There was no shortage of maniption and deception in the business world.


    "Eleanor, there''s no hidden agenda here. I just want to secure something for Evelyn''s future." Ian''s expression remained asposed as ever.


    Eleanor frowned. She''d seen firsthand just how calcting this man could be; winning back her trust wasn''t going to be easy.


    He knew if he put this share on the market, people would be fighting tooth and nail for it.


    "Eleanor, setting aside our personal history, I strongly suggest you reconsider. Thepany will go public in less than three months,"n said, rising to leave.


    At the door, he paused. "If you''re notfortable making a deal directly with me, you can always have Ellington handle it."


    Eleanor clenched her jaw. “That won''t be necessary. I''m not interested in your so- called generosity."


    No sooner had he stepped out than Ellington nearly jumped out of his skin, scrambling back at the sight ofn''s expression. He could guess exactly what Eleanor had decided. Quickly, he hurried aftern. "Mr. Goodwin, this investment opportunity is "


    Butn didn''t even look back. He was genuinely angry this time, and walked off without another word.


    Ellington let out a heavy sigh. That ten percent stake was as good as gone.


    Watchingn disappear at the end of the hallway, Ellington turned back just in time to see Eleanor exit the conference room. His face was a portrait of anxiety. "Ms. Sutton, did you...turn him down?"


    Eleanor''s voice was calm. "Ellington, from now on, any cooperation with Goodwin & Co. needs my approval. Don''t make decisions on your own."


    Ellington sighed, uncertain. "Ms. Sutton, I''m not sure if I should say this—"


    At that moment,n reappeared down the hall. He''de back.


    "Eleanor." His voice was low and measured. "Let''s talk. Just the two of us."


    "There''s nothing left to say," Eleanor replied tly.


    Ellington''s brief glimmer of hope was extinguished in an instant. Ian''s return had meant there was still room to negotiate, but Eleanor mmed that door shut.


    "I want you to understand, I mean you no harm. If you''re willing to reconsider, I can even "


    Ellington''s eyes lit up. Was Mr. Goodwin about to offer them an even bigger share?


    But Eleanor turned away, her tone icy. "I said I''m not interested."


    "Enough. Are you finished?" Eleanor snapped, ring at him.


    The hallway felt frozen in time. Ian''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he swallowed, visibly restraining his emotions.


    Finally, his voice turned cold. "Business is business. Letting emotions get in the way will only make you miss out."


    With that, he left for good, this time not looking back.


    Ellington''s face was a kaleidoscope of frustration-he wanted to bang his head against the wall. This was hands down the best investment opportunity he''d seen since starting in the field.


    Especially after seeing hown had doubled back-that alone showed how much he wanted Eleanor to have that ten percent share.


    Ellington cleared his throat. "Ms. Sutton, could I have a word?"


    Eleanor nodded, following him back into the conference room. Ellington quietly closed the door. "Ms. Sutton, you know I''m on your side. I realize you and Mr. Goodwin are like oil and water, but this investment-opportunities like thise once in a lifetime."


    He hesitated before adding, "As your investment advisor, I have to say, turning down Mr. Goodwin''s offer could mean losing out on at least a billion in potential profit."


    Eleanor said nothing at first. She walked to the window, gazing out at the city below. She knew full well that the pien was offering almost certainly hid a hook.


    "I stand by my decision."


    Ellington gave up trying to persuade her and focused instead on the investments they already had.


    Back in the car, Gavin Young was waiting. When he heard the door m, he nced over to see his boss rubbing his brow, looking like he had a pounding headache.


    "Mr. Goodwin, are you alright?" Gavin asked, concern in his voice.


    "I''m fine. Just drive."n leaned back, closing his eyes, though his brow remained furrowed.