Chapter 144
“I got a call from Eleanor today. On her way home, a black SUV cut her off several times. It was extremely dangerous p>
lan interrupted, his tone heavy with meaning. “Dr. Kingsley, you seem awfully concerned about my wife p>
Joel straightened. “My concern for Eleanor is strictly professional, Mr. Goodwin. Please don’t misunderstand p>
“As long as you’re clear about that, Dr. Kingsley p>
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 p>
lan listened in silence.
Joel continued, explaining how Eleanor had recently exposed a chemical plant’s illegal dumping. Her evidence had forced the plant to shut down for investigation.
“Two weeks ago, the company called Eleanor to threaten her. This time, they’ve escalated, openly trying to retaliate against your wife. I’m sure you can find a way to keep your family safe, Mr. Goodwin p>
“Is that all?” lan’s voice was flat.
Joel hesitated. “That’s all p>
lan’s tone grew even colder. “Seems you know more about my wife’s situation than I do p>
“Mr. Goodwin, your wife’s safety p>
“My wife’s business is none of yours.” With that, lan ended the call.
Joel let out a long sigh. Was lan truly this indifferent to Eleanor? Did her safety mean nothing to him?
By eight-thirty, Eleanor was in the living room, playing with their daughter and the family’s golden retriever, Princess, when lan came home.
“Daddy!” Evelyn ran over, with Princess wagging her tail at his feet.
lan knelt, ruffling his daughter’s hair and giving Princess an affectionate pat. “Take Princess upstairs to the playroom,” he told Evelyn. “I need to talk to your mom for a bit p>
“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.
As lan approached, Eleanor stood as if to leave, but he caught her wrist. “We need to talk p>
“There’s nothing to talk about.” Eleanor pulled her arm free.
lan frowned. “I heard the chemical plant’s people have been hassling you. Do you need me to step in p>
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 p>
“I’ll handle it,” lan 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 if lan 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, lan 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 so late,” he said, brow furrowed. “I’ve asked Dr. Langley to let you join her research team p>
“No need,” Eleanor replied coolly.
If it was something she could achieve on her own, why rely on him?
lan clenched his jaw and left without another word.
The next morning, lan 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 to come to Ashford Medical University.
Eleanor headed out right away, keeping a cautious eye on her rearview mirror. She drove slowly, watching for suspicious vehicles. At last, she pulled safely into the university parking lot.
Just then, a black SUV pulled up beside her. Eleanor’s nerves went taut.