No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 132

"Gwenda, don't take matters into your own hands from now on, understand?" Faye's gaze cut sharply toward Gwenda, making it clear she blamed her for pushing her into that interview the other day.

Gwenda faltered, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry, Faye, I… I really didn't mean to."

"Just go. I need to get back to work," Faye said coolly.

Gwenda grumbled inwardly—funny, Faye hadn't seemed so upset when she was basking in the limelight during the interview. Now she was acting like it was all Gwenda's fault.

At ten o'clock, everyone in the lab received an invitation to a team lunch. Jude Vaughn was treating everyone to celebrate Eleanor, using the grant budget as an excuse. They planned to meet at a cozy bistro across from Ashford Medical University at noon.

By eleven, Jude walked into Eleanor's office, a grin on his face. "I have good news."

Goodwin & Co. had awarded Eleanor an extra three million dollar bonus.

Eleanor stared, stunned for a few seconds, but quickly realized it made sense—after all, the breakthrough drug had earned the company a fortune. A bonus like that was standard practice.

This time, she wasn't going to be modest. She'd earned it, and she wasn't about to turn it down.

"Ellie, I bet Mr. Goodwin is over the moon about your achievement," Jude teased.

"Jude, do me a favor—please keep my identity private. I don't want people talking."

Jude nodded. "I get it. Your name's everywhere right now. If people found out you're Mrs. Goodwin as well, it would set tongues wagging. Oh, and the university is also giving you a bonus—one hundred thousand. Not much, but it's something."

Eleanor smiled. "Thank you."

"See you at lunch," Jude said before heading out.

Eleanor's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, then closed her office door before answering. "Hello? Joy?"

"Dr. Sutton! Congratulations! You're famous overnight. I'm practically bragging to everyone that I'm your friend," Joy laughed.

"Don't tease me," Eleanor replied, chuckling.

At noon, the entire lab team gathered at the restaurant. With two big tables, everyone found a seat. Eleanor and Joel sat at the head table. Dr. Lyman, away on business, sent his congratulations from afar.

"Where's Faye?" someone asked, noticing the empty seat.

Gwenda picked up her phone. "I'll call her."

She dialed, and on the other end, Faye's voice was icy. "Can't make it. You guys go ahead."

Gwenda relayed the message to Jude, who understood why Faye had bowed out. No one pressed the matter—they simply started their meal.

Eleanor sipped her tea and made small talk as colleagues toasted her one after another. She could see admiration in their eyes. Despite being just a sophomore, her father's legacy loomed large in the medical world.

After lunch, Eleanor and Joel strolled through campus, discussing the Marlowe Village case. The villagers had filed suit against the chemical plant, and the trial was set to begin soon. Joel would be representing the lab, providing the evidence to support the villagers' claims of illegal dumping.

"Joel, be careful," Eleanor reminded him once more.