She bit her lip. "Alright, I''ll be there."


    That afternoon, when Eleanor arrived to pick up her daughter, she ran into Gina at the entrance. Gina walked over and said warmly, n''spany is hosting a dinner tonight. Why don''t you let me take care of Evelyn for the evening?"


    Before Eleanor could reply, the teacher appeared at the door, holding Evelyn by the hand. The little girl spotted Gina and lit up instantly, calling out, "Grandma!"


    Gina smiled and swept Evelyn into a hug. "Hello, sweetheart."


    Seeing this, Eleanor relented. "Alright, Aunt Gina. I''lle by around nine to pick her up."


    Gina nodded. “Go on, take care of your business. I''ll look after Evelyn."


    "Mommy, go do your work! Bye-bye!" Evelyn waved at her, grinning.


    Eleanor smiled back, waving as she watched her daughter climb into Gina''s car. She let out a small sigh. Between theb and the office, she''d barely found any time for Evelyntely.


    "Eleanor." A gentle male voice sounded behind her.


    She turned to see Xavier waiting there.


    "Mr. Vaughn," Eleanor greeted him politely.


    "Will you be at the Goodwin & Co. dinner tonight?" Xavier asked.


    She nodded. "I''ll stop by. There are a few people I need to see."


    "Great. I''ll see you there." Xavier gave her a satisfied smile and led his own daughter, Vivian, away.


    Eleanor had only nned on exchanging a few words with Omnistar Dynamics'' CEO before making her exit. She had no intention of staying long. Still, wanting to look presentable for her brief appearance, she stopped by a boutique for a dress.


    By six o''clock, a gentle spring rain was falling steadily. The day after tomorrow would be Easter.


    Eleanor changed into a deep burgundy velvet gown, her hair softly curled and cascading over her shoulders, skin pale as porcin. Ellington was already waiting for her in the grand lobby.


    "Ms. Sutton, you''re here! The dinner''s about to start. Let''s head up."


    Eleanor nodded and followed Ellington into the ballroom.


    The room was dazzling, filled with the city''s elite-industry leaders, politicians, and socialites mingling beneath glittering chandeliers. Even in such a crowd, Eleanor''s entrance drew more than a few stares.


    Barely two minutes after she arrived, three more elegantly dressed women entered together: Serena, Vanessa, and Faye, each stunning in their own way.


    Their simultaneous arrival turned heads. All three were dressed to impress, every detail perfectly in ce.


    Faye was delighted to have scored an invitation to this event. She hoped to use the opportunity to expand her professional circle for her research career. After the harsh words Eleanor had delivered that day, Faye had silently vowed to surpass her one day.


    She''de to realize that burying herself in theb wasn''t the only path to sessworking with academic and business leaders mattered just as much. Sometimes a chance remark could lead to a big break. Eleanor had once relied on her father''s connections, then onn''s, now on Xavier''s. There always seemed to be an influential man paving the way for her.


    As Faye''s thoughts circled back to Eleanor, she spotted her across the room, standing among a group of distinguished men, ss of champagne in hand, deep


    in conversation. A sh of envy flickered in Faye''s eyes.


    She wanted to walk the same path of sess as Eleanor. She was just as


    attractive, just as talented-why should she be one step behind?


    Eleanor nced up and caught sight of Vanessa in a custom-made champagne- colored gown, her jewelry sparkling under the lights. Vanessa stood gracefully byn''s side, surrounded by prominent businessmen and their wives.


    With a gentle, practiced smile, Vanessa exchanged pleasantries, her gaze sliding over Eleanor for a split second before her smile deepened-almost as if she were asserting her role as hostess in front of everyone.


    It wasmon knowledge among those who moved inn''s circles that Vanessa was tonight''s undisputed leadingdy.


    The guests around her fawned, their ttering words and admiring expressions leaving no doubt.


    Nearby, two women murmured their approval to Eleanor. "Look at Miss Shannon -she''s the picture of the perfect partner. She and Mr. Goodwin are a striking couple."


    "A match made in heaven, aren''t they? A sessful entrepreneur and an internationally renowned pianist-such a good fit!"


    "I heard their families have had an understanding for years. Maybe we''ll hear good news soon?"


    At that moment, Ellington approached Eleanor and spoke quietly, "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Johansson''s car is stuck in traffic. He might be another half hour."


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright. I''ll wait for him."


    Just then, a mocking female voice sounded at her side. "What''s this? Here on your own? Xavier didn''te with you tonight?"


    Eleanor turned to find Serena in a shimmering silver gown, makeup wless, a ss of champagne held delicately between her fingers. There was a faint, sardonic smile on her lips as she looked Eleanor up and down.


    Eleanor gave her a cool nce but didn''t bother to reply, just took a slow sip of champagne and let her gaze drift back to the center of the ballroom.


    Serena smirked and leaned in, her voice low in Eleanor''s ear. "Take a good look- see who the real hostess is tonight."


    In the center of the ballroom, several society women were greeting Vanessa. Whatever they said made Vanessa blush prettily; she lowered her head with a gentle smile, offering toasts to the guests-every inch the graciousdy of the house.