Eleanor nodded lightly and followed Gavin toward the VIP lounge. Not far off, Vanessa and Serena''s eyes drifted in their direction. They''d noticedn inviting several prominent guests into the lounge, and now Eleanor was joining them.


    A flicker of envy crossed Serena''s face, gone as quickly as it appeared. Vanessa looked away, lowering her gaze, lost in thought.


    Henry''s attention immediately shifted to her, concern etched across his features. He knew Eleanor''s presence had once again unsettled Vanessa.


    No one could deny Eleanor''s brilliance, but the fact that she wasn''s ex-wife was a bitter pill for Vanessa to swallow.


    The lounge door closed behind Eleanor, shutting out the noise of the ballroom. Inside, she sawn and Mayor Ellington chatting amiably with a few distinguished schrs. Whenn noticed her, he adjusted his sses with poise and greeted her with a warm smile. "Eleanor, you''re here."


    "Eleanor!" Mayor Ellington called her over enthusiastically. "I was just praising you to Principal Maxwell. That speech of yours was outstanding."


    Eleanor smiled and stepped forward. "Principal Maxwell is far too generous."


    "You''re much too modest," Maxwell said kindly, his eyes full of warmth. "Your paper on leukemia has officially been added to our medical school curriculum."


    "Eleanor, have you been in touch with my nephewtely?" Mayor Ellington asked suddenly, curiosity in his tone.


    Eleanor paused, then nodded. “I saw himst time I was in Kingston for a conference."


    "You''re both remarkable young people. It''s good to keep in touch." Mayor Ellington''s eyes darted ton, as if only now remembering his presence. He seemed a bit awkward as he continued, n, I heard your Neural Interface Project is working closely with the research base."


    Mayor Ellington let out a heartyugh. Unable to resist, he threw Eleanor another meaningful look. "Eleanor, you young folks should connect more often. Some opportunities are too good to miss, you know?"


    With that, he picked up his phone. "Excuse me, I''ll take a call. You all go ahead."


    Eleanor offered the mayor a polite nod. As soon as he left, Principal Maxwell deftly steered the conversation to a new topic, inviting Eleanor''s opinion. The other schrs soon joined in, eager to discuss.


    Over by the tea service,n removed his sses and began cleaning them with a silk cloth-his movements deliberate and graceful, reminiscent of a panther at rest.


    Ten minutes slipped by. When the break ended, Eleanor walked out alongside Principal Maxwell and the other schrs. Amidst the group of esteemed experts, her youth made her stand out all the more.


    Several heads turned as they passed. Even Xavier nced over, a trace of admiration in his eyes.


    Soon, all the guests returned to their seats on time.


    On stage, the host announced the next agenda item: a summary of the foundation''s ns for theing three years, which would be presented by one of the managers.


    Vanessa sat at the edge of the second row, her gaze fixed on the center seats in the front row.


    Serena noticed her mood and leaned in, whispering, "Vanessa, are you alright?" "I''m fine," Vanessa replied with a smile, though Serena could see the sadness behind it.


    Her brother had been so busy tonight—too busy to even stop by and say hello. And with Eleanor present, fresh from her impressive speech and at the center of attention, it was hard not to feel overshadowed.


    Just then, Serena spotted Eleanor rising from her seat-clearly heading to the restroom.


    Serena immediately said, "Vanessa, I''m going to thedies'' room."


    Vanessa caught Eleanor leaving out of the corner of her eye, and now Serena was excusing herself as well. She managed a small smile. "Go ahead."