No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 141

Vanessa rested her chin on her hand and nodded sweetly. "Okay."

She glanced over at Ian. "I overheard my sister say that Eleanor's planning to take her qualifying exams early. She wants to finish her degree ahead of schedule—did you know?"

Ian's brow arched in surprise. "Is that so?"

"I also heard Dr. Langley's reorganizing his research team this time, and Eleanor's not on the list. Ian, don't you think you should have her included? She is your wife, after all."

Ian replied calmly, "I'm the one who asked Dr. Langley to leave her out."

Vanessa paused, taken aback. "Won't that upset her?"

"She's already pretty unhappy with me. They're using her mother's sample for the study this time."

Vanessa's lips curled into a knowing smile. "I can see why she'd have strong feelings about that, especially since—"

"What are you two talking about?" Henry strolled over. Ian greeted him, and Henry turned to Vanessa, concern etched on his face. "Are you alright? I saw the news earlier. That was pretty scary."

"I'm fine. I never expected a fan to get that crazy—just ended up with a bruised arm, that's all." Vanessa lifted her arm a little to show the swelling.

Henry frowned sympathetically. "Next time, you really should bring security with you."

A moment later, Xavier joined the group.

"So, did Vivian give you a hard time tonight?" Henry teased him.

Xavier let out a resigned laugh. "Promised her I'd buy her a gift."

Vanessa grinned. "Honestly, Xavier, you should think about getting a girlfriend. It'd make looking after Vivian a lot easier."

Henry clapped Xavier on the shoulder. "I heard you've decided to invest in your aunt's charity project. What's going on with you guys? Quietly breaking into the medical field without telling anyone?"

Xavier smiled, unbothered. "It's where the future's headed."

Ian hesitated mid-sip, glancing over at Xavier. Vanessa was momentarily stunned too.

Henry gave a knowing smile. Whether Eleanor took the exam or not, with an academic heavyweight for a father, her diploma was practically guaranteed. The exam was just a formality.

Xavier remained silent, as if the topic didn't interest him. But Vanessa noticed the way he carefully avoided any mention of Eleanor, which only made his indifference seem more suspicious.

She could only hope her suspicions were wrong.

Just then, their dinner arrived and Henry smoothly changed the subject, steering the conversation to the latest happenings in their social circle.

At eight-thirty, Ian drove Vanessa home.

***

After tucking her daughter into bed, Eleanor made her way to the third-floor study to review her notes. On her desk sat a stack of borrowed textbooks—Jude Vaughn had lent her the junior and senior year medical texts.

Around ten o'clock, Ian returned. He checked in on their daughter first, then headed upstairs. He opened the door to Eleanor's study and paused for a moment, watching her bent over her desk, lost in concentration. He frowned slightly.

"I heard you're planning to take your qualifying exams early," he said.