The business g was held at a high-end hotel owned by The Guild of Commerce.


    The building was aze with lights, and the roads in front of the hotel had been closed off, essible only to guests with credentials for the evening.


    Eleanor''s car pulled up, and she handed the keys to a valet before walking towards the grand hall.


    She wore a simple white gown with a perfectly tailored waist, paired with stilettos, looking elegant and understated, yet dignified.


    At that moment, at the entrance to the ballroom, Vanessa made a grand entrance on Walden Wells''s arm, dressed in a wine-red, backless evening gown. She instantly captured the attention of everyone present.


    Vanessa''s eyes immediately locked onto the man at the center of the room.


    Vanessa caught his fleeting reaction, and a triumphant smile touched her lips. Did that mean he cared?


    She deliberately pressed closer to Walden Wells, whispering in his ear in an intimate gesture.


    She refused to believe thatn could see her with Walden Wells and feel nothing. After all, everyone used to know that she wasn''s woman.


    "Mr. Goodwin, good evening," Walden Wells said, his expression a mix of arrogance and self-satisfaction.


    "Mr. Wells, wee."n inclined his head slightly. As the host, it was his duty to wee all the guests.


    "This is my date, Miss Vanessa," Walden Wells said, taking Vanessa''s hand. "I believe you two know each other."


    Vanessa lifted her chin slightly, meetingn''s gaze as her red lips curved into a smile. "Mr. Goodwin, it''s been a while."


    She mirrored his formal tone, but her smiling eyes held a mix of triumph, provocation, and a sharp, intense pain.


    This was the man she had spent ten years loving with all her heart, and now she was being introduced to hing as another man''s date She Couldn''t believe he was truly unaffected.


    Just then,n''s gaze shifted past Vanessa toward the entrance of the ballroom. His calm, indifferent eyes suddenly lit up with a brilliant intensity.


    At the entrance, Eleanor stood draped in white, an ethereal, moonlit figure bathed in


    the glittering light. She was exchanging quiet words with a waiter.


    Vanessa couldn''t help but follow his gaze and froze on the spot. Her hand clutching her purse tightened. It was Eleanor.


    "Excuse me for a moment,"n said with a slight nod to Walden Wells, then walked straight toward Eleanor.


    Vanessa felt the breath freeze in her


    né


    throat.n''splete and utter disregard was a physical blow; t


    measured her entire worth astess


    than a single hair on Eleanor''s head.


    Just then, Walden Wells spotted an old friend. He said to Vanessa, "I''m going to chat with a friend. Go get yourself a drink."


    As soon as Walden Wells left, Vanessa picked up a ss of red wine to mask her inner turmoil, but the look she shot at Eleanor was nearly mad with jealousy. Sensing someone approaching, Eleanor looked up to findn standing before her.


    "You''re here," he said with a smile.


    At that moment, Mrs. Ellington arrived at the entrance with her daughter, Lily Ellington. Seeing Eleanor, she immediately came over with a warm greeting. Eleanor you''re here!"


    "Mrs. Ellington," Eleanor greeted her.


    Seeing them,n politely stepped aside to give them space.


    He was about to turn away when he heard Mrs. Ellington''s voice. "Still calling me


    Mrs. Ellington? Don''t be so formal, dear!"