Chapter 537
Eleanor stopped in her tracks, turning to face lan directly. Her gaze was steady, her voice frosty. “Don’t even think about it p>
lan frowned, the lines between his brows deepening. “Eleanor, I’m not trying to pick a fight. But you’re clearly not yourself lately. I’m worried that raising Evelyn is too much for you right now p>
Under the harsh hallway lights, Eleanor’s pale face betrayed her recent sleepless nights.
Whatever his reasons for saying what he just did, Eleanor had no intention of indulging him.
“My life is none of your business.” With that, Eleanor turned to leave.
lan’s voice echoed crisply down the empty corridor behind her. “A canyon that never answers isn’t worth leaping into, Eleanor. Mansfield Ellington isn’t right for you p>
Her steps faltered. She understood exactly what he meant, but she didn’t turn. Her laugh was cold. “My relationship with Mansfield Ellington is none of your concern p>
“I’m just trying to help,” Ian lifted an eyebrow.
Eleanor didn’t bother to explain. Ian’s self-righteous probing into her personal life -using any excuse to try and pry Evelyn from her was beyond infuriating.
Still, she took a deep breath, refusing to let him see how much he’d gotten under her skin. She spun around. “Ian, we ended a long time ago. My life, my choices- none of it concerns you now. Stop using Evelyn to test my limits. All it does is make me hate you more p>
She didn’t wait for a response, striding away.
She hadn’t shouted, but the icy calm in her voice left no doubt about her resolve.
lan stood rooted to the spot, his gaze narrowing. Just then, his phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he answered brusquely.
“Yes p>
“Mr. Goodwin, we’ve found Dr. Windsor. He’s agreed to meet p>
After hanging up, lan didn’t return to the conference room. Instead, as he passed Eleanor’s office, he paused at her door.
Eleanor had just sat down when she looked up to see lan’s silhouette blocking half the doorway. He stood with the light behind him, his expression as inscrutable and arrogant as ever.
Neither spoke. Their eyes met-hers burning with resentment, his clouded and unreadable.
In the quiet afternoon, they stared each other down until lan finally broke the silence. “I don’t deny the pain I’ve caused you. I’m trying to face my mistakes p>
Eleanor was momentarily surprised. She’d never expected someone as proud as lan to say such things. Still, she had no patience for his confessions.
lan exhaled softly, voice low. “Some things… I’ve only just begun to understand—” She cut him off coldly. “Whatever you want to say, I have no interest in hearing it p>
Something darkened in lan’s eyes. He was about to respond when his phone rang again. He shot a glance at the caller ID, his frown deepening.
Eleanor stood up, gesturing toward the door. “Leave. Don’t waste my time p>
lan’s jaw clenched. “There are things p>
Before he could finish, Eleanor slammed her files down on the desk, anger finally breaking through her composure. “Enough, lan! If you have even a shred of decency left, stay away from my life p>
Whatever flicker of remorse had been in lan’s eyes vanished, replaced by his usual cold detachment.
He straightened his suit cuffs, his voice flat, devoid of emotion. “Fine. As you wish. Unless absolutely necessary, I won’t appear before you again p>
He turned to go, then paused, glancing over his shoulder. “But regarding the new drug trial—if the results don’t meet my expectations, you’re not leaving my lab p>
Eleanor’s breath caught in her throat. She watched his retreating figure, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.
Later, Simone stopped by, concern etched on her face. It was obvious to anyone that Eleanor hadn’t been herself lately.
“Professor Langley, are you alright? You seem exhausted p>
“I’m fine, just a bit tired p>
“The new drug’s clinical results are promising. We’re not quite where we want to be yet, but every patient responds differently. Three early-stage cases have already made full recoveries-that’s nothing short of a miracle p>
Eleanor nodded, steadying herself. No matter what, she would never let her work
slip. Not because of lan, but because of her own sense of duty.
“Tell you what, take a three-day break. Get some rest before you come back,” Simone said, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
Eleanor nodded again. Her nerves had been stretched thin for too long.
After work, Eleanor went to pick up her daughter. As she stepped out of her car, another figure emerged from a nearby sedan-dressed in a deep blue suit, as if he’d just rushed over straight from the office.
It was Xavier.
The very day he returned to town, Xavier made a point to come pick up Vivian. The reason was obvious: he wanted to see Eleanor.
There was no better excuse for an encounter than a chance meeting at school.
Eleanor was momentarily taken aback at the sight of him. Xavier smiled and approached, “How’s work been lately p>
She smiled back, “Not bad. How about you? Was the business trip smooth?” He nodded, “It went well p>
She glanced toward the school gate. “You’re early. There’s still ten minutes before dismissal p>
Xavier’s eyes lingered on her face. “Have you thought about what you’ll do next?” Eleanor shook her head. “My current project isn’t finished yet. I’m not making any plans for now p>
“Is lan the reason you can’t leave?” Xavier asked, his tone cautious.
The smile faded from Eleanor’s lips. “Whether I stay or go, it’s my decision. It has nothing to do with him p>
Xavier looked momentarily taken aback. He didn’t press the matter. For a moment, the air between them was quiet, and Xavier found himself scrambling for conversation, his nerves always getting the better of him around Eleanor.