No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 321

“I’m thinking about it,” Eleanor Sutton replied.

Ian Goodwin’s expression darkened even further.

He stared at her for a few seconds, then turned away and addressed Professor Langley and Dr. Lyman. “I’ll arrange the follow-up funding, but I want weekly progress reports from now on.”

“Understood, that’s fine,” Simone Langley nodded.

Ian cast one last glance at Eleanor and strode out of the conference room without another word.

As the door clicked shut, Callie let out a long breath. “Honestly, with the way Mr. Goodwin looked at us just now, I almost thought he was pulling the plug…”

Eleanor lowered her gaze, lost in her own thoughts.

She understood perfectly well: Ian hadn’t withdrawn his investment because Vanessa Shannon’s illness depended on this project. As for whether he actually trusted her, Eleanor couldn’t tell.

“Eleanor,” Simone said, “personal differences aside, don’t let Ian down this time.”

Eleanor nodded, but couldn’t help defending herself. “There’s nothing personal between us.”

Dr. Lyman spoke up, “If you need any support, just let me know.”

“Thank you, Dr. Lyman.”

…

Not long after, news of Eleanor’s failed experiment reached Faye Yeaton. She finally let herself relax—Eleanor’s setback meant her abilities were in question now.

“But Mr. Goodwin didn’t pull her project,” someone commented in the group chat. “He actually increased the funding.”

“Is it because she’s his ex-wife? Maybe he’s just supporting her research out of loyalty?”

“I heard Eleanor asked for double the investment…”

“Anyone else would have had their project shut down by now…”

“I’ll visit her when I have time,” Eleanor answered, her tone polite but distant—she didn’t need him to invite her.

Ian got into the car and drove away.

By midday, Eleanor was back in the lab.

That was when her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID—Xavier Vaughn. Surprised, she answered, “Hello?”

“Have you had lunch?”

Eleanor checked the clock. It was already half past one. She let out a wry laugh, “Not yet.”

“I figured. I had something packed up for you—I’m bringing it upstairs now.”

Eleanor blinked in surprise. Xavier was bringing her lunch?

As she stepped out of the office, she caught Valery—a lab tech who’d transferred from Juliette Grayson’s team—grinning knowingly. Just a week ago, Xavier had personally added Valery to their group, all to get a sense of how Eleanor was managing the lab.