Chapter 470

“Ian’s the type,” Henry said, looking utterly convinced, “who, once he’s made up his mind, never goes back on it—even if he regrets it later p>

Xavier stared thoughtfully out the window. “So you’re saying he’s really moved on from Eleanor p>

Henry shook his head. “I’m not sure. But I do know, if lan still loved Eleanor, he’d never just stand by and let you pursue her p>

Xavier’s eyes narrowed as he asked, “Then why did lan insist on that five-year no- remarriage clause in the divorce p>

Henry thought for a moment, then shrugged as if it were obvious. “Honestly? That was just lan’s pride talking. You remember how much Eleanor loved him. She spent a year taking care of him while he was in that coma-he only married her because of that. But she’s the one who asked for the divorce.” He took a sip of his coffee and went on, “You think lan would just let her go that easily p>

“So you believe the five-year clause was just lan’s way of punishing her p>

“What else? You don’t seriously think he can’t let her go, do you p>

Xavier didn’t answer. Lately, he couldn’t read his old friend at all—couldn’t guess what lan was really thinking anymore.

Was it possible that lan’s five-year clause wasn’t just about getting back at Eleanor for leaving? Xavier tried to shake the thought away. He didn’t want to dig any deeper.

Some things just bring more trouble the more you dwell on them.

Early Thursday morning, Eleanor got a call from Simone Langley. They were expecting guests from overseas, and Simone asked her to come in as early as possible.

“Is it Dr. Smith’s team?” Eleanor asked.

“You knew p>

“Yeah, we’ve been in touch by email p>

“Perfect. See you soon p>

After dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor drove straight to the research facility. As she pulled into the parking lot, a sleek black Mercedes pulled up right next to her.

Her hand paused on her purse. With a weary frown, she got out of the car.

lan stepped out of his car, phone and keys in hand, following at a distance. He didn’t call out—just trailed behind her, the two of them moving like strangers.

Eleanor reached the elevator first. As the doors began to close, she felt a flicker of relief at the thought of escaping him.

But a strong arm blocked the doors. With a soft chime, they slid open again and lan stepped inside, one hand in his pocket, utterly composed. He glanced at the button she’d pressed and didn’t bother to select another-clearly, they were headed to the same floor.

The air in the elevator turned to ice.

“How’s Evelyn doing?” lan broke the silence, his tone surprisingly gentle.

Eleanor turned her face away, refusing to answer.

Unbothered, lan continued, “So-does Xavier know that Mansfield Ellington is chasing after you as well p>

There was a familiar edge of mockery in his voice, one Eleanor knew all too well.

She gripped her handbag tighter, forcing out the words, “That’s none of your business p>

lan let out a soft, cynical laugh. “Don’t forget what’s in the divorce agreement. That five-year clause p>

Eleanor spun toward him, fury in her eyes. “I don’t need you to remind me p>

His gaze darkened, lingering on her face for a moment. “Just a friendly warning.

I’d hate for you to get careless and end up with a lawsuit on your hands p>

At that moment, the elevator dinged and the doors slid open. Ian stepped out first, leaving Eleanor standing in the chill of his words.