No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 24

"Now, let's raise another toast to the man of the hour—our brilliant medical genius, Dr. Joel. Here's to him joining us tonight!"

Everyone stood again, their glasses clinking in Joel's honor. He adjusted his glasses, his manner calm and striking as he lifted his glass in return.

Since they were all young professionals, the conversation flowed easily, laughter and ideas bouncing around the table as they discussed plans for the new lab.

By half past nine, the evening wound down and people headed out in high spirits. Joel decided to catch a ride back to the hotel with Eleanor.

The two chatted as they walked to the elevator. When the doors slid open with a soft chime, they found Ian standing inside, one hand tucked casually in his pocket.

A spotlight illuminated his angular features, casting sharp shadows across his face. His gaze was steady and unreadable as he looked at Eleanor and Joel in the doorway.

"Mr. Goodwin. What a coincidence," Joel greeted him, his tone unhurried.

Ian responded with a polite nod.

"Miss Sutton, after you. Goodnight," Joel said with a small smile. Not wanting to complicate things for Eleanor, he didn't step in with her.

"Goodnight," Eleanor replied, giving a quick wave before stepping into the elevator.

Inside, the couple stood in silence as the elevator descended to the ground floor. Neither spoke as they exited, one after the other.

Since Eleanor had her car, there was no need to return home with Ian. She made her way to the parking lot, unlocked the car, slipped into the driver's seat, and was the first to head out.

Just as she reached the entrance to her neighborhood, a sudden warmth in her lower abdomen made her realize her period had started. She quickly pulled over at a nearby mall, went inside, and picked up what she needed.

Back at home, Joslyn approached her as soon as she walked in. "Ma'am, you're back. Would it be all right if I took the night off? My daughter is unwell."

Ian didn't reply, simply walked past her. The distinct scent of Vanessa's perfume lingered in the air as he passed, making Eleanor frown. She hurried back to her room.

She closed the door behind her, went straight to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth, then picked up a book to read before bed.

Twenty minutes later, just as she set the book aside and prepared to sleep, the door opened.

Ian entered, draped in a black robe, his hair slicked back and still damp from the shower.

"Is something wrong?" Eleanor sat up immediately, an involuntary note of caution in her gaze.

"I don't see the point in sleeping apart when Evelyn's not home," Ian said quietly.