Chapter 173
Simone’s notes were already in Eleanor’s hands by the previous night. As for cellular research, Eleanor had more than enough experience from her years in the lab-she could speak off the cuff and still hold her own with ease.
Still, she’d prepared this time, careful to keep the presentation moving at her own rhythm.
Just then, Faye and Gwenda appeared at the doorway. They paused, taking in Eleanor’s crisp white blouse and tailored pencil skirt, her long hair swept back in a simple knot, her makeup light, and her delicate features radiating understated elegance. She looked every inch the calm and poised academic.
Faye blinked, taken aback. Shouldn’t Eleanor be sweating bullets right now? It was her first time on stage, and with so many distinguished scholars in attendance-where did she get this composure?
“Eleanor, you must be nervous, right?” Gwenda stepped forward, feigning
concern.
Eleanor looked up and offered a small smile. “I’m all right p>
“I bet you’re just putting on a brave face,” Faye pressed, determined to puncture that calm exterior.
Before Eleanor could reply, a staff member bustled in. “Eleanor, a group of international researchers just arrived. The university would like you to give your talk entirely in French. Is that going to be a problem p>
The room seemed to freeze. Suddenly, the stakes had been raised.
In French? The whole talk?
Faye’s lips curled into a smirk. Now let’s see how Eleanor gets out of this one.
“Eleanor, maybe Joel should take over instead,” Gwenda suggested. “He’d have no trouble with this p>
Faye jumped in, “Exactly, let Joel do it! We don’t want to embarrass the university in front of our guests p>
Eleanor turned to the staff member. “That won’t be a problem p>
Everyone stared at her, stunned. Did she really just say she was fine with it?
Faye’s expression darkened. “Eleanor, don’t be reckless. Do you even realize what you’re getting into? This isn’t the time to show off p>
Just then, Eleanor’s phone chimed. It was a message from Noah.
“Miss Sutton, our team just arrived. Will we get to meet you today p>
Eleanor’s lips curved in a quiet smile as she typed back, “You’ll see me very soon p>
“I’m looking forward to it!” Noah replied.
Eleanor straightened, then turned to the staff member once more for confirmation. “I can give the entire presentation in French p>
The staff member still seemed skeptical, but since Simone had named Eleanor as the speaker, she had no grounds to object.
As soon as the staff member left, Faye rushed forward. “Eleanor, this isn’t the time to play hero p>
Eleanor looked her squarely in the eye. “Faye, just because you can’t do it doesn’t mean I can’t p>
That stung-Faye had to admit, she really couldn’t.
“Let’s just go, Faye,” Gwenda tugged her away.
They’d barely stepped into the hallway when a group approached from the other end. Leading the way was lan, with a man beside him whose presence and bearing matched his own.
It was Xavier, representing the Grayson Foundation.
“Oh my gosh, Mr. Goodwin is here too!” Gwenda whispered, eyes shining with excitement.
Faye watched as lan and his entourage drew closer, a wicked smile flickering across her face. Now Eleanor would have to embarrass herself in front of their biggest investor.
“We’ll see how she cleans up this mess,” Faye sneered.
“A whole lecture in French? I wouldn’t even dream of it. She’s so overconfident it’s almost funny p>
“If she’s determined to fail, there’s nothing anyone can do to stop her,” Faye replied, convinced Eleanor was headed straight for disaster.