No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 80

"I bet it's because she doesn't have the credentials. Who's going to believe someone who never even finished college could develop a breakthrough medicine? If people see her interview, they might not even trust the drug!"

"You're right. Faye definitely presents a better image for our lab."

The two women chatted as they left the room.

A few minutes later, Eleanor stepped out. She entered the elevator and pressed the button for the lab floor. She tried not to let her colleagues' gossip bother her, but it still left a bitter taste.

Turning into the corridor, she spotted Gwenda walking arm-in-arm with Faye. Faye's eyes narrowed at the sight of her, but Eleanor simply nodded in greeting.

"Hi, Eleanor," Gwenda called out with a friendly smile.

As they passed, Faye suddenly stopped and turned, calling after her. "Eleanor, I need to explain. I never meant to take your spot for last night's interview."

Eleanor turned, meeting her gaze.

She said nothing, but Faye could feel the weight of her resentment, and it made her squirm.

"Eleanor, the interview last night was scheduled for two people," Gwenda interjected, trying to smooth things over. "Faye had to step in at the last minute. Don't blame her."

"I'm not blaming her," Eleanor replied coolly.

But Faye bristled. "You say you're fine with it, but that's not what you really think, is it?"

"Faye, I'm sure Eleanor isn't blaming you," Gwenda soothed. "Don't overthink it."

Eleanor offered a faint smile and turned away.

Faye's expression soured even further; she couldn't shake the feeling that Eleanor's smile was mocking her.

"What's so special about her anyway?" Faye grumbled, biting her lip. "She just got lucky."

Gwenda laughed. "Honestly, you looked amazing on camera last night. Everyone's saying you looked even better than a movie star! And you and Dr. Kingsley made quite the pair."

A faint blush crept across Faye's cheeks. "Who said that?"

"Everyone's talking about it—wondering if you and Dr. Kingsley are secretly dating."

Eleanor considered it—an autopsy might yield new answers. She nodded. "I'll go."

"Not scared?" Joel asked, grinning.

"Not with you there," Eleanor replied with a small smile.

Joel chuckled. "Alright. If you get nervous, just let me know."

He glanced toward the cafeteria entrance, then leaned in. "Your husband's here."

Eleanor stiffened, following his gaze. Ian strode through the noisy cafeteria in a sharp black suit, his striking looks and commanding presence impossible to ignore.

She had no desire to see him, especially in front of her colleagues. Grabbing her tray, she murmured to Joel, "I'm leaving."

Joel blinked in surprise as Eleanor, barely having touched her lunch, got up and walked away.

Ian watched her retreat, his brows furrowing in annoyance. But it was clear he hadn't come for Eleanor—he headed straight for Joel's table and sat down across from him.