No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 787

“Professor Langley?” As Ian turned, Vanessa instinctively slipped her arm from his and leaned against her manager, her gaze settling on Eleanor.

Ian made his way over to Simone, concern etched on his face. “What brings you to the hospital, Professor? Are you feeling unwell?”

He glanced over at Eleanor, his voice lowering. “What’s happened to Professor Langley?”

“It’s nothing, really. You should go take care of your patient.” Simone waved him off, noticing the bandage on Vanessa’s head—she clearly needed his attention as well.

Ian hesitated, his eyes lingering on Eleanor. He swallowed hard, Adam’s apple bobbing.

Just then, a nurse called out, “Simone, your CT results are ready.”

Laird hurried off to fetch them. Eleanor stood, gently supporting Simone. “Professor, let’s go meet with the doctor.”

Ian instinctively reached out to steady Simone, then said to Eleanor, “I’ll come find you both in a minute.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Eleanor finally lifted her head, her expression frosty. “I’ll take care of Professor Langley.”

Before Ian could respond, Vanessa’s manager, Laverne, chimed in, clearly urging him back. “Mr. Goodwin, Vanessa’s turn is coming up. She has severe claustrophobia—you need to be there—”

“I’ll walk with you,” Gavin interjected quickly. “Mr. Goodwin has a few things to handle.”

Vanessa flashed a bright smile. “Don’t worry about Ian. He’ll catch up with us.”

The implication was clear—Ian couldn’t bear to leave her for long.

As Vanessa’s group headed toward the CT room, Ian lingered, watching them go. Vanessa glanced back over her shoulder. “Ian, go check on Miss Shannon. Eleanor and Laird have me covered.”

Suddenly, a startled cry echoed down the hallway from around the corner.

“Vanessa!” her manager shouted in alarm.

Gavin rushed over. “Mr. Goodwin, Miss Shannon just fainted!”

From the empty corridor, someone called out, “She skipped breakfast this morning—could it be low blood sugar?”

Ian didn’t hesitate. He strode quickly toward Vanessa, leaving Eleanor and Simone standing in place. From around the corner, his angry voice rang out, “How could you let this happen to her?”

Simone jumped at the harsh tone, and Laird stared in shock. Ian’s anger made it clear how much he cared that Vanessa hadn’t been looked after properly.

A moment later, Ian scooped Vanessa up and hurried toward the elevators, clearly intent on taking her to the ER.

As he passed Eleanor, he paused, meeting her gaze. His eyes were stormy, emotions roiling beneath the surface. He swallowed hard, but said nothing, simply tightening his hold on Vanessa and rushing on.

Gavin and the rest of Vanessa’s entourage quickly followed, leaving the hallway strangely quiet. Only Eleanor, Simone, and Laird remained.

He had plenty of connections himself—if anything came up, he could make things happen.

Eleanor’s tone was cool. “That won’t be necessary.”

Ian frowned, recalling Eleanor’s own network in Kingston. He realized she truly didn’t need his help.

“Ian, how’s Miss Shannon?” Simone asked.

“She had a low blood sugar episode, but she’s conscious now,” Ian answered, his voice calm.

“Then you’d better go check on her,” Simone said kindly. It was obvious to anyone that Miss Shannon mattered to him; the rumor mill had already pegged her as his new girlfriend.

“Professor Langley, may I have a word with Eleanor?” Ian asked politely.

“Of course.” Simone quickly took Laird’s arm and walked away.

Ian stepped closer to Eleanor. “We need to talk.”

Eleanor recoiled, her distaste plain. “I don’t see what there is to talk about.” She turned away.

But Ian caught her wrist, his voice low and raw. “Eleanor, please—don’t go.”