She bit her lip. "Alright, I'll be there."

That afternoon, when Eleanor arrived to pick up her daughter, she ran into Gina at the entrance. Gina walked over and said warmly, "lan's company is hosting a dinner tonight. Why don't you let me take care of Evelyn for the evening?"

Before Eleanor could reply, the teacher appeared at the door, holding Evelyn by the hand. The little girl spotted Gina and lit up instantly, calling out, "Grandma!"

Gina smiled and swept Evelyn into a hug. "Hello, sweetheart."

Seeing this, Eleanor relented. "Alright, Aunt Gina. I'll come by around nine to pick her up."

Gina nodded. “Go on, take care of your business. I'll look after Evelyn."

"Mommy, go do your work! Bye-bye!" Evelyn waved at her, grinning.

Eleanor smiled back, waving as she watched her daughter climb into Gina's car. She let out a small sigh. Between the lab and the office, she'd barely found any time for Evelyn lately.

"Eleanor." A gentle male voice sounded behind her.

She turned to see Xavier waiting there.

"Mr. Vaughn," Eleanor greeted him politely.

"Will you be at the Goodwin & Co. dinner tonight?" Xavier asked.

She nodded. "I'll stop by. There are a few people I need to see."

"Great. I'll see you there." Xavier gave her a satisfied smile and led his own daughter, Vivian, away.

Eleanor had only planned on exchanging a few words with Omnistar Dynamics' CEO before making her exit. She had no intention of staying long. Still, wanting to look presentable for her brief appearance, she stopped by a boutique for a dress.

By six o'clock, a gentle spring rain was falling steadily. The day after tomorrow would be Easter.

Eleanor changed into a deep burgundy velvet gown, her hair softly curled and cascading over her shoulders, skin pale as porcelain. Ellington was already waiting for her in the grand lobby.

"Ms. Sutton, you're here! The dinner's about to start. Let's head up."

Eleanor nodded and followed Ellington into the ballroom.

The room was dazzling, filled with the city's elite-industry leaders, politicians, and socialites mingling beneath glittering chandeliers. Even in such a crowd, Eleanor's entrance drew more than a few stares.

lan stood not far away, impeccably dressed, exuding the quiet confidence of someone accustomed to power. He seemed to sense her presence; his gaze drifted toward the door and settled on Eleanor.

Barely two minutes after she arrived, three more elegantly dressed women entered together: Serena, Vanessa, and Faye, each stunning in their own way.

Their simultaneous arrival turned heads. All three were dressed to impress, every detail perfectly in place.

Faye was delighted to have scored an invitation to this event. She hoped to use the opportunity to expand her professional circle for her research career. After the harsh words Eleanor had delivered that day, Faye had silently vowed to surpass her one day.

She'd come to realize that burying herself in the lab wasn't the only path to success-networking with academic and business leaders mattered just as much. Sometimes a chance remark could lead to a big break. Eleanor had once relied on her father's connections, then on lan's, now on Xavier's. There always seemed to be an influential man paving the way for her.

As Faye's thoughts circled back to Eleanor, she spotted her across the room, standing among a group of distinguished men, glass of champagne in hand, deep

in conversation. A flash of envy flickered in Faye's eyes.

She wanted to walk the same path of success as Eleanor. She was just as

attractive, just as talented-why should she be one step behind?

Eleanor glanced up and caught sight of Vanessa in a custom-made champagne- colored gown, her jewelry sparkling under the lights. Vanessa stood gracefully by lan's side, surrounded by prominent businessmen and their wives.

With a gentle, practiced smile, Vanessa exchanged pleasantries, her gaze sliding over Eleanor for a split second before her smile deepened-almost as if she were asserting her role as hostess in front of everyone.

It was common knowledge among those who moved in lan's circles that Vanessa was tonight's undisputed leading lady.

The guests around her fawned, their flattering words and admiring expressions leaving no doubt.

Nearby, two women murmured their approval to Eleanor. "Look at Miss Shannon -she's the picture of the perfect partner. She and Mr. Goodwin are a striking couple."

"A match made in heaven, aren't they? A successful entrepreneur and an internationally renowned pianist-such a good fit!"

"I heard their families have had an understanding for years. Maybe we'll hear good news soon?"

At that moment, Ellington approached Eleanor and spoke quietly, "Ms. Sutton, Mr. Johansson's car is stuck in traffic. He might be another half hour."

Eleanor nodded. "Alright. I'll wait for him."

Just then, a mocking female voice sounded at her side. "What's this? Here on your own? Xavier didn't come with you tonight?"

Eleanor turned to find Serena in a shimmering silver gown, makeup flawless, a glass of champagne held delicately between her fingers. There was a faint, sardonic smile on her lips as she looked Eleanor up and down.

Eleanor gave her a cool glance but didn't bother to reply, just took a slow sip of champagne and let her gaze drift back to the center of the ballroom.

Serena smirked and leaned in, her voice low in Eleanor's ear. "Take a good look- see who the real hostess is tonight."

In the center of the ballroom, several society women were greeting Vanessa. Whatever they said made Vanessa blush prettily; she lowered her head with a gentle smile, offering toasts to the guests-every inch the gracious lady of the house.