A shadow crossedn''s eyes. His long fingers typed a reply. "Okay, leave it to me. Make sure you get some rest. Don''t overwork yourself."


    Eleanor didn''t write back. Ian put his phone away and walked over to Henry, who was talking with guests, and pped him on the shoulder.


    Henry turned to him. In a steady voice,n ryed Eleanor''s message. "She asked me to congratte you and Miss Quigley. She couldn''t make it in person."


    Henry smiled in understanding. "It''s fine. Her research is too important to be dyed. We can get together after she''s done with this busy period."


    Just then, another group of guests arrived from the elevator bank. Ian and Henry instinctively looked up and saw Walden Wells walking in with a stunningly dressed Vanessa on his arm.


    Vanessa''s crimson sequined mermaid gown was indeed eye-catching under the lights. She held tightly to Walden Wells''s arm, but her expression froze for a few seconds when she saw the two men greeting guests at the entrance.


    She hadn''t expected to run inton and Henry right away.


    These two men, who had once held such important ces in her life, were now standing side by side.


    One was cool and distinguished, the other handsome and beaming with joy. Her heart clenched painfully in her chest.


    Although neither man would ever belong to her again, the bitterness she had forcefully suppressed began to bubble up uncontrobly.


    Vanessa took a deep breath, maintaining an elegant and appropriate smile as she pushed her roiling emotions back down. She couldn''t lose herposure,


    especially not in front ofn and Henry.


    Walden Wells chuckled and stepped forward to congratte Henry. "Henry, congrattions! I hear the bride is absolutely beautiful!"


    "Mr. Wells, please,e in. I hope you''ll forgive any shorings in our hospitality," Henry said, maintaining a polite smile whilepletely ignoring the woman at Walden''s side.


    Walden chuckled again, then turned his attention ton as if just noticing him. With a feigned familiarityced with condescension he pped fan on the shoulder. "Mr. Goodwin, the position of Chairman of the Guild of Commerce isn''t an easy one. Take it easy, don''t wear yourself out!"


    The words sounded like advice from an elder, but the slight disdain and insinuation


    in his tone made it clear he doubtedn''s ability to handle the role.


    Walden, ever the seasoned businessman, justughed. "Good, good." Vanessa''s gaze was uncontrobly fixed onn''s handsome face.


    Despite her heart being full of resentment and bitterness, she had to admit thatn was the most breathtaking man she had ever met. The white hair didn''t detract from his charm; instead, it added a unique quality other mencked, making his features seem even more sharp and captivating.


    This was a charm not built on money or power, but one that radiated from his very being.


    She knew she would never forget the shock of seeing him for the first time, how she was drawn to him like a moth to a me, willing to use her own blood, her very life, to capture his attention.


    But now, as she stood before him, his eyes didn''t linger on her for even a second. Thatplete indifference hurt more than any hatred ever could.


    She knew the real reason for her meticulous preparation today wasn''t to be Walden Wells''s arm candy, but for him. She would have been satisfied with even a flicker of emotion in his eyes.