"Dr. Sutton, can we add you on WhatsApp?"


    "Yeah, is that okay?" The request came from a group of good-looking young men, all brimming with the easy confidence of college athletes.


    The atmosphere in the lecture hall turned lively and a little chaotic.


    Eleanor had just opened her mouth to politely decline when a deep, cold male voice cut through the noise from the back of the crowd. "Dr. Sutton''s lecture was excellent."


    Everyone turned around, and there he was a man in a sharply tailored suit, radiating the kind of aura that warned people to keep their distance.


    A few students who always seemed up on campus gossip recognized him instantly. "Oh my God, isn''t that Dr. Sutton''s ex-husband,n?"


    "I can''t believe he showed up."


    Ian stepped forward, his expression unreadable as his gaze swept over the group of guys who''d started themotion. "Academic discussion is wee," he said, voice even but steely, "but bothering Dr. Sutton isn''t very polite."


    His piercing stare made the boys visibly ufortable. They managed a couple of awkward chuckles before slipping away. Truthfully, they''d just been caught up in the moment-Eleanor was strikingly beautiful, and they couldn''t resist teasing a little. No harm was meant.


    "Dr. Sutton has an important meeting to attend,”n announced, scanning the students with a cool authority.


    Eleanor offered her students an apologetic smile. "Sorry, everyone. Let''s continue our discussion another time."


    Students who still had questions reluctantly drifted away as the crowd thinned. Eleanor spotted Dr. Windsor and Mann lingering at the edge of the room and made her way toward them.


    York watched asn disappeared down the hallway, then turned to Eleanor. "I thought you two were divorced. What''s he trying to pull?"


    Eleanor shrugged. "Nothing. He just came to listen to the lecture, that''s all.”


    York adjusted his sses, his expression turning serious. "Eleanor, about restarting theb-I''d like to hear your thoughts."


    Eleanor took a seat beside him. "Mr. Windsor, I fully support your decision to reopen theb. I''ve always regretted that our research was interrupted. With the technology we have now, we''ve already surpassed what was avable two years ago."


    York nodded thoughtfully. "You''re right. If we can secure funding, why not give it another shot?"


    Eleanor''s curiosity got the better of her. "Mr. Windsor, who''s backing the project this time?"


    "It''s Drexford Technologies. They''ve promised not to interfere with the direction of the research or im ownership of the results. For us, that''s an ideal arrangement."


    A surge of hope rose in Eleanor''s chest. Scientific research was alwayspromised when tangled with outside interests; having apany willing to take a hands-off approach was a rare blessing.


    Mann, who''d been listening quietly, couldn''t help but interject, "That''s miles better than the terms Goodwin & Co. offered."


    York was silent for a moment, then looked Eleanor in the eye. "Ellie, would you like to be involved? You led the projectst time. I still have all the data. If you want toe back, I''ll hand it over to you."


    Eleanor had been turning this question over in her mind for days if she was invited, would she join? But the answer was already clear in her heart. She lifted her gaze, resolve shining in her eyes. "Mr. Windsor, I''d be honored to join."


    York nodded approvingly, then added, "I heard there''s a Juliette Lab facility that was recently closed. We''re hoping to talk to the owner about leasing it for our new project. Would you be willing to help reach out?" He looked at Eleanor expectantly.