Chapter 102
Dr. Lyman looked at Eleanor with clear approval. “Ellie, you’ve never let me down p>
Eleanor offered a modest smile. “I suppose I just got a bit lucky p>
“Oh, come 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 Vaughn laughed. “Don’t sell yourself short, Ellie p>
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 gala 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 explain the critical points- it’ll help get the message across p>
Jude agreed and immediately called Eleanor.
She’d just picked her daughter up and walked in the door when her phone rang. Jude explained the plan, and Eleanor agreed without hesitation. “Sounds good. I’ll be there on time p>
“I’ll ask Joel to join us too p>
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 black Rolls-Royce pulled up the drive.
lan stepped out, dressed sharply in a tailored suit. The fading sunlight cast long shadows behind him as he crossed the lawn, broad-shouldered and purposeful. “Daddy!” Evelyn, their daughter, spotted him and sprinted over, arms flapping like a little bird.
lan’s expression softened in an instant, his entire demeanor warming as he knelt to kiss the top of her head and gently wiped the sweat from her brow. “Did you have a good day p>
“It was great! I played ball with Mom. Will you play 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 glass of water. Why don’t you play with Dad for a bit p>
Evelyn didn’t hesitate. “Okay! Daddy, let’s play p>
lan watched as Eleanor excused herself, his gaze cooling for a moment, but the warmth returned as soon as his eyes fell on his daughter.
Eleanor left the game to them. When Evelyn finished playing and came inside, Eleanor helped her wash up before dinner.
lan disappeared upstairs and, twenty minutes later, reappeared in a comfortable gray sweater and slacks.
At dinner, Evelyn piped up, “Mom, I really miss Vivian. Can you ask Mr. Vaughn when she’ll be back from overseas p>
Eleanor paused mid-bite, then smiled. “Of course, sweetheart p>
Before she could say more, lan’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 p>
Evelyn beamed. “Thank you, Daddy p>
Eleanor frowned slightly. She could hear the warning in lan’s words—was it just her imagination?
She decided not to dwell on it. Her relationship 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 explained 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 p>
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.