Eleanor forced down her anger and stepped out of the elevator. Gwenda was hurrying toward the conference room but paused when she spotted Eleanor. "Eleanor, would you like me to get you some coffee?"


    Eleanor shed her a grateful smile. “That''d be great, thanks!"


    "No need to thank me," Gwenda replied with a yful raise of her eyebrow. This whole trip, apanying Joel Kingsley to Kingston for the academic exchange, she felt wasrgely thanks to Eleanor.


    Eleanor ducked into her office first, gathering up some documents before making her way to the conference room.


    When she entered,n was already seated at the head of the table. On one side sat Dr. Smith''s team, opposite Simone''s group.


    Eleanor was just about to slip to one of the seats at the back when Simone called her over. "Eleanor, sit here."


    It was the seat immediately ton''s left. Eleanor gave a nod, determined not to let personal feelings interfere with her work.


    "Hi, Miss Sutton. Good to see you again," Dr. Smith greeted her from across the table.


    Eleanor offered her most professional smile and returned the greeting. Soon, Dr. Smithunched into a detailed introduction of theirtest research on neurodegenerative diseases the focus of this exchange. Eleanor listened intently. When he finished, Simone invited Eleanor to present her own findings. As Eleanor spoke, Dr. Smith''s eyes lit up. He turned ton and, in English, congratted him, "Congrattions, Mr. Goodwin, your faith paid off."


    Eleanor caught the exchange, ncing up at Dr. Smith. Still, she kept her attention on the academic discussion, pushing aside any distractions.


    After the meeting, the group moved to a nearby restaurant for lunch. As everyone settled in, Dr. Smith approached Eleanor with genuine enthusiasm. "Miss Sutton, your results are astounding. Mr. Goodwin truly has an eye for talent."


    Eleanor nodded politely. Dr. Smith continued, “Myb once pursued simr research, but we could never quite push it forward. Just a year ago, Mr. Goodwin withdrew his funding from my project and invested in yours."


    That confirmed what Eleanor had suspectedn''s interest in medical research wasn''t some sudden whim. He''d been investing heavily for years.


    For someone as driven by profit asn to pour so much into medical projects- well, it only underscored how much Vanessa must mean to him.


    The realization stung. Six years of marriage, she thought bitterly, and it had all been one big joke.


    "Hello, Miss Sutton. I''m Adkins. I''ve read your papers-they''re brilliant."


    Adkins looked to be in his early thirties, the archetype of a Western leading man: striking blue eyes, a charming smile, and focused attention entirely on Eleanor.


    She smiled politely. "Thank you. I actually found your recent paper very insightful as well."


    Adkins'' eyes brightened, just a bit breathless with excitement. "Miss Sutton, I''ve been hoping for a chance to discuss your work in detail."


    He extended his hand. Eleanor shook it, replying, "The pleasure''s mine."


    From beside them,n''s gazended on their handshake-dark, unreadable. Adkins, still beaming, took out his phone. "Miss Sutton, could I get your contact info? I''d love to learn more from you."


    Eleanor nodded and took out her own phone. They exchanged Skype details. Suddenly, a cool voice cut in.


    "Dr. Smith, it seems your team is quite taken with my chief researcher,"n remarked, a faint smile on his lips.


    Dr. Smith gave a boomingugh. "Adkins has always admired Miss Sutton''s work."


    Adkins froze, catching the warning. He looked both embarrassed and a little confused. Dr. Smith nudged him discreetly and murmured, "Miss Sutton is Mr. Goodwin''s ex-wife."


    The realization dawned on Adkins, and he hurried to rify, "Mr. Goodwin, please don''t misunderstand. This is purely academic."


    Eleanor bristled atn''s possessiveness, but unwilling to let the moment turn awkward, she offered, “Adkins, I''d be happy to coborate with you."


    Adkins nodded gratefully, his smile a shade more reserved.


    As lunch continued, Eleanor and Dr. Smith walked together, deep in conversation about new opportunities in the medical field. Dr. Smith''s admiration for Eleanor was obvious and unrestrained.


    "Mr. Goodwin certainly knows how to spot talent," Dr. Smith said warmly. "Your achievements far exceeded my expectations, Miss Sutton."


    The unexpectedpliment made Eleanor''s expression go cold. She turned sharply and left.


    Dr. Smith was about to say something more to her, only to find she''d already walked away. Ian narrowed his eyes at him. "Dr. Smith, from now on, I want yourb to give Eleanor''s research any support she needs. And don''t worry your next project''s funding is already in the works."