No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 875

"I'll apologize in person when I get back."

Reading the messages, Eleanor's eyes flickered with guilt, momentarily forgetting that another man was in the room with her. Ian watched her expression shift as her fingers flew across the screen, obviously typing a reply. His jaw tightened. He sat in silence, watching her exchange what looked like sweet nothings with another man.

"It seems he's safe," Ian remarked, his tone devoid of any discernible emotion.

Eleanor's head snapped up, suddenly remembering Ian was still there. "We're done here. You can go now," she said, her voice turning distant. The dismissal was clear.

Ian gave her a long, deep look and swallowed hard. "I won't disturb you. I'll go spend some time with Evelyn." He stood up, but his gaze fell back on her. "So the protocol is set. I'll push Dr. Smith on the timeline, and I'll make sure Vanessa cooperates." He paused, his voice turning rough. "Eleanor, don't forget that our only shared goal right now is saving Evelyn."

With that, he turned and left, closing the door behind him.

Eleanor frowned. Even without his reminder, she knew exactly what she had to do. Researching a cure for the rare blood disorder was the most important—and only—thing that mattered. She had to ensure her daughter had a bright, healthy future.

She had just told Mansfield to come home safe, and he had replied with two words: "Yes, ma'am."

Eleanor closed her eyes and let out a soft breath. When Mansfield returned, she would be the one who needed to apologize. If she had known he was saying goodbye that night, she would have invited him in for New Year's Eve dinner. She owed him an apology and a meal, but that was all. She knew she couldn't give him any expectations beyond friendship. She couldn't hold him back.

Setting her phone aside, Eleanor cleared her mind of all distractions and refocused on the experimental protocol.

She remained in her study until nine-thirty. When she came downstairs, she could hear her daughter's cheerful chatter mixed with Ian's low laughter. She frowned. Why hadn't he left yet?

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Ian was ruffling their daughter's hair. "Daddy has to go now."

"Daddy, are you going back to your apartment downstairs?"

"No, Grandma hasn't been feeling well lately, so I need to go home and take care of her," Ian explained.

His jaw clenched, his Adam's apple bobbing. "So, in your eyes, I'm just a tool to be exchanged for an experiment?"

Eleanor's brow furrowed. "What else would you be?"

A storm brewed in Ian's eyes. He suddenly grabbed her arm, his tall frame looming over her as he stepped closer. "Is there really nothing left between us besides our daughter?"

She instinctively tried to pull away but found his grip too tight. At that moment, the phone in his hand lit up again. The name *Vanessa* was clearly displayed on the screen.

Eleanor yanked her arm free and met his intense, almost searing gaze. "Go answer her call."

With that, she opened her door and disappeared inside.

Ian looked down at his phone, his fingers gripping it so tightly it seemed the screen might crack. After a few seconds, he turned and strode away.