Xavier brought in his top lab team to work alongside Eleanor. The experiment dragged on for two hours, but finally, they achieved the result she’d been hoping for.
By the end, Eleanor’s eyes stung unbearably. She rubbed them several times, and when she emerged, her eyes were so red she looked as if she’d been crying.
Xavier was waiting outside the lab. Seeing her red-rimmed eyes, he couldn’t hide his concern. “Your eyes hurt from staring at the screen too long?”
“I’m fine. I just need to rest a bit,” Eleanor replied.
“Come to my office and have a cup of tea before you leave.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary, I—”
“It’ll only take a few minutes.” Xavier insisted. With her looking so worn out and knowing she still had to drive back to Ashford Medical University, he didn’t feel comfortable letting her go just yet.
Eleanor nodded, resigned. “Thank you, then.”
She followed Xavier into his office, feeling a little awkward. While he made tea, she wandered over to his bookshelf, scanning the spines. To her surprise, she spotted an old book she’d been searching for ages.
She turned to him. “Would you mind if I borrowed a book?”
Xavier smiled. “Take the whole shelf if you want.”
Eleanor felt her cheeks warm. She pulled out the book. “This one is enough.”
He nodded. “Of course, it’s yours for as long as you need. Now, come have some tea.”
She sat on the sofa, cupping the warm mug in her hands. The tea was fragrant and soothing, easing her tension.
“Last night… it must have bothered you, didn’t it?” Xavier watched her closely.
Eleanor was sensitive enough to realize he’d brought this up on purpose.
“It didn’t bother me.” She quickly took another sip, hoping to hide her emotions.
Xavier noticed and couldn’t help thinking how endearing she was.
After last night’s conversation, Xavier had decided he wasn’t going to hide his feelings anymore.
“Eleanor, I’m not the type to beat around the bush. I admire you—not just as a scientist, but as a person.” His voice was gentle but steady. “I know you and Ian haven’t been divorced long, and maybe now isn’t the best time for me to say this.”

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