Chapter 38

Jonny's eyes stayed fixed on the officer's back until he disappeared, his jaw aching from how tightly he ground his teeth.

Forget it.

The company came first.

He couldn't risk creating another storm.

Slamming his fists against his thighs, he flagged down a cab and rode straight to the Todd family's estate.

Eleanor had always shown deference to Sallie-maybe his grandmother could convince her to return.

To his shock, the second he voiced his plan, Sallie's palm cracked hard across his face. "This entire mess is your doing. How dare you bring it up again?"

The blow landed with all the force of her conviction.

A woman who had built her life on principle could not stomach a grandson incapable of telling right from wrong.

To her, it was nothing short of disgrace.

Reeling from the slap, Jonny bit back any defense.

Instead,he dropped to his knees and clung desperately to her legs. "Grandma, please! Eleanor is already close to Mr. Stewart, and because of that, he's pulled his investment from us. I'm terrified that once I marry Lainey, Eleanor will lash out again and drag the Todd Group down even further. If she doesn't return to me,our company will collapse."

Jonny's voice dropped to a pleading softness. "Grandma, please think of the company's future!"

Deep down, he didn't truly believe Eleanor had caused the Stewart Group to pull out. But he knew Sallie wouldn't budge unless he painted her as the reason.

He doubted a man like Nolan would ever seriously want a divorced woman.

Sallie's chest tightened as fury rose. "Shut up! The Stewart Group left because of your mistakes. Eleanor had nothing to do with it!"

She had lived long enough to see through people.

Her grandson's intentions were as clear as day.

Jonny simply couldn't stand watching Eleanor live well, and he wanted to keep both women at his side.

That selfishness would ruin their family.

Exhaustion crept over her as she pressed her fingers to her temples. With a tired wave toward the servant,she murmured, "Take me back to my room."

Even after she retreated to her room, Sallie's thoughts refused to settle.

Rumors about the Todd Group's troubles had already reached her ears.

The investment from the Stewart Group had been vital to keeping the company afloat.

Without it, the Todd Group truly risked collapse.

In her heart, Sallie knew Eleanor wasn't the kind of woman to strike from the shadows-she was too straightforward, too decent for that.

Still, Jonny's words lingered. If Eleanor really had drawn close to Nolan, perhaps that connection wasn't without meaning.

Maybe, just maybe, there was still a thread of hope to grasp.

The idea of watching the Todd family's legacy crumble after decades was unbearable. Pride might have to be sacrificed for the sake of survival.

After a long pause, Sallie turned to the servant and gave her instructions. "Reach out to Eleanor. Tell herI'd like to see her for a meal-that I miss her."

When Eleanor received the call, she was caught off guard.

Sallie was no ordinary woman. With Eleanor's ties to Jonny strained beyond repair, it seemed unlikely the invitation was out of simple affection.

Was Sallie truly trying to speak for Jonny?

That didn't fit her at all.

Sallie wasn't the type to meddle in such a way.

Carrying her doubts with her, Eleanor still went to the meeting the following day.

At the head of the table sat Sallie, already waiting, her face softened by a welcoming smile.

The moment her eyes fell on Eleanor, her expression grew even warmer, and she gestured gently. "Eleanor,come closer. Let me really see you."

Obeying,Eleanor took the seat beside her and wrapped her hands around Sallie's slightly frail ones.

"Sallie, I..." She faltered, her voice laced with guilt.

The divorce from Jonny had surely hurt Sallie most of all.

Reading her look without difficulty, Sallie let out a quiet sigh and patted her hand. "All I care about is whether you've been treated fairly. Jonny was the one in the wrong, not you."

A wave of gratitude washed through Eleanor at those words. Even among family,such fairness was rare.

Her chest warmed as she gave Sallie's hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for thinking of me, Sallie."