Chapter 289
Soft lights bathed each exhibit in the museum, casting gentle shadows that lent the artifacts an air of quiet grandeur. Eleanor made a point to keep her distance from lan, who stood talking with Principal Maxwell. From what she’d gathered, lan was negotiating some sort of collaboration with the Military Medical University, which explained why Principal Maxwell was personally showing him around.
She spent the entire morning wandering through the museum, losing herself among the displays. The afternoon was devoted to Professor Wyndham’s lecture —a seminar that proved both stimulating and rewarding.
Tomorrow afternoon, she’d be flying back to Ashford City at three. Eleanor made a mental note to find a gift for her daughter before leaving Kingston.
She hailed a cab, slipped into the back seat, and asked the driver to take her downtown.
As the city rolled past her window, Eleanor was admiring the scenery when her phone buzzed. The sender made her pause: Mansfield Ellington.
“Are you at Military Medical University p>
Surprised, Eleanor replied, “How did you know p>
“I saw you on the news p>
She realized suddenly-the conference these past two days must have made the headlines, though she hadn’t paid attention.
“When are you leaving?” Mansfield asked.
“Three o’clock flight tomorrow,” she replied.
“So, if I hurry over now, I’ll still be able to have lunch with you before you go?” came his next message.
Eleanor blinked, startled. “You’re coming all the way here p>
“I’ll fly into Kingston base-it’s less than an hour away from where you are p>
Eleanor’s heart skipped. Was he really rearranging his schedule for her? The thought left her feeling uncomfortably guilty.
“Mr. Ellington, maybe we can catch up next time in Ashford City,” she suggested. “No,” he replied. “Tomorrow. Military Medical University p>
There was no room for negotiation. Eleanor gave up trying to dissuade him—he was clearly already on his way.
She spent some time wandering the shops in Kingston, eventually picking out a music box she knew her daughter would adore. She had it shipped home, and by the time she stepped outside again, it was already nine o’clock. Another taxi took her back to Military Medical University.
Lost in thought, she was jolted by the driver’s voice: “We’re here, miss p>
She paid the fare, stepped out into the chilly night, and pulled her coat tighter around her. Looking up at the university gates, she spotted a familiar figure standing beneath the lamplight near the security booth.
lan.
He was on the phone, tall and composed beneath the streetlight’s glow.
Eleanor’s gaze cooled. Ian noticed her, ended his call, and strode over. “Do you have time tomorrow morning p>
She didn’t hesitate. “No p>
“It’s just an open seminar in the morning. You could skip it,” lan replied, his tone low.
She shot him a look. “I already have plans p>
“With whom?” lan pressed, eyes narrowing.
“That’s none of your business,” Eleanor snapped, walking away just as a shuttle bus pulled up. She got in; lan remained on the curb.
Back in her room, another message popped up from Mansfield Ellington: “I’ll pick you up at Military Medical University at eleven tomorrow. Any cravings p>
Since he was making the effort to see her, turning him down would just be rude. “Anything’s fine. I’ll let you choose,” Eleanor replied.
“Alright. Get some rest, then p>
After her shower, Eleanor scrolled through the news and was surprised to see herself on the national broadcast. There were several shots from the conference -she, lan, and Dr. Lyman caught together on camera, even shown in a few close-ups.
The next morning, Eleanor attended the seminar as planned. Dr. Lyman found her before it ended. He explained he’d be staying in Kingston for a few more days and that she should head back to Ashford City on her own.
“lan already booked your ticket,” Dr. Lyman added.
Eleanor would have preferred not to accept the arrangement, but since the ticket was set, she let it go.
At exactly eleven, her phone buzzed with a message from Mansfield Ellington: “I’m at Military Medical University. Text me when you’re ready to come out p>
“Okay, give me ten minutes,” Eleanor replied.
The seminar ended on a high note, with everyone gathering for a group photo. Eleanor grabbed her bag and stepped outside, spotting a military-green SUV parked in the lot.
Mansfield Ellington stood beside it, dressed in a deep blue blazer, open at the collar and tieless. He had the posture and presence that only years of military life could instill—a certain unrestrained confidence, impossible to miss.