A weekter, Mayor Ellington hosted his annual charity g, an event attended by the city''s most prominent figures from politics, business, and society.


    Eleanor was on the guest list. Though she had little interest in such gatherings, Mrs. Ellington had personally called to invite her, making it impossible to refuse.


    That evening, Eleanor chose a simple yet exquisitely tailored ck evening gown, her long hair swept into a loose updo. With just a touch of makeup, she was ready.


    The grand ballroom of the city''s most luxurious hotel was a dazzling spectacle of glittering jewels and flowing silk.


    Eleanor arrived with Ellington. Since his promotion to CEO of Vesper Joy Group before the holidays, he was now responsible for all of her business ventures and had quickly be one of the city''s rising business stars. A man in his early forties with a degree from a top business school, he possessed a sharp and innovative mind for investment.


    The ballroom buzzed with conversation and clinking sses. Eleanor''s entrance drew more than a few stares, initially captivated by her beauty. But it was her cool, reserved aura that set her apart from the boisterous crowd, like a solitary moonbeam gracing the surface of a bustlingke. Her elegance was understated, a sophisticated blend of intelligence and grace that invited closer appreciation.


    Ellington walked respectfully half a step behind her, a silent testament to his deference.


    Eleanor spotted Mayor Ellington speaking with several chairmen. "Come with me to say hello," she said to Ellington.


    He nodded, and they made their way across the room. Before she could even speak, Mayor Ellington paused his conversation and greeted her warmly. "Eleanor, you made it."


    "Good evening, Mayor Ellington," Eleanor smiled politely. "Thank you for the invitation."


    "I was hoping you woulde," he said, his expression one of genuine admiration. His gaze shifted to the man beside her. "And this is?"


    "This is Ellington, the CEO of Vesper Joy Group and my right-hand man," Eleanor introduced with a smile.


    Ellington stepped forward, extending his hand with confidentposure. "Mayor Ellington, it''s an honor. Thank you for having me tonight."


    The Mayor nodded, clearly impressed. Soon, the chairmen of several business associations joined them, eager to meet the rising star they had heard so much about. After a brief but pleasant exchange, Eleanor and Ellington excused themselves, leaving the Mayor to his hosting duties.


    They moved to the refreshment area, where Ellington began quietly briefing her on potentially valuable business contacts in the room.. Eleanor listened intently, she felt a strong, unignorable gaze from


    across the room.


    She looked up and sawn, seated at a table several feet away,


    surrounded by a few of his top gave her a slight nod


    executives. He gave her a


    of acknowledgment from a distance. Eleanor returned her attention to Ellington, forcing herself to focus.


    Just then, a figure entered the ballroom from a side entrance, scanning the crowd.


    His eyes finallynded on Eleanor, and a look of relief washed over his face.


    It was Xavier.


    He had checked the guest list and known she would be here, but he hadn''t been able to find her in the main crowd. It was clear he hadn''te for the g; he hade for her.


    "Mr. Vaughn," Ellington said, standing to greet him warmly. He would never forget that Xavier was the one who had first recognized his potential.


    Xavier smiled and took a seat opposite Eleanor,pletely unaware thatn was sitting just behind him.