It was clear that Dr. Windsor was a true giant in the medical field.


    "So, Dr. Windsor wants to runch hisb, and you''ve decided to join his team?” Xavier asked.


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes. I owe everything I have today to Dr. Windsor''s mentorship. Besides, I have unfinished research under his guidance. I want to continue."


    Xavier thought for a moment. "The rent isn''t an issue, but I actually have a better idea."


    "What is it?" Eleanor asked.


    "I''d like to be an investor in yourb," Xavier said sincerely. "Not for a share of the research, not for patents, not even for my name on any publications. I just want to support you and your work in any way I can."


    Eleanor was taken aback by his offer.


    Almost without hesitation, she shook her head. "Xavier, I appreciate your kindness, but I can''t ept."


    Xavier blinked, surprised and a little disappointed. "I understand. I should have considered how you''d feel."


    Eleanor looked at him earnestly. "I''m sorry, Xavier."


    He knew there was more to her apology than just the words. He understood that he had always been the one leading this rtionship, sweeping Eleanor along in his wake. To ask her tomit emotionally, to ept his pursuit, just wasn''t fair.


    "I know we''re just friends. But isn''t it normal for friends to help each other?" Xavier tried to lighten the mood.


    Eleanor met his gaze. It was precisely because they were friends that she didn''t want money or favors to muddy the waters between them.


    "Even between friends, it''s best to keep things clear," she said with a smile.


    Xavier sighed, then grinned. "Alright, let''s keep it simple. We''ll sign a lease at market rate. That should work, right?"


    Eleanor let out a subtle sigh of relief. "Deal."


    After lunch, Xavier said, "I can show Dr. Windsor around the ce this afternoon. If there''s anything you need, just let me know."


    "Thank you, Xavier. Really," Eleanor replied, her gratitude genuine.


    He shook his head. "Don''t mention it. If my aunt were still here, she''d be happy to see this too."


    That afternoon, Eleanor arrived with Dr. Windsor and Dr. Mann to tour theb. Dr. Windsor was impressed with the space and decided to lease the building for theb''s new beginning.


    After Eleanor and her group left, a ck SUV sat quietly nearby. Inside, a man who looked every bit the bodyguard made a call.


    "Hello?" came a deep, steady voice on the other end.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Sutton just showed Dr. Windsor around the Juliette Lab headquarters."


    At Goodwin & Co.''s executive office,n tapped his long fingers lightly on the desk. "Understood," he replied coolly, then ended the call.


    He rose and walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the city, his expression thoughtful and imprable.