With Joy behind the wheel, Eleanor finally had a chance to rx.


    Half an hourter, their car pulled into the parking lot of an upscale country club. The ce looked more like a luxury car showcase than an actual parking lot, and attendants hurried over to open their doors for them.


    A plush red carpet stretched all the way to the main hall. Eleanor and Joy stepped into the charity event, hoping to find a quiet spot and keep a low profile.


    But before they could even settle in, the mayor''s wife spotted them from across


    the room.


    "Eleanor, Joy!"


    Both women quickly put on their best smiles and greeted Mrs. Ellington, who weed them warmly. "Come, I''ve reserved seats for you."


    To their surprise, their seats were in the very front row-clearly reserved for VIPs.


    Eleanor and Joy exchanged a look, a little overwhelmed by the honor, but Mrs. Ellington insisted. They''d barely sat down when the doors opened again and more guests arrived. Eleanor''s expression cooled.


    Vanessa swept in, making a statement in a striking red dress, her arm linked with a wealthy socialite.


    "What''s she doing here?" Joy muttered, rolling her eyes.


    Vanessa spotted them immediately. A sly smirk curved her red lips-she''d obviously expected to see Eleanor today.


    Mrs. Ellington exchanged a few pleasantries with Vanessa and herpanion before asking a staff member to show them to their seats.


    Within fifteen minutes, the hall was filled with distinguished guests.


    Vanessa, ever poised, tossed her long hair and took a seat in the second row- right behind Eleanor.


    "Eleanor, what a coincidence!" Vanessa called out.


    Joy turned and shot Vanessa a re. "Eleanor barely knows you, thanks," she snapped.


    Vanessa arched an eyebrow at Joy. “Sitting in the front row, are we? I suppose you''ll be bidding on a few pieces tonight, then," she said pointedly, making it clear she didn''t think they belonged there.


    Joy didn''t back down. "You have no idea what Eleanor''s worth these days, do you?"


    Vanessa gave a soft, dismissiveugh, her fingers idly tracing her ne. "Living off her ex-husband''s alimony hardly counts as her own aplishment."


    Joy just snorted. "Eleanor doesn''t need anyone''s charity. Trust me, soon her bank bnce will be longer than your social security number."


    Vanessa red, stung by the retort.


    Joy turned to Eleanor and said loudly enough for Vanessa to hear, "Some people must keep their brains in their cheeks, because there''s certainly nothing in their heads."


    Vanessa bit her lip, about to snap back, but noticed people nearby turning to look. She swallowed her annoyance just as Mrs. Ellington took the podium to begin her speech.


    The speech was excellent, and as Eleanor and Joy joined in the apuse, a new figure made her way across the hall.


    Her hair was silver-white, and despite her gentle, grandmotherly appearance, everyone in the room recognized her immediately.


    It was Mildred-both the Secretary of State''s and the Mayor''s mother, and Mrs. Ellington''s mother-inw.


    "Mother, what brings you here?" Mrs. Ellington asked in surprise.


    "Oh, just wanted to see what all the fuss was about!" Mildred replied with a warm chuckle, her eyes scanning the room.


    Mrs. Ellington understood at once who she was looking for, and gently took her arm. "Mom, Eleanor is right over here!"


    Seeing the elderlydy, Eleanor immediately stood up and walked over to greet her. "Mildred."


    It had been two months since theyst saw each other. Mildred took Eleanor''s hand warmly. "I knew you''de, so I made sure to stop by and join the fun."


    Eleanor felt a wave of emotion. Mildred''s gaze was gentle as she looked her over. "It''s been two months, and you''ve lost weight again. Are you working too hard?"


    Eleanor gave a soft smile. "How''s your health, Mildred?"


    "Wonderful, thanks to you. Still as fit as ever!" Mildredughed.


    Vanessa''s fingers tightened around her purse. How on earth was Eleanor on such familiar terms with the mayor''s mother?


    Mrs. Ellington quickly instructed the attendants to move seats, arranging for Mildred to sit right next to Eleanor.


    There was no way Eleanor could keep a low profile now. Guests all around began whispering, trying to figure out who she was, and soon her name was on everyone''s lips.


    "So that''s Eleanor! She''s so young and already a brilliant scientist!"


    "I''ve seen her on TV more than once. She developed that breakthrough treatment for the spherical virus."


    "Incredible, truly."


    All around Vanessa, people were singing Eleanor''s praises, their words stinging her ears until she wanted to cover them.


    Then the charity auction began. Vanessa finally let out a breath-she had a mission tonight. After identally wearing Magdalen''s braceletst time, she was determined to win an antique tonight to win her favor.


    She set her sights on a beautiful antique vase, from Magdalen''s favorite era.


    Eleanor noticed the vase as well. After a moment''s thought, she decided she would bid on it too.


    She wanted to give it as a gift to someone special.