After her evening shower, Eleanor settled onto the couch, catching up on the news while scrolling through thetest viral videos. Suddenly, a short clip of Vanessa at the airport popped up on her screen-shot and posted by one of Vanessa''s fans. Vanessa, dressed in a stunning, figure-hugging evening gown, was traveling with her manager, while three assistants wheeled along matching oversized suitcases-clearly she was heading overseas.


    The fan''s caption read, "Wishing my goddess the best of lucke home with the trophy!"


    One of the trending tags referenced a prestigious international pianopetition.


    Eleanor quickly swiped to the next headline, barely giving the video a second nce. A few momentster, she saw her own name mentioned in a news update about an award she''d won. Smiling faintly, she got up to head upstairs and spend some time with her daughter.


    ...


    The grand opening of Rhine Laboratories in York was set for the next day. Meridian Dynamics was sending Byron and Eleanor as their representatives.


    Sitting in the car, Byron suddenly remembered something. "Eleanor, Mr. Goodwin won''t be able to make it tomorrow. Did I mention that?"


    Eleanor blinked, then shook her head.


    Byron let out a sigh, running a hand over his hair. "I''ve been so swampedtely, I can barely keep track. Justst night, I told Dr. Windsor that Mr. Goodwin couldn''te-I was sure I''d already told you. Sorry about that!"


    Eleanor had already guessedn''s absence had something to do with Vanessa''s trip abroad for the pianopetition. Compared to that, a ribbon-cutting ceremony hardly seemed important.


    Byron nced back at her, watching for any sign of disappointment, but Eleanor just looked serenely untroubled. He figured she understood Mr. Goodwin''s priorities.


    Starnova Group was sending their own representatives as well. The sign on Juliette Grayson''sb had been swapped out for "Rhine Laboratories," and the new name gleamed proudly on the building''s facade.


    Outside, staff bustled about, makingst-minute preparations for the ceremony. Eleanor made her way over to York, who was chatting with a group of local officials. Catching sight of her, he waved. “There''s champagne and appetizers inside-help yourself!"


    "Thank you, Dr. Windsor." Eleanor smiled politely and stepped inside. Byron quickly introduced her to one of Starnova Group''s engineers. The three of them were deep in conversation when Xavier strolled in, dressed in a sleek te-gray suit, his gentle smile lighting up his face as he walked toward Eleanor.


    "d you made it," he greeted her warmly.


    Eleanor turned to Byron. "You two go ahead. I''ll catch upter."


    She excused herself and joined Xavier on a nearby sofa. He looked around the bustlingb, a trace of emotion in his eyes. "It''s incredible to see this ce up and running again."


    Eleanor followed his gaze to York, who looked genuinely delighted with the day. She couldn''t help but share in his joy, grinning. "It really is. We''ve got a lot to celebrate."


    Xavier leaned back, his posture rxed. "It''s a good day. Feels like a fresh start for everyone."


    Across the room, Byron nced over and saw Eleanor and Xavierughing together, their conversation easy and unguarded. Byron wasn''t one to meddle, but it was obvious to him thatn Goodwin still hoped for a second chance with Eleanor. By the looks of it, though, she wasn''t short of admirers and high-quality ones at that. He''d even heard that Joel Kingsley had been nursing feelings for her.


    Soon, it was time for the ribbon-cutting. Eleanor and Xavier were both invited up; they joined York and the city officials at the entrance, cameras shing as the press jostled for the best shot. With a burst of confetti and the pop of celebratory cannons, the ceremony wasplete.


    Afterwards, everyone gathered at a nearby restaurant for a celebratory dinner. Byron and Eleanor found seats at the same table, and soon Xavier joined them, taking the seat right next to Eleanor. He was attentive in the smallest ways-when Eleanor identally spilled her tea, Xavier was the first to hand her a napkin.


    Byron watched them from across the table; their easy rapport was like watching an old married couple.


    A government official, Director Lamont-well-versed in social niceties-raised his ss and shed a charming smile at Eleanor. "Dr. Sutton, I''ve heard so much about you! Join me for a toast to celebrate."


    Without waiting for her response, he poured a ss of beer and set it in front of her.


    Byron knew Eleanor never drank.


    Appearing slightly flustered, Eleanor stared at the brimming ss, still searching for a way to politely decline.


    Before she could speak, Xavier''s hand reached over, his fingers resting lightly on the rim of her ss. Drawing it toward himself, he offered Director Lamont a polite smile. “I''m afraid Dr. Sutton is allergic to alcohol. She really shouldn''t drink. Allow me." He turned to Eleanor, his expression warm. "I''ll drink this for you."