Chapter 1284

The car glided smoothly toward the banquet hall. The last of the sunset stretched long across the city. Eleanor had no desire to reminisce about the past. Their relationship would be built on the new foundation of their collaboration.

lan didn’t try to stir up any other topics. He understood her; she didn’t want to relive their old days with him. The realization sent a hard-to-describe tightness through his chest, but it vanished as quickly as it came.

Soon, the car arrived at the hotel. An attendant stepped forward and opened the door. lan got out first.

A manager saw him and immediately hurried over. “Mr. Goodwin, you’ve arrived p>

lan nodded and waited for Eleanor to exit the car.

Once she was out, they walked side-by-side up the red carpet and into the brightly lit banquet hall.

Their appearance immediately drew glances from all around.

The man was distinguished and composed, the woman elegant and intelligent. They seemed to be keeping their distance, but most people present knew they were once married.

By then, the hall was half full. A few board members were the first to greet lan, and they showed great enthusiasm for Eleanor as well. “Dr. Sutton, a pleasure to meet you p>

Eleanor calmly shook hands with the board members, her demeanor poised and respectful. Her conversation showcased her refinement.

“Dr. Sutton, I read your recent paper on neurodegenerative diseases. It was truly enlightening,” a middle-aged board member praised.

Seeing his interest in her research and his specific mention of her academic work, Eleanor smiled and struck up a conversation with him.

This was precisely her purpose for being here tonight; she hoped to gain the support of The Guild of Commerce for her academic research.

“Dr. Sutton, it seems we have much to discuss in the future p>

“It’s Dr. Sutton’s research on brain-computer interfaces that has truly opened our eyes!” another board member added with a smile.

lan stood beside Eleanor, not interjecting much. He only added a few words about The Guild of Commerce’s support when needed, subtly boosting the credibility of her research.

The Eleanor of today no longer needed to rely on her former identity as Mrs. Goodwin. She had earned a significant place in the scientific community through her own merit.

Just then, some guests turned their attention toward the entrance. Walden Wells walked in with a glamorous woman on his arm. Many recognized her as the international pianist, Vanessa.

The moment Vanessa stepped into the banquet hall, she spotted lan. However, she saw a slender, elegant woman standing beside him, her back to her, obscuring her face.

But just then, the woman with the beautiful silhouette turned her head slightly, and Vanessa’s expression froze.

It was Eleanor.

How could this be? Had Eleanor and lan’s relationship recovered to the point where they could attend a banquet together?

Was Eleanor lan’s date tonight?

Vanessa felt a jolt. She was once the one standing by lan’s side, basking in the envious stares of the crowd. The Eleanor of the past was. someone lan would never have brought to such an event.

But now, the woman she had once relentlessly mocked-Eleanor-was standing beside lan, looking so independent and dazzling, enjoying the respect and admiration of the surrounding guests.

Eleanor hadn’t even dressed up extravagantly. A simple

champagne-colored gown and light

makeup were enough. The

intellectual and calm aura she

d’effortlessly made her the.

exuded

center of attention.

Vanessa had also dressed to the nines tonight, her lavish gown and dazzling jewelry meant to flaunt her status. But next to Eleanor’s understated elegance, it backfired.