No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1326

Ian's gaze swept over the crowd before landing, sharp and focused, on Eleanor, who was seated at the far left end of the long table by the window. Her long hair was down, a faint smile played on her lips, and she looked unusually relaxed. The warm lighting seemed to envelop her in a soft glow.

He watched her for a few seconds before striding in her direction.

"Mr. Goodwin, you're here," a middle-aged employee said, spotting him first and quickly rising to his feet.

Instantly, everyone at the table stood up to welcome their boss.

Everyone except Eleanor. She was clearly stunned, having had no idea Ian would be coming.

"Mr. Goodwin, find a seat!" Joel said, getting up to greet him. He then gestured to Gavin. "Gavin, you too."

Gavin smiled and nodded, pulling out a chair to sit down.

There was an empty seat across from Eleanor. She was sitting between Joel and Callie, so Ian couldn't just take someone's spot. Besides, he was well aware of whether she'd want him sitting next to her or not.

"Mr. Goodwin, why don't you take my seat?" Callie offered, finally showing some quick thinking.

Ian waved him off. "No need. I'll sit here."

With that, his long fingers unbuttoned his suit jacket, and he slipped it off. He was wearing a dark shirt underneath, which, combined with his silver hair under the lights, made him look all the more regal and captivating.

A few of the female colleagues on the team cast subtle glances his way, sneaking peeks at the big boss they rarely got to see.

Ian sat diagonally across from Eleanor, a position that allowed him a clear view of her without appearing deliberately close.

He let his gaze circle the table, then eased his voice. “Don’t mind me. Enjoy yourselves. I’m just here for a quick hello.”

His words slowly eased the tension, and the atmosphere returned to a more casual state. The team members resumed their conversations and laughter, though they were still a bit more reserved than before.

An observant colleague quickly poured Ian a glass of wine. Ian gave him a slight nod in thanks.

To their surprise, Ian didn't refuse a single one. In a short time, he had drained several glasses.

Eleanor watched him but said nothing. She didn't get up to offer a toast.

Ian's expression remained composed, but a faint, almost imperceptible flush colored the corners of his eyes, adding a touch of languor—and an undeniable sexiness—to his stern features.

Sitting across from him, Eleanor saw him accept yet another toast. Finally, a slight frown creased her brow.

At last, everyone had made their toast. Just then, Ian picked up his half-full glass and gestured with it toward Eleanor. His gaze was deep as he looked at her, his voice growing lower and more magnetic from the alcohol. "Dr. Sutton, I'd like to propose a toast to you. Thank you for all the hard work you've put into this project."

Everyone watched the exchange. The big boss personally and individually toasting Eleanor—that was significant. After all, everyone knew their history. They had been married.

Eleanor picked up her teacup and raised it slightly. "I'll toast you with my tea."

A smile touched Ian's lips. He brought the glass to his mouth and finished the remaining wine in one go.