On stage, Eleanor stepped down, cradling a bouquet of champagne-colored roses in her arms. Xavier walked beside her, the two of them making their way


    backstage together.


    From the wings, Gwenda and her coworker Valery—both part of the event staff— watched Eleanor and Xavier disappear behind the curtains. Gwenda, always one for gossip, cast a quick nce atn, seated in the front row.


    "Is Mr. Vaughn actually seeing Eleanor now? Is this their way of going public?" Valery, barely able to contain her excitement, whispered. Having once worked in Juliette Grayson''sb, she felt more than a little fondness for Xavier, her former boss. She sincerely hoped he would finally win the woman''s heart.


    Gwenda lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Who knows, maybe they''ve been together for a while now. It wouldn''t be hard for Eleanor to marry into a wealthy family again."


    Valery nodded eagerly. "Yes, I hope so too. They''d make a great couple."


    Backstage, Eleanor handed Xavier a cup of coffee. "One of the staff brought this over-thought you could use a little pick-me-up."


    Xavier took the coffee from her, his gaze lingering on her soft, natural makeup and ssic ensemble. She moved with an effortless grace, looking every bit the embodiment of timeless elegance.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone chimed. She nced at the message; it was from Simone at the front desk, reminding her about a luncheon after the conference, where President Maxwell and several renowned medical experts would be present.


    Eleanor quickly replied, "Of course, Professor Langley."


    Xavier took a sip of the coffee, then praised her, "Your talk today was fantastic. I hope to see you speaking at the Global Medical Summit one day."


    A smile lit up Eleanor''s face. "That would be a dreame true."


    Xavier''s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, imagining how dazzling she would be when that day arrived-so remarkable that few would dare meet her gaze. But above all, he genuinely wished to see her seed, for her own sake.


    "Would you like to grab lunch together?" Xavier invited.


    Eleanor nced at her wristwatch and offered an apologetic smile. "I''m so sorry- Professor Langley asked me to join their lunch. I''ll have to eat with them this time."


    Xavier nodded in understanding. With so many leaders in medical science gathered here, it was only natural for them to connect.


    "No worries. Another time, then," he said.


    "And I still owe you a meal, remember? Next time, it''s on me," Eleanor promised with augh.


    Xavier''s eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Anytime. I''ll be waiting."


    Eleanor truly appreciated Xavier''s thoughtful gesture with the flowers. Unliken''s cold indifference, Xavier always made her feel like basking in a gentle spring breeze.


    "They''re beautiful. Thank you," she said, looking at the bouquet.


    "I''m d you like them." Xavier''s smile was warm.


    The conference ended at half past eleven. Carrying her flowers, Eleanor emerged from backstage. Gwenda hurried up to her. "Eleanor, are you heading to lunch with Professor Langley and the others? Give me your flowers-I''ll find a vase for them back at the office."


    "Thank you, Gwenda." Eleanor shed her a grateful smile.


    "Don''t mention it." Gwenda took the bouquet, watching as Eleanor joined Professor Langley and the rest of the distinguished group.


    A few rows back, Faye watched Eleanor''s retreating figure, a flicker of jealousy passing through her eyes. Just moments ago, everyone who left the hall together was a heavyweight in the medical field-each one a household name.


    And now Eleanor had managed to break into that inner circle. How could Faye not be envious?


    Turning, she noticed Joel still seated, typing a message on his phone. A calcting look shed in her eyes. She called out deliberately, "Joel, why aren''t you joining Professor Langley and the others for lunch?"


    "I have other things to do," Joel replied curtly.


    But Faye suspected he''d simply been left out and couldn''t help voicing her indignation. "Even Eleanor gets to dine with President Maxwell and the top brass. Seems like Professor Langley and Dr. Lyman are ying favorites."


    Joel frowned and turned to look at her. "Faye, don''t stir up trouble. Professor


    Langley did invite me, but I really do have something else to take care of."


    "You don''t have to exin-I get it," Faye replied, unconvinced. She was sure Joel hadn''t been invited at all.


    "Faye, if you''re trying toe between Eleanor and me, don''t bother." Joel stood and walked away.


    The truth was, he genuinely had to decline Simone''s invitation.


    Watching Joel''s departing figure, Faye bit her lip before standing to wait for Vanessa at the door. There, she spotted Gwenda carrying the bouquet-Xavier''s gift to Eleanor.


    "Gwenda, isn''t that Eleanor''s bouquet?" Faye asked, arms crossed.


    "She went to lunch, so I''m taking it back to the office for her," Gwenda replied.


    Faye''s lips curled into a mocking smile. "You two are colleagues, yet Eleanor treats you like her assistant."


    Gwenda''s cheeks flushed. "That''s not true, Faye!"


    Faye''s expression was unapologetic, her tone dripping with disdain. "I''m just calling it like I see it."


    Valery tugged Gwenda away. "Come on, Gwenda. Let''s go. We''re not in her league anyway."


    Gwenda ignored Faye and left with Valery.