Chapter 1554

Eleanor was awakened by the sound of birds chirping outside the window.

As her senses slowly returned, she opened her eyes. Her vision was slightly blurry, but she could see the early morning light filtering through the curtains. To her absolute shock, she realized her head was resting squarely on lan's lap.

His suit jacket was draped over her, while lan was leaning back against the sofa. His head was tilted slightly to the side, resting against his own arm, his eyes closed in what looked like a deep sleep.

The morning light cast a striking contrast of shadows across his handsome features. His other hand was draped loosely across her waist in a protective hold.

It was as if he had spent the whole night making sure she wouldn't roll off the couch.

Eleanor's heart skipped a beat. She stayed perfectly still, her mind racing to piece together the events of the previous night.

She couldn't believe she had slept like a log right next to him, completely unguarded until dawn.

She shifted slightly, preparing to sit up. The moment she moved, the large hand around her waist instinctively tightened, pulling her closer toward the inside of the sofa.

Eleanor stiffened and looked up. Ian hadn't woken up; it was purely a subconscious reflex.

Her breath caught in her throat. Sleeping in that position couldn't have been

comfortable for him. She decided it was best to wake him so he could go to a proper bed.

She gently pried his fingers away and sat up. As she lifted her head, she met a pair of dark, slowly opening eyes. Ian had been startled awake, the remnants of sleep still lingering in his gaze.

The moment his eyes found her, they cleared, softening with affection.

"You're awake?" he asked, his voice rough with morning gravel.

Eleanor nodded, not looking away. "It's still early. Go back to your room and get some sleep."

lan sat up straight, stretching his stiff arm and legs after holding that position for so long. Watching the woman fix her hair and straighten her blouse, a smile touched his eyes.

"Did you sleep well? Does it still hurt?" he asked.

"It doesn't hurt anymore, thank you," she replied, shaking her head.

"That's good." lan stood up, stretching his tall frame. The quiet living room echoed with the soft pops of his joints.

Eleanor looked up at him, urging him again, "Go back to your room and catch a few more hours of sleep. It's only six-thirty."

lan gave a nonchalant smile. "It's

fine. I slept well." Then, his eyes narrowed playfully "Though if you're willing to lie down with me for arbit longer, I'm sure I could fall back asteep."

Eleanor shook her head, answering honestly, "I'm fully awake. I want to go for a walk."

"Give me a minute to shower and change, and I'll come with you," lan said, pushing open the connecting door to his own house.

Eleanor headed upstairs to wash her face, planning to shower and change as well.

Around seven o'clock, Eleanor came downstairs in a long-sleeved shirt and pants. She found lan crouching by the door, playing with Princess He was wearing a grey track suit that accentuated his long legs and tathframe. The ruthless Corporate titan was gone, replaced by a refreshing, vibrant energy.

"Ready to go?" he asked, standing up. His hair was still slightly damp. Between his

striking features and the morning light, he looked almost unfairly handsome.

"Yeah," Eleanor nodded, walking to the entryway to change into a comfortable pair of sneakers.

Princess let out a

joyous bark and

bolted out the door. She ran excited

circles on the grass like an

overgrown puppy. After sprinting forty feet ahead, she stopped and waited patiently for her two owners to catch up.