No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 544

“I’ve gathered everyone here tonight to share some wonderful news,” Simone announced, her voice carrying clearly across the dining room. “After a unanimous decision by the board, the university has chosen to award Eleanor a doctoral degree in medicine, as well as appoint her as our visiting professor.”

A stunned silence settled over the room for a few seconds, and then the applause erupted, loud and heartfelt.

Faye’s smile froze on her lips. Amid the chorus of congratulations, she muttered under her breath, “That’s impossible…”

Gwenda was the first to throw her arms around Eleanor. “Eleanor, this is incredible! I always knew this day would come. I just knew it.”

Their colleagues crowded around to offer their congratulations. Joel raised his glass to toast Eleanor, and she was instantly surrounded by an outpouring of support, the center of attention.

At that moment, a server appeared at the doorway, holding a bouquet of flowers and scanning the room. She called out, “Excuse me, could someone tell me who Dr. Sutton is?”

A hand pointed, “That’s Dr. Sutton over there.”

The server blinked in surprise. She had expected the recipient to be a middle-aged woman—certainly not someone so young and strikingly beautiful. Still, she smiled brightly and walked over. “Dr. Sutton, someone left these for you. They’re from a guest in the restaurant. If you could just sign here, please.”

Eleanor hesitated, puzzled but delighted, and signed for the flowers.

With the bouquet in her arms, she glanced back at Simone, who gave her an encouraging smile. Then she looked at Joel, who was smiling, too.

She couldn’t help but wonder—was it one of them who’d sent the flowers?

Eleanor smiled, meeting Gwenda’s eyes. “I know.” Then, without so much as a glance at Faye, she added, “People with real ability don’t need to tear others down just to make themselves look better.”

Gwenda was struck by admiration; compared to barking back, Eleanor’s calm dismissal was the sharpest retort of all.

Faye turned pale, then red with anger. “Don’t get too smug, Eleanor.”

Trying to lighten the mood, Gwenda said quickly, “Eleanor, I saw your article was published in the International Journal of Medicine. You’re amazing.”

“Come on, Gwenda,” Eleanor said, looping her arm through hers. “Everyone’s waiting for us.”