you?"


    "Vanessa,"n''s voice was low, but it dripped with menace.

 Chapter 1316

    Pinned byn''s icy gaze, Vanessa''s heart sank. She realized she might have gone too far.


    Even Laverne, standing beside her, held her breath in fear, agreeing that Vanessa shouldn''t have provokedn at a time like this.


    With that,n stood up, his eyes fixed on Vanessa. His tone was unquestionable. "Miss Shannon, let''s have a word outside."


    It wasn''t a suggestion; it was amand.


    Vanessa''s face paled. Looking inton''s eyes, she knew he was genuinely furious. She forced a smile. "Ian, I won''t disturb your-"


    Butn was already heading for the door. Vanessa was left flustered, exchanging a look with Laverne. Just then, she saw Eleanor watching her, and a stubborn refusal to look weak in front of her rival took hold.


    "Laverne, I''ll be right back," Vanessa said, then followedn out, feigning


    Laverne''s heart pounded, and she couldn''t help but follow them.


    In a secluded corner outside the restaurant,n stood, his tall figure radiating a terrifying chill. Vanessa bit her red lip and approached him from behind. "Ian, what did you want to talk to me about?"


    "Remember your ce,"n stared at her. "If you ever dare to show up in front of Eleanor and Evelyn again, saying things you shouldn''t say or doing things you shouldn''t do, I will make you pay back every single thing you''ve ever gotten from me."


    Vanessa''s heart clenched. She tried to exin, n, I was just joking¡ª"


    "I''m not joking with you," Ian cut her off coldly. "If there''s a next time, I guarantee there will be no ce left for you in this country, or anywhere else in the world."


    The words struck her like a sledgehammer. She knewn was a man of his word. He had the power to ruin her reputation and leave her with nothing.


    A wave of fear washed over her, snapping her back to reality. She had crossed his line.


    "I¡ªI understand," Vanessa said, lowering her gaze, offering a sincere apology. "I''m sorry,n. It won''t happen again."


    "Call me Mr. Goodwin,"n corrected her icily. "You don''t have the right to use my first name."


    Vanessa''s head shot up, the reality of her position in his eyes hitting her with full force-she was no longer even qualified to call him by his name.


    The color drained from her face. She


    bit her lip so hard it trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes, but she


    didn''t dare make a soun


    say his mame again


    With that, he turned and walked back toward the restaurant.


    Vanessa stood frozen, pressing a trembling hand to her lips to choke back a sob.


    Silent tears streamed down her cheeks.


    She was drowning in a sea of


    humiliation. Even though she knew she had acted like a fool, his cold,


    merciless treatm revoking


    even


    the right to say his name was too much.


    She finally felt a sense of hopeless despair.


    Laverne watched from a distance, her heart aching for Vanessa, but feeling helpless. She could only Whisper, Vanessa, let''s go. Dent just stand here. We can find another restaurant-"


    Vanessa violently wiped the tears from her face. Without another nce at the restaurant, she turned and strode away on her high heels.


    But while the tears could be wiped away, the hatred in her heart coiled around her like a venomous vine.


    Behind her, Laverne''s brow furrowed. She couldn''t for the life of her understand why Vanessa was still so hell-bent on poking the bear with Eleanor andn.

 Chapter 1317

    In Laverne''s mind, he most important thing for Vanessa now was to get pregnant with Walden Wells''s child and secure her position, not to be here fighting with


    Eleanor over a man.


    Anyone with eyes could see how muchn cared for Eleanor. For her to go and poke the bear like that was just asking to be humiliated.


    At that moment, clutching her purse as she got into her car, Vanessa made a silent vow. One day, she would throw a twenty-billion-dor penalty fee inn''s face, sever his control over herpletely, and never suffer today''s humiliation again.


    Inside the restaurant,n returned to his seat, his expression back to its usual calm. He nced at Eleanor, who was patiently cutting steak for their daughter, as if what had just happened was a trivial interruption.


    Vanessa hadn''t returned, which meant he had handled it. And Eleanor wasn''t going to ask.


    "Daddy, did Mrs. Shannon leave?" Evelyn asked curiously.


    "Yes, she had to go,"n answered gently, skillfully twirling some pasta onto a fork and holding it to his daughter''s mouth. "Here, try this."


    Evelyn''s attention was immediately captured by the food, and she ate happily.


    The atmosphere was peaceful under the restaurant lights. Eleanor''s appetite hadn''t


    been affected; after finishing her steak, she was now eating dessert.


    Mother and daughter shared the dessert. Noticing a smear of cream on her daughter''s mouth, Eleanor gently wiped it away with a napkin.


    After dinner,n paid the bill. Evelyn suggested they go shopping at a nearby mall. Eleanor couldn''t say no to her, andn was always one to indulge her, so they apanied the little girl to the shopping center.


    The dazzling array of goods in the mall lifted everyone''s spirits. Eleanor took her daughter to the toy section.


    Soon, Evelyn had picked out a star projectormp and ran excitedly ton. "Daddy, look at this!"


    "Yeah! It''s a projector! It can make stars on the ceiling!" Evelyn nodded enthusiastically, her big eyes full of anticipation.


    "Then we''ll get it," Ian agreed without hesitation, gently smoothing her messy hair away from her forehead. "How about someday Daddy takes you to an observatory to see the real stars?"


    "Yes, yes!" Evelyn squealed, wrapping her arms around his neck happily. Eleanor stood nearby, watching the affectionate interaction between father and daughter. Though her expression remained neutral, her eyes softened slightly.


    Just then,n looked up at her. Their eyes met, and Eleanor''s breath hitched for a moment before she looked away.


    With one new toy, Evelyn was perfectly content. After paying, they headed home.


    Once they arrived,n said to his daughter, "Evelyn, you go on inside. I need to talk to your mother for a minute."


    Evelyn nodded obediently and ran into the house, clutching her new toy.


    Eleanor looked up, her gaze calm but firm. "I want this to be thest time she appears in front of Evelyn."


    She took a deep breath and looked


    straight at him. "Evelyn is still young and impressionable don''t want her i exposed to people who have malicious intentions toward her."


    Eleanor had been furious tonight, but she knew it was Vanessa''s one-sided provocation. She had used her daughter''s innocence, and as a mother, Eleanor would not allow anyone to harm her child in


    any way.


    "I promise,"n said, meeting her gaze. "I won''t let her disturb your life with Evelyn


    ever again."


    Eleanor nodded. "I hope you can keep your word."


    "I will,"n affirmed again, his voice deep and unwavering.

 Chapter 1318

    Eleanor said nothing more, turning to open the door and go inside, closing it behind her.


    Yeaton Manor.


    Rnd Yeaton hade home tonight in a foul mood. He had no patience for his sobbing wife and was there to demand she sign the divorce papers.


    Faye Yeaton was in her room when a maid burst in. "Faye, you have to go see your parents! I think they''re fighting!"


    Faye rushed out of her room and toward the master bedroom. When she pushed the door open, she saw her father pinning her mother to the bed, trying to force her to sign a document.


    Faye was stunned by the scene. Her mother was held down, her hair a mess, tear tracks staining her face. Her father''s face was contorted with rage as he clutched the papers. "Sign it," he snarled. "Don''t make me get rough."


    "Dad, what are you doing?!" Faye screamed, rushing forward and shoving him with all her might.


    Caught off guard, Rnd stumbled back. Seeing it was Faye only fueled his rage. "Faye, this is none of your business. Stay out of it."


    "How could you do this to Mom?" Faye stood protectively in front of her mother, trembling with anger.


    "How could I?" Rnd sneered, waving the documents. "Because I''m the one in charge of this family now, and your mother is signing this divorce agreement today." Her mother was on the bed, sobbing uncontrobly, her face a mask of despair. Faye looked at her father''s cold, ruthless face, and her heart turned to ice. It was clear he couldn''t wait to run off with his mistress and their illegitimate son.


    "Mom, go out for a bit. I need to talk to Dad," Faye said.


    Her mother shot Rnd a hateful re. "You heartless bastard. After all the years I''ve been with you."


    Faye shut the door as her mother left. Rnd was already looking at her impatiently. "Faye, stay out of adult affairs."


    "Dad, stop pretending. I know all about you and Cathie, and I''ve even met your illegitimate son," Faye said with scornful mockery.


    Rnd''s face fell. "Faye, what do you know? Who told you this?"


    ???


    Faye smirked inwardly but kept herposure. Dad, there''s something else you might not know. Horace has proof of your bribery and embezzlement, if he reports it you could be in prison for over a decade. But he''s my boyfriend now, and for my sake, he''s willing to give you a chance."


    Rnd''s expression tightened, a flicker of murderous intent in his eyes. He remembered taking Horace to a few private dinners where he hadn''t been particrly discreet.


    He couldn''t believe the kid would dare to collect evidence against him.


    He looked at his daughter, suspicious. "Is that true?"


    Faye softened her tone. "You''re my father, after all. I don''t want to see you go to prison. If you''re willing to turn things around, I can arrange a meeting with Horace so you two can talk and figure out how to get rid of the evidence."


    Rnd was genuinely scared. The bribery evidence involved amounts up to ten million dors¡ªnot a small sum. Even if he went bankrupt, it would be a huge mess to clean up.


    "Fine. Set up a meeting. I''ll talk to him," Rnd relented, forced to believe his daughter was trying to help.


    "Tell Horace I''ll give him some money tonight. He needs toe alone," Rnd instructed.


    "Dad, how much are you nning to give him?"


    "Three hundred thousand."


    Faye scoffed internally. Her father had stolen a billion dors to run away with his mistress, yet he was being cheap about this.


    Perfect. It was time to put her n into motion.


    "Okay, I''ll call him. I''ll have him meet you alone tonight," Faye sighed. "But you have


    to promise not to contact him yourself before I do. I''m worried he''ll go into hiding."


    Rnd nodded, his expression


    easing slightly. "Faye, talk some


    sense into you


    mater. As long as


    She signs, I''ll make sure you two are


    taken care of." With that, he left the


    room.


    Behind him, a calcting, vicious look crossed Faye''s face. She gritted her teeth,


    pulled out her phone, and walked to the window to dial Horace''s number.

 Chapter 1319

    "Hey, Faye. Miss me?" Horace''s teasing voice came from the other end.


    Faye''s eyes shed with hatred, but her voice was calm. "Horace, my dad found out about the evidence you have on him. He''s willing to pay five million dors in cash for it."


    "What? Five million?" Horace''s voice shot up several octaves, filled with disbelieving ecstasy. "For real? Faye, you''re not messing with me, are you?"


    "Why would I mess with you?" Faye whispered. "Horace, my dad is divorcing my mom. His money isn''t going to be mine anyway, so you might as well take as much as you can get."


    "Okay, okay, no problem!" Horace was thrilled. Five million dors was an absolute windfall for him.


    Around nine that night, at an abandoned pier, the area was deserted.


    Rnd arrived on time, waiting in the driver''s seat of his car. A few momentster, a sedan pulled up, and his former subordinate, Horace, got out.


    The thought of this young man betraying him made Rnd want to kill him.


    Seeing Rnd get out of his car, Horace still offered a respectful greeting. "Mr. Yeaton, you''re here."


    It seemed Faye hadn''t lied. He was really going to get five million dors tonight.


    Rnd was carrying a small briefcase. He walked over, and Horace, though slightly puzzled by the size of the case, asked eagerly, "Mr. Yeaton, did you bring the money?"


    Rnd tossed the briefcase to him. "Three hundred thousand," he said coldly. "Take the money, and give me the recordings and all the copies of the evidence."


    Horace''s smile froze. He opened the case and saw that it indeed contained only three hundred thousand dors, a far cry from the five million Faye had mentioned.


    A surge of rage at being yed for a fool shot through him.


    "Three hundred thousand? Is this chump change supposed to buy me off, Mr Yeaton?" Horace''s face turned livid.with anger. He threw the case back at him Faye clearly said you were willing to pay five million!"


    Rnd was even more surprised, then let out a coldugh. "Five million? You greedy little brat."


    "No five million, no deal," Horace


    said, deciding to go all in. He felt he had the upper hand. "Mr. Yeaton, it you can''te up with five milligh this evidence will be at the


    authorities'' office tomorrow morning. It''s your call."


    He turned and walked back to his car. Behind him, as Horace issued his threat, the murderous intent in Rnd''s eyes intensified. He hated being threatened more than anything.


    Rnd picked up the briefcase and got back in his car. Horace was now in his own vehicle, muttering curses under his breath.


    But in the next second, Rnd revved his engine, his headlights sting toward Horace''s car.


    Blinded by the intense light, Horace couldn''t see a thing. A cold sense of dread washed over him. "Rnd, what are you doing?!"


    His answer was the roar of the engine. A momentter, Rnd mmed his car into Horace''s.


    A deafening crash tore through the silence.


    Horace''s car had no time to move. The massive impact sent it, with him inside, sliding backward, smashing through the flimsy guardrail at the edge of the pier and plummeting toward the dark river below.


    The icy water instantly swallowed the car and Horace along with it.


    Faye''s father mmed on the brakes. His face was a mask of grim viciousness as he got out and stared at the now-calm surface of the river. Wipinga bead of sweat from his forehead he acted as if nothing had happened, got back in his car, and drove away.


    Now, he could finally rest easy.


    He had no idea, however, that after his car was gone, Faye emerged from the


    shadows, clutching her phone, her body still trembling from the shock.


    She took several deep breaths. For her, this oue was a form of liberation. She was no longer under Horace''s control. But she hadn''t known her father''s ruthlessness ran this deep.

 Chapter 1320

    As Faye drove home, her hands trembled on the steering wheel. The image of her father crashing into Horace''s car yed over and over in her mind. Though she hated Horace and had wanted to see them turn on each other, she had never imagined Horace would die at her father''s hands.


    But soon, that fear was reced by a stronger instinct for self-preservation.


    If her father ever found out that she had deliberately quoted a higher price to Horace, escting their conflict and forcing him to kill... Faye shivered again.


    Then she thought about everything her father had done over the years-forcing her mother into a divorce, nning to take a billion dors to go live happily ever after with his mistress and their son.


    Faye''s resolve hardened. A scumbag like that didn''t deserve to be her father.


    She pulled the car over to the side of the road, and with shaking hands, took out a second phone. She sent the full video she had just recorded anonymously to the city police department''s public tip line.


    After that was done, she popped out the SIM card, snapped it in two, and threw it out the car window.


    Her mother had already gone to her grandparents'' house tonight, and Faye didn''t dare go home. She would have to find somewhere else to stay for the night.


    Yeaton Manor.


    Back home, Rnd poured himself a drink to calm his shattered nerves. After a few sses, he began to rx, convincing himself that eliminating the threat of Horace had been absolutely necessary. Once the divorce was final, he could take Cathie and his precious son and leave the country for good.


    The greatest frustration of Rnd''s life was not being able to have his son openly acknowledged by the Yeaton family. Once he divorced, married Cathie, and made his son legitimate, the gossip would finally end.


    Just then, the doorbell rang urgently. He froze. Who would be looking for him thiste?


    Rnd wasn''t too suspicious. What he''d done tonight had been silent and swift. That kid hadn''t even had time to scream before sinking to the bottom of the river.


    He walked to the door and saw a man he didn''t recognize. He opened it, annoyed. "Who is it? What do you want?"


    Suddenly, a group of uniformed officers rushed out from behind the man. "Police!" one of them shouted.


    A inclothes detective leading


    them shed a badge, his expression.grim. "Mr. Rnd Yeaton, we''ve received a tip that you are connected to a homicide at the east pier tonight. Pleasee with us to the station for questioning."


    All the color drained from Rnd''s face. The rush of adrenaline swept away the alcohol, leaving him stone-cold sober. How could they be here so fast? Who reported it?


    Before Rnd could grab anything, he was firmly escorted into a police car. Not far away, in a car with its lights off, Faye watched the scene unfold. The knot of anxiety inher chest finally loosened.


    She knew that once her father was taken away, he was unlikely to evere out again. The video evidence she provided was irrefutable, enough to destroy his reputation and ensure he''d rot in prison.


    All she had to do now was find a way, as his daughter, to im the billion-dor fortune he had stashed abroad and live the rest of her life in peace.


    She really had to thank her father for leaving her a billion dors.


    As for his mistress and her son, they wouldn''t get a single cent of her father''s


    assets. She would make them the disgrace of the family, and see how they could possibly hold their heads up again.


    Faye''s mind was already churning with vicious ns.


    Meanwhile, in Vanessa''s vi, she was about to pour herself a ss of red wine when Laverne snatched it away, "Vanessa, you can''t be drinking now. Your priority is to take care of your body and have Mr. Wells''s baby."

 Chapter 1321

    Vanessa was in a revealing nightgown, her mood still foul fromn''s words earlier that evening. The humiliation of being so utterly dismissed-of not even being worthy of him saying her name¡ªclung to her.


    She was resentful but helpless.


    "Laverne, tell me, what does Eleanor have that I don''t?" Vanessa sank onto the sofa, her voice thick with bitterness and resentment. "I was by his side for ten years. Ten years! Why does he only have eyes for Eleanor?"


    Laverne looked at her and sighed. "Vanessa, what''s the use of saying all this now?n''s heart isn''t with you. Even if you chase after him for another ten years, the oue will be the same. Listen to me, let it go. The only thing that matters now is holding onto Mr. Wells."


    As an outsider, Laverne saw things clearly. From the very beginning, it was Vanessa who had fallen hopelessly in love withn, even deluding herself into thinking she was his girlfriend.


    "Walden Wells," Vanessa sneered. "Besides his money, how can he evenpare ton?"


    "But he''s willing to marry you, to give you a family. Vanessa, you need to be realistic," Laverne pleaded earnestly. "Once you give him a son, your position in the Wells family will be secure. You''ll have money, you''ll have status. Why would you need to bothern then? And when Walden Wells passes away, with all his money, do you think you won''t be able to find a man even better-looking thann?"


    Vanessa shot Laverne a look. "You don''t understand."


    It was the sharp, effortless confidence of someone inplete control, a presence so unique that a single nce could make your heart pound.


    How could those men who were all style and no substancepare to him?


    Laverne was at a loss for words. It was true. But no matter how wonderfuln was, his heart didn''t belong to Vanessa.


    At the restaurant earlier, Laverne had seen it with her own eyes. Ian''s heart was with Eleanor. Vanessa''s decade of devotion probably couldn''tpare to a single look from Eleanor.


    "I used to be the most important woman in his life. Eleanor was just someone to be kept at home. She wasn''t even allowed into his social circles Vanessa began to recount her past glory, her voiceced with resentment.


    Seeing her like this, Laverne couldn''t help but sigh, deciding it was time to bring her back to reality. "Vanessa, have you ever thought about whyn never brought Eleanor to those dinners and parties?"


    Vanessa paused, then said dismissively, "Of course. It''s because she wasn''t presentable back then. Taking her out would have only embarrassed him."


    "You''re wrong." Laverne shook her head, a hint of helplessness in her tone. "Have you ever considered that it was his way of protecting her?"


    "Protecting her?" Vanessa scoffed as if she''d heard a joke. "How is that possible?"


    "Yes, protecting her," Laverne


    affirmed with a nod. "Think about it.


    Back then, you used your status as


    his mother''s only donor to be as provocative as you could. You paraded yourself around overseas as if you were his girlfriend. n had brought Eleanor into that scene, what would you have done, with your personality at the time? You


    would have provoked her, created all


    sorts of drama, and tried to hurt her with misunderstandings."

 Chapter 1322

    Vanessa''s expression soured. She opened her mouth to argue but realized Laverne was right. If she and Eleanor had appeared at the same gs and receptions, she would have definitely tried to assert her position, to belittle and exclude Eleanor, to make her life miserable.


    Laverne continued, n knew you too well. That''s why he kept Eleanor out of his social circles. He didn''t want her to run into you, to get hurt or feel wronged. He kept her safe at home, away from you, precisely because he cared about her and didn''t want to lose her."


    Laverne''s wordsnded hard, stripping away the story Vanessa had clung to for years.


    So, what she had always believed was ''Eleanor isn''t presentable'' was actuallyn''s careful protection? She refused to ept it. "If he loved her so much, why did he divorce her?" she retorted.


    Laverne''s reply was calm and direct. "Even if they got a divorce, it had nothing to do with you. It was clearly an issue between them. Besides, whenn divorced her, he gave half his fortune to Eleanor. Do you realize what that means?"


    Vanessa bit her lip hard. She knew, but she had never truly thought about its implications.


    "It meansn never intended to cut ties with herpletely. Giving her eightpanies was a long-term strategy to stay entangled with her. It was his way of keeping her tethered to him. That wasn''t abandonment; it was a deeper, more desperate strategy he was forced into at the time."


    Laverne''s analysis was like a series of invisible needles piercing Vanessa''s heart.


    It turned out that inn and Eleanor''s world, she was just an outsider, a tool to be used and then casually discarded.


    "Hah!" Vanessaughed at herself. "So, you''re sayingn has been going to great lengths for Eleanor this whole time?"


    Laverne''s analysis maden sound like some deeply devoted, tragic figure.


    "Since you''re so good at analyzing, why don''t you tell me this: willn and Eleanor get back together?" Vanessa stared at Laverne, desperate for her opinion.


    She just couldn''t let it go.


    Ifn and Eleanor remarried, it would be the deepest, most painful blow she could ever suffer.


    Though unmarried, Laverne was thirty-nine and had spent half her life in the


    entertainment industry. She had a certain depth when it came to reading people and situations.


    She thought for a moment, then spoke from an observer''s perspective: "Imagine being a wife excluded from your husband''s world, forced to watch another woman parading around by his side, even being mistaken for his partner by the public. That feeling of being middens away and isted is a profound


    wound in itself."


    Vanessa raised an eyebrow, a triumphant look on her face. This was what she wanted to hear.


    Laverne went on, n might have thought he was protecting Eleanor, but to her, that kind of protection was a sign of mistrust.n was too arrogant. He ignored her feelings and her dignity as his wife. And for someone as proud and intelligent as Eleanor, it''spletely. understandable why she would divorce him without a second


    thought."


    Laverne continued, "But their divorce doesn''t necessarily mean he stopped loving her. His desperation and deep feelings might be real, but the oue was the result of his overbearing and arrogant behavior. If they were to get back together-"


    Vanessa clenched her jaw and scoffed.

 Chapter 1323

    Laverne nced at her and continued her analysis. "If they''re really going to remarry,n would have topletely swallow his pride. He would have to learn to truly respect Eleanor, to trust her, to put her on an equal footing-no, he''d have to put her on a pedestal. That''s the only way Eleanor might take him back."


    Vanessa found the idea utterly ridiculous. She sneered, "A pedestal? How could someone liken ever look up to anyone? You don''t know him at all."


    "With Eleanor''s current achievements in the scientific field, even the most arrogant men are impressed by her. Ifn doesn''t change his arrogant ways, he''ll have to learn to show vulnerability, to be honest, and to admit his past mistakes. Otherwise, he''ll never win her back in this lifetime."


    Vanessa''s face instantly twisted with jealousy. The thought of the high and mightyn having to humbly and carefully win Eleanor back made her stomach churn with a mix of emotions.


    The mental image was enough to make her contort with envy.


    But a wave of panic washed over her.


    Maybe¡ªmayben really would be a humble suitor for Eleanor''s sake.


    Laverne was about to continue when Vanessa cut her off sharply. "That''s enough. Stop talking."


    She didn''t want to hear another word.


    Laverne fell silent. She had said so much in the hopes of making Vanessa see the truth: she needed to stay out ofn and Eleanor''s world, or she would only end up humiliating herself.


    Vanessa stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. The light reflected off her pale face, but her eyes were still filled with ambition.


    She turned back, unable to resist onest bitter remark. "There are thousands of brilliant women in this world. It''s not liken is going to be hung up on Eleanor forever."


    Laverne looked at her resentful profile and nodded. "True, there are plenty of brilliant women out there. But in thest ten years, have you seen any other woman byn''s side?"


    The question left Vanessa speechless, and her expression grew even darker.


    For the past decade, there had only been Eleanor. She was the only other woman in his orbit.


    And whenever she tried to get too close ton, whenever she crossed the line he''d drawn, he would push her away without a second thought. The only times he''d touch her were out of necessity like when she fainted or felt unwell, and even then it was just to carry her to the hospital.


    And all of that was only because her health was tied to his mother''s life.


    A man withn''s status, looks, and charisma could have any woman he wanted. Yet


    for ten years, he had kept to himself, with only Eleanor.


    Vanessa bit her lower lip so hard she nearly drew blood.


    Even after the divorce,n spared no expense paving the way for Eleanor, facing pressure from the board to pour resources and money into her projects. If that wasn''t love, was he running a charity?


    The realization was so painful she could barely breathe.


    There had been a few times at the hospital when Eleanor had seen him with her and assumed the research was for her. At the time, she was happy to let Eleanor misunderstand. But in reality, when Eleanor had thrown herself into leukemia research, who wasn so desperate to save?


    It definitely wasn''t her.


    Could it be¨DVanessa narrowed her eyes. Was Evelyn still at risk for leukemia? Only


    someonen cared about that deeply would make him go to such lengths.


    She remembered Faye telling her


    hown had constantly pushed


    Eleanor for results, even making her work overtime as if he were in a face against time. Back then she''d been pleased, thinkingn was just trying to make Eleanor suffer.


    But who wasn trying to save with that leukemia drug?

 Chapter 1324

    Three dayster, on Friday, Eleanor had justpleted part of the handover to Garrison Bradley''s team and was looking forward to the weekend. She decided to speed up the transition process so she could take her daughter on a trip abroad once summer vacation started.


    It had been two and a half years, and she''d barely had a chance to truly rx. Thest time she went skiing in Drexford, she''d brought work with her, and her multiple business trips to Kingston had all been work-focused.


    As Eleanor was packing up to leave for the day, her phone rang. She nced at the screen and was surprised to see it was Joel Kingsley.


    "Hey, Joel," she answered cheerfully.


    "Ellie, are you free tonight? We''re having a get-together, and you shoulde," Joel said, his voice light. He added, "Callie and Gwenda will be there. It''s been a while since we all hung out."


    Eleanor paused. Judging by Joel''s tone, it sounded like there was good news.


    "Joel, is there something to celebrate?"


    Joelughed on the other end. "Can''t hide anything from you. The sales orders for the firstmercial product from our project have blown past all expectations, and the market feedback is fantastic. The team wants to have a small celebration. As a key contributor from the early stages, you have to be there!"


    Eleanor was genuinely happy to hear the news. "That''s wonderful! Congrattions to all of you."


    She decided to go. "Where is it? I''ll head over in a bit."


    Joel gave her the address of a restaurant downtown.


    "Okay, I just need to arrange something for my daughter. I should be there around six-thirty," Eleanor said.


    "Great, see you then." Joel hung up. Eleanor nced at the time¡ªit was 4:50 PM. Before she could figure out what to do about her daughter, her phone rang again. It wasn.


    Eleanor hesitated for a moment, then answered with a sense of premonition. "Hello?"


    "You should go to Joel''s get-together tonight. I''ve already asked Serena to pick up Evelyn and take her to my mother''s for dinner," Ian''s deep voice came through the line.


    Seeing that he had already made arrangements, and wanting a chance to unwind, she agreed. "Okay, thank you."


    "Have a good time and rx tonight,"n said before ending the call.


    A momentter, a text from Serena came in, saying she was already waiting at the school gate and that Eleanor should go enjoy her dinner without worrying about Evelyn.


    Eleanor was perfectlyfortable with Evelyn going to Goodwin Manor. Since she was no longer in a rush, she opened herptop and decided to work a little longer, nning to leave around five-thirty.


    Meanwhile, in a conference room at Goodwin & Co.,n sat across from several managers in charge of themercial project''s sales. Their faces were beaming. "Mr. Goodwin, the presale numbers are thirty percent higher than our most optimistic estimates


    Word-of-mouth is spreading fast,


    and the potential for future growth is huge."


    After the managers left, Gavin walked in. "Mr. Goodwin, The Green Olive has been booked out for the evening. When were you nning on heading over?"


    "There''s no rush. I''ll goter,"n said coolly.


    Gavin understood immediately. Was Mr. Goodwin worried that his presence would keep Miss Sutton from fully enjoying herself?


    Then again, their rtionship had improved considerably, so maybe that wasn''t a concern anymore.


    Around five-thirty, Eleanor got ready to leave. She wore a crisp white blouse and a tailored pencil skirt-clean, confident, and unmistakably put-together.


    She went to the restroom and took


    off her hair tie. Her silky,


    waist-length hair cascaded down her back. After arranging it to fall naturally, she touched up her lipstick, which instantly brightened her expression. Looking at her reflection, Eleanor pressed her lips. together in a small smile, grabbed her bag, and headed for the elevators.


    She felt a sense of pride knowing that the project''s incredible sess was


    something she had helped build.


    Eleanor drove to The Green Olive, feeling rxed. When she walked in, Joel''s team


    and her own were already there, chatting animatedly.

 Chapter 1325

    "Ellie, you''re here!" Joel stood up with a smile and came over to greet her.


    "Wow, Dr. Sutton''s here!" the members of Joel''s team eximed, pleased to see her.


    Eleanor smiled and waved a hand. "Please, don''t call me that. Just use my first name."


    The team members who hadn''t met her before came over to introduce themselves one by one. Eleanor greeted each of them, and the atmosphere was light and cheerful. They were all friends and colleagues, and the conversation buzzed with excitement about the project''s sess, punctuated by frequentughter.


    Just then, a male colleague looked around curiously and noticed one team member was missing-Faye.


    He quickly sent her a text. [Faye, howe you''re not at the dinner tonight?] [There''s a dinner tonight? Howe I didn''t know?] Faye texted back.


    [You didn''t get the email?] the colleague asked, surprised. [It''s to celebrate the sess of our project.]


    Faye was at her family''s house. Staring at the message, she bit her lip. How could she be the only one left out of such a big celebration?


    Just then, another message came through. [Joel''s team and Dr. Sutton''s team are all here.]


    Faye''s expression darkened instantly. Eleanor was there? Was that why she wasn''t invited? Was it Joel''s idea, or did the ordere from someone else?


    Faye took a deep breath, but still feeling wronged, she dialed Joel''s number.


    Joel, who was in the middle of a lively conversation, saw her name on his screen, picked up his phone, and stepped out of the restaurant.


    "Hello, Faye," he answered.


    "Joel, I heard you guys are having a dinner. Was I forgotten? I didn''t know anything about it," Faye asked, her voice light and casual.


    Joel''s tone was calm, with a hint of apology. "Faye, this dinner was arranged by Mr. Goodwin. It was also his decision not to invite you I''m not sure about the specific reasons. I''ll make sure you''re included in the next team event."


    Sitting in her grandmother''s living room, Faye''s fingers tightened on her phone, turning white at the knuckles. "So it was Mr. Goodwin''s decision?"


    "Why? Why was I excluded? I was part of this project too! I poured my heart and soul into it!" Faye''s voice rose with indignation.


    Joel was silent for a few seconds before replying calmly, "Faye, I understand how you feel. There are some things you should understand."


    Faye snorted. "I get it. It''s because Eleanor''s there, right? He excluded me because she can''t stand the sight of me. I''m not wrong, am I?"


    "I have to go," Joel said, and then he hung up.


    Faye sat on the sofa, regretting that she had ever made the call. Not knowing would have been better. Now, it felt like a p in the face. It was one thing for Eleanor to dislike her, but was she now so despised byn as well?


    She remembered the time she''d gone ton for help with her father''spany, even telling everyone they were practically family. The cold look on his face then made it clear:


    in his eyes, she was owpletely


    repulsive.


    To be loathed by a man liken brought a wave of intense humiliation and shame


    that made her face burn.


    She felt a sense of utter mortification.


    Son had gone to all this trouble just to ensure Eleanor had a rxing and pleasant evening.


    Back at the restaurant, the atmosphere remained electric. Everyone ordered freely without even looking at the menu, splurging on expensive dishes and drinks they would normally never consider.


    Eleanor was swept up in the lively, carefree mood, and her appetite grew. She abstained from alcohol but was happy to see Joel enjoying a few drinks.


    She leaned back in her chair, a rxed, contented smile on her face as she listened to her colleagues teasing andughing.


    Everyone was having such a good time that they didn''t notice the tall, imposing figure that had appeared at the restaurant''s entrance. It wasn, with Gavin following close behind.

 Chapter 1326

    who was seated at the far left end of the long table by the window. Her long hair was down, a faint smile yed on her lips, and she looked unusually rxed. The warm lighting seemed to envelop her in a soft glow.


    He watched her for a few seconds before striding in her direction.


    "Mr. Goodwin, you''re here," a middle-aged employee said, spotting him first and quickly rising to his feet.


    Instantly, everyone at the table stood up to wee their boss.


    Everyone except Eleanor. She was clearly stunned, having had no idean would being.


    "Mr. Goodwin, find a seat!" Joel said, getting up to greet him. He then gestured to Gavin. "Gavin, you too."


    Gavin smiled and nodded, pulling out a chair to sit down.


    There was an empty seat across from Eleanor. She was sitting between Joel and Callie, son couldn''t just take someone''s spot. Besides, he was well aware of whether she''d want him sitting next to her or not.


    "Mr. Goodwin, why don''t you take my seat?" Callie offered, finally showing some quick thinking.


    With that, his long fingers unbuttoned his suit jacket, and he slipped it off. He was wearing a dark shirt underneath, which,bined with his silver hair under the lights, made him look all the more regal and captivating.


    A few of the female colleagues on the team cast subtle nces his way, sneaking peeks at the big boss they rarely got to see.


    He let his gaze circle the table, then eased his voice. "Don''t mind me. Enjoy yourselves. I''m just here for a quick hello."


    His words slowly eased the tension, and the atmosphere returned to a more casual state. The team members resumed their conversations andughter, though they were still a bit more reserved than before.


    An observant colleague quickly pouredn a ss of wine. Ian gave him a slight nod in thanks.


    Eleanor lowered her gaze and took a sip from her water ss. Just then, Joel slid an exquisite dessert in front of her. "Your favorite."


    Eleanor''s eyes visibly brightened. It was tiramisu.


    As a thought struck her, she stared at the tiramisu for a few seconds before picking up her small spoon and taking a delicate bite.


    Her subtle reaction didn''t escape the man watching from across the table. He narrowed his eyes, leaning back in his chair with a casual air as he lifted his wine ss for a sip.


    Her expression while looking at that dessert... it was as if she was thinking of someone. Who could have given her this dessert before? Xavier Vaughn? Mansfield Ellington? Or the man right beside her, Joel?


    Callie, seated next ton, proactively raised his ss for a toast. Ian clinked sses with him, his eyes downcast as if lost in thought.


    But his presence was impossible to ignore. Even in silence, hemanded the


    room.


    The main courses had been served, and everyone was enjoying the meal. Joel made the rounds, ensuring his team was taken care of, and also raised his ss tonn was remarkably approachable that night, epting toasts from everyone who offered orfe.


    His affability helped the employees rx considerably. Someone took the lead in toasting him, and soon, others followed, not wanting to miss the opportunity. One by one they approached his seat to offer a toast.


    To their surprise,n didn''t refuse a single one. In a short time, he had drained several sses.


    Eleanor watched him but said nothing. She didn''t get up to offer a toast.


    the corners of his eyes, adding a touch ofnguor-and an undeniable sexiness-to his stern features.


    Sitting across from him, Eleanor saw him ept yet another toast. Finally, a slight frown creased her brow.


    Atst, everyone had made their toast. Just then,n picked up his half-full ss and gestured with it toward Eleanor. His gaze was deep as he tooked at her, his voice growing lower and more maic from the alcohol. Dr Sutton fd like to propose a toast to you? Thank you for all the hard work you''ve put into this project."


    Everyone watched the exchange. The big boss personally and individually toasting Eleanor-that was significant. After all, everyone knew their history. They had been married.


    Eleanor picked up her teacup and raised it slightly. "I''ll toast you with my tea."


    A smile touchedn''s lips. He brought the ss to his mouth and finished the remaining wine in one go.

 Chapter 1327

    His intense gaze fixed on her over the rim of his ss, and his eyes seemed to hold something more than just the haze of alcohol.


    Next, people started toasting Joel. As the team lead and a key contributor, he was a natural target. Joel clearly wasn''t good at refusing, smiling as he epted drink after drink. He wasn''t much of a drinker to begin with, and the alcohol went straight to his face. Before long, he was visibly flushed.


    When another person approached to offer a toast, Eleanor, knowing Joel''s tolerance was nothing liken''s, spoke up with a smile. "Let''s give Joel a break, shall we?"


    Joel hadn''t even processed her words, but across the table, the man''s fingers tightened around his wine ss.


    An observant colleague next to him refilled his ss.


    He tilted his head back and drained the ss in one go, the movement carrying a hint of barely concealed agitation. The liquor burned a path down his throat, but it did little to quell the intense jealousy surging within him.


    From a few seats away, Gavin keenly sensed the shift in mood. He got up and leaned in close ton. "Mr. Goodwin, you''ve had a lot to drink tonight. Should I take you home to rest?"


    Gavin had no choice but to return to his seat.


    Eleanor also noticed the change in the man across from her. The people who had been about to toast Joel quietly backed away. Joel, feeling a bit dizzy, was sipping water. Eleanor nced atn and found him leaning back in his chair, his eyes half- closed, his brow furrowed in difort. Under the lights, his pale skin was flushed with a drunken haze. He had clearly had too much.


    She frowned slightly and silently averted her gaze.


    Whenn opened his eyes, he caught her looking away from him. He narrowed his eyes.


    She could smile so naturally at Joel, show her concern so directly, but for him, she wouldn''t even offer a simple word offort?


    Despite the storm brewing inside him, he showed no trace of it on his face. He didn''t want to leave. He couldn''t bear to. So he just sat there, stewing in his silence.


    Just then, Joel stood up, stumbling slightly.


    Eleanor was closest to him and had been keeping an eye on him. She quickly stood and steadied him with her arm. "Joel, what''s wrong?"


    "I''m just going to the restroom," Joel said, a little embarrassed.


    "Callie, could you help Joel?" Eleanor called out.


    Callie and another male colleague immediately came over and helped Joel toward the restroom.


    This entire scene unfolded before the eyes of the man across the table, and his frustration seemed to intensify.


    Eleanor watched Joel leave, letting out a small sigh of relief. When she looked up, her eyes met a pair of deep, intense ones.


    she looked his way, the gloom on his face seemed to vanish, reced by a smile that could almost be


    daste He raised his


    full wine ss, gesturing to her from


    across the table, his movements as el¨¦gant as ever.


    Just asn was about to bring the ss to his lips, Eleanor finally spoke.


    "Don''t drink any more."


    His hand froze, as if someone had hit a pause button. He looked up, a clear flicker of astonishment in hisz eyes. Her words hit him cleanly, and something in his chest loosened, surprise turning. impossibly, into hope. His eyes lit up with surprise and delight


    Was she... worried about him?


    Just like she was worried about Joel?


    No, to his ears, it sounded more like she was reining him in.


    She didn''t see the smile take hold, the guardedness in him giving way as if atch had quietly clicked open.


    Gavin, who was busy eating, also noticed the exchange and couldn''t help but smile to himself. It seemed Mr. Goodwin was having a good night after all. It had to be Miss Sutton. A single word of concern from her was all it took to cure his foul mood.


    "Alright. I''ll listen to you," camen''s deep, gentle voice.

 Chapter 1328

    Eleanor nced at him again before casually picking up her teacup. The other colleagues at the table hadn''t noticed the subtle exchange; in the context of a dinner party, such a simple expression of concern seemed perfectly normal.


    True to his word,n didn''t touch his wine ss again, instead eating a few bites of food with deliberate slowness.


    Joel returned a short whileter, clearly still under the influence, though he was lucid. "Are you full?" he asked Eleanor.


    Eleanor nodded. "I am. You should eat something too."


    Joel nodded. Someone handed him a bottle of water, which he epted and began to drink. In the soft lighting, his schrly and gentle demeanor drew the attention of a few young female colleagues. Joel had no shortage of admirers at thepany, but he was typically engrossed in his research and maintained a professional distance from anyone who showed interest.


    Across the table, a pair of narrowed eyes focused on Joel. Ian recognized that the warm, approachable aura Joel possessed was something he himselfcked. Perhaps, he mused, that was what had initially drawn Eleanor to him. The world he inhabited had conditioned him to take control, to present a hard,manding front, but he was missing that gentle quality that put people at ease.


    He quickly suppressed the thought. All that mattered now was that the woman across from him was happy and no longer looked at him with that detached gaze. For that, he was willing to change in any way necessary.


    At eight-thirty, the celebration dinner began to wind down. Some of the other colleagues decided to head to a bar for a second round, but Eleanor, Joel, andn opted out.


    Seeing that Joel was too drunk to drive, Eleanor offered, "Joel, let me take you home."


    Before Joel could reply, Gavin stepped forward and spoke to Eleanor in a natural tone. "Miss Sutton, Dr. Kingsley and I are heading in the same direction. I can give him a ride."


    Eleanor was taken aback. "You live near each other?"


    Joel, catching on, quickly added, "Ellie, Mr. Goodwin had a lot to drink tonight, too. Since you live in the same building, it would be more convenient for you to take him."


    ¡°Exactly. Eleanor, if you could make sure Mr. Goodwin gets home safely, we''d really appreciate it," Gavin added.


    Their reasoning was so logical it was hard to argue with.


    Eleanor nced at Joel, then atn, who was still seated across from her. The corners of his eyes were flushed, and his gaze was hazier


    thual. He was clearly quite


    drunk, but she still hesitated.


    "Eleanor, I''d appreciate it,"n said to her.


    She looked up at him again. He really had drunk a lot tonight.


    "Alright," she finally agreed, turning to Gavin. "Then I''ll leave Joel in your care."


    "Don''t worry, Miss Sutton," Gavin replied with a smile. He turned ton. "Mr. Goodwin, I''ll take Dr. Kingsley out now."


    A short timeter, only Eleanor andn remained. The restaurant staff politely kept their distance.


    "Can you walk?" Eleanor asked the man across from her.


    rose to his feet. His movements


    were steady, though his pace was


    slightly slower than normal


    Eleanor grabbed her purse, and they walked out of the restaurant side by side.


    A night breeze swept by, lifting


    Eleanor''s long hair. Asn stood


    beside her a single strandnded on his shoulder. He nced down at it. The loose strand skimmed his shoulder light as breath and it was ridiculous how that tiny touch made him feel less steady than the wine.


    But just as quickly, Eleanor walked ahead to her car, unlocking it and heading for the driver''s side.

 Chapter 1329

    Just as Eleanor was about to start the car, she turned and noticed thatn hadn''t fastened his seatbelt. He was leaning back against the headrest with his eyes closed, as if he''d forgotten.


    "Seatbelt," she reminded him.


    into ce.


    Eleanor sighed in frustration and had to lean over to help him.


    Ian allowed her to buckle it for him. Just as she was about to pull her hand away, hisrge hand gently closed around her wrist.


    The heat of his palm made Eleanor''s breath catch. She looked up at him with a frown and warned, "Don''t."


    His voice was husky, tinged with a deep, lingering tenderness.


    Eleanor had no intention of responding. Drunk men were unpredictable, and she just hoped he wouldn''t cause any more trouble on the way home.


    "Sit still," she said, ncing at him before starting the car and pulling out onto the main road.


    To her relief,n was obedient. He didn''t do anything else, simply leaning back against the seat with the faintest hint of a smile on his lips.


    Eleanor''s car moved smoothly through the night-lit streets. She focused on driving, deliberately ignoring the powerful presence of the man beside her.


    Along the way, Serena called. Eleanor answered it through the car''s system. "Serena."


    "Ellie, Evelyn wants to sleep over with me tonight. Is that okay?"


    Evelyn''s pleading voice came through the speaker. "Mommy, please? I want to have a sleepover with my aunt!"


    Hearing her daughter''s sweet voice, Eleanor couldn''t help but smile. "Alright."


    "Thank you, Mommy!" Evelyn eximed happily, and Serena hung up.


    About a kilometer from her apartmentplex, a soft, suppressed groan came from the passenger seat.


    Eleanor instinctively nced over


    and saw fan''s brow tightly furrowed. One hand was pressed against his stomach; and his face illuminated by the passing streetlights, was contorted in pain.


    She remembered all the alcohol he had consumed on an empty stomach and knew


    his stomach must be protesting.


    "Does your stomach hurt?" she asked.


    "Yeah," the man grunted.


    Eleanor immediately put on her turn signal and pulled over in front of a pharmacy. After parking, she turned to him. "Wait in the car. I''ll go get you some medicine."


    She hurried into the pharmacy and went straight to the section for stomach medicine. A clerk greeted her warmly. "Miss looking for something for an upset stomach? This one''s a bestseller. Would you like to try it?"


    "Do you have Mnta?" Eleanor asked directly. Ian''s stomach was particr; it was the only brand that didn''t give him side effects.


    The clerk paused for a second, then nodded. "We do. It''s a milder form, just a bit more expensive."


    "I''ll take that one," Eleanor told her.


    The clerk handed her a box. After paying, Eleanor asked the clerk for a cup of warm water.


    When she opened the passenger-side door, she saw thatn''s brow was knitted even tighter. A fineyer of sweat had broken out on his forehead from the pain.


    "Take this first," she said, handing him the medicine and the water.<pn looked down at the box in her hand. Mnta. She still remembered.

 Chapter 1330

    He took the pills and swallowed them with the water. Then, his eyes lifted to Eleanor''s face as he said softly, "Thank you."


    Eleanor disposed of the paper cup and ced the box of medicine in his hand. "You should take this home with you."


    She got back in the car and drove into the building''s underground parking garage.n closed his eyes again, looking as if he had drifted off to sleep.


    By the time Eleanor parked,n was slowly opening his eyes. The pain in his stomach seemed to have subsided.


    He pushed open the car door and got out. They walked toward the elevator together.


    "Eleanor, thank you for tonight,"n said in a low, earnest tone.


    "You''re wee," Eleanor replied, pursing her lips. It didn''t matter if it was him, Joel, or any other passenger; she would have done the same.


    Inside the confines of the elevator, with just the two of them,n leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on Eleanor. A deep, nostalgic longing gradually surfaced in his hazy eyes.


    The elevator doors opened. They had reached the twenty-seventh floor.


    Eleanor said nothing as the elevator doors closed.


    After returning to her apartment, Eleanor yed with Princess for a while before heading upstairs to shower. She felt as though the faint scent of alcohol had clung to her.


    With her daughter away for the night, she could enjoy a quiet evening reading a book or doing something for herself, like putting on a face mask.


    Downstairs,n stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of his own apartment, gazing out at the city lights, the box of Mnta still clutched in his hand.


    The difort in his stomach was almost gone, but the storm in his heart was growing more turbulent.


    She remembered his specific medication. Did that mean.....


    He looked down at the box, his fingers tightening slightly.


    Finally, a small smile touched his lips. This was a good start.


    That night, however, someone else was too angry to sleep.


    Faye had messaged Gwenda again to ask how the dinner went. Gwenda told her everything: Ian had shown up, had been drinking nonstop for Eleanor, Eleanor had shown concern for him, and, in the end, had supposedly driven him home.


    Each piece of news fueled Faye''s anger, making sleep impossible. After ten years, had Vanessa failed to break them up for good? What was she even doing? Wasn''t she some world-ss pianist? Wasn''t she supposed to be charming?


    If Eleanor andn remarried, all the research funding and resources would undoubtedly be funneled to Eleanor. It wasn''t impossible she might actually win a Nobel Prize one day.


    A heavy frustration settled in Faye''s chest. The only good news was that the case against her father had been offierally filed. No matter how much he tried to talk his way out of it, he was facing ten or twenty years behind bars.


    Faye felt no pity for him. He deserved it. And soon, her mother''s side of the family would learn what Cathie, that distant cousin, had done. She would turn her into a social pariah, the homewrecker everyone despised.


    Tomorrow was her grandmother''s seventieth birthday, and Cathie was one of the invited guests. Faye had prepared a special performance just for her. The entire family would be there at the hotel banquet hall, and she would make sure everyst one of them saw how Cathie had, schemed behind her mother''s back; seduced her father, and even borne


    his illegitimate child.


    As for her father''s one billion dors, she would have to wait until after his case was


    settled to figure out how to get it.


    The next day.


    In the soft morning light, Eleanor was already on her secondp around theplex, dressed in a light gray tracksuit with her hair tied in a ponytail. A fine sheen of sweat dotted her temples and the tip of her nose, and a healthy, rosy glow from the exercise colored her cheeks. She radiated a vibrant energy.

 Chapter 1331

    Just as she stepped into the lobby of her apartment building, she came face-to-face with a man walking out of the elevator.


    Since the divorce, he had mostly seen Eleanor in her whiteb coat, or looking confident on a lecture stage, or elegant at a g. It had been a long time since he''d seen her like this-so full of life, vibrant and energetic.


    The sunlight streamed in from behind her, outlining her slender, lithe silhouette. Her form-fitting workout clothes entuated her slim yet athletic figure. A few stray, sweat-dampened strands of hair clung to her cheek, creating an unexpectedly... sensual look.


    A sharp tightness grippedn''s throat, his gaze lingering on her. He knew better than anyone how incredible her body was, even after having a child.


    Feeling his eyes on her, Eleanor wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand and was about to walk past him when she heard his deep voice.


    "Morning."


    Eleanor paused. "Morning."


    "Went for a run?" he asked.


    "Yeah," Eleanor nodded.


    "I have an international video conference, so I''m heading to the office,"n volunteered.


    Eleanor nced up at him and replied naturally, "Oh."


    "Want to pick up Evelyn together for lunch?" he asked again.


    Eleanor hadn''t made any ns for lunch yet, as she had given Joslyn the day off. "We''ll see," she said.


    With his suit jacket over his arm,n walked toward theplex entrance, his tall frame and dignified air cutting an imposing figure. His thick, silver-white hair was particrly striking.


    ***


    Aftern got in the car, Gavin drove for a short distance before starting his verbal report on the uing meeting. However, when he finished and waited for his boss''s input, he noticedn staring out the window, lost in thought.


    Still, Gavin shrewdly sensed that his boss was in a rather good mood.


    Onlyn knew what was on his mind. His thoughts were still filled with the image of Eleanor''s vibrant energy after her morning run.


    His memory drifted back to more distant scenes: the girl who would drowsily cling to him in the morning, yfully begging him not to go to work. The girl who would run to him when he got home, wrapping her arms around his waist and softly calling him her husband.


    All those sweet, everyday moments he had once taken for granted, he now realized, were unbearably precious in their absence.


    It felt as if an invisible hand squeezed his heart, and a wave of bitter regret washed over him, mixed with an undeniable longing.


    He took a deep breath, forcing himself to pull away from those beautiful memories.


    He knew it wasn''t time yet.


    "Mr. Goodwin?" Gavin asked tentatively.


    Just then, Gavin''s phone buzzed with a message. He stopped at a red light and nced at it. Then, he turned ton in the back. "Mr. Goodwin, Walden Wells''s son just died in Montir."


    Gavin considered the implications.


    With Walden Wells having lost his heir, he might actually marry Vanessa to produce a new one for the walls family If that happened with Wells backing, would vanessa stiffwillingly honor her contract?

 Chapter 1332

    After driving a little further, Gavin nced at the rearview mirror and asked directly, "Mr. Goodwin, with Walden Wells''s only son gone, are you worried he might oppose you in the future for Miss Shannon''s sake?"


    "Let him try,"n said, his tone deceptively calm.


    Still,n preferred to avoid trouble. Aplex look flickered in his eyes. "You know what to do."


    Gavin immediately understood his boss''s unspokenmand. After so many years by his side, he could deciphern''s intentions in an instant, whether they were simple orplex.


    He nodded immediately. "Don''t worry, Mr. Goodwin. I understand."


    It wasn''t thatn feared trouble, but he needed to minimize it. He didn''t have the energy to deal with unnecessary people or problems. If it came down to it, he had no qualms about using certain methods.


    ***


    At that moment, in Vanessa''s vi, she had just finishedforting Walden Wells over the phone. Tears still clung to her eyshes, but her face showed no trace of sadness.


    Laverne sat down beside her, patting her shoulder excitedly. "Vanessa, Mr. Wells has lost his son in his old age. He''s at his most vulnerable and most desperate for an heir. We have to be smart and seize every opportunity to get pregnant."


    A smile yed on Vanessa''s lips. "Exactly. This is my only chance to be Mrs. Wells."


    A shrewd, calcting glint appeared in her eyes. "I can''t just console him over the phone. I have to go be by his side and show him that I genuinely care about his pain."


    Laverne nodded in agreement. "Right. I''ll book our flights immediately. We need to get there as soon as possible."


    Vanessa knew she had to act fast. As long as she sessfully conceived Walden Wells''s child and secured her position as Mrs. Wells, not evenn, with all his power, would dare to touch her easily.


    Once she had enough leverage, she could finally break free from her contract.


    ***


    The handover of Eleanor''s project


    was proceeding smoothly. Communication with Garrison''s team was highly efficient, and the transition originally scheduled for three months, was nearing


    Garrison''s team needed to return to their facility and was scheduled toplete the


    final handover and depart the following week.


    At a farewell lunch for both teams, Garrison couldn''t help but feel a sense of regret as he chatted with Eleanor. He could clearly see that her focus was entirely on her work. He''d heard she had already decided


    on her next research direction and would be diving into it as soon as


    the handover wasplete.


    It was as if she were born for a career in scientific research. However, Garrison had


    also noticed that Eleanor''s ex-husband,n, was still very attentive to her.


    He had also found out that the funding for Eleanor''s new project was orchestrated byn. It was clear the ex husband wasnt just providing resources and money he still had lingering feelings for her.


    "Eleanor, I hope you''ll visit the facility again sometime to coborate," Garrison said with a smile.


    "Of course. If the opportunity arises, I''ll definitely be there," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    "Mansfield is also recovering day by day. Once he passes all his medical checks, I look forward to him returning to the base as well."


    Eleanor nodded. Mansfield''s physical constitution was excellent; recovering to his former state wouldn''t be a problem at all.


    His cerebral chip had been removedst week, and his neuralwork waspletely normal and unaffected.


    "I also hope he makes a full recovery soon," Eleanor said sincerely.


    Another week passed in the blink of an eye. Eleanor saw Garrison''s team off to their


    waiting vehicles. They shook hands and said their goodbyes.

 Chapter 1333

    Callie, standing beside her, let out a sigh of relief. "Finally, the handover isplete."


    "Callie, you should take a week off," Eleanor told him. Theb''s brainputer interface equipment needed to be packed up and sent to the facility. Once theb was cleared out, Eleanor would need to draw up a list of new equipment to purchase.


    "Alright, I''ll take a week-long trip then. Call me if anythinges up," Callie agreed. The intense work over the past month definitely called for a break.


    After seeing Garrison''s team off, Eleanor returned to her office. Looking at the soon- to-be-emptyb, she felt a sense of relief mixed with eager anticipation for her new project.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a text message.


    It was fromn.


    [Has Dr. Bradley''s team left?]


    Eleanor was actually quite grateful ton. During this busy period, he had taken on the responsibility of picking up and dropping off their daughter. Sometimes, when she workedte, he would have Gavin bring dinner by. Though he never said anything, she appreciated the gesture.


    [Just saw them off,] Eleanor replied.


    [You''ve worked hard. Want to take Evelyn out to celebrate tonight?]


    Eleanor thought about it. A little rxation before starting the new project sounded like a good idea, and it had been a couple of weeks since she''d had a proper outing with her daughter.


    [Okay,] she replied.


    [I''ll pick you up with Evelyn at six.]


    Eleanor sat down and began browsing the news on her phone when a headline made her freeze for a few seconds.


    *Former Yeaton Holdings Chairman Rnd Yeaton Arrested for Murder, Sentencing Imminent.* Eleanor tapped on the article to read the details. Eleanor''s breath hitched in her throat as she stared at the victim''s name: Horace.


    The article briefly exined the case. Rnd had run Horace''s car off the road and into a riverte at night, causing him to drown.


    While Eleanor was still reeling from the shock, Gwenda burst in. "Eleanor, did you see the news? Horace-"


    Gwenda''s face was a mask of disbelief, and her eyes were welling up with tears. They had been ssmates, after all.


    Eleanor nodded grimly and put her phone down. "I just saw it."


    Gwenda''s voice choked with emotion. How could this happen? What kind of grudge would lead to this? And heard from Faye that. Horace had been working at eaton Holdings for a year!"


    Eleanor remained silent, images of the Horace she used to know shing through


    her mind. All she could do was sigh, feeling a sense of sorrow for her former ssmate.


    A momentter, Callie also walked


    in, clearly having just heard the


    news. He and Horace had once been


    good


    friends though they had


    drifted apart after Horace was


    expelled for his misconduct.


    But no one could have imagined that the next time they heard about him, it would be


    in a murder case.


    "Life is unpredictable," Callie sighed.


    The office was suddenly shrouded in a somber atmosphere.


    ***


    Meanwhile, in another office in theb, Faye stared at the news about her father, her expression nk. Thest time she saw her rtives, she had exposed Cathie as her father''s mistress. Her mother had wed at


    her face, almost sending her to the entire family had


    hospita


    and he


    been humiliated, hurling abuse at


    her.


    From now on, Cathie and her illegitimate son would be reviled by the family.


    Just then, Faye''s phone rang, startling her. It was her mother. She answered, "Hello? Mom."


    "Faye," her mother''s voice came through, thick with tears. "It''s over. Everything''s over-"


    Faye gripped her phone tightly. "What is it now?" she asked in a low voice.

 Chapter 1334

    "I just got a notice. Your father-that billion dors he embezzled from thepany ¡ªthe authorities found out. They''re demanding full repayment," Faye''s mother said, sounding on the verge of a breakdown. "All of my assets have been frozen, even my apartment has been seized-I can''t even go home now."


    Faye shot up from her chair. "What did you say? How did they find out?"


    "I heard Cathie was arrested. She and your father nned to transfer the money and live abroad together. If your father hadn''t been caught, they would have gotten away with it." Though there was a hint of vindicated satisfaction in her mother''s voice, she quickly started crying again. "Faye, what are we going to do?"


    Faye closed her eyes. Her father was in prison, but he had left this disaster for them


    to clean up. Even their only home was being taken away.


    "Mom, go home right now and grab everything valuable. Your jewelry, your expensive bags, anything worth money¡ª"


    Before Faye could finish, her mother cut her off in despair. "It''s toote. The court acted too fast. Enforcement officers entered our home half an hour ago and seized everything. I can''t get in."


    Faye''s face went pale. She had thought they might still get their hands on her father''s billion-dor overseas assets, but instead, they were left with a colossal


    mess.


    "Mom, how much money do you have on you?" Faye asked, taking a deep breath.


    "What money? I always used your father''s credit cards. All five of my cards have been frozen, and the cash is at home. I¡ªI only have about twenty thousand dors on me."


    "What about your jewelry?" Faye pressed.


    "I haven''t been in the mood to wear any these past few days. It''s all at home. I''m just wearing a ring worth over a hundred thousand."


    Just then, another call came through on Faye''s phone. Seeing it was Manager Brown, she told her mother, "Mom, I have to take this call. I''ll talk to you when I get home."


    She switched to the other line. "Hello? Manager Brown?"


    "Miss Yeaton I''m very sorry, but we have received an official notice from the court and thepany''s


    liquidation team. The sedan you are. currently using is registered to Yeaton Holdings and is considered apany asset. As thepany is now undergoing liquidation, the vehicle must be reimed."


    Faye''s expression soured. Her Bentley sports car had already been liquidated, and now even the old BMW she was driving, registered under her father''s name, was being taken back.


    After she hung up, her mother called again. She answered. "Hello, Mom?"


    "Faye, what''s going on? I tried to check into a hotel to settle down for a bit, but the front desk said my ID couldn''t be registered! Something about being restricted. What''s happening?"


    Faye closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Mom, just go to Grandma''s for now. You won''t be able to stay in a hotel."


    Her father had embezzled a billion dors, so her mother was now on a credit .cklist After a brief exnation Faye ended the call and was ovee by a wave of panic unlike anything she had ever felt.


    Even if she wasn''t a true heiress, she had always lived afortable, privileged life. Now, aside from her job, she had nothing.


    Faye lost all motivation to work. She got up and went to theb''smon area to get a drink. Gwenda saw her and walked over. "Faye, are you okay?" she asked kindly.


    Faye''s hand tightened around her juice ss. Gwenda''s concern, though seemingly ordinary, sounded exceptionally grating to her ears.


    She turned to look at Gwenda''s


    slightly fuller face, which now


    radiated a new confidence. In the past, Faye had felt an absolute sense of superiority over Gwenda. She carried the designer bags Gwenda envied, drove sports cars, frequented five star hotels, and talked about her overseas travels, all while enjoying the admiration of a simple girl like Gwenda.

 Chapter 1335

    And now?


    Gwenda had a stable job and was bing increasingly valued by Eleanor''s side. But she... she was now the daughter of a murderer.


    Perhaps Gwenda''s life would never be one of great wealth, but it would be stable, solid, and progressively better.


    Meanwhile, Faye was shackled with the stigma and burden her father had left her, her future looking bleak.


    "I''m fine," Faye said, almost instinctively straightening her back and responding in a cool tone.


    Gwenda smiled. "That''s good to hear."


    After speaking, Gwenda ordered two coffees. Just then, a few other employees walked over and greeted her warmly. It was clear Gwenda was well-liked by her colleagues.


    Faye bit her lip. She had once beenbeled the cool, unapproachable goddess, but now, who even noticed her?


    "Isn''t that Faye? The former Yeaton Holdings chairman in the news today is her dad!"


    "Yeah, that''s her."


    "I can''t believe her dad would do something like that."


    Faye''s face went white, feeling as though all eyes in the room were fixed on her. She abruptly turned and walked away, leaving her untouched juice on the table.


    ***


    At six in the evening, Eleanor had just gotten home when she received a call from her daughter. She andn were waiting for her in the underground parking garage. Having finallypleted all the handover tasks, Eleanor felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Dressed for thete June weather, she wore a simple t-shirt and a denim skirt. Her long hair was pulled up into a bun, with soft wisps framing her face, making her look several years younger.


    When Eleanor reached the garage, she saw a Rolls-Royce parked there. She opened the back door, and Evelyn''s adorable little face beamed at her.


    "You decide," Eleanor said. She was just there to rx with her daughter and didn''t want to make the decision.


    "Let''s ask Evelyn,"n said, his gaze softening as he looked at their daughter.


    "I want..." Evelyn considered it seriously. Then, thinking of a big chicken leg, she smiled. "I want Chinese food!"


    "Alright, Daddy will take you,"n said, starting the car.


    After a simple dinner with their


    daughter, the little one refused to go home, insisting they go to a nearby


    ?


    za that was bustling with activity. To keep her from running off and getting hurt, Eleanor held herhand. A momentter, Evelyn happily reached out to take her father''srge hand as well.


    The scene created the perfect image of a happy family.


    simply tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and avoided his gaze.


    A momentter, Evelyn was begging to go on the swings. As Eleanor gently pushed her from behind, a s?ft smile on her face, the man standing nearby felt as if time had turned back four years.


    "Higher, Mommy, higher!" Evelyn shouted with glee.


    The unreserved joy Eleanor showed her daughter made her lips curve into a bright, eye-catching smile under the lights. For a moment, her eyes met the man''s across from her, but her expression was only calm and natural.  s?novels


    He saw it all, a bittersweet ache settling in his heart.


    No matter how much their rtionship seemed to have eased, it felt like there was still an invisible chasm between them.


    Eleanor was no longer rejecting his presence, but he had no idea how to gauge the right distance to approach her without scaring her away again.

 Chapter 1336

    It was already nine o''clock at night by the time they got home from the square. Standing at the door, Evelyn went inside first. Eleanor looked back at the man behind her. "Thank you for tonight."


    With that,n turned and left.


    Eleanor closed the door and went inside. Joslyn had already called her daughter in for a bath. Eleanor set down her purse just as her phone rang. Seeing it was an unknown number, she answered it. "Hello? Who is this?"


    "Ellie, it''s Mr. Archer," a kind, gentle voice said from the other end.


    Eleanor''s face lit up. "Mr. Archer! How have you been?"


    "I''m doing very well. Listen, I have a grandnephew who just graduated from medical school. He''s an exceptional candidate in every respect, and I was hoping he could intern with you for six months. What do you think?"


    Eleanor was pleasantly surprised by Andy Archer''s proposal. Herb was about tounch, and she was in desperate need of staff. Mr. Archer was not only a close friend of herte father but also a titan in the medical field. Anyone he personally rmended was guaranteed to have immense ability and potential.


    "Mr. Archer, I haveplete confidence in anyone you rmend," Eleanor said sincerely. "Actually, my newb is in the preparatory stages, so we''re looking for people right now."


    "That''s wonderful. The boy''s name is Diaz Archer. His academic performance was outstanding, and he''s participated in several relevant projects. I''ll give him your contact information and have him send his resume over to you shortly."


    "Of course, Mr. Archer," Eleanor readily agreed.


    "Take a look at his resume first, then decide whether you want to hire him," Andy said with a gentleugh. After a few more pleasantries, they hung up.


    Putting down her phone, Eleanor was lost in thought for a moment. She was genuinely hoping to bring some new blood into theb.


    She went upstairs to the second floor, opened herptop, and continued to refine the preparations for the newboratory She had to make every dor from The Guild of Commerce''s fund count and produce results as quickly as possible to honor Mr. Aaron''s trust in her.


    For the next three days, Eleanor rested at home. Joslyn made sure to buy the best groceries, hoping to cook some hearty meals for her.


    But Eleanor had always been disciplined about her figure and had recently started working out more frequently. She needed to maintain her stamina for the work ahead.


    Three dayster, an email appeared in Eleanor''s inbox. She opened it to find Diaz''s resume. After reading it thoroughly, she was filled with admiration. He was truly from


    family of doctors. His grasp


    medical theory was solid, and the


    projects he had participated in


    during school had already achieved


    a degree of sess.


    His most recent research project explored ideas that were strikingly simr to some


    of Eleanor''s own concepts.


    Eleanor was convinced that Diaz was exactly the kind of talent she wanted to recruit.


    She replied to his email, asking him to meet her at the coffee shop by her residentialplex at nine the next morning for an in-person interview.


    "Of course, Ellie. I''ll be there on time," Diaz quickly responded.


    The next morning, Eleanor drove her daughter to school herself. Since she was on a break, she didn''t bother askingn for a ride.


    After dropping Evelyn off, Eleanor had breakfast nearby and then parked her car in a spot next to the coffee shop.


    She went inside to wait, enjoying the quiet morning atmosphere. Watching the hurried pedestrians outside, she savored the rare moment of peace.


    Just then, a ck Maybach pulled up next to the coffee shop. Gavin was there to pick upn for a flight; he had a three-day business trip.

 Chapter 1337

    At that moment, a message notification chimed on Eleanor''s phone. It was fromn. [I''m heading out on a business trip for three days. I''ll have to trouble you with


    Evelyn.]


    Eleanor nced at her phone and replied, [Focus on your work. I''ll take good care of Evelyn.]


    As the tall man stepped out of his house, he read the message, and a faint smile touched his lips. At least her replies were no longer curt, one-word answers.


    Gavin nced over at the coffee shop, wondering if he should grab a coffee for his boss to have on the way.


    Suddenly, he spotted a familiar figure sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window. It was Eleanor.


    He knew she was on a break recently, so it wasn''t particrly strange to see her at a coffee shop near her home.


    As Gavin watched, a young man in a simple white shirt sat down in the empty seat across from her. Gavin''s first thought was that he was trying to hit on her.


    But his assumption changed a secondter. Eleanor was smiling and saying something to the young man, who immediately stood up and respectfully shook her hand.


    Gavin stared, stunned for a few seconds, carefully studying the boy through the ss window.


    He looked to be in his early twenties, with a clean-cut and handsome appearance, like a fresh college graduate. He seemed as bright and energetic as the morning sun overhead.


    Inside, Eleanor and Diaz had already started their conversation. Eleanor got straight to the point. "Diaz, I''ve reviewed your resume. It''s very impressive. I''m particrly interested in your research focus. Could you tell me more about your third project?"


    Speaking about his professional field, Diaz''s eyes lit up, and he began to artictely exin his research direction to Eleanor.


    As Gavin was focused on the coffee shop, the rear car door suddenly opened, andn slid into the seat.


    Gavin''s heart skipped a beat. He didn''t know it he should let his boss see what was happening in the coffee shop next to them-Eleanor, engaged in a


    §Ö§ä


    Pheerful conversation


    with a young, vibrant, and handsome boy.


    Ultimately Gavin decided it was better to let sleeping dogs lie. If his


    boss saw that, mis three day


    ee day


    business trip would likely be gued with anxiety.


    Just as Gavin stepped on the gas and was about to turn the steering wheel to pull


    away, a sharp, lowmand came from the back seat. "Stop!"


    Gavin mmed on the brakes and turned to look at his boss.


    He sawn staring intently through the car window, his gaze locked on the coffee shop. He was looking directly at Eleanor and the young man. Clearly, his boss had noticed on his own.


    Eleanor was listening intently to what the boy was saying, nodding from time to time,


    her face filled with an unreserved smile of appreciation.


    Who was this boy?


    And why was Eleanor being so friendly with him?


    Even through the window, it was obvious he was young, full of life.


    Gavin cautiously observed his boss''s expression. Ian''s gaze remained locked on Eleanor, his jaw tight. An intimidating aura began to fill the car.


    "Mr. Goodwin¡ª" Gavin ventured tentatively, "should I go find out who he is?"


    Before Gavin could finish,n shoved the car door open and swung his long legs out.


    Gavin quickly unbuckled his seatbelt and followed him out of the car.

 Chapter 1338

    Inside the coffee shop, Eleanor was taking a sip of her coffee, her gaze fixed with interest on Diaz''s face, her eyes filled with admiration. She didn''t notice the tall figure striding through the entrance.


    Not until a deep, maic male voice spoke from beside her. "Aren''t you going to introduce me?"


    Eleanor looked up in surprise to see the man who had suddenly appeared. "Weren''t you on your way to the airport?" she asked.


    "I was passing by and decided to grab a coffee,"n exined nonchntly.


    Behind him, Gavin immediately understood and went to the counter to ce an order.


    Eleanor sensed the oppressive aura emanating fromn. She furrowed her brow and gestured toward the young man across from her. "This is Diaz Archer, the grandnephew of my father''s dear friend, Dr. Andy Archer." Then, she introducedn to Diaz. "And this isn, CEO of Goodwin & Co."


    Diaz recognizedn. After Eleanor''s introduction, he quickly stood up respectfully. "Mr. Goodwin, it''s a pleasure to meet you."


    A shy blush crept onto Diaz''s face as he leaned forward to shake his hand. "Mr. Goodwin, it''s very nice to meet you."


    The handshake was brief. Ian''s tone was t. "Mr. Archer''s grandnephew?" He looked at Eleanor. "You''re hiring?"


    "The newb is short-staffed. I do need to hire a couple of assistants," Eleanor replied, looking up at him.


    Diaz immediately felt an invisible pressure. He answered humbly, "Ellie is giving me an opportunity. I still have much to learn."


    Eleanor saw Diaz''s nervousness and tension. Their productive conversation had been interrupted, and a flicker of annoyance rose within her. She looked atn and asked, "Don''t you have a flight to catch?"


    The subtext was clear: *You can leave now.*


    A flicker of surprise crossedn''s handsome face. Was she kicking him out?


    "Diaz and I still have some interview details to discuss," Eleanor stated.


    Being dismissed like this was a rare experience inn''s life. He would have never tolerated it from anyone else.


    But Eleanor was the exception.


    "Alright," he said with a smile. "Let''s have dinner when I get back."


    With that,n gave a slight nod to the still-nervous Diaz and strode toward the coffee shop door.


    Seeing this, Gavin quickly picked up the packaged coffee and followed him.


    Once inside the car,n turned to look at the two figures reflected in the window, only turning away after Gavin had driven off.


    He picked up the coffee Gavin had brought and took a sip, his expression unreadable.


    Eleanor''s interview continued. Diaz''s qualifications perfectly met her requirements, and she asked him to start next Monday.


    After the interview, Eleanor went home.


    Over the next three days, Eleanor took her daughter to Goodwin Manor for a meal and also went to see an opera with Magdalen.


    The Goodwin family could see that the rtionship between Eleanor andn had softened. At the same time, they also understood that while Eleanor andn had called a truce, she had no intention of remarrying him.


    Eleanor always maintained a carefully measured distance from the Goodwins. They figured that if it weren''t for their child connecting them, Eleanor would no longer


    have any day-to-day contact with the family.


    This fact made Magdalen sigh in frustration. It seemed her grandson still had a long way to go.


    Eleanor was now mature,


    independent, with her own career


    and a clear n for her life. She was willing to maintain a good


    rtionship with the Goodwin family for her daughter''s sake, but that didn''t mean she would easily step back into a marriage that had hurt her so deeply.


    She could be a respectful junior and a responsible mother, but she would no longer


    be Mrs. Goodwin.


    On the morning of the fourth day, Eleanor had just packed her daughter''s school bag and was


    about to head out when Princes


    their dog, started barking joyfully the living room. She then let out a series of excited whimpers at the door, as if someone she loved was on the other side.


    "It must be Daddy!" Evelyn eximed, rushing to open the door.


    Before Eleanor could stop her, Evelyn had thrown the door open and dashed outside, shouting, "Daddy! It really is you!"

 Chapter 1339

    Joslyn smiled from the side. "Look how happy Evelyn is. She must have really missed Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor stepped outside. Ian had the weary look of someone who had just gotten off a long flight.


    "You should go home and rest. I''ll take Evelyn," Eleanor said to him, noticing his fatigue.


    "I''ll go with you,"n replied, taking their daughter''s hand.


    Evelyn squeezed his hand. "Mommy, I want Daddy to take me to school too, please?"


    Eleanor could only nod. "Alright."


    In the back seat of Eleanor''s car, Evelyn andn chatted about his business trip. They arrived at the school quickly.


    After Evelyn went inside happily, Eleanor turned to the man in the back seat. "I''II take you home so you can get some rest."


    "And you?"n asked, his voice a little hoarse.


    "I need to buy some things at the mall," Eleanor said.


    "Then let''s go together. My fridge is empty, so I need to pick up some essentials anyway,"n said with a smile.


    Before Eleanor could respond,n added, "If it''s not too much trouble."


    Eleanor nced at him in the rearview mirror, started the car, and headed toward arge nearby mall.


    The car fell silent for a while. Ian leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes to rest.


    By the time they reached the underground parking garage, he seemed refreshed. He walked with Eleanor to the elevator bank to wait.


    When the elevator arrived, it was mostly empty. Eleanor stepped in first, andn followed. Just then, a middle-aged woman rushed over and held the door, calling to her friends behind her, "Hurry, hurry!"


    Eleanor heard a tter of footsteps, and then two women pushing strollers, two men, and four elderly people all squeezed inside. The strollers took up a lot of space, forcing Eleanor to back up until she was pressed against the car''s wall. At that moment, a delivery person rushed in, causing everyone to shift back. Eleanor was about to be crushed against a heavyset man when a warm,rge hand naturally wrapped around her shoulder, guiding her to the side. She found herself in a slightly more spacious corner.


    The space was simply too tight to move.


    Fortunately, it was only a minute or so. When they reached the supermarket on the third floorn''s hand suddenly closed around her wrist. He cleared a path ahead, his voice cool and clear. "Excuse us."


    The others immediately made way. As soon asn had led her out of the elevator, Eleanor instinctively pulled her hand away.


    "Thanks," she said.


    "You''re wee,"n replied with a faint smile, though there was a slight ache in his chest.


    Inside the supermarket, Eleanor


    grabbed a shopping cart. Ian walked


    beside her, watching as she first went to the toiletries aisle. He picked out a couple of things for himself then asked her, "What was that body wash we used to use at home? I''ve never been able to find it


    Eleanor pointed to a brand on the shelf. "This one."


    Eleanor then moved on to the daily essentials section. A sense of regret washed over her. Why had she agreed to go shopping with him?


    She hade to buy pads, and she could feel her perioding on tonight, so she had no choice but to get them now.


    "You go get what you need. I still have to buy some personal items," Eleanor said, looking up at him, hoping he would take the hint and stop following her.


    "Alright, I''ll go check out the liquor section,"n said and walked away.


    Eleanor headed for the feminine products aisle. Soon after she''d made her selection, she sawn returning with a pack of small whiskey bottles. As he went to aut them in the cart, he noticed the bag of pads she had already chosen.


    He watched as she carefully inspected the color and firmness of the fruit, her expression soft and focused. Suddenly, a long-forgotten feeling surfaced¡ªthe familiar warmth of their old domestic life.


    "Do you want to have lunch together?"n asked in a low voice.


    Eleanor looked up at him, her tone casual and matter-of-fact. "I''m busy."<pn didn''t seem disappointed. He just smiled. "Okay. Let me know when you''re free."

 Chapter 1340

    As they approached the checkout counters, Eleanor started cing her items on the scanner belt. "Let''s pay for it all together,"n said to her.


    He had already pulled out his phone and opened the payment app. Eleanor stopped him. "I''ll get it myself."


    "It''s just a few essentials. It''s nothing," Ian insisted.


    Eleanor held up a hand to block him. "I''m paying for my own things." Her tone was even more insistent.


    Just then, a call came through on his phone. Ian nced at it and said to Eleanor, "I have to take an important call. Could I trouble you to¡ª"


    He gestured meaningfully, as the cart still contained his bottle of body wash and pack of whiskey. Eleanor gave him a nod. "Fine."


    After Eleanor paid, she pushed the cart over to him. Ian hung up and took the cart from her. "I''ll get it."


    Eleanor didn''t object this time. As they walked,n pushed the cart, his gaze resting on her as he asked in a low voice, "How is Evelyn doing in school?"


    "She''s doing fine," Eleanor replied, looking down.


    "Thank you for everything,"n said softly.


    Eleanor didn''t say anything more. Taking care of her daughter was her responsibility.


    Once they were in the elevator, a little girl stared atn in amazement. Then, in what she thought was a whisper, she asked her mother, "Mommy, why is that man''s hair white?"


    The girl''s mother was so mortified she quickly pulled her daughter into her arms and covered her mouth, looking atn apologetically. "I''m so, so sorry!"


    The mother blushed, embarrassed, thinking how handsome the man was.


    After they got out of the elevator,n lifted the tworge bags. When Eleanor reached for one, he stopped her. "I''ve got it."


    After cing the bags in the trunk,n naturally opened the front passenger door for Fleaner He ran a handthrough his hair and asked her, "Does it look bad?"


    He was referring to his hair.


    Eleanor hadn''t expected him to ask that. She turned to look at him. In the dim light of the parking garage his silver-white hair had a cool


    sheen It was a strange 201


    fitting


    match for his mature, handsome face it didn''t make him look old at


    aff, instead, it added a uniquely Sharp and severe quality to his


    appearance.


    "It doesn''t look bad," Eleanor said, turning her gaze away. She then added, "If it bothers you, you could try dyeing it back."


    Then, his eyes narrowed slightly. "Dr. Sutton, could you offer me some professional advice? Can I get my hair back to the way it was naturally?"


    Eleanor nced at him. "Try to be less stressed. And maybe stop scheming so much."


    As they drove out of the oppressive underground garage, they were met with a bright, sunny morning, and Eleanor''s mood instantly fitted. Just then, the car''s hands-free phone rang. It was Joel.


    Eleanor answered it. "Hello, Joel!"


    "Ellie, are you free for lunch? I have some technical questions I''d like to ask you."


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Eleanor replied, "Sure, I''m free."


    The man beside her stared at her, stunned. He had just invited her to lunch moments ago, and she had tly refused. But for Joel, she was suddenly avable?

 Chapter 1341

    "Alright, I''ll be out front to pick you up around 11:30."


    "Okay," Eleanor agreed before the person on the other end hung up.


    Eleanor stopped at a red light and sensed the man beside her staring. She turned to nce at him. "What are you looking at?"


    Seeing her expression,n Goodwin realized she had clearly forgotten that he had just invited her to lunch.


    "I was the one who asked you to lunch first,"n muttered sullenly.


    Eleanor blinked, finally remembering. He had invited her at the supermarket, and she had refused without a second thought.


    "Joel needs to discuss work with me," Eleanor said, trying to offer an exnation, though she certainly didn''t need to. Who she ate with was her own business.


    "Can I join you?"n asked suddenly.


    "No," Eleanor replied, her rejection sharp and final.


    "Why not?" he couldn''t help but ask, his voiceced with a faint dissatisfaction. "It''s just a meal. If he can talk about work, so can I. I''m still Joel Kingsley''s boss, and besides, I have work to discuss with you too."


    Eleanor gave him a look. "My lunch with Joel isn''t a ce for outsiders to interrupt." Outsider?


    The word prickedn''s heart like a fine needle. It was true, he was an outsider in her eyes. So what did that make Joel? A close colleague, an insider?


    Eleanor''s hands tightened on the


    steering wheel. She knew what he was referring to-four years ago during the most painful and confusing period of her marriage, she had indeed confided in Joel


    Back then her disappointment in the marriage and her many frustrations withn had all beenid bare to Joel, who was like a big brother figure to her at the time.


    Eleanor''s expression cooled slightly. "That goes both ways. You kept more from me than I ever kept from you. If we''re talking about me, we both share it."


    "We''re divorced. Who I eat with and what we talk about should be my business now, right?"


    "I''m sorry. It started with me. I didn''t mean to bring up the past,"n apologized, his voice hoarse. He had crossed her line. In his current


    position, he had no night or standing to even be jealous.


    Eleanor said nothing.


    Eleanor stopped at another red light, her gaze fixed ahead. "The way things are now is for the best."


    She meant that things were fine, but her words still sent a dull ache through his chest.


    He wanted to say something more, but in the end, he just forced a small smile. "I understand. I was out of line just now."


    A silence fell over the car again, a sort of helpless calm.


    When they reached the underground garage, Eleanor separated their groceries into different bags and handed his to him. They rode the elevator together.

 Chapter 1342

    As the elevator doors to the twenty-seventh floor closed,n said to Eleanor, "Thank you."


    Eleanor watched the doors slide shut, her heart not entirely unmoved. She had felt his apology and his willingness to back down, but the past wounds were too deep. Some things couldn''t be redone.


    For instance, her love for him, her passion for him, and the feelings that had long since died.


    They could be friends, partners, an investor and an investee¡ªanything but husband and wife.


    When Eleanor got home, she told Joslyn she wouldn''t be home for lunch and went upstairs to work.


    At 11:30 AM, Eleanor received a message from Joel. As she headed downstairs, her mind preupied with work, she suddenly saw a familiar figure approaching: Mrs. Vaughn, Xavier Vaughn''s mother.


    Eleanor prepared to greet her, but Mrs. Vaughn seemed to walk right past without seeing her. It was only when Eleanor was beside her that she abruptly looked up, staring for a few seconds before recognition dawned.


    "Eleanor, it''s you!" Mrs. Vaughn said with a smile, then chided herself. "It''s my own fault. My memory has been getting worsetely. I forgot my phone at home again, and I was just on my way back to get it!"


    Eleanor noticed that Mrs. Vaughn''s eyes didn''t seem as bright as they used to, and the signs of old age appeared more pronounced. In a sh, she realized it had been over half a year since they''d run into each other, despite living in the sameplex.


    "I''m sorry if I startled you," Eleanor said with an apologetic smile.


    "Are you still busy with work? You must take care of yourself. Look at me, my memory is just getting worse and worse." Just as Mrs. Vaughn finished speaking, her caregiver hurried over. "Ma''am, I brought your phone down for you."


    Eleanor smiled at Mrs. Vaughn. "Well, I''m off to meet a friend, Mrs. Vaughn." Mrs. Vaughn waved. "Go on, then! You young people are always so busy."


    After walking a few steps, Eleanor couldn''t help but look back at Mrs. Vaughn. She had a feeling it wasn''t just normal age-rted


    forgetfulness, it seemed more like the early symptoms of dementia, Perhaps she should mention it to Xavier.


    Eleanor reached the main gate and spotted Joel''s car. She walked over quickly, pulling open the passenger-side door and getting in.


    Seeing how much her energy andplexion had improved after some time off,


    Joel smiled. "It seems a good work-life bnce is really important."


    "Yes, it is," Eleanor agreed with a smile. She had been feeling greattely.


    They arrived at a nearby restaurant, where Joel brought up work. There were a few different directions he needed to discuss with her.


    Although Eleanor had withdrawer


    from the Neural interface Project,


    she was still the one who had


    proposed its core theory, and she offered some very insightful opinions.


    "You''re really lucky your new project received so much funding. Now you can continue your research without any worries," Joel said with a smile.


    "I know, I feel very fortunate. Of course,n''s help and influence were a big part of it," Eleanor said honestly.


    Joel''s expression grew more serious. "Ellie, have you ever thought about whyn is so invested in your affairs? Do you really think it''s just about making money?"


    Eleanor''s breath caught for a moment. She pressed her lips together. How could she not know?


    "From the very beginning, when he invested in theb, I could tell arge part of it was for you. Of course, your research didn''t disappoint him


    helped him gain a foothold in the pharmaceutical world and made him a lot of money. But on a personal level, I think he wants to remarry you."


    Joel rarely spoke so bluntly about Eleanor''s private life.

 Chapter 1343

    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¡ªthat''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."

 Chapter 1344

    The sudden seriousness in Eleanor''s expression tookn by surprise. He quickly stepped aside. "Come in and talk."


    Eleanor hesitated for a moment before stepping into his home.


    The spacious living room was bright with sunlight streaming in, yet it felt cold andcked any lived-in warmth.


    "Coffee," Eleanor said, hoping it would help clear her thoughts.


    Eleanor took a sip of her coffee, gathering her thoughts. Then, she looked up. "There are some things I think we need to make clear, for both our sakes. Or rather, for yours."


    "A lot has happened since our divorce, and many misunderstandings have been cleared up. For the past two years, I''ve been very grateful for your help and support with my career, and for the care and love you''ve shown Evelyn. As her father, I am willing and hope we can always maintain this peaceful, friendly rtionship to raise her together."


    Eleanor gazed at the sunlight outside the window, paused, and then continued, "But that''s where it ends. I want us to be very clear that between us, aside from our child and necessary coborations, there will be no other possibilities. For instance, remarriage is not part of my future ns."


    Her words were sharp and direct, each one drawing a clear line between them.


    After a few seconds, he looked up, a faint smile on his lips. "Are you worried that everything I''m doing is just a way to pressure you into remarrying me one day?"


    Eleanor watched him for a moment. "You''re still young and have excellent prospects. You can build a new life


    for youf You shouldn''t waste


    your time and energy where it''s not wanted. I''m saying this so we can both move on and live better."


    "What you consider a waste, I define differently. To me, it''s the most worthwhile thing


    in my life."n''s gaze was calm and deep, as if he could see past the high walls she had built around herself.


    Eleanor frowned. Had she not been clear enough?


    "Eleanor, I understand what you''re


    saying,"n''s voice was low but distinct. "And I promise you, I will I never pressure you to remarry me. Never Everything do, whether its... the investments or my involvement with Evelyn, is my own choice. It''s what I want to do." Cont¨¦nt


    He looked at her withplete sincerity, his eyes showing no trace of coercion or resentment.


    "You don''t have to ept it. You can refuse, you can even draw your boundaries. just like you''re doing now. But please, don''t push me


    away Completely,"n said, his


    growing hoarse. "I''m not asking for much right now. Just to be able interact with you like a normal friend. Don''t tell me to leave."


    Aplex mix of feelings rose within Eleanor. It felt like the conversation had beenpletely pointless. He hadn''t truly heard her at all.


    "I..." Eleanor started, but ended with a sigh. "I''m not trying to tell you to leave. You''re Evelyn''s father. That will never change."


    "Good." A hint of a smile touched his deep-set eyes. "That''s enough for me."


    Eleanor stood up. "Then we''ll leave it at that. You should take your medicine."<pn nodded and stood to walk her to the door. "Thanks for the medicine."

 Chapter 1345

    "You''re wee." As Eleanor reached the door, she felt the need to make her point more forcefully. "You might not regret this now, but there''s no guarantee you won''t in the future. After all, it''s your life. Wasting it on me..... is stupid."


    She finished with that one blunt word.


    His response left her speechless. He did have the right to decide how to live his life, just as she had decided hers.


    "Are you free tomorrow?"n suddenly asked in a low voice.


    Eleanor looked at him with a frown. "Do you need something?"


    "Come y golf with me tomorrow," the man said unexpectedly. "You know I don''t y." Nor did she have any interest in it.


    "I can teach you,"n said with a raised eyebrow.


    "No, thanks," Eleanor refused.


    "Do you remember owing me a favor for saving Mansfield Ellington? I''ve decided to cash it in. Tomorrow, I want Dr. Sutton to spend the day with me. From the moment we drop off our daughter at school until it''s time to pick her up, your time belongs to me,"n stated, his tone low and demanding.


    Eleanor was taken aback for a second. But using one day to repay that favor... it actually sounded like a good deal.


    At least it was better than letting him hold that favor over her head and use it to make a more difficult requestter on.


    After a quick mental calction, Eleanor agreed decisively. "Fine, I ept."


    A glimmer of a smile crossedn''s eyes. "Great. I''ll pick you up tomorrow after we drop Evelyn off."


    Eleanor finally stepped out of his apartment. Ian closed the door, walked back to the table, picked up the box of stomach medicine, and put it away in a cab. He didn''t need it at all.


    Back in her own home, Eleanor wondered whyn had used his favor so readily. It didn''t seem to fit his usual calcting style.


    Still, being even with him was exactly what she wanted.


    The next morning,n came over to take their daughter to school. Afterward, he turned to Eleanor and said be back to pick you up in a B


    "I know," she replied.


    Evelyn Goodwin asked curiously, "Daddy, are you taking Mommy somewhere fun?"


    "I''m taking her to y golf,"n told his daughter.


    Evelyn''s big eyes sparkled, and she shed a bright, toothy grin, clearly happy about it.


    After dropping off his daughter,n returned to theplex. Eleanor had already changed into somefortable athletic wear.


    At 8:30 AM, her doorbell rang.


    Eleanor opened the door to findn standing there. He was dressed in


    navy blue golf attire that


    entuated his tall, fit frame. In the


    morning light his silver-white hair seemed less cota, giving him a refreshed look.


    He handed her a bag. "For you."


    Eleanor took it and saw a brand-new white women''s golf outfit inside,plete with a hat and gloves.


    "You don''t have to. I can just wear my own clothes," Eleanor said, not wanting to ept it.


    "The club has a dress code. Go change. I''ll wait for you in the garage,"n said, then turned and left.


    Eleanor sighed in frustration but ultimately went back to her room to To


    e into the well-made met


    her surprise, it fit perfectly


    Seeing her dressed up, Joslyn couldn''t help but smile. "Ma''am, you look so sharp today!"


    Eleanor smiled back. "I won''t be home for lunch."


    "Okay!" Joslyn said, still beaming. She knew Eleanor was going out withn today.


    She had been hoping their rtionship could go back to the way it was.


    Eleanor got inton''s car. His eyes visibly brightened, and heplimented her without hesitation. "It looks great on you."

 Chapter 1346

    Eleanor ignored hispliment. "Let''s go."


    The drive was mostly silent. When they arrived at the golf course, they were greeted by a serene environment with a wide, open view and lush green grass. Just


    stepping onto the turf was refreshing.


    Eleanor felt it too. It had been a long time since she''d seen such vibrant greenery.


    She couldn''t help but rx.


    "Do you remember the moves Xavier taught youst time?"n suddenly asked.


    Eleanor tried to recall their previous game. Xavier had only shown her how to hold the club and swing; she''dpletely forgotten by now.


    "Can I opt out?" Eleanor asked, looking up.


    "Since we''re here, why not learn? It won''t be a wasted trip,"n coaxed.


    Eleanor figured that since this was the price for one day of his time, it was better to be amicable and not too difficult.


    "Alright," she nodded.


    Noticing her distracted expression,n smiled. "Am I that boring? You''re already zoning out?"


    "Did you teach Vanessa how to y?" The question slipped out before she could stop it.


    She regretted it the moment she said it. Why had she suddenly asked him that?n was taken aback for a few seconds. Then, his deep gaze settled on her face, and his voice was clear and firm as he answered, "No."


    He looked directly into her eyes and repeated, "I have never taught her anything, whether it was golf or anything else."


    Eleanor instinctively turned her face away. "I was just asking. You can continue."


    Butn didn''t resume the lesson right away. His eyes remained fixed on her. "Do you want to talk about our past?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "Let''s just y."


    Followingn''s instructions, Eleanor took the club and began to practice her swing.


    "Your form is wrong."n stepped forward, cing one hand on her shoulder and using the other to adjust the angle of her arm.


    His touch was brief and restrained, perfectly maintaining the role of a coach.


    Eleanor''s body tensed slightly, but she didn''t say anything.


    She hit more than a dozen shots, all of them terrible, but it only fueled herpetitive spirit. The more she failed, the more determined she became.


    She pursed her lips, her eyes focused on the small white ball in the distance. Again and again, she adjusted her posture. Her swing gradually grew smoother.


    Finally, after who knows how many attempts, Eleanor swung. The white ball traced a graceful arc through the air andnded near the green.


    "I did it." A smile of aplishment spread across Eleanor''s face. She turned and metn''s gaze, which was already filled with approval.


    "That was great,"n praised her.


    Her smile momentarily captivated him. The Eleanor of today was vibrant and full of life, just like when he had first met her ten years ago.


    Eleanor was a bit tired. Ian handed her a bottle of water. "Take a break."


    She paused for a second before taking the water and drinking. After the practice session, she was starting to think this sport wasn''t so boring after all.


    They walked to a nearby rest area, where a waiter brought them iced drinks and fruit.


    Seeing her rxed expression,n casually brought up a topic. "The Chamber of Commerce has an opening for an international


    scientific conference in Montir at the end of the month. The theme is rted to thetest developments in neuroscience. Mr. Dewitt has already submitted your application materials. You can go."


    Eleanor had been following that same conference. Hearing that Aaron had applied on her behalf was a pleasant surprise. "Really? I''ll have to thank Mr. Dewitt for that."


    A faint smirk yed onn''s lips. "It''s purely because the investor is optimistic about the project''s prospects and is doing his best to secure the best resources for you."


    "That''s very thoughtful of Mr. Dewitt. Please let him know I''ll be there," Eleanor said, her eyes showing her gratitude for Aaron.


    She truly needed a tform like this for exchange; it was crucial for her uing research. Since Aaron was the eighty percent investor in this project, she appreciated his gesture.


    In the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, resting for a while under the sun,


    surrounded by green grass and open space, was truly rxing.


    "I''m going to hit a few balls,"n said, getting up.


    nearby


    A few minutester, two young women sat down under parasol After a flurry of


    picture taking on


    of them suddenly


    gasped, "Oh my God isn''t that the


    CEO of Goodwin & Co.?"

 Chapter 1347

    The sunlight outlined the smooth lines of his shoulders and neck and his toned back. The navy blue golf shirt made his physique look even sharper.


    He then executed a fluid backswing and turn, the entire motion seamless.


    It was both powerful and elegant.


    The small white ball was struck with precision, flying through the air in a perfect parab andnding steadily in an ideal position.


    The two women on the side secretly snapped several photos, then began to egg each other on. "Go on, go talk to him! Seize the opportunity, get Mr. Goodwin to teach us how to y."


    "You go! Hurry up!"


    Their conversation reached Eleanor''s ears. They hadn''t even noticed her, their eyespletely captivated byn on the course.


    Eleanor narrowed her eyes as she watched him. At that moment,n was indeed very-dazzling.


    Just as the two women were still hesitating,n was already walking back toward them. They immediately got excited, nning how they would approach him.


    But they quickly realized his gaze was fixed on the woman under the parasol next to them. It dawned on them that he hadpany. They blushed with embarrassment and fell silent.


    They looked at the woman under the parasol. She was dressed in a white golf outfit, exuding a refined andposed elegance. Her profile was so beautiful it was impossible to ignore.


    Eleanor noticed and frowned slightly but said nothing.


    "When are we heading back?"


    "I''ve booked a restaurant for lunch. We can leave now,"n said in a low voice.


    Afterward, they left the golf course and went to a quiet, upscale restaurant nearby. Perhaps because they had once been married, there was little awkwardness or restraint between them. Even without conversation, the atmosphere felt natural and casual.


    During the meal,n didn''t intentionally bring up personal topics. Instead, Eleanor asked a few questions about Aaron, wanting to know more about her investor.


    After lunch,n drove Eleanor home. Although he had imed her time for the day, Eleanor was feeling a bit tired.


    "Would you mind if I came up for dinner tonight?"n asked in a low tone. "I''ll be working from home this afternoon, se i on''t be going out." He then added, "My stomach''s been bothering metely, so I''d like to eat something light."


    Eleanor thought for a moment and nodded. "Okay, you cane up."


    Only then didn smile and turn to leave.


    At three in the afternoon, there was


    a knock on Eleanor''s door. It was Diaz Archer: He was holding a bag of fruit and another bag. "Ellie brought you something I bought this fruit, and my grand-uncle asked me to give you these books. He said they belonged to your father."


    Eleanor was surprised. Seeing the sweat on his face, she said gratefully, "Thank you, Diaz. Come in and have some water."


    "No, thanks. I have to go to the library to look up some information," Diaz said with a smile before turning and leaving.


    Eleanor ced the fruit on the table, then sat on the sofa and took out the books from the cloth bag. Two were medical textbooks filled with her father''s notes.


    The other was a thinner notebook, which looked like something her father had used for casual jottings.


    Eleanor opened the slightly worn notebook. The pages had yellowed with age, and the entries were dated eleven years ago.


    She read the contents carefully, her expression growing more and more solemn as she did. The notebook contained research ideas and experimental data on early intervention treatments for leukemia.


    The handwriting was messy but filled with an urgent energy. It was clear her father had beenpletely immersed in this research at the time.


    As she flipped through the pages, she suddenly saw several boarding passes for round-trip flights to Drexford tucked between the pages.


    Eleanor was stunned for a few seconds. Were these notes her father had written in Drexford? Why were there round-trip tickets to Drexford?


    Could it be that the research her father was conducting in Drexford back then wasn''t on blood disorders, but on leukemia?


    Her heart began to beat faster. Why would her father abandon his primary field of expertise to devote thest two years of his life to leukemia research?


    The notebook was thin, and she quickly reached thest page. She saw a note her father had written above a line of data: "Data questionable, must be re-verified."


    After reading her father''s conclusions, she suddenly recalled that the theories in the leukemia materials Professor smith had given her were almost identical Could it be that what he had given he was her father''s research?


    Eleanor took a deep breath and picked up the phone to call Professor Smith.

 Chapter 1348

    Smith answered quickly. "Hello, El."


    "Professor, I have a question for you," Eleanor said, suppressing her emotions and speaking politely.


    "Go ahead."


    "I''d like to ask about the data you gave me when I was researching leukemia. Was that from your own research?" Eleanor asked.


    "Uh, well¡ª" Smith paused, not answering immediately, as if considering how to respond.


    Eleanor already had her answer. She pressed him directly. "Was the data you gave me from my father''s early research?"


    "Ah! El, how did you know?" Smith asked, surprised.


    Eleanor took a deep breath. "I have one of my dad''s old notebooks, and I noticed that many of the theories in it are simr to the materials you gave me. I wanted to ask, what was the initial research project at theb whenn funded it? Wasn''t it blood disorders?"


    Smith on the other end thought for a few seconds before answering, "When Mr. Goodwin established the blood researchb, the goal wasn''t actually blood disorders. The earliest project was the leukemia research led by your father. When I joined, my job was to assist him. The research on blood disorders began a yearter."


    "Then do you know why my father was so invested in the leukemia project?" Eleanor asked curiously.


    Sensing something, Smith chuckled. "You''ll probably have to ask Mr. Goodwin about that. I''m not too clear on the specifics. The project was considered confidential back then."


    Eleanor frowned. Why was her father''s leukemia research a confidential project? Was there something hidden behind it?


    Seeing that Smith was unwilling to talk further, she gave up on pressing the issue. "Thank you, Professor," she said gratefully.


    "You''re wee, El. Come by theb when you have time."


    "Okay, I will when I''m free," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    Herst research project waspletely finished. Gina''s recovery was at ny percent, proving the drug she developed was highly effective and could potentially offer aplete cure for the blood disorder in the future.


    Even if her daughter were to develop the condition, they now had enough medication stored for her use.


    Hanging up the phone, Eleanor pressed her fingers to her temples, feeling overwhelmed.


    Ifn''s original intention for establishing theb wasn''t for his mother''s blood disorder, then what was it for?


    For the profits that leukemia research could bring?


    She couldn''t help but think of the filen refused to let her see. Could that hold the final answer?


    What wasn hiding?


    Although she desperately wanted to go downstairs and confront him right now, she remembered his firm refusalst time. It seemed there was a secret in there he had to protect.


    In the study on the twenty-seventh floor,n was reviewing emails on his iPad, a stylus held between his long, elegant fingers. He signed! his name at the bottom of a document.


    He nced at his watch. It was time to pick up his daughter.


    §Ö§ä


    At the school gate,n held his daughter''s hand and happened to see Xavier arriving to pick up Vivian. The two girls immediately joined hands and spun in a circles


    "How have you been?"n asked Xavier.


    Xavier nodded. "Not bad. You?"


    ve


    Just then, Xavier''s phone rang. It was his mother, rushing him to bring his granddaughter home for dinner. He said ton, "My mom''s calling. I have to go." "Alright,"n nodded.


    The two men led their little girls to their cars and drove back to theplex.

 Chapter 1349

    When the doorbell rang, Eleanor went to open it. She saw her daughter bouncing in happily, followed by the man striding in behind her. She suppressed the urge to question him.


    She was afraid she wouldn''t be able to control her emotions and would end up arguing with him again, and her daughter was clearly very happy tonight.


    Joslyn had prepared a light dinner. Ian called them to the table. Evelyn''s eyes lit up when she saw her favorite dishes. "They have my favorite pork ribs! I want some!"


    "Go wash your hands with Daddy,"n told his daughter.


    Evelyn took his hand and followed him toward the first-floor bathroom. Eleanor stood with her arms crossed, watching them with a heavy heart.


    Joslyn noticed and asked with concern, "Ma''am, what''s wrong?"


    "It''s nothing." Eleanor shook her head, but her mind was filled with the notes her father had left behind.


    She had studied them again that afternoon. Her father''s leukemia research wasn''tprehensive; it was focused on a very specific and rare type of the disease.


    It was directed toward a sudden-onset, hereditary form of leukemia.


    Ifn was truly motivated by profit, his research focus wouldn''t have been so narrow and specific.


    Eleanor couldn''t figure it out. Just then, her daughter ran over, and she forced a smile, taking her hand and leading her to the table.


    After dinner, Joslyn came out to clean up. Ian''s phone rang. He nced at it and said to Eleanor, "I''m heading downstairs."


    "Okay." Eleanor didn''t ask him to stay; she had to help her daughter with her reading soon.


    "Mr. Goodwin, there''s been progress on the Drexford matter." "Speak."


    "We investigated one of Walden Wells''s former assistants from twenty-six years ago. She has a daughter with her, who is Walden Wells''s child. We''ve already arranged a meeting between her and Mr. Wells."


    "Absolutely certain. She and her daughter will arrive in Drexford early in the morning to meet with him."


    "And Vanessa?"


    "By the time Miss Shannon arrived, all three of Walden Wells''s ex-girlfriends were already there. Miss Shannon is currently staying at a hotel."


    "Understood."n hung up, his expression indifferent.


    With the death of Walden Wells''s only son, Vanessa indeed had a chance to be Mrs. Cooper. Butn disliked potential trouble, so he would take steps to mitigate it in his own way.


    If Vanessa really became Mrs. Cooper, given her personality and their past entanglements, there was no guarantee she wouldn''t use. Wells'' influence to cause trouble for him and Eleanor He couldn''t


    Stand by and let that possibility materialize.


    Drexford, in a hotel room.


    The sound of something shattering echoed as Vanessa sat on the sofa, her face contorted with resentment. The contents of her purse were scattered across the floor.


    "Damn it! Where did Walden Wells get so many ex-girlfriends? And why did they have to show up tofort him right now? What does that make me?"


    Laverne sighed beside her. She hadn''t expected that by the time they arrived; several cars would be parked outside Wellssvi, with his formergfriends some young, some old-getting out to shower him with concern and care.


    Of course, their intentions were obvious. They were all preying on his grief over losing his only son, hoping to get another piece of his fortune. After all, he was worth billions. Any small handout from him would be enough for these women to livefortably for the rest of their lives.

 Chapter 1350

    Laverne watched Vanessa''s tantrum coolly before offering her analysis. "Vanessa, now is not the time to lose your temper. These women are just after his money. You''re different. You''re young, beautiful, and Walden Wells''s acknowledged girlfriend. Besides, he specifically asked you to bear him another child."


    Vanessa bit her lip and ced a hand on her stomach. "Advantages? He''s surrounded by so many women right now, I don''t even have a chance to see him."


    Her ns were in disarray. She had intended to get pregnant and secure her position with a child, but now, Wells had no time for her. And the future IVF treatments would require his participation.


    "We can''t lose ourposure," Laverne said, patting her shoulder. "I''ve made some inquiries. Although Walden Wells dated those women, there''s no real emotional connection anymore. He''s in a fragile state of mind and very guarded right now. We need to be patient and wait for the right opportunity."


    Just then, Vanessa''s phone rang. Her face lit up when she saw the caller ID. "It''s Walden Wells''s assistant!"


    "Quick, answer it!" Laverne urged excitedly.


    "Miss Shannon, Mr. Wells would like to invite you to lunch tomorrow. Are you avable?"


    Vanessa was ecstatic but tried to keep her voice gentle. "Yes, I''m avable."


    "A driver will pick you up from the hotel at nine in the morning."


    After hanging up, the heavy weight on Vanessa''s chest finally lifted. She turned to Laverne. "Laverne, Walden Wells invited me to lunch! He still cares about me."


    "Of course he does! How could those women evenpare to you? You''re a world- ss pianist!"


    Vanessa''s confidence returned. That''s right. Compared to those women who had nothing but looks, her chances were much greater. Besides, Walden had said he wanted a child with her.


    That meant he would only acknowledge a child born from her.


    At ten in the morning, a sedaning from the airport pulled up to the gate of Walden Wells''s vi Grieving the recent toss of his son, Wells had closed his doors to all


    visitors.


    A mother and daughter got out of a taxi. The mother was in her early fifties, and the


    daughter was tall, her in face etched with anxiety.


    After being questioned by the


    guards, an assistant came out and


    looked at the pair curiously before going back inside to report to Wells. At this point, Wells was in no good to see anyone. He waved his hand dismissively. "Send them away."


    "But Mr. Wells, she says she used to be your assistant, and she has a young woman with her."


    Walden Wells''s eyes shot open. "Is her name Olivia Wells?" he asked urgently.


    "Yes."


    "A girl? What girl?" Wells asked, confused.


    The assistant hesitated for a moment before replying, "This Mrs. Wells says the girl is your daughter."


    Walden Wells shot up from the sofa,


    his face a mask of shock and


    disbelief. Olivia had been his


    assistant over twenty years ago. She was clean and pretty and despite being married at the time, he had pursued her relentlessly. After a


    drunken mistake, she had quit and


    refused to see him ever again.


    It had been a brief affair. As hispany grewrger, the women in his life changed


    constantly, and he had long forgotten the fresh-faced assistant from his past.


    A daughter? He had another daughter out there somewhere?


    Having just lost his only son, he began to tremble with emotion. "Quick, bring them in!"


    Soon, Olivia entered with her daughter. Seeing a much older Walden Wells, Olivia''s eyes reddened. She gently nudged the girl beside her. "Yara, this is your father."

 Chapter 1351

    Yara looked at the man before her, Walden Wells. Her face shared a striking resemnce to his-the contours, the features, all of them carried his shadow.


    But she didn''t address him immediately. She just stared.


    Walden stepped closer, taking her in all at once as if he couldn''t believe she was real. She wasn''t the kind of beauty that stopped a room, but he didn''t need a second look to know it-she was his.


    Sometimes, the connection of blood was just that miraculous.


    "My girl" Walden''s voice suddenly choked with emotion. He reached out and took Yara''s hand. At sixty-five, nothing makes a man feel young again like finding out he has a daughter out of the blue.


    It felt like a gift from heaven. Just when he was at his most desperate and


    vulnerable, he had been given a daughter, granting him new hope and sce for the rest of his life.


    At that moment, a ck car drove unimpeded through the gates outside. Vanessa had arrived.


    She was wearing a ck formal dress and had carefully applied natural-looking makeup. She was here to have lunch with Walden and to solidify her position.


    "Miss Shannon, Mr. Wells is with a guest," an assistant stepped forward to stop her. Vanessa''s expression soured. "What guest? Am I not allowed in either?"


    In the eyes of Walden''s staff, Vanessa was already considered the future Mrs. Wells, so no one would dare to stop her without good reason.


    "Well-"


    Before the assistant could exin, Vanessa had already strode into the main hall. But as soon as she reached the entrance, she saw Walden tightly gripping a strange girl''s hand. A middle-aged woman stood beside them. Then, Walden pulled the girl into a tight hug.


    Vanessa''s smile froze on her face. Had Walden found a new me?


    And one who was so in in both looks and demeanor? His taste was terrible!


    Confident that her presence could push aside any woman vying for Walden''s attention, Vanessa smiled slyly. "Walden, are you with a guest?"


    Walden was still immersed in the emotional reunion with his daughter. Vanessa''s sudden interruption made him frown in displeasure.


    He turned to her, his usual warmth~~~ gone from his face. He cleared his throat, Vanessa, I have something very important to attend to today You should go home."


    Vanessa''s smile stiffened. But Walden had been the one to invite her to lunch.


    "Walden, didn''t you have your assistant ask me to lunch? And who is this-?"


    Yara turned to look at Vanessa,


    instantly understanding the beautiful


    woman''s rtionship with her


    biological father. Her expression


    darkened, and she puffed her hand back from his grasp.


    "My mom and I are leaving."


    She already felt like a stranger to her biological father. Now, seeing his social circle, she disliked him even more. In her twenty-six years of life, she had never felt a shred of warmth from him. Being suddenly asked to acknowledge him, even if he was wealthy, didn''t sit right with her.


    Walden saw his daughter''s reaction and immediately shot a look at his assistant. "Escort Miss Shannon back to her hotel."


    Vanessa let her voice go soft and pleading. "Walden..."


    Walden''s gaze turned sharp, a clear warning. "Vanessa, go home. I need to be with my daughter now."


    Daughter?


    Vanessa stared in disbelief at the woman Walden was holding onto. She looked about the same age as her. Where did Walden Wells suddenly get a daughter?


    The immense shock and panic drained the color from her face. She stared at the girl, feeling all her ns and ambitions about to go down the drain.


    "Miss Shannon, this way, please," the assistant said, gesturing for her to leave.

 Chapter 1352

    Vanessa, everposed, managed a smile and looked at Walden''s daughter. "Hello, Miss Wells. I''m a friend of your father''s."


    Yara nced at the morous, sexy woman with a sh of contempt. She wasn''t a three-year-old who could be fooled by the ''just friends'' line.


    Yara wasn''t easy to fool. Raised in a single-parent home, she had endured a lot. Having no one to rely on from a young age had made her incredibly hardworking and ambitious.


    She hadn''te topete with anyone for a man''s attention. She was here to get justice for her mother. If this so-called father was still surrounded by a flock of women who would embarrass her mother, she would rather not acknowledge him at all.


    Besides, she was perfectly capable on her own. She had just graduated with a master''s in Computer Engineering from Kingston University, one of the top schools in the country.


    Yara ignored Vanessa''s friendly gesture and turned directly to Walden. Her voice was calm but held an unwavering resolve. "My mother and I didn''te here for your money. I just wanted to see what my biological father was like. But it seems your life is quite colorful, and my existence was just an ident. You can go on pretending I don''t exist. We won''t disturb you any longer."


    With that, Yara took her mother''s hand and turned to leave.


    "I messed up," Walden said, voice raw. "Tell me what you need. I''ll spend the rest of my life making it right."


    Beside them, Olivia pressed a hand to her lips, tears slipping free as all those lonely years crashed back over her.


    Yara stopped and looked at him, saying nothing.


    Walden understood immediately. He turned to Vanessa, his tone icy. "Miss Shannon, please leave. And don''t ever appear before me again."


    Vanessa''s face went white. She stared at Yara in disbelief. She had never anticipated that a daughter would appear out of thin air and ruin her ns. She had been the apple of Walden''s eye! She''d already gone through all the medical checks and was cleared to have his children!


    "Walden-" Vanessa called out sweetly, trying to rekindle his affection.


    Yara shot her a disgusted look. With her fiery temper, she snapped at Vanessa, "Seriously? He''s old enough to be your father, what are you whining about? It''s disgusting!"


    Walden suddenly roared, "Where are the guards? What am I paying them for?"


    The assistants and guards froze in terror, then immediately moved to grab Vanessa. Face flushed with a mix of shame and fury, Vanessa was forcibly escorted away.


    Walden, having witnessed his daughter''s temper, now looked at her cautiously. Trying to ease the tension, he searched for a topic of conversation. "Yara, you... have you two been well all these years? Have you graduated and started working?"


    A hint of pride finally appeared on Olivia''s face as she answered for her daughter "Yara has done very well for herself she just finished ber master''s at Kingston University."


    "Kingston University? A master''s?" Walden''s eyes widened, and his voice trembled with excitement. He never imagined his daughter would be so aplished. The news wa the perfect antidote to the grief of losing his son.


    After all, his son had been a good-for-nothing, while his daughter was so brilliant.


    His face lit up with immense surprise and pride.


    Kingston University was the nation''s top institution. Just getting in was an achievement, but his daughter had earned a master''s degree. She was incredibly sessful.

 Chapter 1353

    He looked at this child who looked so much like him, and the more he looked, the more pleased and excited he became.


    He felt like his life was finallyplete.


    "Excellent, excellent, truly excellent! My daughter, Walden Wells''s daughter, is so brilliant, so remarkable." He was so excited he was practically babbling. He couldn''t resist reaching for his daughter''s hand again. This time, Yara didn''t pull away.


    "Yara, what do you want? I''ll give you anything. Everything I have will be yours from now on." Walden was desperate to express his paternal love.


    "What did you major in? What are you interested in? I''ll invest in you, start apany for you, or you can continue your studies. I can send you to the best schools in the world. I''ll support youpletely."


    At that moment, in Walden''s mind, Vanessa and all the other women meant nothing. Only this brilliant daughter, who had appeared so suddenly, was the greatest gift heaven could have given him-thefort and pride of hister years.


    Yara looked at her father. Something in her softened anyway¡ªan instinct she didn''t want to name. She finally let go of her reservations, and her expression softened. "Will you marry my mother?"


    Walden was taken aback. He looked at his former assistant standing beside him. Twenty-six years had passed. The guilt he felt, coupled with the hardship she had endured raising their daughter, finally pricked his conscience. He nodded.


    "Yes," he said quietly. "If you''ll have me, I want the two of you in my life properly." Olivia''s eyes reddened with relief. She secretly wiped away her tears. She had her own selfish reasons; she had to marry Walden Wells.


    That was the only way her daughter could fully inherit his wealth, securing her future.


    In the ck car, Vanessa sat in the back, her mind aplete nk. All she could see was the way Walden looked at his daughter, a look that treasured her beyond measure. It was clear that things between her and Walden werepletely over.


    Moreover, Walden''s daughter was no naive little girl. She had every right to im all of Walden''s assets, and he would undoubtedly cater to her every whim.


    When they arrived at the hotel, the driver announced, "We''re here, Miss Shannon."


    Vanessa noticed the driver didn''t even bother to open the door for her. It was a clear sign of how quickly her status had plummeted among Walden''s staff.


    She pushed the door open herself and got out quickly. In the hotel''s adjacent cafe Laverne saw her return. She checked the time-it was only eleven-thirty. Why was Vanessa back without even having had her meal?


    Laverne hurried over to meet her. "Vanessa, what happened?"


    Vanessa struggled to catch her breath, trembling with a fury she could barely contain.


    "I was kicked out," Vanessa hissed, biting her red lip fiercely. The humiliation was still fresh.


    "What do you mean? Didn''t Mr. Wells send someone to pick you up personally?"


    Vanessa''s voice turned shrill. "Walden Wells... he has a daughter! A biological daughter, about my age!"


    "What?" Laverne was just as stunned.


    Vanessa whirled around to re at


    her. "Why didn''t you investigate this Why didn''t you find out he


    proper


    had a biological daughter? Do you


    have any idea what you''ve done to


    me?"


    Laverne flinched under Vanessa''s resentful gaze. Was Vanessa really ming her?


    It was Vanessa who had set her


    sights on Walden in the first ce.


    Laverne had invested so much time and energer. How was it helping Laverne''s fault that she couldn''t


    secure her sugar daddy?

 Chapter 1354

    "You have to have some decency, Vanessa! Have I not done enough for you? I''ve


    spent money and energy to get you this far. Have I everined?" Laverne felt a surge of indignation. She had been hoping to benefit from Vanessa''s sess as well.


    Now, before she had gotten anything out of it, after all the money, effort, and time she had poured into this, this was the result?


    Vanessa was in no state to consider Laverne''s feelings. Lost in her own anger and despair, she continued her tirade. "Walden only has eyes for that daughter of his. All my efforts were for nothing! I put up with that disgusting old man for so long, and I got nothing!"


    As Vanessa vented outside the hotel in a foreign country, she failed to notice the ugly expression on her manager''s face, or the disappointment that slowly chilled her eyes.


    Laverne looked at the woman before her, who was so consumed by her own


    frustrations that she couldn''t see the sacrifices others had made for her. A deep chill settled in her heart.


    She had worked for Vanessa for seven years, running around for her, cashing in countless favors and spending her own savings. She had even put her own career development on hold, all in the hope that if Vanessa became Mrs. Wells, she would get a leg up.


    And now, not only did Vanessa show no gratitude, but she was shifting all the me for her failure onto Laverne.


    It wasughable.


    Finally exhausted, Vanessa said to Laverne, "I''m going up to take a bath. Order some food to my room, I''m hungry."


    After Vanessa left, Laverne stood outside the hotel for a moment. She took out her phone and booked the earliest flight back home. Then she went to her room, packed her bags, checked out, and headed to the airport.


    Vanessa emerged from her bath wrapped in a robe, expecting a delicious lunch to be waiting for her. But when she came out, there was nothing.


    Already in a foul mood, she muttered, "What''s going on? Can''t she even manage to order lunch?"


    She picked up her phone and dialed Laverne''s number, but it was turned off.


    Vanessa was stunned for a few


    seconds. She tried again, but it was


    no use. Finally, she went to


    Laverne''s room and knocked. A


    cleaning staff member pushing a


    cart came by. "Miss, the guest in this room has already checked out."


    "What did you say?" Vanessa stared at the employee in shock. The staff member then opened the door. Laverne''s luggage was gone; the room was clean.


    Vanessa finally realized the gravity of the situation. Laverne had abandoned her and returned home alone.


    She rushed back to her room and sent Laverne a message, filled with apologies and pleas for her toe back.


    But by evening, there was still no response.


    Realizing there was no hope left with Walden Wells, Vanessa knew she couldn''t waste any more time there. At eight o''clock, she also checked out and went to the airport.


    She had seen the news about her father being jailed for murder, but she felt nothing.


    If a man couldn''t do anything for her, she didn''t spare him a second thought.


    Except for one person. Ian.


    Vanessa looked at her phone


    screen. An alert showed that first


    ss was sold out, with only


    economy seats remaining. Sh


    stared at the screen with a mix of


    reluctance and pure disdain.


    She was ustomed to the spaciousfort and exclusive service of first ss. Economy felt like torture.


    But she was eager to get back. She had to rush home and convince Laverne to be her manager again. After all these years, Laverne was the person who understood her best.


    Gritting her teeth, she bought the economy ticket. Life would be much harder without Laverne taking care of everything for her.


    At that moment, Laverne was already on another ne.


    Relief loosened something in her ? chest; she''d already lined up new work with an A-list client before she ever cleared security. She could start her new job as soon as shended.

 Chapter 1355

    Laverne no longer had a contract with Vanessa. She had stayed by her side partly because she saw her potential value and partly because of their long-standing friendship.


    From this day forward, she was done with Vanessa for good.


    At seven in the evening, Eleanor took her daughter down to the yground. As Eleanor was lost in thought, Evelyn''s voice rang out in happy surprise, "Vivian!"


    Eleanor looked up and saw Vivian over by the slide. Then, she nced toward the parents'' area and saw Xavier on the phone.


    Eleanor hadn''t expected to run into them here. At that moment, Xavier saw her too and walked over.


    "Eleanor. It''s been a while," Xavier greeted her with a smile.


    Eleanor nodded. "It has. Been busy?"


    "It''s been alright," Xavier replied.


    Eleanor suddenly remembered seeing Mrs. Vaughn recently. As someone with a medical background, she was more sensitive to certain symptoms.


    "I ran into your mom the other day. It seemed like she had forgotten something." Eleanor looked at Xavier seriously. "Has she been forgetting things oftentely?"


    Xavier thought for a moment, then his brow furrowed. "Now that you mention it, I have noticed my mom has been rather forgetful recently. She even almost forgot to turn off the stove once while cooking. Luckily, the housekeeper smelled something burning and turned it off in time."


    A knot of anxiety tightened in Xavier''s chest. He had previously dismissed it as simple forgetfulness due to old age, but now that Eleanor brought it up, he realized something might be wrong.


    "Eleanor, is there a problem with my mom''s condition?" he asked urgently.


    Eleanor was only specting. She said gently, you have the time, you might want to take her for a full check-up, especially a neurological and cognitive assessment. If there is an issue, the sooner you catch it, the sooner you can intervene."


    A flicker of worry crossed Xavier''s eyes. He took a deep breath, his gaze filled with gratitude Thank you Eleanor appreciate you pointing this out. I''ll take her for a check-up tomorrow."


    He had been so focused on work that he had neglected to pay close enough attention to his mother''s health.


    "I hope it''s nothing serious," Eleanor said sincerely.


    "By the way,n mentioned yourtest research is on neurodegenerative diseases. Does that mean-"


    Before Xavier could finish, Eleanor


    understood his question. She


    nodded. "Yes, my new project involves exploring the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. But right now, it still in the theoretical Stages. We''re a long way from any cl¨ªnical applications."


    Xavier looked at her intently. "I believe in you. I''m sure you''ll make a breakthrough."


    Eleanor had indeed made a breakthrough, but she couldn''t be sure how long it would take to fully develop it. Still, with the support of the Neural Interface Project, she was confident.


    "Alright, don''t get ahead of yourself. Let''s wait for the detailed test results."


    Xavier nodded. "You''re right. But knowing about your research does make me feel a bit more at ease."


    Eleanor smiled faintly. They both watched their children ying together, afortable silence falling between them.


    Until a deep male voice called from behind them, "Eleanor. Xavier."<pn had arrived at some point, standing just a few feet away in the evening light.

 Chapter 1356

    He was dressed in a white shirt and formal cks, his hair styled as if he had just stepped away from an important meeting.


    n, you''re back," Xavier greeted him.


    Eleanor nced at her watch and said ton, "Could you please watch Evelyn for a bit? I need to go up."


    Eleanor then turned to Xavier. "You two chat. I''m heading back."


    Eleanor did have an important report to write, and she walked briskly toward the apartment building.


    Xavier watched her go. From their brief and natural conversation, it was clear that the distance between them had shortened considerably.


    Eleanor''s attitude toward him was no longer as resistant or distant as before.


    A new, subtle bnce seemed to have formed between them, one built on the foundation of co-parenting their daughter, as well as the professional supportn provided for Eleanor.


    He understoodpletely.


    "Looks like you two are getting along better and better," Xavier said, a hint of teasing in his voice.


    That simple sentence encapsted his current state of mind. He was fully aware of the boundaries Eleanor had drawn and understood the patience and effort that would be required of him.


    Just then, Vivian and Evelyn approached. Xavier checked the time and said ton, "I''ll take Vivian upstairs now."


    "Daddy, will you take a walk with me?" Evelyn asked, takingn''s hand.


    At eight-thirty,n walked his daughter to Eleanor''s front door. Joslyn answered and couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Goodwin, would you like toe in for some tea?"


    "No, thank you. I have something to attend to," Ian replied, then said to his daughter, "Daddy will be here tomorrow to take you to school."


    "Okay!"


    After the door closed,n returned to his own apartment on the twenty-seventh floor. His phone rang with an update on a developing situation.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Ms. Shannon is back home. Walden Wells and his daughter are still overseas."


    "What is Walden Wells''s attitude toward her?"


    "We have a few photos. It appears Miss Shannon is extremely dejected. We believe Walden Wells has cut ties with her."


    "I see. Understood."


    "Mr. Goodwin, shall we send you the photos of Miss Shannon?"


    "That won''t be necessary,"n''s voice grew colder.


    The person on the other end immediately replied, "Understood. We''ll continue to monitor the situation and report any developments to you immediately."


    Hanging up,n opened a small


    bottle of whiskey. He stood at the window and let the burn of whiskey


    steady him he had bought it thest time he and Eleanor had gone §Ö grocery shopping, and she had been the one to pay for it.


    At noon the next day, a flightnded. Vanessa walked out of the terminal in a fout mood in the past, a private car was always waiting for her, and she received the best servic@no matter the time of day.


    But now, she stood at the airport entrance, luggage in hand, watching the long line


    of people waiting for taxis. With no private car, she had no choice but to drag her suitcase over to the queue.


    She put on her sunsses and a


    hat. A few men stared her up and


    down, making her ufortable. down, making Just then, she caught a whiff of perfume from a girl in front of her. The cheap scent made her frown and instinctively cover her nose.

 Chapter 1357

    Finally, it was her turn to get in a car. Vanessa let out a sigh of relief and took out her phone to call Laverne''s assistant. "Sasha, can you get in touch with Laverne?"


    "Laverne went home. Vanessa, are you back in the country too?" The assistant on the other end was still cordial enough.


    "I''m back. I want to see her. Can you set up a meeting for me?" Vanessa said. "I''m sorry, but Laverne said she doesn''t want to see you right now. Also, she said¡ª"


    "Said what?"


    "Laverne also said that starting today, she is no longer your manager and won''t be handling any of your PR or business matters. Vanessa, did you two have a fight?"


    Vanessa''s expression darkened. The whole trip had already soured her mood, and now Laverne was just quitting on her? Without even telling her first?


    "No," Vanessa huffed. "Just tell her that I''m treating her to dinner tonight. We need to talk."


    "Okay, Vanessa," the assistant replied tactfully.


    Hanging up, Vanessa felt a mix of irritation and panic. Without Laverne, she would have to handle many things herself. Laverne had managed several of her advertising deals, and a new person would never be as effective.


    Vanessa returned to her vi and frowned at the sight of the empty home and theyer of dust on the tables. Usually, whenever she was due back, Laverne would arrange for housekeepers toe and clean thoroughly, and she''d even bring Vanessa''s favorite flowers to fill the vases.


    But now, the house wasn''t just empty; it was dirty.


    Vanessa had just sat down when the doorbell rang. Her spirits lifted. Could Laverne be back?


    She hurried to the door, only to find the assistant, Sasha, standing there. "Vanessa, I -I''m here to deliver a document from Laverne."


    "What document?" Vanessa opened the door. Sasha stepped inside and handed her an envelope. "Well, Vanessa, if that''s all, I''ll be going now!"


    "Sasha, could you call a cleaning service for me?"


    "Oh! I''m not really sure about that. I don''t know who to contact. Maybe you could ask the property management office if they can find someone?" Sasha was smart. She still worked for Laverne and didn''t want to get too close to Vanessa.


    Vanessa''s face fell, but she couldn''t say much. She tore open the envelope and found a stack of expense receipts.


    There was also a note from Laverne:


    "These are the expenses I covered.


    Please transfer the money to my


    bank ount by 2:00 p.m.


    tomorrow. The totales to two


    million."


    Vanessa''s hand clenched around the receipts. What? Laverne was not only leaving,


    but she was also demanding two million dors from her?


    Vanessa was already short on cash. Where was she supposed to find the money to pay Laverne? She called out to the assistant Sasha, call: Laverne for me right now. I need to have a word with her."


    Sasha had no choice but to hand over her phone. After a few seconds, Laverne''s


    voice came through. "Did you give it all to her?"


    Vanessa let out a coldugh. "Laverne, what is the meaning of this?"

 Chapter 1358

    Laverne was clearly surprised for a moment, but her voice quickly returned. "Vanessa, even with friends, business is business, isn''t it? Isn''t it time we settled our ounts?"


    Seeing the bill had already infuriated Vanessa, and Laverne''s cold, professional tone only added fuel to the fire. Any thought of winning Laverne back vanished. She could tell Laverne was determined to leave.


    In that case, Vanessa wasn''t one to take a loss lying down.


    "Laverne, you want to settle ounts with me? Fine! Then let''s really settle them. The bags, jewelry, and luxury goods I''ve given you over the years must be worth over a million dors in cash! Does that not count as money? And what about themission split I gave you? Wasn''t it five percent more than other managers get? Isn''t that money? What do you mean you want two million from me now?"


    Sasha, standing nearby, was stunned. It looked like these two were really going to


    war.


    On the other end of the line, Laverne had apparently expected Vanessa''s ingratitude. The bills she''d sent were for expenses she had fronted for Vanessa over the past year, all of which were reimbursable. But for Vanessa to bring up past gifts now, any lingering affection Laverne had for her evaporated. "Vanessa, you''ve really opened my eyes. You gave me those gifts willingly to maintain our rtionship, to make me work myself to the bone for you. And now you''re using them as bargaining chips? As for the extra five percent, you were the one who offered it. Besides, after seven years of my life, is this the result I deserve?"


    The resentment Laverne had been holding back finally erupted. "For seven years, how many times did I take the heat for you, how many messes did I clean up? You sat back and were waited on while I did all the dirty work. I had to serve you like a maid. Let me put it this way: if you''re short by even a single dor, I''ll see you in court."


    Furious, Laverne added, "We''ll see who''s more embarrassed then-the has-been pianist or the manager who was just following her contract."


    "What did you say? You said I''m a has-been?" Vanessa''s anger boiled over.


    "Withoutn, you''d be nothing! Don''t even try to deny it," Laverne shot back mercilessly.


    The words hit clean and deep,


    leaving Vanessa breathless. Sh


    began to tremble uncontrobly and shrieked into the phone, "Laverne, shut your mouth content belongs. fo


    "What? Did I strike a nerve?" Laverne sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm, Wake up, Vanessa! Without fan paving the way for: without his connections and influence, do you really think anyone would give you, the ''piano prodigy za second nce? You only got those endorsements because you were riding his coattails. After all, I was the one who negotiated all your deals."


    Vanessa''s face flushed with rage. Sasha worried that her phone was about to be


    smashed against the floor.


    Before Vanessa could speak,


    P.n


    Laverne continued, "Withoutn and Henry Holt, you''re nothing. And now that you couldn''t even hold onto Walden Wells, who do you think you can rely on? You can choose not to pay the two million. In that case, we''ll settle it in court."


    Click. The line went dead.


    Vanessa gripped the phone, her eyes filled with a murderous re. At that moment,


    she wanted nothing more than to find Laverne and tear her apart.


    Sasha quickly stepped forward. "Vanessa, can I have my phone back, please?"


    Vanessa turned her face away, thrusting the phone at her without a single word of thanks.

 Chapter 1359

    Sasha didn''t expect any thanks; she just wanted her phone back. It was new, and she treasured it.


    "Vanessa, I''ll be going now!" Sasha quickly made her exit. From the tone of their argument, she could tell that Laverne and Vanessa had burned their bridgespletely.


    Once Sasha was gone, Vanessa swayed on her feet, her chest heaving violently. Laverne''s words echoed in her mind "Withoutn, you''re nothing."


    She had never been willing to admit it, but Laverne''s words were the truth. There were plenty of pianists better than her, but very few as famous. Everything she once had¡ªthe fame, the status, the public adoration¡ªhad all been a result ofn''s influence.


    After all, whenever Laverne secured resources or ad deals for her, she would discreetly mentionn''s name. Combined with Vanessa''s own marketing over the years, the public had been led to believe her rtionship withn was incredibly close, even assuming she was the future Mrs. Goodwin.


    Vanessa bit her lip, still refusing to ept Laverne''s other im. Was she a has- been?


    The truth was, her career was in a steep decline. She had been so focused on Walden Wells recently that she had practically abandoned her work.


    Now, she had no one to rely on and no manager. It was as if everyone in her life had walked away.


    Ten minutester, just as Vanessa was about to sit down and rest, she received a call.


    It was from a former subordinate.


    "Vanessa, what''s going on with you and Laverne? She''s posting online saying you''re refusing to pay her sry!"


    Vanessa''s eyes widened. "I''ll go look," she said quickly.


    When she opened the app, she found a pinned post on Laverne''s personal social


    media page: "Vanessa Shannon refuses to pay manager''s sry."


    Vanessa''s face turned pale as she read the long post underneath. Although it didn''t use her full name every detail pointed directly ather. It described her as morous on the surface but duplicitous and morally bankrupt underneath, someone who burned bridges after getting what she wanted.


    Thements section had already exploded, with Vanessa''s own fans watching the drama unfold.


    "Miss Shannon? A pianist? Isn''t it obvious this is about Vanessa Shannon?"


    "I used to think she was talented, but I had no idea she was this awful behind the scenes."


    "Refusing to pay a sry? And making her manager front the money? Is she that broke? What a thick skin!"


    "She doesn''t even have that much talent. She used to rely onn, and now I hear she''stched onto Walden Wells. She''s abandoned her career to chase after men."


    Many people expressed sympathy for Laverne. With Laverne''s


    connections, the post quickly started trending. Another hashtag appeared: Vanessa Shannon Reputation In Ruin".


    Vanessa sat on the sofa, scrolling through thements, her face alternating between ashen and flushed. She saw a few familiar far ounts that had now turned against her, siding with Lavere. The screen was filled with words like


    "has-been," "terrible person," and


    "ungrateful bitch."


    The words were a total p in the face, sending her into a blind rage.


    Vanessa hadn''t expected Laverne to attack her online so quickly and so viciously. Was she trying to ruin her?


    Suddenly, her mind went nk. In the past, whenever someone attacked her,


    Laverne would handle it. All she had to do was say the word.


    But now, Laverne herself was leading the charge, and Vanessa suddenly realized


    she had no idea how to manage this crisis.


    Without Laverne, she had no one to turn to for help.

 Chapter 1360

    For the first time, she felt truly alone-swallowed by the noise and nowhere to hide.


    The crowd of onlookers kept growing, and among them, of course, was Joy Thatcher, who always kept up with the drama surrounding Vanessa.


    She was one of the most enthusiastic spectators. She immediately forwarded the link to Eleanor.


    [Ellie, you have to see this. It''s so satisfying.]


    Eleanor was in the middle of writing a report and didn''t have time to click the link yet. She texted back first, [What''s so satisfying?]


    [Vanessa and her manager are fighting online! And her manager isn''t holding back at all, exposing what a terrible person Vanessa is. It''s perfect payback.]


    Eleanor opened the link and saw the long, usatory post from Vanessa''s manager. As someone who knew her best, the manager knew exactly where to strike to inflict the most damage.


    After a quick scan, Eleanor felt surprisingly calm. She replied to Joy, [I saw.]


    [She totally deserves it. Let''s see how arrogant she can be now! Ellie, don''t you feel vindicated? After how she treated you.]


    Eleanor replied, [A little, I guess.]


    But Vanessa was already a passerby in her life, someone not worth her time or attention. Her rise and fall had nothing to do with her, and she didn''t even want to waste energy following it.


    [Right? I''m going back to watch the show. I need to see if her manager drops any more bombshells.] Joy was at home taking care of her child, so she had plenty of time to enjoy the drama.


    Eleanor put down her phone, her focus returning to theb report in front of her. This was the material she was preparing for an uing conference in Montir. To her, the data and charts on the screen were far more captivating than any online scandal.


    Meanwhile, in a cramped apartment, Faye Yeaton lounged on her day off, scrolling through thetest gossip.


    Seeing what Vanessa''s manager had posted, she sneered. "I knew this day woulde for her."


    "What are you looking at?" Faye''s


    mother came over to ask. Her credit


    was wrecked, her ounts tightly


    limited, and the life she''d once unted had shrunk to something small and bitter. She waspletely dependent on her daughter.


    "Vanessa and her manager had a falling out. The whole inte is watching the drama," Faye said gleefully.


    Faye''s mother scoffed. "She came from the gutter and really started thinking she was a princess. Withoutn backing her, how far did she think she could get?"


    "Mom, didn''t Dad used to send them money?" Faye asked.


    "He did, but not much. She was just a shameful illegitimate daughter. Did you think I was going to let her live in luxury? If she hadn''t made a name for herself in the piano world wouldn''t have given her and ber mother a second nce. Do you really think I would have tolerated them?" A flicker of resentment crossed her mother''s eyes.


    "That''s right. And Vanessa never told us. All this time, she was just using her connection ton, dreaming of bing Mrs. Goodwin. As if she''s even worthy," Faye said with a §Ö mocking look. Now, with Vanessa''s, career and reputation in ruins, she


    wondered how she would ever


    recover.


    On impulse, Faye wrote ament: "I heard her mother is a degenerate gambler who''s never away from the tables."


    Someone replied to the main thread: "Does anyone know what the deal is with her andn? Seriously, were they ever together or not?"


    Faye quickly replied to thatment as well: "I have inside info. Ian wouldn''t fuck her with a ten-foot pole. She was dreaming."


    A reply appeared under hers: "I heard from someone in the industry that all those early rumors about Vanessa andn were started by her. He never once responded. So shameless."


    "That''s what I thought! Why would a tycoon ofn''s caliber ever be interested in someone so petty?"

 Chapter 1361

    Faye quickly replied, "She just clung ton and used marketing to tie herself to him for all these years."


    "So she''s been usingn''s fame to boost her own status this whole time? She really knows how to ride someone''s coattails!"


    Faye read and replied to thements, a rare moment of satisfaction for her these days.


    Meanwhile, Vanessa was also monitoring the situation online. She watched as public opinionpletely turned against her. Thement section of her social media page was flooded with mockery and insults.


    A few loyal fans tried to defend her, but as more and more people came forward with their own stories, even they fell silent.


    Watching the situation spiral out of her control, Vanessa felt a tremor run through her body. The image she had painstakingly built over the years hadpletely crumbled across the inte in just a few hours. She felt like she''d been plunged into an icy abyss.


    She tried calling several online reputation management agencies, but they either quoted an astronomical price or refused to take the job. After all, the scandal involved a tycoon liken. If their campaign failed, they could face awsuit.


    Vanessa ran her hands through her hair and suddenly let out a cry of despair. "Aaaah!"


    She had never imagined that crossing Laverne would lead to her utter ruin.


    It was true. When the person closest to you turns against you, they be the deadliest weapon.


    Vanessa''s name was trending at number one, a public humiliation for all to see. The usations of withholding wages and burning bridges were enough to put her in the eye of the storm. Her failure to address the issue only made online users assume she was too ashamed to offer any rification.


    At that moment, Vanessa''s mind raced, searching for anyone who could help her.n? Henry? Walden Wells? She let out a self-deprecatingugh. All the powerful men who had appeared in her life now saw her as a pariah, viewing her with utter disgust.


    Just then, Vanessa noticed that several brands she had endorsement deals with had already taken down content featuring her.


    Her breath caught in her throat. Were these advertisers going to terminate her contracts too?


    As if on cue, her phone rang with an unknown number. She quickly answered, "Hello? Who is this?"


    She hoped it was someone offering help. Instead, a cold female voice came from the other end. "Is this Ms. Vanessa Shannon? This is the legal department of PG Jewelers. Due to the recent negative press surrounding you, which has severely impacted our brand''s image, we ar? formally notifying you of the unteral termination of your endorsement contract. We also reserve the right to pursue legal action for breach of contract¡ª"


    Next came a call from a foodpany, and then one from a diaperpany. They


    were all calling to terminate their agreements.


    Vanessa finally closed her eyes as tears streamed down her face.


    Once again, she was filled with regret.


    She regretted being so greedy, so maniptive withn. Maybe if she had been more content, she could have preserved some goodwill and avoided this catastrophic downfall.


    She hated herself even more for not epting Henry sooner. If she had chosen to marry him two years ago instead of chasing a future with an, She would have been a winner in life!


    But so many opportunities had beenid before her, and she hadn''t seized any of


    them. Now, there wasn''t a single person to lend her a hand.


    Suddenly, a thought struck her, and a flicker of resentment cut through her tears. Eleanor must be so happy right how so satisfied. This was exactly the oue she wanted to see, wasn''t it? Her wish hade true.


    Thinking of Eleanor seemed to give Vanessa a focal point. She bit her lip hard. She couldn''t admit defeat just like that. She absolutely could not let Eleanorugh at her.


    She still had a few wealthy men in her contacts who were interested in her. Why not give them a chance now, in her moment of crisis?

 Chapter 1362

    The thought of Eleanor possibly reading the news about her, a smug look on her face, reignited Vanessa''s defiant spirit.


    She fiercely wiped away her tears and rushed to the mirror on the first floor. She looked at her reflection¡ªa bit haggard, but still beautiful. She still had assets: her face and her body.


    An idea finally formed in her mind. She recalled a time she appeared on a television program in Kingston. A real estate developer had someone pass her his business card, asking her out to dinner. She had politely declined at the time, but she could tell the tycoon was very interested in her. He was in his early fifties, but she was no longer in a position to be picky. She urgently needed someone to handle the online mess, and for men like him, such things were as simple as lifting a finger.


    Pulling herself out of her chaotic thoughts, Vanessa picked up her phone and started searching for the number she had saved. The man''s face came to mind: a slightly overweight, middle-aged man with a shrewd yet greedy glint in his eyes. The way he had looked at her backstage was filled with undisguised desire.


    Finally, she found it. The contact was saved as Harvey MacLeod, President of Harvest Properties in Kingston.


    That was him. Vanessa took a deep breath,posed her expression, and dialed the number.


    After about seven or eight seconds, a man''s questioning voice answered, "Hello? Who is this?"


    "Mr. MacLeod, hello. I apologize for the intrusion. This is Vanessa. Do you remember me?" Vanessa did her best to make her voice sound sweet and alluring.


    "Vanessa?" Harvey MacLeod''s voice paused for a moment before taking on a knowing, yful tone. "Oh! The great pianist, Ms. Shannon! I remember now. What made you think of calling me? Don''t tell me you''ve run into some trouble!"


    Vanessa''s heart sank. So rich men weren''t stupid after all; he saw right through her.


    "Mr. MacLeod, everyone runs into difficulties from time to time. Unfortunately, I''m facing some now. I had a falling out with my manager, and she''sunched a


    malicious meal


    campaign against me online," Vanessa said, her voice filled with grievance and helplessness. "I know you''re well-connected and capable, Mr. MacLeod. I was wondering if you could... help me?"


    There was a few seconds of silence on the other end. Harvey was clearly weighing whether she was worth helping now With his wealth, he could have any beautiful woman he wanted. His interest in her might have just been fleeting.


    Vanessa knew how these wealthy men operated their patience was thin, and their interest in a woman could burn out in minutes.


    After a moment, a condescending voice came through the phone. "Help you? It''s not impossible. This online stuff... it''s not hard to suppress with a little money."


    Vanessa''s heart leaped with joy. She knew she wasn''t a woman men forgot easily. The thought gave her a surge of confidence.


    She feigned delight. "Really? Mr. MacLeod, if you can help me sort out this online mess, I would be so grateful."


    "Don''t be so quick to thank me," Harvey interrupted, his tone bing suggestive and direct. "I''m not one to discuss business over the phone How about his youe to Kingston now, and we calf talk in person?"


    Vanessa''s fingers tightened around her phone. Of course, she understood exactly


    what he meant. A part of her wanted to hang up immediately.

 Chapter 1363

    But in the end, she forced herself to swallow her pride. Did she really have any other choice?


    "Of course, Mr. MacLeod. And I can''t let you help me for nothing. I''ll book the next flight to Kingston. Dinner''s on me," Vanessa said enthusiastically. She had long since mastered the art of handling men.


    "Good. I like a woman who''s straightforward. Come on over. I''ll be waiting for you, Ms. Shannon."


    He hung up. Vanessa knew that if she could handle Harvey MacLeod, she could handle the online crisis.


    She immediately grabbed her bag, went upstairs to shower, and got ready to head to the airport.


    Meanwhile, the online drama continued to escte. Joy was happily following the saga, watching as many of Vanessa''s fans turned against her and started leaking details about her private life.


    Truth and lies mingled together, shattering the pristine "piano diva" image Vanessa had carefully cultivated.


    Finally, Joy saw a post from an anonymous user: "You all really think she''s some piano diva? Her skills are mediocre at best. Let''s just say she had a powerful backer throwing money at her to get her on the world stage."


    "Was this powerful backern?"


    "Not sure who it was, but the title of ''world-ss pianist'' is full of hot air. Anyone in the industry knows what she''s really worth."


    "She was manufactured by money! She''s great at marketing her persona. It was all a carefully constructed package from the start."


    Soon, a few morements popped up, clearly from some of Vanessa''s former peers who were now speaking out. The conversation had shifted from questioning her character to questioning her talent.


    Many professionals also weighed in, which was far more damaging than the previous attacks on her personality.


    ***


    ¨ºt


    Three dayster, Vanessa''s scandal had finally started to cool down, reced by gossip about another A-list star. Her former manager, Laverne, received a wire transfer for two million dors apanied by a short message from Vanessa: "Now we''re even."


    Laverne looked at the money in her ount, still furious at Vanessa''s actions. She had only asked for what


    she was owed, yet Vanessa showed not a shred of gratitude for


    everything


    the past


    she had done in the She truly embodied the image of an


    ungrateful snake.


    Laverne took the money and decided she wanted nothing more to do with Vanessa. Of course, knowing Vanessa, she guessed that her sudden ability to resolve the


    online crisis and pay her meant she had alreadytched onto another man.


    She was d she had gotten out when she did. With Vanessa''s reputation in tatters, any further investment would be pointless. All of Vanessa''s energy was focused ontching onto men, with no real ambition for her career.


    Laverne''s guess was correct. Vanessa had be Harvey MacLeod''s woman. She was now living in a vi in Kingston, scrolling through the news on her tablet. The trending topics and negative discussions about her had been suppressed. While the damage couldn''t bepletely erased, at least the public uproar had died down.


    To her delight, Harvey MacLeod was treating her well, and he was willing to spend money on her. In just three days, he had already dropped five million dors on her for shopping sprees and other trifles to keep her happy.


    However, Vanessa could see that she was nothing more than an expensive, exquisite toy he had bought to show off. In just two days, he had already paraded her around at three different business dinners.


    But at least the immediate crisis was over, and she no longer had to stress about it.

 Chapter 1364

    Harvey MacLeod certainly wouldn''t be herst man. She nned to use his connections to break into the Kingston elite circle and find a more suitable target. After all, she still wanted to settle down one day.


    She had to find the right man, preferably someone liken, Xavier, or Henry. If she ever met a man of that caliber again, she would absolutely marry him without a second thought.


    Suddenly, Vanessa thought of the man who had once pursued Eleanor-Mansfield. She seemed to recall he was also from Kingston. When she had a chance, she could ask Harvey MacLeod about him and find out what his background was.


    That evening, Harvey invited her to another dinner. As soon as they got in the car, she snuggled into his arms and asked with a smile, "Mr. MacLeod, you''re so well- connected and know so many people in Kingston''s elite circles. Do you know anyone in the military?"


    Harvey, who loved to boast in front of her, tweaked her cheek. "Several of my buddies are in the military. You shouldn''t underestimate me."


    "Of course, I wouldn''t dare. It''s just that a friend of mine is being pursued by a soldier, and I wanted to ask about him for her," Vanessa said with a charming smile.


    Harvey immediately said, "Go on, then. What''s his name?"


    "I think she said his name is... Mansfield!" Vanessa enunciated the name clearly.


    "Mansfield?" Harvey sat bolt upright. The smug, casual look on his face vanished, reced by an expression of utter shock. He pushed Vanessa away, his voice changing pitch. "Who did you say? Mansfield? Which Mansfield?"


    Vanessa was startled by his intense reaction, nodding in a daze. "Yes. My friend said his name is Mansfield. What''s wrong, Mr. MacLeod? Is there a problem with him?"


    "A problem? It''s a huge problem." Harvey''s voice rose. He looked Vanessa up and down, his eyes filled with suspicion and scrutiny. "Who is this friend of yours? How does she know Mansfield? And she''s being... pursued by him?"


    His stare made Vanessa''s skin crawl. She vaguely realized she might have stumbled upon someone incredibly important. She didn''t dare mention Eleanor''s name, so she equivocated, "She''s just... a casual friend. Maybe... maybe she got it wrong!"


    "A casual friend? You think the kind of woman Mansfield would pursue is just some ''casual'' person?" Harvey scoffed, then his tone became serious. "Vanessa, don''t you ever mention that name in front of anyone again, you hear me That''s not a name for people like us to mention. In Kingston circles, you don''t even ask about him."


    Vanessa''s breath caught in her throat. What kind of status could make Harvey MacLeod this terrified? Yet that man had clearly doted on Eleanor; he was a genuine suitor.


    Still, Vanessa couldn''t let it go. She threw herself back into his arms and pleaded, "Mr. MacLeod, please just tell me! I promise I won''t go around asking anyone else. I''m just curious who he is."


    "Do you know who his father is?" Harvey lowered his voice.


    Vanessa frowned and shook her head. "Who?"


    "The Vice President." Harvey practically whispered the words in her ear. Then he added, "The


    Ellington family is a true politica


    dynasty, with deep roots. They''re not people businessmen like us can ever get close to or ask about if a girls being pursued by Mansfield, that''s the kind of luck you get once in a lifetime. So, stop asking about him. You''ll get burned."

 Chapter 1365

    A deafening silence filled Vanessa''s mind, leaving herpletely stunned.


    The Vice President''s son? That young officer pursuing Eleanor was the son of the Vice President?


    An icy chill spread through Vanessa''s body, her mind goingpletely nk.


    A powerful wave of jealousy and immense envy washed over her. She had always thought Eleanor was just lucky, first marryingn and now bing a top scientist with his investment. She had never, ever imagined that Eleanor also had a suitor with such an overwhelmingly powerful family behind him.


    So, if Eleanor were to say yes, she would be the future daughter-inw of the Vice President.


    And thinking back to Mansfield''s appearance, he was exceptionally handsome. Vanessa scoffed internally. Here she was, scrambling totch onto a businessman like Harvey MacLeod, only to be treated like his ything.


    And Eleanor!


    She was being genuinely pursued by the Vice President''s son.


    In that moment, the sense of superiority and resentment Vanessa had clung to was utterly shattered by this revtion.


    However, a thought ofn followed. No matter how rich he was, he was still just a businessman. How could he possiblypare to Mansfield? If Mansfield decided to seriously pursue Eleanor, what wouldn amount to next to him?


    This thought brought a twisted sense of pleasure to Vanessa. No matter how wealthy and powerfuln was, he was ultimately a merchant. In the face of true aristocracy, he would always be a step below.


    Xavier and Henry might not have been his match in terms of skill and strategy, but against Mansfield... how couldn possiblypete?


    If Eleanor chose Mansfield in the end,n would be the one left abandoned.


    For a moment, she hoped Mansfield would pursue Eleanor relentlessly, givingn a taste of unrequited love and what it felt like to have someone stolen from him. At the same time, she hoped Mansfield''s family would ultimately reject Eleanor for being a divorc¨¦e, forcing him to give her up. That way, Eleanor would suffer for a while, too.


    But that feeling of malicious gleested only a second before reality crushed her again.


    The truth was, no matter who Eleanor chose the fabulously wealthyn or the monumentally powerful Mansfield-she was destined to stand at a height Vanessa could never hope to reach.


    She had never thought that


    destroying Eleanor''s marriage would


    actually propel her to a higher station in life. Eleanor now had everything Vanessa had ever dreamed of: an independent@areer, the respect of others, and even the admiration of top-tier tycoons and political scions.


    She was resentful, bitter, and yet she knew with absolute rity that she had long lost the right to evenpare herself to Eleanor.


    "What are you thinking about? Who is this friend of yours, really? Tell me about her," Harvey MacLeod said, suddenly interested in Vanessa''s friend.


    Vanessa''s face flushed. "I told you, she''s just a casual friend."


    Harvey snorted, then suddenly grabbed her chin, his fleshy face moving close to hers. "You''re with me now, so you do as you''re told. Don''t y games with me."


    He pushed her away, having suddenly lost interest in the dinner party. "To the bar," he ordered the driver.


    Half an hourter, at the bar, Harvey watched the gyrating women on stage with great enthusiasm. He grabbed Vanessa''s hand and said, "Vanessa, tonight, I want you to dance like that for me."


    "I..... I don''t know how," Vanessa said, lowering her head as a powerful sense of humiliation washed over her.


    The women on stage were in


    barely-there outfits, moving in


    extremely provocative ways for the audience to watch it seemed that in Harvey MacLeod''s eyes, she was just a more private version of those girls-his personal dancer.

 Chapter 1366

    For the next few days, Eleanor focused on preparing for her new experiment. She also took her daughter to Goodwin Manor for dinner, as she would be leaving for a conference in Montir at the end of the month.


    She received an email from Aaron, urging her not to miss the rare opportunity he had secured for her. Eleanor cherished such academic exchanges.


    She nned to pack and leave right after her daughter''s kindergarten graduation ceremony tomorrow.


    Right now, Eleanor was logging into Dr. Smith''s internal server, intending to record some parameters to reference during the conference.


    Her eyes fell on the locked file at the bottom of the list again. She paused, bit her lip, and clicked on it. A password box appeared.


    She began trying different passwords. She went through all the dates she andn might have shared: their daughter''s birthday, her own birthday,n''s birthday, and other important dates like their anniversary.


    After more than a dozen failed attempts, Eleanor rested her forehead in her hand, a headache starting to form. What password couldn possibly have used?


    Even Dr. Smith was tight-lipped about this file. What kind of data was inside?


    Finally, after finding the data she needed, Eleanor shut down herputer and went to bed early with her daughter.


    ***


    The next day, the kindergarten held a social event for the children in the morning, with the graduation performance scheduled for two-thirty in the afternoon at the cultural auditorium.


    At two o''clock, Serena Goodwin arrived at the auditorium''s parking lot with her grandmother and mother. Today was Evelyn''s big performance, and none of them wanted to miss it.


    "Have you asked ifn is here yet? He can''t miss something like this!" Magdalen urged her granddaughter.


    "I already asked my brother. He''s on his way," Serena replied, helping her grandmother toward the auditorium. Gina Quinn followed, with Lanny and his men behind them.


    Inside the auditorium, each parent had a ticket with an assigned seat, and everyone cooperated by finding their designated spots.


    Eleanor was already in her seat. She had given the Goodwin family four tickets and kept one for herself.


    After seating her grandmother and mother, Serena noticed she had one ticket left that wasn''t next to theirs. She wondered if it was the seat next to Eleanor''s.


    Eleanor was looking at her phone when someone squeezed past her. She instinctively shifted over without looking up.


    It wasn''t until the familiar scent of cedar reached her that she froze slightly and turned to look.


    "Not yet," Eleanor replied.


    A few rows above them, Serena saw her brother take his seat. She quickly leaned over to her grandmother and mother. "Ian''s here. He''s sitting with Ellie."


    The old woman nodded. "Good. At least he wasn''tte."


    Suddenly, the house lights dimmed. The show was about to begin.


    The first performance was Evelyn''s ss. Soon, a line of small, cherubic figures walked onto the stage. Even though they were all in makeup and matching costumes, Eleanor e spotted her daughter center stage at nce. At the same time, she also saw Vivian. Eleanor Scanned the crowd for Xavier and his family, but it was too dark to see them.


    fir


    Though the children on stage made a few mistakes, their performance was filled with pure innocence, and the parents in the audience chuckled,pletely charmed.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but smile, raising her phone to record. Beside her,n


    watched his daughter, his eyes filled with pride and admiration.


    It was the look of a father''s validation for his child.


    As Magdalen and Gina watched, their eyes grew misty.


    Next, other sses took the stage.


    A little whileter, Serena''s phone rang. It was the partner she had recently decided to work with on an She ducked


    import export businessthet


    out of her seat to take the call.

 Chapter 1367

    She had just answered her phone when she froze.


    Under the hallway lights, just a few feet away, stood Xavier. His back was to her, and he was also on the phone.


    Her partner''s voice buzzed in her ear, but Serena couldn''t register the words. Just then, she saw Xavier end his call and start to turn. She quickly ducked into a nearby shadow.


    Xavier entered the auditorium through another door. Serena let out a quiet sigh, a flicker of insecurity in her eyes. Every time she saw him, her heart raced, but she no longer had the courage to face him.


    She knew he deserved someone better.


    Xavier''s seat was toward the back, but for a moment, he stood in the darkness, his gaze fixed on one spot-where Eleanor was sitting.


    He had seen her before the lights went down but hadn''t gone over to say hello because of the crowd.


    Now, in the dim light, he could clearly seen sitting beside her. It was almost to be expected.


    Xavier returned to his seat, his expression hidden by the shadows, and turned his attention to the stage. Just then, Evelyn walked out.


    A spotlight formed a circle on the stage as Evelyn, dressed in a small pink formal dress, stepped into the light. She bowed to the audience, then sat down primly at the piano.


    Her small, delicate hands rested on the ivory keys, and a melodious tune filled the hall-a simple but beautiful etude.


    She yed with intense focus, and the performance was remarkablyplete.


    When the piece ended, thunderous apuse erupted. Evelyn bowed once more and scampered off the stage.


    After the two-hour performance finally concluded, Eleanor andn went to the dressing room backstage to pick up their daughter.


    "Daddy! Mommy!" Evelyn squealed, running out from a group of children. She grabbed one ofn''s hands and one of Eleanor''s, beaming with joy. "Was I good?"


    "Evelyn, you were amazing,"n praised her with a low chuckle.


    The three of them walked out to the cultural za.


    A momentter, Xavier approached, holding Vivian''s hand. He greeted them both. "Eleanor. Ian."


    As Evelyn and Vivian chatted happily about their performances in the evening air, Xavier suddenly turned to Eleanor. "Eleanor, could I have a word with you in private?"


    Eleanor nodded. Asn looked over, Xavier exined, "It won''t take much of your time."


    "Eleanor, I want to invest the research fund my aunt left into your work," Xavier said directly.


    Eleanor was taken aback. The taken


    evening sun cast a warm glow on his handsome face as he looked at her with determination. My aunts wish was always to serve society." your research is sessful, it will be a monumental benefit to humanity." C¨®ntent


    Eleanor suddenly had a guess. She asked softly, "Your mother-"


    A flicker of worry crossed Xavier''s eyes. He nodded. "The doctors say she has


    early-stage dementia. We''re currently managing it with interventions."


    Eleanor''s heart tightened. "You must be taking great care of her."


    Xavier''s gaze drifted ton, who was crouching down to listen patiently to the children. His voice was low and sincere.


    "I don''t think Lever fully understood whatn went through back then-that desperation to do


    anything to save his mother, B


    now, watching my own mother


    slowly forget things, seeing held


    struggle to remember and th


    helplessness in her eyes? now I understand."


    Since learning about his mother''s condition, he had spent several sleepless nights, filled with anxiety about her future. He desperately wanted to do something, but he knew that current medical treatments could only slow the progression, not cure it.


    At this moment, all the money in the world was useless.

 Chapter 1368

    He turned his gaze back to Eleanor, a sense of urgency in his eyes. "Eleanor, my aunt''s research fund has been looking for a worthy project. There are so many patients like my mother. I believe in you and your team. I hope you can give patients like her a reason to hope for the future."


    A cool evening breeze swept by. Eleanor looked at the expectation in Xavier''s eyes and was deeply moved.


    "Xavier, thank you for your trust in me. But this research is still in its very early, exploratory stages. It''s full of uncertainties, and the return on investment will be a long timeing-you need to be prepared for that."


    "I know," Xavier nodded. "I understand what you''re saying. But even if your research only takes one small step forward, for those waiting in the dark, it''s still a glimmer of hope."


    Xavier''s gaze was open and sincere, free of any ulterior motives, filled only with trust in her.


    Eleanor met his eyes, knowing this was more than just funding-it was a responsibility.


    "Alright," she finally said with a solemn nod. "I will do my absolute best. I hope I won''t let you down."


    A smile appeared on Xavier''s face. "I heardn established a dedicated research fund for you through The Guild of Commerce. I''ll make the donation through them as well."


    After their conversation, the two walked back towardn. Xavier took Vivian''s hand and said, "We''ll be heading out."


    In a nearby car, Magdalen and Gina were waiting. Once Xavier had left, they got out and came over.


    "Great-grandma! Grandma!" Evelyn cried, running toward them.


    "Yes," Eleanor nodded, not borating.


    "Evelyn was absolutely wonderful today! I never imagined such a little person could dance so well," Magdalen said, her face beaming with pride.


    "Today is Evelyn''s kindergarten graduation. Let''s all go out for dinner tonight to celebrate!" the matriarch suggested.


    Eleanor hesitated for a moment. She knew she would be away for a week for her studies, and during that time, Evelyn would be staying at Goodwin Manor withn. She smiled. "Okay, Grandma. This dinner will be my treat."


    "That works for me," the old woman said, nodding happily.


    A hint of a smile crossedn''s eyes.


    Later, the group went to a high-end restaurant nearby. The atmosphere was elegant, and they ordered light dishes specifically to suit the tastes of the matriarch and Evelyn.


    Talk turned to Eleanor''s uing week-long trip. She took the initiative to say to Magdalen and Gina, "Grandma, Gina, I''ll have to trouble you to look after Evelyn for the next week. I''ll be back as soon as I can."


    "Ellie, don''t you worry about a thing! Leave Evelyn to us and focus on your studies!" Serena jumped in to answer.


    "Yes, don''t worry. We''ll take great care of Evelyn," Gina added with a nod.


    Magdalen reassured her, "Andn will be there to look after her, too. You go with peace of mind."


    Eleanor nodded. When it came to this, she had no choice but to entrust her to the Goodwins.


    After dinner,n rode home in Eleanor''s car, while Serena drove her mother and grandmother back to Goodwin Manor.


    "My private jet is flying to Montir the day after tomorrow morning. I have a client to meet. Want toe along?"n asked Eleanor.


    Eleanor met his gaze in the rearview mirror. "No, thank you. I''ve already bought a ticket."


    "I know. I had Gavin Young check.


    You bought an economy ss ticket. Since I''m going that way anyway, and my ne will be empty, you might as well use it. It''s a long


    flight over ten hours. You can get


    some proper rest on the ne and be fresh for your conference."


    Eleanor was taken aback. It was true; she had booked her flight sote that economy was all that was left.


    Eleanor fell silent, considering his


    offer. She had to admit, having a


    morefortable environment to


    rest would be beneficial for the intense week of learning andworking ahead.


    "Are you sure you''re flying the day after tomorrow morning?" Eleanor asked, checking again through the rearview mirror.


    Eleanor thought for a moment longer before finally nodding. "Alright then... thank you."


    Hearing her finally agree, he replied naturally, "It''s no trouble. We''ll drop Evelyn off at Goodwin Manor together in the morning and then head to the airport."

 Chapter 1369

    Eleanor nodded. She had some materials she needed to review on the ne anyway, as she''d had very little time to prepare for this trip.


    The next day, she spent the day resting at home. That evening, Serena came by to pick up Evelyn, taking her to Goodwin Manor early to save them a trip.


    That night, Eleanor finished packing her luggage. The next morning, she was up by


    seven.


    At eight,n rang the doorbell. Eleanor was about to carry out her suitcase and a travel bag, butn strode in, his long legs covering the distance in an instant. He took one in each hand. "I''ve got it."


    Joslyn smiled as she saw Eleanor off. "Have a safe trip, ma''am!"


    Eleanor looked back. "You get some rest, too."


    In the elevator hall, Eleanor noticedn didn''t have any luggage. She frowned. "Where are your bags?"


    "Gavin already sent them to the airport."


    When they reached the underground parking garage, she saw that the Maybach usually parked in his spot had been reced by a silver-gray supercar with fluid lines and a futuristic design. It shimmered under the lights.


    Eleanor didn''t know much about cars, but she knew this one was incredibly expensive.


    n ced her luggage in the front trunk, then pulled open the passenger door for her. "Get in."


    Eleanor wanted to ask something but decided against it and got in.


    A momentter, the silver-gray car pulled smoothly out of the garage and merged into traffic.


    Sitting in the car, Eleanor could feel the stares from all around through the windows.


    Undoubtedly, the limited-edition sports car was a moving spectacle in the flow of traffic.


    Eleanor felt a little uneasy. She was used to being low-key and wasn''tfortable with this level of attention.


    She nced at the man in the driver''s seat. The morning light outlined his handsome profile and silver-white hair, creating a striking image against the powerful car.


    Once they were on the expressway, Eleanor got a true sense of the car''s extreme performance. Her face paled slightly, and her voice held a hint of pleading. "Could you slow down a little?"


    "Okay," Ian replied, immediately reducing his speed and maintaining a steady pace.


    Forn, this moment brought back memories of the past, of driving her along the coastal highway in a sports car.


    That was before their daughter was born. They would go for drives by the sea in the evening, walk on the beach at night, and then in their hotel room overlooking the


    ocean-


    He had missed this feeling for a long time.


    When they arrived at the airport,n''s car drove smoothly toward the dedicated ess road for the private jet terminal.


    Lanny, who had arrived earlier, picked up Eleanor''s suitcase and travel bag. "Miss Sutton, please follow me onto the ne."


    Eleanor nodded and followed him aboard.


    Fifteen minutester, Eleanor was looking at her phone when she heard the flight attendant closing the cabin door. She looked up in surprise. Hearing the sound of the ne''s engines spooling up, she quickly said to the attendant, Wait,n isn''t on board yet."


    Just then, Lanny, who was sitting across from her, stood up. "Miss Sutton, please take your seat. Mr. Goodwin received an urgent call and is mable to travel with you will be apanying you on this flight."


    Eleanor froze, and then it dawned on her. What urgent business? This was clearly


    all part of his borate n.


    He had done this on purpose.


    "Miss Sutton, I''m sure you''ve figured it out. Mr. Goodwin simply wanted you to have


    afortable journey on his private jet," Lanny exined.


    Eleanor sank back into her seat, a mix ofplicated feelings washing over her. Just then, her phone buzzed with a new message. [You once said we should avoid flying on the same ne. Have a pleasant trip, Eleanor. Lanny will ensure your safety throughout your time in Montir.]


    Reading the message only made her feel more conflicted.

 Chapter 1370

    The nended smoothly. The moment Eleanor stepped off, her phone buzzed with a text.


    [Let me know when you''vended.]


    She replied, [I''ve arrived. Thanks for checking.]


    Behind her, Lanny pushed her luggage, having seamlessly taken on the role of her bodyguard.


    "Lanny, thank you," Eleanor said to him.


    "It''s my duty," he replied.


    Just then, a private car pulled up in front of Eleanor. After a brief exchange with the driver, Lanny turned to her. "This is the car Mr. Goodwin arranged for you. Please, Miss Sutton."


    Eleanor looked at the luxury car and said nothing more, obediently getting in. She knew that any refusal or polite protest at this point would seem forced.


    Sincen had already gone to such lengths, the best she could do was ept. The car drove smoothly toward the city, with Lanny in the front passenger seat. The conference was being held at a top university in Montir, and her hotel was conveniently located just two hundred meters from the campus.


    After checking into her room, Eleanor unpacked and got back to work, preparing for the busy week ahead.


    After typing for half an hour, her eyes felt dry. She gazed out the window at the foreign streetscape, and the thought ofn''s arrangements for this trip rippled through her heart like a pebble dropped into a calmke.


    She knew he was using his own methods to quietly make amends, to get closer to her again.


    Eleanor closed her eyes. So much had happened in the past three years. Many misunderstandings had been cleared up, and her feelings towardn had shifted from the coldness of their divorce to a calm eptance of his presence.


    His thoughtful arrangements, made without her knowledge, no longer seemed to provoke resistance in her.


    Even tricking her onto the ne had been a well-intentioned gesture.


    In the evening, the weather was pleasant, so Eleanor took a walk to the university campus. She watched the young, vibrant faces around her, all full of energy and life.


    Seeing a few girls hurry by, clutching books to their chests, Eleanor was suddenly reminded of her own, youth. She had been just like that, always carrying a book wherever she went, as if she wouldn''t know what to do without one.


    Eleanor found a bench and sat down, soaking in the campus atmosphere.


    "Oof!" A few feet away, a boy and a girl collided. The papers in the girl''s hands scattered across the ground. The boy immediately apologized and knelt to help her pick them up AS they both reached for thest sheet, their hands touched and sped together for a moment.


    They both pulled back,ughing shyly.


    The evening sun cast a golden glow on them, highlighting the sweet, innocent beauty of youth.


    The boy invited the girl for a drink, and she happily agreed.


    Watching them disappear, Eleanor felt as if that scene had been a key, unlocking a long-sealed box deep within her memory.


    Time seemed to rewind to an early summer afternoon, at a corner in the hospital.


    She had just graduated from high school and had been epted into Ashford Medical University. She loved to take a book to the library. cornerin her father''s hospital ak reading while she waited for him to finish work.


    And on that particr day, she had run into someone. She was in a hurry, and so was he. Before either could react, they crashed into each other with a heavy impact.


    A stack of papers she had just printed scattered across the floor. She didn''t even have time to see who she''d hit.


    She quickly apologized and bent down to pick up the papers.


    She felt the other person kneel down as well. She saw a pair of long, clean hands helping her. On the veryst sheet of paper, her hand reached out just as his closed over it-

 Chapter 1371

    That was the first time she had ever seenn.


    She had looked up and seen the most handsome young man she had everid eyes


    on.


    In that moment, her heart had skipped a beat. His appearance hadpletely stolen her innocent heart.


    Later, when she saw him again in her father''s office, she learned that the patient her father had been busy treating for the past six months wasn''s father.


    After that, she continued studying in the hospital''s library corner. One day,n showed up with a book and sat down next to her. Sometimes, they would just sit there in silence for an entire afternoon.


    That year, Eleanor Sutton''s studies progressed slowly. She fell behind on the work her father assigned her and even earned a scolding from him.


    Eleanor knew it was becausen was distracting her. On those afternoons in the library corner when he was there, she couldn''t focus on anything at all.


    That summer, her heart was in a constant state of flutter. The wayn looked at her, the way she met his gaze-they didn''t need words. A single nce was enough to make Eleanor''s heart pound for hours.


    So, after he fell into aa, Eleanor, already deeply in love with him, was willing to give up her studies just to wake him up.


    Eleanor sat on a bench on the campus abroad, the evening breeze toying with her hair. Memories yed out in her mind like a movie, frame by frame, filled with both beautiful moments and indelible pain.


    But thinking about it now, the sharp ache in her heart seemed to have faded, leaving only a faint sense of wistfulness.


    Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Joy Thatcher. [Are you in Montir yet? Have you adjusted to the time difference?]


    Eleanor replied, [I''m here. Just taking a walk on the Montir University campus. The conference starts tomorrow.]


    [Well, enjoy the academic exchange. And while you''re at it, see if you can find a cute guy to hit on,] Joy teased.


    Eleanor chuckled and typed back, [Alright, will do!]


    ***


    The next day, the conference began.


    Nearly thirty people were in


    attendance, all titans from the world''s leading hospitals Eleanor was one of the youngest faces in the room and one of the few female


    researchers.


    When it was her turn to speak, she clearly and rigorously presented her theories, supported by solid experimental data, and detailed her achievements in brainputer interfaces. The scrutinizing gazes in the audience soon turned into expressions of intense interest and curiosity.


    When she finished, the room erupted in enthusiastic apuse. On that first day alone, Eleanor exchanged contact information with over a dozen researchers for futuremunication.


    The following three days were filled with tense and intense discussions, one brainstorming session after another. Eleanor benefited greatly, absorbing a wealth of advice and experience.


    On the evening of the fourth day, the organizers hosted a small dinner party. Eleanor was invited and happened to have brought a formal dress. Raising a ss with like-minded people was a truly happy asion.


    Here, she didn''t have to be anyone''s wife. She was no longer just a wife defined by her husband. She was a woman who stood on her own, brilliant and independent.


    At nine p.m., Eleanor returned to her hotel, and her phone immediately buzzed with an iing video call.


    It was fromn.


    Eleanor guessed it was really her daughter calling. She answered, but it wasn''s face that appeared on the screen. He was in his study. He seemed taken aback to see Eleanor in a dress with light makeup her long hair down.


    "Did you go to a dinner party?" he asked.


    "Yes, the organizers hosted one," Eleanor nodded, then asked, "Where''s Evelyn?"


    "She''s at Goodwin Manor. She''s sleeping over there tonight." Ian''s gaze locked onto hers. "How are things going? Are you tired?"

 Chapter 1372

    Eleanor had two sses of red wine that evening. She had wanted to chat with her daughter, but since she wasn''t withn, Eleanor just ran a hand through her hair. "I''m tired, but it''s been very fulfilling. I''ve met a lot of brilliant schrs."


    A sense of irrepressible excitement and joy colored her voice, and she seemed to radiate a dazzling light.


    "Get some rest. Don''t stay up toote," Ian instructed in a low voice.


    "Thanks." Eleanor lowered her gaze, avoiding the deeper emotion in his eyes.


    Silence stretched between them through the screen. Eleanor was standing on the balcony, and a gentle evening breeze brushed against her cheek. In the soft light, her face was tinged with a rosy blush, giving her an unintentionally alluring air.


    On the other end of the call, the man''s gaze grew more intense. After a moment, he said, "Get some rest. I''m hanging up now."


    "Okay." Eleanor ended the call and leaned against the railing, gazing at the distant city lights, her mind momentarily at peace.


    She went back to the desk, opened herptop, and logged back into Dr. Smith''s internal database. There was a Q&A session on blood diseases the next day, and Eleanor was missing a few data sets. She found a public data report and took some notes.


    As she navigated back to the main tform, she scrolled down, searching for another data source.


    Suddenly, her eyesnded on the locked document at the bottom of the page. She stared at it for a few seconds, rubbing her forehead. Ifn was the one who set this password, what kind of key would he have used?


    Eleanor was a bit tipsy from the wine, and her thoughts were drifting. Normally, she was calm and rational, but tonight, her mind was unusually agile.


    She recalled the image of the young man and woman who had bumped into each other, a scene that mirrored her own memory of the day she first metn.


    All at once, an idea struck her slightly inebriated mind like a sh of lightning.


    Eleanor sat up straight, her heart picking up speed at the thought. She reached out and typed a series of numbers on the keyboard.


    Even after so many years, that date was still firmly etched in her memory.


    After entering the numbers, Eleanor firmly pressed the Enter key.


    The screen seemed to freeze for a second. Then, the dialogue box that had repeatedly asked for a


    password vanished. And right before her eyes the tightl sealed


    mysterious document f?ldero


    opened.


    It was unlocked.


    In that instant, Eleanor''s heart stopped.


    The folder didn''t contain a single file but several clearly structured subfolders. The very first one was a video file, named with a date.


    Her heart began to pound uncontrobly. Her fingertips trembled with nervousness as she hovered the cursor over the first video for a few seconds, then double- clicked.


    A yer window popped up. The image was slightly shaky at first, then the background of aboratory came into view.


    Soon, a familiar figure appeared in the frame¡ªit was her father.


    vel


    Eleanor''s eyes instantly welled with tears. It was indeed a daily video from her father''sb. He looked younger back then. He was operating aplex piece of equipment, asionally looking down to record data and scratching his head a habit of his when he was working.


    This video was from two years before his death, the first year after she was married.


    Eleanor''s vision blurred with tears. It had been so long since she had seen her father looking so vibrant and full of life.


    The videosted about twenty minutes, documenting aplete experiment. At the end, Elliot Sutton walked up to the camera, smiled, and said, "That''s all for today This set of data is very useful

 Chapter 1373

    The screen went dark.


    Eleanor continued to look through the videos. The next eighty were all daily recordings from her father''sb. But she could see his hair growing whiter, his expression more fatigued. The timestamps were erratic; sometimes he was working at dawn, other times he was running experiments in the dead of night.


    Her father was like a man possessed, a frantic scientist. Sometimes, when the data didn''t meet his expectations, he would curse under his breath, clearly agitated.


    Eleanor couldn''t watch them all in one sitting. She clicked through the other files, which contained extensive research notes, data analyses, and scanned manuscripts.


    These were the very same materials Dr. Smith had given her for her leukemia research. They were her father''s manuscripts. It was her father who had provided her with the most authentic data to reference.


    Eleanor lost track of time. When her eyes finally grew sore, she nced at the clock. She had been watching since eight p.m., and it was now past midnight.


    The files made one thing crystal clear: the project her father had poured his heart and soul into during his final years wasn''t an ordinary blood disease study. It was a targeted intervention therapy for early-stage leukemia, codenamed ''Aurora.''


    To be more precise, it was for a subtype of leukemia caused by a specific gic mutation.


    Eleanor remembered a patient with this exact mutation-the mother named Marilyn. She took a deep breath. Why had her father worked himself to the bone researching leukemia in hisst two years? Who was he trying to save?


    Eleanor couldn''t bear to watch much more of the videos. Her father''s figure transformed from energetic to gradually gaunt and haggard, his graying hair turning silver-white.


    Then, she saw a scene that made tears stream down her face without warning.


    On screen, her father was recording data when he suddenly broke into a violent coughing fit. With his back to the camera, he coughed for a long time. When he finally turned around, he nced at the tissue in his hand.


    It was stained with a ring ssh of red-her father had coughed up blood.


    Yet, he merely frowned, crumpled


    the tissue into a ball, and tossed it into a nearby trash can Acting as if nothing had happened, he went back to theb bench.


    There were still over twenty videos left, but Eleanor was already a sobbing mess, unable to bring herself to click on another one.


    She closed theptop and slumped


    onto the desk, muffling her cries


    Her emotionspletely shattered. It felt like an invisible hand was squeezing her heart, the pain so intense she could barely breathe.


    So this document was a record of her father''s final days.


    An overwhelming mix of grief, guilt, and sorrow twisted in her chest, making every breath a torment.


    After what felt like an eternity of crying, Eleanor slowly lifted her head. Her eyes were red and swollen, and tear tracks had dried on her cheeks.


    She picked up her phone and sent a message ton. [I opened the file. Can we talk when I get back?]


    Eleanor took a deep breath. Why had her father left these videos? Why had he burned through thest moments of his life to conduct this research?


    At his age, her father couldn''t have handled such an intense workload. She felt he had been racing to develop a treatment, to save someone.


    Her phone chimed with a notification. She picked it up. It was a reply fromn, just three words.


    [I''ming over.]


    Eleanor''s heart jolted. She quickly typed back, [Don''t trouble yourself. We can talk when I''m back.]


    Meanwhile, back home, in the


    executive office of Goodwin & Co.,n left all the top executives in the middle of the morning meeting and rushed to the airport.

 Chapter 1374

    Morning sunlight streamed through the hotel curtains, the shifting light rousing Eleanor. She had barely slept, her eyes red and swollen with dark circles


    underneath. Thinking of the conference session that day, she went to the bathroom and sshed cold water on her face.


    She took a deep breath, her mind filled with images of her father bustling around theb. He had been racing against time, aging a lifetime in just two short years, his vitality drained by the relentless pace. Ten years ago, research technology and Al were not as advanced, and her father had to rely on traditional experimental methods, performing repetitive data collection over and over.


    Pushing forward, trial and error, starting from scratch again and again¡ª


    The mere thought of it brought silent tears streaming down her face. What on earth had he been researching?


    That year, Gina Quinn''s blood disease was only in its early stages, and Dr. Smith hadn''t yet identified its hereditary nature. So, at the time, her father wouldn''t have known about the gic risk to his own daughter.


    It was also impossible that her father was simply a tool forn''s profit. The research wasn''t a broad study of all leukemias; it was a focused, relentless exploration of one specific type: spontaneous-mutation hereditary leukemia.


    Marilyn was currently the only known case of this rare disease in the country. A team at Ashford Medical University was still studying her family, running tests and tracking their health, and had waived all her treatment costs.


    Eleanor couldn''t understand her father''s actions back then. Who could he have been trying to save that would make him throw himself sopletely into this research?


    She now understood whyn had been so reluctant to show her the document. It was aplete record of the countdown to her father''s death. For her, it was a brutal, devastating blow.


    Eleanor wiped her tears away again and checked the time. She went to the closet, pulled out a suit, and changed, forcing herself to calm down and look presentable.


    Today''s meeting was still incredibly important. Eleanor took a seat near the back watching the slides sh on the screen. The charts and data hit her hard, and images of her father and theb yed on a loop in her mind, so vivid they were heartbreaking.


    With great effort, she pulled her focus back to the present. She couldn''t afford to waste any useful information at such a vital exchange.


    Finally, the day''s session ended. The schrs left in small groups, chatting amongst themselves.


    "Eleanor, would you like to join us for dinner tonight?" a male colleague asked.


    Eleanor politely declined with a smile. After everyone else had left, she walked out onto the campuswn.


    The sky was painted a soft red, casting a golden glow over the grass. Eleanor wandered aimlessly, her thoughts a million miles away.


    She remembered her father''s personality had changed somewhat in hisst two years. When her daughter turned two, she had invited him toe for the birthday party but he refused. She had beenso disappointed at the time.


    Now, all she felt was guilt and regret. She hadn''t noticed the


    circumstances he was in, assuming he was just busy with research, not that he was desperately fighting for If only she had urged him to take care of himself, shown him more concern, maybe she wouldn''t have lost him.


    Eleanor suddenly felt a chill and wrapped her arms around herself. A storm of emotions churned inside her. In recent years, she had been too busy to dwell on the past, but now, her mind was flooded with memories.


    Memories of her father, ofn, of her daughter, of herself¡ªsmall fragments of her life, alling into sharp focus.


    of her father''s videos, but he was just making small talk. It was clear from the videos that her father had no time for him.

 Chapter 1375

    In several clips,n would sit in her father''sb chair, watching him work, before eventually leaving without a word.


    From the camera''s perspective, it seemed as if her father, the father-inw, was being cold and dismissive, treating his son-inw with ack of respect. Butn had never once mentioned any of this to her.


    Eleanor took a deep breath, tilting her head up to try and hold back the tears welling


    in her eyes.


    Just then, she thought she saw a familiar figure.


    Her eyes were swollen from crying and still blurry with tears, but she could see him clearly.


    Standing on the sunset-drenchedwn was a tall, familiar silhouette. He was walking toward her from the other side of the green.


    It wasn.


    His suit jacket was slung over his arm, and he wore a dark shirt. He looked travel- worn, but his posture was steady, his steps firm and determined as he approached her.


    Eleanor stood frozen, simply watching him draw closer. The wind whipped her hair across her face, making her look even paler.


    She hadn''t expected him to arrive so quickly, to appear right here.


    He raised a hand as if to brush them away for her, but then let it fall back to his side. "I''m here," he said, his voice deep.


    Eleanor opened her mouth to speak, but her throat suddenly felt tight. She turned her face away and wiped at the corner of her eye. "Let''s find a ce to¡ª"


    Ian stepped forward and took her by the wrist. "The car is at the campus entrance."


    On the summer evening, her fingers were cold in his grasp. Ian led her away without another word.


    Eleanor didn''t pull away. She let him lead her toward the main gate.


    Once they were in the car, Eleanor spoke first. "Back to the hotel, please."


    They were silent for the entire ride.n nced at her from time to time, monitoring her emotional state. His own brow was etched with a fatigue that spoke of a long flight, but Kis eyes were exceptionally clean Dand alert.


    Back in the hotel room, Lanny saw them to the door and left.


    Eleanor walked to the desk, opened herptop, and unlocked the document again. She turned to look at the man on the sofa, her voice hoarse. "Can you exin why my father was working himself to death in yourb?"


    Eleanor''s breath hitched. "Why?" she asked instinctively.


    It felt like an invisible hand had


    seized Eleanor''s heart and squeezed. She stared atn in shock. The fingers she had ced on the desk curled into a tight fist, her knuckles turning white. "So, my father spent thest two years of his life desperately trying to find a cure?"


    "Yes. After your mother died, your father never stopped his research. But back then, resources were limited, and he still had to raise you. He could only work on it in his spare time,"n said gravely.


    In themplight, Eleanor''s face was


    so pale it was nearly translucent.


    She finally understood why her


    father had always rushed to theb after work, why her entire childhood was spent by his side there. It wasn''t his primary job, he was using theb to conduct this research on the side.


    All this time, her father had been doing this for her. Fresh tears streamed down


    Eleanor''s face. She covered her mouth with her hand, trying to stifle a sob.

 Chapter 1376

    Just then, a hand offered her a tissue. Eleanor took it and closed her eyes, trying to ept the reality of the situation.


    Her father''s death was her fault.


    Tears slipped through Eleanor''s fingers, dripping onto the floor. She couldn''t forgive herself.


    Suddenly, two hands grasped her shoulders. She looked up through her tears and metn''s gaze.


    "You can be sad, you can reminisce, you can have regrets, but you cannot take all the responsibility for this on yourself. Your father wouldn''t want to see you like this,"n urged in a low voice.


    Eleanor''s tears continued to fall. If it weren''t for her, her father wouldn''t have had to push his body to its limits in his final days, dying from overexertion.


    She hadn''t even made it back to see him onest time before he passed.


    Eleanor''s lips trembled as she bit down on them. "You should have told me. If¡ª"


    Eleanor suddenly broke down, crying out loud.


    Eleanor didn''t push him away. At that moment, she was enveloped in pain and guilt, gnawed at by waves of intense remorse. She knewn was right; given her father''s personality, once he set his mind on something, no one could talk him out of it.


    But even so, the pain was heart-wrenching, utterly agonizing.


    Eleanor was sobbing uncontrobly, feeling like a sinner.


    An unforgivable one.


    "Eleanor, you have to ept this,"n said with a heavy sigh.


    She closed her eyes, her tears soaking his shirt. She remembered thest time she had forced him to open this document. He had refused, not yielding even when she said she hated him.


    Thinking back, she realized she had misjudged him.


    "Your father wanted you to be healthy. If he could see you now, knowing you''ve solved his greatest challenge and fulfilled his wish, he would be at peace,"n consoled her in a low voice. "Remember that patient, Marilyn? She had the same condition as your mother and sha made a full recovery. Her daughter hasn''t shown any signs of inheriting it. The probability of transmission isn''t high; it might never pass to the next generation."


    Eleanor''s teary eyes shot up to meet the man''s gaze. "So, the reason you were rushing my research back then was because Marilyn was the only avable test subject in the country?"


    the dots so quickly. He looked slightly stunned for a few seconds before nodding. "Yes. Marilyn was thest subject with the same condition as your mother. If she had passed away, there would have been no one to test the cure on, even if


    you developed it."


    Eleanor lowered her gaze. So that was why he had constantly pushed for progress, personally demanding weekly reports from her.


    Marilyn''s condition had already reached the terminal stage; her life was on a countdown.


    "So, you were the one who covered Marilyn''s medical expenses?" Eleanor asked, looking up at him again.

 Chapter 1377

    Eleanor closed her eyes, her face pale and drained of color as a whirlwind of thoughts confused her.


    Finally, she opened her eyes, stared into the man''s deep gaze, and asked again, "Theb at Drexford who did you really build it for? Your mother''s condition, or... my father''s research?"


    Aplex emotion flickered inn''s eyes, as if he had anticipated this question.


    He knelt down, positioning himself so he was looking up at her.


    Eleanor, sitting in the chair, watched him intently, waiting for the absolute truth.


    "Initially, I just had the idea of building ab,"n said in a low voice. "I mentioned it to your father and asked for his opinion. My own father had just passed away. Three days after I asked him that question, I was in a car ident and fell into aa."


    Eleanor knew all too well what happened after hisa. When her father told her about it, her mind went nk,pletely shattered. In the end, she took a leave of absence from school to care for him at the hospital. Her father had disagreed at first, but for some reason, he eventually relented.


    Now, Eleanor understood. Her father had seenn''s financial resources and knew about his ambition to build ab. That''s why he, too, had hoped forn to wake up.


    Ian finally did wake up. Eleanor confessed her feelings. Ian didn''t respond at first, until her father showed him the nursing log she had kept.


    So, Eleanor had always believedn married her out of gratitude. In reality, her father had his eye on theb. He wanted her to marry him because he knew that the vast resources of the Goodwin empire were her only real hope for a cure.


    "Eleanor, do you want to hear the truth about what happened back then?"n''s gaze remained fixed on her, seeing her lost in memories, struggling. It was clear she was still troubled by many things and desperate for answers.


    Eleanor looked into his eyes, which reflected her own pale face and an earnestness she hadn''t seen in a long time.


    "What truth?" she asked softly, biting her lip.


    "The truth about our marriage,"n said. "When you confessed to me, I actually had no intention of marrying you. I told your father as much. I couldn''t make you happy. I had too much to do, too many


    responsibilities to bear. I wasn''t cut out to be a husband."


    Her expression darkened. So that exined his silence after her confession.


    "Then why did you agreeter?" Eleanor swallowed hard. She remembered that day she was packing her bags to leave, and he had stood in the doorway and told her, clear as day, "Let''s get married."


    "I believe that even though we didn''t speak much that summer, we both had a secret


    crush on each other. That much was real,"n said suddenly.


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat, the words pulling her back to that secret


    summer.


    They would be in the hospital''s library corner. They barely spoke, at most nodding in greeting. That silent attention he paid her was the most private secret of her teenage years.


    A secret she thought only she knew.


    that I found out you were Mr.


    Sutton''s daughter. You probably


    don''t know this, but I had a crush on you that entire summer."


    Eleanor opened her mouth, but she didn''t know what to say.

 Chapter 1378

    "I wish you had," Eleanor said bitterly, looking away.


    Eleanor''s gaze returned to him. "And you¡ª"


    "I agreed,"n sighed. "I agreed to invest ten billion dors to build ab, both to help your father finish his research and to create the conditions for my mother''s future hematology studies."


    He looked down, ovee with guilt and self-reproach. "But I never expected your father to work himself to the bone. I underestimated his drive. If we''re talking about responsibility, I can''t escape my share."


    "It''s not your fault," Eleanor quickly replied. She knew that even if he hadn''t provided the resources, her father would have found another way, one that would have been harder, more urgent, and would have made him even more anxious.


    The air in the room seemed to freeze. Eleanor finally understood that her marriage had been part of her father''s n, a silent entrustment of his legacy.


    "But in the end, I failed your father''s trust, and I hurt you. I couldn''t give you a happy marriage. I thought I could shield you from the storm, but I ended up being the one who hurt you the most."


    Eleanor''s breathing hitched. So many things were starting to make sense.


    From the beginning, her father had appealed to him, using his feelings for her to pull him into the n to save her life.


    "Your father never wanted us to have children right away, but... Evelyn''s arrival was a surprise to both of us,"n said with a sigh.


    Eleanor remembered it, too. When she told her father the good news, he hadn''t seemed overjoyed. She''d chalked it up to his reserved nature and hadn''t thought much of it.


    It turned out he was worried his granddaughter might inherit her grandmother''s leukemia.


    Her heart clenched painfully. Although she had already developed the drug for leukemia, the thought that her daughter would face this additional challenge still made her tense up.


    Pain and helplessness shed in


    father ced in me and betrayed the love you gave me. I let my own arrogance blind mes... and m the


    end, I lost everything that mattered."


    Eleanor looked at the man kneeling before her. He was looking up at her, baring the thoughts he could never speak aloud.


    The scene from that day was still vivid in her mind. Vanessa had been so suren would save her, most likely because she knew about.


    Gina''s hereditary condition.


    saving her wasn''t because she was was special, but because in the heat of the moment, she gambled that he would choose her.


    Eleanor''s hatred at that time had been immense.


    But now, all of those emotions had vanished.


    She looked at him, this titan of industry, who now appeared weary and wounded before her. He might not have been a perfect husband, and he had put her through a painful marriage.


    But he had supported her father''s research unconditionally, protected her, and ensured their daughter''s well-being. He had even protected the lives of others, like Marilyn and her descendants.


    She remembered that the first fund his pharmaceuticalpany established was a five-billion-dor donation to leukemia charities. He''d kept hispany private to prevent its core research from being made public, preserving medical resources for the country.


    He joined the Neural Interface Project and gave the core technology to the military, keeping only the civilian applications. All of this showed he was a man of great foresight and integrity.


    In the face of his aplishments, no one could truly me him for anything.


    He was a man, not a god. And men make mistakes, men have emotions.

 Chapter 1379

    Love and responsibility, calction and protection¡ªall these contradictions manifested in this one man.


    Their marriage had been entangled with too manyplex factors from the start, burdened with too much weight. How could it ever have blossomed perfectly?


    Now, their intertwined fates, like a tangled mess of thread, were finally being unraveled, one strand at a time.


    "So, the ultimate reason you poured money into leukemia research... was to save me?" Eleanor''s eyes suddenly reddened, tears welling up.


    "You saved yourself," he said in a low voice. "Without your talent, it wouldn''t have mattered how much money I invested."


    A torrent of emotions washed over Eleanor. She noticed his disheveled, graying hair, which seemed to silently narrate the pressures he had faced over the years.


    Slowly, she raised her hand, her fingertips trembling slightly, and gently smoothed his hair.


    At that moment, the man let down all his guards, his expression softening


    n," Eleanor took a deep breath, as if mustering all her strength. "Thank you."


    It was the only thing she could think to say to him.


    But this wasn''t a casual thanks.


    It was a thank you for giving her father theb and easing his worries, a thank you for marrying her to save her, and a thank you for silently protecting her and the promise he had made to her father all these years.


    She knew that keeping the document a secret must have been her father''s idea, andn was merely its guardian.


    "Do you still hate me?"n looked up, his eyes slightly red. He had never shown such a vulnerable expression to her before.


    Eleanor felt a lump in her throat for a few seconds. Then, in a soft but clear voice, she said, "No. I don''t hate you anymore."


    The simple reply was like a pardon, and a massive weight lifted fromn''s heart.


    "Then... are we¡ª" His throat tightened, his voice turning raspy. A nearly desperate hope flickered in the depths of his eyes.


    Eleanor knew what he wanted to ask. She stood up and offered him a hand.


    feet. His legs were a bit numb from kneeling for so for so long but he quickly.


    found his bnce, his eyes locked on her.


    He was waiting for the answer to his unspoken question.


    Eleanor turned to the window, her back to him. "You should go back first. I have two


    more days of meetings and some data to organize."


    "I''ll wait and we''ll go back together. Evelyn and Serena will be fine,"n said, his tone low and resolute.


    He didn''t press her for an answer. Whatever she decided, his own answer had been the same all along.


    He picked up his suit jacket from the


    sofa. "Get some rest. Don''t overthink things. If you have any more


    questions you cane some


    anytime.


    Asn walked toward the door, his steps were noticeably lighter.


    The door clicked shut.


    The world outside the window


    was


    of


    pitch ck. Eleanor felt an exhaustion that was close to copse, but deep inside, ice was quietly beginning to melt.

 Chapter 1380

    Tomorrow was the final day of the conference. Eleanor took a shower. In the quiet of the night, memories yed through her mind like a slideshow.


    Many things she couldn''t understand back then were crystal clear now. When she had confessed her feelings ton, she had only intended to tell him she loved him, not to pressure him into an immediate marriage. Butn had insisted.


    She remembered going to her father like a child who had done something wrong. She had summoned all her courage to tell him, expecting a stern lecture. She knew how high his expectations for her were, how much he wanted her to be like him.


    But after listening, her father was silent for a moment before simply telling her to think it through, that he wouldn''t interfere with her decisions.


    She told her father she had made up her mind. Three monthster, she andn had a grand wedding. Gina hadn''t been pleased with her as a daughter-inw; it was Grandma Magdalen Goodwin who had arranged everything.


    Eleanor understood Gina''s perspective. After all, what kind of future could a girl who dropped out of school to marry her son possibly have? All parents want the best for their children.


    Gina''ster favoritism toward Vanessa was an aftereffect of her dissatisfaction with their marriage.


    On her wedding day, her father had asked her if she would regret it. Eleanor remembered her happy reply, that she would have no regrets.


    Later, her father spoke to her privately, urging her not to give up on medicine even after getting married. With her extraordinary talent and perseverance, the married Eleanor managed toplete her university studies independently. And whenevern went abroad, which was every six months, she would join York Windsor''sb, bing an outstanding researcher and a member of the confidential Neural Interface Project Team.


    Thinking back, her father''s words¡ª*don''t give up on medicine even after you''re married*¡ªweren''t just about his personal hopes for her, but a part of a muchrger


    n.


    Perhaps her father had wanted her to be strong, to master cutting-edge medical knowledge, so she could ultimately save herself.


    And she had done it.


    The path had been winding and difficult, but in the end, she had sessfullypleted her father''s ''Project Dawn.''


    Eleanor curled into herself. She did resent her father for hiding so much from her, but at that time, as a young mother who had given up her studies, she couldn''t have handled the truth. She might not have even been able to care for her daughter properly, let alone finish her education and build a career.


    She would have panicked. Her life would have been a mess.


    She might have been crushed by fear, losing the courage and direction to move forward.


    Her father chose silence, chose to


    bear the burden alone, allowing her to grow under the protection of ignorance. He let her finish her studies, find her footing, and build her strength just like when she was a child, he made sure she could stand steadily before he taught her to walk.


    For the first three years, their marriage was happy. Their daughter was adorable, and they were as in love as ever.


    Everything started to change whenn began taking their daughter abroad frequently, and they would both return smelling of Vanessa''s perfume.


    Now, of course, Eleanor knew the


    real reason for those trips: Dr. Smith was screening the Goodwin family for the hereditary 1


    and Gind


    wanted to see her granddaughter.n had found excuses to keep her at home while Vanessa was at Drexford.


    Eleanor had been considerate enough not to go abroad and make things awkward.


    On the daysn and their daughter were away, she would go to the Montirb,


    returning just before they came back.


    Wait a minute.


    A thought suddenly struck Eleanor.


    was at Montir. Had he truly suspected something between them?


    The thought made her heart sink, and aplex wave of emotions washed over


    her.

 Chapter 1381

    She had indeed met with Joel privately in Montir, and they had gotten along well. They also kept in touch online; back then, Joel was the only man she could confide


    in.


    She remembered one time she missed her flight, andn Goodwin had returned home with their daughter without her. She exined that a trip with a friend to a nearby town had dyed her. When she got home,n''s expression was grim. He sat silently on the sofa, a heavy atmosphere surrounding him.


    Eleanor Sutton bit her lip. Ian was a proud man who kept his thoughts to himself.


    She had consulted a therapist who told her that emotionally unavable men often develop emotional deficits, rendering them unable to share joy or sorrow. In intimate rtionships, this manifests as coldness or distance.


    This often makes their partner feel neglected or unvalued.


    For instance, she''d buy matching sses, armbands, and couple''s mugs, create a photo wall, and cuddle up in his arms to watch movies on weekends.


    Back then,n was busy and, as always, a man of few words. He would silently bring gifts home and give her a generous allowance every month, always on time. Eleanor had never been a big spender. No matter how much he gave her, she only bought necessities, living a low-key life. Sometimes she would evenin that he gave her too much, worried that having so much money in her ount was a risk.


    Son started depositing money into her ount on a fixed schedule, but Eleanor always had more than she could ever spend.


    But this wasn''t a good thing, at least not for the people close to him. A man who was emotionally stable but didn''t know how to love was a form of torture.


    Eleanor knew about his difficult teenage years, which helped here to terms with


    it.


    He had endured suffering beyond his years: the blow of his father''s death, his mother''s illness, and his own car ident, all while having to take over a corporate empire. He had no one to fall back on; he had carry everything himself.


    He had honed his ability to solve any problem, a mind that weighed every pro and con, and the shrewdness to dominate the business world.


    Everything around him forced him to operate with absolute rationality and control.


    Over time, he became then everyone saw: powerful, calm, and invincible.


    When Vanessa Shannon''s smokescreen appeared, Eleanor withdrew her own passion and love Her unconditional warmth was no Longerhus The silent treatment and emotional numbness were often her own doing. When she began to suspect he was cheating Eleanor quickly retracted her feelings and closed her heart to him.


    With such internal and external pressures, how could their marriage have had any warmth?


    One person didn''t know how to love, and the other no longer wanted to. Divorce was the best oue.


    They were too young back then. Their first instinct during a misunderstanding was to turn their backs on each other.


    During that time, Eleanor had indeed talked a lot with Joel about marriage and medicine. Joel was like a caring older brother,forting her and warming a heart that had grown disillusioned with marriage. But what connected them most was their shared passion and rapport in the medical field.


    Joel was the first to support many of Eleanor''s theories. They constantly discussed and debated. The professional synergy she and Joel had shared for the past three years was built on the foundation theyid back then.


    Perhaps she was also at fault in the marriage.


    Eleanor curled up. She was so tired, and before she knew it, she drifted into sleep.

 Chapter 1382

    The next morning, the rm on the nightstand red, jolting Eleanor awake. The blinding re of the sun forced her to squint, and she raised a hand to shield her


    eyes.


    The feeling of summer drifted in from outside the window. Eleanor nced at the time. Though she was sleep-deprived, she had to get up and finish thest of her program.


    Eleanor rose and walked to the mirror. The woman reflected back had swollen eyes with dark circles, but her gaze was clear, no longer clouded by confusion.


    Eleanor smoothed her hair and changed into a smart suit.


    The past couldn''t be changed, but the future was long. At least now, she had the courage to face it all.


    Eleanor picked up herptop bag. After sorting out her feelings overnight, she decided to face everything head-on.


    There was always a solution to every problem.


    Just as Eleanor opened her door, she sawn leaning against the opposite wall in the hallway. With one hand in his pocket, he asked, "Want to get some breakfast together?"


    Eleanor was nning to grab a bite downstairs before leaving anyway. She nodded. "Okay, let''s go."


    They walked side-by-side to the elevator. The hotel was quiet in the early morning. It was just the two of them in the elevator, and the faint scent ofn''s cologne hung in the air.


    "Did you sleep well?"n broke the silence.


    "I did," Eleanor nodded, adding, "I''ve figured some things out."


    They arrived at the restaurant, a circr space with floor-to-ceiling ss windows, filled with the warm, golden light of the morning.


    After getting their food from the buffet, they sat down at a table by the window.


    Eleanor took a sip of her coffee and looked at him. "Last night, thank you for telling me about my dad."


    Eleanor shook her head. "It doesn''t matter anymore." She looked up atn''s bloodshot eyes. "I don''t me you. Between us, it wasn''t about who was right or wrong."


    Eleanor looked up. "Did you ever read my old chats with Joel?"


    "Did you think I was cheating back then?" Eleanor asked directly.


    Ian thought for a moment before answering honestly, "I suspected it."


    "If you read our conversations, you should have known we mostly talked about medicine," Eleanor said, her gaze dropping.


    Eleanor was taken aback. "Why would you think that?"


    throat tightened. "Eleanor, do you


    know? I could give you the most I


    give


    Eleanor''s eyes widened slightly.


    expression, while I... I could only


    stand on the sidelines and watch


    He added with a bitter smile, it''s stil


    the same even now."


    "So, when you saw those chat logs back then, you just assumed..." Eleanor bit her


    lip.


    "I didn''t think you were cheating,"n interrupted her hastily, struggling to describe


    what he had felt. "I was just..."


    He paused, then let out a rare,


    ene


    self-deprecatingugh. "I was just jealous of a man who could the depths of your soul. I was jealous of the unspoken


    understanding you and Joel shared. That feeling made me believe I could never truly have you. A part of your soul was opening up enthusiastically to another man, and I was- I was powerless."

 Chapter 1383

    Eleanor was stunned and didn''t know what to say.


    "I''m sorry. My reaction back then was intense, and my actions were foolish,"n said with a bitter smile.


    "You used Vanessa to provoke me?" Eleanor looked at him. "Why didn''t you just ask me?"


    Eleanor suddenly smiled too. "You wouldn''t have. Because I wouldn''t have either."


    She wouldn''t have confronted him about his real rtionship with Vanessa. She would have just spected and imagined things, constantly denying her own feelings and tormenting herself until she finally chose to end it all.


    He agreed.


    Back then, they were both afraid that asking the question would lead to an answer that would shatter thempletely.


    "Thankfully, we still have a chance to sit here and calmly talk about the past, and it gives me a chance to reflect on my foolishness."


    Eleanor was taken aback again, then she smiled as well. It was true. Who would have thought they could sit together so peacefully, taking stock of the mistakes they''d made?


    "You know, that day Henry Holt invited Joel to his private party, I thought he was there for you,"n said.


    Eleanor remembered. That was the dayn had warned her to be mindful of her status and had taken a drink for Vanessa during a game. And if she recalled correctly, she and Joel had been chatting quite animatedly together.


    Just then, Eleanor thought of something and nced at the time. She shot up from her seat. "I''m going to bete for my conference!"


    Eleanor scrambled to grab herptop bag and phone like a tardy student and tossed a hurried sentence at him, "I have to go!"


    As he smiled, his expression deepened, but in the end, he couldn''t suppress the curve of his lips.


    Eleanor was anything but rxed. It was a considerable distance from the hotel to the university conference room, and she had to walk.


    She broke into a light jog, her mind filled with the awkwardness and anxiety of beingte, just like her student days.


    After a brisk run, Eleanor finally


    arrived at the conference room, out of breath. She hurried to an empty


    seat managing not to disturb the presenter who was already on stage.


    Eleanor took a few deep breaths. Just as she took out her notebook, her phone


    buzzed. She quickly silenced it.


    She saw a message fromn: [Don''t worry. It''s okay if you''rete.]


    Eleanor quickly replied: [Made it.]


    Putting her phone away, she adjusted her posture and focused on the speaker, her thoughts quickly returning to the academic discussion.


    Fifteen minutester, it was her turn to give the closing remarks. There was no trace of nervousness on her


    face as she gave a brief summary of the exchange program.


    After the conference, the organizers announced a farewell dinner for that evening in the university auditorium. Attendees were wee to bring friends to rx and say ther


    goodbyes.


    "El, you have toe!" a female colleague said, grasping Eleanor''s hand in a warm invitation.


    Eleanor smiled and nodded. "Okay, I''ll definitely be there."


    "Are you bringing a friend?"


    Eleanor thought for a moment and nodded. "I''ll invite a friend."


    "We''re all bringing a bunch of friends. The more, the merrier!"


    As Eleanor walked out of the conference room, lost in thought, a low voice came


    from behind her. "What are you thinking about?"


    Eleanor turned. The summer sun was a bit blinding. Ian stood behind her.


    "Are you free tonight?" Eleanor asked, squinting. "There''s a farewell dinner, and we


    can invite friends. If you''re avable¡ª"


    "I am,"n answered before she could finish.

 Chapter 1384

    The crisp, decisive answer made Eleanor swallow the rest of her words. She looked at the man standing against the light.


    He was wearing a casual zer, which softened the sharp edge he had in business settings, giving him a more rxed and easygoing air. But hisposed presence remained.


    "Well... I''ll see youter then. I''m going back to the hotel to rest," Eleanor said.


    "Let''s get something to eat first,"n said in a low voice. He hade to pick her up.


    The conference was over, and Eleanor felt a wave of relief wash over her. She nodded. "Okay."


    They walked along a tree-lined path on campus. The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. In the distance,


    groundskeepers were mowing thewn, and the scent of fresh-cut grass drifted


    over.


    Eleanor took a deep breath, watching the students hurry by with books in their arms. She couldn''t help but think of her own student days and smiled to herself. "Thinking about your university days?"n nced at her, guessing her thoughts. Eleanor nodded. "Yeah. I used to be just like them, always in a rush."


    "Do


    you


    I miss it?"n asked.


    Eleanor thought for a moment and nodded. "I do. Life was so carefree and full of energy back then."


    They didn''t talk much, but the atmosphere was peaceful and natural for both of them.


    Eleanor looked up, surprised. "How do you know about that?"


    The concept he''d mentioned was from a paper recently published in a medical journal, one she had just read herself.


    Some of what''s said in your


    meetings and reports."


    Pet


    Eleanor thought back to when she had to give him weekly reports on the leukemia project. He had seemed like he didn''t understand, but the questions he''d asked had been quite sharp.


    Eleanor paused, her fork hovering over her steak. She looked up. "I thought you weren''t interested in any of that. Could you even understand it?"


    Eleanor couldn''t help but say, "The medical field can be dry and difficult for ayperson. You don''t have to waste your time on it next time."


    Eleanor didn''t press the issue. They ate infortable silence. Compared to before, it felt like something between them was gradually changing.


    After dinner, they walked back to the hotel. The dinner was at eight, and Eleanor needed to change into a dress.


    Walking the streets of this unfamiliar city, a sense of ease washed over her. The setting sun stretched their shadows long, making them almost ovep.


    "It starts at eight tonight, in the auditorium," Eleanor said, checking the time. "Let''s get some rest."


    "Okay. I''ll meet you in the lobby at seven-thirty,"n said. Eleanor nodded.


    Back in her room, Eleanor took a shower to wash away her fatigue. She opened her suitcase to choose a dress for the evening. She hadn''t packed much besides her daily suits, there was only one blue dress. It was knee-length, with a tasteful cut, a very proper and conventional choice.

 Chapter 1385

    Eleanor put on the dress and took a pair of simple pearl earrings from her small makeup bag. Her long hair fell naturally over her shoulders. It was an academic dinner, so looking neat and appropriate was all that mattered.


    At seven-thirty sharp, Eleanor went downstairs. Ian was already waiting in the lobby.


    He had changed into a dark blue suit, worn without a tie. The cor of his white shirt was slightly open, giving him a look that was both casual andposed.


    When he saw Eleanor, a sh of admiration crossed his deep eyes.


    He watched the woman walk toward him with a natural stride.


    It felt like a century.


    She used to bound toward him, full of vibrant energy, whether joyful, gentle, or shy. After the divorce, she became cold, distant, and deliberately avoided him. Talented men had started to appear by her side. She could smile brightly at anyone else, but he was the one she always ignored.


    Now, under the lights, Eleanor approached gracefully, the light blue fabric of her dress swaying gently with each step.


    Her long, dark hair cascaded gently down her back. She wore light makeup, looking elegant and gentle, her eyes as clear and bright as ever.


    As she walked toward him now, her gaze was calm and open, as if the years of misunderstanding and distance had truly melted away.


    It was as if they had returned to a starting point-a ce where they could begin again.


    The elevator had taken a while, so Eleanor asked, "Have you been waiting long?"


    "No, I just got here,"n said, his voice natural as he suppressed the wave of emotion inside him. "That''s a beautiful dress."


    "Thank you." Eleanor''s gaze also fell on him. "Your suit is perfect for the dinner too."


    With his build and presence, everything in his wardrobe was custom-tailored. Even


    a casually chosen outfit looked elegant on him.


    "Let''s go," Eleanor said to him, heading toward the hotel entrance first.


    With a long stride,n fell into step beside her. They crossed the street and walked onto the campus, which wasnow bathed in the evening twilight.


    The cool summer night breeze swept over them, chasing away thest of the day''s heat.


    The auditorium was already brightly lit, and the faint sounds of music andughter drifted from it, promising a lively evening.


    When they arrived, they found more than twenty people already there-a mix of young people and middle-aged academics. Soft lighting, smooth jazz, and the aroma af red wine filled the air Tonight, schrs from around the world ha? shed their serious daytime personas to enjoy a night of fun and conversation with friends and family.


    "El, you''re here!" a female academic greeted her. She then looked atn beside her


    in surprise and gave a knowing smile. "Boyfriend?"


    Eleanor had told her she was divorced, so the assumption wasn''t surprising.


    Just as Eleanor was about to exin,n spoke up with a slight smile. "A friend, and also her business partner."


    He skillfully defined their rtionship, which eased Eleanor''s awkwardness.


    The woman said an understanding, "Oh," but her smile remained enthusiastic. "Well, whatever the rtionship, you two look really great together!"


    It was a sincerepliment, and Eleanor didn''t want to seem ungracious. She smiled and made the introductions. "This is Mr.


    Goodwin." Then, ton Made


    she said,


    "This is E from costaverde neurology specialist."

 Chapter 1386

    She led them to a group of people, and after another round of introductions, everyone began chatting animatedly about medical matters. Ian listened from the side, asionally sipping his champagne, but his gaze was mostly fixed on Eleanor.


    In the past, he had always stood by her side as an investor, listening to her talk with others. But tonight, he was here as a true friend, and the feeling was entirely different.


    Eleanor was listening to E recount a funny story about an experiment and had just burst outughing when her eyes inadvertently met a pair of deep ones.


    It wasn.


    He had turned his head to look at her, his gaze particrly intense under the lights.


    Eleanor quickly averted her eyes, looking down and taking a sip of champagne. Suddenly, E suggested, "There''s going to be a dance in a little while! El, don''t forget to ask Mr. Goodwin for a dance."


    "I''m not a good dancer," Eleanor said, shaking her head with a smile.


    "It''s easy. I''m sure Mr. Goodwin knows how. He can teach you," E said enthusiastically.


    Just as she finished speaking, the mellow jazz music switched to a waltz, and the lights dimmed, creating a romantic atmosphere.


    E immediately embraced her partner, not forgetting to give Eleanor a wink. "Don''t be shy, El!"


    Eleanor smiled as she watched them step onto the dance floor. Soon, nearly everyone, all of whom hade with partners, happily joined them.


    As Eleanor watched, she sawn put down his ss and walk toward her.


    Her heart fluttered with nervousness, and she turned her face away slightly.


    "Eleanor,"n called softly. "May I have this dance?"


    Eleanor looked at the hand extended to her, then up inton''s focused gaze.


    The refusal on the tip of her tongue never came out.


    She took a quiet, deep breath, lifted her hand, and ced it in his.


    "I don''t really know how," she whispered. "I might step on your feet."


    Then, with a gentlemanly touch, his other hand rested lightly on her slender waist. He didn''t pull her into an overly intimate embrace, instead maintaining the proper distance of a dance partner. At that moment, he was just that¡ªa partner. Through the thin fabric of her dress, Eleanor could still feel the warmth of his palm. Under his guidance, she awkwardly made her way onto the dance floor.


    He had actually taught her before, a long time ago, before their daughter was born. He had taken her to a few gs, and he had been the one to teach her the steps.


    As she''d predicted, Eleanor couldn''t help but step on his foot. Ian just chuckled encouragingly. "It''s okay."


    Soon, Eleanor began to find the rhythm, and their movements became more synchronized.


    The lights were dim and hazy, surrounded by swirling skirts and low murmurs ofughter. Guided byn, Eleanor gradually rxed, following him as he spun and moved.


    How long had it been since he was this close to her? Close enough to catch her scent, to see the fine hairs


    on her skin under the light,


    tofeel


    her warmth and breath.


    Beneath his thickshes,n concealed a torrent of emotions.


    It was the greed thates from having lost something and gotten it back.


    It was the unconscious tightening of his grip.


    It was the fear that she might vanish in the next second.

 Chapter 1387

    It was the deep-seated, never-fading desire for her.


    Finally, the song ended. "I''d like to get some fresh air," Eleanor said to him.


    The view outside the hall was lovely, with a man-madeke shimmering under the moonlight.


    Eleanor sat on a bench by theke, andn stood quietly beside her, both enjoying the evening scenery.


    Eleanor thought of something and looked up to ask, "Would it be possible to invite Mr. Dewitt to dinner tomorrow?"


    "Once I return home, I''ll be starting my research. I''d like to personally thank him for investing in my project," Eleanor said sincerely.


    But in the end, he just said in a low voice, "Alright, I''ll extend the invitation for you." Eleanor looked up and thanked him.


    By the time they returned to the hall, the dance was over. E''s group was still drinking, and Eleanor andn were pulled over to join them. This time, it was red wine. After a round of toasts, Eleanor found herself on her second ss.


    "El, you''re an incredible person. You were the first to seed with the Neural Interface Project, and you developed the cure for the spherical virus. It''s amazing. I toast to you," a middle-aged schr said, his expression full of admiration. Eleanor smiled and clinked her ss with his. In academia, results spoke for themselves, and there was no doubt that Eleanor was a powerhouse in this room.


    Even though she was modest and unassuming, her achievements were undeniable and had already earned her the respect of her peers.


    After two sses of red wine, Eleanor''s cheeks were flushed, and her eyes held a tipsy ze, making her seem even moreTnd. radiant.


    Atst, at nine o''clock, the event came to an end. E came over to say goodbye to Eleanor before leaving with her friends.


    Eleanor andn also began walking out of the campus.


    "Are you feeling dizzy?"n asked, knowing her tolerance for alcohol was limited.


    Eleanor shook her head. Though she was a little drunk, she felt unusually lighthearted. "I''m okay."


    But he was careful not to show it too much, afraid of scaring her off.


    When they finally reached the hotel, the bright lights made Eleanor''s


    .n


    cheeks appear even redda


    after


    the Walk Her eyes were misty with


    Hereye''s


    a hint of alluring charm.


    As they stepped into the elevator, two strangers stared openly at Eleanor, their gazes brazenly appreciative.


    Eleanor understood why he did it. She pressed herself against the elevator wall, her eyes downcast.


    Finally, they reached their floor. Ian gestured with his arm, and Eleanor stepped out first.


    At the door to her room, she spoke first. "Let''s just go back to our own rooms and rest."


    Listening


    her voice, soft and


    warm from the alcohol,n


    Wallowed hard. Is gaze lingered


    on her, thick with emotion.


    "Goodnight."

 Chapter 1388

    The next morning, Eleanor received a text fromn: [Mr. Dewitt is out of town on business, not in Montir. The flight back has been changed to tomorrow. We can take another day off today.]


    Eleanor was a bit surprised, but considering Mr. Dewitt''s status, he was surely a busy man. Getting dinner with him would require an appointment well in advance.


    She replied: [Okay, thank you.]


    [Let''s get breakfast together. I''m at your door.]


    Eleanor was about to head down for breakfast anyway. She opened the door, andn was indeed in the hallway.


    She had changed intofortable, casual clothes. With no makeup and her long hair tied in a low ponytail, she looked more fresh and rxed than she had the night before.


    She had been drinkingst night, and he was worried she might have a hangover. "Fine," Eleanor nodded. The alcohol had actually helped her sleep better.


    During breakfast,n brought up the day''s ns. "Would you like to go out? There are a few good museums and art galleries nearby. Or, we could go to the beach. It''s not far from here."


    Eleanor thought for a moment. After several days of intense conferences, she was still quite tired. "Let''s go to the beach," she said. She loved the vastness of the


    ocean.


    "Alright. After we check out, I''ll arrange for a car. We can stay at a hotel by the sea tonight," Ian said with a smile in his eyes.


    After breakfast, they set off. About half an hourter, a stretch of azure coastline appeared before them. The beach wasn''t crowded; it was a rtively private area.


    After checking into the hotel, Eleanor went down to the beach. The sun was perfect, the sky a brilliant, cloudless blue that met the sea on the horizon. Eleanor kicked off her shoes and walked barefoot on the soft sand, feeling the cool touch of the water. A smile spread across her face involuntarily.


    As Eleanor walked, she suddenly bent down and picked up a beautiful, smooth shell that had been polished by the waves, holding it up to the sunlight.


    "Let me see,"n said, walking over to her.


    Eleanor handed him the shell and then ran back to y in the surf.


    Eleanor continued to y on the fine sand, her mood more rxed and peaceful than it had been in a long time. It felt as if all her worries had been temporarily absorbed and diluted by the boundless ocean.


    It had been so long since she''d felt this rxed¡ªa rxation that permeated her heart, body, and mind. Here, she didn''t need to think about heavy matters, only to feel the sand and water beneath her feet.


    Today,n was also dressed


    casually in a white linen shirt and light-colored pants, which gave him an air of gentle elegance. The sea breeze tousted his hair and his


    expression was also one


    of rare tranquility and rxation.


    The person he had schemed so hard to win back was right here, just a few steps away-within sight, within reach. He no longer needed to be a precisely calibrated machine suppressing his emotions and calcting every move. He only


    needed to learn how to express


    himself, how to get closer.


    He believed that, sooner orter, he would win her back.


    They found a beachside caf¨¦ where they could sip their drinks, listen to the waves crashing against the rocks, and enjoy the cool shade of an umbre. It was incredibly refreshing.


    With a ss of iced juice in her hand, Eleanor leaned back quietly in her chair. Ian held a bottle of cold beer. This was the first quiet moment the two had shared since their divorce.


    In the distance, sunlight glittered on the water''s surface, and the sea breeze rustled their hair and clothes.


    It was as if the shadows of the past were slowly dissipating in the vastness of the sea and sky. The future, like the endless ocean and clear sky before them, might have its storms, but they now knew how to face them.

 Chapter 1389

    They returned to the hotel for lunch, and in the afternoon, they rested. Eleanor had a video call with her daughter.


    The little girl missed her terribly. Eleanor told her they would see each other the morning after next, which finally cheered her up.


    For dinner,n invited Eleanor to the restaurant on the top floor. She didn''t refuse. It was a seafood restaurant that served exquisite dishes. In the distance, the light from a lighthouse shone like a beacon in the darkness, guiding lost people toward the right path.


    Halfway through dinner,n''s gaze on Eleanor deepened, and his tone became more serious. "About Vanessa¡ªI need to bepletely honest with you. When we get back, I will give you everything about what happened between her and me back then, including all records of our interactions. I will hide absolutely nothing."


    Eleanor was taken aback. She shook her head. "That''s not necessary. I know there was nothing between you two."


    After everything that had happened, she knew exactly what kind of person Vanessa


    was.


    A scheming woman who used every opportunity to create misunderstandings and discord. The so-called ''evidence'' and ''ambiguity'' of the past were nothing more than smoke and mirrors thrown up by Vanessa. Eleanor had figured that out long ago.


    "I don''t need to see any records, and I don''t want to think about unpleasant things. It would be a waste of both our time," Eleanor said rationally.


    As she finished speaking, arge hand covered hers on the table. Eleanor looked up at him again, meeting a pair of candid, deep eyes. "No. I want us to have the same information. I don''t want any more misunderstandings or barriers between us."


    Eleanor froze, trying to pull her hand back. "There''s no need. It''s pointless to rehash the past-"


    Eleanor felt the strength in his hand, not forceful but conveying an unyielding insistence. She met his incredibly serious, almost stubborn gaze and paused.


    "Eleanor,"n''s voice dropped lower. "Over the past few years, the biggest problem between us has been the asymmetry of information, mutual suspicion, and keeping things from each other. I don''t want the same thing to happen again. Vanessa ista thorn in our side. Even if you say you believe nothing happened between us, the situation did hurt you."


    He looked at her intently. "I don''t want our future to be built on a


    foundation that could be ruined by dredging up the past. I want a clean, clear resolution to this matter. As for tomorrow, or the future, our c rtionship status doo


    sn''t matter


    The mistakes I''ve made, the ways I neglected and hurt you-I will tell you everything, exactly as it


    happened. This isn''t a waste of my


    time. This is my redemption and my responsibility to you."


    Eleanor waspletely stunned.


    Looking at the man before her, she felt an unprecedented sense of solemnity and sincerity.


    "I''m not asking for your forgiveness, nor am I making excuses for my past. I just hope that we can rebuild


    a foundation of trust between us


    Eleanor was silent for a moment, feeling the firm pressure of his palm. She let him hold her hand and gave a slight nod. "Okay."


    Her answer made the sharp lines of his brows soften into a curve, as if stars had suddenly lit up in his dark eyes.


    "Thank you," he said hoarsely. A thousand words were ultimately distilled into those two.

 Chapter 1390

    "I''ll be very busy once I''m back home. If you''re going to tell me, you should do it tonight. I might not have timeter," Eleanor added suddenly.


    Right. He was looking at a major figure in the medical world. Her time was going to be incredibly valuable from now on.


    He nodded. "Alright. We can talk back in your room."


    Eleanor''s eyes flickered. "Let''s take a walk on the beach first."


    Eleanor smiled, too, looking out the window at the sea. "You''re the one who thinks that. I certainly don''t."


    After dinner, it was only around seven-thirty. The private beach was even more quiet and serene. They walked along the long shoreline.


    "Where do you want to start?" Eleanor turned to look at him. Since he was going to talk, she would listen properly.


    "Let''s start from when I first met you,"n began slowly. "Did you know? That summer, because of our meetings in the hospital library, my studies were aplete mess."


    Eleanor couldn''t help but feel a little flustered. That summer, she hadn''t absorbed a single thing from the books her father had assigned her either. Her face grew warm. "If you weren''t reading, what were you looking at?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "At you, and the pleasant time I spent just sitting there with you."


    "But we never said a word to each other," Eleanor recalled.


    "I wanted to, but I was afraid of scaring you off,"n admitted.


    Eleanor had wanted to speak too, butn''s status as the scion of a wealthy family had made her extremely shy and timid.


    Eleanor''s face grew even warmer. In the video her father had given him, the one from when he was in aa, she had told him everything.


    She hadn''t known her father would do that, so she had foolishly poured out all her thoughts to him in a one-sided conversation.


    Eleanor turned her face away. "Is it that funny?"


    "I didn''t have to think about family responsibilities, I could briefly forget about my parents'' illnesses, I didn''t have to calcte profits and losses. I could just sit there quietly, watching you, and I found it interesting."


    Back then, Eleanor was like a summer stream, flowing gently into his heart, nourishing his young and weary soul.


    Eleanor''s heart stirred. She had been young thenpletely unaware of the pressuren carried on his shoulders. All she knew was that he was always impably dressed and exuded an air of superiority that made him feel impossibly out of reach.


    over


    Smith who was an expert in hematology at a hospital in


    Drexford. He told me they couldn''t find a stem cell match for my


    mother. Later, after searching all the blood banks in Drexford, he finally found Vanessa. She was the onlypatible donor who could save my mother."


    "I signed a contract with her. I sponsored her education and supported her financially. I thought that was all she wanted. However..."n seemed reluctant to recall that period.


    It wasn''t surprising that Vanessa had fallen madly in love with him.


    Eleanor knew very well how attractiven must have been to an eighteen-year-old


    girl.


    He was young, handsome, wealthy, and possessed a mature charm beyond his years, forged by the adversity he faced.


    For someone in Vanessa''s situation,n''s appearance fulfilled all her romantic fantasies.


    "She began to be dissatisfied with a purely financial arrangement,"n''s voice sounded cold in the sea breeze. "She tried to insert herself into my life. Because she was my mother''s savior, I tolerated it as much as I could. She would fr¨¦quently visit my mother and sister, quickly earning my mother''s trust and affection. I warned her in private, but I couldn''t stop her from using various excuses and methods to get close."

 Chapter 1391

    Eleanor had seen Vanessa''s schemes and maniptions firsthand. The woman would stop at nothing to get what she wanted.


    Eleanor''s heart sank as she remembered those years-Gina Quinn''s increasingly critical and cold attitude toward her, and the undisguised affection she had shown Vanessa during Christmas of the fourth year.


    "At the time, I was pushing for a core business transformation at Goodwin & Co.,"n exined. "After my father passed, the board tried to rece me several times. If I couldn''t meet the project deadlines I''d promised them, I could be ousted at any moment. The pressure was immense, and I was spread too thin. By the time I realized what was happening, Vanessa had already deeply influenced how my mother and Serena saw you."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. "You never told me any of that."


    "I''m sorry. I tried talking to my mother about Vanessa, but I was indecisive and didn''t handle it firmly enough. That''s what allowed Vanessa to create all the problems that cameter."


    Eleanor understood his predicament. Vanessa was his mother''s only hope for survival at the time. No matter how ruthless he was, he couldn''t afford to burn that bridge. As long as Vanessa was willing to threaten her own life, he had to beg her, to cate her.


    "I wasn''t talking about that," Eleanor said softly. "I meant thepany. Why didn''t you tell me what was happening at work?"


    Eleanor fell silent. He had certainly been proud back then.


    But a sharp pang still pierced her heart. It all made sense now-why he came hometer andter those years, always looking exhausted. In a world she couldn''t see, he had been fighting a silent war, where one misstep could have cost him everything.


    She remembered seeing news a few years ago about a major shake-up on the Goodwin & Co. board. That must have been his move to save himself.


    So,n had never brought his work problems home, nor had he ever truly brought her into his world. She had been like a sheltered wife, living a carefree life, oblivious to the harsh realities he faced.


    Eleanor felt a lump in her throat, a bittersweet ache that was hard to put into words.


    She had once thoughtn kept her out of his world because he felt she wasn''t good enough that she couldn''t help, or perhaps that she wasn''t presentable enough.


    Later, she assumed it was to hide the truth about his ambiguous rtionship with Vanessa.


    But it turned out he had been fighting battles on two fronts, in ces she could


    never see.


    "So," Eleanor''s voice was a bit hoarse, "you thought that was what was best for me?"


    Locking her away in an ivory tower while he shouldered everything alone.


    They had loved each other the


    wrong way after they married. They


    had spent their entire marriage


    speaking two different


    other never needed, while the other


    craved what was never given.


    "I''m sorry, Ellie."n''s eyes grew misty. It had been so long since he''d called her by her nickname.


    "It was my arrogance and my assumptions that destroyed what we had and hurt you so deeply."


    Eleanor''s own eyes welled with


    tears. She turned away, looking elsewhere. "You don''t have to


    apologize anymore. We both made


    mistakes, and we both paid the


    price."


    Suddenly, a firm hand wrapped around her shoulder. The next second, she was


    pulled inton''s arms.


    His other arm circled her waist, holding her tight.

 Chapter 1392

    The embrace was so sudden that Eleanor didn''t have time to react, but in that moment, she didn''t resist.


    His chin rested gently on the top of her head, his arms strong and secure around her, as if he had been longing to hold her like this for a very, very long time.


    "Ellie-" His voice came from above her, filled with pain, regret, and a plea that was almost desperate. "Please, give me one more chance. A final one."


    Eleanor closed her eyes but didn''t answer. She had made peace with the past, but she had no intention of re-entering a marriage.


    At the very least, a person who had been hurt and had fallen once would always be more cautious.


    Marriage sometimes felt like shackles, and for now, Eleanor had no desire to be bound again.


    Though she now understoodn''s past and saw his remorse and his efforts to change, the wound in her heart hadn''t fully healed.


    She could let him get closer, and she didn''t mind his embrace, but that didn''t mean she was ready to entrust her entire life and emotions to him again.


    Perhaps, she thought, she didn''t need any of that for the rest of her life.


    Feeling the prolonged silence from the woman in his arms,n slowly loosened his embrace. A wave of panic washed over him, but he forced himself to remain calm.


    He knew that pushing too hard would only be counterproductive.


    All he could do now was respect her pace and prove himself with time and action, not with words and pressure.


    "I''m sorry,"n said, his voiceced with understanding and restraint. "I know now isn''t the time to talk about this. Don''t worry about it. Let''s keep walking. There''s still a lot I haven''t told you."


    Eleanor nodded and continued walking with him.


    "Vanessa''s behavior was extreme. When she asked me to sign that additional use, I refused. She called me in the middle of the night and jumped into the river right in front of me. I was terrified. Her life, at that point, was my mother''s life."


    Eleanor''s heart jolted again. Just how many times had Vanessa used such threats against him?


    And given his position at the time, there was only one thing he could do:promise, agree, and cate her with material things.


    "I jumped in and pulled her out, then called an ambnce. She contracted pneumonia from it and ended up in the ICU. She almost died. Later, when my mother''s gic condition was confirmed, I couldn''t take any more chances."


    Eleanor thought about how he had taken their daughter abroad before. He must have been getting her screened.


    "I saw her true nature then, but my hands werepletely tied. She was holding three lives hostage, which left me in a bind. I knew that if I mishandled it in the slightest, she would do something even more drastic."


    Eleanor''s chest ached with a dull pain. She could understand the impossible situation he had been in.


    "That night, I saw Xavier with you-he seemed very attentive to you."n turned to look at Eleanor, deciding not to avoid the topic any longer.


    Eleanor blinked but didn''t say anything.


    Eleanor was taken aback. She remembered that day. Xavier Vaughn''s car had pulled up beside her and given her a ride home.


    "My car was right behind Xavier''s. I watched you get in¡ª"


    "So, after the drowning incident, when Xavier saved me, you were sulking with jealousy?" Eleanor asked him. "You didn''t say a single word to me? Not even one word of concern?"


    "I''m sorry. I was aplete bastard


    that day."n''s voice was low and filled with self-loathing. "It wasn''t that I didn''t care about you-I was scared I let my emotions get the best of me. I was jealous of you and Xavier, and I was terrified you would confront me and ask why I d?ng save you first. I was hiding my mother''s illness from everyone, and I


    knew I had to hide it from you, too. I


    chose the most foolish way to


    handle it."


    Eleanor remembered his silence that night. In her state of mind back then, she had interpreted it as pure indifference.


    "After you left, drove out after you, but I saw that Xavier had beaten me to it. He was already there to pick you up.n looked up, confessing honestly, "I felt so jealous. I was the one who deserved to be damned, but that night, I was just so jealous. The next day, I heard you were sick. I wanted to take care of you, but you refused me I thought you I didn''t. didn''t need me anymore, that you had Joel Kingsley and Xavier, and that I was the only one you didn''t want."


    Eleanor''s heart tightened. He had stormed out that day, but he had still called Joslyn


    toe home and look after her.


    "Then you suddenly brought up


    ve


    divorce. My mind went nk for a long time thought about it a lot. gave you eightpanies because I didn''t want to sever our tiespletely. I put the five-year remarriage use in there to give myself a chance."n admitted it all with a hint of helplessness." thought if I just had time, if I could find a cure for my mother and you


    could cool down, we''d have a chance to start over." His voice


    became distant. "But I never


    expected you to leave so decisively. You turned around and reached the


    pinnacle of the medical world, shining brighter and brighter, surrounded by more and more outstanding people. It became harder and harder for me to get close to you. All I could do was throw money at your research to make you see me."

 Chapter 1393

    Eleanor listened quietly, a thousand emotions swirling within her. "Well, you certainly threw a lot of it."


    "If you needed it, I would have sold thepany to fund you,"n said with a smallugh.


    "Who asked you to sell yourpany to invest in me? If you lost every penny, I could never repay that kind of favor," Eleanor retorted, ncing at him.


    "Wouldn''t that be just what I want?"n''s gaze burned into her. "Then I''d bring Evelyn to you, and you''d have to take care of us while you pay me back."


    Eleanor was at a loss for words. She shot him an exasperated look, but her cheeks grew warm under his stare. "In your dreams."


    Seeing her yfully annoyed expression,n''s smile deepened. Just a few days ago, he wouldn''t have dared to hope for this kind of easy banter with her.


    "Later, I realized that throwing money at the problem wasn''t a cure-all. You were still so independent, so cold to me. So I had to shamelessly keep pestering you at work, inserting myself into every meeting you had. It didn''t matter if I understood a thing. I just had to be there. I was going to be there even if you hated me for it."


    Eleanor thought back to all those unnecessary meetings he had attended. At the time, he had put on such a profound and mysterious act, as if he knew exactly what was going on.


    "Well, you don''t have to put yourself through that anymore," Eleanor said.


    "Why? Is it because I can ask you out for a meal or coffee privately now?"n asked with a low chuckle.


    Eleanor met his gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Maybe I won''t be free."


    "Then I''ll just have to keep funding you. At least in our work, we''ll have a connection, and you won''t be able to get rid of me,"n said with a smirk.


    Eleanor looked at the lighthouse in the distance, its light shing rhythmically, as if guiding the way forward.


    n," Eleanor said softly, "let''s just turn the page on the past. We''ve both paid a price, and we''re not the same people we were back then."


    "Tired of talking about the past? Then on the way back, let''s talk about the future,"n said, his eyes fixed on her face. "There''s still a long way to go."


    Eleanor looked at him, her gaze clear and calm. "I hope we can have a rxed and respectful rtionship moving forward. We can see each other, we can talk. For Evelyn''s sake, we can be good parents. There doesn''t need to be any pressure on either of us. Do you agree?"


    Her voice was crisp and clear, showing how much she had matured in her thinking.


    What she was proposing was afortable framework for their rtionship going forward.


    Just being able to stand by her side and talk to her again was the result of so much effort. He couldn''t ask for more.


    "Then it''s settled," Eleanor said, smiling at him.


    "Settled,"n echoed with a smile of his own, one filled with a long-lost ease and genuine joy.


    "Let''s go. The tide''sing in, and it''s getting a little chilly," Eleanor said, turning to walk back toward the hotel.


    She hadn''t realized how much time


    had passed. They had been talking Dach for nearly three hours


    It was already past eleven.


    On the way back,n suddenly asked, "Do you and Mansfield Ellington... still keep


    in touch often?"


    This was the one personn had been hesitant to bring up, because he knew Mansfield was a man who had truly gotten close to Eleanor''s heart.


    He had a clear picture of where Xavier and Joel stood with her, but


    elget


    he had never been able to figure out her rtionship with Mansfield.


    Eleanor shook her head. "I just need to know that he''s healthy and safe. That''s enough."


    "No. We''re better off as friends." Eleanor looked up at the stars, each one shining brightly in its own ce in the sky.


    Just like her and Mansfield-they could shine in their own fields.


    Eleanor didn''t notice the man beside her, whose expression had softened into a gentle smile.


    "You should get some rest. We have a flight to catch tomorrow," Eleanor said.


    He was starting to look forward to life after they returned home.

 Chapter 1394

    At a vi in the suburbs of Kingston.


    Vanessa had been staying there for a week. After the online hate campaign against her died down, she had be a kept woman, living in a gilded cage.


    Harvey MacLeod had many women, and she was just one of them. He was also busy with social events, so she rarely saw him more than once or twice a week. But Vanessa was treated well, with a supplementary credit card with a ten-million-dor limit and an assistant to manage her daily life.


    Ever since she had inquired about Mansfield''s identity, Vanessa had felt even


    worse.


    While Eleanor had so many options, she had backed herself into a corner.


    Mansfield Ellington! A man from such a powerful family. Had Eleanor really not chosen him?


    If only she''d had an opportunity like that.


    Dressed in an expensive silk robe, Vanessa stood at the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing down at the beautifully manicured garden below. Mansfield''s image shed in her mind.


    They had only met a few times, but his face was deeply etched in her memory. He was an exceptionally outstanding man in every respect, a cut above the rest whether in a military uniform or a suit.


    She remembered Eleanor going to work at the base once, andn had rushed over


    in a panic. Was he worried that Mansfield would steal Eleanor away?


    The irony was that on that very day, she had forced herself to take a cold shower and gotten so sick she ended up in the ICU, all to calln back to her side.


    Thinking back, she had done so many self-destructive things. Ifn had been even a littlete, she might have actually died for him.


    And if she had died like that, it would have been utterly worthless.


    Once, she had been the darling of society, beautiful and acimed as a piano prodigy. If she had just been serious about choosing a man, she wouldn''t have ended up in this situation.


    Now, she spent her days waiting for the charity of a pot-bellied slob who had taken a liking to her.


    She had thrown her life away trying to break up Eleanor andn, only to end up like this.


    It was pathetic, and she was furious.


    Lately, she hadn''t heard any news about Eleanor. Ian had secured a major


    investment for her, establishing a dedicated personal researchb. If she


    seeded, she would stand even taller in the scientificmunity. She might even win a Nobel Prize and have a brilliant life.


    Vanessa gritted her teeth. But one thing she was sure of: Ian would never win Eleanor''s affection again.


    The more dazzling Eleanor became, the moren would be forced to watch from the sidelines. He had lost the right to love her.


    There was no chance of them ever getting back together.


    Overwhelmed by resentment, Vanessa refused to ept her fate. She would make


    aeback. She had to.


    Harvey knew people in show


    business, and she had decided to


    break into the entertainment


    industry. A major director had a role that would be perfect for her debut on the silver screen.


    High above Ashford City, a ne circled and thennded smoothly.


    Lanny carried Eleanor''s suitcase off the ne, withn''s tall frame following close behind her It was clear from his demeanor that he was


    in high spirits.


    On the drive from the airport into the city, Eleanor was feeling the jetg and rested her head against her hand, looking exhausted.


    She had only dozed on and off during the flight, which had left her feeling even more tired.


    Hearing the steady rhythm of her breathing beside him,n nced over, a trace of concern in his eyes.


    The long flight, the time difference, and the recent high-stress meetings and emotional ups and downs had clearly worn her out.


    But leaning on her hand was obviously ufortable. A momentter, her head bumped against the car window, though she didn''t wake up simply tilting her head back and continuing to sleep.


    Without hesitation, he shifted in his seat, gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and guided her to lean against him.


    In her sleep, Eleanor seemed to find a stable,fortable ce to rest, and soon she was in a much deeper sleep.


    Lanny nced in the rearview mirror and understood immediately. He slowed the car from sixty to fifty, maintaining a steady pace.


    He could tell that after this trip, the boss''s rtionship with Eleanor had warmed up considerably.


    They might have even had a real breakthrough.


    Perhaps Eleanor would be his boss''s wife again someday.


    Eleanor slept soundly. It wasn''t until the car was in the city and had stopped at several red lights that she groggily began to wake up.

 Chapter 1395

    The first thing she realized as her consciousness returned was that she was leaning on someone''s shoulder. She lifted her head abruptly and metn''s smiling eyes.


    Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly sat up straight, smoothing her messy hair. "Thanks."


    "Don''t mention it,"n said naturally. "Did you sleep well?"


    Eleanor nodded. "I did."


    "We''re heading back to Goodwin Manor for dinner now. Evelyn can''t wait to see you."


    "Okay," Eleanor replied. She missed her daughter terribly, too.


    At Goodwin Manor, when they received word thatn and Eleanor wereing back for dinner together, Gina immediately had the staff get busy. Serena Goodwin was also thrilled. Her brother had personally gone to bring Eleanor home, which clearly meant Eleanor was giving him a chance.


    In the past, Eleanor would have rather flownmercial than let him pick her up.


    At six-thirty, as the evening sky was painted with color, Eleanor andn walked into the grounds of Goodwin Manor together.


    Hearing their arrival, Evelyn Goodwin rushed out excitedly. "Daddy, Mommy!"


    She ran toward them like a happy little bird. Eleanor stepped forward first and swept her daughter into a hug. It had only been a week, but it felt like she had grown taller.


    "Mommy, did Daddye to pick you up?" Evelyn asked cheerfully.


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes."


    "See? Daddy is very good to you, isn''t he?" Evelyn said, suddenly sounding like a little grown-up.


    Eleanor was taken aback. Beside them,n crouched down with a smile. "And Mommy is very good to Daddy, too."


    Eleanor didn''t know what to say.


    "Come on. Mommy and Daddy are hungry. Let''s go inside for dinner,"n said, taking his daughter''s little hand.


    Eleanor followed them in. She had left in a hurry and hadn''t brought any gifts back.


    "Ellie, you''re here," Serena greeted her, her eyes scanning Eleanor. Ellie looked more radiant, even more beautiful. Had something happened between them abroad?


    Magdalen was in good spirits. "You''re all back." Then she turned to Eleanor with concern. "How were your studies abroad? Was it tough?"


    "Not at all. I learned a great deal," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    Gina was


    busy in the kitchen.


    Sometimes, when she faced


    Eleanor a sense of guilt would still wash over her. Even if she wanted to be good to Eleanor, she needed Eleanor to be willing to ept it.


    Otherwise, she would only be doing things that weren''t wanted.


    The dinner was uneventful. Ian didn''t make any grand gestures. His rtionship with Eleanor had just started to mend, and he didn''t want his family to put any pressure on her.


    That evening, Eleanor took her daughter home. Princess, who


    hadn''t seen her for a week, et


    her feet nonstop.n came up spendime with his daughter and Princess happily yed around his legs as well.


    Eleanor didn''t have any work to attend to today. On the sofa, Joslyn brought over a te of cut fruit and a tea set.


    Eleanor poured a cup of tea forn. "Have some tea."


    "No, I need to be at theb tomorrow. After this week, I n on taking Evelyn on a trip."


    "Not too far. There''s an ind resort in the country," Eleanor said. It was a newly developed resort she had researched, with crystal-clear waters and a private beach. "I''lle with you,"n said, his eyes pleading.


    "If you''re busy-"


    Before Eleanor could finish,n cut her off with a lightugh. "I can always make time."


    Beside them, Evelyn blinked her big eyes. "Mommy, please let Daddye with us! I want to y with him."


    Eleanor looked down, considered it for a moment, and then nodded. "Okay."


    "Yay! I get to go on a trip with Mommy and Daddy!" Evelyn shouted with joy.


    Joslyn, overhearing this, couldn''t help but smile. She felt that the dynamic between Eleanor andn had changed for the better since they returned.


    It was half-past eight, and Eleanor turned to the man on the sofa. "You must be tired, too. You should go get some rest."


    Princess escorted him to the door. Ian looked down at the dog and said in a low voice, "Princess,e with me."


    Princess immediately seemed to understand and looked back at Eleanor, waiting like a child for permission. Eleanor gave a nod. "Go on."


    Princess happily bounded out the door. After the incident where they had to search for Princess, Eleanor could see how muchn cared for the dog, so she let it go down with him.

 Chapter 1396

    Evelyn climbed into bed after her bath, obediently looking at a picture book as she waited for her mother toe and read to her.


    After her own bath, Eleanor got into bed and held her daughter in her arms. She opened the picture book and noticed Evelyn''s vocabry had grown even more. "Has someone been teaching you to readtely?" she asked, curious.


    "It was Auntie. She makes time to teach me every day, and I''ve been studying really hard!" Evelyn answered honestly.


    Eleanor''s heart warmed, and she kissed her daughter''s head. "That''s wonderful, sweetie."


    The mother and daughtery in bed, and Evelyn recounted the events of the past few days before she gradually grew sleepy and drifted off, using Eleanor''s arm as a pillow.


    Eleanor, however, wasn''t tired. She gently slipped her arm out and went to the French windows, her mind reying everything that had happened on her trip abroad.


    Her father''s reasons for getting the bedside records,n''s confession, their conversation on the beach-


    She had seen his changes, his honesty, his efforts, and his respect.


    A tangle of thoughts and emotions weighed on her chest, and she finally started to


    feel drowsy. She lifted the covers and got back into bed. Her daughter immediately snuggled closer, seeking her warmth. Eleanor looked down at her daughter''s adorable sleeping face, smiled, and kissed her before closing her eyes.


    The next morning,n came by. He was taking their daughter to the office for the day, and Eleanor knew he was doing it to give her time to go to theb.


    Evelyn was excited to go to the office, so she left with her father.


    When Eleanor arrived at theb, she found that the equipment upgrade, which had been going on for a while, was nearlyplete.


    "Eleanor, you''re here," Gwenda said, spotting her in the lobby while carrying a stack of documents.


    Eleanor greeted her. "I just got back. Thought I''de in and see how things are going."


    "The equipment in yourb is almost all reced. You''ll be able to start your research soon," Gwenda said, a hint of envy in her voice.


    At noon, Eleanor called Simone Langley. As it happened, Simone was on campus with her students for a research project, so they arranged to meet in the cafeteria for lunch.


    After they sat down, Eleanor brought up the patient, Marilyn. Simone immediately looked up. "Why are you suddenly asking about her?"


    Eleanor told her the truth about her mother''s illness before she passed away. Simone''s expression turned solemn, tinged with apology. "Ellie, I''m so sorry. I actually knew about this before you did."


    Eleanor stared at her in surprise. "Professor Langley, you knew about my mother''s condition? Does that mean you also knew my father was doing this research back then?"


    Simone shook her head. "I only found out this year, and it was a coincidence. I was reviewing cases at the hospital one day and saw your mother''s name on the list of leukemia patients. I thought it was a mistake, but I checked, and it was indeed her."


    Eleanor was stunned again. "Then why didn''t you tell me?"


    Simone sighed. "From Marilyn''s recovery, I knew you had already conquered the disease that afflicted your mother. I askedn about it, and he was the one who asked me to keep it confidential for the time being. You were busy in Dr. Smith''sb back then."


    Eleanor fell silent.


    Simone quickly added


    apologetically, "Ellie, don''t men.


    He''s done so much for your


    research. When we were tracking Marilyn''s case he came to my office personally and asked me to pay close attention to her recovery. Everything he did, he did for you."


    Eleanor pressed her lips together. "I know."


    "I figured it outater. He invested in leukemia research, and even though it was a massive financial drain, he had written nk check after nk check without a single regret. think that was also because of you" Simone had onsidered it before,n had so many other projects he could have invested in, but he chose this one. It wasn''t to make money, but to find an effective treatment to save a future Eleanor.


    He had pushed Eleanor to speed up her progress and personally oversaw every step of the project. She remembered it wasn who had


    requested she monitor Marilyn waiving at her medical fees to save her. In a way, everything he did was for personal reasons.


    Marilyn was the only patient in the country with the exact same condition as Eleanor''s mother, and the only living subject for the research.


    "Eleanor, I really hope you can sit down and have a proper talk withn. He has


    truly done so much for you behind the scenes," Simone said with a sigh.

 Chapter 1397

    "Do you remember when I didn''t select you during the initial project screening?" Simone asked with a small smile. "Ian had spoken to me beforehand, hoping my team would maintain strict hiring standards. He had already nned to hand the leukemia project to me. You earned your spot back in the group on your own merit."


    Eleanor recalled how young and headstrong she had been to make such a bet with Simone. Looking back, it was only two years ago. She smiled faintly. "I remember."


    "At the time, he didn''t know how capable you were. Later, when he saw your scores from the advanced cement exams, I think he was quite surprised. He called me privately and asked me to mentor you well," Simone said with augh. "I could tell. He might seem a bit cold, but he''s very good to you."


    Eleanor rememberedn''s confession-he had poured money into theb just to have a professional connection with her. As for profiting from her research, his own biomedicalpany hadn''t even been listed at the time.


    And his Neural Interface Project was only just starting to show results, yet the money he''d invested was already close to a hundred billion dors.


    When it came to favors, the debt between them was impossible to calcte.


    It had been incalcble from the very beginning, when he gave her father ten billion dors to build ab. He knew she might carry the mutated gene for leukemia, yet not only did he not shy away, he was willing to marry her. For that alone, the Suttons were already indebted to him.


    "Professor Langley, thank you for telling me all this," Eleanor said gratefully.


    "You''re both still so young, not even thirty yet, right? Thest time I sawn, he had a full head of white hair. I wonder if it''s from overwork," Simone remarked, a note of sympathy in her voice.


    Eleanor lowered her gaze. The nightn''s hair began to silver from the sheer stress and heartbreak was the same night she had been at Mansfield''s side-the same day she had agreed to date him.


    So his hair turned white because of her?


    Eleanor suddenly realized she was so slow to notice things. She really was oblivious.


    If the reason his hair turned white overnight was truly her, then¡ª


    Aplex, heavy ache settled in her chest.


    "Ellie, I hear you''re about to start new research. Keep it up. You can do it."


    "Thank you for the encouragement, Professor Langley. I will," Eleanor replied, her voice a little hoarse.


    "Ellie, in a rtionship, there''s no right or wrong. Misunderstandings and ack ofmunication can often lead to a breakdown. That boy,n, he''s a bit cold, but he''s loyal, values his rtionships and has a strong sense of responsibility. You two should talk, really open up to each other. Whatever the oue, at least you won''t have any regrets."


    Eleanor nodded. "I will. Thank you, Professor Langley."


    Not far away, Faye Yeaton sat on a chair. Her quality of life had clearly declined recently, and she looked haggard.


    Gwenda, carrying a tray, looked for a seat and found an empty one next to Faye. "Faye, have you been busy with worktely?"


    Faye looked up at Gwenda, who seemed unchanged. "It is what it is. It''s not like it''s a job with a future, anyway."


    Faye''s gaze drifted to Eleanor in the distance. "Not like some people, who have a billionaire ex-husband backing them."


    Gwenda followed her gaze to where Eleanor and Simone were chatting. She sighed at Faye. "Faye, shouldn''t you let some of these grudges go? Aren''t you tired of being jealous of Eleanor all the time?"


    Before Faye could speak, Gwenda continued, "Have you ever thought about Eleanor and Mr. Goodwin? They were once lovers who were truly i love. Even if they got married, divorced, and fell in love again, it has nothing to do with us. Why do you have to obsess over it?"


    Faye''s fists clenched under the table. Gwenda''s words had struck a nerve.


    But she just couldn''t stop herself


    from being jealous of Eleanor, who had everything she had ever dreamed of brilliant talent the admiration of everyone, and the affection of so many exceptional men.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. It was a text fromn. [I''ll bring Evelyn to pick


    you up for dinnerter.]


    Eleanor read it and replied, [Okay.]

 Chapter 1398

    After finishing her chat with Simone, Eleanor''s mind returned to her experiments. The recent conference in Montir had been very inspiring. Medicine, after all, was often a process of trial and error.


    To conserve funding, Eleanor was trying to minimize the margin for error as much as possible. This was a new direction, supported by dedicated funding.


    In the afternoon, Eleanor held a meeting to announce the new research focus. Afterward, she said to Diaz Archer, "Come with me to a meeting at Meridian Dynamics tomorrow. Their new R&D project might be a good reference for us, and we also need to negotiate the rights to use three of their patents."


    Callie couldn''t help but smile. "Eleanor, that''s something you could probably solve with a single phone call to Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor smiled back. "We should still follow the proper procedures."


    She liked to keep business and personal matters separate.


    At five o''clock,n''s car pulled up in front of theb. Evelyn was waiting inside, wearing her small backpack.


    Eleanor opened the car door and got in. Evelyn immediately wrapped her arms around her. Cradling her daughter, Eleanor asked, "What would you like to eat tonight?"


    Evelyn tilted her head in thought, then turned to her father. "Daddy, what should we eat tonight?"


    "Let''s let your mother decide,"n said, turning from the driver''s seat to look at the mother and daughter in the back.


    Eleanor metn''s gaze and thought for a moment. "There''s a good restaurant near our house that Evelyn likes."


    "Alright. You navigate,"n said, his eyes on her in the rearview mirror.


    At the restaurant, they ordered Evelyn''s favorite dishes. Under the lights, Eleanor ate very little. The man across from her noticed and asked with concern, "What''s wrong? Not hungry?"


    "I had a snack this afternoon, so I''m not very hungry," Eleanor replied.


    Seeing her daughter eat her fill was enough to make her happy. Evelyn''s appetite


    had been greattely, and her height and weight were both on track.


    "Mommy, after we finish eating, can we go for a walk nearby? It''s been so long since


    I went for a walk with you and Daddy," Evelyn asked, looking up.


    Eleanor nodded. "Of course. Once you''re full, we can go for a nice walk."


    There was a park nearby that was popr for evening strolls. Evelyn was skipping and hopping along when arge unleashed ck dog suddenly burst out of the bushes and charged toward her. Eleanor reacted instantly, rushing to her daughter and scooping her up.


    A secondter, a tall figure stepped in front of them, scaring the dog so much that it turned and darted back into the trees.


    Evelyn clung tightly to her mother''s neck, startled. Eleanor gently patted her back. "It''s okay now."


    Eleanor handed their daughter to him.n carried her for a short distance before Evelyn wanted to get down she took her father''s and with one of hers and reached for Eleanor''s with the other. "Mommy, let''s hold hands and walk!"


    Sensing her daughter was feeling insecure, Eleanor took her small hand.


    The park''smpposts cast a soft, warm glow, outlining the figures of the three of them. Evelyn skipped happily, protected between her parents as they continued along the park path.


    The evening breeze was cool. After onep, they returned to the car.


    Tired from walking, Evelyn happily snuggled into Eleanor''s arms, rubbing her sleepy eyes.n started the car and drove toward Cloudcrest Manor, with the two SUVs in their security detail following close behind.


    When they reached the underground


    garage, Eleanor looked at her


    daughter, who had already fallen


    let


    asleep in her arms. As she got out of the can immediately came over to take the child. ll get pl get her. This little one''s getting heavy."

 Chapter 1399

    Eleanor was indeed struggling a bit. Asn leaned over to take their daughter, Eleanor''s faint, pleasant scent wafted toward him. He looked up at her, and as she sensed his gaze, her own eyes met his deep ones.


    She let go and took a step back. Holding their daughter,n''s lips curved into a faint smile before he turned and walked ahead.


    Eleanor followed him inside. After she opened the door for him,n changed his shoes and carried Evelyn straight upstairs.


    One held their daughter while the other took off her shoes and tucked her into bed. The scene felt like a return to the past; when it came to their daughter, the two of them moved with perfect, unspoken coordination.


    After Evelyn was asleep, Eleanor went downstairs first. Joslyn had prepared tea and offered it ton as he came down. "Mr. Goodwin, please have some tea before you go."


    Eleanor had already reviewed it and found it to be very stable. She nodded. "Is there a problem?"


    "I have some new ns and wanted to get your opinion,"n said, sitting down on the sofa and picking up the cup of tea Joslyn had poured.


    Joslyn had already discreetly left the living room.


    The spacious room was quiet, filled only with the gentle aroma of tea, yet the atmosphere felt subtly charged.


    "Alright, let''s hear it," Eleanor said, taking a sip from her own cup.


    His business acumen had always been sharp and precise. Eleanor had to admit that his ns and proposals were unique, demonstrating clear foresight and absolute control.


    After listening, Eleanor nodded. "I''ll have the Ellington Group implement your new proposal and begin the basic nning for the transition."


    Eleanor noticed his teacup was empty, but the pot was as well. "Would you like more?" she asked.


    The implication was clear: wasn''t it time for him to leave?


    "I still have experiment data to review in my study," Eleanor stated inly.


    Eleanor nodded and saw him to the door. As soon as he left, Joslyn came to clear the tea set.


    Eleanor went upstairs to work.


    set


    The next morning,n dropped Evelyn off at Goodwin Manor white Eleanor went


    Oent to theb At ten


    o''clock, she arrived at Meridian Dynamics for her meeting


    She had already spoken with Byron Chase, so she brought Diaz with her. As she entered the conference room her eyes widened in surprise


    for a few seconds


    There, at the head of the table, satn. His eyes held a faint smile that only Eleanor


    could decipher.


    Eleanor was a little speechless.


    Did he have this much free time?


    Byron came over to greet her. "Eleanor, you''re here."


    He then introduced the other executives in the room. One young engineer grew excited upon seeing her. "Dr. Sutton, I''m extremely interested in your theory on Al nanobots."


    "Thank you," Eleanor replied with a polite smile and nod.


    "Dr. Sutton, please have a seat,"n said, his tone carrying a professional calm.

 Chapter 1400

    Eleanor nced at him, quicklyposing herself as she sat down. She was dressed in a simple, cream-colored suit, her long hair neatly tied up, revealing her elegant neckline. Seated at a conference table full of men, she had a uniquely refined presence.


    Diaz took a seat beside her as an engineer began the presentation. Eleanor listened with rapt attention, while Diaz took notes.


    After the presentation, Byron asked if Eleanor could point out any issues with their new research. Eleanor did have a few questions and suggestions. She analyzed the technical challenges with rity and logic, radiating an aura of intelligence and dedication.


    Amidst the many eyes following her every move, one gaze was different; it was heavy with pride and the profound relief of rediscovering a treasure once thought lost.


    Byron and the others were well aware of Eleanor''s excellence in her field. They had seen hermand meetings with ease and control on numerous asions.


    In fact, a revolutionary technology at Meridian Dynamics had been built on Eleanor''s theoretical support. Now, they were using that theory to advance the entire field of biotechnology to new heights.


    Diaz''s eyes were also fixed on Eleanor, full of admiration and awe. He was too young to hide his enthusiasm.


    He failed to notice an impassive gaze fixed on him. Yet, the sight of that young, vibrant face was like a tiny splinter, pricking atn''s nerves.


    He lifted the teacup in front of him and took a sip of the now-cool tea, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing against the side of the cup.


    He disliked anyone looking at Eleanor that way. Even if it was just admiration, it made him ufortable.


    Eleanor, however, waspletely absorbed in the academic discussion, exchanging ideas with the engineer across the table. Byron chimed in from time to time, leaving only one person whose thoughts were drifting outside the technical exchange.


    "Your suggestions are invaluable, Eleanor. We will definitely evaluate them and make adjustments," Byron praised her enthusiastically.


    "Indeed! Dr. Sutton always brings us new ideas."


    Eleanor was taken aback. Byron immediately turned to his engineers. "In that case, we won''t join you. We have to hold an emergency meeting at noon."


    Eleanor nced at her watch. "VP Chase, I still need to discuss the patent licensing with you."


    "Oh, that just needs Mr. Goodwin''s approval. I''ll have my assistantplete the review and signing process," Byron said with a smile.


    Eleanor turned ton. "I''d like to use three of Meridian Dynamics'' technology patents."


    His words were followed by a few seconds of dead silence in the conference room. Everyone understood the weight of that statement.


    Meridian Dynamics held over two


    thousand patents, and its core


    of


    patents were the very n


    thepany''s market position, each with immensemercial value.


    most precious asset library exclusively for Eleanor''s team.


    It was clear thatn''s trust and support for Eleanor went far beyond the scope of a typical business partnership.


    Eleanor was stunned as well. She knewn wouldn''t make things difficult for her, but she never expected him to give herplete, unconditional ess.


    Byron was the first to recover,


    smiling. "Eleanor, Meridian


    Qu


    Dynamics is willing to provide you with the greatest possible


    convenience and support from now on. I have a proposal drafted for


    youter with the specific ne


    authorization details. In the future, you won''t have to make a trip in person for things like this anymore."

 Chapter 1401

    From today''s meeting, Byron had gleaned something he was delighted to see: Eleanor might just be the future Mrs. Goodwin of Meridian Dynamics.


    So, wasn''t it perfectly normal for thepany''s patents to bepletely open to her?


    Eleanor smiled at Byron. "Thank you, VP Chase."


    "Don''t thank me. You should thank Mr. Goodwin. After all, he was the one who authorized this level of ess," Byron said with an awkwardugh, feeling he couldn''t take credit for it.


    Slightly taken aback, Eleanor turned towardn and said again, "Thank you."


    His words finally clued in the other engineers, and their eyes began to dart between the two.


    Eleanor''s cheeks grew warm. She avoidedn''s overly direct gaze andposed herself. "Thank you for Meridian Dynamics'' trust and support. However, my team and I will follow all the proper procedures and pay any required fees ording to the rules."


    Clearly, Eleanor preferred to keep things professional. She didn''t want to owe him such a huge favor, especially since this was her personal research project. An excessive allocation of resources fromn wouldn''t be conducive to her team''s independent development.


    "Then we''ll be on our way," Byron said, leaving with his team.


    Diaz Archer finally snapped back to reality. He nced at the time and said to Eleanor, "Ellie, I have to get back to theb."


    Eleanor nodded at him. "Drive safe."


    "Will do." Diaz smiled atn. "Mr. Goodwin, I''ll be going now."


    Soon, only two people were left in the conference room.


    Eleanor looked at the man at the head of the table. "You don''t need to make time for meetings like this in the future."


    "I don''t want to waste your time," Eleanor said, closing herptop and casually packing her documents into her bag.


    "I''ve booked a restaurant. Let''s go,"n said in a low voice. He had really juste to have lunch with her.


    Just as Eleanor was about to pick up herptop bag, arge hand got to it first.


    She paused, trying to take it back, but he wouldn''t let her.


    Her hand closed on empty air, so she gave up and let him carry it.


    The two walked out of the conference room side by side, seemingly unfazed by the sideways nces from employees they passed.


    Since Eleanor had driven,n didn''t take his car. He got into hers and entered the address of a nearby restaurant into the navigation.


    The restaurant was elegant and private. After they ordered, Eleanor suddenly had something she wanted to discuss withn.


    "Evelyn starts elementary school in September. I''ve chosen a school for her that''s rtively close to theb," Eleanor said, naming one of the top international private elementary schools in Ashford City.


    convenient for her to get to and from school."


    Eleanor had indeed been thinking


    about moving. Their current


    neighborhood was quite far from the school, and for the sake of her work and her daughter''s education, she wanted to shorten themute.


    "I''ll check with a real estate agent," Eleanor said, not wanting to trouble him with it.


    "The listings for houses and vis in


    that area are very tigh


    Without


    connections, it''s hard to get one, stated in a low voice. "I''ll handle it."

 Chapter 1402

    Eleanor had actually looked into the properties around the school over the past two days. She had to admit he was right. The houses in that school district, especially the vis and high-end apartments with good security and a nice environment, were indeed in high demand. It was difficult for a typical agent to get ess to the best listings.


    Moreover, the prices were often inted. If he had connections, things would be much simpler and smoother.


    This time, Eleanor wanted to buy a vi, preferably one with arge garden where her daughter and Princess could y.


    "Okay," Eleanor nodded. "Then please help me look for a vi."


    The food arrived, andn pushed her favorite dishes closer to her. He shifted the conversation to Meridian Dynamics'' new research project, wanting to hear her more in-depth opinions while also sharing his vision for thepany''s future.


    As Eleanor listened, she began to rx. She also brought up the preparations for her daughter starting school, like hiring a tutor, since Evelyn''s spoken French wasn''t yet fluent.


    "I''m thinking of getting her a horse. We could go riding at the stables on weekends,"n said in a low voice.


    At the mention of horseback riding, Eleanor''s hand tightened around her fork. An image involuntarily shed in her mind: a photo taken four years ago of him and Vanessa Shannon with their daughter at a stable.


    The sting and bitterness she had felt back then still left a bad taste in her mouth, even after all this time.


    "Didn''t you already buy Evelyn a horse at the stables?" Eleanor looked up at him.n was slightly taken aback. "Not yet."


    "I remember four years ago, when I was hospitalized with the virus, you and Vanessa took Evelyn riding," Eleanor asked directly.


    Eleanor looked away and admitted, "No. I had someone following you who secretly took the photos."


    Eleanor recalled that her own tone hadn''t been great back then. She had been sick and had wanted him to be with their daughter.


    For Vanessa to find out where he was taking their daughter would have been easy, given her rtionship with Serena Goodwin at the time.


    "I knew Joel Kingsley was taking care of you that day,"n said, looking up at her.


    Eleanor was stunned. Joel had been the one to take her to the hospital and had stayed with her overnight. She had seen the riding photos the next day.


    "I remember Xavier was there too,"n added calmly.


    Eleanor was taken aback again. "How do you know all this in such detail?"


    "I also know that Xavier got infected with the virus after taking care of you."n


    knew far more than Eleanor had imagined.


    Eleanor was speechless.


    Had he nted someone to watch her back then?


    "I only went to see you after you fell asleep, and you mistook me for Joel¡ª"


    As he said this, his tone carried a distinct hint of jealousy and faint grievance. He had seen the photos back then-Joel bustling about, Xavier Vaughn''s unexpected appearance. Two men taking turns by her side while he could do nothing but visitte at night after she was asleep, only to be mistaken for someone else.


    Eleanor was at a loss for words, having forgotten that detail. "Is that so? I don''t remember. I was probably delirious from the fever."


    "It doesn''t matter anymore,"n said, defending her. "I deserved it back then for making you so angry and hateful. It was a good thing someone else was there to take care of you."

 Chapter 1403

    Eleanor looked up at him, not forgetting that he had sent someone to secretly photograph her with Joel and had even confronted her about itte at night.


    "So, you really thought Joel and I were dating back then?" Eleanor asked, resting her chin on her hand.


    "Then you tell me, why did Joel give up a promising career at a topb in Montir toe back for you?"n retorted sharply.


    Eleanor brushed her bangs from her forehead, unable to exin. She couldn''t help but ask, "You investigated Joel?"


    "Completely,"n admitted freely. "But there was one thing I did wrong."


    "What?" Eleanor frowned at him.


    "Joel repeatedly reminded me of your abilities, but I ignored him. If I had known how capable you were sooner, I wouldn''t have let Professor Langley kick you off the team,"n said, his voiceced with regret. A bitter mix of regret and longing swirled in his chest, a weight he couldn''t shake off.


    "I was too hostile toward Joel. If I had taken his warnings seriously and recognized your talent and potential earlier, perhaps you wouldn''t have been wronged, and you wouldn''t have had to work so hard to graduate early just to prove yourself."n paused. "The whole thing was my fault."


    Eleanor listened in silence. That period had indeed been difficult, a low point in her professional life. Being excluded from the team had turned her dreams and achievements into a joke.


    "Was the ultimate goal of the team you had Professor Langley form to research leukemia?" Eleanor looked directly at him.


    Eleanor shifted her gaze out the window. "So, when I asked you if you were trying to save Vanessa, you didn''t answer me."


    It was precisely his silence that had led Eleanor to believe he intended to use her mother''s donor material to save Vanessa, which had nearly driven her mad with anger.


    "I''m sorry. At the time, I-I couldn''t tell you," fan said, his voice low and hoarse He couldn''t possibly have answered her then. The ultimate goal of the entire team he had


    assembled was to save her


    He hadn''t considered Eleanor''s situation. With several of hispanies undergoing major transitions, he had assumed she would return to family life after being excluded from the team.


    But he never expected her to take elerated exams and hand him divorce papers.


    He could have given her anything she wanted.


    But by then, what he wanted to give was no longer what she desired.


    The sunlight streamed through the ss. Lost in her memories, Eleanor''s expression grew distant. Most of the time, she liked to see things her own way.


    So, ack ofmunication had been their biggest problem.


    Only now did she learn that the ultimate purpose of that exorbitantly expensive research project had been to save her own life.


    "In the end, your achievements showed me that the most brilliant person on that research team wasn''t Joel. It was you,"n said with a bitter smile. "I was so stupid. After going in a huge circle, I found out the genius researcher was looking for was you all along."


    Having been part of the whole affair, Eleanor could see how things made sense when viewed from a different perspective.


    A bitter feeling washed over her. It was as if fate had been ying a cruel joke on them. Right and wrong were hard to judge now. He had his own constrants and considerations, and she had endured a very real pain.


    "Let''s eat," Eleanor said, looking up. The food had grown a little cold.<pn nodded. He reached out and ced a piece of shrimp on Eleanor''s te. "Your favorite."

 Chapter 1404

    Eleanor paused for a moment before picking up the shrimp and eating it. The anxious and expectant look in the man''s eyes opposite her finally melted into a faint smile.


    It was as if life was returning to a barrenndscape.


    Eleanor looked up and noticed he was still just watching her eat. "You should eat too," she said softly.


    Eleanor blinked, carefully studying his white hair as if pondering something.


    Noticing her gaze,n subconsciously raised a hand to his temple. "What are you looking at?"


    Eleanor snapped back to the present and said calmly, "Have you thought about getting that treated? To see if it can turn ck again? With some topical treatments, it might be possible to reverse it."


    She cared about him.


    "Okay, I''ll listen to you. If you know any specialists in this area, please arrange it for me. I''ll cooperate with the treatment,"n said with a smile.


    Eleanor nodded. They finished their meal, and as they were leaving, Eleanor asked him, "Where are you headed? I can give you a ride."


    "You should head back to theb. I''ll have Gavin Young pick me up,"n said, not wanting to take up her time.


    Eleanor nodded. Just as she was about to leave,n suddenly asked, "I have a g the day after tomorrow, and I need a date. Would you be willing toe with me?"


    Eleanor paused, then thought for a moment. "Is it mandatory?"


    "I hope you''ll apany me," Ian requested in a low voice.


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright. I''ll make time."


    As Eleanor turned to leave, the man behind her broke into a grin. He wasn''t just secretly pleased anymore; he was openly delighted.


    Gavin was nearby and arrived within minutes. He saw his boss standing at the restaurant entrance, looking utterly radiant under the sunlight.


    ***


    Friday arrived in a sh. Eleanor had been so busy thest two days that she''d almost forgotten about the g untn''s message came in at three in the afternoon, Are you done with work? Gavin will pick you up at five to go to the dress shop.]


    Eleanor was reviewing some documents. Seeing the message, she nced at the


    time. She could still make it. She replied, [Okay.]


    Meanwhile, on a flight that had justnded from Kingston, Vanessa was apanying Harvey MacLeod. A private car took them to the city cente Harvey was also attending the g tonight, and he hadO specifically requested Vanessa be there with him.


    Vanessa didn''t want to be back in Ashford City. Too many people in the social circles here knew her, whereas fewer people recognized her in the elite circle in Kingston.


    "Vanessa, go get yourself all dolled up. We''ll meet at the g at six," Harvey said, having his driver take her to a boutique.


    Harvey was, after all, a man of extravagant wealth, and he treated Vanessa quite well.


    He had, of course, heard that Vanessa was oncen''s woman and had also been with Walden Wells. Now, she was by his side, and taking her out was a status symbol.


    He didn''t care who Vanessa had been with before. After all, girls in their circle were passed around like that. Women were justmodities to be traded when you got tired of them.


    In the boutique, Vanessa no longer had an assistant, but Harvey had


    given her a generous clothing allowance After choosing a gown,


    shedooked out at the luxurious cityscape and felt a surge of disgust.


    Harvey had only said he was taking her to a g, but she didn''t know how high- profile it would be. If it was a major event, she could easily run into people from her


    past.


    Laverne used to go to great lengths to find out these things for her, but now she didn''t even have an assistant to order around anymore.


    "Miss Shannon, you look absolutely beautiful! This gownplements your skin tone perfectly," the salesclerk gushed with her usual enthusiasm.

 Chapter 1405

    Vanessa looked at herself in the mirror. All dressed up, she was indeed as elegant as a goddess. But no matter how beautiful this outer shell was, in the eyes of the wealthy, she was nothing more than a ything that could be priced and traded.


    Yet she knew very well that without Harvey, she probably couldn''t even maintain this superficially morous life.


    She also knew Harvey''s personality. She couldn''t escape until he grew tired of her.


    At six, Harvey''s driver was waiting at the door. Vanessa got into the car, praying that tonight''s g was just a private gathering for Harvey''s circle and that she wouldn''t run into anyone she shouldn''t.


    Harvey''s private circle was mostly a group of hedonistic rich kids. Men at the very top of the food chain, liken, Henry Holt, and Xavier, wouldn''t deign to associate with them.


    Finally, Harvey''s driver pulled up in front of a high-end hotel. As Vanessa stepped out of the car, she looked up at the grand scale of the event, and a sense of unease and apprehension washed over her.


    She had just taken a few steps, holding the hem of her evening gown, when a silver Rolls-Royce suddenly pulled up, stopping at the main entrance.


    The car blocked her path. As she was silentlyining, the driver''s side door opened, and she saw Gavin.


    Startled, she quickly ducked behind arge column. She instinctively nced to the side and saw Gavin walk around to the rear passenger door to open it for someone.


    The person who stepped out made her freeze on the spot, as if she''d been struck by lightning.


    Eleanor emerged from the car in a minimalist, smoke-gray satin gown. Under the lights, with her long hair swept up, her waist was slender and her skin pale and luminous, glowing with the soft luster of a pearl.


    Then, from the other side of the car, stepped out none other thann.


    He, in a pure ck custom-tailored suit, gracefully moved to Eleanor''s side, murmuring something to her.


    His eyes held the same gentle, focused look he once had for Eleanor, filled with undisguised admiration.


    It was a look Vanessa had dreamed of countless times but had never received in reality.


    Looking at Eleanor''s expression, it was no longer cold and distant. She appeared natural, at ease, andpletelyposed.


    The sight felt like barbed wire tightening around Vanessa''s heart, the pain making it almost impossible to breathe.


    How could Eleanor andn be here together? Was Eleanorn''s date for the g?


    A thought she couldn''t ept shot through her mind had they truly gotten back together?


    Even thoughn had been relentlessly pursuing Eleanor, how could she possibly forgive him? Wasnt she so proud? How could


    she go back to him?


    Just then, as Eleanor andn''s figures headed toward the elevators, Vanessa''s phone rang. She nced at the screen and saw it was harvey She bit her lower lip hard.


    So Eleanor andn were both here tonight. This was definitely a high-profile g.


    She closed her eyes.


    "Mr. MacLeod, I''m not feeling well tonight. Could I possibly¡ª"


    Before Vanessa could finish, a hand pped her on the shoulder. She spun around in shock to see Harvey standing right behind her what?? you mean you''re not feeling well? You look great," he said, slinging an arm around her. "Come on, let''s go inside."


    "Mr. MacLeod, I really am¡ª"


    Harvey grabbed her wrist forcefully. "Don''t y games with me. You''re going up tonight, whether you want to or not."


    Vanessa was rendered speechless. She took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Of course. For you, Mr. MacLeod, I can ovee any difficulty."

 Chapter 1406

    As Vanessa entered the lobby, she straightened her back, linked her arm with Harvey''s, and forced a smile.


    Since she couldn''t avoid it, she had to face it head-on.


    Besides, she knew Henry wouldn''t be there. The media had reported a few days ago that he was abroad for the birth of his child.


    So, tonight, she only had to facen and Eleanor. Xavier might be there too, but she couldn''t afford to back down now.


    She had to survive in this world. She could avoid them today, but not forever. Sooner orter, she would have to face them, and she had nothing left to fear anyway.


    And seeingn arrive with Eleanor tonight made her wonder. After everything Eleanor had been through, could she really hold no grudge againstn?


    Maybe all it would take was a little push from her to crack their seemingly solid rtionship once more.


    At that thought, a smile tugged at Vanessa''s lips. Why should she run?


    She would maken and Eleanor''s night miserable.


    After psyching herself up, the elevator reached the top-floor ballroom.


    The moment the doors opened, a world of brilliant lights and luxury rushed toward Vanessa. She felt a pang of nostalgia. There was a time when she could not only attend such gs whenever she pleased, but also effortlessly be the center of attention.


    Now, if someone hadn''t brought her, she wouldn''t even have the right to be here.


    A self-deprecating smirk shed across her face, but she quickly reced it with a charming smile and stepped inside, arm in arm with Harvey.


    Her eyes instantly found the most dazzling figure in the crowdn.


    He was standing in the center of the ballroom with Eleanor, talking to several older, distinguished-looking business tycoons. He exuded an air of calm confidence. Eleanor stood side and the men


    quietly by his respect and


    regarded her with


    courtesy.


    Eleanor herself was poised, showing no sign of being flustered as she conversed with the tycoons. She had a gracefulposure that made her seem right at home perfectlyplementingn. They were a perfect match.


    Vanessa''s breath caught in her throat. Her heart felt as if it were being squeezed by


    an invisible wire, a sharp, constricting pain.


    She forced herself to look away and scanned the crowd for others. Neither Henry nor Xavier was there.


    If they were, they would surely be in that top-tier circle as well.


    "Well, well! Mr. MacLeod, you''ve arrived," a sycophantic male voice called out.


    Vanessa turned to see a shily dressed man approaching. His eyes roamed shamelessly over her a mix. of appraisal and awe. "Well now, this beautifuldy looks familiar! Have we met before?"


    Just then, another figure holding a ss of red wine strode over. "How could she not look familiar? Miss Shannon used to be a regr at these gs!"


    Vanessa looked over. It was indeed a familiar face. She forced a smile and greeted him, "Mr. Lambert, long time no see!"


    "Miss Shannon, long time no see." After speaking, Mr. Lambert turned to Harvey. "Mr. MacLeod, you''ve got some nerve! Snagging Mr. Goodwin''s woman."


    Harvey smirked smugly and tightened his arm around Vanessa''s waist. "You have to know who you''re dealing with."


    The crude words were grating. Vanessa''s waist was held in a tight grip as jeers andughter erupted around her. She fought the urge to push Harvey away and forced herself tough along.

 Chapter 1407

    "Mr. MacLeod, don''t tease me," she said, giving Harvey a half-flirtatious push.


    Just then, Harvey spottedn in the center of the room. He gave Vanessa''s waist a squeeze. "Want to go say hello to your old me?"


    Vanessa''s gaze drifted towardn. She forced a smile and said, "He has someone with him now. Why would he remember me?"


    "Mr. MacLeod, you want to get to know Mr. Goodwin? I could introduce you," Mr. Lambert offered, hoping to earn a favor and expand his ownwork within The Kingston Elite Circle.


    Harvey''s expression turned a bit awkward. He tugged at his tie. "Forget it. A guy on that level... we''d better not try to get close."


    Harvey waved his hand dismissively, his tone sheepish. His eyes betrayed an undisguised mix of apprehension and self-awareness.


    Althoughn wasn''t part of The Kingston Elite Circle, Harvey had heard whispers about his connections to Kingston.


    As arrogant as he was, he knew that forcing an introduction wouldn''t get him anywhere with a man like that.


    Vanessa sneered inwardly but said softly, "Mr. MacLeod is right. We should just have our own fun."


    Mr. Lambert''s eyes scanned Vanessa up and down with a meaningful smile. Vanessa met his gaze and gave him a seductive look of her own. "Mr. Lambert, here''s to you."


    Mr. Lambert smirked, acknowledging her flirtatious signal, and raised his ss. "To you, Miss Shannon."


    Then, a few of Harvey''s buddies came over. Vanessa felt extremely ufortable as their eyes raked over her.


    She couldn''t help but look towardn and Eleanor. They stood at the very heart of the crowd surrounded by people who held real power-the kind of people who could make the business world tremble.


    Meanwhile, the circle around Harvey was filled with nothing but rich yboys looking for a good time. No matter how loudly they talked, they were just fringe yers at this event.


    Vanessa kept a smile stered on her face, waiting forn to notice her. But his eyes were either on his guests or on Eleanor; he paid no attention to anyone else in the room.


    Of course. He was the center of attention, the person everyone wanted to impress. Why would he need to look elsewhere?


    Just then, she saw Eleanor say


    something ton. It looked like she


    was heading to the restroom.


    Suddenly, Vanessa sensed an opportunity. She was about to fin Out if Eleanor was truly untouchable as she seemed.


    Eleanor was indeed heading for the restroom. She walked with elegantposure down thevish hallway and entered, simply intending to touch up her makeup.


    Just then, the clicking of high heels announced another arrival.


    Eleanor nced over as Vanessa stepped in, a mocking smile on her red lips. "What a coincidence."


    Eleanor looked away, turning back to the mirror to touch up her lipstick, ignoring herpletely.


    Vanessa wasn''t annoyed. Instead, she leaned against the counter, crossing her arms and staring at Eleanor with resentment. There''s no one else here. We can drop the act. You must be so proud, seeing me like this."


    All the stall doors were open; they were indeed alone.


    Eleanor capped her lipstick and said coolly, "Whether you''re doing well or not has nothing to do with me. I don''t care."


    Vanessa let out a derisiveugh, as if she''d heard a joke. "How could it have nothing to do with you? If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t be in this situation."

 Chapter 1408

    "Your life is the result of your own choices. You walked your own path. No one forced you," Eleanor replied calmly.


    "Hah! Don''t stand there acting so high and mighty." Vanessa suddenly stood up straight. "Eleanor, let me tell you something. All men are the same, especially men liken, who are at the top. They will always love themselves the most. He''s good to you now because you''re useful, because you have value. But the day he finds a woman with more value, he''ll throw you away like trash again just like me."


    Her eyes burned with intense resentment and bitterness, as if she wanted to unleash it all on Eleanor.


    "Besides, there are so many women younger and more beautiful than you. Men are always suckers for a new face. Aren''t you afraid that he''ll remarry you only to turn around and find someone younger?" Vanessa stared at Eleanor, trying to find a crack in herposure.


    But she was disappointed. Eleanor simply washed her hands, dried them with a paper towel, and asked, "Are you done?"


    Not ready to give up, Vanessa pressed on. "Eleanor, you could have any man you want. Why are you still hung up onn? Take that Mansfield Ellington¡ªwith his status, you should choose him, not go back to your ex-husband."


    Eleanor, who had been about to leave, paused. She turned back to Vanessa, clearly surprised by her words.


    Vanessa smirked. "I know about Mansfield''s identity now. What an incredible family! Evenn would have to think twice before crossing them, wouldn''t he?"


    Eleanor''s gaze sharpened as if Vanessa had hit a nerve. Her voice turned cold. "Please don''t go around advertising his identity."


    "Oh? Did I strike a chord?" Vanessa took a step forward, a triumphant smile spreading across her face, as if she''d gotten the reaction she wanted.


    Eleanor really didn''t want to deal with her and turned to leave again.


    "Eleanor, you and Mansfield are a perfect match. Why are you still entangled withn, a man who hurt you in the past and could very well hurt you again in the future? She paused deliberately. "I can see that Mansfield loves you deeply. With the Ellington family''s background and power, they could support your career and your entire life. You''re a smart woman. Don''t you know how to choose?" Vanessa''s words were sharp and rapid.


    Eleanor''s steps halted at the doorway. She turned and looked at Vanessa''s face, a mask of calction and malice, and felt a wave of pity for her.


    "Vanessa, if you were thinking clearly, you''d focus on taking care of yourself. Stop


    worrying about other people''s lives and start thinking about your own."


    Vanessa''s face suddenly darkened, twisting with fury. "Eleanor, I don''t need your fake pity! Who do you think you are? The Wanner? Offering me charity? I don''t need it! Even if I''m dragging myself through the gutter, I don''t need your charity!"


    Her chest heaved, and she red at Eleanor as if she had been deeply insulted.


    Eleanor withdrew her gaze, her expression nothing but cold indifference. She pulled open the door and walked out without a second''s hesitation.


    Behind her, she heard something crash to the floor. Vanessa had swept the hand soap and aromatherapy diffuser off the counter. She leaned against it, panting heavily.


    She muttered with a coldugh,


    "Eleanor, you think you''ve won? You think I need your pity? You''re just a little fuckter born into better


    circumstances, with a bit of to


    So what? Your good fortune won''tst forever."

 Chapter 1409

    Just then, another guest entered, saw the mess on the floor, and asked with a frown, "Miss, what happened here?"


    "I knocked it over by ident," Vanessa said before grabbing her purse and walking out.


    When Eleanor returned to the ballroom,n, who was making small talk with some other guests, looked over at her and immediately noticed that she seemed upset. "What''s wrong? Are you not feeling well?" he asked in a low, concerned voice.


    Eleanor shook her head. "It''s nothing. Can we leave at eight?"


    Just then,n''s gaze fell upon Vanessa emerging from the direction of the restrooms. His expression instantly turned cold; he now understood why Eleanor was upset.


    "What did she say to you?"n asked, his brow furrowed with concern.


    Eleanor caught a glimpse of Vanessa re-entering the ballroom and said tly, "Nothing."


    Butn knew Vanessa too well. He was keenly aware of the depth of her grudge against Eleanor and could guess what kind of things she might have said.


    "Do you want to leave now?"n asked in a low voice.


    Eleanor looked up. "Don''t you have to wait for Mr. Brown?"


    "I''ll visit him personally next time."n wasn''t going to wait. He didn''t want Eleanor to stay in an ufortable environment.


    Before Eleanor could respond,n''srge hand closed around her wrist. He excused himself to the guests beside them and began leading her toward the exit.


    The sight stabbed Vanessa in the heart. The pain was so sharp it almost took her breath away, and a chill ran through her.


    She watchedn lead Eleanor toward the exit, as if her very presence had polluted the air and insulted the surroundings.


    He must have guessed what she''d said to Eleanor in the restroom, yet he didn''t even deign toe over and confront her.


    In his eyes, was she no longer even worthy of being told off by him? Or was the very idea of speaking to her now repulsive to him?


    This realization was another poisoned dagger, plunging into her heart and twisting viciously.


    What had she gained over all these


    years? She had schemed and


    I she had


    plotted and in the end ai she


    earned wasplete humiliation and dismissal fromn.


    Just then, an impatient male voice called out, "Where did you run off to? I''ve been looking all over for you."


    Harvey reached out and grabbed her hand. "Come on, have a few drinks with my friends."


    Vanessa forced a smile and


    followed him to his circle of friends.


    After a few rounds of toasts, she had been forced to down three sses of red wine, all while several pairs of predatory eyes scanned her up and down like vering wolves.


    After all, she was once a goddess at these gs, thepanion of princes among men like Henry,n, and Xavier.


    Now that she had fallen from grace, she had naturally be prey for these less- reputable men to toy with and fantasize about conquering.


    "Miss Shannon can really hold her liquor!"


    Vanessa fought back the nausea in her stomach and the humiliation in her heart, forcing a smile to deal with the crowd.


    For her, if she wanted to find her footing in this world, there would be many more nights like this.


    Gavin was waiting with the car at the hotel entrance Eleanor opened the door and got in, followed byn. He said to Gavin, "Take us to a nearby restaurant."


    "No, it''s okay. I''d rather go home," Eleanor said.


    n looked at Eleanor, seeming like he wanted to say something but held back. He


    turned to Gavin. "Home."

 Chapter 1410

    The neon lights of the city were mesmerizing outside the window. Eleanor''s desire to go home wasn''t really because of what Vanessa had said; she was just tired and wanted to rest. The intense week of experiments had worn her out.


    Just then,n''s voice cut through the quiet. "Gavin, pull over."


    Gavin expertly steered the car to the side of the road. Once they had stopped,n said, "You can take a taxi home."


    Gavin understood immediately. "Yes, Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor looked atn in surprise. Why did he suddenly want to drive?


    Butn simply walked around to her side of the car, opened the door, and said gently, "Move to the passenger seat."


    Eleanor furrowed her brow slightly but got out and moved to the passenger seatn was holding open for her. She had a feeling she knew what he was nning.


    Sure enough, after he settled into the driver''s seat, he turned to her and said, "Let''s go for a drive."


    Eleanor nodded. "Okay. Don''t drive too fast."


    Half an hourter, he parked next to a scenic pier. The weather was lovely, and many city professionals were out enjoying a walk or camping, escaping the downtown hustle.


    In the distance, a few bonfires flickered on the beach.


    "Do you remember this ce?"n asked in a low voice.


    Eleanor faced the sea breeze, letting it blow away some of her frustration.


    "I remember," Eleanor nodded.


    lel


    Not long after they were married,n used to bring her here often for drives and walks. Back then, Eleanor loved to link her arm in his and walk all the way to the end of the boardwalk. On the way back she would yfully demand he give her a piggyback ride for part of the way back to the car.


    But that was nine years ago.


    Walking in a ce like this wearing


    an evening gown, Eleanor was naturally yery eye-catching. Men along the path couldn''t help but stare and even the women looked on with admiration. Of course, the tall, dazzling man apanying her was just as noticeable.


    Neither of them spoke, as if nothing more needed to be said.


    Just then, a middle-aged woman rushed past, chasing after a child. "Isaac, slow down!"


    Eleanor anticipated this and started to move aside withn to let her pass. But just then, a strong arm grabbed her wrist, and a force pulled her, in her high heels, directly into a firm male embrace.


    Her waist was caught, and Eleanor instinctively put her hands on his chest to steady herself. She looked up and met a pair of deep eyes, now filled with a protective instinct.


    "Thanks," Eleanor said, pushing against him slightly to regain her bnce.


    In the moonlight, her waist was slender and supple, a fact entuated by the form- fitting gown.


    Eleanor continued walking. Since they were already here, there was no rush to go back. She found herself enjoying the moment. The people around them all exuded a sense of weekend excitement and rxation.


    Being in the midst of it all, she felt herself rx as well.


    After walking another hundred yards or so along the scenic pier, Eleanor stopped at the railing to admire the view, tan stood quietly beside her, ong hand in his pocket. The night breeze tousled both of their hair.

 Chapter 1411

    At that moment,n''s sharp business demeanor had faded away. The moonlight outlined his handsome profile, and his white hair added a unique, distinguished air.


    Just then, Eleanor Sutton heard the chatter of a few women behind her. One voice was particrly loud. "Wow! Is his hair dyed? A full head of white hair! So cool."


    "He can''t be a celebrity, can he? How is he so handsome?"


    The surrounding area was quiet, and the girls hadn''t lowered their voices at all, so their words reached both Eleanor''s andn''s ears.


    Eleanor turned to look at the man beside her. A faint smile yed onn''s lips; he was clearly enjoying thepliments.


    Strands of hair fell across his forehead, making him seem a few years younger, with a rxed and almostzy air about him.


    The more Eleanor looked at his white hair, the more she had to admit it was quite striking.


    Asn felt her gaze on him, he suddenly felt like a product being inspected and critiqued by a customer. A subtle knot of nervousness tightened within him.


    He wondered if, in her eyes, he still had the same charm.


    Just then, fireworks erupted in the distance, instantly capturing Eleanor''s attention. The man''s gaze followed hers, though a flicker of annoyance crossed his eyes.


    The brilliant bursts of color lit up the sky, reflecting in everyone''s eyes. Eleanor propped her chin on her hand, a smile on her lips as she watched the disy.


    The glow of the fireworks illuminated her elegant face. At only twenty-eight, she had a youthful, oval face, and her delicate makeup gave her an exquisite beauty in the night.


    His eyes swept over her neck. He swallowed hard, a flicker of raw desire crossing his features.


    Eleanor finally noticed his stare. She looked up and met his gentle, smiling eyes. She was slightly taken aback. "Don''t look at me. Look at the view."


    "I am,"n said, his eyes still locked on her, a smile tugging at his lips. "It''s beautiful."


    Clearly, in his eyes, Eleanor was the view-and an exceptionally beautiful one at that.


    Eleanor looked away, a little


    ufortable, and turned her


    nback to a new round of


    attention


    vel


    fireworks in the night sky. She


    figured some rich man was


    celebrating something for his


    woman the fireworks were being set


    off as if money was no object.


    Even with the spectacr disy in the distance, Eleanor couldn''t focus. The weight


    of the man''s gaze beside her was too intense, too distracting.


    "Let''s head back," Eleanor said. "We still have to pick up Evelyn."


    As Eleanor turned to leave, her heel suddenly got stuck in a crack between the


    wooden nks of the deck, and her body pitched forward uncontrobly.


    She let out a small cry of rm. In the next second, arge hand mped onto her arm, steadying her.


    Eleanor lifted her dress and tried to pull her heel free from the crack.


    "Let me."n suddenly knelt down, his hand wrapping around her ankle. With a bit of force, he freed the heel.


    Eleanor breathed a sigh of relief.


    Crouching down,n noticed that the


    wooden deck had many fatted


    nks. Anyone in high heels could


    easily get stuck again if they weren''t careful.


    It was lucky Eleanor had made it this far without incident.


    Ian helped her up. "There are a lot of rotted spots on this deck."


    Eleanor smoothed her hair. "I''ll be careful"


    Before she could finish,n bent down, slid one arm under her knees and the other around her back, and with a smooth motion scooped her up into his arms content

 Chapter 1412

    Suddenly lifted off her feet, Eleanor let out a gasp, her arms reflexively wrapping around his neck.


    "I''ll carry you over,"n said in a low voice.


    "You don''t have to." Eleanor struggled slightly, trying to get down.


    "Don''t move."n looked down at her, his voice gentle but with an undeniable firmness.


    n, put me down," Eleanor insisted, her voice firm as well.


    However, the man ignored her and continued walking, holding her in his arms.


    Although it was already nine o''clock, there were still some guests on the observation deck, and Eleanor felt like she had be the center of attention.


    She couldn''t help but try to hide her face, feeling incredibly self-conscious.


    Eleanor just wanted to be invisible.


    Under the moonlight, a tall man carried a woman in an evening gown, walking steadily along the coastline. To onlookers, it was so picturesque it looked like a scene from a movie, and many turned to watch.


    Part ofn''s attention was on the path ahead, but the rest was on the woman in his arms. He could smell the faint, pleasant scent of her hair, and it made his heart stir.


    Eleanor wasn''t sure how long he carried her, but they finally reached his car. When he set her down, her legs felt strangely weak.


    She sat in the car, her face feeling unusually hot.


    Eleanor was indeed thirsty. She took the bottle and drank a few sips, then looked for the cap to close it. However, the cap was still in the man''s hand.


    "Here,"n said, holding out his hand for the bottle.


    Eleanor handed him the half-finished water, assuming he would put the cap on and set it aside. To her surprise, he drank the rest of it himself.


    Eleanor was slightly taken aback. She blinked and turned her face toward the window. In the past,. sharing a water bottle would have been perfectly normal for them, but after three years of divorce, it felt far to intimate.


    Just then,n''s car phone rang. The name on the screen was Serena Goodwin.


    n, is Ellie with you?"


    "What''s wrong?"n asked his sister.


    "Evelyn fell asleep in my room just now. Let''s just have her sleep over tonight. I can watch her tomorrow," Serena''s voice came through the speaker.


    "Okay,"n told his sister. "Make sure to cover her with a nket so she doesn''t get cold."


    "I know." Serena hung up.


    Eleanor smoothed her long hair. "Let''s go. I still have to get back to work."


    Eleanor nodded. "My thoughts are clearer at night. It''s easier for me to work."


    He stepped on the gas, not driving excessively fast, but maintaining a steady pace toward her home so she could get back to work.


    "If you need any help with your work, just let me know. Even though it''s not one of my direct projects can.. still support you," he offered in his low voice.


    Eleanor didn''t hesitate to nod. "Okay."


    Her current research project was under the umbre of his Guild of Commerce


    anyway. If she needed his help, she would ask.

 Chapter 1413

    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.

 Chapter 1414

    The next day at noon, Eleanor was having lunch at home when she received a call from her daughter. Ian had taken her to the private pool at the Vesper Joy Hotel, and she wanted Eleanor toe join them.


    Listening to her daughter''s sweet coaxing on the other end, Eleanor couldn''t help but smile. "Okay, Mommy''s on her way."


    Eleanor left home and headed straight for the Vesper Joy Hotel. The private pool was located on the same floor as the presidential suite.


    She took the elevator directly from the underground parking garage to the pool level.


    When she arrived, she saw her daughter ying in a floatie with Serena keeping an eye on her. Eleanor was wondering wheren was when a powerful figure broke through the surface at the other end of the pool, sending water sshing.


    "Daddy, I''ming!" Evelyn Goodwin called out happily, slipping out of her floatie. She swam toward her father like a little fish.


    Evelyn, eager to show off for her mother, swam with all her might.


    Serena took the opportunity to invite Eleanor in. "Ellie, want toe for a swim?"


    Eleanor smiled and shook her head. "No thanks, I''ll just watch you guys."


    Serena''s expression suddenly turned apologetic. "I''m so sorry, Ellie."


    She was repenting for the incident where Eleanor had fallen into the pool. That time, Eleanor had nearly sunk, and who knows what would have happened if Xavier Vaughn hadn''t saved her in time.


    "It''s fine, go have fun," Eleanor said to Serena before walking over to her daughter.


    Evelyn finally reached her father, her small hands clinging to his shoulders as her wet little head popped out of the water.


    "Mommy, was I great?" Evelyn asked.


    Eleanor gave her daughter a thumbs-up. "Absolutely amazing."


    At that moment, the afternoon sun streamed through the ss ceiling, casting shimmering patterns on the water where the father and daughter were ying happily.


    Eleanor sat down on a nearby chair, her eyes on her daughter. After a little while, Evelyn swam over to Serenah swam toward Eleanor, resting his muscr arms on the edge of the pout "I heard back about the houses. We can schedule some viewings for tomorrow."


    Eleanor nodded. "Okay, I''ll go with you tomorrow."


    The summer break was already half over. It was indeed time to find a ce and get settled.


    "Want toe in? I can teach you how to swim," Ian invited in his low voice.


    Eleanor shook her head, gently refusing. "No, thank you."


    Eleanor nodded and looked toward her daughter. Serena was holding onto her as she kicked her little legs, sshing water everywhere. Her giggles filled the air and seeing her so happy, Eleanor couldn''t help bu? smile.


    After another twenty minutes of swimming, Evelyn''s energy was spent Serena helped her out of the pool, and Eleanor wrapped a towel around her daughter. Just then,n got out as well.


    Serena gave a sly smile, picked up Evelyn, and said, "Evelyn, let''s go to the room and get you showered. Come on!"


    Evelyn was happily whisked away by Serena.


    Eleanor knew Serena was deliberately leaving her andn alone.


    She turned to look at the man walking toward her, then quickly averted her gaze.<pn grabbed a towel and casually dried his hair and body as he strolled over.

 Chapter 1415

    Eleanor headed for the elevator first. Ian wrapped the towel around his waist and followed her.


    When the elevator doors closed, the mirrored walls reflected the man''s physique, d only in the towel.


    It wasn''t as if they were teenagers. After six years of marriage, it wasn''t as if she hadn''t seen it all before.


    Still, she lowered her gaze, instinctively looking away.


    As soon as the elevator doors opened, Eleanor asked, "Which room is Evelyn in?"n gave her the room number, and Eleanor walked quickly in that direction.


    Twenty minutester, Eleanor and Serena were with Evelyn in the restaurant. The little girl was hungry.


    Just as they finished ordering,n arrived. He had changed into a set of casual clothes, which gave him a softer, more gentle air. Serena was sitting next to Evelyn, so he naturally pulled out the chair beside Eleanor and sat down.


    n, are you two going to look at houses tomorrow?" Serena asked.


    "Yes."


    "Mom''s idea is that you should look for two ces, since we''re nning to move over, too. It''ll be easier to help with Evelyn," Serena said.


    Eleanor blinked and looked atn. "Does your grandmother approve? After all, she really likes the house you''re living in now."


    "Grandma is all for it. She said you''ll be busy with work in the future, and if we live closer, it''ll be more convenient for us to help with Evelyn," Serena said with a smile.


    Eleanor didn''t know what to say, but she felt a wave of gratitude. While her uing research wasn''t on a tight deadline, there would be times when things got busy, and she would definitely need a helping hand.


    "Don''t feel pressured. Grandma is very supportive of your career,"n said in a low voice.


    "Thank you," Eleanor said softly.


    "You don''t have to thank us. Taking care of Evelyn is our responsibility too,"n said, his gaze deep as he looked at her.


    After their meal, Eleanor andn took their daughter home, while Serena went off to handle her own affairs.


    That evening,n had dinner at Eleanor''s ce. Joslyn had started buying extra groceries each day, knowing that there might be an extra person for dinner at any time.


    Evelyn ran into the living room, her little face beaming with happiness. Eleanor could see that withn spending more time with hertely, her daughter had be noticeably more cheerful.


    Looking at the sparkle in her daughter''s eyes, Eleanor had to admit that there was a special kind of bond only a father could provide, and fan was filling that void perfectly


    "Daddy, stay a little longer! I want you to sit with me and y ''spot the difference,'' okay?" Evelyn pleaded, tugging onn''srge hand, not wanting him to leave.


    Seeing howte it was, Eleanor walked over. "Mommy can y with you now."


    "But I want Daddy to y with me too," Evelyn pouted.


    "Alright, Daddy will stay a little longer,"n said, lovingly ruffling her hair.


    difference'' picture book. Every time Evelyn found a difference, she would giggle with delight.


    "Daddy, aren''t I smart?"


    "Very smart,"n praised with a lowugh.


    Joslyn, who was tidying up the


    house, couldn''t help but smile at the


    scene. It was as if they had gone back in time a few years to when tiny Evelyn would sit inn''sp white he patiently yed with her.


    If only things could always be like this, she thought.

 Chapter 1416

    Evelyn didn''t want to go to bed until after ten. That night, with her arms wrapped around Eleanor''s neck, she suddenly asked, "Mommy, when can Daddy sleep with us?"


    Eleanor was lost in thought and was caught off guard by her daughter''s question. She paused, then gently stroked her daughter''s head, changing the subject. "How about we go look at a new house tomorrow?"


    Evelyn nodded happily. "Okay! I want a big house with a garden so I can y ball."


    "Alright," Eleanor promised with a smile.


    ***


    The next day at nine-thirty,n drove Eleanor and Evelyn to an exclusive residential area near a private international elementary school.


    It was amunity of vis developed for the wealthy, serene and elegant with lush trees and tight security.


    The property consisted of two independent three-story vis cleverly connected, sharing a garage and a privatewn. It was said that the previous owners were a wealthy couple who had designed it to raise their child together.


    The exterior of the vis was luxurious, withrge ss walls that guaranteed excellent natural light.


    But the most appealing feature was the sprawling private garden, which covered over two thousand square feet. It was beautifully maintained, and in one corner of the healthy greenwn, there was a children''s yhouse and a swing set.


    "Wow! I love it here!" Evelyn cheered as she ran onto the grass, turning back to her mother. "Mommy, Princess will love it too!"


    Eleanor was indeed won over by the garden. She could already picture her daughter and Princess ying here without a care in the world.


    The golden light, the lush expanse of green, her daughter''sughter, and the dog''s yful barks¡ªit was a snapshot of the peaceful, grounded life she had once thought was out of reach.


    "This part of the neighborhood is more secluded, so it''s private and exceptionally quiet. It should be good for your work,"n said, looking at Eleanor with anticipation in his eyes.


    While it wasn''t thergest or most luxurious vi avable¡ªhe could have bought one in the most central location-the fact that these two homes were connected made it convenient for them to co-parent their daughter.


    "Let''s go see the inside," Eleanor said.


    They pushed open the heavy front door to find a move-in ready interior with high-end finishes. There wasn''t much furniture, leaving plenty of room for personalization. The previous owner had been an artist, and the home had a strong design sensibility.


    The first floor housed the living room, dining room, and an open-n kitchen, along


    with a study featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and separate staff quarters.


    The second floor was the bedroom


    area. The master suite was incredibly spacious, with a walk-in closet and arge bathroom. There was also one guest bedroom, a children''s room, and a small diving area, the third floor featured a targe terrace with an expansive view and a multi-purpose room.


    Eleanor''s heart was set.


    She waspletely satisfied with the vi. The space, the light, theyout, and the garden outside were all ideal.


    "Do you like it?"n asked, standing beside her as they looked out at the lush scenery.


    "What''s theyout of the one next door?" Eleanor asked curiously.


    "These are A and B units; the structure is identical. I''m very pleased with it,"n replied with a smile.


    Clearly, he had already decided to move in.


    could speak,n


    Before Eleanor c


    continued, "We''ll be neighbors, but we''ll each have our own independent space. It will be easy to help each other out, especially when you''re busy with work. Of course, it''s just a suggestion. The final decision is yours."


    Eleanor lowered her gaze and saw her daughter still running on thewn, apanied by two real estate agents.


    "This is the one," Eleanor said with a clear nod.


    "Okay," Eleanor agreed, looking up at him. "Thank you for handling everything."

 Chapter 1417

    When Eleanor walked out onto thewn, Evelyn ran over and hugged her leg. "Mommy, are we going to live here?"


    Seeing the hopeful look in her daughter''s big eyes, Eleanor smiled softly. "Yes. We''ll move in before you start school."


    "Yay! That''s great! Is Daddy going to live next door too?" Evelyn asked.


    "Yes," Eleanor nodded. She had to admit that with her future work schedule, she would need a reliable support system, andn would be the best partner in caring for their daughter.


    Up on the second-floor balcony, the man made a call. "Have the design firme in as soon as possible. I want three different renovation proposals by next week."


    "Yes, Mr. Goodwin."


    Before heading home,n arranged a tour of the school. The campus was truly first- ss, even boasting a professional equestrian center, as horsemanship was one of the school''s specialty programs.


    That afternoon,n arranged a visit to the stables to pick out a good horse for his daughter. In the end, Evelyn chose a Welsh pony, and they scheduled her to begin training at the stables right away.


    After settling things with Mann, the pony, it was already evening by the time they headed back. Evelyn was so tired she fell asleep in Eleanor''s arms.


    The night outside was soft and gentle. Holding her daughter, Eleanor felt a wave of fatigue and let her eyes drift half-closed. At a red light, her gaze inadvertently metn''s in the rearview mirror.


    He was looking at her too.


    After a few seconds of eye contact, Eleanor looked away.


    A slow smile spread acrossn''s face. Touring the new house and the new school


    felt like they were quietly building a new phase of their rtionship.


    ***


    Monday arrived.


    Eleanor went to theb, whilen took their daughter to his office. In the afternoon, he would take her to the stables for her training.


    ***


    Meanwhile, at a five-star hotel, Vanessa Shannon and Harvey MacLeod had just spent three days together. Just as she was thinking. about returning with him to The Kingston Elite Circle, Harveytook her to dinner with another man.


    The man was none other than Gael Brown, the wealthy heir who had shown particr interest in her at thest banquet.


    "Vanessa, listen. I have to go on a business trip for a while. How about I let Mr. Brown here look after you?" Harvey said bluntly.


    Vanessa understood immediately. Harvey had grown bored and was dumping her.


    For all his womanizing, even her beauty was just a fleeting novelty to him.


    Now that the novelty had worn off, he was passing her off to someone else like an object.


    Vanessa swallowed her humiliation and kept a smile stered on her face. In truth, Gael was better-looking and had better prospects.


    She was actually willing.


    Vanessa gave Gael a seductive look. "Then I''ll be in your care, Mr. Brown."


    "Don''t you worry, Miss Shannon. I''ll take very good care of you," Gael said, raising


    his ss. His eyes were already scanning her up and down with undisguised possessiveness and glee.


    He had often seen Vanessa at


    banquets before, but back then, he


    wouldn''t have dared to dream of approaching her. She was always surrounded by top tier, heirs liken Xavier, and Henry Holt men who betonged to the city''s billionaire elite.


    He wasn''t even in their league. Now, he couldn''t believe Vanessa had fallen into his hands.


    Vanessa had no choice. Harvey was clearly eager to get rid of her, and she still needed a man to finance her high-end lifestyle.


    Looking at Gael, who was in his early thirties, Vanessa began to scheme. This time, she didn''t want to be discarded again She wanted the title of Mrs. Brown. She was done being picky; any man willing to give her a stable life would do, and Gael fit the bill.


    "Where would you like to go after dinner?" Gael asked with a smile.


    Vanessa thought for a moment, then decided to test his generosity. "Mr. Brown,


    could you buy me a horse?"

 Chapter 1418

    Gael knew that winning over Vanessa would require a financial investment, and he was eager to show off his wealth to make her more willing to stay with him.


    As it happened, his good friend''s father owned thergest equestrian center in Ashford City. He immediately responded with magnanimity, "Of course. I was actually thinking of picking out a new horse myself recently. We can go take a look right now."


    Vanessa''s heart leaped with joy. It seemed Gael was serious about pursuing her. She had been worried he might be stingy.


    Her red lips curved into a delighted smile. "Thank you, Mr. Brown! Let''s go, then!"


    Gael had only taken a few steps after getting up when Vanessa''s arm naturally linked with his. A jolt of pleasure went through him. She was exactly his type. Even though he was getting Harvey''s seconds, he didn''t mind at all.


    In fact, he enjoyed it.


    Gael had one major insecurity: he felt hecked a certain masculine charm and often felt self-conscious around women. This made him crave the feeling of being admired by them.


    ***


    At a high-end equestrian center, two cars pulled into the parking lot one after the other.


    It wasn with his daughter, and his sister Serena, who had driven there by herself. "Auntie!" Evelyn called out happily.


    Serena had some free time, and when she heard they were going riding, she decided to join her brother and niece.


    The equestrian center had professional training areas for racehorses as well as sections for members to ride leisurely and purchase horses.


    Evelyn, fully kitted out in riding gear, happily held the reins and chatted with her pony, Mann, while Serena stood nearby, taking pictures.


    Half an hour passed quickly, and Evelyn was getting a bit tired. Serena headed back to the lounge area to rest.


    Just then, she saw new guests arriving at the entrance. Serena nced over, and her expression immediately soured. Of all the people to run into.


    It was Vanessa with another man.


    Vanessa''s sharp eyes also spotted Serena, and her expression grew stiff and unpleasant. She hadn''t expected to run into Serena in a city asrge as Ashford.


    "Vanessa, I''m going to say hi to a friend. Why don''t you find a ce to sit and wait for me?" Gael said.


    Vanessa nodded with a charming smile. "Okay, you go on! I''ll get something to drink."


    Braving Serena''s fiery re, Vanessa walked over and sat down near her, ordering a drink from a server.


    "Looks like you''ve already found yourself a new target to bankroll your lifestyle," Serena couldn''t help but mock. Vanessa''s private life was so scandalous she had to say something.


    First, there were the rumors about her and Walden Wells circting in their social circle, then just a few days ago, she''d heard Vanessa had attached herself to another rick heir. And now, today, she was with


    someone new again.


    Perhaps because she truly detested Vanessa, Serena couldn''t help but pay attention to the gossip about her.


    At this point, Vanessa had nothing left to lose, so she had nothing to fear. She shed a derisive smile. "Miss Goodwin not everyone is as lucky as you. Besides, who I''m with is none of your business. Shouldn''t you be thanking me for the fact that you''re still alive?"


    Vanessa guessed that Serena''s disappearance for a while was due to a re-up of her gic condition, which was why she had been putting off seeing her and spending so much time at Dr Smithsb.


    Serena snorted. "Why should I thank you? My brother paid a fortune for your blood.


    It wasn''t a free donation."

 Chapter 1419

    Vanessa sneered. "Without me, neither you nor your mother would even be standing here today. Is this how the Goodwin family treats the person who saved their lives?"


    "Vanessa, you were more thanpensated for what you did, so stop your nonsense. And I still haven''t settled the score with you for approaching my family with ulterior motives back then," Serena said, her face turning cold.


    "Didn''t you ruin my performance? The fact that I''ve ended up in this situation is all thanks to you, Miss Goodwin," Vanessa shot back, her eyes filled with anger.


    "Was I wrong to report you? To me, being an artist is sacred. You aren''t worthy of the title," Serena retorted acidly.


    Vanessa gritted her teeth in frustration. "If you weren''t born into a good family, with your brains, I doubt you could even support yourself. And you have the nerve to criticize others?"


    "What can I say? I guess I was just born lucky. That''s something you''ll never have, no matter how much you envy it," Serena said with a smug, raised eyebrow.


    She''d always been good at getting under people''s skin.


    As expected, Vanessa''s chest heaved slightly. She let out a coldugh. "So what if you''re lucky? Does Xavier give you a second look? In his eyes, you''re not even worth a single strand of Eleanor''s hair."


    Serena gave her a cold smile. "Do you think I''m still that stupid? You think I can''t see your malicious intent? If you''re trying to drive a wedge between me and Ellie, don''t waste your breath."


    Vanessa scoffed. "Am I not telling the truth? A man as exceptional as Xavier ispletely out of your league."


    "Vanessa, I can''t be bothered to


    argue with you. I''m warning you onest time: stay away from my brother, stay away from Eleanor, and stay away from Evelyn. If you dare to try any of your crooked schemes again, don''t me me for what happens, Serena said, then added. "I might not be some powerhouse, but I can still make sure your name is mud in this city."


    At that moment, from behind a pir just a few feet away, a small head peeked out. Evelyn had gotten tired of riding and hade up to find her aunt, only to see her with Mrs. Shannon.


    She was about to go over and say hello, but she saw the fury on her aunt''s face and realized they were arguing.


    Stunned, she hid behind the pir to watch.


    Just then, Vanessa''s lips twitched with rage. She mmed her hand on the table and stood up. "Serena, have you forgotten we were once on the same team? You think I''m vicious? You''re no better. And think about how I used to be so good to your little niece!"


    The mention of this sent a fresh wave of anger through Serena. "How dare you im you were genuinely


    good to Evelyn? You were just using


    her to get to Ellie, weren''t you? Teaching her piano, buying he gifts was all to make Ellie misunderstand. You think anyone believes you have a kind bone in your body?"


    Vanessa dropped the act, her eyes glinting with pure malice. "That''s right! Did you really think I''d like a child born to Eleanor? I can''t stand e children, especially not one from the woman I despise most. If it wasn''t to please your brother, I wouldn''t have even looked at her."


    Vanessa''s voice was sharp and cruel. Behind the pir, Evelyn''s eyes widened in shock. Miss Vanessa hated her that much? And she hated her mommy too?


    Evelyn thought back to all the times Vanessa had bought her dolls, candy, and pretty dresses. She had thought Miss Vanessa liked her. Was it all a lie?

 Chapter 1420

    Vanessa continued her tirade. "Yes, I deliberately got close to Evelyn. Seeing her was just as disgusting as seeing Eleanor. I pretended to like her, to y with her, but it was all to get on your brother''s good side. But she''s an ungrateful brat. No matter how nice I pretended to be, she never appreciated it."


    "Shut up!" Serena snapped. "Evelyn was just a child. How could you be so malicious as to use her? And you have the nerve to stand here and say these things?"


    Vanessa''s eyes shed with intense resentment as she shrieked, "If Eleanor hadn''t stolen your brother from me back then, I would have been your family! It never should have been her!"


    Serena just raised an eyebrow in response. "Vanessa, where do you get this confidence that my brother would ever like you? Let me tell you something: my brother has only ever loved one woman in his life, and that''s Eleanor. I''m sure you, of all people, know whether he had any feelings for you over thest ten years. Stop daydreaming that he''ll fall in love with you. It''s pathetic."


    Vanessa was so furious she mmed her ss down on the table. "Serena!"


    Hiding behind the pir, Evelyn jumped. Then, she rushed out. "You''re mean! Don''t you bully my aunt!"


    With that, Evelyn''s small body stood protectively in front of Serena, her big eyes ring angrily at Vanessa.


    Vanessa was stunned to see Evelyn there. She panicked for a moment but quicklyposed herself.


    A twisted sense of satisfaction crept onto her face. So Evelyn had heard everything. Good. Let the little thing get a taste of what it feels like to be deceived and hurt.


    Just as Vanessa was about to say something more to Evelyn, she felt an intense chilling from the direction Evelyn had run from.


    She looked up sharply and sawn appear, his face a mask of cold fury.


    Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively took a step back.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn cried, running toward him as if she''d suffered the world''s greatest injustice,n quickly keelt and swept his daughter into his arms, but his gaze, like shards of ice, shot toward Vanessa.


    Vanessa''s face paled, her earlier arrogance gone, reced by a rising tide of fear


    and panic. Her lips trembled, but no sound came out.


    The wayn was looking at her was


    something she had never seen before. Beyond the undisguised disgust and anger, there was a murderous intent that


    *!@ St


    physical.


    n, you''re here. Evelyn is terrified," Serena said, looking with heartache at her niece in her brother''s arms.


    She hadn''t had time to process it all, but now she realized Evelyn must have heard every vicious word Vanessa had said.


    From a few feet away, his words were like daggers of ice. "Vanessa, what did you just say to my daughter?"


    His voice was terrifyingly calm, but to Vanessa''s ears, it was more frightening than any furious roar.


    "I¡ªI didn''t Vanessa stammered, trying to exin. She then forcedza


    smile at Every Evelyn what said


    just now wasn''t true. I was just talking nonsense-don''t take it to heart!"


    Evelyn, nestled in her father''s arms, was silent, her eyes filled with tears and her little mouth pouting, clearly hurt.<pn''srge hand gently stroked his daughter''s head,forting her. "It''s okay, sweetie. Daddy''s here. You don''t have to be afraid."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!