"This year''s Sun Valley Conference is critical for securing follow-up funding and international partnerships for the neural interface project. If Mr. Goodwin is absent, not only will he miss out on important opportunities, but the board might also question his decision-making abilities, leading to dissent," Gavin finally stated his request. "Please, convince Mr. Goodwin that he must attend this conference."


    Eleanor thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright, I''ll talk to him."


    A look of relief washed over Gavin''s face. "Thank you, I appreciate it."


    After Gavin left, Eleanor picked up her phone and, without hesitation, dialedn''s number.


    The call was answered quickly. "I''m still on the road. Did Evelyn call you?"


    "No," Eleanor took a deep breath. "Ian, I don''t need you to give up The Sun Valley Conference because of my injury."


    There was a few seconds of silence on the other end. "Did Gavin ask you to convince me?"


    "I don''t need you to take care of me—"


    "Eleanor," the man''s voice was filled with self-reproach and guilt, "Three years ago, I missed your calls and left you to face Evelyn''s surgery alone. I can''t be absent again this time."


    Eleanor gripped her phone tighter. "It''s not necessary. You should focus on your work. I''ll look after Evelyn."


    "Eleanor, when I make a decision—"


    n, as one of yourpany''s shareholders, I have the right to demand that you prioritize thepany''s interests," Eleanor interrupted him calmly. "If you insist on canceling your trip and it affects the future funding for the Neural Interface Project, then the three-year n I guaranteed to the board will be a joke."


    A long silence followed on the other end. Ian clearly hadn''t expected Eleanor to use her position as leverage.


    "Are you threatening me?" His voice held a note of weary disbelief.


    "I''m simply reminding you of your responsibilities as CEO," Eleanor said evenly. It was the only way she could persuade him.


    "Fine, I promise I''ll go to the


    conference,n conceded. Then he added But you have to promise me you rest and recover properly Seren@can bring Evelyn to my ce and put her to bed. She has experience with that."


    "It''s fine, I can go home tomorrow-" Eleanor began, nning to recuperate at home.


    "No, you must stay in the hospital until the observation period is over,"n said, not allowing it.


    Eleanor fell silent. Once he was gone for the conference, she could do as she pleased.


    "During this conference, my phone will be on 24/7,"n said in a low voice. "You can reach me at any time."


    Eleanor frowned. It was clear thatn''s status in the global business world was far different now.


    Perhaps three years ago, he had needed to fight for partnerships at The Sun Valley Conference, but now, he had be a key figure capable of influencing the global techndscape.


    "I know," Eleanor replied faintly.


    Her response seemed to liftn''s spirits. "Okay, bye."


    After ending the call, Eleanor gazed out the window at the deepening night, aplex mix of emotions. stirring within her. She thought. about what Gavin had said. What wasn''s original intention in setting up his privateb?


    After all, the blood disorder wasn''t hisb''s first project. The first one was leukemia research, and he had even invited her father to participate. Was it really just about making a breakthrough to earn money?


    Before Eleanor could sort out her thoughts, a nurse came in pushing a food trolley.


    "Miss Sutton, your dinner."