Chapter 444

Eleanor knew exactly why he was apologizing. She smiled gently. “It’s all right p>

Her calm, unruffled expression only deepened Xavier’s guilt. He knew he’d acted a bit underhanded today.

“I’ll get going. You should head back, too,” Eleanor said, then opened the car door and slid inside.

Xavier bent down beside the window, his voice soft with concern. “Drive safe p>

Eleanor’s car pulled out of the parking lot. Xavier let out a quiet sigh, but just then, a voice called from behind, “Xavier, do you have a minute? Can we talk p>

Serena’s car had just pulled up; she’d been hoping for a chance to speak to Xavier in person about their families’ proposed engagement. He’d been impossible to reach lately, always busy, so she’d decided to seize the moment.

Turning, Xavier saw Serena approaching, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. He could already guess what she wanted to discuss.

Before Serena could say a word, Xavier glanced at his watch and opened his own car door. “Serena, I have something I need to take care of p>

Serena, who had been working up her courage, blurted out in a rush, “Xavier, about the engagement between our families p>

He cut her off, his tone even. “Serena, I’m not interested in an arranged marriage p>

“But—” Tears welled up in Serena’s eyes. “Is it because of Eleanor? Do you really like her that much p>

“It’s not about anyone else. I just won’t use marriage as a bargaining chip,” Xavier replied, calm but firm.

Serena bit her lip, her eyes brimming with hurt and resentment. “I know it’s because of her. What does she have that I don’t? Why am I not enough p>

“Serena.” Xavier’s voice grew colder. “Out of respect for our families, I don’t want to hurt you. But don’t drag Eleanor into this p>

Serena felt as if his words were a knife twisting in her chest. Xavier always said not to involve Eleanor-wasn’t that just another way of protecting her?

So if Eleanor got dragged into it, Xavier would be willing to burn bridges for her, wouldn’t he?

“I have a meeting. I have to go.” Xavier finished, then got in his car and drove away.

Serena broke down, covering her face as she cried. Her whole life had been smooth sailing-cherished by her parents as a child, then cared for by her older brother after her father passed away. She’d never experienced real disappointment—except in love.

Even a few casual words from Xavier could wound her so deeply.

She couldn’t help but wonder: if Eleanor had never appeared, would Xavier have agreed to the family’s arrangement? If Eleanor were still married to her brother, would Xavier have given up and chosen her instead?

Meanwhile, Eleanor returned to the research facility earlier than usual. She spent some time working in her office, and around two o’clock, Andie came by. “Eleanor, Professor Langley wants you in the conference room p>

Eleanor nodded, “All right, I’ll be right there p>

Inside the conference room, lan was already seated, along with the team from Everprosper Biotech.

Eleanor took a seat beside Simone as both sides began reviewing the final details of the patent contract.

lan sat back, arms folded, while the head of Everprosper Biotech kept sneaking nervous glances at the renowned business magnate.

After all, the acquisition had been tense, and there was still a final payment due after the patent handover. Everprosper Biotech wanted everything to go smoothly.

Eleanor was carefully reviewing the data in the contract, her focused expression reminiscent of a teacher grading papers.

Sunlight streamed through the glass, illuminating Eleanor’s elegant features—she was like a magnolia blossom: not breathtaking at first glance, but subtly captivating.

She set aside the completed documents. Just then, a long, well-shaped hand reached over and picked them up.

Eleanor frowned slightly but didn’t look up.

lan addressed the Everprosper representative, “There won’t be any issues with

the usage rights on these patents, correct p>

The Everprosper executive wiped sweat from his brow, replying, “You can rest

assured, Mr. Goodwin. All the patents have cleared the legal process. The usage

rights now belong solely to your lab p>

lan nodded and said nothing more.