From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 68

Jessie dragged herself home, feeling defeated, and that mood followed her straight into the office the next morning. Of course, someone had to pick the worst possible time to ask, “Jessie, did you close the deal with Dr. Bates yesterday?”

Without a word, Jessie dropped the contract onto her keyboard with a thud. “You’re so curious, why don’t you go talk to him yourself?” she snapped.

The whole department went quiet. The girl who had asked looked like she might burst into tears.

Right then, Peter’s assistant appeared by the R&D entrance. “Ms. Goff, Mr. Clarkson would like to see you.”

Jessie’s attitude flipped instantly. She flashed a bright smile and said, “Sure thing. I’m on my way.”

As soon as Jessie left, someone tried to comfort the shaken girl. “Why’d you have to bring that up?”

“I was just asking,” the girl mumbled, wiping her eyes. “If it didn’t go well, we could’ve brainstormed together. She didn’t have to bite my head off.”

“Things weren’t like this when Eleanor was around.”

But that was old news. Eleanor had been out of their department for two years, and she’d left Horizon Collective almost two months ago.

Jessie straightened her blouse and walked into Peter’s office, wearing her brightest smile. He always acted like he wanted distance, but here he was, sending for her again. Deep down, she knew he couldn’t resist relying on her.

“Peter, you wanted to see me?”

She barely got the words out before Peter asked, voice cool and steady, “How did things go with Dr. Bates from Stonemont College yesterday?”

“Did you secure the partnership?”

Jessie suddenly felt all that earlier confidence slip away. She remembered bragging to Peter that she’d lock down the deal for sure. Now, she could barely look at him. “Peter, everything was going fine at first. I had a great call with Dr. Bates, and even his star student told me they were seriously considering us. Out of all the companies, we’re the strongest candidate. But then,” she hesitated, “I have no idea what happened. Yesterday, Dr. Bates just changed his mind. Said he was too busy, wouldn’t even meet with me.”

“I think maybe he’s talking to another company.”

Jessie’s mood brightened in an instant. She knew it. Peter always pretended to be distant, but she could tell he cared more than anyone.

“Perfect. You handle the arrangements and let me know. I’ll be ready.”

“Don’t worry. If we can get him to the table, we’ll land the deal.”

That was their best chance now, Peter figured. He couldn’t help feeling a little bitter. If Leon had said something when Eleanor resigned, maybe he wouldn’t have approved it so easily. But that was all in the past.

***

Eleanor, meanwhile, had no clue that Peter was quietly beginning to regret his choices. She just kept her head down, focusing on work and waiting for the court summons.

Daniel had already licensed the patent directly to Clarkson Corporation, hoping it would lead to more chances to work with Eleanor in the future.