Eleanor rose and stepped in front of the projection screen, her voice ringing clear and melodic as she walked the team through each phase of the new drug''s development. Every word was precise, every point backed by data. Confidence radiated from her, sharpened by the intelligence in her eyes and the smooth conviction in her tone.


    "We''ve implemented thetest improvements using—" she began, but was abruptly interrupted.


    The conference room door swung open. Ian strode in, immacte in a tailored suit. Everyone knew exactly who he was. He offered a brief, apologetic nod. "Sorry I''mte."


    With that, he pulled out the nearest chair and sat down.


    The light caught Eleanor''s eyes, making them momentarily frosty. Her hand paused on theser pointer before she continued.


    "Please, go on, Dr. Sutton," Ian said, his voice low and even.


    Eleanor inhaled deeply, forcing herself to refocus. She picked up right where she left off, losing herself in the flow of her presentation.


    From his seat,n watched Eleanor intently-tracking every gesture and nuance: the way she nced at her watch, the small pause when she sipped her water, the slight frown and quick bite of her lip when she felt his gaze.


    Soon, the meeting shifted to questions. The FDA experts wasted no time, firing off pointed, challenging inquiries from every angle.


    But Eleanor was ready for them. She answered each question with calm precision, expanding on details whenever necessary, and never losing herposure. After all, as the chief researcher, no one knew the project''s intricacies better than she did.


    In her element, Eleanor was unshakeable.


    Simone watched her with unconcealed admiration. Evenn, whose expression rarely betrayed emotion, seemed visibly reassured as the toughest issues were handled with ease.


    By four o''clock, the meeting wrapped up, but Eleanor lingered with several of the experts for a few extra minutes of conversation.


    Just outside the conference room,n stood by a row of flowerbeds, making no move to leave.


    It wasn''t until Eleanor emerged, bag in one hand and jacket draped over her arm, thatn finally nced her way. "Your insights were exceptional today," he said.


    "I was just doing my job," Eleanor replied coolly.


    Simone finished her own goodbyes and caught up with them. Spotting the pair in conversation, she called out, "Eleanor, are youing with us, or do you want to ride withn?"


    They''d all arrived together in Callie''s car; Eleanor hadn''t driven today.


    "I''ll go with the team," Eleanor answered at once, not looking back as she fell in step with her colleagues.


    "Mr. Goodwin, we''ve gotten some preliminary data from the sample you provided."


    "I''ll be back at the office soon. We can talk more over video then."


    "Perfect, I''ll prepare the files."


    Later, as Eleanor returned to theb, she watched the clock-she needed to pick up her child soon. Just then, a message lit up her phone.


    "Miss Sutton, do you have a moment? Have you ever researched the rare RH- negative blood disorder? I''d love to hear your thoughts. Dr. Smith"


    Eleanor frowned, recognizing the condition from notes her father had left behind.


    It was the very same disease Dr. Smith mentioned.


    She typed back, "Dr. Smith, I''m avable after eight tonight."


    "Looking forward to your insights!"


    Driving home, Eleanor couldn''t get the exchange out of her head. Even her father''s notes barely scratched the surface of this illness; she herself had hardly encountered it before. Still, she was eager to discuss the case-every conversation with Smith promised a chance to learn something new.


    Back at Goodwin & Co., the lights were still on inn''s office at half past six. On


    the wall-sized screen, Dr. Smith-white coat and all-waited in his office.


    "How''s your mother these days, Mr. Goodwin?" Smith asked.


    "She''s well,"n replied.


    Smith adjusted his sses. "The sample you provided shows a unique antibody response in this rare RH-negative type. If we can investigate further—"


    "Whatever resources you need, just ask,"n said, his voice steady.


    "I''ve reached out to Dr. Sutton. We''re speaking at eight tonight to discuss the research."


    "I''ll send her our data for joint analysis. After all, her father''s work was invaluable to us."


    "Understood." Dr. Smith nodded,unching into a detailed exnation of his findings. Only when he was finished did the call end.


    "Hi, Mom."


    "Did you have dinner yet?"


    "Not yet."


    "You''re still at work thiste? Come home, I''ve saved you something."<pn paused, then said, "Alright. I''ll be home soon."