Eleanor hadn’t realized just how fierce the wind was outside until now. She and Joel hurried into the lobby, heading straight for the elevators.
She couldn’t quite wrap her head around it—why would Ian stand out there smoking in this freezing wind?
Not that she had the time or energy to puzzle over that man’s thoughts anymore.
Whatever he did was none of her business now.
Back in her room, Eleanor took a hot shower, then reviewed her notes from the day's meeting. Suddenly, her doorbell rang.
She figured it was probably Joel needing something and didn’t think much of it as she reached out to open the door.
But standing there was her ex-husband, Ian.
Her expression iced over. She kept the door open just a crack and asked flatly, “What is it?”
“I have Evelyn on the line for you.” Ian held up his phone and put it on speaker.
Evelyn’s sweet, childish voice piped up, “Mommy? Mommy, is that you?”
At the sound of her daughter’s gentle voice, Eleanor’s heart softened. She took the phone from Ian and answered, “It’s Mommy. Why aren’t you asleep yet?”
“I’m not tired. I miss you and Daddy.”
Eleanor walked back into her room, phone pressed to her ear. She hadn’t taken more than a few steps when she heard the door close behind her. She turned; Ian had come in as well.
Annoyed, Eleanor spoke to her daughter, “Evelyn, it’s late. You should get some sleep now. I’ll bring you a present when I get back.”
“Yay! That means I’ll get two gifts—one from you and one from Daddy! I’m so happy!” Evelyn giggled, completely unaware of why her parents’ gifts always arrived separately.
“Good girl. Get some rest, okay? Mommy will be home after the meetings.”
“Okay, Mommy! I love you both!” Evelyn chirped, and hung up.

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