York smiled. "They''re my research team from Montir, brought back here to join me on the brainputer interface project.” He adjusted his sses and turned to Eleanor, his eyes warm. "Remember what I told you?"


    Meeting York''s gaze, Eleanor instantly understood. She''d assumed she was just another pawn in Mr. Windsor''s game, tucked away for the right moment.


    It turned out to be the Grants all along.


    "We''re well aware of Goodwin & Co.''s reputation on the international stage," York continued, "and Meridian Dynamics is already renowned for its cutting-edge technology. If anyone can push brainputer research forward, it''s us working together."


    "Every country is pouring resources into this field," Tanya added, her voice gentle but firm. “We can''t afford to be left behind. Dr. Windsor told us about your earlier work, Eleanor, and how it was shelved due to technical and financial limits.”


    York smiled at her. "That''s changed now. With Meridian Dynamics'' quantumputing center, we finally have the muscle to run your algorithm models from back then."


    Tanya nodded, her tone reassuring. "Research is a healthypetition—a race that, when won, benefits all of humanity."


    "We want the world to see that our country''s innovation stands shoulder to shoulder with anyone, anywhere."


    For days, Eleanor''s mind had been a storm-staying at Meridian Dynamics meant confrontingn every day, her emotions constantly on edge. But listening to the Grants, she suddenly saw where she belonged.


    In the grand scheme of scientific progress, personal grudges seemed trivial.


    She no longer had the energy or time to dwell on the past.


    "We''ll be working closely together from now on," Julian added. "Starnova Group''s board has approved a strategic partnership with Meridian Dynamics."


    Eleanor nodded. That was the beauty of private enterprise: with shared interests, true coboration became possible.


    "Starnova has unique strengths in neural signal acquisition, while Meridian''s algorithms are second to none," Julian said, his eyes shining with anticipation. "This kind of synergy is the norm in international research."


    York agreed. "On the surface, it''s just a regr tech partnership, but deeper technical exchanges will happen naturally as we work side by side."


    He looked meaningfully at Eleanor.


    She understood at once: under the guise of business coboration, her research data from Drexford would be transferred as part of a mutually beneficial exchange. It was amon practice in global cooperation-perfectly aboveboard, yet allowing for real knowledge sharing.


    And that, she realized, was exactly why she needed to stay at Meridian Dynamics —she was the bridge between both sides.


    Eleanor stepped out of the hotel into the gathering dusk. Watching the steady stream of headlights, she felt something inside her click into ce.


    Compared to what she was about to aplish, old grievances were nothing but a footnote.


    From now on, her focus would be on the future of the project, not the shadows of her past.


    As she got into her car, Eleanor called Gina.


    "Hello? Eleanor?" Gina picked up right away.


    "Aunt Gina, I''ming to pick up Evelyn."


    "All right, dear. Come on over."


    Eleanor arrived at Goodwin Manor just as the clock chimed half past six. She waited at the front steps until a housekeeper led Evelyn out. Eleanor started to usher her daughter toward the car, but Evelyn tugged on her hand.


    "Mom, Great-Grandma says you have toe in and stay for dinner!" Eleanor hesitated, caught off guard.


    The housekeeper smiled. "Miss Sutton, thedy of the house has missed you. Please, join us for dinner."


    "Mom,e on! I''m starving!" Evelyn insisted, pulling her eagerly up the walk. Unable to refuse, Eleanor nodded and followed her daughter inside.


    In the living room, only Mrs. Goodwin and Gina were waiting. Seeing Eleanor, Mrs. Goodwin''s face lit up.


    "Ellie, it''s been too long. Come, I made all your favorites tonight." Magdalen beckoned her over.


    Eleanor''s heart softened. She sat beside her daughter, just settling in when a tall figure stepped through the door.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, jumping from her seat and running to him.


    He knelt to catch her, surprise flickering across his face when he spotted Eleanor at the table.


    n, you''re just in timee eat with us," Magdalen said, a knowing look in her eyes as she nced between the two.


    Gina came out from the kitchen, pausing when she saw the unexpected family tableau.


    When Eleanor finished her meal, she set down her fork. "Thank you, Grandma. I''m full."


    "Evelyn''s still eating. Why don''t you go rx on the sofa for a bit?" Magdalen suggested.


    Eleanor nodded and moved to the couch to wait. Evelyn scampered around, full of energy. Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed. She picked it up, and Evelyn peeked at the screen.


    "It''s Mr. Vaughn calling!" Evelyn announced.


    Eleanor stood and stepped outside to take the call. Back at the table,n''s gaze lingered on her retreating figure, his expression unreadable.


    "Who''s Mr. Vaughn?" Magdalen asked, curiosity piqued. She wasn''t familiar with all her grandson''s friends.


    "He''s Mommy''s good friend!" Evelyn replied loudly.


    Gina knew full well that Mr. Vaughn was Xavier. Was it possible, she wondered,


    that something was really blossoming between them? Why else would they be talking sote at night?