Eleanor had just returned to her office when Garrison sent over a few experiment reports for her to review.


    She quickly lost herself in the data until her phone rang. It was Ellington.


    "Hello? Ellington, what''s up?"


    "Ms. Sutton, there''s a wedding this weekend. You''ll need to attend."


    "Whose wedding is it?"


    "Mr. Brown''s daughter is getting married. The invitation arrived on my desk this morning," Ellington replied, then added, "Ms. Sutton, it''s important that you make time for this, no matter what."


    Eleanor was well aware of Mr. Brown''s influence in the business world. Rubbing her temples, she agreed, "All right, I understand."


    "I''ll bring the invitation by your office first thing tomorrow," Ellington said before hanging up.


    She couldn''t help but thinkn would almost certainly be there. Even if she preferred to avoid running into him at social events, this time there''d be no escaping it.


    The next morning, Ellington delivered the thick, gold-embossed invitation to her in person. He mentioned, "Mr. Vaughn is likely to attend as well."


    Eleanor remembered the nanny saying Xavier had gone abroad. Had he returned?


    At a wedding like this, the entire upper echelon of the business and political world would surely be in attendance.


    Around noon, Joy called. She was nearby meeting a client and suggested they grab lunch together.


    As they sat in the restaurant and Eleanor mentioned the wedding, Joy grinned. "Looks like you''ve made quite a name for yourself among the business elite."


    Eleanor had always hoped to keep a low profile, but once people learned about her sess and fortune, staying under the radar became impossible.


    "You''d better dress to impress this time," Joy said with a wink.


    Eleanor nodded. "You''re right. I should make an effort."


    "At events like these, appearances matter most. Dress well first-people look at your outfit before they look at you. You can''t afford to let them underestimate you."


    Eleanor smiled. "I won''t."


    On Saturday, Eleanor spent the morning with her daughter before heading out to the boutique at ten. She''d already arranged everything with the shop owner in advance.


    Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the boutique''s second floor. Eleanor stood in front of a full-length mirror, gently smoothing an imaginary crease from her dress.


    She wore a green mermaid gown. The V-neckline elegantly revealed her corbones, while the tailored bodice entuated her slender waist. Under the lights, the fabric shimmered with a subtle, luxurious sheen, shifting in color as she moved.


    A boutique assistant watched in awe, quietly wondering how someone as beautiful as Eleanor could end up divorced fromn. Everyone in the boutique followed thetest society gossip, and they all knew who Eleanor was.


    "Miss Sutton, that dress suits you perfectly," the boutique owner said sincerely.


    Her makeup was wless and understated, with a hint of winged eyeliner and matte, earthy eyeshadow that made her eyes shine. Her lips were painted a vintage red,plementing the green of her dress.


    She wore a pair of emerald drop earrings, the stones glinting under the lights and echoing the green gem on her ne. It was just enough to highlight her quiet strength without being ostentatious.


    Eleanor was pleased with the result. ncing at her watch, she realized it was time to head to the wedding.


    She drove to the hotel where the ceremony was taking ce and made her way to the third-floor ballroom, gift in hand.


    Though it was only ten forty, the hall was already bustling with guests. As soon as she stepped inside, she spotted Xavier in a charcoal suit, standing outside the doors chatting with someone.


    His eyes drifted toward the entrance, immediatelynding on her. Excusing himself, he walked over.


    His intense gaze lingered on her for a few seconds, Adam''s apple bobbing just slightly. "Eleanor, you look stunning today."