On the other end of the line, Henry shot back, "Why are you so interested in him?"

"Jealous, are you?" Vanessa teased. "I just saw him with Eleanor-that's all. Got curious." As she spoke, she sent Henry another photo, this one showing Eleanor seated side by side with the man in question.

"I don't know this guy," Henry replied honestly.

"Then send the photo to Xavier. Ask if he knows him," Vanessa pressed.

"I don't know... That might hurt Xavier's feelings."

"Isn't that exactly what Xavier needs? Maybe it'll help him see Eleanor for who she really is. It'll do him good," Vanessa insisted, her determination to push Eleanor out of lan's circle burning as strong as ever.

After a pause, Henry seemed convinced. "Alright, I'll send it to him and ask."

A sly smile curved at Vanessa's lips. Just then, a voice boomed from the microphone at the front of the hall: "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Mayor Ellington and Mr. Ian Goodwin, CEO of Goodwin & Co.!"

Vanessa's head snapped up. Ian was walking into the room alongside the mayor —a sight that perfectly captured his influence in both business and politics.

For a moment, every eye in the hall was on them.

Eleanor looked up as well, surprised to see lan here. Still, considering his recent philanthropic work in medicine, it made sense that he'd be invited.

As lan strode to the front row, his dark eyes swept the audience-and landed squarely on Eleanor, seated beside Mansfield. His step faltered ever so slightly. He held their gaze for a few seconds before moving on.

The mayor and lan took seats at the very center of the front row.

"Uncle!" Mansfield leaned forward, calling softly to the mayor.

Mayor Ellington, who hadn't noticed his nephew before, turned in surprise. He caught sight of Eleanor, too, and his face broke into a knowing smile. He gave Mansfield a quick, approving nod, then greeted Eleanor warmly, "Eleanor! Good to see you."

Eleanor beamed at him. "Good evening, Mr. Mayor."

lan turned, glancing behind him. Mansfield greeted him with a casual, "Mr. Goodwin."

lan nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Major General Ellington."

Watching all this, Vanessa felt a jolt of surprise. She hadn't expected the handsome man beside Eleanor to not only be on close terms with the mayor, but also acquainted with lan.

How intriguing, she mused, lips curling into a crimson smile.

By now, the charity gala was about to begin. Mrs. Ellington, the mayor's wife, took the stage for the opening address, her warmth and compassion shining through in every word.

"Tonight, we are honored to welcome Mr. Ian Goodwin, CEO of Goodwin & Co., who has made outstanding contributions to leukemia research. We are also joined by Miss Eleanor, the lead researcher in the development of a new leukemia treatment-"

Before she could finish, the hall erupted in applause. Eleanor and lan stood together, acknowledging Mrs. Ellington with a gracious nod.

Their faces appeared side by side on the large screen above the stage.

Vanessa watched, her nails digging into her palm. Two years ago, she would never have imagined Eleanor and lan would one day be so closely connected.

She had never expected Eleanor would be singled out for praise at such an important event, earning the applause of the entire room.

Fate could be so ironic. Vanessa couldn't help but feel that, in some twisted way, she deserved a bit of credit for Eleanor's success. It was her own actions that forced Eleanor to grow so quickly.

If not for her, Eleanor would probably still be content to stay by lan's side, playing the dutiful housewife, asking her husband for shopping money.