She had thought that leaving Goodwin & Co. would allow her to conduct her researchpletely independently, but her new research direction was still inextricably linked ton. The patent for the brainputer interface was held by Goodwin & Co., and the core technology of the Meridian Dynamics system also required his authorization.


    This tangled, inseparable connection left her feeling both helpless and frustrated.


    Moreover, their ties weren''t just professional; they were also bound by their shared responsibility of raising their daughter.


    "Mommy," Evelyn''s voice called from the stairs after her bath. "Can I take my little tank to kindergarten tomorrow?"


    Eleanor snapped out of her thoughts and turned to her. "You can, but you have to take good care of it."


    Evelyn nodded her little head. "I just want to show it to Vivian."


    Later that night, holding her daughter, Eleanor was so tired she closed her eyes and fell asleep. But downstairs, the light inn''s study remained on until midnight.


    He rubbed his temples, his gaze fixed on the dense data reports on hisputer screen. There were several major projects that required his personal attention.


    Because now, the purpose of making money was not just to grow thepany, but also to pave the way for her research dreams.


    ***


    Three dayster, the team at the Neural Interface Projectb received a meeting notice.


    Eleanor already knew about the decision to transfer the project to the military, but Ryan and Callie were still in the dark.


    When Eleanor arrived at the conference room, she sawn sitting there in a ck shirt, a pair of gold-rimmed sses perched on his nose, his thick salt-and-pepper hair looking effortlessly styled.


    Ryan and Callie were a bit surprised to see him there, as were Joel and Byron Chase.


    "Mr. Goodwin," Ryan greeted him.


    "I''ve gathered you all today to announce the future arrangements for the Neural Interface Project," Ian began, getting straight to the point. "After negotiations with the military, the project''s core technology and research findings will be fully transferred for military use."


    Callie gasped, her shock palpable. "Does that mean theb is being dissolved?"


    "Even if theb is dissolved, you will have other arrangements," Ian said, ncing at Callie, then at Eleanor. Coincidentally, her new project needed people.


    Callie scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed.


    "Goodwin & Co. will retain the research rights for the civilian sector,"n said, pushing up his sses His deep gaze felt on Eleanor The flitary has requested that the original team remainin charge of the technology transfer for a period of three months


    Eleanor nodded, her expression calm. "Understood."


    "Dr. Lyman, thank you for your hard work during this time,"n said to Ryan. After all, he was on loan from Principal Maxwell, andn had to return him on schedule.


    Ryan smiled. "You''re too kind. It''s been my honor to work with Eleanor and Callie." "Eleanor, you and Callie will be responsible for the handover to the military,"n continued, then looked at Joel. "Dr. Kingsley, you will continue to be in full charge of the civilian projects."


    Joel nodded. "Understood."


    After the meeting,n nced at his watch and said to Eleanor, "I''ll pick you up at eleven-thirty. Let''s have lunch together. I have something to discuss with you."


    Eleanor was taken aback. Ian left with Byron.


    Callie couldn''t help but look at Eleanor. "Eleanor, did you know about this already?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes. The initial n for the Neural Interface Project was always to hand it over to the military after a breakthrough."


    Joel agreed. "Indeed. The recent breakthrough shows that the project''s system is stable and mature. Further in depth resear


    not suitable for a private enterprise to hold. Handing it over to the military is the most appropriate choice."


    Callie understood now. He looked at Eleanor. "Eleanor, so where are you nning to go next?"


    "I''ll be focusing on research into neurodegenerative diseases," Eleanor told Callie.


    "If you''re willing, you can join this new project."


    Callie''s eyes lit up. "So, you''re saying we can still work together?"


    Nearby, Joel frowned. "That direction also requires brainputer interface technology. So, you still can''t get away from Goodwin & Co.''s support."


    Eleanor paused in her task of gathering her files. It was true. Even with a new research direction, she would still needn''s technical support. She nodded. "Yes. Research is never a singr endeavor."


    Callie asked curiously, "So, are we still conducting research under Goodwin & Co.?"


    "Not entirely," Eleanor exined. "The research will be independently supported by a new foundation established by The Guild of


    Commerce. We''ll just need Goodwin & Co''s authorization for the


    technology."


    Callie was excited nheless. "As long as I can keep doing research with you, it doesn''t matter where."


    Joel watched Eleanor thoughtfully. Couldn''s purpose in running for chairman of The Guild of Commerce have included securing a special research fund for Eleanor?


    But regardless, he was happy for her that her future research now had a clear direction.


    At eleven-thirty, while Eleanor was organizing documents in her office, a message fromn came through. [I''m downstairs at the entrance.]