No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1294

When Vanessa returned to her seat, a server approached and informed her that Walden Wells had gone to a private lounge to rest and that she should join him shortly.

Vanessa’s gaze lingered on Ian in the crowd. Adjusting her expression, she picked up a glass of wine and walked toward him.

"Ian, long time no see," Vanessa said, forcing a natural smile, her voice soft and alluring.

Ian was speaking with several business titans. Hearing her voice, he gave her a cold, sideways glance, not even bothering to look at her directly.

Vanessa spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd and smiled. She could tell from their expressions that they were among those who had once misunderstood her relationship with Ian.

"Ian, don't be so cold. We go way back, after all," Vanessa said, shamelessly pressing on.

Those standing nearby were a little taken aback by Ian's reaction. They all knew Miss Shannon and Mr. Goodwin had a history, but it was clear Mr. Goodwin had no interest in reminiscing.

"Is there something you need, Miss Shannon?" Ian finally responded, his eyes narrowed, his tone still frigid.

Vanessa's smile faltered. "Nothing, really. I just wanted to say hello. I'm so happy to see you and Eleanor getting along so well. I was just chatting with her, and she mentioned that you two are very good partners now."

She intentionally emphasized the word "partners," her eyes fixed on Ian, searching for any flicker of a reaction on his flawless face.

Behind his gold-rimmed glasses, Ian's expression was unreadable, but a clear warning flashed in his eyes.

"Stay away from her," Ian said, his voice low but laced with a compelling chill.

Vanessa’s smile froze on her lips. "I guess I overstepped," she said, forcing a laugh.

She turned and walked away. She had confirmed just how much Ian cared about Eleanor, and the twisted satisfaction inside her intensified.

Eleanor used to be the one blinded by love. Now it was Ian's turn. How fitting.

Ian’s hand tightened on his glass, almost instinctively. His sharp gaze locked onto the pair.

The man was clearly interested in Eleanor, his admiration for her unconcealed. Eleanor, for her part, remained composed, a polite smile on her face.

Though he knew it was just a normal professional exchange, Ian despised the way the man was looking at Eleanor. That look of obvious interest and inquiry clearly held another meaning.

At that moment, one of the guild directors noticed the change in Ian’s aura. Following his intense stare toward Eleanor, the director chuckled. "Mr. Goodwin, it seems Dr. Sutton is quite popular."

Ian pulled his gaze back, his expression calm. "It's just academic networking."

The director smiled, but he couldn't help but notice that the tense atmosphere around Ian had grown even heavier.

Because the handsome young man was now exchanging contact information with Eleanor.