Chapter 1465

"It's just a deep gash, nothing serious. A few days of rest and I'll be fine," Joel said, then looked up at lan. "Don't worry, Mr. Goodwin, this won't affect next week's product launch."

Hearing this, Eleanor turned to look at lan. Was he actually expecting Joel to go through with the launch?

As if reading her accusatory expression, lan blinked, looking somewhat innocent. He turned to Joel. "Your injury is quite serious. You really shouldn't push yourself."

Joel looked a bit embarrassed, realizing too late that his comment had made Eleanor misunderstand.

He quickly tried to correct the situation. "Eleanor, don't get the wrong idea. Mr. Goodwin isn't forcing me. I'm the one who wants to go. Please don't blame him."

Eleanor realized she had overreacted. Knowing Joel's personality and how much the project meant to him, he would definitely insist on attending the launch as long as he was physically able. It wasn't something lan could force him to do.

An amused glint appeared in lan's eyes. He looked at Eleanor. "Do you need me to persuade Dr. Kingsley otherwise?"

Eleanor, flustered, quickly shook her head. "Let Joel decide for himself."

Gwenda, watching from the side, was secretly surprised. Eleanor's attitude toward Mr. Goodwin really had changed. It was also the first time she had seen such a gentle smile on lan's face—a smile that seemed reserved only for his family and Eleanor.

Joel laughed, his tone light. "Mr. Goodwin isn't forcing me. I just can't bear to miss this launch. Don't worry, I'm really fine."

Eleanor tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Alright. But you have to promise me that if you feel any discomfort at all, you won't push through it."

"Okay, I promise," Joel said with a firm nod.

"I'll have a doctor on standby at the venue. If there are any emergencies, we can respond immediately," lan said in a low voice, his gaze shifting to Eleanor. "You don't need to worry so much."

Just then, two police officers arrived to take their statements.

Eleanor and Joel gave their accounts one after the other. Even Gwenda was asked

to give a statement, since she had also been present at the scene.

At noon, the lunch lan had arranged arrived right on time, just as exquisite and delicious as the day before.

After the meal, Joel took a nap, and Eleanor started to feel drowsy as well.

lan turned to her. "Go lie down in the family lounge for a bit."

Not wanting to disturb Joel, Eleanor went to the lounge. It was quiet and empty. She leaned back on the sofa and closed her eyes.

The hospital's central air conditioning was on full blast, and Eleanor soon felt a chill seep into her skin. She instinctively wrapped her arms around herself, but sleepiness was taking over. She tried to fight it but drifted off.

A moment later, a weight settled over her. Ian had draped his suit jacket over her.

Eleanor's eyes fluttered open, and she instinctively moved to refuse. Ian leaned over her. "Don't catch a cold. Keep it on."

She was too tired to argue. She

really needed the rest. As she

breathed, the faint scent of cedar unique to farover h wafted

Eleanor furrowed her brow slightly, but the warmth of the jacket felt like a protective barrier, and she finally sank into a peaceful sleep.

lan stood up, walked to the window, and adjusted the curtains to block the bright light. He had no intention of leaving A short while later Gavin Young came in and handed him an iPad to handle his work.

For a while, the quiet afternoon lounge felt exceptionally peaceful.