"Miss Sutton, do you have a moment?" His deep, maic voice sounded behind her.


    Eleanor turned to see Xavier and gave him a polite nod. "Mr. Vaughn."


    Xavier had recently taken over Juliette Grayson''s research institute and was a recognized authority in the medical field. He also carried an unspoken air of authority that made others instinctively step aside, leaving the two of them with some privacy.


    He gave Eleanor a quick once-over, a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth. "Seems like you''re quite the star tonight."


    "It''s just a bit of professionalworking," Eleanor replied with a mild smile.


    Ignoring the curious nces around them, Xavierunched into a discussion about theirst experiment.


    Not far away, Serena was watching the exchange with zing eyes, her perfectly painted lips pressed together so tightly she nearly broke the skin.


    Vanessa, having finished her greetings, walked over to Serena. Noticing her jealousy, she gave Serena''s arm a reassuring pat. Suddenly, a sly smile flickered in Serena''s eyes.


    She might not be able to stop Eleanor from catching Xavier''s attention, but there were still ways to get under Eleanor''s skin.


    For instance-


    Serena slipped her arm through Vanessa''s. "Come on, Vanessa, let''s go say hello to her."


    With Vanessa in tow, Serena made her way over ton and promptly hooked her other arm through his.


    "Come on, big brother, let''s go greet some old friends."


    Eleanor nced up and saw Serena approaching, one arm linked withn, the other with Vanessa. The three looked as harmonious as a picture-perfect family under the crystal chandeliers: Vanessa, poised and radiant; Serena, sweet and charming; andn-always refined and coolly dignified.


    As they walked over, Eleanor''s expression hardened.


    Serena froze for a moment, her face clouded with embarrassment, but she couldn''t help thinking Eleanor must have felt the sting.


    Just then, Henry strolled over and pped Xavier on the shoulder. "Need you a minute."


    Xavier shot Eleanor a quick look. "Excuse me for a moment."


    As soon as Xavier stepped away, Serena sauntered over, her tone dripping with mockery. "Well, Eleanor, you''re certainly enjoying the spotlight tonight!"


    Eleanor didn''t bother to respond.


    Serena''s smile stiffened before she sneered, "You wouldn''t even be here if it weren''t for my brother. But go ahead, unt the money you got from your divorce. Let''s see how long you can keep ying the star.”


    Vanessa, still holding onto Serena''s arm, chimed in with syrupy sweetness, “Don''t mind her, Miss Sutton. Serena''s young-her words can be a bit blunt."


    The way she said "our Serena" made their family connection all too obvious-if not intentionally so.


    Eleanor''s lips curled into a cold smirk. "Six years as her sister-inw, and I must admit, her manners are certainly... unique."


    "Eleanor, you—" Serena''s face flushed red, ready to retort, but Vanessa cut in with a refined yet sharp tone. "Using a pretty face and a bit of talent to keep men interested isn''t much of an aplishment."


    Eleanor let out a softugh. "If charming men is a skill, then Miss Shannon, you''re practically an expert."


    Vanessa''s expression faltered but she quickly recovered herposure. “You''re not so young yourself, Eleanor. Do you really think the Vaughns would ever ept a divorced woman?"


    Eleanor''s voice was icy. "I don''t need a marriage certificate to prove my worth." The wordsnded like daggers-both Serena and Vanessa flinched. Tonight, Eleanor had shown everyone just what she was capable of. She didn''t need to rely on anyone else. She could shine brighter than anyone all on her own.