Chapter 1123

lan's gaze remained fixed on Eleanor as he said in a gentle voice, "Don't misunderstand what just happened."

Elara tactfully took a step back. "Ellie, I'm going to check on my mom. You two talk."

Now they were alone on the terrace, with only the gentle night breeze for company. But Eleanor had nothing to say to him.

She turned to leave, but a deep voice behind her pleaded, "Eleanor, can we—"

"Mr. Goodwin." Eleanor turned back, her clear gaze meeting his calmly. "Some boundaries are best not crossed."

The title made his chest tighten, and a sharp pain suddenly spread from his heart. He instinctively grabbed the railing for support, his eyes shut tight behind his gold- rimmed glasses, his brow furrowed in pain.

Eleanor had already turned to leave but heard the sound behind her. She couldn't help but look back and pause.

"What's wrong with you?" she asked, unable to stop herself.

lan clutched his chest, managing a faint smile. "It's nothing, just—"

In the dim light, fine beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead. It was clear something was wrong with his heart.

"Should I call a doctor?" Eleanor took a step forward.

lan shook his head, his gaze fixed deeply on her. "Are you worried about me?"

"Of course I am. You're Evelyn's donor. Nothing can happen to you," she snapped back.

lan's lips curved into a smile, and the sharp pain in his chest miraculously eased a little. He straightened up, leaning against the railing, his eyes behind the gold- rimmed glasses gazing tenderly at Eleanor's face.

"It seems I'm at least still useful to you," he said in a hoarse voice, a hint of self- deprecation mixed with a strange sense of satisfaction.

Eleanor realized her last comment had been too emotional. She looked away. "Don't overthink it."

"I know," lan nodded, seemingly very understanding.

"Have you had your heart checked recently?" Eleanor asked with a frown.

"Yes, it's fine," lan replied with a light smile. "I'll be sure to get enough rest."

Eleanor didn't respond, nor did she leave immediately. Compared to the atmosphere in the ballroom, she preferred the quiet here.

lan's eyes were fixed on her face. Behind them lay the most elite world, of fame and fortune, but in her eyes therewas no desire or demand, only detachment and tranquility.

The intense gaze from her side finally got to Eleanor, and she turned and walked back toward the ballroom.

The man behind her watched her go, his deep eyes filled with a restrained love that was spreading uncontrollably.

A manager located him shortly after. "Mr. Goodwin, there you are," he said with a respectful but urgent air. "Several entrepreneurs are still waiting for you."

lan quickly composed himself. When he looked up, his eyes had regained their usual calm and composure. "I'm coming."

Back in the bathroom, he was

immediately surrounded by people

toasting and exchanging

pleasantries He was a man adept at

Concealing all his emotions behind appropriate words and noble demeanor, handling everything with ease.

In a corner, Vanessa held her wine glass. Her gaze was hazy, but she was still irresistibly drawn to the dazzling figure at the center of the _crowd a powerful infatuation flashing in her eyes.

It was just as the saying goes: you always want what you can't have.