Xavier was still searching for a topic when Eleanor’s phone buzzed. It was a message from Evelyn’s teacher: “Mrs. Goodwin, when you pick up Evelyn later, could you stay for a moment? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
A wave of anxiety swept over Eleanor. She quickly replied, “Is there something wrong, Miss Alice?”
“It’s about the school’s selection for the televised piano recital. Evelyn is exceptionally talented, and we’d like to discuss nominating her to perform.”
Relief washed over Eleanor—she’d half-feared her daughter had gotten into trouble again.
Noticing the flicker of tension and then relief on her face, Xavier asked gently, “Is everything alright?”
“The teacher just messaged me,” Eleanor said, a smile tugging at her lips. “It’s about Evelyn—she’s being considered to represent the school in a piano performance on TV.”
“That’s wonderful,” Xavier said, genuine pride in his voice. “It’ll be a great experience for her, help her develop in so many ways.”
“I know. I’m really happy for her,” Eleanor replied. It truly was a moment worth celebrating: her daughter doing so well at school, making her parents proud and at ease.
As they spoke, the school gates opened and parents began filing in to collect their children. Eleanor took Evelyn’s hand and went to speak with Miss Alice.
“Evelyn truly has remarkable musical talent—her sense of rhythm and expression are outstanding,” Miss Alice said, handing over a folder. “Here are the details for the recital. We only have three spots, so please consider letting her participate.”
Eleanor glanced through the materials and saw the piece Evelyn would perform—it was quite challenging. She nodded. “Thank you, I’ll make sure she practices extra hard.”
“Mom, Miss Alice says I can be on TV!” Evelyn bounced on her toes, eyes shining with excitement. She was clearly looking forward to the opportunity.
Eleanor looked at her six-year-old daughter, already seizing chances when they came. Pride swelled in her chest.
“Yes, sweetheart,” she replied, nodding with encouragement.
Suddenly, Evelyn’s face lit up with another idea. “Mom, I have to tell Dad! I want him to come see me perform.”
Eleanor’s smile faltered for a split second.
“Dad will definitely want to see me play. Come on, let’s go home and practice!” Evelyn tugged her toward the car.
Back at home, Evelyn washed her hands, grabbed some fruit, and then settled at the piano to practice. Eleanor sat beside her, guiding her fingers and cheering her on. This would be Evelyn’s first time performing on TV. Whether she won or not, Eleanor knew that having the courage to step onto that stage was already an achievement.
Watching her daughter’s small, focused face as she played, Eleanor felt a bittersweet mix of pride and tenderness.
When Evelyn finished the piece, she looked up, her eyes searching. “Did I do well, Mom?”
“We’re already seeing results that are unprecedented globally, especially for leukemia,” Simone replied, her tone grave.
At that, Ian finally lifted his head, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on Eleanor. His voice was low and direct. “Miss Sutton, I’d like your opinion.”
Eleanor paused, then met his eyes, her tone measured. “These fluctuations are normal. The key is to optimize the dosage regimen.”
Ian gave a slight nod but didn’t look away, silently prompting her to elaborate.
The rest of the room turned their attention to Eleanor as well—she wasn’t just a lead researcher; she was also a member of the company’s board.
She continued, “We’ll adjust the protocol and should have an updated report ready next week.”
The meeting wrapped up. Eleanor began gathering her files, eager to leave, but Ian’s voice stopped her. “Eleanor, stay. Everyone else is dismissed.”
That single sentence sped up the others’ exit, papers shuffled, doors closing behind them.
Eleanor crossed her arms, staring at the man across the table. “If you’ve got something to say, make it quick.”
Ian leaned back, his voice low and unhurried. “Evelyn’s recital is this weekend, isn’t it?” He paused, then added, “I’d like to be there.”

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