Eleanor was stunned for a few seconds. "So, that time she also..."

"She saved my life."

Eleanor gripped her phone tighter. "Last time, Principal Maxwell mentioned she made a professional mistake. So, she did it all for you."

"Yes. I only found out later. No one told me before," Mansfield's voice was hoarse with suppressed emotion. "I owe her my life."

"Don't worry, Mansfield. I'll go see her," Eleanor promised.

"Thank you. We'll catch up when we have the chance," Mansfield said, his tone filled with gratitude.

"You're welcome. It's the least I can do." Eleanor listened as he hung up. Standing in the hallway, an indescribable heaviness settled over her heart.

Although the most difficult times were behind them, looking back, it felt as though fate had placed every single one of them exactly where they needed to be.

A moment later, Mansfield texted her the hospital address.

Eleanor still had two more days of classes. She decided to visit Sophia after they were over so she could dedicate more time to assessing her treatment plan.

After thinking it over, she contacted Principal Maxwell to request Sophia's current medical records. When the Principal heard she was in Kingston, he was thrilled to have her input on the case.

Early Saturday morning, Eleanor headed toward the Military Medical University and arrived at the Rehabilitation Center.

She found Room 28 on the 12th floor of the inpatient department.

The nurse guided her to the door. "She's right inside."

Eleanor nodded. Holding a bouquet of fresh flowers and a fruit basket, she knocked gently before pushing the door open.

Sophia was sitting in a wheelchair, facing the window and staring blankly at the sky. At the sound of the door, she turned around. When she saw Eleanor, her eyes instantly lit up.

"Dr. Sutton, you're here."

Eleanor figured Mansfield had given her a heads-up. She smiled and set the gifts down. "I happened to be in Kingston for some classes, so I came to visit."

"Mansfield called me. Thank you so much for coming." Sophia looked at her. With her sleek, shoulder-length hair, she looked clean and radiant. Even in a wheelchair, she carried an undeniable aura of fierce resilience.

To be such a young pilot was something Eleanor deeply admired.

Eleanor pulled up a chair across from her. They looked at each other for a moment before they both broke into smiles.

Even seated, Sophia's back was perfectly straight—a military posture etched into her bones. Her eyes were clear, determined, and still full of hope.

"Can I call you Sophia?" Eleanor asked.

Sophia nodded. "Of course, Dr. Sutton."

"Just call me Eleanor. I might be two years older, but we're basically the same age." Sophia smiled warmly. "Then I'll call you Ellie."

Eleanor nodded.

Sophia looked at her, a deep sense of gratitude welling up in her eyes. "Ellie, I know that Mansfield waking up was all thanks to you. In my heart, you're truly incredible."

Eleanor nodded, recalling the endless days and nights of research. Thankfully, all that hard work had finally paid off.

"Sophia, I've reviewed your medical reports. The nerve signal activity is already recovering. As long as we stick to the treatment, you have a very high chance of standing up again."

Sophia bit her lip, her eyes reddening slightly. She nodded. "Ellie, I'm not afraid of the pain or the hard work, but I might never be able to fly again."

Eleanor looked at her, her heart aching as she reached out to hold her hand. "Then let's just focus on getting you to stand first."

Encouraged, Sophia smiled through her tears and nodded.

They chatted for a while before Eleanor went to the attending physician's office. They discussed the next phase of the treatment plan and Eleanor offered several expert suggestions.

By the time Eleanor returned to the room, Sophia's parents had arrived.

Qu

Upon learning who Eleanor was, Sophia's parents looked at her with overwhelming gratitude and hope They desperately wanted their daughter to walk again, and Eleanor was one of their greatest beacons of hope.

Eleanor decided to head back to the hotel to rest. Before she left, Sophia held her hand. "Ellie, next time you're in Kingston, will you come see me again?"

Eleanor had grown very fond of Sophia. Feeling a genuine sisterly connection, she smiled. "I promise I will."

By the time she left the hospital, the sky was already dark.

She got into a car and pulled out her phone, only to realize she had over a dozen unread messages—all from lan.

She had muted her phone while discussing the treatment plan with the doctors.

Since she hadn't told him she was going to the hospital, he assumed she was still at the hotel.

"Do you still have classes today?"

"Are you tired?"

"Evelyn says she misses you."

"I miss you too."

"Ellie?"

The last text was sent two minutes ago: "Are you still busy? Don't you even have

time to text me back?"

Eleanor immediately called him.

He answered on the first ring.

"Where are you?" His voice was laced with worry.

"I went to the Military Medical University, and now I'm in a car heading back to the

hotel," she answered honestly.

"Why did you go there?"

"To visit a friend and discuss her treatment plan."

"Did Principal Maxwell invite you? Who is it?" lan immediately started guessing.

Although Eleanor wanted to just

agree with him, she decided to be

upfront. "It's Mansfield's junior. He called and asked me to visit her She's using the Neural Interface Project for her rehab, so went ove to help study her treatment plan."

"Oh," the man murmured softly. "Did you finish looking over it?" "Yes. I'll do a more detailed analysis when I get back to Ashford City." "Alright, Dr. Sutton. I'll be waiting for you to come home," lan said tenderly.

Eleanor looked out the window and smiled. "Okay. I'll be on an early flight tomorrow."