Chapter 52

It was indeed Vanessa-she wore a tailored navy suit and a pair of silver-rimmed glasses, her look the perfect blend of poise and mature allure. Standing at lan’s side, she was the picture of elegance, only adding to his presence.

So lan hadn’t spent the night at the office after all. He’d stayed at Vanessa’s place.

He’d clearly been bringing Vanessa to events for a while now, openly introducing her to every social circle imaginable.

“Why is she here too?” Joel’s voice sounded at Eleanor’s side. “Are you really going to keep this marriage going p>

Eleanor had nothing to hide from Joel. She glanced at the couple, her voice firm. “I’m getting a divorce p>

Joel hesitated, then looked at her. “If you need anything, just say the word p>

She managed a grateful smile. “Not for now p>

Downstairs, the opening ceremony was about to begin. Joel said, “I’ll head down. You don’t have to come if you don’t feel like it p>

Eleanor nodded. Her gaze lingered on Vanessa and lan, who were standing close, deep in conversation. Whatever Vanessa said made lan smile.

Vanessa picked up a bottle of water from the table and tried to twist the cap, then handed it to lan. He took it without missing a beat, opened it for her, and Vanessa took an elegant, satisfied sip.

It was an unmistakable display of affection-right out in the open.

With so many reporters present tonight, lan seemed to have no intention of hiding Vanessa’s status. He was clearly making it public.

Jude Vaughn, the host for the evening, stepped onto the stage to deliver the opening remarks. Dr. Lyman gave a speech, and Joel was the third to speak, presenting the lab’s early-stage projects. The crowd responded with thunderous applause.

Just then, Eleanor spotted a familiar face in the audience her heart skipped. It was her father’s old friend. She couldn’t believe Mr. Archer was here.

A surge of emotion washed over her. She decided she’d go down to speak with him. Quietly, Eleanor slipped downstairs and entered through the back.

The seats in the back were filled with medical students eager to catch a glimpse of the event. Eleanor, dressed in her white lab coat, blended right in with them, the air of a university student still clinging to her.

“Dr. Kingsley is so handsome p>

“I think the president of Goodwin & Co. is even more attractive! He has that mysterious, reserved vibe p>

“Forget it. Didn’t you see the stunning woman by his side? Only someone that beautiful could match him p>

Eleanor listened, her eyes drifting through the crowd toward lan. Vanessa had met lan before she had-probably abroad. No doubt, some of Vanessa’s success was due to lan paving the way for her. With so many politicians and officials present tonight, it was clear he’d brought Vanessa to help her make connections.

Lost in thought, Eleanor barely noticed when the applause swelled again, signaling the ceremony was drawing to a close.

She got up and slipped out, timing it so she could catch Mr. Archer before he left. As the event ended and guests began to stand and drift into the corridors, Eleanor spotted Andy Archer. Without hesitation, she pushed her way through the crowd toward him.

“Mr. Archer! Mr. Archer!” she called.

Andy turned, surprised and delighted. “Ellie? You’re here too p>

Eleanor nodded, excitement sparkling in her eyes. “Yes p>

“After your father passed, I never got a chance to come see you p>

“I should have visited you instead,” she replied.

At that moment, Dr. Lyman walked over. “Andy, did you know Ellie is part of our research team p>

“Really? You joined the team, Ellie? That’s wonderful! Your father always said you had a gift for medicine. It’s time you carried on his work, made his legacy shine p>

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to tell you sooner, Mr. Archer,” Eleanor apologized.

“No need. Your ambition would have made your father proud,” Andy said warmly. Just then, out of the corner of her eye, Eleanor saw a group approaching-lan and Vanessa at the center of the crowd. “Mr. Archer, I’ll come visit you another time. I have to run,” she said quickly.

“Go, go!” he encouraged.

Eleanor turned and slipped away.

At that exact moment, lan caught sight of her. He’d glimpsed a familiar profile in

the crowd, but wasn’t sure if his eyes were playing tricks on him.

He watched as the slim figure in a white coat vanished from view. No, he must have imagined it—Eleanor wouldn’t show up here, and certainly not dressed like one of the students.

“Ian, what’s up?” Vanessa asked, curious at his distraction.

“Nothing. Time to go,” he replied.

Just then, someone bumped into Vanessa, sending her stumbling right into lan’s arms. He caught her instinctively, steadying her.

A few steps away, Faye watched the scene unfold. Gwenda, standing beside her, sighed, “Your sister and your future brother-in-law look perfect together p>

Faye’s expression was unreadable. “Ian’s still married p>

“What? Then your sister p>

But Faye didn’t waver. She kept her eyes on Vanessa and said with conviction, “They’ll get married sooner or later p>