Chapter 25

Word of the Stewart Group pulling their investment from the Todd Group didn't reach Eleanor until days later, when Lillian's text appeared on her screen.

Scanning the message, Eleanor arched a brow.

Without Stewart Group's money, the Todd Group would be strapped for cash, and that meant the orphanage would no longer be under threat.

Could Nolan have had a hand in this? Always meddling, always forcing her to feel indebted.

She hated the idea of owing him anything.

Control was something she preferred to keep in her own hands

Determined, she scrolled through her contacts until her finger hovered over a number she hadn't called in years. This time, she hit dial. The line connected in seconds.

On the other end, a choked voice burst out with emotion. "Boss! You're finally reaching out! It's been three years-I thought you'd left us behind."

That voice belonged to someone she knew all too well.

A faint smile touched her lips, but her words were clipped and direct. "I need you to secure a piece of land in Elepdon. It doesn't matter if it's remote, as long as it's quiet and nowhere near the Usepsall project. Then set up a company in Vladena under the trademark Enigma. The paperwork will list you as the legal representative. My name must stay completely off the records."

One instruction after another spilled from her lips,and the person on the line was so overwhelmed with excitement that their voice shook. "Boss, are you back in the game? That's incredible! For three years I've been forced to sell your designs to other firms, and every time it felt like betrayal. Now we can finally rise again."

The moment she ended the call, Eleanor let out a quiet breath of relief.

Securing land meant she could shield the orphanage from future threats.

For now, Nolan's interference had bought her time,but she knew Lainey wouldn't stop scheming.

Once the land was in her hands, the orphanage could be moved whenever needed, safe from the shadow of the Usepsall project.

The funding for construction would flow directly from Enigma,giving the children a stable future.

Better stil, all traces of the plan would lead back to her apprentice, keeping her own name safely hidden.It was the perfect move.

Compared to that, Lainey's shallow games looked like the tantrums of a child. Only a fool like Jonny would put Lainey on a pedestal and call her priceless.

And as if her thoughts had conjured him,her phone lit up with his name.

Ugh.

Why couldn't Jonny just leave her alone?

With an annoyed swipe, Eleanor accepted the call."Spit it out. What are you bothering me for this time?"

Hearing her voice sent a thrill racing through Jonny.To him, it was proof that she still couldn't resist him.No matter how coldly she tried to cut him off,one call from him and she came running.

That smugness bled into his words. "Eleanor,Lainey's already living with me now, so stop dreaming about being my wife. But if you swallow your pride and come back, I'll still take you in."

Maybe it was because Lainey was too simple-minded, but ever since she moved in, the house felt like a circus.

Eleanor, raised in an orphanage, had been better at managing the homne.

Lainey was easygoing, though. She wouldn't make a fuss about sharing.

The idea of juggling two women at once thrilled Jonny, and his voice grew more animated. "I can tell you still want me. If you play nice, I might even think about giving you a child. Doesn't that sound good?"

Eleanor nearly gagged.

What on earth was wrong with him?

Had Lainey's nonsense rubbed off on him?

The words were so vile they made her skin crawl.

She opened her mouth to speak, but Jonny beat her to it. "Lumina Hotel. Room 888. Meet me there,and we'll straighten things out. If you show up, I'lI even pretend your little affair never happened."

The thought of Eleanor with another man made his blood boil.

She might have been his ex-wife, but in his mind,she still belonged to him.

Every word dripped with entitlement, and Eleanor caught the hidden meaning instantly. Her thumb hovered over the hang-up button, but instead of ending the call, she shifted course.

"Fine," she replied flatly, and without giving him the chance to reply, she disconnected.

If Jonny wanted to make her sick, she would gladly return the favor.

Amused by the idea, she fired off a quick message to her apprentice. "Lumina Hotel. Room 888. Give my ex-husband a surprise he won't forget."

In a twisted way, it was almost an act of kindness.At least, Jonny would have his physical needs satisfied.