Shona kept her smile perfectly in ce. "Miss Sutton, it''s a pleasure. I''ve heard so much about you."


    Eleanor returned a polite smile. "You''re too kind, Miss Shona."


    The air grew faintly tense, the atmosphere edged with something unsaid.


    Shona, of course, knew exactly who Eleanor was. Eleanor wasn''t surprised; after all, she and Xavier hadnded in the gossip columns more than once due to a series of misunderstandings. Since Shona had a well-known interest in Xavier, it made sense she''d be keeping tabs on Eleanor.


    Unwilling to give up so easily, Shona turned to Xavier. "Xavier, I wanted to have a word with you-if you have a moment?"


    Xavier nced at Eleanor before replying. "Sorry, but I promised to spend this evening with my date. Let''s find another time to talk."


    For the first time, Shona''sposure wavered. She forced a nod. "Alright... I won''t keep you, then." With that, she turned away, her figure retreating, shoulders drawn in defeat.


    Eleanor, still holding Xavier''s arm, was well aware that their exchange hadn''t gone unnoticed. Across the ballroom,n stood among the guests, his gaze lingering on them, brows furrowed in quiet contemtion.


    Eleanor gently released Xavier''s arm and sighed. "Mr. Vaughn, about Miss Shona


    Xavier cut her off, his eyes intent. "It may sound harsh, but it''s better to be upfront. Dragging things out only wastes everyone''s time. I don''t have feelings for her, and it wouldn''t be fair to either of us." As he spoke, his gaze deepened, lingering on Eleanor as if to say he only wanted to waste time on someone he truly cared for. Eleanor quickly looked away, lowering her eyes to avoid his.


    Just then, the entrance doors opened again. Ellington personally ushered Mr. Johansson inside. Catching sight of them, Eleanor excused herself, "If you''ll excuse me."


    Wine ss in hand, she made her way across the room.n detached himself from the crowd as well. Ellington introduced Eleanor with perfect timing. "Mr. Johansson, this is Ms. Sutton, CEO of Vesper Joy Hotel."


    Eleanor extended her hand with practiced poise. "Mr. Johansson, I''ve heard so much about you."


    "Ms. Sutton, it''s a pleasure to finally meet you." Mr. Johansson shook her hand warmly.


    Ellington then gestured to the man behind Eleanor. "And this is Mr. Goodwin, President of Goodwin & Co."


    A spark of excitement lit Johansson''s eyes. He shookn''s hand enthusiastically. "Mr. Goodwin, I''ve long admired your work. It''s an honor to meet you in person."


    Eleanor had sensed someone at her back earlier of course, it wasn. She quicklyposed herself and smiled. "Mr. Johansson, if you''re interested, we could discuss the hotel''s smart automation project in more detail."


    "Absolutely-"


    "Why don''t we continue this in the VIP lounge?"n suggested smoothly. "I have a few partnership ideas of my own; we could discuss them all together."


    Johansson nodded. "That sounds perfect. I came tonight to talk business, after all."


    "I can handle the business discussion with Mr. Johansson. You take care of


    whatever you need to," Eleanor replied, givingn a pointed look.


    He smiled coolly. "I think Mr. Johansson would appreciate hearing from everyone involved."


    Ellington took the lead, arranging for them to settle into the VIP lounge.


    Inside, Eleanor and Ellington began discussing the project with Johansson. Five minutester,n entered with a file in hand.


    "Sorry-something came up unexpectedly." He handed the folder to Johansson. "This is ourtest proposal for the smart home system. Feel free to take a look, Mr. Johansson."