Three days later, Gina was discharged from the hospital.

Following successful treatment by Dr. Smith's team, her health had greatly improved. She would be continuing her recovery at home.

Serena went to Eleanor's office. "Ellie, my mom is being discharged today. Thank you for all your hard work during this time."

"It wasn't me; it was the doctor's team," Eleanor said, shaking her head lightly.

She was only responsible for the research; the credit for the care belonged to Smith's team, and she wouldn't take it.

"No matter what, the fact that my mom and I can be cured of our blood disorder is largely thanks to you. This is a debt of gratitude that my mom, I, and the entire Goodwin family will never forget," Serena said sincerely.

Eleanor nodded at her. "You should go. Your grandmother is at home alone. Spend more time with her."

Serena nodded. "Okay. And you should bring Evelyn over for dinner sometime when you're free."

"If Evelyn wants to go, I'll bring her over," Eleanor replied.

Eleanor returned to her research in the lab, spending most of the next few days there, busy with her work.

In the afternoon, lan called.

"I'll go with you to the police station this afternoon to give a statement about the kidnapping case," lan's gentle voice came through the phone.

Eleanor had received a message about it that morning. "I can go by myself," she said.

"I'll accompany you. I need to give a statement as well," lan insisted.

At two in the afternoon, in the lobby of the police station, Eleanor and lan gave their statements one after the other. Eleanor recounted the details of the incident thoroughly. The police officer was gentle with her, ensuring she felt no pressure.

lan finished first and waited quietly for her in the lobby. The moment he saw her come out, his gaze immediately found hers.

"Are you done?" he asked, standing up.

Eleanor nodded. "I'm done."

A cold glint flashed in lan's eyes. "Don't worry. They won't get another chance to hurt you."

Eleanor was slightly taken aback and looked at him. The coldness in his eyes had vanished, replaced by a gentle warmth.

Eleanor figured the police were

already fully aware of what

happened that night and were just going through the procedural

эл

motions. She suspected that because of Mansfield's special status, an in-depth investigation had been launched long ago.

lan glanced at his watch. "I'll take you home first. I can pick up Evelyn later."

Eleanor frowned. "That's not necessary. I'll get her myself."

"Together?" lan asked in a low voice.

Eleanor hadn't driven, so she nodded. "Alright."

The two of them walked towards the black Maybach in the parking lot lan stood an Eleanor's side and pulled open the front passenger door for her, but she reached out and opened the back door instead.

lan's hand froze awkwardly for a few seconds. He gently closed the passenger door

and walked around to the driver's side.

The car pulled smoothly out of the police station. Ian put on some soft music, and the gentle strains of a male blues singer filled the car.

Eleanor sat by the window, gazing at the passing scenery, her thoughts drifting.

lan watched her reflection in the rearview mirror. Her profile was tinged with a faint sadness, and he knew exactly who she was thinking of.

His hands tightened on the steering wheel. He wanted to break the silence, but he didn't know what to say.

Only the blues music flowed through the air.

It was still early to pick up their daughter. As they drove onto the elevated highway, lan saw the congested traffic ahead. For the first time, he didn't mind being stuck in a traffic jam Just sitting quietly in the Same car, listening to music

together, felt like a luxury to him.

Eleanor's thoughts returned to the present. She glanced at the traffic, then at her

watch. Fortunately, there was still plenty of time.