After he finished speaking, he pushed open the door and left.


    Eleanor saw that her daughter was sound asleep, so she slipped into the


    bathroom to wash her face. She told Joslyn they could put off making dinner for a


    while and curled up next to her daughter, dozing for a bit.


    When she woke up, Eleanor found a message from Simone on her phone.


    It turned out Ashford City was hosting an event to honor the Ten Most Outstanding Women of the Year, and Eleanor had been nominated-and selected.


    A few minutester, Simone called to congratte her.


    "The university asked me to pick a few candidates, so of course I put your name forward. I never imagined you''d actually win!" Simone sounded delighted.


    "Thank you, Professor Langley, for rmending me." Eleanor''s own joy was unmistakable.


    "So, this Friday, you''ll need to go ept your award! After all, it''s a city-wide event."


    "Of course." A smile crept across Eleanor''s face.


    Simone forwarded her the official invitation: [Ashford City Annual Ten Outstanding Women Awards Ceremony].


    "Mom, what are you smiling about?" Evelyn asked, rubbing her eyes as she woke.


    Eleanor scooped her daughter up and kissed her on the cheek. "Mommy just won an award-one of the ''Top Ten Women'' in the city. This Saturday, I''ll go ept it."


    "Wow! My mommy is amazing!" Evelyn pped her little hands. "Will Daddy be there too?"


    Eleanor''s smile faltered for a split second, but she replied gently, "This is a work award, honey. Daddy won''t be there."


    Evelyn nodded, satisfied with the answer and asked no more.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a new message from Xavier: "Congrattions- I just saw you on the news."


    Eleanor felt a warm glow in her heart. "Thank you," she replied.


    She spent Sunday with Evelyn, shuttling between home and theb as usual. Soon enough, good news arrived from Jude Vaughn as well: the newb would bepleted by Saturday, with a ribbon-cutting scheduled for Monday, and Eleanor was invited to attend.


    After Rnd Yeaton withdrew from the project, the procurement for experimental equipment had been reassigned, and now everything was delivered perfectly.


    Eleanor found herself surrounded by meetings and piles of experimental data every day at the research building. Yet, working in her element never felt exhausting—each near-breakthrough was a fresh surge of excitement.


    Even asn pushed the team hard, Eleanor and her colleagues raced against the clock, knowing their work could bring hope to countless patients.


    That, more than anything, was what truly mattered to her.


    Friday arrived before she knew it. The awards ceremony would take ce at City Hall at three in the afternoon.


    After parking, Eleanor saw a cluster of photographers and reporters gathered outside. A red carpet unfurled across the steps, nked by fresh bouquets. She walked into the grand hall, where an observant staff member recognized her at once. "Miss Sutton, right? The award recipients'' seats are this way."


    As Eleanor entered the hall, she suddenly froze.


    Near the stage, a group of reporters were conducting interviews. The woman currently being interviewed was none other than Vanessa.


    Vanessa, dressed in a graceful white gown with wless makeup, spoke with poise and charm, her voice sweet as she recounted her journey to sess.


    Catching sight of Eleanor approaching, Vanessa''s red lips curled into a sly smile, and her voice lifted as she addressed the reporters, "I must thank my family for their support and encouragement. But, most of all, there''s someone special I need to thank—my partner, who has always stood by my side with unwavering love and support."


    "Oh? Could you share your partner''s name with us, Miss Shannon?" one reporter asked with keen interest.


    Vanessa beamed. "We''ll make it public once we''re engaged."


    "Well, in that case, we wish you happiness and even greater sess in your career, Miss Shannon."


    "Thank you." Vanessa waved at the camera with practiced grace.


    Once the interview ended, Vanessa adjusted her gown and turned to Eleanor, a knowing smile ying on her lips. "Miss Sutton. What a coincidence."


    Eleanor had no interest in engaging her.


    Vanessa''s tone took on a hint of smugness. "Ian''s mentioned you a lottely- says you''re working awfully hard in theb. That must be exhausting."


    Just then, the side doors of the hall opened and Mayor Ellington entered, apanied byn. The two men chatted as they walked in.


    Vanessa shedn a flirtatious smile. Eleanor kept her gaze on the program in her hands, though she could feeln''s eyes drifting her way.


    Suddenly, the mayor caught sight of Eleanor and called out warmly, "Eleanor, you made it!"


    Eleanor stood quickly, greeting him with a respectful smile. "Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor."


    He looked at her with genuine approval, like a kindly uncle. Vanessa followed suit, offering a polite hello of her own. "Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor."


    The mayor nodded at Vanessa, but his attention soon returned to Eleanor. "Have you been keeping busy? You look even thinner than thest time I saw you."


    Eleanor smiled, a little shy. "Yes, work in theb has been hectictely."


    Vanessa''s smile faltered for a moment. How was Eleanor this familiar with the mayor? And the warmth in his eyes—he looked at her like family.


    "Remember to take care of yourself and don''t overwork," the mayor said kindly. Eleanor, a bit flustered by his concern, smiled back. "Thank you, sir. I''ll be sure to rest."


    Vanessa nced at Eleanor, her expression tinged with mockery. "No wonder you got this award, Miss Sutton. It all makes sense now-"


    The implication was clear: Vanessa was suggesting Eleanor had only won thanks to her rtionship with the mayor.