Eleanor really had just gone to the restroom. Standing in front of the mirror, she

let out a slow breath, trying to ease the tension in her shoulders.

"Well, look who's the center of attention today." A voice, laced with obvious hostility, cut through the quiet behind her.

In the reflection, Eleanor saw Serena leaning against the doorframe, arms folded,

a mocking smirk tugging at her crimson lips.

Eleanor didn't turn around or bother to answer.

"So, what did you do to get my brother to invite you up on stage?" Serena pressed, her tone sharp. "There are plenty of people here with more credentials and reputation than you. Yet somehow, you're the one giving the speech. Don't tell me you didn't pull strings with my brother-I'd never believe that."

Eleanor shot her a cold look in the mirror, but remained silent.

Serena's irritation flared at the silent treatment. She scoffed, her voice icy. "You know as well as I do, you wouldn't be here if it weren't for my brother propping you up. But don't get greedy, Eleanor. Don't overstep."

Only then did Eleanor finally turn to face her. Serena was dressed head-to-toe in designer Chanel, her makeup flawless, though the bitterness twisting her features ruined any sense of elegance.

Eleanor calmly took a paper towel and wiped her hands. "Serena, before you lecture me, maybe you should ask your brother who's really trying to take advantage of whom."

Serena hesitated, thrown off for a moment, then gave up any pretense. She let out a cold laugh. "Fine, I'll spell it out-stay away from my brother. Stop using your status as his ex-wife to get what you want."

The second Eleanor heard that, she knew exactly whose handiwork this was. Vanessa had clearly been poisoning Serena's mind-Serena used to have a mind of her own, but ever since she started hanging around Vanessa, she'd become little more than a pawn.

"Did Vanessa put you up to this?" Eleanor shot back, voice dripping with sarcasm as she tossed the crumpled towel in the trash. "If she's so worried, maybe she should try keeping a closer eye on your brother instead of sending you to fight her battles."

Serena's face darkened. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you trying to come between me and Vanessa?"

From behind her came Serena's stubborn voice. "Vanessa's a thousand times better than you'll ever be."

Eleanor didn't break stride as she walked out of the restroom. Serena, frustrated that her warning hadn't landed, stomped after her in her heels.

"Eleanor! Stop! I'm not finished talking to you!" Serena called, hurrying after her.

Eleanor didn't even look back, heading straight for the ballroom. Serena, ever hot- tempered, acted without thinking—she rushed ahead, grabbed Eleanor's wrist. "I said stop!"

Eleanor whirled around and yanked her arm free. "Don't touch me."

The force of it sent Serena stumbling back; she lost her balance and her heel twisted. Eyes wide in alarm, she instinctively reached out for something-anything -to steady herself.

At that moment, someone stepped out from the men's room. Seeing what was happening, he moved quickly and caught Serena by the arm, steadying her.

Serena turned and saw that it was her brother. Instantly, she latched onto his sleeve, eyes brimming with tears. "Ian, she pushed me—”

lan's gaze, cool behind his glasses, shifted to Eleanor.

Eleanor glared at Serena. “You know perfectly well whether I pushed you or not."

lan's eyes narrowed as he looked at his sister. "Serena, what really happened? Tell me the truth."

“I—I just.......” Serena bit her lip, faltering under his stare, her eyes darting away.

lan knew his sister well enough to see her guilt written all over her face. Without another glance at Eleanor, he made his judgment.

“Serena,” he said, his tone low and stern, "apologize to Eleanor."