No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1588

Ian's revelation made Eleanor stop in her tracks. She frowned up at him. "What exactly does that mean?"

Ian looked down at her, a sly, triumphant gleam shining behind his new lenses. "The Guild of Commerce recently launched a major scientific research initiative. Your lab's work fit the exact criteria, and the equipment you needed fell perfectly within their budget. All I did was put in a good word and connect the right channels."

His implication was clear: The Guild footed the bill. It had nothing to do with him financially; he had merely pulled a few strings.

Eleanor's frown deepened, her tone turning entirely serious. "You didn't have to do that. I know you're trying to help, but I don't want to drag you into any messy situations. Our relationship is... complicated enough as it is."

If he was using The Guild's money to secretly fund his ex-wife's projects, it was bound to spark malicious gossip and drag his reputation through the mud.

Ian's expression remained perfectly relaxed, lacking even an ounce of guilt. "Do you honestly think I'm embezzling The Guild's funds to secretly 'bribe' you? You're giving me too little credit. For starters, the grant was fully financed by the Goodwin Foundation. Goodwin & Co. has absolute authority over where that money goes, and your research potential exceeded every single standard for the program."

He stepped a fraction closer. "Besides, what could possibly be a better investment than funding research that benefits humanity? I didn't help you because I wanted to leverage it for a favor, and I certainly didn't do it to force you into my debt. You had a problem, and I happened to have the perfect solution."

The night breeze swept past, catching a few loose strands of Eleanor's hair. She instantly caught the heavy double meaning laced in his words.

She looked up, exasperated, only to meet the dark, thoroughly amused gaze hidden behind his glasses. His face was the picture of innocence, but his tone was wicked. "Did you think I meant something else?"

Eleanor quickly tucked her hair behind her ear, turning her face away to avoid his piercing look. Before she could react, Ian's arm hooked securely around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. A split second later, a rogue electric scooter blasted past them right on the sidewalk, missing them by inches.

Plastered against his chest, Eleanor was instantly engulfed by his crisp, cedarwood scent. A furious blush ignited across her cheeks.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify