"Yes," Eleanor replied, subtly shifting to avoid his gaze, feeling a little uneasy.


    Eleanor went back out to the main area. Joy approached, handing her a ss of champagne. "Still early. Have a drink."


    Eleanor took the ss and had just taken a sip when Joy said, "I sawn arrived."


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes."


    At two o''clock sharp, theunch ceremony began. After a brief opening by the host,n rose from his seat and walked to the podium with an air of elegance andposure.


    Under the spotlight, his figure was tall and straight, his suit enhancing his distinguished and cool demeanor. As chairman of The Guild of Commerce, his address was visionary, concise, and powerful.


    Aftern''s speech, the host announced with enthusiasm, "Next, we would like to invite Dr. Sutton from Ashford Medical University to the stage to give her presentation."


    Thunderous apuse filled the room. Eleanor took a deep breath and, under the watchful eyes of the audience, walked calmly and naturally toward the stage.


    Her path crossed withn''s as he returned to his seat.


    He turned slightly to the side, and their eyes met for a brief moment. In his gaze, Eleanor saw a hint of encouragement.


    She continued to the podium without breaking her stride, adjusted the microphone, and then offered a natural smile.


    At that smile, the audience fell silent for a few seconds.


    One pair of eyes, in particr, was locked on her. Eleanor''s smile exuded


    confidence and poise, infused with the quiet strength unique to a researcher. It was exceptionally captivating.


    Eleanor began her speech. There were no flowery words, only a logically tight and easily understandable presentation of her research, drawing the audience into a future filled with infinite scientific possibility.


    Whispers broke out in the audience. "If Dr. Sutton''s research is sessful, does that mean there will be a cure for Alzheimer''s?"


    "Oh my gosh, I hope she finds it right now. My aunt was just diagnosed."


    On stage, Eleanor''s solid research foundation and firm belief in the future culminated in a standing ovation as she concluded her speech.


    After her presentation, Eleanor gave a slight bow and left the stage. She returned to her seat as several other key partners and academic representatives took their turns to speak. The event proceededo smoothly, leading to the most crucial moment-the fund''s unveiling ceremony.


    As the apuse died down, Eleanor looked up at the stage and her eyes unexpectedly metn''s again. He was looking at her with a deep, prating gaze. This time, Eleanor didn''t look away. Instead, heo expression conveyed her approval for his role in leading this initiative.


    Because of his efforts, the future of technological innovation held greater promise. The projectunch concluded perfectly.


    Background music began to y as guests started to mingle and depart.


    Eleanor and Joy were about to get up and leave whenn''s figure suddenly approached. Joy leaned in close to Eleanor''s ear. "Look, Mr. Goodwin is sporting a special essory today. A sleeve garter!"


    Eleanor was taken aback. She nced atn and saw that he was indeed wearing a sleeve garter on his left arm.


    It was ck, and it looked familiar.