Eleanor received a call informing her that a car was waiting downstairs. When she got to the lobby, she saw lan, who seemed to be waiting for her.

Together, they got into the car headed for the Ellington Mansion.

Night had fallen. At six o'clock, the Vice President's residence was brilliantly lit.

The imposing Roman columns stood tall and straight. At the entrance, Garth was speaking with Principal Maxwell. Seeing them arrive, he came over to greet them personally. "Eleanor, lan, welcome."

Garth shook both their hands, his gaze lingering on Eleanor for a moment.

"Mansfield is in the drawing room. He said he has something important to announce later."

Eleanor smiled faintly. "Alright..."

"Don't be so formal. Just call me Mr. Ellington," Garth said with a proactive smile, inviting her to change her address.

Eleanor nodded quickly. "Okay, Mr. Ellington."

lan, standing beside them, maintained an elegant smile. Garth made a welcoming gesture. "Please, go on in. I'm still waiting for two more guests."

Principal Maxwell turned to them. "Eleanor, Ian, let's go. Let's head inside."

Eleanor followed Principal Maxwell in. A moment later, Garth returned, accompanied by Ryan, Callie, and Dr. MacLeod.

Eleanor's face lit up when she saw Callie, who was wringing his hands in excitement. "Eleanor, I had no idea we were coming here for dinner!"

Apparently, Ryan had kept him in the dark the whole way, only revealing their destination once they arrived in Kingston. Callie was so excited he was a little dazed, but seeing Eleanor helped him relax.

Eleanor realized the Ellington family had invited all the key contributors to this thank- you dinner. Soon, everyone was seated. Garth turned to lan. "Ian, come sit next to me."

lan nodded and took the seat beside him. A moment later, Mansfield walked in, dressed in casual attire. This was his home, after all, and he was dressed more comfortably for the evening.

Mansfield sat down next to Principal Maxwell and gave Eleanor a warm, smiling glance. She smiled back in greeting.

"Mansfield's recovery is thanks to all of your efforts. I especially want to thank lan for delivering that chip in time. The Ellington family will never forget this kindness," Garth said, addressing lan with grave sincerity.

"You're too kind, Mr. Vice President. It was my duty," lan replied politely.

Mansfield suddenly stood up, his handsome face filled with emotion. "Thank you all for coming today. You are all my saviors. Without you, I might have never woken up. I'd like to propose a toast to all of you."

Everyone raised their glasses in unison, accepting Mansfield's gratitude. Then, Mansfield's gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Eleanor. Their eyes met for a moment.

Garth then raised his glass. "I also have a piece of good news to announce."

lan's heart sank. His fingers tightened around his wine glass. Was he finally about to hear the news he dreaded most?

Everyone fell silent, listening intently.

Eleanor was no exception.

lan, however, lowered his gaze, as if he were waiting for a verdict.

"I will be approving a national technology support initiative. Over the next five years, we will invest fifty billion dollars in dedicated funds to support foundational research and industrial application in O cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and biomedicine."

Excitement flickered across the faces of everyone at the table. This was a

tremendous benefit for the country!

lan looked up, a hint of surprise on his face. He hadn't expected Garth to announce

this. A perfectly measured smile formed on his lips.

"The inspiration for this plan came from all of you," Garth said, looking at Eleanor, Jan, and the others.

"Witnessing the scientific prowess and innovative spirit you

demonstrated during one

treatment convinced me that we must increase our investment in technological innovation."

Callie and Ryan exchanged a glance, both thinking excitedly that they would no

longer have to worry about research funding.

Principal Maxwell raised his glass. "This policy will be a massive boon to the medical field. On behalf of the Military Medical University, I thank you."

lan also raised his glass a moment later, acknowledging Garth. "And I thank you on behalf of Goodwin & Co."

Garth smiled and nodded knowingly. "I hope you all seize this opportunity, not just in your careers, but to find new directions in your personal lives as well."

Just then, Eleanor's and Mansfield's eyes met, and they shared a smile.

lan happened to be looking at Eleanor when he saw her lock eyes with Mansfield.

He gripped his glass, his expression calm, but a storm raged within him.

Was Garth's statement a hint for him to stop trying to reconcile with Eleanor? He was clearly accepting her as Mansfield's wife.

lan swallowed hard and stood up. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

A servant promptly led him in the right direction.

When he returned, the atmosphere at the dinner table was still lively. The sumptuous meal made everyone feel welcomed.

Eleanor didn't eat much. As the only woman and one of the younger guests, she preferred to listen to the conversation.

Halfway through dinner, Mansfield turned to Eleanor. "Ellie, would you like a tour of my home?"

Eleanor, who was looking for a chance to get some fresh air, nodded.

Mansfield led her from the room. As their figures disappeared from the dining hall, lan's eyes Tell on a

He had been

nearby glass of vodka. drinking red wine all evening, but

now, he wanted to taste the vodka.

He wondered if its harsh, fiery burn could chase away the pain inside him.

An overwhelming sense of powerlessness washed over him. Mansfield was an obstacle he was destined never to overcome.