Chapter 441

The next day, Eleanor received a personal call from the Vice President of the Grayson Foundation. She was invited to give a speech at the launch of the foundation’s new talent initiative-a charitable project she herself had funded. Initially, Eleanor considered declining, but the program was meant to foster young scientists and support research, a cause she deeply cared about. So, she agreed.

On Wednesday night, Xavier texted to remind her about the foundation event at ten the next morning.

She replied that she’d be there on time.

At dawn, Eleanor dropped her daughter off at school. As she pulled up to the curb, she happened to see Xavier’s mother, Henrietta Vaughn, escorting Vivian to the entrance.

Eleanor greeted her politely. “Good morning, Mrs. Vaughn p>

Henrietta nodded, her gaze lingering on Eleanor with a mixture of curiosity and appraisal. What caught her off guard was that Eleanor’s expression was neither eager nor ingratiating. There was no hint of flattery or forced warmth.

After saying her hello, Eleanor turned and climbed into her car, pulling away without looking back.

Henrietta stood there, mildly surprised. If what Serena had told her was true, wouldn’t Eleanor, as her son’s possible fiancée, try a little harder to make a good impression?

Even after dropping off her granddaughter, Henrietta couldn’t stop turning it over in her mind. She’d noticed lately that her son avoided discussing Eleanor, and he’d made his feelings about an arranged marriage perfectly clear.

Truthfully, Henrietta never intended to pressure Xavier into marriage. She simply hoped to make his early years at the helm of the company a little easier, and a strategic marriage was the most effective way to do that.

Meanwhile, Eleanor had taken the morning off from work. The Grayson Foundation was set to announce several new projects, and reporters had already gathered outside, preparing their cameras.

“Miss Sutton, you’re here!” A sharp-eyed assistant hurried over to greet her.

The event buzzed with elite guests from every field. As Eleanor entered the main hall, she spotted Xavier deep in conversation with several senior figures. He stood out in a sharp navy suit, looking more energetic than ever.

Catching sight of her, Xavier quickly excused himself and walked over.

“Glad you made it,” he said, his tone friendly and familiar.

Eleanor smiled. “You’ve worked hard for this p>

After all, the foundation-founded by Juliette Grayson-was now his to run, on top of his recent takeover of the family company. He must have been swamped.

Xavier’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “It’s nothing.” He turned to his assistant. “Show Miss Sutton to my private lounge p>

Eleanor glanced at her watch. She was early-it was only nine-thirty. She followed the assistant to Xavier’s lounge to wait.

The assistant was attentive, bringing her tea and a selection of pastries.

Outside, the venue grew livelier as more guests arrived. When it was time, Eleanor was led to a seat in the front row. Just then, the main doors opened and lan strode in, immaculate in a tailored black suit. Every camera in the room swung to focus on him.

Xavier narrowed his eyes slightly and went over to greet him. “lan, you made it.” lan nodded. “No need to fuss over me. Go on-you’ve got things to do p>

He scanned the room, his gaze eventually landing on the front row. As he moved to take his seat, the doors opened again and more attention-grabbing figures walked in-Henry, accompanied by Vanessa and Serena.

It was Vanessa’s first appearance since her stint in the ICU. Though expertly made up, she still looked a bit pale. Serena linked arms with her and led her to lan’s side.

Eleanor glanced up briefly, then returned her focus to her speech notes on her phone.

Serena, however, immediately spotted Eleanor in the front row. She hadn’t expected Xavier to invite her.

To Serena, Eleanor’s presence at an event like this seemed out of place. This was Xavier’s first major appearance as head of the Grayson Foundation, with business leaders and key partners in attendance. What role did Eleanor have here?

Only those close to Xavier knew Eleanor had inherited Juliette’s research fund. Even fewer were aware that this new talent initiative was her brainchild.

Serena tugged at Vanessa’s sleeve and whispered, “Vanessa, why is she here p>

Vanessa followed Serena’s gaze, lingering on Eleanor for a moment before turning her attention back to lan.

lan nodded at Henry. “Let’s find our seats p>

With that, he strode over to where Eleanor was sitting. Serena, realizing where he

was heading, called out in a half-whisper, “lan p>