Chapter 363

The Elepdon International Convention Center shimmered under a cascade of brilliant lights.

Tonight, it welcomed the upper echelon of the global business sphere.

Nolan lingered on the second-floor balcony,champagne in hand,his gaze shadowed as he studied the vibrant crowd below.

Suddenly, a ripple of movement stirred near the main entrance.

Nolan pivoted toward the commotion, his chest tightening.

Eleanor appeared, arm linked with David, gliding gracefully into view.

She wore a flowing sky-blue gown that trailed effortlessly behind her, her hair swept loosely in a casually elegant style.

Simply standing there, she radiated a magnetic charm that ensnared Nolan completely.

As he prepared to go down the staircase, a tall figure approached Eleanor with measured steps.

Dressed in a crisp white suit, the man carried hmself with polished confidence.

It was Maverick.

He extended his hand, and his smile radiated warmth and charm. "May I escort you, Eleanor?"

David,lingering nearby, allowed a faint grin to spread,clearly enjoying the unfolding drama.

He moved aside, engaging an old acquaintance,observing inwardly that Eleanor was as remarkable as ever.

He thought the Cohen boy was worthy of her.

Eleanor didn't decline. After all, occasions like this usually required a male escort.

Moreover, Maverick was a friend of hers.

She returned his smile gracefully and slid her hand into his arm.

They were cute together.

The sight struck Nolan sharply, making his chest tighten.

His grip on the champagne glass constricted slowly,

inch by inch.

"Mr. Stewart, doesn't it sting to see?"

A smug voice rang nearby.

Jonny had managed to reach the second floor,smirking as he regarded Nolan. "Your girl is linked with someone else. I suppose it isn't shocking, given that you chased even your childhood friend."

Nolan turned deliberately, his icy stare fixing on Jonny.A cold laugh escaped his lips. "A washed-up nobody dares lecture me? Save your words for later and figure out how to get by."

Jonny's face burned crimson with rage.

He tried to speak, but no words came out.

The Todd Group's collapse was common knowledge.

Now, he amounted to nothing.

Before Nolan, a man perched at the summit,he held no standing.

Fists clenched, Jonny turned away,humiliated, fleeing without dignity.

Nolan's eyes returned to Eleanor. Jonny stumbled into the backstage lounge, gasping for air.

Vickie's eyes narrowed as she snapped, "Why did you pick a fight with Nolan? Do you want to destroy everything faster?"

Embarrassed,Jonny muttered defensively, "I just can't tolerate his attitude."

Vickie sighed, adjusting her dress and hair. "Enough.Stay put. I'll check if he has arrived."

She turned on her heel and exited the lounge.

As she weaved through the multitude, her eyes scanned swiftly.

Near the champagne tower, she finally located her mark.

He was a man well into his fifties, still tall,commanding, and exuding authority.

Donald Shaw,a prosperous businessman from Vladena,was her target.

Years ago, their families had been neighbors, and they shared a brief romance before his family relocated,where he built a formidable real estate empire.

Vickie altered her expression, feigning a frantic search for someone, and advanced toward him, wine glass raised.

"Oh dear!" Her voice pitched with perfect timing as she brushed past, spilling most of her drink on his expensive suit. "I'm terribly sorry! I didn't mean any of it!"

Donald glanced at his attire, frowning faintly before shrugging with courtesy. "It's alright."

He was about to speak further when her face registered clearly in his vision, freezing him in place."Vickie?"

She gasped with mock astonishment. "Donald? Could it really be you? What brings you to this place?"

Cheerful, he explained, "I just returned and heard about this gala. Thought I might see if I could revive some operations. And you?"

Vickie's smile wavered, replaced by a heavy,calculated sigh. "I... It's complicated."

Tears welled in her eyes. "My husband passed years ago, and I tried to sustain the company, but it became impossible. Bankruptcy followed recently. I'm here hoping for new chances."

Donald's expression softened, sympathy surfacing."How could things reach this point? Would you mind telling me what your business managed before? I'm seeking partners."

Vickie waved a hand, pretending reluctance. "Oh, no,I wouldn't want to trouble you. We only handled small -scale building materials-nothing anywhere near the size of your empire."

The more she feigned modesty,the more his curiosity deepened.

Eventually, he insisted on guiding her to a nearby seating area.

Not far away, Eleanor sipped juice, observing quietly.

Her brow creased.

She recognized Vickie's maneuvers instantly.

Even after the Todd family's ruin, Vickie had identified her next target with sharp precision.

Eleanor shook her head slightly. It no longer concerned her.