No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 785

“It's nothing, really. I just happened to be having dinner at a friend's place—lives in the same neighborhood, so it only took a few minutes,” Eleanor said with a smile.

“A friend?” Joel asked, curiosity piqued.

Eleanor saw no reason to hide it. “Someone you know—Xavier.”

Joel looked surprised. “You and Xavier live in the same neighborhood?”

Eleanor nodded. “Yeah. Cloudcrest Manor’s the best place in the old part of town—better security and all that.”

Suddenly, Joel realized why Ian had seemed so distracted last night. What had his ex-husband so on edge? Was it because his best friend and his ex-wife were now neighbors? Did that make him uncomfortable?

“Joel, what are you thinking about?” Eleanor noticed Joel’s absent-minded expression and couldn’t help but laugh.

“Oh, it’s nothing.” Joel smiled, letting the thought go. He knew Xavier—always the perfect gentleman. Eleanor was single now; she had every right to be friends with whoever she liked.

Still, Joel hoped that, whoever she chose, it wouldn’t be Ian.

After Joel left, Eleanor and Callie headed to the lab.

—

At Goodwin & Co.'s executive office, Gavin Young was giving his report. “Mr. Goodwin, the schedule for the university anniversary is all set. Would you like to make any changes?”

Ian took the folder and glanced over it. “Move the donation ceremony up by half an hour.”

“Of course. I’ll coordinate with the university.”

“What about the afternoon roundtable? Is Eleanor attending?” Ian looked up at Gavin.

Gavin hesitated. “I’m not sure, sir. It depends on Dr. Sutton’s availability.”

Ian realized he was making things difficult. “Alright, just leave it as is for now.”

After Gavin left, Ian checked his watch and turned to Byron. “Get your engineers together. Meet me at the lab.”

“On it! I’ll arrange it now.”

In the lab, Eleanor was carefully adjusting the focus on a microscope while Callie took notes beside her.

“Eleanor, we’d really love to hear your detailed ideas,” Byron said warmly.

Eleanor took Joel’s tablet and cast a set of data onto the screen, launching into her explanation. Joel chimed in with additional technical details, and the discussion quickly grew more lively and focused.

Partway through, Ian’s phone buzzed with a message. He glanced at it, his brows drawing together, then stood up. “Excuse me, I need to make a call.”

A few minutes later, Ian returned, pushing open the door. “Something’s come up—I have to leave early. Please, carry on.” He looked over at Eleanor, but she was absorbed in her notes and didn’t seem to notice his departure at all.

After all, when it came to technical discussions, her conversation was with Byron and his engineers. Ian only ever came to listen.

Without another glance, Ian turned and strode out.

Just then, Eleanor’s phone vibrated—Joy Thatcher had sent her a message. “Eleanor, there was a traffic accident about an hour ago on Summit Avenue. The media’s reporting that Vanessa Shannon’s nanny van collided with an SUV.”

Eleanor clicked on the link. Sure enough, there’d been an accident. Both vehicles had front-end damage, but nothing too severe. The passengers were likely just shaken up, maybe a few minor injuries.

So that was why Ian had stepped out—Vanessa must have called him, and he’d gone to comfort her after the scare.