No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 17

Eleanor replied modestly, "It's really just the result of years of basic research, plus the notes my dad left behind. I also drew on reports from cutting-edge medical labs around the world. That's how I formed my perspective."

"Excellent, excellent! There's always more to learn, but Eleanor, your theory is truly impressive," Dr. Lyman said, his admiration clear.

They talked for another two hours before Dr. Lyman had to leave for a meeting. As he gathered his things, he spoke with sincere encouragement: "Eleanor, this lab needs to happen. I'll do everything I can to support you. You're going to be just as brilliant as your father."

After Dr. Lyman left, Eleanor and Jude Vaughn continued their discussion for another two hours. Finally, Eleanor glanced at her watch—it was time to pick up her daughter.

"Don't worry about getting the lab started," Jude assured her. "I'll take care of everything."

Once she'd picked up her daughter, Eleanor took her to a nearby shopping mall to pick out some early spring clothes.

As they stepped out of the lobby hand-in-hand, Eleanor immediately spotted a striking figure in the crowd—Vanessa, flanked by her assistant. Vanessa drew plenty of glances from the men around her, and Eleanor noticed the assistant carrying ordinary household bags. Her brows furrowed. Had Vanessa moved into the neighborhood?

Probably Ian's doing, Eleanor thought, so it'd be easier for them to meet up in secret.

She gripped her daughter's hand and hurried away, not wanting Evelyn to spot Vanessa.

"Look, Mommy! A puppy! Can I have one too?" Evelyn's eyes sparkled as she watched a little girl walk by with a fluffy dog.

Eleanor had always worried about her daughter being bitten, so she'd never allowed a pet in the house. But lately, Evelyn had mentioned that Vanessa kept a dog, and had been begging to go see it.

Eleanor ruffled her daughter's hair. "Are you sure you want a puppy?"

"I'm sure," Evelyn said, nodding emphatically.

Eleanor smiled. "Alright, let's go pick one out together."

"Really? I can really get a puppy? But what if Daddy says no?" Evelyn's cheeks flushed with excitement.

"If Mommy says yes, that's all that matters," Eleanor replied, lifting her eyebrows in a playful grin.

"Yay! I'm getting a puppy!"

Ian crouched down, eyeing the puppy trembling in Evelyn's arms. His expression softened. "Princess? You picked that name?"

"Yep! I picked it. Do you like it?"

"I do," Ian said with a rare smile.

"Don't be scared, Princess. My daddy's not a bad man—he's going to love you too," Evelyn whispered, stroking the puppy's head like a little grown-up.

Eleanor descended the stairs as Ian slipped off his suit jacket. When she reached his side, he instinctively held the jacket out to her. For a moment, she froze, looking up at him. In the past, she would have taken it right away and told Joslyn to get it pressed immediately.

After a brief pause, Ian withdrew his jacket, his eyes darkening as he tossed it carelessly onto the sofa before heading upstairs.

Eleanor stood where she was, the chill of his indifference lingering in the air. She walked over to her daughter and quietly asked Joslyn to take care of Ian's jacket.

At dinnertime, Ian came down wearing comfortable clothes: a fine navy sweater and lounge pants, his dark hair falling over his forehead. He looked every bit the perfect husband—handsome, refined, and charming. If only he hadn't cheated, she thought, he'd truly be the ideal man.