A flicker of jealousy shed through her heart. Last time, Eleanor had taken center stage at Mrs. Ellington''s dinner party, stealing the spotlight with ease.


    Now, with Mrs. Ellington and the mayor introducing her to all the right people, Eleanor''s future seemed limitless. It was entirely possible that one day, she''d be as influential as her own father.


    Just then, Joy returned from the restroom, while Mrs. Ellington had gone off to check on her mother-inw.


    Joy immediately sidled up to Eleanor. "Is Mrs. Ellington trying to set you up with Major General Ellington? The way she looks at you, it''s like she already sees you as her nephew''s bride."


    Eleanor changed the subject smoothly. "Come on, weren''t you just saying you wanted to y tennis? I''lle with you."


    By now, most of the guests in the banquet hall had finished their meals and were scattering to mingle or find their own amusements.


    Vanessa strode over, her expression sharp as she confronted Eleanor. "Eleanor, you knew perfectly well I was bidding on that vase for someone special. Why did you swoop in and outbid me?"


    Eleanor had no intention of dignifying Vanessa''s usation with a response, but Joy arched an eyebrow and retorted, "Maybe if you had more skill, you wouldn''t have to me others for your own shorings."


    Vanessa had clearly had enough of Joy''s attitude. "Ms. Thatcher, who asked for your opinion? It''s not like you''re some kind of expert either."


    Joy''s voice was calm and unflinching. "At least the money I spend, I earned myself. Unlike certain people who just open their legs and call it a day."


    Thankfully, the surrounding guests had already dispersed, but Vanessa''s cheeks flushed scarlet with anger. "You have no idea what you''re talking about."


    "Oh, I don''t? Hasn married you? Are you even engaged? Let''s see you used his money to bid on a vase you''re giving to his grandmother. The reputation you''re building for yourself-wow, what an achievement."


    Vanessa''s carefully crafted poise cracked, her face turning an ugly shade of green. "Who the hell are you toment on me andn?"


    Joy smirked coldly. "Did I say anything false?n and Eleanor have been divorced for almost a year now. You still don''t even have an official title. What exactly are you so proud of?"


    "You-!" Vanessa ground her teeth and shot a venomous re at Eleanor. "You sure know how to pick your friends, Eleanor. Birds of a feather, I suppose.”


    Eleanor gave a mockingugh. "Point out a single lie she told."


    "There''s no lie, butn and I love each other, so what? If you''ve got what it takes, why don''t you try to win him back?" Vanessa''s eyes gleamed with smugness.


    "Win him back?" Joy scoffed first. "You''re bragging about picking up the man Eleanor didn''t want anymore?"


    Eleanor let out a soft, amusedugh. "Vanessa, do you really think everyone''s as desperate as you, treatingn like he''s a prize?"


    "Exactly. It''s been a year and he still hasn''t given you any kind of official status, and you''re here showing off?" Joy added, then shot Eleanor a wink. "Even ifn wanted to get back with Eleanor, he wouldn''t even make the shortlist."


    Vanessaughed like she''d heard the world''s best joke. "You''re kidding, right?n chasing after Eleanor? That''s rich."


    "Our Eleanor wouldn''t even bother," Joy said with a smirk.


    Vanessa turned to Eleanor, her tone suddenly serious. "Eleanor, don''t kid yourself. You known. He never regrets anything he does, including your divorce."


    Eleanor wrinkled her nose in disdain.


    Vanessa stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Don''t get the wrong idea just because you''ve been seeingn more oftentely. He''s only around you for work —and for Evelyn, because of his responsibilities as her father. That''s all."


    Joy rolled her eyes, looping her arm through Eleanor''s. "Please, as if Eleanor''s the one desperate to see him. He''s the one always finding excuses to show up in her life. Come on, let''s get out of here. She''s not worth it."