Eleanor nodded. She'd been working upstairs all evening and hadn't spent much

time with her daughter, so she picked up the fruit platter and headed for the study on the first floor.

As soon as she stepped into the study, Eleanor could hear lan's gentle voice explaining something, followed by her daughter's questions.

"Daddy, does my writing look nice?"

"Yes, it does. If you press a little harder on this stroke, it'll look even better." Ian's voice was low and patient. "That's right, just like that."

Eleanor walked in and saw the heartwarming scene, a complex emotion stirring within her. Evelyn was learning diligently, her little face a mask of concentration, while lan watched her with a smile of approval.

Sensing someone's presence, Evelyn turned her head and called out happily, "Mommy."

lan turned as well, his gaze falling on the fruit platter in her hands. "Evelyn, why don't you have some fruit and take a break?"

"Okay," Evelyn chirped, nodding happily.

Eleanor placed the fruit on the coffee table next to the desk, and Evelyn excitedly held up her practice book. "Mommy, look at the words I wrote."

Eleanor leaned in to look. Her daughter had written simple words in neat script. Though the strokes were still a bit shaky, the structure was quite good.

It was clear lan was an excellent teacher.

"You did a wonderful job," Eleanor praised sincerely, ruffling her daughter's hair.

Evelyn picked up a small fork, speared a piece of pear, and offered it to her father. "Daddy, you first."

lan's heart warmed as he accepted it. Next, Evelyn speared another piece and handed it to Eleanor. "Mommy, this is for you."

Eleanor sat down and took it. Only then did Evelyn get a piece for herself, munching on it happily.

At that moment, both found their attention irresistibly drawn to Evelyn's face, alight with sheer delight.

lan looked over at Eleanor. "The Guild of Commerce is hosting a tech forum next weekend. I'd like to invite you as a special guest."

Eleanor was about to refuse when he added, "Dr. Lyman and Principal Maxwell will be there, along with Dr. Windsor and the neuro-engineers from Starnova."

The refusal died on her lips. The opportunity to exchange ideas with them would be beneficial for her research.

lan's gaze was deep and fixed on

her as he spoke earnestly, "An opportunity like this is rare, and it will

help your future research.nd.

you the time and place later."

"Your attendance would also be a show of support for my work," lan continued.

Eleanor nodded. "Thank you for the invitation. I'll be there."

A flicker of relief crossed lan's eyes. He forked another piece of fruit into his mouth, which now tasted even sweater. At this moment, he didn't ask for much. This was enough

After they finished the fruit, Eleanor took over teaching their daughter, and lan left.

Just as lan reached the living room downstairs, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID-it was Xavier. He answered, "Hello, Xavier. How's the lawsuit going?"

"Still waiting for the verdict.

Congratulations on becoming the Chairman of The Guild of

Commerce. And... your hair-

re

Xavier's voice on the other end was filled with undisguised surprise.

"It's nothing, just been a bit exhausted lately," Ian explained with a faint smile.

"Has your mother's condition been brought under control?" Xavier asked with concern.

"It has. She's recovering now."

"Good. How have things been back home lately?" Xavier asked, his tone hinting at something more.

"Everything's fine. We should get together when you're back," lan replied in a low voice, understanding the meaning behind his words.