Chapter 517
Eleanor’s expression was ice-cold, her eyes flashing with indifference. “I don’t need your permission to decide whether I stay or go p>
lan’s gaze locked onto her, intense and unwavering. “Eleanor, don’t be stubborn. What I can offer you-no one else can. You’d have the best resources at your fingertips p>
She scoffed. “That’s your business, lan, not mine. Whether I accept or not is up to me p>
A flicker of complicated emotion passed through his eyes as his brow furrowed. “Do you really hate me that much p>
Hate? The thought almost made Eleanor laugh. Hate him? She hardly had time for such extravagance. Her time was far too precious to waste even a minute on Ian Goodwin.
Her silence prompted a quiet sigh from him. “So you’ve really decided to leave p>
Eleanor lifted her chin, her gaze sharp and resolute. “I’m not asking for your approval, lan. I’m informing you p>
“At least wait for the results of the new drug trial before you go,” he pressed, softening his tone. “It’ll only be another three months p>
She exhaled slowly. Three months left in the trial-she had to admit, announcing her departure now was a little premature.
“I’ll make sure to wrap things up properly and finish what I started,” she replied coolly.
lan’s voice was calm, almost gentle. “You have three months to think about it. There’s no rush to make a final decision p>
“My mind’s made up,” Eleanor said, unwavering. “I won’t change it p>
lan looked at her for several seconds, searching her stubborn expression for any sign of doubt. He realized he couldn’t stop her, no matter how much he wanted to. He was powerless.
“I’ve already granted Professor Langley full Pl access, with unlimited research funding. If you”
Eleanor cut him off before he could finish. “None of that matters to me, lan. My freedom is worth more than any offer you could make p>
He met her eyes, then finally let out a heavy sigh. “Fine. I won’t interfere with your choices anymore.” After a pause, his tone softened. “But wherever you go in three months, I have just one request: don’t cut me and Evelyn off. She needs her father p>
With that, lan headed for the door. His hand paused on the doorknob, and he glanced back over his shoulder. “I hope that, in the future, we can be partners- not adversaries p>
Eleanor said nothing.
He added quietly, “Believe it or not, Eleanor, I never meant you any harm p>
Then he opened the door and walked out.
A cynical smirk played on Eleanor’s lips. Now he says that? What’s the point?
Just then, Nina was passing by with a mug of coffee. She nearly jumped when she saw lan leaving Eleanor’s office, and hurried over to greet him. “Mr. Goodwin! I didn’t know you were here p>
He gave her a polite nod and continued down the hall.
As soon as lan was gone, something clicked for Nina. She quickly pulled out her phone and retreated to a quiet corner to call Faye.
At that moment, Faye was packing up her things at Meridian Dynamics. She recognized Nina’s number and picked up immediately. “Hey, what’s up, Nina p>
Nina’s face lit up-Faye was calling her by her first name now, which made her feel even more loyal. She would absolutely look out for Faye’s interests.
“Faye, guess who just went into Eleanor’s office?” she said excitedly. “Professor Langley?” Faye guessed at random, knowing Nina would tell her anyway.
“No, it was Mr. Goodwin! He was in there for ages. Do you think he’s trying to convince Eleanor to stay?” Nina replied, her voice full of intrigue.
Faye’s grip tightened around her phone. If lan was making a generous offer, Eleanor might actually reconsider. Maybe she was already thinking about staying.
No. She had to get back, and fast. People needed to see that she not just Eleanor-was capable of taking over as lead investigator.
“I hear you. I’m heading back right now,” Faye said.
“Great, Faye, I’ll be waiting for you,” Nina replied, and hung up. Clearly, Faye was in just as much of a rush to get moving.