Eleanor caught the implication behind Vanessa''s words, but she had no intention of arguing with her.


    Vanessa waited, fully expecting Eleanor to react, maybe snap back after being provoked. But after several minutes, she realized Eleanor seemed utterly unfazed, as if she hadn''t even heard her.


    Bored, Vanessa bit her crimson lip. Just then, a staff member approached and announced, "The awards ceremony is about to begin. Would all honored guests please take your seats."


    Vanessa turned to give Eleanor a sharp look. She couldn''t understand why Eleanor always seemed to win people''s attention and approval so effortlessly— even the mayor himself had shown her special favor just moments ago.


    The ceremonymenced. The host introduced each award recipient, listing their achievements one by one.


    When Eleanor''s name was announced, a short film yed on therge screen, highlighting her team''s breakthroughs in medical research. The audience erupted in apuse.


    "Ms. Sutton''s pioneering work in biomedical science has given hope to countless patients. She is not only an outstanding scientist, but also a role model for women of our era. Please wee Eleanor Sutton to the stage," the host said with genuine respect.


    Eleanor rose to her feet and walked up to the stage with calm poise. The mayor himself presented her with the award.


    He shook her hand, his gaze warm with admiration. "Congrattions, Eleanor," he said, handing her the trophy personally.


    Eleanor epted it, offering him a grateful nod.


    As she nced over the audience, her eyes metn''s in the front row. He sat among the distinguished guests, watching her with an expression she couldn''t quite read.


    She quickly looked away and leaned toward the microphone. "Thank you to themittee for this recognition. I''m honored to receive this award. My team and I will continue working hard and living up to your expectations."


    Her brief speech was direct and powerful, drawing another round of apuse.


    Next came Vanessa''s turn. The screen showed clips of her on stage and photos of her charitable work.


    A senior official soon stepped up to present Vanessa''s award. Vanessa''s voice was sweet as she delivered her thank-you speech, and at the end, she shedn a dazzling smile, as if to show everyone that he was the one who''d sent her the flowers.


    As the remaining awards were given out, the mayor returned to the stage for closing remarks. Half an hourter, the ceremony ended.


    People mingled and chatted as they left the hall. Just as Eleanor reached the entrance, Xavier appeared, waiting with a bouquet of fresh flowers. She paused in surprise.


    "Congrattions," Xavier said, stepping forward.


    Eleanor was taken aback, but since Xavier had offered her flowers, it would have been rude not to ept.


    "Thank you," she replied sincerely.


    At that moment, a young woman carrying an extravagant bouquet of red roses searched the crowd. When she spotted Vanessa, she hurried over and handed her the flowers. Vanessa epted them, then cast a shy nce atn beside her, as if signaling to everyone that he was the one who''d sent them.


    Eleanor looked away. Xavier chuckled softly and, across the crowd, nodded in greeting towardn.


    Eleanor was about to leave herself when the mayor''s assistant stopped her.


    "Miss Sutton, could you wait a moment? The mayor would like to see you."


    She blinked in surprise and turned to Xavier. "I''ll be right back," she said, handing him the flowers to hold.


    "I''ll wait for you," Xavier replied.


    Eleanor nodded. "Alright."


    She followed the assistant toward one of the nearby buildings, wondering what could be so important.


    Soon, she was led into an office, where Mayor Ellington greeted her with a warm smile. "Eleanor, thank you foring. Don''t be nervous-there''s someone here who''d like to meet you."


    Eleanor''s curiosity spiked. Someone else?


    "May I ask who?" she said, trying to sound casual.


    "Come with me," Mayor Ellington said, leading her to a conference room nearby.


    When he opened the door, Eleanor saw an elderly gentleman sitting inside. Her eyes widened in shock.


    It was the Secretary of State-Garth Ellington, the mayor''s father.


    A wave of nerves hit her. She had never imagined someone so influential would want to meet her.


    She steadied her breathing, though she could feel her cheeks grow warm. With a respectful nod, she greeted him. "Good afternoon, Mr. Ellington."


    Secretary Ellington set aside his teacup and regarded her kindly. "Please, Miss Sutton, have a seat. No need for formality."


    Mayor Ellington smiled. "Brother, this is Eleanor Sutton-the researcher I told you about, making such strides in biomedical science."


    Eleanor sat carefully, folding her hands in herp.


    "I''ve heard about your work from Mansfield," Garth Ellington''s voice was steady and authoritative. "The country is cing great value on medical innovation right now. Your project has real promise."


    “Thank you, Mr. Ellington, for your support,” Eleanor replied modestly. “My team and I will keep working hard."


    Garth nodded approvingly. "To achieve so much at your age is impressive." Then he chuckled. "My son hasn''t stopped pestering me-he insisted Ie and meet you myself."


    Eleanor''s heart skipped a beat. Mansfield Ellington had asked his father toe see her?


    She felt her face flush even deeper.