No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 26

Eleanor shook her head.

There were two reasons she'd worked so hard to set up this research project: to fulfill her late father's wish, and to secure a real, respectable job—a foundation for the custody battle she knew was looming with Ian.

That's why, before the project was officially established, she didn't want Ian to know what she was up to.

"Joel, I need a favor," Eleanor said, her eyes pleading as she looked at him.

Joel had an inkling of what she wanted. He spoke first, "You want me to give the presentation for you, don't you?"

"With your reputation, you're bound to be more convincing than I am," Eleanor nodded.

Joel had already read her speech. With his remarkable memory, he'd memorized it word for word. Delivering it on stage would be no problem—but such a brilliant speech was a labor of love for her.

"How could anyone not cherish a woman as smart and beautiful as you?" Joel said softly, a flicker of sympathy in his eyes.

Eleanor lowered her gaze. She could see Joel's concern, but she couldn't let herself respond.

The conference room was filling up with influential business leaders, some of them CEOs and board chairs arriving in person.

Jude Vaughn opened the event with a rousing introduction, then handed things over to Joel to spotlight the research direction.

Joel took the stage in a black turtleneck and a casual gray blazer. His words were sharp and succinct, and his every gesture radiated the effortless charisma of a medical prodigy.

Eleanor didn't miss a moment. She sat quietly in the back row, blending in like a reserved university student. Yet the confidence and cutting-edge medical insights in Joel's speech were all her handiwork.

She turned and saw Ian outside the conference room, taking a call on his cell. His cool gaze lingered on her, unreadable and distant.

Eleanor frowned. Their eyes met for a brief three seconds before she looked away.

A few minutes later, Eleanor quietly slipped out, heading up to the tenth-floor office to rest.

Half an hour later, a text from Jude Vaughn popped up: "Ellie, where'd you go? We've got another meeting coming up soon."

"I'm in the office," Eleanor replied.

Just then, Joel texted her too: "Ellie, stay put for now. Ian seems interested in talking about a partnership—he hasn't left yet."