That evening, Eleanor was finishing up some work when, at nine o’clock, she received a message from Mansfield: he’d already arrived in Ashford City, and would be joining her for the flight to Kingston the next morning.
“I’ll pick you up at eight and drive you to the airport.”
Eleanor hated to trouble him, but since Mansfield had made all the arrangements, she couldn’t very well refuse. She replied, “Alright, thanks.”
This trip to Kingston was for a private dinner hosted by the Secretary of State—an event of the highest level. She needed to be thoroughly prepared.
York had already spoken with her. The Secretary’s purpose this time was to learn about breakthroughs in brain-computer interface technology and discuss the future direction of medical science.
That night, Evelyn was already staying over at Goodwin Manor. Wanting to be in top form, Eleanor went to bed right on schedule.
At dawn, Mansfield arrived at her doorstep, punctual as ever. He wore a dark trench coat, giving him a touch of unstudied elegance.
“Morning,” Mansfield greeted her with a smile.
“Good morning.” Eleanor returned his smile, her suitcase neatly waiting beside her.
“Mr. Ellington, have you had breakfast yet? Would you like to come in and eat something?” Joslyn called out warmly from the hallway.
“Thank you, I’ve already eaten.” Mansfield declined politely, stepping inside to take Eleanor’s suitcase. “Let’s get going.”
They set off for the airport, Mansfield driving straight through the quiet city streets. This time, they were flying commercial.
As the car cruised smoothly down the airport road, Eleanor felt a flutter of nerves.
Mansfield glanced over, easily picking up on her mood. “Nervous?”
“A little,” Eleanor admitted. “It’s my first time attending a meeting like this.”
He offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. My father’s a big fan of your research. He mainly wants to hear your ideas on the future of medicine.”
That helped. Eleanor nodded, feeling herself relax a bit.
At the airport, Mansfield led her through the VIP entrance. They’d barely set foot in the lounge when Eleanor’s steps faltered—she spotted Ian and Dr. York deep in conversation.
Ian looked up, his gaze sharp as lightning. When he saw Mansfield at Eleanor’s side, his expression darkened a shade.
“What a coincidence, Eleanor,” York said with a genial smile. “You’re on this flight too?”
Eleanor returned the smile as she approached. “Dr. Windsor.”
So, Eleanor really was going to Kingston with him.
“Ian,” she called softly.
Ian’s brows drew together, his voice tight with concern. “You’re not well enough for a long trip. What are you thinking?”
Henry quickly interjected, “I checked with the doctor. He said it’s fine. Vanessa just wanted to get out for a bit—”
Vanessa managed a weak smile. “Don’t worry, Ian. I won’t get in the way of your work.”
She turned to Eleanor. “Eleanor, it’s been ages.”
Eleanor ignored her, eyes fixed on her phone. Henry noticed the coldness and frowned, thinking Eleanor’s behavior was unnecessarily rude.
Just then, Mansfield slid an arm around Eleanor’s shoulders. “There’s a café outside. Let’s go get a coffee.”
Eleanor was more than happy to leave the room; she nodded and followed him out.
Ian watched them go, Mansfield’s arm protectively around Eleanor, his own gaze darkening, his hand unconsciously clenching into a fist.

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