Chapter 1170

Gavin saw Eleanor and didn't seem surprised. Lanny had already reported her movements on the road, so her appearance here was expected.

"Miss Sutton, you're here," Gavin greeted her.

lan paused his weeding and stood up to look at Eleanor. Her gaze, from behind the bouquet of flowers, met his in mid-air. She seemed a bit surprised as well, but her expression quickly returned to calm.

She hadn't expected to run into him here.

Gavin chose that moment to explain, "Miss Sutton, for the past few years, whenever Mr. Goodwin has been in the country, he has always come to visit on the

anniversary of Mr. Sutton's passing."

The words struck Eleanor's heart like a soft blow.

During the first four years of their marriage, they had always come together. Later, when their relationship soured, Eleanor preferred to come alone.

For two of those years, she had found the grave already clean, with fresh flowers laid before it. She had always assumed it was one of her father's students who had come to pay their respects, but thinking back now, his burial had been very private.

So it had been him all along.

The realization left Eleanor momentarily stunned. Ian knelt back down and continued to pull the wild grass growing in the cracks.

Eleanor placed her white chrysanthemums in front of the tombstone, right next to another bouquet.

"Thank you," Eleanor said softly.

lan looked at the kind face of Elliot in the photograph on the headstone. "It's what I should do," he said in a low voice.

"I was going to ask you to come with me last night, but you were busy with work, so I didn't," lan added.

Eleanor recalled his hesitant expression as he was leaving the night before. So that was what he had wanted to say.

She also knelt down and began pulling weeds from a corner. Gavin didn't offer to help; it wasn't his place as an outsider to interfere. He tactfully stepped aside.

The two of them before the grave said no more. The air was filled with a silent understanding and a quiet, somber mood.

After clearing the weeds, Eleanor stood before her father's grave, lost in thought. lan didn't disturb her, simply standing behind her in quiet companionship.

After a few moments, Eleanor turned to lan. "Let's go."

They walked down the slope together. When they reached the cars, lan said to Gavin, "You drive her."

Eleanor shook her head. "No, it's fine. I'll drive myself."

Gavin was caught in the middle, looking to his boss for direction. Ian didn't insist. He opened the rear door of his car and got in.

Eleanor's car turned around and left. Once they reached the city, their cars went in separate directions.

While still on the road, Eleanor received a call from Ellington. He had been invited to attend the Sun Valley conference as part of lan's trip and was calling to ask for her opinion.

Eleanor gripped the steering wheel. On the other end of the line, the usually composed Ellington could barely contain his excitement.

"Ms. Sutton, our company just

received an invitation to the Sun

Valley Conference. It's a platform for

connecting with top tier global

resources an unparalleled opportunity for our hotel's future expansion."

"It is a great opportunity," Eleanor said. She was sure Ellington was eager to go, and she wouldn't stand. in his way Under his leadership. Vesper Joy Group was growing steadily, and it was indeed time for a larger vision. "If you can arrange your schedule, you should go."

Ellington's voice on the other end was slightly rushed with excitement. "I understand, Ms. Sutton. I will be mindful of my role and will not miss this chance to help the company grow."

"Good. Apply for whatever resources you need."

"Ms. Sutton, could I trouble you to ask Mr. Goodwin something? His private jet is

flying directly to Sun Valley. I was hoping I might be able to catch a ride," Ellington requested.

Eleanor agreed. "Okay, I'll talk to him about it."