Byron strode up with a grin. "You''re staying here too? If I''d known, we could''vee over together."


    Eleanor and Joel exchanged a quick smile before heading to the front desk to check in. It waste, and everyone was exhausted, eager to get to their rooms and rest.


    The next morning, at half past seven, Eleanor and Joel had arranged to meet at the hotel''s breakfast room. She was still wearing Joel''s grey id jacket over a white T-shirt and jeans. At first nce, she looked so young-like she''d just graduated from college.


    "Mr. Goodwin, care to go over and chat with Miss Sutton?" Byron asked quietly.


    Eleanor and Joel chose a table together, whilen and the others sat at arge round table nearby. Ian sipped his coffee, his eyes drifting to Eleanor''s profile, a trace of distraction in his expression.


    The way Eleanor looked today stirred up memories from eight years ago-she hadn''t changed much at all.


    As she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, Eleanor could feel someone''s gaze on her, intense enough to make her uneasy. She didn''t even need to turn around to know who it was.


    She almostughed. This man had been cold and distant before and after their marriage—so now that they were divorced, she''d suddenly be attractive to him?


    After breakfast, everyone headed to a nearby research institute for a conference. Each seat had a namete, and tonight''s attendees were among the top minds in their fields-no wonder everyone took it so seriously.


    Eleanor and Joel sat together, with Byron andn in the front rows.


    The meeting began.


    Academic conferences weren''t known for shy openings-just a steady stream of brainstorming and discussion. While speakers presented on stage, people in the audience quietly exchanged ideas, which was both epted and encouraged.


    Eleanor and Joel kept up a low conversation, their heads so close together they nearly touched.


    Whenn nced back, he caught sight of them, something dark and unreadable flickering in his eyes.


    By noon, the morning session wrapped up, and everyone headed to the cafeteria.


    The topics had been fascinating, and the attendees buzzed with excitement. Scanning the room, it was clear Eleanor stood out-not only was she one of the few women in the field, but also the youngest member by far.


    Before long, several people approached her and Joel to talk shop. Eleanor spoke with confidence and ease, especially when the conversation turned to her own area of expertise.


    Across another round table,n''s gaze drifted over once again. Surrounded by colleagues, Eleanor was the picture of poise-natural, graceful, never overdone, yet strikingly beautiful.


    It was a beauty that came from intelligence, rity, and inner strength—the kind of beauty that didn''t fade under scrutiny.


    Byron nced between Eleanor andn, puzzled. How could Mr. Goodwin let go of such an exceptional woman?


    After the afternoon session, everyone returned to the hotel for a break. Since dinner wasn''t provided, Eleanor and Joel decided to head downtown to find something to eat.


    Eleanor was also eager to explore the city a bit, and Joel was happy to keep herpany.


    They didn''t return until around nine. The car pulled up to the hotel entrance, and Joel got out first, gantly carrying several shopping bags. As Eleanor followed, closing the car door behind her, she noticed someone standing by the hotel entrance.


    He stood beneath the warm glow of the spotlight, a cigarette between his fingers, the shadows entuating the sharp lines of his face, his expression weighed down by whatever was on his mind. He watched them, his gaze unreadable.


    Joel didn''t greet him this time. Instead, he turned to Eleanor with a gentle nudge. "Let''s go inside—it''s windy out here."