Eleanor nodded. Just then, Faye stepped out of her office as well. To properly wee York''s arrival, Byron had decided to gather his whole team at the


    entrance.


    Joel approached, and Faye took the lead. "Joel,e with us."


    Joel stepped into the elevator, holding the door until Eleanor joined, and together they headed downstairs.


    Faye nced at Eleanor, her mind lingering on the neural interface project that still hadn''tunched. The challenge was unprecedented-even Eleanor''s usual brilliance struggled to find traction here.


    A faint smile tugged at Faye''s lips. Rumor had it that Dr. Windsor''s researchers had already made a breakthrough in this field; perhaps Eleanor would finally be outpaced.


    The elevator reached the first floor, and the group moved toward the lobby. From a distance, Eleanor spottedn at the entrance, speaking quietly with Byron.


    Faye notedn''s presence and realized just how important today''s meeting was.


    York, in stark contrast to hisst meeting withn, smiled warmly and shook his hand. “Mr. Goodwin." His gaze soon found Eleanor, and his smile widened. "Eleanor."


    "Mr. Windsor." Eleanor stepped forward, greeting him, and nodded in acknowledgment to Tanya and Julian Grant, the couple standing at York''s side.


    Everyone knew about Eleanor''s history with York-she had nearly joined his team herself.


    York turned ton. "Eleanor was once my brightest student, and she''s also the daughter of a good friend."


    Byron stepped in. "Dr. Windsor, the conference room is ready. This way, please."


    "Great, let''s get started." York nodded, and the group followed Byron back into the building and into the elevator.


    As Eleanor stepped in with York,n joined them. Joel and Faye stayed behind. Though there was plenty of space, Eleanor stood besiden and immediately crossed her arms, a gesture that seemed unremarkable to the others.


    Butn knew better-Eleanor was making sure not to touch him. His fingers curled slightly at his side.


    The elevator stopped on the designated floor, and Byron led everyone to the conference room, where all the preparations were in ce. People took their seats ording to the name cards set out.


    Faye''s face froze for a moment when she saw she''d been ced at the far end of the table. She stole a nce at Eleanor-who was seated directly across from Dr. Windsor, with even Byron and Joel seated further away.


    Faye thought bitterly to herself that the assistant must have intentionally given Eleanor,n''s ex-wife, the privilege of sitting close to him.


    "Dr. Windsor, would you be willing to demonstrate the breakthrough you achieved two years ago?" Byron asked. "We''re all eager to learn more about what happened then."


    Faye tightened her grip on her pen. She too was keen to witness the results of York''s much-rumored experiment—a closely guarded secret in the research world. The fact that York was willing to share it now meant that everyone in the room was in for an honor few could im.