On the drive back to the hotel, Eleanor Sutton chatted with York Windsor about theb''s equipment.


    "These core machines are in great shape," York said, surveying the facility with clear approval. "They just need a bit of recalibration and they''ll be ready to go."


    Eleanor agreed; the Juliette Grayson Laboratory boasted some of the most advanced equipment she''d ever worked with. She found herself thinking that Mrs. Grayson, wherever she was, would be d herb was still serving the cause of scientific discovery.


    When they reached the hotel, York asked Eleanor to schedule a meeting-he wanted to speak with Xavier Vaughn in person.


    She suggested tomorrow afternoon, booking the conference room at the Vesper Joy Hotel for their discussion.


    The following morning, Eleanor returned to the research facility. Simone Langley came over for a chat, having heard that Dr. Windsor was back in the country and guessing where Eleanor would be headed next.


    Simone didn''t know York well. After all, she''d been two years below him at Ashford Medical University, and York had left to study abroad in his sophomore year. All she really remembered was that he, along with Elliot Sutton and Lyman Brown, had been the stars of their ss, prodigies who showed their brilliance early.


    "I heard your father and York were close-as close as brothers. Hard to believe you spent six years after your marriage working and studying in hisb," Simone remarked.


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, Mr. Windsor looked after me. He''s both a mentor and a family friend."


    Simone smiled approvingly. “You''vee so far on your own. That''s really impressive." Then, with a flicker of surprise, she added, "But how didn never find out you were doing research all these years?"


    Eleanor lowered her gaze and gave a wry smile. "Back then, I wanted to focus on home and family. Research was more of a personal interest-I never nned to make much of it."


    "Son never realized you were involved in any scientific work?" Simone pressed, recalling how shockedn Goodwin had sounded when Eleanor passed her elerated exams.


    Eleanor''s tone was calm, almost detached. "He was always busy-traveling for work, rarely home."


    Simone nodded, as if things made more sense now, and let the matter drop. She wasn''t one to pry into others'' private lives, but rumors had a way of circting. Word was,n had been unfaithful during the marriage, and his affair was with Faye Yeaton''s older sister. In that light, one spouse always away and the other quietly joining a research team didn''t seem so odd after all.


    After a few more words, Simone headed off to a meeting. Eleanor checked the time; it was almost time for her to get to the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    At two o''clock sharp, Xavier arrived at the conference room as promised. Dressed in a charcoal suit, he offered York a firm handshake. "Dr. Windsor, I''ve heard so much about you-it''s a pleasure to finally meet."


    York grinned. "The pleasure''s mine, Mr. Vaughn. I''ve heard you''re quite the rising star yourself."


    After a few pleasantries, Eleanor introduced them properly, and the conversation quickly turned to business. Xavier handed over the prepared lease agreement, which York reviewed carefully before nodding. "Everything looks fair. Mr. Vaughn, you''re a man of your word."


    Xavier smiled politely. "Dr. Windsor, your research means a great deal. It''s an honor to offer my support."


    Eleanor, watching from the sidelines, let out a quiet breath of relief as the meeting went smoothly.


    While York and Xavier finalized the contract, Eleanor stepped out for some fresh air. When she returned, the two men were shaking hands, the deal sealed.


    "Eleanor, would you take care of Mr. Vaughn? I need to go upstairs and rest for a bit," York said.


    "Of course, Mr. Windsor. I''ll look after Mr. Vaughn," Eleanor replied with a warm smile.


    As York left, Xavier turned and gave her a half-smile. "No need to be so formal. From now on, just call me Xavier-no matter the asion."


    Eleanor was momentarily taken aback, then nodded with a smile. "Alright."


    "Oh, and by the way," Xavier added, his tone growing more serious, "I asked Dr. Windsor about the investmentpany involved in this project. Want to hear what I found out?"


    Eleanor was genuinely curious and nodded.


    Xavier''s expression turned thoughtful. "The investor is Starnova Technologies— out of Drexford. They started in renewable energy, but the real story is a bit deeper. Thepany''s owner has strong connections, including ties to a private aerospace venture here in Drexford."


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. "What kind of background does the owner have?"


    "As far as I know," Xavier said, lowering his voice, "he''s a Drexford businessman who''s made it clear he''s deeply interested in neurotechnology and brain-machine interfaces. If your research really breaks new ground, it could be worth far more than anything in conventional medicine."