Chapter 81

“Mr. Goodwin, you wanted to see me?” Joel greeted him with a warm smile.

“Mr. Kingsley, I have a few questions I’d like to consult you about p>

Joel nodded, just finishing his lunch. “Let’s talk in my office p>

Not far away, Gwenda and Faye had also noticed lan. Gwenda let out a low whistle. “Your sister’s got some luck, Faye! lan is just ridiculously handsome. That build, that face, that aura-he’s one in a million p>

Faye, however, found her eyes drawn to Joel. Sure, lan was striking, but there was something about him—a kind of cool detachment that made it hard to get close. She preferred Joel’s easy warmth, the way his presence felt like a breath of spring air.

“Honestly, they’re both out of this world,” Gwenda said, unable to hide her admiration.

In Joel’s office, he listened attentively as lan laid out the medical issue he wanted

to discuss. When lan finished, Joel asked curiously, “So, is it a relative of yours who’s been diagnosed with this condition p>

“A friend,” lan replied smoothly.

“At the moment, there’s no definitive cure,” Joel explained. “But with regular healthy stem cell transplants to maintain blood production, the patient can live a normal life p>

“Thank you. I need your research team to prioritize this,” lan said, his tone firm. “I want us to find a breakthrough as soon as possible p>

Joel nodded. “Of course. I’ll set up a dedicated team for it p>

lan gave a brief nod. “Thank you, Mr. Kingsley. I’ll be investing another fifty million dollars into this project, and I’ll cover all future research costs as well p>

Joel couldn’t help but be taken aback for a moment, then smiled. “We’ll put our full effort into this research. I hope your friend makes a swift recovery p>

The two men shook hands, their grip brief but firm, and lan’s tall figure strode off toward the elevators.

Meanwhile, Eleanor was hard at work in the lab when Joel, now in a sterile gown, came in. Watching her at her station, he spoke up, “lan just came by to discuss a new research project p>

“What’s it about?” Eleanor asked, glancing up.

“Myelodysplastic syndrome,” Joel replied.

Eleanor froze for a heartbeat. If lan had come himself, it had to be for someone

very important to him—a close relative, perhaps?

Suddenly, Vanessa came to Eleanor’s mind. She always seemed so frail.

If it was an early-stage diagnosis, there was hope; but without prompt treatment, it could easily progress to chronic leukemia.

“Ian’s putting another fifty million into this, and he’ll fund the rest of the research as well,” Joel continued.

Eleanor’s hands stilled, her suspicion all but confirmed. It had to be Vanessa.

“He’s trying to save Vanessa,” Eleanor said quietly.

Joel understood, and cast her a look full of sympathy.

Her own husband was pouring a fortune into saving his lover’s life-and doing the research right here in her lab.

“I’m handing this project over to Horace. You shouldn’t be involved,” Joel said gently.

How ironic. She didn’t even know Vanessa’s exact diagnosis, but the research direction was the same as her own. She had to be involved in lan’s independent project.

“No—I’m joining,” Eleanor said, her voice steady.

Joel looked at her, worried. “Are you sure p>

“I am.” Eleanor needed the research funding, and she was determined to break through her academic barriers.

Friday evening, Eleanor got a call from Magdalen, inviting her and her daughter over for dinner. She couldn’t refuse the old lady, so she brought her daughter along.

As they entered the grand foyer, lan was already there, and Serena as well. “Evelyn, did you miss your aunt?” Serena came over, taking Evelyn’s hand. Evelyn nodded, and Serena whisked her up onto her lap, making her giggle. Eleanor took a seat beside the old lady and, noticing how well she looked, said, “Grandma, remember to wear a mask when you go out these days p>

“What’s there to worry about? Didn’t they develop a special new medicine for this?” Serena cut in before the old lady could answer.

Just then, Gina came in with a bowl of fresh fruit. Serena quickly turned to her. “Mom, do you know who developed that new medicine everyone’s talking about p>