No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1281

She had thought that leaving Goodwin & Co. would allow her to conduct her research completely independently, but her new research direction was still inextricably linked to Ian. The patent for the brain-computer interface was held by Goodwin & Co., and the core technology of the Meridian Dynamics system also required his authorization.

This tangled, inseparable connection left her feeling both helpless and frustrated.

Moreover, their ties weren't just professional; they were also bound by their shared responsibility of raising their daughter.

"Mommy," Evelyn's voice called from the stairs after her bath. "Can I take my little tank to kindergarten tomorrow?"

Eleanor snapped out of her thoughts and turned to her. "You can, but you have to take good care of it."

Evelyn nodded her little head. "I just want to show it to Vivian."

Later that night, holding her daughter, Eleanor was so tired she closed her eyes and fell asleep. But downstairs, the light in Ian's study remained on until midnight.

Ian had fallen behind on some important work and was now pulling an all-nighter to catch up.

He rubbed his temples, his gaze fixed on the dense data reports on his computer screen. There were several major projects that required his personal attention.

Because now, the purpose of making money was not just to grow the company, but also to pave the way for her research dreams.

***

Three days later, the team at the Neural Interface Project lab received a meeting notice.

Eleanor already knew about the decision to transfer the project to the military, but Ryan and Callie were still in the dark.

When Eleanor arrived at the conference room, she saw Ian sitting there in a black shirt, a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, his thick salt-and-pepper hair looking effortlessly styled.

Ryan and Callie were a bit surprised to see him there, as were Joel and Byron Chase.

"Mr. Goodwin," Ryan greeted him.

Ian looked up, his gaze briefly lingering on Eleanor before he gestured for everyone to sit.

"I've gathered you all today to announce the future arrangements for the Neural Interface Project," Ian began, getting straight to the point. "After negotiations with the military, the project's core technology and research findings will be fully transferred for military use."

Callie gasped, her shock palpable. "Does that mean the lab is being dissolved?"

"Even if the lab is dissolved, you will have other arrangements," Ian said, glancing at Callie, then at Eleanor. Coincidentally, her new project needed people.

Callie scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed.

"I'll be focusing on research into neurodegenerative diseases," Eleanor told Callie. "If you're willing, you can join this new project."

Callie's eyes lit up. "So, you're saying we can still work together?"

Nearby, Joel frowned. "That direction also requires brain-computer interface technology. So, you still can't get away from Goodwin & Co.'s support."

Eleanor paused in her task of gathering her files. It was true. Even with a new research direction, she would still need Ian's technical support. She nodded. "Yes. Research is never a singular endeavor."

Callie asked curiously, "So, are we still conducting research under Goodwin & Co.?"

"Not entirely," Eleanor explained. "The research will be independently supported by a new foundation established by The Guild of Commerce. We'll just need Goodwin & Co.'s authorization for the technology."

Callie was excited nonetheless. "As long as I can keep doing research with you, it doesn't matter where."

Joel watched Eleanor thoughtfully. Could Ian's purpose in running for chairman of The Guild of Commerce have included securing a special research fund for Eleanor?

But regardless, he was happy for her that her future research now had a clear direction.

At eleven-thirty, while Eleanor was organizing documents in her office, a message from Ian came through. [I'm downstairs at the entrance.]