"Vanessa, could you please explain things to Mr. Goodwin on my behalf?" Faye pleaded.

"Don't worry," Vanessa replied reassuringly. "I know how talented you are. There's no way you're any less capable than Eleanor."

After hanging up, Vanessa let out a quiet sigh. Eleanor's father had already passed away; even if he'd left her a few research plans, how much longer could she really bask in the spotlight?

Feeling much calmer, Vanessa returned to her seat and glanced over at lan.

He looked utterly unbothered, as if Eleanor's awards ceremony meant nothing to him.

Eleanor was his wife-if anyone knew her true abilities, it was lan. With his sharp mind, he must have already figured out that today's achievement wasn't really hers at all. She'd stolen it.

Vanessa smiled to herself at the thought.

Nearby, Evelyn was gently running her small hand over her mother's gleaming trophy, her wide eyes full of wonder. She slipped her arms around Eleanor's hand, rubbing her cheek against her mother's sleeve. "Mom, you're amazing."

Warmth flooded Eleanor's heart. She could see the admiration shining in her daughter's gaze.

An hour later, the award ceremony wrapped up. A young female staff member approached Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, there's a TV interview coming up. Would you please come with me?"

Eleanor turned to Joel. "Could you watch Evelyn for a bit?"

"Of course," Joel replied with a smile.

Carrying her trophy, Eleanor followed the staff member outside. On the garden lawn, the day's other winners were gathered, chatting amongst themselves. As Eleanor joined them, she felt a wave of admiring glances and words of praise.

Her accomplishment had benefited all of humanity; it was only natural she earned such respect and recognition.

After a group photo, it was time for individual interviews.

Back inside the conference hall, lan made his way over to Evelyn and the others. "Evelyn."

"Dad, you're the one who gave Mom her award!" Evelyn exclaimed, running up to him, her face alight with excitement.

Vanessa greeted her warmly. "Hello, Evelyn."

"Mrs. Shannon, did you see my mom win just now? She was incredible!" Evelyn announced loudly.

Vanessa's smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered. "Yes, your mom is very impressive. I heard your granddad was quite accomplished, too."

She shot a meaningful look at lan as she spoke, subtly planting the seed of doubt about Eleanor's achievement.

"Thank you for looking after my daughter, Mr. Kingsley," lan said to Joel.

"No trouble at all," Joel replied with a gentle smile.

Lifting Evelyn into his arms, lan headed toward the doors. Evelyn, sharp-eyed as ever, spotted Eleanor being interviewed on camera. "Dad, is Mom going to be on TV?"

lan smiled. "That's right. She'll be on TV tonight."

"Will we be able to see Mom on our TV at home?"

"We should," lan nodded. "You'll see her tonight."

Vanessa watched as Eleanor answered interview questions with perfect poise, the very picture of confidence in front of the cameras. A trace of disdain flickered in Vanessa's eyes-how shameless, she thought, for someone who owed everything to her father.

Joel's gaze lingered on Eleanor as well, his expression momentarily distant.

Noticing, lan ruffled his daughter's hair, eyes narrowing as he glanced at Joel before following his gaze back toward Eleanor.

No one knew what the reporter was asking, but Eleanor dipped her head and laughed, her fingers pressed to her nose-a charming, self-assured smile lighting up her face.

When the interview ended, Eleanor immediately looked around for her daughter. She spotted lan and Evelyn near the flowerbeds and hurried over.

Evelyn saw her mother and happily wriggled free from her father's arms, running straight for Eleanor. "Mom!"

Juggling the heavy trophy, Eleanor managed to catch her in one arm. "We can go home now."

"Mom, can we go home with Dad?" Evelyn asked eagerly.

lan walked over as well, turning to Eleanor. "Do you still need to stay in Kingston?"

Eleanor caught his meaning immediately-if she needed to stay, he'd take Evelyn and Vanessa back to Ashford City himself.