The car fell silent, the muffled sounds of the city filtering in from outside. Eleanor leaned back against the seat and rested her eyes, her mind already planning the details of the upcoming handover to the military.

lan turned his head to watch her tranquil profile. Her long lashes cast faint shadows beneath her eyes, her nose was elegantly sloped, and her lips had a natural, rosy sheen. He found himself swallowing hard.

In the dim light, Eleanor, resting in her seat, looked soft, her usual professional guard finally lowered. Her quiet demeanor was disarming, stirring a powerful urge in him to pull her into his arms.

But while the impulse was overwhelming, his actions were restrained.

He knew Eleanor wouldn't allow it. She wouldn't consent to it.

Still, at least their relationship was thawing. She had accepted his partnership and was willing to coexist peacefully with him. For now, that was enough.

***

The car pulled to a smooth stop in front of Goodwin Manor. Eleanor opened her eyes at just the right moment, the weariness in them having eased slightly.

"We're here," lan said to her.

Eleanor followed him out of the car and into the manor. The sound of her daughter's happy voice, mingled with Serena Goodwin's laughter, greeted them. As Eleanor walked in, she saw the two of them playing a board game.

"Daddy, Mommy, you're back!" Evelyn Goodwin said happily, looking at her parents as they walked in together.

"Ellie," Serena said, standing up to greet her.

Gina Quinn and Magdalen were sitting nearby, and the atmosphere was pleasant. "Magdalen, Gina, it's time for me to take Evelyn home," Eleanor announced politely. Gina stood up. "Eleanor, if you're tired, you can let Evelyn sleep here tonight." "I'm not tired, thank you," Eleanor replied with formal courtesy.

Gina didn't press the issue. She called her granddaughter over. "Evelyn, go home with Mommy, okay? Be good."

"I will, Grandma."

Evelyn turned and took Eleanor's hand, then reached for lan's. "Daddy, walk me and Mommy home together."

"Alright. Your mom didn't drive, so I'll take you both," Ian said with a faint smile. He turned to his mother and grandmother. "Mom, Grandma, we're heading out."

Watching them leave, Gina was struck by a wave of nostalgia and let out a soft sigh.

A moment later, Serena couldn't help but ask, "Grandma, Mom, do you think my brother can really win Ellie back?"

Magdalen sighed but offered no comment.

Gina, however, considered it for a moment. "Thinking about everything that's happened recently, I finally understand why lan gave Eleanor those eight companies."

Serena was still confused. "Why, Mom? Tell me."

The family matriarch, however, seemed to grasp her

daughter-in-law's meaning. She

explained to her grandda

novef

"Your brother was laying the

groundwork. On the surface giving

Ellie those eight companies was part of the divorce settlement. But in. reality, it was a way to tie the two of them inextricably together."

Gina's tone was knowing. "With the connection of those eight companies, Eleanor needs to consult with your brother on operations, decisions, and even future development. That creates opportunities for them to meet and gives them common ground to talk about."

A sharp pang of guilt flashed across Serena's face. She remembered how those eight companies had driven her to pull dirty tricks behind

Eleanos back even fool Net

leaking the story online to slander her. The thought made Serena want to slap herself. How could she have been so stupid?

So stupid she could barely stand to think about the person she used to be.

Gina sighed. "I suspected as much back then. Those eight companies were lan's way of giving Eleanor

security and leverage. He knew she

has too much pride to accept any

divorce He

help from him after the divoros

didn't want her to have to rely on anyone else. By giving her that property, he ensured she could live independently and raise her child."