As Vanessa stepped down from the stage, her legs felt a little unsteady. She''d expected someone-anyone-to offer a few words of praise. Instead, it was as if she''d vanished from the room; everyone''s attention was drawn to a lively cluster of guests at the far end of the ballroom.


    To Eleanor''s side of the room.


    "Miss Shannon, that was beautiful. Would you like some champagne?" a young waiter asked as he passed by.


    Vanessa took a ss and made her way alone to the lounge area. From her seat, she watched the others gather around Eleanor, wishing the drink in her hand were something stronger-something that might douse the burning jealousy inside her.


    At first, she couldn''t quite put her finger on what was making her so ufortable.


    It wasn''t until she nced down at her own hands that she understood.


    A pair of hands that could y piano, versus a pair that could save lives. Her own hands seemed pale and weak byparison.


    Outwardly, Vanessa kept herposure, but beneath the surface, jealousy and resentment churned-mixed with a hint of envy she would never admit.


    She picked up her phone and textedn: "Ian, I''m not feeling well. Can youe pick me up?"


    "What''s wrong?" he replied.


    "I had a couple drinks at the banquet. Feeling a bit dizzy."


    "When does it end?"


    "Around nine o''clock."


    "Alright."


    Seeing his final reply, Vanessa allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. Eleanor might have bested her at work, but when it came to matters of the heart, Vanessa was certain she''d always have the upper hand.


    Raising her gaze, she caught sight of a man entering the hall in military dress uniform. Even the close-cropped hair did nothing to hide his striking good looks.


    Vanessa felt her heart skip, curiosity piqued-who was he?


    Just then, her phone rang. It was her mother calling. Sighing, she got up and slipped out to the balcony to take the call.


    Back inside, Mrs. Ellington spotted the man approaching and rose to greet him with a smile. "What brings you here tonight?"


    "I was having dinner upstairs," he replied amiably. "When I heard you were hosting a party, I thought I''de down and say hello."


    "Well, if it isn''t Mr. Ellington!" called the wife of the Treasury Secretary. "Back from the base for a visit?"


    He nodded, smiling. "Yes, just here to see my grandmother."


    At this, Mrs. Ellington''s face lit up with realization. She beckoned to her nephew, "Come here, Mansfield, let me introduce you these two youngdies are the ones who saved your grandmother''s life the other day."


    Mansfield Ellington''s gaze found Eleanor and Joy Thatcher. The moment his eyesnded on Eleanor, he froze for a beat-three full seconds before shifting his attention to Joy. With a grateful smile, he said, "Thank you both for what you did for my grandmother. I, Mansfield Ellington, will never forget it."


    Even as he spoke, his eyes kept drifting back to Eleanor. It was obvious to everyone in the circle where his interesty.


    He liked Eleanor.


    "No need to thank us," Eleanor replied with a gentle smile.


    "Would it be alright if I got your contact information? I''d love to invite you both to dinner sometime," Mansfield said, a faint blush coloring his handsome, rugged face.


    Just then, his phone buzzed. He nced at the screen, visibly impatient for Eleanor''s answer.


    Eleanor, caught off guard by the request, hesitated.


    Mrs. Ellington noticed and gave Mansfield a yful nudge on the shoulder. "Go take care of your business. I''ll get their numbers for youter."


    "Alright, Auntie. I... I''m still with the officers upstairs, so I should get back. Thank you again." He cast onest look at Eleanor before hurrying out.


    Joy nudged Eleanor''s arm, shooting her a mischievous look.


    Eleanor''s cheeks flushed with warmth.


    Meanwhile, Vanessa stepped back inside from the balcony, just in time to see the handsome officer leaving. It was only logical, she thought-this was a state banquet, after all. He must be military.


    A few minutester, her phone chimed with another message fromn: "I''m here. Text me when you''re on your way down."


    Vanessa nced over at Eleanor, a faint, triumphant smile ying on her lips as she replied, "Will do."