Chapter 27
Eleanor’s breath quickened. Ian wanted to invest in her research project? With his resources and reputation, he’d be the ideal backer-but every fiber of her being resisted the idea.
The last thing she wanted was to be entangled with him again.
“Alright, Joel, call the office and let them know I won’t be in today.” That was all Eleanor could manage before she left the conversation hanging.
She silently prayed the investor wouldn’t turn out to be lan. She didn’t care if the replacement had less clout; her work was strong enough to attract more investors down the line.
She grabbed her car keys and headed downstairs, determined to get out before anyone tried to stop her.
It was half past four when Joel finally texted. “Ellie, just a heads up—lan’s very interested in investing. Dr. Lyman is thrilled at the prospect of bringing him on board p>
No matter how anxious she felt, the decision was out of her hands. All she could do was wait for lan’s final verdict after he finished evaluating her project.
Later, after picking up her daughter, Eleanor had barely stepped through the door when Joslyn, her housekeeper, called out, “Ma’am, Miss Goodwin is here p>
Eleanor paused, bracing herself as she glanced over the banister into the living room. lan’s younger sister, Serena, had dropped by unannounced.
She barely knew Serena, who was always off traveling the world and only showed up at family gatherings once a year, if that. Since marrying lan, Eleanor could count on one hand the number of times they’d actually spoken.
“Is my brother home?” Serena asked, setting her bag on the entry table.
“He’s not back yet,” Eleanor replied, making her way down the stairs.
“Aunt Serena!” Evelyn squealed, dashing over and leaping into her aunt’s arms.
“Have you missed me?” Serena laughed, hugging the little girl tight. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten all about your favorite aunt! How about coming out for dinner with me tonight p>
“Yes! I want to eat out!” Evelyn nodded her head so hard her curls bounced.
“Deal. We’ll go out together,” Serena said, tapping her niece’s forehead gently.
Eleanor smiled. “Serena, why not stay and eat with us? It’s been ages since you’ve visited p>
Serena shook her head. “Not tonight. I promised Evelyn a special dinner, and we’re going to pick out some new toys too.” With that, she scooped Evelyn up. “We’ll be off, then p>
Eleanor tried not to show her concern, but she couldn’t exactly object. “Evelyn, be good and listen to your aunt, alright p>
“I know, Mommy!” Evelyn chirped, bursting with excitement.
Before Eleanor could say another word, Serena was already heading out the door with her giggling niece.
Joslyn turned to her. “Ma’am, shall I check if Mr. Goodwin will be home for dinner p>
“Please do,” Eleanor replied.
A minute later, Joslyn returned. “He said he’s eating out tonight p>
Eleanor wasn’t surprised; she figured Serena would reach out to him. Just then, her phone rang. She picked up. “Hey, Joy p>
“I just got a bonus, and I’m taking you out to celebrate!” Joy’s cheerful voice came through the line.
Eleanor had been itching for an excuse to get out of the house. “Perfect. Where should we go? I can leave right now p>
“We’re going all out-only the fanciest dinner for you!” Joy replied with a laugh.
A moment later, Joy texted her the address: a high-end restaurant perched on the top floor of the most luxurious mall in downtown Ashford City.
Eleanor met her friend outside the entrance. As she crossed the street, she spotted Joy waving at her. But before she could make it over, a little girl’s bouncing silhouette caught her eye.
She looked again, her heart skipping a beat. Wasn’t that Evelyn?