Chapter 524

“I’ve heard about that project too, but unfortunately, it was shut down due to the high costs,” the doctor said with a sigh.

lan’s eyes sharpened. “Oh? Which researcher managed to pull off something like that p>

The doctor shook his head. “I can’t recall the name. Just that it was a young researcher. The experimental data was kept strictly confidential, and once the funding dried up, the project was terminated.” He couldn’t help but add, “It’s a real shame. If they’d been able to keep going, who knows what breakthroughs they might have achieved by now p>

A thoughtful glint passed through lan’s gaze.

“Getting interested in this field, Mr. Goodwin?” another expert teased with a friendly smile.

lan’s lips curved up. “Indeed. Meridian Dynamics is preparing to invest in this area for our next round of research p>

“If you’re serious, you should reach out to Drexford’s lab-track down that

researcher and bring her on board. Who knows, she might help you make history in medicine p>

lan nodded. “That’s exactly what I was thinking p>

If he wanted to keep Eleanor, the only way was to offer her the most cutting-edge research—something she’d never resist.

It looked like he’d be making another trip to Drexford very soon.

“If Meridian Dynamics manages to break new ground here, the next Nobel laureate could come from your company,” someone joked.

lan’s smile deepened. “That’s precisely the plan p>

Just then, a white Bentley pulled out of the underground parking garage, catching lan’s eye. He watched it glide away, gaze intent, even as the conversation continued around him.

Eleanor arrived at the lab just as Joel returned from a meeting. He hadn’t seen her in ages, and as soon as he spotted her, he came hurrying over.

“Eleanor, is it true you’re leaving the lab?” Joel’s voice was edged with concern.

After all, he’d returned from abroad because of her. He’d thought they’d always be colleagues, growing together in the field.

Eleanor gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Joel. It was a sudden decision-I haven’t had a chance to tell everyone yet p>

Joel sighed, understanding all too well. He knew working under lan hadn’t been easy for her.

“I get it, I do. Still… I hate to see you go.” He let out another long breath.

“I’m just leaving this lab, not science. We’ll cross paths again, I’m sure,” Eleanor reassured him.

“With your talent, I’m sure every top research team will be fighting to recruit you. Even the national team would love to have you join.” Joel managed a smile, then hesitated before adding, “Has he agreed to let you leave p>

There was no need to clarify who “he” was.

“My decision doesn’t need his approval,” Eleanor answered lightly.

Joel nodded, knowing lan was just the investor-he couldn’t force Eleanor to stay. Unless p>

He recalled something Byron Chase had mentioned to him the day before. Though he doubted it was related to Eleanor, Meridian Dynamics was definitely making headlines in frontier medical research.

Would Eleanor be tempted to stay after all? He couldn’t help but hope.

At that moment, Faye walked by, arms full of files. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Joel, but he didn’t even notice her-his attention fixed entirely on Eleanor.

It seemed that as long as Eleanor was around, Joel never looked at anyone else.

But with Eleanor leaving, Faye realized her own chances to see Joel would soon dwindle.

Given Joel’s trajectory at Meridian Dynamics, Faye was sure Eleanor wouldn’t be able to keep up with him for long.

Joel, despite himself, lowered his voice and said, “Meridian Dynamics is launching a new project in neural innovation. Eleanor, would you be interested in joining p>

Eleanor paused, startled. So lan was already moving forward. He wasn’t wasting any time.

She shook her head. “Joel, I’m about to leave. There’s no point in considering it.” Joel was visibly disappointed, but he respected her decision. “Alright. Let’s keep in touch. I’ll see you around p>

With that, Joel checked his watch and walked off-never glancing in Faye’s direction.

Faye’s heart sank, but she mustered a smile and walked up to Eleanor. “You’re really leaving, huh? Just… when you catch up with Joel in the future, don’t bring up Meridian Dynamics’ core projects. It’s bad form in our field, you know p>

Eleanor couldn’t be bothered to respond to her paranoia and simply turned to leave.

“If you ever end up fighting over patents in court, it’ll get ugly,” Faye added, her voice tinged with warning.

All she received was Eleanor’s retreating back. Faye bit her lip, her own expression darkening.

Still, as she thought about Eleanor leaving—meaning no more chance to get her hands on the best projects-Faye’s mood brightened a little. Especially since she’d heard last night that Meridian Dynamics had something big on the horizon. Back at her office, Eleanor heard her phone buzz. A message from lan: “I’ll be away on business for a month. If Evelyn asks about me, please reassure her.” Eleanor frowned, not even bothering to reply.

It was almost laughable-when they were married, he’d never bothered to check in. Now that they were divorced, he thought she owed him an explanation?