At that moment, Eleanor''s phone vibrated. She nced at the screen, then turned to Xavier. "I''ll head out first," she said.


    Xavier gave a small nod, watching as Eleanor climbed into her car and drove away. His mind was a tangled mess. Ever sincen had revealed Mansfield''s true identity, Xavier felt as if an invisible weight had settled on his chest, pressing down with every thought.


    By nine-thirty, the Goodwin & Co. boardroom was thick with tension.


    Eleanor took her seat, flipping open the stack of documents in front of her. Among them was thetest report from the financial regtory authority.


    “Ladies and gentlemen, I''ve called this meeting to make a few important announcements," he said. His voice wasn''t loud, but in the silence of the room, it carried a weight that brooked no argument.


    Gavin, seated beside him, took over, "Good morning, everyone. As of today, the three directors involved in the incident have been dismissed and referred to the authorities. Effective immediately, Goodwin & Co. will establish an independent oversightmittee to ensure nothing like this ever happens again."


    He paused, then added, "Mr. Goodwin will also be investing additional personal funds to help stabilize the market''s confidence."


    A ripple of surprise ran through the board, though no one dared voice aint.


    An older director hesitated, then finally spoke up. "Mr. Goodwin, about the funds from the recent options liquidation-"


    The director shook his head quickly. "No real problem, just curious. Will this have any impact on thepany''s cash flow?"


    Gavin jumped in smoothly. "Those funds are from Mr. Goodwin''s personal portfolio. They don''t affect Goodwin & Co.''s finances in any way. You can rest assured."


    The meeting wrapped up with some brief discussion among the directors. It was clearn used the opportunity to send a pointed message to everyone present.


    As soon as it ended, Eleanor gathered her papers, ready to leave, when Gavin hurried over. "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Goodwin would like to see you in his office."


    She frowned. "What is this about?"


    "Mr. Goodwin just asked that youe by."


    Eleanor pressed her lips together, then finally nodded and followed Gavin down the hall.


    When she entered the office,n was standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows. At the sound of her footsteps, he turned, his gaze intense and unwavering. "Sit," he gestured toward the sofa.


    Eleanor remained standing. "If you have something to say, make it quick. I need to get back to theb."


    She had-Smith''s team had made significant progresstely, and she''d been following their breakthroughs closely.


    Eleanor looked away. "What you do with your money is none of my business."


    He replied, calm and clear, "Every cent went to Smith Labs for research into rare blood disorders."