"That sounds great," Eleanor replied with a smile.


    When the elevator reached the banquet hall, Diaz stepped out first and


    considerately held the open button for them. Eleanor offered him a grateful smile as


    she andn walked out.


    Asn exited the elevator, his gaze swept over Diaz-deep, sweeping, and authoritative.


    Diaz''s heart gave a slight jolt, instantly understanding the unspoken warning inn''s eyes.


    Eleanor stepped into the hall and immediately spotted Callie and Gwenda. She walked over to the crowd and found Joel. He turned to her, and the two began chatting naturally.


    Behind her, that familiar surge of jealousy and insecurity reared its head inn''s chest again. He hated this feeling of uncertainty, and he never imagined he would end up acting like some anxious teenager terrified of losing out.


    "Mr. Goodwin," Gwenda and Callie came over to greet him.


    "Congrattions on the sessfulunch, Dr. Kingsley,"n said, raising his ss in a polite toast.


    "Thank you. Without the support of Eleanor and Goodwin & Co., this project wouldn''t have been such a sess," Joel replied modestly.


    Currently, Joel''s product was already the hottest item in its category, boasting the best market reception.


    "Congrattions, Joel," Eleanor said, raising her ss as well.


    Joel looked at Eleanor with a helpless smile and raised his wine ss. Knowing he was likely going to be drinking out of obligation all night, Eleanor instinctively added, "Don''t drink too much, Joel."


    Joel nodded. "I know."


    Right then,n swallowed hard and turned to Eleanor. "I need to talk to you."


    Eleanor blinked in surprise. The next second,n grabbed her wrist and led her toward a secluded balcony.


    The balcony was empty. Eleanor, having been pulled out a bit forcefully, looked at him with a face full of questions while putting her hand back. If you have something to say, just say it. There''s no need for this."


    "Eleanor, I was a jerk in the past. ? was an idiot who disappointed you and hurt you also know that if it weren''t for Evelyn ↑ probably. wouldn''t even have the chance to be near you again."


    Eleanor froze,pletely caught off guard by his sudden confession.


    "But..."


    rtionship I don''t want you to think that the only thing between us is Evelyn-"


    His eyes burned with an unprecedented honesty and fervor, his handsome face tense with nervous anticipation.


    "I want to pursue you again, Eleanor. I don''t want us to just be Evelyn''s parents. This time, let me pursue you, alright? Will you give me a chance?"


    Something mmed against Eleanor''s heart. She opened her mouth, but her throat feltpletely dry.


    "I''m not asking you to ept me right away. I just want to know if I even have the right to try. Can I?"n''s voice was low and gravelly,ced with pleading.


    Even though he had been dropping hints and doing all sorts of subtle things to show


    his feelingstely, it felt like it wasn''t enough.


    It was as if everything he did would only carry meaning once Eleanor explicitly permitted his pursuit.