From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 118

Jessie was sitting in her office when Eleanor’s call came through. She couldn’t help but smile, her voice turning sweet and a little smug. “Eleanor, is that you? I’m at the office and I really can’t step out right now. If it’s urgent, just come by and we’ll talk face to face.”

Jessie made sure to speak loudly, her voice carrying out into the hallway where her employees could easily overhear. It didn’t take long before whispers started floating around.

“Did you hear that? Wasn’t that Eleanor on the phone with Jessie just now?”

“Do you think she’s struggling out there and wants her old job back?”

“Wouldn’t surprise me. It’s tough out there right now. Companies are folding left and right. Jobs like ours, you gotta hold on tight.”

Jessie didn’t need to hear their gossip to know what was being said. These people always knew which way the wind was blowing. But this time, it was Eleanor they were picking apart, not her, and that suited Jessie just fine.

Meanwhile, Eleanor’s supervisor had heard about Jared and had been quick to approve her time off, so getting away hadn’t been a problem.

Walking back into Horizon Collective felt strange—almost surreal. She’d promised herself she’d never set foot in the place again. Yet here she was, swallowing her pride, breaking her own promise.

At the reception desk, Eleanor kept her voice cool and steady. “I have an appointment with Ms. Goff at three.”

The receptionist, who clearly didn’t recognize her, gave a polite nod. “Just a moment, please.” She made a quick call, then offered Eleanor an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. Ms. Goff is in a meeting right now. She asked if you could wait in the lobby.”

Eleanor frowned. “How long will she be?”

The receptionist looked uncomfortable, like she was just following orders. “I’m really not sure, ma’am. Ms. Goff said if you don’t want to wait, you can always come back another day. The R&D area is off-limits to visitors.”

Jessie looked up and flashed a sugary smile. “Oh, I almost forgot you were here. I just finished, actually. Please don’t think I was making you wait on purpose.”

Eleanor didn’t waste time on small talk. She closed the door behind her, pulled out a chair, and sat down. “Jessie, I’ll do what you asked. I accept your conditions. But you need to make sure Jared gets the bone marrow transplant before the end of next week.”

Jessie’s expression shifted, just for a second, her eyes cold. “Oh, that. Sorry, Eleanor, but after thinking it over, it doesn’t really make sense for me to go through all this and pay you, too. I’m sure my mom already talked with yours. If you’re willing to agree to her terms, then of course I’ll help Jared.”

She put on a mockingly sweet smile. “I mean, I’m not heartless. Jared’s so young. Every life matters.”

Heartless? Eleanor almost laughed. She’d never met anyone as cruel as Jessie.

She narrowed her eyes. Her voice was low, steady. “So you and Autumn decided that if I walk away from my marriage with nothing, only then will you help Jared. That’s what this is, right?”