Chapter 862

“Thank you, Doctor,” Eleanor said, suppressing her frustration. She didn’t press him further and continued the tour.

But her mind was racing. Who was Gina’s donor? Why would lan go to such lengths to keep their identity a secret? Was there something special about this person?It was becoming clear that lan was hiding far more than she had ever imagined.

After the tour, Smith invited her to lunch to discuss Gina’s condition in more detail. On this topic, he was open and forthcoming. The news, however, was not good. No matter her feelings toward Gina, she was still her daughter’s grandmother, and Eleanor felt a familiar weight settle in her chest.

“Because of Gina’s age, her hematopoietic function has deteriorated,” Smith explained. “The stem cell infusions are not as effective as they used to be. Mr. Goodwin is pushing me to develop a new treatment plan as soon as possible p>

Eleanor frowned. “The second option I mentioned before-have there been any successful cases yet p>

Smith shook his head. “None yet. The risks are too high, and it’s difficult to find subjects with the same rare condition. The theory is sound, but we have no practical application p>

Eleanor looked up at him. “You mentioned last time that you had another option, but the stem cell donor was unwilling to cooperate. Is that still the case p>

Smith adjusted his glasses. “Yes. The individual is refusing, and we can’t force them. I’ve spoken with them, but they remain adamant.” He sighed, looking helpless. “Now it’s up to Mr. Goodwin to try and persuade them p>

“Does he think he can?” Eleanor asked.

Smith glanced at her before replying. “He’s confident he can, but Mr. Goodwin is still considering the donor’s terms p>

Eleanor frowned again. Was there really someone lan couldn’t handle? With the advanced solutions Smith’s lab could offer, surely lan could meet any condition the donor proposed in exchange for their cooperation.

She spent the next hour listening to Smith’s latest proposals, the two of them falling into a deep, technical discussion.

It was two o’clock when they finally left the restaurant. Eleanor checked the time, said her goodbyes to Smith, and got into her car. After a moment of hesitation, she dialed lan’s number.

“Hello,” a low voice answered.

“It’s me,” Eleanor said, keeping her tone as neutral as possible. “We need to talk about the donor. When are you free p>

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end. “Come to my office. I’ll be waiting p>

Eleanor’s brow tightened. She tossed the phone onto the passenger seat, started the car, and drove toward the Goodwin & Co. headquarters.

Half an hour later, she stood before the towering glass skyscraper that served as a monument to its owner’s wealth and power. As she entered the lobby, the receptionist recognized her immediately and

respec

fed her to the private

elevator that went directly to the top floor.

When the doors opened, Gavin Young was waiting. “Ms. Sutton, you’re here. Mr. Goodwin is expecting you p>

Eleanor gave him a slight nod. Gavin knocked once on the office door before opening it and gesturing for her to enter.

lan’s office offered a panoramic

view of the city. He was sitting on a

sofa by the floor-to-ceiling windows, surrounded by stacks of files, looking as if he had just come from a meeting: He looked up as she entered and stood.

“You’re here,” he said, motioning for her to sit.

She took a seat across from him. A moment later, a secretary brought in tea and quietly retreated, leaving the two of them alone in the vast office.

Eleanor got straight to the point. “I came here to find out who your mother’s stem cell donor is p>

lan leaned forward and pulled a sealed envelope from a pile of documents. “This is for you p>

She took it with a frown. Inside was an addendum to their divorce agreement. She met his gaze. “What is this p>

He leaned back, his expression calm and his deep eyes swirling with an unreadable mix of emotions, though a hint of relief softened his weary features.

“It means,” he said, his voice low and

clear, “that this clause is now nul and void. The original is yours to do with as you please Rip it up or keep

it’s up to you