Chapter 804
lan’s question was posed casually, as if it were mere small talk, but his deep-set eyes held a sharp, probing intensity as they fixed on Joel.
Joel, who had been about to serve himself some food, paused. He glanced from lan to Eleanor, as if silently asking for her permission to answer. Eleanor looked up at lan, her displeasure obvious.
Pushing his glasses up his nose, Joel smiled and replied candidly, “Eleanor and I? You could say she’s my junior. Her father was my mentor for a year when I was abroad. Later, I returned to the country and joined the lab because of her p>
He said it all with such frankness and sincerity, especially the part about returning for Eleanor’s sake.
lan listened, then turned his gaze to Eleanor. His tone was unreadable as he remarked, “Your father certainly had a knack for mentoring talented people p>
It was a compliment, yet it carried an indescribable undertone.
Eleanor met his gaze, her voice cool. “I thought we weren’t discussing personal matters.” The implication was clear: his question was out of line.
lan offered a slight smile and picked up his fork. “My apologies. Just a passing thought. I never knew you were acquainted with someone as brilliant as Dr. Kingsley back then p>
Joel understood that “back then” referred to the time lan and Eleanor were married.
Eleanor didn’t respond.
Joel stepped in smoothly. “I assume, Mr. Goodwin, that you invested in our lab’s project because you value our professional capabilities and collaborative spirit, not for any other… irrelevant reasons.” His words were a subtle reminder that lan, as an investor, should focus on the project itself.
lan chuckled lightly. “You’re right, Dr. Kingsley. Let’s eat p>
He then steered the conversation back to work, easing the awkwardness. Joel readily engaged, and the rest of the meal was dedicated to business.
After they left the restaurant, Eleanor immediately got into Joel’s car. As she did, lan reached out and clapped Joel on the shoulder. “Dr. Kingsley, I
have great confidence in your el
project. But I won’t tolerate unnecessary factors affecting its progress Especially… the
relationships between team members p>
The words were both a reminder and a warning.
Joel understood perfectly. The warmth in his expression faded. “I believe the person bringing personal feelings into the workplace is you, not me I suggest you mind your own emotions Mr. Goodwin and refrain from distracting your employees. It could affect the research p>
Joel’s words were like a surgeon’s scalpel, precisely cutting through lan’s
professional facade to expose his personal agenda. Ian was clearly taken aback
by the direct rebuttal and stood speechless for a few seconds.
Seeing his reaction, Joel gave a polite nod. “Excuse me p>
As Joel’s car pulled away, lan remained standing there, his expression.unreadable. But Gavin, standing beside him, could feel his boss’s displeasure radiating off him in waves. Joel had essentially accused him of using work as a pretext to get close to Eleanor Mr. Goodwin Gavin thought, must be furious at being so bluntly called out and having his intentions laid bare.
“Mr. Goodwin, shall we p>
“Back to the office,” lan said curtly.
Joel drove Eleanor back to her car. She had research to attend to that afternoon and headed straight for the lab.
On Thursday evening, Eleanor called Laura to check on Simone Langley’s condition. Laura told her there was one more test result due back at ten that night, and the data was critical. Eleanor asked her to send it over as soon as it came in, and Laura agreed.
At nine, Eleanor was sitting on the living room sofa, reading a story to her daughter. No matter what, she had to go to Kingston tomorrow.
Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Mansfield Ellington.
“I heard your mentor has been hospitalized. When are you planning on coming to Kingston p>