Eleanor quickly picked up on the implication—if apany like that had invested in Mr. Windsor''sb, it actually made perfect sense. After all, brainputer interface projects weren''t just for medicine; they could y a huge role in future space exploration programs as well.


    "Xavier, do you think thispany is connected ton?" she asked directly. Eleanor had never been too clear on the web ofpanies undern''s name.


    Xavier considered it for a moment, then shook his head. "As far as I know,n''s got no ties to Starnova Technologies. His ownpany''s been focused on medical tech and Al these past few years. Why are you worried he might try to get involved with Dr. Windsor''s funding?"


    "Meridian Dynamics has shown interest in simr projects. Ian''s actually reached out to Mr. Windsor before."


    "Oh? And is Dr. Windsor open to working with him?" Xavier''s voice was low, almost cautious.


    Eleanor shook her head.


    Xavier''s gaze grew more serious. Truth be told,n''s business had expanded rapidly thesest few years, and he was often so busy that he''d fall off the grid for days. He''d also been getting chummy with people in government, making frequent trips to Kingston for meetings. When it came to the specifics of his business dealings-well, even though the three of them had once been as close as brothers, it was a touchy subject, best left alone.


    "Dr. Windsor values his research independence above all else," Eleanor said quietly. "If an investor''s background is too tangled, it could actually slow down the project. Ian isn''t the kind of backer he wants."


    Xavier nodded thoughtfully. "Still..." he hesitated, then continued, "I''d rmend you get a professional team to do a thorough background check before signing anything."


    “I''ll suggest that to Mr. Windsor,” Eleanor agreed. “It''s definitely necessary."


    Seeing how determined Eleanor was to keep her distance fromn, Xavier couldn''t help but feel a flicker of hope, even though the idea of vying for his old friend''s ex-wife was, by most standards, a little shameful.


    But at that moment, for Xavier, there wasn''t another woman in the world who drew his attention like Eleanor did.


    It wasn''t just her striking looks or graceful figure-there was something deep in her, a quiet strength and gentle warmth that drew him in.


    Eleanor noticed Xavier watching her, but didn''t turn around. She rested her hands on the railing, gazing down at the lobby just as two guests walked in. Her expression instantly cooled.


    Henry Holt strolled in, casual suit and all, withn at his side, one hand in his pocket. The two of them arrived together.


    Just then,n nced up, his gaze cold and calcting, locking eyes with Eleanor and Xavier standing at the second-floor railing. He narrowed his eyes.


    Henry looked up as well. After spotting them, he said something quietly ton, and the two of them headed toward the stairs.


    A minuteter,n and Henry approached.


    "Xavier, Eleanor, since we''ve run into each other, why not grab a coffee together?" Henry said cheerfully.


    He turned, watchingn with an air of mischief, as if waiting for him to weigh in.


    With that, he walked away.


    Eleanor''s voice was equally cool. "I''ve got work to do. I''ll get going."


    She headed for the stairs, purposefully taking the opposite direction fromn, toward the lobby.


    Henry turned to Xavier with a teasing grin. "Looks like things are going pretty well for you two." Then, as if remembering something, he added, "I heard Eleanor''s leavingn''sb. Is that true?"


    "It is," Xavier nodded.


    "Ian''s really letting her go?" Henry sounded surprised. "Talents like Eleanor are one in a million."


    "They''re done," Xavier said tly. "No sense dragging it out."


    Henry gave him a long, knowing look. "So... you''re willing to go all-in for Eleanor now?"


    Xavier leaned on the railing and watched as Eleanor''s slender figure slipped out the lobby doors. He let out a quiet sigh. "Guess we''ll see what fate has in store."


    Henry pped him on the shoulder. "Ian might be divorced from her, but they''ve still got a kid together. And honestly, Eleanor seems focused on her career and her son."


    Xavier nodded. "I know. You can''t force love. But I''m willing to wait."


    "Yeah, well..." Henry hesitated, then just let it go, sighing. "Your business, not mine."


    And really, it wasn''t his ce to interfere.