"That sounds great," Eleanor replied with a smile.

lan stood quietly to the side, his emotions unreadable.

When the elevator reached the banquet hall, Diaz stepped out first and

considerately held the open button for them. Eleanor offered him a grateful smile as

she and lan walked out.

As lan exited the elevator, his gaze swept over Diaz-deep, sweeping, and authoritative.

Diaz's heart gave a slight jolt, instantly understanding the unspoken warning in lan's eyes.

Eleanor stepped into the hall and immediately spotted Callie and Gwenda. She walked over to the crowd and found Joel. He turned to her, and the two began chatting naturally.

Behind her, that familiar surge of jealousy and insecurity reared its head in lan's chest again. He hated this feeling of uncertainty, and he never imagined he would end up acting like some anxious teenager terrified of losing out.

"Mr. Goodwin," Gwenda and Callie came over to greet him.

lan gave them a brief nod before making his way to Eleanor's side. Joel greeted him smoothly, "Mr. Goodwin, glad you could make it."

"Congratulations on the successful launch, Dr. Kingsley," lan said, raising his glass in a polite toast.

"Thank you. Without the support of Eleanor and Goodwin & Co., this project wouldn't have been such a success," Joel replied modestly.

Currently, Joel's product was already the hottest item in its category, boasting the best market reception.

"Congratulations, Joel," Eleanor said, raising her glass as well.

Joel looked at Eleanor with a helpless smile and raised his wine glass. Knowing he was likely going to be drinking out of obligation all night, Eleanor instinctively added, "Don't drink too much, Joel."

Joel nodded. "I know."

Right then, lan swallowed hard and turned to Eleanor. "I need to talk to you."

Eleanor blinked in surprise. The next second, lan grabbed her wrist and led her toward a secluded balcony.

The balcony was empty. Eleanor, having been pulled out a bit forcefully, looked at him with a face full of questions while putting her hand back. If you have something to say, just say it. There's no need for this."

lan took a deep breath, as if making a final, resolute decision. He stared at her intensely, his voice low and carrying the weight of someone crossing a point of no return.

"Eleanor, I was a jerk in the past. Į was an idiot who disappointed you and hurt you also know that if it weren't for Evelyn ↑ probably. wouldn't even have the chance to be near you again."

Eleanor froze, completely caught off guard by his sudden confession.

"But..."

lan took a step forward, closing the distance between them. His presence instantly enveloped her. don't want to rely solely on our daughter to maintain our

relationship I don't want you to think that the only thing between us is Evelyn-"

His eyes burned with an unprecedented honesty and fervor, his handsome face tense with nervous anticipation.

"I want to pursue you again, Eleanor. I don't want us to just be Evelyn's parents. This time, let me pursue you, alright? Will you give me a chance?"

Something slammed against Eleanor's heart. She opened her mouth, but her throat felt completely dry.

"I'm not asking you to accept me right away. I just want to know if I even have the right to try. Can I?" lan's voice was low and gravelly, laced with pleading.

Even though he had been dropping hints and doing all sorts of subtle things to show

his feelings lately, it felt like it wasn't enough.

It was as if everything he did would only carry meaning once Eleanor explicitly permitted his pursuit.