No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 285

As Eleanor turned around, she found Ian standing just behind her—she had no idea when he’d arrived. His deep-set eyes shimmered with complicated emotions.

“Ian!” Serena called out like someone spotting a lifeboat in a storm.

Vanessa instantly put on a gentle smile. “Ian.”

But Ian’s gaze landed squarely on Eleanor. “Mr. Brown would like to see you.”

Eleanor’s voice was cool and distant. “Thank you for letting me know.”

She made to walk away.

Ian reached out suddenly, blocking her path. “I’ll come with you.”

The effect of his words was immediate—both Vanessa and Serena’s expressions shifted.

“That’s not necessary,” Eleanor replied, just as coldly. She stepped around him and headed toward Mr. Brown.

Ian let his hand fall to his side, watching Eleanor’s retreating silhouette, clearly deep in thought.

Eleanor approached Mr. Brown with a polite smile. “Good evening, Mr. Brown.”

Mr. Brown’s eyes were kind. “Miss Sutton, I went to school with your father once upon a time. That makes me something like family, wouldn’t you say?”

Eleanor laughed. “Then I’ll call you Mr. Brown, if you don’t mind.”

Mr. Brown chuckled warmly and struck up a conversation with her, only breaking off when his assistant came over to quietly deliver a message. With some regret, Mr. Brown said, “Ellie, let’s chat again soon. I’m truly interested in your research focus, and I think highly of your work.”

“Of course, Mr. Brown. I’ll let you get back to it.” Eleanor smiled again.

Right on cue, Ellington appeared at her side, introducing her to several business partners from the hospitality industry. After exchanging pleasantries and business cards, Eleanor finally exhaled, feeling the ache in her feet from hours in high heels.

“Mr. Ellington, I think I’ll rest for a bit,” she said, making her way toward a sofa. The shoes were pinching, and she bent down to loosen the strap.

As she leaned over, the pearl hairpin in her hair suddenly slipped free. Instantly, her long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall.

She froze for a moment. Under the soft lights, her loose hair framed her delicate features, making her look as striking as a painting, her eyes deep and luminous.

He checked his watch, as if ready to leave.

He crossed the room to Henry, entrusting Vanessa and Serena to his care, then headed for the lobby doors.

Just then, Eleanor’s phone buzzed—Joslyn was calling. She found a quiet spot to answer.

“Mommy, when are you coming home? I miss you.”

“I’ll be home soon, sweetheart,” Eleanor replied softly.

She said a quick goodbye to Ellington and left.

When she got home, she found her daughter quietly drawing in the playroom. Eleanor’s heart swelled with both pride and tenderness. She joined her daughter, spending half an hour playing and drawing together.

Her phone buzzed again. It was a message from Simone Langley:

“Ellie, Dr. Lyman will be visiting the Military Medical University next week for an academic exchange. He’d like you to come along. Please get ready.”