No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 723

“Let’s grab some breakfast together,” Joel suggested, realizing he hadn’t eaten either.

Eleanor and Joel walked side by side toward the cafeteria, chatting about their latest lab results along the way.

Inside, Faye Yeaton and Naomi were already eating. When Faye spotted Joel and Eleanor arriving together, her appetite vanished instantly.

Naomi shot her a knowing look. “Faye, so Eleanor’s back, huh?”

Faye nodded, mind racing. She knew Vanessa Shannon had gone to Kingston as well, probably at Ian’s request. If Vanessa was there, Eleanor really didn’t have a reason to stay in Kingston any longer.

But to see Eleanor return and immediately start spending time with Joel—it was a sight that made Faye’s chest tighten in jealousy.

A few minutes later, Gwenda joined them, taking a seat at Eleanor’s table.

After breakfast, Eleanor and Joel headed into the lab. They were still working off Eleanor’s original theory for the brain-computer experiment, and even the smallest breakthrough was proving difficult.

Eleanor focused intently on fine-tuning the equipment. She and Joel moved in sync, understanding each other without the need for words.

Faye came in several times to deliver reports, each time catching glimpses of Eleanor and Joel’s easy rapport. The jealousy in her eyes deepened with every visit.

While Eleanor had been away, Faye had enjoyed herself—she’d become Joel’s assistant and helped him with experiments. But with Eleanor back, Joel’s attention shifted to her entirely.

At lunchtime, the cafeteria’s big screen was showing financial news.

“Look! That’s Mr. Goodwin’s interview!” Gwenda exclaimed, pointing at the screen.

There was Ian, dressed in a charcoal suit, his striking features even more pronounced under the studio lights.

He answered the host’s questions with calm confidence, his deep, magnetic voice filling the cafeteria through the speakers.

“The Goodwin Pharma Group is establishing a foundation, committing five billion dollars to research for children’s rare diseases, especially in the fields of leukemia and congenital heart disease—”

Nearly every woman in the cafeteria turned instinctively to the screen. Gwenda pressed her hands to her cheeks, eyes shining. “Mr. Goodwin really is something—handsome, generous, and socially responsible.”

Then Gwenda let out a surprised yelp. “Whoa, he just mentioned you, Eleanor!”

Now, more eyes turned to Eleanor. Even after her divorce from Ian, it was clear he still admired and supported her.

Eleanor narrowed her eyes, watching Ian’s response on the screen. She couldn’t deny he projected the image of a responsible, admirable leader—exactly what the public expected from a CEO.

But people always have two sides. Ian’s polished, public persona had little to do with the man he was in private.

Eleanor stirred her soup, doing her best to ignore the stares and whispers around her.

Naomi leaned close to Faye and whispered, “Looks like Mr. Goodwin really thinks highly of Eleanor.”

Faye gripped her fork, snorting softly. “He’s a businessman—he has to keep up appearances. Of course he wouldn’t let anything slip during an interview.”

Still, she felt bad for Vanessa. Seeing this must’ve hurt.

Honestly, these networks had no sense—why air an interview where a man gushes about his ex-wife? Was it just for the drama?

“Mrs. Goodwin, I’m taking Evelyn home with me today. Thank you for looking after her these past few days,” Eleanor said politely.

“It’s no trouble. Evelyn’s my granddaughter—it’s what grandmothers do,” Gina replied, giving Eleanor a once-over.

“Well, you can head home. I’ve got it from here,” Eleanor said gently.

“Oh, I’ll just say goodbye to Evelyn before I go,” Gina replied, determined to see her granddaughter for a moment longer.

Eleanor nodded, and just then, the school doors opened. Xavier waited for Eleanor, and together they walked inside.

Watching them, Gina couldn’t help but sigh quietly. To her, Xavier was the ideal son-in-law—handsome, responsible, everything she could wish for. Unfortunately, fate had other plans.

She’d tried setting her daughter up on dates lately, but it was hopeless—her daughter refused to meet anyone else, insisting she’d only ever marry Xavier. It was enough to make Gina’s head ache.

A few minutes later, Eleanor and Xavier each emerged holding a child by the hand. Evelyn Goodwin waved excitedly at Gina. “Grandma, what are you doing here?”

“I just wanted to see you, sweetheart,” Gina answered with a smile.

“Grandma, I’m going home with Mom tonight. I’ll come to your place next time, okay?” Evelyn said.

“Of course! You’re always welcome, anytime,” Gina replied.

Just then, Evelyn glanced up at Xavier and asked curiously, “Mr. Vaughn, is it okay if I call you uncle?”