As soon as Eleanor''s nended, someone was there to pick her up and take her to Ashford Medical University. She arrived just in time for the meeting, where six medical experts were discussing Mansfield''s future treatment.


    When a photo appeared on the screen, Eleanor fought back tears. In the picture, Mansfield looked as if he were merely asleep, wearing a venttor, his face much thinner.


    "Eleanor, we''ve discussed the situation. Now we need to hear your opinion," Principal Maxwell''s gentle voice cut through. He could see Eleanor was emotional, but he hoped she could offer a suggestion that would give them hope.


    Eleanor took a deep breath, forcing down the churning sorrow in her heart, and focused on the meeting at hand.


    She began to clearly articte thetest progress and theoretical underpinnings of the neural interface project.


    "Although our project is still some distance from clinical trials, if it bes necessary, we have promising avenues to explore and the confidence to try."


    Eleanor''s proposal wasn''t some far-fetched dream. It was built on solid experimental data and cutting-edge theory.


    The experts present whispered among themselves, their eyes showing a mix of contemtion and caution, but Principal Maxwell gave Eleanor a look of affirmation.


    After the meeting, apanied personally by Principal Maxwell, Eleanor finally arrived at the special ward reserved for Mansfield.


    The entire floor''s corridor was silent. Just then, a nurse approached. "Doctor, there''s a visitor inside. Should I let them know you''re here?"


    Eleanor peered through the ss window on the door and saw the scene inside the room.


    She saw a young woman in a hospital gown, sitting in a wheelchair. The woman''s back was to the door, revealing a neat, short haircut. She was leaning forward slightly, meticulously tucking in the corners of Mansfield''s nket.


    Eleanor recognized her-Sophia.


    She hade to visit Mansfield thest time he was hospitalized after an injury, and Eleanor couldn''t have missed her feelings of admiration for him.


    "Let''s not disturb her. I can wait," Eleanor said, aplex mix of


    emotions welling up inside her concern, sympathy and perhaps a touch of indescribable poignancy.


    Principal Maxwell stood beside her, also aware of who was inside. He sighed softly.


    "It''s Sophia. She''s beening to sit with Mansfield often since his ident."


    She


    He paused, his tone growing heavy with regret. "That child... it hasn''t been easy for her. This time, it''s not just the paralysis of her legs. She''s also been implicated in a serious disciplinary vition. Her future is effectively ruined."


    Eleanor''s heart sank. She couldn''t help but ask, "Is her injury rted to Mansfield?"


    Principal Maxwell shook his head. "I don''t know the specific details. I only heard from her father that she''s facing a hearing."


    Eleanor''s heart grew heavy at his words. Sophia was involved in a disciplinary incident as well?


    She remembered her from theirst meeting—so bright and outstanding. Such an oue was truly cruel for her.


    Just then, Sophia, inside the room, noticed someone outside. She maneuvered her wheelchair toward the door.


    When her eyes met Eleanor''s, a flicker of embarrassment crossed her otherwise calm expression. "Mr. Maxwell, Miss Sutton, you''re here."


    Eleanor took in her reaction, understandingpletely. She greeted her with a warm smile. "Miss Shona, it''s been a while."


    "It has. You should go in and visit Major Ellington," Sophia said, her voice clear. Despite being in a wheelchair, she still carried the, resolute air of someone from the military.