After dinner, Eleanor and Ellington chatted as they walked toward the elevators. As luck would have it, a small group was already waiting in front of the elevator doors-including Roland and his companions.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Roland turned, his gaze sweeping over the newcomers. When he saw Eleanor, a flicker of disdain crossed his eyes.

He straightened his suit jacket and remarked to his colleagues, "Now that the funding's secured, I can finally breathe easy."

"With Mr. Goodwin's backing, taking the company public will be a walk in the park," someone replied.

"Right? And let's not forget-Mr. Yeaton is Mr. Goodwin's future father-in-law!"

Roland's chest swelled with pride at the flattery. He deliberately raised his voice. "Ian's a good kid. He's always gone above and beyond-for my company and for my daughter."

Just then, the elevator doors slid open. Roland adjusted his suit again and stepped inside with his entourage. Eleanor and Ellington, however, opted for a different elevator down the hall.

Ellington watched Eleanor's expression carefully. As lan's ex-wife, hearing her former husband's boasts-even if she kept that cool exterior-had to sting a little.

"Ms. Sutton, if you're not in a rush, would you like to grab a coffee downstairs?" Ellington offered.

"No, thank you. I've got some samples to process back at the lab this afternoon," Eleanor replied.

"Ms. Sutton, please don't let the Yeatons' business bother you—”

"I'm fine. Ian's free to marry whomever he likes-it's got nothing to do with me." Eleanor cut him off, well aware that everyone assumed she'd be upset.

Maybe she should be. But truthfully, Eleanor couldn't bring herself to care.

When the elevator reached the ground floor, she swept outside, the July sun blazing overhead. She raised a hand to shield her eyes just as she spotted a sleek black Mercedes pulling away from the parking lot.

She crossed to her own car, climbed in, and queued up a cheerful song as she started toward the research center.

Suddenly, the car phone rang. An unfamiliar number flashed on the display. She hesitated, then pressed accept.

"Hello? Who's this?"

A bright, friendly female voice answered. "Miss Sutton? This is Leah from the Mayor's office."

Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Yes? How can I help you?"

Leah explained, "The Mayor's wife is hosting a charity event this Saturday at the country club and has asked me to extend a personal invitation to you."

Eleanor was taken aback. The Mayor's wife, inviting her specifically?

"Miss Sutton, will you be able to attend? I'd just like to confirm for our records," Leah pressed, still warm and enthusiastic.

Eleanor couldn't very well refuse such an invitation. "Of course. Please let her know I'll be there."

"Wonderful! I'll send you the details soon. Have a great day!" Leah ended the call.

Ten minutes later, her phone rang again—this time, it was Joy Thatcher. Eleanor guessed she'd also received an invitation.

As soon as she picked up, Joy exclaimed, "Ellie, did you get invited to the Mayor's wife's event too?"

"I did," Eleanor confirmed.

Joy sounded genuinely excited. "This'll be such a new experience-I'm actually looking forward to it!"

After a quick chat, Eleanor arrived at the research center. A new text message appeared as she entered: apparently, the Mayor's wife's event was a fundraiser for children with rare diseases.

It was a worthy cause, and Eleanor intended to contribute generously.

That afternoon, she met with Dr. Smith to discuss changes in several data sets and to finalize preparations for the clinical trial of a new drug scheduled for next month.

Callie, her diligent assistant, had become an invaluable right hand, and the rest of the team worked seamlessly together. Progress was steady.

At around 5:20 p.m., Eleanor waited outside the school gates to pick up her daughter. Just then, a refined and elegant figure approached.

"Eleanor."

She turned to see Henrietta and greeted her politely. "Good evening, Mrs. Yeaton."

Henrietta smiled warmly. "Busy at work these days? I've noticed your nanny's been picking up Evelyn a lot lately."

"Yes, work's been hectic," Eleanor admitted.

Henrietta's concern was genuine. "Just remember to take care of yourself too." "Thank you for your concern," Eleanor replied with a grateful nod.

At that moment, the school doors opened, and parents began streaming inside. Two little girls emerged, hand in hand.

Henrietta turned to Evelyn. "Sweetheart, would you and your friend like to come over for dinner tonight? I'll make you something delicious."

Evelyn's eyes lit up. "Really?" She tugged at Eleanor's hand, pleading, "Mom, can we go to Vivian's house for dinner? Please?"

Before Eleanor could answer, Vivian chimed in excitedly, "Of course you can! Ms. Sutton, please come have dinner with us! Please?"

"Mom, please?" Evelyn begged, her eyes wide with hope.

Faced with two sets of imploring eyes, Eleanor found it impossible to say no.

Henrietta spoke gently. "Eleanor, the girls just want to spend some time together. It's just an ordinary dinner-please join us."

Glancing down at her daughter's eager face, Eleanor felt a pang of guilt for being so busy lately. How could she refuse?

"All right. Thank you for having us," she agreed at last.

"Yay! We get to play together!" The two girls spun in circles, hand in hand, giggling with delight.