Faye let out a sudden, coldugh, refusing to let up. "A theory is only as good as its results. What if the animal trials fail-"


    Eleanor met her mocking gaze head-on. "I trust the data. Numbers don''t lie."


    Byron nodded in agreement. "Next, we''ll run a simtion demo, then work with the military to see how our nanobots perform in real-world scenarios."


    He nced toward the camera in the corner of the room, a faint smile on his lips. "Let''s keep our confidence up, everyone. This is Meridian Dynamics'' most advanced research-there''s no room for doubt."


    That look wasn''t idental. Byron knew someone else was watching the meeting remotely.


    Ian Goodwin, who hadn''t had the time to attend in person.


    At that very moment,n sat in his office with the curtains drawn tight. The conference room''s live feed yed on the wall, Eleanor''s confident voice echoing through the quiet. Her eyes shone with conviction as she exined the data-a radiance that was impossible to ignore.


    This version of Eleanor was dazzling, so much so he couldn''t look away.


    A subtle smile tugged at his lips as the meeting wound down. He powered off the projector, stood, and headed for his own conference room.


    Once the meeting ended, Byron called out to Faye. "Faye, could youe to my office for a minute?"


    Byron was a naturallyposed man. He fixed Faye with a steady gaze. "Faye, did you realize Mr. Goodwin was observing the meeting just now? When we''re presenting our most sensitive technology, I need you to be mindful of your words. Don''t undermine the team''s morale."


    Faye''s face paled. She hadn''t expectedn to be listening in.


    "In the future, whenever Mr. Goodwin can''t join an important meeting in person, he''ll be watching from HQ. Be especially careful not to publicly challenge Eleanor''s theories. We''vee this far thanks to her work."


    Faye lifted her chin stubbornly. "I was just raising valid scientific concerns. Isn''t that the whole point of research discussion?"


    Byron rubbed his temples, exasperated. "It''s obvious you were targeting Eleanor."


    Her expression shifted, and she twisted the hem of her jacket unconsciously. "I''m just worried about the risks. If these trials fail, Meridian Dynamics could take a huge hit."


    "Risk management isn''t your concern. Mr. Goodwin will handle it. You can go now." Byron waved her off.


    Faye left his office, her face a storm of conflicting emotions. She couldn''t deny the truth—Eleanor''s theory was revolutionary. That realization filled her with a mix of jealousy and fear.


    If this project seeded, Eleanor''s reputation would eclipse even her father''s. In the field of Al-driven nanomedicine, she''d be untouchable.


    Eleanor''s theory was worth a fortune.


    Back in her own office, Eleanor wrapped her hands around a mug of coffee, her eyes narrowing.


    How absurd.


    Eleanor could feel it he didn''t just mistrust her; he was actively shielding himself from her.


    Meanwhile, Byron''s phone buzzed. He checked the messagen.


    "Please exin today''s announcements to Eleanor for me."


    Byron understood immediately and replied, "Of course, Mr. Goodwin. I''ll make sure Miss Sutton understands."


    Byron knew what this was about. Ian was worried Eleanor might read too much into things, especially after the time she''d been used of leaking the algorithm.


    Eleanor was gathering her things when Byron knocked and entered. "Eleanor, do you have a minute?"


    She smiled. "Of course, VP Chase. Please, have a seat."


    Byron sat across from her, choosing his words carefully. "Eleanor, about the nanobot project we presented today—"


    She caught his drift and cut in, "You don''t need to exin, VP Chase. I understand thepany''s protocols on safeguarding core technology."


    Byron pressed on. "Three months ago, when the engineering team first synthesized the nanobots, Mr. Goodwin orderedprehensive testing- including all the edge cases your theory predicted."


    Eleanor paused, waiting for him to continue.


    "The tests proved you right, but Mr. Goodwin insisted we wait for the military partnership before presenting anything. It''s not a matter of mistrust, it''s just—"


    Byron broke off, scratching his head. Words weren''t really his thing.


    "I know he likes to be in control of everything," Eleanor finished for him. "Thank you for telling me, VP Chase."


    Byron cleared his throat. "Mr. Goodwin''s always been cautious. But honestly, he rarely offers exnations. You''re one of the few he bothers to rify things for."


    In other words, this was unusual forn. He was breaking his own rules. Eleanor smiled faintly. "I understand. I''m pleased with the project''s progress and I''ll give it my all."


    Byron looked as though he wanted to say more, but in the end, just nodded and stood. "Alright, I''ll let you get back to it."


    There was nothing more for him to say. He''d done his part.


    For Eleanor, though, the exnation was unnecessary.


    No one understoodn better than she did.


    He was cold, arrogant, emotionally unavable, obsessed with control. He didn''t


    know how to respect people, let alone love them.


    His request for Byron to exin things was just a formality—a reminder that, for now, their interests were aligned. Nothing more.