No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 644

Eleanor rose and stepped in front of the projection screen, her voice ringing clear and melodic as she walked the team through each phase of the new drug’s development. Every word was precise, every point backed by data. Confidence radiated from her, sharpened by the intelligence in her eyes and the smooth conviction in her tone.

“We’ve implemented the latest improvements using—” she began, but was abruptly interrupted.

The conference room door swung open. Ian strode in, immaculate in a tailored suit. Everyone knew exactly who he was. He offered a brief, apologetic nod. “Sorry I’m late.”

With that, he pulled out the nearest chair and sat down.

The light caught Eleanor’s eyes, making them momentarily frosty. Her hand paused on the laser pointer before she continued.

“Please, go on, Dr. Sutton,” Ian said, his voice low and even.

Eleanor inhaled deeply, forcing herself to refocus. She picked up right where she left off, losing herself in the flow of her presentation.

From his seat, Ian watched Eleanor intently—tracking every gesture and nuance: the way she glanced at her watch, the small pause when she sipped her water, the slight frown and quick bite of her lip when she felt his gaze.

Soon, the meeting shifted to questions. The FDA experts wasted no time, firing off pointed, challenging inquiries from every angle.

Ian’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly as he scanned the group of sharp-tongued specialists.

But Eleanor was ready for them. She answered each question with calm precision, expanding on details whenever necessary, and never losing her composure. After all, as the chief researcher, no one knew the project’s intricacies better than she did.

In her element, Eleanor was unshakeable.

Simone watched her with unconcealed admiration. Even Ian, whose expression rarely betrayed emotion, seemed visibly reassured as the toughest issues were handled with ease.

By four o’clock, the meeting wrapped up, but Eleanor lingered with several of the experts for a few extra minutes of conversation.

Just outside the conference room, Ian stood by a row of flowerbeds, making no move to leave.

It wasn’t until Eleanor emerged, bag in one hand and jacket draped over her arm, that Ian finally glanced her way. “Your insights were exceptional today,” he said.

“I was just doing my job,” Eleanor replied coolly.

Simone finished her own goodbyes and caught up with them. Spotting the pair in conversation, she called out, “Eleanor, are you coming with us, or do you want to ride with Ian?”

They’d all arrived together in Callie’s car; Eleanor hadn’t driven today.

“I’ll go with the team,” Eleanor answered at once, not looking back as she fell in step with her colleagues.

Ian didn’t protest. He watched them disappear down the hall, then straightened the buttons on his suit jacket. Just then, Gavin approached. “Mr. Goodwin, should I bring the car around for the office?”

Ian nodded, but before they could leave, his phone buzzed. He answered, “Hello, Dr. Smith.”

“Mr. Goodwin, we’ve gotten some preliminary data from the sample you provided.”

“I’ve reached out to Dr. Sutton. We’re speaking at eight tonight to discuss the research.”

Ian nodded. “Feel free to collaborate with her.”

“I’ll send her our data for joint analysis. After all, her father’s work was invaluable to us.”

Ian’s tone cooled. “You may discuss the science, but she mustn’t know the real purpose behind your research.”

“Understood.” Dr. Smith nodded, launching into a detailed explanation of his findings. Only when he was finished did the call end.

Ian moved to the window, gazing out at the city lights as dusk settled in. His phone rang again—a call from his mother.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Did you have dinner yet?”

“Not yet.”

“You’re still at work this late? Come home, I’ve saved you something.”

Ian paused, then said, “Alright. I’ll be home soon.”