At noon,n treated the entire project team to lunch at a banquet hall, with a grand celebration dinner nned for the evening.


    Joel''s team had grown to over thirty people. Along with assistants and staff from various departments, they took up fiverge tables in the hall.


    Eleanor sat at one of the tables with Joel''s team. Ian arrived a littleter. The seat next to Eleanor had been left empty for him, as if everyone had a silent agreement that it was his spot.


    Eleanor didn''t notice this. She was listening to Joel discuss the uing project proposals. When it came to topics within their field, Eleanor and Joel truly felt like kindred spirits.


    It was as if Joel could guess what Eleanor wanted to say without her having to speak, and when Joel only exined half a thought, Eleanor perfectly understood where he was going with it.


    Because of this, when a certain big boss stepped into the restaurant, his eyes immediatelynded on Eleanor and Joel exchanging nces and chatting. He paused briefly at the entrance, the gaze behind his sses darkening imperceptibly.


    Sitting at the table by the window, Eleanor leaned in to listen to Joel. Her head was tilted slightly, her long hair cascading over her shoulder. Her eyes were bright and focused, and a faint smile yed on her lips as she waspletely absorbed in his topic.


    Joel, too, looked dashing and spirited today. An air of unspoken understanding surrounded the two of them, making it difficult for outsiders to intrude.


    Just then, someone spotted him and hurriedly stood up to greet him. "Mr. Goodwin is here."


    Ian walked over alone; he hadn''t brought any guests with him. He gave the person a polite nod.


    Eleanor and Joel also paused their conversation and looked up at him.


    n walked elegantly toward his reserved seat-right next to Eleanor.


    He casually pulled out the chair and sat down, addressing the table, "Sorry, I was held up. Everyone worked hard today. Let''s get the food served!"


    It was already past noon. So far, only water and fruit had been brought to the table, with no main courses in sight. Now thatn had arrived, a manager immediately motioned for the waiters to bring out the food.


    Seeing that Joel''s ss was empty, Eleanor immediately grabbed the pitcher from


    the table and poured him some water.


    This scene caused a certain man''s smile to fade slightly.


    Joel quickly stood up and replied humbly, "You''re too kind, Mr. Goodwin. The project''s sess is the result of the entire team''s hard work. I also want to thank you for your continuous trust and support."


    They both finished their drinks.


    At that moment, a female assistant came over to pour wine forn and


    Joel, and half a ss for Eleanor as well, Eleanor couldn''t he


    but gently


    remind Joel beside her, "Joel, you''


    you


    still shouldn''t be drinking alcohol.


    Just stick to water for now.


    Joel smiled and nodded. "Alright, I''ll be careful."


    He seemed a bit annoyed.


    As Eleanor and Joel resumed their previous conversation,n turned his head again and asked Eleanor in a low voice, "What are you two talking about? You seem so engrossed."


    Eleanor turned her head to meet his


    gaze from inches away. He had a smile on his face, but his eyes were unfathomably deep. She answered honestly, "I was just listening to Joel talk about the next steps and potential breakthroughs* Are you interested in joining the conversation, Mr. Goodwin?"


    "Oh?"n raised an eyebrow. "I''m actually quite interested."


    "Ellie, why don''t we eat first?" Joel chimed in. "We can find another time to chat."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!