Serena bit her lip. "Ellie, I can promise you, there was never anything between my brother and Vanessa. The only reason he tolerated her all those years was because of my mother's illness."

Eleanor sighed softly. "It all happened so long ago. We don't need to bring it up again."

"No, it's not over," Serena said, looking at her with determination. "My brother has only ever had you in his heart. I could tell he wasn't happy after the divorce. Sometimes he would just sit in his study alone for hours. Once, I even saw him in there looking at your old bedside care records "

Eleanor frowned. The thought of those records from that year made her want to get them back and destroy them.

Not noticing Eleanor's distraction, Serena continued, "Ellie, I know I don't have the right to say this anymore, but my brother knows he was wrong, and he's really trying to change "

"Serena," Eleanor interrupted gently. "I know he's changing, but some things can't be undone."

Serena recalled that Eleanor was with someone new now a man who was every bit as remarkable as her brother, if not more so. He seemed brighter, more easygoing, and undeniably handsome.

Thinking of her brother's ever-stern expression, she had to admit that for all his looks, his presence could be... a lot. "If I were in her shoes", Serena thought, "I'd probably pick the cheerful, handsome one too."

Serena didn't press the issue further. All she wanted was for Eleanor to be happy, and her duty was to support her whenever she was needed.

Like with taking care of her child.

At nine, Serena took Evelyn downstairs to bed. Eleanor worked until after midnight, even having a meeting with Ryan to discuss the next phase of experiments.

On the morning of the sixth day.

After Evelyn was sent to school, Eleanor, whose arm still had stitches, had no choice but to rest at home. At eleven in the morning, the doorbell rang. Joslyn asked curiously, "Ma'am, are you expecting guests?"

Eleanor shook her head. "No."

Joslyn glanced at the video intercom and her face lit up with a surprised smile. "Ma'am, Mr. Goodwin is back!"

She immediately went to open the door.

lan looked travel-worn. His tie was loosened the top two buttons of his shirt were undone, his suit jacket was draped over his arm, and in his other hand, he carried an exquisite gift bag. FindNovel.net

From the sofa, Eleanor looked up as he entered. Ian's gaze immediately found hers, then settled on her arm. "Haven't you had the stitches removed yet?"

"I'm going this afternoon," Eleanor replied.

lan placed the gift bag on the coffee table. From a large velvet box inside, he took out a clear, glass-like gem. Embedded on its wat surface was a photo of Evelyn from their last hiking trip

"I had this made for you. You can put it on your desk," lan said.

Eleanor looked at the gem on the table. Her daughter's radiant smile seemed to float in the center of the crystal, glowing with an adorable light.

She had to admit, it was a very thoughtful gift. The picture captured her daughter's innocent and joyful laughter perfectly.

"Please accept it. Think of it as a gift between friends, a memento for Evelyn," lan said in a low voice, his eyes full of expectation.

"Thank you." Eleanor nodded, her eyes on the beautiful ornament.

lan held up another bag. "This is for Evelyn. She can open it when she gets home."

Then, lan took out a velvet box and handed it to Joslyn. "Joslyn, this is for you."

Joslyn looked at the box, flattered and surprised. "Mr. Goodwin, I couldn't possibly accept a gift from you!"

"Please, take it," lan said with a slight

smile, placing it in her hands. Joslyn

excitedly opened the box to find a gold plated necklace with a

gemstone. "Thank you Mr. Goodwin! It's beautiful!" she exclaimed.

She glanced at Eleanor, hesitant to accept such a gift, but Eleanor gave her a slight

nod. It was a gift from lan to her, and she had no objection.