The story of Eleanor took a dramatic turn online. People were finally able to glimpse the strength andpetence behind her gentle demeanor-and witness the way her ex-husbandn stood protectively by her side.


    Clearly, the division of assets among those eightpanies had been the result of mutual agreement between the couple.


    Within less than three days, Eleanor''s name had beenpletely cleared.


    After a week out of the spotlight, Eleanor finally reappeared in the boardroom of herrgest holding, the Vespera Grand.


    She was nked by Ellington and Frazier, both of whom followed her lead as she took her seat at the head of the table, the position of CEO.


    Ellington smiled, "Ms. Sutton, today''s agenda includes signing contracts for a new coffee shop and two international restaurants joining our portfolio. At noon, we''ll have a tasting session for the new menu items and wines."


    The Vespera Grand''s general manager, a foreign executive from Fairhaven, had run the hotel for a decade, managing it with both dedication and skill. Under his leadership, the hotel''s performance had been steady and impressive year after year.


    He stepped forward to greet Eleanor warmly, shaking her hand before briefing her on his recent evaluations of the café and restaurants. Eleanor listened intently, then signed her name on the final page of each contract.


    Lunchtime brought the tasting session, held in the hotel''s top-floor tearoom. Dozens of staff and managers attended, treating Eleanor, their new boss, with deference and awaiting her every instruction.


    By two in the afternoon, Eleanor had delegated the rest of the day''s business to Ellington and made her way back to the research building.


    Inside, Faye was already gathering people for a meeting. When she saw Eleanor walk in, her expression shifted.


    Eleanor was back.


    Gwenda stood up immediately. "Eleanor,e sit here. Would you like some water?"


    Eleanor shook her head. "No, thank you. Let''s get started."


    Gwenda''s eagerness didn''t escape Faye, who shot her a look of disdain. Faye turned to Eleanor, voice edged with skepticism. "Eleanor, now that you''re managing eightpanies, are you sure you can keep up with the research side of things?"


    Eleanor smiled. "Corporate management isn''t really my forte. I still prefer focusing on the science."


    "Someone with your talent shouldn''t let it go to waste," Gwenda chimed in.


    "Let me see the data from Meridian Dynamics," Eleanor said, unwilling to waste time on small talk.


    Gwenda quickly handed her a folder. "This just came in."


    Eleanor reviewed the data carefully, her brow furrowing as she finished. "There''s something off here. Did you double-check these numbers?"


    Herment made Faye bristle. "Eleanor, what do you take us for? Your personal staff?"


    Eleanor looked at Faye. "Professor Langley assigned you to this, didn''t he? If there''s a problem with the data, why shouldn''t I ask?"


    Faye was momentarily at a loss. "There''s no problem as far as I can see."


    "The simted cell values are far too inconsistent. Something''s definitely wrong," Eleanor insisted.


    Faye scoffed. "And you can tell that just by looking?"


    "I''m going over to Meridian Dynamics. You all can continue the meeting without me," Eleanor said, gathering the files and heading out.


    Faye''s expression soured. Gwenda tried to soothe her in a whisper. "Faye, don''t


    be upset. This was always supposed to be her responsibility."


    Faye bit her lip, unwilling to let it go. "Why is it always her?"


    Eleanor arrived outside Byron''s office at Meridian Dynamics, just as someone was about to walk out.


    Their eyes met.


    It wasn.


    Byron was seeing him out, and when he noticed Eleanor, he cleared his throat. "Ms. Sutton, you''re here. I was just about to walk Mr. Goodwin downstairs."


    "No need, Byron. You two go ahead and talk,”n said, then turned to Eleanor, his expression softening. "Ms. Sutton, could we have a word?"