It was the deep-seated, never-fading desire for her.


    Finally, the song ended. "I''d like to get some fresh air," Eleanor said to him.


    The view outside the hall was lovely, with a man-madeke shimmering under the moonlight.


    Eleanor sat on a bench by theke, andn stood quietly beside her, both enjoying the evening scenery.


    Eleanor thought of something and looked up to ask, "Would it be possible to invite Mr. Dewitt to dinner tomorrow?"


    "Once I return home, I''ll be starting my research. I''d like to personally thank him for investing in my project," Eleanor said sincerely.


    But in the end, he just said in a low voice, "Alright, I''ll extend the invitation for you." Eleanor looked up and thanked him.


    By the time they returned to the hall, the dance was over. E''s group was still drinking, and Eleanor andn were pulled over to join them. This time, it was red wine. After a round of toasts, Eleanor found herself on her second ss.


    "El, you''re an incredible person. You were the first to seed with the Neural Interface Project, and you developed the cure for the spherical virus. It''s amazing. I toast to you," a middle-aged schr said, his expression full of admiration. Eleanor smiled and clinked her ss with his. In academia, results spoke for themselves, and there was no doubt that Eleanor was a powerhouse in this room.


    Even though she was modest and unassuming, her achievements were undeniable and had already earned her the respect of her peers.


    After two sses of red wine, Eleanor''s cheeks were flushed, and her eyes held a tipsy ze, making her seem even moreTnd. radiant.


    Atst, at nine o''clock, the event came to an end. E came over to say goodbye to Eleanor before leaving with her friends.


    Eleanor andn also began walking out of the campus.


    "Are you feeling dizzy?"n asked, knowing her tolerance for alcohol was limited.


    Eleanor shook her head. Though she was a little drunk, she felt unusually lighthearted. "I''m okay."


    But he was careful not to show it too much, afraid of scaring her off.


    When they finally reached the hotel, the bright lights made Eleanor''s


    .n


    cheeks appear even redda


    after


    the Walk Her eyes were misty with


    Hereye''s


    a hint of alluring charm.


    As they stepped into the elevator, two strangers stared openly at Eleanor, their gazes brazenly appreciative.


    Eleanor understood why he did it. She pressed herself against the elevator wall, her eyes downcast.


    Finally, they reached their floor. Ian gestured with his arm, and Eleanor stepped out first.


    At the door to her room, she spoke first. "Let''s just go back to our own rooms and rest."


    Listening


    her voice, soft and


    warm from the alcohol,n


    Wallowed hard. Is gaze lingered


    on her, thick with emotion.


    "Goodnight."