Chapter 10
Seeing that lan had no intention of stopping, Eleanor had no choice but to follow him, swallowing her impatience.
The black Rolls-Royce Phantom cut through the snowy dusk, gliding up the drive of a sprawling private estate.
A doorman in a crisp tailcoat hurried over and opened the door with a practiced bow.
She stepped out, following lan into the grand foyer. With quiet efficiency, the staff led them down a corridor lined with gilt-framed paintings and marble columns, until they reached a small, lavishly decorated reception hall.
Overhead, a three-tiered crystal chandelier spilled light like star dust, each prism refracting a cascade of glittering colors across the room.
By the rose-gold drinks cabinet, three young men were already seated. A sommelier in a dove-gray vest was mixing cocktails for them with deft hands.
“Ian, there you are!” One of the men stood up, greeting him with easy warmth.
“And this must be Mrs. Goodwin! I’ve heard so much about you-it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” His eyes sparkled as he turned to Eleanor.
“Hello, Eleanor p>
“Welcome, welcome. I’m Henry Holt, an old friend of lan’s-and your host for tonight’s little gathering p>
Eleanor recognized the name-Henry was the second son of the Holt Group, a major real estate family back home.
The other two men also seemed well-acquainted with lan. They rose to introduce themselves, and though Eleanor didn’t recognize their names, their easy confidence suggested they, too, came from prominent families.
“lan, come here for a second.” Henry slung an arm around lan’s shoulders and led him away for a private word, leaving Eleanor by the drinks cabinet.
“Mrs. Goodwin, would you prefer wine or juice?” The sommelier smiled, attentive. “Juice, please,” Eleanor replied.
Just then, new arrivals entered the door swung open to admit two couples. The first pair, arm in arm, looked every bit the married set; behind them followed a man in an impeccably tailored gray suit and a striking woman beside him— Vanessa.
Draped in a black evening gown that hugged every curve, Vanessa wore a regal purple shawl over her shoulders, set off by elegant jewelry. She was the very picture of refined glamour, with an undercurrent of smoldering allure.
As soon as Vanessa’s gaze landed on Eleanor, she froze, clearly caught off guard that lan had brought his wife. But in a heartbeat, her lips curled into a sly, unreadable smile.
The young man accompanying Vanessa recognized Eleanor and approached her with a polite grin. “Mrs. Goodwin, do you remember me p>
Eleanor thought he looked vaguely familiar, but couldn’t place him.
“I’m Xavier Vaughn-I attended your wedding to lan, remember p>
She didn’t. That day, her attention had been fixed entirely on lan; everyone else had faded into the background.
She offered a gentle smile. “Mr. Vaughn, nice to see you p>
“Mrs. Goodwin-what a pleasure to meet again,” Vanessa chimed in, her voice smooth as silk.
Eleanor lifted her glass of juice and pretended not to hear. Vanessa’s smile tightened, and she shot a quick, slightly wounded glance toward lan.
She had assumed lan would arrive solo tonight. Eleanor’s presence soured her mood.
Barely ten minutes in, Eleanor was already longing to leave. Watching the easy camaraderie among these people, she could tell they were all part of the same exclusive circle.
What was lan thinking, bringing her here? To make her feel out of place? Or to flaunt his connection with Vanessa right in front of her?
Suddenly, the staff ushered in another group of guests. Eleanor glanced up-her heart gave a jolt as she saw a familiar face, equal parts astonishment and delight flooding her.
Joel-Montclair’s medical prodigy, and her old classmate.
Joel wore a simple black suit, tall and refined, his silver-rimmed glasses emphasizing his scholarly air. He was deep in conversation with a middle-aged man, but as he sensed Eleanor’s gaze, he looked up.
For a moment, he seemed stunned and then, a slow smile spread across his face. He murmured something to his companion, adjusted his glasses, and started toward her.
Eleanor smiled back, feeling a rush of emotion.
“Ellie p>
“Joel p>
She fought to keep her excitement in check. “Joel, I can’t believe you’re here p>
“Neither can I! I never expected to see you tonight.” Joel looked her over with a fond smile-it had been months since they’d last met.
lan and Henry finished their conversation and walked over, just in time to see another man chatting with Eleanor. Ian’s brow furrowed slightly at the sight.
At that moment, a pale hand slipped around lan’s wrist-Vanessa, radiant and poised, stopped him in his tracks. “Why didn’t you answer my call earlier?” lan smoothly disentangled himself. “I’ll explain later p>
Vanessa gave an understanding smile, but her eyes lingered on Joel, who was still deep in conversation with Eleanor. He was a new face-definitely not one of their usual crowd.
Who was he? Why did he seem so familiar with Eleanor?
Tonight’s guest list was stacked with high-fliers from every field. How could a woman who’d spent so many years as a homemaker back home possibly know someone like that?