When Byron''s excitedughter rang out from inside theb, Faye''s expression shifted.


    Impossible. Their team had been stuck at this bottleneck for nearly two weeks. They''d tried every possible approach, but none delivered the result they needed. How could Eleanor waltz in and-within minutes-solve it?


    Faye bit her lip as she stepped into theb, her eyes fixed on the once-frozen monitor. She couldn''t believe it.


    The problem was really solved.


    "Miss Sutton, you did it again! Thank you so much." Byron looked at Eleanor with unabashed admiration.


    "No need to thank me," Eleanor replied, her smile calm and unassuming.


    Behind her, Faye couldn''t help a silent, bitterugh. Did they really expect Eleanor to solve every challenge that came their way? This project had been one hurdle after another, and there was still a long road ahead. Faye refused to believe Eleanor could carry them through to the very end.


    Still, it wasn''t a total loss for her. This experiment was directly tied to her doctoral research, and if it seeded, her CV would shine that much brighter.


    Besides, she was Simone''s PhD student. Eleanor didn''t even have a formal position here.


    Soon after, Eleanor excused herself. Byron returned to his office and dialedn''s number.


    He exined everything in detail.


    "So the issue''s resolved?"n asked, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel as he drove.


    "Yes, Mr. Goodwin. All thanks to Miss Sutton. She spotted the core problem right away," Byron said, his voice brimming with excitement.


    A faint smile yed atn''s lips. "She really is exceptional."


    -Eleanor''s research had always been valuable.


    On her way back to theb, Eleanor received a message from Raleigh''s assistant, confirming their meeting for next Wednesday.


    She quickly replied.


    *


    On the top floor of Meridian Dynamics, Faye stood gripping a paper cup of coffee


    so tightly it was nearly crushed, coffee threatening to spill over the rim.


    "There you are, Faye," Horace called as he found her.


    She stared out at the city skyline, the corners of her mouth lifting just a bit. "Looking for me?"


    "Rough day with Eleanor again?" Horace ventured. "Don''t worry. I think you''re just as talented."


    Faye let out a sharp, self-deprecatingugh. "How could I possiblypare?"


    "Come on, don''t be so hard on yourself. She just got lucky, that''s all." Horace ced aforting hand on her shoulder, his concern obvious.


    Faye''s eyes flickered as she turned to face him. "Did you know Eleanor''s been working closely with the Juliette Lab?"


    "How do you know that?"


    "I saw a file from Juliette Lab in her office the other day. Juliette''s given her confidential data. I''m just wondering-how is Eleanor nning to repay them? I heard Juliette''s team has started their own research into Al-driven cell technology. Do you think Eleanor might-" Faye trailed off, searching Horace''s face for a reaction.


    Horace''s expression grew grave. "If Eleanor really is sharing information with Juliette Lab, that''s serious industrial espionage."


    Faye took a sip of coffee, calction glinting in her eyes. "I just worry about our project. There''s so much invested in this. If our core technology aks..."


    Horace met her gaze. Even if she hadn''t said it outright, he understood exactly what was on her mind.


    He lowered his voice. "Do you want me to do something?"


    Suddenly, Faye slipped her arm around his neck. "Don''t do anything reckless, Horace. I don''t want you caught up in this. I may resent Eleanor, but I—"


    Horace was mesmerized by how close she suddenly was, close enough that he could catch the subtle scent of her perfume.


    If he went a little further for her, would she finally notice him?


    For just a nce from Faye, Horace felt it would be worth it.


    Faye stepped back and sighed. "Eleanor isn''t even an employee here, yet she


    has unrestricted ess to our core data. I''m genuinely worried Juliette Lab could swoop in and take everything. You know how strong they are...”


    Horace nodded thoughtfully. "You''re right, we need to stay alert. But we can''t act without solid proof."


    "And where are we supposed to find that proof?" Faye shot him a frustrated nce, her sigh heavy with disappointment.


    "It''lle to light sooner orter."


    A barely perceptible smile curved Faye''s lips. "Maybe it will."


    *


    Wednesday arrived. Eleanor waited in the lobby of Raleigh''s firm until an assistant came to escort her.


    "Miss Sutton, Mr. Ellington is ready to see you now. Please follow me."


    Eleanor nodded and stepped into the conference room-only to freeze for a split second when she saw who was already seated beside Raleigh.


    She hadn''t expected to see him here. Her face tensed for a moment before Raleigh stood up and she managed to greet him.


    "Mr. Ellington, it''s a pleasure."


    "Miss Sutton, wee. Please, have a seat." Raleigh gestured politely.


    Eleanor sat down, butn immediately rose. "Ellington, I''ll leave you to your meeting."


    "Mr. Goodwin, why not join us?" Raleigh asked, getting to his feet.


    "Sorry, I''ve got anothermitment,”n said, checking his watch. He nced at Eleanor. "I''m off to pick up my daughter. Good luck with work."


    Eleanor replied, a bit awkwardly, "Alright, see you."


    Raleigh watched the interaction closely. He knew about their history, so he was extra courteous with Eleanor.


    "Valery, please see Mr. Goodwin out," Raleigh said to his assistant.


    Oncen had left, Raleigh turned to Eleanor with a folder. "Miss Sutton, here''s


    some material I''ve prepared for you. Please take a look."


    Eleanor took the folder and focused on the documents inside. They detailed International Pharma Group''stest breakthroughs in cell regeneration, along with the resources they could offer her.