Johansson took the file, flipped through a few pages, and his eyes lit up with genuine admiration. "This system is incredible! If we could integrate it with Ms. Sutton''s smart hotel tform, I believe this could be a revolutionary step for the entire hospitality industry."


    "I couldn''t agree more,"n chimed in, his gaze flickering almost imperceptibly toward Eleanor. "Here''s to a sessful partnership between our twopanies on this project."


    Ellington had already poured the wine. Johansson was the first to raise his ss, and Eleanor followed suit. Ian clinked sses with each of them, and the three drank together.


    "With Goodwin & Co.''s Al technology at the core, this project is destined to set a new standard for the industry," Johansson said enthusiastically.


    A jolt of realization shot through Eleanor. She exchanged a quick nce with Ellington.


    So the advanced Al tech provided to Johansson was actually developed byn?


    Ian simply smiled and turned to Ellington. "Mr. Ellington, would you mind taking Mr. Johansson downstairs for a few drinks?"


    "Of course, Mr. Johansson, this way, please," Ellington replied promptly.


    Johansson stood up and followed Ellington out. As Eleanor made to leave as well,n called out to her.


    "Eleanor, could we talk for a moment?"


    She turned to look at him.


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed.


    "Everyone here tonight is from our social circle. We''ve only been divorced for six months. If you and Xavier get too cozy, people will start specting about what really happened between us-"


    She cut him off with a coldugh. "Are you worried about Xavier''s reputation, or just your own pride?"


    Her face stiffened. As much as she hated to admit it,n''s warning wasn''t entirely without merit.


    Eleanor never cared much about her own reputation, but she wouldn''t let Xavier be the target of others'' suspicion.


    "And if I don''t?" Eleanor met his eyes, defiant. "Who I choose to spend time with is none of your business."


    He locked eyes with her stubborn stare, the tension between them thickening. After a long pause,n''s voice was cool. "Fine. If it means nothing to you, do as you wish."


    He walked toward the door, not bothering to look back. "For what it''s worth, the Vaughn family isn''t likely to ept a woman who''s just divorced and already surrounded by rumors with Xavier."


    A sharp pang stabbed at Eleanor''s chest.


    She took a deep breath, forcing down the surge of emotion as she replied icily, "That''s none of your concern."


    "I''m not belittling you. I just want you to see things clearly."


    Without another word,n opened the door and left.


    Eleanor had no desire to rejoin the gathering. She sat down, taking a moment to collect herself. A little whileter, Ellington returned, holding a file. Seeing Eleanor alone, he smiled and approached her. "Ms. Sutton, could you sign this for me? I''ll take it to finalize the letter of intent with Omnistar Dynamics tomorrow."