lan nodded. "Strictly business. No personal matters."

Joel was pouring all his energy into launching the new civilian project, and Eleanor knew his time was precious. If they had to schedule another meeting, it would just take up more of her own time. "Alright," she agreed.

At her single-word acceptance, lan's lips curved into a distinct upward tilt.

"Then let's go," he said, leading the way.

Eleanor and Joel followed behind. Joel glanced at her, worried that he had put her in an uncomfortable position by inviting her. Sensing his concern, Eleanor offered him a reassuring smile. "Joel, what's the current status of the project?"

Seeing her shift the conversation to work, Joel relaxed and began to explain in earnest. She could see in his eyes how critical and urgent the project was to him. When it came to supporting Joel, Eleanor felt an unwavering sense of duty, making her own personal feelings seem insignificant. To her, Joel was a mentor, a senior colleague, an essential partner, and a dear friend.

Joel, in turn, was relieved to see her actively engaging. "Great, we can discuss the details over lunch and finalize the preliminary framework with Mr. Goodwin."

It was clearly lan's treat. After a quick calculation of the route, Eleanor decided to ride with Joel, while lan's car drove ahead.

lan arrived at the restaurant first and was waiting in the lobby when Eleanor and Joel walked in together. They were so engrossed in their conversation they seemed to be in a world of their own, their natural and seamless rapport excluding everyone else around them.

Beneath his thick lashes, lan's expression grew complicated. The sight stirred a feeling in him that he could only describe as... displeasure.

"Miss Sutton, Dr. Kingsley, this way, please," Gavin's voice cut in at the perfect moment.

Eleanor and Joel stopped talking and followed him into a private dining room.

After they ordered, Joel began

outlining the project's potential risks, along with the required resources and timelines, to lan. Ian was no layman in this field. While Gavi looked utterly lost, lan was an active participant, listening silently for the most part but interjecting with decisive comments when it came to major resource allocation.

However, his gaze frequently drifted to Eleanor. To help Joel get the project off the ground as quickly as possible, she spoke up when her expertise was needed, analyzing complex issues with clarity and precision. lan's intense stare didn't seem to faze her; in work mode, she was a world away from the cold, distant woman she was when alone with him she was independent brilliant, and fully in her element. Several key issues were resolved thanks to her explanations, making it easier for lan to make his decisions.

By the time the food arrived, the preliminary framework of the project had been established, and they could finally enjoy their meal.

Joel surveyed the dishes, then picked up a clean serving fork and placed the most tender part of the steamed fish into Eleanor's bowl.

"Try this," he said with brotherly affection. "You've been under a lot of stress lately. You need to replenish your nutrients."

Eleanor smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Joel." A moment later, she noticed a dish that was one of his favorites. "This is the one you like. You should have some too."

The easy exchange did not go unnoticed by lan. His hand, holding his teacup, tightened slightly. Gavin sensing the sudden tension. air, quickly tried to smooth things over. "Mr. Goodwin, this dish is

excellent. You should try it.

But lan didn't move. He set down his cup and leaned back slightly. "Dr. Kingsley, if

you don't mind my asking, how did you two meet?"