The meeting had just begun when one of the directors was the first toin, "Fifty billion? Mr. Goodwin, the Neural Interface Project has already consumed a massive amount of capital with nomercial return in sight, and now you want to add another fifty billion? This is just burning money."


    An uproar filled the room as half of the board members voiced their agreement.


    "I suggest we keep the civilian application part of the project but cut funding for the medical R&D," another director proposed. "That way, we can at least salvage the initial investment."


    Seated at the head of the table,n listened calmly to the chorus of objections, his eyes behind the gold-rimmed sses as sharp as a scalpel.


    "Any other opinions? Let''s hear them all now,"n said coolly. His voice wasn''t loud, but it instantly silenced the agitated shareholders.


    "Mr. Goodwin, now''s not the time to let emotions drive the decision," advised an older director, one on good terms with him. "The group has a duty to its shareholders."


    Eleanor''s hands tightened under the table. Just as she''d expected, theck of progress on the Neural Interface Project had drawn the ire of the major shareholders, and they were now protesting collectively.


    She looked at the man at the head of the table, who remained calm andposed, exuding his usual confidence and ease.


    "It is precisely because I am responsible for the shareholders'' interests that I insist on this project,"n said, standing up. His gaze swept across the room. "I believe in the project led by Dr. Sutton. It will undoubtedly achieve remarkable sess and will not disappoint any of you."


    In an instant, every gaze shifted toward Eleanor. Herpany held a substantial stake in Goodwin & Co., which made her a legitimate major shareholder.


    "Ms. Sutton, can you guarantee that? Can you guarantee our investment will see a return instead of just going down the drain?" a middle-aged shareholder sitting across from her challenged, his toneced with a hint of disdain.


    After all, Eleanor was too young and had a face that beautiful. Anyone would instinctively doubt whether she was just a pretty face with no substance.


    Under everyone''s gaze, Eleanor slowly rose to her feet. She was dressed in a simple white suit, looking cool and professional.


    "I cannot guarantee one hundred percent sess," Eleanor''s voice was clear and firm. "But I can


    guarantee that once this project


    achieves a breakthrough, it will revolutionize the entire medical field, enabling directmunication between the human brain and machines."


    clearly to back him up, to stand with him.


    Did she know something?


    Or was she standing up just to help him?


    "More importantly,"n added in a low, deep voice, "this project has gained attention at the national level. I''m sure I don''t need to borate on its strategic significance."


    The directors exchanged nces. They knew their protests couldn''t swayn''s decision. One by one, they changed their tune, turning the situation around, and the board


    unanimously approved board


    the


    additional investment.


    After the meeting, Eleanor was the first to leave, withn following right behind her.


    "Eleanor!"


    Eleanor stopped and looked at him. "Is there anything else, Mr. Goodwin?"


    "Thank you,"n said, his eyes fixed on her face.


    Eleanor replied calmly, "No need to thank me. It''s all for the sessful development


    of the Neural Interface Project."


    "Lunch together?"


    "No, thank you. I need to get back to theb," Eleanor said, turning to leave.


    Eleanor paused and looked back, butn had already turned and walked away.