On the other end of the line, Henry shot back, “Why are you so interested in him?”
“Jealous, are you?” Vanessa teased. “I just saw him with Eleanor—that’s all. Got curious.” As she spoke, she sent Henry another photo, this one showing Eleanor seated side by side with the man in question.
“I don’t know this guy,” Henry replied honestly.
“Then send the photo to Xavier. Ask if he knows him,” Vanessa pressed.
“I don’t know… That might hurt Xavier’s feelings.”
“Isn’t that exactly what Xavier needs? Maybe it’ll help him see Eleanor for who she really is. It’ll do him good,” Vanessa insisted, her determination to push Eleanor out of Ian’s circle burning as strong as ever.
After a pause, Henry seemed convinced. “Alright, I’ll send it to him and ask.”
A sly smile curved at Vanessa’s lips. Just then, a voice boomed from the microphone at the front of the hall: “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Mayor Ellington and Mr. Ian Goodwin, CEO of Goodwin & Co.!”
Vanessa’s head snapped up. Ian was walking into the room alongside the mayor—a sight that perfectly captured his influence in both business and politics.
For a moment, every eye in the hall was on them.
Eleanor looked up as well, surprised to see Ian here. Still, considering his recent philanthropic work in medicine, it made sense that he’d be invited.
As Ian strode to the front row, his dark eyes swept the audience—and landed squarely on Eleanor, seated beside Mansfield. His step faltered ever so slightly. He held their gaze for a few seconds before moving on.
The mayor and Ian took seats at the very center of the front row.
“Uncle!” Mansfield leaned forward, calling softly to the mayor.


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