No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 303

When Byron’s excited laughter rang out from inside the lab, Faye’s expression shifted.

Impossible. Their team had been stuck at this bottleneck for nearly two weeks. They’d tried every possible approach, but none delivered the result they needed. How could Eleanor waltz in and—within minutes—solve it?

Faye bit her lip as she stepped into the lab, her eyes fixed on the once-frozen monitor. She couldn’t believe it.

The problem was really solved.

“Miss Sutton, you did it again! Thank you so much.” Byron looked at Eleanor with unabashed admiration.

“No need to thank me,” Eleanor replied, her smile calm and unassuming.

Behind her, Faye couldn’t help a silent, bitter laugh. Did they really expect Eleanor to solve every challenge that came their way? This project had been one hurdle after another, and there was still a long road ahead. Faye refused to believe Eleanor could carry them through to the very end.

Still, it wasn’t a total loss for her. This experiment was directly tied to her doctoral research, and if it succeeded, her CV would shine that much brighter.

Besides, she was Simone’s PhD student. Eleanor didn’t even have a formal position here.

Soon after, Eleanor excused herself. Byron returned to his office and dialed Ian’s number.

He explained everything in detail.

“So the issue’s resolved?” Ian asked, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel as he drove.

“Yes, Mr. Goodwin. All thanks to Miss Sutton. She spotted the core problem right away,” Byron said, his voice brimming with excitement.

A faint smile played at Ian’s lips. “She really is exceptional.”

—Eleanor’s research had always been valuable.

On her way back to the lab, Eleanor received a message from Raleigh’s assistant, confirming their meeting for next Wednesday.

She quickly replied.

*

On the top floor of Meridian Dynamics, Faye stood gripping a paper cup of coffee so tightly it was nearly crushed, coffee threatening to spill over the rim.

“There you are, Faye,” Horace called as he found her.

She stared out at the city skyline, the corners of her mouth lifting just a bit. “Looking for me?”

“Rough day with Eleanor again?” Horace ventured. “Don’t worry. I think you’re just as talented.”

Faye let out a sharp, self-deprecating laugh. “How could I possibly compare?”

“Come on, don’t be so hard on yourself. She just got lucky, that’s all.” Horace placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his concern obvious.

Faye’s eyes flickered as she turned to face him. “Did you know Eleanor’s been working closely with the Juliette Lab?”

“How do you know that?”

“I saw a file from Juliette Lab in her office the other day. Juliette’s given her confidential data. I’m just wondering—how is Eleanor planning to repay them? I heard Juliette’s team has started their own research into AI-driven cell technology. Do you think Eleanor might—” Faye trailed off, searching Horace’s face for a reaction.

Horace’s expression grew grave. “If Eleanor really is sharing information with Juliette Lab, that’s serious industrial espionage.”

Eleanor nodded and stepped into the conference room—only to freeze for a split second when she saw who was already seated beside Raleigh.

Ian.

She hadn’t expected to see him here. Her face tensed for a moment before Raleigh stood up and she managed to greet him.

“Mr. Ellington, it’s a pleasure.”

“Miss Sutton, welcome. Please, have a seat.” Raleigh gestured politely.

Eleanor sat down, but Ian immediately rose. “Ellington, I’ll leave you to your meeting.”

“Mr. Goodwin, why not join us?” Raleigh asked, getting to his feet.

“Sorry, I’ve got another commitment,” Ian said, checking his watch. He glanced at Eleanor. “I’m off to pick up my daughter. Good luck with work.”

Eleanor replied, a bit awkwardly, “Alright, see you.”

Raleigh watched the interaction closely. He knew about their history, so he was extra courteous with Eleanor.

“Valery, please see Mr. Goodwin out,” Raleigh said to his assistant.

Once Ian had left, Raleigh turned to Eleanor with a folder. “Miss Sutton, here’s some material I’ve prepared for you. Please take a look.”

Eleanor took the folder and focused on the documents inside. They detailed International Pharma Group’s latest breakthroughs in cell regeneration, along with the resources they could offer her.