Chapter 553
Eleanor had just slid into the back seat when her phone buzzed-Ellington’s
name flashed on the screen. She answered, “Hey, Ellington p>
“Ms. Sutton, you haven’t left yet, have you?” Ellington’s voice came through, tight
with urgency.
“I’m just outside p>
“Could
you come back for a moment? There’s something urgent I need to discuss with you about the investment project p>
Eleanor glanced at her watch. She was free that afternoon anyway. “Alright, I’ll head up now p>
“I’ll be in the small conference room on the eighth floor,” he added.
She retraced her steps into the lobby, glancing up at the second-floor balcony. Xavier and Henry were gone-probably left already, or maybe headed out for coffee together.
As she rode the elevator up, Eleanor mulled over what could have prompted Ellington to call her back. Investments were usually his territory; after all, she was juggling not just the hotel group, but five other companies outside the hospitality industry. With the portfolio’s steady performers, there was always excess capital needing management.
On the eighth floor, Ellington’s assistant nearly jogged over to greet her. “Ms. Sutton, you’re here this way, please p>
Eleanor nodded and followed her to the conference room. The assistant pushed open the door, and Eleanor immediately spotted a tall, lean figure lounging on the sleek leather sofa.
lan.
The polite smile faded from Eleanor’s face, replaced by a flicker of cold hostility in her eyes. What was he doing here?
Ellington noticed her reaction and hurried over with an awkward smile. “Ms. Sutton, thanks for coming p>
She shot him a sharp look. He knew how much she hated seeing this man—why would he set this up?
Ellington looked a little embarrassed, but the gravity of the situation overrode his discomfort. He gestured to the seats. “Please, have a seat. I’ll explain everything in just a moment p>
Her annoyance didn’t escape lan, who leaned forward, picked up his cup, and took a slow sip. His gaze was calm, almost indifferent, as he watched her.
Eleanor had no choice but to sit down and see just what supposedly urgent matter Ellington wanted to discuss.
“Well? I’m listening,” she said.
Ellington’s excitement was palpable as he began. “Ms. Sutton, you probably know that Mr. Goodwin launched Goodwin Biotech Group earlier this year. Right now, Mr. Goodwin is starting a new round of fundraising, and just now he offered us a ten percent stake.” He added, almost breathless, “And he’s offering it to us unconditionally p>
Eleanor turned to the man on the sofa, her expression hard. “Unconditionally offering us ten percent p>
lan nodded. “You’re the chief research officer. It’s only right p>
Eleanor looked at Ellington. “Let’s talk outside p>
In the lounge next door, Ellington couldn’t contain his excitement. “Ms. Sutton, you know the ins and outs of Goodwin Biotech better than anyone. I’ve heard the clinical results for your new leukemia drug are phenomenal. The industry is buzzing about this company-once it hits the market, the valuation could increase tenfold, maybe even a hundred times! It’s practically a guaranteed win. Investors are lining up, begging Mr. Goodwin for a chance to get in on this p>
Eleanor was well aware. Goodwin Biotech was the hottest name in pharmaceuticals right now, and their breakthrough leukemia drug had the world’s attention.
“Ms. Sutton, you really can’t hesitate on this one,” Ellington pressed, his voice almost pleading. He knew how icy things were between Eleanor and lan since the divorce, but business was business.
He kept glancing nervously toward the conference room, worried that Mr. Goodwin would lose patience and leave.
Eleanor frowned. Ian’s offer was an irresistible temptation, no doubt-but she hated being tied to him or his company, and she resented how blatantly he was trying to maneuver her.
“Ellington, I know things between Mr. Goodwin and me have been… complicated since the divorce. But-” She hesitated, biting her lip. “I’ll talk to him. Wait for me outside p>
“Of course.” Ellington stopped himself from saying more; he knew better than to push her.
Eleanor reentered the conference room. Ian was still there, his posture relaxed, teacup poised like he was at some casual afternoon gathering, not a high-stakes negotiation.
“Let’s drop the act. What’s your real agenda?” she said, cutting straight to the point.
lan took another sip, unfazed. “I’m only offering shares to my shareholders. You’re one of them, so naturally, you get a piece p>
Eleanor didn’t buy it for a second. She knew all too well that with lan, every seeming act of generosity came with a hidden catch. Six years of marriage had taught her more than the pain of betrayal-it had shown her just how calculating this man could be.