"What's the news?"

"Word is, during that time, Mr. Goodwin asked the board for stock options so he could set up a personal fund for an overseas research institute."

Eleanor's brow furrowed. A research institute?

Was it the lab Smith was running? Smith had in fact visited earlier this year-he must have come to discuss further investment.

Eleanor fell silent for a few seconds, just as Ellington wrapped up his own call.

She sat back on the sofa, thoughts swirling. Something didn't add up. Smith's lab was researching a rare blood disorder, but everyone knew that project was lan's doing. So what exactly was he up to? Why sink resources into studying such a rare disease?

Worldwide, there were fewer than a thousand documented cases. There was no way this could be profitable.

It could only mean he was trying to save someone who mattered deeply to him. And Eleanor had a good idea who that person was.

-Vanessa.

For the overseas lab to run smoothly, lan had requested a massive stock option grant from the board.

Goodwin & Co., Executive Office.

lan stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, surveying the city stretched out beneath him.

Gavin knocked and entered, handing him a document. "Mr. Goodwin, the funds from liquidating your options have all cleared. After penalties, the net gain is four hundred million."

lan took the file, glanced through it, and said coolly, "Transfer all of it to the overseas lab's account."

Gavin didn't ask questions. "Understood."

That evening, at eight o'clock, Eleanor got another call from Ellington. He said Gavin had contacted him, insisting that all board members attend tomorrow's meeting in person.

Eleanor wondered if there was to be a shake-up-maybe some big announcement. She decided she would be there herself.

The next morning, after dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor ran into Xavier at the gate. He'd been away on business the past week; this was his first day back to walk Vivian to class.

"I've heard about the situation at lan's company. Glad to see the crisis has been resolved," Xavier said, studying Eleanor's face, as though hoping to read something in her expression.

She nodded. "Yeah."

"Did it scare you?" Xavier asked.

Eleanor's brow creased slightly. "Whatever happens with him has nothing to do with me."

Xavier smiled. "With lan's talent, things rarely get out of hand. He handpicked every board member at Goodwin & Co., after all."

Eleanor recalled how the board had challenged him over the neural interface project; clearly, there was some underlying discontent.

Noticing her slight frown, Xavier's eyes flickered. "Eleanor, are you close with Major General Ellington? May I ask what your relationship is?"

Eleanor was caught off guard.

"Of course, if you and Major General Ellington are seeing each other, I should keep my distance. I wouldn't want him to get the wrong idea," Xavier added with a gentle smile.

Before she could answer, he continued, "He really is a good match-great family, outstanding career, and he's always looked out for Evelyn."

Eleanor could see through Xavier's probing; he was fishing for information about her and Mansfield. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond.

Sensing her reluctance, Xavier's gaze faltered, disappointment flickering in his eyes. "Sorry, I shouldn't have crossed that line."