ra tactfully took a step back. "Ellie, I''m going to check on my mom. You two talk."


    Now they were alone on the terrace, with only the gentle night breeze forpany. But Eleanor had nothing to say to him.


    She turned to leave, but a deep voice behind her pleaded, "Eleanor, can we—"


    "Mr. Goodwin." Eleanor turned back, her clear gaze meeting his calmly. "Some boundaries are best not crossed."


    The title made his chest tighten, and a sharp pain suddenly spread from his heart. He instinctively grabbed the railing for support, his eyes shut tight behind his gold- rimmed sses, his brow furrowed in pain.


    Eleanor had already turned to leave but heard the sound behind her. She couldn''t help but look back and pause.


    "What''s wrong with you?" she asked, unable to stop herself.


    In the dim light, fine beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead. It was clear something was wrong with his heart.


    "Should I call a doctor?" Eleanor took a step forward.


    "Of course I am. You''re Evelyn''s donor. Nothing can happen to you," she snapped back.


    "It seems I''m at least still useful to you," he said in a hoarse voice, a hint of self- deprecation mixed with a strange sense of satisfaction.


    Eleanor realized herstment had been too emotional. She looked away. "Don''t overthink it."


    "I know,"n nodded, seemingly very understanding.


    "Have you had your heart checked recently?" Eleanor asked with a frown.


    "Yes, it''s fine,"n replied with a light smile. "I''ll be sure to get enough rest."


    Eleanor didn''t respond, nor did she leave immediately. Compared to the atmosphere in the ballroom, she preferred the quiet here.


    The intense gaze from her side finally got to Eleanor, and she turned and walked back toward the ballroom.


    The man behind her watched her go, his deep eyes filled with a restrained love that was spreading uncontrobly.


    A manager located him shortly after. "Mr. Goodwin, there you are," he said with a respectful but urgent air. "Several entrepreneurs are still waiting for you."


    Back in the bathroom, he was


    immediately surrounded by people


    toasting and exchanging


    pleasantries He was a man adept at


    Concealing all his emotions behind appropriate words and noble demeanor, handling everything with ease.


    In a corner, Vanessa held her wine ss. Her gaze was hazy, but she was still irresistibly drawn to the dazzling figure at the center of the _crowd a powerful infatuation shing in her eyes.


    It was just as the saying goes: you always want what you can''t have.