Everyone present could tell that Faye was just nitpicking Eleanor''s theory, trying to find fault where there was none.


    But no one bothered to argue with her. Simone simply smiled, keeping her thoughts to herself.


    Back in her office, Eleanor found Gwenda approaching with a bowl of fresh fruit. "Eleanor, I picked these up this morning. Would you like some?"


    Eleanor reached for a cluster of grapes. "Thank you."


    "Don''t mention it! We''re all colleagues, right?" Gwendaughed a little too brightly. She''d been foolish enough to cross Eleanor before she''d even figured out who she was.


    Now, she could only swallow her pride and try to get back into Eleanor''s good graces.


    After all, Eleanor''s husband wasn''t just the city''s wealthiest man-he was the biggest investor in the entireb. If Eleanor wanted, she could probably end up running the whole team.


    Eleanor spent a wonderful weekend with her daughter.


    Monday arrived in a blink.


    The city hall lobby bustled with people.


    Eleanor arrived at nine-thirty, patiently waiting until, at nine-fifty,n appeared in the crowd.


    He nced at her, surprised she was early, then checked his watch to make sure he wasn''tte.


    "Have you been waiting long?"n asked as he approached.


    "I just got here," Eleanor replied coolly.


    Just then, their number was called. Eleanor caught his eye. "Let''s go it''s our turn."


    The clerk asked a few routine questions before starting the paperwork. There was still the mandatory one-month waiting period before the divorce would be official.


    As Eleanor stepped outside,n''s assistant, Gavin Young, greeted her. "Miss Sutton."


    He''d once called her Mrs. Goodwin, but now, he''d adjusted his tone without missing a beat.


    Eleanor gave him a polite smile and walked to her car.


    Once inside, she dialed Joy''s number to share the good news.


    Atst, Eleanor felt a wave of relief wash over her.


    It was as if she was being reborn-finally on the verge of regaining her freedom.


    That afternoon, Eleanor invited Joy and Frazier out for lunch-her treat.


    Over the meal, she made a decision: she wanted both of them to join herpany as legal advisors, to handle any futurewsuits.


    Joy epted without hesitation, and Frazier was honored toe aboard.


    After all, with Eleanor about to take charge of eightpanies, she''d need trustworthy, reliable partners at her side.


    She made it clear that she''d make sure they''d be more than fairlypensated.


    On Wednesday morning, after dropping her daughter off at school and just as she was about to head to theb,n called.


    "Do you have time? I need you toe by my office to sign the share transfer contracts. I''m flying out of the country this afternoon."


    Eleanor had thought it through-sincen insisted on giving her these shares, she might as well ept.


    At ten sharp, Eleanor walked into the lobby of Goodwin & Co. The receptionists, already aware of who she was, greeted her warmly. "Mrs. Goodwin, wee. I''ll take you upstairs."


    Hearing "Mrs. Goodwin" made Eleanor''s expression stiffen for a moment, but she didn''t bother to exin.


    She stepped into the elevator, heading straight to the executive floor.


    The receptionist led Eleanor ton''s office before leaving her there.


    Eleanor knocked on the door. Gavin opened it with a smile. "Miss Sutton, you''re here. Mr. Goodwin is waiting for you inside."


    Eleanor entered and sawn sitting on the couch, clearly expecting her. Spread out before him were eight separate folders—undoubtedly the share transfer contracts for each of thepanies.<fn4e4b> For original chapters go to Find_Novel(.</fn4e4b>


    "You''re here. If everything looks good, just sign,"n said in his low, even voice.