And this version of her was incredibly captivating.

lan swallowed hard, picked up the bottle of water beside him, twisted the cap off, and took a sip.

Around 6:30 PM, Eleanor wrapped up her discussion with Ellington. Ellington offered a polite smile. "Mr. Goodwin, Ms. Sutton, I've arranged dinner for you at the French restaurant on the third floor. Please enjoy your meal."

"Thank you," lan said, giving him an appreciative look.

After Ellington left, Eleanor stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, her arms crossed as she watched the streetlights flicker on one by one outside. It was hard to tell what she was thinking about.

Behind her, lan stood up. Looking at her slender silhouette, a sudden urge gripped him. He wanted to walk over and wrap his arms around her.

However, his rationality ultimately forced the thought down.

This was the price of being too rational and too restrained-it always delayed gratification.

Eleanor checked her watch and turned toward him. "Let's go. To the restaurant."

She paused when she noticed he was just staring at her without moving. She blinked in confusion. "What is it? Do I have something on my face?"

"No," lan said, shaking his head with a faint smile. He let out a soft sigh. "I just suddenly realized how incredible you've become, Dr. Sutton."

Eleanor raised an eyebrow. "I can't be completely clueless forever, right?"

lan's breath hitched slightly. His gaze turned completely sincere. "I mean it, Ellie. Seeing you like this... I'm truly happy."

Eleanor looked up, meeting his eyes, and the air between them instantly shifted, growing heavy with unspoken emotion.

Seeing the earnestness in his expression, she nodded. "Let's head to the restaurant."

"Right," lan replied.

The two walked out of the conference room side by side. Ian naturally slowed his long strides to match her pace.

"Weren't you planning on changing into a dress for tonight?" he asked in a low voice.

Eleanor tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I feel more relaxed like this."

lan looked at her beautiful profile. Her wavy hair cascaded down to her waist, radiating effortless elegance. She really didn't need a gown to stand out. Her light makeup only accentuated her refined features.

When they arrived at the restaurant, they were seated at the best table by the viewing windows. The soft melody of a piano and the flickering candlelight created a romantic,

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intimate atmosphere.

A waiter guided them to their seats and handed them exquisitely crafted menus. Ian gestured for Eleanor to order first.

After she made her choices, lan ordered a bottle of smooth white wine.

"Take it easy on the drinks tonight," Eleanor warned him as he placed the order.

He was still on stomach medication, yet he was already thinking about alcohol.

"I'll just have a little to keep you company," Ian smiled. French cuisine paired with wine was indeed a perfect match.

Eleanor didn't push the issue and let him have his way.

The dishes arrived one after another, plated as beautifully as works of art. The two didn't converse much during the meal.

Eleanor's mind was mostly focused on her work. She enjoyed sinking into deep thought while savoring good food.

lan didn't interrupt her. His eyes,

however, couldn't help but linger on her face. Under the warm lighting, she looked beautiful, intelligent independent and resilient content

A heavy feeling settled in lan's chest. If they didn't share a daughter, would he even

have the chance to sit across from her at dinner?

Mansfield Ellington, Joel Kingsley, Xavier Vaughn-any of them had more of a right

to pursue her than he did.

It seemed he still had a long way to go and a lot to make up for. Fortunately, they still had a lifetime ahead of them.