Chapter 87

Caroline Wright was a natural at socializing. Though she might have been a bit reserved initially, she quickly found her footing and began to shine. Before long, she was exchanging business cards with nearly everyone in the room.

"Hi, Mr. Moore!" she greeted warmly.

Finally, she spotted the man she had been hoping to meet tonight. She extended her hand with a confident smile. "I'm Caroline from Galaxy Comics. We spoke on the phone earlier."

"Oh, it's you," Derek Moore replied, shaking her hand before his gaze shifted to Eleanor Thompson. He took a moment to scan her from head to toe. "You're the artist behind 'Crabapple Haven,' aren't you?"

Eleanor offered a polite smile. "Yes, that's me."

Derek raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his expression. "Have we met before? You look... familiar."

"I don't think so," Eleanor replied smoothly. "I don't usually go out much."

Derek still seemed a bit skeptical but quickly moved on. "I've read your comics, and they're perfect for an adaptation. Mr. Knight was particularly impressed after reading them. He even mentioned wanting to meet you both in person."

Eleanor had sensed something was off when Derek extended the invitation to this party. Now, hearing his words, her suspicions were confirmed. Something wasn't right.

Caroline, however, was thrilled. "Really? Where is Mr. Knight now?"

"Speak of the devil," Derek chuckled as he gestured toward a man approaching them. "Mr. Knight, this is the artist behind the comic that caught your attention. She's..."

He paused, turning to Eleanor. "Actually, how should I address you, miss?"

"I'm Caroline Wright," Caroline interjected, stepping slightly in front of Eleanor, shielding her from view.

"No, I mean..." Derek began, but before he could finish, a voice cut in.

"You're Eleanor, aren't you?" The man standing beside Derek spoke up.

Eleanor had been facing away, but now she had no choice but to turn around. Magnolia Pictures was owned by the Knight Group. Julian Whitaker had just returned to the country and hadn't yet taken an official position in the company, which meant the man Derek had mentioned had to be Julian's older brother, Sebastian Knight.

Eleanor forced a smile. "Hi, Sebastian."

Sebastian was dressed in a deep-colored suit, his features sharp and refined. His smile was charming, almost too perfect. "It really is you! I thought you looked familiar from behind. I wasn't sure at first."

Eleanor chuckled lightly, avoiding a direct response.

"How have you been lately?" Sebastian continued, his tone casual. "Are you aware that Julian is getting engaged?"

"Yes," Eleanor replied, her voice steady.

"That makes sense. You'd know, of course. After all, he's getting engaged to Isabella."

Eleanor's expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.

Sebastian glanced around the room before continuing. "There's a balcony upstairs with a fantastic view. How about we enjoy some fresh air and a bit of scenery?"

The invitation was unexpected. Eleanor hadn't interacted much with Sebastian, either before or after her marriage to Nathaniel. But with so many eyes on them, she couldn't refuse. She nodded reluctantly.

As the elevator ascended, Sebastian broke the silence. "I seem to recall that you and Julian used to be quite close," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Forgive me for saying this, but I always thought you divorced Nathaniel for Julian's sake."

Eleanor's eyes widened in surprise.

"You might think I'm exaggerating," Sebastian continued, "but you divorced Nathaniel out of the blue not long after Julian returned to the country. People in our circles have been speculating about it ever since."

Eleanor's face remained impassive. "As you said, it's just speculation, Mr. Knight. And speculation, by its very nature, is baseless. Surely, someone as wise as you wouldn't put stock in unfounded rumors, would you?"

Sebastian chuckled, but his eyes held a glint of something unreadable. "Touché, Eleanor. Touché."