"lan seems to be in trouble."

Eleanor paused, then clicked the link-headline: Goodwin & Co. Assists Yeaton Holdings' IPO, Allegations of Bribery Surface.

She frowned. Honestly, lan had it coming.

"Is it wrong to say he deserves it?" Joy's message popped up.

Eleanor fired back, "You're not wrong."

"Roland Yeaton's reputation in the business world has been in the gutter for years, and lan still insists on helping him go public. He's basically enabling a crook. Now that this mess is dragging lan down, let's see how he gets out of it," Joy replied. Eleanor finished reading the article carefully. It was clear the media were targeting lan, using Roland's notorious past as ammunition.

Maybe one of lan's rivals had finally found a weakness to exploit. Either way, it had nothing to do with her, and she had no interest in following the drama.

In the top-floor conference room at Goodwin & Co., tension hung thick in the air. Two dozen executives sat stiffly at the table, watching as wave after wave of negative headlines flashed across the projection screen.

"Mr. Goodwin, our stock price is down seven points. We need to issue a statement immediately and refute these baseless accusations."

"I think we should pull out of Yeaton Holdings altogether. There's no need to wade through their mess any longer," another executive suggested.

lan tapped his long fingers twice on the polished stone tabletop. Silence fell instantly.

"No," he said, his voice cold and steely. "Tell legal to file suit against the media outlets leading the charge."

"And the public backlash?"

lan's eyes narrowed. "Ignore it. Let it blow over."

Everyone understood he was determined to stand by Yeaton Holdings through this crisis.

"Mr. Goodwin, if we stay tied to Yeaton Holdings, won't—"

lan's gaze cut sharply to the project manager who'd spoken. "Is there a problem?"

"Tomorrow at ten, we'll hold a joint press conference.” With that, lan stood and left the room.

The next morning, Goodwin & Co. released Yeaton Holdings' audited financials for the past three years, along with the original SEC approval for their IPO.

In just two days, every negative story about Yeaton Holdings vanished from the news cycle, and their stock price stabilized.

Joy was glued to the updates, her frustration mounting.

"Eleanor, did you see the latest? lan is willing to let Goodwin's own stock tank just to protect Roland's company."

Eleanor, finally with a moment to herself, skimmed the financial news: Goodwin & Co. Pulls Off a Miracle, Yeaton Holdings Stock Rebounds.

"Look at this-he's sacrificing everything just to bail out Vanessa Shannon's father."

"Everyone knows about Yeaton Holdings' skeletons. Ian must be completely bewitched by Vanessa."

"Let it go, Joy," Eleanor said, soothing her friend's indignation. "His personal life isn't our concern."

She knew Joy's sense of justice was especially sharp, thanks to her work as a lawyer.

That evening, Eleanor arrived home at seven. Joslyn had prepared a generous dinner, and Eleanor, ravenous, served herself a heaping bowl before digging in. Halfway through, her phone rang-it was Ellington.

Assuming it was a work call, Eleanor set down her fork and stepped outside to

answer.

"Hello, Ellington."

"Ms. Sutton, I'm not sure if I should be telling you this," Ellington began, hesitating.

"Is it work-related?" Eleanor asked, curious.

"No, it's... Miss Vanessa booked the presidential suite at the Vesper Joy Hotel at three this afternoon."

Eleanor frowned. "That's not something I need to know."

But Ellington pressed on, hesitating for a few seconds before adding, "Just now, Mr. Goodwin went up to Miss Shannon's suite="

Eleanor let out a silent, bitter laugh. So lan had barely finished smoothing over Yeaton Holdings' scandal before rushing off to collect his reward from Vanessa?

And they just had to choose the Vesper Joy Hotel. Were they trying to rub it in her face?

"Ellington, unless it's about work, don't update me on anything else," Eleanor said, her tone suddenly icy.

The line was quiet for a beat, then Ellington gave an awkward laugh. "Sorry, Ms. Sutton. I overstepped."