Eleanor looked up at him, her reply brimming with confidence. "I''ll handle it well."


    A sh of heartache crossedn''s eyes. Ever since she had asked for a divorce, she had be so independent and strong. She was like a cut diamond now—- sharp, dazzling, and not exactly easy to hold in your hand.


    He picked up his teacup, concealing the emotion in his eyes, and said in a steady voice, "Good. I have faith in your abilities."


    As the food was served, Eleanor began to eat gracefully. Ian suddenly asked, "Will you continue to work here, or do you want to establish a newb?"


    Eleanor paused and looked up. "Let''s use theb here. No need to spend extra money."


    A small smile touchedn''s lips. "Saving the foundation''s money?"


    Eleanor''s chewing slowed for a moment. She met his slightly teasing gaze and said frankly, "It''s about saving money, and also about saving my time."


    Naturally, Eleanor didn''t want to squander the foundation''s funds, especially since he had secured them for her. The money needed to be used where it mattered.


    "Alright, we''ll do it your way. Of course, if theb needs any renovations or modifications, just let me know. Goodwin & Co. will cover the costs, as part of my technical support for you."


    Eleanor didn''t need any of that; the current equipment and environment were more than sufficient. Still, she replied gratefully, "Thank you."


    "You''re wee. Consider it my way of repaying you,"n said, a slight smile ying on his lips as he raised an eyebrow.


    ***


    In Walden Wells'' office, a call came in. It was from a mole he had nted in The Guild of Commerce.


    "Mr. Wells, next month The Guild of Commerce is setting up a special fund for medical research. And guess whose research our esteemed chairman ns to support with it?"


    Walden''s interest was immediately piqued. "Stop beating around the bush and just tell me," he said into the phone.


    "It''sn''s ex-wife, that genius from the research world, Eleanor."


    Walden sneered. "I knew it. I guessed he only wanted to be chairman of The Guild of Commerce so he could use the title to do whatever he wanted. And sure enough, he couldn''t even wait."


    "I heard he and his ex-wife are rekindling things. Could this be Mr. Goodwin''s way of winning her over?"


    A glint appeared in Walden''s eyes, and a calcting smile spread across his face. "Rekindling an old me, abusing his power? This is some good leverage." He then instructed the person on the other end, "Keep an eye on it, especially the flow of funds and the approval process. Let me know immediately if you find anything that isn''t above board."


    After hanging up, Walden paced to the window and looked at the towering Goodwin & Co. building in the distance, a cold smile on his face.


    n, you think sitting on the


    chairman''s throne of The Guild of


    rein? This


    Commerce gives you free you


    time I''m going to make


    know exactly what it feels like to have your name dragged through the mud."


    ?


    Thest time Walden had tried to privately discuss terminating Vanessa''s contract,


    n hadpletely ignored him. Now that he finally had something on him, there


    was no way Walden was going to let it go.


    He was also still bitter about losing


    the election for chairman of The Guild of Commerce that position was something he had his eye on. Ifn couldn''t hold on to it, it night just fall into his hands next term.


    ***


    Back at the restaurant,n''s phone buzzed with a message. He nced at it, then looked up at Eleanor. "There''s a business dinner tomorrow evening. I was wondering if Miss Sutton would do me the honor of attending?"


    Eleanor frowned and was about to refuse whenn continued, "Several trustees from medical foundations will be there. I can introduce you. It could be helpful for your future research."


    Eleanor genuinely disliked businessworking events, and she hesitated.


    That convinced her. Her future research did require expanding herwork in the medicalmunity.


    "Alright, I''ll be there on time."


    A flicker of a smile passed throughn''s eyes, though his expression remained calm. "I''ll pick you up at six tomorrow evening."


    Eleanor nodded. They paid the bill and left the restaurant, withn driving her back to theb.


    As she got out of the car, Eleanor suddenly realized that her interactions withn were going to be more and more frequent. Since she had epted the foundation''s support, she couldn''t back down now.


    The funds from Juliette Grayson''sb were under Xavier Vaughn''s management. That was Mrs. Juliette Grayson''s contribution to society, and Eleanor couldn''t use it for her own purposes.


    Shaking off these distracting thoughts, Eleanor returned to theb. Her phone rang. She nced at the screen, a little surprised, but answered quickly. "Hello, Dr. Bradley."


    It was Garrison Bradley on the other end. He sounded excited. "Miss Sutton, it looks like we might be seeing each other again soon."


    "Don''t tell me you''re the one I''ll be working with on the handover," Eleanor asked with augh.


    "It''s quite the coincidence, but yes, it''s me and my team. I''ve read about your research—it''s absolutely brilliant. Mansfield''s recovery is thanks to you all."


    Eleanor felt a sense of relief. If she was handing over the project to someone she knew,munication would be much easier.


    "In that case, I look forward to you and your teaming for the handover," Eleanor said with a smile.


    "Great. We''ll probably be there next week," Garrison said cheerfully.