Chapter 511
lan’s car didn’t disappear around the corner before Eleanor finally let her gaze fall away. She hated parting from her daughter, but she knew there was still a battle waiting for her.
In the days that followed, Eleanor threw herself completely into the clinical trial for the new medication. She tracked and recorded every participant’s reactions, double-checked experimental parameters, and made sure nothing slipped through the cracks.
During this time, she drafted six revised testing protocols and sent them to Simone.
A week later, Eleanor was wrapping up her work mentoring at Kingston. Her expertise and dedication had earned her the unanimous respect of the Military Medical University team.
“Eleanor, the patient in bed three has developed a mild allergic reaction,” a nurse called out, rushing over.
Eleanor immediately hurried towards the patient’s room. She examined the patient’s symptoms carefully, made some adjustments to their medication, and by the time she left the room, she was feeling a little worn out herself. She had just stepped into the corridor when the hospital director appeared.
“Eleanor, would you come to my office for a moment p>
Eleanor made her way to the director’s office. The moment she opened the door, she stopped short, startled.
Standing inside was a tall, broad-shouldered man in a tailored suit, his bearing dignified and authoritative, yet softened by a gentle smile.
Eleanor’s breath caught in her throat.
It was none other than Mansfield Ellington’s father-the Secretary of State himself.
“Eleanor, the Secretary is here today to tour the hospital,” the director explained. “He heard you’re leading the new drug trial and asked to meet you personally p>
Flustered but trying not to show it, Eleanor quickly composed herself and extended her hand. “Mr. Secretary, it’s a pleasure to meet you p>
The Secretary shook her hand warmly, his gaze full of approval. “Eleanor, it’s only been a few months since we last met, but you never fail to impress. Remarkable work p>
Eleanor smiled modestly. “You’re too kind, sir. The progress we’ve made is thanks to our entire team p>
Garth Ellington patted her shoulder in a fatherly gesture. “If this new drug makes it to market, it could help countless patients across the country. The government is paying close attention, so if you need anything, just say the word p>
“Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Everything is going smoothly so far,” Eleanor replied sincerely.
Garth’s eyes twinkled, and he suddenly leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “So… have you been in touch with my stubborn son lately p>
Color rose in Eleanor’s cheeks. She fumbled for words. “I— I’ve just been so busy with work, and Mr. Ellington is probably just as busy p>
Garth let out a booming laugh. “You two are truly a match-both workaholics p>
Eleanor’s ears burned, and she was at a loss for how to respond. Sensing her discomfort, Garth gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m here mainly on official business today. If this drug passes clinical trials, it’ll fill a major gap in our country’s medical field p>
“Rest assured, Mr. Secretary, Eleanor and our team will give it everything we have,” the director chimed in from the side.
“Well then, I’ll let you get back to it. Just remember to take care of yourself, no matter how busy you get p>
The warmth of his fatherly concern lingered in Eleanor’s heart as she nodded and turned to leave. Out in the hall, she let out a slow breath-so it really was a coincidence running into the Secretary today.
That evening, the evening news featured the Secretary’s visit to the Military Medical University hospital, with special mention of his keen interest in the new drug trial.
At Goodwin Manor, lan played with his daughter while Magdalen sat in front of the television, as she always did when the nightly news came on, keeping an eye on the affairs of the nation.
The anchor read the headlines, and soon the broadcast cut to footage of Secretary Garth touring the Military Medical University. Ian’s eyes flicked to the screen just in time to catch a glimpse of Eleanor at a patient’s bedside, busy at work. Three seconds later, the camera showed Garth Ellington himself.