Chapter 671

Faced with the overwhelming surge of popularity and attention online, Eleanor remained strangely calm. Others might have been ecstatic, basking in the glow of millions of adoring messages—but not her. The only thing she felt was regret. If only Susan could have seen this. Susan… All this love should have been yours. Would it have made you happier? Would it have pulled you out of the darkness, spared you from falling deeper into despair? Eleanor’s thoughts lingered on that ache when suddenly— Her phone rang. She answered quickly, almost instinctively. “Hello?” “It’s me.” The voice on the other end was deep, refined, and familiar. Her eyes lit up instantly, her lips curving into an unconscious smile. “Di—” The word nearly slipped out, but she caught herself just in time. “President Hampton, what brings you to—” “I saw the news about your injury,” Charles’s calm, measured voice cut across hers. Beneath the composure was a subtle heaviness. “Are you… alright?” A soft hum escaped her. “Mmm.