With theunch of the new drug, the entire team had set aside their other projects to focus on it. Now that the trials were running smoothly, Simone decided it was time to oversee things herself and let Eleanor turn her talents to a new line of research.


    "Eleanor, your work has been nothing short of brilliant. Honestly, you''vepletely surpassed me you''re ready to lead your own team," Simone said, not a hint of exaggeration in her voice.


    Eleanor smiled modestly. "Professor Langley, you''re ttering me."


    "I''m not joking," Simone replied, pushing her sses up the bridge of her nose. Her gaze behind the lenses was earnest and unflinching. "This time, even the Secretary of State made time to meet you in person. I''ve never mentored anyone as gifted as you."


    "Oh! Professor Langley, it''s really not like that. Actually, it''s because-" Eleanor felt her cheeks flush. She suspected the Secretary''s interest in her had far more to do with Mansfield Ellington''s influence than her own achievements.


    "Because of what?" Simone asked, surprised.


    Eleanor decided it was better not to borate. She managed a lightugh. "I suppose I was just lucky-the Secretary happened to be free to see me."


    Simone chuckled. "Luck had nothing to do with it. It''s your ability. Oh, by the way, take a look at this-your next research project, just for you."


    She handed Eleanor a folder. Eleanor, a bit taken aback, opened it to find an in- depth study on gene sequencing.


    "You demonstrated real genius in this fieldst time. I''m confident you''ll break new ground again."


    Eleanor set the folder down, biting her lower lip. After a deep breath, she looked up at Simone. "Professor Langley, after this project, I n to leave theb."


    For a moment, Simone wasn''t sure she''d heard correctly. "I''m sorry, what did you say?"


    Eleanor''s gaze was steady. "I want to leave the Ashford Medical University research center."


    This time Simone registered the words. She stared at Eleanor in shock. "You''re leaving?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, as soon as the new drug trials wrap up, I''ll be gone."


    Simone looked utterly bewildered. "Why? Or is it" She paused. "Has someone tried to recruit you?"


    Eleanor shook her head calmly. "No one''s poaching me. This is my own decision."


    "Eleanor, have you really thought this through? Do you know how much theb is counting on you? When this project finishes, I was going to make you a lead investigator. To reach that position at twenty-seven-there haven''t been many in Ashford''s history who''ve done that. Are you sure about this?"


    Eleanor frowned. "Is thisn''s idea?"


    Simone nodded, not hiding the truth. "Yes,n brought it up with me these past few days. I agreedpletely-you''d be leading the next project yourself."


    The offer was tempting, but Eleanor''s expression was unreadable. What she hated most now was having her research dictated byn.


    She couldn''t stand it anymore.


    "Thank you for your trust, Professor Langley, but I need to find my own path."


    Simone took off her sses and rubbed her brow, silent for a few seconds before letting out a long sigh. "Doesn know?"


    The question caught Eleanor off guard. "What does it matter to him?"


    "Eleanor, your sesses have been intertwined with his support. He''s backed your research, given you the most crucial projects—he''s always believed in you."


    Eleanor''s tone was dismissive. "Professor Langley, he''s a businessman. What he values most will always be his own interests."


    For a moment, Simone didn''t know what to say. Hearing those words, she realized just how much Eleanor must have suffered duringn''s marriage.


    "But I doubtn will let you go so easily," Simone said quietly.


    Eleanor''s eyes were resolute. "I don''t need his permission to leave."


    She refused to let her future achievements-everything she''d fought for-be forever stamped withn''s name.


    "Oh, Eleanor. Do you realize how much you''ll be giving up? The resources, the support?" Simone sighed.


    A determined light shed in Eleanor''s eyes. No one would dictate her fate.


    She left Simone''s office and headed to the break room, mug in hand, ready to make herself a cup of coffee.


    Just then, her phone rang. Ian''s name lit up the screen.


    She hadn''t expected him to call so soon. Rolling her eyes, she answered.


    Before she could say a word,n''s voice came through-low, controlled, but with an edge of impatience he couldn''t quite hide. "We need to talk."