No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 590

Vanessa’s gaze hardened. “I don’t care about the awards. I just want Ian to see that I’m better than Eleanor.”

Laverne, sensing the real knot in Vanessa’s heart, lowered her voice. “Mr. Goodwin probably doesn’t have time to go abroad with you this time, does he?”

Vanessa replied breezily, “If I ever need him, he’ll show up.”

On that point, Laverne had to agree. Whenever Vanessa needed Ian, he always appeared—he treated her as though she were glass, someone too precious to ever let break.

Kingston.

After the awards ceremony, there was a meeting scheduled for the afternoon.

And when that was over, the organizers had arranged a formal dinner at the Grand Kingston Hotel. Almost no one would pass up such a high-profile event.

Eleanor certainly wouldn’t. The evening promised not only a gathering of senior officials, but leaders and top professionals from every field.

She had no choice but to ask Joslyn to watch her daughter for a few extra hours.

Her little girl was well-behaved about it. After a quick video call with Eleanor, she settled in at the hotel without complaint.

Inside the ballroom, a staff member led Eleanor to her table—and she stopped short. Her seat had been placed right beside Ian’s.

“Dr. Sutton, you’re here! Please, sit here,” a middle-aged man stood up and waved her over.

Eleanor didn’t recognize him, but Ian rose and introduced them. “This is Director Walden, head of Technology.”

Eleanor maintained a polished smile. “Good evening, Director Walden.”

Director Walden greeted her warmly, then excused himself to welcome another guest.

Eleanor’s mind was already working on how to switch seats, but Ian’s low voice interrupted her thoughts. “Evelyn didn’t give you any trouble, did she?”

She answered stiffly, “No.”

The heat was turned up high, and Eleanor felt a flush rising to her cheeks. She slipped off her tailored blazer, revealing a crisp white blouse. The top two buttons were undone, showing the elegant line of her collarbone.

Ian’s gaze lingered on her slender neck for a moment before he looked away as if nothing had happened.

Director Walden returned with more guests, and after introducing everyone, turned to Eleanor and Ian. “You two are exceptional—so young, and already national award recipients. The future is yours.”

Ian responded modestly, “You’re too kind, Director.”

Eleanor smiled politely.

“Daddy, you’re finally back!” Evelyn threw her arms around his leg in delight.

“I came to check on you,” Ian said, his eyes crinkling with a smile.

“Well, come on in!” Evelyn grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. Ian looked a little surprised, but Joslyn had just finished slicing some fruit and greeted him, “Mr. Goodwin, would you like some fruit?”

“Evelyn, I’m taking some clothes to the laundry. Why don’t you let Daddy stay with you for a bit?” Joslyn said, heading out with Eleanor’s change of clothes.

“Okay!”

Eleanor had no idea Ian was there. She finished her shower and slipped into a robe before stepping out.

Her hair was still damp as she walked out from the master bathroom, the V-neck of her robe revealing the delicate line of her collarbone and a sweep of ivory skin.

“Evelyn, time to start getting ready for bed,” Eleanor called, stepping into the living room—only to freeze at the sight of the last person she expected to see on the couch.

Ian.

He was sitting there, Evelyn sprawled beside him with her iPad. His gaze lifted, and when he saw Eleanor in her robe, his eyes darkened, dropping from her face to her exposed skin.

He knew her habits—after a shower, she never wore anything underneath her robe. Some things, it seemed, hadn’t changed.