Chapter 508
When Eleanor arrived at the university hospital affiliated with the Military Medical University, she was greeted with an outpouring of hospitality unlike anything she’d ever experienced. The hospital director himself came down to meet her,
accompanied by several medical specialists. A young woman even handed her a bouquet of flowers.
Eleanor felt both flattered and a little out of place-she’d always preferred to keep a low profile, and all this enthusiastic attention left her feeling awkward.
“Eleanor, I’m Dean Clark. I went to college with your father-he probably never mentioned me, but we used to play soccer together,” Dean Clark said with an easy grin.
Eleanor nodded respectfully. “Good afternoon, Dean Clark. You’re right, my father rarely talked about his college days p>
Dean Clark’s eyes twinkled with nostalgia. “Your dad was a legend at our school! I never imagined his daughter would be equally impressive-so young and already making waves in the research world p>
He gestured to a young man. “Let lan show you around first. We’ll have a meeting later p>
Eleanor agreed, and spent her first day immersed in tours and meetings. That evening, she returned to the guesthouse with a stack of case files for her study participants.
She was tired, but her sense of duty kept her working late into the night. It was nearly half past nine when her phone chimed-a video call on WhatsApp from lan.
But she could guess who really wanted to talk.
She answered, and sure enough, Evelyn’s cherubic face filled the screen. “Mommy, look! Daddy bought this for me p>
Evelyn was eager to show off her new toy. She stepped back to reveal a charming little bunny lantern in her hands. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, toy stores were already stocked with holiday gifts.
“Isn’t it pretty, Mommy p>
“It’s beautiful,” Eleanor said, her eyes crinkling with a smile. The camera jerked slightly, and Eleanor caught a glimpse of lan sitting on the sofa beside Evelyn, dressed in loungewear, watching their daughter with gentle eyes.
“Mommy, tonight I want to sleep with Daddy,” Evelyn announced earnestly. It had been a long time since she’d fallen asleep beside him-when lan was home, he always tucked her in.
Eleanor’s smile faltered for just a moment, a knot of discomfort twisting in her chest. She swallowed her unease and coaxed gently, “Evelyn, why don’t you sleep with Grandma tonight? Daddy’s had a long day. Let him rest, okay p>
“No! I want to sleep with Daddy. He promised me!” Evelyn pouted, her lips jutting out.
Off camera, lan’s deep voice rumbled, “I’ll take care of her p>
Eleanor drew a slow breath, steadying her tone. “Evelyn, be good and go to Grandma’s room, okay p>
“But-fine,” Evelyn finally relented, though she clearly didn’t understand why her mother was insisting on this.
Suddenly, the camera shifted and lan’s face filled the screen. He fixed Eleanor with a dark, questioning stare a silent accusation, asking why she wouldn’t let him spend the night with their daughter.
Eleanor met his gaze squarely, her own eyes cold, making it clear just how much she resented him.
Turning away from the screen, lan spoke softly to Evelyn, “Why don’t you go play with Grandma for a bit? Daddy needs to talk to Mommy p>
“Are you two going to whisper secrets?” Evelyn asked, curiosity lighting her face. “That’s right. I just need a word with your mom.” Ian smiled gently.
Evelyn waved at the camera. “Okay, Mommy. I’m going to Grandma’s room now. You can talk to Daddy p>
Once Evelyn had left, Eleanor reached to end the call, but lan’s displeased voice stopped her.
“Was that really necessary p>
Without a word, Eleanor tapped her finger on the screen and hung up.