Eleanor Sutton had been waiting in the lounge of the boutique for most of the evening. It was close to six when she finally made her way to the nearby ballroom.


    After handing her keys to the valet, Eleanor strode toward the lobby, her emerald- green gown hugging her figure with effortless grace. She hadn''t bothered with an borate hairstyle tonight; her long, silky hair cascaded down her back, entuating her gentle beauty.


    Each step in her heels sent the hem of her dress swaying, a rhythmic, elegant motion that drew every eye in the room.


    As soon as she entered the lobby, someone waiting on a nearby sofa rose to greet her. "Eleanor."


    She paused, clutching her evening bag, surprised to see Xavier Vaughn standing there.


    "Xavier? What are you doing here?" she asked, eyebrows raised.


    "Waiting for you," he replied, making no effort to hide his intentions.


    He simply wanted to walk in with her. Amused, Eleanor smiled. “Alright, let''s go up together then."


    Xavier''s gaze lingered on her, a flicker of admiration passing over his face.


    Tonight, Eleanor looked nothing like the scientist people knew her as she could have passed for a movie star.


    Xavier held the elevator doors open for her, his appreciation clear in his eyes. "You look different tonight."


    She smiled lightly. "Thank you. I just changed into a dress, that''s all."


    But Xavier thought she was beautiful in anything.


    The ballroom doors opened and a flood of golden light spilled out. Eleanor squared her shoulders and took a steadying breath-these social events were never her strength.


    Even so, she walked in with quiet confidence, Xavier by her side. Instantly, heads turned. The emerald gown made her fair skin glow, and her long hair swung softly as she moved, radiating an air of intelligence and poise.


    "Is thatn Goodwin''s ex-wife?" someone whispered nearby. "She''s even prettier than the rumors said..."


    "I heard herb just made some major breakthroughs—"


    "Incredible! She looks so young, yet she''s aplished so much. Isn''t that the heir to the Vaughn Group next to her?"


    Eleanor tried to ignore the curious stares. She epted a ss of champagne from a passing waiter as Xavier introduced her to the guests approaching to say hello.


    "I''ve heard so much about you, Miss Sutton! I read your paper in Nature truly groundbreaking work." A middle-aged doctorunched into conversation, clearly eager to talk shop.


    Eleanor responded with calm confidence, her eyes lighting up as the conversation turned to her field.


    Just then, a stir rippled through the crowd near the entrance.


    Eleanor nced over, barely lingering before turning away.


    Momentster, a representative from a major foundation approached, and Xavier mentioned Eleanor''s interest in establishing a research fund.


    "That''s wonderful news, Miss Sutton," the man replied enthusiastically.


    Eleanor nodded politely. "Yes, the funding will primarily support programs for young scientists."


    Her answer caught the attention of those nearby-at a business-heavy affair like tonight''s, it was rare and refreshing to hear someone speak so earnestly about academic dreams.