Chapter 1125

Despite lan's impeccable manners, not many in the crowd dared to approach him for a conversation. He had very strong personal boundaries.

Standing among a group of mostly middle-aged and older guests, his handsome and extraordinary presence stood out even more, backed by a fortune that could rival a nation's.

Men and women all around couldn't help but cast respectful and eager glances his way.

The young, beautiful women of high society, in particular, had already done their research on him, hoping to catch the eye of this golden boy tonight.

Just then, Walden Wells finished his conversation with Vanessa and walked over to lan with a chuckle. "Mr. Goodwin, it seems Dr. Sutton has quite a close relationship with the Ellington family!"

lan's expression remained unchanged, but his voice turned colder. "My private affairs are no concern of yours, Mr. Wells."

"I just feel it's unfair to you," Walden Wells sighed with false sympathy. "You are so devoted to Dr. Sutton, but it seems she has... fallen for someone else."

lan's hand, holding the wine glass, tightened slightly. The words were like a needle, silently piercing a raw nerve.

Just then, lan saw Eleanor preparing to leave. He said to Walden Wells coolly, "Excuse me."

Before Eleanor reached the main entrance, lan appeared behind her. "Leaving already?"

Eleanor nodded at him. "I have to go pick up Evelyn."

"Have you been drinking? Should I have Gavin drive you?" lan asked out of instinctual concern.

"No, thank you," Eleanor declined politely, adding, "You should get back to your guests, Mr. Goodwin."

"Do you have to call me that?" lan's eyes locked on hers, his voice hoarse. "We don't have to be this distant, do we?"

Eleanor looked at him with clear eyes. "I think this title is very appropriate."

"Appropriate?" lan let out a low, frustrated laugh, looking at her helplessly. "Fine. Call me whatever you like."

Eleanor took her bag and went from the elevator to the lobby. Just then, a waitress hurried after her with a gift. "Miss Sutton, you forgot your party favor."

Eleanor was taken aback. She looked at the beautifully wrapped gift box the waitress was holding out to her, hesitated for a moment, then took it. "Thank you."

"Have a good evening," the waitress said politely before turning to leave.

Eleanor walked out with the gift, and a moment later, a valet brought her car around. She got in and drove away.

As soon as her car pulled out, two other cars immediately fell in behind, escorting her.

Back in the ballroom, Walden Wells had once again drifted away from Vanessa to mingle. Seated alone in a shadowed corner, she watched a girl in a pale lavender gown gather her nerve to approach Ian.

She recognized her instantly as the daughter of a well-known national real estate tycoon. Dressed to the nines tonight, she was obviously hoping for a chance to meet lan.

"Mr. Goodwin, it's an honor to finally

meet you, she said, gracefully raising her glass with a perfectly measured smile. "My father is the president of Aetherius Corporation. My name is Vickie Brown

lan gave a slight nod, clinking his glass with hers out of courtesy. "Miss Brown."

"I heard The Guild of Commerce is hosting a tech forum next month. I'm very interested in the field of artificial intelligence. I was wondering if I might be able to get an invitation?" Vickie tried to find common ground After all, to talk to someone like lan, you had to hit on his interests.

"You can direct that question to the information desk at The Guild of Commerce, Miss Brown." Just then, lan's phone rang. He glanced at it and smiled. "Excuse me."

He walked a few steps away, holding his phone, and answered it, his voice low and magnetic.

Vickie stood there awkwardly. She

had been observing him all night and

thought he was

a very polite person

but just now, even though he was

smiling, she felt an icy coldness that

kept her at a distance.

This scene was witnessed by Vanessa from afar. She swirled the red wine in her

glass, a satisfied and sarcastic smile playing on her lips.

Did these naive and arrogant young heiresses really think they could get close to lan so easily?

They had no idea that this man had no heart.

She had spent ten years scheming to get close to him, only to end up like this. What chance did these strangers, who had no connection to him, possibly have of catching his eye?