No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 814

Mansfield, seeing Ian, didn't immediately release his hold on Eleanor. Only after ensuring she was steady on her feet did he naturally withdraw his arm.

From a few feet away, the two men's gazes met in a brief, silent clash.

Mansfield was the first to give a slight nod. Ian reciprocated with a polite dip of his head before turning his attention to Eleanor.

Eleanor stepped forward. "Where's Evelyn?"

"She's staying at my mother's for the night," Ian replied, then asked, "How is Professor Langley? Was the surgery successful?"

Faye jumped in to answer. "The head surgeon just said the operation went very smoothly."

Ian glanced at her before his eyes returned to Eleanor. Perhaps it was the harsh fluorescent lighting of the hallway, but her face looked incredibly pale. His gaze flickered to Mansfield, who stood beside her with a composed demeanor, and a complex emotion crossed his face. As always, however, he maintained his composure, suppressing the turmoil beneath the surface.

"I'm glad to hear the surgery was a success," he said, his voice laced with relief. "You've all been through a lot."

Simone's sister, Sonya Langley, a modest businesswoman, was taken aback by the arrival of yet another imposing figure. She turned to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, who is this?"

Eleanor paused for a moment before smiling. "He is Mr. Goodwin, an investor in Professor Langley's lab."

"Mr. Goodwin, thank you so much for coming to see my sister. We really appreciate it," Sonya said, offering the customary pleasantries.

"It's no trouble," Ian replied with a small smile.

"None of you have eaten. You must be starving," Sonya said, extending an invitation. "Please, let me treat you all to a meal at the restaurant across the street." As a family member, she felt it was her duty to host them.

"Ms. Langley, I'll stay here. You all go ahead," Eleanor said, having no appetite.

"I'll stay with you," Mansfield added immediately.

Gavin chimed in at the perfect moment. "Mr. Goodwin and I have already had lunch."

Mansfield met his gaze with a candid smile. "A bit of both, I suppose. I had a mission to handle back here, and then I heard about Professor Langley. Since Eleanor was here, I thought I'd come by and see if I could help." He then added pointedly, "And you, Mr. Goodwin? I imagine you also took time out of your busy schedule to be here."

The implication was clear: we're both here for the same reason.

Ian sat down in a chair two seats away from Eleanor. "Professor Langley is a key member of my lab. I felt it was my duty, both professionally and personally, to visit her. But you, Major General Ellington, with all your military responsibilities, to show such concern for a friend's mentor… it's quite remarkable."

The words were a subtle accusation, implying Mansfield was overstepping the bounds of friendship.

Mansfield chuckled lightly. "I've always considered Eleanor's concerns to be my own. It's only right that I do what I can to help."

Ian's gaze shifted to Eleanor, studying her pale face. "You look like you haven't slept. Should I take you back to the hotel to rest?"

"There's no need," Eleanor said coolly. "I'll leave after Professor Langley is back in her room."

Mansfield remained silent, a quiet pillar of support by her side. He knew Eleanor disliked confrontations.