Chapter 382
When they arrived at the restaurant, Faye had already swapped out her business suit for a striking, low-cut dress, turning heads as she entered. Eleanor, on the other hand, stuck to her signature look: a crisp white blouse and dark jeans— simple, fresh, and decidedly unfussy.
The private dining room buzzed with conversation about the day’s project. Byron, unable to contain his excitement, raised his glass and announced, “Who would’ve thought Meridian Dynamics would reach the point of collaborating with the military? All thanks to Mr. Goodwin’s leadership. Let’s have a toast to Mr. Goodwin p>
Everyone at the table stood to join in-except Eleanor.
Glasses were raised in lan’s direction, but Eleanor simply sipped her tea, unconcerned. Everyone there understood: no matter how out of line Eleanor might seem, lan would never hold it against her.
Faye shot Eleanor a sideways glance. Did she really have to act so aloof, as if she were above the rest of the team? What made her so special? Did being lan’s ex-wife entitle her to some kind of privilege?
“Alright, everyone’s worked hard. Let’s eat,” lan said, his long fingers pausing the lazy Susan at the center of the table.
The group fell quiet for a moment, noticing that a steaming dish of truffle-baked lobster had come to rest directly in front of Eleanor.
lan’s eyes found hers. “I remember this was always your favorite p>
Eleanor picked up her fork and replied coolly, “Got tired of it p>
lan withdrew his hand, letting the turntable spin again. The others pretended not to notice the exchange, shifting the conversation smoothly back to work.
Only Faye kept glancing between lan and Eleanor, her curiosity growing. What was going on here? Was lan still looking out for his ex-wife? Could there be something rekindling between them?
“Miss Sutton,” Byron chimed in, “Mr. Goodwin has already agreed to have you seconded back to Meridian Dynamics for the military project. Looks like we’ll be working together again p>
Faye’s expression soured as she stared at Eleanor. What? She’s coming back for research again?
lan traced the rim of his glass, lost in thought. Clearly, lending Eleanor to Meridian Dynamics wasn’t his first choice. But with the military’s new project about to launch, and Eleanor both the most qualified scientist and the military’s appointed liaison, he hadn’t really had a choice.
Eleanor herself was genuinely interested in the project-it was based on her own theoretical work, after all, and she was eager to see it put into practice.
After dinner, with the night still young, Eleanor decided to head downtown to pick out a gift for her daughter.
“Joel, why don’t you head back first? I want to find something for my little girl p>
“Kingston’s pretty safe, but I’d still worry about you wandering around alone this late. Let me come with you,” Joel replied with an easy smile.
Faye, catching their conversation, piped up, “Joel, mind if I join you guys? I’d love to shop a little too p>
Joel frowned slightly. “Maybe Laird can go with you p>
Laird jumped in right away, “Sure, Faye. I’ve got time p>
Faye hesitated, her tone chilly. “Never mind. I’m beat—I’ll just head back and get some rest p>
Meanwhile, lan and Byron were deep in conversation, but lan glanced over just in time to see Eleanor misjudge a step and stumble slightly.
Joel was quick, steadying her with a gentle arm. “Careful,” he said.
Eleanor regained her balance, a hint of exasperation in her voice. “Didn’t see that step p>
“The lighting’s terrible-someone should complain about that,” Joel muttered, letting her go.
lan watched Eleanor and Joel disappear down the street together. Byron leaned over, lowering his voice. “Mr. Goodwin p>
“Mr. Goodwin p>
Snapped from his thoughts, lan replied, “We’ll discuss the project details back at the hotel p>
“Are you heading back to the guesthouse later, sir p>
“I have someone to meet. You all go ahead.” With that, lan strode toward a waiting black SUV.
Just then, his phone rang. It was Vanessa calling.