Eleanor returned to her study, switched on her computer, and began reviewing the latest lab results. Though her body still felt weak, immersing herself in work allowed her to forget her troubles, at least for a little while.
Before long, her phone buzzed with a message from Joy, asking about Juliette. She’d seen the obituary online.
Eleanor replied, confirming the news. Juliette was gone.
“What a shame. She was such a renowned philanthropist,” Joy wrote.
Eleanor sighed. Who could disagree?
A little later, Xavier messaged her. Juliette’s funeral would be held in three days.
On Sunday afternoon, Gina dropped Evelyn back at home. As Eleanor greeted her daughter, she noticed that Gina lingered, hesitant to leave. Eleanor paused, glancing at her. “Is there something else, Gina?”
Gina hesitated. “Eleanor, Mrs. Grayson’s mother has been asking about you these past few days. Would you…?” Her voice trailed off, pride keeping her from making a direct request.
Eleanor understood. She nodded. “Of course. I’ll make time to visit her soon.”
Only then did Gina seem relieved, nodding as she got back into her car.
Three days later, Juliette’s funeral took place in a cemetery just outside the city.
Dressed in a black suit, Eleanor went alone.
From a distance, she saw Xavier greeting guests at the entrance to the chapel. Juliette, with no children of her own, had treated her nephew as her heir. Now, Xavier was honoring her memory with a dignified and grand farewell.
He stood among the mourners in a black suit, his face drawn and tired, but still managing a polite smile.
“Mr. Vaughn,” Eleanor said quietly as she approached.
Xavier turned, fatigue giving way to a flicker of pleasant surprise. “Miss Sutton, I’m glad you came.”
“My condolences,” Eleanor offered softly.
Xavier nodded. “Thank you for being here. About the lab funding, I’ll find a good time to discuss it with you.”
Eleanor waved it off. “Let’s talk after Mrs. Grayson’s affairs are settled. There’s no rush.”
He nodded again, about to say more, when his gaze shifted past her shoulder.
Eleanor turned and saw Ian, Vanessa, and Henry walking toward them together.
Ian wore a black suit with a white boutonniere. Vanessa was in an elegant black dress, her makeup perfectly done.
“Are you feeling better?” Ian asked, stepping closer.
Eleanor ignored his concern and turned to Xavier instead. “I’m going to pay my respects.”
Ian’s expression didn’t change, but Vanessa shot Eleanor a sidelong glance, wondering what she had to be so proud of. If not for Ian’s generous investment, Eleanor wouldn’t have achieved any of this. What gave her the right to be so aloof?
Inside the chapel, Eleanor bowed deeply before Juliette’s portrait. In the photo, Juliette’s gentle smile was just as kind as Eleanor remembered.
Rest in peace, Mrs. Grayson, she thought. I promise to make good use of the funding you left behind. I won’t let you down.
Footsteps sounded behind her. Expecting another mourner, Eleanor stepped aside, but the person stopped next to her. It was Ian.
He looked solemn as he took three candles handed to him and lit them, offering his own silent tribute. Vanessa soon joined him, and the two of them stood together in front of the portrait, looking every bit the perfect couple.

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