Chapter 11
“Ian, come here, I’d like to introduce you to someone,” Henry called out.
lan followed Henry over to where Eleanor and Joel were standing. Henry looked surprised as he glanced at Eleanor and asked, “Mrs. Goodwin, do you two know each other p>
Eleanor smiled politely. “Yes, we’ve met p>
Henry chuckled. “Well then, lan, this is Mr. Joel Kingsley-the star pupil of Professor Kelvin and a rising star in the world of medicine p>
lan’s eyes lit up with genuine admiration and a hint of interest in making a new acquaintance. He extended his hand. “Mr. Kingsley, pleasure to meet you. I’m
lan p>
Joel sized him up briefly, then shook his hand-both grips firm, but the exchange was over in a second.
“Mrs. Goodwin, it was nice meeting you,” Joel said with a warm smile before excusing himself.
lan watched Joel walk away for a few seconds, then his gaze shifted back to Eleanor. Deciding she’d had enough of the introductions, Eleanor headed toward the bar to get another glass of juice. Suddenly, a strong hand clasped her arm, the grip just a little too tight.
“Remember your place,” a man’s low voice murmured in her ear.
There was a warning in his tone, something dark and possessive beneath the calm.
A faint, mocking smile played on Eleanor’s lips. He could parade his lover around the room for all to see, but if she so much as spoke with another man, he had the nerve to warn her?
Talk about double standards.
She gently pulled her arm free, and lan let her go. Eleanor continued to the bar and ordered another juice. Nearby, Vanessa was chatting with a wealthy-looking woman in Drexford’s language.
“Who is she? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her before p>
Vanessa smiled pleasantly. “She’s lan’s wife-from back home p>
The other woman’s eyebrows shot up. “Then Miss Shannon will need to be careful tonight, and keep her distance from Mr. Goodwin-otherwise, his wife might get upset p>
Vanessa’s lips curved in a sly smile. “She won’t mind. They’re in the middle of a divorce p>
The woman glanced at Eleanor, appraising her. “She seems pretty sheltered. Honestly, she’s not much of a match for Mr. Goodwin p>
Standing so close, they assumed Eleanor couldn’t understand their language. They had no idea she’d become fluent in four languages over the past six years.
So Vanessa was spreading news of their impending divorce right here among their circle-with lan’s tacit approval?
lan was across the room, glass in hand, chatting with two other men. Joel noticed Eleanor standing by herself and walked over, his drink in hand. “Ellie, what brings you to Drexford? When did you arrive p>
“I’m here with my husband and daughter for Christmas,” Eleanor replied, switching smoothly into English.
Joel grinned. “Looks like you haven’t forgotten what I taught you p>
He leaned in, dropping his voice, and shot a quick glance toward Vanessa. “If you want to leave, I can get you out of here p>
Joel knew all about Vanessa being lan’s mistress. Eleanor gave him a faint, appreciative smile. “Thank you. If I need help, I’ll let you know p>
Across the room, lan’s gaze turned cold as he watched them. The smile in his eyes vanished, replaced by a glint of frost. The wine glass at his lips paused midair for a few seconds.
“Let’s play a game, everyone!” Henry announced cheerfully. “I’m calling it ‘Vintage Time Capsule’—it’s a wine tasting game, really simple p>
Everyone in the room perked up, eager to join in. Vanessa stood beside Xavier, her smile laced with anticipation as she shot Eleanor a knowing look, already savoring the drama about to unfold.