Eleanor had barely finished her apology when the auditorium erupted in apuse.


    "Miss Sutton, that was incredible!"


    "Miss Sutton, we could listen to you for another two hours!"


    The two guys in the front row made herugh, and their enthusiasm drew another round of delighted gasps from the audience.


    After the speech, a crowd of students gathered around, eager to ask questions. Eleanor answered each one patiently, her calmposure never wavering.


    Standing off to the side, Gwenda watched the small crowd clustered around Eleanor and couldn''t help but whisper to herself, "I really underestimated her before."


    Eleanor was gathering her notes when a suddenmotion stirred by the door. Gwenda nudged her lightly. "Eleanor, look who just walked in."


    Eleanor nced up, and to her surprise, spotted a familiar figure by the entrance.


    What was he doing here?


    For a moment, Eleanor froze, but she quickly lowered her eyes and resumed packing up, as if she hadn''t seen him at all.


    The students noticedn too. A few brave ones approached him.


    "Good afternoon, Mr. Goodwin."


    No one was bold enough to strike up a real conversation.


    "Eleanor, I''ll finish up here. Why don''t you go see if Mr. Goodwin needs something?" Gwenda suggested.


    Eleanor replied coolly, "No need. There''s nothing for us to talk about."


    But just then,n walked over. He stopped beneath a spotlight, his features sharply defined, his suit crisp and dignified, exuding the same reserved,manding presence as always.


    Gwenda''s heart skipped a beat. There was something aboutn-an almost intimidating kind of good looks that made it hard to meet his gaze.


    Eleanor looked up, resigned. "Is there something you need?"


    Eleanor didn''t reply, but Gwenda, ever curious, piped up, "Mr. Goodwin, did youe here just to hear Eleanor speak?"


    Gwenda nodded, ncing at Eleanor. "I''ll be right back-I need to use the restroom."


    As she left, most of the students drifted out too. Soon, therge auditorium felt empty, leaving Eleanor andn alone.


    Eleanor gathered her files, ready to leave.


    "I''ve arranged a dinner tonight with Principal Weber and the team from Meridian Dynamics. You should join us,"n said suddenly.


    Eleanor paused, turning to look at him.


    He seemed to anticipate her unspoken question. "Joel Kingsley and Byron will be there too. We''re finalizing a strategic partnership with the Royal College."


    Eleanor considered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I''ll be there on time."n looked as if he''d expected her answer. He inclined his head slightly. "Six o''clock. Verdantia Pce. Bring your ssmates if you like." "Understood." Hugging her files to her chest, Eleanor left the auditorium.


    A few momentster, Gwenda caught up with her. When she heard about the dinner with Meridian Dynamics, she was thrilled. "Eleanor, thanks to you, I get to tag along to such a high-profile academic dinner!"


    Half an hourter, Eleanor and Gwenda arrived by taxi at the entrance of Verdantia Pce. As they stepped out, someone waiting by the door called her name.


    "Eleanor."


    She looked up, surprised. "Joel?"