lan put down his teacup, his gaze deepening. He picked up his phone, found Eleanor's number, and dialed it without hesitation.

"Hello? What is it?" Eleanor's voice came from the other end.

"I heard you made a major discovery," lan said, trying to sound calm. "Congratulations."

"How did you know?" Eleanor asked back.

"Dr. Windsor just came to see me," lan said truthfully. "I'll take care of the patent application."

On the other end, Eleanor didn't refuse. She really didn't have time for it right now. Besides, since she was working in his lab, it was his responsibility to protect his researchers' patents.

Eleanor worked until eight in the evening before going home. Joslyn told her that Evelyn Goodwin and Serena Goodwin were playing downstairs at lan's place, and even Princess had gone down.

Eleanor sat on the sofa, worn out. Joslyn brought her a bowl of nourishing soup. "Ma'am, have some soup to restore your strength."

Joslyn could see that Eleanor had been busy with work lately and had lost weight. It pained her to see it.

Eleanor nodded. She had overworked her brain today and just wanted to zone out for a bit.

Downstairs, Serena was playing the guitar with Evelyn. On the sofa, lan watched the little girl with a doting expression, his eyes full of praise.

With every chord Evelyn strummed, she would glance at her father to make sure he was listening attentively. Ian maintained a focused expression, occasionally giving his daughter an encouraging smile. With her father's affirming gaze, Evelyn managed to play a complete "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

"Evelyn, that was great," lan said, holding out his arms. Evelyn put down the guitar and happily jumped into his embrace. "Daddy, did I play better than before?"

"Yes, you've improved," lan said, stroking his daughter's hair. "You've been working very hard."

Just then, lan's doorbell rang. Evelyn said happily, "It must be Mommy!" She ran to open the door.

lan stood up and followed her. When

the door opened, Eleanor was

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indeed standing there. Evelyn excitedly reported, "Mommy I can play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on the guitar!"

Eleanor stroked her daughter's little head. "Is that so?"

lan's voice was low as he invited her in. "Would you like to come in for a bit?"

"No, I'm just here to take Evelyn up for her bath," Eleanor replied, looking up. Her tone wasn't as distant as before, but it still held a certam reserve.

"Ellie, you're here! I have a gift for you," Serena said, running to the door with a large paper bag. "I was out shopping today and saw a bag that would be perfect for you, so... bought it. Please take it."

Eleanor paused, hesitating.

"Mommy, Auntie bought it especially for you. You should take it!" Evelyn chimed in.

"It's just a bag. If you like it, keep it. If not, you can give it away," lan said gently from the side.

Looking at Serena's expectant eyes, Eleanor finally took the bag. "Thank you. You shouldn't have."

"It's nothing, really, just a bag," Serena said, waving her hand. "I'm just happy you're willing to accept it, Ellie."

Eleanor turned to her daughter. "Evelyn, say goodbye to Daddy and Auntie."

Evelyn wanted to sleep with her mommy tonight. She waved her little hand. "Bye- bye, Daddy! Bye-bye, Auntie!"

lan quickly put on his shoes and followed them out, with Princess trailing behind him.