Chapter 126
At that moment, a senior figure approached and shook lan’s hand, striking up a conversation.
“Mr. Goodwin, thank you so much for your generous financial support this time. On behalf of our entire team, I want to express our gratitude p>
lan replied with an easy smile, “You’re too kind. It’s the least I can do p>
“And especially regarding your decision to award a personal bonus of three million dollars to the researcher who developed the spherical virus treatment-we wholeheartedly support it. That’s truly an achievement worthy of recognition p>
Vanessa, standing nearby, blinked in surprise. Three million dollars in personal achievement bonus-for her sister? She’d had no idea lan was planning to reward her family like that.
Once the official had moved on, Vanessa leaned in and asked quietly, “You’re giving my sister a personal bonus p>
lan raised an eyebrow. “She’s part of a lab my company invests in. Of course, I want to show my appreciation p>
Vanessa’s lips curved into a smile. “True enough p>
Three million might not be a fortune at lan’s level, but the gesture alone meant a lot to her family.
Meanwhile, out in the garden, Eleanor lingered with her daughter rather than returning to her seat. She wanted Evelyn to relax before the formalities resumed; she’d bring her in after the meeting started, hoping to keep her from getting
nervous.
For ten minutes, Evelyn skipped and danced across the lawn. When Eleanor heard cheers and applause drifting from the conference hall, she scooped her daughter up. “Evelyn, it’s time to go inside. Promise me you’ll sit quietly for a little while, and I’ll bring home the trophy for you p>
“Okay!” Evelyn grinned, her eyes bright with excitement.
Their re-entry to the venue drew a few surprised glances from the surrounding guests. Some people clearly hadn’t expected someone to bring a child into such a formal event, but no one voiced any objection.
After the keynote speech wrapped up, two more representatives took turns offering their congratulations. Finally, they reached the awards segment.
“And now, our first award: the Individual Research Achievement Prize,” the host announced, his voice ringing with enthusiasm.
One by one, the prizewinners’ names were called. Each recipient walked up and received a gleaming trophy from the dignitaries onstage.
Then, images began to flash across the screen-a montage of patients recovering, doctors tending to the critically ill. The host’s voice grew impassioned as he recounted the story behind the viral outbreak and the breakthrough drug. Suddenly, he changed tack: “We owe a special debt of gratitude to one woman. She overcame every obstacle, fearlessly tackled each new challenge, and in record time, developed the life-saving treatment. Please welcome the lead researcher behind the breakthrough, Ms. Eleanor p>
Triumphant music swelled. Eleanor rose to her feet, shared a smile with Joel, and gently patted Evelyn’s head. “Mommy’s going up to get her award now p>
Though still a child, Evelyn was swept up by the excitement in the room. She tugged at Joel’s sleeve and whispered, “Mr. Kingsley, isn’t my mom amazing p>
“She really is,” Joel replied, his smile warm and genuine.
As Eleanor made her way toward the stage, the host’s voice rang out again: “Presenting the award to Ms. Eleanor will be Mr. Ian Goodwin, CEO of Goodwin & Co. Please welcome him to the stage p>
Eleanor froze, stunned. Her eyes darted to the man in the front row-she hadn’t expected lan to be the one handing out her award.
Vanessa, sitting beside lan, was equally taken aback. What was going on? Wasn’t this award supposed to go to her sister Faye? Had the organizers made a mistake and announced the wrong name?
lan himself seemed momentarily thrown, but he quickly composed himself, rising gracefully from his seat and making his way to the stage with a confident, charming smile.
A waiter in formal attire approached, holding out a tray with a dazzling golden trophy.
Eleanor’s emotions roiled beneath her calm exterior, but she stepped forward to accept her prize. She locked eyes with the tall man approaching her, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them.