Great observation. I don't have a clear answer for this. The relationship between Ivanov and Anthony reflects the power relationship between their respective hedge funds (and later when Feng shows up, Feng > Ivanov > Anthony). Could say that Anthony was responsible for executing Ivanov's plan, so he's blamed when it fails, or that Ivanov is the kind of person who blames everyone but themselves when things go wrong, and Anthony is weak and/or afraid of Ivanov, so he just takes the blame without pushing back. But again, great observation, will try to improve in future drafts.