Chapter 1124

After mingling with several high-status ladies alongside Mrs. Ellington, Eleanor casually glanced up and saw Vanessa. She was by Walden Wells’s side, clinging to his arm and whispering intimately in his ear, looking like a couple with a large age gap.

Eleanor understood immediately. Vanessa had found a new patron. And judging by Walden Wells’s behavior during the last Guild of Commerce election, he was clearly unhappy about lan taking the presidency.

It seemed Vanessa’s approach to him was driven by a strong motive.

The banquet was halfway through when lan, as the host, went on stage to give a speech. He stood in the spotlight, his silver hair catching the light with a cool sheen, which did nothing to diminish his powerful aura.

“Thank you all for attending tonight’s banquet. As the new President of The Guild of Commerce, I will continue to be dedicated to promoting business development, technological innovation, and supporting exceptional talent p>

As Eleanor was taking a sip of her champagne, Elara leaned in and asked in a curious whisper, “Ellie, how did your ex-husband’s hair turn white p>

Eleanor paused for a moment, looking at the figure speaking on stage. “Probably from working too hard,” she answered naturally.

Elara looked at the man on stage thoughtfully, figuring that must be it. Managing such a large corporation and serving as the President of The Guild of Commerce had to be incredibly stressful.

“Elara, I’m going to the restroom,” Eleanor said to her.

“Okay,” Elara replied with a smile.

Eleanor was washing her hands at the sink when suddenly, Vanessa’s reflection appeared in the mirror. She walked over to Eleanor, her high heels clicking on the floor.

“What a coincidence,” Vanessa said slowly as she washed her hands, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “It looks like you’ve gained a lot tonight. From now on, you can keep reaping the benefits of your relationship with your ex-husband p>

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Eleanor replied coldly.

Vanessa sneered, lowering her voice. “Are you telling me that lan becoming the President of The Guild of Commerce won’t bring you any advantages? Your company, your research funding-which of those can’t he help you with p>

Eleanor frowned, not wanting to engage.

Vanessa held her ground. “Let’s not pretend, Eleanor. Your success was bought and paid for by him. So drop the ‘independent and strong’ act. Who exactly are you trying to convince p>

Eleanor turned off the faucet, pulled out a paper towel, and slowly dried her hands, her eyes meeting Vanessa’s in the mirror.

“You’re right, Miss Shannon. I really can’t compare to you.” Eleanor’s lips curved into a mocking smile. “At least I don’t have to climb my way up by relying on a man old enough to be my father p>

Vanessa’s face instantly turned ashen. “Eleanor, what did you say p>

Eleanor turned to face her, her voice calm but every word a stab to the heart. “Aren’t you an expert at using men? From lan to Henry, and now to Walden Wells you certainly know how to pick your stepping stones p>

“What do you know?” Vanessa gritted her teeth. “Mr. Wells and I are truly in love. Then, unwilling to back

down, she continued Continued to provoke it

Eleanor. And how noble are you? Still relying on your ex-husband’s connections even after a divorce p>

Eleanor tossed the paper towel into the trash can. “Sorry, but I have no interest in competing with you over who’s doing better p>

With that, Eleanor picked up her purse and walked out the door.

Vanessa’s fists clenched tightly. She had almost forgotten that this was not the same Eleanor from before.

“Eleanor, let’s see who gets the last laugh!” Vanessa muttered to her reflection, gritting her teeth. She had to admit, Eleanor’s mockery of her relationship with Walden Wells had hit a nerve.

When Eleanor returned to the ballroom, she glanced at her watch. It was almost eight-thirty, and she planned to leave early.

She went to say goodbye to Mrs. Ellington, who took her hand affectionately. “You must come over for dinner sometime. Even though Mansfield isn’t here, don’t be a stranger p>

Eleanor saw the way Mrs. Ellington looked at her and knew that Mansfield had told her about their relationship.

A light blush crept onto Eleanor’s cheeks as she nodded.

A few steps away, lan stood

watching. The way Mrs. Ellington held Eleanor’s hand and spoke to her was clearly the affectionate way an elder would speak to a younger fangily member. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose as an uncontrollable pang of bitterness spread through his chest.

“Mr. Goodwin?” a guest beside him noticed he was distracted. “Are you alright p>

lan quickly composed himself, a polite smile on his lips. “I’m fine. Now, where were we p>