Sure enough, Joel reached Eleanor beforen could, quickly stepping in to<fn0a9c> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on Find_Novel(.</fn0a9c>


    exin to the wealthy woman, "Ma''am, my friend is a guest this evening, not a member of the staff. You''ve made a mistake."


    The woman shot him a look. "And who are you?"


    "I''m her friend," Joel replied evenly.


    Just then, the hotel manager hurried over. After a quick nce at Eleanor, he realized she wasn''t one of his employees. Putting on a polite smile, he apologized to the guest on her behalf.


    Seeing the manager himself had intervened, the woman tossed out a half-hearted apology before sweeping off with her friends.


    With themotion dying down, Eleanor saw no point in making a scene. Joel gently guided her toward the balcony to help her cool off.


    Back among the guests,n''sposure never wavered; he remained calm and poised, just as he always appeared.


    Vanessa noticed the shadow inn''s eyes, the way he stared into the distance with an unreadable expression. She couldn''t tell what he was thinking, but one thing was clear-Eleanor had been thoroughly embarrassed tonight.


    On the balcony, however, Eleanor seemed unfazed, her expression serene, as if the humiliating episode hadn''t touched her at all.


    Joel handed her a ss of juice. "Here, have a sip and try to rx. I really don''t think that woman meant anything personal."


    Eleanor offered a fleeting smile. "I know."


    She med herself for wearing the wrong thing tonight.


    Joel was about to say something more when Faye''s voice floated over from behind them. "Joel, you''re here too!"


    Joel turned in surprise. "You guys made it as well?"


    Horace answered, "We checked with Dr. Lyman beforeing-Mrs. Grayson wanted to discuss a partnership."


    Gwenda shot Eleanor a look of concern. "Eleanor, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine," Eleanor replied with a gentle smile.


    But Faye, inside, was anything but calm. She had seen how Joel had leapt to Eleanor''s defense, and it didn''t sit well with her.


    Eleanor held her ss, her gaze drifting across the glittering ballroom, the crystal chandeliers reflecting in her eyes. The guests blurred together, but eventually her attention settled onn.


    He stood beside Vanessa, the perfect gentleman-attentive, courteous, the picture of a chivalrous escort.


    ncing at her watch, Eleanor silently wished Jude Vaughn would hurry up and arrange their meeting with Mrs. Grayson.


    Celebrities dotted the crowd, but Eleanor wasn''t one to be starstruck. Gwenda, on the other hand, appeared thrilled, excitedly naming every famous face she spotted.


    "I''m going to the restroom," Eleanor said quietly.


    "I''lle with you." Gwenda, who''d been sipping drinks all evening, jumped at the chance.


    Together, they weaved through the crowd toward the restrooms.


    Meanwhile, Faye''s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She turned to Horace.


    "Horace, could you go find Jude for me?"


    Horace could tell Faye was trying to send him away. Still, he liked her, and was


    willing to oblige. Shooting a jealous nce at Joel, he turned and left.


    Faye swirled her wine, her smileced with flirtation. "Joel, isn''t the night beautiful?"


    Joel looked up, smiled politely. "Yes, it is."


    Faye''s gaze lingered a moment too long. "You know, I think you look especially handsome tonight."


    Joel hesitated, adjusted his sses, and gave a nomittal smile.


    "Joel, what about me?" Faye pressed. "How do I look tonight? Beautiful?" She craved Joel''s approval, whether for her appearance or her intellect.


    Joel''s attention drifted over the crowd,nding onn. He was surprised. "Is that Mr. Goodwin? When did he get here?"


    Faye followed his gaze. "He arrived about ten minutes ago. Why?"


    Joel let out a slow breath. He''d been so worried about Eleanor earlier that he


    hadn''t even noticedn''s arrival. He just hoped this wouldn''t cause Eleanor more trouble.


    When Eleanor and Gwenda returned from the restroom, Gwenda chattered on about how excited she was to be at the party. Eleanor knew Gwenda''s friendliness was only surface-deep, so she simply yed along.


    Back in the ballroom, Eleanor decided she needed a break from the crowd. She slipped away to the buffet area, hoping for a little peace and quiet.