As Eleanor sat down to a round of applause, someone suggested that lan say a few words.

"Mr. Goodwin, could you tell us how you plan to support the scientific research community in the future?"

lan took the microphone. "The Guild of Commerce is always committed to supporting innovative research projects. We will do everything in our power to support talented individuals who demonstrate exceptional academic value."

lan's statement was clear and powerful, and as he spoke, his gaze rested on Eleanor. It was obvious she was one of the talented individuals he was referring to.

His words made Eleanor look up, and her eyes met his deep gaze. Behind the gold- rimmed glasses, his eyes held an emotion she couldn't quite decipher.

Soon after, lan left and moved on to the artificial intelligence session.

At lunch, Eleanor ate with Dr. Lyman and his group, while lan was busy hosting international guests. They happened to run into each other in the restaurant, and he simply nodded a greeting to Dr. Lyman and the others from a distance before they went into their respective private rooms.

The afternoon session ended relatively early. Just as Eleanor was about to leave the venue, her phone rang. It was Serena.

Eleanor hesitated for a moment before answering, "Hello?"

"Ellie, I heard from my brother that you attended the seminar. Can I pick up Evelyn to have dinner at my place tonight? My mom and grandma really want to see her."

Eleanor considered that Goodwin Manor wasn't far from the school, and her daughter had mentioned wanting to see her grandmothers several times. "Alright," she agreed. "You can pick her up at five-ten. I'll come get her later." "Great! I'll be there on time to get Evelyn," Serena replied happily.

Eleanor glanced at the time. With her evening now free, she wasn't sure what to do.

Just then, her phone rang again. She looked at the screen and was surprised to see it was the mayor's wife.

Eleanor answered with a smile. "Hello, Mrs. Ellington."

"Eleanor, you'll be at the business gala tonight, won't you?" Mrs. Ellington's friendly voice came through.

"Mrs. Ellington, I can—"

Sensing her hesitation, Mrs. Ellington quickly chimed in, "Eleanor, I know you're not fond of these kinds of events, but it's a rare chance for us to get together and have some fun. I'll be there tonight with Lily, and I'd really love for you to come too."

An idea immediately sprang into Eleanor's mind. If she saw the Ellingtons, perhaps she could get some news about Mansfield.

Since her evening was free, Eleanor smiled and agreed, "Alright, Mrs. Ellington. I'll be there."

"Wonderful! I'll see you tonight then." Mrs. Ellington sounded pleased as she hung

up.

lan was in the middle of seeing off some guests when his phone vibrated. He took it out and saw it was a call from his sister.

"Hello, Serena. What's up?" he asked, moving to a quieter spot.

"Brother, I heard you have a gala tonight. You should invite Ellie to go! I'll take care of Evelyn."

"Serena, you need to discuss picking up Evelyn with Eleanor beforehand."

"Don't worry, I know! I already asked Ellie."

"What did she say?" lan's grip on his phone tightened.

"She said I could take Evelyn home for dinner."

His eyes visibly brightened. "Good. Take good care of Evelyn."

"I know, I know. I won't say more. Evelyn is in good hands with us," Serena said before hanging up.

lan stood for a few seconds, lost in

thought. Aclient who was about to leave came over to say goodbye, and a refined, elegant smile immediately appeared on his face as he shook the man's hand.

After seeing the client off, he turned to Gavin beside him. "Do you know where Eleanor is?"

"She's probably left the venue by now. The medical conference ended a while ago."

lan picked up his phone, hesitated for a moment, and then dialed Eleanor's number.

"Hello?" she answered.

"I heard from Serena that you agreed

to let Evelyn have dinner at my

mother's place. What are your plans for the evening? fan asked ing low voice.

FindNovel.net

"I promised Mrs. Ellington I'd accompany her to the gala," Eleanor replied.

The smile on lan's lips faded slightly.

Eleanor

was attending with the

Ellingtons? Was she attending as the

future daughter-in-law of the

Ellington family?

"Alright. See you at the gala," lan responded hoarsely. The line went dead as she hung up first.

Gavin, standing nearby, immediately sensed the terrifyingly dark aura emanating from his boss and wisely took two steps back.