"Alright! I'm hanging up then." Xavier ended the call.

A moment later, a call from Henry came in. "Mr. Goodwin, congratulations! It's been a while, and your status has changed again."

Henry's tone was teasing, but he was also curious. "The last time I saw you, your hair just had some gray in it. How did it turn completely white?"

lan, feeling unusually cheerful, grinned. "If you like the color, go dye it yourself!"

"Haha! If I were ten years younger, I might actually consider it!" Henry laughed, then his tone grew more serious. "My wedding is on May fifth. Don't forget to come."

lan had, of course, received his invitation. He'd been too busy lately, and their last conversation had been brief.

"Of course. Congratulations. I'll make sure to clear my schedule to celebrate with you."

Henry hesitated for a few seconds on the other end before saying tentatively, "lan, there's one more thing. On my wedding day, could you invite Eleanor to come with you?"

lan paused, then sighed softly. "I'm not sure if she'll have the time."

"I said some terrible things to her before," Henry's voice was filled with guilt and remorse. "I really should find a time to apologize to her in person. I was such an idiot back then."

lan walked to the French windows and gazed out at the dark night. "What did you say to her?"

Henry sounded regretful. "At Vivian's birthday party, I stupidly thought she was playing with Xavier's feelings to get back at you. I told her not to use Xavier as a tool. I was a complete fool."

lan immediately recalled that night. Henry had been with Vanessa the entire time.

lan offered some advice. "Henry, if you want to apologize, you should find an opportunity to tell her yourself."

"You're right. I'll find a chance to apologize to her in person another day," Henry said sincerely.

"Alright. You don't have to invite her; I will," Henry said, then paused before adding, "To be honest, I also hope you two... can have a chance to start over."

A bitter smile touched lan's lips. "I'll respect her choice."

"Ian, I know these past few years haven't been easy for you. Eleanor was hurt a lot because of Vanessa. Show her with your actions that you love her," Henry urged.

lan clearly didn't want to discuss the topic. "Let's talk next time we meet," he said in a low voice.

After hanging up, lan stood there for a long time. Henry's call had brought back too many memories.

He would have to spend the rest of his life making up for everything.

The next morning, when Eleanor arrived at the lab, she saw Gina sitting in the common lounge with Serena Goodwin, who was keeping her company. She looked much better.

"Ellie," Serena greeted her happily.

Eleanor, dressed in her white lab coat, exuded an air of cool detachment. She

looked at Serena and asked, "Is there something you need?"

"Ellie, my mom said she has something to tell you. Do you have a moment?" Serena asked, her eyes full of hope.

Eleanor shook her head. "I have to get to the lab. Maybe next time."

After Eleanor left, Serena returned to her mother's side. Gina sighed, understanding why Eleanor didn't want to see her right now. "Let's back to the room," she said to Serena.

go

"Mom, what is it you want to tell Ellie? But whatever you do, please don't mention them getting back together she has a boyfriend now,"

Serena reminded her mother.

Gina looked up at her daughter. "Have you met her new boyfriend? What's he like?"

Serena nodded. "I've met him. He's in the military. He's very handsome, in great shape, and I'm sure he treats Ellie well."

Gina's gaze lingered on the empty hallway where Eleanor had vanished. "We owe her a debt our family can never repay," she murmured, almost to herself.