No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 345

Eleanor returned to her study, switched on her computer, and began reviewing the latest lab results. Though her body still felt weak, immersing herself in work allowed her to forget her troubles, at least for a little while.

Before long, her phone buzzed with a message from Joy, asking about Juliette. She’d seen the obituary online.

Eleanor replied, confirming the news. Juliette was gone.

“What a shame. She was such a renowned philanthropist,” Joy wrote.

Eleanor sighed. Who could disagree?

A little later, Xavier messaged her. Juliette’s funeral would be held in three days.

On Sunday afternoon, Gina dropped Evelyn back at home. As Eleanor greeted her daughter, she noticed that Gina lingered, hesitant to leave. Eleanor paused, glancing at her. “Is there something else, Gina?”

Gina hesitated. “Eleanor, Mrs. Grayson’s mother has been asking about you these past few days. Would you…?” Her voice trailed off, pride keeping her from making a direct request.

Eleanor understood. She nodded. “Of course. I’ll make time to visit her soon.”

Only then did Gina seem relieved, nodding as she got back into her car.

Three days later, Juliette’s funeral took place in a cemetery just outside the city.

Dressed in a black suit, Eleanor went alone.

From a distance, she saw Xavier greeting guests at the entrance to the chapel. Juliette, with no children of her own, had treated her nephew as her heir. Now, Xavier was honoring her memory with a dignified and grand farewell.

He stood among the mourners in a black suit, his face drawn and tired, but still managing a polite smile.

“Mr. Vaughn,” Eleanor said quietly as she approached.

Xavier turned, fatigue giving way to a flicker of pleasant surprise. “Miss Sutton, I’m glad you came.”

“My condolences,” Eleanor offered softly.

Xavier nodded. “Thank you for being here. About the lab funding, I’ll find a good time to discuss it with you.”

Eleanor waved it off. “Let’s talk after Mrs. Grayson’s affairs are settled. There’s no rush.”

He nodded again, about to say more, when his gaze shifted past her shoulder.

Eleanor turned and saw Ian, Vanessa, and Henry walking toward them together.

Ian wore a black suit with a white boutonniere. Vanessa was in an elegant black dress, her makeup perfectly done.

“Are you feeling better?” Ian asked, stepping closer.

Eleanor ignored his concern and turned to Xavier instead. “I’m going to pay my respects.”

Ian’s expression didn’t change, but Vanessa shot Eleanor a sidelong glance, wondering what she had to be so proud of. If not for Ian’s generous investment, Eleanor wouldn’t have achieved any of this. What gave her the right to be so aloof?

Inside the chapel, Eleanor bowed deeply before Juliette’s portrait. In the photo, Juliette’s gentle smile was just as kind as Eleanor remembered.

Rest in peace, Mrs. Grayson, she thought. I promise to make good use of the funding you left behind. I won’t let you down.

Footsteps sounded behind her. Expecting another mourner, Eleanor stepped aside, but the person stopped next to her. It was Ian.

He looked solemn as he took three candles handed to him and lit them, offering his own silent tribute. Vanessa soon joined him, and the two of them stood together in front of the portrait, looking every bit the perfect couple.

“But Eleanor’s project really does have Nobel potential!” Gwenda protested.

Faye shot her an annoyed look. “What’s gotten into you? Why are you always singing her praises? Has she ever done you any favors? Don’t forget who brought you into this team.”

Gwenda immediately forced a smile and kept quiet.

A week later, Eleanor’s team was in the thick of things.

Eleanor had just stepped out of the lab when her assistant hurried over. “Ellie, the data from the third round of trials is in. You should take a look—the results are even better than we hoped.”

Despite her exhaustion, Eleanor’s spirits lifted. She hurried over to the computer.

The data curves perfectly matched her theoretical predictions. This meant her new drug had reached a critical breakthrough.

It was time to prepare for the next phase of trials.

Soon, word reached Simone, who quickly arranged for a panel of experts to review Eleanor’s results the following week.

In the days leading up to it, Eleanor pushed her team to work around the clock. Even meals were eaten hastily at the lab benches.

A week later, Simone came by to check in.

“The review’s tomorrow. Are you ready?” she asked.

“I’ll finish my presentation tonight,” Eleanor replied.

Simone looked at her—Eleanor had barely touched the ground these days, and she was noticeably thinner. With a gentle pat on her shoulder, Simone offered a reassuring smile. “You’re doing great. After the review, I’m giving you three days off. You’ve earned it.”