Chapter 198
What was there for a divorced woman to brag about, even if she still wore the title of “Mrs. Richest Man in Town p>
At the midday meeting, the topic of moving into the new lab was postponed- Simone had no idea that Faye’s father owned the company supplying their equipment.
“Thank goodness Eleanor caught the problem in time,” Simone said, nodding in Eleanor’s direction. “Thanks to her, the equipment supplier replaced everything with the latest models p>
Faye’s gaze flickered to Eleanor. She’d just gotten off the phone with her mother: her father hadn’t come home for two nights because of this mess. But Faye could only stay silent-she couldn’t get involved.
After the meeting, as Eleanor gathered her things, Faye approached, clutching a stack of files. “Eleanor, you’ve done a great job hiding your identity as Mrs. Goodwin. But I heard from my sister that you and lan are getting divorced p>
Eleanor knew what Faye was really getting at and simply said, “Yes p>
Faye let out a cold laugh. “So, Joel’s just your backup plan, huh p>
“Joel and I are colleagues. Friends, nothing more,” Eleanor replied, standing up. Faye snorted. “Who are you trying to fool p>
Still, she couldn’t help but feel smug-after all, Mr. Goodwin was soon to become her brother-in-law, which would make her a Goodwin herself by association.
Just then, Eleanor’s phone buzzed. It was a message from lan.
“Grandma’s out of the hospital. I’m taking Evelyn to dinner at Goodwin Manor. Is that all right p>
Eleanor did mind, but since he’d moved out of Magdalen House, she couldn’t really object.
“Have her home by ten,” she replied.
“Will do p>
As Eleanor was heading out, Simone called after her. “Eleanor, could I see you for a moment p>
Eleanor followed her into the office, where Simone held out two tickets. “There’s a show at the opera house tonight. Would you join me p>
Eleanor happened to be free. She smiled. “I’d love to. It’s an honor p>
At five-thirty, they drove downtown to the opera. On the way, Simone glanced over with a teasing grin. “So, when are you and lan thinking about a second child p>
Eleanor paused, then shook her head with a wry smile. “Actually, we’re getting divorced. There won’t be a second child p>
“What? Divorced?” Simone looked stunned. The last time she’d spoken to lan, she’d picked up on nothing but care in his voice.
“Yeah. We’re working through the paperwork. I’ll have custody of Evelyn,” Eleanor said, matter-of-fact.
Simone’s eyes softened. “That’ll be a lot-raising a child alone and working p>
But Eleanor just felt young and free. She had her daughter, her work, and her independence. How could that be hard?
Inside the opera house, Simone and Eleanor found their seats and were chatting quietly when Eleanor glanced toward the entrance. Two people had just walked in.
lan and Vanessa.
Vanessa was dressed to the nines in a champagne-colored evening gown, her hair in soft waves, radiating confidence and elegance. Ian, tall and poised in his suit, looked every bit the perfect match beside her they were impossible to miss.
lan’s eyes swept the audience and landed on Simone in the front row, then shifted to Eleanor beside her. He hesitated for a split second before making his way over.
Vanessa followed, her gaze locking on Eleanor as she offered a sly, crimson- lipped smile.
“Good evening, Professor Langley,” lan greeted Simone.
Simone stood up with a bright smile. “What a coincidence! Actually, why don’t I give you my seat? You can sit with Eleanor p>
Before Eleanor could say a word, lan smiled politely. “That’s all right. I’m here with a friend p>