With only three minutes left before the lecture began, Eleanor emerged from the restroom and spottedn just outside the auditorium, finishing a phone call. Their eyes met for a moment. Ian ended his call, looking as though he wanted toe over and say something to her.


    Instead, Eleanor turned on her heel and slipped into the lounge. Ian hesitated for a second, then headed into the auditorium.


    "Ellie, it''s about time to go in," Joel reminded her from nearby.


    Eleanor nodded, taking a moment to smooth her clothes. She''d just freshened her lipstick in the restroom, the vivid red making her lips look full and soft. With her striking features and youthful beauty, she resembled an actress about to step onto a red carpet more than a scientist preparing to give a lecture.


    "Ready?" Eleanor asked Joel with a bright smile.


    "You''ll be great. Good luck up there," Joel replied, grinning.


    "Don''t worry, I promise I won''t let Professor Langley down," she said cheerfully, picking up a pair of silver-rimmed sses she''d set aside earlier. The lenses were clear-no prescription, just for effect.


    Eleanor liked wearing sses when she spoke in public; they helped her focus on the academic side of things.


    Inside the auditorium, over a hundred people had gathered. The first three rows were reserved for distinguished guests; the back rows filled with representatives from top universities across the country. Scanning the room, Eleanor quickly spottedn—and, to her surprise, Xavier was there too.


    She and Joel walked in together. Most people assumed Joel was the evening''s speaker—evenn seemed to think so.


    That is, until Eleanor stepped confidently onto the stage, while Joel took his ce to the side, ready to assist as a staff member.


    Eleanor tested the microphone, offering the audience a warm,posed smile. A calm,manding energy radiated from her.<fn4455> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n Find?Novel</fn4455>


    Xavier, too, was clearly taken aback. The program had listed Dr. Simone Langley as tonight''s speaker, yet here was Eleanor standing at the podium. He was delighted to see her but amazed by her courage.


    He nced sideways atn as if to ask, Is Eleanor giving the lecture tonight?


    From the stage, Eleanor noticed two empty seats besiden, but she had no time to wonder who was missing. Her gaze swept the room and quickly found a pair of bright, encouraging eyes-her friend Noah, who''d been chatting with her for weeks.


    She smiled in his direction, then began her opening remarks. Her wless, lilting French carried across the hall with a unique charm.


    First, she offered a gentle apology for Simone''s absence and exined the reasons behind it.


    In the audience, Gwenda and Faye sat together, both struggling to believe how fluent Eleanor''s French was without even the slightest ent.


    "How is that possible? I thought she''s been home with the kids all this time. How can her conversation skills be this good?" Gwenda whispered in disbelief.


    Faye''s eyes shed with jealousy. "It''s just everyday conversation. That doesn''t mean much."


    True—the real challenge would be theplex medical presentation that was about to follow.


    Eleanor adjusted her sses, steadying herself as a deep sense of confidence andposure settled over her.


    Just then, the main doors opened, and Henry and Vanessa walked in.