Chapter 16

“Alright, next time you have to come over for dinner,” Gina said warmly, her smile genuine.

lan shifted his daughter in his arms and called out to the driver, “Take it easy on the road p>

Their town car pulled away from the restaurant first. Vanessa stood by lan’s side, making faces to entertain Evelyn. “You look so pretty today, Evelyn! Oh, and I almost forgot—I have a little treat in my purse. Would you like some p>

“Yes!” The moment Evelyn heard the word “treat,” she nodded eagerly, her eyes bright with anticipation.

Vanessa rummaged through her bag and produced a small packet of hazelnut chocolate, pressing it into Evelyn’s tiny hand. Evelyn’s eyes lit up with delight as she stared at the chocolate.

Eleanor’s expression darkened. Vanessa had a long history of sneaking sweets to her daughter, a habit that drove Eleanor up the wall.

“Let’s go home,” Eleanor said to lan, her tone clipped.

Evelyn was still nestled in lan’s arms when Vanessa leaned in, grinning. “See you next time, Evelyn! Can I get a kiss goodbye?” She turned her cheek expectantly.

Evelyn, happily clutching her chocolate, was more than willing. Vanessa rose on tiptoe, her hand resting lightly on lan’s shoulder as she held her face out for Evelyn’s kiss.

But Eleanor stepped forward, scooping her daughter from lan’s arms in one swift motion. She slid open the car door and climbed inside with Evelyn.

Vanessa, ever the flirt, tossed lan a playful glance. “Drive safe, lan p>

He nodded, then climbed in after Eleanor. As the car pulled away, Vanessa

remained on the sidewalk, waving with a cheerful smile.

Evelyn waved back, her little hand fluttering in the air. Eleanor held her daughter tight, every nerve in her body burning with anger.

“Mommy, you’re squeezing me too hard. I can’t breathe,” Evelyn whispered.

Eleanor exhaled slowly, loosening her hold. She cracked the window, letting in a rush of cold air that helped restore her composure.

“When are we going back home?” she asked lan quietly from the backseat.

“In three days,” he replied.

For the next two days, lan stayed home, devoting his time to Evelyn and only occasionally slipping into his study to attend to work.

Three days later, after saying their goodbyes to lan’s grandmother and the others, they prepared to leave. The old woman gripped Eleanor’s hand with warmth. “Ellie, we’ll be coming home too before the year’s out p>

Eleanor smiled, genuinely happy at the prospect of the old woman joining them.

After a grueling twenty-three hours of travel, Eleanor finally arrived home, utterly exhausted as she carried her sleeping daughter inside. Joslyn helped bathe Evelyn, while Eleanor took a quick shower herself. By ten-thirty, Evelyn was nestled quietly in her arms, already fast asleep.

Eleanor drifted off as well, needing two full days at home just to recover before she finally sent Evelyn back to school.

At nine o’clock that morning, as Eleanor organized files in her study, her phone rang.

“Ellie, do you have a moment? I’d really like to talk,” came the excited voice of Jude Vaughn, her father’s former student.

“Jude, let’s pick a place and meet,” Eleanor replied, not wanting to delay any longer. It was time to finally set her plans for the new research lab in motion.

Inside the coffee shop, Eleanor was surprised to see that Jude hadn’t come alone. She stood up in delight, recognizing the distinguished man beside him. “Dr. Lyman, what a surprise! I didn’t expect to see you here p>

Jude grinned. “He couldn’t resist your experimental proposal was just too compelling p>

“Please, Dr. Lyman, have a seat,” Eleanor said respectfully.

“Eleanor, I’ve read your research proposal. It’s hard to believe, to be honest, but I understand things are still theoretical right now. I hope you and Jude can move into the experimental phase as soon as possible. If you make any progress, it could change the face of medicine-and benefit all of humanity p>

Eleanor nodded earnestly. “That’s exactly what I want to do. The problem is, I have no startup funds to build a lab, and it’s hard to recruit the right people p>

“Don’t worry about that,” Dr. Lyman reassured her, “The whole world is watching the medical field right now. I’m sure someone will support your project. Have confidence p>

He leaned forward, eyes sharp. “Eleanor, where did the idea for this experimental theory come from p>