The situation was more complicated than it seemed. If lan failed to win over the board members, there was a real risk they might unite against him. After all, Eleanor's last three-year proposal to the board had mentioned the civilian applications of their research-lan had merely moved up the timeline. Of course, that was only possible because their project had finally reached a stage suitable for civilian development.

Joel couldn't grasp the intricacies of these business negotiations, but he trusted Eleanor. He took off his glasses and massaged his brow. "I understand. I won't oppose this anymore."

"Thank you, Joel."

Joel could tell Eleanor wasn't protesting too hard, which meant she must have her reasons. After all, she was the true originator of the Neural Interface Project's theory-the one most qualified to make these big decisions.

Downstairs, Joslyn had prepared a generous meal. Eleanor and Joel came down together to the inviting aroma of dinner.

lan was on the living room sofa, building blocks with his daughter. He looked up when they entered. Joel gave him a nod, his expression calm again.

But lan frowned slightly. Joel seemed composed, his features relaxed-clearly, Eleanor had managed to convince him upstairs, and whatever she'd said had worked. As lan mulled this over, his fingers unconsciously tightened around the plastic block in his hand.

As Joslyn bustled about, bringing out tea, Joel immediately headed into the kitchen to help her. Ian, meanwhile, drifted over to Eleanor's side, his voice neutral. "Looks like Dr. Kingsley came around?"

Eleanor turned to glance at him but didn't respond.

lan raised an eyebrow. "Seems Dr. Sutton's powers of persuasion are only getting better," he remarked. After all, she'd once helped him sway the board, too.

Eleanor still didn't reply. All she wanted was for this man to finish his dinner and leave as soon as possible.

From his spot, lan watched Joel and Joslyn chatting in the kitchen. He knit his brows-Joel almost looked like the master of the house.

At the dinner table, everyone ate in relative peace. Ian kept an eye on his daughter, Evelyn, who didn't care for onions. But tonight, for extra flavor, Joslyn had sprinkled some over the sweet and sour ribs.

"Let me pick those out for you," lan said gently, removing the onions from her plate.

Joslyn smiled. “Evelyn, I'll remember for next time, okay?"

"It's alright." Eleanor smiled as well. Joslyn had worked hard tonight-she'd been in the kitchen since five o'clock, making sure everything looked and tasted perfect.

After dinner, Joel was the first to excuse himself. "Mr. Goodwin, I understand that market factors are important, and I agree the project needs to move forward. But when it comes to confidentiality, I think we should fine-tune the protocols."

lan nodded. "Agreed. I'll have legal handle that."

Joel waved to Eleanor and Evelyn. "Good night, you two. I'll see myself out."

"Drive safe," Eleanor said, walking him to the door.

Once Joel left, lan made no move to go. Evelyn ran over and tugged at his hand. "Daddy, play with me?"

"Alright,” lan replied with a soft laugh, giving in.

It was almost eight-thirty when Eleanor came down from her study. She looked at Evelyn. "Evelyn, it's getting late. Let Daddy head home and get some rest."

"But Mom, we have a spare room. Can Daddy stay here tonight?" Evelyn tilted her round, cherubic face up at her mother, hopeful.

Hearing this, lan glanced at Eleanor, his eyes shadowed by an emotion she couldn't quite read.