No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 986

"Don't work yourself too hard, Callie," Eleanor advised.

Callie's heart warmed. "I know. You two enjoy your lunch."

Once Callie had left, Joel's gaze settled on Eleanor's slightly pale face. "How are things over there?"

"Let's go to the restaurant and talk while we eat," Eleanor suggested. A lot had happened recently, and if she needed a good listener, Joel was definitely the best choice.

In the restaurant across from the lab, Eleanor explained the situation with Smith and mentioned the transactional nature of Vanessa and Ian's relationship.

Joel was stunned silent for a long moment before he finally processed it. "You mean to say, Ian and Vanessa were never lovers? It was a transaction from the very beginning?"

"I'm not sure if they were lovers or not, but they definitely had a deal," Eleanor confirmed. "Ian needed her to provide stem cell donations at least once a year, and in return, he provided for her financially."

Joel had seen Ian and Vanessa together before. Ian's care and attentiveness toward her had been obvious. It couldn't have been just a cold transaction.

"Your research breakthrough has effectively removed Vanessa's status as the sole donor. Now Ian is no longer beholden to her. He should be grateful to you," Joel said, picking up his teacup. "Has he given you any explanation for everything he did to you in the past?"

Eleanor's fingers tightened around her water glass. She turned to look at the spring scenery outside the window. An explanation? What they had been through couldn't be resolved with a simple explanation.

"Everything is proceeding in an orderly fashion," Joel began, choosing his words carefully, his tone objective. "And speaking of which, Ian's support for scientific research is truly commendable. Our division's three major projects recently received full funding, equipment, and staffing, all thanks to him."

Eleanor nodded, listening quietly. Joel continued, "I've been in a lot of meetings at Goodwin & Co. lately, and I've learned a bit about the business world. He's incredibly capable to manage a company like that."

Noticing that Eleanor didn't seem keen on the topic, Joel smiled. "Anyway, you know my work is all about following the development plan. It's your research that's truly worth discussing."

Eleanor offered a small smile. She understood the implication behind Joel's words. It wasn't that she was unaware of Ian's difficult position; it was just that, having stepped out of the role of his wife, there was no longer any need to dwell on the past.

As they walked back to the lab, Eleanor spotted a familiar figure. She quickened her pace in surprise. "Professor Langley."