The signing of the patent transfer agreement went smoothly. ncing at the time, Eleanor turned to Simone. "Professor Langley, I''m heading to theb."


    "Of course, go ahead!" Simone nodded encouragingly, then turned ton. "Ian, is there something you''d like to say?"


    Eleanor finished collecting her things and left without another word.


    Her retreating figure made it clear-even ifn had something to say, she wasn''t interested in hearing it.


    Simone watched the two young people and sighed inwardly. There''d been a time when she thought, if their divorce hadn''t been so bitter, maybe they could reconcile. After all, they had a child together.


    But now, it was obvious Eleanor had no intention of looking back, andn seemed to have lost any patience for winning her over.


    Simone had already asked Eleanor about it, but so far, it seemed she hadn''t begun any concrete work.


    "Ian, you know this is a sensitive matter," Simone said gently. "It''s her mother''s donor sample, after all."


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than he looked up-and there was Eleanor, standing in the doorway, clutching her files. Her face was ashen, and she was trembling.


    Simone followedn''s gaze and saw Eleanor. Clearly, she''d overheard.


    For a few seconds, the room froze.


    Simone hurried to smooth things over. "Eleanor,n is just concerned about the project''s progress="


    But Eleanor marched into theb, snatched her phone from the table, and stormed out.


    She ignored himpletely, striding out of theb. Ian''s long legs carried him after her.


    "Eleanor, wait.” His voice was low andmanding.


    Eleanor halted, still clutching her files.


    "I don''t care whose life is at stake," Eleanor cut him off coldly. "It has nothing to do with me."


    Simone came out, watching the tension crackle between them. "Both of you, calm down."


    "Professor Langley, I need a quiet space to work. I won''t tolerate any more interruptions from unrted parties. If it happens again, I''ll quit the team." Eleanor''s words were icy as she turned to leave.


    "Eleanor."n''s eyes darkened.


    "That''s enough." She snapped, ring at him through clenched teeth. "From now on, my research has nothing to do with you. Vanessa''s life means nothing to me either."


    Suddenly,n lunged forward and grabbed her wrist, his grip shockingly strong. "Listen to me. This research on your mother''s donor isn''t about saving her."


    Eleanor recoiled, trying to wrench her arm free. When she couldn''t, her voice went colder still. "Then who''s it for?"


    Eleanor gave a short, bitterugh and finally wrenched her hand away. "Ian, when I start research on my mother''s sample is my decision. You don''t get to order me around."


    With that, she took a step back and walked away.


    Simone watchedn, surprised to see hisposure slip for once.


    She sighed. “Ian, you need to find some time to talk to her properly."


    "Professor Langley, I''m asking you to talk to her for me. Try to convince her to start the research as soon as possible."


    Simone frowned. "Why is this donor sample in your hands anyway?"


    "My father-inw gave it to me,"n replied, lowering his gaze. "Please, Professor Langley. I''m counting on you."


    Simone nodded. "Alright, I''ll find the right time to speak to Eleanor. But if this research isn''t to save Miss Shannon, then who is it for?"