"That all sounds wonderful," President Larkin suddenly interjected from the left,


    his tone edged with skepticism. "But as far as I''m aware, this project is going to require a tremendous amount of capital. Ms. Sutton, how exactly do you n to solve the funding issue? Now that we''ve severed ties with Goodwin & Co., I assume we can''t count on Mr. Goodwin anymore, can we?"


    The barbed question made Ellington''s brow furrow.


    Gavin, meanwhile, kept his head down, scribbling notes, offering no support.


    Eleanor tapped her fingers lightly on the table, but before she could speak, Ellington replied withposure, "Perhaps you''re not aware, President Larkin, butst month my bank granted us a two-billion-dor credit line." He distributed a set of documents. "Here''s the assessment report."


    Just then, Gavin finally spoke up. "Mr. Goodwin asked me to ry that he stands fully behind each and every decision Ms. Sutton makes."


    It was as if he''d pressed a switch-the mood among the board members shifted instantly.


    Walden let out a strained chuckle. "Ms. Sutton, that was just a misunderstanding earlier. We only wanted what''s best for thepany. Please don''t take it personally."


    "Yes, yes, absolutely. We''re all hoping to see thepany continue to flourish!"


    "I understand." Eleanor nodded with a calm smile. "But I''d appreciate it if everyone could remember that I-Eleanor-am the one sitting at the head of this table now. Next time we convene, I''d like to hear suggestions about the business, not-" she paused deliberately, "irrelevant topics."


    "Of course, Ms. Sutton, we just have one suggestion. In the future, with major decisions, it''d be wise to consult with Mr. Goodwin. After all, he''s a major shareholder and has a lot more experience-"


    "Yes, exactly. You''re still young in the business world, and there are some things "another senior board member chimed in.


    Eleanor could feel all their eyes on her, their gazesced with doubt.


    Gavin cleared his throat. "Mr. Goodwin''s position is clear:pany decisions are to be made by Ms. Sutton."


    Ellington picked up the thread. "As for our strategic direction, we''re already preparing a detailed report. All board members should receive it in their inboxes by Monday."


    The board members managed awkward smiles. "Very well."


    Ellington''s tone grew resolute. "Regarding the smart hotel project, the funding issue has been resolved-not through Goodwin & Co., but through private venture capital we secured ourselves. I''d ask the board not to underestimate Ms. Sutton''s capability. Over the past six months, our profits have shown steady growth."


    The atmosphere in the conference room suddenly grew tense.


    Gavin smiled lightly. "If anyone here doubts Ms. Sutton''s abilities, you are free to withdraw your investment right now. Mr. Goodwin will buy your shares at market price."


    The board members'' expressions changed at once; none of them had expectedn to back such a move.


    An uneasy silence settled over the room.


    After a moment, Gavin cleared his throat again, his smile returning. "Of course, as


    I said, Mr. Goodwin respects any decision Ms. Sutton makes."


    A few directors wiped nervous sweat from their brows and forced out strainedughs. "Ms. Sutton, you misunderstand us-we''re absolutely behind you."


    "Yes, yes! With thepany doing so well, why would we ever want to pull out?" The others hurried to agree.


    Eleanor''s expression froze for a moment, but her voice was steady. "If there are no further objections, let''s continue."


    Ellington immediately picked up with his report.


    This time, not a soul dared to interrupt.


    When the meeting adjourned, the other directors each stopped by to exchange pleasantries with Eleanor before leaving. Gavin packed up his files and nodded to her. "Ms. Sutton, I''ll head out now."


    Eleanor gave him a nod. "Thank you, Gavin."


    Soon, only Eleanor and Ellington remained in the conference room. Eleanor''s


    face was tense, her brows knitted in thought.


    Ellington handed her a cup of tea. "Ms. Sutton, what''s on your mind?"


    "These directors behaved today only becausen put them in their ce," Eleanor said, frustration seeping into her voice.


    "That''s true-they''re banking on Mr. Goodwin''s support behind the scenes. But there''s no need to let it bother you. Business is always about interests, after all. What Mr. Goodwin''s doing is making sure your eightpanies keep growing steadily."


    Eleanor thought it over and realized he was right. After all, she nned to leave thepany to her daughter one day. Ian had given her those eightpanies to secure their daughter''s future.


    He really did love their little girl.


    With that thought, Eleanor felt her frustration ease. Ifn simply wanted to use her to set up a legacy for their daughter, she could ept that. After all, her ambitionsy not in amassing a billion-dor fortune, but in making a name for herself in the scientific world.


    Just then, Ellington''s email popped up on hisptop. After reading it, he looked up at Eleanor. "Ms. Sutton, Goodwin & Co.''s annual shareholders'' meeting is scheduled for this Friday. You''re on the invitation list."