"Yes," Eleanor replied, subtly shifting to avoid his gaze, feeling a little uneasy.

lan noticed her evasiveness. A faint smile touched his eyes, and he decided not to pressure her further, turning to speak with one of the managers instead.

Eleanor went back out to the main area. Joy approached, handing her a glass of champagne. "Still early. Have a drink."

Eleanor took the glass and had just taken a sip when Joy said, "I saw lan arrived."

Eleanor nodded. "Yes."

At two o'clock sharp, the launch ceremony began. After a brief opening by the host, lan rose from his seat and walked to the podium with an air of elegance and composure.

Under the spotlight, his figure was tall and straight, his suit enhancing his distinguished and cool demeanor. As chairman of The Guild of Commerce, his address was visionary, concise, and powerful.

After lan's speech, the host announced with enthusiasm, "Next, we would like to invite Dr. Sutton from Ashford Medical University to the stage to give her presentation."

Thunderous applause filled the room. Eleanor took a deep breath and, under the watchful eyes of the audience, walked calmly and naturally toward the stage.

Her path crossed with lan's as he returned to his seat.

He turned slightly to the side, and their eyes met for a brief moment. In his gaze, Eleanor saw a hint of encouragement.

She continued to the podium without breaking her stride, adjusted the microphone, and then offered a natural smile.

At that smile, the audience fell silent for a few seconds.

One pair of eyes, in particular, was locked on her. Eleanor's smile exuded

confidence and poise, infused with the quiet strength unique to a researcher. It was exceptionally captivating.

Eleanor began her speech. There were no flowery words, only a logically tight and easily understandable presentation of her research, drawing the audience into a future filled with infinite scientific possibility.

Whispers broke out in the audience. "If Dr. Sutton's research is successful, does that mean there will be a cure for Alzheimer's?"

"Oh my gosh, I hope she finds it right now. My aunt was just diagnosed."

On stage, Eleanor's solid research foundation and firm belief in the future culminated in a standing ovation as she concluded her speech.

After her presentation, Eleanor gave a slight bow and left the stage. She returned to her seat as several other key partners and academic representatives took their turns to speak. The event proceededo smoothly, leading to the most crucial moment-the fund's unveiling ceremony.

lan walked back onto the stage, standing with three other directors of The Guild of Commerce beside the foundation's logo, which was covered by a red silk cloth. He formally announced the official establishment of The Guild of Commerce's technology fund.

As the applause died down, Eleanor looked up at the stage and her eyes unexpectedly met lan's again. He was looking at her with a deep, penetrating gaze. This time, Eleanor didn't look away. Instead, heo expression conveyed her approval for his role in leading this initiative.

Because of his efforts, the future of technological innovation held greater promise. The project launch concluded perfectly.

Background music began to play as guests started to mingle and depart.

Eleanor and Joy were about to get up and leave when lan's figure suddenly approached. Joy leaned in close to Eleanor's ear. "Look, Mr. Goodwin is sporting a special accessory today. A sleeve garter!"

Eleanor was taken aback. She glanced at lan and saw that he was indeed wearing a sleeve garter on his left arm.

It was black, and it looked familiar.