"What? lan wants to transfer you to Sanctuary City?" Vanessa's surprise was evident even through the phone.

In that instant, Faye realized lan hadn't mentioned anything to Vanessa before making this decision.

A cold wave of disappointment swept through her, but she managed to keep her voice steady. "Yes. Professor Langley called this morning and asked me to think it over."

Vanessa fell silent for a few moments. "So, what are you planning to do, Faye?"

"I've made up my mind," Faye replied, her tone resolute. "I want to earn my place on the team. I'll go through the assessment process and prove myself."

A soft sigh came from the other end. "Alright, go for the assessment then. Since lan's already put everything in Joel's hands, if I force him to make an exception, it'll only make things harder for him." After a pause, Vanessa asked, "What position did lan offer you in Sanctuary City?"

"I didn't ask for details, but Professor Langley said it's a team lead role for a research project."

Vanessa sighed again. "Seems lan's not exactly shortchanging you. It's just that you don't want to go."

"Exactly. Mr. Goodwin's been fair to me it's not that the offer isn't good enough. I just don't want to leave here," Faye admitted. She couldn't blame lan for this.

"Alright, in that case, focus on the assessment and do your best." Vanessa's tone was encouraging.

After hanging up, Faye pressed her lips together, determination flashing in her eyes. She couldn't let herself lose.

She pulled open the bottom drawer of her desk, took out a thick binder of FDA certification materials, and began marking key sections with a highlighter.

A little later, she returned Simone's call. When Faye explained she wouldn't be going to Sanctuary City, Simone sounded genuinely disappointed-it was a solid opportunity, after all.

Meanwhile, in the lab, Eleanor, Joel, and Callie were poring over the latest experimental data. Callie was eager to learn, and Joel was more patient than usual, knowing how crucial it was for Callie to master the protocols. Once Joel left, Eleanor would need someone she could rely on.

"In the future, Eleanor shouldn't be handling the heavy lifting, especially during animal trials," Joel said. "Let the others handle the grunt work."

Callie nodded. "Understood. I'll take care of anything that needs muscle from now on." He admired Eleanor deeply and could tell Joel was reluctant to hand over responsibilities. Still, being part of the Neural Interface Project Team was a dream come true. He was determined to prove himself worthy of Joel's trust.

Learning from Eleanor was an honor he didn't take lightly.

Eleanor excused herself and headed out. On her way back to her office, she nearly ran into Faye in the hallway. Faye, suspecting that Eleanor had spoken to lan about her transfer, stopped her.

"Eleanor, did you mention to Mr. Goodwin that I should be moved?"

Eleanor paused, her voice cool. "No, I didn't."

"You didn't? So Mr. Goodwin's decision to transfer me to the Sanctuary City lab wasn't your idea?"

Eleanor looked at her, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. Ian wanted to send Faye to Sanctuary City? That was the lab he'd acquired after buying out a biotech company there.

Seeing Eleanor's reaction, Faye realized she was telling the truth. Still, she couldn't resist adding, "Even though Mr. Goodwin offered me a research team lead position, I turned it down. I'd rather stay here."

A team lead? lan was being generous.

Just then, Eleanor's phone buzzed. She glanced at the message:

Dinner with Joel tonight. Join us?

-lan