Just then, the fruit was served. Eleanor sat down to chat with the matriarch, who


    had recently been to a few auctions and acquired some new treasures-all priceless antiques.


    After they finished the fruit, it was already nine o''clock. Just then, Serena returned. When she heard Evelyn was staying over again, she happily agreed. "Okay, Auntie will take a shower and be right down to help you finish it."


    Seeing that it was gettingte and she had several experiments scheduled for the next day, Eleanor stood up. "Grandma, I should be heading back now."


    "Perfect, you can given a ride," Magdalen said casually.


    Before Eleanor could speak, Magdalen shot her grandson a look. "Ellie is tired. You drive."


    Could Eleanor say it wasn''t convenient? They lived in the sameplex, and it''s not like she had to drive anyone else.


    "Let''s go, then," Eleanor said to him.


    "Ian, drive safely," Gina said to her son.


    Outside, the neatly trimmed garden had an elegant charm in the night air. Eleanor walked straight out of the courtyard gate to her car. Ian followed at a rxed pace. "I''ll drive."


    With that, he was already heading to the driver''s side.


    Eleanor unlocked the car. He pulled open the driver''s door and got in, and Eleanor got into the passenger seat. Just then,n handed the small gift bag to her.


    "Here. This is for you."


    Eleanor nced at it and took it. "Thank you."


    She showed no intention of looking inside. Ian started the car and pulled smoothly onto the street.


    The car was quiet again, but the atmosphere felt strangely delicate.


    "Is there anything at theb that you need my help coordinating?"n asked,


    breaking the silence by mentioning her work.


    "Not at the moment, thank you," Eleanor replied.


    "You really don''t have to be so


    formal with me."n turned his head, his gaze falling on her beautiful face. After a long day of work, Eleanor exuded a kind of distant yet fragile beauty.


    "Sorry, it''s a habit," Eleanor said softly.


    Indeed.


    him fad been formal with


    set


    him for three years; it wasn''t a habit she could break overnight. And


    Eleanor had no intention of changing


    it.


    "The experiment is progressing smoothly right now. We have enough funding and resources," Eleanor said quietly.


    A flicker of resignation passed through his eyes, but he didn''t press the issue. "Alright."


    Fifteen minutester, the car drove into theplex''s underground parking garage and stopped in Eleanor''s parking space.


    They got out and walked to the elevator together. They were the only two inside.


    Eleanor nodded. "Okay."


    The elevator arrived at the twenty-seventh floor.


    him.


    Ket


    open'' button. His gaze fell on Eleanor''s face, his eyes filled with restrained hope and longing. He


    asked in a low voice Do you want toe over to my ce for a


    bit?