He let out a thin laugh, trying to play it off. "I was just asking. With such a large sum of money involved, it's always good to be cautious."

lan's gaze remained fixed on Walden's face. "Questioning a Guild decision based on pure speculation, without a shred of evidence, is not only a show of distrust in me as chairman but also an insult to all the expert reviewers at The Guild of Commerce. I suggest you choose your words more carefully, Mr. Wells."

Walden's expression soured. A man in his sixties being lectured by someone not yet thirty was a blow to both his pride and his reputation.

Before he could retort, lan continued, his voice cold. "If you continue to make

baseless accusations and spread false rumors, The Guild of Commerce will reserve the right to pursue legal action."

Though not loud, his voice was firm and carried weight, earning him looks of newfound respect from the onlookers.

Vanessa bit her lip, fuming inwardly. To defend Eleanor, lan had publicly humiliated Walden, leaving him with no graceful way to back down.

Did he really cherish Eleanor so much that a few critical words from someone else would provoke such a stern warning?

Vanessa shot a resentful glare at Eleanor.

Eleanor stood off to the side, her emotions knotted up. She couldn't pretend lan hadn't just stepped in for her, but it also felt like a burden. She didn't want to be the cause of controversy and trouble for him.

Walden forced himself to maintain a calm facade, saying through gritted teeth, "You certainly carry yourself with authority, Mr. Goodwin. If the procedures were followed and the project is so outstanding, then I'll consider my words unsaid."

"Mr. Wells, there's some good wine over there. Care for a drink?" someone interjected, trying to smooth things over. Walden turned and walked away, and Vanessa had no choice but to follow.

The sudden confrontation shifted the atmosphere in the room, and Eleanor could feel more eyes on her. Her identity as lan's ex-wife was something she couldn't

erase.

She turned to lan. "I need to talk to you."

His gaze deepened, his voice low. "Eleanor, don't back down."

Eleanor was taken aback, meeting his all knowing gaze. She had indeed felt a flicker of doubt not out of fear of a Challenge, but because she didn't want to be a burden to him.

"Remember, you don't have to prove anything to anyone, and neither do I," lan said, his eyes locked on hers.

vel

"Your father persisted with his research under such difficult

conditions for the sake of advancing medicine. Now that The Guild of Commerce is providing you with the best possible resources, you should be even more focused on moving forward."

Stunned, Eleanor looked up at him, momentarily speechless.

"Eleanor, don't let a little gossip shake you, and don't betray your own talent and hard work. Understand?"

lan's low voice carried an encouraging power. His words struck her like a wake-up call.

"But—" Eleanor looked at him. "Are you sure there are no issues with the funding?"

"I can promise you every dollar is clean and by the book. There isn't a single line crossed," lan assured her in a low tone.

The sight of lan leaning down to speak with Eleanor caught Vanessa's eye, and her hand

tightened around her wine glasonet

Eleano was actually listening te lan with such patience What had

happened between them recently? Cóntent

Where was the Eleanor who had been so disgusted with lan? The one who hated

and despised him?