No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 938

That night, after pushing aside her thoughts to read a story to her daughter, Eleanor lay awake long after Evelyn had drifted off to sleep.

Ian had agreed to donate his father's body in exchange for her mother's tissue sample. Was it really, as Magdalen had suggested, just to spare her from feeling burdened, or was there another reason? But she was the one who had asked Joel Kingsley to run the match on her mother's sample. Had Ian known all along that it could be used? If so, why hadn't he given it to Dr. Smith for research from the beginning? If he had, Smith wouldn't have been so surprised when she told him the news.

So, was Ian still hiding something from her?

Eleanor closed her eyes. She couldn't waste any more time thinking about him.

Downstairs, in his dark, empty apartment, a man stood on the balcony. The city lights cast long shadows, making his tall figure seem lonely, yet no less powerful. The light carved sharp lines across his face, revealing a complex anxiety in his eyes and a hint of something he tried to hide—vulnerability.

Ian closed his eyes, and an image of a bright, brave smile filled his mind. It was quickly replaced by Eleanor's look of disgust and hatred. His breath hitched, and he clutched his chest, his body doubling over slightly. He took several deep breaths, his eyes reopening to a world consumed by even more complex emotions.

——

The next morning, Eleanor was packing Evelyn's school bag.

"Mommy, are you taking me to school today?" Evelyn asked.

"Yes. Let's go," Eleanor said, stroking her daughter's head. Joslyn came over to straighten her clothes, a warm, domestic scene unfolding in the morning light.

When Eleanor opened the door, Evelyn peeked out, her face falling with a hint of disappointment when she didn't see her father. "I thought Daddy would be waiting for us."

"Your daddy wasn't here last night, so he couldn't make it. Mommy's taking you," Eleanor said, taking her daughter's hand and walking to the elevator.

After dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor's phone rang. It was Dr. Smith. "El, Mrs. Goodwin's condition was unstable last night. We had to transfer her to Ashford General Hospital for emergency treatment. You need to come over."

Eleanor looked at Gina one last time, then turned to Dr. Smith. "Doctor, I'll be heading out then."

"Can you take Serena back with you?" Ian asked, his voice almost a plea.

"No, Ian, I don't want to go! I want to stay here," Serena cried, though she knew there was nothing she could do but worry.

"Go back," Ian said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Serena bit her lip and stood up, moving to Eleanor's side. Ian's gaze shifted to Eleanor, a silent request in his eyes, as she hadn't yet agreed.

Eleanor gave a slight nod, glanced at Serena, and walked toward the elevator.