Chapter 1410

The neon lights of the city were mesmerizing outside the window. Eleanor's desire to go home wasn't really because of what Vanessa had said; she was just tired and wanted to rest. The intense week of experiments had worn her out.

Just then, lan's voice cut through the quiet. "Gavin, pull over."

Gavin expertly steered the car to the side of the road. Once they had stopped, lan said, "You can take a taxi home."

Gavin understood immediately. "Yes, Mr. Goodwin."

Eleanor looked at lan in surprise. Why did he suddenly want to drive?

But lan simply walked around to her side of the car, opened the door, and said gently, "Move to the passenger seat."

Eleanor furrowed her brow slightly but got out and moved to the passenger seat lan was holding open for her. She had a feeling she knew what he was planning.

Sure enough, after he settled into the driver's seat, he turned to her and said, "Let's go for a drive."

Eleanor nodded. "Okay. Don't drive too fast."

lan put on some soft music and expertly handled the steering wheel, heading toward Harbor Loop.

lan took the car onto the overpass. Twenty minutes later, the noise and bustle of the city had been left behind, replaced by an increasingly open view. He exited the highway near the coast and began a leisurely drive along the winding shoreline.

Half an hour later, he parked next to a scenic pier. The weather was lovely, and many city professionals were out enjoying a walk or camping, escaping the downtown hustle.

In the distance, a few bonfires flickered on the beach.

"Do you remember this place?" lan asked in a low voice.

Eleanor faced the sea breeze, letting it blow away some of her frustration.

"I remember," Eleanor nodded.

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Not long after they were married, lan used to bring her here often for drives and walks. Back then, Eleanor loved to link her arm in his and walk all the way to the end of the boardwalk. On the way back she would playfully demand he give her a piggyback ride for part of the way back to the car.

But that was nine years ago.

lan gazed at her, the distant lights reflecting in his deep eyes, which swirled with clear emotions: guilt and regret.

Walking in a place like this wearing

an evening gown, Eleanor was naturally yery eye-catching. Men along the path couldn't help but stare and even the women looked on with admiration. Of course, the tall, dazzling man accompanying her was just as noticeable.

Neither of them spoke, as if nothing more needed to be said.

Just then, a middle-aged woman rushed past, chasing after a child. "Isaac, slow down!"

Eleanor anticipated this and started to move aside with lan to let her pass. But just then, a strong arm grabbed her wrist, and a force pulled her, in her high heels, directly into a firm male embrace.

Her waist was caught, and Eleanor instinctively put her hands on his chest to steady herself. She looked up and met a pair of deep eyes, now filled with a protective instinct.

"Thanks," Eleanor said, pushing against him slightly to regain her balance.

In the moonlight, her waist was slender and supple, a fact accentuated by the form- fitting gown.

lan's gaze darkened for a moment. "You're welcome."

Eleanor continued walking. Since they were already here, there was no rush to go back. She found herself enjoying the moment. The people around them all exuded a sense of weekend excitement and relaxation.

Being in the midst of it all, she felt herself relax as well.

After walking another hundred yards or so along the scenic pier, Eleanor stopped at the railing to admire the view, tan stood quietly beside her, ong hand in his pocket. The night breeze tousled both of their hair.