respect."


    Walden Wells''s face turned pale with anger from the rebuke. Just as he was about argue back, his assistant stepped in. "Mr. Wells, you have another meeting to get


    to."


    Walden Wells huffed and finally left with his assistant.


    Eleanor turned ton. "Thank you."


    Just then, Mr. Brown walked over and ppedn on the shoulder. "Ian, Ms. Sutton, I''ve arranged for lunch. Let''s go chat."


    "Thank you, Mr. Brown, but I still have—" Eleanor began to politely decline.


    But just then, President Larkin approached them and said to Eleanor, "Dr. Sutton, please join us. I happen to have some medical questions I was hoping to ask you."


    In front of so many industry leaders, Eleanor felt it would be inappropriate to refuse again. Being invited was an honor. She smiled at Mr. Brown and said, "In that case, I''d be happy to ept."


    The luncheon was held in a private banquet hall at the convention center. On the way there,n and Mr. Brown walked ahead, while Eleanor followed with several other industry leaders. President Larkin was asking her about gics, and Eleanor did her best to answer.


    This scene was captured by reporters. Among the group of industry titans, the two younger figures ofn and Eleanor stood out, looking particrly brilliant and eye- catching.


    Once everyone was seated,n, who''d rather have sat by Eleanor, found himself guided to the head of the table.


    Eleanor took the seat beside President Larkin.


    "Dr. Sutton, I hear you''ve made a major breakthrough in your brainputer interface research?" Mr. Brown asked with great interest.


    Eleanor''s eyes metn''s for a couple of seconds. Ian gave a slight, encouraging nod, giving her permission to talk about the Neural Interface Project.


    Eleanor tactfully described parts of her research. Everyone was amazed that such a young research prodigy was also such a beautiful young woman.


    "Mr. Goodwin certainly has a keen eye for talent," President Larkin praised. "A talent like Dr. Sutton is indeed worthy of significant support."


    An intense gaze was directed her way. Eleanor was looking down, sipping her tea. Just then, a waiter brought a dessert and ced it exclusively in front of her.


    Eleanor was slightly taken aback.


    Everyone at the table understood thatn was trying to win Eleanor''s favor.


    After all, most of them knew they had once been married.


    "The dessert here is supposed to be excellent. You should try it, Ms. Sutton," Mr. Brown said with a smile.


    Eleanor nodded at Mr. Brown, her gaze flicking over to the man at the head of the table before she picked up her spoon and took a bite.


    The man opposite her watched, a faint smile gracing his lips and a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.


    The atmosphère at the table was very cordial waiter came by to pour red wine, and Mr. Brown stood up, raising his ss. "Today, let us congratten on bing the new chairman of The Guild of Commerce."


    "Why doesn''t Ms. Sutton have some juice? It would do just as well,"n put in considerately.


    Eleanor nodded and joined the others in raising her ss. Ian also raised his and drank freely.


    After a few rounds, it was clear that the older gentlemen could hold their liquor well. A faint blush appeared onn''s handsome face, softening his sharp features and his eyes field a slight, tipsy glimmer.


    "Mr. Goodwin and Dr. Sutton make such a handsome couple!" a construction magnate, also a bit drunk, remarked, hoping to say somethingn would like to hear.


    Thement brought a brief silence to the table, and all eyes turned ton and Eleanor.


    As he spoke, his gaze fell on Eleanor, hazy with an unreadable emotion.


    Eleanor was engrossed in a conversation with President Larkin, seemingly not having heard the remark. Ian''s hand tightened around his ss, but he maintained a perfectlyposed smile.


    Mr. Brown skillfully changed the subject to thetest aerospace technology, and the lunch continued until it ended.


    The magnates all had assistants waiting outside, and they were promptly escorted away.


    Gavin was also waiting. When he saw his boss emerge, he was about to speak but was silenced by a quick nce. Gavin immediately


    understood Mr. Goodwin need to find Mr. Brown to sign a document."


    As Eleanor came out with her bag,n asked in a low voice, "Where are you going?"


    "Back to theb."


    "Could I trouble you for a ride?"n''s voice was husky from the alcohol.


    "You can wait for Gavin to drive you," Eleanor said, knowing Gavin wouldn''t leave him stranded.


    "He just left for something important,"n said, his expression unchanged. Eleanor knew Gavin had left on purpose and frowned. "You can wait for him."


    Just then, Dr. Smith called. Eleanor answered, "Hello, Doctor."


    "Are you with Mr. Goodwin? There''s an urgent document that needs his signature. Could you bothe over as soon as possible?" Dr. Smith said on the other end. Eleanor paused, then turned to the man beside her. "Come with me."


    "What did the doctor say?"n asked in a low voice.


    "He needs you toe sign a document."


    When they got into Eleanor''s car,n didn''t choose the back seat. He sat in the passenger seat instead.


    The faint scent of wine mixed with his cedar cologne filled the car. Eleanor frowned and opened the window.


    As Eleanor started the car and focused on driving, he slowly opened his eyes, a drunken haze clouding his gaze-