No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1023

"Look at that, Ian. You went to all this trouble to bring Eleanor in, hoping to use this contract to prove you had no choice, to clarify the nature of our relationship. And what was the result? Eleanor doesn't care in the slightest."

The corners of Vanessa's mouth twitched, threatening to curve into a smile. Finally, with a mocking tone, she looked at Ian. "See, Ian? Even when you lay the evidence of our dealings on the table, she can't be bothered to give it a second glance. Why do you even bother flattering yourself?"

Ian's head snapped toward her, his eyes flashing a warning. "Watch your words."

Vanessa shrugged, feigning innocence. "I'm just telling it like it is."

After a moment, she turned to Smith. "Dr. Smith, could you give Ian and me a moment alone?"

Smith looked to Ian, who gave no indication either way, but Smith decided to give them their privacy.

He stood up and left.

As soon as the conference room door closed, Vanessa shifted her chair closer to Ian, her voice turning soft and gentle. "Ian, I know I was emotional just now. We can discuss the contract civilly. But can you please continue to help my father's company? The orders from InnoMind are incredibly important to him."

As she spoke, she reached out, instinctively trying to grab his sleeve, but a pair of icy eyes stopped her hand mid-air.

She awkwardly withdrew her hand, her expression pleading. "Please, Ian. If you just help my dad this one time, I promise I'll do whatever you say."

Ian stood up and looked down at her coldly. "Even greed has its limits. I am under no obligation to foot the bill for the Yeatons' ambitions and future."

Vanessa bit her lip. "But... you helped my family willingly before—"

So, not only did he help her father go public, but he also entangled him in a deep partnership with the InnoMind Group, making it his biggest client. He wasn't helping her at all; he was using a colder, more effective method to keep her, the donor, firmly in his grasp, ensuring that for the sake of her family, she would remain at his mercy and never dare to breach the contract.

As the realization washed over her, a chill ran up her spine, leaving her ice-cold.

For the first time, she truly understood how terrifying Ian could be. His schemes, his methods—they were far more calculating and ruthless than she had ever imagined.

She had turned her own family's company into his collateral.

Vanessa gasped for air, clutching the edge of the table to keep herself steady.