The bodyguard saw the scene in the rearview mirror and tactfully slowed the car down.


    But those times felt so distant now.


    The car in front of them suddenly mmed on its brakes. The bodyguard reacted instantly, hitting the brakes hard. Evelyn, secure inn''s arms, was fine, but the jolt pushed Eleanor forward, waking her up.


    When she opened her eyes, she realized she had slipped fromn''s shoulder. Her body visibly tensed for a moment.


    Then, in a tone as calm as if she were discussing the weather, she asked, "What happened?"


    "Apologies, Ms. Sutton. There''s a traffic jam up ahead," the bodyguard exined.


    Eleanor smoothed her slightly messy hair and looked at the traffic, not noticing the light fading from the eyes of the man beside her. Herposed reaction surprised him; it was as if what had just happened was nothing at all.


    In the elevator, Eleanor tried to take their daughter, butn kept holding her until he had gently ced her on the bed in the master bedroom.


    Joslyn brought him a ss of water. Ian epted it without ceremony, drank it, and said to Eleanor, "I still have things to do. I''m leaving now."


    Eleanor, who was also drinking a ss of water, replied politely, "Take care."


    Downstairs in the car, Gavin asked, "Mr. Goodwin, are we heading to the office?"


    "Yes."


    In her study, Eleanor received a call from Ellington. "Ms. Sutton, there''s a meeting tomorrow morning that you''ll need to attend."


    "What''s it about?"


    "It''s regarding the election for the new chairman of The Guild of Commerce," Ellington replied.


    Eleanor frowned slightly. "Can''t you take my ce?"


    "I''m afraid not this time," Ellington said, his tone apologetic. "The Guild of Commerce specifically requested that all invitees attend in person suspect the new chairman has an important proposal that requires a vote from leaders across all sectors."


    Eleanor had no choice but to agree. "Alright, send me the meeting materials. I''ll be there tomorrow."


    After hanging up, she opened her email. When she saw the proposal''s contents, she immediately understood why her presence was required the new chairman nned to establish a tech ethicsmittee.


    Just then, a message from Ellington came through. "From what I''ve heard, Mr. Goodwin is running for the chairmanship."


    Eleanor''s brow furrowed. Why wouldn run for chairman of The Guild of Commerce? With his standing in the business world, he didn''t need such a title.


    Of course, ifn were to be elected, it would undoubtedly be beneficial for the future of hisboratory.


    The next morning, Eleanor chose a sharp, tailored suit for the asion.


    The Guild of Commerce election was held at the Ashford City Convention Center. The event was teeming with influential figures. As soon as Eleanor entered, she sawn surrounded by a crowd.


    He was wearing a dark gray suit, his silver-streaked hair standing out in the crowd. His sharp features somehow transformed what should have been a sign of age into a uniquely charismatic trait.


    Far from making him look old, the silver in his hair lent him an air ofposed authority, giving him a cool, distinguished air, like a snow-dusted pine, noble and resilient.


    He was speaking with Mr. Brown and several other business magnates. Just as Eleanor was about to tum away, Jan looked over at her heir eyes mer across the room. Eleanor paused for a few seconds, gave him a slight nod, and then averted her gaze.


    Soon after, the meeting began. Eleanor found her seat, which was marked with her name, and noted that everyone present was indeed a top figure from their respective business sectors.


    Just then, the venue fell silent. Mr. Brown took the stage to give a speech. As the current chairman of The Guild of Commerce, he would personally announce his sessor today.