No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 122

"Mr. Goodwin, your wife Eleanor has joined my research team. She has a right to be informed," Joel's voice came through, calm and measured.

Ian's steps faltered, his gaze sharpening. "Dr. Kingsley, I've invested half a billion dollars in your research—not so you can bring personal connections into the lab, or let just anyone in."

"Mr. Goodwin, your wife is far from unqualified. I hope you'll—"

"Oh? So Mr. Kingsley knows my wife better than I do?" Ian let out a cold, mocking laugh.

"Mr. Goodwin, if you'd take a little time to understand your wife, you might see her in a different light."

"I don't need you to tell me how to care for my wife. I want you to deny her access to this project," Ian replied icily.

"I'm afraid that's not my decision to make. Dr. Lyman was the one who invited her to join the team," Joel answered from the other end.

Ian's eyes narrowed. Of course he knew his late father-in-law, Elliot, had been close friends with Dr. Lyman. That's why Eleanor had been allowed to join—the old friendship was the deciding factor.

"Mr. Goodwin, your wife Eleanor is an exceptional individual. She—"

"Mr. Kingsley, focus on your work. Don't get too involved with other men's wives. It could ruin your reputation." Ian threw out his warning and ended the call.

Eleanor sat in the conference room for a long moment, trying to steady herself.

Ian's attitude had made it clear: her wishes meant nothing here. Whatever was left of their marriage—if anything—had vanished.

As she stepped out, Gavin approached.

"Mrs. Goodwin, would you like to wait for Mr. Goodwin to finish his meeting?" Gavin asked carefully.

"I'm fine, Joel. But do we really have to use my mother's bone marrow for the research?" Eleanor asked.

"We can run a test—see if your mother's stem cells are a match for Vanessa's. If they're not compatible, you'll have a valid reason to persuade Ian to consider another donor," Joel suggested.

Eleanor nodded. It was the only way to convince Ian to back down.

"Last night, Ian called me. He said—"

"What did he say?" Eleanor pressed, frowning.

Joel sighed. "He seems to think you lack research experience. But I believe, one day, he'll realize what you're truly capable of."

A bitter smile flickered across Eleanor's lips. "So Ian wants me out of the lab, doesn't he?"