Eleanor understood what Simone was getting at. She hesitated, her brow furrowing despite herself.
“Can I have some time to think about it?” she asked.
“My suggestion is that you give the speech. Goodwin & Co. founding this foundation could make a real difference for leukemia patients in the future—it’s important work.”
“Alright, Professor Langley. I’ll let them know once I’ve made a decision,” Eleanor replied.
Meanwhile, Ian stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows in the executive office of Goodwin & Co. Tower. Behind him, Gavin was running through a list of updates. “Oh! Mr. Goodwin, all the invitation emails have been sent.”
“Has she replied?” Ian asked, not turning around.
Gavin knew immediately who he meant.
“Miss Sutton hasn’t responded yet,” he answered honestly.
Ian stared out at the city, his expression unreadable. “Got it.”
At five-thirty, Eleanor found herself stuck in traffic. She texted her daughter’s homeroom teacher to let her know she’d be at least ten minutes late.
“No worries, Mrs. Goodwin. Mr. Vaughn is with the children,” the teacher replied, sending along a few photos.
At a red light, Eleanor tapped the images open. There was her daughter, playing in the playground with Vivian; Xavier’s silhouette was visible in the background.
A wave of gratitude washed over her. She typed back, “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
By the time she hurried to the preschool, the last rays of the sun stretched across the playground. Laughter drifted toward her in the golden light. Xavier stood nearby, watching the girls with gentle eyes.
He turned at the sound of footsteps.
Seeing Eleanor walking toward him, a faint smile played at his lips. “You made it.”
“Thank you for looking after Evelyn,” Eleanor said gratefully.
Xavier smiled, “Vivian needed a playmate too, so this worked out perfectly.”

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