"I understand your difficulties," Eleanor said, suppressing her emotions and trying to reply calmly.

"Especially that boy, lan. He's been under a great deal of pressure, coordinating resources to push the project forward while also pressing for progress in the lab. I hope you won't hold this against him. Although he is your ex-husband, he is also a trustworthy partner. He has done a great deal for Mansfield's sake."

Eleanor's eyes flashed with self-reproach and guilt. She had indeed been too harsh on him in this matter.

"Mr. Vice President, rest assured, I know the truth now. I will do everything in my power to accelerate the research and get the project to the clinical trial stage as soon as possible."

"Okay, okay. With your words, I can rest easy," Garth's voice was filled with immense relief. "Thank you for all your hard work."

"Mansfield was injured in the line of duty for our country. This is what I should be doing."

"Alright, goodbye."

Hanging up the phone, Eleanor stood there, clutching her phone and sighing. Although she desperately wanted to rush to Kingston to see Mansfield, she knew her responsibility and mission right now were more important.

She turned and strode toward the lab benches. From this moment on, she would seize every second to push the research forward.

It was already ten-thirty at night by the time Eleanor finished her experiments and got home. Although her mind was unusually clear, her body was utterly exhausted.

She gently pushed the door open and stepped into the foyer. Only a single warm wall lamp was lit in the living room. Her gaze unintentionally swept over to the sofa, and her steps paused.

lan's tall frame was leaning against the sofa, quietly watching a muted game on TV. Tucked in his arms, their daughter was fast asleep in her pajamas.

When she was little, her favorite place to sleep wasn't her bed, but lan's arms. It was as if Evelyn felt safest in her father's embrace.

Watching this scene, a wave of emotion surged through Eleanor, striking her heart. The guilt she felt towards fan from today still lingered, compounded by the fact that he was sacrificing his own time to take on the responsibility of caring for and spending time with their daughter.

Although, as a father, it was what he should do, Eleanor couldn't help but feel grateful.

After all, he spent his days managing the affairs of a vast business empire and at night he had to take her place the mother who worked late to patiently put their daughter to sleep.

"You're back?" lan's gaze shifted to her, his eyes clearly showing a hint of drowsiness.

"Yes," Eleanor replied softly, her eyes filled with complex emotions. "You can put Evelyn in my bed."

She didn't want to take up any more of his time; he should go and get some rest.

lan nodded. He carefully lifted their daughter, his large frame moving steadily as he walked upstairs and into Eleanor's master bedroom.

Downstairs, Eleanor poured herself a glass of water. Joslyn came out and asked in a low voice, "Ma'am, are you hungry? Would you like me to cook some noodle soup for you?"

"No, that's alright. You should go get some rest," Eleanor told her.

Joslyn tactfully returned to her room to rest. A moment later, lan came down the stairs. Eleanor held her water glass, drinking as she looked up at him.

Ian walked towards her, his gaze scanning her with concern, remembering how she had nearly fainted earlier that day.

Eleanor looked away, lowering her eyes. After a moment of hesitation, she looked up again, her gaze sincere as she met his. "I'm very sorry about what happened today."

lan narrowed his eyes, seeing the self-reproach flickering within hers. He said in a low voice, "Stop apologizing. I was never truly angry with you."