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 the last person who wanted to see Eleanor pass that exam.
“It’s just a test,” Horace offered, trying to sound comforting. “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 p>
“Exactly! Who cares about grades, anyway? We all managed to graduate, didn’t we?” Gwenda chimed in, though she’d barely scraped by herself.
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 p>
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 p>
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 p>
“Great! Let’s invite Jude too p>
Gwenda gently tugged Faye’s arm and whispered, “Come on, let’s go p>
Faye had wanted to storm in and accuse 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 naïve, 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 to lan’s number and dialing.
“Hello? Dr. Langley?” came lan’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?” lan asked.
Simone let out a small, impressed laugh. “It’s an exceptionally rare achievement.” “Please look after her,” lan 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,” lan said simply.
At Goodwin & Co., lan 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. Glancing at the caller ID, he answered, “Hello p>
Whatever the caller said, lan’s expression turned steely. His tone was cool but forceful. “Tell him this: anyone who accuses my wife accuses me. He’d be wise to remember that p>
After lunch, as Eleanor and Joel were making their way back to the lab, 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.