In the end, Joel never told Eleanor about any of this in advance. At eight o''clock that evening, he finally replied ton.


    At that moment,n was still at the office, signing an international partnership agreement. Gavin handed him his phone-a single message from Joel: "I ept the transfer."


    screen.


    "Let Meridian Dynamics and theb know: meeting at 9 a.m. tomorrow,"n instructed Gavin.


    "Yes, sir,” Gavin replied with a nod.


    Meanwhile, Faye had gone to Vanessa''s ce. With the news that she''d soon be leading a new team, she felt a strange mix of excitement and anxiety. There was no one at home to help her process her nerves, but somehow, being at Vanessa''s felt moreforting.


    "Now that you''ve got the green light for your transfer," Vanessa said, "you need to perform well. Even if it''s just consumer product development, it''s a global market. If you do well,n will notice."


    "Don''t worry, sis. I''m confident I can handle it," Faye replied, her tone serious.


    Vanessa studied her face. "Confidence is good, but don''t get careless. Not everyone gets a shot like this."


    Faye grinned. "Well, that''s because I have such an amazing sister, right?" Her smile faded. "I known''s strict, but this new project is right up my alley. I''ll give it my all-even though leaving the team makes me..."


    Vanessa noticed her troubled expression and set her mug down. "I know you''re reluctant to leave Joel behind. But listen, if you want him to really see you, hanging around him every day isn''t the answer. You need to prove yourself— show him you''re exceptional."


    Faye bit her lip. Vanessa''s words stung, but she knew they were true.


    "Look at Eleanor," Vanessa continued. "She''s always surrounded by brilliant men. Not because she''sn''s ex-wife, but because she''s achieved real results in her field. If you can make this consumer project a hit, trust me, not just Joel-the entire Goodwin & Co. board will take notice."


    A spark lit in Faye''s eyes. "Thanks for the reminder, sis. I''ll remember that."


    Faye''s thoughts drifted to what Eleanor had said to her in the restroom: "I hope your abilities live up to your opportunities." Only now did she understand-it wasn''t just a jab; it was a challenge.


    "I won''t let you down," Faye said, determination shing in her gaze.


    If she could lead this team herself, she''d finally have a real shot at surpassing Eleanor.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a new email. She opened it, her face lighting up. "Sis, there''s a meeting at 9 a.m. tomorrow. It has to be about the consumer project announcement."


    Vanessa nodded. "Go make me proud."


    The next morning.


    Eleanor got her daughter ready for school. Lately, she''d been considering summer programs, choosing extracurricrs her daughter actually enjoyed-horseback riding and dance. The winter break wasn''t long, so she didn''t want to overdo it.


    After dropping her daughter off, Eleanor headed straight for theb.


    With theunch of three new consumer research projects, many in theb had submitted applications, eager to join one of the teams.


    Theb''srge conference room was already bustling. Meridian Dynamics had arrived early, with Byron leading his team-they were key engineers for the new venture.


    By nine o''clock sharp, both sides of the table were filled. Faye had chosen a seat near the front, her nerves a tight knot under her excitement, waiting for the official announcement.


    Eleanor sat further back. Joel came in a littleter, scanning the room-he looked as if he wanted to sit beside Eleanor, but Byron waved him over. "Dr. Kingsley, sit here! Saved you a spot."


    From Byron''s grin, Joel could tell he already knew about the transfer. Joel nodded, taking the seat next to Byron. He caught Eleanor''s eye, and they exchanged a silent greeting.