Chapter 520
Eleanor had suspected lan wouldn’t let her go easily, but she never imagined he’d be this calculating.
She was determined to leave. No matter what tactic he tried or who he sent to persuade her, it wouldn’t work.
“Professor Langley, could you please tell him not to waste his time? I’m not accepting this arrangement p>
A flicker of surprise crossed Simone’s face. This was the biggest compromise lan could offer; if Eleanor took the chance, it would be in her best interest.
“Eleanor, don’t be so quick to refuse,” Simone said earnestly. “This is only going to benefit you. Even after you leave the lab, you’ll still have access to all this support. Isn’t that a wonderful thing p>
Eleanor was quiet for a moment before lifting her head. “Thank you for your concern, Professor Langley p>
“This isn’t just lan’s idea. It’s my advice as well.” Simone’s gaze was sincere. “In research, connections and resources are everything. Why jeopardize your future over a personal grudge p>
Eleanor understood. Anyone else in her position would see this as a golden opportunity. If her father were still alive, he’d be trying to talk some sense into her as well.
But she knew exactly which path she wanted to take.
Simone wasn’t ready to give up. “You can treat this as a purely professional partnership. Ian values your abilities, and you need his resources and funding. You each get what you need, without interfering in each other’s lives. That’s not a bad deal p>
Eleanor bit her lip and stayed silent. She knew Simone meant well, and it pained her to keep rejecting her kindness.
At last, Simone sighed. After all this time working together, she knew Eleanor- once her mind was made up, there was no turning back.
“Alright. The clinical trials for the new drug will wrap up in three months. Take your time to think it over before you decide p>
When Simone left, Eleanor sat there with a furrowed brow. Anyone else would have accepted lan’s offer without hesitation. He really did know her well-knew she couldn’t let go of her research, and that the freedom of an independent PI, combined with the lab’s resources, was every scientist’s dream.
But lan was still treating her like the Eleanor he used to know. He was playing the wrong game.
Eleanor wasn’t worried about finding resources or funding for her future. What mattered was breaking free from lan, once and for all.
She had no desire to be his pawn for making money.
Word spread through the lab almost instantly. In the cafeteria, several of her
friends gathered around her-Gwenda, Valery, Andie, and Callie-all with concern in their eyes.
“Eleanor, are you really leaving p>
“Where are you planning to go next p>
“You’re not thinking of moving abroad, are you? You’ve already got plenty of
funding, and your list of accomplishments is impressive p>
Eleanor just smiled at their barrage of questions. “I’m a bit worn out. I need some
time to rest. I haven’t decided which lab I’ll join next p>
“Eleanor could walk into any lab she wants,” Callie said, her eyes full of
reluctance. She’d learned so much working with Eleanor.
Seeing how much they’d miss her, Eleanor couldn’t help but laugh. “We’ll still be colleagues. I’m sure we’ll see each other around. Besides, I’m not leaving just yet -I’ll be here for at least three more months p>
Everyone nodded. Eleanor’s future was beyond anything they could imagine. Next time they saw her, she might have an even more prestigious title.
Not far away, Faye sat eating with Nina. Watching the crowd around Eleanor, Nina whispered, “Faye, you have to land the independent Pl spot this time. I’m rooting for you p>
Faye barely touched her food, glancing in Eleanor’s direction. “I’ll do my best, but there’s no guarantee p>
“Joel’s still at Meridian Dynamics. Aside from you, who else could finish this project p>
Faye didn’t bother explaining that Eleanor’s departure meant the project would be scrapped. She simply said, “We’ll talk about it later p>
Back in her office, Eleanor’s phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw a message from Xavier.
“Heard you’re leaving lan’s lab p>