The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds before Rnd''s tone softened. "Vanessa, I know you have your difficulties, but you also know thepany''s situation right now I''m begging you, please go askn!"


    "Dad, it''s better to rely on ourselves than on others. We should solve this on our own."


    "How about this? I have a dinner meeting tonight. Come with me, and I''ll introduce you to the CEO of Novum Tech. He''s always admired your talent," Rnd suddenly suggested.


    Vanessa sounded annoyed. "Dad, you know I don''t like those kinds of dinners."


    "Vanessa, just listen to me. Do it for my sake. It''s just one meal," Rnd said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Besides, you''ll be attending as a shareholder of thepany."


    Vanessa tightened her grip on the phone. If thepany had nothing to do with her, she wouldn''t bother, but as a shareholder, she couldn''t just ignore it.


    "Fine, send me the address. I''ll be there," Vanessa said, finally giving in.


    In the evening, Eleanor returned home to findn already there with their daughter. "Mommy, you''re back!" Evelyn was sitting on the sofa, watching cartoons withn.


    "I am." Eleanor put down her bag and walked over to her daughter, who reached out to hug her. "Mommy, what''s that smell on you?"


    "It''s disinfectant. Let Mommy go take a shower, and then I''lle down and y with you, okay?" Eleanor said.


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded.


    "I''ll stay with Evelyn a little longer and then I''ll go,"n said, implying he wouldn''t be staying for dinner.


    "Alright," Eleanor nodded and went to the kitchen to let Joslyn know before heading upstairs to shower.


    After washing her hair and showering, Eleanor came downstairs infortable loungewear, her fluffy hair draped loosely over her shoulders. Fresh from her bath, she exuded a fresh and gentle aura.


    When Eleanor stepped onto the balcony, she foundn still sitting on the sofa under the lights.


    He looked up at her as she entered and was momentarily stunned.


    This version of Eleanor reminded him of their married life. She used to be just like this, without makeup gentle and serene, waiting up for him toe homete at night. And back then, he-


    Eleanor walked over to their daughter. A gentle night breeze carried her faint scent,


    the familiar smell of gardenias.


    Just then, Eleanor turned her head and asked softly, "Weren''t you leaving?"


    "Are you going to work, Daddy?"


    "That''s right. Daddy''s going to make money for you to spend,"n said with a low chuckle.


    "Will you still give Mommy money to spend?" Evelyn asked innocently, tilting her head up.


    This was a yful exchangen often had with their daughter during their marriage. He never expected her to bring it up so casually now.


    Eleanor pretended not to hear, her hair falling over her chest. Under the lights, her fair profile created a heart-stirring picture. The man''s breathing quickened. "I''m leaving."


    Three minutester, the sound of a running shower came from the downstairs bathroom.


    The man had


    ad walked straight into


    the bathroom, letting the cold water pour over his head, soaking his fine handmade shift. The nearly


    transparent fabric clung to his body; revealing the powerful, toned


    muscles beneath.


    desire that shouldn''t exist.


    But it was no use.


    Twenty minutester, the man


    emerged with a towel wrapped around his waist, his wet hair


    on


    dripping. Fatigue was etaped or ars


    brow, along with a hint of frustration from an unfulfilled urge.