No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1413

Just then, Eleanor's phone rang. She glanced at it and saw it was a call from Joel Kingsley.

She answered it. "Hello, Joel."

"Ellie, are you at your computer? I have some data I'd like you to look at."

"I'm still on my way home. Can it be later?"

"Of course. No rush, just get me some feedback by noon tomorrow," Joel said.

"Okay, I'll try to get it to you tonight," Eleanor replied. Joel seemed busy on his end. "I'll let you go then."

After hanging up, Eleanor began checking her emails on her phone.

Ian's eyes tightened, and he swallowed hard, clearly suppressing some emotion.

Eleanor seemed to notice. In the confined space of the car, any shift in atmosphere was palpable.

She turned off her phone and glanced at the man beside her. Was it because of Joel's call?

Eleanor thought for a moment but didn't know what to say.

Ian spoke first. "Thank you for all your hard work on the Goodwin & Co. project."

It was obvious he realized that his momentary flash of jealousy had been irrational.

"I'll help however I can," Eleanor nodded.

"Can I still…" Ian began, his eyes shifting from the road ahead to glance at her, "call you Ellie?"

Eleanor paused. So that was it.

"It's just a name," Eleanor said, taking a soft breath. "But I'm more comfortable with you calling me Eleanor."

Her voice was clear and firm, no longer possessing the girlish nature of nine years ago. Her words carried a weight that left no room for argument.

Ian's heart felt a slight prick, as if from a needle.

He managed a smile, consoling himself. "Alright, whatever you say."

***

"Goodnight," Eleanor replied.

Down on the 27th floor, Ian turned on the TV to a sports game. Princess lay at his feet, quietly keeping him company.

As he watched, he looked down at Princess. "Do you think she still likes me?"

The dog looked up with its big, droopy eyes, not understanding what its master was saying.

Ian smiled and ruffled her fur. "We just need more time, right?"

Princess whimpered softly, as if in agreement, or perhaps just enjoying the pets.

Leaning back on the sofa, Ian's gaze returned to the TV screen. Over the past three years, he had come to understand Eleanor's personality all too well. She was no longer the impulsive girl from before; she was much more mature now.

She wasn't someone who would come back just because of a moment of weakness or a grand gesture. She had armored herself against him, and he knew a single grand gesture wouldn't be enough to crack the shell.

He'd have to play the long game—but if there was one thing Ian excelled at, it was outlasting his opposition.

What he wanted was never just the right to call her by her nickname. He wanted all of her—her heart and her future.