No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 133

"I will." Joel nodded, then brought up the topic of the samples again. Eleanor immediately tensed. "I haven't talked to Ian about this yet. Even though Mom's intention in donating her samples was to advance medical research, if those samples end up being used to save Vanessa… she couldn't accept that."

"I'll find a chance to speak to him," Eleanor replied quietly. "I'll try to persuade him to let it go."

Joel remembered the look on Ian's face that day. He doubted Ian would give up so easily; after all, Eleanor's mother's genetic sample was a perfect match for Vanessa—a rare find, perhaps even globally unique.

That evening, Eleanor had dinner plans with the Goodwin family. She left the research building early, around three, heading home to get ready. Ian was picking up their daughter, so Eleanor asked him for the restaurant's address and decided to drive herself.

By six o'clock, Eleanor pulled into the restaurant's parking lot. She grabbed her purse and stepped out of the car. Tomorrow, she would draft the divorce agreement.

It hurt to know this decision would wound her daughter, but she couldn't drag things out any longer. Clinging to a hollow marriage was only wasting her life.

A server led her to the private dining room Ian had reserved. He knocked gently, then opened the door for her.

"Ma'am, please come in."

Eleanor stepped inside. Her daughter's voice rang out, bright and happy, "Mom, you're here!"

Eleanor smiled warmly at her and greeted Magdalen, "Grandma."

Gina's eyes swept over Eleanor with cool scrutiny; she simply couldn't believe Eleanor had the ability to develop a breakthrough drug.

Magdalen, however, beamed at Eleanor with pride. "Ellie, you're incredible—so young, and already creating life-saving medicine. Just like your father."

At the mention of Eleanor's father, Gina's face hardened, a flicker of resentment passing through her eyes.

Eleanor didn't notice. She turned to Magdalen, smiling. "Grandma, how's your knee? Still hurting?"

"Ever since I started those warm compresses you suggested, it's been so much better—no pain at all," the old woman replied cheerfully.

Gina couldn't hold back any longer. "Last time we talked about the new treatment at home, why didn't you say a word? You let Serena think someone else was responsible, and the whole thing turned into a big misunderstanding."

Gina hesitated. Now wasn't really the time to invite outsiders. "Just you, Serena. Please."

"If Vanessa can't come, then I'm not coming either," Serena insisted.

"You—" But before Gina could finish, the line went dead.

Just then, Eleanor's phone rang. It was Joy. She glanced at her daughter and said, "Sweetheart, I need to take this call."

"Okay, Mom."

Eleanor stepped outside, looking for a quiet spot. She noticed a small, secluded terrace near the fountain and headed that way—only to hear Ian's voice as she approached.

"Thank you so much. I sincerely hope you'll join us, Dr. Langley."

Eleanor frowned. Dr. Langley? Her eyes widened in realization. Could it be Simone Langley—her mother's old rival?