Joy looped her arm through Eleanor''s, insisting that Eleanor join her for a couple rounds inside. Eleanorughed and agreed, letting herself be led along.


    Out on thewn, Vanessa dialed Serena''s number and recounted what had just happened: she''d tried to bid on the vase for Magdalen, but Eleanor had swooped in and snatched it away at thest moment.


    "What? She knew you were getting it for my grandmother, and she still fought you for it?" Serena exploded on the other end of the line.


    "I''d already bid six hundred thousand, but she just jumped straight to a million. She clearly didn''t want me giving that vase to Magdalen."


    "That''s outrageous! After all my grandmother''s done for her... and now she takes the one thing my grandmother loves most? What''s her problem? Honestly, when my brother divorced her, he never should''ve let her keep so many shares in thepany. Now she just bullies you." Serena''s voice softened in sympathy.


    Vanessa gave a faint smile. "It''s nothing really-just a shame that I can''t give Magdalen the vase."


    "I''m telling my grandmother about this," Serena dered. "She needs to see what Eleanor''s really like, see how fake she is behind that innocent act. Don''t let it get to you, Vanessa. My grandmother''s seen the best of everything; she won''t be fazed. Just let it go.


    Vanessa''s lips curled at the corners. This was exactly what she wanted to have Serena take the story to Magdalen, nting the seed of disappointment in Eleanor.


    Meanwhile, inside, Eleanor was chatting with Mrs. Ellington. Mrs. Ellington''s eyes shone with genuine gratitude. "You really went out of your way tonight, dear."


    She could see right through Eleanor''s bidding-knew that Eleanor was using the auction as an opportunity to make a generous donation. She''d always thought Eleanor waspassionate and kind-hearted.


    "I heard from Mansfield you spent a week at his research center. How did you two get along?" Mrs. Ellington asked with a warm smile.


    Eleanor felt her cheeks flush under Mrs. Ellington''s gaze. She hoped there wouldn''t be any misunderstandings. "Yes, I took my son along. Mansfield was very considerate and took good care of us."


    "I''m not just boasting-my nephew really is a catch. If he has any faults, it''s only that he''s a bit too busy," Mrs. Ellington said approvingly.


    Eleanor nodded in agreement. Mansfield Ellington was aplished in every way-a truly exceptional man.


    "So, I hope you two stay in touch when you''re both free. Maybe deepen your rtionship a little. He''s only twenty-seven, after all! And I wouldn''t be surprised if he ended up transferring back to Kingston in the future," Mrs. Ellington added with a meaningful smile.


    Eleanor recalled how Mansfield had looked back at the research center-she suspected he preferred the challenge of his current work.


    She smiled. "I think he enjoys the environment he''s in now."


    Mrs. Ellington gave her a knowing smile. "Seems you know him quite well already."


    Eleanor looked momentarily startled and hurried to rify, "Just a sense I got from working with him, Mrs. Ellington. Please don''t take it the wrong way."


    "Eleanor, my mother is so fond of you-and we appreciate not just your talent, but the person you are. Have you ever considered Mansfield? You''d make a


    wonderful pair." Mrs. Ellington''s tone was gentle as she patted Eleanor''s shoulder. "Of course, no pressure."


    Just then, Vanessa swept in from the garden, clutching her purse. She caught sight of Mrs. Ellington giving Eleanor that affectionate, approving look only a beloved elder could give.