lan's voice turned cold. "Mr. Wells, if you have an issue with me, you are welcome to raise it at the council meeting. A man of your age should know something about

respect."

Walden Wells's face turned pale with anger from the rebuke. Just as he was about argue back, his assistant stepped in. "Mr. Wells, you have another meeting to get

to."

Walden Wells huffed and finally left with his assistant.

Eleanor turned to lan. "Thank you."

lan's gaze was deep. "He was targeting me. You shouldn't have been dragged into this."

Just then, Mr. Brown walked over and clapped lan on the shoulder. "Ian, Ms. Sutton, I've arranged for lunch. Let's go chat."

"Thank you, Mr. Brown, but I still have—" Eleanor began to politely decline.

But just then, President Larkin approached them and said to Eleanor, "Dr. Sutton, please join us. I happen to have some medical questions I was hoping to ask you."

lan's deep gaze fell on Eleanor's face. "Then let's go together."

In front of so many industry leaders, Eleanor felt it would be inappropriate to refuse again. Being invited was an honor. She smiled at Mr. Brown and said, "In that case, I'd be happy to accept."

The luncheon was held in a private banquet hall at the convention center. On the way there, lan and Mr. Brown walked ahead, while Eleanor followed with several other industry leaders. President Larkin was asking her about genetics, and Eleanor did her best to answer.

This scene was captured by reporters. Among the group of industry titans, the two younger figures of lan and Eleanor stood out, looking particularly brilliant and eye- catching.

Once everyone was seated, lan, who'd rather have sat by Eleanor, found himself guided to the head of the table.

Eleanor took the seat beside President Larkin.

"Dr. Sutton, I hear you've made a major breakthrough in your brain-computer interface research?" Mr. Brown asked with great interest.

Eleanor's eyes met lan's for a couple of seconds. Ian gave a slight, encouraging nod, giving her permission to talk about the Neural Interface Project.

Eleanor tactfully described parts of her research. Everyone was amazed that such a young research prodigy was also such a beautiful young woman.

lan quietly held a cup of tea, watching Eleanor speak eloquently about her work. She was so radiant that it was impossible to look away, and even the seasoned business leaders at the table listened with rapt attention.

"Mr. Goodwin certainly has a keen eye for talent," President Larkin praised. "A talent like Dr. Sutton is indeed worthy of significant support."

lan nodded slightly. "Progress is driven by technology, and talent is at its core. Dr. Sutton is certainly deserving."

An intense gaze was directed her way. Eleanor was looking down, sipping her tea. Just then, a waiter brought a dessert and placed it exclusively in front of her.

lan made a gesture. "I ordered this dessert specially for Dr. Sutton."

Eleanor was slightly taken aback.

Everyone at the table understood that lan was trying to win Eleanor's favor.

After all, most of them knew they had once been married.

"The dessert here is supposed to be excellent. You should try it, Ms. Sutton," Mr. Brown said with a smile.

Eleanor nodded at Mr. Brown, her gaze flicking over to the man at the head of the table before she picked up her spoon and took a bite.

The man opposite her watched, a faint smile gracing his lips and a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.

The atmosphère at the table was very cordial waiter came by to pour red wine, and Mr. Brown stood up, raising his glass. "Today, let us congratulate lan on becoming the new chairman of The Guild of Commerce."

"Why doesn't Ms. Sutton have some juice? It would do just as well," lan put in considerately.

Eleanor nodded and joined the others in raising her glass. Ian also raised his and drank freely.

After a few rounds, it was clear that the older gentlemen could hold their liquor well. A faint blush appeared on lan's handsome face, softening his sharp features and his eyes field a slight, tipsy glimmer.

"Mr. Goodwin and Dr. Sutton make such a handsome couple!" a construction magnate, also a bit drunk, remarked, hoping to say something lan would like to hear.

The comment brought a brief silence to the table, and all eyes turned to lan and Eleanor.

lan swirled the wine in his glass, a slight smile on his lips. "Thank you for the kind words, Mr. Lambert."

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Eleanor, hazy with an unreadable emotion.

Eleanor was engrossed in a conversation with President Larkin, seemingly not having heard the remark. Ian's hand tightened around his glass, but he maintained a perfectly composed smile.

Mr. Brown skillfully changed the subject to the latest aerospace technology, and the lunch continued until it ended.

The magnates all had assistants waiting outside, and they were promptly escorted away.

Gavin was also waiting. When he saw his boss emerge, he was about to speak but was silenced by a quick glance. Gavin immediately

understood Mr. Goodwin need to find Mr. Brown to sign a document."

As Eleanor came out with her bag, lan asked in a low voice, "Where are you going?"

"Back to the lab."

"Could I trouble you for a ride?" lan's voice was husky from the alcohol.

"You can wait for Gavin to drive you," Eleanor said, knowing Gavin wouldn't leave him stranded.

"He just left for something important," lan said, his expression unchanged. Eleanor knew Gavin had left on purpose and frowned. "You can wait for him."

Just then, Dr. Smith called. Eleanor answered, "Hello, Doctor."

"Are you with Mr. Goodwin? There's an urgent document that needs his signature. Could you both come over as soon as possible?" Dr. Smith said on the other end. Eleanor paused, then turned to the man beside her. "Come with me."

"What did the doctor say?" lan asked in a low voice.

"He needs you to come sign a document."

When they got into Eleanor's car, lan didn't choose the back seat. He sat in the passenger seat instead.

The faint scent of wine mixed with his cedar cologne filled the car. Eleanor frowned and opened the window.

lan leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes to rest.

As Eleanor started the car and focused on driving, he slowly opened his eyes, a drunken haze clouding his gaze-