Eleanor knew this was all arranged byn.


    "It''s just Grandma and me at home. Evelyn only joins us for meals," Gina assured her, subtly promising she wouldn''t let Evelyn cross paths with Vanessa.


    Eleanor nodded. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."


    Gina sighed softly at Eleanor''s politeness. "It''s nothing, really. Taking care of Evelyn is the least I can do."


    Evelyn was thrilled to see her grandmother. Once she climbed into the car, Eleanor waved. "Mom wille pick you upter."


    ...


    By seven o''clock that evening, the city lights were beginning to twinkle.


    Inside the grand ballroom of a seven-star hotel, crystal chandeliers cast dazzling patterns across the room.


    Eleanor stepped into the lobby, instantly drawing admiring nces from every corner. She wore a pale blue tweed suit, her softly curled hair falling gracefully over her shoulder-a look that struck the perfect bnce between professional poise and understated femininity.


    Tonight''s event was a corporate g, and as one of Meridian Dynamics''s leading researchers, Eleanor looked every inch the part. Faye had put effort into her appearance too, dressed in a sleek evening gown.


    The night was hosted by Mr. Brown: an international business exchange, bringing together nearly a hundred of Ashford City''s most influential tech firms.


    Eleanor was chatting with Byron when a group of sharply dressed foreign guests entered, led by a distinguished man in his early fifties-Mr. Steve, founder of Starnova Group.


    "Starnova Group just arrived," Byronmented.


    Just then,n appeared at the entrance with Henry and Xavier. Trailing behind them was Vanessa, striking in a fitted white dress topped with a casually draped zer. Her long, wavy hair and confident air made her impossible to ignore.


    Eleanor''s expression immediately cooled.


    "Mr. Vaughn," Byron greeted with a warm smile.


    "Mind if I steal Dr. Sutton for a quick chat?" Xavier said with a yful grin.


    Byron and the others took the hint and moved aside, giving them some privacy.


    "You look stunning tonight,” Xavier said, picking up two sses of champagne from a passing tray and offering one to her.


    Eleanor epted the ss. "Thank you."


    At that moment, she noticed York entering with his assistant, Mann. She turned to Xavier, apologetic. "Mr. Windsor just arrived. I should go say hello."


    Xavier nodded, sipping his champagne as he watched her walk away. Tonight, Eleanor seemed different-less the cool, untouchable scientist and more... captivating, almost vulnerable. He felt a stir of something he hadn''t allowed himself to feel in a long time.


    After greeting York, Eleanor was soon approached by Steve, the Starnova Group president. After exchanging greetings with a few others, Steve turned to her with genuine curiosity.


    "Dr. Sutton, it''s a pleasure. I''ve heard a great deal about you," he said, his eyes narrowing with interest. "Your work on the neural interface project is truly impressive."


    Steve knew Eleanor had once worked under York. It wasn''t surprising; her records and research were still in Drexford''s archives.


    Eleanor shook his hand politely. "You''re too kind, Mr. Steve."


    "We''re expanding our research institute here in Ashford City. I wonder if you''d be interested—” Steve began, but a deep voice cut him off.


    "Mr. Steve, are you trying to poach my lead researcher?"n had appeared at Eleanor''s side, his presencemanding.


    Steveughed heartily. "Mr. Goodwin, you''re too sharp for me. I''m simply an admirer of talent. Who wouldn''t want someone like Dr. Sutton on their team?"


    Steve nodded, catching the underlying warning. "I appreciate yourpany''s philosophy. Here''s to a sessful partnership."


    "To new partnerships," Steve agreed, raising his ss. Eleanor joined their toast, the atmosphere suddenly warm and convivial.


    Across the room, Vanessa watched the scene, her grip tightening around her ss of juice. She knew exactly who Steve was-Starnova, Drexford''s premier private aviationpany. And yet, it was Eleanor who stood besiden, involved in the major projects.


    Steve''s admiration for Eleanor was obvious—more than just professional respect; there was real appreciation in his eyes.


    Faye saw it too. She watched as Steve, the powerful CEO partnering with Meridian Dynamics, focused his attention on Eleanor with a kind of hunger. Was Eleanor now the linchpin of the wholepany, the one everyone depended on? Was she even threatening Byron''s position as chief engineer?