Chapter 278
Eleanor found herself thinking of Xavier.
She sent him a message, asking about the status of a particular microscope. Xavier responded almost immediately, sending over the model and specifications. “You’re welcome to come use it any time,” he added.
She really did need access to that more advanced microscope. Eleanor replied, “Great, I’ll bring my samples over at two p>
“See you then,” Xavier answered.
At lunch, Eleanor ran into Joel in the campus cafeteria. He’d been stationed at Meridian Dynamics lately, 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 relationship was a rare blend of mentorship and friendship.
Yet, whenever Joel looked at Eleanor, there was something unspoken in his eyes —a 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 glanced at the screen and picked up. “Hey! I’ll be there for the one-thirty meeting, right on time p>
After hanging up, he checked his watch and smiled. “Endless meetings these days. I’d better get going p>
Eleanor grinned at him. “Don’t work yourself too hard-get some rest p>
“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’s lab, 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 p>
Xavier smiled. “Waiting for you.” He noticed the small insulated container she carried.
Without hesitation, he reached out and took it from her. Eleanor offered him a grateful smile. “Thanks p>
“No problem.” Xavier’s gaze lingered on her.
If he could, he’d want Eleanor to come 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 p>
Xavier chuckled, his tone warm. “Stubborn? I’d call it admirable craftsmanship.” She couldn’t help but laugh, 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 had come by, curious to see whom he was waiting for. She hadn’t expected to find him with Eleanor.
Serena’s gaze flicked to the insulated 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 our lab,” Xavier explained.
Forcing a smile, Serena replied, “Xavier, I’ll take her to the lab p>
“No need, you go ahead,” Xavier said gently.
Serena stepped out, and as the elevator doors closed behind her, she stood frozen in place.
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.