"Alright, Grandma. Goodbye."


    Magdalen nced back at her grandson, who stood there mute as ever. She huffed, "Can''t you at least show a little concern for Eleanor?"


    Back at home, Eleanor dove once more into preparations for next month''s summit speech. It felt like there was always another mountain of work waiting for her.


    But this was her element-her purpose and even when the workload was crushing, she neverined.


    Three dayster, the business news reported that Yeaton Holdings would be listed on the stock exchange that very day. Thepany''s valuation had skyrocketed from five hundred million to five billion.


    Eleanor came across the headline by ident during her lunch break, just as a message from Joy popped up on her phone.


    "Ellie, did you see the news? Word isn bought into Vanessa''s father''spany and helped them go public."


    "I saw it," Eleanor replied, sending a voice message.


    n must need his eyes checked! Rnd''spany is always skirting thew- how cann not see that? And now he''s helping them go public?"


    "That''s just business," Eleanor shot back.


    Right then, her phone rang. It was Ellington.


    "Hello, Ellington."


    "Ms. Sutton, do you have time this evening? Omnistar Dynamics'' chief engineer is in town. We''d like you to join us for dinner and a discussion about the next steps."


    Eleanor oversaw three hotels, all in the middle of upgrading to smart systems. Omnistar Dynamics was their tech partner, and with their chief engineer visiting, it was only right for her, as CEO of the Vesper Joy Group, to be there to host.


    "Of course. I''ll be at the Vesper Joy Hotel by six," she replied.


    "Great, I''ll arrange dinner for tonight."


    At four-thirty, Eleanor swung by her apartment to change. She chose an elegant beige suit, swept her hair up, and exuded a poised, professional air.


    When she arrived, Ellington was already waiting in the lobby. “Ms. Sutton, Mr. Mark from Omnistar is set up in The Luminary Hall. This way, please."


    Just as they reached the elevator, Eleanor spotted a sign nearby: "Yeaton Holdings Celebration Banquet.”


    She stopped short, turning to Ellington. "Yeaton Holdings is holding their celebration here?"


    Ellington gave a sheepish smile. "Yes. By the time I found out, they''d already paid the deposit. Ms. Sutton, I should have told you sooner this one''s on me."


    Eleanor''s expression was calm. "It''s fine."


    Inside The Luminary Hall, Mr. Mark stood to greet her, surprising her with fluent English and a strong handshake. "Ms. Sutton, I''ve heard so much about you. It''s a pleasure to finally meet."


    She smiled. "Mr. Mark, your English is wless."


    "I spent six years working in Vandalia," Mark replied with a grin, before they all sat down to get to business.


    "We have several innovative ideas for your hotel''s smart system upgrades. I''d love to get your feedback."


    Their discussion stretched on until half past eight, when Eleanor finally rose to leave. As she reached the elevator lobby, the doors slid open with a chime-and there stoodn, sharply dressed in a tailored suit beneath the bright lights.


    Of course, he was here for Yeaton Holdings'' celebration.


    "Mr. Goodwin, you''re here for the Yeaton Holdings banquet, right? Let me show you the way," Ellington offered quickly.


    After all,n was Vesper Joy Hotel''s secondrgest shareholder.


    Butn barely nced at Ellington, his eyes locking onto Eleanor. Something about her look tonight—a kind of elegant confidence-caught him off guard.


    "That won''t be necessary. I was just about to—"n began, before he was interrupted.


    A sweet, flirtatious voice chimed in from behind Eleanor. n, you''re finally here! My dad''s been waiting for you!"


    Vanessa had appeared out of nowhere, standing just behind them.


    A flicker ofplicated emotion crossedn''s face. At that moment, another


    elevator door slid open. Eleanor stepped inside and nced at Ellington. "You go ahead. I''ll see myself out."