Gwenda''s eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Absolutely!"


    "There''s another authentic ce in Kingston-why don''t you have Joel take you there?" Eleanor suggested, her tone light.


    Joel chimed in, "You mean the spot we triedst time?"


    Eleanor nodded. "Yes, that one. It''s excellent."


    For Gwenda, visiting Kingston wasn''t just about sightseeing; the chance to attend such a prestigious international conference thrilled her even more. The event was a big deal—a rare opportunity to meet some of the brightest minds in medicine from around the world.


    Across the table, Faye bit her lip, trying to mask her difort.


    After lunch, Eleanor and Gwenda returned to theb. Faye and Joel headed for the parking lot, ready to drive back to work at Meridian Dynamics.


    As Faye pulled open the passenger door, she hesitated for a few seconds before finally speaking up. "Joel, I''d really like to attend the international conference too. Is there any way-?"


    Joel nced over at her. "I already promised to take Gwenda," he replied simply.


    Faye''s fingers tightened on her seatbelt. "But you know I''m more qualified than Gwenda..."


    Joel started the engine and fixed his gaze on the road ahead. "I believe teamwork and professionalism matter just as much as technical skills," he replied, his voice steady.


    Faye flushed at his words. Was Joel deliberately sidelining her just because she''d joked about Eleanor''s mother being a donor at lunch?


    She turned to stare out the window, resentment flickering in her eyes. Did Joel really have to shield Eleanor like this, even though he didn''t stand a chance with her?


    That afternoon, clips from Eleanor''s morning presentation were already ying on the news. The camera lingered on her several times, highlighting herposed and confident demeanor.


    Meanwhile, a group of society women gathered for afternoon tea. Henrietta sat among them, sipping Earl Grey with practiced poise, when Mrs. Cooper suddenly piped up, "Did any of you catch the news at noon? There''s this scientist-Eleanor —she''s made a breakthrough in leukemia research!"


    "I saw it! Dr. Sutton is truly remarkable," anotherdy gushed.


    "She really is! So young and already achieving so much-she''s a credit to women everywhere."


    "Wait, who? I don''t think I''ve heard of her," Mrs. Brown asked, curiosity piqued. Mrs. Cooper quickly pulled up a photo on her phone. "Here, this is her."


    The picture showed Eleanor at a conference, listening intently.


    "Oh! Isn''t Miss Sutton the Goodwin family''s former daughter-inw?" Mrs. Brown eximed.


    "That''s right," Mrs. Cooper confirmed. "She used to be married to the Goodwins'' son. Honestly, it''s such a shame they let such an outstanding woman slip through their fingers."


    "Exactly! With her education, talent, and looks, who wouldn''t want her as a daughter-inw?" anotherdy agreed.


    "Is she seeing anyone now? I''d love to introduce her to my nephew," Mrs. Brown joked.


    Henrietta cleared her throat gently. "Actually, my son Xavier knows her-they''re friends."


    Mrs. Cooper''s eyes lit up. "Really? Your Xavier and Eleanor would make quite the pair!"


    "That''s right, Henrietta. You should encourage your son! Divorced or not, a woman like that is a real gem."


    Henrietta hesitated, remembering her previous misgivings about Eleanor''s divorce. But hearing the others praise Eleanor''s achievements, she found herself wavering. The more she thought about it, the more she realized her son seemed genuinely interested in Eleanor.


    A sudden thought struck her. Henrietta excused herself and stepped into the hallway to call her son.


    "Hello? Mom?"


    "Xavier, tomorrow''s Vivian''s birthday. Why don''t we invite Eleanor as well?" "Mom? Why-?"


    "Vivian said she wanted her friends toe, and isn''t Eleanor''s daughter Vivian''s best friend?"


    "I''ve already invited her. She said she''ll bring her daughter," Xavier replied.


    Hearing this, Henrietta felt reassured. Hanging up, she resolved to take a closer look at her potential future daughter-inw at the party.


    Henrietta knew Xavier had no interest in marrying into the Goodwin family, and she couldn''t me him. Marriage was a lifelong affair; her son deserved someone he truly connected with.


    Back at the table, Henrietta searched for videos of Eleanor on her phone. Watching Eleanor speak from the podium, she was quietly amazed. Her son certainly had good taste.


    Besides, Eleanor had always left a good impression-gracious, poised, and polite. Divorced or not, she was clearly a treasure.