Chapter 864

“Wait,” lan said, stopping her as she turned to leave.

Eleanor looked back at him, waiting.

His composure had returned. “I will consider what you’ve said,” he stated. “And I will handle Vanessa. But I need you to understand something. I will pay any price to save my family and ensure Evelyn’s future p>

His words didn’t surprise her. She had always known him to be ruthless, a man who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

“But I need you to promise me something,” he said, his gaze locking onto hers.

Seeing his commitment to saving their daughter, Eleanor’s icy demeanor softened slightly. “What is it p>

“This information must remain absolutely confidential. You cannot tell anyone, especially not Vanessa p>

Eleanor’s brow furrowed.

“I have a legally binding non-disclosure agreement with her,” Ian explained. “It explicitly states that all information related to her status as a donor is protected. Without her express consent, she has the right to terminate all… cooperation.” He seemed to emphasize the last word.

Eleanor listened in silence, her eyes downcast.

“Eleanor, the success of Smith’s therapy, and any future treatment Evelyn might need, depends on her continued cooperation. I cannot risk losing that.” He took a step closer, his voice dropping to an almost pleading tone. “So, until I can convince her to agree to the new plan, can you please keep this to yourself? Do it… for our daughter p>

He knew exactly how to play her. He always knew her weaknesses. And their daughter was the greatest of them all.

Eleanor looked up. Everything he had revealed made one thing painfully clear: Vanessa had held power over him for a decade. Their relationship was a complex mix of transaction and emotion, but none of that mattered now. For her daughter, she had to compromise.

“Fine,” Eleanor said. “I promise. I won’t say a word to anyone until you’ve persuaded her p>

His intense gaze lingered on her. “Is there anything else you want to ask p>

“No,” she replied, her voice once again cool and distant.

Without another word, she turned and left his office.

After she was gone, lan stood frozen for a few seconds, a powerful emotion threatening to shatter his carefully constructed calm. He closed his eyes, pressing his fingers to his temples. When he opened them again, the turmoil was gone teplaced by a cold resolute placidity. He had shut down every personal feeling that might cloud his judgment.

Bet

He didn’t doubt Eleanor’s diagnosis for a second Taking a deep breath, he picked

hit his phone and dialed

his sister’s number.

“Hey, bro!” Serena’s voice sounded unusually listless.

“Where are you?” lan asked.

“At home. Where else would I be? I’m so tired lately,” she complained.

“Gavin is on his way to pick you up. You’re coming with me p>

“I don’t want to p>

“Don’t be difficult,” lan commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Serena was clearly taken aback by his seriousness. Okay, fine,” she mumbled.

Ian instructed Gavin to get her immediately, then left the office himself.

An hour later, in the main testing hall of Smith’s laboratory, Serena looked around in confusion. “Gavin, where are we? This doesn’t look like hospital. What is this place?

“Miss Goodwin,” Gavin replied formally, “this is a private research laboratory

owned by Mr. Goodwin p>