No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 804

Ian's question was posed casually, as if it were mere small talk, but his deep-set eyes held a sharp, probing intensity as they fixed on Joel.

Joel, who had been about to serve himself some food, paused. He glanced from Ian to Eleanor, as if silently asking for her permission to answer. Eleanor looked up at Ian, her displeasure obvious.

Pushing his glasses up his nose, Joel smiled and replied candidly, "Eleanor and I? You could say she's my junior. Her father was my mentor for a year when I was abroad. Later, I returned to the country and joined the lab because of her."

He said it all with such frankness and sincerity, especially the part about returning for Eleanor's sake.

Ian listened, then turned his gaze to Eleanor. His tone was unreadable as he remarked, "Your father certainly had a knack for mentoring talented people."

It was a compliment, yet it carried an indescribable undertone.

Eleanor met his gaze, her voice cool. "I thought we weren't discussing personal matters." The implication was clear: his question was out of line.

Ian offered a slight smile and picked up his fork. "My apologies. Just a passing thought. I never knew you were acquainted with someone as brilliant as Dr. Kingsley back then."

Joel understood that "back then" referred to the time Ian and Eleanor were married.

Eleanor didn't respond.

Joel stepped in smoothly. "I assume, Mr. Goodwin, that you invested in our lab's project because you value our professional capabilities and collaborative spirit, not for any other… irrelevant reasons." His words were a subtle reminder that Ian, as an investor, should focus on the project itself.

Ian chuckled lightly. "You're right, Dr. Kingsley. Let's eat."

He then steered the conversation back to work, easing the awkwardness. Joel readily engaged, and the rest of the meal was dedicated to business.

"Back to the office," Ian said curtly.

Joel drove Eleanor back to her car. She had research to attend to that afternoon and headed straight for the lab.

On Thursday evening, Eleanor called Laura to check on Simone Langley's condition. Laura told her there was one more test result due back at ten that night, and the data was critical. Eleanor asked her to send it over as soon as it came in, and Laura agreed.

At nine, Eleanor was sitting on the living room sofa, reading a story to her daughter. No matter what, she had to go to Kingston tomorrow.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Mansfield Ellington.

"I heard your mentor has been hospitalized. When are you planning on coming to Kingston?"