The signing of the patent transfer agreement went smoothly. Glancing at the time, Eleanor turned to Simone. “Professor Langley, I’m heading to the lab.”
“Of course, go ahead!” Simone nodded encouragingly, then turned to Ian. “Ian, is there something you’d like to say?”
Ian watched as Eleanor gathered her documents, his gaze narrowing slightly. “No,” he replied.
Eleanor finished collecting her things and left without another word.
Her retreating figure made it clear—even if Ian had something to say, she wasn’t interested in hearing it.
Simone watched the two young people and sighed inwardly. There’d been a time when she thought, if their divorce hadn’t been so bitter, maybe they could reconcile. After all, they had a child together.
But now, it was obvious Eleanor had no intention of looking back, and Ian seemed to have lost any patience for winning her over.
Ian broke the silence. “Professor Langley, how’s the research progressing on Eleanor’s mother’s donor case?”
Simone had already asked Eleanor about it, but so far, it seemed she hadn’t begun any concrete work.
“Ian, you know this is a sensitive matter,” Simone said gently. “It’s her mother’s donor sample, after all.”
Ian’s expression hardened. “She’ll have to get over it. The research can’t be delayed.”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than he looked up—and there was Eleanor, standing in the doorway, clutching her files. Her face was ashen, and she was trembling.
Simone followed Ian’s gaze and saw Eleanor. Clearly, she’d overheard.
For a few seconds, the room froze.
Simone hurried to smooth things over. “Eleanor, Ian is just concerned about the project’s progress—”
But Eleanor marched into the lab, snatched her phone from the table, and stormed out.
Ian shot to his feet. “Eleanor, we need to talk.”
She ignored him completely, striding out of the lab. Ian’s long legs carried him after her.
“Eleanor, wait.” His voice was low and commanding.
Eleanor gave a short, bitter laugh and finally wrenched her hand away. “Ian, when I start research on my mother’s sample is my decision. You don’t get to order me around.”
With that, she took a step back and walked away.
Simone watched Ian, surprised to see his composure slip for once.
She sighed. “Ian, you need to find some time to talk to her properly.”
Ian’s jaw clenched as he stared after Eleanor. “She won’t listen.”
“Professor Langley, I’m asking you to talk to her for me. Try to convince her to start the research as soon as possible.”
Simone frowned. “Why is this donor sample in your hands anyway?”
“My father-in-law gave it to me,” Ian replied, lowering his gaze. “Please, Professor Langley. I’m counting on you.”
Simone nodded. “Alright, I’ll find the right time to speak to Eleanor. But if this research isn’t to save Miss Shannon, then who is it for?”

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