When Eleanor showed up yesterday, Mia Winslow’s assistant was not surprised and intentionally made things difficult for her, clearly knowing in advance that she would be the one delivering the documents. At that moment, Eleanor knew that Cecilia Yates and Mia Winslow had colluded in advance! In an instant, everyone looked at Cecilia Yates. "I, I didn’t! I don’t know!" Cecilia Yates waved her hands in panic, quickly denying it. The people at the law firm were experts at reading people’s expressions and could easily tell whether Cecilia Yates was pretending not to know or truly unaware. The way everyone was looking at Cecilia Yates became more intriguing or disdainful. "Enough of the fuss? Whoever’s project it is, take responsibility. If you can’t handle it, leave!" A partner entered the office, halting the farce. Read complete version only at N()velFire.net Lawyer Owens looked at Cecilia Yates with eyes full of venom, but considering Cecilia Yates was the girlfriend of Albert Sawyer, the firm’s top performer, she could only swallow her pride and endure the silent suffering! Eleanor returned to her desk, noticeably feeling the secretive glances cast her way, but no one dared to easily connect with her or poke into the gossip. The project team began final preparations for the bid, while Eleanor still had no substantial work, spending the whole day listening in on meetings. The project manager frequently glanced at Eleanor, clearly wanting to say something but unable to reconcile with her due to his previous favoritism towards Cecilia Yates. Soon it was Friday, and Eleanor returned to school for debate competition rehearsals. The others had arrived early, starting to practice their arguments and reasoning. Only Julian Jacobs stood at the doorway, leaning against the doorframe, waving to Eleanor from afar. He was wearing jeans and a black T-shirt, handsome and approachable, looking every bit like the campus heartthrob, showing none of the arrogance of the sole heir of the Jacobs Family from Solis. "Long time no see, Junior." Julian Jacobs closed the door behind them after Eleanor entered the meeting room. Two boys from the debate team exchanged gossip-laden glances; even though Senior Jacobs and Eleanor hadn’t exchanged more than a couple of sentences, the subtle vibe between them before made one feel like an obvious third wheel, like a lamp post! Eleanor promised to treat Julian Jacobs to dinner, and after rehearsals, Eleanor and Julian Jacobs left the campus together. "Isn’t Eleanor seeing someone? Why is she so close to Senior Jacobs?" "Delia Sullivan, if Senior Jacobs isn’t bothered, why are you? Could it be you have a crush on Senior Jacobs yourself?" The girl called Delia Sullivan had long curly hair and was the beauty of the Media School, currently serving as the second debater on the debate team. She joined the team just this month after a former member left to focus on graduate exams. Delia Sullivan shot a glance at the boy who spoke: "You’re speaking up for Eleanor so much, could it be you like her?" The two nearly started arguing, only prevented by another boy. "Junior, did you decline the direct Ph.D. offer from the school?" Julian Jacobs asked Eleanor. This news had recently spread throughout Aethelgard University, making Eleanor the talk of the town and a legendary figure once again. The direct Ph.D. offer was incredibly valuable, but Eleanor had refused it just like that—so bold! Eleanor nodded: "I’ve been applying to other schools." The indulgence in Julian Jacobs’s eyes almost spilled over: "Our junior is a hero." Eleanor was flustered by his intense gaze and direct praise: "Senior..." Julian Jacobs lowered his gaze with a chuckle: "It’s not me who says it; your classmates do. You dared to challenge authority, striving for more fairness for everyone; rejecting the direct Ph.D. offer slapped certain pretentious teachers in the face, isn’t it commendable?" Eleanor was somewhat embarrassed by the praise and changed the subject: "Senior, be careful at the retreat to the hot springs on Mount Arden next week." The debate team traditionally relaxed before big competitions, and with autumn here, the hot springs were a great choice. However, alternating between hot and cold can pose certain dangers for those with heart issues. "Junior, why do I feel like you’re very concerned about my health?" Julian Jacobs had always been curious about this. Eleanor smiled without saying anything. Grant Group corporate building. Charles Rhodes knocked and entered the president’s office. "President Grant, Madam will be going to the Mount Arden hot springs next week for a two-day trip." Adrian Grant’s gaze remained on the document, not even lifting an eyelid: "Make sure people are there to protect her." "Bodyguards have already been arranged." Charles Rhodes was well-practiced in this; whenever Eleanor went out, there were always people secretly protecting her, though Eleanor was unaware of it. But this time was a bit different... Charles Rhodes steeled himself to add: "Madam is going this time with her debate team classmates, and also... Julian Jacobs." Adrian Grant lifted his gaze, his eyes cold. Charles Rhodes didn’t dare to breathe. Two seconds later, Adrian Grant suddenly said: "Didn’t the marketing department land a big deal last week? Organize a retreat to reward everyone." Charles Rhodes blinked, and then, inspired, said: "I think the hot springs at Mount Arden would be great, how about arranging it there?" Adrian Grant nodded in satisfaction, saying: "I’ll join." "Long live President Grant!" Upon hearing that the boss had arranged a fully covered retreat, the marketing department erupted in cheers. Before everyone could finish reveling, Charles Rhodes said: "However, this time President Grant will join us." Everyone instantly went quiet. Silently written on their faces: Boss, please keep away from the employees’ lives! "Didn’t President Grant usually skip these activities?" the marketing director inquired nervously. Charles Rhodes reassured: "Everyone should enjoy themselves as they always do. President Grant might just want to relax a bit himself and probably won’t join all the activities." The marketing director breathed a sigh of relief, casually joking: "One might think someone special President Grant wants to see is at the Mount Arden hot springs!" Charles Rhodes: "..." Having worked alongside Charles Rhodes for many years, even though Charles Rhodes showed no reaction, merely glancing at him, the marketing director instinctively thought, Holy crap. Could it be he was right?! Charles Rhodes smiled, saying nothing: Bingo! Charles Rhodes wasn’t loose-lipped leaking the boss’s gossip; he intentionally prepared the marketing director for proper coordination later. Taking care of a divorcing president and the president’s wife alone was truly difficult! The Mount Arden hot springs are a three-hour drive from Aethelgard University. A group left on Saturday morning, arriving at the Mount Arden hot spring hotel by noon. The first boy to get off the car exclaimed. A striking silver-gray Pagani was parked in the lot. Others flocked to admire the luxury car, and Eleanor joined them, the more she looked, the more familiar it seemed. No, how could she feel like Adrian Grant also had a Pagani ? "Eleanor, do you know this car?" Julian Jacobs keenly noticed Eleanor’s unusual reaction. Today, everyone present was his juniors and he addressed Eleanor from ’junior’ to ’Eleanor,’ adding a degree of closeness. "I don’t know it." Eleanor shook her head. This hot spring was only mid-to-high range; Adrian Grant wouldn’t deign to come to a place for leisure! The car... probably just was a similar model!