Chapter 131
“Don’t ever say things like that again.” lan’s voice was cold, rebuking her without a hint of warmth.
On the other end, Serena, still fuming, hung up first. Moments later, Gina’s call came through.
“Hey, Mom.” lan 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.” lan’s answer was firm-he’d already confirmed it himself.
“Alright, then let’s throw her a party tomorrow! Just the family, to celebrate p>
“I got it p>
A mile away, in Xavier’s villa, the nanny was bathing Vivian while Xavier, just finished with a video conference in his study, heard his phone ring. Seeing Henry’s name flash on the screen, he picked up. “Hey p>
“Xavier, did you see the news? lan’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 p>
“The National Academy of Sciences gave out the award today-it’s all over the evening news. lan’s one lucky guy, huh? Having such a brilliant wife, and he kept it under wraps all this time p>
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, accepting her award, with lan himself handing it over.
A reporter’s detailed account 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 p>
“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 p>
Eleanor smiled modestly. “It’s just what we in the medical field are supposed to do. Nothing special p>
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 flash of envy crossed her eyes.
It took effort, but Eleanor finally made it back to her lab floor. Gwenda intercepted her at the door. “Eleanor, come on, tell me how much prize money did you get this time p>
Eleanor just smiled, keeping quiet.
“Oh, don’t be so mysterious! Spill it p>
“I really don’t know yet,” Eleanor admitted honestly. The prize money hadn’t come 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.
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 become the child they could be proud of.