No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 471

Eleanor forced down her anger and stepped out of the elevator. Gwenda was hurrying toward the conference room but paused when she spotted Eleanor. “Eleanor, would you like me to get you some coffee?”

Eleanor flashed her a grateful smile. “That’d be great, thanks!”

“No need to thank me,” Gwenda replied with a playful raise of her eyebrow. This whole trip, accompanying Joel Kingsley to Kingston for the academic exchange, she felt was largely thanks to Eleanor.

Eleanor ducked into her office first, gathering up some documents before making her way to the conference room.

When she entered, Ian was already seated at the head of the table. On one side sat Dr. Smith’s team, opposite Simone’s group.

Eleanor was just about to slip to one of the seats at the back when Simone called her over. “Eleanor, sit here.”

It was the seat immediately to Ian’s left. Eleanor gave a nod, determined not to let personal feelings interfere with her work.

“Hi, Miss Sutton. Good to see you again,” Dr. Smith greeted her from across the table.

Eleanor offered her most professional smile and returned the greeting. Soon, Dr. Smith launched into a detailed introduction of their latest research on neurodegenerative diseases—the focus of this exchange. Eleanor listened intently. When he finished, Simone invited Eleanor to present her own findings.

As Eleanor spoke, Dr. Smith’s eyes lit up. He turned to Ian and, in English, congratulated him, “Congratulations, Mr. Goodwin, your faith paid off.”

Ian’s eyes narrowed in a smile, and he nodded in acknowledgment.

Eleanor caught the exchange, glancing up at Dr. Smith. Still, she kept her attention on the academic discussion, pushing aside any distractions.

After the meeting, the group moved to a nearby restaurant for lunch. As everyone settled in, Dr. Smith approached Eleanor with genuine enthusiasm. “Miss Sutton, your results are astounding. Mr. Goodwin truly has an eye for talent.”

Eleanor nodded politely. Dr. Smith continued, “My lab once pursued similar research, but we could never quite push it forward. Just a year ago, Mr. Goodwin withdrew his funding from my project and invested in yours.”

That confirmed what Eleanor had suspected—Ian’s interest in medical research wasn’t some sudden whim. He’d been investing heavily for years.

For someone as driven by profit as Ian to pour so much into medical projects—well, it only underscored how much Vanessa must mean to him.

The realization stung. Six years of marriage, she thought bitterly, and it had all been one big joke.

“Hello, Miss Sutton. I’m Adkins. I’ve read your papers—they’re brilliant.”

Adkins looked to be in his early thirties, the archetype of a Western leading man: striking blue eyes, a charming smile, and focused attention entirely on Eleanor.

Adkins froze, catching the warning. He looked both embarrassed and a little confused. Dr. Smith nudged him discreetly and murmured, “Miss Sutton is Mr. Goodwin’s ex-wife.”

The realization dawned on Adkins, and he hurried to clarify, “Mr. Goodwin, please don’t misunderstand. This is purely academic.”

Eleanor bristled at Ian’s possessiveness, but unwilling to let the moment turn awkward, she offered, “Adkins, I’d be happy to collaborate with you.”

Adkins nodded gratefully, his smile a shade more reserved.

As lunch continued, Eleanor and Dr. Smith walked together, deep in conversation about new opportunities in the medical field. Dr. Smith’s admiration for Eleanor was obvious and unrestrained.

“Mr. Goodwin certainly knows how to spot talent,” Dr. Smith said warmly. “Your achievements far exceeded my expectations, Miss Sutton.”

Ian, walking on her other side, allowed himself a slight smile, his gaze fixed on Eleanor. “She’s always been exceptional.”

The unexpected compliment made Eleanor’s expression go cold. She turned sharply and left.

Dr. Smith was about to say something more to her, only to find she’d already walked away. Ian narrowed his eyes at him. “Dr. Smith, from now on, I want your lab to give Eleanor’s research any support she needs. And don’t worry—your next project’s funding is already in the works.”