Word of Eleanor''s transfer to Dr. Windsor''sb had quietly spread. By now, it was hardly a secret among the researchers.


    Even in the restroom, Eleanor overheard plenty of gossip about herself.


    "Is Eleanor out of her mind? Mr. Goodwin practically dotes on her she gets all the best projects! Why would she leave?"


    "Exactly! If she stayed, Faye wouldn''t even have a shot at the neuro-interface project. With Mr. Goodwin''s resources behind her, she''s got it made. No way Windsor''sb canpare!"


    Eleanor didn''t bother to exin her reasons to anyone in theb. Gwenda had asked her once, and Eleanor''s answer was simple: she needed a change of environment, a change of pace.


    A weekter, Dr. Windsor returned from London. He seemed calm, almost relieved, and now that the lease contract with Xavier was signed, it was time to set up the newb and dive into research.


    That evening, Eleanor joined York for dinner to discuss the next steps. After they finished eating, York called Eleanor over. The curtains were drawn, and he asked her to sit across from him, his expression suddenly serious.


    "Eleanor, while I was in London, I met with some old friends. We settled a few things," he began.


    She studied him, sensing something unspoken beneath hisposed exterior. Suddenly, York asked, "Eleanor, do you know the story of the Trojan Horse?"


    Eleanor''s eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at the sharp-eyed old man before her. His intentions were always hard to read.


    "Eleanor, there''s something Mr. Windsor would like to discuss with you. Would you consider staying on at the Ashford Medical Research Division?"


    Eleanor paused, realizing at once what story he was referencing.


    York had returned with a mission. Reopening theb wasn''t just about research- it was about offering support. He''d brought back the experimental techniques he''d once developed at Drexford to help Ashford''s research division.


    York cleared his throat. “This is also what London wants. Talented people like you are highly valued."


    Eleanor''s breath caught. "Mr. Windsor-"


    "Stay at Ashford," York said, rising to gently pat her shoulder. "They need you here."


    She met his steady, meaningful gaze. After a few seconds of thought, she nodded. “All right, Mr. Windsor. Here''s to a good partnership."


    York smiled, satisfied. "Follow the research division''s arrangements and focus on your work."


    "I understand, Mr. Windsor. You should get some rest," Eleanor said, standing up so as not to disturb him further.


    Stepping out of the hotel, Eleanor drew a long breath. Some things were more important than her own feelings. Even if it meant facing people and situations she''d rather avoid, she needed to adjust her mindset and keep going.


    Goodwin Manor.


    Gina Quinn entered, setting a te of sliced fruit on his desk. "Ian,e have some fruit."


    "Thanks, Mom." Ian smiled and walked over.


    Gina studied her son in surprise. He''d seemed troubled during dinner, but now he looked almost cheerful.


    "Did you sort out whatever was bothering you?" she asked.


    He nodded. "Yeah."


    "Work stuff?"


    "Something like that."


    After Gina left,n''s long fingers tapped thoughtfully on the desk, themplight casting sharp shadows across his features. After a moment, he picked up his phone and dialed.


    "Transfer Eleanor to the Meridian Dynamics neuro-interface team tomorrow," he instructed.


    "Mr. Goodwin, what position should Miss Sutton hold?" Byron Chase''s voice came over the line.


    "Lead researcher."


    "Understood. Do you need to speak with Eleanor yourself?"


    "I''m not involved with this project,"n replied coolly.


    "Understood," Byron said crisply.


    Back at home, Eleanor sat on the balcony upstairs, lost in thought. No matter how capablen was, he was still a businessman—a yer in a muchrger game. Hispany''s advances in technology and medicine were always intertwined with the nation''s greater ambitions. Rubbing her aching temples, Eleanor nced up at the night sky and sighed. In the end, the progress of national research mattered far more than her own emotions.


    She called Simone. After hearing the news, Simone instantly understood York''s motives foring back and encouraged Eleanor to stay with the research division.


    "You made the right choice, Eleanor. If your father were still here, he''d have done the same," Simone said warmly.


    At eleven, just as Eleanor was about to sleep, her phone buzzed with a message fromn:


    "Meet me at the airport at ten tomorrow. We''re flying to London for a meeting."


    Eleanor stared at the screen for a few seconds, not replying. Another message came through:


    "Meeting with the Ministry of Defence. Don''t bete."


    She read it over and over before finally replying, "Understood."


    A minuteter, another message:


    "My mother will pick up Evelyn in the morning to look after her."


    Clutching her phone, Eleanor bit her lip, not responding. Just then, a message from Garrison Bradley arrived:


    "Eleanor, heard the news? See you tomorrow."


    Reading Garrison''s message, Eleanor knewn hadn''t been lying. London really was calling everyone in for a meeting.


    At seven the next morning, Eleanor got up to pack, the noise waking little Evelyn.


    "Mom, where are you going?" Evelyn mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "Mommy has a meeting in London. Grandma wille pick you up soon. You''ll stay with her for a couple of days, okay?" Eleanor said gently.


    Evelyn nodded sleepily. "Okay, Mommy."


    Eleanor kissed her daughter''s forehead. "Go back to sleep, sweetheart."


    At eight-thirty, Gina arrived right on time to collect Evelyn. Once Eleanor saw her daughter safely in the car, she headed to the airport.


    After clearing security, Eleanor got a call from Byron, instructing her to head to a particr gate. She realized then thatn had arranged for a private jet for their trip.