"He gave me a month to find a matching bone marrow sample, Joel. Can you help me?" Eleanor''s voice was tinged with urgency as she turned to Joel, hoping to leverage his overseas connections.


    Joel nodded without hesitation. "Of course. I''ll reach out to everyone I know."


    Later that afternoon, they gathered for a meeting. Dr. Lyman chaired it himself, introducing Simone as the new lead for the project.


    "I want to rebuild the team from scratch," Simone announced coolly, her gaze sweeping over the group.<fn8eec> Original content can be found at find{n}ovel</fn8eec>


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat.


    "For now, I''ll confirm Joel, Faye, and Horace," Simone continued. "The rest of you will need to go through an evaluation before I make any decisions."


    Faye''s lips curled in a faint, satisfied smile. She shot Eleanor a sidelong nce- Eleanor had been cut, just as she''d expected.


    "This project is fully funded by Goodwin & Co.," Simone exined. "I intend to be very selective. Only those with at least an undergraduate degree are eligible to participate in the assessment." As she spoke, Simone''s eyes lingered pointedly on Eleanor.


    It was clear to everyone in the room-Eleanor was the least qualified, still only in her sophomore year. For Simone, she didn''t even meet the basic requirements to be considered.


    When the meeting ended, Eleanor sought out Dr. Lyman and pleaded for a chance to join the research.


    Dr. Lyman looked apologetic. "Eleanor, my hands are tied. Ian brought Simone in, and this project is independent of the university''s own research. I have no authority here."


    He sighed, shaking his head. "Ellie, if you want in, you''re better off talking to your husband. Ian would probably make an exception for you."


    Eleanor gave a bitter, silentugh. Wasn''t kicking her out exactly whatn wanted?


    "But, Eleanor, Simone isn''t targeting you personally," Dr. Lyman added gently. "She''s just very strict academically. Work hard-finish your degree in the next two years. There will be other projects."


    Eleanor looked up, resolve hardening her expression. "Dr. Lyman, I want to


    graduate early. I want to finish my degree ahead of schedule."


    Dr. Lyman blinked in surprise, adjusting his sses. "Eleanor, don''t push yourself too hard. I know you''re ambitious, but..."


    "I can do it," Eleanor said, her eyes unwavering.


    "With your track record, I suppose I can make an exception this once. But you need to understand-it''s extremely difficult to graduate early."


    No matter how hard it was, Eleanor had to try. She needed to prove herself.


    "If you''re serious about the advanced exams, have Jude Vaughn register you. Since you''re requesting it, I''ll allow it this time," Dr. Lyman relented.


    When Eleanor approached Jude Vaughn with her request, his eyes nearly popped out. "Eleanor, are you sure? The graduation exam requires full credits, and you''ll need a ny or above in every single ss."


    Eleanor nodded. "I''m sure."


    "Don''t overdo it. You''re still so young-don''t burn yourself out. Even if Dr. Langley didn''t let you in this time, there will be more chances down the road."


    "Thank you, Jude. I have to do this." Eleanor''s voice was firm as she turned to leave.


    Behind her, Jude shook his head in disbelief. He knew how talented Eleanor was, but could she really pull this off?


    If she finished her degree early, maybe just maybe-Simone would finally consider her for the project. Eleanor had always preferred relying on herself over seeking favors.