Chapter 104
Eleanor was sorting through a stack of paperwork, her white silk blouse immaculate, dark hair swept back into a neat chignon. Her skin, pale as ivory, seemed to catch the golden afternoon light streaming through the conference room windows, making her stand out all the more.
The door opened and Joel stepped in. He paused for a split second, eyes momentarily unfocused, before pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose as Eleanor looked up. “All done?” he asked.
“Yep, everything’s sorted.” Eleanor rose to her feet.
“Do you want to grab lunch in the cafeteria or eat out p>
“The cafeteria’s fine,” she replied with a smile.
Joel had half a mind to invite her somewhere nicer, but Eleanor was practical, not one for unnecessary indulgence.
Later that afternoon, Jude Vaughn handed each of them an invitation to a charity gala. He grinned at Eleanor. “Ellie, you should go home and slip into something stunning for tonight p>
“I’m not there to enjoy myself-we’re working,” Eleanor replied, smiling.
Jude just shook his head in defeat, and Joel laughed. “Honestly, Ellie looks great just the way she is p>
“Alright then, see you both at six in the main hall,” Jude said as he headed out.
At four-thirty sharp, Eleanor arrived to pick up her daughter, only to spot lan’s car already parked across the lot.
A moment later, she watched lan emerge, holding Evelyn’s hand. Eleanor walked over to meet them. “Evelyn p>
“Mommy!” Evelyn ran to her, beaming. “Daddy’s taking me to Grandma’s house. Can you come with us p>
Eleanor knelt down and asked, “Do you want to ride in Mommy’s car p>
“Let’s go with Daddy!” Evelyn tugged her hand. She wanted to sit in the back with her mom and have Dad drive them.
Eleanor was happy to go along; she wanted to visit Goodwin Manor with her daughter anyway. Leaving her own car at the school, she climbed into lan’s.
The drive was quiet-lan only spoke a few words to Evelyn, completely ignoring Eleanor. She didn’t mind in the slightest.
When they reached Goodwin Manor, lan took a call and hurried off. Eleanor explained the situation to her mother-in-law. Gina was clearly displeased-why was Eleanor attending a charity gala? With her current status, she really shouldn’t be drawing so much attention.
“Don’t stay out too late. Evelyn needs you,” Gina reminded her pointedly, clearly assuming Eleanor was just going out for fun.
“I’ll come straight back as soon as I’m done,” Eleanor assured her.
She called for a cab and headed to the event hall.
Jude Vaughn and Joel were already waiting when she arrived.
“Sorry I’m late,” Eleanor apologized.
“No worries,” Joel said kindly.
Jude smiled. “Mrs. Grayson might be busy tonight, but she promised to make time for us. Until then, let’s unwind a bit-rumor has it there are quite a few celebrities coming tonight p>
Eleanor and Joel exchanged a small smile and followed him into the elevator.
Stepping into the grand ballroom, Eleanor realized with a jolt that her outfit-white blouse and black slacks-looked almost identical to the servers’ uniforms for the evening.
“I’m going to find a friend-enjoy yourselves,” Jude said, answering a call as he wandered off.
Eleanor turned to Joel. “I’m getting a little hungry. What do you say we hit the buffet first p>
“Sounds good to me,” Joel agreed.
Around seven, they circled back to the main hall from the buffet area. Joel’s
phone buzzed; he glanced at the screen. “My professor’s calling-I’ll take it on the balcony p>
“Alright,” Eleanor nodded.
Since having her daughter, Eleanor had devoted herself entirely to motherhood, leaving her with little social life. In these elite circles, Mrs. Goodwin was virtually invisible.
Suddenly, a small commotion stirred near the ballroom entrance. Eleanor looked over to see lan arriving, escorting Vanessa, who moved gracefully at his side.