No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 134

Eleanor stepped out into the hotel lobby before answering Joy's call. "Hey, Joy."

"I've drafted the contract for you," Joy said briskly. "Check your inbox when you get a chance and let me know if anything needs tweaking."

"Will do. Thanks for handling it."

"Don't mention it! Helping you escape the misery of marriage is the least I can do as your friend."

Eleanor couldn't help but smile. Just then, another call came through. She glanced at the screen—Joel. "Joy, I've got another call coming in. See you tomorrow."

"Go handle it!" Joy hung up.

Eleanor answered Joel's call. "Hey, Joel."

"The files you need are in the bottom drawer of my office," Joel replied, concern in his voice. "Why are you still at work?"

"I'm planning to go over the evidence chain again tonight. Court's tomorrow—I want to be ready."

Eleanor softened. "Just don't stay too late, okay? Try to get some rest."

"Will do. Thanks, Eleanor," Joel said gratefully.

She ended the call, turning around with her phone still in hand—and nearly collided with someone standing behind her.

Before she could even see who it was, she blurted out, "Sorry—!"

When her eyes met his, her expression immediately cooled.

"Worried about Joel, are you?" Ian's tone was just as chilly.

Eleanor realized he must have overheard her conversation with Joel. "Just being a considerate coworker. Is that a problem?" she shot back.

"Forget it, let's just go," Serena huffed.

"Serena, come with me," Ian said, stopping her.

Serena hesitated, glancing back at her brother's stern face. Her bravado faded—after all, she was still the little sister who needed her big brother's help with her allowance.

"What about Vanessa?" Serena asked.

"Don't worry about me," Vanessa reassured her, patting her arm gently. "Go on. Don't keep your grandmother and mom waiting."

Serena puffed out her cheeks in protest, but finally turned and trudged off toward the private dining room.

Vanessa took a step closer to Ian. "Don't blame Serena. She's just having a rough day."

Eleanor, meanwhile, hadn't returned to the private room, but slipped into the restroom. As she passed a decorative screen, she caught sight of Ian and Vanessa alone in the lobby.