No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 83

"I can't rule out that possibility, but we need to find the actual cause before jumping to conclusions."

"Be careful when you go. Anyone running a chemical plant probably has some serious connections." Joy's tone was a warning.

Eleanor nodded.

At nine-thirty, Joel pulled up in an SUV. In the back seat sat Callie and Gwenda, leaving the front passenger seat open for Eleanor.

As Eleanor joined them, Gwenda glanced at the name of her apartment complex. It was upscale, sure—but nothing beyond what most well-off families could afford.

Two hours later, after canvassing the area near Marlowe Village, they reached the perimeter of the chemical plant. Following Joel's instructions, Gwenda and Callie slipped over to the wastewater outlet and discreetly collected a few sample tubes.

Back in the city, Joel dropped her off at Joy's building. Eleanor retrieved her car and headed to Goodwin Manor; tonight, she was bringing her daughter home.

"Didn't Dad come with you?" Evelyn looked up at her, round face full of curiosity.

"No, he's busy. After dinner, I'll take you home."

At four, Ian returned. He called out to his mother, Gina, "Mom, I'm taking Evelyn and Eleanor out for dinner."

"Why not eat at home?"

"I'm meeting up with some friends," he replied.

Hearing this, Eleanor stood and said, "Evelyn and I will stay here."

Ian crouched down beside their daughter. "Vivian will be there too."

"Really? I want to go! I want to go!" Evelyn grabbed his hand, bouncing with excitement.

Eleanor pressed her lips together, hesitating.

Just then, Serena's voice floated down from upstairs. "Mom, I won't be eating at home either. I'm going out with Ian and Evelyn."

They left around five-thirty. Eleanor would have preferred to drive separately, but Ian said, "Let's head back together later."

Which meant that after dinner, they'd return to Goodwin Manor.

So Eleanor opened the back door, taking a seat with her daughter. Serena claimed the front passenger seat.

On the way, Serena tapped out a message to Vanessa: "Vanessa, come join us for dinner tonight!"

"What kind of dinner?"

"Oh, just with my brother and some of his friends. Xavier will be there too."

"Is Eleanor coming?"

"She'll be there, but you can still come! What's there to be afraid of?" Serena narrowed her eyes—tonight, all she wanted was to hang out with Vanessa.

"I'll see how things go."

"I really want you to come. Promise me you'll come!" Serena hit send, secretly wishing Eleanor would back out.

Vanessa glanced at Ian, then at Eleanor, and smiled at Serena. "Maybe I'll let you enjoy your dinner. We can catch up another time."

The implication was clear—she hadn't expected Eleanor to be there.

Serena chimed in to help, "Ian, I was the one who invited Vanessa."

"Mrs. Shannon, you're here too!" Evelyn piped up, delighted.

Vanessa's face softened into a gentle smile. "Evelyn, it's been so long. Did you miss me?"

Evelyn nodded, beaming. After two years of Vanessa's devoted attention, seeing her always brought joy.

Ian narrowed his eyes slightly. "You're here, so stay for dinner."

Vanessa had been waiting for that invitation. She smiled and took the seat next to Henry.

"Vanessa, we were just talking about your sister's amazing achievement. She solved a global medical crisis all by herself—unbelievable," Serena said.

Vanessa gave a modest smile. "She's always been the clever one—and she's passionate about medicine. Her success isn't a surprise."

"Maybe she'll win a Nobel Prize someday!"

Henry laughed. "She should at least get a nomination."

At that moment, Serena glanced over at Eleanor and said, "Eleanor, aren't you taking classes at Ashford Medical University? You must have heard of Faye, right?"