Chapter 22

When Nolan and Erick disappeared, Eleanor took her time standing up.

She wandered toward the restaurant entrance, only to find herself face to face with a figure she recognized all too well.

Jonny, of all people.

Could this day get any worse?

Ugh.Why did it have to be him here of all places?

He had already spotted Nolan's car outside, but seeingEleanor now sent a wave of old resentment crashing over him.

His jaw tightened, and his voice was harsh. "What's wrong, Eleanor? Still upset your payout wasn't big enough? Honestly, you waste no time moving on. Shameless,as always."

Eleanor roller her eyes, and fixed him with a flat stare. "Jonny, we're divorced."

The message came across loud and clear. It was none of his concern!

She stepped forward, deliberately closing the distance, her gaze cutting past him to settle on Lainey. Then she glanced back with a sly grin. "You know, Jonny, I never imagined you'd do something like that. Tearing down an orphanage? Looks like you've lost more than your sense of decency this time."

Confusion clouded his features. "What are you talking about?"

WVith a laugh that was anything but friendly, Eleanor shook her head and brushed by him.

Just as she passed, she let her words linger in the air."Why don't you ask your girlfriend, Jonny? Maybe she'll clear things up for you." Eleanor didn't wait for a response. She slid into her car, started the engine, and left him in the dust.

Frustration boiling over, Jonny turned and kicked the flower bed, muttering curses under his breath.

He wracked his brain. Since when was an orphanage part of the Usepsall project? Was Eleanor just making things up?

He shot Lainey a look, ready to demand answers,but his phone buzzed with an urgent call.

"Mr. Todd, there's a problem! Stewart Group has just pulled its investment!"

Jonny nearly dropped his phone. "Come again? What did you just say?"

A shaky voice spilled through the phone. "They called our whole leadership incompetent. They're saying we greenlit tearing down an orphanage.They think we're heartless and out of our depth."

Jonny clenched his phone so hard it nearly snapped in two. Stewart Group's money was the backbone of the entire Usepsall deal. If they backed out now,every cent spent would be gone for good.

"Who in their right mind slipped an orphanage into the demolition list?" Jonny snapped.

Allard could feel Jonny's anger even through the line,and fear gripped him completely.

"l-it was Lainey, Mr. Todd. You once told me that whatever she said came directly from you, so I didn't have the courage to oppose her!" Allard replied.

Jonny turned on Lainey in a flash, grabbing the front of her shirt.

With red-rimmed eyes, he glared at her. "I put my trust in you, Lainey, and this is what you do? I get that you have issues with Eleanor, but risking the company's future-was that worth it?"

Lainey never imagined that the Stewart Group would respond with such intensity.

She always thought the orphanage was just one possible site, nothing anyone would lose sleep over.

That reasoning stayed locked away, though.

Tears pricked the corners of her eyes as she clung to Jonny's sleeve, her voice a soft whimper. "Jonny,I swear I had no idea the orphanage mattered to Miss Warren. It's right by the Ravenswood River, and building villas there seemed like smart business. I'm so sorry. If I've put you in a tough spot, I'll step down and take the blame."

Her words faded into a hush. She looked small and broken.

A wave of regret crashed over Jonny.

How could Lainey have known about Eleanor's ties to the place?

Lainey was sweet,never the scheming type.

Maybe his own stress made him lash out.

Remorse showed plainly on his face as he drew her into his arms, murmuring an apology. "I lost my head, Lainey. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. I'm just under a lot of pressure."

Lainey let herself be held, peeking up at him with a gentle, forgiving smile. "It's okay, Jonny. I understand how hard things are for you."