Chapter 31 A Shift in Sentiments

For three days straight, Eleanor faced rejection from the Quinn Corporation's Project Department. They nicely sidestepped her propositions, stating that Gaia BioTech Industries wasn't their top candidate, not even giving her prepared proposal a glance. However, for Eleanor, this deal was a stepping stone.

Before she left that day, Colin Harris had dangled a carrot: "Land this partnership with Quinn Corporation, and the other Deputy Director slot is yours." Eleanor coveted that post. It wasn't just a title; being Deputy Director meant she could bypass the Director for most decisions, sidestepping unnecessary clashes with Vincent. She also longed to advance her career and, more urgently, to break free from the Quinn family's influence along with her mother. This partnership was a must-win.

"What about training?" she asked Grayson over the phone.

Grayson, juggling his phone in one hand and a towel in the other, quipped, "If you're buttering me up, spill it!"

Cutting to the chase, Eleanor said, "There's a summit tonight hosted by your family, and I need a ticket in."

She'd asked around; Director Quinn would be there. "Fine, but you're on your own safety-wise. I've got training and can't join you, but I'll let my sister know to keep an eye out for you."

Eleanor frowned. "Keep an eye out for me? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Don't you know how you look?"

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Don't flatter yourself. Gotta run."

An hour later, a local courier delivered the summit ticket into Eleanor's hands.

...

After work, Eleanor drove home to refresh her make-up and slipped into a designer gown—originally Vincent's—that didn't fit her. Calling a cab was the next order of business; she wasn't going to drive since drinks would be part of the evening.

The summit was at the World Trade Tower, and with traffic being heavy, she arrived at half-past seven, just as the banquet was about to commence.

"Eleanor!" The voice caught her attention.

There, among the throng, stood Eva Davis and Grayson. The siblings bore little resemblance; Grayson had their mother's delicate beauty, as if he'd stepped out of a comic book, while Eva had their father's virile poise, confident and decisive in a way many men could only envy.
At that moment, Eva was a vision of elegance in a wine-red gown, her voluptuous waves gathered into an updo behind her head. Her lips were painted a vibrant crimson, and she wielded a wine glass with a presence that couldn't be ignored.

"Eleanor," Eva called out with a twinkle in her eye as she looped her arm through hers. "That dress is stunning on you. You get more beautiful every day. Have you given any more thought to marrying my brother Grayson? I'd love to have you join the family."

Eleanor chuckled with resignation. "Spare me, Eva. It's Grayson who's not interested in me."

"Oh, please. He's out of your leagueYou sure you won't reconsider? My folks adore you."

"Grayson and I are like siblings."

"Feelings can ferment, you know," Qing Ji said with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah, well, our 'sibling love' would just go sour," Eleanor replied, deadpan.

Eva laughed soundlessly and shook her head. "You're truly thick as thieves, even talk the same game."

Eleanor shot her an 'I knew you'd say that' look.

Eva gestured for a server. "Prepare some fruit wine for Miss Patterson," she ordered.

"She's worried you'll overdo the drinking," she told Eleanor.

Truth be told, Eleanor could hold her liquor, but lately, her luck was out. With one thing after another going wrong, it made sense to dial it back, stick to the lighter drinks.

By staying close to Eva, Eleanor was introduced to everyone, a clear sign she was under Eva 's wing.

The room was full of sharp minds—each one handpicked by the host, and each one showing due respect. Several eager guests approached Eleanor with their business cards.

Holding her own, she paid her respects as the junior in attendance, making sure to toast with everyone without missing a beat.

She was about to mention the Director Ray she spotted mingling when suddenly, the entrance rustled with commotion.

It was a grand dinner hosted by the family patriarch—guests arrived early or just on time, none daring to slight the occasion.

Thirty minutes in, and all eyes turned to the latecomer, sparking everyone's curiosity.

The room settled into a hushed stillness, stark against the previously buoyant chatter.

As the doors opened with a slow reveal, a man entered with a poise that commanded the room. His black suit was the epitome of tailored serenity, accentuating his innately aristocratic aura, rendering him splendidly unapproachable. Bathed in the glow of the banquet hall's lights, a green diamond ring glittered off his left thumb, the insignia of his status glistening eloquently.
As his gaze swept lightly over the crowd, there was a collective moment of realization among the onlookers, with one name surfacing in everyone's minds.

It had to be Aaron.

Only the patriarch of Nan City's preeminent family, Aaron himself.

Vincent, who was hooked arm in arm with Aaron, cast a glance toward Eleanor in the crowd, her eyes flickering with a whisper of disgust and jealousy.

Eleanor was simply too radiant, turning everyone else in the banquet hall into mere background players. Her presence alone claimed the spotlight without effort.

When Aaron approached Eva, his gaze briefly met Eleanor's before he spoke in a cool, distant tone, "My apologies for the delay, Mr. Davis."

"The honor is mine, with your presence here," Eva said with a smile, extending his hand.

Aaron briefly touched the tips of Evai's fingers in a polite gesture before drawing his hand back.

"And who might this be?" Eva asked, casting a glance at the woman beside Aaron.

"My fiancée, Vincent," Aaron introduced.

Eleanor's heart skipped a beat, her immaculately applied makeup unable to mask the fleeting pallor that crossed her face. Muttering an excuse, she quickly made her retreat.

She grabbed a glass of wine from a passing server when Vincent's mocking laughter followed, "Isn’t that dress a bit ill-fitting?"

Eleanor ignored her, glass in hand, her eyes following Director Ray.

"You think silence will make everything go away?" Vincent sneered.

With an amused look, Eleanor retorted, "What do you want to hear? Details about that day?"

Vincent crossed her arms, her face freezing for a moment with an expression of disgust as if she'd swallowed something foul.

"You're shameless!" she hissed at Eleanor.

"If you don't want to hear it, then stop bothering me," Eleanor shot back, brushing past her. "Instead of harping on me, maybe focus on how to keep your fiancé's heart."

Not a few steps away, someone patted her shoulder, and Eleanor expected Vincent again, but as she turned, it was Edward.

Ditching his usual casual attire, Edward was clad in a sleek charcoal suit, his hair neatly styled, looking more dashing than ever.

Eleanor greeted him with a surprised smile, "What brings you here?"

"I'm accompanying my mother; she's got high blood pressure and I need to keep an eye on her drinking," Edward said, glancing toward a well-dressed lady chatting nearby.

Eleanor chuckled, covering her mouth, "By the way, thanks for speaking up for me to Mr. Quinn ."

Edward joked, "You already thanked me days ago, why bring it up again?"

A strand of hair stuck to Eleanor’s cheek. She reached for it but missed, and Edward, seeing her bow her head with that docile appearance, couldn't help but draw closer. He took the strand between his fingers, gently smoothing it away.
Vincent stood beside Aaron, a hint of envy coloring his tone. "Look at them, Aaron, they're such a perfect match."

"Are they?" Aaron's response came with a half-smirk as he finished his red wine in one gulp and set the glass down on the table with a decisive clink.