No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 566

Just then, Eleanor’s phone buzzed with a message: Byron had forwarded details about a tech summit that Ashford University was hosting the following Monday.

Opening Byron’s message, Eleanor read the details carefully. It was a high-level forum on artificial intelligence, and Meridian Dynamics—her company—was one of the main sponsors, sending a team of top engineers.

Her name was on the attendee list.

“What’s up?” Joy noticed Eleanor staring at her phone, lost in thought, and couldn’t help but ask.

“There’s a tech summit next Monday. The company wants me to go,” Eleanor replied, slipping her phone back into her bag.

“I’m so jealous,” Joy said, her face alight with admiration. “You get to attend all these exclusive events. Must be an amazing experience.”

***

Monday came in a flash. Eleanor left home early and headed straight to the summit venue. At the entrance, she gave her name to the staff, who handed her a name badge: Eleanor Sutton, Chief Researcher, Meridian Dynamics.

“Dr. Sutton, right this way,” said the staff member, ushering her to a seat in the second row.

A moment later, someone approached—tall, familiar. The staff member’s eyes lit up. “Mr. Vaughn, your seat is—”

“Would it be possible for me to sit with Dr. Sutton?” Xavier asked.

“Absolutely,” the staffer replied, rearranging the seating so Xavier could take the seat beside Eleanor.

“How’s Vivian doing? Any better?” Eleanor asked as he settled in.

“She still has a rash—still using the cream and keeping to her restricted diet,” Xavier said gratefully.

At that moment, Ian entered with Byron’s team. The staff guided Ian to the VIP seats in the front row; as he passed, he nodded to Xavier before taking the seat just ahead of Eleanor and Xavier.

Eleanor had dressed a bit lightly that morning, not expecting the air conditioning inside to be blasting even colder than the chilly day outside. As luck would have it, her seat was directly under the vent.

“Are you cold?” Xavier noticed her hugging her arms tightly.

Eleanor managed a smile and shook her head. “I’m fine.” But as soon as she said it, she sneezed.

She quickly covered her mouth, cheeks flushed. With the room now full and everyone seated, switching seats wasn’t really an option. Two hours in that draft, she was bound to catch a cold.

Without a word, Xavier slipped off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

Startled, Eleanor turned to protest, trying to give the jacket back to him.

Up ahead, Ian was flipping through the conference materials. Hearing a slight commotion behind him, he glanced back just in time to see Xavier settling his jacket around Eleanor’s shoulders.

“Keep it on. You’ll catch a cold,” Xavier said kindly.

“But you’re not dressed that warmly either—” Eleanor protested, not wanting him to freeze.

“I’ll get you something hot,” Xavier said gently. “Red tea or coffee?”

“Red tea, thank you,” Eleanor replied, not wanting to refuse.

Ahead of them, Byron fetched a coffee for Ian, then turned and asked Eleanor, “What can I get you, Eleanor?”

“It’s all right, someone’s already getting me something,” she answered with a smile.

At that moment, Xavier returned with a cup of tea and handed it to her. Byron caught on instantly, glancing at Ian for a reaction. Ian sipped his coffee, long lashes shadowing his eyes, his expression unreadable.

When the break ended, the conference resumed, running until half past eleven.

“I’ve booked a table at a restaurant nearby. Join me for lunch?” Xavier asked as Eleanor stood to stretch.

She smiled warmly. “That sounds great! My treat.”

Her easy, gracious reply made Xavier’s mood skyrocket. “Deal. Let’s go.”

They left together, chatting as they walked out. Byron came over to Ian. “Mr. Goodwin, the restaurant’s ready.” Then, noticing Eleanor’s empty seat, he frowned. “Wait, where’s Eleanor?”

“She already has company,” Ian answered coolly. “And the afternoon session starts at one. Make sure everyone’s back on time.”

Byron blinked, then quickly caught on.