After Eleanor finished her speech, she bowed with graceful poise. A stray lock of hair fell against her cheek; she tucked it behind her ear, the hint of a smile on her lips.

That unguarded gesture drew a subtle, darkening look from two men in the audience at the same time.

"That was outstanding!" The host, visibly excited, hurried back on stage. Faced with such a brilliant woman, he couldn't help but extend his hand.

Eleanor responded politely, offering her hand for a brief shake. At that moment, both men's expressions soured—everyone could see the host had seized the opportunity to touch Eleanor's hand.

"Let's give Dr. Sutton another round of applause for her wonderful talk."

Once offstage, Eleanor had no desire to return to her seat from Vanessa's side of the auditorium. As she passed the front row, a voice called out, "Eleanor."

She bent slightly in greeting. "Mr. Mayor." Then she nodded to the man beside him. "Principal Maxwell." A few familiar faces-distinguished academics-smiled and nodded their greetings as well.

"Excellent presentation," Mayor Ellington praised her directly.

Eleanor smiled and nodded. "Thank you, sir."

This entire row was filled with prominent figures, but as Eleanor's warm gaze moved along the line, she conspicuously skipped over lan.

When she finally returned to her seat, the man to her left immediately extended his hand. "Miss Sutton, a pleasure to meet you."

Eleanor shook his hand just as another figure leaned over with a hint of jealousy in his voice. "If everyone else gets to shake your hand, then I want a turn too."

With that, Xavier offered his hand.

Eleanor couldn't help but laugh, half exasperated, and reached out. Xavier quickly clasped her hand in his.

From a few rows ahead, lan had heard Xavier's remark and turned just in time to see Xavier's hand enveloping Eleanor's. Ian's gaze darkened, a storm brewing behind his eyes.

The moment Xavier let go, he twisted open a bottle of water and handed it to Eleanor with the attentive care of someone who'd make an ideal boyfriend. "Here, have some water."

Caught off guard by his thoughtfulness, Eleanor smiled in surprise. "Thank you." She accepted the water, realizing just how parched she was.

lan, too, noticed this little exchange from the corner of his eye, his brows drawn tightly together.

At last, the host announced a break for refreshments. The lights brightened, and guests began to mingle throughout the hall.

From her seat, Eleanor felt the weight of admiring, curious glances from several people nearby.

Xavier leaned toward her. "Let's stretch our legs. We can grab some tea and come back."

Eleanor nodded, rising with him. At that moment, Henry was escorting Vanessa and Serena down the aisle. Serena's gaze flicked to Xavier, unable to hide the jealousy and longing in her eyes—so he'd been at Eleanor's side all along.

She'd wondered earlier why she hadn't spotted Xavier in the front row with the other VIPs, but now she realized he'd switched seats to be closer to Eleanor.

Meanwhile, lan was busy inviting Mayor Ellington and a cluster of high-profile scholars to join him for a private refreshment break.

Henry remarked, "Looks like lan's got his hands full entertaining everyone tonight. Why don't we find somewhere quieter to sit?”

Vanessa nodded, though she couldn't quite mask a flicker of disappointment.

Serena, gathering her nerve, stepped in front of Xavier. "Xavier."

He merely nodded coolly, while Eleanor turned away, not bothering to acknowledge Serena at all.

Biting her lip, Serena turned on her heel, refusing to humiliate herself further.

Henry and Xavier exchanged a wave from across the room, and Henry steered Vanessa and Serena toward the other side of the lounge.

Just then, Gavin hurried over to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin has asked you to join him in the VIP suite-Mayor Ellington would like a word."

Gavin glanced apologetically at Xavier. "Mr. Vaughn, if you'd like, I can show you to the hospitality lounge."

Xavier understood that Eleanor needed to socialize. He gave her an encouraging nod. "Go ahead, Eleanor. I'll catch up with you later."