Chapter 422
“Yes! Mom’s taking me on a big trip!” Evelyn announced, her voice bubbling with excitement.
Eleanor was coming down the stairs when she spotted lan carrying their daughter inside. Her tone was less than welcoming. “What are you doing here p>
lan’s deep voice was calm. “Do you need me to drive you to the base p>
Before Eleanor could answer, Evelyn piped up, “Daddy, Mr. Ellington’s sending someone to pick us up p>
A shadow crossed lan’s face.
“It’s a long way. You’re taking Evelyn by yourself—” he began, clearly intent on insisting.
“That’s not necessary,” Eleanor cut him off, irritation sharpening her words.
Ilan let it go. He crouched down, ruffling Evelyn’s hair, and said gently, “Keep your phone on you. If you miss me, you can call anytime, okay p>
“I know, Daddy!” Evelyn grinned.
Straightening, lan glanced at Eleanor. “If you need anything, you know how to reach me p>
Eleanor barely acknowledged him, focusing instead on packing Evelyn’s water bottle, as if she hadn’t heard a thing he said.
lan leaned down to press a kiss to his daughter’s forehead. “I’ll be going, then.” “Bye, Daddy!” Evelyn waved her little hand.
lan cast one last look at Eleanor before turning toward the front gate. Princess, the family’s golden retriever, was the only one who trotted after him to see him out.
When lan stepped outside, Princess followed at his heels. He knelt, giving her a gentle scratch behind the ears. “Go back, girl,” he murmured.
As if she understood, Princess turned, poked her head through the open gate one last time, then padded back into the yard. Ian closed the gate behind her and headed for his car.
The next morning at ten, a military SUV pulled up in front of Eleanor’s house. Two men in dress uniforms stood waiting at the curb.
“Miss Sutton, Major General Ellington sent us to pick you and your daughter up,” the senior officer said, offering a crisp salute.
Eleanor nodded, took Evelyn’s hand, and climbed into the SUV.
Evelyn was beside herself with excitement during the drive, and Eleanor found herself more at ease with her daughter at her side. When they arrived at the military airfield, Eleanor stared in disbelief at the private jet waiting for them on the tarmac.
She was stunned.
Mansfield Ellington had actually sent a private plane for them?
Decker appeared, carrying their luggage. “Eleanor p>
Eleanor had helped him out of a tight spot once, and he’d never forgotten it.
“Decker,” she greeted him with a warm smile, prompting Evelyn to say hello as well.
Decker could barely hide his excitement. Eleanor led her daughter onto the plane just as her phone chimed.
“Boarded yet?” came the message.
“Just got on,” Eleanor replied. “I thought we’d be flying commercial p>
“My father’s plane was free, so I arranged it,” Mansfield Ellington texted back.
Eleanor’s eyes widened in shock. Wait-this was the Secretary of State’s personal aircraft?
She could barely breathe. This level of treatment was beyond anything she’d ever imagined.
A moment later, another message came through from Mansfield: “Don’t feel pressured. You’re a national researcher now, serving your country. You deserve
it p>