Chatting with Dr. Smith had left Eleanor feeling inspired; it wasn''t until nearly half past twelve that she finally made her way to the cafeteria.


    When Eleanor and Dr. Smith sat down together for lunch, Faye and Vanessa were already there. Faye watched Eleanor chatting easily with Dr. Smith, a flicker of envy in her eyes.


    How did Eleanor manage to make such a connection? Today, half the attendees were hoping for a chance to discuss research with Dr. Smith-Faye herself had dreamed of such an opportunity.


    Vanessa noticed Faye''s distracted air and leaned in reassuringly. "Don''t worry. Tonight, I''ll askn to introduce you to Dr. Smith."


    Faye''s eyes widened with delight. "Really?"


    Vanessa arched an eyebrow and smiled. "Of course. I know Dr. Smith quite well, actually hisb is one ofn''s investments."


    Faye''s jaw dropped in disbelief. Just how many medical researchbs around the world hadn funded? How wealthy was he, really?


    If she could have a brother-inw with that kind of influence, wouldn''t ess to top-tier medical resources be a breeze?


    Eleanor divorcingn—what a tremendous loss.


    That afternoon, the summit resumed. Dr. Smith''s lecture earned a standing ovation, leaving the audience abuzz with new ideas.


    Afterward, the mayor himself stopped by to offer his congrattions. As Eleanor and Joel stepped out of the conference hall, they caught sight ofn chatting amiably with the mayor.


    Noticing Eleanor, the mayor greeted her warmly. "Miss Sutton!"


    Eleanor, a little flustered by the attention, approached him. "Mr. Mayor."


    "When you have time, let''s arrange a dinner. Just something casual,” the mayor said with a friendly smile.


    Eleanor felt her cheeks warm. Did the mayor also know about Mansfield Ellington''s interest in her? Surely someone as busy as him wouldn''t pay attention to such gossip.


    "Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Don''t let me keep you," Eleanor replied politely.


    Once Eleanor and Joel left,n apanied the mayor into a private meeting room to discuss business.


    Meanwhile, at the hotel bar, Henry and Xavier were deep in conversation. At one point, Henry''s tone turned more serious.


    "Xavier, I''m not sure if I should say this, but..."


    Xavier paused, swirling his wine ss, and looked up he seemed to know what wasing.


    Henry couldn''t hold back. "Eleanor isn''s ex-wife. No matter how much you like her, shouldn''t you considern''s feelings?"


    Sure, Eleanor andn were divorced now, but pursuing your friend''s ex-wife- especially a close friend—wasn''t exactly the mark of a loyal friend.


    Xavier''s voice was calm and steady. "If they were still married, I''d never even think about it. But their marriage is over."


    "Yeah, they''re divorced, but-"


    "Eleanor isn''tn''s property. She has every right to seek happiness again. And I have every right to pursue her," Xavier interrupted firmly.


    Henry''s face flushed. "Fine, you can choose her, but the three of us have been friends since childhood. Isn''t this crossing a line?"


    "I value our friendship deeply," Xavier said quietly.


    "Then why risk it all for Eleanor?" Henry pressed, his own loyalty to their bond surfacing.


    Xavier''s eyes were gentle but resolute. "Eleanor is worth risking everything-even our friendship."


    With that, he set down his ss, pped Henry on the shoulder, and strode away.