After mingling with several high-statusdies alongside Mrs. Ellington, Eleanor casually nced up and saw Vanessa. She was by Walden Wells''s side, clinging to his arm and whispering intimately in his ear, looking like a couple with arge age gap.


    Eleanor understood immediately. Vanessa had found a new patron. And judging by Walden Wells''s behavior during thest Guild of Commerce election, he was clearly unhappy aboutn taking the presidency.


    It seemed Vanessa''s approach to him was driven by a strong motive.


    The banquet was halfway through whenn, as the host, went on stage to give a speech. He stood in the spotlight, his silver hair catching the light with a cool sheen, which did nothing to diminish his powerful aura.


    "Thank you all for attending tonight''s banquet. As the new President of The Guild of Commerce, I will continue to be dedicated to promoting business development, technological innovation, and supporting exceptional talent—"


    As Eleanor was taking a sip of her champagne, ra leaned in and asked in a curious whisper, "Ellie, how did your ex-husband''s hair turn white?"


    Eleanor paused for a moment, looking at the figure speaking on stage. "Probably from working too hard," she answered naturally.


    ra looked at the man on stage thoughtfully, figuring that must be it. Managing such arge corporation and serving as the President of The Guild of Commerce had to be incredibly stressful.


    "ra, I''m going to the restroom," Eleanor said to her.


    "Okay," ra replied with a smile.


    Eleanor was washing her hands at the sink when suddenly, Vanessa''s reflection appeared in the mirror. She walked over to Eleanor, her high heels clicking on the floor.


    "What a coincidence," Vanessa said slowly as she washed her hands, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "It looks like you''ve gained a lot tonight. From now on, you can keep reaping the benefits of your rtionship with your ex-husband."


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about," Eleanor replied coldly.


    Vanessa sneered, lowering her voice. "Are you telling me thatn bing the President of The Guild of Commerce won''t bring you any advantages? Yourpany, your research funding-which of those can''t he help you with?"


    Eleanor frowned, not wanting to engage.


    Vanessa held her ground. "Let''s not pretend, Eleanor. Your sess was bought and paid for by him. So drop the ''independent and strong'' act. Who exactly are you trying to convince?"


    Eleanor turned off the faucet, pulled out a paper towel, and slowly dried her hands, her eyes meeting Vanessa''s in the mirror.


    "You''re right, Miss Shannon. I really can''tpare to you." Eleanor''s lips curved into a mocking smile. "At least I don''t have to climb my way up by relying on a man old enough to be my father."


    Vanessa''s face instantly turned ashen. "Eleanor, what did you say—"


    Eleanor turned to face her, her voice calm but every word a stab to the heart. "Aren''t you an expert at using men? Fromn to Henry, and now to Walden Wells you certainly know how to pick your stepping stones."


    "What do you know?" Vanessa gritted her teeth. "Mr. Wells and I are truly in love. Then, unwilling to back


    down, she continued Continued to provoke it


    Eleanor. And how noble are you? Still relying on your ex-husband''s connections even after a divorce."


    Eleanor tossed the paper towel into the trash can. "Sorry, but I have no interest inpeting with you over who''s doing better."


    With that, Eleanor picked up her purse and walked out the door.


    Vanessa''s fists clenched tightly. She had almost forgotten that this was not the same Eleanor from before.


    "Eleanor, let''s see who gets thestugh!" Vanessa muttered to her reflection, gritting her teeth. She had to admit, Eleanor''s mockery of her rtionship with Walden Wells had hit a nerve.


    When Eleanor returned to the ballroom, she nced at her watch. It was almost eight-thirty, and she nned to leave early.


    She went to say goodbye to Mrs. Ellington, who took her hand affectionately. "You muste over for dinner sometime. Even though Mansfield isn''t here, don''t be a stranger."


    Eleanor saw the way Mrs. Ellington looked at her and knew that Mansfield had told her about their rtionship.


    A light blush crept onto Eleanor''s cheeks as she nodded.


    A few steps away,n stood


    watching. The way Mrs. Ellington held Eleanor''s hand and spoke to her was clearly the affectionate way an elder would speak to a younger fangily member. He pushed his sses up the bridge of his nose as an uncontroble pang of bitterness spread through his chest.


    "Mr. Goodwin?" a guest beside him noticed he was distracted. "Are you alright?"<pn quicklyposed himself, a polite smile on his lips. "I''m fine. Now, where were we?"