Mr. Brown took the stage and spoke eloquently for half an hour, detailing his aplishments over his fifteen-year tenure.


    Finally, in a solemn tone, he announced, "After careful consideration and numerous rmendations, the new chairman of The Guild of Commerce will be Mr.n


    Goodwin."


    The announcement was not entirely unexpected.


    Still, it sent a wave of shock through the attendees and the media for a few seconds, followed by thunderous apuse.


    Amid the ovation,n rose calmly and walked to the stage. He hugged Mr. Brown, who pped him on the shoulder as if passing on a great responsibility.


    At that moment, an attendant approached, and Mr. Brown personally took the certificate of appointment from a tray and presented it ton. Ian epted it with both hands, his silver-gray hair glinting coolly under the lights.


    After the brief handover,n stood at the podium. His gaze swept over the audience, finally resting on Eleanor. Even from a distance, his eyes were deep and bright.


    Following a brief self-introduction, he stated in a low, firm voice, "My first resolution upon taking office will be to establish a technology development fund, with a focus on supporting innovative scientific research projects."


    Eleanor was stunned. The proposal was clearly designed to pave the way for advancements in scientific research.


    In the audience, some business leaders were supportive, while others clearly disapproved. Among them, Walden Wells, sitting in the front row, looked particrly grim.


    He had also been on the list of candidates for the chairmanship. He never expected the final choice to ben, a man not yet thirty. He surpassedn in both experience and seniority, and his achievements were certainly on par with the young man''s.


    At his age, he cared more for prestige than profit.


    Walden Wells let out a coldugh and stood up abruptly. His voice boomed, "Mr. Goodwin, I have a question. You propose establishing a technology development fund, but where will the fundinge from? Surely you don''t expect all of us businesses to be forced to contribute!"


    The room instantly fell silent. Everyone could hear the dissatisfaction in Walden Wells''s tone, and many who had also expected him to be the new chairman felt a sense of injustice on his behalf.


    He replied calmly, "That''s an excellent question, Mr. Wells. The initial funding of five billion will be provided by Goodwin & Co. Subsequent contributions will be on a voluntary subscription basis."


    His gaze swept across the room. "I trust everyone here understands that technology is the future."


    Walden Wells snorted, refusing to back down. "And what about management? Don''t tell me Goodwin & Co. will haveplete control!"


    Immediately, murmurs of discontent rippled through the crowd.


    Eleanor overheard two business figures whispering beside her, "I heard Walden Wells was very confident about this election. He probably thought the chairmanship was his."


    "He likely never imaginedn would snatch the position from him."


    "That confrontational tone? Yeah, that''s pretty clear he''s not happy."


    "He''s puttingn on the spot on his very first day. This won''t be an easy situation forn to handle."


    Eleanor frowned as the atmosphere in the room grew tense. Everyone in the audience was looking atn, waiting for his response.


    Eleanor couldn''t help but look up atn on the stage. At that very moment, his eyes


    met hers. Their gazes connected briefly in the air.


    He turned his steady, intimidating gaze back to Walden Wells. "You needn''t worry,


    Mr. Wells. The fund will have an independent council, and the council''s president will


    be elected by the members of The Guild of Commerce."


    The audience nodded in approval, satisfied withn''s solution.


    Walden Wells scoffed and reluctantly sat back down.


    his seat.


    Later, as the host on stage


    announced some follow-up details and the meeting drew to a close, Eleanor nced at her watch. She saw a light sh from her purse new message. She checked ber phone and saw it was fromn. Cóntent


    "Don''t leave after the meeting. I want to introduce you to some important people."


    Eleanor was taken aback and looked towardn. He didn''t turn around. Then, another message came through. "It will be helpful for your career."


    Eleanor replied, "Okay."


    After the meeting concluded, most of the attendees lingered, taking the opportunity


    towork with leaders from various fields. As Eleanor stood up, she sawn standing in a crowd, looking directly at her.


    She understood. Setting aside their history, she walked over to him. This was a connection she needed to make.


    As soon as Eleanor reachedn''s side, he led her to a spirited-looking elderly man: "Eleanor, this is President barkin of Permanence Pharmaceuticals." Then, turning to the older man, he said, "And this is Dr. Eleanor Sutton from Ashford


    Medical University."


    "President Larkin, it''s an honor to meet you. I''ve heard so much about you," Eleanor


    said with a smile, extending her hand.


    President Larkin''s eyes lit up as he


    warmly shook her hand. "Dr. Sutton, I''ve been following your breakthroughs in medicine w great interest. You''re truly a remarkable young talent! If there are any opportunities for coboration in the future, please don''t hesitate to find me at Permanence Group."


    "Thank you for thepliment. I look forward to working with you," Eleanor replied graciously.


    After a series of introductions, they found themselves near Walden Wells, who sneered, "Mr. Goodwin, you''re certainly going to great lengths, aren''t you? So eager to pave the way for Dr. Sutton."


    "Is that so?" Walden Wells retorted. "Mr. Goodwin, you should be careful not to abuse your position for personal gain. I heard you two used to be married."


    His words were a tant challenge, and the surrounding area fell silent.