"Thank you, Professor Langley."


    "Eleanor, if your research seeds, it''ll put our country on the map in the medical world." Simone''s tone brimmed with emotion. "Your father would be so proud of you if he could see you now."


    Later that evening, after checking her daughter''s homework, Eleanor headed upstairs to work. A new tutor had starteding by to help Evelyntely, and it seemed to have sparked a new sense of diligence in her daughter.


    Early the next morning, Eleanor exined to Evelyn that she had an important meeting to attend. Evelyn clenched her little fists in encouragement. "Good luck, Mom!"


    Her daughter was Eleanor''s anchor. She kissed Evelyn''s forehead. "I promise, I''ll do my very best."


    The expert review panel convened soon after.


    More than fifty people had received the invitation and arrived for the meeting. After meticulous preparation, Eleanor took the stage and presented her findings. The moment she revealed hertest experimental data, the room erupted in apuse.


    Simone and Dr. Lyman exchanged a look and smiled-this was truly a proud moment for theirb.


    Eleanor''s presentation was nothing short of brilliant.


    Farther back in the audience, Joel and Faye sat side by side. Joel''s eyes sparkled with approval, while Faye''s expression froze. Just weeks ago, she had confidently told Gwenda that there was no way Eleanor would make a breakthrough so soon. Reality had proved her very wrong.


    Once again, Eleanor had taken the medicalmunity by storm.


    As the meeting ended, a crowd of renowned professionals gathered around her.


    "Ms. Sutton, your research could revolutionize current treatments," an esteemed expert dered excitedly. "On behalf of the Medical Society, I''d like to formally invite you to deliver the keynote at this year''s annual summit."


    "It would be my honor," Eleanor replied, shaking his hand.


    Professor Langley beamed and patted her shoulder. "Eleanor, you did it! This achievement will put you on the international stage."


    Eleanor smiled warmly. "I couldn''t have done it without your support, Professor Langley. You made it possible for me to focus wholeheartedly on my work."


    Simone chimed in, "Let''s not forget someone else we ought to thank."


    Eleanor paused, surprised. "Who?"


    Simone grinned. n, of course, for his generous funding."


    Eleanor''s smile faltered for a moment. Ian was a businessman—everything he did was calcted for profit.


    She didn''t feel grateful to him at all.


    Joel made his way over a littleter to offer his congrattions, and Eleanor was genuinely happy that he''d made time to hear her speak.


    Just then, Joel''s phone rang. He excused himself to take the call out in the garden.


    "Eleanor, did you find your inspiration in one of your father''s old notebooks again?" Faye''s voice cut through the crowd.


    Eleanor turned to nce at her, but had no intention of engaging.


    When Eleanor made to leave, Faye let out a coldugh. "Don''t act so high and mighty. If it weren''t for Mr. Goodwin''s investment, do you really think you''d be here today?"


    Eleanor''s hands balled into fists, ready to respond, when a low, steady voice interrupted.


    "Eleanor''s achievements are the result of her own talent and hard work."


    Faye''s face flushed. She turned to see Xavier standing behind her, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers.


    Faye forced a polite greeting. "Mr. Vaughn."


    Xavier, knowing Faye was Vanessa''s younger sister, gave her a brief nod before presenting the bouquet to Eleanor. "Congrattions. I listened to your entire talk —it was outstanding."


    Faye hesitated awkwardly, then turned and walked away. Not far off, she snapped a photo and sent it to Vanessa.


    "Xavier just gave Eleanor flowers. Do you think they''re actually seeing each other?"


    Vanessa didn''t reply, so Faye headed toward the parking lot.


    Eleanor epted the bouquet and chatted with Xavier about the research.


    He smiled, "Do you have a minute? There''s a document I need you to sign- regarding the research grant my aunt left you."


    Eleanor hesitated, uncertainty in her voice. "I... Can I really ept it?"


    "My aunt was a good woman. Investing in your research was thest great decision she made. Let her wishe true, please." Xavier''s gaze was sincere. "And I hope I can do my part to support your dream as well."


    Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat.


    "Xavier!" she blurted out his name.


    Xavier''s heart skipped a beat. "You finally called me by my name. That''s a good start. From now on, let''s just use our first names, okay? Eleanor."


    She bit her lip, still struggling with the idea of inheriting Juliette''s research grant. She was afraid she''d fail to live up to those expectations.


    Xavier noticed her hesitation. He spoke gently, "Eleanor, don''t feel burdened. My aunt always admired your work. This funding is yours alone-it''s not tied to any institution."


    Eleanor couldn''t help but ask, "How much is it?"


    "Five million."


    "What? That''s... that''s a lot." Eleanor looked up, her eyes wide with shock.


    "My aunt always said your research was worth every penny. She believed you could change the lives of countless patients." Xavier''s voice was full of admiration. "Maybe you don''t need it now, but life is long. If you ever do, it''s yours to use." Eleanor looked at him, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you. And thank you to your aunt for believing in me."


    Just then, Xavier''s gaze shifted, and he paused.


    Eleanor followed his eyes and spottedn, who had somehow arrived unnoticed. Dressed in a sharp suit, he was chatting with Simone and Dr. Lyman.


    His gaze swept calmly over to where Eleanor stood, then he turned back to Simone and Dr. Lyman. "Dr. Lyman, Professor Langley, I''m counting on you to keep theb moving forward."


    "Ian, Eleanor''s already working at breakneck speed. She''s lost weight over this- don''t you think—" Simone hadn''t expectedn to push so hard for progress again.


    "I want the new drug in clinical trials within three months,"n said, nodding politely in parting.


    "Aren''t you going to congratte Eleanor?" Simone called after him with a smile.


    "No, I have another engagement,"n replied coolly, not sparing Eleanor another nce as he strode away.


    Simone and Dr. Lyman exchanged nces. For someone so young,n certainly didn''t waste time getting things done.