Eleanor picked up her phone and went downstairs. As she was crossing the lobby, a figure carrying a stack of documents walked toward her. It was Faye Yeaton.

When Faye saw Eleanor approaching, her expression stiffened slightly.

Eleanor, however, walked past her naturally with her bag. Faye, holding her documents, turned around just in time to see a black sedan parked at the lab's

entrance.

The car window rolled down, revealing the driver to be none other than lan.

Eleanor casually opened the passenger door and got in. As the window rolled up, the luxury car drove away.

The sight filled Faye with such jealousy that she clutched her documents tightly. When had Eleanor and lan gotten back to this point?

It was lunchtime. Were they going on a private date?

Were they going to remarry? The thought coiled around her heart like a venomous snake. Faye hadn't forgotten how she used to mock Eleanor, how she'd said her status as the wife of a billionaire was just for show, and how she'd laughed at her for being abandoned. Now, just two and a half years later, there were signs of Eleanor and lan getting back together.

Was Eleanor going to be Mrs. Goodwin again in the future?

Faye's chest heaved. What right did Eleanor have to get all of this?

The vast research resources, the title of Mrs. Goodwin, the position as chief researcher of a core project-every single one of those was something Faye could only dream of now.

And yet, this dazzling Eleanor was only twenty-eight this year. Fate was truly too kind to her.

***

In the car, lan asked Eleanor, "What do you feel like eating?"

"Anything is fine," Eleanor said, showing no preference. Instead, she asked curiously, "What did you want to discuss with me?"

While waiting at a red light, lan reached into the back seat, grabbed a file, and handed it to her. "This is the draft charter for the neuroscience research foundation. Take a look and give me your feedback."

Eleanor was stunned. She hadn't expected him to move so quickly. She took the file and read through it carefully. The terms were just as he had promised, granting the chief scientist a great deal of autonomy. The initial funding amount was-twenty billion dollars.

Eleanor's gaze lingered on that number for a long time. Then, she looked up at lan, her voice filled with shock. "This funding amount-isn't it a bit too much?"

lan's expression was calm. "This was determined after a professional assessment. Your research requires long-term investment, and this amount will ensure that your work won't be constrained by funding for the next five years."

"But-" Eleanor started to say more.

"Don't worry about the source of the funds," Ian interrupted her. "The Guild of Commerce has already approved the budget."

Eleanor lowered her head and

continued to read the document. She found that in addition to the

ample financial security the chartër also explicitly stated that the research team would have ful ownership of their findings, with the foundation only retaining oversight rights. Such terms were almost unheard of in the academic world.

"Are you sure The Guild of Commerce will approve these terms?" Eleanor looked up, astonished. These conditions were incredibly favorable for the researchers.

"Are you hoping they won't be approved?" lan retorted, raising an eyebrow. There was a hint of a smile in his eyes behind the lenses.

"Of course not," Eleanor said, closing the file. "I just think this charter is overly generous. I'm worried that other members of The Guild of Commerce will have objections."

Eleanor didn't want him to be under pressure to secure resources for her, nor did she want to owe him any more favors.

lan elegantly turned the steering wheel, his tone casual but firm. "There will naturally

be objections. But persuading them is my job."

He glanced at her. "The Guild of

Commerce established this

foundation with the express purpose

of supporting top-tier research

breakthrough potential and

with

long-term value. You are the most

Suitable date for investment

This will be a strategic investment, and the Guild is very optimistic about it."

Eleanor turned to look out the window, lost in thought for a moment. Ian glanced over again. "What's wrong? Feeling pressured?"

Eleanor turned back to meet his gaze. "As long as it doesn't cause you any trouble, I can handle the pressure on my end."

"Just focus on your research. Don't worry about anything else," lan said, a very faint smile playing on his lips.

The lunch was at a quiet private restaurant. After they were seated, lan handed Eleanor the menu.

As Eleanor browsed the menu, her expression suddenly froze for a few seconds. When had it happened? When had she become able to sit and have a meal with him so naturally?

lan seemed to notice. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Eleanor said, her expression returning to normal as she continued to look at the menu.

lan continued, "You can take the

charter details back with you to study carefully. If you have any questions, contact me directly. The foundation is expected to be officially established next month. Before then, you'll need to submit a research proposal for ou records and for future evaluation."

"Okay," Eleanor replied softly.

"Also," lan said, picking up his teacup and narrowing his eyes, "thank you for your hard work during these three months of transitioning the project to the military."

"It's no trouble." Eleanor would, of course, complete the handover of this project perfectly before moving on to her next step.

"The military's requirements and standards are different from commercial projects. The process will be stricter. If you run into any difficulties, let me know immediately." The protective and supportive undertones in his words were unmistakable.