No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1283

Eleanor looked up at him, her reply brimming with confidence. "I'll handle it well."

A flash of heartache crossed Ian's eyes. Ever since she had asked for a divorce, she had become so independent and strong. She was like a cut diamond now—sharp, dazzling, and not exactly easy to hold in your hand.

He picked up his teacup, concealing the emotion in his eyes, and said in a steady voice, "Good. I have faith in your abilities."

As the food was served, Eleanor began to eat gracefully. Ian suddenly asked, "Will you continue to work here, or do you want to establish a new lab?"

Eleanor paused and looked up. "Let's use the lab here. No need to spend extra money."

A small smile touched Ian's lips. "Saving the foundation's money?"

Eleanor's chewing slowed for a moment. She met his slightly teasing gaze and said frankly, "It's about saving money, and also about saving my time."

Naturally, Eleanor didn't want to squander the foundation's funds, especially since he had secured them for her. The money needed to be used where it mattered.

"Alright, we'll do it your way. Of course, if the lab needs any renovations or modifications, just let me know. Goodwin & Co. will cover the costs, as part of my technical support for you."

Eleanor didn't need any of that; the current equipment and environment were more than sufficient. Still, she replied gratefully, "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Consider it my way of repaying you," Ian said, a slight smile playing on his lips as he raised an eyebrow.

***

In Walden Wells' office, a call came in. It was from a mole he had planted in The Guild of Commerce.

"Mr. Wells, next month The Guild of Commerce is setting up a special fund for medical research. And guess whose research our esteemed chairman plans to support with it?"

Walden's interest was immediately piqued. "Stop beating around the bush and just tell me," he said into the phone.

"It's Ian's ex-wife, that genius from the research world, Eleanor."

Walden sneered. "I knew it. I guessed he only wanted to be chairman of The Guild of Commerce so he could use the title to do whatever he wanted. And sure enough, he couldn't even wait."

"I heard he and his ex-wife are rekindling things. Could this be Mr. Goodwin's way of winning her over?"

A glint appeared in Walden's eyes, and a calculating smile spread across his face. "Rekindling an old flame, abusing his power? This is some good leverage." He then instructed the person on the other end, "Keep an eye on it, especially the flow of funds and the approval process. Let me know immediately if you find anything that isn't above board."

After hanging up, Walden paced to the window and looked at the towering Goodwin & Co. building in the distance, a cold smile on his face.

Eleanor nodded. They paid the bill and left the restaurant, with Ian driving her back to the lab.

As she got out of the car, Eleanor suddenly realized that her interactions with Ian were going to become more and more frequent. Since she had accepted the foundation's support, she couldn't back down now.

The funds from Juliette Grayson's lab were under Xavier Vaughn's management. That was Mrs. Juliette Grayson's contribution to society, and Eleanor couldn't use it for her own purposes.

Shaking off these distracting thoughts, Eleanor returned to the lab. Her phone rang. She glanced at the screen, a little surprised, but answered quickly. "Hello, Dr. Bradley."

It was Garrison Bradley on the other end. He sounded excited. "Miss Sutton, it looks like we might be seeing each other again soon."

"Don't tell me you're the one I'll be working with on the handover," Eleanor asked with a laugh.

"It's quite the coincidence, but yes, it's me and my team. I've read about your research—it's absolutely brilliant. Mansfield's recovery is thanks to you all."

Eleanor felt a sense of relief. If she was handing over the project to someone she knew, communication would be much easier.

"In that case, I look forward to you and your team coming for the handover," Eleanor said with a smile.

"Great. We'll probably be there next week," Garrison said cheerfully.