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 face lan 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 or later, she would have to face them, and she had nothing left to fear anyway.

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

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

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

She would make lan 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 galas whenever she pleased, but also effortlessly become 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 flashed across her face, but she quickly replaced it with a charming smile and stepped inside, arm in arm with Harvey.

Her eyes instantly found the most dazzling figure in the crowd-lan.

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 graceful composure that made her seem right at home perfectly complementing lan. 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 flashily dressed man approaching. His eyes roamed shamelessly over her a mix. of appraisal and awe. "Well now, this beautiful lady looks familiar! Have we met before?"

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

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 and laughter erupted around her. She fought the urge to push Harvey away and forced herself to laugh along.