Within minutes, the dozen or so charity auction lots had all been sold, and Vanessa walked away with the evening''s most expensive prize.


    The formal dinner began.


    Soft music drifted through the air, mingling with the delicate notes of fine wine. Guests were still animatedly discussing the auctioned items from earlier.


    Eleanor leaned toward Jude Vaughn. "Jude, it''s almost nine. When do you think we''ll finally meet Mrs. Grayson?"


    "Should be soon," Jude replied.


    Just then, the lighting shifted, casting the room in a glow suited for a ball. The music changed to a gentle waltz, and couples began to make their way onto the dance floor.


    Summoning his courage, Horace invited Faye to dance. She declined, iming she didn''t know how, leaving Horace a little embarrassed. Faye''s gaze, however, lingered longingly on Joel, clearly hoping he would ask her instead.


    At that moment, Jude Vaughn''s phone lit up. He nced at the message and turned to Joel and Eleanor. "You two,e with me."


    Eleanor and Joel followed Jude toward the grand staircase, heading for the second floor of the hall.


    From the floor below, Faye watched Eleanor with envy. Joel''s attention had been fixed on Eleanor all evening.<fn6643> ?????? ???? findnovel</fn6643>


    Upstairs, outside a luxurious lounge, Vanessa was straighteningn''s tie. Two staff members stood discreetly nearby.


    Hearing footsteps,n turned. His eyes met Eleanor''s, who now stood beside Joel, the two of them bathed in the soft light-an effortlessly striking pair.


    "Of course," Vanessa replied with a smile.


    Vanessa greeted the approaching group with practiced poise. "Mr. Kingsley, we meet again."


    Jude Vaughn was momentarily confused. Wasn''t Mr. Goodwin Eleanor''s husband? Watching Vanessa care forn''s tie a moment ago seemed oddly intimate. Then, ncing at Eleanor, he noticed she didn''t appear the least bit upset if anything, she looked entirely unbothered.


    "Miss Sutton, you may have to wait a few minutes," Vanessa said, smiling. "Ian''s meeting with Mrs. Grayson alone first."


    Suddenly, Jude recognized her. "You''re Faye''s sister, aren''t you?"


    Vanessa nodded, lips curving. "Yes, I am."


    Spotting a sofa nearby, Joel turned to Eleanor with a gentle smile. "Let''s sit over there."


    Vanessa watched them, the corner of her mouth lifting. Clearly, the two had grown much closer since theirst encounter abroad.


    Jude, feeling a bit awkward in the presence of such beauty, nervously scratched his head. "Hi, I''m Jude Vaughn. I''m in charge of theb property. Your father is actually our biggest equipment supplier."


    Vanessa gave a small, knowing smile. "I''m aware."


    With that, she stepped closer to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, could we have a private word?"


    Jude took the hint and said to Joel, "Want to grab another drink?"


    Joel nced at Eleanor, then the two men walked off, leaving the women alone.


    A mischievous glint sparkled in Vanessa''s eyes. "You''re not bothered about that ne from earlier, are you?" Her tone made it clear-she knewn had bought it for her.


    Eleanor ignored her, pulling out her phone to check her messages.


    Vanessa, hoping for a reaction, pressed on, but Eleanor seemed utterly indifferent.


    Just then, Vanessa''s phone rang. "Hello?... Everyone''s arrived? Great, I''lle by the shop tomorrow to try it on." Hanging up, she threw Eleanor a sidelong nce. "Doing anything for Labor Day weekend, Miss Sutton? I''ve saved the best seat for you."


    Eleanor remained silent.


    Vanessa''s smile deepened. "Ian and Evelyn will both be there. Are you sure you don''t want to join us?"


    Eleanor finally looked up, her tone icy. "My daughter won''t be going."


    "Butn promised to bring Evelyn. He didn''t tell you?" Vanessa''s eyes shone with satisfaction.


    Eleanor''s fists clenched. Just then, the lounge door opened, andn stepped out,posed and elegant as ever.