At that moment, the emcee stepped onto the stage, his voice ringing out, "On this joyful asion, let''s invite the maid of honor, Miss Vanessa, to y a piano piece for the happy couple."


    The crowd burst into apuse as Vanessa made her way gracefully to the piano set off to the side. Everyone had assumed the piano was just there for show, a touch of ss rather than a real instrument.


    But now, as Vanessa took the stage, the room fell silent. A spotlight bathed her in soft light, and for a moment, even the bride''s radiance seemed to pale inparison.


    Vanessa knew how tomand a room. Her skillful performance captivated everyone, and the moment her song ended, she was met with thunderous apuse.


    As she rose from the bench, Vanessa''s gaze drifted inn''s direction, her lips curling into a flirtatious smile.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor was busy reading emails on her phone, absently picking at her te. It wasn''t until the emcee announced another live performance that she finally looked up.


    Suddenly, Eleanor felt the weight of someone''s gaze. When she nced up, she locked eyes withn, his stare deep and unreadable.


    He sat at the main table, surrounded by the city''s business heavyweights. Beside him was Vanessa, who, as the fiancée of Ashford City''s wealthiest man, enjoyed the kind of deference that came with his support.


    Xavier, seated next to Eleanor, kept a watchful eye on her. He couldn''t tell if she was upset, but she certainly didn''t look happy.


    "Actually..." Xavier hesitated, searching for the right words. "Ian and Vanessa-"


    "Xavier," Eleanor cut him off, looking up. "You don''t have tofort me. We''re divorced now; he''s free to move on."


    Xavier''s gaze softened, lingering on her. "What about you? Are you ready to start over?"


    Eleanor froze, caught off guard by the question. Before she could answer, she noticedn approaching, ss in hand.


    Eleanor''s expression turned cold. Xavier fell silent asn stopped behind them. "Ian," Xavier greeted, raising his ss.


    "I''ll pass," Eleanor replied coolly. She stood and turned to Xavier. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."


    No sooner had Eleanor left thann slid smoothly into her vacant seat, turning to Xavier. "Is your uncle still on the board?"


    Xavier chatted withn, sipping his drink as they discussed recent business issues.


    Eleanor had barely stepped into the restroom when the sharp click of heels echoed behind her. Through the mirror, she saw Vanessa enter, still clutching her bouquet, which she set carefully on the counter.


    Vanessa stood beside her at the sink, fussing with her hair. "Beautiful wedding today, isn''t it?" she said, her tone casual.


    Eleanor didn''t reply, simply grabbing a paper towel to dry her hands.


    Vanessa caught Eleanor''s eye in the mirror, a sly smile ying on her lips. "Ian just told me that when we get married, we''ll have an even grander affair."


    Eleanor let out a coldugh.


    Vanessa suddenly turned and blocked Eleanor''s path. "Did you know?n''s been helping my dad''spany with some cash flow issues. We''re practically family already."


    Eleanor met Vanessa''s challenging stare. "Move. I couldn''t care less about you two."


    "Oh really?" Vanessa smirked, twirling the bouquet in her hands. "Ian and I are lucky today—maybe you''d like to wish us well?"


    Eleanor took a steadying breath. "Didn''t you hear me? Move out of the way."


    Instead of backing off, Vanessa stepped even closer. "I known''s been reaching outtely, but don''t get the wrong idea. He''s just being responsible for Evelyn, that''s all. If you hadn''t ruined my celebration the other day, he''d have proposed already."


    Eleanor frowned. So she''d guessed rightn had been nning to propose to Vanessa that night.


    Vanessa''s smile widened. "Besides,n adores children. We''ll have two or three when we''re married-at least one has to be a boy."


    "Finished?" Eleanor''s voice was icy. "Get out of my way."


    Vanessa lifted her chin, fingers tracing the ne at her throat. "You know whyn chose me? Because I understand him better than you ever did. I know what he truly wants."


    Eleanor had had enough. "Vanessa, you''re just the mistress who wed her way up. Don''t try to paint yourself as something noble."


    A couple of society women walked in just in time to hear thest remark. Vanessa''s face went rigid. "Excuse me?n and I have been in love for eight years. You''re the one who came between us. The real mistress is the one who isn''t loved."


    With that, Vanessa snatched up her bouquet and strode out.


    Back at her seat, Vanessa scanned the room, only to findn sitting at Eleanor''s spot, deep in conversation with Xavier. Her mood soured even further.


    At the same time, Eleanor returned, only to spotn in her seat. She decided she''d had enough of the evening.


    She leaned toward Xavier. "I''m heading out."


    Eleanor barely spared him a nce, her appetite gone.


    Xavier stood as well. "I''ll walk you out." He turned ton. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."


    Eleanor grabbed her purse and started for the door, nearly colliding with a passing waiter. She stepped back, and Xavier''s long arm shot out to steady her, slipping around her shoulders.


    Once the waiter had passed, Eleanor and Xavier left together.


    Behind them,n stood by Eleanor''s chair, watching them go. He drained thest of his wine, then stared into his empty ss, lost in thought.