No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1123

Ian's gaze remained fixed on Eleanor as he said in a gentle voice, "Don't misunderstand what just happened."

Elara tactfully took a step back. "Ellie, I'm going to check on my mom. You two talk."

Now they were alone on the terrace, with only the gentle night breeze for company. But Eleanor had nothing to say to him.

She turned to leave, but a deep voice behind her pleaded, "Eleanor, can we—"

"Mr. Goodwin." Eleanor turned back, her clear gaze meeting his calmly. "Some boundaries are best not crossed."

The title made his chest tighten, and a sharp pain suddenly spread from his heart. He instinctively grabbed the railing for support, his eyes shut tight behind his gold-rimmed glasses, his brow furrowed in pain.

Eleanor had already turned to leave but heard the sound behind her. She couldn't help but look back and pause.

"What's wrong with you?" she asked, unable to stop herself.

Ian clutched his chest, managing a faint smile. "It's nothing, just—"

In the dim light, fine beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead. It was clear something was wrong with his heart.

"Should I call a doctor?" Eleanor took a step forward.

Ian shook his head, his gaze fixed deeply on her. "Are you worried about me?"

"Of course I am. You're Evelyn's donor. Nothing can happen to you," she snapped back.

Ian's lips curved into a smile, and the sharp pain in his chest miraculously eased a little. He straightened up, leaning against the railing, his eyes behind the gold-rimmed glasses gazing tenderly at Eleanor's face.

The man behind her watched her go, his deep eyes filled with a restrained love that was spreading uncontrollably.

A manager located him shortly after. "Mr. Goodwin, there you are," he said with a respectful but urgent air. "Several entrepreneurs are still waiting for you."

Ian quickly composed himself. When he looked up, his eyes had regained their usual calm and composure. "I'm coming."

Back in the ballroom, he was immediately surrounded by people toasting and exchanging pleasantries. He was a man adept at concealing all his emotions behind appropriate words and noble demeanor, handling everything with ease.

In a corner, Vanessa held her wine glass. Her gaze was hazy, but she was still irresistibly drawn to the dazzling figure at the center of the crowd, a powerful infatuation flashing in her eyes.

It was just as the saying goes: you always want what you can't have.