Chapter 1346

Eleanor ignored his compliment. "Let's go."

The drive was mostly silent. When they arrived at the golf course, they were greeted by a serene environment with a wide, open view and lush green grass. Just

stepping onto the turf was refreshing.

Eleanor felt it too. It had been a long time since she'd seen such vibrant greenery.

She couldn't help but relax.

"Do you remember the moves Xavier taught you last time?" lan suddenly asked.

Eleanor tried to recall their previous game. Xavier had only shown her how to hold the club and swing; she'd completely forgotten by now.

lan's eyes narrowed into a smile. "I'll teach you today."

"Can I opt out?" Eleanor asked, looking up.

"Since we're here, why not learn? It won't be a wasted trip," lan coaxed.

Eleanor figured that since this was the price for one day of his time, it was better to be amicable and not too difficult.

"Alright," she nodded.

lan proved to be a patient teacher. He picked up a club and meticulously explained everything from the grip to the swing technique. Eleanor found herself wondering if this was how Vanessa Shannon had become so good at golf with his thorough guidance.

Noticing her distracted expression, lan smiled. "Am I that boring? You're already zoning out?"

"Did you teach Vanessa how to play?" The question slipped out before she could stop it.

She regretted it the moment she said it. Why had she suddenly asked him that? lan was taken aback for a few seconds. Then, his deep gaze settled on her face, and his voice was clear and firm as he answered, "No."

He looked directly into her eyes and repeated, "I have never taught her anything, whether it was golf or anything else."

Eleanor instinctively turned her face away. "I was just asking. You can continue."

But lan didn't resume the lesson right away. His eyes remained fixed on her. "Do you want to talk about our past?"

Eleanor shook her head. "Let's just play."

Following lan's instructions, Eleanor took the club and began to practice her swing.

"Your form is wrong." lan stepped forward, placing one hand on her shoulder and using the other to adjust the angle of her arm.

His touch was brief and restrained, perfectly maintaining the role of a coach.

Eleanor's body tensed slightly, but she didn't say anything.

She hit more than a dozen shots, all of them terrible, but it only fueled her competitive spirit. The more she failed, the more determined she became.

She pursed her lips, her eyes focused on the small white ball in the distance. Again and again, she adjusted her posture. Her swing gradually grew smoother.

lan stood to the side, watching the woman with fine beads of sweat on her nose, her expression focused and stubborn. His gaze softened unconsciously.

Finally, after who knows how many attempts, Eleanor swung. The white ball traced a graceful arc through the air and landed near the green.

"I did it." A smile of accomplishment spread across Eleanor's face. She turned and met lan's gaze, which was already filled with approval.

"That was great," lan praised her.

Her smile momentarily captivated him. The Eleanor of today was vibrant and full of life, just like when he had first met her ten years ago.

Eleanor was a bit tired. Ian handed her a bottle of water. "Take a break."

She paused for a second before taking the water and drinking. After the practice session, she was starting to think this sport wasn't so boring after all.

They walked to a nearby rest area, where a waiter brought them iced drinks and fruit.

Seeing her relaxed expression, lan casually brought up a topic. "The Chamber of Commerce has an opening for an international

scientific conference in Montclair at the end of the month. The theme is related to the latest developments in neuroscience. Mr. Dewitt has already submitted your application materials. You can go."

Eleanor had been following that same conference. Hearing that Aaron had applied on her behalf was a pleasant surprise. "Really? I'll have to thank Mr. Dewitt for that."

A faint smirk played on lan's lips. "It's purely because the investor is optimistic about the project's prospects and is doing his best to secure the best resources for you."

"That's very thoughtful of Mr. Dewitt. Please let him know I'll be there," Eleanor said, her eyes showing her gratitude for Aaron.

She truly needed a platform like this for exchange; it was crucial for her upcoming research. Since Aaron was the eighty percent investor in this project, she appreciated his gesture.

lan nodded without saying more, pushing the fruit platter closer to her.

In the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, resting for a while under the sun,

surrounded by green grass and open space, was truly relaxing.

"I'm going to hit a few balls," lan said, getting up.

nearby

A few minutes later, two young women sat down under parasol After a flurry of

picture taking on

of them suddenly

gasped, "Oh my God isn't that the

CEO of Goodwin & Co.?"