Chapter 467
A little while later, Evelyn brought over a cake. Henry took it from her, flashing her a warm smile. “Thank you, sweetheart p>
Eleanor helped her daughter into the car and, at last, understood what Henry had meant earlier.
Now she knew exactly what she needed to do next.
When they got home, Joslyn helped Evelyn with her bath and washed her hair. Eleanor slipped into the study, her mind already shifting away from personal feelings—she simply didn’t have the time. A mountain of work was waiting for her, and she threw herself into it.
On the weekend, Eleanor managed to carve out half a day to take her daughter out for some fresh air. That afternoon, Evelyn’s language tutor came by for lessons, and just like that, the weekend was filled with activities and learning.
Monday morning, Eleanor dropped her daughter off at school. As she was about to leave, she spotted Mrs. Vaughn arriving as well. Eleanor offered a friendly greeting. “Good morning, Mrs. Vaughn p>
Henrietta looked her up and down with a smile. “Just call me Auntie, dear p>
Eleanor’s smile softened. “Alright, Auntie. I’d better get to work now p>
Henrietta nodded. “Go ahead, drive safe p>
Feeling a little warmer inside, Eleanor gave Henrietta a quick grateful nod before getting in her car and heading off.
Nearby, the housekeeper turned to her employer, chuckling. “Miss Sutton just gets more and more charming every time I see her p>
Henrietta agreed, watching Eleanor go. There was a natural grace and poise about the young woman—a clear sign of a good upbringing.
Henrietta let out a wistful sigh. “If only she could be my daughter-in-law one day.” She really had taken a liking to Eleanor.
The housekeeper nodded enthusiastically. “Mr. Vaughn is so accomplished, and he and Miss Sutton look perfect together p>
Henrietta thought back on last night’s dinner and realized something: Serena had once claimed Eleanor was chasing after her son, but in truth, it was her son who couldn’t stop circling around Eleanor!
Of course, just because her son wanted to marry her, didn’t mean Eleanor would necessarily say yes p>
At the research center, Eleanor was at the morning meeting bright and early. Dr. Lyman Brown outlined several key agendas, including the update that Eleanor’s experiment would be entering the clinical trial phase within a month.
“Ellie, once you’ve wrapped things up on your end, I’ll submit an accelerated review application to the FDA as soon as possible,” he said.
“And we’ll need to start recruiting clinical trial volunteers soon,” he added.
Eleanor felt her nerves tighten, but her eyes sharpened with resolve. “I’ll do my best to speed up our research,” she promised.
There was no room for mistakes; people’s lives depended on the outcome.
“Eleanor, if we succeed with this new drug, it could be a medical breakthrough,” Dr. Brown said.
Both senior doctors were looking at her with hope and expectation. The weight of their trust settled on her shoulders, and Eleanor nodded firmly. “My team and I will give it everything we have p>
Later that afternoon, Eleanor was still working overtime when her phone rang. She glanced at the unfamiliar number and hesitated, then answered, “Hello, this is Eleanor p>
“Eleanor, it’s me Mrs. Vaughn.” Henrietta’s voice came through the line.
“Mrs. Vaughn?” Eleanor repeated, a little surprised.
“Oh, don’t be so formal, call me Auntie. I was thinking of picking up Evelyn and inviting her over for dinner at my place. Would that be alright with you p>
Eleanor paused, caught off guard. “That’s really not necessary, Mrs. Vaughn. I wouldn’t want to trouble you p>
“It’s no trouble at all! Vivian and Evelyn get along so well, and I’d love for you to come over after work and join us for dinner p>
Eleanor’s heart skipped a beat, Henry’s earlier warning echoing in her mind. She tried to politely decline, “Really, there’s no need, Mrs. Vaughn. Our housekeeper is making dinner tonight, and I’m just about to pick up Evelyn from school. She has English lessons this evening as well p>