As Eleanor turned around, she foundn standing just behind her-she had no idea when he''d arrived. His deep-set eyes shimmered withplicated emotions. n!" Serena called out like someone spotting a lifeboat in a storm.


    Vanessa instantly put on a gentle smile. "Ian."


    Butn''s gazended squarely on Eleanor. "Mr. Brown would like to see you."


    Eleanor''s voice was cool and distant. "Thank you for letting me know."


    She made to walk away.


    The effect of his words was immediate both Vanessa and Serena''s expressions shifted.


    "That''s not necessary," Eleanor replied, just as coldly. She stepped around him and headed toward Mr. Brown.


    Eleanor approached Mr. Brown with a polite smile. "Good evening, Mr. Brown."


    Mr. Brown''s eyes were kind. "Miss Sutton, I went to school with your father once upon a time. That makes me something like family, wouldn''t you say?"


    Eleanorughed. "Then I''ll call you Mr. Brown, if you don''t mind."


    Mr. Brown chuckled warmly and struck up a conversation with her, only breaking off when his assistant came over to quietly deliver a message. With some regret, Mr. Brown said, "Ellie, let''s chat again soon. I''m truly interested in your research focus, and I think highly of your work."


    "Of course, Mr. Brown. I''ll let you get back to it." Eleanor smiled again.


    Right on cue, Ellington appeared at her side, introducing her to several business partners from the hospitality industry. After exchanging pleasantries and business cards, Eleanor finally exhaled, feeling the ache in her feet from hours in high heels.


    "Mr. Ellington, I think I''ll rest for a bit," she said, making her way toward a sofa. The shoes were pinching, and she bent down to loosen the strap.


    As she leaned over, the pearl hairpin in her hair suddenly slipped free. Instantly, her long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall.


    She froze for a moment. Under the soft lights, her loose hair framed her delicate features, making her look as striking as a painting, her eyes deep and luminous.


    Not far away, bothn and Xavier caught the scene.


    Just then, Mr. Brown''s assistant approached. "Miss Sutton, Mr. Brown would like a word."


    Eleanor excused herself. After she left, someone else walked over to the sofa-n. He bent down and picked up the pearl hairpin Eleanor had dropped.


    Later, with her hair swept to one side, Eleanor looked elegant andposed. After Mr. Brown finished introducing her to a guest, Eleanor realized her hairpin was missing. She turned to the guest, apologizing softly, "Excuse me just a moment."


    She hurried back to the sofa, only to findn sitting there. She ignored him and immediately began searching for the hairpin.


    Eleanor paused, startled. She quickly took the hairpin from him, her tone stiff. "Thank you."


    n looked up at her. "You should take better care of your things."


    Eleanor''s face went rigid.


    With one hand in his pocket,n added coolly, "The same goes for yourself."


    He checked his watch, as if ready to leave.


    He crossed the room to Henry, entrusting Vanessa and Serena to his care, then headed for the lobby doors.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone buzzed-Joslyn was calling. She found a quiet spot to


    answer.


    "Mommy, when are youing home? I miss you."


    "I''ll be home soon, sweetheart," Eleanor replied softly.


    She said a quick goodbye to Ellington and left.


    When she got home, she found her daughter quietly drawing in the yroom. Eleanor''s heart swelled with both pride and tenderness. She joined her daughter, spending half an hour ying and drawing together.


    Her phone buzzed again. It was a message from Simone Langley:


    "Ellie, Dr. Lyman will be visiting the Military Medical University next week for an academic exchange. He''d like you toe along. Please get ready."