Chapter 1133

The meeting had just begun when one of the directors was the first to complain, “Fifty billion? Mr. Goodwin, the Neural Interface Project has already consumed a massive amount of capital with no commercial return in sight, and now you want to add another fifty billion? This is just burning money p>

An uproar filled the room as half of the board members voiced their agreement.

“I suggest we keep the civilian application part of the project but cut funding for the medical R&D,” another director proposed. “That way, we can at least salvage the initial investment p>

Seated at the head of the table, lan listened calmly to the chorus of objections, his eyes behind the gold-rimmed glasses as sharp as a scalpel.

“Any other opinions? Let’s hear them all now,” lan said coolly. His voice wasn’t loud, but it instantly silenced the agitated shareholders.

“Mr. Goodwin, now’s not the time to let emotions drive the decision,” advised an older director, one on good terms with him. “The group has a duty to its shareholders p>

Eleanor’s hands tightened under the table. Just as she’d expected, the lack of progress on the Neural Interface Project had drawn the ire of the major shareholders, and they were now protesting collectively.

She looked at the man at the head of the table, who remained calm and composed, exuding his usual confidence and ease.

lan possessed a naturally commanding presence, and for a moment, the emotional shareholders didn’t dare say more. Still, some grumbled under their breath, “But the investment is just too large p>

“It is precisely because I am responsible for the shareholders’ interests that I insist on this project,” lan said, standing up. His gaze swept across the room. “I believe in the project led by Dr. Sutton. It will undoubtedly achieve remarkable success and will not disappoint any of you p>

In an instant, every gaze shifted toward Eleanor. Her company held a substantial stake in Goodwin & Co., which made her a legitimate major shareholder.

“Ms. Sutton, can you guarantee that? Can you guarantee our investment will see a return instead of just going down the drain?” a middle-aged shareholder sitting across from her challenged, his tone laced with a hint of disdain.

After all, Eleanor was too young and had a face that beautiful. Anyone would instinctively doubt whether she was just a pretty face with no substance.

Under everyone’s gaze, Eleanor slowly rose to her feet. She was dressed in a simple white suit, looking cool and professional.

“I cannot guarantee one hundred percent success,” Eleanor’s voice was clear and firm. “But I can

guarantee that once this project net

achieves a breakthrough, it will revolutionize the entire medical field, enabling direct communication between the human brain and machines p>

lan watched her, a complex emotion in his eyes. Eleanor’s presence here today was

clearly to back him up, to stand with him.

Did she know something?

Or was she standing up just to help him?

“More importantly,” lan added in a low, deep voice, “this project has gained attention at the national level. I’m sure I don’t need to elaborate on its strategic significance p>

The directors exchanged glances. They knew their protests couldn’t sway lan’s decision. One by one, they changed their tune, turning the situation around, and the board

unanimously approved board

the

additional investment.

After the meeting, Eleanor was the first to leave, with lan following right behind her.

“Eleanor p>

Eleanor stopped and looked at him. “Is there anything else, Mr. Goodwin p>

“Thank you,” lan said, his eyes fixed on her face.

Eleanor replied calmly, “No need to thank me. It’s all for the successful development

of the Neural Interface Project p>

“Lunch together p>

“No, thank you. I need to get back to the lab,” Eleanor said, turning to leave.

lan’s low voice followed her. “Eleanor, while you’re focused on your work, don’t forget to take care of yourself p>

Eleanor paused and looked back, but lan had already turned and walked away.