Eleanor put on the dress and took a pair of simple pearl earrings from her small makeup bag. Her long hair fell naturally over her shoulders. It was an academic dinner, so looking neat and appropriate was all that mattered.


    At seven-thirty sharp, Eleanor went downstairs. Ian was already waiting in the lobby.


    He had changed into a dark blue suit, worn without a tie. The cor of his white shirt was slightly open, giving him a look that was both casual andposed.


    When he saw Eleanor, a sh of admiration crossed his deep eyes.


    He watched the woman walk toward him with a natural stride.


    It felt like a century.


    She used to bound toward him, full of vibrant energy, whether joyful, gentle, or shy. After the divorce, she became cold, distant, and deliberately avoided him. Talented men had started to appear by her side. She could smile brightly at anyone else, but he was the one she always ignored.


    Now, under the lights, Eleanor approached gracefully, the light blue fabric of her dress swaying gently with each step.


    Her long, dark hair cascaded gently down her back. She wore light makeup, looking elegant and gentle, her eyes as clear and bright as ever.


    As she walked toward him now, her gaze was calm and open, as if the years of misunderstanding and distance had truly melted away.


    It was as if they had returned to a starting point-a ce where they could begin again.


    The elevator had taken a while, so Eleanor asked, "Have you been waiting long?"


    "No, I just got here,"n said, his voice natural as he suppressed the wave of emotion inside him. "That''s a beautiful dress."


    "Thank you." Eleanor''s gaze also fell on him. "Your suit is perfect for the dinner too."


    With his build and presence, everything in his wardrobe was custom-tailored. Even


    a casually chosen outfit looked elegant on him.


    "Let''s go," Eleanor said to him, heading toward the hotel entrance first.


    With a long stride,n fell into step beside her. They crossed the street and walked onto the campus, which wasnow bathed in the evening twilight.


    The cool summer night breeze swept over them, chasing away thest of the day''s heat.


    The auditorium was already brightly lit, and the faint sounds of music andughter drifted from it, promising a lively evening.


    When they arrived, they found more than twenty people already there-a mix of young people and middle-aged academics. Soft lighting, smooth jazz, and the aroma af red wine filled the air Tonight, schrs from around the world ha? shed their serious daytime personas to enjoy a night of fun and conversation with friends and family.


    "El, you''re here!" a female academic greeted her. She then looked atn beside her


    in surprise and gave a knowing smile. "Boyfriend?"


    Eleanor had told her she was divorced, so the assumption wasn''t surprising.


    Just as Eleanor was about to exin,n spoke up with a slight smile. "A friend, and also her business partner."


    He skillfully defined their rtionship, which eased Eleanor''s awkwardness.


    The woman said an understanding, "Oh," but her smile remained enthusiastic. "Well, whatever the rtionship, you two look really great together!"


    It was a sincerepliment, and Eleanor didn''t want to seem ungracious. She smiled and made the introductions. "This is Mr.


    Goodwin." Then, ton Made


    she said,


    "This is E from costaverde neurology specialist."