At that moment, the two middle-aged men standing beside Mr. Brown shifted their attention ton and Eleanor. One of them sighed. "Mr. Goodwin really is young. Betting the future of Meridian Dynamics on a young scientist like that he''s taking quite the risk."


    "Lately, our Mr. Goodwin seems obsessed with his research. He''s handed off all the real projects to others. At thest board meeting, we didn''t even get a full progress report."


    "If this keeps up, are we supposed to trust the fate of Goodwin & Co. to an outsider?"


    "Not exactly an outsider. She''s his ex-wife."


    Their voices dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, until a glint of calction flickered in one man''s eyes. "At next week''s board meeting, we should propose a technology oversightmittee. We can''t let Mr. Goodwin have the final say on everything."


    The board had been uneasy aboutn''s decisions for nearly a year. The brain-puter interface project demanded a massive investment, and it was uncharted territory-no one knew if it would turn out to be a goldmine or a bottomless pit.


    For the old-school shareholders,n''s aggressive approach was unnerving. They''d always favored caution and stability.


    Meanwhile, York joinedn, Eleanor, and Steve''s conversation. Steve watched Eleanor, sincerely hoping York could convince his former colleague to return, but York had told him inly-Eleanor wasmitted to Meridian Dynamics and wouldn''t leave easily.


    Elsewhere, Xavier and Henry found themselves near a group of older executives engrossed in their own discussion. Vanessa and Faye stood together, both eyes drifting toward Eleanor, their faces tight with varying degrees of tension.


    "Should we go get Mr. Goodwin?" Faye asked Vanessa softly.


    Vanessa swirled her wine, her tone rxed. “It''s a business g. He''s got plenty of people to talk to—I won''t interrupt."


    "That''s the CEO of Starnova Group over there, the one partnering with us," Faye murmured, barely masking her jealousy. "He seems very interested in Eleanor."


    Vanessa narrowed her eyes. "Is he trying to poach her?"


    "Very likely." Faye bit her lip. Being personally recruited by a major yer like him only proved how valuable Eleanor was.


    "If he knew aboutn and Eleanor''s divorce, I wonder if he''d feel even more confident." Vanessa''s lips curled into a sly smile.


    Faye, never one for subtlety, quickly caught Vanessa''s meaning. If the head of Starnova Group learned that Eleanor andn were no longer married, he''d probably think he had a real shot at recruiting her.


    Vanessa took a delicate sip of her juice, her eyes gleaming with mischief.


    Tonight, Steve was undoubtedly the center of attention. As Starnova Group''s influence in global aviation was immense, no shortage of business leaders were keen to make his acquaintance.


    Steve, for his part, navigated the room with practiced ease. He soon noticed a stunning, stylish woman whose presence seemed to draw people in. Seizing the opportunity, a female investmentpany owner introduced Vanessa as an internationally renowned pianist.


    Music had always intrigued Steve, so he made his way over.


    "Hi, I hear you''re a pianist. I''m very interested in your work," Steve greeted her, extending a hand.


    Vanessa, well-versed in international circles, handled the introduction with effortless poise. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and replied, "Yes, Mr. Steve, I''m a student of Drexford Conservatory. I''ve heard of your aplishments as well-it''s a pleasure to finally meet you."


    Steve raised his ss in acknowledgment. "How funny-my daughter is hoping to apply to Drexford next year."


    Vanessa feigned surprise. "Oh, so you know Dr. Sutton then? I thought I saw the two of you talking earlier, as if you were old friends."


    Steve shook his head. "No, tonight was our first meeting, but I''ve read about her impressive work."


    "Is that so! I just assumed you were close, since you''re working with my friendn —and Dr. Sutton is his ex-wife-"


    "Excuse me, what did you say?" Steve caught the word instantly.


    Vanessa''s eyes widened in feigned astonishment. "You didn''t know? Dr. Sutton andn divorced over a year ago."


    A sh of satisfaction crossed Steve''s sharp gaze. This was the edge he needed


    to approach Eleanor about joining hisb.


    "Thank you, Miss Shannon. You''ve been a tremendous help." Steve clinked sses with her, genuine gratitude in his tone.


    Vanessa''s lips curved. "Happy to help, Mr. Steve."


    Steve wasn''t na?ve. "It seems Mr. Goodwin has your heart, am I right?"


    Vanessa answered without hesitation. "You guessed correctly."


    Not far away, Henry''s grip on his winess tightened. Xavier, noticing, ced a calming hand on his shoulder. "It''s just business talk, nothing more."


    Henry knew that, but the way Steve looked at Vanessa unsettled him.


    Xavier sighed quietly, ncing towardn, who was deep in conversation with Mr. Brown and the others, his back to Vanessa and Steve as if he hadn''t noticed how animated their exchange had be.