Chapter 35: Meeting with Mayor Grant
When Eleanor reached Stockport Town Hall, it was almost time for her meeting with the Mayor. She stepped out of her car and gave a firm nod to her security team, instructing them to remain outside. With measured steps, she walked up to the reception desk.
"Hello, I have an appointment with the Mayor in ten minutes. The name is Eleanor Langford," she said, her voice composed and professional.
The receptionist quickly made a call to the Mayor’s office to confirm her appointment. After a moment, she smiled politely and handed Eleanor a visitor badge.
"You’re all set. One of our security personnel will escort you to the Mayor’s office," the receptionist said.
The uniformed guard led her through the wide corridors of the historic building. When they arrived at the designated office, a woman at a desk stood and approached.
"Are you Miss Eleanor Langford?" the woman asked.
"Yes," Eleanor replied, her tone polite but reserved.
"Please follow me. Madam Mayor is expecting you."
The woman led her through the door into a spacious, well-lit office. It had an air of old-world charm, with oak furniture, a towering bookshelf, and a collection of framed accolades and photographs. Behind the desk, a woman was scribbling something into a notebook. Though the lines beside her eyes and streaks of white in her hair spoke of her age, her aura was vibrant and commanding.
As the footsteps reached her ears, the Mayor glanced up. Her eyes landed on Eleanor’s face and widened slightly with recognition. A smile tugged at her lips as emotion flickered across her expression.
"You almost look like sister Esmeralda when she was young," the Mayor said softly, her voice touched by nostalgia. "I had my doubts when Elliot called me last night... but seeing you now, I would’ve believed you were her daughter even without the call."