Chapter 1602

Early the next morning, Eleanor and lan met at the hotel's breakfast buffet. She wore a sharp gray blazer paired with tailored trousers, her hair pulled back into a sleek bun that highlighted her elegant features. She exuded absolute professionalism.

Given that the hotel was currently packed with top-tier talent for the youth summit, she had barely stepped into the dining area when a man called out to her.

"Eleanor? You're Eleanor Sutton, right?" The man was dressed impeccably, his face lighting up with genuine excitement upon recognizing her.

"And you are?" she asked with a polite smile.

"I'm Joseph Payne, from the National Academy of Sciences. I've always admired your work," he said, extending a hand, his tone eager and sincere. "Your latest paper on neurodegenerative behaviors offered incredibly unique insights. I've read it several times."

Realization dawned on her, and she shook his hand. "You flatter me, Dr. Payne."

"Would you mind if we exchanged contact information? I'd love the opportunity to discuss our research sometime."

"Of course," she smiled, genuinely honored to connect with a respected peer.

Just as they finished exchanging their WhatsApp details, a voice drifted over from behind her. "Good morning, Dr. Sutton."

Eleanor didn't even need to turn around, but Joseph immediately recognized the newcomer. "Mr. Goodwin. It's an honor."

"Dr. Payne. A pleasure." lan reached out and shook the man's hand. Tall, impeccably dressed, and exuding an undeniable aura of authority, his signature gray hair made him instantly recognizable even to those who didn't follow business news. lan stepped up, naturally positioning himself right beside Eleanor.

Joseph was the kind of researcher who lived in the lab, utterly oblivious to celebrity gossip. Naturally, he knew nothing about the history between Eleanor and lan.

Curiosity flickered in his eyes. "Mr. Goodwin, I had no idea you were acquainted with Dr. Sutton."

"She's my ex-wife," lan replied smoothly, flashing a polite smile as he casually rested a hand on the small of her back.

Joseph froze in shock for a few seconds before laughing awkwardly and scratching the back of his neck. "My apologies. I've been buried the lab for the past few years haď no idea you two were married. You make a striking couple. I won't take up any more of your time?"

"Thank you. We'll see you at the venue," Eleanor said graciously.

She cast a sideways glance at lan, knowing exactly what was going on. His territorial instincts were flaring up again.

She leaned in and whispered a warning, "We're technically on the clock. Behave."

lan chuckled, leaning down slightly to meet her gaze. "So, when we aren't working, I don't have to behave?"

Eleanor was left speechless.

Deciding to ignore him, she grabbed her breakfast and found a seat by the window.

"It seems Dr. Sutton's reputation

truly precedes her. You've barely

arrived and you already have

admirers flocking to you fan

remarked, sliding a glass of hot milk across the table to her.

She took the glass, taking a slow sip. "Stop it."

lan smirked. "How am I acting out? I even watched you exchange numbers."

She cleared her throat. "It's purely professional networking."

lan knew that, of course. He just needed to voice his restless jealousy to find some internal balance. It was completely normal that someone as brilliant, and stunning as Eleanor would draw attention.

"I'm proud of you," lan said, his eyes crinkling with a warm smile. "The mother of my daughter is incredibly accomplished."

He pointedly avoided using the word 'wife'—he knew he hadn't fully earned that title back yet.

"Alright, just eat your food," she murmured, looking down at her plate, though she couldn't stop the corners of her lips from curving upward.