Eleanor paused, her posture stiffening. She didn''t owe him any exnations, but she wouldn''t let Joel''s reputation be tarnished, either.


    "We''re just here for work," she replied coolly, making no mention of the award ceremony tomorrow. There was no reason to exin herself to him.


    "You''re a mother. Remember your responsibilities-don''t set a bad example for your daughter." Ian''s voice was calm, but his words cut sharply.


    Eleanor almost retorted, And you? Are you setting a good example as a father? But she thought better of it. Even exchanging words with him felt like a waste of breath.


    "Evelyn, let''s go. It''s gettingte," Eleanor said, turning to her daughter.


    "Okay, Mom." Evelyn hugged her stuffed animal and hurried over.


    "Good night, Dad!" Evelyn waved as she followed Eleanor out. They''d barely reached the doorway when they ran into someone-a woman in a striking dress.


    Vanessa looked freshly showered, her figure entuated by a low-cut, body- hugging gown. She shed a sultry smile. "Heading out already, Ms. Sutton?" Eleanor didn''t bother responding, but Evelyn looked up, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Mrs. Shannon, howe you''re visiting my dad sote?"


    "I just need to have a quick chat with your dad," Vanessa said, her smile never wavering.


    Eleanor felt a wave of disgust. Vanessa was shameless-flirting with Evelyn''s father while wearing a mask of false sweetness, preying on a child''s innocence.


    As Eleanor led her daughter into the elevator, she heard the doorbell ring somewhere down the hall.


    The next morning, Eleanor dressed Evelyn in a lovely dress-today was the day she''d receive her award. Eleanor herself wore subtle makeup, looking polished but understated.


    "Mom, you look so pretty-prettier than a movie star!" Evelyn eximed.


    "Thank you, sweetheart. You look beautiful too." Eleanor ruffled her daughter''s hair just as her phone buzzed with a new message.


    "I''m waiting for you in the lobby," Joel had texted.


    Eleanor replied with a quick "okay," then checked the time. They had enough to grab breakfast nearby before heading into the awards hall.<fndc06> Read full story at find{n}ovel</fndc06>


    At nine o''clock sharp, Eleanor entered the grand hall with Joel and Evelyn in tow. Evelyn immediately fell quiet, her wide eyes taking in the bustling room.


    "Mom, is this where you''re getting your award today?"


    "That''s right. Want me to bring home a trophy for you?"


    "A big, big trophy?" Evelyn asked, her face lighting up.


    "Yes, a big one." Eleanor smiled at her.


    "Then I''ll be extra good. I won''t make a sound or cause any trouble," Evelyn promised solemnly.


    "When I go up on stage, Mr. Kingsley will look after you, okay?"


    "Okay!"


    More guests arrived by the minute-school teams, research groups from all over


    the country, the hall filling with a gentle hum of voices and anticipation.


    Evelyn sat between Joel and Eleanor, quietly watching the guests file in.


    "Mom, I need to pee," Evelyn whispered suddenly.


    Eleanor scooped her up and headed toward the restrooms.


    Meanwhile, a couple entered through the main doors. After exchanging a few polite words and handshakes with a greeter, they were led to the reserved seats in the front row. It wasn and Vanessa.


    On stage, assistants were busy withst-minute preparations. Vanessa nced around, growing impatient. Where was Faye? She''d nned to surprise her bying to the ceremony without warning, but now she wondered if something had dyed her friend. With twenty minutes to go before the program started, Vanessa hoped Faye would arrive soon.