Byron''s eyes flicked over ton, and he gave an awkward smile. "You should really thank Mr. Goodwin-it was all his suggestion."


    The gratitude in Eleanor''s eyes vanished, reced by a sudden chill. She said nothing.


    Faye seized the moment. "Eleanor, don''t you think you''re being a little rude?"


    Eleanor lifted her gaze to Faye, one eyebrow arching ever so slightly. Still, she remained silent.


    But Faye could feel the air of superiority radiate from Eleanor. A sh of resentment surged within her-what gave Eleanor the right to act like this? Who was she to carry herself with so much confidence?


    Byron cleared his throat. "Alright, that wraps up the meeting. Everyone, back to work."


    "Eleanor, stay for a few words." Ian''s voice was low and steady.


    Eleanor acted as if she hadn''t heard him. She gathered her files and strode toward the door. Suddenly, the entire room seemed to freeze; everyone else quickly finished packing up, eager to escape the tension.


    Within moments, the conference room was deserted except forn. He sat there, brows furrowed, absently rubbing the edge of the bandage on his hand, his gaze fixed on the door, lost in thought.


    A short whileter, Byron poked his head in. "Mr. Goodwin, would you like to join me in my office for some tea?"


    "Understood." Byron quietly left.


    Eleanor returned to her office, rubbing her temples in frustration. Just then, the door swung open. Ian''s tall frame filled the doorway.


    "We need to talk," he said, his voice hoarse. "Just five minutes."


    Eleanor mmed her file down on the desk. "There''s nothing to talk about. Don''t waste my time."


    She got up and headed for the door, but as she stepped out,n caught her wrist in a firm grip. "It''ll only take five minutes," he insisted.


    "Let go." Eleanor twisted, trying to yank her arm free, butn''s hold was unyielding. After several futile attempts, anger red inside her. She raised her right hand and pped him hard across his strikingly handsome face.


    The sharp crack of the p echoed down the hallway.


    A few yards away, Faye and two assistants were walking and chatting. They stopped in shock, staring in disbelief.


    The assistants pped their hands over their mouths, exchanging wide-eyed nces.


    Oh my God! Did Eleanor just p Mr. Goodwin?


    Eleanor finally wrenched her hand free, fighting the sting in her palm. Without a backward nce, she walked away.


    "Mr. Goodwin-!" Faye rushed over, her voiceced with concern. "Are you alright?"


    The two assistants hurried over. "Faye, is Mr. Goodwin okay?"


    Faye gritted her teeth, then spun around and marched off after Eleanor, the other two, hungry for more drama, following close behind.


    Eleanor had made her way to the break room. She sat in a lounge chair, cradling


    a cup of coffee. Faye stormed in, fuming. "Eleanor, that was way out of line! How could you p Mr. Goodwin?"


    One of the assistants gave Faye a gentle tug. "Faye, let''s not—”


    But Faye was too fired up to stop. "You''re divorced! What gives you the right toy a hand on him?"


    Eleanor took a measured sip of her coffee, unhurried. “And what right do you have to interrogate me? Unless I''m mistaken, Vanessa hasn''t married into the Goodwin family yet, has she?"


    Faye''s hands clenched into fists. "You really think it''s justified to hit someone at work?"


    Eleanor snorted. "Are you blind? He was the one harassing me."


    Faye let out a bitterugh. "Harassing you? You''re just the ex-wife he couldn''t wait


    to get rid of. Why would he bother?"


    Eleanor stood, smoothing her jacket. "Come back to me when you''ve been


    pped by me. Maybe then you''ll have the right to judge."


    Faye''s face burned with anger. She raised her hand, ready to strike.


    "Enough."


    A man''s voice rang out just in time. Joel Kingsley strode over, grabbing Faye''s wrist and yanking her back. She stumbled, ring at Joel, her expression wounded.


    He stepped between her and Eleanor. "This is a workce, not your personal stage."


    Faye stared at him, outraged. She''d been provoked intoshing out, but before she could even touch Eleanor, Joel had forcibly pulled her away.


    The two assistants quickly took Faye''s arms and led her out.


    Eleanor gave Joel a nod. "Thanks, Joel."


    "I heard you just pped Mr. Goodwin," Joel said, searching her face. "Is it true?" Eleanor''s expression was calm. "It is."


    Joel looked stunned. He couldn''t help but wonder-just what kind of mess had Eleanor andn gotten themselves into now?


    Could it be thatn regretted the divorce? Was he trying to worm his way back into Eleanor''s life, hoping for a reconciliation?


    "Eleanor," Joel said quietly, "have you ever thought about getting back together withn for the sake of your child?"