No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1343

But this time, Joel felt it was necessary to give Eleanor a reality check.

His words sent a sudden jolt through her, shattering the careful composure she had maintained. Her grip on her cup tightened, and her long lashes lowered, hiding the emotion in her eyes.

How could she not have sensed it?

From his initial willingness to invest in her lab without regard for cost, to the way he was now inserting himself into every detail of her life—so much of it went beyond a professional relationship.

Eleanor sighed, then looked at Joel, her gaze clear and calm. "Joel, I know what I have to do."

Joel let out a soft sigh. "I shouldn't be interfering. I'm just speaking as a friend."

"I'm aware of his intentions, but knowing is one thing, and how I respond is another," Eleanor said, looking out the window. "I'm grateful for his support in my career, and I'm willing to be on peaceful terms with him for Evelyn's sake. But remarriage—that's not something I'm considering. In fact, it's not part of my future plans at all."

As a man, Joel's approach to problems was direct. He couldn't help but ask, "Are you going to find a chance to make that clear to Ian? To avoid leading him on and causing trouble for yourself."

Eleanor nodded. "You're right. I should find an opportunity to tell him plainly, so he doesn't waste any more time or energy on me. He's only twenty-nine. He has a long life ahead of him."

Joel nodded and said no more. He respected Eleanor's decisions. As a friend, he'd made his point and wouldn't press it further.

He just didn't want to see her trapped in a difficult situation. Since she had no intention of getting back together with him, it was best to establish clear emotional boundaries.

After lunch, Joel drove her back to her complex.

Eleanor was walking home when her phone buzzed with a message. She pulled it out and saw it was from Ian.

[Have you finished eating? Could you pick up some antacids for me on your way up?]

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