Dr. Smith, however, acted perfectly natural. "Mr. Goodwin mentioned this ce has excellent food. We can eat while we talk."


    Eleanor quicklyposed herself, nodded, and chose a seat as far fromn as possible.


    Then, as Eleanor and Dr. Smith delved into a technical discussion, it wasn''s turn to listen silently. Smith subtly watched his reactions and noticed thatn''s eyes were often on Eleanor.


    The way he looked at her didn''t feel possessive at all. It was full of real admiration and quiet pride, like he was appreciating a one-of-a-kind treasure.


    Eleanor could feel his stare and instinctively avoided looking in his direction, keeping her focus on Dr. Smith and the food in front of her. Her coldness only maden''s eyes narrow slightly as he sipped his tea to ease the awkwardness.


    Finally, the meal was over. Eleanor stood up first. "Doctor, please, you two continue. I''m heading back."


    "Of course, Miss Sutton. See you in a bit," Smith nodded. Ian gave a slight nod in acknowledgment but said nothing.


    Once Eleanor was gone, Smith couldn''t help but praise her. "Dr. Sutton is truly the most gifted young scientist I have ever met. With her on the team, our sess rate increases by at least thirty percent."


    Smith''s expression turned serious. "We are doing everything we can. I am confident we will not disappoint you."


    "Understood. I won''t take up Miss Sutton''s personal time."


    Back at theb, Eleanor went to the restroom. As she stepped into a stall, she heard the cheerful voices of a few nurses outside.


    "Hey, I wonder why Mr. Goodwin didn''te by today," one of them said as she washed her hands.


    "Are you daydreaming again?" another teased. "Mr. Goodwin is a busy man. He can''t be at theb every day."


    "I''m just admiring from afar! Everyone online knows he''s Miss Shannon''s boyfriend. I wouldn''t dare have any ideas."


    "True. If Miss Shannon found out


    you were eyeing Mr. Goodwin, you''d be in trouble. Didn''t you see how nervous he was when she was getting her blood drawn yesterday? He stayed with her the whole time


    "I heard the nurse was so nervous she missed the vein, and Miss Shannon cried


    out in pain. Mr. Goodwin looked like he was about to kill someone."


    "That was Cain! She said Mr. Goodwin was staring at her so


    intensely she got flustered we


    his


    presence, I''m not sure!


    could have done any better content


    "I heard from her fans that they''re getting engaged soon. I wonder if it''s true."


    "Probably. He''s brilliant, she''s beautiful, and their families are a perfect match. They''re made for each other."


    The sound of the water stopped, and the nurses left, still chatting andughing.


    Eleanor stepped out of the stall and looked at her reflection. Her face was calm. She had known Vanessa wouldn''t willingly participate in the experiment without getting someth


    in return. Ian''s


    ove


    rtionship with her wasn''t just


    about maniption and


    transactions; there was genuine affection there.