"I saw the news this morning. They even went grocery shopping together! They already have a daughter; this reconciliation is a sure thing."

"With an ex-wife like that, no wonder he can't look at anyone else. I heard The Guild set up a dedicated fund specifically for her research. Who else gets that kind of treatment?"

"Eleanor is worth billions of dollars on her own, and her research is breaking new ground. It's no surprise he's still so obsessed with her."

A few of the whispers inevitably reached Eleanor's ears. She knew that attending a public event with lan would naturally invite this kind of gossip.

Later, Mr. and Mrs. Brown mingled with the crowd, clinking glasses with their guests. lan kept Eleanor by his side as they greeted several highly respected elders.

"Miss Sutton, I hear your current research is going to be incredibly beneficial to us older folks. I'm eagerly awaiting your success."

"Thank you," Eleanor said, gently clinking her glass against the elder's.

"lan, you're a lucky man! Miss Sutton is brilliant and beautiful. Don't let her slip away again!"

"Today we're drinking to Mr. Brown's golden anniversary. Next time, we'll be drinking to your remarriage!"

"We're all looking forward to it!"

The elders teased them with genuine warmth and good intentions.

Eleanor's face grew warm, and she lowered her eyes.

lan maintained an easy, confident smile. He neither denied the claims nor eagerly agreed, simply raising his glass and replying smoothly, "Thank you all for the encouragement. I'll... work hard at it."

It was a flawless, diplomatic answer. The older men shared a knowing laugh and nodded in approval.

After a brief chat, lan politely excused them and led Eleanor toward the quieter balcony.

Eleanor took a sip of champagne, letting out a small sigh of relief. Ian immediately looked at her. "Does it bother you? Hearing them say those things?"

He was referring to the constant nudges about their remarriage.

Eleanor looked out at the city lights and shook her head. Since she had agreed to attend a public event with him, she expected the chatter she knew there was no malice behind it so she wasn't particularly bothered.

"They're right, though. I really do need to work hard," lan said, his gaze locking onto hers with unmistakable intent.

Just then, a representative from The Guild approached. "Mr. Goodwin, the mayor

has arrived. You should probably go greet him."

lan looked back at Eleanor. "Stay here for a minute. I'll be right back."

Eleanor nodded. She had never been fond of corporate networking anyway.

Standing alone on the quiet balcony, her midnight blue velvet gown shimmered with

a low-key luxury under the ambient lights, making her look like a priceless work of art.

A pair of eyes watched her from behind. After a moment of hesitation, the man stepped forward to introduce himself.

"Miss Sutton, you might not remember me, but we attended a symposium together at the Military Medical University."

Eleanor turned to see a polite, refined man. Recognition dawned on her face, and she smiled. "I remember. You're a researcher from the Sanctuary City Laboratory, right?"

"Yes, I'm Zachary Yale. I've always admired your work. I never miss a single issue of your published journals, and your theories constantly amaze me."

"Thank you."

"Do you have a moment to chat? I have a few questions I'd love to ask you," Zachary asked respectfully.

Eleanor nodded, perfectly happy to discuss her work.

Meanwhile, from his position in the center of the ballroom, lan had a clear view of the balcony. He hadn't expected that the moment he turned his back, another man would immediately appear by her side.

The man looked to be in his early thirties, carrying an academic, refined air. He was looking at

and

Eleanor with pure admiration afte passion, clearly someone from the medical field.

The fingers gripping lan's wine glass tightened, and his gaze grew heavy. But he forced himself to look away, redirecting his focus back to his conversation with the mayor.