Joel was eager to separate the two, because the man taking advantage of Eleanor was none other than his senior, Noah.


    Noah only gave Eleanor a polite hug, and Eleanor responded with a warm but clearly defined friendliness.


    Noah looked her up and down, his eyes lingering a bit too long. "I always imagined you''d be a beautiful woman, but honestly, you''re even lovelier than I expected."


    Eleanor met his gaze, unfazed. "Wee. I''m d you could join us for this academic exchange."


    "The pleasure''s all ours," Noah replied.


    Eleanor nced up at Xavier. She hadn''t had a chance to greet him earlier on stage, and now that he still hadn''t left, she shed him a bright, genuine smile. Xavier returned it, nodding in acknowledgment.


    Vanessa caught the brief exchange between the two. Her suspicions were only confirmed.<fnf238> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on FindN0vel</fnf238>


    She curled her lips into a sly smile. Someone here was definitely going to be jealous.


    A few university officials stopped by to offer their congrattions to Eleanor. As they chatted, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at Simone, then answered, "Hello, Professor Langley."


    Simone had watched Eleanor''s entire speech via livestream. Now, she was brimming with pride.


    "Looks like Elliot did a wonderful job with you-your speech was even more brilliant than mine," Simone praised, her tone full of warmth and approval.


    Meanwhile, Faye tugged Gwenda along to catch up withn and Vanessa.


    "Mr. Goodwin, could I steal you for two minutes? I have a work matter I''d like your advice on," Faye said politely.


    Vanessa smiled, "Go ahead, say what''s on your mind."


    Standing so close ton for the first time, Gwenda blushed furiously, her heart racing as she took in his striking features.


    "Mr. Goodwin, ourb is hoping to coborate with D&E Co. on a technical project. I''m the liaison for our team-would you be willing to introduce us?" Faye asked, professional and courteous.


    "Of course,"n replied warmly. "You can reach out to me anytime."


    "Thank you so much." Faye could hardly contain her excitement. With Vanessa''s connection,n was being so amodating.


    Gwenda looked at Faye with envy. What a future brother-inw-he really couldn''t say no to her at all.


    "Alright, we''ll set up a time for a proper meeting withn soon. For now, we''ll get going," Vanessa said to Faye.


    "Of course! I won''t keep you," Faye replied, nodding as she watched them leave.


    Behind them, Gwenda gushed, "I was standing less than two feet away fromn just now-oh my god! He smells amazing."


    "What kind of scent?" Faye asked, ncing back.


    "The scent of sess, obviously," Gwenda replied with a grin.


    But Faye''s good mood had vanished. She checked her phone and saw the group chat flooded with congrattions for Eleanor, everyone treating her like a superstar.


    "I''m heading back to theb," Faye said abruptly, and walked off.


    Gwenda wandered back to the auditorium, debating whether to offer her own congrattions to Eleanor. Whatever else she might think, Eleanor''s speech had certainly impressed her. If she wanted to stay on the good side of the newly- crowned Star Researcher Award winner, it wouldn''t hurt to be friendly.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor and Noah''s group were chatting in the lounge across the hall, with Joel blending in as well. Their conversationsted over an hour.


    At four-thirty, they all agreed to meet again the next day. Noah would be visiting


    for a ten-day academic exchange, so there was plenty of time to catch up.


    Eleanor headed for the parking lot, checking her watch-time to get home to her daughter.


    Just then, her phone rang. She answered, "Hi, Joslyn."


    "Ma''am, your husband stopped by and he''s here with Evelyn!" Joslyn''s cheerful voice came through.


    Eleanor frowned. Why hadn''t he bothered to let her know before showing up at her ce?