Chapter 1595

"Thank you," Eleanor smiled warmly at the student. The young man's ears instantly turned bright red from embarrassment, but he lingered, eagerly asking Eleanor a carefully prepared question.

Standing at the back of the dispersing crowd, lan realized he was also holding a thoughtfully arranged bouquet-white lisianthus paired with pale purple irises. Fresh, elegant, and perfectly matched to Eleanor's vibe.

He watched Eleanor chatting with the young student, whose face was completely flushed. After finishing her explanation, Eleanor reached up to adjust her glasses and accidentally locked eyes with an intense, smoldering gaze across the room.

She froze.

What was he doing here?

Simone noticed him as well and smiled. "lan, you made it."

"Professor Langley," lan greeted politely as he stepped forward. Then, he handed the bouquet to Eleanor. "Incredible lecture."

Eleanor hadn't expected him to show up. She accepted the flowers. "Thanks."

A second later, the heavy laptop bag in her hand was smoothly taken by him, his movements completely natural.

Simone politely ushered the remaining students away, giving the two of them some space.

Eleanor and lan walked together toward the parking lot.

"Did you drive?" lan asked.

"Yeah," Eleanor replied.

"I'll drive. You take a break." lan looked at her with concern, knowing she must be exhausted from the past few days.

Eleanor was indeed drained. Over two hours of high-intensity focus had taken a toll on her mentally and physically. She didn't argue and just nodded. "Alright."

"How was the trip?" she asked as they got into the car.

"It went well," lan answered casually, clearly not wanting to dwell on work. He turned to her. "How's your research coming along?"

"Going great," Eleanor replied.

At that moment, lan reached into his suit jacket pocket, pulled out a velvet box, and handed it to her.

"For you."

Eleanor hesitated, not reaching for it right away. lan quickly explained, "It's a brooch. It'll pair well with your autumn and winter coats."

Eleanor took it and opened the box.

It was a uniquely designed piece featuring a deep blue topaz surrounded by subtle diamonds. It was understated, exquisite, and incredibly chic.

"Thank you. It's beautiful." Eleanor closed the lid and accepted the gift.

"As long as you like it." lan smiled.

He had specifically chosen a practical piece of jewelry, worried she might refect something too extravagant.

"Let's grab lunch together. My treat," Eleanor offered, checking the time.

"Sounds good. I'm definitely going to make Dr. Sutton pay up," lan's brow relaxed, his mood visibly lifting.

He loved it when she took the initiative.

"Let's go to Vesper Joy. I actually have a meeting there this afternoon," Eleanor added.

lan blinked, slightly taken aback. So, treating him to lunch was just a convenient add-on, and her afternoon meeting was the main event?

He let out a helpless chuckle. "Whatever you want."

"Are you free this afternoon? I'd love for you to sit in on the meeting and give us

some input on our new project," she continued.

A free lunch in exchange for top-tier business consulting.

The amusement in lan's eyes deepened, softening into pure indulgence.

"Is Dr. Sutton trying to milk me for all I'm worth?"

"Your experience and insight would be a huge help to us. But of course, if you're busy, it's totally fine." Eleanor took off her glasses, revealing those stunning, clear eyes that always managed to pull him in.

"I'm free," he answered without a second of hesitation. "It is an absolute honor to be

'used' by Dr. Sutton."