After sending the message,n''s fingers tapped twice on the desk before he dialed Dr. Smith''s direct line.


    "Doctor, Miss Shannon has confirmed her cooperation. The experiment can proceed as nned," Ian stated, his voice as calm and decisive as ever.


    On the other end of the line, Dr. Smith finally breathed a sigh of relief. "That''s excellent news, Mr. Goodwin. I''ll have the team begin preparations immediately."


    "Thank you for your hard work,"n said before hanging up.


    He rose and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the bustling city below. The bright sunlight seemed unable to prate the darkness in his deep eyes. Two minutester, he picked up his phone, found Eleanor''s number, and dialed.


    "Hello?" she answered.


    "The experiment here can begin tomorrow," he said in a low voice.


    "Okay," she replied calmly, then added, "I''m driving. Was there anything else?"


    The line went dead.


    He let out a slow breath, his brow furrowed with aplex expression no one could decipher. The strong posture he held just moments ago seemed to copse, as if his strength had been drained away. He leaned against the window for support and let out a soft sigh.


    At that moment, Eleanor was stopped at a red light, her slender fingers tapping restlessly on the steering wheel. Ian''s words meant only one thing: he had finally agreed to all of Vanessa''s demands. Whether he wanted to marry Vanessa or not, he had to meet her conditions. Gina''s illness couldn''t wait, and neither could Serena''s. Without effective treatment, there was no telling how their conditions would progress.


    Eleanor checked the time and, after


    confirming Simone''s address,


    headed over to visit her. Simone lived in an older residentialplex not far from Ashford Medical University. Eleanor arrived with gifts and fruit and knocked on the door.


    Sonya Langley answered, her face lighting up with surprise. "Miss Sutton, you''re


    here! Please,e in. We just got home this morning."


    Eleanor smiled. "I came to see Professor Langley."


    "She''s resting in her room, but she''s awake."


    Eleanor went to the master bedroom. Simone was visibly thinner, her cheeks hollowed and her hair noticeably sparse. Herplexion was pale.


    "Professor Langley," Eleanor called softly.


    "I heard your voice. It''s so good of you toe see me so soon," Simone said, sitting up. She seemed to be in decent spirits. "This old body of mine has caused you andn so much trouble."


    "Don''t say that. We''re just relieved your surgery was a sess," Eleanor said, pulling up a chair and studying Simone''s face. "How is your recovery going?"


    "It''s going well, I''m just weak and don''t have much of an appetite," Simone said, forcing a cheerful tone. "Enough about me. How are you? How''s the child? Any progress with your experiments?"


    "The little one is doing great, and work is going well. We''re making good progress," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    "You work so hard, juggling your research and a child," Simone said, her eyes filled with sympathy. There was more she wanted to say, but she held her tongue. After all, she had heard that two outstanding young men were vying for Eleanor''s affection. It seemed Eleanor had found her happiness, so it wasn''t her


    ce to offer unsolicited advice.


    "Professor Langley, have you done much research on rare blood disorders?" Eleanor asked.


    Simone thought for a moment and shook her head. "That''s not an area I''ve delved into deeply. Gic issues often require breakthrough technologies, which is more your expertise."