Stepping into the airport's VIP lounge, Eleanor broke off a piece of bread and gently fed it to her daughter. Ian sat nearby, his eyes soft as he watched Evelyn nibble contentedly.

Just then, someone entered from outside. Eleanor glanced up and smiled in delight—it was Tanya, accompanied by her young assistant. "Dr. Tanya!" she called out.

Tanya returned the smile. "What a coincidence, running into you all here."

"I'm headed over to represent Dr. Windsor," Eleanor replied, "so we'll be company for each other this time."

"That's wonderful," Eleanor added, her face brightening.

lan greeted her with a nod. "Dr. Tanya."

"Mr. Goodwin." Tanya smiled warmly at him, then crouched down to say hello to the adorable Evelyn.

While Eleanor exchanged a glance with Tanya's assistant, she couldn't shake the feeling that this woman looked oddly familiar.

"Eleanor, you probably don't remember me," the assistant said, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "I'm Luna-we graduated together." Luna was strikingly beautiful, her confidence apparent.

Recognition dawned on Eleanor, and she smiled back. "Of course I remember you."

Luna had recently joined Rhine Laboratories, having previously made a name for herself at Kingston. She was reputedly quite accomplished in her field.

Luna's gaze lingered, almost imperceptibly, on lan. A faint, knowing smile played at her lips. "I've heard so much about you, Mr. Goodwin."

lan simply nodded, dabbing a napkin at the crumbs on Evelyn's mouth.

Eleanor tried to ignore it, but Luna's subtle gestures made it clear she was interested in lan. It was understandable-he was single, handsome, and, for any unattached woman, undeniably appealing.

It was no surprise Luna would be attracted to him. Still, she was careful not to let it show in front of Eleanor, keeping her composure while quietly hoping this business trip might yield more than just work opportunities.

Soon, the group prepared to board their flight.

Traveling long-distance with a child required patience. Once the plane leveled out, Evelyn began to squirm in her seat, restless from sitting still. Ian unfastened her seatbelt and pulled her onto his lap.

As he set up a cartoon for her to watch, he turned to Eleanor and said gently, "I'll stay with her try to get some sleep."

Eleanor turned her face toward the window. She couldn't sleep, but she also wasn't in the mood for conversation.

After a seemingly endless flight, they finally landed at Drexford's airport.

Eleanor and her group parted ways with Tanya and Luna. Ian's car service was waiting on time to whisk them off to their hotel.

The presidential suite was spacious and elegant. Eleanor and Evelyn tucked into lunch together, and lan joined them shortly after.

As they ate, Evelyn suddenly looked up at her father. "Daddy, can you stay with us tonight?"

She had noticed the extra bedroom in the suite and thought maybe her dad could sleep there.

lan glanced over at Eleanor, silently asking for her approval.

Noticing the exchange, Evelyn tugged at her mother's sleeve, her big eyes wide with hope. "Please, Mom? Is it okay?"

Eleanor set down her fork and replied gently, "Daddy has his own room, sweetheart. He has work to do, so let's not bother him, all right?"

"But-" Evelyn's voice faltered, disappointment flickering across her face.

lan ruffled her hair. "I'm right next door. You can come get me anytime, okay?" "Okay," Evelyn pouted, but the promise seemed to cheer her up.