As Eleanor sat down to a round of apuse, someone suggested thatn say a few words.


    "Mr. Goodwin, could you tell us how you n to support the scientific researchmunity in the future?"


    His words made Eleanor look up, and her eyes met his deep gaze. Behind the gold- rimmed sses, his eyes held an emotion she couldn''t quite decipher.


    Soon after,n left and moved on to the artificial intelligence session.


    At lunch, Eleanor ate with Dr. Lyman and his group, whilen was busy hosting international guests. They happened to run into each other in the restaurant, and he simply nodded a greeting to Dr. Lyman and the others from a distance before they went into their respective private rooms.


    The afternoon session ended rtively early. Just as Eleanor was about to leave the venue, her phone rang. It was Serena.


    Eleanor hesitated for a moment before answering, "Hello?"


    "Ellie, I heard from my brother that you attended the seminar. Can I pick up Evelyn to have dinner at my ce tonight? My mom and grandma really want to see her."


    Eleanor considered that Goodwin Manor wasn''t far from the school, and her daughter had mentioned wanting to see her grandmothers several times. "Alright," she agreed. "You can pick her up at five-ten. I''lle get herter." "Great! I''ll be there on time to get Evelyn," Serena replied happily.


    Eleanor nced at the time. With her evening now free, she wasn''t sure what to do.


    Just then, her phone rang again. She looked at the screen and was surprised to see it was the mayor''s wife.


    Eleanor answered with a smile. "Hello, Mrs. Ellington."


    "Eleanor, you''ll be at the business g tonight, won''t you?" Mrs. Ellington''s friendly voice came through.


    "Mrs. Ellington, I can—"


    Sensing her hesitation, Mrs. Ellington quickly chimed in, "Eleanor, I know you''re not fond of these kinds of events, but it''s a rare chance for us to get together and have some fun. I''ll be there tonight with Lily, and I''d really love for you toe too."


    An idea immediately sprang into Eleanor''s mind. If she saw the Ellingtons, perhaps she could get some news about Mansfield.


    Since her evening was free, Eleanor smiled and agreed, "Alright, Mrs. Ellington. I''ll be there."


    "Wonderful! I''ll see you tonight then." Mrs. Ellington sounded pleased as she hung


    up.


    "Hello, Serena. What''s up?" he asked, moving to a quieter spot.


    "Brother, I heard you have a g tonight. You should invite Ellie to go! I''ll take care of Evelyn."


    "Serena, you need to discuss picking up Evelyn with Eleanor beforehand."


    "Don''t worry, I know! I already asked Ellie."


    "What did she say?"n''s grip on his phone tightened.


    "She said I could take Evelyn home for dinner."


    His eyes visibly brightened. "Good. Take good care of Evelyn."


    "I know, I know. I won''t say more. Evelyn is in good hands with us," Serena said before hanging up.


    thought. Aclient who was about to leave came over to say goodbye, and a refined, elegant smile immediately appeared on his face as he shook the man''s hand.


    After seeing the client off, he turned to Gavin beside him. "Do you know where Eleanor is?"


    "She''s probably left the venue by now. The medical conference ended a while ago."


    "Hello?" she answered.


    "I heard from Serena that you agreed


    to let Evelyn have dinner at my


    mother''s ce. What are your ns for the evening? fan asked ing low voice.


    "I promised Mrs. Ellington I''d apany her to the g," Eleanor replied.


    The smile onn''s lips faded slightly.


    Eleanor


    was attending with the


    Ellingtons? Was she attending as the


    future daughter-inw of the


    Ellington family?


    "Alright. See you at the g,"n responded hoarsely. The line went dead as she hung up first.


    Gavin, standing nearby, immediately sensed the terrifyingly dark aura emanating from his boss and wisely took two steps back.