Eleanor's heart sank, but she quickly plastered a smile on her face:
"Mr. Dalton! Cough, cough... I, I'm feeling terribly unwell. I'm afraid I'll need a few days off to recover..."
She deliberately spoke before Dalton could.
If Dalton started questioning her, an impostor like her wouldn't be able to answer!
Having said her piece, she nervously watched the stern-faced middle-aged man before her.
As long as he nodded and approved her leave, she would be in the clear for now.
After that, she just needed to free Eleanor's trapped consciousness as soon as possible.
What? What if he didn't give her enough time off?
Eleanor could immediately become half-dead with illness and extend her leave then.
But that was only the ideal outcome. Eleanor was already rapidly working out how to respond if he refused.
Dalton paused at her words. Looking at Eleanor's pale, frail appearance, he nodded in understanding. "Oh, of course. Your health comes first. Get some proper rest. Have you seen a doctor? Don't worry about work. I'll handle it."
Delighted, Eleanor hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. She hastily mustered a grateful, feeble smile. "Cough, cough, cough... Thank you, Mr. Dalton. I'll come back to work as soon as possible... Cough..."
Dalton looked stern, his concern that of an elder. "Get well first! Here's what we'll do: I'll approve two days off for now. You're still living in the bureau dormitory, aren't you? If you haven't recovered by then, just have someone pass along a message and take a few more days."
"You're such a kind gentleman. Thank you so much."
Eleanor meant every word. This was the best possible outcome, sparing her all the trouble.
"Go on, get some rest."
"Then I'll be off, sir."
She turned around, inwardly counting herself lucky, and