Chapter 588
A little later, lan sent a message:
“I’m taking Evelyn out to dinner. Want to join us p>
Eleanor replied without hesitation.
“No, thanks p>
lan didn’t respond again. It wasn’t until five in the afternoon that he returned with Evelyn in tow.
“Mom, Dad took me to the zoo today!” Evelyn chirped happily.
lan had spent his break with their daughter, doing what any father should. He didn’t come into the room, clearly aware that Eleanor wasn’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat for him.
That evening, Eleanor took Evelyn out for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Joslyn tagged along too, delighted to be part of their little group and clearly enjoying the change of pace.
The next morning, Joslyn stayed at the hotel with Evelyn, and lan left Gavin there as well, just in case anything was needed.
Inside the National Grand Theater, the lights blazed brilliantly.
Eleanor arrived in an elegant gray suit-understated, sophisticated. She took her seat in the guest section reserved for leaders in medical research. In the front row, lan sat tall and composed.
Cameras swiveled their way. Among the few women present, Eleanor stood out- young and striking, with a presence that combined the sharp brilliance of a diamond and the soft grace of a pearl.
The press lingered on her and lan with obvious interest.
“And now, please welcome the recipient of this year’s National Prize for Advances in Science and Technology-Dr. Sutton p>
Thunderous applause erupted as Eleanor rose gracefully. Climbing the steps to the stage, she was surprised to see the guest presenting the award: none other than Secretary Ellington himself.
Her heart leaped with excitement and pride.
“Miss Sutton, we meet again.” Garth Ellington greeted her warmly as they shook hands.
Eleanor noticed he looked a little older since she’d last seen him—probably the strain of Mansfield’s recent injury and return home, she guessed.
“Good evening, Mr. Secretary.” Eleanor’s concern was clear as she met his gaze.
Garth handed her the trophy. “Mansfield’s back in the country. If you have time, you should visit him p>
“I was just planning to see him tomorrow,” Eleanor replied with a smile.
To the audience, it looked like a routine exchange between a laureate and a distinguished presenter. But lan, watching from his seat, caught the way Secretary Ellington looked at Eleanor—a proud, affectionate gaze, like a mentor toward his brightest protégé.
Returning to her seat, Eleanor was congratulated by those around her. Ian glanced back at her for a long moment, his eyes shadowed with complicated emotions.
On camera, Eleanor-a young woman among a sea of men—shone all the brighter for her achievements. And lan, not yet thirty, was just as conspicuous among the older businessmen in attendance.
Yet from start to finish, the two never exchanged a word. They might as well have been strangers.
The ceremony was streamed live, and back at Goodwin Manor, the elderly Mrs. Goodwin watched, sighing.
“If only they could make up p>
Gina Quinn sat beside her, silent.
Serena Goodwin, however, snorted. “My brother’s not exactly hurting for
exceptional women, you know p>
Magdalen shot her a sharp look. “Your brother was never really good enough for
Eleanor and now he’s got the nerve to fool around p>
“Mom, lan’s not that kind of guy,” Gina said quietly, defending her son.
Serena scoffed. “Dating Vanessa is hardly ‘fooling around.’ And what about
Eleanor? She’s been messing around with Xavier too, hasn’t she?” Her voice trembled with frustration.