Eleanor nced at him, quicklyposing herself as she sat down. She was dressed in a simple, cream-colored suit, her long hair neatly tied up, revealing her elegant neckline. Seated at a conference table full of men, she had a uniquely refined presence.


    Diaz took a seat beside her as an engineer began the presentation. Eleanor listened with rapt attention, while Diaz took notes.


    After the presentation, Byron asked if Eleanor could point out any issues with their new research. Eleanor did have a few questions and suggestions. She analyzed the technical challenges with rity and logic, radiating an aura of intelligence and dedication.


    Amidst the many eyes following her every move, one gaze was different; it was heavy with pride and the profound relief of rediscovering a treasure once thought lost.


    Byron and the others were well aware of Eleanor''s excellence in her field. They had seen hermand meetings with ease and control on numerous asions.


    In fact, a revolutionary technology at Meridian Dynamics had been built on Eleanor''s theoretical support. Now, they were using that theory to advance the entire field of biotechnology to new heights.


    Diaz''s eyes were also fixed on Eleanor, full of admiration and awe. He was too young to hide his enthusiasm.


    He failed to notice an impassive gaze fixed on him. Yet, the sight of that young, vibrant face was like a tiny splinter, pricking atn''s nerves.


    He lifted the teacup in front of him and took a sip of the now-cool tea, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing against the side of the cup.


    He disliked anyone looking at Eleanor that way. Even if it was just admiration, it made him ufortable.


    Eleanor, however, waspletely absorbed in the academic discussion, exchanging ideas with the engineer across the table. Byron chimed in from time to time, leaving only one person whose thoughts were drifting outside the technical exchange.


    "Your suggestions are invaluable, Eleanor. We will definitely evaluate them and make adjustments," Byron praised her enthusiastically.


    "Indeed! Dr. Sutton always brings us new ideas."


    Eleanor was taken aback. Byron immediately turned to his engineers. "In that case, we won''t join you. We have to hold an emergency meeting at noon."


    Eleanor nced at her watch. "VP Chase, I still need to discuss the patent licensing with you."


    "Oh, that just needs Mr. Goodwin''s approval. I''ll have my assistantplete the review and signing process," Byron said with a smile.


    Eleanor turned ton. "I''d like to use three of Meridian Dynamics'' technology patents."


    His words were followed by a few seconds of dead silence in the conference room. Everyone understood the weight of that statement.


    Meridian Dynamics held over two


    thousand patents, and its core


    of


    patents were the very n


    thepany''s market position, each with immensemercial value.


    most precious asset library exclusively for Eleanor''s team.


    It was clear thatn''s trust and support for Eleanor went far beyond the scope of a typical business partnership.


    Eleanor was stunned as well. She knewn wouldn''t make things difficult for her, but she never expected him to give herplete, unconditional ess.


    Byron was the first to recover,


    smiling. "Eleanor, Meridian


    Qu


    Dynamics is willing to provide you with the greatest possible


    convenience and support from now on. I have a proposal drafted for


    youter with the specific ne


    authorization details. In the future, you won''t have to make a trip in person for things like this anymore."