No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 966

966 /970

As a large hand gently pressed against the back of her head, Eleanor's body went rigid.

Her eyes widened in shock for a moment, but she didn't struggle or respond. She simply stood there, limp in Ian's arms, as if it took her a few seconds to process what was happening.

When she finally did, her voice was cold. "Are you done?"

Those three words were like a physical blade, twisting deep into Ian's heart. The strength of his embrace faltered, and the overwhelming surge of joy and gratitude instantly froze. He could feel the unyielding stiffness of her body—a rejection far more devastating than if she had pushed him away.

Ian drew a sharp breath and slowly, gently, released her, taking a step back. The elation was still in his eyes, but it was now tainted with a raw, painful vulnerability. A flicker of hurt crossed his face.

"Sorry… I got carried away," he apologized, his voice low. His gratitude for what she had done was beyond words, and in that moment, he felt as lost and clumsy as a child, unsure how to express it.

Eleanor smoothed down her lab coat with a deliberate, detached motion, as if the embrace had been utterly insignificant—something best forgotten.

"If you have no other work-related matters, Mr. Goodwin, I'll be returning to my lab," she said, picking up her laptop and walking out the door.

Serena, who had been waiting outside, was startled. She had expected them to talk for a while, but Eleanor was out in less than two minutes. "Ellie," she said, surprised.