As Vanessa entered the lobby, she straightened her back, linked her arm with Harvey''s, and forced a smile.


    Since she couldn''t avoid it, she had to face it head-on.


    Besides, she knew Henry wouldn''t be there. The media had reported a few days ago that he was abroad for the birth of his child.


    So, tonight, she only had to facen and Eleanor. Xavier might be there too, but she couldn''t afford to back down now.


    She had to survive in this world. She could avoid them today, but not forever. Sooner orter, she would have to face them, and she had nothing left to fear anyway.


    And seeingn arrive with Eleanor tonight made her wonder. After everything Eleanor had been through, could she really hold no grudge againstn?


    Maybe all it would take was a little push from her to crack their seemingly solid rtionship once more.


    At that thought, a smile tugged at Vanessa''s lips. Why should she run?


    She would maken and Eleanor''s night miserable.


    After psyching herself up, the elevator reached the top-floor ballroom.


    The moment the doors opened, a world of brilliant lights and luxury rushed toward Vanessa. She felt a pang of nostalgia. There was a time when she could not only attend such gs whenever she pleased, but also effortlessly be the center of attention.


    Now, if someone hadn''t brought her, she wouldn''t even have the right to be here.


    A self-deprecating smirk shed across her face, but she quickly reced it with a charming smile and stepped inside, arm in arm with Harvey.


    Her eyes instantly found the most dazzling figure in the crowdn.


    He was standing in the center of the ballroom with Eleanor, talking to several older, distinguished-looking business tycoons. He exuded an air of calm confidence. Eleanor stood side and the men


    quietly by his respect and


    regarded her with


    courtesy.


    Eleanor herself was poised, showing no sign of being flustered as she conversed with the tycoons. She had a gracefulposure that made her seem right at home perfectlyplementingn. They were a perfect match.


    Vanessa''s breath caught in her throat. Her heart felt as if it were being squeezed by


    an invisible wire, a sharp, constricting pain.


    She forced herself to look away and scanned the crowd for others. Neither Henry nor Xavier was there.


    If they were, they would surely be in that top-tier circle as well.


    "Well, well! Mr. MacLeod, you''ve arrived," a sycophantic male voice called out.


    Vanessa turned to see a shily dressed man approaching. His eyes roamed shamelessly over her a mix. of appraisal and awe. "Well now, this beautifuldy looks familiar! Have we met before?"


    Just then, another figure holding a ss of red wine strode over. "How could she not look familiar? Miss Shannon used to be a regr at these gs!"


    Vanessa looked over. It was indeed a familiar face. She forced a smile and greeted him, "Mr. Lambert, long time no see!"


    "Miss Shannon, long time no see." After speaking, Mr. Lambert turned to Harvey. "Mr. MacLeod, you''ve got some nerve! Snagging Mr. Goodwin''s woman."


    Harvey smirked smugly and tightened his arm around Vanessa''s waist. "You have to know who you''re dealing with."


    The crude words were grating. Vanessa''s waist was held in a tight grip as jeers andughter erupted around her. She fought the urge to push Harvey away and forced herself tough along.